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Soufizadeh P, Mansouri V, Ahmadbeigi N. A review of animal models utilized in preclinical studies of approved gene therapy products: trends and insights. Lab Anim Res 2024; 40:17. [PMID: 38649954 PMCID: PMC11034049 DOI: 10.1186/s42826-024-00195-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/09/2023] [Revised: 02/18/2024] [Accepted: 02/23/2024] [Indexed: 04/25/2024] Open
Abstract
Scientific progress heavily relies on rigorous research, adherence to scientific standards, and transparent reporting. Animal models play a crucial role in advancing biomedical research, especially in the field of gene therapy. Animal models are vital tools in preclinical research, allowing scientists to predict outcomes and understand complex biological processes. The selection of appropriate animal models is critical, considering factors such as physiological and pathophysiological similarities, availability, and ethical considerations. Animal models continue to be indispensable tools in preclinical gene therapy research. Advancements in genetic engineering and model selection have improved the fidelity and relevance of these models. As gene therapy research progresses, careful consideration of animal models and transparent reporting will contribute to the development of effective therapies for various genetic disorders and diseases. This comprehensive review explores the use of animal models in preclinical gene therapy studies for approved products up to September 2023. The study encompasses 47 approved gene therapy products, with a focus on preclinical trials. This comprehensive analysis serves as a valuable reference for researchers in the gene therapy field, aiding in the selection of suitable animal models for their preclinical investigations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Parham Soufizadeh
- Gene Therapy Research Center, Digestive Diseases Research Institute, Shariati Hospital, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
- Biomedical Research Institute, University of Tehran, Tehran, Iran
| | - Vahid Mansouri
- Gene Therapy Research Center, Digestive Diseases Research Institute, Shariati Hospital, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Naser Ahmadbeigi
- Gene Therapy Research Center, Digestive Diseases Research Institute, Shariati Hospital, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
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Park SH, Lee SB, Park S, Kim EY, Pizzol D, Trott M, Barnett Y, Koyanagi A, Jacob L, Soysal P, Veronese N, Ippoliti S, Abou Ghayda R, Thirumavalavan N, Hijaz A, Sheyn D, Pope R, Conroy B, Jaeger I, Shubham G, Nevo A, Ilie PC, Lee SW, Yon DK, Han HH, Hong SH, Shin JI, Ponsky L, Smith L. Methodological rigour in preclinical urology: a systematic review reporting research quality over a 14-year period. BJU Int 2024; 133:387-399. [PMID: 37667439 DOI: 10.1111/bju.16171] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 09/06/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To investigate the prevalence and trends of essential study design elements in preclinical urological studies, as well as key factors that may improve methodological rigour, as the demand for methodological rigour in preclinical studies is increasing since research reproducibility and transparency in the medico-scientific field are being questioned. METHODS AND RESULTS PubMed was searched to include preclinical urological studies published between July 2007 to June 2021. A total of 3768 articles met the inclusion criteria. Data on study design elements and animal models used were collected. Citation density was also examined as a surrogate marker of study influence. We performed an analysis of the prevalence of seven critical study design elements and temporal patterns over 14 years. Randomisation was reported in 50.0%, blinding in 15.0%, sample size estimation in 1.0%, inclusion of both sexes in 6.3%, statistical analysis in 97.1%, housing and husbandry in 47.7%, and inclusion/exclusion criteria in 5.0%. Temporal analysis showed that the implementation of these study design elements has increased, except for inclusion of both sexes and inclusion/exclusion criteria. Reporting study design elements were associated with increased citation density in randomisation and statistical analysis. CONCLUSIONS The risk of bias is prevalent in 14-year publications describing preclinical urological research, and the quality of methodological rigour is barely related to the citation density of the article. Yet five study design elements (randomisation, blinding, sample size estimation, statistical analysis, and housing and husbandry) proposed by both the National Institutes of Health and Animal Research: Reporting of In Vivo Experiments guidelines have been either well reported or are being well reported over time. SYSTEMATIC REVIEW REGISTRATION PROSPERO CRD42022233125.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Se Bee Lee
- Ulsan University College of Medicine, Seoul, South Korea
| | - Seoyeon Park
- Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, South Korea
| | - Eun Young Kim
- Evidence-Based Research Laboratory, Department of Clinical Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Care, College of Pharmacy, Chung-Ang University, Seoul, South Korea
- Department of Pharmaceutical Industry, Chung-Ang University, Seoul, South Korea
- College of Pharmacy, Chung-Ang University, Seoul, South Korea
| | - Damiano Pizzol
- Italian Agency for Development Cooperation, Khartoum, Sudan
| | - Mike Trott
- Centre for Health Performance and Wellbeing, Anglia Ruskin University, Cambridge, UK
- Centre for Public Health, Queen's University Belfast, Belfast, UK
| | - Yvonne Barnett
- School of Life Sciences, Faculty of Science and Engineering, Anglia Ruskin University, Cambridge, UK
| | - Ai Koyanagi
- Research and Development Unit, Parc Sanitari Sant Joan de Déu, Universitat de Barcelona, Fundació Sant Joan de Déu, CIBERSAM, Barcelona, Spain
- Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Salud Mental (CIBERSAM), Madrid, Spain
| | - Louis Jacob
- Research and Development Unit, Parc Sanitari Sant Joan de Déu, Universitat de Barcelona, Fundació Sant Joan de Déu, CIBERSAM, Barcelona, Spain
- Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Salud Mental (CIBERSAM), Madrid, Spain
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Versailles Saint-Quentin-en-Yvelines, Montigny-le-Bretonneux, France
| | - Pinar Soysal
- Department of Geriatric Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Bezmialem Vakif University, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Nicola Veronese
- Department of Internal Medicine, University of Palermo, Geriatrics Section, Palermo, Italy
| | - Simona Ippoliti
- Urology Department, Hull University Teaching Hospitals, Hull, UK
| | - Ramy Abou Ghayda
- Urology Institute, University Hospitals System, Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine, OH, Cleveland, USA
| | - Nannan Thirumavalavan
- Urology Institute, University Hospitals System, Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine, OH, Cleveland, USA
| | - Adonis Hijaz
- Urology Institute, University Hospitals System, Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine, OH, Cleveland, USA
| | - David Sheyn
- Urology Institute, University Hospitals System, Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine, OH, Cleveland, USA
| | - Rachel Pope
- Urology Institute, University Hospitals System, Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine, OH, Cleveland, USA
| | - Britt Conroy
- Urology Institute, University Hospitals System, Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine, OH, Cleveland, USA
| | - Irina Jaeger
- Urology Institute, University Hospitals System, Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine, OH, Cleveland, USA
| | - Gupta Shubham
- Urology Institute, University Hospitals System, Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine, OH, Cleveland, USA
| | - Amihay Nevo
- Department of Urology, Tel-Aviv Sourasky Medical Center, Sackler School of Medicine, Tel-Aviv University, Tel Aviv-Yafo, Israel
| | | | - Seung Won Lee
- Sungkyunkwan University School of Medicine, Suwon, South Korea
| | - Dong Keon Yon
- Center for Digital Health, Medical Science Research Institute, Kyung Hee University Medical Center, Kyung Hee University College of Medicine, Seoul, South Korea
| | - Hyun Ho Han
- Department of Urology, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, South Korea
| | - Sung Hwi Hong
- Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, South Korea
| | - Jae Il Shin
- Department of Pediatrics, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, South Korea
- Department of Medical Education, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, South Korea
- Center for Medical Education Training and Professional Development in Yonsei-Donggok Medical Education Institute, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, South Korea
- Severance Underwood Meta-research Center, Institute of Convergence Science, Yonsei University, Seoul, South Korea
| | - Lee Ponsky
- Urology Institute University Hospitals Cleveland Medical Center, Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine, Cleveland, OH, USA
| | - Lee Smith
- Centre for Health Performance and Wellbeing, Anglia Ruskin University, Cambridge, UK
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Hankenson FC, Prager EM, Berridge BR. Advocating for Generalizability: Accepting Inherent Variability in Translation of Animal Research Outcomes. Annu Rev Anim Biosci 2024; 12:391-410. [PMID: 38358839 DOI: 10.1146/annurev-animal-021022-043531] [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] [Indexed: 02/17/2024]
Abstract
Advancing scientific discovery requires investigators to embrace research practices that increase transparency and disclosure about materials, methods, and outcomes. Several research advocacy and funding organizations have produced guidelines and recommended practices to enhance reproducibility through detailed and rigorous research approaches; however, confusion around vocabulary terms and a lack of adoption of suggested practices have stymied successful implementation. Although reproducibility of research findings cannot be guaranteed due to extensive inherent variables in attempts at experimental repetition, the scientific community can advocate for generalizability in the application of data outcomes to ensure a broad and effective impact on the comparison of animals to translation within human research. This report reviews suggestions, based upon work with National Institutes of Health advisory groups, for improving rigor and transparency in animal research through aspects of experimental design, statistical assessment, and reporting factors to advocate for generalizability in the application of comparative outcomes between animals and humans.
