A large randomized clinical trial demonstrated Octagam 10% as an efficacious and well-tolerated treatment option for adult dermatomyositis patients. The study showed improved outcomes in patients with this rare disease, providing a much-needed treatment alternative.
Researchers found that petting real dogs activates the prefrontal cortex more than stuffed animals, with increased brain activity each time interaction occurs. This effect persists after the dog is gone, suggesting a long-lasting impact of social bonding.
SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS ONE·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateOct 5, 2022
A UK-based trial found that texting young people to encourage safer sex behaviors did not reduce rates of chlamydia and gonorrhoea reinfections. The study suggests that health communication interventions should be rigorously evaluated to improve outcomes for this age group.
A study published in JAMA Pediatrics found that gender-affirming top surgery significantly improved chest dysphoria and gender congruence among transmasculine and nonbinary individuals designated female at birth. The procedure was also associated with enhanced body image, with minimal surgical complications reported.
A prospective study found that patient decision aids improve patients' self-perceived understanding of image-guided procedures and satisfaction with the consent conversation. Patients who received a PDA before their visit reported significantly greater understanding and felt more listened to by their clinician.
Researchers have discovered a key link between warmer early winters and reduced crop yields in oilseed rape plants. The study found that colder temperatures during late November/early December promote faster growth and higher yields, while warmer temperatures result in lower yields.
Researchers developed a unified machine learning model that analyzes data from patients with and without treatment, predicting depression outcomes better than separate models. The approach enables personalized medicine by designing treatment plans specific to each patient's needs.
Researchers are exploring the use of electrical spinal cord stimulation to help people with spinal cord injuries regain some movement. The study will investigate how the central nervous system changes in response to stimulation and exercise, with the goal of developing more effective rehabilitation strategies.
A randomized controlled trial found that both BVLR and surgery lead to significant improvements in lung function, breathlessness, and exercise capacity. The study suggests that less invasive BVLR may be a good therapeutic option for suitable patients, offering a similar outcome to traditional surgery.
Recent evidence suggests hormone therapy at menopause does not significantly increase the risk of invasive breast cancer. However, estrogen combined with progesterone increases breast cancer risk for women with an intact uterus. Menopause experts offer reassurance to women and their healthcare providers about the safety of hormone ther...
A large, randomized trial found that metformin reduced serious COVID-19 outcomes by more than half in high-risk patients when started early. The study compared three medications and provided valuable insights into their effects on COVID-19.
A new study found that households in the UK consumed 6.5% less wine when drinking from smaller (290ml) glasses than larger (350ml) glasses. Drinking from smaller bottles reduced consumption by 3.6%. These findings suggest that reducing glass size could contribute to policies for lowering drinking.
The AABB has released clinical practice guidelines for the appropriate use of COVID-19 convalescent plasma, recommending its use for nonhospitalized patients at high risk for disease progression. The guidelines suggest that CCP is most effective when transfused with high neutralizing titers early after symptom onset.
TCT 2022 will feature late-breaking clinical science presenting the safety and effectiveness of minimally invasive techniques, pharmaceuticals, technologies, and devices for treating or preventing cardiovascular disease. The event takes place September 16-19 in Boston at the Boston Convention and Exhibition Center.
The Women's Preventive Services Initiative issues guidelines for preventing obesity in midlife women, recommending counseling on healthy eating and physical activity. The guideline aims to mitigate concerns about weight stigma by normalizing counseling among all midlife women, regardless of BMI status.
Researchers used Plasmodium falciparum 7G8 challenge trials to test the PfNF54-based PfSPZ Vaccine, providing conservative predictions of its efficacy in Africa. The study found that VE over 24 weeks was as good as or better than VE against Pf7G8 CHMI at 24 weeks.
Research at the University of Reading found that high-dose Vitamin B6 supplementation reduced feelings of anxiety and depression in young adults. The study links Vitamin B6 to its calming effect on the brain, which may help alleviate mood disorders.
A novel AI-empowered robotic device successfully assisted in percutaneous nephrolithotomy—surgery for removing large kidney stones. The trial showed improved precision and reduced complications, with a significant reduction in needle punctures and puncture duration.
A study found that automated text messaging was comparable to direct phone calls in getting unvaccinated patients to seek COVID-19 shots, with higher response rates among Black patients and those with lower incomes. The study suggests using text messaging as a low-cost alternative to traditional patient outreach.
A randomized controlled trial found that spinal anesthesia was associated with worse pain immediately after surgery, but differences diminished over time. Researchers also found higher rates of pain reliever prescriptions at 60 days in the spinal anesthesia group.
