Clinical research

Addressing Healthcare Disparities in Rural Communities Overview Rural areas often struggle with healthcare access. A recent study tested ways to improve hospital visits and treatment rates for osteoporosis medication (AOM). It involved 567 patients divided into three groups. The findings revealed that those receiving special interventions had better hospital attendance and treatment rates than those who did not. Purpose This study focused on improving care in rural communities, where many face financial, transportation, and access issues. It aimed to boost outpatient visits and AOM treatment rates while identifying reasons why some patients refuse therapy. Methods In total, 567 patients were… ➡️➡️➡️

Understanding Bleeding Risk After Heart Procedures Study Overview This study compares two methods for assessing bleeding risk after a heart procedure called percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI). The goal is to simplify how doctors decide on antiplatelet therapy, which helps prevent blood clots. Key Methods The research analyzed data from the GLOBAL LEADERS trial, focusing on: The ZON-HR classification, which identifies bleeding risk in 3.7% of patients. The PRECISE-DAPT score, identifying bleeding risk in 16.6% of patients. Results Summary The findings showed: The ZON-HR classification was more specific but less sensitive compared to the PRECISE-DAPT score. Both methods effectively predicted bleeding… ➡️➡️➡️

Chinese Herbal Formula for IBS-D: Study Overview Purpose of the Study This study aimed to evaluate how effective and safe Tongxie Yaofang (TXYF) granules are compared to a placebo for treating diarrhoea-predominant irritable bowel syndrome (IBS-D). Study Design The research was a phase II trial, which was randomised, double-blind, and placebo-controlled, ensuring unbiased results. Location and Participants The study took place at Fangshan Hospital, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, involving 96 adults aged 18-65 with IBS-D symptoms. Intervention Details Participants received either TXYF granules (3.7 g) or a placebo twice daily for 8 weeks, taken before meals. Outcomes Measured The… ➡️➡️➡️

Effectiveness of Frequent COVID-19 Surveillance in Rural Workplaces Background Many studies have looked at COVID-19 risks for healthcare workers, but fewer have focused on essential workers in other fields. There is limited guidance on how to keep workplaces safe outside of healthcare. The CDC recommends workplace surveillance, but few studies have explored how well this works. Objective This study aimed to see if frequent COVID-19 testing at rural workplaces, like mining sites, could help prevent the spread of the virus, especially since remote work and distancing are often not possible in these settings. Methods From February 2021 to March 2022,… ➡️➡️➡️

Spirituality-Based Intervention in Hypertension: FEEL Trial Results Background Research shows that spirituality can improve health outcomes, but this area has not been extensively studied in clinical trials. Hypertension is a leading cause of heart-related health issues globally. Objectives This study aimed to see if a spirituality-based program could lower blood pressure (BP) and enhance blood vessel function in patients with mild to moderate hypertension over 12 weeks. Methods We conducted an open randomized controlled trial with adults suffering from stage I or II hypertension. After initial evaluations, patients were divided into two groups: one receiving spirituality training via daily WhatsApp… ➡️➡️➡️

Comparative Study on Hand Eczema Treatments Background Hand eczema is a common skin condition that affects many people and reduces their quality of life. Topical medications, like Clobetasol Propionate, are often used but may cause side effects with long-term use. This study will compare the effectiveness of two treatments: topical Tofacitinib 2% ointment and Clobetasol Propionate 0.05% ointment. Methods This research will take place at the Dermatology department of Acharya Vinoba Bhave Rural Hospital in India from March 2023 to September 2025. Participants diagnosed with hand eczema will be randomly assigned to two groups: Group 1: Receives Clobetasol Propionate 0.05%… ➡️➡️➡️

Evaluation of Loperamide’s Effect on Heart Rhythm Study Overview This study explored how loperamide, a medication, affects the heart’s repolarization interval. It looked at both loperamide and its metabolite (M1) to see if they prolong the QT interval at normal and high doses. Study Design The analysis used data from healthy adults in a controlled trial. Participants received different treatments: a placebo, 8 mg of loperamide (normal dose), 48 mg of loperamide (high dose), and 400 mg of moxifloxacin (a positive control). Heart activity was measured using 12-lead electrocardiograms that were timed with blood samples for loperamide and M1. Key… ➡️➡️➡️

