Efficacy

Effects of Mobile Application-Based Cognitive Behavioral Therapy on Psychological Outcomes in Women Treated for Breast Cancer Study Overview This study focused on how a mobile app called Living Well can help improve mental health in women undergoing treatment for breast cancer. It was conducted in Germany and involved 70 female patients. Study Design Participants were divided into two groups: Intervention Group (IG): 32 women used the Living Well app along with standard care. Control Group (CG): 38 women received only standard care. They completed surveys to measure anxiety, depression, distress, quality of life, and illness perception at the start and… ➡️➡️➡️

The Effect of Coaching on Health Information Literacy in Patients with Chronic Kidney Disease Study Overview This study looked at how coaching affects health information literacy in patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD). CKD often goes unnoticed in early stages, leading to serious health issues. There is a need for better health education for these patients. Study Details The trial took place from March 2022 to March 2023, involving 130 patients with CKD stages 3-4 from a hospital in Zhuhai. Patients were randomly divided into two groups: one received coaching (intervention group) and the other did not (control group). Their… ➡️➡️➡️

Effect of Ertugliflozin on Heart Function in Type 2 Diabetes and Pre-Heart Failure Study Overview This study investigates how well ertugliflozin, a type of medication for diabetes, works on heart function for people with type 2 diabetes and early signs of heart failure. Study Design In this randomized, double-blind trial lasting 24 weeks, we had participants with type 2 diabetes not well-controlled by other medications. Those with heart issues were divided into two groups: one received ertugliflozin (5 mg once daily), and the other received a placebo. The main goal was to see changes in heart function, measured by left… ➡️➡️➡️

Dynamic Sequential Cross-Sectional Scanning Improves Detection of Congenital Heart Disease Background Prenatal ultrasound is the best method for diagnosing congenital heart disease in fetuses. To address issues with physician skills and hospital access, we suggest using a new technique called dynamic sequential cross-sectional scanning (SCS) for sonographers with less than 5 years of experience. Methods We trained twenty residents by splitting them into two groups. One group learned the traditional method from the American Institute of Ultrasound in Medicine (AIUM), while the other group learned the SCS method. The training included: Creating a question bank for theoretical knowledge Using a… ➡️➡️➡️

Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation for Focal Refractory Epilepsy in Mitochondrial Disease (TRANSFORM) Study Overview This study investigates the effectiveness of Transcranial DC Stimulation (tDCS) for treating focal epilepsy in patients with mitochondrial disease. Focal epilepsy is common in these patients and can be hard to treat with medications, leading to serious conditions like refractory focal status epilepticus. Study Design We conducted a double-blinded, sham-controlled study, which is the first of its kind for this condition. Participants aged 2 years and older with a confirmed mitochondrial disease diagnosis and drug-resistant focal epilepsy will be included. We aim to treat 30 episodes… ➡️➡️➡️

Ruxolitinib plus Steroids for Acute Graft Versus Host Disease A Multicenter, Randomized, Phase 3 Trial In patients newly diagnosed with high-risk acute graft-versus-host disease (aGVHD), clinical outcomes have historically been poor. This study evaluates combining ruxolitinib (RUX) with corticosteroids against using corticosteroids alone. Study Overview This phase 3 trial (ClinicalTrials.gov: NCT04061876) tested the safety and effectiveness of: Ruxolitinib with steroids: RUX at 5 mg/day combined with methylprednisolone at 1 mg/kg/day. Steroids only: Methylprednisolone at 2 mg/kg/day alone. The trial included 198 patients diagnosed with intermediate or high-risk aGVHD. They were randomly divided into two groups: 99 patients: Received RUX +… ➡️➡️➡️

