Research Keyword: clinical trial methodology

Exploring the Prebiotic Potentials of Hydrolyzed Pectins: Mechanisms of Action and Gut Microbiota Modulation

Pectins are fiber-like compounds found in fruits and vegetables that can benefit gut health by feeding beneficial bacteria. When pectins are broken down into smaller pieces (oligosaccharides), they work better as prebiotics, promoting the growth of healthy gut bacteria that produce beneficial substances called short-chain fatty acids. These compounds may help improve digestive health, strengthen immunity, and reduce inflammation.

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Psychedelic-Assisted Therapy: Potential Benefits and Challenges in Mental Health Treatment

This review examines how psychedelic substances like psilocybin and MDMA, when combined with professional psychotherapy, show promise in treating difficult-to-treat mental health conditions including depression, PTSD, and anxiety. While early research suggests these substances could help in cases where conventional treatments have failed, the evidence is still preliminary and limited by small study sizes. Psychedelics appear to work by changing how the brain processes information and memories, though much more rigorous research is needed before they can be considered standard treatments.

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The development of psilocybin therapy for treatment-resistant depression: an update

Psilocybin, a compound found in certain mushrooms, is being studied as a potential treatment for severe depression that doesn’t respond to standard medications. In clinical trials, patients receiving psilocybin alongside psychological support showed significant improvement in depressive symptoms within days to weeks, with benefits lasting for months. Unlike daily antidepressant pills, psilocybin therapy involves one or more carefully supervised dosing sessions in a hospital setting with therapeutic support before and after. Larger studies are underway to confirm its effectiveness and safety before it could potentially become an approved treatment.

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Breaking the mould: challenging the status quo of clinical trial response definitions for invasive fungal diseases—a debate

Doctors and researchers use standard definitions to determine if antifungal treatments work in clinical trials. This debate examines whether the standards created in 2008 are still appropriate today. Key concerns include whether stable disease should always count as treatment failure, how to handle deaths from other causes, and whether newer testing methods should be incorporated. The expert panel concluded these definitions need updating to reflect modern treatment options and patient needs.

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