External validation of models to estimate gestational age in the second and third trimester using ultrasound: A prospective multicentre observational study.

Objectives: Accurate assessment of gestational age (GA) is important at both individual and population levels. The most accurate way to estimate GA in women who book late in pregnancy is unknown. The aim of this study was to externally validate the accuracy of equations for GA estimation in late pregnancy and to identify the best equation for estimating GA in women who do not receive an ultrasound scan until the second or third trimester.

Reporting completeness of nutrition and diet-related randomised controlled trials protocols.

Background And Aims: There is a need to consolidate reporting guidance for nutrition randomised controlled trial (RCT) protocols. The reporting completeness in nutrition RCT protocols and study characteristics associated with adherence to SPIRIT and TIDieR reporting guidelines are unknown. We, therefore, assessed reporting completeness and its potential predictors in a random sample of published nutrition and diet-related RCT protocols.

Evaluation of clinical prediction models (part 1): from development to external validation.

Evaluating the performance of a clinical prediction model is crucial to establish its predictive accuracy in the populations and settings intended for use. In this article, the first in a three part series, Collins and colleagues describe the importance of a meaningful evaluation using internal, internal-external, and external validation, as well as exploring heterogeneity, fairness, and generalisability in model performance.

Open science practices need substantial improvement in prognostic model studies in oncology using machine learning.

Objective: To describe the frequency of open science practices in a contemporary sample of studies developing prognostic models using machine learning methods in the field of oncology.

Study Design And Setting: We conducted a systematic review, searching the MEDLINE database between December 1, 2022, and December 31, 2022, for studies developing a multivariable prognostic model using machine learning methods (as defined by the authors) in oncology. Two authors independently screened records and extracted open science practices.

Minimal reporting guideline for research involving eye tracking (2023 edition).

A guideline is proposed that comprises the minimum items to be reported in research studies involving an eye tracker and human or non-human primate participant(s). This guideline was developed over a 3-year period using a consensus-based process via an open invitation to the international eye tracking community. This guideline will be reviewed at maximum intervals of 4 years.

Estimated fetal weight standards of the INTERGROWTH-21 project for the prediction of adverse outcomes: a systematic review with meta-analysis.

Objective: To systematically review and assess the risk of bias in the literature evaluating the performance of INTERGROWTH-21 estimated fetal weight (EFW) standards to predict maternal, fetal and neonatal adverse outcomes.

Methods: Searches were performed in seven electronic databases (Scopus, Web of Science, Medline, Embase, Lilacs, Scielo and Google Scholar) using citation tools and keywords (intergrowth AND (standard OR reference OR formula OR model OR curve); all from 2014 to the last search on April 16, 2021). We included full-text articles investigating the ability of INTERGROWTH-21 EFW standards to predict maternal, fetal or neonatal adverse outcomes in women with a singleton pregnancy who gave birth to infants with no congenital abnormalities.

Reminding Peer Reviewers of Reporting Guideline Items to Improve Completeness in Published Articles: Primary Results of 2 Randomized Trials.

Importance: Numerous studies have shown that adherence to reporting guidelines is suboptimal.

Objective: To evaluate whether asking peer reviewers to check if specific reporting guideline items were adequately reported would improve adherence to reporting guidelines in published articles.

Design, Setting, And Participants: Two parallel-group, superiority randomized trials were performed using manuscripts submitted to 7 biomedical journals (5 from the BMJ Publishing Group and 2 from the Public Library of Science) as the unit of randomization, with peer reviewers allocated to the intervention or control group.

Reporting guidelines used varying methodology to develop recommendations.

Background And Objectives: We investigated the developing methods of reporting guidelines in the EQUATOR (Enhancing the QUAlity and Transparency Of health Research) Network's database.

Methods: In October 2018, we screened all records and excluded those not describing reporting guidelines from further investigation. Twelve researchers performed duplicate data extraction on bibliometrics, scope, development methods, presentation, and dissemination of all publications.

Completeness of Reporting in Diet- and Nutrition-Related Randomized Controlled Trials and Systematic Reviews With Meta-Analysis: Protocol for 2 Independent Meta-Research Studies.

