Are case reports valuable?Exploring their role in evidence based medicine and patient care

Case reports,often overlooked in evidence-based medicine(EBM),play a pivotal role in healthcare research.They provide unique insights into rare conditions,novel treatments,and adverse effects,serving as valuable educational tools and generating new hypothesis.Despite their limitations in generalizability,case reports contribute significantly to evidence-based practice by offering detailed clinical information and fostering critical thinking among healthcare professionals.By acknowledging their limitations and adhering to reporting guidelines,case reports can contribute significantly to medical knowledge and patient care within the evolving landscape of EBM.This editorial explores the intrinsic value of case reports in EBM and patient care.

A Local Adaptation in an Output-Based Research Support Scheme(OBRSS)at University College Dublin

University College Dublin(UCD) has implemented the Output-Based Research Support Scheme(OBRSS) since 2016. Adapted from the Norwegian model, the OBRSS awards individual academic staff using a points system based on the number of publications and doctoral students. This article describes the design and implementation processes of the OBRSS, including the creation of the ranked publication list and points system and infrastructure requirements. Some results of the OBRSS will be presented, focusing on the coverage of publications reported in the OBRSS ranked publication list and Scopus, as well as information about spending patterns. Challenges such as the evaluation of the OBRSS in terms of fairness, transparency, and effectiveness will also be discussed.

Methods and Practices for Institutional Benchmarking based on Research Impact and Competitiveness: A Case Study of ShanghaiTech University

Purpose: To develop and test a mission-oriented and multi-dimensional benchmarking method for a small scale university aiming for internationally first-class basic research.Design/methodology/approach: An individualized evidence-based assessment scheme was employed to benchmark ShanghaiTech University against selected top research institutions,focusing on research impact and competitiveness at the institutional and disciplinary levels.Topic maps opposing ShanghaiTech and corresponding top institutions were produced for the main research disciplines of ShanghaiTech. This provides opportunities for further exploration of strengths and weakness. Findings: This study establishes a preliminary framework for assessing the mission of the university. It further provides assessment principles, assessment questions, and indicators.Analytical methods and data sources were tested and proved to be applicable and efficient.Research limitations: To better fit the selective research focuses of this university, its schema of research disciplines needs to be re-organized and benchmarking targets should include disciplinary top institutions and not necessarily those universities leading overall rankings.Current reliance on research articles and certain databases may neglect important research output types.Practical implications: This study provides a working framework and practical methods for mission-oriented, individual, and multi-dimensional benchmarking that ShanghaiTech decided to use for periodical assessments. It also offers a working reference for other institutions to adapt. Further needs are identified so that ShanghaiTech can tackle them for future benchmarking.Originality/value: This is an effort to develop a mission-oriented, individually designed,systematically structured, and multi-dimensional assessment methodology which differs from often used composite indices.

The Flemish Performance-based Research Funding System: A Unique Variant of the Norwegian Model

The BOF-key is the performance-based research funding system that is used in Flanders, Belgium. In this paper we describe the historical background of the system, its current design and organization, as well as its effects on the Flemish higher education landscape. The BOFkey in its current form relies on three bibliometric parameters: publications in Web of Science, citations in Web of Science, and publications in a comprehensive regional database for SSH publications. Taken together, the BOF-key forms a unique variant of the Norwegian model: while the system to a large extent relies on a commercial database, it avoids the problem of inadequate coverage of the SSH. Because the bibliometric parameters of the BOF-key are reused in other funding allocation schemes, their overall importance to the Flemish universities is substantial.

Redesigning the Model of Book Evaluation in the Polish Performance-based Research Funding System

Purpose: This study aims to present the key systemic changes in the Polish book evaluation model to focus on the publisher list, as inspired by the Norwegian Model. Design/methodology/approach: In this study we reconstruct the framework of the 2010 and 2018 models of book evaluation in Poland within the performance-based research funding system. Findings: For almost 20 years the book evaluation system in Poland has been based on the verification of various technical criteria(e.g. length of the book). The new 2018 model is based on the principle of prestige inheritance(a book is worth as much as its publisher is) and is inspired by the publisher list used in the Norwegian Model. In this paper, we argue that this solution may be a more balanced policy instrument than the previous 2010 model in which neither the quality of the publisher nor the quality of the book played any role in the evaluation.Research limitations: We work from the framework of the 2018 model of book evaluation specified in the law on higher education and science from 20 July 2018, as implementation acts are not available yet. Practical implications: This study may provide a valuable point of reference on how structural reforms in the research evaluation model were implemented on a country level. The results of this study may be interesting to policy makers, stakeholders and researchers focused on science policy. Originality/value: This is the very first study that presents the new framework of the Polish research evaluation model and policy instruments for scholarly book evaluation. We describe what motivated policy makers to change the book evaluation model, and what arguments were explicitly raised to argue for the new solution.

