Background: Hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis (HLH) is a disease caused by disrupted immune function. People with HLH are prone to fevers and illnesses, which can be fatal. Some people develop a genetic form of this disease (pHLH), but researchers do not understand why some other people develop a nongenetic form (sHLH). They also do not have good ways to diagnose and treat sHLH. Objective: To learn about sHLH and why some people get it and others do not. Eligibility: Adults aged 18 years and older with sHLH. Design: Participants will be admitted to the study based on a review of their medical records. Those who join will have at least 3 clinical evaluations over 9 to 12 months. These may occur during an inpatient hospitalization if they require medical care or in the outpatient clinic. Participants will also have a physical exam at each visit. Up to half a cup of blood will be drawn at each visit. Participants may also have their blood drawn by their own doctors, who will send the samples to the researchers. Researchers may also contact these participants by telephone or video calls. The blood will be used for clinical tests as well as research. No new treatments will be administered as part of this study; however, standard medications and treatments may be recommended. Participants may opt to continue their visits once a year for 3 more years. Participants may also opt for an extra clinial evaluation 1 week after starting a new treatment. ...

Type: Observational

Start Date: Jul 2024

open study

Background: Blood cancers (such as leukemias or lymphomas) often do not respond to standard treatments. A transplant of blood stem cells from a healthy donor can help people with these cancers. Sometimes these transplants cause serious side effects, including a common immunologic problem called graft-versus-host disease. A drug called cyclophosphamide given early after the transplant (post-transplantation cyclophosphamide, PTCy) can reduce these complications. But sometimes this drug has its own negative effects. Furthermore, studies in mice suggest that an intermediate, rather than very high, dose of this drug may best protect against graft-versus-host disease. Objective: To find out if a lower dose of PTCy is more helpful for people who undergo blood stem cell transplants. Eligibility: People aged 18 and older who have a blood cancer and are eligible for a transplant of blood stem cells from another person. Healthy donors are also needed but must be related to the individual needing the transplant. Design: Participants will undergo screening. Transplant recipients will have imaging scans and tests of their heart and lung function. They will be assessed for the status of their cancer, including bone marrow taken from their pelvis and possibly also scans and/or fluid drawn from the spine depending on the disease type. Donors will be screened for general health. They will give several tubes of blood. They will give an oral swab and saliva and stool samples for research. Recipients will be in the hospital at least 4 to 6 weeks. They will have a temporary catheter inserted into a vein in the chest or neck. Medications will be given and blood will be drawn through the catheter. The transplanted stem cells will be given through the catheter. Participants will receive medications both before and after the transplant. Participants will return to the clinic at least once a week for 3 months after leaving the hospital. Follow-up visits will continue periodically for 5 years.

Type: Interventional

Start Date: Nov 2022

open study

Background: - Lymphangioleiomyomatosis (LAM) is a rare type of lung disease that occurs almost exclusively in women. In LAM, muscle tissue grows in the lungs and starts to block the flow of air. It is a progressive disease, and in severe cases may require a lung transplant. One possible treatment to improve breathing in people with LAM is inhaled albuterol. Albuterol can be given in a metered dose inhaler (MDI) or with a nebulizer. Researchers want to compare these methods to see which method best improves lung function in women with LAM. Objectives: - To see whether a nebulizer or MDI can better improve lung function in women with LAM. Eligibility: - Women at least 18 years of age who have impaired lung function because of LAM. Design: - Participants will be screened with a physical exam and medical history. No lab tests will be needed for this study. - Participants will have a 3-day overnight stay at the National Institutes of Health. Those who are using long-acting inhalers will have to stop taking these drugs 1 week before the study. - Participants will receive either the nebulizer or two or four puffs of the inhaler. Four puffs of albuterol is a higher dose than is normally prescribed, and is being tested on this study. - Participants will have each treatment around the same time of day on each of the 3 days. Before and after taking the albuterol, participants will have lung function tests.

Type: Interventional

Start Date: Jun 2013

open study

Selected individuals suspected of having or with prior biopsy proof of malignant disease will be seen in the Urologic Oncology Branch, NCI. Blood samples may be collected at the time of the initial visit and at periodic intervals during the course of the disease. These samples will be stored in the tissue bank of the Urologic Oncology Branch. Aliquots of malignant and normal tissue will be collected at the time of surgery and stored in the tissue bank, Urologic Oncology Branch, NCI. These materials will be used in the research efforts of the Urologic Oncology Branch, NCI....

