A scoping review of comparisons between abstracts and full reports in primary biomedical research

Abstract Background Evidence shows that research abstracts are commonly inconsistent with their corresponding full reports, and may mislead readers. In this scoping review, which is part of our series on the state of reporting of primary biomedical research, we summarized the evidence from systematic reviews and surveys, to investigate the current state of inconsistent abstract reporting, and to evaluate factors associated with improved reporting by comparing abstracts and their full reports. Methods We searched EMBASE, Web of Science, MEDLINE, and CINAHL from January 1st 1996 to September 30th 2016 to retrieve eligible systematic reviews and surveys. Our primary outcome was the level of inconsistency between abstracts and corresponding full reports, which was expressed as a percentage (with a lower percentage indicating better reporting) or categorized rating (such as major/minor difference, high/medium/low inconsistency), as reported by the authors. We used medians and interquartile ranges to describe the level of inconsistency across studies. No quantitative syntheses were conducted. Data from the included systematic reviews or surveys was summarized qualitatively. Results Seventeen studies that addressed this topic were included. The level of inconsistency was reported to have a median of 39% (interquartile range: 14% - 54%), and to range from 4% to 78%. In some studies that separated major from minor inconsistency, the level of major inconsistency ranged from 5% to 45% (median: 19%, interquartile range: 7% - 31%), which included discrepancies in specifying the study design or sample size, designating a primary outcome measure, presenting main results, and drawing a conclusion. A longer time interval between conference abstracts and the publication of full reports was found to be the only factor which was marginally or significantly associated with increased likelihood of reporting inconsistencies. Conclusions This scoping review revealed that abstracts are frequently inconsistent with full reports, and efforts are needed to improve the consistency of abstract reporting in the primary biomedical community

Plant viral genes in DNA idiotypic vaccines activate linked CD4+ T-cell mediated immunity against B-cell malignancies

DNA delivery of tumor antigens can activate specific immune attack on cancer cells. However, antigens may be weak, and immune capacity can be compromised. Fusion of genes encoding activating sequences to the tumor antigen sequence facilitates promotion and manipulation of effector pathways. Idiotypic determinants of B-cell tumors, encoded by the variable region genes, are clone-specific tumor antigens. When assembled as single-chain Fv (scFv) alone in a DNA vaccine, immunogenicity is low. Previously, we found that fusion of a sequence from tetanus toxin (fragment C; FrC) promoted anti-idiotypic protection against lymphoma and myeloma. We have now investigated an alternative fusion gene derived from a plant virus, potato virus X coat protein, a primary antigen in humans. When fused to scFv, the self-aggregating protein generates protection against lymphoma and myeloma. In contrast to scFv?FrC, protection against lymphoma is mediated by CD4+ T cells, as is protection against myeloma. Plant viral proteins offer new opportunities to activate immunity against linked T-cell epitopes to attack cancer

Trace elemental distribution in ostracod valves. From solution ICPMS and laser ablation ICPMS to microprobe mapping: a tribute to Rick Forester

A historical perspective on our understanding of the formation of ostracod valves and what they consist of is presented here, together with the history of investigations on the chemistry of ostracod valves. It is now clear that ostracod valves are made of 3 distinct layers consisting of calcite crystallites/rhombs that are held together by a significant network of organic fibrils which may also contribute to the trace elemental composition of ostracod valves when analysed by solution chemistry. The outer epicuticle of ostracod valves, when well preserved such as in modern material, contributes to an enrichment in magnesium, and this ought to be taken into account when interpreting the Mg/Ca of ostracod valves for use with water temperature reconstructions. Recommendations about the analytical techniques used for chemical analysis of ostracod valves are presented