scholarly journals Effect of Nut Consumption on Erectile and Sexual Function in Healthy Males: A Secondary Outcome Analysis of the FERTINUTS Randomized Controlled Trial

Nutrients ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 11 (6) ◽  
pp. 1372 ◽  
Author(s):  
Albert Salas-Huetos ◽  
Jananee Muralidharan ◽  
Serena Galiè ◽  
Jordi Salas-Salvadó ◽  
Mònica Bulló
Keyword(s):  
Sexual Function ◽  
Sexual Desire ◽  
Erectile Function ◽  
Controlled Trial ◽  
Secondary Outcome ◽  
Outcome Analysis ◽  
Control Group ◽  
P Value ◽  
Excessive Alcohol Consumption ◽  
Randomized Controlled

Lifestyle risk factors for erectile and sexual function include smoking, excessive alcohol consumption, lack of physical activity, psychological stress, and adherence to unhealthy diets. In the present study, we evaluated the effects of mixed nuts supplementation on erectile and sexual function. Eighty-three healthy male aged 18–35 with erectile function assessment were included in this FERTINUTS study sub-analysis; a 14-week randomized, controlled, parallel feeding trial. Participants were allocated to (1) the usual Western-style diet enriched with 60 g/day of a mixture of nuts (nut group; n = 43), or (2) the usual Western-style diet avoiding nuts (control group; n = 40). At baseline and the end of the intervention, participants answered 15 questions contained in the validated International Index of Erectile Function (IIEF), and peripheral levels of nitric oxide (NO) and E-selectin were measured, as surrogated markers of erectile endothelial function. Anthropometrical characteristics, and seminogram and blood biochemical parameters did not differ between intervention groups at baseline. Compared to the control group, a significant increase in the orgasmic function (p-value = 0.037) and sexual desire (p-value = 0.040) was observed during the nut intervention. No significant differences in changes between groups were shown in peripheral concentrations of NO and E-selectin. Including nuts in a regular diet significantly improved auto-reported orgasmic function and sexual desire.

scholarly journals Possible Role of Court-Type Thai Traditional Massage During Parturition: a Randomized Controlled Trial

2019 ◽  
Vol 12 (1) ◽  
pp. 23-28
Author(s):  
Panya Sananpanichkul, MD ◽  
Chatchai Sawadhichai, MD, PhD ◽  
Yosapon Leaungsomnapa, PhD ◽  
Paweena Yapanya, BATM
Keyword(s):  
Randomized Controlled Trial ◽  
Pain Relief ◽  
Pain Score ◽  
Controlled Trial ◽  
Active Phase ◽  
Secondary Outcome ◽  
Control Group ◽  
P Value ◽  
Second Stage ◽  
Randomized Controlled

Background and Objectives: Court-type Thai traditional Massage (c-TTM) applied during intrapartum may have some benefit other than pain relief. This study aimed to evaluate the effect of c-TTM during the first and second stage of labor, as well as pain alleviation in the first stage.Methods: This was a randomized controlled trial study. Eligible participants were singleton pregnant mothers with cervical dilation between 3–5 cm and no medical complications. Both trial groups received the same routine antepartum care except for 1 hour additional c-TTM given to the experimental group when they were in the active phase of labor. The pain score was taken from the participants at the time before labor pains started, at the time of active labor, 1, 2, 3, and 4 hours after the intervention. Pain was recorded by the researcher using a visual analog scale. The primary outcome during the first and second stages of labor was compared between groups. Pain relief during the first stage of labor and analgesic drugs used were compared as a secondary outcome. This trial is registered under the identification number TCTR20171115003.Results: Fifty-nine participants were enrolled and randomly assigned with 1:1 allocation to groups. The duration of first and second stage labor was significantly shorter in the experimental c-TTM than in the conventional control group (mean ± SD: 198.37 ± 62.80 minutes: 268.52 ± 137.81 minutes, p value =.02 and 17.54 ± 9.49 minutes: 23.35 ± 15.01 minutes, p value =.03, re-spectively). There was no difference of pain score between the groups.Conclusion: One hour of c-TTM can signifi-cantly decrease the duration of the first and second stages of labor. The pain score recorded is not statistically different between the groups.

