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Stefan K, An G. Consort allergic contact dermatitis due to propolis in eardrops. Contact Dermatitis 2024; 90:189-190. [PMID: 37884461 DOI: 10.1111/cod.14451] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/10/2023] [Accepted: 10/18/2023] [Indexed: 10/28/2023]
Affiliation(s)
| | - Goossens An
- Department of Dermatology, University Hospitals KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
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Gianola S, Stucovitz E, Castellini G, Mascali M, Vanni F, Tramacere I, Banfi G, Tornese D. Effects of early virtual reality-based rehabilitation in patients with total knee arthroplasty: A randomized controlled trial. Medicine (Baltimore) 2020; 99:e19136. [PMID: 32049833 PMCID: PMC7035049 DOI: 10.1097/md.0000000000019136] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Virtual reality (VR)-based rehabilitation is a promising approach for improving recovery in many conditions to optimize functional results, enhancing the clinical and social benefits of surgery. OBJECTIVE To assess the efficacy of an early rehabilitation performed by the VR-based rehabilitation versus the traditional rehabilitation provided by physical therapists after primary total knee arthroplasty (TKA). METHODS In this randomized controlled clinical trial, 85 subjects met the inclusion criteria and were randomized 3 to 4 days after TKA to an inpatient VR-based rehabilitation and a traditional rehabilitation. Participants in both groups received 60 minutes/day sessions until discharge (around 10 days after surgery). The primary outcome was the pain intensity. The secondary outcomes were: the disability knee, the health related quality of life, the global perceived effect, the functional independent measure, the drugs assumption, the isometric strength of quadriceps and hamstrings, the flexion range of motion, and the ability to perform proprioception exercises. Outcomes were assessed at baseline (3-4 days after TKA) and at discharge. RESULTS VR-based or traditional rehabilitation, with 13% of dropout rate, shown no statistically significant pain reduction between groups (P = .2660) as well as in all other outcomes, whereas a statistically significant improvement was present in the global proprioception (P = .0020), in favor of the VR-based rehabilitation group. CONCLUSIONS VR-based rehabilitation is not superior to traditional rehabilitation in terms of pain relief, drugs assumptions and other functional outcomes but seems to improve the global proprioception for patients received TKA. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE Therapy, level 1b. CONSORT-compliant. TRIAL REGISTRATION http://www.clinicaltrials.gov, ClinicalTrials.gov, NCT02413996.
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Affiliation(s)
- Silvia Gianola
- IRCCS Istituto Ortopedico Galeazzi, Unit of Clinical Epidemiology
| | - Elena Stucovitz
- IRCCS Istituto Ortopedico Galeazzi, Motion Analysis Laboratory
| | - Greta Castellini
- IRCCS Istituto Ortopedico Galeazzi, Unit of Clinical Epidemiology
| | | | - Francesco Vanni
- IRCCS Istituto Ortopedico Galeazzi, Center for Sports Rehabilitation
| | - Irene Tramacere
- Department of Research and Clinical Development, Scientific Directorate, Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Neurologico Carlo Besta, Milan, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Banfi
- IRCCS Istituto Ortopedico Galeazzi, Scientific Directorate
- Vita-Salute San Raffaele University, Milan, Italy
| | - Davide Tornese
- IRCCS Istituto Ortopedico Galeazzi, Center for Sports Rehabilitation
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3
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Young A, Reeves BC, Cheng HY, Wasiak J, Muir D, Davies A, Blazeby J. Risk of bias and reporting completeness of randomised controlled trials in burn care: protocol for a systematic review. BMJ Open 2019; 9:e033472. [PMID: 31857316 PMCID: PMC6937119 DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2019-033472] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/06/2019] [Revised: 11/11/2019] [Accepted: 11/12/2019] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Burn care represents a healthcare and economic burden to patients internationally. Choice of the most clinically effective treatment strategies