7th revision of the Declaration of Helsinki: good news for the transparency of clinical trials

Repurposing of H1-receptor antagonists (levo)cetirizine, (des)loratadine, and fexofenadine as a case study for systematic analysis of trials on clinicaltrials.gov using semi-automated processes with custom-coded software

To gain a comprehensive overview of the landscape of clinical trials for the H1-receptor antagonists (H1R antagonists) cetirizine, levocetirizine, loratadine, desloratadine, and fexofenadine and their potential use cases in drug repurposing (the use of well-known drugs outside the scope of the original medical indication), we analyzed trials from clincialtrials.gov using novel custom-coded software, which itself is also a key emphasis of this paper. To automate data acquisition from clincialtrials.gov via its API, data processing, and storage, we created custom software by leveraging a variety of open-source tools. Data were stored in a relational database and annotated facilitating a specially adapted web application. Through the data analysis, we identified use cases for repurposing and reviewed backgrounds and results in the scientific literature. Even though we found very few trials with published results for repurpose indications, extended literature research revealed some prominent use cases: Cetirizine seems promising in mitigating infusion-associated reactions and is also more effective than placebo in the treatment of androgenetic alopecia. Loratadine may be beneficial in the prophylaxis of G-CSF-related bone pain. In COVID-19, H1R antagonists may be helpful, but placebo-controlled scientific evidence is needed. For asthma, the effect of H1R antagonists only seems to be secondary by alleviating allergy symptoms. Our novel method to find potential use cases for repurposing of H1R antagonists allows for high automation, reduces human error, and was successful in revealing potential areas of interest. The software could be used for similar research questions and analyses in the future.

Data from the Indian drug regulator and from Clinical Trials Registry-India does not always match

Introduction

In India, regulatory trials, which require the drug regulator's permission, must be registered with the Clinical Trials Registry-India (CTRI) as of 19 March 2019. In this study, for about 300 trials, we aimed to identify the CTRI record that matched the trial for which the regulator had given permission. After identifying 'true pairs', our goal was to determine whether the sites and Principal Investigators mentioned in the permission letter were the same as those mentioned in the CTRI record.

Methods

We developed a methodology to compare the regulator's permission letters with CTRI records. We manually validated 151 true pairs by comparing the titles, the drug interventions, and the indications. We then examined discrepancies in their trial sites and Principal Investigators.

Results

Our findings revealed substantial variations in the number and identity of sites and Principal Investigators between the permission letters and the CTRI records.

Discussion

These discrepancies raise concerns about the accuracy and transparency of regulatory trials in India. We recommend easier data extraction from regulatory documents, cross-referencing regulatory documents and CTRI records, making public the changes to approval letters, and enforcing oversight by Institutional Ethics Committees for site additions or deletions. These steps will increase transparency around regulatory trials running in India.

Comparison of outcomes for fixed and weight-based four-factor prothrombin complex concentrate dosing regimens

OBJECTIVES

Although fixed dose regimens using four-factor prothrombin complex concentrate (4F-PCC) are more widely accepted, using a 'one size fits all' approach remains an area of uncertainty. The primary objective of this study was to compare percentages of haemostasis between fixed dose and weight-based dose 4F-PCC regimens for multiple bleed types and anticoagulants. Secondary objectives compared differences in the time to administration and in-hospital mortality.

METHODS

This retrospective, cohort study took place at a community hospital and included patients ≥18 years of age receiving 4F-PCC for major bleeding while on either warfarin or a factor-Xa inhibitor between January 2015 and December 2022. Patients received either fixed dose (treatment) or weight-based dose (comparison). Patients who had been treated for a non-urgent procedure, with unknown haemorrhage source, not on anticoagulation, coagulopathic from hepatic failure, had received dabigatran or were allergic to heparin were excluded. Fisher's exact test and logistic regression were used to analyse primary and secondary outcomes.

RESULTS

94 patients met the inclusion criteria; 38 patients were assigned to the treatment group and 56 to the comparator group. There was no statistical evidence of a difference in the achievement of haemostasis between groups (45% vs 46%, p=0.872). The fixed dose patients received the dose on average 13 min faster than weight-based (32 min vs 46 min, p=0.031). There was no difference in mortality (29% vs 29%, p=0.968).

CONCLUSION

Fixed 4F-PCC regimens may achieve similar outcomes and a faster time to administration compared with weight-based regimens.

Relationship between VO2peak, VO2 Recovery Kinetics, and Muscle Function in Older Adults

INTRODUCTION

The efficiency of the cardiovascular system to recover following an exercise bout is measured by oxygen (VO2) recovery kinetics. In older adults with a chronic disease, a higher aerobic capacity (VO2peak) and faster VO2 recovery kinetics are associated with higher muscle strength and physical capacity. Yet, this relationship in healthy older adults remains unclear. The aim of this cross-sectional study was to determine whether a higher VO2peak and faster VO2 recovery kinetics are associated with higher muscle strength and physical performance in healthy community-dwelling older adults.

METHODS

Thirty-five healthy older adults (female 25/male 10, mean age 73 ± 6 years) performed a graded exercise test on a cycle ergometer. VO2peak and VO2 recovery kinetics were assessed through gas exchange analysis. Muscle strength was determined by maximal leg (one-repetition maximum on leg press; 1RM) and grip strength, and physical performance was determined by the physical performance test (PPT) which assessed gait speed, stair ascent and descent, and timed up-and-go.

RESULTS

Higher VO2peak was associated with stronger leg (r = 0.59, p < 0.001) and grip strength (r = 0.39, p < 0.03), but no relationship to PPT (p > 0.05). There was also no relationship between VO2 recovery kinetics and leg and grip strength or PPT (p > 0.05).

CONCLUSION

In healthy community-dwelling older adults, VO2peak, but not VO2 recovery kinetics, is associated with muscle strength. This suggests that muscle strength may be an important factor related to aerobic capacity that could assist in identifying older adults who should be prioritized for resistance training.

Neuromuscular fatigue in autoimmune myasthenia gravis: A cross-sectional study

OBJECTIVES

To investigate the presence of increased neuromuscular fatigue (NMF) in individuals with myasthenia gravis (IwMG), compared to healthy controls. A secondary aim was to assess associations between NMF, strength and perceived health-related quality of life (HRQoL) and symptom severity in IwMG.

METHODS

In this cross-sectional study, we assessed NMF using classical myoelectrical indicators (root mean square: RMS, mean power frequency: MPF) obtained from surface electromyography (sEMG) during a sustained submaximal isometric contraction of the right Biceps Brachii and the right Vastus Lateralis and by evaluating the post-effort decline in peak torque following a fatiguing task consisting of a 40-second sustained isometric contraction. Relationships with MG-specific clinical scores (Myasthenia Muscle Score for symptom severity, MGQOL-15-F for HRQoL) were investigated.

RESULTS

Forty-one females with MG were compared to 18 control females of similar age. IwMG demonstrated reduced strength in both muscle groups, compared to control subjects. In both populations and both limbs, NMF was demonstrated by an increase in RMS and a decrease in MPF. However, IwMG did not demonstrate greater NMF based on these myoelectrical indicators nor based on post-effort peak torque decline.

DISCUSSION

Despite a decrease in baseline strength, IwMG did not display greater NMF in this specific experimental paradigm. This cohort consisted of individuals with mild-to-moderately severe MG which was well-controlled and stable. Further studies are warranted to identify simple and reliable methods to measure NMF in MG and to understand the relationship between NMF and perceived fatigue in activities of daily living for IwMG.

Simultaneous Pharmacokinetic Evaluation of Pantoprazole and Vitamin B Complex for Assessing Drug–Drug Interactions in Healthy Bangladeshi Adults by a Newly Developed and Validated HPLC Method

The present study has been designed to evaluate the impact of the co-administration of pantoprazole (PNT) with vitamin B (VTB) complex (VTB comprising VTB1, VTB6, and VTB12 in this study) on pharmacokinetic behavior. In this study, HPLC-based sensitive and efficient methods for simultaneous determination in human plasma were developed per US-FDA bioanalytical standards. The pharmacokinetic parameters of PNT, VTB1, VTB6, and VTB12 were also evaluated when the medicines were administered alone and co-administered. Following linearity, it was observed that the plasma PNT, VTB1, VTB6, and VTB12 retention times were 6.8 ± 0.2, 2.7 ± 0.1, 5.5 ± 0.2, and 3.8 ± 0.1 min, respectively, over the range of 1−100 μg/mL. For all analytes at the lower limit of quantification and all other values, intra-assay and inter-assay bias were within 15% and 13.5%, respectively. They barely interacted when PNT and VTB samples were evaluated in physical combinations through in vitro tests. Moreover, in the pharmacokinetics study, treatment with VTB did not significantly alter the pharmacokinetic characteristics of PNT. Therefore, the current work’s results might help assess drug–drug interactions that may be applied to bioequivalence studies and therapeutic drug monitoring.

