Article
Medicine, General & Internal
Justin Y. van Oostendorp, Lisette Dekker, Susan van Dieren, Willem A. Bemelman, Ingrid J. M. Han-Geurts
Summary: In this study, the addition of antibiotics to surgical drainage of a perianal abscess is investigated to determine if it is beneficial compared to surgical drainage alone. The primary outcome is the development of a perianal fistula within 1 year. Secondary outcomes include quality of life, treatment costs, need for repeated drainage, patient-reported outcomes, and other clinical outcomes.
Article
Medicine, General & Internal
Anna Maria Terho, Johanna Makela-Kaikkonen, Pasi Ohtonen, Outi Uimari, Terhi Puhto, Tero Rautio, Sari Koivurova
Summary: This study aims to compare the effectiveness of robotic-assisted surgery and conventional laparoscopic surgery in patients with deep endometriosis. It is a prospective, randomized, controlled clinical trial that will evaluate surgical outcomes, complications, postoperative recovery, costs, and long-term quality of life measures.
Article
Medicine, General & Internal
Fang-Ting Yu, Cun-Zhi Liu, Guang-Xia Ni, Guo-Wei Cai, Zhi-Shun Liu, Xiao-Qing Zhou, Chao-Yang Ma, Xiu-Li Meng, Jian-Feng Tu, He-Wen Li, Jing-Wen Yang, Shi-Yan Yan, Hai-Yang Fu, Wen-Tao Xu, Jing Li, Hong-Chun Xiang, Tian-Heng Sun, Beng Zhang, Mei-Hua Li, Wen-Jun Wan, Cheng He, Xiao-Lan Ji, Wei Zhu, Guang-Xia Shi, Li-Qiong Wang
Summary: This is a multicenter randomized sham-controlled trial aiming to evaluate the efficacy and safety of acupuncture for chronic sciatica. A total of 216 patients will be enrolled and followed up for 52 weeks. The primary outcomes are changes in leg pain intensity and disability.
Article
Medicine, General & Internal
Henrik Marschall, Axel Forman, Sigrid Juhl Lunde, Ulrik Schioler Kesmodel, Karina Ejgaard Hansen, Lene Vase
Summary: This article discusses the importance of placebo-controlled surgical designs and the methodological difficulties in estimating the effectiveness of surgical procedures. It focuses on the uncertainty of the pain-relieving effect of surgery for women with peritoneal endometriosis. The planned placebo-controlled trial aims to examine the effect of surgery on pain and test the contribution of contextual factors to pain relief.
Article
Medicine, General & Internal
Jawad Ahmad Zahid, Michael Tvilling Madsen, Orhan Bulut, Peter Christensen, Ismail Goegenur
Summary: This study aims to investigate the alleviating effect of locally administered melatonin on low anterior resection syndrome (LARS), and to examine its impact on bowel movements, patient-reported symptoms, quality of life, depression, anxiety, sleep disturbances, motilin levels, and rectal mucosa histology.
Article
Medicine, Research & Experimental
Emma Kwan-Yee Ho, Ralph Jasper Mobbs, James Montague van Gelder, Ian Andrew Harris, Gavin Davis, Ralph Stanford, David John Beard, Christopher Gerard Maher, Joanna Prior, Michael Knox, David Barrett Anderson, Rachelle Buchbinder, Manuela Loureiro Ferreira
Summary: This article discusses the key challenges and mitigation strategies specific to the conduct of a randomised placebo-controlled surgical trial, using the SUcceSS trial as an example. The key lessons learned from this trial can be helpful for researchers designing or implementing future trials of this nature.
Article
Medicine, General & Internal
Sander S. J. Schop, Juliette E. Hommes, Todor K. Krastev, Danielle Derks, Mikko Larsen, HInne Rakhorst, Ute Schmidbauer, Jan Maerten Smit, Tik Tan, Kim Wehrens, Thijs de Wit, Rene R. W. J. van der Hulst, Andrzej A. Piatkowski de Grzymala
Summary: This study is a multicenter randomized controlled clinical trial investigating the effectiveness of AFT for breast reconstruction, with quality of life measured by the BREAST-Q questionnaire. Approval was obtained from the ethics committee and results will be disseminated through scientific meetings and peer-reviewed journals.
