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Data from: One-shot dilation versus serial dilation technique for access in percutaneous nephrolithotomy: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Objective: The purpose of this study was to systematically review the outcomes of the use of one-shot dilation (OSD) and serial tract dilation for percutaneous nephrolithotomy (PCNL). Methods: A systematic review and meta-analysis was conducted. The randomized controlled trials (RCTs) included in the study were identified from EMBASE, MEDLINE, and the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials. The last search was performed on April 30, 2018. Summary effects were calculated as risk ratios (RRs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) or mean differences (MDs) with 95% CIs. The endpoints included access time, fluoroscopy time, successful dilation rate, stone-free rate, postoperative decrease in hemoglobin levels, transfusion rate, complication rate, and length of postoperative hospital stay. Results: A total of 7 RCTs were included in the study, with clinical data reported for 697 patients. The overall access time was approximately 110 seconds shorter in the OSD group than in the serial dilation group (MD, -110.14; 95% CI, -161.99 to -58.30; P<0.0001). The fluoroscopy time was shorter with OSD in all RCTs. In addition, the decrease in postoperative hemoglobin levels was approximately 0.23 g/dl less in patients in the OSD group than in those in the serial dilation group (MD, -0.23; 95% CI, -0.39 to -0.07; P=0.004). No relationship was found between the successful dilation rate, stone-free rate, transfusion rate, or complication rate and the method of tract dilation. Conclusion: OSD is a safe and efficacious tract dilation technique that can reduce the access time, fluoroscopy time, and postoperative decrease in hemoglobin level. No difference was found in the successful dilation rate, stone-free rate, transfusion rate, or rate of complications between the OSD and serial dilation groups. The difference in the length of postoperative hospital stay was uncertain. OSD may be a better method of tract creation for PCNL.
Data from: Are extra-pair males different from cuckolded males? An empirical and meta-analytic examination
Traditional models for female extra-pair matings assume that females benefit indirectly from extra-pair mating behaviour. Under these so-called adaptive models, extra-pair males are hypothesized to have more compatible genotypes, larger body size, exaggerated ornaments or to be older than cuckolded males. Alternatively, ('nonadaptive') models that consider female extra-pair matings to be a by-product posit that female extra-pair mating can be maintained even if there is no benefit to females. This could happen if, for example, males gained fitness benefits from extra-pair mating, while female and male extra-pair mating behaviours were genetically correlated. Extra-pair males are also expected to be older and larger if this improves their ability to convince or coerce females to mate. We investigated whether a female's extra-pair mates differed from her cuckolded mate in both genetic and phenotypic traits by analysing data from an insular house sparrow population. We found that extra-pair males were older than cuckolded males, consistent with both models. However, in contrast to the expectations from from adaptive models, extra-pair and cuckolded males were of similar genetic relatedness, and hence expected compatibility, with the female, and had comparable body size and secondary sexual traits. We also updated previous meta-analyses examining differences between extra-pair and cuckolded males. The meta-analytic results matched results from our house sparrow case study. Although we cannot completely exclude indirect benefits for females, nonadaptive models may better explain female extra-pair matings. These neglected alternative models deserve more research attention, and this should improve our understanding of the evolution of mating systems.