scholarly journals Does regular strength training cause urinary incontinence in overweight inactive women? A randomized controlled trial

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Kari Bø ◽  
Lene Anette H. Haakstad ◽  
Gøran Paulsen ◽  
Anne Mette Rustaden
Keyword(s):  
Randomized Controlled Trial ◽  
Urinary Incontinence ◽  
Strength Training ◽  
Short Form ◽  
Controlled Trial ◽  
Secondary Outcome ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Randomized Controlled ◽  
Sum Score ◽  
New Onset

Abstract Introduction and hypothesis Urinary incontinence (UI) is common in women who exercise. We aimed to investigate new onset UI in formerly inactive, overweight or obese women (BMI > 25) participating in three different strength training modalities compared with a non-exercising control group. Methods This was a secondary analysis of an assessor blinded randomized controlled trial investigating the effect of 12 weeks of three strength training concepts for women on muscle strength and body composition. None of the programs included pelvic floor muscle training. International Consensus on Incontinence Questionnaire Urinary Incontinence Short Form (ICIQ-UI-SF) was used to investigate primary outcome; new onset UI, and secondary outcome; ICIQ-UI-SF sum score. Suissa and Shuster’s exact unconditional test was used to analyze difference in new onset UI. Difference in ICIQ-UI-SF sum score is presented as mean with 95% CI. Results At baseline 40 out of 128 (31.2%) participants reported UI. Three out of 27, 2 out of 17, 2 out of 23, and 0 out of 21 women in the three training and control groups respectively had new onset UI. There were no statistically significant differences in new onset UI across the groups or when collapsing new onset UI in the intervention groups compared with the controls (7 out of 67 vs 0 out of 21), p = 0.124. After the intervention the control group reported worse ICIQ-UI-SF sum score than any of the training groups; mean difference − 6.6 (95% CI: −11.9, −1.27), p = 0.012, but there was no difference in change from baseline to 12 weeks between the groups p = 0.145). Conclusions There was no statistically significant change in UI after strength training.

scholarly journals Effect of a breastfeeding educational intervention: a randomized controlled trial

2020 ◽  
Vol 28 ◽  
Author(s):  
Erdnaxela Fernandes do Carmo Souza ◽  
Alfredo Almeida Pina-Oliveira ◽  
Antonieta Keiko Kakuda Shimo
Keyword(s):  
Randomized Controlled Trial ◽  
Educational Intervention ◽  
Exclusive Breastfeeding ◽  
Controlled Trial ◽  
Intervention Group ◽  
Control Group ◽  
P Value ◽  
Postpartum Women ◽  
Significance Level ◽  
Randomized Controlled

Objective: to assess the effect of a breastfeeding educational intervention on the counseling provided to postpartum women. Method: this is a randomized controlled trial including 104 postpartum women (intervention group = 52 and control group = 52) from a private hospital, whose educational intervention was based on the pragmatic theory and on the use of a soft-hard technology called Breastfeeding Educational Kit (Kit Educativo para Aleitamento Materno, KEAM). Women were followed-up for up to 60 days after childbirth. Chi-Squared Test, Fischer’s Exact Test, and Generalized Estimating Equation were used, with a significance level of 5% (p-value <0.05). The analyses were performed using the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences, version 24. Results: the postpartum women in the intervention group had fewer breastfeeding difficulties and a higher percentage of exclusive breastfeeding at all time points compared with those in the control group. Conclusion: the educational intervention based on active methodologies and stimulating instructional resources was effective in developing greater practical mastery among postpartum women with regard to adherence and maintenance of exclusive breastfeeding. Registry REBEC RBR – 8p9v7v.

