Articles tagged with Controlled Trials
Researchers have developed a novel virtual reality-based relaxation therapy that helps cancer patients in palliative care manage symptoms and stress better. The therapy, known as FLOW-VRT-Relaxation, combines standard-of-care relaxation techniques with immersive VR experiences to promote psychological states of flourishing.
A study of over 1,700 adult patients found that gastric bypass and sleeve surgeries have few short-term complications and are equivalent in terms of risk. The results suggest that patients and doctors can choose between the two procedures without worrying about short-term surgical risks.
A global collaboration of researchers recommends the use of potassium-enriched salt substitutes in hypertension treatment guidelines due to their health benefits and long-term patient compliance. The shift could help address spiraling rates of uncontrolled high blood pressure and reduce preventable deaths.
Researchers have gained decisive insights into treating bloodstream infections with Staphylococcus aureus, finding that early oral antibiotic therapy is as effective and safe as intravenous standard treatment. This approach enables easier treatment and faster discharge for patients at low risk of developing infectious complications.
A new MRI technique has shown that patients with severe depression can experience substantial improvements in symptoms and quality of life for at least six months. The technique uses functional MRI to guide the delivery of magnetic stimulation to specific areas of the brain, reducing variability and increasing effectiveness.
A large-scale German-wide randomized controlled trial found that high-dose therapy with glucocorticoids is not more effective than standard treatment for sudden hearing loss. However, it was associated with a higher risk of side effects. Several hundred thousand people worldwide suffer from sudden hearing loss each year.
A phase II clinical trial found that psilocybin-assisted therapy significantly reduced depressive symptoms in adults with cancer and major depression. Participants who received the therapy experienced a decrease in depression severity scores, with 80% showing sustained responses to treatment.
A study found that over 13% of cancer drug trials in China used suboptimal control arms, which may lead to biased results and patient harm. The researchers highlight the need for refining trial design to generate optimal clinical evidence.
A new study published in The Journal of Nutrition found that daily prune intake can significantly reduce inflammatory cytokines and activated monocytes in postmenopausal women. Prunes contain bioactive compounds that may act synergistically to suppress activated monocytes and their secretion of bone-resorptive inflammatory cytokines.
A phase III trial has found that personalised treatment for chronic lymphocytic leukaemia (CLL) can improve survival and remission rates. The trial showed that individualising therapy based on regular blood tests significantly improved progression-free and overall survival in patients with previously untreated CLL.
A new study published in the Journal of Nutrition found that consuming whole food omnivorous meals with lean beef resulted in significantly higher muscle protein synthesis rates compared to isocaloric and isonitrogenous vegan meals. The research, conducted on healthy older adults, demonstrated a 47% increase in muscle protein synthesis...
A meta-analysis of 15 randomized controlled trials found significant improvements in sleep efficiency and psycho-behavioral symptoms in patients with Alzheimer's disease. Light therapy also alleviated depression and reduced patient agitation and caregiver burden.
Researchers found a significant decline in glyphosate's ability to control seven major weed species, with most showing signs of adaptation within two to three years. The study suggests that using a pre-emergence herbicide can significantly improve control and reduce variability of glyphosate over time.
A new study by Staffordshire University warns people with type-1 diabetes to use fitness video games with caution, as they may change perceptions of fatigue levels. The researchers recommend updating measurement tools for virtual game platforms to ensure safe and accurate exercise tracking.
Researchers have developed a new method, SECRE, to identify genetic regulators of cytokine secretion in autoimmune diseases. The technique has been validated on cells known to play a crucial role in inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) and shows promising results for treating conditions with few therapeutic options.
A comprehensive meta-analysis led by Dr. Micheal Sandbank reveals that many low-quality studies are driving intervention recommendations and patient outcomes in early childhood autism care. The study highlights the need for more rigorous research to understand the positive and negative effects of various interventions.
A UTHealth Houston researcher is leading a large-scale implementation trial to address disparities in palliative care for Parkinson's disease and related dementia patients. The study aims to reduce low-value and unequal care, improve end-of-life care, and promote health equity.
A three-year intensive treatment strategy to lower systolic blood pressure below 120mmHg significantly reduced cardiovascular events, including heart attack, stroke, and death, compared to standard treatment. The study found that participants in the intensive group experienced fewer major vascular events and deaths over a two-year period.
A study found that pregnant women with high blood pressure who received tight blood pressure control immediately after pregnancy had lower blood pressure levels and improved cardiac function compared to those with usual care. This could lead to a reduced risk of cardiovascular disease, including heart attacks and strokes.
