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Meursinge Reynders R. Clinicians: beware of "spin". Evid Based Dent 2024; 25:1-2. [PMID: 38459389 DOI: 10.1038/s41432-024-00984-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/10/2024]
Affiliation(s)
- Reint Meursinge Reynders
- Department of oral and maxillofacial surgery, Amsterdam University Medical Center (Amsterdam UMC) Location AMC, Meibergdreef 9, 1105 AZ, Amsterdam, The Netherlands.
- Studio di ortodonzia, Via Matteo Bandello 15, 20123, Milan, Italy.
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Guo F, Zhao T, Zhai Q, Fang X, Yue H, Hua F, He H. 'Spin' among abstracts of randomised controlled trials in sleep medicine: A research-on-research study. Sleep 2023; 46:zsad041. [PMID: 36861330 DOI: 10.1093/sleep/zsad041] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/28/2022] [Indexed: 03/03/2023] Open
Abstract
STUDY OBJECTIVES 'Spin', using reporting strategies to distort study results, can mislead readers of medical research. This study aimed to evaluate the prevalence and characteristics of 'spin' among randomised controlled trial (RCT) abstracts published in sleep medicine journals, and to identify factors associated with its presence and severity. METHODS The search for RCTs published between 2010 and 2020 were conducted in seven reputable journals of sleep medicine. Abstracts of RCTs with statistically nonsignificant primary outcomes were included and analysed for 'spin', according to pre-determined 'spin' strategies. Chi-square tests or logistic regression analyses were performed to detect the association between characteristics of included abstracts and the presence and severity of 'spin'. RESULTS A total of 114 RCT abstracts were included in this study, of which 89 (78.1%) were identified as having at least one type of 'spin' strategy. Sixty-six abstracts (57.9%) had 'spin' in the Results section, 82 (71.9%) abstracts presented with 'spin' in the Conclusions section. The presence of 'spin' varied significantly among RCTs based on the different categories of research area (P=0.047) and the statistician involvement (P=0.045). Furthermore, research area (P=0.019) and funding status (P=0.033) were significant factors associated with the severity of 'spin'. CONCLUSIONS The prevalence of 'spin' is high among RCT abstracts in sleep medicine. This raise the need for researchers, editors and other stakeholders to be aware of the issue of 'spin' and make joint efforts to eliminate it in future publications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Feiyang Guo
- Hubei-MOST KLOS and KLOBM, School and Hospital of Stomatology, Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
- Department of Orthodontics, School and Hospital of Stomatology, Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Tingting Zhao
- Hubei-MOST KLOS and KLOBM, School and Hospital of Stomatology, Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
- Department of Orthodontics, School and Hospital of Stomatology, Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
- Center for Dentofacial Development and Sleep Medicine, School and Hospital of Stomatology, Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Qianglan Zhai
- Hubei-MOST KLOS and KLOBM, School and Hospital of Stomatology, Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Xiaolin Fang
- Hubei-MOST KLOS and KLOBM, School and Hospital of Stomatology, Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Haoze Yue
- Department of Epidemiology and Public Health, University College London, London, UK
| | - Fang Hua
- Center for Dentofacial Development and Sleep Medicine, School and Hospital of Stomatology, Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
- Center for Evidence-Based Stomatology, School and Hospital of Stomatology, Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
- Center for Orthodontics and Pediatric Dentistry, Optics Valley Branch, School and Hospital of Stomatology, Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
- Division of Dentistry, School of Medical Sciences, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, University of Manchester, Manchester, UK
| | - Hong He
- Hubei-MOST KLOS and KLOBM, School and Hospital of Stomatology, Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
- Department of Orthodontics, School and Hospital of Stomatology, Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
- Center for Dentofacial Development and Sleep Medicine, School and Hospital of Stomatology, Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
