Donor Site Tendon Morphology after Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction (ACLR)

STUDY CATEGORY: Adolescents, Orthopedic (bone, joints, muscle, tendon), Pain and/or Injury, Sports PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR: Naoaki Ito LOCATION: University of Delaware STAR Campus, 540 S College Ave, Newark, DE 19713 STUDY CONTACT: Naoaki Ito  |   EMAIL: nito@udel.edu   |   PHONE: 302-831-6460

DESCRIPTION:

The purpose of this study is to understand how tendons heal over time after harvest of an autograft for ACL reconstruction (ACLR).

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INCLUSION AND EXCLUSION CRITERIA:

You are being asked to participate because you have received ACLR within the past month using either a patellar tendon, quadriceps tendon, or hamstring tendon autograft. You could be excluded in this study if you have a history of another ACLR on either leg using the same autograft as the one you received in the prior ACLR.

HOW TO APPLY:

Please reach out directly to the study team through the link, URL, or phone number.

Achilles Tendinopathy, Treatment with Exercise Comparing Men and Women

STUDY CATEGORY: Exercise & Physical Activity, Orthopedic (bone, joints, muscle, tendon), Pain and/or Injury, Sports PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR: Karin Silbernagel LOCATION: University of Delaware STAR Campus, 540 S College Ave, Newark, DE 19713 STUDY CONTACT: Jennifer Marmon  |   EMAIL: jmarmon@udel.edu   |   PHONE: 302-831-4615

DESCRIPTION:

We are looking at how people with Achilles tendon pain recover over time. In particular, we are interested to see if men and women respond differently to the currently recommended physical therapy treatment. This study involves coming to evaluation sessions every 8 weeks over the course of a year. This ends up being 7 evaluations total. The first one will take 2.5-3 hours to complete and every other one will take about 1.5-2 hours. At these evaluation sessions, the study team will ask you to complete surveys about your Achilles tendon pain, look at how your tendon is healing using ultrasound imaging, and also see how your strength and functional ability for activities like jumping is recovering.

In addition to these evaluation sessions, we are providing physical therapy treatment that is the current recommendation for recovering from Achilles tendon pain. This treatment is provided by a licensed physical therapist. Treatment includes strategic exercises as well as providing information about how to manage pain and promote recovery of your tendon. The time commitment for the physical therapy treatment will range from 6-12 visits during the first 6 weeks and after that up to another 12 visits. The maximal number of visits will be 24 visits. Each visit is estimated to take approximately 30-45 minutes. You will also be asked to perform a home exercise program that takes about 15 minutes to complete. Treatment is provided at no cost to you or to your insurance.

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INCLUSION AND EXCLUSION CRITERIA:

You are being asked to participate because you have pain, stiffness, and discomfort (so-called Achilles tendinopathy/tendinitis) in your Achilles tendon. You must between the ages of 18-65 years. You should have no other current injury that would limit you from standing and/or performing exercises of the injured leg. You cannot participate if you have had a complete tear of the Achilles tendon or if the injury and symptoms are purely from where the Achilles tendon attaches to the heel bone.

HOW TO APPLY:

If you are interested in participating, please fill out our form or contact Jennifer Marmon by phone or email.

Imaging the motor system in Parkinson’s disease

STUDY CATEGORY: Brain and Neurological, Healthy Volunteers, Older adult PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR: Roxana Burciu LOCATION: University of Delaware STAR Campus, 540 S College Ave, Newark, DE 19713 STUDY CONTACT: Abbie Bower  |   EMAIL: aebower@udel.edu   |   PHONE: 3028313995

DESCRIPTION:

A brain imaging study that aims to understand how the brain controls simple and coordinated movements of the upper and lower extremities in persons with Parkinson’s disease. The study lasts approximately four hours and includes a one-hour MRI session and two to three hours of motor and cognitive testing.

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INCLUSION AND EXCLUSION CRITERIA:

Healthy older adults and adults with Parkinson’s disease aged 45-85 who are able to travel to UD STAR campus and are able to undergo an MRI.

HOW TO APPLY:

Please contact Abbie Bower at aebower@udel.edu or (302) 831-3995 for more information.

