scholarly journals Beneficial effects of dark chocolate on exercise capacity in sedentary subjects: underlying mechanisms. A double blind, randomized, placebo controlled trial

2016 ◽  
Vol 7 (9) ◽  
pp. 3686-3693 ◽  
Author(s):  
Pam R. Taub ◽  
Israel Ramirez-Sanchez ◽  
Minal Patel ◽  
Erin Higginbotham ◽  
Aldo Moreno-Ulloa ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Exercise Capacity ◽  
Controlled Trial ◽  
Dark Chocolate ◽  
Double Blind ◽  
Beneficial Effects ◽  
Underlying Mechanisms ◽  
Sedentary Subjects

We wished to examine the effects of dark chocolate on sedentary individuals' exercise capacity and underlying mechanisms.

scholarly journals EFFECTS OF DARK CHOCOLATE (DC) ON EXERCISE CAPACITY IN SEDENTARY OLDER ADULTS (A DOUBLE BLIND PLACEBO CONTROLLED TRIAL)

2015 ◽  
Vol 65 (10) ◽  
pp. A1455 ◽  
Author(s):  
Pam R. Taub ◽  
Minal Patel ◽  
Erin Higginbotham ◽  
Luis Ramon ◽  
Aldo Moreno-Ulloa ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Exercise Capacity ◽  
Controlled Trial ◽  
Dark Chocolate ◽  
Double Blind ◽  
Double Blind Placebo

scholarly journals Hydroxychloroquine for prevention of recurrent miscarriage: study protocol for a multicentre randomised placebo-controlled trial BBQ study

BMJ Open ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 9 (3) ◽  
pp. e025649 ◽  
Author(s):  
Elisabeth Pasquier ◽  
Luc de Saint-Martin ◽  
Gisèle Marhic ◽  
Celine Chauleur ◽  
Caroline Bohec ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Recurrent Miscarriage ◽  
Low Cost ◽  
Controlled Trial ◽  
Oral Treatment ◽  
Safety Data ◽  
Live Birth Rate ◽  
First Trimester ◽  
Double Blind Study ◽  
Double Blind ◽  
Underlying Mechanisms

IntroductionRecurrent miscarriage (RM), defined by three or more consecutive losses during the first trimester of pregnancy, affects 1%–2% of fertile couples. Standard investigations fail to reveal any apparent cause in ~50% of couples. However, on the basis of animal models and clinical studies, several hypotheses have been put forward concerning underlying mechanisms of RM: altered ovarian reserve, progesterone defect, thrombotic and/or endothelial dysfunction and immunological disturbances. Nonetheless, no study has yet reached conclusive beneficial clinical evidence for a potential treatment in unexplained RM. Hydroxychloroquine (HCQ) is a molecule with extensive safety data during pregnancy. The pharmacological properties of HCQ (eg, antithrombotic, vascular protective, immunomodulatory, improved glucose tolerance, lipidlowering and anti-infectious) could be effective against some mechanisms of unexplained RM. Furthermore, eventhough clinical benefit of HCQ is suggested in prevention of thrombotic and late obstetric events in antiphospholipid (APL) syndrome, there are no data suggesting the benefit of HCQ in RM in the presence of APL antibodies.Methods and analysisTaken all together and given the low cost of HCQ, the aim of this multicentre, randomised, placebo-controlled, double-blind study is to investigate whether HCQ would improve the live birth rate in women with RM, irrespective of maternal thrombophilic status: (1) no known thrombophilia, (2) inherited thrombophilia or (3) APL antibodies. The primary end point is a live and viable birth. After confirming eligibility and obtaining consent, 300 non-pregnant women will be randomised into two parallel groups for a daily oral treatment (HCQ 400 mg or placebo), initiated before conception and stopped at 10 weeks’ gestation. If pregnancy does not occur after 1 year, the treatment will be stopped.Ethics and disseminationAgreement from the French National Public Health and Drug Security Agency (160765A-22) and ethical approval from the Committee for the Protection of Persons of NORD-OUEST I (2016-001330-97) have been obtained.Trial registration numbersNCT0316513; Pre-results.

scholarly journals Thyroid Hormone Replacement for Central Hypothyroidism: A Randomized Controlled Trial Comparing Two Doses of Thyroxine (T4) with a Combination of T4 and Triiodothyronine

