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 recent study published in JAMA found that taking daily tadalafil did not prevent erectile dysfunction (ED) in men undergoing radiation therapy for prostate cancer. The study involved 242 men who received either tadalafil or a placebo, and showed no significant difference in ED prevention between the two groups.
The POISE-2 trial found that clonidine increased rates of clinically concerning hypotension and non-fatal cardiac arrest in patients undergoing non-cardiac surgery. The study showed higher risks from clonidine without counterbalancing benefits, contradicting earlier findings that suggested it would improve outcomes.
The novel inflammation inhibitor darapladib showed no primary-endpoint advantage over placebo in treating chronic coronary heart disease, but suggested benefits for specific coronary artery-related endpoints. Subgroup analysis revealed smokers had a greater decrease in major adverse cardiovascular events.
The LAPLACE-2 study shows evolocumab produces highly significant reductions in LDL cholesterol when added to statins, with 93% of patients achieving an LDL level below 70mg/dL. Evolocumab also reduces non-HDL cholesterol, apolipoprotein B and lipoprotein (a) levels without liver damage or muscle problems.
A multicenter study found colchicine significantly reduced the rate of disease recurrence, improved symptoms, and hospitalization rates in patients with recurrent pericarditis. The medication was also associated with higher remission rates compared to placebo.
The AleCardio trial was ended early after patients treated with aleglitazar showed higher rates of heart failure, kidney events, and gastrointestinal bleeding. The study found no cardiovascular benefits despite dual-action on PPAR receptors, leading researchers to consider the class of drug being tested clinically.
Research finds nicotine patches do not aid pregnant women in quitting smoking; behavioral support remains most effective approach. Average birth weights similar between groups, but nicotine patch linked to higher blood pressure.
The study found that Glycerol phenylbutyrate significantly reduced hepatic encephalopathy events, hospitalizations, and ammonia levels compared to placebo. GPB's direct ammonia-lowering agent properties suggest its therapeutic potential for patients with cirrhosis and hepatic encephalopathy.
Researchers found a significant decrease in cataract risk among male physicians taking a daily multivitamin supplement, with a 9% lower risk compared to the placebo group. However, the study also found a slight increase in age-related macular degeneration risk among multivitamin users.
A study by Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center found that patients' expectations, whether positive, negative, or neutral, significantly influence the effects of both medications and placebos on migraine pain. The researchers discovered that a positive message and powerful medication are essential for effective clinical care.
Researchers at the University of Pennsylvania have developed a decision-making model that compares and weighs multiple variables to predict the optimal choice. By using this 'predictive advantage index' in personalized medicine, clinicians can make more informed decisions based on a comprehensive analysis of relevant data.
A 40-week treatment with varenicline resulted in abstinence rates three times higher than placebo, while cognitive behavioral therapy showed significant benefits. The study suggests that maintenance treatment may reduce tobacco dependence and smoking-related morbidity and mortality in individuals with serious mental illness.
Extended varenicline treatment improved tobacco abstinence rates among individuals with serious mental illness. Participants who received varenicline and cognitive behavioral therapy for 40 weeks had three times more success maintaining abstinence than those receiving only cognitive behavioral therapy.
Vitamin E, a fat-soluble antioxidant, has been shown to slow functional decline and reduce caregiver time in patients with mild to moderate Alzheimer disease. In contrast to previous trials, this study found no significant increase in mortality risk with vitamin E, suggesting potential cost-effectiveness.
A study found that using antidepressant nortriptyline for 15 weeks did not improve symptoms of idiopathic gastroparesis. Researchers concluded that tricyclic antidepressants may not be an effective strategy for treating this disease.
A 2-year study found diflunisal reduced neurological impairment and preserved quality of life in familial amyloid polyneuropathy patients compared to placebo. The treatment showed potential benefit in a phase 1 study and is well-tolerated by patients.
A recent study published in the British Journal of Obstetrics and Gynaecology found that oral garlic did not provide significant relief for women with vaginal thrush. The research involved 63 women who took either garlic tablets or a placebo for two weeks, with no notable reduction in Candida levels observed.
Most multivitamin supplements have no benefit in preventing chronic disease or death, and long-term use does not preserve cognitive function. Researchers found that high doses of multivitamins and minerals do not protect against cardiovascular events following myocardial infarction.
A new study found that thalidomide improves clinical remission in children and adolescents with refractory Crohn disease, with 63.3% achieving remission after 8 weeks of treatment. The drug also showed longer average duration of remission compared to placebo.
A clinical study found that exercise with GM-CSF boosts mobility in patients with peripheral artery disease. Participants who responded strongly to GM-CSF treatment showed significant improvements in maximum walking time.
