scholarly journals Serum VEGF Level Is Different in Adolescents Smoking Waterpipe versus Cigarettes: The Irbid TRY

Biomolecules ◽  
2018 ◽  
Vol 8 (4) ◽  
pp. 102 ◽  
Author(s):  
Mahmoud Alomari ◽  
Nihaya Al-Sheyab ◽  
Omar Khabour ◽  
Karem Alzoubi
Keyword(s):  
Smoking Status ◽  
Development Stage ◽  
Enzyme Linked Immunosorbent Assay ◽  
Vascular Health ◽  
Negative Effects ◽  
Vascular Endothelium Growth Factor ◽  
Vascular Growth ◽  
And Gender ◽  
And Function ◽  
Vegf Level

Waterpipe (Wp) use is associated with most devastating diseases and particularly popular among adolescents. Vascular endothelium growth factor (VEGF) is essential for generating new vessels. The effect of smoking tobacco on VEGF is controversial and unknown among adolescents. Therefore, the current study compared serum VEGF in adolescents smoking cigarettes (Cg) only (9.3%), Wp only (19.6%), and dual (Wp and Cg) (36.4%) versus nonsmokers (34.6%) in adolescents. A self-reported questionnaire and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) were used to obtain smoking status and serum VEGF, respectively, in 475 (age: 14.6 ± 1.0 years) boys (n = 263) and girls (n = 212) from Irbid, Jordan. The analysis showed that smoking status (R2 = 0.021; p = 0.001) and gender (R2 = 0.035; p = 0.000) can predict VEGF. Furthermore, 2-way-ANCOVA revealed that VEGF was lower in the dual cohort versus the Cg (33.4%; p = 0.04) and nonsmoker (29.6%; p = 0.003) cohorts; VEGF in smokers, was lower (33.6%; p = 0.04) in the Wp versus nonsmokers in the boys but not the girls. These results are unique and suggest that smoking lowers VEGF, which might adversely affect vascular growth and function. This is alarming given that adolescents are still in the development stage and smoking, particularly Wp, is popular among them. Therefore, interventions targeting smoking among schoolchildren are urgently needed to avoid the negative effects of smoking, especially on vascular health.

Structure and Function of Angiopoietin-like Protein 3 (ANGPTL3) in Atherosclerosis

2020 ◽  
Vol 27 (31) ◽  
pp. 5159-5174 ◽  
Author(s):  
Xinjie Lu
Keyword(s):  
Low Density Lipoprotein ◽  
Lipoprotein Metabolism ◽  
Density Lipoprotein ◽  
Structure And Function ◽  
Biological Functions ◽  
Pharmacological Management ◽  
Vascular Growth ◽  
Promising Target ◽  
And Function ◽  
Systematic Appraisal

Background:Angiopoietin-Like Proteins (ANGPTLs) are structurally related to the angiopoietins. A total of eight ANGPTLs (from ANGPTL1 to ANGPTL8) have been identified so far. Most ANGPTLs possess multibiological functions on lipid metabolism, atherosclerosis, and cancer. Among them, ANGPTL3 has been shown to regulate the levels of Very Low-Density Lipoprotein (VLDL) made by the liver and play a crucial role in human lipoprotein metabolism.Method:A systematic appraisal of ANGPTLs was conducted, focusing on the main features of ANGPTL3 that has a significant role in atherosclerosis.Results:Angiopoietins including ANGPTL3 are vascular growth factors that are highly specific for endothelial cells, perform a variety of other regulatory activities to influence inflammation, and have been shown to possess both pro-atherosclerotic and atheroprotective effects.Conclusion:ANGPTL3 has been demonstrated as a promising target in the pharmacological management of atherosclerosis. However, many questions remain about its biological functions.

