Boston University - Clinical & Translational Science Institute

Parkinson disease (PD) is the second most common neurodegenerative disease affecting approximately 10 million people worldwide. It is a complex movement disorder that results in reduced walking ability. Prior studies have identified declines in walking as a marker of ensuing disability. Rhythmic auditory stimulation (RAS) is a rehabilitation approach that employs the coupling of auditory cues with movement. Walking with RAS has been shown to benefit walking rhythmicity, quality, and speed. These walking benefits make RAS advantageous in promoting regular moderate-intensity walking activity -- an important health objective in the management of PD. However, there is limited research investigating the effects of RAS on walking quality and how improvements in walking speed are achieved. This study will enroll 30 individuals with mild to moderate PD where each participant will be asked to complete two six-minute walk tests, one standard test (baseline) and the other using an optimized metronome-based auditory cueing RAS intervention. The investigators hypothesize that individuals with PD will either walk farther or with more automaticity (i.e., reduced stride time variability) in the RAS condition compared to the baseline condition. Moreover, these walking improvements will be accompanied by improvements in gait mechanics and metabolic cost of walking.

Type: Interventional

Start Date: Jan 2023

open study

A randomized controlled trial will be conducted to determine the effects of an adapted family-centered autism transition intervention called Transitioning Together/Juntos en la Transición on meaningful outcomes for families. The study will occur in a safety net hospital setting. The adapted version of this multi-family group psychoeducation intervention is delivered across one individual family joining session and four 2.5 hour multi-family group sessions. The parent and youth groups are held in separately, at the same time.

Type: Interventional

Start Date: Feb 2023

open study

The purpose of this study is to evaluate the efficacy, safety, tolerability, and pharmacokinetics (PK) of VX-147 in adult and pediatric participants with apolipoprotein L1 (APOL1)-mediated proteinuric kidney disease.

Type: Interventional

Start Date: Mar 2022

open study

The proposed research will test the efficacy of group conversation treatment for people with aphasia and explore whether the effects of treatment differ as a result of the following factors: 1. Group size: Do large groups of 6-8 people with aphasia or dyads of 2 people with aphasia demonstrate different levels of improvement with this treatment? 2. Group composition: Do effects of conversation group treatment differ if the groups include members with similar or different types of aphasia? 3. Aphasia severity: Do effects of conversation group treatment differ if the individuals within the group have mild-moderate or moderate-severe profiles of aphasia? Treatment sessions will occur in groups of 6-8 people with aphasia or with 2 people with aphasia. During treatment sessions, discourse will be facilitated on a focused set of every day topics, such as current events or travel. Linguistic and multi modal cueing hierarchies will be tailored to individual client goals and used to maximize communication success. The prediction is that conversation treatment is an effective method for improving communication in people with aphasia, but that specific benefits may differ based on variables such as group size, group composition, and aphasia severity. The results will help inform best practices for aphasia treatment and refine a hypothesized model about the mechanisms underlying conversation treatment.

Type: Interventional

Start Date: Apr 2022

open study

This study aims to address barriers to psychosocial care for siblings of children with cancer by piloting a group-based telehealth program for adolescent siblings of youth with cancer. The pilot trial will be preceded by a treatment development stage during which study staff will interview English- and Spanish-speaking families and psychosocial providers to assess preferences for program content, format, timing, and cultural feasibility and acceptability, while considering ideas to minimize participation barriers. Information from interviews will inform any revisions to the proposed pilot program. Then, the new SibACCESS program will be tested with a small group of families located in Massachusetts, Delaware, or Rhode Island using video-teleconferencing technology. Families will complete exit interviews to assess program acceptability and perceived benefits.

Type: Interventional

Start Date: Feb 2023

open study

This clinical trial is a Phase 2/3 study that will evaluate the efficacy and safety of etavopivat and test how well etavopivat works compared to placebo to improve the amount of hemoglobin in the blood and to reduce the number of vaso-occlusive crises (times when the blood vessels become blocked and cause pain).

