Articles tagged with Randomization
Researchers found that commonly used observational approaches often fail to accurately measure ad effectiveness, overestimating its impact. Large-scale randomized controlled trials are considered the gold standard for evaluating ad campaigns.
A randomized trial of Smart Choices 4 Teens, an online family prevention program, found significant reductions in teen alcohol use and related problems. The program decreased drinking days, amount consumed, and parent-teen communication about social host laws.
A recent study found that less than 10% of US doctors' treatment recommendations for heart patients are based on evidence from multiple large, randomized clinical trials. The majority rely on lower-quality data, with only 8.5% supported by Level A evidence.
A randomized clinical trial found that a behavioral intervention with counseling sessions improved sustained physical activity and reduced sedentary behavior in patients with type 2 diabetes. The study compared the intervention to standard care with general physician recommendations.
A randomized clinical trial involving over 650 US Army soldiers and Marines found inconsistent results for a text-based suicide prevention intervention that supplemented standard care. The study suggests potential reasons for the uncertain results in the military population, but highlights the need for further research on this issue.
A recent analysis of published studies suggests that cannabidiol, a non-psychoactive cannabinoid, can reduce seizures in children with severe forms of epilepsy. The median frequency of monthly seizures decreased with cannabidiol treatment, with many participants experiencing a 50% or greater reduction.
A recent study found that adding adjuvant capecitabine to standard treatment did not significantly improve disease-free or overall survival for patients with early-stage triple-negative breast cancer. However, a subset of patients with nonbasal-like disease showed a significant benefit from capecitabine.
Researchers developed a new method to study sensitive behaviors, using a probabilistic technique that protects responders' identities. The study found that people from rural communities with limited job opportunities and those displaced by civil war were more likely to engage in illegal activities.
A clinical trial found that a minimally invasive treatment for retinal detachment resulted in better visual acuity and reduced visual distortion compared to traditional surgery. The procedure, called pneumatic retinopexy (PnR), also showed significant cost benefits for healthcare systems.
A study published in the Journal of Thoracic Oncology found that elderly patients with limited-stage small cell lung cancer (LS-SCLC) can benefit from concurrent chemo-radiotherapy, similar to younger patients. The analysis showed comparable survival rates and toxicity between older and younger groups, providing robust evidence for tre...
A recent study published in the Canadian Medical Association Journal found that oral curcumin did not reduce inflammation or improve outcomes in patients undergoing elective abdominal aortic aneurysm repair. In fact, the study showed an increased risk of post-surgical kidney damage in patients taking curcumin.
A large meta-analysis of 81 randomised trials found no effect of vitamin D supplementation on bone mineral density, fractures, or falls in adults. The study suggests that clinical guidelines should be changed to reflect the best available evidence and that there is little justification for using vitamin D supplements for musculoskeleta...
A recent study analyzing 21 randomized clinical trials with 2,200 participants found that thyroid hormone therapy was not associated with improved quality of life or thyroid-related symptoms in adults with subclinical hypothyroidism. The results suggest that routine use of thyroid hormone therapy may not be necessary for this condition.
A new study published in JAMA Network Open found that perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFASs) are associated with increases in weight, but exercise and diet may reduce the obesogenic effects of these environmental contaminants. Lifestyle changes can fight the obesogenic action of PFAS.
A randomized clinical trial found that about 60 percent of patients treated with antibiotics for uncomplicated acute appendicitis did not undergo appendectomy in five years. The study suggests that antibiotics may be a viable treatment option for this condition, offering an alternative to surgery.
The OAC-ALONE study found that oral anticoagulation (OAC) alone did not provide non-inferiority to combined OAC and antiplatelet therapy in patients with atrial fibrillation and stable coronary artery disease beyond one year after stent implantation. The study also found higher rates of major bleeding with OAC alone.
The BIONYX trial found that the Resolute Onyx stent is safe and effective in a complex patient population, with low rates of cardiac death and target vessel-related myocardial infarction. The stent's improved radiographic visibility facilitates accurate assessment of stent expansion and apposition to the arterial wall.
The ReCre8 trial found that a novel polymer-free amphilimus-eluting stent was clinically safe and effective, comparable to a durable polymer zotarolimus-eluting stent. The study showed that one-month DAPT in troponin-negative patients may be safe regarding stent thrombosis.
The SOLVE-TAVI trial found that local anesthesia is both safe and effective for patients undergoing transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR), especially those with intermediate to high surgical risk. The study also showed similar outcomes between current-generation balloon-expandable and self-expanding valves.
