Halofuginone for non-hospitalized adult patients with COVID-19 a multicenter, randomized placebo-controlled phase 2 trial. The HALOS trial.

BACKGROUND: Halofuginone (PJS-539) is an oral prolyl-tRNA synthetase inhibitor that has a potent in vitro activity against SARS-CoV-2 virus. The safety and efficacy of halofuginone in Covid-19 patients has not been studied. METHODS: We conducted a phase II, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, dose ranging, safety and tolerability trial of halofuginone in symptomatic (≤ 7 days), mostly vaccinated, non-hospitalized adults with mild to moderate Covid-19. Patients were randomized in a 1:1:1 ratio to receive halofuginone 0.5mg, 1mg or placebo orally once daily for 10 days. The primary outcome was the decay rate of the SARS-CoV-2 viral load logarithmic curve within 10 days after randomization. RESULTS: From September 25, 2021, to February 3, 2022, 153 patients were randomized. The mean decay rate in SARS-CoV-2 viral load log10 within 10 days was -3.75 (95% CI, -4.11; -3.19) in the placebo group, -3.83 (95% CI, -4.40; -2.27) in the halofuginone 0.5mg group and -4.13 (95% CI, -4.69; -3.57) in the halofuginone 1mg group, with no statistically significant difference in between placebo vs. halofuginone 0.5mg (mean difference -0.08; 95% CI -0.82 to 0.66, p = 0.96) and between placebo vs. halofuginone 1mg (mean difference -0.38; 95% CI, -1.11; 0.36, p = 0.41). There was no difference on bleeding episodes or serious adverse events at 28 days. CONCLUSIONS: Among non-hospitalized adults with mild to moderate Covid-19 halofuginone treatment was safe and well tolerated but did not decrease SARS-CoV-2 viral load decay rate within 10 days.

Digital technology for delivering and monitoring exercise programs for people with cystic fibrosis.

BACKGROUND: Although exercise is recommended as part of the cystic fibrosis (CF) therapeutic routine, adherence to exercise is still limited. Digital health technologies can provide easy-to-access health information and may help improve healthcare and outcomes in individuals with long-term conditions. However, its effects for delivering and monitoring exercise programs in CF have not yet been synthesized. OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the benefits and harms of digital health technologies for delivering and monitoring exercise programs, increasing adherence to exercise regimens, and improving key clinical outcomes in people with CF. SEARCH METHODS: We used standard, extensive Cochrane search methods. The latest search date was 21 November 2022. SELECTION CRITERIA: We included randomized controlled trials (RCTs) or quasi-RCTs of digital health technologies for delivering or monitoring exercise programs in CF. DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS: We used standard Cochrane methods. Our primary outcomes were 1. physical activity, 2. self-management behavior, and 3. pulmonary exacerbations. Our secondary outcomes were 4. usability of technologies, 5. quality of life, 6. lung function, 7. muscle strength, 8. exercise capacity, 9. physiologic parameters, and 10. ADVERSE EVENTS: We used GRADE to assess certainty of evidence. MAIN RESULTS: We identified four parallel RCTs (three single-center and one multicenter with 231 participants aged six years or older). The RCTs evaluated different modes of digital health technologies with distinct purposes, combined with diverse interventions. We identified important methodologic concerns in the RCTs, including insufficient information on the randomization process, blinding of outcome assessors, balance of non-protocol interventions across groups, and whether the analyses performed corrected for bias due to missing outcome data. Non-reporting of results may also be a concern, especially because some planned outcome results were reported incompletely. Furthermore, each trial had a small number of participants, resulting in imprecise effects. These limitations on the risk of bias, and on the precision of effect estimates resulted in overall low- to very low-certainty evidence. We undertook four comparisons and present the findings for our primary outcomes below. There is no information on the effectiveness of other modes of digital health technologies for monitoring physical activity or delivering exercise programs in people with CF, on adverse events related to the use of digital health technologies either for delivering or monitoring exercise programs in CF, and on their long-term effects (more than one year). Digital health technologies for monitoring physical activity Wearable fitness tracker plus personalized exercise prescription compared to personalized exercise prescription alone One trial (40 adults with CF) evaluated this outcome, but did not report data for any of our primary outcomes. Wearable fitness tracker plus text message for personalized feedback and goal setting compared to wearable fitness tracker alone The evidence is very uncertain about the effects of a wearable fitness tracker plus text message for personalized feedback and goal setting, compared to wearable technology alone on physical activity measured by step count at six-month follow-up (mean difference [MD] 675.00 steps, 95% confidence interval [CI] -2406.37 to 3756.37; 1 trial, 32 participants). The same study measured pulmonary exacerbation rates and reported finding no difference between groups. Web-based application to record, monitor, and set goals on physical activity plus usual care compared to usual care alone Using a web-based application to record, monitor, and set goals on physical activity plus usual care may result in little to no difference on time spent in moderate-to-vigorous physical activity measured via accelerometry compared to usual care alone at six-month follow-up (MD -4 minutes/day, 95% CI -37 to 29; 1 trial, 63 participants). Low certainty-evidence from the same trial suggests that the intervention may result in little to no difference on pulmonary exacerbations during 12 months of follow-up (median 1 respiratory hospitalization, interquartile range [IQR] 0 to 3) versus control (median 1 respiratory hospitalization, IQR 0 to 2; P = 0.6). Digital health technologies for delivering exercise programs Web-based versus face-to-face exercise delivery The evidence is very uncertain about the effects of web-based compared to face-to-face exercise delivery on adherence to physical activity as assessed by the number of participants who completed all exercise sessions after three months of intervention (risk ratio 0.92, 95% CI 0.69 to 1.23; 1 trial, 51 participants). AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS: The evidence is very uncertain about the effects of an exercise program plus the use of a wearable fitness tracker integrated with a social media platform compared with exercise prescription alone and on the effects of receiving a wearable fitness tracker plus text message for personalized feedback and goal setting, compared to a wearable fitness tracker alone. Low-certainty evidence suggests that using a web-based application to record, monitor, and set goals on physical activity plus usual care may result in little to no difference in time spent in moderate-to-vigorous physical activity, total time spent in activity, pulmonary exacerbations, quality of life, lung function, and exercise capacity compared to usual care alone. Regarding the use of digital health technologies for delivering exercise programs in CF, the evidence is very uncertain about the effects of using a wearable fitness tracker plus personalized exercise prescription compared to personalized exercise prescription alone. Further high-quality RCTs, with blinded outcome assessors, reporting the effects of digital health technologies on clinically important outcome measures, such as physical activity participation and intensity, self-management behavior, and the occurrence of pulmonary exacerbations in the long term are needed. The results of six ongoing RCTs identified through our searches may help clarify the effects of different modes of digital health technologies for delivering and monitoring exercise programs in people with CF.