The Role of Sensory Deficits in the Neural Control of Balance during Walking in Parkinson’s Disease

STUDY CATEGORY: Brain and Neurological, Older adult, Parkinson’s Disease PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR: Hendrik Reimann LOCATION: University of Delaware STAR Campus, 540 S College Ave, Newark, DE 19713 STUDY CONTACT: Abigail Bower  |   EMAIL: aebower@udel.edu   |   PHONE: 302-831-2995

DESCRIPTION:

A study on walking and balance. The study involves two visits to the STAR Campus and walking in a virtual reality environment.

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INCLUSION AND EXCLUSION CRITERIA:

Individuals diagnosed with Parkinson’s Disease who are able to walk unassisted and can travel to UD STAR Campus.

HOW TO APPLY:

Please contact Abbie Bower at aebower@udel.edu or 302-831-3995 for more information.

Methods for the use of inertial measurement units in real-world gait analysis

STUDY CATEGORY: Healthy Volunteers, Older adult, Orthopedic (bone, joints, muscle, tendon), Pain and/or Injury PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR: Jocelyn Hafer LOCATION: University of Delaware STAR Campus, 540 S College Ave, Newark, DE 19713 STUDY CONTACT: Julien Mihy  |   EMAIL: gaitbiomechlab@udel.edu

DESCRIPTION:

The Gait Biomechanics Lab is currently looking for healthy older adults and older adults with knee osteoarthritis aged 55-70 to participate in a walking study. The study lasts approximately 2 hours and includes completing a series of 3 walking tasks while wearing noninvasive sensors on the legs. Participants will be compensated with a $30 amazon gift card.

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INCLUSION AND EXCLUSION CRITERIA:

Individuals 55-70 years of age with no history of neurological, cardiovascular, or pulmonary conditions, or high blood pressure or uncontrolled diabetes.

Individuals without knee osteoarthritis:
-No major lower body injury or surgery within 1-year

Individuals with knee osteoarthritis:
-Does not use an assistive device for walking
-Able to walk 30 minutes
-No lower body joint injections within 3 months of study visit

HOW TO APPLY:

If you are interested, please email the Gait Biomechanics Lab

University of Delaware Participant Recruitment Registry for Parkinson’s Disease Research

STUDY CATEGORY: Brain and Neurological, Older adult PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR: Roxana Burciu LOCATION: Fully Remote STUDY CONTACT: Abigail Bower  |   EMAIL: aebower@udel.edu   |   PHONE: 302-831-3995

DESCRIPTION:

In response to a growing need for research about Parkinson’s Disease, the Department of Kinesiology & Applied Physiology (KAAP) in the College of Health Sciences has launched the Participant Recruitment Registry for Parkinson’s Disease Research at UD.

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INCLUSION AND EXCLUSION CRITERIA:

Individuals with a clinical diagnosis of Parkinson’s Disease who are interested in research.

HOW TO APPLY:

Please contact Abigail Bower at aebower@udel.edu or 302-831-3995 for more information.

Perception, Self-Awareness, and Voice: 3- to 6-Year-Old Children

STUDY CATEGORY: Healthy Volunteers, Pediatric, Speech and Language, Voice PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR: Hagar Feinstein LOCATION: Fully Remote STUDY CONTACT: Hagar Feinstein  |   EMAIL: hagarfe@udel.edu   |   PHONE: 3024557988

DESCRIPTION:

The study focuses on perception and self-awareness of voice in 3-6-year-old children with and without voice disorders. It is conducted remotely (online); 3-4-year-olds children participate in one meeting in which they engage in playful activities, 5-6-year-olds have two more online meetings in which they will be trained in a new vocal skill using games.

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INCLUSION AND EXCLUSION CRITERIA:

3-6-year-old, typically developing, monolingual children.
Normal hearing and normal or corrected to normal vision

HOW TO APPLY:

Please complete the registration form provided in the link, or contact Hagar Feinstein by phone (3024557988) or email (hagarfe@udel.edu)

Spine MRI: Disc Mechanics and Altered Loading in Degeneration

STUDY CATEGORY: Exercise & Physical Activity, Healthy Volunteers, Men’s Health, Older adult, Women’s Health PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR: Dawn Elliott LOCATION: University of Delaware Main Campus, Newark, DE 19716 STUDY CONTACT: Harrah Newman  |   EMAIL: harrah@udel.edu   |   PHONE: 7326102922

DESCRIPTION:

The Elliott Lab is currently recruiting subjects for a spine imaging study that aims to spine disc function to aging. The study includes a 3 hour AM and 1 hour PM session; where one hour is spent laying down to unload the spine and the remaining three hours are spent positioning and imaging. Participants will be compensated with a $100 amazon or visa giftcard.