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Mathioudakis AG, Wagner D, Dumas O. How to peer review: practical advice for early career researchers. Breathe (Sheff) 2022; 18:220160. [PMID: 36865929 PMCID: PMC9973515 DOI: 10.1183/20734735.0160-2022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/20/2022] [Accepted: 10/05/2022] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Practical tips and guidance on peer review are provided by three scientists in the respiratory field, to help early career researchers who may be invited to review papers for respiratory journals https://bit.ly/3EuWpoH.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexander G. Mathioudakis
- Division of Infection, Immunity and Respiratory Medicine, School of Biological Sciences, The University of Manchester, Manchester, UK,North West Lung Centre, Wythenshawe Hospital, Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust, Manchester Academic Health Science Centre, Manchester, UK
| | - Darcy Wagner
- Lung Bioengineering and Regeneration, Department of Experimental Medical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, Lund University, Lund, Sweden,Lund Stem Cell Center, Faculty of Medicine, Lund University, Lund, Sweden,Wallenberg Center for Molecular Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Lund University, Lund, Sweden
| | - Orianne Dumas
- Université Paris-Saclay, UVSQ, Univ. Paris-Sud, Inserm, Équipe d'Épidémiologie respiratoire intégrative, CESP, Villejuif, France,Corresponding author: Orianne Dumas ()
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Batista AKS, Matias FL, Mendes CKTT, Ferreira JJA, Andrade PR, de Oliveira VMA. Analysis of Spin in the Reporting of Studies on Electroanalgesia for Musculoskeletal Pain. J Manipulative Physiol Ther 2022; 45:595-603. [PMID: 37318389 DOI: 10.1016/j.jmpt.2023.04.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/17/2022] [Revised: 03/22/2023] [Accepted: 04/12/2023] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE The purpose of this study was to analyze the quality of reporting and presence of spin in abstracts of randomized clinical trials (RCTs) on the use of electroanalgesia for musculoskeletal pain. METHODS The Physiotherapy Evidence Database (PEDro) was searched from 2010 to June 2021. Inclusion criteria were RCTs using electroanalgesia in individuals with musculoskeletal pain, written in any language, comparing 2 or more groups, and with pain as 1 of the outcomes. Two blinded, independent, and calibrated evaluators (Gwet's AC1 agreement analysis) performed eligibility and data extraction. General characteristics, report of outcomes, quality of reporting (Consolidated Standards of Reporting Trials for Abstracts [CONSORT-A]), and spin analysis (7-item spin checklist and spin analysis per section) were extracted from abstracts. RESULTS Of 989 studies selected, 173 abstracts were analyzed after screening and eligibility criteria. Mean risk of bias on the PEDro scale was 6.02 ± 1.6 points. Most abstracts did not report significant differences for primary (51.4%) and secondary (63%) outcomes. Mean quality of reporting was 5.10 ± 2.4 points in the CONSORT-A, and spin was 2.97 ± 1.7. Abstracts had at least 1 type of spin (93%), and the conclusion presented the greatest number of spin types. More than 50% of abstracts recommended an intervention without significant differences between groups. CONCLUSION This study found that the majority of RCT abstracts on electroanalgesia for musculoskeletal conditions in our sample had a moderate to high risk of bias, incomplete or missing information, and some type of spin. We recommend that health care providers who use electroanalgesia and the scientific community be aware of spin in published studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amanda K S Batista
- Department of Physical Therapy, Federal University of Paraiba, Joao Pessoa, Paraiba, Brazil
| | - Francilene L Matias
- Department of Physical Therapy, Federal University of Paraiba, Joao Pessoa, Paraiba, Brazil
| | - Cristina K T T Mendes
- Department of Physical Therapy, Federal University of Paraiba, Joao Pessoa, Paraiba, Brazil
| | - José J A Ferreira
- Department of Physical Therapy, Federal University of Paraiba, Joao Pessoa, Paraiba, Brazil
| | - Palloma R Andrade
- Department of Physical Therapy, Federal University of Paraiba, Joao Pessoa, Paraiba, Brazil
| | - Valéria M A de Oliveira
- Department of Physical Therapy, Federal University of Paraiba, Joao Pessoa, Paraiba, Brazil.
