When "replicability" is more than just "reliability": The Hubble constant controversy.

We propose that the epistemic functions of replication in science are best understood by relating them to kinds of experimental error/uncertainty. One kind of replication, which we call "direct replications," principally serves to assess the reliability of an experiment through its precision: the presence and degree of random error/statistical uncertainty. The other kind of replication, which we call "conceptual replications," principally serves to assess the validity of an experiment through its accuracy: the presence and degree of systematic errors/uncertainties.

Biomarkers for Early Cancer Diagnosis: Prospects for Success through the Lens of Tumor Genetics.

Thousands of candidate cancer biomarkers have been proposed, but so far, few are used in cancer screening. Failure to implement these biomarkers is attributed to technical and design flaws in the discovery and validation phases, but a major obstacle stems from cancer biology itself. Oncogenomics has revealed broad genetic heterogeneity among tumors of the same histology and same tissue (or organ) from different patients, while tumors of different tissue origins also share common genetic mutations.

Improving the biomedical research literature: insights from authors' editors can help journal editors define and refine their core competencies.

A team of stakeholders in biomedical publishing recently proposed a set of core competencies for journal editors, as a resource that can inform training programs for editors and ultimately improve the quality of the biomedical research literature. This initiative, still in its early stages, would benefit from additional sources of expert information. Based on our experiences as authors' editors, we offer two suggestions on how to strengthen these competencies so that they better respond to the needs of readers and authors - the main users of and contributors to research journals.

PCR detection of segmented filamentous bacteria in the terminal ileum of patients with ulcerative colitis.

Objectives: Segmented filamentous bacteria (SFB) have been detected in a wide range of different animal. Recently, the presence of SFB-like bacteria was shown in biopsies of the terminal ileum and ileocecal valve of both patients with ulcerative colitis and control subjects. The aim of this study was to verify whether PCR methods could be used for the detection of SFB in biopsy of patients with ulcerative colitis and its relationships with the disease stage.

Preoperative endoscopic tattooing to mark the tumour site does not improve lymph node retrieval in colorectal cancer: a retrospective cohort study.

Background: A direct correlation between number of lymph nodes retrieved and evaluated after a colectomy for colorectal cancer and survival of the patient has been reported, and consensus guidelines recommend to assess at least 12 lymph nodes for adequate staging. Many factors (i.e.

A comparison of different strategies used to invite subjects with a positive faecal occult blood test to a colonoscopy assessment. A randomised controlled trial in population-based screening programmes.

Objective: The purpose of this parallel randomised controlled trial was to compare compliance with different modalities used to invite patients with a positive immunochemical faecal occult blood test (FIT+) for a total colonoscopy (TC).

Method: FIT+ patients from nine Italian colorectal cancer screening programmes were randomised to be invited for a TC initially by mail or by phone and, for non-compliers, to be recalled by mail, for counselling with a general practitioner, or to meet with a specialist screening practitioner (nurse or healthcare assistant).

Results: In all, 3777 patients were randomised to different invitation strategies.

Post-Anaesthetic Discharge Scoring System to assess patient recovery and discharge after colonoscopy.

Aim: To investigate whether discharge scoring criteria are as safe as clinical criteria for discharge decision and allow for earlier discharge.

Methods: About 220 consecutive outpatients undergoing colonoscopy under sedation with Meperidine plus Midazolam were enrolled and assigned to 2 groups: in Control-group (110 subjects) discharge decision was based on the clinical assessment; in PADSS-group (110 subjects) discharge decision was based on the modified Post-Anaesthetic Discharge Scoring System (PADSS). Measurements of the PADDS score were taken every 20 min after colonoscopy, and patients were discharged after two consecutive PADSS scores ≥ 9.

Colonoscopic surveillance of first-degree relatives of colorectal cancer patients in a faecal occult blood screening programme.

Background: In some Italian areas, colonoscopic surveillance of first-degree relatives (FDRs) of colorectal cancer (CRC) patients is provided as a part of local population-based faecal occult blood test (FOBT) screening programmes. The objective of the present study was to assess the feasibility and early results of this surveillance model.

Methods: Data from district screening centres were used to evaluate the process of identification and selection of eligible FDRs (residence in the Emilia-Romagna Region, age 40-75 years, no recent colonoscopy) of screen-detected CRC patients and the detected prevalence of disease.

The first 2 years of colorectal cancer screening in Ferrara, Italy.

We report on the first screening round in the District of Ferrara, a region of Emilia-Romagna, carried out between March 2005 and March 2007 to illustrate the effort of colorectal cancer (CRC) screening from administration and information to therapy and follow-up. After invitation of 38 344 persons aged 50-69 years (28.5%), 19 480 (50.

Emerging concepts in high-impact publishing: insights from the First Brazilian Colloquium on High Impact Research and Publishing.

