PLoS Genetics, vol 2, issue 4, DOI:  10.1371/journal.pgen.0020053In http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov) accession numbers for the sequence discussed in this paper are HVS1 (AY72095-AY721592)” should be “The GenBank (http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov) accession numbers for the sequence discussed in this paper are HVS1 (AY720957-AY721592).”In the Supporting Information section, the sentence “The GenBank (


Since the 17-century, scientists have been enquiring for the logical scientific principles of medicine and informatics, among other disciplines, encouraged by the instance of Newtonian physics. In the 20-century, the main principles of informatics were found making possible the development of present computers & Internet. However, very little research has been done seeking medical & health scientific principles, allowing among other functions, assistance in scientific hypotheses formation beside empirical data. One important effort on hypothesis formulation, has been the running of the Arrowsmith system of software and database search strategies at http://kiwi.uchicago.edu , which evokes hypothesis using the relational structure of the NCBI PubMed Internet on-line database (1966-). Nevertheless, although it uses a powerful logical mathematical method, it does not include any logical scientific principle from experimental or clinical medicine, & public health sciences. The aim of this paper is to give an outline of the design & rationale of an international collaborative research, complementary to Arrowsmith system, whose outcomes would be the logical basis of content seeking a more rational discovery support system.Crucial fragmented information of multiple specialities and cognitive levels, synthesised by an international cross-disciplinary team or teams of experts, through a complex inductive method using Internet research facilities.Expected Results:Medical & health unifying principles that would perfect Arrowsmith target search strategies or other formal discovery computer-assisted systems to formulate recombinant hypotheses, using PubMed on-line database, and even in the future, the NCBI E-Biomed Internet on-line database proposed at http://www.nih.gov/welcome/director/ebiomed/ebiomed.htm . The perfected system will complete then, the premises to receive the benefits of Artificial Intelligence concepts & tools, to continue its improving.


In October 2002, the World Health Organization (WHO) sponsored a workshop in Geneva, Switzerland, to address the problems faced by medical journals in the developing world regarding their efforts to provide critical, timely health information to local health practitioners and research scientists. Of major concern is the unavailability of the results of medical research from developing nations, which is published in international journals, to those who are living and working in developing nations. If scientific knowledge is to be used to improve public health and the environment, then it must be accessible to the local health professionals who need it most. A specific outcome of this workshop was the creation of the Forum for African Medical Editors (FAME) with 12 inaugural African medical editors, both anglophone and francophone. While the WHO is a major sponsor of FAME, other participating organizations, institutions, journals, and associations offer various forms of assistance.British Medical Journal (BMJ). The primary objective was to discuss the partnership of four sub-Saharan African medical journals with five Northern Hemisphere medical journals as a mechanism to enhance the quality and credibility of the African journals and thereby attract high-level research.In September 2003, the U.S. National Institutes of Health (NIH)— specifically, the National Library of Medicine (NLM), the Fogarty International Center, and the National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences (NIEHS)—sponsored a meeting in London at the offices of the Identified steps needed to enhance the quality of the African journals included providing training for editors in improving sustainability and publishing regularity, improving the peer-review process by identifying experienced reviewers willing to serve and mentoring new reviewers, and offering local researchers guidance in preparing research papers for publication. Ideas for improving the credibility of the African journals included having respected scientists from multiple countries serve on the journals’ editorial boards, earning inclusion in major indexing databases such as the NLM’s MEDLINE, and exploring ways to share journal content, for example, by copublishing peer-reviewed research articles of high importance to the people in the area served by regional journals. This latter approach would have the added benefit for researchers and health practitioners in developed countries of making important regional research results more available in the international literature.a) African Health Sciences with BMJ; b) Ghana Medical Journal with The Lancet; c) Malawi Medical Journal with the Journal of the American Medical Association; and d) Mali Médical with Environmental Health Perspectives (EHP) and the American Journal of Public Health. The last partnership—ours—is the only one involving two Northern Hemisphere journals and the only one involving a francophone journal.In May 2004, a contract was awarded to the Council of Science Editors to manage the funds for a pilot project intended to build the capacity of the four sub-Saharan African journals as per the thoughts generated at the London meeting. The African journals were selected because all of their editors are founding members of FAME and thus are committed to enhancing the capacities of their journals as well as other sub-Saharan medical journals. In addition, the African journals are published in countries that have active NIH-sponsored research and are also part of the communication network developed by the NLM for the Multilateral Initiative on Malaria. The Northern Hemisphere journals were selected on the basis of their missions and commitment to advancing public health and the environment in developing regions of the world. The following four journal partnerships have been established: If scientific knowledge is to be used to improve public health and the environment, then it must be accessible to the local health professionals who need it most.In September 2004, the three of us met in Research Triangle Park, North Carolina, to begin working toward the successful completion of our contract tasks, which were as follows:Mali Médical and then provide computer hardware and software to the publishing offices, along with initial training for editorial office personnelTo identify the equipment and facility needs of the Mali Médical through mutual site visits by the partnering editors-in-chief to observe editorial and publishing practicesTo identify the editorial needs of the To provide author/reviewer training via workshops, emphasizing international standards for writing and systematic approaches for reviewers, open to all FAME members at scheduled scientific/medical meetings in AfricaTo provide training and support for a managing editor/business manager in establishing business plans for effective, sustainable publishing operations through technical consultation and through a workshop in Africa open to all FAME membersMali MédicalTo develop and maintain a website that would permit online publication of the Mali Médical at the editorial offices of EHP and the American Journal of Public HealthTo establish internships for representatives of the To commission four systematic reviews on topics relevant to sub-Saharan Africa to be published in partnering African journals in both English and French.Mali Médical in MEDLINE, numbers of articles submitted and published, numbers and effectiveness of local peer reviewers, and timeliness of publication. If our journals and sponsoring organizations are to fulfill our common missions of working to improve the public’s health and achieving equity in health status for all, then our nascent partnership is a viable means toward this end. Our collective hope is that all three journals will better realize their potential to serve as vehicles for progressive change through increased understanding, collaboration, insight, and connections between the environment and health in the developed and developing world. Look for regular updates from us published simultaneously in all three journals in both English and French. We aim to hold one another accountable in fulfilling our assigned tasks and enlisting other partners in our rewarding struggle to find creative and practical solutions that eliminate past and present health inequalities and protect the environment for future generations.Over the next several years, we plan to evaluate the success of our capacity-building initiative using the following indicators: progress toward indexing the


As the title of my response to the PLoS Medicine Debate  implies,


Electrodiagnostic medicine is a specific branch of medicine used by specialist physicians in the field of physical medicine and rehabilitation and/or neurology to diagnose, prognosticate and plan treatment options of peripheral nerve lesions. This meeting was hold to discuss multidisciplinary approaches to this common and important topic in the medical field.The Department of Physical Medicine, Rehabilitation and Electrodiagnosis of Shaheed Beheshti Medical University in collaboration with the Iranian Society of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation (ISPMR) held the 1 Electrodiagnostic medicine is a specific branch of medicine used by specialist physicians in the field of physical medicine and rehabilitation and/or neurology to diagnose, prognosticate and plan treatment options of peripheral nerve lesions. This meeting was hold to discuss multidisciplinary approaches to this common and important topic in the medical field.The 1st Congress of Electrodiagnostic Medicine in Peripheral Nerve Lesions was held in Tehran,Iran organized by the Department of Physical Medicine, Rehabilitation and Electrodiagnosis of Shaheed Beheshti Medical University in collaboration with the Iranian Society of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation  and rehabilitation measures of peripheral nerve lesions. Twenty leaders in the field of peripheral nerve including: physiatrists, neurosurgeons, neurologists, orthopedists, hand surgeons, vascular surgeons, and plastic and reconstructive surgeons were invited as key lecturers to present the updates about peripheral nerves in upper and lower limbs. In addition to oral presentations, 2 panel discussions, "Carpal Tunnel Syndrome" and "Thoracic Outlet Syndrome," were organized to discuss these challenging topics. About 160 participitants from diverse disciplines including physiatry, orthopedics, neurosurgery, hand surgery, neurology, physiotherapy, occupational therapy and also general practitioners participated in the congress. Seyed Mansoor Rayegani, M.D., associate professor of PM&R, was responsible as the secretary of the congress.The additional files contain the slides from the invited lectures and panel discussions [see additional file Slides from the invited lectures and panel discussions. Compressed PDFs of 15 presentations and 2 panel discussions during the conference.Click here for file


We are grateful to the Drs. Erren for highlighting the concern that younger and less-experienced scientists are sometimes not given due credit for their contributions, in particular through omission from authorship on published articles. The Drs. Erren correctly point out that many journals including those published by PLoS do ask for all author contributions to be described on submission, and these contributions are also included in the published article. The corresponding author has ultimate responsibility for ensuring that these contributions are correct.PLoS Medicine, for example, requires that each author on a paper respond to a specific e-mail to independently confirm their contribution to the work and whether they have any competing interests. No final decision is made on the paper until all authors have responded to that e-mail. This policy aims to ensure that all listed authors are able to justify their inclusion and to doublecheck for competing interests. Although it is not the role of editors to arbitrate authorship, on two occasions authors have agreed after receiving this e-mail request that they do not fulfil the criteria for authorship and have requested that they simply be acknowledged within the paper instead. In addition, PLoS Medicine specifically reminds authors on submission that all medical writers must be included on the paper with their contributions.Authorship issues are a topic of considerable debate among editorial groups such as the International Committee of Medical Journal Editors (ICMJE) and the Committee on Publication Ethics (COPE). PLoS ONE, and which will be applied to other PLoS journals in due course.PLoS is committed to ensuring that the byline on papers is correct and that the contribution statement accurately describes the contributions of authors. One way to reinforce to authors the importance of accurate authorship details is to strengthen our statement on submission forms and on author instructions for all journals, and to remind corresponding authors that they are ultimately responsible for confirming that no additional authors should be listed and that author contributions are accurate. It will also be interesting to see whether issues relating to authorship will be addressed with the commentary and annotation features that are available in the new journal


