Variation In Effect Sizes Research Articles

Same data, different analysts: variation in effect sizes due to analytical decisions in ecology and evolutionary biology

Same data, different analysts: variation in effect sizes due to analytical decisions in ecology and evolutionary biology

Memory deficits in children and adolescents with a psychotic disorder: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

Early-onset psychosis (EOP) is a severe disorder which takes place before 18years. It entails diverse clinical and functional implications, and it may lead to critical impairments in neurocognitive functions. Although deficits in memory are well described in adult populations and they appear to be clinically related with psychosis, impairments in memory in EOP show inconsistencies between studies. This study aimed to gain insight into the relationship between EOP and memory impairments, studying the potential contribution of moderators (storage source and memory content) on the observed memory deficits. This systematic review and meta-analysis was conducted following the PRISMA-2020 guidelines. Search was conducted in English and Spanish in five databases. Case-control studies which met all requirements were selected. Overall effect size was calculated under the random-effects model and Z-based tests were used. Heterogeneity was analysed by the I2 statistic. Mixed-effects meta-regression analysis was used to study the influence of methodological quality of studies, mean age, proportion of female participants within sample, mean diagnosis, memory storage type, memory content as moderators on individual effect size variability. As a result, 32 articles were finally selected, pooling data from 2636 participants (49.29% EOP participants). Overall effect size was Hedges' g = - 1.01, CI95 = [ - 1.35, - 0.67], p < .01, indicating lower memory performance in the EOP group in comparison to healthy controls. Diagnosis and memory storage were found as significant moderators in the memory performance variance: larger deficits were found in children with psychosis and in working memory tasks.

Effects of Reformer-based Trunk Stability Exercise on Trunk Control, Balance, and Gait Parameters in Patients with Chronic Stroke

Background Stroke patients experienced a decline in balance and gait abilities due to impaired trunk control. Previous studies showed that Reformer exercises were effective in improving trunk control. Objective This study aimed to investigate the effects of Reformer-based trunk stability exercises on trunk control, balance, and gait abilities in patients with chronic stroke. Methods This study utilized a randomized controlled trial design. Participants were randomly assigned to an experimental group (Reformer-based trunk stability exercises, n = 12) or a control group (conventional trunk stability exercises, n = 12). The intervention consisted of 20-min sessions conducted five times a week for four weeks. Trunk control, balance, and gait parameters were evaluated before and after the intervention, and the data were analyzed using a two-way repeated measures ANOVA. Results Statistical analysis demonstrated a significant interaction effect between group and time for most variables, with within-group comparisons showing significant differences before and after the intervention for the majority of variables in both groups. Additionally, effect size analysis indicated large effect sizes (Cohen's d &gt; 0.8) for most variables. Conclusions Reformer-based trunk stability exercises showed positive effects on trunk control, balance, and gait parameters in patients with chronic stroke.

Electrophysiological Variations in Auditory Potentials in Chronic Tinnitus Individuals: Treatment Response and Tinnitus Laterality

Background: This study investigates electrophysiological distinctions in auditory evoked potentials (AEPs) among individuals with chronic subjective tinnitus, with a specific focus on the impact of treatment response and tinnitus localisation. Methods: Early AEPs, known as Auditory Brainstem Responses (ABR), and middle AEPs, termed Auditory Middle Latency Responses (AMLR), were analysed in tinnitus patients across four clinical centers in an attempt to verify increased neuronal activity, in accordance with the current tinnitus models. Our statistical analyses primarily focused on discrepancies in time–domain core features of ABR and AMLR signals, including amplitudes and latencies, concerning both treatment response and tinnitus laterality. Results: Statistically significant differences were observed in ABR wave III and V latencies, ABR wave III peak amplitude, and AMLR wave Na and Nb amplitudes when comparing groups based on their response to treatment, accompanied by varying effect sizes. Conversely, when examining groups categorised by tinnitus laterality, no statistically significant differences emerged. Conclusions: These results provide valuable insights into the potential influence of treatment responses on AEPs. However, further research is imperative to attain a comprehensive understanding of the underlying mechanisms at play.