The Spectrum of Cerebrovascular Disease and Associated Cognitive Decline

2019 ◽  
pp. 574-599
Author(s):  
Victoria J. Williams ◽  
Steven E. Arnold ◽  
David H. Salat
Keyword(s):  
Risk Factors ◽  
Cognitive Impairment ◽  
Cerebrovascular Disease ◽  
Cognitive Decline ◽  
Vascular Dementia ◽  
Structure And Function ◽  
Vascular Risk Factors ◽  
Vascular Health ◽  
Vascular Risk ◽  
And Function

Throughout the lifespan, common variations in systemic health and illness contribute to alterations in vasculature structure and function throughout the body, significantly increasing risk for cardiovascular and cerebrovascular disease (CVD). CVD is a prevalent cause of mortality in late life; it also promotes brain alterations, contributing to cognitive decline and, when severe, vascular dementia. Even prior to diseased states, individual variation in CVD risk is associated with structural and functional brain alterations. Yet, how cumulative asymptomatic alterations in vessel structure and function contribute to more subtle changes in brain tissue integrity and function that emerge in late life is unclear. Finally, vascular risk factors are associated with the clinical progression of neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer’s disease (AD); however, recent theory posits that vascular degeneration may serve a contributory role in these conditions. This chapter reviews how lifespan changes in vascular health contribute to degenerative changes in neural tissue and the subsequent development of cognitive impairment and/or vascular dementia. It first discusses associations between vascular risk factors and cognition and also how declining vascular health may lead to cognitive impairment and dementia. Next, it identifies basic aspects of cerebrovascular anatomy and physiology sustaining tissue health and discusses how vulnerabilities of this system contribute to neurodegenerative changes. Finally, it reviews evidence of vascular contributions to AD and presents ideas for future research to better understand the full spectrum of cerebrovascular contributions to brain aging, cognitive decline, and dementia.

scholarly journals Can Ultrasound Therapy Be an Environmental-Friendly Alternative to Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs in Knee Osteoarthritis Treatment?

Materials ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 14 (11) ◽  
pp. 2715
Author(s):  
Rodica Ana Ungur ◽  
Viorela Mihaela Ciortea ◽  
Laszlo Irsay ◽  
Alina Deniza Ciubean ◽  
Bogdana Adriana Năsui ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Ultrasound Therapy ◽  
Negative Effects ◽  
Beneficial Effects ◽  
Knee Oa ◽  
Environmental Friendly ◽  
Chemical Pollutants ◽  
Osteoarthritis Treatment ◽  
Inflammatory Drugs ◽  
Anti Inflammatory ◽  
And Function

The non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are the most used drugs in knee OA (osteoarthritis) treatment. Despite their efficiency in pain and inflammation alleviation, NSAIDs accumulate in the environment as chemical pollutants and have numerous genetic, morphologic, and functional negative effects on plants and animals. Ultrasound (US) therapy can improve pain, inflammation, and function in knee OA, without impact on environment, and with supplementary metabolic beneficial effects on cartilage compared to NSAIDs. These features recommend US therapy as alternative for NSAIDs use in knee OA treatment.

scholarly journals Identifying a space for young Black Muslim women in contemporary Britain

Ethnicities ◽  
2021 ◽  
pp. 146879682110018
Author(s):  
Sheymaa Ali Nurein ◽  
Humera Iqbal
Keyword(s):  
Black Community ◽  
Muslim Women ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Negative Effects ◽  
Race And Gender ◽  
The United Kingdom ◽  
Different Dimensions ◽  
And Gender ◽  
Black Muslim ◽  
And Coping

Young Black Muslim Women (BMW) have complex, intersectional identities and exist at the margins of various identity groupings. Given this, members of the community can face societal relegation across, not only race and gender lines, but across religious ones, too. This paper explores the lived experiences of intragroup discrimination, identity and belonging in 11 young Black Muslim Women in the United Kingdom. In-depth, semi-structured interviews were conducted with participants and thematically analysed through the lens of intersectionality. The use of an intersectional framework facilitated an understanding of the manner in which the sample was multiply marginalised. Two key themes emerged from the interviews: firstly, around experiences of intragroup and intersectional discrimination and, secondly, around the challenges of responding to and coping with the negative effects of such discrimination. Participants discussed the cross-cutting nature through which they faced discrimination: from within the Black community; from within the Muslim community; and as a result of their gender. The non-exclusivity of these three identities result in constant encounters of discrimination along different dimensions to their personal identity. They also developed diverse means of coping with this marginalisation including drawing from religious beliefs and mobile identifications, i.e. performing different aspects of their identities in different contexts. The present study contributes to existing knowledge in its focus on an under-researched group and emphasises the negative effects of intragroup discrimination. The paper importantly highlights the diversity within the Black community and considers the (in)visibility of Black Muslim Women within society.