Journal clubs are an internationally recognized teaching tool in many postgraduate medical education fields. In developing countries lack of funds for current print materials may have limited journal club use. But with advancing information technology trainees in developing countries increasingly have more access to high quality journals online. However, we are aware of no studies describing journal club existence and effectiveness in postgraduate medical training in Pakistan. Also we have found no published effectiveness studies of this teaching modality in Community Medicine  in any country. This study evaluated the effectiveness of Community Medicine  Resident Journal Club (CMR-JC) in Aga Khan University, Pakistan using international criteria for successful journal clubs (2 years continuous existence and more than 50% attendance) and examining resident and alumni satisfaction.Journal club effectiveness criteria were searched using electronic search databases. Departmental records were reviewed from September1999–September 2005. Ninety percent of residents and alumni of Community Medicine Residency Programme participated voluntarily in a confidential survey.The CMR-JC was regularly conducted. More than 95% of residents attended. . Twenty-seven out of 29 current residents/alumni responded to the anonymous questionnaire. Acquisition of critical appraisal skills (23 respondents) and keeping up with current literature (18 respondents) were the two most important objectives achieved. Respondents recommended improved faculty participation and incorporating a structured checklist for article review.CMR-JC fulfils criteria for effective journal clubs. Residents and alumni agree CMR-JC meets its objectives. Incorporating suggested recommendations will further improve standards. The journal club learning modality should be included in residency training programs in developing countries. Effective use of online resources to support journal clubs is demonstrated as a successful alternative to excessive expenditure for obtaining print journals. Those trying to start or improve journal clubs can benefit from our experience. A journal club can be defined as a group of individuals who meet regularly to discuss articles in current medical literature . The earAt the start journal clubs helped students stay current with medical literature. Later, they improved acquisition of knowledge in clinical epidemiology, biostatistics, research design, and more recently in teaching critical appraisal skills -8. StudiMany clinical disciplines report using journal clubs to train postgraduate trainees in relevant specialties. At present journal clubs are found in Medicine , Surgery , Psychiatry, Geriatrics, Nursing, and Health Care Management ,20-29. BWhile a 1999 article from the Royal College of Physicians London illustrates the popularity of journal clubs in public health medicine related to clinical practice,  the exisIn order to find criteria of effective journal clubs, articles were identified through electronic searches using PubMed, and Cochrane retrieval systems. Search terms used were "journal club", "effectiveness", "public health" and "post graduate medical education". Reference lists of known systematic reviews were also searched in this connection besides hand search of library periodicals ,32-36.The following criteria and associated factors of effective journal clubs were found:- More than 2 years of existence without periodic abandonment- More than 50 percent attendance of the expected audience- Explicit written learning objectives- Having a designated club leader- Mandatory attendance- Formal teaching of critical appraisal skills- Journal club independent of faculty journal club- Regular attendance by faculty- High value given by program director- Smaller residency programme (12 or less residents)- Incorporation of adult learning principles- Provision of free food- Use of a structured checklist for article reviewThe purpose of this study was to determine the effectiveness of the CMR-JC currently conducted in a Pakistan medical university by:1) Comparing the criteria of effective journal clubs in the international literature with that of the CMR-JC2) Seeking evidence of resident and alumni satisfaction with CMR-JCCMR-JC is offered by the Community Medicine Residency Program  of a Pakistan medical university. The target audience is Community Medicine Residents . These trainees already have a MBBS degree.The goals of CMR-JC are to:• increase awareness of residents regarding important national and international public health issues• teach residents critical appraisal skills• meet core competencies required by the College of Physicians and Surgeons Pakistan, the program accreditation body• assess residents' knowledge and expertise over time in raising public health issues, utilizing public health tools and developing strategies to address issues.The CMR-JC began in September 1999. It is conducted once every week for one hour. Attendance is mandatory for all Community Medicine Residents but students and faculty from other departments may also attend. On average there are 12 residents in the program, thus each resident is required to present every twelfth week. A presentation is followed by an interactive discussion. After the session, the presenting resident hosts a breakfast for participants.Senior residents of the program act as journal club coordinator on a rotational basis. Their responsibilities include helping other residents in article selection, preparing presentations, organizing mock presentations before the actual presentation day, ensuring the selected article reaches every one in the department at least two days prior to the meeting, and maintaining a record of journal club presentations. The journal club coordinator (resident) is guided by the coordinator and director of residency program.The residents choose original articles of public health importance published within the past three years in indexed journals. Residents can also present their research work and experiences of placement done or training attended. Sometimes alumni of the program are invited to share important research they have conducted.The resident first presents the rationale for choosing a particular topic by summarizing a background search indicating the global and local burden of the problem. Then the article is discussed according to Introduction, Methodology, Results, Discussion and Conclusion. Finally, a critique of the article is presented. The journal club coordinator facilitates discussion of strengths and weakness of the study. The issue is then related to the local context and possible solutions discussed. Residency faculty supervises the session and provides feedback.The presenting resident is evaluated by the faculty and senior residents on a standard evaluation form containing ten areas including the degree to which problem background relevant to Pakistan was provided, whether the resident was able to apply the article's information to a relevant context, and whether responses to queries were answered satisfactorily. Evaluations are compiled quarterly and are included in the overall evaluation of the resident.The primary outcome measures for this study were:1. To check success of CMR-JC through 2 success criteria reported in the literature (i.e. continuous existence for 2 years or longer and an estimated attendance of 50% or higher)2. To check through a survey whether the alumni and residents are satisfied with CMR-JC activity.Hence the study included two stages; the first during which a review of the format and characteristic of CMR-JC encompassing the period from September15, 1999 to September 15, 2005 was carried out. This was done to match for the above mentioned criteria for effective journal clubs coming from the literature search. The Second stage comprised a cross-sectional survey for assessment of participant satisfaction with the CMR-JC  and placement presentations. The data collected were verified by the alumni, faculty and residents of the CMR Program for accuracy and completeness. We reviewed the characteristics of the CMR-JC with regard to presence or absence of the earlier mentioned criteria and associated factors of successful journal clubs as well as annual number , type , name of the journal in which the article was published and topic area of presentations . All of these presentations and articles were in English.An anonymous questionnaire was mailed to the alumni working outside the department and circulated directly to current residents. Inclusion criteria encompass all current residents; all alumni; all who did not complete residency but who have attended CMR-JC for at least one year and have presented at least thrice in the forum. Since the start of CMR-JC, a total of 32 residents have gone through the residency program and we were able to contact more than 90% of them. Of the 29 resident/alumni contacted, 27 responded to the structured questionnaire.th "others" option. These questions were pertaining for example to the preferred method of continuing education, important reasons for attending CMR-JC and opinion regarding mock (practice) presentations and journal club coordination. Data entry and analysis was carried out using Microsoft Excel (version 2003) using standard statistical analysis.The questionnaire contained 23 questions.  are mentioned in table Four residents each were from first and fourth years and 2 residents were in second year. At the time of survey there was no third year resident in the program. Fifteen of the respondents were alumni of the residency program. Interestingly, more than 10% of the respondents were those who have not completed their residency but have responded to the survey questionnaire. Twelve (42.3%) of the respondents were female.The participants rated journal club (33.3%) as the second most preferred method of continuing education besides courses (37.0%) offered by the department. Learning of critical appraisal skills (44.4%), keeping up with current literature (29.6%), and requirement of mandatory attendance (21.4%) were cited as the most important reasons for attending CMR-JC.The questionnaire asked the respondents to assess themselves in the areas of knowledge (keeping up with current literature), skills  and behaviour (enhancement in reading habits as a result of participating in CMR-JC) as described in Figure Table We examined effectiveness criteria of successful journal clubs from various residency programs across the world and compared these with CMR-JC. Our study identified that both of the effectiveness criteria were present in CMR-JC.We also matched CMR-JC with the factors associated with effectiveness. All but one associated factors of effective journal clubs were found in CMR-JC and this was the use of standard check list for article review. In addition, faculty participation was one attribute which was found partially in CMR-JC Table .Studies have found that journal clubs benefit from an explicit expectation that residents attend journal club and if journal clubs are highly valued by the program director ,37,38. RProvision of food is associated with long-term, continuous existence of journal clubs . Many clresidency program faculty participation is always there yet one of the associated attributes of successful journal clubs which is found partially in CMR-JC is faculty participation i.e. the faculty members of the department who are not part of Community Medicine Residency Program attend CMR-JC sporadically. This may account for why the study found participants dissatisfied that fewer departmental faculty outside the residency program attend the CMR-JC .Good public health decisions depend on combining good information (routinely collected statistics) with good research evidence . FurtherThis study shows that a journal club can help residents develop the habit of staying updated on the significant literature that is published every year in medical science. Against the backdrop of a general resource constraint in developing countries, CMR-JC has made effective use of information technology for selecting articles from reputed international journals online. Given the free access to 17,000 scientific journals online, by Higher Education Commission (HEC) of Government of Pakistan; public sector medical universities can utilize the approach of journal club to train postgraduate trainees to make their practice evidence based . This exHaving shared the experience of a journal club which has thrived for more than six years and is popular among its participants, we would like to recommend that CMR-JC has shown a format for organizing and successfully running journal clubs in a developing country's setting with resource constraints and limited access to print publications. This design can be used by any residency program in similar settings for teaching and assessing resident's ability to critically appraise research as a core competency. Moreover this format can also be used for assessing the overall efficacy of journal clubs in meeting their objectives.Currently in Pakistan the existence and effectiveness of journal club meetings in postgraduate medical education is unreported. We achieved greater than 90 percent response rate, yet the sample represents only one medical university from Pakistan. Therefore, generalization requires caution. We recommend the study be replicated in other public health residency programmes in Pakistan and internationally. The literature also suggests that regular assessment surveys of journal clubs are recommended and we support this recommendation.A majority of participants in this study have recommended improved faculty participation in the journal club. It would be interesting and helpful to further explore what residents would like to see regarding faculty participation. It would also be valuable to look at faculty perspective regarding participation in CMR-JC.While this study has particular relevance for Pakistan, continued assessment of journal clubs, enhanced by the learning from this study, can contribute to public health-related journal club establishment and assessment wherever public health practitioners are trained.The author(s) declare that they have no competing interests.SA participated in the design of the study, collected and analyzed data and drafted the manuscript. MMK conceived the idea, supervised the study and gave intellectual input in the manuscript. All authors read and approved the final manuscript.The pre-publication history for this paper can be accessed here:Survey Questionnaire. Survey questionnaire sent to the residents and alumni of Community Medicine Residency Program to meet the second objective of the study.Click here for file


