Opt-in Vs. Opt-out of Organ Donation in Scotland: Bioethical analysis.

This paper looks at the ethics of opt-in vs. opt-out of organ donation as Scotland has transitioned its systems to promote greater organ availability. We first analyse studies that compare the donation rates in other regions due to such a system switch and find that organ increase is inconclusive and modest at best.

Orbital mycoses in an adult subtropical population.

Background/objectives: To report the spectrum of fungal infections involving the orbit encountered in an Australian subtropical population with respect to presentation, host risk factors, involved pathogens, treatment and outcomes.

Subjects/methods: A retrospective chart review was performed on all adult patients with orbital mycosis treated by the senior author (TJS) from 1986 to 2017 in a tertiary setting.

Results: Thirty cases of fungal infection involving the orbit were included in this case series.

Orbital mycoses in a pediatric subtropical population: a case series.

Purpose: To report our experience in the diagnosis and management of invasive fungal infections with orbital involvement in children from a subtropical population.

Methods: The medical records of children (<18 years of age) with orbital mycosis and treated by the senior author (TJS) from 1995 to 2017 in multiple pediatric tertiary centers were reviewed retrospectively.

Results: Six patients (aged 12 weeks to 15 years) were included in this series.

Bony orbital changes in allergic fungal sinusitis are reversible after treatment.

Allergic fungal sinusitis (AFS) arises from a host hypersensitivity reaction to fungi residing within the sino-nasal tract. Computed tomography imaging may show heterogenous sinus opacification with bony erosion and expansion into the orbits. With advanced orbital involvement there is a risk of optic neuropathy and irreversible vision loss.

The cost of successful antiviral therapy in hepatitis C patients: a comparison of IFN-free versus IFN-based regimens at an individual patient level in Australia.

Background: Chronic hepatitis C remains a major global health burden with serious long-term consequences if left untreated. Recently the treatment standard of care has shifted to new interferon (IFN)-free drug regimens, which have been shown to be safe and effective. The aim of our study was to assess and compare medical resource utilization and costs of successfully treating patients with IFN-based and IFN-free therapies in Australia.