Pseudomonas aeruginosa bloodstream infections in children in Queensland, Australia, 2000-2019.

Aim: To investigate the incidence, risk factors and outcomes of Pseudomonas aeruginosa bloodstream infections (P-BSI) in Queensland children aged 0-18 years.

Methods: A retrospective data-linkage study was conducted of P-BSI identified by Pathology Queensland laboratories from resident Queensland children admitted to publicly-funded Queensland Hospitals between 2000 and 2019. We estimated age-standardised incidence of P-BSI and case fatality ratios (48 h, 7-, 30- and 90-day all-cause mortality from the date of the blood culture collection).

A Case of Nonislet Cell Tumor Hypoglycemia Due to Metastatic Salivary Myoepithelial Carcinoma.

Background/objective: Nonislet cell tumor hypoglycemia (NICTH) is an uncommon cause of hypoglycemia due to a relative surplus of insulin-like growth factor 2 (IGF-2) or its precursor molecule. The diagnosis is confirmed by an elevated ratio of IGF-2 to insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF-1). Myoepithelial carcinoma (MECA) is a rare and aggressive salivary gland cancer that has not been previously associated with NICTH.

Percutaneous endovascular intervention for left ventricular assist device outflow graft obstruction: A single-center experience.

Background: Outflow graft obstruction (OGO) is an uncommon yet life-threatening complication in patients with left ventricular assist devices (LVADs). In this retrospective, single-center case series, we identify the baseline demographics and presenting features of patients who develop LVAD OGO and the procedural details and outcomes surrounding percutaneous endovascular intervention (PEI).

Methods: We conducted a retrospective review of patients with LVADs at our institution between January 2010 and February 2023 who developed OGO and were treated with PEI.

Effects of PCV10 and PCV13 on pneumococcal serotype 6C disease, carriage, and antimicrobial resistance.

Background: The cross-protection of pneumococcal conjugate vaccines (PCV) against serotype 6C is not clearly documented, although 6C represents a substantial burden of pneumococcal disease in recent years. A systematic review by the World Health Organization that covered studies through 2016 concluded that available data were insufficient to determine if either PCV10 (which contains serotype 6B but not 6A) or PCV13 (containing serotype 6A and 6B) conferred protection against 6C.

Methods: We performed a systematic review of randomized controlled trials and observational studies published between January 2010 - August 2022 (Medline/Embase), covering the direct, indirect, and overall effect of PCV10 and PCV13 against 6C invasive pneumococcal disease (IPD), non-IPD, nasopharyngeal carriage (NPC), and antimicrobial resistance (AMR).

New robotic platform for transoral robotic surgery: an IDEAL stage 0 study.

Objectives: This study aims to assess the feasibility to perform transoral robotic surgery (TORS) with a new robotic platform, the Versius Surgical System (CMR Surgical, UK) in a preclinical cadaveric setting in accordance to stage 0 of the IDEAL-D framework.

Design: IDEAL stage 0 preclinical assessment of the Versius Robotic System in TORS in human cadavers.

Setting: All procedures were performed in a simulated operating theatre environment at a UK surgical training centre.

Understanding faculty perceptions and experiences related to climate, diversity, equity, and inclusion at a college of pharmacy: A pilot study.

Introduction: A climate survey was piloted to obtain an understanding of the perceptions and personal experiences of faculty for intentional planning of future meaningful, effective, and sustainable diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) efforts at a college of pharmacy.

Methods: A 48-item, four section, online survey was developed and administered to 69 faculty between October and November 2021. Likert-like five-point scales and free-text items were included to determine an overall assessment of climate, as well as perceptions and/or personal experiences for each domain of DEI, and demographics.

RAAS-deficient organoids indicate delayed angiogenesis as a possible cause for autosomal recessive renal tubular dysgenesis.

