Clinical research

Vonoprazan-amoxicillin Dual Therapy for Helicobacter Pylori Eradication in Chinese Population Study Overview This study aimed to assess the effectiveness of Vonoprazan-amoxicillin dual therapy (VAT) for treating Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) in the Chinese population. Key Findings The study found that VAT administered for 10 or 14 days achieved a higher eradication rate of H. pylori compared to standard bismuth quadruple therapy (BQT). The VAT groups also showed a more tolerable safety profile with fewer adverse events. Practical Implications The results suggest that using VAT for 10 or 14 days could offer a more effective and safer treatment option for H.… ➡️➡️➡️

Study on High-Fidelity Simulation for Medical Student Skills Enhancement Published in Med J Malaysia, July 2024 Introduction: This study compared the effectiveness of high-fidelity simulation (HFS) versus video-assisted lecture (VAL) in enhancing and retaining skills among undergraduate medical students. HFS provides realistic hands-on experience in a safe environment, while VAL involves interactive video-based teaching. Materials and Methods: A randomized controlled trial with 111 students assessed their skills through objective structured clinical examinations (OSCE) at different time points. Students were randomly assigned to either VAL or HFS groups. The study used statistical analysis to compare the effectiveness of the two teaching… ➡️➡️➡️

Effect of Nano-Curcumin Supplementation on Cardiometabolic Risk Factors and Quality of Life Key Findings from Clinical Trial Researchers conducted a randomized double-blind clinical trial to investigate the effects of a highly bioavailable curcumin supplement on patients with coronary slow flow phenomenon (CSFP). The study involved 42 patients, aged 35-70 years, with body mass index between 25 and 40 kg/m2. Patients received either 80 mg/day nano-curcumin or a placebo for 12 weeks. Results showed that while there were no significant improvements in certain biomarkers, curcumin supplementation prevented deterioration of glycemic control and improved physical and psychological quality of life and depression… ➡️➡️➡️

Diagnosis to Ablation in Persistent AF: Any Time Can Be a Good Time to Ablate Key Findings: Results from the CAPLA trial show that patients with shorter Diagnosis-to-Ablation Time (DAT) had lower rates of atrial fibrillation (AF) recurrence after ablation. Practical Solutions: Using standardized entry criteria and intensive monitoring, clinicians can identify the optimal timing for ablation in patients with persistent AF, potentially reducing recurrence rates. Value: Despite modest differences, all patient groups experienced low AF burden and improved quality of life after ablation, highlighting the overall benefits of the procedure. AI-Driven Support: DocSym’s AI-driven platform consolidates clinical standards and… ➡️➡️➡️

Educational Intervention on Perceived Stress in Adults with Type 2 Diabetes and Metabolic Syndrome Key Findings from the Clinical Trial During the six-month non-randomized clinical trial, a nurse-led educational health-promoting program was conducted with 51 adults diagnosed with type 2 diabetes mellitus and metabolic syndrome. The intervention resulted in a significant decrease in perceived stress (p=0.028). Additionally, stressed participants in the intervention group experienced a significant decrease in blood glucose levels (p=0.001) and a significant increase in high-density lipoprotein-cholesterol (p=0.003) concentrations after the six-month intervention. Practical Solutions and Value Implementing nurse-led educational health-promoting programs can effectively decrease perceived stress and… ➡️➡️➡️

Reducing Alcohol Consumption in Alcohol Dependent Individuals: A Pilot Feasibility Study Summary A trial was conducted to check the potential of transdermal alcohol sensors (TASs) in reducing alcohol consumption in individuals undergoing treatment for alcohol use disorder (AUD). The study aimed to assess the feasibility of using TASs and contingency management (CM) for alcohol monitoring and promoting abstinence or low-level alcohol consumption. Methods 30 participants were recruited and divided into two groups: control and CM. Both groups wore the TAS (BACtrack Skyn) for 2 weeks while continuing their regular treatment. The CM group received small financial rewards for low or… ➡️➡️➡️

Efficacy and Mechanism of Acupoint Catgut Embedding in the Treatment of Chronic Spontaneous Urticaria: Protocol for a Randomized Double-Blind Placebo-Controlled Trial Background Chronic spontaneous urticaria (CSU) is a common skin disease causing itching and wheals, significantly impacting quality of life. Acupuncture has shown promise in treating CSU, but its short duration of action and frequent treatments are limitations. Acupoint catgut embedding (ACE) offers longer-lasting effects and higher compliance, making it a potential solution for CSU. Objective This trial aims to provide definitive evidence for the treatment of CSU with ACE and explore its mechanism of action. Methods A randomized, double-blind,… ➡️➡️➡️

