bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Itraconazole: a treatment with pharmacokinetic foundations
Authors: Vlaminck K. M. J. A. , Engelen M. A. C. M. 
Published: August 2004

ItrafungolTM is a 10 mg/mL oral solution with the triazole itraconazole as active ingredient. It has recently been authorized in the UK, as a first country, for treatment of Microsporum canis dermatophytes in cats. The treatment schedule consisted of daily oral administration of 5 mg/kg body weight for three 1‐week periods, with each week of treatment followed by a week without treatment (following a consecutive week‐on, week‐off schedule). This schedule was designed on the basis of data from pilot trials and was confirmed in two specific trials in naturally‐infected cats. Clinical and mycological cures were monitored. In the second trial, plasma levels of itraconazole and its active metabolite, hydroxy‐itraconazole, were also assayed. Itraconazole is a very lipophilic compound that is readily distributed to fat tissue and sebaceous glands. It is also keratinophilic and accumulates in the stratum corneum of the skin and in hairs. These properties make it readily available at the site of infection. Itraconazole is metabolized into many metabolites of which only hydroxy‐itraconazole is antifungal. Plasma and hair levels of itraconazole and its active metabolite were determined in a separate trial in 24 cats after administration of ItrafungolTM at the recommended treatment schedule. Samples were analysed by HPLC. Both compounds were rapidly detectable. Repeated administration for 1 week resulted in mean peak plasma levels of 1.05 μg/mL at 1 h after the last dose of the week. Plasma concentrations dropped slowly during the week without treatment to around the quantification limit (5 ng/mL) just before the start of the second and third treatment periods. During these periods, there was a 20–30% increase of the 24‐h plasma concentrations towards the end of these periods. Median concentration of itraconazole in hair samples of these cats was 0.168 μg/g 24 h after the first dose. There was a clear increase of the median hair concentration after 1 week of treatment to 1.17 μg/g. At the end of the second period, the median concentration was 2.00 μg/g, and was 2.99 μg/g at the end of the third period. At the end of each of the intermittent periods without treatment, hair concentrations dropped 25–30% to median values of 0.8–1.5 μg/g. Two weeks after the last dose of the full treatment schedule, median hair concentrations were still 1.5 μg/g. Although hair concentrations of hydroxy‐itraconazole were below the quantification limit during the first and second treatment periods, they were quantifiable in an increasing number of hairs after the last period, with concentrations between 0.058 and 0.186 μg/g. Concentrations of both compounds together, and even itraconazole alone, are well above the MIC90 for Microsporum canis strains (0.1 μg/mL in various broth media) very shortly after the first dose and for up to 2 weeks after the last one. These data illustrate that the recommended treatment schedule (3 × 7 days of dosing) provides actual coverage of at least 7 weeks. Funding: Janssen Animal Health.
P‐19  Sporotrichosis in São Paulo (Brazil): clinical and epidemiological features
Authors: Otsuka M. , Castro R. C. C. , Michalany N. S. , Lucas R. , Larsson Jr C. E. , Larsson C. E. 
Published: August 2004

Human and animal sporotrichosis is a relatively common zoonotic disease in the southwest region of Brazil. In a recent outbreak (1999–2000) involving 66 humans in Rio de Janeiro, 79% of patients reported previous contact with infected cats. Over a 17‐year period (1986–2002), 25 cases of feline sporotrichosis were diagnosed at our hospital (1.5 cases/year). Among these cases, 80% were male and had the cutaneous form of the disease, and 21 cases (84%) were in mixed‐breed animals. The diagnosis was established based on histopathology (H&E and PAS stain) as well as fungal culture (95%) and cytologic examination (82.5%) of the cases. In the 25 homes of these animals, 15 (60%) were sporotrichosis cases of in‐contact animals. Humans were infected in seven (28.5%) of the homes. Eighteen of the 49 dogs and cats (36.7%) in homes with infected humans were also affected. Itraconazole at 10 mg/kg once daily was successful even in FIV and FeLV positive cats. Funding: Self‐funded.
P‐23  Clinical and epidemiological characteristics of 153 cases of Sarcoptic acariosis in dogs
Authors: Bourdeau P. , Armando L. , Marchand A. 
Published: August 2004