Economic burden of respiratory syncytial and parainfluenza viruses in children of upper-middle-income countries: a systematic review.

OBJECTIVE: To identify and assess the current evidence available about the costs of managing hospitalized pediatric patients diagnosed with Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) and Parainfluenza Virus Type 3 (PIV3) in upper-middle-income countries. METHODS: The authors conducted a systematic review across seven key databases from database inception to July 2022. Costs extracted were converted into 2022 International Dollars using the Purchasing Power Parity-adjusted. PROSPERO identifier: CRD42020225757. RESULTS: No eligible study for PIV3 was recovered. For RSV, cost analysis and COI studies were performed for populations in Colombia, China, Malaysia, and Mexico. Comparing the total economic impact, the lowest cost per patient at the pediatric ward was observed in Malaysia ($ 347.60), while the highest was in Colombia ($ 709.66). On the other hand, at pediatric ICU, the lowest cost was observed in China ($ 1068.26), while the highest was in Mexico ($ 3815.56). Although there is no consensus on the major cost driver, all included studies described that the medications (treatment) consumed over 30% of the total cost. A high rate of inappropriate prescription drugs was observed. CONCLUSION: The present study highlighted how RSV infection represents a substantial economic burden to health care systems and to society. The findings of the included studies suggest a possible association between baseline risk status and expenditures. Moreover, it was observed that an important amount of the cost is destinated to treatments that have no evidence or support in most clinical practice guidelines.

Economic burden of respiratory syncytial and parainfluenza viruses in children of upper-middle-income countries: a systematic review

Abstract Objective: To identify and assess the current evidence available about the costs of managing hospitalized pediatric patients diagnosed with Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) and Parainfluenza Virus Type 3 (PIV3) in upper-middle-income countries. Methods: The authors conducted a systematic review across seven key databases from database inception to July 2022. Costs extracted were converted into 2022 International Dollars using the Purchasing Power Parity-adjusted. PROSPERO identifier: CRD42020225757. Results: No eligible study for PIV3 was recovered. For RSV, cost analysis and COI studies were performed for populations in Colombia, China, Malaysia, and Mexico. Comparing the total economic impact, the lowest cost per patient at the pediatric ward was observed in Malaysia ($ 347.60), while the highest was in Colombia ($ 709.66). On the other hand, at pediatric ICU, the lowest cost was observed in China ($ 1068.26), while the highest was in Mexico ($ 3815.56). Although there is no consensus on the major cost driver, all included studies described that the medications (treatment) consumed over 30% of the total cost. A high rate of inappropriate prescription drugs was observed. Conclusion: The present study highlighted how RSV infection represents a substantial economic burden to health care systems and to society. The findings of the included studies suggest a possible association between baseline risk status and expenditures. Moreover, it was observed that an important amount of the cost is destinated to treatments that have no evidence or support in most clinical practice guidelines.

