New Cochrane Library feature will help Information Specialists and systematic review authors produce trustworthy evidence.

Cochrane has launched a new feature in CENTRAL, our database of reports of clinical trials, to identify and flag publications that have been retracted by the publisher.

Cochrane's policy for managing potentially problematic studies states that studies with associated retractions should not be included in Cochrane reviews. This has previously been harder to achieve than it should be due to inconsistent ways of tagging published retractions that affects their accessibility and discoverability. But recent developments to standardise retractions and open the curated Retraction Watch database are helping address this.

To help Information Specialists and systematic review authors produce timely and trustworthy evidence that does not include problematic studies, we have been working hard to identify when a report of a randomized controlled trial is retracted; and to consistently label these as retracted publications in CENTRAL, with publication type label Retracted publication:pt. You can read our FAQ page on retracted publications to find out more about what sources we are using to identify these, and our plans to use additional sources in the future to identify more.

New for January 2025

This month we launch the first feature that helps users of CENTRAL (Cochrane’s database of trials) on the Cochrane Library better identify retracted publications in CENTRAL. When a user of Search Manager conducts a search, and views results in the Trials tab, if their search results contain records to papers retracted by the publisher a banner will appear, alerting them:

This will mean that when conducting a search for a review, it will be easier to identify known retracted publications. Why do we say ‘known’ retracted publications? In practice, “Although a journal may retract a publication, the communication of that retraction is often incomplete, both in the use of vague retraction notices with euphemistic language and the inconsistent and ineffective annotation of retracted publications.” (Bakker 2024). 

Plans for 2025

This work doesn’t end here, we need to do more to ensure that studies with associated retractions are not included in Cochrane reviews. There are additional challenges because, 'identifying retracted publications is important but logistically challenging; publications may be retracted while a review is in preparation or in press and problems with a publication may also be discovered after the evidence synthesis is published' (Bakker 2024).

We are currently linking those studies we have identified with retracted publications to published and in progress Cochrane reviews. Developments will also include automatic ways to inform the authors of these Cochrane reviews about the retractions, in order to proactively address this challenge; and to ensure that Cochrane remains the home of trustworthy evidence.

Hints and tips

CENTRAL is a unique source for identifying reports of randomized controlled trials retracted by publishers. Want to make the most of this valuable data source, and the new feature on the Cochrane Library? There is further information available on the Cochrane Library, and in this short video below which offers practical tips for users of CENTRAL via Search Manager on the Cochrane Library.

References

Bakker C, Boughton S, Faggion CM, Fanelli D, Kaiser K, Schneider J. Reducing the residue of retractions in evidence synthesis: ways to minimise inappropriate citation and use of retracted data. BMJ Evidence Based Medicine 2024;29:121-126. [DOI: 10.1136/bmjebm-2022-111921]

 

 

Wednesday, January 29, 2025

Cochrane peer reviewers can now feature their peer review activity on their Web of Science profiles thanks to a new collaboration between Cochrane and Clarivate. 

Clarivate operates the Web of Science platform, a database that tracks citations, authorship and contributions in peer-reviewed scientific journals. The Web of Science Reviewer Recognition Service allows peer reviewers to track, verify and showcase their work and expertise through the platform.  

“We are extremely grateful to all our peer reviewers, Associate Editors, and Senior Editors who again and again volunteer their expertise and time to actively support Cochrane,” says Colleen Ovelman, Head of Editorial at Cochrane. “As a small token of gratitude, we have ensured that their hard work is now automatically recognized on their Web of Science reviewer profile.” 

All peer reviewers contributing to Cochrane reviews from 15 January 2025 onwards have the option to showcase their contributions on Web of Science. Unfortunately we are not able to recognise historical contributions in this way.  

What do peer reviewers need to do?  

If you already have a Web of Science profile, you do not need to create a new one to benefit from this service. If you do not yet have a Web of Science profile, you can sign up now for free.  

To ensure your contributions appear on your Web of Science profile: when you next provide feedback on a Cochrane review using an online peer review form in Editorial Manager, please answer 'Yes' to the question "Would you like to receive recognition for this contribution on Web of Science?". A record of your contribution will then be sent automatically from Editorial Manager to your Web of Science profile. The contribution should appear on your profile within 48 hours.  

Don’t forget: your contributions as a peer reviewer also go towards earning you Cochrane Membership. You can track your contributions as a peer reviewer in your Cochrane Account. 

You can get involved in peer review via Cochrane Engage by searching for tasks tagged as methodological, clinical or consumer depending on your role. 

Wednesday, January 29, 2025

A new Cochrane review confirms that antidepressants effectively reduce symptoms of generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) under trial conditions, although there is limited data on long-term usage.