2007 ◽  
Vol 92 (11) ◽  
pp. 4115-4122 ◽  
Author(s):  
Marc Slawik ◽  
Björn Klawitter ◽  
Edith Meiser ◽  
Marcus Schories ◽  
Oliver Zwermann ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Controlled Trial ◽  
Hormone Replacement ◽  
Low Density Lipoprotein ◽  
Density Lipoprotein ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Double Blind ◽  
Central Hypothyroidism ◽  
Beneficial Effects ◽  
Serum T3 ◽  
Free Serum

Abstract Background: Dosage of T4 in central hypothyroidism is primarily guided by the free serum T4 level (fT4). However, the optimum fT4 range is ill defined, and subtle hypothyroidism might be missed using this approach. Objectives: Our aim was to investigate the effects of a body weight (bw)-adapted T4 treatment, alone or in combination with T3, on metabolism, well-being, and cognitive function in comparison to a regimen leading to normal fT4. Design: This was a placebo-controlled trial (double-blind, crossover). Patients: A total of 29 patients (age 52 ± 2 yr; females/males, 8/21) with hypopituitarism, including TSH deficiency, participated in the study. Interventions: Three regimens were compared (5 wk each): “EMPIRICAL-T4,” empirical T4 dosage (1 ± 0.05 μg/kg bw) leading to normal fT4; BW-ADAPTED-T4 (1.6 μg/kg bw T4); and “BW-ADAPTED-T3T4,” bw-adapted combination of T3 and T4 (ratio of 1:10). Results: BW-ADAPTED-T4 administration increased mean fT4 concentrations to the upper limit of the normal range (peak levels). Compared with EMPIRICAL-T4, BW-ADAPTED-T4 treatment resulted in a lower body mass index (BMI) (29.0 ± 0.7 vs. 29.5 ± 0.7 kg/m2; P < 0.03), lower total cholesterol (198 ± 9 vs. 226 ± 7 mg/dl; P < 0.01), and lower low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol (116 ± 5 vs. 135 ± 7 mg/dl; P < 0.01). BW-ADAPTED-T3T4 treatment was associated with additional beneficial effects on ankle reflex time and working memory but resulted in supraphysiological free serum T3 (fT3) levels. Limitations: Long-term side effects may have been missed. Conclusions: Using a dose of 1.6 μg/kg bw improved markers commonly associated with central hypothyroidism. This suggests that T4 dosage based on bw and aiming at fT4 in the upper reference range is superior to titration of T4 aiming at middle normal fT4 concentrations in those patients.

scholarly journals The effect of sodium nitroprusside on psychotic symptoms and spatial working memory in patients with schizophrenia: a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial

2016 ◽  
Vol 46 (16) ◽  
pp. 3443-3450 ◽  
Author(s):  
J. M. Stone ◽  
P. D. Morrison ◽  
I. Koychev ◽  
F. Gao ◽  
T. J. Reilly ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Working Memory ◽  
Sodium Nitroprusside ◽  
Rating Scale ◽  
Spatial Working Memory ◽  
Controlled Trial ◽  
Psychotic Symptoms ◽  
Double Blind ◽  
Double Blind Placebo ◽  
Beneficial Effects ◽  
Psychiatric Rating Scale

BackgroundSodium nitroprusside (SNP) has been reported to rapidly reduce psychotic symptoms in patients with schizophrenia. This has the potential to revolutionize treatment for schizophrenia. In this study, we tested the hypothesis that SNP leads to a reduction in psychotic symptoms and an improvement in spatial working memory (SWM) performance in patients with schizophrenia.MethodThis was a single-centre, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial performed from 27 August 2014 to 10 February 2016 (clinicaltrials.gov identifier: NCT02176044). Twenty patients with schizophrenia aged 18–60 years with a diagnosis of schizophrenia or schizoaffective disorder were recruited from psychiatric outpatient clinics in the South London and Maudsley NHS Trust, London, UK. Baseline symptoms were measured using the Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale (PANSS) and the 18-item Brief Psychiatric Rating Scale (BPRS-18), and SWM was assessed using the CANTAB computerized test. Participants received either an infusion of SNP (0.5 μg/kg per min for 4 h) or placebo and were re-assessed for symptoms and SWM performance immediately after the infusion, and 4 weeks later.ResultsSNP did not lead to any reduction in psychotic symptoms or improvement in SWM performance compared to placebo.ConclusionsAlthough this study was negative, it is possible that the beneficial effects of SNP may occur in patients with a shorter history of illness, or with more acute exacerbation of symptoms.

