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Del Prete C, Montano C, Cocchia N, de Chiara M, Gasparrini B, Pasolini MP. Use of regenerative medicine in the treatment of endometritis in mares: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Theriogenology 2024; 227:9-20. [PMID: 38991434 DOI: 10.1016/j.theriogenology.2024.07.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/18/2024] [Revised: 07/02/2024] [Accepted: 07/07/2024] [Indexed: 07/13/2024]
Abstract
Defining the optimal therapy for endometritis remains a significant challenge for clinicians. Given the public health threat posed by antibiotic resistance and the inconclusiveness of traditional therapies, regenerative medicine has been proposed as an alternative. The objective of this study was to conduct a comprehensive systematic review and meta-analysis, to investigate the efficacy of regenerative medicine products in the treatment of both post-breeding persistent and chronic degenerative endometritis (PBIE/CDE) in mares, following the PRISMA guidelines. This research could be a comprehensive scientific reference for determining appropriate treatments and clinical strategies. All studies exploring the use of regenerative medicine therapies (i.e., plasma products, autologous conditioned serum, mesenchymal stem cells MSCs, and MSC derivatives) in the treatment of PBIE/CDE were included, regardless of the specific protocol used, the evaluated outcomes, or the diagnostic method employed. Two authors independently gathered data and evaluated the risk of bias for each study. Treatment effects were assessed using risk ratios for dichotomous data, accompanied by 95 % confidence intervals. Data were aggregated utilizing the fixed-effects model. The quality of evidence for each outcome was evaluated using GRADE criteria. Eighteen studies were included in the systematic review, while fifteen trials were included in the meta-analysis. A sub-meta-analysis was conducted separately on platelet-derived products, as well as on MSCs and their derivatives. The results demonstrated an overall positive effect of regenerative therapies in treating PBIE/CDE, particularly those involving MSCs and their derivatives. The positive outcomes include an anti-inflammatory effect, characterized by reduced intrauterine fluid accumulation, neutrophils, and cytokine concentrations. Additionally, improvements in pregnancy, foaling, and embryo recovery rates have been observed in some cases. Despite the limited number of randomized controlled studies and the high variability among protocols, including the timing of treatment, type, and volume of products used, the use of regenerative products, especially MSCs and their derivatives, has promising results in terms of both efficacy and safety for treating PBIE/CDE in mares.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chiara Del Prete
- Department of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Production, University of Naples Federico II, Naples, Italy.
| | - Chiara Montano
- Department of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Production, University of Naples Federico II, Naples, Italy.
| | - Natascia Cocchia
- Department of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Production, University of Naples Federico II, Naples, Italy.
| | - Mariaelena de Chiara
- Department of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Production, University of Naples Federico II, Naples, Italy.
| | - Bianca Gasparrini
- Department of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Production, University of Naples Federico II, Naples, Italy.
| | - Maria Pia Pasolini
- Department of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Production, University of Naples Federico II, Naples, Italy.
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Haq R, Molteni L, Huneke NTM. The relationship between blinding integrity and medication efficacy in randomised-controlled trials in patients with anxiety disorders: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Acta Psychiatr Scand 2024. [PMID: 39126319 DOI: 10.1111/acps.13741] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/09/2024] [Revised: 07/02/2024] [Accepted: 07/22/2024] [Indexed: 08/12/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Blinding is thought to minimise expectancy effects and biases in double-blind randomised-controlled trials (RCTs). However, whether blinding integrity should be assessed and reported remains debated. Furthermore, it is unknown whether blinding failure influences the outcome of RCTs in anxiety disorders. We carried out a systematic review to understand whether blinding integrity is assessed and reported in anxiolytic RCTs. A secondary aim was to explore whether blinding integrity is associated with treatment efficacy. METHOD Our protocol was pre-registered (PROSPERO CRD42022328750). We searched electronic databases for placebo-controlled, randomised trials of medication in adults with generalised and social anxiety disorders, and in panic disorder, from 1980. We extracted data regarding blinding integrity and treatment efficacy. Risk of bias was assessed with the Cochrane risk of bias tool. Where possible, we subsequently calculated Bang's Blinding Index, and assessed the association between blinding integrity and treatment effect size. RESULTS Of the 248 RCTs that met inclusion criteria, we were able to obtain assessments of blinding integrity from nine (3.63%). Overall, blinding failed in five of these trials (55.56%), but blinding was intact in 80% of placebo arms. We found a significant association between reduced blinding integrity among assessors and increased treatment effect size (betas < -6.50, p's < 0.001), but this analysis involved only four studies of which two were outlying studies. In patients, we saw a non-significant trend where reduced blinding integrity in the placebo groups was associated with increased treatment efficacy, which was not present in active medication arms. CONCLUSION Consistent with work in other psychiatric disorders, blinding integrity is rarely reported in anxiolytic RCTs. Where it is reported, blinding appears to often fail. We found signals that suggest unblinding of clinician assessors (driven by two studies with complete unblinding), and of patients in placebo arms, might be associated with larger treatment effect sizes. We recommend that data regarding blinding integrity, along with the reasons patients and assessors offer for their beliefs regarding group allocation, are systematically collected in RCTs of anxiolytic treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ruqayyah Haq
- Clinical and Experimental Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, University of Southampton, Southampton, UK
| | - Laura Molteni
- General Adult Psychiatry, Southern Health National Health Service Foundation Trust, Southampton, UK
- University Department of Psychiatry, Academic Centre, College Keep, University of Southampton, Southampton, UK
| | - Nathan T M Huneke
- Clinical and Experimental Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, University of Southampton, Southampton, UK
- General Adult Psychiatry, Southern Health National Health Service Foundation Trust, Southampton, UK
- University Department of Psychiatry, Academic Centre, College Keep, University of Southampton, Southampton, UK
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Uçak A, Tat Çatal A, Karadağ E, Cebeci F. The Effect of Prewarming on Perioperative Hypothermia: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis of Randomized Controlled Studies. J Perianesth Nurs 2024; 39:611-623.e2. [PMID: 38340096 DOI: 10.1016/j.jopan.2023.11.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/16/2023] [Accepted: 11/03/2023] [Indexed: 02/12/2024]
Abstract
PURPOSE One of the methods for maintaining perioperative normothermia is prewarming. This study was conducted to investigate the effect of a preoperative prewarming intervention on perioperative body temperature. DESIGN Systematic review and meta-analysis. METHODS A literature review was conducted using PubMed, CINAHL, Cochrane Central, Science Direct, Springer Link, Scopus, Web of Science, and Ovid databases. Randomized controlled trials that investigate the effect of prewarming on body temperature in the prevention of perioperative hypothermia were included. The review followed the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses statement guidelines. Methodological quality was assessed using the Cochrane Collaboration "risk of bias" tool. Meta-analysis was performed with Comprehensive Meta-Analysis, version 2. Moderator analysis and publication bias assessment were performed. Funnel plots were analyzed using Orwin's fail-safe N, Trim, and Fill test method to investigate the source of heterogeneity. FINDINGS A total of 907 studies were found. The systematic review included 27 studies. Of these, 23 were included in the intraoperative meta-analysis, and 16 were included in the postoperative meta-analysis. According to the meta-analysis results, the prewarming intervention was effective in maintaining normothermia in the intraoperative (Hedge's g = 0.972, 95% confidence intervaI = 0.674 to 1.270) and postoperative (Hedge's g = 0.818, 95% confidence intervaI = 0.520 to 1.114) periods. CONCLUSIONS The findings of this systematic review and meta-analysis showed that preoperative prewarming played a significant role in providing and maintaining perioperative normothermia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ayşe Uçak
- Faculty of Health Sciences, Department of Nursing, Burdur Mehmet Akif Ersoy University, Burdur, Turkey
| | - Arzu Tat Çatal
- Faculty of Nursing, Akdeniz University, Antalya, Turkey.
| | - Engin Karadağ
- Faculty of Education, Akdeniz University, Antalya, Turkey
| | - Fatma Cebeci
- Faculty of Nursing, Head of the Surgical Nursing Department, Akdeniz University, Antalya, Turkey
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Ow MYL, Tran NT, Berde Y, Nguyen TS, Tran VK, Jablonka MJ, Baggs GE, Huynh DTT. Oral nutritional supplementation with dietary counseling improves linear catch-up growth and health outcomes in children with or at risk of undernutrition: a randomized controlled trial. Front Nutr 2024; 11:1341963. [PMID: 39050140 PMCID: PMC11266289 DOI: 10.3389/fnut.2024.1341963] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/21/2023] [Accepted: 06/25/2024] [Indexed: 07/27/2024] Open
Abstract
Introduction Childhood undernutrition is associated with increased morbidity, mortality and a high socio-economic burden. Methods Supporting Pediatric GRowth and Health OUTcomes (SPROUT) is a randomized, controlled trial evaluating the effects of an oral nutritional supplement (ONS) with dietary counseling (DC; n = 164) compared to a DC-only group who continued consuming their habitual milk (n = 166; NCT05239208). Children aged 24-60 months who were at risk or with undernutrition, as defined by weight-for-age [WAZ] < -1 and height-for-age [HAZ] < -1 according to the WHO Growth Standards, and who also met the criterion of weight-for-height [WHZ] < 0, were enrolled in Vietnam. Results ONS + DC had a larger WAZ increase at day 120 (primary endpoint) vs. DC (least squares mean, LSM (SE): 0.30 (0.02) vs. 0.13 (0.02); p < 0.001), and larger improvements in all weight, BMI and weight-for-height indices at day 30 and 120 (all p < 0.01). Height gain was larger in ONS + DC in all indices, including height-for-age difference [HAD; cm: 0.56 (0.07) vs. 0.10 (0.07); p < 0.001], at day 120. ONS + DC had larger arm muscle but not arm fat indices, higher parent-rated appetite, physical activity and energy levels, longer night sleep, fewer and shorter awakenings, and better sleep quality than DC. Conclusion Adding ONS to DC, compared to DC-alone, improves growth in weight and height, linear catch-up growth, and health outcomes in children with or at risk of undernutrition.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mandy Y. L. Ow
- Abbott Nutrition R&D Asia Pacific-Center, Abbott Laboratories, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Nga Thuy Tran
- Department of Micronutrients, National Institute of Nutrition, Hanoi, Vietnam
| | - Yatin Berde
- Statistical Services, Cognizant Technologies Solution Pvt. Ltd., Mumbai, India
| | - Tu Song Nguyen
- Department of General Planning, National Institute of Nutrition, Hanoi, Vietnam
| | - Van Khanh Tran
- Department of Micronutrients, National Institute of Nutrition, Hanoi, Vietnam
| | | | | | - Dieu T. T. Huynh
- Abbott Nutrition R&D Asia Pacific-Center, Abbott Laboratories, Singapore, Singapore
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Shao Y, Kay NE, Gale RP, Liang Y. Challenges in analyzing clinical trials testing Bruton tyrosine-kinase-inhibitora in chronic lymphocytic leukaemia. Leukemia 2024; 38:1469-1473. [PMID: 38824147 DOI: 10.1038/s41375-024-02294-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/25/2023] [Revised: 05/16/2024] [Accepted: 05/20/2024] [Indexed: 06/03/2024]
Affiliation(s)
- Yingqi Shao
- State Key Laboratory of Experimental Hematology, National Clinical Research Center for Blood Diseases, Haihe Laboratory of Cell Ecosystem, Institute of Hematology & Blood Diseases Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, Tianjin, China.
| | - Neil E Kay
- Division of Hematology, and Department of Immunology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, USA
| | - Robert Peter Gale
- Department of Hematologic Oncology, State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Collaborative Innovation, Center for Cancer Medicine, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, China
- Centre for Haematology, Department of Immunology and Inflammation, Imperial College of Science, Technology & Medicine, London, London, UK
| | - Yang Liang
- State Key Laboratory of Experimental Hematology, National Clinical Research Center for Blood Diseases, Haihe Laboratory of Cell Ecosystem, Institute of Hematology & Blood Diseases Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, Tianjin, China.
- Department of Hematologic Oncology, State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Collaborative Innovation, Center for Cancer Medicine, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, China.
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Ferreira DH, Ekström M, Bajwah S, Janssen DJA, Fazekas B, Currow DC. Reply to: Opioids for dyspnoea in interstitial lung disease: does the sequence and timing of therapy matter? Eur Respir J 2024; 64:2400759. [PMID: 38991720 DOI: 10.1183/13993003.00759-2024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/22/2024] [Accepted: 05/02/2024] [Indexed: 07/13/2024]
Affiliation(s)
- Diana H Ferreira
- Graduate School of Medicine, Faculty of Science, Medicine and Health, University of Wollongong, Wollongong, Australia
| | - Magnus Ekström
- Lund University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Clinical Sciences Lund, Respiratory Medicine, Allergology and Palliative Medicine, Lund, Sweden
| | - Sabrina Bajwah
- Cicely Saunders Institute, King's College London, London, UK
| | - Daisy J A Janssen
- Department of Health Services Research and department of Family Medicine, Care and Public Health Research Institute, Faculty of Health Medicine and Life Sciences, Maastricht University, Maastricht, The Netherlands
- Department of Research and Development, Ciro, Horn, The Netherlands
| | - Belinda Fazekas
- Faculty of Health, University of Technology Sydney, Ultimo, Australia
| | - David C Currow
- Graduate School of Medicine, Faculty of Science, Medicine and Health, University of Wollongong, Wollongong, Australia
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Kuitunen I, Räsänen K, Gualano MR, De Luca D. Blinding Assessments in Neonatal Ventilation Meta-Analyses: A Systematic Meta-Epidemiological Review. Neonatology 2024:1-8. [PMID: 38861954 DOI: 10.1159/000539203] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/25/2024] [Accepted: 04/27/2024] [Indexed: 06/13/2024]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Randomization and blinding are generally important in randomized trials. In neonatology, blinding of ventilation strategies is unfeasible if not impossible and we hypothesized that its importance has been overestimated, while the peculiarities of the neonatal patient and the specific outcomes have not been considered. METHODS For this meta-epidemiological review, we searched PubMed and Scopus databases in November 2023. We included all meta-analyses focusing on ventilation, published in past 5 years, and reporting either mortality or bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD) as an outcome. We extracted the information about how the authors had analyzed risk of bias and evidence certainty. RESULTS We screened 494 abstracts and included 40 meta-analyses. Overall, 13 of the 40 reviews assessed blinding properly. Australian and European authors were most likely to perform correct assessment of the blinding (p = 0.03) and the use of RoB 2.0 tool was also associated with proper assessment (p < 0.001). In multivariate regression, the use of RoB 2.0 was the only factor associated with a proper assessment (Beta 0.57 [95% confidence interval: 0.29-0.99]). GRADE ratings were performed in 25 reviews, and the authors downgraded the evidence certainty due to risk of bias in 19 of these and none of these reviews performed the blinding assessment correctly. CONCLUSION In past neonatal evidence syntheses, the role of blinding has been mostly overestimated, which has led to downgrading of evidence certainty. Objective outcomes (such as mortality and BPD) do not need to be downgraded due to lack of blinding, as the knowledge of the received intervention does not influence the outcome assessment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ilari Kuitunen
- University of Eastern Finland, Institute of Clinical Medicine and Department of Pediatrics, Kuopio, Finland
- Kuopio University Hospital, Department of Pediatrics, Kuopio, Finland
| | - Kati Räsänen
- University of Eastern Finland, Institute of Clinical Medicine and Department of Pediatrics, Kuopio, Finland
- Kuopio University Hospital, Department of Pediatrics, Kuopio, Finland
| | - Maria Rosaria Gualano
- UniCamillus - Saint Camillus International University of Health Sciences, Rome, Italy
| | - Daniele De Luca
- Division of Pediatrics and Neonatal Critical Care, "A. Beclere" Hospital, APHP-Paris Saclay University, Paris, France
- Physiopathology and Therapeutic Innovation Unit-INSERM U999, Paris Saclay University, Paris, France
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Ruiz-Muñoz M, Martinez-Barrios FJ, Cervera-Garvi P, Lopezosa-Reca E, Marchena-Rodriguez AJ. Fish skin grafts versus standard of care on wound healing of chronic diabetic foot ulcers: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Prim Care Diabetes 2024; 18:291-298. [PMID: 38644082 DOI: 10.1016/j.pcd.2024.03.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/18/2023] [Revised: 03/11/2024] [Accepted: 03/29/2024] [Indexed: 04/23/2024]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION This study will explore the effectiveness of fish skin grafts (FSG) in ulcer healing in diabetic foot disease compared to standard of care (SOC). METHODS The systematic review and meta-analysis were performed following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) standard. The electronic databases of PubMed, EMBASE, and Web of Science (WoS) internet were searched for the outcome rate of complete ulcer healing. The risk of bias assessment was conducted using the tool recommended by the Cochrane Collaboration. Statistical analysis included the individual and combined result of the studies, heterogeneity test, the effect size, sensitivity analysis, and publication bias tests. RESULTS Five randomised controlled trials (RCTs) with a total of 411 patients were included in this study. This meta-analysis showed a higher rate of complete ulcer healing in groups receiving fish skin grafts (OR = 3.34, 95% CI 2.14-5.20, p < 0.01, I2 = 0%) compared to control groups. CONCLUSION Fish skin grafts have been shown to be more effective for achieving complete ulcer healing compared to current conventional treatments in diabetic foot disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Ruiz-Muñoz
- Department Nursing and Podiatry. Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Málaga, Málaga, Spain.
| | | | - Pablo Cervera-Garvi
- Department Nursing and Podiatry. Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Málaga, Málaga, Spain.
| | - Eva Lopezosa-Reca
- Department Nursing and Podiatry. Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Málaga, Málaga, Spain.
| | - Ana J Marchena-Rodriguez
- Department Nursing and Podiatry. Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Málaga, Málaga, Spain.
