Identifying Gaps in the International Consensus Case Definitions for Invasive Aspergillosis: A Review of Clinical Cases Not Meeting These Definitions.

Background: International consensus definitions for invasive aspergillosis (IA) in research are rigorous, yet clinically significant cases are often excluded from clinical studies for not meeting proven/probable IA case definitions. To better understand reasons for the failure to meet criteria for proven/probable infection, we herein review 47 such cases for their clinical and microbiological characteristics and outcomes.

Methods: Data on 47 cases that did not meet consensus IA definitions but were deemed significant were derived from a retrospective, observational, multicenter survey of 382 presumed IA cases across Australasia, of which findings of 221 proven/probable infections were recently published.

Luspatercept versus epoetin alfa in erythropoiesis-stimulating agent-naive, transfusion-dependent, lower-risk myelodysplastic syndromes (COMMANDS): primary analysis of a phase 3, open-label, randomised, controlled trial.

Background: The preplanned interim analysis of the COMMANDS trial showed greater efficacy of luspatercept than epoetin alfa for treating anaemia in erythropoiesis-stimulating agent (ESA)-naive patients with transfusion-dependent, lower-risk myelodysplastic syndromes. In this Article, we report the results of the primary analysis of the trial.

Methods: COMMANDS is a phase 3, open-label, randomised, controlled trial conducted at 142 sites in 26 countries.

Insights into the effects of Friedreich ataxia on the left ventricle using T1 mapping and late gadolinium enhancement.

Background: The left ventricular (LV) changes which occur in Friedreich ataxia (FRDA) are incompletely understood.

Methods: Cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR) imaging was performed using a 1.5T scanner in subjects with FRDA who are homozygous for an expansion of an intron 1 GAA repeat in the FXN gene.

Outcomes of Patients With Diffuse Systemic Sclerosis Eligible for Autologous Stem Cell Transplantation Treated With Conventional Therapy.

Objective: The study objective was to determine the event-free survival (EFS) of Australian patients with diffuse cutaneous systemic sclerosis (dcSSc) who met eligibility criteria for autologous stem cell transplant (ASCT) in previously published randomized controlled trials but were not treated with ASCT.

Methods: Patients who met inclusion criteria for the Autologous Stem Cell Transplantation International Scleroderma (ASTIS) and Scleroderma: Cyclophosphamide Or Transplantation (SCOT) trials were identified from the multicenter Australian Scleroderma Cohort Study (ASCS). EFS (survival without cardiac, renal, or pulmonary failure or death) at 4 years was assessed.

OptimalMe Program: A Mixed Method Investigation into the Engagement and Acceptability of a Preconception Digital Health Lifestyle Intervention with Individual Coaching for Women's Health and Behaviour Change.

Preconception interventions, specifically addressing general health, lifestyle behaviours and weight management, are limited despite their importance in optimising women's health. The objective of this study is to evaluate the engagement and acceptability of OptimalMe, a digital preconception intervention. Participants, ( = 298) Australian women aged 18-44 with private health insurance planning to conceive within 12 months, received a standardised intervention, including access to a digital healthy lifestyle platform (educational materials, behaviour change activities, and self-monitoring resources), ongoing text messaging, and remotely delivered health coaching (two appointments) with randomised delivery methods (telephone/videoconference).

Pathogenomic analysis and characterization of strains recovered from human infections.

is an upper respiratory tract commensal in several mammal and bird species but can also cause severe disease in humans and in production animals such as poultry, cattle, and pigs. In this study, we performed whole-genome sequencing of isolates recovered from a range of human infections, from the mouths of cats, and from wounds on dogs. Together with publicly available genome sequences, we performed phylogenetic and comparative genomic analyses.

Sexual function in women with polycystic ovary syndrome: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

Background: Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a common and distressing endocrine disorder associated with lower quality of life, subfertility, diabetes, cardiovascular disease, depression, anxiety, and eating disorders. PCOS characteristics, its comorbidities, and its treatment can potentially influence sexual function. However, studies on sexual function in women with PCOS are limited and contradictory.

Evaluating Preconception Health and Behaviour Change in Australian Women Planning a Pregnancy: The OptimalMe Program, a Digital Healthy Lifestyle Intervention with Remotely Delivered Coaching.

OptimalMe is a digital healthy lifestyle intervention for women planning a pregnancy, with remotely delivered coaching. This follow-up study of Australian women, stratified by coaching delivery mode (phone vs. videoconferencing), assessed alignment to preconception care guidelines and self-reported behaviour change.

Predictors of Organ Damage in Systemic Lupus Erythematosus in the Asia Pacific Region: A Systematic Review.