Riluzole for treating spasticity in patients with chronic traumatic spinal cord injury: Study protocol in the phase ib/iib adaptive multicenter randomized controlled RILUSCI trial

BACKGROUND

Satisfactory treatment is often lacking for spasticity, a highly prevalent motor disorder in patients with spinal cord injury (SCI). Low concentrations of riluzole potently reduce the persistent sodium current, the post-SCI increase in which contributes to spasticity. The repurposing of this drug may therefore constitute a useful potential therapeutic option for relieving SCI patients suffering from chronic traumatic spasticity.

OBJECTIVE

RILUSCI is a phase 1b-2b trial designed to assess whether riluzole is a safe and biologically effective means of managing spasticity in adult patients with traumatic chronic SCI.

METHODS

In this multicenter double-blind trial, adults (aged 18-65 years) suffering from spasticity after SCI (target enrollment: 90 participants) will be randomly assigned to be given either a placebo or a recommended daily oral dose of riluzole for two weeks. The latter dose will be previously determined in phase 1b of the study by performing double-blind dose-finding tests using a Bayesian continuous reassessment method. The primary endpoint of the trial will be an improvement in the Modified Ashworth Score (MAS) or the Numerical Rating Score (NRS) quantifying spasticity. The secondary outcomes will be based on the safety and pharmacokinetics of riluzole as well as its impact on muscle spasms, pain, bladder dysfunction and quality of life. Analyses will be performed before, during and after the treatment and the placebo-controlled period.

CONCLUSION

To the best of our knowledge, this clinical trial will be the first to document the safety and efficacy of riluzole as a means of reducing spasticity in patients with chronic SCI.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

The clinical trial, which is already in progress, was registered on the ClinicalTrials.gov website on August 9, 2016 under the registration number NCT02859792.

TRIAL SPONSOR

Assistance Publique-Hôpitaux de Marseille.

Valproic acid as adjuvant treatment for convulsive status epilepticus: a randomised clinical trial

BACKGROUND

Generalised convulsive status epilepticus (GCSE) is a medical emergency. Guidelines recommend a stepwise strategy of benzodiazepines followed by a second-line anti-seizure medicine (ASM). However, GCSE is uncontrolled in 20-40% patients and is associated with protracted hospitalisation, disability, and mortality. The objective was to determine whether valproic acid (VPA) as complementary treatment to the stepwise strategy improves the outcomes of patients with de novo established GCSE.

METHODS

This was a multicentre, double-blind, randomised controlled trial in 244 adults admitted to intensive care units for GCSE in 16 French hospitals between 2013 and 2018. Patients received standard care of benzodiazepine and a second-line ASM (except VPA). Intervention patients received a 30 mg/kg VPA loading dose, then a 1 mg/kg/h 12 h infusion, whilst the placebo group received an identical intravenous administration of 0.9% saline as a bolus and continuous infusion. Primary outcome was proportion of patients discharged from hospital by day 15. The secondary outcomes were seizure control, adverse events, and cognition at day 90.

RESULTS

A total of 126 (52%) and 118 (48%) patients were included in the VPA and placebo groups. 224 (93%) and 227 (93%) received a first-line and a second-line ASM before VPA or placebo infusion. There was no between-group difference for patients hospital-discharged at day 15 [VPA, 77 (61%) versus placebo, 72 (61%), adjusted relative risk 1.04; 95% confidence interval (0.89-1.19); p = 0.58]. There were no between-group differences for secondary outcomes.

CONCLUSIONS

VPA added to the recommended strategy for adult GCSE is well tolerated but did not increase the proportion of patients hospital-discharged by day 15.

TRIAL REGISTRATION NO

NCT01791868 (ClinicalTrials.gov registry), registered: 15 February 2012.

Effectiveness of a multicomponent intervention to reduce social isolation and loneliness in community-dwelling elders: A randomized clinical trial

AIMS

To assess the effect of a multicomponent intervention on reducing social isolation and loneliness and improving the quality of life in community-dwelling older adults.

DESIGN

A cluster-randomized controlled clinical trial.

METHODS

A total of 56 older adults participated in the control group and 63 older adults in the experimental group. The intervention consisted of 6 home-based face-to-face sessions, intercalated with 5 telephone calls and was conducted by nursing students and volunteer staff with experience in the subject. The study was conducted between April 2018 and December 2019. In terms of statistical analysis, several procedures were carried out: a statistical analysis per protocol and intention to treat, considering isolation, loneliness and quality of life as endpoints; a comparison of paired means, to analyse the behaviour of the outcome variables at baseline and the end of the study; and finally, a binary logistic regression analysis, considering social support as a dependent variable.

RESULTS

The study results do not show the effectiveness of the modified CARELINK programme, analysed as a whole, on the decrease in social isolation or loneliness or the improvement in HRQL. However, a detailed analysis of the behaviour of some of the variables during the study indicates some results that deserve to be commented on. Comparing the mean confidential support scores between the experimental and control group at the initial and final stages shows significant differences in the analysis by protocol, and close to statistical significance in the analysis by intention to treat. Comparing the paired means obtained in the experimental group, an improvement in emotional loneliness scores was found. Finally, the variables associated with the social support of the subjects at the end of the follow-up period were as follows: having people who help them and mobility.

CONCLUSION

Although the results obtained do not allow us to affirm that the intervention programme is effective, these same results point to improved confidential support and emotional loneliness in older adults participating in the intervention. Having people to help them and a greater degree of mobility are factors favouring the decrease in social isolation.

IMPACT

This study suggested that modified CARELINK, a multicomponent intervention performed by trained volunteers, could improve confidential support in community-dwelling older adults. It also reports the importance of considering the level of mobility and support networks as determinants of the improvement caused by the intervention.

Therapeutic Effects of Butyrate on Pediatric Obesity: A Randomized Clinical Trial

Importance

The pediatric obesity disease burden imposes the necessity of new effective strategies.

Objective

To determine whether oral butyrate supplementation as an adjunct to standard care is effective in the treatment of pediatric obesity.

Design, Setting, and Participants

A randomized, quadruple-blind, placebo-controlled trial was performed from November 1, 2020, to December 31, 2021, at the Tertiary Center for Pediatric Nutrition, Department of Translational Medical Science, University of Naples Federico II, Naples, Italy. Participants included children aged 5 to 17 years with body mass index (BMI) greater than the 95th percentile.

Interventions

Standard care for pediatric obesity supplemented with oral sodium butyrate, 20 mg/kg body weight per day, or placebo for 6 months was administered.

Main Outcomes and Measures

The main outcome was the decrease of at least 0.25 BMI SD scores at 6 months. The secondary outcomes were changes in waist circumference; fasting glucose, insulin, total cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, high-density lipoprotein cholesterol, triglyceride, ghrelin, microRNA-221, and interleukin-6 levels; homeostatic model assessment of insulin resistance (HOMA-IR); dietary and lifestyle habits; and gut microbiome structure. Intention-to-treat analysis was conducted.

Results

Fifty-four children with obesity (31 girls [57%], mean [SD] age, 11 [2.91] years) were randomized into the butyrate and placebo groups; 4 were lost to follow-up after receiving the intervention in the butyrate group and 2 in the placebo group. At intention-to-treat analysis (n = 54), children treated with butyrate had a higher rate of BMI decrease greater than or equal to 0.25 SD scores at 6 months (96% vs 56%, absolute benefit increase, 40%; 95% CI, 21% to 61%; P < .01). At per-protocol analysis (n = 48), the butyrate group showed the following changes as compared with the placebo group: waist circumference, -5.07 cm (95% CI, -7.68 to -2.46 cm; P < .001); insulin level, -5.41 μU/mL (95% CI, -10.49 to -0.34 μU/mL; P = .03); HOMA-IR, -1.14 (95% CI, -2.13 to -0.15; P = .02); ghrelin level, -47.89 μg/mL (95% CI, -91.80 to -3.98 μg/mL; P < .001); microRNA221 relative expression, -2.17 (95% CI, -3.35 to -0.99; P < .001); and IL-6 level, -4.81 pg/mL (95% CI, -7.74 to -1.88 pg/mL; P < .001). Similar patterns of adherence to standard care were observed in the 2 groups. Baseline gut microbiome signatures predictable of the therapeutic response were identified. Adverse effects included transient mild nausea and headache reported by 2 patients during the first month of butyrate intervention.

