scholarly journals International Real Estate Review

2008 ◽  
Vol 11 (2) ◽  
pp. 1-31
Author(s):  
Jenny Schuetz ◽  
Keyword(s):  
Statistical Significance ◽  
Baseline Model ◽  
Eligibility Criteria ◽  
Mortgage Loans ◽  
Federal Election ◽  
Administrative Capacity ◽  
Political Motivation ◽  
Previous Election ◽  
Political Competitiveness ◽  
Ruling Party

This paper tests for evidence of political manipulation in the allocation of subsidized mortgage loans in Mexico during the 1990’s. First, I develop a baseline model of loan allocation across states as a function of housing need, eligibility for lending programs, and administrative capacity to deliver housing. Then, I add measures of political competitiveness to the model. Empirical results suggest that the two largest lenders generally allocated loans according to their eligibility criteria, granting more loans to states with more income- and employment-eligible households and poorer quality housing. Tests for political manipulation suggest that more loans were, in fact, granted in federal election years and in states where the ruling party did not perform well in the previous election. However, the numbers lack statistical significance. As a result, it can be assumed that political motivation played a relatively small role in the allocation of loans.

scholarly journals Individual Resilience Interventions: A Systematic Review in Adult Population Samples over the Last Decade

2021 ◽  
Vol 18 (14) ◽  
pp. 7564
Author(s):  
Mafalda Ferreira ◽  
António Marques ◽  
Paulo Veloso Gomes
Keyword(s):  
Systematic Review ◽  
Methodological Quality ◽  
Meta Analysis ◽  
Statistical Significance ◽  
Adult Population ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Eligibility Criteria ◽  
Individual Resilience ◽  
Literature Searches ◽  
Great Heterogeneity

Resilience interventions have been gaining importance among researchers due to their potential to provide well-being and reduce the prevalence of mental disorders that are becoming an increasing concern, especially in Western countries, because of the costs associated. The purpose of this systematic review is to identify the intervention studies carried out in the last decade in adult population samples, evaluate their methodological quality and highlight the trends of these types of interventions. This review was performed using systematic literature searches in the following electronic databases: B-on, PubMed, PsycNet and Science Direct. The application of eligibility criteria resulted in the inclusion of 38 articles, of which 33 were randomized controlled trials and the other five were nonrandomized controlled studies. Although most studies showed statistical significance for their results, these were constrained by the great heterogeneity of the studies, the lack of power of the samples and their fair methodological quality. Therefore, it is important to consolidate the theoretical basis and standardize certain methodologies so that the effects of the interventions can be compared through a meta-analysis.

A phase II study of perioperative capecitabine plus oxaliplatin for clinical SS/SE N1-3 M0 gastric cancer (OGSG1601).

2021 ◽  
Vol 39 (3_suppl) ◽  
pp. 203-203
Author(s):  
Atsushi Yasuda ◽  
Jin Matsuyama ◽  
Tetsuji Terazawa ◽  
Masahiro Goto ◽  
Ryohei Kawabata ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Gastric Cancer ◽  
Statistical Significance ◽  
Dose Intensity ◽  
Residual Tumor ◽  
Pathological Response ◽  
R0 Resection ◽  
Eligibility Criteria ◽  
English Edition ◽  
D2 Gastrectomy ◽  
Japanese Classification

