Assessing the compliance of systematic review articles published in leading dermatology journals with the PRISMA statement guidelines: A systematic review.

BACKGROUND: Reporting quality of systematic reviews and meta-analyses is of critical importance in dermatology because of their key role in informing health care decisions. OBJECTIVE: To assess the compliance of systematic reviews and meta-analyses in leading dermatology journals with the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-analyses (PRISMA) statement guidelines. METHODS: This review was carried out in accordance with PRISMA guidelines. Included studies were reviews published across 6 years in the top 4 highest-impact-factor dermatology journals of 2017. Records and full texts were screened independently. Data analysis was conducted with univariate multivariable linear regression. The primary outcome was to assess the compliance of systematic reviews and meta-analyses in leading dermatology journals with the PRISMA statement. RESULTS: A total of 166 studies were included and mean PRISMA compliance across all articles was 73%. Compliance significantly improved over time (ß = .016; P = <.001). The worst reported checklist item was item 5 (reporting on protocol existence), with a compliance of 15% of articles. CONCLUSION: PRISMA compliance within leading dermatology journals could be improved; however, it is steadily improving.

Delayed Postconditioning with External Volume Expansion Improves Survival of Adipose Tissue Grafts in a Murine Model.

BACKGROUND: External volume expansion improves the survival of adipose tissue grafts by preoperatively conditioning ("preconditioning") tissues that will receive the graft. External volume expansion's mechanisms of action (induction of angiogenesis and of adipogenesis) could improve graft survival also when applied postoperatively ("postconditioning"). METHODS: Fifty-six 8-week-old athymic (nu/nu) mice received dorsal subcutaneous grafts of human lipoaspirate (0.3 ml each) bilaterally before undergoing external volume expansion (left dorsum) or no treatment (right dorsum, controls). External volume expansion was started either on the same day of (immediate group), 2 days after (early group), or 1 week after surgery (delayed group). At follow-up, grafts were analyzed for tissue survival, remodeling, adipogenesis, and angiogenesis using histology. The authors subsequently assessed the effects of the delayed application of external volume expansion adopting a foam-shaped interface to deliver the treatment. RESULTS: At 28-day follow-up, delayed postconditioning with external volume expansion significantly improved the survival of grafts (18 percent) compared with controls (viable graft thickness ratio, 58 ± 15 percent versus 49 ± 13 percent) and increased the density of blood vessels within the graft (63 percent; blood vessels per 10× magnification field, 44 ± 12 versus 27 ± 11). Other groups did not experience significant changes. Adoption of external volume expansion with a foam-shaped interface similarly improved outcomes and further reduced fibrosis within the grafts. CONCLUSIONS: Postoperative delayed application of external volume expansion modestly improves the survival of adipose tissue grafts by inducing adipogenesis and angiogenesis. Use of a foam-shaped interface decreases the fibrosis induced in the grafts.

Analysis of the first 2645 registrations at the research registry®: A global repository for all study types involving human participants.

BACKGROUND: The Declaration of Helsinki has called for the registration of all research studies involving human participants. Despite this, prior registries did not allow registration certain study types, or retrospective registration. The Research Registry® (www.researchregistry.com) was established in 2015 to provide a venue of registration for any study involving human participants. METHODS: and analysis: This retrospective database analysis describes the first 3000 registrations received by the Research Registry®. Since the launch of the Registry in 2015, we have collected data on each registration and excluded inappropriate registrations through a weekly curation process. The characteristics of all studies registered is presented. Each registration was marked against a quality score by two researchers acting independently, and we describe how this has changed over time. No ethical approval was required for this data only study including no human participants. RESULTS: Of 3000 registrations, we included 2645 that were submitted to the registry between February 2015 and October 2017. The number of registrations increased year on year, and we now receive between 60 and 80 registrations per month. One fifth of registrations were from China (537 [20.3%]). Retrospective observational studies were most commonly registered (1125 [42.5%]), and studies included in excess of 20 million patients (median 80 [IQR:25-200]). The quality score of registrations improved over the time (Kruskal-Wallis p < 0.05), and the 'control/comparator' component of the quality score was most poorly completed (completed by 1199 [54%]). CONCLUSION: The Research Registry® has received registrations on over 2500 registrations, including in excess of 20 million patients, with the quality of registrations improving over time. Retrospective observational studies and case series are the most commonly registered.

The Academic Surgical Collaborative: A three-year review of a trainee research collaborative.

INTRODUCTION: The Academic Surgical Collaborative (ASC) is a trainee research collaborative (TRC) formed in the UK in October 2014. Three years on, the achievements are presented along with advice for emerging and established TRCs. Methods: A retrospective review of internal, member-maintained ASC records was conducted. Membership numbers, PubMed indexed publications, presentations and prizes awarded were all calculated over time. Google Scholar was used to calculate citations per ASC publication. An online survey was distributed to members to ascertain member satisfaction. RESULTS: With 62 active members (predominantly medical students) the ASC has published 33 PubMed indexed papers over three years, with a mean of 21 citations per paper (SD 89, range 0-491). 54 presentations have been delivered and eight prizes have been awarded for ASC research projects. 60% of ASC members believe the ASC delivers research that improves patient care. Key learning points for the ASC have been the use of a set of resources distributed to new members, the value of regular meetings, close mentoring throughout research projects to develop the skills of junior researchers, encouragement for junior members to present at conferences, and an ongoing focus on research conduct and improving evidence based medicine. CONCLUSIONS: The ASC has fulfilled many of its goals set out at its inception. The ASCs subsequent aims are to enhance existing research training for junior members, advances in the field of core outcome development and also multi-collaborative research.

