Does subitizing require attention? A systematic review and meta-analysis

2019 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jian Saturn Chen
Keyword(s):  
Systematic Review ◽  
Publication Bias ◽  
Numerical Cognition ◽  
Meta Analysis ◽  
Weber Fraction ◽  
Real Effects ◽  
Subitizing Range ◽  
Unpublished Studies ◽  
Meta Analyses ◽  
Time Accuracy

Whether enumeration of small number of objects requires attention remains controversial. Although most recent studies argue for a role of attention in subitizing, these studies include varied stimuli and different methods of manipulating attention. It is unclear if the observed attention effects in different studies are real effects. It is also unclear whether there is publication bias in these studies. To answer this question, a systematic review and meta-analysis was performed to evaluate the attention effects on enumeration of small numbers. A total of 14 studies (22 experiments, 35 comparisons) were included in a meta-analysis to compare the attention effects on subitizing. Results from the meta-analysis suggest that a manipulation of attention can evidently modulate the behavioural performance in the subitizing range (response time, accuracy and Weber fraction). These findings were consistently observed in various experimental designs and different stimuli (p < .010; p < .001; p < .001; respectively), suggesting attention does play a role in subitizing. A new model was proposed to explain the mechanism of subitizing and enumeration. Findings in this study may contribute to the understanding of “number module” in brain and contribute to models of numerical cognition in education. However, a publication bias was observed in this study, suggesting the observed effects might not be very accurate. To better estimate the effect of attention manipulations in the subitizing range, studies with larger samples, or future meta-analyses including unpublished outcomes and unpublished studies may be required.

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.

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 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.

scholarly journals Comorbidities, clinical signs and symptoms, laboratory findings, imaging features, treatment strategies, and outcomes in adult and pediatric patients with COVID-19: A systematic review and meta-analysis

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Catherine Ruth Jutzeler ◽  
Lucie Bourguignon ◽  
Caroline V. Weis ◽  
Bobo Tong ◽  
Cyrus Wong ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Risk Factors ◽  
Systematic Review ◽  
Publication Bias ◽  
Meta Analysis ◽  
Clinical Signs ◽  
Signs And Symptoms ◽  
Imaging Features ◽  
Laboratory Findings ◽  
Clinical Signs And Symptoms ◽  
Meta Analyses

Introduction Since December 2019, a novel coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2) has triggered a world-wide pandemic with an enormous medical, societal, and economic toll. Thus, our aim was to gather all available information regarding comorbidities, clinical signs and symptoms, outcomes, laboratory findings, imaging features, and treatments in patients with coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). Methods EMBASE, PubMed/ Medline, Scopus, and Web of Science were searched for studies published in any language between December 1st, 2019 and March 28th. Original studies were included if the exposure of interest was an infection with SARS-CoV-2 or confirmed COVID-19. The primary outcome was the risk ratio of comorbidities, clinical signs and symptoms, imaging features, treatments, outcomes, and complications associated with COVID-19 morbidity and mortality. We performed random-effects pairwise meta-analyses for proportions and relative risks, I2, Tau2, and Cochrane Q, sensitivity analyses, and assessed publication bias. Results: 148 met the inclusion criteria for the systematic review and meta-analysis with 12149 patients (5739 female) and a median age was 47.0 [35.0-64.6]. 617 patients died from COVID-19 and its complication, while 297 patients were reported as asymptomatic. Older age (SMD: 1.25 [0.78- 1.72]; p < 0.001), being male (RR = 1.32 [1.13-1.54], p = 0.005) and pre-existing comorbidity (RR = 1.69 [1.48-1.94]; p < 0.001) were identified as risk factors of in-hospital mortality. The heterogeneity between studies varied substantially (I2; range: 1.5-98.2%). Publication bias was only found in eight studies (Eggers test: p < 0.05). Conclusions: Our meta-analyses revealed important risk factors that are associated with severity and mortality of COVID-19.

scholarly journals Elasticity of alcohol consumption, alcohol-related harms, and drinking initiation in low- and middle-income countries: A systematic review and meta-analysis

2013 ◽  
Vol 2 (1) ◽  
pp. 45-58 ◽  
Author(s):  
Bundit Sornpaisarn ◽  
Kevin Shield ◽  
Joanna Cohen ◽  
Robert Schwartz ◽  
Jürgen Rehm
Keyword(s):  
Systematic Review ◽  
Alcohol Consumption ◽  
Publication Bias ◽  
Meta Analysis ◽  
World Health ◽  
Middle Income ◽  
Middle Income Countries ◽  
Meta Analyses ◽  
Alcohol Price ◽  
Low And Middle Income

