scholarly journals The Efficacy of Mindfulness-Based Alzheimer’s Stimulation (Mbas) in the Progression of Cognitive Impairment: A Double-Blind, Randomized Clinical Trial

2014 ◽  
Vol 4 (2) ◽  
pp. 101-112
Author(s):  
Domingo Jesús Quintana Hernández ◽  
María del Pino Quintana Montesdeoca
Keyword(s):  
Clinical Trial ◽  
Cognitive Impairment ◽  
Randomized Clinical Trial ◽  
Repeated Measures ◽  
Cognitive Stimulation ◽  
Mindfulness Practice ◽  
Controlled Study ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Double Blind ◽  
And Control

We conducted a randomized, controlled study in order to investigate the feasibility, security as well as the effects of the practice of mindfulness upon the evolution of AD. The efficacy of a Mindfulness-based Cognitive Stimulation program for Alzheimer’s patients was tested in this double-blind, randomized clinical trial, using repeated measures of CAMDEX (CAMCOG y MMSE) every six months during two years. A total of 168 patients, presenting a Probable Alzheimer Disease according to NINCDS-ADRDA criteria and treated with donepezil, were randomly assigned to the four following non-pharmacological treatments: standard cognitive stimulation, progressive muscular relaxation, mindfulness-based Alzheimer stimulation and control group, which received no intervention. Each experimental group worked in 90-minute sessions, three times per week during two years (a total of 96 weeks). Results indicated that the Mindfulness-based Alzheimer Stimulation group did not show as much a significant decline of cognitive function as the other groups did. Therefore, it seems that mindfulness practice, as implemented in this program, can have a preventive role against the progression of cognitive impairment in AD. These results support the use of mindfulness as a non-pharmacological treatment.

scholarly journals The Efficacy of Mindfulness-Based Alzheimer’s Stimulation (Mbas) in the Progression of Cognitive Impairment: A Double-Blind, Randomized Clinical Trial

2014 ◽  
Vol 4 (2) ◽  
pp. 101-112
Author(s):  
Domingo Jesús Quintana Hernández ◽  
María del Pino Quintana Montesdeoca
Keyword(s):  
Clinical Trial ◽  
Cognitive Impairment ◽  
Randomized Clinical Trial ◽  
Repeated Measures ◽  
Cognitive Stimulation ◽  
Mindfulness Practice ◽  
Controlled Study ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Double Blind ◽  
And Control

We conducted a randomized, controlled study in order to investigate the feasibility, security as well as the effects of the practice of mindfulness upon the evolution of AD. The efficacy of a Mindfulness-based Cognitive Stimulation program for Alzheimer’s patients was tested in this double-blind, randomized clinical trial, using repeated measures of CAMDEX (CAMCOG y MMSE) every six months during two years. A total of 168 patients, presenting a Probable Alzheimer Disease according to NINCDS-ADRDA criteria and treated with donepezil, were randomly assigned to the four following non-pharmacological treatments: standard cognitive stimulation, progressive muscular relaxation, mindfulness-based Alzheimer stimulation and control group, which received no intervention. Each experimental group worked in 90-minute sessions, three times per week during two years (a total of 96 weeks). Results indicated that the Mindfulness-based Alzheimer Stimulation group did not show as much a significant decline of cognitive function as the other groups did. Therefore, it seems that mindfulness practice, as implemented in this program, can have a preventive role against the progression of cognitive impairment in AD. These results support the use of mindfulness as a non-pharmacological treatment.

Treatment of acute respiratory viral infections: results of a multicenter, double-blind, placebo-controlled, randomized clinical trial

2020 ◽  
Vol 18 (3) ◽  
pp. 178-189
Author(s):  
V.V. Rafalsky ◽  
◽  
R.F. Khamitov ◽  
T.I. Martynenko ◽  
M.V. Chernogorova ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Clinical Trial ◽  
Randomized Clinical Trial ◽  
Viral Infections ◽  
Wilcoxon Test ◽  
Controlled Study ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Efficacy And Safety ◽  
Double Blind ◽  
Double Blind Placebo ◽  
Respiratory Viral Infections

