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Fabiano N, Gupta A, Fiedorowicz JG, Solmi M. On the value of meta-research for early career researchers: A commentary. JCPP ADVANCES 2024; 4:e12235. [PMID: 38827987 PMCID: PMC11143950 DOI: 10.1002/jcv2.12235] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/05/2024] Open
Abstract
Meta-research, also known as "research on research" is a field of study that investigates the methods, reporting, reproducibility, evaluation, and incentives along the research continuum. Meta-research literacy is imperative to ensure high quality, transparent and reproducible primary data or meta-research products. In this commentary, we propose that early career researchers should be trained in meta-research as a foundation to develop a deeper understanding of the research process and ability to appraise the research literature and design high-quality original studies, irrespective of their chosen field of study. We discuss the importance of meta-research and open science from the perspective of an early career trainee, highlighting essential areas for growth and obstacles one may encounter.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Arnav Gupta
- Department of MedicineUniversity of CalgaryCalgaryAlbertaCanada
- College of Public HealthKent State UniversityKentOhioUSA
| | - Jess G. Fiedorowicz
- Department of PsychiatryUniversity of OttawaOttawaOntarioCanada
- Department of Mental HealthThe Ottawa HospitalOttawaOntarioCanada
- Ottawa Hospital Research Institute (OHRI) Clinical Epidemiology ProgramUniversity of OttawaOttawaOntarioCanada
- Faculty of MedicineSchool of Epidemiology and Public HealthUniversity of OttawaOttawaOntarioCanada
| | - Marco Solmi
- Department of PsychiatryUniversity of OttawaOttawaOntarioCanada
- Department of Mental HealthThe Ottawa HospitalOttawaOntarioCanada
- Ottawa Hospital Research Institute (OHRI) Clinical Epidemiology ProgramUniversity of OttawaOttawaOntarioCanada
- Faculty of MedicineSchool of Epidemiology and Public HealthUniversity of OttawaOttawaOntarioCanada
- Department of Child and Adolescent PsychiatryCharité – Universitätsmedizin BerlinBerlinGermany
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Razak A, Johnston E, Stewart A, Clark MAT, Stevens P, Charlton M, Wong F, McDonald C, Hunt RW, Miller S, Malhotra A. Temporal Trends in Severe Brain Injury and Associated Outcomes in Very Preterm Infants. Neonatology 2024:1-10. [PMID: 38471459 DOI: 10.1159/000537801] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/15/2023] [Accepted: 02/05/2024] [Indexed: 03/14/2024]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Severe brain injury (SBI), including severe intraventricular haemorrhage (sIVH) and cystic periventricular leukomalacia, poses significant challenges for preterm infants, yet recent data and trends are limited. METHODS Analyses were conducted using the Australian and New Zealand Neonatal Network data on preterm infants born <32 weeks' gestation admitted at Monash Children's Hospital, Australia, from January 2014 to April 2021. The occurrence and trends of SBI and sIVH among preterm infants, along with the rates and trends of death and neurodevelopmental impairment (NDI) in SBI infants were assessed. RESULTS Of 1,609 preterm infants, 6.7% had SBI, and 5.6% exhibited sIVH. A total of 37.6% of infants with SBI did not survive to discharge, with 92% of these deaths occurring following redirection of clinical care. Cerebral palsy was diagnosed in 65.2% of SBI survivors, while 86.4% of SBI survivors experienced NDI. No statistically significant differences were observed in the temporal trends of SBI (adjusted OR [95% CI] 1.08 [0.97-1.20]; p = 0.13) or sIVH (adjusted OR [95% CI] 1.09 [0.97-1.21]; p = 0.11). Similarly, there was no statistically significant difference noted in the temporal trend of the composite outcome, which included death or NDI among infants with SBI (adjusted OR [95% CI] 0.90 [0.53-1.53]; p = 0.71). CONCLUSION Neither the rates of SBI nor its associated composite outcome of death or NDI improved over time. A notable proportion of preterm infants with SBI faced redirection of care and subsequent mortality, while most survivors exhibited adverse neurodevelopmental challenges. The development of better therapeutic interventions is imperative to improve outcomes for these vulnerable infants.
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Affiliation(s)
- Abdul Razak
- Department of Paediatrics, Monash University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
- Monash Newborn, Monash Children's Hospital, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
- The Ritchie Centre, Hudson Institute of Medical Research, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Emily Johnston
- Monash Newborn, Monash Children's Hospital, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Alice Stewart
- Department of Paediatrics, Monash University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
- Monash Newborn, Monash Children's Hospital, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Marissa A T Clark
- Monash Newborn, Monash Children's Hospital, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Penelope Stevens
- Monash Newborn, Monash Children's Hospital, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Margaret Charlton
- Monash Newborn, Monash Children's Hospital, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Flora Wong
- Department of Paediatrics, Monash University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
- Monash Newborn, Monash Children's Hospital, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
- The Ritchie Centre, Hudson Institute of Medical Research, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - C McDonald
- The Ritchie Centre, Hudson Institute of Medical Research, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Monash University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Rod W Hunt
- Department of Paediatrics, Monash University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
- Monash Newborn, Monash Children's Hospital, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
- The Ritchie Centre, Hudson Institute of Medical Research, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
- Cerebral Palsy Alliance Research, Brain and Mind Centre, University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Suzanne Miller
- The Ritchie Centre, Hudson Institute of Medical Research, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Monash University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Atul Malhotra
- Department of Paediatrics, Monash University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
- Monash Newborn, Monash Children's Hospital, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
- The Ritchie Centre, Hudson Institute of Medical Research, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
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Yang HH, Tsai M, Mukdad L, St John M. Positive Outcome Bias in the Influential Otolaryngology Clinical Trial Literature. Otolaryngol Head Neck Surg 2024; 170:812-820. [PMID: 37822124 DOI: 10.1002/ohn.562] [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: 06/13/2023] [Revised: 08/25/2023] [Accepted: 09/20/2023] [Indexed: 10/13/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To assess for the presence of positive outcome bias in the otolaryngology clinical trial literature. Specifically, we investigate the prevalence of clinical trials with positive findings (CTP) and clinical trials with negative findings (CTN), as well as their quality of evidence and subsequent impact. STUDY DESIGN Retrospective analysis. SETTING Clinical Trials in the Influential Otolaryngology Literature. METHODS We reviewed all clinical trials published in 4 major otolaryngology journals between 2000 and 2020. We constructed several multivariable regression models to investigate the relationship of finding direction with randomization status and citation count. Subsequently, we incorporated an interaction term between year and the primary covariate of each model to assess the temporal trajectory of these relationships. All models accounted for sample size, journal, subspecialty, and the affiliated program prestige. RESULTS Of the 1367 trials analyzed, 1143 (84%) were CTPs, a rate that persisted throughout the study period (aOR 1.00, 95% CI 0.98-1.03). CTPs were significantly less likely to be randomized compared to CTNs (aOR 0.25, 0.17-0.37), a relationship that persisted over time (aOR 1.05, 0.99-1.03). CTPs received significantly more citations compared to CTNs (aIRR 1.41, 1.25-1.60), a disparity that also persisted over time (aIRR 0.99, 0.97-1.01). CONCLUSION The otolaryngology clinical trial literature has been heavily dominated by positive findings. CTPs were more frequently cited and published even with a lower level of evidence compared to CTNs. This bias may influence the objectivity of evidence used to guide clinical practice and warrants attention when reviewing findings and changing practices.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hong-Ho Yang
- Department of Head and Neck Surgery, David Geffen School of Medicine at University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, California, USA
| | - Matthew Tsai
- Department of Biology, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, California, USA
| | - Laith Mukdad
- Department of Head and Neck Surgery, David Geffen School of Medicine at University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, California, USA
| | - Maie St John
- Department of Head and Neck Surgery, David Geffen School of Medicine at University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, California, USA
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Ho L, Chen X, Kwok YL, Wu IXY, Mao C, Chung VCH. Methodological quality of systematic reviews on sepsis treatments: A cross-sectional study. Am J Emerg Med 2024; 77:21-28. [PMID: 38096636 DOI: 10.1016/j.ajem.2023.12.001] [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: 09/12/2023] [Revised: 11/22/2023] [Accepted: 12/04/2023] [Indexed: 02/16/2024] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Systematic reviews (SRs) offer updated evidence to support decision-making on sepsis treatments. However, the rigour of SRs may vary, and methodological flaws may limit their validity in guiding clinical practice. This cross-sectional study appraised the methodological quality of SRs on sepsis treatments. METHODS We searched MEDLINE, EMBASE, and Cochrane Database for eligible SRs on randomised controlled trials on sepsis treatments with at least one meta-analysis published between 2018 and 2023. We extracted SRs' bibliographical characteristics with a pre-designed form and appraised their methodological quality using AMSTAR (A MeaSurement Tool to Assess systematic Reviews) 2. We applied logistic regressions to explore associations between bibliographical characteristics and methodological quality ratings. RESULTS Among the 102 SRs, two (2.0%) had high overall quality, while respectively four (3.9%), seven (6.9%) and 89 (87.3%) were of moderate, low, and critically low quality. Performance in several critical methodological domains was poor, with only 32 (31.4%) considering the risk of bias in primary studies in result interpretation, 22 (21.6%) explaining excluded primary studies, and 16 (15.7%) applying comprehensive searching strategies. SRs published in higher impact factor journals (adjusted odds ratio: 1.19; 95% confidence interval: 1.05 to 1.36) was associated with higher methodological quality. CONCLUSIONS The methodological quality of recent SRs on sepsis treatments is unsatisfactory. Future reviewers should address the above critical methodological aspects. More resources should also be allocated to support continuous training in critical appraisal among healthcare professionals and other evidence users.
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Affiliation(s)
- Leonard Ho
- Jockey Club School of Public Health and Primary Care, Faculty of Medicine, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shatin, New Territories, Hong Kong
| | - Xi Chen
- Jockey Club School of Public Health and Primary Care, Faculty of Medicine, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shatin, New Territories, Hong Kong; Jockey Club School of Public Health and Primary Care, Faculty of Medicine, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shatin, New Territories, Hong Kong
| | - Yan Ling Kwok
- Jockey Club School of Public Health and Primary Care, Faculty of Medicine, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shatin, New Territories, Hong Kong
| | - Irene X Y Wu
- Xiangya School of Public Health, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China; Hunan Provincial Key Laboratory of Clinical Epidemiology, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Chen Mao
- Department of Epidemiology, School of Public Health, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Vincent Chi Ho Chung
- Jockey Club School of Public Health and Primary Care, Faculty of Medicine, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shatin, New Territories, Hong Kong; School of Chinese Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shatin, New Territories, Hong Kong.
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Brennan L, Stres DP, Egboko F, Patel P, Broad E, Brewster L, Lunn J, Isba R. How do children's hospitals address health inequalities: a grey literature scoping review. BMJ Open 2024; 14:e079744. [PMID: 38171615 PMCID: PMC10773373 DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2023-079744] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/10/2023] [Accepted: 12/18/2023] [Indexed: 01/05/2024] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Health inequalities are systematic differences in health between people, which are avoidable and unfair. Globally, more political strategies are required to address health inequalities, which have increased since the global SARS-CoV-2/COVID-19 pandemic, with a disproportionate impact on children. This scoping review aimed to identify and collate information on how hospitals around the world that deliver care to children have addressed health inequalities. DESIGN Scoping review focused solely on grey literature. ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA FOR SELECTING STUDIES Following Joanna Briggs Institute guidelines, a four-step approach to identifying literature was adopted. DATA SOURCES Overton, OpenGrey, OpenMD, Trip Database, DuckDuckGo, Google, targeted websites and children's hospital websites were searched on March 2023 for items published since 2010. DATA EXTRACTION AND SYNTHESIS Retrieved items were screened against clear inclusion and exclusion criteria before data were extracted by two independent reviewers using a data extraction tool. Studies were tabulated by a hospital. A meta-analysis was not conducted due to the varied nature of studies and approaches. RESULTS Our study identified 26 approaches to reduction of health inequalities, from 17 children's hospitals. Approaches were categorised based on their size and scope. Seven approaches were defined as macro, including hospital-wide inequality strategies. Ten approaches were classed as meso, including the establishment of new departments and research centres. Micro approaches (n=9) included one-off projects or interventions offered to specific groups/services. Almost half of the reported approaches did not discuss the evaluation of impact. CONCLUSIONS Children's hospitals provide a suitable location to conduct public health interventions. This scoping review provides examples of approaches on three scales delivered at hospitals across high-income countries. Hospitals with the most comprehensive and extensive range of approaches employ dedicated staff within the hospital and community. This review indicates the value of recruitment of both public health-trained staff and culturally similar staff to deliver community-based interventions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Louise Brennan
- Lancaster Medical School, Lancaster University, Lancaster, UK
- Mersey and West Lancashire Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust, Prescot, UK
| | | | - Fiona Egboko
- Lancaster Medical School, Lancaster University, Lancaster, UK
| | - Pallavi Patel
- Lancaster Medical School, Lancaster University, Lancaster, UK
- Mersey and West Lancashire Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust, Prescot, UK
| | | | - Liz Brewster
- Lancaster Medical School, Lancaster University, Lancaster, UK
| | - Judith Lunn
- Lancaster Medical School, Lancaster University, Lancaster, UK
| | - Rachel Isba
- Lancaster Medical School, Lancaster University, Lancaster, UK
- Alder Hey Children's NHS Foundation Trust, Liverpool, UK
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Huang H, Chen Z, Zhu M, Deng X, Yu L, Weng H, Yao Y, Hong H, Fang X, Wang Z, Tian Y, Huang H, Lin T. Discontinuation and nonpublication of nasopharyngeal carcinoma clinical trials. Oral Oncol 2024; 148:106656. [PMID: 38065019 DOI: 10.1016/j.oraloncology.2023.106656] [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: 09/14/2023] [Revised: 11/25/2023] [Accepted: 11/30/2023] [Indexed: 12/25/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES To determine the extent of research waste in the field of nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC). MATERIALS AND METHODS In this cross-sectional study, we explored the rates, causes and predictors of discontinuation and nonpublication of NPC clinical trials. The sample was derived using the ClinicalTrials.gov advanced search function. Adjusted logistic regression was used to ascertain the effect of trial characteristics on completion and publication status. If a trial discontinuation explanation or publication status could not be determined through the systematic search, the corresponding author was emailed. RESULTS Ultimately, 311 NPC clinical trials were included (255 [82.0 %] completed and 56 [18.0 %] discontinued trials). The most common reason for trial discontinuation was poor accrual (50 %, 23/46). Industry funding (adjusted OR, 3.12; P = 0.003) and recurrent/metastatic setting (adjusted OR, 11.95; P = 0.003) were significantly associated with increased likelihood of trial discontinuation. Of the 207 completed trials included in the publication query, 141 (68.1 %) were published in peer-reviewed journals, 10 (4.8 %) had results only available on ClinicalTrials.gov, and 56 (27.1 %) remained unpublished 3 or more years after trial completion. Radiation with or without pharmacologic interventions significantly increased the potential of publication (adjusted OR, 3.20; P = 0.048). Among published trials, the median time to publication was 28.47 months (interquartile range, 15.27-44.98 months). CONCLUSION We identified the difficulties inherent in NPC clinical trials from completion to publication. This represents considerable research waste in NPC, thus raising ethical concerns about the concealment of clinical data and futile patient participation and attendant risks.
