Clinical research

Rehabilitation Experiences One Year After Breast Cancer Diagnosis Study Overview This study focuses on the experiences of women after breast cancer treatment, highlighting the challenges they face and the need for personalized rehabilitation. Key Findings Varied Experiences: Women reported different experiences and needs regarding their rehabilitation. Importance of Individualized Care: Some women felt well-supported, while others lacked personalized information and continuity with healthcare providers. Proactive Approach Works: Women in the intervention group felt that a tailored, proactive approach helped them feel recognized and supported. Concerns from Control Group: Those in the control group felt abandoned by healthcare services, which hindered… ➡️➡️➡️

Study Overview Title: Effectiveness of a harmonica-integrated, tele-supervised home-based pulmonary rehabilitation program for COPD patients. Published in: Front Public Health, January 2025. Introduction Playing the harmonica can help improve breathing and strengthen lung muscles. This study aims to find out how harmonica playing, along with music therapy, can support the mental and physical health of patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Study Design This study will take place at a major hospital in Guangzhou, China. We will include 248 adult patients diagnosed with COPD who do not have severe other health issues or cognitive problems. Participants will be randomly… ➡️➡️➡️

Biofeedback’s Impact on Orthosis Use for Ankle Fractures Study Overview This study explores how well patients follow post-surgery instructions for ankle fractures, especially regarding weight bearing (15-30 kg) and using orthoses. We monitored 84 patients over six weeks using pressure-sensitive insoles to track their compliance and load frequency. Key Findings Participants were asked to limit their weight bearing to 15-30 kg while using a lower leg orthosis with insoles that recorded daily step counts and maximum loads. The study had two groups: Control Group: No biofeedback provided. Intervention Group: Received audiovisual feedback when loads exceeded 20 kg. Results showed low… ➡️➡️➡️

Mango Consumption and Insulin Sensitivity Study Overview This study looked at how eating mango regularly affects inflammation and insulin sensitivity in people who are overweight or obese and have chronic low-grade inflammation. Key Findings Participants: 48 adults with an average age of 37.6 years. Study Design: Participants consumed 1 cup of mango or a control product twice a day for 4 weeks. Insulin Levels: Insulin levels dropped significantly in the mango group compared to the control group (8.2 vs. 15.3 µIU/mL). Improved Insulin Sensitivity: The Homeostasis Model Assessment of Insulin Resistance (HOMA-IR) improved significantly in the mango group (2.28 vs.… ➡️➡️➡️

Changes in Hormonal Profile and Body Mass Index in Women with Polycystic Ovary Syndrome After Probiotic Intake Overview of the Study This study explored how probiotics affect hormone levels and body weight in women with Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS). It was conducted over 12 weeks with a group of women taking probiotics and a control group receiving a placebo. Study Details Participants: 50 women with PCOS were involved, averaging 28 years old. Method: Participants were randomly assigned to either a probiotic group or a placebo group. Probiotic Used: SanProbi® Barrier capsules, containing nine strains of beneficial bacteria. Key Findings The… ➡️➡️➡️

Pilot Randomized Trial of an Educational Intervention About Immunotherapy for Patients With Advanced Cancer and Their Caregivers Background Immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) are common cancer treatments. We created a program called UPLIFT, which includes a video and a list of questions to help educate patients about the risks and benefits of ICIs. Patients and Methods We conducted a trial with 130 adults starting ICIs and their caregivers. Participants were randomly assigned to either receive UPLIFT or standard care before starting treatment. They completed surveys at the beginning, 72 hours later, and 6 weeks after starting ICIs. We focused on: Feasibility:… ➡️➡️➡️

Study Overview This study compares the results of two types of intraocular lenses (IOLs) used after cataract surgery: FineVision HP and FineVision Triumf. Purpose The goal was to see how well each lens performed in terms of vision quality for patients. Methods We followed 26 patients with the HP IOL and 27 patients with the Triumf IOL for 6 months. We measured various aspects of their vision, including: Distance visual acuity Intermediate visual acuity Near visual acuity Defocus curves Contrast sensitivity We also collected patient feedback using a standard questionnaire and noted any side effects. Results Key findings included: 94%… ➡️➡️➡️