Although considered a classical skin disease, Sarcoptes scabiei infestation is uncommon in canine dermatology in some countries. Information concerning the frequency, epidemiology and clinical signs is scarce. The aim of this study was to analyse information obtained from our dermatology clinic from three successive periods: (A) retrospectively (1983–1992), (B) prospectively (1993–1996), and (C) prospectively (1993–2002). From a total of 12,112 dogs, the number of proven cases was only 153 (1.26%, range of 0.8–1.45%, depending on the study). Average age was 2.3–2.7 years (range 3 weeks–16 years) with 52.4–61.6% of dogs being <1‐year old. Pruritus was severe in 61–77% of cases. Otopedal reflex was positive in 43–56% (positive in 4% of the general population in B) and was significantly more common when skin lesions were extensive. Contagion to other dogs was seen in 5–33% of cases with human involvement in 4–20% of cases. No sex predisposition was noted but breed predilection may exist. Lesions were noted on the ventrum (81%), ear pinnae (71.8%), elbows (66%) and distal legs (45%). Although the diagnosis was confirmed by different methods, Sarcoptes mites were isolated and identified in 22.8–50% of cases. Fluctuations in incidence of cases may occur from year to year, but no change in the overall frequency was observed during this 20‐year period in the area served by our clinic. Funding: Self‐funded.
P‐28  Efficacy of selamectin spot‐on formulation against Neotrombicula autumnalis in eight cats
Authors: Leone F. , Albanese F. 
Published: August 2004

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of a topical formulation of selamectin in the treatment of naturally acquired Neotrombicula autumnalis infestations in eight indoor/outdoor cats. Selamectin was administered topically once at a dosage of 6 mg/kg. Clinical examination and visualization of mites by microscopic examination of skin scrapings were performed after 2, 30 and 60 days. By day 2, clinical signs had subsided and all mites were dead on microscopic examination. No signs of recurrence were apparent at follow‐up. Under the conditions of our study, topical selamectin was safe and 100% effective against natural infestations of Neotrombicula autumnalis. To our knowledge, this is the first report demonstrating the efficacy of selamectin against Neotrombicula autumnalis. Funding: Self‐funded.
P‐44  The presence of dust mite species in the environment of dust mite‐sensitized atopic dogs
Authors: Farmaki R. , Saridomichelakis M. N. , Koutinas A. F. , Leontides L. , Papazahariadou M. G. , Gioulekas D. 
Published: August 2004

Dust mites (DM), especially Dermatophagoides farinae (DF), are the most common offending aeroallergens in atopic dogs. The aim of this study was to compare the DM species in the households of atopic dogs (Group A, n = 8) that reacted intradermally to DF, D. pteronyssinus (DP), Acarus siro (AS), Lepidoglyphus destructor (LD) and/or Tyrophagus putrescentiae (TP), to DM species in households of nonatopic dogs (Group B, n = 4) and households without pets (Group C, n = 8). Group A dogs exhibited perennial pruritus, were free of pathogenic mites and fleas, did not respond to an elimination diet, and fulfilled the diagnostic criteria for atopic dermatitis. All Group B dogs tested ID negative and had no dermatological problems. Dust samples were vacuum collected in a standardized fashion from two sites of the dog living quarters, one time for each season. DM quantitation was made stereoscopically and their species identification by microscopy. DM median number in Group A was 1.5 for DF, 0.5 for DP and 0 for the other three species. One of eight, one of four and one of four dogs were sensitized to DF, AS and TP, respectively, despite the absence of these species from their environment. No difference could be found in terms of DM species between the three groups (lowest P value = 0.06). In conclusion, cross‐sensitization between DM or irritant intradermal test reactions to their allergenic extracts may be common, and no preferential overpopulation of DF can explain the frequent sensitization of atopic dogs to this mite. Funding: Self‐funded.
P‐66A  Thermographic aspects of feline fibrosarcoma complex
Authors: Mocanu J. , Militaru M. , Ciobotaru E. , Ionascu I. 
Published: August 2004