This multicenter, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial was conducted to obtain additional data on the efficacy and safety of Anaferon for the treatment of acute respiratory viral infections (ARVI) during seasonal increase in their incidence (RCT of the Ministry of Health of Russia No 356 dated 24.07.2018; ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT03707912). Patients and methods. Between October 2018 and March 2019, a total of 204 patients aged 18 to 70 years with ARVI symptoms were included in this study within the first 24 hours of symptom onset. Patients were randomized into 2 groups: 104 individuals received oral Anaferon (should be kept in the mouth until completely dissolved and without food) according to the following scheme: 1 tablet every 30 minutes during the first 2 hours; then 3 more doses at regular intervals during the first day; then 1 tablet 3 times a day on days 2–5; 100 individuals received placebo according to the same scheme. The primary endpoint was time to resolution of symptoms of clinically diagnosed and/or PCR (polymerase chain reaction) – confirmed ARVI. Addithional endpoints included: time to resolution of symptoms of ARVI confirmed by PCR; proportion of patients with resolution of symptoms of clinically diagnosed and/or PCR-confirmed ARVI and separately PCR-confirmed ARVI; severity of clinically diagnosed and/or PCR-confirmed ARVI (assessed by ‘area under the curve’ for the total severity index); the number of antipyretic doses taken according to indications on days 1–3 of treatment (checked in the patient's diary); proportion of patients who required antibiotic treatment on days 4–7 of follow-up. To assess safety, we analyzed the incidence and type of adverse events (AEs), their severity, association with drug use, and treatment outcome. The following statistical methods were used: Fisher's exact test, Cochran–Mantel–Haenszel test, Wilcoxon test, and repeated measures ANOVA, PROC MIXED. Results. A total of 203 patients were included in the intention-to-treat (ITT) and per protocol (РР) analysis: 103 [95] individuals in the Anaferon arm and 100 [93] individuals in the Placebo arm. Patients receiving Anaferon had significantly shorter time to resolution of all ARVI symptoms than patients receiving placebo: 4.1 ± 1.6 days vs 4.5 ± 1.5 days (p = 0.032). The disease was on average 1 day shorter in patients from the experimental group compared to controls: 3.6 ± 1.5 days vs 4.6 ± 1.5 days (p = 0.007). The proportion of patients who had resolution of symptoms of clinically diagnosed and/or PCR-confirmed ARVI was significantly higher in the Anaferon arm compared to Placebo arm (p = 0.0012). Among patients with PCR-verified ARVI, treatment with Anaferon resulted in twice as frequent recovery as in the control group on day 4 (53.7% vs 26.3%) and day 7 (70.7% vs 36.8%). In the Anaferon arm, we observed shorter disease duration and higher proportion of patients recovered compared to the Placebo arm; however, patients in both groups had a similar need for antipyretic drugs on days 1–3 of treatment, as well as for antibiotic therapy. The incidence of AEs in the Anaferon and Placebo groups did not vary significantly. No AEs with a reliable association with Anaferon were registered. Conclusion. Our findings suggest high efficacy and safety of Anaferon in patients with ARVI. The best results were obtained in patients with PCR-verified diagnosis, which can be attributed to the involvement of the interferon system in the action of the drug. The results of this RCT confirm the data obtained in previous studies and long-term clinical experience of using Anaferon. Key words: acute respiratory viral infections, ARVI, treatment, effective therapy, placebo-controlled study, Anaferon, randomized clinical trial, comprehensive therapy, efficacy, safety

scholarly journals Effect of Foot Reflexology on Postoperative Pain in Patients Undergoing Tibia Plating Surgery: A Randomized Clinical Trial

2020 ◽  
Vol 10 (3) ◽  
pp. 258-269
Author(s):  
Fatemeh Imani ◽  
◽  
Ebrahim Nasiri ◽  
Houshang Akbari ◽  
Mohammad Reza Safdari ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Clinical Trial ◽  
Postoperative Pain ◽  
Randomized Clinical Trial ◽  
Repeated Measures ◽  
Intervention Group ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Control Groups ◽  
Chi Square ◽  
Chi Square Test ◽  
And Control

Objective: One of the major problems of patients after orthopedic surgeries is acute pain. The present study aims to evaluate the effect of foot reflexology massage on postoperative pain in patients undergoing plating surgery for tibia fracture. Methods: This study is a randomized clinical trial conducted on 96 patients who were candidates for tibia plating surgery referred to Imam Ali Hospital in Bojnourd, Iran, randomly divided into intervention and control groups. Foot reflexology massage in the intervention group was performed on patients’ healthy feet for 10 minutes, one hour before surgery. In the control group, the foot sole was touched for one minute without any pressure. Pain intensity was measured using the standard Visual Analog Scale before and immediately after the intervention and 2, 4, 6, 12 and 24 hours after surgery. Data were analyzed using chi-square test, t-test, repeated measures ANOVA, Mann-Whitney U and Friedman tests. Results: The baseline pain scores in the intervention and control groups were reported 8.1±0.9 and 8.4±0.9, respectively. After the intervention, the pain score in these groups was reduced to 6.9±1.1 and 8.1±1.0, respectively (P<0.001). At other times, up to 24 hours after surgery, the pain reduction was higher in the intervention group (P<0.05). Conclusion: Foot reflexology massage reduces postoperative pain of patients undergoing tibia plating surgery. Therefore, this method can be used to reduce pain and anxiety in orthopedic surgery patients.

