Characteristics and methodological standards across systematic reviews with Meta-analysis of efficacy and/or effectiveness of influenza vaccines: an overview of reviews.

Background: While systematic reviews (SR) generally suggest that vaccination is an effective way to prevent influenza infection, it is not clear if these conclusions are based on high quality SR methods. As such, we systematically identified, critically appraised, and summarised the characteristics and adherence to methodological standards in SRs with meta-analysis of efficacy/effectiveness of influenza vaccines.

Methods: We searched MEDLINE, Embase, Scopus, CINAHL, Global Health, and CDSR for English-language SR publications up to July 11, 2022.

An overview of the characteristics and methodological standards across systematic reviews with Meta-analysis of efficacy/effectiveness of influenza antiviral drugs.

Background: Influenza antiviral drugs remain controversial and it is not clear if conclusions on their efficacy/effectiveness are based on high quality systematic reviews (SRs). We systematically identified, critically appraised, and summarized the characteristics and adherence to methodological standards in SRs with meta-analysis of efficacy/effectiveness of influenza antiviral drugs for prevention and/or treatment of influenza.

Methods: We searched MEDLINE, Embase, Scopus, CINAHL, Global Health, and CDSR for English-language SR publications up to July 2020.

Self-Management Programs for Chronic Non-Cancer Pain: A Rapid Review of Randomized Trials.

Background: The body of evidence regarding self-management programs (SMPs) for adult chronic non-cancer pain (CNCP) is steadily growing, and regular updates are needed for effective decision-making.

Objectives: To systematically identify, critically appraise, and summarize the findings from randomized controlled trials (RCTs) of SMPs for CNCP.

Methods: We searched relevant databases from 2009 to August 2021 and included English-language RCT publications of SMPs compared with usual care for CNCP among adults (18+ years old).

Offloading devices for neuropathic foot ulcers in adult persons with type 1 or type 2 diabetes: a rapid review with meta-analysis and trial sequential analysis of randomized controlled trials.

Introduction: Healing time for neuropathic planter foot ulcers (NPFUs) in persons with diabetes may be reduced through use of non-removable fiberglass total contact casting (F-TCC) compared with removable cast walkers (RCWs), although the evidence base is still growing.

Research Design And Methods: We conducted a rapid review and systematically searched for, and critically assessed, randomized controlled trials (RCTs) that compared the efficacy of F-TCC versus RCW, focusing on the time to ulcer healing in adult persons (18+ years) with NPFUs and type 1 or type 2 diabetes. We meta-analysed the mean differences and associated 95% CIs using an inverse variance, random-effects model.

Effectiveness of T cell-mediated rejection therapy: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

The effectiveness of T cell-mediated rejection (TCMR) therapy for achieving histological remission remains undefined in patients on modern immunosuppression. We systematically identified, critically appraised, and summarized the incidence and histological outcomes after TCMR treatment in patients on tacrolimus (Tac) and mycophenolic acid (MPA). English-language publications were searched in MEDLINE (Ovid), Embase (Ovid), Cochrane Central (Ovid), CINAHL (EBSCO), and Clinicaltrials.

A randomised clinical trial on the effect of oral antimicrobial sprays in institutionalised elders.

Objective: To compare the effectiveness of chlorine dioxide, chlorhexidine and placebo sprays in improving oral hygiene among institutionalised elders.

Background: Available evidence suggests that oral sprays may be an effective alternative delivery method for plaque control; however, few studies have evaluated antimicrobial agents other than chlorhexidine.

Materials And Methods: A total of 228 elders across 11 nursing homes in Hong Kong were recruited into the clinical trial.

Interventions to improve early cancer diagnosis of symptomatic individuals: a scoping review.

Objectives: To summarise the current evidence regarding interventions for accurate and timely cancer diagnosis among symptomatic individuals.

Design: A scoping review following the Joanna Briggs Institute's methodological framework for the conduct of scoping reviews and reported in accordance with the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses extension for Scoping Reviews checklist.