GAD affects millions of people worldwide and is characterized by excessive worry about everyday issues. Antidepressants, particularly selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) and serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs), are recognized treatments for GAD, recommended by many national bodies including the UK’s National Institute for Health and Care Excellence. However, misconceptions remain among some healthcare professionals and patients who do not realise that ‘antidepressants’ have wider uses beyond depression, while the term also carries stigma for many people.

The review analyzed 37 randomized controlled trials with over 12,000 participants, comparing antidepressants to a placebo.  Most trials were primarily conducted in high-income countries, including the United States of America and various European countries, and recruited adults of both sexes. In most cases, there were slightly more female participants (~60%) which reflects the clinical prevalence of GAD.

Results showed that antidepressants were more effective than placebo in reducing anxiety symptoms, with a 41% higher response rate among those taking the medication compared to those taking a placebo. The review found no significant difference in dropout rates between those taking antidepressants and those taking a placebo, indicating that these medications are generally well-tolerated.

“We don’t have enough evidence to say how effective they may be in patients with GAD alongside other mental health conditions, which is much more common in clinical practice. Most of the patients I see with GAD also have other mental health conditions, so future trials should investigate the effects of different treatment strategies on patients with multiple conditions."

The review also highlights the lack of data on the long-term effects of antidepressants. Most included trials lasted between 4 to 12 weeks, with no long-term follow-up.

"We don’t have enough information on the potential long-term benefits and harms of antidepressants, even though people often take them for years,” says first author Katarina Kopcalic, who conducted the review at Western University. “This is an area that needs further exploration in future trials.” 

Despite these limitations, the review delivers a clear message: antidepressants are effective for managing GAD, particularly for patients who do not respond well to non-pharmacological treatments. However, more independent, long-term research is needed to understand their full impact, especially in patients with multiple conditions.

• Read the Cochrane review and the plain language summary
• Read the news item in Spanish
• Read the new item in Malay

 

Wednesday, January 29, 2025

利尿剂预防和治疗急性肾损伤的益处和风险是什么？ 关键信息 •为预防急性肾损伤（AKI；一种肾脏突然失去过滤血液中废物能力的病症），与对照组相比，利尿剂可能会减少对任何透析的需求，并可能降低发生AKI和死亡的风险。利尿剂对永久性透析需求、低血压、低血钾或血清肌酐（衡量肾功能的指标）的影响很小或没有影响。利尿剂对心律不齐和尿量的影响尚不明确。 •对于AKI治疗，利尿剂对透析需求、死亡或低血钾的影响很小或没有影响。利尿剂可能会增加低血压，并可能增加心律不齐。尚不确定利尿剂是否会增加尿量。 什么是急性肾损伤？ 急性肾损伤（Acute kidney injury, AKI）是指肾脏突然失去过滤血液中废物的能力，并在数小时或数天内发病。在接受手术和需要重症监护的人群中最为常见。这种过滤功能的丧失会导致体液和废物在体内积聚。AKI的程度从轻微到严重不等，如果不及时治疗，可能会致命。不过，AKI 是可以逆转的，先前健康状况良好的人通常可以完全康复。 如何预防或治疗急性肾损伤？ 对于计划接受外科或心脏手术的人来说，预防急性肾损伤是一个重要的考虑因素。利尿剂是一种能刺激肾脏产生更多尿液的药物，从而排出多余的液体和废物。在这些手术过程中，可能会使用利尿剂来维持尿量。 对于患有AKI的人来说，在AKI发展到需要透析（用机器清除血液中的废物、多余的盐分和液体）的阶段之前，利尿剂可能是用来刺激肾脏产生更多尿...

干预措施对社区药店非处方抗菌药物销售有何影响？ 关键信息 • 没有明确的证据表明，针对社区药房和药店的药剂师和非药剂师的单一成分干预措施是有效的。 • 在使用多成分干预措施时，无处方销售抗菌药物的情况可能不会减少，但我们对结果还很不确定。 • 需要更高质量的研究以全面评估该问题。 什么是抗菌药物耐药性？ 抗菌药物可杀死细菌、病毒、寄生虫和真菌等微生物。抗菌药物可根据其主要针对的微生物进行分类；例如，抗生素用于对付细菌，抗病毒药物用于对付病毒。抗菌药耐药性是指微生物在这些药物的作用下仍能存活或生长的能力。许多微生物对抗菌药物产生抗药性是因为滥用和过度使用这些药物，尤其是在社区环境中。在许多国家，抗菌药物建议必须凭医生处方才能出售，但社区药房和药店的一些药剂师和非药剂师确实在没有处方的情况下出售抗菌药物。不过，需要注意的是，各国的法律不尽相同。在一些国家，某些情况下无需处方即可获得抗菌药物。我们需要知道，在法律不允许非处方销售抗菌药物的国家，哪些干预措施能够有效帮助药剂师和非药剂师减少非处方销售抗菌药物的行为。 我们想要了解什么？ 在本综述中，我们评估了针对社区药房和药店的药剂师和非药剂师的干预措施能否减少抗菌药物的非处方销售。 我们做了什么？ 我们检索了已发表的研究，在这些研究中，研究人员探讨了教育培训、政府法规、经济激励或同行监督对减少药剂师和非药剂师在无处方情况下销售抗菌药物的...

