Triple therapy halves exacerbations in moderate-to-severe COPD Oct 8, 2009
While current guidelines suggest using both LABA and/or muscarinic antagonists and ICS in only a small number of patients, triple therapy is more widely used in clinical practice than officially recommended, but the benefits have never been demonstrated in a randomized controlled trial. "We wanted to evaluate the effect of budesonide/formoterol combined with the tiotropium on lung function, patient-centered clinical outcomes (symptoms, health-related quality of life, exacerbations and morning... (EurekAlert!)
CFS/ME and Stimulants Oct 6, 2009
Olson LG, Ambrogetti A, Sutherland DC. A pilot randomized controlled trial of dexamphetamine in patients with chronic fatigue syndrome. Psychosomatics. (Suite101.com)
Leg Movement Training In Preterm Infants Demonstrates Positive Changes In Motor Skills Oct 4, 2009
3, 2009) Preterm infants who receive leg movement training display feet-reaching behaviors similar to that of full-term infants, according to a randomized controlled trial reported in the October issue of Physical Therapy (PTJ), the scientific journal of the American Physical Therapy Association (APTA). This finding supports feet-reaching play as an early intervention strategy to encourage interaction with physical objects in preterm infants who have movement problems within the first months of... (Science Daily)
Over 65s Should Take High Dose Vitamin D To Prevent Falls, Say Researchers Oct 4, 2009
20, 2008) In a randomized controlled trial called the "Evaluate the Clinical use of vitamin K Supplementation in Postmenopausal Women with Osteopenia" trial, Angela Cheung and colleagues at the University of. . (Science Daily)
Is inhaled insulin delivery still a possibility? Why has it been a commercial failure? Sep 24, 2009
Satish K. Garg, MD, Professor of Medicine and Pediatrics at the University of Colorado Denver, and Editor-in-Chief of Diabetes Technology peutics, and colleagues report the results of a 2-year Phase 3 trial conducted in 385 patients, in an article entitled, "Two-Year Efficacy and Safety of AIR Inhaled Insulin in Patients with Type 1 Diabetes: An Open-Label Randomized Controlled Trial." The study found AIR to be inferior to SC insulin (in a noninferiority clinical trial design) in its ability to... (EurekAlert!)
Where hope thrives Sep 7, 2009
Sunday, September 06, 2009. Give us YOUR Weekly Opinion. (Honolulu Star-Bulletin)
Think Zinc: Molecular Sensor Could Reveal Zinc's Role In Diseases Sep 1, 2009
A randomized controlled trial has shown that supplementation with either zinc or zinc and copper is no more effective than. . (Science Daily)
Effect of rye bread breakfasts on subjective hunger and satiety: a randomized controlled trial Aug 27, 2009
Other articles by authors. Related articles/pages. (Nutrition Journal)
Diacetylmorphine versus Methadone for the Treatment of Opioid Addiction Aug 20, 2009
Eugenia Oviedo-Joekes, Ph. D., Suzanne Brissette, M.D., David C. Marsh, M.D., Pierre Lauzon, M.D., Daphne Guh, M.Sc. (New England Journal of Medicine)
Weight Lifting in Women with Breast-Cancer–Related Lymphedema Aug 13, 2009
NEJM -- Weight Lifting in Women with Breast-Cancer-Related Lymphedema. Weight Lifting in Women with Breast-Cancer Related Lymphedema. (New England Journal of Medicine)
Study: Change to ovarian cancer treatment can preserve women's fertility Aug 10, 2009
Sunday, August 9, 2009. Breaking News/Updates. (Honolulu Advertiser)
Universal Screening For Intimate Partner Violence May Provide Only Modest Benefits Aug 10, 2009
The randomized controlled trial was conducted in 11 emergency departments, 12 family practices, and 3 obstetrics/gynecology clinics in Ontario, Canada, among 6,743 female patients, age 18 to 64 years. Women in the screened group (n = 3,271; 347 positive for abuse) self-completed the Woman Abuse Screening Tool (WAST); if a woman screened positive, this information was given to her clinician before the health care visit. (Science Daily)
Household Organization Reduce Falls... Aug 9, 2009
Prevention of falls in the elderly trial (PROFET): a randomized controlled trial. The Lancet, 353. (Suite101.com)