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Muñoz Laguna J, Kurmann A, Hofstetter L, Nyantakyi E, Clack L, Bang H, Foster NE, Braun J, Puhan MA, Farshad M, Hincapié CA. Feasibility of blinding spinal manual therapy interventions among participants and outcome assessors: protocol for a blinding feasibility trial. Pilot Feasibility Stud 2024; 10:70. [PMID: 38698433 PMCID: PMC11064349 DOI: 10.1186/s40814-024-01492-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/29/2023] [Accepted: 04/14/2024] [Indexed: 05/05/2024] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Blinding is a methodologically important aspect in randomised controlled trials yet frequently overlooked in trials of spinal manual therapy interventions for back pain. To help inform the blinding methods of a future, double-placebo-controlled trial comparing spinal manual therapy and nerve root injection for lumbosacral radicular pain, we set four objectives: (1) to assess the feasibility of blinding participants, randomly allocated to an active or placebo-control spinal manual therapy intervention protocol, (2) to assess the feasibility of blinding outcome assessors within the trial, (3) to explore the influence of spinal manual therapy experience and low back pain on blinding, and (4) to explore factors contributing to perceptions about intervention assignment among participants and outcome assessors. METHODS AND ANALYSIS Two-parallel-group, single-centre, placebo-controlled, methodological blinding feasibility randomised trial. We will recruit between 60 and 100 adults with or without back pain and with or without experience of spinal manual therapy from Zurich, Switzerland. Participants will be randomised to either an active spinal manual therapy or a placebo-control spinal manual therapy protocol-both interventions delivered over two study visits, up to two weeks apart. The primary outcome is participant blinding using the Bang blinding index within each intervention arm immediately after each of the two study visits. Secondary outcomes are participant blinding using the James blinding index, outcome assessor blinding (Bang and James blinding indices), self-reported factors influencing perceived intervention assignment among participants and outcome assessors, and participant-reported credibility and expectancy of study interventions. Other outcomes-included to blind the study objective from participants-are lumbar spine range of motion, self-rated general health, satisfaction with care, pain intensity, and function. Intervention provider outcomes include intervention component fidelity and quality of intervention delivery. ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION The independent ethics commission of Canton Zurich granted ethical approval for this study (KEK 2023-00381). Written informed consent will be obtained from all participants. Findings will be disseminated in scientific conferences and a peer-reviewed publication and inform the blinding methods of a future double-placebo controlled trial comparing spinal manual therapy and nerve root injection for lumbosacral radicular pain-the SALuBRITY trial. TRIAL REGISTRATION NCT05778396.
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Affiliation(s)
- Javier Muñoz Laguna
- EBPI-UWZH Musculoskeletal Epidemiology Research Group, University of Zurich and Balgrist University Hospital, Zurich, Switzerland
- Epidemiology, Biostatistics and Prevention Institute (EBPI), University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
- University Spine Centre Zurich (UWZH), Balgrist University Hospital, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Astrid Kurmann
- EBPI-UWZH Musculoskeletal Epidemiology Research Group, University of Zurich and Balgrist University Hospital, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Léonie Hofstetter
- EBPI-UWZH Musculoskeletal Epidemiology Research Group, University of Zurich and Balgrist University Hospital, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Emanuela Nyantakyi
- Institute for Implementation Science in Health Care (IfIS), Medical Faculty, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Lauren Clack
- Institute for Implementation Science in Health Care (IfIS), Medical Faculty, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
- Department of Infectious Diseases and Hospital Epidemiology, University Hospital Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Heejung Bang
- Division of Biostatistics, Department of Public Health Sciences, School of Medicine, University of California, Davis, United States
| | - Nadine E Foster
- Surgical Treatment and Rehabilitation Service (STARS), STARS Education and Research Alliance, The University of Queensland and Metro North Health, Brisbane, Australia
- School of Medicine, Keele University, Keele, United Kingdom
| | - Julia Braun
- Epidemiology, Biostatistics and Prevention Institute (EBPI), University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Milo A Puhan
- Epidemiology, Biostatistics and Prevention Institute (EBPI), University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Mazda Farshad
- University Spine Centre Zurich (UWZH), Balgrist University Hospital, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
- Department of Orthopedics, Balgrist University Hospital, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Cesar A Hincapié
- EBPI-UWZH Musculoskeletal Epidemiology Research Group, University of Zurich and Balgrist University Hospital, Zurich, Switzerland.
- Epidemiology, Biostatistics and Prevention Institute (EBPI), University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland.
- University Spine Centre Zurich (UWZH), Balgrist University Hospital, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland.
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Kim Y, Kim M, Kim J, Song TJ. Smartphone-Based Speech Therapy for Poststroke Dysarthria: Pilot Randomized Controlled Trial Evaluating Efficacy and Feasibility. J Med Internet Res 2024; 26:e56417. [PMID: 38509662 PMCID: PMC11082729 DOI: 10.2196/56417] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/16/2024] [Revised: 02/21/2024] [Accepted: 03/20/2024] [Indexed: 03/22/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Dysarthria is a common poststroke speech disorder affecting communication and psychological well-being. Traditional speech therapy is effective but often poses challenges in terms of accessibility and patient adherence. Emerging smartphone-based therapies may offer promising alternatives for the treatment of poststroke dysarthria. OBJECTIVE This study aimed to assess the efficacy and feasibility of smartphone-based speech therapy for improving speech intelligibility in patients with acute and early subacute poststroke dysarthria. This study also explored the impact of the intervention on psychological well-being, user experience, and overall feasibility in a clinical setting. METHODS Participants were divided into 2 groups for this randomized, evaluator-blinded trial. The intervention group used a smartphone-based speech therapy app for 1 hour per day, 5 days per week, for 4 weeks, with guideline-based standard stroke care. The control group received standard guideline-based stroke care and rehabilitation. Speech intelligibility, psychological well-being, quality of life, and user acceptance were assessed using repeated measures ANOVA. RESULTS In this study, 40 patients with poststroke dysarthria were enrolled, 32 of whom completed the trial (16 in each group). The intervention group showed significant improvements in speech intelligibility compared with the control group. This was evidenced by improvements from baseline (F1,30=34.35; P<.001), between-group differences (F1,30=6.18; P=.02), and notable time-by-group interactions (F1,30=6.91; P=.01). Regarding secondary outcomes, the intervention led to improvements in the percentage of correct consonants over time (F1,30=5.57; P=.03). In addition, significant reductions were noted in the severity of dysarthria in the intervention group over time (F1,30=21.18; P<.001), with a pronounced group effect (F1,30=5.52; P=.03) and time-by-group interaction (F1,30=5.29; P=.03). Regarding quality of life, significant improvements were observed as measured by the EQ-5D-3L questionnaire (F1,30=13.25; P<.001) and EQ-VAS (F1,30=7.74; P=.009) over time. The adherence rate to the smartphone-based app was 64%, with over half of the participants completing all the sessions. The usability of the app was rated high (system usability score 80.78). In addition, the intervention group reported increased self-efficacy in using the app compared with the control group (F1,30=10.81; P=.003). CONCLUSIONS The smartphone-based speech therapy app significantly improved speech intelligibility, articulation, and quality of life in patients with poststroke dysarthria. These findings indicate that smartphone-based speech therapy can be a useful assistant device in the management of poststroke dysarthria, particularly in the acute and early subacute stroke stages. TRIAL REGISTRATION ClinicalTrials.gov NCT05146765; https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT05146765.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuyoung Kim
- Human Computer Interaction Lab, Graduate Program in Cognitive Science, Yonsei University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Minjung Kim
- Human Computer Interaction Lab, Graduate Program in Cognitive Science, Yonsei University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
- HAII Corporation, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Jinwoo Kim
- Human Computer Interaction Lab, Graduate Program in Cognitive Science, Yonsei University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
- HAII Corporation, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Tae-Jin Song
- Department of Neurology, Seoul Hospital, Ewha Womans University College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
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Mehrabi F, Karamouzian M, Farhoudi B, Moradi Falah Langeroodi S, Mehmandoost S, Abbaszadeh S, Motaghi S, Mirzazadeh A, Sadeghirad B, Sharifi H. Comparison of safety and effectiveness of antiretroviral therapy regimens among pregnant women living with HIV at preconception or during pregnancy: a systematic review and network meta-analysis of randomized trials. BMC Infect Dis 2024; 24:417. [PMID: 38641597 PMCID: PMC11031873 DOI: 10.1186/s12879-024-09303-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/02/2024] [Accepted: 04/08/2024] [Indexed: 04/21/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Mother-to-child transmission is the primary cause of HIV cases among children. Antiretroviral therapy (ART) plays a critical role in preventing mother-to-child transmission and reducing HIV progression, morbidity, and mortality among mothers. However, after more than two decades of ART during pregnancy, the comparative effectiveness and safety of ART medications during pregnancy are unclear, and existing evidence is contradictory. This study aimed to assess the effectiveness and safety of different ART regimens among pregnant women living with HIV at preconception or during pregnancy. METHODS We searched MEDLINE, Embase, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, and Web of Science. We included randomized trials that enrolled pregnant women living with HIV and randomized them to receive ART for at least four weeks. Pairs of reviewers independently completed screening for eligible studies, extracted data, and assessed the risk of bias using the Cochrane risk of bias tool. Our outcomes of interest included low birth weight, stillbirth, preterm birth, mother-to-child transmission of HIV, neonatal death, and congenital anomalies. Network meta-analysis was performed using a random-effects frequentist model, and the certainty of evidence was evaluated using the GRADE approach. RESULTS We found 14 eligible randomized trials enrolling 9,561 pregnant women. The median duration of ART uptake ranged from 6.0 to 17.4 weeks. No treatment was statistically better than a placebo in reducing the rate of neonatal mortality, stillbirth, congenital defects, preterm birth, or low birth weight deliveries. Compared to placebo, zidovudine (ZDV)/lamivudine (3TC) and ZDV monotherapy likely reduce mother-to-child transmission (odds ratio (OR): 0.13; 95% CI: 0.05 to 0.31, high-certainty; and OR: 0.50; 95% CI: 0.33 to 0.74, moderate-certainty). Moderate-certainty evidence suggested that ZDV/3TC was associated with decreased odds of stillbirth (OR: 0.47; 95% CI: 0.09 to 2.60). CONCLUSIONS Our analysis provides high- to moderate-certainty evidence that ZDV/3TC and ZDV are more effective in reducing the odds of mother-to-child transmission, with ZDV/3TC also demonstrating decreased odds of stillbirth. Notably, our findings suggest an elevated odds of stillbirth and preterm birth associated with all other ART regimens.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fatemeh Mehrabi
- HIV/STI Surveillance Research Center, WHO Collaborating Center for HIV, Surveillance Institute for Futures Studies in Health, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran
| | - Mohammad Karamouzian
- Centre on Drug Policy Evaluation, MAP Centre for Urban Health Solutions, St. Michael's Hospital, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Dalla Lana School of Public Health, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Behnam Farhoudi
- Social Determinants of Health Research Center, Amir-al-momenin Hospital, Tehran Medical Sciences, Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran
| | - Shahryar Moradi Falah Langeroodi
- HIV/STI Surveillance Research Center, WHO Collaborating Center for HIV, Surveillance Institute for Futures Studies in Health, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran
- Centre on Drug Policy Evaluation, MAP Centre for Urban Health Solutions, St. Michael's Hospital, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Pharmaceutics Research Center, Institute of Neuropharmacology, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran
| | - Soheil Mehmandoost
- HIV/STI Surveillance Research Center, WHO Collaborating Center for HIV, Surveillance Institute for Futures Studies in Health, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran
| | - Samaneh Abbaszadeh
- HIV/STI Surveillance Research Center, WHO Collaborating Center for HIV, Surveillance Institute for Futures Studies in Health, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran
| | - Shahrzad Motaghi
- Department of Health Research Methods, Evidence, and Impact (HEI), McMaster University, Hamilton, ON, Canada
| | - Ali Mirzazadeh
- HIV/STI Surveillance Research Center, WHO Collaborating Center for HIV, Surveillance Institute for Futures Studies in Health, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Behnam Sadeghirad
- Department of Health Research Methods, Evidence, and Impact (HEI), McMaster University, Hamilton, ON, Canada
- Department of Anesthesia, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON, Canada
- Michael G. DeGroote Institute for Pain Research and Care, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON, Canada
| | - Hamid Sharifi
- HIV/STI Surveillance Research Center, WHO Collaborating Center for HIV, Surveillance Institute for Futures Studies in Health, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran.
- Institute for Global Health Sciences, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA.
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12
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Higgins KM, Levin G, Busch R. Considerations for open-label randomized clinical trials: Design, conduct, and analysis. Clin Trials 2024:17407745241244788. [PMID: 38618711 DOI: 10.1177/17407745241244788] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/16/2024]
Abstract
Randomization and blinding are regarded as the most important tools to help reduce bias in clinical trial designs. Randomization is used to help guarantee that treatment arms differ systematically only by treatment assignment at baseline, and blinding is used to ensure that differences in endpoint evaluation and clinical decision-making during the trial arise only from the treatment received and not, for example, the expectation or desires of the people involved. However, given that there are times when it is not feasible or ethical to conduct fully blinded trials, we discuss what can be done to improve a trial, including conducting the trial as if it were a fully blinded trial and maintaining confidentiality of ongoing study results. In this article, we review how best to design, conduct, and analyze open-label trials to ensure the highest level of study integrity and the reliability of the study conclusions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Karen M Higgins
- Center for Drug Evaluation and Research, Food and Drug Administration, Silver Spring, MD, USA
| | - Gregory Levin
- Center for Drug Evaluation and Research, Food and Drug Administration, Silver Spring, MD, USA
| | - Robert Busch
- Center for Drug Evaluation and Research, Food and Drug Administration, Silver Spring, MD, USA
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13
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Chun YS, Moon NJ, Kim US, Yeo JH, Jeong JH. Effect of Bergmeister papilla on disc parameters in spectral domain optical coherence tomography. Eye (Lond) 2024; 38:980-987. [PMID: 37980399 DOI: 10.1038/s41433-023-02818-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/26/2022] [Revised: 10/18/2023] [Accepted: 10/30/2023] [Indexed: 11/20/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES To investigate the morphological characteristics of Bergmeister papilla (BMP), a persistent hyaloid remnant tissue, and its effects on the measurements and repeatability of spectral-domain optical coherence tomography (OCT). SUBJECTS/METHODS The subjects of this prospective cross-sectional study including 83 patients with BMP and 76 unaffected individuals, all had open-angle structures. Images, including a 5-line raster and three consecutive optic disc cube scans centred on the optic disc, were acquired using the Cirrus high-definition OCT. BMP's structural characteristics were classified based on the raster scan images, and repeatability of acquiring optic nerve head and retinal nerve fibre layer parameters acquisition was analysed by calculating the test-retest standard deviation (Sw), coefficient of variance (CV), and intraclass correlation coefficient. RESULTS BMPs (n = 83) were categorised into lifting edge (LE) type (63.9%, n = 53), which partially covers the edge of the optic nerve head, and covering disc (CD) type (36.1%, n = 30), which completely covers the cupping area like a cap. The average cup-to-disc ratio (0.58 ± 0.21), vertical cup-to-disc ratio (0.55 ± 0.21), and cup volume (0.22 ± 0.22) of the CD type were lower than those of the LE type (0.66 ± 0.13, 0.64 ± 0.13, and 0.4 ± 0.27, respectively; all P < 0.05). Tolerability indices for repeatability of cup volume (Sw = 0.40 and CV = 0.36) and inferonasal (4 o'clock) retinal nerve fibre layer (Sw = 0.27 and CV = 0.25) in LE-type BMPs exceeded the cut-off value (0.22) and demonstrated stronger correlation with BMP location than that of the controls. CONCLUSION Caution should be exercised when interpreting OCT findings in eyes with BMP, as BMP can introduce a pitfall in OCT imaging.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yeoun Sook Chun
- Department of Ophthalmology, Chung-Ang University Hospital, Seoul, Korea
- Department of Ophthalmology, College of Medicine Chung-Ang University, Seoul, Korea
| | - Nam Ju Moon
- Department of Ophthalmology, Chung-Ang University Hospital, Seoul, Korea
- Department of Ophthalmology, College of Medicine Chung-Ang University, Seoul, Korea
| | - Ungsoo Samuel Kim
- Department of Ophthalmology, College of Medicine Chung-Ang University, Seoul, Korea
- Department of Ophthalmology, Chung-Ang University Gwangmyeong Hospital, Gwangmyeong City, Gyeonggido, Korea
| | - Joon Hyung Yeo
- Department of Ophthalmology, College of Medicine Chung-Ang University, Seoul, Korea
- Department of Ophthalmology, Chung-Ang University Gwangmyeong Hospital, Gwangmyeong City, Gyeonggido, Korea
| | - Jae Hoon Jeong
- Department of Ophthalmology, College of Medicine Chung-Ang University, Seoul, Korea.
