• Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention
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• 제14권3호
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• pp.2013-2017
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• 2013

Background: To compare the effects of two adjuvant chemotherapy regimens, anthracycline-based and cyclophosphamide, methotrexate, fluorourical (CMF) on disease free survival for breast cancer patients in the Eastern Mediterranean region and Asia. Methods: In a systematic review with a multivariate mixed model meta-analysis, the reported survival proportion at multiple time points in different studies were combined. Our data sources were studies linking the two chemotherapy regimens on an adjuvant basis with disease free survival published in English and Persian in the Eastern Mediterranean region and Asia. All survival curves were generated with Graphdigitizer software. Results: 14 retrospective cohort studies were located from electronic databases. We analyzed data for 1,086 patients who received anthracycline-based treatment and 1,109 given CMF treatment. For determination of survival proportions and time we usesb the transformation Ln (-Ln(S)) and Ln (time) to make precise estimations and then fit the model. All analyses were carried out with STATA software. Conclusions: Our findings showed a significant efficacy of anthracycline-based adjuvant therapy regarding disease free survival of breast cancer. As a limitation in this meta-analysis we used studies with different types of anthracycline-based regimens.

• Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention
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• 제16권3호
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• pp.853-857
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• 2015

Background: Gastric cancer is the most common cancer in the Iranian population. The aim of this study was to determine the effect of clinicopathological factors on prognosis by meta-analysis. Materials and Methods: A literature search was conducted using MEDLINE, EMBASE and Cochrane library and extensive literature search using the Persian databases until February 2011. Prospective follow up studies with multivariate analysis of overall survival of the patients with gastric cancer were included in this review. The data were analyzed by CMA.2. Publication bias are checked by funnel plot and data are shown as Forest plots. Results: From a total of 63 articles, 14 retrospective studies which examined 5 prognostic factors and involving 10,500 patients were included. Tumor size (>35mm) was the main significant factor predicting an unfavorable prognosis for the patients with gastric cancer (RR=1.829, p<0.001) followed by presence of distant metastases (RR=1.607, p<0.001), poor differentiation (RR=1.408, p<0.001) and male sex (RR=1.194, p<0.001). Lymph node metastases (RR=1.058, p=0.698) and moderate differentiation (RR=0.836, p=0.043) were not statistically significant as prognostic factors. Conclusions: This meta-analysis suggests that tumor size>35mm, poor differentiation, presence of distant metastasis and male gender are strongly associated with a poor prognosis in Iranian patients with gastric cancer.

• Clinical and Experimental Pediatrics
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• 제64권3호
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• pp.96-102
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• 2021

This study aimed to investigate the effect of maternal smoking during pregnancy (MSDP) on the risk of bone fractures in the offspring through a systematic review and meta-analysis. The PubMed, Web of Science, and Scopus databases were systematically searched for relevant articles published through July 2019. According to heterogeneity, the pooled risk ratio (RR) and odds ratio (OR) and their corresponding 95% confidence interval (CI) were obtained using fixed or random effects models. The heterogeneity and quality of the included studies were assessed by the I-squared (I²) statistic and the Newcastle-Ottawa scale, respectively. Sensitivity analyses were performed to test the effect of MSDP misclassification on the results. The review of 842 search records yielded 5 studies including 8,746 mother-child pairs that were included in the meta-analysis. Pooling adjusted effect measures showed that MSDP was not associated with a later risk of bone fractures in the offspring (pooled RR, 1.15; 95% CI, 0.84-1.58; I²=66.8%; P=0.049). After the adjustment for misclassification, MSDP may be associated with a 27% increased risk of bone fracture (pooled OR, 1.27; 95% CI, 1.00-1.62; I²=0%; P=0.537). After the adjustment for misclassification, MSDP is associated with an increased risk of bone fractures among children whose mothers smoked during pregnancy.