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Affiliation(s)
- F C Hankenson
- Division of Laboratory Animal Medicine, Department of Pathobiology, School of Veterinary Medicine and University Laboratory Animal Resources, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA;
| | - E M Prager
- Research Program Management, Regeneron Pharmaceuticals, Inc., Tarrytown, New York, USA;
| | - B R Berridge
- B2 Pathology Solutions LLC, Cary, North Carolina, USA;
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Sinha D, Maurya AK, Abdi G, Majeed M, Agarwal R, Mukherjee R, Ganguly S, Aziz R, Bhatia M, Majgaonkar A, Seal S, Das M, Banerjee S, Chowdhury S, Adeyemi SB, Chen JT. Integrated Genomic Selection for Accelerating Breeding Programs of Climate-Smart Cereals. Genes (Basel) 2023; 14:1484. [PMID: 37510388 PMCID: PMC10380062 DOI: 10.3390/genes14071484] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/27/2023] [Revised: 07/14/2023] [Accepted: 07/18/2023] [Indexed: 07/30/2023] Open
Abstract
Rapidly rising population and climate changes are two critical issues that require immediate action to achieve sustainable development goals. The rising population is posing increased demand for food, thereby pushing for an acceleration in agricultural production. Furthermore, increased anthropogenic activities have resulted in environmental pollution such as water pollution and soil degradation as well as alterations in the composition and concentration of environmental gases. These changes are affecting not only biodiversity loss but also affecting the physio-biochemical processes of crop plants, resulting in a stress-induced decline in crop yield. To overcome such problems and ensure the supply of food material, consistent efforts are being made to develop strategies and techniques to increase crop yield and to enhance tolerance toward climate-induced stress. Plant breeding evolved after domestication and initially remained dependent on phenotype-based selection for crop improvement. But it has grown through cytological and biochemical methods, and the newer contemporary methods are based on DNA-marker-based strategies that help in the selection of agronomically useful traits. These are now supported by high-end molecular biology tools like PCR, high-throughput genotyping and phenotyping, data from crop morpho-physiology, statistical tools, bioinformatics, and machine learning. After establishing its worth in animal breeding, genomic selection (GS), an improved variant of marker-assisted selection (MAS), has made its way into crop-breeding programs as a powerful selection tool. To develop novel breeding programs as well as innovative marker-based models for genetic evaluation, GS makes use of molecular genetic markers. GS can amend complex traits like yield as well as shorten the breeding period, making it advantageous over pedigree breeding and marker-assisted selection (MAS). It reduces the time and resources that are required for plant breeding while allowing for an increased genetic gain of complex attributes. It has been taken to new heights by integrating innovative and advanced technologies such as speed breeding, machine learning, and environmental/weather data to further harness the GS potential, an approach known as integrated genomic selection (IGS). This review highlights the IGS strategies, procedures, integrated approaches, and associated emerging issues, with a special emphasis on cereal crops. In this domain, efforts have been taken to highlight the potential of this cutting-edge innovation to develop climate-smart crops that can endure abiotic stresses with the motive of keeping production and quality at par with the global food demand.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dwaipayan Sinha
- Department of Botany, Government General Degree College, Mohanpur 721436, India
| | - Arun Kumar Maurya
- Department of Botany, Multanimal Modi College, Modinagar, Ghaziabad 201204, India
| | - Gholamreza Abdi
- Department of Biotechnology, Persian Gulf Research Institute, Persian Gulf University, Bushehr 75169, Iran
| | - Muhammad Majeed
- Department of Botany, University of Gujrat, Punjab 50700, Pakistan
| | - Rachna Agarwal
- Applied Genomics Section, Bhabha Atomic Research Centre, Mumbai 400085, India
| | - Rashmi Mukherjee
- Research Center for Natural and Applied Sciences, Department of Botany (UG & PG), Raja Narendralal Khan Women's College, Gope Palace, Midnapur 721102, India
| | - Sharmistha Ganguly
- Department of Dravyaguna, Institute of Post Graduate Ayurvedic Education and Research, Kolkata 700009, India
| | - Robina Aziz
- Department of Botany, Government, College Women University, Sialkot 51310, Pakistan
| | - Manika Bhatia
- TERI School of Advanced Studies, New Delhi 110070, India
| | - Aqsa Majgaonkar
- Department of Botany, St. Xavier's College (Autonomous), Mumbai 400001, India
| | - Sanchita Seal
- Department of Botany, Polba Mahavidyalaya, Polba 712148, India
| | - Moumita Das
- V. Sivaram Research Foundation, Bangalore 560040, India
| | - Swastika Banerjee
- Department of Botany, Kairali College of +3 Science, Champua, Keonjhar 758041, India
| | - Shahana Chowdhury
- Department of Biotechnology, Faculty of Engineering Sciences, German University Bangladesh, TNT Road, Telipara, Chandona Chowrasta, Gazipur 1702, Bangladesh
| | - Sherif Babatunde Adeyemi
- Ethnobotany/Phytomedicine Laboratory, Department of Plant Biology, Faculty of Life Sciences, University of Ilorin, Ilorin P.M.B 1515, Nigeria
| | - Jen-Tsung Chen
- Department of Life Sciences, National University of Kaohsiung, Kaohsiung 811, Taiwan
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Sievers S, Wieschowski S, Strech D. Investigator brochures for phase I/II trials lack information on the robustness of preclinical safety studies. Br J Clin Pharmacol 2020; 87:2723-2731. [PMID: 33068032 DOI: 10.1111/bcp.14615] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2020] [Revised: 08/27/2020] [Accepted: 10/05/2020] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
AIM Meaningful and ethical phase I/II trials can only be conducted with supportive prospective risk-benefit assessment. This relies largely on preclinical animal studies addressing the safety and efficacy of treatments. These studies are reported in an Investigator's Brochure (IB) to inform ethics review boards and regulatory authorities. Our study investigated the extent, reporting quality and accessibility of preclinical safety studies (PCSSs) compiled in IBs. METHODS We analysed a sample of 46 IBs for phase I/II trials approved at a leading German university medical centre from 2010 to 2016. We extracted all PCSSs presented in the 46 IBs and assessed them for reporting on methodological measures to reduce validity threats. RESULTS The 46 IBs included 777 PCSSs. Blinded outcome assessment, randomization and sample size calculation were reported for fewer than 1% of studies. Only 5% of the PCSSs provided a reference to published data. Compliance with Good Laboratory Practice (GLP) guidance was reported for 52% of PCSSs, but the GLP document itself does not include any relevant methodological requirements for the reduction of validity threats. CONCLUSION Scarce reporting in IBs and the very limited publicly available data on PCSSs make it almost impossible for investigators to critically evaluate the robustness of preclinical evidence of drug safety. Combined with recent findings on the presentation of preclinical efficacy studies in IBs, we conclude that the current reporting patterns in IBs strongly limit the independent review of evidential support for early human trials. Regulatory authorities and IRBs should require better reporting in IBs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sören Sievers
- Hannover Medical School, Institute for Ethics, History, and Philosophy of Medicine, Hannover, 30625, Germany
| | - Susanne Wieschowski
- Hannover Medical School, Institute for Ethics, History, and Philosophy of Medicine, Hannover, 30625, Germany
| | - Daniel Strech
- Hannover Medical School, Institute for Ethics, History, and Philosophy of Medicine, Hannover, 30625, Germany.,QUEST - Center, Berlin Institute of Health (BIH), Berlin, 10178, Germany.,Charite Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, 10117, Germany
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Cheleuitte-Nieves C, Lipman NS. Improving Replicability, Reproducibility, And Reliability In Preclinical Research: A Shared Responsibility. ILAR J 2020. [DOI: 10.1093/ilar/ilaa009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Abstract
