scholarly journals Fractal Dimension and Retinal Pathology: A Meta-Analysis

2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (5) ◽  
pp. 2376
Author(s):  
Sam Yu ◽  
Vasudevan Lakshminarayanan
Keyword(s):  
Fractal Dimension ◽  
Fractal Analysis ◽  
Meta Analysis ◽  
Scientific Evidence ◽  
Retinal Disease ◽  
Clinical Value ◽  
Disease Category ◽  
Normal Individuals ◽  
Retinal Pathology ◽  
Meta Analyses

Due to the fractal nature of retinal blood vessels, the retinal fractal dimension is a natural parameter for researchers to explore and has garnered interest as a potential diagnostic tool. This review aims to summarize the current scientific evidence regarding the relationship between fractal dimension and retinal pathology and thus assess the clinical value of retinal fractal dimension. Following the PRISMA guidelines, a literature search for research articles was conducted in several internet databases (EMBASE, MEDLINE, Web of Science, Scopus). This led to a result of 28 studies included in the final review, which were analyzed via meta-analysis to determine whether the fractal dimension changes significantly in retinal disease versus normal individuals. From the meta-analysis, summary effect sizes and 95% confidence intervals were derived for each disease category. The results for diabetic retinopathy and myopia suggest decreased retinal fractal dimension for those pathologies with the association for other diseases such as diabetes mellitus, hypertension, and glaucoma remaining uncertain. Due to heterogeneity in imaging/fractal analysis setups used between studies, it is recommended that standardized retinal fractal analysis procedures be implemented in order to facilitate future meta-analyses.

scholarly journals Effects of Sport-Based Interventions on Children’s Executive Function: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (6) ◽  
pp. 755
Author(s):  
Falonn Contreras-Osorio ◽  
Christian Campos-Jara ◽  
Cristian Martínez-Salazar ◽  
Luis Chirosa-Ríos ◽  
Darío Martínez-García
Keyword(s):  
Systematic Review ◽  
Working Memory ◽  
Executive Function ◽  
Inhibitory Control ◽  
Cognitive Flexibility ◽  
Meta Analysis ◽  
Scientific Evidence ◽  
Healthy Children ◽  
Meta Analyses ◽  
The Impact

One of the most studied aspects of children’s cognitive development is that of the development of the executive function, and research has shown that physical activity has been demonstrated as a key factor in its enhancement. This meta-analysis aims to assess the impact of specific sports interventions on the executive function of children and teenagers. A systematic review was carried out on 1 November 2020 to search for published scientific evidence that analysed different sports programs that possibly affected executive function in students. Longitudinal studies, which assessed the effects of sports interventions on subjects between 6 and 18 years old, were identified through a systematic search of the four principal electronic databases: Web of Science, PubMed, Scopus, and EBSCO. A total of eight studies, with 424 subjects overall, met the inclusion criteria and were classified based on one or more of the following categories: working memory, inhibitory control, and cognitive flexibility. The random-effects model for meta-analyses was performed with RevMan version 5.3 to facilitate the analysis of the studies. Large effect sizes were found in all categories: working memory (ES −1.25; 95% CI −1.70; −0.79; p < 0.0001); inhibitory control (ES −1.30; 95% CI −1.98; −0.63; p < 0.00001); and cognitive flexibility (ES −1.52; 95% CI −2.20; −0.83; p < 0.00001). Our analysis concluded that healthy children and teenagers should be encouraged to practice sports in order to improve their executive function at every stage of their development.

scholarly journals Investigation of Risk Of Bias due to Unreported and SelecTively included results in meta-analyses of nutrition research: the ROBUST study protocol

F1000Research ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 8 ◽  
pp. 1760 ◽  
Author(s):  
Matthew J. Page ◽  
Lisa Bero ◽  
Cynthia M. Kroeger ◽  
Zhaoli Dai ◽  
Sally McDonald ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Meta Analysis ◽  
Scientific Evidence ◽  
Open Science ◽  
Included Study ◽  
Risk Of Bias ◽  
Dietary Guidelines ◽  
Healthy Population ◽  
Nutrition Research ◽  
Health Related ◽  
Meta Analyses

