Perioperative aspirin and coronary artery bypass graft surgery: An updated meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials.

Background: The decision to continue aspirin before elective coronary artery bypass graft surgery remains contentious because of competing thrombotic and bleeding risks. We performed a contemporary systematic review and meta-analysis to compare outcomes between patients undergoing coronary artery bypass grafting who stopped and continued aspirin before surgery.

Methods: PubMed, MEDLINE, and CENTRAL databases were searched from inception to 4 October 2023 for randomized controlled trials comparing patients undergoing coronary artery bypass grafting who continued preoperative aspirin with those who discontinued before surgery.

Acute kidney injury and tacrolimus toxicity in a kidney transplant recipient treated with nirmaltrevir/ritonavir: a case report.

Background: Kidney transplant recipients with severe acute respiratory syndrome-coronavirus-2 infection have an increased risk of severe disease and mortality. Nirmaltrevir/ritonavir (Paxlovid) is an effective oral disease-modifying therapy that has been shown to reduce risk of progression to severe disease in high-risk, nonhospitalized adults. However, owing to the potential for serious drug-drug interactions owing to ritonavir-induced inhibition of the CYP3A enzyme, this drug is not suitable option for transplant recipients with mild-moderate severe acute respiratory syndrome-coronavirus-2 infection.

Disparities in kidney care in vulnerable populations: A multinational study from the ISN-GKHA.

Vulnerable populations, such as the elderly, children, displaced people, and refugees, often encounter challenges in accessing healthcare. In this study, we used data from the third iteration of the International Society of Nephrology Global Kidney Health Atlas (ISN-GKHA) to describe kidney care access and delivery to vulnerable populations across countries and regions. Using data from an international survey of clinicians, policymakers, and patient advocates, we assessed the funding and coverage of vulnerable populations on all aspects of kidney replacement therapies (KRT).

Artificial intelligence in radiation therapy treatment planning: A discrete choice experiment.

Introduction: The application of artificial intelligence (AI) in radiation therapy holds promise for addressing challenges, such as healthcare staff shortages, increased efficiency and treatment planning variations. Increased AI adoption has the potential to standardise treatment protocols, enhance quality, improve patient outcomes, and reduce costs. However, drawbacks include impacts on employment and algorithmic biases, making it crucial to navigate trade-offs.

Clozapine rechallenge following myocarditis: a systematic review of rechallenge cases.

Introduction And Objectives: Clozapine is the antipsychotic medication with the greatest efficacy in treatment-resistant schizophrenia (TRS). Unfortunately, clozapine is ceased in approximately 0.2% to 8.

Understanding Medical Students' Perceptions of Failure in Medical School.

This paper explores medical students' perceptions of failure through a qualitative approach, using semi-structured interviews to gather insights from six students across different academic years at Queen Mary University of London. The study aims to understand how students define failure, its causes, and its impact on their academic and personal lives. Key findings reveal that failure is perceived as multifaceted, influenced by internal and external expectations, and evolves throughout medical school.

Peritoneal Dialysis Catheter Placement on the Right Side of the Falciform Ligament to Prevent Obstruction by the Omentum.

We describe a simple and reproducible technique for neonatal peritoneal dialysis catheter insertion following cardiac surgery which prevents the catheter from becoming blocked by the omentum.

Kidney transplant outcomes of Māori and Pasifika people receiving transplantation in Australia: an Australia and New Zealand Dialysis and Transplant Registry study.

Background: The numbers of Māori and Pasifika peoples with kidney failure living in Australia are rising. However, data describing outcomes of those proceeding to transplantation are limited. This study describes clinical outcomes of Māori and Pasifika peoples who received a kidney transplant in Australia.

A narrative review of acupuncture for sexual dysfunction: perspective of traditional Chinese medicine.

Background And Objective: Despite the growing popularity of acupuncture for sexual dysfunction (SD) in the Western world, many clinicians struggle to understand the exact therapeutic mechanism of acupuncture which is based on traditional Chinese medicine (TCM). This study aims to describe the fundamentals of acupuncture theory from TCM perspectives and its relevance to SD; evaluate the current state of acupuncture research within literature evidence; and critically analyze its therapeutic effects in premature ejaculation (PE), erectile dysfunction (ED), and female SD.

Methods: All published English-language SD clinical studies treated by acupuncture were searched in PubMed from database inception to 1 April 2024.

Hydroxychloroquine in combination with platinum doublet chemotherapy as first-line treatment for extensive-stage small cell lung cancer (Study 15): A randomised phase II multicentre trial.

Background: Most patients with small-cell lung cancer (SCLC) present with extensive-stage (ES) disease and have a poor prognosis despite achieving high initial response rates to platinum-based doublet chemotherapy. This study evaluated whether adding hydroxychloroquine (HCQ) to chemotherapy could improve outcomes.

Methods: This was a randomised multicentre phase II trial.

Adult-onset dysphagia.