Type: Observational

Start Date: Mar 1998

open study

Study Description: This study examines relations between neurocognitive and clinical features of pediatric anxiety disorders. The study uses neuro-cognitive tasks, functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI), as well as magneto- and electro-encephalography (M/EEG). Patients will be studied over one year, before and after receiving either one of two standard-of-care treatments: cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) or fluoxetine, a serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI). Healthy comparisons will be studied at comparable time points. Primary Objectives: To compare healthy youth and symptomatic, medication-free pediatric patients studied prior to receipt of treatment. The study seeks to detect relations between clinical features of anxiety disorders at baseline and a wide range of neurocognitive features associated with attention, memory, and response to motivational stimuli. Secondary Objectives: 1. To document relations between baseline neurocognitive features and response to Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) or fluoxetine, as defined by the Pediatric Anxiety Rating Scale (PARS) and Clinical Global Improvement (CGI) Scale. 2. To document relations between post-treatment changes in neurocognitive features and anxiety symptoms on the PARS following treatment with Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) or fluoxetine. 3. To document relations among broad arrays of clinical, cognitive, and neural measures Primary Endpoints: Indices of percent-signal change in hypothesized brain regions, comprising amygdala, striatum, and prefrontal cortex (PFC) for each fMRI and MEG paradigm. Secondary Endpoints: 1. Treatment-response as defined by a continuous measure, the Pediatric Anxiety Rating Scale score (PARS), and a categorial measure, the Clinical Global Improvement (CGI) score. 2. Levels of symptoms and behaviors evoked by tasks that engage attention, memory, and elicit responses to motivational stimuli.

Type: Interventional

Start Date: Oct 2001

open study

This study aims to understand the causes and progression of Common Variable Immunodeficiency (CVID) and related inborn errors of immunity (IEI). These are conditions where the immune system does not function properly, leading to frequent infections and other complications such as gastrointestinal inflammation, lung and liver disease, autoimmune conditions, and an increased risk of certain cancers. By studying patients with CVI and related immune disorders, we hope to develop better ways to diagnose, treat, and prevent complications associated with these conditions. Patients diagnosed with CVID or related immune disorders must be referred by their physician and medical records reviewed by the study team to confirm eligibility to participate in this study. Once enrolled, participants will undergo various tests, including blood draws, physical exams, and imaging studies like CT scans to track changes over time. We may collect samples such as blood, urine, stool, or saliva for research purposes. If a surgical procedure or biopsy is performed because it is medically necessary, we may collect an additional sample for research testing. Family members of patients may be asked to provide blood samples for comparison. Some tests may be done remotely if participants or family members cannot travel to the study site. Who Can Participate - Patients diagnosed with CVI or related IEI, such as X-linked agammaglobulinemia, Blau Syndrome or Yao Syndrome. - Participants must be at least 2 years old. - Family members of patients may include parents, siblings, grandparents, children, aunts, uncles, and cousins. - Pregnant women already enrolled in the study will continue to participate, but new pregnant participants will not be enrolled. Potential Risks and Benefits - Risks: Blood draws may cause discomfort, bruising, or infection. Apheresis may cause dizziness, nausea, or muscle cramps; this procedure is to collect specific cells in the blood and is infrequently done on this protocol. Extra biopsies during clinically indicated procedures may increase the risk of complications; they will only be collected after the medically necessary biopsies are taken and if it is safe to collect any extra biopsies. - Benefits: Participants may not receive direct medical benefits, but the study will contribute to a better understanding of CVID and related conditions, potentially leading to improved treatments.

