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Neuromodulation for Subjective Tinnitus: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Randomized Trials.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the effectiveness and safety of neuromodulation and bimodal stimulation for chronic subjective tinnitus in randomized controlled trials (RCTs). DATA SOURCES: PubMed/MEDLINE, Web of Science, and EMBASE (January 2015-December 2025) searched per PRISMA 2020. REVIEW METHODS: Adult RCTs (≥ 18 years) with chronic subjective tinnitus (> 3 months) assessing validated outcomes (THI, TFI, TQ) for neuromodulation/bimodal interventions vs. sham/controls. Two-stage screening, Cochrane RoB-2 risk-of-bias assessment. Random-effects meta-analyses (REML) were performed when ≥ 3 comparable trials were available; effects reported as standardized mean differences (SMD) with 95% CIs. Main Outcomes and measures included change in tinnitus severity (THI/TFI/TQ) while secondary outcomes included loudness (VAS/NRS), durability, and adverse events. RESULTS: Twenty-six RCTs (n = 1576) met criteria: tES (11; n = 372), rTMS (8; n = 432), acoustic coordinated reset (1; n = 100), vagus nerve stimulation (2; n = 90), and bimodal stimulation (4; n = 582). Meta-analysis showed a nonsignificant pooled effect for tDCS (SMD -0.36; 95% CI -0.75 to 0.02; I 2 = 51%) and rTMS (SMD -0.15; 95% CI -0.37 to 0.07; I 2 = 0%). Single-trial evidence for coordinated reset showed no advantage over broadband noise. VNS demonstrated modest benefits with safety concerns limited to implanted approaches. Bimodal stimulation yielded consistent, clinically meaningful reductions (often ≥ 10-20 points on THI/TFI), with durability up to 12 months. Adverse events were mild/transient across noninvasive modalities. CONCLUSIONS: Noninvasive neuromodulation appears safe with average benefits; among modalities, bimodal stimulation shows the most consistent and durable clinical improvements. Standardized, adequately powered RCTs with harmonized protocols and long-term follow-up are needed to refine targets and dosing.

Humans

Optical density spectra of the macular pigment in vivo and in vitro.

A precise relative optical density spectrum of the macular pigment, based upon its dichroic properties, was determined. The spectrum proved essentially identical to that of liposome-bound zeaxanthin and lutein, a system duplicating the macular pigment and its environment. Substantial agreement was also found with the spectra of Wyszecki and Stiles (1982, Color science: Concepts and methods, quantitative data and formulae. New York: Wiley) and Vos (1972, Institute for Perception, RVO-TNO, IZF 1972-17, Soesterberg, The Netherlands), and the latter is recommended as a standard. For 7 subjects, the pigment density spectrum derived from foveal and extra-foveal sensitivities was compared with the dichroism-based spectrum. Results indicated that the pigment is described by a common distribution of molecular orientations for all subjects.

Carotenoids

Association between the interleukin 17F rs763780 polymorphism and immune thrombocytopenia risk: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

The literature on the Interleukin 17F (IL-17F) rs763780 polymorphism and its association with immune thrombocytopenia (ITP) risk remains inconsistent and controversial. These uncertainties underscore the urgent need for a meta-analysis to objectively synthesize the heterogeneous findings, mitigate bias, and improve statistical power. This study strictly adhered to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) statement and guidelines. A systematic literature search for original studies was conducted across the CNKI, Wanfang Data, Cochrane Library, Web of Science, and PubMed databases, covering publications up to April 5, 2026. Odds ratios and corresponding 95% confidence intervals were calculated to assess the association. STATA 14.2 software was used to synthesize the pooled estimates. A total of eight case-control studies consisting of 805 ITP cases and 841 controls were included. The summarized statistics suggested the detrimental effect of the A allele in the homozygote and recessive models. In the sensitivity analysis, the results that were initially non-significant in the allele, heterozygote, and dominant models became significant after excluding a single dataset, which was also identified as the source of heterogeneity. Region-stratified analyses revealed statistical significance in the Chinese/Japanese and Egyptian subgroups under specific analytic contrasts. When stratified according to age, the children subgroup showed significant associations in a subset of genetic models, while the adult counterpart demonstrated significance across all models. In conclusion, the pooled estimates of the homozygote and recessive models suggested that the rs763780 polymorphism is associated with ITP risk, but this finding requires further validation through large-scale studies.