scholarly journals Testosterone Treatment and Sexual Function in Older Men With Low Testosterone Levels

2016 ◽  
Vol 101 (8) ◽  
pp. 3096-3104 ◽  
Author(s):  
Glenn R. Cunningham ◽  
Alisa J. Stephens-Shields ◽  
Raymond C. Rosen ◽  
Christina Wang ◽  
Shalender Bhasin ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Sexual Function ◽  
Sexual Activity ◽  
Sexual Desire ◽  
Erectile Function ◽  
Controlled Trial ◽  
Older Men ◽  
Threshold Effect ◽  
The United States ◽  
Baseline Characteristics ◽  
Estradiol Levels

Context: The Testosterone Trials are a coordinated set of seven trials to determine the efficacy of T in symptomatic men ≥65 years old with unequivocally low T levels. Initial results of the Sexual Function Trial showed that T improved sexual activity, sexual desire, and erectile function. Objective: To assess the responsiveness of specific sexual activities to T treatment; to relate hormone changes to changes in sexual function; and to determine predictive baseline characteristics and T threshold for sexual outcomes. Design: A placebo-controlled trial. Setting: Twelve academic medical centers in the United States. Participants: A total of 470 men ≥65 years of age with low libido, average T &lt;275 ng/dL, and a partner willing to have sexual intercourse at least twice a month. Methods: Men were assigned to take T gel or placebo for 1 year. Sexual function was assessed by three questionnaires every 3 months: the Psychosexual Daily Questionnaire, the Derogatis Interview for Sexual Function, and the International Index of Erectile Function. Results: Compared with placebo, T administration significantly improved 10 of 12 measures of sexual activity. Incremental increases in total and free T and estradiol levels were associated with improvements in sexual activity and desire, but not erectile function. No threshold T level was observed for any outcome, and none of the 27 baseline characteristics predicted responsiveness to T. Conclusions: In older men with low libido and low T levels, improvements in sexual desire and activity in response to T treatment were related to the magnitude of increases in T and estradiol levels, but there was no clear evidence of a threshold effect.

scholarly journals Comparison of oral glucose tolerance test and HbA1c in detection of disorders of glucose metabolism in patients with acute stroke

2020 ◽  
Vol 19 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Karl Matz ◽  
Jaakko Tuomilehto ◽  
Yvonne Teuschl ◽  
Alexandra Dachenhausen ◽  
Michael Brainin
Keyword(s):  
Glucose Metabolism ◽  
Detection Rate ◽  
Glucose Tolerance Test ◽  
Controlled Trial ◽  
Relative Difference ◽  
Tolerance Test ◽  
Secondary Outcome ◽  
Outcome Analysis ◽  
Oral Glucose ◽  
Randomized Controlled

Abstract Background Diabetes is an increasingly important risk factor for ischemic stroke and worsens stroke prognosis. Yet a large proportion of stroke patients who are eventually diabetic are undiagnosed. Therefore, it is important to have sensitive assessment of unrecognized hyperglycaemia in stroke patients. Design Secondary outcome analysis of a randomized controlled trial focussing on parameters of glucose metabolism and detection of diabetes and prediabetes in patients with acute ischemic stroke (AIS). Methods A total of 130 consecutively admitted patients with AIS without previously known type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) were screened for diabetes or prediabetes as part of secondary outcome analysis of a randomized controlled trial that tested lifestyle intervention to prevent post-stroke cognitive decline. Patients had the oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) and glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) measurements in the second week after stroke onset and after 1 year. The detection rates of diabetes and prediabetes based on the OGTT or HbA1c values were compared. Results By any of the applied tests at the second week after stroke onset 62 of 130 patients (48%) had prediabetes or T2DM. Seventy-five patients had results from both tests available, the OGTT and HbA1c; according to the OGTT 40 (53.3%) patients had normal glucose metabolism, 33 (44%) had prediabetes, two (2.7%) T2DM. In 50 (66.7%) patients the HbA1c results were normal, 24 (32%) in the prediabetic and one (1.3%) in the diabetic range. The detection rate for disorders of glucose metabolism was 10% higher (absolute difference; relative difference 29%) with the OGTT compared with HbA1c. After 1 year the detection rate for prediabetes or T2DM was 7% higher with the OGTT (26% relative difference). The study intervention led to a more favourable evolution of glycemic status after 1 year. Conclusion The OGTT is a more sensitive screening tool than HbA1c for the detection of previously unrecognized glycemic disorders in patients with acute stroke with an at least a 25% relative difference in detection rate. Therefore, an OGTT should be performed in all patients with stroke with no history of diabetes. Trial registrationhttp://clinicaltrials.gov. Unique identifier: NCT01109836.

