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.
A double-blind, randomized trial found that first-line treatment with DETROL(R) LA significantly reduced urge incontinence episodes and improved bladder condition in women with mixed incontinence. The study also showed a higher proportion of patients treated with DETROL(R) LA reported treatment benefits.
Researchers found that a new ointment, applied inside the nose, significantly reduced symptom scores in patients with allergic rhinitis. The treatment improved airflow by nearly 20 percent and reduced symptoms by about 60 percent compared to a placebo.
A study found that Requip significantly reduced Periodic Leg Movements (PLMS) in patients with Restless Legs Syndrome (RLS), leading to improved sleep latency and fewer awakenings. The medication also effectively reduced PLMS to normal levels for more than half of the patients.
A new study shows that Frovatriptan is effective in preventing Menstrual Associated Migraine (MAM) headaches, significantly reducing their severity, duration, and functional impairment. The medication reduces MAM incidence by up to 50% and is well-tolerated with minimal side effects.
A study found that clonidine significantly reduces the risk of cardiovascular death in patients undergoing non-cardiac surgery, particularly those with coronary artery disease or high-risk factors. The medication was shown to prevent myocardial ischemia events before and after surgery, leading to a lower mortality rate compared to plac...
A recent study suggests that antipsychotic medication quetiapine does not increase the risk of stroke or transient ischemic attack in people with Alzheimer's disease. The research, which pooled data from two studies, followed 684 institutionalized patients with dementia and found an incidence rate of 0.3% for quetiapine.
A multi-site trial found that naltrexone injections significantly reduced drinking days and increased abstinence rates compared to placebo. The depot/injection form of naltrexone offered greater medication compliance, efficacy, and fewer adverse effects.
Researchers found a 27% relative reduction in mortality among heart failure patients taking beta-blockers compared to those receiving placebo. The study also revealed that adverse effects of beta-blockers were low compared to control.
A meta-analysis of randomized trials found that beta-blockers significantly reduce all-cause mortality in heart failure patients by 27% and absolute annual increases in risks of hypotension, dizziness, and bradycardia. Fewer patients were withdrawn from beta-blocker therapy than from placebo due to adverse effects.
Darifenacin significantly improves quality of life for people with overactive bladder (OAB) symptoms, enabling them to undertake household tasks, socialise, work, and travel. The medication reduces the number of weekly incontinence episodes by up to 77% and shows comparable CNS and CV safety to placebo.
Researchers found that an extract from Opuntia ficus indica (prickly pear fruit) reduced nausea, dry mouth, and loss of appetite in young adult volunteers. The study also showed a moderate reduction in hangover symptom severity, with higher levels of C-reactive protein associated with placebo treatment.
A recent study found that cholinesterase inhibitors improved mental and functional ability in AD patients over the first two years of treatment. However, there was no significant delay in institutionalisation or progression of disability, casting doubt on their effectiveness.
A new clinical trial demonstrates that treating migraine with Relpax during mild pain provides greater efficacy than waiting for pain to become more severe. Patients who treated early experienced significantly higher two-hour pain-free rates compared to those who waited.
A new clinical trial data shows Saforis reduces incidence of moderate to severe oral mucositis by 22% and demonstrates excellent safety profile. Saforis has been evaluated in pediatric and adult patients with various cancer types, showing promise for treatment of this debilitating side effect.
A Phase III trial found that CAMPTOSAR combinations with select targeted agents improve survival for MCRC patients. The combination of Avastin and IFL yields an average survival of 25.1 months compared to 15.8 months with IFL alone. A Phase II trial also shows the efficacy of Erbitux plus CAMPTOSAR and infusional FOLFIRI in EGFR-expres...
The study found that Tarceva significantly improved overall survival and progression-free survival in patients with advanced NSCLC, with a median survival of 6.7 months compared to 4.7 months in the placebo arm. The treatment also showed improvements in time to symptom deterioration, response rate, and patient survival at one year.
The study found that higher doses of Concerta were associated with significantly greater symptom response and remission rates in children with ADHD, compared to immediate-release methylphenidate. Overall, 70% of subjects showed a clinically meaningful treatment response to Concerta.
A Phase III maintenance trial of natalizumab found sustained clinical response and remission rates among patients with Crohn's disease. The study also showed that a majority of patients on corticosteroids were able to withdraw from the medication without losing their response.
Researchers have found that natalizumab and adalimumab can help maintain clinical response and remission in patients with Crohn's disease. A trial also investigated the use of helminth ova as a potential treatment, showing significant improvements in clinical response and remission.
