We extend the definition of quasi-finite complexes by considering not necessarily countable complexes. We provide a characterization of quasi-finite complexes in terms of L-invertible maps and dimensional properties of compactifications. Several results related to the class of quasi-finite complexes are established, such as completion of metrizable spaces, existence of universal spaces and a ve...

During the days August 22-24, 2013 has been held in Harbin (China) an International Consensus Conference aimed to improve the quality and the reporting of the randomized controlled trials (RCTs) in infertility and subfertility field. I, as Italian scientist with experience in clinical infertility trials, was invited to have a speech on the Italian experience in RCTs, with particular regard for ...

Several studies reported that moxibustion was effective in treating constipation. This systematic review assesses the clinical evidence for or against moxibustion for treating constipation. Twelve databases were searched from their inception to March 2010. Only randomized clinical trials (RCTs) were included if they compared moxibustion with placebo, sham treatment, drug therapy or no treatment...

Randomized controlled trials in surgery are notoriously difficult to design and conduct due to numerous methodological and cultural challenges. Over the last 5 years, several UK-based surgical trial-related initiatives have been funded to address these issues. These include the development of Surgical Trials Centers and Surgical Specialty Leads (individual surgeons responsible for championing r...

Due to the scarcity of randomized clinical trials (RCTs) in nephrology [1], particularly in dialysis, there has been uncertainty about optimal practices. Using standardized data collection, the Dialysis Outcomes and Practice Patterns Study (DOPPS) has shown very large betweenand within-country differences in hemodialysis (HD) practices and patient outcomes. These observational data are especial...

BACKGROUND Assessing the risk of bias of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) is crucial to understand how biases affect treatment effect estimates. A number of tools have been developed to evaluate risk of bias of RCTs; however, it is unknown how these tools compare to each other in the items included. The main objective of this study was to describe which individual items are included in RCT q...

The reporting of adverse events (AEs) in randomized clinical trials (RCTs) is often lacking in the publication of trials. Part of the problem is the way safety data are reported in RCTs. Reporting of "time to event," use of standardized incidence ratios for comparison to normal population or disease controls, use of "patient years" when reporting AE, and adequate sample size and power calculati...

The motivation to engage students has been a challenge in teaching and learning statistics. This study investigates the effectiveness of online peer learning in enhancing students’ academic achievement and promoting their motivation. The researcher employed a quasi-nonequivalent (preand posttest) control group design to investigate the effectiveness of online peer learning. The participants in ...

To appraise the current reporting methodological quality of randomized clinical trials (RCTs) in 3 leading diabetes journals.We systematically searched the literature for RCTs in Diabetes Care, Diabetes and Diabetologia from 2011 to 2013.Characteristics were extracted based on Consolidated Standards of Reporting Trials (CONSORT) statement. Generation of allocation, concealment of allocation, in...

BACKGROUND Evidence-based medicine has been advanced by the use of standards for reporting the design and methodology of randomized controlled trials (RCT). Indeed, without this information it is difficult to assess the quality of evidence from an RCT. Although a variety of statistical methods are available for the analysis of recurrent events, reporting the effect of an intervention on outcome...