COVID-19-related medical research: a meta-research and critical appraisal

BMC Medical Research Methodology, Journal Year: 2021, Volume and Issue: 21(1)

Published: Jan. 4, 2021

Abstract Background Since the start of COVID-19 outbreak, a large number COVID-19-related papers have been published. However, concerns about risk expedited science raised. We aimed at reviewing and categorizing medical research to critically appraise peer-reviewed original articles. Methods The data sources were Pubmed, Cochrane register study, arXiv, medRxiv bioRxiv, from 01/11/2019 01/05/2020. Peer-reviewed preprints publications related included, written in English or Chinese. No limitations placed on study design. Reviewers screened categorized studies according i) publication type, ii) country publication, iii ) topics covered. Original articles appraised using validated quality assessment tools. Results Among 11,452 identified, 10,516 met inclusion criteria, among which 7468 (71.0%) these, 4190 (56.1%) did not include any analytics (comprising expert opinion pieces). Overall, most represented infectious disease ( n = 2326, 22.1%), epidemiology 1802, 17.1%), global health 1602, 15.2%). top five publishing countries China (25.8%), United States (22.3%), Kingdom (8.8%), Italy (8.1%) India (3.4%). dynamic showed that exponential growth was mainly driven by without (mean 261.5 ± 51.1 per week) as compared with 69.3 22.3 week). including patient accounted for 713 (9.5%) studies. A total 576 (80.8%) intermediate high bias. Last, except simulation used large-scale open data, median patients enrolled 102 (IQR 37–337). Conclusions beginning pandemic, majority is composed data. bias included limited patients. Together, these findings underscore urgent need strike balance between velocity research, cautiously consider information clinical applicability pressing, pandemic context. Systematic review registration https://osf.io/5zjyx/

Language: Английский

---

Lockdown-Related Disparities Experienced by People with Disabilities during the First Wave of the COVID-19 Pandemic: Scoping Review with Thematic Analysis

International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, Journal Year: 2021, Volume and Issue: 18(12), P. 6178 - 6178

Published: June 8, 2021

People with disabilities may be disproportionally affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. We synthesize literature on broader health and social impacts people arising from lockdown-related measures. Methods: Scoping review thematic analysis. Up to mid-September 2020, seven scientific databases three pre-print servers were searched identify empirical or perspective papers addressing disparities experienced disabilities. Snowballing searches experts’ consultation also occurred. Two independent reviewers took eligibility decisions performed data extractions. Results: Out of 1026 unique references, 85 addressed Ten primary two central themes identified: (1) Disrupted access healthcare (other than for COVID-19); (2) Reduced physical activity leading functional decline; (3) From distance inactivity isolation loneliness; (4) Disruption personal assistance community support networks; (5) Children school closures; (6) Psychological consequences disrupted routines, activities, support; (7) Family informal caregiver burden stress; (8) Risks maltreatment, violence, self-harm; (9) employment and/or income exacerbating disparities; (10) Digital divide in health, education, services. Lack disability-inclusive response emergency preparedness structural, pre-pandemic themes. Conclusions: Lockdown-related measures contain pandemic can affect impact their grounds. created structural disadvantages, exacerbated during Both ramifications require development implementation public policy

Language: Английский

---

The Strategies to Support the COVID-19 Vaccination with Evidence-Based Communication and Tackling Misinformation

Vaccines, Journal Year: 2021, Volume and Issue: 9(2), P. 109 - 109

Published: Feb. 1, 2021

COVID-19 vaccinations are about to begin in various countries or already ongoing. This is an unprecedented operation that also met with a loud response from anti-vaccine communities—currently using all available channels manipulate public opinion. At the same time, strategy educate on vaccinations, explain their mechanism of action, and build trust science subdued different world parts. Such actions should go much beyond campaigns promoting vaccines solely information provided by health institutions national authorities. In this paper, independent expert groups needed counteract propaganda provide scientific-based general offered. These encompass organizing continuously communicating public; tracking tackling emerging circulating fake news; equipping celebrities politicians scientific ensure quality messages they communicate, as well letters, statements support for vaccination healthcare workers, recognized scientists, VIPs, societies; no tolerance false manipulated claims spread via traditional social media professionals, academics. activities be promptly implemented worldwide, regardless current status availability vaccine particular region. If we control pandemic sake benefit, it high time collectively speak out academic medical societies decision-makers. Otherwise, battle will lost those who stand against evidence while offering feasible solution problem.