Type: Interventional

Start Date: Mar 2021

open study

This study aims to improve adherence to American Academy of Pediatrics safe sleep (SS) recommendations and improve rates of initiation and duration of partial and exclusive breastfeeding (BF) through direct education of mothers using Mobile Health (mHealth) technologies (ex. text messaging).

Type: Interventional

Start Date: Jan 2022

open study

The primary objective of this randomized trial is to determine whether comprehensive, accessible, and animation-style videos are a more effective method of therapeutic patient education (TPE) based on clinical outcomes than paper handouts in Spanish and English-speaking communities. The clinical outcomes being measured are the severity, sleep affected by atopic dermatitis (AD), and the amount of itch experienced.

Type: Interventional

Start Date: Feb 2023

open study

In this study, the investigators will recruit a cohort of elderly Black and Hispanic patients with heart failure to define the number of patients who have cardiac amyloidosis by utilizing highly sensitive heart imaging and blood tests. The investigators will also explore differences in genetics and sex as they relate to heart failure disease progression in cardiac amyloidosis.

Type: Observational

Start Date: May 2019

open study

This two phase study is testing an online version of a transdiagnostic, cognitive behavioral therapy, against a modified version of that therapy emphasizing positive affect. The first phase of the trial will focus on content development for the modified therapy and the second phase will be a randomized control trial comparing the two.

Type: Interventional

Start Date: Mar 2021

open study

Evidence-based interventions to improve linkage and outcomes for heart failure (HF) patients requires input from stakeholders: patients, community health workers (CHWs), healthcare staff, and health system administrators. In this research the investigators will assess a CHW intervention designed to improve linkage to care for HF patients. This intervention was systematically adapted for use in rural Haiti in a prior study using the Assessment, Decisions, Administration, Production, Topical Experts, Integration, Training staff, Testing (ADAPT-ITT) framework. The ADAPT-ITT framework provides 8 sequential phases to adapt interventions and programs to new target audiences. It has been applied successfully to the adaptation of several interventions for HIV among under-resourced communities leading to randomized clinical trials. With the first 6 steps of the ADAPT-ITT framework completed in a prior study, this protocol outlines the training and testing of the adapted CHW intervention. In addition to assessing the feasibility, appropriateness, and acceptability of the adapted intervention through participants' feedback, the investigators will assess its efficacy in improving HF outcomes. The proposed intervention is targeted at both the patient domain - through improved peer support - and health system domain - by improving health system navigation.

Type: Interventional

Start Date: Jan 2023

open study

This is an open-label, multi-center, randomized phase II study comparing the Y90 TARE followed by bevacizumab and atezolizumab treatment to the Y90 TARE treatment alone in unresectable advanced stage HCC.

Type: Interventional

Start Date: Nov 2020

open study

This study is a postmarketing requirement jointly carried out by four NDA holders (Bayer AG, Bracco, GE Healthcare and Guerbet) and the CRO IQVIA. The study aims to create detailed images of the organs and tissue of the human body during x-ray, CT-scan or MRI investigations, doctors are using contrast media (a kind of dye) which can be given to patients by injection into a blood vessel or by mouth. In this study researchers want to find out whether so called gadolinium-based contrast agents (GBCAs) have an effect on body movement and mental skills when given to participants multiple times within 5 years. The study plans to enroll about 2076 participants suffering from a condition for which they are likely to have at least annually a MRI or another imaging examinations. Only adults up to 65 years will be considered to join this study. During the study duration of 5 years participants will receive annually a MRI or other imaging tests (such as CT-scan, x-ray) and will visit the study doctor at least 7 times for physical examinations, laboratory investigations and tests on body movement and mental skills.

