The Impact of COVID-19 Lockdown Restrictions on Exercise Behavior Among People With Multiple Sclerosis Enrolled in an Exercise Trial: Qualitative Interview Study.

Background: During spring and summer 2020, US states implemented COVID-19 pandemic restrictions, resulting in the closure of rehabilitation facilities and, with them, some of the clinical trials that were taking place. One such trial was the Supervised Versus Telerehabilitation Exercise Program for Multiple Sclerosis ("STEP for MS") comparative effectiveness multiple sclerosis (MS) exercise trial. Although 1 study arm was implemented via telerehabilitation, the comparative arm took place in rehabilitation facilities nationwide and was subsequently closed during this time frame.

Rationale and design of the STEP for MS Trial: Comparative effectiveness of Supervised versus Telerehabilitation Exercise Programs for Multiple Sclerosis.

Background: We propose a Phase III trial that compares the effectiveness of an exercise training program delivered in a facility-based setting with direct, in-person supervision or a home-based setting with remote supervision via telerehabilitation for improving walking performance in persons with multiple sclerosis(MS) who have walking dysfunction and mobility disability.

Methods/design: The study was developed with stakeholder engagement and is a multi-site trial that follows a 2-stage, randomized choice design. The trial compares the effectiveness of a 16-week evidence-based, individualized exercise program delivered in a supervised, facility-based setting versus a remotely coached/guided, home-based setting using telerehabilitation in physically inactive and cognitively intact people with MS who have walking dysfunction and mobility disability(N = 500).

Comparing models of maternity care serving women at risk of poor birth outcomes in Washington, DC.

Low-income African American women in Washington, DC, exhibit some of the worst birth outcomes in the United States. The authors undertook a qualitative, comparative case study of three different models of maternity care delivery to low-income women at risk of poor birth outcomes in Washington. The key study objectives were (1) to describe the organization, delivery, and content of care of the three models of maternity care and (2) to analyze how the models of care might be improved to better serve this population efficiently and cost-effectively.

Improving coverage and access for immigrant Latino children: the Los Angeles healthy kids program.

A large number of California counties have recently taken bold steps to extend health insurance to all poor and near-poor children through county-based Children's Health Initiatives. One initiative, the Los Angeles Healthy Kids program, extends coverage to uninsured children in families with incomes below 300 percent of the federal poverty level who are ineligible for Medi-Cal (California Medicaid) and Healthy Families (its State Children's Health Insurance Program). A four-year evaluation of Healthy Kids finds that the program has improved access for more than 40,000, most of whom are immigrant Latino children, who have almost no access to employer coverage.

Characterisation of GEA 3175 on human platelets; comparison with S-nitroso-N-acetyl-D,L-penicillamine.

By comparing the effect of two nitric oxide (NO)-containing compounds, we found that S-nitroso-N-acetyl-D,L-penicillamine (SNAP), but not GEA 3175 (1,2,3,4-Oxatriazolium,3-(3-chloro-2-metylphenyl)-5-[[(4-methylphenyl)sulfonyl]amino]-, hydroxide inner salt), released NO. Despite this, both drugs elevated cyclic guanosine 3',5'-monophosphate (cGMP) levels in human platelets. However, SNAP was more effective after short exposure times (5 and 20 s).

The National Institute for Clinical Excellence and the RCM.

This article explains the role of the National Institute for Clinical Excellence (NICE) and how the RCM is involved in its operation.