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Affiliation(s)
- Huageng Huang
- Department of Oncology, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Guangdong Key Laboratory of Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma Diagnosis and Therapy, Guangdong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Guangzhou 510060, PR China
| | - Zegeng Chen
- Department of Oncology, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Guangdong Key Laboratory of Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma Diagnosis and Therapy, Guangdong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Guangzhou 510060, PR China
| | - Manyi Zhu
- Department of Radiation Oncology, National Cancer Center/National Clinical Research Center for Cancer/Cancer Hospital and Shenzhen Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Shenzhen 518116, Guangdong, PR China
| | - Xinyi Deng
- Department of Dermatology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510120, PR China
| | - Le Yu
- Department of Oncology, Senior Ward and Phase I Clinical Trial Ward, Sichuan Cancer Hospital & Institute, Sichuan Cancer Center, School of Medicine, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, Sichuan 610000, PR China
| | - Huawei Weng
- Department of Oncology, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Guangdong Key Laboratory of Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma Diagnosis and Therapy, Guangdong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Guangzhou 510060, PR China; Department of Oncology, Senior Ward and Phase I Clinical Trial Ward, Sichuan Cancer Hospital & Institute, Sichuan Cancer Center, School of Medicine, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, Sichuan 610000, PR China
| | - Yuyi Yao
- Department of Oncology, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Guangdong Key Laboratory of Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma Diagnosis and Therapy, Guangdong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Guangzhou 510060, PR China
| | - Huangming Hong
- Department of Oncology, Senior Ward and Phase I Clinical Trial Ward, Sichuan Cancer Hospital & Institute, Sichuan Cancer Center, School of Medicine, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, Sichuan 610000, PR China
| | - Xiaojie Fang
- Department of Oncology, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Guangdong Key Laboratory of Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma Diagnosis and Therapy, Guangdong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Guangzhou 510060, PR China
| | - Zhao Wang
- Department of Oncology, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Guangdong Key Laboratory of Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma Diagnosis and Therapy, Guangdong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Guangzhou 510060, PR China
| | - Ying Tian
- Department of Oncology, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Guangdong Key Laboratory of Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma Diagnosis and Therapy, Guangdong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Guangzhou 510060, PR China
| | - He Huang
- Department of Oncology, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Guangdong Key Laboratory of Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma Diagnosis and Therapy, Guangdong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Guangzhou 510060, PR China.
| | - Tongyu Lin
- Department of Oncology, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Guangdong Key Laboratory of Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma Diagnosis and Therapy, Guangdong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Guangzhou 510060, PR China; Department of Oncology, Senior Ward and Phase I Clinical Trial Ward, Sichuan Cancer Hospital & Institute, Sichuan Cancer Center, School of Medicine, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, Sichuan 610000, PR China.
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Pedersen C, Tai S, Valley E, Henry K, Duarte-García A, Singla S, Putman M. Unpublished clinical trials of common rheumatic diseases. Rheumatology (Oxford) 2023; 62:3811-3818. [PMID: 36971599 DOI: 10.1093/rheumatology/kead141] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/07/2023] [Accepted: 03/18/2023] [Indexed: 12/03/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) provide high-quality evidence for treatment efficacy, but many RCTs remain unpublished. The objective of this study was to describe the proportion of unpublished RCTs in five rheumatic diseases and to identify factors associated with publication. METHODS Registered RCTs for five rheumatic diseases (SLE, vasculitis, spondyloarthritis, SS and PsA) with over 30 months since study completion were identified using ClinicalTrials.gov. Index publications were identified by NCT ID numbers and structured text searches of publication databases. The results of unpublished studies were identified in abstracts and press releases; reasons for non-publication were assessed by surveying corresponding authors. RESULTS Out of 203 studies that met eligibility criteria, 17.2% remained unpublished, representing data from 4281 trial participants. Higher proportions of published trials were phase 3 RCTs (57.1% vs 28.6% unpublished, P < 0.05) or had a positive primary outcome measure (64.9% vs 25.7% unpublished, P < 0.001). In a multivariable Cox proportional hazards model, a positive outcome was independently associated with publication (hazard ratio 1.55; 95% CI: 1.09, 2.22). Corresponding authors of 10 unpublished trials cited ongoing preparation of the manuscript (50.0%), sponsor/funder issues (40.0%) and unimportant/negative result (20.0%) as reasons for lack of publication. CONCLUSIONS Nearly one in five RCTs in rheumatology remain unpublished 2 years after trial completion, and publication is associated with positive primary outcome measures. Efforts to encourage universal publication of rheumatology RCTs and reanalysis of previously unpublished trials should be undertaken.
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Affiliation(s)
- Connor Pedersen
- Department of Medicine, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, WI, USA
| | - Shannon Tai
- Department of Medicine, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, WI, USA
| | - Erin Valley
- Department of Medicine, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, WI, USA
| | - Kathryn Henry
- Department of Medicine, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, WI, USA
| | | | - Shikha Singla
- Department of Medicine, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, WI, USA
| | - Michael Putman
- Department of Medicine, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, WI, USA
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Zannad F, Crea F, Keaney J, Spencer S, Hill JA, Pfeffer MA, Pocock S, Raderschadt E, Ross JS, Sacks CA, Van Spall HGC, Winslow R, Jessup M. Rapid, accurate publication and dissemination of clinical trial results: benefits and challenges. Eur Heart J 2023; 44:4220-4229. [PMID: 37165687 DOI: 10.1093/eurheartj/ehad279] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/06/2023] [Revised: 03/13/2023] [Accepted: 04/02/2023] [Indexed: 05/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Large-scale clinical trials are essential in cardiology and require rapid, accurate publication, and dissemination. Whereas conference presentations, press releases, and social media disseminate information quickly and often receive considerable coverage by mainstream and healthcare media, they lack detail, may emphasize selected data, and can be open to misinterpretation. Preprint servers speed access to research manuscripts while awaiting acceptance for publication by a journal, but these articles are not formally peer-reviewed and sometimes overstate the findings. Publication of trial results in a major journal is very demanding but the use of existing checklists can help accelerate the process. In case of rejection, procedures such as easing formatting requirements and possibly carrying over peer-review to other journals could speed resubmission. Secondary publications can help maximize benefits from clinical trials; publications of secondary endpoints and subgroup analyses further define treatment effects and the patient populations most likely to benefit. These rely on data access, and although data sharing is becoming more common, many challenges remain. Beyond publication in medical journals, there is a need for wider knowledge dissemination to maximize impact on clinical practice. This might be facilitated through plain language summary publications. Social media, websites, mainstream news outlets, and other publications, although not peer-reviewed, are important sources of medical information for both the public and for clinicians. This underscores the importance of ensuring that the information is understandable, accessible, balanced, and trustworthy. This report is based on discussions held on December 2021, at the 18th Global Cardiovascular Clinical Trialists meeting, involving a panel of editors of some of the top medical journals, as well as members of the lay press, industry, and clinical trialists.
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Affiliation(s)
- Faiez Zannad
- Université de Lorraine, INSERM, CIC 1439, Institut Lorrain du Coeur et des Vaisseaux, CHU 54500, Vandoeuvre-lès-Nancy, France
| | - Filippo Crea
- Department of Cardiovascular and Pneumological Sciences, Catholic University of the Sacred Heart, Rome 00168, Italy
| | - John Keaney
- Division of Cardiovascular Medicine, Heart and Vascular Center, Brigham and Women's Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | | | - Joseph A Hill
- Department of Internal Medicine and Department of Molecular Biology, UT Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX 75390, USA
| | - Marc A Pfeffer
- Cardiovascular Division, Brigham and Women's Hospital, and Harvard Medical School Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Stuart Pocock
- Department of Medical Statistics, London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, London, WC1E 7HT, UK
| | - Emma Raderschadt
- Global Medical Affairs, Boehringer Ingelheim, Siegburg, 55218, Germany
| | - Joseph S Ross
- Department of Medicine, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, 06510, USA
| | | | - Harriette G C Van Spall
- Department of Medicine, and Department of Health Research Methods, Evidence, and Impact, McMaster University; Population Health Research Institute; Research Institute of St. Joseph's, Hamilton, ON L8N 4A6, Canada
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Rivero-de-Aguilar A, Pérez-Ríos M, Ruano-Raviña A, Candal-Pedreira C, Puente-Hernandez M, Ross JS, Varela-Lema L. Evidence of publication bias in multiple sclerosis clinical trials: a comparative analysis of published and unpublished studies registered in ClinicalTrials.gov. J Neurol Neurosurg Psychiatry 2023; 94:597-604. [PMID: 36977551 DOI: 10.1136/jnnp-2023-331132] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/19/2023] [Accepted: 03/14/2023] [Indexed: 03/30/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Complete and timely publication of clinical trials ensures that patients and the medical community are fully informed when making treatment decisions. The aim of this study is to assess the publication of phase III and IV clinical trials on multiple sclerosis (MS) drugs that have been carried out between 2010 and 2019 and to identify the factors associated with their publication in peer-reviewed journals. METHODS An advanced search in ClinicalTrials.gov was performed and consecutive searches in PubMed, EMBASE and Google Scholar were conducted looking for the associated publications of all completed trials. Study design characteristics, results and other relevant information were extracted. Data was analysed following a case-control design. Clinical trials with associated publications in peer-reviewed journals were the cases and unpublished trials were the controls. A multivariate logistic regression analysis was performed to identify factors associated with trial publication. RESULTS One hundred and fifty clinical trials were included in the analysis. Ninety-six of them (64.0%) were published in peer-reviewed journals. In the multivariate analysis, factors associated with trial publication were a favourable primary outcome (OR 12.49, 95% CI 1.28 to 122.29) and reaching the originally estimated sample size (OR 41.97, 95% CI 1.96 to 900.48), while those associated with a lower odds of publication were having 20% or more patients lost to follow-up (OR 0.03, 95% CI 0.01 to 0.52) and evaluating drugs intended to improve treatment tolerability (OR 0.01, 95% CI 0.00 to 0.74). CONCLUSIONS Phase III and IV clinical trials on MS drugs are prone to under-reporting and publication bias. Efforts must be made to promote a complete and accurate dissemination of data in MS clinical research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alejandro Rivero-de-Aguilar
- Department of Preventive Medicine and Public Health, University of Santiago de Compostela, Santiago de Compostela, Spain
- Department of Neurology, University Hospital Complex of Pontevedra, Pontevedra, Spain
| | - Mónica Pérez-Ríos
- Department of Preventive Medicine and Public Health, University of Santiago de Compostela, Santiago de Compostela, Spain
- Health Research Institute of Santiago de Compostela (IDIS), Santiago de Compostela, Spain
| | - Alberto Ruano-Raviña
- Department of Preventive Medicine and Public Health, University of Santiago de Compostela, Santiago de Compostela, Spain
- Health Research Institute of Santiago de Compostela (IDIS), Santiago de Compostela, Spain
| | - Cristina Candal-Pedreira
- Department of Preventive Medicine and Public Health, University of Santiago de Compostela, Santiago de Compostela, Spain
- Health Research Institute of Santiago de Compostela (IDIS), Santiago de Compostela, Spain
| | | | - Joseph S Ross
- Department of Internal Medicine, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut, USA
- Department of Health Policy and Management, Yale University School of Public Health, New Haven, Connecticut, USA
| | - Leonor Varela-Lema
- Department of Preventive Medicine and Public Health, University of Santiago de Compostela, Santiago de Compostela, Spain
- Health Research Institute of Santiago de Compostela (IDIS), Santiago de Compostela, Spain
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10
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Morrow RL, Mintzes B, Gray G, Law MR, Garrison S, Dormuth CR. Factors relating to nonpublication and publication bias in clinical trials in Canada: A qualitative interview study. Br J Clin Pharmacol 2023; 89:1198-1206. [PMID: 36268743 DOI: 10.1111/bcp.15574] [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: 05/28/2022] [Revised: 09/02/2022] [Accepted: 10/11/2022] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
AIMS This study aims to understand factors contributing to nonpublication and publication bias in clinical trials in Canada. METHODS Qualitative interviews were conducted between March 2019 and April 2021 with 34 participants from the Canadian provinces of Alberta, British Columbia and Ontario, including 17 clinical trial investigators, 1 clinical research coordinator, 3 research administrators, 3 research ethics board members and 10 clinical trial participants. We conducted a thematic analysis involving coding of interview transcripts and memo-writing to identify key themes. RESULTS Several factors contribute to nonpublication and publication bias in clinical trial research. A core theme was that reporting practices are shaped by incentives within the research system taht favour publication of positive over negative trials. Investigators are discouraged from reporting by experiences or perceptions of difficulty in publishing negative findings but rewarded for publishing positive findings in various ways. Trial investigators more strongly associated positive clinical trials than negative trials with opportunities for industry and nonindustry funding and with academic promotion, bonuses and recognition. Research institutions and ethics boards tended to lack well-resourced, proactive policies and practices to ensure trial findings are reported in registries or journals. CONCLUSION Clinical trial reporting practices in Canada are shaped by incentives favouring reporting of positive over negative trials, such as funding opportunities and academic promotion, bonuses and recognition. Research institutions could help change incentives by adopting performance metrics that emphasize full reporting of results in journals or registries.