Type: Observational

Start Date: Jan 1990

open study

Background: Allergic and inflammatory conditions have been increasing over the years. Many factors may play a role in this. Every day, people are exposed to pollution and chemicals in our foods, clothing, and all of the cleaning, hygiene, and other products we use. Studies have suggested there may be links between these environmental exposures and allergic and inflammatory illnesses. Researchers want to know more about how these exposures affect our health. Objective: To learn how everyday exposure to common substances affects people s health. Eligibility: Healthy people aged 18 to 80 years. Design: Participants will have 2 stays in the hospital. Each stay will last 7 days, and the stays will be spaced 4 to 6 weeks apart. During both stays, participants will remain confined to their room. They will eat only food from the menu, and they will use only provided products for personal care. (They may bring their own electronic devices, such as their phone and computer.) One stay will be in a pure room. Participants will breathe filtered air, eat unprocessed foods, and use personal care products with fewer chemicals. One stay will be in a room that allows exposure to common environmental chemicals. Some participants will be limited to only 1 type of exposure: chemicals thought to affect only skin, gut, or respiratory health. Some participants will be exposed to all 3 types. Participants will undergo testing. Blood, skin cell, urine, mouth swabs, and stool samples will be taken. They will have lung tests, smell tests, and tests that measure the health of their skin. These tests will be repeated in outpatient visits 2 weeks after each hospital stay....

Type: Interventional

Start Date: Mar 2026

open study

Background: Epilepsy affects about 1 percent of the U.S. population. Most people with epilepsy respond well to medicine, but some do not. Researchers want people who have diagnosed or suspected epilepsy to participate in ongoing studies. They want to learn more about clinical care for epilepsy. They want fellows and residents to learn more about the care of people with epilepsy. Objectives: To learn more about seizures and find ways to best treat people with drug-resistant epilepsy. Eligibility: Adults and children ages 8 years and older with diagnosed or suspected epilepsy Design: Participants will be screened with: Physical exam Medical history Questionnaires Participants will have many visits. They may be admitted to the hospital for several weeks. Their medication might be stopped or changed. Participants will have many tests: Blood and urine tests EEG: Wires attached to the head with paste record brain waves. This may be videotaped. Thinking and memory tests MRI: Participants lie on a table that slides in and out of a tube. They perform simple tasks in the tube. MEG: Participants lie on a table and place their head in a helmet to record brain waves. PET scan: Participants lie on a table that slides into a machine. A small amount of radioactive dye is injected into their arm with an IV. For the IV, a small tube is inserted into the arm with a needle. Participants will stay enrolled in this study if they join other epilepsy-related studies. They may be contacted at intervals for follow-up. Their participation will end if they have not been seen clinically for their epilepsy for 3 years.

Type: Observational

Start Date: Mar 2018

open study

Background: Fanconi anemia (FA) is an inherited disorder. People with FA are more likely to get certain cancers, especially squamous cell carcinoma (SCC). These cancers usually appear first in the mouth, esophagus, and genital and anal areas. Early detection of SCCs may help improve survival rates for people with FA. Objective: This natural history study will regularly screen people with FA for SCC. Eligibility: People aged 12 years and older with FA or a prior cancer diagnosis. Children aged 8 to 11 years with FA may also be eligible. Design: Participants will receive a comprehensive screening for cancer or early signs of cancer. Participants will have a physical exam. They will provide blood and saliva samples. Cells will be collected by rubbing a swab on the inside of the cheeks. A skin sample may be removed from the back, buttocks, or inside of the upper arm. Participants will have pictures taken of their mouth. Any mouth sores will be mapped. Cells will be collected from the sores with a small brush. Specialists will examine the participant s ears, nose, throat, teeth, and skin. Adult participants may have a gastrointestinal exam or pelvic exam. Participants may have an endoscopy. A long tube with a camera and a light will be inserted through the mouth and down into the stomach. Participants may have a liver ultrasound. A wand will be pressed against their belly to get pictures of the organs inside the body. Participants will have screenings every year for up to 10 years. Each visit will last up to 3 days. They will have remote follow-up visits every 6 - 8 months....

