bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Feline dermatophytosis
Authors: Moriello Karen 
Published: May 2014

Practical relevance: Dermatophytosis (ringworm) is a superficial fungal skin disease of cats that, depending on the geographic region and practice caseload, may be encountered uncommonly through to commonly. This is a self-curing disease in an immunocompetent cat. Global importance: Dermatophytosis is prevalent worldwide and is one of a number of zoonotic skin diseases that cat owners are at risk of contracting. Clinical challenges: Dermatophytosis causes non-specific signs of hair loss, erythema and scaling, making it a differential diagnosis for many skin diseases of cats. The fact that this disease is infectious and contagious, and does not have any one classic clinical presentation, makes knowledge of diagnostic tools important in detection. The veterinarian’s role is in early disease recognition and institution of appropriate therapy to hasten resolution of the disease. Aim: The focus of this article is to provide an update and review of the most pertinent aspects that may be helpful in the management of dermatophytosis in any single or multiple cat situation. Evidence base: Where appropriate, evidence from the literature is used to supplement a summary of the author’s clinical experience and research in feline dermatophytosis.
Polyostotic hyperostosis in a domestic shorthair cat
Authors: Fawcett Anne , Malik Richard , Rolfe Howlett C , McDonald Michelle M , Culvenor John , Pool Roy , Allan Graeme S 
Published: May 2014

Clinical presentation: An 11-year-old male neutered domestic shorthair cat was presented for investigation of weight loss and inappetence. On physical examination there was palpable enlargement and thickening of many bones, and this finding was confirmed radiographically. Proposed diagnosis: Based on clinical, radiological and histopathological findings, a polyostotic bone disease, best described as generalised idiopathic hyperostosis, was diagnosed. This condition has not been reported in cats previously. Canine and human diseases with similarities to this presentation are discussed.
Measurement of Acute Pain in Infants
Authors: Hatfield Linda A. , Ely Elizabeth A. 
Published: May 2014

Background: The use of non-validated pain measurement tools to assess infant pain represents a serious iatrogenic threat to the developing neonatal nervous system. One partial explanation for this practice may be the contradictory empirical data from studies that use newborn pain management tools constructed for infants of different developmental stages or exposed to different environmental stressors. Purpose: The purpose of this review is to evaluate the evidence regarding the physiologic and behavioral variables that accurately assess and measure acute pain response in infants. Methodology: A literature search was conducted using PUBMED and CINAHL and the search terms infant, neonate/neonatal, newborn, pain, assessment, and measurement to identify peer-reviewed studies that examined the validity and reliability of behavioral and physiological variables used for investigation of infant pain. Ten articles were identified for critical review. Principal findings: Strong evidence supports the use of the behavioral variables of facial expressions and body movements and the physiologic variables of heart rate and oxygen saturation to assess acute pain in infants. Conclusion: It is incumbent upon researchers and clinical nurses to ensure the validity, reliability, and feasibility of pain measures, so that the outcomes of their investigations and interventions will be developmentally appropriate and effective pain management therapies.
Comparison of Renal Function Indicators According to Hydration Volume in Patients Receiving Intravenous Acyclovir With CNS Infection
Authors: Kim Sanghee , Byun Youngsoon 
Published: May 2014