Effects of time-restricted eating with exercise on body composition in adults: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

The effects of time-restricted eating (TRE) with exercise on body composition in adults are not clear. This meta-analysis aimed to assess the effects of TRE when followed in combination with various forms of exercise, including aerobic, resistance, and combined aerobic and resistance [concurrent] training on body composition. Studies published up to May 2023 were searched in EBSCOhost (MEDLINE, CINAHL, SPORTSDISCUS), PubMed, and SCOPUS databases. Fifteen studies, including 338 participants, that evaluated TRE vs. unrestricted eating in individuals performing exercise were analyzed. A random-effects model was used to calculate the weighted mean effect sizes (ES) with 95% confidence intervals (95% CI's). According to the pooled results, TRE had a small but significant reduction of fat mass (FM) kg with an effect size of -0.20 (95% CI = -0.28 to -0.13, p < 0.001) and on body fat percent (BF%) with an effect size of -0.23 (95% CI = -0.35 to -0.11, p < 0.001). The prediction interval ranged from -0.48 to 0.08 for FM and from -0.64 to 0.18 for BF%, respectively. TRE did not significantly alter fat-free mass (FFM) kg compared to control (p = 0.07). Furthermore, age, body mass index (BMI), exercise type, study duration, and energy intake did not have a significant impact on the variation in effect sizes according to the subgroup analyses (p > 0.05). TRE with exercise may reduce fat mass compared to an unrestricted eating window exercise-matched control while preserving FFM. However, more studies are needed.

Exploring the link between sex hormone-binding globulin levels and prostate cancer risk: a comprehensive systematic review and meta-analysis.

Sex hormone-binding globulin (SHBG) plays a critical role in regulating androgen bioavailability and has been hypothesized to influence prostate cancer risk, though existing evidence is inconsistent. This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to evaluate the association between SHBG levels and prostate cancer risk. A comprehensive search was conducted across PubMed, Embase, and Web of Science for studies published up to December 1, 2024. Observational studies assessing SHBG levels and prostate cancer risk were included. Effect sizes were pooled using random-effects meta-analysis. Heterogeneity was evaluated using the I2 statistic, and quality assessment was performed using the Newcastle-Ottawa Scale. Statistical analysis was performed using R software version 4.4. Sixteen studies, including 720,298 participants and 90,799 prostate cancer cases, were analyzed. The pooled odds ratio (OR) for prostate cancer risk per unit increase in SHBG was 0.907 (95% CI 0.799-1.030), indicating no statistically significant association. Substantial heterogeneity was observed among the included studies (I2 = 79%; P < 0.0001). Subgroup analyses showed no significant variation in effect sizes by study design. However, a Mendelian randomization analysis conducted in 140,254 European-descent males, including 79,148 prostate cancer cases, suggested a modest protective effect of higher SHBG levels, with an OR of 0.944 (95% CI 0.897-0.993). Sensitivity analyses confirmed the robustness of the pooled findings. This meta-analysis showed a complex relationship between SHBG levels and prostate cancer risk. While overall findings do not support a statistically significant association, higher SHBG levels may confer a protective role in specific contexts. Further research is needed to elucidate mechanisms, reduce heterogeneity, and validate SHBG as a biomarker for risk stratification.

Synchronous Home-Based Telerehabilitation of the Upper Extremity Following Stroke-A Pyramid Review.

Stroke is a leading cause of long-term disability, often resulting in upper extremity impairment. Telerehabilitation offers a promising approach to deliver therapy in home settings. This review aimed to evaluate the effects of home-based telerehabilitation interventions delivered to address upper extremity function in stroke patients. A systematic review was conducted following the Pyramid Review methodology. Quantitative and qualitative studies examining home-based telerehabilitation for upper extremity function in stroke patients were included. Data were synthesized using meta-analysis where possible and narrative synthesis. Thirty studies (24 quantitative, four qualitative, and two mixed-methods studies) were included. Telerehabilitation interventions demonstrated improvements in upper extremity function for both subacute and chronic stroke patients, with varying effect sizes across intervention types. Constraint-induced movement therapy adaptations and some sensor-based approaches showed consistently positive results. Qualitative findings revealed generally positive effects, with convenience, gamification, and social support as key motivators for adherence. Home-based telerehabilitation shows promise for improving upper extremity function in stroke patients. However, heterogeneity in intervention designs and outcomes limits definitive conclusions. Future research should focus on larger trials, observational studies, standardized outcome measures, and long-term follow-up as well as qualitative studies with focus on perceived effectiveness to optimize telerehabilitation approaches for stroke recovery.

Risk of all-cause mortality by various cigarette smoking indices: A longitudinal study using the Korea National Health Examination Baseline Cohort in South Korea.

