Osteoarthritis

Researchers are evaluating the effects of high-intensity pulsed electromagnetic field therapy (HI-PEMF) in older adults with moderate to severe knee osteoarthritis (OA). This randomized, double-blind clinical trial compares two treatment methods: HI-PEMF applied only to the knee joint versus HI-PEMF applied both to the knee and the quadriceps muscles. The study aims to understand pain reduction and improvement in functional performance in this population, addressing common issues such as muscle weakness and frailty associated with knee OA. Participants will be randomly assigned to one of two groups. Group A will receive HI-PEMF therapy focused exclusively on the symptomatic knee for 10 minutes per session, twice weekly for 5 weeks, totaling 9 sessions. Group B will receive HI-PEMF therapy applied to both the knee and the quadriceps muscle, with each site treated for 10 minutes per session under the same schedule. Both groups will also follow a standardized, home-based exercise program involving five specific strengthening and mobility exercises performed three times per week during the 5-week treatment period. The BTL-6000 Super Inductive System device is used for all HI-PEMF treatments. During the study, participants will be assessed at the start, after the 5-week intervention, and at a 2-month follow-up. Researchers will measure changes in pain using the Numeric Analog Scale (NAS), functional mobility through the Timed Up and Go (TUG) test, and lower-limb strength with the 5-times Sit-to-Stand (5STS) test. Additional evaluations include monitoring paracetamol use, frailty, sarcopenia, and radiological OA grade. Adherence to treatment sessions and exercises will be closely followed, and safety monitored throughout the study, which lasts a total of about three months including follow-up.

Researchers are evaluating the effectiveness of Mulligan Mobilization Technique compared to proprioceptive exercises for treating adults aged 40 and above with mild to moderate knee osteoarthritis, classified as Grades 2 and 3 on the Kellgren and Lawrence scale. The study aims to assess these treatments over a 10-week period, focusing on pain levels, movement, functional activities, balance, and quality of life improvements. Participants are selected based on clinical diagnosis and mobility ability without assistive devices. The study involves three groups: one receiving proprioceptive exercises designed to improve balance and joint position sense, another receiving Mulligan Mobilization Technique, a manual therapy to improve joint mobility, and a control group undergoing traditional physical therapy. Each participant receives 30 treatment sessions over 10 weeks, with three sessions per week lasting 40 to 60 minutes each. Treatments are delivered by trained physical therapists, and assessments occur at the start and end of the treatment period. Participants will complete questionnaires and undergo evaluations measuring pain intensity, range of motion, functional status, and balance using tools like the Numeric Pain Rating Scale, Universal Goniometer, Knee Injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score, and Berg Balance Scale. Quality of life is also assessed using the SF-36 questionnaire. The study follows a double-blind, randomized design to ensure unbiased results. Confidentiality is maintained, and participants may withdraw at any time without penalty.

Knee osteoarthritis (OA) is a common degenerative and inflammatory joint disease causing pain and limited mobility, affecting millions worldwide. This research evaluates the clinical results of treating patients with knee OA and chronic pain that has not improved after at least three months of conventional conservative therapy. The study focuses on selective arterial embolization as a treatment option for patients who are not candidates for or refuse surgery and suffer from refractory chronic pain. The treatment involves transarterial microembolization, which selectively targets and blocks blood vessels causing inflammation in the knee. This procedure uses micro-catheters to inject embolizing material into pathological genicular arterial branches, followed by diagnostic arteriography to confirm successful embolization. The study includes 43 patients who will undergo this procedure after providing informed consent. Patients will be followed up with clinical evaluations at 1, 3, 6, 12, and 24 months after treatment or until they drop out for other reasons. Participants will be involved in regular clinical assessments to monitor pain levels using the Visual Analog Scale (VAS) and other measures like quality of life (SF-36), joint function (WOMAC score), range of motion, and overall treatment assessment over two years. Researchers will also measure bilateral knee circumferences to evaluate changes. The study aims to understand the treatment's impact on pain reduction and joint function over time, with ongoing safety and progress monitoring throughout the follow-up period.

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 the use of Synolis VA 80/160, a device containing hyaluronic acid and sorbitol, in adults with hip osteoarthritis. This study aims to assess the effectiveness and safety of this treatment over a 6-month period in patients experiencing symptoms related to this condition who have not responded well to standard pain relief treatments. The study is conducted independently across multiple centers. Participants will receive a single guided injection of Synolis VA 80/160 directly into the affected hip joint. The study monitors changes in hip function and pain using the Oxford Hip Score at various points including 3 and 6 months after injection. Additional evaluations include patient self-assessments of symptom evolution and tracking whether participants require hip prosthesis placement within 6 months. During the study, participants will undergo assessments at baseline and follow-up visits where their hip function and symptoms are measured using standard questionnaires. The main outcome is the evolution of the Oxford Hip Score after 6 months. Researchers will also monitor safety and any need for hip replacement surgery. Participants will be involved for the full 6-month study duration, with data collected to understand both short-term and longer-term effects of the treatment.

