CCInfo: Electronic news bulletin of The Cochrane Collaboration 3 September 2009 Contents: A. Cochrane Policy Manual updated online version B. MRG News--Behavioural Medicine Field funding difficulties C. MRG News--Deregistration info, new member and membership D. MRG News--Deregistration of STD Group E. New Bias Methods Group Co-ordinator F. Cochrane Breast Cancer Group Editorial Base-Staff Change G. New website resource launched on evidence-based TB diagnosis H. New issue of Evidence & Policy is now available I. Society for Clinical Trial's "Trial of the Year" competition J. Systematic Review course K. EQUATOR annual lecture L. Job ad - The University of Manchester M. Job Ads - Johns Hopkins University N. Job Ad - Research Assistant O. Next issue of CCInfo XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX A. Sender: Jini Hetherington [JHetherington@cochrane.org] The Cochrane Collaboration Secretariat Subject: Cochrane Policy Manual updated online version The online version of the Manual has been updated and is now available on our website at http://www.cochrane.org/admin/manual.htm, where a downloadable PDF version is also available. Listed below are the changes since the previous update in May. Section 1.5.3 - Discretionary Fund (update) Section 2.2.4 - Rationale for requiring Cochrane authors to publish in The Cochrane Library first (update) Section 2.2.12 - Withdrawal or suspension of complimentary copies of The Cochrane Library (new) Section 3.1.5 - Attendance at Steering Group meetings (new) Section 3.2.2.4 - Organizing exploratory meetings (update) Section 3.4.4.2 - Preparing for and holding a formal exploratory meeting (update) Section 3.5.2 - Registration and accountability (update) Appendix 2 - Monitoring and Registration Group (update of Annex A2.A and A2.7.2) Appendix 3 - Contact people at John Wiley & Sons Ltd (update) XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX B. Sender: Claire Allen [CAllen@cochrane.org] The Cochrane Collaboration Secretariat Subject: MRG News--Behavioural Medicine Field funding difficulties THIS E-MAIL IS BEING SENT ON BEHALF OF THE CO-CONVENORS OF THE MONITORING AND REGISTRATION GROUP Karina Davidson, the Convenor of the Behavioral Medicine Field, has been experiencing difficulties in finding funding for this Field effective immediately. She is willing to work with any interested parties to secure the long term future of the Field, if necessary, to transfer the registry that is in place and the other tasks of the Network. The Co-Convenors of the Monitoring and Registration Group are, therefore, requesting that anyone who may be interested in Convening or Co-Convening the Network contact them in the first instance (via callen@cochrane.org) by 24 September 2009. If we do not receive any expressions of interest, Karina will request that the Field be deregistered. The current topic area of the Field is: "The social, behavioral, and lifestyle factors that contribute so enormously to worldwide morbidity and mortality are predominantly modifiable (1). Randomized controlled trials and other intervention studies indicate that both pathophysiological mechanisms and health outcomes are improved when behavioral and psychosomatic medicine interventions are implemented (2). However, our ability to programmatically locate evidence concerning intervention efficacy and effectiveness and translate the evidence into practice has been limited because there is currently no evidence-based review system that comprehensively covers behavioral and psychosomatic medicine practices. By offering a standardized approach to the development, testing, review, and implementation of behavioral medicine treatments, everyone benefits. Conversely, in the absence of an evidence-based review system, it is difficult, if not impossible, for the behavioral and psychosomatic medicine community to 'get the word out' to contribute to the overall care of medical patients, to effect public healthcare policy, and to define a larger research agenda in a manner commensurate with the importance of behavioral factors in the development of chronic disease." The current aims of the Field are to: * Make information about behavioural medicine intervention trials and systematic reviews accessible to researchers and practitioners. * Recruit behavioural medicine scientists to write and review Cochrane reviews for Cochrane Review Groups. * Promote the work of The Cochrane Collaboration among society affiliates and their consumers. * Identify and disseminate information about funding opportunities. More information can be found about the Field in its module detailed on The Cochrane Library (http://www.mrw.interscience.wiley.com/cochrane/clabout/articles/CE00014 6/frame.html). We are grateful to Karina Davidson (current Convenor) and Louise Falzon (Trials Search Co-ordinator) for their work with the Field over the past three years, and for their willingness to work with individuals who are interested in convening the Field. With best wishes, Jos Verbeek and Jason Wasiak Field representatives, Monitoring and Registration Group XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX C. Sender: Claire Allen [CAllen@cochrane.org] The Cochrane Collaboration Secretariat Subject: MRG News--Deregistration, new member, membership THIS E-MAIL IS BEING SENT ON BEHALF OF THE CO-CONVENORS OF THE MONITORING AND REGISTRATION GROUP Further to the MRG's e-mail, of 31 July 2009, informing you of that Karen New would replace Rob Scholten, and including the updated deregistration criteria, we have three more information items that may be of interest to you. 1. Deregistration criteria: Further to the e-mail of 31 July, we would like to make it clear that deregistration is a *last* resort, after all other alternatives to closure have been explored. Deregistration, historically, has been at the request of the entity itself. In a situation where MRG members were concerned that an entity was in contravention of the Collaboration's principles, or identified another serious threat to their existence (as detailed in the criteria), a member of the MRG would contact that entity, as soon as possible, to discuss the issue in the first instance. No decisions would be taken without discussions taking place firstly with the entity and subsequently the reference Centre Director. We have outlined the process of deregistration. This process was agreed, by the Executive, at their teleconference on 26 August 2009. Thanks to Jini Hetherington and Julian Higgins, a flowchart of the process will be included in The Cochrane Policy Manual in due course. 2. New member: David Tovey (the Editor in Chief) has joined the MRG. We would like to take this opportunity to welcome him. David has joined the MRG because of likely overlapping responsibilities, in particular in relation to CRG editorial processes, related to titles, protocols and reviews. Both the MRG and Editorial Unit aim to ensure maximum effectiveness and a co-ordinated strategic approach. 3. Membership of the MRG: We have outlined the process of new members being appointed to the MRG. This process was agreed, by the Executive, at their teleconference on 26 August 2009. Thanks to Jini Hetherington and Julian Higgins, a flowchart of this process will also be included in The Cochrane Policy Manual in due course. If you have any questions about the above items, please don't hesitate to one, or all of us. Best wishes, Karen New (incoming Co-Convenor) Rob Scholten (outgoing Co-Convenor) Hans van der Wouden (Co-Convenor) Monitoring and Registration Group XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX D. Sender: Claire Allen [CAllen@cochrane.org] The Cochrane Collaboration Secretariat Subject: MRG News--Deregistration of STD Group THIS E-MAIL IS SENT ON BEHALF OF THE CO-CONVENORS OF THE MONITORING AND REGISTRATION GROUP On behalf of the Monitoring and Registration Group (MRG), we are writing to inform you that the Sexually Transmitted Diseases Group has been deregistered because funding is no longer available. The MRG would like to take this opportunity to thank Mauro Ramos (the Co-ordinating Editor) for trying to secure funding, and latterly an alternative to deregistration, although unfortunately this was not successful. We would also like to thank Mauro for his hard work in directing the activities of the STD Group since 2007, to Fernanda Torres de Carvalho and Michelle Savaris for providing the supportive role of Managing Editor, and to George Rutherford, Gail Kennedy, Tara Horvath, Joy Oliver, and Paul Garner for their ongoing support of the CRG whilst funding was unsecure. The published protocols and reviews, and those in the editorial process have been temporarily allocated between the HIV/AIDS Group, the Infectious Diseases Group, and the Editorial Unit as follows: Cochrane HIV/AIDS Group: * Antimicrobial therapy on bacterial vaginosis in non-pregnant women * Genital ulcer disease treatment for reducing sexual transmission of HIV * Nonoxynol-9 for preventing vaginal acquisition of sexually transmitted infections by women from men * Probiotics for the treatment of bacterial vaginosis * Strategies for partner notification for sexually transmitted diseases * Topical microbicides for prevention of sexually transmitted infections * 5-FU for genital warts in non-immunocompromised individuals