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Affiliation(s)
- Richard L Morrow
- Department of Anesthesiology, Pharmacology & Therapeutics, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Barbara Mintzes
- School of Pharmacy, University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Garry Gray
- Department of Sociology, University of Victoria, Victoria, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Michael R Law
- Centre for Health Services and Policy Research, School of Population and Public Health, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Scott Garrison
- Department of Family Medicine, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
| | - Colin R Dormuth
- Department of Anesthesiology, Pharmacology & Therapeutics, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
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11
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Patry C, Cordts S, Baumann L, Höcker B, Fichtner A, Ries M, Tönshoff B. Publication rate and research topics of studies in pediatric kidney transplantation. Pediatr Transplant 2022; 26:e14262. [PMID: 35253962 DOI: 10.1111/petr.14262] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2021] [Revised: 01/22/2022] [Accepted: 02/17/2022] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The quality of medical care for pediatric kidney transplant recipients depends on sound evidence from published clinical trials. METHODS We examined the publication rate, time to publication, and factors associated with publication of studies in pediatric kidney transplantation registered on ClinicalTrials.gov from 1999 to 2020. RESULTS We identified 136 studies with an overall enrollment of 36255 study participants, of which only 58.8% have been published yet. Unpublished studies included data from 14 350 participants. The median time to publication was 25 months (range, 0-117) with a significantly shorter time to publication in more recent years. The most frequently investigated research topic was immunosuppressants (49.3%), followed by perioperative management (11.0%) and infectiology (10.3%). The percentage of published studies was highest for the topic steroid withdrawal (87.5%), followed by infectiology (78.6%), and nutrition, sports and quality of life (71.4%). Studies, which were co-funded by industry, showed a significantly higher 5-year publication rate (p = 0.019). CONCLUSIONS In conclusion, nearly half of all studies in pediatric kidney transplantation remain unpublished. Non-publication of studies might lead to a publication bias with a negative impact on clinical decision-making.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christian Patry
- Department of Pediatrics I, University Children's Hospital Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Stefanie Cordts
- Department of Pediatrics I, University Children's Hospital Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Lukas Baumann
- Institute of Medical Biometry, University of Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Britta Höcker
- Department of Pediatrics I, University Children's Hospital Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Alexander Fichtner
- Department of Pediatrics I, University Children's Hospital Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Markus Ries
- Department of Pediatrics I, University Children's Hospital Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Burkhard Tönshoff
- Department of Pediatrics I, University Children's Hospital Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany
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12
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Penm J, Narayan S, Alffenaar J, Johnson JL, Mirkov S, Page AT, Pont LG, Patanwala AE. A benchmarking scoping review of research output from hospital pharmacy departments in Australia. JOURNAL OF PHARMACY PRACTICE AND RESEARCH 2022. [DOI: 10.1002/jppr.1809] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Jonathan Penm
- School of Pharmacy, Faculty of Medicine and Health The University of Sydney Sydney Australia
- Department of Pharmacy Prince of Wales Hospital Randwick Australia
| | - Sujita Narayan
- School of Pharmacy, Faculty of Medicine and Health The University of Sydney Sydney Australia
| | - Jan‐Willem Alffenaar
- School of Pharmacy, Faculty of Medicine and Health The University of Sydney Sydney Australia
- Westmead Hospital Westmead Australia
- Sydney Institute of Infectious Diseases The University of Sydney Sydney Australia
| | - Jacinta L. Johnson
- UniSA Clinical and Health Sciences University of South Australia Adelaide Australia
- SA Pharmacy Statewide Clinical Support Services, SA Health Adelaide Australia
| | - Sanja Mirkov
- Cairns and Hinterland Hospital and Health Service Cairns Australia
| | - Amy T. Page
- Pharmacy Department Alfred Health Melbourne Australia
- Centre for Medicine Use and Safety Monash University Parkville Australia
- Centre for Optimization of Medicines School of Allied Health University of Western Australia Crawley Australia
| | - Lisa G. Pont
- Discipline of Pharmacy, Graduate School of Health University of Technology Sydney Sydney Australia
- Department of Pharmacy Westmead Hospital Westmead Australia
| | - Asad E. Patanwala
- School of Pharmacy, Faculty of Medicine and Health The University of Sydney Sydney Australia
- Department of Pharmacy Royal Prince Alfred Hospital Camperdown Australia
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13
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Phillips WR. Publicatus Interruptus: An Endemic Syndrome Disabling Research and Researchers. J Gen Intern Med 2022; 37:1774-1776. [PMID: 34981349 PMCID: PMC9130368 DOI: 10.1007/s11606-021-07291-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/06/2021] [Accepted: 11/17/2021] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- William R Phillips
- Department of Family Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, Box 356390, USA. .,, Edmonds, USA.
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14
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Landerdahl Stridsberg S, Richardson MX, Redekop K, Ehn M, Wamala Andersson S. Gray Literature in Evaluating Effectiveness in Digital Health and Health and Welfare Technology: A Source Worth Considering. J Med Internet Res 2022; 24:e29307. [PMID: 35319479 PMCID: PMC8987953 DOI: 10.2196/29307] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/01/2021] [Revised: 07/08/2021] [Accepted: 12/02/2021] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Background The need to assess the effectiveness and value of interventions involving digital health and health and welfare technologies is becoming increasingly important due to the rapidly growing development of these technologies and their areas of application. Systematic reviews of scientific literature are a mainstay of such assessment, but publications outside the realm of traditional scientific bibliographic databases—known as gray literature—are often not included. This is a disadvantage, particularly apparent in the health and welfare technology (HWT) domain. Objective The aim of this article is to investigate the significance of gray literature in digital health and HWT when reviewing literature. As an example, the impact of including gray literature to the result of two systematic reviews in HWT is examined. Methods In this paper, we identify, discuss, and suggest methods for including gray literature sources when evaluating effectiveness and appropriateness for different review types related to HWT. The analysis also includes established sources, search strategies, documentation, and reporting of searches, as well as bias and credibility assessment. The differences in comparison to scientific bibliographic databases are elucidated. We describe the results, challenges, and benefits of including gray literature in 2 examples of systematic reviews of HWT. Results In the 2 systematic reviews described in this paper, most included studies came from context-specific gray literature sources. Gray literature contributed to the overall result of the reviews and corresponded well with the reviews’ aims. The assessed risk of bias of the included studies derived from gray literature was similar to the included studies from other types of sources. However, because of less standardized publication formats, assessing and extracting data from gray literature studies were more time-consuming and compiling statistical results was not possible. The search process for gray literature required more time and the reproducibility of gray literature searches were less certain due to more unstable publication platforms. Conclusions Gray literature is particularly relevant for digital health and HWT but searches need to be conducted systematically and reported transparently. This way gray literature can broaden the range of studies, highlight context specificity, and decrease the publication bias of reviews of effectiveness of HWT. Thus, researchers conducting systematic reviews related to HWT should consider including gray literature based on a systematic approach.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Matt X Richardson
- School of Health and Welfare, Mälardalen University, Eskilstuna, Sweden
| | - Ken Redekop
- Erasmus School of Health Policy and Management, Erasmus Universiteit Rotterdam, Rotterdam, Netherlands
| | - Maria Ehn
- School of Innovation, Design, and Engineering, Mälardalen University, Västerås, Sweden
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15
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Hartwell M, Sajjadi NB, Shepard S, Whelan J, Roberts J, Ford AI, Beaman J, Vassar M. Rates of discontinuation and non-publication of trials for the pharmacologic treatment of alcohol use disorder. Subst Abus 2022; 43:906-912. [DOI: 10.1080/08897077.2021.2010261] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Micah Hartwell
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, College of Osteopathic Medicine, Oklahoma State University Center for Health Sciences, Tulsa, OK, USA
- Office of Medical Student Research, Oklahoma State University Center for Health Sciences, Tulsa, OK, USA
| | - Nicholas B. Sajjadi
- Office of Medical Student Research, Oklahoma State University Center for Health Sciences, Tulsa, OK, USA
| | - Samuel Shepard
- Office of Medical Student Research, Oklahoma State University Center for Health Sciences, Tulsa, OK, USA
| | - John Whelan
- Office of Medical Student Research, Oklahoma State University Center for Health Sciences, Tulsa, OK, USA
| | - Jamie Roberts
- Clinical Research Networks and Recruitment Innovation, Duke Clinical and Translational Science Institute, Durham, NC, USA
| | - Alicia Ito Ford
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, College of Osteopathic Medicine, Oklahoma State University Center for Health Sciences, Tulsa, OK, USA
| | - Jason Beaman
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, College of Osteopathic Medicine, Oklahoma State University Center for Health Sciences, Tulsa, OK, USA
- National Center for Wellness and Recovery, Oklahoma State University Center for Health Sciences, Tulsa, OK, USA
| | - Matt Vassar
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, College of Osteopathic Medicine, Oklahoma State University Center for Health Sciences, Tulsa, OK, USA
- Office of Medical Student Research, Oklahoma State University Center for Health Sciences, Tulsa, OK, USA
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16
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Balhatchet B, Schütze H, Awais A, Williams N. Publication rate of abstracts presented at the Australian Orthopaedic Association Annual Scientific Meeting. ANZ J Surg 2022; 92:493-498. [PMID: 35119773 PMCID: PMC9303558 DOI: 10.1111/ans.17516] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/03/2021] [Revised: 01/02/2022] [Accepted: 01/13/2022] [Indexed: 12/01/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Presentations at scientific conferences are an important method of research dissemination, with abstracts often used to inform clinical practice. Abstract to publication ratio is a commonly used tool for determining meeting quality. The aim of this study was to determine the publication rate for abstracts presented at the Australian Orthopaedic Association Annual Scientific Meeting (AOA ASM) between 2012 and 2015 inclusive and identify reasons for non-publication. METHODS MEDLINE, PubMed and Google Scholar were searched to determine whether each abstract presented at AOA ASMs between 2012 and 2015 was associated with a full text publication in a peer-reviewed journal. Where a publication could not be located, the presenter was contacted to confirm the reason for non-publication. RESULTS A total of 1130 abstracts were submitted (951 oral and 179 posters), and 573 resulted in full-text peer-reviewed publications (51%). The majority of publications (73%) were published within 2 years of presentation. There was no difference in likelihood of publication for oral presentations compared to posters, nor in the rate of publication across the 4 years of meetings. Common reasons for non-publication were lack of time (32%), publication considered low priority (27%) and journal rejections (22%). CONCLUSION The overall publication rate for abstracts presented at the AOA ASM is 51%, which is an increase from the 1998 ASM (31%). This publication rate is higher than many similar Australian meetings and on par with other international orthopaedic and subspecialty meetings. Future research should investigate potential publication bias and methods to minimise barriers to publication.