Background: Dietary guidelines should be informed by systematic reviews (SRs) of the available scientific evidence. However, if the SRs that underpin dietary guidelines are flawed in their design, conduct or reporting, the recommendations contained therein may be misleading or harmful. To date there has been little empirical investigation of bias due to selective inclusion of results, and bias due to missing results, in SRs of food/diet-outcome relationships. Objectives: To explore in SRs with meta-analyses of the association between food/diet and health-related outcomes: (i) whether systematic reviewers selectively included study effect estimates in meta-analyses when multiple effect estimates were available; (ii) what impact selective inclusion of study effect estimates may have on meta-analytic effects, and; (iii) the risk of bias due to missing results (publication bias and selective non-reporting bias) in meta-analyses. Methods: We will systematically search for SRs with meta-analysis of the association between food/diet and health-related outcomes in a generally healthy population, published between January 2018 and June 2019. We will randomly sort titles and abstracts and screen them until we identify 50 eligible SRs. The first reported meta-analysis of a binary or continuous outcome in each SR (the ‘index meta-analysis’) will be evaluated. We will extract from study reports all study effect estimates that were eligible for inclusion in the index meta-analyses (e.g. from multiple instruments and time points) and will quantify and test for evidence of selective inclusion of results. We will also assess the risk of bias due to missing results in the index meta-analyses using a new tool (ROB-ME). Ethics and dissemination: Ethics approval is not required because information will only be extracted from published studies. Dissemination of the results will be through peer-reviewed publications and presentations at conferences. We will make all data collected from this study publicly available via the Open Science Framework.

scholarly journals Investigation of Risk Of Bias due to Unreported and SelecTively included results in meta-analyses of nutrition research: the ROBUST study protocol

F1000Research ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 8 ◽  
pp. 1760
Author(s):  
Matthew J. Page ◽  
Lisa Bero ◽  
Cynthia M. Kroeger ◽  
Zhaoli Dai ◽  
Sally McDonald ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Meta Analysis ◽  
Scientific Evidence ◽  
Open Science ◽  
Included Study ◽  
Risk Of Bias ◽  
Dietary Guidelines ◽  
Healthy Population ◽  
Nutrition Research ◽  
Health Related ◽  
Meta Analyses

Background: Dietary guidelines should be informed by systematic reviews (SRs) of the available scientific evidence. However, if the SRs that underpin dietary guidelines are flawed in their design, conduct or reporting, the recommendations contained therein may be misleading or harmful. To date there has been little empirical investigation of bias due to selective inclusion of results, and bias due to missing results, in SRs of food/diet-outcome relationships. Objectives: To explore in SRs with meta-analyses of the association between food/diet and health-related outcomes: (i) whether systematic reviewers selectively included study effect estimates in meta-analyses when multiple effect estimates were available; (ii) what impact selective inclusion of study effect estimates may have on meta-analytic effects, and; (iii) the risk of bias due to missing results (publication bias and selective non-reporting bias) in meta-analyses. Methods: We will systematically search for SRs with meta-analysis of the association between food/diet and health-related outcomes in a generally healthy population, published between January 2018 and June 2019. We will randomly sort titles and abstracts and screen them until we identify 50 eligible SRs. The first reported meta-analysis of a binary or continuous outcome in each SR (the ‘index meta-analysis’) will be evaluated. We will extract from study reports all study effect estimates that were eligible for inclusion in the index meta-analyses (e.g. from multiple instruments and time points) and will quantify and test for evidence of selective inclusion of results. We will also assess the risk of bias due to missing results in the index meta-analyses using a new tool (ROB-ME). Ethics and dissemination: Ethics approval is not required because information will only be extracted from published studies. Dissemination of the results will be through peer-reviewed publications and presentations at conferences. We will make all data collected from this study publicly available via the Open Science Framework.

