Research Evidence Research Articles

Digital finance and capital mobility: Evidence from cross-regional investment of listed companies in China

This study examines the role of digital finance in dismantling regional barriers to capital flow and in fostering the creation of a unified market. Using the provincial-level digital finance index and data on subsidiaries by listed companies, we demonstrate how digital finance index effectively enhances cross-regional investment. Our findings are robustly supported by extensive tests. We propose two potential mechanisms through which digital finance may influence the level of cross-regional investment by listed companies: first, by reducing the degree of segmentation in capital markets between regions and second, by lowering firms' capital costs and financial constraint. Our results indicate that the impact of digital finance on cross-regional investment is particularly pronounced in environments with higher competition, and among companies without political connections. Additionally, our research indicates that in regions with higher financial regulation, digital finance can better facilitate capital flow. This study provides new research perspectives and evidence on the influence of digital finance on the development of the real economy and the promotion of capital mobility.

Practitioner Review: Treatments for young people who self-harm - challenges and recommendations for research and clinical practice.

Self-harm is very common in young people and is associated with suicide. Rates of both self-harm and suicide have increased in young people, particularly in females. There is a clear need to identify new approaches to prevent repeat self-harm. We significantly update and build on previous reviews with the aim of identifying issues in research relevant to clinical practice. We identify challenges in developing, implementing and evaluating treatments for self-harm in children and adolescents, suggest a way forward for research, and provide clear and practical guidance for clinicians on how to apply current research evidence in the real world. Currently, there is limited evidence for effective interventions, other than some support for dialectical behaviour therapy for adolescents (DBT-A). To improve research and, by extension, clinical practice, future studies need to address psychosocial factors associated with youth self-harm and suicide, investigate the critical mechanism(s) of action, ensure trials are sufficiently powered and representative, and involve young people more actively in the design, implementation and evaluation of these approaches. Consideration should also be given to alternative research designs, such as pragmatic or adaptive clinical trials, as well as registry-based randomised controlled trials which leverage administrative data collected in routine clinical practice, to help meet these goals. Recommendations for practice include undertaking comprehensive assessment and formulation, and offering DBT-A where indicated. There should be further development and evaluation (with input from young people) of Cognitive Behavioural-based Therapy adapted for young people. Greater attention to the role of the therapeutic relationship and family involvement (where possible) is also an important considerations, irrespective of the specific therapeutic modality. Finally, more consideration should be given to improving staff training to ensure all clinical staff feel equipped to treat young people who self-harm in a person-centred and compassionate manner.

Mobile-linked point-of-care diagnostics in community-based healthcare: a scoping review of user experiences

BackgroundWhile mobile-linked point-of-care diagnostics may circumvent geographical and temporal barriers to efficient communication, the use of such technology in community settings will depend on user experience. We conducted a scoping review to systematically map evidence on user experiences of mobile-linked point-of-care diagnostics in community healthcare settings published from the year 2016 up to the year 2022.MethodologyWe conducted a comprehensive search of the following electronic databases: Scopus, Web of Science, and EBSCOhost (Medline, CINAHL, Africa-wide, Academic Search Complete). The inter-reviewer agreement was determined using Cohen’s kappa statistic. Data quality was appraised using the mixed method appraisal tool version 2018, and the results were reported according to the preferred reporting items for systematic reviews and meta-analyses for scoping reviews (PRISMA-ScR).ResultsFollowing the abstract and full article screening, nine articles were found eligible for inclusion in data extraction. Following the quality appraisal, one study scored 72.5%, one study scored 95%, and the remaining seven studies scored 100%. Inter-rater agreement was 83.54% (Kappa statistic = 0.51, p < 0.05). Three themes emerged from the articles: approaches to implementing mobile-linked point-of-care diagnostics, user engagement in community-based healthcare settings, and limited user experiences in mobile-linked point-of-care diagnostics. User experiences are key to the sustainable implementation of mobile-linked point-of-care diagnostics. User experiences have been evaluated in small community healthcare settings. There is limited evidence of research aimed at evaluating the usability of mobile-linked diagnostics at the community level.ConclusionMore studies are needed to assess the user experience of mobile-linked diagnostics in larger communities. This scoping review revealed gaps that need to be addressed to improve user experiences of mobile-linked diagnostics, including language barriers, privacy issues, and clear instructions.

