Perspectives on implementing smoke-free prison policies in England and Wales.

This paper explores prisoner and staff views of the current smoking policy in English and Welsh prisons (a partial ban permitting smoking in prison cells) and gauges perceptions of the implications of the forthcoming policy change which will see a total smoking ban within all parts of the institution. Five focus group discussions in one medium security male prison in England were undertaken. Three focus groups were undertaken with prisoners (both smokers and non-smokers) and two focus groups with staff.

A 2-year randomised placebo-controlled trial of doxycycline for lymphangioleiomyomatosis.

Lymphangioleiomyomatosis (LAM) is characterised by lung cysts and airflow obstruction. Matrix metalloproteinases have been implicated in lung destruction in LAM. We performed a randomised, double-blind trial, comparing the matrix metalloproteinases inhibitor doxycycline with placebo on the progression of LAM.

Use of variability in national and regional data to estimate the prevalence of lymphangioleiomyomatosis.

Background: Understanding the true prevalence of lymphangioleiomyomatosis (LAM) is important in estimating disease burden and targeting specific interventions. As with all rare diseases, obtaining reliable epidemiological data is difficult and requires innovative approaches.

Aim: To determine the prevalence and incidence of LAM using data from patient organizations in seven countries, and to use the extent to which the prevalence of LAM varies regionally and nationally to determine whether prevalence estimates are related to health-care provision.