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A step forward for IVF patients with predicted poor response to treatment

A new study found that a double stimulation approach, known as DuoStim, is as efficient as conventional two cycles of ovarian stimulation and reduces the time to pregnancy in predicted poor responders. This strategy recruits multiple follicles on any day of the cycle, benefiting patients with low egg collection and high treatment failu...

Alternate-day intermittent fasting leads to less fat loss than traditional daily energy restriction

A new study suggests that alternate-day intermittent fasting may offer no unique health benefits over a standard daily diet. In contrast, traditional daily energy restriction resulted in greater weight and fat loss. The researchers note that longer studies with larger groups are needed to confirm these findings.

SourceAmerican Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS)·JournalScience Translational Medicine·DateJun 16, 2021

A randomised trial comparing imaging-guided PCI with Orsiro vs Xience

The CASTLE study investigated the role of imaging-guided percutaneous cardiac intervention (PCI) in clinical outcomes difference between ultra-thin strut biodegradable polymer sirolimus-eluting stent (Orsiro) and durable polymer everolimus-eluting stents (Xience). The results show no significant differences in target lesion failure rat...

SourcePCR·DateMay 18, 2021

Clinical trial suggests convalescent plasma may improve survival with severe COVID-19

A randomized double-blind controlled trial of convalescent plasma for adults hospitalized with severe COVID-19 found mortality at 28 days in the treatment arm was half the rate seen in the control arm. However, treatment was not associated with other improvements in clinical status among patients.

SourceColumbia University's Mailman School of Public Health·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateMay 17, 2021

Low- and high-dose aspirin achieve similar protection, safety for those with heart disease

A study presented at ACC.21 found that low- and high-dose aspirin achieved similar health benefits for those with cardiovascular disease, including reduced death and hospitalization rates. However, the higher dose group was more likely to switch doses and discontinue use due to tolerability concerns.

SourcePatient-Centered Outcomes Research Institute·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateMay 15, 2021

Trial tests intervention to reduce sedentary time in patients with kidney disease

A pilot trial found that the 'Sit Less, Interact, Move More' intervention decreased sedentary time, increased stepping time, and boosted step counts in patients with moderate-to-advanced CKD. However, these benefits were not sustained over 20 weeks. The study suggests that additional interventions may be needed to sustain long-term eff...

SourceAmerican Society of Nephrology·JournalClinical Journal of the American Society of Nephrology·DateApr 22, 2021

E-cigarettes with a cigarette-like level of nicotine are effective in reducing smoking

A new study led by VCU researchers found that e-cigarettes delivering a high amount of nicotine are effective in reducing smoking and exposure to NNAL, a major pulmonary carcinogen. The study suggests that when e-cigarettes deliver nicotine effectively, smokers have greater success in quitting or reducing their smoking habit.

SourceVirginia Commonwealth University·JournalThe Lancet Respiratory Medicine·DateApr 12, 2021

Analyzing legislative engagement

A randomized controlled trial found that Congressional offices with targeted support reported increased value of scientific evidence for understanding legislative issues. The intervention group introduced around 23% more bills using research evidence language and reported a 7% greater value of using research evidence compared to controls.

SourceProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateFeb 15, 2021

Dual treatments help PTSD and depression

A sequential approach to treating comorbid PTSD and major depressive disorder has shown promising results in a randomized control trial. The study found that combining Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT) and Behavioral Activation Therapy (BA) led to meaningful reductions in PTSD and depression severity.

SourceFlinders University·JournalJournal of Anxiety Disorders·DateFeb 4, 2021

COVID-19 news from Annals of Internal Medicine

The National Institutes of Health COVID-19 Treatment Guidelines Panel has expressed uncertainty about the efficacy and safety of convalescent plasma for treating COVID-19. The panel's analysis, published in Annals of Internal Medicine, highlights the need for more data before making recommendations on the treatment.

SourceAmerican College of Physicians·JournalAnnals of Internal Medicine·DateSep 25, 2020

Gamifying interventions may improve mental health

A new randomized control trial found that gamifying mobile mental health intervention content improved resilience and reduced attrition. The study showed significant benefits in both resilience and anxiety measurements after five weeks, with the game group retaining 21% more participants than other groups.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS ONE·DateSep 2, 2020

Arthritis clinical trial shows support for dextrose injection to alleviate knee pain

A randomized controlled trial found that intra-articular hypertonic dextrose injections significantly reduced knee pain in patients with moderate to severe osteoarthritis. The study, conducted at the Chinese University of Hong Kong, involved 76 patients who received either the hypertonic dextrose or normal saline injection therapy.

SourceAmerican Academy of Family Physicians·JournalThe Annals of Family Medicine·DateMay 12, 2020

Green tea may help with weight loss efforts

A study of randomized controlled trials found that consuming green tea led to a significant decline in body weight and body mass index. However, the analysis did not reveal any notable changes in waist circumference after supplementation.

SourceWiley·JournalPhytotherapy Research·DateMay 6, 2020

Prime time for lower extremity artery disease

A recent trial demonstrated that an intensified antithrombotic regimen comprising rivaroxaban and aspirin reduces major adverse limb events by 46% compared to aspirin alone. The review highlights the need for better evidence on antithrombotic treatment in peripheral vascular interventions.

SourceBentham Science Publishers·JournalCurrent Vascular Pharmacology·DateMay 6, 2020