requires evidence which is best obtained through high-quality randomised controlled trials (RCT). The number of published RCTs of burn care is increasing. However, trial quality and reporting standards are unclear. This study will assess the risk of bias and adequacy of reporting in recent burn care RCTs using tools endorsed by the Cochrane Collaboration. METHODS AND ANALYSIS A systematic literature review will be undertaken, assessing parallel group RCTs evaluating therapeutic interventions for patients with cutaneous burns. Literature searches will use Ovid Medline, Ovid Embase, Web of Science and the Cochrane Library. Separate searches for each database will include medical subject heading and free text terms including 'burn', 'scald', 'thermal injury' and 'RCT'. Two reviewers will independently assess each study for inclusion. Risk of bias (RoB) will be assessed with the revised tool (RoB 2) and reporting completeness with the CONsolidated Standards of Reporting Trials (CONSORT) 2010 guidelines. We will report a narrative synthesis of all studies, including domain specific, and overall risk of bias for the primary outcome of each trial. Inter-rater agreement for RoB 2 will be reported using Fleiss's Kappa. For adherence to the CONSORT guidelines, we will generate a completeness of reporting index for the five domains. ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION No ethics approval is required because published documents will be used. Findings of the study will be disseminated in a peer-reviewed journal and presented at conferences. PROSPERO REGISTRATION NUMBER CRD42018111020.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amber Young
- Bristol Centre for Surgical Research, Population Health Sciences, Bristol Medical School, University of Bristol, Bristol, UK
- Paediatric Anaesthesia, University Hospitals Bristol NHS Foundation Trust, Bristol, UK
| | - Barnaby C Reeves
- Bristol Trials Centre (BRI-Hub), Bristol Medical School, University of Bristol, Bristol, UK
| | - Hung-Yuan Cheng
- Population Health Sciences, Bristol Medical School, University of Bristol, Bristol, UK
| | - Jason Wasiak
- Olivia Newton John Cancer Wellness & Research Centre, Department of Radiation Oncology, Austin Health, Heidelberg, Victoria, Australia
- Austin Health Clinical School of Nursing, Latrobe University, Heidelberg, Victoria, Australia
| | - Duncan Muir
- Population Health Sciences, Bristol Medical School, University of Bristol, Bristol, UK
| | - Anna Davies
- Centre for Academic Child Health, University of Bristol, Bristol, UK
| | - Jane Blazeby
- Bristol Centre for Surgical Research, Population Health Sciences, Bristol Medical School, University of Bristol, Bristol, UK
- NIHR Biomedical Research Centre, University of Bristol and University hospitals Bristol NHS Foundation Trust, Bristol, UK
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Marian JEAR, Apostólico LH, Chiao CC, Hanlon RT, Hirohashi N, Iwata Y, Mather J, Sato N, Shaw PW. Male Alternative Reproductive Tactics and Associated Evolution of Anatomical Characteristics in Loliginid Squid. Front Physiol 2019; 10:1281. [PMID: 31680998 PMCID: PMC6803530 DOI: 10.3389/fphys.2019.01281] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/12/2019] [Accepted: 09/24/2019] [Indexed: 01/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Loliginid squids provide a unique model system to explore male alternative reproductive tactics (ARTs) and their linkage to size, behavioral decision making, and possibly age. Large individuals fight one another and the winners form temporary consortships with females, while smaller individuals do not engage in male-male agonistic bouts but use various sneaker tactics to obtain matings, each with varying mating and fertilization success. There is substantial behavioral flexibility in most species, as smaller males can facultatively switch to the alternative consort behaviors as the behavioral context changes. These forms of ARTs can involve different: mating posture; site of spermatophore deposition; fertilization success; and sperm traits. Most of the traits of male dimorphism (both anatomical and behavioral) are consistent with traditional sexual selection theory, while others have unique features that may have evolved in response to the fertilization environment faced by each temporary or permanent male morph.