Title:  Administrative Assistant
Specifications: Permanent – Full Time
Salary: £27,000 per annum
Location: (Remote) based in the UK, Germany or Denmark. 
Directorate: Publishing and Technology Directorate
Closing date: 4 February, 2025

Cochrane is an international charity. For 30 years we have responded to the challenge of making vast amounts of research evidence useful for informing decisions about health. We do this by synthesising research findings and our work has been recognised as the international gold standard for high quality, trusted information.

This varied role provides effective and efficient administrative support to the Central Executive Team, with particular support to the Publishing & Technology Directorate. It will also interface with the broader Cochrane Community.

Don’t have every single qualification? We know that some people are less likely to apply for a job unless they are a perfect match. At Cochrane, we’re not looking for “perfect matches.” We’re looking to welcome people to our diverse, inclusive, and passionate workplace. So, if you’re excited about this role but don’t have every single qualification, we encourage you to apply anyway. Whether it’s this role or another one, you may be just the right candidate.

Our organization is built on four core values: Collaboration: Underpins everting we do, locally and globally. Relevant: The right evidence at the right time in the right format. Integrity: Independent and transparent. Quality: Reviewing and improving what we do, maintaining rigour and trust. 

You can expect: 

• An opportunity to truly impact health globally
• A flexible work environment
• A comprehensive onboarding experience
• An environment where people feel welcome, heard, and included, regardless of their differences

Cochrane welcomes applications from a wide range of perspectives, experiences, locations and backgrounds; diversity, equity and inclusion are key to our values.

How to apply

• For further information on the role and how to apply, please click here
• The deadline to receive your application is 4 February, 2025
• The supporting statement should indicate why you are applying for the post, and how far you meet the requirements, using specific examples
• Read our Recruitment Privacy Statement

Tuesday, January 28, 2025 Category: Jobs

Title: Data Scientist
Specifications: Permanent – Full Time
Salary: circa £55,000 per annum
Location: (Remote) based in the UK, Germany or Denmark. 
Directorate: Publishing and Technology Directorate
Closing date: 11 February, 2025

As Cochrane’s Data Scientist, you will work with our technology, product and publishing teams to leverage data in supporting the work of Cochrane in advocating for evidence-informed health decision-making worldwide. 

You will be involved in researching, analysing, presenting results, and recommending intelligent solutions to solve problems and address organisational challenges by applying knowledge of data analysis, critical-thinking skills, and healthcare experience/expertise.  You will assist in assessing how data science (including Large Language Models and Artificial Intelligence) can help evolve evidence-based medicine, at the global leader for evidence synthesis.

Joining our team means becoming part of a mission to enhance global health through reliable, evidence-based practices. You'll collaborate with dedicated professionals and partners worldwide to ensure health decisions are informed by the best available data. Our core values — collaboration, relevance, integrity, and quality — guide all our actions. By joining us, you'll contribute to making a significant impact on health outcomes globally.

Don’t have every single qualification? We know that some people are less likely to apply for a job unless they are a perfect match. At Cochrane, we’re not looking for “perfect matches.” We’re looking to welcome people to our diverse, inclusive, and passionate workplace. So, if you’re excited about this role but don’t have every single qualification, we encourage you to apply anyway. Whether it’s this role or another one, you may be just the right candidate.

Our organization is built on four core values: Collaboration: Underpins everting we do, locally and globally. Relevant: The right evidence at the right time in the right format. Integrity: Independent and transparent. Quality: Reviewing and improving what we do, maintaining rigour and trust. 

You can expect: 

• An opportunity to truly impact health globally
• A flexible work environment
• A comprehensive onboarding experience
• An environment where people feel welcome, heard, and included, regardless of their differences

Cochrane welcomes applications from a wide range of perspectives, experiences, locations and backgrounds; diversity, equity and inclusion are key to our values.