Hospitalization costs of coronaviruses diseases in upper-middle-income countries: A systematic review.

BACKGROUND: COVID-19, SARS and MERS are diseases that present an important health burden worldwide. This situation demands resource allocation to the healthcare system, affecting especially middle- and low-income countries. Thus, identifying the main cost drivers is relevant to optimize patient care and resource allocation. OBJECTIVE: To systematically identify and summarize the current status of knowledge on direct medical hospitalization costs of SARS, MERS, or COVID-19 in Upper-Middle-Income Countries. METHODS: We conducted a systematic review across seven key databases (PubMed, EMBASE, BVS Portal, CINAHL, CRD library, MedRxiv and Research Square) from database inception to February 2021. Costs extracted were converted into 2021 International Dollars using the Purchasing Power Parity-adjusted. The assessment of quality was based on the protocol by the BMJ and CHEERS. PROSPERO 2020: CRD42020225757. RESULTS: No eligible study about SARS or MERS was recovered. For COVID-19, five studies presented cost analysis performed in Brazil, China, Iran, and Turkey. Regarding total direct medical costs, the lowest cost per patient at ward was observed in Turkey ($900.08), while the highest in Brazil ($5,093.38). At ICU, the lowest was in Turkey ($2,984.78), while the highest was in China ($52,432.87). Service care was the most expressive (58% to 88%) cost driver of COVID-19 patients at ward. At ICU, there was no consensus between service care (54% to 87%) and treatment (72% to 81%) as key burdens of total cost. CONCLUSION: Our findings elucidate the importance of COVID-19 on health-economic outcomes. The marked heterogeneity among studies leaded to substantially different results and made challenging the comparison of data to estimate pooled results for single countries or regions. Further studies concerning cost estimates from standardized analysis may provide clearer data for a more substantial analysis. This may help care providers and policy makers to organize care for patients in the most efficient way.

Indications for accurate and appropriate use of personal protective equipment for healthcare professionals. A systematic review

ABSTRACT BACKGROUND: The speed of the spread of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) has put enormous pressure on hospitals and other healthcare facilities. This, together with blockages in several countries, has hindered the availability and accessibility of the necessary personal protective equipment (PPE). OBJECTIVE: To identify, systematically evaluate and summarize the available scientific evidence on the efficacy, safety, safe use and reuse of PPE for healthcare professionals, for preventing severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection. DESIGN AND SETTING: Systematic review of studies analyzing products for disinfecting and enabling reuse of PPE for coronavirus within the evidence-based health program of a federal university in São Paulo (SP), Brazil. METHODS: A systematic search of the relevant literature was conducted in the PubMed, EMBASE, Cochrane Library, CINAHL, SCOPUS, Web of Science and LILACS databases, for articles published up to November 30, 2020. RESULTS: Ten studies were selected. These analyzed the use of N95, surgical and cotton masks, face shields, flexible enclosures with plastic covers or polycarbonate intubation boxes and plastic curtains; and also PPE disinfection using several substances. CONCLUSION: Combined use of a face shield with a N95 mask proved to be superior to other associations for protecting healthcare workers. Some products are useful for disinfecting PPE, such as 70% ethanol, 0.1% sodium hypochlorite and a mixture of quaternary ammonium and H2O2, and hydrogen peroxide. Ultraviolet light and dry heat at 70 °C can be used to decontaminate N95 masks. REGISTRATION NUMBER: DOI: 10.17605/OSF.IO/4V5FD at the OPENSCIENCE Framework.

Indications for accurate and appropriate use of personal protective equipment for healthcare professionals. A systematic review.