Objective: Irreversible organ damage is common in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). Despite evidence of increased prevalence and severity of SLE in Asia Pacific, organ damage is less well studied in this region. This systematic review aims to identify predictors of organ damage in SLE in the Asia Pacific region.

Breaking Boundaries: Toward Consistent Gender-Sensitive Language in Sexual and Reproductive Health Guidelines.

This review assesses gender-sensitive language in sexual and reproductive health (SRH) guidelines, including a guideline for polycystic ovary syndrome. We conducted a systematic search across databases like Medline, EMBASE, and Cochrane until July 31, 2023, using terms related to gender-inclusivity, SRH, and guideline protocols. Criteria for inclusion were gender-sensitive language, SRH focus, and guideline relevance, excluding non-English articles or those without policy considerations.

Invasive aspergillosis in adult patients in Australia and New Zealand: 2017-2020.

Background: New and emerging risks for invasive aspergillosis (IA) bring the need for contemporary analyses of the epidemiology and outcomes of IA, in order to improve clinical practice.

Methods: The study was a retrospective, multicenter, cohort design of proven and probable IA in adults from 10 Australasian tertiary centres (January 2017-December 2020). Descriptive analyses were used to report patients' demographics, predisposing factors, mycological characteristics, diagnosis and management.

Recommendations from the 2023 International Evidence-based Guideline for the Assessment and Management of Polycystic Ovary Syndrome.

Study Question: What is the recommended assessment and management of those with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), based on the best available evidence, clinical expertise, and consumer preference?

Summary Answer: International evidence-based guidelines address prioritized questions and outcomes and include 254 recommendations and practice points, to promote consistent, evidence-based care and improve the experience and health outcomes in PCOS.

What Is Known Already: The 2018 International PCOS Guideline was independently evaluated as high quality and integrated multidisciplinary and consumer perspectives from six continents; it is now used in 196 countries and is widely cited. It was based on best available, but generally very low to low quality, evidence.

Recommendations from the 2023 international evidence-based guideline for the assessment and management of polycystic ovary syndrome.

Study Question: What is the recommended assessment and management of those with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), based on the best available evidence, clinical expertise, and consumer preference?

Summary Answer: International evidence-based guidelines address prioritized questions and outcomes and include 254 recommendations and practice points, to promote consistent, evidence-based care and improve the experience and health outcomes in PCOS.

What Is Known Already: The 2018 International PCOS Guideline was independently evaluated as high quality and integrated multidisciplinary and consumer perspectives from 6 continents; it is now used in 196 countries and is widely cited. It was based on best available, but generally very low- to low-quality, evidence.

Recommendations From the 2023 International Evidence-based Guideline for the Assessment and Management of Polycystic Ovary Syndrome.

Study Question: What is the recommended assessment and management of those with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), based on the best available evidence, clinical expertise, and consumer preference?

Summary Answer: International evidence-based guidelines address prioritized questions and outcomes and include 254 recommendations and practice points, to promote consistent, evidence-based care and improve the experience and health outcomes in PCOS.

What Is Known Already: The 2018 International PCOS Guideline was independently evaluated as high quality and integrated multidisciplinary and consumer perspectives from six continents; it is now used in 196 countries and is widely cited. It was based on best available, but generally very low to low quality, evidence.

Recommendations from the 2023 International Evidence-based Guideline for the Assessment and Management of Polycystic Ovary Syndrome†.

Study Question: What is the recommended assessment and management of those with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), based on the best available evidence, clinical expertise, and consumer preference?

Summary Answer: International evidence-based guidelines address prioritized questions and outcomes and include 254 recommendations and practice points, to promote consistent, evidence-based care and improve the experience and health outcomes in PCOS.

What Is Known Already: The 2018 International PCOS Guideline was independently evaluated as high quality and integrated multidisciplinary and consumer perspectives from six continents; it is now used in 196 countries and is widely cited. It was based on best available, but generally very low to low quality, evidence.

Efficacy and safety of luspatercept versus epoetin alfa in erythropoiesis-stimulating agent-naive, transfusion-dependent, lower-risk myelodysplastic syndromes (COMMANDS): interim analysis of a phase 3, open-label, randomised controlled trial.

Background: Erythropoiesis-stimulating agents (ESAs) are the standard-of-care treatment for anaemia in most patients with lower-risk myelodysplastic syndromes but responses are limited and transient. Luspatercept promotes late-stage erythroid maturation and has shown durable clinical efficacy in patients with lower-risk myelodysplastic syndromes. In this study, we report the results of a prespecified interim analysis of luspatercept versus epoetin alfa for the treatment of anaemia due to lower-risk myelodysplastic syndromes in the phase 3 COMMANDS trial.