Anticoagulation Therapy Timing in Patients with Atrial Fibrillation after Subdural Haematoma Study Overview This study focuses on patients with subdural haematomas (SDHs) who need anticoagulant therapy for atrial fibrillation. Currently, there are no guidelines on when to safely resume anticoagulation after an SDH. Our research aims to explore if it is safe to start anticoagulation therapy sooner (30 days) or later (3 months) after the diagnosis of SDH. Study Design This pilot study will involve adults diagnosed with acute or chronic SDH, whether they have other bleeding or not. Participants will be randomly assigned to start their anticoagulant therapy at… ➡️➡️➡️

Study on Mindfulness to Reduce Caregiver Stress Overview Family caregivers of people with dementia often experience high levels of stress, which can harm their health. This study explores a simple mindfulness intervention that could help improve their mental well-being. We will test a single session combined with app support to see if it effectively reduces stress for caregivers. Study Details This research is a randomized controlled trial with two groups: one receiving mindfulness training and the other getting education on dementia care. Assessments will occur at the start, 8 weeks later, and again after 6 months. To qualify, caregivers must:… ➡️➡️➡️

Development and Testing of a Mobile App for Managing Gestational Diabetes in Nepal Background Gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) is becoming more common, especially in countries like Nepal. Managing GDM is essential to keep blood sugar levels in check and avoid complications. However, many people face challenges in managing their condition due to limited resources. Mobile health (mHealth) technology can help improve GDM treatment by encouraging healthy habits and self-management, but it hasn’t been tested in low- and middle-income countries yet. Objective This study aims to create a culturally appropriate mHealth app (GDM-Dhulikhel Hospital app) to assist patients in managing their… ➡️➡️➡️

Feasibility and Acceptability of a Digital Family Skills Program for Children with New Type 1 Diabetes Diagnosis Background Family dynamics significantly affect how children with Type 1 Diabetes (T1D) manage their condition. The period right after a T1D diagnosis can be very stressful for families. Providing support during this time can help improve health outcomes. A self-guided digital program offers an effective way for families to learn essential management skills. Objective We aimed to test if a self-guided, online family skills program—covering social support, family problem-solving, communication, and behavior change—could help improve health outcomes for children diagnosed with T1D. Methods… ➡️➡️➡️

The Link Between Medicine Sensitivity, Side Effects, and Personal Traits Study Overview This study investigates how a patient’s sensitivity to medicines (PSM) affects the side effects they report. Understanding this relationship is important because side effects can lead to personal and healthcare costs, such as not following treatment plans. We focused on patients with chronic low back pain receiving acupuncture and looked at factors like gender, healthcare usage, and emotional states (optimism, pessimism, anxiety, depression, and treatment expectations). Research Methods We analyzed data from a randomized controlled trial involving chronic low back pain patients. Participants self-reported their experiences, and we… ➡️➡️➡️

Evaluating a Digital Tool for Breast Cancer Support: The ADAPT Study Purpose: This study examines how a digital tool aids self-management for individuals affected by breast cancer. It focuses on patient activation as the main goal, while also looking at health-related quality of life (HRQoL) and overall health status as secondary goals. Methods: Women with early-stage breast cancer were divided into two groups: one received standard care (control), while the other received standard care plus the digital tool (intervention). Data was gathered through various questionnaires at different time points: baseline, 6 weeks, 3 months, 6 months, and 1 year after… ➡️➡️➡️

Pelvic Binder Radiography: A Safe Method for Assessing Pelvic Fractures Study Overview This clinical trial aimed to evaluate the safety and effectiveness of using a pelvic binder (PBR) to measure fracture stability in patients with lateral compression type 1 (LC1) pelvic fractures. Key Objectives To assess fracture displacement. To evaluate patient comfort during the procedure. To ensure safety during the in-hospital process. Trial Design This was a prospective clinical trial conducted at two medical centers: a Level I trauma center and an academic hospital. Patient Selection We included alert adults with LC1 pelvic fractures from blunt injuries, treated within three… ➡️➡️➡️