Humans

Vacuoles, E1 enzyme, X-linked, autoinflammatory, somatic (VEXAS) syndrome: A comprehensive review of cases across different ethnicities.

OBJECTIVES: Vacuoles, E1 enzyme, X-linked, autoinflammatory, somatic (VEXAS) is an autoinflammatory disease associated with somatic mutations in the UBA1 gene. Although the disease has been described in many different countries, no studies have investigated the origin of patients to determine if the disease is universal across ancestries. The aim of this study is to investigate the distribution of VEXAS syndrome across continents and ethnicities. METHODS: A literature review of all reported cases of VEXAS syndrome was conducted between October 2020 and April 2025 using the term 'VEXAS' with the all-field filter in the Pubmed and Web of Science databases. Epidemiological and clinical data were collected for included patients. If the country of origin was not described, it was assumed to be the same as the country of clinical evaluation. A subgroup analysis was performed for patients whose country of origin or ethnicity was documented by the authors. RESULTS: 674 cases of VEXAS syndrome were collected, with patients described from four continents and 32 countries. Considering the subgroup of patients with documented country of origin, 451 patients were from four continents and 19 countries. Of these, ethnicity was recorded for 372 patients with the presence of Caucasian, Central or East Asian, South Asian, Middle Eastern, Central American and South American ethnicities. CONCLUSION: The results support a broad global distribution of the disease and highlight the importance of investigating the disease regardless of the patient's origin and ethnicity in cases of compatible symptoms.

Humans

Recent advances in environmental antibiotic resistance genes detection and research focus: From genes to ecosystems.

Antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs) persistence and potential harm have become more widely recognized in the environment due to its fast-paced research. However, the bibliometric review on the detection, research hotspot, and development trend of environmental ARGs has not been widely conducted. It is essential to provide a comprehensive overview of the last 30 years of research on environmental ARGs to clarify the changes in the research landscape and ascertain future prospects. This study presents a visualized analysis of data from the Web of Science to enhance our understanding of ARGs. The findings indicate that solid-phase extraction provides a reliable method for extracting ARG. Technological advancements in commercial kits and microfluidics have facilitated the efficacy of ARGs extraction with significantly reducing processing times. PCR and its derivatives, DNA sequencing, and multi-omics technology are the prevalent methodologies for ARGs detection, enabling the expansion of ARG research from individual strains to more intricate microbial communities in the environment. Furthermore, due to the development of combination, hybridization and mass spectrometer technologies, considerable advancements have been achieved in terms of sensitivity and accuracy as well as lowering the cost of ARGs detection. Currently, high-frequency terms such as "Antibiotic Resistance, Antibiotics, and Metagenomics" are the center of attention for study in this area. Prominent topics include the investigation of anthropogenic impacts on environmental resistance, as well as the dynamics of migration, dissemination, and adaptation of environmental ARGs, etc. The research on environmental ARGs has made significant advancements in the fields of "Microbiology" and "Biotechnology Applied Microbiology". Over the past decade, there has been a notable increase in the fields of "Environmental Sciences Ecology" and "Engineering" with a similar growth trend observed in "Water Resources". These three domains are expected to continue driving extensive study within the realm of environmental ARGs.