Reports of scientific research are published by selective journals only when they meet stringent criteria, first and foremost of which are the quality and importance of the research. Even when the research is excellent, other elements come into play to determine if the manuscript will be accepted for publication. Many of these factors are under direct control of the researcher-author, but not all authors are aware of the elements of high-impact scientific writing.

[Screening for colorectal cancer in high-risk and intermediate-risk subject: what's the best tool?].

Although several screening tests are now available, at present none of them has been proven the best one. Colonoscopy is usually used in high-risk subjects (family history of either colorectal cancer [CRC] or adenomas). In intermediate-risk subjects, fecal occult blood test (FOBT) is preferred, and colonoscopy is performed only when FOBT results positive.

Relationship between quality and editorial leadership of biomedical research journals: a comparative study of Italian and UK journals.

Background: The quality of biomedical reporting is guided by statements of several organizations. Although not all journals adhere to these guidelines, those that do demonstrate "editorial leadership" in their author community. To investigate a possible relationship between editorial leadership and journal quality, research journals from two European countries, one Anglophone and one non-Anglophone, were studied and compared.

Colonoscopy surveillance in asymptomatic subjects with increased risk for colorectal cancer: clinical evaluation and cost analysis of an Italian experience.

The aim of this study was three-fold: (a) to present a surveillance plan for colorectal cancer prevention with colonoscopy, focused on first-degree relatives of colorectal cancer patients in the province of Ferrara (Italy); (b) to analyse the cost of colonoscopy at the University Hospital of Ferrara; and (c) to analyse the cost of the surveillance plan in our province. In January 2000, in the province of Ferrara, following a campaign of public sensitization, a plan of surveillance with colonoscopy was started, addressing the population at an increased risk for colorectal cancer (i.e.

Colorectal cancer screening: results of a 5-year program in asymptomatic subjects at increased risk.

Background And Aims: The province of Ferrara has one of the highest incidences of colorectal cancer (CRC) in Italy. In January 2000, we set up a colonoscopy screening program focussing on first-degree relatives of CRC patients. We now report the results 5 years after the beginning of the project.

Introductory course on getting to know journals and on "browsing" a research paper: first steps to proficiency in scientific communication.

Aim: To evaluate the effectiveness and appropriateness of a course that promotes familiarity with biomedical periodicals and teaches efficient reading skills.

Methods: A 16-hour course was designed to help inexperienced readers gain confidence navigating the contents of a research paper (instead of reading only abstracts), and make the first steps to critical appraisal. The course consisted of short lessons and small group work in which research papers were read and presented to the class.

[Stool antigen test for diagnosis of Helicobacter pylori infection. Merely a research opportunity, or an effective diagnostic tool?].

Since Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) infection was recognized as a major cause of peptic ulcer disease and an important risk factor for gastric malignancy, several strategies have been used to diagnose it. These methods are split up along two lines: 1) direct detection of the bacteria, and 2) detection of antigen-antibody assay against H.

Evaluation of a new rapid immunoassay for the detection of Helicobacter pylori in faeces: a prospective pilot study.

Background: Detection of Helicobacter pylori antigen in faeces is a valid method to diagnose H. pylori infection. Presently available stool tests are performed in the laboratory, and diagnostic report is delayed.

[Surveillance and cost-effectiveness of colonoscopy in asymptomatic increased risk subjects of colorectal cancer: Ferrara experience].

Colorectal cancer represents the second leading cause of cancer deaths in western countries with elevated costs for health service. It's very important to develop screening and surveillance programs for cancer prevention with "cost-effective" means. We present a surveillance program with colonoscopy focused on first degree relatives of CRC patients.

Massive bleeding in an adult patient suffering from Meckel's diverticulum.

The case of a 22-year-old male who bled from a Meckel's diverticulum is described. The diagnosis was achieved after 99mTechnetium pertechnetate scintigraphy. With the administration of somatostatin very clear images were obtained.

Short-term low-dose pantoprazole-based triple therapy for cure of Helicobacter pylori infection in duodenal ulcer patients.

Background: The eradication of Helicobacter pylori infection has been achieved using various therapy regimens, but the efficacy of the proton-pump inhibitor pantoprazole as part of these regimens has not yet been widely tested.

Aim: To evaluate the efficacy and tolerability of a 1-week low-dose pantoprazole-based triple therapy in patients with H. pylori-positive duodenal ulcer.

Surface lysine residues modulate the collisional transfer of fatty acid from adipocyte fatty acid binding protein to membranes.

The transfer of unesterified fatty acids (FA) from adipocyte fatty acid binding protein (A-FABP) to phospholipid membranes is proposed to occur via a collisional mechanism involving transient ionic and hydrophobic interactions [Wootan & Storch (1994) J. Biol. Chem.