Healthy Skin Condition

Researchers are studying the use of a 2,910 nm mid-infrared Fiber Laser (UltraClear, Acclaro Medical) to treat advanced perioral lines and wrinkles. The goal is to assess the laser's effectiveness for skin rejuvenation by using both superficial epidermis ablation and deeper skin layers' ablative and coagulative effects. The study also aims to evaluate safety and participant satisfaction with this resurfacing treatment for photodamaged skin and wrinkles. Participants will receive up to two treatments with the UltraClear laser, spaced 6 to 8 weeks apart. These treatments focus on improving the appearance of perioral lines and wrinkles using the laser's combined superficial and deep skin effects. Following treatments, participants will have follow-up visits at 1 month and 3 months to evaluate the results and any side effects. Throughout the study, researchers will measure improvements using multiple scales, including the Fitzpatrick Wrinkling and Degree of Elastosis Scale, Physician Global Aesthetic Improvement Scale, and assessments by independent photographic reviewers. Participants will also report their own perceptions of aesthetic improvement and satisfaction. Safety and overall aesthetic outcomes will be monitored during follow-ups, with the total participation lasting through the 3 months after the final treatment.

Researchers are evaluating the impact of regular use of a consumer-grade FODMAP-targeting digestive enzyme blend called FODZYME® on gastrointestinal symptoms in adults who experience self-reported bloating. The study focuses on how this enzyme blend affects symptoms such as bloating and abdominal pain, which are often triggered by fermentable carbohydrates known as FODMAPs. This is a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled crossover trial that aims to provide a more flexible alternative to the restrictive Low FODMAP Diet by breaking down FODMAPs before they ferment in the colon. Participants will take the enzyme blend or a placebo with each meal, snack, or substantial beverage, applying it directly to their food. The trial is divided into two main periods: half the participants will start with the enzyme blend for four weeks followed by a two-week washout and then switch to placebo for another four weeks; the other half start with placebo and then switch to the enzyme blend after the washout. The study product is designed to target specific FODMAPs like fructan, GOS, and lactose and is intended for adults with or without IBS symptoms. During the study, participants will complete daily questionnaires and assessments over about 19 weeks, including patient-reported outcome measures for bloating, gastrointestinal symptoms, abdominal pain, food-related quality of life, and anxiety. The study is conducted remotely, allowing participants to complete assessments at home using a smartphone app. Safety is monitored by excluding those with known allergies to corn or previous reactions to digestive enzyme supplements, and researchers will review changes in bloating symptoms as the primary outcome.

Researchers are evaluating the effects of a fish oil concentrate called EPAX Omega 3-9-11 on skin function. This study aims to determine if this combination of long chain mono-unsaturated fatty acids and omega-3 can improve skin health by reducing inflammation, redness, and improving the skin's barrier function. The research involves healthy adults aged 35 to 65 with a history of atopic skin prone to redness or dryness. Participants will be randomly assigned to one of three groups: a placebo group taking 1g corn oil capsules, a low dose group receiving 2g of Omega 3-9-11 oil, or a high dose group receiving 4g of Omega 3-9-11 oil daily. They will take these capsules for three months, with measurements taken at the start, 6 weeks, and 12 weeks. During the study, participants will undergo biophysical measurements of their face and inner forearm to assess skin erythema (redness) and hydration. Researchers will also monitor skin health through the Omega-3 index and other skin parameters adjusted for placebo effects. The study includes safety monitoring and requires participants to avoid other fish oil or lipid-based supplements during the trial. The total participation lasts three months, with evaluations at regular intervals.

Researchers are evaluating the effects of a butyrate and polyphenol formulation on gut health and related symptoms in healthy adults aged 25 to 70 who experience moderate to severe gastrointestinal discomfort. The study aims to understand how this formulation affects the gut microbiome and gastrointestinal symptoms using questionnaires and lab assessments. This is a double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled study sponsored by Supplement Formulators, Inc. Participants will be randomly assigned to receive either the butyrate plus polyphenol formulation or a placebo. The treatment period lasts 14 days, during which participants take the assigned supplement. The study includes laboratory testing to assess the gut microbiome and various questionnaires to evaluate gastrointestinal symptoms and quality of life. During the study, participants will complete laboratory assessments and several questionnaires, including the Gastrointestinal Symptom Rating Scale for Irritable Bowel Syndrome, digestion-related quality of life surveys, and stool form scales. Researchers will monitor changes in gut microbiome composition and gastrointestinal symptoms over the 14-day period. The study also tracks safety and symptom improvement through standardized scales and quality of life measures.

Researchers are studying sexual health and vulvovaginal health in premenopausal and perimenopausal women with hormone receptor positive breast cancer who are receiving ovarian suppression. The study aims to find out if starting sexual health counseling and using non-hormonal moisturizers early can prevent or reduce side effects like vaginal dryness and sexual dysfunction. This is compared to the usual care approach where treatment begins only after symptoms appear. Participants will be randomly assigned to one of two groups. One group will receive sexual health counseling and start using non-hormonal moisturizers 3 to 5 times weekly from the beginning of ovarian suppression, along with education about vaginal dilators and a consultation with a pelvic floor physical therapist. The other group will start treatment only after developing symptoms and will receive a list of recommended moisturizers to purchase themselves. Both groups will complete various questionnaires to monitor sexual health and vaginal symptoms. During the study, participants will be monitored through surveys and subjective and objective assessments of vaginal dryness and sexual function. Researchers will track the number of participants who have a score of 4 or higher on the Vaginal Assessment Scale within one year. The study includes regular completion of validated questionnaires and a weekly diary about moisturizer use. The total participation time corresponds with one year of follow-up to evaluate the intervention's impact.