A cluster-randomised trial in Singapore showed a low-cost, multi-pronged intervention improved BP control, reduced cardiovascular risk and increased use of antihypertensive medications. The intervention could cut hypertension-linked morbidity and mortality globally with rapid scalability.
A secondary analysis of the MOVe-OUT trial found molnupiravir-treated participants had a decreased need for respiratory interventions and fewer COVID-19-related acute care visits. Additionally, they showed faster normalization of biomarkers and were discharged earlier than placebo-treated patients.
A peer-led, family-centered preventive intervention is being tested to reduce stress, anxiety, and depressive symptoms among Bhutanese immigrants. The program, developed by Kalpana Poudel-Tandukar, uses problem management plus (PMP) and addresses multiple stressors, resulting in improved coping skills and social networking.
Researchers found that the effectiveness of exercise depends on the time of day, with morning exercise reducing belly fat and blood pressure in women, while evening exercise increasing muscular performance. For men, evening exercise lowers blood pressure, burns more fat, and improves heart disease risk.
The study found that the adapted version of the Re-Engineered Discharge (RED) Program, RED for Depression (RED-D), reduced hospital readmissions among patients with depressive symptoms by 48% and 70% at 30- and 90-day marks. The program included post-discharge depression treatment and transition support.
A review of 38 randomized controlled trials found that counseling patients about contraceptive use and providing contraceptives increases use without increasing STI risk or reducing condom use. The interventions also decrease unintended pregnancy in trials designed to evaluate this outcome.
A randomized controlled trial found that consuming cranberries for 12 weeks improved participants' memory of everyday events and neural functioning. The study also showed a significant decrease in LDL or 'bad' cholesterol levels, contributing to improved vascular health and brain perfusion.
A protocol-based potassium supplementation strategy resulted in a longer time to the first peritonitis episode and a lower hazard ratio of peritonitis compared to reactive supplementation. This approach also improved PD-related outcomes by significantly reducing the risk of peritonitis.
A combination of aerobic, strength, flexibility, and balance exercises alongside personalized nutritional counselling reduced mobility disability by 22% over three years. The intervention also improved physical performance and reduced muscle loss in older adults.
Researchers at Kessler Foundation found significant improvement in processing speed among individuals with MS after a five-week training intervention. The treatment effect was maintained six months later, with dosage correlating with improved outcomes.
A randomized controlled trial comparing an Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)-based program with the Duluth Model found that men convicted of domestic violence were charged with significantly fewer violent and nonviolent charges one year after completing the treatment program. Survey data also suggested a reduction in behaviors li...
A randomized controlled trial found that furosemide increases the risk of electrolyte adverse events but no difference in hearing loss or nephrocalcinosis was observed. The study suggests caution when using furosemide in preterm infants at high risk for bronchopulmonary dysplasia.
The study compares current recommendations for ventilation and chest compression versus ventilation during neonatal resuscitation using an ovine model. The findings suggest that optimizing ventilation could reduce the need for chest compressions and improve gas exchange in neonates, potentially improving overall outcomes.
Researchers found no evidence that early selective treatment with ibuprofen reduces death or moderate to severe bronchopulmonary dysplasia in extreme preterm infants. However, treatment reduced the risk of an open patent ductus arteriosus and surgical treatment for a symptomatic PDA.
The World Health Organization recommends Pfizer's nirmatrelvir/ritonavir for non-severe COVID-19 patients at highest risk of hospitalization, reducing hospital admissions by 84 per 1,000 patients. The guideline also suggests using remdesivir for high-risk patients and acknowledges cost and resource implications.
A recent randomized controlled trial found that an online decision aid can help older adults decide whether and when to stop driving. The tool, called Healthwise DDA, had high acceptability and reduced negative feelings about the process among participants. It may help older adults make informed decisions about their driving abilities.
A nonrandomized controlled trial of 501 patients found that awake prone positioning was linked to better oxygenation and reduced mortality rates among those with COVID-19. The study suggests that this positioning technique may be a valuable adjunct to other treatments for patients with severe respiratory symptoms.
Researchers developed EMOPRINT, a five-week behavioral intervention improving facial affect recognition skills in individuals with MS. The study showed significant improvement in facial affect recognition in the MS group compared to placebo controls.
Researchers at Rutgers University propose a new approach to COVID-19 vaccine testing by combining conventional and challenge trials. This parallel approach, called Combining Conventional and Challenge trials (CCC), aims to facilitate faster and more accurate vaccine assessment and more effective pandemic response.
A systematic review and meta-analysis found that SGLT2 inhibitors reduce hospitalizations and cardiovascular deaths in heart failure patients, regardless of diabetes status. The analysis also warned of increased genital infections associated with treatment.