• Child Health Nursing Research
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• 제29권1호
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• pp.24-36
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• 2023

Purpose: This systematic literature review and meta-analysis explored extended reality (XR)-based pediatric nursing simulation programs and analyzed their effectiveness. Methods: A literature search was conducted between May 1 and 30, 2022 in the following electronic databases: MEDLINE, Embase, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL), and CINAHL. The search period was from 2000 to 2022. In total, 6,095 articles were reviewed according to the inclusion and exclusion criteria, and 14 articles were selected for the final content analysis and 10 for the meta-analysis. Data analysis was performed using descriptive statistics and the Comprehensive Meta-Analysis program. Results: XR-based pediatric nursing simulation programs have increased since 2019. Studies using virtual reality with manikins or high-fidelity simulators were the most common, with six studies. The total effect size was statistically significant at 0.84 (95% confidence interval=0.50-1.19, z=4.82, p<.001). Conclusion: Based on the findings, we suggest developing standardized guidelines for the operation of virtual pediatric nursing simulation education and practice. Simultaneously, the application of more sophisticated research designs for effect measurement and the combined applications of various virtual simulation methods are needed to validate the most effective simulation methodology.

• Clinical Nutrition Research
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• 제13권2호
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• pp.130-138
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• 2024

Numerous studies have indicated that low levels of serum adiponectin are linked with the development of various chronic diseases. While some recent research has suggested that soy has a positive impact on serum adiponectin levels, the results are inconsistent. Therefore, we aim to conduct a thorough systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) that investigate the effects of soy on serum adiponectin levels in adults. The search was conducted until March 2024 on PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, and Cochrane Library databases to identify RCTs that studied the effects of soy supplementation on serum adiponectin levels. A random-effects model was used to pool the weighted mean differences (WMDs). Ten and nine RCTs were selected for the systematic review and meta-analysis, respectively. After analyzing data from 9 eligible RCTs, it was found that soy supplementation did not significantly impact the concentrations of adiponectin (WMD = -0.24㎍/mL; 95% confidence interval, -1.56 to 1.09; p = 0.72). However, there was significant heterogeneity between the studies (I² = 89.8%, p < 0.001). Sensitivity analysis showed that overall estimates were not affected by the elimination of any study. We did not observe any evidence regarding publication bias. In conclusion, soy supplementation did not have a significant effect on adiponectin levels in adults. However, further RCTs are needed with longer intervention duration, higher doses, and studies conducted in different countries.

• Biotechnology and Bioprocess Engineering:BBE
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• 제10권5호
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• pp.425-431
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• 2005

The systems-level analysis of microbes with myriad of heterologous data generated by omics technologies has been applied to improve our understanding of cellular function and physiology and consequently to enhance production of various bioproducts. At the heart of this revolution resides in silico genome-scale metabolic model, In order to fully exploit the power of genome-scale model, a systematic approach employing user-friendly software is required. Metabolic flux analysis of genome-scale metabolic network is becoming widely employed to quantify the flux distribution and validate model-driven hypotheses. Here we describe the development of an upgraded MetaFluxNet which allows (1) construction of metabolic models connected to metabolic databases, (2) calculation of fluxes by metabolic flux analysis, (3) comparative flux analysis with flux-profile visualization, (4) the use of metabolic flux analysis markup language to enable models to be exchanged efficiently, and (5) the exporting of data from constraints-based flux analysis into various formats. MetaFluxNet also allows cellular physiology to be predicted and strategies for strain improvement to be developed from genome-based information on flux distributions. This integrated software environment promises to enhance our understanding on metabolic network at a whole organism level and to establish novel strategies for improving the properties of organisms for various biotechnological applications.

• Safety and Health at Work
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• 제11권2호
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• pp.136-142
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• 2020

Background: Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is an autoimmune disease with systemic inflammatory arthritis. This meta-analysis was conducted to examine the association between occupational exposure to silica and the risk of developing RA among different workers. Methods: In this meta-analysis, we searched relevant published studies using major electronic databases including Scopus, PubMed, ISI Web of Science, and Google Scholar search engine up to October 2019, and the references of retrieved articles were also checked for further possible sources. A random-effects model was used to account for heterogeneity among the results of the studies using the pooled odds ratios (ORs) and their 95% confidence intervals (CIs). The Q-statistic and I² tests were calculated to assess heterogeneity between the studies. Results: The pooled calculation of OR indicated a significant association between occupational exposure to silica and risk of developing RA among different workers (OR = 2.59, 95% CI = 1.73 to 3.45). In addition, the pooled estimates of OR in smokers were statistically significant (OR = 2.49, 95% CI = 1.13 to 3.86). Conclusions: The findings of the present study reveal that occupational exposure to silica may be associated with increased risk of developing RA.

