Clinical research

A Pilot Study on Qigong for Parkinson’s Disease Background Neuroinflammation is a key factor in the decline of neurons in people with Parkinson’s disease (PD). High levels of inflammatory markers, like IL-1β, IL-6, and TNF-α, are common in PD patients and relate to various non-motor symptoms. Qigong, a mind-body exercise, has been used to help those with PD. Previous research indicates a link between sleep quality and inflammation. This study looked at how Qigong affects inflammation and sleep quality in PD patients. Methods This was a randomized controlled trial with 17 participants. They underwent a 12-week program, with 8 doing… ➡️➡️➡️

Carrageenan and Insulin Resistance in Humans: A Clinical Trial Overview Study Background This study investigates the effects of carrageenan, a common food additive, on insulin resistance and inflammation in humans. While it is known to cause issues in animal studies, its impact on human health is not fully understood. Study Design A total of 20 male participants, aged around 27 years and with a normal body mass index (BMI), took part in this randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled, cross-over trial. They consumed either 250 mg of carrageenan or a placebo twice daily for two weeks. The main goal was to measure insulin… ➡️➡️➡️

Effects of Canagliflozin on Patients with Type 2 Diabetes on Peritoneal Dialysis Study Overview Patients with type 2 diabetes (T2D) who are on dialysis face a higher risk of death due to heart and blood vessel issues. This study looks at how a medication called canagliflozin, which is used for T2D, affects heart health in these patients. Study Design The CARD-PD study is a multi-center trial that will compare the effects of canagliflozin with a control treatment in patients with T2D on peritoneal dialysis. Here are the key points: Participants will be randomly assigned to either receive canagliflozin (100 mg/day)… ➡️➡️➡️

A Phase II Study on Lenalidomide and Dexamethasone for Relapsed Multiple Myeloma Background Allogeneic stem cell transplant is currently the only potential cure for multiple myeloma (MM), but most patients will relapse. This study aimed to explore the effectiveness and safety of lenalidomide and dexamethasone (Len/Dex) followed by donor lymphocyte infusions (DLIs) in patients who relapsed after transplant. Methods Eligible patients aged 18-65 with relapsed MM after transplant received: Six cycles of Len/Dex Three doses of DLIs at intervals of 6 weeks Bone marrow tests were conducted to monitor disease status. The main goal was to measure progression-free survival (PFS)… ➡️➡️➡️

Contrast-Enhanced Ultrasound vs. MRI for Liver Lesions Study Overview This study compares contrast-enhanced ultrasound (CEUS) with MRI for identifying focal nodular hyperplasia (FNH) and hepatocellular adenoma (HCA). MRI can be expensive and uncomfortable for patients, so we wanted to see if CEUS could provide similar results. Trial Details Approved by the institutional review board, this trial included 40 patients from 2018 to 2023. Each patient had liver lesions identified by MRI and underwent a single CEUS procedure. We used a special contrast agent (Lumason) to enhance the ultrasound images. Results Out of 59 lesions examined (27 FNHs and 32 HCAs),… ➡️➡️➡️

Effectiveness of the Community Paramedicine at Home (CP@home) Program Overview This study evaluates the CP@home program, which provides home visits by community paramedics to reduce emergency medical services (EMS) calls among frequent users in Ontario. Study Design The research was a 6-month randomized controlled trial, meaning participants were randomly assigned to either the CP@home program or a control group receiving standard care. Participants Participants included individuals who made frequent EMS calls (3 or more in six months) or had specific lift assist needs. Intervention Details Community paramedics visited participants up to three times, conducting risk assessments, offering health education, and… ➡️➡️➡️

The Impact of Virtual Education on Women’s Breast Self-Examination Skills Study Overview This study explored how virtual education affects women’s ability to perform breast self-examinations (BSE), which is vital for early breast cancer detection. The goal was to see if online programs could improve knowledge, self-efficacy, and practical skills related to BSE. Methodology A total of 146 women aged 18-59 participated in this study, divided into two groups: one receiving virtual education and a control group with no education. The intervention group engaged in a four-week program via WhatsApp, which included videos, booklets, and posters. Both groups completed questionnaires before… ➡️➡️➡️

