Randomized-controlled trial

OBJECTIVE: Spin is characterized as a misinterpretation of results that, whether deliberate or unintentional, culminates in misleading conclusions and steers readers toward an excessively optimistic perspective of the data. The primary objective of this systematic review was to estimate the prevalence and nature of spin within the traumatic brain injury (TBI) literature. Additionally, the identification of associated factors is intended to provide guidance for future research practices...

STUDY DESIGN: Randomized controlled trial. OBJECTIVES: To compare the effect of posterolateral fusion (PLF) and posterior lumbar interbody fusion (PLIF) on sagittal radiographic parameters in patients with low-grade isthmic spondylolisthesis. Additionally, to explore the correlation between changes in these parameters and clinical outcomes. METHODS: Forty-six consecutive patients with single-level low-grade isthmic spondylolisthesis were initially enrolled...

OBJECTIVE: Hearing loss has been identified as a major modifiable risk factor for cognitive decline. The Early Age-Related Hearing Loss Investigation (EARHLI) study will assess the mechanisms linking early age-related hearing loss (ARHL) and cognitive impairment. STUDY DESIGN: Randomized, controlled, single-site, early phase II, superiority trial. SETTING: Tertiary academic medical center. PARTICIPANTS: One hundred fifty participants aged 55 to 75 years with early ARHL (severity defined as borderline to moderate) and amnestic mild cognitive impairment will be included...

BACKGROUND: The COVID-19 pandemic, ongoing for over 2 years with evolving viral strains, including the highly infectious Omicron variant, underscores the pivotal role of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) in pandemic intervention. Qingfei Paidu Granules (QFPG) are incorporated into the national TCM diagnosis and treatment protocol. This study aims to assess the clinical effectiveness of QFPG combined with nonpharmacological interventions in asymptomatic novel coronavirus infection. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Using a full-group randomized controlled trial, asymptomatic individuals from 3 wards of Fangcang Hospital were randomly assigned to 3 groups, each comprising 150 cases: F1, the nonpharmacological treatment group, receiving only Five Elements Music Therapy and Gongfa Therapy; F2, the comprehensive treatment group, receiving QFPG treatment combined with Five Elements Music Therapy and Gongfa Therapy; and F3, the pharmacological treatment group, receiving only QFPG treatment...

The incidence of chronic atrophic gastritis (CAG) is on the rise due to the growing pressure in modern social life, increasing bad living habits and emotional disorders (such as anxiety and depression), and the aging of the population. Of note, digestive system diseases are the dominant diseases in the field of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM). Therefore, this study evaluated the efficacy and safety of Piwei Peiyuan Prescription, a TCM prescription, in the treatment of CAG through a multicenter, double-blind, randomized, controlled design...

BACKGROUND: Heart failure is a common and severe condition, often complicated by diastolic dysfunction. Current standard therapies such as ACEIs and ARBs have limited efficacy in managing diastolic function. Sacubitril/Valsartan, an emerging therapy, warrants rigorous investigation to elucidate its impact on diastolic function in heart failure patients. METHODS: This systematic review and meta-analysis were conducted adhering to Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines and utilized the PICO schema...

BACKGROUND: Poststroke depression (PSD) is one of the most common stroke complications. It not only leads to a decline in patients' quality of life but also increases the mortality of patients. In this study, the method of combining Chinese traditional exercise Baduanjin with psychotherapy was used to intervene in patients with PSD and to explore the improvement of sleep, mood, and serum levels of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT), and interleukin-6 (IL-6) levels in patients with PSD by combined treatment...

Warfarin, a widely utilized anticoagulant, is paramount for preventing thromboembolic events in patients with mechanical heart valve replacements. However, its narrow therapeutic index can lead to over-anticoagulation and overdose, resulting in serious health risks. This study examines the efficacy of human prothrombin complex concentrate (PCC) in managing warfarin overdose, in comparison with traditional treatments. A retrospective analysis was conducted on 162 adults who presented with warfarin overdose (INR > 5...

BACKGROUND: Supplementation with leucine-enriched essential amino acids (LEAAs) has shown efficacy in the recovery of muscle injury and activation of muscle synthesis. Muscle function in knee osteoarthritis is a crucial factor for managing pain and preserving ambulatory function. However, the efficacy and safety of LEAAs supplementation in patients with knee osteoarthritis have not been evaluated. METHODS: In this prospective analysis, we evaluated the efficacy and safety of supplementation with 12 g of LEAAs daily for 8 weeks in knee-symptomatic osteoarthritis patients...

BACKGROUND: Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) RNA and RNA debris persist in viral reservoirs for weeks to months following infection, potentially triggering interferon production and chronic inflammation. RSLV-132 is a biologic drug composed of catalytically active human RNase1 fused to human IgG1 Fc and is designed to remain in circulation and digest extracellular RNA. We hypothesized that removal of SARS-CoV-2 viral RNA from latent reservoirs may improve inflammation, neuroinflammation, and fatigue associated with post-acute sequelae of SARS-CoV-2 infection (PASC)...

