Not Published Is Not Perished: Addressing Publication Bias in Meta-Analytic Studies in Communication

2020 ◽  
Vol 46 (2-3) ◽  
pp. 300-321 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ye Sun ◽  
Zhongdang Pan
Keyword(s):  
Systematic Review ◽  
Publication Bias ◽  
Scientific Knowledge ◽  
Literature Search ◽  
Potential Impact ◽  
Meta Analyses ◽  
Knowledge Claims ◽  
Current Practices

Abstract Publication bias has been recognized as a threat to the validity of meta-analytic findings and scientific knowledge in general. Given the recent rise in meta-analytic research in communication, how well publication bias concerns are addressed by communication meta-analysts merits attention. In this essay, after a brief overview of publication bias and some major methods of assessment, we provide a systematic review of meta-analyses published in six major communication journals between 2005 and 2018. The review focuses on two aspects of addressing publication bias in meta-analyses: (a) reducing the potential impact of bias via an inclusive literature search; and (b) empirically assessing the extent and impact of bias in meta-analytic findings. Our review shows that the current practices in communication meta-analyses are inadequate in both aspects. We offer recommendations on ways of improving practices in meta-analyses, as well as in research and publication processes, to better safeguard knowledge claims.

A Systematic Review on Barriers to Palliative Care in Oncology

2021 ◽  
pp. 104990912098328
Author(s):  
Jyotsana Parajuli ◽  
Judith E. Hupcey
Keyword(s):  
United States ◽  
Systematic Review ◽  
Palliative Care ◽  
Full Text ◽  
Literature Search ◽  
Intervention Development ◽  
The United States ◽  
Care Utilization ◽  
Review Of Literature ◽  
Meta Analyses

The number of people with cancer and the need for palliative care among this population is increasing in the United States. Despite this growing need, several barriers exist to the utilization of palliative care in oncology. The purpose of this study was to synthesize the evidence on the barriers to palliative care utilization in an oncology population. A systematic review of literature was conducted following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines. PubMed, CINAHL, and Psych Info databases were used for the literature search. Articles were included if they: 1) focused on cancer, (2) examined and discussed barriers to palliative care, and c) were peer reviewed, published in English, and had an accessible full text. A total of 29 studies (8 quantitative, 18 qualitative, and 3 mixed-methods) were identified and synthesized for this review. The sample size of the included studies ranged from 10 participants to 313 participants. The barriers to palliative care were categorized into barriers related to the patient and family, b) barriers related to providers, and c) barriers related to the healthcare system or policy. The factors identified in this review provide guidance for intervention development to mitigate the existing barriers and facilitate the use palliative care in individuals with cancer.

scholarly journals Leishmanicidal effects of resveratrol and its derivatives: a systematic review and meta-Analysis

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Nasrin Amiri Dashatan ◽  
Marzieh Ashrafmansouri ◽  
Mehdi Koushki ◽  
Nayebali Ahmadi
Keyword(s):  
Systematic Review ◽  
Publication Bias ◽  
Data Extraction ◽  
Meta Analysis ◽  
Sensitivity Analyses ◽  
Protective Effects ◽  
Random Effects Models ◽  
Important Health ◽  
Mean Differences ◽  
Meta Analyses

