Postgraduate medical journal
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Chronic inflammation has been connected by epidemiological evidence to coronary artery disease (CAD) along with myocardial infarction (MI). Nevertheless, it is still unclear whether reverse causality or confounders account for these connections. Our objectives are to examine the causality between inflammatory cytokines and CAD/MI as well as the potential mediating influence of lipid characteristics. ⋯ We provided novel genetic evidence supporting the causality of inflammatory cytokines on CAD/MI and elucidate the mediating effect of triglycerides in the causal pathways linking inflammatory cytokines and CAD/MI.
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Historical Article
Caduceus vs. Rod of Asclepius: A Serpentine Dilemma in Medical Iconography.
This scholarly inquiry delves into the historical significance of two enduring medical symbols: the Rod of Asclepius and the Caduceus. Tracing their origins back to ancient Greek mythology, we uncover their distinct identities and profound meanings as symbols of healing, unity among medical practitioners, and ethical responsibilities. Beyond aesthetics, these emblems serve as powerful educational tools, fostering universal understanding and connecting modern medicine to its historical heritage. Consequently, embracing their true essence can inspire genuine dedication to the noble mission of caring for others.
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Many medical graduate students lack a thorough understanding of decision curve analysis (DCA), a valuable tool in clinical research for evaluating diagnostic models. ⋯ By clarifying the concept of DCA and highlighting its benefits in clinical decisionmaking, this article has improved researchers' comprehension of how DCA is applied and interpreted, thereby enhancing the quality of research in the medical field.
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First popularized almost a century ago in epidemiologic research by Ronald Fisher and Jerzy Neyman, the P-value has become perhaps the most misunderstood and even misused statistical value or descriptor. Indeed, modern clinical research has now come to be centered around and guided by an arbitrary P-value of <0.05 as a magical threshold for significance, so much so that experimental design, reporting of experimental findings, and interpretation and adoption of such findings have become largely dependent on this "significant" P-value. ⋯ This article reviews the history of the P-value, the conceptual basis of P-value in the context of hypothesis testing and challenges in critically appraising clinical evidence vis-à-vis the P-value. This review is aimed at raising awareness of the pitfalls of this rigid observation of the threshold of statistical significance when evaluating clinical trials and to generate discussion regarding whether the scientific body needs a rethink about how we decide clinical significance.