Performance of molecular tests for diagnosis of bloodstream infections in the clinical setting: a systematic literature review and meta-analysis.

Background: Rapid identification of bloodstream pathogens and associated antimicrobial resistance (AMR) profiles by molecular tests from positive blood cultures (PBCs) have the potential to improve patient management and clinical outcomes.

Objectives: A systematic review and meta-analysis was conducted to evaluate diagnostic test accuracy (DTA) of molecular tests from PBCs for detecting pathogens and AMR in the clinical setting.

Data Sources: MEDLINE, EMBASE, Cochrane, conference proceedings, and study bibliographies.

Medical interventions for traumatic hyphema.

Background: Traumatic hyphema is the entry of blood into the anterior chamber, the space between the cornea and iris, following significant injury to the eye. Hyphema may be associated with significant complications that uncommonly cause permanent vision loss. Complications include elevated intraocular pressure, corneal blood staining, anterior and posterior synechiae, and optic nerve atrophy.

Rapid multiplex PCR for respiratory viruses reduces time to result and improves clinical care: Results of a systematic review and meta-analysis.

Objectives: The clinical impact of rapid sample-to-answer "syndromic" multiplex polymerase chain reaction (PCR) testing for respiratory viruses is not clearly established. We performed a systematic literature review and meta-analysis to evaluate this impact for patients with possible acute respiratory tract infection in the hospital setting.

Methods: We searched EMBASE, MEDLINE, and Cochrane databases from 2012 to present and conference proceedings from 2021 for studies comparing clinical impact outcomes between multiplex PCR testing and standard testing.

Epidemiology, methods of diagnosis, and clinical management of patients with arginase 1 deficiency (ARG1-D): A systematic review.

Background: Arginase 1 Deficiency (ARG1-D) is a rare, progressive, metabolic disorder that is characterized by devastating manifestations driven by elevated plasma arginine levels. It typically presents in early childhood with spasticity (predominately affecting the lower limbs), mobility impairment, seizures, developmental delay, and intellectual disability. This systematic review aims to identify and describe the published evidence outlining the epidemiology, diagnosis methods, measures of disease progression, clinical management, and outcomes for ARG1-D patients.

Natural history of arginase 1 deficiency and the unmet needs of patients: A systematic review of case reports.

Background: Arginase 1 deficiency (ARG1-D) is a rare, progressive and debilitating urea cycle disorder characterized by clinical manifestations including spasticity, seizures, developmental delay, and intellectual disability. The aim of this systematic review was to identify and summarize the natural history of ARG1-D and the unmet needs of patients.

Methods: A comprehensive search of published case reports was undertaken to identify patients with ARG1-D regardless of interventions, comparisons, or outcomes.

Clinical trial registration was associated with lower risk of bias compared with non-registered trials among trials included in systematic reviews.

Objective: To examine the association between clinical trial registration and risk of bias in clinical trials that have been included in systematic reviews. As a secondary objective, we evaluated the risk of bias among trials registered prospectively vs. retrospectively.

Diagnostic accuracy of urine dipstick tests for proteinuria in pregnant women suspected of preeclampsia: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

Objectives: Dipstick tests are frequently used as bedside proteinuria tests to evaluate women suspected of preeclampsia and may inform diagnosis in low resource settings lacking laboratory facilities. This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to (1) estimate the diagnostic accuracy of urine dipsticks in diagnosing proteinuria, (2) compare performance of different dipstick types and (3) estimate their related costs.

Methods: MEDLINE and EMBASE were searched up to August 1, 2020 for primary studies with cross-sectional diagnostic accuracy data on dipstick test(s) compared to a laboratory reference standard (24-hour protein ≥ 300 mg or protein-creatinine ratio ≥ 30 mg/mmol) in pregnant women ≥ 20 weeks of gestation suspected of preeclampsia.

Transepithelial versus epithelium-off corneal crosslinking for progressive keratoconus.

