Serological responses to target Streptococcus pyogenes vaccine antigens in patients with proven invasive beta-haemolytic streptococcal infections.

Background: Rising incidence of invasive beta-haemolytic streptococcal (iBHS) infections has prompted consideration of vaccination as a preventative strategy for at-risk populations. The benefits of a vaccine targeting Lancefield group A (Streptococcus pyogenes; Strep A) would increase if cross-species immunity against Lancefield groups C/G (Streptococcus dysgalactiae subspecies equisimilis; SDSE) and B (Streptococcus agalactiae; GBS) was demonstrated.

Methods: A prospective, observational study of adult patients with iBHS infections due to Strep A, SDSE or GBS.

Initiating or switching to insulin degludec/insulin aspart in a real-world population of adults with type 2 diabetes in Australia: results from a prospective, non-interventional study.

Background: Insulin degludec/insulin aspart (IDegAsp) is a fixed-ratio co-formulation of insulin degludec and insulin aspart for the treatment of people with diabetes and suboptimal glycaemic control. Few real-world studies of IDegAsp treatment have been conducted. Here, we report results from the Australian cohort of the global ARISE study of real-world IDegAsp use.

Practice Implications of Colonoscopic Investigation of Microscopic Colitis in Patients Above 50 Years of Age Presenting With Chronic Diarrhoea: A Multi-Centre Review.

Background Patients with an unknown cause for chronic diarrhoea will usually undergo a colonoscopy as part of the investigative work-up, and it is acceptable practice for the patients to undergo random biopsies. The optimum number of biopsies has yet to be established. This study investigated the implications of routine random biopsies for diagnosing microscopic colitis in patients 50 years and older who presented with chronic diarrhoea.

Transcription factor 3 is dysregulated in megakaryocytes in myelofibrosis.

Transcription factor 3 (TCF3) is a DNA transcription factor that modulates megakaryocyte development. Although abnormal TCF3 expression has been identified in a range of hematological malignancies, to date, it has not been investigated in myelofibrosis (MF). MF is a Philadelphia-negative myeloproliferative neoplasm (MPN) that can arise or progress from essential thrombocythemia [ET] and polycythemia vera [PV] and where dysfunctional megakaryocytes have a role in driving the fibrotic progression.

PlateletSeq: A novel method for discovery of blood-based biomarkers.

Platelets are small circulating fragments of cells that play important roles in thrombosis, haemostasis, immune response, inflammation and cancer growth. Although anucleate, they contain a rich RNA repertoire which offers an opportunity to characterise changes in platelet gene expression in health and disease. Whilst this can be achieved with conventional RNA sequencing, a large input of high-quality RNA, and hence blood volume, is required (unless a pre-amplification step is added), along with specialist bioinformatic skills for data analysis and interpretation.

Outcomes of Neonates with Hypoxic-Ischemic Encephalopathy Treated with Magnesium Sulfate: A Systematic Review with Meta-analysis.

Objective: To assess magnesium sulfate (MgSO) as a neuroprotective agent in hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy.

Study Design: For this systematic review, PubMed, EMBASE, the Cochrane Library, EMCARE, and MedNar were searched in November 2022 for randomized controlled trials (RCTs). Meta-analysis was conducted using Stata 16.

Adult patients with constipation presenting to the emergency department: Can care be improved?

Objective: This study aimed to establish the demographic profile of adult patients presenting with constipation and constipation-related issues to an Australian tertiary hospital ED, investigate ED management and referral pathways in this cohort and determine satisfaction of these aspects of care from a patient's perspective.

Methods: This is a single-centre study conducted in an Australian tertiary hospital ED which sees 115 000 presentations annually. ED presentations of adults aged 18-80 years with symptoms of constipation were evaluated through retrospective electronic medical record audit and follow-up by survey 3-6 months after their ED presentation.

Surgical Practice Parameters for the Definitive Management of Sacrococcygeal Pilonidal Sinus Disease: Surgeons' Perspective.