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Affiliation(s)
- Belinda Balhatchet
- Australian Orthopaedic AssociationSydneyNew South WalesAustralia
- Faculty of MedicineUniversity of WollongongWollongongNew South WalesAustralia
| | - Heike Schütze
- Faculty of MedicineUniversity of WollongongWollongongNew South WalesAustralia
- Faculty of MedicineUNSW SydneySydneyNew South WalesAustralia
| | - Anum Awais
- Department of Orthopaedic SurgeryRoyal Adelaide HospitalAdelaideSouth AustraliaAustralia
- Centre for Orthopaedic and Trauma ResearchUniversity of AdelaideAdelaideSouth AustraliaAustralia
| | - Nicole Williams
- Australian Orthopaedic AssociationSydneyNew South WalesAustralia
- Centre for Orthopaedic and Trauma ResearchUniversity of AdelaideAdelaideSouth AustraliaAustralia
- Department of Orthopaedic SurgeryWomen & Children's HospitalAdelaideSouth AustraliaAustralia
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17
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Frank RA, Fabiano N, Hallgrimson Z, Korevaar DA, Cohen JF, Bossuyt PM, Leeflang MMG, Moher D, McInnes MDF, Treanor L, Salameh JP, McGrath TA, Sharifabadi AD, Atyani A, Kazi S, Choo-Foo J, Asraoui N, Alabousi M, Ha W, Prager R, Rooprai P, Pozdnyakov A, John S, Osman H, Islam N, Li N, Gauthier ID, Absi M, Kraaijpoel N, Ebrahimzadeh S, Port JD, Stoker J, Klein JS, Schweitzer M. Association of Accuracy, Conclusions, and Reporting Completeness With Acceptance by Radiology Conferences and Journals. J Magn Reson Imaging 2022; 56:380-390. [PMID: 34997786 DOI: 10.1002/jmri.28046] [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: 10/07/2021] [Revised: 11/29/2021] [Accepted: 12/16/2021] [Indexed: 01/10/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Preferential publication of studies with positive findings can lead to overestimation of diagnostic test accuracy (i.e. publication bias). Understanding the contribution of the editorial process to publication bias could inform interventions to optimize the evidence guiding clinical decisions. PURPOSE/HYPOTHESIS To evaluate whether accuracy estimates, abstract conclusion positivity, and completeness of abstract reporting are associated with acceptance to radiology conferences and journals. STUDY TYPE Meta-research. POPULATION Abstracts submitted to radiology conferences (European Society of Gastrointestinal and Abdominal Radiology (ESGAR) and International Society for Magnetic Resonance in Medicine (ISMRM)) from 2008 to 2018 and manuscripts submitted to radiology journals (Radiology, Journal of Magnetic Resonance Imaging [JMRI]) from 2017 to 2018. Primary clinical studies evaluating sensitivity and specificity of a diagnostic imaging test in humans with available editorial decisions were included. ASSESSMENT Primary variables (Youden's index [YI > 0.8 vs. <0.8], abstract conclusion positivity [positive vs. neutral/negative], number of reported items on the Standards for Reporting of Diagnostic Accuracy Studies [STARD] for Abstract guideline) and confounding variables (prospective vs. retrospective/unreported, sample size, study duration, interobserver agreement assessment, subspecialty, modality) were extracted. STATISTICAL TESTS Multivariable logistic regression to obtain adjusted odds ratio (OR) as a measure of the association between the primary variables and acceptance by radiology conferences and journals; 95% confidence intervals (CIs) and P-values were obtained; the threshold for statistical significance was P < 0.05. RESULTS A total of 1000 conference abstracts (500 ESGAR and 500 ISMRM) and 1000 journal manuscripts (505 Radiology and 495 JMRI) were included. Conference abstract acceptance was not significantly associated with YI (adjusted OR = 0.97 for YI > 0.8; CI = 0.70-1.35), conclusion positivity (OR = 1.21 for positive conclusions; CI = 0.75-1.90) or STARD for Abstracts adherence (OR = 0.96 per unit increase in reported items; CI = 0.82-1.18). Manuscripts with positive abstract conclusions were less likely to be accepted by radiology journals (OR = 0.45; CI = 0.24-0.86), while YI (OR = 0.85; CI = 0.56-1.29) and STARD for Abstracts adherence (OR = 1.06; CI = 0.87-1.30) showed no significant association. Positive conclusions were present in 86.7% of submitted conference abstracts and 90.2% of journal manuscripts. DATA CONCLUSION Diagnostic test accuracy studies with positive findings were not preferentially accepted by the evaluated radiology conferences or journals. EVIDENCE LEVEL 3 TECHNICAL EFFICACY: Stage 2.
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Affiliation(s)
- Robert A Frank
- Department of Radiology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Canada
| | - Nicholas Fabiano
- Department of Radiology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Canada
| | - Zachary Hallgrimson
- Department of Radiology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Canada
| | - Daniël A Korevaar
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, Amsterdam University Medical Centers, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Jérémie F Cohen
- Department of Pediatrics and Inserm UMR 1153 (Centre of Research in Epidemiology and Statistics), Necker - Enfants Malades Hospital, Assistance Publique - Hôpitaux de Paris, Université de Paris, Paris, France
| | - Patrick M Bossuyt
- Epidemiology and Data Science, Amsterdam Public Health Research Institute, Amsterdam UMC, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Mariska M G Leeflang
- Epidemiology and Data Science, Amsterdam Public Health Research Institute, Amsterdam UMC, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - David Moher
- Clinical Epidemiology Program, Ottawa Hospital Research Institute, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Canada
| | - Matthew D F McInnes
- Department of Radiology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Canada.,Clinical Epidemiology Program, Ottawa Hospital Research Institute, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Canada
| | | | - Lee Treanor
- Department of Radiology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Canada
| | - Jean-Paul Salameh
- Clinical Epidemiology Program, Ottawa Hospital Research Institute, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Canada.,Faculty of Health Sciences, Queen's University, Kingston, Ontario, Canada
| | - Trevor A McGrath
- Department of Radiology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Canada
| | | | - Almohannad Atyani
- Department of Radiology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Canada
| | - Sakib Kazi
- Department of Radiology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Canada
| | - Jade Choo-Foo
- Department of Radiology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Canada
| | - Nabil Asraoui
- Department of Radiology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Canada
| | | | - Winston Ha
- Department of Radiology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Canada
| | - Ross Prager
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Canada
| | - Paul Rooprai
- Department of Radiology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Canada
| | - Alex Pozdnyakov
- Department of Radiology, McMaster University, Hamilton, Canada
| | - Susan John
- Department of Radiology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Canada
| | - Heba Osman
- Department of Radiology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Canada
| | - Nayaar Islam
- Clinical Epidemiology Program, Ottawa Hospital Research Institute, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Canada
| | - Nicole Li
- Department of Radiology, McMaster University, Hamilton, Canada
| | - Isabelle D Gauthier
- Department of Radiology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Canada
| | - Marissa Absi
- Department of Radiology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Canada
| | - Noëmie Kraaijpoel
- Department of Vascular Medicine, Amsterdam UMC, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Sanam Ebrahimzadeh
- Clinical Epidemiology Program, Ottawa Hospital Research Institute, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Canada
| | - John D Port
- Department of Radiology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota, USA
| | - Jaap Stoker
- Department of Radiology and Nuclear Medicine, Amsterdam UMC, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Jeffrey S Klein
- Department of Radiology, University of Vermont Medical Center, Burlington, Vermont, USA
| | - Mark Schweitzer
- Department of Radiology, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, Michigan, USA
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Winnie K, Jackson JT, Ledford CJW. Writing Rounds: An Innovation to Increase Physician Scientific Dissemination. PRIMER (LEAWOOD, KAN.) 2021; 5:34. [PMID: 34841209 PMCID: PMC8612585 DOI: 10.22454/primer.2021.178789] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Many high-quality studies presented at conferences never reach the peer-reviewed literature, most likely because physician authors do not take the next step to fully write up the studies and submit them to a journal. We evaluated a curriculum designed to equip authors with the practical skills to submit research projects to peer-reviewed publication. METHODS We designed a mixed asynchronous-synchronous longitudinal curriculum, occurring across 4 months via a virtual platform. To evaluate the curriculum, we tracked process and production outcomes and conducted semistructured interviews with participants following participation. RESULTS Across two cohorts in 2019, nine participant authors completed the curriculum. Seven participants submitted their studies for publication; two were accepted. In interviews with eight participants, participant authors described the value of the program, expressing intention to participate again and to recommend it to colleagues. CONCLUSION Through a coach-directed writing group, participant authors developed the skills and confidence needed to prepare and submit scientific manuscripts for peer review. Curriculum maintenance and enhancement is ongoing. We plan to scale up this innovation in support of other university departments and medical disciplines, developing an implementation guide to describe needed elements, including technological platforms, qualities of the coach, author recruitment, and group conduct.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kirsten Winnie
- Department of Family Medicine, Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences | and Travis Air Force Base Family Medicine Residency, Travis AFB, CA
| | - Jeremy T Jackson
- Henry M. Jackson Foundation, Bethesda, MD | and Military Primary Care Research Network, Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences, Department of Family Medicine, Bethesda, MD
| | - Christy J W Ledford
- Department of Family Medicine, Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences, Bethesda, MD
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19
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The publication rate of presented abstracts at a congress and determining its publication factor. JOURNAL OF SURGERY AND MEDICINE 2021. [DOI: 10.28982/josam.813845] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
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20
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Parikh A, Markle J, Venincasa M, Kuriyan AE, Gupta M, Sridhar J. POSITIVE RESULTS BIAS AND IMPACT FACTOR IN RETINA CLINICAL TRIALS 2016 to 2019. Retina 2021; 41:1697-1700. [PMID: 33438897 DOI: 10.1097/iae.0000000000003107] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE To assess for a positive results bias in recently published randomized controlled trials in the field of vitreoretinal disease. METHODS A bibliometric analysis was conducted examining randomized controlled trials published in the field of retina between January 1, 2016, and December 31, 2019. Studies were classified as positive result or negative result based on the statistical significance of their primary outcome. Publication date and sample size were documented. These variables were compared against Journal Citation Reports Impact Factor in the year of publication. RESULTS Two hundred and eighty-eight randomized controlled trials from 64 unique journals were included and analyzed. One hundred and eighty-five (64.2%) studies were classified as positive result, and 103 (35.8%) studies were classified as negative result. There was no association between impact factor and positive result. Studies classified as positive result had larger sample sizes, and higher sample size was associated with higher impact factor. CONCLUSION These results do not support the presence of a recent positive results bias in retina randomized controlled trials. This is reassuring, although several factors could be contributing to this finding including studies that were conducted but never submitted and selective reporting of outcomes. Thus, it will be important to remain cognizant of potential publication biases moving forward.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ankur Parikh
- Northeast Ohio Medical University, Rootstown, Ohio
| | | | - Michael Venincasa
- Bascom Palmer Eye Institute at the University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, Florida
| | - Ajay E Kuriyan
- Mid Atlantic Retina, Retina Service of Wills Eye Hospital, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania ; and
| | - Mrinali Gupta
- Retina Associates of Orange County, Laguna Hills, California
| | - Jayanth Sridhar
- Bascom Palmer Eye Institute at the University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, Florida
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Luck KE, Doucet S. A rapid review exploring nurse-led memory clinics. Nurs Open 2021; 8:1538-1549. [PMID: 34102023 PMCID: PMC8186716 DOI: 10.1002/nop2.688] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/15/2020] [Revised: 08/18/2020] [Accepted: 10/27/2020] [Indexed: 01/23/2023] Open
Abstract
AIMS To systematically explore the structures, functions, outcomes, roles and nursing credentials of memory clinics where nurses autonomously lead diagnosis and postdiagnostic care. DESIGN A systematic rapid review was conducted. DATA SOURCES MEDLINE (Ovid), CINAHL Full-Text (EBSCO) and EMBASE were systematically searched in December 2019 with no timeframe limitations imposed. REVIEW METHODS The modified PRISMA checklist was used as a guide to facilitate the review. Articles identified were screened and assessed for inclusion criteria, and screening of reference lists of included studies was also completed. RESULTS Six articles, published between 2011-2019, including two case studies, two descriptive reports, one qualitative study and one programme evaluation were included in the review. Nurse-led memory clinics were situated in community centres, on university campuses, hospitals and in general practitioners' offices. The services offered included assessment, diagnosis and treatment/postdiagnostic care. Nurse credentials included advanced practice nurses and a community psychiatric nurse who was a non-medical prescriber. Overall, there was low quantity and quality of evidence to evaluate outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Shelley Doucet
- University of New BrunswickSaint JohnNBCanada
- Dalhousie Medicine New BrunswickSaint JohnNBCanada
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22
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Jones CW, Adams AC, Murphy E, King RP, Saracco B, Stesis KR, Cavanaugh S, Roberts BW, Platts-Mills TF. Delays in reporting and publishing trial results during pandemics: cross sectional analysis of 2009 H1N1, 2014 Ebola, and 2016 Zika clinical trials. BMC Med Res Methodol 2021; 21:120. [PMID: 34103009 PMCID: PMC8185489 DOI: 10.1186/s12874-021-01324-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/02/2021] [Accepted: 05/21/2021] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Pandemic events often trigger a surge of clinical trial activity aimed at rapidly evaluating therapeutic or preventative interventions. Ensuring rapid public access to the complete and unbiased trial record is particularly critical for pandemic research given the urgent associated public health needs. The World Health Organization (WHO) established standards requiring posting of results to a registry within 12 months of trial completion and publication in a peer reviewed journal within 24 months of completion, though compliance with these requirements among pandemic trials is unknown. METHODS This cross-sectional analysis characterizes availability of results in trial registries and publications among registered trials performed during the 2009 H1N1 influenza, 2014 Ebola, and 2016 Zika pandemics. We searched trial registries to identify clinical trials testing interventions related to these pandemics, and determined the time elapsed between trial completion and availability of results in the registry. We also performed a comprehensive search of MEDLINE via PubMed, Google Scholar, and EMBASE to identify corresponding peer reviewed publications. The primary outcome was the compliance with either of the WHO's established standards for sharing clinical trial results. Secondary outcomes included compliance with both standards, and assessing the time elapsed between trial completion and public availability of results. RESULTS Three hundred thirty-three trials met eligibility criteria, including 261 H1N1 influenza trials, 60 Ebola trials, and 12 Zika trials. Of these, 139 (42%) either had results available in the trial registry within 12 months of study completion or had results available in a peer-reviewed publication within 24 months. Five trials (2%) met both standards. No results were available in either a registry or publication for 59 trials (18%). Among trials with registered results, a median of 42 months (IQR 16-76 months) elapsed between trial completion and results posting. For published trials, the median elapsed time between completion and publication was 21 months (IQR 9-34 months). Results were available within 24 months of study completion in either the trial registry or a peer reviewed publication for 166 trials (50%). CONCLUSIONS Very few trials performed during prior pandemic events met established standards for the timely public dissemination of trial results.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christopher W. Jones
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Cooper Medical School of Rowan University, One Cooper Plaza, Suite 152, Camden, NJ 08103 USA
| | - Amanda C. Adams
- Medical Library, Cooper Medical School of Rowan University, Camden, NJ 08103 USA
| | - Elizabeth Murphy
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Cooper Medical School of Rowan University, One Cooper Plaza, Suite 152, Camden, NJ 08103 USA