Drug Resistance, Microbial

The impact of artificial intelligence on critical thinking and clinical reasoning in health professions education: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: Critical thinking and clinical reasoning underpin healthcare professionals' ability to navigate uncertainties and deliver safe and effective care. With artificial intelligence (AI) advancement and growing adoption, AI-based educational tools are increasingly used to support these cognitive competencies' development. OBJECTIVE: To synthesize randomised and controlled clinical trials on AI-based educational tools in health professions education and examine their effects on critical thinking and clinical reasoning among health professions students. METHODS: Six electronic databases were searched from January 1, 2014 to July 28, 2025 was reviewed: PubMed, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, CINAHL, Scopus, Embase and Web of Science. Two independent reviewers performed data extraction and quality assessment using standardized JBI checklists. The GRADE approach was used to assess the certainty of evidence. Studies were pooled via random-effects meta-analyses or narrative syntheses. RESULTS: Fourteen randomised controlled trials and seven controlled clinical trials were included (n = 21). Meta-analyses revealed small to medium effect sizes for the surrogate clinical reasoning outcomes of performance-based assessment scores (SMD 0.68; 95% CI [0.38, 0.98], p-value = 0.00; I2 = 38%) and knowledge test scores (SMD 0.39; 95% CI [0.09, 0.69], p-value = 0.01; I2 = 79%). Critical thinking and clinical reasoning skills and dispositions were narratively synthesized, with majority of included studies favouring AI-based interventions but the evidence had low to very low certainty. CONCLUSION: AI-based educational interventions may improve critical thinking and clinical reasoning among health profession students, but the evidence is very uncertain. This review offers preliminary insights but does not allow identification of optimal interventions or discipline-specific recommendations due to small sample sizes and substantial intervention heterogeneity. Further research is required to draw definitive conclusions. PROTOCOL REGISTRATION: CRD42025634074.

Humans

Effects of Moderate-Frequency Resistance Training on Cardiometabolic Risk Factors in Adults With Overweight or Obesity: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

BACKGROUND: Resistance training (RT) effectively manages cardiometabolic risk factors in adults, but the specific effects of moderate-frequency RT (2-3 sessions/week) in adults with overweight or obesity are understudied. OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to evaluate moderate-frequency RT's effects on cardiometabolic risk factors in this population and quantify effect sizes. DATA SOURCES: PubMed, Web of Science, EMBASE, and Cochrane Library searched up to July 2025. ELIGIBILITY: English randomized controlled trials (RCTs) comparing RT (&#x2265;&#x2009;7&#x2009;weeks) to nonexercise control; nonathletic adults &#x2265;&#x2009;18&#x2009;years with BMI&#x2009;&#x2265;&#x2009;25&#x2009;kg/m2. PARTICIPANTS: 454 participants across 12 RCTs (mean age 58.93&#x2009;&#xb1;&#x2009;12.87&#x2009;years; mean BMI 31.2&#x2009;&#xb1;&#x2009;3.5&#x2009;kg/m2; ~50% female). RESULTS: RT significantly reduced diastolic blood pressure (MD&#x2009;=&#x2009;-1.53&#x2009;mmHg; 95% CI: -2.16 to -0.91; p&#x2009;<&#x2009;0.01), LDL-C (MD&#x2009;=&#x2009;-0.25&#x2009;mmol/L; 95% CI: -0.41 to -0.08; p&#x2009;<&#x2009;0.01), and triglycerides (MD&#x2009;=&#x2009;-0.17&#x2009;mmol/L; 95% CI: -0.30 to -0.04; p&#x2009;=&#x2009;0.01). No significant effects on systolic blood pressure, mean arterial pressure, waist circumference, glycemic markers, total cholesterol, or HDL-C. Subgroup analyses showed larger LDL-C/triglyceride improvements with concurrent dietary control. CONCLUSION: Moderate-frequency RT inconsistently improves cardiometabolic risk factors, benefiting diastolic blood pressure, LDL-C, and triglycerides but not glycemic or other parameters. Combining with dietary control may enhance benefits, supporting RT as a complementary strategy in multimodal lifestyle interventions. TRIAL REGISTRATION PROSPERO: CRD42022343167.

Humans

Muscarinic receptor regulation of NG108-15 adenylate cyclase: requirement for Na+ and GTP.