Purpose: We aimed to compare the changes in renal function indicators as a function of hydration volume in patients treated with acyclovir for suspected herpes simplex virus (HSV) infection. Method: We obtained data from 216 acyclovir-treated patients hospitalized between 2007 and 2012 for suspected HSV infection. Intravenous hydration volume and renal function indicators (serum creatinine [sCr], blood urea nitrogen [BUN], glutamate oxaloacetate transferase, glutamate pyruvate transferase, and uric acid levels; estimated glomerular filtration rate [eGFR]; and urine pH) were compared among the patients. The indicators were assessed before acyclovir infusion and after 3 days of acyclovir infusion. Results: Before acyclovir infusion, all the indicators were within normal ranges in all groups (hydration volume lower than 2 L/day, higher than 2 L/day, and without hydration). After acyclovir infusion for 3 days, the groups without hydration and with a volume lower than 2 L/day showed increased sCr (2.22 ± 0.51 and 1.70 ± 0.35 mg/dl, respectively), BUN levels (28.33 ± 0.57 and 22.14 ± 7.95 mg/dl, respectively), and glutamate oxaloacetate transferase (48.00 ± 2.65 IU/L, without hydration) and eGFRs lower than the normal range (53.03 ± 3.05 and 59.66 ± 10.25 ml/min, respectively; p < .001 for all parameters). The renal function indicators were within normal limits in the group with a hydration volume higher than 2 L/day. Conclusions: Renal function indicators in acyclovir-treated patients varied according to hydration volume. Health care providers should consider whether the hydration volume in each patient receiving intravenous acyclovir is sufficient for preventing nephropathy.
Introduction to dynamic treatment strategies and sequential multiple assignment randomization
Authors: Lavori Philip W , Dawson Ree 
Published: May 2014

Background In June 2013, a 1-day workshop on Dynamic Treatment Strategies (DTSs) and Sequential Multiple Assignment Randomized Trials (SMARTs) was held at the University of Pennsylvania in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. These two linked topics have generated a great deal of interest as researchers have recognized the importance of comparing entire strategies for managing chronic disease. A number of articles emerged from that workshop. Purpose The purpose of this survey of the DTS/SMART methodology (which is taken from the introductory talk in the workshop) is to provide the reader the collected articles presented in this volume with sufficient background to appreciate the more detailed discussions in the articles. Methods The way that the DTS arises naturally in clinical practice is described, along with its connection to the well-known difficulties of interpreting the analysis by intention-to-treat. The SMART methodology for comparing DTS is described, and the basics of estimation and inference presented. Results The DTS/SMART methodology can be a flexible and practical way to optimize ongoing clinical decision making, providing evidence (based on randomization) for comparative effectiveness. Limitations The DTS/SMART methodology is not a solution for unstandardized study protocols. Conclusions The DTS/SMART methodology has growing relevance to comparative effectiveness research and the needs of the learning healthcare system.
Ambrisentan therapy in pulmonary hypertension: clinical use and tolerability in a referral centre
Authors: Condliffe Robin , Elliot Charlie A. , Hurdman Judith , Sabroe Ian , Billings Catherine , Kiely David G. , Hamilton Neil 
Published: May 2014

Introduction: Ambrisentan is an oral selective endothelin receptor antagonist licensed for use in pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH). There are few data on clinical use and long-term tolerability in a wider range of patients with pulmonary hypertension (PH). Methods: All patients treated with ambrisentan over a 4-year period were identified. Baseline characteristics, liver function test (LFT) results and World Health Organization (WHO) functional class were retrieved from hospital databases. Results: 272 patients received ambrisentan between March 2009 and June 2013 (32% idiopathic PAH, 36% connective tissue disease PAH, 11% congenital heart disease PAH, 6% portopulmonary hypertension, 1% HIV PAH, 4% PH in association with lung disease, 8% chronic thromboembolic PH and 2% PH in association with sarcoidosis). 33.5% of patients received ambrisentan as monotherapy and 12% received ambrisentan as their initial PH therapy. 18% stopped treatment due to side effects and 12% stopped due to lack of efficacy. Oedema was the most common side effect leading to cessation of therapy, which occurred in 7% of patients. 57% of patients who discontinued ambrisentan due to side effects also discontinued other PAH therapies due to side effects previously or subsequently. Ambrisentan was discontinued in two (<1%) patients due to abnormal LFTs. The 3-year survival in congenital heart disease PAH, idiopathic PAH and systemic sclerosis-associated PAH was 80%, 62%, and 38%, respectively ( p = 0.003). Survival was superior in patients in whom WHO functional class improved in response to therapy. Conclusion: Ambrisentan is used as an initial therapy and as monotherapy in a minority of patients in a large UK PH referral centre. Discontinuation due to side effects, and especially oedema, was higher than reported in previous studies while discontinuation due to abnormal LFTs was very uncommon. A majority of patients who discontinued therapy due to side effects also previously or subsequently discontinued other PAH therapies. Improvement in WHO functional class was associated with superior survival.
Discrepancies between registration and publication of randomised controlled trials: an observational study
Authors: Walker Kate F , Stevenson Graham , Thornton James G 
Published: May 2014