203 Background: D2 gastrectomy followed by adjuvant S-1 is one of the standard therapy for the patients (pts) with stage III gastric cancer (GC) in Japan; however, the outcome is not satisfactory. We examined the efficacy of perioperative capecitabine and oxaliplatin (CapeOx) in pts with clinical SS/SE N1-3 M0 GC. Methods: The eligibility criteria included histopathologically confirmed clinical T3(SS)/T4a(SE) N1-3 M0 GC according to the Japanese Classification of GC (JCGC; 3rd English Edition). Three cycles of neoadjuvant CapeOx (NAC; capecitabine, 2,000 mg/m2 for 14 days; oxaliplatin, 130 mg/m2 on day 1, every 3 weeks) were administered, followed by five cycles of adjuvant CapeOx after D2 gastrectomy. The primary endpoint was the pathological response rate (pRR) according to JCGC ( ≥Grade 1b). Results: Thirty-seven pts were enrolled from April 2016 to May 2017, and fully evaluated for efficacy and toxicity. Thirty-three pts (89.2%) completed the planned three cycles of NAC and underwent gastrectomy, with an R0 resection rate of 78.4% (n = 29) and a pRR of 54.1% (n = 20, p = .058; 90% confidence interval [CI], 39.4–68.2) were demonstrated. The relative dose intensity (RDI) of capecitabine and oxaliplatin were 90.5% and 91.9%, respectively. Among 27 pts who initiated AC, 21 (63.6%) completed the treatment, and the RDI of capecitabine and oxaliplatin were 80.9% and 65.1%, respectively. Grade 3–4 toxicities during NAC included neutropenia (8%), thrombocytopenia (8%), and anorexia (8%) and during AC included neutropenia (37%), diarrhea (4%), and anorexia (4%), but no treatment-related death was reported. The overall survival (OS) rate and relapse free survival (RFS) rate at 3 years was 83.8% (95% CI, 72.7-96.5%) and 73.0% (95% CI, 60.0-88.8%), respectively. Subgroup analyses according to residual tumor after surgery (R status) showed a 3-year OS and RFS rate of 86.2% (95% CI, 74.5-99.7%) and 75.7% (95% CI, 63.0-90.8%) for R0. Conclusions: Perioperative CapeOx showed good feasibility and favorable prognosis with sufficient pathological response, although statistical significance at .058 did not reach the commonly accepted cutoff of .05. The data obtained using this novel approach warrant further investigations. Clinical trial information: 000021641.

scholarly journals The effects of a single session of lumbar spinal manipulative therapy in terms of physical performance test symmetry in asymptomatic athletes: a single-blinded, randomised controlled study.

2018 ◽  
Vol 4 (1) ◽  
pp. e000389 ◽  
Author(s):  
Bruno A P Alvarenga ◽  
Ricardo Fujikawa ◽  
Filipa João ◽  
Jerusa P R Lara ◽  
António P Veloso
Keyword(s):  
Musculoskeletal Disorders ◽  
Physical Performance ◽  
Performance Test ◽  
Statistical Significance ◽  
Spinal Manipulative Therapy ◽  
Controlled Study ◽  
Eligibility Criteria ◽  
Manipulative Therapy ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
Randomised Controlled

Background and aimMusculoskeletal disorders in athletes, including spinal biomechanical dysfunctions, are believed to negatively influence symmetry. Spinal manipulative therapy (SMT) is recognised as a safe and effective treatment for musculoskeletal disorders, but there is little evidence about whether it can be beneficial in symmetry. Therefore, this study aimed to measure the effects of lumbar SMT in symmetry.MethodsForty asymptomatic athletes participated in the study. The randomisation procedure was performed according to the following group allocation: group 1 (SMT) and group 2 (SHAM). Each participant completed a physical activity questionnaire, and also underwent clinical and physical evaluation for inclusion according to eligibility criteria. Statistical significance (P<0.05) between groups and types of therapy were calculated by physical performance tests symmetry (static position, squat and counter movement jump (CMJ), pre- and post-SMT and SHAM. There were 14 trials of three symmetry tests for each participant, for a total of 560 trials.ResultsLumbar SMT produced immediate effects in symmetry in the static position; however, the same effects were not found in squat and CMJ on symmetry 1. Therefore, our results showed a significant difference in pre- (mean 16.3%) and post-lumbar SMT (mean 3.7%) in static symmetry. However, symmetry 2 showed no statistical significant differences for any of the tests and intervention groups. No statistically significant effects in symmetry pre- to post-SHAM were found in any of the tests.ConclusionsStatistically significant differences were found in lumbar SMT, but only for static symmetry. These findings suggest that SMT was effective in producing immediate effects in symmetry in the static position, but none in dynamic tests. Future studies could address our study's limitations.Clinical trials register numberNCT03361592.

