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ELife Oct 2019Many early-career researchers are involved in the peer review of manuscripts for scientific journals, typically under the guidance of or jointly with their advisor, but...
Many early-career researchers are involved in the peer review of manuscripts for scientific journals, typically under the guidance of or jointly with their advisor, but most of the evidence about this activity is anecdotal. Here we report the results of a literature review and a survey of researchers, with an emphasis on co-reviewing and 'ghostwriting'. The literature review identified 36 articles that addressed the involvement of early-career researchers in peer review, most of them about early-career researchers and their advisors co-reviewing manuscripts for the purposes of training: none of them addressed the topic of ghostwriting in detail. About three quarters of the respondents to the survey had co-reviewed a manuscript. Most respondents believe co-reviewing to be a beneficial (95%) and ethical (73%) form of training in peer review. About half of the respondents have ghostwritten a peer review report, despite 81% responding that ghostwriting is unethical and 82% agreeing that identifying co-reviewers to the journal is valuable. Peer review would benefit from changes in both journal policies and lab practices that encourage mentored co-review and discourage ghostwriting.
Topics: Authorship; Biomedical Research; Humans; Peer Review; Research Personnel
PubMed: 31668163
DOI: 10.7554/eLife.48425 -
Nutrients Oct 2021Increasing evidence suggests that attachment plays an important role in obesity. However, few studies examined this relationship in preschool children. This study aimed... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
Increasing evidence suggests that attachment plays an important role in obesity. However, few studies examined this relationship in preschool children. This study aimed to systematically examine the empirical, peer-reviewed evidence regarding the relationship between attachment quality and obesity in the preschool years. Using established guidelines, relevant peer-reviewed literature published between 2000 and July 2021 was searched through EBSCO. This yielded a total of 1124 records for review. Established inclusion criteria comprised: empirical studies published in peer-review journals; include at least one anthropometric measure and/or food consumption measure. Exclusion criteria comprised: attachment measures not following Bowlby-Ainsworth conceptualization of the construct; children in institutionalized settings; context of severe mental illness, documented substance use disorders, or eating disorders; include only a measure of the psychological aspects of eating; intervention programs. After exclusions, eight studies with a total of 9225 participants met the inclusion criteria. Results support the role of attachment in weight-related outcomes, suggesting that considering attachment in the risk of obesity could contribute to the elaboration of effective prevention and intervention programs. Limitations included the small number of studies, predominately cross-sectional designs, the diversity of methodologies, most samples not including fathers, and lack of evidence about the developmental mechanisms underlying the association between attachment and obesity. More evidence is needed to determine how attachment and obesity are linked, and the potential underlying mechanisms accounting for this relationship.
Topics: Body Weight; Caregivers; Child, Preschool; Feeding Behavior; Humans; Obesity; Object Attachment
PubMed: 34684573
DOI: 10.3390/nu13103572 -
The American Journal of Gastroenterology Apr 2013The clinical and economic burden of Clostridium difficile infection (CDI) is significant. Recurrent CDI management has emerged as a major challenge with suboptimal... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
OBJECTIVES
The clinical and economic burden of Clostridium difficile infection (CDI) is significant. Recurrent CDI management has emerged as a major challenge with suboptimal response to standard therapy. Fecal microbiota transplantation (FMT) has been used as a treatment to reconstitute the normal microbial homeostasis and break the cycle of antibiotic agents that may further disrupt the microbiome. Given the lack of randomized-controlled trials (RCTs) and limitations in previous systematic reviews, we aimed to conduct a systematic review with robust methods to determine the efficacy and safety profile of FMT in CDI.
METHODS
An electronic search was conducted using MEDLINE (1946-March 2012), EMBASE (1974-March 2012) and Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (2012). The search strategy was not limited by language. Abstract data were excluded and only completed studies that underwent the full, rigorous peer-review process were included. Studies that used FMT via any delivery modality for laboratory or endoscopically proven CDI with clinical resolution as primary outcome were included. A sample size of 10 or more patients was a further criterion. Elements of the Centre for Reviews and Dissemination checklist and the National Institute of Clinical Excellence quality assessment for case series checklist were employed to determine study quality. Eligibility assessment and data extraction were performed by two independent researchers. Both unweighted pooled resolution rates (UPR) and weighted pooled resolution rates (WPR) were calculated with corresponding 95% confidence intervals (CI) for overall studies, as well as predefined subgroups.