Impact of LT3 + LT4 Therapy on Quality of Life in Hypothyroid Patients Study Overview This study looked at how combining levothyroxine (LT4) and triiodothyronine (LT3) affects the quality of life in patients with primary hypothyroidism. Study Details A total of 151 Iranian patients diagnosed with primary hypothyroidism participated in this trial from 2020 to 2021. Participants were divided into two groups: LT4 Group: 80 patients received LT4 only. LT4 + LT3 Group: 71 patients received both LT4 and LT3 for at least six months. Quality of life was measured using the SF-36V1 questionnaire, while clinical and laboratory tests were… ➡️➡️➡️

Role of Ivermectin and Colchicine in Treating COVID-19 Objective This study aimed to evaluate how effective ivermectin and colchicine are as treatments for COVID-19. Methodology A clinical trial was conducted with three groups at Ain Shams University Hospitals. Participants with moderate COVID-19 were included, while those under 18, over 65, or with other health issues were excluded. Randomization was done using sealed envelopes, and patients were monitored for symptom improvement for over a month. Results A total of 120 patients participated in the study, with similar numbers in each treatment group. The main symptoms were fever and cough. The study… ➡️➡️➡️

Coronary CT Angiography for Stable Chest Pain: 10-Year Results from SCOT-HEART Trial Study Overview The SCOT-HEART trial showed that using coronary CT angiography (CCTA) improved the care of patients with stable chest pain. This study looks at whether these improvements last over time. Methods In this trial, patients aged 18-75 with possible stable angina were recruited from 12 clinics in Scotland. They were divided into two groups: one received standard care with CCTA, and the other received standard care alone. This 10-year analysis reviewed medical records for health outcomes. Key Findings Less coronary heart disease death or heart attacks in… ➡️➡️➡️

High Definition Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation for Alzheimer’s Dementia Overview This study explored a new, non-invasive technique to help with cognitive issues in Alzheimer’s dementia (AD). It aimed to see if this method could improve brain function in patients. Study Details The research was conducted at UT Southwestern Medical Center and involved 25 participants diagnosed with AD. They received high definition transcranial direct current stimulation (HD-tDCS) for 20 minutes across ten sessions. The sessions included different levels of stimulation: sham, 1 mA, and 2 mA. Measurements Cognitive abilities were assessed at the start, right after the last session, and 8… ➡️➡️➡️

Intranasal Oxytocin for Apathy in Frontotemporal Dementia (FOXY) Study Overview This study tested intranasal oxytocin as a treatment for apathy in people with frontotemporal dementia. Currently, there are no effective treatments for this condition. Key Findings Oxytocin was given every third day and showed a small improvement in apathy scores. Out of 94 participants, 40% were female and 60% were male, with an average age of 65.9 years. Two common side effects were reported: upper respiratory infections and headaches, but none were linked directly to oxytocin treatment. Study Design The trial was conducted across 11 clinics in Canada and the… ➡️➡️➡️

Efficacy of Magnetic Therapy for Overactive Bladder Background Overactive bladder (OAB) affects about 12% of adults, especially as they age. Traditional treatments often have side effects and low patient adherence. This study compares two types of magnetic therapy for OAB patients. Study Details We conducted a randomized controlled trial with 45 OAB patients at The Second Affiliated Hospital of Zhejiang Chinese Medicine University from January to September 2022. The patients were divided into three groups: Group 1: Bladder training (BT) only Group 2: BT plus general magnetic therapy Group 3: BT plus precision magnetic therapy Results After treatment: Groups 2… ➡️➡️➡️

The Role of Butirprost® in Improving Antibiotic Treatment for Chronic Bacterial Prostatitis Overview Bacterial prostatitis (BP) is a common infection that causes pain and urinary issues in men, affecting their quality of life. Treatment usually involves antibiotics, but adding other supplements might improve results. This study focused on Butirprost® and its effects when used with antibiotics in patients with chronic bacterial prostatitis (CBP). Study Details Conducted at the University of Naples «Federico II» from March to July 2024, the study included patients with diagnosed prostatitis who had symptoms for over three months. Participants were divided into two groups: Group A:… ➡️➡️➡️