Smoking behaviors can be quantified using various indices. Previous studies have shown that these indices measure and predict health risks differently. Additionally, the choice of measure differs depending on the health outcome of interest. We compared how each smoking index predicted all-cause mortality and assessed the goodness-of-fit of each model. A population-based retrospective cohort, the Korea National Health Examination Baseline Cohort, was used (N=6001607). Data from 2009 were utilized, and the participants were followed until 2021. Cox proportional hazards regression analyses were performed among all participants and ever smokers, respectively, to estimate all-cause mortality. Model fit was assessed by the Akaike Information Criterion. For men, smoking intensity showed the strongest effect size (hazard ratio HR=1.16; 95% CI: 1.14-1.18), while pack-years provided the best model fit for all-cause mortality. Among women, smoking intensity showed both the strongest effect size (HR=1.49; 95% CI: 1.28-1.74) and the best model fit. Smoking status (never/former/current) also showed comparable effect sizes (men, HR=1.14; 95% CI: 1.13-1.15; women, HR=1.14; 95% CI: 1.11- 1.18) with fair model fit. Analyses of people who ever smoked indicated that a model incorporating smoking status, duration, and intensity best described the mortality data. The smoking indices showed varying effect sizes and model fits by sex, making it challenging to recommend a single optimal measure. Smoking intensity may be preferred for capturing cumulative exposure, whereas smoking status is notable for its simplicity, comparable effect size, and model fit. Further research that includes biochemical measurements, additional health outcomes, and longer follow-up periods is needed to refine these findings.

재무관리역량이 심리적 안녕감에 미치는 영향: 자기효능감의 매개효과

The purpose of this study is to identify the importance of financial competency as a psychological resource, rather than the size of income or wealth, in influencing psychological well-being. And to verify the mediating effect of self-efficacy in the relationship between financial competency and psychological well-being. To achieve this, an analysis was conducted on 283 economically active adults to examine the effect of financial management competency on psychological well-being mediated by self-efficacy. Economic conditions were included as control variables to compare the effect sizes of key variables. Statistical analyses using IBM SPSS 25 and SPSS PROCESS Macro v4.0 revealed that self-efficacy partially mediated the relationship between financial competency and psychological well-being. Among the three components of financial management competency, self-efficacy fully mediated the relationship between financial management attitude and psychological well-being, while it partially mediated the relationship with financial management skills. Furthermore, Hayes’ bootstrap analysis confirmed that the indirect effect of financial competency on psychological well-being through self-efficacy was significantly greater than the indirect effect of economic conditions. The findings of this study can serve as foundational data for a deeper understanding of the interaction between financial competency, psychological well-being, and self-efficacy. Furthermore, the study highlights the necessity of psychological support aimed at enhancing financial competency and self-efficacy to promote individuals' psychological well-being.

Effects of Prebiotics and Probiotics on Symptoms of Depression and Anxiety in Clinically Diagnosed Samples: Systematic Review and Meta-analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials.

The use of prebiotics and probiotics as a treatment for psychiatric conditions has gained interest due to their potential to modulate the gut-brain axis. This review aims to assess the effectiveness of these interventions in reducing symptoms of depression and anxiety in psychiatric populations. The aim was to comprehensively review and appraise the effectiveness of prebiotic, probiotic, and synbiotic interventions in reducing clinical depression and anxiety symptoms. Systematic searches were conducted across Embase, Medline, PsycINFO, CINAHL, Cochrane Library, and Science Citation Index from database inception to May 22, 2023. Randomized controlled trials investigating prebiotic, probiotic, or synbiotic interventions for treating clinical depression or anxiety symptoms in clinical samples were included. Data were extracted on study characteristics, intervention details, and outcome measures. The Cochrane Collaboration Tool was used to assess the risk of bias. The standardized mean difference (SMD) was calculated using Hedge's g as the metric of effect size. A random-effects model was applied to estimate pooled effect sizes with 95% CIs. Subgroup analyses were performed based on study characteristics, methodological factors, and intervention types. Sensitivity analyses excluded studies with a high risk of bias. Twenty-three RCTs involving 1401 patients met the inclusion criteria, with 20 trials providing sufficient data for meta-analysis. Of these, 18 trials investigated probiotics for depression, 9 trials assessed probiotics for anxiety, and 3 trials examined prebiotics for depression. Probiotics demonstrated a significant reduction in depression symptoms (SMD: -0.96; 95% CI: -1.31, -0.61) and a moderate reduction in anxiety symptoms (SMD: -0.59; 95% CI: -0.98, -0.19). Prebiotics did not show a significant effect on depression (SMD: -0.28; 95% CI: -0.61, 0.04). High heterogeneity was observed across studies, and subgroup analyses indicated that study duration and probiotic formulations contributed to the variation in effect sizes. Probiotics showed substantial reductions in depression symptoms and moderate reductions in anxiety symptoms. Prebiotics showed a nonsignificant trend toward reducing depression. An adjunctive mental health treatment approach that diagnoses, monitors, and treats the gut microbiome alongside traditional pharmacological treatment holds promise for clinical practice. PROSPERO registration no. CRD42023424136.