| | - Rachel P. King
- Medical Library, Cooper Medical School of Rowan University, Camden, NJ 08103 USA
| | - Benjamin Saracco
- Medical Library, Cooper Medical School of Rowan University, Camden, NJ 08103 USA
| | - Karen R. Stesis
- Medical Library, Cooper Medical School of Rowan University, Camden, NJ 08103 USA
| | - Susan Cavanaugh
- Medical Library, Cooper Medical School of Rowan University, Camden, NJ 08103 USA
| | - Brian W. Roberts
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Cooper Medical School of Rowan University, One Cooper Plaza, Suite 152, Camden, NJ 08103 USA
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Deutsch S, Heider M, Glage S, Bleich A, Tolba R, Strech D, Wieschowski S. Web-based survey among animal researchers on publication practices and incentives for increasing publication rates. PLoS One 2021; 16:e0250362. [PMID: 33956811 PMCID: PMC8101964 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0250362] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/12/2020] [Accepted: 04/06/2021] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Publication bias, non-publication, and selective reporting of animal studies limit progress toward the 3Rs (Replacement, Reduction, and Refinement) that guide ethical animal testing, waste public resources, and result in redundant research, which collectively undermine the public's trust in scientific reliability. In this study, we aimed to 1) validate findings from a previous follow-up study by our team that examined the publication rates of animal studies from protocol to publication and 2) identify incentives for improving publication rates in animal research. METHODS The researchers responsible for the animal proposals (n = 210) from our previous study were contacted as participants for a Web-based survey between October 2019 and April 2020. Question types varied between free text questions, answer options based on a 5-point Likert scale and closed yes/no questions. RESULTS In total, 78 researchers responsible for 101 of 210 animal study proposals participated, yielding a response rate of 48.1%. Results showed that the publication rate increased from 67% in our follow-up study to 70%. According to a 5-point Likert scale (from 1 = "not relevant" to 5 = "extremely relevant"), the most widely accepted suggestions for increasing publication rates were "Publication costs for open access journals are fully covered by funders or universities" (mean 4.02, SD 1.01), "Performance-based allocation of intramural funds for results reporting of animal research not supporting the initial hypothesis (including preprints and repositories)" (mean 3.37, SD 1.05), and "Researchers receive more information from scientific journals that also publish non-significant results" (mean 3.30, SD 1.02). CONCLUSION While the extent of publication and publication practices have been thoroughly investigated for clinical trials, less data is available for animal research to date. Therefore, the study contributes in complementing the picture of publication practice in animal research. Suggestions from our survey may help improve the publication rates of animal studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Susanne Deutsch
- Institute for Laboratory Animal Science & Experimental Surgery, RWTH Aachen University, Faculty of Medicine, Aachen, Germany
| | - Miriam Heider
- Institute for Laboratory Animal Science, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany
| | - Silke Glage
- Institute for Laboratory Animal Science, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany
| | - André Bleich
- Institute for Laboratory Animal Science, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany
| | - René Tolba
- Institute for Laboratory Animal Science & Experimental Surgery, RWTH Aachen University, Faculty of Medicine, Aachen, Germany
| | - Daniel Strech
- Institute for Ethics, History, and Philosophy of Medicine, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany
- QUEST Center for Transforming Biomedical Research, Berlin Institute of Health, Berlin, Germany
- Charité Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Susanne Wieschowski
- Institute for Ethics, History, and Philosophy of Medicine, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany
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Wooten KM, Arnall JR, Bowser KM, J Pennell L, Wade-Davis JN, Olin JL, Taylor M, Moore DC. Publication rates of hematology/oncology abstracts presented at major pharmacy association meetings. J Oncol Pharm Pract 2021; 28:10781552211004700. [PMID: 33779372 DOI: 10.1177/10781552211004700] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Professional conferences are where research findings are initially presented. Studies suggest many research ideas presented at conferences are never published. Previous studies have demonstrated that the full publication rate of abstracts presented at pharmacy meetings is approximately 20%. The objective of this study was to determine the full publication rate of hematology/oncology abstracts presented at major pharmacy organization annual meetings. METHODS A systematic search of PubMed and Google Scholar was performed. Publication status was evaluated for hematology/oncology abstracts presented at annual meetings for the following organizations: American College of Clinical Pharmacy Annual Meeting, American Society of Health-System Pharmacists Midyear Clinical Meeting, Hematology/Oncology Pharmacy Association Annual Meeting, and International Society of Oncology Pharmacy Practitioners Annual Meeting. Data collected included the meeting of abstract presentation, number of authors, abstract study type, country of origin, journal of publication, and type of publication. Abstracts presented as trainee research were excluded. RESULTS Of 451 oncology abstracts evaluated, the most common topic categories included pharmacotherapy (n = 244; 54.1%), clinical pharmacy practice (n = 84; 18.6%), and operational/compounding (n = 69; 15.3%). The overall publication rate was 17.5% (n = 79). Abstracts were published as full manuscripts over a spread of 48 different journals. Factors associated with full publication included abstracts with more than 5 authors (OR 3.86, 95% CI 2.32-6.43; p < 0.0001) and abstracts presented at oncology-focused pharmacy meetings (OR 2.92, 95% CI 1.49-5.72; p = 0.0018). CONCLUSION This study showed an overall publication rate of 17.5% for abstracts presented at pharmacy meetings, consistent with prior studies.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Justin R Arnall
- Specialty Pharmacy Service, Atrium Health, Charlotte, NC, USA
| | | | | | | | | | | | - Donald C Moore
- Department of Pharmacy, Atrium Health, Levine Cancer Institute, Concord, NC, USA
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Reporting Bias in Imaging Diagnostic Test Accuracy Studies: Are Studies With Positive Conclusions or Titles Submitted and Published Faster? AJR Am J Roentgenol 2021; 216:225-232. [DOI: 10.2214/ajr.19.22744] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/01/2023]
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Thu Truong H, Lip Goy R, Sultana R, Khai Koh D, Singh P, Siow Y, Soh C, Sng B. Publication outcomes after conference abstract submissions in a Singapore anesthesiology academic clinical program. BALI JOURNAL OF ANESTHESIOLOGY 2021. [DOI: 10.4103/bjoa.bjoa_3_21] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/04/2022] Open
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Deutsch S, Reuter S, Rose A, Tolba R. Publication rates of research projects of an internal funding program of a university medical center in Germany: A retrospective study (2004-2013). PLoS One 2020; 15:e0243092. [PMID: 33253269 PMCID: PMC7703943 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0243092] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/19/2020] [Accepted: 11/16/2020] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Objectives Non-publication and publication bias are topics of considerable importance to the scientific community. These issues may limit progress toward the 3R principle for animal research, promote waste of public resources, and generate biased interpretations of clinical outcomes. To investigate current publishing practices and to gain some understanding of the extent to which research results are reported, we examined publication rates of research projects that were approved within an internal funding program of the Faculty of Medicine at a university medical center in Germany, which is exemplary for comparable research funding programs for the promotion of young researchers in Germany and Europe. Methods We analyzed the complete set (n = 363) of research projects that were supported by an internal funding program between 2004 and 2013. We divided the projects into four different proposal types that included those that required an ethics vote, those that included an animal proposal, those that included both requirements, and those that included neither requirement. Results We found that 65% of the internally funded research projects resulted in at least one peer-reviewed publication; this increased to 73% if other research contributions were considered, including abstracts, book and congress contributions, scientific posters, and presentations. There were no significant differences with respect to publication rates based on (a) the clinic/institute of the applicant, (b) project duration, (c) scope of funding or (d) proposal type. Conclusion To the best of our knowledge, this is the first study to explore publication rates associated with early-career medical research funding. As >70% of the projects ultimately generated some form of publication, the program was overall effective toward this goal; however, non-publication of research results is still prevalent. Further research will explore the reasons underlying non-publication. We hope to use these findings to develop strategies that encourage publication of research results.
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Affiliation(s)
- Susanne Deutsch
- Faculty of Medicine, Institute for Laboratory Animal Science & Experimental Surgery, RWTH Aachen University, Aachen, Germany
| | - Silke Reuter
- Faculty of Medicine, Dean's Office, RWTH Aachen University, Aachen, Germany
| | - Astrid Rose
- Faculty of Medicine, Dean's Office, RWTH Aachen University, Aachen, Germany
| | - René Tolba
- Faculty of Medicine, Institute for Laboratory Animal Science & Experimental Surgery, RWTH Aachen University, Aachen, Germany
- * E-mail:
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Ayorinde AA, Williams I, Mannion R, Song F, Skrybant M, Lilford RJ, Chen YF. Publication and related bias in quantitative health services and delivery research: a multimethod study. HEALTH SERVICES AND DELIVERY RESEARCH 2020. [DOI: 10.3310/hsdr08330] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Background
Bias in the publication and reporting of research findings (referred to as publication and related bias here) poses a major threat in evidence synthesis and evidence-based decision-making. Although this bias has been well documented in clinical research, little is known about its occurrence and magnitude in health services and delivery research.
Objectives
To obtain empirical evidence on publication and related bias in quantitative health services and delivery research; to examine current practice in detecting/mitigating this bias in health services and delivery research systematic reviews; and to explore stakeholders’ perception and experiences concerning such bias.
Methods
The project included five distinct but interrelated work packages. Work package 1 was a systematic review of empirical and methodological studies. Work package 2 involved a survey (meta-epidemiological study) of randomly selected systematic reviews of health services and delivery research topics (n = 200) to evaluate current practice in the assessment of publication and outcome reporting bias during evidence synthesis. Work package 3 included four case studies to explore the applicability of statistical methods for detecting such bias in health services and delivery research. In work package 4 we followed up four cohorts of health services and delivery research studies (total n = 300) to ascertain their publication status, and examined whether publication status was associated with statistical significance or perceived ‘positivity’ of study findings. Work package 5 involved key informant interviews with diverse health services and delivery research stakeholders (n = 24), and a focus group discussion with patient and service user representatives (n = 8).
Results
We identified only four studies that set out to investigate publication and related bias in health services and delivery research in work package 1. Three of these studies focused on health informatics research and one concerned health economics. All four studies reported evidence of the existence of this bias, but had methodological weaknesses. We also identified three health services and delivery research systematic reviews in which findings were compared between published and grey/unpublished literature. These reviews found that the quality and volume of evidence and effect estimates sometimes differed significantly between published and unpublished literature. Work package 2 showed low prevalence of considering/assessing publication (43%) and outcome reporting (17%) bias in health services and delivery research systematic reviews. The prevalence was lower among reviews of associations than among reviews of interventions. The case studies in work package 3 highlighted limitations in current methods for detecting these biases due to heterogeneity and potential confounders. Follow-up of health services and delivery research cohorts in work package 4 showed positive association between publication status and having statistically significant or positive findings. Diverse views concerning publication and related bias and insights into how features of health services and delivery research might influence its occurrence were uncovered through the interviews with health services and delivery research stakeholders and focus group discussion conducted in work package 5.
Conclusions
This study provided prima facie evidence on publication and related bias in quantitative health services and delivery research. This bias does appear to exist, but its prevalence and impact may vary depending on study characteristics, such as study design, and motivation for conducting the evaluation. Emphasis on methodological novelty and focus beyond summative assessments may mitigate/lessen the risk of such bias in health services and delivery research. Methodological and epistemological diversity in health services and delivery research and changing landscape in research publication need to be considered when interpreting the evidence. Collection of further empirical evidence and exploration of optimal health services and delivery research practice are required.
Study registration
This study is registered as PROSPERO CRD42016052333 and CRD42016052366.
Funding
This project was funded by the National Institute for Health Research (NIHR) Health Services and Delivery Research programme and will be published in full in Health Services and Delivery Research; Vol. 8, No. 33. See the NIHR Journals Library website for further project information.
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Affiliation(s)
- Abimbola A Ayorinde
- Division of Health Sciences, Warwick Medical School, University of Warwick, Coventry, UK
| | - Iestyn Williams
- Health Services Management Centre, School of Social Policy, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, UK
| | - Russell Mannion
- Health Services Management Centre, School of Social Policy, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, UK
| | - Fujian Song
- Norwich Medical School, University of East Anglia, Norwich, UK
| | - Magdalena Skrybant
- Institute of Applied Health Research, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, UK
| | - Richard J Lilford
- Institute of Applied Health Research, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, UK
| | - Yen-Fu Chen
- Division of Health Sciences, Warwick Medical School, University of Warwick, Coventry, UK
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Ayorinde AA, Williams I, Mannion R, Song F, Skrybant M, Lilford RJ, Chen YF. Publication and related biases in health services research: a systematic review of empirical evidence. BMC Med Res Methodol 2020; 20:137. [PMID: 32487022 PMCID: PMC7268600 DOI: 10.1186/s12874-020-01010-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/28/2019] [Accepted: 05/07/2020] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Publication and related biases (including publication bias, time-lag bias, outcome reporting bias and p-hacking) have been well documented in clinical research, but relatively little is known about their presence and extent in health services research (HSR). This paper aims to systematically review evidence concerning publication and related bias in quantitative HSR. Methods Databases including MEDLINE, EMBASE, HMIC, CINAHL, Web of Science, Health Systems Evidence, Cochrane EPOC Review Group and several websites were searched to July 2018. Information was obtained from: (1) Methodological studies that set out to investigate publication and related biases in HSR; (2) Systematic reviews of HSR topics which examined such biases as part of the review process. Relevant information was extracted from included studies by one reviewer and checked by another. Studies were appraised according to commonly accepted scientific principles due to lack of suitable checklists. Data were synthesised narratively. Results After screening 6155 citations, four methodological studies investigating publication bias in HSR and 184 systematic reviews of HSR topics (including three comparing published with unpublished evidence) were examined. Evidence suggestive of publication bias was reported in some of the methodological studies, but evidence presented was very weak, limited in both quality and scope. Reliable data on outcome reporting bias and p-hacking were scant. HSR systematic reviews in which published literature was compared with unpublished evidence found significant differences in the estimated intervention effects or association in some but not all cases. Conclusions Methodological research on publication and related biases in HSR is sparse. Evidence from available literature suggests that such biases may exist in HSR but their scale and impact are difficult to estimate for various reasons discussed in this paper. Systematic review registration PROSPERO 2016 CRD42016052333.
