Articles tagged with Controlled Trials
Researchers at the Texas Heart Institute have made significant breakthroughs in treating persistent heart failure with a novel stem cell therapy. The phase 3 clinical trial results show that this treatment has the potential to alter the natural history of heart disease, reducing hospitalizations and improving patient outcomes.
A large-scale trial found that penicillin can prevent progression of latent rheumatic heart disease in Ugandan children. The study enrolled 818 children and showed that early detection coupled with prophylactic treatment significantly reduced worsened heart conditions, offering hope for addressing this neglected disease.
A new review suggests zinc can reduce the duration of acute viral respiratory tract infections like the common cold and flu. Zinc use has also been linked to reducing symptom severity, particularly during peak illness days.
The largest trial to date shows that fluvoxamine treatment for high-risk outpatients with early-diagnosed COVID-19 reduces the need for prolonged observation or hospitalization. The study found an absolute reduction in risk of prolonged hospitalization and a relative risk reduction of 32% compared to the control group.
A randomized controlled trial found that adding genotypic resistance testing to routine care didn't improve virologic suppression among HIV patients with first-line antiretroviral therapy failure in public-sector clinics in Uganda and South Africa. The findings highlight the need for effective interventions for persons with virologic f...
A Tanzanian study found that laser treatment (SLT) successfully reduced eye pressure to normal levels in 61% of patients after one year, compared to 31% with daily eye drops. SLT may be an affordable alternative for glaucoma care in Africa.
A new study has shown that a single dose of typhoid conjugate vaccine (TCV) is safe and 84 percent effective in protecting against typhoid in Blantyre, Malawi. The findings are critical as typhoid is an increasing public health threat across sub-Saharan Africa.
A two-dose Ebola vaccine regimen has been found to be safe, well-tolerated, and produce a strong immune response in people over 1 year old. The study also supports the use of this regimen for Ebola virus disease prevention in children and adults.
A randomized controlled trial found that facility-based and home-based multidomain interventions improved cognitive function and retention rates among participants aged 60-79. The programs showed indicators of efficacy and feasibility, with potential benefits through inactivation of the HPA axis and enhanced brain plasticity.
Researchers compared the accuracy of two types of fecal tests for detecting colorectal cancer, finding that both types are reliable when thresholds are adjusted. The study suggests that health providers should select the best type of test based on specific demands in screening settings.
A new study published in the Journal of Consulting and Clinical Psychology found that a six-week progressive muscle relaxation program significantly improved grief severity and yearning in widows and widowers. This approach was more effective than mindfulness training, which also showed improvements but not to the same extent.
A systematic review found evidence that non-invasive brain stimulation can reduce smoking frequency in nicotine-dependent smokers. High-frequency repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) of the left dorsolateral prefrontal cortex was associated with the greatest reduction in smoking frequency.
A new app called selfBACK has been developed to help people deal with back pain in a better way. The app uses artificial intelligence and draws on other people's experiences with back pain to provide tailored advice and feedback.
Researchers found that startups using A/B testing are more successful, with improved performance by 30-100% and higher product innovation rates. The study also found that smaller firms without financing can benefit the most from A/B testing, but use it least.
A new trial found that remdesivir and hydroxychloroquine have no impact on viral clearance in hospitalized COVID-19 patients. Despite not affecting mortality, the treatment groups showed a decrease in SARS-CoV-2 load within the first week.
A new study analyzing 1,200 RCTs found that reporting of adverse effects has only improved slightly over the past 17 years. Researchers argue that many trials focus on benefits rather than harms, and selective reporting can misinform clinical decisions.
Despite widespread use, many common joint procedures like hip replacements and shoulder repair surgery have limited high-quality evidence to support their clinical effectiveness. The analysis highlights the urgent need for research and definitive trials to evaluate these interventions.
New CONSORT-AI extension addresses limitations in AI study reporting, promoting standardization and improving the validity of AI studies in dentistry. With the growth of AI in clinical trials, standardized reporting is crucial to gauge methodology, bias, and replication.
Training stroke survivors to walk at a faster speed can help improve the brain function that enables people to walk and perform another task simultaneously. Advanced brain imaging found changes in the brain consistent with adaptations necessary for controlling gait in complex environments, supporting the findings.
The study found large, statistically significant reductions in mortality, time to recovery, and viral clearance for COVID-19 patients treated with ivermectin. Ivermectin significantly reduces the risk of contracting COVID-19 when used regularly.