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INCLUSION AND EXCLUSION CRITERIA:

Individuals 30+ years old with no history of chronic back pain or back surgery.

HOW TO APPLY:

Please contact Jennifer Marmon at jmarmon@udel.edu or (302) 831-4615

Online Motor Control in People with Parkinson’s Disease

STUDY CATEGORY: Brain and Neurological, Healthy Volunteers, Older adult PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR: Hyosub Kim LOCATION: University of Delaware STAR Campus, 540 S College Ave, Newark, DE 19713 STUDY CONTACT: Joie Tang  |   EMAIL: kimlab.studies@gmail.com

DESCRIPTION:

The purpose of this study is to learn more about how people with and without Parkinson’s disease make reaching movements. The entire study will last 2-3 hours. This includes at least a 30 minute break between sessions. The testing will require that you perform some reaching movements over a digitized tablet. You will receive some specific instructions on how to move.

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INCLUSION AND EXCLUSION CRITERIA:

Healthy adults OR individuals diagnosed with Parkinson’s Disease able to reach for about 8 inches.

Individuals with Parkinson’s Disease who are currently taking medication that increases dopamine in the brain.

HOW TO APPLY:

Please contact Joie Tang at kimlab.studies@gmail.com for more information.

Adaptive and Maladaptive Neural Network Responses to Inhibitory Challenges

STUDY CATEGORY: Brain and Neurological, Mental Health PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR: Naomi Sadeh LOCATION: University of Delaware Main Campus, Newark, DE 19716 STUDY CONTACT: Paula Salvador  |   EMAIL: psalv@udel.edu   |   PHONE: 302-831-6146

DESCRIPTION:

Participants will be asked to answer questions and complete tasks about life experiences, risky behaviors, decision-making, and mental health.

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INCLUSION AND EXCLUSION CRITERIA:

Individuals between the ages of 18 and 55 and are able to travel to the University of Delaware.

HOW TO APPLY:

To find out more, please call the Personality & Dysregulation Lab at (302) 831-6146 or email udpdlab@gmail.com. The first step would be to complete a 10-minute phone screen to determine your eligibility.

Examining Neural Sequelae of Childhood Deprivation and Abuse

STUDY CATEGORY: Adolescents, Mental Health PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR: Nadia Bounoua LOCATION: Fully Remote STUDY CONTACT: Paula Salvador  |   EMAIL: psalv@udel.edu   |   PHONE: 302-831-6146

DESCRIPTION:

We are looking for parent and teen pairs to participate in a paid study. You will each be asked to answer questions about life experiences, mental health, and decision making during a virtual 1-hour visit. You will each receive $25 in cash or Amazon gift card for 1-hour of your time.

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INCLUSION AND EXCLUSION CRITERIA:

Parents and teenagers between the ages of 15 and 17.

HOW TO APPLY:

To find out more, please call the Personality & Dysregulation Lab at (302) 831-6146 or email udpdlab@gmail.com

Group Health Coaching for Cancer Survivors

STUDY CATEGORY: Exercise & Physical Activity, Nutrition and Food, Older Adult, Wellness and Lifestyle, Cancer Survivorship PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR: Nicole Berzins LOCATION: Fully Remote STUDY CONTACT: Nicole Berzins  |   EMAIL: nicolejb@udel.edu

DESCRIPTION:

The purpose of the study is to determine the feasibility of providing group-based health coaching through a videoconferencing platform (Zoom) for cancer survivors. We also want to determine the program’s ability to improve health, fitness, and wellbeing. The program provides 6 group health coaching sessions over a 3-month period in a small group setting (6-8 people). You will also be asked to fill out an online survey before the program begins, when the program ends, and 3 months after the program ends. Additionally, you will be invited to participate in a focus group after the program ends to provide feedback on your experiences.

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INCLUSION AND EXCLUSION CRITERIA:

1. Must be 18 years of age or older
2. Must have been previously diagnosed with cancer (can be anywhere along the cancer continuum from recent diagnosis to long term survivorship)
3. Are able to understand and complete all online questionnaires
4. Must be able to understand and give written informed consent
5. Must have access to the videoconferencing platform, Zoom

HOW TO APPLY:

Please send an email to the study contact for more information or to apply.