Abstract Background Leishmaniasis is one of the most important health problems worldwide. The evidence has suggested that resveratrol and its derivatives have anti-leishmanial effects; however, the results are inconsistent and inconclusive. The aim of this study was to assess the effect of resveratrol and its derivatives on the Leishmania viability through a systematic review and meta-analysis of available relevant studies. Methods The electronic databases PubMed, ScienceDirect, Embase, Web of Science and Scopus were queried between October 2000 and April 2020 using a comprehensive search strategy. The eligible articles selected and data extraction conducted by two reviewers. Mean differences of IC50 (concentration leading to reduction of 50% of Leishmania) for each outcome was calculated using random-effects models. Sensitivity analyses and prespecified subgroup were conducted to evaluate potential heterogeneity and the stability of the pooled results. Publication bias was evaluated using the Egger’s and Begg’s tests. We also followed the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-analyses (PRISMA) guidelines for this review. Results Ten studies were included in the meta-analysis. We observed that RSV and its derivatives had significant reducing effects on Leishmania viability in promastigote [24.02 µg/ml; (95% CI 17.1, 30.8); P < 0.05; I2 = 99.8%; P heterogeneity = 0.00] and amastigote [18.3 µg/ml; (95% CI 13.5, 23.2); P < 0.05; I2 = 99.6%; P heterogeneity = 0.00] stages of Leishmania. A significant publication bias was observed in the meta-analysis. Sensitivity analyses showed a similar effect size while reducing the heterogeneity. Subgroup analysis indicated that the pooled effects of leishmanicidal of resveratrol and its derivatives were affected by type of stilbenes and Leishmania species. Conclusions Our findings clearly suggest that the strategies for the treatment of leishmaniasis should be focused on natural products such as RSV and its derivatives. Further study is needed to identify the mechanisms mediating this protective effects of RSV and its derivatives in leishmaniasis.

scholarly journals Internal jugular phlebectasia: A systematic review

2019 ◽  
Vol 10 ◽  
pp. 106 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jose A. Figueroa-Sanchez ◽  
Ana S. Ferrigno ◽  
Mario Benvenutti-Regato ◽  
Enrique Caro-Osorio ◽  
Hector R. Martinez
Keyword(s):  
Systematic Review ◽  
Natural History ◽  
Conservative Treatment ◽  
Literature Search ◽  
Jugular Vein ◽  
Adult Patients ◽  
Therapeutic Approaches ◽  
Jugular Phlebectasia ◽  
The Right ◽  
Meta Analyses

Background: Internal jugular phlebectasia (IJP), the abnormal dilatation of internal jugular vein, is generally considered a benign anomaly. However, because IJP is uncommon, little is known about its natural history, and currently, no consensus on the best treatment modality is available. Methods: The purpose of this article is to conduct a systematic review of available literature on recently reported IJP cases to understand the main characteristics of IJP and its most frequent therapeutic approaches. Following the preferred reporting items for systematic reviews and meta-analyses guidelines, literature search for IJP cases was conducted in the COCHRANE, PUBMED, EBSCOHOST, SCOPUS, OVID, and SCIELO databases. Results: A total of 97 original articles were found, with a total of 247 IJP cases reported including both pediatric and adult patients. Conclusions: To the best of our knowledge, this study is the largest systematic review analyzing all the reported cases of IJP. IJP is considered by most authors as a benign abnormality that predominantly affects the right jugular vein. It is most commonly diagnosed in children. At present, conservative treatment is preferred for pediatric but not for adult patients. Multicenter randomized prospective studies are required to further understand this rare anomaly.

scholarly journals Smartphone-Based Self-Monitoring, Treatment, and Automatically Generated Data in Children, Adolescents, and Young Adults With Psychiatric Disorders: Systematic Review (Preprint)

2019 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sigurd Melbye ◽  
Lars Vedel Kessing ◽  
Jakob Eyvind Bardram ◽  
Maria Faurholt-Jepsen
Keyword(s):  
Systematic Review ◽  
Young Adults ◽  
Psychiatric Disorders ◽  
Literature Search ◽  
Risk Of Bias ◽  
Smartphone App ◽  
Controlled Trials ◽  
Self Monitoring ◽  
Randomized Controlled ◽  
Meta Analyses

