Clinical presentation, treatment, and outcome of 24 dogs with bacterial meningitis or meningoencephalitis without empyema (2010-2020).

Background: Bacterial meningitis (BM) and meningoencephalitis (BMEM) are associated with high case fatality rates and neurologic sequelae in people, but limited data exists on outcome in dogs.

Hypothesis/objectives: To report the clinicopathologic features, treatment and outcome of BM/BMEM in dogs, with a focus on clinical presentation, relapse and long-term neurological deficits.

Animals: Twenty-four client-owned dogs diagnosed with BM/BMEM without empyema.

Development, testing and validation of a SARS-CoV-2 multiplex panel for detection of the five major variants of concern on a portable PCR platform.

Many SARS-CoV-2 variants have emerged during the course of the COVID-19 pandemic. These variants have acquired mutations conferring phenotypes such as increased transmissibility or virulence, or causing diagnostic, therapeutic, or immune escape. Detection of Alpha and the majority of Omicron sublineages by PCR relied on the so-called S gene target failure due to the deletion of six nucleotides coding for amino acids 69-70 in the spike (S) protein.

Cancer care in a time of COVID: lung cancer patient's experience of telehealth and connectedness.

Objective: To explore lung cancer patient's experiences of telehealth during COVID-19 restrictions.

Methods: Thirty patients with lung cancer were recruited. Data was collected using a qualitative exploratory design with semi-structured interviews.

Missense Variant in a Cat with L-2-Hydroxyglutaric Aciduria.

A 7-month-old, spayed female, domestic longhair cat with L-2-hydroxyglutaric aciduria (L-2-HGA) was investigated. The aim of this study was to investigate the clinical signs, metabolic changes and underlying genetic defect. The owner of the cat reported a 4-month history of multiple paroxysmal seizure-like episodes, characterized by running around the house, often in circles, with abnormal behavior, bumping into obstacles, salivating and often urinating.

Nursing and Allied Health Research Priorities in the Care of Patients With Thoracic Malignancies: An International Cross-Sectional Survey.

Background: There is currently no evidence of research priorities from nurses and allied health professionals working in the field of thoracic malignancies, which could provide strategic directions for funders, policy makers, and researchers.

Objective: The aim of this study is to identify the priorities for lung cancer and other thoracic malignancies research and practice in nurses and allied health professionals.

Methods: Descriptive cross-sectional web-based international survey conducted through international societies' membership lists.

Surveillance of Lung Cancer and Mesothelioma Patients With Noncurative Treatment Intent: A Narrative Review.

Background: Lung cancer patients with advanced disease and no active treatment options currently face frequent follow-up visits to outpatient clinics, associated with significant anxiety, time commitment, and costs. Visits also place considerable strain on the health system. Evidence from other cancers and chronic health conditions suggests virtual or remote follow-up can lead to higher patient satisfaction without negatively impacting health outcomes such as survival time.

Osimertinib in NSCLC: Real-World Data From New Zealand.

Introduction: EGFR tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs) are more effective than chemotherapy in patients with -mutant NSCLC. Disease progression on EGFR TKI therapy occurs most often owing to acquired resistance from the gain of an T790M mutation. Osimertinib, a third-generation EGFR TKI, significantly improves outcomes in patients with T790M mutation-positive NSCLC compared with platinum-pemetrexed chemotherapy.

Patient response to use of tyrosine kinase inhibitors in lung cancer: a retrospective audit during funding changes.

Background: The New Zealand Pharmaceutical Management Agency (PHARMAC) approved funding of erlotinib in October 2010 as second line therapy in all non-squamous non-small cell lung cancer after platinum-based chemotherapy with no requirement for epidermal growth factor (EGFR) mutation testing. Funding widened in August 2012 to include gefitinib as first line treatment for patients with a proven EGFR mutation. Then in January 2014, both tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs) were approved for first line treatment, but only for disease with EGFR mutation.

Oppositional defiant disorder.

Background: Oppositional defiant disorder (ODD) is defined as a repetitive and persistent pattern of opposition, defiant, disobedient and disruptive behaviours toward authority figures persisting for at least 6 months.

Objective: This article reviews the nature of ODD, its relationship to attention deficit hyperactivity disorder and conduct disorder, and considers the management options available to general practitioners.

Discussion: Many of the behaviours required to meet this diagnosis are not uncommon in the preschool child or adolescent.

NHS Professionals: good idea but it does not work.

I would like to reply to Nigel Northcott's letter about NHS Professionals (letters November 27). The trust I work for has been using NHS Professionals for about a year, pioneering the service in the south west.