On May 15, 2005, PLoS and the Government Accountability Project co-sponsored a roundtable of some of the most high profile medical whistleblowers of recent times. C. In the room were four of the most high profile medical whistleblowers of recent times. All four have gone public with information about practices in medicine and medical research that they believe are risking the public's health or safety [On May 15, 2005, the Public Library of Science and the Government Accountability Project, a public interest legal group that advises and supports whistleblowers  after alerting his seniors to prescribing practices across the state that he considered to be alarming and dangerous . “I was PLoS Medicine will continue to look critically at these relationships. A common theme at the roundtable was that, armed with information, the public too could have an important role in unpicking these ties. “The pharma–FDA complex has to be dismantled,” said Graham, “and the American people have to insist on that, otherwise we're going to have disasters like Vioxx that happen in the future.” Patients, health professionals, and even the industry itself all surely stand to gain from disentanglement.Lenzer's report will, we hope, spark discussion and debate about how American medicine—clinicians, researchers, regulatory agencies, and medical journals—can disentangle itself from the influence of the pharmaceutical industry. In the past, medical journals and their editors have played an important part in exposing the complex relationships between the pharmaceutical industry and medicine , includi


PLoS Medicine editors.Journals have been slow to realize their potential as a tool for reducing poverty and addressing global inequities, say the The scientific and medical communities have an important role to play in reaching this goal through, for example, tackling the infectious diseases that promote poverty , reversing the loss of environmental resources, and disseminating new technologies to developing countries. And scientific and medical journals, the “arbiters of formalized scientific knowledge” , are central to this enterprise.Out of the eight United Nations Millennium Development Goals (http://www.unmillenniumproject.org/reports/tf_science.htm).Unfortunately, journals have been slow to realize their potential as a tool for reducing poverty and addressing global inequities. Journal editors and publishers have shown a bias against publishing materials on the diseases of poverty (Lancet 361: 712–713). They have done poorly at featuring the work of researchers from developing countries (BMC Med Ethics 5: 5) and at including such researchers on their editorial boards (BMJ 328: 1229–1232). And, perhaps most shamefully, they have failed to heed the United Nations' repeated calls to provide universal access to the scientific and medical literature , so to remain profitable these journals are forced to publish materials that will appeal to readers who can pay. Another major source of revenue for many journals is advertising “blockbuster” drugs to doctors in affluent countries (PLoS Med 3: e130), and it is highly unlikely that drug companies would pay for such adverts if the journals had a major focus on the diseases of the poor world. As long as journals rely on such a “reader pays” model and on drug advertising, their hands will always be tied—they will have to prioritize articles that focus on the health problems of the rich world.Journals have been slow to realize their potential as a tool for poverty reduction.The Lancet and current president of the council, said that some editors feel that addressing global challenges is “lofty and over-ambitious and not our concern.” Rejecting such a “restricted view,” Horton argued that editors can make an important contribution to these challenges by identifying gaps, weaknesses, and failures in our scientific knowledge and convening partnerships to address these; being advocates and leaders; helping to create and sustain social movements; and helping to educate and inform scientists and the public.Another reason is that editors have traditionally taken a very narrow position on the role of biomedical journals. In his opening address at this year's Council of Science Editors annual meeting, Richard Horton, editor of http://www.councilscienceeditors.org/services/taskforce.cfm), of which PLoS Medicine is a member. The task force is advocating that journal editors become more engaged in helping to achieve the Millennium Development Goals, and is drafting a set of principles outlining editors' responsibilities to the developing world. The task force is encouraging editors to make their journal contents more accessible and relevant to those in developing countries, and to ensure greater participation from scientists and health professionals in these countries as authors, peer reviewers, and editorial board members. One important initiative to emerge from the task force is a plan for at least 100 journals to simultaneously publish articles relevant to poverty towards the end of 2007. In order to sensitize journal editors to the problem of tackling extreme poverty, the Council of Science Editors has established the Task Force on Science Journals, Poverty, and Human Development (http://www.jphp.umb.edu/documents/Authoraid.pdf). In a debate in this issue of PLoS Medicine on whether local journals still serve a function in the new era of online international journals, David Ofori-Adjei, Editor-in-Chief of the Ghana Medical Journal, reminds us that local journals still have a vital part to play in disseminating local knowledge, translating it into policy and practice, and contributing to national development.The task force is also examining ways to foster local research and publishing capacity in low-income countries, for example by helping to launch Author Aid, an initiative to mentor authors from developing countries who are preparing research papers for local or international publication (http://www.who.int/hinari/en). This initiative gives free access to these journals to non-profit institutions in countries with a gross national product (GNP) per capita below $1,000, provided the institution agrees to the rules of the Berne Convention (http://www.wipo.int/treaties/en/ip/berne/summary_berne.html), which restrict how the journal contents can be used. Institutions in countries with a GNP per capita between $1,000 and $3,000 pay a fee of $1,000 per year per institution for access to the HINARI journals.The establishment of the Council of Science Editors' task force is a promising sign that journals are finally recognizing the ways in which they can contribute to human, social, and economic development. Another sign is that more than 3,000 scientific and medical journals have joined HINARI, the Health InterNetwork Access to Research Initiative  and Pritpal Tamber  argue in their contribution to this month's Championing open access is arguably the most effective way that journals can help to lift people out of the extremes of poverty.


PLoS Pathogens. We hope that you enjoy reading the exciting articles in this first issue. These papers were selected because each represents a breakthrough in understanding the biology of pathogens and pathogen–host interactions. For example, in a highly innovative study , Orr and colleagues have taken advantage of recombinant herpes viruses, using the mouse model system to demonstrate the importance of major histocompatibility complex (MHC) Class I–driven antigen cross presentation for the induction of virus-specific CD8+ T cells. They show that viral inhibition of MHC class I function is important for viral entry, replication, and survival in the central nervous system. Also, Wang et al.  elegantly describe a critical role for a specific region of the Plasmodium circumsporozoite protein in sporozoite exit from oocysts, a process that might represent a new therapeutic target for treating malaria. These are precisely the type of high-impact research articles that we envisage appearing in PLoS Pathogens.On behalf of the editorial board and the PLoS staff, I welcome you to the inaugural issue of PLoS Pathogens.From the beginning, the editorial board committed to publishing groundbreaking findings on bacterial, fungal, parasitic, prionic, and viral pathogens. By doing so, we intend to showcase the most important new ideas and results, particularly those of broad interdisciplinary interest. Our goal, achieved in this inaugural issue, is to bring to you articles detailing significant and substantive scientific advances that merit your attention and that of the broad readership of PLoS Pathogens makes new findings that can shape and guide research efforts and scientific progress immediately and freely available to the broadest possible global audience. The free availability of key, new information and findings encourages the active exchange of ideas within and throughout the pathogen research community worldwide. The addition of a short, nontechnical summary accompanying each article in PLoS Pathogens adds another dimension to our accessibility. These synopses represent an important mechanism for sharing scientific advances with nonspecialists, and facilitating communication between scientists and members of the general public.The readership of this journal is, indeed, as varied as it is vast. As an open-access journal, PLoS Pathogens because the editorial board has recognized the critical need for a high-impact journal in our field. Consequently, we have set a very high bar for manuscript acceptance. Our review process is extremely rigorous, but timely, and is receiving high marks from our authors. Indeed, many have told us that they find the detailed and constructive feedback they receive to be extremely useful.Research articles are the primary focus of PLoS Pathogens' readers will find Opinions and Reviews in most monthly issues. Opinions Editor Marianne Manchester outlines her vision for this section in an accompanying article in this issue; I encourage you to read and respond to her ideas and plans. Brett Finlay, PLoS Pathogens' Reviews Editor, has solicited a number of high-quality, cutting-edge Reviews, and is also capitalizing on the great expertise of the editorial board to invigorate and develop this section of the journal. But he is also keen to hear your suggestions and ideas about important, new topics that would capture your and your colleagues' interest.In addition to research articles, PLoS Pathogens is launching at an important time, when the pathogen research community has much to learn from each other and to share with the global community. We invite you to be a part of it—as readers, learners, authors, or reviewers—your contributions will enrich us all. Send us your presubmission inquiries and manuscript submissions at http://plospathogens.org—your best ideas and your best work!


