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 new study published in PLoS Medicine found that removing user fees for primary health care changed health utilization behavior but did not improve health outcomes among children under 5 years old in Ghana. The study's findings challenge the assumption that free healthcare leads to better health outcomes.
A randomized controlled trial found that women taking vitamin C, E, or beta carotene had a similar risk of cancer as those not taking the supplements. Antioxidant supplements were previously thought to lower cancer risk due to high fruit and vegetable intake, but this study contradicts those findings.
A randomized, placebo-controlled clinical trial found no significant difference in the rate of dementia among participants using Ginkgo biloba or a placebo. The study, which included over 1,500 elderly volunteers, also showed that Ginkgo biloba had no effect on the progression to dementia in individuals with mild cognitive impairment.
The Federal Air Marshals Service is exploring the use of USC's ARMOR system to enhance its operations. The system, which applies game theory insights to scheduling, has been shown to improve security by making it difficult for observers to find predictable patterns in law enforcement patrols. This collaboration aims to further develop ...
A paper on stress urinary incontinence treatment has been retracted from publication after an investigation found critical deficiencies in patient consent and document authenticity. Senior author Georg Bartsch denied involvement, but the study's flaws have raised concerns about research integrity.
The FDA has mandated boxed warnings for COX-2 selective inhibitors and traditional NSAIDs due to their cardiovascular risks. Novel anti-VEGF therapies, such as ranibizumab and bevacizumab, may also pose cardiovascular safety concerns despite proven benefits in treating wet AMD
Recent studies on DES have shown mixed results, with some suggesting increased risk of late thrombosis but no impact on mortality or myocardial infarction. However, other data indicate benefits in terms of reduced reinterventions and improved outcomes for high-risk patients.
A randomized trial found that fluvastatin XL reduced myocardial ischemia and cardiovascular death in high-risk patients undergoing elective vascular surgery. The study showed a significant reduction in the incidence of cardiovascular events and mortality, with a number needed to treat of 12.5 patients.
A new vitespen vaccine was tested on post-operative kidney cancer patients, but showed no significant improvement in recurrence-free survival. In early stage disease, patients receiving the vaccine had a lower risk of recurrence, but this finding requires further validation.
A randomized controlled trial found carbocisteine significantly reduced yearly exacerbation rates in Chinese patients with COPD by 25% compared to placebo. This mucolytic drug may be a worthwhile treatment for prevention of exacerbations, particularly in developing countries.
A study found that doula support during labor significantly reduced cesarean delivery rates by 12% and the need for epidurals by 11%. Continuous presence of a non-medical companion provided benefits even when male partners or family members were present.
Pirfenidone slows lung capacity loss and overall deterioration of IPF, offering new hope for treatment. The study's findings suggest that pirfenidone may also be effective in treating other fibrotic lung diseases.
Researchers presented preliminary results of a prospective randomized controlled trial showing NOTES to be equally successful as traditional laparoscopic surgery, but taking longer. The study also demonstrated complex surgeries can be performed via the mouth using flexible endoscopes.
A randomized trial found patients given beta-blockers after non-cardiac surgery had a higher risk of death or stroke compared to those given placebo, while having a lower risk of non-fatal heart attacks. However, these medications may not outweigh the increased risk of cardiovascular complications.
Women at high risk for cardiovascular disease did not experience a reduced rate of cardiovascular events after taking folic acid and vitamin B supplements for seven years. The study found significant lowering of homocysteine levels, but no difference in cardiovascular event rates between the treatment and placebo groups.
A McGill University study has found a significant link between breastfeeding and improved cognitive development in children. The research, which followed 14,000 children for six years, suggests that prolonged and exclusive breastfeeding can improve IQs and academic performance.
A randomized controlled trial found that high-dose chemotherapy did not increase survival rates for patients with small cell lung cancer. Despite increased tumor shrinkage, the high-intensity approach was deemed ineffective and highly toxic.
A recent study analyzed data from over 216,000 patients in completed phase 3 randomized clinical trials. The results showed that new cancer treatments were found to be slightly superior to standard treatments in terms of patient outcomes such as survival.
A new study by the National Institutes of Health found that a stent designed to open clogged brain arteries was successfully deployed in nearly all cases and reduced arterial blockage, but long-term benefits compared to medical treatment alone were inconclusive. A large-scale randomized trial is expected to provide definitive results.
A recent study found a significant association between the combination of aprotinin and angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors during off-pump cardiac surgery and postoperative renal dysfunction. The study, published in The Lancet, analyzed data from over 9,700 patients undergoing cardiac surgery between 2000 and 2007.