• Safety and Health at Work
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• 제12권4호
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• pp.536-543
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• 2021

Background: Sickness absenteeism is an area of concern in nursing and is more concerning given the recent impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic on healthcare. This study is one of two meta-analyses that examined sickness absenteeism in nursing. In this study, we examined demographic, lifestyle, and physical health predictors. Methods: We reviewed five databases (CINAHL, ProQuest Allied, ProQuest database theses, PsycINFO, and PubMed) for our search. We registered the systematic review (CRD de-identified) and followed the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses. Additionally, we used the Population/Intervention/Comparison/Outcome Tool to improve our searches. Results: Following quality testing, 17 articles were used for quantitative synthesis. Female employees were at higher risks of sickness absenteeism than their male counterparts (OR = 1.73; 95% CI: 1.33-2.25). Nursing staff who rated their health as poor had a greater likelihood of experiencing sickness absence (OR = 1.38; 95% CI: 1.19-1.60). Also, previous sick leave predicted future leaves (OR = 3.35; 95% CI: 1.37-8.19). Moreover, experiencing musculoskeletal pain (OR = 2.41 95% CI: 1.77-3.27) increased the likelihood of sickness absence with greater odds when it is a back pain (OR = 3.05; 95% CI: 1.66-5.62). Increased age, physical activity, and sleep were not associated with sick leave. Conclusion: Several variables were statistically associated with the occurrence of sickness absenteeism. One primary concern is the limited research in this area despite alarming rates of sick leave in healthcare. More research is required to identify predictors of sickness absence, and thereby, implement preventative measures.

• The Korean Journal of Pain
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• 제36권4호
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• pp.425-440
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• 2023

Background: Muscimol's quick onset and GABAergic properties make it a promising candidate for the treatment of pain. This systematic review and meta-analysis of preclinical studies aimed at summarizing the evidence regarding the efficacy of muscimol administration in the amelioration of nerve injury-related neuropathic pain. Methods: Two independent researchers performed the screening process in Medline, Embase, Scopus and Web of Science extracting data were extracted into a checklist designed according to the PRISMA guideline. A standardized mean difference (SMD [95% confidence interval]) was calculated for each. To assess the heterogeneity between studies, ² and chi-square tests were utilized. In the case of heterogeneity, meta-regression and subgroup analyses were performed to identify the potential source. Results: Twenty-two articles met the inclusion criteria. Pooled data analysis showed that the administration of muscimol during the peak effect causes a significant reduction in mechanical allodynia (SMD = 1.78 [1.45-2.11]; P < 0.0001; I² = 72.70%), mechanical hyperalgesia (SMD = 1.62 [1.28-1.96]; P < 0.0001; I² = 40.66%), and thermal hyperalgesia (SMD = 2.59 [1.79-3.39]; P < 0.0001; I² = 80.33%). This significant amendment of pain was observed at a declining rate from 15 minutes to at least 180 minutes post-treatment in mechanical allodynia and mechanical hyperalgesia, and up to 30 minutes in thermal hyperalgesia (P < 0 .0001). Conclusions: Muscimol is effective in the amelioration of mechanical allodynia, mechanical hyperalgesia, and thermal hyperalgesia, exerting its analgesic effects 15 minutes after administration for up to at least 3 hours.

• 아동학회지
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• 제37권4호
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• pp.83-99
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• 2016

Objective: The purpose of this study was to analyze correlation effect size between Basic Psychological Needs (BPN) and factors affecting BPN. Methods: This research was reviewed and synthesized systematically by meta-analyse. Fifty-eight published studies between 2008 and 2016 were sampled and the effect sizes were acquired. Results: The major findings were as follows. In general, medium correlation effect sizes were found. Competency among sub-factors of BPN showed highest effects. Parental factor was more related to BPN than school and individual factors. Parenting behavior and family psychological backgrounds were the most crucial factors in the parental factors. School adjustment was the most critical factor in the school factors. In school grade, the elementary school was more related to BPN than junior high school and high school. Conclusion: Based on these results, we suggest a number of components for parent-education programs, and information for future research.