Journal of Translational Medicine is pleased to announce a prize to recognize outstanding contributions in the field of translational medicine. The prize is sponsored by Pfizer Global Research and Development, Global Translational Medicine and supported by the Journal of Translational Medicine Editorial Board.The Editorial Board of  Journal of Translational Medicine on July 24th, 2003 [First, it is widely acknowledged that results obtained in animal model systems, although a very valuable source of information, are only rarely super-imposable to those obtained in an clinical setting, even following genetic manipulation of animal models. This realization has provided the impetus to implement clinical investigations in order to assess the clinical relevance of information derived from in vitro studies and from animal models. This approach has been possible thanks to the major recent technological progress which has facilitated the application of basic research to address clinically relevant questions in a clinical setting. Second, the general realization of the difficulties for journals with emphasis on basic research to accommodate translational medicine papers has provided the rationale for the development of a forum fully dedicated to translational medicine.It has been almost three years since we launched the th, 2003  as an opJournal of Translational Medicine has been possible thanks to the enthusiastic participation of investigators who have submitted manuscripts to the journal and to the active participation of a specialized Editorial Board and investigators with expertise in the clinical and the basic aspects of science.The launch and successful development of the PubMed, PubMed Central, Thomson Scientific (ISI), Scopus and Embase. Together with high quality research articles, we have received and published several important contributions [The journal has received enthusiastic international support and has been rapidly recognized and tracked by ibutions -11 relatTo stimulate research in translational medicine and to enhance the submission of high quality manuscripts the journal is establishing a prize, "The Excellence Award in Translational Medicine," with the purpose of rewarding efforts to link science to bedside care. The prize is sponsored by Pfizer Global Research and Development, Global Translational Medicine, and supported by the Journal of Translational Medicine Editorial Board.Although we recognize the importance and positive impact of commentaries and review articles on the development of translational medicine, only articles including original data will be considered for the award.The recipient of The Excellence in Translational Medicine Award will receive a $2,500 prize to cover the expenses for any meeting sponsored by a non-for-profit organization that is relevant to the goal of translational medicine/research. Submitted articles will be evaluated with regard to: relevance to the purposes of translational medicine/research translating new ideas into patient care (bench to bedside) and/or discovery-driven, evidence-based studies aimed at understanding human pathology by the direct study of human subjects (bedside to bench). Selection criteria will include scientific merit, sound research design, rigorous methodology, originality and clarity.Journal of Translational Medicine between July 1st 2006 and June 30th 2007.• The award will be granted to the first author of a Research or Methodology manuscript containing original data published in the • Candidates may be self nominated or nominated by a colleague.• Candidates must be the primary clinician or investigator involved in the project described by the article. If there are multiple first authors, each first author of the selected manuscript may claim designation as a candidate. In the event of multiple authors sharing the award, the prize will be divided equally. If there are multiple first authors, this must be indicated at the time of submission.• Authors from laboratories of the members of the selection committee are not eligible for the Award.Submitted articles will be evaluated with regard to:• Relevance to the purposes of translational medicine/research translating new ideas into patient care (bench to bedside) and/or discovery-driven, evidence-based studies aimed at the understanding of human pathology by the direct study of human subjects (bedside to bench)• Scientific merit• Sound research design• Rigorous methodology• Originality• Clarityst 2006 and June 30th 2007.All applications should be made via the online application form. Candidates may be self-nominated, or nominated by others. Nominations must be received between July 1• Online application form: Selection will be made by a committee of members of the Editorial Board chaired by Prof Richard J. Ablin, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ, USA and Prof Yi-Xin Zen, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, China.We hope the Excellence in Translational Medicine Award will contribute, together with other initiatives, to encourage and reward those investigators who are devoted to improving the efficiency in which biomedical research is performed with the ultimate goal of preventing disease.


PLoS Medicine Debate entitled “What Are the Public Health Effects of Direct-to-Consumer Drug Advertising?” [In my section of theising?” , I notedising?” , I did nFrom the time of its approval on May 21, 1999, until its voluntary withdrawal on September 30, 2004, Vioxx was prescribed to more than 80 million patients . In the


PLoS Medicine published our paper entitled “Designing Equitable Antiretroviral Allocation Strategies in Resource-Constrained Countries” [Recently untries” . We wereuntries”  was baseFirstly, Capron and Reis  misunderSecondly, Capron and Reis  misunderInstitute of Medicine report [We applaud the ambitious “3 by 5” WHO target for the antiretroviral rollout. However, the WHO has not yet devised a quantitative policy for determining how to allocate antiretrovirals in situations where the demand for drugs greatly exceeds the supply [e report ). We str


PLoS Genetics, a new open-access journal from the Public Library of Science (PLoS). Led by an internationally recognized editorial board with broad knowledge and expertise, PLoS Genetics is a journal that celebrates the research of the greater genetics and genomics community. As you see in this first issue, PLoS Genetics is unique—publishing outstanding articles that reflect the full breadth and interdisciplinary nature of this research, all free to read and to use in your own research and teaching.On behalf of our editorial team, it is my pleasure to welcome you to PLoS Genetics come about?How did  In 2004, when PLoS asked several of us in the genetics community about a need and desire for an open-access genetics/genomics journal, I replied with a resounding “yes!” And I was not alone—others had the same reaction that the time was right for a new genetics journal of high quality. Certainly the open-access element was key—following in the public-domain spirit of genetics and genomics data release, for example, by the Human Genome Project. And creating such a journal—building on the strong experience and reputation of PLoS Biology—seemed an opportunity not to miss.PLoS Genetics?What is the focus of  Our mainstay is primary research articles, of which there are eleven in our inaugural issue. We strive for high-quality, original contributions from a broad sweep of the research community, the common theme being novel or incisive applications of genetics and genomics tools to address important research problems in any area of biology. The format itself is flexible; we encourage authors to be creative about the most appropriate and efficient way to present their research. Because we make this high-level research fully and immediately available on our Web site and through PubMed Central, scientists can keep current, build on these findings, and respond by submitting work of their own.PLoS Genetics have special features?Will  Yes—the prospect of which was another key to my own interest in being involved! In addition to research articles, PLoS Genetics offers a venue to consider important issues of the day. Our Reviews editors—Elizabeth Fisher, Nicholas Katsanis, Marcy MacDonald, and Susan Rosenberg—both invite reviews and consider submitted ones that summarize a particularly interesting, hot, or forward-looking aspect of genetics and genomics research, and include the authors' unique perspective on it. Beginning in August, we will aim to publish at least one review each month. Every few months, we will also offer a special feature article. For example, in this issue, Interviews Editor Jane Gitschier presents her one-on-one interview with statistical geneticist Neil Risch .PLoS Genetics celebrates the research of the greater genetics and genomics community.In future issues, our front section will offer a correspondence forum—intended for readers to comment and shed light on specific manuscripts or topics of the day, or for editors to reply to questions raised by readers, particularly students. Contributions to Correspondence will be published at the discretion of the editors. I am excited about launching this section. Our community currently does not have a forum such as this, and I believe that there are some important issues that could benefit from an open exchange of ideas.PLoS Genetics editorial process operate?How does the  The PLoS Genetics editorial team is drawn from the community it serves. As a result, all review—whether by associate editors assigned to papers or the peer reviewers they invite—is conducted by experts in a broad range of disciplines. Reviewers are instructed to be thorough and decisions are reached after consultation between associate editors and myself.PLoS Genetics Editorial Board serve as our associate editors. They are a talented and dedicated group who handle each paper individually, but they are also encouraged to work together. As is appropriate for a journal that has the community in mind, associate editors may consult with one another at any point during the review process using the journal's Web-based review system. I have observed so far that these exchanges are learned and insightful, and ultimately lead (I hope) to the fairest possible decision about a manuscript that still keeps the ambitious goals of PLoS Genetics in mind.The 30 or so members of the I also invite “guest editors” to oversee the review process for particular manuscripts when the expert on our board is either unavailable or has a conflict of interest with a submission, or when a manuscript simply “falls between the cracks” of our expertise. The guest editor feature reflects, in a way, the fact that we are a community journal. Some of you will be tapped for this sooner or later—consider yourselves warned!Although we aim for high-caliber peer reviews, we also strive to keep the turnaround time as short as possible. Our goal is to return a response to authors within 30 days of submission, and we're off to a decent start. In just six months of submissions, our average turnaround time from receipt to first decision was 35 days.How are things going so far? The response to PLoS Genetics has been greater than we imagined—well over 100 research articles submitted, more than 3,000 sign-ups for electronic table of contents (eTOC) alerts, and a steady stream of presubmission inquiries. Are we receiving the breadth of manuscripts we hoped for? Absolutely. One look at our July issue table of contents will show you studies that represent a variety of organisms  and areas of research . The August issue will add prokaryotes, fish, and other new dimensions to the journal. Several studies consider multiple organisms, matching well our goals of connecting the greater genetics and genomics community.PLoS Genetics?What is the vision for  The editorial team has guided the journal from an idea to the launch issue you see here, but what we become is ultimately determined by the will and participation of the genetics and genomics community. I hope that you will embrace and, in one way or another, become a part of PLoS Genetics.  █


