Articles tagged with Randomization
Comprehensive exploration of living organisms, biological systems, and life processes across all scales from molecules to ecosystems. Encompasses cutting-edge research in biology, genetics, molecular biology, ecology, biochemistry, microbiology, botany, zoology, evolutionary biology, genomics, and biotechnology. Investigates cellular mechanisms, organism development, genetic inheritance, biodiversity conservation, metabolic processes, protein synthesis, DNA sequencing, CRISPR gene editing, stem cell research, and the fundamental principles governing all forms of life on Earth.
Comprehensive medical research, clinical studies, and healthcare sciences focused on disease prevention, diagnosis, and treatment. Encompasses clinical medicine, public health, pharmacology, epidemiology, medical specialties, disease mechanisms, therapeutic interventions, healthcare innovation, precision medicine, telemedicine, medical devices, drug development, clinical trials, patient care, mental health, nutrition science, health policy, and the application of medical science to improve human health, wellbeing, and quality of life across diverse populations.
Comprehensive investigation of human society, behavior, relationships, and social structures through systematic research and analysis. Encompasses psychology, sociology, anthropology, economics, political science, linguistics, education, demography, communications, and social research methodologies. Examines human cognition, social interactions, cultural phenomena, economic systems, political institutions, language and communication, educational processes, population dynamics, and the complex social, cultural, economic, and political forces shaping human societies, communities, and civilizations throughout history and across the contemporary world.
Fundamental study of the non-living natural world, matter, energy, and physical phenomena governing the universe. Encompasses physics, chemistry, earth sciences, atmospheric sciences, oceanography, materials science, and the investigation of physical laws, chemical reactions, geological processes, climate systems, and planetary dynamics. Explores everything from subatomic particles and quantum mechanics to planetary systems and cosmic phenomena, including energy transformations, molecular interactions, elemental properties, weather patterns, tectonic activity, and the fundamental forces and principles underlying the physical nature of reality.
Practical application of scientific knowledge and engineering principles to solve real-world problems and develop innovative technologies. Encompasses all engineering disciplines, technology development, computer science, artificial intelligence, environmental sciences, agriculture, materials applications, energy systems, and industrial innovation. Bridges theoretical research with tangible solutions for infrastructure, manufacturing, computing, communications, transportation, construction, sustainable development, and emerging technologies that advance human capabilities, improve quality of life, and address societal challenges through scientific innovation and technological progress.
Study of the practice, culture, infrastructure, and social dimensions of science itself. Addresses how science is conducted, organized, communicated, and integrated into society. Encompasses research funding mechanisms, scientific publishing systems, peer review processes, academic ethics, science policy, research institutions, scientific collaboration networks, science education, career development, research programs, scientific methods, science communication, and the sociology of scientific discovery. Examines the human, institutional, and cultural aspects of scientific enterprise, knowledge production, and the translation of research into societal benefit.
Comprehensive study of the universe beyond Earth, encompassing celestial objects, cosmic phenomena, and space exploration. Includes astronomy, astrophysics, planetary science, cosmology, space physics, astrobiology, and space technology. Investigates stars, galaxies, planets, moons, asteroids, comets, black holes, nebulae, exoplanets, dark matter, dark energy, cosmic microwave background, stellar evolution, planetary formation, space weather, solar system dynamics, the search for extraterrestrial life, and humanity's efforts to explore, understand, and unlock the mysteries of the cosmos through observation, theory, and space missions.
Comprehensive examination of tools, techniques, methodologies, and approaches used across scientific disciplines to conduct research, collect data, and analyze results. Encompasses experimental procedures, analytical methods, measurement techniques, instrumentation, imaging technologies, spectroscopic methods, laboratory protocols, observational studies, statistical analysis, computational methods, data visualization, quality control, and methodological innovations. Addresses the practical techniques and theoretical frameworks enabling scientists to investigate phenomena, test hypotheses, gather evidence, ensure reproducibility, and generate reliable knowledge through systematic, rigorous investigation across all areas of scientific inquiry.
Study of abstract structures, patterns, quantities, relationships, and logical reasoning through pure and applied mathematical disciplines. Encompasses algebra, calculus, geometry, topology, number theory, analysis, discrete mathematics, mathematical logic, set theory, probability, statistics, and computational mathematics. Investigates mathematical structures, theorems, proofs, algorithms, functions, equations, and the rigorous logical frameworks underlying quantitative reasoning. Provides the foundational language and tools for all scientific fields, enabling precise description of natural phenomena, modeling of complex systems, and the development of technologies across physics, engineering, computer science, economics, and all quantitative sciences.
