97 pubs · 2,377 cites · h-index 24
Cross-sectional study assesses video quality on rheumatic diseases in pregnancy, suggesting improvements in digital health communication.
Misuse of statistical methods in biomedical research remains widespread, undermining scientific integrity and public health.Flawed analyses can lead to misleading clinical guidelines, unnecessary treatments, or concealment of true treatment effects.Statistical errors often result from a structural training gap that affects the research process from study design to reporting, rather than from individual incompetence.Authors should be able to select appropriate measures of central tendency based on the data distribution, apply parametric and nonparametric tests correctly, use regression analyses with attention to statistical power and collinearity, and interpret P values in the context of confidence intervals.The growing number of retractions in statistics and the continued citation of retracted articles highlight the limitations of current peer-review processes.Statistical Package for the Social Sciences is the most widely used statistical software in health sciences research, while R/RStudio is gaining increasing adoption due to its open-source nature, analytical flexibility, and capacity for fully reproducible and transparent analyses.Software selection can significantly influence analytical outcomes due to differences in default algorithms.Therefore, full disclosure of software versions and procedures is essential for reproducibility.Integrating artificial intelligence-based tools into statistical workflows introduces risks, including output hallucination, a lack of algorithmic transparency, and unresolved accountability.These tools should not be used without internationally accepted validation guidelines.At the publisher level, employing statistical editors, enforcing open data-sharing policies, and adopting contributor role taxonomies such as Contributor Roles Taxonomy are the most effective structural interventions.Enhancing the statistical quality of biomedical literature requires coordinated, sustained efforts from all stakeholders in scientific communication.
Background: Social media is an essential tool for the dissemination of scientific information.The growing number of publications related to social media raises concerns about the proliferation of misleading information in the scientific literature.Retractions act as a crucial corrective mechanism in scholarly publishing; however, their relationship with social media visibility has not been thoroughly examined.Methods: As part of our descriptive research, 55 retracted social media-related publications indexed in the PubMed database were analyzed.Such characteristics as the number of authors, the time from the date of publication to the retraction, the indexing of publications in the Web of Science, Scopus, and Directory of Open Access Journals databases, the country of the authors of correspondence, the reasons for the retraction, and Altmetric Attention Score (AAS) were analyzed.The data on citations and mentions in various social media platforms were analyzed.Results: The highest number of retracted publications was published in 2023 (n = 39), and the median time from publication date to retraction amounted to 541 (28-912) days.China and India were the leading countries for corresponding authorship and international collaborations.The leading causes of retractions were Investigation by Journal/Publisher (n = 45), Unreliable Results and/or Conclusions (n = 41), Concerns/Issues about Referencing/ Attributions (n = 37), Concerns/Issues with Peer Review (n = 35), and Concerns/Issues about Results and/or Conclusions (n = 35).The median AAS of retracted publications was 1.5 (1-1,627).A positive correlation was found between the number of citations and AAS (rho = 0.562, P < 0.001). Conclusion:Retracted social media-related papers can gain substantial digital circulation before formal retraction, highlighting vulnerabilities in the current scientific interaction ecosystem.These findings urge more post-publication supervision, timely retraction notices, and international collaboration to enhance research integrity, especially in the rapid, decentralized digital distribution age.
BACKGROUND: Statistics is a field that provides the methodological basis for modern scientific research, including data collection, analysis, and interpretation. The retraction procedure involves the official removal of a work from the literature due to substantial scientific concerns. Analysis of retracted publications is critical for identifying ethical violations and structural flaws in scientific publishing. METHODS: This study performed a bibliometric and descriptive analysis of publications labeled as "retracted" in the Scopus database, retrieved via a search utilizing the term "statistics" on August 18, 2025. The analysis of documents was conducted based on year, country, journal, keyword, and reasons for retraction. Collaboration networks of countries and authors were displayed with VOSviewer software, and reasons for retraction were confirmed using the Retraction Watch Database. Temporal trends were assessed by linear regression analysis. The most retracted publications came from China (n = 426), followed by India (n = 67), and the United States (n = 49). The Journal of Healthcare Engineering (n = 35) and Journal of Sensors (n = 25) stood out among the journals with the most retracted publications. The most common retraction reasons were investigation by journal/publisher (n = 297), unreliable results and/or conclusions (n = 189), and concerns/issues about referencing/attributions (n = 153). CONCLUSION: The number of retracted publications tagged with the keyword "statistics" has increased significantly over the years. This increase can be attributed to strengthening scientific oversight mechanisms and increased awareness of publication ethics. Increasing the involvement of statistical experts in the peer-review process, improving the statistical literacy of authors, and developing training and mentoring mechanisms to prevent ethical violations are crucial.
