Palhoca

Researchers are evaluating the effectiveness and safety of auricular acupuncture to reduce depressive symptoms in university students during the Covid-19 pandemic. This randomized clinical trial involves participants with moderate depressive symptoms measured by PHQ-9 scores between 10 and 19. The study compares specific auricular acupuncture against non-specific auricular acupuncture and usual care. The trial is triple-blinded, meaning the evaluator, participant, and statistician do not know which treatment is given. Participants are randomly assigned to one of two groups the experimental group receiving auricular acupuncture at six traditional Chinese medicine ear points, and the control group receiving auricular acupuncture at non-specific ear points. Both groups receive 12 sessions over 6 weeks, with two sessions each week. Semi-permanent needles are used, and participants are instructed to stimulate the treated ear areas three times daily. A minimum one-day gap is maintained between sessions, and up to two non-consecutive absences are allowed. During the study, participants undergo assessments at multiple points including 3, 4, 6 weeks, and 6 months after starting treatment. Researchers evaluate improvement in depressive symptoms, quality of life, and other factors such as anxiety, insomnia, and biological markers in blood plasma. The primary outcome is the proportion of participants who improve their depressive symptoms by 50% or more at 3 months. Safety, adverse effects, and medication use are also monitored. The total participation duration covers at least six months of follow-up.

Researchers are evaluating extended-release pregabalin tablets compared to immediate-release pregabalin tablets for treating neuropathic pain in adults with diabetic peripheral neuropathy or postherpetic neuralgia. This Phase III study aims to assess differences in pain relief over 16 weeks of treatment in patients experiencing moderate to severe neuropathic pain. Participants are randomly assigned to one of two groups. One group receives extended-release pregabalin tablets starting at 82.5 mg once daily, with dose adjustments every week up to 660 mg daily, plus a placebo twice daily. The other group receives immediate-release pregabalin tablets starting at 75 mg twice daily, with dose adjustments up to 300 mg twice daily, plus a placebo once daily. Dose adjustments occur during the first four weeks. During the study, participants will record their pain intensity daily and attend regular visits for up to 16 weeks. Researchers will measure changes in pain intensity, improvements in sleep, quality of life, anxiety and depression symptoms, and the use of rescue medication. The primary outcome is the difference in mean pain intensity after 16 weeks compared to baseline. Safety and overall participant perception of change will also be monitored throughout the study.

This trial investigates how well a fixed-dose combination of dipyrone monohydrate, caffeine, and chlorpheniramine maleate works to improve symptoms of the common cold and flu in adults aged 18 to 60 years. The study evaluates the safety and effectiveness of this combination compared to an active comparator and a placebo in adults experiencing nasal obstruction and congestion. It aims to provide insight into symptom relief within a few days of treatment. Participants are randomly assigned to one of three groups one receiving 1000 mg dipyrone monohydrate with 60 mg caffeine and 4 mg chlorpheniramine maleate, another receiving a lower dose of these drugs, or a placebo group. The study is double-blind, so neither participants nor researchers know which treatment is given. The treatments are administered as fixed-dose tablets, and the trial is designed to compare the different doses impact on symptom improvement. During the study, participants attend visits where researchers monitor symptoms of nasal obstruction and congestion over three days. They assess how many participants show improvement and record any safety concerns. Participants must comply with study procedures, including not having used other symptomatic treatments and following visit schedules. The total participation period lasts until the primary outcome is assessed at three days after treatment begins, with safety and symptom monitoring throughout.