MedWorm.com provides a medical RSS filtering service. Over 6000 RSS medical sources are combined and output via different filters. This feed contains the latest items from the 'Journal of Clinical Epidemiology' source. Thu, 09 Feb 2012 11:21:05 +0100 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5615824&cid=s_38500_54_f&fid=38500&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.jclinepi.com%2Farticle%2FPIIS0895435611003982%2Fabstract%3Frss%3Dyes (Source: Journal of Clinical Epidemiology) Journal of Clinical Epidemiology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5615824 Sat, 21 Jan 2012 16:00:57 +0100 5615824 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5615822&cid=s_38500_54_f&fid=38500&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.jclinepi.com%2Farticle%2FPIIS0895435611003088%2Fabstract%3Frss%3Dyes In the article “How different is qualitative health research from qualitative research? Do we have a subdiscipline?,” Morse proposes that qualitative health research conducted by clinicians constitutes a subdiscipline within qualitative research. The author refers to qualitative researchers who do not have medical/health professional education and licensure as “outsiders” who are “fascinated by medical/health topics,” “ignorant of regulations,” and who may “find the critically ill frightening,” “be haunted by sounds of distress,” and “not know (the) health/medical literature.” She further argues that a qualitative researcher without a nursing or medical background often cannot recognize the patient’s condition and signs of fatigue and thus pace their data coll... Journal of Clinical Epidemiology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5615822 Sat, 21 Jan 2012 16:00:57 +0100 5615822 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5615806&cid=s_38500_54_f&fid=38500&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.jclinepi.com%2Farticle%2FPIIS0895435611002861%2Fabstract%3Frss%3Dyes Systematic reviews and meta-analyses are a cornerstone of comparative effectiveness research . Clinical decision makers often rely on the results of systematic reviews to develop guidelines. The strength of these methods relies on a scientifically rigorous approach that identifies, selects, and appraises all studies performed in a specific research area. (Source: Journal of Clinical Epidemiology) Journal of Clinical Epidemiology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5615806 Sat, 21 Jan 2012 16:00:57 +0100 5615806 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5615804&cid=s_38500_54_f&fid=38500&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.jclinepi.com%2Farticle%2FPIIS0895435611003908%2Fabstract%3Frss%3Dyes Reporting guidelines have become almost an industry in itself. Vandenbroucke raised some important issues when the JCE co-published the STREGA guidelines in 2009. He asked what exactly should the role of publication guidelines be and who needs them. An article in this issue by Larson and Cortazal contributes to this debate by providing an update on the development and adoption of general publication guidelines for various study designs. They provide examples of guidelines adapted for specific topics and recommend next steps. To assess the extent to which guidelines are being used and cited, they searched PubMed for the years after the first publication of each guideline through December 2010. A useful summary table of guidelines shows the number of times that published guidelines have been... Journal of Clinical Epidemiology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5615804 Sat, 21 Jan 2012 16:00:57 +0100 5615804 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5615803&cid=s_38500_54_f&fid=38500&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.jclinepi.com%2Farticle%2FPIIS0895435611003969%2Fabstract%3Frss%3Dyes (Source: Journal of Clinical Epidemiology) Journal of Clinical Epidemiology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5615803 Sat, 21 Jan 2012 16:00:57 +0100 5615803 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5567400&cid=s_38500_54_f&fid=38500&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.jclinepi.com%2Farticle%2FPIIS0895435611003477%2Fabstract%3Frss%3Dyes (Source: Journal of Clinical Epidemiology) Journal of Clinical Epidemiology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5567400 Fri, 06 Jan 2012 22:26:30 +0100 5567400 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5567386&cid=s_38500_54_f&fid=38500&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.jclinepi.com%2Farticle%2FPIIS089543561100357X%2Fabstract%3Frss%3Dyes A key principle for valid comparison is that, in evaluating the effects of specific factors, at baseline there is a good balance of other prognostic determinants. This can be achieved, most ideally, with randomization , but in the many cases where randomization is not possible one can make use of clever observational designs for case-referent and prospective studies and statistical techniques for adjustment in the assumption that the essential covariables have been appropriately measured . (Source: Journal of Clinical Epidemiology) Journal of Clinical Epidemiology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5567386 Fri, 06 Jan 2012 22:26:30 +0100 5567386 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5567385&cid=s_38500_54_f&fid=38500&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.jclinepi.com%2Farticle%2FPIIS0895435611003441%2Fabstract%3Frss%3Dyes (Source: Journal of Clinical Epidemiology) Journal of Clinical Epidemiology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5567385 Fri, 06 Jan 2012 22:26:30 +0100 5567385 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5615821&cid=s_38500_54_f&fid=38500&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.jclinepi.com%2Farticle%2FPIIS0895435611002782%2Fabstract%3Frss%3Dyes Conclusion: Epidemiologists must often prioritize one measure of accuracy over another when generating an algorithm for use in their study. We recommend researchers publish all tested algorithms—including those without acceptable accuracy levels—to help future studies refine and apply algorithms that are well suited to their objectives. (Source: Journal of Clinical Epidemiology) Journal of Clinical Epidemiology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5615821 Mon, 26 Dec 2011 05:00:00 +0100 5615821 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5615810&cid=s_38500_54_f&fid=38500&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.jclinepi.com%2Farticle%2FPIIS0895435611002873%2Fabstract%3Frss%3Dyes Conclusion: With the possible exception of blinding of data analysts, use of “probably yes” and “probably no” instead of “unclear” may enhance the assessment of blinding in trials. (Source: Journal of Clinical Epidemiology) Journal of Clinical Epidemiology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5615810 Mon, 26 Dec 2011 05:00:00 +0100 5615810 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5615819&cid=s_38500_54_f&fid=38500&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.jclinepi.com%2Farticle%2FPIIS0895435611002630%2Fabstract%3Frss%3Dyes Conclusion: IRT-based scoring showed high responsiveness for the QuickDASH and CTS-6, and the ES were larger than those estimated using conventional scoring. (Source: Journal of Clinical Epidemiology) Journal of Clinical Epidemiology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5615819 Fri, 16 Dec 2011 05:00:00 +0100 5615819 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5615817&cid=s_38500_54_f&fid=38500&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.jclinepi.com%2Farticle%2FPIIS0895435611002617%2Fabstract%3Frss%3Dyes Conclusion: Current cause-specific mortality levels should be cautiously interpreted. Death certification training is required to improve the validity of mortality data. (Source: Journal of Clinical Epidemiology) Journal of Clinical Epidemiology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5615817 Mon, 12 Dec 2011 05:00:00 +0100 5615817 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5615816&cid=s_38500_54_f&fid=38500&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.jclinepi.com%2Farticle%2FPIIS0895435611002642%2Fabstract%3Frss%3Dyes Conclusion: Trialists should calculate the appropriate size of a pilot study, just as they should the size of the main RCT, taking into account the twin needs to demonstrate efficiency in terms of recruitment and to produce precise estimates of treatment effect. (Source: Journal of Clinical Epidemiology) Journal of Clinical Epidemiology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5615816 Mon, 12 Dec 2011 05:00:00 +0100 5615816 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5615805&cid=s_38500_54_f&fid=38500&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.jclinepi.com%2Farticle%2FPIIS0895435611002757%2Fabstract%3Frss%3Dyes Applicability has been described as “inferences about the extent to which a causal relationship holds over variations in persons, settings, treatments, and outcomes” . Consequently, to determine the applicability of any research result to a population of interest in a given setting, one has to take two aspects into consideration: first, whether, and to what extent, differences in patient characteristics, settings, treatments, and outcomes are present between a given body of evidence and a population of interest and second, whether existing differences can act as effect modifiers and have the potential to alter or even reverse the magnitude of an observed treatment effect. (Source: Journal of Clinical Epidemiology) Journal of Clinical Epidemiology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5615805 Mon, 12 Dec 2011 05:00:00 +0100 5615805 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5453367&cid=s_38500_54_f&fid=38500&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.jclinepi.com%2Farticle%2FPIIS0895435611003349%2Fabstract%3Frss%3Dyes (Source: Journal of Clinical Epidemiology) Journal of Clinical Epidemiology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5453367 Tue, 29 Nov 2011 04:59:45 +0100 5453367 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5453366&cid=s_38500_54_f&fid=38500&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.jclinepi.com%2Farticle%2FPIIS089543561100268X%2Fabstract%3Frss%3Dyes We read with interest the letter from Kastner et al. , who respond to our comments on their previously published study . We suggested that their Clinical Queries (CQs) diagnostic search filter may have been less sensitive than claimed because almost half of the reference set of systematic reviews used to identify studies to assess the filter included methodological search filters for test accuracy studies as part of their search strategies. The problem is that test accuracy studies are not well indexed (compared, for example, with randomized controlled trials) so that methodological filters exclude studies that are found to be relevant to the review question. Using test accuracy terminology, these hard-to-find studies were excluded from the “gold standard,” against which the filter wa... Journal of Clinical Epidemiology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5453366 Tue, 29 Nov 2011 04:59:45 +0100 5453366 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5453365&cid=s_38500_54_f&fid=38500&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.jclinepi.com%2Farticle%2FPIIS0895435611002691%2Fabstract%3Frss%3Dyes Discussion” , which we would like to address. First, we disagree with the comment by Whiting et al. that the performance of the Clinical Query (CQ) diagnostic search filter was exaggerated because almost half of our reference set reviews identified studies for inclusion using a diagnostic methodological search filter. We argue that it was important to include studies with other filters so that we could compare our CQ diagnostic filter with other contenders. Furthermore, we discovered during full-text analysis that one of our reference set reviews by Wardlaw et al. used our CQ diagnostic search filter as part of their strategy. We subsequently changed our study eligibility criteria to exclude reviews that used our filter—this was important to avoid “incorporation bias” (i.e., to e... Journal of Clinical Epidemiology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5453365 Tue, 29 Nov 2011 04:59:45 +0100 5453365 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5453353&cid=s_38500_54_f&fid=38500&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.jclinepi.com%2Farticle%2FPIIS0895435611002228%2Fabstract%3Frss%3Dyes Conclusion: We have provided an overview of 19 instruments assessing the doctor–patient relationship. The selection of an instrument for future research should be based on the model or conceptual basis of the doctor–patient relationship that is most applicable to the study objectives and the health care field in which it will be applied. (Source: Journal of Clinical Epidemiology) Journal of Clinical Epidemiology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5453353 Tue, 29 Nov 2011 04:59:45 +0100 5453353 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5453351&cid=s_38500_54_f&fid=38500&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.jclinepi.com%2Farticle%2FPIIS0895435611002666%2Fabstract%3Frss%3Dyes Several reviews over the past 15 years (Treasure and MacRae , Scott et al. , Blair and Taves ) have concluded that minimization is superior to randomization. However, acceptance of minimization has been mixed because of its vulnerability to selection bias and the uncertainty about how to analyze the data. It is thus not surprising that although the number of articles that report using minimization has tripled over the past decade, it still represents less than 2% of all clinical trials . Rank-Minimization