SLOctolyzer: Fully Automatic Analysis Toolkit for Segmentation and Feature Extracting in Scanning Laser Ophthalmoscopy Images.

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to introduce SLOctolyzer: an open-source analysis toolkit for en face retinal vessels in infrared reflectance scanning laser ophthalmoscopy (SLO) images.

Methods: SLOctolyzer includes two main modules: segmentation and measurement. The segmentation module uses deep learning methods to delineate retinal anatomy, and detects the fovea and optic disc, whereas the measurement module quantifies the complexity, density, tortuosity, and caliber of the segmented retinal vessels.

Analysis of the Retinal and Choroidal Vasculature Using Ultrawidefield Fundus Imaging in Mild Cognitive Impairment and Normal Cognition.

Purpose: To utilize ultrawidefield (UWF) imaging to evaluate retinal and choroidal vasculature and structure in individuals with mild cognitive impairment (MCI) compared with that of controls with normal cognition.

Design: Prospective cross sectional study.

Participants: One hundred thirty-one eyes of 82 MCI patients and 230 eyes of 133 cognitively normal participants from the Eye Multimodal Imaging in Neurodegenerative Disease Study.

Feline non-erosive immune-mediated polyarthritis: a multicentre, retrospective study of 20 cases (2009-2020).

Case Series Summary: Cats with non-erosive immune-mediated polyarthritis (IMPA) were identified from seven referral hospitals between 2009 and 2020 for a multicentre retrospective case series. Data were obtained from hospital records and referring veterinarians were contacted for follow-up. Twenty cases were identified: 12 castrated males (60%), one entire male (5%) and seven spayed females (35%).

Randomised controlled trial of fractionated and unfractionated prednisolone regimens for dogs with immune-mediated haemolytic anaemia.

Methods: A randomised non-blinded non-inferiority trial was conducted to determine whether treatment with an unfractionated regimen of oral prednisolone was inferior to a fractionated regimen for dogs with primary immune-mediated haemolytic anaemia. Dogs received the same total daily dose of prednisolone as unfractionated (group 1, starting at 4 mg/kg orally once daily) or fractionated (group 2, starting at 2 mg/kg orally twice daily) doses. Questionnaires were administered to owners to assess adverse effects and quality of life (QoL).

The cost-effectiveness of the Manchester 'lung health checks', a community-based lung cancer low-dose CT screening pilot.

Background: Previous evaluations of low-dose CT (LDCT) lung cancer screening programmes have taken very different approaches in the design of the informative trials and the methods applied to determine cost-effectiveness. Therefore, it has not been possible to determine if differences in cost-effectiveness are due to different screening approaches or the evaluation methodology. This study reports the findings of an evaluation of the first round of a community-based, LDCT screening pilot Manchester, applying previously published methodology to ensure consistency.

Second round results from the Manchester 'Lung Health Check' community-based targeted lung cancer screening pilot.

We report results from the second annual screening round (T1) of Manchester's 'Lung Health Check' pilot of community-based lung cancer screening in deprived areas (undertaken June to August 2017). Screening adherence was 90% (n=1194/1323): 92% of CT scans were classified negative, 6% indeterminate and 2.5% positive; there were no interval cancers.

Gastroprotectants in small animal veterinary practice - a review of the evidence. Part 1: cyto-protective drugs.

Diverse drugs with presumed cytoprotective effect have been used therapeutically in small animal veterinary practice for various gastro-intestinal conditions such as oesophagitis, gastric ulceration, gastritis or chronic gastro-enteropathies. Their efficacy has been doubted in human medicine, raising similar questions in the veterinary field. The aim of this review was to assess the current evidence on the efficacy and safety of these drugs in dogs and cats.

Implementing lung cancer screening: baseline results from a community-based 'Lung Health Check' pilot in deprived areas of Manchester.

We report baseline results of a community-based, targeted, low-dose CT (LDCT) lung cancer screening pilot in deprived areas of Manchester. Ever smokers, aged 55-74 years, were invited to 'lung health checks' (LHCs) next to local shopping centres, with immediate access to LDCT for those at high risk (6-year risk ≥1.51%, PLCO calculator).

Effect of second timed appointments for non-attenders of breast cancer screening in England: a randomised controlled trial.

Background: In England, participation in breast cancer screening has been decreasing in the past 10 years, approaching the national minimum standard of 70%. Interventions aimed at improving participation need to be investigated and put into practice to stop this downward trend. We assessed the effect on participation of sending invitations for breast screening with a timed appointment to women who did not attend their first offered appointment within the NHS Breast Screening Programme (NHSBSP).

A randomised trial of the effect of postal reminders on attendance for breast screening.

Background: Some women make an informed choice not to attend breast screening, whereas others may have forgotten about the appointment. We report on a randomised trial that investigates whether a reminder letter affects attendance.

