Search

A commonly reported challenge of using Google Search to identify studies for a systematic review is the high number of results retrieved. Thus, 'stopping rules' are applied when screening, such as screening only the first 100 results. However, recent evidence shows that Google Search estimates a much higher number of results than the viewable number, raising the possibility of exhaustive screening. This study aimed to provide further evidence on the feasibility of screening search results from Google Search exhaustively, and to assess the desirability of this in terms of identifying studies for a systematic review. We conducted a cross-case analysis of the search results of eight Google Search searches from two systematic reviews. Feasibility of exhaustive screening was ascertained by calculating the viewable number of results. Desirability was ascertained according to: (1) the distribution of studies within the results, irrespective of relevance to a systematic review; (2) the distribution of studies which met the inclusion criteria for the two systematic reviews. The estimated number of results across the eight searches ranged from 342,000 to 72,300,000. The viewable number ranged from 272 to 364. Across the eight searches the distribution of studies was highest in the first 100 results. However, the lowest ranking relevant studies were ranked 227th and 215th for the two systematic reviews. One study per review was identified uniquely from searching Google Search, both within the first 100 results. The findings suggest it is feasible and desirable to screen Google Search results more extensively than commonly reported.

The short time frame associated with rapid reviews can be challenging for researchers conducting qualitative evidence synthesis. In these circumstances a Best-Fit Framework Synthesis, drawing upon existing theory and/or research, may be conducted to rapidly make sense of qualitative evidence. This article discusses a "Rapid Best-Fit" approach to conducting Framework Synthesis within an 6-week rapid systematic review of qualitative evidence. In the absence of a suitable theoretical model to inform the synthesis, we drew upon our research objectives to structure a framework, and to identify the studies which contained the most relevant data. Themes from these studies were used to revise the initial framework before inductive thematic synthesis finalized theme content. This "Rapid Best-Fit" approach yielded results aligned with the needs of the commissioners of the review and is a useful addition to qualitative synthesis methods, allowing for the incorporation of diverse views and experiences into fast-paced decision making scenarios.

Context. Cover crops are used to improve soil fertility and environmental sustainability. Decomposition of cover crop residues can affect belowground microbial communities and activity, which is important for soil functions (e.g. nutrient cycling, organic matter decomposition). Aims. We investiagated the effect of plant residues from a range of cover crop species on soil microbial activity, diversity and microbial community composition. Methods. A mixture of four cover crop residues (buckwheat, clover, sunflower, radish) or an equal mass of the residues of each of the individual species were assessed for their effect on soil respiration and soil microbial community structure. Key results. Cover crop residue incorporation significantly (P < 0.001) increased soil respiration during 84 days incubation and this response caused a significant change in microbial community composition by increasing the proportion of fungi and Gram-positive bacteria at the cost of decreasing Gram-negative bacteria. The mixture of cover crop residues had a significantly (P < 0.05) greater soil respiration rate, by 57.61 [micro]g C [g.sup.-1] [h.sup.-1], than the average of the four individual residues, but did not have a significantly different soil microbial biomass or microbial community structure. Conclusions. Greater diversity of organic resources increased the number biochemical niches, and activated dormant microbial communities to increase activity without affecting biomass or community composition. Greater respiration from similar microbial biomasses suggests that microbial activity might be more efficient following more diverse substrate input. Implications. The positive impact of cover crop residues on soil microbial activity suggests that mixtures of cover crop residues may enhance soil functions beyond the sum of individual cover crop residues. Keywords: agroecology, cover crops, litter, microbial biomass, mixture, residue diversity, respiration, soil function., Introduction Integrating cover crops, non-cash crops grown primarily for the purpose of protecting or improving soil health between cash-crops in an arable crop rotation, is a popular tool to increase [...]