Dietary Approaches for Cardiovascular Health

STUDY CATEGORY: Cardiovascular (Heart and Circulation), Nutrition and Food, Pediatric PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR: Shannon Robson LOCATION: University of Delaware STAR Campus, 540 S College Ave, Newark, DE 19713, Zoom STUDY CONTACT: Adriana Verdezoto Alvarado  |   EMAIL: ebnl-robson@udel.edu   |   PHONE: 302-722-5602

DESCRIPTION:

The Dietary Approaches for Cardiovascular Health study includes 5 in-person visits and engagement in a 6-month
online program focused on eating for cardiovascular health. Participants could be compensated up to $390 for full study participation.

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INCLUSION AND EXCLUSION CRITERIA:

If you currently smoke, have high blood pressure, high cholesterol, are inactive, are overweight/obese or have diabetes and have a child 6-12 years-old you may be eligible to participate.

HOW TO APPLY:

Call or text 302-722-5602 to see if you qualify for the study today.

Mechanisms Underlying the Protective Vascular Effects of Dietary Potassium in Humans

STUDY CATEGORY: Cardiovascular (Heart and Circulation), Healthy Volunteers, Nutrition and Food PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR: Shannon Lennon LOCATION: University of Delaware STAR Campus, 540 S College Ave, Newark, DE 19713 STUDY CONTACT: Andrea Lobene  |   EMAIL: cv-nutrition-research@udel.edu

DESCRIPTION:

The Cardiovascular Nutrition lab is recruiting individuals for a research study examining the effects of dietary potassium and salt. Admitted participants will complete three 10-days of a controlled diet study (food provided), and attend a data collection on day 10. These sessions will last approximately 4.5-5 hours. There will be a 1-month washout in between diets. As part of study participation, subjects will be provided with 30 days of meals. Subjects will also be compensated $300 for their time.

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INCLUSION AND EXCLUSION CRITERIA:

You may be eligible to participate if you are between the ages of 18 and 45 years old, have normal blood pressure, non-smoker and in reasonably good health.

HOW TO APPLY:

If you would like more information, please contact Andrea Lobene via email (cv-nutrition-research@udel.edu).

Impact of estradiol on endothelial function in peri-menopausal women

STUDY CATEGORY: Cardiovascular (Heart and Circulation), Healthy Volunteers, Women’s Health PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR: Megan Wenner LOCATION: University of Delaware STAR Campus, 540 S College Ave, Newark, DE 19713 STUDY CONTACT: Kathy Masso  |   EMAIL: chs-wcrlab@udel.edu   |   PHONE: 3028313493

DESCRIPTION:

The endothelium is the inner lining of the blood vessels, which releases substances to help control blood vessel function. With advancing age, blood vessel function declines and cardiovascular disease risk increases. It has recently been shown that mortality from cardiovascular disease is increased in women aged 35-54 years, which is the time of when women are approaching and transitioning through menopause. It is unclear what contributes to this increased mortality rate, and is a significant problem for women’s health. The goal of this study is to determine how estrogen impacts blood vessel function.

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INCLUSION AND EXCLUSION CRITERIA:

We will recruit Peri-menopausal women (ages 40-58) that will be classified as either Early Peri or Late Peri based on changes in menstrual cycle length.
Exclusion criteria: Women who are pregnant or are planning on becoming pregnant, are breast feeding, have a history of cardiac disease, blood clots, pulmonary embolism, deep vein thrombosis, stroke, cancer, liver disease, have a body mass index >30 or 140/90 mmHg will be excluded. Women with diabetes, neurological disease, autoimmune disorders, have had a hysterectomy will not participate in this study. Women using exogenous hormones (birth control, hormone replacement therapy) within the past 3 months will be excluded. Women with a latex allergy will be excluded, as will women that have had an abnormal GYN exam in the past year. Women who have been hospitalized as a result of contracting COVID-19 will be excluded.

HOW TO APPLY:

Please review study details in the link and click Get in Touch to schedule a screening call.

