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 study by researchers at the University of Illinois Chicago found that low levels of tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) reduce stress, while slightly higher doses cause increased anxiety. The study used a dose-dependent approach to investigate the effects of THC on stress in healthy volunteers.
A new biologic drug, ixekizumab, has shown significant symptom reduction in patients with refractory psoriatic arthritis, including joint tenderness and swelling. The study's results suggest that the drug may offer a more effective treatment option for patients who have not responded to standard pharmaceutical treatments.
In a large-scale randomized clinical trial, cannabidiol reduced seizure frequency by 39% in patients with Dravet syndrome. The study included 120 children and adolescents aged 2-18 years, who received either CBD or placebo over a 14-week period.
A new investigational biologic, benralizumab, has shown promise in reducing the need for adults with severe asthma to take oral corticosteroids. The study found that patients enrolled in either of the benralizumab arms had a significant reduction in prednisone use and annual exacerbation rates compared to those receiving a placebo.
A Phase 3 clinical trial found that adding mepolizumab to standard treatment for eosinophilic granulomatosis with polyangiitis (EGPA) significantly improved remission rates, with 28% of participants achieving remission after one year. The disease was in remission at weeks 36 and 48 in 32% of participants who received mepolizumab.
Researchers found that mepolizumab increased remission rates by 28% and cut exacerbations in half compared to placebo. The medication also reduced the need for corticosteroid therapy, with 12 patients able to discontinue steroid treatment completely.
Positive data from Phase 1 trials of Nexvax2 in celiac disease demonstrate safety, tolerability, and bioactivity. The vaccine reduces gluten-specific T cells' responsiveness to antigenic stimulation without apparent duodenal injury.
A study published in JAMA found that using a combination of docetaxel and selumetinib did not improve progression-free or overall survival for patients with KRAS-mutant non-small cell lung cancer. The treatment had more frequent grade 3 or higher adverse events compared to the placebo group.
A study published in Annals of Emergency Medicine found that prednisone did not provide additional relief for emergency patients with hives. Antihistamine levocetirizine alone achieved full itching relief within 2 days for 76% of patients.
A study found that testosterone administration impairs cognitive reflection in men, making them more likely to rely on their gut instincts. The researchers tested the hypothesis that higher levels of testosterone increase the tendency to make intuitive judgments and reduce self-reflection.
A global trial of 20,000 women in 21 countries found that tranexamic acid reduces death due to bleeding after childbirth by a third if given within 3 hours. The drug is inexpensive and widely available, making it a promising solution for preventing maternal deaths in low-income countries.
A recent CU Boulder study found that the placebo effect can significantly reduce emotional pain and brain activity associated with social rejection. The study used fMRI to track brain responses in volunteers who had recently experienced a breakup, finding that placebos reduced physical pain and emotional distress.
A multicentre, randomised, controlled study found that long-term oral antibiotic therapy with norfloxacin improved prognosis in patients with life-threatening advanced liver disease. Norfloxacin administration for 6 months was associated with reduced risk of death and infection at 6 months.
A new study found that the old drug apomorphine can significantly reduce 'off' times in patients with advanced Parkinson's disease, improving their quality of life. The treatment was effective even after just one week and was well-tolerated.
A recent study published in JAMA found that a single capsule of corticosteroid dexamethasone did not increase the likelihood of complete symptom resolution after 24 hours in patients with sore throats. However, at 48 hours, more participants receiving dexamethasone reported feeling completely better.
A study published in JAMA found that early low-dose hydrocortisone treatment in very preterm infants did not result in adverse effects on neurodevelopmental outcomes at 2 years of age. The researchers analyzed data from the PREMILOC trial and found no significant differences in patients with or without neurodevelopmental impairment.
A study of healthy postmenopausal women found that vitamin D3 and calcium supplementation had no significant effect on the risk of all-type cancer. The four-year trial did show a slight increase in cancer incidence, but the difference was not statistically significant.
A new study from The George Institute found that pregabalin treatment did not relieve pain but caused side effects like dizziness. Despite this, many patients reported being satisfied with the treatment, highlighting the need for alternative management options for sciatica.
A large study found that levosimendan did not significantly reduce rates of death, heart attack, kidney dialysis, or mechanical assist device use among patients at high risk for low cardiac output syndrome. However, the drug reduced low cardiac output syndrome and required less use of other inotropes.
Bococizumab, a PCSK9 inhibitor, significantly reduced cardiovascular events by 21% in high-risk patients with high LDL cholesterol levels. However, it showed no benefit in patients with lower LDL levels, highlighting the importance of personalized treatment approaches.
