Gonorrhea

Researchers are studying men with metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer (mCRPC) to understand how different PET/CT scans can predict outcomes during radioligand therapy with 177Lu-PSMA-617. This is an exploratory, prospective study conducted at a single center, focusing on imaging tumor heterogeneity to help assess therapy effects and patient response. The study is designed specifically for Veterans undergoing this treatment. Participants will receive several types of PET/CT scans at different times: before starting LuPSMA radioligand therapy (RLT), and then after the 2nd, 4th, and 6th treatment cycles. These scans include 18F-Fluciclovine PET/CT (Axumin), 18F-DCFPyL PET/CT, and 18F-FDG PET/CT. The 18F-Fluciclovine scans will be performed within seven days of the PSMA PET scans to compare imaging results at each time point. During the study, detailed imaging measures such as lesion uptake and tumor volume will be collected and analyzed over time. Patients will be followed at the institution to correlate these imaging results with clinical outcomes. The main outcome measured is the impact of 18F-Fluciclovine PET/CT on predicting outcomes of the 177Lu-PSMA-617 therapy from enrollment through 34 weeks of treatment.

Researchers are evaluating a community-based screening intervention aimed at reducing disparities in chlamydia infections among Black youth aged 15 to 26 years living in the Deep South. The study focuses on testing for four sexually transmitted infections (STIs): chlamydia, gonorrhea, syphilis, and HIV, with a special emphasis on measuring the impact on chlamydia rates in women. Participants will be tested for chlamydia, gonorrhea, syphilis, and HIV at community venues at no cost. Those who test positive for chlamydia or gonorrhea, along with their sexual partners, will be offered expedited treatment options, also at no cost, through participating pharmacies. Additionally, individuals who test positive are encouraged to be rescreened three months after treatment to monitor infection status. During the study, which can last up to 60 months, participants will undergo STI testing and counseling. Researchers will track infection rates for chlamydia and gonorrhea in women over time. The study includes offering counseling and treatment options for positive cases, and participants may be rescreened after treatment. The aim is to assess whether this approach reduces chlamydia rates in the target community while providing ongoing support and monitoring throughout the study period.

This research aims to improve the use of HIV, STI, and HCV prevention and care services among racially and ethnically diverse gay, bisexual, and other men who have sex with men (GBMSM) and transgender women living in rural Appalachia. By combining peer navigation with mobile health (mHealth) strategies, the study seeks to reduce health disparities in these vulnerable populations and inform public health practices and policies. Participants will be assigned to one of two groups: an intervention group receiving a culturally compatible, bilingual approach that includes peer navigation and mHealth communication, or a delayed-intervention group. Community health leaders will raise awareness, support service access, and conduct in-person group sessions over 12 months. They will also use social media and apps to communicate and support participants throughout the intervention. During the study, researchers will track HIV, STI, and HCV testing rates at baseline, immediately after the 12-month intervention, and again 12 months later. They will also monitor the use of prevention methods like PrEP, syringe services, and gender-affirming care. Participants will be involved in group activities, receive ongoing support via mHealth platforms, and have their service use regularly assessed to measure the intervention's impact through 24 months from baseline.

Researchers are evaluating the use of at-home, self-collected STI testing during telemedicine medication abortion care. The study aims to understand how acceptable, feasible, and utilized this self-swab testing is compared to traditional in-clinic STI testing among patients seeking medication abortion. It also seeks to compare STI positivity rates between telemedicine and in-clinic patients and assess the time between testing and treatment for positive cases. The study involves patients receiving telemedicine medication abortion care who will be offered a self-collection kit for testing gonorrhea, chlamydia, and trichomonas. Participants will collect specimens before starting their medication abortion and send them to a lab using prepaid postage. They will complete a survey on demographics, acceptability, and feasibility after specimen submission. The self-swab kit is included in the mailed abortion medication package, and results are securely communicated to patients and their medical records. A control group includes patients receiving in-clinic medication abortion, with data collected retrospectively. Participants will engage in telemedicine visits for consent and instruction, self-collect and mail specimens, and complete follow-up surveys. Testing is processed at a central lab, with support provided if specimens are inadequate. Positive results prompt timely treatment referrals. The study monitors utilization, acceptability, feasibility, STI positivity rates, and treatment timelines. The study is expected to last up to one year, with surveys completed within two weeks after specimen collection.

Researchers are evaluating a multisectoral agricultural intervention called Shamba Maisha aimed at improving reproductive and sexual health among adolescent girls and young women (AGYW) aged 15-19 in Kisumu and Migori counties of Western Kenya. This region has high rates of HIV and sexually transmitted infections (STIs), along with widespread food insecurity and poverty, which contribute to vulnerability to these infections. The study focuses on reducing the incidence of gonorrhea and chlamydia and improving related health outcomes by addressing household food security and adolescent-caregiver relationships. The Shamba Maisha intervention includes providing families with water pumps, seeds, and farming tools, along with training on agricultural techniques delivered at both home and school demonstration farms. Girls will engage in practical farming activities at school, which also benefits the wider school community. Additionally, families participate in sessions to strengthen communication and reduce stress between caregivers and adolescents, including discussions on sexual health. Control group participants will have the chance to receive the full intervention after the study concludes. Participants will be followed for 18 months, with data collected through surveys and testing for STIs and pregnancy at four time points: baseline, 6, 12, and 18 months. Researchers will measure outcomes such as STI incidence, household food insecurity, adolescent and caregiver mental health, body mass index, condom use, intimate partner violence, empowerment, and educational attainment. The study will also assess factors affecting implementation and costs, aiming to inform sustainable strategies to reduce food insecurity and improve HIV prevention among vulnerable youth.

