Interdisciplinary research: putting the methods under the microscope

BACKGROUND: While the desirability of interdisciplinary inquiry has been widely acknowledged, indeed has become 'the mantra of science policy', the methods of interdisciplinary collaboration are opaque to outsiders and generally remain undescribed. DISCUSSION: Many have analysed interdisciplinarity, especially in relation to the creation of new disciplines and institutions. These analyses are briefly outlined. Still, there currently persists a silence about the methods of interdisciplinary collaboration itself, and the core of this paper proposes a template for such methods. SUMMARY: Breaking this silence – by making the methods of interdisciplinary projects transparent – could further invigorate interdisciplinary research

Clinical reports of pulmonary metastasectomy for colorectal cancer: a citation network analysis

INTRODUCTION: Pulmonary metastasectomy for colorectal cancer is a commonly performed and well-established practice of similar to 50 years standing. However, there have been no controlled studies, randomised or otherwise. We sought to investigate the evidence base that has been used in establishing its status as a standard of care.METHODS: Among 51 papers used in a recent systematic review and quantitative synthesis, a citation network analysis was performed. A total of 344 publications (the 51 index papers and a further 293 cited in them) constitute the citation network.RESULTS: The pattern of citation is that of a citation cascade. Specific analyses show the frequent use of historical or landmark papers, which add authority. Papers expressing an opposing viewpoint are rarely cited.CONCLUSIONS: The citation network for this common and well-established practice provides an example of selective citation. This pattern of citation tends to escalate belief in a clinical practice even when it lacks a high-quality evidence base and may create an impression of more authority than is warranted.British Journal of Cancer (2011) 104, 1085-1097. doi: 10.1038/sj.bjc.6606060 www.bjcancer.comPublished online 8 March 2011 (c) 2011 Cancer Research U

PORTAL: Pilot study on the safety and tolerance of preoperative melatonin application in patients undergoing major liver resection: a double-blind randomized placebo-controlled trial

<p>Abstract</p> <p>Background</p> <p>Major surgical procedures facilitate systemic endotoxinemia and formation of free radicals with subsequent inflammatory changes that can influence the postoperative course. Experimental data suggest that preoperative supraphysiological doses of melatonin, a potent immuno-modulator and antioxidant, would decrease postoperative infectious and non-infectious complications induced by major abdominal surgery.</p> <p>Methods/Design</p> <p>A randomized controlled double blind single center clinical trial with two study arms comprising a total of 40 patients has been designed to assess the effects of a single preoperative dose of melatonin before major liver resection. Primary endpoints include the determination of safety and tolerance of the regimen as well as clinical parameters reflecting pathophysiological functions of the liver. Furthermore, data on clinical outcome (infectious and non-infectious complications) will be collected as secondary endpoints to allow a power calculation for a randomized clinical trial aiming at clinical efficacy.</p> <p>Discussion</p> <p>Based on experimental data, this ongoing clinical trial represents an advanced element of the research chain from bench to bedside in order to reach the highest level of evidence-based clinical facts to determine if melatonin can improve the general outcome after liver resection.</p> <p>Trial Registration</p> <p>EudraCT200600530815</p

A pluralidade singular da antropologia

Este exercício é modesto em extensão, mas ambicioso no objetivo. Tenho como propósito discutir a relação entre perspectivas teóricas e o meio histórico e sócio-cultural no qual se desenvolvem, tema que toca de leve a grande questão da universalidade da ciência. Herança do século XIX, a idéia de que uma ciência da sociedade e da história era possível se relaciona a dois problemas contemporâneos: o primeiro, herdamos do modernismo, quando se pensou na possibilidade de um concerto das nações, no qual o Brasil teria o seu acorde próprio. Na situação atual, a questão diz respeito à possibilidade de uma ciência social com colorido próprio e se refere, portanto, ao nosso contexto especifico. O segundo constitui-se em problema teórico de longo alcance, para o qual aqueles que não estão no centro político de produção intelectual possam trazer uma visão inovadora: depois de identificar o universalismo com o que era produzido na Europa - “para nós, a Europa já é o universal”, nos diz Antonio Candido - é talvez hora de somarmos esforços a outras tradições das ciências sociais que ambicionam construir uma visão universalista mais genuína