Efficacy and Safety of Mesenchymal Stem Cells in Treating Steroid-Refractory Acute Graft-Versus-Host Disease Background Many patients with acute graft-versus-host disease (aGVHD) do not respond well to corticosteroids. Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) may offer an effective second-line treatment for these patients, but more clinical studies are needed. Study Overview This study involved 78 patients with steroid-refractory aGVHD. They were randomly assigned to receive either umbilical cord-derived MSCs or a placebo, alongside standard treatment. MSCs were given twice a week. Key Findings The overall response rate (ORR) at 28 days was 60% for those receiving MSCs and 50% for the placebo group.… ➡️➡️➡️

Efficacy and Safety of Neurocognitive Adaptive Training for Depression A 12-Week Study Overview This study explored how Neurocognitive Adaptive Training for Depression (NCAT-D) works with selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) to help patients with cognitive issues due to late-life depression (LLD). Study Details Conducted from May 5, 2021, to April 21, 2023, at Beijing Anding Hospital, the study involved outpatients diagnosed with major depressive disorder. Participants were randomly assigned to receive either: NCAT-D combined with SSRIs (57 patients) SSRIs with a control treatment (61 patients) Key Findings After 12 weeks, the results showed: The NCAT-D and SSRIs group had a… ➡️➡️➡️

Randomized Controlled Trial of Cilostazol Addition for In-Stent Restenosis After Carotid Artery Stenting Background Restenosis, or narrowing of the arteries, after carotid artery stenting (CAS) can increase the risk of ischemic stroke. This study looked at whether adding cilostazol to treatment could reduce this risk. Methods In this trial, patients with carotid artery issues scheduled for CAS were randomly assigned to either receive cilostazol (50 or 100 mg, twice daily) along with other antiplatelet medications or to receive only the antiplatelet medications. The study monitored the incidence of restenosis over two years using ultrasound to measure blood flow. Results From… ➡️➡️➡️

Study on Self-Management for People with Epilepsy Introduction Self-management tools can make epilepsy treatment more effective and accessible. However, we need more long-term data to prove their benefits. The Transtheoretical Model (TTM) helps tailor self-management to where individuals are in their behavioral change journey. This model aims to address specific needs, reduce information overload, minimize drawbacks, and improve treatment effectiveness for those living with epilepsy. Methods and Analysis This study will be a randomized, double-blind clinical trial with two groups of adults diagnosed with epilepsy. – The **intervention group** will receive a TTM-based self-management program and traditional treatment. – The… ➡️➡️➡️

Development of a Mobile Health Support Program for Nigerian Women with Breast Cancer Background Breast cancer (BC) is a major health issue worldwide, particularly in Nigeria, where it has high rates of occurrence and death. Chemotherapy, a common treatment, can cause physical and emotional challenges that affect patients’ quality of life. There is a need for mobile health (mHealth) solutions to provide support, but little research exists on their use among Nigerian women with BC. Objective The aim of this study was to create and test an mHealth program called the ChEmo Nurse Breast cancer Application (CENBA) to see if… ➡️➡️➡️

Improving HIV Care for South African Men: Study Overview Background To control the HIV epidemic, it’s vital to increase HIV testing and treatment among people living with HIV (PLHIV). Unfortunately, men, especially in South Africa, are less likely to know their HIV status or begin treatment compared to women. Many men are also at a higher risk of serious health issues related to AIDS. Although the message of Undetectable = Untransmittable (U = U) is well-known in wealthier countries, it is not as widely understood in sub-Saharan Africa. We need more studies to see how effective U = U messaging… ➡️➡️➡️

Centralized Colorectal Cancer Screening Outreach in Health Centers Importance Colorectal cancer (CRC) screening is effective but is not widely used in federally qualified health centers (FQHCs). Objective This study aimed to evaluate a centralized outreach program for CRC screening that included sending fecal immunochemical testing (FIT) kits by mail and providing support for follow-up colonoscopy after abnormal results. Study Design This was a randomized clinical trial conducted in North Carolina from July 2020 to September 2021. Participants aged 50 to 75 years who were not up-to-date with CRC screening were included. Intervention Participants in the intervention group received: A mailed… ➡️➡️➡️