How to apply

• For further information on the role and how to apply, please click here
• The deadline to receive your application is 11 February, 2025
• The supporting statement should indicate why you are applying for the post, and how far you meet the requirements, using specific examples
• Read our Recruitment Privacy Statement

 

Tuesday, January 28, 2025 Category: Jobs

Tuesday, January 28, 2025

持续使用慢性抗凝剂是否比在植入心律管理装置前或手术停止使用慢性抗凝剂好？ 重要信息 与持续使用相比，在CIED手术前或中停用抗凝剂可能不会造成不如预期的不良结局，例如：血凝块形成或出血。 什么是心脏植入式电子设备？ 有时，人们的心脏不按正常的节律跳动。这会导致心脏无法将血液泵至身体其他部位。它同样会增加血凝块形成的机会。为了解决这个问题，医生可以使用一种叫做CIED的装置。 CIED是一种植入胸部皮下的小装置。它与心脏保持接触并有助于心脏维持正常节律。这个装置是在手术过程中放入的。然而，那些需要接受CIED手术的人已经在使用抗凝剂，这可能会使手术更危险。 我们想知道什么？ 我们想知道在CIED手术前或中停止使用抗凝剂或持续使用抗凝剂，哪种比较好。我们想知道停止服用抗凝剂是否有助于预防像是血凝块形成、出血或卒中的问题。我们也想知道如果人们继续服用抗凝剂是否更容易出现问题。 我们研究了什么？ 我们使用有确效的结构化流程查找截至2021年11月26日前发表的所有随机对照试验(randomized controlled trials, RCTs)。我们纳入所有的RCTs，比较患者在接受CIED手术时，停止使用抗凝剂是否比继续使用抗凝剂效果更好。在RCTs中，受试者被随机分配(像是投骰子来决定受试者被纳入哪一组)，一组是停止使用抗凝剂，另一组是持续使用抗凝剂。 我们发现了什么？ 本系统综述...

帮助成年人戒烟的干预措施是否会因人们的社会经济背景而效果不同？ 关键信息 •我们对所有治疗方法证据的可信度不足或没有可信度。这意味着没有明确的证据支持对社会经济地位较低和较高的人群采取不同的戒烟干预措施，或者任何一种干预措施都会对健康不平等产生影响。不过，随着更多研究的开展，这一结论可能会发生变化。 •需要开展更多研究，按社会经济地位报告各研究小组的戒烟率。 戒烟与社会经济地位的差异 吸烟是导致疾病和过早死亡的首要风险因素，每两个吸烟者中就有一人吸烟，每年全球有800万人因吸烟而死亡。吸烟者患心脏病、肺病和癌症的风险会增加。 许多不同类型的治疗可以帮助人们戒烟。这些治疗包括药物或行为支持，如咨询，可以通过多种方式提供。 与社会经济地位较高的人群相比，社会经济地位较低的人群（如收入较低、失业或受教育程度较低）更有可能吸烟，但在现有治疗方法的帮助下戒烟的可能性较小。 戒烟对健康不平等的潜在影响 健康不平等是指不同人群之间的健康差异。由于吸烟具有独特的危害性和致命性，吸烟人数越多，弱势群体中与吸烟相关的疾病和死亡人数就越不平等。这使得吸烟成为健康不平等的主要驱动因素。戒烟对于降低这种风险以及减少不同社会经济群体之间的健康差异至关重要。 我们想知道什么？ 我们想知道目前帮助成年人戒烟的治疗方法对不同社会经济群体的效果是好是坏，以及它们对健康平等的潜在影响。 我们做了什么？ 我们检索了有关...

阿仑膦酸钠有助于预防绝经后妇女因骨质疏松症导致的骨折吗？ 关键信息 •对于骨折风险较低或尚未发生过脊柱骨折的女性，阿仑膦酸钠使用长达五年 可预防脊柱骨折。 •阿仑膦酸钠用于确诊为骨质疏松症、骨密度低或已发生过脊柱骨折的女性，最长可达三年，可预防脊柱骨折。 什么是骨质疏松症？ 骨质疏松症是一种使骨骼变得脆弱的疾病。骨骼是不断分解和替换的活组织。 在骨质疏松症中，旧骨的分解速度快于新骨的替代速度。在这种情况下，骨骼会失去矿物质（如钙）。这使得骨骼更容易断裂，即使是轻微的损伤，如碰撞或跌倒。女性在绝经后更容易患上骨质疏松症。 阿仑膦酸钠是什么？ 阿仑膦酸钠是一种双膦酸盐，是一种能减缓细胞分解老化骨骼的药物。 我们想了解什么？ 我们旨在了解阿仑膦酸钠在预防或减少绝经后妇女骨折方面是否优于安慰剂（非活性药物或 “假药”）或其他药物。 我们做了什么？ 我们检索了阿仑膦酸钠与安慰剂或其他治疗绝经后妇女骨质疏松症的抗骨质疏松药物进行比较的研究。我们对研究结果进行了比较和总结，并根据研究方法和规模等因素对证据质量进行了评级。 我们发现了什么？ 我们发现了 119 项符合条件的研究。其中 102 项研究提供了可用数据，40 项研究将阿仑膦酸钠与安慰剂（假药片）进行了比较。 主要研究结果 对于因骨密度接近正常值而骨折风险较低的女性，或脊柱骨骼尚未发生骨折的女性，使用阿仑膦酸钠长达五年： 可预防临床脊柱...