Researchers are studying gut and digestive health by evaluating changes before and after using a dietary supplement system for eight weeks. This study focuses on adults aged 18 to 80 years who have self-reported gastrointestinal symptoms. The goal is to understand how the supplement affects gut microbiota, inflammation, immune activity, and digestive function, which are important for overall health and well-being. Participants will take a dietary supplement system consisting of two products, PhytoPower 1 and PhytoPower 2, daily for eight weeks. They will mix one stick pack of each product into 16 fluid ounces of water and drink it each morning, with or without food. The study is open-label and single-arm, meaning all participants receive the supplement while maintaining their usual diet and lifestyle. During the study, participants will provide stool samples at the beginning and end to measure various biomarkers related to gut microbial diversity, inflammation, immune activity, digestion, and intestinal barrier integrity. They will also complete questionnaires about gastrointestinal symptoms and digestive well-being at several points throughout the study. Safety and tolerability will be monitored by tracking adverse events and compliance, with the total participation lasting eight weeks.

Accurate assessment of skin pigmentation is important in dermatology to diagnose and manage various skin conditions. Traditional methods like visual inspection or Fitzpatrick skin type classification can be subjective, culturally biased, and often focus on lighter skin tones, which may lead to misdiagnosis or improper treatment for individuals with darker skin. This research aims to explore better, more objective ways to measure skin pigmentation using modern, non-invasive imaging technologies. The study includes two groups: healthy adults with diverse skin tones and adults with skin conditions who have active lesions being treated by a dermatologist. Researchers will use tools such as colorimetry and multispectral imaging to measure a value called the melanin index, which indicates the amount of pigment in the skin. They will compare this index across different body areas and among people with various skin tones and conditions. Participants will have a single baseline visit where several assessments will be performed, including Fitzpatrick skin type classification, Line-Field Confocal Optical Coherence Tomography, 3D multispectral imaging, colorimetry, skin barrier function testing, VISIA imaging, scar assessment scales, laser speckle contrast imaging, and Scarletred4 Vision measurements. Researchers will analyze these data to better understand skin pigmentation variation, aiming to improve diagnosis and management of skin diseases for all skin types.

Researchers are evaluating a new artificial intelligence (AI) tool designed to assist primary care providers in assessing skin conditions. This AI-powered dermatology image reference app works with a smartphone to provide reference images, helping providers make diagnoses using their medical training. The study aims to compare diagnoses made by primary care providers using the AI tool to those of a panel of dermatologists, considered the gold standard. The research is supported by the Advanced Research Projects Agency for Health (ARPA-H) and focuses on improving diagnostic accuracy and care in real-world clinical settings. The study involves primary care providers using the Belle AI tool, which analyzes images captured via a smartphone app and identifies over 2,000 skin conditions based on a large image database. Providers use the app during patient visits to capture images and receive differential diagnoses, which they review before making final decisions. After the initial visit, participants receive notifications to submit follow-up images using the app over a two-week period. Providers reassess diagnoses based on updated AI analysis, and follow-up visits may be scheduled or canceled depending on results. Providers receive training on the app and give feedback through surveys. Participants present with a primary dermatological complaint and consent to study procedures, including using the smartphone app to submit images. Researchers monitor diagnosis accuracy compared to a dermatology review committee consensus and assess economic impact and provider experience. The study lasts about 14 days per participant, with ongoing documentation in electronic medical records and continuous case review to determine care needs or resolution.

This research aims to explore the connections between dietary intake, markers of cardiometabolic health, and gut microbiota composition in adults living in Singapore. It addresses the lack of studies focusing on Asian populations by considering their unique genetic, metabolic, and dietary characteristics. The goal is to better understand how diet influences health outcomes specific to this population and to contribute to improved dietary guidelines. The study is observational and cross-sectional, involving adults aged 21 to 80 years. Participants are grouped by age into younger (21-64 years) and middle-aged to older adults (65-80 years). Researchers collect detailed dietary information over seven days and measure various health markers, including blood pressure, blood lipids, fasting glucose, endothelial progenitor cell counts, and several fecal biomarkers related to gut health. Additional assessments cover sleep quality, cognitive function, skin carotenoid levels, physical activity, stress, anxiety, depression, vision, and advanced skin glycation end products. Participants will attend a study visit where blood and fecal samples are collected alongside completing questionnaires and physical assessments. Researchers evaluate primary outcomes such as dietary intake and multiple health biomarkers on the first day, while secondary outcomes include sleep, mental health, physical activity, and vision measures. The study provides valuable insights into diet’s impact on cardiometabolic and gut health and lasts from the start visit until all assessments are completed, with no treatment administered.

Researchers are evaluating Autologous Adipose Cell Therapy to improve skin rejuvenation and hair restoration. This therapy aims to overcome the limitations of traditional fat grafting and dermal fillers by isolating early-stage fat cells for better distribution and longer-lasting effects. The study focuses on assessing the safety, feasibility, and effectiveness of this therapy for conditions like wrinkles, fine lines, skin elasticity loss, pigmentation, hair thinning, and hair loss. Participants will receive the Autologous Adipose Cells therapy treatment, which involves processing fat cells from their own body to enhance skin and hair appearance. The therapy is monitored by the primary investigator for up to 25 weeks to evaluate outcomes. This study includes only one treatment group receiving this biological intervention. During the study, participants will undergo various assessments including imaging, satisfaction surveys, and evaluation reports from the first visit before treatment through the last follow-up visit between weeks 16 and 25. The plastic surgeon will monitor treatment effects and safety over a six-month period. The total involvement spans from initial treatment to multiple follow-ups to track skin and hair improvements and participant satisfaction.