Conclusions and Relevance

Oral butyrate supplementation may be effective in the treatment of pediatric obesity.

Trial Registration

ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT04620057.

Clinically Meaningful Change in 6 Minute Walking Test and the Incremental Shuttle Walking Test following Coronary Artery Bypass Graft Surgery

The 6-min walk test (6MWT) and incremental shuttle walk test (ISWT) are widely used measures of exercise tolerance, which depict favorable performance characteristics in a variety of cardiac and pulmonary conditions. Both tests are valid and reliable method of assessing functional ability in cardiac rehabilitation population. Several studies have calculated the minimal clinically important difference (MCID) of these exercise tests in different populations. The current study aims to estimate MCID of 6MWT and ISWT in patients after Coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) surgery. In this descriptive observational study, nonprobability purposive sampling technique was used to assess 89 post CABG patients. The participants performed the 6MWT and ISWT along with vital monitoring on third, fifth and seventh post operative days. The data was with calculation of 6MWT and ISWT MCID through distribution and anchor-based methods. Results showed significant improvement (p < 0.001) in 6MWT as well as in ISWT after seven days of in-patient cardiac rehabilitation. The minimal detectable difference of 6MWT determined by the distribution-based method was 36.11 whereas MCID calculated by Anchor based method was 195 m. The minimal detectable difference of ISWT determined by the distribution-based method was 9.94 whereas MCID calculated by Anchor based method was 42.5 m. In conclusion our results will assist the future researchers and clinicians to interpret clinical trials as well as to observe the clinical course of post operative cardiac patients.

Characteristic analysis of clinical trials for new traditional Chinese medicines in mainland China from 2013 to 2021

Objective

Based on the clinical trials registered on the platform for the registry and publicity of clinical drug trials of the National Medical Products Administration (NMPA), the registration and approval of clinical trials of traditional Chinese medicines (TCMs) in mainland China from 2013 to 2021 were reviewed.

Methods

Clinical trials of new TCMs published in Chinese were retrieved from the platform for the registry and publicity of clinical drug trials. The number of registered trials and approved trials, status of clinical trials, therapeutic area of clinical trials for the treatment of diseases, type of trial design, sample size, sponsors, and leading clinical trial centers were evaluated.

Results

From 2013 to 2021, a total of 965 clinical trials of new drugs applied in TCM were registered on the aforementioned NMPA platform, comprising 117 phase I trials, 586 phase II trials, 174 phase III trials, 40 phase IV trials, and 48 other clinical trials. The treatment fields included the respiratory system, alimentary tract and metabolism, genetic system and reproductive hormones, and cardiovascular system. Among the 760 phase II and phase III trials, 98.9% were randomized, 95.4% were double-blind, and 98.2% were parallel controlled trials, and the proportion of placebo-controlled trials increased year by year from 2013 to 2021. From 2013 to 2021, 123 new TCMs were approved in mainland China.

Conclusion

From 2015 to 2021, the number of registered clinical trials of new TCMs remained low. The approval rate was also low, but the clinical trial design was greatly improved.

Treatment-based classification for low back pain: systematic review with meta-analysis

OBJECTIVE

To systematically review the effects of treatment-based classification (TBC) in patients with specific and nonspecific acute, subacute and chronic low back pain.

METHODS

The following databases were searched: MEDLINE, EMBASE, PsycINFO, Global Health, CENTRAL, Web of Science, CINAHL, SPORTDiscus, PEDro and WHO from inception up to December 2021. We used the PEDro scale, the TIDieR checklist and the GRADE approach to evaluate the risk of bias, quality on reporting and the certainty of the evidence, respectively.

RESULTS

Twenty-three trials (pooled n = 2,649) met the inclusion criteria. We have identified a total of 22 comparisons and 134 estimates of treatment effects. There was a very large heterogeneity with regards to the comparison groups. Most of individual trials had low risk of bias with a mean score of 6.8 (SD = 1.3) on a 0-10 scale. The certainty of evidence for most comparisons was low, which indicates that more high quality and robust trials are needed. We were able to pool the data using a meta-analysis approach for only two comparisons (TBC versus mobility exercises in patients with acute low back pain and traction for patients with sciatica). In general, the TBC approach seems to be useful for patients with acute low back pain, sciatica and with spinal stenosis. We strongly suggest readers to carefully read our summary of findings table for further details on each comparison.

CONCLUSION

The TBC approach seems to be useful for patients with acute low back pain, sciatica and with spinal stenosis.

Publication ethics of human studies in the light of the Declaration of Helsinki – a mini-review

The Declaration of Helsinki is a set of ethical principles to be followed by scientists involved in medical research with humans or human cells and tissues. This Declaration defines how scientific research should be planned, carried out, documented, analysed, and published. We summarise and discuss some ethical issues related to publishing original articles, including clinical trials, review papers, and case reports based on the seventh revision of the Declaration of Helsinki. The principles of the Declaration of Helsinki refer most strongly to the publication of medical research results, in particular clinical trials, as original articles. Such papers must meet several ethical requirements, especially the study protocol transparency and the presentation of the results. For case reports, the bioethical aspects related to their publication are twofold - they must include informed and voluntary consent and the confidentiality of study participants. The review papers are of the least bioethical concern. However, whether patients' agreements with specific studies are valid if the data are used in meta-analyses is uncertain. Adherence to ethical policies and standards helps to ensure the highest possible quality of scientific publications. Responsibility for compliance with the Declaration of Helsinki lies not only with the authors preparing their manuscripts but also with the editorial board and reviewers, who must evaluate the ethical soundness of the submitted papers. The additional guidelines for the different types of studies facilitate the implementation of the Declaration principles.

Conditions for Feasibility of a Multicomponent Intervention to Reduce Social Isolation and Loneliness in Noninstitutionalized Older Adults

AIMS

To identify the factors conditioning the feasibility of an intervention to reduce social isolation and loneliness in noninstitutionalized older adults from the perspective of the intervention agents.

DESIGN

A Dimensional Grounded Theory study conducted from December 2019 to January 2020.

METHODS

Twelve participants were recruited from an experimental study developed in a health district of a southern Spanish city. Data were collected through focus group meetings, individual interviews, biograms, anecdote notebooks, and the field diaries of two participants not included in the other techniques. Transcripts were analyzed using thematic analysis.

FINDINGS

Findings were divided into three themes: (a) the elderly between the walls of loneliness, economic difficulties, losses, and the past; (b) intervention agents/volunteers between the walls of inexperience in the management of psychological/emotional processes, lack of moral authority, and difficulty in planning results adapted to the (elderly) person; and (c) intervention between the walls of (interest in) company and assistance at home, lack of involvement ("waiting for you to save them"), and withdrawal/"abandonment".

CONCLUSION

A profile of the specialized intervention agent, professionalized (or at least a mentored agent), with both technical and relational competencies; a clear understanding of the purposes of the intervention (empowerment, as opposed to having company or being helped with household chores) and the commitment to active participation by the elder; or adequate management of the completion of the intervention (flexibility, attachment management) are some of the main factors contributing to the feasibility of these approaches.

IMPACT

The findings have potential implications in the field of primary healthcare because primary and community healthcare services can implement corrections to the proposed intervention and ensure its effectiveness under feasible conditions. The nurse is shown as the most appropriate profile to conduct this intervention, although more research is needed to analyze the feasibility of this type of intervention in the daily practice of community nurses.

The Frequency of Rh Phenotype and Its Probable Genotype

Aims and objectives: Our goal is to disseminate data on the distribution pattern of Rh antigen, its phenotypes, and the likely genotypes of these genetic variants in the Pakistani population.

Methodology: This study was a cross-sectional research project. Patients’ demographic statistics, such as age and gender, were gathered from their medical information. Blood group, disease, RhD, and other antigen frequency, phenotype, and probable genotype were considered variables. All blood samples were phenotyped for Rhesus antigens (D, C, c, E, and e), and the test was carried out using the tubing technique.

Results: According to gender distribution, most of the patients were males, with 131 frequencies (57.7%), while females had 42.35%. The most common phenotype was DCCee, with its probable genotype DCe/DCe (R1 R1) (34%), followed by DCcee, with probable genotype DCe/ce (R1 r) (29.1%); the least common phenotype was ddCcee, with its probable genotype Ce/ce (r ' r) (0.4%).

Conclusion: It is concluded that the DCCee phenotype was the most common with its probable genotype DCe/DCe, while the least common phenotype was ddCcee with its probable genotype Ce/ce.

