For the pooled analysis of the association of nestin expression with OS of breast cancer (univariate analysis, Egger’s test, P = 0.018), a filled funnel plot was generated by trim and fill analysis including two imputed studies, and the meta-analysis incorporating these two imputed studies demonstrated the similar result (univariate analysis, adjusted HR = 1.575, 95% CI [1.089–2.279], P = 0.016) (Fig. 8a). The gene discussed is NES; the disease is breast cancer.