New studies release at the American Urological Association (AUA) show Enablex significantly reducing overactive bladder symptoms, including incontinence episodes and nocturia. Enablex improved efficacy parameters associated with OAB without CNS or CV safety concerns.
A new study shows that Seroquel achieves remission in bipolar mania, with a significant increase in remission rates over time. The medication has been shown to be effective in reducing symptoms of racing thoughts, reckless behavior, and decreased sleep.
A study at the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center found that paroxetine significantly improved bowel movements and food avoidance in participants with irritable bowel syndrome. The drug relieved some symptoms of IBS and showed improvement in overall well-being, particularly in those without depression.
The BOLDER study found SEROQUEL to be superior to placebo in reducing depressive symptoms and anxiety in patients with bipolar disorder. Approximately 50% of patients achieved remission from their bipolar depression symptoms.
Researchers at McGill University have developed three computer games that can help people feel more positive about themselves and build their self-esteem. The games, Wham!, EyeSpy: The Matrix, and Grow Your Chi, work by training players to focus on positive feedback and develop automatic thought patterns that boost confidence.
A randomized trial compared the effects of raloxifene and CEE on bone mineral density in postmenopausal women with prior hysterectomy. The study found that CEE increased bone density by 4.6%, while raloxifene stabilized bone density, and both treatments had varying impacts on cholesterol levels.
Researchers found pergolide substantially improves PLMS measures and subjective sleep disturbance associated with RLS. The study demonstrated long-term efficacy of pergolide treatment, maintaining improvements over 12 months.
Researchers explored the potential of 7-oxo DHEA to enhance T-cell function in human lymphocytes, a key component of the immune system. The supplement may play an important role in restoring immune function in elderly individuals, improving quality of life.
A 26-week study found that topiramate significantly reduced the frequency of migraines in patients taking 100 or 200 milligrams per day. Improvements were observed within the first month of treatment, with 35.9% to 54.0% of patients experiencing a 50% or more reduction in migraine frequency.
A recent study found that CordyMax enhances aerobic exercise capability, endurance performance, and exercise metabolism in healthy, mid-age to elderly sedentary humans. The supplement also showed promising results in reducing fatigue, improving weight control, and lowering diastolic blood pressure.
A new study aims to determine if abciximab can improve function in patients with ischemic strokes up to six hours after onset. The treatment, which prevents blood platelets from forming clots, could provide a new approach for treating patients who wake up from sleep with a stroke.
Rimonabant demonstrated significant weight loss and improvement in metabolic profile in patients with obesity and untreated dyslipidemia. The drug also improved cardiovascular risk factors, including HDL-cholesterol and triglycerides, by reducing inflammation and increasing adiponectin levels.
Rimonabant successfully treated tobacco dependence and reduced post-cessation weight gain in a double-blind trial. Patients who received the 20mg dose had higher abstinence rates and less weight gain compared to those on placebo.
The SCD-HeFT trial showed that implantable cardiac defibrillators can reduce total mortality in patients with moderate to severe congestive heart failure. Patients who received an ICD had a three-year mortality rate of 17.1%, compared to 22.3% for those receiving placebo and 24% for those receiving amiodarone.
A study led by Massachusetts General Hospital found that infliximab can heal and reduce the recurrence of fistulas in Crohn's disease patients. The treatment, which targets tumor necrosis factor, showed significant benefits in closing fistulas and improving quality of life.
A study published in Anesthesia & Analgesia found that patients who used E-TRANS Fentanyl HCI PCTS experienced better pain control and fewer withdrawals compared to those who received a placebo. The novel transdermal system, approximately the size of a credit card, allows patients to control their pain management without needles or pumps.
Researchers used fMRI to map changes in brain activity after volunteers received a placebo, showing the prefrontal cortex is activated in response to pain relief. The study provides new insights into the brain's pain pathways and may lead to new therapies for chronic or acute pain.
A new perspective on placebos suggests that they can be effective in healthcare settings without relying on 'dummy' medication. According to Professor Howard Brody, features of a positive healing environment, including care and compassion from healthcare providers, play a crucial role in treating patients.
Botulinum toxin type A treatment significantly reduces sweat production and improves quality of life for hyperhidrosis patients. The Hyperhidrosis Severity Scale is a new tool to identify and assess treatment results.
A recent study published in The Lancet found that doubling the dose of inhaled corticosteroid before a severe asthma attack does not provide additional benefits. The research involved 390 patients who monitored their asthma for up to one year and received either an extra inhaler or placebo when control deteriorated.
Researchers found memantine significantly improved cognitive function, activities of daily living, behavior, and clinical global status in patients with moderate to severe AD. Treatment with memantine maintained cognitive function, while placebo was associated with decline.
