1,720,967 research outputs found
Lysophosphatidic Acid Signalling in Diabetes Mellitus
Full text linkDriven by obesity, the incidence of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) has escalated, reaching unprecedented levels worldwide. This has led to a change in approach from treatment to prevention or delaying the onset of the disease. While current treatment
of the disease has been successful in increasing patients’ quality of life, it has substantially increased the financial burden on healthcare systems worldwide. In view of this, the NHS, in partnership with Diabetes UK and Public Health England, has
launched a diabetes prevention programme to target people at risk of the disease and provide targeted support to prevent its development. A prelude to this strategy is to identify robust risk factors that will enable the capture of people at increased risk of developing the disease. The phospholipid lysophosphatidic acid (LPA), upregulated during obesity, has been shown to be a potent regulator of glucose homeostasis and insulin secretion in animal models. This thesis is the first to assess circulating levels of LPA in human T2DM patients versus non-DM control. The thesis aims to assess the usefulness of LPA as a biomarker for T2DM screening and has three major objectives: (1) to determine plasma LPA concentration in T2DM patients compared
with non-diabetic controls and assess LPA correlation with current diagnostic markers for T2DM. (2) to determine LPA correlation with pathological markers known to lead to DM complications; (3) to develop an immunofluorescence assay to assess LPA
signalling of glucose homoeostasis using a mammalian cell line. (4) to assess LPA regulations of GLUT4, PKC and α2a adrenergic receptor (α2aAR) using the developed assay
The influence of CLA on obesity, lung function, adipokines and inflammation
Full text linkObesity is currently widespread in the world; the epidemic and pathogenesis of the disease
negatively affect several body systems including cardiovascular, endocrine and respiratory
systems. Obesity influences the respiratory functions and this effect could be challenging
for women, because the air way and lungs are smaller in women compared to men, as well
as obesity itself exerts a negative mechanical effect on the women’s airway. Since
inflammation was proposed asthe main link between obesity and lung functions, a natural
supplement like conjugated linoleic acid (CLA), which has been proposed as an antiinflammatory and anti-obesity food component, could be a potential supplement that can
improve the lung functions in obese women. Therefore, the aim of this thesis is to explore
the effect of CLA on obesity, lung function, adipokines and inflammation. Additionally, the
effect of CLA on inflammation in the current thesis was explored using novel inflammatory
markers, such as adhesion molecules (CD11b and CD62L) and heat shock proteins (HSPA1A
and HSPB1).
Investigating the evidence about the effect of CLA supplementation on obesity in women
was conducted via a systematic review with meta-analysis. The meta- analysis searched
randomised control trials (RCTs) supplemented CLA mixture in form of oral capsules for
less than 6 months. Two search strategies were applied, and eight eligible trials were
included with 330 women. CLA significantly reduced body weight (BW; 1.2±0.26 kg,
p<0.001), body mass index (BMI; 0.6 ±0.13 kg/ m², p <0.001) and total body fat (TBF; 0.76±
0.26 kg, p=0.003) when it was supplemented for short durations (6- 16 weeks). Moreover,
subgroups meta-analyses were conducted which were based on obesity level, menopausal
age and life style of the participants. This meta-analysis suggested a mild anti-obesity
effect of CLA. However, it was not clear whether the anti-obesity effect is enough to
modulate obesity-induced inflammation and lung functions. Therefore, initially a crosssectional trial was conducted to assess the direct associations between the circulating level
of CLA and obesity markers, lung functions and inflammations. To the best of Knowledge,
this was the first cross-sectional trial that explored these direct associations.
The cross-sectional trial recruited 77 women with average age 39 years old with forced
expiratory volume in one-second (FEV1) ≥70%. The level of CLA in plasma was assessed by
gas chromatography; the expression of the CD markers and HSPs were assessed using flow
cytometry; body composition was assessed using bioelectric impedance; and lung
functions were assessed using spirometer. Interestingly, the trial revealed significant
positive associations between CLA and BW (R=0.4, p<0.001), BMI (R=0.4, P<0.001) and TBF
(R=0.34, P<0.001) in the overall population, and in perimenopause women. A significant
inverse correlation between t10, c12-CLA and TBF was detected in overweight women (R=-
0.42, p<0.05). A significant positive association (R=0.45, P<0.04) was detected between
the c9, t11-CLA and percentage peak of flow predicted (PEF %) in postmenopausal women,
meanwhile t10, c12-CLA was negatively associated with peak of flow (R=-0.44, P<0.04).
CLA was inversely associated with adiponectin in both obese (R=-0.55, p<0.1) and morbidly
obese (R=0.48, P<0.004) women. C9, t11-CLA was positively associated with the expression
of HSPA1A inside the lymphocytes in postmenopausal women (R=0.58, p=0.04). HSPB1
expression in the monocytes were associated with both c9, t11-CLA (R=0.58, p<0.05) and
total CLA (R=0.71, p<0.001). The level of expression of CD11b on the pro-inflammatory
monocytes (CD14++ CD16+
) was negatively associated with CLA (R=-0.36, p<0.05).