患有子宫肌瘤的孕妇进行剖腹产子宫肌瘤手术有什么好处和风险？ 关键信息 关于剖宫产肌瘤切除术（一种切除子宫内非癌性生长物——子宫肌瘤的手术） 对输血需求、出血风险、住院时间、手术时长、重大手术风险及产后发热（产后几天内出现的高温）风险的影响，现有证据的不确定性非常高，因此无法得出任何有意义的结论。 作者们尚不明确剖腹产肌瘤切除术对血红素（红血球中的一种蛋白质，有助于输送氧气到全身）的变化或未来生育能力的影响。 什么是产后大出血（PPH）？ 产后出血指分娩后24小时内出血量≥500mL。它是全世界产妇死亡和疾病的主要原因。产后大出血每七分钟就导致一名产妇死亡。 我们想了解什么？ 子宫肌瘤（在子宫内或周围生长的非癌性肿瘤）影响越来越多的女性。在过去，由于过度或大量出血的风险，医生会避免在剖腹产（透过切开母亲腹部分娩婴儿的外科手术）期间切除子宫肌瘤（也称为肌瘤切除术）。在分娩时切除子宫肌瘤被认为会导致手术时间更长、住院天数更多。然而，切除子宫肌瘤对于女性保留未来的生育能力具有潜在的好处。对于已经进行剖腹产的女性来说，这可能提供了一个进行此项手术的独特机会。我们想要找出患有子宫肌瘤的孕妇在接受剖腹产时，进行子宫肌瘤切除术与不进行子宫肌瘤切除术的好处和伤害。 我们做了什么？ 我们检索了针对患有子宫肌瘤的孕妇进行剖腹产手术和单纯剖腹产手术的研究。我们比较并归纳这些研究结果，并根据研究的方法、规...

诊断女性阴道分娩后过度出血（产后出血）的检查准确率有多高？ 关键信息 • 研究发现，使用可视化评估来诊断产后出血是不准确的。使用塑料垫巾收集和测量失血容量，同时观察心率、血压、子宫张力和血流量，显示高的准确性。 • 其他检测方法，包括血液检测和仅测量心率和血压，显示出不同程度的准确性。 什么是产后出血？ 世界卫生组织将产后出血定义为阴道分娩的妇女在产后24小时内失血量达或超过500 mL。严重产后出血是指在产后24小时内失血量达或超过1000 mL。 为什么准确诊断产后出血很重要？ 产后出血是全球产妇死亡的首要原因。准确诊断有助于及早治疗。 用于诊断产后出血的检测方法有哪些？ 用于诊断产后出血和严重产后出血最常见的检测方法是可视化评估，即助产士通过观察浸有血液的床单和护垫的程度来评估失血容量。其他检测方法包括使用标记的垫巾、托盘或碗以测量失血容量。血液也可以被收集并称重。将该重量以公式转换为容量。其他检测方法包括测量（1）分娩妇女血液中特定化学物质的水平，或（2）心率或血压等变化。 本研究想要发现什么？ 本研究旨在识别用于诊断产后出血和严重产后出血的不同检测方法，并了解它们的准确性。 本研究做了什么？ 本研究寻找通过与可靠参考标准比较，如失血量称重或测量失血容量，以评估产后出血和严重产后出血诊断方法准确性的研究。研究包括任何年龄，并于任何环境下（医院、社区、家庭等）进行阴道分娩的...

A new Cochrane review has found that calorie labelling of food on menus and products leads people to choose slightly fewer calories.

The research team, led by scientists from UCL, Bath Spa University, the University of Cambridge and the University of Oxford, examined evidence from 25 studies on the impact of calorie labelling on food selection and consumption. They found that calorie labels in supermarkets, restaurants and other food outlets led to a small reduction in the calories people selected and purchased. The average reduction was 1.8%, which would equate to 11 calories in a 600 calorie meal – or around two almonds.

Small daily changes in energy consumption can have meaningful effects if sustained long-term, and most adults tend to gain weight as we age. A UK government report estimated that 90% of 20-40 year olds in England will gain up to 9kg over ten years, and that reducing daily energy intake by 24 calories per day – roughly 1% of the recommended intake for adults – would prevent this increase.

Our review suggests that calorie labelling leads to a modest reduction in the calories people purchase and consume.

This may have some impact on health at the population level, but calorie labelling is certainly no silver bullet. Our previous version of this review from 2018 reported a potentially larger effect, but was inconclusive because there was significant uncertainty over the results. This update has reduced that uncertainty, and we can now say with confidence that there is very likely a real, albeit modest, effect.

- Dr Gareth Hollands, senior author, from the UCL Social Research Institute, also Senior Visiting Fellow at the University of Cambridge.