Effects of Exergaming on Morphological Variables, Biochemical Parameters, and Blood Pressure in Children and Adolescents with Overweight/Obesity: A Systematic Review with Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials.

This systematic review with meta-analysis aimed to evaluate the available body of published peer-reviewed studies on the effects of exergaming (EXG) compared to the control group (CG) on morphological variables, biochemical parameters, and blood pressure in children and adolescents with overweight/obesity. A systematic literature search was conducted until September 2024 using five databases: PubMed, Medline, CINAHL Complete, Scopus, and Web of Science. PRISMA, TESTEX, RoB 2, and GRADE tools assessed the methodological quality and certainty of evidence. Hedge's g effect sizes (ES) for morphological, biochemical, and blood pressure variables were calculated for meta-analyses. Using a random effects model, potential sources of heterogeneity were selected, including subgroup analyses (age) and single training factor analysis (program duration, training frequency). The protocol was registered in PROSPERO (code: CRD42024626992). Out of 72 records, 6 randomized controlled trials with 191 children and adolescents with overweight/obesity were included. Nine meta-analyses were performed, showing significant decreases in body mass index (p = 0.04), waist circumference (p = 0.03), and systolic blood pressure (p = 0.007). However, no significant improvements were observed in diastolic blood pressure, body fat percentage, total cholesterol, HDL-cholesterol, LDL-cholesterol, triglycerides, and glucose. Subgroup analyses showed significant decreases in total cholesterol (<15 years, ES = 0.56; p = 0.006), HDL-cholesterol (<15 years, ES = 0.51; p = 0.01), LDL-cholesterol (<15 years, ES = 0.63; p = 0.01), and triglycerides (<15 years, ES = 0.82; p = 0.000). In training duration, only significant decreases in total cholesterol (ES = 0.69; p = 0.02) were presented in favor of <12 weeks vs. ≥12 weeks. While in training frequency only significant decreases in triglycerides (ES = 0.70; p = 0.03) were reported in favor of ≥3 sessions per week vs. <3 sessions per week. EXG significantly decreases body mass index, waist circumference, and systolic blood pressure in children and adolescents with overweight/obesity.

A Meta-analysis of the Impact of Mental Health Communication on Entrepreneurs’ Management Perceptions and Performance: The Role of Social Media Discussions

The rise of social media has revolutionized mental health communication, offering entrepreneurs accessible platforms to address psychological challenges. Entrepreneurs, often facing stress and isolation, can benefit significantly from engaging with mental health-related content. However, the specific impact of social media on their management perceptions and performance remains underexplored. This meta-analysis systematically reviewed 10 quantitative studies, employing the PRISMA framework to synthesize data. The Hunter-Schmidt method was used to calculate the weighted average effect size and assess variability and homogeneity across studies. The findings revealed a moderate positive relationship between mental health communication on social media and entrepreneurial outcomes, with an average effect size (r =0.4704). Low variance (Sr2 =0.0041) and a 95% credibility interval ([0.3684, 0.5724]) confirmed consistency across studies. Homogeneity testing (2 =2.99) indicated that variations in effect sizes were due to random sampling errors rather than systematic differences. Positive sentiments and active engagement, such as likes, comments, and shares, emerged as critical factors enhancing entrepreneurial decision-making, resilience, and performance. These findings emphasize the transformative role of social media in fostering mental health awareness and professional success. The study highlights practical implications for leveraging social media to support entrepreneurs’ mental well-being and sustainable business practices.