Reproducible and reliable scientific investigation depends on the identification and consideration of various intrinsic and extrinsic factors that may affect the model system used. The impact of these factors must be managed during all phases of a study: planning, execution, and reporting. The value of in vivo (animal) research has come under increasing scrutiny over the past decade because of multiple reports documenting poor translatability to human studies. These failures have been attributed to various causes, including poor study design and execution as well as deficiencies in reporting. It is important to recognize that achieving reproducible and reliable preclinical research results is a joint responsibility that requires a partnership between the investigative team and the animal care and use program staff. The myriad of intrinsic factors, such as species, strain/substrain, age, sex, physiologic and health status, and extrinsic factors, including temperature, humidity, lighting, housing system, and diet, need to be recognized and managed during study planning and execution, as they can influence animal physiology and biological response. Of equal importance is the need to document and report these details. The ARRIVE and PREPARE guidelines were developed by concerned scientists, veterinarians, statisticians, journal editors, and funding agencies to assist investigative teams and scientific journals manage and report on intrinsic and extrinsic factors to improve reproducibility and reliability. This issue of the ILAR Journal will focus on the various extrinsic factors that have been recognized to confound animal research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christopher Cheleuitte-Nieves
- Center of Comparative Medicine and Pathology, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center and Weill Cornell Medicine, New York City, New York
| | - Neil S Lipman
- Center of Comparative Medicine and Pathology, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center and Weill Cornell Medicine, New York City, New York
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Gupta SK. A study to assess the methodological quality of in vivo animal experiments published in Indian journal of pharmacology: A retrospective, cross-sectional, observational study. Indian J Pharmacol 2019; 51:11-16. [PMID: 31031462 PMCID: PMC6444832 DOI: 10.4103/ijp.ijp_536_18] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/09/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Good reporting of experimental research is a vital part of research process. Although the reporting guidelines such as Animal research: Reporting in vivo experiments (ARRIVE) require the authors to stick to a standard format, they do not guarantee study reports' validity. For assessing the study reports validity, critical appraisal tools are required. OBJECTIVE The evaluation of the methodological quality of in vivo animal studies of Indian Journal of Pharmacology (IJP) published between 2011 and 2017 through critical appraisal was the primary objective. The secondary objective was to evaluate the adherence of selected studies to the ARRIVE guidelines. MATERIALS AND METHODS All in vivo animal studies published as full-text articles in IJP from January 2011 to December 2017 and satisfying the inclusion norms were included. A checklist based on the underlying principles of ARRIVE statement was applied to in vivo animal research (AR) published in IJP. For critical appraisal of reports, risk-of-bias domains were also applied on studies from in vivo AR. RESULTS One hundred and sixty-one studies satisfied the inclusion criteria. Seventy-three articles (45.34%, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.37-0.53) discussed about randomization procedure. Eighteen articles (11.18%, 95% CI: 0.07-0.16) gave details about blinding when assessing results. None of the studies provided details of sample size calculation. Eight articles (4.97%, 95% CI: 0.02-0.09) commented on the study limitations. CONCLUSION It was found that adherence to only some criteria of ARRIVE guidelines was subpar. There is a need for optimal reporting of random distribution of animals to experimental groups, concealment of allocation, blinded outcome evaluation, computation of sample size, and attrition of animals for improving the validity of AR.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sandeep Kumar Gupta
- Department of Pharmacology, Heritage Institute of Medical Sciences, Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh, India
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9
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Ioannidis JPA, Kim BYS, Trounson A. How to design preclinical studies in nanomedicine and cell therapy to maximize the prospects of clinical translation. Nat Biomed Eng 2018; 2:797-809. [PMID: 30931172 PMCID: PMC6436641 DOI: 10.1038/s41551-018-0314-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 85] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/18/2018] [Accepted: 09/18/2018] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
The clinical translation of promising products, technologies and interventions from the disciplines of nanomedicine and cell therapy has been slow and inefficient. In part, translation has been hampered by suboptimal research practices that propagate biases and hinder reproducibility. These include the publication of small and underpowered preclinical studies, suboptimal study design (in particular, biased allocation of experimental groups, experimenter bias and lack of necessary controls), the use of uncharacterized or poorly characterized materials, poor understanding of the relevant biology and mechanisms, poor use of statistics, large between-model heterogeneity, absence of replication, lack of interdisciplinarity, poor scientific training in study design and methods, a culture that does not incentivize transparency and sharing, poor or selective reporting, misaligned incentives and rewards, high costs of materials and protocols, and complexity of the developed products, technologies and interventions. In this Perspective, we discuss special manifestations of these problems in nanomedicine and in cell therapy, and describe mitigating strategies. Progress on reducing bias and enhancing reproducibility early on ought to enhance the translational potential of biomedical findings and technologies.
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Affiliation(s)
- John P A Ioannidis
- Departments of Medicine, Health Research and Policy, and Biomedical Data Science, Stanford University School of Medicine, and Department of Statistics, Stanford University School of Humanities and Sciences, and Meta-Research Innovation Center at Stanford (METRICS), Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA.
| | - Betty Y S Kim
- Departments of Neurosurgery, Cancer Biology, and Neuroscience, Mayo Clinic College of Medicine, Jacksonville, FL, USA
| | - Alan Trounson
- Monash University & Hudson Institute of Medical Research, Clayton, Victoria, Australia
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Merkow JS, Hoerauf JM, Moss AF, Brainard J, Mayes LM, Fernandez-Bustamante A, Mikulich-Gilbertson SK, Bartels K. Animal experimental research design in critical care. BMC Med Res Methodol 2018; 18:71. [PMID: 29976162 PMCID: PMC6034216 DOI: 10.1186/s12874-018-0526-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/13/2017] [Accepted: 06/19/2018] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Limited translational success in critical care medicine is thought to be in part due to inadequate methodology, study design, and reporting in preclinical studies. The purpose of this study was to compare reporting of core features of experimental rigor: blinding, randomization, and power calculations in critical care medicine animal experimental research. We hypothesized that these study design characteristics were more frequently reported in 2015 versus 2005. Methods We performed an observational bibliometric study to grade manuscripts on blinding, randomization, and power calculations. Chi-square tests and logistic regression were used for analysis. Inter-rater agreement was assessed using kappa and Gwet’s AC1. Results A total of 825 articles from seven journals were included. In 2005, power estimations were reported in 2%, randomization in 35%, and blinding in 20% (n = 482). In 2015, these metrics were included in 9, 47, and 36% of articles (n = 343). The increase in proportion for the metrics tested was statistically significant (p < 0.001, p = 0.002, and p < 0.001). Conclusions Only a minority of published manuscripts in critical care medicine journals reported on recommended study design steps to increase rigor. Routine justification for the presence or absence of blinding, randomization, and power calculations should be considered to better enable readers to assess potential sources of bias.