School-based interventions, particularly peer-assisted instruction and small-group teaching, have positive effects on reading and mathematics for students with academic difficulties. These targeted interventions can substantially boost skills in these students.
Researchers found that adolescents with autism exhibit greater brain activity during proactive executive control tasks, suggesting a unique approach rather than impairment. The study also revealed enhanced connectivity between regions associated with reactive control processes in individuals with autism.
Researchers at George Mason University are conducting two studies on adaptive interventions for emotion regulation in the workplace. The first study evaluates the effectiveness of three cognitive reappraisal Just-in-Time Adaptive Interventions (JITAIs) in achieving proximal emotion and performance outcomes.
A randomized controlled trial found that Congressional offices with targeted support reported increased value of scientific evidence for understanding legislative issues. The intervention group introduced around 23% more bills using research evidence language and reported a 7% greater value of using research evidence compared to controls.
A new toolkit developed by Brigham and Women's Hospital has significantly reduced falls and fall-related injuries among hospitalized patients. The toolkit, which engages patients and families in fall prevention strategies, was associated with a 15% reduction in falls and a 34% reduction in injurious falls.
A randomized controlled trial found that vitamin D supplementation improved clinical outcomes for children with severe atopic dermatitis. The study involved 86 patients who received either oral daily vitamin D or placebo for 12 weeks.
A two-drug combination of dapagliflozin and exenatide continues to effectively control patients' glucose levels without losing efficacy over a two-year period. The study also revealed significant improvements in blood pressure and weight, contributing to overall health.
The TARGET FFR trial found that a physiology-guided incremental optimization strategy (PIOS) reduced the proportion of patients with a final post-PCI FFR ?0.80, while also improving mean Coronary Flow Reserve. The study's results suggest potential benefits for PCI outcomes.
A five-year exercise training trial found no correlation between physical activity and increased longevity among elderly participants. Researchers suggest that current guidelines for moderate-intensity exercise may be sufficient for reducing mortality risk in older adults.
A new randomized control trial found that gamifying mobile mental health intervention content improved resilience and reduced attrition. The study showed significant benefits in both resilience and anxiety measurements after five weeks, with the game group retaining 21% more participants than other groups.
The EAST-AFNET 4 trial found that early rhythm control therapy reduces cardiovascular complications and death in patients with atrial fibrillation. Rhythm control therapy delivered soon after diagnosis can improve outcomes, including reduced risk of severe cardiovascular complications.
A new meta-analysis of published studies on hydroxychloroquine for COVID-19 treatment finds no mortality benefit, while combining it with azithromycin is associated with a 27% increased risk. The study supports current clinical recommendations against using these drugs for COVID-19 patients.
A new study found that texting intervention as an add-on to mental health treatment programs improved symptoms and increased participant engagement. The research team developed a text-messaging-based psychotherapy tool that was clinically promising, safe, and feasible for people with serious mental illness.
A new study published in Psychological Science found that improving subjective well-being through online and in-person interventions had positive effects on self-reported physical health. Participants who received the intervention reported increasing levels of happiness and fewer sick days compared to control participants.
A new study published by The Endocrine Society found that cinnamon supplementation lowered abnormal fasting glucose levels and improved response to eating carbohydrates. Cinnamon was well-tolerated without adverse effects.
The study found that focusing on subjects less likely to remain in the program, such as smokers and those with negative low-dose CT exams, improves cost-effectiveness and maximizes societal benefits. Adherence increased progressively with higher Lung-RADS categories, and having smoked previously was a significant predictor of adherence.
In a multicenter randomized controlled trial, crossover patients who received renal denervation due to elevated ambulatory blood pressures experienced significant reductions in daytime ambulatory systolic BP. The blood pressure lowering effect was consistent with primary RADIANCE-HTN SOLO results.
A recent randomized controlled trial found that landiolol hydrochloride administration reduced the incidence of postoperative atrial fibrillation after esophagectomy for esophageal cancer. However, this did not impact overall survival in patients with esophageal cancer.
A randomized trial found that rituximab reduces the risk of relapse by 64% compared to azathioprine, with fewer severe adverse events. The study suggests that rituximab may be a superior treatment option for patients with ANCA-associated vasculitis, particularly those with history of relapses.
A randomized controlled trial found that intra-articular hypertonic dextrose injections significantly reduced knee pain in patients with moderate to severe osteoarthritis. The study, conducted at the Chinese University of Hong Kong, involved 76 patients who received either the hypertonic dextrose or normal saline injection therapy.