Study Overview This study compares two methods for centering during small incision lenticule extraction (SMILE) surgery: the coaxially sighted corneal light reflex (CSCLR) and the tear film mark (TFM). Purpose The goal is to understand how these methods affect lenticule decentration and visual quality after surgery. Methods A total of 186 eyes from 93 patients participated. Each patient had one eye treated with CSCLR and the other with TFM. We assessed visual outcomes, decentration, contrast sensitivity, and corneal higher order aberrations (HOAs) three months after the surgery. Results The overall decentration was similar for both methods. However, in patients with… ➡️➡️➡️

UVESCREEN1: Study Overview What is the Study About? This study focuses on children with Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis (JIA) who are at risk of developing a serious eye condition called anterior uveitis. This condition can lead to blindness and often shows no symptoms, making early detection crucial. Why is This Important? Currently, children with JIA must undergo eye exams every three months at specialized centers, which can be far from their homes. This study aims to explore a new method for detecting uveitis using Optical Coherence Tomography (AS-OCT), which is more convenient and effective than the standard slit lamp examination (SLE).… ➡️➡️➡️

Interpreter Communication Quality in Cognitive Assessments for Dementia The MINDSET Randomized Clinical Trial Importance: As dementia cases rise with an aging population, interpreters play a crucial role in helping doctors communicate effectively with patients during cognitive assessments. This study is the first randomized clinical trial aimed at improving interpreter communication in these assessments. Objective: To determine if online training, developed by interpreters, clinicians, and multilingual family caregivers, enhances the quality of interpreter communication during dementia assessments. Trial Overview Design, Setting, and Participants: The MINDSET study was a randomized clinical trial involving certified interpreters fluent in Arabic, Cantonese, Greek, Italian, Mandarin,… ➡️➡️➡️

Impact of Orthodontic Treatment on Oral Health Quality of Life Study Overview This study examined how orthodontic treatments using aligners (OAs) and fixed appliances (FAs) affect patients’ oral health-related quality of life (OHRQoL). It involved 40 patients aged 13 to 35 with Angle’s Class I malocclusion, divided into two groups: 20 received OAs and 20 received FAs. Key Findings OHRQoL was measured at four points: before treatment, and at 1, 6, and 12 months after starting treatment. Patients with FAs reported a significantly greater impact on OHRQoL in the first month, including issues like functional limitations and physical pain. Scores… ➡️➡️➡️

Study Overview This study focuses on the National Institutes of Health (NIH) Research Task Force impact score, which measures pain intensity, pain interference, and physical function in patients with chronic low back pain. It compares traditional short-form surveys to computer adaptive testing (CAT) methods. Key Findings Minimal Important Change (MIC): The study estimated that a decrease of 3 points in the impact score indicates significant improvement. Variability: The MIC can range from 1.3 to 7.2 based on initial pain levels and the method of analysis. Importance of CAT: This research highlights the value of using CAT surveys for more accurate… ➡️➡️➡️

Curcumin and Piperine Enhance Body Composition in IBD Patients Study Overview This study looks at how curcumin, with or without piperine, affects body composition in patients with mild to moderate inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). Methodology Patients aged 18 and older with healthy kidney and liver function were divided into three groups: placebo, curcumin (1000 mg/day), and curcumin plus piperine (1000 mg/day + 10 mg/day). We measured body composition, phase angle, and hand-grip strength before and after 12 weeks of supplementation. Key Findings Out of 58 patients, 51 completed the study. Initially, 43.1% were obese, and 86.3% showed muscle depletion. Those… ➡️➡️➡️

