bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Dermatophytosis in Cats
Authors: Frymus Tadeusz , Gruffydd-Jones Tim , Pennisi Maria Grazia , Addie Diane , Belák Sándor , Boucraut-Baralon Corine , Egberink Herman , Hartmann Katrin , Hosie Margaret J , Lloret Albert , Lutz Hans , Marsilio Fulvio , Möstl Karin , Radford Alan D , Thiry Etienne , Truyen Uwe , Horzinek Marian C 
Published: June 2013

Overview: Dermatophytosis, usually caused by Microsporum canis, is the most common fungal infection in cats worldwide, and one of the most important infectious skin diseases in this species. Many adult cats are asymptomatic carriers. Severe clinical signs are seen mostly in kittens or immunosuppressed adults. Poor hygiene is a predisposing factor, and the disease may be endemic in shelters or catteries. Humans may be easily infected and develop a similar skin disease. Infection: Infectious arthrospores produced by dermatophytes may survive in the environment for about a year. They are transmitted through contact with sick cats or healthy carriers, but also on dust particles, brushes, clothes and other fomites. Disease signs: Circular alopecia, desquamation and sometimes an erythematous margin around central healing (‘ringworm’) are typical. In many cats this is a self-limiting disease with hair loss and scaling only. In immunosuppressed animals, the outcome may be a multifocal or generalised skin disease. Diagnosis: Wood’s lamp examination and microscopic detection of arthrospores on hairs are simple methods to confirm M canis infection, but their sensitivity is relatively low. The gold standard for detection is culture on Sabouraud agar of hairs and scales collected from new lesions. Disease management: In shelters and catteries eradication is difficult. Essential is a combination of systemic and topical treatments, maintained for several weeks. For systemic therapy itraconazole is the drug of choice, terbinafine an alternative. Recommended topical treatment is repeated body rinse with an enilconazole solution or miconazole with or without chlorhexidine. In catteries/shelters medication must be accompanied by intensive decontamination of the environment. Vaccination: Few efficacy studies on anti- M canis vaccines (prophylactic or therapeutic) for cats have been published, and a safe and efficient vaccine is not available.
Cryptococcosis in cats
Authors: Pennisi Maria Grazia , Hartmann Katrin , Lloret Albert , Ferrer Lluis , Addie Diane , Belák Sándor , Boucraut-Baralon Corine , Egberink Herman , Frymus Tadeusz , Gruffydd-Jones Tim , Hosie Margaret J , Lutz Hans , Marsilio Fulvio , Möstl Karin , Radford Alan D , Thiry Etienne , Truyen Uwe , Horzinek Marian C 
Published: June 2013

Overview: Cryptococcosis is worldwide the most common systemic fungal disease in cats; it is caused by the Cryptococcus neoformans– Cryptococcus gattii species complex, which includes eight genotypes and some subtypes (strains) with varying geographical distribution, pathogenicity and antimicrobial susceptibility. Cats acquire the infection from a contaminated environment. The prognosis is favourable in most cases, provided a diagnosis is obtained sufficiently early and prolonged treatment is maintained. Infection: Basidiospores are the infectious propagules of Cryptococcus species as they penetrate the respiratory system and induce primary infection. Asymptomatic colonisation of the respiratory tract is more common than clinical disease. Avian guanos, particularly pigeon droppings, offer favourable conditions for the reproduction of C neoformans. Both Cryptococcus species are associated with decaying vegetation. Disease signs: Cryptococcosis caused by C neoformans or C gattii is indistinguishable clinically. The disease can present in nasal, central nervous system (which can derive from the nasal form or occur independently), cutaneous and systemic forms. Diagnosis: An easy and reliable test for cryptococcosis diagnosis is antigen detection in body fluids. Only isolation and polymerase chain reaction allow identification of the species genotype. Disease management: Amphotericin B, ketoconazole, fluconazole and itraconazole have all been used to treat cats. Surgical excision of any nodules in the skin, nasal or oral mucosa assists recovery. Continued treatment is recommended until the antigen test is negative. Prevention: Efficient preventive measures have not been demonstrated. Vaccines are not available.
Rare opportunistic mycoses in cats: phaeohyphomycosis and hyalohyphomycosis
Authors: Lloret Albert , Hartmann Katrin , Pennisi Maria Grazia , Ferrer Lluis , Addie Diane , Belák Sándor , Boucraut-Baralon Corine , Egberink Herman , Frymus Tadeusz , Gruffydd-Jones Tim , Hosie Margaret J , Lutz Hans , Marsilio Fulvio , Möstl Karin , Radford Alan D , Thiry Etienne , Truyen Uwe , Horzinek Marian C 
Published: June 2013