A randomized controlled trial of 2,275 women in Kenya found a single dose of the human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine to be highly effective. The study results support the adoption of a single-dose HPV vaccination, which could increase accessibility in low- and middle-income countries.
A pair of studies published by Washington State University scientists found that hyperbaric oxygen therapy can help individuals with opioid addiction reduce their methadone dose and better manage pain and withdrawal symptoms. The treatment involves breathing pure oxygen in a pressurized environment, resulting in significant dose reduct...
A global trial found that people with heart failure who received an annual flu shot had lower rates of pneumonia and hospitalization on a year-round basis. The study also revealed significant reductions in major cardiovascular events during peak flu season.
A clinical trial conducted by RCSI researchers found that administering alpha-1 antitrypsin to critically ill COVID-19 patients reduced inflammation after one week. The study's results are promising and may form the basis for a larger trial.
The green Mediterranean diet induces specific microbial changes in the gut microbiome, enriching with bacteria that positively affect glucose metabolism and insulin sensitivity. This novel diet also promotes genetic pathways involved in reducing branched-chain amino acids linked to insulin resistance.
Researchers from Tel Aviv University found that hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT) relieves PTSD symptoms in treatment-resistant veterans, improving brain function and microstructure. The breakthrough study provides new hope for PTSD sufferers, offering an objective diagnostic tool and potential long-term improvements.
A recent study published in Drug and Alcohol Dependence found that internet-based smoking cessation interventions using prescription pharmacotherapy were as effective as in-person clinical trials. Up to a third of participants achieved smoke-free status after 12 weeks, with quit rates substantially higher than unassisted attempts.
A large-scale study found that simulation-based surgical training increased surgeons' skills for complex surgeries, with fewer total complications and ureteric injuries. Simulation training led to higher overall proficiency scores and fewer procedures required to achieve proficiency in complex surgeries.
A new study published in the British Journal of Sports Medicine found that resuming non-contact physical activity 72 hours after a concussion is safe for children and youth. The study, which involved 456 participants, showed that early return to physical activity can reduce symptoms and delayed recovery.
A randomized controlled trial found that remdesivir reduced the need for mechanical ventilation in hospitalized patients with COVID-19. The study involved 1282 patients and showed that those treated with remdesivir were able to come off oxygen and ventilators sooner than those receiving standard care.
A large clinical trial involving over 5,000 patients found that commonly used saline solution is as effective at keeping people alive and their organs functioning as more expensive balanced solutions. The study's results provide greater certainty about the safety and benefits of saline solution for treatment.
A green Mediterranean diet rich in polyphenols and low in red and processed meat may slow age-related brain atrophy. The DIRECT PLUS 18-month trial found significant attenuation of brain atrophy among participants who adhered to both diets.
A clinical trial found that people with severe alcohol disorder stayed off alcohol for longer when treated with low doses of ketamine combined with psychological therapy. The therapy showed promise in preventing relapse and improving liver function, with participants having lower depression rates after three months.
A global trial led by UCL found that a dolutegravir-based regimen reduced treatment failure among young people aged three to 18 by around 40% compared to standard treatments. The study also showed better growth and lipid profiles in children receiving dolutegravir, making it an effective option for treating HIV in children.
A phase 3 trial has shown that one dose of the Ad5-nCoV COVID-19 vaccine is highly effective against severe disease, with an efficacy rate of 91.7% at 28 days post-vaccination. The vaccine has also been found to be safe, with no serious vaccine-related adverse events or deaths reported among trial participants.
A recent study published in JNCCN found that 33 out of 81 studies lacked transparency on censoring, which can introduce bias and affect trial results. The researchers emphasize the need for improved transparency and reporting in clinical trials to ensure patients and clinicians make informed decisions.
The Liberty Asthma VOYAGE trial found that dupilumab significantly reduced the rate of severe exacerbations by nearly 60% and improved lung function and asthma control in children ages 6 to 11. Dupilumab was also shown to be safe, with minimal adverse reactions.
In a phase III trial, elacestrant showed significant benefits in decreasing death or disease progression and increasing progression-free survival compared to standard of care. The treatment was well-tolerated with manageable side effects, offering hope for patients with ER-positive/HER2-negative metastatic breast cancer.
A UK trial shows six different COVID-19 boosters are safe and stimulate strong immune responses in people who have previously received a two-dose course of ChAdOx1-nCov19 or BNT162b2, according to the first randomised trial of boosters given after two doses. The study found varying levels of protection against COVID-19 infection and ho...
A randomized controlled trial found that assistance dogs significantly improved wellbeing, mental health and independence for people with severe or profound hearing loss. Participants reported better mental well-being, fewer symptoms of anxiety and depression, and reduced social isolation.