Comparison of Kidney Damage in Different Colorectal Cancer Surgeries Study Overview Colorectal cancer is the third most common cancer affecting both men and women. With new technologies, less invasive surgical options are becoming more popular. This study compares kidney damage between laparoscopic (minimally invasive) and open surgeries for colon and rectal cancer using a specific marker called kidney injury molecule-1 (KIM-1). Study Details We included 46 colon cancer patients who underwent either laparoscopic or open surgery at our clinic. Patients were randomly divided into five groups: Group 1: 10 laparoscopic right hemicolectomies Group 2: 8 open right hemicolectomies Group 3:… ➡️➡️➡️

Multistrategic Approaches in Treating Acute Migraine During Pregnancy Background and Objectives Migraine affects many women, especially during pregnancy when hormonal changes complicate treatment options. This study explores non-drug methods like physiotherapy, exercise, and relaxation techniques to help manage migraines in pregnant women. Study Overview Sixty pregnant women with acute migraines participated in this study. They were divided into three groups: physiotherapy, structured exercise, and relaxation techniques. Each group underwent their respective intervention for 8 weeks. The study measured: Migraine frequency Migraine severity (using a Visual Analog Scale) Migraine duration Quality of life (SF-36) Stress levels (PSS) Sleep quality (PSQI) Results… ➡️➡️➡️

Microneedle and Photodynamic Therapy for Oral Leukoplakia Objective To see if microneedle treatment can make photodynamic therapy (PDT) more effective and safer for oral leukoplakia. Methods A clinical trial was done with patients diagnosed with oral leukoplakia. They were split into two groups: Control Group: Received standard ALA-PDT. Experimental Group: Received microneedle treatment with lidocaine before ALA-PDT. We recorded how each group responded, measured the size of the lesions, and evaluated treatment effectiveness. Pain levels post-treatment were assessed using a visual analogue scale. Results A total of 30 patients participated: Experimental Group: 11 patients Control Group: 19 patients Findings: Complete… ➡️➡️➡️

Prevalence of FGFR2b Protein Overexpression in Advanced Gastric Cancers Study Overview Purpose: FGFR2b protein overexpression is an important biomarker in gastric cancer. This study evaluated how common FGFR2b overexpression is in nearly 3,800 tumor samples from patients with advanced or metastatic gastric cancer (GC) during the prescreening for the Phase III FORTITUDE-101 trial. Methods: As of June 28, 2024, a total of 3,782 tumor samples from 37 countries were analyzed for FGFR2b overexpression using immunohistochemistry (IHC). We defined FGFR2b positivity as tumor cells showing moderate-to-strong FGFR2b staining in any percentage, with ≥10% of tumor cells also meeting this criterion. Results:… ➡️➡️➡️

Efficacy of Videoconferencing-Delivered Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for LGBTQ+ Anxiety Disorders Objective This study aims to evaluate the effectiveness of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) delivered through videoconferencing for LGBTQ+ individuals experiencing anxiety disorders. While CBT is a proven treatment for anxiety in the general population, its effectiveness for LGBTQ+ individuals is still being explored. Methods We will conduct a randomized controlled trial with 52 LGBTQ+ adults diagnosed with anxiety disorders. Participants will receive eight weekly sessions of CBT via videoconferencing, using the Unified Protocol (UP). After this, those in the waitlist control group will also receive the adapted CBT treatment for… ➡️➡️➡️

Study Overview Title: Hybrid Trial for Cervical Cancer Prevention in Uganda Published: PLoS One, January 24, 2025 Introduction Cervical cancer (CC) is a major health issue in Uganda, being the top cause of cancer deaths among women. Unfortunately, many women do not get screened for CC. A promising solution is to train women who have recently been screened to advocate for screening within their social circles. Methods This study uses a structured approach called the EPIS framework. We are conducting a randomized controlled trial (RCT) named Game Changers for Cervical Cancer Prevention (GC-CCP). The goal is to: Increase CC screening… ➡️➡️➡️