This research aims to compare two surgical methods for treating hip labral tears, a condition affecting the cartilage around the hip joint. The study focuses on patients with femoroacetabular impingement and traumatic labral tears to evaluate which treatment may lead to better hip function and pain relief. The trial is a randomized, double-blind comparison conducted by Ain Shams University. Participants will undergo hip arthroscopy under general anesthesia, where surgeons will use two portals to access the hip joint under fluoroscopic guidance. Patients will be randomly assigned to receive either arthroscopic labral repair, which uses suture anchors to fix the tear, or arthroscopic labral debridement, which involves removing damaged tissue using electrocautery. Both procedures address any labral, cartilage, or bony issues present during surgery. Participants' hip function and pain levels will be assessed before surgery and at 1, 3, and 6 months, as well as at 1 year after the procedure, using the Hip Outcome Score, Harris Hip Score, and Visual Analog Scale. These evaluations will help measure changes in hip function and pain over time. The study follows patients for a total of one year after surgery to monitor recovery and outcomes.

Researchers are evaluating the effectiveness of a six-month virtually-delivered dietary education program called PEDALL to prevent overweight and obesity during maintenance chemotherapy in children and adolescents with acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL). The study focuses on English and Spanish speaking families and considers key genetic and sociodemographic risk factors that may affect weight gain during treatment. Participants will be randomly assigned to one of two groups: the PEDALL intervention group or the standard of care (SOC) group. The PEDALL group will receive 26 contact hours of specialized nutrition education through weekly one-hour virtual sessions over six months. The SOC group will receive printed educational materials and nutritional care according to their institution's usual practices. During the study, participants and their caregivers will engage in nutrition education and counseling sessions. Researchers will assess weight status, body mass index trajectories, lifestyle behaviors, and the influence of genetic and sociodemographic factors over time. The main goal is to prevent unhealthy weight gain during maintenance chemotherapy and improve long-term health outcomes for childhood ALL survivors. The study will last up to 3.5 years for primary outcomes, with additional follow-up extending to four years.

Researchers are investigating the relationship between obesity and type 2 diabetes, conditions influenced by both genetic and environmental factors. This study aims to better understand how different genetic variations affect gene expression in tissues involved in glucose and lipid metabolism, which may contribute to what is called "diabesity," a combined condition of diabetes and obesity. The study uses advanced genomic techniques and bioinformatics to analyze these factors in both humans and animal models. Participants in this observational study are grouped based on their body mass index (BMI) and diabetes or glucose intolerance status. Groups include individuals with BMI ≥ 35 kg/m2 with diabetes, glucose intolerance, or without diabetes, as well as those with BMI < 27 kg/m2 and BMI between 27 and 35 kg/m2 without diabetes. Samples are collected during abdominal surgeries such as bariatric surgery or cholecystectomy to study gene expression and metabolic pathways. During the study, researchers collect biological samples at baseline and follow participants over several years to assess changes in gene expression and insulin resistance. They also evaluate clinical and biological features before and after bariatric surgery at 1, 2, and 5 years. The primary measurement focuses on gene expression in tissues related to glucose metabolism. This long-term observation helps to understand the genetic and phenotypic factors influencing obesity and diabetes, with participation lasting up to 5 years.

Researchers are evaluating the safety, tolerability, and how the body processes Semaglutide Nasal Spray compared to a placebo and a known injection in adults who are overweight or obese. This Phase I clinical trial aims to better understand the effects of the nasal spray formulation of Semaglutide in this population. The study is sponsored by Shanghai World Leader Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd. and focuses on adults aged 18 to 65 years with specific body mass index ranges. Participants will receive either the Semaglutide Nasal Spray, placebo, or a Semaglutide injection (Wegovy®) in different randomized groups. The study involves a single-dose administration and includes several cohorts receiving various combinations of the nasal spray and placebo or the injection. Treatments are given once, and the study monitors the participants for up to 36 days after administration to assess drug levels and effects. During the study, participants will undergo various evaluations including blood tests, vital signs monitoring, physical examinations, electrocardiograms (ECGs), and urine analyses from Day 1 to Day 36. Researchers will measure how much of the drug reaches the blood, how long it stays, and any side effects that occur. Antibody levels against the drug will also be checked up to Day 29. Participants will be closely monitored for any safety concerns throughout the study period.

Researchers are evaluating BBM-A101, an AAV-based gene therapy, to treat people with moderate knee osteoarthritis. The study aims to assess the safety, tolerability, and effectiveness of this treatment. It is a Phase 1 clinical study with two parts: Phase Ia, which is randomized and single-blind, and Phase Ib, which is randomized and double-blind with parallel groups. Participants receive a single 2 ml injection of BBM-A101 directly into the knee joint. In Phase Ia, there are low, middle, and high dose groups along with a placebo group. In Phase Ib, participants are assigned to either low or high dose groups or a placebo group. The study compares these groups to evaluate the treatment effects and safety. During the study, participants undergo regular assessments including monitoring of adverse events and serious adverse events for up to one year. Researchers will also measure gene expression protein levels, virus shedding in various bodily fluids, changes in knee joint space by X-ray, and antibody responses over a period of up to five years. Participants are followed closely with lab tests, imaging, and clinical evaluations to track outcomes and safety throughout the study duration.