Begg's Funnel Plot Research Articles

Association between apolipoprotein B EcoRI polymorphisms and coronary heart disease

The study was carried out to examine the association between apolipoproteinB (ApoB) EcoRI polymorphism (E- vs. E+) (rs1042031) and coronary heart disease (CHD) risk by systematically analyzing multiple independent studies. The Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium (HWE) test was applied to assess genotype frequency distribution in healthy controls. The quality of the studies was assessed using the Newcastle-Ottawa scale (NOS). Power analysis was performed with Power and Precision V4 software. Afixed effect model was used because no deviation from homogeneity was found. Publication bias was quantified and examined with Begg's funnel plot test and Egger's linear regression method. The meta-analysis was performed by Stata12.0 software. Atotal of 21 eligible association studies were merged in this meta-analysis and the pooled sample consisted of 2994 CHD patients and 3258 healthy controls. No significant publication bias and heterogeneity were observed in these studies. The pooled odds ratio (OR) and 95% confidence interval (CI) of E- vs. E+ were 1.18 (1.06-1.32). The pooled OR (95% CI) of E+ E- + E- E- vs. E+ E+ was 1.18 (1.04-1.34). This meta-analysis indicated that ApoB EcoRI confers amoderate risk for CHD and the E- allele at this locus might be asusceptibility allele for the development of CHD.

Association between insulin-like growth factor-binding protein-3 polymorphism-202 A/C and the risk of prostate cancer: a meta-analysis.

BackgroundSome previous studies have investigated the relationship between insulin-like growth factor-binding protein-3 polymorphism and prostate cancer (PCa) susceptibility; however, the findings from those studies remain inconsistent. Hence, the aim of this meta-analysis was to provide a more reliable conclusion about such associations.MethodsA meta-analysis based on twelve studies was conducted, and 8,341 PCa cases and 7,734 controls were included in this analysis. All relevant studies published till February 1, 2016, were identified by searching the databases such as PubMed, EMBASE, and Web of Science. Data were pooled by odds ratios (ORs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) in order to assess the strength of such associations. Publication bias was evaluated using Begg’s funnel plots and Egger’s regression test.ResultsSeveral articles provided data only for particular genotypes; therefore, only dominant model analyses were carried out for all of these studies. Initially, the results from this analysis indicated that rs2854744 was not associated with PCa susceptibility (OR=1.12, 95% CI=0.996–1.2). However, after excluding one study due to its heterogeneity and publication bias, a significant relationship was detected between rs2854744 and PCa risk (OR=1.10, 95% CI=1.03–1.17). When stratified by genotyping method, significant results were detected only in the Sequenom method group (OR=1.13, 95% CI=1.04–1.22). Moreover, the results from a subgroup analysis that was conducted by using source of controls were significant only in the population-based control group.ConclusionThis meta-analysis suggested that the insulin-like growth factor-binding protein-3 polymorphism-202 A/C was associated with PCa susceptibility.

Association between Apolipoprotein ε4 Gene Polymorphism and Risk of Ischemic Stroke: A Meta-Analysis

Background: Previous studies examining the association of apolipoprotein E (APOE) gene polymorphism with the risk of ischemic stroke (IS) have yielded conflicting results. Therefore, we performed a meta-analysis to investigate the association between APOE ε4 gene polymorphism and risk of IS. Summary: A literature search for genetic association studies published before May 30, 2015, was conducted in the PubMed, EMBASE and Google Scholar databases. The following search terms were used: (apolipoprotein E) or (APOE) and (ε4) and (polymorphism) or (polymorphisms) and (‘ischemic stroke' or ‘IS') and (‘cerebral infarction' or ‘CI') and (‘genetic polymorphism' or ‘single nucleotide polymorphisms' or ‘SNP'). ORs and 95% CIs were used to calculate the strength of association. Begg's funnel plot was used to assess the potential for publication bias. In our meta-analysis, 26 case-control studies involving 6,397 IS cases and 19,053 controls were included. Overall significant association between carrier of ε4 allele and risk of IS was observed (OR 1.43, 95% CI 1.10-1.85, p = 0.007). In the subgroup analysis based on ethnicity, a significant association between Apo ε4 carrier and risk of IS was observed in Asian studies (OR 1.53, 95% CI 1.04-2.25, p = 0.031) whereas borderline significant association between APO ε4 carrier and risk of IS was observed in Caucasian studies (OR 1.36, 95% CI 0.95-1.93, p = 0.093). Key Messages: Our meta-analysis suggests that APOE ε4 allele is associated with higher risk of IS in Asian population as compared to Caucasian population.