Overview: Phaeohyphomycoses and hyalohyphomycoses are rare opportunistic infections acquired from the environment. More cases have been reported in recent years in humans and cats. Disease signs: Single or multiple nodules or ulcerated plaques (which may be pigmented) in the skin are the typical lesions. In some cases the infection disseminates or involves the central nervous system (CNS). Diagnosis: Diagnosis is based on fungal detection by cytology and/or histology. Culture provides definitive diagnosis and species identification. Treatment: Treatment involves surgical excision in cases of localised skin disease followed by systemic antifungal therapy, with itraconazole as the agent of first choice. Relapses after treatment are common. Itraconazole and other systemic antifungal agents have been used to treat systemic or neurological cases, but the response is unpredictable. The prognosis is guarded to poor in cats with multiple lesions and systemic or neurological involvement. Zoonotic risk: There is no zoonotic risk associated with contact with infected cats.
Giardiasis in cats
Authors: Gruffydd-Jones Tim , Addie Diane , Belák Sándor , Boucraut-Baralon Corine , Egberink Herman , Frymus Tadeusz , Hartmann Katrin , Hosie Margaret J , Lloret Albert , Lutz Hans , Marsilio Fulvio , Möstl Karin , Pennisi Maria Grazia , Radford Alan D , Thiry Etienne , Truyen Uwe , Horzinek Marian C 
Published: June 2013

Overview: Giardia is a protozoan parasite that infects the small intestine of cats and can cause diarrhoea. The biotypes that affect cats do not appear to infect humans. Infection is most common in young cats, particularly from multicat backgrounds. Disease signs: Infected cats that develop clinical signs show small intestinal diarrhoea and there may be associated weight loss. Diagnosis: Diagnosis of infection is usually based on an in-practice ELISA for faecal antigen or zinc sulphate flotation of several pooled faecal samples. Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) tests are available but not used so widely. Infection can be detected in clinically healthy cats so interpretation of a positive result in cats with diarrhoea requires care. Treatment: Fenbendazole or metronidazole are regarded as the treatments of choice. Secondary gut changes may be slow to resolve and so diarrhoea may continue for some time after infection has been eliminated.
Progression in disability and regional grey matter atrophy in relapsing–remitting multiple sclerosis
Authors: Hofstetter Louis , Naegelin Yvonne , Filli Lukas , Kuster Pascal , Traud Stefan , Smieskova Renata , Mueller-Lenke Nicole , Kappos Ludwig , Gass Achim , Sprenger Till , Penner Iris-Katharina , Nichols Thomas E , Vrenken Hugo , Barkhof Frederik , Polman Chris , Radue Ernst-Wilhelm , Borgwardt Stefan J , Bendfeldt Kerstin 
Published: June 2013