Stroke Doubles Risk of Hip, Thigh Fractures Aug 8, 2009
"Furthermore, there is evidence from a randomized controlled trial in an Asian population that administration of bisphosphonates, bone-protecting agents, immediately after a stroke reduces bone loss and hip fracture after a year. Other treatments include vitamin D administration, increased mobility, and restoration of motor function. Deformities that limit a normal gait should be corrected. In general, all treatments should be started as early as possible.". Stroke survivors and older people in... (MEDLINEplus)
Guided care reduces cost of health care for older persons with chronic conditions Aug 7, 2009
The research, published in the American Journal of Managed Care, found that in the first eight months of a randomized controlled trial, patients in a primary care enhancement program called "Guided Care" spent less time in hospitals and skilled nursing facilities and had fewer emergency room visits and home health episodes ... A multi-site, randomized controlled trial of Guided Care involving 49 physicians, 904 older patients and 319 family members recently concluded in eight locations in the... (EurekAlert!)
Mounting Evidence Of Fish Oil's Heart Health Benefits Aug 6, 2009
Dr. Lavie adds that although there is a smaller benefit in reducing heart failure death 9 percent mortality benefit in a major recent randomized controlled trial this is still very impressive given patients' grave prognosis. "If we translate this finding, it means that we only need to treat 56 patients for four years to prevent one death," he said. (Science Daily)
Got Zinc? New Zinc Research Suggests Novel Therapeutic Targets Aug 1, 2009
A randomized controlled trial has shown that supplementation with either zinc or zinc and copper is no more effective than. (June 20, 2005) Scientists have known for decades that zinc may play a role in maintaining the health of the prostate, the walnut-size gland in males, located just behind the bladder. (Science Daily)
Removal of Tonsils and Adenoids Associated With Ongoing Benefits for Children With Breathing Problems During Sleep Jul 24, 2009
Because it is not a randomized controlled trial, the results do not prove the relationship between adenotonsillectomy and changes in sleep and behavior. However, the findings do support an association between the intervention and improvements in theses outcomes, the authors note. (Science Daily)
Genotype Disclosure and Alzheimer’s Disease Jul 16, 2009
NEJM -- Disclosure of APOE Genotype for Risk of Alzheimer's Disease. Disclosure of APOE Genotype for Risk of Alzheimer's Disease. (New England Journal of Medicine)
Coronary Calcium Scans Can Raise Cancer Risks Jul 15, 2009
"A randomized controlled trial would require hundreds of thousands or millions of patients, with adequate follow-up.". SOURCES: Andrew J. Einstein, M.D., assistant professor, clinical medicine, and director, cardiac computed tomography research, Columbia University, New York City; Thomas G. Gerber, M.D., Ph. (MEDLINEplus)
Pregnancy Needn't Mean Hard Labor: Laboring Without The Labor Bed Cuts Need For Artificial Oxcytocin To Advance Slow Labors Jul 8, 2009
ScienceDaily (July 7, 2009) A University of Toronto pilot study that re-conceptualized the hospital labour room by removing the standard, clinical bed and adding relaxation-promoting equipment had a 28 per cent drop in infusions of artificial oxcytocin, a powerful drug used to advance slow labours. The study, called PLACE (Pregnant and Labouring in an Ambient Clinical Environment) was published in the current edition of the journal Birth. (Science Daily)
Laboring without the labor bed: It's a good thing Jul 7, 2009
"The birth environment seems to affect the behaviour of everyone in it the laboring women as well as those who provide care for her. Hodnett hopes to further this study with a larger, randomized controlled trial. ### View Dr. Hodnett's study here: Read her bio here: For further information, contact: Ellen Hodnett, RN, PhD Professor and Heather M. Reisman Chair in Perinatal Nursing Research Bloomberg Faculty of Nursing, University of Toronto T: 1.416.946.8676 E: OR Lucianna Ciccocioppo... (EurekAlert!)