Cholinergic agonists inhibit the basal and PGE1-activated adenylate cyclase activity in membranes isolated from the mouse neuroblastoma x glioma hybrid cell NG108-15. Inhibition is observed with acetylcholine, acetyl-beta-methylcholine and carbachol and is blocked by two specific muscarinic antagonists, atropine and quinuclydinylbenzilate. Inhibition of basal and PGE1-activated activity is only partial. Carbachol-directed inhibition has an apparent Km of 6 microM in the presence or absence of PGE1. Both the guanine nucleotide GTP and the monovalent cation Na+ are required for this muscarinic inhibition of basal and PGE1-activated NG108-15 adenylate cyclase. The selectivity observed for monovalent cations (all chloride salts) in this process is Na+ congruent to Li+ greater than K+ greater than Choline+ with the ED50 for Na+ congruent 40 microM. Of the nucleotides tested, only IT (and not ATP, UTP or CTP) replaces GTP in this process. GTP at 10 microM represents a saturating nucleotide concentration. Opiate-directed inhibition of NG108-15 adenylate cyclase has recently been shown to exhibit a similar requirement for GTP and Na+ [Blume, A. J., Lichtshtein, D. and Boone, G. (1979) Proc. National Academy of Sciences, USA, in press]. The data presented here therefore support the hypothesis that the general transfer of inhibitory information from membrane receptors to adenylate cyclase involves both a Na+ and GTP-sensitive process.

4-(3-Butoxy-4-methoxybenzyl)-2-imidazolidinone

Pancreatic fat and the risk of future dysglycemia: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

CONTEXT: Pancreatic fat has emerged as a metabolically relevant ectopic fat depot, but its longitudinal association with future dysglycemic outcomes remains incompletely defined. OBJECTIVE: This study aims to evaluate the longitudinal association of pancreatic fat with incident type 2 diabetes (T2D) and glycemic progression, with exploratory narrative synthesis of evidence in lean populations. DATA SOURCES: PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, and the Cochrane Library were searched from inception to March 1, 2026. STUDY SELECTION: Longitudinal observational studies assessing pancreatic fat at baseline and reporting subsequent incident T2D, glycemic progression, or both were included. DATA EXTRACTION: Two reviewers independently screened studies and extracted data. Methodological quality was assessed using the Newcastle-Ottawa Scale. DATA SYNTHESIS: Ten studies were included. In the primary binary meta-analysis (5 studies), higher pancreatic fat burden was associated with incident T2D (pooled effect estimate, 2.56; 95% CI, 1.27-5.14; I2 = 93.3%). Exclusion of 1 influential ultrasound-based study attenuated heterogeneity while preserving the association (pooled effect estimate, 1.45; 95% CI, 1.23-1.73; I2 = 10.2%). A separate continuous analysis (3 studies) also supported an association with incident T2D (1.17; 95% CI, 1.04-1.32; I2 = 79.2%), although exposure scales were not directly comparable. Pancreatic fat was also associated with glycemic progression (2 studies; 1.96; 95% CI, 1.10-3.48; I2 = 73.2%). Exploratory lean-population evidence was limited to 2 analytical contexts, synthesized narratively, and directionally consistent with the overall findings. CONCLUSION: Pancreatic fat was associated with adverse future glycemic outcomes across multiple analytical contexts. These findings support pancreatic fat as a potentially meaningful imaging-derived marker of future dysglycemia, while suggesting that heterogeneity is partly explained by differences in exposure ascertainment.

Humans

DNA single locus profiles: tests for the robustness of statistical procedures within the context of forensic science.

We describe a series of experiments, carried out on data from DNA profiles, which have been designed specifically to test the validity of the statistical procedures currently used in the Home Office Forensic Science Service. The tests address issues which have been the subject of topical debate, in particular those of representativeness and band independence. The results confirm the confidence which had already been placed in the established procedures. We recommend that all practitioners in the forensic field should carry out similar testing on their own data collections.

DNA Fingerprinting

(Mis)conceptions and reconceptions about traditional science.

