Lumberton

Researchers are evaluating ziltivekimab as a treatment for people living with heart failure and inflammation. This Phase 3 study compares ziltivekimab to a placebo in participants with heart failure who have mild to preserved ejection fraction and systemic inflammation. The study aims to assess the effect of ziltivekimab on cardiovascular death, heart failure hospitalization, or urgent heart failure visits over a period of up to 4 years. Participants will receive monthly injections of either ziltivekimab or a placebo using a pre-filled syringe or a pen-injector. The study medication is administered subcutaneously once a month for up to 4 years. The trial includes up to 20 clinic visits during which participants will be monitored and assessed. During the study, participants will use a study app on their phone to record all injections and complete questionnaires. Researchers will monitor participants for key outcomes like cardiovascular events and heart failure episodes from the time of randomization until the end of the study. Safety and health status will be regularly evaluated throughout the study period, which may last up to 48 months.

Researchers are evaluating surgical and minimally invasive treatments for lumbar spinal stenosis (LSS) by comparing Medicare patients who received the MILD procedure against those who had interspinous process decompression (IPD). The study focuses on outcomes such as the rate of harms related to the initial procedure and the frequency of additional surgical or minimally invasive interventions within 24 months after treatment. Enrollment includes patients treated from January 1, 2017, onward, with continuation until the sponsor decides to stop. The MILD procedure involves percutaneous image-guided lumbar decompression, performed under fluoroscopy through a dorsal approach to partially remove tissue and bone at the affected spinal level. The control group receives the IPD procedure for LSS. Both groups are monitored for a 24-month period post-index procedure using Medicare claims data to track reoperations and any harms. Participants contribute data through Medicare claims without needing prior enrollment or consent, as the study is exempt from IRB oversight. Researchers collect and analyze information on procedure-related harms and subsequent interventions over two years. This approach allows evaluation of long-term safety and effectiveness outcomes for patients treated with either MILD or IPD.

This research aims to help breast cancer survivors living in rural areas manage their symptoms and build healthier habits like eating well, staying active, and managing weight to reduce the risk of heart disease after cancer treatment. The study focuses on women who have completed treatment for stage I-III breast cancer within the past five years and face challenges such as pain, fatigue, sadness, or distress that affect their lifestyle. It also addresses the difficulties rural survivors may have in accessing healthcare, healthy food, and exercise opportunities. Participants will be randomly assigned to either the WeCan-Rural program or receive standard health information from the National Cancer Institute. The WeCan-Rural program involves 12 weekly one-hour sessions via Zoom with a trained therapist, covering topics such as nutrition, exercise, symptom management, relaxation, and pacing strategies. Participants will receive tools like a wireless activity tracker, scale, and blood pressure monitor to help track their progress. Tablets and data plans will be provided if needed to ensure access. During the study, participants will visit their clinic twice about 12 weeks apart for weight and blood pressure checks, blood samples, and a walking test. They will also complete online surveys about their health, diet, physical activity, symptoms, and confidence in managing their health. Researchers will assess satisfaction with the program, its acceptability, and effects on weight, symptoms, diet, physical activity, heart health markers, and self-management confidence. The total study duration is about 12 to 14 weeks after baseline.