scholarly journals Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Study of Modified Erzhi Granules in the Treatment of Menopause-Related Vulvovaginal Atrophy

2018 ◽  
Vol 2018 ◽  
pp. 1-15
Author(s):  
Ranran Chen ◽  
Dianrong Song ◽  
Wei Zhang ◽  
Guanwei Fan ◽  
Yingqiang Zhao ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Drug Withdrawal ◽  
Endometrial Thickness ◽  
Vaginal Epithelium ◽  
Controlled Study ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Double Blind ◽  
Double Blind Placebo ◽  
Vulvovaginal Atrophy ◽  
Normal Ranges ◽  
And Control

Objective. To evaluate the clinical therapeutic efficacy and safety of modified Erzhi granules (MEG) in patients with menopause-related vulvovaginal atrophy (VVA). Methods. This randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study comprised two groups, including the treatment and control groups. Patients receive MEG and placebo for 12 weeks, respectively. Vaginal health score (VHS), vaginitis score, vaginal maturation index (VMI), female sexual function index (FSFI), and modified Kupperman Index (modified KI) were used as efficacy endpoints and assessed at baseline, 4, 8, and 12 weeks during administration, and 4 weeks after drug withdrawal. At baseline and 12 weeks, serum estradiol (E2), follicle stimulating hormone (FSH), pelvic ultrasound, breast ultrasound, and other safety parameters were measured, recording adverse events. Results. At 12 weeks, VHS, percentage of superficial cells in the vaginal epithelium and FSFI were significantly increased, while vaginitis score, percentage of basal cells in the vaginal epithelium, and modified KI were significantly decreased in comparison with baseline and control group (all P<0.05); these differences persisted for up to 4 weeks after drug withdrawal. The placebo group showed no significant change during treatment compared with baseline values (p>0.05). Serum E2 and FSH levels, endometrial thickness, and breast thickness in all patients were within the normal ranges before and after treatment, with no serious adverse reactions observed. Conclusion. MEG significantly alleviates menopause-related vulvovaginal atrophy, with no overt adverse effects on the endometrium, breast, hepatic, and renal functions.

scholarly journals Convalescent Plasma for COVID-19: A multicenter, randomized clinical trial

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Cristina Avendano-Sola ◽  
Antonio Ramos-Martinez ◽  
Elena Munez-Rubio ◽  
Belen Ruiz-Antoran ◽  
Rosa Malo de Molina ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Clinical Trial ◽  
Mechanical Ventilation ◽  
Randomized Clinical Trial ◽  
Strong Dependence ◽  
Standard Of Care ◽  
Ordinal Scale ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Standard Of Care Treatment ◽  
And Control ◽  
To Receive

Background: Passive immunotherapy with convalescent plasma (CP) is a potential treatment for COVID-19 for which evidence from controlled clinical trials is lacking. Methods: We conducted a multi-center, randomized clinical trial in patients hospitalized for COVID-19. All patients received standard of care treatment, including off-label use of marketed medicines, and were randomized 1:1 to receive one dose (250-300 mL) of CP from donors with IgG anti-SARS-CoV-2. The primary endpoint was the proportion of patients in categories 5, 6 or 7 of the COVID-19 ordinal scale at day 15. Results: The trial was stopped after first interim analysis due to the fall in recruitment related to pandemic control. With 81 patients randomized, there were no patients progressing to mechanical ventilation or death among the 38 patients assigned to receive plasma (0%) versus 6 out of 43 patients (14%) progressing in control arm. Mortality rates were 0% vs 9.3% at days 15 and 29 for the active and control groups, respectively. No significant differences were found in secondary endpoints. At inclusion, patients had a median time of 8 days (IQR, 6-9) of symptoms and 49,4% of them were positive for anti-SARS-CoV-2 IgG antibodies. Conclusions: Convalescent plasma could be superior to standard of care in avoiding progression to mechanical ventilation or death in hospitalized patients with COVID-19. The strong dependence of results on a limited number of events in the control group prevents drawing firm conclusions about CP efficacy from this trial. (Funded by Instituto de Salud Carlos III; NCT04345523).