Sornpaisarn, B., Shield, K. Cohen, J., Schwartz, R. & Rehm, J. (2013). Elasticity of alcohol consumption, alcohol-related harms, and drinking initiation in low- and middle-income countries: A systematic review and meta-analysis. International Journal of Alcohol and Drug Research, 2(1), 45-58.  doi: 10.7895/ijadr.v2i1.50 (http://dx.doi.org/10.7895/ijadr.v2i1.50)Aim: To systematically review research outlining the effects of price and taxation on alcohol consumption, alcohol-related harms, and drinking initiation in low- and middle-income countries (LMIC).Design: The systematic review and meta-analyses were conducted according to internationally standardized protocols (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis; PRISMA). Data were collected up to June 2011 by searching the peer-reviewed article databases MEDLINE, EMBASE, PsycINFO, and EconLit, along with the World Health Organization’s gray literature Database of Abstracts of Reviews of Effects, and by reference tracking. The meta-analyses were performed using random effects analysis, tests for publication bias, and sensitivity analyses.Measures: Any type of association between alcohol price and/or taxation and alcohol consumption, alcohol-related harms, and alcohol drinking initiation in LMIC.Findings: Our systematic search disclosed 12 studies that outlined an association between alcohol price or taxation and alcohol consumption in LMIC, while no articles were found that outlined a relationship between taxation and/or price and alcohol-related harms or drinking initiation in LMIC. The elasticity estimates were –0.64 (95% CI: –0.80 to –0.48) for total consumption of alcohol, –0.50 (95% CI: –0.78 to –0.21) for consumption of beer, and –0.79 (95% CI: –1.09 to –0.49) for consumption of other alcoholic beverages. Publication bias did not significantly affect the estimated elasticities.Conclusion: Price elasticity of demand for alcohol in LMIC is similar to that found in high-income countries. There is an imperative need for research on the association between alcohol price or taxation and alcohol-related harms and drinking initiation in LMIC.

scholarly journals Interventions to Reduce the Risk of Cardiovascular Disease among Workers: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

2020 ◽  
Vol 17 (7) ◽  
pp. 2267 ◽  
Author(s):  
Won Ju Hwang ◽  
Soo Jin Kang
Keyword(s):  
Systematic Review ◽  
Blood Pressure ◽  
Cardiovascular Disease ◽  
Publication Bias ◽  
Disease Risk ◽  
Meta Analysis ◽  
Cardiovascular Disease Risk ◽  
Random Effect ◽  
Controlled Trials ◽  
Meta Analyses

This study examined the effect of lifestyle interventions on cardiovascular disease risk factors among workers. The study comprised a systematic review and meta-analysis of controlled trials. Relevant controlled trials were searched, with selections based on the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines. Risk of bias was assessed using the Scottish Intercollegiate Guidelines Network (SIGN). Of 1174 identified publications, one low-quality study was excluded. Finally, 10 were analyzed. The effect sizes were analyzed for heterogeneity, and random effect models (Hedge’s g) were used. A subgroup analysis was performed on the follow-up point of intervention (≤ 12 months vs. > 12 months). Publication bias was also analyzed. Interventions were effective for systolic (g = 0.66, 95% CI: 0.27-1.60) and diastolic blood pressure (g = 0.63, 95% CI: 0.21–1.06), and BMI (g = 0.71, 95% CI: 0.15-1.11). Interventions were ineffective for weight (g = 0.18, 95% CI: −0.04, 0.40) and LDL-cholesterol (g = 0.46, 95% CI: −0.02, 0.93). There was high heterogeneity between studies (I2 =78.45 to I2 = 94.61). There was no statistically significant publication bias, except for systolic blood pressure. Interventions to reduce risk of cardiovascular disease risk might be effective in improving physical outcomes, but additional high-quality trials are needed in the future.

Identification of and Correction for Publication Bias: Comment

2019 ◽  
Author(s):  
Amanda Kvarven ◽  
Eirik Strømland ◽  
Magnus Johannesson
Keyword(s):  
Publication Bias ◽  
False Positive ◽  
Large Scale ◽  
Meta Analysis ◽  
False Positive Rate ◽  
Effect Sizes ◽  
Replication Studies ◽  
Moderate Reduction ◽  
Positive Rate ◽  
Meta Analyses

Andrews &amp; Kasy (2019) propose an approach for adjusting effect sizes in meta-analysis for publication bias. We use the Andrews-Kasy estimator to adjust the result of 15 meta-analyses and compare the adjusted results to 15 large-scale multiple labs replication studies estimating the same effects. The pre-registered replications provide precisely estimated effect sizes, which do not suffer from publication bias. The Andrews-Kasy approach leads to a moderate reduction of the inflated effect sizes in the meta-analyses. However, the approach still overestimates effect sizes by a factor of about two or more and has an estimated false positive rate of between 57% and 100%.