Cochrane Infectious Diseases Group: * Antibiotic therapy for pelvic inflammatory disease (PID) * Oral versus intra-vaginal imidazole and triazole anti-fungal treatment of uncomplicated vulvovaginal candidiasis (thrush) Cochrane Editorial Unit: * Azithromycin versus penicillin G * Benzathine for early syphilis * Interferon for anogenital warts in non-immunocompromised adults * Nifuratel-Nystatin combination for the treatment of trichomonal vaginitis, vulvovaginal candidiasis and bacterial vaginosis * Probiotics for vulvovaginal candidiasis in non-pregnant women * Traditional Chinese medicinal herbs for condyloma acuminatum * Vaginal douching for preventing the development of sexually transmitted infections Please note that *no* new titles will be registered until a new CRG is formed. Tara Horvath (HIV/AIDS Group) has very kindly offered to continue to be the main point of contact for enquiries for the immediate term after closure. The module has been updated to reflect the closure of the CRG, the temporary allocations of titles, protocols and reviews, and has been submitted for the most recent module deadline (for publication in October 2009), and an automated message xplaining the situation will be sent to anyone who e-mails enquiries to either Fernanda and Mauro as of today's date. Please feel free to contact us if you have any questions. With best wishes, Karen New (incoming Co-Convenor) Rob Scholten (outgoing Co-Convenor) Hans van der Wouden (Co-Convenor) Monitoring and Registration Group XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX E. Sender: Weeks, Laura [lweeks@ohri.ca] Bias Methods Group Subject: New Bias Methods Group Coordinator The Bias Methods Group is pleased to welcome a new Co-ordinator to the group. Lucy Turner will be replacing Laura Weeks as BMG Co-ordinator, until Jennifer Tetzlaff returns in March 2010 from her one-year maternity leave. Lucy is currently studying for her Masters degree in statistics and probability at the Ottawa-Carleton Institute of Mathematics and Statistics. Lucy has an epidemiology background and her interests include research design and bias in experimental studies. Her experience organizing academic events and workshops, in addition to her knowledge of biostatistics and epidemiology, will be an asset to the group. Please join us in welcoming Lucy to the BMG. You may contact Lucy at lturner@ohri.ca. XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX F. Sender: Sharon Parker [sparker@ctc.usyd.edu.au] Cochrane Breast Cancer Group Subject: Cochrane Breast Cancer Group Editorial Base-Staff Change Sharon Parker has resigned as Managing Editor of the Cochrane Breast Cancer Group. The position will be advertised throughout Cochrane email distribution lists and a future issue of CCInfo. Enquiries regarding the position can be forwarded to Dr Lisa Askie laskie@ctc.usyd.edu.au XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX G. Sender: Madhukar Pai [madhukar.pai@mcgill.ca] McGill University Subject: New website resource launched on evidence-based TB diagnosis Resource: A website on "Evidence-based Tuberculosis Diagnosis" Source: Stop TB Partnership's New Diagnostic Working Group, in collaboration with WHO, TDR, FIND, GLI, PHAC, and other partners Details: The Cochrane Library now includes diagnostic test accuracy reviews and evidence-based diagnosis is getting more attention, among clinicians as well as policy makers and guideline developers. New tests and technologies are constantly entering the market and aggressively promoted. But decisions about their use must be evidence-based. Recently, the Stop TB Partnership's New Diagnostics Working Group (NDWG) launched a new website resource called Evidence-based Tuberculosis Diagnosis, available at: http://www.tbevidence.org. The aim of this website is to provide the most comprehensive single source of evidence syntheses, policies, guidelines and research agendas on TB diagnosis. It provides access to systematic reviews on TB diagnostics, all the relevant policies, guidelines and research agendas on TB diagnosis, and several reports, monographs and training modules and slide presentations on TB diagnostics. The website also provides detailed guidance on how to conduct and report diagnostic research on TB, guidance on how to perform systematic reviews of diagnostics, tools on guideline development (including GRADE), and documents on improvement of laboratory quality and practice. The website has no registration, restrictions or fee requirements: so anyone can view and download the information. Contact: Dr Madhukar Pai, Co-Chair, Stop TB Partnership's New Diagnostic Working Group Email: madhukar.pai@mcgill.ca