together with new ways to control selection bias and new procedures for statistical analysis make it appropriate to consider replacing the use of randomization in all clinical trials. (Source: Journal of Clinical Epidemiology) Journal of Clinical Epidemiology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5453351 Tue, 29 Nov 2011 04:59:45 +0100 5453351 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5453349&cid=s_38500_54_f&fid=38500&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.jclinepi.com%2Farticle%2FPIIS0895435611003313%2Fabstract%3Frss%3Dyes (Source: Journal of Clinical Epidemiology) Journal of Clinical Epidemiology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5453349 Tue, 29 Nov 2011 04:59:45 +0100 5453349 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5615820&cid=s_38500_54_f&fid=38500&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.jclinepi.com%2Farticle%2FPIIS0895435611002654%2Fabstract%3Frss%3Dyes Conclusion: The proposed graphical technique conveys additional information from the logistic model that can be important for correct diagnosis and classification of patients and appropriate medical management. (Source: Journal of Clinical Epidemiology) Journal of Clinical Epidemiology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5615820 Wed, 23 Nov 2011 05:00:00 +0100 5615820 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5453350&cid=s_38500_54_f&fid=38500&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.jclinepi.com%2Farticle%2FPIIS0895435611003295%2Fabstract%3Frss%3Dyes Imbalance of important potential confounders between groups at baseline has always been one of the major challenges of randomized control trials (RCTs). Taves argues that minimization using the new rank-minimization approach should replace randomization in all clinical trials and be accepted as the platinum standard. Acceptance of minimization has been slow because of its vulnerability to selection bias, as well as uncertainty about how to analyze the data. Taves argues that these can be addressed using Rank-Minimization; thisnew algorithm, like other algorithms for minimization, uses any number of patientcharacteristics to determine the optimum balance in the treatment groups following a tentative placement of thesubject. The raw data (either continuous or categorical) for each characteri... Journal of Clinical Epidemiology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5453350 Tue, 15 Nov 2011 05:00:00 +0100 5453350 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5615811&cid=s_38500_54_f&fid=38500&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.jclinepi.com%2Farticle%2FPIIS0895435611002472%2Fabstract%3Frss%3Dyes Conclusion: No wording approach was clearly superior in conveying the strength of recommendation. Guideline developers need to make the connection between the wording and their intended strength explicit. (Source: Journal of Clinical Epidemiology) Journal of Clinical Epidemiology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5615811 Fri, 11 Nov 2011 05:00:00 +0100 5615811 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5567388&cid=s_38500_54_f&fid=38500&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.jclinepi.com%2Farticle%2FPIIS0895435611002484%2Fabstract%3Frss%3Dyes Conclusion: This article reviewed these five issues as they pertain to administrative database research to help maximize the utility of these studies for both readers and writers. (Source: Journal of Clinical Epidemiology) Journal of Clinical Epidemiology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5567388 Fri, 11 Nov 2011 05:00:00 +0100 5567388 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5615818&cid=s_38500_54_f&fid=38500&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.jclinepi.com%2Farticle%2FPIIS0895435611002629%2Fabstract%3Frss%3Dyes Conclusion: Disease prevalence is not consistent across older adulthood. Combining longitudinal studies provided a sufficient sample to estimate precise age divisions and can be used to supplement national estimates for specific populations. (Source: Journal of Clinical Epidemiology) Journal of Clinical Epidemiology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5615818 Thu, 10 Nov 2011 05:00:00 +0100 5615818 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5615808&cid=s_38500_54_f&fid=38500&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.jclinepi.com%2Farticle%2FPIIS0895435611002496%2Fabstract%3Frss%3Dyes Abstract: Objective: To characterize medical editors by determining their demographics, training, potential sources of conflict of interest (COI), and familiarity with ethical standards.Study Design and Setting: We selected editors of clinical medical journals with the highest annual citation rates. One hundred eighty-three editors were electronically surveyed (response rate, 52%) on demographics and experiences with editorial training, publication ethics, industry, and scientific publication organizations.Results: Editors reported formal (76%) and informal (89%) training in medical editing topics. Most editors saw publication ethics issues (e.g., authorship, COIs) at least once a year. When presented with four questions about editorial issues discussed in commonly cited authoritative poli... Journal of Clinical Epidemiology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5615808 Thu, 10 Nov 2011 05:00:00 +0100 5615808 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5615823&cid=s_38500_54_f&fid=38500&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.jclinepi.com%2Farticle%2FPIIS0895435611003222%2Fabstract%3Frss%3Dyes In this Research Methods & Reporting article by David Moher and colleagues a minor error occurred in Table 3. In the fourth row (“Treatment allocation”), the text in the second and third cells should be “Participants who received [not ‘completed’] treatment as allocated, by study group” and “Participants who did not receive [not ‘complete’] treatment as allocated, by study group,” respectively. (Source: Journal of Clinical Epidemiology) Journal of Clinical Epidemiology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5615823 Mon, 07 Nov 2011 05:00:00 +0100 5615823 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5372682&cid=s_38500_54_f&fid=38500&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.jclinepi.com%2Farticle%2FPIIS0895435611002939%2Fabstract%3Frss%3Dyes (Source: Journal of Clinical Epidemiology) Journal of Clinical Epidemiology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5372682 Fri, 04 Nov 2011 13:27:46 +0100 5372682 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5372681&cid=s_38500_54_f&fid=38500&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.jclinepi.com%2Farticle%2FPIIS0895435611003076%2Fabstract%3Frss%3Dyes The quality of manuscripts included in our journal is extremely dependent on the work of our reviewers. High quality reviews of our submitted manuscripts assist the editors in ensuring the quality of the published research. Peer review provides our authors with constructive comments to make their manuscripts even better. As an editorial team, we are extremely grateful to all our colleagues who have volunteered their expertise and have taken time out of their busy schedules to participate in the peer review. (Source: Journal of Clinical Epidemiology) Journal of Clinical Epidemiology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5372681 Fri, 04 Nov 2011 13:27:46 +0100 5372681 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5372680&cid=s_38500_54_f&fid=38500&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.jclinepi.com%2Farticle%2FPIIS0895435611002277%2Fabstract%3Frss%3Dyes Tsertsvadze et al. wisely insisted on the updating issue in comparative effectiveness reviews (CERs). They examined how to update CERs and called for research efforts, but I found little hope for significant changes. (Source: Journal of Clinical Epidemiology) Journal of Clinical Epidemiology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5372680 Fri, 04 Nov 2011 13:27:46 +0100 5372680 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5372679&cid=s_38500_54_f&fid=38500&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.jclinepi.com%2Farticle%2FPIIS0895435611002174%2Fabstract%3Frss%3Dyes Scientific concepts develop over time. Sometimes it takes long until a concept takes on a form that is both scientifically sound and generally accepted. Several approaches may develop in parallel, controversial discussions, and even errors and their uncovering may be an important part of the scientific discourse. All this seems to apply for the concept of the minimal important difference (MID) or minimal important change (MIC), introduced about 20 years ago . (Source: Journal of Clinical Epidemiology) Journal of Clinical Epidemiology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5372679 Fri, 04 Nov 2011 13:27:46 +0100 5372679 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5372678&cid=s_38500_54_f&fid=38500&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.jclinepi.com%2Farticle%2FPIIS0895435611002186%2Fabstract%3Frss%3Dyes Recently, Kemmler et al. discussed applying criteria for clinical relevance and statistical significance to evaluate changes in quality-of-life (QOL) measures in individual subjects. Kemmler et al. suggested that the usual criteria for clinical relevance (which they called minimal important difference [MID] and which we call minimal important change [MIC] ) are not appropriate when considering QOL changes in individual patients. They suggested that when evaluating changes in individual patients, the MIC should be increased. Kemmler et al. put their modified change criterion up for discussion. In this letter, we will explain why we think the solution of Kemmler et al. is inadequate. (Source: Journal of Clinical Epidemiology) Journal of Clinical Epidemiology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5372678 Fri, 04 Nov 2011 13:27:46 +0100 5372678 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5372677&cid=s_38500_54_f&fid=38500&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.jclinepi.com%2Farticle%2FPIIS0895435611002198%2Fabstract%3Frss%3Dyes Courvoisier et al. report an important study on the issue of the number of events per variable (EPV) in logistic regression modeling. The article clearly shows that EPV>10 is no guarantee for unbiased estimation of regression coefficients and that there may still be quite some optimism in performance as quantified by the area under the receiver operating characteristic curve. (Source: Journal of Clinical Epidemiology) Journal of Clinical Epidemiology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5372677 Fri, 04 Nov 2011 13:27:46 +0100 5372677 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5372676&cid=s_38500_54_f&fid=38500&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.jclinepi.com%2Farticle%2FPIIS0895435611002162%2Fabstract%3Frss%3Dyes In their commentary, Steyerberg et al. point out both a possible solution to decrease bias and an additional source of bias. These comments expand rather than contradict our findings, and we thank the authors for thus providing a more comprehensive view of the various predictors of correct (or incorrect) estimation of parameters . (Source: Journal of Clinical Epidemiology) Journal of Clinical Epidemiology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5372676 Fri, 04 Nov 2011 13:27:46 +0100 5372676 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5372670&cid=s_38500_54_f&fid=38500&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.jclinepi.com%2Farticle%2FPIIS0895435611002071%2Fabstract%3Frss%3Dyes Conclusions: Long-term estimates of the NNS and the additional NNT are an order of magnitude lower than the short-term estimates published with the results of the ERSPC trial and may be consistent with cost-effective PSA screening in the general U.S. population. (Source: Journal of Clinical Epidemiology) Journal of Clinical Epidemiology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5372670 Fri, 04 Nov 2011 13:27:45 +0100 5372670 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5372664&cid=s_38500_54_f&fid=38500&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.jclinepi.com%2Farticle%2FPIIS0895435611002460%2Fabstract%3Frss%3Dyes Abstract: Advances in laboratory techniques have led to a rapidly increasing use of biomarkers in epidemiological studies. Biomarkers of internal dose, early biological change susceptibility and clinical outcomes are used as proxies for investigating the interactions between external and/or endogenous agents and body components or processes. The need for improved reporting of scientific research led to influential statements of recommendations such as the STrengthening Reporting of OBservational studies in Epidemiology (STROBE) statement. The STROBE initiative established in 2004 aimed to provide guidance on how to report observational research. Its guidelines provide a user-friendly checklist of 22 items to be reported in epidemiological studies, with items specific to the three main stud... Journal of Clinical Epidemiology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5372664 Fri, 04 Nov 2011 13:27:45 +0100 5372664 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5372654&cid=s_38500_54_f&fid=38500&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.jclinepi.com%2Farticle%2FPIIS0895435611002083%2Fabstract%3Frss%3Dyes Cancer screening has sometimes benefits and always some adverse effects, for example, because of costs and complications from screening, as well as false screening results . The desired chief benefit from cancer screening is mortality reduction, although favorable quality-of-life effects can also be achieved in some cases because of avoiding the harmful effects of advanced disease