The incorporation of evidence derived from multiple research designs into one single synthesis can enhance the utility of systematic reviews making them more worthwhile, useful, and insightful. Methodological guidance for mixed-methods synthesis continues to emerge and evolve but broadly involves a sequential, parallel, or convergent approach according to the degree of independence between individual syntheses before they are combined. We present two case studies in which we used novel and innovative methods to draw together the findings from individual but related quantitative and qualitative syntheses to aid interpretation of the overall evidence base. Our approach moved beyond making a choice between parallel, sequential, or convergent methods to interweave the findings of individual reviews and offers three key innovations to mixed-methods synthesis methods: (1) The use of intersubjective questions to understand the findings of the individual reviews through different lenses; (2) Immersion of key reviewers in the entirety of the evidence base; and (3) Commencing the process during the final stages of the synthesis of individual reviews, at a point where reviewers are developing an understanding of initial findings. Underlying our approach is the process of exploration and identification of links between and across review findings, an approach that is fundamental to all evidence syntheses but usually occurs at the level of the study. Adapting existing methods for exploring and identifying patterns and links between and across studies to interweave the findings between and across reviews may prove valuable.

Non-pharmacological interventions for attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder are useful treatments, but it is unclear how effective school-based interventions are for a range of outcomes and which features of interventions are most effective. This paper systematically reviews randomised controlled trial evidence of the effectiveness of interventions for children with ADHD in school settings. Three methods of synthesis were used to explore the effectiveness of interventions, whether certain types of interventions are more effective than others and which components of interventions lead to effective academic outcomes. Twenty-eight studies (n = 1807) were included in the review. Eight types of interventions were evaluated and a range of different ADHD symptoms, difficulties and school outcomes were assessed across studies. Meta-analyses demonstrated beneficial effects for interventions that combine multiple features (median effect size g = 0.37, interquartile range 0.32, range 0.09-1.13) and suggest some promise for daily report card interventions (median g = 0.62, IQR = 0.25, range 0.13-1.62). Meta-regression analyses did not give a consistent message regarding which types of interventions were more effective than others. Finally, qualitative comparative analysis demonstrated that self-regulation and one-to-one intervention delivery were important components of interventions that were effective for academic outcomes. These two components were not sufficient though; when they appeared with personalisation for individual recipients and delivery in the classroom, or when interventions did not aim to improve child relationships, interventions were effective. This review provides updated information about the effectiveness of non-pharmacological interventions specific to school settings and gives tentative messages about important features of these interventions for academic outcomes.