The increasing centralization of scientific publishing has forced high-impact journals to emphasize globally accessible research, potentially diminishing the visibility of findings that hold significance in a local context. In regions characterized by substantial historical, cultural, and socioeconomic diversity, such as Central Asia, regional journals provide a complementary role in maintaining the continuity and contextual depth of academic knowledge. In this context, by exemplifying Türkiye’s transformation in scientific publishing, it is highlighted that English-language publishing, international indexing, and the development of editorial standards can strengthen, rather than weaken, local academic production. Moreover, critical concerns include preventing errors and retractions in regional journals, reducing the risk of publication ethical breaches, enhancing peer-review procedures, and reducing dependence on commercial editorial agencies. Incorporating training in editorial procedures, academic writing, publication ethics, and digital literacy during the early phases of a career is essential for fostering a sustainable publishing culture. Consequently, regional journals should be regarded not as secondary aspects of the global academic framework but as essential constituents that maintain the diversity of knowledge and contextual integrity.
Social networks are widely used in the healthcare system for education, research, and professional networking. However, its adoption and impact in Central Asia, particularly among medical professionals, remain underexplored. This study assesses social media usage patterns, motivations, and perceived challenges among healthcare professionals in Kazakhstan, with a focus on professional engagement, information-seeking behaviours, and the need for structured training. A cross-sectional online survey was conducted among healthcare professionals in Kazakhstan from November 2022 to January 2023 after extensive pilot-testing by a multi-professional team. The questionnaire comprised multiple-choice and open-ended questions, and Likert scale answers to explore, social media preferences for professional engagement, and future possibilities. Among 147 respondents (M:F ratio = 1:1.17, median age = 32 years), social media adoption was nearly universal (97.96%, n = 144). The primary reasons for usage were knowledge acquisition (81.94%, n = 118), skill development (79.16%, n = 114), and maintaining social connections (68.05%, n = 98). YouTube and Instagram were the most frequently accessed platforms. Despite the perceived professional utility of social media, 75% (n = 108) of respondents felt overwhelmed, and only 65.27% (n = 94) considered it a secure means of communication.69% (n = 99) had never attended training on optimal social media use for professional growth, and 98.61% (n = 142) expressing willingness to participate in future trainings. The social media landscape among healthcare professionals in Kazakhstan reveals nuanced patterns of platform utilisation. The perceived utility of these platforms is tempered by acknowledged challenges, highlighting a critical need for structured guidance and comprehensive professional training frameworks tailored to the unique digital communication environment of Central Asian healthcare settings.
Doctoral education is a rigorous and complex endeavor that demands more than subject-matter proficiency. It requires methodologically strict and ethically justified approaches to research works. Numerous PhD candidates commence their studies lacking a comprehensive vision, frequently resulting in fragmented efforts over a lengthy period of time. The current guide includes topic selection and hypothesis formation, succeeded by systematic bibliometric and altmetric assessments to ascertain the relevance, originality, and implications of doctoral works. It subsequently integrates national epidemiological data to envision local implications of the planned research project. The following steps highlight the significance of systematic and comprehensive overviews, survey-based data collecting, and case-based observations, progressively advancing to more complex approaches, including cohort, case-control, or interventional studies. The final year of doctoral studies requires skills for journal targeting, ethical publishing, and disseminating obtained scientific facts. Acquiring academic English, writing, ethics, and statistics skills throughout the doctoral studies is essential for all PhD candidates. Collectively, these components cultivate critical thinking. This guide provides a structured yet flexible roadmap designed to improve the quality, efficiency, and international significance of PhD studies and related works.
Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) in older adults presents a complex clinical challenge, exacerbated by age-related comorbidities, musculoskeletal degeneration, and psychosocial factors, all contributing to significant mobility limitations and reduced quality of life. This narrative review synthesizes current evidence on rehabilitation interventions to enhance physical function in RA patients, focusing on walking, aquatic therapy, sauna and massage therapies, and yoga. A comprehensive search of Medline/PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, and DOAJ (up to May 2025) identified studies highlighting the efficacy of structured physical activity (PA) in reducing disease activity, fatigue, and pain, while improving functional capacity and mental health. Walking interventions, including high-intensity interval protocols, demonstrate immunomodulatory and cardiometabolic benefits, with significant reductions in Disease Activity Score (DAS28) and inflammatory markers. Aquatic therapy, leveraging water's buoyancy, improves functional outcomes and reduces depressive symptoms, while sauna and massage therapies offer pain relief and enhanced flexibility. Yoga, as a mind-body practice, significantly lowers disease activity and enhances physical function and psychological well-being. Wearable technologies, such as actigraphy and pedometry, support personalized exercise regimens by providing real-time data for dynamic goal-setting. The European Alliance of Associations for Rheumatology (EULAR) and American College of Rheumatology (ACR) guidelines advocate for tailored exercise integration into RA management. Despite these benefits, adherence remains challenging due to pain, fatigue, and psychological barriers, necessitating individualized, biopsychosocial approaches. This review provides practical recommendations for rheumatology specialists to implement evidence-based rehabilitation strategies, emphasizing multidisciplinary care to optimize mobility and quality of life in older adults with RA.
Purpose: Retraction provides an opportunity to correct the literature by restricting the spread of incomplete, erroneous, or biased information among the scientific community. This study aimed to delineate the features of retracted publications in the nursing field.Methods: This literature investigation identified all retracted nursing papers in PubMed. It included information on each paper’s title, authors, publication date, retraction date, journal, article category, corresponding author’s nationality, and rationale for retraction. Citation statistics were acquired from Scopus.Results: After excluding publications not relevant to the field, 457 papers remained for further analysis from an initial pool of 866. The earliest retracted article appeared in 2007 (n=3), with the peak occurring in 2023 (n=359). The three predominant countries were China (n=398), the United States (n=9), and Iran (n=7). The primary grounds for retraction were peer review issues (n=395), fraud (n=353), and ethical concerns (n=130). The retracted publications accumulated a total of 1,659 citations, averaging 3.63 per article, with 909 citations (1.99 per article) recorded after retraction.Conclusion: This study highlights that retractions of nursing-related publications are frequently linked to peer review challenges, fraud, and ethical concerns. A disproportionate number of retracted articles originated from China. Comprehensive peer review, ethical oversight, and fraud prevention are needed to preserve the integrity of nursing research.
INTRODUCTION: Due to YouTube's meteoric rise in popularity, the quality and reliability of health-related videos on YouTube are being questioned, particularly in specialized fields like stroke rehabilitation. This research aimed to assess the quality and reliability of YouTube videos relevant to stroke rehabilitation. METHOD: Video listing was conducted on December 17, 2024, using the keywords "Stroke Rehabilitation", "Stroke Physical Therapy", "Stroke Neurophysiotherapy", and "Stroke Physical Therapy Techniques" as query terms. A final sample of 72 videos was selected upon completion and evaluated according to inclusion and exclusion criteria. The Global Quality Scale (GQS), Modified DISCERN Questionnaire, JAMA Benchmark Criteria, and Patient Education Materials Assessment Tool for Audio/Visual Materials (PEMAT-A/V) were among the evaluation tools used to analyze each video. Researchers captured the videos' fundamental components and compared the quality classifications. RESULTS: Of the 72 videos examined, 29.2% (n = 21) were categorized as low quality, 20.8% (n = 15) as intermediate level, and 50% (n = 36) as high quality. Videos generated by academic medical centers (77.8%) and nonphysician healthcare professionals (59.4%) were primarily of high quality, while videos from independent users (100%) and TV channels (66.7%) displayed the lowest quality. Significant differences were observed when comparing quality groups based on daily views, likes, and comments (p < 0.05). The lowest scores were detected in the low-quality group. Significant correlations were identified between GQS and other evaluative instruments (p < 0.001), indicating consistency across evaluation frameworks. CONCLUSION: YouTube possesses considerable potential as an instructional tool for stroke rehabilitation. The inconsistency in video quality underscores the necessity for enhanced content control, editing, and the advocacy of high-quality, evidence-based resources. Promoting collaboration among academics, healthcare professionals, and content producers could augment the platform's instructional efficacy.
