bims-skolko Biomed News
on Scholarly communication
Issue of 2023‒09‒10
nineteen papers selected by
Thomas Krichel, Open Library Society
  1. The tyranny of acronyms in medical journal articles.
  2. Evaluation of Author Instructions for Inclusive Language Guidance in Highly Cited English Language Medical Journals.
  3. In a blink of an eye: Graphical abstracts in Advances in Clinical and Experimental Medicine.
  4. Measures to ensure clinical trials are trustworthy.
  5. "Important enough to show the world": Using Authentic Research Opportunities and Micropublications to Build Students' Science Identities.
  6. Pandemic scientific data sharing recommendations: examining and re-imagining pre-print servers after the end of the world-wide emergency.
  7. Nurse engagement in antibiotic time-outs: The collaborative process of leveraging design to disseminate research findings.
  8. Research misconduct as a challenge for academic institutions and scientific journals.
  9. Changing the culture of peer review for a more inclusive and equitable psychological science.
  10. REPLY: Can We Write a Research Paper Using Artificial Intelligence?
  11. Redefining authorship in the era of artificial intelligence: balancing ethics, transparency, and progress.
  12. The write algorithm: promoting responsible artificial intelligence usage and accountability in academic writing.
  13. Riding the whirlwind: BMJ's policy on artificial intelligence in scientific publishing.
  14. Scientific sleuths spot dishonest ChatGPT use in papers.
  15. Nouvelle politique sur l’utilisation des outils d’intelligence artificielle dans les manuscrits soumis au JAMC.
  16. Global visibility of publications through Digital Object Identifiers.
  17. Put your publication money where your mouth is.
  18. 75 years of IUCr Journals: 1948 to 2023, an Editor-in-Chief's perspective.
  19. JOURNAL AMHA - ACTA MEDICO-HISTORICA ADRIATICA
  1. Pediatr Res. 2023 Sep 06.
    The tyranny of acronyms in medical journal articles.
    Tonse N K Raju.
      
    DOI:  https://doi.org/10.1038/s41390-023-02797-7
  2. J Gen Intern Med. 2023 Sep 05.
    Evaluation of Author Instructions for Inclusive Language Guidance in Highly Cited English Language Medical Journals.
    Jennifer E Stark, Jennifer Cole.
      BACKGROUND: Diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) are at the core of publication ethics, and language around DEI has been shown to affect patient outcomes. Inclusive language is an important piece of effective communication and is one way to demonstrate and foster a welcoming, respectful, and accessible environment. Non-inclusive terminology in research may represent implicit bias, which is not typically corrected through introspection; thus, a systematic approach is needed in scientific writing. The prevalence of inclusive language guidance in leading medical journals is currently unknown.OBJECTIVE: Investigators assess the prevalence and quality of inclusive language guidelines in author instructions in highly cited English language medical journals.
    DESIGN: A cross-sectional review of author instructions from a convenience sample of 100 highly cited medical journals was completed in January 2023.
    SUBJECTS: Each journal's author instructions were reviewed for presence of inclusive language guidelines for manuscript submissions.
    MAIN MEASURES: Guidelines that included specific examples of inclusive language were defined as "strong." Author instructions were also reviewed for the Sex and Gender Equity in Research (SAGER) checklist, and each journal's publisher and impact factor (IF) were recorded.
    KEY RESULTS: The 100 journals reviewed had an IF range of 3.0-202.7 with a median IF = 19.5 (IQR 11.95, 38.68), and 28 unique publishers were represented. Inclusive language guidance was provided in 23% of medical journals reviewed. Of those, 20 (86.9%) provided strong guidance. Seven journals also recommended use of the SAGER checklist.
    CONCLUSION: Significant gaps still exist in ensuring use of inclusive language in medical journals.
    Keywords:  bias.; diversity; equity; inclusivity; medical writing
    DOI:  https://doi.org/10.1007/s11606-023-08390-2
  3. Adv Clin Exp Med. 2023 Sep 07.
    In a blink of an eye: Graphical abstracts in Advances in Clinical and Experimental Medicine.
    Marek Misiak, Donata Kurpas.
      This editorial discusses graphical abstracts (GAs) as a relatively new tool used to concisely summarize a scientific paper and promote it on social media to boost the visibility of research and the number of citations. This article attempts to define GA as clearly as possible and to explain the role of GAs as scientific communication tools in medical journals. A clear definition of a GA is lacking. Several definitions from the literature are presented, which illustrates that the terms "visual abstract" and "graphical abstract" can be used interchangeably. The role of GAs can be described in 3 aspects: 1) time required for communication (GAs are meant to convey the key contents of a scientific paper in a time much shorter than required for reading the full text), 2) means of communication (social media), and 3) mechanism of communication (research results in many fields of medicine can be better conveyed through visual or at least more visual means rather than plain text). A review of the existing literature concerning the effectiveness of GAs presents studies regarding the use of GAs in promoting scientific papers on Twitter - visual abstracts attracted significantly more engagement than plain English ones, especially from medical professionals. Visual abstract tweets were associated with a significantly higher number of impressions, retweets, and link clicks compared to text abstract tweets. Journals that have introduced GAs demonstrated significantly higher impact factor (IF) increases for the past 3 years than those of journals without GAs. The longer GAs have been utilized in a journal, the higher the IF the journal had. The experience of the editors of Advances in Clinical and Experimental Medicine (ACEM) concerning GAs are discussed, divided by types of papers published in this journal (original papers, meta-analyses, reviews, research-in-progress articles, and editorials), illustrated with examples of well-prepared GAs, and supplemented with a brief description of the feedback from authors and readers amassed following the introduction of GAs in ACEM. Finally, the authors offer the readership of ACEM 8 practical tips on how to prepare a useful GA, and list 8 common mistakes and misconceptions regarding GAs - both in text form and summarized in tables. The conclusion of the paper is that there is currently no universal standard for GAs, which can lead to inconsistencies in their formats and content; therefore, more detailed guidelines to standardize GAs for scientific research are warranted.
    Keywords:  dissemination of science; graphical abstract; social media; visual abstract; visual communication
    DOI:  https://doi.org/10.17219/acem/171615
  4. Nature. 2023 Sep;621(7977): 42
    Measures to ensure clinical trials are trustworthy.
    Eduardo F Motti.
      