Summary Objectives To determine the consistency between information contained in the registration and publication of randomised controlled trials (RCTs). Design An observational study of RCTs published between May 2011 and May 2012 in the British Medical Journal ( BMJ) and the Journal of the American Medical Association ( JAMA) comparing registry data with publication data. Participants and Settings Data extracted from published RCTs in BMJ and JAMA. Main outcome measures Timing of trial registration in relation to completion of trial data collection and publication. Registered versus published primary and secondary outcomes, sample size. Results We identified 40 RCTs in BMJ and 36 in JAMA. All 36 JAMA trials and 39 (98%) BMJ trials were registered. All registered trials were registered prior to publication. Thirty-two (82%) BMJ trials recorded the date of data completion; of these, in two trials the date of trial registration postdated the registered date of data completion. There were discrepancies between primary outcomes declared in the trial registry information and in the published paper in 18 (47%) BMJ papers and seven (19%) JAMA papers. The original sample size stated in the trial registration was achieved in 24 (60%) BMJ papers and 21 (58%) JAMA papers. Conclusions Compulsory registration of RCTs is meaningless if the content of registry information is not complete or if discrepancies between registration and publication are not reported. This study demonstrates that discrepancies in primary and secondary outcomes and sample size between trial registration and publication remain commonplace, giving further strength to the World Health Organisation’s argument for mandatory completion of a minimum number of compulsory fields.
Successful low-dose thrombolysis of submassive pulmonary embolus in a pregnant patient
Authors: Dhutia Harshil , Sprigings David , Shukla Ami , Lloyd Sue 
Published: May 2014

Lesson Low-dose thrombolysis was effective and safe in a pregnant woman with acute pulmonary embolism causing severe right ventricular dysfunction. This is the first reported case of successful thrombolysis for pulmonary embolus in pregnancy in the absence of shock.
Invasive medical procedure skills amongst Foundation Year Doctors – a questionnaire study
Authors: Lim Chung Thong , Gibbs Victoria , Lim Chung Sim 
Published: May 2014

Objectives Competency in practical skills is an important aspect of training for medical doctors. This questionnaire survey aimed to investigate if the current Foundation Year trainees have performed several practical procedures of importance and their level of confidence in carrying them out unsupervised. Design Questionnaire study. Setting Five National Health Service hospitals in England. Participants A total of 103 Foundation Year trainees responded to the survey (73 FY1s; 30 FY2s). Main outcome measures Percentage of trainees who have performed these skills and their average level of confidence. Results The percentage of trainees who have performed these skills and their average level of confidence (scale of 1 to 5) are as follows: intubation (32%, 1); chest drain (33%, 1); central line (26%, 1); femoral line (23%, 1); peripheral line (28%, 1); lumbar puncture (64%, 3); ascitic tap (57%, 3). Only 25% of the trainees have attended certified training courses on these skills during their Foundation Year training. More than half of these trainees (73%) found the courses very useful. Ninety-two per cent of trainees who did not attend practical skill courses are very interested to attend them. All the trainees agreed that these courses should be available for all the Foundation Year doctors, and 92% believe that these courses are most beneficial during the Foundation Year 1 training. Conclusion Most Foundation Year trainees have low confidence and exposure to these important practical skills. Certified practical skills courses should be made available to the Foundation Year doctors for the benefit of their training. This will also increase the quality of patient care.
An analysis of National Health Service Trust websites on the occupational backgrounds of ‘Non-Executive Directors’ on England’s Acute Trusts
Authors: Pritchard Colin , Harding Andrew JE 
Published: May 2014