The rapid advancement of artificial intelligence (AI) has transformed various aspects of scientific research, including academic publishing and peer review. In recent years, AI tools such as large language models have demonstrated their capability to streamline numerous tasks traditionally handled by human editors and reviewers. These applications range from automated language and grammar checks to plagiarism detection, format compliance, and even preliminary assessment of research significance. While AI substantially benefits the efficiency and accuracy of academic processes, its integration raises critical ethical and methodological questions, particularly in peer review. AI lacks the subtle understanding of complex scientific content that human expertise provides, posing challenges in evaluating research novelty and significance. Additionally, there are risks associated with over-reliance on AI, potential biases in AI algorithms, and ethical concerns related to transparency, accountability, and data privacy. This review evaluates the perspectives within the scientific community on integrating AI in peer review and academic publishing. By exploring both AI's potential benefits and limitations, we aim to offer practical recommendations that ensure AI is used as a supportive tool, supporting but not replacing human expertise. Such guidelines are essential for preserving the integrity and quality of academic work while benefiting from AI's efficiencies in editorial processes.
The rising amount of retractions underscores heightened scrutiny and enhanced detection techniques while highlighting ongoing research integrity issues. Data integrity, fraudulent activities, and compromised peer review are significant issues. Fortifying editorial policies, augmenting transparency, and bolstering research ethics education are essential for reducing misconduct and maintaining the integrity of medical papers.
BACKGROUND: Methotrexate (MTX) is a frequently used antifolate agent in rheumatology, oncology, and dermatology. Retractions are crucial for preserving scientific integrity by fixing the literature when errors, ethical violations, or data falsification are detected. This study seeks to comprehensively examine retracted MTX publications, detecting trends, reasons, and potential ramifications. METHODS: A descriptive cross-sectional study was performed by searching PubMed for retracted MTX publications without temporal constraints. Bibliometric data were retrieved, encompassing publication details, journal indexing, citation metrics, and Altmetric Attention Scores (AAS). Reasons for retraction were categorized. RESULTS: Thirty-six retracted papers were identified. The predominant cause for retraction encompassed data concerns (n = 15), fraudulent activity (n = 11), and manipulation of the peer review process (n = 10). China recorded the most retractions (n = 14), followed by the USA (n = 6) and Egypt (n = 3). The median period until retraction was 712 (91-9,893) days. Most retracted articles were published in non-rheumatology journals. Citation analysis showed a median of 5 (0-105) citations. Additionally, the median AAS was 1 (0-14). CONCLUSION: Data integrity concerns, fraudulent activities, and manipulation of peer review processes constitute major obstacles in MTX-related research. The considerable number of retractions in certain countries underscores the need to promote research ethics and measures to protect scientific integrity. Enhancing peer review, implementing more intense data transparency, and promoting post-publication evaluation are essential measures to protect scientific integrity and uphold confidence in clinical recommendations.
Background: Extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) is a medical intervention employed to provide life-sustaining support for patients.YouTube is a dynamic and widely utilized platform for distributing health-related information.The aim of this study was to evaluate ECMO-related videos on YouTube and assess the frequency of misleading information in the accumulation of ECMO videos.Methods: On September 17, 2024, an in-depth examination on YouTube was conducted using search phrases "Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation" and "ECMO treatment."The study included 55 selected videos.Video parameters and sources were analyzed.Content assessments were conducted utilizing the Global Quality Scale (GQS), the modified DISCERN instrument, the Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA) Benchmark Criteria, and the Patient Education Materials Assessment Tool for Audio/Visual Materials (PEMAT-A/V).The authors conducted comparisons among quality groups.Results: Among the 55 videos analyzed, 30.9% (n = 17) were categorized as low quality, 21.8% (n = 12) as intermediate quality, and 47.3% (n = 26) as high quality.Physicians (75%) provided the most high-quality videos.News outlets (83.3%) provided the most low-quality videos.No statistically significant difference was observed between quality groups in daily views, likes, and comments (P > 0.05).Significant correlations were identified between video duration and GQS (r = 0.585), modified DISCERN questionnaire (r = 0.557), JAMA Benchmark Criteria (r = 0.511), PEMAT-A/V Understandability (r = 0.530), and PEMAT-A/V Actionability scores (r = 0.433) (P < 0.001 for all correlation analyses).