    Keywords:  Ethics; Medical research; Publishing; Research data
    DOI:  https://doi.org/10.1038/d41586-023-02752-w
  5. bioRxiv. 2023 Aug 22. pii: 2023.08.17.553701. [Epub ahead of print]
    "Important enough to show the world": Using Authentic Research Opportunities and Micropublications to Build Students' Science Identities.
    Lisa DaVia Rubenstein, Kelsey A Woodruff, April M Taylor, James B Olesen, Philip J Smaldino, Eric M Rubenstein.
      Primarily undergraduate institutions (PUIs) often struggle to provide authentic research opportunities that culminate in peer-reviewed publications due to "recipe-driven" lab courses and the comprehensive body of work necessary for traditional scientific publication. However, the advent of short-form, single-figure "micropublications" has created novel opportunities for early-career scientists to make and publish authentic scientific contributions on a scale and in a timespan compatible with their training periods. The purpose of this qualitative case study is to explore the benefits accrued by eight undergraduate and master's students who participated in authentic, small-scale research projects and disseminated their work as coauthors of peer-reviewed micropublications at a PUI. In these interviews, students reported that through the process of conducting and publishing their research, they developed specific competencies: reading scientific literature, proposing experiments, and collecting/interpreting publication-worthy data. Further, they reported this process enabled them to identify as contributing members of the greater scientific community.
    DOI:  https://doi.org/10.1101/2023.08.17.553701
  6. Antimicrob Steward Healthc Epidemiol. 2023 ;3(1): e141
    Pandemic scientific data sharing recommendations: examining and re-imagining pre-print servers after the end of the world-wide emergency.
    Shira Doron, Westyn Branch-Elliman.
      Early in the pandemic, pre-print servers sped rapid evidence sharing. A collaborative of major medical journals supported their use to ensure equitable access to scientific advancements. In the intervening three years, we have made major advancements in the prevention and treatment of COVID-19 and learned about the benefits and limitations of pre-prints as a mechanism for sharing and disseminating scientific knowledge. Pre-prints increase attention, citations, and ultimately impact policy, often before findings are verified. Evidence suggests that pre-prints have more spin relative to peer-reviewed publications. Clinical trial findings posted on pre-print servers do not change substantially following peer-review, but other study types (e.g., modeling and observational studies) often undergo substantial revision or are never published. Nuanced policies about sharing results are needed to balance rapid implementation of true and important advancements with accuracy. Policies recommending immediate posting of COVID-19-related research should be re-evaluated, and standards for evaluation and sharing of unverified studies should be developed. These may include specifications about what information is included in pre-prints and requirements for certain data quality standards (e.g., automated review of images and tables); requirements for code release and sharing; and limiting early postings to methods, results, and limitations sections. Academic publishing needs to innovate and improve, but assessments of evidence quality remains a critical part of the scientific discovery and dissemination process.
    Keywords:  COVID-19; data dissemination; data sharing; pandemic response; pre-prints; public health emergency
    DOI:  https://doi.org/10.1017/ash.2023.410
  7. J Nurs Scholarsh. 2023 Sep 08.
    Nurse engagement in antibiotic time-outs: The collaborative process of leveraging design to disseminate research findings.
    Mary Lou Manning, Maribeth Kradel-Weitzel.
      INTRODUCTION: Research findings and knowledge translation are typically disseminated via presentations at professional meetings and publication in peer-review journals. However, other opportunities to translate research evidence into practice exist, including the use of visual cues.AIM: The aim of this paper is to describe the collaborative process of translating key research findings into a clear and compelling visual communication tool.
    DESIGN: As part of a multimodal research dissemination strategy, the researchers partnered with the University Health Communication Design Program faculty to develop a visual communication strategy to promote the use of antibiotic time-outs by nurses in a health system. An environmental poster was identified as an appropriate mode of communication for its potential to convey a message quickly, impactfully, and economically.