A trial testing varespladib to reduce cardiovascular events showed the drug actually increased the risk of heart attacks and other events. Researchers found that patients treated with varespladib were more likely to experience sudden death, heart attacks, strokes, and unstable angina than those on placebo.
Two clinical trials present new hope for treating patients with kidney disease: a phase 2 trial of ZS-9 shows significant reductions in blood potassium levels, while another trial of abatacept plus cyclophosphamide fails to improve renal response in lupus nephritis. Researchers explore these findings at Kidney Week 2013.
A human clinical study has demonstrated that participants taking Natura Therapeutics' NutraStem Cardio showed a significant increase in cognition compared to age-matched individuals taking a placebo. The results improved decision-making speed across a two-month test period.
A new study published in The Lancet Diabetes & Endocrinology found that metformin had no significant impact on cardiovascular risk factors in non-diabetic individuals with heart disease taking statins. However, the medication did reduce body weight and other related risk factors for type 2 diabetes.
A new drug, pimavanserin, has shown significant improvement in reducing psychotic symptoms in Parkinson's disease patients. The study found a 37% improvement in psychotic symptoms compared to placebo, with no worsening of motor symptoms reported.
A study found that intranasal application of hormone oxytocin enhanced placebo analgesia response. The researchers observed greater pain reduction on the placebo site after applying oxytocin compared to saline.
A meta-analysis found that receiving an influenza vaccination was associated with a lower risk of major adverse cardiovascular events. The greatest treatment effect was seen among patients with recent acute coronary syndrome (ACS), such as heart attack or unstable angina.
A Phase III trial found that low-level laser therapy (LLLT) significantly reduces the incidence of severe canker sores (grades 3 and 4) in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma patients undergoing concurrent chemoradiotherapy. LLLT also improves patient quality of life, reducing oral pain and opioid analgesic use.
A study of 300 ICU patients in France found that statin therapy did not decrease day-28 mortality rates among those with ventilator-associated pneumonia. The results suggest that new treatments are needed to improve outcomes for this common and costly infection.
A study found that dextrose gel treatment can almost halve the likelihood of hypoglycaemia treatment failure in at-risk babies. Babies treated with dextrose gel were less likely to be admitted to intensive care and formula fed, reducing hospital admissions and costs.
A recent trial found that e-cigarettes were comparable to nicotine patches in helping smokers quit for at least six months. The study also showed that e-cigarette users had reduced cigarette consumption by half after six months compared to those using patches or placebo devices.
A trial comparing e-cigarettes with nicotine patches found they were comparable in helping smokers quit, with e-cigarettes showing higher reduction in cigarette consumption after six months. The study suggests e-cigarettes have potential as effective smoking cessation aids despite regulatory uncertainty and inconsistency.
A recent trial by Cleveland Clinic found that the drug RVX-208 failed to improve coronary health in patients with low HDL cholesterol, contradicting previous hopes for an 'HDL-raising' treatment. The study used intravascular ultrasonography to assess plaque buildup and found no significant difference between RVX-208 and placebo.
The ATOMIC-AHF study found that omecamtiv mecarbil showed greater dyspnoea relief in the highest dose cohort compared to placebo, with significant dose-related and plasma concentration-related trends. The study also revealed increases in systolic ejection time and reductions in heart rate without decreasing blood pressure.
A study published in JAMA Network found that aliskiren, a renin inhibitor, did not slow the progression of coronary artery disease in patients with prehypertension. The treatment had no significant impact on atheroma burden or regression of fatty deposits.
The ASSURE study found that the experimental apolipoprotein A1 (apoA1) inducer RVX-208 failed to incrementally impact atherosclerotic plaque, despite promising earlier findings. The lack of efficacy was attributed to adverse events and liver enzyme elevations in the treatment group.
A study found that naltrexone treatment reduced the percentage of days drinking among patients with posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and alcohol dependence. The combination of prolonged exposure therapy and naltrexone did not increase drinking or alcohol craving, contradicting common views.
A new study published in JAMA found that treating post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and alcohol dependence simultaneously does not lead to increased drinking, but rather improves treatment outcomes. Prolonged exposure therapy combined with naltrexone reduced cravings and drinking days, even after treatment stopped.
Research found that responses to placebos are influenced by diverse factors including route of administration, environmental cues, and learning. Participants' expectations correlated with pain thresholds and tolerance, suggesting a complex relationship between placebo effects and individual traits. Sham acupuncture's effect on genuine ...
Experts say India's new policy protecting research participants could have serious consequences for public health and the country's role in global clinical research. The policy's compensation provision for injury from failed investigations could discourage trial participation, leading to a shortage of registered drugs.