Type: Interventional

Start Date: Mar 2021

open study

The STI-6129-001 study is a three-stage, multicenter, open-label, dose-finding, phase 1b/2a trial. It is designed primarily to identify the recommended phase 2 dose (RP2D) of STI-6129 by assessing the safety, preliminary efficacy and pharmacokinetics of this anti-CD38-Duostatin 5.2 antibody-drug conjugate (ADC) for the treatment of relapsed or refractory systemic AL amyloidosis. The patients that will be treated with STI-6129 in this trial are relapsed or refractory systemic AL amyloidosis patients who have received prior lines of treatment.

Type: Interventional

Start Date: Apr 2021

open study

This research is studying the effect of Antibody-Drug Conjugate Sacituzumab Govitecan in Combination with the Poly (Adenosine Diphosphate [ADP]-Ribose) Polymerase (PARP) Inhibitor Talazoparib in Patients with Metastatic Triple-Negative Breast Cancer.

Type: Interventional

Start Date: Oct 2019

open study

Cardiovascular disease remains the leading cause of death in the United States. Mortality rates of cardiac arrest range from 60-85%, and approximately 80% of survivors are initially comatose. Of those who survive, 50% are left with a permanent neurological disability, and only 10% are able to resume their former lifestyle. Early prognosis of comatose patients after cardiac arrest is critical for management of these patients, yet predicting outcome for these patients remains quite challenging. The primary study objective of MOCHA is to develop an accurate and reliable assessment algorithm for determining neurologic prognosis in patients initially unconscious (no eye opening, GCS-M<6 and not following commands) post-cardiac arrest, using multiple prognostic modalities at standardized time points.

Type: Observational [Patient Registry]

Start Date: Aug 2017

open study

Almost 18 million US adults have alcohol use disorders (AUD), with one third of these individuals also diagnosed with anxiety disorders (AXD). The coexistence of AUD and AXD imposes a high burden via healthcare costs and lost productivity. To date, existing treatment approaches for addressing AUD/AXD comorbidity have been only modestly effective and there is a lack of adequate research to guide treatment decisions. The Unified Protocol (UP) is a transdiagnostic, cognitive-behavioral therapy that has shown efficacy in treating emotional disorders. The efficacy of the UP to facilitate abstinence from alcohol consumption in individuals with comorbid AUD/AXD has also been examined, with results from this study indicating a reduction from baseline in drinks consumed per day. However, further evaluation of the UP for managing AUD/AXD is warranted. In this clinical trial, the investigators will further assess the UP's effectiveness in reducing alcohol consumption in patients with comorbid AUD/AXD. Participants will be randomized to one of two conditions: 1) treatment with the UP or 2) treatment with therapist-guided Take Control (TC; a computerized alcohol reduction program). In addition, in a subset of twenty-five participants, functional magnetic resonance scanning (fMRI) will be used to examine the effects of the UP on changes in brain activity in areas important to regulation of emotional and reward processes implicated in excessive alcohol consumption. The researchers' primary hypotheses are that the UP group will, compared to the TC group: 1) be superior in acute symptom reduction from pre- to post-treatment, and 2) evidence greater reductions in percent days heavy drinking, percent days of drinking per week, and alcohol craving.

Type: Interventional

Start Date: Mar 2018

open study

RATIONALE: Collecting and storing samples of blood, urine, tissue and data from patients with amyloid diseases to test in the laboratory may help the study of this disease in the future. PURPOSE: This research study is collecting samples from patients with amyloid diseases

Type: Observational

Start Date: Jan 2000

open study

The primary objective of this evaluation is to understand the effectiveness of the OpenSRP platform on unmet family planning (FP) demand in rural Zambia. The specific objectives are to: 1. assess the impact of the intervention on satisfaction and use of modern family planning methods among last-mile people of childbearing potential; and 2. understand the impact of the intervention on FP inventory management and dispensing. The investigators will employ mixed-methods for data collection for this two-arm cluster-randomized trial. This effectiveness evaluation will be paired with a concurrent implementation evaluation, making it a Type 2 Hybrid Design. For the impact evaluation data will be collected from two main sources at both baseline and endline: 1) existing stock management records (eLMIS and paper records, depending on study arm); and 2) Short phone surveys with people of childbearing potential in the community.