BACKGROUND Psychiatric disorders often have an onset at an early age, and early identification and intervention help improve prognosis. A fine-grained, unobtrusive, and effective way to monitor symptoms and level of function could help distinguish severe psychiatric health problems from normal behavior and potentially lead to a more efficient use of clinical resources in the current health care system. The use of smartphones to monitor and treat children, adolescents, and young adults with psychiatric disorders has been widely investigated. However, no systematic review concerning smartphone-based monitoring and treatment in this population has been published. OBJECTIVE This systematic review aims at describing the following 4 features of the eligible studies: (1) monitoring features such as self-assessment and automatically generated data, (2) treatment delivered by the app, (3) adherence to self-monitoring, and (4) results of the individual studies. METHODS We conducted a systematic literature search of the PubMed, Embase, and PsycInfo databases. We searched for studies that (1) included a smartphone app to collect self-monitoring data, a smartphone app to collect automatically generated smartphone-based data, or a smartphone-based system for treatment; (2) had participants who were diagnosed with psychiatric disorders or received treatment for a psychiatric disorder, which was verified by an external clinician; (3) had participants who were younger than 25 years; and (4) were published in a peer-reviewed journal. This systematic review was reported in accordance with the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines. The risk of bias in each individual study was systematically assessed. RESULTS A total of 2546 unique studies were identified through literature search; 15 of these fulfilled the criteria for inclusion. These studies covered 8 different diagnostic groups: psychosis, eating disorders, depression, autism, self-harm, anxiety, substance abuse, and suicidal behavior. Smartphone-based self-monitoring was used in all but 1 study, and 11 of them reported on the participants’ adherence to self-monitoring. Most studies were feasibility/pilot studies, and all studies on feasibility reported positive attitudes toward the use of smartphones for self-monitoring. In 2 studies, automatically generated data were collected. Three studies were randomized controlled trials investigating the effectiveness of smartphone-based monitoring and treatment, with 2 of these showing a positive treatment effect. In 2 randomized controlled trials, the researchers were blinded for randomization, but the participants were not blinded in any of the studies. All studies were determined to be at high risk of bias in several areas. CONCLUSIONS Smartphones hold great potential as a modern, widely available technology platform to help diagnose, monitor, and treat psychiatric disorders in children and adolescents. However, a higher level of homogeneity and rigor among studies regarding their methodology and reporting of adherence would facilitate future reviews and meta-analyses.

Effects of the endocrine disruptor vinclozolin in male reproduction: a systematic review and meta-analysis†

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Mariana Feijó ◽  
Roberta V L Martins ◽  
Sílvia Socorro ◽  
Luísa Pereira ◽  
Sara Correia
Keyword(s):  
Systematic Review ◽  
Publication Bias ◽  
Meta Analysis ◽  
Endocrine Disrupting Chemicals ◽  
Reproductive Organs ◽  
Male Reproduction ◽  
Mean Differences ◽  
Trim And Fill ◽  
Meta Analyses ◽  
Q Statistic

Abstract Endocrine-disrupting chemicals have become an issue of scientific and public discussion. Vinclozolin (VNZ) is a fungicide that competitively antagonizes the binding of natural androgens to their receptor, disturbing the function of tissues that are sensitive to these hormones, as is the case of the male reproductive organs. A systematic review with meta-analyses of rodent studies was conducted to answer the following question: Does exposure to VNZ affect sperm parameters and testicular/epididymal weight? The methodology was prespecified according to the Cochrane Handbook for Systematic Reviews and PRISMA recommendations. Sixteen articles met the inclusion criteria, comprising a total of 1189 animals. The risk of publication bias was assessed using the Trim and Fill adjustment, funnel plot, and Egger regression test. Heterogeneity and inconsistency across the findings were tested using the Q-statistic and I2 of Higgins, respectively. Sensitivity was also analyzed. Statistical analysis was performed on Comprehensive Meta-Analysis software (Version 2.0), using random models and weighted mean differences along with a 95% confidence interval. Sperm motility, counts, daily sperm production (evidence of publication bias), and epididymis weight were decreased in VNZ-treated animals. Exposure length and dose, as well as the time point of exposure, influenced the obtained results. Despite the moderate/high heterogeneity observed, the sensitivity analysis overall demonstrated the robustness of the findings. The quality scores of the included studies were superior to 4 in a total of 9, then classified as good. The obtained data corroborate the capability of VNZ exposure to disrupt spermatogenic output and compromise male fertility.

scholarly journals Effectiveness of interventions to improve rates of intravenous thrombolysis using behaviour change wheel functions: a systematic review and meta-analysis