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Affiliation(s)
- Abimbola A Ayorinde
- Warwick Centre for Applied Health Research & Delivery, Division of Health Sciences, Warwick Medical School, University of Warwick, Coventry, UK
| | - Iestyn Williams
- Health Services Management Centre, School of Social Policy, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, UK
| | - Russell Mannion
- Health Services Management Centre, School of Social Policy, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, UK
| | - Fujian Song
- Norwich Medical School, University of East Anglia, Norwich, UK
| | - Magdalena Skrybant
- Institute of Applied Health Research, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, UK
| | - Richard J Lilford
- Institute of Applied Health Research, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, UK
| | - Yen-Fu Chen
- Warwick Centre for Applied Health Research & Delivery, Division of Health Sciences, Warwick Medical School, University of Warwick, Coventry, UK.
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Kwisda K, White L, Hübner D. Ethical arguments concerning human-animal chimera research: a systematic review. BMC Med Ethics 2020; 21:24. [PMID: 32293411 PMCID: PMC7092670 DOI: 10.1186/s12910-020-00465-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/17/2019] [Accepted: 03/06/2020] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
Background The burgeoning field of biomedical research involving the mixture of human and animal materials has attracted significant ethical controversy. Due to the many dimensions of potential ethical conflict involved in this type of research, and the wide variety of research projects under discussion, it is difficult to obtain an overview of the ethical debate. This paper attempts to remedy this by providing a systematic review of ethical reasons in academic publications on human-animal chimera research. Methods We conducted a systematic review of the ethical literature concerning human-animal chimeras based on the research question: “What ethical reasons have been given for or against conducting human-animal chimera research, and how have these reasons been treated in the ongoing debate?” Our search extends until the end of the year 2017, including MEDLINE, Embase, PhilPapers and EthxWeb databases, restricted to peer-reviewed journal publications in English. Papers containing ethical reasons were analyzed, and the reasons were coded according to whether they were endorsed, mentioned or rejected. Results Four hundred thirty-one articles were retrieved by our search, and 88 were ultimately included and analyzed. Within these articles, we found 464 passages containing reasons for and against conducting human-animal chimera research. We classified these reasons into five categories and, within these, identified 12 broad and 31 narrow reason types. 15% of the retrieved passages contained reasons in favor of conducting chimera research (Category P), while 85% of the passages contained reasons against it. The reasons against conducting chimera research fell into four further categories: reasons concerning the creation of a chimera (Category A), its treatment (Category B), reasons referring to metaphysical or social issues resulting from its existence (Category C) and to potential downstream effects of chimera research (Category D). A significant proportion of identified passages (46%) fell under Category C. Conclusions We hope that our results, in revealing the conceptual and argumentative structure of the debate and highlighting some its most notable tendencies and prominent positions, will facilitate continued discussion and provide a basis for the development of relevant policy and legislation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Koko Kwisda
- CELLS - Centre for Ethics and Law in the Life Sciences, Leibniz University Hannover, Otto-Brenner-Strasse 1, 30159, Hannover, Germany.
| | - Lucie White
- Institute of Philosophy, Leibniz University Hannover, Im Moore 21, 30167, Hannover, Germany
| | - Dietmar Hübner
- Institute of Philosophy, Leibniz University Hannover, Im Moore 21, 30167, Hannover, Germany
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Sun LW, Lee DJ, Collins JA, Carll TC, Ramahi K, Sandy SJ, Unteriner JG, Weinberg DV. Assessment of Consistency Between Peer-Reviewed Publications and Clinical Trial Registries. JAMA Ophthalmol 2020; 137:552-556. [PMID: 30946427 DOI: 10.1001/jamaophthalmol.2019.0312] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/14/2022]
Abstract
Importance Clinical trial registries are intended to increase clinical research transparency by nonselectively identifying and documenting clinical trial designs and outcomes. Inconsistencies in reported data undermine the utility of such registries and have previously been noted in general medical literature. Objective To assess whether inconsistencies in reported data exist between ophthalmic literature and clinical trial registries. Design, Setting, and Participants In this retrospective, cross-sectional study, interventional clinical trials published from January 1, 2014, to December 31, 2014, in the American Journal of Ophthalmology, JAMA Ophthalmology, and Ophthalmology were reviewed. Observational, retrospective, uncontrolled, and post hoc reports were excluded, yielding a sample size of 106 articles. Data collection was performed from January through September 2016. Data review and adjudication continued through January 2017. Main Outcomes and Measures If possible, articles were matched to registry entries listed in the ClinicalTrials.gov database or in 1 of 16 international registries indexed by the World Health Organization International Clinical Trials Registry Platform version 3.2 search engine. Each article-registry pair was assessed for inconsistencies in design, results, and funding (each of which was further divided into subcategories) by 2 reviewers and adjudicated by a third. Results Of 106 trials that met the study criteria, matching registry entries were found for 68 (64.2%), whereas no matching registry entries were found for 38 (35.8%). Inconsistencies were identified in study design, study results, and funding sources, including specific interventions in 8 (11.8%), primary outcome measure (POM) designs in 32 (47.1%), and POM results in 48 (70.6%). In addition, numerous data pieces were unreported, including analysis methods in 52 (76.5%) and POM results in 38 (55.9%). Conclusions and Relevance Clinical trial registries were underused in this sample of ophthalmology clinical trials. For studies with registry data, inconsistency rates between published and registered data were similar to those previously reported for general medical literature. In most cases, inconsistencies involved missing data, but explicit discrepancies in methods and/or data were also found. Transparency and credibility of published trials may be improved by closer attention to their registration and reporting.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lynn W Sun
- Department of Ophthalmology, Eye Institute, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee
| | | | | | - Timothy C Carll
- Department of Pathology, University of Chicago, Chicago, Illinois
| | | | | | | | - David V Weinberg
- Department of Ophthalmology, Eye Institute, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee
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Dal-Ré R, Bouter LM, Cuijpers P, Gluud C, Holm S. Should research misconduct be criminalized? RESEARCH ETHICS REVIEW 2020. [DOI: 10.1177/1747016119898400] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
For more than 25 years, research misconduct (research fraud) is defined as fabrication, falsification, or plagiarism (FFP)—although other research misbehaviors have been also added in codes of conduct and legislations. A critical issue in deciding whether research misconduct should be subject to criminal law is its definition, because not all behaviors labeled as research misconduct qualifies as serious crime. But assuming that all FFP is fraud and all non-FFP not is far from obvious. In addition, new research misbehaviors have recently been described, such as prolific authorship, and fake peer review, or boosted such as duplication of images. The scientific community has been largely successful in keeping criminal law away from the cases of research misconduct. Alleged cases of research misconduct are usually looked into by committees of scientists usually from the same institution or university of the suspected offender in a process that often lacks transparency. Few countries have or plan to introduce independent bodies to address research misconduct; so for the coming years, most universities and research institutions will continue handling alleged research misconduct cases with their own procedures. A global operationalization of research misconduct with clear boundaries and clear criteria would be helpful. There is room for improvement in reaching global clarity on what research misconduct is, how allegations should be handled, and which sanctions are appropriate.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rafael Dal-Ré
- Epidemiology Unit, Health Research Institute-Fundación Jiménez Díaz University Hospital, Universidad Autónoma de Madrid, Madrid, Spain
| | - Lex M Bouter
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Amsterdam University Medical Centers, location VUmc, and Department of Philosophy, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Pim Cuijpers
- Department of Clinical, Neuro and Developmental Psychology, Amsterdam Public Health Research Institute, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Christian Gluud
- The Copenhagen Trial Unit, Centre for Clinical Intervention Research, Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen University Hospital, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Søren Holm
- Centre for Social Ethics and Policy, School of Law, Williamson Building, University of Manchester, Manchester, UK
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Smigorowsky MJ, Sebastianski M, Sean McMurtry M, Tsuyuki RT, Norris CM. Outcomes of nurse practitioner-led care in patients with cardiovascular disease: A systematic review and meta-analysis. J Adv Nurs 2019; 76:81-95. [PMID: 31588598 PMCID: PMC6973236 DOI: 10.1111/jan.14229] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/27/2018] [Revised: 08/14/2019] [Accepted: 09/30/2019] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Aim To assess randomized controlled trials evaluating the impact of nurse practitioner‐led cardiovascular care. Background Systematic review of nurse practitioner–led care in patients with cardiovascular disease has not been completed. Design Systematic review and meta‐analysis. Data sources The Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL), Medline, Embase, CINAHL, Web of Science, Scopus and ProQuest were systematically searched for studies published between January 2007 ‐ June 2017. Review Methods Cochrane methodology was used for risk of bias, data extraction and meta‐analysis. The quality of evidence was assessed using Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation approach. Results Out of 605 articles, five articles met the inclusion criteria. There was no statistical difference between nurse practitioner‐led care and usual care for 30‐day readmissions, health‐related quality of life and length of stay. A 12% reduction in Framingham risk score was identified. Conclusion There are a few randomized control trials assessing nurse practitioner‐led cardiovascular care. Impact Low to moderate quality evidence was identified with no statistically significant associated outcomes of care. Nurse practitioner roles need to be supported to conduct and publish high‐quality research.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Meghan Sebastianski
- Department of Pediatrics, Alberta Strategy for Patient-Oriented Research SUPPORT Unit, Knowledge Translation Platform, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
| | - Michael Sean McMurtry
- Division of Cardiology, Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
| | - Ross T Tsuyuki
- Mazankowski Alberta Heart Institute, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
| | - Colleen M Norris
- Faculty of Nursing, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
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Young I, Greig J, Wilhelm BJ, Waddell LA. Effectiveness of Food Handler Training and Education Interventions: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. J Food Prot 2019; 82:1714-1728. [PMID: 31536416 DOI: 10.4315/0362-028x.jfp-19-108] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/20/2023]
Abstract
Improper food handling among those working in retail and food service settings is a frequent contributor to foodborne illness outbreaks. Food safety training and education interventions are important strategies to improve the behaviors and behavioral precursors (e.g., knowledge and attitudes) of food handlers in these settings. We conducted a comprehensive systematic review to identify, characterize, and synthesize global studies in this area to determine the overall effectiveness of these interventions. The review focused on experimental studies with an independent control group. Review methods included structured search strategy, relevance screening of identified abstracts, characterization of relevant articles, risk of bias assessment, data extraction, meta-analysis of intervention effectiveness for four outcome categories (attitudes, knowledge, behavior, and food premise inspection scores), and a quality of evidence assessment. We identified 18 relevant randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and 29 nonrandomized trials. Among RCTs, 25 (64%) unique outcomes were rated as high risk of bias, primarily owing to concerns about outcome measurement methods, while 45 (98%) nonrandomized trial outcomes were rated as serious risk of bias, primarily because of concerns about confounding bias. High confidence was identified for the effect of training and education interventions to improve food handler knowledge outcomes in eight RCT studies (standardized mean difference = 0.92; 95% confidence interval: 0.03, 1.81; I2 = 86%). For all other outcomes, no significant effect was identified. In contrast, nonrandomized trials identified a statistically significant positive intervention effect for all outcome types, but confidence in these findings was very low due to possible confounding and other biases. Results indicate that food safety training and education interventions are effective to improve food handler knowledge, but more evidence is needed on strategies to improve behavior change.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ian Young
- School of Occupational and Public Health, Ryerson University, 350 Victoria Street, POD 249, Toronto, Ontario, Canada M5B 2K3 (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-5575-5174 [I.Y.])
| | - Judy Greig
- National Microbiology Laboratory, Public Health Agency of Canada, 160 Research Lane, Suite 206, Guelph, Ontario, Canada N1G 5B2
| | - Barbara J Wilhelm
- Big Sky Health Analytics, P.O. Box 3339, Vermilion, Alberta, Canada T9X 2B3
| | - Lisa A Waddell
- National Microbiology Laboratory, Public Health Agency of Canada, 160 Research Lane, Suite 206, Guelph, Ontario, Canada N1G 5B2
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Derraik JGB, Butler ÉM, Rerkasem K. Publishing Without Perishing: A Guide to the Successful Reporting of Clinical Data. INT J LOW EXTR WOUND 2019; 18:219-227. [DOI: 10.1177/1534734619865860] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Many researchers find writing a scientific manuscript a highly discouraging task. This problem may be partly responsible for the fact that approximately half of completed clinical studies worldwide remain unreported or unpublished. Therefore, we aimed to create a user-friendly guide with helpful recommendations, which are complementary to the many existing reporting guidelines for quantitative clinical data. This article has been prepared with clearly defined subheadings, to facilitate quick identification of any specific sections/topics. We encourage the use of the IMRaD model (ie, Introduction, Methods, Results, and Discussion), providing guidance on the key information required, as well as the dos and don’ts. We also comment briefly on feedback and rejection, proposing the I AM approach (Ignore, Address, and Move on).