scholarly journals A double-blind, randomised, controlled trial of protein supplementation to enhance exercise capacity in COPD during pulmonary rehabilitation: a pilot study

2021 ◽  
pp. 00077-2021
Author(s):  
Abdulelah M. Aldhahir ◽  
Yousef S. Aldabayan ◽  
Jaber S. Alqahtani ◽  
Heidi A. Ridsdale ◽  
Colette Smith ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Randomised Controlled Trial ◽  
Exercise Capacity ◽  
Pulmonary Rehabilitation ◽  
Controlled Trial ◽  
Protein Supplementation ◽  
High Protein ◽  
Double Blind ◽  
Meaningful Improvement ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
Randomised Controlled

BackgroundPulmonary rehabilitation (PR) is a cost-effective management strategy in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) which improves exercise performance and health-related quality of life. Nutritional supplementation may counter malnutrition and enhance PR outcomes but rigorous evidence is absent. We aimed to investigate the effect of high protein-supplementation (Fortisip Compact Protein, FCP) during PR on exercise capacity.MethodsA double-blind randomised controlled trial comparing FCP with preOp (a carbohydrate control supplement) in COPD patients participating in a PR programme. Participants consumed the supplement twice a day during PR and attended twice-weekly PR sessions, with pre- and post-PR measurements including the incremental shuttle walk test (ISWT) at 6-weeks as the primary outcome. Participants’ experience using supplements was assessed.ResultsSixty-eight patients were recruited; (FCP: 36 and control: 32). The trial was stopped early due to COVID-19. Although statistical significance was not reached, there was the suggestion of a clinically meaningful difference in ISWT at 6 weeks favouring the intervention group (intervention: 342 m±149; n=22 versus control: 305 m±148; n=22, p=0.1). Individuals who achieved an improvement in ISWT had larger mid-thigh circumference at baseline (responder: 62 cm±4 versus non-responder: 55 cm±6; p=0.006). 79% were satisfied with the taste and 43% would continue taking the FCP.ConclusionAlthough the data did not demonstrate a statistically significant difference in ISWT, high protein supplementation in COPD during PR may result in a clinically meaningful improvement in exercise capacity and was acceptable to patients. Large, adequately powered studies are justified.

scholarly journals Cathodal Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation of the Occipital cortex in Episodic Migraine: A Randomized Sham-Controlled Crossover Study

2019 ◽  
Vol 9 (1) ◽  
pp. 60 ◽  
Author(s):  
Rechdi Ahdab ◽  
Anthony G. Mansour ◽  
Georges Khazen ◽  
Christelle El-Khoury ◽  
Toni M. Sabbouh ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Direct Current ◽  
Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation ◽  
Controlled Trial ◽  
Occipital Cortex ◽  
Episodic Migraine ◽  
Migraine Prophylaxis ◽  
Double Blind ◽  
Direct Current Stimulation ◽  
Beneficial Effects ◽  
Cathodal Tdcs

Summary: Three consecutive daily sessions of cathodal transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) was sufficient to show a significant decrease in headache duration and intensity as well as tablets consumption, in patients suffering from episodic migraine. Background: Migraine prophylaxis is recommended in patients with frequent and/or intense headaches, but poor tolerability and lack of efficacy of preventive drugs are common in clinical practice. Hence, new prophylactic strategies are needed. Objective: The aim of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of tDCS in terms of migraine prophylaxis. Methods: This was a double blind and sham-controlled trial. Forty-two migraine patients were randomly assigned in a crossover design to receive three consecutive daily sessions of both sham and cathodal tDCS stimulation (2.0 mA, 20 min) over the occipital cortex of the dominant side of the migraine pain (O1/O2). Migraine duration and intensity, number of analgesic tablets, and number of headache-free days (where no headache abortive medications are taken) were recorded one week before and two weeks after treatment. A washout period of one week was allowed before crossing to the other treatment arm. Results: Relative to sham, cathodal stimulation was associated with a significant reduction in the number of headache days, tablets consumption, and pain intensity; and a significant increase in the number of headache-free days. These beneficial effects were sustained over two weeks. No serious side effects were observed, and the procedure was well tolerated. Conclusion: Based on these findings, cathodal tDCS applied to the occipital cortex seems to be an effective and well tolerated alternative to pharmacotherapy in patients with episodic migraine.

Sign in / Sign up

Export Citation Format

Share Document