RESULTS
Eleven studies with a total of 273 CDI patients treated with FMT were identified; no RCTs were found as none have been published. Two-hundred and forty-five out of 273 patients experienced clinical resolution (UPR 89.7%; WPR 89.1% (95% CI 84 to 93%)). There was no statistically significant heterogeneity between studies (Cochran Q test P=0.13, I(2)=33.7%). A priori subgroup analysis suggested that lower gastrointestinal FMT delivery (UPR 91.4%; WPR 91.2% (95% CI 86 to 95%)) led to a trend towards higher clinical resolution rates than the upper gastrointestinal route (UPR 82.3%; WPR 80.6% (95% CI 69-90%)) (proportion difference of WPR was 10.6% (95% CI -0.6 to 22%)). No difference in clinical outcomes was detected between anonymous vs. patient selected donors. There were no reported adverse events associated with FMT and follow-up was variable from weeks to years.
CONCLUSIONS
FMT holds considerable promise as a therapy for recurrent CDI but well-designed, RCTs and long-term follow-up registries are still required. These are needed to identify the right patient, efficacy and safety profile of FMT before this approach can be widely advocated.
Topics: Biological Therapy; Clostridioides difficile; Enterocolitis, Pseudomembranous; Feces; Humans; Metagenome; Treatment Outcome
PubMed: 23511459
DOI: 10.1038/ajg.2013.59 -
Frontiers in Sports and Active Living 2023The purpose of this study was to do a systematic review and meta-analysis about the anthropometric, physiological, and physical performance that discriminate the... (Review)
Review
BACKGROUND
The purpose of this study was to do a systematic review and meta-analysis about the anthropometric, physiological, and physical performance that discriminate the physical talent in basketball.
METHODS
The search was conducted using the most relevant databases as Web of Science, PubMed, SPORTDiscus and Scopus, according to the PRISMA (2020) guideline. Keywords such as "basketball", "talented identification", "anthropometric", "physiology" and "physical performance" were used for the search, in English and following the "PICOS" question model. Eighteen articles' overall methodological quality was assessed using the Critical Review Forms.
RESULTS
The study found in basketball, height, body mass, Yo-Yo test, -test, 20 m sprint, and jump performance had statistical significance between elite and non-elite groups, including different positions and levels.
CONCLUSIONS
The reviewed literature highlighted a complicated relationship between anthropometric, physiological, and physical performance. Based on the results of the study, it's possible that height, body mass, agility, speed, endurance capacity, and lower lamb power could affect the early development of basketball.
PubMed: 38033652
DOI: 10.3389/fspor.2023.1264872 -
Sports Medicine (Auckland, N.Z.) Jun 2015Aerobic capacity (VO2max) is a strong health and performance predictor and is regarded as a key physiological measure in the healthy population and in persons with... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
BACKGROUND
Aerobic capacity (VO2max) is a strong health and performance predictor and is regarded as a key physiological measure in the healthy population and in persons with multiple sclerosis (PwMS). However, no studies have tried to synthesize the existing knowledge regarding VO2max in PwMS.
OBJECTIVES
The objectives of this study were to (1) systematically review the psychometric properties of the VO2max test; (2) systematically review the literature on VO2max compared with healthy populations; (3) summarize correlates of VO2max; and (4) to review and conduct a meta-analysis of longitudinal exercise studies evaluating training-induced effects on VO2max in PwMS.
DATA SOURCES AND STUDY SELECTION
A systematic literature search of six databases (PubMed, EMBASE, Cochrane Library, PEDro, CINAHL and SPORTDiscus) was performed. To be included, the study had to (1) enrol participants with definite MS according to defined criteria; (2) assess aerobic capacity (VO2max) by means of a graded exercise test to voluntary exhaustion; (3) had undergone peer review; and (4) be available in English, Danish or Dutch.
STUDY APPRAISAL AND SYNTHESIS METHODS
The psychometric properties of the VO2max test in PwMS were reviewed with respect to reliability, validity and responsiveness. Simple Pearson correlation analysis was used to assess the relation between key study characteristics and the reported mean VO2max. The methodological quality of the intervention studies was evaluated using the original 11-item Physiotherapy Evidence Database (PEDro) scale. A random coefficient model was used to summarize individual, weighted, standardized effects of studies that assessed the effects of exercise on aerobic capacity in PwMS.
RESULTS
A total of 40 studies, covering 165 healthy controls and 1,137 PwMS, fulfilled the inclusion criteria. VO2max testing in PwMS can be considered a valid measure of aerobic capacity, at least in PwMS having low-to-mild disability, and an ∼10% change between two tests performed on separate days can be considered the smallest reliable change (with 95% certainty) in VO2max in PwMS. The average body-weight-adjusted VO2max was significantly lower in PwMS (25.5 ± 5.2 mL·kg(-1)·min(-1)) compared with healthy controls (30.9 ± 5.4 mL·kg(-1)·min(-1)). The analysis of VO2max correlates revealed associations with a variety of outcomes covering all levels of the International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health (ICF) model. The meta-analysis showed that aerobic training in PwMS may improve VO2max by as much as 3.5 mL·kg(-1)·min(-1).