Bioidentical Hormone Replacement Therapy and Cardiovascular Function

STUDY CATEGORY: Cardiovascular (Heart and Circulation), Healthy Volunteers, Women’s Health PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR: Megan Wenner LOCATION: University of Delaware STAR Campus, 540 S College Ave, Newark, DE 19713 STUDY CONTACT: Allyson Schwab  |   EMAIL: allyschw@udel.edu   |   PHONE: 6039333216

DESCRIPTION:

The Women’s Cardiovascular Research Lab is recruiting perimenopausal and postmenopausal women ages 40-70 to understand how bioidentical hormone replacement therapy affects cardiovascular function. To do this, we will use
several techniques including measures of blood pressure, heart rate, and blood vessel function. We are looking to recruit both women taking this hormone therapy and those not taking this hormone therapy. This study will require a virtual screening and consent and 4 in-person visits for a total of approximately 4.5 hours. Participants will receive $100 compensation.

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INCLUSION AND EXCLUSION CRITERIA:

You are eligible for this study if you are a healthy peri- or postmenopausal woman between the ages of 40-70. You will not be able to participate if you have a BMI greater than 35, use tobacco products, are pregnant, planning on becoming pregnant, or are breast feeding, have a history of blood clots, pulmonary embolism, deep vein thrombosis, stroke, liver disease, hypertension, diabetes, epilepsy, or gallbladder disease, are using blood pressure or heart medications, have a history of breast cancer, abnormal vaginal bleeding not related to period, fibroids in the uterus, or have had an abnormal gynecological exam with the last year, or have used hormonal IUDs, oral contraceptives or other forms of hormone replacement therapy within the last 3 months.

HOW TO APPLY:

If you would like more information or would like to participate, please contact Ally Schwab via email (allyschw@udel.edu).

Speech Stats Study

STUDY CATEGORY: Brain and Neurological, Speech and Language PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR: Arild Hestvik LOCATION: University of Delaware Main Campus, Newark, DE 19716 STUDY CONTACT: Chao Han  |   EMAIL: hanchao@udel.edu   |   PHONE: 3025534750

DESCRIPTION:

You will get to wear EEG equipment that records your brain activity while you are listening to and identifying some syllables. At the same time, you will complete a jigsaw puzzle based on how you identify them. The experiment takes 90-120 minutes to complete. You will get $20 for completing the experiment.

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INCLUSION AND EXCLUSION CRITERIA:

Native, monolingual English speakers, between the ages18 and 30, without language impairment history

HOW TO APPLY:

If you are interested contact Chao Han at hanchao@udel.edu

Positive Processes and Transition to Health

STUDY CATEGORY: Men’s Health, Mental Health, Older adult, Women’s Health PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR: Adele Hayes LOCATION: Fully Remote STUDY CONTACT: Adele Hayes  |   EMAIL: pathstudy@udel.edu   |   PHONE: 302-831-2215

DESCRIPTION:

PTSD DEPRESSION RESEARCH STUDY OFFERING THERAPY

The Depression and Trauma Treatment Program at the University of Delaware is looking for people ages 18-65 who have experienced a stressful life event and are experiencing symptoms of PTSD or depression. Such stressors might include sexual assault, physical assault, a bad accident, loss of a job, or military trauma. Common symptoms of PTSD and depression include distressing memories, sadness, feeling numb, and sleep problems. The study is examining a brief (6 weeks) intervention for symptoms associated with stressful life events. Compensation is provided for participation. Call 302-831-2215 for more information or visit www.pathway2help.com.

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INCLUSION AND EXCLUSION CRITERIA:

This study is appropriate for adults ages 18-65 who have experienced a stressful life event and are experiencing symptoms of PTSD or depression

HOW TO APPLY:

Call 302-831-2215 for more information or visit www.pathway2help.com

Influence of sex hormones on heart and blood vessel function in healthy men and premenopausal women

STUDY CATEGORY: Cardiovascular (Heart and Circulation), Healthy Volunteers, Men’s Health, Women’s Health PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR: Ninette Shenouda LOCATION: University of Delaware STAR Campus, 540 S College Ave, Newark, DE 19713 STUDY CONTACT: Ninette Shenouda  |   EMAIL: nshenoud@udel.edu

DESCRIPTION:

We are interested in seeing whether measures of heart and blood vessel health differ between men and naturally menstruating premenopausal women, and how these measures may be affected by natural fluctuations in sex hormones.

The study involves 3 identical 1-hour visits and 1 week of physical activity monitoring. Women will also be asked to track their menstrual cycle and test for ovulation. Compensation is $75 for men and $100 for women.

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INCLUSION AND EXCLUSION CRITERIA:

Healthy non-smoking men and women between 18-45 years. Women should have regular menstrual cycles, not be using hormonal contraceptives, and not currently pregnant or breastfeeding.