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Affiliation(s)
- Justin S Merkow
- Department of Anesthesiology, Medicine, and Surgery, University of Colorado, School of Medicine, Anschutz Medical Campus, 12401 E. 17th Ave., Leprino Office Building, 7th Floor, MS B-113, Aurora, CO, 80045, USA
| | - Janine M Hoerauf
- Department of Anesthesiology, Medicine, and Surgery, University of Colorado, School of Medicine, Anschutz Medical Campus, 12401 E. 17th Ave., Leprino Office Building, 7th Floor, MS B-113, Aurora, CO, 80045, USA
| | - Angela F Moss
- Adult and Child Center for Health Outcomes and Delivery Science, University of Colorado, School of Medicine, Aurora, Colorado, USA
| | - Jason Brainard
- Department of Anesthesiology, Medicine, and Surgery, University of Colorado, School of Medicine, Anschutz Medical Campus, 12401 E. 17th Ave., Leprino Office Building, 7th Floor, MS B-113, Aurora, CO, 80045, USA
| | - Lena M Mayes
- Department of Anesthesiology, Medicine, and Surgery, University of Colorado, School of Medicine, Anschutz Medical Campus, 12401 E. 17th Ave., Leprino Office Building, 7th Floor, MS B-113, Aurora, CO, 80045, USA
| | - Ana Fernandez-Bustamante
- Department of Anesthesiology, Medicine, and Surgery, University of Colorado, School of Medicine, Anschutz Medical Campus, 12401 E. 17th Ave., Leprino Office Building, 7th Floor, MS B-113, Aurora, CO, 80045, USA
| | - Susan K Mikulich-Gilbertson
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Colorado, School of Medicine, Aurora, Colorado, USA.,Department of Biostatistics & Informatics, University of Colorado, School of Public Health, Aurora, Colorado, USA
| | - Karsten Bartels
- Department of Anesthesiology, Medicine, and Surgery, University of Colorado, School of Medicine, Anschutz Medical Campus, 12401 E. 17th Ave., Leprino Office Building, 7th Floor, MS B-113, Aurora, CO, 80045, USA.
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The Physiological Mechanisms of Effect of Vitamins and Amino Acids on Tendon and Muscle Healing: A Systematic Review. Int J Sport Nutr Exerc Metab 2018; 28:294-311. [DOI: 10.1123/ijsnem.2017-0267] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/09/2022]
Abstract
Aims/Objectives: To evaluate the current literature via systematic review to ascertain whether amino acids/vitamins provide any influence on musculotendinous healing and if so, by which physiological mechanisms. Methods: EBSCO, PubMed, ScienceDirect, Embase Classic/Embase, and MEDLINE were searched using terms including “vitamins,” “amino acids,” “healing,” “muscle,” and “tendon.” The primary search had 479 citations, of which 466 were excluded predominantly due to nonrandomized design. Randomized human and animal studies investigating all supplement types/forms of administration were included. Critical appraisal of internal validity was assessed using the Cochrane risk of Bias Tool or the Systematic Review Centre for Laboratory Animal Experimentation Risk of Bias Tool for human and animal studies, respectively. Two reviewers performed duel data extraction. Results: Twelve studies met criteria for inclusion: eight examined tendon healing and four examined muscle healing. All studies used animal models, except two human trials using a combined integrator. Narrative synthesis was performed via content analysis of demonstrated statistically significant effects and thematic analysis of proposed physiological mechanisms of intervention. Vitamin C/taurine demonstrated indirect effects on tendon healing through antioxidant activity. Vitamin A/glycine showed direct effects on extracellular matrix tissue synthesis. Vitamin E shows an antiproliferative influence on collagen deposition. Leucine directly influences signaling pathways to promote muscle protein synthesis. Discussion: Preliminary evidence exists, demonstrating that vitamins and amino acids may facilitate multilevel changes in musculotendinous healing; however, recommendations on clinical utility should be made with caution. All animal studies and one human study showed high risk of bias with moderate interobserver agreement (k = 0.46). Currently, there is limited evidence to support the use of vitamins and amino acids for musculotendinous injury. Both high-quality animal experimentation of the proposed mechanisms confirming the physiological influence of supplementation and human studies evaluating effects on tissue morphology and biochemistry are required before practical application.
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Cai C, Piao J, Ning J, Huang X. Efficient two-stage designs and proper inference for animal studies. STATISTICS IN BIOSCIENCES 2018; 10:217-232. [PMID: 30294384 PMCID: PMC6168085 DOI: 10.1007/s12561-017-9212-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/09/2016] [Accepted: 12/06/2017] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
Abstract
Cost-effective yet efficient designs are critical to the success of animal studies. We propose a two-stage design for cost-effectiveness animal studies with continuous outcomes. Given the data from the two-stage design, we derive the exact distribution of the test statistic under null hypothesis to appropriately adjust for the design's adaptiveness. We further generalize the design and inferential procedure to the K-sample case with multiple comparison adjustment. We conduct simulation studies to evaluate the small sample behavior of the proposed design and test procedure. The results indicate that the proposed test procedure controls the type I error rate for the one-sample design and the family-wise error rate for K-sample design very well; whereas the naive approach that ignores the design's adaptiveness due to the interim look severely inflates the type I error rate or family-wise error rate. Compared with the standard one-stage design, the proposed design generally requires a smaller sample size.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chunyan Cai
- Biostatistics/Epidemiology/Research Design Core, Center for Clinical and Translational Sciences, The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, Houston, Texas 77030, U.S.A
| | - Jin Piao
- Division of Biostatistics, The University of Texas School of Public Health, Houston, Texas 77030, U.S.A
| | - Jing Ning
- Department of Biostatistics, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas 77030, U.S.A
| | - Xuelin Huang
- Department of Biostatistics, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas 77030, U.S.A
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Bezdjian A, Klis SFL, Peters JPM, Grolman W, Stegeman I. Quality of reporting of otorhinolaryngology articles using animal models with the ARRIVE statement. Lab Anim 2018; 52:79-87. [PMID: 28696159 PMCID: PMC5802542 DOI: 10.1177/0023677217718862] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/13/2017] [Accepted: 06/12/2017] [Indexed: 02/01/2023]
Abstract
Research involving animal models is crucial for the advancement of science, provided that experiments are designed, performed, interpreted, and reported well. In order to investigate the quality of reporting of articles in otorhinolaryngology research using animal models, a PubMed database search was conducted to retrieve eligible articles. The checklist of the ARRIVE (Animal Research: Reporting of In Vivo Experiments) guidelines was used to assess the quality of reporting of articles published in ear, nose and throat (ENT) and multidisciplinary journals. Two authors screened titles, abstracts, and full texts to select articles reporting otorhinolaryngology research using in vivo animal models. ENT journals ( n = 35) reported a mean of 57.1% adequately scored ARRIVE items (median: 58.3%; 95% confidence interval [CI; 53.4-60.9%]), while articles published in multidisciplinary journals ( n = 36) reported a mean of 49.1% adequately scored items (median: 50.0; 95% CI [46.2-52.0%]). Articles published in ENT journals showed better quality of reporting of animal studies based on the ARRIVE guidelines ( P < 0.05). However, adherence to the ARRIVE guidelines is generally poor in otorhinolaryngology research using in vivo animal models. The endorsement of the ARRIVE guidelines by authors, research and academic institutes, editorial offices and funding agencies is recommended for improved reporting of scientific research using animal models.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aren Bezdjian
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology and Head & Neck Surgery, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, The Netherlands
- Brain Center Rudolf Magnus, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, The Netherlands
- Department of Experimental Surgery, Faculty of Medicine, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
| | - Sjaak F L Klis
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology and Head & Neck Surgery, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, The Netherlands
- Brain Center Rudolf Magnus, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Jeroen P M Peters