Ultimately, the study did not provide strong evidence regarding the direct relationship
between CLA and obesity markers or lung functions. However, it showed a potential
immunomodulatory effect of CLA on obesity-induced chronic inflammation, which
subsequently could influence multiple obesity compilations. The lack of strong evidencewas primarily due to the nature of the study design (observational study). Therefore, in
chapter 5 a randomised double-blind placebo control trial was conducted, for more
powerful evidence based.
The aim of the RCT was to look at the effect of 12-week CLA supplementation on obesity,
lung function, adipokines and inflammation in obese and overweight women. The RCT
recruited 56 overweight and obese women with a mean age of 42 years old, participants
were randomly assigned either to receive 4.5gm/day of CLA or placebo (High Oleic
Safflower oil). Participants had to attend three clinics at base line, after 6 weeks and after
12 weeks. In each clinic body composition, lung functions and inflammatory markers
were assessed. The study revealed a significant 1.8% reduction in %BF in the CLA group
compared to the baseline. No significant effect of CLA on the lung functions was
detected, however, this study found a significant reduction in the expression of CD11b
on the stimulated pro-inflammatory monocytes after 12 weeks compared to baseline in
the CLA group. CLA caused a significant reduction in the expression of intracellular
HSPA1A in PBMCs at week 12 compared to baseline. The results might suggest a limited
anti-obesity effect of CLA, and a potential positive effect on obesity induced chronic
inflammation. Ultimately, no evidence was demonstrated on the direct effect of CLA on
lung functions or adipokines. The effect of CLA on adhesion molecules and HSPA1A could
suggest an indirect impact on the lung function, but more research in clinically diagnosed
patients with pulmonary dysfunctions could help to confirm the effect of CLA on the lung
function and adipokines
Survey Exploring Public Knowledge of Cardiovascular Disease Prevention in Cheshire, UK
Full text linkBackground: Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is considered one of the leading causes of death in the UK, and annual statistical reports show that some areas in the north of England has one of the highest death rates due to CVD in the country.
Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted in Cheshire to evaluate public knowledge and determine the most popular methods to receive updated information regarding CVD risk factors.
Results: 269 participants were eventually eligible for the analysis. The overall knowledge score was relatively high (median score = 12/12, IQR = 1); patients with a history of CVD or diabetes mellitus showed a lower level of knowledge compared with healthy individuals (P = 0.007). On the other hand, the internet was the most popular method to receive updated cardiovascular disease information (70% of the sample). Participants showed a tendency to visit official and governmental websites to obtain the needed information, and Google was the most selected platform in all age groups.
Conclusions: There might be a need to invest more time in providing CVD patients with sufficient instructions to ensure their adherence to secondary prevention measures. Also, more time and resources should be invested in developing official and governmental public health websites
A survey exploring public knowledge of cardiovascular disease prevention in Cheshire, UK
Full text linkBackground: Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is considered one of the leading causes of death in the UK, and annual statistical reports show that some areas in the north of England has one of the highest death rates due to CVD in the country.
Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted in Cheshire to evaluate public knowledge and determine the most popular methods to receive updated information regarding CVD risk factors.
Results: 269 participants were eventually eligible for the analysis. The overall knowledge score was relatively high (median score = 12/12, IQR = 1); patients with a history of CVD or diabetes mellitus showed a lower level of knowledge compared with healthy individuals (P = 0.007). On the other hand, the internet was the most popular method to receive updated cardiovascular disease information (70% of the sample). Participants showed a tendency to visit official and governmental websites to obtain the needed information, and Google was the most selected platform in all age groups.
Conclusions: There might be a need to invest more time in providing CVD patients with sufficient instructions to ensure their adherence to secondary prevention measures. Also, more time and resources should be invested in developing official and governmental public health websites.This study was funded by Chester medical school, the University of Chester, UK
Homocysteine levels and cardiovascular disease risk factors in chronic kidney disease (CKD), hypertensive and healthy Nigerian adults: A comparative retrospective study
Full text link© Author(s) (or their employer(s)) 2025. Re-use permitted under CC BY-NC. No commercial re-use. See rights and permissions. Published by BMJ Group. http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0/OBJECTIVES: To investigate homocysteine (Hcy) levels in individuals with chronic kidney disease (CKD), hypertension and a healthy Nigerian population, and to assess their association with cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk. SETTING: The study was conducted using data from the Ibadan CRECKID (Cardiovascular and Renal Event in People with Chronic Kidney Disease) study in Nigeria. Participants: A total of 420 adults (aged 18+) categorised into three groups: individuals with stage 2 CKD or higher, hypertensive non-CKD individuals and normotensive individuals. OUTCOMES: The primary outcome was the difference in serum Hcy levels across the groups; secondary outcomes included the prevalence of hyperhomocysteinaemia (HHcy) and correlation with fibroblast growth factor (FGF). RESULTS: No significant difference in mean serum Hcy levels among the CKD, hypertensive and healthy groups (p=0.39) was observed. However, HHcy (≥15 µmol/L) prevalence was significantly higher in the hypertensive group (p<0.05). A strong positive correlation between Hcy levels and FGF was identified across all groups (p<0.001). CONCLUSIONS: The present study indicates that Hcy levels may not serve as a reliable predictor of CVD outcomes across populations with varying kidney function and CVD risk profiles.Unfunde
