Where's the bias?

Article Abstract:

The possible conflict of interest in a research article on zinc lozenges appears to be insubstantial compared to other potential sources of conflict of interest. After their study showed that zinc lozenges could reduce the symptoms of a cold, the researchers involved bought stock in the lozenge company. When they submitted the study for publication, they divulged that information to the publishers and the editor made a judgment call not to print the potential conflict of interest. Outside evaluations of the study found the methods and scientific logic in the study to be sound. True scientific biases are more likely in studies abusing the scientific method.

Ethical aspects, Medical research

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Blood sugar, disease, and nondisease

Article Abstract:

The Expert Committee on the Diagnosis and Classification of Diabetes Mellitus in 1997 recommended changes in the way diabetes is diagnosed. The committee recommends dropping the terms insulin-dependent diabetes and non-insulin-dependent diabetes. Instead, type 1 diabetes should be used to describe patients with insulin deficiency and type 2 diabetes should refer to patients with insulin resistance. The diagnosis should rest on any one of three criteria: symptoms of diabetes and a blood glucose of 200, a fasting blood glucose of 126, or a blood glucose of 200 two hours after a glucose tolerance test. These tests should be repeated on a different day.

Diagnosis, Diabetes, Diabetes mellitus

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The gift

Article Abstract:

Physicians must enter the world of commercial medicine without forgetting that medical care is based primarily on giving, not selling. Many physicians still give care to people who cannot afford to pay for it. Teachers in medical schools are not always paid but have to support themselves from patient care or research grants. Salaries for residents and physicians were traditionally relatively modest. Some patients even gave their doctor a gift rather than cash. Blood and organs are still donated and most people are not compensated when they participate in medical research.

Medicine, Donations, Practice, Physicians, Medical professions, Medical practice

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