Study: Moderate Drinkers Wealthier, Live Longer Jul 7, 2009
Monday, July 06, 2009. Moderate drinkers are wealthier, more educated and less likely to be disabled than teetotalers, which explains some, but not all, of the association between moderate alcohol consumption and longer life, according to a new study. (Fox News)
Accelerated Fertility Treatment Leads To Shortened Time To Pregnancy And Cost Savings Jul 6, 2009
ScienceDaily (July 5, 2009) A major new trial recently published in the journal Fertility and Sterility shows that for couples beginning infertility treatments, an accelerated path to in-vitro fertilization (IVF) can offer a shorter time to pregnancy, cost savings of nearly 10,000, and a lowered risk of multiple births. For the first time, these results demonstrate that the long held treatment combining fertility injections with insemination (IUI) does not have a place in infertility treatments... (Science Daily)
Blood stem cell growth factor reverses memory decline in mice Jul 2, 2009
Public release date: 1-Jul-2009. Contact: Anne DeLotto Baier. (EurekAlert!)
Alzheimer's Symptoms Reversed In Mice Jul 2, 2009
Alzheimer's Symptoms Reversed: Blood Stem Cell Growth Factor Reverses Memory Decline In Mice. Alzheimer's Symptoms Reversed: Blood Stem Cell Growth Factor Reverses Memory Decline In Mice. (Science Daily)
Study protocolPreventing knee injuries in adolescent female football players - design of a cluster randomized controlled trial [NCT00894595] Jun 23, 2009
Study protocol Preventing knee injuries in adolescent female football players - design of a cluster randomized controlled trial [NCT00894595 ... We have designed a cluster randomized controlled trial (RCT) to evaluate the effect of a warm-up program aimed at preventing acute knee injury in adolescent female football. (BioMed Central)
Therapy Helps Improve Outcomes For Patients With Severe Sepsis Jun 19, 2009
The randomized controlled trial (RCT) was conducted at 10 Italian intensive care units ... Early Use of Polymyxin B Hemoperfusion in Abdominal Septic Shock The EUPHAS Randomized Controlled Trial. (Science Daily)
Tai Chi Benefits For Arthritis Shown Jun 18, 2009
A randomized controlled trial of tai chi for long-term low back pain (TAI CHI): Study rationale, design, and methods. BMC Musculoskeletal Disorders, 2009; 10 (1): 55 DOI. (Science Daily)
B-Cell–Depleting Induction Therapy and Acute Cellular Rejection Jun 18, 2009
NEJM -- B-Cell-Depleting Induction Therapy and Acute Cellular Rejection. Volume 360:2683-2685. (New England Journal of Medicine)
Psoriasis Raises Risk of Heart Attack, Stroke, Death Jun 17, 2009
Inflammation looks like common thread, researcher says. Monday, June 15, 2009. (MEDLINEplus)
Genetically Elevated Levels Of Lipoprotein Associated With Increased Risk Of Heart Attack Jun 16, 2009
"Although this study certainly provides interesting mechanistic insights into the biology of lipoprotein(a) in the context of MI and suggestive evidence regarding the potential benefit of decreasing lipoprotein(a) early in life, clinicians may ask: 'How will these results affect current approaches for prediction, prevention, and treatment of my patients?' At present, the clinical implications remain quite limited. These results do not provide the necessary evidence that genetic testing of the... (Science Daily)
Citalopram no better than placebo treatment for children with autism spectrum disorders Jun 2, 2009
Researchers in the Studies to Advance Autism Research and Treatment (STAART) network, funded by five NIH institutes, conducted a six-site, randomized controlled trial comparing the effectiveness and safety of using the SSRI citalopram (Celexa) versus placebo to treat repetitive behaviors in children with ASD. The study included 149 participants, ages 57;, who had autism, Asperger disorder, or pervasive developmental disorder-not otherwise specified (PDD-NOS). After 12 weeks of treatment, roughly... (EurekAlert!)