scholarly journals Impact of Chemotherapy in the Adjuvant Setting of Early Stage Uterine Leiomyosarcoma: A Systematic Review and Updated Meta-Analysis

Cancers ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 12 (7) ◽  
pp. 1899
Author(s):  
Alessandro Rizzo ◽  
Margherita Nannini ◽  
Annalisa Astolfi ◽  
Valentina Indio ◽  
Pierandrea De Iaco ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Systematic Review ◽  
Recurrence Rate ◽  
Locoregional Recurrence ◽  
Early Stage ◽  
Meta Analysis ◽  
Distant Recurrence ◽  
Uterine Leiomyosarcoma ◽  
Primary Surgery ◽  
Locoregional Recurrence Rate ◽  
Meta Analyses

Background: Although the use of adjuvant chemotherapy (AC) appears to be increasing over the past few years, several clinical trials and previous meta-analyses failed to determine whether AC could improve clinical outcomes in uterine leiomyosarcoma (uLMS). The aim of this systematic review and meta-analysis was to compare AC (with or without radiotherapy) versus observation (obs) after primary surgery in early stage uLMS. Materials and Methods: Randomized controlled (RCTs) and non-randomized studies (NRSs) were retrieved. Outcomes of interest were as follows: distant recurrence rate, locoregional recurrence rate and overall recurrence rate. Results about distant recurrence rate, locoregional recurrence rate and overall recurrence rate were compared by calculating odds ratios (ORs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs); ORs were combined with Mantel–Haenszel method. Results: Nine studies were included in the analysis, involving 545 patients (AC: 252, obs: 293). Compared with obs, AC did not reduce locoregional and distant recurrence rate, with a pooled OR of 1.36 and 0.63, respectively. Similarly, administration of AC did not decrease overall recurrence rate in comparison to obs. Conclusion: According to our results, AC (with or without radiotherapy) did not decrease recurrence rate in early stage uLMS; thus, the role of AC in this setting remains unclear.

scholarly journals Systematic Review: Allogenic Use of Stromal Vascular Fraction (SVF) and Decellularized Extracellular Matrices (ECM) as Advanced Therapy Medicinal Products (ATMP) in Tissue Regeneration

2020 ◽  
Vol 21 (14) ◽  
pp. 4982 ◽  
Author(s):  
Pietro Gentile ◽  
Aris Sterodimas ◽  
Jacopo Pizzicannella ◽  
Laura Dionisi ◽  
Domenico De Fazio ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Systematic Review ◽  
Meta Analysis ◽  
Stromal Vascular Fraction ◽  
Lateral Epicondylitis ◽  
Medicinal Products ◽  
Advanced Therapy Medicinal Products ◽  
Advanced Therapy ◽  
Meta Analyses ◽  
Clinical Experiments

Stromal vascular fraction (SVF) containing adipose stem cells (ASCs) has been used for many years in regenerative plastic surgery for autologous applications, without any focus on their potential allogenic role. Allogenic SVF transplants could be based on the possibility to use decellularized extracellular matrix (ECM) as a scaffold from a donor then re-cellularized by ASCs of the recipient, in order to develop the advanced therapy medicinal products (ATMP) in fully personalized clinical approaches. A systematic review of this field has been realized in accordance with the Preferred Reporting for Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses-Protocols (PRISMA-P) guidelines. Multistep research of the PubMed, Embase, MEDLINE, Pre-MEDLINE, PsycINFO, CINAHL, Clinicaltrials.gov, Scopus database, and Cochrane databases has been conducted to identify articles and investigations on human allogenic ASCs transplant for clinical use. Of the 341 articles identified, 313 were initially assessed for eligibility on the basis of the abstract. Of these, only 29 met all the predetermined criteria for inclusion according to the PICOS (patients, intervention, comparator, outcomes, and study design) approach, and 19 have been included in quantitative synthesis (meta-analysis). Ninety-one percent of the studies previously screened (284 papers) were focused on the in vitro results and pre-clinical experiments. The allogenic use regarded the treatment of perianal fistulas, diabetic foot ulcers, knee osteoarthritis, acute respiratory distress syndrome, refractory rheumatoid arthritis, pediatrics disease, fecal incontinence, ischemic heart disease, autoimmune encephalomyelitis, lateral epicondylitis, and soft tissue defects. The information analyzed suggested the safety and efficacy of allogenic ASCs and ECM transplants without major side effects.

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