Neoplastic proliferation is very often encountered in the pathology of feline fibrosarcoma complex. Infrared thermography is a diagnostic and investigative imaging procedure used in many areas of medicine (e.g. oncology, rheumatology, sports medicine). Thermography measures the infrared radiation emitted from the body; the emission characteristics indicate the physiological status of the subject (e.g. inflammatory or neoplastic phenomena have high metabolic activity). This study was conducted on a group of five cats later diagnosed with feline fibrosarcoma complex by cytological and histopathological examination. Thermal images showed a temperature level between 41.08 and 43.6°C corresponding to the tumor zones; temperatures corresponding to the peripheral areas of the lesions were between 37.5 and 38.9°C. Infrared thermography allows appreciation of the extent of the tumor process and the ability to survey the evolution of the disease. Funding: Self‐funded.
P‐81  A retrospective study of equine sarcoidosis
Authors: Loewenstein C. , Bettenay S. V. , Mueller R. S. 
Published: August 2004

The purpose of this retrospective study was to evaluate six cases of equine sarcoidosis for initial presenting symptoms, response to therapy and actual outcome. Dermatologists and dermatopathologists from Europe, the United States, Australia and Canada were contacted to obtain these six cases, as this is a rare disease. Signalment, clinical signs, histological findings, clinical management and outcome were determined via a questionnaire and compared to former reports. There was no age or breed predilection, and four of six horses were geldings. Age of onset ranged from 3 months to 17 years. Onset of the disease was insidious or rapid. Interestingly, in five of six cases, scaling began on the trunk (girth and shoulder). Scaling, crusting and alopecia were seen in all six horses. In one horse, clinical signs of systemic disease were reported and included intermittent fever, prescapular lymphadenopathy, depression, poor body condition and nasal discharge. Treatment included phenylbutazone, deworming agents, antibiotics, short‐term low‐dose corticosteroids, and 1–1.5 mg/kg of prednisolone. One horse showed a partial response to trimethoprim and sulfonamide, and five of six went into clinical remission with corticosteroid treatment. Five of six horses were still alive 1 year after diagnosis; one horse was diagnosed <12 months ago. Two horses are in complete remission 4 and 8 years after diagnosis. In both horses, clinical signs recurred after cessation of therapy and went into remission again with reintroduction of treatment. Both of these horses have been in remission for several years without therapy. Funding: Self‐funded.
FC‐17  Cutaneous papillomatosis and carcinomatosis in the highly endangered Western Barred Bandicoot
Authors: O’hara A. J. , Warren K. S. , Swan R. A. , Simms C. , Friend J. A. 
Published: August 2004

The Western Barred Bandicoot (WBB) is a highly endangered marsupial, only existing in the wild in Western Australia. Conservation efforts using captive breeding programmes to prevent the extinction of the WBB are being hampered by a progressively debilitating, wart‐like syndrome in captive and wild WBB. Multicentric proliferative lesions have been observed predominately over the face and feet of captive and wild populations of WBB. Introduction of apparently healthy, wild WBB into captive colonies of WBB affected with the skin lesions has been associated with the subsequent development of the skin lesions in the introduced bandicoots. Grossly and histologically, the smaller skin lesions resemble papillomas, whereas the larger lesions demonstrate malignant transformation into carcinomas. Chlamydial organisms have been detected in association with the lesions; however, their role in the pathogenesis of the lesions is unknown. Rarely, large intranuclear inclusion bodies have been observed in proliferative epithelium under light microscopy, suggesting a viral aetiology. Papilloma, polyoma and herpes viruses have all been reported in association with neoplastic transformation of cutaneous epithelial structures in a variety of vertebrate species. Preliminary examination of skin lesions from five WBB has utilized light microscopy, transmission electron microscopy, indirect immunohistochemistry for papillomavirus, and PCR tests for murine polyoma virus, human papilloma virus and conserved herpes virus sequences. None of these tests has definitively identified an aetiological agent. Further research is being undertaken using degenerate PCR primers targeting highly conserved regions of genes from papilloma, polyoma and herpes viruses to further investigate the possibility of a viral aetiology. Funding: Self‐funded.
FC‐34  Quantitative real‐time RT‐PCR for the measurement of feline cytokine mRNA expression in skin of normal cats and cats with allergic skin disease
Authors: Taglinger K. , Nguyen Van N. , Helps C. R. , Day M. J. , Foster A. P. 
Published: August 2004