scholarly journals Effects of Bupropion on Cognitive Function in Schizophrenia: A Double Blind Randomized Controlled Trial

2016 ◽  
Vol 9 (5) ◽  
pp. 67
Author(s):  
Mansoureh Mirzadeh ◽  
Najmeh Shahini ◽  
Masoud Kashani Lotf Abadi ◽  
Maryam Tavakoli ◽  
Arash Javanbakht ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Randomized Controlled Trial ◽  
Cognitive Function ◽  
Rating Scale ◽  
Controlled Trial ◽  
Control Group ◽  
P Value ◽  
Double Blind ◽  
Randomized Controlled ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
Schizophrenic Patients

<p>Smoking habits are common in schizophrenic patients. Nicotine can suppress negative symptoms and cognitive impairments. The aim of this study was to determine the efficacy of bupropion on cognitive function in schizophrenic patients.<strong> </strong>This study is a double blind randomized controlled trial in a large referral psychiatric university hospital in Iran. Ninety smoker schizophrenic patients were randomly allocated (based on DSM -IV TR criteria) in two groups (46 patients for case group and 44 patients in control group). They get risperidone up to 6 mg/d and bupropion up to 400 mg/d .clinical assessment (Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale (PANSS), Brief psychiatric rating scale (BPRS) were taken in beginning of study, 14<sup>th</sup> and 28<sup>th</sup> days of study. Cognitive assessment (Stroop, Digit Span, and Wechsler, Wisconsin) were taken in begging of study, the days 2<sup>nd</sup>, 7<sup>th</sup>, 14<sup>th</sup>, 28<sup>th</sup>. All data were analyzed by SPSS Ver. 17 with analytic and descriptive tests. Mean age of patients was 37.66±1.01. Mean duration of disorder was 11.63±.98 years. The scores were significantly lower at the day 28<sup>th</sup> compared to the beginning of the study in both groups in Wechsler, Stroop color word , Stroop word , Stroop color , BPRS, PANSS p value ≤0.05 .The difference between the two treatments was not significant as indicated by the effect of group, the between-subjects factor<strong> </strong><strong>p </strong>value ≥0.05. In this study, the side effects were examined and there was no significant difference between the two groups p value ≥0.05.<strong> </strong>Augmentation of bupropion to routine treatment improves cognitive symptoms of schizophrenia in abstinence of tobacco.</p>

scholarly journals Assessment of Cleaning Methods on Bacterial Burden of Hospital Privacy Curtains: A Pilot Randomized Controlled Trial

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Kianna Cadogan ◽  
Sabrin Bashar ◽  
Saul Magnusson ◽  
Rakesh Patidar ◽  
John Embil ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Randomized Controlled Trial ◽  
Controlled Trial ◽  
Secondary Outcome ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Bacterial Burden ◽  
Randomized Controlled ◽  
Route Of Transmission ◽  
The Difference ◽  
Cluster Randomized ◽  
Cleaning Methods

