Clinical trials

Cancer patients undergoing surgery are at high risk of malnutrition due to the effects of the tumor and surgical stress, which can lead to worse clinical outcomes. This study aims to evaluate the impact of beta-hydroxy-beta-methylbutyrate (HMB) supplementation on inflammatory markers and clinical outcomes in patients with malignant tumors of the upper airways and digestive tract undergoing surgery. This is a randomized, double-blind clinical trial. Participants will be randomly assigned to one of two groups: intervention (3 g/day of HMB) or control (3 g/day of maltodextrin) for 30 days prior to surgery. Initial assessments will include nutritional status, muscle strength, quadriceps muscle thickness by ultrasound, and laboratory tests. Postoperative clinical outcomes will be monitored through electronic medical records.

Introduction: Although individuals with Parkinson's disease (PD) commonly use assistive devices, the effects of these devices on gait remain poorly understood. Furthermore, previous studies on this topic only investigated the immediate effects of device usage, and the investigated outcomes were predominately performance-based neglecting participant-centered outcomes. Objective: To investigate the effect of cane training and use on gait speed (primary outcome), gait confidence, cadence, step length, functional mobility, freezing of gait, fear of falls and satisfaction with the use of a cane (secondary outcomes) in individuals with PD. Methods: A double-blind, randomized controlled trial with intention-to-treat and per-protocol analysis will be carried out. A total of 26 individuals with PD will be recruited based on the following inclusion criteria: age ≥ 40 years, diagnosis of idiopathic PD, classification between stages II to IV on the modified Hoehn \& Yahr Scale, stable use of anti-parkinsonian pharmacological therapy, ability to walk independently with a walking speed ≤ 1.1 m/s (defined to screen individuals with gait impairments), and ability to use a single-point cane during walking without regular use of any type of assistive device since the diagnosis of PD. Participant will be randomly divided into two groups that will receive: (1) cane training and use (experimental group) or (2) global stretches and health education (time and attention-controlled group). The intervention will be provided in four sessions lasting 40 minutes each, spaced over 15 to 22 days. Additionally, individuals will be instructed to use a cane (experimental group) or perform stretching exercises (time and attention-controlled group) daily, starting from the first day of training. Assessments will be conducted at the beginning of the study (week 0), post-intervention (after the 3-week intervention), and one month after the cessation of the intervention (8-week follow-up). The primary outcomes is gait speed. Secondary outcomes include gait confidence, cadence, step length, functional mobility, freezing of gait, fear of falls, and satisfaction with the use of a cane. Between-group differences will be measured using a two-way repeated measures ANOVA, considering baseline, post-intervention, and follow-up assessments, following both intention-to-treat and per-protocol approaches (α=0.05). Conclusions: The results of the present study will provide information about the effects of cane training and use on the gait of individuals with PD who will have the opportunity to use the cane in their real-life context.

The objective of this clinical trial is to evaluate the effect of a nutritional formula composed of carbohydrates and proteins on gastric emptying in elderly individuals aged between 60 and 90 years. The main questions this study aims to answer are: * Does the nutritional formula composed of carbohydrates and proteins delay gastric emptying when compared to a formula composed only of carbohydrates? * Does the formula composed of carbohydrates and proteins cause gastrointestinal symptoms in the study population? The researchers will compare both formulas (carbohydrates and proteins vs. carbohydrates only) to answer the main question. Participants will be required to: * Attend the Nuclear Medicine Department after an 8-hour fast, on two separate days with a minimum interval of seven days for scintigraphy procedures. * Consume the offered formula in a randomized and blinded manner. * Report any gastrointestinal symptoms and complete visual analog scales for sensations such as hunger, satiety, and desire to eat.

The experience of infertility can cause significant emotional instability, especially for patients awaiting In Vitro Fertilization (IVF) treatment, generating anxiety, stress, and depressive symptoms. This study is a randomized clinical trial assessing the effectiveness of aromatherapy in improving mental health and quality of life in women undergoing infertility treatment. 120 participants will be randomized into three groups (Intervention, Placebo, and Control). The intervention involves the inhalation of true lavender essential oil (Lavandula angustifolia) for four weeks.