Effect of prenatal recommendations of Traditional Persian Medicine on obstetric outcomes: a randomized clinical trial

2018 ◽  
Vol 15 (3) ◽  
Author(s):  
Mansoor Keshavarz ◽  
Maryam Kashanian ◽  
Soodabeh Bioos ◽  
Yasaman Vazani
Keyword(s):  
Clinical Trial ◽  
Randomized Clinical Trial ◽  
Intervention Group ◽  
Active Phase ◽  
Obstetric Outcomes ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Control Groups ◽  
Persian Medicine ◽  
Traditional Persian Medicine ◽  
And Control

Abstract Background Traditional Persian Medicine (TPM) is an ancient medical system that provides suggestions to improve the health of mothers and children during pregnancy and labor. Persian physicians believed that these instructions made labor easier, safer, and less painful. Methods The present randomized clinical trial was conducted among women at 33–38 weeks of pregnancy in Tehran, Iran. TPM instructions consisted of diet, bathing, and application of oil from the 38th week of pregnancy to the onset of labor. The primary outcome was the duration of the active phase of labor. Results The mean duration of the active phase was 331.60 ± 151.48 min for the intervention group and 344.40 ± 271.46 min for the control groups, but it was not statistically significant. The active phase was significantly shorter in women who had better compliance (p=0.03). The need for oxytocin augmentation was 53.3% in the control group and 38.5% in the intervention group (p=0.17). The rate of perineal infection was 13% in the control group and 0% in the intervention group (p=0.11). Conclusions The active phase was not different in the intervention and control groups, but it was shorter in compliant women. It is possible that prolonged use of these recommendations in combination with a sitz baths and a larger sample size could result in more significant outcomes.

scholarly journals A randomized clinical trial on the effects of remote intercessory prayer in the adverse outcomes of pregnancies

2013 ◽  
Vol 18 (8) ◽  
pp. 2379-2384 ◽  
Author(s):  
Maria Inês da Rosa ◽  
Fabio Rosa Silva ◽  
Bruno Rosa Silva ◽  
Luciana Carvalho Costa ◽  
Angela Mendes Bergamo ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Clinical Trial ◽  
Pregnant Women ◽  
Randomized Clinical Trial ◽  
Care Service ◽  
Health Care Service ◽  
Adverse Outcomes ◽  
Public Health Care ◽  
Intercessory Prayer ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Double Blind

The scope of this article was to investigate whether intercessory prayer (IP) influences the adverse outcomes of pregnancies. A double-blind, randomized clinical trial was conducted with 564 pregnant women attending a prenatal public health care service. The women were randomly assigned to an IP group or to a control group (n = 289 per group). They were simultaneously and randomly assigned to practice prayer off-site or not. The following parameters were evaluated: Apgar scores, type of delivery and birth weight. The mean age of the women was 25.1 years of age (± 7.4), and the average gestational age was 23.4 weeks (± 8.1). The average number of years of schooling for the women was 8.1 years (± 3.1). The women in the IP and control groups presented a similar number of adverse medical events with non-significant p. No significant differences were detected in the frequency of adverse outcomes in pregnant women who practiced IP and those in the control group.

A double-blind, randomized clinical trial to assess the augmentation with nimodipine of antidepressant therapy in the treatment of “vascular depression”

2005 ◽  
Vol 17 (3) ◽  
pp. 487-498 ◽  
Author(s):  
F. E. Taragano ◽  
P. Bagnatti ◽  
R. F. Allegri
Keyword(s):  
Clinical Trial ◽  
Cerebrovascular Disease ◽  
Randomized Clinical Trial ◽  
Antidepressant Therapy ◽  
Analysis Of Covariance ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Number Needed To Treat ◽  
Double Blind ◽  
Vascular Depression ◽  
Full Remission

Background: Cerebrovascular disease may cause “vascular depression” (VaD). Calcium-channel blockers are presumed treatments for cerebrovascular disease and might be expected to improve depression and prevent recurrence.Objective: To examine the efficacy and tolerability of the use of nimodipine as an augmentation of fluoxetine in the treatment of VaD.Design: A double-blind, randomized clinical trial in which 101 patients with VaD (Alexopoulos criteria) were treated with fluoxetine at standard doses. Patients were randomized to placebo (n=51) or nimodipine (n=50). Treatment outcomes were assessed using the Hamilton Depression Rating Scale (HDRS) regularly up to 8 months after treatment initiation.Results: Depression was reduced in 63% of patients, but those whose treatment was enhanced with nimodipine had greater improvements overall by repeated measures analysis of covariance (ANCOVA) (F(1.80)=9.76, p=0.001). In addition, a greater proportion of patients treated with fluoxetine–nimodipine (54% vs. 27%) exhibited full remission (χ2(d.f. 1)=7.3, p=0.006), with the number needed to treat (NNT) equal to 4 (95% CI 2–12). Of those experiencing full remission in the first 61 days, fewer patients on fluoxetine–nimodipine (3.7%) developed recurrence of major depression as compared to those on fluoxetine alone (35.7%) (χ2(d.f. 1)=7.56, p=0.006), NNT 3 (95% CI 2–9). Side-effects were noted in 33.3% of patients in the control group and 48% of the experimental group (χ2(d.f. 1)=2.25, p=0.133).Conclusions: In treating VaD, augmentation of fluoxetine with nimodipine led to better treatment results and lower rates of recurrence. These findings support the argument that augmentation of antidepressant therapy might be helpful in the treatment of cerebrovascular disease, which is involved in the pathogenesis of this type of depression.