scholarly journals Association between Smoking and Risk of Primary Biliary Cholangitis: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

2019 ◽  
Vol 28 ◽  
pp. 197-203
Author(s):  
Karn Wijarnpreecha ◽  
Monia Werlang ◽  
Panadeekarn Panjawatanan ◽  
Paul T Kroner ◽  
Omar Y Mousa ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Systematic Review ◽  
Meta Analysis ◽  
Statistical Significance ◽  
Random Effect ◽  
Primary Biliary Cholangitis ◽  
Case Control Studies ◽  
Eligibility Criteria ◽  
Inverse Variance ◽  
Increased Risk ◽  
Former Smokers

Background & Aims: Studies have suggested that smokers may have a higher risk of primary biliary cholangitis (PBC) although the results have been inconsistent. This systematic review and meta-analysis aim to better characterize the risk of PBC among smokers by identifying all relevant studies and summarizing their results together. Methods: A comprehensive literature review was conducted using Embase and Pubmed/MEDLINE databases from inception to September 2018 to identify all studies which compared the risk of PBC among current, ever and former smokers to non-smokers. Effect estimates from each study were extracted and combined together using the random-effect, generic inverse variance method of DerSimonian and Laird. Results: Nine case-control studies with 21,577 participants met the eligibility criteria and were included in the meta-analysis. The risk of PBC among ever smokers was significantly higher than non-smokers with the pooled odds ratio (OR) of 1.31 (95% CI, 1.03-1.67; I 2 89%). Subgroup analysis found that the risk was higher in both former smokers (pooled OR 1.36; 95% CI, 1.01-1.84; I 2 75%) and current smokers (pooled OR 1.18; 95% CI, 0.94-1.50; I 2 79%), although the latter did not reach statistical significance. Immunomodulatory and cytotoxic effect of cigarettes were the possible mechanisms behind this increased risk. Conclusions: A significantly increased risk of PBC among individuals who ever smoked was observed in this study, adding to the already long list of harmful health consequences of smoking.

Effect of prenatal phthalate exposure on childhood atopic dermatitis: A systematic review and meta-analysis

2021 ◽  
Vol 42 (4) ◽  
pp. e116-e125 ◽  
Author(s):  
Minyoung Jung ◽  
Min-Ji Kim ◽  
Seonwoo Kim ◽  
Yechan Kyung ◽  
Minji Kim ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Systematic Review ◽  
Atopic Dermatitis ◽  
Prenatal Exposure ◽  
Meta Analysis ◽  
Statistical Significance ◽  
The United States ◽  
Eligibility Criteria ◽  
Newcastle Ottawa Scale ◽  
Butyl Phthalate ◽  
Ethylhexyl Phthalate

Background: The association between prenatal exposure to phthalate and childhood atopic dermatitis (AD) has previously been investigated; however, the results are inconsistent. Objective: We aimed to perform a systematic review and meta-analysis of birth cohort studies to investigate whether prenatal exposure to phthalate increases the risk of developing AD in children. Methods: We performed an electronic search of medical literature data bases. Studies were critically appraised, and a meta-analysis was performed. Results: Among 129 articles identified, 11 studies met the eligibility criteria. Included studies originated from Europe (n = 5), the United States (n = 4), and Asia (n = 2). The study sample size ranged from 147 to 1024 mother-child pairs. Quality assessment by using the Newcastle‐Ottawa scale of all the studies had scores of ≥6. A meta-analysis of data from eight selected studies suggested that monobenzyl phthalate (MBzP) exposure was significantly associated with the risk of AD development (odds ratio 1.16 [95% confidence interval, 1.04−1.31]; I2 = 17.36%). However, AD development was not associated with other phthalate metabolites, such as mono-(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate, monoethyl phthalate, mono-isobutyl phthalate, mono-n-butyl phthalate, and the sum of di-[2-ethylhexyl] phthalate on the development of AD (all p values were > 0.05). Conclusion: Our meta-analysis suggested that prenatal exposure to phthalates may be associated with the development of childhood AD. However, further research is needed because only MBzP showed statistical significance and the number of articles in the literature is still insufficient.