Association Between Tissue Inhibitor of Metalloproteinase-3 Gene Methylation and Gastric Cancer Risk: A Meta-Analysis.

The tumor suppressor gene tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase-3 (TIMP-3) has been reported to be frequently and significantly downregulated in gastric cancer, and its downregulation is correlated with hypermethylation in its promoter region. However, the association between TIMP-3 methylation and gastric cancer risk remains unclear. In this study, we assessed the relationship between TIMP-3 promoter methylation and gastric cancer risk by performance of a meta-analysis. Relevant studies were identified in a comprehensive literature search using PubMed, Embase, and Web of Science databases. The strength of the association between TIMP-3 methylation and the risk of gastric cancer was assessed by odds ratio (OR) with the corresponding 95% confidence interval (CI). The heterogeneity among studies was tested using the Q-statistics and I(2) metric. The publication bias was examined by Begg's funnel plots and Egger's linear regression test. A total of 1096 subjects from eight studies were included in the present meta-analysis. Overall, a significant association between TIMP-3 methylation and gastric cancer risk was observed (OR = 8.65; 95% CI 4.31-17.37; p < 0.001). Stratified analyses by ethnicity, sample materials, and detection methods also revealed increased gastric cancer risk in individuals harboring methylated TIMP-3. Moreover, no publication bias was detected in the present meta-analysis. Our results show a positive correlation between TIMP-3 promoter methylation and gastric cancer risk and indicated that TIMP-3 promoter methylation may be used as a molecular marker for gastric cancer.

Association between SLC2A9 (GLUT9) gene polymorphisms and gout susceptibility: an updated meta-analysis.

The relationship between the SLC2A9 (solute carrier family 2, member 9) gene polymorphisms and gout was still inconsistent among the individual genetic association studies. Therefore, this present research was aimed to systematically evaluate the association between SLC2A9 gene polymorphisms and gout susceptibility. Relevant studies were enrolled by searching databases systematically. The pooled odds ratios (ORs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were used to assess the associations. The heterogeneity between each of the studies was calculated by using the Q statistic methods, and Begg's funnel plot and Egger's tests were performed to evaluate publication bias. A total of 13 studies investigated four single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in SLC2A9 were included. In this study, we found that the allele C of rs3733591 was higher in patients than in controls in both all-pooled population [C vs. T: OR (95% CI)=1.432 (1.213-1.691)] and Asians-pooled population [C vs. T: OR (95% CI)=1.583 (1.365-1.835)]. The allele frequency C of s6449213 was lower in the gout patients than in controls in both all-pooled population and Caucasians-pooled population. Additionally, the allele frequency T of rs16890979 and the allele frequency C of rs1014290 were lower in gout patients than in controls. This study demonstrated that the genetic susceptibility for gout is associated with the SLC2A9 gene polymorphisms. Four of them except for the rs3733591 are protective SNPs in Caucasians, and rs16890979 and rs1014290 are protective SNPs in both Caucasians and Asians, while rs3733591 may be susceptibility SNP in Asians.

Efficacy of Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy in Pediatric Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder: A Meta-Analysis.

BackgroundPediatric obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) is a debilitating psychological anxiety disorder. Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) has been shown to be an effective therapy for OCD, but the evaluation results from various studies are inconsistent and incomprehensive. This meta-analysis examined the efficacy of CBT in treatment of OCD.Material/MethodsA literature search identified 13 studies that met the inclusion criteria. The efficacy of CBT on OCD was evaluated by comparing post-treatment and pre-treatment Children’s Yale-Brown Obsessive Compulsive Scale (CY-BOCS) scores. Weighted mean difference (WMD) was generated for the statistical evaluation. Heterogeneity was evaluated by I2 index.ResultsA decrease in WMD and a statistical significance (p<0.0001) in both CY-BOCS and CGI scores between pre- and post-CBT treatment were observed in both overall database (−11.73) and USA subgroup (−11.371), which indicates a dramatic relief of OCD symptoms after CBT treatment. Heterogeneity was detected in overall database and USA subgroup, which resulted in an application of the random-effects model to both groups. Publication bias was examined by both Begg’s funnel plot and Egger’s test and no publication bias was detected.ConclusionsWe concluded that CBT is efficacious in treating children’s OCD.