Language: Английский

---

The Perception and Attitudes toward COVID-19 Vaccines: A Cross-Sectional Study in Poland

Vaccines, Journal Year: 2021, Volume and Issue: 9(4), P. 382 - 382

Published: April 14, 2021

Vaccine hesitancy is a major threat to the success of COVID-19 vaccination programs. The present cross-sectional online survey adult Poles (n = 1020) expressing willingness receive vaccine was conducted between February and March 2021 aimed assess (i) general trust in different types vaccines, (ii) level acceptance vaccines already use Poland (BNT162b2 by BioNTech/Pfizer, mRNA-1273 Moderna AZD1222 Oxford/AstraZeneca) as well eight approved outside European Union (EU) or advanced stages clinical trials, (iii) fear against COVID-19, (iv) main sources information on vaccination. Among all technology, highest observed for mRNA platform, with considerable number surveyed (>20%) not aware existence produced using traditional approach (inactivated live attenuated vaccines). age participants factor differentiating particular type. Both BNT162b received high acceptance, contrary AZD1222. From unauthorized EU at moment study, CVnCoV (mRNA; CureVac) met trust, followed Ad26.COV2.S (vector; Janssen/Johnson&Johnson) NVX-CoV2373 (protein; Novavax). Sputnik V Gamaleya Research Institute) decidedly least trusted vaccine. median (measured 10-point Likert-type scale) studied group 4.0, mostly related risk serious allergic reactions, other severe adverse events unknown long-term effects Female, individuals lower education those seeking any revealed higher Experts’ materials were source group. study shows can vary much across producers while are acceptance. It also emphasizes need effective continuous science communication when fighting pandemic it may be an ideal time increase awareness vaccines.

Language: Английский

---

Rapid reviews methods series: Guidance on literature search

BMJ evidence-based medicine, Journal Year: 2023, Volume and Issue: 28(6), P. 412 - 417

Published: April 19, 2023

This paper is part of a series methodological guidance from the Cochrane Rapid Reviews Methods Group. reviews (RR) use modified systematic review methods to accelerate process while maintaining systematic, transparent and reproducible methods. In this paper, we address considerations for RR searches. We cover main areas relevant search process: preparation planning, information sources methods, strategy development, quality assurance, reporting, record management. Two options exist abbreviating (1) reducing time spent on conducting searches (2) size result. Because screening results usually more resource-intensive than search, suggest investing upfront in planning optimising save by literature workload. To achieve goal, teams should work with an specialist. They select small number (eg, databases) that are highly likely identify their topic. Database strategies aim optimise both precision sensitivity, assurance measures (peer validation strategies) be applied minimise errors.

Language: Английский

---

The rapid, massive growth of COVID-19 authors in the scientific literature

Royal Society Open Science, Journal Year: 2021, Volume and Issue: 8(9)

Published: Sept. 1, 2021

We examined the extent to which scientific workforce in different fields was engaged publishing COVID-19-related papers. According Scopus (data cut, 1 August 2021), 210 183 publications included 720 801 unique authors, of 360 005 authors had published at least five full papers their career and 23 520 were top 2% subfield based on a career-long composite citation indicator. The growth COVID-19 far more rapid massive compared with cohorts historically H1N1, Zika, Ebola, HIV/AIDS tuberculosis. All 174 subfields some specialists who COVID-19. In 109 science, one 10 active, influential (top indicator) authored something Fifty-three hyper-prolific already 60 (and up 227) each. Among 300 highest indicator for publications, most common countries USA (n = 67), China 52), UK 32) Italy 18). involvement work is unprecedented creates opportunities challenges. There evidence productivity.