Background: Keratoconus is the most common corneal dystrophy. It can cause loss of uncorrected and best-corrected visual acuity through ectasia (thinning) of the central or paracentral cornea, irregular corneal scarring, or corneal perforation. Disease onset usually occurs in the second to fourth decade of life, periods of peak educational attainment or career development.

Poor compliance of clinical trial registration among trials included in systematic reviews: a cohort study.

Objectives: The objective of the study was to examine whether clinical trials that have been included in systematic reviews have been registered in clinical trial registers and, when they have, whether results of the trials were included in the clinical trial register.

Study Design And Setting: This study used a sample of 100 systematic reviews published by the Cochrane Musculoskeletal, Oral, Skin and Sensory Network between 2014 and 2019.

Results: We identified 2,000 trials (369,778 participants) from a sample of 100 systematic reviews.

Rapid review: Identification of digital health interventions in atherosclerotic-related cardiovascular disease populations to address racial, ethnic, and socioeconomic health disparities.

Disparities in cardiovascular disease (CVD) and associated health and healthcare delivery outcomes have been partially attributed to differential risk factors, and to prevention and treatment inequities within racial and ethnic (including language) minority groups and low socioeconomic status (SES) populations in urban and rural settings. Digital health interventions (DHIs) show promise in promoting equitable access to high-quality care, optimal utilization, and improved outcomes; however, their potential role and impact has not been fully explored. The role of DHIs to mitigate drivers of the health disparities listed above in populations disproportionately affected by atherosclerotic-related CVD was systematically reviewed using published literature (January 2008-July 2020) from multiple databases.

Development, implementation and evaluation of an online course on evidence-based healthcare for consumers.

Background: Evidence-based healthcare (EBHC) principles are essential knowledge for patient and consumer ("consumer") engagement as research and research implementation stakeholders. The aim of this study was to assess whether participation in a free, self-paced online course affects confidence in explaining EBHC topics. The course comprises six modules and evaluations which together take about 6 h to complete.

Treatment regimens for administration of anti-vascular endothelial growth factor agents for neovascular age-related macular degeneration.

Background: Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is one of the leading causes of permanent blindness worldwide. The current mainstay of treatment for neovascular AMD (nAMD) is intravitreal injection of anti-vascular endothelial growth factor (anti-VEGF) agents: aflibercept, ranibizumab, and off-label bevacizumab. Injections can be given monthly, every two or three months ('extended-fixed'), or as needed (pro re nata (PRN)).

Outcome choice and definition in systematic reviews leads to few eligible studies included in meta-analyses: a case study.

Background: There is broad recognition of the importance of evidence in informing clinical decisions. When information from all studies included in a systematic review ("review") does not contribute to a meta-analysis, decision-makers can be frustrated. Our objectives were to use the field of eyes and vision as a case study and examine the extent to which authors of Cochrane reviews conducted meta-analyses for their review's pre-specified main outcome domain and the reasons that some otherwise eligible studies were not incorporated into meta-analyses.

Anti-vascular endothelial growth factor for neovascular glaucoma.

Background: Neovascular glaucoma (NVG) is a potentially blinding, secondary glaucoma. It is caused by the formation of abnormal new blood vessels, which prevent normal drainage of aqueous from the anterior segment of the eye. Anti-vascular endothelial growth factor (anti-VEGF) medications are specific inhibitors of the primary mediators of neovascularization.

Interventions to slow progression of myopia in children.

Background: Nearsightedness (myopia) causes blurry vision when one is looking at distant objects. Interventions to slow the progression of myopia in children include multifocal spectacles, contact lenses, and pharmaceutical agents.

Objectives: To assess the effects of interventions, including spectacles, contact lenses, and pharmaceutical agents in slowing myopia progression in children.

Omega-3 and omega-6 polyunsaturated fatty acids for dry eye disease.

Background: Polyunsaturated fatty acid (PUFA) supplements, involving omega-3 and/or omega-6 components, have been proposed as a therapy for dry eye. Omega-3 PUFAs exist in both short- (alpha-linolenic acid [ALA]) and long-chain (eicosapentaenoic acid [EPA] and docosahexaenoic acid [DHA]) forms, which largely derive from certain plant- and marine-based foods respectively. Omega-6 PUFAs are present in some vegetable oils, meats, and other animal products.

