Chronic Disease

Researchers are evaluating the effect of Ibuprofen on reducing the acute inflammatory response after one-stage non-surgical periodontal therapy in adults with periodontitis. The study aims to answer whether Ibuprofen effectively lowers markers of inflammation such as hs-CRP, Procalcitonin, and IL-6 following this dental treatment. This is a randomized clinical trial focused on patients with generalized unstable periodontitis and a pocket depth of 4 mm or more. Participants will first attend a baseline visit where demographic information, clinical examination, and baseline blood samples will be collected. All will receive scaling and oral hygiene instructions, and one week later, clinical parameters will be recorded again. The test group will receive Ibuprofen doses starting one hour before root surface debridement and continuing three times daily for three days, while the control group will undergo the same dental procedure without Ibuprofen. Root surface debridement will be performed by a single periodontist, and treatment duration will be recorded. Participants will attend a follow-up visit one week after root surface debridement to collect blood samples, complete a pain questionnaire, and record plaque index to assess oral hygiene compliance. The main outcomes measured are changes in systemic inflammatory markers after seven days and postoperative pain using a visual analog scale. The study involves active monitoring of clinical parameters and patient-reported pain over the course of one week following treatment.

Researchers are evaluating erectile function changes in male patients who undergo percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) for either a heart attack or stable angina. The study aims to understand how myocardial infarction affects erectile function over time and to explore whether erectile dysfunction can predict future cardiac events. This observational study compares erectile function between patients with myocardial infarction and those with stable angina using standardized questionnaires. Participants are grouped into two sets: those treated with PCI after a heart attack and those treated due to stable angina. Erectile function is assessed at baseline (after recovery from PCI), and at 3 and 6 months post-procedure using the International Index of Erectile Function (IIEF) questionnaire. Additional assessments include the Beck Depression Inventory and Fear of Cardiac Recurrence and Progression Scale. Researchers also collect clinical data such as cardiac vessel scores, ejection fraction, testosterone levels, body measurements, medication use, and the intervention method. During the study, male participants aged 30 to 75 will complete face-to-face interviews and questionnaires at specified intervals: baseline, 3 months, and 6 months after PCI. The study measures changes in erectile function scores over time and examines associations with cardiac health, depression, and anxiety symptoms. Safety and participation are monitored throughout the follow-up period. The total duration of involvement is up to 6 months, with evaluations focusing on erectile function and related health parameters.

Researchers are working to create risk prediction models that help identify patients with a high risk of developing serious cardiovascular problems. The study focuses on individuals with structural, rhythm-related, or inflammatory cardiovascular diseases and aims to improve early detection of those at risk. This observational study is sponsored by the Medical University Innsbruck and includes adults 18 years and older. Participants in this study have their clinical data and risk factors recorded to better understand their cardiovascular condition. There are no specific treatments or interventions given as part of the study since it is observational. The study will follow patients for up to four years to observe outcomes related to cardiovascular events and hospitalizations. During the study, researchers will monitor events such as cardiovascular mortality, stroke, heart attacks, hospital stays due to heart failure, and other severe heart-related conditions. Participants will be assessed regularly through clinical data collection without additional procedures or treatments. The study aims to gather detailed information over time to improve risk assessment and patient care for cardiovascular diseases.

Noncommunicable diseases like type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular disease cause more deaths worldwide than any other conditions, with a growing impact especially in low- and middle-income countries. Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is a leading cause of death globally, and its prevalence is rising despite awareness efforts. Diet and nutrition are important factors influencing these diseases, and this research explores the role of a traditional Chinese medicine nutritional drink in supporting cardiovascular health. The study evaluates the effects of the "Perfect Heartio" drink, a nutritional supplement made from diluted herbal extracts traditionally used in Chinese medicine. Participants will consume 15 grams of the drink twice daily for 12 weeks while their compliance is monitored. This intervention is being studied to assess its potential in improving heart and blood vessel function by measuring various cardiovascular health indicators. Participants will be assessed at the start and at weeks 4, 8, and 12 for lipid profiles, heart inflammation, heart injury, and heart remodeling. Quality of life and self-perceived health status will also be evaluated over these timepoints. The study includes healthy adults aged 18 and above who agree to follow the intervention plan and attend follow-up visits. Monitoring throughout the study will help researchers understand the drink's impact on cardiovascular health markers over the 12-week period.

Researchers are evaluating an AI-assisted digital health tool called the "Smart family doctor" to improve control of hypertension, diabetes, and dyslipidemia in adults who have undergone coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) or percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI). This study uses a randomized controlled design involving about 536 participants across 5-10 hospitals. Participants must be adults aged 18 or older with a history of CABG or PCI and the specified conditions. Participants in the experimental group will use the AI-assisted "Smart family doctor" app that provides personalized health education, targeted guidance on managing blood pressure, blood sugar, medication adherence, exercise, and smoking cessation. They will also receive tailored reminders and can report self-measured health data for feedback. Both groups receive weekly 3-hour health management guidance from health managers, and participants will wear a smart band daily for health data collection during the 6-month study period. Throughout the study, participants will be assessed for control rates of hypertension, diabetes, and hyperlipidemia at 6 months. Additional measures include blood pressure, cholesterol levels, blood glucose, physical activity, quality of life, psychological status, and cognitive function. The study monitors health data continuously via smart bands and collects self-reports and clinical assessments to evaluate the intervention's impact over the 6 months.