Evaluating the Benefits of the EPA’s School Bus Rebate Program Introduction In the United States, around 25 million children take school buses to school. While school buses are generally safe, older buses can expose kids to harmful diesel exhaust, affecting their health and school attendance. To promote cleaner buses, the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) launched a School Bus Rebate Program, distributing over $27 million from 2012 to 2017 to replace older buses with cleaner options. This study evaluates how effective this program was. Methods We used a randomized approach to assess the impacts of the EPA’s School Bus Rebate… ➡️➡️➡️

Better Imaging for Bone Biopsies Study Overview A recent clinical trial found that [18F]FDG PET/CT is more effective than CT for locating biopsy sites in patients with suspected bone metastases. This study involved 273 patients treated between January 2020 and March 2021. Key Findings Higher Accuracy: [18F]FDG PET/CT showed an accuracy of 97.08% compared to 90.44% for CT. Better Sensitivity: Sensitivity was 98.76% for [18F]FDG PET/CT, while CT had 92.22%. Lower Second Biopsy Rate: Only 2.19% of patients needed a second biopsy with [18F]FDG PET/CT, compared to 5.15% with CT. Faster Diagnosis: The average diagnostic time was shorter for [18F]FDG… ➡️➡️➡️

Efficacy and Safety of Prostate Radiotherapy in Metastatic Castration-Sensitive Prostate Cancer Study Overview The PEACE-1 study investigated the effects of adding radiotherapy to standard treatments for men with newly diagnosed metastatic castration-sensitive prostate cancer. This study involved 77 hospitals across Europe and included 1173 male participants. Key Findings Improved Survival: Adding radiotherapy to standard care with abiraterone significantly improved radiographic progression-free survival for patients with low-volume disease. No Overall Survival Benefit: Radiotherapy did not significantly affect overall survival rates in the same patient group. Safety Profile: The addition of radiotherapy did not increase the overall risk of severe side effects.… ➡️➡️➡️

Optimizing Parenting and Child Outcomes with Parent-Child Interaction Therapy-Toddler Overview Parent-Child Interaction Therapy-Toddler (PCIT-T) is a specialized therapy aimed at helping toddlers aged 12-24 months who exhibit challenging behaviors. Study Design This study used a randomized controlled trial to assess the effectiveness of PCIT-T on toddlers aged 14-24 months with disruptive behaviors. A total of 90 toddlers were divided into three groups: PCIT-T (intervention group) Circle of Security-Parenting (COS-P) (active control group) Wait-list (non-treatment control group) Outcomes were measured at three points: before treatment, after treatment, and four months later. Key Findings At the follow-up, the PCIT-T group showed: Highest… ➡️➡️➡️

Additive Effect of Shoulder Treatments in Adhesive Capsulitis Study Overview This study explored the effectiveness of shoulder hydrodilatation (HD) combined with suprascapular nerve blockage (SSNB) for patients with adhesive capsulitis (AC). We focused on pain relief, shoulder movement, daily function, and hand strength. Methodology Forty-eight patients diagnosed with AC participated in this study. They were divided into two groups: one received both SSNB and HD, while the other received only SSNB. Treatments were guided by ultrasound. We measured shoulder movement using a goniometer, pain levels with a visual analog scale, functional status with the Quick Disability of Arm, Shoulder, and… ➡️➡️➡️

Diagnostic Agreement Between Physiotherapists and Emergency Physicians Study Overview Patients often visit the emergency department (ED) with musculoskeletal disorders. Some hospitals now allow physiotherapists to manage these conditions independently after initial assessment. Understanding how well physiotherapists and emergency physicians agree on diagnoses is important for implementing this care model effectively. Research Findings This study analyzed data from a pilot clinical trial involving patients with minor musculoskeletal issues. Both physiotherapists and emergency physicians assessed 36 participants. The results showed: Overall Agreement: 86.1% Diagnostic Concordance: Almost perfect (Gwet’s AC1: 0.84) The main disagreement occurred when physiotherapists suspected a bone fracture or contusion,… ➡️➡️➡️