Chinese expert consensus on surgical treatment of hypertensive intracerebral hemorrhage based on parafascicular approach(2024 edition)

Hypertensive intracerebral hemorrhage (HICH) is one of the main causes of death and disability in Chinese people. Surgical treatment can reduce the mortality rate of patients with HICH, but cannot improve functional prognosis. Therefore, promoting the neurological function recovery of surviving patients has become the focus of treatment for HICH. The corticospinal tract (CST) is the main descending fiber bundle that maintains motor function, and its integrity determines the degree of motor function recovery. Therefore, reducing CST injury is expected to improve motor dysfunction in patients with supratentorial deep HICH. Standardizing the indications, surgical strategies, and operational procedures for minimally invasive surgical treatment via the parafascicular approach can achieve maximum hematoma clearance and minimal white fiber bundle damage, which is beneficial for promoting the recovery of white matter fibers and improving neurological function prognosis. The Chinese Congress of Neurological Surgeons of Chinese Medical Doctor Association, the Neurosurgery Branch of the Chinese Medical Association, the Intracerebral Hemorrhage Minimally Invasive Surgical Treatment Branch of the Chinese Stroke Association, and the Stroke Branch of the Chongqing Medical Association organized relevant domestic experts to systematically query and evaluate existing relevant research evidence, refer to relevant international consensus and guidelines, and combine national conditions and domestic needs. A total of 31 recommendations were formed for preoperative examination, surgical indications, intraoperative positioning, surgical methods, hemostasis techniques, and perioperative management for surgical treatment of HICH based on white matter fiber protection, hoping to provide important reference for the surgical treatment of HICH.

LIVED EXPERIENCES OF LEARNING AND PRACTICING ENGLISH: A CASE STUDY COSTA RICA

In the community in La Virgen de Sarapiquí, community outreach projects have been carried out from 2018 to 2024. The projects had the purpose of providing the participants with professional skills for the potential tourist visitation in the area due to the opening of El Ceibo of the Braulio Carrillo National Park. In the last three years, English courses have been taught in the community with the aim of promoting linguistic competences in their tourism ventures. This qualitative research evidences the lived experiences and perceptions of two participants in the process of learning and Practicing English in socio-productive activities, developed under this community outreach framework. For this descriptive case study, data were collected through semi-structured interviews, collages, and reflective narratives. Data were analyzed using thematic analysis and using NVivo as software for data coding. The results obtained include the context of the participants before taking the English courses, the perceptions of these people about the English courses, the experiences lived in the implementation of the language and job projections in relation to English. It was concluded that the learning of English was effective and its use in the socio-productive activities of the participants. Also, extension projects are key in the development of rural communities along with the implementation of project management principles such as quality, complexity, adaptability, and resilience; In addition, rigorous qualitative research allows a systematization with perspectives from the experiences and perceptions of the participants.

Journal recommended guidelines for systematic review and meta-analyses.

Systematic reviews and meta-analyses aggregate research findings across studies and populations, making them a valuable form of research evidence. Over the past decade, studies in medical education using these methods have increased by 630%. However, many manuscripts are not publication-ready due to inadequate planning and insufficient analyses. These guidelines aim to improve the clarity and comprehensiveness of reporting methodologies and outcomes, ensuring high quality and comparability. They align with existing standards like PRISMA, providing examples and best practices. Adhering to these guidelines is crucial for publication consideration in Anatomical Sciences Education.