including those related to its treatment. (Source: Journal of Clinical Epidemiology) Journal of Clinical Epidemiology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5372654 Fri, 04 Nov 2011 13:27:45 +0100 5372654 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5372651&cid=s_38500_54_f&fid=38500&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.jclinepi.com%2Farticle%2FPIIS0895435611003064%2Fabstract%3Frss%3Dyes Seeking evidence on important clinical research questions aims to support medical practice by providing new knowledge and reducing uncertainties. However, as Bedford et al point out, when evidence from research is applied in practice, we have to deal with uncertainties rather than certainties. Already in 1980, in their pioneering work on clinical decision analysis, Weinstein and Fineberg showed that dealing with uncertainties in problem structure, probabilities, and utilities, and also accounting for differences between individuals and their preferences, is a key challenge for practitioners and guideline developers . They also described analytic techniques on how to manage these uncertainties as consistently as possible, based on reasonable assumptions, acknowledging that collecting more ... Journal of Clinical Epidemiology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5372651 Fri, 04 Nov 2011 13:27:45 +0100 5372651 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5372650&cid=s_38500_54_f&fid=38500&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.jclinepi.com%2Farticle%2FPIIS0895435611002903%2Fabstract%3Frss%3Dyes (Source: Journal of Clinical Epidemiology) Journal of Clinical Epidemiology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5372650 Fri, 04 Nov 2011 13:27:44 +0100 5372650 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5453354&cid=s_38500_54_f&fid=38500&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.jclinepi.com%2Farticle%2FPIIS0895435611002265%2Fabstract%3Frss%3Dyes Conclusion: In the two examples, citation network characteristics do not predict concordance in the results of observational studies and RCTs. (Source: Journal of Clinical Epidemiology) Journal of Clinical Epidemiology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5453354 Wed, 02 Nov 2011 04:00:00 +0100 5453354 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5615812&cid=s_38500_54_f&fid=38500&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.jclinepi.com%2Farticle%2FPIIS0895435611002204%2Fabstract%3Frss%3Dyes Conclusion: Empirical data and normative arguments outweigh their counterarguments and present a clear case in favor of an even more restrictive obligation to register trials. Institutional review boards and better-educated stakeholders might play a crucial role in facilitating unbiased registration and publication of clinical research. For evaluation purposes, the field needs better standards for study protocols. (Source: Journal of Clinical Epidemiology) Journal of Clinical Epidemiology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5615812 Thu, 20 Oct 2011 04:00:00 +0100 5615812 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5615809&cid=s_38500_54_f&fid=38500&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.jclinepi.com%2Farticle%2FPIIS0895435611002289%2Fabstract%3Frss%3Dyes Conclusion: The methods used to estimate the smallest worthwhile effect of interventions for low back pain have important limitations. We recommend that the benefit–harm trade-off method be used to estimate the smallest worthwhile effects of intervention because it overcomes these limitations. (Source: Journal of Clinical Epidemiology) Journal of Clinical Epidemiology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5615809 Thu, 20 Oct 2011 04:00:00 +0100 5615809 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5615813&cid=s_38500_54_f&fid=38500&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.jclinepi.com%2Farticle%2FPIIS089543561100223X%2Fabstract%3Frss%3Dyes Conclusion: RCTs of diagnostic tests that evaluate patient outcomes are rare. Consequently recommendations on the use of diagnostic tests can rarely be made on the basis of randomized comparisons, lower grade evidence frequently being the best available. (Source: Journal of Clinical Epidemiology) Journal of Clinical Epidemiology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5615813 Mon, 17 Oct 2011 04:00:00 +0100 5615813 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5615807&cid=s_38500_54_f&fid=38500&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.jclinepi.com%2Farticle%2FPIIS0895435611002290%2Fabstract%3Frss%3Dyes Conclusion: Wider adoption of existing guidelines should result in research that is increasingly reported in a standardized, consistent manner. (Source: Journal of Clinical Epidemiology) Journal of Clinical Epidemiology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5615807 Mon, 17 Oct 2011 04:00:00 +0100 5615807 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5567399&cid=s_38500_54_f&fid=38500&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.jclinepi.com%2Farticle%2FPIIS0895435611002058%2Fabstract%3Frss%3Dyes Conclusion: Interpretive performance appears to be influenced by patient age, breast density, screening interval, and HT use. This influence does not always result in improved interpretive performance. (Source: Journal of Clinical Epidemiology) Journal of Clinical Epidemiology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5567399 Mon, 17 Oct 2011 04:00:00 +0100 5567399 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5615815&cid=s_38500_54_f&fid=38500&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.jclinepi.com%2Farticle%2FPIIS0895435611002241%2Fabstract%3Frss%3Dyes Conclusion: When planning and analyzing diagnostic studies, the criterion to define the success of the study should be clearly prespecified. The results of the statistical approach taken should be interpreted in accordance with this criterion. This ensures coherence of results and prevents unnecessarily large sample sizes. The liberal criterion should be paid more attention to in the future. (Source: Journal of Clinical Epidemiology) Journal of Clinical Epidemiology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5615815 Fri, 14 Oct 2011 04:00:00 +0100 5615815 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5567392&cid=s_38500_54_f&fid=38500&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.jclinepi.com%2Farticle%2FPIIS0895435611002095%2Fabstract%3Frss%3Dyes Conclusions: The IV estimates of treatment effect may vary considerably depending on the IV definition. Choosing the strongest IV could reduce the variance of the IV estimates. (Source: Journal of Clinical Epidemiology) Journal of Clinical Epidemiology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5567392 Thu, 13 Oct 2011 04:00:00 +0100 5567392 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5453352&cid=s_38500_54_f&fid=38500&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.jclinepi.com%2Farticle%2FPIIS0895435611002253%2Fabstract%3Frss%3Dyes Discussion of this approach to unbiased allocation is to be welcomed, and we illustrate its application in the evaluation of interventions while adding some cautionary notes. (Source: Journal of Clinical Epidemiology) Journal of Clinical Epidemiology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5453352 Thu, 13 Oct 2011 04:00:00 +0100 5453352 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5567387&cid=s_38500_54_f&fid=38500&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.jclinepi.com%2Farticle%2FPIIS0895435611002216%2Fabstract%3Frss%3Dyes Conclusion: Although often limited by lack of a control group and the need for complete case ascertainment to maintain data integrity, registries are a useful component of postmarketing pharmacovigilance systems for monitoring highly specialized medications associated with significant financial costs. (Source: Journal of Clinical Epidemiology) Journal of Clinical Epidemiology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5567387 Mon, 10 Oct 2011 04:00:00 +0100 5567387 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5372652&cid=s_38500_54_f&fid=38500&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.jclinepi.com%2Farticle%2FPIIS0895435611002769%2Fabstract%3Frss%3Dyes Previous articles in this series on GRADE cover aspects associated with the quality of evidence that are familiar to those conducting systematic reviews and developing guidelines. These include framing the question and downgrading the quality of evidence in the presence of bias, imprecision, and inconsistency. The later articles in this series deal with the more complex judgments of rating up the quality of primarily observational or nonrandomized experimental designs and assessing the quality of indirect evidence. These articles have relevance to the wider research community by clearly tackling concepts that can undermine confidence in the quality of evidence. (Source: Journal of Clinical Epidemiology) Journal of Clinical Epidemiology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5372652 Mon, 03 Oct 2011 04:00:00 +0100 5372652 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5267093&cid=s_38500_54_f&fid=38500&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.jclinepi.com%2Farticle%2FPIIS089543561100254X%2Fabstract%3Frss%3Dyes (Source: Journal of Clinical Epidemiology) Journal of Clinical Epidemiology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5267093 Fri, 30 Sep 2011 06:24:23 +0100 5267093 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5267081&cid=s_38500_54_f&fid=38500&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.jclinepi.com%2Farticle%2FPIIS0895435611002587%2Fabstract%3Frss%3Dyes A challenge for any research program is to ensure consistent use of the most current scientific methods, especially in a rapidly evolving field. Systematic review is a field that is moving into maturity from its adolescence. This issue of the Journal of Clinical Epidemiology includes 5 papers that nearly complete version 1.0 of the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ) Effective Health Care Program Methods Guide for Comparative Effectiveness Reviews (Methods Guide). The Methods Guide is a collaborative effort among participating scientists at the 14 Evidence-based Practice Centers (EPCs) and AHRQ to identify the best methods for conducting systematic reviews on comparative effectiveness of interventions. The AHRQ-funded EPC Program was established in 1997. These articles addres... Journal of Clinical Epidemiology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5267081 Fri, 30 Sep 2011 06:24:23 +0100 5267081 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5267080&cid=s_38500_54_f&fid=38500&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.jclinepi.com%2Farticle%2FPIIS0895435611002599%2Fabstract%3Frss%3Dyes This month we present the second part of the extremely interesting series from the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ) on Comparative Effectiveness Reviews (CER) . Atkins et al state in the opening paragraph of their article, the defining characteristic of comparative effectiveness research is that it includes “the conduct and synthesis of research comparing the benefits and harms of different interventions in real world settings with the purpose of determining which interventions are most effective for which patients in real world settings under specific circumstances.” A CER must therefore make judgments about whether the available research evidence reflects ‘real world’ practice, and should make clear for which patients or populations and which circumstances the r... Journal of Clinical Epidemiology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5267080 Fri, 30 Sep 2011 06:24:23 +0100 5267080 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5267079&cid=s_38500_54_f&fid=38500&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.jclinepi.com%2Farticle%2FPIIS0895435611002514%2Fabstract%3Frss%3Dyes (Source: Journal of Clinical Epidemiology) Journal of Clinical Epidemiology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5267079 Fri, 30 Sep 2011 06:24:23 +0100 5267079 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5567393&cid=s_38500_54_f&fid=38500&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.jclinepi.com%2Farticle%2FPIIS0895435611001776%2Fabstract%3Frss%3Dyes Conclusion: One bank of items, with specific instructions for focusing abstractor evaluations, can be created to judge the risk of bias and precision of the variety of observational studies that may be used in systematic and comparative effectiveness reviews. (Source: Journal of Clinical Epidemiology) Journal of Clinical Epidemiology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5567393 Fri, 30 Sep 2011 04:00:00 +0100 5567393 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5372661&cid=s_38500_54_f&fid=38500&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.jclinepi.com%2Farticle%2FPIIS0895435611002046%2Fabstract%3Frss%3Dyes Conclusion: Our framework determines from systematic reviews where the current evidence falls short and why or how the evidence falls short. This explicit identification of research gaps will allow systematic reviews to maximally inform the types of questions that need to be addressed and the types of studies needed to address the research gaps. (Source: Journal of Clinical Epidemiology) Journal of Clinical Epidemiology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5372661 Wed, 21 Sep 2011 04:00:00 +0100 5372661 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5567396&cid=s_38500_54_f&fid=38500&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.jclinepi.com%2Farticle%2FPIIS0895435611001867%2Fabstract%3Frss%3Dyes Conclusion: The MAC-Q is greatly influenced by affective status but not