Average number of citations in articles published by researchers from the different countries during the past 11 years.

<p>Average number of citations in articles published by researchers from the different countries during the past 11 years.</p

Annual total IFs of articles published by researchers from the top five countries and China from 2000 to 2010.

<p>Annual total IFs of articles published by researchers from the top five countries and China from 2000 to 2010.</p

Annual citations of articles related to PBC written by authors from the top five countries and China from 2000 to 2010.

<p>Annual citations of articles related to PBC written by authors from the top five countries and China from 2000 to 2010.</p

Number of clinical trials, RCTs, and case reports written by authors from the six countries between 2000 and 2010.

<p>Number of clinical trials, RCTs, and case reports written by authors from the six countries between 2000 and 2010.</p

Trends in annual numbers of articles written by researchers from the six countries from 2000 to 2010.

<p>Trends in annual numbers of articles written by researchers from the six countries from 2000 to 2010.</p

Total number of basic research, case reports, clinical research, commentaries, and reviews relating to PBC worldwide from 2000 to 2010.

<p>Total number of basic research, case reports, clinical research, commentaries, and reviews relating to PBC worldwide from 2000 to 2010.</p

Average impact factors (IF) of articles written by authors from six countries from 2000 to 2010, based on the annual IFs of the journals published.

<p>Average impact factors (IF) of articles written by authors from six countries from 2000 to 2010, based on the annual IFs of the journals published.</p

The four most popular journals for authors from five countries between 2000 and 2010.

<p>The four most popular journals for authors from five countries between 2000 and 2010.</p

The Association of 5-HT2A, 5-HTT, and LEPR Polymorphisms with Obstructive Sleep Apnea Syndrome: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

<div><p>Objective</p><p>A consensus has not been reached regarding the association of several different gene polymorphisms and susceptibility to obstructive sleep apnea syndrome (OSAS). We performed a meta-analysis to better evaluate the associations between 5-HT2A, 5-HTT, and LEPR polymorphisms, and OSAS.</p><p>Method</p><p>5-HT2A, 5-HTT, and LEPR polymorphisms and OSAS were identified in PubMed and EMBASE. The pooled odd rates (ORs) with 95%CIs were estimated using a fixed-effect or random-effect models. The associations between these polymorphisms and OSAS risk were assessed using dominant, recessive and additive models.</p><p>Results</p><p>Twelve publications were included in this study. The -1438 “A” allele of 5-HT2A was identified as a candidate genetic risk factor for OSAS (OR: 2.33, 95%CI 1.49–3.66). Individuals carrying the -1438 “G” allele had a nearly 70% reduced risk of OSAS when compared with AA homozygotes (OR: 0.30, 95%CI 0.23–0.40). There was no significant association between 5-HT2A 102C/T and OSAS risk, using any model. The “S” allele of 5-HTTLPR conferred protection against OSAS (OR: 0.80, 95%CI 0.67–0.95), while the “10” allele of 5-HTTVNTR contributed to the risk of OSAS (OR: 2.08, 95%CI: 1.58–2.73). The “GG” genotype of LEPR was associated with a reduced risk of OSAS (OR: 0.39, 95%CI 0.17–0.88).</p><p>Conclusion</p><p>The meta-analysis demonstrated that 5-HTR-1438 “A” and 5-HTTVNTR “10” alleles were significantly associated with OSAS. The “S” allele of 5-HTTLPR and the “GG” genotype of LEPR conferred protection against OSAS. Further studies, such as Genome-Wide Association study (GWAS), should be conducted in a large cohort of OSAS patients to confirm our findings.</p></div

Characteristic of the included studies about the association between 5-HT2A polymorphism and OSAS risk.

<p>NS: None Stated.</p><p>⊢: Indicated age of OSAS patients group in these studies.</p><p><b>⊤</b>: Indicated age of Control group in these studies.</p