Cerebellar transcranial AC stimulation produces a frequency-dependent bimodal cerebellar output pattern.

Transcranial alternating current stimulation (ctACS) has the potential to be an appealing, non-invasive treatment option for psychiatric and neurological disorders. However, its potential has been limited by significant knowledge gaps in the details and mechanisms of how ctACS affects cerebellar output on single cell and population levels. We investigated this issue by making single-unit recordings of Purkinje cells (PC) and lateral cerebellar nuclear (Lat CN) cells in response to ctACS in anesthetized adult female Sprague-Dawley rats.

Optimising bronchoalveolar lavage: lessons from alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency.

Background: Bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) is essential in determining the efficacy of novel therapies in alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency (AATD). These require initial proof-of-concept demonstration that treatment administration increases alpha-1 antitrypsin (AAT) levels and/or anti-neutrophil elastase inhibitory capacity (ANEC) in the lung. Early-phase studies often encounter high interindividual variability of BAL results, primarily stemming from the inherent dilution characteristics of returned BAL fluid.

Supporting GPs and people with hypertension to maximise medication use to control blood pressure: a pilot cluster RCT of the MIAMI intervention.

Background: Hypertension, or high blood pressure, is a key modifiable risk factor for heart disease and stroke. International guidelines have highlighted 'poor adherence to treatment' and 'physician inertia' as major barriers to effective blood pressure management. The Maximising Adherence, Minimising Inertia (MIAMI) intervention, a theory-based complex intervention, supports General Practitioners (GPs) and people with hypertension in maximising medication use to manage blood pressure.

Simulated GP clinic closure: effects on patient access in the Irish Mid-West.

Introduction: Rural communities can experience more barriers to accessing health care than their urban counterparts, largely due to fewer healthcare staff and services, and geographical isolation. The purpose of this study is to examine the availability of GP practices in rural communities across the Mid-West of Ireland and the potential impact of practice closure on patient access.

Methods: GP clinic locations were identified in Ireland's Mid-West, specifically counties Limerick and Clare.

Preventing cardiovascular disease in at-risk patients: Results of a pilot behavioural health programme in general practice.

Background: The 'High-Risk Prevention Programme' (HRPP) involved a six-week health behaviour change programme based in general practices and aimed to address cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk in disadvantaged Irish communities.

Objectives: This pilot study aimed to establish the HRPP's likely effectiveness and acceptability to inform the development of a future definitive trial.

Methods: The HRPP was conducted at six general practices in disadvantaged areas in the Ireland East region.