Summary Objectives To explore the occupational backgrounds of English Non-Executive Directors (NED) on Acute National Health Service (NHS) Trusts. Design Data extrapolated from Trust websites of NED’ occupational backgrounds by gender and occupations, and inter-rater reliability test undertaken. Setting Data were available on all but 24 of the 166 Acute Trusts’ from all regions. Participants Trust Chairs and NED were categorised by their dominant occupation. Main outcome measure Differentiating NED with and without health or social care leadership experience. Results The ratings of NED’ occupations positively correlated ( p < 0.001). Occupational categories were Commerce and Finance from private and public sectors or with Medical or Community leadership experience. Only 4% of Chairs were Medical, 2% from Community – the majority (61%) from Commerce and Finance. Of the 1001 NED, 8% and 6% respectively had Medical or Community leadership experience; most (86%) were Commerce, Finance and non-clinical Managerial backgrounds. Females made up 27% of NED. Conclusions With a predominance of Chairs and NED without health or social care leadership experience, are current Boards equipped to avoid inadvertently ‘doing the system's business’ (Francis, 2013) rather than developing a more patient-centred, clinically led and integrated NHS? It is suggested that Boards need more NED with health and social care leadership experience and methods to identify the ‘patient’s agenda’ to create ‘a common culture’ that places ‘patients at the centre of everything we do’ (Hunt, 2012). A key context for Trust Boards operations is funding, which Francis’ terms of reference excluded, an issue that is briefly discussed.
Specific Shoulder Pathoanatomy in Semiprofessional Water Polo Players
Authors: Klein Maria , Tarantino Ignazio , Warschkow René , Berger Claus Joachim , Zdravkovic Vilijam , Jost Bernhard , Badulescu Michael 
Published: May 2014

Background: Shoulders of throwing and swimming athletes are highly stressed joints that often show structural abnormalities on magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). However, while water polo players exhibit a combination of throwing and swimming movements, a specific pattern of pathological findings has not been described. Purpose: To assess specific MRI abnormalities in shoulders of elite water polo players and to compare these findings with a healthy control group. Study Design: Cross-sectional study; Level of evidence, 3. Methods: After performing a power analysis, volunteers were recruited for this study. Both shoulders of 28 semiprofessional water polo players and 15 healthy volunteers were assessed clinically (based on the Constant score) and had bilateral shoulder MRIs. The shoulders were clustered into 3 groups: 28 throwing and 28 nonthrowing shoulders of water polo athletes and 30 shoulders of healthy control subjects. Results: Twenty-eight male water polo players with an average age of 24 years and 15 healthy subjects (30 shoulders) with an average age of 31 years were examined. Compared with controls, significantly more MRI abnormalities in the water polo players' throwing shoulders could be found in the subscapularis, infraspinatus, and posterior labrum ( P = .001, P = .024, and P = .041, respectively). Other structures showed no statistical differences between the 3 groups, including the supraspinatus tendon, which had abnormalities in 36% of throwing versus 32% of nonthrowing shoulders and 33% of control shoulders. All throwing shoulders showed abnormal findings in the MRI, but only 8 (29%) were symptomatic. Conclusion: The shoulders of semiprofessional water polo players demonstrated abnormalities in subscapularis and infraspinatus tendons that were not typical abnormalities for swimmers or throwing athletes. Clinical Relevance: The throwing shoulders of water polo players have specific MRI changes. Clinical symptoms do not correlate with the MRI findings.
Variable versus conventional lung protective mechanical ventilation during open abdominal surgery: study protocol for a randomized controlled trial
Authors: Spieth Peter M , Güldner Andreas , Uhlig Christopher , Bluth Thomas , Kiss Thomas , Schultz Marcus J , Pelosi Paolo , Koch Thea , Gama de Abreu Marcelo 
Published: May 2014