Common autism medication is ineffective for repetitive behaviors, study finds Jun 2, 2009
This six-site, randomized controlled trial included 149 participants, ages 57;, who had autism, Asperger disorder, or pervasive developmental disorder-not otherwise specified. After 12 weeks of treatment, roughly one out of three children in both groups32. (EurekAlert!)
Leroy Hoeck; linked oxygen, newborns' blindness May 29, 2009
Local Search Site Search. THIS STORY HAS BEEN FORMATTED FOR EASY PRINTING. (Boston Globe)
'Extreme' College Drinking And A Sensation-seeking Disposition Lead To Injury May 26, 2009
Of these, 2,090 who exceeded at-risk levels of alcohol consumption agreed to participate in face-to-face interviews to determine eligibility for a randomized controlled trial of brief alcohol-intervention. The interview assessed previous 28-day alcohol use, as well as alcohol-related injuries in the preceding six months. (Science Daily)
Healthier Lifestyle Can Cut COPD Symptoms May 22, 2009
"This is the first randomized controlled trial showing that community-based pulmonary rehabilitation is feasible and effective, even for patients with less advanced airflow obstruction, and that the INTERCOM program improves functional exercise capacity and health-related quality of life during 24 months relative to usual care at acceptable costs," Annemie Schols, a professor of nutrition and metabolism in chronic diseases at Maastricht University in the Netherlands, said in an American Thoracic... (MEDLINEplus)
Online System Could Cut Referrals to Dermatologists May 22, 2009
Eminovic and colleagues conducted a randomized controlled trial of teledermatologic consultations involving 605 patients who saw general practitioners at 35 medical practices in the Netherlands. Half of the practices were randomly assigned to participate in the Web-based intervention, in which clinicians took four digital images of the skin problem of 312 patients and attached the photos to a form completed on a secure Web site. (MEDLINEplus)
Web-based, Self-help Intervention Can Aid Problem Drinkers In The Privacy Of Their Homes May 19, 2009
ScienceDaily (May 19, 2009) Problem drinking in Western societies contributes to disease and death as well as social and economic woes. Yet only a small number of people with alcohol problems 10 to 20 percent ever seek and participate in treatment. (Science Daily)
Feasibility, design and conduct of a pragmatic randomized controlled trial to reduce overweight and obesity in children: The electronic games to aid motivation to exercise (eGAME) study May 19, 2009
Feasibility, design and conduct of a pragmatic randomized controlled trial to reduce overweight and obesity in children: The electronic games to aid motivation to exercise (eGAME) study ... An overview of the eGAME study is presented, providing an example of a large, pragmatic randomized controlled trial in a community setting. (BioMed Central)
Early Exercise Boosts Outcomes for ICU Patients May 16, 2009
Interrupting sedation for daily physiotherapy led to better post-discharge function, study finds. Thursday, May 14, 2009. (MEDLINEplus)
Diet And Exercise Intervention Helps Older, Overweight Cancer Survivors Reduce Functional Decline May 16, 2009
Morey et al. Effects of Home-Based Diet and Exercise on Functional Outcomes Among Older, Overweight Long-term Cancer Survivors: RENEW: A Randomized Controlled Trial. JAMA The Journal of the American Medical Association, 2009; 301 (18): 1883 DOI. (Science Daily)
Genome Medicine publishes proteomic analysis of estrogen replacement therapy May 14, 2009
The availability of serum collections from the Women's Health Initiative (WHI) conjugated equine estrogens (CEE) randomized controlled trial provides an opportunity to test the potential of in-depth quantitative proteomics to uncover changes in the serum proteome related to CEE and to assess their relevance to trial findings, including elevations in the risk of stroke and venous thromboembolism and a reduction in fractures. Methods. (BioMed Central)