A study published in JAMA found that couple's therapy, specifically cognitive-behavioral conjoint therapy (CBCT), can significantly decrease PTSD symptom severity and improve intimate relationship satisfaction in couples. The treatment was more effective than a wait-list condition, with improvements maintained at a 3-month follow-up.
A randomized controlled trial found that corticosteroids have no clinical benefit in treating acute sinusitis. Researchers from the Netherlands conducted a study involving 174 adults with clinically diagnosed acute rhinosinusitis and found that oral corticosteroids had no significant effect on facial pain or pressure.
Patients with chronic heart failure who participated in exercise training experienced modest reductions in depressive symptoms after 12 months compared to usual care. Regular exercise was associated with lower scores on the Beck Depression Inventory II and reduced risk of mortality and hospitalizations.
A new study finds CPAP treatment significantly reduces symptoms and improves quality of life in patients with mild to moderate obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) and daytime sleepiness. The study's results suggest that CPAP therapy is highly effective in treating this largest segment of the OSA population.
A study published in JAMA found that administering the regulating agent acadesine before CABG surgery did not reduce all-cause mortality or need for mechanical support. The trial included 2,986 patients and found no significant difference between those who received acadesine and those on placebo.
A randomized controlled trial found that azithromycin improved lung function in patients with BOS following lung transplantation. The study showed a significant improvement in FEV1 measurements, with a mean gain of 37ml in the Azithromycin group and a mean fall of 181ml in the placebo group.
Canada provides scant support for large randomized controlled trials compared to Western countries, hindering effectiveness of medical therapies and procedures. Experts recommend increasing funding to remove bureaucratic barriers and conduct local studies due to unique social and health contexts.
A new study has found that vitamin C supplementation in pregnant women who are unable to quit smoking significantly improves pulmonary function in their newborns. Daily use of vitamin C (500 mg/day) improved peak tidal expiratory flow and respiratory compliance, returning them nearly to the levels seen in non-smokers.
Seven late-breaking clinical trials presented at ATS 2012 examined treatments for ventilator-associated pneumonia, cardiac surgery associated kidney injury, septic shock, idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis, smoking cessation, malignant pleural effusion, and non-cystic fibrosis bronchiectasis. Results showed that shorter courses of doripenem...
Researchers found that primary care-based management was comparable to specialist care in terms of ESS scores, FOSQ scores, and CPAP compliance. Home auto-titrating CPAP usage was also similar between the two groups. The study suggests a lower-cost alternative for OSA treatment, particularly beneficial for rural and remote regions.
A new study published in Science found that workplace safety inspections conducted by California's Division of Occupational Safety and Health (Cal/OSHA) reduce on-the-job injuries and their associated costs, with no negative impact on companies' performance or profits. The researchers examined the effects of randomized inspections on w...
A study examining registered clinical trials found that many small, single-center trials were submitted between 2007-2010, leading to heterogeneity in methodological approaches. The majority of trials had an anticipated enrollment of 1,000 or fewer participants, and only 44% were funded by industry.
A study published in PLOS Medicine found that immediate induction of labor does not significantly improve pregnancy outcomes for women with preterm prelabor rupture of membranes. Instead, expectant management is recommended to reduce the risk of maternal infection and neonatal sepsis.
Researchers found that patients who received early temporary treatment with antiretroviral drugs (cART) for 24 weeks had a lower viral setpoint and delayed the need to restart treatment during chronic HIV infection. This delay lasted for an average of 0.7 years, compared to those who did not receive early cART.
A randomized trial found IPTi to be an effective preventive measure against malaria episodes in infants exposed to both falciparum and vivax malaria. The study showed a significant reduction in malaria cases with regular IPTi treatment during infancy.
A multifaceted intervention improved the use of evidence-based therapies among patients with acute coronary syndromes in public hospitals in Brazil. The study found significant improvements in medication usage and overall quality of care, particularly in low- and middle-income countries.
A study found that administering a bolus dose of the anticoagulant drug abciximab directly into the coronary artery involved in causing a heart attack resulted in a significant reduction in heart muscle damage at 30 days. However, manual thrombus aspiration did not produce similar results.
A study published in Archives of Surgery found that total extraperitoneal inguinal hernioplasty (TEP) associated with lower chronic pain and improved sensation after inguinal hernia repair. However, TEP was linked to a higher incidence of operative complications.
A new endoscopic procedure, transgastric necrosectomy, has been shown to reduce major complications and death in patients with infected severe pancreatitis compared to traditional surgical methods. The study found that the procedure resulted in lower proinflammatory response and reduced rates of multiple organ failure.