Infection: Clinical Practice and Health Outcomes in 6 Large Tertiary Hospitals in Eastern Australia.

Background: infection (CDI) is associated with significant morbidity and mortality in both healthcare and community settings. We aimed to define the predisposing factors, risks for severe disease, and mortality determinants of CDI in eastern Australia over a 1-year period.

Methods: This is an observational retrospective study of CDI in hospitalized patients aged ≥18 years in 6 tertiary institutions from 1 January 2016 to 31 December 2016.

Dobutamine effects on systolic and diastolic left ventricular long-axis excursion and timing - significance for the interpretation of s' and e'.

Background: Dobutamine effects on the relationships of the peak velocity of left ventricular (LV) long-axis systolic motion (s') with systolic excursion (SExc), systolic duration (SDur) and heart rate, of LV long-axis early diastolic excursion (EDExc) with SExc, and of the peak velocity of LV long-axis early diastolic motion (e') with EDExc, early diastolic duration (EDDur) and isovolumic relaxation time (IVRT') are unknown.

Methods: Two groups of adult subjects, one young and healthy ( = 10), and one with impaired LV long-axis function ( = 10), were studied, with the aim of identifying consistent findings for the two groups and for the septal and lateral walls. Dobutamine was infused at doses of 5 and 10 µg/kg/min.

Imaging in gynecological disease (26): clinical and ultrasound characteristics of benign retroperitoneal pelvic peripheral-nerve-sheath tumors.

Objective: To describe the clinical and sonographic characteristics of benign, retroperitoneal, pelvic peripheral-nerve-sheath tumors (PNSTs).

Methods: This was a retrospective study of patients with a benign, retroperitoneal, pelvic PNST who had undergone preoperative ultrasound examination at a single gynecologic oncology center between 1 January 2018 and 31 August 2022. All ultrasound images, videoclips and final histological specimens of benign PNSTs were reviewed side-by-side in order to: describe the ultrasound appearance of the tumors, using the terminology of the International Ovarian Tumor Analysis (IOTA), Morphological Uterus Sonographic Assessment (MUSA) and Vulvar International Tumor Analysis (VITA) groups, following a predefined ultrasound assessment form; describe their origin in relation to nerves and pelvic anatomy; and assess the association between their ultrasound features and histotopography.

Key signalling pathways underlying the aetiology of polycystic ovary syndrome.

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a common endocrine condition characterised by a range of reproductive, endocrine, metabolic and psychological abnormalities. Reports estimate that around 10% of women of reproductive age are affected by PCOS, representing a significant prevalence worldwide, which poses a high economic health burden. As the origin of PCOS remains largely unknown, there is neither a cure nor mechanism-based treatments leaving patient management suboptimal and focused solely on symptomatic treatment.

Frequency and Clinical Utility of Antibodies to Extractable Nuclear Antigen in the Setting of a Negative Antinuclear Antibody Test.

Objective: Simultaneous antibody testing during screening for autoimmune conditions is discouraged. The incidence of positive extractable nuclear antigen (ENA) in the setting of a negative antinuclear antibody (ANA) has been reported as low. Our objective was to characterize the frequency of diagnosis of new ANA-associated rheumatic disease (AARD) in the setting of a negative ANA with a positive ENA.

Iodinated Contrast Media Conservation Measures During a Global Shortage: Effect on Contrast Media Use at a Large Health System.

The aim of this study was to quantify the effect of iodinated contrast media (ICM) conservation measures implemented at a single health system during a global shortage, comparing the 12-month period before intervention and the 14-day period after intervention. The mean daily utilization of contrast-enhanced CT decreased from 112 to 44 examinations, the mean ICM volume per CECT examination decreased from 88 to 74 mL, and the mean daily ICM use decreased from 9.9 to 3.

Population pharmacokinetics for oral paclitaxel in patients with advanced/metastatic solid tumors.

Oraxol consists of an oral dosage form of the chemotherapeutic agent paclitaxel administered with a novel P-glycoprotein inhibitor encequidar methanesulfonate monohydrate (formerly named HM30181A), which allows oral treatment of cancers that would otherwise be treated with intravenous paclitaxel. Here we describe the population pharmacokinetics (popPK) analyses for oral paclitaxel in patients with advanced/metastatic solid tumors to characterize pharmacokinetic (PK) profiles and quantify sources of PK variability. The best fit popPK model for oral paclitaxel, based on data from seven clinical studies (197 patients with advanced/metastatic solid tumors), involves a linear two-compartment structural model containing first-order absorption with a short lag time and first-order elimination as well as a log additive error.