Articles tagged with Placebos
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.
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.
A new analysis of 22 trials with 15,276 participants found that common bronchodilators like tiotropium and ipratropium reduced respiratory-related deaths by 73 percent. In contrast, regularly inhaled beta-agonists increased the risk of respiratory death more than twofold.
A study shows that a prostate cancer vaccine, sipuleucel-T, can increase survival by up to four-and-a-half months and provide a greater than three-fold increase in survival at 36 months compared to patients in the placebo group. The vaccine was well-tolerated with mild adverse effects.
A study found that cherry juice can significantly reduce muscle strength loss and improve average pain scores in individuals with muscle damage. The study suggests that cherry juice may be a potentially safer alternative to prescription drugs for treating conditions like arthritis and gout.
A study found that ROZEREM was effective in promoting sleep and did not cause lingering effects the next day. The medication was associated with a decrease in time to fall asleep compared to placebo.
A new study reveals that Pycnogenol, a French maritime pine bark extract, significantly reduces hyperactivity and improves attention, concentration, and motor-visual coordination in children with ADHD. The study's findings suggest that Pycnogenol may serve as a safe and effective treatment for children diagnosed with ADHD.
Researchers found that treating intubated patients with chlorhexidine paste reduced the risk of ventilator-associated pneumonia by 65%, while a combination of chlorhexidine and colistin cut the risk by 55%. The study, published in the American Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, suggests a cost-effective approach to prev...
Patients with anorexia nervosa who receive antidepressant medications such as fluoxetine do not experience a significant decrease in the risk of relapse. The study found that similar percentages of patients assigned to fluoxetine and placebo maintained their weight and remained in the study for up to 52 weeks.
The study found that ACTOS reduced the number of patients on insulin and mean daily insulin dose, as well as delaying need for permanent insulin use. In high-risk patients with type 2 diabetes, these results could lead to less dependence on daily insulin use.
A meta-analysis of 33,826 asthma patients found that long-acting beta-agonists increase hospitalization rates by 2.5 times and life-threatening asthma attacks by two times compared to placebo. Naps and caffeine can combat fatigue in medical interns and night drivers.
A University of Minnesota study found that directed health education and advice-oriented counseling can help African American light smokers quit. The study showed that participants who received specific health education had double the quit rate compared to those receiving motivational counseling.
Phase II and phase III clinical trials demonstrate DAYTRANA's effectiveness in reducing ADHD symptoms, including improvements in behavior and classroom performance. The patch formulation provides a once-daily treatment option for children aged 6-12 with ADHD.
Researchers found that patients taking ramelteon experienced a significant advancement of dim light melatonin secretion offset compared to placebo. The results suggest that ramelteon may help people adjust to time zone changes and shift their natural circadian rhythm.
Recent studies have found that biologic therapies, such as adalimumab and certolizumab pegol, can effectively maintain clinical remission and response in patients with moderately to severely active Crohn's disease. These treatments have shown fewer side effects compared to traditional medications.
A study conducted by Heiner K. Berthold and colleagues found that policosanol had no clinically relevant lipoprotein-lowering properties in white patients. The trial included 143 patients with hypercholesterolemia or combined hyperlipidemia, and none showed significant improvements in cholesterol levels.
A large clinical examination found that 185 out of 187 women returned to menstruation within 90 days of stopping a non-cyclic oral contraceptive. The study results suggest that women can expect a quick return to menses after discontinuing daily oral contraception.
A new type of medication, varenicline, is being developed to target the neurobiological mechanism of nicotine dependence. Trials have shown promising results, with short-term and long-term quit rates significantly higher than those achieved with existing medications or placebos.
A study published in JAMA found that medical management with naltrexone significantly improved drinking rates and days abstinent. The researchers also discovered that combining behavioral therapy with medical management showed better results than treatment with placebos alone.
The COMBINE study found that medication naltrexone, combined with up to 20 sessions of specialized alcohol counseling and structured medical management, is an effective option for treating alcohol dependence. The study demonstrated a small advantage in preventing relapse at 1 year after treatment.
An international study found that low-dose rituximab can achieve remission in patients with moderate to severe rheumatoid arthritis symptoms. The treatment showed no correlation between steroid use and disease improvement, but was associated with mild adverse events.
Researchers found that using a high-dose nicotine patch significantly reduced relapse rates among smokers who experienced lapses. Participants who used the active patch after lapsing were up to 4-6 times less likely to 'cheat' again, making it more effective in preventing full relapse.