Data Sources: MEDLINE (Ovid), CINAHL (EBSCOhost) and PsycINFO (Ovid) bibliographic databases, and websites of relevant organisations.

Interventions on health care providers to improve seasonal influenza vaccination rates among patients: a systematic review and meta-analysis of the evidence since 2000.

Background: Seasonal influenza vaccination (SIV) rates remain suboptimal in many populations, even in those with universal SIV.

Objective: To summarize the evidence on interventions on health care providers (physicians/nurses/pharmacists) to increase SIV rates.

Methods: We systematically searched/selected full-text English publications from January 2000 to July 2019 (PROSPERO-CRD42019147199).

An exploration of student access to a learning management system-challenges and recommendations for educators and researchers.

Introduction: This study examined student access to online resources of a faculty's learning management system (LMS). Issues relating to current e-learning resources usage were identified and formed the basis for recommendations to help assist stakeholders in teaching, learning and research.

Methods: Learning analytics from four cohorts of undergraduate dental students were extracted from the database of a LMS spanning between 2012 and 2016.

The relation of online learning analytics, approaches to learning and academic achievement in a clinical skills course.

Introduction: This study examined relationships of students' access of e-learning (learning analytics) for a healthcare psychomotor skills course, approaches to learning (R-SPQ-2F psychometric) and academic achievement (summative examination results). An understanding of the relationships may help in supporting students learning.

Methods: Two consecutive cohorts of 5th year dental students were asked to complete the R-SPQ-2F questionnaire and permission to access data of online videos and associated quizzes and two summative written examination results were examined.

Seasonal influenza vaccination among cancer patients: A systematic review and meta-analysis of the determinants.

Cancer patients are among high-risk individuals for whom seasonal influenza vaccine (SIV) is recommended, but rates of vaccination in this subpopulation remain suboptimal; even in jurisdictions with universal influenza vaccination programs. We sought to summarize the evidence to better understand the determinants of SIV uptake (vaccine receipt) among cancer patients. We searched MEDLINE, Embase, and CINAHL from 2000 to February 12, 2020, focusing on articles on the determinants of seasonal influenza vaccination among cancer patients, published in English.

Seasonal influenza vaccination in older people: A systematic review and meta-analysis of the determining factors.

Background/objectives: Despite influenza vaccination programs in various jurisdictions, seasonal influenza vaccine (SIV) uptake remains suboptimal among older people (≥65years old), an important subpopulation for influenza vaccination. We sought to summarize determinants of SIV uptake (any vaccine receipt) and vaccination adherence (receipt of vaccine in two or more seasons in sequence) among older people.

Methods: We searched for population-based studies conducted in community-dwelling older people (irrespective of their health status) from 2000-2019.

Potential role of Candida albicans secreted aspartic protease 9 in serum induced-hyphal formation and interaction with oral epithelial cells.

Introduction: Candida albicans possesses the ability to switch rapidly between yeast to hyphal forms. Hyphal formation is a remarkable pathogenic characteristic, which allows C. albicans to invade into host cells.

Effect of oral hygiene programmes on oral opportunistic pathogens during stroke rehabilitation.

Objectives: This study was to assess the effectiveness of a conventional oral hygiene care programme (COHCP) and an advanced oral hygiene care programme (AOHCP) on prevalence and viable counts of oral opportunistic pathogens among patients undergoing stroke rehabilitation.

Methods: A total of 94 patients were randomized to two groups. Subjects were block randomized to either (a) COHCP: manual toothbrushing with oral hygiene instruction (OHI); or (b) AOHCP: powered toothbrushing, mouthrinsing with chlorhexidine and OHI.

Oral Health Interventions Using Chlorhexidine-Effects on the Prevalence of Oral Opportunistic Pathogens in Stroke Survivors: A Randomized Clinical Trial.

Objective: To evaluate the presence of oral opportunistic pathogens among stroke survivors, both before and after oral health care interventions.

Methods: A multicenter randomized clinical trial was conducted on hospitalized stroke survivors. Those in the control group were given standard care of oral hygiene (a manual toothbrush and toothpaste), whereas those in the test group were given intense care of oral hygiene (a powered toothbrush and 1% chlorhexidine oral gel).

