The effectiveness of interventions to reduce the transmission of acute respiratory infections in care homes: a systematic review.

Background: Care home residents are at high risk from outbreaks of respiratory infections, such as influenza and COVID-19. We conducted a systematic review of randomized controlled trials, to determine which interventions (apart from vaccines) are effective at reducing transmission of acute respiratory illnesses (ARIs) in care homes.

Methods: We searched CINAHL, Medline, Embase and Cochrane for randomized controlled trials (RCTs) of interventions to prevent transmission of ARIs in care homes (excluding vaccines), to April 2023.

Chinese medicine (Lu Gen) for acute respiratory tract infections: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials.

Acute respiratory tract infections (ARTIs) are the most common cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide, with most people experiencing at least one episode per year. Current treatment options are mainly symptomatic therapy. Antivirals, antibiotics, and glucocorticoids are of limited benefit for most infections.

Pharmacists' perspectives on recommending herbal medicines for acute infections: a qualitative study.

Background: Community pharmacists have an essential role in antimicrobial stewardship by providing self-care advice for self-limiting infections.

Aim: To explore community pharmacists' perceptions and experiences of advising patients on management of acute respiratory tract infections (RTIs) and urinary tract infections (UTIs), and to explore issues regarding use of over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, including herbal medicines.

Design & Setting: A qualitative study using semi-structured interviews with community pharmacists in England.

Implementing Germ Defence digital behaviour change intervention via all primary care practices in England to reduce respiratory infections during the COVID-19 pandemic: an efficient cluster randomised controlled trial using the OpenSAFELY platform.

Background: Germ Defence ( www.germdefence.org ) is an evidence-based interactive website that promotes behaviour change for infection control within households.

Use of herbal medicines for the management of type 2 diabetes: A systematic review of qualitative studies.

Background: Many people with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus (T2DM) use herbal medicines, some of which can improve glycaemic control. Providing evidence-based advice on herbal medicines could be an effective intervention to improve control of diabetes, if it is designed to address key needs and concerns of T2DM patients.

Aim: To understand the views and experiences of patients and health professionals on herbal treatments for self-management of T2DM.

Views and experiences of long-acting reversible contraception among ethnic minorities in high-income countries: a systematic review of qualitative studies.

Unlabelled: BackgroundEthnic minorities in high-income countries have higher rates of unintended pregnancies but are less likely to use highly efficacious long-acting reversible contraception (LARC). The reasons for this are unclear.

Aim: To understand the views and experiences of ethnic minorities within high-income countries about LARC.

Treating acute exacerbations of COPD with Chinese herbal medicine to aid antibiotic use reduction (Excalibur): a randomised double-blind, placebo-controlled feasibility trial.

Although many acute exacerbations of COPD (AECOPD) are triggered by non-bacterial causes, they are often treated with antibiotics. Preliminary research suggests that the Chinese herbal medicine "Shufeng Jiedu" (SFJD), may improve recovery and therefore reduce antibiotic use in patients with AECOPD. To assess the feasibility of conducting a randomised placebo-controlled clinical trial of SFJD for AECOPD in UK primary care.

Shufeng Jiedu capsule for acute exacerbation of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease: a protocol of multicentre, randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial.

Introduction: Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) represents one of the leading causes of death worldwide. Published clinical trials suggest that the Chinese patent herbal medicine Shufeng Jiedu capsule (SFJD) is safe and may be effective for treating acute exacerbations of COPD (AECOPD). However, these effects have been reported with low or very low certainty evidence.

Determinants of behaviors influencing implementation of maternal and perinatal death surveillance and response in low- and middle-income countries: A systematic review of qualitative studies.

Background: Maternal and Perinatal Death Surveillance and Review (MPDSR) can reduce mortality but its implementation is often suboptimal, especially in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs).

Objectives: To understand the determinants of behaviors influencing implementation of MPDSR in LMICs (through a systematic review of qualitative studies), in order to plan an intervention to improve its implementation.

Search Strategy: Terms for maternal or perinatal death reviews and qualitative studies.

Approaches to improve and adapt maternal mortality estimations in low- and middle-income countries: A scoping review.

Background: In the absence of robust vital registration systems, many low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) rely on national surveys or routine surveillance systems to estimate the maternal mortality ratio (MMR). Although the importance of MMR estimates in ending preventable maternal deaths is acknowledged, there is limited research on how different approaches are used and adapted, and how these adaptations function.

Objectives: To assess methods for estimating maternal mortality in LMICs and the rationale for these modifications.

Community engagement in maternal and perinatal death surveillance and response (MPDSR): Realist review protocol.

While there has been a decline in maternal and perinatal mortality, deaths remain high in sub-Saharan Africa and Asia. With the sustainable development goals (SDGs) targets to reduce maternal and perinatal mortality, more needs to be done to accelerate progress and improve survival. Maternal and perinatal death surveillance and response (MPDSR) is a strategy to identify the clinical and social circumstances that contribute to maternal and perinatal deaths.

Non-pharmaceutical interventions and risk of COVID-19 infection: survey of U.K. public from November 2020 - May 2021.