CONCLUSIONS
A valid and reliable test can be performed, in at least ambulant PwMS, by the gold standard whole-body maximal exercise test. Aerobic capacity in PwMS is impaired compared with healthy people, and is significantly associated with factors on all levels of the ICF model, including disease severity. Aerobic training can improve aerobic capacity in PwMS to a degree that is associated with secondary health benefits.
Topics: Anaerobic Threshold; Disease Progression; Exercise; Exercise Test; Humans; Models, Statistical; Multiple Sclerosis; Oxygen Consumption; Physical Fitness; Psychometrics
PubMed: 25739555
DOI: 10.1007/s40279-015-0307-x -
BMJ Open Nov 2022To systematically map the scholarly literature on predatory conferences and describe the present state of research and the prevalent attitudes about these conferences.
OBJECTIVE
To systematically map the scholarly literature on predatory conferences and describe the present state of research and the prevalent attitudes about these conferences.
METHODS
This scoping review follows Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines. Four databases were searched (PubMed/Medline, Web of Science, Scopus and ProQuest Social Sciences Premium Collection). In addition, the included studies' reference lists were scanned for additional papers not found in the searches. Peer-reviewed publications were included irrespective of study design. Letters and commentary were included if they were peer reviewed. Editorials and literature reviews were excluded.
RESULTS
From 809 initial publications, 20 papers were included in the review, from 12 countries and covered a wide range of science disciplines, from nursing/medicine to energy/technology and computer science. More than half were empirical and published after 2017. In most papers, a definition of the term predatory conferences was put forward. Spam email invitations with flattering language were the most common characteristics, and the conferences were often hosted by unknown organisations that used copied pictures without permission. High fees, lack of peer review, and a multidisciplinary scope were signal features. All papers explicitly or implicitly suggested possible reasons for participating in predatory conferences. Some reasons were related to the overall context of academic work, the nature of predatory conferences (eg, researchers falling prey to misleading information about a conference or choosing a conference based on an attractive location) and the personal characteristics of researchers. Only one paper reported empirically identified reasons for participating in predatory conferences. The three countermeasures proposed most frequently to deal with predatory conferences were increasing education, emphasising responsibilities of universities and funders, and publishing lists of predatory publishers associated with conferences.
CONCLUSIONS
This review identified a scarcity of research concerning predatory conferences. Future empirical as well as fully analytical research should be encouraged by funders, journals and research institutions.
Topics: Humans; Databases, Factual; Educational Status; Peer Review; Research Personnel
PubMed: 36450423
DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2022-062425 -
Anesthesiology May 2009Clinical indicators are increasingly developed and promoted by professional organizations, governmental agencies, and quality initiatives as measures of quality and... (Review)
Review
Clinical indicators are increasingly developed and promoted by professional organizations, governmental agencies, and quality initiatives as measures of quality and performance. To clarify the number, characteristics, and validity of indicators available for anesthesia care, the authors performed a systematic review. They identified 108 anesthetic clinical indicators, of which 53 related also to surgical or postoperative ward care. Most were process (42%) or outcome (57%) measures assessing the safety and effectiveness of patient care. To identify possible quality issues, most clinical indicators were used as part of interhospital comparison or professional peer-review processes. For 60% of the clinical indicators identified, validity relied on expert opinion. The level of scientific evidence on which prescriptive indicators ("how things should be done") were based was high (1a-1b) for 38% and low (4-5) for 62% of indicators. Additional efforts should be placed into the development and validation of anesthesia-specific quality indicators.
Topics: Anesthesia; Humans; Quality Assurance, Health Care; Quality of Health Care; Safety Management
PubMed: 19352148
DOI: 10.1097/ALN.0b013e3181a1093b -
Turkish Journal of Physical Medicine... Mar 2019The aim of this review to evaluate the clinical aspects and effectiveness of suit therapy for patients with cerebral palsy (CP). (Review)
Review
OBJECTIVES
The aim of this review to evaluate the clinical aspects and effectiveness of suit therapy for patients with cerebral palsy (CP).
MATERIALS AND METHODS
A literature search was performed in the PubMed, SCOPUS, Web of Science, and PEDro databases within the period from the establishment of the relevant database to July 2018. The articles were categorized according to their study design. We included studies published in peer-review journals focusing on the efficacy of suit therapies for CP and excluded review articles, duplications, non-related articles. A narrative synthesis approach was used, as it was not possible to classify extracted and analyzed data, and the overall effect size was unable to be calculated. Data regarding study subjects (number, age, CP type, Gross Motor Function Classification System [GMFCS] level), suit type, intervention including dose of suit therapy, outcome measurements, outcomes, adverse effects, and funding were extracted. The method introduced by Furlan, Pennick, Bombardier, and van Tulder was used to evaluate the risk of bias for the assessment of methodological quality of randomized-controlled trials (RCTs).