memory performance. It is probably not useful as a specific screen of memory complaint for general population research. (Source: Journal of Clinical Epidemiology) Journal of Clinical Epidemiology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5567396 Fri, 02 Sep 2011 04:00:00 +0100 5567396 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5567395&cid=s_38500_54_f&fid=38500&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.jclinepi.com%2Farticle%2FPIIS0895435611001880%2Fabstract%3Frss%3Dyes In this study, we used Rasch analysis to analyze the clinimetric properties of the DASS-21 in a chronic low back pain sample.Study Design and Setting: A Rasch analysis was conducted on data collected as a part of a randomized hospital-based placebo-controlled trial. DASS-21 questionnaires were completed by the 154 enrolled participants.Results: The DASS-21 subscales fit the Rasch model. No differential item functioning was detected for age, gender, pain severity, or disability. Reliability for individual use was supported for the depression subscale (Person Separation Index [PSI]=0.86) but group use only for the anxiety (PSI=0.74) and stress (PSI=0.82) subscales. A DASS-21 aggregate score of “negative affect” lacked fit to the Rasch model (χ2=191.48, P (Source: Journal of Clinical Epi... Journal of Clinical Epidemiology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5567395 Fri, 02 Sep 2011 04:00:00 +0100 5567395 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5567394&cid=s_38500_54_f&fid=38500&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.jclinepi.com%2Farticle%2FPIIS0895435611001879%2Fabstract%3Frss%3Dyes Conclusion: Illustrative applications of a sequence of graphical procedures yield more informative and less abstract representations of limited data than do descriptive statistics alone, and by doing so, they aid in the formulation of explanatory hypotheses. (Source: Journal of Clinical Epidemiology) Journal of Clinical Epidemiology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5567394 Fri, 02 Sep 2011 04:00:00 +0100 5567394 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5567391&cid=s_38500_54_f&fid=38500&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.jclinepi.com%2Farticle%2FPIIS0895435611001855%2Fabstract%3Frss%3Dyes Conclusion: Providing patients with shorter PILs when inviting them to participate in research does not affect the numbers who are subsequently recruited and yields more ineligible patients. Therefore, it is recommended to use the full PIL as a recruitment tool. (Source: Journal of Clinical Epidemiology) Journal of Clinical Epidemiology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5567391 Fri, 02 Sep 2011 04:00:00 +0100 5567391 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5453361&cid=s_38500_54_f&fid=38500&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.jclinepi.com%2Farticle%2FPIIS0895435611001569%2Fabstract%3Frss%3Dyes Conclusion: The accuracy of self-reported family history of diabetes and hypertension is strongly influenced by the accuracy of self-reported personal health status of relatives. Raising awareness of personal health status is crucial to ensure the utility of family history for the assessment of risk and disease prevention. (Source: Journal of Clinical Epidemiology) Journal of Clinical Epidemiology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5453361 Fri, 02 Sep 2011 04:00:00 +0100 5453361 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5372660&cid=s_38500_54_f&fid=38500&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.jclinepi.com%2Farticle%2FPIIS0895435611001247%2Fabstract%3Frss%3Dyes Conclusions: Among journal-published trials, there were a greater proportion of statistically significant findings included in the journal reports compared with those in the HTA monographs. (Source: Journal of Clinical Epidemiology) Journal of Clinical Epidemiology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5372660 Fri, 02 Sep 2011 04:00:00 +0100 5372660 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5372653&cid=s_38500_54_f&fid=38500&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.jclinepi.com%2Farticle%2FPIIS0895435611001806%2Fabstract%3Frss%3Dyes It is an interesting conundrum that while the objective of undertaking any research should be to inform clinical practice in some manner, that we should then have so much difficulty in weighing the results of such research and deciding how far it should, or should not, guide practice. The principles of evidence-based medicine (EBM) are now irrevocably imbedded in many health care systems throughout the world. Sackett et al. in a much-quoted article outlined what EBM “is,” and in recognizing the practicalities involved of using such an approach, perhaps just as importantly outlined what it “isn’t.” However, even with a cursory knowledge of EBM, it soon becomes apparent that in trying to apply evidence generated from studies to clinical situations we are not dealing with certainti... Journal of Clinical Epidemiology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5372653 Fri, 02 Sep 2011 04:00:00 +0100 5372653 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5153700&cid=s_38500_54_f&fid=38500&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.jclinepi.com%2Farticle%2FPIIS0895435611002356%2Fabstract%3Frss%3Dyes (Source: Journal of Clinical Epidemiology) Journal of Clinical Epidemiology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5153700 Thu, 25 Aug 2011 01:32:51 +0100 5153700 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5153684&cid=s_38500_54_f&fid=38500&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.jclinepi.com%2Farticle%2FPIIS0895435611002307%2Fabstract%3Frss%3Dyes While specific research questions are ideally answered using tailor-made study designs, addressing each question by organizing one completely new project is neither a tenable nor a justified strategy. Not only are available resources insufficient to allow such an approach, but also the both continuous and dynamic character of reality often does not fit with the constraints of very focused data sources with a limited scope and time window and based on more or less selected subpopulations. Furthermore, performing hypothesis driven, specifically organized studies, important as it is, will always need to be complemented with more open, explorative investigations because we do not yet know what we do not yet know. In other words, we must also create and improve opportunities to detect and learn... Journal of Clinical Epidemiology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5153684 Thu, 25 Aug 2011 01:32:44 +0100 5153684 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5153683&cid=s_38500_54_f&fid=38500&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.jclinepi.com%2Farticle%2FPIIS0895435611002320%2Fabstract%3Frss%3Dyes (Source: Journal of Clinical Epidemiology) Journal of Clinical Epidemiology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5153683 Thu, 25 Aug 2011 01:32:43 +0100 5153683 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5567397&cid=s_38500_54_f&fid=38500&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.jclinepi.com%2Farticle%2FPIIS089543561100179X%2Fabstract%3Frss%3Dyes Conclusion: This study shows similar psychometric properties of the HCCQ-D as of the original English instrument. The HCCQ-D may be appropriate to explore German-speaking patients' perceived autonomy support in primary care settings. (Source: Journal of Clinical Epidemiology) Journal of Clinical Epidemiology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5567397 Mon, 22 Aug 2011 04:00:00 +0100 5567397 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5615814&cid=s_38500_54_f&fid=38500&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.jclinepi.com%2Farticle%2FPIIS0895435611001302%2Fabstract%3Frss%3Dyes Conclusion: We conclude that the alternatives were not better than conventional randomization. (Source: Journal of Clinical Epidemiology) Journal of Clinical Epidemiology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5615814 Fri, 19 Aug 2011 04:00:00 +0100 5615814 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5567390&cid=s_38500_54_f&fid=38500&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.jclinepi.com%2Farticle%2FPIIS0895435611001600%2Fabstract%3Frss%3Dyes Conclusion: Trials evaluating interventions that are carried out in subsequent groups require adapted treatment allocation, power calculation, and analysis methods. From the perspective of obtaining overall balance, we conclude that minimization is the method of choice. When the number of prognostic factors is low, stratification is an excellent alternative. OBM leads to better balance within the batches, but it is more complicated. It is probably most worthwhile in trials with many prognostic factors. From the perspective of predictability, a treatment allocation method, such as OBM, that allocates several subjects at the same time, is superior to other methods because it leads to the lowest possible predictability. (Source: Journal of Clinical Epidemiology) Journal of Clinical Epidemiology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5567390 Fri, 19 Aug 2011 04:00:00 +0100 5567390 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5453359&cid=s_38500_54_f&fid=38500&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.jclinepi.com%2Farticle%2FPIIS0895435611001545%2Fabstract%3Frss%3Dyes Conclusions: PLUS included less than a quarter of the new studies in Cochrane updates, but most reviews appeared unaffected by the omission of these studies. Reviewers should consider adopting PLUS and CQ filters to improve the efficiency of keeping their reviews up to date. (Source: Journal of Clinical Epidemiology) Journal of Clinical Epidemiology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5453359 Fri, 19 Aug 2011 04:00:00 +0100 5453359 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5567398&cid=s_38500_54_f&fid=38500&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.jclinepi.com%2Farticle%2FPIIS0895435611001788%2Fabstract%3Frss%3Dyes Conclusion: Mainly because of low precision, the agreement on the duration of SA was poor for all three recall periods. The agreement between self-report and registry regarding the occurrence of SA was good. (Source: Journal of Clinical Epidemiology) Journal of Clinical Epidemiology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5567398 Thu, 18 Aug 2011 04:00:00 +0100 5567398 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5567389&cid=s_38500_54_f&fid=38500&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.jclinepi.com%2Farticle%2FPIIS0895435611001594%2Fabstract%3Frss%3Dyes Conclusion: BB results in a better balance of prognostic factors than randomization, minimization, stratification, and matching in most situations. Furthermore, BB cannot result in a worse balance of prognostic factors than the other methods. (Source: Journal of Clinical Epidemiology) Journal of Clinical Epidemiology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5567389 Tue, 16 Aug 2011 04:00:00 +0100 5567389 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5453360&cid=s_38500_54_f&fid=38500&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.jclinepi.com%2Farticle%2FPIIS0895435611001582%2Fabstract%3Frss%3Dyes Abstract: Objective: To examine whether the “Short QUestionnaire to ASsess Health-enhancing physical activity” (SQUASH) and the “Injuries and Physical Activity in the Netherlands” questionnaire (“Ongevallen en Bewegen in Nederland,” OBiN) were valid in assessing adherence to physical activity (PA) guidelines.Study Design and Setting: Participants (N=187) aged 20–69 years were categorized as “inactive,” “semiactive,” or “norm-active” according to the Dutch PA, the American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM), and the combined guideline (adhering to either or both of two other guidelines) by the questionnaires and a combined heart rate monitor and accelerometer (Actiheart). Percentage of exact agreement and maximum disagreement (difference of two categories) for the c... Journal of Clinical Epidemiology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5453360 Tue, 16 Aug 2011 04:00:00 +0100 5453360 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5372656&cid=s_38500_54_f&fid=38500&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.jclinepi.com%2Farticle%2FPIIS089543561100206X%2Fabstract%3Frss%3Dyes Abstract: GRADE suggests that examination of 95% confidence intervals (CIs) provides the optimal primary approach to decisions regarding imprecision. For practice guidelines, rating down the quality of evidence (i.e., confidence in estimates of effect) is required if clinical action would differ if the upper versus the lower boundary of the CI represented the truth. An exception to this rule occurs when an effect is large, and consideration of CIs alone suggests a robust effect, but the total sample size is not large and the number of events is small. Under these circumstances, one should consider rating down for imprecision. To inform this decision, one can calculate the number of patients required for an adequately powered individual trial (termed the “optimal information size” [OIS]... Journal of Clinical Epidemiology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5372656 Fri, 12 Aug 2011 04:00:00 +0100 5372656 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5453363&cid=s_38500_54_f&fid=38500&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.jclinepi.com%2Farticle%2FPIIS0895435611001533%2Fabstract%3Frss%3Dyes Conclusion: SRH has multiple determinants. This finding suggests that an exclusive focus on any one domain in health research may limit the researchers' ability to understand health outcomes for which SRH is predictive. (Source: Journal