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Affiliation(s)
- José E A R Marian
- Department of Zoology, Institute of Biosciences, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Lígia H Apostólico
- Department of Zoology, Institute of Biosciences, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Chuan-Chin Chiao
- Department of Life Sciences, National Tsing Hua University, Hsinchu, Taiwan
| | - Roger T Hanlon
- Marine Biological Laboratory, Woods Hole, MA, United States
| | | | - Yoko Iwata
- Atmosphere and Ocean Research Institute, University of Tokyo, Kashiwa, Japan, Japan
| | - Jennifer Mather
- Department of Psychology, University of Lethbridge, Lethbridge, AB, Canada
| | - Noriyosi Sato
- Department of Fisheries, School of Marine Science and Technology, Tokai University, Shizuoka, Japan
| | - Paul W Shaw
- Institute of Biological, Environmental and Rural Sciences, Aberystwyth University, Aberystwyth, United Kingdom.,Department of Ichthyology & Fisheries Science, Rhodes University, Grahamstown, South Africa
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Jull J, Graham ID, Kristjansson E, Moher D, Petkovic J, Yoganathan M, Tugwell P, Welch VA. Taking an integrated knowledge translation approach in research to develop the CONSORT-Equity 2017 reporting guideline: an observational study. BMJ Open 2019; 9:e026866. [PMID: 31366641 PMCID: PMC6678066 DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2018-026866] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE We describe the use of an integrated knowledge translation (KT) approach in the development of the CONsolidated Standards Of Reporting Trials extension for equity ('CONSORT-Equity 2017'), and advisory board-research team members' ('the team') perceptions of the integrated KT process. DESIGN This is an observational study to describe team processes and experience with a structured integrated KT approach to develop CONSORT-Equity 2017. Participant observation to describe team processes and a survey were used with the 38 team members. SETTING Use of the CONSORT health research reporting guideline contributes to an evidence base for health systems decision-making, and CONSORT-Equity 2017 may improve reporting about health equity-relevant evidence. An integrated KT research approach engages knowledge users (those for whom the research is meant to be useful) with researchers to co-develop research evidence and is more likely to produce findings that are applied in practice or policy. PARTICIPANTS Researchers adopted an integrated KT approach and invited knowledge users to form a team. RESULTS An integrated KT approach was used in the development of CONSORT-Equity 2017 and structured replicable steps. The process for co-developing the reporting guideline involved two stages: (1) establishing guiding features for co-development and (2) research actions that supported the co-development of the reporting guideline. Stage 1 consisted of four steps: finding common ground, forming an advisory board, committing to ethical guidance and clarifying theoretical research assumptions. Bound by the stage 1 guiding features of an integrated KT approach, stage 2 consisted of five steps during which studies for consensus-based reporting guidelines were conducted. Of 38 team members, 25 (67.5%) completed a survey about their perceptions of the integrated KT approach. CONCLUSIONS An integrated KT approach can be used to engage a team to co-develop reporting guidelines. Further study is needed to understand the use of an integrated KT approach in the development of reporting guidelines.
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Affiliation(s)
- Janet Jull
- School of Rehabilitation Therapy, Queen’s University, Kingston, Ontario, Canada
- Clinical Epidemiology, Ottawa Hospital Research Institute, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
| | - Ian D Graham
- Clinical Epidemiology, Ottawa Hospital Research Institute, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
| | | | - David Moher
- Ottawa Methods Centre, Ottawa Hospital Research Institute, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
| | - Jennifer Petkovic
- Bruyere Research Institute, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
| | | | - Peter Tugwell
- Medicine, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
| | - Vivian A Welch
- Institute of Population Health, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Canada
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Kwakkenbos L, Imran M, McCord KA, Sampson M, Fröbert O, Gale C, Hemkens LG, Langan SM, Moher D, Relton C, Zwarenstein M, Benchimol EI, Boutron I, Campbell MK, Erlinge D, Jawad S, Ravaud P, Rice DB, Sauve M, van Staa TP, Thabane L, Uher R, Verkooijen HM, Juszczak E, Thombs BD. Protocol for a scoping review to support development of a CONSORT extension for randomised controlled trials using cohorts and routinely collected health data. BMJ Open 2018; 8:e025266. [PMID: 30082372 PMCID: PMC6078273 DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2018-025266] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/06/2018] [Revised: 07/11/2018] [Accepted: 07/12/2018] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Randomised controlled trials (RCTs) conducted using cohorts and routinely collected health data, including registries, electronic health records and administrative databases, are increasingly used in healthcare intervention research. The development of an extension of the CONsolidated Standards of Reporting Trials (CONSORT) statement for RCTs using cohorts and routinely collected health data is being undertaken with the goal of improving reporting quality by setting standards early in the process of uptake of these designs. To develop this extension to the CONSORT statement, a scoping review will be conducted to identify potential modifications or clarifications of existing reporting guideline items, as well as additional items needed for reporting RCTs using cohorts and routinely collected health data. METHODS AND ANALYSIS In separate searches, we will seek publications on methods or reporting or that describe protocols or results from RCTs using cohorts, registries, electronic health records and administrative databases. Data sources will include Medline and the Cochrane Methodology Register. For each of the four main types of RCTs using cohorts and routinely collected health data, separately, two investigators will independently review included publications to extract potential checklist items. A potential item will either modify an existing CONSORT 2010, Strengthening the Reporting of Observational Studies in Epidemiology or REporting of studies Conducted using Observational Routinely collected health Data item or will be proposed as a new item. Additionally, we will identify examples of good reporting in RCTs using cohorts and routinely collected health data. ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION The proposed scoping review will help guide the development of the CONSORT extension statement for RCTs conducted using cohorts and routinely collected health data.