"Traditional" science (ie, scientific work that has evolved from the natural sciences) is still said to rely on theory-neutral facts, quantitative data, and the search for universal laws. This depiction of science is incongruent with much contemporary thinking. This article examines three shifts in recent philosophy that are relevant for nursing science philosophy: the move from foundationalism to an understanding of the fallibility of science, the shift in emphasis from verification to justification of knowledge claims, and the recent examination of explanation by scientific realists. It is suggested that scientific realism may be a fruitful area of inquiry for philosophers of nursing science.

Cognition

[Spontaneous tumors in rats from the Rappolovo Breeding Nursery of the Academy of Medical Sciences of the USSR].

The authors report the data on the incidence of neoplasms in rats of the "Rappolovo" nursery breeding (USSR Acad. Med. Sci.) and their offsprings during 4 sequential generations kept in the vivarium of the N. N. Petrov Research Institute of Oncology of the USSR Ministry of Health. The frequency of spontaneous tumors in 213 male and 230 female rats was 25.8 and 35.7% accordingly. Totally, male animals developed 65 tumors, females--114. over 80% of all neoplasms developed in animals older than 18 months. The frequency of neoplasms of separate localizations in males and females was as follows: the hypophysis--7.0 and 12.6% correspondingly; the mammary gland--0.5 and 11.7%, the thyroid (thyroidal epithelium) - 1.4 and 3.0% and (light cells) 5.6 and 8.3%; the adrenal cortex--0.5 and 1.3%; the hematopoietic system --7.0 and 5.6%; parasitic sarcomas of the abdominal cavity --5.6 and 3.0%; the skin --0.4 and 0.4%; soft tissues --0.9 and 0%; the liver--0.4 and 0.4%; the kidneys --0.4 and 0.4%. Moreover, one male showed seminal vesicle tumor, and females-solitary neoplasms of the pancreas and salivary gland, the dura mater, the ovary and uterus. Significant differences were revealed in the frequency of spontaneous neoplasms in separate rat generations.

Adenoma

Methods for defining equity-stratifying variables: a systematic review of validation studies.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: Disease burden is often disproportionally higher among those who are socially disadvantaged by factors defined in the PROGRESS-Plus framework (ie, Place of residence, Race/ethnicity/culture/language, Occupation, Gender/sex, Religion, Education, Socioeconomic status, and Social capital, with "Plus" covering features like age and disability). The accuracy and applicability of case definitions to identify these variables from administrative and clinical health data are unknown. We conducted a systematic review to explore how equity-stratifying variables, as categorized by the PROGRESS-Plus framework, have been defined and validated in epidemiologic studies using administrative health, population-level, or electronic health record (EHR) data. METHODS: Medline, EMBASE, CINAHL, Web of Science, and Google Scholar were searched from the inception of the databases to 2024 for validation studies of equity-stratifying variables in adults using administrative health datasets, health registries, or EHR data. Titles and abstracts, followed by relevant full-text articles, were screened in duplicate by two reviewers for eligibility. The data sources utilized, algorithms employed, and their associated performance measures were extracted and synthesized from included studies. Given substantial heterogeneity in study design, equity-stratifying variable definition, and performance metrics, meta-analysis was not possible. RESULTS: Of the 9099 unique citations screened, 188 full texts were reviewed and 116 were included in this review. Most studies were published between 2019 and 2024 (n = 64, 55%) and were validation studies of race/ethnicity definitions that used race/ethnicity codes or surname list algorithms (n = 66, 57%). No studies examined religion. Regarding the reported performance measure estimates, the race/ethnicity/culture/language equity-stratifying variables category had the largest variability across sensitivity, positive predictive value (PPV), and Cohen's Kappa. Occupation validation studies had the lowest variation in sensitivity and PPV. CONCLUSION: Despite an increasing number of publications reporting on the validation of equity-stratifying variables relevant to the PROGRESS-Plus framework, performance measures varied widely across studies. The significant heterogeneity in equity-stratifying variable definitions and methods used to validate them support the need for further rigorous validation of equity-stratifying variables in administrative and clinical health data. PLAIN LANGUAGE SUMMARY: Disease burden is often higher in people who experience financial hardships, lower level of education, discrimination due to race/ethnicity, and unstable housing. These social factors can be considered health equity factors and are important for understanding health inequalities. Health researchers often use large datasets, such as hospital or electronic health records (EHRs), to study these health equity factors. However, it is not clear how accurately these data sources capture information about people's social circumstances and how these factors are defined. In this study, we reviewed existing research to understand how health equity factors have been defined across health data sources and how accurate they are at measuring aspects of health equity and social disadvantage. Of the more than 9000 studies we identified, we included 116 that met our criteria for this systematic review. Most included studies focused on identifying race and ethnicity, often using codes or surname-based methods. We found that the accuracy of these methods varied widely across studies, meaning results may not always be reliable or comparable. Overall, our findings show that there are inconsistencies in how social factors are defined and measured in health data. This makes it difficult to fully understand and address health inequalities using routinely collected health data. More work is needed to develop and validate better quality and more consistent methods for capturing these important social factors.