Association Between Apolipoprotein B XbaI Polymorphism and Coronary Heart Disease in Han Chinese Population: A Meta-Analysis.

To examine the association between apolipoprotein B (ApoB) XbaI polymorphisms (rs693) and coronary heart disease (CHD) risk among the Han Chinese population by systematically analyzing multiple independent studies. The Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium test was applied to check genetic equilibrium among genotypes for the selected literatures. The quality of the studies was assessed by using the NewcastleOttawa Scale. Power analysis was performed with Power and Precision V4 software. A fixed or random effect model was used on the basis of heterogeneity. Publication bias was quantified and examined with Begg's funnel plot test and Egger's linear regression test. The meta-analysis was performed by Stata 12.0 software. A total of 10 eligible association studies were included in this meta-analysis, and the pooled sample consisted of 1195 CHD patients and 1178 health controls. No consistent inference regarding publication bias for the included studies was obtained by using the two above-mentioned methods. The pooled odds ratios (95% confidence intervals [CIs]) for X(-) versus X(+) allele and X(+)X(+) + X(+)X(-) versus X(-)X(-) genotype were 2.25 (1.40-3.62) and 2.21 (1.39-3.50), respectively. This meta-analysis indicated that ApoB XbaI allele confers a significant risk towards the development of CHD among the Han Chinese population.

Effect of Body Mass Index on Overall Survival of Pancreatic Cancer: A Meta-Analysis.

Although obesity has been identified as a risk factor for pancreatic cancer, the important question of whether obesity influences the prognosis of pancreatic cancer has not been explicated thoroughly. We therefore performed a meta-analysis to investigate the association between body mass index (BMI) and survival outcomes of patients with pancreatic cancer.Studies that described the relationship between BMI and overall survival (OS) of pancreatic cancer were searched in PubMed, Embase, Ovid, and Cochrane Library Databases from the earliest available date to May 12, 2015. Hazard ratios (HRs) for OS in each BMI category from individual studies were extracted and pooled by a random-effect model. Dose–response meta-analysis was also performed to estimate summary HR and 95% confidence interval (CI) for every 5-unit increment. Publication bias was evaluated by Begg funnel plot and Egger linear regression test.Ten relevant studies involving 6801 patients were finally included in the meta-analysis. Results showed that obesity in adulthood significantly shortened OS of pancreatic cancer patients (HR: 1.29, 95% CI: 1.17–1.41), whereas obesity at diagnosis was not associated with any increased risk of death (HR: 1.10, 95% CI: 0.78–1.42). For every 5-kg/m2 increment in adult BMI, the summary HR was 1.11 (95% CI: 1.05–1.18) for death risk of pancreatic cancer. However, no dose–response relationship was found in the BMI at diagnosis. Egger regression test and Begg funnel plot both revealed no obvious risk of publication bias.In conclusion, increased adult BMI is associated with increased risk of death for pancreatic cancer patients, which suggested that obesity in adulthood may be an important prognostic factor that indicates an abbreviated survival from pancreatic cancer. More studies are needed to validate this finding, and the mechanism behind the observation should be evaluated in further studies.

Sufentanil and Bupivacaine Combination versus Bupivacaine Alone for Spinal Anesthesia during Cesarean Delivery: A Meta-Analysis of Randomized Trials.