The new update compiles evidence from 25 studies with a strong emphasis on real-world field settings, with 16 of the studies being conducted in restaurants, cafeterias, and supermarkets. The studies that were analysed encompassed over 10,000 participants from high-income countries including Canada, France, the United Kingdom and the USA. Only two of the studies included alcoholic drinks, and their results were too uncertain to draw any meaningful conclusions.

This review strengthens the evidence that calorie labelling can lead to small but consistent reductions in calorie selection.

While the overall impact on individual meals or food purchases may be modest, the evidence is robust. The cumulative effect at a population level could make a meaningful contribution to public health, especially as calorie labelling becomes more widespread.

- Dr Natasha Clarke, lead author, from Bath Spa University, who began the project at the University of Cambridge. 

While calorie labelling shows promise, concerns remain about its possible impact on people at risk of disordered eating. The review noted a lack of data in the included studies on possible harms, including mental health impacts, and the authors recommend future research to assess this.

“Calorie labelling to reduce the calories that people consume remains somewhat contentious, both in terms of whether it has any effect, and whether potential benefits outweigh potential risks or harms,” says Gareth. “We can now say with considerable confidence that it does have a small but potentially meaningful effect on people’s food choices. Labelling may therefore have a useful role, ideally alongside a broader set of approaches that place more onus on industry rather than individuals, such as taxes, marketing restrictions and reformulation. However, we should not expect miracles, and any implementation of calorie labelling must balance the many potential positive and negative impacts of such policies.”

• Read the Cochrane review and the plain language summary
• Read the news item in Spanish

Clarke N, Pechey E, Shemilt I, Pilling M, Roberts NW, Marteau TM, Jebb SA, Hollands GJ. Calorie (energy) labelling for changing selection and consumption of food or alcohol. Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews TBD, Issue TBD. Art. No.: CD014845. DOI:10.1002/14651858.CD014845.pub2.

Thursday, January 16, 2025

Cochrane’s Future of Evidence Synthesis Programme has brought about some transformational changes

The arrival of 2025 means that we are now wrapping up our Future of Evidence Synthesis Programme, with several projects now closed and a few more due to wrap up by April 2025.

All aspects of the programme were designed to ensure that Cochrane is well-placed to meet rapidly shifting needs and challenges in global healthcare. It has been an ambitious programme that has introduced some important changes to how Cochrane develops, publishes, and shares its reviews.

A New Model for Synthesising Evidence

At the heart of this transformation is Cochrane’s new model for producing Cochrane evidence syntheses. The model retains many of the strengths that Cochrane’s reputation has been built on and added some new elements that will help to ensure Cochrane is sustainable and focused on major global health challenges now and into the future.

Evidence Synthesis Units and Thematic Groups

A key structural change has been the creation of Cochrane Evidence Synthesis Units and Thematic Groups, to help us address the world’s urgent health challenges more efficiently and collaboratively.

Cochrane Thematic Groups are topic-based collectives with specialist knowledge and expertise. They help identify priority areas, engage with key stakeholders, harness Cochrane’s global volunteer network and support the production and dissemination of high-quality Cochrane evidence syntheses. We have set up twelve Thematic Groups, each led by experts in their respective fields. Find out more.

Cochrane Evidence Synthesis Units are collaborative, multi-topic research groups, created to support delivery of trusted, timely Cochrane evidence to address major global health challenges. The geographic spread of the five new units reflects Cochrane’s commitment to producing evidence that helps to improve people’s health worldwide. Find out more.

Centralised Editorial Service

Cochrane’s Central Editorial Service has been scaled up to ensure an independent, and rigorous quality assurance process across all manuscripts and a more consistent experience for author teams. The Editorial Service works with Cochrane group members who contribute their expertise throughout the peer review process. Importantly, the centralisation eliminates conflicts of interest, with clear separation between manuscript development and editorial decisions. This ensures Cochrane reviews remain impartial, credible, and scientifically robust.

Simplifying the author journey

Cochrane’s authors are critical to Cochrane success – past and future – so through the Future of Evidence Synthesis programme we have introduced tools to make their experience smoother. The adoption of the Focused Review Format prioritises simplicity and clarity in review writing. This format reduces complexity for authors, speeds up review development time, and ensures Cochrane reviews communicate a clear message.

A major upgrade to RevMan, Cochrane’s authoring platform, has also taken place. The introduction of ‘study centric data’ streamlines data management, enabling authors to easily enter, reuse, and export data, reducing errors and saving time. Gone are the days of cumbersome back-and-forth data handling; authors can now focus on crafting compelling, well-supported reviews that inform global health decisions. Cochrane has expanded its resources for authors with dedicated roles, such as Evidence Synthesis Development Editors, to guide authors of high-priority review from planning to submission and offer expert advice on everything from scoping reviews to evaluating evidence quality. This hands-on assistance ensures Cochrane’s highest-priority reviews meet the highest standards while maintaining a personal touch.

