Validation of a semi-quantitative scoring system and workflow for analysis of fluorescence quantification in companion animals

SignificanceMany commercially available near-infrared (NIR) fluorescence imaging systems lack algorithms for real-time quantifiable fluorescence data. Creation of a workflow for clinical assessment and post hoc analysis may provide clinical researchers with a method for intraoperative fluorescence quantification to improve objective outcome measures.AimScoring systems and verified image analysis are employed to determine the amount and intensity of fluorescence within surgical specimens both intra and postoperatively.ApproachLymph nodes from canine cancer patients were obtained during lymph node extirpation following peritumoral injection of indocyanine green (ICG). First, a semi-quantitative assessment of surface fluorescence was evaluated. Images obtained with a NIR exoscope were analysed to determine fluorescence thresholds and measure fluorescence amount and intensity.ResultsPost hoc fluorescence quantification (threshold of Hue = 165–180, Intensity = 30–255) displayed strong agreement with semi-quantitative scoring (k = 0.9734, p < 0.0001). Fluorescence intensity with either threshold of 35–255 or 45–255 were significant predictors of fluorescence and had high sensitivity and specificity (p < 0.05). Fluorescence intensity and quantification had a strong association (p < 0.001).ConclusionThe validation of the semi-quantitative scoring system by image analysis provides a method for objective in situ observation of tissue fluorescence. The utilization of thresholding for ICG fluorescence intensity allows post hoc quantification of fluorescence when not built into the imaging system

Evaluating the readability of recruitment materials in veterinary clinical research

Abstract Background Owner comprehension is vital to recruitment and study success, but limited information exists regarding the readability of public‐facing veterinary clinical trial descriptions. Objectives The current study sought to evaluate the readability of public‐facing online veterinary clinical trial descriptions from academic institutions and private referral practices. Animals None. Methods This prospective study assessed readability in a convenience sample of veterinary clinical trial study descriptions using 3 common methods: the Flesch‐Kincaid Grade Level (F‐K), Flesch Reading Ease Score (FRES), and online Automatic Readability Checker (ARC). Results were compared across specialties and between academic and private institutions. Results Grade level and readability consensus scores (RCSs) were obtained for 61 online clinical trial descriptions at universities (n = 49) and private practices (n = 12). Average grade‐level RCS for study descriptions was 14.13 (range, 9‐21). Using Microsoft Word, the FRES score was higher in descriptions from universities compared to private practices (P = .03), and F‐K scores were lower in university compared to private practice descriptions (P = .03). FRES (P = .07), F‐K (P = .12), and readability consensus (P = .17) scores obtained from ARC were not different between institution types. Forty‐eight studies (79%) had RCSs over 12, equivalent to reading material at college or graduate school levels. Conclusions and Clinical Importance Similar to other areas in veterinary communication, the evaluated veterinary clinical trial descriptions used for advertising and recruitment far exceeded the recommended 6th‐grade reading level for medical information. Readability assessments are straightforward to conduct, and ensuring health literacy should be a customary best practice in veterinary medicine and clinical research

Reason for euthanasia in dogs with urothelial carcinoma treated with chemotherapy or radiation therapy or both: A retrospective observational study

Abstract Background Clients want to know the ultimate cause of death in their pet after cancer treatment. The cause of euthanasia and investigation of urinary obstruction in treated dogs with urothelial carcinoma (UC) has not been specifically reported in veterinary literature. Hypothesis/Objectives Our hypothesis was that the majority of treated dogs with UC are euthanized secondary to primary tumor factors, such as urinary obstruction. Animals Fifty‐nine client‐owned dogs diagnosed with UC. Methods Retrospective observational study on clinical signs and disease at euthanasia of dogs with UC treated by radiation therapy or chemotherapy or both. Results The median overall survival time (OST) of all dogs was 339 days (range, 17‐1996; 95% confidence interval [CI], 185‐392; interquartile range [IQR], 112‐505). Of dogs deemed to have been euthanized because of UC (50/59, 85%), the primary cause was considered to be local progression in 31/50 (62%), most often because of perceived complete or partial urinary obstruction (24/31, 77%). No variables were found to be predictive of urinary obstruction. The overall documented metastatic rate was 56%. In dogs euthanized because of UC, metastasis was deemed to be the cause in 19/50 (38%) dogs. Conclusions and Clinical Importance Regardless of the type of treatment, UC in dogs has a poor prognosis and there is a continuing need to improve treatments that focus on local control of the primary tumor, given its high contribution to the decision for euthanasia. Proactive management to avoid the high frequency of urinary obstruction may be worthy of future investigation

Table_1_Feasibility of in-home electroencephalographic and actigraphy recordings in dogs.XLSX