scholarly journals THERAPY OF ENDOCRINE DISEASE: Effects of chronic use of phosphodiesterase inhibitors on endothelial markers in type 2 diabetes mellitus: a meta-analysis

2015 ◽  
Vol 172 (3) ◽  
pp. R103-R114 ◽  
Author(s):  
Daniele Santi ◽  
Elisa Giannetta ◽  
Andrea M Isidori ◽  
Cristiana Vitale ◽  
Antonio Aversa ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Diabetes Mellitus ◽  
Endothelial Function ◽  
Randomized Clinical Trials ◽  
Meta Analysis ◽  
Statistical Significance ◽  
Phosphodiesterase Inhibitors ◽  
Inflammatory Factors ◽  
Eligibility Criteria ◽  
Increased Risk

ObjectiveDiabetes mellitus (DM) is associated with endothelial dysfunction, reducing nitric oxide-dependent vasodilation, and increasing production of pro-inflammatory factors, leading to an increased risk of long-term cardiovascular disease. As the effects of phosphodiesterase 5 inhibitors (PDE5i) on endothelial function have not been systematically investigated, we conducted a meta-analysis of available randomized clinical trials (RCTs).DesignA thorough search of the literature was carried out. Relevant studies were considered according to RCT study design, enrollment of men with type 2 DM, chronic administration of PDE5i, and evaluation of endothelial function through both hemodynamic and endothelial inflammation-related parameters.ResultsFifteen studies fulfilled the eligibility criteria but only six RCTs met the inclusion criteria and were analyzed for 476 diabetic men, 239 randomized to Sildenafil, and 237 to placebo respectively. Four RCTs evaluated flow-mediated dilation (FMD), demonstrating a weighted mean increase of 2.19% (95% CI 0.48 to 3.90). This result showed a high heterogeneity (I2: 98%). Thus, a further sub-group meta-analysis was performed and this analysis confirmed a significant, Sildenafil-related FMD improvement. Sildenafil improved endothelin 1 and high sensitivity C-reactive protein by ∼−0.94 pg/ml and −0.36 mg/l, respectively, not reaching statistical significance (P=0.69 andP=0.22 respectively). Finally, Sildenafil administration significantly reduced serum levels of interleukin 6 (IL6, −0.82 pg/ml; 95% CI −1.58 to −0.07).ConclusionThis meta-analysis suggests a beneficial effect of chronic PDE5i administration on endothelial function. Chronic Sildenafil administration seems to improve hemodynamic (FMD) and serum pro-inflammatory makers (IL6) in diabetic men. Larger studies are needed to confirm the effects of chronic PDE5i on endothelial function.

Dissociation of vasospasm-related morbidity and outcomes in patients with aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage treated with clazosentan: a meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials

2013 ◽  
Vol 119 (1) ◽  
pp. 180-189 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jian Shen ◽  
Jian-Wei Pan ◽  
Zuo-Xu Fan ◽  
Xiao-Xing Xiong ◽  
Ren-Ya Zhan
Keyword(s):  
Subarachnoid Hemorrhage ◽  
Randomized Controlled Trials ◽  
Aneurysmal Subarachnoid Hemorrhage ◽  
Meta Analysis ◽  
Statistical Significance ◽  
Pulmonary Complications ◽  
Neurological Deficits ◽  
Controlled Trials ◽  
Eligibility Criteria ◽  
Randomized Controlled