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Pagkalidou E, Anastasilakis DA, Kokkali S, Doundoulakis I, Tsapas A, Dardavessis T, Haidich AB. Reporting completeness in abstracts of systematic reviews of diagnostic test accuracy studies in cardiovascular diseases is suboptimal. Hellenic J Cardiol 2022; 65:25-34. [PMID: 35181563 DOI: 10.1016/j.hjc.2022.02.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/14/2021] [Revised: 01/31/2022] [Accepted: 02/03/2022] [Indexed: 02/01/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Journal abstracts are crucial for the identification and initial assessment of content of studies. We evaluated whether authors in the field of cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) reported Diagnostic Test Accuracy Systematic Reviews (DTA SRs) abstracts adequately, as defined by the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA)-DTA guidelines. METHODS SRs of DTA studies in CVDs published in general and specialized medical journals were identified in a MEDLINE search between 2010-2020. Adherence to 12 PRISMA-DTA for abstracts items was assessed independently by two reviewers and compared by journal's type. Moreover, the association of reporting completeness with different characteristics was investigated. RESULTS We included 72 abstracts. Studies published in general medical journals had higher mean reporting score than those in specialized journals (6.2 vs 5.3 out of 12 items; mean difference: 0.88; 95% confidence interval: 0.21, 1.55). PRISMA-DTA adherence was higher in journals that adopted this guideline and in articles with structured abstracts. However, number of participants analysed, funding and registration were the least-reported items in the identified abstracts. CONCLUSION The reporting of abstracts of DTA reports in CVDs is suboptimal according to PRISMA-DTA guidelines. Abstract reporting could be improved with the use of higher word count limits and the adoption of PRISMA-DTA guidelines especially in specialized journals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eirini Pagkalidou
- Department of Hygiene, Social-Preventive Medicine and Medical Statistics, School of Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, University Campus, 54124, Thessaloniki, Greece
| | | | - Stamatia Kokkali
- Department of Hygiene, Social-Preventive Medicine and Medical Statistics, School of Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, University Campus, 54124, Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - Ioannis Doundoulakis
- First Department of Cardiology, University of Athens Medical School, Athens, Greece
| | - Apostolos Tsapas
- Clinical Research and Evidence-Based Medicine Unit, Second Medical Department, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Thessaloniki, Greece; Diabetes Centre, Second Medical Department, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Thessaloniki, Greece; Harris Manchester College, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Theodore Dardavessis
- Department of Hygiene, Social-Preventive Medicine and Medical Statistics, School of Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, University Campus, 54124, Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - Anna-Bettina Haidich
- Department of Hygiene, Social-Preventive Medicine and Medical Statistics, School of Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, University Campus, 54124, Thessaloniki, Greece.
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Nascimento DP, Almeida MO, Scola LFC, Vanin AA, Oliveira LA, Costa LCM, Costa LOP. Evidence of spin in systematic reviews of interventions from the top 5 general medical journals: Overview of reviews. J Clin Epidemiol 2021; 139:232-234. [PMID: 34214625 DOI: 10.1016/j.jclinepi.2021.06.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/30/2021] [Revised: 06/14/2021] [Accepted: 06/21/2021] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Dafne P Nascimento
- Masters and Doctoral Programs in Physical Therapy, Universidade Cidade de São Paulo, São Paulo/SP, Brazil.
| | - M O Almeida
- Masters and Doctoral Programs in Physical Therapy, Universidade Cidade de São Paulo, São Paulo/SP, Brazil
| | - L F C Scola
- Masters and Doctoral Programs in Physical Therapy, Universidade Cidade de São Paulo, São Paulo/SP, Brazil; Research and Study Center, Wilson Mello Institute, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - A A Vanin
- Masters and Doctoral Programs in Physical Therapy, Universidade Cidade de São Paulo, São Paulo/SP, Brazil
| | - L A Oliveira
- Masters and Doctoral Programs in Physical Therapy, Universidade Cidade de São Paulo, São Paulo/SP, Brazil
| | - L C M Costa
- Masters and Doctoral Programs in Physical Therapy, Universidade Cidade de São Paulo, São Paulo/SP, Brazil
| | - L O P Costa
- Masters and Doctoral Programs in Physical Therapy, Universidade Cidade de São Paulo, São Paulo/SP, Brazil
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