Anaerobic digestate is a nutrient rich slurry by-product derived from biogas production, often used as a fertiliser due to its high nitrogen content. However, nitrogen losses from its application can lead to environmental pollution. In a laboratory experiment, the addition of high organic carbon materials to digestateamended soil as a potential means to stimulate microbial immobilisation of digestate supplied nitrogen was investigated. Soil was incubated in pots for 5 months with digestate (equivalent to 250 kgN ha-1). The impact of adding carbon into the digestate (equivalent to 540 kgC ha-1) as either glycerol, straw, woodchip, or biochar on soil microbial and chemical parameters was quantified. Glycerol amended soils had significantly higher microbial biomass compared to digestate alone during the first month and at 30 days after application had a 4x higher on average microbial N. The digestate + straw treatment resulted in a 2.5x significantly greater nitrogen immobilisation compared to digestate alone after 3 months of incubation. The digestate + woodchip had a 2× higher mean microbial N after 5 months, whilst the biochar amendment did not stimulate significant nitrogen immobilisation at any time. These results suggest that mixing a labile to moderately labile organic carbon amendment, such as straw, with digestate has the greatest potential to reduce nitrogen losses following digestate application through microbial immobilisation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Studies have found that women with gynaecological conditions and symptoms do not feel listened to by primary care clinicians (PCCs). Less understood is whether PCCs perceive that there are challenges around listening to and interacting with this patient group. Aim: To understand PCCs' perspectives on the challenges of listening to and interacting with women patients with gynaecological conditions and symptoms. Design & setting: Systematic review of English-language studies. Method: We searched ASSIA (Applied Social Sciences Index and Abstracts), CINAHL (Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature), Embase, HMIC (Healthcare Management Information Consortium), and MEDLINE from inception to July 2023. We also conducted forward and backward citation searches of included studies. Identified records were screened independently by two reviewers. Data extraction was undertaken by one reviewer and checked by a second. Quality appraisal used the Wallace checklist. 'Best-fit' framework synthesis was used to synthesise findings around themes that explored the challenges of patient-clinician interaction. Results: We identified 25 relevant articles. Perceived challenges associated with listening to and interacting with patients with gynaecological conditions and symptoms were identified at four 'levels': individual clinician level factors; structural and organisational factors; community and external factors; and factors related to gynaecological conditions. Interpretive analysis identified specific challenges relating to sociocultural factors affecting the consultation experience; the need for further education, training, or guidance for clinicians; factors affecting referral decisions; and factors related to service structure and organisation. Conclusion: PCCs acknowledge that empathy, respect, and attentive listening are important when interacting with women patients with gynaecological conditions and symptoms. However, these ideals are impeded by several factors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: We conducted a systematic review of qualitative evidence to improve understanding of the processes and outcomes of redress and reconciliation following a life‐changing event from the perspectives of individuals experiencing the event and their families. Methods: We searched six bibliographic databases for primary qualitative evidence exploring the views of individuals who have experienced a life‐changing event, and/or their family or carers, of redress or reconciliation processes. This was supplemented with targeted database searches, forward and backward citation chasing and searches of Google Scholar and relevant websites. Title and abstract and full‐text screening were undertaken independently by two reviewers. Data extraction and quality appraisal were conducted by one reviewer and checked by a second. We used a best‐fit framework synthesis approach, drawing upon procedural and restorative justice concepts. Findings: Fifty‐three studies (61 papers) were eligible for inclusion. Forty‐one studies (47 papers) were included in the synthesis, from which we identified four themes. Three themes 'Transparency', 'Person‐centered' and 'Trustworthy' represent the procedural elements required to support a fair and objective process. The fourth, 'Restorative justice' encapsulates how a fair process feels to those who have experienced a life‐changing event. This theme highlights the importance of an empathic relationship between the different parties involved in the redress‐reconciliation process and the significance of being able to engage in meaningful action. Conclusion: Our findings highlight the procedural aspects and context of redress‐reconciliation processes required to ensure that the process and outcomes are experienced as fair. These criteria may be applied to the processes used to investigate both recent and historical patient safety events. Public Contribution: One member of the public affiliated with the Exeter Policy Research Programme Evidence Review Facility helped develop the review protocol. Two people with experience of medically life‐changing events provided insight which corroborated our findings and identified important limitations of the evidence included in this review. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Predictions concerning the feedback of soil heterotrophic respiration to a warming climate often do not differentiate between the extracellular and intracellular processes involved in soil organic matter decomposition. This study examined the temperature sensitivities of intracellular and extracellular soil enzyme activities and how they are influenced by previous temperatures. We pre-incubated soils at 5 °C, 15 °C or 26 °C to acclimatise the microbial communities to different thermal regimes for 60 days before measuring potential activities of β-glucosidase and chitinase (extracellular enzymes), glucose-induced respiration (intracellular enzymes), and basal respiration at a range of assay temperatures (5 °C, 15 °C, 26 °C, 37 °C, and 45 °C). A higher pre-incubation temperature decreased soil pH and C / N ratio which exerted a strong legacy effect by decreasing β-glucosidase potential activity and respiration, but not chitinase potential activity. It is likely that this legacy effect is an indirect effect of substrate depletion rather than physiological acclimatation or genetic adaptation. There was no overall significant effect of pre-incubation temperature on temperature sensitivity of these enzymes, perhaps because of the short (60 day) duration of the pre-incubation. However, we found that the intracellular and extracellular enzyme activities differ in their temperature sensitivity and this observation differs depending on the range of temperature used for Q10 estimates of temperature sensitivity. Between 5 °C and 15 °C intracellular and extracellular enzyme activities show equal temperature sensitivity, but between 15 °C and 26 °C intracellular enzyme activity was more temperature sensitive than extracellular enzyme activity and between 26 °C and 37 °C extracellular enzyme activity was more temperature sensitive than intracellular enzyme activity. This result implies that depolymerisation of higher molecular weight carbon is more sensitive to temperature changes at higher temperatures (e.g. higher temperatures on extremely warm days) but the respiration of the generated monomers is more sensitive to temperature changes at moderate temperatures (e.g. mean daily maximum soil temperature). Therefore, since climate change predictions currently indicate that there will be a greater frequency and severity of hot summers and heatwaves, it is possible that global warming may reduce the importance of extracellular depolymerisation relative to intracellular catalytic activity as the rate limiting step of soil organic matter mineralization. We conclude that extracellular and intracellular steps are not equally sensitive to changes in soil temperature and that the previous temperature a soil is exposed to may influence the potential activity, but not temperature sensitivity, of extracellular and intracellular enzymes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]