scholarly journals Efficacy of a nasal spray containing Iota-Carrageenan in the prophylaxis of COVID-19 in hospital personnel dedicated to patients care with COVID-19 disease. A pragmatic multicenter, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial (CARR-COV-02)

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Juan Manuel Figueroa ◽  
Monica Lombardo ◽  
Ariel Dogliotti ◽  
Luis Flynn ◽  
Robert P. Giugliano ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Placebo Group ◽  
Nasal Spray ◽  
Controlled Trial ◽  
Hospital Personnel ◽  
Culture Methods ◽  
Double Blind ◽  
Double Blind Placebo ◽  
Significant Efficacy ◽  
To Receive

Background Iota-Carrageenan (I-C) is a sulfate polysaccharide synthesized by red algae, with demonstrated antiviral activity and clinical efficacy as nasal spray in the treatment of common cold. In vitro, I-C inhibits SARS-CoV-2 infection in cell culture. Methods This is a pragmatic multicenter, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial assessing the use of a nasal spray containing I-C in the prophylaxis of COVID-19 in hospital personnel dedicated to care of COVID-19 patients. Clinically healthy physicians, nurses, kinesiologists and others medical providers were assigned in a 1:1 ratio to receive four daily doses of I-C spray or placebo for 21 days. The primary end point was clinical COVID-19, as confirmed by reverse-transcriptase-polymerase-chain-reaction testing, over a period of 21 days. The trial is registered at ClinicalTrials.gov (NCT04521322). Findings A total of 394 individuals were randomly assigned to receive I-C or placebo. Both treatment groups had similar baseline characteristics. The incidence of COVID-19 was significantly lower in the I-C group compared to placebo (1.0% vs 5.0%) (Odds Ratio 0.19 (95% confidence interval 0.05 to 0.77; p= 0.03). Workday loss in placebo group compared to I-C were 1.6% days / person (95% CI, 1.0 to 2.2); p <0.0001 There were no differences in the incidence of adverse events across the two groups (17.3% in the I-C group and 15.2% in the placebo group, p= 0.5). Interpretation I-C showed significant efficacy in preventing SARS-CoV-2 infection in hospital personnel dedicated to care patients with COVID-19 disease.

A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial on the efficacy and tolerability of sertraline in Iranian veterans with post-traumatic stress disorder

2011 ◽  
Vol 41 (10) ◽  
pp. 2159-2166 ◽  
Author(s):  
Y. Panahi ◽  
B. Rezazadeh Moghaddam ◽  
A. Sahebkar ◽  
M. Abbasi Nazari ◽  
F. Beiraghdar ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Placebo Group ◽  
Post Traumatic Stress Disorder ◽  
Traumatic Stress ◽  
Stress Disorder ◽  
Controlled Trial ◽  
Post Traumatic Stress ◽  
Double Blind ◽  
Double Blind Placebo ◽  
Post Traumatic ◽  
The Mean

BackgroundUnlike civilian post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), the efficacy of sertraline for the treatment of combat-related PTSD has not yet been proven. The present study aimed to evaluate the clinical efficacy of sertraline against combat-related PTSD in a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial.MethodSeventy Iranian veterans of the Iran–Iraq war who met the DSM-IV criteria for diagnosis of PTSD were randomized to receive either flexibly dosed sertraline (50–200 mg/day) (n=35, completers=32) or placebo (n=35, completers=30) for 10 weeks. Efficacy was evaluated by the Impact of Event Scale – Revised (IES-R) and the Clinical Global Impression scale – Severity (CGI-S) and Improvement (CGI-I) ratings. Responder criteria were defined as a ⩾30% reduction in the IES-R total score plus a CGI-I rating of ‘much’ or ‘very much’ improved.ResultsOn both intention-to-treat (ITT) and per protocol (completer) methods of analysis, the mean reductions in the IES-R total and subscale (re-experiencing/intrusion, avoidance/numbing and hyperarousal) scores (p<0.001) and also in the CGI-S score (p<0.01) were significantly greater in the sertraline group than in the placebo group. For the CGI-I, the mean endpoint score was significantly lower in the sertraline group than in the placebo group (p⩽0.001). The number of responders in the sertraline group was significantly higher than in the placebo group (44% v. 3%, p⩽0.001). Sertraline was well tolerated, with a 6% discontinuation rate as a result of adverse reactions.ConclusionsThe results of this study suggest that sertraline can be an effective, safe and tolerable treatment for combat-related PTSD in Iranian veterans.

scholarly journals Oral Intake of Hydrangea serrata (Thunb.) Ser. Leaves Extract Improves Wrinkles, Hydration, Elasticity, Texture, and Roughness in Human Skin: A Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Study