of Clinical Epidemiology) Journal of Clinical Epidemiology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5453363 Thu, 11 Aug 2011 04:00:00 +0100 5453363 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5453362&cid=s_38500_54_f&fid=38500&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.jclinepi.com%2Farticle%2FPIIS0895435611001478%2Fabstract%3Frss%3Dyes Conclusion: Researchers should consider the use of more than one method of collecting data as this increases response rate, participant representativeness, and enhances precision of effect estimates. (Source: Journal of Clinical Epidemiology) Journal of Clinical Epidemiology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5453362 Wed, 10 Aug 2011 04:00:00 +0100 5453362 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5453357&cid=s_38500_54_f&fid=38500&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.jclinepi.com%2Farticle%2FPIIS089543561100148X%2Fabstract%3Frss%3Dyes Conclusion: The reliability between panel scores was higher than between reviewer scores. The similar interpanel reliability, when using the final panel score or the mean value of reviewer scores, indicates that panel discussions per se did not improve the reliability of the evaluation. (Source: Journal of Clinical Epidemiology) Journal of Clinical Epidemiology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5453357 Wed, 10 Aug 2011 04:00:00 +0100 5453357 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5453356&cid=s_38500_54_f&fid=38500&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.jclinepi.com%2Farticle%2FPIIS0895435611001284%2Fabstract%3Frss%3Dyes Abstract: The number needed to treat (NNT) is a simple measure of a treatment's impact, increasingly reported in randomized trials and observational studies. Its calculation in studies involving varying follow-up times or recurrent outcomes has been criticized. We discuss the NNT in these contexts, illustrating using several published studies. The computation of the NNT is founded on the cumulative incidence of the outcome. Instead, several published studies use simple proportions that do not account for varying follow-up times, or use incidence rates per person-time. We show that these approaches can lead to erroneous values of the NNT and misleading interpretations. For example, after converting the incidence rate to a cumulative incidence, we show that a trial reporting a NNT of 4 “to... Journal of Clinical Epidemiology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5453356 Fri, 05 Aug 2011 04:00:00 +0100 5453356 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5453364&cid=s_38500_54_f&fid=38500&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.jclinepi.com%2Farticle%2FPIIS0895435611001296%2Fabstract%3Frss%3Dyes Conclusion: Comorbidities diagnosed at different points in time may have different associations with the risk of adverse outcomes. More research is required to integrate the effect of repeated episodes in currently used methods that measure and adjust for comorbidity. (Source: Journal of Clinical Epidemiology) Journal of Clinical Epidemiology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5453364 Tue, 02 Aug 2011 04:00:00 +0100 5453364 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5453358&cid=s_38500_54_f&fid=38500&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.jclinepi.com%2Farticle%2FPIIS0895435611001491%2Fabstract%3Frss%3Dyes Conclusion: Control charts may not be suitable for use in many patients with asthma. (Source: Journal of Clinical Epidemiology) Journal of Clinical Epidemiology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5453358 Tue, 02 Aug 2011 04:00:00 +0100 5453358 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5372657&cid=s_38500_54_f&fid=38500&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.jclinepi.com%2Farticle%2FPIIS089543561100182X%2Fabstract%3Frss%3Dyes This article deals with inconsistency of relative (rather than absolute) treatment effects in binary/dichotomous outcomes. A body of evidence is not rated up in quality if studies yield consistent results, but may be rated down in quality if inconsistent. Criteria for evaluating consistency include similarity of point estimates, extent of overlap of confidence intervals, and statistical criteria including tests of heterogeneity and I2. To explore heterogeneity, systematic review authors should generate and test a small number of a priori hypotheses related to patients, interventions, outcomes, and methodology. When inconsistency is large and unexplained, rating down quality for inconsistency is appropriate, particularly if some studies suggest substantial benefit, and others no effect or ... Journal of Clinical Epidemiology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5372657 Tue, 02 Aug 2011 04:00:00 +0100 5372657 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5372659&cid=s_38500_54_f&fid=38500&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.jclinepi.com%2Farticle%2FPIIS0895435611001843%2Fabstract%3Frss%3Dyes Abstract: The most common reason for rating up the quality of evidence is a large effect. GRADE suggests considering rating up quality of evidence one level when methodologically rigorous observational studies show at least a two-fold reduction or increase in risk, and rating up two levels for at least a five-fold reduction or increase in risk. Systematic review authors and guideline developers may also consider rating up quality of evidence when a dose–response gradient is present, and when all plausible confounders or biases would decrease an apparent treatment effect, or would create a spurious effect when results suggest no effect. Other considerations include the rapidity of the response, the underlying trajectory of the condition, and indirect evidence. (Source: Journal of Clinical... Journal of Clinical Epidemiology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5372659 Mon, 01 Aug 2011 04:00:00 +0100 5372659 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5372658&cid=s_38500_54_f&fid=38500&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.jclinepi.com%2Farticle%2FPIIS0895435611001831%2Fabstract%3Frss%3Dyes Abstract: Direct evidence comes from research that directly compares the interventions in which we are interested when applied to the populations in which we are interested and measures outcomes important to patients. Evidence can be indirect in one of four ways. First, patients may differ from those of interest (the term applicability is often used for this form of indirectness). Secondly, the intervention tested may differ from the intervention of interest. Decisions regarding indirectness of patients and interventions depend on an understanding of whether biological or social factors are sufficiently different that one might expect substantial differences in the magnitude of effect.Thirdly, outcomes may differ from those of primary interest—for instance, surrogate outcomes that are no... Journal of Clinical Epidemiology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5372658 Mon, 01 Aug 2011 04:00:00 +0100 5372658 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5372655&cid=s_38500_54_f&fid=38500&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.jclinepi.com%2Farticle%2FPIIS0895435611001818%2Fabstract%3Frss%3Dyes Abstract: In the GRADE approach, randomized trials start as high-quality evidence and observational studies as low-quality evidence, but both can be rated down if a body of evidence is associated with a high risk of publication bias. Even when individual studies included in best-evidence summaries have a low risk of bias, publication bias can result in substantial overestimates of effect. Authors should suspect publication bias when available evidence comes from a number of small studies, most of which have been commercially funded. A number of approaches based on examination of the pattern of data are available to help assess publication bias. The most popular of these is the funnel plot; all, however, have substantial limitations. Publication bias is likely frequent, and caution in the f... Journal of Clinical Epidemiology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5372655 Mon, 01 Aug 2011 04:00:00 +0100 5372655 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5061012&cid=s_38500_54_f&fid=38500&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.jclinepi.com%2Farticle%2FPIIS0895435611001934%2Fabstract%3Frss%3Dyes (Source: Journal of Clinical Epidemiology) Journal of Clinical Epidemiology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5061012 Mon, 25 Jul 2011 18:21:44 +0100 5061012 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5061011&cid=s_38500_54_f&fid=38500&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.jclinepi.com%2Farticle%2FPIIS0895435611001764%2Fabstract%3Frss%3Dyes The above-mentioned article was sponsored by Ethicon, Germany. Erroneously, this financial sponsorship was not disclosed in the print version. (Source: Journal of Clinical Epidemiology) Journal of Clinical Epidemiology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5061011 Mon, 25 Jul 2011 18:21:44 +0100 5061011 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5061010&cid=s_38500_54_f&fid=38500&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.jclinepi.com%2Farticle%2FPIIS0895435611001752%2Fabstract%3Frss%3Dyes In the above-mentioned article, the last author’s name was incorrectly printed as Célia Costa. The correct listing should be Célia Amorim-Costa. (Source: Journal of Clinical Epidemiology) Journal of Clinical Epidemiology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5061010 Mon, 25 Jul 2011 18:21:43 +0100 5061010 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5060995&cid=s_38500_54_f&fid=38500&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.jclinepi.com%2Farticle%2FPIIS0895435611002034%2Fabstract%3Frss%3Dyes Updating systematic reviews is a hallmark of the Campbell and Cochrane Collaborations more recently adopted by the Drug Effectiveness Review Project (DERP) – a collaboration of US Medicaid agencies and The Canadian Agency for Drugs and Technologies in Health (CADTH). Peterson et al point out the concern is that failure to update a review frequently, especially in a fast-moving field, undermines the validity of the conclusions and leaves users, even if they are aware of new studies, to integrate them in an implicit ad-hoc manner. In this issue, Peterson et al report on the experience of the DERP in reviewing their topics approximately annually; this led to a decision to update 61% of reviews across 41 comparative effectiveness reviews of drug therapies in a variety of conditions (eg, ca... Journal of Clinical Epidemiology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5060995 Mon, 25 Jul 2011 18:21:40 +0100 5060995 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5060994&cid=s_38500_54_f&fid=38500&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.jclinepi.com%2Farticle%2FPIIS0895435611001909%2Fabstract%3Frss%3Dyes (Source: Journal of Clinical Epidemiology) Journal of Clinical Epidemiology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5060994 Mon, 25 Jul 2011 18:21:40 +0100 5060994 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5372662&cid=s_38500_54_f&fid=38500&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.jclinepi.com%2Farticle%2FPIIS0895435611001259%2Fabstract%3Frss%3Dyes Conclusion: Children-specific elements of reporting are needed to improve the quality of reporting of CRTs and consequently their planning and implementation. (Source: Journal of Clinical Epidemiology) Journal of Clinical Epidemiology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5372662 Thu, 21 Jul 2011 04:00:00 +0100 5372662 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5372663&cid=s_38500_54_f&fid=38500&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.jclinepi.com%2Farticle%2FPIIS0895435611001260%2Fabstract%3Frss%3Dyes Conclusion: The sensitive Clinical Queries for therapy, diagnosis, prognosis, and etiology perform well in retrieving not only primary studies but also systematic reviews. Search performance can be improved by combining the Clinical Queries with our sensitive or specific systematic review filter. (Source: Journal of Clinical Epidemiology) Journal of Clinical Epidemiology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5372663 Wed, 20 Jul 2011 04:00:00 +0100 5372663 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5453355&cid=s_38500_54_f&fid=38500&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.jclinepi.com%2Farticle%2FPIIS0895435611001235%2Fabstract%3Frss%3Dyes Conclusion: Although the SF-36 is a valuable instrument to assess perceived health in patients with severe FSS, there are problems with some of the scales and with the scoring procedure of the summaries. The SF-36 PCS may, therefore, not accurately measure the physical health status of these patients. Alternative summary measures are needed. (Source: Journal of Clinical Epidemiology) Journal of Clinical Epidemiology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5453355 Mon, 18 Jul 2011 04:00:00 +0100 5453355 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5372673&cid=s_38500_54_f&fid=38500&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.jclinepi.com%2Farticle%2FPIIS0895435611001223%2Fabstract%3Frss%3Dyes Conclusion: Accuracy of self-reported lifetime mammography history in carriers highly varied, depending on the measure under investigation. However, the extent of the observed misclassification was small and mostly nondifferential. (Source: Journal of Clinical Epidemiology) Journal of Clinical Epidemiology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5372673 Mon, 18 Jul 2011 04:00:00 +0100 5372673 