Website: http://www.tbevidence.org/ XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX H. Sender: Jessica Hughes [Jessica.Hughes@bristol.ac.uk] Policy Press Subject: New issue of Evidence & Policy is now available A new issue of Evidence & Policy (Volume 5, number 3) is now available. Don't forget that we are currently offering a free online trial during which time you can access all online content, as available to subscribers. To sign up, go to: http://www.ingentaconnect.com/content/tpp/ep Evidence & Policy is available as part of the new Policy Press journals combination packages. By subscribing to these you can save 10% on either the online or print and online prices. For more information please see: http://www.policypress.co.uk/journals_collections.asp IN THE CURRENT ISSUE: Editorial David Gough and Annette Boaz http://www.ingentaconnect.com/content/tpp/ep/2009/00000005/00000003/art0 0001 RESEARCH Knowledge mobilisation builds local research collaborations for social innovation David J. Phipps and Stan Shapson http://www.ingentaconnect.com/content/tpp/ep/2009/00000005/00000003/art00002 Including economic perspectives and evidence in Campbell reviews to inform policy and practice: a critical review of current approaches Ian Shemilt and Miranda Mugford http://www.ingentaconnect.com/content/tpp/ep/2009/00000005/00000003/art00003 The construction of maintenance treatment legitimacy: a discourse analysis of a policy shift Mats Ekendahl http://www.ingentaconnect.com/content/tpp/ep/2009/00000005/00000003/art00004 DEBATE Knowledge brokering: the missing link in the evidence to action chain? Vicky Ward, Allan House and Susan Hamer http://www.ingentaconnect.com/content/tpp/ep/2009/00000005/00000003/art00005 PRACTICE What do practitioners want from research, what do funders fund and what needs to be done to know more about what works in the new world of children's services? Madeleine Stevens, Kristin Liabo, Sharon Witherspoon and Helen Roberts http://www.ingentaconnect.com/content/tpp/ep/2009/00000005/00000003/art00006 Using 'systems awareness': a proposed mechanism for monitoring communications Klaus von Grebmer and Ingeborg Hovland http://www.ingentaconnect.com/content/tpp/ep/2009/00000005/00000003/art00007 SOURCES AND RESOURCES Centre for Excellence and Outcomes in Children and Young People's Services James Blewett http://www.ingentaconnect.com/content/tpp/ep/2009/00000005/00000003/art00008 Lessons from the literature http://www.ingentaconnect.com/content/tpp/ep/2009/00000005/00000003/art00009 XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX I. Sender: Dave Sackett [sackett@bmts.com] Kilgore Trout Research and Education Centre Subject: Society for Clinical Trial's "Trial of the Year" competition Each year the Society for Clinical Trials and Project ImpACT presents an award to the randomized clinical trial published in the previous year that best fulfills the following standards: * It improves the lot of mankind. * It provides the basis for a substantial, beneficial change in health care. * It reflects expertise in subject matter, excellence in methodology, and concern for study participants. * It overcomes obstacles in implementation. * The presentation of its design, execution, and results is a model of clarity and intellectual soundness. We are now accepting nominations for the outstanding Trial of the Year published in 2009. The deadline for nominations is January 31, 2010, and the award will be presented at our annual meeting in Baltimore. Please go to our Society website or our Trial of the Year webpage to nominate a trial you think best meets our standards. XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX J. Sender: Lindsey Air [Lindsey.Air@nottingham.ac.uk] Cochrane Schizophrenia Group Subject: The Nottingham Systematic Review Course 2010 Event: Systematic Review Course Location: The University of Nottingham Date: 18-21 May 2010 Details: This course will appeal to all those interested in completing a Cochrane-style review. Experienced tutors and facilitators will be available to give you practical and individual advice. After attending the course, participants should be able to understand search strategies, extract data, manage the results of systematic searches, understand the syntheses of the data, apply the methods and conduct reviews independently. Contact: For further course content enquiries or for an application form, please contact Lindsey Air +44 (0)115 823 1287 or by email lindsey.air@nottingham.ac.uk Website: http://szg.cochrane.org/en/events.html XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX K. Sender: Iveta Simera [Iveta.Simera@csm.ox.ac.uk] EQUATOR