bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Megninia ginglymura feather mite infestation in a Hamburg poultry flock in the United Kingdom
Authors: Van Poucke Stefaan , Creighton Robin , Baker Anne S. 
Published: February 2016

BackgroundA flock of rare breed poultry was heavily infested with small white mites. Although apparently not harming the birds, the mites were identified in order to access data on veterinary/medical significance and to decide upon appropriate treatment.ObjectivesTo determine the identity of the mites, assess their potential impact on the host birds and to apply a chemical treatment regime.AnimalsTwelve, 5‐month‐old Hamburg large fowl kept on a UK farm owned by the second author. They were housed together on shavings in an indoor pen with a grass outdoor run. All were hatched on the farm and never left it.MethodsMites were identified using taxonomic identification keys and morphological descriptions. Nine birds were treated topically with 0.25% fipronil at 8 mL/kg on one occasion, while three birds were separated and left untreated as a control.ResultsThe infesting species was the feather mite Megninia ginglymura. Treated birds were mite‐free after three weeks, whereas untreated ones were still heavily infested.Conclusions and clinical importanceThis is the first published report of such a heavy infestation of M. ginglymura in poultry in the UK and the first time topical fipronil has been used to eradicate these mites. The case is highlighted because, although asymptomatic in this instance, such infestations may be injurious to birds in different rearing regimes.
First update of the International Xenotransplantation Association consensus statement on conditions for undertaking clinical trials of porcine islet products in type 1 diabetes—Chapter 6: patient selection for pilot clinical trials of islet xenotransplantation
Authors: Hering Bernhard J. , O'Connell Philip J. 
Published: February 2016

AbstractPatients in whom type 1 diabetes is complicated by impaired awareness of hypoglycemia and recurrent episodes of severe hypoglycemia are candidates for islet or pancreas transplantation if severe hypoglycemia persists after completion of a structured stepped care approach or a formalized medical optimization run‐in period that provides access to hypoglycemia‐specific education including behavioral therapies, insulin analogs, and diabetes technologies under the close supervision of a specialist hypoglycemia service. Patients with type 1 diabetes and end‐stage renal failure who cannot meet clinically appropriate glycemic goals or continue to experience severe hypoglycemia after completion of a formalized medical optimization program under the guidance of an expert diabetes care team are candidates for islet or pancreas transplantation either simultaneously with or after a previous kidney transplant. Similarly, patients with type 2 diabetes and problematic hypoglycemia or renal failure who meet these criteria are considered candidates for islet replacement. Likewise, patients with pancreatectomy‐induced diabetes in whom an islet autograft was not available or deemed inappropriate are candidates for islet or pancreas transplantation if extreme glycemic lability persists despite best medical therapy. To justify participation of these transplant candidates in early‐phase trials of porcine islet cell products, lack of timely access to islet or pancreas allotransplantation due to allosensitization, high islet dose requirements, or other factors, or alternatively, a more favorable benefit–risk determination associated with the xenoislet than the alloislet or allopancreas transplant must be demonstrated. Additionally, in non‐uremic xenoislet recipients, the risks associated with diabetes must be perceived to be more serious than the risks associated with the xenoislet product and the rejection prophylaxis, and in xenoislet recipients with renal failure, the xenoislet product and immunosuppression must not impact negatively on renal transplant outcomes. The most appropriate patient group for islet xenotransplantation trials will be defined by the specific characteristics of each investigational xenoislet product and related technologies applied for preventing rejection. Selecting recipients who are more likely to experience prolonged benefits associated with the islet xenograft will help these patients comply with lifelong monitoring and other public health measures.
Time‐invariant feed‐forward inhibition of Purkinje cells in the cerebellar cortex in vivo
Authors: Blot Antonin , de Solages Camille , Ostojic Srdjan , Szapiro German , Hakim Vincent , Léna Clément 
Published: February 2016

