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Tobacco use continues to be a leading cause of death and morbidity globally. At the core of Australia's response to tobacco‐related harms is the National Tobacco Strategy which highlights a national collaborative framework to reduce prevalence, and associated health, social and economic impacts of tobacco use. A draft National Tobacco Strategy (2022–2030) has recently been released for consultation and as members of the Australasian Professional Society on Alcohol and other Drugs' Special Interest Group for Smoking Cessation Professionals we provide a commentary on key successes of the previous National Tobacco Strategy, and suggestions for improvement areas to strengthen Australia's policy response to tobacco and e‐cigarette‐related issues. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The 2018 Australian Heart Failure (HF) guidelines strongly recommended commencing sodium‐glucose co‐transporter‐2 inhibitors (SGLT‐2is) in HF patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). The uptake of SGLT‐2is for HF patients with T2DM in our health service is unknown. Aims: To determine the adoption of the 2018 HF guidelines by assessing the temporal trends of SGLT‐2is' usage in HF patients with T2DM at Metro South Health (MSH) hospitals, in South‐East Queensland. Methods: Retrospective analysis of all HF patients (ejection fraction (EF) < 50%) with T2DM who were managed within MSH hospitals between June 2018 and June 2021. Results: A total of 666 patients met the inclusion criteria with 918 HF encounters. Mean age was 72 years and 71% were male (473/666). Mean EF was 30% (SD ± 11%), and mean estimated glomerular filtration rate was 48 mL/min/1.73 m2 (SD ± 25). Fifty‐four per cent (362/666) had contraindications to SGLT‐2is. Among those without contraindications, there was a five‐fold increase in the utility of SGLT‐2is, 7% (2/29) before versus 38% (103/275) after implementation of the HF guidelines (P < 0.001). Patients on SGLT‐2is were younger (64 years vs 69 years, P = 0.002) and had a lower number of HF hospitalisations (1.1 vs 2.1, P = 0.01). Conclusions: During the study period, 54% of our HF patients with T2DM were not on SGLT‐2is due to prescribing guidelines/limitations in the Australian context. We observed a five‐fold significant increase in the uptake of SGLT‐2is before and after implementation of HF guidelines among patients without contraindications to SGLT‐2is. There were significantly fewer HF hospitalisations among patients on SGLT‐2is compared to those without. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Here a rare but clinically important adverse reaction to anticonvulsant medication is presented in the form of an original case report. This report discusses the epidemiology, pathophysiology and management of anticonvulsant hypersensitivity syndrome ( AHS). AHS is estimated to occur in one in every 1000-10 000 exposures. However, its true incidence is unknown due to variable presentations. Given the frequent use of anticonvulsants and the potentially fatal complications of this adverse event, it is important all clinicians are aware of this presentation. Potential for cross-reactivity must be considered when selecting anticonvulsant drug therapy in a patient who has a history of AHS. Clinical pharmacists play a vital role in identifying potential adverse reactions and advising on their management. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The past 20 years have resulted in unprecedented progress in understanding brain energy metabolism and its role in health and disease. In this review, which was initiated at the 14th International Society for Neurochemistry Advanced School, we address the basic concepts of brain energy metabolism and approach the question of why the brain has high energy expenditure. Our review illustrates that the vertebrate brain has a high need for energy because of the high number of neurons and the need to maintain a delicate interplay between energy metabolism, neurotransmission, and plasticity. Disturbances to the energetic balance, to mitochondria quality control or to glia–neuron metabolic interaction may lead to brain circuit malfunction or even severe disorders of the CNS. We cover neuronal energy consumption in neural transmission and basic ('housekeeping') cellular processes. Additionally, we describe the most common (glucose) and alternative sources of energy namely glutamate, lactate, ketone bodies, and medium chain fatty acids. We discuss the multifaceted role of non‐neuronal cells in the transport of energy substrates from circulation (pericytes and astrocytes) and in the supply (astrocytes and microglia) and usage of different energy fuels. Finally, we address pathological consequences of disrupted energy homeostasis in the CNS. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Presents several abstracts on cytology. 'Cell separation using immuno-labelled magnetic beads in malignant serous effusions'; 'Fine needle aspiration cytology of spleen in patients with pyrexia of unknown origin; 'Aspiration cytology of non-neoplastic and neoplastic ovarian cysts.'