Research and Application Progress of Bauxite Based Homogenized Grogs in China

The progress of research and production of bauxite based homogenized grogs in China was summarized and the achievements of their application and modification in recent years were epitomized.In combination with the shortcomings existing in the research,production and application,the suggestions of bauxite based homogenized grogs for future development were put forward.

Research of Trap and Electron Density Distributions in the Interface of Polyimide/Al2O3 Nanocomposite Films Based on IDC and SAXS

The distributions of traps and electron density in the interfaces between polyimide （PI） matrix and Al2O3 nanoparticles are researched using the isothermal decay current and the small-angle x-ray scattering （SAXS） tests. According to the electron density distribution for quasi two-phase mixture doped by spherical nanoparticles, the electron densities in the interfaces of PI/Al2O3 nanocomposite films are evaluated. The trap level density and carrier mobility in the interface are studied. The experimental results show that the distribution and the change rate of the electron density in the three layers of interface are different, indicating different trap distributions in the interface layers. There is a maximum trap level density in the second layer, where the maximum trap level density for the nanocomposite film doped by 25 wt% is 1.054 × 10^22 eV·m^-3 at 1.324eV, resulting in the carrier mobility reducing. In addition, both the thickness and the electron density of the nanocomposite film interface increase with the addition of the doped Al2O3 contents. Through the study on the trap level distribution in the interface, it is possible to further analyze the insulation mechanism and to improve the performance of nano-dielectric materials.

Academic Nursing Center Primary Care Quality Improvement Using an Electronic Health Record and a Practice-Based Research Network

Practice-based research networks (PBRN) seek to improve healthcare through the use of research, quality improvement, and collaborative learning. When used by nontraditional models of care such as the nurse managed healthcare center (NMHC), PBRNs can be incorporated into successful quality improvement (QI) programs. UT Health Services is a NMHC utilizing a PBRN as one component of a comprehensive QI program in an effort to deliver high quality healthcare.

A Retrospective Analysis of the Capacity Built through a Community-Based Participatory Research Project Addressing Diabetes and Obesity in South and East Los Angeles

Chronic diseases, such as diabetes and obesity, are more prevalent in low-income and minority communities. One promising method to understand and address these chronic conditions is through Community Based Participatory Research (CBPR). CBPR engages and empowers community members to identify risk factors and work toward solutions as equal partners with researchers. One positive and lasting outcome may be an increase in the community capacity which includes individual and community leadership development, policy making, creating connections and utilizing existing community resources. Evaluating community capacity created as a result of a CBPR project is one way to measure its effectiveness. This paper is a retrospective analysis of the capacity built during a CBPR study of diabetes and obesity in East and South Los Angeles which are two low-income and minority neighborhoods. Four people, who were heavily involved in the project, completed a retrospective analysis of the capacity built utilizing a validated instrument. There was consensus about the capacity built, which included: excellent participation by community members, inclusion of members’ ideas to leverage additional funding, and pride of community members in their participation in the project. One area that could have been strengthened was increased access for leadership and research experience among community members, especially since the project ended prematurely. There were differences among the two community groups with East Los Angeles members focusing more on tangible interventions and grant writing, while South Los Angeles members had a greater policy focus. Communities and researchers who are embarking on a CBPR project can learn from those who have implemented the strategy. Measuring capacity built during and after the project, can be one way to understanding the contributions of a project in a community. CBPR is an empowering research methodology which, done correctly, can build community capacity and have long-term impacts on individuals and communities.

Research in spinal surgery: Evaluation and practice of evidence-based medicine

Evidence-based medicine(EBM) is a common concept among medical practitioners, yet unique challenges arise when EBM is applied to spinal surgery. Due to the relative rarity of certain spinal disorders, and a lack of management equipoise, randomized controlled trials may be difficult to execute. Despite this, responsibility rests with spinal surgeons to design high quality studies in order to justify certain treatment modalities. The authors therefore review the tenets of implementing evidencebased research, through the lens of spinal disorders. The process of EBM begins with asking the correct question.An appropriate study is then designed based on the research question. Understanding study designs allows the spinal surgeon to assess the level of evidence provided.Validated outcome measurements allow clinicians to communicate the success of treatment strategies, and will increase the quality of a given study design. Importantly,one must recognize that the randomized controlled trial is not always the optimal study design for a given research question. Rather, prospective observational cohort studies may be more appropriate in certain circumstances, and would provide superior generalizability. Despite the challenges involved with EBM, it is the future of medicine. These issues surrounding EBM are important for spinal surgeons, as well as health policy makers and editorial boards, to have familiarity.

