Background Preprint usage is growing rapidly in the life sciences; however, questions remain on the relative quality of preprints when compared to published articles. An objective dimension of quality that is readily measurable is completeness of reporting, as transparency can improve the reader’s ability to independently interpret data and reproduce findings. Methods In this observational study, we initially compared independent samples of articles published in bioRxiv and in PubMed-indexed journals in 2016 using a quality of reporting questionnaire. After that, we performed paired comparisons between preprints from bioRxiv to their own peer-reviewed versions in journals. Results Peer-reviewed articles had, on average, higher quality of reporting than preprints, although the difference was small, with absolute differences of 5.0% [95% CI 1.4, 8.6] and 4.7% [95% CI 2.4, 7.0] of reported items in the independent samples and paired sample comparison, respectively. There were larger differences favoring peer-reviewed articles in subjective ratings of how clearly titles and abstracts presented the main findings and how easy it was to locate relevant reporting information. Changes in reporting from preprints to peer-reviewed versions did not correlate with the impact factor of the publication venue or with the time lag from bioRxiv to journal publication. Conclusions Our results suggest that, on average, publication in a peer-reviewed journal is associated with improvement in quality of reporting. They also show that quality of reporting in preprints in the life sciences is within a similar range as that of peer-reviewed articles, albeit slightly lower on average, supporting the idea that preprints should be considered valid scientific contributions.

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Objectives: Rotational thromboelastometry (ROTEM)-guided transfusion algorithms in cardiac surgery have been proven to be successful in reducing blood loss in randomized controlled trials. Using an institutional hemostasis registry of patients in cardiac surgery (HEROES-CS), the authors hypothesized that the use of ROTEM-guided transfusion algorithms would save blood products and overall costs in cardiac surgery in every day practice. Design: Observational, prospective open cohort database. Setting: Single-center academic hospital. Participants: Cardiac surgery patients. Interventions: Implementation of ROTEM-guided bleeding management. Measurements and Main Results: A classical-guided algorithm and a ROTEM-guided algorithm were used for patient blood management in 2 cohorts. Primary outcome was the use and amount of blood products and hemostatic medication. Secondary outcomes were amount of rethoracotomies, length of stay, and 30-day mortality. Finally, costs and savings were calculated. The classical-guided cohort comprised 204 patients, and ROTEM-guided cohort comprised 151 patients. Baseline characteristics showed excellent similarities after propensity score matching of 202 patients. Blood loss was lower after ROTEM guidance (p < 0.001). Absolute risk reduction was 17% for red blood cells (p = 0.024), 12% for fresh frozen plasma (p = 0.019), and 4% for thrombocyte concentrates (p = 0.582). More tranexamic acid was given, but not more fibrinogen concentrate, while desmopressin was given less often. Hospital length of stay was reduced by an overall median of 2 and a mean of 4 days (p < 0.001). Mortality and rethoracotomy rates were not affected. Potential savings were about €4,800

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To date, little is known about how dietary patterns may link to measures of sleep quality in older subjects, who often suffer from sleep problems. Here, we investigated, in an older male population from Sweden (n = 970; aged 71 ± 1 year), whether adherence to the Healthy Diet Indicator (HDI; based on recommendations from the World Health Organization) or the Mediterranean Diet (MD) is linked to sleep disturbances. The diet scores were calculated using a seven-day food diary, and self-reported sleep initiation or maintenance problems were assessed by questionnaires. When adjusted for potential confounders, no associations between dietary scores and sleep parameters were found. In contrast, low consumption of milk and dairy products —one of the dietary features of the MD —was associated with better subjective sleep initiation. This association was, however, not found in men with adequate reports of daily energy intake (~54% of the cohort). To summarize, our findings do not suggest that older men can mitigate perceived difficulties to fall and stay asleep by adhering to either the HDI or MD. Whether low consumption of milk and dairy products can facilitate sleep initiation must be confirmed in future studies by utilizing objective measures of sleep such as polysomnography. Finally, when investigating associations between dietary patterns and sleep, particular attention should be paid to the potential confounder of inadequate reporting of energy intake.