Type: Observational

Start Date: Mar 2023

open study

Background: Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) occurs when the blockage of the airway causes a person to stop breathing involuntarily for 10 seconds or more throughout the night during sleep. Pediatric OSA can be especially concerning and can have long-term effects. Researchers want to see how a monitoring device called near-infrared spectroscopy (NIRS) compares with the traditional techniques used in children s sleep studies. Objective: To learn about oxygen levels in the brain and limbs in children with and without sleep apnea using a wearable, point-of-care biosensor. Eligibility: Children aged 3-12 who have OSA and plan to receive treatment (OSA group) or who do not have OSA (NORM group). Design: Participants will be screened with a review of their medical records. If they have taken part in other NIH studies, that data will be reviewed as well. Participants in the NORM group will have 1 overnight study visit. Those in the OSA group will have 2 overnight study visits. Participants will do an overnight sleep study. They will have a physical exam and medical history. They will have a sleep study electroencephalography (EEG). For this, electrodes will be placed on their head. They will wear a gauze cap to keep the electrodes in place. Two NIRS probes made of a soft silicon will be placed on their forehead and arm. They will follow their normal bedtime routine. Their parent will stay overnight. The OSA group will have a second study visit 2 weeks to 12 months after they start treatment for their sleep apnea. They will repeat the sleep study.

Type: Observational

Start Date: Aug 2022

open study

Background: - The third molars (wisdom teeth) normally grow in during late adolescence or early adulthood. Many people need or choose to have these teeth removed with oral surgery. Normally, the removed teeth and tissue are thrown away as medical waste. However, oral health researchers want to collect the teeth and tissue for research. They also want to encourage dentists at the National Institutes of Health to improve their skills in oral surgery. This study will collect the teeth and tissue of people who need to have oral surgery to remove their wisdom teeth. Objectives: - To provide continued dental skills training for dentists at the National Institutes of Health. - To collect teeth and tissue samples following wisdom tooth removal surgery. Eligibility: - Individuals between 16 and 50 who need to have their wisdom teeth removed. Design: - This study will involve a minimum of three visits. There will be a screening visit, a surgery visit, and at least one follow-up visit. - Participants will be screened with a physical exam and medical history. A full dental exam with x-rays will be given to evaluate the need for surgery. - At the second visit, participants will have oral surgery to remove their wisdom teeth. The teeth and tissue removed during the surgery will be collected for study. - Participants will receive drugs to control the pain after surgery. They will also be able to contact a dentist if there are any problems. - Between 7 and 21 days after surgery, participants will have a followup visit to check the healing. If they are having no problems, this will be the last visit. If there are any postsurgery issues, they will be scheduled for additional visits as needed.

Type: Observational

Start Date: Jun 2013

open study

This study will evaluate members in families with a history of small bowel carcinoid cancer to study the natural history of those family members that have the disease, determine ways to improve early detection by performing surveillance on those at risk but without disease and to identify the gene(s) that may cause the tumors. Familial carcinoid tumors usually originate in hormone-producing cells that line the small intestine or other cells of the digestive tract. The tumors are slow-growing and usually take many years before they cause symptoms. It is known that these tumors occur more often in some families and are then passed from one generation to the next by inherited genes. Members of families, including all siblings and offspring in which two or more immediate blood relatives have had small bowel carcinoid tumors are eligible for this study. In some cases unaffected spouses of family members diagnosed with carcinoid cancer are also requested to participate by donating a sample of blood only. Participants undergo a medical evaluation every 3 years during a 3- to 5-day hospital stay at the NIH Clinical Center. All participants have a personal and family medical history obtained and undergo a physical examination, blood and urine tests. People who already have a small bowel carcinoid tumor or are at risk of developing a carcinoid tumor have some or all of the following procedures to determine the presence of carcinoid tumor and its (omit next two words- location or) spread to other areas of the body: - Video Capsule Endoscopy: Visualization of the gastrointestinal tract by ingesting a disposable, "vitamin-pill sized" video capsule that has its own camera and light source. - CT of the chest abdomen and pelvis with oral and IV contrast : X-ray examination of the chest, abdominal and pelvis organs. - 18 FDOPA Positron emission tomography (PET) with CT for localization: Nuclear imaging scan to look at tumor activity. - MRI Liver with contrast - to determine if disease has spread to liver - Gallium 68 PET/CT-limited to individuals that have residual tumor. - Clinical and research blood work Should mid gut carcinoid tumors be found every participant will be assisted in determine what the best course of treatment will be for them.