Research findings suggest that children born to mothers receiving multiple micronutrient supplementation (MMN) exhibit increased weight and body size compared to those born to mothers given iron and folic acid supplementation alone. These effects persist into the first three years of life, with an average increase of 2% in weight.
Ustekinumab therapy maintains clinically meaningful improvement in moderate to severe plaque psoriasis through 1 year, with 87% and 91% of patients sustaining a 75% PASI improvement. The study also found sustained response rates at 66% and 73% for PASI 90.
Men with localized prostate cancer who received male hormone suppression therapy and radiation treatment had longer survival rates. However, those with moderate to high levels of comorbid illnesses did not experience this effect. Combination therapy improved overall survival in men without severe comorbidity.
A randomized clinical trial found that adding docetaxel to anthracycline-based chemotherapy improved disease-free survival in breast cancer patients. The study showed a 4% increase in five-year disease-free survival rates, with patients receiving sequential docetaxel after doxorubicin having the best outcomes.
The study found that anthracycline-based chemotherapy improves disease-free and overall survival rates more than non-anthracycline-based regimens for women with HER2-positive tumors. However, the treatment showed no significant benefit for patients with HER2-negative breast cancer.
Researchers compared computed tomographic pulmonary angiography (CTPA) to conventional lungs scans for excluding pulmonary embolism. While CTPA detected more clots, it also resulted in a higher rate of venous thromboembolism diagnoses. The study suggests that CTPA may be a safe and reliable alternative to ventilation-perfusion scanning.
A new study suggests that drug-eluting stents are not cost-effective for low-risk patients due to higher costs and lower quality-adjusted life years. However, the treatment is found to be beneficial in high-risk patients with small vessel or bypass-graft stenting.
A randomized phase III trial found that minocycline accelerates the deterioration of ALS patients, contradicting previous positive results in animal models. The study suggests reassessing trials of minocycline in other neurological conditions.
Patients given human atrial natriuretic peptide (ANP) after a heart attack have lower infarct sizes, fewer reperfusion injuries, and better outcomes than control group patients. ANP also increases left ventricle ejection fraction post-heart-attack.
A recent study presented at TCT symposium showed that the vast majority of patients who underwent MitraClip procedure did not need surgery three years later and experienced improved left ventricle function. The device also reduced mitral regurgitation severity and promoted reverse remodeling, leading to better patient outcomes.
A review of 13 randomized controlled trials found that only Bifantis showed significant improvement in IBS symptoms. The study evaluated the safety, efficacy, and tolerability of probiotics for IBS treatment.
The use of insecticide-treated bednets leads to a significant reduction in child mortality, with estimated protection rates ranging from 34% to 56%. ITN coverage has increased rapidly in Kenya, with an estimated averting seven deaths for every 1000 ITNs used.
A randomized controlled trial involving 1,042 nursing home residents found that wearing an energy-absorbing hip protector did not significantly reduce the incidence of hip fractures. The study's results confirm the growing evidence that current hip protectors are not effective in preventing hip fractures among this population.
A nationwide study found that use of pulmonary artery catheters in US hospitals decreased by 65% between 1993 and 2004, likely due to evidence showing no reduction in mortality for critically ill patients. The decline was most prominent for heart attack diagnoses, with a 81% decrease.
The recent WHI-CACS study confirms estrogen therapy is cardioprotective, reducing atherosclerosis and coronary events. Early initiation of hormone therapy may even reduce the risk of coronary artery disease.
A systematic review and meta-analysis found little to no scientific evidence supporting the use of steroids or other therapies for treating sudden sensorineural hearing loss. The study suggests that systemic steroids may not be the gold standard of treatment due to severe limitations in existing studies.
Women with diabetes experienced a decline in death rates, but at a cost: their bone density and endometrial thickness may have increased. In contrast, a study on soy products found that genistein supplements boosted bone mineral density and improved markers of bone metabolism.
A Dartmouth-led study found surgery to be twice as effective as non-surgical remedies in reducing pain and restoring functionality for patients with degenerative spondylolisthesis and spinal stenosis. Patients who underwent surgery reported significant relief from symptoms within six weeks.
A randomized clinical trial found that topical testosterone cream did not improve libido in postmenopausal female cancer survivors compared to a placebo. The study suggests that estrogen levels may be a crucial factor in the effectiveness of testosterone therapy for sexual desire in women.