Language: Английский

---

The Arab region’s contribution to global COVID-19 research: Bibliometric and visualization analysis

Globalization and Health, Journal Year: 2021, Volume and Issue: 17(1)

Published: March 25, 2021

Abstract Background At the global level and in Arab world, particularly low-income countries, COVID-19 remains a major public health issue. As demonstrated by an incredible number of COVID-19-related publications, research science community responded rapidly. Therefore, this study was intended to assess growing contribution world on COVID-19. Methods For period between December 2019 March 2021, search for publications conducted via Scopus database using terms linked VOSviewer 1.6.16 software applied generate network map hot topics area determine collaboration patterns different countries. Furthermore, output countries adjusted relation population size gross domestic product (GDP). Results A total 143,975 reflecting overall were retrieved. By restricting analysis published production 6131 documents, representing 4.26% regarding Of all these 3990 (65.08%) original journal articles, 980 (15.98%) review 514 (8.38%) letters 647 (10.55%) others, such as editorials or notes. The highest Saudi Arabia ( n = 2186, 35.65%), followed Egypt 1281, 20.78%) United Emirates (UAE), 719, 11.73%). After standardization GDP, Arabia, UAE Lebanon had publication productivity. collaborations mostly with researchers from States 968), Kingdom 661). main lines identified are related to: epidemiology; immunological pharmaceutical research; signs, symptoms clinical diagnosis; virus detection. Conclusions novel latest studies is discussed current how findings connected production. Continuing improving future developing developed will also help facilitate sharing responsibilities results implementation policies

Language: Английский

---

Health Risks and Consequences of a COVID-19 Infection for People with Disabilities: Scoping Review and Descriptive Thematic Analysis

International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, Journal Year: 2021, Volume and Issue: 18(8), P. 4348 - 4348

Published: April 20, 2021

This study aims to synthesize the literature on any disproportionate health risks or consequences of a COVID-19 infection for people with disabilities. Scoping review descriptive thematic analysis was carried out. Up mid-September 2020, seven scientific databases and three preprint servers were searched identify empirical perspective papers. Snowballing searches expert’ consultations also took place. Two independent reviewers used screenings data extractions. Of 1027 references, 58 included, 15 which articles. The showed that: (1) People disabilities living in residential long-term care facilities more likely have greater rates; (2) Intersecting mediators multiple (e.g., lack accessible information); (3) often face problems when infected; (4) Unethical disadvantages rationing lifesaving critical can be experienced by Conclusions: Beyond health-related vulnerabilities comorbidity rates), yet modifiable environmental factors provide Public policy measures must prevent reduce risks.

Language: Английский

---

How COVID-19 Affected the Journal Impact Factor of High Impact Medical Journals: Bibliometric Analysis

Journal of Medical Internet Research, Journal Year: 2022, Volume and Issue: 24(12), P. e43089 - e43089

Published: Dec. 1, 2022

Journal impact factor (IF) is the leading method of scholarly assessment in today's research world, influencing where scholars submit their and funders distribute resources. COVID-19, one most serious health crises, resulted an unprecedented surge publications across all areas knowledge. An important question whether COVID-19 affected gold standard assessment.In this paper, we aimed to comprehensively compare productivity trends non-COVID-19 literature as well track evolution 3 consecutive calendar years.We took example 6 high-impact medical journals (Annals Internal Medicine [Annals], The British Medical [The BMJ], American Association [JAMA], Lancet, Nature [NatMed], New England [NEJM]) searched using Web Science database for manuscripts published between January 1, 2019, December 31, 2021. To assess effect impact, calculated annual IFs percentage changes. Thereafter, estimated citation probability along with rates publication by journal.A significant increase IF change including from 2019 2020 (P=.002; Annals: 283%; BMJ: 199%; JAMA: 208%; Lancet: 392%; NatMed: 111%; NEJM: 196%) 2021 (P=.007; 41%; 90%; 6%; 22%; 53%; 72%) was seen, against ones. likelihood highly cited significantly increased (Annals: z=3.4, P<.001; z=4.0, z=3.8, z=3.5, z=5.2, z=4.7, P<.001). followed a positive trajectory, opposed non-COVID-19. rate peaked second quarter while that approximately year later.The rapid emphasized capacity scientific communities respond global emergency, yet inflated create ambiguity benchmark tools assessing impact. immediate implication loss value trust journal metrics rigor perceived academia society. Loss confidence toward procedures employed reputable publishers may incentivize authors exploit process monopolizing on encourage them publish predatory behavior.

Language: Английский

---

Publication patterns’ changes due to the COVID-19 pandemic: a longitudinal and short-term scientometric analysis

Scientometrics, Journal Year: 2021, Volume and Issue: 126(8), P. 6761 - 6784

Published: June 23, 2021

Language: Английский

---