scholarly journals Efficacy of Compound Kushen Injection in Relieving Cancer-Related Pain: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

2015 ◽  
Vol 2015 ◽  
pp. 1-8 ◽  
Author(s):  
Yu-ming Guo ◽  
Yi-xue Huang ◽  
Hong-hui Shen ◽  
Xiu-xiu Sang ◽  
Xiao Ma ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Meta Analysis ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Treatment Groups ◽  
Total Pain ◽  
Research Level ◽  
Relief Rate ◽  
Compound Kushen Injection ◽  
Adequate Power ◽  
Better Than

Despite widespread popular use of complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) therapies, a rigorous evidence based on the efficacy of compound kushen injection (CKI) for cancer-related pain is lacking. In this study, we evaluated the efficacy and safety of compound kushen injection and provided information for current or future research and clinical application. Sixteen trials were identified with a total of 1564 patients. The total pain relief rate of CKI plus chemotherapy is better than chemotherapy except for colorectal cancer. The treatment groups achieved a reduction in the incidences of leukopenia and gastrointestinal, hepatic, and renal functional lesion. However, there is paucity of multi-institutional RCTs evaluating compound kushen injection for cancer pain with adequate power, duration, and sham control. The quantity and quality of RCTs are lower so that we still have to boost the research level through scientific design and normative report.

scholarly journals Does Big4 Audit Improve the Quality of Corporate Information, An Empirical Analysis Based on PSM

2021 ◽  
Vol 8 (9) ◽  
pp. 76-78
Author(s):  
Hanxu Zhao ◽  
Keyword(s):  
Information Quality ◽  
Accounting Information ◽  
Statistical Relationship ◽  
Accounting Firms ◽  
Treatment Groups ◽  
Empirical Argument ◽  
Big Four ◽  
Corporate Information ◽  
Better Than

Based on the PSM (Propensity Score Matching) approach, this paper presents a rigorous empirical argument to illustrate the statistical relationship between the audit background of the Big Four accounting firms and the quality of corporate accounting information, using a sample of all listed companies in Shanghai and Shenzhen A-shares from 2011 to 2020. This paper finds that after selecting the control and treatment groups under the PSM approach and solving the model endogeneity problem, the information quality of companies with the audit background of the Big Four accounting firms is significantly better than that of companies audited by ordinary accounting firms.

scholarly journals Microplastic contamination of salt intended for human consumption: a systematic review and meta-analysis

2020 ◽  
Vol 2 (12) ◽  
Author(s):  
Evangelos Danopoulos ◽  
Lauren Jenner ◽  
Maureen Twiddy ◽  
Jeanette M. Rotchell
Keyword(s):  
Systematic Review ◽  
Assessment Tool ◽  
Meta Analysis ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Human Consumption ◽  
Inclusion Criteria ◽  
Research Findings ◽  
Human Health Effects ◽  
Potential Human Health

Abstract Microplastics (MPs) are an emerging contaminant ubiquitous in the environment. There is growing concern regarding potential human health effects, a major human exposure route being dietary uptake. We have undertaken a systematic review (SR) and meta-analysis to identify all relevant research on MP contamination of salt intended for human consumption. Three thousand nine hundred and nineteen papers were identified, with ten fitting the inclusion criteria. A search of the databases MEDLINE, EMBASE and Web of Science, from launch date to September 2020, was conducted. MP contamination of salt varied significantly between four origins, sea salt 0–1674 MPs/kg, lake salt 8–462 MPs/kg, rock and well salt 0–204 MPs/kg. The majority of samples were found to be contaminated by MPs. Corresponding potential human exposures are estimated to be 0–6110 MPs per year (for all origins), confirming salt as a carrier of MPs. A bespoke risk of bias (RoB) assessment tool was used to appraise the quality of the studies, with studies demonstrating moderate to low RoB. These results suggest that a series of recurring issues need to be addressed in future research regarding sampling, analysis and reporting to improve confidence in research findings.

