Journal of internal medicine
-
It is widely believed that placebo interventions induce powerful effects. We could not confirm this in a systematic review of 114 randomized trials that compared placebo-treated with untreated patients. ⋯ We found no evidence of a generally large effect of placebo interventions. A possible small effect on patient-reported continuous outcomes, especially pain, could not be clearly distinguished from bias.
-
It is widely believed that placebo interventions induce powerful effects. We could not confirm this in a systematic review of 114 randomized trials that compared placebo-treated with untreated patients. ⋯ We found no evidence of a generally large effect of placebo interventions. A possible small effect on patient-reported continuous outcomes, especially pain, could not be clearly distinguished from bias.
-
This paper describes how statistical methods have evolved in parallel with activities associated with randomized control trials. In particular we emphasize the pivotal role of two papers published in British Journal of Cancer, and the paper describing the Cox proportional hazards model. ⋯ The interplay between computer software and statistical methodological developments is stressed. Finally some future directions are indicated.
-
High mobility group box protein 1 (HMGB1) has been considered as a ubiquitous nuclear protein with an architectural function, but even early reports have described its presence outside of the nucleus. Today, we have only started to understand the extranuclear and extracellular functions of HMGB1: we know that it participates in developmental and differentiation processes, triggers and modulates many of the inflammatory cascades in the body, and may even be involved in the metastatic invasion programme of cancer cells. ⋯ The present review deals with the expression pattern of HMGB1 and provides evidence that, far from being housekeeping, the HMGB1 gene is tightly regulated. This can have implications for therapeutic intervention on inflammatory diseases as well as cancer.
-
Knowledge about the systemic amyloidoses has increased considerably during the last few years. This group of diseases is characterized by great biochemical variability, including at least 11 different amyloid fibril proteins and a remarkable range of clinical manifestations. With the understanding that the pathogenesis is different in the various forms of amyloidosis, it is now being increasingly accepted that an early and accurate diagnosis, including that of the underlying biochemical nature, is crucial for a successful treatment. The elucidation of the molecular mechanisms involved in amyloidogenesis is at the basis of the recent blossoming of new, innovative and more effective therapeutic approaches.