    METHODS: Five-step systematic approach, including feedback from end-users.
    RESULTS: To augment our research dissemination strategy, an action-oriented visual communication tool in the form of a 36x48 inch poster was created within four weeks and placed in the work environment. Unit nursing leaders and staff decided on poster locations for maximum nurse engagement with the message.
    CONCLUSION: Creating visual communication to display scientific information is an important skill, but most nurse researchers never receive any formal training that encourages participation in collaborative development of visual communication tools. Our collaboration, was iterative, reflective, and provided a unique opportunity for shared learning. Partnering with health communication designers to expand research reach and impact is invaluable and should be considered as part of a dissemination strategy.
    CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Clinical nurses' benefit from 'seeing' the science narrowed to a simple message in order to spark dialogue or remind them what they need to 'do'.
    Keywords:  antibiotic stewardship; communication; international health/global health; patient safety
    DOI:  https://doi.org/10.1111/jnu.12931
  8. J Epidemiol Community Health. 2023 Sep 04. pii: jech-2023-220554. [Epub ahead of print]
    Research misconduct as a challenge for academic institutions and scientific journals.
    Cristina Candal-Pedreira, Joseph S Ross, Ana Marušić, Alberto Ruano-Ravina.
      Research misconduct refers to a set of unethical practices in research and publication and is the main reason for retraction of articles published in the academic literature. Research misconduct has negative consequences and has generated public scepticism about research, which has led to increasing distrust in science. In this context, a joint effort by the scientific community, academic institutions, scientific journals and research funders is needed to identify and prevent research misconduct. In this paper, we will evaluate what has already been done and what is needed to do to better address research misconduct. The focus of this paper will be on the actions taken by academic institutions, as the first line of defence, and scientific journals, as the gatekeepers of science. However, scientific journals and academic institutions are only a part of a much larger and multistakeholder effort needed to address the challenges scientific research is facing.
    Keywords:  ETHICS; POLICY; PUBLIC HEALTH
    DOI:  https://doi.org/10.1136/jech-2023-220554
  9. J Exp Psychol Gen. 2023 Sep 07.
    Changing the culture of peer review for a more inclusive and equitable psychological science.
    Mariam Aly, Eliana Colunga, M J Crockett, Matthew Goldrick, Pablo Gomez, Franki Y H Kung, Paul C McKee, Miriam Pérez, Sarah M Stilwell, Amanda B Diekman.
      Peer review is a core component of scientific practice. Although peer review ideally improves research and promotes rigor, it also has consequences for what types of research are published and cited and who wants to (and is able to) advance in research-focused careers. Despite these consequences, few reviewers or editors receive training or oversight to ensure their feedback is helpful, professional, and culturally sensitive. Here, we critically examine the peer-review system in psychology and neuroscience at multiple levels, from ideas to institutions, interactions, and individuals. We highlight initiatives that aim to change the normative negativity of peer review and provide authors with constructive, actionable feedback that is sensitive to diverse identities, methods, topics, and environments. We conclude with a call to action for how individuals, groups, and organizations can improve the culture of peer review. We provide examples of how changes in the peer-review system can be made with an eye to diversity (increasing the range of identities and experiences constituting the field), equity (fair processes and outcomes across groups), and inclusion (experiences that promote belonging across groups). These changes can improve scientists' experience of peer review, promote diverse perspectives and identities, and enhance the quality and impact of science. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2023 APA, all rights reserved).
    DOI:  https://doi.org/10.1037/xge0001461
  10. J Oral Maxillofac Surg. 2023 09;pii: S0278-2391(23)00534-7. [Epub ahead of print]81(9): 1071
    REPLY: Can We Write a Research Paper Using Artificial Intelligence?
    Chandan S Narayanaswamy.
      