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology and Head & Neck Surgery, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, The Netherlands
- Brain Center Rudolf Magnus, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Wilko Grolman
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology and Head & Neck Surgery, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, The Netherlands
- Brain Center Rudolf Magnus, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Inge Stegeman
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology and Head & Neck Surgery, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, The Netherlands
- Brain Center Rudolf Magnus, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, The Netherlands
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Hoerauf JM, Moss AF, Fernandez-Bustamante A, Bartels K. Study Design Rigor in Animal-Experimental Research Published in Anesthesia Journals. Anesth Analg 2018; 126:217-222. [PMID: 28181936 DOI: 10.1213/ane.0000000000001907] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/18/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Lack of reproducibility of preclinical studies has been identified as an impediment for translation of basic mechanistic research into effective clinical therapies. Indeed, the National Institutes of Health has revised its grant application process to require more rigorous study design, including sample size calculations, blinding procedures, and randomization steps. We hypothesized that the reporting of such metrics of study design rigor has increased over time for animal-experimental research published in anesthesia journals. METHODS PubMed was searched for animal-experimental studies published in 2005, 2010, and 2015 in primarily English-language anesthesia journals. A total of 1466 publications were graded on the performance of sample size estimation, randomization, and blinding. Cochran-Armitage test was used to assess linear trends over time for the primary outcome of whether or not a metric was reported. Interrater agreement for each of the 3 metrics (power, randomization, and blinding) was assessed using the weighted κ coefficient in a 10% random sample of articles rerated by a second investigator blinded to the ratings of the first investigator. RESULTS A total of 1466 manuscripts were analyzed. Reporting for all 3 metrics of experimental design rigor increased over time (2005 to 2010 to 2015): for power analysis, from 5% (27/516), to 12% (59/485), to 17% (77/465); for randomization, from 41% (213/516), to 50% (243/485), to 54% (253/465); and for blinding, from 26% (135/516), to 38% (186/485), to 47% (217/465). The weighted κ coefficients and 98.3% confidence interval indicate almost perfect agreement between the 2 raters beyond that which occurs by chance alone (power, 0.93 [0.85, 1.0], randomization, 0.91 [0.85, 0.98], and blinding, 0.90 [0.84, 0.96]). CONCLUSIONS Our hypothesis that reported metrics of rigor in animal-experimental studies in anesthesia journals have increased during the past decade was confirmed. More consistent reporting, or explicit justification for absence, of sample size calculations, blinding techniques, and randomization procedures could better enable readers to evaluate potential sources of bias in animal-experimental research manuscripts. Future studies should assess whether such steps lead to improved translation of animal-experimental anesthesia research into successful clinical trials.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Angela F Moss
- the Adult and Child Consortium for Health Outcomes Research and Delivery Science
| | | | - Karsten Bartels
- Department of Anesthesiology, University of Colorado Denver, Aurora, Colorado
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15
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Hsieh T, Vaickus MH, Remick DG. Enhancing Scientific Foundations to Ensure Reproducibility: A New Paradigm. THE AMERICAN JOURNAL OF PATHOLOGY 2017; 188:6-10. [PMID: 28958817 DOI: 10.1016/j.ajpath.2017.08.028] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/17/2017] [Revised: 08/08/2017] [Accepted: 08/17/2017] [Indexed: 01/31/2023]
Abstract
Progress in science is dependent on a strong foundation of reliable results. The publish or perish paradigm in research, coupled with an increase in retracted articles from the peer-reviewed literature, is beginning to erode the trust of both the scientific community and the public. The NIH is combating errors by requiring investigators to follow new guidelines addressing scientific premise, experimental design, biological variables, and authentication of reagents. Herein, we discuss how implementation of NIH guidelines will help investigators proactively address pitfalls of experimental design and methods. Careful consideration of the variables contributing to reproducibility helps ensure robust results. The NIH, investigators, and journals must collaborate to ensure that quality science is funded, explored, and published.
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Affiliation(s)
- Terry Hsieh
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Boston University School of Medicine, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Max H Vaickus
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Boston University School of Medicine, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Daniel G Remick
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Boston University School of Medicine, Boston, Massachusetts.
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16
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The role of the IACUC in ensuring research reproducibility. Lab Anim (NY) 2017; 46:129-135. [PMID: 28328872 DOI: 10.1038/laban.1213] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/26/2016] [Accepted: 12/23/2016] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
There is a "village" of people impacting research reproducibility, such as funding panels, the IACUC and its support staff, institutional leaders, investigators, veterinarians, animal facilities, and professional journals. IACUCs can contribute to research reproducibility by ensuring that reviews of animal use requests, program self-assessments and post-approval monitoring programs are sufficiently thorough, the animal model is appropriate for testing the hypothesis, animal care and use is conducted in a manner that is compliant with external and institutional requirements, and extraneous variables are minimized. The persons comprising the village also must have a shared vision that guards against reproducibility problems while simultaneously avoids being viewed as a burden to research. This review analyzes and discusses aspects of the IACUC's "must do" and "can do" activities that impact the ability of a study to be reproduced. We believe that the IACUC, with support from and when working synergistically with other entities in the village, can contribute to minimizing unintended research variables and strengthen research reproducibility.
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17
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Liu Y, Gill E, Shery Huang YY. Microfluidic on-chip biomimicry for 3D cell culture: a fit-for-purpose investigation from the end user standpoint. Future Sci OA 2017; 3:FSO173. [PMID: 28670465 PMCID: PMC5481809 DOI: 10.4155/fsoa-2016-0084] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/16/2016] [Accepted: 01/19/2017] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
A plethora of 3D and microfluidics-based culture models have been demonstrated in the recent years with the ultimate aim to facilitate predictive in vitro models for pharmaceutical development. This article summarizes to date the progress in the microfluidics-based tissue culture models, including organ-on-a-chip and vasculature-on-a-chip. Specific focus is placed on addressing the question of what kinds of 3D culture and system complexities are deemed desirable by the biological and biomedical community. This question is addressed through analysis of a research survey to evaluate the potential use of microfluidic cell culture models among the end users. Our results showed a willingness to adopt 3D culture technology among biomedical researchers, although a significant gap still exists between the desired systems and existing 3D culture options. With these results, key challenges and future directions are highlighted.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ye Liu
- Department of Engineering, University of Cambridge, Trumpington Street, Cambridge, UK, CB2 1PZ
| | - Elisabeth Gill
- Department of Engineering, University of Cambridge, Trumpington Street, Cambridge, UK, CB2 1PZ
| | - Yan Yan Shery Huang
- Department of Engineering, University of Cambridge, Trumpington Street, Cambridge, UK, CB2 1PZ
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18