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Affiliation(s)
- José G. B. Derraik
- Liggins Institute, University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
- A Better Start—National Science Challenge, Auckland, New Zealand
- Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Éadaoin M. Butler
- Liggins Institute, University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
- A Better Start—National Science Challenge, Auckland, New Zealand
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Al-Busaidi IS, Wells CI, Wilkinson TJ. Publication in a medical student journal predicts short- and long-term academic success: a matched-cohort study. BMC MEDICAL EDUCATION 2019; 19:271. [PMID: 31324236 PMCID: PMC6642564 DOI: 10.1186/s12909-019-1704-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/15/2018] [Accepted: 07/11/2019] [Indexed: 06/08/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Medical student journals play a critical role in promoting academic research and publishing amongst medical students, but their impact on students' future academic achievements has not been examined. We aimed to evaluate the short- and long-term effects of publication in the New Zealand Medical Student Journal (NZMSJ) through examining rates of post-graduation publication, completion of higher academic degrees, and pursuing an academic career. METHODS Student-authored original research publications in the NZMSJ during the period 2004-2011 were retrospectively identified. Gender-, university- and graduation year-matched controls were identified from publicly available databases in a 2:1 ratio (two controls for each student authors). Date of graduation, current clinical scope of practice, completion of higher academic degrees, and attainment of an academic position for both groups were obtained from Google searches, New Zealand graduate databases, online lists of registered doctors in New Zealand and Australia, and author affiliation information from published articles. Pre- and post-graduation PubMed®-indexed publications were identified using standardised search criteria. RESULTS Fifty publications authored by 49 unique students were identified. The median follow-up period after graduation was 7.0 years (range 2-12 years). Compared with controls, student-authors were significantly more likely to publish in PubMed®-indexed journals (OR 3.09, p = 0.001), obtain a PhD (OR 9.21, p = 0.004) or any higher degree (OR 2.63, p = 0.007), and attain academic positions (OR 2.90, p = 0.047) following graduation. CONCLUSION Publication in a medical student journal is associated with future academic achievement and contributes to develop a clinical academic workforce. Future work should aim to explore motivators and barriers associated with these findings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ibrahim S. Al-Busaidi
- Department of General Medicine, Christchurch Hospital, Canterbury District Health Board, 2 Riccarton Avenue, Christchurch, 8011, New Zealand
- Department of Medicine, Christchurch School of Medicine, University of Otago, Christchurch, New Zealand
| | - Cameron I. Wells
- Department of Orthopaedics, Auckland District Health Board, Auckland, New Zealand
| | - Tim J. Wilkinson
- Department of Medicine, Christchurch School of Medicine, University of Otago, Christchurch, New Zealand
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Campbell H, Gustafson P. The World of Research Has Gone Berserk: Modeling the Consequences of Requiring “Greater Statistical Stringency” for Scientific Publication. AM STAT 2019. [DOI: 10.1080/00031305.2018.1555101] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/27/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Harlan Campbell
- Department of Statistics, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, Canada
| | - Paul Gustafson
- Department of Statistics, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, Canada
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Patry C, Kranig S, Rafat N, Schaible T, Toenshoff B, Hoffmann GF, Ries M. Cross-sectional analysis on publication status and age representation of clinical studies addressing mechanical ventilation and ventilator-induced lung injury in infants and children. BMJ Open 2018; 8:e023524. [PMID: 30455388 PMCID: PMC6252714 DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2018-023524] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/27/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES We determined the number and time-to-public availability of study results of published and unpublished clinical studies in paediatric mechanical ventilation (MV) and ventilator-induced lung injury (VILI), which were registered as completed on ClinicalTrials.gov. Furthermore, we explored the pattern of represented research study subtopics and the corresponding study populations. SETTING Literature search based on ClinicalTrials.gov, PubMed and Google Scholar from 9 July 2017 to 27 September 2017. PRIMARY AND SECONDARY OUTCOME MEASURES Assessment, if studies included in our analysis had been published. Assessment of primary research focus, patient enrolment and age representation of the analysed studies. RESULTS We identified n=109 registered and completed clinical studies on paediatric MV and VILI (enrolment: 22 233 participants). 71% were published, including data from 18 647 subjects. 29% of studies were unpublished, containing data from 3586 subjects. Median time-to-public availability of study results was 22 (IQR, 12.8-41.5) months. The most important study subtopics were biophysical and technical aspects of MV (32 studies), administration of drugs to mitigate VILI through various mechanisms (40 studies) and diagnostic procedures (16 studies). n=66/109 (61%) studies exclusively focused on children below 1 year of age and n=2/109 (2%) exclusively on children between 1 and 14 years. CONCLUSIONS One-third of clinical studies in paediatric MV and VILI registered as completed on ClinicalTrials.gov remained unpublished and contained data on 3586 study participants. The overall median time-to-public availability of study results was longer than the deadline of 12 months mandated by the Food and Drug Administration Amendment Act of 2007. Important and clinically relevant research study subtopics were represented in the research questions investigated in paediatric MV and VILI. The study population was skewed towards children younger than 1 year which indicates, that there is a substantial need for clinical VILI research in older children.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christian Patry
- Department of Pediatrics I, University Children’s Hospital Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany
- Institute for Physiology and Pathophysiology, University Children’s Hospital Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Simon Kranig
- Department of Neonatology, University Children’s Hospital Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Neysan Rafat
- Clinic for Neonatology, University Medical Center Mannheim, Mannheim, Germany
| | - Thomas Schaible
- Clinic for Neonatology, University Medical Center Mannheim, Mannheim, Germany
| | - Burkhard Toenshoff
- Department of Pediatrics I, University Children’s Hospital Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Georg F Hoffmann
- Department of Pediatrics I, University Children’s Hospital Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Markus Ries
- Pediatric Neurology and Metabolic Medicine, Center for Pediatric and Adolescent Medicine, University Hospital Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany
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Tritz D, Bautista L, Scott J, Vassar M. Conversion of Skeletal Society of Radiology annual meeting abstracts to publications in 2010-2015. PeerJ 2018; 6:e5817. [PMID: 30364493 PMCID: PMC6197043 DOI: 10.7717/peerj.5817] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/10/2018] [Accepted: 09/22/2018] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Material presented at conferences is meant to provide exposure to ongoing research that could affect medical decision making based on future outcomes. It is important then to evaluate the rates of publication from conference presentations as a measure of academic quality as such research has undergone peer review and journal acceptance. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the fate of abstracts presented at the Skeletal Society of Radiology Annual Meetings from 2010-2015. Materials and Methods Conference abstracts were searched using Google, Google Scholar, and PubMed (which includes Medline) to locate the corresponding published reports. The data recorded for published studies included date published online, in print, or both; the journal in which it was published; and the 5-year journal impact factor. When an abstract was not confirmed as published, authors were contacted by email to verify its publication status or, if not published, the reason for nonpublication. Results A total of 162 abstracts were published out of 320 presented (50.6%) at the SSR conferences from 2010 to 2015 with 59.9% (85/142) of publications occurring within two years of the conference date (not counting abstracts published prior to conference). Mean time to publication was 19 months and is calculated by excluding the 20 (12.3%) abstracts that were published prior to the conference date. The median time to publication is 13 months (25th-75th percentile: 6.25-21.75). The top two journals publishing research studies from this conference were Skeletal Radiology and The American Journal of Roentgenology. These journals accepted 72 of the 162 (44.4%) studies for publication. Of the 14 authors who responded with 17 reasons for not publishing, the most common reasons were lack of time (7-41.2%), results not important enough (4-23.5%), publication not an aim (3-17.6%), and lack of resources (3-17.6%). Discussion At least half of the abstracts presented at the annual meeting for the Society of Skeletal Radiology are accepted for publication in a peer-reviewed journal. The majority (59.9%) of these publications were achieved within two years of the conference presentation. The rate at which presentations are published and the journals that accept the abstracts can potentially be used to compare the importance and quality of information at conferences.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel Tritz
- Oklahoma State University Center for Health Sciences, Tulsa, United States of America
| | - Leomar Bautista
- Department of Radiology, Oklahoma State University Medical Center, Tulsa, United States of America
| | - Jared Scott
- Oklahoma State University Center for Health Sciences, Tulsa, United States of America
| | - Matt Vassar
- Department of Psychiatry, Oklahoma State University Center for Health Sciences, Tulsa, United States of America
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An observational analysis of discontinuation and non-publication of osteoarthritis trials. Osteoarthritis Cartilage 2018; 26:1162-1169. [PMID: 29883614 DOI: 10.1016/j.joca.2018.05.019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/28/2018] [Revised: 05/24/2018] [Accepted: 05/29/2018] [Indexed: 02/02/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Discontinuation and nonpublication are causes for concern in highly funded research areas of prevalent medical conditions. The aim of our study is to evaluate the rate of discontinuation and nonpublication in osteoarthritis randomized controlled clinical trials. DESIGN We used the ClinicalTrials.gov advanced search using the keyword "osteoarthritis" for phase 3 or phase 4 clinical trials in adults. Two investigators then independently screened the search results by registered title, condition, study design, and completion date. We then performed a systematic search to determine the publication status of the study. RESULTS Our final analysis included 273 studies. Our analysis of these studies included 243 (89%) completed and 30 (11%) discontinued trials. A total of 121,307 (92%) and 10,368 (8%) patients participated in completed and discontinued trials, respectively. Following our searches of PubMed, Embase, and Google Scholar, we identified 67 of the 243 (27.6%) studies as completed but having not reached publication in manuscript form. CONCLUSIONS If discontinuation and non-publication rates in osteoarthritis trials continue to be sub-optimal, already scarce research resources will continue to be wasted. One possible explanation for the witnessed nonpublication that warrants further investigation is the issue of publication bias or selective reporting bias, two known problems that decrease research productivity and ethics.
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Breil T, Boettcher M, Hoffmann GF, Ries M. Publication status of completed registered studies in paediatric appendicitis: a cross-sectional analysis. BMJ Open 2018; 8:e021684. [PMID: 30012791 PMCID: PMC6082464 DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2018-021684] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Appendicitis is considered the most frequent surgical emergency in children. While the management of paediatric appendicitis is evolving, the precise amount of unpublished completed trials, potentially introducing bias into meta-analyses, is unknown. Controversial issues include the appropriate choice of surgical procedures, criteria for diagnosis of appendicitis, the role of antibiotic treatment and pain management. Selective reporting may introduce bias into evidence-based clinical decision-making, and the current, precise extent of unpublished results in paediatric appendicitis is unknown. We therefore assessed the publication status of completed clinical studies involving children registered on ClinicalTrials.gov. DESIGN Cross sectional analysis. STrengthening the Reporting of OBservational studies in Epidemiology criteria were applied for design and analysis. SETTING AND PARTICIPANTS ClinicalTrials.gov was queried for completed studies which were matched to publications on ClinicalTrials.gov, PubMed or Google Scholar. If no publication could be identified, principal investigators were contacted. INTERVENTIONS/EXPOSURE Observational analysis. PRIMARY AND SECONDARY OUTCOME MEASURES The proportion of published and unpublished studies was calculated. Subgroup analysis included studies on surgical procedures, diagnosis, antibiotic treatment and pain management. RESULTS Out of n=52 completed clinical studies involving children with appendicitis, n=33 (63%) were published and n=19 (37%) were unpublished. Eighty-three per cent (n=43/52) of clinical trials assessed the above-listed controversial issues. Diagnostic studies were most rigorously published (91% of trials reported), data on surgical procedures, antibiotic and pain management were less transparent. Sixty-six per cent of interventional studies and 60% of randomised studies were published. Median time-to-publication, for example, the delay between completion of the trial until public availability of the results was 24 (IQR 12-36), range 2-92 months. CONCLUSION Despite the importance of appendicitis in clinical practice for the paediatric surgeon, there remains scientific uncertainty due to unpublished clinical trial results with room for improvement in the future. These data are helpful in framing the shifting paradigms in paediatric appendicitis because it adds transparency to the debate.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thomas Breil
- Pediatric Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Center for Pediatric and Adolescent Medicine, Heidelberg University Hospital, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Michael Boettcher
- Pediatric Surgery, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf (UKE), Hamburg, Germany
| | - Georg F Hoffmann
- Pediatric Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Center for Pediatric and Adolescent Medicine, Heidelberg University Hospital, Heidelberg, Germany
- Pediatric Neurology and Metabolic Medicine, Center for Pediatric and Adolescent Medicine, Heidelberg University Hospital, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Markus Ries
- Pediatric Neurology and Metabolic Medicine, Center for Pediatric and Adolescent Medicine, Heidelberg University Hospital, Heidelberg, Germany
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Meyer C, Fuller K, Scott J, Vassar M. Is publication bias present in gastroenterological research? An analysis of abstracts presented at an annual congress. PeerJ 2018; 6:e4995. [PMID: 29942685 PMCID: PMC6016530 DOI: 10.7717/peerj.4995] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/14/2018] [Accepted: 05/28/2018] [Indexed: 01/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Publication bias is the tendency of investigators, reviewers, and editors to submit or accept manuscripts for publication based on their direction or strength of findings. In this study, we investigated if publication bias was present in gastroenterological research by evaluating abstracts at Americas Hepato-Pancreato-Biliary Congresses from 2011 to 2013. Methods We searched Google, Google Scholar, and PubMed to locate the published reports of research described in these abstracts. If a publication was not found, a second investigator searched to verify nonpublication. If abstract publication status remained undetermined, authors were contacted regarding reasons for nonpublication. For articles reaching publication, the P value, study design, time to publication, citation count, and journals in which the published report appeared were recorded. Results Our study found that of 569 abstracts presented, 297 (52.2%) reported a P value. Of these, 254 (85.5%) contained P values supporting statistical significance. The abstracts reporting a statistically significant outcome were twice as likely to reach publication than abstracts with no significant findings (OR 2.10, 95% CI [1.06–4.14]). Overall, 243 (42.7%) abstracts reached publication. The mean time to publication was 14 months and a median time of nine months. Conclusion In conclusion, we found evidence for publication bias in gastroenterological research. Abstracts with significant P values had a higher probability of reaching publication. More than half of abstracts presented from 2011 to 2013 failed to reach publication. Readers should take these findings into consideration when reviewing medical literature.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chase Meyer
- Oklahoma State University College of Osteopathic Medicine, Tulsa, OK, United States of America
| | - Kaleb Fuller
- Oklahoma State University College of Osteopathic Medicine, Tulsa, OK, United States of America
| | - Jared Scott
- Oklahoma State University College of Osteopathic Medicine, Tulsa, OK, United States of America
| | - Matt Vassar
- Oklahoma State University College of Osteopathic Medicine, Tulsa, OK, United States of America
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Imani S, Moore G, Nelson N, Scott J, Vassar M. Publication rates of podium and poster abstract presentations at the 2010 and 2011 society of gynecologic oncology conferences. Gynecol Oncol Rep 2018; 24:6-9. [PMID: 29892690 PMCID: PMC5993534 DOI: 10.1016/j.gore.2018.02.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/30/2017] [Revised: 01/31/2018] [Accepted: 02/01/2018] [Indexed: 11/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Objective This study aimed to determine the publication rate of oral and poster abstracts presented at the 2010 and 2011 Society of Gynecologic Oncology (SGO) conferences as well as the journals that most commonly published these studies, their 5-year impact factor, the time to publication, and the reasons for nonpublication. Methods Abstracts presented at the 2010-2011 SGO conferences were included in this study. We searched Google, Google Scholar, and PubMed to locate published reports of these abstracts. If an abstract's full-text manuscript could not be located, an author of the conference abstract was contacted via email to inquire whether the research was published. If the research was unpublished, the authors were asked to provide the reason for nonpublication. The time to publication, journal, and journal impact factor were noted for abstracts that reached full-text publication. Results A total of 725 abstracts were identified, of which 386 (53%) reached publication in a peer-reviewed journal. Oral presentations were published at a higher rate than poster presentations. Most (70%) reached publication within 2 years of abstract presentation. Abstracts were published in 89 journals, but most (39%) were published in Gynecologic Oncology. The mean time to publication was 15.7 months, with a mean 5-year impact factor of 4.956. Conclusions A 53% publication rate indicates that the SGO conference selection process favors research likely to be published and, thus, presumably of high quality. The overall publication rate is higher than that reported for many other biomedical conferences.
