Meta-analysis of economic evaluations (MAEEs), using the incremental net benefit approach, enables quantitative synthesis of cost-effectiveness evidence and may support policy decisions. However, little is known about users’ perceptions or utility of MAEEs. This study examined end users’ perceptions and applicability of MAEE findings in real-world decision-making.

A cross-sectional online survey was conducted among individuals attending an ISPOR Real-World Evidence Summit 2025 breakout session on MAEEs. The survey collected data on respondent characteristics, prior awareness of and experience with MAEEs, perceived usefulness, potential applications, and the likelihood of future use. Responses were summarized using descriptive statistics, and associations between participant characteristics and perceptions were analyzed using chi-square tests and odds ratios (95 percent confidence interval).

Seventy-six participants completed the survey. Most respondents were from the WHO South-East Asia Region (72 percent) and represented Industry/Pharma/MedTech (36 percent) or Academia/Research (34 percent). Perceptions were positive: 78 percent considered MAEEs “definitely” or “possibly” beneficial, and 55 percent indicated they would likely or very likely use MAEEs in policymaking. MAEEs were perceived as useful for highlighting variation across studies, reducing single-study bias, and improving precision when multiple EEs exist on the same topic within a country. Potential users included national health authorities, policy makers, hospitals/insurers, and countries with limited EE capacity. No significant associations were observed between respondent characteristics and perceived benefits or likelihood of use (p > 0.05).

MAEEs are well-received by participants. Larger surveys and qualitative studies are needed to explore context-specific applicability, refine methodology, and enhance their utility across diverse settings.

Postinfectious autoimmune processes are hypothesized to be causally implicated in tic disorders, including Tourette syndrome and chronic tic disorder. However, this hypothesis remains controversial. In this nationwide cohort study, we aimed to clarify the mechanisms underlying the association between proneness to infections and tic disorders.

Using Swedish national registers, we identified 3,886,533 individuals (probands) born between 1970 and 2008 with available data on both biological parents. Probands were linked to six clusters of relatives: parents, full siblings, maternal half-siblings, paternal half-siblings, aunts/uncles, and cousins. Cox proportional hazards regression models were used to estimate the risk of tic disorders in probands exposed to infections and their relatives, compared with unexposed probands and their relatives. We also examined dose–response associations using logistic regression models.

Probands exposed to infections had an increased risk of tic disorders (hazard ratio [HR], 1.46; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.40–1.52), as did their relatives. The observed risks increased with the degree of genetic relatedness, from HR (95% CI) of 1.15 (1.12–1.19) in cousins to 1.31 (1.25–1.37) in first-degree relatives. There was a dose–response association between the number of infections in the probands and the odds for tic disorders in the probands and their relatives. Results remained consistent after adjustment for infections in relatives, tic disorders in probands, and autoimmune diseases in probands and relatives.

Our results suggest an important role of shared genetic factors in the association between infections and tic disorders, potentially pointing to pleiotropic mechanisms.

To compare 12-month functional, aesthetic and scar outcomes after septorhinoplasty in patients with and without allergic rhinitis and to assess allergy symptoms in the allergic rhinitis group.

Ninety-six patients were included (allergic rhinitis, n = 47; non-allergic rhinitis, n = 49). No turbinate surgery was performed. Allergy symptoms (allergic rhinitis group) were rated pre-operatively and at 12 months using a visual analogue scale (VAS). At 12 months, all patients completed the Standardised Cosmesis and Health Nasal Outcomes Survey; scars were evaluated with the Stony Brook Scar Evaluation Scale and patient- and physician-reported VAS scores for scar and nasal shape.

The Standardised Cosmesis and Health Nasal Outcomes Survey, the Stony Brook Scar Evaluation Scale and scar VAS scores were similar between groups. Nasal shape VAS scores were higher in the non-allergic rhinitis group, significant only for physician ratings (p = 0.03). In the allergic rhinitis group, allergy VAS decreased from 39.32 ± 42.25 to 24.22 ± 31.96 (p < 0.001).

Allergic rhinitis does not adversely affect functional, aesthetic or scar outcomes after septorhinoplasty, and septorhinoplasty may clinically reduce allergy symptoms in patients with allergic rhinitis.