- Department of Ophthalmology, Chung-Ang University Gwangmyeong Hospital, Gwangmyeong City, Gyeonggido, Korea.
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14
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Miyata S, Iwamoto K, Okada I, Fujimoto A, Kogo Y, Mori D, Amano M, Matsuyama N, Nishida K, Ando M, Taoka T, Naganawa S, Ozaki N. Assessing the Real-World, Long-Term Impact of Lemborexant on Sleep Quality in a Home-Based Clinical Study. Nat Sci Sleep 2024; 16:291-303. [PMID: 38524766 PMCID: PMC10960545 DOI: 10.2147/nss.s448871] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/08/2023] [Accepted: 03/01/2024] [Indexed: 03/26/2024] Open
Abstract
Purpose Both subjective and objective evaluations are essential for the treatment of insomnia. Lemborexant has been shown to be effective in the long-term based solely on a subjective basis, and no long-term objective measures have been evaluated under natural sleep conditions. Small, lightweight sleep electroencephalogram (EEG) monitor was used, instead of polysomnography, to objectively evaluate sleep at home 4 and 12 weeks after lemborexant treatment. Patients and Methods Adults and elderly subjects with insomnia disorder, per the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition, were enrolled in this open-label, single-arm, single-center trial. Objective and subjective measures of sleep were prospectively assessed. Sleep disturbance, excessive sleepiness, and depressive symptoms were assessed using questionnaires. Results A total of 45 subjects were screened, of which 33 were enrolled. Paired t-tests were conducted to evaluate changes in sleep variables and compared with the baseline; subjects showed significant improvements in objective sleep efficiency (SE) and subjective sleep parameters at weeks 4 and 12 following treatment with lemborexant. When baseline values were taken into account, a repeated-multivariate analysis of variance (MANOVA) revealed statistically significant changes in the objective measures. Sleep disturbance, excessive sleepiness, and depressive symptoms improved after three months of lemborexant treatment. Conclusion Furthermore, lemborexant therapy improved nocturnal sleep, when measured objectively using sleep EEG monitoring at home, and improved daytime sleepiness and depressive symptoms in older adults with insomnia disorder.
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Affiliation(s)
- Seiko Miyata
- Department of Psychiatry, Nagoya University, Graduate School of Medicine, Nagoya, Japan
| | - Kunihiro Iwamoto
- Department of Psychiatry, Nagoya University, Graduate School of Medicine, Nagoya, Japan
| | - Ippei Okada
- Department of Psychiatry, Nagoya University, Graduate School of Medicine, Nagoya, Japan
| | | | - Yuki Kogo
- Medical Headquarters, Eisai Co., Ltd., Tokyo, Japan
| | - Daisuke Mori
- Department of Psychiatry, Nagoya University, Graduate School of Medicine, Nagoya, Japan
- Brain and Mind Research Center, Nagoya University, Nagoya, Japan
- Pathophysiology of Mental Disorders, Nagoya University, Graduate School of Medicine, Nagoya, Japan
| | - Manabu Amano
- Department of Advanced Medicine, Nagoya University Hospital, Nagoya, Japan
| | - Nao Matsuyama
- Department of Advanced Medicine, Nagoya University Hospital, Nagoya, Japan
| | - Kazuki Nishida
- Department of Advanced Medicine, Nagoya University Hospital, Nagoya, Japan
| | - Masahiko Ando
- Department of Advanced Medicine, Nagoya University Hospital, Nagoya, Japan
| | - Toshiaki Taoka
- Department of Innovative Biomedical Visualization (Ibmv), Nagoya University, Graduate School of Medicine, Nagoya, Japan
| | - Shinji Naganawa
- Department of Radiology, Nagoya University, Graduate School of Medicine, Nagoya, Japan
| | - Norio Ozaki
- Department of Psychiatry, Nagoya University, Graduate School of Medicine, Nagoya, Japan
- Pathophysiology of Mental Disorders, Nagoya University, Graduate School of Medicine, Nagoya, Japan
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Lorio MP, Tate JL, Myers TJ, Block JE, Beall DP. Perspective on Intradiscal Therapies for Lumbar Discogenic Pain: State of the Science, Knowledge Gaps, and Imperatives for Clinical Adoption. J Pain Res 2024; 17:1171-1182. [PMID: 38524692 PMCID: PMC10959304 DOI: 10.2147/jpr.s441180] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/20/2023] [Accepted: 03/07/2024] [Indexed: 03/26/2024] Open
Abstract
Specific clinical diagnostic criteria have established a consensus for defining patients with lumbar discogenic pain. However, if conservative medical management fails, these patients have few treatment options short of surgery involving discectomy often coupled with fusion or arthroplasty. There is a rapidly-emerging research effort to fill this treatment gap with intradiscal therapies that can be delivered minimally-invasively via fluoroscopically guided injection without altering the normal anatomy of the affected vertebral motion segment. Viable candidate products to date have included mesenchymal stromal cells, platelet-rich plasma, nucleus pulposus structural allograft, and other cell-based compositions. The objective of these products is to repair, supplement, and restore the damaged intervertebral disc as well as retard further degeneration. In doing so, the intervention is meant to eliminate the source of discogenic pain and avoid surgery. Methodologically rigorous studies are rare, however, and based on the best clinical evidence, the safety as well as the magnitude and duration of clinical efficacy remain difficult to estimate. Further, we summarize the US Food and Drug Administration's (FDA) guidance regarding the interpretation of the minimal manipulation and homologous use criteria, which is central to designating these products as a tissue or as a drug/device/biologic. We also provide perspectives on the core evidence and knowledge gaps associated with intradiscal therapies, propose imperatives for evaluating effectiveness of these treatments and highlight several new technologies on the horizon.
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16
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Shi W, Xu Y, Zhou L, Wang W, Huang W, Zhou B. In-hospital initiation of a PCSK9 inhibitor in patients with acute coronary syndrome: A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials. Medicine (Baltimore) 2024; 103:e37416. [PMID: 38457555 PMCID: PMC10919517 DOI: 10.1097/md.0000000000037416] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/09/2023] [Revised: 12/06/2023] [Accepted: 02/07/2024] [Indexed: 03/10/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin type 9 (PCSK9) inhibitors have been shown to be effective and safe in patients with stable angina and previous myocardial infarction. However, evidence for initiating their use in patients hospitalized with acute coronary syndrome (ACS) is limited. This systematic review and meta-analysis was performed to provide more clinical evidence. METHODS PubMed, Embase, OVID, Cochrane Library and ClinicalTrials.gov were systematically searched for eligible randomized controlled trials up to March 20, 2023. The risk ratios, standardized mean differences and 95% confidence intervals were calculated for primary and secondary outcomes. The bias risk of the included studies was assessed using the Cochrane RoB 2 criteria. RESULTS About 8 randomized controlled trials involving 1255 inpatients with ACS were included. PCSK9 inhibitor treatment significantly reduced low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) (SMD -1.28, 95% CI -1.76 to -0.8, P = .001), triglycerides (TG) (SMD -0.93, 95% CI -1.82 to -0.05, P = .03), total cholesterol (SMD -1.36, 95% CI -2.01 to -0.71, P = .001), and apolipoprotein B (Apo B) (SMD -0.81, 95% CI -1.09 to -0.52, P = .001) within approximately 1 month. PCSK9 inhibitor treatment significantly reduced the total atheroma volume (TAV) (SMD -0.33, 95% CI -0.59 to -0.07, P = .012). It also significantly increased minimum fibrous cap thickness (FCT) (SMD 0.41, 95% CI 0.22-0.59, P = .001) in long-term follow-up (>6 months). PCSK9 inhibitor treatment significantly reduced the risk of readmission for unstable angina (RR 0.32, 95% CI 0.12-0.91, P = .032) in short-term follow-up (<6 months). There were no significant differences in all-cause mortality, cardiovascular death, myocardial infarction, ischemic stroke, coronary revascularization or heart failure. Only nasopharyngitis (RR 1.71, 95% CI 1.01-2.91, P = .047) adverse events were significantly observed in the PCSK9 inhibitor group. CONCLUSION Application of a PCSK9 inhibitor in hospitalized patients with ACS reduced lipid profiles and plaque burdens and was well tolerated with few adverse events.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wenhai Shi
- Department of Cardiology, The Sixth People’s Hospital of Chengdu, Chengdu 610000, China
| | - Yong Xu
- Department of Cardiology, The Sixth People’s Hospital of Chengdu, Chengdu 610000, China
| | - Lin Zhou
- Department of Cardiology, The Sixth People’s Hospital of Chengdu, Chengdu 610000, China
| | - Wuwan Wang
- Department of Cardiac Ultrasound, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Beijing 100005, China
| | - Wei Huang
- Department of Cardiology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing 400016, China
| | - Bo Zhou
- Department of Cardiology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing 400016, China
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17
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Akada M, Tabuchi H. Potential Biases in Trial Evaluating Swab Pressing for Incisional Leakage. JAMA Ophthalmol 2024; 142:270-271. [PMID: 38358746 DOI: 10.1001/jamaophthalmol.2023.6711] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/16/2024]
Affiliation(s)
- Masahiro Akada
- Department of Ophthalmology, Saneikai Tsukazaki Hospital, Himeji, Hyogo, Japan
| | - Hitoshi Tabuchi
- Department of Ophthalmology, Saneikai Tsukazaki Hospital, Himeji, Hyogo, Japan
- Department of Technology and Design Thinking for Medicine, Hiroshima University Graduate School of Medicine, Hiroshima, Japan
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18
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Harvey J, Stuart B, Williams HC. Commentary: A comparative randomized clinical trial evaluating the efficacy and safety of tacrolimus versus hydrocortisone as a topical treatment of atopic dermatitis in children. Front Pharmacol 2024; 15:1372259. [PMID: 38487167 PMCID: PMC10937402 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2024.1372259] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/17/2024] [Accepted: 01/25/2024] [Indexed: 03/17/2024] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Jane Harvey
- Centre of Evidence Based Dermatology, School of Medicine, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, United Kingdom
| | - Beth Stuart
- Wolfson Institute of Population Health, Queen Mary University of London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Hywel C. Williams
- Centre of Evidence Based Dermatology, School of Medicine, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, United Kingdom
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Wong CL, Li H, Li CK, Chan CWH, Cheung YT, Choi KC, So WKW. Effects of immersive virtual reality for alleviating anxiety, nausea and vomiting among patients with paediatric cancer receiving their first chemotherapy: protocol for a randomised controlled trial. BMJ Open 2024; 14:e079837. [PMID: 38401901 PMCID: PMC10895243 DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2023-079837] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/13/2023] [Accepted: 01/15/2024] [Indexed: 02/26/2024] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Anxiety, nausea and vomiting are common side effects suffered by paediatric patients receiving chemotherapy. Emerging evidence supports the efficacy of immersive virtual reality (IVR) on improving anxiety and distress symptoms including nausea and vomiting in this vulnerable group. This trial aims to evaluate the effects of IVR intervention on anxiety, chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting and anticipatory nausea and vomiting in patients with paediatric cancer receiving first chemotherapy. METHOD AND ANALYSIS An assessor-blinded, randomised controlled trial with a mixed methods evaluation approach. On the basis of our pilot results, 128 chemotherapy-naive patients with paediatric cancer scheduled to receive their first intravenous chemotherapy will be recruited from a public hospital and randomly allocated to intervention (n=64) or control groups (n=64). The intervention group will receive the IVR intervention for three sessions: 2 hours before the first chemotherapy, 5 min before and during their first chemotherapy and 5 min before and during their second chemotherapy, respectively. The control group will receive standard care only. A subsample of 30 participants in the intervention group will be invited for a qualitative interview. Study instruments are: (1) short form of the Chinese version of the State Anxiety Scale for Children, (2) visual analogue scale for anticipatory nausea and vomiting, (3) Chinese version of the Multinational Association of Supportive Care in Cancer Antiemesis Tool and (4) individual face-to-face semistructured interviews to explore intervention participants' perceptions of the IVR intervention. ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION This study has been approved by the Hong Kong Children's Hospital Research Ethics Committee (HKCH-REC-2021-009). The findings will be disseminated in peer-reviewed journals and through local or interventional conference presentations. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER ChiCTR2100048732.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cho Lee Wong
- The Nethersole School of Nursing, Faculty of Medicine, Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, People's Republic of China
| | - Huiyuan Li
- The Nethersole School of Nursing, Faculty of Medicine, Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, People's Republic of China
| | - Chi Kong Li
- Deparment of Paediatrics, Faculty of Medicine, Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, People's Republic of China
| | - Carmen Wing Han Chan
- The Nethersole School of Nursing, Faculty of Medicine, Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, People's Republic of China
| | - Yin Ting Cheung
- School of Pharmacy, Faculty of Medicine, Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, People's Republic of China
| | - Kai Chow Choi
- The Nethersole School of Nursing, Faculty of Medicine, Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, People's Republic of China
| | - Winnie Kwok Wei So
- The Nethersole School of Nursing, Faculty of Medicine, Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, People's Republic of China
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20
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Hamid N. Internet-based cognitive behaviour therapy for the prevention, treatment and relapse prevention of eating disorders: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Psych J 2024; 13:5-18. [PMID: 38105569 PMCID: PMC10917098 DOI: 10.1002/pchj.715] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/15/2022] [Accepted: 10/31/2023] [Indexed: 12/19/2023]
Abstract
Eating disorders (EDs) are undertreated worldwide. In the UK the lag between recognition of symptoms and treatment ranges from about 15 months to in excess of 2 years. Internet-based cognitive behaviour therapy (ICBT) could be a viable alternative to face-to-face cognitive behaviour therapy (CBT) that avoids the negative impacts of delayed interventions. Based on evidence from randomised controlled trials (RCTs), this systematic review investigated the efficacy of minimally guided self-help ICBT, without face-to-face therapy, for the prevention, treatment and relapse prevention of all types of EDs in adults. The electronic databases MEDLINE, PsychINFO, CENTRAL, Scopus, and Web of Science were searched between 1991 and 2021. Inclusion criteria specified RCTs with ICBT versus inactive comparison groups. The Cochrane Risk of Bias Tool-2 was used for quality assessments. Qualitative synthesis and meta-analyses were conducted. Findings typically showed medium significant beneficial effect sizes for prevention studies ranging from (-0.31 [95% CI: -0.57, -0.06] to -0.47 [95% CI: -0.82, -0.11]) and generally large effect sizes for the treatment studies ranging from (-0.30 [95% CI: -0.57, -0.03] to -1.11 [95% CI: -1.47, -0.75]). Relapse prevention studies yielded mainly small non-significant beneficial effects with significant effect sizes of (-0.29 [95% CI: -0.56, -0.03] and -0.43 [95% CI: -0.70, -0.16]). Only the treatment studies reached clinical significance and cognitive symptoms improved more than behavioural symptoms. ICBT appears to be efficacious for the prevention, treatment and relapse prevention of eating disorders with treatment interventions being the most beneficial. However, the evidence base is very small, particularly for treatment and relapse prevention, indicating the need for more high-quality RCTs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nilima Hamid
- Centre for Medical EducationCardiff University School of MedicineCardiffUK
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21
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Ruiz-Muñoz M, Martinez-Barrios FJ, Fernandez-Torres R, Lopezosa-Reca E, Marchena-Rodriguez A. Autologous platelet-rich plasma (APRP) in diabetes foot disease: a meta-analysis. J Diabetes Complications 2024; 38:108690. [PMID: 38278034 DOI: 10.1016/j.jdiacomp.2024.108690] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/15/2023] [Revised: 01/08/2024] [Accepted: 01/11/2024] [Indexed: 01/28/2024]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION This study will explore the effectiveness of autologous platelet-rich plasma in the treatment of diabetic foot disease compared to conventional treatments, based on the ulcer healing rate. METHODS The electronic databases of PubMed, EMBASE, and WOS internet were searched. Evaluated outcome rate of complete ulcer healing. Statistical analysis was performed with RevMan 5.0 software and SPSS 25.0. RESULTS Eleven RCTs with 828 patients were included in this study. The meta-analysis showed a higher complete ulcer healing rate (OR = 3.69, 95 % CI 2.62 to 5.20, P < 0.01, I2 = 0 %) in growth factors based in autologous platelech-rich plasma (aPRP) group compared with control. Mixed evidence was seen for publication bias, but analyses by using the trim-and-fill method did not appreciably alter results. CONCLUSION Autologous platelet-rich plasma can improve the complete healing rate of the ulcer compared to current conventional treatments in diabetic foot ulcer patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Ruiz-Muñoz
- Department Nursing and Podiatry, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Málaga, Málaga, Spain.
| | | | - Raul Fernandez-Torres
- Department Nursing and Podiatry, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Málaga, Málaga, Spain.
| | - Eva Lopezosa-Reca
- Department Nursing and Podiatry, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Málaga, Málaga, Spain.
| | - Ana Marchena-Rodriguez
- Department Nursing and Podiatry, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Málaga, Málaga, Spain.