scholarly journals The effects of modern war and military activities on biodiversity and the environment

2015 ◽  
Vol 23 (4) ◽  
pp. 443-460 ◽  
Author(s):  
Michael J. Lawrence ◽  
Holly L.J. Stemberger ◽  
Aaron J. Zolderdo ◽  
Daniel P. Struthers ◽  
Steven J. Cooke
Keyword(s):  
Military Training ◽  
Structure And Function ◽  
Aquatic Systems ◽  
Ecosystem Structure ◽  
Population Declines ◽  
Exclusion Zone ◽  
Negative Effects ◽  
And Function ◽  
Ecosystem Structure And Function ◽  
Modern War

War is an ever-present force that has the potential to alter the biosphere. Here we review the potential consequences of modern war and military activities on ecosystem structure and function. We focus on the effects of direct conflict, nuclear weapons, military training, and military produced contaminants. Overall, the aforementioned activities were found to have overwhelmingly negative effects on ecosystem structure and function. Dramatic habitat alteration, environmental pollution, and disturbance contributed to population declines and biodiversity losses arising from both acute and chronic effects in both terrestrial and aquatic systems. In some instances, even in the face of massive alterations to ecosystem structure, recovery was possible. Interestingly, military activity was beneficial under specific conditions, such as when an exclusion zone was generated that generally resulted in population increases and (or) population recovery; an observation noted in both terrestrial and aquatic systems. Additionally, military technological advances (e.g., GPS technology, drone technology, biotelemetry) have provided conservation scientists with novel tools for research. Because of the challenges associated with conducting research in areas with military activities (e.g., restricted access, hazardous conditions), information pertaining to military impacts on the environment are relatively scarce and are often studied years after military activities have ceased and with no knowledge of baseline conditions. Additional research would help to elucidate the environmental consequences (positive and negative) and thus reveal opportunities for mitigating negative effects while informing the development of optimal strategies for rehabilitation and recovery.

scholarly journals Mutations in GDAP1 Influence Structure and Function of the Trans-Golgi Network

2021 ◽  
Vol 22 (2) ◽  
pp. 914
Author(s):  
Katarzyna Binięda ◽  
Weronika Rzepnikowska ◽  
Damian Kolakowski ◽  
Joanna Kaminska ◽  
Andrzej Antoni Szczepankiewicz ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Golgi Apparatus ◽  
Experimental Therapy ◽  
Negative Effects ◽  
Gene Encoding ◽  
Charcot Marie Tooth Disease ◽  
Terra Incognita ◽  
And Function ◽  
Golgi Network ◽  
Cell Phenotypes ◽  
Tooth Disease

Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease (CMT) is a heritable neurodegenerative disease that displays great genetic heterogeneity. The genes and mutations that underlie this heterogeneity have been extensively characterized by molecular genetics. However, the molecular pathogenesis of the vast majority of CMT subtypes remains terra incognita. Any attempts to perform experimental therapy for CMT disease are limited by a lack of understanding of the pathogenesis at a molecular level. In this study, we aim to identify the molecular pathways that are disturbed by mutations in the gene encoding GDAP1 using both yeast and human cell, based models of CMT-GDAP1 disease. We found that some mutations in GDAP1 led to a reduced expression of the GDAP1 protein and resulted in a selective disruption of the Golgi apparatus. These structural alterations are accompanied by functional disturbances within the Golgi. We screened over 1500 drugs that are available on the market using our yeast-based CMT-GDAP1 model. Drugs were identified that had both positive and negative effects on cell phenotypes. To the best of our knowledge, this study is the first report of the Golgi apparatus playing a role in the pathology of CMT disorders. The drugs we identified, using our yeast-based CMT-GDAP1 model, may be further used in translational research.

scholarly journals Cigarette smoking and e-cigarette use among university students in Queensland, Australia and New Zealand: results of two cross-sectional surveys