Data from: On the link between functional traits and growth rate: meta-analysis shows effects change with plant size, as predicted
A plant's growth rate is seen as a central element of its ecological strategy, and as determined by its traits.Yet the literature is inconsistent about the empirical correlation between functional traits and growth, casting doubt on the capacity of some prominent traits to influence growth rate. We propose that traits should influence growth in a way that depends on the size of individual plants. We outline mechanisms and hypotheses based on new theoretical work, and test these predictions in tree species using a meta-analysis of 103 studies (> 500 correlations) for five traits (specific leaf area, wood density, maximum height, seed mass and maximum assimilation rate).We also recorded data for 14 other traits commonly used in the trait literature.To capture the effects of plant size, we tested for a shift in the direction of correlation between growth rates and each trait across three ontogenetic stages: seedling,sapling and adult. Results were consistent with predictions, although there were some limitations arising from unequal numbers of observation across ontogenetic stages.Specific leaf area was correlated with relative growth rate in seedlings but not in adult plants.Correlations of growth with wood density were not affected by ontogenetic stage. Seed mass, assimilation rate and maximum height were correlated with relative growth rate only in one ontogenetic stage category: seedlings,seedlings and adults,respectively. Although we were able to confirm several of our theoretical predictions,major knowledge gaps still exist in the trait literature.For example,for one third of the traits considered,the majority (> 75%) of reported correlations with growth came from the same ontogenetic stage. Synthesis: We show for some traits, how trait-growth correlations change in a predictable way with plant size.Our understanding of plant strategies should shift away from describing species as having a fixed growth strategy throughout their life (on a continuous axis from slow to fast growth), in favour of a size-dependent growth trajectories.
Data from: Placebo effects in trials evaluating 12 selected minimally invasive interventions: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Objectives: To analyse the impact of placebo effects on outcome in trials of selected minimally invasive procedures and to assess reported adverse events in both trial arms. Design: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Data sources and study selection: We searched MEDLINE and Cochrane library to identify systematic reviews of musculoskeletal, neurological and cardiac conditions published between January 2009 and January 2014 comparing selected minimally invasive with placebo (sham) procedures. We searched MEDLINE for additional randomised controlled trials published between January 2000 and January 2014. Data synthesis: Effect sizes (ES) in the active and placebo arms in the trials' primary and pooled secondary end points were calculated. Linear regression was used to analyse the association between end points in the active and sham groups. Reported adverse events in both trial arms were registered. Results: We included 21 trials involving 2519 adult participants. For primary end points, there was a large clinical effect (ES≥0.8) after active treatment in 12 trials and after sham procedures in 11 trials. For secondary end points, 7 and 5 trials showed a large clinical effect. Three trials showed a moderate difference in ES between active treatment and sham on primary end points (ES ≥0.5) but no trials reported a large difference. No trials showed large or moderate differences in ES on pooled secondary end points. Regression analysis of end points in active treatment and sham arms estimated an R2 of 0.78 for primary and 0.84 for secondary end points. Adverse events after sham were in most cases minor and of short duration. Conclusions: The generally small differences in ES between active treatment and sham suggest that non-specific mechanisms, including placebo, are major predictors of the observed effects. Adverse events related to sham procedures were mainly minor and short-lived. Ethical arguments frequently raised against sham-controlled trials were generally not substantiated.
Data from: Are heritability and selection related to population size in nature? Meta-analysis and conservation implications
It is widely thought that small populations should have less additive genetic variance and respond less efficiently to natural selection than large populations. Across taxa, we meta-analytically quantified the relationship between adult census population size (N) and additive genetic variance (proxy: h2) and found no reduction in h2 with decreasing N; surveyed populations ranged from four to one million individuals (1735 h2estimates, 146 populations, 83 species). In terms of adaptation, ecological conditions may systematically differ between populations of varying N; the magnitude of selection these populations experience may therefore also differ. We thus also meta-analytically tested whether selection changes with N, and found little evidence for systematic differences in the strength, direction, or form of selection with N across different trait types and taxa (7344 selection estimates, 172 populations, 80 species). Collectively, our results (i) indirectly suggest that genetic drift neither overwhelms selection more in small than in large natural populations, nor weakens adaptive potential/h2 in small populations, and (ii) imply that natural populations of varying sizes experience a variety of environmental conditions, without consistently differing habitat quality at small N. However, we caution that the data are currently insufficient to determine whether some small populations may retain adaptive potential definitively. Further study is required into (i) selection and genetic variation in completely isolated populations of known N, underrepresented taxonomic groups, and non-generalist species, (ii) adaptive potential using multidimensional approaches, and (iii) the nature of selective pressures for specific traits.