Comparison of the effects of velocity-based vs. traditional resistance training methods on adaptations in strength, power, and sprint speed: A systematic review, meta-analysis, and quality of evidence appraisal

We estimated the effectiveness of using velocity feedback to regulate resistance training load on changes in muscle strength, power, and linear sprint speed in apparently healthy participants. Academic and grey literature databases were systematically searched to identify randomised trials that compared a velocity-based training intervention to a 'traditional' resistance training intervention that did not use velocity feedback. Standardised mean differences (SMDs) were pooled using a random effects model. Risk of bias was assessed with the Risk of Bias 2 tool and the quality of evidence was evaluated using the GRADE approach. Four trials met the eligibility criteria, comprising 27 effect estimates and 88 participants. The main analyses showed trivial differences and imprecise interval estimates for effects on muscle strength (SMD 0.06, 95% CI -0.51-0.63; I² = 42.9%; 10 effects from 4 studies; low-quality evidence), power (SMD 0.11, 95% CI -0.28-0.49; I² = 13.5%; 10 effects from 3 studies; low-quality evidence), and sprint speed (SMD -0.10, 95% CI -0.72-0.53; I² = 30.0%; 7 effects from 2 studies; very low-quality evidence). The results were robust to various sensitivity analyses. In conclusion, there is currently no evidence that VBT and traditional resistance training methods lead to different alterations in muscle strength, power, or linear sprint speed.

Perceptions of Participants on Trial Participation and Adherence to Tai Chi: A Qualitative Study

PURPOSE

Trial participation and adherence to interventions can directly influence the evaluation of outcomes in clinical trials for real world applications. The factors that influence trial participation and adherence to Tai Chi interventions in people with cardiovascular diseases remains unknown. This study aimed to explore participants' perceptions of influential factors on their trial participation and adherence to a Tai Chi intervention within a trial setting.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Participants had coronary heart disease and/or hypertension in a randomized controlled trial comparing Tai Chi with a waitlist control. Data were collected via face-to-face, semi-structured interviews and analyzed using thematic analysis.

RESULTS

Thirty-four participants from the Tai Chi group who completed the randomized trial were interviewed. Six dominating themes and four sub-themes are discussed under the facilitators of internal and external motivation, positive feelings, benefits of Tai Chi and future practice with an overall internal motivation to improve health. Positive feelings had three sub-themes: positive feelings toward Tai Chi, the project, and the learning experience. The Tai Chi instructor(s) was found to be a crucial element in motivating participants' adherence to Tai Chi.

CONCLUSION

From the perception of participants, the facilitators to their trial participation and adherence to a Tai Chi intervention included internal and external motivation, positive feelings towards Tai Chi, the project and the learning experience, and perceived benefits of Tai Chi. Perceived barriers included concerns about the safety and complexity of Tai Chi practice, lack of group atmosphere outside of class, and scheduling conflicts. Future researchers can address these factors to improve trial recruitment and implementation of Tai Chi and other mind-body interventions in research and for real world applications.

Prospective trial registration and publication rates of randomized clinical trials in digital health: A cross-sectional analysis of global trial registries

Objectives

We sought to examine the prevalence of prospective registration and publication rates in digital health trials.

Materials and Methods

We included 417 trials that enrolled participants in 2012 and were registered in any of the 17 WHO data provider registries. The evaluation of the prospective trial registration was based on the actual difference between the registration and enrollment dates. We identified existing publications through an automated PubMed search by every trial registration number as well as a pragmatic search in PubMed and Google based on extracted metadata from the trial registries.

Results

The prospective registration and publication rates were at (38.4%) and (65.5%), respectively. We identified a statistically significant ( p < 0.001) “Selective Registration Bias” with 95.7% of trials published within a year after registration, were registered retrospectively. We reported a statistically significant relationship ( p = 0.003) between prospective registration and funding sources, with industry-funded trials having the lowest compliance with prospective registration at (14.3%). The lowest non-publication rates were in the Middle East (26.7%) and Europe (28%), and the highest were in Asia (56.5%) and the U.S. (42.5%). We found statistically significant differences ( p < 0.001) between trial location and funding sources with the highest percentage of industry-funded trials in Asia (17.4%) and the U.S. (3.3%).

Conclusion

The adherence of investigators to the best practices of trial registration and result dissemination is still evolving in digital health trials. Further research is required to identify contributing factors and mitigation strategies to low compliance rate with trial publication and prospective registration in digital health trials.

Free-Living Physical Activity and Sedentary Behaviour in Autoimmune Myasthenia Gravis: A Cross-Sectional Study

BACKGROUND

Muscle weakness and fatigability, the prominent symptoms of autoimmune myasthenia gravis (MG), negatively impact daily function and quality of life (QoL). It is currently unclear as to what extent symptoms limit activity and whether physical activity (PA) behaviours are associated with reduced QoL.

OBJECTIVES

This study aimed to describe habitual PA patterns and explore relationships between PA metrics, clinical MG characteristics, and health-related QoL (HRQoL).

METHODS

PA data from a tri-axial trunk accelerometer worn for seven days, was collected from females with generalized, stable MG and compared to control subjects. MG-specific evaluations, the six-minute walk test and knee extension strength were assessed in individuals with MG (IwMG). Mann-Whitney tests were used to study between-group differences. Spearman rank correlation coefficient was performed to explore relationships between variables.

RESULTS

Thirty-three IwMG (mean (SD) age 45 (11) years) and 66 control subjects were included. IwMG perform less vigorous-intensity PA than control subjects (p = 0.001), spend more time sedentary (p = 0.02) and engage in less and shorter durations of moderate-vigorous-intensity PA (MVPA). For IwMG, habitual PA correlated positively with 6 min walking distance (rho = 0.387, p = 0.029) and negatively with body mass index (rho = -0.407, p = 0.019). We did not find any association between PA or sedentary behaviour and; HRQoL, symptom severity nor lower limb strength.

CONCLUSIONS

Individuals with stable MG perform less PA, at lower intensities, and are more inactive than control individuals. Further research is warranted to understand factors influencing PA patterns in MG and whether interventions could be successful in increasing PA quantity and intensity in IwMG.

Uncovering the Bone-Muscle Interaction and Its Implications for the Health and Function of Older Adults (the Wellderly Project): Protocol for a Randomized Controlled Crossover Trial

BACKGROUND

Bone and muscle are closely linked anatomically, biochemically, and metabolically. Acute exercise affects both bone and muscle, implying a crosstalk between the two systems. However, how these two systems communicate is still largely unknown. We will explore the role of undercarboxylated osteocalcin (ucOC) in this crosstalk. ucOC is involved in glucose metabolism and has a potential role in muscle maintenance and metabolism.

OBJECTIVE

The proposed trial will determine if circulating ucOC levels in older adults at baseline and following acute exercise are associated with parameters of muscle function and if the ucOC response to exercise varies between older adults with low muscle quality and those with normal or high muscle quality.

METHODS

A total of 54 men and women aged 60 years or older with no history of diabetes and warfarin and vitamin K use will be recruited. Screening tests will be performed, including those for functional, anthropometric, and clinical presentation. On the basis of muscle quality, a combined equation of lean mass (leg appendicular skeletal muscle mass in kg) and strength (leg press; one-repetition maximum), participants will be stratified into a high or low muscle function group and randomized into the controlled crossover acute intervention. Three visits will be performed approximately 7 days apart, and acute aerobic exercise, acute resistance exercise, and a control session (rest) will be completed in any order. Our primary outcome for this study is the effect of acute exercise on ucOC in older adults with low muscle function and those with high muscle function.

RESULTS

The trial is active and ongoing. Recruitment began in February 2018, and 38 participants have completed the study as of May 26, 2019.

CONCLUSIONS

This study will provide novel insights into bone and muscle crosstalk in older adults, potentially identifying new clinical biomarkers and mechanistic targets for drug treatments for sarcopenia and other related musculoskeletal conditions.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

Australia New Zealand Clinical Trials Registry ACTRN12618001756213; https://www.anzctr.org.au/Trial/Registration/TrialReview.aspx?id=375925.

INTERNATIONAL REGISTERED REPORT IDENTIFIER (IRRID)

DERR1-10.2196/18777.

Comparison of Corticosteroid Tapering Regimens in Myasthenia Gravis: A Randomized Clinical Trial

Importance

The tapering of prednisone therapy in generalized myasthenia gravis (MG) presents a therapeutic dilemma; however, the recommended regimen has not yet been validated.

