Thrombolytic strategies versus standard anticoagulation for acute deep vein thrombosis of the lower limb.

Background: Standard treatment for deep vein thrombosis (DVT) aims to reduce immediate complications. Use of thrombolytic clot removal strategies (i.e.

Exercise for intermittent claudication.

Background: Exercise programmes are a relatively inexpensive, low-risk option compared with other, more invasive therapies for treatment of leg pain on walking (intermittent claudication (IC)). This is the fourth update of a review first published in 1998.

Objectives: Our goal was to determine whether an exercise programme was effective in alleviating symptoms and increasing walking treadmill distances and walking times in people with intermittent claudication.

Thrombolysis for acute deep vein thrombosis.

Background: Standard treatment for deep vein thrombosis aims to reduce immediate complications. Use of thrombolysis or clot dissolving drugs could reduce the long-term complications of post-thrombotic syndrome (PTS) including pain, swelling, skin discolouration, or venous ulceration in the affected leg. This is the third update of a review first published in 2004.

Exercise for intermittent claudication.

Background: Exercise programmes are a relatively inexpensive, low-risk option compared with other more invasive therapies for leg pain on walking (intermittent claudication (IC)). This is an update of a review first published in 1998.

Objectives: The prime objective of this review was to determine whether an exercise programme in people with intermittent claudication was effective in alleviating symptoms and increasing walking treadmill distances and walking times.

Thrombolysis for acute deep vein thrombosis.

Background: Standard treatment for deep vein thrombosis aims to reduce immediate complications. Use of thrombolysis or clot dissolving drugs could reduce the long-term complications of post-thrombotic syndrome (PTS) (pain, swelling, skin discolouration, or venous ulceration) in the affected leg. This is the second update of a review first published in 2004.

A new model of autism spectrum disorder assessment and diagnosis by multiagency community-based teams in primary schools.

Background: National guidelines stress the importance of early diagnosis of autism spectrum disorder (ASD). This pilot investigated the feasibility and acceptability of assessing children in their community.

Method: The pilot study was carried out from August 2007 to January 2009, and the roll-out of the programme started in 2010 and is currently underway.

Exercise for intermittent claudication.

Background: Exercise programmes are a relatively inexpensive, low-risk option compared with other more invasive therapies for leg pain on walking (intermittent claudication (IC)).

Objectives: To determine the effects of exercise programmes on IC, particularly in respect of reduction of symptoms on walking and improvement in quality of life.

Search Strategy: The Cochrane Peripheral Vascular Diseases Group searched their Specialised Register (last search February 2008) and the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL) in The Cochrane Library 2008, Issue 1.

The effectiveness of pneumococcal polysaccharide vaccines in adults: a systematic review of observational studies and comparison with results from randomised controlled trials.

The use of pneumococcal polysaccharide vaccine has remained controversial since licensure, especially in the elderly. Observational studies form much of the evidence base. We conducted a systematic review of observational studies and compared results with those obtained from an earlier review of randomised controlled trials (RCTs).

A survey of community pharmacists on prevention of HIV and hepatitis B and C: current practice and attitudes in Grampian.

Background: Prevention of infection with the blood-borne pathogens (BBPs) HIV and hepatitis B and C remains a major public health challenge. The aim of this study was to assess the activity, knowledge and attitudes of community pharmacists in Grampian in prevention of HIV and hepatitis B and C.

Method: A questionnaire survey of community pharmacies was carried out in Grampian, a mixed urban-rural Health Board area in NE Scotland with a population of 532,432.

Pneumococcal polysaccharide vaccine: a systematic review of clinical effectiveness in adults.

Unlabelled: Pneumococcal polysaccharide vaccine is recommended in western countries for individuals at high risk of pneumococcal illness. We undertook a systematic review of randomised controlled trials of pneumococcal vaccine in adults, to determine the effects on clinical outcomes.

Results: In industrialised populations, no benefit was detected for outcomes other than pneumococcal bacteraemia, and this did not reach statistical significance.