Data from: Impact of temperature and nutrients on carbon: nutrient tissue stoichiometry of submerged aquatic plants: an experiment and meta-analysis
Human activity is currently changing our environment rapidly, with predicted temperature increases of 1–5°C over the coming century and increased nitrogen and phosphorus inputs in aquatic ecosystems. In the shallow parts of these ecosystems, submerged aquatic plants enhance water clarity by resource competition with phytoplankton, provide habitat, and serve as a food source for other organisms. The carbon:nutrient stoichiometry of submerged aquatic plants can be affected by changes in both temperature and nutrient availability. We hypothesized that elevated temperature leads to higher carbon:nutrient ratios through enhanced nutrient-use efficiency, while nutrient addition leads to lower carbon:nutrient ratios by the luxurious uptake of nutrients. We addressed these hypotheses with an experimental and a meta-analytical approach. We performed a full-factorial microcosm experiment with the freshwater plant Elodea nuttallii grown at 10, 15, 20, and 25°C on sediment consisting of pond soil/sand mixtures with 100, 50, 25, and 12.5% pond soil. To address the effect of climatic warming and nutrient addition on the carbon:nutrient stoichiometry of submerged freshwater and marine plants we performed a meta-analysis on experimental studies that elevated temperature and/or added nutrients (nitrogen and phosphorus). In the microcosm experiment, C:N ratios of Elodea nuttallii decreased with increasing temperature, and this effect was most pronounced at intermediate nutrient availability. Furthermore, higher nutrient availability led to decreased aboveground C:P ratios. In the meta-analysis, nutrient addition led to a 25, 22, and 16% reduction in aboveground C:N and C:P ratios and belowground C:N ratios, accompanied with increased N content. No consistent effect of elevated temperature on plant stoichiometry could be observed, as very few studies were found on this topic and contrasting results were reported. We conclude that while nutrient addition consistently leads to decreased carbon:nutrient ratios, elevated temperature does not change submerged aquatic plant carbon:nutrient stoichiometry in a consistent manner. This effect is rather dependent on nutrient availability and may be species-specific. As changes in the carbon:nutrient stoichiometry of submerged aquatic plants can impact the transfer of energy to higher trophic levels, these results suggest that eutrophication may enhance plant consumption and decomposition, which could in turn have consequences for carbon sequestration.
Data from: The global prevalence of latent tuberculosis: a systematic review and meta-analysis
In 1999, the WHO estimated that one-third of the world"s population had latent tuberculosis infection (LTBI) which was recently updated to one-fourth. However, this is still based on controversial assumptions in combination with tuberculin skin test (TST) surveys. Interferon-gamma release assays (IGRAs) with a higher specificity than TST have since been widely implemented, but never used to estimate the global LTBI prevalence. We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis of LTBI estimates based on both IGRA and TST results published between 2005 and 2018. Regional and global estimates of LTBI prevalence were calculated. Stratification was performed for low, intermediate and high TB incidence countries and a pooled estimate for each area was calculated using a random effects model. Among 3280 studies screened, we included 88 studies from 36 countries with 41 IGRA (n=67 167) and 67 TST estimates (n=284 644). The global prevalence of LTBI was 24.8% (95% CI: 19.7-30.0%) and 21.2% (95% CI: 17.9-24.4%) based on IGRA and a 10 mm TST cut-off respectively. The prevalence estimates correlated well to WHO incidence rates (Rs=0.70, p<0.001). In the first study of the global prevalence of LTBI derived from both IGRA and TST surveys, we found that one-fourth of the world"s population is infected. This is of relevance as both tests, although imperfect, are used to identify individuals eligible for preventive therapy. Enhanced efforts are needed targeting the large pool of latently infected as these individuals continuously constitutes an enormous source of potential active TB.