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Ma B, Xu JK, Wu WJ, Liu HY, Kou CK, Liu N, Zhao L. Survey of basic medical researchers on the awareness of animal experimental designs and reporting standards in China. PLoS One 2017; 12:e0174530. [PMID: 28380050 PMCID: PMC5381903 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0174530] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/25/2017] [Accepted: 02/27/2017] [Indexed: 12/09/2022] Open
Abstract
Objective To investigate the awareness and use of the Systematic Review Center for Laboratory Animal Experimentation’s (SYRCLE) risk-of-bias tool, the Animal Research: Reporting of In Vivo Experiments (ARRIVE) reporting guidelines, and Gold Standard Publication Checklist (GSPC) in China in basic medical researchers of animal experimental studies. Methods A national questionnaire-based survey targeting basic medical researchers was carried in China to investigate the basic information and awareness of SYRCLE’s risk of bias tool, ARRIVE guidelines, GSPC, and animal experimental bias risk control factors. The EpiData3.1 software was used for data entry, and Microsoft Excel 2013 was used for statistical analysis in this study. The number of cases (n) and percentage (%) of classified information were statistically described, and the comparison between groups (i.e., current students vs. research staff) was performed using chi-square test. Results A total of 298 questionnaires were distributed, and 272 responses were received, which included 266 valid questionnaires (from 118 current students and 148 research staff). Among the 266 survey participants, only 15.8% was aware of the SYRCLE’s risk of bias tool, with significant difference between the two groups (P = 0.003), and the awareness rates of ARRIVE guidelines and GSPC were only 9.4% and 9.0%, respectively; 58.6% survey participants believed that the reports of animal experimental studies in Chinese literature were inadequate, with significant difference between the two groups (P = 0.004). In addition, only approximately 1/3 of the survey participants had read systematic reviews and meta-analysis reports of animal experimental studies; only 16/266 (6.0%) had carried out/participated in and 11/266 (4.1%) had published systematic reviews/meta-analysis of animal experimental studies. Conclusions The awareness and use rates of SYRCLE’s risk-of-bias tool, the ARRIVE guidelines, and the GSPC were low among Chinese basic medical researchers. Therefore, specific measures are necessary to promote and popularize these standards and specifications and to introduce these standards into guidelines of Chinese domestic journals as soon as possible to raise awareness and increase use rates of researchers and journal editors, thereby improving the quality of animal experimental methods and reports.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bin Ma
- Evidence-Based Medicine Center of Lanzhou University, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, China.,Key Laboratory of Evidence Based Medicine and Knowledge Translation of Gansu Province, Lanzhou, China
| | - Jia-Ke Xu
- Evidence-Based Medicine Center of Lanzhou University, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, China.,The First Clinical Medical College of Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, China
| | - Wen-Jing Wu
- Evidence-Based Medicine Center of Lanzhou University, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, China
| | - Hong-Yan Liu
- Evidence-Based Medicine Center of Lanzhou University, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, China
| | - Cheng-Kun Kou
- Evidence-Based Medicine Center of Lanzhou University, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, China
| | - Na Liu
- Evidence-Based Medicine Center of Lanzhou University, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, China
| | - Lulu Zhao
- Evidence-Based Medicine Center of Lanzhou University, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, China.,The First Clinical Medical College of Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, China
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Experimental Design and Data Analysis Issues Contribute to Inconsistent Results of C-Bouton Changes in Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis. eNeuro 2017; 4:eN-FTR-0281-16. [PMID: 28101533 PMCID: PMC5241941 DOI: 10.1523/eneuro.0281-16.2016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/14/2016] [Revised: 11/23/2016] [Accepted: 12/26/2016] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
The possible presence of pathological changes in cholinergic synaptic inputs [cholinergic boutons (C-boutons)] is a contentious topic within the ALS field. Conflicting data reported on this issue makes it difficult to assess the roles of these synaptic inputs in ALS. Our objective was to determine whether the reported changes are truly statistically and biologically significant and why replication is problematic. This is an urgent question, as C-boutons are an important regulator of spinal motoneuron excitability, and pathological changes in motoneuron excitability are present throughout disease progression. Using male mice of the SOD1-G93A high-expresser transgenic (G93A) mouse model of ALS, we examined C-boutons on spinal motoneurons. We performed histological analysis at high statistical power, which showed no difference in C-bouton size in G93A versus wild-type motoneurons throughout disease progression. In an attempt to examine the underlying reasons for our failure to replicate reported changes, we performed further histological analyses using several variations on experimental design and data analysis that were reported in the ALS literature. This analysis showed that factors related to experimental design, such as grouping unit, sampling strategy, and blinding status, potentially contribute to the discrepancy in published data on C-bouton size changes. Next, we systematically analyzed the impact of study design variability and potential bias on reported results from experimental and preclinical studies of ALS. Strikingly, we found that practices such as blinding and power analysis are not systematically reported in the ALS field. Protocols to standardize experimental design and minimize bias are thus critical to advancing the ALS field.
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20
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Gannot G, Cutting MA, Fischer DJ, Hsu LJ. Reproducibility and transparency in biomedical sciences. Oral Dis 2016; 23:813-816. [PMID: 27718283 DOI: 10.1111/odi.12588] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- G Gannot
- Center for Clinical Research, National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - M A Cutting
- Center for Clinical Research, National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - D J Fischer
- Center for Clinical Research, National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - L J Hsu
- Center for Clinical Research, National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
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21
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Banik A, Brown RE, Bamburg J, Lahiri DK, Khurana D, Friedland RP, Chen W, Ding Y, Mudher A, Padjen AL, Mukaetova-Ladinska E, Ihara M, Srivastava S, Padma Srivastava MV, Masters CL, Kalaria RN, Anand A. Translation of Pre-Clinical Studies into Successful Clinical Trials for Alzheimer's Disease: What are the Roadblocks and How Can They Be Overcome? J Alzheimers Dis 2016; 47:815-43. [PMID: 26401762 DOI: 10.3233/jad-150136] [Citation(s) in RCA: 65] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Preclinical studies are essential for translation to disease treatments and effective use in clinical practice. An undue emphasis on single approaches to Alzheimer's disease (AD) appears to have retarded the pace of translation in the field, and there is much frustration in the public about the lack of an effective treatment. We critically reviewed past literature (1990-2014), analyzed numerous data, and discussed key issues at a consensus conference on Brain Ageing and Dementia to identify and overcome roadblocks in studies intended for translation. We highlight various factors that influence the translation of preclinical research and highlight specific preclinical strategies that have failed to demonstrate efficacy in clinical trials. The field has been hindered by the domination of the amyloid hypothesis in AD pathogenesis while the causative pathways in disease pathology are widely considered to be multifactorial. Understanding the causative events and mechanisms in the pathogenesis are equally important for translation. Greater efforts are necessary to fill in the gaps and overcome a variety of confounds in the generation, study design, testing, and evaluation of animal models and the application to future novel anti-dementia drug trials. A greater variety of potential disease mechanisms must be entertained to enhance progress.