Examining inter‐regional and intra‐seasonal differences in wintering waterfowl landscape associations among Pacific and Atlantic flyways

The Central Valley of California (CVC) and Mid‐Atlantic (MA) in the U.S. are both critical sites for nationwide food security, and many waterfowl species annually, especially during the winter, providing feeding and roosting locations for a variety of species. Mapping waterfowl distributions, using NEXRAD, may aid in the adaptive management of important waterfowl habitat and allow various government agencies to better understand the interface between wild and domestic birds and commercial agricultural practices. We used 9 years (2014–2023) of data from the US NEXRAD network to model winter waterfowl relative abundance in the CVC and MA as a function of weather, temporal period, environmental conditions, and landcover characteristics using boosted regression tree modelling. We were able to quantify the variability in effect size of 28 different covariates across space and time within two geographic regions which are critical to nationwide waterfowl management and host a high density of nationally important commercial agriculture. In general, weather, geographic (distance to features), and landcover condition (wetness index) predictors had the strongest relative effect on predicting wintering waterfowl relative abundance in both regions, while effects of land cover composition were more regionally and temporally specific. Increased daily mean temperature was a major predictor of increasing relative waterfowl abundance in both regions throughout the winter. Increasing precipitation had differing effects within regions, increasing relative waterfowl abundance in the MA, while decreasing in general within the CVC. Increasing relative waterfowl abundance in the CVC are strongly tied to the flooding of the landscape and rice availability, whereas waterfowl in the MA, where water is less limiting, are generally governed by waste grain availability and emergent wetland on the landscape. Waterfowl relative abundance in the MA was generally higher nearer to the Atlantic coast and lakes, while in the CVC they were higher nearer to lakes. Our findings promote a better understanding of spatial associations of waterfowl to landscape features and may aid in conservation and biosecurity management protocols.

Investigating factors of pedestrian safety using ordinal logistic regression in Addis Ababa City roads

Pedestrians are the most victimized group in traffic accidents, and this has raised concerns about pedestrian safety in urban Ethiopia. The aim of this study is to determine the factors that affect pedestrian safety in Addis Ababa city Roads. This study employed a concurrent mixed-methods research method and an explanatory research design. Perception-based pedestrian safety data was collected from respondents’ key informants and personal observation. Exploratory factor analysis was employed to identify significant variables. Besides, the fitness of each variable was evaluated under the assumption of ordinal logistic regression, and the effect size of significant variables was determined using the odds ratio. The result indicates pedestrians are 0.065, 0.181, 0.296, 0.324, 0.289, 0.306, 0.038, and 0.193 times less likely to be safe due to narrow sidewalk width, poor sidewalk and footpath pavement comfort, inclusivity problems of sidewalks and footpaths, illegal vehicle parking, street vending, fast vehicle speed, and absence of traffic signs and lights, respectively. Consequently, the use of ordinal logistic regression offers a practical and effective means of determining pedestrian safety factors. Better pedestrian facilities should be constructed by considering pedestrian flow and diversity. Besides, the concerned body should provide spaces for street vendors and car parking and enforce traffic rules in the appropriate system to control vehicle speed.

An Assessment of Statistical Power for Analysis of Variance with Missing Data using Multiple Imputation

This study proposes a framework for statistical power assessment in the analysis of variance (ANOVA) models with missing data handled through multiple imputation. While existing literature has examined the power for t-tests with missing data, extending these techniques to ANOVA designs with multiple group means remains an open challenge. The methodology involves incorporating the variance component into an existing power model derived for a pairwise test, enabling explicit power estimation for two-factor, three-factor, and split-plot ANOVA designs with incomplete data. Empirical evaluations across varying effect sizes, missing data rates (8%, 16%, 40%), and numbers of imputations (20, 30, 40, 100) were conducted for both monotone and arbitrary patterns of missing data. The findings reveal that while power remains high at low missing data rates, it declines substantially with increasing missingness, particularly for higher proportions of missing data. Furthermore, arbitrary patterns of missing data exhibit slightly lower power compared to monotone patterns. The number of required imputations to achieve desired power levels depends on the missing data rate, with more imputations needed for higher proportions of missing data. This study provides a framework for power analysis in ANOVA models with missing data, addressing the critical need for reliable guidance in designing studies with incomplete data

Advancing Field-Based Vertical Jump Analysis: Markerless Pose Estimation vs. Force Plates.