A randomized controlled trial suggests that a more liberal approach to red blood cell transfusions for heart attack patients with anemia may benefit outcomes without significant risk. The study found no statistically significant difference between two transfusion strategies, but results suggest a possible benefit of liberal transfusions.
Researchers have successfully used a specially formulated toothpaste for Oral Mucosal Immunotherapy (OMIT) to desensitize adults with peanut allergies. The study showed that 100% of participants consistently tolerated the highest dose without severe reactions, and 97% adhered to treatment.
Researchers at Oregon Health & Science University found that a low-fat diet significantly improved fatigue levels in patients with MS. The study, published in the Multiple Sclerosis Journal, suggests that diet alone can improve concentration and quality of life for patients with MS.
A new study suggests that gargling with salt water may be an effective remedy to improve respiratory symptoms and reduce hospitalization rates in people with SARS-CoV-2 infection. The study found that both low- and high-dose saline regimens were associated with lower hospitalization rates compared to controls.
Bio-TCV, a typhoid conjugate vaccine developed by IVI and Bio Farma, has been licensed in Indonesia following marketing approval from BPOM. The vaccine is expected to provide protection against typhoid fever as early as 9 months of age.
A new study found that electric toothbrushes significantly reduce plaque and gingivitis in young children aged 3-10. The research showed that electric toothbrushes are more effective than manual toothbrushes in reducing these dental issues, with whole mouth plaque reduction increasing by up to 55.7% in younger children.
A clinical study found that a ketogenic diet can improve kidney function in patients with hereditary polycystic kidney disease. After three months, positive changes were seen in key parameters, with no unexpected side effects.
A new study by UC San Francisco found that poor sleep is significantly associated with a 15% greater risk of experiencing atrial fibrillation the next day. The researchers suggest strategies like going to bed at a reasonable time, avoiding alcohol and caffeine before bedtime, and exercising regularly to improve general sleep quality.
A specific nucleotide metabolite called GTP controls responses to radiation and chemotherapy in an unexpected way. Increasing GTP levels makes cells resistant to treatment, while lowering them makes cells more sensitive.
A brain-computer interface (BCI) has been successfully used to restore control of home devices for a patient with ALS, allowing the individual to navigate a communication board and smart devices without recalibration. The BCI device was implanted on the surface of the brain areas responsible for speech and upper limb function, enabling...
A review of trials comparing ACT and CBT for depression found mixed results, but suggested that traditional CBT may have a slight edge. The research highlights the need for more reliable trial results to inform treatment decisions.
A clinical trial shows that a combination of atezolizumab and bevacizumab can reduce cancer recurrence in liver cancer patients by one-third after curative-intent resection or ablation. The therapy has improved recurrence-free survival rates compared to active surveillance, offering new hope for these patients.
A study published in Psychological Medicine found that the widely prescribed sedative alprazolam XR may be less effective than believed, with publication bias inflating its efficacy by over 40%. This suggests caution for patients and clinicians starting a prescription for panic disorder.
Researchers developed robotic prosthetic ankles controlled by nerve impulses, allowing amputees to move more naturally and improving stability. The study found that users were significantly more stable when using the robotic prototype, changing their postural control strategy and mimicking the body's behavior.
The ATLANTIS trial found that amitriptyline significantly improved IBS symptoms, with participants taking the medication reporting a bigger improvement in symptom scores after six months. The medication was well-tolerated and showed no significant impact on anxiety or depression scores.
A recent human study found that grape consumption improved key markers of eye health in older adults, including increased Macular Pigment Optical Density (MPOD) and reduced AGEs. Regular grape intake was also shown to increase plasma antioxidant capacity and total phenolic content.
The ESCAPE-TRD study found that esketamine nasal spray outperforms quetiapine in treating treatment-resistant major depression, with patients showing higher remission rates and reduced depressive symptoms. The results suggest esketamine as a safe and effective treatment option for those with treatment-resistant depression.
A new intervention for caregivers has been shown to reduce elder mistreatment of older adults with chronic illness, including dementia. The Comprehensive Older Adult and Caregiver Help (COACH) program provides personalized support to caregivers, reducing mistreatment rates from 22.5% to 0%.
In a randomized clinical trial, weekly tirzepatide showed greater reductions in HbA1c levels and body weight compared to prandial insulin as an additional treatment in people with inadequately controlled type 2 diabetes. The study also found less hypoglycemia with tirzepatide.
A new study found that a shorter radiation treatment course is just as effective as a longer schedule for patients with non-HPV-related locally advanced disease. Delivering fewer, but higher doses of radiation was associated with similar tumor control and late-term side effects.
A study found that a water additive containing pomegranate extract can limit the formation of plaque and tartar in dogs after professional dental cleaning. The additive was shown to reduce plaque buildup by 47% and tartar by 24%, promoting healthy gums.
