However, CD44 expression was not significantly associated with tumor differentiation (G1 + G2 vs. G3) (OR 1.48, 95 % CI 0.85–2.60, P = 0.17, fixed-effect) (Fig. b) and AFP level of HCC patients (OR 0.83, 95 % CI 0.52–1.33, P = 0.45, fixed-effect) (Fig. 2c). The gene discussed is AFP; the disease is hepatocellular carcinoma.