Researchers found that ranolazine significantly reduced angina frequency and nitroglycerin consumption in patients with chronic angina. Additionally, exercise duration increased by 115.6 seconds after 12 weeks of ranolazine therapy, providing promising results for this treatment.
A randomized, double-blind trial involving 1,484 couples found that Valtrex reduced symptomatic genital herpes transmission by 75% and overall acquisition by 48%. The study showed consistent results with previous studies on recurrences.
Researchers found that a combined drug therapy of finasteride and doxazosin significantly reduced the risk of BPH progression by 66 percent, compared to placebo. The treatment also provided greater symptom relief and improved urinary flow rate. Men at highest risk for BPH progression, such as those with larger prostates or elevated ser...
A study found that efalizumab significantly improved symptoms and quality of life in patients with moderate to severe plaque psoriasis. The medication reduced the frequency and severity of psoriasis symptoms, including itching and scaling, while also improving mental health and daily functioning.
A phase 3 clinical trial found that alefacept reduced CD4+ and CD8+ memory T cell counts, leading to improved psoriasis symptoms. The treatment's benefits lasted longest in patients with the greatest reduction in T cell counts.
A randomized controlled trial found no evidence that Echinacea purpurea is effective in reducing the duration or severity of upper respiratory tract infections (URIs) in children aged 2-11 years. The study also noted a higher risk of rashes in children treated with echinacea.
A randomized study found that physostigmine reduces sleep-disordered breathing in patients with moderate to severe obstructive sleep apnea, particularly during REM sleep. The results suggest a possible new treatment for the condition.
A new study suggests that propranolol can reduce the incidence of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) in trauma victims if administered promptly. The medication, commonly used to treat anxiety and high blood pressure, was found to decrease PTSD symptoms by half compared to those who did not receive it.
A multicentre study found that darifenacin significantly improved median warning time by 4.3 minutes in patients with overactive bladder syndrome, leading to a 22.5% increase in mean warning time.
A recent study published in JAMA found that the steroid Prednisone proved effective in stabilizing and improving hearing in patients with AIED (autoimmune ear disorder) but failed to maintain these gains over time. The study also tested Methotrexate, a promising anti-inflammatory drug, which showed no significant benefit in treating AIED.
A three-year study found that low-dose methotrexate had no effect on maintaining restored hearing in patients with autoimmune inner ear disease (AIED). Researchers are now focusing on alternative treatments for this rare condition.
The study found that nearly 68% of patients who received antidepressant treatment were alive after nine years, compared to about 36% of those who received placebo. The researchers believe antidepressants may provide protective effects by improving recovery and reducing mortality in stroke patients.
A double-blind study found that Risperdal significantly reduced 'manic' symptoms in patients with bipolar disorder, with treatment response achieved by 48% of patients taking Risperdal. The medication was also shown to improve depressive symptoms and was better tolerated than haloperidol.
The CHARM Programme demonstrates clear benefits of Atacand in treating heart failure, reducing risk by 23% in ACE-inhibitor intolerant patients and 15% in those taking conventional therapy. Additionally, Atacand shows a trend towards reduced cardiovascular death and hospitalizations in patients with preserved left ventricular function.
A new clinical study found that chromium picolinate supplementation increased insulin sensitivity by 8.9% in individuals with type 2 diabetes, compared to a 3.6% decrease in the placebo group. The study suggests that chromium picolinate may improve insulin action through activation of Akt phosphorylation.
A new study by the University of Pennsylvania School found that guggulipid, a traditional herbal remedy, has no impact on lowering cholesterol levels. The research suggests that dietary supplements need rigorous testing for safety and efficacy, with further studies planned to investigate its effects on triglycerides and inflammation.
Researchers at Vanderbilt University Medical Center conducted a double-blind, randomized, controlled study involving 240 participants with high cholesterol. The study showed a 16% reduction in low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol after taking green and black tea extracts enriched with the antioxidant theaflavin for 12 weeks.
A Phase 3 study showed ENBREL significantly improved back pain, mobility, and function in patients with ankylosing spondylitis. At 12 weeks, 60% of patients achieved a 20% improvement, while at 24 weeks, 58% did so.
In a multi-center, double-blind study, ENBREL 50 mg administered once weekly achieved an ACR 20 response in 50% of patients, compared to 19% in the placebo group. ENBREL also showed comparable improvement in HAQ and patient-reported measures of global status and pain.
A 7-year study shows Actonel significantly reduces vertebral fracture incidence, with annualized rates of 4.7%, 5.2%, and 3.8% for the treatment group, respectively. Adverse events were similar to those in patients taking placebo during the first 5 years.