Data from: Determinants and co-expression of anti-predator responses in amphibian tadpoles: a meta-analysis
A wide range of taxa respond to perceived predation risk (PPR) through inducible defenses, and many prey are capable of responding both behaviorally and morphologically to the same risk event. In cases where multiple defenses confer protection by independent means (i.e., they are mechanistically independent) responses will either be co-expressed, or the expression of one defense will limit the capacity (or need) to respond along another axis. Our ability to generate a broad understanding of these patters has been limited, in part, by difficulties in comparing results across studies that employ distinct experimental protocols. Using the extensive literature on tadpole responses to PPR, we conducted a meta-analysis to identify the ecological and experimental determinants of inducible defence expression. We then assessed whether the magnitude of response to PPR along behavioural versus morphological response axes was positively, or negatively, correlated. The most commonly quantified responses to perceived risk in tadpoles included reductions in movement and swimming behaviour, and altered tail morphology. Our analyses reveal that tadpole behavioural responses are strongly influenced by prey family, predator taxon, evolutionary history with the predator (native vs. non-native), amount of prey consumed by the predator, and how perceived risk was manipulated (e.g., presence vs. absence of alarm cues). Tail morphology was similarly influenced by these factors, but also whether the target prey was palatable to predators. Thus, our results identify ecological and experimental features that critically influence the observed effect size in tadpole responses to PPR. A positive correlation between behavioural and morphological responses in studies where both were measured indicates that trait co-specialization is the predominant pattern of defense deployment in larval amphibians. This positive relationship suggests that survival tends to be maximized in tadpoles through equivalent coactivation of multiple independent axes of protection, opposed to maximal expression along any single axis.
Data from: Patterns and drivers of intraspecific variation in avian life history along elevational gradients: a meta-analysis
Elevational gradients provide powerful natural systems for testing hypotheses regarding the role of environmental variation in the evolution of life-history strategies. Case studies have revealed shifts towards slower life histories in organisms living at high elevations yet no synthetic analyses exist of elevational variation in life-history traits for major vertebrate clades. We examined (i) how life-history traits change with elevation in paired populations of bird species worldwide, and (ii) which biotic and abiotic factors drive elevational shifts in life history. Using three analytical methods, we found that fecundity declined at higher elevations due to smaller clutches and fewer reproductive attempts per year. By contrast, elevational differences in traits associated with parental investment or survival varied among studies. High-elevation populations had shorter and later breeding seasons, but longer developmental periods implying that temporal constraints contribute to reduced fecundity. Analyses of clutch size data, the trait for which we had the largest number of population comparisons, indicated no evidence that phylogenetic history constrained species-level plasticity in trait variation associated with elevational gradients. The magnitude of elevational shifts in life-history traits were largely unrelated to geographic (altitude, latitude), intrinsic (body mass, migratory status), or habitat covariates. Meta-population structure, methodological issues associated with estimating survival, or processes shaping range boundaries could potentially explain the nature of elevational shifts in life-history traits evident in this data set. We identify a new risk factor for montane populations in changing climates: low fecundity will result in lower reproductive potential to recover from perturbations, especially as fewer than half of the species experienced higher survival at higher elevations.