A small observational study of 29 Italian patients with severe COVID-19 and hyperinflammation found that high-dose intravenous anakinra was associated with respiratory improvements and reduced signs of cytokine storm in 72% of patients. The treatment was generally safe, but more research is needed to fully understand its effectiveness.
A study of randomized controlled trials found that consuming green tea led to a significant decline in body weight and body mass index. However, the analysis did not reveal any notable changes in waist circumference after supplementation.
A George Mason study found that alternate light source detects bruises 5 times better than white light on diverse skin tones, addressing the disparity in bruise detection for people of color. The research aims to improve medical and legal outcomes for victims of violence.
A randomized clinical trial in 60 urban workplaces in China found that a wellness program with hypertension management component significantly improved blood pressure control among employees. The program reduced systolic blood pressure by 3.5 mmHg and diastolic blood pressure by 2.5 mmHg compared to usual care.
A new randomized controlled trial found that the guided self-help intervention SH+ significantly reduced psychological distress and improved functioning, depression, and wellbeing among South Sudanese female refugees. The intervention was highly acceptable to participants, with 80% attending all five sessions.
A randomized controlled trial found that the ACE method was as effective as a specialist stop smoking service in quitting smoking. The study's results suggest that ACE may offer a viable cost-effective alternative for public-funded healthcare settings.
Researchers found no depression or anxiety from dementia screening in older adults. The study also showed that screening did not reduce emergency department visits and hospitalizations. Dementia screening provides awareness for patients and families to take action, including advance care planning.
A newly released special issue examines the prevalence of null findings in randomized control trials, highlighting their expected and valuable role in evaluation research. Key articles propose frameworks for defining and interpreting null results, exploring context and implementation fidelity as factors influencing outcomes.
The Lancet Respiratory Medicine published a series of papers on cystic fibrosis treatment, including new CFTR modulator drugs showing promise and improving patient outcomes. Additionally, a three-in-one inhaler therapy was found to improve lung function and reduce asthma attacks in patients with severe asthma.
A new triple-therapy inhaler combining a steroid preventer, long-acting bronchodilator, and muscarinic antagonist significantly improved lung function and reduced moderate to severe asthma attacks. Patients with uncontrolled asthma who used the inhaler saw increased airway obstruction clearance and fewer exacerbations.
A major Canadian-led study has found that most adults can continue to eat red and processed meat without significant impacts on heart disease, diabetes, or cancer. The researchers concluded that a small reduction in risk was associated with reducing meat consumption by three servings per week.
Researchers conducted a randomized controlled trial in New Haven, Connecticut, where police officers made community policing visits to residents' homes. The study found that positive interactions improved public trust and cooperation with police, especially among black individuals and those with strong negative views towards the police.
The Lancet published several studies on cardiovascular disease, including a new risk chart for 21 global regions and a trial on percutaneous coronary intervention versus coronary artery bypass grafting. Additionally, the journal presented findings on sirolimus-eluting stents versus durable polymer everolimus-eluting stents in patients ...
A study found that providing current medical research to patients and visitors in waiting rooms increases interest by 30 percent. The trial, conducted in North Queensland, Australia, showed that age and gender also play a role in public interest.
A randomized clinical trial and meta-analysis found intensive blood pressure control to be more effective than standard control in reducing stroke recurrence risk. Patients who received intensive blood pressure control had a lower risk of stroke compared to those on standard control, suggesting potential benefits for stroke prevention.
A new Phase III clinical trial will assess the efficacy and safety of thrombectomy procedure in patients with larger ischemic strokes. The trial aims to determine if thrombectomy is safe and effective for this population, which has limited treatment options.
A Mount Sinai study found improved asthma control and quality of life in older patients, with a significant reduction in emergency department visits. The study tested a patient-tailored self-management support intervention, which targeted social determinants of health and achieved meaningful improvements.
Two new trials show oral semaglutide is more effective than subcutaneous liraglutide in treating type 2 diabetes, with the latest trial showing it's also safe for patients with moderate renal impairment. Another trial found that insulin degludec plus liraglutide is a durable therapy option for type 2 diabetes.
The Lancet journals present research on improving stroke outcomes, including effects of antiplatelet therapy and robotic training for upper limb rehabilitation. Papers also explore extending thrombolysis and stenting for symptomatic vertebral artery stenosis.
A randomized, controlled trial found that ultra-processed diets led to higher calorie consumption and weight gain compared to unprocessed diets. Participants consumed an average of 508 calories more per day on the ultra-processed diet, resulting in a two-pound weight gain.