Meta-analysis refers to the statistical analysis of the data from independent primary studies focused on the same question, which aims to generate a quantitative estimate of the studied phenomenon, for example, the effectiveness of the intervention ( Gopalakrishnan and Ganeshkumar, 2013). Systematic reviews summarize available literature using specific search parameters followed by critical appraisal and logical synthesis of multiple primary studies ( Gopalakrishnan and Ganeshkumar, 2013). Systematic reviews and meta-analyses are essential tools for synthesizing evidence needed to inform clinical decision making and policy. Thus, meta-analyses provide informed estimates for biological outcomes and the range of their variability, which are critical for the hypothesis generation and evidence-driven design of translational studies, as well as development of computational models.Įvidence-based medical practice aims to consolidate best research evidence with clinical and patient expertise. We discuss the criteria required to ensure outcome validity, as well as exploratory methods to identify influential experimental and biological factors. In addition, the features pertaining to larger datasets are illustrated with a systematic review of mechanically-stimulated ATP release kinetics in mammalian cells.
Through the course of the manuscript, a rapid review of intracellular ATP concentrations in osteoblasts is used as an example to demonstrate workflow, intermediate and final outcomes of basic research meta-analyses. We introduce MetaLab, a meta-analytic toolbox developed in MATLAB R2016b which implements the methods described in this methodology and is provided for researchers and statisticians at Git repository ( ). Emphasis is placed on handling heterogeneity that is inherently prevalent in studies that use diverse experimental designs and models. Conventional meta-analytic techniques are extended to accommodate methods and practices found in basic research. The goal of this study is to present a brief theoretical foundation, computational resources and workflow outline along with a working example for performing systematic or rapid reviews of basic research followed by meta-analysis. Unlike clinical research, where consolidation efforts are facilitated by systematic review and meta-analysis, the basic sciences seldom use such rigorous quantitative methods.
1Faculty of Dentistry, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada.Nicholas Mikolajewicz 1,2 and Svetlana V.
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