Background: In acute ischemic stroke (AIS), the treatment window for thrombolytics is 4.5 hours from symptom onset. Tenecteplase, a modified tissue plasminogen activator, may be effective over an extended treatment window (4.5–24 hours). Hence, a meta-analysis was performed to evaluate tenecteplase use within an extended treatment window. Methods: Databases were searched for articles published before July 3, 2024. Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) that compared tenecteplase treatment in an extended treatment window with the current standard of care were included. The endpoints were excellent functional outcomes (modified Rankin Scale [mRS] 0–1) at 90 days, National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS) score change at 24 hours and 7 days, and symptomatic intracranial hemorrhage (sICH) at 90 days. The pooled risk ratio (RR) and mean difference (MD) were calculated for categorical and continuous outcomes, respectively. Results: Four RCTs involving 1,629 patients with AIS were included. High-quality evidence indicated that tenecteplase achieved a higher likelihood of mRS 0–1 at 90 days (RR, 1.21; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.06 to 1.38; P=0.004) and a lower NIHSS score change at 24 hours (MD, −0.84; 95% CI, −1.40 to −0.27; P=0.003) than that of the placebo. Low-quality evidence showed that tenecteplase reduced the NIHSS score change at 7 days (MD, −0.79; 95% CI, −1.56 to −0.03; P=0.04). No differences in sICH or mortality were observed. Conclusion Tenecteplase compared favorably with non-thrombolytic therapy in an extended treatment window. Future RCTs may establish tenecteplase as the standard of care for up to 24 hours.

BACKGROUND: The global pandemic greatly affected the educational system. Schools and universities were necessitated to adapt from a traditional classroom set-up to an online virtual mode of learning. The University of Santo Tomas – College of Rehabilitation Sciences adapted Blackboard as its primary learning management system, bringing new perceptions and opinions among its primary users- the faculty and students. OBJECTIVE: The study’s objective is to determine the perception of students and faculty from the CRS on using Blackboard as a medium for enhanced virtual learning during the pandemic. METHODOLOGY: Researchers will utilize phenomenological qualitative research for this study as it seeks to study the living experiences of students and faculty members during the pandemic concerning online classes compared to face-to-face courses. Purposive sampling via maximum variation will be used to recruit 3rd year and 4th-year students and faculty members who experienced both face-to-face and online classes. The researchers will employ guide questions during the focus group discussions (FGD) conducted via Zoom. Transcripts will be analyzed using thematic analysis through Nvivo following Hancock’s guidelines. The researchers will use the CORE-Q checklist to appraise the paper and affirm its validity. EXPECTED RESULTS The findings will include the varied perceptions of students and faculty about using Blackboard for online learning during the pandemic. Results are expected to help the education stakeholders better understand the perceptions of faculty and students to evaluate the use of the learning management system, amend necessary changes, and create relevant policies for the betterment of online learning delivery. Transcripts are expected to result in themes and subthemes that will help researchers identify the features of Blackboard that aid in the delivery of faculty lessons and students’ learning process.