Autosomal Recessive Renal Tubular Dysgenesis (AR-RTD) is a fatal genetic disorder characterized by complete absence or severe depletion of proximal tubules (PT) in patients harboring pathogenic variants in genes involved in the Renin-Angiotensin-Aldosterone System. To uncover the pathomechanism of AR-RTD, differentiation of ACE-/- and AGTR1-/- induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) and AR-RTD patient-derived iPSCs into kidney organoids is leveraged. Comprehensive marker analyses show that both mutant and control organoids generate indistinguishable PT in vitro under normoxic (21% O2) or hypoxic (2% O2) conditions.

A review of evidence for pneumococcal vaccination in adults at increased risk of pneumococcal disease: risk group definitions and optimization of vaccination coverage in the United Kingdom.

Introduction: Pneumococcal disease (PD) significantly contributes to morbidity and mortality, carrying substantial economic and public health burden. This article is a targeted review of evidence for pneumococcal vaccination in the UK, the definitions of groups at particular risk of PD and vaccine effectiveness.

Areas Covered: Relevant evidence focusing on UK data from surveillance systems, randomized controlled trials, observational studies and publicly available government documents is collated and reviewed.

Distribution of serotypes causing invasive pneumococcal disease in older adults from high-income countries and impact of pediatric and adult vaccination policies.

Background: Neither indirect protection through use of 13-valent and 10-valent pneumococcal conjugate vaccines (PCV13 and PCV10) in pediatric National Immunization Programs (NIPs) nor direct vaccination with the 23-valent polysaccharide vaccine have eliminated vaccine serotype invasive pneumococcal disease (IPD) in older adults. Vaccinating older adults with higher-valency PCV15 and PCV20 could address remaining IPD due to pediatric PCV serotypes plus additional IPD due to serotypes included in these vaccines.

Methods: We collected serotype-specific IPD data in older adults (≥65 years in most countries), from national or regional surveillance systems or hospital networks of 33 high-income countries.

Competency assessment for the Versius surgical robot: a validity investigation study of a virtual reality simulator-based test.

Background: When introducing new equipment like robotic surgical systems, it is essential to ensure that surgeons have the basic skills before operating on patients. The objective was to investigate the validity evidence for a competency-based test for basic robotic surgical skills using the Versius® trainer.

Methods: We recruited medical students, residents, and surgeons which were classified based on data on clinical experience with the Versius system as either novices (0 min), intermediates (1-1000 min), or experienced (> 1000 min).

Gender disparities related to clinical characteristics and outcomes of patients undergoing transseptal procedures.

Purpose: Explore gender disparities in patients undergoing transseptal puncture (TSP) for selected transcatheter cardiac intervention procedures.

Methods: Patients who underwent TSP from January 2015 through September 2021 were reviewed. Primary outcomes were procedural and in-hospital major adverse events.

Discovery and In Vitro Characterization of BAY 2686013, an Allosteric Small Molecule Antagonist of the Human Pituitary Adenylate Cyclase-Activating Polypeptide Receptor.

The human pituitary adenylate cyclase-activating polypeptide receptor (hPAC-R), a class B G-protein-coupled receptor (GPCR) identified almost 30 years ago, represents an important pharmacological target in the areas of neuroscience, oncology, and immunology. Despite interest in this target, only a very limited number of small molecule modulators have been reported for this receptor. We herein describe the results of a drug discovery program aiming for the identification of a potent and selective hPAC-R antagonist.

Preclinical evaluation of the Versius surgical system: A next-generation surgical robot for use in minimal access prostate surgery.

Objectives: To evaluate the Versius surgical system for robot-assisted prostatectomy in a preclinical cadaveric model using varying system setups and collect surgeon feedback on the performance of the system and instruments, in line with IDEAL-D recommendations.

Materials And Methods: Procedures were performed in cadaveric specimens by consultant urological surgeons to evaluate system performance in completing the surgical steps required for a prostatectomy. Procedures were conducted using either a 3-arm or 4-arm bedside unit (BSU) setup.

Cost-effectiveness analysis of nivolumab-chemotherapy as first-line therapy for locally advanced/metastatic gastric cancer: a United States payer perspective.

Objectives: Nivolumab, an immune checkpoint inhibitor, was approved by the United States (US) Food and Drug administration as a first-line systemic therapy for locally advanced/metastatic gastric cancer patients. The current study aimed to investigate the cost-effectiveness of nivolumab-chemotherapy combination versus chemotherapy alone as a first-line therapy from a US payer perspective.