Abstract Healthcare-associated infections (HAIs) are an important global issue, leading to poor patient outcomes. A potential route of transmission of HAIs is through contact with hospital privacy curtains. The aim of this study is to evaluate cleaning on reduction of curtain bacterial burden. In this pilot cluster randomized controlled trial we compared the bacterial burden between three groups of 24 curtains on a regional burn/plastic surgery ward. A control group was not cleaned. Two groups were cleaned at three to four day intervals with either disinfectant spray or wipe. The primary outcome was the difference in mean CFU/cm 2 between day 0 to day 21. The secondary outcome was the proportion of curtains contaminated with Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA). By day 21, the control group was statistically higher (2.2 CFU/cm2) than spray (1.3 CFU/cm2) or wipe (1.5 CFU/cm2) (p < 0.05). After cleaning at three to four day intervals, the bacterial burden on the curtains reduced to near day 0 levels; however, this increased over the intervening three to four days. By day 21, 64% of control curtains were contaminated with MRSA compared to 10% (spray) and 5% (wipe) (p < 0.05). This study show that curtains start clean and progressively become contaminated with bacteria. Regularly cleaning curtains with disinfectant spray or wipes reduces bacterial burden and MRSA contamination.

scholarly journals Neurofeedback for tinnitus: Study protocol for a randomized controlled trial assessing the specificity of an alpha/delta neurofeedback training protocol in alleviating both the sound perception and the psychological distress, in a cohort of chronic tinnitus sufferers

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Martin Jensen ◽  
Eva Hüttenrauch ◽  
Jennifer Schmidt ◽  
Gerhard Andersson ◽  
Mira-Lynn Chavanon ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Randomized Controlled Trial ◽  
Controlled Trial ◽  
Secondary Outcome ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Neurofeedback Training ◽  
Sound Perception ◽  
Active Comparator ◽  
Randomized Controlled ◽  
Tinnitus Distress ◽  
Training Protocol

Abstract Background Tinnitus is a very common condition, which for some can have debilitating psychological consequences. Although some interventions are helpful in learning how to cope better with the tinnitus, at present there is no cure. Neurofeedback is an emerging treatment modality in tinnitus. Previous studies, utilizing an alpha/delta training protocol have shown promise. However, they were characterized by small sample sizes and lack of neurofeedback control conditions. Therefore, the aim of this study is to investigate, if an alpha/delta neurofeedback training protocol, compared to beta/theta neurofeedback or a diary control group, is effective in reducing, not only the tinnitus sound perception, but also the psychological symptoms associated with the condition. Methods The study is designed as a three-armed, randomized controlled trial. Participants are randomly assigned to either an established neurofeedback protocol for tinnitus (alpha/delta training), another neurofeedback protocol as active comparator (beta/theta training) or diary control group. In the four-week intervention period, participants in both neurofeedback groups undergo ten sessions, whereas participants in the diary control group complete a diary bi-weekly. The primary outcomes are between group differences in tinnitus sound percept change, as measured with the Tinnitus Magnitude Index (TMI) and changes in tinnitus distress, measured with the Tinnitus Handicap Inventory (THI), four weeks after the start of the intervention. Secondary outcome measures include changes in tinnitus distress, sleep quality, depressive symptoms and whether neurofeedback leads to specific power changes in the trained frequency bands. Discussion This is the first randomized controlled trial examining the efficacy of an alpha/delta neurofeedback training protocol in reducing the tinnitus sound percept and the distress associated with the condition. Compared to former studies, the present study is designed to assess both the specificity of an alpha/delta neurofeedback training protocol by including an active comparator, beta/theta neurofeedback training, and in addition to control for placebo effects by inclusion of a diary control group. We hope this study contributes to our understanding of the potentiality of neurofeedback as a treatment for tinnitus.

scholarly journals Randomized Controlled Trial of Probiotic PS128 in Children with Tourette Syndrome

