Issue 19 | September 2024 (next issue December 2024)

 News from our members

Members Present at Global Evidence Summit 2024

During the Global Evidence Summit 2024 in Prague, two steering group members, Ahmad Sofi-Mahmudi and Ana Pizarro, presented their collaborative research, "Geographical and Gender Diversity in Cochrane and non-Cochrane Reviews Authorship: A Meta-Research Study." The study was showcased as a poster, highlighting key findings on diversity within research authorship.

New spoke leader for the Planetary Health Group

Amin Sharifan plays a pivotal role in Cochrane's efforts, particularly through his leadership in the Planetary Health thematic group, alongside Denise Thomson, Miranda Cumpston, and Maria-Inti Metzendorf. As a spoke leader in this initiative, Amin aims to bridge the gap between early career professionals and the emerging field of planetary health.

In addition, Amin's recent publications highlight his contributions to critical health topics. Collaborating with the Cochrane Schizophrenia Group, he co-authored a paper in BMJ Mental Health on mental health challenges during the first year of the COVID-19 pandemic. He also worked with the Cochrane Hepatobiliary Group on a BMC Medicine paper, reviewing COVID-19 booster vaccines, advocating for stronger data to inform ongoing research.

Find out more about the results of these papers by clicking on the links below -

Changes in the prevalence of mental health problems during the first year of the pandemic: a systematic review and dose-response meta-analysis 

https://doi.org/10.1136/bmjment-2024-301018.

Heterologous versus homologous COVID-19 booster vaccinations for adults: systematic review with meta-analysis and trial sequential analysis of randomised clinical trials

https://doi.org/10.1186/s12916-024-03471-3.

Cochrane Activities

Screening Challenges

You can make a difference by becoming a Cochrane citizen scientist. No previous experience necessary. Anyone can join our collaborative volunteer effort to help categorise and summarise healthcare evidence so that we can make better healthcare decisions. 

If you would like to participate in future Screening Challenges, please follow the link and be a part of the Cochrane Crowd. The next challenge will be on 02 Oct at 11AM BST.

https://crowd.cochrane.org/

ECPN Group Online

Exclusive Monthly Meetings for the Steering Committee of the ECPN

The Steering Committee of the Early Career Professionals Network holds monthly online meetings, bringing together members from across the globe. These exclusive gatherings are a platform for strategic discussions, leadership development, and collaborative decision-making. As a key part of our mission, the Steering Committee shapes the direction of the network, ensuring it aligns with the broader vision of the Cochrane community.

Through these meetings, committee members enhance their leadership skills while driving initiatives that benefit early career professionals. It’s an opportunity to lead, innovate, and make a lasting impact within Cochrane.

We look forward to continuing our important work together at the next Steering Committee meeting!

Cochrane ECPN Activities

Curated by Bahaaeldin Baraka, this nugget explores the impact of corticosteroid treatment on CRF in adults with advanced cancer.

Dive into the full review:

Corticosteroids for the management of cancer-related fatigue in adults with advanced cancer. https://doi.org/10.1002/14651858.cd013782.pub2

Stay tuned for more nuggets every few weeks on a semi-regular basis on our Twitter handle @CochraneECP.

#EvidenceBasedNuggets: Unearthing Cochrane Insights for You!

Launching New Apps: MFTXApp and PeriopraX!

We’re excited to announce that Vaibhav Sahni has launched two innovative apps—MFTXApp and PeriopraX—now available on the Apple App Store!

MFTXApp is designed for managing maxillofacial trauma and was recently featured in the British Dental Journal’s Product News section.

PeriopraX supports periodontal practice with useful tools for dental professionals.

Explore the apps:

MFTXApp: https://apps.apple.com/us/app/mftxapp/id6503930468

PeriopraX: https://apps.apple.com/us/app/perioprax/id6517358523

To know more, click below -

A handy tool to assess maxillofacial trauma

BDJ Feature: https://www.nature.com/articles/s41415-024-7662-7

Other News

🌟 Exciting Opportunity! 🌟

We're inviting applications for 5 positions on the ECPN Cochrane Steering Committee! 

🗓️ Apply by Oct 18, 2024, by sending a letter (max 1000 words) to ecp@cochrane.org covering:
1️⃣ Your background & Cochrane involvement
2️⃣ Why you want to join

Have you recently published a paper, presented at a conference, written a blog, or done something amazing that you want to share? Send us a brief description, your Twitter handle, and a headshot (if you wish) to ecp@cochrane.org to be featured in our upcoming newsletter.