Bococizumab significantly reduces cardiovascular events in high-risk patients with high LDL cholesterol levels. However, the drug's cholesterol-lowering effect tends to diminish over time in some patients.
A repurposed drug has been shown to prevent progression into diabetes in 80% of overweight patients with prediabetes, reversing the condition altogether in 60%. The study found that adding daily self-administered injections of liraglutide to diet and exercise significantly improved weight loss outcomes compared to placebo.
A double-blind, randomized clinical trial found that patients treated with naproxen and placebo had outcomes as good as those treated with naproxen and diazepam (Valium) for acute lower back pain. By three months after visiting the emergency department, most patients had recovered completely regardless of treatment.
A two-year course of immunotherapy did not significantly improve nasal symptoms in patients with moderate to severe seasonal allergic rhinitis at three-year follow-up. Long-term benefits are unknown, but a shorter treatment duration may reduce costs and inconvenience.
A randomized double-blind placebo controlled trial investigated the effects of recombinant antithrombin on gestation duration and neonatal morbidity in expectantly managed patients with early onset preeclampsia. No improvement was found in outcomes, with no reported safety events related to Recombinant Antithrombin.
Ocrelizumab has been shown to significantly reduce new attacks in patients with relapsing MS, slow symptom progression in primary progressive MS, and decrease brain lesions. The drug also demonstrated lower rates of disability progression and fewer infusion-related reactions compared to placebo.
Researchers have made significant strides in treating primary progressive multiple sclerosis (PPMS) with ocrelizumab, a medication that targets immune cells contributing to the disease. The study, led by UTHealth's Jerry Wolinsky, shows substantial improvement in slowing disability progression and reducing new lesion formation.
A recent trial suggests vitamin D3 supplementation improves symptoms of autism spectrum disorder in children, including hyperactivity and social withdrawal. The study found significant improvements after four months of treatment, but not with a placebo.
A survey of 1,000 US parents found that 91.5% agreed use of placebo is vital for advancing new treatments, but only a majority accepted it for seven common conditions. The study highlights the need to refresh traditional pediatric therapeutic models to support parental decisions around placebos.
A new Wnt inhibitor drug has shown significant improvements in knee OA pain, joint function, and even slowed or reversed cartilage loss. The study found that the drug improved outcomes for 76% of patients in the high-dose group compared to 36% on placebo.
Researchers found that tranexamic acid effectively reduces bleeding in patients undergoing heart surgery. Additionally, studies suggest witholding common blood pressure medications before surgery may improve patient recovery and mortality rates.
A single dose of dextrose gel can lower the risk of developing neonatal hypoglycaemia in newborns, according to a randomized study. The study found that babies who received one dose of 200 mg/kg dextrose had the lowest risk of hypoglycemia compared to placebo.
A large international study led by McMaster University researchers found that low-intensity ultrasound treatment after surgical repair of a bone fracture has no effect on recovery time or quality of life. The study involved 501 patients and showed that using either an active or placebo device did not improve outcomes.
A study published by The North American Menopause Society found that low-dose estrogen therapy reduced moderate to severe hot flashes and night sweats by 28.3%, 7.4% and 4.2% respectively after 6 months, with sustained improvement over 4 years.
A study found that open-label placebo treatment reduced initial pain and disability scores by approximately 30% in patients with chronic low back pain. This approach harnesses the placebo effect without deception, offering a potential solution to improve treatment of back pain.
A study found that patients who knowingly took a placebo pill alongside traditional treatment for lower back pain saw more improvement than those given treatment alone. The placebo effect was triggered by the patient-clinician relationship and ritual of taking pills, rather than conscious expectation of an active medicine.
A recent study published in the Journal of Alzheimer's Disease found that DHA supplementation improved Full-Scale Intelligence Quotient (IQ) by 10% and increased scores on Information and Digit Span sub-tests, indicating significant improvements in long-term and short-term memory.
A phase III randomized controlled trial of custirsen in combination with cabazitaxel/prednisone found no significant survival gains compared to the placebo arm. Custirsen blocks clusterin production, which is involved in carcinogenesis and treatment resistance.
The MONALEESA2 study shows a significant improvement in progression-free survival for postmenopausal women with hormone receptor-positive advanced breast cancer when treated with ribociclib plus letrozole. The combination also resulted in higher objective response rates and improved clinical benefits.
The ENGOT-OV16/NOVA trial shows niraparib significantly improves progression-free survival in recurrent ovarian cancer patients, with median survival rates up to 21 months. Niraparib also improves secondary endpoints, including time to first subsequent treatment and chemotherapy-free interval.
A three-armed clinical trial found that spinal manipulation therapy reduced migraine days, but the effect was likely attributed to a placebo response. Migraine treatment with usual drug therapy failed to show sustained benefits.