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5372672&cid=s_38500_54_f&fid=38500&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.jclinepi.com%2Farticle%2FPIIS0895435611001211%2Fabstract%3Frss%3Dyes Conclusion: Recalibration of the original Charlson index yielded only modest benefits overall. The modified Charlson codes and weights offer better fit and discrimination for English data over the original version. The modified Elixhauser performed best of all, but its weights were perhaps less consistent across the different patient groups considered here. (Source: Journal of Clinical Epidemiology) Journal of Clinical Epidemiology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5372672 Mon, 18 Jul 2011 04:00:00 +0100 5372672 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5372671&cid=s_38500_54_f&fid=38500&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.jclinepi.com%2Farticle%2FPIIS089543561100120X%2Fabstract%3Frss%3Dyes Conclusion: Differences in response rates were found in sociodemographic factors, health, and socioeconomic position. Favorable health was generally more frequent among respondents than nonrespondents. In particular, health inequalities by gender and income differed between respondents and nonrespondents. Thus, nonresponse may lead to bias in analyses of health inequalities among aging people. (Source: Journal of Clinical Epidemiology) Journal of Clinical Epidemiology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5372671 Mon, 18 Jul 2011 04:00:00 +0100 5372671 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4974099&cid=s_38500_54_f&fid=38500&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.jclinepi.com%2Farticle%2FPIIS089543561100165X%2Fabstract%3Frss%3Dyes (Source: Journal of Clinical Epidemiology) Journal of Clinical Epidemiology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4974099 Tue, 28 Jun 2011 17:13:18 +0100 4974099 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4974098&cid=s_38500_54_f&fid=38500&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.jclinepi.com%2Farticle%2FPIIS0895435611001557%2Fabstract%3Frss%3Dyes In the abovementioned article, the authors have noted errors in the RESULTS section of the abstract. The corrected text should read as follows: The final version consisted of 24 items (five subscales) and was free of floor or ceiling effects. For subscales, the Cronbach's alpha coefficient ranged from 0.75 to 0.90. The item-total correlation was 0.62–0.74 for subscale I (physical burden/global health), 0.56–0.74 for subscale II (social impact), 0.52–0.62 for subscale III (emotional impact), and 0.58–0.65 for subscale IV (need of help); subscale V (emotional reactions) had only two items. (Source: Journal of Clinical Epidemiology) Journal of Clinical Epidemiology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4974098 Tue, 28 Jun 2011 17:13:18 +0100 4974098 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4974095&cid=s_38500_54_f&fid=38500&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.jclinepi.com%2Farticle%2FPIIS0895435611000886%2Fabstract%3Frss%3Dyes The clinical research in India is flourishing quantitatively (1,562 number of trials in ClinicalTrials.gov in 2011) and qualitatively along with substantial improvement in regulatory, ethical, and validity aspects. India now participates in more than 7% of all global phase III and 3.2% of all global phase II trials . In view of this, the recently published article by Zhang et al. puts in-depth light on the credibility and acceptance of the trials conducted in India. The authors have compared some gold standard western trials reported in a few journals having 2009 impact factor ≥7 with all the articles published from India and China in the year 2004. (Source: Journal of Clinical Epidemiology) Journal of Clinical Epidemiology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4974095 Tue, 28 Jun 2011 17:13:17 +0100 4974095 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4974081&cid=s_38500_54_f&fid=38500&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.jclinepi.com%2Farticle%2FPIIS0895435611001570%2Fabstract%3Frss%3Dyes By the end of the twentieth century, Bogardus, Concato and Feinstein published an impressive article that confronted the genetic research community with an inconvenient truth. They showed that despite major laboratory advances in molecular genetic analysis, reported applications in clinical journals often had troubling omissions, deficiencies, and lack of attention to necessary principles of clinical epidemiological science. They concluded that without suitable attention to fundamental methodological standards, the expected benefits of molecular genetic testing may not be achieved . Some years later later, in this journal, Attia et al , based on meta-analyses, showed that also in population-based molecular association studies too little attention had been paid to methodology, and they emp... Journal of Clinical Epidemiology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4974081 Tue, 28 Jun 2011 17:13:14 +0100 4974081 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4974080&cid=s_38500_54_f&fid=38500&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.jclinepi.com%2Farticle%2FPIIS0895435611001624%2Fabstract%3Frss%3Dyes (Source: Journal of Clinical Epidemiology) Journal of Clinical Epidemiology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4974080 Tue, 28 Jun 2011 17:13:14 +0100 4974080 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5372674&cid=s_38500_54_f&fid=38500&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.jclinepi.com%2Farticle%2FPIIS089543561100093X%2Fabstract%3Frss%3Dyes Conclusion: Gestational age based on retrospective maternal reporting of EDD is reliable within 1 week or when used to assign infants to broad gestational groups. (Source: Journal of Clinical Epidemiology) Journal of Clinical Epidemiology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5372674 Mon, 20 Jun 2011 04:00:00 +0100 5372674 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5372668&cid=s_38500_54_f&fid=38500&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.jclinepi.com%2Farticle%2FPIIS0895435611000928%2Fabstract%3Frss%3Dyes Conclusion: The NCQ shows to be a comprehensive, reliable, and valid instrument. Further testing of reliability, construct validity, and responsiveness is needed before the NCQ can be more widely implemented. (Source: Journal of Clinical Epidemiology) Journal of Clinical Epidemiology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5372668 Mon, 20 Jun 2011 04:00:00 +0100 5372668 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5372665&cid=s_38500_54_f&fid=38500&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.jclinepi.com%2Farticle%2FPIIS0895435611001107%2Fabstract%3Frss%3Dyes Conclusion: Capture–recapture analysis requires the selection of an appropriate model. Because of problems of variable selection and overfitting, manual model selection yielded large estimates, varying markedly, with broad confidence intervals. By contrast, boosting was robust against overfitting and automatically created an appropriate model for inference. (Source: Journal of Clinical Epidemiology) Journal of Clinical Epidemiology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5372665 Mon, 20 Jun 2011 04:00:00 +0100 5372665 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5267086&cid=s_38500_54_f&fid=38500&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.jclinepi.com%2Farticle%2FPIIS0895435611001132%2Fabstract%3Frss%3Dyes Conclusion: CERs need to be regularly updated as new evidence is produced. Lack of attention to updating may lead to outdated and sometimes misleading conclusions that compromise health care and policy decisions. The article outlines several specific goals for future research, one of them being the development of efficient guideline for updating CERs applicable across evidence-based practice centers. (Source: Journal of Clinical Epidemiology) Journal of Clinical Epidemiology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5267086 Mon, 20 Jun 2011 04:00:00 +0100 5267086 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5267082&cid=s_38500_54_f&fid=38500&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.jclinepi.com%2Farticle%2FPIIS0895435611000606%2Fabstract%3Frss%3Dyes Conclusion: Better reporting and further research on search strategies is needed to develop additional evidence-based recommendations. (Source: Journal of Clinical Epidemiology) Journal of Clinical Epidemiology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5267082 Mon, 20 Jun 2011 04:00:00 +0100 5267082 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5153699&cid=s_38500_54_f&fid=38500&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.jclinepi.com%2Farticle%2FPIIS0895435611001120%2Fabstract%3Frss%3Dyes Dr Marcel Zwahlen and Dr Nicola Low have raised very important issues about screening. We thank them for their interest in our article and for the opportunity to discuss their concerns. Two points were raised in their letter, which we would like to respond to. (Source: Journal of Clinical Epidemiology) Journal of Clinical Epidemiology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5153699 Sun, 19 Jun 2011 23:00:00 +0100 5153699 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5372669&cid=s_38500_54_f&fid=38500&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.jclinepi.com%2Farticle%2FPIIS0895435611000916%2Fabstract%3Frss%3Dyes Conclusions: Our findings support the measurement model, reliability, and validity of the Capacity and Performance scales. Summary measures of functioning based on the ICF can be obtained using these scales, which should facilitate their incorporation in clinical and epidemiological studies. (Source: Journal of Clinical Epidemiology) Journal of Clinical Epidemiology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5372669 Mon, 13 Jun 2011 04:00:00 +0100 5372669 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5153698&cid=s_38500_54_f&fid=38500&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.jclinepi.com%2Farticle%2FPIIS0895435611001119%2Fabstract%3Frss%3Dyes Dans et al. discussed the trade-off between benefit and harm in health screening. This dilemma has been succinctly summarized by Gray et al. , “All screening programs do harm; some do good as well, and of these, some do more good than harm at reasonable cost,” discussed by others , and formalized in national screening guidelines (e.g., UK National Screening Committee http://www.library.nhs.uk/screening/ and New Zealand National Health Committee http://www.nhc.health.govt.nz/moh.nsf/indexcm/nhc-screening-improve-health/). (Source: Journal of Clinical Epidemiology) Journal of Clinical Epidemiology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5153698 Sun, 12 Jun 2011 23:00:00 +0100 5153698 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5372666&cid=s_38500_54_f&fid=38500&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.jclinepi.com%2Farticle%2FPIIS0895435611000813%2Fabstract%3Frss%3Dyes Conclusion: MSMs appear interesting to handle selection bias in observational studies. When confounding evolves over time, the use of time-dependent weights should be stressed out. (Source: Journal of Clinical Epidemiology) Journal of Clinical Epidemiology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5372666 Thu, 09 Jun 2011 04:00:00 +0100 5372666 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5267092&cid=s_38500_54_f&fid=38500&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.jclinepi.com%2Farticle%2FPIIS0895435611000801%2Fabstract%3Frss%3Dyes Conclusion: Numbering of mailed questionnaires had no impact on the response rate. Numbering influenced significantly the response content of several items, but these differences were small and ran against the hypothesis of social desirability bias. (Source: Journal of Clinical Epidemiology) Journal of Clinical Epidemiology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5267092 Mon, 06 Jun 2011 04:00:00 +0100 5267092 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5267091&cid=s_38500_54_f&fid=38500&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.jclinepi.com%2Farticle%2FPIIS0895435611000667%2Fabstract%3Frss%3Dyes Conclusion: The power to detect effect size 1.0 appeared to be reasonable for many practical applications with a moderate or large number of time points in the study equally divided around the intervention. Investigators should be cautious when the expected effect size is small or the number of time points is small. We recommend conducting various simulations before investigation. (Source: Journal of Clinical Epidemiology) Journal of Clinical Epidemiology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5267091 Mon, 06 Jun 2011 04:00:00 +0100 5267091 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4974097&cid=s_38500_54_f&fid=38500&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.jclinepi.com%2Farticle%2FPIIS0895435611000643%2Fabstract%3Frss%3Dyes Evidence-based medicine can be defined as “the conscientious, explicit, and judicious use of current best evidence, in combination with the physician’s clinical expertise, patient preferences, and likely actions, in making decisions about the care of individual patients” . For the evaluation of the effectiveness of evidence-based medicine education validated instruments are needed . The Berlin questionnaire is frequently used for measuring evidence-based medicine knowledge and skills . The aim of this study was to examine the reliability and validity of a Dutch version of the Berlin questionnaire. (Source: Journal of Clinical Epidemiology) Journal of Clinical Epidemiology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4974097 Sun, 05 Jun 2011 23:00:00 +0100 4974097 