Safety profiles of tetracycline-class drugs: a pharmacovigilance analysis of the FAERS database

ABSTRACT Background As synthesis technology advances, novel and efficient derivatives of tetracyclines are found. Three new antibiotics were approved within the past 18 years, and represent a new era in the use of tetracyclines. To gain further insight into adverse events linked to tetracyclines and better protect pediatric patients, ongoing monitoring of safety data is crucial. Methods The FAERS data from the first quarter of 2004 to the third quarter of 2023 in the AERSMine were extracted to conduct disproportionality analysis. The association between five tetracyclines and adverse events was evaluated using reporting odds ratio, and their risk factors were explored by multivariate logistic regression analysis. Results Our study showed that thyroid gland disorders had the strongest signal in children. Patients aged 12–18 and treatment with minocycline are risk factors for thyroid adverse events (12–18: OR = 10.727 [7.113–16.177], p < 0.0001; minocycline: OR = 17.025 [10.475–27.678], p < 0.0001). Second-generation tetracycline and third-generation tetracycline ADR patterns differed. Blood fibrinogen decreased and hypofibrinogenaemia was primarily reported with tigecycline and eravacycline. Conclusion This study provided basic evidence for further research on tetracyclines-related adverse events. However, the safety of third-generation tetracycline in children requires additional validation through a large-scale prospective study.

From alcohol and other drug treatment mediator to mechanism to implementation: A systematic review and the cases of self-efficacy, social support, and craving.

Research designed to establish alcohol and other drug (AOD) mechanisms of behavioral change (MOBC) has centered on what variables mediate the relation between AOD treatment and outcomes. The purpose of this paper was to review this research evidence to identify empirically supported mediators of alcohol and other drug use and related outcomes and then to evaluate their potential as being AOD treatment MOBC. The first phase was a systematic review of reviews (2008-2023) to identify the variables with the strongest empirical support as mediators of AOD treatment effects. Eligible reviews focused on AOD treatment modalities, included empirically tested mediators, and targeted adult samples. The second phase was a systematic review of empirical studies (1990-2023) testing the hypothesis that variables identified in phase one were AOD treatment mediators/mechanisms and then evaluating each eligible stage two study according to the Kazdin and Nock (Journal of Child Psychology and Psychiatry, 44, 1116) criteria. Eligible articles included empirical studies with adult samples attending AOD treatment and empirically tested one of the three treatment mechanisms as a mediator of an AOD-related outcome. Databases were searched in accordance with the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses. This systematic review was not preregistered. The first review of 11 eligible review articles identified self-efficacy, social support, and craving as having the strongest empirical support. The second review captured 48 individual studies. An evaluation of each of these studies by the Kazdin and Nock criteria suggested that they likely are MOBC and therefore are ready for implementation. The implementation of self-efficacy, social support, and craving into clinical practice and training is warranted. Six directions for future research to solidify and generalize empirical support for the case that self-efficacy, social support, and craving are MOBC are presented, as are five implications for clinical practice and training.

Improving quality in adult long covid services: Findings from the LOCOMOTION quality improvement collaborative

The protracted form of COVID-19 known as ‘long covid’ was first described in 2020. Its symptoms, course and prognosis vary widely; some patients have a multi-system, disabling and prolonged illness. In 2021, ring-fenced funding was provided to establish 90 long covid clinics in England; some clinics were also established in Scotland and Wales. The NIHR-funded LOCOMOTION project implemented a UK-wide quality improvement collaborative involving ten of these clinics, which ran from 2021 to 2023. At regular online meetings held approximately 8-weekly, participants prioritised topics, discussed research evidence and guidelines, and presented exemplar case histories and clinic audits. A patient advisory group also held a priority-setting exercise, participated in quality meetings and undertook a service evaluation audit. The goal of successive quality improvement cycles aimed at changing practice to align with evidence was sometimes hard to achieve because definitive evidence did not yet exist in this new condition; many patients had comorbidities; and clinics were practically constrained in various ways. Nevertheless, much progress was made and a series of ‘best practice’ guides was produced, covering general assessment and management; breathing difficulties; orthostatic tachycardia and other autonomic symptoms; fatigue and cognitive impairment; and vocational rehabilitation. This paper summarises key findings with the frontline clinician in mind.

