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Research

Off-target effects of bacillus Calmette-Guerin vaccination on immune responses to SARS-CoV-2: implications for protection against severe COVID-19

Because of its beneficial off-target effects against non-mycobacterial infectious diseases, bacillus Calmette-Guérin vaccination might be an accessible early intervention to boost protection against novel pathogens. Multiple epidemiological studies and randomised controlled trials are investigating the protective effect of BCG against coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19).

Research

Antimalarials for children with Plasmodium vivax infection: Current status, challenges, and research priorities

The aim of this narrative review is to summarise efficacy and pharmacokinetic data for Plasmodium vivax in children. The burden of P. vivax malaria in children continues to remain a significant public health issue, and the need for improved treatment regimens for this vulnerable population is critical.

Research

Global, Regional, and National Burden of Cardiovascular Diseases and Risk Factors in 204 Countries and Territories, 1990-2023

Cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) are the leading cause of mortality and are among the foremost causes of disability globally. CVD burden has continued to increase in most countries since 1990, with trends driven by changing exposures to harmful risk factors, population growth, and population aging.

Research

Automated reporting of primaquine dose efficacy, tolerability and safety for Plasmodium vivax malaria using a systematic review and individual patient data meta-analysis

The antirelapse efficacy of primaquine is related to the total dose administered, whereas the risks of haemolysis and gastrointestinal intolerance are associated with the daily dose administered. National Malaria Control Programmes require local information on efficacy, tolerability and safety to optimize antimalarial treatment policies for Plasmodium vivax malaria control and elimination efforts.

Research

Preferences on the uptake and completion of single- or three-dose regimen of benzathine penicillin G injection for the treatment of late syphilis: a discrete-choice experiment

Notifications of syphilis in Australia have increased since 2011, particularly among gay and bisexual men who have sex with men (GBMSM). Adherence to current late latent syphilis treatment regimen is low-moderate, which is a significant health issue. To address this treatment non-compliance, a single high-dose benzathine benzylpenicillin G regimen has been under clinical trial.

Research

Taste-Masked Diclofenac Sodium Microparticles Prepared by Polyelectrolyte Complexation: Formulation Using Different Fatty Acids and Taste Evaluation by Human Panel

Paediatric patients continue to lack access to age-appropriate oral medicines for their treatment and have to depend on the off-label use of medicines approved for adults, which compromises dosing accuracy and exposes children to unpleasant bitterness. 

Research

Subcutaneous Infusion of Benzathine Penicillin G Is Acceptable and Preferred Over Intramuscular Injections for Syphilis in Western Australian Sexual Health Clinic Attendees

Controlling the syphilis epidemic in Australia is a public health priority. Regular intramuscular (IM) injections of benzathine penicillin G (BPG) are the current standard of care for late latent syphilis in Australia; however, repeated IM BPG injections are painful, and treatment completion rates are low. Early-phase clinical trials have demonstrated the tolerability and safety of high-dose subcutaneous infusions of BPG (SCIP), where the total treatment dose can be delivered at a single visit. Here we describe the experiences and preferences of attendees of Western Australian sexual health clinics in the Perth metropolitan region who have syphilis and were treated with SCIP.

Research

Centralising Local Aboriginal Language and Culture in Healthy Skin Books on the See Treat Prevent (SToP) Trial in the Kimberley Region of Western Australia: A Process and Impact Inquiry

Language is significant for communicating knowledge across cultures and generations and has the power to attribute meanings and alter our worldviews.

Research

High dose, subcutaneous injections of benzathine penicillin G (SCIP) to prevent rheumatic fever: A single arm, phase IIa trial of safety and pharmacokinetics

This Phase-IIa trial evaluates the safety and pharmacokinetics of high-dose, 10 weekly subcutaneous injections of penicillin (SCIP) in young people with a history of acute rheumatic fever (ARF).

Research

Serological Responses to Target Streptococcus pyogenes Vaccine Antigens in Patients With Proven Invasive β-Hemolytic Streptococcal Infections

Rising incidence of invasive β-hemolytic 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.