Object Clazosentan therapy after aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH) has been found to be effective in reducing the incidence of vasospasm in randomized controlled trials. However, while vasospasm-related morbidity, including delayed ischemic neurological deficits (DINDs) and delayed cerebral infarctions, was consistently decreased, statistical significance was not demonstrated and outcomes were not affected by clazosentan treatment. The objective of this meta-analysis was to determine whether clazosentan treatment after aneurysmal SAH significantly reduced the incidence of DINDs and delayed cerebral infarctions and improved outcomes. Methods All randomized controlled trials investigating the effect of clazosentan were retrieved via searches with sensitive and specific terms. Six variables were abstracted after the assessment of the methodological quality of the trials. Analyses were performed following the method guidelines of the Cochrane Back Review Group. Results Four randomized, placebo-controlled trials met eligibility criteria, enrolling a total of 2181 patients. The meta-analysis demonstrated a significant decrease in the incidence of DINDs (relative risk [RR] 0.76 [95% CI 0.62–0.92]) and delayed cerebral infarction (RR 0.79 [95% CI 0.63–1.00]) in patients treated with clazosentan after aneurysmal SAH. However, this treatment regimen was not shown to outcomes including functional outcomes measured by Glasgow Outcome Scale-Extended (RR 1.12 [95% CI 0.96–1.30]) or mortality (RR 1.02 [95%CI 0.70–1.49]). Adverse events, including pulmonary complications, anemia, and hypotension, were all significantly increased in patients who received clazosentan therapy. Conclusions The results of the present meta-analysis show that treatment with clazosentan after aneurysmal SAH significantly reduced the incidence of the vasospasm-related DINDs and delayed cerebral infarctions, but did not improve poor neurological outcomes in patients with aneurysmal SAH. Further study is required to elucidate the dissociation between vasospasm-related morbidity and outcomes.

Recurrence of Cerebral Arteriovenous Malformations Following Resection in Adults

Neurosurgery ◽  
2015 ◽  
Vol 78 (4) ◽  
pp. 562-571 ◽  
Author(s):  
Alexander A. Ivanov ◽  
Ali Alaraj ◽  
Fady T. Charbel ◽  
Victor Aletich ◽  
Sepideh Amin-Hanjani
Keyword(s):  
Surgical Resection ◽  
Arteriovenous Malformations ◽  
Pediatric Population ◽  
Statistical Significance ◽  
Adult Population ◽  
Venous Drainage ◽  
Preoperative Embolization ◽  
Eligibility Criteria ◽  
Complete Surgical Resection

Abstract BACKGROUND: Complete surgical resection of arteriovenous malformations (AVMs), documented by postoperative angiography, is generally felt to represent cure, obviating the need for long-term follow-up imaging. Although AVM recurrence has been reported in the pediatric population, this phenomenon has only rarely been documented in adults. Recurrence after treatment solely with embolization, however, has been reported more frequently. Thus, patients undergoing multimodal therapy with surgery following preoperative embolization may also be at higher risk for recurrence. OBJECTIVE: To determine if preoperative embolization contributes to recurrences of AVMs after complete surgical resection. METHODS: A retrospective study of patients undergoing AVM resection was performed. Those with complete surgical AVM resection, confirmed by negative early postoperative cerebral angiography and with available follow-up angiographic imaging –6 months postoperatively were included. RESULTS: Two hundred three patients underwent AVM resection between 1995 and 2012. Seventy-two patients met eligibility criteria. There were 3 recurrences (4%). Deep venous drainage and diffuse type of AVM nidus were significantly associated with recurrence. Although preoperative embolization did not reach statistical significance as an independent risk factor, radiographic data supported its role in every case, with the site of recurrence correlating with deep regions of nidus previously obliterated by embolization. CONCLUSION: AVM recurrences in the adult population may have a multifactorial origin. Although deep venous drainage and diffuse nidus are clearly risk factors, preoperative embolization may also be a contributing factor with the potential for recurrence of unresected but embolized portions of the AVM. Follow-up angiography at 1 to 3 years appears to be warranted.

scholarly journals Effects of Exercise in the Treatment of Overweight and Obese Children and Adolescents: A Systematic Review of Meta-Analyses

