Engaging family members in nutrition care during recovery from critical illness.

Purpose Of Review: The delivery of high-quality personalized nutrition care both during ICU and throughout post-ICU recovery is limited by multifactorial barriers. As families are often a present and consistent resource, family engagement may help to optimize nutrition support during hospitalization and after recovery from critical illness. In this review, we summarize the evidence base for family engagement in nutrition care and hypothesize future roles families may play, throughout the critical illness recovery trajectory.

Trends in the surgical management of proximal humerus fractures over the last 20 years from Australian registry databases.

Background: Proximal humerus fractures (PHF) are common with approximately 30% requiring surgical intervention. This ranges from open reduction internal fixation (ORIF) to shoulder arthroplasty (including hemiarthroplasty, total shoulder arthroplasty (TSA), reverse total shoulder arthroplasty (RTSA)). The aim of this study was to assess trends in operative interventions for PHF in an Australian population.

Saliva Proteome, Metabolome and Microbiome Signatures for Detection of Alzheimer's Disease.

As the burden of Alzheimer's disease (AD) escalates with an ageing population, the demand for early and accessible diagnostic methods becomes increasingly urgent. Saliva, with its non-invasive and cost-effective nature, presents a promising alternative to cerebrospinal fluid and plasma for biomarker discovery. : In this study, we conducted a comprehensive multi-omics analysis of saliva samples ( = 20 mild cognitive impairment (MCI), = 20 Alzheimer's disease and age- and = 40 gender-matched cognitively normal individuals), from the South Australian Neurodegenerative Disease (SAND) cohort, integrating proteomics, metabolomics, and microbiome data with plasma measurements, including pTau181.

Biomimetic Proteoglycans for Intervertebral Disc (IVD) Regeneration.

Intervertebral disc degeneration, which leads to low back pain, is the most prevalent musculoskeletal condition worldwide, significantly impairing quality of life and imposing substantial socioeconomic burdens on affected individuals. A major impediment to the development of any prospective cell-driven recovery of functional properties in degenerate IVDs is the diminishing IVD cell numbers and viability with ageing which cannot sustain such a recovery process. However, if IVD proteoglycan levels, a major functional component, can be replenished through an orthobiological process which does not rely on cellular or nutritional input, then this may be an effective strategy for the re-attainment of IVD mechanical properties.

Orbital Apex Venous Malformation: Case Report on an Unusual Clinical and Radiological Presentation.

The authors present a case of an orbital apex venous malformation that presented with an intermittent oculomotor nerve palsy over a 15-year period. Radiologically, the lesion presented as a well-circumscribed orbital mass with T2 hyperintensity and enhancement that could only be demonstrated on 2-hour delayed phase imaging. The venous malformation was initially steroid-responsive but eventually became refractory to medical treatment alone.

Characteristics and management of eosinophilic esophagitis in Australasian children: a decade of experience.

Background: The frequency of EoE has been increasing in Northern Hemisphere cohorts, yet there is a scarcity of data in our region. Regional climatic factors, and lifestyle habits may influence the presentation of EoE, and appropriate management is crucial to prevent complications. WIth this is mind we undertook the first comprehensive multisite study of EoE in Australasian children.

Charting the course: a scoping review on telehealth research trends in Australia.

This review of telehealth research describes the landscape of Australian digital health and telehealth research from 1999 to 2022, focusing on outlining past, present and future trends. A scoping review was conducted using the Joanna Briggs Institute methodology and PRISMA extension for scoping reviews framework, which identified 495 primary research studies of digital or telehealth interventions aimed at improving health outcomes. Data were charted according to technological modality, health focus, professional representation, participant location, year and size.

Outcomes of Debridement, Antibiotics, and Implant Retention in the Management of Infected Total Knee Arthroplasty: Analysis of 5,178 Cases From the National Australian Registry.

Background: Periprosthetic joint infection is a devastating and severe complication of total knee arthroplasty (TKA). The Australian Joint Registry reports an increasing number of debridement, antibiotics, and implant retention (DAIR) procedures, underscoring the need to comprehend outcomes for informed treatment decisions. This study aimed to determine the outcome of DAIR procedures, evaluate time since primary TKA, and identify patient-related factors associated with DAIR failure.

Nutrition provision over time in longer stay critically ill patients: A post hoc analysis of The Augmented vs Routine Approach to Giving Energy Trial.

Background: Limited literature exists on nutrition practices for long-stay patients in the intensive care unit (ICU). We aimed to compare nutrition practices in the first and second weeks of an ICU admission.

Method: A post hoc exploratory analysis of The Augmented vs Routine Approach to Giving Energy Trial (TARGET) randomized controlled trial (RCT) was undertaken.

Radiographic and visual response to the type II RAF inhibitor tovorafenib in children with relapsed/refractory optic pathway glioma in the FIREFLY-1 trial.

Background: Due to their anatomical locations, optic pathway gliomas (OPGs) can rarely be cured by resection. Given the importance of preserving visual function, we analyzed radiological and visual acuity (VA) outcomes for the type II RAF inhibitor tovorafenib in the OPG subgroup of the phase 2 FIREFLY-1 trial.

Methods: FIREFLY-1 investigated the efficacy (arm 1, n=77), safety, and tolerability (arms 1/2) of tovorafenib (420 mg/m2 once weekly; 600 mg maximum) in patients with BRAF-altered relapsed/refractory pediatric low-grade glioma (pLGG).

A technology-enabled collaborative learning model (Project ECHO) to upskill primary care providers in best practice pain care.