A study of 1,460 elderly women found that calcium supplementation did not reduce the risk of osteoporotic fractures overall, but compliance was key. Women who took 80% or more of their daily pills had a lower risk of fractures and improved bone test results.
A study of postmenopausal women found that those taking conjugated equine estrogens (CEE) had a lower rate of invasive breast cancer, total breast cancer, and localized disease compared to placebo group. CEE also showed a decrease in the risk of ductal carcinomas, but not lobular disease.
A new clinical trial launched by Mount Sinai aims to determine whether a combination therapy is more effective than individual treatments in slowing or halting progression of Relapsing-Remitting Multiple Sclerosis. The study will recruit 1000 patients and assess the impact of treatment over 36 months.
A study found that ramelteon significantly reduced time to fall asleep in approximately two-thirds of patients, with no rebound insomnia or withdrawal effects. The medication showed effectiveness in treating chronic insomnia, representing an alternative option for patients seeking a safe sleeping aid.
Researchers found that donepezil significantly improved cognitive function and daily activities in patients with severe Alzheimer's disease. The study, published in The Lancet, showed a 20% reduction in dementia symptoms and an increase in quality of life for patients on the treatment.
A four-year study of 772 people with pre-hypertension found that early blood pressure treatment can postpone true hypertension by 15.6%. The study suggests that drug treatment interrupted blood-vessel processes that raise blood pressure, reducing the risk of heart disease and stroke.
A randomized trial found that high humidity does not improve symptoms of moderate to severe croup in children. The researchers suggest that the use of humidity is not warranted and may be attributed to factors such as comfort and temperature.
A recent study found that fondaparinux significantly reduces the risk of death and reinfarction in patients with STEMI, with benefits observed at 30 days, 9 days, and study end. The treatment also showed a tendency to fewer severe bleeding events.
The ISAR-REACT 2 Trial found that abciximab significantly reduced the risk of death, heart attack, and ischemic complications in patients with non-ST-segment elevation ACS undergoing PCI. The study also showed no significant difference in bleeding risks between the two groups.
Two Phase 3 studies demonstrate high-level, sustained response to REMICADE maintenance therapy, achieving long-term clinical response in patients with moderate to severe psoriasis. Patients receiving scheduled REMICADE treatment showed rapid and marked improvement in psoriasis symptoms.
A phase 2 trial evaluating denosumab, a RANK Ligand inhibitor, found the treatment increased BMD at the lumbar spine and total hip in postmenopausal women with low BMD. The therapy demonstrated rapid and sustained responses in bone metabolism.
Researchers found that denosumab significantly increased BMD at the total hip (3.6% vs. -0.6%) and lumbar spine (6.7% vs. -0.8%) in women administered the therapy twice yearly, with a rapid onset of action. The study also showed improvements in distal 1/3 radius and total body BMD.
Rimonabant, a weight loss medication, shows modest benefit in reducing weight and improving cardiometabolic risk factors in obese patients. The study found significant reductions in weight, waist circumference, and triglycerides, as well as increases in HDL cholesterol levels.
A year-long, double-blind study found saw palmetto to be ineffective in treating enlarged prostate. The study involved 225 patients who received either saw palmetto or a placebo twice daily for one year, with no statistically significant difference in symptoms or side effects.
A study of 93 critically ill patients found that hydrocortisone supplementation improved ventilator weaning success rates, especially in those with renal insufficiency. The treatment reduced mortality and morbidity in mechanically ventilated patients with adrenal insufficiency.
A study of 270 individuals with chronic arm pain found that patients receiving sham acupuncture reported a more significant decrease in pain and symptom severity than those receiving placebo pills. The results suggest the medical ritual of a device can deliver an enhanced placebo effect beyond that of a placebo pill.
A double-blind study found that acetazolamide significantly improved patient perception of sleep quality and reduced daytime fatigue in heart failure patients with sleep apnea. The medication showed promise in reducing sleep-related breathing disorders, which may also improve cardiac function.
A new study verifies Namenda's effectiveness in slowing cognitive decline and improving daily activities in patients with severe Alzheimer's disease. The medication maintained its benefits when continued treatment was added to the original 28-week study.
A recent study published in JAMA found that administering L-arginine to patients following a first ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) does not reduce vascular stiffness or improve ejection fraction. In fact, the study suggests that older patients taking L-arginine may be at an increased risk of death after a heart attack.