Feline allergic skin disease is thought to be associated with dermal infiltration of Th2 lymphocytes and the synthesis of associated cytokines. In this study, real‐time RT‐PCR assays were developed to measure feline IL‐2, IL‐4, IL‐5, IL‐6, IL‐10, IL‐12 (p35 and p40), IL‐18, TNFα, TGFβ, IFNγ and glyceraldehyde‐3‐phosphate dehydrogenase (GAPDH) mRNA in the skin of healthy control cats and in the lesional and nonlesional skin of cats with allergic skin disease. Total RNA was extracted from skin biopsies using the RNeasy Mini Kit with on‐column and in‐solution DNase digestion steps. Improm‐II reverse transcriptase and random hexamers were used to synthesise cDNA. Real‐time PCR was carried out using an iCycler IQ system, and gene‐specific primers were designed to span an exon/exon junction of each cytokine gene. Taq‐Man probes were used to add specificity to the system. Messenger RNA from the housekeeping gene GAPDH was used for normalisation of the cytokine threshold cycle. The 11 cytokine mRNA transcripts quantified were present at varying levels, but there were no apparent differences in expression among normal, nonlesional and lesional skin. TGFβ represented the most abundant transcript while IL‐4, IL‐5, IL‐6, IL‐10, IL‐12, IL‐18 and TNFα were present at levels approximately 1000‐fold less. IL‐2 and IFNγ represented the least abundant templates with no detectable copies in most RNA samples. This quantitative analysis of cytokine mRNA expression in feline skin biopsies has suggested that there is not a simple Th2 bias in the lesional skin of cats with allergic dermatopathies. Funding: RCVS West Scholarship, Novartis Animal Health.
FC‐58  A new method for measuring canine transepidermal water loss
Authors: Yoshihara T. , Endo K. , Konno K. , Iwasaki T. 
Published: August 2004

Many studies have focused on the relationship between barrier damage and human atopic dermatitis. Currently, evaluating human skin barrier function depends on measuring transepidermal water loss (TEWL) by Evaporimeter. However, applying this method clinically to dogs is impractical due to the influences of air turbulence and vapour from the hair coat. To minimize these influences, we developed and evaluated a new method for measuring TEWL using a closed chamber system. Dry air was injected into a closed chamber placed on the dog's skin surface, and the vapour content of recovered air was detected with a quartz crystal sensor as a frequency variance. At first, a frequency decrease attributable to hair coat vapour was observed, and then the frequency gradually increased and became constant. The steady state value was used to calculate TEWL. It was unnecessary to restrict a dog's movement to control independent environmental effects. Transepidermal water loss was measured in 18 beagles with normal skin at seven different anatomical sites. Results confirmed it was possible to measure TEWL without clipping hair at the inguinal site. Funding: Kao Corporation.
FC‐59  Mast cell morphometry of cutaneous wounds treated with an autacoid gel: a placebo‐ controlled study
Authors: Abramo F. , Salluzzi D. , Leotta R. , Noli C. , Auxilia S. , Mantis P. , Lloyd D. 
Published: August 2004

