View clinical trials related to Isolation, Social.
Filter by:Human milk oligosaccharides (HMOs) are the third-most abundant component in mothers' milk and are an important prebiotic factor for the development of the gut microbiota of infants, promoting the growth of certain beneficial bacterial strains and providing protection against many bacterial and viral infections. HMOs induce immunomodulatory activity by affecting immune cell populations and functions. In a simulator of the adult human intestinal microbial ecosystem, fermentation of HMOs led to an increase of bifidobacteria in parallel with an increase in short-chain fatty acids as well as a reduction in inflammation markers, supporting the potential of HMOs to provide health benefits also in adults. Long-term stay in microgravity induces many physiological responses, including diminished immune function and impaired glucose tolerance which may lead to rather severe consequences. Similarly, hypoxia conditions as in the Concordia station, affects the immune system and may lead to impaired glucose tolerance and insulin resistance. The hypothesis is that HMOs as a prebiotic supplement will mitigate changes in immune function, glucose tolerance, lipid homeostasis, and neurotransmitter production. It is expected that HMO supplementation will - Modulate gut microbiota composition and function - Improve inflammation status - Improve immune function - Improve glucose tolerance - Improve nutritional status - Prevent changes in neurotransmitters associated with anxiety and depression. During the stay in Antarctica an HMO blend will be supplemented to the verum group of volunteers. The control group will receive a placebo. Experiment days with blood drawing, an oral glucose tolerance test, saliva sampling, and feces samples are planned once before, about every second month in Concordia, and once after return.
In a PCORI-funded project on HIV and aging engagement that was co-led by the study team, the topics of isolation and depressions were identified as priority areas of deep concern among older PLWH. The COVID-19 pandemic has enhanced the urgency to test interventions to mitigate depression and isolation among older PLWH. However, there is scant evidence on effective interventions that help mitigate depression and isolation among older PLWH. While physical distancing and stay at home orders are a necessary strategy to flatten the curve, ease pressure on the healthcare system, and protect the most vulnerable, the order further increases the isolation faced by people aging with HIV, and creates barriers to accessing medications, health services, and other resources. This project will include 6 virtual focus groups and 12 individual interviews with adults ages 50 or older in California (Palm Spring, Los Angeles) and the Tampa-Bay region, Florida to (1): further characterize issues related to depression, isolation, and basic needs of people aging with HIV during the COVID-19 pandemic (2) utilizing results from Aim 1, co-develop ideas for what to include in a virtual village, and (3) create and pilot the virtual village in a group of people aging with HIV. The overall goal of this study is to execute an innovative solution to address issues related to isolation for older PLWH which have been exacerbated during the COVID-19 pandemic.