Type: Observational

Start Date: Aug 2008

open study

Background: Medical advances have improved survival rates for many cancers and other illnesses. This means that more people are coping with the long-term effects of these treatments. Some treatments can cause female infertility. Ovarian tissue cryopreservation (OTC) may help. Before undergoing a treatment that may damage their fertility, patients may opt to freeze a sample of ovarian tissue. The tissue contains immature egg cells. When thawed, the tissue can be reimplanted. This procedure can help women become pregnant. Objective: This natural history study will create a databank of ovarian tissue. The NIH will provide OTC as a clinical service. The NIH will also request a portion of the tissue to use for research. Eligibility: Females aged 4 to 35 who opt to have OTC before receiving cancer treatment. Design: Participants will be screened. Their existing medical records will be reviewed. They will be asked if they want to donate a portion of their ovarian tissue for research. No more than 20% of the tissue collected will be taken for research. Some other tissues that would otherwise be discarded will also be kept. Medical data from each participant may also be collected and stored in the database. This data may include results of routine blood tests, imaging tests, and other information. The data will be coded for privacy. Participants will answer a questionnaire. They will be asked about their fertility treatment and general health. The survey takes about 30 minutes. They will repeat the questionnaire once a year for 30 years.

Type: Observational

Start Date: Jul 2022

open study

Background: People who get COVID-19 have a wide range of symptoms. They also recover from COVID-19 in different ways. In this study, researchers will use survey data to describe the different ways people experience and recover from COVID-19. They will also use the data to help create future studies to understand why some people do not fully recover. Objective: To learn more about the range and timing of symptoms that people have before, during, and after COVID-19 infection. Eligibility: People ages 18 and older who can give documentation of a positive COVID-19 or antibody test. Design: Participants will be screened with a telephone interview. It will take 15 minutes. They will provide their COVID-19 test results and medical records. Participants will complete a second telephone interview. It will take 30 60 minutes. They will also take online surveys every 3 months for 3 years. The interview and surveys will ask participants about their health before they got COVID-19, what happened while they had COVID-19, and what their recovery has been like. Participants will get log-in data to take the online surveys. Completing all of the surveys the first time may take up to 3 hours. Follow-up surveys will take up to 30 minutes. Participants do not have to complete the surveys in one sitting. They will be able to save their progress and finish the surveys later. Participants may be contacted to take part in other research studies.

Type: Observational

Start Date: Jan 2022

open study

Objective: The objective of this study is to identify genetic causes of inherited eye conditions through whole exome or whole genome sequencing (referred to as exome sequencing and genome sequencing in the remainder of the document). This includes identifying mutations in known genes or novel genes for recognized conditions, as well as identifying mutations in novel genes for previously uncharacterized genetic conditions involving the eye. Study Population: We plan to recruit 2,000 participants, to include both participants with an eye condition under study and unaffected family members. Ideally unaffected family members will be parents of an affected participant. Design: Participants will be self-referred or referred by an outside clinician. They will preferably be evaluated at the National Institutes of Health (NIH), but the option to participate offsite will be offered. Participants evaluated onsite will be recruited through other pre-existing NIH protocols, such as the National Eye Institute (NEI) Screening protocol (08-EI-0102), the NEI Ocular Natural History protocol (16-EI-0134), the Genetics of Inherited Eye Disease protocol (15-EI-0128), and the Pathogenesis and Genetics of Microphthalmia, Anophthalmia and Uveal Coloboma (MAC) protocol (13-EI-0049). Offsite participants will be screened via phone or secure videoconference, and records will be requested for evaluation of affected participants. Both affected and unaffected eligible participants will undergo genetic counseling and will provide a blood sample and/or saliva sample for exome or genome sequencing. Biological relationships will be confirmed prior to exome or genome sequencing. Sequence data will be analyzed for primary variants and secondary findings, unless participants choose to opt-out of secondary analysis and reporting. All sequence variants deemed clinically relevant will be validated in a Clinical Laboratory Improvement Amendment (CLIA)-certified laboratory and the results will be returned to the participant in-person, secure videoconference, or by telephone. Outcome Measures: This is an etiologic study that will generate molecular information about previously-recognized conditions for which participants did not have a molecular diagnosis, as well as molecular information for previously uncharacterized conditions involving the eye.