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Affiliation(s)
- Saba Imani
- Oklahoma State University Center for Health Sciences, Tulsa, OK, United States
| | - Gretchan Moore
- Oklahoma State University Center for Health Sciences, Tulsa, OK, United States
| | - Nathan Nelson
- Oklahoma State University Center for Health Sciences, Tulsa, OK, United States
| | - Jared Scott
- Oklahoma State University Center for Health Sciences, Tulsa, OK, United States
| | - Matt Vassar
- Oklahoma State University Center for Health Sciences, Tulsa, OK, United States
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Denadai R, Pinho AS, Samartine H, Denadai R, Raposo-Amaral CE. Conversion of Plastic Surgery meeting abstract presentations to full manuscripts: a brazilian perspective. Rev Col Bras Cir 2018; 44:17-26. [PMID: 28489207 DOI: 10.1590/0100-69912017001008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/16/2016] [Accepted: 11/03/2016] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Objective to assess the conversion rate of Plastic Surgery meeting abstract presentations to full manuscript publications and examine factors associated with this conversion. Methods we assessed the abstracts presented at the 47th and 48th Brazilian Congresses of Plastic Surgery by cross-referencing with multiple databases. We analyzed the Abstracts' characteristics associated with full manuscript publications. Results of the 200 abstracts presented, 50 abstracts were subsequently published in full, giving the conference a conversion rate of 25%. The mean time to publish was 15.00±13.75 months. In total, there were 4.93±1.63 authors per abstract and 67.8±163 subjects per abstract; 43.5% of the abstracts were of retrospective studies; 69% comprised the plastic surgery topics head and neck, and chest and trunk, and 88.5% had no statistical analysis. Overall, 80% of the manuscripts were published in plastic surgery journals, 76% had no impact factor and 52% had no citations. Bivariate and multivariate analyses revealed the presence of statistical analysis to be the most significant (p<0.05) predictive factor of conversion of abstracts into full manuscripts. Conclusion the conversion rate found from this bibliometric research appeared a bit lower than the conversion trend of international plastic surgery meetings, and statistical analysis was a determinant of conversion success.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rafael Denadai
- - SOBRAPAR Hospital, Institute of Plastic and Craniofacial Surgery, Campinas, Sao Paulo State, Brazil
| | - André Silveira Pinho
- - SOBRAPAR Hospital, Institute of Plastic and Craniofacial Surgery, Campinas, Sao Paulo State, Brazil
| | - Hugo Samartine
- - SOBRAPAR Hospital, Institute of Plastic and Craniofacial Surgery, Campinas, Sao Paulo State, Brazil
| | - Rodrigo Denadai
- - SOBRAPAR Hospital, Institute of Plastic and Craniofacial Surgery, Campinas, Sao Paulo State, Brazil
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Campbell H, Gustafson P. Conditional equivalence testing: An alternative remedy for publication bias. PLoS One 2018; 13:e0195145. [PMID: 29652891 PMCID: PMC5898747 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0195145] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/07/2017] [Accepted: 03/16/2018] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
We introduce a publication policy that incorporates "conditional equivalence testing" (CET), a two-stage testing scheme in which standard NHST is followed conditionally by testing for equivalence. The idea of CET is carefully considered as it has the potential to address recent concerns about reproducibility and the limited publication of null results. In this paper we detail the implementation of CET, investigate similarities with a Bayesian testing scheme, and outline the basis for how a scientific journal could proceed to reduce publication bias while remaining relevant.
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Affiliation(s)
- Harlan Campbell
- Department of Statistics, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, Canada
| | - Paul Gustafson
- Department of Statistics, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, Canada
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Shue S, Warden S. Full-text publication of abstract-presented work in sport and exercise psychology. BMJ Open Sport Exerc Med 2018; 4:e000344. [PMID: 29629187 PMCID: PMC5884379 DOI: 10.1136/bmjsem-2018-000344] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/16/2018] [Accepted: 03/15/2018] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Objectives Meetings promote information sharing, but do not enable full dissemination of details. A systematic search was conducted for abstracts presented at the 2010 and 2011 Association of Applied Sport Psychology Annual Conferences to determine the full-text dissemination rate of work presented in abstract form and investigate factors influencing this rate. Methods Systematic searches were sequentially conducted to determine whether the abstract-presented work had been published in full-text format in the 5 years following presentation. If a potential full-text publication was identified, information from the conference abstract (eg, results, number of participants in the sample(s), measurement tools used and so on) was compared with the full text to ensure the two entities represented the same body of work. Abstract factors of interest were assessed using logistic regression. Results Ninety-four out of 423 presented abstracts (22.2%) were published in full text. Odds of full-text publication increased if the abstract was from an international institution, presented in certain conference sections or presented as a lecture. Conclusion Those attending professional conferences should be cautious when translating data presented at conferences into their applied work because of the low rate of peer-reviewed and full-text publication of the information.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah Shue
- Department of Health Sciences, Indiana University School of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences, Indiana University-Purdue University, Indianapolis, Indiana, USA
| | - Stuart Warden
- Department of Physical Therapy, Indiana University School of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences, Indiana University-Purdue University, Indianapolis, Indiana, USA
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Sharifabadi AD, Korevaar DA, McGrath TA, van Es N, Frank RA, Cherpak L, Dang W, Salameh JP, Nguyen F, Stanley C, McInnes MDF. Reporting bias in imaging: higher accuracy is linked to faster publication. Eur Radiol 2018; 28:3632-3639. [PMID: 29564596 DOI: 10.1007/s00330-018-5354-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/25/2017] [Revised: 12/28/2017] [Accepted: 01/24/2018] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES The objective of this study was to evaluate whether higher reported accuracy estimates are associated with shorter time to publication among imaging diagnostic accuracy studies. METHODS We included primary imaging diagnostic accuracy studies, included in meta-analyses from systematic reviews published in 2015. For each primary study, we extracted accuracy estimates, participant recruitment periods and publication dates. Our primary outcome was the association between Youden's index (sensitivity + specificity - 1, a single measure of diagnostic accuracy) and time to publication. RESULTS We included 55 systematic reviews and 781 primary studies. Study completion dates were missing for 238 (30%) studies. The median time from completion to publication in the remaining 543 studies was 20 months (IQR 14-29). Youden's index was negatively correlated with time from completion to publication (rho = -0.11, p = 0.009). This association remained significant in multivariable Cox regression analyses after adjusting for seven study characteristics: hazard ratio of publication was 1.09 (95% CI 1.03-1.16, p = 0.004) per unit increase for logit-transformed estimates of Youden's index. When dichotomizing Youden's index by a median split, time from completion to publication was 20 months (IQR 13-33) for studies with a Youden's index below the median, and 19 months (14-27) for studies with a Youden's index above the median (p = 0.104). CONCLUSION Imaging diagnostic accuracy studies with higher accuracy estimates were weakly associated with a shorter time to publication. KEY POINTS • Higher accuracy estimates are weakly associated with shorter time to publication. • Lag in time to publication remained significant in multivariate Cox regression analyses. • No correlation between accuracy and time from submission to publication was identified.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - D A Korevaar
- Department of Clinical Epidemiology, Biostatistics and Bioinformatics, Academic Medical Center, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - T A McGrath
- Department of Radiology-Faculty of Medicine, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON, Canada
| | - N van Es
- Department of Vascular Medicine, Academic Medical Center, Room F4-139, Meibergdreef 9, 1105, AZ, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - R A Frank
- Department of Radiology-Faculty of Medicine, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON, Canada
| | - L Cherpak
- Department of Radiology-Faculty of Medicine, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON, Canada
| | - W Dang
- Department of Radiology-Faculty of Medicine, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON, Canada
| | - J P Salameh
- School of Epidemiology and Public Health, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON, Canada
| | - F Nguyen
- Department of Radiology-Faculty of Medicine, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON, Canada
| | - C Stanley
- Dalhousie University, Halifax, NS, Canada
| | - M D F McInnes
- Department of Radiology, Clinical Epidemiology Program, Ottawa Hospital Research Institute, University of Ottawa, Room c159 Ottawa Hospital Civic Campus, 1053 Carling Ave., Ottawa, ON, K1Y 4E9, Canada.
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Carlson K, Neitzel RL. Hearing loss, lead (Pb) exposure, and noise: a sound approach to ototoxicity exploration. JOURNAL OF TOXICOLOGY AND ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH. PART B, CRITICAL REVIEWS 2018; 21:335-355. [PMID: 30663930 PMCID: PMC9903337 DOI: 10.1080/10937404.2018.1562391] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/15/2023]
Abstract
To determine the state of the research on ototoxic properties of Pb, evaluate possible synergistic effects with concurrent noise exposure, and identify opportunities to improve future research, we performed a review of the peer-reviewed literature to identify studies examining auditory damage due to Pb over the past 50 years. Thirty-eight studies (14 animal and 24 human) were reviewed. Of these, 24 suggested potential ototoxicity due to Pb exposure, while 14 found no evidence of ototoxicity. More animal studies are needed, especially those investigating Pb exposure levels that are occupationally and environmentally relevant to humans. Further investigations into potential interactions of Pb in the auditory system with other hazards and compounds that elicit ototoxicity are also needed in animal models. To better assess the effects of Pb exposure on the human auditory system and the possibility of a synergism with noise, future epidemiological studies need to carefully consider and address four main areas of uncertainty: (1) hearing examination and quantification of hearing loss, (2) Pb exposure evaluation, (3) noise exposure evaluation, and (4) the personal characteristics of those exposed. Two potentially confounding factors, protective factors and mixtures of ototoxicants, also warrant further exploration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Krystin Carlson
- Department of Environmental Health Sciences, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, USA
| | - Richard L Neitzel
- Department of Environmental Health Sciences, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, USA
- Corresponding Author -- Richard L. Neitzel: , University of Michigan, Department of Environmental Health Sciences, 1415 Washington Heights 6611 SPH I, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, 734-763-2870
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Delaney A, Tamás PA. Searching for evidence or approval? A commentary on database search in systematic reviews and alternative information retrieval methodologies. Res Synth Methods 2017; 9:124-131. [DOI: 10.1002/jrsm.1282] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/07/2016] [Revised: 08/20/2017] [Accepted: 10/23/2017] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Affiliation(s)
| | - Peter A. Tamás
- Biometris; Wageningen University; Wageningen The Netherlands
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50
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Bowers AM, Horn JG, Scott JT, Vassar MJ. Publication Rates in Podium and Poster Presentations at the 2012-2014 American Association of Hip and Knee Surgeons Annual Meetings. J Arthroplasty 2017; 33:1247-1252.e1. [PMID: 29174763 DOI: 10.1016/j.arth.2017.10.052] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/13/2017] [Revised: 10/25/2017] [Accepted: 10/30/2017] [Indexed: 02/01/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Subspecialty conferences are an important forum for disseminating the latest research relevant to clinical practice. The purpose of this study was to identify publication rates in podium and poster abstracts for the American Association of Hip and Knee Surgeons (AAHKS) Annual Meeting and to identify the most common journals of publication and the reasons for nonpublication. METHODS Six hundred ten accepted abstracts (182 podium presentations, 428 posters) from the 2012-2014 AAHKS meetings were searched using Google, Google Scholar, and PubMed. If an abstract could not be found after efforts by multiple searchers, the first author was emailed to determine where the research was published or why it was not published. For articles that were published, the journal, time to publication, and journal impact factor were noted. RESULTS The overall rate of publication was 71% (436/610). Podium presentations (164/182, 90%) were published at a higher rate than posters (271/428, 63%). The most common journal of publication was the Journal of Arthroplasty (218/436, 50%), followed by Clinical Orthopaedics and Related Research (77/436, 18%) and The Journal of Bone and Joint Surgery (40/436, 9%). Average time to publication was 14.5 months (range, -4 to 44 months) from the date of the conference in which it was presented. CONCLUSION Presentations at the AAHKS annual meeting have an impressive rate of publication. The research presented at the meeting is impactful and high quality, warranting consideration for future publication.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aaron M Bowers
- Oklahoma State University Center for Health Sciences, Tulsa, Oklahoma
| | - Jarryd G Horn
- Oklahoma State University Center for Health Sciences, Tulsa, Oklahoma
| | - Jared T Scott
- Oklahoma State University Center for Health Sciences, Tulsa, Oklahoma
| | - Matt J Vassar
- Oklahoma State University Center for Health Sciences, Tulsa, Oklahoma
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