Taking Folic Acid Supplements Before Conception Linked To Reduced Risk Of Premature Birth May 13, 2009
Further evidence as to whether folic acid prevents spontaneous preterm birth will require a randomized controlled trial. The FASTER trial on which this study is based was supported by grant from National Institutes of Health and National Institute of Child Health and Human Development (RO1 HD 38625). (Science Daily)
New Trial Casts Doubt On Role Of Zinc Supplements In Diarrhea Treatment May 12, 2009
Zinc and copper supplementation in acute diarrhea in children: a double-blind randomized controlled trial. BMC Medicine, (in press). (Science Daily)
Drug-Coated Stents Better at Keeping Arteries Open May 8, 2009
But they show no lifesaving benefit over bare-metal version, studies show. Wednesday, May 6, 2009. (MEDLINEplus)
AMT Starts Preregistration Trial for Glybera(TM) May 7, 2009
The randomized controlled trial has been designed to gather additional data on the effects of Glybera on lipid metabolism and the mechanisms underlying the prevention of pancreatitis attacks. The trial is being performed under a Clinical Trial Application approved by Health Canada. (PR Newswire)
Benefits of minerals for diarrhea unclear May 6, 2009
Zinc and copper supplementation in acute diarrhea in children: a double-blind randomized controlled trial ... Trial registration The study was registered as an International Standard Randomized Controlled Trial (ISRCTN85071383). (BioMed Central)
Anti-aging Cosmetic Reduced Wrinkles In Clinical Trial May 4, 2009
A cosmetic 'anti-ageing' product improves photoaged skin: a double-blind, randomized controlled trial (p ). British Journal of Dermatology, April 28, 2009 DOI. (Science Daily)
Weight, physical activity and dietary behaviour change in a population of young mothers: short term results of the HeLP-her cluster randomized controlled trial. May 1, 2009
Weight, physical activity and dietary behaviour change in a population of young mothers: short term results of the HeLP-her cluster randomized controlled trial ... The aim of this cluster randomized controlled trial was to evaluate the short term effect of a community-based self-management intervention to prevent weight gain. (Nutrition Journal)
• Blaine schools considering suicide screening program Apr 20, 2009
But one randomized controlled trial determined that such screening does not put ideas into the kids' heads, Gunter said. "Research has clearly shown that talking about suicide doesn't make kids attempt suicide. Julie and I have done a suicide prevention classes for years," said Gunter. (Burley South Idaho Press, ID)
Research suggests vegetable juice may help people with metabolic syndrome lose weight Apr 20, 2009
Public release date: 19-Apr-2009. Contact: Sarah Kittel. (EurekAlert!)
Omega-3 Fatty Acids May Benefit Cancer Patients Undergoing Major Operations Apr 19, 2009
Enteral Nutrition Enriched with Eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) preserves lean body mass following esophageal cancer surgery: results of a double blinded randomized controlled trial. Annals of Surgery, (in press). (Science Daily)
High-dose Radiation Improves Lung Cancer Survival, Study Finds Apr 18, 2009
22, 2007) After an initial chemotherapy treatment, radiation may be a better choice than surgery for patients with stage IIIA non-small-cell lung cancer, according to a randomized controlled trial published in. . (Science Daily)
Study finds cognitive behavioral therapy can alleviate nonepileptic seizures Apr 16, 2009
The doctor concludes, "In this small clinical trial, treatment with the CBT for PNES program appears to be a beneficial approach in helping patients with PNES reduce their seizure frequency and significantly improve quality of life. We have also seen patients referred with other somatoform disorders, such as psychogenic movement disorders, respond to the treatment." The results of this trial will be used for an upcoming National Institutes of Health proposal for a multi-center randomized... (EurekAlert!)