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Affiliation(s)
- Linda Kwakkenbos
- Behavioural Science Institute, Clinical Psychology, Radboud University, Nijmegen, Gelderland, Netherlands
| | - Mahrukh Imran
- Lady Davis Institute for Medical Research, Jewish General Hospital, Montréal, Quebec, Canada
| | - Kimberly A McCord
- Basel Institute for Clinical Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Department of Clinical Research, University Hospital Basel, University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Margaret Sampson
- Library Services, Children's Hospital of Eastern Ontario, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
| | - Ole Fröbert
- Department of Cardiology, Faculty of Health, Örebro University, Örebro, UK
| | - Chris Gale
- Section of Neonatal Medicine, Department of Medicine, Imperial College London, London, UK
| | - Lars G Hemkens
- Basel Institute for Clinical Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Department of Clinical Research, University Hospital Basel, University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Sinead M Langan
- Faculty of Epidemiology and Population Health, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, UK
| | - David Moher
- Centre for Journalology, Clinical Epidemiology Program, Ottawa Hospital Research Institute, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
| | - Clare Relton
- Centre for Clinical Trials and Methodology, Barts Institute of Population Health Science, Queen Mary University, London, UK
| | - Merrick Zwarenstein
- Department of Family Medicine, Western University, London, UK
- Institute for Clinical Evaluative Sciences, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Eric I Benchimol
- Department of Pediatrics and School of Epidemiology and Public Health, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
- Institute for Clinical Evaluative Sciences, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
- Division of Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition, Children's Hospital of Eastern Ontario, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
| | - Isabelle Boutron
- Sorbonne Paris Cité Epidemiology and Statistics Research Center, INSERM, UMR1153, Paris, France
- Centre d'Épidémiologie Clinique, Hôpital Hôtel Dieu, Assistance Publique-Hôpitaux de Paris, Paris, France
- Faculté de Médecine, Université Paris Descartes, Sorbonne Paris Cité, Paris, France
| | | | - David Erlinge
- Department of Cardiology, Clinical Sciences, Lund University, Lund, Sweden
| | - Sena Jawad
- Section of Neonatal Medicine, Department of Medicine, Imperial College London, London, UK
| | - Philippe Ravaud
- Sorbonne Paris Cité Epidemiology and Statistics Research Center, INSERM, UMR1153, Paris, France
- Centre d'Épidémiologie Clinique, Hôpital Hôtel Dieu, Assistance Publique-Hôpitaux de Paris, Paris, France
- Faculté de Médecine, Université Paris Descartes, Sorbonne Paris Cité, Paris, France
| | - Danielle B Rice
- Lady Davis Institute for Medical Research, Jewish General Hospital, Montréal, Quebec, Canada
- Department of Psychology, McGill University, Montréal, Québec, Canada
| | - Maureen Sauve
- Scleroderma Society of Ontario, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada
- Scleroderma Canada, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada
| | - Tjeerd P van Staa
- Health e-Research Centre, School of Health Sciences, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, University of Manchester, Manchester, UK
- Division of Pharmacoepidemiology and Clinical Pharmacology, Faculty of Science, Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Lehana Thabane
- Department of Health Research Methods, Evidence and Impact, McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada
| | - Rudolf Uher
- Department of Psychiatry, Dalhousie University, Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada
| | - Helena M Verkooijen
- Department of Epidemiology, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, The Netherlands
- Department of Epidemiology, University of Utrecht, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Edmund Juszczak
- NPEU Clinical Trials Unit, National Perinatal Epidemiology Unit, Nuffield Department of Population Health, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Brett D Thombs
- Lady Davis Institute for Medical Research, Jewish General Hospital, Montréal, Quebec, Canada
- Department of Psychology, McGill University, Montréal, Québec, Canada
- Department of Psychiatry, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
- Departments of Epidemiology, Biostatistics and Occupational Health, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
- Department of Medicine, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
- Departments of Educational and Counselling Psychology, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
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Abstract
Although the use of reporting guidelines has been demonstrated to increase the completeness and transparency of health research published in journals, there is still a long way to translate their use to the authors at the time where they are needed - during the actual research process and manuscript writing. An online tool for writing methodology section of a randomized controlled trial has been successfully tested in an experimental setting and provides a direction for the development of writing tools for health research. Writing tools should not replace original thinking and the excitement of communicating original discoveries, but make sure that all relevant data are in the manuscript so that research results can be understood, critically evaluated and used in practice. Please see related article: http://www.biomedcentral.com/1741-7015/13/221.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ana Marušić
- Journal of Global Health, Split, Croatia. .,Department of Research in Biomedicine and Health, University of Split School of Medicine, Split, Croatia.