2020 ◽  
Vol 15 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Md Golam Hasnain ◽  
John R. Attia ◽  
Shahinoor Akter ◽  
Tabassum Rahman ◽  
Alix Hall ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Systematic Review ◽  
Ischemic Stroke ◽  
Acute Ischemic Stroke ◽  
Publication Bias ◽  
Behaviour Change ◽  
Intravenous Thrombolysis ◽  
Intervention Strategies ◽  
Therapeutic Window ◽  
Behaviour Change Wheel ◽  
Meta Analyses

Abstract Background Despite being one of the few evidence-based treatments for acute ischemic stroke, intravenous thrombolysis has low implementation rates—mainly due to a narrow therapeutic window and the health system changes required to deliver it within the recommended time. This systematic review and meta-analyses explores the differential effectiveness of intervention strategies aimed at improving the rates of intravenous thrombolysis based on the number and type of behaviour change wheel functions employed. Method The following databases were searched: MEDLINE, EMBASE, PsycINFO, CINAHL and SCOPUS. Multiple authors independently completed study selection and extraction of data. The review included studies that investigated the effects of intervention strategies aimed at improving the rates of intravenous thrombolysis and/or onset-to-needle, onset-to-door and door-to-needle time for thrombolysis in patients with acute ischemic stroke. Interventions were coded according to the behaviour change wheel nomenclature. Study quality was assessed using the QualSyst scoring system for quantitative research methodologies. Random effects meta-analyses were used to examine effectiveness of interventions based on the behaviour change wheel model in improving rates of thrombolysis, while meta-regression was used to examine the association between the number of behaviour change wheel intervention strategies and intervention effectiveness. Results Results from 77 studies were included. Five behaviour change wheel interventions, ‘Education’, ‘Persuasion’, ‘Training’, ‘Environmental restructuring’ and ‘Enablement’, were found to be employed among the included studies. Effects were similar across all intervention approaches regardless of type or number of behaviour change wheel-based strategies employed. High heterogeneity (I2 > 75%) was observed for all the pooled analyses. Publication bias was also identified. Conclusion There was no evidence for preferring one type of behaviour change intervention strategy, nor for including multiple strategies in improving thrombolysis rates. However, the study results should be interpreted with caution, as they display high heterogeneity and publication bias.

Systematic Reviews and Meta-analyses

2018 ◽  
Vol 157 (04) ◽  
pp. 392-399
Author(s):  
Sebastian Scheidt ◽  
Patrick Vavken ◽  
Cornelius Jacobs ◽  
Sebastian Koob ◽  
Davide Cucchi ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Systematic Reviews ◽  
Scientific Knowledge ◽  
Literature Search ◽  
Meta Analysis ◽  
Review Article ◽  
Systematic Literature Search ◽  
Meta Analyses

AbstractThe rising number of medical publications makes it difficult to keep up-to-date on scientific knowledge. In recent years, reviews in the form of narrative or systematic publications and meta-analyses have increased. These can only be interpreted and evaluated if the reader understands the techniques used. This review article describes the differences between narrative and systematic reviews, together with the characteristics of meta-analysis, and discusses their interpretation. The concept of systematic reviews and meta-analysis includes a systematic literature search and summary, together with an appraisal of the quality of the publications. Systematic reviews are often considered to be original studies due to their structure and ability to reduce bias.

scholarly journals Concordance and incongruence in preclinical anxiety models: systematic review and meta-analyses

2015 ◽  
Author(s):  
Farhan Mohammad ◽  
Joses Ho ◽  
Jia Hern Woo ◽  
Chun Lei Lim ◽  
Dennis Jun Jie Poon ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Systematic Review ◽  
Publication Bias ◽  
Social Isolation ◽  
Gene Knockout ◽  
Meta Analysis ◽  
Receptor Gene ◽  
List Type ◽  
Clinical Use ◽  
Defense Behavior ◽  
Meta Analyses