ObjectiveThe addition of lipophilic opioids to local anesthetics for spinal anesthesia has become a widely used strategy for cesarean anesthesia. A meta-analysis to quantify the benefits and risks of combining sufentanil with bupivacaine for patients undergoing cesarean delivery was conducted.MethodsA comprehensive literature search without language or date limitation was performed to identify clinical trials that compared the addition of sufentanil to bupivacaine with bupivacaine alone for spinal anesthesia in healthy parturients choosing cesarean delivery. The Q and I2 tests were used to assess heterogeneity of the data. Data from each trial were combined using relative ratios (RRs) for dichotomous data or weighted mean differences (WMDs) for continuous data and corresponding 95% confidence intervals (95% CIs) for each trial. Sensitivity analysis was conducted by removing one study a time to assess the quality and consistency of the results. Begg’s funnel plots and Egger’s linear regression test were used to detect any publication bias.ResultsThis study included 9 trials containing 578 patients in the final meta-analysis. Sufentanil addition provided a better analgesia quality with less breakthrough pain during surgery than bupivacaine alone (RR = 0.10, 95% CI 0.06 to 0.18, P < 0.001). Sensory block onset time was shorter and first analgesic request time was longer in sufentanil added group compared with the bupivacaine-alone group (WMD = −1.0 min, 95% CI −1.5 to −0.58, P < 0.001 and WMD = 133 min, 95% CI 75 to 213, P < 192, respectively). There was no significant difference in the risk of hypotension and vomiting between these two groups. But pruritus was more frequentely reported in the group with sufentanil added (RR = 7.63, 95% CI 3.85 to 15.12, P < 0.001).ConclusionBupivacaine and sufentanil combination is superior to that of bupivacaine alone for spinal anesthesia for cesarean delivery in analgesia quality. Women receiving the combined two drugs had less breakthrough pain, shorter sensory block onset time, and longer first analgesic request time. However, the addition of sufentanil to bupivacaine increased the incidence of pruritus.

CD105 Over-expression Is Associated with Higher WHO Grades for Gliomas.

CD105 is an ancillary receptor of transforming growth factor beta (TGF-β), which has been suggested as a suitable biomarker for cancer-related angiogenesis and neovascularization (Nassiri et al. in Anticancer Res 31:2283-2290, 2011). However, the clinical significance of CD105 in WHO grade was rarely reported and the effects of CD105 signal transduction pathway on gliomas remain controversial and unclear. To get a convincing conclusion, performing a meta-analysis is essential. Relevant literature studies were included via careful evaluation, and standard mean difference (SMD) and hazard ratio (HR) with 95% confidence intervals (95% CIs) was calculated. We also made funnel plots to test the heterogeneity. In the present meta-analysis, a total of 11 eligible literatures involving 796 patients were incorporated. They were all conducted in China, revealing that CD105 overexpression in glioma tissues was strongly linked to high WHO grading (III+IV) (SMD -1.785, 95% CI -2.133, -1.437; p = 0.000). No significant associations between CD105 and age (SMD -0.505, 95% CI -1.054, 0.043; p = 0. 071), CD105 and gender (SMD 0.101, 95% CI -0.103, 0.305; p = 0.333), and CD105 and tumor size (SMD -0.433, 95% CI -1.326, 0.459; p = 0. 341) were detected. Besides, CD105 expression was closely associated with glioma patients' 3-year overall survival (OS; n = 2; HR = 4.357, 95% CI 1.412, 7.303; p = 0.004). On the basis of Begg's and Egger's test or funnel plot, no publication bias was detected. In a nutshell, this meta-analysis demonstrated that CD105 overexpression correlates to higher WHO grade and poor survival and could be indicated as a helpful prognostic and diagnostic marker, or a useful therapy target.

Hepatitis C virus infection increases the incidence of intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma: a Meta-analysis

Objective A meta-analysis was conducted to evaluate the correlation between hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection and the incidence of intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma (ICC). Methods EMBASE, MEDLINE, Web of Science, CNKI, Weipu and Wanfang databases were retrieved to identify eligible studies which were published between January 2000 and May 2015. Pooled odds ratios (OR) with 95% confidence interval (95% CI) were calculated using RevMAN 5.3. Results 14 case-control studies and 2 cohort stu-dies were included in this study. As there was great heterogeneity among these 16 studies (Chi2=53.18, df=15, I2=72%, P<0.05), the random-effect model was employed. The combined risk estimates of all the studies showed a significant increase in ICC incidence with HCV infection (OR=3.96, 95%CI 2.63-5.95, P<0.05). The Begg funnel plot showed no evidence of publication bias. Conclusion HCV infection is related to an increased risk of ICC incidence. Key words: Hepatitis C; Hepatitis C virus; Intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma; Pathogenesis

Systematic review and meta-analysis on targeted therapy in advanced pancreatic cancer.