A study of 100 intubated patients found no significant differences in pulmonary gas exchange, immunologic status, or coagulation status between fresh and standard-issue red blood cells. The findings challenge previous observational studies linking RBC storage duration to respiratory complications.
Patients treated with diuretic chlorthalidone had significantly lower death rates and longer life expectancy compared to placebo, according to a study published in JAMA. The researchers found that long-term antihypertensive therapy was associated with 1 day prolongation of life expectancy free from cardiovascular death per month.
Researchers evaluated the safety and efficacy of hydroxyurea therapy in pediatric patients with SCD and found that continued use of hydroxyurea was associated with lower rates of pain crises, episodic transfusions, and hospital admissions. The studies also showed high acceptance rates for hydroxyurea among families of children with SCD.
A new study shows that giving stroke patients and their families control over their recovery process can significantly improve physical health scores and reduce disability. The 'Take Charge' session improved patients' quality of life by six points, while the inspirational DVD upped the result by one point.
The study found that radial artery access was associated with significantly lower rates of bleeding and cardiac death compared to femoral artery access. This suggests that the transradial approach may be a preferable option for patients with ST elevation acute coronary syndrome.
A study published in JAMA found that a surgical procedure to improve blood flow in the blocked artery did not reduce the risk of subsequent stroke after two years. The trial, which included 195 patients, showed no significant difference in stroke rates between those who received surgery and those who received medical therapy alone.
A study by Roman Pfister and colleagues found a potentially causal link between low B-type natriuretic peptide (BNP) hormone levels and the development of type 2 diabetes. The researchers suggest that BNP may be a promising target for interventions aimed at preventing type 2 diabetes.
Kansas researchers found that enriched infant formulas fortified with long chain polyunsaturated fatty acids (LCPUFA) are beneficial for developing brains and hearts. Infants fed these formulas showed improved cognitive advancement and lower heart rates compared to those without LCPUFA.
A randomized multicentre open-label study found that 24-month duration of dual therapy is no better than six months in preventing adverse cardiac events, but significantly increases the risk of bleeding and transfusion. The study challenges current guideline recommendations.
The EXAMINATION trial found a non-significant trend towards benefit with Xience-V stent, resulting in a lower rate of new revascularisations and significantly lower rates of definite and probable stent thrombosis at one-year follow-up.
A multicentre randomised trial in France investigated the safety of long-term daily remote monitoring using a home monitoring system compared to conventional in-clinic follow-up. The results showed that remote ICD monitoring is non-inferior to traditional follow-up, with significant reductions in inappropriate shocks and hospitalizations.
The RESET trial demonstrates that sirolimus-eluting stents are non-inferior to everolimus-eluting stents in terms of target-lesion revascularisation rate and late lumen loss. However, the study's findings may be influenced by the relatively low-risk patient population.
A randomized controlled trial found that colchicine significantly reduced the incidence of recurrences and symptom persistence in patients with recurrent pericarditis. Colchicine was also shown to improve remission rates and reduce hospital readmission.
A randomized controlled trial found that narrative exposure therapy significantly reduced PTSD symptoms in former child soldiers in Uganda compared to other therapies. The treatment was conducted by community-based lay therapists without a mental health background, demonstrating its feasibility and effectiveness.
A study found that a 4-day non-denominational spiritual retreat significantly lowered depression in heart patients, while also raising hope. The retreat included meditation, guided imagery, and outdoor activities, leading to immediate improvements in tests measuring depression and hopefulness.
A large-scale study found that pregnant women taking DHA supplements had fewer colds and shorter illnesses in their infants. The study, published in Pediatrics, suggests that prenatal DHA supplementation may help deliver healthier babies.
A systematic analysis of informed-consent documents for U.S. government-sponsored HIV/AIDS research found that the forms were extremely long and used complex wording, hindering full understanding. Researchers recommend shortening and simplifying consent forms to improve participant comprehension.
A study found that non-invasive ventilation used as a weaning technique can shorten intubation time and reduce the risk of post-extubation acute respiratory failure. Additionally, NIV used as a rescue therapy significantly reduces the risk of reintubation and death in patients with chronic hypercapnic respiratory failure.
Recent meta-analyses show telemedical monitoring can improve overall survival by 17-47% in CHF patients. Two trials presented at the Heart Failure Congress 2011 found benefits in specific subgroups, including those with prior decompensation and no depression.
A new NIH-funded randomized clinical trial has found that aspirin and simvastatin do not provide benefits to patients with pulmonary artery hypertension. The study, which was conducted at four U.S. medical centers, enrolled 65 patients and showed no significant difference in six-minute walk distance between the treatment groups.