Background Sacrococcygeal pilonidal sinus disease (SPD) is a common general surgical condition encountered in practice and predominantly affects young males. Surgical practice parameters for the management of SPD are variable. This study aimed to review current surgical practice parameters for SPD management in Western Australia.

Prevalence of gastrointestinal malignancy in non-anemic iron deficiency and significance for endoscopic screening: A Western Australian multicenter cohort study.

Background And Aim: There is a paucity of evidence regarding non-anemic iron deficiency as a predictor for colorectal cancer and therefore the indication for endoscopic evaluation. This study explores the rates of malignancy in adults with iron deficiency with and without anemia.

Methods: A retrospective multicenter diagnostic cohort study was conducted across two Australian health services.

Evaluation of targeted implementation interventions for reducing investigations and therapies in infants with bronchiolitis.

Aim: To evaluate the impact of locally adapted targeted implementation interventions on bronchiolitis management through reduction in ineffective investigation and therapies within emergency departments.

Methods: A multi-centred, quality improvement study in four different grades of hospitals in Western Australia that provide paediatric emergency and inpatient care. All hospitals incorporated an adapted implementation intervention package for infants under 1 year with bronchiolitis.

Mortality and readmission differences associated with after-hours hospital admission: A population-based cohort study in Queensland Australia.

Background And Aims: Policy makers and health system managers are seeking evidence on the risks involved for patients associated with after-hours care. This study of approximately 1 million patients who were admitted to the 25 largest public hospitals in Queensland Australia sought to quantify mortality and readmission differences associated with after-hours hospital admission.

Methods: Logistic regression was used to assess whether there were any differences in mortality and readmissions based on the time inpatients were admitted to hospital (after-hours versus within hours).

Gallbladder agenesis diagnosed during pregnancy- Case report and a literature review.

Introduction And Importance: Gallbladder agenesis (GA) is a rare congenital anomaly. It results from failure of the formation of gallbladder primordium from the bile duct. This cohort of patients can present with symptoms of biliary colic and get misdiagnosed as cholecystitis or cholelithiasis.

Successful Laparoscopic Management of Pericaecal Hernia Causing Small Bowel Obstruction.

Management of small bowel obstruction varies depending on the cause and clinical status of patients. While most cases can be managed conservatively, a not-insignificant proportion of patients undergo surgical intervention. Laparotomy has long been the default approach for entering the abdomen in cases requiring surgical intervention, with laparoscopy largely being avoided due to abdominal distension and the risk of perforating bowels on entry.

Effect of Deferoxamine on Post-Transfusion Iron, Inflammation, and In Vitro Microbial Growth in a Canine Hemorrhagic Shock Model: A Randomized Controlled Blinded Pilot Study.

Red blood cell (RBC) transfusion is associated with recipient inflammation and infection, which may be triggered by excessive circulating iron. Iron chelation following transfusion may reduce these risks. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of deferoxamine on circulating iron and inflammation biomarkers over time and in vitro growth of () following RBC transfusion in dogs with atraumatic hemorrhage.

Atypical giant cell arteritis presentations diagnosed with FDG-18 whole body PET imaging.

Two male patients aged above 70 years were investigated for chronic non-specific symptoms and evidence of significant systemic inflammation, but without classic 'cranial symptoms' of giant cell arteritis (GCA). Each patient had multiple non-diagnostic investigations, but finally extensive large-vessel vasculitis was revealed by whole body positron emission tomography/CT imaging. Both cases were confirmed to have GCA on temporal artery biopsy and responded well to initial high-dose prednisolone therapy.

Colonic bowel prep and body mass index: does one size fit all? A multi-centre review.

Purpose: To investigate whether body mass index (BMI) is a risk factor for inadequate bowel preparation in elective colonoscopy. The null hypothesis being BMI does not affect bowel preparation adequacy.

Methods: A retrospective cohort study of all participants with complete medical records who had an elective colonoscopy was conducted across three tertiary teaching hospitals in Perth, Western Australia, from January 2016 to July 2019.