Update on efficacy of the approved remdesivir regimen for treatment of COVID-19: a systematic review with meta-analysis and trial sequential analysis of randomized controlled trials.

Background: Efficacy of remdesivir for COVID-19 remains unclear. We updated our published systematic review to better inform on the use of remdesivir for COVID-19.

Methods: We searched for randomized controlled trials (RCTs) among hospitalized COVID-19 patients.

Monitoring Nusinersen Treatment Effects in Children with Spinal Muscular Atrophy with Quantitative Muscle MRI.

Background: Spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) is caused by deficiency of survival motor neuron (SMN) protein. Intrathecal nusinersen treatment increases SMN protein in motor neurons and has been shown to improve motor function in symptomatic children with SMA.

Objective: We used quantitative MRI to gain insight in microstructure and fat content of muscle during treatment and to explore its use as biomarker for treatment effect.

A randomized trial of the effectiveness of an ultrasonic denture hygiene intervention program among community dwelling elders.

Purpose: This study aimed to assess the effectiveness of ultrasonic denture hygiene interventions in improving denture cleanliness among elderly individuals.

Materials And Methods: Sixty-six participants who had received upper metal framework removable partial dentures within the past 5 years were randomly allocated into three denture hygiene intervention groups: group 1 (mechanical cleaning with a toothbrush and ultrasonic cleaning with cetylpyridinium chloride), group 2 (mechanical cleaning with a toothbrush and ultrasonic cleaning with distilled water), and control (mechanical cleaning with a toothbrush only). Denture cleanliness was assessed at baseline and 1-month using: i) Denture Cleanliness Index (DCI) scores; ii) plaque coverage percentage; and (iii) microbiological samples for bacterial and yeast detection.

Lung function decline preceding chronic respiratory failure in spinal muscular atrophy: a national prospective cohort study.

Background: Progressive lung function decline, resulting in respiratory failure, is an important complication of spinal muscular atrophy (SMA). The ability to predict the need for mechanical ventilation is important. We assessed longitudinal patterns of lung function prior to chronic respiratory failure in a national cohort of treatment-naïve children and adults with SMA, hypothesizing an accelerated decline prior to chronic respiratory failure.

Randomized double-blind placebo-controlled crossover trial with pyridostigmine in spinal muscular atrophy types 2-4.

Hereditary proximal spinal muscular atrophy causes weakness and increased fatigability of repetitive motor functions. The neuromuscular junction is anatomically and functionally abnormal in patients with spinal muscular atrophy. Pharmacological improvement of neuromuscular transmission may therefore represent a promising additional treatment strategy.

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.

Natural history of respiratory muscle strength in spinal muscular atrophy: a prospective national cohort study.

Background: Respiratory complications are the most important cause of morbidity and mortality in spinal muscular atrophy (SMA). Respiratory muscle weakness results in impaired cough, recurrent respiratory tract infections and eventually can cause respiratory failure. We assessed longitudinal patterns of respiratory muscle strength in a national cohort of treatment-naïve children and adults with SMA, hypothesizing a continued decline throughout life.

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.

Implementation strategies in emergency management of children: A scoping review.

Background: Implementation strategies are vital for the uptake of evidence to improve health, healthcare delivery, and decision-making. Medical or mental emergencies may be life-threatening, especially in children, due to their unique physiological needs when presenting in the emergency departments (EDs). Thus, practice change in EDs attending to children requires evidence-informed considerations regarding the best approaches to implementing research evidence.

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).

Quantification of disease progression in spinal muscular atrophy with muscle MRI-a pilot study.

Objectives: Quantitative MRI (qMRI) of muscles is a promising tool to measure disease progression or to assess therapeutic effects in neuromuscular diseases. Longitudinal imaging studies are needed to show sensitivity of qMRI in detecting disease progression in spinal muscular atrophy (SMA). In this pilot study we therefore studied one-year changes in quantitative MR parameters in relation to clinical scores.

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.

Integration of geriatric assessment into clinical oncology practice: A scoping review.

Sixty percent of newly diagnosed cancers occur in older adults and more complex planning is required to sustain quality care for older populations. Individualized care incorporating geriatric assessment can predict early mortality and treatment toxicity for older cancer patients. We mapped and summarized the available evidence on the integration of geriatric assessment into clinical oncology practice, and ascertained which domains have been implemented.

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.

Muscle strength and motor function in adolescents and adults with spinal muscular atrophy.

Objective: To assess longitudinal patterns of muscle strength, motor function, and maximal compound muscle action potential amplitudes (CMAP) in older patients with spinal muscular atrophy (SMA), hypothesizing a continued decline of motor function parameters throughout life.

Methods: We measured muscle strength (Medical Research Council), motor function (Hammersmith Functional Motor Scale Expanded [HFMSE] and Motor Function Measure), and CMAP in treatment-naive patients. We used both longitudinal and cross-sectional data in mixed models to analyze natural history patterns.

Quantitative MRI of skeletal muscle in a cross-sectional cohort of patients with spinal muscular atrophy types 2 and 3.

The aim of this study was to document upper leg involvement in spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) with quantitative MRI (qMRI) in a cross-sectional cohort of patients of varying type, disease severity and age. Thirty-one patients with SMA types 2 and 3 (aged 29.6 [7.

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.

T relaxation-time mapping in healthy and diseased skeletal muscle using extended phase graph algorithms.

Purpose: Multi-echo spin-echo (MSE) transverse relaxometry mapping using multi-component models is used to study disease activity in neuromuscular disease by assessing the T of the myocytic component (T ). Current extended phase graph algorithms are not optimized for fat fractions above 50% and the effects of inaccuracies in the T calibration remain unexplored. Hence, we aimed to improve the performance of extended phase graph fitting methods over a large range of fat fractions, by including the slice-selection flip angle profile, a through-plane chemical-shift displacement correction, and optimized calibration of T .