The Effects of Tier 2 Mathematics Interventions for Students With Mathematics Difficulties: A Meta-Analysis

2020 ◽  
pp. 001440292096918
Author(s):  
Asha K. Jitendra ◽  
Ahmed Alghamdi ◽  
Rebecca Edmunds ◽  
Nicole M. McKevett ◽  
John Mouanoutoua ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Variance Estimation ◽  
Meta Analysis ◽  
Experimental Studies ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Tier 2 ◽  
Mathematics Interventions ◽  
Treatment Groups ◽  
Tier 2 Interventions ◽  
Mathematics Difficulties ◽  
Quasi Experimental

This meta-analysis examined the effectiveness of supplemental Tier-2 mathematics interventions for students with mathematics difficulties (MD). We reviewed 39 experimental and quasi-experimental studies that included 40 independent samples, with 61 treatment groups. Utilizing robust variance estimation (RVE), results revealed a treatment effect of 0.41. Mixed-effects meta-regression analyses revealed that Tier-2 interventions were moderated by intervention model type, group size, and type of measure. We present recommendations for future research and implementation of mathematics practices.

scholarly journals Anxiety and new onset of cardiovascular disease: critical review and meta-analysis

2016 ◽  
Vol 208 (3) ◽  
pp. 223-231 ◽  
Author(s):  
Neeltje M. Batelaan ◽  
Adrie Seldenrijk ◽  
Mariska Bot ◽  
Anton J. L. M. van Balkom ◽  
Brenda W. J. H. Penninx
Keyword(s):  
Cardiovascular Disease ◽  
Meta Analysis ◽  
Population Based ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Cvd Prevention ◽  
Traditional Risk Factors ◽  
Independent Association ◽  
New Onset

BackgroundAnxiety has been associated with new-onset cardiovascular disease (CVD), but the quality of this relationship is unclear. Only if anxiety is a causal, independent cardiovascular risk factor might it be a target for CVD prevention.AimsTo determine and examine the independent association and causality between anxiety and incident CVD.MethodPubMed, EMBASE and PsycINFO databases were searched up to October 2013. A review of Hill's criteria for causality and random effects meta-analysis were conducted of prospective, population-based studies examining anxiety and incident CVD in people free from CVD at baseline.ResultsThe meta-analysis comprised 37 papers (n= 1 565 699). The follow-up ranged from 1 to 24 years. Anxiety was associated with a 52% increased incidence of CVD (hazard ratio = 1.52, 95% CI 1.36–1.71). The risk seemed independent of traditional risk factors and depression. The evaluation of Hill's criteria largely argued in favour of causality.ConclusionsAnxiety may be of interest for CVD prevention. Future research should examine biological and behavioural underpinnings of the association in order to identify targets for intervention.

Factors Influencing Consumer Behaviour towards Store Brand: A Meta-Analysis

2012 ◽  
Vol 54 (3) ◽  
pp. 407-430 ◽  
Author(s):  
Xiaojun Fan ◽  
Yi Qian ◽  
Pei Huang
Keyword(s):  
Consumer Behaviour ◽  
Brand Management ◽  
Meta Analysis ◽  
Product Category ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Store Brand ◽  
Store Brands ◽  
Related Factors ◽  
Price Consciousness

In order to improve the effectiveness of store brand management, this study presents a meta-analysis that aggregates empirical findings from the literature on consumer behaviour towards store brands. First, the study provides a quantitative summary of bivariate findings regarding the way consumer-related factors influence store brand success. Second, the authors analyse the moderating effect of market context, product category and data type on store brand success. The resulting analysis suggest that price consciousness, quality consciousness, familiarity with store brands and perceived quality of store brands are the four most important factors that significantly influence consumer behaviour towards store brands. Market context and product category also exert significant moderating effects on the influence of some factors on consumer behaviour towards store brands. On the basis of these findings, this study concludes with a discussion of practical implications and possible directions for future research.

scholarly journals Quality of Research Design Moderates Effects of Grade Retention on Achievement: A Meta-Analytic, Multilevel Analysis

2009 ◽  
Vol 31 (4) ◽  
pp. 480-499 ◽  
Author(s):  
Chiharu S. Allen ◽  
Qi Chen ◽  
Victor L. Willson ◽  
Jan N. Hughes
Keyword(s):  
Grade Retention ◽  
Negative Impact ◽  
Meta Analysis ◽  
Median Number ◽  
Effect Sizes ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Negative Effects ◽  
Design Quality ◽  
Individual Level

