Examining the robustness of the obesity paradox in maintenance hemodialysis patients: a marginal structural model analysis.

Background: The inverse association between body mass index (BMI) and mortality observed in patients treated with maintenance hemodialysis (MHD), also known as the obesity paradox, may be a result of residual confounding. Marginal structural model (MSM) analysis, a technique that accounts for time-varying confounders, may be more appropriate to investigate this association. We hypothesize that after applying MSM, the inverse association between BMI and mortality in MHD patients is attenuated.

A Review of Programs, Components and Outcomes in Biomedical Research Faculty Development.

Background/objective: To review, compare and synthesize current faculty development programs and components. Findings are expected to facilitate research that will increase the competency and competitiveness of less-established biomedical research faculty.

Methods: We reviewed the current literature on research faculty development programs, and report on their type, components, outcomes and limitations.

Study of the fingertip pattern as a tool for the identification of the dermatoglyphic trait in bronchial asthma.

Introduction: Bronchial Asthma is one of the most extensively studied respiratory diseases and its genetic basis is well established. Dermatoglyphic traits are formed under genetic control early in development but may be affected by environmental factors during first trimester of pregnancy. These patterns may represent the genetic makeup of an individual and therefore his/her predisposition to certain diseases.