Background: In multiple sclerosis (MS) regional grey matter (GM) atrophy has been associated with disability progression. Objective: The aim of this study was to compare regional GM volume changes in relapsing–remitting MS (RRMS) patients with progressive and stable disability, using voxel-based morphometry (VBM). Methods: We acquired baseline and 1-year follow-up 3-dimensional (3D) T1-weighted magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) data of RRMS patients, using two 1.5-Tesla scanners. Patients were matched pair-wise with respect to age, gender, disease duration, medication, scanner and baseline Expanded Disability Status Scale (EDSS) into 13 pairs, with either progressive EDSS (≥ 1 point change y-1) or stable EDSS, as well as into 29 pairs with either progressive Multiple Sclerosis Functional Composite (MSFC) at ≥ 0.25% decrease in y-1 in any component, or stable MSFC. We analysed longitudinal regional differences in GM volumes in the progressive and stable EDSS and MSFC groups, respectively, using VBM. Results: Significant GM volume reductions occurred in the right precuneus, in the progressive EDSS group. Differential between-group effects occurred in the right precuneus and in the postcentral gyrus. Further longitudinal GM volume reductions occurred in the right orbicular gyrus, in the progressive MSFC group, but no between-group differences were observed (non-stationary cluster-wise inference, all Pcorrected < 0.05). Conclusion: These results suggested a direct association of disability progression and regional GM atrophy in RRMS.
Neuropsychological rehabilitation does not improve cognitive performance but reduces perceived cognitive deficits in patients with multiple sclerosis: a randomised, controlled, multi-centre trial
Authors: Mäntynen Anu , Rosti-Otajärvi Eija , Koivisto Keijo , Lilja Arja , Huhtala Heini , Hämäläinen Päivi 
Published: June 2013

Background: There is preliminary evidence on the positive effects of neuropsychological rehabilitation on cognition in multiple sclerosis (MS), but the generalisability of the findings is limited by methodological problems. Objective: The aim of the present study was to determine the effects of strategy-oriented neuropsychological rehabilitation on MS. Methods: A total of 102 relapsing–remitting MS patients with subjective and objective attentional deficits were randomised into an intervention and a control group. Neuropsychological assessments were performed at baseline, at three months immediately after the intervention, and at six months. Patients in the intervention group received neuropsychological rehabilitation once a week in 60-minute sessions for 13 consecutive weeks. The control group received no intervention. Results: Neuropsychological rehabilitation including computer-based attention and working memory retraining, psychoeducation, strategy learning and psychological support did not improve cognitive performance but had a positive effect on perceived cognitive deficits. The intervention group perceived significantly fewer deficits than the control group both immediately after the intervention and at six months. The personal rehabilitation goals were also well achieved. Conclusions: Strategy-oriented neuropsychological rehabilitation did not improve cognitive performance but reduced perceived cognitive deficits in MS.
Using social worlds theory to explore influences on community nurses’ experiences of providing out of hours paediatric palliative care
Authors: Neilson Sue J. , Kai Joe , McArthur Christine , Greenfield Sheila 
Published: June 2013

Background Paediatric oncology palliative care in the community is rare and nationally there is a lack of standardisation of out of hours nursing service provision. Objectives This paper seeks to explore influences on the experiences of paediatric nurses providing out of hours palliative care within the family home to children with cancer. The study used social worlds theory to aid identification and demonstration of the findings. Methods Twelve community-based palliative cases were purposively selected from children with cancer treated at one regional centre. Tape-recorded interviews were undertaken with 54 health professionals (general practitioners, community nurses and allied health professionals) involved in providing their palliative care and five facilitated case discussions completed. Data analysis followed a grounded theory approach; chronological comparative data analysis identifying generated themes. Social worlds theory was used as a framework to examine the data. Results Nurses’ experiences are shaped by their social world and those of the nursing team, child and family and the inter-professional team providing the care. The lack of a formalised service, sub-optimal inter-professional working and impact of social worlds influence the experience of the nurse. Conclusions Social worlds theory provided a new perspective in understanding these experiences based within a paediatric palliative care setting, knowledge that can be used to inform service provision.
Oesophageal baseline impedance values are decreased in patients with eosinophilic oesophagitis
Authors: van Rhijn Bram D , Kessing Boudewijn F , Smout Andreas JPM , Bredenoord Albert J 
Published: June 2013