Review
Anesthesiology
David B. Anderson, David J. Beard, Tamer Sabet, Jillian P. Eyles, Ian A. Harris, Sam Adie, Rachelle Buchbinder, Christopher G. Maher, Manuela L. Ferreira
Summary: The number of placebo surgical trials on musculoskeletal conditions is increasing, but little is known about the quality of their design and methods. This review assessed the level of placebo fidelity, described the methodological features, and analyzed the characteristics of 22 placebo-controlled surgical trials. The results showed that most trials had high placebo fidelity and good reporting of rationale and ethics, but there is room for improvement in reporting interpretation and translation.
Article
Medicine, General & Internal
Ben Colagiuri, Louise Sharpe, Zahava Ambarchi, Nick Glozier, Delwyn Bartlett, Daniel S. J. Costa, Amelia Scott
Summary: Insomnia is a common sleep disorder that can have significant personal and societal impacts. This study aims to compare the efficacy of open-label placebo (OLP), conventional placebo (CP), and no treatment for insomnia. The results will provide insight into the effects and predictors of uptake and responses to OLP and CP for insomnia.
Article
Medicine, Research & Experimental
Michael J. Mulcahy, Thananchayan Elalingam, Kevin Jang, Mario D'Souza, Matthew Tait
Summary: This study aims to investigate the effect of bilateral cervical plexus block on postoperative recovery in patients undergoing anterior cervical spine surgery (ACSS). It is a pragmatic, multi-center, blinded, parallel-group, randomized placebo-controlled trial with 136 eligible patients. The primary outcomes include quality of recovery questionnaire score, opioid usage, length of hospital stay, and neck pain intensity.
Article
Medicine, General & Internal
Carlos Gevers-Montoro, Arantxa Ortega-De Mues, Mathieu Piche
Summary: This article describes a randomized placebo-controlled trial aiming to examine which variables linked to central sensitization may help predict the clinical response to spinal manipulative therapy (SMT) in patients with chronic low back pain (CLBP). One hundred patients will be randomized to receive either SMT or placebo SMT, and pain intensity and disability will be assessed as primary outcomes. The results of this study may provide guidance for personalized SMT treatment.
Article
Medicine, General & Internal
Danny Feike Hoogma, Steffen Rex, Jos Tournoy, Peter Verbrugghe, Steffen Fieuws, Layth Al Tmimi
Summary: This study aims to investigate the effectiveness of erector spinae plane block in reducing opioid consumption after minimally invasive mitral valve surgery, with the goal of alleviating postoperative pain for patients.
Article
Medicine, General & Internal
Bing Han, Yuhan Wang, Chunyan Zheng, Li Peng, Yuchun Sun, Zuhua Wang, Xiaoyan Wang
Summary: Endodontic microsurgery is crucial for preserving natural teeth, and a dynamic navigation system (DNS) can provide a more accurate and efficient way to carry out the surgery. This study aims to compare the clinical outcomes of the DNS technique with those of the freehand technique.
Article
Medicine, General & Internal
Ming Hao Guo, Jehangir J. Appoo, George A. Wells, Michael Chu, Maral Ouzounian, Jacqueline Fortier, Munir Boodhwani
Summary: Ascending thoracic aortic aneurysm (ATAA) is an asymptomatic condition with potential catastrophic events if left untreated. This study compares outcomes of early elective ascending aortic surgery and medical surveillance in patients with ATAA diameters between 5.0 cm and 5.4 cm. The primary outcome is all-cause mortality during follow-up, with a sample size of 618 subjects to achieve statistical power.
Article
Medicine, General & Internal
Alana M. Rojewski, Lisa M. Fucito, Nathaniel L. Baker, Amanda M. Palmer, Madeline G. Foster, Graham W. Warren, Steven L. Bernstein, Benjamin A. Toll
Summary: Continued smoking following a cancer diagnosis poses significant health risks, but these risks can be mitigated by quitting smoking, especially during the preoperative period. A randomized clinical trial will be conducted to evaluate the effectiveness of financial incentives delivered contingent on smoking abstinence in cancer patients undergoing surgery. The study will assess the impact of contingency management on smoking abstinence at the time of surgery and 6-month follow-up.
Article
Engineering, Biomedical
Ellen T. Newsom, Ameneh Sadeghpoura, Ali Entezari, Joan Lace U. Vinzonsa, Ralph E. Stanfordc, Mohammad Mirkhalafb, Daniel Chone, Colin R. Dunstanb, Hala Zreiqat
Summary: We have developed a bioceramic material, Sr-HT-Gahnite, which has the potential to be a fusion device material that mimics the biological and mechanical performance of natural bone. In a study conducted on sheep, it has been shown that this material is safe for systemic use over a period of 26 weeks, indicating the systemic safety of the Sr-HT-Gahnite fusion device.