Oral health-related quality of life in patients with stroke: a randomized clinical trial of oral hygiene care during outpatient rehabilitation.

This study was to evaluate the effectiveness of oral hygiene care in improving oral health- and health-related quality of life (OHRQoL and HRQoL) among patients receiving outpatient stroke rehabilitation. Subjects were randomized to: (1) a conventional oral hygiene care programme (COHCP) comprising a manual toothbrush, and oral hygiene instruction, or (2) an advanced oral hygiene care programme (AOHCP) comprising a powered toothbrush, 0.2% chlorhexidine mouthrinse, and oral hygiene instruction.

A randomized clinical trial of oral hygiene care programmes during stroke rehabilitation.

Objectives: The objectives of this study were to evaluate and compare the effectiveness of an advanced oral hygiene care programme (AOHCP) and a conventional oral hygiene care programme (COHCP) in improving oral hygiene, and reducing gingival bleeding among patients with stroke during outpatient rehabilitation.

Methods: Subjects were randomized to receive (i) the COHCP comprising a manual toothbrush, toothpaste, and oral hygiene instruction, or (ii) the AOHCP comprising a powered toothbrush, 0.2% chlorhexidine mouthrinse, toothpaste, and oral hygiene instruction.

Effectiveness of a Web-Based Health Education Program to Promote Oral Hygiene Care Among Stroke Survivors: Randomized Controlled Trial.

Background: Oral hygiene care is of key importance among stroke patients to prevent complications that may compromise rehabilitation or potentially give rise to life-threatening infections such as aspiration pneumonia.

Objective: The aim of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of a Web-based continuing professional development (CPD) program on "general intention" of the health carers to perform daily mouth cleaning for stroke patients using the theory of planned behavior (TPB).

Methods: A double-blind cluster randomized controlled trial was conducted among 547 stroke care providers across 10 hospitals in Malaysia.

Factors influencing the provision of oral hygiene care following stroke: an application of the Theory of Planned Behaviour.

Objectives: This study aimed to examine "intention to" and "performance of" oral hygiene care to stroke patients using the Theory of Planned Behavior.

Materials And Methods: A large scale survey of 13 centers in Malaysia was conducted involving 806 nurses in relation to oral hygiene care intentions and practices. In addition, information on personal and environmental factors was collected.

Effectiveness of computer-aided learning in oral health among patients and caregivers: a systematic review.

Unlabelled: Computer-aided learning (CAL) offers enormous potential in disseminating oral health care information to patients and caregivers. The effectiveness of CAL, however, remains unclear.

Objectives: The purpose of this study was to systematically review published evidence on the effectiveness of CAL in disseminating oral health care information to patients and caregivers.

Salivary Anionic Changes after Radiotherapy for Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma: A 1-Year Prospective Study.

Objectives: To investigate the salivary anionic changes of patients with nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) treated by radiotherapy.

Material And Methods: Thirty-eight patients with T1-4, N0-2, M0 NPC received conventional radiotherapy. Stimulated whole saliva was collected at baseline and 2, 6 and 12 months after radiotherapy.

Prosthetic rehabilitation of an edentulous patient with an oronasal fistula.

The presence of an oronasal fistula presents a challenge to maxillary complete denture fabrication because leakage of air from the nasal cavity through the fistula prevents the formation of an adequate border seal. Although surgical repair or dental implants are possible solutions, these options are invasive and sometimes not feasible. This clinical report illustrates an alternative prosthetic solution by integrating a small retentive component into a maxillary complete denture.

Organic anion composition of human whole saliva as determined by ion chromatography.

Background: The majority of studies examining anionic composition in human saliva have focused on inorganic anions only, and accompanying organic anion concentration has often been overlooked in the development of artificial salivas. The purpose of this study was to examine the major organic anionic species profile of human saliva, with a view to gaining further insight into human salivary chemistry.

Methods: Unstimulated whole saliva was collected from 11 healthy volunteers over a period of 18months.