Warner Robins

This research aims to compare the effects and overall experience of two types of palatal expanders, the Invisalign Palatal Expander and the Hyrax expander, in children with certain dental conditions such as malocclusions, narrow maxilla, narrow maxillary arch, and crowding. The study focuses on participants aged 6 to 11 years who require maxillary expansion to improve dental alignment. Participants will be treated with either a removable rapid palatal expander, which is changed to achieve up to 0.25 mm expansion per device, or a banded palatal expander that is cemented in place and adjusted by turning a screw for 0.25 mm expansion per turn. Both devices aim to widen the upper jaw to accommodate proper tooth alignment. During the approximately 4-month study, researchers will measure the width of the palate from enrollment to completion to assess the expansion achieved by each device. Participants will be closely monitored for dental health and experience with the devices, ensuring safety and adherence to the treatment protocols throughout the study period.

Researchers are evaluating a new approach to blood thinning treatment for people aged 22 to 85 who have a history of atrial fibrillation (AF) and a moderate risk of stroke. This Phase 3 clinical trial compares the usual continuous use of direct oral anticoagulants (DOACs) with a time-limited DOAC treatment guided by an AF-sensing smart watch (AFSW). The goal is to see if the smart watch-guided treatment, which is taken only for 30 days after detecting an AF episode, is as effective as taking DOACs continuously for preventing stroke, systemic embolism, and death over 60 months. Participants are randomly assigned to one of two groups: one group will use the smart watch that monitors heart rhythm and alerts them and the study team if AF is detected, triggering a 30-day DOAC treatment; the other group will continue their regular, continuous DOAC therapy as prescribed by their doctors. The smart watch passively checks for irregular heart rhythms consistent with AF. The study plans to enroll about 5,350 participants across up to 100 sites, with participation lasting up to 60 months. During the study, participants will be monitored regularly to assess outcomes such as ischemic stroke, systemic embolism, and all-cause mortality. The trial will track adherence to treatment and smart watch use, and assess safety and effectiveness at multiple visits over the five-year period. Researchers will also collect data on participants' heart rhythms and stroke risk scores to evaluate the impact of this new monitoring and treatment strategy.