Study selection
The title and abstract of the articles were independently evaluated
based on the inclusion and exclusion criteria by two investigators (WJ
and GY). Subsequently, the full text targeted articles were retrieved
and accessed for eligibility to be included. The reason for the
articles’ exclusion was documented. The process of study selection, data
extraction and quality appraisal were conducted independently by two
investigators (WJ and GY). Any disagreements or differences in opinion
between the two researchers (WJ and GY) were handled through discussions
and consensus, followed by a third researcher’s independent opinion
(NAMT). The three researchers (WJ, GY and NAMT) would need to reach an
agreement before making a final decision.