BMJ Open ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (2) ◽  
pp. e041705
Author(s):  
Ben Wamamili ◽  
Sheleigh Lawler ◽  
Mark Wallace-Bell ◽  
Coral Gartner ◽  
David Sellars ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
New Zealand ◽  
Cigarette Smoking ◽  
University Students ◽  
Multinomial Logistic Regression ◽  
Smoking Status ◽  
Cigarette Use ◽  
Dual Use ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Free Spaces ◽  
And Gender

ObjectivesExamine the patterns of cigarette smoking and e-cigarette use (vaping), the perceived harm of e-cigarettes compared with tobacco cigarettes, and associations between smoking and vaping with student characteristics.DesignCross-sectional studies.SettingThe University of Queensland (UQ), Australia and eight New Zealand (NZ) universities.ParticipantsStudents at UQ: 4957 (70.8% aged <25 years, 63.0% women) and NZ: 1854 (82.5% aged <25 years, 60.1% women).MethodsΧ2 tests compared smoking by age and gender, and vaping by age, gender and smoking status. Two-sided p<0.05 was considered significant and 95% CIs reported where appropriate. Multinomial logistic regression examined associations between smoking and vaping (exclusive smoking, exclusive vaping, dual use and non-use) with age, gender and student type (domestic vs international).ResultsSmoking (UQ vs NZ, 95% CI): ever 45.2% (43.8% to 46.6%) vs 50.0% (47.7% to 52.3%), current 8.9% (8.1% to 9.7%) vs 10.4% (9.1% to 11.9%) and daily 5.2% (4.6% to 5.8%) vs 5.6% (4.6% to 6.7%), and not smoking in indoor 98.3% vs 87.7% or outdoor smoke-free spaces 83.8% vs 65.3%.Vaping (UQ vs NZ, 95% CI): ever 20.9% (19.8% to 22.1%) vs 37.6% (35.4% to 39.9%), current 1.8% (1.5% to 2.2%) vs 6.5% (5.4% to 7.7%) and daily 0.7% (0.5% to 1.0%) vs 2.5% (1.9% to 3.4%), and not vaping in indoor 91.4% vs 79.6% or outdoor smoke-free spaces 84.4% vs 71.3%. Of respondents, 71.7% (70.3% to 73.2%) vs 75.3% (72.9% to 77.6%) perceived e-cigarettes as less harmful than tobacco cigarettes.Men were more likely than women to smoke and vape, and to believe that e-cigarettes are less harmful. Regression models containing all predictors for smoking and vaping were significant and the effect of gender was significant for dual use, exclusive smoking and exclusive vaping (all p<0.01). Men had higher odds for smoking, vaping or dual use.ConclusionsResults suggest significant differences in patterns of smoking and vaping of university students in Australia and NZ, and a strong influence of gender on smoking and vaping.

Abstract 3017: Physiological Factors Associated with Fatigue in Older Adults after Myocardial Infarction

Circulation ◽  
2007 ◽  
Vol 116 (suppl_16) ◽  
Author(s):  
Patricia B Crane ◽  
Jerilyn Allen
Keyword(s):  
Myocardial Infarction ◽  
Older Adults ◽  
Multiple Linear Regression Model ◽  
Unexpected Finding ◽  
Physiological Factors ◽  
Convenience Sample ◽  
Fatigue Score ◽  
Total Score Range ◽  
And Gender ◽  
And Function