scholarly journals Prognostic significance of the controlling nutritional status (CONUT) score in patients undergoing hepatectomy for hepatocellular carcinoma: a systematic review and meta-analysis

2019 ◽  
Vol 19 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Kosei Takagi ◽  
Piotr Domagala ◽  
Wojciech G. Polak ◽  
Stefan Buettner ◽  
Jan N. M. Ijzermans
Keyword(s):  
Hepatocellular Carcinoma ◽  
Nutritional Status ◽  
Meta Analysis ◽  
Prognostic Significance ◽  
Prognostic Indicator ◽  
Clinical Value ◽  
Major Complications ◽  
Tumor Number ◽  
Meta Analyses ◽  
Conut Score

Abstract Background The clinical value of the controlling nutritional status (CONUT) score in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) has increased. The aim of this meta-analysis was to systematically review the association between the CONUT score and outcomes in patients undergoing hepatectomy for HCC. Methods Embase, Medline Ovid, Web of Science, Cochrane CENTRAL, and Google Scholar were systematically searched. Random effects meta-analyses were conducted to examine the prognostic value of the CONUT score in HCC patients. Results A total of five studies including 4679 patients were found to be eligible and analyzed in the meta-analysis. The CONUT score was significantly associated with overall survival (HR 1.78, 95%CI = 1.20–2.64, P = 0.004, I2 = 79%), recurrence-free survival (HR 1.34, 95%CI = 1.17–1.53, P < 0.001, I2 = 16%) and postoperative major complications (OR 1.85, 95%CI: 1.19–2.87, P = 0.006, I2 = 72%) in HCC patients. Moreover, the CONUT score was associated with the Child–Pugh classification, liver cirrhosis, ICGR15, and tumor differentiation. However, it was not associated with tumor size, tumor number, and microvascular invasion. Conclusions The CONUT score is an independent prognostic indicator of the prognosis and is associated with postoperative major complications and hepatic functional reserve in HCC patients.

scholarly journals Guidelines for Reporting Systematic Reviews and Meta-analyses

2018 ◽  
Vol 34 (2) ◽  
pp. 412 ◽  
Author(s):  
María Rubio-Aparicio ◽  
Julio Sánchez-Meca ◽  
Fulgencio Marín-Martínez ◽  
José Antonio López-López
Keyword(s):  
Systematic Reviews ◽  
Applied Research ◽  
Meta Analysis ◽  
Scientific Evidence ◽  
Research Question ◽  
Scientific Journal ◽  
Wide Applicability ◽  
Research Fields ◽  
Meta Analyses

<p>Meta-analysis is an essential methodology that allows researchers to synthesize the scientific evidence available on a given research question. Due to its wide applicability in most applied research fields, it is really important that meta-analyses be written and reported appropriately. In this paper we propose some guidelines to report the results of a meta-analysis in a scientific journal as Annals of Psychology. Concretely, the structure for reporting a meta-analysis following its different stages is detailed. In addition, some recommendations related to the usual tasks when conducting a meta-analysis are provided. A recent meta-analysis focused on the psychological field is used to illustrate the guidelines proposed. Finally, some concluding remarks are presented. </p>

scholarly journals A Meta-Analysis of the Reliability of Four Field-Based Trunk Extension Endurance Tests

2020 ◽  
Vol 17 (9) ◽  
pp. 3088
Author(s):  
María Teresa Martínez-Romero ◽  
Francisco Ayala ◽  
Mark De Ste Croix ◽  
Francisco J. Vera-Garcia ◽  
Pilar Sainz de Baranda ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Position Control ◽  
Meta Analysis ◽  
Scientific Evidence ◽  
Intraclass Correlation ◽  
Correlation Coefficients ◽  
Induction Rate ◽  
Reliability Estimates ◽  
Endurance Tests ◽  
Meta Analyses ◽  
Trunk Extension