Intrastromal corneal ring segments for treating keratoconus.

Background: Keratoconus is a degenerative condition of the cornea that profoundly affects vision and vision-specific quality of life. The axial cornea thins and protrudes, resulting in irregularity and, eventually, scarring of the cornea. There are multiple options available for treating keratoconus.

Reliability of the Evidence Addressing Treatment of Corneal Diseases: A Summary of Systematic Reviews.

Importance: Patient care should be informed by clinical practice guidelines, which in turn should be informed by evidence from reliable systematic reviews. The American Academy of Ophthalmology is updating its Preferred Practice Patterns (PPPs) for the management of the following 6 corneal diseases: bacterial keratitis, blepharitis, conjunctivitis, corneal ectasia, corneal edema and opacification, and dry eye syndrome.

Objective: To summarize the reliability of the existing systematic reviews addressing interventions for corneal diseases.

Anti-vascular endothelial growth factor for neovascular age-related macular degeneration.

Background: Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is the most common cause of uncorrectable severe vision loss in people aged 55 years and older in the developed world. Choroidal neovascularization (CNV) secondary to AMD accounts for most cases of AMD-related severe vision loss. Intravitreous injection of anti-vascular endothelial growth factor (anti-VEGF) agents aims to block the growth of abnormal blood vessels in the eye to prevent vision loss and, in some instances, to improve vision.

Medical interventions for traumatic hyphema.

Background: Traumatic hyphema is the entry of blood into the anterior chamber (the space between the cornea and iris) subsequent to a blow or a projectile striking the eye. Hyphema uncommonly causes permanent loss of vision. Associated trauma (e.

Improving quality of the informed consent process: Developing an easy-to-read, multimodal, patient-centered format in a real-world setting.

Objective: To develop a patient-centered informed consent and assessment tool written at a 6th grade-level that is multimodal, affordable, transportable, and readily modifiable for protocol updates.

Methods: This quality improvement initiative was performed in two phases on an actively-recruiting study at a pediatric diabetes clinic. In phase I, 38 volunteers underwent the standard-paper consent process, a comprehension assessment and provided feedback.

Routine preoperative medical testing for cataract surgery.

Background: Cataract surgery is practiced widely, and substantial resources are committed to an increasing cataract surgical rate in low- and middle-income countries. With the current volume of cataract surgery and future increases, it is critical to optimize the safety and cost-effectiveness of this procedure. Most cataracts are performed on older individuals with correspondingly high systemic and ocular comorbidities.

Evaluation of Clinical Questions and Patient-Important Outcomes Associated With the Treatment of Age-Related Macular Degeneration.

Importance: Identifying and prioritizing unanswered clinical questions may help to best allocate limited resources for research associated with the treatment of age-related macular degeneration (AMD).

Objective: To identify and prioritize clinical questions and outcomes for research associated with the treatment of AMD through engagement with professional and patient stakeholders.

Design, Setting, And Participants: Multiple cross-sectional survey questions were used in a modified Delphi process for panel members of US and international organizations, the American Academy of Ophthalmology (AAO) Retina/Vitreous Panel (n=7), health care professionals from the American Society of Retinal Specialists (ASRS) (n=90), Atlantic Coast Retina Conference (ACRC) and Macula 2017 meeting (n=34); and patients from MD (Macular Degeneration) Support (n=46).

Etiology of Global Corneal Blindness and Current Practices of Corneal Transplantation: A Focused Review.

Purpose: The purpose of this focused review was to explore the etiologies of corneal blindness worldwide and compare them with the indications and type of keratoplasties (eg, full-thickness penetrating keratoplasty, anterior lamellar keratoplasty, or endothelial keratoplasty) performed.

Methods: A literature search of the articles published in the top 10 journals (based on the Altmetrics score) relevant to corneal transplantation within the past 20 years was performed to determine how the focus within corneal transplantation has changed over time. These data were compared with the prevalence and etiology of corneal blindness in each respective region worldwide.