Evaluation of the digital diabetes prevention programme pilot: uncontrolled mixed-methods study protocol.

Introduction: The prevalence of type 2 diabetes is rising steeply. National Health Service England (NHSE) is exploring the potential of a digital diabetes prevention programme (DDPP) and has commissioned a pilot with embedded evaluation.

Methods And Analysis: This study aims to determine whether, and if so, how, should NHSE implement a national DDPP, using a mixed-methods pretest and post-test design, underpinned by two theoretical frameworks: the Coventry, Aberdeen and London - Refined (CALO-RE) taxonomy of behavioural change techniques for the digital interventions and the Consolidated Framework for Implementation Research (CFIR) for implementation processes.

Cost-effectiveness of endovascular repair, open repair, and conservative management of splenic artery aneurysms.

Objective: Open repair (OPEN) and conservative management (CONS) have been the treatments of choice for splenic artery aneurysms (SAAs) for many years. Endovascular repair (EV) has been increasingly used with good short-term results. In this study, we evaluated the cost-effectiveness of OPEN, EV, and CONS for the treatment of SAAs.

Open repair, endovascular repair, and conservative management of true splenic artery aneurysms.

Objective: True splenic artery aneurysms (SAAs) are a rare but potentially fatal pathology. For many years, open repair (OPEN) and conservative management (CONS) were the treatments of choice, but throughout the last decade endovascular repair (EV) has become increasingly used. The purpose of the present study was to perform a systematic review and meta-analysis evaluating the outcomes of the three major treatment modalities (OPEN, EV, and CONS) for the management of SAAs.

Three-dimensional ultrasound imaging for the evaluation of carotid atherosclerosis.

Introduction: Emerging data suggests that 3-dimensional (D) ultrasound (US) may provide us with a new tool for the identification of the vulnerable carotid plaque.

Methods: A systematic review of the PubMed, Scopus and Cochrane databases regarding the reproducibility and effectiveness of 3D US in evaluation of carotid plaque disease (CPD) was performed.

Results: Seven studies on the reproducibility of 3D ultrasound evaluation of plaque volume (PV) were identified.

The effect of statins on carotid plaque morphology: a LDL-associated action or one more pleiotropic effect of statins?

Introduction: The early identification of the unstable carotid plaque together with the best medical treatment, are two missing parts of the stroke-prevention puzzle. This review summarizes the available evidence on the effects of statins on carotid plaque morphology.

Methods: A systematic review of the PubMed, Scopus and Cochrane Library databases was performed.