A new study published in JAMA found that patients who receive hydrocortisone after cardiac surgery have a significantly lower risk of developing atrial fibrillation. The incidence of AF was reduced by 37% in the hydrocortisone group compared to those receiving placebo.
A new care management program, AIM, has been shown to be significantly more effective than standard treatment in improving depression in stroke survivors. The study found that 39% of patients who received AIM had complete remission from depression after 12 weeks of treatment.
An observational study published in The Lancet found that thrombolytic drug alteplase is safe and effective in routine clinical use when used within 3 hours of stroke onset. This suggests that intravenous treatment with alteplase could be considered as part of routine care for suitable stroke patients.
An observational study found that elderly men who received treatment for localized prostate cancer survived significantly longer than those who did not. The study suggested a reduced risk of mortality associated with active treatment in the elderly Medicare population.
Researchers found that cutting back on cigarettes led to quitting in 16 out of 19 studies. Smokers who reduced their smoking intake experienced similar cessation rates as those receiving smoking cessation advice.
Patients with lumbar disk herniation showed similar improvement in pain reduction with surgical and nonoperative treatments over a 2-year period. Surgical treatment slightly outperformed nonoperative care, but results were not statistically significant, indicating equivalence of the two approaches.
A randomized study found that intravenous chemoradiation was as effective as intra-arterial treatment for patients with inoperable head and neck cancer. The study compared the two treatments in 240 patients, both of which were able to control cancer growth.
A year-long study found that postmenopausal women who exercised regularly had about half the risk of colds compared to non-exercisers. Moderate exercise, such as brisk walking, boosted immune function and reduced markers of breast-cancer risk.
Studies show varenicline significantly improves continuous abstinence rates compared to placebo and bupropion SR at all time points. Varenicline reduces craving and withdrawal, increasing the odds of quitting smoking.
Two studies evaluate health effects of dental amalgam fillings in children, finding no detectable loss of intelligence or kidney function. Children with mercury exposure showed low and stable levels without correlation to symptoms.
The study found that escalating biphasic energy regimens were more successful in terminating ventricular fibrillation (VF) and converting to an organized rhythm for secondary shocks. However, the difference was not seen in overall survival rates.
A study analyzed 324 cardiovascular clinical trials published between 2000 and 2005, finding that for-profit trials were more likely to report positive findings than not-for-profit trials. The authors suggest that incentives from for-profit organizations may influence trial outcomes, leading to biased results.
Researchers found that only 75% of studies met basic criteria for evaluation, highlighting the need for improved reporting in clinical trials. Meanwhile, a lung cancer risk model was found to underestimate actual rates over a 10-year period, while an enzyme-based approach shows promise in killing glioma cells.
A large randomized clinical trial found no association between selenium supplementation and reduced risk of coronary heart disease, stroke, or cardiovascular deaths. The study of 1,004 participants in low-selenium areas showed no difference in endpoints based on baseline selenium levels.
A large randomized trial of over 8,300 women with low dietary calcium found that calcium supplements significantly reduced severe preeclampsia, gestational hypertension, and preterm delivery. Calcium supplementation also led to a lower risk of maternal and neonatal morbidity and mortality.
A study published in the New England Journal of Medicine found that radiofrequency catheter ablation significantly improved heart rhythm and quality of life for patients with chronic atrial fibrillation. The procedure was effective in returning 74% of patients to normal rhythm, even in those with difficult-to-treat cases.
A study of 17 trials found that pre-intervention drug treatment in ST-elevation heart attacks increased patient mortality and risk of non-fatal heart attacks, strokes, and bleeding. The practice is now recommended against outside of controlled trials.
A study found that medication plus beta-blocker significantly reduced the risk of ICD shocks compared to beta-blocker alone. The therapy also showed a substantial benefit in comfort and quality of life for patients with secondary prevention ICD therapy.
A clinical trial found that patients with RLS who continued treatment with pramipexole experienced a significantly longer time before symptoms worsened compared to those on placebo. Pramipexole also improved quality of life scores, demonstrating its potential as a long-term treatment option for RLS.
A randomized controlled trial has validated a brief version of the Hamilton Depression Scale (HAMD-7) for measuring depression severity in primary care settings. The findings suggest that this shorter scale is accurate and can be used by physicians in clinical practice.
Patients with active psoriatic arthritis treated with REMICADE experienced a high degree of sustained clinical improvement in arthritis, including significant reduction in structural damage. The treatment also showed sustained improvement in functional status and quality of life, as measured by the Short Form 36 questionnaire.