Objective

To compare the efficacy of the standard slow-tapering regimen of prednisone therapy with a rapid-tapering regimen.

Design

From June 1, 2009, to July 31, 2013, a multicenter, parallel, single-blind randomized trial was conducted to compare 2 regimens of prednisone tapering. Data analysis was conducted from February 18, 2019, to January 23, 2020. A total of 2291 adults with a confirmed diagnosis of moderate to severe generalized MG at 7 specialized centers in France were assessed for eligibility.

Interventions

The slow-tapering arm included a gradual increase of the prednisone dose to 1.5 mg/kg every other day and a slow decrease once minimal manifestation status of MG was attained. The rapid-tapering arm consisted of immediate high-dose daily administration of prednisone, 0.75 mg/kg, followed by an earlier and rapid decrease once improved MG status was attained. Azathioprine, up to a maximum dose of 3 mg/kg/d, was prescribed for all participants.

Main Outcomes and Measures

The primary outcome was attainment of minimal manifestation status of MG without prednisone at 12 months and without clinical relapse at 15 months. Intention-to-treat analysis was conducted.

Results

Of the 2291 patients assessed, 2086 did not fulfill the inclusion criteria, 87 declined to participate, and 1 patient registered after trial closure. A total of 117 patients (58 in the slow-tapering arm and 59 in the rapid-tapering arm) were selected for inclusion by MG specialists and were randomized. The population included 62 men (53%); median age was 65 years (interquartile range, 35-69 years). The proportion of patients having met the primary outcome was higher in the rapid- vs slow-tapering arm (23 [39%] vs 5 [9%]), with a risk ratio of 3.61 (95% CI, 1.64-7.97; P < .001) after adjusting for center and thymectomy. The rapid-tapering regimen allowed sparing of a mean of 1898 mg (95% CI, -3121 to -461 mg) of prednisone over 1 year (ie, 5.3 mg/d per patient, P = .03). The number of serious adverse events did not differ significantly between the slow- vs rapid-tapering group (13 [22%] vs 21 [36%], P = .15).

Conclusions and Relevance

In patients with moderate to severe generalized MG who require high-dose prednisone with azathioprine therapy, rapid tapering of prednisone appears to be feasible, well tolerated, and associated with a good outcome.

Trial Registration

ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT00987116.

Inherited Bleeding Disorders in Pediatric Patients; experience of the national referral center in Iraq

Background

Inherited bleeding disorders can lead to lifelong bleeding; they are mainly caused by quantitative or qualitative defect of coagulation factors, von Willebrand factor (VWF) or platelets. No published data are available about the different types of inherited bleeding disorders in Iraq.

Objectives

To describe types, severity and presentation of inherited bleeding disorders in pediatric patients in the major referral center in Iraq.

Patients and Methods

This is a cohort prospective descriptive study conducted at the National Center of Hematology, a referral center for bleeding disorders in Baghdad-Iraq, from January 2015 to December 2019. One hundred ninety-one patients, aged 1 day to 14 years, with suspected inherited bleeding disorder are included in this study. Each patient was interviewed, accompanied by a chaperone, mostly parent(s), with revision of personal and familial bleeding history, conducting a brief medical examination, and withdrawing blood for complete blood count, peripheral blood film, bleeding time, PT and APTT. Further investigations including mixing studies, lupus anticoagulant, clotting factor activity, VWF:antigen (VWF:Ag), VWF: Ristocetin cofactor (VWF:RiCof) and platelet function tests using light transmission aggregometry were performed only if indicated.

Results

The mean ± 1SD of age of patients is 5.3 ± 3 years, with a male:female ratio of 1.3:1. Family history of a similar bleeding disorder is recorded in 44.9% patients (P < 0.05). Consanguineous marriage was observed in 70.8% of the families (P < 0.001). The most prevalent inherited bleeding disorder is von Willebrand disease (VWD) (43.9%), of which type 3 is the most common (86.9%). Thrombasthenia is the second most prevalent (39.8%) inherited bleeding disorder; of these, the majority have Glanzmann's thrombasthenia (82.9%). Hemophilia A is found in 9.4% of patients.

Conclusion

Type 3 VWD, Glanzmann's thrombasthenia and hemophilia A are the most common inherited bleeding disorders in the central part of Iraq, collectively they constitute  >86% of patients. Consanguineous marriage should be discouraged in our society to decrease hereditary bleeding disorders. Also, there is a need to increase awareness and knowledge of bleeding disorders to improve early identification, mitigate the risk of further bleeding and prevent complications.

What makes a great clinical trial in physiotherapy?

Objective: To identify common characteristics of landmark physiotherapy clinical trials.Methods: The Physiotherapy Evidence Database (PEDro) top five trials were compared to 91 physiotherapy trials published in top medical journals and 99 trials randomly selected from PEDro on the following characteristics: PEDro score, sample size, number of trial sites, use of prospective registration, positive or negative trial, citations, citations in guidelines, Altmetric score, impact factor, publications and citations of first and last author, and PEDro codes (sub-discipline, topic, problem, therapy, and body part). Trials were published from 2014 to 2019. One-way independent ANOVA and Chi-squared test evaluated between-group differences.Results: Compared to a random sample of physiotherapy trials, the PEDro top five trials and trials in top medical journals have higher PEDro scores, larger sample sizes, more study sites, more citations (including in guidelines), higher Altmetric scores, more likely to be prospectively registered, less likely to be positive trials, and have first and last authors with more citations and publications. The problem was the only PEDro code was distributed differently across the trial groups.Conclusion: The PEDro top five trials and physiotherapy trials published in the top medical journals have characteristics that may inform the design, conduct, and reporting of future physiotherapy trials.

Trials number, funding support, and intervention type associated with IPDMA data retrieval: a cross-sectional study

OBJECTIVES

This study aimed to investigate the predictors for high data retrieval and the reporting of individual participant data meta-analyses (IPDMAs).

STUDY DESIGN AND SETTING

We searched EMBASE, MEDLINE, and the Cochrane Library for articles pertaining to IPDMA from 2011 to 2019. Only IPDMA assessing treatment effects, including randomized controlled trials (RCTs), were included. Adherence to the PRISMA-IPD guideline was checked.

RESULTS

A total of 210 IPDMA covering 18 diseases were sampled; 80 (38.1%) and 123 (58.6%) of the IPDMA retrieved IPD from all and ≥80% RCTs, respectively. Non-Cochrane reviews, IPDMA on nonpharmacological interventions, analyses of smaller numbers of RCTs, and having funding supports were predictors of complete IPD retrieval. Owners of RCTs had an increased probability of obtaining IPD. Only 4.3% described the eligibility criteria covering all the PICO components, 11.0% reported the methods for assessing risk of bias across studies, 11.4% mentioned the IPD integrity, and 9.0% presented detailed results of syntheses.

CONCLUSION

IPD retrieval and reporting was not satisfactory among the published IPDMA. Encouraging RCT owners to conduct or join in the IPDMA is a potential strategy to maximize the IPD retrieval. IPDMA are suggested to adhere to the PRISMA-IPD guideline during reporting.

Learning musculoskeletal anatomy through new technologies: a randomized clinical trial

Objective:

to investigate the influence of the application of new methodologies on learning and the motivation of students of the Anatomy discipline.

Method:

randomized, longitudinal, prospective, intervention study. Sixty-two students were recruited to assess the impact of different methodologies. The sample was randomized to compare the results of teaching with a 3D atlas, ultrasound and the traditional method. The parameters were assessed through a satisfaction evaluation questionnaire and anatomical charts. Repeated measures ANOVA was used to determine statistical significance.

Results:

in terms of the usefulness of the seminars, 98.1% of the students considered them to be very positive or positive, stating that they had stimulated their interest in anatomy. The students who learned with the 3D atlas improved their understanding of anatomy (p=0.040). In general, the students improved their grades by around 20%.

Conclusion:

the traditional method combined with new technologies increases the interest of students in human anatomy and enables them to acquire skills and competencies during the learning process.

"Study protocol for the ≥65 years NOrthern jutland Cohort of Fall risk Assessment with Objective measurements (the NOCfao study)"

Background

Accidental falls are common among community-dwellers, probably due to the level of physical activity and impaired postural stability. Today, fall risk prediction tools’ discriminative validity are only moderate. In order to increase the accuracy, multiple variables such as highly validated objective field measurements of physical activity and impaired postural stability should be adressed in order to predict falls. The main aim of this paper is to describe the ≥65 years NOrthern jutland Cohort of Fall risk Assessment with Objective measurements (NOCfao) investigating the association between physical activity and impaired postural stability and the risk of fall episodes among community-dwelling older adults.