Type: Interventional

Start Date: Nov 2022

open study

This pilot research study will teach patients how to self-remove intrauterine contraceptive device (IUD) through an educational video and simulation and evaluate patient perspectives and experiences related to IUD self-removal with two surveys. Patients will be recruited for this study at the time of presentation to the office for IUD removal. After consenting to the procedure, participants will complete a pre-intervention survey, watch a video explaining how to self-remove the IUD, and use two models to simulate IUD removal. After completion of using the models to practice IUD removal, participants will complete a second short survey. The participant will then be given the option of attempting self-removal and be given time to attempt the removal. If the participant elects to have the provider remove their IUD, the provider will do so. At the end of the encounter, participants will fill out a final survey. Research staff will measure the length of the strings of all IUDs prior to routine disposal of the device.

Type: Interventional

Start Date: Feb 2022

open study

Disparities in health begin in early childhood. Early life experiences influence brain development and have significant implications on future health and developmental outcomes. Low-income children are at greater risk of developmental delays in large part due to a lack of an enriched environment. Disparities in early childhood development increase risk for stunted academic achievement throughout the life course. Primary care is a universal exposure in early childhood and therefore is also a significant entry point for promoting optimal child development. There is a need to provide effective, low-cost, and scalable interventions in primary care to support early childhood development.The CenteringParenting intervention is designed to reduce negative health and developmental outcomes within a model of group routine child health care. To date, there is no evidence of the benefits of the CenteringParenting intervention on school readiness, or improvements in parental behaviors that support optimal developmental milestones and achievement. The intent of this study is to determine the effectiveness of the CenteringParenting intervention on school readiness in early childhood, as measured by language development at 24 months, (in addition to health care utilization, child routine care maintenance, parenting stress, caregiver behaviors and attitudes).

Type: Interventional

Start Date: Feb 2019

open study

We believe extreme longevity is due to specific genes which function to delay aging and prevent disease. The purpose of our research is to identify the genes/mutations associated with healthier aging; to understand the biological functions of these genes/mutations; and to develop therapies to replicate these preservative genetic activities in individuals who do not have the genetic profile for longevity.

Type: Observational

Start Date: Jul 1998

open study

The purpose of this study is to investigate several approaches for improving spatial perception and speech intelligibility in multitalker listening situations for hearing-aid users. The hypotheses are that spatial perception and speech intelligibility will be improved by (1) increased high-frequency audibility, (2) speech envelope enhancement, and/or (3) appropriate sound image externalization.

Type: Interventional

Start Date: Mar 2022

open study

This study is an ancillary (add-on) study to the clinical trial entitled "Effect of Nitric Oxide in Cardiac Surgery Patients With Endothelial Dysfunction", which has Clinical Trials.gov identifier NCT02836899. NCT02836899 trial randomizes cardiac surgical patients to receive either Nitric Oxide (NO) or a placebo during and after cardiac surgery. This ancillary study aims to assess the effects of Nitric Oxide on vascular responsiveness and on endothelial function during hemolysis in patients with pre-operative endothelial dysfunction undergoing cardiac surgery requiring prolonged cardiopulmonary bypass.

Type: Interventional

Start Date: Dec 2018

open study

Canagliflozin is an oral drug which is currently approved for use in patients with type 2 diabetes by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Canagliflozin acts by increasing salt and sugar loss in the urine, and has shown to protect heart, kidney, and blood vessel function in patients with type 2 diabetes. However, it is unknown how canagliflozin protects the kidneys from disease. Therefore, this study plans to learn more about how canagliflozin works to protect against diabetic kidney disease in adults with type 2 diabetes. This study will use state-of-the-art kidney imaging, kidney biopsies and detailed testing of kidney function to determine the mechanisms of protection afforded by canagliflozin.

Type: Interventional

Start Date: Oct 2022

open study