The Influence of Study Quality, Age, and Geographic Factors on Polycystic Ovary Syndrome Prevalence-A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis (Supplemental data)
<p><strong><span>Supplemnatray data for manuscript tentatively entitled "The Influence of Study Quality, Age, and Geographic Factors on </span></strong><strong><span>Polycystic Ovary Syndrome Prevalence</span></strong><strong><span>-A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis", including: </span></strong></p> <p><strong><span>Supplementary Table 1.</span></strong><span> Search strategy and its results including studies published until February 29<sup>th</sup> of 2024.</span></p> <p><strong><span>Supplementary Table 2.</span></strong><span> The quality assessment results of studies conducted on adults based on the Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) Epidemiology and Phenotype (PEP) tool. </span></p> <p><strong><span>Supplementary Table 3.</span></strong><span> The quality assessment results of studies conducted on adolescents based on <a name="_Hlk176077530"></a>the Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) Epidemiology and Phenotype (PEP) tool. </span></p> <p><strong><span>Supplementary Table 4.</span></strong><span> The quality assessment results of studies conducted on mixed populations (both adults and adolescents) based on PCOS Epidemiology and Phenotype (PEP) tool. </span></p> <p><strong><span>Supplementary Figure 1 (A-D). </span></strong><span>Forest plots of global PCOS prevalence stratified by diagnostic criteria (regardless of study quality, age group, and geographic region): A) NIH, B) Rotterdam, C) AE-PCOS, D) Self-report: A) NIH, B) Rotterdam, C) AE-PCOS, D) Self-report.</span></p> <p><strong><span>Supplementary Figure 2 (A-C</span></strong><span>). Forest plots of global PCOS prevalence stratified by WHO region and diagnostic criteria (regardless of study quality and age group): A) NIH, B) Rotterdam, C) AE-PCOS.</span></p> <p><strong><span>Supplementary Figure 3 (A-C).</span></strong><span> </span><a name="_Hlk174390393"></a><span>Forest plots of PCOS prevalence stratified by diagnostic criteria and age group (adults vs. adolescent) (regardless of study quality): A) NIH, B) Rotterdam, C) AE-PCOS.</span></p> <p><strong><span>Supplementary Figure 4 (A-C).</span></strong><span> Sensitivity Analysis based on high-quality studies: Impact of individual study exclusion on pooled prevalence</span> <span>(using high-quality studies only)- A) NIH, B) Rotterdam, C) AE-PCOS.</span></p>
Difference in rupture risk between familial and sporadic intracranial aneurysms: an individual patient data meta-analysis
<p><b>Objective:</b> We combined <span>individual patient data (IPD) from prospective cohorts of patients with </span>unruptured intracranial aneurysms (UIA) to assess to what extent patients with familial UIA have a higher rupture risk than those with sporadic UIA.<b> </b></p> <p><b>Methods:</b> For this IPD meta-analysis we performed an Embase and Pubmed search for studies published up to December 1, 2020. We included studies that 1) had a prospective study design; 2) included 50 or more patients with UIA; 3) studied the natural course of UIA and risk factors for aneurysm rupture including family history for aneurysmal subarachnoid haemorrhage and UIA; and 4) had aneurysm rupture as an outcome. Cohorts with available IPD were included. All studies included patients with newly diagnosed UIA visiting one of the study centers. The primary outcome was aneurysmal rupture. Patients with polycystic kidney disease and moyamoya disease were excluded. We compared rupture rates of familial versus sporadic UIA using a Cox proportional hazard regression model adjusted for the PHASES score and smoking. We performed two analyses: 1. only studies defining first-degree relatives as parents, children, and siblings and 2. all studies, thus both including and excluding siblings as first-degree relatives.</p> <p><b>Results:</b> We pooled IPD from eight cohorts with a low and moderate risk of bias. First-degree relatives were defined as parents, siblings and children in six cohorts (29% Dutch, 55% Finnish, 15% Japanese), totalling 2,297 patients (17% familial, 399 patients) with 3,089 UIA and 7,301 person-years follow-up. Rupture occurred in 10 familial patients (rupture rate: 0·89%/person-year; 95% CI:0·45-1·59) and 41 sporadic patients (0·66%/person-year; 95% CI:0·48-0·89); adjusted HR for familial patients 2·56 (95% CI: 1·18–5·56). After adding also the two cohorts excluding siblings as first-degree relatives resulting in 9,511 patients the adjusted HR was 1·44 (95% CI: 0·86–2·40).</p> <p><b>Conclusion:</b> The risk of rupture of UIA is two and a half times higher, with a range from a 1.2 to 5 times higher risk, in familial than in sporadic UIA. When assessing the risk of rupture in UIA, family history should be taken into account.</p>