BACKGROUND: The speed of the spread of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) has put enormous pressure on hospitals and other healthcare facilities. This, together with blockages in several countries, has hindered the availability and accessibility of the necessary personal protective equipment (PPE). OBJECTIVE: To identify, systematically evaluate and summarize the available scientific evidence on the efficacy, safety, safe use and reuse of PPE for healthcare professionals, for preventing severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection. DESIGN AND SETTING: Systematic review of studies analyzing products for disinfecting and enabling reuse of PPE for coronavirus within the evidence-based health program of a federal university in São Paulo (SP), Brazil. METHODS: A systematic search of the relevant literature was conducted in the PubMed, EMBASE, Cochrane Library, CINAHL, SCOPUS, Web of Science and LILACS databases, for articles published up to November 30, 2020. RESULTS: Ten studies were selected. These analyzed the use of N95, surgical and cotton masks, face shields, flexible enclosures with plastic covers or polycarbonate intubation boxes and plastic curtains; and also PPE disinfection using several substances. CONCLUSION: Combined use of a face shield with a N95 mask proved to be superior to other associations for protecting healthcare workers. Some products are useful for disinfecting PPE, such as 70% ethanol, 0.1% sodium hypochlorite and a mixture of quaternary ammonium and H2O2, and hydrogen peroxide. Ultraviolet light and dry heat at 70 °C can be used to decontaminate N95 masks. REGISTRATION NUMBER: DOI: 10.17605/OSF.IO/4V5FD at the OPENSCIENCE Framework.

Sodium-glucose cotransporter-2 inhibitors for type 2 diabetes mellitus in adults: An overview of 46 systematic reviews.

AIMS: To summarize the evidence from systematic reviews (SRs) of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) evaluating the efficacy and safety of sodium-glucose cotransporter-2 (SGLT2) inhibitors versus placebo or active comparators for type 2 diabetes mellitus. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We searched six databases between 2014 and 2021. We assessed the quality of evidence using Assessment of Multiple Systematic Reviews (AMSTAR 2) and Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation (GRADE) and summarized the main outcome results according to their evidence of benefit (PROSPERO ID: CRD42019132431). RESULTS: We included 46 SRs, comprising 175 RCTs and 136 096 participants. The results showed "clear evidence of benefit" in relation to: myocardial infarction (odds ratio [OR]/hazard ratio [HR] 0.85 to 0.91); cardiovascular mortality (OR/HR 0.67 to 0.86); heart failure (OR/HR 0.64 to 0.69); albuminuria progression and composite renal outcome (relative risk [RR]/HR 0.55 to 0.63); glycated haemoglobin (HbA1c) versus placebo (mean difference [MD] -0.49% to -0.77% [5.4 to 8.4 mmol/mol]); and weight versus placebo (MD -1.09 kg to -2.99 kg). "Possible benefit" was observed in relation to major adverse cardiovascular events (OR/HR 0.80 to 0.89), all-cause mortality and nonalcoholic fatty liver disease. SGLT2 inhibitors showed "clear evidence of no effect or equivalence" in relation to stroke and fractures. "Clear evidence of harm" was observed in relation to genital infections (RR/OR 2.06 to 5.25) and ketoacidosis (HR/OR 1.36 to 2.20). Regarding amputation risk and urinary tract infections, we found "no conclusions possible due to lack of evidence". CONCLUSIONS: Our results showed that SGLT2 inhibitors have beneficial effects in relation to renal and cardiovascular outcomes (except for stroke), HbA1c and weight. Further studies are needed to assess urinary infections and amputation risk.

The relationship between the authentic leadership of nurses and structural empowerment: a systematic review.

OBJECTIVE: To verify the relationship between authentic leadership of nurses and structural empowerment. METHOD: This is a systematic review carried out at the Virtual Health Library on the Journal Portal of the Coordination for the Improvement of Higher Education Personnel, Online System for the Search and Analysis of Medical Literature, Scientific Electronic Library Online and Science Direct/Embase, and consulted until April 2019. Studies with nurses, evidencing the relationship between authentic leadership and structural empowerment, published between 2012 and 2018 in Brazilian Portuguese, English or Spanish were included. RESULTS: Five studies were included, with variables other than structural empowerment: job satisfaction, burnout, bulling, mental health, performance, social capital, working environment, nurse retention, and quality of care. Authentic leadership showed a positive relationship with structural empowerment, improving engagement and job satisfaction, reducing burnout and increasing quality of care. CONCLUSION: Health institutions, in addition to Canada, where researchers on this topic are located, can invest in authentic leadership to improve structural empowerment by providing greater commitment from nurses, increased job satisfaction and quality of care provided.

