Efficacy and safety of baroreflex activation therapy for heart failure with reduced ejection fraction: systematic review.

Baroreflex activation therapy (BAT) is a possible adjuvant treatment for patients with heart failure with reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF) who remain symptomatic despite optimal medical therapy and may be an alternative therapy in patients with contraindications or drug intolerance. Our aim was to evaluate the efficacy and safety of BAT in patients with HFrEF. The protocol for this study was registered with PROSPERO (CRD42022349175).

The VR leadless pacemaker: Results of an expert panel using the RAND/UCLA method.

Background: Leadless pacemakers were developed to reduce complications associated with transvenous pacemaker implantation and long-term follow-up. Existing international guidelines lack detailed instructions on patients suitable for leadless pacemaker implantation. Our aim was to develop a consensus document that provides medical guidance for all health professionals involved in the indication and implantation of Transcatheter Pacing System single-chamber device (VR leadless) pacemakers for patients with atrial fibrillation or in sinus rhythm.

Exploring the values, preferences, and information needs of patients with NKX2-1-related disorders: A qualitative study protocol.

Background: NKX2-1-related disorders have a prevalence of 1:500,000 and are therefore considered a rare condition according to the European Commission's definition. The European Reference Network of Rare Neurological Disorders is developing the first clinical practice guideline on the management of this condition, with the support of the Andalusian Health Technology Assessment Area, Endo-ERN, ERN-Lung and Imegen, within the framework of the ERNs Guidelines programme (DG SANTE/2018/B3/030). Within the scope of this programme, it becomes necessary to explore the patient perspective in order to include it in the ongoing clinical practice guideline and accompanying patient information booklet.

Evaluation of patient involvement strategies in health technology assessment in Spain: the viewpoint of HTA researchers.

Objective: The Spanish Network of Agencies for Assessing National Health System Technologies and Performance (RedETS) defined a patient involvement (PI) framework for health technology assessment (HTA) activities in 2016. The aim of this study is to evaluate the process and impact of those PI initiatives that were implemented in the first year following the publication of this new framework.

Methods: A survey was sent to those HTA researchers who implemented PI in RedETS projects.

Development of appropriateness criteria for hip arthroscopy in patients with femoroacetabular impingement.

Introduction: The use of hip arthroscopy as a treatment for femoroacetabular impingement (FAI) has increased exponentially in recent years without robust evidence or consensus about the patients who benefit from it.

Objective: To develop explicit criteria for the appropriate indication of hip arthroscopy in FAI.

Method: A panel of experts was formed with 11 traumatologists following the RAND/UCLA method to identify the appropriateness criteria for hip arthroscopy in patients with FAI.

[Evaluation of the efficacy and safety of tigecycline for treatment of respiratory tract infections: systematic review of literature].

Background: Tigecycline is indicated for the treatment of complicated skin infections, soft tissue and intraabdominal infections. Its use could be extended to community-acquired pneumonia (CAP) and hospital pneumonia (HN). The objective was to evaluate the efficacy and safety of tigecycline in the treatment of respiratory infections.

Safety and immunogenicity of 13-valent pneumococcal conjugate vaccine in infants: a meta-analysis.

Pneumococcal infections are a major cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide. Pneumococcal conjugate vaccines represent major progress in the prevention of invasive pneumococcal disease in the paediatric population. We performed a meta-analysis, in accordance with the PRISMA statement, in order to assess the immunogenicity and safety of 13-valent pneumococcal conjugate vaccines in infants.

[Assessment of the MF59-adjuvanted pandemic influenza A/H1N1 vaccine. Systematic review of literature].

Objective: To assess the efficacy and safety of MF59-adjuvanted pandemic influenza A/H1N1 vaccine in children.

Methods: A systematic review of the literature was performed after searching the MedLine and Embase electronic databases, and manual search in specialties journals, with MeSH terms and and free terms. Inclusion criteria were clinical trials with children vaccinated with MF59-adjuvanted influenza A/H1N1 vaccine, compared with other vaccines doses with/without MF59-adjuvanted.

Effectiveness of smoking cessation programs for seriously mentally ill.

Introduction: Many studies have supported the significant association between mental illness and smoking habit, with relative independence of socio-cultural factors. The aim of this study was to review effective strategies for smoking cessation of adults with major depression, schizophrenia and psychosis.

Material And Methods: An extensive literature search was performed in Medline, Embase, PsycINFO, Cochrane Library, Center for Reviews and Dissemination, ECRI, clinicaltrials.

[Evaluation of rapid methods for detecting Streptococcus pyogenes. Systematic review and meta-analysis].

Introduction: Streptococcal pharyngitis is one of the most frequent reasons for consultations in primary and paediatric care. An inadequate treatment could cause adverse effects and bacterial resistance. The rapid antigen tests are an important advance, enabling the diagnosis of infection by Streptococcus pyogenes to be diagnosed in a few minutes.

Assessing the appropriate use of laparoscopic surgery for hepatobiliary diseases.

Background: The range of indications for laparoscopic surgery has widened since it was first introduced. The aim of the present study was to develop standards for the appropriate use of laparoscopic surgery in patients with choledocholithiasis or cholelithiasis.

Method: We conducted a study following the RAND appropriateness method (RAM) to develop criteria for hepatobiliary laparoscopy.

[The relationship between cognitive impairment and depression in older Colombian women].

Objective: to analyze the prevalence of depressive syndrome and cognitive impairment in elderly non-institutionalized women in Cali (Colombia).

Material And Methods: we performed a cross-sectional descriptive study. The Yesavage depression scale (15-item version) and the Pfeiffer test were applied.