Key points
We performed extracellular recording of pairs of interneuron–Purkinje cells in vivo.
A single interneuron produces a substantial, short‐lasting, inhibition of Purkinje cells.
Feed‐forward inhibition is associated with characteristic asymmetric cross‐correlograms.
In vivo, Purkinje cell spikes only depend on the most recent synaptic activity.
AbstractCerebellar molecular layer interneurons are considered to control the firing rate and spike timing of Purkinje cells. However, interactions between these cell types are largely unexplored in vivo. Using tetrodes, we performed simultaneous extracellular recordings of neighbouring Purkinje cells and molecular layer interneurons, presumably basket cells, in adult rats in vivo. The high levels of afferent synaptic activity encountered in vivo yield irregular spiking and reveal discharge patterns characteristic of feed‐forward inhibition, thus suggesting an overlap of the afferent excitatory inputs between Purkinje cells and basket cells. Under conditions of intense background synaptic inputs, interneuron spikes exert a short‐lasting inhibitory effect, delaying the following Purkinje cell spike by an amount remarkably independent of the Purkinje cell firing cycle. This effect can be explained by the short memory time of the Purkinje cell potential as a result of the intense incoming synaptic activity. Finally, we found little evidence for any involvement of the interneurons that we recorded with the cerebellar high‐frequency oscillations promoting Purkinje cell synchrony. The rapid interactions between interneurons and Purkinje cells might be of particular importance in fine motor control because the inhibitory action of interneurons on Purkinje cells leads to deep cerebellar nuclear disinhibition and hence increased cerebellar output.
Cyclic nucleotide regulation of cardiac sympatho‐vagal responsiveness
Authors: Li Dan , Paterson David J. 
Published: February 2016

AbstractCyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP) and cyclic guanosine monophosphate (cGMP) are now recognized as important intracellular signalling molecules that modulate cardiac sympatho‐vagal balance in the progression of heart disease. Recent studies have identified that a significant component of autonomic dysfunction associated with several cardiovascular pathologies resides at the end organ, and is coupled to impairment of cyclic nucleotide targeted pathways linked to abnormal intracellular calcium handling and cardiac neurotransmission. Emerging evidence also suggests that cyclic nucleotide coupled phosphodiesterases (PDEs) play a key role limiting the hydrolysis of cAMP and cGMP in disease, and as a consequence this influences the action of the nucleotide on its downstream biological target. In this review, we illustrate the action of nitric oxide–CAPON signalling and brain natriuretic peptide on cGMP and cAMP regulation of cardiac sympatho‐vagal transmission in hypertension and ischaemic heart disease. Moreover, we address how PDE2A is now emerging as a major target that affects the efficacy of soluble/particulate guanylate cyclase coupling to cGMP in cardiac dysautonomia.
image
Brief Heat Training: No Improvement of the Lactate Threshold in Mild Conditions
Authors: Chalmers Samuel , Esterman Adrian , Eston Roger , Norton Kevin 
Published: February 2016

Purpose:Athletes often seek the minimum required time that might elicit a physiological or performance change. It is reasonable to suggest that heat training may improve aerobic-based performance in mild conditions. Therefore, rather than providing a traditional heat-exposure stimulus (ie, 7–10 × 60–100 min sessions), the current article details 2 studies that aimed to determine the effect of brief (≤240 min exposure) heat training on the second lactate threshold (LT2) in mild conditions.
Methods:Forty-one participants completed 5 (study 1, n = 18) or 4 (study 2, n = 23) perceptually regulated treadmill exercise training sessions in 35°C and 30% relative humidity (RH) (experimental group) or 19°C and 30% RH (control group). Preincremental and postincremental exercise testing occurred in mild conditions (19°C and 30% RH). Linear mixed-effects models analyzed the change in LT2.
ResultsHeat training did not substantially change LT2 in either study 1 (+1.2%, d = 0.38, P = .248) or study 2 (+1.9%, d = 0.42, P = .163). LT2 was not substantially changed in the control group in study 1 (+1.3%, d = 0.43, P = .193), but a within-group change was evident in study 2 (+2.3%, d = 1.04, P = .001).
Conclusions:Brief heat training was inadequate to improve the speed at LT2 in mild conditions more than comparable training in mild conditions. The brief nature of the heattraining protocol did not allow adaptations to develop to the extent required to potentially confer a performance advantage in an environment that is less thermally stressful than the training conditions.
Comparison of Hip- and Back-Muscle Activity and Pelvic Compensation in Healthy Subjects During 3 Different Prone Table Hip-Extension Exercises
Authors: Jeon In-cheol , Kwon Oh-yun , Weon Jong-hyuck , Hwang Ui-jae , Jung Sung-hoon 
Published: February 2016