Nutrients ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 12 (6) ◽  
pp. 1588
Author(s):  
Da-Bin Myung ◽  
Jeong-Hun Lee ◽  
Hee-Soo Han ◽  
Kwang-Young Lee ◽  
Hye Shin Ahn ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Human Skin ◽  
Elastic Recovery ◽  
Controlled Trial ◽  
Water Extract ◽  
Hot Water ◽  
Controlled Study ◽  
Double Blind ◽  
Double Blind Placebo ◽  
Skin Wrinkles

Previously, we reported that the hot water extract of Hydrangea serrata leaves (WHS) and its active component, hydrangenol, possess in vitro and in vivo effects on skin wrinkles and moisturization. We conducted a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial to clinically evaluate the effect of WHS on human skin. Participants (n = 151) were randomly assigned to receive either WHS 300 mg, WHS 600 mg, or placebo, once daily for 12 weeks. Skin wrinkle, hydration, elasticity, texture, and roughness parameters were assessed at baseline and after 4, 8, and 12 weeks. Compared to the placebo, skin wrinkles were significantly reduced in both WHS groups after 8 and 12 weeks. In both WHS groups, five parameters (R1–R5) of skin wrinkles significantly improved and skin hydration was significantly enhanced when compared to the placebo group after 12 weeks. Compared with the placebo, three parameters of skin elasticity, including overall elasticity (R2), net elasticity (R5), and ratio of elastic recovery to total deformation (R7), improved after 12 weeks of oral WHS (600 mg) administration. Changes in skin texture and roughness were significantly reduced in both WHS groups. No WHS-related adverse reactions were reported. Hence, WHS could be used as a health supplement for skin anti-aging.

scholarly journals Topical Propranolol Improves Epistaxis Control in Hereditary Hemorrhagic Telangiectasia (HHT): A Randomized Double-Blind Placebo-Controlled Trial

2020 ◽  
Vol 9 (10) ◽  
pp. 3130
Author(s):  
Meir Mei-Zahav ◽  
Yulia Gendler ◽  
Elchanan Bruckheimer ◽  
Dario Prais ◽  
Einat Birk ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Placebo Group ◽  
Hereditary Hemorrhagic Telangiectasia ◽  
Controlled Trial ◽  
Intravenous Iron ◽  
Common Adverse Event ◽  
Open Label ◽  
Two Phase ◽  
Double Blind ◽  
Double Blind Placebo ◽  
Propranolol Group

Epistaxis is a common debilitating manifestation in hereditary hemorrhagic telangiectasia (HHT), due to mucocutaneous telangiectases. The epistaxis can be difficult to control despite available treatments. Dysregulated angiogenesis has been shown to be associated with telangiectases formation. Topical propranolol has demonstrated antiangiogenic properties. We performed a two-phase study, i.e., a double-blind placebo-controlled phase, followed by an open-label phase. The aim of the study was assessment of safety and efficacy of nasal propranolol gel in HHT-related epistaxis. Twenty participants with moderate-severe HHT-related epistaxis were randomized to eight weeks of propranolol gel 1.5%, or placebo 0.5 cc, applied to each nostril twice daily; and continued propranolol for eight weeks in an open-label study. For the propranolol group, the epistaxis severity score (ESS) improved significantly (−2.03 ± 1.7 as compared with −0.35 ± 0.68 for the placebo group, p = 0.009); hemoglobin levels improved significantly (10.5 ± 2.6 to 11.4 ± 2.02 g/dL, p = 0.009); and intravenous iron and blood transfusion requirement decreased. The change in nasal endoscopy findings was not significant. During the open-label period, the ESS score improved significantly in the former placebo group (−1.99 ± 1.41, p = 0.005). The most common adverse event was nasal mucosa burning sensation. No cardiovascular events were reported. Our results suggest that topical propranolol gel is safe and effective in HHT-related epistaxis.

scholarly journals Efficacy of Standardized Extract ofBacopa monnieri(Bacognize®) on Cognitive Functions of Medical Students: A Six-Week, Randomized Placebo-Controlled Trial

2016 ◽  
Vol 2016 ◽  
pp. 1-8 ◽  
Author(s):  
Navneet Kumar ◽  
L. G. Abichandani ◽  
Vijay Thawani ◽  
K. J. Gharpure ◽  
M. U. R. Naidu ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Medical Students ◽  
Cognitive Functions ◽  
Controlled Trial ◽  
Bacopa Monnieri ◽  
Normal Range ◽  
Double Blind ◽  
Double Blind Placebo ◽  
Medical College ◽  
Second Year ◽  
To Receive