Researchers are evaluating the PILI 'Aina project to improve the management of common diet-related cardiometabolic diseases like type 2 diabetes, hypertension, dyslipidemias, and obesity among Native Hawaiian adults. This project aims to reduce risk factors for new diet-related illnesses by promoting traditional Native Hawaiian diets and improving social cohesion. The study focuses on adapting and testing an evidence-based multilevel intervention called PILI 'Aina to optimize its effectiveness and sustainability. The study involves a community-level component called 'Ai Pono, which includes quarterly hands-on cooking demonstrations and cultural lessons held over five years, for a total of 36 events. Each 2-hour event features cooking demonstrations, tastings, and education about the cultural importance of traditional foods like sweet potato, breadfruit, and kalo. These lessons aim to improve family and community eating environments and social cohesion. Attendance is limited to 30 people per event, with priority given to new participants after the first lesson. Participants will be surveyed at each event to assess their reactions, fruit and vegetable intake, confidence in healthy eating, and feelings of community support. Additionally, random samples of households in participating homesteads will be surveyed annually to measure family environment, nutrition environment, social cohesion, diet self-efficacy, food literacy, and social support. These assessments will occur at baseline and yearly for four years, helping researchers evaluate the impact and sustainability of the intervention over time.

Researchers are conducting the 100-Year Human Aging Study, an observational trial designed to follow participants over their lifespans to investigate which health measurements can predict mortality, serious diseases, and functional disability. The study aims to validate many longevity measures that currently lack prospective evidence by tracking physiological, cognitive, social, and environmental factors that change with aging. This research will generate important data to improve understanding of aging and longevity medicine. Participants undergo comprehensive multi-system clinical screenings including tests like cardiopulmonary exercise testing, body composition assessment by DEXA, echocardiography, electrocardiography, spirometry, neurocognitive testing, sensory assessments, metabolic testing, and detailed medical and social histories. The study allows for different levels of participation, from single tests to full two-visit screening batteries, and encourages repeat testing to capture health changes over time. During the study, participants receive individualized reports including investigational estimates of biological age and predicted cause of death. Researchers collect data on mortality, serious health events, chronic diseases, functional ability, and lifestyle changes through periodic follow-up over many years, potentially up to 100 years. This extensive data collection helps evaluate how well these measurements predict aging outcomes. All data are stored in raw form for future analysis and participants are supported with ongoing contact and opportunities for repeat assessments.

Researchers are evaluating whether taking tirzepatide before bariatric surgery can improve health outcomes for people with obesity and related medical conditions. This study aims to see if tirzepatide reduces inflammation in tissues and blood before surgery and how these changes relate to weight loss, metabolic improvements, and fewer complications after surgery. The trial is a Phase 4 interventional study comparing patients who take tirzepatide with those who do not before their planned surgery. Participants who are assigned to the tirzepatide group will self-inject 2.5 mg of tirzepatide once weekly for three months before surgery, following dose escalation instructions if needed. Both groups will receive education on dietary and lifestyle changes. During the three months before surgery, participants will visit the endocrine clinic monthly for drug prescription and side effect monitoring. The study continues through the surgery and post-surgery follow-up periods. Throughout the study, participants will keep a diary of drug use and side effects, and researchers will measure inflammatory markers such as C-reactive protein, interleukin 6, tumor necrosis factor, leptin, adiponectin, and RAAS at baseline, three months after drug use, and several times after surgery. Weight, blood pressure, blood sugar, cholesterol, and surgical complications will also be tracked up to one year after surgery. Participant involvement includes regular clinic visits, lab tests, and monitoring to assess the impact of tirzepatide on surgical outcomes and inflammation.

Researchers are investigating how the overall daily movement patterns of adults with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) affect their health. This observational study compares 124 adults with T2DM to 124 healthy adults over two years to explore how behaviors like sleep, sedentary time, and different levels of physical activity together influence diabetes-related health markers. The study aims to understand these patterns combined with personal and environmental factors to help design future interventions. Participants will not receive any treatment or intervention as part of this study. Instead, data will be collected at three time points: at the start, after one year, and after two years. The study groups include adults diagnosed with T2DM and a control group without diabetes. The focus is on observing and recording movement behaviors and health indicators without altering participants' usual lifestyles. During the study, researchers will monitor changes in 24-hour movement behavior patterns and assess various health measures such as blood sugar control (HbA1c), cholesterol levels, insulin, glucose, body mass index, waist size, blood pressure, and other metabolic markers. These assessments will be made at baseline, one year, and two years. Participants will be followed closely to track how their daily activity and health evolve over time, helping to inform future health recommendations for people with T2DM.

Researchers are evaluating the effect of a processed blood product called liquid platelet-rich fibrin (S-PRF) in helping healing after treatment for severe gum disease (periodontitis) stages II to IV. This study compares the use of the blood-derived material with standard treatment using saline irrigation, aiming to see if the blood product improves gum healing after deep cleaning procedures. Participants have severe gum disease with symptoms like bleeding, receding gums, loose teeth, and swelling. Participants will receive standard treatment involving full mouth scaling, root debridement, and cleaning with local anesthesia. After treatment, about 20 mL of blood will be taken to produce liquid S-PRF, which will be used to flush gum pockets on one side of the mouth. The other side will receive saline irrigation as a comparison. Follow-up visits are scheduled monthly for 3 months to monitor healing and outcomes. During the study, participants will undergo dental exams, X-rays, and jaw mold making. They will also receive oral care instructions and kits. Researchers will measure gum probing depth, clinical attachment level, bleeding sites, plaque scores, and gum margin changes before treatment and after 3 months. Safety and healing progress will be closely monitored throughout the study duration, which lasts about 3 months.