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Reijneveld SA, Kleefman M, Jansen DEMC. Stepping Stones Triple P: the importance of putting the findings into context--a response to Tellegen and Sofronoff. BMC Med 2015; 13:36. [PMID: 25877781 PMCID: PMC4350302 DOI: 10.1186/s12916-015-0289-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/07/2015] [Accepted: 02/07/2015] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Recently, we reported the findings of a randomized controlled trial on the effectiveness of Stepping Stones Triple P (SSTP) compared to Care as Usual (CAU), in BMC Medicine. The study involved parents of 209 children with Borderline to Mild Intellectual Disability (BMID), included following a school-based assessment of psychosocial problems. We found that SSTP had some short-term advantages over CAU, i.e., a reduction of parenting stress and of teacher-reported psychosocial problems, but no long-term advantages, at 6 months after the intervention. Tellegen and Sofronoff criticized that we included a limited amount of studies on the effectiveness of SSTP, and that the interpretation of our findings was inadequate. Regarding available evidence, we confined our summary to published high-quality RCTs regarding individual SSTP on level 4--our RCT concerned that type of SSTP. Consequently, many studies were excluded but in a very adequate way. Regarding interpretation, Tellegen and Sofronoff criticized that we compared SSTP with CAU, but seem to be unware that this is consonant with current guidelines. Moreover, they noted that 49% of the parents who started SSTP followed less than half of the intended number of sessions. However, our findings on those who completed SSTP showed no more advantages of SSTP in the long term than CAU. We therefore stick to our conclusion that SSTP has some advantages in the short term compared to CAU, but not in the long term. The major burden of psychosocial problems in children with BMID prompts for further improvements. Please see related articles: http://www.biomedcentral.com/1741-7015/12/191 and http://www.biomedcentral.com/1741-7015/13/25.
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Patel J. Why training and specialization is needed for peer review: a case study of peer review for randomized controlled trials. BMC Med 2014; 12:128. [PMID: 25285376 PMCID: PMC4243268 DOI: 10.1186/s12916-014-0128-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/22/2014] [Accepted: 07/14/2014] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The purpose and effectiveness of peer review is currently a subject of hot debate, as is the need for greater openness and transparency in the conduct of clinical trials. Innovations in peer review have focused on the process of peer review rather than its quality. DISCUSSION The aims of peer review are poorly defined, with no evidence that it works and no established way to provide training. However, despite the lack of evidence for its effectiveness, evidence-based medicine, which directly informs patient care, depends on the system of peer review. The current system applies the same process to all fields of research and all study designs. While the volume of available health related information is vast, there is no consistent means for the lay person to judge its quality or trustworthiness. Some types of research, such as randomized controlled trials, may lend themselves to a more specialized form of peer review where training and ongoing appraisal and revalidation is provided to individuals who peer review randomized controlled trials. Any randomized controlled trial peer reviewed by such a trained peer reviewer could then have a searchable 'quality assurance' symbol attached to the published articles and any published peer reviewer reports, thereby providing some guidance to the lay person seeking to inform themselves about their own health or medical treatment. SUMMARY Specialization, training and ongoing appraisal and revalidation in peer review, coupled with a quality assurance symbol for the lay person, could address some of the current limitations of peer review for randomized controlled trials.