Updated reporting standards and improved accessibility

A shift to the PRISMA guidelines for systematic reviews signals another step forward. Cochrane reviews now align with international standards, making them easier to produce and more user-friendly for their global audience. This transition reduces administrative burden while enhancing the clarity and accessibility of Cochrane’s output.

Additionally, systematic reviews produced in RevMan now come with downloadable data packages in formats like CSV, broadening the potential for research collaboration and reducing duplication. These changes solidify Cochrane’s commitment to Open Science, making its data transparent and accessible for the wider research community.

Global impact and inclusivity

With a renewed focus on inclusivity Cochrane seeks to ensure that its evidence reaches and benefits people everywhere. Evidence Synthesis Units in regions such as Nigeria and India reflect a deeper commitment to continue ensuring that our geographic representation in evidence synthesis is widespread and equal. Collaborations with global organisations like the World Health Organization (WHO) and local stakeholders in lower- and middle-income countries guarantee that Cochrane’s work addresses health inequities and meets diverse regional needs.

Inclusivity extends into the review process itself. With improved tools and simplified reporting standards, researchers from underrepresented regions and early-career scientists face fewer procedural barriers, increasing opportunities for collaboration and contribution to prioritise reviews that tackle globally significant issues.

Toward a brighter future for health evidence

The changes implemented as part of the Future of Evidence Synthesis Programme are not just about improving internal efficiencies, they are about creating a lasting impact. By adapting to a fast-changing scientific landscape, Cochrane can continue to contribute meaningfully to global health challenges now and in the future.

At a time of significant uncertainty, the Cochrane community has played an important role in the transformation. Together, community members have shown great resilience, ensuring these improvements address the real-world needs of practitioners, policymakers, and patients. These advancements not only secure Cochrane’s future but reaffirm its role as a bedrock of reliable health evidence in an uncertain world. For everyone who relies on trusted, accessible, and impactful health evidence, the changes brought by the Future of Evidence Synthesis programme are already making a difference. Cochrane is now better equipped than ever to deliver on its mission of improving health decisions - and people’s lives - worldwide.

Wednesday, January 15, 2025

奖励可以帮助人们戒烟吗？是否长期有效？ 关键信息 • 吸烟在全世界范围内都是主要可预防的健康不良和早逝的原因。戒烟有助于帮助人们生活的更加健康和长久。 • 奖励可以帮助人们至少戒烟6个月。 • 这种效果可以持续到奖励停止，表明有长期效果。 • 奖励可以帮助孕妇戒烟。这种效果可以持续到孩子已经出生。 什么是奖励？ 奖励措施（如金钱、代金券或存款）可用来鼓励人们戒烟，并在他们持续不吸烟时给予奖励。这些戒烟方案可以在工作场所、诊所实施，有时也可以作为社区项目来实施。 我们想了解什么？ 我们希望了解给与人们奖励是否可以帮助人们长期戒烟。 我们做了什么？ 我们检索了提供奖励帮助成年人戒烟的研究。研究中的受试者必须被随机分配至接受奖励组或对照组（常规护理或其他戒烟干预）。我们纳入了来自不同人群的研究对象和孕妇。 我们发现了什么？ 我们找到了测试了不同的奖励方案来帮助吸烟者戒烟的48项研究。五项研究纳入来自精神健康诊所的人员、四项来自初级保健诊所的人员、两项来自头颈癌症治疗诊所的人员、三项来自学院或大学的人员、一项招募的退伍军人和两名居住在泰国村庄的人员。奖励形式有现金、优惠券或返还受试者所存入的钱。 怀孕研究： 我们单独分析了纳入孕妇的研究我们找到14项研究。11 项位于美国，2 项位于英国，1 项位于法国。奖励措施为优惠券，且有时会根据妇女坚持戒烟的时间而增加奖励。 一些研究没有提供足够的...

体育组织提供的项目是否能促进健康行为并改善人们的健康？ 关键信息 • 体育组织项目可能会让人们更加活跃。 • 体育组织计划可能对人们不活动（久坐）的时间影响不大或根本没有影响。它们可能会增加人们食用的水果和蔬菜的数量。 • 我们不知道体育组织项目是否会对人们摄入的含糖饮料和酒精饮料的数量或吸烟量产生影响，因为证据质量极低。 什么是健康行为？为什么它们很重要？ 慢性病是全世界死亡和疾病的主要原因。吃健康食品和积极锻炼等健康行为可以降低患慢性病的风险。体育组织在许多国家都很受欢迎，可能是促进健康行为或改善健康结果的有效方式。 我们想要了解什么？ 我们想知道体育组织开展的项目是否能够有效地促进健康行为并改善人们的健康。我们感兴趣的项目针对的可能是体育组织的运动员和非运动员成员、教练、支持者、中学生或大学生、运动员家长等等。 我们想要了解什么？ 我们检索了对随机分配到两个或多个组的人的健康相关结局进行比较的研究：健康行为促进项目组与未参与试验项目组（“对照组”）。符合条件的研究需要测试旨在促进健康行为（如体育锻炼或健康饮食）、减少不健康行为（如饮酒或吸烟）或改善体重、血压或人们的健康相关知识等结局的项目。 我们发现了什么? 我们检索到20项研究涉及共8179名受试者。大多数研究针对成年体育组织成员或支持者，并在足球俱乐部进行（例如足球、美式足球、澳大利亚足球联赛）。十四项研究评估了针对一...