2013 ◽  
Vol 2013 ◽  
pp. 1-10 ◽  
Author(s):  
George A. Kelley ◽  
Kristi S. Kelley
Keyword(s):  
Systematic Review ◽  
Children And Adolescents ◽  
Body Fat ◽  
Methodological Quality ◽  
Statistical Significance ◽  
Percent Body Fat ◽  
Number Needed To Treat ◽  
Obese Children ◽  
Eligibility Criteria ◽  
Meta Analyses

Purpose. Conduct a systematic review of previous meta-analyses addressing the effects of exercise in the treatment of overweight and obese children and adolescents.Methods. Previous meta-analyses of randomized controlled exercise trials that assessed adiposity in overweight and obese children and adolescents were included by searching nine electronic databases and cross-referencing from retrieved studies. Methodological quality was assessed using the Assessment of Multiple Systematic Reviews (AMSTAR) Instrument. The alpha level for statistical significance was set atP≤0.05.Results. Of the 308 studies reviewed, two aggregate data meta-analyses representing 14 and 17 studies and 481 and 701 boys and girls met all eligibility criteria. Methodological quality was 64% and 73%. For both studies, statistically significant reductions in percent body fat were observed (P=0.006andP<0.00001). The number-needed-to treat (NNT) was 4 and 3 with an estimated 24.5 and 31.5 million overweight and obese children in the world potentially benefitting, 2.8 and 3.6 million in the US. No other measures of adiposity (BMI-related measures, body weight, and central obesity) were statistically significant.Conclusions. Exercise is efficacious for reducing percent body fat in overweight and obese children and adolescents. Insufficient evidence exists to suggest that exercise reduces other measures of adiposity.

Immediate Neurocognitive Effects of Methylphenidate on Learning-Impaired Survivors of Childhood Cancer

2001 ◽  
Vol 19 (6) ◽  
pp. 1802-1808 ◽  
Author(s):  
Stephen J. Thompson ◽  
Laurie Leigh ◽  
Robbin Christensen ◽  
Xiaoping Xiong ◽  
Larry E. Kun ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Sustained Attention ◽  
Verbal Memory ◽  
Performance Test ◽  
Word Association ◽  
Lymphoblastic Leukemia ◽  
Controlled Trial ◽  
Statistical Significance ◽  
Reaction Times ◽  
Eligibility Criteria ◽  
Childhood All

PURPOSE: To test if methylphenidate (MPH) has an objective beneficial effect on immediate performance on tests of neurocognitive functions among learning-impaired survivors of childhood acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) and malignant brain tumors (BT).PATIENTS AND METHODS: From July 1, 1997 through December 31, 1998, 104 long-term survivors of childhood ALL or a malignant BT completed neurocognitive screening for learning impairments and concurrent problems with sustained attention. Eligibility criteria for the MPH trial included an estimated intelligence quotient greater than 50, academic achievement in the 16thpercentile or lower for age in reading, math, or spelling, and an ability to sustain attention on a computerized version of the Conners’ Continuous Performance Test (CPT) in the 16thpercentile or lower for age and sex. Of the 104, 32 (BT, n = 25; ALL, n = 7) were eligible on the basis of these a priori criteria for a randomized, double-blinded, placebo-controlled trial of MPH. The patients ingested a placebo (lactose) or MPH (0.6 mg/kg; 20 mg maximum) and repeated selected portions of the screening battery 90 minutes later.RESULTS: Compared to the 17 patients randomized to the placebo group, the 15 patients randomized to the MPH group had a significantly greater improvement on the CPT for sustained attention (errors of omission, P = .015) and overall index (P = .008) but not for errors of commission (indicative of impulsiveness) nor reaction times. A trend for greater improvement in the MPH group on a measure of verbal memory failed to reach statistical significance. No trend was observed for MPH effectiveness in improving learning of a word association task. No significant side effects from MPH were observed.CONCLUSION: MPH resulted in a statistically significant improvement on measures of attention abilities that cannot be explained by placebo or practice effects.

Sign in / Sign up

Export Citation Format

Share Document