Heparinized venous blood gas syringes are associated with a significant decrease in measured packed cell volume in dogs due to hemodilution.

Objective: To assess the effect of hemodilution on PCV when commercial preheparinized venous blood gas (PH-VBG) syringes are used compared to directly filled Hct tubes, and to evaluate the impact of delayed centrifugation on PCV.

Methods: A prospective study of 102 dogs presenting to a private emergency department between November 1, 2023, and February 29, 2024, with 306 corresponding blood samples. Samples were collected by direct venipuncture.

Multi-Exoskeleton Performance Evaluation: Integrated Muscle Energy Indices to Determine the Quality and Quantity of Assistance.

The assessment of realistic work tasks is a critical aspect of introducing exoskeletons to work environments. However, as the experimental task's complexity increases, the analysis of muscle activity becomes increasingly challenging. Thus, it is essential to use metrics that adequately represent the physical human-exoskeleton interaction (pHEI).

Exploring methodological approaches used in network meta-analysis of psychological interventions: A scoping review.

Psychological interventions are complex in nature and have been shown to benefit various clinical outcomes. Gaining insight into current practices would help identify specific aspects that need improvement to enhance the quality of network meta-analysis (NMA) in this field. This scoping review aimed to explore methodological approaches in the NMA of psychological interventions.

Diagnostic accuracy of point-of-care tests for acute respiratory infection: a systematic review of reviews.

Background: Acute respiratory infections are a common reason for consultation with primary and emergency healthcare services. Identifying individuals with a bacterial infection is crucial to ensure appropriate treatment. However, it is also important to avoid overprescription of antibiotics, to prevent unnecessary side effects and antimicrobial resistance.

Beta-blockers for the treatment of anxiety disorders: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

Background: Beta-blocker prescriptions for patients with anxiety increased substantially between 2003 and 2018, yet there is no clinical guidance concerning their use. A previous review of propranolol - a beta-blocker - in the treatment of anxiety concluded there was insufficient evidence to support its use. Additional data have been published in the eight years since that review including some evidence for other beta-blockers.