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Charlesworth G, Burnell K, Hoe J, Orrell M, Russell I. Acceptance checklist for clinical effectiveness pilot trials: a systematic approach. BMC Med Res Methodol 2013; 13:78. [PMID: 23758922 PMCID: PMC3702517 DOI: 10.1186/1471-2288-13-78] [Citation(s) in RCA: 55] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/22/2012] [Accepted: 05/29/2013] [Indexed: 03/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Conducting a pilot trial is important in preparing for, and justifying investment in, the ensuing larger trial. Pilot trials using the same design and methods as the subsequent main trial are ethically and financially advantageous especially when pilot and main trial data can be pooled. For explanatory trials in which internal validity is paramount, there is little room for variation of methods between the pilot and main trial. For pragmatic trials, where generalisability or external validity is key, greater flexibility is written into trial protocols to allow for 'real life' variation in procedures. We describe the development of a checklist for use in decision-making on whether pilot data can be carried forward to the main trial dataset without compromising trial integrity. We illustrate the use of the checklist using a pragmatic trial of psychosocial interventions for family carers of people with dementia as a case study.
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Affiliation(s)
- Georgina Charlesworth
- Research Department of Clinical, Educational and Health Psychology, University College London, 1-19 Torrington Place, London WC1E 7HB, UK
- Research and Development Department, North East London NHS Foundation Trust, Goodmayes Hospital, Barley Lane, Ilford, Essex IG3 8XJ, England
| | - Karen Burnell
- School of Health Sciences and Social Work, James Watson (West), 2 King Richard 1st Road, Portsmouth PO1 2FR, England
| | - Juanita Hoe
- UCL Mental Health Sciences Unit, University College London, Charles Bell House, 67-73 Riding House Street, London W1W 7EJ, UK
| | - Martin Orrell
- Research and Development Department, North East London NHS Foundation Trust, Goodmayes Hospital, Barley Lane, Ilford, Essex IG3 8XJ, England
- UCL Mental Health Sciences Unit, University College London, Charles Bell House, 67-73 Riding House Street, London W1W 7EJ, UK
| | - Ian Russell
- West Wales Organization for Rigorous Trials in Health, Swansea University College of Medicine, Singleton Park, Swansea SA2 8PP, Wales
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Turner L, Shamseer L, Altman DG, Schulz KF, Moher D. Does use of the CONSORT Statement impact the completeness of reporting of randomised controlled trials published in medical journals? A Cochrane review. Syst Rev 2012; 1. [PMID: 23194585 PMCID: PMC3564748 DOI: 10.1186/2046-4053-1-60] [Citation(s) in RCA: 403] [Impact Index Per Article: 33.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The Consolidated Standards of Reporting Trials (CONSORT) Statement is intended to facilitate better reporting of randomised clinical trials (RCTs). A systematic review recently published in the Cochrane Library assesses whether journal endorsement of CONSORT impacts the completeness of reporting of RCTs; those findings are summarised here. METHODS Evaluations assessing the completeness of reporting of RCTs based on any of 27 outcomes formulated based on the 1996 or 2001 CONSORT checklists were included; two primary comparisons were evaluated. The 27 outcomes were: the 22 items of the 2001 CONSORT checklist, four sub-items describing blinding and a 'total summary score' of aggregate items, as reported. Relative risks (RR) and 99% confidence intervals were calculated to determine effect estimates for each outcome across evaluations. RESULTS Fifty-three reports describing 50 evaluations of 16,604 RCTs were assessed for adherence to at least one of 27 outcomes. Sixty-nine of 81 meta-analyses show relative benefit from CONSORT endorsement on completeness of reporting. Between endorsing and non-endorsing journals, 25 outcomes are improved with CONSORT endorsement, five of these significantly (α = 0.01). The number of evaluations per meta-analysis was often low with substantial heterogeneity; validity was assessed as low or unclear for many evaluations. CONCLUSIONS The results of this review suggest that journal endorsement of CONSORT may benefit the completeness of reporting of RCTs they publish. No evidence suggests that endorsement hinders the completeness of RCT reporting. However, despite relative improvements when CONSORT is endorsed by journals, the completeness of reporting of trials remains sub-optimal. Journals are not sending a clear message about endorsement to authors submitting manuscripts for publication. As such, fidelity of endorsement as an 'intervention' has been weak to date. Journals need to take further action regarding their endorsement and implementation of CONSORT to facilitate accurate, transparent and complete reporting of trials.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lucy Turner