Cardiovascular risk and physical activity in Syrians living in England compared with the population of North West England: a cross-sectional study
Full text linkObjective: This study aims to assess the 10-year cardiovascular risk and physical activity among Syrians residing in England and compare them with the North West England population. Design: Cross-sectional study. Setting: Bilingual online questionnaire distributed through social media platforms from 21 June to 23 July 2023. Participants: Syrian individuals in England (aged 25–69, migrated post-2010) and residents of North West England within the same age bracket. All participants had no history of cardiovascular disease (CVD). Primary and secondary outcome measures: Primary outcome measures included differences in QRISK3 score, 10-year relative risk (RR), metabolic equivalent of task (MET) and self-reported physical activity between the two groups. Secondary outcome measures included subgroup analyses based on sex and age. Results: Of the 273 eligible participants (137 in the Syrian group and 136 in the Northwest England group), the QRISK3 score was twofold higher in the Syrian group (2.20, 5.50) than in the North West England group (1.20, 3.15) (p=0.042). The 10-year RR was approximately three times higher in the Syrian group (p<0.001), while MET was about twice as high in the Northwest England group (p<0.001). Conclusions: Despite relocating to England, Syrians face substantially elevated cardiovascular risks attributed to an unhealthy lifestyle, including smoking, reduced physical activity, increased body mass index and diabetes, coupled with a strong family history of CVD in first-degree relatives under the age of 60. The study underscores the need for early assessment, risk factor identification and tailored interventions for this population. Raising awareness, particularly in the context of smoking, and promoting physical activity are crucial for mitigating cardiovascular risks. The findings emphasise the importance of culturally sensitive interventions to address the unique health challenges of Syrians in the UK.Unfunde
Cardiovascular risk and physical activity in Syrians living in England compared with the population of North West England: a cross-sectional study
No full textOBJECTIVE: This study aims to assess the 10-year cardiovascular risk and physical activity among Syrians residing in England and compare them with the North West England population. DESIGN: Cross-sectional study. SETTING: Bilingual online questionnaire distributed through social media platforms from 21 June to 23 July 2023. PARTICIPANTS: Syrian individuals in England (aged 25–69, migrated post-2010) and residents of North West England within the same age bracket. All participants had no history of cardiovascular disease (CVD). PRIMARY AND SECONDARY OUTCOME MEASURES: Primary outcome measures included differences in QRISK3 score, 10-year relative risk (RR), metabolic equivalent of task (MET) and self-reported physical activity between the two groups. Secondary outcome measures included subgroup analyses based on sex and age. RESULTS: Of the 273 eligible participants (137 in the Syrian group and 136 in the Northwest England group), the QRISK3 score was twofold higher in the Syrian group (2.20, 5.50) than in the North West England group (1.20, 3.15) (p=0.042). The 10-year RR was approximately three times higher in the Syrian group (p<0.001), while MET was about twice as high in the Northwest England group (p<0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Despite relocating to England, Syrians face substantially elevated cardiovascular risks attributed to an unhealthy lifestyle, including smoking, reduced physical activity, increased body mass index and diabetes, coupled with a strong family history of CVD in first-degree relatives under the age of 60. The study underscores the need for early assessment, risk factor identification and tailored interventions for this population. Raising awareness, particularly in the context of smoking, and promoting physical activity are crucial for mitigating cardiovascular risks. The findings emphasise the importance of culturally sensitive interventions to address the unique health challenges of Syrians in the UK
Going Beyond Counting First Authors in Author Co-citation Analysis
Full text linkThe present study examines one of the fundamental aspects of author co-citation analysis (ACA) - the way co-citation
counts are defined. Co-citation counting provides the data on which all subsequent statistical analyses and mappings
are based, and we compare ACA results based on two different types of co-citation counting - the traditional type that
only counts the first one among a cited work's authors on the one hand and a non-traditional type that takes into
account the first 5 authors of a cited work on the other hand. Results indicate that the picture produced through this non-traditional author co-citation counting contains more coherent author groups and is therefore considerably clearer. However, this picture represents fewer specialties in the research field being studied than that produced through the traditional first-author co-citation counting when the same number of top-ranked authors is selected and analyzed. Reasons for these effects are discussed
Variations on the Author
Full text link“Variations on the Author” discusses two of Eduardo Coutinho’s recent films (Um Dia na Vida, from 2010, and Últimas Conversas, posthumously released in 2015) and their contribution to the general question of documentary authorship. The director’s filmography is characterized by a consistent yet self-effacing form of authorial self-inscription: Coutinho often features as an interviewer that rather than express opinions propels discourses; an interviewer that is good at listening. This mode of self-inscription characterizes him as an author who is not expressive but who is nonetheless markedly present on the screen. In Um Dia na Vida, however, Coutinho is completely absent form the image, while Últimas Conversas, on the contrary, includes a confessional prologue that moves the director from the margins to the center of his films. This article examines the ways in which these works stand out in the filmography of a director who offers new insights into the notion of cinematic authorship
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