Rationale.Bacopa monnieri, popularly known as Brahmi, has been traditionally used in Ayurveda since ages for its memory enhancing properties. However, data on placebo-controlled trial ofBacopa monnierion intellectual sample is scarce. Hence this study was planned to evaluate the effect ofBacopa monnierion memory of medical students for six weeks.Objective. To evaluate the efficacy ofBacopa monnierion memory of medical students with six weeks’ administration.Method and Material. This was a randomized double blind placebo-controlled noncrossover, parallel trial. Sixty medical students of either gender from second year of medical school, third term, regular batch, were enrolled from Government Medical College, Nagpur, India. Baseline biochemical and memory tests were done. The participants were randomly divided in two groups to receive either 150 mg of standardized extract ofBacopa monnieri(Bacognize) or matching placebo twice daily for six weeks. All baseline investigations were repeated at the end of the trial. Students were followed up for 15 days after the intervention.Results. Statistically significant improvement was seen in the tests relating to the cognitive functions with use ofBacopa monnieri. Blood biochemistry also showed a significant increase in serum calcium levels (still within normal range).

Cinnarizine and sodium valproate as the preventive agents of pediatric migraine: A randomized double-blind placebo-controlled trial

Cephalalgia ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 40 (7) ◽  
pp. 665-674
Author(s):  
Man Amanat ◽  
Mansoureh Togha ◽  
Elmira Agah ◽  
Mahtab Ramezani ◽  
Ali Reza Tavasoli ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Placebo Group ◽  
Adverse Effects ◽  
Confidence Interval ◽  
Children And Adolescents ◽  
Sodium Valproate ◽  
Medical Center ◽  
Controlled Trial ◽  
Migraine Prophylaxis ◽  
Double Blind ◽  
Double Blind Placebo

Background Few migraine preventive agents have been assessed in a pediatric population. We evaluated the safety and efficacy of cinnarizine and sodium valproate for migraine prophylaxis in children and adolescents. Methods We carried out a randomized double-blind placebo-controlled trial in the Children’s Medical Center and Sina hospital, Tehran, Iran. Eligible participants were randomly assigned in 1:1:1 ratio via interactive web response system to receive either cinnarizine, sodium valproate, or placebo. The primary endpoints were the mean change in frequency and intensity of migraine attacks from baseline to the last 4 weeks of trial. The secondary endpoint was the efficacy of each drug in the prevention of migraine. The drug was considered effective if it decreased migraine frequency by more than 50% in the double-blind phase compared with the baseline. Safety endpoint was adverse effects that were reported by children or their parents. Results A total of 158 children participated. The frequency of migraine attacks significantly reduced compared to baseline in cinnarizine (difference: −8.0; 95% confidence interval (CI): −9.3 to −6.6), sodium valproate (difference: −8.3; 95% confidence interval: −9.3 to −7.2), and placebo (difference: −4.4; 95% confidence interval: −5.4 to −3.4) arms. The decrease was statistically greater in cinnarizine (difference: −3.6; 95% confidence interval: −5.5 to −1.6) and sodium valproate (difference: −3.9; 95% confidence interval: −5.8 to −1.9) arms, compared to placebo group. Children in all groups had significant reduction in intensity of episodes compared to baseline (cinnarizine: −4.6; 95% confidence interval: −5.2 to −4.0; sodium valproate: −4.0; 95% confidence interval: −4.8 to −3.3; placebo: −2.6; 95% confidence interval: −3.4 to −1.8). The decrease was statistically greater in cinnarizine (difference: −2.0; 95% confidence interval: −3.2 to −0.8) and sodium valproate (difference: −1.5; 95% confidence interval: −2.7 to −0.3) arms, compared to the placebo group. Seventy-one percent of individuals in the cinnarizine group, 66% of cases in the sodium valproate group, and 42% of people in the placebo arm reported more than 50% reduction in episodes at the end of the trial. The odds ratio for >50% responder rate was 3.5 (98.3% confidence interval: 1.3 to 9.3) for cinnarizine versus placebo and 2.7 (98.3% confidence interval: 1.0 to 6.9) for sodium valproate versus placebo. Nine individuals reported adverse effects (three in cinnarizine, five in sodium valproate, and one in the placebo group) and one case in the sodium valproate group discontinued the therapy due to severe sedation. Conclusion Cinnarizine and sodium valproate could be useful in migraine prophylaxis in children and adolescents. Trial registration: IRCT201206306907N4.

scholarly journals l-Serine and EPA Relieve Chronic Low-Back and Knee Pain in Adults: A Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Trial