What Is The Best Strategy For Overcoming Constant Worries? Apr 10, 2009
9, 2009) A group of German investigators has published a randomized controlled trial on how to overcome constant worries in the current issue of Psyhotherapy and Psychosomatics. See also. (Science Daily)
Acid reflux medication does not improve asthma: Study Apr 10, 2009
In the study conducted by the American Lung Association's Asthma Clinical Research Centers at 20 sites across the United States, a randomized controlled trial was performed where participants received either the drug esomeprazole or a placebo and were monitored to see if there were improvements in asthma symptoms. No differences in the number of episodes of poor asthma control, lung function tests, or other symptoms such as nighttime awakenings or quality of life were noted, said the study... (Xinhuanet, China)
American Lung Association Study to be Published in the 'New England Journal of Medicine' Finds Prescription Heartburn Medication Does Not Control Asthma Symptoms as Previously Thought Apr 9, 2009
Efficacy of Esomeprazole for Treatment of Poorly Controlled Asthma: A Randomized Controlled Trial. Background: Gastroesophageal reflux (GER) is common in asthma patients but often has mild or no symptoms. (PR Newswire)
Psychotherapy Can Ease Post-Surgical Depression Apr 8, 2009
Two techniques worked for patients after heart bypass procedures, study finds. Monday, April 6, 2009. (MEDLINEplus)
Study: Treatment for HIV Should Start Earlier Apr 3, 2009
None of these guidelines have been supported by the gold standard of medical evidence, the randomized controlled trial. And as convincing and as large as the current study is, Fauci notes that it too lacks this scientific imprimatur. (Time.com)
Three-drug Chemotherapy Combination Increases Organ Preservation In Patients With Larynx Cancer Apr 2, 2009
1, 2009) Patients with larynx cancer who received a three-drug combination of docetaxel, cisplatin and 5-fluorouracil (TPF) during induction chemotherapy were more likely to retain larynx function than were patients treated with cisplatin and 5-fluoruracil (PF) alone, according to data from a randomized controlled trial in the March 24 online issue of the Journal of the National Cancer Institute ... To test this possibility, Gilles Calais, M.D., of the Centre Hospitalier R;gional et... (Science Daily)
Use Of Antibacterial Associated With Reduced Risk Of Catheter-related Infections Apr 2, 2009
The randomized controlled trial included 1,636 patients from seven intensive care units in three university and two general hospitals in France, who were expected to require an arterial catheter, central-vein catheter, or both, inserted for 48 hours or longer ... "Achieving the lowest possible rates of health care associated infection is the ultimate goal, whether through mandate or individual hospital initiative. Even though the rates of catheter-related bloodstream infections have clearly... (Science Daily)
A nosh during labour not 'a bad thing' Mar 28, 2009
However, the first randomized controlled trial to investigate the practice in leg ulcers found no big advantage in using maggots over regular medical therapy. The maggots - larvae of blow flies - remove dead flesh slightly faster than the standard procedure of spreading hydrogel on the wound. (Globe and Mail)
Backlash against alternative medicine? Mar 24, 2009
For example, a randomized controlled trial of the botanical echinacea published in 2003 found it was ineffective in treating upper respiratory infections (although it did cause more rashes). In a study from last year, neither the Japanese palm healing therapy known as reiki, nor sham reiki, reduced the symptoms of fibromyalgia, a chronic pain syndrome. (Atlanta Journal-Constitution)
Scientists Closer To Understanding How To Control High Blood Sugar Mar 21, 2009
18, 2007) In a new randomized controlled trial, both aerobic and resistance exercise improved glycemic/blood sugar control in people with type 2 diabetes. The greatest improvements came from combined aerobic. (Science Daily)