IntroductionIdiopathic epilepsy is a prevalent neurological disease in dogs. Dogs with epilepsy often present with behavioral comorbidities such as aggression, anxiety, and fear. These behaviors are consistent with pre, post, or interictal behaviors, prodromal changes, seizure-precipitating factors, or absence and focal seizures. The overlap in behavior presentations and lack of objective research methods for quantifying and classifying canine behavior makes determining the cause difficult. Behavioral comorbidities in addition to the task of caring for an epileptic animal have a significant negative impact on dog and caregiver quality of life.MethodsThis pilot study aimed to assess the feasibility of a novel technology combination for behavior classification and epileptic seizure detection for a minimum 24-h recording in the dog's home environment. It was expected that combining electroencephalography (EEG), actigraphy, and questionnaires would be feasible in the majority of trials. A convenience sample of 10 community-owned dogs was instrumented with wireless video-EEG and actigraphy for up to 48 h of recording at their caregiver's home. Three questionnaires (maximum 137 questions) were completed over the recording period by caregivers to describe their dog's everyday behavior and habits.ResultsSix of the 10 included dogs had combined EEG and actigraphy recordings for a minimum of 24 h.DiscussionThis shows that in-home EEG and actigraphy recordings are possible in community-owned dogs and provides a basis for a prospective study examining the same technology combination in a larger sample size.</p

Table_2_Feasibility of in-home electroencephalographic and actigraphy recordings in dogs.DOCX

IntroductionIdiopathic epilepsy is a prevalent neurological disease in dogs. Dogs with epilepsy often present with behavioral comorbidities such as aggression, anxiety, and fear. These behaviors are consistent with pre, post, or interictal behaviors, prodromal changes, seizure-precipitating factors, or absence and focal seizures. The overlap in behavior presentations and lack of objective research methods for quantifying and classifying canine behavior makes determining the cause difficult. Behavioral comorbidities in addition to the task of caring for an epileptic animal have a significant negative impact on dog and caregiver quality of life.MethodsThis pilot study aimed to assess the feasibility of a novel technology combination for behavior classification and epileptic seizure detection for a minimum 24-h recording in the dog's home environment. It was expected that combining electroencephalography (EEG), actigraphy, and questionnaires would be feasible in the majority of trials. A convenience sample of 10 community-owned dogs was instrumented with wireless video-EEG and actigraphy for up to 48 h of recording at their caregiver's home. Three questionnaires (maximum 137 questions) were completed over the recording period by caregivers to describe their dog's everyday behavior and habits.ResultsSix of the 10 included dogs had combined EEG and actigraphy recordings for a minimum of 24 h.DiscussionThis shows that in-home EEG and actigraphy recordings are possible in community-owned dogs and provides a basis for a prospective study examining the same technology combination in a larger sample size.</p

Data_Sheet_1_Feasibility of in-home electroencephalographic and actigraphy recordings in dogs.PDF

IntroductionIdiopathic epilepsy is a prevalent neurological disease in dogs. Dogs with epilepsy often present with behavioral comorbidities such as aggression, anxiety, and fear. These behaviors are consistent with pre, post, or interictal behaviors, prodromal changes, seizure-precipitating factors, or absence and focal seizures. The overlap in behavior presentations and lack of objective research methods for quantifying and classifying canine behavior makes determining the cause difficult. Behavioral comorbidities in addition to the task of caring for an epileptic animal have a significant negative impact on dog and caregiver quality of life.MethodsThis pilot study aimed to assess the feasibility of a novel technology combination for behavior classification and epileptic seizure detection for a minimum 24-h recording in the dog's home environment. It was expected that combining electroencephalography (EEG), actigraphy, and questionnaires would be feasible in the majority of trials. A convenience sample of 10 community-owned dogs was instrumented with wireless video-EEG and actigraphy for up to 48 h of recording at their caregiver's home. Three questionnaires (maximum 137 questions) were completed over the recording period by caregivers to describe their dog's everyday behavior and habits.ResultsSix of the 10 included dogs had combined EEG and actigraphy recordings for a minimum of 24 h.DiscussionThis shows that in-home EEG and actigraphy recordings are possible in community-owned dogs and provides a basis for a prospective study examining the same technology combination in a larger sample size.</p

Data_Sheet_2_Feasibility of in-home electroencephalographic and actigraphy recordings in dogs.PDF

IntroductionIdiopathic epilepsy is a prevalent neurological disease in dogs. Dogs with epilepsy often present with behavioral comorbidities such as aggression, anxiety, and fear. These behaviors are consistent with pre, post, or interictal behaviors, prodromal changes, seizure-precipitating factors, or absence and focal seizures. The overlap in behavior presentations and lack of objective research methods for quantifying and classifying canine behavior makes determining the cause difficult. Behavioral comorbidities in addition to the task of caring for an epileptic animal have a significant negative impact on dog and caregiver quality of life.MethodsThis pilot study aimed to assess the feasibility of a novel technology combination for behavior classification and epileptic seizure detection for a minimum 24-h recording in the dog's home environment. It was expected that combining electroencephalography (EEG), actigraphy, and questionnaires would be feasible in the majority of trials. A convenience sample of 10 community-owned dogs was instrumented with wireless video-EEG and actigraphy for up to 48 h of recording at their caregiver's home. Three questionnaires (maximum 137 questions) were completed over the recording period by caregivers to describe their dog's everyday behavior and habits.ResultsSix of the 10 included dogs had combined EEG and actigraphy recordings for a minimum of 24 h.DiscussionThis shows that in-home EEG and actigraphy recordings are possible in community-owned dogs and provides a basis for a prospective study examining the same technology combination in a larger sample size.</p