The Effects of Probiotic and Eimeria on Gut Morphology and Humoral Immunity in Broilers

Coccidiosis has a negative economic impact on the commercial poultry industry, and probiotics are beneficial bacteria that aid in maintaining healthy gut microflora. We hypothesized that probiotic administration would positively affect gut morphology and increase IgG secretion during an Eimeria challenge, which was evaluated by measuring total chicken IgG and gut morphology (villus height, villus width, villus surface area, crypt depth, villus height to crypt depth ratio and lamina propria thickness). On day-of-hatch, broilers were placed into floor pens with 50 percent pine shavings and 50 percent used litter. The broilers were exposed to Eimeria oocysts via the feed on day 14 and challenged on day 36. On days 6, 22, 36, and 43, tissue samples from the intestine were collected for morphological evaluation, and blood samples were taken to quantify chicken IgG from serum. Data were measured using a factorial ANOVA and main effect means were deemed significant at P ≤ 0.05. In cases where significant interactions were observed, data was subjected to a one-way ANOVA. All means were separated using a Duncan’s Multiple Range Test. On day 6 in the duodenum, a significant interaction was observed regarding vaccination and probiotic administration (Coccivac®-B, Intervet/Schlering-Plough Animal Health/Merck and Co., Inc., Whitehouse Station, NJ). Villus height to crypt depth ratio decreased in ionophore treated birds compared to control birds in the duodenum and lower ileum on day 6, 36, and 43. Villus crypt depth in vaccinated birds decreased in the duodenum after the challenge. On day 43, the ionophore treated birds had less villus height and surface area compared to control and vaccinated birds, while lamina propria thickness increased in the duodenum, and non probiotic birds had longer villi than probiotic birds. On day 22, vaccinated birds had significantly increased chicken IgG levels compared to the control and ionophore birds, and the non probiotic birds had significantly increased IgG secretion compared to probiotic fed birds. On day 36, the ionophore birds had significantly increased levels of IgG compared to the control birds, which could also support that the ionophore delayed exposure to the parasite. These results suggest that gut morphology and humoral immunity are affected by probiotic administration, coccidiosis vaccination, ionophore application and Eimeria challenge. Both the day 43 morphology results and day 36 chicken IgG results for the ionophore treated birds demonstrates that ionophore administration delays exposure of the avian gut to invasive coccidia. More research is necessary to evaluate how probiotics influence coccidiosis vaccination and humoral immunity, so that probiotics may be used to improve the effectiveness of coccidiosis vaccination and to evaluate if probiotics aid in ameliorating the effects of an Eimeria infection

Pedal Power Pilot Study: Work in Progress - Preliminary Findings - Does participation in adapted dynamic cycling affect lower limb muscle function, activity levels and quality of life for children with Cerebral Palsy?

Pedal Power Pilot Study: Preliminary Findings Does participation in adapted dynamic cycling affect lower limb muscle function, activity levels and quality of life for children with Cerebral Palsy? Background: Children with Cerebral Palsy (CP) have limited opportunities for physical activity and participation due to impairments with balance and coordination. Adapted Dynamic Cycling (ADC) is one such activity that offers children with CP a recreational activity. Methods: A mixed methodology was used of physical measurements and interviews. The qualitative data is reported here. Two semi structured interviews were carried out with 17 parents and children at the beginning and end of 6 ADC sessions. Data was collected by Dictaphone/Video with an appropriate adult present to assist with the variety of communication styles used by the children. A cycling diary was kept and was referred to in the second interview. This data was transcribed and verified and is currently being analysed by open coding for themes. 88 Results: The coding of themes is being triangulated with other researchers to check for accuracy. The data demonstrates some facilitators and barriers to adapted dynamic cycling. ADC enabled children with CP to play and explore beyond their previous experience. These socially constructed stories provide greater understanding of the experiences of ADC for children with CP. Discussion: Some children showed remarkable achievements in cycling skills, endurance and social development. Despite some barriers, the experience of ADC for children with CP increased their potential for participation. Wider access to ADC needs further exploration. Conclusion: The current focus of rehabilitation needs to develop to enhance the participation of children with CP in appropriate activities that promotes their health and social independence and provide them with the opportunity for outstanding personal achievements

Analysing mosaic data by a ‘Wheel of Participation’ to explore physical activities and cycling with children and youth with cerebral palsy

Children and youth with Cerebral Palsy (CP) have limited opportunities for participation. These qualitative results are part of a mixed methods study exploring the effects of participation in physical activities including adapted cycling. Objectives: The first aim was to explore physical activity participation of children and youth with CP. The second aim was to introduce information about adapted cycling and explore if they would participate in the future. Methods: Mosaic methods were adapted and this involved the use of puppetry, pictures and drawing and they also kept a written diary. Results: 18 participants were recruited aged 2–13, 11 male, 7 female resulting in 17 interviews and 15 diaries. The participants had a range of communication abilities, 10 spoke verbally, 3 were nonverbal, 2 used Makaton signing and 3 had dysarthria. The data were managed in NVIVO and analysed with coding using a template approach. The themes which emerged revealed some barriers and encouragers of physical activity participation represented by a ‘Wheel of Participation’. The interview and diary data enabled their voices to be heard as their ‘Mosaic’ was built up through this iterative analytic process. 11 of the 18 children actually tried adapted cycling following the provision of written information. Conclusion: This change behaviour was positive and further research should explore habitual participation in physical activities such as adapted cycling. By hearing their perspectives about participation in physical activities and cycling, the experiences described suggest there are now some enjoyable opportunities for participation for children and youth with CP

Adapted Dynamic Cycling for children and young people with Cerebral Palsy: a pilot study