Background: Dysphagia, characterised by a difficulty in swallowing, stems from various causes and is frequently encountered in general practice. The rise in dysphagia in Australia's ageing population necessitates proper management to prevent complications. Recognising and managing dysphagia improves outcomes and quality of life, and reduces secondary complications.

Median arcuate ligament syndrome: When to consider the diagnosis and management options.

Background: Median arcuate ligament syndrome (MALS) occurs due to extrinsic compression of the coeliac plexus, leading to postprandial and exercise-induced epigastric pain, nausea, vomiting, food fear and weight loss. Diagnosis can be challenging as up to 25% of the population have radiological compression. However, only 1% of the population have corresponding symptoms.

"1-800-Help-Me-With-Open-Science-Stuff": A Qualitative Examination of Open Science Practices in Communication Sciences and Disorders.

Purpose: The purpose of this qualitative study was to examine the perceptions of communication sciences and disorders (CSD) assistant professors in the United States related to barriers and facilitators to engaging in open science practices and identify opportunities for improving open science training and support in the field.

Method: Thirty-five assistant professors (16 from very high research activity [R1] institutions, 19 from institutions with other Carnegie classifications) participated in one 1-hr virtual focus group conducted via Zoom recording technology. The researchers used a conventional content analysis approach to analyze the focus group data and develop categories from the discussions.

Semaglutide Inducing Resolution of Proliferative Diabetic Retinopathy: A Case Report.

To describe a case of regression of proliferative diabetic retinopathy (PDR) following treatment with semaglutide. Case report. The case describes a 47-year-old woman with Type 2 diabetes, obesity, hypertension, and dyslipidaemia who had difficulty controlling her blood sugar levels despite oral hypoglycaemic medications.

An interprofessional multicomponent intervention to improve end-of-life care in intensive care: A before-and-after study.

Background: The provision of end-of-life care (EOLC) is an ongoing component of practice in intensive care units (ICUs). Interdisciplinary, multicomponent interventions may enhance the quality of EOLC for patients and the experience of family members and ICU clinicians during this period.

Objectives: This study aimed to assess the impact of a multicomponent intervention on EOLC practices in the ICU and family members' and clinicians' perceptions of EOLC.

Current Trends in Treating Malignant Pleural Effusion: Evidence, Guidelines, and Best Practice Recommendations.

Malignant pleural effusion (MPE) is common in individuals with cancer and typically reflects advanced disease. Most cases are symptomatic, with dyspnea and pain having a severe effect on the patient's quality of life (QOL). The management of MPE aims to relieve symptoms, improve QOL, prevent repeated pleural interventions, and minimize hospital admissions.

Hypophosphataemia in Critical Illness: A Narrative Review.

Phosphate is a predominately intracellular anion that has several key roles in normal cellular functions. Derangements in serum phosphate concentration occur frequently during critical illness, particularly hypophosphataemia, which has been reported in up to 75% of Intensive Care Unit (ICU) patients. The association between hypophosphataemia and ICU outcomes reported in the literature are conflicting and and subject to substantial confounding.

Rates of colorectal cancer diagnosis and mortality in people with severe mental illness: results from Australia's National Bowel Cancer Screening Programme.

Aims: Studies show that people with severe mental illness (SMI) have a greater risk of dying from colorectal cancer (CRC). These studies mostly predate the introduction of national bowel cancer screening programmes (NBCSPs) and it is unknown if these have reduced disparity in CRC-related mortality for people with SMI.

Methods: We compared mortality rates following CRC diagnosis at colonoscopy between a nationally representative sample of people with and without SMI who participated in Australia's NBCSP.

HLA typing in anti-GAD antibody associated epilepsy.

Objective: Anti-GAD65 antibodies have been identified in people with epilepsy for many years, but their pathophysiological relevance is still debated. Susceptibility to autoimmune disease has been associated with Human Leukocyte Antigen (HLA) subtypes. Therefore, this study aimed to determine if there are common HLA types in anti-GAD65 antibody associated epilepsy cases compared to epilepsy controls.

How do residential aged care antibiograms compare with other local resistance data?

Background: Antibiograms can optimise empirical antibiotic prescribing however they are not readily available for residential aged care facilities (RACFs) in Queensland, Australia. This study aimed to determine whether alternatively available data can be used to approximate resistance patterns for RACFs.

Method: Annual RACF-specific antibiograms were compared with local hospital antibiograms accessed through pathology providers.

Nocturnal short-term HRV reflects impaired daytime vigilance better than overnight HRV in suspected OSA patients.

In obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), heart rate variability (HRV) decreases and performance in psychomotor vigilance task (PVT) worsens with more severe hypoxic load. Nevertheless, the association between HRV and PVT performance is poorly understood. Thus, we hypothesize that nocturnal short-term HRV is better related to daytime psychomotor vigilance compared to overnight HRV.

Chest Wall Injury Society recommendations for long-term follow-up after nonoperatively and operatively managed traumatic rib and sternal fractures.

Therapeutic/Care Management; Level IV.