ACTA BIOMATERIALIA
(2023)
Article
Clinical Neurology
Lei Si, Xiaoying Chen, Menglu Ouyang, Xia Wang, Guofang Chen, Yong-jun Cao, Guojun Wu, Jinli Zhang, Jingfen Zhang, YuKai Liu, Shihong Zhang, Lili Song, Candice Delcourt, Hisatomi Arima, Lidan Wang, Thomas Lung, Mingsheng Chen, Craig S. Anderson, Stephen Jan
Summary: The cost-effectiveness analysis involved in the ENCHANTED study in China showed that low-dose alteplase in the treatment of acute ischemic stroke (AIS) did not save overall healthcare costs or improve quality-adjusted life-years (QALYs) compared to standard-dose alteplase. From an economic standpoint, there is no justification to shift from the standard-of-care thrombolysis in AIS to the use of low-dose alteplase.
CEREBROVASCULAR DISEASES
(2023)
Article
Rheumatology
Megan Thomas, Deborah A. Marshall, Adalberto Loyola Sanchez, Susan J. Bartlett, Annelies Boonen, Liana Fraenkel, Laurie Proulx, Marieke Voshaar, Nick Bansback, Rachelle Buchbinder, Francis Guillemin, Mickael Hiligsmann, Dawn P. Richards, Pamela Richards, Beverley Shea, Peter Tugwell, Marie Falahee, Glen S. Hazlewood
Summary: The study explores the perceptions of stakeholders in rheumatology regarding the use of preference elicitation methods in clinical trial design. The findings suggest that preference elicitation studies can improve trial design, but various considerations need to be taken into account. Future research should focus on developing comprehensive guidance for incorporating patient preferences in rheumatology trial design.
SEMINARS IN ARTHRITIS AND RHEUMATISM
(2023)
Article
Surgery
Christopher G. Maher, Aline Archambeau, Rachelle Buchbinder, Simon D. French, Julia Morphet, Michael K. Nicholas, Peter O'Sullivan, Marie Pirotta, Michael J. Yelland, Leo Zeller, Nivene Saad, Elizabeth Marles, Alice L. Bhasale, Christina Lane
ANZ JOURNAL OF SURGERY
(2023)
Article
Public, Environmental & Occupational Health
David P. Meharg, Sarah M. Dennis, Justin McNab, Kylie G. Gwynne, Christine R. Jenkins, Graeme P. Maguire, Stephen Jan, Tim Shaw, Zoe McKeough, Boe Rambaldini, Vanessa Lee, Debbie McCowen, Jamie Newman, Scott Monaghan, Hayley Longbottom, Sandra J. Eades, Jennifer A. Alison
Summary: An online education program was designed to increase knowledge about COPD and its management among Aboriginal Health Workers (AHWs), with the help of exercise physiologists (EPs) or physiotherapists (PTs). The program used co-design principles and an Aboriginal pedagogy framework, and was highly rated by participants for improving COPD knowledge and valuing cultural perspectives. The use of co-design principles facilitated the cultural adaptation of COPD resources for Aboriginal people with COPD.
Review
Sport Sciences
Keith Owen Yeates, Anu M. Raisanen, Zahra Premji, Chantel T. Debert, Pierre Fremont, Sidney Hinds, Jonathan D. Smirl, Karen Barlow, Gavin A. Davis, Ruben J. Echemendia, Nina Feddermann-Demont, Colm Fuller, Isabelle Gagnon, Christopher C. Giza, Grant L. Iverson, Michael Makdissi, Kathryn J. Schneider
Summary: This systematic literature review aimed to determine the accurate tests and measures for diagnosing persisting post-concussive symptoms (PPCS) in children, adolescents, and adults following sport-related concussion (SRC). The results showed that the diagnosis of PPCS still relies on symptom report, preferably using standardized symptom rating scales. No specific tool or measure has been found to have satisfactory accuracy for clinical diagnosis.
BRITISH JOURNAL OF SPORTS MEDICINE
(2023)
Review
Sport Sciences
Margot Putukian, Laura Purcell, Kathryn J. Schneider, Amanda Marie Black, Joel S. Burma, Avinash Chandran, Adrian Boltz, Christina L. Master, Johna K. Register-Mihalik, Vicki Anderson, Gavin A. Davis, Pierre Fremont, John J. Leddy, David Maddocks, Zahra Premji, Paul E. Ronksley, Stanley Herring, Steven Broglio
Summary: This is a systematic review and meta-analysis that aims to define the time frames, measures used, and modifying factors influencing recovery, return to school/learn, and return to sport after sport-related concussion. The study included 278 studies and found that most athletes have a full return to school by 10 days but take twice as long for a return to sport. The impact of gender and age on recovery time is uncertain.