A study found that etanercept reduced psoriasis severity by 47% and improved depression symptoms by 50% in patients with moderate to severe psoriasis. The treatment also alleviated fatigue, showing promise for treating the emotional and psychological effects of the disease.
The International study reported a significant improvement in median time-to-disease progression with REVLIMID plus dexamethasone compared to placebo plus dexamethasone. The best response rate, complete response and near complete response rates were also higher with REVLIMID plus dexamethasone.
A European study found pramipexole significantly reduces RLS severity and improves quality of life, with notable improvements in Vitality and Bodily Pain scores. The treatment showed efficacy using two measurement criteria: IRLS and CGI-I scale.
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.
Long-term Phase 3 data from ACT 1 and ACT 2 trials demonstrate REMICADE's efficacy in achieving clinical response, clinical remission, and mucosal healing in UC patients. Approximately two-thirds of patients treated with REMICADE achieved the primary endpoint of clinical response.
A study of people with fibromyalgia found those with greater hour-to-hour and day-to-day variability in their pain levels were more likely to respond to placebos. The researchers used electronic diaries to track participants' pain levels, which proved more accurate than previous methods.
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.
MabThera demonstrates significant improvements in symptom parameters, including tender and swollen joint counts and fatigue, with higher response rates compared to methotrexate alone. The treatment was well-tolerated, with consistent safety profiles across the six-month analysis.
A Phase 2 trial of denosumab found significant increases in bone mineral density across various sites, including the lumbar spine, total hip, and distal radius. The study suggests denosumab may offer a new approach to treating osteoporosis by targeting RANK Ligand.
A recent study found that pretreating vein grafts with edifoligide did not prevent graft failure in coronary artery bypass surgery, despite its potential to inhibit neointimal hyperplasia. The study included 3,014 patients and demonstrated the effectiveness of targeted drug delivery to specific tissues or organs.
A randomized controlled trial found that cannabis-based medicine (CBM) significantly improved pain on movement, pain at rest, quality of sleep, inflammation, and intensity of pain in patients with rheumatoid arthritis. CBM reduced pain scores by an average of 2-3 points across several measures.
A recent study found that daily probiotic supplements reduced sick days among workers. The study, which involved 181 staff members, showed that workers taking L. reuteri probiotics reported significantly fewer sick days compared to those taking a placebo.
The PRECiSE 2 study found that patients treated with CIMZIA achieved a higher clinical response and remission rate compared to those receiving placebo. The study demonstrated the efficacy of CIMZIA in maintaining clinical response after induction therapy, with a significant proportion of patients able to achieve remission by week 26.
A randomized controlled trial found that ginseng reduced the frequency and severity of colds in study subjects. Ginseng was also effective in lessening symptom severity and duration. In contrast, Echinacea angustifolia was not found to be a preventive herbal product for the common cold.
Children with ADHD treated with the MTS patch showed statistically significant improvements in behavior and math performance. The phase II and III studies demonstrated a 56% reduction in ADHD symptoms, paving the way for potential approval by the FDA.
A meta-analysis of 15 trials found that atypical antipsychotics increased the risk of death in dementia patients by 1.54 times compared to placebo. The study suggests that clinicians should use antipsychotics cautiously and consider alternative treatments.
A new trial demonstrates the effectiveness of infliximab against psoriasis, with 80% of patients experiencing at least a 75% improvement in skin symptoms. The drug also showed promise in treating nail psoriasis, with significant reductions in severity and complete clearing of skin psoriasis in some cases.
The PROactive study found that Takeda's ACTOS (pioglitazone HCl) significantly reduced the combined risk of non-fatal heart attacks, strokes, and deaths by 16% in high-risk patients with type-2 diabetes. This led to a 10% reduction in the primary combination endpoint of seven different macrovascular events.
A phase III study found that GARDASIL vaccine prevented 100% of high-grade cervical pre-cancers and non-invasive cancer cases in women infected with HPV types 16 and 18. The vaccine reduced the risk of developing these cancers by 97%, significantly reducing cervical cancer-related deaths worldwide.
The Phase II study showed that FTY720 reduced annualized relapse rates by at least 50% during the first six months and maintained this rate for an additional six-month extension. Patients who switched to FTY720 after six months experienced a reduction of at least 70% in their annualized relapse rate compared to placebo.