AbstractBackgroundGeneral anesthesia usually requires mechanical ventilation, which is traditionally accomplished with constant tidal volumes in volume- or pressure-controlled modes. Experimental studies suggest that the use of variable tidal volumes (variable ventilation) recruits lung tissue, improves pulmonary function and reduces systemic inflammatory response. However, it is currently not known whether patients undergoing open abdominal surgery might benefit from intraoperative variable ventilation.Methods/DesignThe PROtective VARiable ventilation trial (‘PROVAR’) is a single center, randomized controlled trial enrolling 50 patients who are planning for open abdominal surgery expected to last longer than 3 hours. PROVAR compares conventional (non-variable) lung protective ventilation (CV) with variable lung protective ventilation (VV) regarding pulmonary function and inflammatory response. The primary endpoint of the study is the forced vital capacity on the first postoperative day. Secondary endpoints include further lung function tests, plasma cytokine levels, spatial distribution of ventilation assessed by means of electrical impedance tomography and postoperative pulmonary complications.DiscussionWe hypothesize that VV improves lung function and reduces systemic inflammatory response compared to CV in patients receiving mechanical ventilation during general anesthesia for open abdominal surgery longer than 3 hours. PROVAR is the first randomized controlled trial aiming at intra- and postoperative effects of VV on lung function. This study may help to define the role of VV during general anesthesia requiring mechanical ventilation.Trial registrationClinicaltrials.govNCT01683578(registered on September 3 3012).
A case report of Charcot arthropathy caused by syringomyelia and Chiari malformation complicated with scoliosis
Authors: Liu Heming , Wang Yulu , Yang Zenghua , Wang Kunzheng 
Published: May 2014

AbstractBackgroundAlthough Charcot arthropathy, also known as neuropathic arthropathy, of which early diagnosis and treatment is extremely difficult, associated with other cause factor has been widely described, Charcot arthropathy caused by syringomyelia and Chiari malformation complicated with scoliosis has never been described in the literature.Case presentationA 44-year-old male was hospitalized for diagnosis and treatment due to complaining the progressively swelling and limitation of motion in his left shoulder joint for 1 year. The patient has no significant past medical history except for scoliosis 8 years prior to his presentation to our clinic; He denied any constitutional symptoms, trauma, or pain in the upper extremities at this time of presentation. Based on history, physical and auxiliary examination, following diagnoses were made: Charcot arthropathy of the left shoulder, syringomyelia, Chiari malformation and scoliosis.ConclusionOnce Charcot arthritis was found, it was mostly in advanced stage and very difficult to treat. So we recommended that if patient suffering from scoliosis visited in clinic, further examination such as magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and regular follow-up should be carried out, and early-stage of this devastating disease caused by syringomyelia and Chiari malformation may be diagnosed easily.
Forest observational studies-an essential infrastructure for sustainable use of natural resources
Authors: Zhao XiuHai , Corral-Rivas Javier , Zhang ChunYu , Temesgen Hailemariam , Gadow Klaus v 
Published: May 2014

Abstract
This contribution complements Forest Ecosystems’ Thematic Series on “Forest Observational Studies”. We provide essential clarification regarding the definition and purpose of long-term field studies, review some of the extensive literature and discuss different approaches to collecting field data. We also describe two newly established forest observational networks that serve to illustrate the scope and diversity of forest field studies. The first is a large-scale network of forest observational studies in prominent natural forest ecosystems in China. The second example demonstrates observational studies in mixed and uneven-aged pine-oak forests which are selectively managed by local communities in Mexico. We summarize the potential for analysing and modeling forest ecosystems within interdisciplinary projects and provide argumentation in favour of long-term institutional commitment to maintaining forest observational field studies.