The goal of this clinical trial is to evaluate the effect of dietary fibers in the treatment of functional constipation in women. It will also assess the potential side effects associated with fiber consumption. The main questions it aims to answer are: * In women with constipation who do not consume adequate dietary fiber, does supplementation help improve bowel function? * Among the fibers studied, is there any hierarchy of effect in the treatment of constipation (i.e., is one more effective than the other)? The researchers will compare the effects of the two dietary fibers against each other and against a control to evaluate their impact. Participants will: * Consume 20 g of fiber daily for 6 days, divided into two doses of 10 g each. * Attend a nuclear medicine visit at the end of each 6-day fiber period to perform scintigraphy. * Keep a daily record of bowel habits and dietary intake.

Adolescents with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) typically engage less in physical activities than their typically developing peers, influenced by intrinsic and extrinsic factors. Modified sports interventions, like Sports Stars Brazil, can improve motor skills and promote lifelong participation in sports by enhancing physical, social, and cognitive abilities. However, adolescents often face barriers to engaging in community sports and recreational activities after completing the program. PREP is an approach designed to address these barriers by modifying environments and empowering families. To date, no study has explored this combination in adolescents with ASD. Objective: This protocol assesses the effectiveness of combining Sports Stars Brazil with PREP to enhance participation and physical literacy in adolescents with ASD and explores participant and family perceptions. Method: A mixed-methods study with two phases: 1) a randomized controlled trial to investigate combined intervention's effects; and 2) evaluation of participant and family perceptions.

This study will evaluate the performance of specialist physicians in interpreting normal electrocardiograms (ECGs) with and without the assistance of an artificial intelligence (AI) neural network. The primary aim is to determine whether AI support affects the rate of false-positive interpretations of normal tracings. Secondary aims include evaluating the time required for interpretation, the sensitivity for detecting abnormalities, and the effect on false positives in ECGs with major abnormalities according to the Minnesota Code system. All ECGs in the sample will be reviewed by a panel of three specialists, to determine the reference classification.

Phase 1 clinical trial to evaluate the safety, reactogenicity, and immunogenicity of a malaria vaccine named Vivaxin against the protozoan Plamodium vivax in participants with no prior malaria infection

The goal of this clinical trial is to understand if Resomelagon can treat adult patients with Dengue virus infection. The main questions the investigators aim to answer are: Is Resomelagon safe to use in patients with Dengue? Is Resomelagon able to reduce the duration of illness? (defined by clinical and laboratory criteria) Participants will be allocated to Resomelagon or placebo groups in this study and asked to take the medication and submitted to blood tests.

Introduction: Low- and middle-income countries, such as Brazil, are most impacted by the high burden of recurrent stroke. These countries also lack structured interventions to promote the adoption of healthy lifestyle behaviors in the context of stroke secondary prevention. In contrast, high-income countries, such as Ireland, which invest more in research, have more advanced studies on this topic. However, before implementing interventions developed in countries like Ireland in middle-income countries like Brazil, it is necessary to adapt them to account for cultural and socioeconomic differences. Furthermore, once the adaptation is made, it is essential to investigate the feasibility of implementing the intervention in the new context. Objective: To investigate the feasibility of implementing the Brazilian adaptation of the Irish intervention "iHELP Stroke: Improving Health and Lifestyle Programme", which aims to promote the adoption of healthy lifestyle behaviors post-stroke. Methodology: This is a phase 1 interventional feasibility study, using a pre- and post-intervention design, to be conducted with ten individuals post-stroke, residing in Belo Horizonte, MG, Brazil. The intervention will consist of eight sessions: one educational session, one individual session, and six group sessions, held weekly. The outcomes of interest will include feasibility (recruitment, intervention, and measurement) and clinical outcomes (achievement of the main goal defined by the participants and the number/proportion of participants who meet this goal). Descriptive statistics will be used for analysis. Conclusions: The results of this feasibility study will provide valuable insights for designing subsequent phases of a clinical trial.