This meta-analysis aimed to estimate the inter- and intra-tester reliability of endurance measures obtained through trunk extension field-based tests and to explore the influence of the moderators on the reliability estimates. The reliability induction rate of trunk extension endurance measures was also calculated. A systematic search was conducted using various databases, and subsequently 28 studies were selected that reported intraclass correlation coefficients for trunk extension endurance measures. Separate meta-analyses were conducted using a random-effects model. When possible, analyses of potential moderator variables were carried out. The inter-tester average reliability of the endurance measure obtained from the Biering-Sorensen test was intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) = 0.94. The intra-session reliability estimates of the endurance measures recorded using the Biering-Sorensen test, the prone isometric chest raise test, and the prone double straight-leg test were ICC = 0.88, 0.90, and 0.86, respectively. The inter-session average reliability of the endurance measures from the Biering-Sorensen test, the prone isometric chest raise test, and the dynamic extensor endurance test were ICC = 0.88, 0.95, and 0.99, respectively. However, due to the limited evidence available, the reliability estimates of the measures obtained through the prone isometric chest raise, prone double straight-leg, and dynamic extensor endurance tests should be considered with a degree of caution. Position control instruments, tools, and familiarization session demonstrated a statistical association with the inter-session reliability of the Biering-Sorensen test. The reliability induction rate was 72.8%. Only the trunk extension endurance measure obtained through the Biering-Sorensen test presented sufficient scientific evidence in terms of reliability to justify its use for research and practical purposes.

scholarly journals Temporal Trends in Effect Sizes: Causes, Detection, and Implications

2013 ◽  
Author(s):  
Julia Koricheva ◽  
Michael D. Jennions ◽  
Joseph Lau
Keyword(s):  
Evolutionary Biology ◽  
Meta Analysis ◽  
Scientific Evidence ◽  
Temporal Trends ◽  
Temporal Changes ◽  
Effect Sizes ◽  
The Social ◽  
The Stability ◽  
Meta Analyses ◽  
Over Time

The general aim of meta-analysis is to combine scientific evidence scattered through a number of individual studies addressing the same topic. Evidence, however, is not static and tends to evolve over time due to changes in research methods, changes in the characteristics of the subjects being studied, for example. A number of recent studies in ecology and evolution have shown that temporal trends in effect sizes are common and often quite dramatic in these fields. Temporal changes in effect sizes could jeopardize the stability of conclusions (i.e., the conclusions of meta-analyses on the same topic conducted in different years might differ). For these reasons, this chapter is devoted to temporal changes in effect sizes. It first summarizes the findings of studies that examined temporal changes in the magnitude and direction of effect sizes in ecology, evolutionary biology, medicine, and the social sciences. It then discusses their possible causes, methods of detection, and implications for the interpretation of the results of the meta-analysis.

scholarly journals Treatment effects of pharmacotherapy and non-pharmacotherapy of Alzheimer dementia: A systematic review overview and updated network meta-analysis.

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Chitima Boongird ◽  
Worapong Tearneukit ◽  
Thunyarat Anothaisintawee ◽  
Gareth McKay ◽  
Ammarin Thakkinstian
Keyword(s):  
Systematic Reviews ◽  
Treatment Effects ◽  
Meta Analysis ◽  
Scientific Evidence ◽  
Risk Of Bias ◽  
Clinical Practices ◽  
Alzheimer Dementia ◽  
Wide Range ◽  
Ethical Approval ◽  
Meta Analyses

