Lodge M, et al. Primary total hip replacement surgery: a systematic review of outcomes and modelling of cost-effectiveness associated with different prostheses. Health Technol Assess 1998;2(20). Health Technology Assessment is indexed in Index Medicus/MEDLINE and Excerpta Medica/ EMBASE. Copies of the Executive Summaries are available from the NCCHTA web site (see overleaf). NHS R&D HTA Programme T he overall aim of the NHS R&D Health Technology Assessment (HTA) programme is to ensure that high-quality research information on the costs, effectiveness and broader impact of health technologies is produced in the most efficient way for those who use, manage and work in the NHS. Research is undertaken in those areas where the evidence will lead to the greatest benefits to patients, either through improved patient outcomes or the most efficient use of NHS resources. The Standing Group on Health Technology advises on national priorities for health technology assessment. Six advisory panels assist the Standing Group in identifying and prioritising projects. These priorities are then considered by the HTA Commissioning Board supported by the National Coordinating Centre for HTA (NCCHTA). This report is one of a series covering acute care, diagnostics and imaging, methodology, pharmaceuticals, population screening, and primary and community care. It was identified as a priority by the Acute Sector Panel and funded as project number 93/11/08. The views expressed in this publication are those of the authors and not necessarily those of the Standing Group, the Commissioning Board, the Panel members or the Department of Health. The editors wish to emphasise that funding and publication of this research by the NHS should not be taken as implicit support for the recommendations for policy contained herein. In particular, policy options in the area of screening will, in England, be considered by the National Screening Committee. This Committee, chaired by the Chief Medical Officer, will take into account the views expressed here, further available evidence and other relevant considerations. Reviews in Health Technology Assessment are termed 'systematic' when the account of the search, appraisal and synthesis methods (to minimise biases and random errors) would, in theory, permit the replication of the review by others.

Neutrophils are not directly involved in the pathophysiology of indomethacin-induced damage to the hamster gastric antrum.

Aims Ropinirole is a specific non-ergoline dopamine D 2 -receptor agonist with antiparkinsonian properties.The pharmacokinetic parameters of ropinirole taken in the fasted condition were compared with those when it was co-administered with food. Methods This was an open, randomized, two sessions cross over study in 12 patients with Parkinson's disease, comparing the steady-state pharmacokinetic profiles of ropinirole on two different study days: 'fasted' and 'fed'. Results The mean C max was lower in the 'fed' regimen than in the 'fasted' one (−25%, P=0.002). The median t max was observed 2.6 h later in the 'fed' regimen than in the 'fasted' regimen ( P<0.05). There was a slight but significant decrease in AUC(0,8 h) in the 'fed' regimen ( P=0.03). Conclusions Food decreases the rate of absorption of ropinirole, but has little effect on the extent of absorption.

The administration of naproxen (80 mg/kg b.d.) to hamsters is a simple, reliable and relevant method for evaluating NSAID-induced gastric antral ulceration and adaptation.