Background The South Australian (SA) Chronic Pain Extension for Community Healthcare Outcomes (ECHO) Network was established to upskill primary care providers in best practice pain care aligned to a patient-centred, biopsychosocial approach using didactic and case-based virtual mentoring sessions. The aims of this study were to assess: (a) participation, satisfaction (relevance, satisfaction with format and content, perceptions of the mentorship environment), learning (perceived knowledge gain, change in attitudes), competence (self-confidence) and performance (intention to change practice, perceived practice change) of the ECHO Network clinician participants; and (b) self-perceived barriers at the clinical, service and system level to applying the learnings. Methods A mixed methods, participatory evaluation approach was undertaken.

Management, outcomes and predictors of mortality of Cryptococcus infection in patients without HIV: a multicentre study in 46 hospitals from Australia and New Zealand.

Background: Limited data exist regarding outcomes of cryptococcosis in patients without HIV with few studies having compared outcomes of Cryptococcus gattii, versus C. neoformans, infection.

Methods: We conducted a retrospective study in 46 Australian and New Zealand hospitals to determine the outcomes of cryptococcosis in patients without HIV diagnosed between 2015 and 2019, and compared outcomes of C.

Outcomes of open versus minimally invasive oesophagectomy in an Australian quaternary referral centre: a historical case-matched study.

Background: Oesophagectomy for surgical management of oesophageal carcinoma has previously been performed via an open approach (OE), with a change in recent years to a minimally invasive technique (MIO). We performed a retrospective study to compare the rates of post-operative complications between OE and MIO patients at our institution. Secondary outcomes included nodal yield and ICU LOS.

Ethnic Differences in Characteristics of Women Diagnosed with Early Gestational Diabetes: Findings from the TOBOGM Study.

Objective: To compare the prevalence and clinical characteristics of early gestational diabetes (eGDM) and associated birth outcomes amongst women of different ethnic groups.

Research Design And Methods: This is a secondary analysis of an international, multicentre randomized controlled trial of treating eGDM among pregnant women with GDM risk factors enrolled <20 weeks' gestation. The diagnosis of GDM was made using WHO-2013 criteria.

A multitiered analysis platform for genome sequencing: Design and initial findings of the Australian Genomics Cardiovascular Disorders Flagship.

Purpose: The Australian Genomics Cardiovascular Disorders Flagship was a national multidisciplinary collaboration. It aimed to investigate the feasibility of genome sequencing (GS) and functional genomics to resolve variants of uncertain significance (VUS) in the clinical management of patients and families with cardiomyopathies, primary arrhythmias, and congenital heart disease (CHD).

Methods: Between April 2019 and December 2021, 600 probands meeting cardiovascular disorder criteria from 17 cardiology and genetics clinics across Australia were enrolled in the Flagship and underwent GS.

Association Between Glycemia, Glycemic Variability, and Pregnancy Complications in Early GDM.

Objective: To investigate the association of timing of commencing glucose management with glycemia, glycemic variability, and pregnancy outcomes among women with early gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM).

Research Design And Methods: In this substudy among participants of a trial of immediate vs. delayed treatment of early GDM diagnosed by 2013 World Health Organization criteria, all women treated immediately and those with delayed diagnosis at 24-28 weeks' gestation (treated as if late GDM) were instructed to monitor capillary blood glucose (BG) four times a day (fasting and 2-h postprandial) until delivery.

Promoting the Efficacy of Deferiprone-Gallium-Protoporphyrin (IX) against Intracellular Infection with Lipid Liquid Crystalline Nanoparticles.

Nontuberculous mycobacteria (NTM) are among the recalcitrant bacterial strains that cause difficult-to-treat infections for patients with chronic underlying pulmonary conditions. The bacteria's intrinsic resistance to various antibiotics and their ability to infect macrophages enable them to overcome both the host immune response and standard antibiotics. Unconventional approaches to treating NTM-mediated infections are required.

Comparing post-treatment urinary and colorectal procedures in prostate cancer patients using population-based linked data.

Purpose: To investigate urinary and colorectal procedures among men who underwent radical prostatectomy (RP) and external beam radiotherapy (EBRT).

Methods: We studied 16,271 (RP = 8516 and EBRT = 7755) South Australian men diagnosed with prostate cancer between 2001 and 2021. Colorectal and urinary procedures were extracted from hospital admission procedure codes and Medical Benefits Schedule item codes.

Impact of frailty, malnutrition and socioeconomic status on perioperative outcomes.

Background: Frailty, malnutrition and low socioeconomic status may mutually perpetuate each other in a self-reinforcing and interdependent manner. The intertwined nature of these factors may be overlooked when investigating impacts on perioperative outcomes. This study aimed to investigate the impact of frailty, malnutrition and socioeconomic status on perioperative outcomes.

Progression and clinical implications of frailty in patients with systemic sclerosis.

Introduction/objectives: To identify the frequency, correlates and progression of frailty in systemic sclerosis (SSc).

Method: All Australian Scleroderma Cohort Study participants meeting ACR/EULAR criteria with a calculable FRAIL Scale score were included. FRAIL Scale scores were calculated annually and were used to group participants as 'robust', 'pre-frail' or 'frail'.

Investigating Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander male health and wellbeing programs and their key elements: A scoping review.

Issue Addressed: This scoping review aims to explore the size and scope of the body of literature relating to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander male health and wellbeing programs and describe key program elements.

Methods: This review considered unpublished and published literature from electronic peer-reviewed databases and grey literature sources. Included articles must refer to an Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander male health and wellbeing program.