Context:Prone hip extension has been recommended for strengthening the back and hip muscles. Previous studies have investigated prone hip extension conducted with subjects on the floor in the prone position. However, no study has compared 3 different table hip-extension (THE) positions in terms of the activities of the back- and hip-joint muscles with lumbopelvic motion.Objective:To identify more effective exercises for strengthening the gluteus maximus (GM) by comparing 3 different exercises (THE alone, THE with the abdominal drawing-in maneuver [THEA], and THEA with chair support under the knee [THEAC]) based on electromyographic muscle activity and pelvic compensation.Design:Repeated-measure within-subject intervention.Setting:University research laboratory.Participants:16 healthy men.Main Outcome Measures:Surface electromyography (EMG) was used to obtain data on the GM, erector spinae (ES), multifidus, biceps femoris (BF), and semitendinosus (ST). Pelvic compensation was monitored using an electromagnetic motion-tracking device. Exertion during each exercise was recorded. Any significant difference in electromyographic muscle activity and pelvic motion among the 3 conditions (THE vs THEA vs THEAC) was assessed using a 1-way repeated-measures analysis of variance (ANOVA) with Bonferroni post hoc test.Results:The muscle activities recorded by EMG differed significantly among the 3 exercises (P < .01). GM activity was increased significantly during THEAC (P < .01). There was a significant difference in lumbopelvic kinematics in terms of anterior tilting (F = 19.49, P < .01) and rotation (F= 27.38, P < .01) among the 3 exercises.Conclusions:The THEAC exercise was the most effective for strengthening the GM without overactivity of the ES, BF, and ST muscles and lumbopelvic compensation compared with THE and THEA.
Role of the Medial Preoptic Area in Electroacupuncture Treatment of Reproductive Dysfunction in Ovariectomised Rats
Authors: Ma Shulan , Li Dongju , Jiang Jianwei , Shen Bo 
Published: February 2016

Objective To investigate the role of the medial preoptic area (MPOA) of the hypothalamus in electroacupuncture (EA) treatment of reproductive dysfunction in ovariectomised (OVX) rats and to examine the underlying mechanisms of action. Methods 62 female Sprague-Dawley rats (200–220 g) underwent bilateral ovariectomy (OVX). Three weeks later, 32 rats assigned to experiment 1 were randomly divided into four groups: two groups underwent MPOA lesioning (n=16) followed by EA at CV4, CV3, SP6 and bilateral Zigong (30 min per day) for 3 days (OVX+MPOA+EA group, n=8) or no treatment (OVX+MPOA group, n=8); and two groups underwent sham (S) surgery (n=16) followed by EA (OVX+SMPOA+EA group, n=8) or no treatment (OVX+SMPOA group, n=8). Plasma oestradiol and luteinising hormone (LH) were measured by radioimmunoassay and mature vaginal epithelial cells stained and quantified post-treatment. 30 rats assigned to experiment 2 were randomised to receive EA (OVX+EA group, n=15) or remain untreated (OVX group, n=15), following which push-pull perfusion in combination with high pressure liquid chromatography/electrochemical (HPLC-EC) detection was used to measure neurotransmitter release in the MPOA. Results EA significantly increased the percentage of mature vaginal epithelial cells and plasma oestradiol levels in sham MPOA-lesioned rats compared with MPOA-lesioned OVX rats (p<0.05). In sham MPOA-lesioned OVX rats, EA significantly decreased plasma LH levels compared with no treatment (p<0.01). HPLC-EC results showed that γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA) and β-endorphin levels in the MPAO were significantly increased in OVX rats following EA (p<0.01). Conclusions The present study suggests that the MPOA plays a crucial role in EA treatment of abnormal reproductive function in OVX rats.
Quality of care in university hospitals in Saudi Arabia: a systematic review
Authors: Aljuaid Mohammed , Mannan Fahmida , Chaudhry Zain , Rawaf Salman , Majeed Azeem 
Published: February 2016