BACKGROUND: This survey examined healthcare professionals' knowledge, views, and perceptions of the responsibilities and functions of Research Ethics Committees (RECs). The study aimed to analyze ethical principles and operational issues faced by RECs and guide researchers, journal editors, and publishers on publication ethics notes. METHODS: A cross-sectional survey was conducted using the SurveyMonkey.com platform to assess healthcare professionals' knowledge, views, and practices concerning RECs' responsibilities, functions, and roles. The survey focused on REC definitions, functions, research types that require REC approval, and research protocols' evaluation time frames. It also reflected on ethics considerations and REC adaptations during the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, REC member qualifications, evaluation periods, and additional challenges confronting RECs. Convenience sampling was adopted, and the survey was distributed via social media platforms. RESULTS: The survey was based on an analysis of questionnaires filled by 182 responders (104 females [57.1%] and 76 males [41.8%]), with a median age of 36. The survey respondents were from 28 different countries. The top three countries with most responders were Kazakhstan (n = 83), Türkiye (n = 33) and Poland (n = 10). Most participants (n = 128, 70.3%) were familiar with the definition of RECs and recognized the importance of REC approval for clinical trials and interventional research. Research study protocols should be submitted for REC evaluation and approval during the planning phase, according to 145 responders (79.7%). Participants emphasized the significance of formal ethics training for REC members. The involvement in research approved by RECs was also viewed as an important precondition for membering RECs. Participants suggested online submissions (n = 127, 69.8%), virtual meetings (n = 99, 54.4%), and fast evaluation schedules for low-risk research protocols (n = 77, 42.3%) during the COVID-19 pandemic. CONCLUSION: Healthcare professionals comprehend the basics of REC duties and responsibilities. However, improvements in the consistency and efficiency of ethics evaluations are still warranted. The COVID-19 pandemic stressed the importance of adaptive REC procedures; researchers, editors, and publishers learned a vitally important lesson. More efforts are warranted to increase REC member training, simplify administrative procedures, and define standard operating procedures in times of crisis. Continuous progress in these areas will allow RECs to maintain high ethical standards while supporting productive research. Editors and publishers will greatly benefit from related advances in research ethics considerations.
Background: Social networks in the healthcare system are used widely for education, research, dissemination of information, telemedicine, networking and medical communities. To better use the benefits of social networks, it is imperative to identify patterns and potential obstacles to their use by healthcare professionals in various geo-political regions to maintain academic connectivity. Objectives: The primary purpose of this cross-sectional study is to examine the use and patterns of social media use by medical professionals from Kazakhstan to understand better the existing knowledge and practice of this group of doctors. Methods: Between November 2022 and January 2022, we conducted an online survey among 144 medical professionals, including physiotherapists, occupational therapists, rheumatologists, and internal medicine doctors. The 30-question questionnaire covered demographic details, job profile, and academic background and explored social media usage, platforms, frequency, reasons for use, utility in professional life, and reasons for non-use. Results: Three hundred and three healthcare professionals responded to the survey, and the final analysis included 144 participants after excluding partial responses. The median age of the participants was 32.01 (IQR: 29 – 35) years. Nearly 80% of participants utilized social media (SoMe) for information, with 65.3% using it for accessing new resources, 66.0% for learning new skills, and 47.9% for expanding professional networks. A significant majority (91.7%) acknowledged receiving valuable educational or professional knowledge from others. Webinars were considered the most useful by 53.5%, while fewer participants relied on podcasts (14.6%) and infographics (4.2%). However, 34.7% found social networks unsafe for communication, and 75.0% felt overwhelmed by content. One in five participants used separate personal and professional accounts on social networks. Broadband and connectivity issues were other perceived barriers (30.6%) to optimal SoMe use. About one-third (31.9%) of respondents attended courses on optimizing the use of social media for professional growth. Despite challenges, participants' attitudes improved over the last five years, and two-thirds reported social media positively impacting their lives. These observations underscore the importance of incorporating social media into healthcare curricula for optimal academic development. Conclusion: This study is the first to determine the landscape of social media use by rheumatology and allied healthcare professionals in Kazakhstan, indicating a predominantly positive impact on their professional lives despite wider challenges. Future directions include the development of pathways to guide professionals in optimal social media use for professional advancement. This involves introducing diverse educational resources and content formats and providing clear recommendations on best practices and potential pitfalls in the professional use of social media and digital resources. REFERENCES: NIL. Acknowledgements: We want to thank all the colleagues who filled out the questionnaire and participated in the distribution. Disclosure of Interests: None declared.