Type: Observational

Start Date: Aug 2014

open study

This study will explore the causes of rheumatic diseases and why many of them affect certain minority communities more severely. Rheumatic diseases may cause joint pain, stiffness or swelling. Some can involve bones, muscles, tendons or ligaments. Some cause abnormalities of the immune system-the body s defense against disease. Some rheumatic diseases are painful or deforming and some can be life threatening. Information obtained from this study will be used to learn about the disparities in rheumatic disease in the minority community and to design further, more targeted, research studies to address this issue. Patients with known or suspected rheumatic disease 18 years of age or older may be eligible for this study. Candidates will undergo a medical history and physical examination to confirm the diagnosis of rheumatic disease and determine what is needed for evaluation and treatment. Participants will receive standard medical care for rheumatic disease and arthritis. No experimental treatments, medications or procedures will be included in this study. Procedures may include routine blood tests for blood chemistries, cell counts, and antibodies commonly found in patients with rheumatic disease; a urine test for proteins and cells; and X-rays and other imaging tests to check for abnormalities in the lungs or other organs. All medical information will be kept confidential. Patients who are found to be eligible for other current NIH research studies will be offered an opportunity to participate in these studies.

Type: Observational

Start Date: Oct 2001

open study

Background: People with familial partial lipodystrophy (FPLD) do not store fat in the body normally. This can lead to serious illnesses such as diabetes and heart disease. To learn more about FPLD, researchers want to compare the fat tissue in people with this disease to the fat tissue of healthy people. Objective: To collect and analyze samples of fat tissue in people with and without FPLD. Eligibility: People aged 18 to 65 years with FPLD. Healthy adults are also needed. Design: Participants will be screened. They will have a physical exam. The size and shape of their body will be measured. They will have an imaging scan to measure their bones, muscle, and fat. Participants will be given heavy water to drink at home. The water contains a tracer to help measure the fat in their blood. They will drink 1 vial 3 times a day. After drinking the water for 9 days, participants will come to the clinic for a 3-day stay. They will eat only foods provided by the hospital; the foods will contain tracers. A needle will be inserted into a vein in the arm; participants will receive infusions of other tracers through this needle into their blood; this needle will also be used to draw blood samples for testing. On their third day in the clinic, participants will have biopsies: Small samples of fat will be removed from under the skin on the belly and thigh. Participants may return for a follow-up visit 8 days after leaving the clinic. Blood draws and fat tissue biopsies will be repeated.

Type: Observational

Start Date: Jan 2024

open study

Background: - Gene therapy is being investigated as a possible treatment for individuals with immunodeficiency diseases or other conditions that make it difficult to fight off infection. Gene therapy avoids problems with donor identification and possible rejection of bone marrow transplant by using the patient s own modified blood cells to help treat the disease. Researchers are interested in collecting stem cells from the blood of individuals with immunodeficiency diseases in order to use the cells to develop potential gene therapy treatments. Objectives: - To collect blood stem cells from patients with immunodeficiency diseases tto test our ability to correct the defects of these cells in the test tube. Eligibility: - Individuals between 18 and 40 years of age with immunodeficiency diseases. - Individuals with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) will not be able to participate in this study. Design: - Participants will provide an initial blood sample for disease screening (such as hepatitis B and C, syphilis, or viruses like the Epstein-Barr virus, herpes simplex virus, or toxoplasmosis) and to check kidney and liver function. - Starting 5 days before blood donation, participants will receive daily injections of a drug called G-CSF (granulocyte colony stimulating factor, or filgrastim), which pushes stem cells out of the bone marrow and into the bloodstream. Participants will receive the injections at the National Institutes of Health Clinical Center. - On day 5, participants will have a single leukapheresis procedure to collect the stem cells from the blood. - No additional treatment will be provided as part of this protocol. The cells that are collected will be used fore experiments in the lab and will not be used to treat individuals with these diseases.