Effectiveness and Acceptability of Targeted Text Message Reminders in Colorectal Cancer Screening: M-TICS Study Background Mobile phone-based SMS text message reminders have the potential to improve colorectal cancer screening participation rates. Objective This study aimed to assess the effectiveness and acceptability of adding targeted SMS text message reminders to the standard procedure for individuals who picked up but did not return their screening kit at the pharmacy within 14 days in a colorectal cancer screening program in Catalonia, Spain. Methods A randomized control trial was conducted among individuals who picked up a fecal immunochemical test (FIT) kit for colorectal cancer… ➡️➡️➡️

Benefits of Upgrading Right Ventricular to Biventricular Pacing in Heart Failure Patients with Atrial Fibrillation Abstract Recommendations for cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT) in patients with atrial fibrillation are not as well-established as those for patients with sinus rhythm. The BUDAPEST-CRT Upgrade trial aimed to assess the effectiveness of CRT upgrade in heart failure patients with reduced ejection fraction and previously implanted pacemaker or implantable cardioverter defibrillator (ICD), based on their baseline rhythm. Methods and Results Patients with atrial fibrillation had an increased risk for heart failure hospitalization compared to those with sinus rhythm. However, the CRT-D upgrade was similarly effective… ➡️➡️➡️

Clinical Trial Results: Closed Loop Stimulation in Patients with Sinus Node Dysfunctions Practical Solutions and Value Closed loop stimulation (CLS) integrated into the circulatory control system through intra-cardiac impedance monitoring reduces the occurrence of atrial high-rate episodes (AHREs) compared with conventional rate-adaptive pacing in patients with sinus node dysfunctions (SNDs). Patients with SNDs and an implanted pacemaker or defibrillator were randomly allocated to dual-chamber CLS or accelerometer-based DDDR pacing and followed for 3 years. The primary endpoint was time to the composite endpoint of the first AHRE lasting ≥6 min, stroke, or transient ischaemic attack (TIA). The incidence of the… ➡️➡️➡️

Efficacy and Safety of Hexaspline Pulsed Field Ablation for Atrial Fibrillation Results from the PLEASE-AF Study Background: Pulsed field ablation (PFA) is a promising non-thermal treatment for atrial fibrillation (AF), but its effects on Asian/Chinese populations are not well understood. Study Objective: To assess the 12-month efficacy and safety of a multi-electrode hexaspline PFA catheter in treating predominantly Asian/Chinese patients with drug-refractory paroxysmal AF. Methods: The study involved 143 patients who underwent pulmonary vein isolation (PVI) using the hexaspline PFA catheter. Follow-up at 3, 6, and 12 months included various examinations to assess treatment success and safety. Results: All pulmonary… ➡️➡️➡️

The effect of education of self-care behaviors on the quality of life and resilience of multiple sclerosis patients Practical Solutions and Value Highlights: Clinical trials play a crucial role in developing safe and effective treatments for patients. Our AI-driven platform, DocSym, consolidates ICD-11 standards, clinical protocols, and research into an easily accessible knowledge base for clinicians, extending the benefits of clinical trials into everyday medical practice. In today’s healthcare environment, streamlining operations is essential. Our mobile apps support scheduling, monitoring treatments, and telemedicine, making it easier to manage patient care and expand services digitally. By leveraging AI, clinics can enhance… ➡️➡️➡️

Evaluation of Diode Laser Therapy for Peri-Implantitis Objective To assess the effectiveness of diode laser therapy as an adjunct to non-surgical mechanical therapy in managing peri-implantitis. Methods A cohort of 27 participants with peri-implantitis diagnosis received either diode laser therapy or non-laser treatment. Clinical parameters and peri-implant crevicular fluid (PICF) samples were evaluated at baseline, 3 months, and 6 months. Biomarker levels in the PICF were measured using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Results Both groups showed improvements in clinical and biochemical parameters over time. Differences were observed between the groups at the 3-month follow-up, particularly in certain biomarker levels, but not… ➡️➡️➡️