A new study published in JAMA Network Open suggests that reattribution of pain to mind or brain processes can lead to significant reductions in chronic back pain intensity. Participants who received pain reprocessing therapy reported being pain-free or nearly so after treatment, compared to those receiving placebo controls.
Research found ginger consumption makes neutrophils more resistant to NETosis, a process that contributes to inflammation and autoimmune diseases. Ginger supplementation also boosted chemical levels in neutrophils, inhibiting NETosis in response to disease-relevant stimuli.
A new study reveals that newer diabetes treatments such as SGLT2-Is and GLP1-RAs offer no cardiovascular or renal benefits for Black populations. The research emphasizes the need for targeted access to care and treatment for those most at risk, considering racial disparities in healthcare.
Researchers developed a personalized combination treatment that turned on an immunometabolic switch to effectively control aggressive prostate cancer. The treatment showed complete tumor control and long-lasting survival without side effects in a mouse model of advanced prostate cancer.
A study of 194 patients found that those with alcohol-related diagnoses made 44% more visits and had a 138% higher death rate over 20 years compared to controls. Targeted interventions in emergency departments may help reduce this significant health burden.
A randomized controlled trial found that high-protein and normal-protein diets were both effective in improving glucose control, weight loss, and body composition in adults with Type 2 diabetes. The study suggests that individuals can choose a dietary pattern that suits their preferences while still achieving significant health benefits.
Research suggests that psilocybin can lead to lasting reductions in depression symptoms by increasing openness to experience and promoting brain network flexibility. Clinical trials have demonstrated positive effects of psilocybin in treating psychiatric disorders, including major depressive disorder and treatment-resistant depression.
A new clinical study found that adjuvant treatment with Mitotane is not necessary for patients with low risk of recurrence if they have a complete R0 resection, low tumour stage and Ki-67 levels below 10%. This approach has shown no significant improvement in relapse rate but is associated with side effects.
Research by Kessler Foundation team found that processing speed plays a role in benefit from the modified Story Memory Technique on verbal list learning but not on prose memory tasks. This suggests that treating deficits in processing speed may lead to optimal outcomes for individuals with traumatic brain injury.
Researchers found that participants taking adult education classes had a 19% lower risk of developing dementia compared to those who did not. This association held true for both Caucasian and non-Caucasian individuals, as well as those with pre-existing health conditions.
The Phase 3 study confirmed that combining the RTS,S vaccine with antimalarial drugs reduces clinical malaria episodes, severe malaria cases, and deaths from malaria in young children by nearly two-thirds compared to either intervention alone. The vaccine-drug combination provided greater than 90% protection against malaria episodes.
Researchers found that anxious individuals rely on a less efficient section of the forebrain for emotional control, making it difficult for them to choose alternative behavior. This leads to avoidance of social situations and prevents them from learning that they are not as negative as they think.
A Cochrane review of 17 randomised controlled trials found that blue-light filtering spectacles may not reduce visual fatigue associated with computer use and do not improve sleep quality. The evidence is also unclear on their effects on retinal health.
A novel study found that consuming two oz-eq portions of animal-based versus plant-based protein foods results in different EAA bioavailability. The study, conducted by scientists at Purdue University, included young and older adults, with no differences in EAA bioavailability between age groups.
Researchers have identified a family of broadly neutralizing antibodies targeting the HIV-1 envelope protein, which may contribute to long-term remission from infection. These antibodies were found to induce the elimination of infected cells and impose a selective pressure on the virus, paving the way for new therapeutic approaches.
A study published in Stroke found significant disparities in stroke risk factors between Black and non-Black adults. However, after one year of intensive medical intervention, some risk factors were reduced in Black adults.
A randomized controlled trial found that Nurse-Family Partnership improved child language and mental health at age 2, with no increase in child injuries or maternal pregnancies. The study involved 739 participants and their children for 2.5 years, providing new evidence on preventing early adverse childhood experiences.
A new research programme called Prevail teaches employees evidence-based psychological techniques to manage mental health conditions, reducing stigma and sick days. The study found a 22% drop in recorded sick days among staff at the DVLA after implementing the programme.
A new study published in Annals of Surgery reveals promising results for normothermic machine perfusion in liver transplantation. The randomized controlled trial found that this technology showed particular promise in marginal donors and those with higher risk factors, demonstrating a lower incidence of dysfunction and cardiovascular s...
A large-scale study found that exercise programs for dialysis patients lead to significant improvements in physical fitness, quality of life, and reduced hospital stays. Personalized exercise plans showed low costs per training unit, making them a viable option for standard healthcare coverage.