Network Subject: EQUATOR annual lecture Event: 2nd EQUATOR Annual Lecture (free event)"Redescribing medicine: reporting or reclaiming research for health?" Presenter: Dr Richard Horton, Editor-in-Chief of The Lancet Location: The Westin Bayshore hotel, Vancouver Date and time: 9 September 2009, 18:00-19:00 Details: The talk will focus on important issues relating to the research reporting in the context of global health issues Lecture is free, everyone is welcome. Contact: Iveta Simera Email: Iveta.Simera@csm.ox.ac.uk Website: www.equator-network.org XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX L. Sender: Philip Riley [Philip.Riley-2@manchester.ac.uk] Cochrane Oral Health Group Subject: Job ad - The University of Manchester Position: Non-Clinical Lecturer in Health Sciences Research Organisation: School of Dentistry, The University of Manchester Location: Manchester (United Kingdom) Application deadline: 18 September 2009 Reference: MHS/90082 Website:http://www.staffnet.manchester.ac.uk/employment/jobs/academic/va cancy/index.htm?ref=164281 XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX M. Sender: Karen Robinson [krobin@jhmi.edu] Johns Hopkins University Subject: Job Ads - Johns Hopkins University Position: Executive Administrator Organisation: The Johns Hopkins University (JHU) Evidence-based Practice Center (EPC) Location: Baltimore, MD Details: The JHU EPC is one of 14 centers in the US and Canada designated by the Agency for Healthcare Quality and Research (http://www.ahrq.gov/clinic/epcix.htm). We are seeking an individual with extensive experience in conducting systematic reviews to take on a leadership position within the EPC. This person will coordinate the work of other EPC staff across projects, while working closely with the EPC directors. S/he will take a lead role in data analysis and report writing. Full description and details on application process may be accessed at http://jobs.jhu.edu (requisition # 40846). Position: Sr. Research Program Coordinator II Organization: The Johns Hopkins University (JHU) Evidence-based Practice Center (EPC) Location: Baltimore, MD Details: The JHU EPC is one of 14 centers in the US and Canada designated by the Agency for Healthcare Quality and Research (http://www.ahrq.gov/clinic/epcix.htm). We are seeking an individual with experience in conducting systematic reviews to take on a project co-ordinator position within the EPC. This person will coordinate the work of faculty and staff working on systematic reviews of topics in clinical medicine and public health. S/he will take a lead role in managing data (including use of systematic review software, design of databases, development of data collection forms, abstraction of data, creation of evidence tables, and preparation of reports). Full description and details on the application process may be accessed at http://jobs.jhu.edu (requisition # 40837). XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX N. Sender: Tanya Horsley [thorsley@rcpsc.edu] The Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada Subject: Job Ad - Research Assistant Position: Research Assistant - Systematic Reviews (1 year Contractual, with the possibility of becoming permanent) Organisation: The Centre for Learning in Practice, RCPSC Location: Ottawa, Canada Application Deadline: 21 September 2009 (please quote reference T0305 within the subject line) Details: To support the Project Lead with the development, execution, and delivery of systematic reviews of continuing medical education. Completed MSc/MA required. Contact: Please submit your curriculum vitae/resume, covering letter, and expected salary range to hr@rcpsc.edu Website: royalcollege.ca XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX O. Sender: Lisa McGovern [cochrane@uottawa.ca] Canadian Cochrane Network and Centre Subject: Next issue of CCInfo The next issue of CCInfo will be published 17 September 2009. Please submit your items to cochrane@uottawa.ca and include "CCInfo" in the subject line. Unless you request otherwise, your submissions to the CCInfo may be duplicated in other regular Cochrane Collaboration news channels such as Cochrane News and the Cochrane Collaboration web site, at the discretion of the editors. Best regards, Lisa Lisa McGovern Administrative Assistant Canadian Cochrane Network and Centre 1 Stewart St, 2nd Floor Ottawa, ON, Canada K1N 6N5 Email: cochrane@uottawa.ca Web: www.ccnc.cochrane.org XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX To subscribe to or unsubscribe from the CCInfo list, please go to http://lists.cochrane.org/mailman/listinfo/ccinfo, or contact the Editor at cochrane@uottawa.ca