Humans

Patient-number-based computerized medical records in Crete. A tool for planning and assessment of primary health care.

Primary Health Care (PHC) in Crete is in a state of rapid development. The strategy for introducing PHC involves an orientation towards the population and the creation of possibilities for evaluation. A case records system, "Egino", was installed in the University of Heraklion and at the Health Centre in Spili in 1988, and was further developed according to local needs during 1989, when also a Greek version of the statistical system, "DoIt", was installed. The main reasons for establishing a computerized medical information system were (i) to assess the health needs in Crete, (ii) to monitor activities of the primary health care organizations, and (iii) to introduce epidemiological research into primary health care in Greece. The information system was based on specially assigned patient numbers containing several pieces of information about the individual; the system was developed at the Dalby Health Sciences Centre in Sweden. Each month, data were extracted in Spili Health Centre, and these data were regularly used to present incidence and prevalence indices. Some of the data extracted were reported to the health authorities in Greece. "EginO" and "DoIt" gave possibilities to evaluate health services by following the morbidity, while also making it possible to describe and analyse health needs in the population of Spili and other primary health care catchment areas in Greece.

Adolescent

Solution conformation of a deoxynucleotide containing tandem G.A mismatched base pairs and 3'-overhanging ends in d(GTGAACTT)2.

We have used 31P and 1H NMR spectroscopy and circular dichroism to define the solution conformation of d(GTGAACTT)2 which contains tandem G.A mismatched base pairs and 3'-overhanging TT ends. Measurements of coupling constants and NOE intensities show that the sugar puckers of the nucleotides are predominantly in the south domain (i.e., near C2'-endo) and that the glycosidic torsion angles are anti. The sequential NOE intensities indicate the presence of a right-handed helix. Analysis of the 31P and 1H NMR spectra of the duplex shows that the tandem mismatch forms a block in which there are unusual backbone torsion angles (i.e., in the BII state), within an otherwise B-like structure. The chemical shift of the N1H of the mismatched guanosine and NOEs between the mismatched base pairs and their nearest neighbors are inconsistent with the imino pairing present in single A.G mismatches or in the X-ray structure of a tandem mismatch [Privé, G. G., et al. (1987) Science 238, 498-503] but the data are consistent with the amino pairing found by Li et al. (1991) [Li, Y., et al. (1991) Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. U.S.A. 88, 26-30]. The strong base-base stacking both within the tandem G.A block and between the G.A mismatches and their other nearest neighbors offsets the intrinsic destabilizing effects of the mismatch. Further, the 3'-TT overhangs stack onto the ends of the helix and stabilize the duplex against fraying, which accounts for the observed increase in the melting temperature compared with the flush-ended duplex.

Adenine

Ten-Year Update of Nurse Practitioner Service Impact on Patient and Health Service Outcomes in Emergency Care Settings-A Systematic Review.