Methods

The study consists of a baseline session where the participants are asked to respond to three questionnaires, perform physical tests (i.e., measuring strength in the upper and lower extremities, balance, and walking speed), participate in an assessment of pain sensitivity, and to wear an ankle mounted pedometer for measuring physical activity for 5 days. Subsequently, the fall incidences and the circumstances surrounding the falls during the previous 1 to 2 months will be recorded throughout a one-year follow-up period.

Discussion

This study will add to the present-day understanding of the association between physical activity and impaired postural stability and the risk of fall episodes among community-dwelling older adults. These data will provide valid and reliable information on the relationship between these variables and their significance for community-dwelling older adults.

Trial registration

ClinicalTrials.gov identifier: NCT2995317. Registered December 13th, 2016.

Prospective registration and reporting of trial number in randomised clinical trials: global cross sectional study of the adoption of ICMJE and Declaration of Helsinki recommendations

OBJECTIVES

To evaluate the compliance with prospective registration and inclusion of the trial registration number (TRN) in published randomised controlled trials (RCTs), and to analyse the rationale behind, and detect selective registration bias in, retrospective trial registration.

DESIGN

Cross sectional analysis.

DATA SOURCES

PubMed, the 17 World Health Organization's trial registries, University of Toronto library, International Committee of Medical Journal Editors (ICMJE) list of member journals, and the InCites Journal Citation Reports.

STUDY SELECTION CRITERIA

RCTs registered in any WHO trial registry and published in any PubMed indexed journal in 2018.

RESULTS

This study included 10 500 manuscripts published in 2105 journals. Overall, 71.2% (7473/10500) reported the TRN and 41.7% (3013/7218) complied with prospective trial registration. The univariable and multivariable analyses reported significant relations (P<0.05) between reporting the TRN and the impact factor and ICMJE membership of the publishing journal. A significant relation (P<0.05) was also observed between prospective trial registration and the registry, region, condition, funding, trial size, interval between paper registration and submission dates, impact factor, and ICMJE membership of the publishing journal. A manuscript published in an ICMJE member journal was 5.8 times more likely to include the TRN (odds ratio 5.8, 95% confidence interval 4.0 to 8.2), and a published trial was 1.8 times more likely to be registered prospectively (1.8, 1.5 to 2.2) when published in an ICMJE member journal compared with other journals. This study detected a new form of bias, selective registration bias, with a higher proportion (85.2% (616/723)) of trials registered retrospectively within a year of submission for publication. Higher rates of retrospective registrations were observed within the first three to eight weeks after enrolment of study participants. Within the 286 RCTs registered retrospectively and published in an ICMJE member journal, only 2.8% (8/286) of the authors included a statement justifying the delayed registration. Reasons included lack of awareness, error of omission, and the registration process taking longer than anticipated.

CONCLUSIONS

This study found a high compliance in reporting of the TRN for trial papers published in ICMJE member journals, but prospective trial registration was low.

Association Between Everyday Technology Use, Activities of Daily Living and Health-Related Quality of Life in Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease

Purpose

A decline in the ability to perform activities of daily living (ADL) and ability to use everyday technology can pose threats to independent living, healthcare management and quality of life (QOL) of patients suffering from chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Evidence of the relationship between these variables remains limited. The dual aim of this study was, first, to investigate if health-related QOL (HRQOL) was associated with quality in ADL performance and everyday technology use; second, to examine whether lung function, years with COPD diagnosis, living status or educational level affected physical and mental domains of HRQOL.

Methods

This cross-sectional study included (N=80) participants aged 46-87 years recruited at healthcare centres in the Northern Region of Denmark using a convenience sampling procedure. Data were gathered through standardized assessments and analysed using multiple regression analysis.

Results

The regression model explained 50.6% (R2=0.506) of the variation in HRQOL-physical. The following four variables were statistically significantly associated with HRQOL - physical: years since COPD diagnosis (p=0.023), ability to use everyday technology (p=0.006), amount of relevant everyday technologies (p=0.015) and ADL motor ability (p<0.01). The regression model explained 22.80% (R2=0.228) of HRQOL - mental. Only the variable ability to use everyday technology was statistically significantly associated with HRQOL - mental (p=0.009).

Conclusion

Quality of ADL performance and everyday technology use seem to be associated with HRQOL in people living with COPD. The only demographic variable associated with HRQOL was years with COPD. This indicates that healthcare professionals should enhance their attention also to ADL-performance and everyday technology use when striving to increase the HRQOL of persons living with COPD.

Effects of Osteopathic Visceral Treatment in Patients with Gastroesophageal Reflux: A Randomized Controlled Trial

Osteopathic manual treatment has been recommended as a non-pharmacological therapy for Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD). However, to date, no study has supported the effectiveness of this intervention with respect to the symptoms of the disease. Our goal was to assess the effect of an osteopathic manual technique for the lower esophageal sphincter on GERD symptoms, cervical mobility and on the C4 spinous process pressure pain threshold (PPTs).

METHODS

A randomized, double-blind placebo-controlled trial was performed. Sixty subjects suffering from GERD participated in this study and were randomly assigned to either an experimental group (EG) (n = 29), who received the osteopathic technique for the lower esophageal sphincter, or to a control group (CG) (n = 31), who received a manual contact, which mimicked the osteopathic technique without exerting any therapeutic force. Randomization was computer-generated, with allocation concealed by sequentially numbered, opaque, sealed envelopes. The GerdQ questionnaire was used to assess symptom changes the week after intervention. Cervical Range of Motion (CROM) and algometer were used to evaluate cervical mobility and PPTs before and after both treatments. Before-after between groups comparison (t-test) was used for statistical analysis of the outcome, with two measurement points (GerdQ), while repeated-measures ANOVA was used for those outcomes with four measurement points (CROM and PPT).

RESULTS

The application of the osteopathic manual treatment in subjects with GERD produced a significant improvement in symptoms one week after the intervention (p = 0.005) with a between-groups difference of 1.49 points in GerdQ score (95% CI: 0.47-2.49). PPT C4 improved in the EG after the treatment (p = 0.034; η² = 0.048) (between-groups difference 8.78 Newton/cm²; 95% CI: 0.48-17.09). CROM also increased in the EG compared to the CG (p < 0.001; η² = 0.108) (between-groups difference 33.89 degrees; 95% CI: 15.17-52.61).

CONCLUSIONS

The manual osteopathic technique produces an improvement in GERD symptoms one week after treatment, cervical mobility, and PPTs. This may mean that osteopathic treatment is useful for improving symptoms of GERD.

Effect of medications and epidural steroid injections on fractures in postmenopausal women with osteoporosis

Osteoporosis is a common problem, especially among postmenopausal women. Postmenopausal women with osteoporosis have major risk factors for osteoporotic fractures. The abuse of epidural steroid injections (ESIs) or the misunderstanding of their proper use could cause osteoporotic fractures. Therefore, we aimed to investigate whether ESIs are associated with osteoporotic fractures in postmenopausal women with low back pain and osteoporosis. Furthermore, we aimed to provide evidence on whether ESIs could be used in postmenopausal women with osteoporosis who are at high risk for osteoporotic fractures.We reviewed the medical records of postmenopausal women with osteoporosis but no fractures. A total of 172 postmenopausal women were divided into 2 groups. Group 1 comprised patients receiving medications and Group 2 comprised patients receiving ESIs. All participants received medications for treating osteoporosis. Each patient's age, bone mineral density, body mass index, medical history, and status with respect to smoking, drinking, physical activity, and exercise were obtained using a questionnaire and medical records.The mean total number of ESIs was 6.2, and the mean cumulative administered dose of glucocorticoids (dexamethasone) was 31 mg. The incidences of fractures in the medication and ESI groups were 22% and 24%, respectively, in the thoracolumbar spine, and 2% and 5%, respectively, in the hip joint.There was no significant difference in the incidences of osteoporotic fractures at the thoraco-lumbar spine and hip joint in postmenopausal women with osteoporosis between those who received ESIs (a mean of 6.2 ESIs, a cumulative dexamethasone dose of 31 mg) and those who did not, with both groups taking anti-osteoporotic medications for low back pain. Our data suggest that ESI treatment using a mean of 6.2 ESIs to deliver a maximum cumulative dexamethasone dose of 31 mg could be safely used in postmenopausal women with osteoporosis, without any significant impact on the their risk for osteoporotic fractures.