It seems not so long ago that we were gathered in Cochin, attending the exceptional scientific sessions, meeting old friends (adding new ones), and celebrating the success of our incredible Federation of Operative Dentistry of India. Our past presidents highly acclaimed performance will always be remembered.All the federation’s existing initiatives and developments are a product of the hard work and dedication of our ever smiling secretary Dr. Lakshmi Narayanan L, under the able guidance of the DCI president, our own, Padma Bhushan Dr. Anil Kohli. Without a doubt the success we experienced in the past year would not have been possible unless we had his guidance and help. The highlights of this year’s achievements include two major factors, besides many more.The release of Grossman’s Endodontic Practice – Twelfth International Edition, which has been edited by two Indian authors, which makes this a remarkable achievement for Indian Endodontics, This classic textbook is co-edited by Dr. B. Suresh Chandra, a senior member of our Federation and Dr. V. Gopikrishna, the youth icon of Endodontics, who holds promise for a bright future for Endodontics in our country. We all join together in wishing Dr. B. Suresh Chandra a speedy recovery from his recent illness, with a hope that he will continue to spread the light of knowledge in the years to come.The other commendable achievement has been the indexing of our National Journal of Conservative Dentistry with Pubmed, due to the untiring efforts of our dynamic Editor-in-chief — Dr. V. Gopikrishna and his editorial team. I take this opportunity to congratulate him on behalf of our federation. This ensures that the scientific output of our federation reaches a global audience.Continuing And Never Ending Improvement.For my young friends in the Federation and profession, I can only say, be confident, have a positive attitude, dream big, and visualize success. In today’s technologically enhanced and highly competitive world, it is imperative not only to stay current, but also to stay ahead. If you are doing today what you did yesterday, then you are a day behind, therefore, we all have to be involved in the process of continuing education or perhaps we can call it ‘CANI’, that is, My best wishes to you all and I wish that everything you do far exceeds your expectations, always.


Dr. Navnendra Mathur (28.09.1951 - 03.07.2009)What does one say about a dedicated academician, an astute clinician; a versatile professional well versed in Orthopedics, Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation and a great endearing colleague and friend!Dr. Navnendra Mathur did his MS Ortho from SMS Medical College, Jaipur, in 1980. He then did his DNB in Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation in 1986. The following year he was selected for the prestigious IOA Johnson and Johnson Fellowship. After a stint as orthopedic specialist at King Fahd Hospital, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia he returned to join as Assistant Professor in Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation. He rose to the post of Professor and Head of Department, Physical Medicine; Director of the Rehabilitation Research Centre set up by his mentor Dr PK Sethi.Dr. Navnendra was virtually obsessed with the study of spinal injuries and presented many outstanding papers on the subject at national and international conferences including the International Spine and Spinal injuries Conference at Indian Spinal Injuries Centre, New Delhi; International Society of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation Medicine, Seoul, Asian Oceana Conference of Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation, Nanking, China and ASCON at Vietnam last year. He was also slated to attend the International Spine meet at Hong Kong this month. A life member of IOA, Dr Mathur has to his credit more than 25 publications in international and national Orthopedic and Physical medicine journals.Born in November 1951, Dr. Navnendra had yet to complete 58 years. He passed away on July 3, 2009. He is survived by his wife Dr. Sushma, a CGHS GDMO, and two daughters.


With immense pleasure, I thank all the members of Indian Society of Anaesthesiologists (ISA) for having bestowed confidence in me to lead our esteemed journal – Indian Journal of Anaesthesia (IJA).Ever since its first publication in 1953, the journal has seen several ups and downs in its long journey until 1981. From then onwards, there is no looking back, and the journal has been constantly making an upward journey as regards the quality of its content, regularity and popularity, with its circulation crossing the first 5 digits number in the year 2010. The very survival of any scientific medical journal is dependent upon the quality of its presentations and the validity and reliability of the reviews published by the journal.[The impact factor that has been defined as the ‘frequency with which the average article in a journal has been cited in a particular year’ is the most common bibliometric quantitative parameter or criterion in use today and has The famous editor and author Richard Smith expresses his serious concern that medical journals have become “creatures of drug industry”. It is thI take this opportunity to thank all the previous editorial board members and the team of peer reviewers who have rendered their honest services to help the journal to progress and also to keep the knowledge tree growing. At the same time, I earnestly appeal to all the new authors, peer reviewers and the editorial members to get involved in our esteemed journal and contribute their share of knowledge and expertise for the upliftment of our journal.We need a change. This is the right time to ignite the minds of fellow anaesthesiologists. As Dr A. P. J Abdul Kalaam says, “Given the vast resources, aiming for small is a crime”. So “think big and progress”.


PLoS Medicine announced a “refocusing of the journal's priorities” in April 2009, and the editors now look back over the last six months to assess the impact of the refocused scope. We are now seeing an increasing number of cover letters that state that the accompanying submission is a response to our recent call for papers. Our new direction is also reflected in the papers that we have published in the last six months. Our focus on the global burden of disease can be seen in an international study, based on mental health surveys worldwide, examining the link between mental disorders and suicide ductal epithelium–associated RING Chromosome 1 (DEAR1) We will, of course, continue to publish important laboratory and clinical studies that have clear implications for clinical medicine or public health. Examples of such studies from the last six months include the discovery and characterization of a new tumor suppressor gene, PLoS Medicine taking a new direction, PLoS spent the spring and summer engaged in four new projects and initiatives that highlight some of our underlying values, ideals, and commitments. First, PLoS Medicine is deeply committed to promoting transparency in medical research, which is why the journal, represented by the public interest law firm Public Justice (http://www.tlpj.org), intervened in an ongoing court case in which women were suing Wyeth, the manufacturers of Prempro, a hormone replacement therapy In addition to PLoS Currents: InfluenzaPLoS Currents: Influenza platform is a Google project called Google Knol, which allows community interaction, comment, and discussion around “knols” or units of knowledge PLoS Currents: Influenza will generally report preliminary findings, and authors are likely to develop their studies further before formally submitting them to a peer-reviewed journal .Second, PLoS is continually working to refine and improve the communication of health and science research. The 2009 H1N1 influenza pandemic highlights the need for a new way for scientists to rapidly exchange data, and on August 20, 2009 PLoS responded by launching an experimental online platform called PLoS Medicine editorial noted that “The opening up of the literature means that better ways of assessing papers and journals are coming — and we should embrace them” Third, we have long been working on finding better ways to evaluate the impact of research. The impact factor assigned to a journal by Thomson Scientific is an extremely poor — and highly unscientific — measure of the worth of an individual study Speaking of Medicine community blog (http://speakingofmedicine.plos.org/). Here you'll find a diverse array of blogs and podcasts from the PLoS Medicine editors and publications staff, members of the journal's editorial board, medical students, and invited “guest contributors.” Encouraged by reader comments, we have been posting new entries at an accelerating rate, and we now include regular features such as the “Daily Click”  and links to relevant videos, pubcasts, and the PLoS Twitter feed (http://twitter.com/PLOS). We invite you to join the conversation.Finally, we believe that an important advantage of open access publication is the opportunity for engaging readers worldwide in an ongoing conversation about health and health research. On May 21, 2009 we launched a new venture aimed at such engagement, the Medical Journal of Australia, Richard Smith, former editor of the BMJ and a current member of the PLoS Board of Directors, posed the question: “Can medical journals lead or must they follow?” PLoS Medicine tried to show such leadership by demonstrating why open access matters to medicine, by working to break the cycle of dependency between medical journals and the marketing programs of drug companies, by raising standards of research reporting, and by making the case that a modern medical journal should look outward—beyond biology—and respond to the needs of a wider, global society. We look forward to engaging with whatever the next five years bring.In a 2005 article in the


International Journal of Trichology. A journal according to Webster′s dictionary is ′a periodical dealing especially with matters of current interest to a particular group′, in this instance dermatologists with a penchant for trichology. Interesting articles on trichology are often found in the dozens of dermatology journals in circulation but there is no journal dedicated solely to matters trichological. Since English being an international language of communication for trichologists, this journal is published in English to fill the long-awaited gap in this subspecialty of dermatology."Why another journal" may be a question asked by those seeing the As a result of globalization at the turn of this century, a nova-like explosion was witnessed in technology, communication, and medicine. The field of trichology was no exception to these advances. The primitive ways of diagnosing and managing hair-related problems have been replaced by the use of the state-of-the-art equipments, techniques, and medication. Unfortunately, the fruits of such discoveries are yet to reach most of the developing countries who continue to live in the fringes of such advances. On the other hand, the clinical caseloads of interesting and exotic hair disorders are seen in developing countries of the world. This great divide can be bridged by a trichology journal, wherein cutting edge articles on recent advances published by research workers abroad will greatly benefit trichologists in developing nations, and conversely clinical trichology articles from here may be of interest to experts in developed countries.The International Journal of Trichology is the official organ of the Hair Research Society of India, which was started four years ago with the aim of promoting ethical and scientific approach to hair disorders. With the current tendency for patients with hair disorders seeking the help of beauticians and unqualified cosmetologists and charlatans who make extraordinary and unrealistic claims using arbitrary treatment modalities, it was felt that dermatologists who are well versed in the pathophysiology of hair should take more interest in a scientific approach to hair disorders.International Journal of Trichology. A glimpse of the members of the editorial board will show that the journal is indeed international. An international circulation of this journal would hopefully unite trichologists in the global village for the benefits of patients with hair disorders.With this in mind, the Hair Research Society of India was started in a small way but has grown into a body of over 100 members with quarterly meetings and publication of newsletters. As a Chinese proverb says ′A journey of thousand miles start with a single step′, we have a long way to go but our efforts hitherto have culminated in the publication of the


Therapeutic nuclear medicine is less advanced but can provide significant benefits provided the radionuclide is accurately targetted.Radiometals are the mainstay of both diagnostic and therapeutic nuclear medicine because the choice of radionuclide is primarily dictated by nuclear decay characteristics rather than chemistry.