Data from: Territoriality modifies the effects of habitat complexity on animal behavior: a meta-analysis
<p>Augmenting habitat complexity by adding structure has been used to increase the population density of some territorial species in the wild and to reduce aggression among captive animals. However, it is unknown if all territorial species are affected similarly by habitat complexity, and whether these effects extend to non-territorial species. We conducted a meta-analysis to compare the behavior of a wide range of territorial and non-territorial taxa in complex and open habitats to determine the effects of habitat complexity on<b> </b>1) territory size, 2) population density, 3) rate and time spent on aggression, 4) rate and time devoted to foraging, 5) rate and time spent being active, 6) shyness/boldness, 7) survival rate, and 8) exploratory behavior. Overall, all measures were significantly affected by habitat complexity, but the responses of territorial and non-territorial species differed. As predicted, territorial species were less aggressive, had smaller territories and higher densities in complex habitats, whereas non-territorial species were more aggressive and did not differ in population density. Territorial species were bolder but not more active in complex habitats, whereas non-territorial species were more active but not bolder. While the survival of non-territorial species increased in complex habitats, no such increase was observed for territorial species. The increased safety from predators provided by complex habitats may have been balanced by the higher population densities and bolder behavior in territorial species. Our analysis suggests that territorial and non-territorial animals respond differently to habitat complexity, perhaps due to the strong reliance on visual cues by territorial animals.</p>
Data from: Risk of cancer with angiotensin-receptor blockers increases with increasing cumulative exposure: Meta-regression analysis of randomized trials
<p>Angiotensin-receptor blockers (ARBs) are a class of drugs approved for the treatment of several common conditions, such as hypertension and heart failure. Recently, regulatory agencies have started to identify possibly carcinogenic nitrosamines and azido compounds in a multitude of formulations of several ARBs, resulting in progressive recalls. Furthermore, data from several randomized controlled trials suggested that there is also a clinically increased risk of cancer and specifically lung cancer with ARBs; whereas other trials suggested no increased risk. The purpose of this analysis was to provide additional insight into the ARB-cancer link by examining whether there is a relationship between degree of cumulative exposure to ARBs and risk of cancer in randomized trials. Trial-level data from ARB Trialists Collaboration including 15 randomized controlled trials was extracted and entered into meta-regression analyses. The two co-primary outcomes were the relationship between cumulative exposure to ARBs and risk of all cancers combined and the relationship between cumulative exposure and risk of lung cancer. A total of 74,021 patients were randomized to an ARB resulting in a total cumulative exposure of 172,389 person-years of exposure to daily high dose (or equivalent). 61,197 patients were randomized to control. There was a highly significant correlation between the degree of cumulative exposure to ARBs and risk of all cancers combined (slope=0.07 [95% CI 0.03 to 0.11], p<0.001), and also lung cancer (slope=0.16 [95% CI 0.05 to 0.27], p=0.003). Accordingly, in trials where the cumulative exposure was greater than 3 years of exposure to daily high dose, there was a statistically significant increase in risk of all cancers combined (I<sup>2</sup>=31.4%, RR 1.11 [95% CI 1.03 to 1.19], p=0.006). There was a statistically significant increase in risk of lung cancers in trials where the cumulative exposure was greater than 2.5 years (I<sup>2</sup>=0%, RR 1.21 [95% CI 1.02 to 1.44], p=0.03). In trials with lower cumulative exposure to ARBs, there was no increased risk of all cancers combined or lung cancer. Cumulative exposure-risk relationship with ARBs was independent of background angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitor treatment or the type of control (i.e. placebo or non-placebo control). Since this is a trial-level analysis. the effects of patient characteristics such as age and smoking status could not be examined due to lack of patient-level data. In conclusion, this analysis, for the first time, reveals that risk of cancer with ARBs (and specifically lung cancer) increases with increasing cumulative exposure to these drugs. The excess risk of cancer with long-term ARB use has public health implications.</p>
Task-Informed Meta-Learning data