Introduction: Non-pharmaceutical interventions (NPIs), such as handwashing, social distancing and face mask wearing, have been widely promoted to reduce the spread of COVID-19. This study aimed to explore the relationship between self-reported use of NPIs and COVID-19 infection.

Methods: We conducted an online questionnaire study recruiting members of the UK public from November 2020 to May 2021.

Use of antibiotics and other treatments in Chinese adults with acute cough: An online survey.

Background: This study aimed to identify use of various treatments and their association with the use of antibiotics and patient reported clinical recovery in Chinese adults with acute cough.

Methods: An online survey recruiting people who had recently experienced cough was conducted. Their sociodemographic, clinical characteristics, treatments received and their perceived changes in symptoms were collected.

Maternal and perinatal death surveillance and response: a systematic review of qualitative studies.

Objective: To understand the experiences and perceptions of people implementing maternal and/or perinatal death surveillance and response in low- and middle-income countries, and the mechanisms by which this process can achieve its intended outcomes.

Methods: In June 2022, we systematically searched seven databases for qualitative studies of stakeholders implementing maternal and/or perinatal death surveillance and response in low- and middle-income countries. Two reviewers independently screened articles and assessed their quality.

Treating Acute EXacerbations of COPD with Chinese HerbAL MedIcine to aid AntiBiotic Use Reduction (EXCALIBUR): study protocol of a randomised double-blind, placebo-controlled feasibility trial.

Background: Acute exacerbations of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (AECOPD) are a major reason for consultations in primary care, hospital admissions, deterioration in function, and mortality. Despite the majority of exacerbations not being caused by bacteria, as many as 70% of patients who present in UK primary care with AECOPD are prescribed antibiotics as part of standard care. However, finding effective non-antibiotic treatments for COPD exacerbations is a priority to reduce antibiotic use.

A nationwide survey on the management of the COVID-19 pandemic and respiratory disease in South Korea.

Background: This study aimed to explore individual prevalence of respiratory symptoms and to describe the Korean population's treatment approaches, preventive health behaviors, and mental health conditions during the pandemic.

Methods: We analyzed responses from an online nationwide survey, conducted between February 2021 to May 2021, about people's experiences during the pandemic. Statistical analysis was also performed to see if there were any significant differences in treatment and prevention strategies between different groups of respondents (between those had respiratory symptoms, compared with those who did not, and between those tested positive for COVID-19, compared with those who did not).

Chinese Patent Medicine Shufeng Jiedu Capsules as an Adjuvant Therapy for Community-Acquired Pneumonia: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Randomized Clinical Trials.

Shufeng Jiedu (SFJD) capsules can be used as adjunctive treatment for patients with community-acquired pneumonia, but the effectiveness and safety of SFJD are not clear. This review aims to evaluate the effectiveness and safety of SFJD based on randomized controlled trials (RCTs). A systematic review was conducted by searching PubMed, Embase, Scopus, Web of Science, CENTRAL, CNKI, VIP, CBM, Wanfang and trial registry platforms from their inception to March 2022.

Antenatal couples' counselling in Uganda (ACCU): study protocol for a randomised controlled feasibility trial.

Background: Common avoidable factors leading to maternal, perinatal and neonatal deaths include lack of birth planning (and delivery in an inappropriate place) and unmet need for contraception. Progress has been slow because routine antenatal care has focused only on women. Yet, in Uganda, many women first want the approval of their husbands.

Houtt for Acute Respiratory Tract Infections in Adults and Children: A Systematic Review.

Respiratory tract infections (RTIs) are a major cause of morbidity and mortality in some high-risk groups including children and older adults. There is evidence that Chinese herbal medicine has an effect on RTIs. Houtt (better known under its synonym (Houtt.

Assessing changes in knowledge, attitudes, and intentions to use family planning after watching documentary and drama health education films: a qualitative study.

Background: There is a paucity of literature on the effectiveness of drama or documentary films in changing knowledge, beliefs, attitudes, and behavior of people towards family planning. This study aimed to compare and assess the acceptability of health promotion films based on documentary or drama, and their effect on knowledge, attitudes, and intention to use family planning.

Methods: We developed short documentary and drama films about contraceptive implants, using the person-based approach.

Bupleuri radix for Acute Uncomplicated Respiratory Tract Infection: A Systematic Review of Randomized Controlled Trials.

To evaluate the efficacy, clinical effectiveness, and safety of the Chinese herb for the treatment of acute uncomplicated respiratory tract infections (ARTIs). Four English and four Chinese databases were searched from their inception to June 2021. Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) assessing therapeutic effects of on ARTI were eligible for inclusion.

Effectiveness of Medicinal Plants for Glycaemic Control in Type 2 Diabetes: An Overview of Meta-Analyses of Clinical Trials.

To rank the effectiveness of medicinal plants for glycaemic control in Type 2 Diabetes (T2DM). MEDLINE, EMBASE, CINAHL and Cochrane Central were searched in October 2020. We included meta-analyses of randomised controlled clinical trials measuring the effectiveness of medicinal plants on HbA1c and/or Fasting Plasma Glucose (FPG) in patients with T2DM.