RESULTS
A total of 29 studies were included of which 10 were Class I, eight were Class II-III, and 11 were Class IV studies. Studies were heterogenous in design, sample size, study population, and outcomes measured. The methodological quality score of RCTs varied between 4 and 10. The results of the high-quality RCTs showed that wearing the suit along with conventional therapy improved proximal stability, gross motor function, and gait. The Class II-III and IV studies supported the findings of the Class I studies.
CONCLUSION
The major improvements from the RCTs were seen in proximal stability, gross motor function and gait, although grading was unable to be done due to the heterogeneity of included studies. In order to obtain gains in the function, it is important to carefully consider intended use, patient selection criteria, and suit type.
PubMed: 31453550
DOI: 10.5606/tftrd.2019.3431 -
Health Expectations : An International... Sep 2004To systematically review feedback from pharmacy users on their perceptions and experiences of health-related advice and services provided from community pharmacies. (Review)
Review
Feedback from community pharmacy users on the contribution of community pharmacy to improving the public's health: a systematic review of the peer reviewed and non-peer reviewed literature 1990-2002.
OBJECTIVE
To systematically review feedback from pharmacy users on their perceptions and experiences of health-related advice and services provided from community pharmacies.
METHODS
The focus of the review was community pharmacy activities in relation to promoting health and well-being, preventing ill-health and maintaining health. Searches were conducted for peer-reviewed (international) and non-peer-reviewed (UK) research. Electronic databases searched included MEDLINE, EMBASE, Cochrane Library and International Pharmaceutical Abstracts; hand searches of key journals and conference abstracts, key informants. Key informants in the UK were contacted to identify unpublished studies. The inclusion period was 1990 onwards. Data extraction and synthesis Data were abstracted into a matrix by one author with a sample checked by a second. The Health Development Agency's Evidence Base 2000 standards and the evidence categories used by the Department of Health in the National Service Frameworks were applied to each item.
MAIN RESULTS
Seven peer reviewed papers and 13 non-peer reviewed reports were identified for inclusion in the review. Consumer usage of pharmacies is almost universal with prescription supplies and purchase of over the counter medicines predominating. Evidence shows that not only is usage low for general health advice, but that pharmacists are perceived as 'drugs experts' rather than experts on health and illness. Emergency hormonal contraception and head lice management schemes have been well received. There is a need to consider privacy and confidentiality surrounding advice giving.
CONCLUSIONS
Users of community pharmacy-based health development initiatives express a high level of satisfaction. If community pharmacies are to be used to their full extent, then actions to extending the public's awareness and acceptance of the pharmacist's role in giving advice will be crucial. Further research will be needed to measure any change in premises development on the public's perception of the level of privacy in pharmacies.
Topics: Confidentiality; Feedback; Humans; Patient Satisfaction; Peer Review, Health Care; Pharmacies; Quality Assurance, Health Care
PubMed: 15327458
DOI: 10.1111/j.1369-7625.2004.00274.x -
Nursing Open Dec 2023This systematic literature review aimed to identify, appraise and synthesize available research studies that apply intersectionality in nursing research. (Review)
Review
AIM
This systematic literature review aimed to identify, appraise and synthesize available research studies that apply intersectionality in nursing research.
DESIGN
Systematic review.
DATA SOURCES
Empirical and theoretical nursing studies published before February 2022 were identified from the PubMed and CINAHL databases. Studies were eligible for inclusion if they substantially covered the topics of intersectionality and nursing, had undergone peer-review, and were written in English.
REVIEW METHODS
The PRISMA 2020 statement for reporting systematic reviews was used to report findings. The Joanna Briggs Institute Critical Appraisal tools were used to assess the quality of the included research studies.
RESULTS
Out of 331 identified studies, 60 studies were substantially about nursing and intersectionality, and were included in the review. There are a myriad of ways that the concept of intersectionality has been adopted in nursing research. Furthermore, there was great heterogeneity in the definition and application of the concept of intersectionality, and only a few studies were empirical.
CONCLUSION
There is a need for robust and clear framing of how the concept of intersectionality is defined and understood in nursing research. There is also a need for more empirical research effectively adopting the concept of intersectionality to enhance our understanding of how health inequities operate within the field of nursing.
NO PATIENT OR PUBLIC CONTRIBUTION
No patients, service users, caregivers or members of the public were involved in this work.
Topics: Humans; Intersectional Framework; Empirical Research; Nursing Research
PubMed: 37798952
DOI: 10.1002/nop2.2021