Researchers at Duke University Medical Center used pharmacometabolomics to analyze biochemical changes in people taking antidepressants, finding that those whose depression improved had distinct metabolic profiles. The study suggests that serotonin metabolism in the pineal gland may play a role in depression treatment outcomes.
A study published in JAMA found that daily soy protein supplementation for two years did not reduce or delay the development of biochemical recurrence of prostate cancer. In fact, the supplement may even accelerate the onset of recurrence by a few weeks.
A study of postmenopausal hormone therapy found no long-term benefits or risks to cognitive function in women aged 50-55. Cognitive assessments conducted 7.2 years after treatment cessation showed similar global and domain-specific cognitive functioning between those who received hormone therapy and placebo.
A new study found that participants who received the dietary supplement Juven experienced significant increases in lean body mass, while those who received a placebo did not. Blood concentrations of IGF-1 also increased among Juven recipients, but the correlation with improved muscle mass was not statistically significant.
A Phase III study by MD Anderson Cancer Center found no overall survival (OS) or progression-free survival (PFS) benefits for bevacizumab in newly diagnosed glioblastoma patients. However, patients on bevacizumab experienced higher rates of toxicities and symptom burden compared to placebo.
A randomized double-blind trial showed that Coenzyme Q10 decreases all-cause mortality by half, improving survival in severe heart failure patients. The study found that CoQ10 also significantly lowers cardiovascular mortality and hospitalizations for heart failure.
A new oral vaccine against ETEC has been developed and shown to be safe and highly immunogenic in a phase I study, inducing immune responses in all volunteers. The vaccine is designed to protect travelers and children living in areas endemic for ETEC.
A Phase IIa clinical trial found that dupilumab reduced asthma exacerbations by 87% and improved lung function, morning peak expiratory flow, and asthma symptoms. The study suggests dupilumab may be an effective treatment option for patients with persistent asthma.
Researchers found that escitalopram reduced mental stress-induced myocardial ischemia by 2.62 times, improving cardiovascular function and reducing platelet serotonin receptor transporters. The study suggests that SSRIs or similar treatments could play a role in managing coronary heart disease.
A study found that 6 weeks of escitalopram treatment reduced the occurrence of mental stress-induced cardiac ischemia (MSIMI) in patients with stable coronary heart disease. The treatment also improved psychological functioning and hemodynamic responses to stress.
A post-hoc analysis of a multicenter study found that extended use of azithromycin reduced hospitalization rates among COPD patients, with those treated receiving a significant delay between first and subsequent respiratory-related hospitalizations. The study suggests chronic azithromycin therapy may offer benefits to COPD patients at ...
Studies of newly diagnosed prostate cancer patients reveal that older, sicker men are unlikely to benefit from aggressive therapy. Researchers found that those aged 61-74 and over 75 with multiple health issues face high risks of mortality from non-prostate causes, suggesting a shift towards more conservative treatment approaches.
A world-first clinical study by an Australian team has found Kava significantly reduced symptoms of people suffering from Generalised Anxiety Disorders. The study revealed Kava could be an alternative treatment to pharmaceutical products, with no significant adverse reactions or differences in liver function between the groups.
A Johns Hopkins Medicine review of 34 clinical trials found that oral drops are effective in alleviating symptoms of allergic rhinitis and asthma in children. The study suggests that oral drops can be a reasonable option for providing relief to millions of children who suffer from these conditions.
Researchers found that shock wave-facilitated cell therapy improved left ventricular ejection fraction and reduced major adverse cardiac events in patients with chronic postinfarction heart failure. The treatment used high-dose ultrasound to precondition the target heart tissue before administering bone marrow-derived mononuclear cells.
Researchers found that dexmedetomidine alleviated symptoms of opioid-induced hyperalgesia in patients receiving high doses of remifentanil. Patients treated with dexmedetomidine reported less pain and used less morphine compared to those receiving placebo.
A new vaccine candidate for post-operative staph infections failed to demonstrate efficacy in reducing serious infections and was associated with increased mortality among patients who developed the infection. The study found no significant difference in efficacy between the vaccine and placebo groups, and reported a higher rate of mul...
A randomized phase 3 trial found that duloxetine reduced pain from chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy compared to placebo. Patients who received platinums showed greater benefits from duloxetine.
A randomized controlled trial found that erythromycin significantly reduced pulmonary exacerbations and improved symptoms in patients with non-CF bronchiectasis, but also increased macrolide resistance. The study suggests that low-dose erythromycin may be beneficial for treatment of respiratory disorder in certain patient populations.
A randomized trial found that chelation therapy with disodium EDTA modestly reduced the risk of a composite of adverse cardiovascular outcomes, but did not support routine use for treatment of patients who have had a heart attack. The study included 1,708 patients and showed no effect on total mortality.