The present meta-analysis examines the effect of grade retention on academic outcomes and investigates systemic sources of variability in effect sizes. Using multilevel modeling (MLM), the authors investigate characteristics of 207 effect sizes across 22 studies published between 1990 and 2007 at two levels: the study (between) and individual (within) levels. Design quality is a study-level variable. Individual-level variables are median grade retained and median number of years postretention. Quality of design is associated with less negative effects. Years postretention is negatively associated with retention effects, and this effect is stronger for studies using grade comparisons versus age comparisons. The results challenge the widely held view that retention has a negative impact on achievement. Suggestions for future research are discussed.

Home telemonitoring for congestive heart failure: a systematic review and meta-analysis

2009 ◽  
Vol 16 (2) ◽  
pp. 68-76 ◽  
Author(s):  
Julie Polisena ◽  
Khai Tran ◽  
Karen Cimon ◽  
Brian Hutton ◽  
Sarah McGill ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Heart Failure ◽  
Systematic Review ◽  
Congestive Heart Failure ◽  
Usual Care ◽  
Meta Analysis ◽  
Clinical Effectiveness ◽  
Home Telemonitoring ◽  
Home Telehealth ◽  
Better Than

We conducted a systematic review of the literature about home telemonitoring compared with usual care. An electronic literature search was conducted to identify studies of home telemonitoring use in congestive heart failure (CHF) patients. Twenty-one original studies on home telemonitoring for patients with CHF were included (3082 patients). A random effects model was used to compute treatment efficacy to measure the average effect of the intervention across all studies where the quantitative pooling of results was appropriate. Home telemonitoring reduced mortality (risk ratio = 0.64; 95% CI: 0.48–0.85) compared with usual care. Several studies suggested that home telemonitoring also helped to lower the number of hospitalizations and the use of other health services. Patient quality of life and satisfaction with home telemonitoring were similar or better than with usual care. More studies of higher methodological quality are required to give more precise information about the potential clinical effectiveness of home telehealth interventions.

scholarly journals The Effectiveness of Acupuncture for Dysphagia after Stroke: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

2021 ◽  
Vol 2021 ◽  
pp. 1-18
Author(s):  
Lida Zhong ◽  
Jing Wang ◽  
Fang Li ◽  
Xiao Bao ◽  
Huiyu Liu ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Systematic Review ◽  
Rating Scale ◽  
Meta Analysis ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Test Results ◽  
Evaluation Standards ◽  
Bias Risk ◽  
Swallowing Assessment ◽  
Better Than

Objectives. This study reviewed and evaluated existing evidence of the efficacy of acupuncture as a clinical treatment for dysphagia after stroke. Methods. Five English and four Chinese databases were searched from inception to March 2020. All randomized controlled trials (RCTs) incorporating acupuncture or acupuncture combined with other interventions for the treatment of dysphagia after stroke were enrolled. All data were independently assessed and extracted by two authors. The bias risk assessment recommended by the Cochrane Collaboration's tool was used to assess the quality of the selected studies. This meta-analysis was conducted by using RevMan 5.3. Pooled analyses were calculated by the mean difference (MD) and 95% confidence interval (CI). Heterogeneity was assessed by the I2 test. Results. Thirty-five studies involving 3024 patients were analyzed. The meta-analysis showed that the therapeutic efficacy of acupuncture combined with other interventions was better than that of the control group for the standardized swallowing assessment (SSA) score (MD = −3.78, 95% CI: −4.64 to −2.91, P < 0.00001 ), Ichiro Fujishima rating scale (IFRS) score (MD = 1.68, 95% CI: 1.16 to 2.20, P < 0.00001 ), videofluoroscopic swallowing study (VFSS) score (MD = 2.26, 95% CI: 1.77 to 2.74, P < 0.00001 ), and water swallowing test (WST) score (MD = −1.21, 95% CI: −1.85 to −0.57, P =   0.0002 ). In studies reporting adverse effects, no serious outcome from an adverse event was confirmed. Conclusion. This systematic review indicated that acupuncture could be an effective therapy for treating dysphagia after stroke although stricter evaluation standards and rigorously designed RCTs are needed.