Nurses have become integral members of multidisciplinary teams in managing rheumatic diseases, departing from their traditional patient care roles. This article provides a comprehensive review of nurses' roles, interventions, and impacts in several rheumatic diseases, including rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthritis, spondyloarthritis, gout, systemic lupus erythematosus, and polymyalgia rheumatica. It has been demonstrated that care under nursing supervision is effective and safe, with benefits including disease management, quality of life, and treatment adherence. In addition, nurses play a crucial role in promoting health, educating patients, and administering biological disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drugs. The COVID-19 pandemic has highlighted the significance of telehealth services and nurses' role in delivering remote care. However, nursing education and training challenges persist, particularly in standardization and access to postgraduate education. Efforts to enhance the role of nurses in rheumatology care are necessary to optimize patient outcomes and meet the evolving needs of individuals with rheumatic diseases. Collaboration across healthcare institutions, professional groups, and educational facilities is necessary for promoting the continual growth and advancement of rheumatology nurse practice. By equipping nurses with the requisite knowledge, expertise, and resources to deliver top-notch care, we can enhance the well-being of individuals with rheumatic diseases and foster improved overall health outcomes.
Inflammatory rheumatic diseases (IRDs) refer to a range of persistent disorders that have a major influence on several physiological systems. Although there is much evidence connecting IRDs to sexual dysfunction and fertility problems, research specifically focusing on male infertility in relation to these diseases is sparse. This review addresses the complicated connection between IRDs and male infertility, emphasising the physiological, psychological, and pharmacological aspects that influence reproductive health outcomes in men with rheumatic conditions. We explore the effects of IRDs and their treatments on many facets of male reproductive well-being, encompassing sexual functionality, semen characteristics, and hormonal balance. Additionally, we present a comprehensive analysis of the present knowledge on the impact of several categories of anti-rheumatic drugs on male reproductive function. Although there is an increasing awareness of the need of addressing reproductive concerns in individuals IRDs, there is a noticeable lack of research especially dedicated to male infertility. Moving forward, more comprehensive research is needed to determine the prevalence, risk factors, and mechanisms driving reproductive difficulties in males with IRDs. We can better assist the reproductive health requirements of male IRD patients by expanding our understanding of male infertility in the setting of rheumatic disorders and implementing holistic methods to care.
Nurses constitute nearly 50% of the worldwide health workforce, and the World Health Organisation has advocated for an enlargement of their roles to guarantee fair health care and address the increasing need for services. The growing specialization in nursing practice has led to a rise in educational options for nurses, including the growth of PhD programs. These programs play a crucial role in preparing nurse researchers and educators. This growth underlines the importance of evidence-based practice and high-quality academic writing in nursing. The article highlights the importance of nurses' involvement in creating evidence-based practice guidelines. The active engagement of nurses in developing evidence-based practice recommendations is essential to ensure the practicality, relevance, and grounding of these guidelines in real-world clinical experiences. The advancement of nursing depends mainly on using rigorous research procedures to generate, analyze, and disseminate knowledge and data. The current article discusses essential research methodologies, including interviews, surveys, and bibliometric and altmetric analyses. It also aims to tackle concerns about inadequate writing skills, plagiarism, and insufficient comprehension of ethical norms in research and publishing. The recommended strategies to promote nursing research and publications encompass enhancing writing skills through specialized education, embracing open-access publishing, and utilizing social media for broader distribution following publication. Implementing these approaches would increase the quality and impact of nursing publications and reinforce nursing's role in defining health policy and enhancing the care of patients.