HOW TO APPLY:

If interested, please contact Ninette Shenouda via e-mail and reference the “Vascular Study”.

Central Sodium Sensing: Implications for Blood Pressure Regulation

STUDY CATEGORY: Brain and Neurological, Cardiovascular (Heart and Circulation), Healthy Volunteers PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR: William Farquhar LOCATION: University of Delaware Main Campus, Newark, DE 19716, University of Delaware STAR Campus, 540 S College Ave, Newark, DE 19713 STUDY CONTACT: Joseph Stock  |   EMAIL: jmstock@udel.edu

DESCRIPTION:

We are investigating how sodium is sensed in the brain using Lasix and a high sodium infusions during an MRI. You will be asked to complete 2 MRI visits and 2 dietary feeding conditions (high and low salt). Subjects may be compensated up to $400.

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INCLUSION AND EXCLUSION CRITERIA:

Inclusion:
– young healthy adults (18 – 45 years)
– normal blood pressure
– normal body mass index

Exclusion:
– history of chronic disease
– clinically diagnosed psychiatric or neurological disorder
– clinically diagnosed anxiety or depression
– blood pressure, anxiety or depression medications

HOW TO APPLY:

Please email Joseph Stock to learn more about this study and participate.

Assessment of Vascular Function: Changes throughout the menstrual cycle

STUDY CATEGORY: Cardiovascular (Heart and Circulation), Healthy Volunteers, Women’s Health PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR: Melissa Witman LOCATION: University of Delaware STAR Campus, 540 S College Ave, Newark, DE 19713 STUDY CONTACT: Michele D’Agata  |   EMAIL: dagatami@udel.edu   |   PHONE: 302-831-6958

DESCRIPTION:

We are seeking Hispanic women to complete a total of 4, 1-hour visits to the lab. Visit 1 is the informed consent and screening and visits 2-4 are vascular testing visits that take place throughout one complete menstrual cycle. We use ultrasound to assess vascular function in the arm and leg.

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INCLUSION AND EXCLUSION CRITERIA:

Generally healthy, Hispanic, premenopausal women, ages 18-35, may NOT be taking any form of hormonal birth control, should have regular menstrual cycles, may not be taking any medications that interfere with the menstrual cycle or vascular function.

HOW TO APPLY:

Please email Michele at dagatami@udel.edu or call 302-831-6958 for more information or to enroll in the study.

Vascular Consequences of COVID-19 in Children

STUDY CATEGORY: Adolescents, Cardiovascular (Heart and Circulation), Pediatric, Public Health including Covid-19 PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR: Melissa Witman LOCATION: University of Delaware STAR Campus, 540 S College Ave, Newark, DE 19713 STUDY CONTACT: Michele D’Agata  |   EMAIL: dagatami@udel.edu   |   PHONE: 302-831-6958

DESCRIPTION:

The purpose of this study is to assess the effects of COVID-19 on blood vessel function in children and adolescents. You and your child will be asked to make 1 visit to the lab. Following consenting and screening your child will undergo a series of blood pressure and blood vessel function assessments using ultrasound imaging of the arm and leg.

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INCLUSION AND EXCLUSION CRITERIA:

Generally healthy children and adolescents between 7-17 years old who have received a positive COVID-19 diagnosis within the past 3-6 months. Children/adolescents who have never had COVID-19 will also be considered for enrollment.

HOW TO APPLY:

Please email Michele at dagatami@udel.edu or call 302-831-6958 for more information or to enroll in the study.

Cardiovascular Consequences of Duchenne and Becker Muscular Dystrophinopathies

STUDY CATEGORY: Adolescents, Cardiovascular (Heart and Circulation), Healthy Volunteers, Pediatric PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR: Melissa Witman LOCATION: University of Delaware STAR Campus, 540 S College Ave, Newark, DE 19713 STUDY CONTACT: Michele D’Agata  |   EMAIL: dagatami@udel.edu   |   PHONE: 302-831-6958

DESCRIPTION:

We are studying the effects of Muscular Dystrophinopathies on cardiovascular function. We are seeking both generally healthy boys and patients diagnosed with either Becker or Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy between the ages of 7-17 years old. We will perform a series of cardiovascular assessments using blood pressure cuffs as well as ultrasound to image the heart and various arteries in the body. You and your child will be asked to make one 2.5-3.5 hour visit to the lab. Participants will be compensated $300 in the form of a visa gift card.