scholarly journals Pain control in orthodontics using a micropulse vibration device: A randomized clinical trial

2015 ◽  
Vol 86 (4) ◽  
pp. 625-630 ◽  
Author(s):  
Wendy D. Lobre ◽  
Brent J. Callegari ◽  
Gary Gardner ◽  
Curtis M. Marsh ◽  
Anneke C. Bush ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Clinical Trial ◽  
Randomized Clinical Trial ◽  
Repeated Measures ◽  
Pain Perception ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Eligibility Criteria ◽  
Pain Scores ◽  
Parallel Group ◽  
Repeated Measures Analysis ◽  
The Relationship

ABSTRACT Objective:  To investigate the relationship between a micropulse vibration device and pain perception during orthodontic treatment. Materials and Methods:  This study was a parallel group, randomized clinical trial. A total of 58 patients meeting eligibility criteria were assigned using block allocation to one of two groups: an experimental group using the vibration device or a control group (n  =  29 for each group). Patients used the device for 20 minutes daily. Patients rated pain intensity on a visual analog scale at appropriate intervals during the weeks after the separator or archwire appointment. Data were analyzed using repeated measures analysis of variance at α  =  .05. Results:  During the 4-month test period, significant differences between the micropulse vibration device group and the control group for overall pain (P  =  .002) and biting pain (P  =  .003) were identified. The authors observed that perceived pain was highest at the beginning of the month, following archwire adjustment. Conclusion:  The micropulse vibration device significantly lowered the pain scores for overall pain and biting pain during the 4-month study period.

scholarly journals Effects of Bushen-Jiangya granules on blood pressure and pharmacogenomic evaluation in low-to-medium risk hypertension: study protocol for a randomized double-blind controlled trial

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
xiaochen Yang ◽  
Xingjiang Xiong ◽  
Yun Zhang ◽  
Yongmei Liu ◽  
Hongzheng Li ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Blood Pressure ◽  
Inflammatory Responses ◽  
Controlled Trial ◽  
Controlled Study ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Double Blind ◽  
Double Blind Placebo ◽  
Medium Risk ◽  
Tcm Syndrome ◽  
And Control

Abstract IntroductionHypertension is one of the most important risk factors for cardiovascular disease, and its treatment and control rates are still low worldwide. The most effective strategy is that patients with hypertension should be diagnosed and treated early. Preliminary studies showed that the Bushen Jiangya granule (BSJY) may suppress ventricular hypertrophy and inflammatory responses, lower blood pressure and protect the target organs of hypertension. We designed a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial to evaluate the efficacy of BSJY in patients with low-to-medium risk hypertension.Methods and analysisThis trial is a one-center, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study. A total of 260 participants will be randomized in a 1:1 ratio to an experiment group (BSJY plus amlodipine) and a control group (placebo plus amlodipine). The trial cycle will last 8 weeks. The primary outcome is blood pressure, which is reduced to a threshold set out in Guiding Principles for Clinical Research of New Chinese Medicines. The secondary outcomes include the change in 24-h average systolic and diastolic blood pressure, heart rate variability, pharmacogenomic Evaluation, improvement in TCM Syndrome, serum pro-inflammatory/anti-inflammatory cytokines, etc. between the two groups. Safety in medication will also be evaluated. All the data will be recorded in electronic case report forms and analyzed by SPSS V.22.0.Ethics and dissemination This study has been approved by Research Ethics Committee of Guang’anmen Hospital,China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences in Beijing, China (No. 2019-186-KY-01). The participants are volunteers, understand the process of this trial and sign an informed consent. The results of this study will be disseminated to the public through peer-reviewed journals and academic conferences. DiscussionWe hypothesize that patients with low-to-medium risk hypertension will benefit from BSJY. If successful, this study will provide evidence-based recommendations for clinicians.

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