The use of individual patient data (IPD) in network meta-analysis (NMA) is becoming increasingly popular. However, as most studies do not report IPD, most NMAs are performed using aggregate data for at least some, if not all, of the studies. We investigate the benefits of including varying proportions of IPD studies in an NMA. Several models have…

Individuals with sickle cell disease experience a life-time of morbidity as well as a decreased lifespan. Since African Americans are disproportionately affected by the disease, sickle cell contributes to growing health disparities within this population. Thus, addressing issues related to the disease presents an increased need for health…

Public funding for biomedical research is often justified as a means to encourage development of more (and better) treatments for disease. However, few studies have investigated the relationship between these expenditures and downstream pharmaceutical innovation. In particular, although recent analyses have shown a clear contribution of federally…

Medical scientists, doctors, and patients have different models of disease that cause doctor/patient communication problems. The patient model is reflected in the average American who is a high school graduate but who has little understanding of the human body and science. The model of the medical scientist is reflected in the typical graduate of…

Health science (epidemiology) is a relatively advanced discipline which offers theories and methods which could be useful in peace science (polemology). Similarities between war and disease, peace and health, center around concern with prevention of physical damage and death on the one hand and preservation and extension of human life on the…