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INCLUSION AND EXCLUSION CRITERIA:

Must be male between 7-17 years old.
Recruiting either generally healthy boys or boys diagnosed with Duchenne or Becker Muscular Dystrophy.
Healthy boys should be normal weight and not be diagnosed with, or take medication for any chronic diseases or conditions

HOW TO APPLY:

Please email Michele at dagatami@udel.edu or call 302-831-6958 for more information or to enroll in the study.

Acute effects of added sugar intake on cerebrovascular function and brain integrity

STUDY CATEGORY: Brain and Neurological, Healthy Volunteers, Nutrition and Food PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR: Christopher Martens LOCATION: University of Delaware Main Campus, Newark, DE 19716, University of Delaware STAR Campus, 540 S College Ave, Newark, DE 19713 STUDY CONTACT: Faria Sanjana  |   EMAIL: fsanjana@udel.edu

DESCRIPTION:

The study consists of a consent and screening visit that requires 2 hours of your time. Once you qualify, there will be 2 more visits in which we will be performing a baseline MRI scan and blood draw after which you will eat either a low-sugar or a high-sugar meal. After 3 hours, we will repeat the MRI scan and blood draw. Each visit will take about 4.5 hours, however, you’re free for ~2 hours after you consume the meals during which you can work/read at the MRI center at UD.

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INCLUSION AND EXCLUSION CRITERIA:

Generally healthy, non-smoking individuals between the ages of 30 and 64, who are willing to go in an MRI

HOW TO APPLY:

If interested, please email: fsanjana@udel.edu

Neural Substrates of Motivation

STUDY CATEGORY: Brain and Neurological, Healthy Volunteers PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR: Philip Gable LOCATION: University of Delaware Main Campus, Newark, DE 19716 STUDY CONTACT: Austin Moran  |   EMAIL: morana@udel.edu

DESCRIPTION:

In this study, you will perform basic cognitive and motivational tasks (eg., responding to visual stimuli) on a computer after being presented with transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS), a form of non-invasive brain stimulation that involves the delivery of brief magnetic pulses to stimulate neurons in the cortex and transiently disrupt neural activity in a small area of the brain. This study consists of two sessions total which take approximately 2 hours each and are separated by at least 24 hours. Participants are compensated $12.50 an hour for your participation, with an additional $5 for every 20 minutes if the session where to go longer than 2 hrs.

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INCLUSION AND EXCLUSION CRITERIA:

Individuals must be 18 years of age or older, right handed, able to read and understand English, and have normal or corrected eyesight. Individuals must also not have any of the following exclusion criteria:

1. Be pregnant or suspect to be pregnant.
2. Have a history of active neurological problems, including seizures.
3. Have a history of psychiatric disorders, including mania, psychosis or depression.
4. Have a history of seizures or of epilepsy in a first degree relative.
5. Have a history of head injury with unconsciousness lasting more than 5 minutes.
6. Have a history of stroke.
7. Have previously had brain surgery.
8. Have medical or neurological conditions in which a seizure would be particularly harmful (e.g. increased intracranial pressure).
9. Have a history of tinnitus.
10. Have metallic hardware near head, neck or heart; examples include: cardiac pacemakers, cochlear implants, implantable medical pumps, ventriculo-peritoneal shunts, deep brain stimulators, or intracardiac lines.
11. Have ever had an adverse reaction to TMS.
12. Currently suffer from frequent or severe headaches.
13. Have consumed one or more alcoholic beverages within an hour prior to the study
14. Are suffering from sleep deprivation (lesser than 4 hours of sleep in the past 24hrs).
15. Currently consume any of the drugs and/or medicines listed below that are Drug Contraindications, or any drugs and/or medicine known to lower the seizure threshold.

Drug Contraindications include: Alcohol (within one hour of testing), Amitriptyline, Amphetamines, Chlorpromazine, Clozapine, Cocaine, Doxepin, Foscarnet, Gamma-hydroxybutyrate (GHB), Ganciclovir, Imipramine, Ketamine, Maprotiline, MDMA (ecstasy), Nortriptyline, Phencyclidine (PCP), Ritonavir, Theophylline, or any other medication prescribed for antidepressant medication or medication prescribed to decrease seizure thresholds.

HOW TO APPLY:

To apply please send a short email stating your interest in being a participant to scenlab@gmail.com.