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22
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Kim Y, Kim M, Kim J, Song TJ. Efficacy and feasibility of a digital speech therapy for post-stroke dysarthria: protocol for a randomized controlled trial. Front Neurol 2024; 15:1305297. [PMID: 38356882 PMCID: PMC10865504 DOI: 10.3389/fneur.2024.1305297] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/05/2023] [Accepted: 01/11/2024] [Indexed: 02/16/2024] Open
Abstract
Background Dysarthria is a motor speech disorder caused by various neurological diseases, particularly stroke. Individuals with post-stroke dysarthria experience impaired speech intelligibility, communication difficulties, and a reduced quality of life. However, studies on the treatment of post-stroke dysarthria are lacking. Digital speech therapy applications have the advantages of being personalized and easily accessible. However, evidence for their efficacy is not rigorous. Moreover, no studies have investigated both the acute to subacute, and chronic phases of stroke. This study aims to investigate the efficacy and feasibility of digital speech therapy applications in addressing these gaps in dysarthria treatment. Methods and design This study is a multicenter, prospective, randomized, evaluator-blinded non-inferiority trial. We aim to recruit 76 participants with post-stroke dysarthria. Eligible participants will be stratified based on the onset period of stroke into acute to subacute, and chronic phases. Participants will be randomized in a 1:1 to receive either a personalized digital speech therapy application or conventional therapy with a workbook for 60 min daily, 5 days a week, for 4 weeks. The primary outcome is the improvement in speech intelligibility. This will be measured by how accurately independent listeners can transcribe passages read by the participants. Secondary outcomes, which include speech function, will be evaluated remotely by speech-language pathologists. This includes the maximum phonation time, oral diadochokinetic rate, and percentage of consonants correct. Participants' psychological well-being will also be assessed using self-report questionnaires, such as depressive symptoms (Patient Health Questionnaire-9) and quality of life (Quality of Life in the Dysarthric Speaker scale). The trial will also assess the feasibility, participant adherence, and usability of the application. Rigorous data collection and monitoring will be implemented to ensure patient safety. Conclusion This trial aims to investigate the efficacy and feasibility of digital speech therapy applications for treating post-stroke dysarthria. The results could establish foundational evidence for future clinical trials with larger sample sizes. Clinical trial registration Clinicaltrials.gov, identifier: NCT05865106.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuyoung Kim
- HCI Lab, Yonsei University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Minjung Kim
- HCI Lab, Yonsei University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Jinwoo Kim
- HCI Lab, Yonsei University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
- HAII Corporation, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Tae-Jin Song
- Department of Neurology, Seoul Hospital, Ewha Womans University College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
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23
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Chetana, Sidharthan S, Dharmarajan G, Iyer S, Poulose M, Guruprasad M, Chordia D. Evaluation of microneedling with and without injectable-platelet rich fibrin for gingival augmentation in thin gingival phenotype-A randomized clinical trial. J Oral Biol Craniofac Res 2024; 14:49-54. [PMID: 38188907 PMCID: PMC10770610 DOI: 10.1016/j.jobcr.2023.10.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/17/2023] [Revised: 08/12/2023] [Accepted: 10/24/2023] [Indexed: 01/09/2024] Open
Abstract
Objective The purpose of the current study was to investigate the effect of micro needling (MN) on gingival thickness (GT) and keratinized tissue width (KTW) in individuals with thin gingival phenotypes, either with or without injectable platelet-rich fibrin (i-PRF). Materials and methods In this randomized, split-mouth clinical trial, 15 systemically healthy patients, with thin gingival phenotype (<1.5 mm) were randomly treated with MN + i-PRF and MN. MN was performed on one side, and MN + i-PRF on the contralateral side of the same arch at 4 sessions with 10-day intervals. GT; KTW the primary outcome and Plaque index; gingival index Secondary outcome were assessed at baseline and at 1st, 3rd, and 6th months post-treatment. Results The results of the present study showed that both techniques demonstrated a statistically significant increase in GT. GT showed a statistically significant increase from baseline (0.453 ± 0.069 mm in MN, 0.451 ± 0.069 mm in MN + i-PRF) (p = 0.81) to 1 month (0.567 ± 0.075 mm in MN, 0.649 ± 0.075 mm in MN + i-PRF) (p < 0.001*). A follow-up at 3rd month (0.566 ± 0.076 mm in MN, 0.647 ± 0.091 mm in MN + i-PRF) (p < 0.001*) and 6th month (0.564 ± 0.076 mm in MN, 0.644 ± 0.089 mm in MN + i-PRF) (p < 0.001*) showed a statistically significant increase. Intergroup comparison showed a statistically significant GT increase in MN + i-PRF sites at all the time intervals. No, statistically significant difference in KTW was observed in both groups from baseline to 6 months. Conclusions The utilization of MN + i-PRF stands as a minimally invasive, non-surgical method to improve GT. Interestingly, using i-PRF as an additional component demonstrated more favorable outcomes compared to using MN alone in enhancing tissue thickness.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chetana
- Department of Periodontology, Dr. D.Y. Patil Dental College and Hospital, Dr. D.Y. Patil Vidyapeeth, Sant Tukaram Nagar, Pimpri, Pune, 411 018, Maharashtra, India
| | - Sangamithra Sidharthan
- Department of Periodontology, Dr. D.Y. Patil Dental College and Hospital, Dr. D.Y. Patil Vidyapeeth, Sant Tukaram Nagar, Pimpri, Pune, 411 018, Maharashtra, India
| | - Gopalakrishnan Dharmarajan
- Department of Periodontology, Dr. D.Y. Patil Dental College and Hospital, Dr. D.Y. Patil Vidyapeeth, Sant Tukaram Nagar, Pimpri, Pune, 411 018, Maharashtra, India
| | - Shraddha Iyer
- Department of Periodontology, Dr. D.Y. Patil Dental College and Hospital, Dr. D.Y. Patil Vidyapeeth, Sant Tukaram Nagar, Pimpri, Pune, 411 018, Maharashtra, India
| | - Mariam Poulose
- Department of Periodontology, Dr. D.Y. Patil Dental College and Hospital, Dr. D.Y. Patil Vidyapeeth, Sant Tukaram Nagar, Pimpri, Pune, 411 018, Maharashtra, India
| | - Meghana Guruprasad
- Department of Periodontology, Dr. D.Y. Patil Dental College and Hospital, Dr. D.Y. Patil Vidyapeeth, Sant Tukaram Nagar, Pimpri, Pune, 411 018, Maharashtra, India
| | - Dhakshay Chordia
- Department of General Surgery Saveetha Medical college, Thandalam, Chennai 602105, Tamil Nadu, India
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Fasoulas A, Keratiotis G, Spineli L, Pandis N, De Bruyne MAA, De Moor RJ, Meire MA. Comparative efficacy of materials used in patients undergoing pulpotomy or direct pulp capping in carious teeth: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Clin Exp Dent Res 2023; 9:1129-1148. [PMID: 37710421 PMCID: PMC10728530 DOI: 10.1002/cre2.767] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/04/2023] [Revised: 06/23/2023] [Accepted: 07/10/2023] [Indexed: 09/16/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Different materials have been used for capping the pulp after exposure during caries removal in permanent teeth. The purpose of this study was to collate and analyze all pertinent evidence from randomized controlled trials (RCTs) on different materials used in patients undergoing pulpotomy or direct pulp capping in carious teeth. MATERIALS AND METHODS Trials comparing two or more capping agents used for direct pulp capping (DPC) or pulpotomy were considered eligible. An electronic search of four databases and two clinical trial registries was carried out up to February 28, 2021 using a search strategy properly adapted to the PICO framework. Screening, data extraction, and risk of bias (RoB) assessment of primary studies were performed in duplicate and independently. The primary outcome was clinical and radiological success; secondary outcomes included continued root formation, tooth discoloration, and dentin bridge formation. RESULTS 21 RCTs were included in the study. The RoB assessment indicated a moderate risk among the studies. Due to significant clinical and statistical heterogeneity among the studies, performing network meta-analysis (NMA) was not possible. An ad hoc subgroup analysis revealed strong evidence of a higher success of DPC with Mineral Trioxide Aggregate (MTA) compared to calcium hydroxide (CH) (odds ratio [OR] = 3.10, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.66-5.79). MTA performed better than CH in pulp capping (both DPC and pulpotomy) of mature compared to immature teeth (OR = 3.34, 95% CI: 1.81-6.17). The GRADE assessment revealed moderate strength of evidence for DPC and mature teeth, and low to very low strength of evidence for the remaining subgroups. CONCLUSIONS Considerable clinical and statistical heterogeneity among the trials did not allow NMA. The ad hoc subgroup analysis indicated that the clinical and radiographic success of MTA was higher than that of CH but only in mature teeth and DPC cases where the strength of evidence was moderate. PROSPERO Registration: number CRD42020127239.
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Affiliation(s)
- Athanasios Fasoulas
- Department of Oral Health Sciences, Section of EndodontologyGhent UniversityGhentBelgium
| | - Georgios Keratiotis
- Department of Oral Health Sciences, Section of EndodontologyGhent UniversityGhentBelgium
| | - Loukia Spineli
- Midwifery Research and Education UnitHannover Medical SchoolHannoverGermany
| | - Nikos Pandis
- Department of Orthodontics and Dentofacial OrthopaedicsUniversity of BernBernSwitzerland
| | - Mieke A. A. De Bruyne
- Department of Oral Health Sciences, Section of EndodontologyGhent UniversityGhentBelgium
| | - Roeland J.G. De Moor
- Department of Oral Health Sciences, Section of EndodontologyGhent UniversityGhentBelgium
| | - Maarten A. Meire
- Department of Oral Health Sciences, Section of EndodontologyGhent UniversityGhentBelgium
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Chaurasiya SK, Singh M, Ray R. Comment on: Comfort After Refitting Symptomatic Habitual Reusable Toric Lens Wearers with a New Daily Disposable Contact Lens for Astigmatism [Letter]. Clin Ophthalmol 2023; 17:3561-3562. [PMID: 38026605 PMCID: PMC10676685 DOI: 10.2147/opth.s447775] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/01/2023] [Accepted: 11/14/2023] [Indexed: 12/01/2023] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Suraj Kumar Chaurasiya
- Department of Optometry and Vision Science, CL Gupta Eye Institute, Moradabad, UP, 244001, India
- Department of Contact Lens and Anterior Segment, CL Gupta Eye Institute, Moradabad, UP, 244001, India
| | - Mahendra Singh
- Department of Optometry and Vision Science, CL Gupta Eye Institute, Moradabad, UP, 244001, India
| | - Ritu Ray
- Department of Optometry and Vision Science, CL Gupta Eye Institute, Moradabad, UP, 244001, India
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Wang XC, Liu XY, Shi KL, Meng QG, Yu YF, Wang SY, Wang J, Qu C, Lei C, Yu XP. Blinding assessment in clinical trials of traditional Chinese medicine: Exploratory principles and protocol. JOURNAL OF INTEGRATIVE MEDICINE 2023; 21:528-536. [PMID: 37957088 DOI: 10.1016/j.joim.2023.10.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/02/2023] [Accepted: 09/11/2023] [Indexed: 11/15/2023]
Abstract
As one of the key components of clinical trials, blinding, if successfully implemented, can help to mitigate the risks of implementation bias and measurement bias, consequently improving the validity and reliability of the trial results. However, successful blinding in clinical trials of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) is hard to achieve, and the evaluation of blinding success through blinding assessment lacks established guidelines. Taking into account the challenges associated with blinding in the TCM field, here we present a framework for assessing blinding. Further, this study proposes a blinding assessment protocol for TCM clinical trials, building upon the framework and the existing methods. An assessment report checklist and an approach for evaluating the assessment results are presented based on the proposed protocol. It is anticipated that these improvements to blinding assessment will generate greater awareness among researchers, facilitate the standardization of blinding, and augment the blinding effectiveness. The use of this blinding assessment may further advance the quality and precision of TCM clinical trials and improve the accuracy of the trial results. The blinding assessment protocol will undergo continued optimization and refinement, drawing upon expert consensus and experience derived from clinical trials. Please cite this article as: Wang XC, Liu XY, Shi KL, Meng QG, Yu YF, Wang SY, Wang J, Qu C, Lei C, Yu XP. Blinding assessment in clinical trials of traditional Chinese medicine: Exploratory principles and protocol. J Integr Med. 2023; 21(6): 528-536.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiao-Cong Wang
- School of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing 100029, China
| | - Xiao-Yu Liu
- School of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing 100029, China
| | - Kang-le Shi
- School of Artificial Intelligence, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China.
| | - Qing-Gang Meng
- School of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing 100029, China.
| | - Yue-Fan Yu
- School of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing 100029, China
| | - Shi-Yao Wang
- School of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing 100029, China
| | - Juan Wang
- School of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing 100029, China
| | - Chang Qu
- School of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing 100029, China
| | - Cong Lei
- School of Basic Medicine, Heilongjiang University of Chinese Medicine, Harbin 150040, Heilongjiang Province, China
| | - Xin-Ping Yu
- School of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing 100029, China
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Bain K, Bombria SD, Chapparo CJ, Donelly M, Heard R, Treacy S. Goal attainment of children with cerebral palsy participating in multi-modal intervention. Child Care Health Dev 2023; 49:1066-1075. [PMID: 36977609 DOI: 10.1111/cch.13117] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/03/2022] [Revised: 02/21/2023] [Accepted: 03/13/2023] [Indexed: 03/30/2023]
Abstract
AIM We aimed to determine if there was a significant difference in the functional performance of family requested daily tasks by a heterogeneous group of children with cerebral palsy following a programme of neuro-developmental treatment and in comparison to a randomly control group. BACKGROUND There are considerable challenges in conducting research into the functional performance of children with cerebral palsy. These include the highly heterogeneous nature of the population group, poor ecological and treatment fidelity, floor and ceiling effects in assessments, and insensitivity to the diverse functional needs and goals of children and families. Therapists and families identified functional goals and specified all aspects of performance details for each goal on five point goal attainment scales. Children with cerebral palsy were assigned randomly to treatment and alternate treatment groups. Children were video recorded attempting to perform targeted functional skills at pre-test, post-pest and follow-up. Videos were recorded and rated by expert clinicians blind to experimental condition. RESULTS After the first round of target intervention and alternate treatment had been completed, a significant difference in the goal attainment was noted between the control group and the treatment group at the post test, indicating that intervention was associated with a higher level of goal attainment than that attained by the control group (p = 0.0321) with a large effect size. CONCLUSIONS The study provided evidence of an effective way to investigate and to enhance the available motor capacity of children with moderate to severe cerebral palsy during participation in requested daily task performance, as reflected in goal attainment. Goal attainment scales were a reliable measure that was able to be used to detect changes in functional goals among a highly heterogeneous population group with individualized goals that were meaningful to each child and family.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kathryn Bain
- Southern Cross University, East Lismore, New South Wales, Australia
| | | | | | - Michelle Donelly
- Southern Cross University, East Lismore, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Robert Heard
- The University of Sydney, Camperdown, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Sue Treacy
- Southern Cross University, East Lismore, New South Wales, Australia
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28
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Black DS, Kirkpatrick MG. Effect of a mindfulness training app on a cigarette quit attempt: an investigator-blinded, 58-county randomized controlled trial. JNCI Cancer Spectr 2023; 7:pkad095. [PMID: 37951593 PMCID: PMC10715839 DOI: 10.1093/jncics/pkad095] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/12/2023] [Revised: 11/06/2023] [Accepted: 11/07/2023] [Indexed: 11/14/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Cigarette smoking is the leading cause of preventable cancers. A majority of the 34 million people who currently smoke report wanting to quit. Mindfulness training apps offer a guided telehealth intervention to foster individuals' behavioral meditation practice. We present the main outcomes of a parallel-group randomized controlled trial that tested app-based mindfulness training vs attention control on smoking behavior. METHODS We enrolled adult residents from across California who smoked daily and were willing to make a quit attempt (N = 213). Participants completed daily sessions in 10-minute segments for 14 consecutive days. Participants then started a quit attempt and reported daily smoking for 28 days following the quit date using the timeline follow-back measure. RESULTS Seven-day point-prevalence abstinence for each week during the 4-week quit period ranged from 21.8% to 27.7% for app-based mindfulness training and 17.9% to 19.6% for controls. The intention-to-treat sample revealed that app-based mindfulness training outperformed controls on the proportion of abstinence days during the quit period (odds ratio = 2.00, 95% confidence interval = 1.03 to 3.87, P = .041). Although the 7-day point prevalence abstinence for week 4 favored app-based mindfulness training, significance was not reached (odds ratio = 1.65, 95% confidence interval = 0.84 to 3.23, P = .148). The mean number of cigarettes smoked per day among smokers was 4.95 for app-based mindfulness training vs 5.69 for controls (odds ratio = 0.81, 95% confidence interval = 0.71 to 0.92, P = .002), suggesting harm reduction in continued smokers. CONCLUSION A mindfulness training app prescribed for 2 weeks leading up to a quit date showed an advantage over controls for total abstinence days and fewer cigarettes smoked in a diverse sample consisting of urban and rural residents. These findings yield implications for the use of apps to reduce exposure to the carcinogenic properties of cigarette smoke.
