RESUMEN
BACKGROUND: Despite the large number of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) assessing weight loss interventions, no study has assessed the quality of reporting in these trials. PURPOSE: To assess the quality of reporting of RCTs of weight loss interventions and to identify predictors of reporting quality. METHODS: The RCTs assessed were derived from a published systematic review of trials investigating the efficacy of weight loss interventions. For our study, two reviewers independently rated the quality of reporting in these trials, based on the Consolidated Standards for Reporting of Trials (CONSORT) Statement. We describe the quality of reporting using number (percent) of studies satisfying each of the 44 CONSORT criteria. We use generalized estimating equations (GEE) to fit a multivariable regression model to determine factors that are associated with the overall quality reporting score. RESULTS: We assessed 63 RCTs, of which 25 were dietary-lifestyle trials, 22 were pharmacological trials and 16 were behavior-cognitive, exercise-lifestyle, or surgical trials. Less than half (46%) of the trials defined the primary outcome of the study; about 10% provided the description of the method of allocation concealment. Multivariable GEE results showed that the sample size, type of intervention (non-pharmacologic trials having lower scores than pharmacologic trials), and publication time relative to the CONSORT Statement publication in 1996 (publications after 1996 having higher scores) were strong predictors of the quality reporting score. Reporting a statistically significant result on the primary outcome was not significantly associated with the quality score. CONCLUSION: While the overall quality in reporting seemed to have improved since the publication of the revised CONSORT Statement in 1996, the reporting of some key methodologic aspects, such as clear description of primary outcome and method of allocation concealment, still requires improvements. Factors that are significantly associated with the overall quality reporting score can be used as surrogates in the review of protocols to enhance the quality of the final reports.
Asunto(s)
Edición/normas , Ensayos Clínicos Controlados Aleatorios como Asunto/normas , Pérdida de Peso , Humanos , Control de Calidad , Reproducibilidad de los ResultadosRESUMEN
Using a new strategy, capture-RT-PCR, bcrabl fusion mRNA sequences were specifically and sensitively detected in samples of whole blood from leukemia patients with the Philadelphia chromosome. Sample processing required only mixing blood with the chaotropic salt, GuSCN, and mRNA was captured during a short incubation of prepared blood with an affinity membrane. Immobilized mRNA sequences were amplified without elution. No radioisotopes or Southern transfer were needed.
Asunto(s)
Proteínas de Fusión bcr-abl/biosíntesis , Leucemia/sangre , Reacción en Cadena de la Polimerasa/métodos , ARN Mensajero/sangre , Recolección de Muestras de Sangre/métodos , Humanos , CinéticaRESUMEN
Messenger RNA (mRNA) sequences were amplified from whole blood prepared in guanidine thiocyanate (GuSCN) after capture of the mRNA with an affinity membrane.
Asunto(s)
Reacción en Cadena de la Polimerasa/métodos , ARN Mensajero/sangre , Guanidinas , Humanos , Membranas Artificiales , ADN Polimerasa Dirigida por ARN , Ribonucleasas/antagonistas & inhibidores , TiocianatosRESUMEN
HERV-K is a 50-copy, human endogenous, class 1 retroviral element that contains some polycistrons with gag, pol, and env open reading frames. Although expression of HERV-K proviruses has been shown in cultured human cell lines, expression of these elements has not been shown in human blood leukocytes. Using both reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction and ribonuclease protection techniques, we show HERV-K pol gene expression in human blood leukocytes. Expression in blood leukocytes from 7 normal individuals was from a variety of different HERV-K proviruses, while restricted expression was observed in blood cells of 5 leukemia patients and 3 polycythemia vera patients. Evidence is presented suggesting that the restricted expression in leukemia blood cells is a result of gene regulation, not gene amplification.
Asunto(s)
Genes Virales , Leucemia Mielógena Crónica BCR-ABL Positiva/sangre , Leucemia Mieloide Aguda/sangre , Leucocitos/microbiología , Policitemia Vera/sangre , Provirus/genética , Retroviridae/genética , Proteínas Estructurales Virales/genética , Adulto , Anciano , Secuencia de Aminoácidos , Secuencia de Bases , Southern Blotting , Línea Celular , ADN Viral/sangre , ADN Viral/genética , Femenino , Genes env , Genes gag , Genes pol , Humanos , Leucemia Mielógena Crónica BCR-ABL Positiva/genética , Leucemia Mielógena Crónica BCR-ABL Positiva/microbiología , Leucemia Mieloide Aguda/genética , Leucemia Mieloide Aguda/microbiología , Leucocitos/fisiología , Masculino , Persona de Mediana Edad , Datos de Secuencia Molecular , Oligodesoxirribonucleótidos , Sistemas de Lectura Abierta , Policitemia Vera/genética , Policitemia Vera/microbiología , Reacción en Cadena de la Polimerasa/métodos , Provirus/aislamiento & purificación , ARN/genética , ARN/aislamiento & purificación , Retroviridae/aislamiento & purificaciónAsunto(s)
ADN/aislamiento & purificación , Animales , Vidrio , Indicadores y Reactivos , Métodos , Mapeo RestrictivoRESUMEN
Micro-liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (micro-LC-MS) was utilized to quantitatively determine betamethasone and its major unconjugated metabolite, 6 beta-hydroxybetamethasone, in equine plasma and urine. The advantage of micro-LC-MS over conventional gas chromatography-mass spectrometry in corticosteroid determination is illustrated and the reliable, steadfast nature of micro-LC-MS is demonstrated through example.