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Amphibians as environmental omen disputed

A meta-analysis of over 28,000 toxicological tests challenges the notion that amphibians are uniquely susceptible to pollution. Researchers found that frogs range from moderately susceptible to 'bullet-proof' against environmental threats, with other factors contributing to their decline.

SourceYale University·JournalEcology Letters·DateNov 10, 2009

How many scientists fabricate and falsify research?

A meta-analysis of surveys suggests that altering or making up data is more frequent than previously estimated, particularly in medical research. Up to 14% of respondents knew someone who had fabricated or falsified data, and up to 72% knew someone who had committed other questionable practices.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS ONE·DateMay 28, 2009

Nonhormonal treatment regimens improve survival in patients with metastatic breast cancer

A meta-analysis of 128 clinical trials has found that nonhormonal treatment regimens, including anthracycline-based regimens and taxanes, have improved overall survival in women with advanced breast cancer. The use of these regimens led to a significant relative risk reduction in overall mortality.

SourceJournal of the National Cancer Institute·JournalJNCI Journal of the National Cancer Institute·DateDec 9, 2008

Higher rates of mental illness among the homeless in Western countries

A systematic review and meta-analysis found that homeless people in Western countries experience substantially higher rates of mental health problems compared to the general population. The prevalence of serious mental disorders was found to be raised, with notable increases in alcohol and drug abuse, as well as psychosis.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Medicine·DateDec 1, 2008

International study questions health benefits of moderate drinking

A new meta-analysis of 54 studies found no clear link between moderate drinking and reduced risk of premature death from all causes. The analysis controlled for age and illness effects that skewed previous findings, suggesting that moderate drinking may not be as protective as thought. Further research is needed to confirm these results.

SourceUniversity of California - San Francisco·JournalAddiction Research & Theory·DateMar 30, 2006

Private health care costs more

Research by P.J. Devereaux et al found higher mortality rates and higher costs associated with private for-profit hospitals compared to not-for-profit hospitals. This supports a policy shift towards not-for-profit healthcare delivery, as suggested by S. Woolhandler and D.U. Himmelstein.

SourceCanadian Medical Association Journal·JournalCanadian Medical Association Journal·DateJun 7, 2004

Women most effective leaders for today's world

A comprehensive meta-analysis of 45 leadership studies found that women tend to use transformational leadership styles, which produce better worker performance and effectiveness. Women scored higher than men on one measure of transactional leadership and were more likely to be mentors and empower workers.

SourceNorthwestern University·JournalPsychological Bulletin·DateAug 4, 2003

Meta-analysis of zinc supplementation shows positive growth effects for infants and children

A meta-analysis of zinc supplementation found that both height and weight increased positively in response to zinc supplements. Infants and children who were initially stunted or underweight realized the greatest benefit from zinc supplements. Zinc supplements also significantly increased serum zinc concentrations.

SourceAmerican Journal of Clinical Nutrition·JournalAmerican Journal of Clinical Nutrition·DateMay 23, 2002

Mammography screening-the debate continues

A recent meta-analysis and follow-up study found no immediate life-saving effect of mammography screening, but suggested that it may reduce breast cancer mortality after several years. Researchers argue that the analysis must focus on case-fatality rates rather than overall mortality rates to accurately evaluate the benefits.

SourceThe Lancet_DELETED·JournalThe Lancet·DateJan 31, 2002

Which triptan for migraine relief?

A meta-analysis of 53 controlled clinical trials involving over 24,000 patients found that 10mg rizatriptan, 80mg eletriptan, and 12.5mg almotriptan showed better efficacy and consistency compared to sumatriptan. The results suggest that physicians need a variety of triptans in their repertoire to best treat patients with migraine.

SourceThe Lancet_DELETED·JournalThe Lancet·DateNov 15, 2001