How to apply for the academic foundation programme.

The UK Academic Foundation Programme (AFP) is a two-year foundation programme that includes an additional "academic theme" undertaking work in research, management/leadership, or education and teaching activities. The limited number of AFP places makes the AFP application a highly competitive process. This article outlines points to consider when applying for the AFP and successful application strategies. Reviewed by successful AFP applicants, this article provides specific insight into applications to the London Academic Unit of Application (deanery).

Assessing the compliance of systematic review articles published in leading dermatology journals with the PRISMA statement guidelines: A systematic review protocol.

INTRODUCTION: Systematic reviews and meta-analyses are methodologically rigorous studies that are said to form the reference standard for summarising evidence to guide health care. Reporting quality of reviews is of critical importance in order to judge the quality and risk of bias in a review to ensure sound healthcare decisions are made. This is particularly important in the field of dermatology due to the growing number of systematic reviews and their key role in informing healthcare decision within dermatology. A contemporary and comprehensive review of the compliance of dermatology systematic reviews and meta-analyses with the PRISMA checklist, in the highest impact factor dermatology journals, has not yet been assessed. To our knowledge, our review represents the most extensive study assessing reporting quality of systematic reviews and meta-analyses published within dermatology to date. METHODS AND ANALYSIS: Our protocol is reported in line with the Preferred reporting items for systematic review and meta-analysis protocols (PRISMA-P) 2015 guidelines. MEDLINE will be searched to look for systematic reviews and meta-analysis in selected years within the top four highest impact factor dermatology journals in 2017. Records and full texts will be screened independently by five researchers. Data will be extracted onto a standard data extraction database. A training session will take place to ensure accurate data extraction and scoring of studies with the PRISMA checklist. The data will be analysed and outcomes will be determined. Primary outcome will be the compliance of reviews with the PRISMA checklist.

How to get shortlisted for medical jobs.

Progressing up the medical career ladder is a tough business. Most medical and surgical applications center the requirement for a holistic, balanced individual. As a result, there are usually specific marking criteria in predefined sections. This article provides a guide into what employers are looking for and how best to build your portfolio in these areas.

Reflective practice in health care and how to reflect effectively.

Reflective practice is a paper requirement of your career progression in health care. However, if done properly, it can greatly improve your skills as a health care provider. This article provides some structure to reflective practice to allow a health care provider to engage more with reflective practice and get more out of the experience.

How to succeed at medical interviews.

Few people truly relish being interviewed. But as a professional, you will go through a number of interviews in your life that will affect your career progression. In this article, we provide some tips on how best to prepare for a medical interview, both in terms of your portfolio and interview practice. Advice is also given on how to maximize performance during the interview and gain the most from reflection afterwards.

How to design and deliver a local teaching program.

Teaching is an invaluable aspect of any medical or surgical career. Many trainees will find themselves delivering teaching at several stages in their career and in this "How to" article we explain how to design, set up, and deliver a successful teaching program, as well as how to evidence this in your portfolio.

How to conduct a clinical audit and quality improvement project.

Audits and quality improvement projects are vital aspects of clinical governance and continual service improvement in medicine. In this article we describe the process of clinical audit and quality improvement project. Guidance is also provided on how to design an effective audit and bypass barriers encountered during the process.

How to deliver an oral presentation.

Delivering an oral presentation in conferences and meetings can seem daunting. However, if delivered effectively, it can be an invaluable opportunity to showcase your work in front of peers as well as receive feedback on your project. In this "How to" article, we demonstrate how one can plan and successfully deliver an engaging oral presentation.

How to publish a book.

Writing a book can seem like a daunting prospect. However, with the right idea, motivation, and effort, it is entirely possible. In this "How to" article we demonstrate and explain how one can take their book idea and successfully deliver it to publication.

Why apply for an intercalated research degree?

Intercalated degrees are commonly undertaken as part of the medical undergraduate course. In this article, we discuss the advantages and disadvantages of intercalation, along with alternatives that could be considered.

How to organize a medical elective.

The medical elective is often considered a major highlight of the medical school experience. However, organizing an elective can be a daunting experience. From selecting a destination, to securing bursaries, the road is fraught with uncertainty. In this article, we provide some guidance on how to successfully organize a medical elective. This includes the selection of the destination; options for research or clinical practice and tips for budgeting and acquiring travel bursaries.

How to study effectively.

The ability to study effectively is an essential part of completing a medical degree. To cope with the vast amount of information and skills needed to be acquired, it is necessary develop effective study techniques. In this article we outline the various methods students can use to excel in upcoming examinations.

How to write a medical CV.

A medical curriculum vitae remains an important document that has 2 main roles: to distinguish candidates applying for various positions, whether that be jobs, posts, grants and it provides a means of keeping an up-to-date record of all your achievements and skills gained thus far. This article provides detailed guidance on how to structure an effective curriculum vitae to maximize your chances of success when applying for these positions.

How to hold an effective meeting.

Meetings are a common occurrence in academic and medical life. However, most of these meetings will be under-productive and inefficient uses of time. In this article, we provide valuable tips on how best to plan a meeting and get the most out of the people in attendance. This includes how to assess whether a meeting is necessary and what form this meeting should take. In addition to this, guidance is divided into before, during, and after the meeting. This guide will provide structure to your meetings and improve the output you and your team gain from them.