Harvey Marcovitch discusses new research findings from Andreas Lundh and colleagues that examined the effect of publishing industry-funded clinical trials on journal citations and reprint income at six major medical journals. Editors would like to imagine they are simply gatekeepers who facilitate the interaction between authors who wish to impart information and people who want to read it. In fact, they are subject to a raft of external pressures that interfere with this core task. Coauthors are prone to disputes with each other and with reviewers; rejected authors may protest; readers may be dissatisfied; institutions may react inadequately to editors' concerns about probity; editorial freedom may be compromised by the demands of the learned society that owns the journal; and a commercial publisher might exert subtle—or unsubtle—pressure to increase profitability. All of these distractions increase the possibility of competing interests corrupting the editorial process.PLoS Medicine, Andreas Lundh and colleagues analysed randomised controlled trials published in six high-impact general medical journals during two time periods a decade apart; they calculated the putative fall in IF that would have occurred had publication been denied to papers that were commercially sponsored Added to this toxic mixture is the impact factor (IF). Just as many clinicians claim that contacts by pharmaceutical company representatives do not affect their prescribing behaviour, so editors are likely to deny that thoughts of a rising IF might influence their acceptance rates. In their paper published this week in Unsurprisingly, they found the expected association, since IF depends in turn on recent citation rates, and a body of literature shows that industry-sponsored trials attract more citations than those funded by a nonprofit source Lundh and colleagues do not claim that their findings demonstrate that editors' judgment on acceptance or rejection is influenced by the paper's predicted effect on IF. Nonetheless, I have heard editors support a paper at a selection meeting by stating that it is likely to be well cited.BMJ and The Lancet, provided the data. The editors of JAMA and The New England Journal of Medicine (NEJM) declined, as did the publisher of Annals of Internal Medicine. The owners of the latter confirmed the proxy data obtained from the US Internal Revenue Service but the publishers of the former two journals, the American Medical Association and the Massachusetts Medical Society, did not respond.More intriguingly, the second aim of their study was to investigate the possible financial benefits to publishers of the journals they investigated. Their attempted method was to seek data on income from advertisements, reprints, and industry-supported supplements as a percentage of total income. The editors of the two UK-based journals, NEJM and the Canadian Medical Association Journal, amongst others.Again, the authors cannot infer the intentions of their nonrespondent editors. Editors are proud of their independence but independence goes only as far as an owner permits, as we know from the sorry history of dismissed editors of In many ways, JAMA has led the way in promoting publishing integrity—including its call for independent statistical analysis of submitted industry-sponsored trials The Lancet; 53%, American Medical Association).The various bodies that advise editors may need to strengthen their guidance. The Council of Science Editors' White Paper on Promoting Integrity in Scientific Journal Publication The New England Journal of Medicine” Journal editors have expended much time and effort in teasing out how to handle authors' and reviewers' competing interests. They need now to concentrate on their own and those of their employers, lest we reach the dismal scenario described by Marcia Angell: “it is simply no longer possible to believe much of the clinical research that is published, or to rely on the judgment of trusted physicians or authoritative medical guidelines. I take no pleasure in this conclusion, which I reached slowly and reluctantly over my two decades as an editor of


Sir,International Journal of Occupational and Environmental Health (IJOEH) is amusing and equally annoying to some of us who are closely connected with Indian Association of Occupational Health (IAOH) for several decades. He has been invited to a number of important meetings and has been even honoured by the same organization as late as this year when he was awarded the most coveted ADM oration! As a matter of fact, the IAOH has always gone out of the way and often at the displeasure of the asbestos industry to invite Dr. Joshi to candidly air his opinions, which he has done in our conferences, particularly in one seminar when I was the Chair for a debate on asbestosis. While he claims in his letter that no one from IAOH came to his rescue and thanks two gentlemen specifically for that kind favour; he sent several e-mail messages to many of us thanking us profusely for our support to his cause and for helping in protecting his job!T.K. Joshi's letter in IJOEH is letting disgruntled professionals use it as a forum to achieve their personal agendas. I wish he had gathered enough courage to discuss with IAOH office-bearers about this subject and the issues he has raised vehemently in an international journal. I can only sympathize with him at this moment for the lack of courage.Therefore now, without even ever discussing the subject with the office-bearers of IAOH till date, he has chosen to pose himself as “a martyr” for the cause in the international community or to appease Ban Asbestos lobby for the reasons only known to him. I am also surprised that a reputed journal like


Some of the annual conferences of AMPI occasionally became regional or international conferences depending on the availability of resources and topical need for enhancement of interaction with medical physicists from other countries. International conferences have become more frequent because of rapid development in this field needing larger interaction among professionals . Despite the surge in conferences held on topics related to Medical Physics, in India, full text of the papers presented at these conferences have rarely been brought out. The usual practice in these events is to bring out only abstract / synopsis book at the time of the conference.The organizers of ICMP-2008 decided to bring out papers presented at the conference, in full, as a special issue of the journal (JMP). Publication of full papers based on presentations at conferences/workshops has multiple advantages. For the authors, the quality of work may considerably improve through the seriousness of discussions with peers during the conference. For referees, it becomes easier to review the papers as referees are generally drawn from among the experts attending the conference. To provide equal opportunity to all authors of the invited and proffered papers of ICMP-2008, an announcement on the special issue was included in the conference circulars right from the start. Publishing was optional and the decision was left to authors. However, from among 37 invited papers and 157 proffered papers planned for presentation at the conference (attended by 650 delegates), only a few authors chose to submit their manuscripts for publication in JMP. From the 20 manuscripts received by the amended date, 16 completed the review process and met the norms and the rigor of publication formalities. In this regard, special appreciation is due to invited speakers from abroad  for patiently revising and re revising manuscripts to meet the comments / suggestions of the referees and responding to meet all the requirements of the journal.The topics covered in this special issue include: Advances in radiation therapy dosimetry, Standardization of radiation based bio-imaging, Advances in PET instrumentation and multi-modality imaging systems, Dose optimization in IMRT, Co-60 tomotherapy – development and application, Experience with Leksell Gamma Knife Perfexion, Tomotherapy for breast irradiation, Commissioning experience and quality assurance of helical tomotherapy machines, Standardization of 2D ion chamber matrix (I'mRT Matrix) for IMRT verification, Radiation safety aspects of PET scanner, Use of iPOD and flash drive for storage of medical images, A novel method for determination of attenuation coefficient, Studies on indigenous production of high specific activity Co-60 teletherapy sources, Measurement of bone density using gamma ray scattering and QA of Tomotherapy HI-ART II helical tomotherapy system. It is hoped that this JMP issue will make a good reference material and be of great use for medical physicists.