ObjectivesTo identify the key issues, problems, barriers and challenges particularly in relation to the quality of care in university hospitals in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA), and to provide recommendations for improvement.MethodsA systematic search was carried out using five electronic databases, for articles published between January 2004 and January 2015. We included studies conducted in university hospitals in KSA that focused on the quality of healthcare. Three independent reviewers verified that the studies met the inclusion criteria, assessed the quality of the studies and extracted their relevant characteristics. All studies were assessed using the Institute of Medicine indicators of quality of care.ResultsOf the 1430 references identified in the initial search, eight studies were identified that met the inclusion criteria. The included studies clearly highlight a need to improve the quality of healthcare delivery, specifically in areas of patient safety, clinical effectiveness and patient-centredness, at university hospitals in KSA. Problems with quality of care could be due to failures of leadership, a requirement for better management and a need to establish a culture of safety alongside leadership reform in university hospitals. Lack of instructions given to patients and language communication were key factors impeding optimum delivery of patient-centred care. Decision-makers in KSA university hospitals should consider programmes and assessment tools to reveal problems and issues related to language as a barrier to quality of care.ConclusionsThis review exemplifies the need for further improvement in the quality of healthcare in university hospitals in KSA. Many of the problems identified in this review could be addressed by establishing an independent body in KSA, which could monitor healthcare services and push for improvements in efficiency and quality of care.
Change to costs and lengths of stay in the emergency department and the Brisbane protocol: an observational study
Authors: Cheng Qinglu , Greenslade Jaimi H , Parsonage William A , Barnett Adrian G , Merollini Katharina , Graves Nicholas , Peacock W Frank , Cullen Louise 
Published: February 2016

ObjectiveTo compare health service cost and length of stay between a traditional and an accelerated diagnostic approach to assess acute coronary syndromes (ACS) among patients who presented to the emergency department (ED) of a large tertiary hospital in Australia.Design, setting and participantsThis historically controlled study analysed data collected from two independent patient cohorts presenting to the ED with potential ACS. The first cohort of 938 patients was recruited in 2008–2010, and these patients were assessed using the traditional diagnostic approach detailed in the national guideline. The second cohort of 921 patients was recruited in 2011–2013 and was assessed with the accelerated diagnostic approach named the Brisbane protocol. The Brisbane protocol applied early serial troponin testing for patients at 0 and 2 h after presentation to ED, in comparison with 0 and 6 h testing in traditional assessment process. The Brisbane protocol also defined a low-risk group of patients in whom no objective testing was performed. A decision tree model was used to compare the expected cost and length of stay in hospital between two approaches. Probabilistic sensitivity analysis was used to account for model uncertainty.ResultsCompared with the traditional diagnostic approach, the Brisbane protocol was associated with reduced expected cost of $1229 (95% CI −$1266 to $5122) and reduced expected length of stay of 26 h (95% CI −14 to 136 h). The Brisbane protocol allowed physicians to discharge a higher proportion of low-risk and intermediate-risk patients from ED within 4 h (72% vs 51%). Results from sensitivity analysis suggested the Brisbane protocol had a high chance of being cost-saving and time-saving.ConclusionsThis study provides some evidence of cost savings from a decision to adopt the Brisbane protocol. Benefits would arise for the hospital and for patients and their families.
Rationale and design of the African group A streptococcal infection registry: the AFROStrepstudy
Authors: Barth Dylan D , Engel Mark E , Whitelaw Andrew , Alemseged Abdissa , Sadoh Wilson E , Ali Sulafa K M , Sow Samba O , Dale James , Mayosi Bongani M 
Published: February 2016

IntroductionGroup A β-haemolyticStreptococcus(GAS), a Gram-positive bacterium, also known asStreptococcus pyogenes, causes pyoderma, pharyngitis and invasive disease. Repeated GAS infections may lead to autoimmune diseases such as acute post-streptococcal glomerulonephritis, acute rheumatic fever (ARF) and rheumatic heart disease (RHD). Invasive GAS (iGAS) disease is an important cause of mortality and morbidity worldwide. The burden of GAS infections is, however, unknown in Africa because of lack of surveillance systems.Methods and analysisThe African group A streptococcal infection registry (the AFROStrepstudy) is a collaborative multicentre study of clinical, microbiological, epidemiological and molecular characteristics for GAS infection in Africa. The AFROStrepregistry comprises two components: (1) active surveillance of GAS pharyngitis cases from sentinel primary care centres (non-iGAS) and (2) passive surveillance of iGAS disease from microbiology laboratories. Isolates will also be subjected to DNA isolation to allow for characterisation by molecular methods and cryopreservation for long-term storage. The AFROStrepstudy seeks to collect comprehensive data on GAS isolates in Africa. The biorepository will serve as a platform for vaccine development in Africa.Ethics and disseminationEthics approval for the AFROStrepregistry has been obtained from the Human Research Ethics Committee at the University of Cape Town (HREC/REF: R006/2015). Each recruiting site will seek ethics approval from their local ethics’ committee. All participants will be required to provide consent for inclusion into the registry as well as for the storage of isolates and molecular investigations to be conducted thereon. Strict confidentiality will be applied throughout. Findings and updates will be disseminated to collaborators, researchers, health planners and colleagues through peer-reviewed journal articles, conference publications and proceedings.
Association between traffic-related air pollution and asthma in preschool children in a national Japanese nested case–control study
Authors: Hasunuma Hideki , Sato Tosiya , Iwata Tsutomu , Kohno Yoichi , Nitta Hiroshi , Odajima Hiroshi , Ohara Toshimasa , Omori Takashi , Ono Masaji , Yamazaki Shin , Shima Masayuki 
Published: February 2016