AIMS: To provide a 10-year update on the best available evidence evaluating the impact of nurse practitioner services on cost, waiting times, patient satisfaction, representation rates, and length of stay in emergency and urgent care settings. DESIGN: Systematic review. DATA SOURCES: The search was completed on January 28, 2025, in Embase (Elsevier), Medline (EBSCOhost), CINAHL (EBSCOhost), Cochrane Library (Wiley), Emcare (Ovid), Web of Science Core Collection (Clarivate) and Scopus (Elsevier). The data range (2014-2024) was used to limit the search. METHODS: The search was conducted with results imported into Covidence. In Covidence, two reviewers conducted screening, data extraction, and quality appraisal of articles, and findings were analysed using a narrative synthesis approach. Eligible studies examined nurse practitioner services in emergency or urgent care settings, reporting outcomes of cost, waiting times, patient satisfaction, representation rates, and length of stay. RESULTS: Title and abstract screening were performed on 2329 records. Of these, 236 full-text articles were reviewed, and 17 underwent critical appraisal and data extraction. Narrative analysis of outcome measures yielded mixed results, with both favourable and unfavourable findings reported regarding nurse practitioner services. CONCLUSIONS: Global evaluation of nurse practitioner services in emergency care remains inconsistent. Nevertheless, emerging evidence supports their positive impact, particularly in improving patient outcomes. To effectively inform policy, workforce planning and clinical integration, there is a need for professional benchmarks that provide clear frameworks for the evaluation of patient-centred outcomes and operational impacts in emergency departments. IMPLICATIONS: Evidence related to nurse practitioner services in emergency and urgent care clinics highlights the positive impact of nurse practitioner services on patient wait times and satisfaction; however, there is limited and variable evidence of impact on health care costs and outcomes. IMPACT: This paper recommends that evaluating emergency nurse practitioner services requires homogeneous research using consistent professional benchmarks and evaluation frameworks. REPORTING METHOD: This systematic review follows the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis (PRISMA) guidelines. PATIENT OR PUBLIC CONTRIBUTION: This study did not include patient or public involvement in its design, conduct, or reporting. TRAIL REGISTRATION: PROSPERO 2025 CRD420250645148.

Humans

Use and misuse of multiple comparisons in animal experiments.

The objective of many animal experiments is to detect meaningful relationships among treatments and associated responses. Types of comparisons of means include pairwise multiple comparisons, planned orthogonal or nonorthogonal contrasts, and orthogonal polynomials. Some procedures are appropriate only for specific types of treatment designs and specific types of objectives. Pairwise, multiple comparisons are appropriate only for comparing unstructured, qualitative treatments. Planned comparisons partition the overall set of treatment effects into independent or nonindependent subsets, with special application to factorials. Orthogonal polynomial (regression) procedures assess relationships between quantitative treatments and response when a full range of responses or an optimal dose is of interest. Recommendations for appropriate use of each mean comparison procedure are illustrated using data from three Journal of Animal Science articles. Also mentioned are a number of computer graphics packages that provide creative ways to display biological relationships and can be linked to statistical packages for input and to word processors or 35-mm cameras for output.

Analysis of Variance

Considerations in screening adults/older persons for handicapping hearing impairments.

Given the present state of the "science," that is, the dearth of data on the "ideal" hearing screening protocol for noninstitutionalized adults and older adults, a definitive recommendation for screening is premature. The controversy and intensity of debate surrounding these issues attests both to the importance of a screening protocol and the acknowledgment of the need for further study by the profession. The ensuing intellectual controversy is not capricious nor whimsical but healthy. The committee has therefore chosen to discuss the issues surrounding selection of a screening protocol and to provide the reader with a series of options for screening. Armed with knowledge of the goal of a particular screening program, it is hoped that clinicians will make educated choices about the screening protocol that best meets their clients' needs. It is also our hope that this report will temporarily assist screening discussions until more comprehensive studies on the reliability, validity and predictive accuracy of selected protocols are available.

Adult