This is an overview of the three year funded pilot study. 35 children took part, 17 in the cycling group and 18 in the non cycling group. Children kept diaries about their cycling experiences and took part in an interview. Strength changes in quadriceps and hamstrings were demonstrated in the adapted cycling group, the non cycling group got weaker. Changes between the 2 groups were not significant. The children enjoyed the cycling experinces and those who had not tried it explored this and 11 of the 18 children took part in cycling during or after the study was completed. The numbers were small and the cycling took place for a short period. Further study is needed on a larger sample size to measure if this change continues

Children with cerebral palsy’s participation in physical activities, including adapted cycling: Interview and diary data

Children and Young People (C & YP) with Cerebral Palsy (CP) have limited opportunities to participate in physical activities that have health benefits. Cycling is one activity that can be adapted but such trikes are expensive. This three year mixed methods study explored the effect of participation in adapted cycling with C & YP with CP. 35 C & YP (2-18 years) participated: a cycling group (n=17) and a non-cycling control group (n=18). The cycle group participated in 6 outdoor cycling sessions, using hired adapted trikes. Interviews were conducted with families, C & YP, and physical activity diaries were kept. The data were managed by NVivo and analysed for emergent themes. In total 43 interviews and 23 diaries were collected. Data analysis showed that many families, C & YP perceived improvements in pedalling skills, control of cycling speed and steering. Many felt this was good for their muscle strength, balance and endurance. This outdoor participatory opportunity had opened up a new community environment, which enhanced their choice of activities. The cycle hire facility made this an affordable, accessible activity. All the C & YP enjoyed their cycling experiences, expressing this in a variety of communication styles. This was represented by their diverse range of verbal and non verbal means of expression. The C & YP in the non-cycling control group reported different opportunities for participation in physical activities. These included steel drumming, ball and computer games, animal care, swimming, horse riding and trampolining. The majority of these C & YP were considering adapted cycling, two children did not like cycling. The facility to hire an adapted trike was not available in all the regions where these C & YP were recruited from. Therapists, educators and policy makers should consider providing adapted cycle hire facilities for C & YP with disabilities

Cycling participation for children and young people with cerebral palsy

Introduction: Children and Young People (C&YP) with Cerebral Palsy(CP) have limited opportunities for movement. Physiotherapists can adapt cycling and this may reduce the muscle weakness present in C&YP with CP. This mixed methods study explored cycling participation in C&YP with CP. Participants and Methods: Cardiff University School of Healthcare Studies Ethics Committee provided ethical approval. Thirty five C&YP (2–17y) participated: non-cycling control group (n=18) and cycling group (n=17). The cycle group participated in six outdoor cycling sessions, using individually adapted trikes. Families and C&YP were interviewed and cycling diaries kept and thematically analysed with NVivo. Bilateral quadriceps and hamstrings strength measures were taken before and after the intervention period for both groups using the Hand-Held Dynamometer. Results were analysed using analysis of covariance. Results: Thematic analysis revealed perceived improvements in participation, pedalling skills, cycling speed and steering. Strength analysis revealed no statistically significant difference between groups, although increased strength trends were observed for the cycling group: (Quadriceps increased by: Right: 12.14 Newton(N)± 6.5; Left:15.56_ 13.87N; Hamstrings by: Right:5.19_3.5N; Left:4.23_5.94N). Trends of decreased strength were observed in the control group. Conclusion: Adapted cycling has potential social and physical health benefits. Observed improvements in cycling skills and strength trends deserve further investigation with larger sample sizes over longer terms. C&YP without freedom to move lack access to outdoor activities. Physiotherapists can advocate cycling transition, as it reduces dependency on physiotherapy provision and is perceived to improve quality of life

‘Every picture tells a story’: Interviews with children with cerebral palsy about adapted cycling

Children with Cerebral Palsy have a variety of communication styles, verbal and non verbal, augmented by aids, signs, symbols and gestures. Twenty five children with Cerebral Palsy (2-17 years) were interviewed about their experiences of adapted cycling. The objective was to analyse their response to their experiences of adapted cycling by including the use of pictures and photographs. This method was developed from an understanding of Mosaic methods. Pictures of cycling in different environments were displayed for the child to see. The interview questions were phrased in a closed way to enable a simple yes/ no response. These could be indicated by eye pointing or hand gesture as well as their usual form of communication. Pictures of happy and sad faces were also used to ask the child to describe how cycling made them feel. Some children had photographs of themselves cycling in the diary they were keeping, which were also used. The two researchers carrying out the interviews were confident to deal with alternate forms of communication, but reflected that it was hard not to lead the interview. The interview data was transcribed then sent back to the participants and their parents for verification. The interviews were analysed using a template approach by highlighting pertinent quotes. The emerging themes related to the benefits to the children in terms of learning new skills, social participation and the impact on their wider family and friends. Adapted cycling has given them an opportunity to enjoy a physical activity that has health benefits

Pedal Power Final Report for Nancie Finnie Charitable Trust

This final report will summarise the findings of the three year funded study from the Pedal Power research team based in the School of Healthcare Studies at Cardiff University. The study was funded from May 2009 until April 2012. The objective was to explore this research question: ‘Does participation in adapted dynamic cycling affect lower limb muscle function, activity levels, and quality of life of children with Cerebral Palsy (CP)?’ We consider that adapted dynamic cycling does have an effect in a beneficial way for muscle strength and length. It increases activity levels for children and young people with CP, enabling their participation in the community. This improved their sense of ‘well being’ and contributes in a positive way to their enhanced quality of life. It will be illustrated by 2 individual anonymised cases, one case from the cycling group and one from those who had not started cycling. The dissemination achievements and future plans will be outlined and the strategy for further research in this area proposed