Type: Observational

Start Date: Nov 2010

open study

Background: - Skin disease can have many causes. It can have widespread consequences, and in rare cases can lead to death. Researchers want to determine the causes of various types of skin diseases and find a way to treat them. Objectives: - To determine the causes of various skin diseases and find ways to treat them. Eligibility: - People ages 2 and older who have: - A skin disease or at risk of developing a skin disease OR - A family member of persons with a skin disease - Healthy volunteers ages 2 and older Design: - Participants will be screened under a separate protocol. - Participants may take a survey about how their skin condition affects their quality of life. - Participants will have a medical history and a physical exam including a detailed skin exam. Pictures will be taken of their skin to document any skin disease. - Participants will have specimens collected. This may include: - Several teaspoons of blood taken at each visit - Stool samples - Nail and body fluid (like saliva) samples - Cheek swabs. The inside of the cheek will be scraped for about a minute in each direction to collect cells. - Collection of skin samples with: - A swab (like a Q-tip) - Gently scraping skin to remove the outer layers of cells - Applying and removing 1-inch pieces of tape - Participants may have up to 4 skin biopsies in 12 months, with 4 separate biopsies taken each time. - An area of skin will be numbed with an injection. - A piece of skin the size of a pencil eraser will be removed using a small instrument. - A flat scar usually develops at the biopsy site.

Type: Observational

Start Date: Jun 2015

open study

The study will allow researchers to obtain blood, plasma, DNA, and RNA for genetic studies of insulin. There will be a focus on the causes of insulin resistance and diabetes mellitus. Insulin is a hormone found in the body that controls the level of sugar in the blood. Insulin resistance refers to conditions like diabetes when insulin does not work properly. In this study researchers would like to compare patients with diabetes and other forms of insulin resistance to normal individuals. The study will investigate how insulin attaches to cells. Researchers will take 4 to 6 ounces (100-150 ml) of blood from adult patients and may request up to 12 ounces (one unit) of blood if necessary. Skin samples may be taken for a biopsy if further genetic testing is necessary. In addition some patients may be asked not to eat for up to 72 hours prior to testing....

Type: Observational

Start Date: Feb 1976

open study

Neurocysticercosis is a brain disease due to the larval stage of the pork tapeworm (Taenia solium). The most common symptoms patient experience from infection inside the substance of the brain (parenchymal disease) are seizures and headaches. When the infection is either inside the fluid pockets inside the brain (ventricular disease) or in the space around the brain (subarachnoid disease) patients can have chronic headaches, relapsing aseptic meningitis, hydrocephalus, stroke, and may require neurosurgical intervention. The purpose of this study is to treat patients with anthelmintic therapy (praziquantel and/or albendazole) and anti-inflammatories in alignment with currently accepted best practices and guidelines, depending on the neurocysticercosis subtype. The purpose of the study is to better understand and characterize clinical, biologic, and management factors during treatment that influence long term outcomes. In order to understand this further we collect patient clinical information, patient survey responses, blood, urine samples, and additional cerebral spinal fluid if already being collected for clinical care.

Type: Observational

Start Date: Oct 1985

open study

Background: Gastrointestinal neuroendocrine tumors (GI NET) are a type of cancer that affects the stomach and intestines; pheochromocytoma/paragangliomas (PPGL) are tumors that grow in or near the adrenal glands. Both of these types of tumor have high levels of a protein called somatostatin receptors (SSTR) on their surfaces. Researchers want to test a treatment that targets SSTR. Objective: To test a drug ([212Pb]VMT-alpha-NET) in people with GI NET or PPGL. The drug has 2 components: a protein to bind to SSTR and a radioactive agent to kill the cancer cells. Eligibility: Adults aged 18 years or older with GI NET or PPGL tumors that have spread and cannot be removed with surgery. Design: Participants will be screened. They will have a physical exam, with imaging scans, blood tests, and tests of their heart function. [212Pb]VMT-alpha-NET is given through a tube attached to a needle inserted into a vein (infusion). Treatment will be given in four 8 week cycles. Participants will receive the drug on the first day of each cycle. They will remain in the clinic at least 4 hours after each infusion and may need to stay in the hospital for up to 48 hour for monitoring and testing. They will have blood tests every week of each cycle. Some participants will also get a related study drug ([203Pb]VMT-alpha-NET). They will receive this drug a few days before the first 2 cycles. At 4, 24, and 48 hours after each infusion, they will have whole body scans. These scans will show where the study drug went in their body. Follow-up visits will continue for 10 years....