The countermovement vertical jump (CMJ) is widely used in sports science and rehabilitation to assess lower body power. In controlled laboratory environments, a complex analysis of CMJ performance is usually carried out using motion capture or force plate systems, providing detailed insights into athlete's movement mechanics. While these systems are highly accurate, they are often costly or limited to laboratory settings, making them impractical for widespread or field use. This study aimed to evaluate the accuracy of MMPose, a markerless 2D pose estimation framework, for CMJ analysis by comparing it with force plates. Twelve healthy participants performed five CMJs, with each jump trial simultaneously recorded using force plates and a smartphone camera. Vertical velocity profiles and key temporal variables, including jump phase durations, maximum jump height, vertical velocity, and take-off velocity, were analyzed and compared between the two systems. The statistical methods included a Bland-Altman analysis, correlation coefficients (r), and effect sizes, with consistency and systematic differences assessed using intraclass correlation coefficients (ICC) and paired samples t-tests. The results showed strong agreement (r = 0.992) between the markerless system and force plates, validating MMPose for CMJ analysis. The temporal variables also demonstrated high reliability (ICC > 0.9), with minimal systematic differences and negligible effect sizes for most variables. These findings suggest that the MMPose-based markerless system is a cost-effective and practical alternative for analyzing CMJ performance, particularly in field settings where force plates may be less accessible. This system holds potential for broader applications in sports performance and rehabilitation, enabling more scalable, data-driven movement assessments.

The relationship between perfectionism and marital outcomes: a systematic review and meta-analysis

IntroductionPerfectionism, as a transdiagnostic variable, can influence both the intrapersonal and interpersonal domains, one of the most significant of them is thought to be marital relationship. Given that perfectionism within a couple can negatively affect their intimate relationship and potentially lead to destructive outcomes, reviewing studies conducted in this area seems to be essential to gain a clearer understanding. Therefore, the present systematic review aims to examine the association between perfectionism and marital outcomes in married individuals.MethodsA comprehensive search was conducted across major scientific databases, including APA PsycArticles, PubMed, and Web of Science, using specific keywords and Boolean operators. Included were the English-Language studies published between 1980 and 2023 that investigated the relationship between perfectionism and marital outcomes in heterosexual couples. Out of the studies identified, 23 met the inclusion criteria for this review, of which 16 studies met the criteria for meta-analysis.ResultsThe meta-analysis indicated a small-to-moderate effect size for the association between perfectionism and marital outcomes (r = 0.26). Given the importance of marital relationship, such effect sizes for variables which may influence marital relationship bears significant value.DiscussionTherefore, the findings may encourage researchers to conduct various studies to examine specific details, moderators, and mediators in the relationship between perfectionism and marital outcomes and may also prompt couple therapists to address perfectionism as a destructive factor and integrate strategies into their protocols to reduce its impact in intimate relationships.

Response shift results of quantitative research using patient-reported outcome measures: a meta-regression analysis.

Our objectives were to identify characteristics of response shift studies using patient-reported outcomes (PROMs) that explain variability in (1) the detection and (2) the magnitude of response shift effects. We conducted a systematic review of quantitative studies published before June 2023. First, two-level multivariable logistic regression models (effect- and sample-levels) were used to explain variability in the probability of finding a response shift effect. Second, variability in effect sizes (standardized mean differences) was investigated with 3-level meta-regression models (participant-, effect- and sample-levels). Explanatory variables identified via the purposeful selection methodology included response shift method and type, and population-, study design-, PROM- and study-quality characteristics. First, logistic regression analysis of 5597 effects from 206 samples in 171 studies identified variables explaining 41.5% of the effect-level variance, while no variables explained sample-level variance. The average probability of response shift detection is 0.20 (95% CI: 0.17-0.28). Variation in detection was predominantly explained by response shift methods and type (recalibration vs. reprioritization/reconceptualization). Second, effect sizes were analyzed for 769 effects from 114 samples and 96 studies based on the then-test and structural equation modeling methods. Meta-regression analysis identified variables explaining 11.6% of the effect-level variance and 26.4% of the sample-level variance, with an average effect size of 0.30 (95% CI: 0.26-0.34). Response shift detection is influenced by study design and methods. Insights into the variables explaining response shift effects can be used to interpret results of other comparable studies using PROMs and inform the design of future response shift studies.