Researchers are evaluating the CHOICES-TEEN (CT) intervention compared with an Attentional Control (AC) condition to reduce risks of substance-exposed pregnancy (SEP) and HIV/STI among high-risk female youth aged 14 to 19 involved with the juvenile justice system. This trial also investigates how CT may improve cognitive self-regulation and explores factors that influence the intervention's effects based on race/ethnicity and readiness to change behavior. Participants are randomly assigned to either the CHOICES-TEEN intervention or the attentional control group. The CT intervention includes four sessions using Motivational Interviewing and cognitive-behavioral methods delivered by trained counselors, with one session in person and three via Telehealth. The control group attends four sessions focused on life skills education covering topics like time management, sleep, nutrition, exercise, and financial management, similarly delivered both in person and by Telehealth. Throughout the study, participants complete assessments at 3, 6, and 9 months to measure changes in risks related to alcohol- and marijuana-exposed pregnancy, HIV, and STIs. Data collection includes self-reports of substance use, sexual activity, and contraception use. Researchers also evaluate cognitive self-regulation abilities and intervention mechanisms. The study lasts at least 9 months with follow-up assessments to monitor participant progress and safety.

Chronic Pelvic Pain is a common gynecological symptom characterized by persistent, non-periodic pain in the pelvic area and surrounding tissues. It often occurs as a result of pelvic inflammatory disease that was not treated properly or in time. This research aims to compare the effects of warm meridians and relieve pain plasters in easing symptoms related to the sequelae of pelvic inflammatory disease and chronic pelvic pain, specifically in women with the cold dampness stasis type. The study also evaluates the safety of both improved and traditional patches to support their use in community hospitals. Participants are randomly assigned to one of three groups: an improved warm meridians and relieve pain plaster group, a traditional warm meridians and relieve pain plaster group, or a placebo plaster group. Each group applies their assigned acupoint patch to the navel starting from the 1st to 3rd day after menstrual bleeding stops. The patch is worn for 6 to 8 hours before bedtime daily, with one day off, for 10 times per menstrual cycle, completing two consecutive cycles of treatment. The patches contain different herbal mixtures or placebo substances designed to assess therapeutic effects. During the study, participants undergo evaluations at baseline, after two menstrual cycles of treatment (about 8 weeks), and during a follow-up period of about 12 weeks. Assessments include pain improvement using a visual analogue scale, traditional Chinese medicine syndrome scores, physical signs, pelvic imaging for masses and fluid, and quality of life questionnaires. Researchers also record any recurrence of abdominal pain and adverse events. The total study duration allows careful monitoring of symptom changes and safety in women aged 18 to 50 years with chronic pelvic pain linked to pelvic inflammatory disease.

This research aims to understand the burden and transmission patterns of Mycoplasma genitalium (MG) infection among men who have sex with men living in Hong Kong. The study includes a cross-sectional component and a mathematical modeling component to analyze the spread and resistance of MG infections. It seeks to inform test-and-treat strategies for this sexually transmitted infection. Participants who are men aged 18 or older, living in Hong Kong, will complete an online survey and collect their own urine and rectal swab samples for laboratory testing of MG, Chlamydia trachomatis, and Neisseria gonorrhoeae. They will also provide results of an HIV self-test. The modeling study will use these data to simulate transmission dynamics and evaluate different testing and treatment approaches. During the study, participants will undergo laboratory testing for infections and complete questionnaires about their sexual health and testing history. Researchers will measure the prevalence of MG and resistance mutations, as well as other sexually transmitted infections, over one year. The study involves self-sampling and self-reporting, with the total participation period lasting about one year to assess ongoing infection rates and co-infections.

Researchers are evaluating two mobile health technologies designed to support people in taking HIV pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) correctly to help prevent HIV infection. This study focuses on cisgender and transgender men who have sex with men, and transgender women, assessing how well these technologies encourage adherence and continuation of PrEP over time. Participants are randomly assigned to one of two groups. One group uses PrEPmate, an interactive text messaging system offering weekly check-ins, daily pill reminders, personalized communication with clinic staff, and access to educational materials. The other group uses Dot Diary, a mobile app that helps users track their pill-taking and sexual activity, offers real-time feedback on protection levels, and includes gamified features to encourage engagement. Both groups receive standard PrEP care from their clinics and are followed for about 12 months. Throughout the study, participants will be monitored for adherence to PrEP by measuring drug levels in blood samples. Researchers will also assess satisfaction with medical care, patient engagement, continuation of PrEP based on medication refills, sexual satisfaction, and confidence in sticking to the medication. Clinic staff will provide feedback on how the technologies are used in their settings. The total study period for participants is around one year.

Researchers are evaluating the side effects of proton radiation therapy compared to intensity modulated radiation therapy (IMRT) in patients treated after surgery for endometrial or cervical cancer. This early phase I trial aims to determine if proton therapy is linked to fewer acute gastrointestinal side effects at the end of treatment, improving quality of life for patients. The study also examines urinary and hematologic toxicities, overall well-being, survival outcomes, and patient-reported quality of life using various questionnaires. Patients receive standard care with either proton radiation therapy or IMRT targeting the pelvis, with or without para-aortic lymph node irradiation. Treatment includes the use of a rectal balloon and is delivered at Mayo Clinic sites. Participants complete quality of life and adverse event questionnaires at baseline, at the end of radiation therapy, and at 1 month, 1 year, and 3 years after treatment to monitor effects over time. During the study, patients undergo assessments including blood counts and imaging scans done before registration. Researchers monitor bowel and bladder radiation doses and their relation to side effects, track progression-free and overall survival, and evaluate hematologic toxicities. Participation involves completing questionnaires taking 10-15 minutes at each time point. The total follow-up period extends up to 3 years post-radiation therapy to observe long-term outcomes and safety.