The aim of the study is to determine if time-restricted feeding (TRF) is an effective dietary strategy to weight loss after 8 weeks intervention. TRF will be compared with an intervention without restriction in time for feeding. Both strategies will be with caloric restriction.

The goal of this clinical trial is to investigate the effectiveness of yoga for patients with chronic low back pain and high risk of poor prognosis. The main question it aims to answer is: \- In patients with back pain and high risk of poor prognosis, what is the effectiveness of yoga plus education on reducing pain and disability compared to a control group receiving education alone? A total of 110 patients with chronic low back pain and classified as high risk of poor prognosis according to the Orebro Musculoskeletal Pain Screening Questionnaire (i.e. score ≥ 50 points out of 100) will be recruited for this study. Participants will be randomized into two groups: yoga and control. The yoga group will receive a 3-month course of yoga program consisting of two sessions per week and 3 educational classes. The control group will receive 3 educational classes over a 12-week period. Outcome measures will be assessed at baseline, at post-intervention (i.e. 3-months post randomization) and at 6-month follow up (i.e. 6-months post randomization).

Objectives: The aim of this feasibility randomized controlled trial (RCT) study is to investigate whether the theoretically informed telehealth intervention involving the HEARTS Technical Package and the use of an activity monitor to increase physical activity level post-stroke is feasible and to estimate the parameters for conducting a fully powered RCT. Design: A Phase 1 feasibility RCT study with blinded assessment will assign eligible participants to experimental or control group. Participants in both groups will undergo a theoretically informed telehealth intervention based on the HEARTS technical package (a face-to-face session and telephone call follow-up). The experimental group will have additional use of the Mi Band 7® Smartwatch activity monitor. For both groups, the intervention will last for 12 weeks. The feasibility outcomes will be identified considering the different phases of conducting the study. A trained researcher, blinded to the group allocation, will collect the sociodemographic, anthropometric, and clinical outcomes, in a university laboratory setting. Study Outcomes: Feasibility of recruitment, intervention, and measurement, and clinical outcomes. Conclusions: Results from this feasibility RCT study will inform on the design and sample required for a fully powered RCT with a similar aim.

Introduction: In the 2023-2025 period, colorectal cancer (CRC) will be the third most common type of cancer in Brazil. The most commonly used therapeutic approaches are chemotherapy (QTx) and radiotherapy (RTx). QTx agents, such as capecitabine, affect both malignant cells and normal cells such as gastrointestinal, capillary and immune cells. Cellular damage in the gastrointestinal tract (GIT) results in various symptoms, such as mucositis and diarrhea. Diarrhea is linked to mucosal damage and can result in dehydration, malnutrition and hospitalization, leading to cardiovascular complications and death. Mucositis is inflammation that affects the GIT. This condition makes treatment difficult, leading to reductions, delays or interruption of QTx. These scenarios harm the patient's prognosis and quality of life, resulting in high costs for symptom control, nutritional assistance, management of secondary infections and hospitalization. The Mucositis Study Group (MASCC/ISOO) guidelines recommend the use of probiotics as a preventive measure against diarrhea in cancer patients undergoing QTx and/or RTx. However, the safety of using probiotics in immunosuppressed patients is still controversial and hypotheses are based on epidemiological and experimental studies. This makes it necessary to evaluate whether supplementation with pro- or synbiotics before chemotherapy would have the same beneficial results. Objective: To evaluate the effect of synbiotic supplementation on the prevention, incidence and severity of mucositis in cancer patients undergoing QTx. Method: This is a single-center parallel double-masked randomized clinical trial to be carried out at the Borges da Costa/UFMG Outpatient Clinic at Hospital das Clínicas in Belo Horizonte - Minas Gerais (HC-BH/MG). The inclusion criteria are patients diagnosed with CRC eligible for first-line treatment with Capecitabine, aged ≥ 18 years, both sexes, signed the informed consent form. The study was approved by CEP-UFMG. Expected results: It is expected that supplementation with synbiotics in the pre-QTx period will promote modulation of the microbiota and strengthening of the intestinal barrier, resulting in a lower incidence and severity of mucositis and diarrhea, improving the quality of life of these patients.