[Association between preterm low birth weight and maternal cytokine levels of saliva and gingival crevicular fluid].

Objective: To examine the hypothesis that periodontitis was one of the sources of inflammation in preterm low birth weight (PLBW) mothers and investigate the relationship between PLBW and inflammatory factors.

Methods: The samples of saliva and gingival crevicular fluid (GCF) were collected from 83 PLBW mothers (PLBW group) and 44 normal birth weight (NBW) mothers (NBW group). The levels of IL-1beta and IL-6 were analyzed by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay.

Improving the quality of randomized controlled trials in Chinese herbal medicine, part IV: applying a revised CONSORT checklist to measure reporting quality.

Objective: To discuss the quality of reporting in randomized controlled trials (RCTs) of Chinese herbal medicine (CHM), and to provide suggestions for improving the reporting of future clinical studies in this therapeutic area.

Methods: A search of the Cochrane Library was conducted to identify RCTs of CHM. A revised CONSORT checklist designed for CHM clinical studies was implemented.

Improving the quality of randomized controlled trials in Chinese herbal medicine, part III: quality control of Chinese herbal medicine used in randomized controlled trials.

Objective: To discuss quality control of Chinese herbal medicine (CHM) in randomized controlled trials (RCTs), and to provide suggestions for improving this aspect in future clinical study in this therapeutic area.

Methods: A search of the Cochrane Library was conducted to identify RCTs of CHM. Quality control information reported in those RCTs was then assessed independently.

Improving the quality of randomized controlled trials in Chinese herbal medicine, part II: control group design.

Objective: To discuss the types of control groups in randomized controlled trials (RCTs) of Chinese herbal medicine (CHM), and to provide suggestions for improving the design of control group in future clinical studies in this therapeutic area.

Methods: A search of the Cochrane Library was conducted in July 2005 to identify RCTs of CHM, and 66 RCTs with CHM for type 2 diabetes mellitus were obtained as the basis for further analysis.

Results: Of 66 RCTs with CHM for type 2 diabetes mellitus, 61 (92.

Improving the quality of randomized controlled trials in Chinese herbal medicine, part I: clinical trial design and methodology.

Objective: To discuss the quality of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) in Chinese herbal medicine (CHM) with respect to design and methodology, and provide suggestions for further improvement in future clinical trials.

Methods: A search of the Cochrane Library was conducted to identify RCTs of CHM on line in July 2005. Quality of the RCTs was assessed using a 11-item checklist modified from the revised CONSORT statement, with 2 items specific to CHM (i.