<p>Data accompanying the Task-Informed Meta-Learning codebase (https://github.com/nasaharvest/timl).</p>
Data from: Widespread misperception about a major East Asian biogeographic boundary exposed through bibliographic survey and biogeographic meta-analysis
<p><strong>Aim</strong></p> <p>The Watase line, a major biogeographic boundary between Palearctic and Oriental realms in East Asia, is generally drawn between Akuseki and Kodakara Islands of the Northern Ryukyu archipelago, Japan. However, no evidence can be found to support the positioning of the boundary between these two tiny volcanic islands. This study aimed to confirm whether and where the biogeographical boundary should be drawn.</p> <p><strong>Location</strong></p> <p>East Asia</p> <p><strong>Taxon </strong></p> <p>Land snail, ant, dragonfly, butterfly, amphibian, reptile, bird, plant</p> <p><strong>Methods</strong></p> <p>A bibliographic survey was carried out to revisit an original definition of the Watase line and its usage. Biogeographic and meta-analyses were also performed using a Simpson dissimilarity index calculated from published distribution data to test whether and where any biogeographic boundary exists. To ensure the validity of the study design, similar surveys and analyses were conducted in another region of Southern Ryukyu, where a reliable biogeographic boundary has been proposed as a positive control.</p> <p><strong>Results</strong></p> <p>The bibliographic survey showed that the Watase line had been described without specifying the precise position. No revised definition has been proposed for the boundary to date. Biogeographic analyses do not support the existence of a boundary between Akuseki and Kodakara Islands. Meanwhile, the presence of a boundary in Southern Ryukyu was endorsed by both the bibliographic survey and biogeographic analyses, supporting the validity of this study's design.</p> <p><strong>Main conclusions</strong></p> <p>This study revealed that the major biogeographic boundary is widely used with deviations from the original definition. Presumably, ideas based on inappropriate evidence, such as the distribution of a symbolic species and unpublished data, have been referred to without being questioned and led to the current widespread misunderstanding. Misunderstandings like these could occur at any biogeographic boundaries around the world, and thus, systematic reviews of all boundaries are needed for an appropriate understanding of biodiversity. </p>
Data set for article''Digital health intervention in patients undergoing cardiac rehabilitation: systematic review and meta-analysis''
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Meta data for 2339 snow-affected catchments in Northern Hemisphere
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Data from: Non-industry sponsored preclinical studies on statins yield greater efficacy estimates than industry-sponsored studies: a meta-analysis
Industry-sponsored clinical drug studies are associated with publication of outcomes that favor the sponsor, even when controlling for potential bias in the methods used. However, the influence of sponsorship bias has not been examined in preclinical animal studies. We performed a meta-analysis of preclinical statin studies to determine whether industry sponsorship is associated with either increased effect sizes of efficacy outcomes and / or risks of bias in a cohort of published preclinical statin studies. We searched Medline (January 1966 - April 2012) and identified 63 studies evaluating the effects of statins on atherosclerosis outcomes in animals. Two coders independently extracted study design criteria aimed at reducing bias, results for all relevant outcomes, sponsorship source, and investigator financial ties. The I2 statistic was used to examine heterogeneity. We calculated the standardized mean difference (SMD) for each outcome and pooled data across studies to estimate the pooled average SMD using random effects models. In a priori subgroup analyses, we assessed statin efficacy by outcome measured, sponsorship source, presence or absence of financial conflict information, use of an optimal time window for outcome assessment, accounting for all animals, inclusion criteria, blinding, and randomization. The effect of statins was significantly larger for studies sponsored by non-industry sources (-1.99; 95% CI -2.68, -1.31) versus studies sponsored by industry (-0.73; 95% CI -1.00, -0.47) (p value < 0.001). Statin efficacy did not differ by disclosure of financial conflict information, use of an optimal time window for outcome assessment, accounting for all animals, inclusion criteria, blinding, and randomization. Possible reasons for the differences between non-industry and industry sponsored studies, such as selective reporting of outcomes, require further study.