The relationship between the authentic leadership of nurses and structural empowerment: a systematic review / La relación entre el liderazgo auténtico de los enfermeros y el empoderamiento estructural: una revisión sistemática / A relação entre a liderança autêntica dos enfermeiros e o empoderamento estrutural: revisão sistemática

ABSTRACT Objective: To verify the relationship between authentic leadership of nurses and structural empowerment. Method: This is a systematic review carried out at the Virtual Health Library on the Journal Portal of the Coordination for the Improvement of Higher Education Personnel, Online System for the Search and Analysis of Medical Literature, Scientific Electronic Library Online and Science Direct/Embase, and consulted until April 2019. Studies with nurses, evidencing the relationship between authentic leadership and structural empowerment, published between 2012 and 2018 in Brazilian Portuguese, English or Spanish were included. Results: Five studies were included, with variables other than structural empowerment: job satisfaction, burnout, bulling, mental health, performance, social capital, working environment, nurse retention, and quality of care. Authentic leadership showed a positive relationship with structural empowerment, improving engagement and job satisfaction, reducing burnout and increasing quality of care. Conclusion: Health institutions, in addition to Canada, where researchers on this topic are located, can invest in authentic leadership to improve structural empowerment by providing greater commitment from nurses, increased job satisfaction and quality of care provided.

RESUMEN Objetivo: Verificar la relación entre el liderazgo auténtico del enfermero y el empoderamiento estructural. Método: Una revisión sistemática realizada en la Biblioteca Virtual en Salud, en el Portal de Periódicos de la Coordinación para el Perfeccionamiento del Personal de Educación Superior, Sistema en Línea de Búsqueda y Análisis de Literatura Médica, Scientific Electronic Library Online y Science Direct/Embase, consultado hasta abril de 2019 Los criterios de inclusión fueron: estudios con enfermeras, que mostraron la relación entre liderazgo auténtico y empoderamiento estructural, publicados entre 2012 y 2018 en portugués, inglés o español. Resultados: Se incluyeron cinco estudios, con variables distintas al empoderamiento estructural: satisfacción laboral, burnout, bullying, salud mental, desempeño, capital social, ambiente laboral, retención de enfermeras y calidad de la atención. El liderazgo auténtico mostró una relación positiva con el empoderamiento estructural, mejorando el compromiso y la satisfacción laboral, reduciendo el agotamiento y aumentando la calidad de la atención. Conclusión: Las instituciones de salud, además de Canadá, donde se encuentran los investigadores en este tema, pueden invertir en un liderazgo auténtico para mejorar el empoderamiento estructural, brindando un mayor compromiso por parte de los enfermeros, mayor satisfacción laboral y calidad de la atención brindada.

RESUMO Objetivo: Verificar a relação da liderança autêntica dos enfermeiros e o empoderamento estrutural. Método: Revisão sistemática realizada na Biblioteca Virtual em Saúde, no Portal de Periódicos da Coordenação de Aperfeiçoamento de Pessoal de Ensino Superior, Sistema Online de Busca e Análise de Literatura Médica, Scientific Electronic Library Online e Science Direct /Embase, consultadas até abril de 2019. Foram critérios de inclusão: estudos com enfermeiros, que evidenciassem a relação da liderança autêntica e o empoderamento estrutural, publicados entre 2012 e 2018 em português, inglês ou espanhol. Resultados: Foram incluídos cinco estudos, tendo outras variáveis além do empoderamento estrutural: satisfação no trabalho, burnout, bulling, saúde mental, performance, capital social, ambiente de trabalho, retenção dos enfermeiros e qualidade do cuidado. A liderança autêntica apresentou relação positiva com o empoderamento estrutural, melhorando o engajamento e a satisfação no trabalho, diminuindo o burnout e aumentando a qualidade da assistência. Conclusão: As instituições de saúde, além do Canadá, local onde estão os pesquisadores desta temática, podem investir na liderança autêntica para melhorar o empoderamento estrutural, proporcionando maior comprometimento dos enfermeiros, aumento da satisfação com o trabalho e qualidade da assistência prestada.