2020 ◽  
Vol 150 (9) ◽  
pp. 2278-2286
Author(s):  
Ikuko Sasahara ◽  
Akiko Yamamoto ◽  
Masamichi Takeshita ◽  
Yasuyo Suga ◽  
Katsuya Suzuki ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Placebo Group ◽  
Knee Pain ◽  
Medical Information ◽  
Controlled Trial ◽  
Brief Pain Inventory ◽  
University Hospital ◽  
Active Group ◽  
Low Back ◽  
Double Blind ◽  
Double Blind Placebo

ABSTRACT Background Multisite pain, including low-back and knee pain, is a major health issue that greatly decreases quality of life. Objectives This study analyzed the effects of l-serine, which provides necessary components for nerve function, and EPA, which exerts anti-inflammatory properties, on pain scores of adults with pain in at least the low back and knee for ≥3 mo. Methods This was a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, parallel-group study. The Japan Low Back Pain Evaluation Questionnaire (JLEQ) and Japanese Knee Osteoarthritis Measure (JKOM) were applied as primary outcomes. The Brief Pain Inventory (BPI) and safety evaluation were secondary outcomes. We enrolled 120 participants aged ≥20 y (36 men and 84 women: mean ± SD age = 40.8 ± 10.9 y). The participants were randomly allocated to either the active group (daily ingestion of 594 mg l-serine and 149 mg EPA) or placebo group. The study period consisted of 8-wk dosing and 4-wk posttreatment observation. ANCOVA between groups for each time point was conducted using the baseline scores as covariates. Results The JLEQ scores (active compared with placebo: 14.2 ± 11.2 compared with 19.0 ± 10.2) at week 8 were lower in the active group (P &lt; 0.001). The JKOM scores at week 4 (11.7 ± 9.0 compared with 13.9 ± 7.9), week 8 (10.4 ± 7.9 compared with 13.1 ± 7.1), and week 12 (10.3 ± 7.4 compared with 13.8 ± 7.5) were lower in the active group (P ≤ 0.04). Additionally, the active group had 11–27% better scores compared with the placebo group for BPI1 (worst pain), BPI3 (average pain), and BPI5D (pain during moving) at week 4 (P ≤ 0.028) and week 8 (P ≤ 0.019), respectively, and BPI5D was 23% better in the active group at week 12 (P = 0.007). No adverse events were observed. Conclusions l-Serine and EPA were effective for pain relief in adults with low-back and knee pain after multiplicity adjustment. This trial was registered at the University Hospital Medical Information Network Clinical Trials Registry as UMIN000035056.

scholarly journals Effect of Melatonin on Cognitive Function and Sleep in relation to Breast Cancer Surgery: A Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Trial

2014 ◽  
Vol 2014 ◽  
pp. 1-9 ◽  
Author(s):  
Melissa Voigt Hansen ◽  
Michael Tvilling Madsen ◽  
Lærke Toftegård Andersen ◽  
Ida Hageman ◽  
Lars Simon Rasmussen ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Breast Cancer ◽  
Placebo Group ◽  
Cognitive Function ◽  
Cognitive Dysfunction ◽  
Controlled Trial ◽  
Dropout Rate ◽  
Sleep Efficiency ◽  
Mean Difference ◽  
Double Blind ◽  
Double Blind Placebo

Background.Sleep disturbances and cognitive dysfunction are common in patients with breast cancer. Disturbed sleep leads to poor cognitive performance and exogenous melatonin may improve sleep and attenuate cognitive dysfunction. We hypothesized that melatonin would improve sleep and cognitive function after surgery.Methods.This study reports secondary endpoints from a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial. Women, 30–75 years, were randomized to 6mg oral melatonin/placebo for 3 months. We assessed postoperative cognitive dysfunction (POCD) with a neuropsychological test battery, sleep with a diary, and sleep quality with VAS.Results. 54 patients were randomized to melatonin (n=28) or placebo (n=26); 11 withdrew (10 placebo, 1 melatonin,P=0.002). The incidence of POCD was 0% (0/20) [95% CI 0.0%; 16.8%] in the placebo group and 0% (0/26) [95% CI 0.0%; 13.2%] in the melatonin group 2 weeks postoperatively (P=1.00) and 6.3% (1/16) [95% CI 0.0%; 30.2%] in the placebo group and 0% (0/26) [95% CI 0.0%; 13.2%] in the melatonin group 12 weeks postoperatively (P=0.38). Sleep efficiency was significantly greater in the melatonin group; mean difference was 4.28% [95% CI 0.57; 7.82] (P=0.02). The total sleep period was significantly longer in the melatonin group; mean difference was 37.0 min [95% CI 3.6; 69.7] (P=0.03).Conclusion.Melatonin increased sleep efficiency and total sleep time but did not affect cognitive function. The dropout rate was significantly lower in the melatonin group. This trial is registered with Clinicaltrials.govNCT01355523.