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Affiliation(s)
- David S Black
- Department of Population and Public Health Sciences, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, USA
- Norris Comprehensive Cancer Center, Cancer Control Research Division, Keck Medicine of USC, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Matthew G Kirkpatrick
- Department of Population and Public Health Sciences, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, USA
- Norris Comprehensive Cancer Center, Cancer Control Research Division, Keck Medicine of USC, Los Angeles, CA, USA
- Department of Psychology, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, USA
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Suciu V, El Chamieh C, Soufan R, Mathieu MC, Balleyguier C, Delaloge S, Balogh Z, Scoazec JY, Chevret S, Vielh P. Real-World Diagnostic Accuracy of the On-Site Cytopathology Advance Report (OSCAR) Procedure Performed in a Multidisciplinary One-Stop Breast Clinic. Cancers (Basel) 2023; 15:4967. [PMID: 37894334 PMCID: PMC10605571 DOI: 10.3390/cancers15204967] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/09/2023] [Revised: 08/19/2023] [Accepted: 09/24/2023] [Indexed: 10/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Fine-needle aspiration (FNA) cytology has been widely used for the diagnosis of breast cancer lesions with the objective of differentiating benign from malignant masses. However, the occurrence of unsatisfactory samples and false-negative rates remains a matter of concern. Major improvements have been made thanks to the implementation of rapid on-site evaluation (ROSE) in multidisciplinary and integrated medical settings such as one-stop clinics (OSCs). In these settings, clinical and radiological examinations are combined with a morphological study performed by interventional pathologists. The aim of our study was to assess the diagnostic accuracy of the on-site cytopathology advance report (OSCAR) procedure on breast FNA cytologic samples in our breast OSC during the first three years (April 2004 till March 2007) of its implementation. To this goal, we retrospectively analyzed a series of 1820 breast masses (1740 patients) radiologically classified according to the American College of Radiology (ACR) BI-RADS lexicon (67.6% being either BI-RADS 4 or 5), sampled by FNA and immediately diagnosed by cytomorphology. The clinicoradiological, cytomorphological, and histological characteristics of all consecutive patients were retrieved from the hospital computerized medical records prospectively registered in the central information system. Histopathological analysis and ultrasound (US) follow-up (FU) were the reference diagnostic tests of the study design. In brief, we carried out either a histopathological verification or an 18-month US evaluation when a benign cytology was concordant with the components of the triple test. Overall, histology was available for 1138 masses, whereas 491 masses were analyzed at the 18-month US-FU. FNA specimens were morphologically nondiagnostic in 3.1%, false negatives were observed in 1.5%, and there was only one false positive (0.06%). The breast cancer prevalence was 62%. Diagnostic accuracy measures of the OSCAR procedure with their 95% confidence intervals (95% CI) were the following: sensitivity (Se) = 97.4% (96.19-98.31); specificity (Sp) = 94.98% (92.94-96.56); positive predictive value (PPV) = 96.80% (95.48-97.81); negative predictive value (NPV) = 95.91% (94.02-97.33); positive likelihood ratio (LR+) = 19.39 (13.75-27.32); negative predictive ratio (LR-) = 0.03 (0.02-0.04), and; accuracy = 96.45% (95.42-97.31). The respective positive likelihood ratio (LR+) for each of the four categories of cytopathological diagnoses (with their 95% CI) which are malignant, suspicious, benign, and nondiagnostic were 540 (76-3827); 2.69 (1.8-3.96); 0.03 (0.02-0.04); and 0.37 (0.2-0.66), respectively. In conclusion, our study demonstrates that the OSCAR procedure is a highly reliable diagnostic approach and a perfect test to select patients requiring core-needle biopsy (CNB) when performed by interventional cytopathologists in a multidisciplinary and integrated OSC setting. Besides drastically limiting the rate of nondiagnostic specimens and diagnostic turn-around time, OSCAR is an efficient and powerful first-line diagnostic approach for patient-centered care.
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Affiliation(s)
- Voichita Suciu
- Gustave Roussy, Université Paris-Saclay, 94805 Villejuif, France
| | - Carolla El Chamieh
- Department of Biostatistics and Medical Information, INSERM UMR1153 ECSTRRA Team, Hôpital Saint Louis, AP-HP, 75010 Paris, France
| | - Ranya Soufan
- Gustave Roussy, Université Paris-Saclay, 94805 Villejuif, France
| | | | | | - Suzette Delaloge
- Gustave Roussy, Université Paris-Saclay, 94805 Villejuif, France
| | - Zsofia Balogh
- Gustave Roussy, Université Paris-Saclay, 94805 Villejuif, France
| | | | - Sylvie Chevret
- Department of Biostatistics and Medical Information, INSERM UMR1153 ECSTRRA Team, Hôpital Saint Louis, AP-HP, 75010 Paris, France
| | - Philippe Vielh
- Gustave Roussy, Université Paris-Saclay, 94805 Villejuif, France
- Medipath and American Hospital of Paris, 92200 Paris, France
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Zeraatkar D, Pitre T, Diaz-Martinez JP, Chu D, Rochwerg B, Lamontagne F, Kum E, Qasim A, Bartoszko JJ, Brignardello-Peterson R. Impact of Allocation Concealment and Blinding in Trials Addressing Treatments for COVID-19: A Methods Study. Am J Epidemiol 2023; 192:1678-1687. [PMID: 37254775 PMCID: PMC10558187 DOI: 10.1093/aje/kwad131] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/26/2022] [Revised: 03/19/2023] [Accepted: 05/26/2023] [Indexed: 06/01/2023] Open
Abstract
We aimed to assess the impact of allocation concealment and blinding on the results of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) trials, using the World Health Organization COVID-19 database (to February 2022). We identified 488 randomized trials comparing drug therapeutics with placebo or standard care in patients with COVID-19. We performed random-effects meta-regressions comparing the results of trials with and without allocation concealment and blinding of health-care providers and patients. We found that, compared with trials with allocation concealment, trials without allocation concealment may estimate treatments to be more beneficial for mortality, mechanical ventilation, hospital admission, duration of hospitalization, and duration of mechanical ventilation, but results were imprecise. We did not find compelling evidence that, compared with trials with blinding, trials without blinding produce consistently different results for mortality, mechanical ventilation, and duration of hospitalization. We found that trials without blinding may estimate treatments to be more beneficial for hospitalizations and duration of mechanical ventilation. We did not find compelling evidence that COVID-19 trials in which health-care providers and patients are blinded produce different results from trials without blinding, but trials without allocation concealment estimate treatments to be more beneficial compared with trials with allocation concealment. Our study suggests that lack of blinding may not always bias results but that evidence users should remain skeptical of trials without allocation concealment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dena Zeraatkar
- Correspondence to Dena Zeraatkar, Department of Anesthesia, McMaster University, 1280 Main Street West, Hamilton, ON L8S 4L8 Canada (e-mail )
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Ahmed AA, McNamee P. Effectiveness of Behavioural Economics Informed Interventions for the Prevention, Screening, and Antiretroviral Treatment of HIV Infection: A Systematic Review of Randomized Controlled Trials. AIDS Behav 2023; 27:3521-3534. [PMID: 36788167 DOI: 10.1007/s10461-022-03969-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 12/22/2022] [Indexed: 02/16/2023]
Abstract
Failure to meet international targets set for the human immunodeficiency virus HIV pandemic suggests that more effective public health strategies are needed. New strategies informed by behavioural economics are now increasingly being tested, with promising results. However, the evidence base is diverse and challenging for policymakers to interpret. This paper aims to synthesise existing evidence by reporting results from a systematic review of behavioural economics-based interventions for addressing HIV prevention, testing and treatment. The reported study was a systematic review of randomized controlled trials. The search was conducted in four electronic medical literature databases, six trial registries, four grey literature sources and was not restricted to any country or region. Bias was assessed using criteria outlined in the Cochrane Handbook for Systematic Reviews; quality of evidence was assessed using GRADE methodology. Fifteen full text articles were included in the final analysis. The synthesis of these studies revealed that strategies involving opt-out defaults, active-choice defaults, and lottery incentives can potentially increase uptake of HIV testing. Lottery incentives also showed signs of effectiveness in improving HIV prevention, ART adherence and initiation. Despite the promising findings, the overall evidence was judged to be of moderate to very low quality. Behavioural economics-based interventions are promising behavioural change strategies, although more well-designed studies are needed to strengthen the evidence base.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ahmed Abdirizak Ahmed
- Parklands Kidney Center, Nairobi, Kenya.
- Aga Khan University Hospital, Nairobi, Kenya.
| | - Paul McNamee
- Health Economics Research Unit, Institute of Applied Health Sciences, University of Aberdeen, Aberdeen, Scotland
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Widbiller M, Knüttel H, Meschi N, Durán-Sindreu Terol F. Effectiveness of endodontic tissue engineering in treatment of apical periodontitis: A systematic review. Int Endod J 2023; 56 Suppl 3:533-548. [PMID: 35699668 DOI: 10.1111/iej.13784] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/05/2022] [Revised: 06/08/2022] [Accepted: 06/09/2022] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Regenerative endodontics has evolved in recent years with tissue engineering concepts in particular appearing promising. Endodontic tissue engineering (ETE) describes the various approaches based on the orthograde introduction of scaffolds or biomaterials (with or without cells) into the root canal to achieve pulp tissue regeneration. There are currently no systematic reviews investigating whether ETE is a suitable method for the treatment of endodontic disease in both mature and immature permanent teeth. OBJECTIVES The purpose of this systematic review was to determine the effectiveness of ETE in permanent teeth with pulp necrosis in comparison with conventional endodontic treatment. METHODS We searched MEDLINE, Embase and the Cochrane Library for published reports as well as Google Scholar for grey literature up to November 2021. Included were studies of patients with permanent immature or mature teeth and pulp necrosis with or without signs of apical periodontitis (P) comparing ETE (I) with calcium hydroxide apexification, apical plug and root canal treatment (C) in terms of tooth survival, pain, tenderness, swelling, need for medication (analgesics and antibiotics), radiographic evidence of reduction in apical lesion size, radiographic evidence of normal periodontal ligament space, function (fracture and restoration longevity), the need for further intervention, adverse effects (including exacerbation, restoration integrity, allergy and discolouration), oral health-related quality of life (OHRQoL), presence of sinus tract and response to sensibility testing (O). An observation period of at least 12 months was mandatory (T) and the number of patients in human experimental studies or longitudinal observational studies had to be at least 20 (10 in each arm) at the end (S). Risk of bias was appraised using the Cochrane risk-of-bias (RoB 2) tool. Two authors independently screened the records, assessed full texts for eligibility and evaluated risk of bias. Heterogeneity of outcomes and limited body of evidence did not allow for meta-analysis. RESULTS Two randomized clinical trials investigating cell transplantation approaches with a total of 76 participants (40 treated immature teeth and 36 treated mature teeth) were included for qualitative analysis. Both studies had moderate concerns in terms of risk of bias. Due to the lack of homogeneity a meta-analysis was not possible. Tooth survival for ETE, root canal treatment and apexification was 100% after 12 months. Teeth treated with ETE showed a higher number of cases with positive pulpal responses to sensitivity tests and with blood perfusion compared with root canal treatment or apexification. DISCUSSION This systematic review highlights that there is limited evidence for ETE approaches. Even though the results of this review suggest a high survival with ETE in mature and immature teeth, there is a moderate risk of bias due to methodological limitations in the included studies, so the overall results should be interpreted with caution. Lack of a robust control group was a common problem during literature screening, and outcomes besides dental survival were reported inconsistently. Future clinical trials need to address methodical as well as assessment concerns and report long-term results. CONCLUSION The benefits and high survival rates reported for ETE techniques suggest that this procedure might be an alternative to conventional procedures for permanent teeth with pulpal necrosis. However, more appropriate studies are needed to derive clinical recommendations. REGISTRATION PROSPERO (CRD42021266350).
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Affiliation(s)
- Matthias Widbiller
- Department of Conservative Dentistry and Periodontology, University Hospital Regensburg, Regensburg, Germany
| | - Helge Knüttel
- University Library, University of Regensburg, Regensburg, Germany
| | - Nastaran Meschi
- Department of Oral Health Sciences, BIOMAT - Biomaterials Research Group, KU Leuven and Dentistry, University Hospitals Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
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Goyal P, Kattula D, Rao R, Bhad R, Mishra AK, Dhawan A. Trazodone for sleep disturbance in opioid dependent patients maintained on buprenorphine: A double blind, placebo-controlled trial. Drug Alcohol Depend 2023; 250:110891. [PMID: 37478501 DOI: 10.1016/j.drugalcdep.2023.110891] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/29/2022] [Revised: 07/01/2023] [Accepted: 07/04/2023] [Indexed: 07/23/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Sleep disturbances are seen even in individuals on opioid agonist treatment (OAT). Established pharmacotherapy for sleep disturbances such as benzodiazepines have misuse potential and increased mortality risk in patients with OAT. No study has explored the role of trazodone on sleep disturbance in individuals maintained on buprenorphine. We aimed to assess the efficacy of trazodone in improving sleep disturbance among individuals maintained on buprenorphine. METHODS The study was a double-blind, placebo-controlled, parallel, randomised trial. Adult males (18-60 years) stabilised on buprenorphine with Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) score of above five, without other psychiatric comorbidity were randomised to receive either trazodone (50-150mg per day) or placebo. Sleep-50 questionnaire, Epworth Sleepiness Scale (ESS), Brief Pain Inventory (BPI), Clinical Opiate Withdrawal Scale (COWS), Depression, Anxiety and Stress Scale (DASS)-21, Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) for opioid craving, and PSQI were assessed at baseline and at the end of six weeks. RESULTS Fifty-one patients were allocated to trazodone arm and 49 to placebo arm. Side-effects of trazodone were minimal and well-tolerated with comparable discontiuation rates between both groups. Significantly greater proportion of patients on trazodone (82%, mean dose 101.9 mg) had PSQI scores five or less than those on placebo (16%) at the end of six weeks. Sleep improvement was in various components like sleep quality, latency, efficiency, and duration of sleep. CONCLUSION Trazodone is well-tolerated and effective in improving sleep disturbances in individuals with opioid dependence maintained on buprenorphine over a six-week period.