Effects of increased allochthonous dissolved organic carbon on the growth of planktonic biota in freshwater ecosystems: A meta‐analysis

AbstractWater browning, induced by allochthonous dissolved organic carbon (DOC) input, has become a widespread phenomenon in boreal lakes over the past decades. Directly quantifying aquatic organisms' responses to increased DOC concentrations is essential for projecting carbon cycle processes in freshwater ecosystems. In this study, we assessed the impacts of DOC addition on the growth of three freshwater planktonic groups: phytoplankton, zooplankton, and bacteria, and explored potential drivers behind variations in effect size. Background DOC concentrations vary between 0.5 and 25 mg L−1, while total phosphorus concentrations span from 0.0003 to 1.55 mg L−1. Based on a meta‐analysis of 804 observations from 47 publications, we found that DOC addition had a significant positive effect on bacteria, while it had a small but negative impact on both phytoplankton and zooplankton. In different climate zones, DOC addition often stimulated bacterial growth, but it exerted either positive or negative effects on phytoplankton and zooplankton. Additionally, the effect sizes of both phytoplankton and zooplankton showed a significant negative relationship with the magnitude of DOC enrichment, while bacteria exhibited positive responses. Furthermore, the effect sizes of these three taxa correlated negatively with background total phosphorus concentrations and positively with the DOC : total phosphorus ratio. A significant negative correlation between effect size and experimental duration was observed for bacteria. In summary, this synthesis indicates that excessive DOC loading can inevitably inhibit phytoplankton and zooplankton growth. Future studies should focus on the interactions between DOC addition and global change factors to improve forecasts of carbon‐climate feedback in aquatic ecosystems.

FC22 Assessment of pustular psoriasis genes in generalized and palmoplantar pustular psoriasis suggest transethnic differences in disease susceptibility, an oligogenic inheritance in both psoriatic subtypes and an involvement of purinergic receptors

Abstract Generalized (GPP) and palmoplantar pustular psoriasis (PPP) are psoriatic subtypes affecting fewer psoriatic patients but often more severely than common psoriasis vulgaris. While several susceptibility genes have been identified in GPP mainly in Africa and Europe, there is currently a lack of established risk factors for PPP. Recently, P2RX7 variants were suggested to contribute to chronic non-bacterial osteomyelitis (CNO), a clinically overlapping disease. In order to estimate the effect sizes of susceptibility variants in GPP and CNO genes, we assessed 195 exome/ genome sequences of GPP and PPP systematically and performed a literature search for published datasets of European pustular psoriasis patients. Depending on the reported state of disease-variants, we compared allele or genotype frequencies to those of controls. In the case of bi-allelic variants, we considered ∼4900 individuals in whom allele dosage could be determined. Meta-analysis in GPP revealed significant effect sizes for IL36RN and MPO variants in European carriers of mono-, but especially of bi-allelic variants [IL36RN: odds ratio (95% confidence interval) = 334.2 (106.5–1599.2); MPO: 73.7 (16.5–328.5)], as expected for a monogenic/ oligogenic disease like GPP. Nine PPP patients (8%) carried a coding variant in either IL36RN or MPO, one additional individual with disease-contributing variants in both IL36RN and MPO suggests that oligogenic inheritance might also be relevant in PPP. Not a single PPP patient, but five GPP patients were identified to carry P2RX7 missense variants predicted/shown to have an impact on the signalling pathway; notably, one of the latter patients carried two variants, suggesting autosomal recessive inheritance. Putative disease variants in AP1S3 were not associated, while SERPINA3 variants were too rare to perform reliable comparisons. We did not analyse CARD14, as there are numerous missense variants and the classification of many missense variants into different ACMG categories is rather arbitrary. Our study indicates a continuum of GPP-PPP-CNO and a significant contribution of IL36RN and MPO variants on disease susceptibility in bi-allelic states and in European GPP patients, less commonly in PPP. The lack of association of pustular psoriasis with BTN3A3 in European patients and with MPO variants in Asian patients suggests transethnic differences in disease susceptibility. The overall allele frequencies of up to 4.5% of variants in AP1S3 and BTN3A3 in certain populations and a considerable frequency of homozygous, healthy carriers of risk alleles in BTN3A3 and AP1S3 render an impact on disease susceptibility less likely. As variants in known disease genes affect &amp;lt;40% of GPP patients and a low percentage in PPP, there is a high need to elucidate the molecular basis of pustular psoriasis, in order to offer more targeted, individualized therapy.