Effect and feasibility of non-linear periodized resistance training in people with COPD: study protocol for a randomized controlled trial

BACKGROUND

In people with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), limb-muscle dysfunction is one of the most troublesome systemic manifestations of the disease, which at the functional level is evidenced by reduced strength and endurance of limb muscles. Improving limb-muscle function is an important therapeutic goal of COPD management, for which resistance training is recommended. However, current guidelines for resistance training in COPD mainly focus on improving muscle strength which only reflects one aspect of limb-muscle function and does not address the issue of reduced muscle endurance. The latter is of importance considering that the reduction in limb-muscle endurance often is greater than that of muscle weakness, and also, limb-muscle endurance seems to be closer related to walking capacity as well as arm function than to limb-muscle strength within this group of people. Thus, strategies targeting multiple aspects of the decreased muscle function are warranted to increase the possibility for an optimal effect for the individual patient. Periodized resistance training, which represents a planned variation of resistance training variables (i.e., volume, intensity, frequency, etc.), is one strategy that could be used to target limb-muscle strength as well as limb-muscle endurance within the same exercise regimen.

METHODS

This is an international, multicenter, randomized controlled trial comparing the effect and feasibility of non-linear periodized resistance training to traditional non-periodized resistance training in people with COPD. Primary outcomes are dynamic limb-muscle strength and endurance. Secondary outcomes include static limb-muscle strength and endurance, functional performance, quality of life, dyspnea, intramuscular adaptations as well as the proportion of responders. Feasibility of the training programs will be assessed and compared on attendance rate, duration, satisfaction, drop-outs as well as occurrence and severity of any adverse events.

DISCUSSION

The proposed trial will provide new knowledge to this research area by investigating and comparing the feasibility and effects of non-linear periodized resistance training compared to traditional non-periodized resistance training. If the former strategy produces larger physiological adaptations than non-periodized resistance training, this project may influence the prescription of resistance training in people with COPD.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

ClinicalTrials.gov, ID: NCT03518723 . Registered on 13 April 2018.

Nonpublication Rates and Characteristics of Registered Randomized Clinical Trials in Digital Health: Cross-Sectional Analysis

BACKGROUND

Clinical trials are key to advancing evidence-based medical research. The medical research literature has identified the impact of publication bias in clinical trials. Selective publication for positive outcomes or nonpublication of negative results could misdirect subsequent research and result in literature reviews leaning toward positive outcomes. Digital health trials face specific challenges, including a high attrition rate, usability issues, and insufficient formative research. These challenges may contribute to nonpublication of the trial results. To our knowledge, no study has thus far reported the nonpublication rates of digital health trials.

OBJECTIVE

The primary research objective was to evaluate the nonpublication rate of digital health randomized clinical trials registered in ClinicalTrials.gov. Our secondary research objective was to determine whether industry funding contributes to nonpublication of digital health trials.

METHODS

To identify digital health trials, a list of 47 search terms was developed through an iterative process and applied to the "Title," "Interventions," and "Outcome Measures" fields of registered trials with completion dates between April 1, 2010, and April 1, 2013. The search was based on the full dataset exported from the ClinlicalTrials.gov database, with 265,657 trials entries downloaded on February 10, 2018, to allow publication of studies within 5 years of trial completion. We identified publications related to the results of the trials through a comprehensive approach that included an automated and manual publication-identification process.

RESULTS

In total, 6717 articles matched the a priori search terms, of which 803 trials matched our latest completion date criteria. After screening, 556 trials were included in this study. We found that 150 (27%) of all included trials remained unpublished 5 years after their completion date. In bivariate analyses, we observed statistically significant differences in trial characteristics between published and unpublished trials in terms of the intervention target condition, country, trial size, trial phases, recruitment, and prospective trial registration. In multivariate analyses, differences in trial characteristics between published and unpublished trials remained statistically significant for the intervention target condition, country, trial size, trial phases, and recruitment; the odds of publication for non-US-based trials were significant, and these trials were 3.3 (95% CI 1.845-5.964) times more likely to be published than US-based trials. We observed a trend of 1.5 times higher nonpublication rates for industry-funded trials. However, the trend was not statistically significant.

CONCLUSIONS

In the domain of digital health, 27% of registered clinical trials results are unpublished, which is lower than nonpublication rates in other fields. There are substantial differences in nonpublication rates between trials funded by industry and nonindustry sponsors. Further research is required to define the determinants and reasons for nonpublication and, more importantly, to articulate the impact and risk of publication bias in the field of digital health trials.

Inherited Bleeding Disorders in Iraq and Consanguineous Marriage

Background: Consanguineous marriage is defined as inbreeding between second cousins or closer. In such families there will be a potential increase in the autosomal recessive traits with its lethal effect, with an increased risk of morbidity and mortality in the new generation. Inherited bleeding disorders (InBDs) are rare complicated diseases, difficult and expensive to treat, the defect usually due to quantitative or qualitative deficiency of clotting factors, platelets or fibrinolysis. This study attempts to assess the diversity, the frequency and the clinical features of inherited bleeding disorders (InBDs) in central part of Iraq and to determine the state of consanguineous marriage. Materials and Methods: This is a prospective cross-sectional study conducted in the National Center of Hematology NCH, Baghdad, Iraq between June2014 and June 2017. In total, 256 pediatrics and adult patients were included. Full bleeding history, family history, drug history and consanguineous marriage were recorded and followed by medical examination. First-line laboratory tests were performed and then were followed by further tests included mixing study, lupus anticoagulant testing, clotting factor activity assay, von Willebrand Antigen (VW: Ag), Ristocetin co factor vWF: RiCoF activity and platelet function test. Results : The range of age was from 1 month to 57 years, with mean age 8.424±8.623 years and median age of 6.5years. The male to female ratio was 1.1:1. The most common age group was in the range of 1-10 years (46.45%). Family history was positive in 55.07% of patients (P >0.05). The consanguinity was found in 76.95% of the families studied (P <0.0001). The most prevalent InBD was von Willebrand disease (42.98%) with majority type 3VWD (86.4%). The second most prevalent was thrombasthenia (36.71%) and the majority had Glanzmann's thrombosthenia (86.2%). Rare bleeding disorders (RBDs) were observed in 6.25% of patients and the most common factor deficiency was FVII. Conclusion: Consanguinity is high in patients with inherited bleeding disorders in Iraq, leading to emergence of life-threatening autosomal recessive inherited diseases. Genetic counselling is recommended besides education and awareness to minimize such rare illnesses in the community.

Efficacy of the Otago Exercise Programme to reduce falls in community-dwelling adults aged 65-80 years old when delivered as group or individual training

AIM

This study will compare how falls can be reduced in non-institutionalized older Spanish adults aged 65-80 years by providing group or individual exercise sessions using the Otago Exercise Programme.

BACKGROUND

The Otago Exercise Programme is a progressive home-based exercise programme, where trained health professionals help people engage in strength, balance and endurance exercises. Its format is based on the evidence from four clinical trials. The benefits of the Otago Exercise Programme are the same for people who have and have not suffered falls and it can also be used for visually impaired people.

DESIGN

A multicentre, simply blinded, randomized, non-inferiority clinical trial, with two arms-group training and individual training-that started in January 2017 and will continue until December 2019.

METHODS

Each study group has 364 subjects, who will take part in four individual or group sessions delivered mainly by nurses over an 8-week period, with a reinforcement session 6 months later. Data will be collected at baseline and after 6 and 12 months. The fall percentage will be the most relevant clinical variable and we will also consider safety, viability, compliance, economic analysis and therapeutic value. Approval and funding was granted in December 2016 for this 3-year study by the Spanish Health Research Fund (PI16CIII/00031).

DISCUSSION

Older people from 65-80 years old tend to be more isolated and tackling worries about falls can improve social activities and independence. It has been shown that group training provides better adherence to exercise than individual training and this study will test that hypothesis for the Otago Exercise Programme.

Characteristic Analysis of Complementary and Alternative Medicine in Randomized Controlled Trials of Oncology: A Comparison of Published Studies

BACKGROUND

Complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) has been widely used by cancer patients and oncologists in the past decades. The present study aimed to examine and compare the characteristics and registration status of published studies in a sample of recently published CAM randomized controlled trial (RCT) reports of oncology in leading journals of 3 categories: general and internal medicine (GIM), clinical oncology (CO), and CAM.

METHODS

Articles published in the top 5 journals of the 3 categories from 2006 to 2015 were searched in PubMed. Basic characteristics, registration information, impact factor, and citations were identified and extracted from the included RCTs. Data were summarized by frequency, mean, and median and compared using χ2 test and Kruskal-Wallis H test.