BackgroundGastro‐oesophageal reflux has been suggested to play a role in eosinophilic oesophagitis (EoO). Oesophageal acid exposure decreases baseline intraluminal impedance, a marker of mucosal integrity, in patients with gastro‐oesophageal reflux disease (GORD).ObjectivesThe aim of this study was to assess oesophageal baseline impedance levels in EoO patients and to investigate their relationship with oesophageal acid exposure.MethodsAmbulatory 24‐h pH‐impedance monitoring was performed in 11 EoO patients and in 11 healthy controls with matched oesophageal acid exposure. We assessed baseline impedance levels in the distal, mid‐, and proximal oesophageal impedance channels.ResultsBaseline impedance levels in EoO patients were markedly lower compared to controls in the distal oesophagus (median (interquartile range): 988 (757–1978) vs. 2259 (1767–2896) Ω, p  = 0.015), mid‐oesophagus (1420 (836–2164) vs. 2614 (2374–3879) Ω, p  = 0.003), and proximal oesophagus (1856 (1006–2625) vs. 2868 (2397–3439) Ω, p  = 0.005). Whereas baseline impedance decreased from proximal to distal in healthy subjects (p  = 0.037), no such gradient was seen in EoO patients (p  = 0.123).ConclusionsThroughout the oesophagus, baseline impedance values are decreased in EoO patients, indicating impaired mucosal integrity. Our findings suggest that factors other than acid reflux are the cause of low baseline impedance in EoO.
Brimonidine protects against loss of Thy-1 promoter activation following optic nerve crush
Authors: Dai Yi , Lindsey James D , Duong-Polk Karen X , Chindasub Panida , Leung Christopher Kai-Shun , Weinreb Robert N 
Published: June 2013

Abstract

Background
The loss of RGCs expressing Thy-1 after optic nerve injury has an initial phase of rapid decline followed by a longer phase with slower reduction rate. This study used longitudinal retinal imaging of mice expressing cyan fluorescent protein under control of the Thy-1 promoter (Thy1-CFP mice) to determine how the α2-adrenergic agonist brimonidine influences loss of Thy1 promoter activation.

Methods
Baseline images of the fluorescent retinal neurons in 30 Thy1-CFP mice were obtained using a modified confocal scanning laser ophthalmoscope. Next, brimonidine (100 ug/kg, IP) was administered either one time immediately after optic nerve crush, or immediately after optic nerve crush and then every 2 days for four weeks. A control group received a single saline injection immediately after optic nerve crush. All animals were imaged weekly for four weeks after optic nerve crush. Loss of fluorescent retinal neurons within specific retinal areas was determined by counting.

Results
At one week after optic nerve crush, the proportion of fluorescent retinal neurons retaining fluorescence was 44±7% of baseline in control mice, 51±6% after one brimonidine treatment, and 55±6% after brimonidine treatment every other day (P<0.05 for both brimonidine treatment groups compared to the control group). Subsequently, the number of fluorescent retinal neurons in the group that received one treatment differed insignificantly from the control group. In contrast, the number of fluorescent retinal neurons in the group that received repeated brimonidine treatments was greater than the control group by 28% at two weeks after crush and by 32% at three weeks after crush (P<0.05 at both time points). Rate analysis showed that brimonidine slowed the initial rate of fluorescent cell decline in the animals that received multiple treatments (P<0.05). Differences in the rate of loss among the treatment groups were insignificant after the second week.

Conclusion
Repeated brimonidine treatments protect against loss of fluorescence within fluorescent retinal neurons of Thy1-CFP mice after optic nerve crush. As most of fluorescent retinal neurons in this system are RGCs, these findings indicate that repeated brimonidine treatments may protect RGC health following optic nerve crush.
Effects of the carrier frequency of interferential current on pain modulation in patients with chronic nonspecific low back pain: a protocol of a randomised controlled trial
Authors: Corrêa Juliana Barbosa , Costa Leonardo Oliveira Pena , de Oliveira Naiane Teixeira Bastos , Sluka Kathleen A , Liebano Richard Eloin 
Published: June 2013

Abstract

Background
Low back pain is an important public health problem that is associated with poor quality of life and disability. Among the electrophysical treatments, interferential current (IFC) has not been studied in patients with low back pain in a high-quality randomised controlled trial examining not only pain, but pain mechanisms and function.