A study published in JAMA found that both proton pump inhibitor therapy and laparoscopic antireflux surgery are effective in achieving long-term remission for most patients with GERD. At 5 years, estimated 92% of esomeprazole patients remained in remission, compared to 85% of laparoscopic surgery patients.
A recent meta-analysis of 40,000 critically ill patients found no statistically significant difference in hospital mortality between those who received ICU telemonitoring and those who did not. The study suggests that telemonitoring may not be an effective solution for addressing the shortage of intensivist physicians.
A recent study published in The Lancet found that treating acute appendicitis with antibiotics is not as effective as surgically removing the appendix. In the study, patients who received antibiotics were more likely to develop post-intervention peritonitis, a serious inflammation of the abdominal cavity.
A new study suggests that systematic reviews should evaluate a broad range of study designs, including randomized controlled trials and observational studies, to build a complete picture of potential harm. This approach may improve the generalizability of the review without loss of validity.
A new study suggests that group doctor visits could be an effective way to manage Parkinson's disease, allowing patients more time with their doctors and providing education on managing the condition. The study found no difference in quality of life between those receiving usual care and those participating in group visits.
The US Coast Guard has begun trials of the PROTECT system, a computer application developed by USC-engineered that randomizes response vessel schedules to prevent adversaries from exploiting patterns. The system, designed to optimize deterrence effects, is being tested in Boston Harbor with a force of five to ten response boats.
A study found that injection of a bulking agent into the anal canal improved symptoms of faecal incontinence more than sham treatment. The treatment was shown to be safe with minimal adverse events.
A study published in Social Science and Medicine found that online peer support groups had a mixed effect on the well-being of participants with severe mental illnesses. While there was no significant improvement in their condition, participants reported feeling supported and benefited from online connections with peers.
A study found that nitroglycerin ointment increased bone mineral density and decreased bone resorption in postmenopausal women. The researchers also observed increases in bone-specific alkaline phosphatase and decreases in urine N-telopeptide, markers of bone formation and resorption.
A study of over 2,700 runners found that stretching before running neither prevents nor causes injury. However, runners who normally stretch and suddenly stop or switch routines are more likely to experience injuries, particularly groin pulls, foot/ankle injuries, and knee injuries.
A randomized clinical trial found that early amniotomy in labor induction can shorten delivery time by over 10 percent and increase the likelihood of delivery within 24 hours without adverse effects. This method also greatly increases the comfort of the mother.
Researchers found no reduction in preterm delivery or neonatal morbidity in twin pregnancies treated with 17-hydroxyprogesterone. The study, presented at the Society for Maternal-Fetal Medicine's annual meeting, involved over 240 mothers and 480 babies.
Two trials found that intermittent preventive treatment provided substantial additional protection against clinical malaria, severe malaria, and hospital admissions. A third trial demonstrated the effectiveness of community-based delivery by volunteer village health workers in rural areas.
A study by the University of Helsinki found that vitamin E supplementation reduces mortality by 24% in participants aged 71 or older. However, it had no effect on life expectancy for those between 65 and 70 years old with high dietary vitamin C intake.
A study published in BMC's Reproductive Health journal found that a pill containing essential oils significantly reduced premenstrual syndrome (PMS) symptoms. Women taking the supplement reported eased PMS symptoms at 3 and 6 months, with few adverse events recorded.
A study analyzing the Infectious Diseases Society of America's practice guidelines found that more than half are based on opinion rather than evidence from clinical trials. The researchers recommend cautious use of current guidelines and prioritizing critical thinking in patient care.
A new study found that doctors' metaphors used to explain Phase III clinical trials played a significant role in whether patients agreed to participate. Most participants struggled to understand randomization, but those who paid close attention were unaffected by the metaphor used.
The Lancet Series on Critical Care assesses the future of intensive care services amid increasing demand. Authors highlight the need for improved productivity, prevention efforts, and better-designed studies to address challenges in rationing care.
Researchers used low-intensity pulsed ultrasound (LIPUS) to treat patients with delayed unions of the tibia, resulting in a 34% increase in bone mineral density. This non-invasive treatment modality shows promise as a viable option for patients suffering from these injuries.
A new study from the University of California, Berkeley, found that women who receive regular dental care have a lower risk of heart attacks, stroke, and other cardiovascular problems by at least one-third. The study used data from nearly 7,000 people ages 44-88 and ruled out self-selection bias using instrumental variables.
Researchers developed a novel water method to reduce discomfort during unsedated colonoscopy, enhancing cecal intubation and patient willingness to repeat procedures. The study showed significant improvements in these outcomes compared to traditional air insufflation methods.