Type: Interventional

Start Date: Feb 2025

open study

Background: Kaposi sarcoma herpesvirus (KSHV)-associated inflammatory cytokine syndrome (KICS) and KSHV-multicentric Castleman disease (MCD) occur in people living with HIV. These diseases cause severe inflammation that can be fatal if not treated. Objective: To test a drug (pacritinib) in people with KSHV-associated KICS or MCD. Eligibility: People aged 18 years and older with KSHV-associated KICS or MCD. They must have at least one symptom. Design: Participants will be screened. They will have a physical exam with blood tests and tests of their heart function. They will have imaging scans. Their ability to perform everyday tasks will be reviewed. In some participants who have Kaposi sarcoma (KS) with KICS or MCD, these individuals may need a bronchoscopy and/or endoscopy of the upper or lower intestine: A flexible tube with a camera and a light source will be inserted through the mouth or anus to see these structures and assess any KS. Pacritinib is a capsule taken by mouth. Participants will take the drug twice a day, every day, for up to 24 weeks. They will write down each dose in a diary. Participants will visit the clinic 3 times in the first 4 weeks. Their visits will taper to once every 4 weeks. Imaging scans, blood tests, and other tests will be repeated during these visits. Participants will give samples of saliva. They may opt to allow tissues samples to be taken from their skin and lymph nodes. Participants will have follow-up visits 7 days and 30 days after their last dose of pacritinib. After that, they will visit the clinic every 3 months for up to 1 year. The physical exam and blood, heart, and imaging tests will be repeated at these visits.

Type: Interventional

Start Date: Mar 2025

open study

Background: Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a complex neurodevelopmental syndrome. Researchers think brain development may be controlled by gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA). They want to learn how abnormalities in the GABA system may contribute to ASD. Objective: To see if repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) creates short-term changes in how different parts of the brain communicate. Eligibility: Right-handed people ages 11-17 with ASD, and healthy volunteers ages 18-25. Design: Participants will be screened with: Medical history Physical exam Medicine review Neurological exam Psychological tests and rating scales Forms and surveys. Participants will have a hearing test and ear exam. Participants will have magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of the brain. They will lie on a table that moves in and out of the MRI scanner. They may look at a screen while in the scanner. A coil will be placed over their head. Participants will have magnetic resonance spectroscopy. It takes pictures of chemicals in the brain using the MRI scanner. Participants will have magnetoencephalography. They will sit in a chair. A helmet with magnetic field sensors will be placed on their head. Participants will have TMS. A wire coil will be held on their scalp. A brief electrical current will pass through the coil. Participants will have electromyography. Sticky pad electrodes will be placed on the skin during TMS. The electrical activity of their muscles will be measured. Participants will have rTMS. It uses short bursts of magnetic pulses to affect brain activity. ASD participants may have visits scheduled as often as 1 time a week or as far apart as 2 months based on the participants or study team's availability. Healthy volunteers will have 3 visits over 3-4 weeks....

Type: Interventional

Start Date: Jun 2021

open study

Background: - White blood cells called granulocytes help the body fight infection. People who have had chemotherapy or bone marrow transplants may have very low numbers of these cells. Transfusions of these cells can help improve the body's ability to fight infection. However, most of the cells are located in the bone marrow or spleen, and are hard to collect from healthy donors. Two drugs, filgrastim and dexamethasone, can help move the cells to the bloodstream to be collected by apheresis. Researchers want to study the best ways to collect these white blood cells. They also want to monitor the effects of the injections and donations on the volunteer donors. Objectives: - To improve the amount and quality of granulocytes (white blood cells) collected by apheresis for donation. Eligibility: - Healthy volunteers between 18 and 75 years of age. Design: - Participants will be screened with a physical exam and medical history. Initial blood tests will be done to check for eligibility. - Participants will donate granulocytes by apheresis a maximum of 12 times in 1 year. Donations will not usually be requested more often than every 4 weeks. Donors will be allowed to decline participation at any time. - Participants will have one injection of filgrastim 12 to 24 hours before donation. They will also have two tablets of dexamethasone 12 hours before donation. - White blood cells will be collected through apheresis. The apheresis will last about 2 hours. - Participants will be eligible to donate until they reach their 76th birthday.

Type: Interventional

Start Date: Dec 2012

open study