AbstractRodent defense behavior assays have been widely used as preclinical models of anxiety to study possibly therapeutic anxiety-reducing interventions. However, some proposed anxiety-modulating factors—genes, drugs and stressors—have had discordant effects across different studies. To reconcile the effect sizes of purported anxiety factors, we conducted systematic review and meta-analyses of the literature on ten anxiety-linked interventions, as examined in the elevated plus maze, open field and light-dark box assays. Diazepam, 5-HT1A receptor gene knockout and overexpression, SERT gene knockout and overexpression, pain, restraint, social isolation, corticotropin-releasing hormone and Crhr1 were selected for review. Eight interventions had statistically significant effects on rodent anxiety, while Htr1a overexpression and Crh knockout did not. Evidence for publication bias was found in the diazepam, Htt knockout, and social isolation literatures. The Htr1a and Crhr1 results indicate a disconnect between preclinical science and clinical research. Furthermore, the meta-analytic data confirmed that genetic SERT anxiety effects were paradoxical in the context of the clinical use of SERT inhibitors to reduce anxiety.HighlightsMeta-analysis shows eight rodent anxiety factors have at least moderate effects.Publication bias affects four of the anxiety interventions.Preclinical rodent anxiety results appear disconnected from clinical efforts.Serotonin transporter gene lesion effects are paradoxical with reuptake inhibitors clinical use.

The Prevalence of Allergic Rhinitis among Iranian Children: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

2020 ◽  
Vol 20 (2) ◽  
pp. 189-197
Author(s):  
Rasoul N. Kalmarzi ◽  
Pedram Ataee ◽  
Asadollah Fathollahpour ◽  
Masoud Behzadifar ◽  
Maryam Moradi ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Systematic Review ◽  
Allergic Rhinitis ◽  
Children And Adolescents ◽  
Publication Bias ◽  
Meta Analysis ◽  
Scientific Information ◽  
Educational Strategies ◽  
Common Chronic Disease ◽  
Iranian Children ◽  
Meta Analyses

Background: The prevalence of allergic rhinitis in the world is 10-15%, and it is currently the most common chronic disease among children. There is no comprehensive statistics about the prevalence of allergic rhinitis among Iranian children, therefore, this systematic review and metaanalysis was conducted to evaluate the prevalence of allergic rhinitis among the Iranian children. Methods: The present study was conducted based on Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) checklist. The data was collected using key words including allergic rhinitis, prevalence, epidemiology, child OR children, pediatrics and Iran, in international databases including PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, Cochrane, Embase, and three national databases including Magiran, Iran Medex, and Scientific Information Databank (SID) till December 2018. The STROBE checklist was used for quality assessment. The data were analyzed using STATA software version 12.1. Results: The prevalence of allergic rhinitis in children and adolescents were 18% (99.7% CI: 10-28% with publication bias of 0.174) and 25% (99.8% CI: 17-33 with publication bias of 0.617) respectively. The prevalence of allergic rhinitis in males was estimated to be 27% (99.4% CI: 17-36) with publication bias of 0.538 and in females was 23% (99.4% CI: 14-31) with publication bias of 0.926. Conclusion: The prevalence of allergic rhinitis is approximately high among Iranian children and adolescents; thus, educational strategies should be considered to decrease the prevalence of this disease in Iran.

Smart Cities and Accessible Tourism

2021 ◽  
pp. 96-114
Author(s):  
Ana Dias ◽  
Gonçalo Santinha ◽  
Mário Rodrigues ◽  
Alexandra Queirós ◽  
Carlos Rodrigues ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Systematic Review ◽  
Systematic Reviews ◽  
Social Inclusion ◽  
Literature Search ◽  
Smart Cities ◽  
Maturity Level ◽  
Sustainable Mobility ◽  
Smart Services ◽  
Territorial Marketing ◽  
Meta Analyses

Promoting accessibility in tourism can impact on other areas, including sustainable mobility, social inclusion, and territorial marketing, since it implies taking the needs of all people into account to access tourism products and services, including those with permanent or temporary disabilities. Smart cities may change the way people experience their surroundings and their ability to provide contextual services is a key aspect to make cities more accessible, comprehensible, and enjoyable. The systematic review reported by the present chapter aimed to identify relevant research studies supported by smart cities infrastructures with an impact on accessible tourism. The literature search and the analysis of the retrieved articles were performed according to the preferred reporting items for systematic reviews and meta-analyses (PRISMA) guidelines. The results identify the most relevant achievements related to accessible tourism in the context of smart cities, including the types of smart services being developed and their maturity level.

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