国内Content-based Instruction研究述评

自从20世纪90年代Content-based Instruction进入中国,得到各个学科领域的关注,最近几年相关研究更是呈井喷之势,尤其是实证研究。但是,对中国知网检索文献的分析显示,CBI研究设计科学性不够,忽略了研究的伦理问题,部分研究由于自变量描述不够,影响了研究的效度。分析同样发现,实验中的干预与CBI不符,研究者将CBI与其它教学方式混淆不清。

Integration of Decision-Support and Knowledge-Based Techniques in a Problem-Solving Strategy for Selection Problems

The limitations of traditional approaches to selection problems are examined. A problemsolving strategy is presented in which decision-support and knowledge-based techniques play complementary roles. An approach to the representation of knowledge to support the problem-solving strategy is presented which avoids commitment to a specific programming language or implementation environment. The problem of choosing a home is used to illustrate the representation of knowledge in a specific problem domain. Techniques for implementation of the problem-solving strategy are described. Knowledge elicitation techniques and their implementation in a development shell for application of the problem-solving strategy to any selection problem are also described.

HEALS: A Faith-Based Hypertension Control Program for African-Americans: A Feasibility Study

Objective: To determine the feasibility of a behavioral faith-based PREMIER study modified hypertension (HTN) control intervention in a semi urban African-American (AA) church. Methods: In a prospective longitudinal study design, a 12-week behavioral HEALS (Healthy Eating and Living Spiritually) intervention was tested for its feasibility and efficacy in a semi urban AA church. High-risk adult church members with HTN were recruited. Program sessions were weekly delivered by the trained church members. Data were analyzed using repeated measures ANOVA. Results: 22 of 34 subjects (65% retention) provided complete information on the outcome measures. Mean systolic blood pressure (SBP) reduction from baseline was 22 mmHg (p < 0.001) and 6.5 mmHg for diastolic BP (p = 0.0048). Mean weight reduction of 3.11 kg from the baseline (p < 0.0001) was also observed. 91% subjects attended 7 - 9 sessions. Conclusion: Promoting behavioral HTN control interventions in high risk AAs by empowering AA church communities is feasible and efficacious.

Impact of Diabetes Mellitus on the Treatment Outcomes of Chemotherapy in Women with Breast Cancer——A Population-Based Prospective Cohort Study

There are few population-based data in investigating the impact of diabetes on chemotherapy adverse effects and treatment outcomes of non-metastatic breast cancer. The purpose of this study is to evaluate whether diabetes affects the patterns of use in chemotherapy, toxic effects of chemotherapy, and treatment outcomes for non-metastatic breast cancer in Taiwan. The study results can provide physicians for making a decision whether or not to use chemotherapy based on the individual patients＇ condition.

An Online Library of Science-Based HIV Prevention Resources

This paper introduces the online Sociometrics Social, Behavioral, and Health Sciences Library, an exciting new science-based resource for HIV/AIDS researchers, health educators, and clinicians. The over 400 products in the Sociometrics Library supplement the online publications—journal articles, books, reports, monographs—that have been the focus of scientific research libraries and publishers to date, both printed and online. Examples of the innovative science-based products that serve as the library’s content include: Evidence-based interventions and programs (EBIs/EBPs) that evaluation research has shown to be effective in preventing HIV or its risky social and behavioral antecedents;primary research data and survey instruments;and interactive, multimedia training tools and courses to build HIV professionals’ capacity to implement EBPs with fidelity and to cooperate with evaluators in the assessment of their effectiveness. A Scientist Expert Panel has guided and will continue to guide product selection and acquisition, ensuring the collection’s continuing technical merit, research utility, and relevance for practice and policy. The Sociometrics Library aims to become the dominant online source of behavioral and social science-based HIV research by-products, operationally sustainable and able to stay up-to-date both from a technological and scientific perspective.

Brain Research on Mental Disorders: A Criticism

Objective: To expose the problems and inherent limitations of neuroscience-based brain research on mental disorders. Method: Discussion of the theory underlying brain research on mental disorders, followed by a systematic evaluation of typical studies. Results: The fundamental problem is that brain researchers fail to differentiate between biological mental disorders in which brain processes cause the disorder (notably schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, and melancholic depression) and learned mental disorders in which brain processes mediate but do not cause the disorder (which is the case with reactive depression, reactive anxiety, OCD, and PTSD). Researchers have been unsuccessful in identifying mechanisms in the brain that cause biological mental disorders, and will never be able to locate the innumerable specific neural connections that mediate learned mental disorders. Moreover, the author’s review of typical studies in this field shows that they have serious problems with theory, measurement, and data analysis, and that their findings cannot be trusted. Conclusions: Neuroscience-based brain research on mental disorders, unlike other neurological research, has been an expensive failure and it is not worth continuing.