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Affiliation(s)
- Avijit Banik
- Neuroscience Research Lab, Department of Neurology, Post Graduate Institute of Medical Education and Research, Chandigarh, India
| | - Richard E Brown
- Department of Psychology and Neuroscience, Dalhousie University, Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada
| | - James Bamburg
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO, USA
| | - Debomoy K Lahiri
- Departments of Psychiatry and of Medical & Molecular Genetics, Indiana University School of Medicine, Neuroscience Research Center, Indianapolis, IN, USA
| | - Dheeraj Khurana
- Neuroscience Research Lab, Department of Neurology, Post Graduate Institute of Medical Education and Research, Chandigarh, India
| | - Robert P Friedland
- Department of Neurology, University of Louisville, School of Medicine, Louisville, KY, USA
| | - Wei Chen
- Division of Pulmonary Medicine, Allergy and Immunology, Children's Hospital of Pittsburgh of the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Ying Ding
- Department of Biostatistics, University of Pittsburgh, 318C Parran Hall, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Amritpal Mudher
- Southampton Neurosciences Group, University of Southampton, Southampton, UK
| | - Ante L Padjen
- Department of Pharmacology & Therapeutics, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - Elizabeta Mukaetova-Ladinska
- Institute of Neuroscience, Newcastle University, NIHR Biomedical Research Building, Campus for Ageing and Vitality, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK
| | - Masafumi Ihara
- Department of Stroke and Cerebrovascular Diseases, National Cerebral and Cardiovascular Center, Suita, Osaka, Japan
| | - Sudhir Srivastava
- Division of Toxicology, Central Drug Research Institute, Lucknow, India
| | - M V Padma Srivastava
- Department of Neurology, Neurosciences Centre, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi, India
| | - Colin L Masters
- Mental Health Research Institute, University of Melbourne, Royal Parade, The VIC, Australia
| | - Raj N Kalaria
- Institute of Neuroscience, Newcastle University, NIHR Biomedical Research Building, Campus for Ageing and Vitality, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK
| | - Akshay Anand
- Neuroscience Research Lab, Department of Neurology, Post Graduate Institute of Medical Education and Research, Chandigarh, India
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Minnerup J, Zentsch V, Schmidt A, Fisher M, Schäbitz WR. Methodological Quality of Experimental Stroke Studies Published in the
Stroke
Journal. Stroke 2016; 47:267-72. [DOI: 10.1161/strokeaha.115.011695] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/01/2015] [Accepted: 11/04/2015] [Indexed: 02/01/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Jens Minnerup
- From the Department of Neurology, University of Münster, Münster, Germany (J.M., V.Z., A.S.); Department of Neurology, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA (M.F.); and Department of Neurology, Bethel-Evangelisches Krankenhaus, Bielefeld, Germany (W.-R.S)
| | - Verena Zentsch
- From the Department of Neurology, University of Münster, Münster, Germany (J.M., V.Z., A.S.); Department of Neurology, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA (M.F.); and Department of Neurology, Bethel-Evangelisches Krankenhaus, Bielefeld, Germany (W.-R.S)
| | - Antje Schmidt
- From the Department of Neurology, University of Münster, Münster, Germany (J.M., V.Z., A.S.); Department of Neurology, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA (M.F.); and Department of Neurology, Bethel-Evangelisches Krankenhaus, Bielefeld, Germany (W.-R.S)
| | - Marc Fisher
- From the Department of Neurology, University of Münster, Münster, Germany (J.M., V.Z., A.S.); Department of Neurology, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA (M.F.); and Department of Neurology, Bethel-Evangelisches Krankenhaus, Bielefeld, Germany (W.-R.S)
| | - Wolf-Rüdiger Schäbitz
- From the Department of Neurology, University of Münster, Münster, Germany (J.M., V.Z., A.S.); Department of Neurology, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA (M.F.); and Department of Neurology, Bethel-Evangelisches Krankenhaus, Bielefeld, Germany (W.-R.S)
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de Caestecker M, Humphreys BD, Liu KD, Fissell WH, Cerda J, Nolin TD, Askenazi D, Mour G, Harrell FE, Pullen N, Okusa MD, Faubel S. Bridging Translation by Improving Preclinical Study Design in AKI. J Am Soc Nephrol 2015; 26:2905-16. [PMID: 26538634 DOI: 10.1681/asn.2015070832] [Citation(s) in RCA: 82] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Despite extensive research, no therapeutic interventions have been shown to prevent AKI, accelerate recovery of AKI, or reduce progression of AKI to CKD in patients. This failure in translation has led investigators to speculate that the animal models being used do not predict therapeutic responses in humans. Although this issue continues to be debated, an important concern that has not been addressed is whether improvements in preclinical study design can be identified that might also increase the likelihood of translating basic AKI research into clinical practice using the current models. In this review, we have taken an evidence-based approach to identify common weaknesses in study design and reporting in preclinical AKI research that may contribute to the poor translatability of the findings. We focused on use of N-acetylcysteine or sodium bicarbonate for the prevention of contrast-induced AKI and use of erythropoietin for the prevention of AKI, two therapeutic approaches that have been extensively studied in clinical trials. On the basis of our findings, we identified five areas for improvement in preclinical study design and reporting. These suggested and preliminary guidelines may help improve the quality of preclinical research for AKI drug development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mark de Caestecker
- Division of Nephology and Hypertension, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, Tennessee;
| | - Ben D Humphreys
- Division of Renal Diseases, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, Missouri
| | - Kathleen D Liu
- Division of Nephrology, Department of Medicine, University of California, San Francisco, California
| | - William H Fissell
- Division of Nephology and Hypertension, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, Tennessee
| | - Jorge Cerda
- Division of Nephrology and Hypertension, Albany Medical College, Albany, New York
| | - Thomas D Nolin
- Renal-Electrolyte Division, Department of Medicine and Center for Critical Care Nephrology, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
| | - David Askenazi
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Nephrology, University of Alabama, Birmingham, Alabama
| | - Girish Mour
- Renal-Electrolyte Division, Department of Medicine and Center for Critical Care Nephrology, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
| | - Frank E Harrell
- Department of Biostatistics, Vanderbilt University School of Medicine, Nashville, Tennessee
| | - Nick Pullen
- Pfizer Global Research and Development, Inflammation & Immunology Research Unit, Cambridge, Massachusetts
| | - Mark D Okusa
- Division of Nephrology, Department of Medicine, University of California, San Francisco, California; Division of Nephrology, Department of Medicine, University of California, San Francisco, California
| | - Sarah Faubel
- Renal Division, University of Colorado Denver and Denver Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Aurora, Colorado
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Wu Y, Zhou L, Li G, Yi D, Wu X, Liu X, Zhang Y, Liu L, Yi D. Cognition of and Demand for Education and Teaching in Medical Statistics in China: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. PLoS One 2015; 10:e0128721. [PMID: 26053876 PMCID: PMC4459963 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0128721] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/29/2014] [Accepted: 04/29/2015] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Although a substantial number of studies focus on the teaching and application of medical statistics in China, few studies comprehensively evaluate the recognition of and demand for medical statistics. In addition, the results of these various studies differ and are insufficiently comprehensive and systematic. Objectives This investigation aimed to evaluate the general cognition of and demand for medical statistics by undergraduates, graduates, and medical staff in China. Methods We performed a comprehensive database search related to the cognition of and demand for medical statistics from January 2007 to July 2014 and conducted a meta-analysis of non-controlled studies with sub-group analysis for undergraduates, graduates, and medical staff. Results There are substantial differences with respect to the cognition of theory in medical statistics among undergraduates (73.5%), graduates (60.7%), and medical staff (39.6%). The demand for theory in medical statistics is high among graduates (94.6%), undergraduates (86.1%), and medical staff (88.3%). Regarding specific statistical methods, the cognition of basic statistical methods is higher than of advanced statistical methods. The demand for certain advanced statistical methods, including (but not limited to) multiple analysis of variance (ANOVA), multiple linear regression, and logistic regression, is higher than that for basic statistical methods. The use rates of the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) software and statistical analysis software (SAS) are only 55% and 15%, respectively. Conclusion The overall statistical competence of undergraduates, graduates, and medical staff is insufficient, and their ability to practically apply their statistical knowledge is limited, which constitutes an unsatisfactory state of affairs for medical statistics education. Because the demand for skills in this area is increasing, the need to reform medical statistics education in China has become urgent.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yazhou Wu
- Department of Health Statistics, College of Preventive Medicine, Third Military Medical University, Chongqing, 400038, China
| | - Liang Zhou
- Department of Health Statistics, College of Preventive Medicine, Third Military Medical University, Chongqing, 400038, China
| | - Gaoming Li
- Department of Health Statistics, College of Preventive Medicine, Third Military Medical University, Chongqing, 400038, China
| | - Dali Yi
- Department of Health Statistics, College of Preventive Medicine, Third Military Medical University, Chongqing, 400038, China
| | - Xiaojiao Wu
- Department of Health Statistics, College of Preventive Medicine, Third Military Medical University, Chongqing, 400038, China
| | - Xiaoyu Liu
- Department of Health Statistics, College of Preventive Medicine, Third Military Medical University, Chongqing, 400038, China
| | - Yanqi Zhang
- Department of Health Statistics, College of Preventive Medicine, Third Military Medical University, Chongqing, 400038, China
| | - Ling Liu
- Department of Health Statistics, College of Preventive Medicine, Third Military Medical University, Chongqing, 400038, China
| | - Dong Yi
- Department of Health Statistics, College of Preventive Medicine, Third Military Medical University, Chongqing, 400038, China
- * E-mail:
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Errington TM, Iorns E, Gunn W, Tan FE, Lomax J, Nosek BA. An open investigation of the reproducibility of cancer biology research. eLife 2014; 3. [PMID: 25490932 PMCID: PMC4270077 DOI: 10.7554/elife.04333] [Citation(s) in RCA: 164] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
It is widely believed that research that builds upon previously published findings has reproduced the original work. However, it is rare for researchers to perform or publish direct replications of existing results. The Reproducibility Project: Cancer Biology is an open investigation of reproducibility in preclinical cancer biology research. We have identified 50 high impact cancer biology articles published in the period 2010-2012, and plan to replicate a subset of experimental results from each article. A Registered Report detailing the proposed experimental designs and protocols for each subset of experiments will be peer reviewed and published prior to data collection. The results of these experiments will then be published in a Replication Study. The resulting open methodology and dataset will provide evidence about the reproducibility of high-impact results, and an opportunity to identify predictors of reproducibility. DOI:http://dx.doi.org/10.7554/eLife.04333.001
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | - Joelle Lomax
- Joelle Lomax Science Exchange, Palo Alto, United States
| | - Brian A Nosek
- Brian A Nosek University of Virginia, Charlottesville, United States; Center for Open Science, Charlottesville, United States
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Everitt JI. The Future of Preclinical Animal Models in Pharmaceutical Discovery and Development. Toxicol Pathol 2014; 43:70-7. [DOI: 10.1177/0192623314555162] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/28/2023]
Abstract
Animal models have provided an important tool to help make the decision to take potential therapies from preclinical studies to humans. In the past several years, the strong reliance of the pharmaceutical discovery and development process on the use of animal models has come under increasing scrutiny for ethical and scientific reasons. Several prominent and widely publicized articles have reported limited concordance of animal experiments with subsequent human clinical trials. Recent assessments of the quality of animal studies have suggested that this translational failure may be due in part to shortcomings in the planning, conduct, and reporting of in vivo studies. This article will emphasize methods to assure best practice rigor in animal study methods and reporting. It will introduce the so-called scientific 3Rs of relevance, robustness, and reproducibility to the in vivo study approach and will review important new trends in the animal research and pharmaceutical discovery and development communities.