Cognitive Behavioural Therapy Plus Kiesler Circle Training (CBT+) for Interpersonal Problems Study Overview This study compares two treatments for patients with interpersonal issues: traditional Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) and an enhanced version that includes Kiesler Circle Training (KCT). Why This Study Matters Interpersonal problems can lead to serious mental health issues like anxiety and depression. Improving these skills is essential for better mental health outcomes. Study Details We will conduct a randomized controlled trial with 156 outpatients diagnosed with depression or anxiety, all experiencing interpersonal difficulties. All participants will receive individual CBT. They will be split into two groups: Experimental… ➡️➡️➡️

Cost-Utility Analysis of Self-Management Education for Type 2 Diabetes Study Overview This study evaluates the cost-effectiveness of a program that helps people with type 2 diabetes (T2DM) access structured self-management education (SSME) compared to standard care in England. Key Details Objective: Analyze the costs and benefits of embedding SSME into routine care. Design: A model-based analysis using data from a cluster randomized control trial. Setting: Conducted within the English National Health Service. Participants: Patients with T2DM from 64 GP practices. Outcomes Measured Primary Measure: Incremental cost-effectiveness ratio. Secondary Measures: Cost-effectiveness probability and value of information. Results Summary The total cost… ➡️➡️➡️

Acceptability and Implementation of Colorectal Cancer Screening Training Background Colorectal cancer (CRC) is a major health issue, being the second leading cause of cancer deaths in France. Although regular CRC screening can save lives, many people, especially those with low health literacy and lower income, do not participate. This study looked at how general practitioners (GPs) in underprivileged areas accepted an online training program focused on health literacy (HL) and CRC screening, and how to promote and expand this training. Methods This qualitative study was part of a larger trial conducted in four regions of France. We interviewed 22 GPs… ➡️➡️➡️

Bayesian Population Pharmacokinetic Modeling of Ondansetron for Neonatal Opioid Withdrawal Syndrome Summary Ondansetron is a medication being tested for treating Neonatal Opioid Withdrawal Syndrome (NOWS) in newborns. This study analyzed data from a clinical trial involving 98 mother and newborn pairs. Pregnant women with opioid use disorder were given either a placebo or ondansetron right after delivery. Newborns whose mothers received ondansetron were treated with a small dose every day for up to five days. Key Findings The study used advanced statistical methods to analyze the data. Results indicated that while the absorption rate was slower, factors like body weight… ➡️➡️➡️

A Phase 2 Trial of ART-001 for Slow-Flow Vascular Malformations Background Patients with slow-flow vascular malformations (SFVMs) such as venous malformations (VM), lymphatic malformations (LM), or Klippel-Trenaunay Syndrome (KTS) often have specific mutations in the PI3Kα gene. This study tested ART-001 (serabelisib), a selective PI3Kα inhibitor, to see how well it works and how safe it is. Methods This was a multicenter, randomized, double-blind trial. Participants aged 2 years and older with VM, LM, or KTS received either 50 mg or 100 mg of ART-001 for 24 weeks. The main goal was to see if there was a ≥ 20%… ➡️➡️➡️

Pilot Study on Direct MRCP for Gallstone Assessment Background Patients suspected of having gallstones usually get an abdominal ultrasound. However, if liver function tests (LFTs) are abnormal, they often undergo MRCP instead. This study explores whether MRCP can replace ultrasound, especially since new AI technologies may improve the accuracy of MRCP readings. Method Patients with suspected gallstone disease and abnormal LFTs were divided into two groups: one received direct MRCP, while the other followed standard care. We collected data on hospital visits, costs, and health outcomes. We also analyzed MRCP scans using specialized software. Results A total of 27 patients… ➡️➡️➡️

Efficacy of a Blended Low-Intensity Internet-Delivered Psychological Program in Patients With Multimorbidity in Primary Care Study Overview This study investigates the effectiveness of a blended psychological program combined with standard care for patients dealing with multiple health issues, specifically depression alongside type 2 diabetes or low back pain. Key Findings Improved Outcomes: The group receiving the blended intervention showed greater improvements in mental health and overall well-being compared to those receiving standard care alone. Positive Impact: Participants reported less depression and negative feelings, along with better perceived health and openness to future possibilities. Physical Disability: The blended intervention also led… ➡️➡️➡️