- Clinical Epidemiology Program, Ottawa Hospital Research Institute, Ottawa, Canada
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Gray R, Sullivan M, Altman DG, Gordon-Weeks AN. Adherence of trials of operative intervention to the CONSORT statement extension for non-pharmacological treatments: a comparative before and after study. Ann R Coll Surg Engl 2012; 94:388-94. [PMID: 22943327 PMCID: PMC3954318 DOI: 10.1308/003588412x13171221592339] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 03/25/2012] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Use of the Consolidated Standards of Reporting Trials (CONSORT) statement has been shown to improve the reporting of randomised controlled trials and it is endorsed by leading surgical journals. The CONSORT statement for non-pharmacological treatment (CONSORT-NPT) provides specific items to aid in the reporting of trials of operative intervention. This study compares the reporting practice of trials of operative intervention published in time periods before and after publication of the CONSORT-NPT statement. METHODS A 30-point checklist containing the salient CONSORT-NPT items was designed and the adherence of trials meeting the inclusion criteria determined independently by two authors. RESULTS There was a significant improvement of 3.95 points in the mean CONSORT-NPT score from 2004 to 2010 (95% confidence interval: 3.61-4.29, p<0.001). This related specifically to items present in the original CONSORT statement rather than to CONSORT-NPT items, which remained poorly reported in 2010. The mean CONSORT-NPT score was 17.5 (standard deviation [SD]: 4.5) for trials published in CONSORT endorsing journals compared with 15.6 (SD: 4.0) for those that did not mention endorsement of the CONSORT statement although this was not a significant difference (p=0.064). CONCLUSIONS Although there has been a significant improvement in the reporting of trials of operative intervention published in the surgical literature since 2004, items specific to the CONSORT-NPT extension remain underreported. Improved awareness of this important addition to the CONSORT statement throughout the surgical community and its endorsement by surgical journals will help to improve the reporting practice of trials of operative intervention.
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Affiliation(s)
- R Gray
- Oxford University Hospitals NHS Trust,UK
| | - M Sullivan
- Oxford University Hospitals NHS Trust,UK
| | - DG Altman
- Centre for Statistics in Medicine, Oxford,UK
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Glasgow RE, Gaglio B, Bennett G, Jerome GJ, Yeh HC, Sarwer DB, Appel L, Colditz G, Wadden TA, Wells B. Applying the PRECIS criteria to describe three effectiveness trials of weight loss in obese patients with comorbid conditions. Health Serv Res 2012; 47:1051-67. [PMID: 22092292 PMCID: PMC3423177 DOI: 10.1111/j.1475-6773.2011.01347.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 48] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES To characterize Practice-Based Opportunities for Weight Reduction (POWER) trials along the pragmatic-explanatory continuum. SETTINGS The POWER trials consist of three individual studies that target obesity treatment in primary care settings. DESIGN Using the PRagmatic Explanatory Continuum Indicator Summary (PRECIS) criteria, nine reviewers independently scored each trial. METHODS Average and median ratings, inter-rater reliability, and relationships to additional ratings of the extent to which study designs were explanatory (i.e., efficacy) versus pragmatic (i.e., practical) and related to external validity were determined. PRINCIPAL FINDINGS One trial was consistently rated as being significantly more pragmatic than the others (R(2) =0.43, p< .001), although all three were in the moderate range on the PRECIS scales. Ratings varied across PRECIS dimensions, being most pragmatic on comparison condition and primary outcome. Raters, although undergoing training and using identical definitions, scored their own study as more pragmatic than the other studies/interventions. CONCLUSIONS These results highlight the need for more comprehensive reporting on PRECIS and related criteria for research translation. The PRECIS criteria provide a richer understanding of the POWER studies. It is not clear whether the original criteria are sufficient to provide a comprehensive profile.
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Affiliation(s)
- Russell E Glasgow
- Dissemination and Implementation Science, Division of Cancer Control and Population Sciences, National Cancer Institute, 6130 Executive Blvd., Room 6144, Rockville, MD 20852, USA.