A systematic review and meta-analysis from literature has been performed to assess the impact of targeted therapy in advanced pancreatic cancer. By searching different literature databases and major cancer meetings proceedings, data from all randomized clinical trials designed to investigate molecular targeted agents in the treatment of advanced pancreatic cancer were collected. The time-frame between January 2007 and March 2015 was selected. Data on predefined end-points, including overall survival, progression-free survival in terms of Hazard Ratio and response-rate were extracted and analyzed by a random effects model. Pooled data analysis was performed according to the DerSimonian and Laird test. The occurrence of publication bias was investigated through Begg's test by visual inspection of funnel plots. Twenty-seven randomized clinical trials for a total of 8205 patients were selected and included in the final analysis. A significant benefit was demonstrated for anti-EGFR agents on overall survival (HR=0.880; 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.797-0.972; p=0.011). In the pooled analysis no benefit on overall survival (OS: pooled HR=0.957; 95%CI 0.900-1.017; p=0.153), or progression-free survival (PFS: pooled HR=0.908; 95%CI 0.817-1.010; p=0.075) for targeted-based therapies as compared to conventional treatments could be demonstrated. No advantage was reported in response-rate (OR for RR=1.210; 95%CI 0.990-1.478; p=0.063). Begg's funnel plot showed no evidence of publication bias. The use of molecular targeted agents does not translate into clinical benefit. Therefore, our work highlights the need to identify predictive factors for patient selection and rationally designed clinical trials.

Helicobacter pylori infection and pancreatic cancer risk: A meta-analysis.

To assess whether the Helicobacter pylori (HP) infection can increase the risk of developing pancreatic cancer or not by meta-analysis. Published studies about HP infection and pancreatic cancer risk were electronic searched in the databases of MEDLINE, PubMed, Web of Science, and CNKI. The correlation between HP infection and pancreatic cancer was demonstrated by odds ratio (OR) and corresponding 95% confidence interval (CI). The publication bias was assessed by Begg's funnel plot and Egger's linear regression test. We finally included eight case-control studies for this present meta-analysis with 1003 pancreatic cancer patients and 1754 healthy controls. One study performed in Austria, 3 from China, and 4 from the United States. For obvious statistical heterogeneity, the data were pooled by random effects model. The pooled data indicated that significant correlation between HP infection and pancreatic cancer was found with OR = 1.45 (95% CI = 1.09-1.92) under the random effects model. The results indicated that the HP infection can significantly increase the risk of developing pancreatic cancer. The publication bias was evaluated by Begg's funnel plot and Egger's linear regression test. The Begg's funnel plot was significant asymmetric at the bottom which indicated potential publication bias. The Egger's linear regression test also indicated significant publication bias (t = 3.21, P < 0.05). Based on present open published data, HP infection can significantly increase the risk of developing pancreatic cancer. However, for small number of studies included in this meta-analysis and publication bias, more case-control or cohort studies are needed to further confirm this conclusion.

A meta-analysis of association between glutathione S-transferase gene polymorphism and osteosarcoma chemosensitivity in Chinese population.

In this study, a meta-analysis was performed to investigate whether there is an association between glutathione S-transferase (GST) gene polymorphism and chemosensitivity in patients with osteosarcoma. A comprehensive electronic database search was performed between January 1, 2016, and May 21, 2016. All eligible studies related to GST gene polymorphism and chemosensitivity in patients with osteosarcoma were screened and included in the current meta-analysis. The association between GSTT1, GSTM1 and osteosarcoma chemosensitivity was demonstrated by odds ratio (OR) and corresponding 95% confidence interval (CI). The publication bias was assessed by Begg's funnel plot. A total of four studies with 681 osteosarcoma patients were included in the present study. The data were pooled by fixed effect model for lack of statistical heterogeneity. The results showed there was no significant association between GSTT1 OR = 1.04, 95% CI: 0.77-1.41, P > 0.05), GSTM1 (OR = 1.08, 95% CI: 0.80-1.46, P > 0.05) gene polymorphism and chemosensitivity in patients with osteosarcoma was found by pooled the published data. Begg's funnel plot indicated no significant publication bias in meta-analysis. Glutathione S-transferase gene polymorphism had no association with chemosensitivity in patients with osteosarcoma.

Correlation between periodontal disease and oral cancer risk: A meta-analysis.

