Intratympanic Gentamicin Injection for Endolymphatic Hydrops After Cochlear Implantation.

Endolymphatic hydrops has been documented as a possible complication of cochlear implantation; however, few studies have addressed its treatment. We describe the first case ever reported of delayed endolymphatic hydrops after a cochlear implant successfully treated with intratympanic gentamicin injection. A detailed discussion of this case with a focus on its management and outcomes will be provided in comparison with literature data.

Multi-Magnet Cochlear Implant Technology and Magnetic Resonance Imaging: The Safety Issue.

Despite the spread of novel-generation cochlear-implant (CI) magnetic systems, access to magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) for CI recipients is still limited due to safety concerns. The aim of this study is to assess and record the experiences of Hires Ultra 3D (Advanced Bionics) recipients who underwent an MRI examination. A multicentric European survey about this topic was conducted focusing on safety issues, and the results were compared with the current literature.

Vitamin D: A Bridge between Kidney and Heart.

Chronic kidney disease (CKD) and cardiovascular disease (CVD) are highly prevalent conditions, each significantly contributing to the global burden of morbidity and mortality. CVD and CKD share a great number of common risk factors, such as hypertension, diabetes, obesity, and smoking, among others. Their relationship extends beyond these factors, encompassing intricate interplay between the two systems.

Cross-sectional survey exploring current intake practices for dogs admitted to animal shelters in Texas: a descriptive study.

Introduction: Entering an animal shelter is a stressful experience for dogs that can impair their welfare, adoptability, and shelter staff safety; thus, it is crucial to reduce the stress experienced during intake. This study investigated the current intake practices for dogs admitted in animal shelters in Texas, United States.

Methods: To gather data, an online survey was designed and distributed to shelter employees responsible for intake at animal shelters.

Camposampiero tubeless percutaneous nephrolithotomy (tPCNL): Easy, quick, effective, safe.

Objectives: To describe our technique to perform tubeless percutaneous nephrolithotomy (tPCNL) using hemostatic matrix (i.e. Floseal) for the closure of the percutaneous tract, developed through the experience gained in our endourology specialized center.

Unwanted Scratching Behavior in Cats: Influence of Management Strategies and Cat and Owner Characteristics.

Despite scratching behavior in owned domestic cats being a self-motivated and natural behavior, it is commonly reported as a behavior problem by owners when it results in damage to household items. The objectives of this study were to use a cross-sectional survey targeting cat owners within the United States and Canada, to explore perspectives on cat scratching behavior and management strategies, as well as identify factors that influence the performance of inappropriate scratching behavior in the household. A total of 2465 cat owners participated in the survey and three mixed logistic regression models were generated to explore associations between (1) cat demographic factors, (2) provisions of enrichment, and (3) owner demographic and management factors with owner reports of problematic scratching.

Dog Owner Perceptions of Veterinary Handling Techniques.

Veterinary care can be a source of stress for domestic dogs and their owners. If a dog owner is not satisfied with the veterinary experience, this may reduce the frequency of veterinary visits and negatively impact a dog’s health and welfare. Allowing dog owners to offer their perspectives on aspects of the veterinary appointment may help improve owner satisfaction.

Owner Perspectives of Cat Handling Techniques Used in the Veterinary Clinic.

An online cross-sectional survey was used to assess cat owner attitudes towards 12 cat handling techniques used during veterinary appointments. Likert-scale questions were designed to assess level of agreement with handling techniques when the participants' cat is calm, fearful, or aggressive. We examined the influence of participant's cat attachment and demographic information on agreement towards common handling techniques.

Perspectives of Canadian and American Cat Owners on Provision of Uncontrolled Outdoor Access for Owned Domestic Cats.

While uncontrolled outdoor access can increase opportunities for cat physical and mental stimulation, it can also increase risks of injury and illness, and result in predation of wild birds and small animals. In Canada and the United States, it is often recommended to keep cats indoors, but many owners still provide some level of outdoor access. The objectives of this study were to use a cross-sectional survey to explore the attitudes and practices of cat owners in Canada and the United States toward outdoor access and to identify factors that influence the provision of uncontrolled outdoor access.