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Affiliation(s)
- Piyush Goyal
- National Drug Dependence Treatment Centre, Department of Psychiatry, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi, India
| | - Dheeraj Kattula
- National Drug Dependence Treatment Centre, Department of Psychiatry, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi, India
| | - Ravindra Rao
- National Drug Dependence Treatment Centre, Department of Psychiatry, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi, India.
| | - Roshan Bhad
- National Drug Dependence Treatment Centre, Department of Psychiatry, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi, India
| | - Ashwani Kumar Mishra
- National Drug Dependence Treatment Centre, Department of Psychiatry, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi, India
| | - Anju Dhawan
- National Drug Dependence Treatment Centre, Department of Psychiatry, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi, India
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Harrer M, Cuijpers P, Schuurmans LKJ, Kaiser T, Buntrock C, van Straten A, Ebert D. Evaluation of randomized controlled trials: a primer and tutorial for mental health researchers. Trials 2023; 24:562. [PMID: 37649083 PMCID: PMC10469910 DOI: 10.1186/s13063-023-07596-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/16/2023] [Accepted: 08/18/2023] [Indexed: 09/01/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Considered one of the highest levels of evidence, results of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) remain an essential building block in mental health research. They are frequently used to confirm that an intervention "works" and to guide treatment decisions. Given their importance in the field, it is concerning that the quality of many RCT evaluations in mental health research remains poor. Common errors range from inadequate missing data handling and inappropriate analyses (e.g., baseline randomization tests or analyses of within-group changes) to unduly interpretations of trial results and insufficient reporting. These deficiencies pose a threat to the robustness of mental health research and its impact on patient care. Many of these issues may be avoided in the future if mental health researchers are provided with a better understanding of what constitutes a high-quality RCT evaluation. METHODS In this primer article, we give an introduction to core concepts and caveats of clinical trial evaluations in mental health research. We also show how to implement current best practices using open-source statistical software. RESULTS Drawing on Rubin's potential outcome framework, we describe that RCTs put us in a privileged position to study causality by ensuring that the potential outcomes of the randomized groups become exchangeable. We discuss how missing data can threaten the validity of our results if dropouts systematically differ from non-dropouts, introduce trial estimands as a way to co-align analyses with the goals of the evaluation, and explain how to set up an appropriate analysis model to test the treatment effect at one or several assessment points. A novice-friendly tutorial is provided alongside this primer. It lays out concepts in greater detail and showcases how to implement techniques using the statistical software R, based on a real-world RCT dataset. DISCUSSION Many problems of RCTs already arise at the design stage, and we examine some avoidable and unavoidable "weak spots" of this design in mental health research. For instance, we discuss how lack of prospective registration can give way to issues like outcome switching and selective reporting, how allegiance biases can inflate effect estimates, review recommendations and challenges in blinding patients in mental health RCTs, and describe problems arising from underpowered trials. Lastly, we discuss why not all randomized trials necessarily have a limited external validity and examine how RCTs relate to ongoing efforts to personalize mental health care.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mathias Harrer
- Psychology and Digital Mental Health Care, Technical University Munich, Georg-Brauchle-Ring 60-62, Munich, 80992, Germany.
- Clinical Psychology and Psychotherapy, Institute for Psychology, Friedrich-Alexander-University Erlangen-Nuremberg, Erlangen, Germany.
| | - Pim Cuijpers
- Department of Clinical, Neuro and Developmental Psychology, Amsterdam Public Health Research Institute, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
- WHO Collaborating Centre for Research and Dissemination of Psychological Interventions, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Lea K J Schuurmans
- Psychology and Digital Mental Health Care, Technical University Munich, Georg-Brauchle-Ring 60-62, Munich, 80992, Germany
| | - Tim Kaiser
- Methods and Evaluation/Quality Assurance, Freie Universität Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Claudia Buntrock
- Institute of Social Medicine and Health Systems Research (ISMHSR), Medical Faculty, Otto Von Guericke University Magdeburg, Magdeburg, Germany
| | - Annemieke van Straten
- Department of Clinical, Neuro and Developmental Psychology, Amsterdam Public Health Research Institute, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - David Ebert
- Psychology and Digital Mental Health Care, Technical University Munich, Georg-Brauchle-Ring 60-62, Munich, 80992, Germany
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Aggarwal V, Taubel J, Lorch U, York T. Blinding Is Seeing: A Single-Centre Study Into the Viability of Auto-Injectors for Blinded-Drug Administration in Randomised Controlled Trials. Cureus 2023; 15:e44244. [PMID: 37772251 PMCID: PMC10523835 DOI: 10.7759/cureus.44244] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 08/27/2023] [Indexed: 09/30/2023] Open
Abstract
Objective The aim of the study was to assess the viability of auto-injector systems (A-INJ) for preserving investigator blinding in randomized controlled trials (RCT). Background Blinding refers to the concealment of group allocation from one or more individuals involved in a clinical research study. In the dosing of subcutaneous (SC) and intramuscular (IM) investigational medicinal products (IMP), specific challenges arise in maintaining investigator blinding. These challenges primarily involve the active injectate's viscosity and visual appearance (colour/translucency) in comparison to the placebo. Existing methods to control these issues are not perfect. Common approaches include using unblinded investigators or applying films or additives to make the active and placebo injectates appear similar. Method A single-centre experimental and descriptive study was carried out to compare the use of an A-INJ (Owen Mumford, Autoject 2) with the use of a conventional syringe (CS) in delivering a 1 ml dose of both placebo and reference IMP. The percentage delivery of the injectate was compared between the A-INJ IMP and placebo groups. Additionally, eight trained research physicians serving as investigators recorded their assessments of safety and effectiveness after performing serial injections with the A-INJ into a human-tissue analogue. Results Overall, a mean of 95.38% of 1ml placebo injectate was released from the A-INJ, compared to 96.00% from the CS. A total of 94.715% of 1 ml IMP injectate was released from the A-INJ, as opposed to 94.74% from the CS. Independent t-test analyses showed no statistical significance between the experimental arms. The mean administration time was 8.5 seconds. Investigators were unable to differentiate between the two solutions when using the A-INJ. There were no recorded concerns about investigators becoming unblinded, which stands in contrast to concerns associated with using the CS. Conclusion In assessing the viability of A-INJ use in RCTs, we noted a marked improvement when blinding was used. A-INJ systems effectively administer both placebo and active injectates, thereby maintaining the benefit of blinding without the need to alter the placebo through the addition of colourants or viscosity additives. While audio cues from the A-INJ and the time required to administer the injectate pose challenges, solutions are suggested. Although our findings are preliminary, they add to the existing literature on the advantages of A-INJs for administering injectable compounds and offer new perspectives on their utility in RCTs.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Jorg Taubel
- Cardiology, Richmond Pharmacology Ltd, London, GBR
| | - Ulrike Lorch
- Clinical Research, Richmond Pharmacology Ltd, London, GBR
| | - Thomas York
- Clinical Research, Richmond Pharmacology Ltd, London, GBR
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Alrimy T, Alhalabi W, Malibari A, Alzahrani F, Alrajhi S, Yamani A, Ahmed H, Abduljawad A, Nasser E, ALattar S, Alharby B, Khalid H, Alhalabi M, Hoffman HG, Mason KP. Desktop Virtual Reality Offers a Novel Approach to Minimize Pain and Anxiety during Burn Wound Cleaning/Debridement in Infants and Young Children: A Randomized Crossover Pilot Study. J Clin Med 2023; 12:4985. [PMID: 37568388 PMCID: PMC10419830 DOI: 10.3390/jcm12154985] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/17/2023] [Revised: 07/14/2023] [Accepted: 07/24/2023] [Indexed: 08/13/2023] Open
Abstract
Although most scald burn injuries involve children under six, because of the challenges of using head mounted displays with young children there is very little research exploring the use of VR in children under six. The current clinical pilot study measured the analgesic effectiveness of our new desktop VR system (with no VR helmet) in children under six during burn wound care (a within-subjects design with randomized treatment order). Between December 2021-April 2022, nine children with burn injuries (10 months to 5 years age, mean = 18 months) participated. The mean burn size was 10% Total Body Surface Area, range 2-22%. Using nurse's ratings, VR significantly reduced children's pain during burn wound care by 40% on the observational Faces, Legs, Activity, Crying, and Consolability (FLACC) pain scale. Specifically, non-parametric within-subject sign tests compared nurse's ratings of the young patients' pain during burn wound care using usual pain medications with no VR = 6.67, (SD = 2.45) vs. adjunctive Animal Rescue World VR (VR = 4.00, SD = 2.24, p < 0.01). The observational Procedure-Behavior Checklist (PBCL) nurse's scale measured a 34% reduction in anxiety with VR as compared to pharmacologic treatment alone (p < 0.005). Similarly, when using single graphic rating scales the patients' parents reported a significant 36% decrease in their child's pain during VR (p < 0.05), a 38% (p < 0.005) decrease in their child's anxiety during VR, and a significant increase in patients' joy during VR. It can be concluded that during burn wound care with no distraction (traditional pain medications), children under 6 years old experienced severe pain during a 10 min burn wound cleaning session. During burn wound care combining desktop virtual reality and traditional pain medications, the same pediatric patients experienced only mild pain during burn wound cleaning/debridement. VR significantly reduced the children's pain and anxiety during burn wound care.
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Affiliation(s)
- Taima Alrimy
- Computer Science Department, Faculty of Computing and Information Technology, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah 21589, Saudi Arabia
| | - Wadee Alhalabi
- Computer Science Department, Faculty of Computing and Information Technology, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah 21589, Saudi Arabia
- Immersive Virtual Reality Research Group, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah 21589, Saudi Arabia
| | - Areej Malibari
- Computer Science Department, Faculty of Computing and Information Technology, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah 21589, Saudi Arabia
| | - Fatma Alzahrani
- Paediatric Department, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah 21589, Saudi Arabia
| | - Sharifah Alrajhi
- Statistics Department, Faculty of Science, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah 21589, Saudi Arabia
| | - Ayman Yamani
- Department of Plastic Surgery and Burn, Alnoor Specialist Hospital, Makka 24241, Saudi Arabia
| | - Halah Ahmed
- Department of Plastic Surgery and Burn, Alnoor Specialist Hospital, Makka 24241, Saudi Arabia
| | - Amro Abduljawad
- Department of Plastic Surgery and Burn, Alnoor Specialist Hospital, Makka 24241, Saudi Arabia
| | - Essam Nasser
- Burn Unit, King Abdulaziz Hospital, Jeddah 22421, Saudi Arabia
| | - Samar ALattar
- Burn Unit, King Abdulaziz Hospital, Jeddah 22421, Saudi Arabia
| | | | - Hasna Khalid
- Plastic Surgery Department, International Medical Center, Jeddah 23214, Saudi Arabia
| | - Mohammed Alhalabi
- Immersive Virtual Reality Research Group, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah 21589, Saudi Arabia
| | - Hunter G. Hoffman
- Computer Science Department, Faculty of Computing and Information Technology, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah 21589, Saudi Arabia
- Department of Mechanical Engineering HPL, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98195, USA
| | - Keira P. Mason
- Department of Anesthesiology, Critical Care and Pain Medicine, Harvard Medical School, Boston Children’s Hospital, Boston, MA 02115, USA
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Annaswamy TM, Cunniff K, Rizzo JR, Naeimi T, Kumbhare D, Batavia M. Methodological Issues Relevant to Blinding in Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation Research. Am J Phys Med Rehabil 2023; 102:636-644. [PMID: 36897811 DOI: 10.1097/phm.0000000000002228] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/11/2023]
Abstract
ABSTRACT Blinding in research is important, and the field of physical medicine and rehabilitation poses special consideration owing to the patient populations and treatment methodologies used. Historically, blinding has been increasingly relevant to conducting good-quality research. The main reason to blind is to reduce bias. There are several strategies to blinding. At times, when blinding is not possible, alternatives to blinding include sham control and description of study and control groups. Illustrative examples of blinding used in physical medicine and rehabilitation research are described in this article, along with how to assess success and fidelity of blinding.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thiru M Annaswamy
- From the Department of Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation, Penn State Health Milton S. Hershey Medical Center, Penn State Health Rehabilitation Hospital, Hummelstown, Pennsylvania (TMA); Spine Center, UT Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, Texas (KC); Department of Rehabilitation Medicine & Neurology, Grossman School of Medicine, and Departments of Mechanical & Aerospace and Biomedical Engineering, NYU Tandon School of Engineering, New York University, New York City, New York (JRR); Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, New York University, New York City, New York (TN); Department of Medicine, Division of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada (DK); and Department of Physical Therapy, New York University Steinhardt, and Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, Grossman School of Medicine, New York University Langone, New York City, New York (MB)
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Smith EG, Grigorian HL. A System for Rapidly Yet Rigorously Evaluating the Quality of Randomized Controlled Trials. J Clin Psychopharmacol 2023; 43:306-312. [PMID: 37378832 DOI: 10.1097/jcp.0000000000001724] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/29/2023]
Abstract
ABSTRACT This tutorial describes a system for rapidly yet rigorously assessing the quality of randomized controlled trials (RCTs). The system has 7 criteria, represented by the acronym "BIS FOES." The BIS FOES system directs readers to assess RCTs based on the following 7 criteria: the RCT's use (or not) of effective (1) Blinding; the RCT's use (or not) of (2) Intent-to-Treat Analysis; the RCT's (3) Size and other information reflecting the effectiveness of randomization; the amount of sample lost during (4) Follow-up; the (5) Outcomes examined by the RCT (specifically, the outcome measures used by the RCT), the (6) Effects reported (ie, the statistical and clinical significance of the RCT's primary, secondary, and safety findings), and any (7) Special Considerations (ie, additional strengths, limitations, or notable features of the RCT). The first 6 criteria are of basic importance to the assessment of every RCT, whereas the Special Considerations criteria allows the system to be expanded to include virtually any other important aspect of the RCT. This tutorial explains the importance of these criteria and how to assess them. This tutorial also describes how many BIS FOES criteria can be initially assessed from the RCT Abstract while also directing readers to specific locations in the RCT article where additional important information can be found. We hope that the BIS FOES system will help healthcare trainees, but also potentially clinicians, researchers, and the general public, rapidly and thoroughly assess RCTs.
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Hoffman HG, Fontenot MR, Garcia-Palacios A, Greenleaf WJ, Alhalabi W, Curatolo M, Flor H. Adding tactile feedback increases avatar ownership and makes virtual reality more effective at reducing pain in a randomized crossover study. Sci Rep 2023; 13:7915. [PMID: 37217536 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-31038-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/12/2022] [Accepted: 03/06/2023] [Indexed: 05/24/2023] Open
Abstract
Severe pain is a widespread health problem in need of novel treatment approaches. In the current study we used real water to give virtual objects (i.e., animated virtual water) more realistic physical properties (wet liquid qualities). Healthy volunteers aged 18-34 participated in a within-subject randomized study comparing participants' worst pain during brief thermal stimuli with (1) No Immersive Virtual Reality (VR), versus (2) during VR + no tactile feedback versus (3) VR + real water (with tactile feedback from co-located real objects). Tactile feedback significantly decreased pain intensity (VR analgesia, p < 0.01), compared to VR with no tactile feedback, and compared to No VR (baseline). Tactile feedback made the virtual water feel significantly more real, increased participant's sense of presence, and both VR conditions were distracting (significantly reduced accuracy on an attention demanding task). As a non-pharmacologic analgesic, mixed reality reduced pain by 35% in the current study, comparable to the analgesia from a moderate dose of hydromorphone in previous published experimental studies. Tactile feedback also significantly increased avatar embodiment, the participants illusion of ownership of the virtual hands, which has potential to improve the effectiveness of avatar therapy for chronic pain in future studies. Mixed reality should be tested as treatment in pain patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hunter G Hoffman
- Virtual Reality Research Center, Mechanical Engineering, University of Washington, Seattle, 98195, USA.