Mast cells (MC) are pivotal in wound healing. Adelmidrol, a synthetic autacoid, can down‐regulate MC degranulation and potentially accelerate healing and improve cosmetic outcome. This study evaluated an Adelmidrol gel on MC in experimental wounds. Two rows of six 5‐mm wounds were created in 10 beagles and allowed to heal; one row was treated daily with therapeutic gel and the other with vehicle only. Treated and control 8‐mm samples of wounds were taken after 1, 2, 4, 8 and 14 days, fixed in formalin and paraffin embedded. Four‐micrometer sections were stained with toluidine blue for MC counts and densitometry. Counts (MC/mm2) were obtained from areas lateral to and within the ulcer/granulation tissue, and in deep dermis/panniculus. A decreasing trend in MC counts occurred throughout days 1 (3.8 ± 11.3), 2 (4.3 ± 14.9) and 4 (4.3 ± 9.9) compared to day 0 (5.0 ± 10.6), followed by an increase at day 8 (6.0 ± 12.3) and a significant increase at day 14 (10.0 ± 18) compared to days 1, 2 and 4 in granulation tissue and perifollicular areas (P < 0.05) and deep dermis/panniculus (P < 0.01). No difference in MC counts was detected between treated andcontrol wounds. Preliminary data from two dogs showed granulation density was higher in treated wounds from day 2 (119.1 ± 27.4 vs. 69.4 ± 14.2) until day 14 (92.4 ± 22.1 vs. 67.9 ± 12.9). In conclusion, MC populations seem to change during wound healing. The autacoid gel did not alter MC numbers, but decreased degranulation. Funding: Royal Veterinary College, Innovet.
ISVD‐3  Characterization of cutaneous angiomatosis in dogs and cats
Authors: Affolter V. K. , Gross T. L. , Walder E. J. 
Published: August 2004

Angiomatosis, a heterogeneous group of potentially progressive, non‐neoplastic, possibly congenital vascular proliferations, has not been well documented in dogs and cats. The pathogenesis of angiomatosis is largely unknown. The lesions can be categorized as progressive angiomatosis (PA), scrotal‐type vascular hamartoma (STVH), or angiomatosis secondary to lymphedema (ASL). Spontaneous regression has not been seen. Irregular, red to blue macules, patches, nodules and plaques may partially blanch with diascopy. Periodic hemorrhaging may occur. Progressive angiomatosis may develop at any age and most often affects the extremities, but may occur elsewhere. Breed or sex predilections are not known. Canine STVH affects middle‐aged or older dogs and develops on the scrotum, tail or caudal trunk. Breeds with pigmented scrotal skin are predisposed. Angiomatosis secondary to lymphedema is a rare condition affecting extremities. Progressive angiomatosis is characterized by interconnected foci of dermal and subcutaneous blood‐filled vascular structures of variable size, separated by normal or myxomatous mesenchymal tissue. The vascular channels may have large lumens or resemble capillaries and are lined by mature or slightly enlarged endothelial cells. Thrombosis and intraluminal papillary endothelial hyperplasia may be present. Variable amounts of smooth muscle and fibrous tissue indicate the presence of arterioles and veins. With STVH, clusters are composed of central larger vessels surrounded by capillary buds. With ASL, there is marked lymphedema, primary hypoplasia of the deep lymphatics, and prominent secondary vascular proliferation. Most forms of canine and feline angiomatoses are newly recognized syndromes; as more cases are gathered and documented, nomenclature and classification may change. Funding: Self‐funded.
Professional support in rural New South Wales: Perceptions of new graduate occupational therapists
Authors: Steenbergen Karen , Mackenzie Lynette 
Published: August 2004

AbstractObjective:  To explore the experiences of professional support among new graduates working in rural New South Wales, including the current availability of professional support and the impact of support levels on professional practice. Design:  Qualitative, using semistructured face‐to‐face or telephone interviews. Setting:  New graduate occupational therapists employed in public and private hospitals and community health services in rural New South Wales. Subjects:  Nine new graduate occupational therapists within their first year of practice. Main outcome:  A description of participant experiences of professional support and strategies to enhance the recruitment and retention of occupational therapists in rural areas. Results:  Participants reported varied experiences of professional support and emphasised the importance of having access to a wide variety of resources. Participants highlighted that professional support could assist in developing independence and other skills. However, ultimately a lack of support resulted in decreased confidence and subsequent decreased job satisfaction among participants. Conclusions:  The findings suggest that greater effort should be directed to ensuring that all new graduates have access to professional support, including structured supervision, and that strategies be explored and adopted to ensure that this occurs. What is already known on this subject:  New graduate occupational therapists need assistance to effectively ease their transition into the responsibilities of practice. In rural areas, new graduates are likely to be in sole therapy positions, or in smaller, more isolated teams. A previous study has identified the experiences of rural new graduates – this included the need for professional support. What does this study add:   The present study looks in detail at the professional support needs of new graduates in rural areas, from their perspective, and identifies strategies that may address these needs.