Philosophy is the sister of medicine""TertullianOver the past fifty years, the palette, depth and breadth of scientific discovery has advanced at amazing speed, and given the relevance of Moore's Law to applications of bio-computational capability, will likely continue, if not increase in pace. Yet, if we are to consider the information gained as more than merely knowledge for its own sake, then such knowledge must be regarded in terms of its potential uses and misuses in serving and affecting the human condition. I believe that this is especially true in medicine, what Edmund Pellegrino has called "...the most humanistic of the sciences, and most scientific of the humanities".Toward such ends, the core domains (and tools) of philosophy - epistemology, anthropology, ethics, and to some extent metaphysics - play a formative and grounding role in analyzing, discussing and even determining the scope and tenor of medicine, as both a profession and practice. But perhaps, the task at hand is not to pose solutions, but rather to consider Bruno Latour's claim that science does not provide answers, but only raises additional questions, and in this way gain insight to what we know, how we know it, the ways in which such information and knowledge are used in applications of curing, healing, and caring (viz- medicine), and how skill, knowledge and art can -and perhaps should - be employed toward effecting the personal and public "good" that medicine professes to provide.Realistically, we cannot extricate medicine from the social fabric in which it is enacted, nor is it logical to do so. Thus, it is important to acknowledge that our technological progress has fostered enhanced globalization, and in this way, medicine must engage an increasingly pluralized socio-cultural milieu, with diverse values, needs, and perspectives. This is the anthropological dimension of medicine, and in articulating practice - as best described by Alasdair MacIntyre as an exchange of good between agents in relationship - we must consider and appreciate the nature of such good, its meaning, and how these constructs affect the conduct of both clinical care and research.Hence, medicine is intellectual, practical, therapeutic and moral, and therefore, any meaningful consideration of its practices must address the inherent moral questions, issues, and problems, and regard the numerous ethical systems and approaches that may viably provide the means toward potential resolutions. Obviously, any such discussion is varied and rich, reflecting the myriad viewpoints of those involved, and the diversity of factors that can, and often will affect the activities of medicine. Clarity of these viewpoints is vital, and so we must sharpen the lens through which we perceive and even predict medicine's role in a changing world culture. This lens consists of multiple facets, each affording a somewhat different light, and all being important to the overall spectrum of intention, causes and effects.Philosophy, Ethics and Humanities in Medicine. A journal is both forum and nexus. In the former sense, it is a vehicle with which particular perspectives can be elucidated and shared. In the latter, it links these perspectives both to each other, and to others that lie beyond, as part of an iterative discourse. With this spirit, I invite authors from many disciplines to contribute to the lens afforded by PEHM, so as to bring incisiveness, parallax, and color to the views offered in these pages. Of course, the process of peer-review remains rigorous; in the spirit of collaboration such review is not exclusory, but rather assistive, such that I seek to enhance mentorship of those authors who wish to improve their work and sharpen its focus.It is in this light that I view PEHM, but more broadly, so as to offer their erudition - and stimulate discussion - on current and provocative issues in the fields of medical philosophy, ethics and medical humanities, at-large. I urge our Associate Editors to develop thematic issues that bring together past and current papers focal to current and/or emerging topics that are of interest and value to contemporary medicine, and am equally interested in seeking creative input from our readers and authors.I seek to conjoin the Editors, each and all well-respected scholars from a variety of fields, to provide such guidance when and where needed and desired. As well, I call for a more pro-active participation of our team of Associate Editors to generate speculation, commentary and editorials about not simply those papers that appear in As Editor-in-Chief, I accept a position established and defined by the work of my predecessors, Dan Stein and Michael Schwartz, who will remain with the journal as Founding Editors, Emeriti. Without doubt, I am stepping into big shoes, and with humility, look to stand upon their shoulders with a view toward the future. I view my role as mentor, guide, and sometimes commentator, enabling voices to be heard, lenses to be focused and weaving together ideas by cultivating contributors' scholarly work, reflections and insights. I also look to preserve and expand the journal's international reach. If medicine is to "go global", as called for by the World Health Organization and UNESCO (among others), then these viewpoints cannot be isolated, but must be shared in plurlalogue, that I hope will contribute to true dialectic.Geisteswissenschaft "the spirit of science as ways of knowing". To be sure, as we move forward it becomes evermore meaningful to preserve the humanities as the spirit of medicine, so as to enable the right use of scientific knowledge and biotechnological tools toward the fulfillment of good ends. For as William Osler presciently noted some hundred years ago, "...without the humanities, medicine loses a part of itself". I agree, and hope that PEHM will remain a strong antidote to such loss.Toward these ends, I strongly encourage authors working in non-developed, and developing countries to submit their writing - for your experiences, speculations, and orientations are important if medicine is to sustain its humanitarian value in this world of shifting populations, merging cultures, and polyglot ethics. Here, I believe, is where medicine and the humanities fuse, in a meaning best construed by the German word


Journal of Translational Medicine has been launched, devoted to promoting the field of Immunovirology.A new section of the  The general purpose of translational research is to transfer in humans novel therapeutic strategies developed through experimentation which, itself, should be finely tuned by clinical observation. The approach, indeed, should be applied in a "two-way road" fashion: Bench to Bedside and Bedside to Bench.In this general concept, the study of host-pathogen interrelation and of immunological preventive as well as therapeutic approaches needs to be conducted in a "two-way road" fashion. In this regard, in addition to classic immunological and virological evaluations which will always provide invaluable information, an increasing large number of technologies are available to address specific questions related to the host-pathogen "clash" within a system-level scenario.The systems biology approach, indeed, represents the comprehensive and quantitative analysis of the interactions between components of biological systems over time. It enables wide-ranging analysis of the complex interactions that maintain the balance between natural as well as vaccine-induced host defence and inflammatory disease. Moreover, it provides essential information on the susceptibility and adaptation of the pathogens to the host-defence strategies. In this context, the design of new preventive as well as therapeutic immunotherapy or vaccine strategies will be increasingly driven by a knowledge-based methodology, ending the empirical approach which has mostly characterized the field.Journal of Translational Medicine within the overall aims of JTM, will be mainly focused on translation research data related to virology and immunity to virus-based diseases, with a particular interest in human oncogenic viruses. Studies focused on the role of innate as well as adaptive immunity in the establishment, containment and/or progression of viral infections up to cancer, including vaccine and adjuvanting strategies, will be considered for publication. Classic immunology as well as more recent, less established "omics" approaches  will be hosted in the Immunovirology section of JTM, with the scope of their validation in a "bench-to-clinic" translational perspective.The Immunovirology section of Journal of Translational Medicine, including rapid publication, open-access, high standard peer review process, the Immunovirology section provides a venue for publication of original research articles, literature reviews, opinion/position articles, meeting reports, monographic issues and a forum to discuss the hot issues in Immunology and Virology. The section is proud to include members of high scientific reputation in its Board who will ensure the high standard level. On behalf of the Editorial Board, we invite you to submit your scientific contributions, giving the opportunity to the Immunovirology section to successfully contribute to the advancement of the field.In the spirit of Luigi Buonaguro, Section Editor Immunovirology


Surgical Neurology International (SNI) has begun publication of a free Internet journal of neurosurgery and neuroscience for the benefit of all 35,000 neurosurgeons around the world. This 21st -century publication will not only publish scientific papers from around the world, but will have a Web site with free educational content for our readers in the developing and developed world.The scientific papers will be published within 2 weeks of acceptance, making the publication time as short as possible. There will be no print versions, and therefore no delay in publishing. SNI will have papers on Translational Neuroscience for neurosurgeons, papers on new and innovative discoveries, and articles on Fundamental Neurosurgery and Neurology for our readers everywhere.The Web site will contain a series of 100 lectures on all aspects of neurosurgery from the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) Department of Neurosurgery, lectures from other centers across the globe, a “Neurology for the Neurosurgeon” series, a Journal Club, Resident's Corner “How I Do It” videos for those in the developing world by Atos de Sousa from Brazil, and a case feedback blog. There will also be a section called Neurosurgery 2.0, using technology of the future in educating today's neurosurgeons worldwide. A neurosurgery Worldwide Market for exchange of needed equipment and people will start with the next issue.There will be the expected popular editorials on socioeconomic, political, ethical and scientific issues, as well as invited editorials from experts in other fields of interest.Surgical Neurology International is an independent journal with no affiliation to any organization. We are open to opinions of all kinds that reflect what neurosurgeons and scientists believe worldwide. We are also open to all new ideas you may have so as to provide information to your colleagues worldwide. We are interested in controversy and the truth that gets revealed as a result of discussion of different ideas. Surgical Neurology International is apolitical and recognizes the common bond all of us have as scientists seeking scientific truth and new ideas for the patients we treat.Authors of accepted papers are charged a small fee for publication, which can be waived by the editor, if appropriate. With advertising and other revenues, we hope to offset that charge. There is no cost for downloading papers.st -century venture in information on neurosurgery, please write to us at editor@surgicalneurologyint.com.We are looking to involve young neurosurgeons all over the world who have great ideas that need to be seen, heard and read. If you are interested in becoming involved with this 21We welcome suggestions about how we can provide content that will satisfy your needs.http://www.surgicalneurologyint.com/signup.asp and complete the online form.If you would like to have our “Table of Contents” e-mailed to you each month, simply direct your Internet browser to James I. Ausman, MD, PhDSincerely yours,


