A Randomized Pragmatic Trial of Changing to and Stepping Down Fluticasone/Formoterol in Asthma.

Background: Guidelines recommend reducing treatment in patients with well-controlled asthma after 3 months of stability. However, there is inadequate real-life data to guide physicians on therapy change in daily practice.

Objective: To assess asthma control after change to and step-down of fluticasone propionate/formoterol fumarate dihydrate (FP/FOR) in real-life patients.

Inhaler technique mastery and maintenance in healthcare professionals trained on different devices.

Objective: Healthcare professionals (HCPs) are required to assess and train patients in the correct use of inhalers but are often unable to demonstrate correct technique themselves. We sought to assess the level of training required for HCPs to master and maintain device mastery when using two different dry powder inhalers (DPIs).

Methods: We conducted a randomized, un-blinded, crossover study in undergraduate HCPs who undertook a six-step training procedure (intuitive use, patient information leaflet, instructional video, individual tuition from expert, then two repeats of individual tuition) for the use of Turbuhaler® (an established device) and Spiromax® (a newer device, reportedly easier to use).

Sleep deprivation affects reactivity to positive but not negative stimuli.

Objective: The current study examined the effects of partial and total sleep deprivation on emotional reactivity.

Methods: Twenty-eight partially sleep-deprived participants and 31 totally sleep-deprived participants rated their valence and arousal responses to positive and negative pictures across four testing sessions during the day following partial sleep deprivation or during the night under total sleep deprivation.

Results: The results suggest that valence and arousal ratings decreased under both sleep deprivation conditions.