Evaluation of reporting of CONSORT flow diagrams in randomized controlled trials in a national and international pharmacology journal.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate and compare the reporting of consolidated standard of reporting trial (CONSORT) flow diagrams in randomized controlled trials (RCTs) published in a national and international pharmacology journal. METHODS: RCTs in an international pharmacology journal, European Journal of Clinical Pharmacology (EJCP), and a national journal, Indian Journal of Pharmacology (IJP), published from January 2014 to July 2016 were evaluated for reporting and completeness of CONSORT flow diagrams. A total of 138 articles (EJCP = 90; IJP = 48) were analyzed and compared. RESULTS: Of 138 RCTs analyzed, 90 were from EJCP and 48 were from IJP. 76.6% (69/90) articles from EJCP and 37.5% (18/48) articles from IJP had reported the CONSORT flow diagram. Of these, 95.5% (66/69) had assessed for eligibility in EJCP and 88.8% (16/18) had reported the same in IJP. The number of participants excluded was reported in 86.9% (60/69) flow diagrams in EJCP and 83.3% (15/18) in IJP. 82.6% (57/69) flow diagrams in EJCP and 77.7% (14/18) in IJP had mentioned the details of randomization. Allocation of intervention was reported in 91.3% (63/69) flow diagrams in EJCP and 88.8% (16/18) in IJP. 60.8% (42/69) flow diagrams in EJCP and 44.4% (08/18) in IJP had mentioned the details of follow-up of participants. 95.5% (66/69) flow diagrams in EJCP and 94.4% (17/18) in IJP had mentioned details about analysis. CONCLUSION: In spite of both the journals, IJP and EJCP endorsing the CONSORT statement, a significant difference in the reporting of CONSORT flow diagrams in RCTs can be noted. The quality of reporting can be improved by stringent publication guidelines by the editors.

Removal of colour and turbidity in pulp and paper mill effluents using polyelectrolytes.

The present study was undertaken for removal of the colour, turbidity and COD from pulp and paper mill effluents using polyelectrolytes for pollution control and its safe disposal. Based on the pH of effluent and nature of colour imparting substance, suitable polyelectrolytes have been selected and used. A novel method of treating the above effluent with 0.2 ml/L of Rishlyte 80 L for the removal of colour, turbidity and COD has been found to be optimal and techno-economically viable when compared with the conventional method of treatment with alum.