Background: Journal articles describing randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and systematic reviews with meta-analysis of RCTs are not optimally reported and often miss crucial details. This poor reporting makes assessing these studies' risk of bias or reproducing their results difficult. However, the reporting quality of diet- and nutrition-related RCTs and meta-analyses has not been explored.

Musculoskeletal health state and physical function of intensive care unit survivors: protocol for a UK multicentre prospective cohort study (the MSK-ICU study).

Introduction: Survivors of critical illness frequently experience long-term physical impairment, decreased health-related quality of life and low rates of return to employment. There has been limited investigation of the underlying problems affecting physical function post-intensive care unit (ICU) admission. Musculoskeletal (MSK) conditions may be complex in presentation, with ICU survivors potentially at greater risk of their development due to the rapid muscle mass loss seen in ICU.

Second and third trimester estimation of gestational age using ultrasound or maternal symphysis-fundal height measurements: A systematic review.

Many vulnerable women seek antenatal care late in pregnancy. How should gestational age be determined? We examine all available studies estimating GA >20 weeks. Ultrasound is much better than fundal height, and using cerebellar measurement appears to be the most accurate.

GoodReports: developing a website to help health researchers find and use reporting guidelines.

Background: Th EQUATOR Network improves the quality and transparency in health research, primarily by promoting awareness and use of reporting guidelines. In 2018, the UK EQUATOR Centre launched GoodReports.org , a website that helps authors find and use reporting guidelines.

Patient-Reported Outcomes as Independent Prognostic Factors for Survival in Oncology: Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

Objectives: Assessment of patient-reported outcomes (PROs) in oncology is of critical importance because it provides unique information that may also predict clinical outcomes.

Methods: We conducted a systematic review of prognostic factor studies to examine the prognostic value of PROs for survival in cancer. A systematic literature search was performed in PubMed for studies published between 2013 and 2018.

Correction to: Calcium and vitamin D supplementation and/or periodontal therapy in the treatment of periodontitis among Brazilian pregnant women: protocol of a feasibility randomised controlled trial (the IMPROVE trial).

An amendment to this paper has been published and can be accessed via the original article.

Characteristics of L-PRP preparations for treating Achilles tendon rupture within the PATH-2 study.

Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) is an autologous preparation that has been claimed to improve healing and mechanobiological properties of tendons both in vitro and in vivo. In this sub-study from the PATH-2 (PRP in Achilles Tendon Healing-2) trial, we report the cellular and growth factor content and quality of the Leukocyte-rich PRP (L-PRP) (N = 103) prepared using a standardized commercial preparation method across 19 different UK centers. Baseline whole blood cell counts (red cells, leukocyte and platelets) demonstrated that the two groups were well-matched.

Recruitment of low-income pregnant women into a dietary and dental care intervention: lessons from a feasibility trial.

Background: There are difficulties in carrying out research in low-income urban communities, but the methodological challenges and suggestions on how to deal with them are often undocumented. The aims of this study are to describe the challenges of recruiting and enrolling low-income pregnant women with periodontitis to a clinical trial on vitamin D/calcium milk fortification and periodontal therapy and also to describe the patient-, study protocol- and setting-related factors related to women's ineligibility and refusal to participate in the study.

Methods: A mixed-method sequential exploratory design was applied.

Plaster cast versus functional bracing for Achilles tendon rupture: the UKSTAR RCT.

Background: Achilles tendon rupture affects > 11,000 people each year in the UK, leading to prolonged periods away from work, sports and social activities. Traditionally, the ruptured tendon is held still in a plaster cast for ≥ 8 weeks. Functional bracing is an alternative treatment that allows patients to mobilise earlier, but there is little evidence about how bracing affects patients' recovery.

Platelet rich plasma injection for acute Achilles tendon rupture: PATH-2 randomised, placebo controlled, superiority trial.

Objective: To determine whether an injection of platelet rich plasma improves outcomes after acute Achilles tendon rupture.

Design: Randomised, placebo controlled, two arm, parallel group, participant and assessor masked, superiority trial.

Setting: Secondary care trauma units across 19 hospitals in the United Kingdom's health service.