Mini-Stern Trial: A randomized trial comparing mini-sternotomy to full median sternotomy for aortic valve replacement.

Objective: Aortic valve replacement (AVR) can be performed either through full median sternotomy (FS) or upper mini-sternotomy (MS). The Mini-Stern trial aimed to establish whether MS leads to quicker postoperative recovery and shorter hospital stay after first-time isolated AVR.

Methods: This pragmatic, open-label, parallel randomized controlled trial (RCT) compared MS with FS for first-time isolated AVR in 2 United Kingdom National Health Service hospitals.

A crossover randomised controlled trial of oral mandibular advancement devices for obstructive sleep apnoea-hypopnoea (TOMADO).

Rationale: Mandibular advancement devices (MADs) are used to treat obstructive sleep apnoea-hypopnoea syndrome (OSAHS) but evidence is lacking regarding their clinical and cost-effectiveness in less severe disease.

Objectives: To compare clinical- and cost-effectiveness of a range of MADs against no treatment in mild to moderate OSAHS.

Measurements And Methods: This open-label, randomised, controlled, crossover trial was undertaken at a UK sleep centre.

Efficacy and cost of video-assisted thoracoscopic partial pleurectomy versus talc pleurodesis in patients with malignant pleural mesothelioma (MesoVATS): an open-label, randomised, controlled trial.

Background: Malignant pleural mesothelioma incidence continues to rise, with few available evidence-based therapeutic options. Results of previous non-randomised studies suggested that video-assisted thoracoscopic partial pleurectomy (VAT-PP) might improve symptom control and survival. We aimed to compare efficacy in terms of overall survival, and cost, of VAT-PP and talc pleurodesis in patients with malignant pleural mesothelioma.

The characteristics and quality of randomized controlled trials in neuropathic pain: a descriptive study based on a systematic review.

Background: Evidence from randomized controlled trials is regarded as the gold standard in clinical research and yet the quality of the conduct and reporting of trials is variable, even post-Consolidated Standards of Reporting Trials. This study arose from a systematic review and cost-effectiveness analysis of treatment for neuropathic pain. The aim was to provide a description of the included trials and investigate trends in study characteristics and measures of quality over time.

The cost of changing physical activity behaviour: evidence from a "physical activity pathway" in the primary care setting.

Background: The 'Physical Activity Care Pathway' (a Pilot for the 'Let's Get Moving' policy) is a systematic approach to integrating physical activity promotion into the primary care setting. It combines several methods reported to support behavioural change, including brief interventions, motivational interviewing, goal setting, providing written resources, and follow-up support. This paper compares costs falling on the UK National Health Service (NHS) of implementing the care pathway using two different recruitment strategies and provides initial insights into the cost of changing physical activity behaviour.

The effects and costs of expanding the coverage of immunisation services in developing countries: a systematic literature review.

The range of potential effects and costs of interventions to expand the coverage of immunisation programs in developing countries was reviewed for the first time and demonstrated that increasing coverage is achievable. With the exception of a mass campaign, all interventions were reported to increase the proportion of fully vaccinated children. The findings are of particular value for policy debates about the introduction of new vaccines versus the need to vaccinate as many children as possible with the current ones.

Who buys insecticide-treated nets? Implications for increasing coverage in Nigeria.

Objectives: To investigate the determinants of purchase of insecticide-treated nets (ITNs) and explore the policy implications of the findings for ITN programmes.

Methods: Two surveys were conducted 1 month apart in three villages. The first survey was used to determine stated willingness to pay (WTP) and respondent practices regarding untreated nets and ITNs.

A systematic and critical review of the process of translation and adaptation of generic health-related quality of life measures in Africa, Asia, Eastern Europe, the Middle East, South America.

In recent years there has been a worldwide increase in demand for subjective measures of health-related quality of life (HRQL). Researchers have the choice of whether to develop a new measure or whether to adapt an existing measure in another language. This review evaluates the processes used in translating and adapting nine generic HRQL instruments (15D, Dartmouth COOP/WONCA Charts, EuroQol, HUI, NHP, SIP, SF-36, QWB, WHOQOL) for use in Africa, Asia, Eastern Europe, the Middle East, and South America.

Managing a household survey: a practical example from the KENQOL survey. Kenya Quality of Life.

It is vital that surveys are well managed for results to be reliable and meaningful. Poorly managed surveys can result in falsified, lost or incomplete data. Good management requires time to plan and think about all those involved in the process of the survey: the respondents, interviewers, supervisors, coders and the wider community.