A priori design |
No |
Yes |
Duplicate study selection/data extraction |
Yes, for study selection; unclear for data extraction |
Yes |
Comprehensive literature search |
Yes |
Yes |
Status of publication used as an inclusion criterion |
No |
Yes |
List of studies (included and excluded) provided |
No |
Yes |
Characteristics of included studies provided |
Yes |
Yes |
Quality of studies assessed and documented |
Yes |
Yes |
Quality of included studies used appropriately in formulating conclusions |
Yes |
Yes |
Methods to combine findings appropriate |
Yes |
Yes |
Publication bias assessed |
Yes |
No |
Conflict of interest stated |
Yes, the authors declared no disclosure. |
Yes |