scholarly journals Hospital Location Selection: A Systematic Literature Review on Methodologies and Applications

2021 ◽  
Vol 2021 ◽  
pp. 1-14
Author(s):  
Muhammet Gul ◽  
Ali Fuat Guneri
Keyword(s):  
Literature Review ◽  
Systematic Literature Review ◽  
Selection Criteria ◽  
Meta Analysis ◽  
Multicriteria Decision Making ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Location Selection ◽  
Research Questions ◽  
Creative Studies

The increased focus of people on the quality of health care in recent years has led hospital owners to develop strategies and policies to improve medical services through the establishment of new hospitals. For hospitals to be competitive, the hospitalʼs location and proximity to potential patients are considered crucial factors in establishing new hospitals. In this context, evaluating and selecting the most suitable hospital location to establish a new hospital from the multicriteria decision-making (MCDM) perspective is a priority for the entrepreneurs or government to gain a competitive advantage. Therefore, this study aims to present a systematic literature review of the hospital location selection problem considering the applied methods and application areas. The preferred reporting items for systematic review and meta-analysis statement (PRISMA) are used as a reference framework. Initially, known electronic databases (Web of science, IEEEXplore, Scopus, Science direct, and Google Scholar) were searched up to the early 2021. A number of 47 articles are selected and analyzed under this systematic framework based on inclusion-exclusion points. State-of-the-art developments in adopting MCDM methods and their fuzzy extensions are summarized. All the articles have been examined in a systematic taxonomy to find answers to six research questions (trend, country of origin, outlet journal, MCDM methods used, MCDM environment and criteria type, and decision criteria used). Results show that (1) AHP and GIS-based MCDM models are the most contributing approaches to the solution of this problem, (2) location selection criteria are mostly cost, demand, environment, population, government, competition in the market, and distance to some important places, (3) the fuzzy structure is also preferred in addition to the MCDM structure depending on the crisp data type, and (4) the location selection criteria are mostly considered subjective. We pay attention to promising directions that can dominate future research in this field from a methodological or applicability perspective. This study shows the current views and opportunities for researchers and practitioners and acts as a guide to encourage more creative studies in this field.

scholarly journals Microbial food safety in Ghana: a meta-analysis

2012 ◽  
Vol 6 (12) ◽  
pp. 828-835 ◽  
Author(s):  
Courage Kosi Setsoafia Saba ◽  
Bruno Gonzalez-Zorn
Keyword(s):  
Food Safety ◽  
Meta Analysis ◽  
Food Contamination ◽  
Food Samples ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Fermented Foods ◽  
Food Research ◽  
Food Borne ◽  
Contaminated Food

Introduction: Food safety is a crucial factor in the growth of developing countries worldwide. In this study, we present a meta-analysis of microbiological food safety publications from Ghana. Methodology: The search words “Ghana food safety”, “Ghana food research”, and “Ghana food bacteria” were used to search for microbiological food safety publications with related abstracts or titles in PubMed, published between 1997 and 2009. We obtained 183 research articles, from which we excluded articles concerning ready-to-eat microbial fermented foods and waterborne microorganisms as well as articles without abstracts. The criteria used for analysis of these publications were based on an assessment of methodological soundness previously developed for use in the medical field, with some modifications incorporated. Results: The most predominant bacteria in Ghanain foods are Enterobacter spp., Citrobacter spp., Klebsiella spp. and Escherichia spp., which were found to be present in 65%, 50%, 46% and 38% respectively, of the food samples considered in the studies analysed. The most contaminated food samples were macaroni, salad, and milk. Although the methodological quality of the articles was generally sound, most of them did not give directions for future research. Several did not state possible reasons for differences between studies. Conclusion: The microbiological food contamination in Ghana is alarming. However, we found that the downward trend in publications of microbial food safety articles is appalling. Hence a concerted effort in research on food safety is needed in Ghana to help curb the incidence of preventable food-borne disease.

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