Methods: An economic evaluation was conducted using a partitioned survival model in Microsoft Excel® using data from the CheckMate 649 trial.

Effects of pneumococcal conjugate vaccines on reducing the risk of respiratory disease associated with coronavirus infection.

Pneumococcal conjugate vaccines (PCVs) provide protection against vaccine-type pneumococcal disease in both children and adults. Growing evidence suggests that PCVs also reduce pneumonia and lower respiratory tract infections (LRTIs) more broadly, including protecting against viral-associated respiratory diseases. In this short narrative review, we highlight clinical studies investigating whether PCVs might have a role in reducing coronavirus disease, both those caused by endemic human coronaviruses (HCoVs) and severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2).

Use of Pharmacological and Non-Pharmacological Strategies by Community-Dwelling Adults to Manage Migraine: A Systematic Review.

Migraine is a prevalent disease associated with high levels of disability and is often underdiagnosed and undertreated. This systematic literature review aimed to identify the types of pharmacological and non-pharmacological strategies that community-dwelling adults report using to manage migraine. A systematic literature review of relevant databases, grey literature, websites, and journals was conducted from 1 January 1989 to 21 December 2021.

Features of Cancer mHealth Apps and Evidence for Patient Preferences: Scoping Literature Review.

Background: Cancer is increasingly being treated as a chronic disease rather than an acute one-time illness. Additionally, oral anticancer therapies, as opposed to intravenous chemotherapy, are now available for an increasing number of cancer indications. Mobile health (mHealth) apps for use on mobile devices (eg, smartphones or tablets) are designed to help patients with medication adherence, symptom tracking, and disease management.

Long-Term effects of COVID-19: a review of current perspectives and mechanistic insights.

Although SARS-CoV-2, responsible for COVID-19, is primarily a respiratory infection, a broad spectrum of cardiac, pulmonary, neurologic, and metabolic complications can occur. More than 50 long-term symptoms of COVID-19 have been described, and as many as 80% of patients may develop ≥1 long-term symptom. To summarize current perspectives of long-term sequelae of COVID-19, we conducted a PubMed search describing the long-term cardiovascular, pulmonary, gastrointestinal, and neurologic effects post-SARS-CoV-2 infection and mechanistic insights and risk factors for the above-mentioned sequelae.

Safe Implementation of a Next-Generation Surgical Robot: First Analysis of 2,083 Cases in the Versius Surgical Registry.

Objective: To present the first report of data from the Versius Surgical Registry, a prospective, multicenter data registry with ongoing collection across numerous surgical indications, developed to accompany the Versius Robotic Surgical System into clinical practice.

Background: A data registry can be utilized to minimize risk to patients by establishing the safety and effectiveness of innovative medical devices and generating a thorough evidence base of real-world data.

Methods: Surgical outcome data were collected and inputted through a secure online platform.

Palliation of a Heterotaxy Single Ventricle Neonate with Pulmonary Atresia and Obstructed TAPVR.

Patients born with obstructed total anomalous pulmonary venous return have a high risk of morbidity and mortality in the neonatal period, which only increases when combined with single ventricle physiology and non-cardiac congenital anomalies such as heterotaxy syndrome. Despite advances in management of congenital heart disease, surgery within the first weeks of life to repair the pulmonary venous connection and establish pulmonary blood flow with a systemic-to-pulmonary shunt has historically led to disappointing outcomes. A multidisciplinary approach with pediatric interventional cardiology and cardiac surgery is required to reduce morbidity and mortality in this extremely high-risk patient population.

Safe implementation of surgical innovation: a prospective registry of the Versius Robotic Surgical System.

Objectives: To describe a new, international, prospective surgical registry developed to accompany the clinical implementation of the Versius Robotic Surgical System by accumulating real-world evidence of its safety and effectiveness.

Interventions: This robotic surgical system was introduced in 2019 for its first live-human case. With its introduction, cumulative database enrollment was initiated across several surgical specialties, with systematic data collection via a secure online platform.