Development of the Guide to Disseminating Research (GuiDiR): A consolidated framework

BackgroundLess than one third of research evidence is translated into policy or practice. Knowledge translation requires effective dissemination, adoption and finally implementation. These three stages are equally important, however, existing knowledge translation models and frameworks provide little and disparate information about the steps and activities required for effective dissemination. ObjectiveThis study aimed to empirically develop a consolidated framework of evidence-based steps and activities for disseminating research evidence. MethodsWe identified models and frameworks from a scoping review and dissemination and implementation webtool. We synthesised them into a prototype dissemination framework. Models and frameworks were eligible to inform steps in our framework if they fulfilled at least one of three elements of dissemination: intending to generate awareness of a message, incorporates targeting an audience: tailoring communication. An initial coding framework was created to organise data into dissemination steps.Drawing on ‘co-approach’ principles, authors of the included models and frameworks (dissemination experts) and health service researchers (end users) were invited to test and refine the prototype framework at a workshop. ResultsFrom 48 models and frameworks reviewed, only 32 fulfilled one or more of the three dissemination elements. The initial coding framework, upon refinement, yielded the Guide to Disseminating Research (GuiDiR) comprising five steps.1) Identify target audiences and dissemination partners.2) Engage with dissemination partners.3) Identify barriers and enablers to dissemination.4) Create dissemination messages.5) Disseminate and evaluate.Multiple activities were identified for each step and no single model or framework represents all steps and activities in GuiDiR. ConclusionsGuiDiR unifies dissemination components from knowledge translation models and frameworks and harmonises language into a format accessible to non-experts. It outlines for researchers, funders and practitioners the expected structure of dissemination and details the activities for executing an evidence-based dissemination strategy.

Fostering Investment Efficiency in Indonesian Firms: Empirical Evidence and Recommendations for Future Research

Objective –The purpose of this research is to review and examine the empirical evidence on investment efficiency in Indonesia.Design/methodology –This research employs bibliographic analysis. This research utilizes 30 articles published between 2015 and 2023 in internationally recognized Scopus journals and nationally recognized Sinta 2 journals.Results –This research identifies three categories of factors that impact investment efficiency namely financial, governance, and non-financial factors. Financial factors are essential in assessing investment effectiveness, while corporate governance factors can enhance a firm's investment decisions. Non-financial factors related to managerial personnel can also significantly impact a firm's investment efficiency. Future research on investment efficiency in Indonesia should incorporate diverse variables and external factors, conduct comparative studies with neighboring countries, and collaborate with industry stakeholders to bridge the gap between theory and practice.Research limitations/implications –This research focuses primarily on analyzing the literature on investment efficiency in Indonesia by using charting the field method. This research adds to the literature on the various factors that affect the investment efficiency of firms.Novelty/Originality –This research is the first to conduct a comprehensive literature review on investment efficiency in Indonesia. By systematically analyzing findings from various studies, this research offers a unique and thorough understanding of investment efficiency within the Indonesian context.

Evaluating the impact of caloric restriction, body mass index and exercise on primary open-angle glaucoma: A review.

This literature review evaluates any possible links between primary open-angle glaucoma (POAG) and caloric restriction (CR), body mass index (BMI), and exercise, aiming to map the extent of the literature. Its primary objective is to recognise the nature and breadth of research evidence, identify possible gaps in these topics and develop future studies. The databases searched were MEDLINE (PudMed), Scopus and ScienceDirect, in April 2023 for articles published in English, with no date restriction. A total of 447 search results were retrieved. Of these, 73 were related to CR, 249 to BMI, and 125 to exercise. Records identified included systematic reviews, meta-analyses, randomised controlled trials, cohort studies and animal studies. CR has been shown to halt the degeneration of retinal ganglion cells and protect against various glaucomatous processes in animal models. Low BMI has been shown to be associated with an increased risk of POAG and a faster rate of visual field deterioration in POAG. However, the association between high BMI and POAG is not consistent. Exercise has been shown to cause mechanical, vascular, and neurobiological changes affecting the pathophysiology of POAG. The present review helps identify key characteristics and factors relating to the impacts of CR, BMI, or exercise on POAG.

What can healthcare organisations do to improve medical engagement? A systematic review

BackgroundMedical engagement is linked to improved outcomes for staff and patients including a reduction in staff turnover. There are significant problems with recruitment and retention of doctors globally, it is,...

Scoping review of the music-based movement therapy Ronnie Gardiner Method.