Fatigue after myocardial infarction (MI) is a barrier to secondary prevention behaviors such as engaging in recommended levels of physical activity. However, little is known about physiologic factors that may contribute to fatigue. The purpose of this study was to describe the prevalence of fatigue in older adults after MI and to examine the associations of physiological factors of cardiac function (b-natriuretic peptide [BNP], mean arterial pressure, heart rate), inflammation (IL-6), BMI, and hemoglobin (Hgb) with self-reported fatigue. Methods: A convenience sample of women ( n =49) and men ( n =49) ages ≤65 completed questionnaires and underwent physiologic measures 6 – 8 months after discharge post MI. Subjects completed a demographic health form and fatigue measures (Revised Piper Fatigue Scale and the Multidimensional Assessment of Fatigue Scale functional items), and had height, weight, pulse, and blood pressure measured. Fatigue was measured as a total score (range 0 –310) and as 5 subscales (behavior/severity, affective, sensory, cognitive/mood, and function). Blood samples were also taken, and Hgb, IL-6, and BNP were measured in the same laboratory using standardized procedures. Results: Patients were an average of 75.69 ± 6.45 years of age. Fatigue was reported by 75 (77%) with a mean score of 102.46 (SD=57.7; range 8 –235). More women (84%) reported fatigue than men (69%), though this difference was not statistically significant. Patients reported higher fatigue scores on the behavior/severity and sensory subscales compared to the other fatigue subscales. Bivariate correlations of physiological factors and the total fatigue score revealed one significant physiological correlate, IL-6 ( r =.29). Controlling for age and gender, a multiple linear regression model explained 8.7% of the variance in fatigue ( F = 2.769 ; p <.05) with IL-6 as the only significant independent variable ( p =.010). An unexpected finding was that BNP did not correlate with fatigue. Discussion: Fatigue is prevalent in the majority of older adults after MI. Results indicate that inflammation may play a stronger role in fatigue than other physiological factors. Further research is needed to examine how inflammation and other physiologic factors may influence fatigue post MI.

scholarly journals Adrb2 controls glucose homeostasis by developmental regulation of pancreatic islet vasculature

eLife ◽  
2018 ◽  
Vol 7 ◽  
Author(s):  
Alexis M Ceasrine ◽  
Eugene E Lin ◽  
David N Lumelsky ◽  
Radhika Iyer ◽  
Rejji Kuruvilla
Keyword(s):  
Glucose Homeostasis ◽  
Developmental Regulation ◽  
Vascular Endothelial ◽  
Β Cells ◽  
Functional Deficits ◽  
Vascular Growth ◽  
Impaired Insulin ◽  
And Function ◽  
Endothelial Growth Factor ◽  
Specific Deletion

A better understanding of processes controlling the development and function of pancreatic islets is critical for diabetes prevention and treatment. Here, we reveal a previously unappreciated function for pancreatic β2-adrenergic receptors (Adrb2) in controlling glucose homeostasis by restricting islet vascular growth during development. Pancreas-specific deletion of Adrb2 results in glucose intolerance and impaired insulin secretion in mice, and unexpectedly, specifically in females. The metabolic phenotypes were recapitulated by Adrb2 deletion from neonatal, but not adult, β-cells. Mechanistically, Adrb2 loss increases production of Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor-A (VEGF-A) in female neonatal β-cells and results in hyper-vascularized islets during development, which in turn, disrupts insulin production and exocytosis. Neonatal correction of islet hyper-vascularization, via VEGF-A receptor blockade, fully rescues functional deficits in glucose homeostasis in adult mutant mice. These findings uncover a regulatory pathway that functions in a sex-specific manner to control glucose metabolism by restraining excessive vascular growth during islet development.

scholarly journals Post-Divorce Experiences in Jordan: A Phenomenological Perspective

2018 ◽  
Vol 2 (126) ◽  
pp. 31-52
Author(s):  
Husein M. Alothman ◽  
Mohammed Al-Hourani
Keyword(s):  
Family Support ◽  
Structure And Function ◽  
Married Women ◽  
Negative Effects ◽  
Marriage And Family ◽  
Gender Culture ◽  
Custody Of Children ◽  
Phenomenological Perspective ◽  
Major Factors ◽  
And Function

This study analyzes the post-divorce experiences of a sample of 50 Jordanian divorced participants. Qualitative and exploratory results are similar to the results of other studies that were conducted in certain western cultures. Similar issues included modern reasons for exiting a marriage, men's experiences of losing children and women's poor financial circumstances. Despite changes in the structure and function of the Jordanian family, post-divorce experiences continue to be influenced by the major factors of a traditional gender culture regarding the traditional reasons to exit marriage, with women retaining custody of children when they do not remarry and failure to establish cooperative custody. In addition, the results of this study reveal that progressive changes in women's choices to exit their marriages to better themselves. The study also sheds light on the perception of violence against married women as a reason for exiting marriage and family support to minimize the negative effects of divorce on women with a concurrent realization of the stigmatization of society toward divorced women. Nevertheless, additional research on this topic is needed to significantly add to our understanding of these phenomena

Sign in / Sign up

Export Citation Format

Share Document