The aim of this paper is to present a compact and coherent within the Bayesian inference method of best meta-analysis model selection as well as to present analytical results in performing Gibbs sampling within the MTC framework. METHODS: In order to perform Gibbs sampling from the posterior distribution in the random effects model of MTC we evaluate the formulas for the conditional distributions for all parameters. We test for the existence of between study heterogeneity and other parametric restrictions by comparing marginal data densities of competing models. We show how the prior distribution on the model space may affect the inference about best model selection. As an empirical example we present an analysis of effectiveness of two real (although blinded) drugs and placebo. RESULTS: We present the marginal posterior distributions of key parameters as well as the comparison of a few restricted models. Among 18 studies from the systematic review dealing with treating the analyzed medical issue with drugs of interest there exist a significant effect of heterogeneity. The a priori distribution on the space of models does not affect this final conclusion (Bayes factor varies from 185 to 190 in favor of the unreduced model). The posterior odds ratio (which equals around 293.1) points that the treatment with Medicine A brings a stronger effect than with Medicine B or placebo. CONCLUSIONS: Our results show, that using pure Bayesian techniques can be widely used within the MTC framework. We present an easy to operate and coherent inference in performing complex metaanalyses. We also found confirmed, that Medicine A significantly better increases the level of observed outcome than other treatments.

ObjectiveThe aim of this pilot study was to assess the value of the dispensing service of pharmacists from the general public’s perspective using the contingent valuation technique in the State of Penang, Malaysia.MethodsParticipants were conveniently sampled from malls and were given a self-completed questionnaire that collected the patient’s demographic information and their knowledge about the pharmacist’s dispensing service. They were then presented with a description of the pharmacist’s dispensing service, the risk of medication errors in prescriptions and their consequences, and the risk reduction of medication errors associated with pharmacist intervention. The willingness to pay (WTP) of the participants was later assessed using a contingent valuation interview that asked the likelihood and maximum amount they were willing to pay.ResultsIn the study, 100 people participated, and 57% were aged between 18 and 35 years. Of these participants, 51% were women, and 46% of them earned more than 1000 MYR (285.71USD) per month. In addition, 8% of the participants had never visited a community pharmacy. Finally, 67% of the participants were willing to pay for the pharmacists’ dispensing service, and the median amount that the participants were willing to pay was 10 MYR (2.86USD). The WTP amount was moderately correlated with their knowledge of the community pharmacist’s dispensing services (r=0.377, p=0.02).ConclusionGenerally, the public valued the pharmacist’s dispensing service. Their acceptance can be further improved by educating the public on the role of the pharmacist.

sponse options; 4) ease of completing the questionnaire; 5) relevancy of the items; 6) formatting (e.g., design and placement of instructions, font, placement of items on page); and 7) identification of new concepts (e.g., functional areas or activities that patients consider relevant and not represented by existing items). RESULTS: Twenty COPD patients were interviewed: 12 (60%) males; mean age ϭ 63.0 Ϯ 11.3 years; 14 (70%) Caucasian; 12 (60%) retired; mean FEV 1 ϭ 1.5 Ϯ 0.5 liter; FEV 1 % predicted ϭ 48.4 Ϯ 13.1. Content of the FPI-SF was seen as comprehensive and represented activities participants found important and often difficult to perform. Participants understood the instructions, items, and response options as intended. No new concepts were identified. Two minor formatting changes were suggested to improve clarity. CONCLUSIONS: These results, together with its development history and previously tested quantitative properties, suggest the FPI-SF is content valid for use in clinical studies of COPD.

journals and articles as very useful source of information and 35.92% doctors mentioned as useful source of information. Only 4.85% doctors believe this is less useful source of drug information. 49.51% of doctors believe as very useful source of information and 45.63% as useful. Only 4.85% doctors mentioned that as less useful source. Subscription based source showed that 41.74% doctors mentioned that as very useful source and 49.51% mentioned that as useful source. A total of 8.73% doctors mentioned that as less useful source. Informal discussions with other doctors as drug information source is very useful for 47.57% doctors and useful for 46.60% while only 5.82% doctors mentioned that as less useful source of information. CONCLUSIONS: Medical representative is not the option for successful promotion, companies should also focus on other sources ex. medical journals, internet sources which are highly appreciated among health care practitioners.

Ϫ0.02, pϭ0.042), low vision in both eyes (difference: Ϫ0.02, pϭ0.041), and blindness in both eyes (difference: Ϫ0.10, pϽ0.0001) had lower EQ-5D score than those without visual impairment. Singapore Indians with low vision in both eyes (difference: Ϫ0.03, pϭ0.0081), low vision in one eye and blindness in the other eye (difference: Ϫ0.09, pϽ0.0001), and blindness in both eyes (difference: Ϫ0.16, pϭ0.0004) had lower EQ-5D score than those without visual impairment. After adjusted for age, gender and co-morbidities, none of the 5 eye conditions was associated with reduction in EQ-5D scores in Malays or Indians, except that Indians with cataract had lower EQ-5D scores than those without cataract (difference: Ϫ0.02, pϭ0.0431). CONCLUSIONS: Health burden is associated with visual impairment, but not with the presence of the eye conditions. Vision problems pose more health burden to Indians than Malays in Singapore.