Controversy and Publication

Misconduct in Research and Publication

Dear Editor, I read the recent publication on “Misconduct in Research and Publication” with great interest[1]. I agree that misconduct in research and publication is not uncommon. Nevertheless, it is rarely mentioned. In fact, there are many incorrect conceptions among researchers on publication ethics. The milder examples are attempts to report only the “positive outcomes&rdq...

Publication, publication, publication…

2013 has been a year of relative stability at the Annals. After two years of rapid changes in staff and implementation of our electronic manuscript handling, this year we had time and people to consolidate. Authors in particular will have noticed the hard work of Kim Lewry, our Editorial Assistant, who has tracked down papers that were stuck in the system and has made a substantial contribution...

Screening for prostate cancer: Controversy? What controversy?

for the absence of a reduction in mortality in the plco trial and in comparison with the difference seen in the erspc trial. The truth of the matter is the psa test should not be used at all in screening for prostate cancer in the manner it has heretofore been used. Prostate-specific antigen, discovered in 1970 5,6 , is a normal component of the prostate. It is not cancer-specific. Rather, it i...

Insulin: discovery and controversy.

During the first two decades of the 20th century, several investigators prepared extracts of pancreas that were often successful in lowering blood sugar and reducing glycosuria in test animals. However, they were unable to remove impurities, and toxic reactions prevented its use in humans with diabetes. In the spring of 1921, Frederick G. Banting, a young Ontario orthopedic surgeon, was given l...

Progress, frustration and controversy.