A qualitative feasibility and acceptability study of an acceptance and commitment-based bibliotherapy intervention for people with cancer.

Self-directed bibliotherapy interventions can be effective means of psychological support for individuals with cancer, yet mixed findings as to the efficacy of these interventions indicate the need for further research. We investigated the experience of individuals with cancer after using a new self-help book, based on Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT). Ten participants with cancer (nine females and one male, 40-89 years old) were given access to a bibliotherapy self-help ACT-based book and participated in post-intervention semi-structured interviews.

The priorities of people with mesothelioma and their carers: A qualitative interview study of trial participation and treatment decisions.

Purpose: Treatment options for mesothelioma are increasing, as are the number of clinical trials available to patients. However, little is known about patients' and relatives' priorities when making decisions about treatment and trial participation. The aim of this study was to provide insight into people's experiences of participating in clinical research and explore the factors influencing decision-making.

Randomised trial of indwelling pleural catheters for refractory transudative pleural effusions.

Objective: Refractory symptomatic transudative pleural effusions are an indication for pleural drainage. There has been supportive observational evidence for the use of indwelling pleural catheters (IPCs) for transudative effusions, but no randomised trials. We aimed to investigate the effect of IPCs on breathlessness in patients with transudative pleural effusions when compared with standard care.

Ambulatory management of secondary spontaneous pneumothorax: a randomised controlled trial.

Secondary spontaneous pneumothorax (SSP) is traditionally managed with an intercostal chest tube attached to an underwater seal. We investigated whether use of a one-way flutter valve shortened patients' length of stay (LoS).This open-label randomised controlled trial enrolled patients presenting with SSP and randomised to either a chest tube and underwater seal (standard care: SC) or ambulatory care (AC) with a flutter valve.

An evaluation of positive behavioural support implemented within an intensive community support service for people with learning disabilities who present with behaviours that challenge.

This article evaluates the effectiveness of a multidisciplinary intensive community support service, using positive behavioural support (PBS) as a core intervention model to reduce behaviours of concern and to improve the quality of life and occupational involvement of individuals with a learning disability who present with behaviours that challenge. The service used outcome measures to evaluate the effectiveness of the PBS model. The study looks at pre- and post-outcome measures which showed a significant improvement in behaviour, quality of life and occupational outcomes for individuals with a learning disability presenting with complex behaviours of concern.

Zoledronic acid in the management of mesothelioma - a feasibility study (Zol-A Trial): study protocol for a randomised controlled trial.

Background: Nitrogen containing bisphosphonates such as zoledronic acid (ZA) are known to contain certain anti-cancer properties. These have been investigated in the past in various cancers such as breast, prostate and colon. ZA in particular has shown promising results in pre-clinical studies.

Outpatient Talc Administration by Indwelling Pleural Catheter for Malignant Effusion.

Background: Malignant pleural effusion affects more than 750,000 persons each year across Europe and the United States. Pleurodesis with the administration of talc in hospitalized patients is the most common treatment, but indwelling pleural catheters placed for drainage offer an ambulatory alternative. We examined whether talc administered through an indwelling pleural catheter was more effective at inducing pleurodesis than the use of an indwelling pleural catheter alone.

A prospective study to investigate the role of serial serum mesothelin in monitoring mesothelioma.

Background: Radiological monitoring of malignant pleural mesothelioma (MPM) using modified RECIST criteria is limited by low sensitivity and inter-observer variability. Serial serum mesothelin measurement has shown utility in the assessment of treatment response during chemotherapy but has never been assessed in the longer term follow up of patients.

Methods: This is a single centre study of consecutive patients diagnosed with MPM who received chemotherapy or best supportive care (BSC).

Exploring the characteristics of patients with mesothelioma who chose active symptom control over chemotherapy as first-line treatment: a prospective, observational, single centre study.

Background: Mesothelioma is an aggressive thoracic tumour with a poor prognosis. The only treatment that extends survival is chemotherapy. However, in the UK, up to 50% of patients who are suitable for chemotherapy choose not to receive it, opting for active symptom control instead.

The efficacy of indwelling pleural catheter placement versus placement plus talc sclerosant in patients with malignant pleural effusions managed exclusively as outpatients (IPC-PLUS): study protocol for a randomised controlled trial.

Background: Malignant pleural effusions (MPEs) remain a common problem, with 40,000 new cases in the United Kingdom each year and up to 250,000 in the United States. Traditional management of MPE usually involves an inpatient stay with placement of a chest drain, followed by the instillation of a pleural sclerosing agent such as talc, which aims to minimise further fluid build-up. Despite a good success rate in studies, this approach can be expensive, time-consuming and inconvenient for patients.

Naturalistic Effects of Five Days of Bedtime Caffeine Use on Sleep, Next-Day Cognitive Performance, and Mood.

Disruptive effects of caffeine on sleep have previously been reported, although measures of next-day mood and performance have rarely been included. The present study aims to evaluate the effects of caffeine on sleep and associated next-day effects in a naturalistic field setting. Nineteen participants (daily caffeine intake 0-141 mg), assessed as good sleepers, took part in a randomized, placebo-controlled, double-blind, 2-week crossover study to assess the effects of bedtime caffeine use (250 mg) on sleep and next-day cognitive performance and mood, which were assessed on a mobile phone in the morning and afternoon.