Early-stage clinical and translational researchers require not only technical expertise but also leadership and communication skills for long-term success. Many training programs lack structured approaches to building these essential “soft skills.”

To evaluate the impact and perceived value of a structured coaching and leadership program for trainees in KL2 and T32 programs.

This qualitative evaluation assessed a Coaching and Leadership Program (CLP) that include individualized coaching and group workshops incorporating leadership development and the DISC behavioral communication model (Dominance, Influence, Steadiness, and Conscientiousness). Semi-structured interviews were conducted with twelve KL2 and postdoctoral T32 trainees between July and August 2025. Transcripts were analyzed using descriptive content analysis and inductive coding by two analysts in MAXQDA.

Five key themes emerged: 1) Both T and K trainees consistently described the CLP as a broadly positive and beneficial experience; 2) Coaching helped trainees build concrete organizational strategies, particularly around time management and logistical processes; 3) The CLP helped build trainees’ confidence and professional identity, especially around communication with mentors, bosses, or their team; 4) The CLP was perceived as complementary and well integrated within KL2 and T32 training, particularly by addressing “soft skills” missing elsewhere; and 5) Participants recommended stronger orientation, more opportunities for practical skill-building during sessions, and offering greater variety and choice in coaches.

The CLP complements scientific training for early-career translational researchers. Trainees gained practical tools for team management, conflict resolution, and strategic planning, while benefiting from a confidential space for professional growth. Findings suggest coaching is a valuable enhancement to training programs for developing translational research leaders.

We aimed to improve the shared decision-making process for those offered antipsychotic medicines by co-designing a suite of accurate and accessible medicines information video resources.

We adopted the four core activities of the Double Diamond Design Thinking Model – Discover, Define, Develop, and Deliver. We first explored the full range of stakeholder needs including pharmacists, psychiatrists, nurses, and most importantly experts-by-experience, in relation to existing antipsychotic medicines information resources. Using a validated tool, we assessed the understandability and actionability of the manufacturer’s patient information leaflets and digital resources accessed following an internet search. Using this information, we refined our insights into a clear problem statement and solution.

We identified gaps in readability, understandability, and actionability with existing antipsychotic medicines information resources. Consequently, we developed prototype information resources that we iteratively reviewed and validated along with our expert panel of key stakeholders. We uploaded our six antipsychotic medicines information videos to our digital platform where they can be freely accessed by those participating in shared decision-making.

Our antipsychotic medicines information videos address an unmet need in the shared decision-making process. Using a human-centred and innovative approach, we prioritised input from key stakeholders to provide clear, accurate, and accessible information to support informed choices in psychosis recovery.

Schizophrenia has been proposed to be a disorder of accelerated ageing, characterised by a mismatch between biological and chronological age. Evidence accumulated over the past 15 years has examined this model using molecular, neuroimaging, cognitive and epidemiological markers.

To evaluate whether schizophrenia shows evidence of an accelerated or advanced ageing phenotype across biological systems and to assess the consistency of the underlying molecular mechanisms.

A systematic review (PROSPERO CRD42024574059) was conducted following PRISMA guidelines. PubMed and Google Scholar were searched for studies published after 2009 that cited the original accelerated ageing hypothesis publication or investigated ageing in the context of schizophrenia and/or psychosis. Evidence was synthesised narratively by domain, with emphases on meta-analyses and minimally treated, longitudinal cohorts.

A total of 923 manuscripts were identified, and a final 170 were included in the systematic review. Schizophrenia showed a reproducible ageing phenotype, as evidenced by in increased mortality, higher dementia risk, brain-predicted age elevation and cognitive decline. BrainAGE studies revealed mean age gaps of 3–4 years, often present at first episode. At the mechanistic level, meta-analyses reported consistent telomere shortening (standardised mean difference approximately –0.4 to –0.5) and modest acceleration of selected epigenetic clocks. Dysregulation of oxidative stress, inflammation, mitochondrial function and insulin-like growth factor-1 signalling were frequent and partly preceded antipsychotic exposure.

Schizophrenia is associated with a multisystem ageing phenotype underpinned by convergent biological mechanisms, most consistently involving telomere attrition and oxidative and/or inflammatory stress. The overall pattern supports a model of advanced rather than uniformly accelerated ageing, reflecting early biological deviation with parallel rather than steeper decline.