ObjectivesThere has been little study on the effect of traffic-related air pollution on the incidence and persistence of asthma in preschool children. We evaluated the association of exposure to traffic-related air pollution with the incidence/persistence of asthma during the first 3 years of life using a population-based study.MethodsA baseline survey was conducted in 1½-year-old children (n=63 266). A follow-up survey at 3 years of age (n=43 343) identified new-onset asthma cases (n=853) and persistence of asthma (n=214). In the prevalence/persistence study, the outdoor concentrations of nitrogen oxides (NOx) and elemental carbon (EC) at home during the first 1½ years of life were estimated by a dispersion model. In the nested case–control study, which regarded incidence of asthma as cases, the personal exposure levels were estimated by dispersion model including time-activity pattern.ResultsThere was no statistically significant association between the incidence of asthma between age 1½ and 3 years and personal exposure levels to NOx nor EC. However, the persistence of asthmatic symptoms (between 1½ and 3 years) was significantly associated with outdoor concentrations of NOx. ORs for the persistence of asthmatic symptoms were 6.02 (95% CI 1.51 to 23.92) for the comparison between the upper 5th and lower 25th centiles of NOx.ConclusionsWhile no statistically significant association was observed for the incidence of asthma, the persistence of asthmatic symptoms in preschool children was significantly associated with traffic-related air pollution. This supports its importance as a risk factor in childhood airway disease.
Results and lessons from the Spironolactone To Prevent Cardiovascular Events in Early Stage Chronic Kidney Disease (STOP-CKD) randomised controlled trial
Authors: Ng Khai P , Jain Poorva , Gill Paramjit S , Heer Gurdip , Townend Jonathan N , Freemantle Nick , Greenfield Sheila , McManus Richard J , Ferro Charles J 
Published: February 2016

ObjectivesTo determine whether low-dose spironolactone can safely lower arterial stiffness in patients with chronic kidney disease stage 3 in the primary care setting.DesignA multicentre, prospective, randomised, placebo-controlled, double-blinded study.Setting11 primary care centres in South Birmingham, England.ParticipantsAdult patients with stage 3 chronic kidney disease. Main exclusion criteria were diagnosis of diabetes mellitus, chronic heart failure, atrial fibrillation, severe hypertension, systolic blood pressure <120 mm Hg or baseline serum potassium ≥5 mmol/L.InterventionEligible participants were randomised to receive either spironolactone 25 mg once daily, or matching placebo for an intended period of 40 weeks.Outcome measuresThe primary end point was the change in arterial stiffness as measured by pulse wave velocity. Secondary outcome measures included the rate of hyperkalaemia, deterioration of renal function, barriers to participation and expected recruitment rates to a potential future hard end point study.ResultsFrom the 11 practices serving a population of 112 462, there were 1598 (1.4%) patients identified as being eligible and were invited to participate. Of these, 134 (8.4%) attended the screening visit of which only 16 (1.0%) were eligible for randomisation. The main reasons for exclusion were low systolic blood pressure (<120 mm Hg: 40 patients) and high estimated glomerular filtration rate (≥60 mL/min/1.73 m2: 38 patients). The trial was considered unfeasible and was terminated early.ConclusionsWe highlight some of the challenges in undertaking research in primary care including patient participation in trials. This study not only challenged our preconceptions, but also provided important learning for future research in this large and important group of patients.Trial registration numberISRCTN80658312.