Máscaras de tecido na contenção de gotículas respiratórias - revisão sistemática / Mascarillas caseras para contener gotas respiratórias - revisión sistemática / Homemade cloth face masks as a barrier against respiratory droplets - systematic review

Resumo Objetivo Identificar, avaliar sistematicamente e sumarizar as melhores evidências científicas disponíveis sobre a eficácia e a segurança das máscaras de tecido para a comunidade. Métodos Foram consultadas as bases de dados Cochrane, PUBMED, EMBASE, LILACS e a literatura cinzenta por meio do Opengrey . Também foi realizada busca nas referências bibliográficas dos estudos primários e secundários identificados. Não houve restrição de idioma, nem período de tempo. Foram incluídos todos os artigos que tenham como objetivo verificar a eficácia e segurança do uso de máscaras de tecido como proteção contra a transmissão viral, bem como estudos laboratoriais que avaliassem barreiras de contenção de partículas. Foram excluídos os estudos que envolvessem o uso de máscaras por profissionais de saúde. Dois avaliadores independentes selecionaram os estudos e as discrepâncias foram resolvidas por um terceiro avaliador. Resultados Após o processo de seleção, não foram localizados estudos clínicos randomizados envolvendo máscaras de tecidos para a população em geral. Incluímos sete estudos que avaliaram diferentes tecidos no bloqueio de gotículas de nível laboratorial e um estudo de revisão. Conclusão O uso de máscara de tecido possibilita uma barreira às gotículas quando comparada a nenhuma máscara. A máscara é um recurso adicional na prevenção e deve sempre ser associada à etiqueta respiratória, higienização das mãos, distanciamento social e isolamento dos casos.

Resumen Objetivo Identificar, evaluar sistemáticamente y resumir las mejores evidencias científicas disponibles sobre la eficacia y la seguridad de las mascarillas caseras para la comunidad. Métodos Se consultaron las bases de datos Cochrane, PUBMED, EMBASE, LILACS y literatura gris por medio de Opengrey. También se realizó búsqueda en las referencias bibliográficas de los estudios primarios y secundarios identificados. No hubo restricción de idioma ni período de tiempo. Se incluyeron todos los artículos que tuvieran como objetivo verificar la eficacia y seguridad del uso de mascarillas caseras como protección contra la transmisión viral, así como estudios de laboratorio que evaluaran barreras de contención de partículas. Se excluyeron los estudios que abarcaran el uso de mascarillas por profesionales de la salud. Dos evaluadores independientes seleccionaron los estudios y las discrepancias fueron resueltas por un tercer evaluador. Resultados Luego del proceso de selección, no se localizaron estudios clínicos aleatorizados que incluyeran mascarillas caseras para la población en general. Incluimos siete estudios que evaluaron diferentes telas para el bloqueo de gotas de nivel de laboratorio y un estudio de revisión. Conclusión El uso de mascarillas caseras permite una barrera para las gotas al compararlo con ninguna mascarilla. La mascarilla es un recurso adicional en la prevención y siempre debe estar asociada a la etiqueta respiratoria, higienización de manos, distanciamiento social y aislamiento de casos.

Abstract Objective To identify, systematically review, and summarize the best scientific evidence available on the efficacy and safety of homemade cloth face masks for the community. Methods The search was conducted using the Cochrane, PUBMED, EMBASE, and LILACS databases, as well as grey literature, using Opengrey . A search was also conducted using references from primary and secondary studies that were found. No language or time period restrictions were applied. All papers that objective was to check efficacy and safety of the use of cloth face masks as protection against viral transmission were included, as well as laboratory studies assessing barriers against particles. We excluded studies approaching the use of face masks by healthcare providers. Two independent reviewers selected the studies, and discrepancies were decided by a third reviewer. Results No randomized clinical trials involving cloth face masks for the general population were found. Seven studies assessing different types of cloth to prevent the penetration of droplets at a laboratory level and a review study were included. Conclusion Using cloth face masks provides a barrier against droplets when compared with not using any face masks. The face mask is an additional preventive mesuare and must be used along with respiratory etiquette, hand hygiene, social distancing, and isolation of cases.

What do Cochrane systematic reviews say about telemedicine for healthcare?

BACKGROUND: Telemedicine has emerged as a tool for overcoming the challenges of healthcare systems and is likely to become increasingly viable, since information and communication technologies have become more sophisticated and user-friendly. OBJECTIVE: We aimed to identify all Cochrane systematic reviews (CSRs) on telemedicine within healthcare and to summarize the current evidence regarding its use. DESIGN AND SETTING: Review of CSRs, developed at the Discipline of Emergency and Evidence-Based Medicine, Escola Paulista de Medicina, Universidade Federal de São Paulo. METHODS: We searched for studies that compared use of telemedicine with conventional treatment or management of diseases within healthcare. Diagnostic telemedicine studies or studies using automatic text, voice-text or even self-managed care were excluded. The main characteristics and the certainty of evidence were synthetized and critically discussed by all authors. RESULTS: We included 10 CSRs that investigated a broad range of diseases. There is still insufficient evidence to determine what types of telemedicine interventions are effective, for which patients and in which settings, and whether such interventions can be used as a replacement for the standard treatment. Harm relating to telemedicine technologies needs to be better investigated and addressed. CONCLUSION: Telemedicine might be an excellent way to facilitate access to treatment, monitoring and dissemination of important clinical knowledge. However, given the recognition of systematic reviews as the best evidence resource available for decision-making, further randomized controlled trials with stricter methods are necessary to reduce the uncertainties in evidence-based use of telemedicine.