- Virtual Human Interaction Lab, Stanford University, Stanford, 94305, USA.
| | - Miles R Fontenot
- Department of Anesthesiology and Pain Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, 98195, USA
| | - Azucena Garcia-Palacios
- Department of Basic Psychology, Clinic and Psychobiology, Jaume I University, 12071, Castellón de La Plana, Spain
| | - Walter J Greenleaf
- Virtual Human Interaction Lab, Stanford University, Stanford, 94305, USA
| | - Wadee Alhalabi
- Department of Computer Science, Faculty of Computing and Information Technology, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, 21589, Saudi Arabia
| | - Michele Curatolo
- Department of Anesthesiology and Pain Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, 98195, USA
| | - Herta Flor
- Department of Cognitive and Clinical Neuroscience, Central Institute of Mental Health, Medical Faculty Mannheim, Heidelberg University, 68159, Mannheim, Germany
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Krämer B, Andress J, Neis F, Hoffmann S, Brucker S, Kommoss S, Höller A. Improvement in Fertility and Pain after Endometriosis Resection and Adhesion Prevention with 4DryField ® PH: Follow-up of a Randomized Controlled Clinical Trial. J Clin Med 2023; 12:jcm12103597. [PMID: 37240703 DOI: 10.3390/jcm12103597] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/28/2023] [Revised: 05/06/2023] [Accepted: 05/16/2023] [Indexed: 05/28/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Adhesions after endometriosis resection are frequent and the most common causes for chronic pain and secondary infertility. Primary results of our randomized controlled trial (RCT) on adhesion prevention after deep infiltrating endometriosis (DIE) resection using the gel barrier 4DryField® PH showed 85% adhesion reduction in second-look surgeries. Secondary endpoint data on fertility and pain development were collected during 12-month follow-ups. METHODS This RCT comprised 50 patients. Preoperatively and after 1, 6 and 12 months, pain scores for cycle-independent pelvic pain, dysmenorrhea, dyspareunia, dyschezia, and dysuria, as well as the number of pregnancies, were recorded,. RESULTS The pregnancy rate in the intervention group was significantly higher (p < 0.05). Pain development was also improved: after 12 months, all 5 subscores were lower in the intervention group and improvements were more pronounced, most prominently concerning cycle-independent pelvic pain and dysmenorrhea, the two subcategories with the highest preoperative scores and, therefore, the highest relevance for the patients. Cycle-independent pelvic pain even recurred in the control group, while barrier application prevented this. CONCLUSIONS Considering the known causal link between adhesions and pain, it is apparent that the favourable outcomes in the intervention group are linked to effective adhesion prevention. The significant increase in pregnancies is remarkable.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bernhard Krämer
- Department for Women's Health, University Hospital Tübingen, Calwerstr. 7, 72076 Tübingen, Germany
| | - Jürgen Andress
- Department for Women's Health, University Hospital Tübingen, Calwerstr. 7, 72076 Tübingen, Germany
| | - Felix Neis
- Department for Women's Health, University Hospital Tübingen, Calwerstr. 7, 72076 Tübingen, Germany
| | - Sascha Hoffmann
- Department for Women's Health, University Hospital Tübingen, Calwerstr. 7, 72076 Tübingen, Germany
| | - Sara Brucker
- Department for Women's Health, University Hospital Tübingen, Calwerstr. 7, 72076 Tübingen, Germany
| | - Stefan Kommoss
- Department for Women's Health, University Hospital Tübingen, Calwerstr. 7, 72076 Tübingen, Germany
| | - Alice Höller
- Department for Women's Health, University Hospital Tübingen, Calwerstr. 7, 72076 Tübingen, Germany
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King DG, Stride E, Mendis J, Gurton WH, Macrae H, Jones L, Hunt J. A Double-Blind, Randomized, Placebo-Controlled Pilot Study examining an Oxygen Nanobubble Beverage for 16.1-km Time Trial and Repeated Sprint Cycling Performance. J Diet Suppl 2023; 21:167-181. [PMID: 37127913 DOI: 10.1080/19390211.2023.2203738] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/03/2023]
Abstract
There is growing interest of ergogenic aids that deliver supplemental oxygen during exercise and recovery, however, breathing supplemental oxygen via specialist facemasks is often not feasible. Therefore, this study investigated the effect of an oxygen-nanobubble beverage during submaximal and repeated sprint cycling. In a double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled study, 10 male cyclists (peak aerobic capacity, 56.9 ± 6.1 mL·kg-1·min-1; maximal aerobic power, 385 ± 25 W) completed submaximal or maximal exercise after consuming an oxygen-nanobubble (O2) or placebo (PLA) beverage. Submaximal trials comprised 30-min of steady-state cycling at 60% peak aerobic capacity and 16.1-km time-trial (TT). Maximal trials involved 4 × 30 s Wingate tests interspersed by 4-min recovery. Time-to-completion during the 16.1-km TT was 2.4% faster after O2 compared with PLA (95% CI = 0.7-4.0%, p = 0.010, d = 0.41). Average power for the 16.1-km TT was 4.1% higher for O2 vs. PLA (95% CI = 2.1-7.3%, p = 0.006, d = 0.28). Average peak power during the repeated Wingate tests increased by 7.1% for O2 compared with PLA (p = 0.002, d = 0.58). An oxygen-nanobubble beverage improves performance during submaximal and repeated sprint cycling, therefore may provide a practical and effective ergogenic aid for competitive cyclists.
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Affiliation(s)
- David G King
- Department of Nutritional Sciences, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Surrey, Guildford, UK
| | - Eleanor Stride
- Institute of Biomedical Engineering, Department of Engineering Science, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Jeewaka Mendis
- Department of Nutritional Sciences, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Surrey, Guildford, UK
| | - William H Gurton
- Department of Nutritional Sciences, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Surrey, Guildford, UK
| | - Heather Macrae
- Department of Nutritional Sciences, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Surrey, Guildford, UK
| | - Louise Jones
- Department of Nutritional Sciences, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Surrey, Guildford, UK
| | - Julie Hunt
- Department of Nutritional Sciences, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Surrey, Guildford, UK
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Huchon C, Drioueche H, Koskas M, Agostini A, Bauville E, Bourdel N, Fernandez H, Fritel X, Graesslin O, Legendre G, Lucot JP, Panel P, Raiffort C, Giraudet G, Bussières L, Fauconnier A. Operative Hysteroscopy vs Vacuum Aspiration for Incomplete Spontaneous Abortion: A Randomized Clinical Trial. JAMA 2023; 329:1197-1205. [PMID: 37039805 PMCID: PMC10091175 DOI: 10.1001/jama.2023.3415] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/31/2022] [Accepted: 02/22/2023] [Indexed: 04/12/2023]
Abstract
Importance Vacuum aspiration is commonly used to remove retained products of conception in patients with incomplete spontaneous abortion. Scarring of the uterine cavity may occur, potentially impairing future fertility. A procedural alternative, operative hysteroscopy, has gained popularity with a presumption of better future fertility. Objective To assess the superiority of hysteroscopy to vacuum aspiration for subsequent pregnancy in patients with incomplete spontaneous abortion who intend to have future pregnancy. Design, Setting, and Participants The HY-PER randomized, controlled, single-blind trial included 574 patients between November 6, 2014, and May 3, 2017, with a 2-year duration of follow-up. This multicenter trial recruited patients in 15 French hospitals. Individuals aged 18 to 44 years and planned for surgery for an incomplete spontaneous abortion with plans to subsequently conceive were randomized in a 1:1 ratio. Interventions Surgical treatment by hysteroscopy (n = 288) or vacuum aspiration (n = 286). Main Outcomes and Measures The primary outcome was a pregnancy of at least 22 weeks' duration during 2-year follow-up. Results The intention-to-treat analyses included 563 women (mean [SD] age, 32.6 [5.4] years). All aspiration procedures were completed. The hysteroscopic procedure could not be completed for 19 patients (7%), 18 of which were converted to vacuum aspiration (8 with inability to completely resect, 7 with insufficient visualization, 2 with anesthetic complications that required a shortened procedure, 1 with equipment failure). One hysteroscopy failed due to a false passage during cervical dilatation. During the 2-year follow-up, 177 patients (62.8%) in the hysteroscopy group and 190 (67.6%) in the vacuum aspiration (control) group achieved the primary outcome (difference, -4.8% [95% CI, -13% to 3.0%]; P = .23). The time-to-event analyses showed no statistically significant difference between groups for the primary outcome (hazard ratio, 0.87 [95% CI, 0.71 to 1.07]). Duration of surgery and hospitalization were significantly longer for hysteroscopy. Rates of new miscarriages, ectopic pregnancies, Clavien-Dindo surgical complications of grade 3 or above (requiring surgical, endoscopic, or radiological intervention or life-threatening event or death), and reinterventions to remove remaining products of conception did not differ between groups. Conclusions and Relevance Surgical management by hysteroscopy of incomplete spontaneous abortions in patients intending to conceive again was not associated with more subsequent births or a better safety profile than vacuum aspiration. Moreover, operative hysteroscopy was not feasible in all cases. Trial Registration ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT02201732.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cyrille Huchon
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, APHP, Hopital Lariboisière, University of Paris Cité, Paris, France
- Université Paris-Saclay, UVSQ, Unité de Recherche 7285, Risques Cliniques et Sécurité en Santé des Femmes et en Santé Périnatale (RISCQ), Montigny-le-Bretonneux, France
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, CHI Poissy-St-Germain, Poissy CEDEX, France
| | - Hocine Drioueche
- Department of Clinical Research, Centre Hospitalier Intercommunal de Poissy-Saint-Germain-en-Laye, Poissy, France
| | - Martin Koskas
- Université Paris-Saclay, UVSQ, Unité de Recherche 7285, Risques Cliniques et Sécurité en Santé des Femmes et en Santé Périnatale (RISCQ), Montigny-le-Bretonneux, France
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, APHP, Hôpital Bichat, Paris, France
| | - Aubert Agostini
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Hôpital La Conception, Marseille CEDEX 5, France
| | - Estelle Bauville
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Rennes University Hospital, Rennes CEDEX 2, France
| | - Nicolas Bourdel
- Department of Gynecologic Surgery, CHU Estaing Clermont Ferrand, 63058 Clermont Ferrand CEDEX 1, Faculty of Medicine, ISIT – Université d’Auvergne, Clermont-Ferrand, France
| | - Hervé Fernandez
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, AP-HP, Hôpital Bicêtre, Le Kremlin Bicêtre, 94270, France
- Centre for Epidemiology and Population Health-INSERM U1018, Université Paris Sud, Le Kremlin Bicêtre, France
| | - Xavier Fritel
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, CHU de Poitiers, Université de Poitiers, Faculté de Médecine et Pharmacie, Inserm CIC1402, Poitiers, France
| | - Olivier Graesslin
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Hôpital Alix de Champagne, CHU de Reims, Reims, France
| | - Guillaume Legendre
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, CHU d’Angers, Angers CEDEX 01, France
| | - Jean-Philippe Lucot
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Hôpital Jeanne-de-Flandre, CHRU de Lille, Lille, France
| | - Pierre Panel
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Centre Hospitalier de Versailles, Le Chesnay, France
| | - Cyril Raiffort
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, APHP, Hôpital Louis Mourier, Département Hospitalier Universitaire Risque et Grossesse, Colombes, University of Paris Cité, Paris, France
| | - Géraldine Giraudet
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Hôpital Jeanne-de-Flandre, CHRU de Lille, Lille, France
| | - Laurence Bussières
- Clinical Unit Research/Clinic Investigation Center, Paris Descartes, Hôpital Necker-Enfants Malades, Assistance Publique-Hôpitaux de Paris, Paris, France
| | - Arnaud Fauconnier
- Université Paris-Saclay, UVSQ, Unité de Recherche 7285, Risques Cliniques et Sécurité en Santé des Femmes et en Santé Périnatale (RISCQ), Montigny-le-Bretonneux, France
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, CHI Poissy-St-Germain, Poissy CEDEX, France
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Hwang I, Ji SC, Oh J, Kim H, Cha H, Kim J, Lee CS, Yu KS, Lee S. Randomised clinical trial: Safety, tolerability, pharmacodynamics and pharmacokinetics of zastaprazan (JP-1366), a novel potassium-competitive acid blocker, in healthy subjects. Aliment Pharmacol Ther 2023; 57:763-772. [PMID: 36732884 DOI: 10.1111/apt.17406] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/17/2022] [Revised: 09/07/2022] [Accepted: 01/19/2023] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Zastaprazan (JP-1366) is a novel potassium-competitive acid blocker with favourable preclinical safety and efficacy profile being developed for the treatment of acid-related diseases. AIMS To investigate the safety, tolerability, pharmacodynamics and pharmacokinetics of zastaprazan. METHODS A randomised, open-label, placebo- and active-controlled, single and multiple ascending dose clinical trial was conducted in healthy Korean male subjects. Intragatric pH and serum gastrin were measured to assess the pharmacodynamics, while serial blood and urine samples were collected to assess the pharmacokinetics. Pharmacogenomic evaluation was conducted to explore genetic variants, which can affect the pharmacodynamics and pharmacokinetics. Safety and tolerability including hepatotoxicity were evaluated. RESULTS Suppression of gastric acid secretion increased as the dose of zastaprazan increased. The percentage of time that gastric pH was over 4 (%Time pH >4) with zastaprazan 20 mg (85.19%) and 40 mg (91.84%) were similar to or greater than that with esomeprazole 40 mg (72.06%). Zastaprazan was rapidly absorbed within 2 h and eliminated with a half-life of 6-10 h. Pharmacogenomic analysis found no genetic variant of drug metabolising enzymes including CYP2C19 or drug transporters associated with the exposure of zastaprazan. Zastaprazan was well tolerated with no clinically significant changes in safety and tolerability assessments. CONCLUSIONS Zastaprazan was safe and well tolerated after a single oral dose up to 60 mg and multiple oral doses up to 40 mg. It also showed rapid, potent suppression of gastric acid secretion. Pharmacodynamic and pharmacokinetic profile of zastaprazan was suitable for treatment of patients with acid-related diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Inyoung Hwang
- Department of Clinical Pharmacology and Therapeutics, Seoul National University College of Medicine and Hospital, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Sang Chun Ji
- Department of Clinical Pharmacology and Therapeutics, Seoul National University College of Medicine and Hospital, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Jaeseong Oh
- Department of Clinical Pharmacology and Therapeutics, Seoul National University College of Medicine and Hospital, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Hyojin Kim
- Onconic Therapeutics Inc., Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Hyunju Cha
- Onconic Therapeutics Inc., Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - John Kim
- Onconic Therapeutics Inc., Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | | | - Kyung-Sang Yu
- Department of Clinical Pharmacology and Therapeutics, Seoul National University College of Medicine and Hospital, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - SeungHwan Lee
- Department of Clinical Pharmacology and Therapeutics, Seoul National University College of Medicine and Hospital, Seoul, Republic of Korea
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Sargeant JM, Ruple A, Selmic LE, O'Connor AM. The standards of reporting trials in pets (PetSORT): Explanation and elaboration. Front Vet Sci 2023; 10:1137781. [PMID: 37065227 PMCID: PMC10103631 DOI: 10.3389/fvets.2023.1137781] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/04/2023] [Accepted: 03/01/2023] [Indexed: 04/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Well-designed randomized controlled trials (RCTs) provide the best evidence of the primary research designs for evaluating the effectiveness of interventions. However, if RCTs are incompletely reported, the methodological rigor with which they were conducted cannot be reliably evaluated and it may not be possible to replicate the intervention. Missing information also may limit the reader's ability to evaluate the external validity of a trial. Reporting guidelines are available for clinical trials in human healthcare (CONSORT), livestock populations (REFLECT), and preclinical experimental research involving animals (ARRIVE 2.0). The PetSORT guidelines complement these existing guidelines, providing recommendations for reporting controlled trials in pet dogs and cats. The rationale and scientific background are explained for each of the 25 items in the PetSORT reporting recommendations checklist, with examples from well-reported trials.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jan M. Sargeant
- Department of Population Medicine, Ontario Veterinary College, University of Guelph, Guelph, ON, Canada
| | - Audrey Ruple
- Department of Population Health Sciences, Virginia-Maryland College of Veterinary Medicine, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, VA, United States
- *Correspondence: Audrey Ruple
| | - Laura E. Selmic
- Department of Veterinary Clinical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, United States
| | - Annette M. O'Connor
- Department of Large Animal Clinical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI, United States
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Georgiadi E, Sachlas A. On the Methodological Aspects of the Clinical Trials for COVID-19 Conducted in the First Year of the Pandemic: A Descriptive Analysis. STATISTICS IN BIOSCIENCES 2023; 15:384-396. [PMID: 37313549 PMCID: PMC10019791 DOI: 10.1007/s12561-023-09366-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/22/2022] [Revised: 01/03/2023] [Accepted: 02/28/2023] [Indexed: 03/18/2023]
Abstract
In 2020, the whole planet was plagued by the extremely deadly COVID-19 pandemic. More than 83 million people had been infected with COVID-19 while more than 1.9 million people around the planet had died from this virus in the first year of the pandemic. From the first moment, the medical community started working to deal with this pandemic. For this reason, many clinical trials have been and continue to be conducted to find a safe and efficient cure for the virus. In this paper, we review the 96 clinical trials, registered in the ClinicalTrials.gov database, that had been completed by the end of the first year of the pandemic. Although the clinical trials contained significant heterogeneity in the main methodological features (enrollment, duration, allocation, intervention model, and masking) they seemed to be conducted based on an appropriate methodological basis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eleni Georgiadi