Data from: Effects of riparian forest harvest on streams: a meta-analysis
1. Riparian forest harvesting impacts streams in many ways, from altering temperature regimes, shifting geomorphic structure, increasing sediment fluxes and affecting fish populations. However, we have noted considerable variation in the results between studies that led us to ask whether the effects of forest harvesting on streams were consistent between studies. We used meta-analysis of 34 replicated studies to address the effects of riparian logging on biological and chemical components of streams in contrast to control sites. 2. We found that the overall effect sizes of several response variables in replicated studies were significantly higher than zero, especially benthic invertebrates, and nitrogen and potassium concentrations. However, there was a very large amount of variation in the effect sizes between studies, and for many measures, the effect sizes from different studies were positive or negative, indicating site-specific responses. 3. We explored whether stream size, stream gradient and regional potential evapotranspiration could explain some of the effect size variation between studies. Relations with these environmental variables were weak, but suggestive that some of the context-specific, individual outcomes might be due to underlying environmental differences between sites. 4. Synthesis and applications. Despite relatively low numbers of replicated studies, we found significant overall effects of riparian forest harvesting although the magnitude and direction of responses within individual studies were site specific. This lack of consistency in the direction of effect sizes suggests we need a more context-dependent approach to the protection of freshwaters from forest management.
Data from: An investigation of the therapeutic effects of statins with metformin on polycystic ovary syndrome: a meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials
Objectives: To investigate the therapeutic effects of statins with metformin on polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). Settings: Endocrinology department. Participants: MEDLINE, EMBASE and Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials were searched until October 2014. Studies comparing statins and placebo, as well as the combination of statins and metformin and metformin alone, were included in the analysis. Interventions: Data were independently extracted by two researchers; any convergence was resolved by a third reviewer. Primary and secondary outcome measures: The following properties were extracted from the qualified trials to identify the effects of statins: clinical variables, metabolic characteristics, hormone outcomes, sign of inflammation, glucose parameters and insulin outcomes. Results: Data from four trials comparing statin and metformin with metformin alone were analysed. The combination of statins and metformin decreases the levels of C reactive protein (standardised mean difference (SMD) −0.91; 95% CI −1.81 to −0.02; p=0.046), triglyceride (SMD −1.37; 95% CI −2.46 to −0.28; p=0.014), total cholesterol (SMD −1.28; 95% CI −1.59 to −0.97; p=0.000) and low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol (SMD −0.74; 95% CI −1.03 to −0.44; p=0.000). However, the combined therapy fails to reduce fasting insulin (SMD −0.92; 95% CI −2.07 to 0.24; p=0.120), homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance (SMD −1.15; 95% CI −3.36 to 1.06; p=0.309) and total testosterone (SMD −1.12; 95% CI −2.29 to 0.05; p=0.061). Analysis of the five trials comparing statin with placebo shows that statin monotherapy reduces LDL-cholesterol, triglyceride and total cholesterol. Conclusions: Combined statin and metformin therapy can improve lipid and inflammation parameters, but cannot effectively improve insulin sensitivity and reduce hyperandrogenism in women with PCOS. A large-scale randomised controlled study must be conducted to ascertain the long-term effects of the therapy.
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Allen Brain Atlas
Allen Brain Atlas is an Allen Institute collection of brain map atlases, datasets, APIs, and analysis tools covering mouse, human, and non-human primate brain resources.
Annotated Behaviour and Observability Dataset (ABODe)
ABODe is a University of Edinburgh DataShare dataset for behavior classification in group-housed mice using home-cage video, identities, bounding boxes, ground-plate positions, and annotator labels.
DANDI Archive for NWB datasets
DANDI is a BRAIN Initiative archive for publishing and sharing neurophysiology data, including electrophysiology, optophysiology, and behavioral data packaged as NWB and related standards.
International Brain Laboratory public data
The International Brain Laboratory public data releases expose standardized mouse decision-making experiments, including Neuropixels recordings, widefield calcium imaging, behavior, and session metadata accessed through the ONE API.
OpenNeuro
OpenNeuro is a free, open platform for sharing neuroimaging datasets, with public search, dataset pages, and download paths for web, S3, DataLad, and the OpenNeuro CLI.