Methods/design
A three-arm randomised controlled trial with patient and assessor blinded to the group allocation. One hundred fifty patients with chronic, nonspecific low back pain from outpatient physical therapy clinics in Brazil. The patients will be randomly allocated into 3 groups (IFC 1 kHz, IFC 4 kHz or Placebo IFC). The interferential current will be applied three days per week (30 minutes per session) over four weeks. Primary outcome: Pain intensity. Secondary outcomes: The pressure pain threshold, global impression of recovery, disability, function, conditioned pain modulation and temporal summation of pain, discomfort caused by the current. All outcomes will be measured at 4 weeks and 4 months after randomisation. The between-group differences will be calculated by using linear mixed models and Tukey’s post-hoc tests.

Discussion
The use of a placebo group and double-blinding assessor and patients strengthen this study. The present study is the first to compare different IFC carrier frequencies in patients with chronic low back pain.

Trial registration
Brazilian Registry of Clinical Trials: http://RBR-8n4hg2
The confidence of speech-language pathology students regarding communicating with people with aphasia
Authors: Finch Emma , Fleming Jennifer , Brown Kyla , Lethlean Jennifer , Cameron Ashley , McPhail Steven M 
Published: June 2013

Abstract

Background
Aphasia is an acquired language disorder that can present a significant barrier to patient involvement in healthcare decisions. Speech-language pathologists (SLPs) are viewed as experts in the field of communication. However, many SLP students do not receive practical training in techniques to communicate with people with aphasia (PWA) until they encounter PWA during clinical education placements.

Methods
This study investigated the confidence and knowledge of SLP students in communicating with PWA prior to clinical placements using a customised questionnaire. Confidence in communicating with people with aphasia was assessed using a 100-point visual analogue scale. Linear, and logistic, regressions were used to examine the association between confidence and age, as well as confidence and course type (graduate-entry masters or undergraduate), respectively. Knowledge of strategies to assist communication with PWA was examined by asking respondents to list specific strategies that could assist communication with PWA.

Results
SLP students were not confident with the prospect of communicating with PWA; reporting a median 29-points (inter-quartile range 17–47) on the visual analogue confidence scale. Only, four (8.2%) of respondents rated their confidence greater than 55 (out of 100). Regression analyses indicated no relationship existed between confidence and students‘ age (p = 0.31, r-squared = 0.02), or confidence and course type (p = 0.22, pseudo r-squared = 0.03). Students displayed limited knowledge about communication strategies. Thematic analysis of strategies revealed four overarching themes; Physical, Verbal Communication, Visual Information and Environmental Changes. While most students identified potential use of resources (such as images and written information), fewer students identified strategies to alter their verbal communication (such as reduced speech rate).

Conclusions
SLP students who had received aphasia related theoretical coursework, but not commenced clinical placements with PWA, were not confident in their ability to communicate with PWA. Students may benefit from an educational intervention or curriculum modification to incorporate practical training in effective strategies to communicate with PWA, before they encounter PWA in clinical settings. Ensuring students have confidence and knowledge of potential communication strategies to assist communication with PWA may allow them to focus their learning experiences in more specific clinical domains, such as clinical reasoning, rather than building foundation interpersonal communication skills.
The role of noninvasive and invasive diagnostic imaging techniques for detection of extra-cranial venous system anomalies and developmental variants
Authors: Dolic Kresimir , Siddiqui Adnan H , Karmon Yuval , Marr Karen , Zivadinov Robert 
Published: June 2013

Abstract
The extra-cranial venous system is complex and not well studied in comparison to the peripheral venous system. A newly proposed vascular condition, named chronic cerebrospinal venous insufficiency (CCSVI), described initially in patients with multiple sclerosis (MS) has triggered intense interest in better understanding of the role of extra-cranial venous anomalies and developmental variants. So far, there is no established diagnostic imaging modality, non-invasive or invasive, that can serve as the “gold standard” for detection of these venous anomalies. However, consensus guidelines and standardized imaging protocols are emerging. Most likely, a multimodal imaging approach will ultimately be the most comprehensive means for screening, diagnostic and monitoring purposes. Further research is needed to determine the spectrum of extra-cranial venous pathology and to compare the imaging findings with pathological examinations. The ability to define and reliably detect noninvasively these anomalies is an essential step toward establishing their incidence and prevalence. The role for these anomalies in causing significant hemodynamic consequences for the intra-cranial venous drainage in MS patients and other neurologic disorders, and in aging, remains unproven.