What do Cochrane systematic reviews say about telemedicine for healthcare?

ABSTRACT BACKGROUND: Telemedicine has emerged as a tool for overcoming the challenges of healthcare systems and is likely to become increasingly viable, since information and communication technologies have become more sophisticated and user-friendly. OBJECTIVE: We aimed to identify all Cochrane systematic reviews (CSRs) on telemedicine within healthcare and to summarize the current evidence regarding its use. DESIGN AND SETTING: Review of CSRs, developed at the Discipline of Emergency and Evidence-Based Medicine, Escola Paulista de Medicina, Universidade Federal de São Paulo. METHODS: We searched for studies that compared use of telemedicine with conventional treatment or management of diseases within healthcare. Diagnostic telemedicine studies or studies using automatic text, voice-text or even self-managed care were excluded. The main characteristics and the certainty of evidence were synthetized and critically discussed by all authors. RESULTS: We included 10 CSRs that investigated a broad range of diseases. There is still insufficient evidence to determine what types of telemedicine interventions are effective, for which patients and in which settings, and whether such interventions can be used as a replacement for the standard treatment. Harm relating to telemedicine technologies needs to be better investigated and addressed. CONCLUSION: Telemedicine might be an excellent way to facilitate access to treatment, monitoring and dissemination of important clinical knowledge. However, given the recognition of systematic reviews as the best evidence resource available for decision-making, further randomized controlled trials with stricter methods are necessary to reduce the uncertainties in evidence-based use of telemedicine.

WITHDRAWN: Treatments for adults with prominent lower front teeth.

BACKGROUND: Prominent lower front teeth may be associated with a large or prognathic lower jaw (mandible) or a small or retrusive upper jaw (maxilla). Edward Angle, who may be considered the father of modern orthodontics, classified the malocclusion in this situation as Class III. The individual is described as having a negative or reverse overjet as the lower front teeth are more prominent than the upper front teeth. OBJECTIVES: The purpose of this systematic review was to evaluate different treatments of Angle Class III malocclusion in adults. SEARCH METHODS: The following databases were searched: Cochrane Oral Health Group Trials Register (to 22 March 2012); CENTRAL (The Cochrane Library 2012, Issue 1); MEDLINE via OVID (1950 to 22 March 2012); EMBASE via OVID (1980 to 22 March 2012); LILACs (1982 to 22 March 2012); BBO (1986 to 22 March 2012); and SciELO (1997 to 22 March 2012). SELECTION CRITERIA: All randomized or quasi-randomized controlled trials of treatments for adults with an Angle Class III malocclusion were included. DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS: Three review authors independently assessed the eligibility of the identified reports. Two review authors independently extracted data and assessed the risk of bias in the included studies. The mean differences with 95% confidence intervals were calculated for continuous data. MAIN RESULTS: Two randomized controlled trials were included in this review. There are different types of surgery for this type of malocclusion but only trials of mandible reduction surgery were identified. One trial compared intraoral vertical ramus osteotomy (IVRO) with sagittal split ramus osteotomy (SSRO) and the other trial compared vertical ramus osteotomy (VRO) with and without osteosynthesis. Neither trial found any difference between the two treatments. The trials did not provide adequate data for assessing effectiveness of the techniques described. AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS: There is insufficient evidence from the two included trials, to conclude that one procedure is better or worse than another. The included trials compared different interventions and were at high risk of bias and therefore no implications for practice can be given. Further high quality randomized controlled trials with long term follow-up are required.

Metoclopramide for post-pyloric placement of naso-enteral feeding tubes.