BRITISH JOURNAL OF SPORTS MEDICINE
(2023)
Article
Emergency Medicine
Caitlin M. P. Jones, Danielle Coombs, Chung-Wei Christine Lin, Adrian Traeger, Qiang Li, Christina Abdel Shaheed, Sweekriti Sharma, Chris G. Maher, Gustavo C. Machado
EMERGENCY MEDICINE JOURNAL
(2023)
Editorial Material
Medicine, General & Internal
Christopher G. Maher, Aline Archambeau, Rachelle Buchbinder, Simon D. French, Julia Morphet, Michael J. Yelland, Peter O'Sullivan, Marie Pirotta, Michael J. Yelland, Leo Zeller, Nivene Saad, Elizabeth Marles, Alice L. Bhasale, Christina Lane
INTERNAL MEDICINE JOURNAL
(2023)
Article
Medicine, General & Internal
Jan F. L. Gan, Marnee J. McKay, Caitlin M. P. Jones, Ian A. Harris, Kirsten McCaffery, Rachel Thompson, Tammy C. Hoffmann, Sam Adie, Christopher G. Maher, Joshua R. Zadro
Summary: This study developed a patient decision aid to portray the benefits and harms of non-surgical management and surgery for Achilles tendon ruptures, and conducted user-testing. The results showed that the decision aid was acceptable to both patients and health professionals. However, there were differing views among health professionals on details such as Achilles tendon retraction distance, factors modifying harm risks, treatment protocols, and evidence on benefits and harms.
Article
Medicine, General & Internal
Alla Melman, Harrison J. Lord, Danielle Coombs, Joshua Zadro, Christopher G. Maher, Gustavo C. Machado
Summary: This is the first systematic review with meta-analysis summarizing the global prevalence of hospital admissions and hospital length of stay for low back pain. The study found high heterogeneity in admission rates from the emergency department, with a median percentage of all hospital admissions due to low back pain being 0.9%. The median hospital length of stay for low back pain was 6.2 days. The overall quality of evidence was moderate.
Editorial Material
Rehabilitation
Christopher G. Maher, Aline Archambeau, Rachelle Buchbinder, Simon D. French, Julia Morphet, Michael K. Nicholas, Peter O'Sullivan, Marie Pirotta, Michael J. Yelland, Leo Zeller, Nivene Saad, Elizabeth Marles, Alice L. Bhasale, Christina Lane
CHIROPRACTIC & MANUAL THERAPIES
(2023)
Article
Cell & Tissue Engineering
C. J. Harrison, C. Y. Plessen, G. Liegl, J. N. Rodrigues, S. A. Sabah, D. J. Beard, F. Fischer
Summary: The aim of this study was to map the OKS and HAAS items to a common scale and investigate the psychometric properties of this scale for measuring knee health. The findings showed that using the common scale provided more precise measurement compared to using OKS or HAAS alone.
BONE & JOINT RESEARCH
(2023)
Review
Medicine, General & Internal
Shiraz A. Sabah, Elizabeth A. Hedge, Lennart von Fritsch, Joshua Xu, Raja Bhaskara Rajasekaran, Thomas W. Hamilton, Alexander D. Shearman, Abtin Alvand, David J. Beard, Sally Hopewell, Andrew J. Price
Summary: This systematic review aimed to summarize the evidence for the effectiveness of revision knee arthroplasty (rKA) compared to non-operative treatment for patients with failed knee arthroplasty. The results showed that implant survivorship after rKA was high, ranging from 83.2% at 15 years to 95.5% at 1 year. However, post-operative complications were common.
SYSTEMATIC REVIEWS
(2023)
Article
Substance Abuse
Suzanne Nielsen, Louisa Picco, Grant Russell, Christopher Pearce, Nadine E. Andrew, Dan I. Lubman, Simon Bell, Rachelle Buchbinder, Ting Xia
Summary: Australian study examines the impact of prescription drug monitoring programs (PDMPs) on opioid prescribing among general practitioners in Victoria. The study finds that PDMP implementation did not reduce prescribing of high opioid doses or high-risk combinations, but led to increased initiation of non-monitored medications such as tricyclic antidepressants, pregabalin, and tramadol.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF DRUG POLICY
(2023)