Evaluation of associations between owner presence and indicators of fear in dogs during routine veterinary examinations.

Objective: To evaluate the influence of owner presence on behavioral and physiologic indicators of fear in dogs during routine physical examinations.

Animals: 32 client-owned dogs.

Procedures: Dogs underwent a standardized, video-recorded examination consisting of 6 phases (examination of the head, lymph node palpation, body palpation, axillary temperature measurement, heart rate assessment, and respiratory rate assessment) with or without their owner present in a randomized, controlled study.

Uncontrolled Outdoor Access for Cats: An Assessment of Risks and Benefits.

Uncontrolled outdoor access is associated with a number of welfare concerns for companion cats, including increased risks of disease and parasites, injury or death due to traffic, predation or ingestion of toxic substances, and getting permanently separated from their owner. In addition, cats pose a threat to local wildlife due to predatory behaviors, and can sometimes be a nuisance to human neighbors. Despite these concerns, recent estimates suggest that many owners are still providing their cats with uncontrolled outdoor access, likely because it also offers welfare benefits by allowing cats to perform natural behaviors, such as hunting, exploring, and climbing.

Effect of a Standardized Four-Week Desensitization and Counter-Conditioning Training Program on Pre-Existing Veterinary Fear in Companion Dogs.

Many dogs show signs of fear during veterinary appointments. It is widely recommended to use desensitization and counter-conditioning training to reduce this fear. However, the efficacy of this method for reducing veterinary fear has not been examined.

On the road to well-being: the development of a communication framework for sexual health.

Objectives: Recognizing the need to work with all partners who have an interest in addressing sexual health issues, we explored values held by diverse stakeholders in the United States. Based on these findings, we developed a framework for use in communicating about sexual health issues and potential solutions.

Methods: Our methods included an environmental scan, small-group metaphor elicitation and message framing assessments, interviews, and online surveys with diverse members of the public and health professionals.

Tactile and pain thresholds in patients with myofascial pain of the jaw muscles: a case-control study.

Aims: To compare the tactile detection threshold, the filament-prick pain detection threshold, the pressure pain threshold, and the pressure pain tolerance detection threshold at multiple measuring points in the orofacial region and at the thenar muscle of symptom-free subjects and patients with myofascial pain of the masticatory muscles.

Methods: Twenty patients (age range: 25 to 55 years) and 20 healthy subjects (age range: 25 to 55 years) were recruited. The tactile detection threshold and the filament prick-pain detection threshold were measured at the cheek skin overlying the central part of the left and right masseter muscles, at the right thenar muscle and at the tip of the tongue, using Semmes-Weinstein monofilaments.

Percutaneous radiofrequency thermal ablation for hepatocellular carcinoma.

Background: Radiofrequency thermal ablation is the first therapeutic option in percutaneous treatment of hepatocellular carcinoma but data on its long-term efficacy and safety are not conclusive.

Aim: This study reports a prospective survey on radiofrequency thermal ablation in north-east Italy.

Methods: Data were collected on 401 patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (males 301, mean age: 68 years) treated by radiofrequency thermal ablation in 13 centres.

Development of brush border peptidases in human and rat small intestine during fetal and neonatal life.

The cytosol peptidase activities hydrolyzing glycl-L-leucine and L-leucyl-glycine as well as the activities of the brush border peptidases (oligoaminopeptidase, aminopeptidase A, gamma-glutamyl-transpeptidase, dipeptidyl-aminopeptidase IV, and carboxypeptidase) are present in rat fetuses during the early differentiation of the intestine (17th to 19th days of fetal life); they increase then at a different rate, reaching a maximum at various times, in the second and third wk after birth, and then decrease to the adult values during the first month of postnatal life. Only the oligoaminopeptidase activity increases steadily after birth, reaching maximal activity in the last decade of the first month. In human fetuses aged between 8 and 22 wk, the gamma-glutamyltranspeptidase was the only brush border peptidase found to be higher than in adults and children.