introduction: the successful practice of dentistry, including endodontics, relies on a wide spectrum of dental research. the quantity and quality of research evidence in endodontics have seldom been evaluated. the aim of this study was to evaluate the level of evidence in current leading endodontic journals. materials and methods: all the articles published in 2000, 2006 and 2010 in two major e...

OBJECTIVE The objective of this systematic review was to assess the effectiveness of yoga as a treatment option for asthma. METHOD Seven databases were searched from their inception to October 2010. Randomized clinical trials (RCTs) and non-randomized clinical trials (NRCTs) were considered, if they investigated any type of yoga in patients with asthma. The selection of studies, data extracti...

conclusions cognitive behavior therapy was more effective than the other psychotherapy approaches relieving chronic pain in the studies. well-designed studies and comprehensive clarification of the studies demonstrating groups, intervention, follow-up and drop outs can improve the quality of the rcts. context keeping in mind the burden of psychotherapy can play a crucial role concerning chronic...

letter to the editor

charcot-marie-tooth (cmt) diseases represent a heterogeneous genetic disorder with more than 80 genes implicated, however sharing a similar phenotype. in recent years, advances in molecular genetics and molecular biology, and also the development of various animal models of cmt, have led to a better understanding. this knowledge represents a prerequisite for the development of future therapies ...

Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) are essential for evaluating the efficacy of clinical interventions, where the causal chain between the agent and the outcome is relatively short and simple and where results may be safely extrapolated to other settings. However, causal chains in public health interventions are complex, making RCT results subject to effect modification in different population...

OBJECTIVE The lack of a standard methodology in diagnostic research impedes adequate evaluation before implementation of constantly developing diagnostic techniques. We discuss the methodology of diagnostic research and underscore the relevance of decision analysis in the process of evaluation of diagnostic tests. STUDY DESIGN AND SETTING Overview and conceptual discussion. RESULTS Diagnost...