Current Oncology, Canada’s only multidisciplinary journal devoted to cancer. In that spirit, the supplement “Going Beyond Efficacy,” edited by Dr. Sunil Verma, is being published together with this first issue of main journal. Dr. Verma asked leaders from across the country to focus on some serious issues being faced by cancer patients and their health care providers. The result is an eclectic mix of topics, including management of nausea and vomiting, neutropenia and anemia, thromboembolism, and iatrogenic osteopenia; use of bisphosphonates and concerns regarding bisphosphonate-related osteonecrosis; and approaches to bone metastasis and palliation. The supplement is not “bagged” with the current issue, but will be published simultaneously online at the Current Oncology Web site (www.current-oncology.com). I am also very pleased to add that Dr. Verma has accepted an invitation the join the editorial board of the journal, co-editing the Medical Oncology section, and that Dr. Raymond Nagle has also agreed to join us and to edit a new section on Oncologic Pathology. Also joining us, I am very pleased to report, are Drs. Torgny Stigbrand (Biomarkers in Oncology) from Umeå, Sweden, Herbert Nieburgs (Oncologic History) from Worcester, Massachusetts, and Victor Ling  from Vancouver, British Columbia.The year 2008 will see the continued expansion of In the issue now in your hands, I am delighted to include an Updates and Developments in Oncology guest editorial by Drs. Serge Hardy and Michel Tremblay, discussing the “changing” role of protein tyrosine phosphatases. In addition, I note that Dr. Tremblay has graciously accepted an invitation to become involved on our editorial board, which has continued to increase in breadth and calibre throughout 2007.Drs. Stephen Sagar and Raimond Wong have written the first of a two-part series on Chinese medicine and biomodulation in cancer patients, the second part of which is scheduled for the second issue of 2008. Our guidelines series includes recommendations on supportive care of neutropenia by Dr. Tom Kouroukis and colleagues (a topic therefore deliberately not covered in “Going Beyond Efficacy”) and cardiac management during adjuvant trastuzumab therapy from the Canadian Trastuzumab Working Group. Case report topics include radiation recall dermatitis and  drug-induced “crack lung and heart.” Dr. Nancy Levesque and colleagues discuss the use of high-dose interferon alfa-2b in melanoma, and writer Maya Chaddah reports on the effective—and expanding—role of the Ontario Cancer Research Ethics Board.In regard to future articles, I urge all authors considering online submission to carefully review the changing requirements for such submissions. Modifications have been made to reflect the needs of our indexing agencies and the recent policy changes concerning conflict of interest, informed consent, and human and animal rights published last year by the International Committee of Medical Journal Editors.Current Oncology is that it remain complimentary for our readership, a goal that will likely continue for the foreseeable future. The costs of publication are, in large part, borne by advertising revenues and unrestricted educational grants, mainly from the pharmaceutical industry. I have never felt that this practice has caused a conflict of interest, given the high calibre of our editorial writers and the total acceptance of this position by our colleagues in industry. In the present issue, we are embarking on a new concept with the appearance of specific information updates again sponsored by unrestricted grants and written by experts in their respective fields, at the editorial board’s specific invitation. We see these “updates” as a fast track to publication, but one nonetheless subject to independent peer review. Our thanks to Drs. Sunil Verma and Anil Joy for stepping up and testing out this concept for us.The stated aim of Current Oncology, Canada’s multi-disciplinary cancer journal, as we enter our 15th year of publication and approach our 300th published manuscript.Lastly, a happy and productive 2008 to all of you from all of us at


Its my pleasure to reach out to the fellow members of our esteemed society through this journal. I take this opportunity to congratulate our new editor Dr. Arunachalam on bringing out this issue and bringing ISP journal back on track.The journal is truly a window to the activities of the society and reflects the academic and research standards in our country.Periodontology and Implantology is in its most exciting era with tremendous advances in research, biomaterials and regenerative therapies. I sincerely request all the members to contribute by sending their valuable suggestions and articles.We have already started the years work with the post graduate workshop at Udaipur in July followed by oral hygiene day celebrations, as well as a scientific programme to be implemented covering the multiple venues across the country and to crown it all the national conference scheduled in November at Chandigarh.I look forward to your encouragement continuous support and constructive criticism in all our endeavors.With good wishes.Professionally yours,Acting President,Journal of Indian Society of PeriodontologyE-mail: smilesindia@gmail.comPraveen B. Kudva


This issue is the final publication for the Middle East and African Journal of Ophthalmology for 2010. The year has been a significant one for the journal being listed in PubMed and receiving a record number of submissions. The current edition accurately reflects the scope of the journal that includes publishing studies focusing on ophthalmic disease and challenges in the Middle East and African (MEA) region. In addition, the mission of the journal is to provide up-to-date reviews on recent treatment trends in ophthalmology. The two review publications describe the use of biologicals in the treatment of intraocular inflammationA number of manuscripts in this issue from Africa and the Middle East focus on a wide array of visual impairment related topics. Of particular interest are the issues surrounding childhood visual impairment in the region. The paper by Vora and colleagues7Two reports focus on serious eye health hazards caused by the use of traditional medications in the region. Blinding eye disease caused by a variety of indigenous herbs and chemicals has been reported for over many years from the Middle East, Africa and Asia. Though the use of alternative medicine has exploded worldwide and probably in some areas of treatment has demonstrated excellent benefit, it must be recognized that the benefit of such traditional medications as therapeutic agents must be determined after evidence-based studies demonstrating effectiveness and safety.Finally, Alwadani and co-authors


Dear Editor,The geographical distribution of publications as an indicator of the research productivity of individual countries, regions or Institutions has become a field of interest. A few studies on geographical distribution of articles in peer reviewed indexed journals have been conducted to identify the countries that are making maximum contributions to the development of medical science. Ever sin


Dear Friends,The Society of Nuclear Medicine (India) [SNM (I)] has entered the forty-second year of its existence since its inception in 1968. It is a fairly young and small society with its membership of 800 professionals incorporating scientists, physicists, technologists, biologists, pharmacists, and physicians. Inspite of the young age and small society, we have many achievements to be proud of; the most significant achievement being, the recognition of nuclear medicine as a broad clinical specialty by the Medical Council of India and National Board. We are self-reliant in human resource development in nuclear medicine. Many countries in the world still do not have formal physician and technologist training programs. We have post-doctoral research facilities (PhD), postgraduate (MD / DNB / DRM) residency programs, and technology courses (MSc / DMRIT / DNMT / BSc) in the specialty. We have four active zonal chapters and organize a national conference every year in different parts of the country. This year the forty-second annual conference of SNM (I) will be held in Chandigarh 'The City Beautiful'. If you ask me, the most important benefit of an SNM (I) membership is in fact the free subscription of the Indian Journal of Nuclear Medicine (IJNM). IJNM has witnessed the steady scientific growth of nuclear medicine in India. For many years, IJNM has been a mirror of the scientific culture of our society.The Indian Journal of Nuclear Medicine is the right of every SNM member. As president, I assure you of the regular publication of IJNM, and getting it indexed is our top priority. I am happy that a new editorial team is committed to the cause and is bringing the current issue of IJNM on time. I take this opportunity to request you to kindly contribute articles based on your observations, rich experience, and rare encounters. I congratulate and appreciate the editorial team for their efforts.Wishing you happy reading!


The New Year 2010 brings cheers to the readers of Lung India and all other members of the Indian Chest Society. The journal has now been selected for indexing by PubMed.[Lung India not only interests the Indian fraternity, but also it serves as a source for those outside India to have a few glimpses of pulmonary practice in India. It may not have an impact factor (IF) as yet, but it does impact the overall healthcare systems and sciences in the country. In spiteI am also glad to say that in addition to PubMed, the journal is also indexed/listed with Caspur, DOAJ, EBSCO Publishing's Electronic Databases, Excerpta Medica/ EMBASE, Expanded Academic ASAP, Genamics JournalSeek, Global Health, Google Scholar, Health and Wellness Research Center, Health Reference Center Academic, Hinari, Index, Copernicus, Index Medicus for South-East Asia Region, Indian Science Abstracts, IndMed, MANTIS, MedInd, OpenJGate, SCOLOAR, SIIC databases and Ulrich's International Periodical Directory.All the achievements also put a great degree of onus and responsibility on our shoulders. We all need to participate in the continued growth of the journal. It is important that we achieve a higher standard of medical writing. It is a consistent observation that many of our authors do not stick to the rigid criteria of writing manuscripts and take adequate care of the contents, the grammar and the reference citation. We need to contribute more of our research findings and observations than mere care-reports, reviews and C.M.E.s. Tremendous inputs are required to improve our quality. We also need to make our reviewing system as more efficient, date-bound and effective. This shall help in our long-term goals to achieve greater heights.Lastly, I wish to convey my thanks to the readers of Lung India who have borne with me for the last several years. I am sure that the new Editorial Board which soon takes over shall expand and improve the scope of the journal. I of course shall continue to contribute my might.


To the Editor: I was in Riyadh at the King Faisal Specialist Hospital and Research Centre as senior surgeon with the Baylor Heart Team, 30 years ago when this journal had its beginning. I knew the first editor Dr. Nizar Feteih, a brilliant cardiologist and his thoracic surgeon brother, Dr. Weil Feteih, who we had the honor to provide some of his training in Houston. I congratulate you and your editorial board, as well as the visionary board members who have brought this high impact medical journal so very far. The integration of biomedical research, postgraduate courses, basic medical education, residency training programs, superb medical journals, and integrated high quality medical care has made medical care in Saudi Arabia an ever increasing foundation of professional excellence and creating standards for integrated collaborative systems which are models for many countries in the world. Congratulations, for this growth and excellence is reflected in the appearance of your journal and the quality of its articles.Leadership in medicine, surgery, publications, astronomy, chemistry, alchemy, medical education, and research are not new to the Arabian Peninsula or the Islamic Middle East. I was able to give a Key Note Opening Address to the recent medical symposium in Doha, Qatar on the “Contributions of ibn Nafis to the Advancement of Medicine and Trauma.” He was but one of many pacesetters in the medical sciences who were far ahead of their European colleagues in advancing knowledge and care. Your journal continues to publish the legacy of your medical historic past and your contributions to the present improvement in health care, and your visions for the future. With more than 50% of your current population below the age of 20, your challenges are well founded and exciting.I could not miss, nor should I ignore to mention, the excellent and pointed article in the first issue of Volume 30, entitled, “Trauma Care Systems in Saudi Arabia: An Agenda for Action, ” by Mohammed Y. Al-Naami, Maria A. Arafah, and Fatimah S. Al-Ibrahim.For 30 years, your journal has documented the tremendous advancement you have made in providing advanced medical care to your citizens and visitors. Now your journal has published a detailed knowledge of a trauma system, cited the leading cause of death in Saudi Arabia, and outlined a systematic approach to integrating the elements to make the best trauma network in the world. Congratulations on your continuing leadership and education.