The purpose of this pilot study is to evaluate safety and efficacy of a novel treatment, low intensity focused ultrasound pulsation (LIFUP) for treatment resistant depression (TRD). The initial visit will involve consent and an MRI scan, followed by two more treatment visits over the course of one week. During the first treatment day, participants will receive either focused ultrasound or sham stimulation. On the second treatment day, all participants will receive focused ultrasound. Response and potential side effects will be monitored pre- and post- each treatment along with one week and one month follow-up assessments. Follow-up assessments will also involve an MRI scan.
Many people smoke cigarettes and use e-cigarettes, and have a hard time stopping. Nicotine replacement therapy medications, such as nicotine patches and lozenges, have been shown to help people quit e-cigarette use. The purpose of the present study is to see how well nicotine patches and lozenges help people quit both smoking and vaping, and to determine if higher doses of the medication work best.
While cigarette smoking is detrimental to health and a known risk factor for cancer, e-cigarettes are thought to be less harmful but not entirely risk-free, and less is known about e-cigarette use and changes to health. The purpose of the present study is to evaluate changes in health that may occur when people stop using e-cigarettes. Participants who use e-cigarettes (and who never smoked, smoked in the past, or currently smoke) will be recruited to participate in a laboratory session followed by a week of abstaining from any nicotine use. Throughout the study, participants will provide biological samples for analysis of DNA damage, immune functioning, inflammation, and respiratory functioning at the MUSC Charleston campus. Results will provide insight into the health benefits of quitting vaping.