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Vesterinen HV, Egan K, Deister A, Schlattmann P, Macleod MR, Dirnagl U. Systematic survey of the design, statistical analysis, and reporting of studies published in the 2008 volume of the Journal of Cerebral Blood Flow and Metabolism. J Cereb Blood Flow Metab 2011; 31:1064-72. [PMID: 21157472 PMCID: PMC3070978 DOI: 10.1038/jcbfm.2010.217] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2010] [Revised: 10/25/2010] [Accepted: 11/03/2010] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
Translating experimental findings into clinically effective therapies is one of the major bottlenecks of modern medicine. As this has been particularly true for cerebrovascular research, attention has turned to the quality and validity of experimental cerebrovascular studies. We set out to assess the study design, statistical analyses, and reporting of cerebrovascular research. We assessed all original articles published in the Journal of Cerebral Blood Flow and Metabolism during the year 2008 against a checklist designed to capture the key attributes relating to study design, statistical analyses, and reporting. A total of 156 original publications were included (animal, in vitro, human). Few studies reported a primary research hypothesis, statement of purpose, or measures to safeguard internal validity (such as randomization, blinding, exclusion or inclusion criteria). Many studies lacked sufficient information regarding methods and results to form a reasonable judgment about their validity. In nearly 20% of studies, statistical tests were either not appropriate or information to allow assessment of appropriateness was lacking. This study identifies a number of factors that should be addressed if the quality of research in basic and translational biomedicine is to be improved. We support the widespread implementation of the ARRIVE (Animal Research Reporting In Vivo Experiments) statement for the reporting of experimental studies in biomedicine, for improving training in proper study design and analysis, and that reviewers and editors adopt a more constructively critical approach in the assessment of manuscripts for publication.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hanna V Vesterinen
- Department of Clinical Neurosciences, Centre for Clinical Brain Sciences, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, Scotland, UK
| | - Kieren Egan
- Department of Clinical Neurosciences, Centre for Clinical Brain Sciences, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, Scotland, UK
| | - Amelie Deister
- Departments of Neurology and Experimental Neurology, Center for Stroke Research, Charité University Medicine Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Peter Schlattmann
- Department of Medical Statistics, Computer Sciences and Documentation, University Hospital of Friedrich-Schiller-University Jena, Jena, Germany
| | - Malcolm R Macleod
- Department of Clinical Neurosciences, Centre for Clinical Brain Sciences, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, Scotland, UK
- Department of Neurology, NHS Forth Valley, Stirling, Scotland, UK
| | - Ulrich Dirnagl
- Departments of Neurology and Experimental Neurology, Center for Stroke Research, Charité University Medicine Berlin, Berlin, Germany
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Whittaker K, Sutton C, Burton C. Pragmatic randomised controlled trials in parenting research: the issue of intention to treat. J Epidemiol Community Health 2006; 60:858-64. [PMID: 16973532 PMCID: PMC2566053 DOI: 10.1136/jech.2005.044214] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 02/25/2006] [Indexed: 11/04/2022]
Abstract
STUDY OBJECTIVE To evaluate trials of parenting programmes, regarding their use of intention to treat (ITT). DESIGN Individual trials included in two relevant Cochrane systematic reviews were scrutinised by two independent reviewers. Data on country of origin, target audience, trial type, treatment violations, use of ITT, and the management of missing data were extracted. MAIN RESULTS Thirty trial reports were reviewed. Three reported the use of an ITT approach to data analysis. Nineteen reported losing subjects to follow up although the implications of this were rarely considered. Insufficient detail in reports meant it was difficult to identify study drop outs, the nature of treatment violations, and those failing to provide outcome assessments. In two trials, study drop outs were considered as additional control groups, violating the basic principle of ITT. CONCLUSIONS It is recommended that future trial reports adhere to CONSORT guidelines. In particular ITT should be used for the main analyses, with strategies for managing treatment violations and handling missing data being reported a priori. Those conducting trials need to acknowledge the social nature of these programmes can sometimes result in erratic parent attendance and participation, which would only increase the chances of missing data. The use of approaches that can limit the proportion of missing data is therefore recommended.
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Affiliation(s)
- Karen Whittaker
- Department of Nursing, University of Central Lancashire, Preston PR1 2HE, UK.
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