    DOI:  https://doi.org/10.1016/j.joms.2023.06.009
  11. ESMO Open. 2023 Aug 31. pii: S2059-7029(23)00869-4. [Epub ahead of print]8(5): 101634
    Redefining authorship in the era of artificial intelligence: balancing ethics, transparency, and progress.
    Y Ergun.
      
    DOI:  https://doi.org/10.1016/j.esmoop.2023.101634
  12. BMC Med. 2023 Sep 04. 21(1): 334
    The write algorithm: promoting responsible artificial intelligence usage and accountability in academic writing.
    Steven Bell.
      
    DOI:  https://doi.org/10.1186/s12916-023-03039-7
  13. BMJ. 2023 Sep 08. 382 p1923
    Riding the whirlwind: BMJ's policy on artificial intelligence in scientific publishing.
    Helen Macdonald, Kamran Abbasi.
      
    DOI:  https://doi.org/10.1136/bmj.p1923
  14. Nature. 2023 Sep 08.
    Scientific sleuths spot dishonest ChatGPT use in papers.
    Gemma Conroy.
      
    Keywords:  Computer science; Peer review; Publishing
    DOI:  https://doi.org/10.1038/d41586-023-02477-w
  15. CMAJ. 2023 09 05. 195(34): E1168-E1169
    Nouvelle politique sur l’utilisation des outils d’intelligence artificielle dans les manuscrits soumis au JAMC.
    Matthew B Stanbrook, Meredith Weinhold, Diane Kelsall.
      
    DOI:  https://doi.org/10.1503/cmaj.230949-f
  16. Front Res Metr Anal. 2023 ;8 1207980
    Global visibility of publications through Digital Object Identifiers.
    Houcemeddine Turki, Grischa Fraumann, Mohamed Ali Hadj Taieb, Mohamed Ben Aouicha.
      This brief research report analyzes the availability of Digital Object Identifiers (DOIs) worldwide, highlighting the dominance of large publishing houses and the need for unique persistent identifiers to increase the visibility of publications from developing countries. The study reveals that a considerable amount of publications from developing countries are excluded from the global flow of scientific information due to the absence of DOIs, emphasizing the need for alternative publishing models. The authors suggest that the availability of DOIs should receive more attention in scholarly communication and scientometrics, contributing to a necessary debate on DOIs relevant for librarians, publishers, and scientometricians.
    Keywords:  Global South; journals; persistent identifiers; publishing industry; scholarly communication; scientometrics
    DOI:  https://doi.org/10.3389/frma.2023.1207980
  17. Brain Commun. 2023 ;5(5): fcad220
    Put your publication money where your mouth is.
    Tara L Spires-Jones, David Belin.
      Two members of our Editorial Board discuss how the proceeds from article processing charges from Brain Communications and our sister journal Brain are put back into the translational neuroscience community.
    DOI:  https://doi.org/10.1093/braincomms/fcad220
  18. IUCrJ. 2023 Sep 01. 10(Pt 5): 509-518
    75 years of IUCr Journals: 1948 to 2023, an Editor-in-Chief's perspective.
    Andrew Allen.
      On the 75th anniversary of the International Union of Crystallography (IUCr) and its journals, a brief history is presented, highlighting selected publications, based on citations and on other criteria of note for each journal. Emerging from the pandemic, prospects for the future are considered, especially in the context of the ongoing transformation to open-access research publication affecting all scientific research journals.
    Keywords:  Acta Crystallographica; IUCr journals; IUCrData; IUCrJ; International Union of Crystallography; Journal of Applied Crystallography; Journal of Synchrotron Radiation
    DOI:  https://doi.org/10.1107/S205225252300670X
  19. Acta Med Hist Adriat. 2023 07 18. 21(1): 9-30
    JOURNAL AMHA - ACTA MEDICO-HISTORICA ADRIATICA
    Igor Eterović, Robert Doričić, Toni Buterin.
      In this paper, the first 20 years of publication of the scientific journal AMHA - Acta medico-historica Adriatica (2002-2022) are presented and analysed. This journal has undoubtedly become and remained the central activity of the Croatian Scientific Society for the History of Health Culture, which has rapidly evolved into a globally esteemed journal in the history of medicine. The beginning and the context of publishing the journal with reference to the scientific conference "Rijeka and Its Citizens in Medical History" are presented, as well as the journal's profiling into a distinguished international scientific journal, co-publishing with the Faculty of Medicine (University of Rijeka) and its fast development in the later years. The analysis shows the growth of the journal's visibility through indexation in different international journal databases, the number and ratio of scientific articles and the variety of published material. Finally, a review of the potential future directions of development and the significance of this journal within the national, regional and international context is given.
    Keywords:  AMHA – Acta medico‐historica Adriatica; scientific journal; history of medicine; “Rijeka and Its Citizens in Medical History”; Croatian Scientific Society for the History of Health Culture; University of Rijeka – Faculty of Medicine
This page is being maintained by Thomas Krichel. It was last updated on 2023‒09‒10 at 3:37.