Understanding the current epidemiology of COVID-19 is of urgent importance in light of the continued pandemic. Given current testing guidelines, the number of individuals within the Charleston, South Carolina area who have had COVID-19 is unknown. Many such individuals may have been asymptomatic or mildly symptomatic. Thus, the number of confirmed cases, those who are or have been symptomatic and tested for COVID-19, is most likely a significant underrepresentation of the community seroprevalence of the virus. The purpose of this study is to determine the number of prior COVID-19 infections that are present in the Charleston area among adults, and to evaluate characteristics associated with infection with SARS-CoV-2, the virus which causes COVID-19.
Chronic venous leg ulcers (CVLUs) affect millions of individuals worldwide, causing considerable suffering, disability and poor quality of life. The objective of this study is to assess stressors, symptoms, and biomarkers associated with lonely and non-lonely adults living with CVLUs. The results from this study are expected to improve our understanding of the mechanisms in the body that are common to loneliness and inflammation and lead towards to the development of a tool that can predict wound healing potential among persons with chronic wounds.
This study aims to explore symptoms for Black women with heart failure using surveys and interviews. Black women have not been included in the majority of heart failure research. It is important that Black women have a voice and the ability to share their symptom experience. The goal of this research is to study clusters of heart failure symptoms in Black women to eventually improve symptom education, monitoring, and treatments.
COVID-19 testing involves collection of swabs from nasopharyngeal cavities where the SARS-CoV-2 virus replicates. Many other commensal and pathogenic microbes may be found in the same host niche. Collectively, these microbes are called the microbiome. We hypothesize that the colonizing microbiome at the time of diagnosis may provide leads for early stratification of cases into risk categories, future clinical manifestations of the disease, and insights into treatment strategies.
This study will document the transition from in-person to telemental health delivery of trauma-focused psychotherapy during the COVID-19 pandemic in Puerto Rico. The study includes interviews and online surveys with health providers, caregivers and youth.
The Medical University of South Carolina (MUSC) is developing a COVID-19 biorepository which will contain blood, urine, and other bodily fluids along with relevant medical information from individuals evaluated, exposed to, or treated for COVID-19. To learn from this pandemic ,and to develop treatments and strategies to better prepare and avert future pandemics we must study the disease and its effects. The clinical specimens in the biorepository will be available for investigators to use for future research. Compensation is provided for participation in this project for eligible participants.
FORWARD, the Fragile X Registry and Database, is the largest resource of clinical and demographic data of the Fragile X syndrome (FXS) population in the United States. FORWARD was created to improve the care and quality of life for those living with FXS. By collecting and monitoring changing data, researchers and healthcare professionals can better understand the experiences of individuals with FXS and their families. Information collected from families like yours will be used to develop best practice guidelines for the care of individuals with FXS around the world.
Alcohol Use Disorder (AUD) is a risk factor for Alzheimer's Disease (AD), but more research is needed to identify the potential mechanisms underlying this risk. The present study will use fMRI to examine brain network profiles in mid-life AUD. The goal is to develop techniques to assess risk for Alzheimer's Disease and related dementias. Participation includes cognitive testing and MRI scanning.
The goal of the study is to characterize the features of Infantile Hemangiomas before and after treatment. Certain characteristics of the hemangioma can be seen more clearly with a closer and more resolute image of the lesion (abnormal vessels etc.). Developing a greater understanding of these characteristics​ may help clinicians better predict the course of infantile hemangiomas in children.
Specific aim 1: to correlate images seen on dermoscopy with regression of the hemangioma.
Specific aim 2: to provide features that may help to predict a better response to treatment.
The goal of this cohort and biorepository is to collect data and blood specimens on individuals with Nontuberculous Mycobacteria (NTM), pulmonary disease, and healthy adults to better understand the illness and ultimately improve the care and survival of those with these conditions.