Title: Deputy Head of Communications
Specifications: Permanent – Full Time
Salary: £55,000 per annum
Location: (Remote) based in the UK, Germany or Denmark.
Directorate: Development Directorate
Closing date: 24 January, 2025

Cochrane is an international charity. For 30 years we have responded to the challenge of making vast amounts of research evidence useful for informing decisions about health. We do this by synthesising research findings and our work has been recognised as the international gold standard for high quality, trusted information. The Deputy Head of Communications is an exciting new role that reflects the strategic importance of digital communications to this internationally renowned organization. It represents a rare opportunity to shape strategy, transform the charity’s digital presence, and experience working at a senior level when deputising for the Head of Communications.

You will create and implement the organization’s digital strategy, managing a team of experienced and dedicated web and communications specialists. Together you will deliver high-quality, targeted digital channels and marketing that inspire engagement and support from a range of stakeholder audiences.

Initial priorities will be to:

a) build digital communications capacity by recruiting three new roles (Digital Marketing Manager, Digital Marketing Officer and Copywriter);
b) develop a digital marketing strategy, based on a recent audit of channels and performance; and
c) establish and embed processes to ensure the relaunched Cochrane website is dynamic, useful and accessible to Cochrane’s key audiences.

Don’t have every single qualification? We know that some people are less likely to apply for a job unless they are a perfect match. At Cochrane, we’re not looking for “perfect matches.” We’re looking to welcome people to our diverse, inclusive, and passionate workplace. So, if you’re excited about this role but don’t have every single qualification, we encourage you to apply anyway. Whether it’s this role or another one, you may be just the right candidate.

Our organization is built on four core values: Collaboration: Underpins everting we do, locally and globally. Relevant: The right evidence at the right time in the right format. Integrity: Independent and transparent. Quality: Reviewing and improving what we do, maintaining rigour and trust.

You can expect: 

• An opportunity to truly impact health globally.
• A flexible work environment.
• A comprehensive onboarding experiences.
• An environment where people feel welcome, heard, and included, regardless of their differences Cochrane welcomes applications from a wide range of perspectives, experiences, locations and backgrounds; diversity, equity and inclusion are key to our values.

How to apply

• For further information on the role and how to apply, please click here.
• The deadline to receive your application is 24 January, 2025.
• The supporting statement should indicate why you are applying for the post, and how far you meet the requirements, using specific examples.
• Read our Recruitment Privacy Statement.

Friday, January 10, 2025 Category: Jobs

Thursday, January 9, 2025

不同免疫药物治疗胶质母细胞瘤（一种癌性脑瘤）的益处和风险是什么？ 关键信息 • 一种被称为免疫检查点抑制剂 (immune checkpoint inhibitors, ICIs) 的免疫疗法利用人体的免疫系统对抗疾病，这种疗法在一些癌症治疗方面已显示出令人鼓舞的效果。 • 七项研究探讨了ICI抗程序性细胞死亡1（anti-PD-1）治疗成人GBM。其中六项显示无益处。一项小型试验显示OS和PFS有所改善，但证据具有不确定性。 • 需要更多探讨不同ICIs组合的高质量研究。 什么是胶质瘤? 胶质瘤 (Glioblastoma, GBM) 是成人中最常见的癌性脑瘤。GBM患者可能表现出不同的症狀，包括头疼、行为和性格的改变、癫痫发作或其他类似中风的症状。这可以在较长或较短的时间內发生。总生存期（从确诊或开始治疗到死亡的时间长度）约为16个月。 手术尽可能多的切除肿瘤是主要的治疗手段，然后进行化疗和放疗；然而，这些疗法不是很有效，因此需要替代疗法。免疫疗法（包括免疫检查点抑制剂（(immune checkpoint inhibitors, ICIs）和免疫检查点阻断剂（immune checkpoint blockers, ICBs）作为一种新治疗方法在治疗某些癌症方面已显示出有前景的结果，具有良好的反应率，进而提高了生存率。ICIs可以制止不必要的炎症反应和对正常组织的损害，充当“...