- Department of Medicine, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Mikras Asias 75, Athens, 115 27 Greece
| | - Athanasios Sachlas
- Department of Computer Science and Biomedical Informatics, University of Thessaly, Papasiopoulou 2-4, Lamia, 351 31 Greece
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Donohue C, Carnaby G, Focht Garand KL. A Clinician's Guide to Critically Appraising Randomized Controlled Trials in the Field of Speech-Language Pathology. AMERICAN JOURNAL OF SPEECH-LANGUAGE PATHOLOGY 2023; 32:411-425. [PMID: 36749981 DOI: 10.1044/2022_ajslp-22-00180] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE When considering original research articles, randomized controlled trials (RCTs) provide the highest level of research evidence. Given this, RCTS are often used by clinicians performing evidence-based practice to determine the most effective intervention for a specific patient or patient population. Although RCTs represent a high level of research evidence, it is important for clinicians to critically appraise RCTs to determine the validity of the study methods deployed, the statistical and clinical significance of treatment effects, and whether or not the results generalize to a particular patient, patient population, and/or clinical setting. Therefore, this tutorial will provide clinicians with an overview of what an RCT is, the various types of RCTs, when RCTs are appropriate to conduct and/or use to inform clinical practice, and the advantages and limitations of RCTs. Additionally, this tutorial will provide clinicians with practical tools to employ when reading an RCT, including checklists with questions, definitions of important terminology frequently used in RCTs, and demonstrations of how to critically appraise RCTs using literature examples from the speech-language pathology literature. CONCLUSIONS Learning how to interpret and apply the results from RCTs to inform clinical practice for purposes of improving patient care is a critical evidence-based practice skill for clinicians to develop. This tutorial will assist clinicians in the field of speech-language pathology by furthering their fundamental knowledge of RCTs and by providing them with pragmatic tools to critically appraise RCTs to inform their clinical practice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cara Donohue
- Aerodigestive Research Core Laboratory, University of Florida, Gainesville
- Department of Speech, Language, and Hearing Sciences, University of Florida, Gainesville
- Breathing Research and Therapeutics Center, University of Florida, Gainesville
- Department of Hearing and Speech Sciences, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN
| | - Giselle Carnaby
- Department of Health Sciences, School of Health Professions, University of Texas Health Science Center, San Antonio
| | - Kendrea L Focht Garand
- Department of Speech Pathology and Audiology, College of Allied Health Professions, University of South Alabama, Mobile
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Laursen DR, Nejstgaard CH, Bjørkedal E, Frost AD, Hansen MR, Paludan-Müller AS, Prosenz J, Werner CP, Hróbjartsson A. Impact of active placebo controls on estimated drug effects in randomised trials: a systematic review of trials with both active placebo and standard placebo. Cochrane Database Syst Rev 2023; 3:MR000055. [PMID: 36877132 PMCID: PMC9989326 DOI: 10.1002/14651858.mr000055.pub2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/07/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND An estimated 60% of pharmacological randomised trials use placebo control interventions to blind (i.e. mask) participants. However, standard placebos do not control for perceptible non-therapeutic effects (i.e. side effects) of the experimental drug, which may unblind participants. Trials rarely use active placebo controls, which contain pharmacological compounds designed to mimic the non-therapeutic experimental drug effects in order to reduce the risk of unblinding. A relevant improvement in the estimated effects of active placebo compared with standard placebo would imply that trials with standard placebo may overestimate experimental drug effects. OBJECTIVES We aimed to estimate the difference in drug effects when an experimental drug is compared with an active placebo versus a standard placebo control intervention, and to explore causes for heterogeneity. In the context of a randomised trial, this difference in drug effects can be estimated by directly comparing the effect difference between the active placebo and standard placebo intervention. SEARCH METHODS We searched PubMed, CENTRAL, Embase, two other databases, and two trial registries up to October 2020. We also searched reference lists and citations and contacted trial authors. SELECTION CRITERIA We included randomised trials that compared an active placebo versus a standard placebo intervention. We considered trials both with and without a matching experimental drug arm. DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS We extracted data, assessed risk of bias, scored active placebos for adequacy and risk of unintended therapeutic effect, and categorised active placebos as unpleasant, neutral, or pleasant. We requested individual participant data from the authors of four cross-over trials published after 1990 and one unpublished trial registered after 1990. Our primary inverse-variance, random-effects meta-analysis used standardised mean differences (SMDs) of active versus standard placebo for participant-reported outcomes at earliest post-treatment assessment. A negative SMD favoured the active placebo. We stratified analyses by trial type (clinical or preclinical) and supplemented with sensitivity and subgroup analyses and meta-regression. In secondary analyses, we investigated observer-reported outcomes, harms, attrition, and co-intervention outcomes. MAIN RESULTS We included 21 trials (1462 participants). We obtained individual participant data from four trials. Our primary analysis of participant-reported outcomes at earliest post-treatment assessment resulted in a pooled SMD of -0.08 (95% confidence interval (CI) -0.20 to 0.04; I2 = 31%; 14 trials), with no clear difference between clinical and preclinical trials. Individual participant data contributed 43% of the weight of this analysis. Two of seven sensitivity analyses found more pronounced and statistically significant differences; for example, in the five trials with low overall risk of bias, the pooled SMD was -0.24 (95% CI -0.34 to -0.13). The pooled SMD of observer-reported outcomes was similar to the primary analysis. The pooled odds ratio (OR) for harms was 3.08 (95% CI 1.56 to 6.07), and for attrition, 1.22 (95% CI 0.74 to 2.03). Co-intervention data were limited. Meta-regression found no statistically significant association with adequacy of the active placebo or risk of unintended therapeutic effect. AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS We did not find a statistically significant difference between active and standard placebo control interventions in our primary analysis, but the result was imprecise and the CI compatible with a difference ranging from important to irrelevant. Furthermore, the result was not robust, because two sensitivity analyses produced a more pronounced and statistically significant difference. We suggest that trialists and users of information from trials carefully consider the type of placebo control intervention in trials with high risk of unblinding, such as those with pronounced non-therapeutic effects and participant-reported outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- David Rt Laursen
- Centre for Evidence-Based Medicine Odense (CEBMO) and Cochrane Denmark, Department of Clinical Research, University of Southern Denmark, Odense, Denmark
- Open Patient data Explorative Network (OPEN), Odense University Hospital, Odense, Denmark
| | - Camilla Hansen Nejstgaard
- Centre for Evidence-Based Medicine Odense (CEBMO) and Cochrane Denmark, Department of Clinical Research, University of Southern Denmark, Odense, Denmark
- Open Patient data Explorative Network (OPEN), Odense University Hospital, Odense, Denmark
| | - Espen Bjørkedal
- Department of Psychology, Faculty of Health Sciences, UiT-The Arctic University of Norway, Tromsø, Norway
| | - Anders Dreyer Frost
- Centre for Evidence-Based Medicine Odense (CEBMO) and Cochrane Denmark, Department of Clinical Research, University of Southern Denmark, Odense, Denmark
- Open Patient data Explorative Network (OPEN), Odense University Hospital, Odense, Denmark
| | - Morten Rix Hansen
- Novo Nordisk, Søborg, Denmark
- Department of Clinical Biochemistry and Pharmacology, Odense University Hospital, Odense, Denmark
- Clinical Pharmacology, Pharmacy and Environmental Medicine, Department of Public Health, University of Southern Denmark, Odense, Denmark
| | - Asger S Paludan-Müller
- Centre for Evidence-Based Medicine Odense (CEBMO) and Cochrane Denmark, Department of Clinical Research, University of Southern Denmark, Odense, Denmark
- Open Patient data Explorative Network (OPEN), Odense University Hospital, Odense, Denmark
| | - Julian Prosenz
- Department of Internal Medicine 2, University Hospital St. Poelten, St. Poelten, Austria
| | | | - Asbjørn Hróbjartsson
- Centre for Evidence-Based Medicine Odense (CEBMO) and Cochrane Denmark, Department of Clinical Research, University of Southern Denmark, Odense, Denmark
- Open Patient data Explorative Network (OPEN), Odense University Hospital, Odense, Denmark
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Sargeant J, O'Connor A, O'Sullivan T, Ramirez A. Maximizing value and minimizing waste in clinical trial research in swine: Design features to minimize bias. JOURNAL OF SWINE HEALTH AND PRODUCTION 2023. [DOI: 10.54846/jshap/1313] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/05/2023]
Abstract
Researchers designing trials should implement design features intended to reduce bias. These include random allocation to intervention groups and blinding of caregivers and outcome assessors. The method of generating the random sequence should be reported, as well as methods for stratification or blocking if used. When blinding is not possible, objectively measured outcomes should be used. Allocation concealment may not be essential when all eligible pens or animals are enrolled and there is no preference for intervention group. An a priori trial protocol should be made publicly available, and results for all outcomes evaluated should be reported.
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Arora NK, Roehrken G, Crumbach S, Phatak A, Labott BK, Nicklas A, Wicker P, Donath L. Good Scientific Practice and Ethics in Sports and Exercise Science: A Brief and Comprehensive Hands-on Appraisal for Sports Research. Sports (Basel) 2023; 11:sports11020047. [PMID: 36828332 PMCID: PMC9964730 DOI: 10.3390/sports11020047] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/21/2023] [Revised: 02/12/2023] [Accepted: 02/14/2023] [Indexed: 02/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Sports and exercise training research is constantly evolving to maintain, improve, or regain psychophysical, social, and emotional performance. Exercise training research requires a balance between the benefits and the potential risks. There is an inherent risk of scientific misconduct and adverse events in most sports; however, there is a need to minimize it. We aim to provide a comprehensive overview of the clinical and ethical challenges in sports and exercise research. We also enlist solutions to improve method design in clinical trials and provide checklists to minimize the chances of scientific misconduct. At the outset, historical milestones of exercise science literature are summarized. It is followed by details about the currently available regulations that help to reduce the risk of violating good scientific practices. We also outline the unique characteristics of sports-related research with a narrative of the major differences between sports and drug-based trials. An emphasis is then placed on the importance of well-designed studies to improve the interpretability of results and generalizability of the findings. This review finally suggests that sports researchers should comply with the available guidelines to improve the planning and conduct of future research thereby reducing the risk of harm to research participants. The authors suggest creating an oath to prevent malpractice, thereby improving the knowledge standards in sports research. This will also aid in deriving more meaningful implications for future research based on high-quality, ethically sound evidence.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nitin Kumar Arora
- Department of Intervention Research in Exercise Training, German Sport University Cologne, 50933 Cologne, Germany
- Department of Physiotherapy, University of Applied Sciences, 44801 Bochum, Germany
| | - Golo Roehrken
- Department of Intervention Research in Exercise Training, German Sport University Cologne, 50933 Cologne, Germany
| | - Sarah Crumbach
- Institute of Sport Economics and Sport Management, German Sport University Cologne, 50933 Cologne, Germany
| | - Ashwin Phatak
- Institute of Exercise Training and Sport Informatics, German Sport University Cologne, 50933 Cologne, Germany
| | - Berit K. Labott
- Department of Intervention Research in Exercise Training, German Sport University Cologne, 50933 Cologne, Germany
- Institute of Sport Sciences, Otto-von-Guericke University, 39106 Magdeburg, Germany
| | - André Nicklas
- Institute of Exercise Training and Sport Informatics, German Sport University Cologne, 50933 Cologne, Germany
| | - Pamela Wicker
- Department of Sports Science, Bielefeld University, 33615 Bielefeld, Germany
- Correspondence:
| | - Lars Donath
- Department of Intervention Research in Exercise Training, German Sport University Cologne, 50933 Cologne, Germany
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50
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Saliba M, Drapeau N, Skime M, Hu X, Accardi CJ, Athreya AP, Kolacz J, Shekunov J, Jones DP, Croarkin PE, Romanowicz M. PISTACHIo (PreemptIon of diSrupTive behAvior in CHIldren): real-time monitoring of sleep and behavior of children 3-7 years old receiving parent-child interaction therapy augment with artificial intelligence - the study protocol, pilot study. Pilot Feasibility Stud 2023; 9:23. [PMID: 36759915 PMCID: PMC9909978 DOI: 10.1186/s40814-023-01254-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/14/2022] [Accepted: 01/28/2023] [Indexed: 02/11/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Emotional behavior problems (EBP) are the most common and persistent mental health issues in early childhood. Early intervention programs are crucial in helping children with EBP. Parent-child interaction therapy (PCIT) is an evidence-based therapy designed to address personal difficulties of parent-child dyads as well as reduce externalizing behaviors. In clinical practice, parents consistently struggle to provide accurate characterizations of EBP symptoms (number, timing of tantrums, precipitating events) even from the week before in their young children. The main aim of the study is to evaluate feasibility of the use of smartwatches in children aged 3-7 years with EBP. METHODS This randomized double-blind controlled study aims to recruit a total of 100 participants, consisting of 50 children aged 3-7 years with an EBP measure rated above the clinically significant range (T-score ≥ 60) (Eyberg Child Behavior Inventory-ECBI; Eyberg & Pincus, 1999) and their parents who are at least 18 years old. Participants are randomly assigned to the artificial intelligence-PCIT group (AI-PCIT) or the PCIT-sham biometric group. Outcome parameters include weekly ECBI and Pediatric Sleep Questionnaire (PSQ) as well as Child Behavior Checklist (CBCL) obtained weeks 1, 6, and 12 of the study. Two smartphone applications (Garmin connect and mEMA) and a wearable Garmin smartwatch are used collect the data to monitor step count, sleep, heart rate, and activity intensity. In the AI-PCIT group, the mEMA application will allow for the ecological momentary assessment (EMA) and will send behavioral alerts to the parent. DISCUSSION Real-time predictive technologies to engage patients rely on daily commitment on behalf of the participant and recurrent frequent smartphone notifications. Ecological momentary assessment (EMA) provides a way to digitally phenotype in-the-moment behavior and functioning of the parent-child dyad. One of the study's goals is to determine if AI-PCIT outcomes are superior in comparison with standard PCIT. Overall, we believe that the PISTACHIo study will also be able to determine tolerability of smartwatches in children aged 3-7 with EBP and could participate in a fundamental shift from the traditional way of assessing and treating EBP to a more individualized treatment plan based on real-time information about the child's behavior. TRIAL REGISTRATION The ongoing clinical trial study protocol conforms to the international Consolidated Standards of Reporting Trials (CONSORT) guidelines and is registered in clinicaltrials.gov (ID: NCT05077722), an international clinical trial registry.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Saliba
- grid.66875.3a0000 0004 0459 167XDepartment of Psychiatry and Psychology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN 55905 USA
| | - Noelle Drapeau
- grid.66875.3a0000 0004 0459 167XDepartment of Pediatrics, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN 55905 USA
| | - Michelle Skime
- grid.66875.3a0000 0004 0459 167XDepartment of Psychiatry and Psychology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN 55905 USA
| | - Xin Hu
- grid.189967.80000 0001 0941 6502Clinical Biomarkers Laboratory, Division of Pulmonary, Allergy, Critical Care and Sleep Medicine, Department of Medicine, Emory University, Atlanta, GA 30322 USA
| | - Carolyn Jonas Accardi
- grid.189967.80000 0001 0941 6502Clinical Biomarkers Laboratory, Division of Pulmonary, Allergy, Critical Care and Sleep Medicine, Department of Medicine, Emory University, Atlanta, GA 30322 USA
| | - Arjun P. Athreya
- grid.66875.3a0000 0004 0459 167XDepartment of Psychiatry and Psychology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN 55905 USA ,grid.66875.3a0000 0004 0459 167XDepartment of Molecular Pharmacology and Experimental Therapeutics, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN 55905 USA
| | - Jacek Kolacz
- grid.412332.50000 0001 1545 0811Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Health, The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, Columbus, OH 43210 USA
| | - Julia Shekunov
- grid.66875.3a0000 0004 0459 167XDepartment of Psychiatry and Psychology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN 55905 USA
| | - Dean P. Jones
- grid.189967.80000 0001 0941 6502Clinical Biomarkers Laboratory, Division of Pulmonary, Allergy, Critical Care and Sleep Medicine, Department of Medicine, Emory University, Atlanta, GA 30322 USA
| | - Paul E. Croarkin
- grid.66875.3a0000 0004 0459 167XDepartment of Psychiatry and Psychology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN 55905 USA
| | - Magdalena Romanowicz
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, 55905, USA.
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