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5267083&cid=s_38500_54_f&fid=38500&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.jclinepi.com%2Farticle%2FPIIS0895435611000618%2Fabstract%3Frss%3Dyes Conclusions: Because it is unusual to find sufficient evidence from RCTs to answer all key questions concerning benefit or the balance of benefits and harms, comparative effectiveness reviewers should routinely assess the appropriateness of inclusion of observational studies for questions of benefit. Furthermore, reviewers should explicitly state the rationale for inclusion or exclusion of observational studies when conducting CERs. (Source: Journal of Clinical Epidemiology) Journal of Clinical Epidemiology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5267083 Thu, 02 Jun 2011 04:00:00 +0100 5267083 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4838401&cid=s_38500_54_f&fid=38500&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.jclinepi.com%2Farticle%2FPIIS0895435611001375%2Fabstract%3Frss%3Dyes (Source: Journal of Clinical Epidemiology) Journal of Clinical Epidemiology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4838401 Thu, 19 May 2011 18:50:16 +0100 4838401 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4838387&cid=s_38500_54_f&fid=38500&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.jclinepi.com%2Farticle%2FPIIS0895435611001272%2Fabstract%3Frss%3Dyes GRADE (Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development, and Evaluation) has been adopted by over 50 organizations that develop clinical and policy guidelines (http://www.gradeworkinggroup.org); the Journal of Clinical Epidemiology is proud to be publishing their latest 20-part series. In this issue, English and Opiyo present an interesting viewpoint on GRADE from a low-income country perspective. They are concerned that “low income settings could increasingly be found standing still, while best practices accelerate away from them.” They believe that this can be avoided by a strategic approach in low-income countries to explain, popularize, and build the capacity in the preparation of evidence using systematic reviews and the GRADE approach. To move from evidence to recommendations ... Journal of Clinical Epidemiology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4838387 Thu, 19 May 2011 18:50:13 +0100 4838387 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4838386&cid=s_38500_54_f&fid=38500&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.jclinepi.com%2Farticle%2FPIIS089543561100134X%2Fabstract%3Frss%3Dyes (Source: Journal of Clinical Epidemiology) Journal of Clinical Epidemiology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4838386 Thu, 19 May 2011 18:50:13 +0100 4838386 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5372667&cid=s_38500_54_f&fid=38500&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.jclinepi.com%2Farticle%2FPIIS089543561100062X%2Fabstract%3Frss%3Dyes Conclusion: Adding more cohorts or repeated measurements do not necessarily lead to a gain in efficiency of the estimated model parameters. A general guideline for the optimal choice of a cohort design in practice is required and we offer this guideline. (Source: Journal of Clinical Epidemiology) Journal of Clinical Epidemiology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5372667 Wed, 18 May 2011 04:00:00 +0100 5372667 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5061009&cid=s_38500_54_f&fid=38500&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.jclinepi.com%2Farticle%2FPIIS0895435611000904%2Fabstract%3Frss%3Dyes Hooper defends using P-values to answer the question, “do we think there is an effect at all.” But what advantage is there in viewing measurable phenomena as a dichotomy? The P-value’s role in significance testing only fosters this unfortunate dichotomous thinking. Quantitative thinking is preferable . Although one could argue that a zero effect is qualitatively different from other values, one cannot distinguish zero from values close to it. It makes far more sense to consider zero on an equal footing with all other possible effect values. The question for the investigator ought to be “what is the best estimate of effect given the data in hand?” . (Source: Journal of Clinical Epidemiology) Journal of Clinical Epidemiology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5061009 Mon, 02 May 2011 23:00:00 +0100 5061009 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5061008&cid=s_38500_54_f&fid=38500&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.jclinepi.com%2Farticle%2FPIIS0895435611000898%2Fabstract%3Frss%3Dyes I agree with Professor Stang that P-values cannot rule out the null hypothesis and do not substitute for measures of effect, and that these points bear repeating. But in cleaning up the language of published quantitative research, we should be careful not to throw P-values out with the bath water. The idea that the P-value “confounds” effect size and sample size is itself a fallacy (pace Rothman) . P is calculated using the effect size and sample size, but the two things are combined in such a way as to weigh the evidence against the null hypothesis, adjusting for sample size (large effects are less convincing in smaller studies) . P-values and confidence intervals cannot substitute for each other because they answer different questions: for the confidence interval, this is “how big ... Journal of Clinical Epidemiology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5061008 Mon, 02 May 2011 23:00:00 +0100 5061008 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4974088&cid=s_38500_54_f&fid=38500&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.jclinepi.com%2Farticle%2FPIIS0895435611000539%2Fabstract%3Frss%3Dyes Conclusion: The moderate reliability and low accuracy may be because of lack of clarity and comprehensiveness of the tool, inadequate reporting of the studies, and variability in tester characteristics. The results may not be generalizable to all published studies, as the test studies were selected because they had posed challenges for previous reviewers with respect to their design classification. Application of such a tool should be accompanied by training, pilot testing, and context-specific decision rules. (Source: Journal of Clinical Epidemiology) Journal of Clinical Epidemiology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4974088 Sun, 01 May 2011 23:00:00 +0100 4974088 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5372675&cid=s_38500_54_f&fid=38500&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.jclinepi.com%2Farticle%2FPIIS0895435611000503%2Fabstract%3Frss%3Dyes Abstract: Objectives: To determine the population distribution of cardiovascular risk in eight low- and middle-income countries and compare the cost of drug treatment based on cardiovascular risk (cardiovascular risk thresholds ≥30%/≥40%) with single risk factor cutoff levels.Study Design and Setting: Using World Health Organization (WHO) and the International Society of Hypertension risk prediction charts, cardiovascular risk was categorized in a cross-sectional study of 8,625 randomly selected people aged 40–80 years (mean age, 54.6 years) from defined geographic regions of Nigeria, Iran, China, Pakistan, Georgia, Nepal, Cuba, and Sri Lanka. Cost estimates for drug therapy were calculated for three countries.Results: A large fraction (90.0–98.9%) of the study population has a 10-... Journal of Clinical Epidemiology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5372675 Fri, 29 Apr 2011 04:00:00 +0100 5372675 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5267090&cid=s_38500_54_f&fid=38500&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.jclinepi.com%2Farticle%2FPIIS0895435611000527%2Fabstract%3Frss%3Dyes Abstract: Objective: The Work Instability Scale for Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA-WIS) is a promising prognostic tool for future work disability outcomes. Rasch analysis was conducted to examine the psychometric performance of the RA-WIS in work-related upper limb disorders.Study Design and Setting: Eligible injured workers (n=396) attending a Shoulder and Elbow Specialty clinic participated in a 1-year study with surveys fielded at four time points. Fit of RA-WIS data (range, 0–23 with 23=highest work instability) to the Guttman structure was evaluated by item-fit, person-fit, item-trait interaction statistics, and the person separation index (PSI). Differential item functioning (DIF) was evaluated by two-way analyses of variance of the residuals across age, sex, location of injury, perceive... Journal of Clinical Epidemiology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5267090 Fri, 29 Apr 2011 04:00:00 +0100 5267090 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5267089&cid=s_38500_54_f&fid=38500&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.jclinepi.com%2Farticle%2FPIIS0895435611000515%2Fabstract%3Frss%3Dyes Conclusion: The method worked well in the case study considered and therefore further evaluation is encouraged. It is suggested that this approach may be especially useful when adjusting several meta-analyses on similar interventions and outcomes, particularly when there are small numbers of studies. (Source: Journal of Clinical Epidemiology) Journal of Clinical Epidemiology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5267089 Fri, 29 Apr 2011 04:00:00 +0100 5267089 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5153689&cid=s_38500_54_f&fid=38500&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.jclinepi.com%2Farticle%2FPIIS0895435611000631%2Fabstract%3Frss%3Dyes Conclusion: These techniques may facilitate research in rare diseases. (Source: Journal of Clinical Epidemiology) Journal of Clinical Epidemiology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5153689 Thu, 28 Apr 2011 23:00:00 +0100 5153689 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5267088&cid=s_38500_54_f&fid=38500&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.jclinepi.com%2Farticle%2FPIIS0895435611000497%2Fabstract%3Frss%3Dyes Conclusions: Creative experimental efforts are needed to assess rigorously the clinical significance of placebo interventions and investigate the component elements that may contribute to the therapeutic benefit. (Source: Journal of Clinical Epidemiology) Journal of Clinical Epidemiology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5267088 Mon, 25 Apr 2011 04:00:00 +0100 5267088 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5267087&cid=s_38500_54_f&fid=38500&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.jclinepi.com%2Farticle%2FPIIS0895435611000485%2Fabstract%3Frss%3Dyes Conclusions: Without reporting the when, where, by whom, and how many of recruitment, trialists deny readers part of the contextual description they need to judge whether a trial’s results are applicable to their own situation. Trialists and journal editors need to be more diligent in following the reporting recommendations of the Consolidated Standards of Reporting Trials statement. (Source: Journal of Clinical Epidemiology) Journal of Clinical Epidemiology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5267087 Mon, 25 Apr 2011 04:00:00 +0100 5267087 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5153695&cid=s_38500_54_f&fid=38500&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.jclinepi.com%2Farticle%2FPIIS0895435611000473%2Fabstract%3Frss%3Dyes Conclusion: Researchers can improve the response rate, time consumption, and cost-efficiency and obtain a demographic questionnaire for dropout analysis by using the Actively Decline approach for postal questionnaires. (Source: Journal of Clinical Epidemiology) Journal of Clinical Epidemiology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5153695 Sun, 24 Apr 2011 23:00:00 +0100 5153695 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4731036&cid=s_38500_54_f&fid=38500&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.jclinepi.com%2Farticle%2FPIIS0895435611001004%2Fabstract%3Frss%3Dyes (Source: Journal of Clinical Epidemiology) Journal of Clinical Epidemiology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4731036 Wed, 20 Apr 2011 12:33:44 +0100 4731036 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4731035&cid=s_38500_54_f&fid=38500&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.jclinepi.com%2Farticle%2FPIIS0895435611000941%2Fabstract%3Frss%3Dyes In the above-mentioned article, the last author’s name was misrepresented as Célia Costa. The correct listing of the author’s name should read Célia Amorim-Costa. We apologize for any inconvenience to our readers. (Source: Journal of Clinical Epidemiology) Journal of Clinical Epidemiology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4731035 Wed, 20 Apr 2011 12:33:44 +0100 4731035 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4731020&cid=s_38500_54_f&fid=38500&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.jclinepi.com%2Farticle%2FPIIS0895435611000953%2Fabstract%3Frss%3Dyes The set of study designs that have been accepted as appropriate by the international clinical research community represents a firm framework that gives guidance to researchers. Indeed, if investigators apply such an accepted study design, preferably the one that is representing the highest level of evidence for the chosen study topic , and report their work well, they have the best chance of coming up with valid and convincing results that will be published and add to better health care. Design application can be a rather informal process, but there is an increasing systematic evidence base on how designs are applied in research practice, and how appropriately they are reported . This allows us to monitor the methodological quality of clinical research over time and provides an important s... Journal of Clinical Epidemiology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4731020 