Abstract Introduction: Many existing systematic reviews and meta-analyses summarize the evidence of pharmacotherapies (PTs) and non-pharmacotherapies (NPTs) for wide range of available interventions for the management of Alzheimer dementia (AD). However, a succinct summary and efficacy comparison across the different types of treatments and interventions is lacking. We aim to identify the treatment or treatments with the highest efficacy of current pharmacological and non-pharmacological treatments for AD.Methods and analysis: Systematic reviews of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) will be selected according to the following criteria: conducted in elderly patients aged 60 years or older with AD, applied pairwise meta-analysis (PMA) or network meta-analysis (NMA) for pooled relative treatment effects for at least one pair of PTs and NPTs, and at least one of following outcomes was provided for patients/caregivers: cognitive function status, behavior, quality of life. The summary characteristics for each RCT will include the general design, participants, intervention, outcome measurements, duration of therapy and adverse events. The risk of bias will be assessed using Risk of Bias in Systematic Reviews (ROBIS) checklist and the risk of bias of individual RCTs will be assessed using the Revised Cochrane risk-of-bias tool.Ethics and Dissemination: Ethical approval will not be required because this study is based solely on published literature that meets accepted ethical standards, and there will be no concerns about privacy. Dissemination of the evidence obtained will include publication in a peer-reviewed international journal to improve clinical practices on the basis of robust scientific evidence.PROSPERO registration number: CRD42021228245

scholarly journals Vitamin B12, Folate, Homocysteine, and Bone Health in Adults and Elderly People: A Systematic Review with Meta-Analyses

2013 ◽  
Vol 2013 ◽  
pp. 1-19 ◽  
Author(s):  
J. P. van Wijngaarden ◽  
E. L. Doets ◽  
A. Szczecińska ◽  
O. W. Souverein ◽  
M. E. Duffy ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Fracture Risk ◽  
Bone Health ◽  
Observational Studies ◽  
Meta Analysis ◽  
Scientific Evidence ◽  
Vitamin B ◽  
Mineral Density ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Homocysteine Concentration ◽  
Meta Analyses

Elevated homocysteine levels and low vitamin B12and folate levels have been associated with deteriorated bone health. This systematic literature review with dose-response meta-analyses summarizes the available scientific evidence on associations of vitamin B12, folate, and homocysteine status with fractures and bone mineral density (BMD). Twenty-seven eligible cross-sectional (n=14) and prospective (n=13) observational studies and one RCT were identified. Meta-analysis on four prospective studies including 7475 people showed a modest decrease in fracture risk of 4% per 50 pmol/L increase in vitamin B12levels, which was borderline significant (RR = 0.96, 95% CI = 0.92 to 1.00). Meta-analysis of eight studies including 11511 people showed an increased fracture risk of 4% perμmol/L increase in homocysteine concentration (RR = 1.04, 95% CI = 1.02 to 1.07). We could not draw a conclusion regarding folate levels and fracture risk, as too few studies investigated this association. Meta-analyses regarding vitamin B12, folate and homocysteine levels, and BMD were possible in female populations only and showed no associations. Results from studies regarding BMD that could not be included in the meta-analyses were not univocal.

A Tutorial on Conducting Meta-Analyses of Clinical Outcome Research

1998 ◽  
Vol 41 (6) ◽  
pp. 1227-1241 ◽  
Author(s):  
Randall R. Robey ◽  
Susan D. Dalebout
Keyword(s):  
Clinical Outcome ◽  
Outcome Research ◽  
Treatment Effectiveness ◽  
Meta Analysis ◽  
Scientific Evidence ◽  
Research Question ◽  
Communication Disorder ◽  
Speech Language Pathology ◽  
Language Pathology ◽  
Meta Analyses

Throughout the educational, medical, psychological, and social sciences, meta-analysis is the present-day, broadly accepted means for combining many quasiexperiments in a synthesis for the purpose of establishing the weight of scientific evidence bearing on a certain research question. Meta-analysis thereby is the preferred method for determining the preponderance of evidence in clinical-outcome research relating to questions of treatment efficacy and treatment effectiveness. Relatively few meta-analyses appear in the literature of the communication disorder sciences. The purpose of this tutorial is to enhance the familiarity and accessibility of this technology in the domains of audiology and speech-language pathology. The results of the accompanying example constitute a preliminary meta-analysis of patient-perceived treatment effectiveness. The substance of the tutorial, however, transcends disciplinary interests regarding types of communication disorder.

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