The purpose of this study is to investigate the correlation between periodontal disease and oral cancer risk by meta-analysis. We searched the electronic databases of PubMed and Wanfang to include the articles related to periodontal disease and oral cancer risk. The association between periodontal disease and oral cancer risk was assessed by odds ratio (OR) and its corresponding 95% confidence interval (95% CI). The publication bias was evaluated by Begg's funnel plot and Egger's line regression test. All the data analysis was done by STATA12.0 software (Stata Corporation, College Station, TX, USA). Eleven case-control studies were included in our present meta-analysis. We found significant statistical heterogeneity was existed in our present meta-analysis (I2 = 99.8%, P < 0.05). Hence, the data were pooled by random effect model. The pooled results indicated a significant correlation between periodontal disease and oral cancer risk was found with OR = 3.21 and the 95% CI = 2.25-4.16 (P < 0.05). The Begg's funnel plot was obvious asymmetric indicating significant publication bias. Moreover, further Egger's line regression test also indicated significant publications (t = 3.35, P < 0.05). Our present meta-analysis indicated that periodontal disease can increase the oral cancer risk by nearly 2-fold.

Does hospital-based transitional care reduce the postoperative complication in patients with enterostomy? A meta-analysis.

The objective of the study is to investigate whether hospital-based transitional care can reduce the postoperative complication in patients who received enterostomy or not by pooling the published prospective clinical studies. Prospective clinical studies related to hospital-based transitional care for reducing the postoperative complication in patients with enterostomy were searched in the electronic databases of PubMed, Medline, EMBASE, CNKI, and Wanfang. The postoperative complications in the experiment and control groups were extracted from the original studies and pooled by fixed effects model. The publication bias was evaluated by Begg's funnel plot and Egger's line regression test. After searching through the electronic databases of PubMed, Medline, EMBASE, CNKI, and Wanfang, we finally included in eight studies with 600 cases related to hospital-based transitional care and postoperative complication in patients with enterostomy. The pooled result showed that hospital-based transitional care could significantly reduce the postoperative complication in patients with enterostomy (risk ratio = 0.42, 95% confidence interval: 1.0.32, ~0.55, P = 0.005) by fixed effects model. The Begg's funnel plot demonstrated a litter left-right asymmetry, which indicated potential publication bias. Moreover, Egger's line regression test showed that there were significant publications (t = -3.04, P = 0.023). Hospital-based transitional care can significantly reduce the postoperative complication in patients with enterostomy.

X-ray cross-complementing groups 1 rs1799782 C>T polymorphisms and colorectal cancer susceptibility: A meta-analysis based on Chinese Han population.

X-ray cross-complementing groups 1 (XRCC1) rs1799782 C>T polymorphisms and colorectal cancer susceptibility were not clear. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the association between XRCC1 rs1799782 C>T polymorphisms and colorectal cancer susceptibility by meta-analysis. Related databases of Medline, CNKI, and Wanfang were systematic searched for the studies related to XRCC1 rs1799782 C>T polymorphisms and colorectal cancer risk in Chinese Han population. The genotype distribution of CC, CT and TT were extracted from each included studies in the colorectal cancer patients and healthy control subjects. The odds ratio (OR) and its 95% confidence interval (95% CI) was used to assess the correlation between genetype and colorectal cancer risk. The publications for this study was evaluated by Begg's funnel plot and Egger's line regression test. The median frequency of CC, CT, and TT genotype in cancer group were 48%, 41% and 11%; For control group, they were 51%, 40% and 8%; the pooled results showed that OR = 1.32 (95% CI: 1.041-1.67, P < 0.05). The pooled results indicated that XRCC1 rs1799782 C>T polymorphisms was associated with colorectal cancer susceptibility in recessive genetic model OR = 1.32 (95% CI: 1.041-1.67, P < 0.05), dominant genetic model OR = 1.21 (95% CI: 1.00-1.46, P < 0.05) and homozygous genetic model OR = 1.43 (95% CI: 1.07-1.91, P < 0.05). The funnel plot was significant asymmetric at the bottom and the Egger's test also indicated significant publication bias (t = 2.43, P = 0.04) for recessive genetic model. But, no publication bias was found in dominant and homozygous model (P > 0.05). Chinese Han people with rs1799782 TT/CT genotype of XRCC1 gene may have increased risk of developing colorectal.