A new study reveals that an online RMV training significantly improved employees' ability to check IDs, recognize intoxicated customers, and use inventory tracking systems. The training was rated as user-friendly and satisfactory by over 75% of trainees.
A recent study by Cornell University found that customers who saw calorie counts on restaurant menus ordered meals with 45 calories less than those without calorie information. Customers also valued the nutrition information and supported future implementation of calorie labels.
A randomised controlled trial found that high dose folic acid supplementation beyond the first trimester has no benefit for preventing pre-eclampsia. However, low dose folic acid supplements before and during early pregnancy are still strongly recommended to prevent birth defects such as spina bifida.
A large study found that commencing treatment for sleep apnea after a stroke significantly improves speech impairment, neurological symptoms, and physical functioning. The diagnosis and treatment of sleep apnea with CPAP therapy provides benefits greater than the FDA-approved drug treatment for stroke.
A randomized clinical trial found that immediate nicotine reduction resulted in lower toxicant exposure, fewer cigarettes smoked, and greater reduction in dependence compared to gradual reduction. However, this approach also caused higher withdrawal symptoms and study dropout rates.
A new study published in Addiction journal found that single-step nasal spray naloxone is the most successful and rapid method of administration among community members. Community members were able to administer the nasal spray with a higher rate of success than intramuscular naloxone, and also more quickly.
A new randomized trial tested a revised set of criteria for diagnosing heart attacks, but found that using these criteria did not reduce the rate of recurrent heart attacks or cardiovascular deaths. The study suggested that the revised criteria could lead to more diagnoses and treatment, but with no adverse effects on patient outcomes.
Studies present new approaches to treating small coronary artery disease with drug-coated balloons, reducing the need for stents. Radial access is associated with lower rates of adverse events compared to femoral access in patients with acute coronary syndrome.
A cluster randomized trial in Philadelphia found that greening vacant urban land improved self-reported mental health, with participants experiencing less depression and anxiety after the intervention. The study's results suggest that investing in green spaces can have a positive impact on mental wellbeing in urban areas.
The seven randomized trials funded by NCI and PCORI are enrolling slowly due to commercial insurance policies not covering proton therapy. Researchers propose a coalition approach involving insurers, centers, hospitals, vendors, and advocates to establish coverage for trial participation. The trials will compare cancer control and side...
A randomized trial found that a 14-week nut-rich diet significantly improved sperm quality, including increased count, vitality, and motility. The study also showed a reduction in sperm DNA fragmentation, associated with better male fertility.
A large randomized trial has found that endometrial scratching, a commonly offered add-on treatment for IVF, does not improve pregnancy or live birth rates. The study involved over 1300 women and measured pain discomfort scores, contradicting previous studies that suggested a benefit from the procedure.
A Northwestern University study found that carbon dioxide gas injections eliminate fat around the stomach, but modest changes were not sustained over six months. The technique is considered safe and non-invasive, offering an alternative to existing methods for fat reduction.
A randomized clinical trial found that increased supervision by attending physicians did not significantly reduce the rate of medical errors. However, residents reported a decrease in autonomy during rounds. The study suggests that residency training programs should balance patient safety with resident learning and autonomy.
A randomized clinical trial found that a preschool home visiting program improved child academic performance, social-emotional adjustment, and reduced home problems in third grade. The intervention promoted gains in these domains, mediating significant reductions in child need for educational and mental health services.
Two studies investigate vitamin D supplementation's impact on infant development, with no significant difference found in bone strength or infection incidence at age 24 months. A systematic review and meta-analysis also explores the effects of prenatal vitamin D on several infant outcomes.
A new study published in Psychiatric Services found that a mobile health (mHealth) intervention was equally effective to a traditional clinic-based group intervention for individuals with serious mental illness. The mHealth approach, FOCUS, improved treatment engagement and recovery outcomes at six-month follow-up.
A recent study has found that pregnant smokers who take daily vitamin C supplements may have babies with improved lung function and reduced risk of wheeze. The researchers measured forced expiratory flows in infants born to mothers who smoked, and found significant differences in lung function at three months and one year.
Researchers have developed a computer program that can comprehensively determine differences in individuals' blood types with over 99% accuracy. This breakthrough has the potential to prevent serious complications and fatalities from blood transfusion reactions.
A new study published in The Lancet Global Health shows that a simple package of self-care significantly reduced acute attacks among podoconiosis patients. This community-based approach could have a significant impact on the incidence of acute attacks in people with podoconiosis, reducing suffering and stigma.
A contemporary real-world analysis of culprit vessel-only intervention (CVI) versus multivessel intervention (MVI) in patients with acute myocardial infarction (AMI) and cardiogenic shock (CS) found lower mortality rates for CVI. The study, presented at the Society for Cardiovascular Angiography and Interventions 2018 Scientific Sessio...