Methods: Women scheduled for a breast screening appointment were randomised to either receive a reminder letter a few days before their breast screening appointment in addition to the standard invitation letter (intervention) or not (control).

Analysis of DLA-DQB1 and polymorphisms in CTLA4 in Cocker spaniels affected with immune-mediated haemolytic anaemia.

Background: Cocker spaniels are predisposed to immune-mediated haemolytic anaemia (IMHA), suggesting that genetic factors influence disease susceptibility. Dog leukocyte antigen (DLA) class II genes encode major histocompatibility complex (MHC) molecules that are involved in antigen presentation to CD4(+) T cells. Several DLA haplotypes have been associated with autoimmune disease, including IMHA, in dogs, and breed specific differences have been identified.

The appraisal of public health interventions: the use of theory.

Background: Public health decision-making is hampered by inappropriate adherence to underpowered randomized controlled trials (RCTs) which give inconclusive results and lead to decision-makers being loath to recommend interventions with strong theoretical and observational support.

Methods: We outline situations in which robust decisions about health interventions can be made without trial evidence. We present a new approach in which theory, causal models and past observations are given proper regard in the decision-making process.

The appraisal of public health interventions: an overview.

Background: The approach currently used to appraise public health interventions is close to that of health technology appraisal for drugs. This approach is not appropriate for many public health interventions, however, when extremely small individual level benefits are delivered to extremely large populations. In many such situations, randomized controlled trials with sufficient size and power to determine individual level effects are impractical.

A conceptual framework for public health: NICE's emerging approach.

This paper outlines the National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence's (NICE) emerging conceptual framework for public health. This is based on the experience of the first 3 years of producing public health guidance at NICE (2005-2008). The framework has been used to shape the revisions to NICE's public health process and methods manuals for use post 2009, and will inform the public health guidance which NICE will produce from April 2009.

The introduction of the new dental contract in England - a baseline qualitative assessment.

Objective: To record immediately prior to its inception the views of key stakeholders about the new dental contract introduced in April 2006.

Method: Nineteen participants (11 dental practice principals and eight primary care trust dental leads) were interviewed using a semi structured approach to find out their views and opinions about dental practice, the reasons for introducing the new dental contract, its implementation and content of the new dental contract. An analysis based upon the constant comparative method was used to identify the common themes about these topics.

A qualitative investigation of the influence of time since graduation on English dentists' approach to the care of young children.

Background: In the UK, general dental practitioners (GDPs) provide the majority of dental care to young children. The approach to undergraduate teaching of paediatric dentistry varies across UK dental schools. There is no understanding of how undergraduate teaching influences practice in the first few years after qualification and how this influence behaves over time as dentists mature as clinicians.

General dental practitioner's views on dental general anaesthesia services.

Objective: Policy has recently changed on provision of dental general anaesthetic services in England. The aim of this study was to investigate general dental practitioners' views about dental general anaesthetics, the reduction in its availability and the impact on care of children with toothache.

Research Design: Qualitative study using semi-structured interviews and clinical case scenarios.

Approaches taken to the treatment of young children with carious primary teeth: a national cross-sectional survey of general dental practitioners and paediatric specialists in England.

Aim: To measure the distribution of choices for the treatment of a child with differing severities of caries in a primary molar tooth among specialists in paediatric dentistry and general dental practitioners (GDPs) in England.

Method: Two surveys were undertaken using the same tool. The populations invited to take part in the study were confined to dentists practising in England in 2004.

Exploring factors that influence general dental practitioners when providing advice to help prevent caries in children.

Objective: To increase understanding about how and to whom general dental practitioners provide preventive advice to reduce caries in young children.

Design: Qualitative study using semi-structured interviews.

Setting: The North West of England.

Exploring the content of the advice provided by general dental practitioners to help prevent caries in young children.

Objectives: To increase understanding about the content of preventive advice and care offered by general dental practitioners to young children.

Design: Qualitative study using semi-structured interviews. Setting The North West of England.

A survey of school dental screening practise in community dental services of England and Wales in 2003.

Objective: To describe the school dental screening process in Community Dental Services across England and Wales.

Basic Research Design: Cross-sectional study using a postal questionnaire.

Clinical Setting: Community Dental Services.

The effectiveness of school dental screening: a cluster-randomized control trial.

Dental screening of children in schools is undertaken in many countries. There is no evidence that this activity is effective. The objective of our study was to determine if school dental screening of children reduces untreated disease or improves attendance at the population level.

The effectiveness of school dental screening: dental attendance and treatment of those screened positive.

Objective: To determine dental attendance and treatment outcomes following two models of dental screening.

Design: An observational prospective cohort study.

Setting: Infant, primary and junior schools in the North West of England.