Meta-analysis of the IL-10 promoter polymorphisms and pediatric asthma susceptibility.

The results of previous epidemiological studies exploring the relationship between interleukin-10 (IL-10) promoter polymorphisms and susceptibility to pediatric asthma are not consistent. Therefore, we have performed a systematic review and meta-analysis to provide a more convincing conclusion. Odds ratios (OR) with their 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were used to evaluate the strength of association between the IL-10 promoter polymorphisms and susceptibility to pediatric asthma. Publication bias was examined by Begg's funnel plots and the Egger test. A detailed literature search based on stringent parameters yielded sixteen relevant studies, comprising 2494 cases and 2160 controls. The overall population showed no significant association between the IL-10 -1082G/A polymorphism and pediatric asthma risk in any of the genetic models (dominant model: OR = 1.583, 95%CI = 0.614-4.076, P = 0.342; allelic model: OR = 1.214, 95%CI = 0.748-1.971, P = 0.433; additive model: OR = 2.240, 95%CI = 0.950-5.277, P = 0.065; recessive model: OR = 1.435, 95%CI = 0.659-3.128, P = 0.363). Subgroup analyses revealed a significant association between different ethnicity and atopic status subgroups. However, there was no evidence of a significant association between the other two polymorphisms (-819C/ T and -592C/A) and pediatric asthma in our study. No significant publication bias was observed in this meta-analysis. The results of this study indicate that the IL-10 -1082G/A polymorphism might be a risk factor for asthma in children. However, because of the small sample size included in the subgroup analyses, the results should be interpreted with caution.

Aidi injection combined with CHOP chemotherapy regimen in the treatment of malignant lymphoma: A meta-analysis based on randomized controlled trials.

The aim of this study was to evaluate the clinical efficacy of Aidi injection combined with CHOP chemotherapy regimen in the treatment of malignant lymphoma. We made an electronic search in the database of Wanfang, CNKI, and PubMed. All the clinical studies related to Aidi injection combined with CHOP chemotherapy regimen in the treatment of malignant lymphoma were screened and reviewed. The combined objective response rate (ORR), life quality improvement, and hematological toxicity were pooled by random- or fixed-effect model according to the heterogeneity across the included study. Moreover, the publication bias was evaluated by Begg's funnel plot and Egger's line regression test. Eight prospective clinical trials with 513 subjects (273 in the Aidi injection plus CHOP group and 240 in the CHOP group) were included in this meta-analysis. The pooled results showed that Aidi injection combined with CHOP chemotherapy regimen can significantly improve the ORR (odds ratio [OR] =1.68, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.09-2.60, P < 0.05), improve the life quality (OR = 3.32, 95% CI: 1.97-5.58, P < 0.05), and decrease the risk of developing leukopenia (OR = 0.25, 95% CI: 0.17-0.39, P < 0.05) and thrombocytopenia (OR = 0.34, 95% CI: 0.22-0.53, P < 0.05). With the present evidence, Aidi injection combined with CHOP chemotherapy regimen can improve the treatment response and quality of life and decrease the risk of developing severe leukopenia or thrombocytopenia.

Helicobacter pylori infection and colorectal carcinoma risk: A meta-analysis.

Helicobacter pylori infection and colorectal cancer risk are not clear. We perform this meta-analysis to further evaluate the association between H. pylori infection and colorectal cancer susceptibility. The databases of CNKI, Wanfang, PubMed, Medline, EMBASE, and HighWire Press were electronic searched by two reviewers independently. The case-control study or cohort study about H. pylori infection and colorectal cancer risk were included in this meta-analysis. The association between H. pylori infection and colorectal cancer risk was evaluated by odds ratio (OR) and corresponding 95% confidence interval (95% CI). Fourteen case-control studies related to H. pylori infection and colorectal cancer risk were eventually include in this meta-analysis. The pooled results showed that H. pylori infection slight increase the risk of developing colorectal carcinoma (OR = 1.33, 95% CI: 1.01-1.77, P = 0.05). Moreover, Begg's funnel plot demonstrated no significant publication bias. Colorectal carcinoma is associated with H. pylori infection. However, for significant heterogeneity across the studies, this results should be further confirmed by large sample size cohort study.