Unravelling error sources in miniaturized NIR spectroscopic measurements: The case study of forages.

The use of miniaturized NIR spectrometers is spreading over the scientific literature with a particular focus on developing methods as rapid and easy-to-use as possible and following the philosophy of green analytical chemistry. Several applications and studies are typically presented by comparing results obtained with benchtop instrumentation even when the analytical strategies are substantially different. Indeed, analytical applications that include the use of miniaturized instrumentation are subject to several sources of variability that need to be known at the time of method development.

Critical review of the quality and development of randomized clinical trials (RCTs) and their influence on the treatment of advanced epithelial ovarian cancer.

Trials on chemotherapy of advanced ovarian cancer published between 1975-88 were systematically reviewed for quality (according to the method of Chalmers) and consistency of tested hypotheses with a view to a meta-analysis of all published studies in the field. Median overall, internal and external validity scores were 47%, 43% and 53%, respectively. No association was found between scores and key features of trials, such as percentage studies with significant results in response or survival or percentage studies with high or low follow-up retention (withdrawal rates less than or greater than or equal to 15%).