Nutrients ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 13 (11) ◽  
pp. 3698
Author(s):  
Chang-Chun Wu ◽  
Lee-Chin Wong ◽  
Chia-Jui Hsu ◽  
Chianne-Wen Yang ◽  
Ying-Chieh Tsai ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Randomized Controlled Trial ◽  
Tourette Syndrome ◽  
Performance Test ◽  
Controlled Trial ◽  
Continuous Performance Test ◽  
Secondary Outcome ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Randomized Controlled ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
Social Environmental

Tourette syndrome results from a complex interaction between social–environmental factors, multiple genetic abnormalities, and neurotransmitter disturbances. This study is a double-blinded, randomized controlled trial using probiotics Lactobacillus plantarum PS128 as an intervention to examine if probiotics improve symptoms of children with Tourette syndrome. This study enrolled children aged 5 to 18 years old who fulfilled DSM-V diagnostic criteria for Tourette syndrome. Patients were assessed before initiating the trial, at one month, and at two months after randomization. The primary outcome was evaluated by Yale Global Tic Severity Scale (YGTSS), and the secondary outcome studied the possible comorbidities in these children. The results revealed no significant difference in improvement in YGTSS between the control group and the PS128 group. As for secondary endpoints, an analysis of Conners’ Continuous Performance Test (CPT) showed improvement in commission and detectability in the PS128 group. In conclusion, although probiotics may not have tic-reducing effects in children with Tourette syndrome, it may have benefits on comorbidities such as attention deficit and hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). Further studies are needed to clarify the effects of probiotics on the comorbidities of Tourette syndrome children.

scholarly journals Combination between Mifepristone and Methotrexate to Treat Ectopic Pregnancy: A Systematic Review Protocol

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Qiling Su ◽  
Huiyan Feng ◽  
Tian Tian ◽  
Xiaoqian Liao ◽  
Yunhui Li ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Ectopic Pregnancy ◽  
Controlled Trial ◽  
Meta Analysis ◽  
Cochrane Library ◽  
Secondary Outcome ◽  
Control Group ◽  
China National Knowledge Infrastructure ◽  
Advantages And Disadvantages ◽  
Randomized Controlled ◽  
Outcome Index

Background: In recent years, the morbidity of ectopic pregnancy and the proportion of young and childless patients have increased year by year, which makes it important to early diagnose EP, effectively save patients' lives and furthest preserve their fertility. Methotrexate and mifepristone are most widely used in conservative treatments, however, there is no accurate conclusion about which therapy is better. Therefore, the aims in this meta-analysis are, on the one hand, to systematically analyze the efficacy of mifepristone combined with methotrexate in the treatment of ectopic pregnancy through existing studies, and to draw scientific conclusions. On the other hand, to fill the gap of relevant analysis in China and abroad, to evaluate the advantages and disadvantages of inclusion trials and propose improvement measures and scientific designing schemes. Methods: Six electronic databases will be searched, including PubMed, Embase, Cochrane Library, the China National Knowledge Infrastructure(CNKI), Chinese Science and Technology Periodical Database (VIP), and Wanfang Database (WF). Literature from October 2015 to October 2020 on randomized controlled trials will be searched, without any language or publication restriction. Search terms include mifepristone, methotrexate, ectopic pregnancy, and random (free word/synonym expansion). Included in a randomized controlled trial, the treatment group was treated with mifepristone combined with methotrexate, and the control group was treated with mifepristone alone. Revman 5.4 (provided by Cochrane) will be used to evaluate the quality of the literature, and the corresponding effect model will be selected to analyze the results. The cure rate will be the main outcome index, and the remaining outcome measures after literature inclusion will be the secondary outcome indexes. Result: Only when we finish this meta-analysis can we get the result. Discussion: The results of this study will provide reliable evidence for the efficacy of mifepristone combined with methotrexate therapy in the treatment of ectopic pregnancy.

Sign in / Sign up

Export Citation Format

Share Document