Wed, 20 Apr 2011 12:33:42 +0100 4731020 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4731019&cid=s_38500_54_f&fid=38500&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.jclinepi.com%2Farticle%2FPIIS0895435611000977%2Fabstract%3Frss%3Dyes (Source: Journal of Clinical Epidemiology) Journal of Clinical Epidemiology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4731019 Wed, 20 Apr 2011 12:33:41 +0100 4731019 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5153688&cid=s_38500_54_f&fid=38500&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.jclinepi.com%2Farticle%2FPIIS089543561100031X%2Fabstract%3Frss%3Dyes Conclusions: In our example, treatment effects of off-pump versus on-pump surgery from RCTs and PS analyses were very similar in a “meta-matched” population of studies, indicating that only a small remaining bias is present in PS analyses. (Source: Journal of Clinical Epidemiology) Journal of Clinical Epidemiology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5153688 Sun, 10 Apr 2011 23:00:00 +0100 5153688 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5267084&cid=s_38500_54_f&fid=38500&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.jclinepi.com%2Farticle%2FPIIS0895435611000291%2Fabstract%3Frss%3Dyes Conclusion: Quantitative synthesis should be conducted in a transparent and consistent way. Inclusion of multiple alternative interventions in CERs increases the complexity of quantitative synthesis, whereas the basic issues in quantitative synthesis remain crucial considerations in quantitative synthesis for a CER. We will cover more issues in future versions and update and improve recommendations with the accumulation of new research to advance the goal for transparency and consistency. (Source: Journal of Clinical Epidemiology) Journal of Clinical Epidemiology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5267084 Fri, 08 Apr 2011 04:00:00 +0100 5267084 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5153694&cid=s_38500_54_f&fid=38500&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.jclinepi.com%2Farticle%2FPIIS0895435611000151%2Fabstract%3Frss%3Dyes Conclusion: Exploring treatment preferences and providing evidence-based information can improve levels of informed decision making and facilitate RCT participation. Treatment preferences should be reconceptualized from a barrier to recruitment to an integral part of the information exchange necessary for informed decision making about treatments and RCT participation. (Source: Journal of Clinical Epidemiology) Journal of Clinical Epidemiology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5153694 Thu, 07 Apr 2011 23:00:00 +0100 5153694 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5153691&cid=s_38500_54_f&fid=38500&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.jclinepi.com%2Farticle%2FPIIS0895435611000126%2Fabstract%3Frss%3Dyes Conclusion: This study suggests that the decreasing suicide rate in 1988–94 reflects a real change. However, the general quality of mortality statistics has deteriorated since the late 1990s, making it difficult to assess developments since 1994. Such variations in the reliability of official suicide statistics complicate international comparisons. However, shifts in the death rate because of “ill-defined” causes could serve as a warning that data quality is not consistent over time. (Source: Journal of Clinical Epidemiology) Journal of Clinical Epidemiology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5153691 Thu, 07 Apr 2011 23:00:00 +0100 5153691 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5153690&cid=s_38500_54_f&fid=38500&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.jclinepi.com%2Farticle%2FPIIS0895435611000254%2Fabstract%3Frss%3Dyes Conclusion: The PR-tool provides a useful estimate that gives insight by estimating quantitatively how pragmatic each RCT in the review is, which methodological domains are pragmatic or explanatory, and how pragmatic the review is. (Source: Journal of Clinical Epidemiology) Journal of Clinical Epidemiology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5153690 Wed, 06 Apr 2011 23:00:00 +0100 5153690 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5153687&cid=s_38500_54_f&fid=38500&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.jclinepi.com%2Farticle%2FPIIS0895435611000163%2Fabstract%3Frss%3Dyes Conclusion: Sealed envelopes with some form of enhancement (opaque, sequentially numbered, and so forth) may give adequate concealment. Description of a study as "double blind" does not imply a lack of bias when concealment of allocation is unclear. (Source: Journal of Clinical Epidemiology) Journal of Clinical Epidemiology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5153687 Wed, 06 Apr 2011 23:00:00 +0100 5153687 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5153685&cid=s_38500_54_f&fid=38500&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.jclinepi.com%2Farticle%2FPIIS0895435611000138%2Fabstract%3Frss%3Dyes Conclusion: In ADR, diagnostic and procedural codes are commonly used but infrequently validated. People with a code frequently do not have the condition it represents. (Source: Journal of Clinical Epidemiology) Journal of Clinical Epidemiology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5153685 Wed, 06 Apr 2011 23:00:00 +0100 5153685 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4974096&cid=s_38500_54_f&fid=38500&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.jclinepi.com%2Farticle%2FPIIS0895435611000266%2Fabstract%3Frss%3Dyes Systematic reviews are central to knowledge translation and have become an essential tool for evidence-informed decision making . To summarize evidence, the Cochrane Collaboration group usually combines quantitative primary studies, especially randomized controlled trials. Other groups, such as the Campbell Collaboration, suggest that a systematic review should not be limited to quantitative studies and recognize that the inclusion of qualitative studies is often needed to answer some specific questions . A systematic review that concomitantly includes quantitative, qualitative, and mixed-methods primary studies is called mixed-methods review . However, the integration of different study designs within the same review remains a challenge with regard to the assessment of methodological and ... Journal of Clinical Epidemiology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4974096 Wed, 06 Apr 2011 23:00:00 +0100 4974096 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4974094&cid=s_38500_54_f&fid=38500&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.jclinepi.com%2Farticle%2FPIIS0895435611000102%2Fabstract%3Frss%3Dyes Conclusion: We found evidence of five factors underpinning the MVQOLI in a large sample of South African and Ugandan palliative care patients. The five factors corresponded reasonably well to the original subscales, suggesting that it is a promising measure for use in this population. However, further testing of its psychometric properties, comprehensibility, and scoring require further research in sub-Saharan Africa. (Source: Journal of Clinical Epidemiology) Journal of Clinical Epidemiology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4974094 Wed, 06 Apr 2011 23:00:00 +0100 4974094 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5267085&cid=s_38500_54_f&fid=38500&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.jclinepi.com%2Farticle%2FPIIS0895435611000308%2Fabstract%3Frss%3Dyes Conclusion: Careful consideration of applicability may improve the usefulness of systematic reviews in informing practice and policy. (Source: Journal of Clinical Epidemiology) Journal of Clinical Epidemiology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5267085 Mon, 04 Apr 2011 04:00:00 +0100 5267085 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5153697&cid=s_38500_54_f&fid=38500&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.jclinepi.com%2Farticle%2FPIIS0895435611000114%2Fabstract%3Frss%3Dyes Conclusion: A screening tool with five risk factors and the OLB test could predict falls in healthy community-dwelling older adults. (Source: Journal of Clinical Epidemiology) Journal of Clinical Epidemiology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5153697 Sun, 03 Apr 2011 23:00:00 +0100 5153697 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5153693&cid=s_38500_54_f&fid=38500&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.jclinepi.com%2Farticle%2FPIIS089543561100014X%2Fabstract%3Frss%3Dyes Conclusion: The NPR identified 95% of new craniopharyngioma patients, but only 30% of cases were correct. Validity was improved by applying a modified composite search strategy. (Source: Journal of Clinical Epidemiology) Journal of Clinical Epidemiology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5153693 Sun, 03 Apr 2011 23:00:00 +0100 5153693 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4974082&cid=s_38500_54_f&fid=38500&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.jclinepi.com%2Farticle%2FPIIS0895435611000837%2Fabstract%3Frss%3Dyes Rapid advances in genotyping technology and growing understanding of the variation in the human genome allowed researchers to analyze hundreds of thousands of genetic variants simultaneously, and to perform genetic association studies on a genome-wide scale. The first genome-wide association study (GWAS) appeared in 2005; since then, about 800 GWAS have been published, identifying 4000 genetic risk factors for almost 500 traits . It is expected that these genetic discoveries will advance the era of stratified medicine, in which an individual’s genetic profile will be used to prevent, diagnose, and treat diseases. However, before stratified medicine becomes a reality, there are still some difficulties that need to be overcome. For instance, the evaluation of the predictive value of these ... Journal of Clinical Epidemiology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4974082 Sun, 03 Apr 2011 23:00:00 +0100 4974082 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5153692&cid=s_38500_54_f&fid=38500&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.jclinepi.com%2Farticle%2FPIIS0895435611000084%2Fabstract%3Frss%3Dyes Conclusion: Using observed/expected ratios calculated from the administrative data set, we were able to (1) better quantify known morbidity pairings while also revealing hitherto unnoticed associations, (2) find out which pairings cluster most strongly, and (3) gain insight into which diseases cluster frequently with other diseases. Caveats with this method are finding spurious associations on the basis of too few observed cases and the dependency of the ratio magnitude on the length of the time frame observed. (Source: Journal of Clinical Epidemiology) Journal of Clinical Epidemiology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5153692 Thu, 31 Mar 2011 23:00:00 +0100 5153692 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5153686&cid=s_38500_54_f&fid=38500&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.jclinepi.com%2Farticle%2FPIIS0895435611000096%2Fabstract%3Frss%3Dyes Conclusions: Most meta-analyses with nominally significant results pertain to truly nonnull effects, but exceptions are not uncommon. The magnitude of observed effects, especially in meta-analyses with limited evidence, is often inflated. (Source: Journal of Clinical Epidemiology) Journal of Clinical Epidemiology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5153686 Thu, 31 Mar 2011 23:00:00 +0100 5153686 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4838389&cid=s_38500_54_f&fid=38500&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.jclinepi.com%2Farticle%2FPIIS0895435611000072%2Fabstract%3Frss%3Dyes Conclusions: Practical examples demonstrate that it is possible to provide high-quality evidence of the cost-effectiveness of an intervention earlier in the development process. Payers and decision makers should preferentially adopt treatments with such evidence than treatments for which evidence is lacking or of lower quality. (Source: Journal of Clinical Epidemiology) Journal of Clinical Epidemiology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4838389 Thu, 31 Mar 2011 23:00:00 +0100 4838389 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4651159&cid=s_38500_54_f&fid=38500&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.jclinepi.com%2Farticle%2FPIIS0895435611000710%2Fabstract%3Frss%3Dyes (Source: Journal of Clinical Epidemiology) Journal of Clinical Epidemiology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4651159 Wed, 30 Mar 2011 01:53:12 +0100 4651159 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4651155&cid=s_38500_54_f&fid=38500&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.jclinepi.com%2Farticle%2FPIIS0895435611000035%2Fabstract%3Frss%3Dyes Conclusion: Empiric data from diverse meta-analyses demonstrate similar treatment effects and no large differences in heterogeneity of RoM compared with difference-based methods. (Source: Journal of Clinical Epidemiology) Journal of Clinical Epidemiology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4651155 Wed, 30 Mar 2011 01:53:12 +0100 4651155 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4651148&cid=s_38500_54_f&fid=38500&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.jclinepi.com%2Farticle%2FPIIS0895435610004312%2Fabstract%3Frss%3Dyes Conclusions: This study is the first to address MIDs for PROMIS measures. Studies are currently being conducted to confirm these MIDs in other patient populations and to determine whether these MIDs vary by patients’ level of functioning. (Source: Journal of Clinical Epidemiology) Journal of Clinical Epidemiology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4651148 Wed, 30 Mar 2011 01:53:11 +0100 4651148