Mobile App Promoting Resilience in Stress Management for Adolescents and Young Adults With Cancer: Protocol for a Pilot Randomized Controlled Trial ABSTRACT Adolescents and young adults (AYAs) with cancer often face significant psychosocial challenges. This pilot randomized controlled trial (RCT) aimed to assess the feasibility, acceptability, and preliminary efficacy of a mobile app version of the Promoting Resilience in Stress Management intervention (mPRISM) for AYAs with cancer. This study is a parallel, 2-arm, single-site pilot RCT with a waitlist control design. The goal is to recruit 80 AYAs with cancer aged 12 to 25 years, within 12 months of a… ➡️➡️➡️

A Transtheoretical Model-Based Online Intervention for Medication Adherence in Chinese Adults with Type 2 Diabetes J Prim Care Community Health. 2024 Jan-Dec;15:21501319241263657 Background: Type 2 diabetes is on the rise in China, with medication non-adherence contributing to uncontrolled diabetes. This study aimed to use the Transtheoretical Model (TTM) in an online intervention to improve medication adherence for newly diagnosed patients with type 2 diabetes. Methods: The study involved 189 newly diagnosed middle-aged patients. The intervention group received online health education and participated in group discussions, while the comparison group received usual care. Data were collected at baseline, 3-month, and 6-month… ➡️➡️➡️

Impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic on CLEAR Outcomes Trial Key Findings: The CLEAR Outcomes Trial investigated the impact of bempedoic acid (BA) versus placebo in 13,970 patients with statin intolerance and high cardiovascular risk. BA reduced the risk of the primary endpoint (composite of CV death, nonfatal myocardial infarction, nonfatal stroke, or coronary revascularization) by 13%. The trial continued for 2.7 years after the start of the pandemic. Results: Rates of severe infection, hospitalization, or first major adverse CV events (MACE) associated with a positive COVID-19 test were low and balanced between treatment groups. However, rates of all-cause death, non-CV… ➡️➡️➡️

Feasibility and accuracy of mobile QT interval monitoring strategies in bedaquiline-enhanced prophylactic leprosy treatment Highlights – Evaluation of alternative strategies for QT interval monitoring in settings where electrocardiographic monitoring is challenging – Use of mobile electrocardiogram (mECG) device and automated measurements in phase II randomized controlled BE-PEOPLE trial – 97% of recorded mECGs were of sufficient quality for QTc measurement – Mean absolute QTc difference between mECG and 12L-ECG was 11 ± 10 ms – mECG device yielded a median absolute QTc error of 8 ms, while automated measurements were less accurate Clinical Trials and Practical Solutions Integrating Research into… ➡️➡️➡️

Identifying Oxytocin-Sensitive Autism Subtype Study Highlights and Practical Solutions Recent research has revealed that autism subtypes may respond differently to oxytocin treatment, with one subtype showing a significantly higher response rate (61.5%) compared to the other (13.3%). These findings suggest the potential for individualized oxytocin interventions to better target responsive subgroups. The study also identified specific characteristics of the oxytocin-sensitive subtype, including lower initial clinical severity and a greater interest in the eye-region of emotional faces. These features offer a simple and efficient method for identifying potential responders to oxytocin treatment, which could streamline screening processes in clinical trials and… ➡️➡️➡️

Obesity Impact on Dyspnea in COPD Patients Background The study aimed to assess the impact of obesity on dyspnea in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) patients and investigate the relationship between obesity and dyspnea severity in COPD. Methods 127 COPD patients with a BMI ≥ 18.5 kg/m² were included. Dyspnea was assessed using the mMRC scale, and lung function tests were conducted. Emphysema was quantified using CT-scan. Results – 25% of patients were obese (BMI ≥ 30kg/m²) – 66% of patients experienced disabling dyspnea (mMRC ≥ 2) – Dyspnea severity did not differ based on BMI categories – Increased dyspnea… ➡️➡️➡️

Comparison between Reirradiation by Stereotactic Body Radiation Therapy and Moderately Hypofractionated Radiotherapy in Combination with Temozolomide for Treatment of Recurrent High Grade Glioma Objective: High grade glioma (HGG) often recurs and lacks a standard treatment. This study compared the effectiveness and side effects of two re-irradiation methods. Methods: Forty patients with recurrent HGG were divided into two groups. One received 30 Gy/10f/2w radiotherapy, and the other received stereotactic body radiotherapy (SBRT) 30 Gy/5f/1w, both with concurrent temozolomide (TMZ). Progression free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS) were calculated, and brain MRI and toxicity were monitored. Results: The median PFS after… ➡️➡️➡️