scholarly journals Effect of a Fermented Milk CombiningLactobacillus AcidophilusCL1285 andLactobacillus Caseiin the Prevention of Antibiotic-Associated Diarrhea: A Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Trial

2007 ◽  
Vol 21 (11) ◽  
pp. 732-736 ◽  
Author(s):  
Mélanie Beausoleil ◽  
Nadia Fortier ◽  
Stéphanie Guénette ◽  
Amélie L’Ecuyer ◽  
Michel Savoie ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Placebo Group ◽  
Controlled Trial ◽  
Randomized Study ◽  
Fermented Milk ◽  
Daily Basis ◽  
Hospitalized Patients ◽  
Double Blind ◽  
Antibiotic Associated Diarrhea ◽  
Potential Measure ◽  
To Receive

BACKGROUND: Antibiotic-associated diarrhea is an important problem in hospitalized patients. The use of probiotics is gaining interest in the scientific community as a potential measure to prevent this complication. The main objective of the present study was to assess the efficacy and safety of a fermented milk combiningLactobacillus acidophilusandLactobacillus caseithat is widely available in Canada, in the prevention of antibiotic-associated diarrhea.METHODS: In this double-blind, randomized study, hospitalized patients were randomly assigned to receive either a lactobacilli-fermented milk or a placebo on a daily basis.RESULTS: Among 89 randomized patients, antibiotic-associated diarrhea occurred in seven of 44 patients (15.9%) in the lactobacilli group and in 16 of 45 patients (35.6%) in the placebo group (OR 0.34, 95% CI 0.125 to 0.944; P=0.05). The median hospitalization duration was eight days in the lactobacilli group, compared with 10 days in the placebo group (P=0.09). Overall, the lactobacilli-fermented milk was well tolerated.CONCLUSION: The daily administration of a lactobacilli-fermented milk was safe and effective in the prevention of antibiotic-associated diarrhea in hospitalized patients.

Neuroprotective Effect of Reduced Glutathione on Oxaliplatin-Based Chemotherapy in Advanced Colorectal Cancer: A Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Trial

2002 ◽  
Vol 20 (16) ◽  
pp. 3478-3483 ◽  
Author(s):  
Stefano Cascinu ◽  
Vincenzo Catalano ◽  
Luigi Cordella ◽  
Roberto Labianca ◽  
Paolo Giordani ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Saline Solution ◽  
Neuroprotective Effect ◽  
Controlled Trial ◽  
Sensory Nerve ◽  
Clinical Activity ◽  
Double Blind ◽  
Double Blind Placebo ◽  
To Receive ◽  
Infusion Period ◽  
Toxicity Criteria

PURPOSE: We performed a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial to assess the efficacy of glutathione (GSH) in the prevention of oxaliplatin-induced neurotoxicity. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Fifty-two patients treated with a bimonthly oxaliplatin-based regimen were randomized to receive GSH (1,500 mg/m2 over a 15-minute infusion period before oxaliplatin) or normal saline solution. Clinical neurologic evaluation and electrophysiologic investigations were performed at baseline and after four (oxaliplatin dose, 400 mg/m2), eight (oxaliplatin dose, 800 mg/m2), and 12 (oxaliplatin dose, 1,200 mg/m2) cycles of treatment. RESULTS: At the fourth cycle, seven patients showed clinically evident neuropathy in the GSH arm, whereas 11 patients in the placebo arm did. After the eighth cycle, nine of 21 assessable patients in the GSH arm suffered from neurotoxicity compared with 15 of 19 in the placebo arm. With regard to grade 2 to 4 National Cancer Institute common toxicity criteria, 11 patients experienced neuropathy in the placebo arm compared with only two patients in the GSH arm (P = .003). After 12 cycles, grade 2 to 4 neurotoxicity was observed in three patients in the GSH arm and in eight patients in the placebo arm (P = .004). The neurophysiologic investigations (sural sensory nerve conduction) showed a statistically significant reduction of the values in the placebo arm but not in the GSH arm. The response rate was 26.9% in the GSH arm and 23.1% in the placebo arm, showing no reduction in activity of oxaliplatin. CONCLUSION: This study provides evidence that GSH is a promising drug for the prevention of oxaliplatin-induced neuropathy, and that it does not reduce the clinical activity of oxaliplatin.

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