Ronnie Gardiner Method (RGM) is a music-based movement therapy that has long been used within rehabilitation. There is a need to (1) identify the scope of the use of RGM, (2) explore potential benefits, (3) examine qualitative studies to capture perspectives from participants and practitioners, and (4) identify knowledge gaps to be addressed in future research. A scoping review methodology was conducted. PubMed, CINAHL, Scopus, as well as the search engines DIVA portal, Libris.se, Google Scholar, and uppsatser.se were searched. Quantitative studies were summarised using diagnosis as a differentiating criterion, and qualitative studies were summarised in a narrative synthesis. Twenty-three studies were included, the vast majority of which consisted of non-peer-reviewed publications/grey literature. There is initial research evidence on potential benefits for stroke rehabilitation, with inconclusive results in other populations. Qualitative data indicate that RGM is adequately challenging and motivating for participants, with positive perceptions of recovery and quality of life. Findings indicate that RGM could serve as a valuable addition to neurological rehabilitation. Potential benefits were identified, and qualitative data indicate that RGM is perceived as motivating and enjoyable. Future research should employ robust study designs, including controlled trials, to further validate RGM.

Prevalence of Anxiety and Depression Symptoms among University Teachers in Ethiopia during the COVID-19 Pandemic.

A growing body of evidence suggests an increased prevalence of anxiety and depression among teachers during the COVID-19 pandemic. However, there is little evidence in research documenting the extent of anxiety and depression in the university teacher population and how these relate to feelings of loneliness. This study aims to explore the prevalence of anxiety and depression symptoms among university teachers, identify differences, and further examine the relationships between loneliness and symptoms of anxiety and depression. The study participants included university teachers in the College of Health and Medical Sciences from four purposefully selected public universities who completed a survey questionnaire consisting of items that measured anxiety and depressive symptoms as well as loneliness. The final sample included 148 participants (45 participants [30.4%] located in the center or capital; 125 (83.1%) men; and 90 [62.5%] taught both online and face-to-face). The university teachers' sample mean age = 39.07 had an SD = 7.67. As per the findings of this study, the prevalence of anxiety and depression symptoms was significant (11% and 12.3%) among university teachers in Ethiopia during the COVID-19 pandemic. Also, this study found a significant association between these symptoms and loneliness. Therefore, incorporating relevant strategies to promote mental well-being and targeting individuals who felt lonely were essential for overcoming health-related burdens. Universities should equip teachers with resources to prevent mental health issues and offer need-based counseling services to alleviate them.

Paper-based and mobile application-based self-monitoring tool for healthy dietary intake, development and applicability: a non-randomized trial

BackgroundUnhealthy diet is a key risk factor for Non-Communicable Diseases (NCDs) that contribute to increased morbidity and premature mortality. With increased computer literacy and mobile phone penetration, there is a high opportunity for mobile application-based interventions. The current study was conducted to develop a mobile application to monitor dietary intake and to assess its acceptability and effectiveness in diet control compared to a similar paper-based intervention.A mobile application was developed based on research evidence and opinions of local experts. The mobile application was introduced to a selected group of office workers who were in preparation, action, and maintenance stages of the Trans Theoretical Model (TTM) and a paper-based intervention was used as the comparator. Socio-demographic data were collected through a self-administered questionnaire. Participants were followed up for three months for adherence. The effectiveness of interventions was assessed at the end of three months by comparing the progressive change in the stage of change and the change from unhealthy to healthy dietary intake between two groups as primary and secondary outcomes respectively.ResultsAmong 123 office workers who participated in the study, 19.5% preferred the mobile intervention over the paper-based intervention. Younger, unmarried office workers and those who do not have children, had a higher acceptance for the mobile intervention (p < 0.05). There was no difference in adherence (in all three months) or outcomes between the two groups of intervention.Conclusion and recommendationsMobile application-based interventions are better accepted among the young age group and further studies are recommended to explore their applicability.Trial registrationThe study was registered in the Sri Lankan Clinical Trial Registry (Registration No. SLCTR/2020/025; Date 15th December 2020).

A scoping review of Deaf awareness programs in Health professional education.