The Preserve clinical trial has revealed significant benefits of oral acetylcysteine and sodium bicarbonate in reducing cardiovascular complications. Researchers analyzed data from a large cohort of high-risk patients who underwent PCI, demonstrating the efficacy of this treatment approach.
A study of 704 day surgery patients in Sweden found that those with inadequate health literacy had poorer postoperative recovery and reduced health-related quality of life two weeks after surgery. Identifying patients with low health literacy is crucial to optimize their care and improve outcomes.
The POPLAR trial found that atezolizumab significantly improved overall survival compared to docetaxel in previously treated advanced non-small-cell lung cancer patients. Long-term overall survival benefits were observed across histology and PD-L1 expression levels.
A randomized clinical trial found that higher protein intake did not increase lean body mass, muscle performance, or physical function in older men. The results suggest that the recommended daily allowance for protein may be sufficient for promoting muscle growth and well-being in this population.
Researchers found that stress from open-heart surgery reduces vitamin D levels in patients. However, aggressive supplementation with vitamin D3 before and after surgery can completely eliminate the drop in vitamin D levels. This study highlights the importance of maintaining optimal vitamin D levels to prevent cardiovascular problems.
A recent study found that changes between interim and final publications of randomized trials can be significant, affecting clinicians' and the public's understanding of treatment benefits. The study analyzed 613 interim publications and compared them with their final versions.
The DeWorm3 collection presents evidence on interrupting soil-transmitted helminth (STH) transmission. Key studies evaluate the impact of biannual mass drug administration and diagnostic tool sensitivity.
A randomized controlled trial analyzed 126 adults with PTSD, concluding that trauma-focused therapy WET was just as effective as CPT in reducing symptoms. The findings have important implications for treating PTSD, addressing a significant barrier to care by identifying time-efficient treatment options.
A study found that US naturalization rates are lower compared to countries like Australia, Canada, and the UK. Low-income immigrant applicants often face challenges due to the high cost of naturalization fees, hindering their ability to become citizens.
A cervical pessary significantly reduced the risk of spontaneous preterm birth at less than 34 weeks. Pregnant women with a short cervix who used the device had a lower rate of preterm birth compared to those without the device.
A new randomized controlled trial found that using probiotics and xylitol chewing gum has no effect on alleviating sore throat symptoms. Researchers suggest simple over-the-counter treatments may be more effective, enabling self-management and reducing antibiotic use.
A study published in International Studies Quarterly found that countries tend to behave more aggressively in international affairs after experiencing surges of nationalism from international sports. This includes cases such as the 1969 Soccer War and the 2016 English-Russian Euro riots, where military or political conflicts arose betw...
A randomised trial found that keyhole repair is more effective than traditional open surgery for repairing ruptured abdominal aortic aneurysms. The study showed lower mortality rates and reduced hospital stays in the keyhole group, leading to improved quality-adjusted life years.
A recent study by Harvard University researchers found that even smaller media outlets can have a significant impact on the national conversation about major public policy issues. The study, which involved 48 news outlets and over 35 experiments, showed that discussion of a particular topic across social media rose by more than 62 perc...
The CULPRIT-SHOCK trial found that culprit lesion only percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) reduces the composite of 30-day mortality and/or severe renal failure in patients with multivessel disease and cardiogenic shock. Immediate multivessel PCI was associated with higher rates of adverse outcomes.
Patients with left main coronary artery disease (LMCAD) who underwent percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) or coronary artery bypass graft surgery (CABG) showed similar quality of life improvements at three years. PCI demonstrated a greater early benefit, with improved health status measures that were sustained over time.
A study published by The BMJ found that lying down during the second stage of labor for women with low-dose epidurals increases the chance of a spontaneous vaginal birth. This approach shows no adverse consequences for mothers or babies.
A world-first study published in The Lancet Psychiatry suggests that basic mental health training for managers can significantly improve workers' mental wellbeing. The study found a 18% decrease in work-related sickness absence amongst those whose manager received the training, with a return on investment of $9.98 for each dollar spent.
A study published in JAMA found that stopping behavioral interventions aimed at reducing inappropriate antibiotic prescribing led to an increase in such prescribing practices, despite previous effectiveness of the interventions. The randomized trial, which included 47 primary care practices and 248 clinicians, showed a decrease in appr...
The study found that scribes significantly improved physician satisfaction in terms of overall satisfaction, time spent charting, and chart quality. Physicians were more satisfied with scribed charts than their own, suggesting a potential solution to the clerical burden associated with documentation.