Cost-effectiveness of Micra™ VR leadless pacemaker in patients with bradycardia and atrial fibrillation in Australia.

Background: Micra™ VR Transcatheter Pacing System (Micra VR) is a single-chamber transcatheter leadless pacemaker. Absence of leads and subcutaneous pocket reduces or completely eliminates the risk of complications associated with the conventional transvenous pacemakers (TVPM). When compared with TVPM, the leadless technology provides a quicker postimplantation recovery and causes less cosmetic concerns/discomfort providing better patient experiences in the long run.

Evaluation of a New Method for CyberKnife Treatment for Central Lung and Mediastinal Tumors by Tracheobronchial Tracking.

Background: CyberKnife treatment for central lung tumors and mediastinal tumors can be difficult to perform with marker less.

Purpose: We aimed to evaluate a novel tracheobronchial-based method (ie, tracheobronchial tracking) for the purpose of minimally invasive CyberKnife treatment for central lung and mediastinal tumors.

Methods: Five verification plans were created using an in-house phantom.

Measurement of Skin Thickness Using Ultrasonography to Test the Usefulness of Elastic Compression Stockings for Leg Edema in Pregnant Women.

Background: One of the most common treatments for leg edema during pregnancy is the use of compression stockings. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the objective effectiveness in pregnant women, by measuring the changes of skin thickness using ultrasonography. Methods: Pregnant women were diagnosed with leg edema using the pitting edema method at 36 weeks of gestation.

Cost-effectiveness of insertable cardiac monitors for diagnosis of atrial fibrillation in cryptogenic stroke in Australia.

Introduction: Detection of atrial fibrillation (AF) is required to initiate oral anticoagulation (OAC) after cryptogenic stroke (CS). However, paroxysmal AF can be difficult to diagnose with short term cardiac monitoring. Taking an Australian payer perspective, we evaluated whether long-term continuous monitoring for 3 years with an insertable cardiac monitor (ICM) is cost-effective for preventing recurrent stroke in patients with CS.

Assessment of grip-motion characteristics in carpal tunnel syndrome patients using a novel finger grip dynamometer system.

Background: Grip strength measurement is widely used in daily medical practice, and it has been reported that the grip strength decreases in patients with carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS). However, conventional grip dynamometers evaluate only the maximum power of total grip strength and cannot measure the time course of grip motion. In this report, we aimed to determine the grip characteristics of CTS patients by measuring the time course of each finger's grip motion and to analyze the relationship between finger grip strength and subjective symptoms using this new grip system.

Cost-Effectiveness of IncobotulinumtoxinA in the Treatment of Sialorrhea in Patients with Various Neurological Conditions.

Introduction: Sialorrhea is a common and debilitating symptom associated with neurological conditions, which can result in considerable physical and psychosocial complications. In Australia, management options are limited and further impeded by the lack of approved treatments. Whilst there is emerging evidence for the efficacy and tolerability of botulinum toxin (BoNT) for the treatment of sialorrhea in patients with neurological conditions, the cost-effectiveness of the treatment is yet to be established.

Presence of a family history and excessive pressure on the first toe pad during walking in female subjects with pincer nails.

Pincer nails (PN) are defined as a transverse overcurvature of the nail plate. Although there have been advancements in therapeutic approaches, the precise underlying mechanisms for the development of PN are still not fully understood. Currently, PN are assumed to develop due to lack of upward mechanical force on the toes.

Multiple Skin Abscesses Caused by Rhizopus sp. Infection after Candida albicans Infection in an Immunocompromised Patient.

A 66-year-old woman with diabetes who was treated with prednisolone (15 mg/day) for autoimmune hepatitis developed multiple erythematous nodules with retention of purulent fluid on her lower right limb. Candida albicans was cultured from the nodules. She was started on oral fluconazole, and the lesions subsided.

Cost Effectiveness of Long-Term Incobotulinumtoxin-A Treatment in the Management of Post-stroke Spasticity of the Upper Limb from the Australian Payer Perspective.

Background: In Australia, the reimbursement of botulinum neurotoxin-A (BoNT-A) on the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme for the treatment of moderate to severe spasticity of the upper limb following a stroke (PSS-UL) is restricted to four treatment cycles per upper limb per lifetime. This analysis examined the cost effectiveness of extending the treatment beyond four treatments among patients with an adequate response to previous treatment cycles.

Methods: A Markov state transition model was developed to perform a cost-utility analysis of extending the use of incobotulinumtoxin-A beyond the current restriction of four treatment cycles among patients who have shown a successful response in previous treatment cycles ('known responders').

Cost-effectiveness of mechanical thrombectomy for acute ischemic stroke: an Australian payer perspective.

Aims: The goal of this study was to assess the cost-effectiveness of mechanical thrombectomy (MT) for acute ischemic stroke (AIS) from an Australian payer perspective.

Methods: This study used a Markov model that employed a life-time time horizon, modeling patients from symptom onset of stroke until end of life. Clinical efficacy and safety data were taken from an individual patient level data (IPD) meta-analysis of clinical studies.

A Case of Fingernail Onychomycosis due to Aspergillus flavus.

A 56-year-old woman on insulin therapy for diabetes visited our clinic due to whitish discoloration on the right index finger. Despite topical application of 1% lanoconazole solution, the lesion grew, causing paronychia. Direct microscopy revealed non-dermatophyte molds.

Cost-consequence analysis of daily continuous remote monitoring of implantable cardiac defibrillator and resynchronization devices in the UK.

Aims: The need for ongoing and lifelong follow-up (FU) of patients with cardiac implantable electric devices (CIED) requires significant resources. Remote CIED management has been established as a safe alternative to conventional periodical in-office FU (CFU). An economic model compares the long-term cost and consequences of using daily Home Monitoring® (HM) instead of CFU.

Cutaneous hyalohyphomycosis by Scedosporium apiospermum in an immunocompromised patient.

Scedosporium apiospermum is a ubiquitous filamentous fungus that may infect immunocompetent patients after trauma and may cause severe and often fatal infections in immunocompromised hosts. Here, we present the case of a 28-year-old female with S. apiospermum infection on the left forearm that had developed while she was on long-term immunosuppressant therapy.

Mass spectrometric analysis of microtubule co-sedimented proteins from rat brain.

Microtubules (MTs) play crucial roles in a variety of cell functions, such as mitosis, vesicle transport and cell motility. MTs also compose specialized structures, such as centrosomes, spindles and cilia. However, molecular mechanisms of these MT-based functions and structures are not fully understood.

Identification and characterization of the novel centrosomal protein centlein.

Centrosomes function as the major microtubule (MT)-organizing center. They are composed of a pair of centrioles which are surrounded by the pericentriolar material. Here, we describe the molecular characterization of a novel protein, named centlein (centrosomal protein).