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Manolagas SC, Kronenberg HM. Reproducibility of results in preclinical studies: a perspective from the bone field. J Bone Miner Res 2014; 29:2131-40. [PMID: 24916175 PMCID: PMC4356005 DOI: 10.1002/jbmr.2293] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/27/2014] [Revised: 05/14/2014] [Accepted: 05/20/2014] [Indexed: 01/13/2023]
Abstract
The biomedical research enterprise-and the public support for it-is predicated on the belief that discoveries and the conclusions drawn from them can be trusted to build a body of knowledge which will be used to improve human health. As in all other areas of scientific inquiry, knowledge and understanding grow by layering new discoveries upon earlier ones. The process self-corrects and distills knowledge by discarding false ideas and unsubstantiated claims. Although self-correction is inexorable in the long-term, in recent years biomedical scientists and the public alike have become alarmed and deeply troubled by the fact that many published results cannot be reproduced. The chorus of concern reached a high pitch with a recent commentary from the NIH Director, Francis S. Collins, and Principal Deputy Director, Lawrence A. Tabak, and their announcement of specific plans to enhance reproducibility of preclinical research that relies on animal models. In this invited perspective, we highlight the magnitude of the problem across biomedical fields and address the relevance of these concerns to the field of bone and mineral metabolism. We also suggest how our specialty journals, our scientific organizations, and our community of bone and mineral researchers can help to overcome this troubling trend.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stavros C Manolagas
- Division of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Center for Osteoporosis and Metabolic Bone Diseases, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences and the Central Arkansas Veterans Healthcare System, Little Rock, AR, USA
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Moja L, Pecoraro V, Ciccolallo L, Dall'Olmo L, Virgili G, Garattini S. Flaws in animal studies exploring statins and impact on meta-analysis. Eur J Clin Invest 2014; 44:597-612. [PMID: 24665945 DOI: 10.1111/eci.12264] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/28/2013] [Accepted: 03/20/2014] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Animal experiments should be appropriately designed, correctly analysed and transparently reported to increase their scientific validity and maximise the knowledge gained from each experiment. This systematic review of animal experiments investigating statins evaluates their quality of reporting and methodological aspects as well as their implications for the conduction of meta-analyses. METHODS We searched medline and embase for studies reporting research on statins in mice, rats and rabbits. We collected detailed information about the characteristics of studies, animals and experimental methods. RESULTS We retrieved 161 studies. A little over half did not report randomisation (55%) and most did not describe blinding (88%). All studies reported details on the experimental procedure, although many omitted information about animal gender, age or weight. Four percent did not report the number of animals used. None reported the sample size. Fixed- and random-effects models gave different results (ratio of effect size increased by five folds). Heterogeneity was consistently substantial within animal models, for which accounting for covariates had minimal impact. Publication bias is highly suspected across studies. CONCLUSIONS Although statins showed efficacy in animal models, preclinical studies highlighted fundamental problems in the way in which such research is conducted and reported. Results were often difficult to interpret and reproduce. Different meta-analytic approaches were highly inconsistent: a reliable approach to estimate the true parameter was imperceptible. Policies that address these issues are required from investigators, editors and institutions that care about the quality standards and ethics of animal research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lorenzo Moja
- Clinical Epidemiology Unit, IRCCS Orthopedic Institute Galeazzi, Milan, Italy; Department of Biomedical Science for Health, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
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Muhlhausler BS, Bloomfield FH, Gillman MW. Whole animal experiments should be more like human randomized controlled trials. PLoS Biol 2013; 11:e1001481. [PMID: 23424284 PMCID: PMC3570551 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pbio.1001481] [Citation(s) in RCA: 57] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
The quality of reporting of animal studies lags behind that of human randomized controlled trials but a series of additions to the ARRIVE guidelines will help ensure that the standards are comparable.
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Affiliation(s)
- Beverly S Muhlhausler
- FOODplus Research Centre, School of Agriculture Food and Wine, The University of Adelaide, Australia.
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Landis SC, Amara SG, Asadullah K, Austin CP, Blumenstein R, Bradley EW, Crystal RG, Darnell RB, Ferrante RJ, Fillit H, Finkelstein R, Fisher M, Gendelman HE, Golub RM, Goudreau JL, Gross RA, Gubitz AK, Hesterlee SE, Howells DW, Huguenard J, Kelner K, Koroshetz W, Krainc D, Lazic SE, Levine MS, Macleod MR, McCall JM, Moxley RT, Narasimhan K, Noble LJ, Perrin S, Porter JD, Steward O, Unger E, Utz U, Silberberg SD. A call for transparent reporting to optimize the predictive value of preclinical research. Nature 2012; 490:187-91. [PMID: 23060188 DOI: 10.1038/nature11556] [Citation(s) in RCA: 879] [Impact Index Per Article: 73.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/21/2012] [Accepted: 09/10/2012] [Indexed: 01/02/2023]
Abstract
The US National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke convened major stakeholders in June 2012 to discuss how to improve the methodological reporting of animal studies in grant applications and publications. The main workshop recommendation is that at a minimum studies should report on sample-size estimation, whether and how animals were randomized, whether investigators were blind to the treatment, and the handling of data. We recognize that achieving a meaningful improvement in the quality of reporting will require a concerted effort by investigators, reviewers, funding agencies and journal editors. Requiring better reporting of animal studies will raise awareness of the importance of rigorous study design to accelerate scientific progress.
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Affiliation(s)
- Story C Landis
- National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, NIH, Bethesda, Maryland 20892, USA
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