BACKGROUND: It remains unclear whether intensification of the chemotherapy backbone in tandem with an anti-EGFR can confer superior clinical outcomes in a cohort of RAS/BRAF wild-type colorectal cancer (CRC) patients with initially unresectable colorectal liver metastases (CRLM). To that end, we sought to comparatively evaluate the efficacy and safety of cetuximab plus FOLFOXIRI (triplet arm) versus cetuximab plus FOLFOX (doublet arm) as a conversion regimen (i.e., unresectable to resectable) in CRC patients with unresectable CRLM...

BACKGROUND: Intensive care unit (ICU)-acquired weakness (ICU-AW) is one of the most common complications of post-ICU syndrome. It is the leading cause of gait disturbance, decreased activities of daily living, and poor health-related quality of life. The early rehabilitation of critically ill patients can reduce the ICU-AW. We designed a protocol to investigate the feasibility and safety of conventional rehabilitation with additional in-bed cycling/stepping in critically ill patients...

BACKGROUND: Sarcopenia, a subject of extensive research, has led to numerous clinical trials and systematic reviews (SR). These reviews aid healthcare professionals by summarizing results and conducting meta-analyses, enhancing reliability. However, the abundance of reviews complicates decision-making on sarcopenia management. To address this, SR of SR have emerged, consolidating data from various sources into comprehensive documents. OBJECTIVE: To assess the isolated impact of dietary interventions on sarcopenia's diagnostic criteria for older individuals...

BACKGROUND: Physical activity (PA) declines with age despite the knowledge that physical inactivity is a leading cause of disease, death, and disability worldwide. To better tailor PA interventions to older adults, researchers are turning to the collaborative principles of co-design. The purpose of this systematic review was to compare the effectiveness of co-designed PA interventions and standard care for increasing PA and other health outcomes (i.e., physical function, quality of life, mental health, functional independence, attendance and attrition rates) in older adults...

Hematopoietic stem cell transplantation is a common life-saving treatment for hematologic malignancies, though can lead to long-term functional impairment, fatigue, muscle atrophy, with decreased quality of life. Although traditional exercise has helped reduce these effects, it is inconsistently recommended and infrequently maintained, and most patients remain sedentary during and after treatment. There is need for alternative rehabilitation strategies, like neuromuscular electrical stimulation, that may be more amenable to the capabilities of hematopoietic stem cell transplant recipients...

Reducing crestal bone loss (CBL) around implants allows for soft tissue stability and long-term success. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the extent of CBL in implants placed with the implant shoulder at the equi-crestal level and 2 mm below the alveolar ridge at 2, 12, 36, and 60 months. A split-mouth randomized controlled clinical trial was conducted by selecting subjects with Kennedy Class IV partial edentulism of the lower jaw. Two implants were inserted, of equal length and diameter, one equi-crestal and the other sub-crestal, in the site corresponding to the lateral incisor...

BACKGROUND: Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is one of the most common neurodevelopmental disorders among children. Pharmacotherapy has been the primary treatment for ADHD, supplemented by behavioral interventions. Digital and exercise interventions are promising nonpharmacologic approaches for enhancing the physical and psychological health of children with ADHD. However, the combined impact of digital and exercise therapies remains unclear. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to determine whether BrainFit, a novel digital intervention combining gamified cognitive and exercise training, is efficacious in reducing ADHD symptoms and executive function (EF) among school-aged children with ADHD...

The replacement of missing teeth with implant-supported prostheses has become a standard treatment option with reliable long-term outcomes in various clinical indications.1-6 The implant-supported single crowns, in particular, presented the most favorable outcome with a survival rate of 89.5% to 96% over a 10-year period.5,6 A notable prosthetic maintenance requirement, however, was reported irrespective of the prosthetic material used for the crown construction.1,7 Metal-ceramic restorations have been considered the gold standard when replacing single or multiple missing teeth with implant-supported fixed dental prostheses...

IMPORTANCE: Patient empowerment through pharmacologic self-management is a common strategy for some chronic diseases such as diabetes, but it is rarely used for controlling blood pressure (BP). Several trials have shown its potential for reducing BP in the short term, but evidence in the longer term is scarce. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the longer-term effectiveness of BP self-monitoring plus self-titration of antihypertensive medication vs usual care for patients with poorly controlled hypertension, with passive follow-up and primary-care nursing involvement...

IMPORTANCE: Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) has been considered a promising treatment for musculoskeletal disorders. The effects of PRP on clinical outcomes of anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction (ACLR) are controversial. OBJECTIVE: To compare subjective outcomes and graft maturity in patients undergoing ACLR with and without postoperative intra-articular PRP injection. DESIGN, SETTING, AND PARTICIPANTS: This surgeon- and investigator-masked randomized clinical trial included patients treated at a national medical center in China who were aged 16 to 45 years and scheduled to undergo ACLR...