BACKGROUND: Enteral nutrition by feeding tube is a common and efficient method of providing nutritional support to prevent malnutrition in hospitalised patients who have adequate gastrointestinal function but who are unable to eat. Gastric feeding may be associated with higher rates of food aspiration and pneumonia than post-pyloric naso-enteral tubes. Thus, enteral feeding tubes are placed directly into the small intestine rather than the stomach, and the use of metoclopramide, a prokinetic agent, has been recommended to achieve post-pyloric placement, but its efficacy is controversial. Moreover, metoclopramide may include adverse reactions, which with high doses or prolonged use may be serious and irreversible. OBJECTIVES: To determine the effect of intravenous metoclopramide on post-pyloric placement of the naso-enteral tube in adults. SEARCH METHODS: Trials were identified by searching the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL; 2014, Issue 10) which includes the CUGPD group's specialised register of trials, MEDLINE (1996 to 21 October 2014), EMBASE (1988 to 21 October 2014), LILACS (2005 to 21 October 2014)   We did not confine our search to English language publications. Searches in all databases were updated originally in January 2005, then in November 2008 and again in October 2014. No new studies were found in 2008 or in 2014. SELECTION CRITERIA: We selected randomised controlled trials of adults needing enteral nutrition, who received intravenous or intramuscular metoclopramide to aid placement of transpyloric naso-enteral feeding tubes, compared to placebo or no intervention. DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS: We used standard methodological procedures expected by The Cochrane Collaboration. All analyses were performed according to the intention-to-treat method. We present risk ratios (RR) with 95% confidence intervals (CI). MAIN RESULTS: Four studies, with a total of 204 participants were included and analysed. The trials compared metoclopramide with placebo (two trials) or with no intervention (two trials). Metoclopramide was investigated at doses of 10 mg (two trials) and 20 mg (two trials). There was no statistically significant difference between metoclopramide versus placebo or no intervention administered to promote tube placement (RR 0.82, 95% CI 0.61 to 1.10). Metoclopramide at doses of 10 mg (RR 0.82, 95% CI 0.60 to 1.11) and 20 mg (RR 0.62, 95% CI 0.15 to 2.62) were equally ineffective in facilitating post-pyloric intubation when compared with placebo or no intervention. AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS: In this review, we found only four studies that fitted our inclusion criteria. These were small, underpowered studies, in which metoclopramide was given at doses of 10 mg and 20 mg. Our analysis showed that metoclopramide did not assist post-pyloric placement of naso-enteral feeding tubes.Ideally randomised clinical trials should be performed that have a significant sample size, administering metoclopramide against control, however, given the lack of efficacy revealed by this review it is unlikely that further studies will be performed.

Early versus late tracheostomy for critically ill patients.

BACKGROUND: Long-term mechanical ventilation is the most common situation for which tracheostomy is indicated for patients in intensive care units (ICUs). 'Early' and 'late' tracheostomies are two categories of the timing of tracheostomy. Evidence on the advantages attributed to early versus late tracheostomy is somewhat conflicting but includes shorter hospital stays and lower mortality rates. OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the effectiveness and safety of early (≤ 10 days after tracheal intubation) versus late tracheostomy (> 10 days after tracheal intubation) in critically ill adults predicted to be on prolonged mechanical ventilation with different clinical conditions. SEARCH METHODS: This is an update of a review last published in 2012 (Issue 3, The Cochrane Library) with previous searches run in December 2010. In this version, we searched the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL) (2013, Issue 8); MEDLINE (via PubMed) (1966 to August 2013); EMBASE (via Ovid) (1974 to August 2013); LILACS (1986 to August 2013); PEDro (Physiotherapy Evidence Database) at www.pedro.fhs.usyd.edu.au (1999 to August 2013) and CINAHL (1982 to August 2013). We reran the search in October 2014 and will deal with any studies of interest when we update the review. SELECTION CRITERIA: We included all randomized and quasi-randomized controlled trials (RCTs or QRCTs) comparing early tracheostomy (two to 10 days after intubation) against late tracheostomy (> 10 days after intubation) for critically ill adult patients expected to be on prolonged mechanical ventilation. DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS: Two review authors extracted data and conducted a quality assessment. Meta-analyses with random-effects models were conducted for mortality, time spent on mechanical ventilation and time spent in the ICU. MAIN RESULTS: We included eight RCTs (N = 1977 participants). At the longest follow-up time available in these studies, evidence of moderate quality from seven RCTs (n = 1903) showed lower mortality rates in the early as compared with the late tracheostomy group (risk ratio (RR) 0.83, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.70 to 0.98; P value 0.03; number needed to treat for an additional beneficial outcome (NNTB) ≅ 11). Divergent results were reported on the time spent on mechanical ventilation and no differences were noted for pneumonia, but the probability of discharge from the ICU was higher at day 28 in the early tracheostomy group (RR 1.29, 95% CI 1.08 to 1.55; P value 0.006; NNTB ≅ 8). AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS: The whole findings of this systematic review are no more than suggestive of the superiority of early over late tracheostomy because no information of high quality is available for specific subgroups with particular characteristics.