Cost-Effectiveness Analysis to Inform Randomized Controlled Trial Design in Chronic Pain Research: Methods for Guiding Decisions on the Addition of a Run-In Period.

Introduction: Run-In (RI) periods can be used to improve the validity of randomized controlled trials (RCTs), but their utility in Chronic Pain (CP) RCTs is debated. Cost-effectiveness analysis (CEA) methods are commonly used in evaluating the results of RCTs, but they are seldom used for designing RCTs. We present a step-by-step overview to objectively design RCTs via CEA methods and specifically determine the cost effectiveness of a RI period in a CP RCT.

Developing a sampling method and preliminary taxonomy for classifying COVID-19 public health guidance for healthcare organizations and the general public.

Background: Development and dissemination of public health (PH) guidance to healthcare organizations and the general public (e.g., businesses, schools, individuals) during emergencies like the COVID-19 pandemic is vital for policy, clinical, and public decision-making.

Microencapsulation of sacha inchi oil using emulsion-based delivery systems.

In this study, sacha inchi oil (SIO) was microencapsulated by emulsion-based systems using ovalbumin (Ova), pectin (Pec), and xanthan gum (XG), followed by freeze-drying. The microencapsulation was confirmed using Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction (XRD), thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The stability of omega-3 in SIO alone as well as in microencapsulated SIO was assessed by nuclear magnetic resonance (H NMR) spectroscopy after human gastric simulation (HGS).

No correlation was observed between vitamin D levels and disability of patients with multiple sclerosis between latitudes 18° and 30° South.

Objective: Vitamin D has taken center stage in research and treatment of multiple sclerosis (MS). The objective of the present study was to assess the serum vitamin D levels of a large population of patients with MS and controls living in a restricted tropical area.

Methods: Data from 535 patients with MS and 350 control subjects were obtained from 14 cities around the Tropic of Capricorn.