RESULTS

A total of 59 RCTs were included; among them, 34 (58%) could be identified with a registration number. GIM journals (15) enjoyed the highest average number of citations per article, followed by CO (12) and CAM (3) journals ( P < .0001). ClinicalTrials.gov was the most popular registry for these RCTs. Of the RCTs registered in ClinicalTrials.gov , 24% (4/17) of the published studies in CO journals put their results in the registry; however, no study in GIM and CAM journals put the result in the registry ( P = .372).

CONCLUSION

The top GIM, CO, and CAM journals rarely published CAM RCTs of oncology from 2006 to 2015, and the CAM articles of oncology were less cited. However, there was a clear improvement in the trial registration rate over the past decades.

Effectiveness of an Osteopathic Abdominal Manual Intervention in Pain Thresholds, Lumbopelvic Mobility, and Posture in Women with Chronic Functional Constipation

OBJECTIVES

To assess the effect of an osteopathic abdominal manual intervention (AMI) on pressure pain thresholds (PPTs), mobility, hip flexibility, and posture in women with chronic functional constipation.

DESIGN

Randomized, double-blind placebo-controlled trial.

SETTING/LOCATION

Subjects were recruited for the study by referral from different gastroenterology outpatient clinics in the city of Madrid (Spain).

SUBJECTS

Sixty-two patients suffering from chronic functional constipation according to the guidelines of the Congress of Rome III.

INTERVENTIONS

The experimental group (n = 31) received an osteopathic AMI, and the control group (n = 31) received a sham procedure.

OUTCOME MEASURES

PPTs at different levels, including vertebral levels C7, T3, T10, T11, and T12, trunk flexion range of motion (ROM), hip flexibility, and posture, were measured before and immediately after the intervention. A comparison between the difference between the pre- and postintervention values using the Student's t test for independent samples or nonparametric U-Mann-Whitney test depending on the distribution normality of the analyzed variables was perfomed.

RESULTS

In the intergroup comparison, statistically significant differences were found in PPT at T11 (p = 0.011) and T12 (p = 0.001) and also in the trunk flexion ROM (p < 0.05). Moreover, women showed no adverse effects with acceptable pain tolerance to the intervention.

CONCLUSION

The application of an osteopathic AMI is well tolerated and improves pain sensitivity in areas related to intestinal innervation, as well as lumbar flexion.

Clinical Significance of Programmed Death-1 Ligand-1 Expression in Patients with Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer: A 5-year-follow-up Study

Aims and background

The programmed death-1-ligand 1 (PD-L1) has been recently suggested to play a pivotal role in the immune evasion of tumors from host immune system. In the study, we tried to reveal the clinical significance of PD-L1 in patients with non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), which is one of the most aggressive and intractable malignant tumors.

Methods and study design

PD-L1 expression in 120 NSCLC tissue specimens and 10 benign control samples embedded with wax were retrospectively detected by immunohistochemistry.

Results

No PD-L1 was detected in the 10 benign controls, whereas 57.5% of NSCLC tissue specimens showed PD-L1 expression. There was no relationship between PD-L1 expression and patient age, gender or histopathological type. However, PD-L1 expression was significantly correlated to the degree of tumor cell differentiation, stage of tumor node metastasis (TNM) and patient survival. Poor tumor cell differentiation and advanced TNM stage were related to higher PD-L1 expression. PD-L1-negative NSCLC patients had longer overall 5-year survival than PD-L1-positive patients (P <0.0001). PD-L1 status was a significant independent prognostic factor of NSCLC (χ2 = 18.153, RR = 2.946, P <0.001).

Conclusions

Up-regulated PD-L1 expression in NSCLC is related to the degree of tumor cell differentiation and TNM stage. PD-L1 status may be a new predictor of prognosis for patients with NSCLC.

The benefits and tolerance of exercise in myasthenia gravis (MGEX): study protocol for a randomised controlled trial

BACKGROUND

Research exploring the effects of physical exercise in auto-immune myasthenia gravis (MG) is scarce. The few existing studies present methodological shortcomings limiting the conclusions and generalisability of results. It is hypothesised that exercise could have positive physical, psychological as well as immunomodulatory effects and may be a beneficial addition to current pharmacological management of this chronic disease. The aim of this study is to evaluate the benefits on perceived quality of life (QOL) and physical fitness of a home-based physical exercise program compared to usual care, for patients with stabilised, generalised auto-immune MG.

METHODS

MGEX is a multi-centre, interventional, randomised, single-blind, two-arm parallel group, controlled trial. Forty-two patients will be recruited, aged 18-70 years. Following a three-month observation period, patients will be randomised into a control or experimental group. The experimental group will undertake a 40-min home-based physical exercise program using a rowing machine, three times a week for three months, as an add-on to usual care. The control group will receive usual care with no additional treatment. All patients will be followed up for a further three months. The primary outcome is the mean change in MGQOL-15-F score between three and six months (i.e. pre-intervention and immediately post-intervention periods). The MGQOL-15-F is an MG-specific patient-reported QOL questionnaire. Secondary outcomes include the evaluation of deficits and functional limitations via MG-specific clinical scores (Myasthenia Muscle Score and MG-Activities of Daily Living scale), muscle force and fatigue, respiratory function, free-living physical activity as well as evaluations of anxiety, depression, self-esteem and overall QOL with the WHO-QOL BREF questionnaire. Exercise workload will be assessed as well as multiple safety measures (ECG, biological markers, medication type and dosage and any disease exacerbation or crisis).

DISCUSSION

This is the largest randomised controlled trial to date evaluating the benefits and tolerance of physical exercise in this patient population. The comprehensive evaluations using standardised outcome measures should provide much awaited information for both patients and the scientific community. This study is ongoing.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

ClinicalTrials.gov, NCT02066519 . Registered on 13 January 2014.

Accelerating access and scale-up of optimized ART in low-income and middle-income countries: a call for a coordinated end-to-end approach

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

To discuss how aligning the collective power of scientists, regulators, drug companies, donors, implementers and advocates to achieve a single goal - accelerating access to simpler, safer, more robust and more affordable HIV treatment - can rapidly advance antiretroviral optimization efforts and enable scale-up.

RECENT FINDINGS

Harmonization of traditionally sequential processes can address the delays commonly experienced in introducing new products to low-income and middle-income countries, by facilitating an 'end-to-end' approach that mitigates risk and encourages early planning for all aspects of product introduction.

SUMMARY

Planning with the 'end-in-mind' can facilitate healthy markets, benefit the application of new technologies, and accelerate the development of improved products in parallel (versus traditionally sequential efforts).

Measuring clinical trial transparency: an empirical analysis of newly approved drugs and large pharmaceutical companies

OBJECTIVES

To define a series of clinical trial transparency measures and apply them to large pharmaceutical and biotechnology companies and their 2014 FDA-approved drugs.

DESIGN

Cross-sectional descriptive analysis of all clinical trials supporting 2014 Food and Drugs Administration (FDA)-approved new drug applications (NDAs) for novel drugs sponsored by large companies.

DATA SOURCES

Data from over 45 sources, including Drugs@FDA.gov, ClinicalTrials.gov, corporate and international registries; PubMed, Google Scholar, EMBASE, corporate press releases, Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) filings and personal communications with drug manufacturers.

OUTCOME MEASURES

Trial registration, results reporting, clinical study report (CSR) synopsis sharing, biomedical journal publication, and FDA Amendments Acts (FDAAA) compliance, analysed on the drug level.

RESULTS

The FDA approved 19 novel new drugs, sponsored by 11 large companies, involving 553 trials, in 2014. We analysed 505 relevant trials. Per drug, a median of 100% (IQR 86%-100%) of trials in patients were registered, 71% (IQR 57%-100%) reported results or shared a CSR synopsis, 80% (70%-100%) were published and 96% (80%-100%) were publicly available in some form by 13 months after FDA approval. Disclosure rates were lower at FDA approval (65%) and improved significantly by 6 months post FDA approval. Per drug, a median of 100% (IQR 75%-100%) of FDAAA-applicable trials were compliant. Half of reviewed drugs had publicly disclosed results for all trials in patients in our sample. One trial was uniquely registered in a corporate registry, and not ClinicalTrials.gov; 0 trials were uniquely registered in international registries.

CONCLUSIONS

Among large pharmaceutical companies and new drugs, clinical trial transparency is high based on several standards, although opportunities for improvement remain. Transparency is markedly higher for trials in patients than among all trials supporting drug approval, including trials in healthy volunteers. Ongoing efforts to publicly track companies' transparency records and recognise exemplary companies may encourage further progress.