Deaf awareness aims to promote understanding about Deaf and hard of hearing people, with the goal of reducing barriers between Deaf and hearing populations; and is particularly pertinent for health professional students as they need to learn to communicate effectively with a range of population groups. This scoping review aims to provide an overview of literature examining Deaf awareness programs provided to health professional students during their initial training. We searched four medical and public health databases and registers using terms related to Deaf awareness. We used the PRISMA-ScR reporting standards checklist for scoping reviews. We identified 10,198 citations, with 15 studies included in the final review. Searches were performed during August to September 2022, and April 2023. Studies were included provided they examined Deaf awareness content or programs within health professional education. Data were extracted by two independent reviewers who screened all abstracts using Rayyan software, followed by discussion to achieve knowledge synthesis and agreement. In all, a total of 15 articles from six countries were identified across health professional student disciplines including pharmacy, nursing, audiology, inter-professional and medical programs. The review found sparse evidence of research into Deaf awareness programs delivered to health professional students, with delivery often solely to small groups of students, indicating why so few students can access information about how to communicate effectively with Deaf and hard of hearing patients during their initial training programs. This scoping reviewed showed evidence of promising benefits for health professional students undertaking Deaf awareness programs during their undergraduate education. The importance of communicating with Deaf and hard of hearing patients and attaining Deaf cultural competencies for health professional students should be investigated in future research.

Barriers and facilitators when implementing midwifery continuity of carer: a narrative analysis of the international literature

BackgroundMidwifery continuity of carer (MCoC) is a model of care in which the same midwife or small team of midwives supports women throughout pregnancy, birth and the postnatal period. The model has been prioritised by policy makers in a number of high-income countries, but widespread implementation and sustainability has proved challenging.MethodsIn this narrative review and synthesis of the global literature on the implementation and sustainability of midwifery continuity of carer, we identify barriers to, and facilitators of, this model of delivering maternity care. By mapping existing research evidence onto the Consolidated Framework for Implementation Research (CFIR), we identify factors for organisations to consider when planning and implementing midwifery continuity of carer as well as gaps in the current research evidence.ResultsAnalysing international evidence using the CFIR shows that evidence around midwifery continuity of carer implementation is patchy and fragmented, and that the impetus for change is not critically examined. Existing literature pays insufficient attention to core aspects of the innovation such as the centrality of on call working arrangements and alignment with the professional values of midwifery. There is also limited attention to the political and structural contexts into which midwifery continuity of carer is introduced.ConclusionsBy synthesizing international research evidence with the CFIR, we identify factors for organisations to consider when planning and implementing midwifery continuity of carer. We also call for more systematic and contextual evidence to aid understanding of the implementation or non-implementation of midwifery continuity of carer. Existing evidence should be critically evaluated and used more cautiously in support of claims about the model of care and its implementation, especially when implementation is occurring in different settings and contexts to the research being cited.

Criminal Justice and Criminology students’ Mental Health and Psychological Well-Being: A Scoping Review of the Available Research Evidence

Criminal Justice and Criminology students’ Mental Health and Psychological Well-Being: A Scoping Review of the Available Research Evidence

Reflections on UK science–policy relationships in the light of Covid-19

This article discusses one of many reasons why the UK did so poorly in managing the acute phase of the Covid-19 pandemic despite having access to extensive and high-quality scientific evidence and advice: science–policy relationships. Drawing on the author’s participation in and experiences of the Scientific Advisory Group on Emergencies (SAGE) and its behavioural sub-group, it discusses the following questions: 1. Was the model (framework) for translating scientific advice to policy-makers as effective as it could have been? 2. Could more have been done to communicate science and its implications for policy and practice to the public? 3. Should scientists speak to policy-makers and the public about matters beyond their particular area of study, reflecting their multidisciplinary working and understanding? 4. Do scientists have a social responsibility to discuss policy implications of scientific evidence and challenge politicians when their statements or behaviour go against prevailing evidence? Future directions of inquiry should investigate the process by which research evidence is translated and used, applying social science and implementation science methods, evidence and theories. A question deserving attention across academe and society more generally is how scientists can best interact with, and contribute to, social good beyond their well-trodden paths of academic publications and conference presentations.