Revefenacin Area Under the Curve Spirometry in Patients with Moderate to Very Severe COPD Study Overview This study focuses on the effectiveness of Revefenacin, a once-daily bronchodilator, in improving lung function in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). It highlights the importance of measuring lung function through various endpoints, including the area under the FEV1 vs time curve (FEV1 AUC), which shows how long and consistently the medication works. Study Details In this analysis, data from two Phase 3 trials were examined. Patients with moderate to very severe COPD were randomly assigned to receive either Revefenacin (175 μg) or… ➡️➡️➡️

Reducing Rehospitalization in Cardiac Patients A Study on Cardiac Care Management Program in Germany Background: This study tested a new care management program that provides support to heart patients after they leave the hospital. We compared this program to standard care to see which was more effective. Methods: The study started in 2019/2020 and involved 2,862 patients with heart issues from eight hospitals in Berlin. We looked at how many patients were readmitted to the hospital within 12 months. We also checked other important factors like the reasons for rehospitalization, how long patients stayed in the hospital, and their overall… ➡️➡️➡️

Study Overview of CHF6523 in COPD Management Background Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a long-term inflammatory condition. Many patients still suffer from flare-ups, indicating a need for new anti-inflammatory treatments. Researchers have focused on a specific enzyme, phosphoinositide 3-kinase delta (PI3Kδ), to see if targeting it could help manage inflammation in COPD. What Was Done This study involved 44 patients with stable COPD. It was a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial, meaning neither the patients nor the researchers knew who received the treatment or the placebo. Each patient inhaled CHF6523 for 28 days, followed by a break, and then inhaled… ➡️➡️➡️

Study Overview This study investigates the impact of inaudible infrasound exposure on brain function and behavior, focusing on changes in brain connectivity. Key Findings 38 participants were exposed to inaudible infrasound for four weeks. Changes in brain connectivity were observed in various networks: Decreased connectivity in the right precuneus (part of the default mode network). Increased connectivity in the Vermis IV and V (sensorimotor network). Changes in executive control network: Increased connectivity in the right frontal middle gyrus and right inferior parietal lobe. Decreased connectivity in another region of the right frontal middle gyrus. Self-reported annoyance from infrasound correlated negatively… ➡️➡️➡️

The Role of Trimethoprim/Sulfamethoxazole in Preventing Infections in SLE Patients Study Overview This study focused on patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) who are at risk for infections while receiving low-level immunosuppressive treatment. The goal was to see if trimethoprim/sulfamethoxazole (TMP/SMX) could help prevent these infections. Methodology The trial was conducted at Ramathibodi Hospital from May 2021 to December 2022. SLE patients were randomly assigned to receive either TMP/SMX or no treatment. Researchers monitored infection rates and side effects over 12 months. Results The trial ended early due to a high rate of side effects linked to TMP/SMX. Out of… ➡️➡️➡️

Improving Antibiotic Prescribing for Older Adults: Key Findings from the ImpresU Study Background We conducted a study in Poland, the Netherlands, Norway, and Sweden to address antibiotic use for urinary tract infections (UTIs) in frail older adults. Our intervention significantly decreased antibiotic prescriptions compared to standard care. Methods We evaluated our intervention, which included a decision tool and a toolbox, using a hands-on research approach. This involved educational sessions for healthcare professionals (HCPs) to ensure effective implementation. Results A total of 254 HCPs from 38 clusters participated. The intervention components were delivered successfully and deemed valuable. Key findings include: The… ➡️➡️➡️

A Study on E-Learning for TMJ Examination in Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis Background This study aimed to assess how effective an e-learning module is for teaching the physical examination of the temporomandibular joint (TMJ) in children with Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis (JIA). Methods Researchers created an e-learning module focusing on best practices for TMJ examination. Pediatric rheumatology fellows were split into two groups. One group read an article about the examination, while the other group used both the article and the e-learning module. All participants took a pre-test, an in-person clinical exam, a post-test, and a follow-up survey. Results A total of… ➡️➡️➡️