Research from the Center for BrainHealth found that smokers' beliefs about nicotine content impact their brain's response to smoking. The study used fMRI scans to show that participants who believed a cigarette contained nicotine experienced different neural activity compared to those who believed it didn't.
Researchers found that a simple saline solution twice daily was just as effective as three medications in reducing the frequency and severity of chronic nosebleeds. The study's results suggest that simple hydration may be enough to prevent nosebleeds, making saline nasal spray a potential treatment option.
Two studies found that nasal sprays containing bevacizumab, estriol, or tranexamic acid failed to significantly reduce the frequency and duration of nosebleeds in patients with hereditary hemorrhagic telangiectasia. The treatment also had no measurable effect on quality of life, hemoglobin levels, or red blood cell transfusions.
The phase 3 ODYSSEY-ESCAPE trial found that alirocumab-treated patients had a 75% greater reduction in apheresis compared to placebo, with 63.4% eliminating apheresis altogether. This could mark a new era for HeFH patients struggling with weekly apheresis treatments.
A six-month open-label study found that treatment with a 2% testosterone solution improved low sex drive and low energy symptoms in men with hypogonadism. The safety profile was consistent with previous trials, indicating that long-term treatment is safe and effective.
A new study published in JAMA found that daily injection of the drug abaloparatide significantly reduced the risk of new vertebral and nonvertebral fractures in postmenopausal women with osteoporosis. The treatment also showed a more pronounced anabolic effect on bone compared to other osteoporosis drugs.
A long-term study found that starting medication for multiple sclerosis at the earliest sign of the disease can prolong the time before a definitive diagnosis is made. Participants who received early treatment had 33% fewer diagnoses of MS, more time between relapses, and lower yearly relapse rates compared to those on delayed treatment.
A new study published in Nutrients found that Montmorency tart cherry juice concentrate improved recovery among semi-professional male soccer players after a simulated game. The study found greater functional performance, reduced inflammation, and decreased muscle soreness in the Montmorency group compared to the placebo group.
Adalimumab, an inhibitor of the inflammatory protein tumor necrosis factor (TNF), has been shown to provide significantly greater symptom relief than placebo in patients with hidradenitis suppurtiva. The results of two phase 3 clinical trials support FDA approval of adalimumab for this painful skin condition.
Researchers found that inosine treatment led to improved motor control in four out of four treated monkeys, with three returning to their pre-operative grasping methods. The study suggests neural plasticity as a therapeutic target for recovering fine motor control and grasping ability after brain injury.
MABp1 improves symptoms, reduces inflammation and increases clinical response rate by 76%, with a 3x longer survival time for responders. Excellent safety and tolerability were also observed.
The phase III RESORCE trial shows regorafenib achieves improved survival rates compared to placebo in patients with hepatocellular carcinoma. The study demonstrates significant efficacy and safety benefits of the new agent as a second-line treatment option, providing hope for improved patient outcomes.
A new study demonstrates that an over-the-counter sleep aid can help people with occasional sleeplessness achieve significantly better sleep. The study found that the liquid product ZzzQuil helped participants fall asleep faster, stay asleep longer, and report better quality of sleep.
A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized clinical trials found that phentermine-topiramate and liraglutide were associated with the highest odds of achieving at least 5% weight loss. The study included nearly 30,000 overweight or obese adults and identified the efficacy of five FDA-approved long-term weight loss agents.
A new drug, TEV-48125, was associated with fewer headache hours for people with chronic migraine within three to seven days after the first injection. The study found that the higher dose of the drug showed a difference from the placebo after three days, and both doses reduced headaches by 1-2 days after two weeks of treatment.
A novel nicotine inhaler has been shown to double smoking quit rates compared to placebo inhalers. The study, published in Nicotine and Tobacco Research, suggests that inhaled nicotine from a standard inhaler is highly effective in helping smokers quit.
A recent study published in JAMA found that high-dose recombinant human erythropoietin (rhEPO) did not improve cognitive development or reduce neurodevelopmental delay in very preterm infants at 2 years old. The study randomly assigned 448 preterm infants to receive rhEPO or placebo and followed their outcomes for over two years.
A randomized clinical trial found that sitagliptin was not significantly better than a placebo in reducing liver fat in patients with NAFLD. However, advanced imaging techniques such as MRI-PDFF and magnetic resonance elastography proved to be accurate and useful in measuring disease state and progression.
Macitentan, a medication for pulmonary arterial hypertension, does not reduce digital ulcers in patients with systemic sclerosis. Few new ulcers appeared regardless of treatment, suggesting no benefit in managing this common complication.