University of Aberdeen

About: University of Aberdeen is a education organization based out in Aberdeen, United Kingdom. It is known for research contribution in the topics: Population & Randomized controlled trial. The organization has 21174 authors who have published 49962 publications receiving 2105479 citations. The organization is also known as: Aberdeen University.

Contribution of diet to the composition of the human gut microbiota.

Abstract: In the human gut, millions of bacteria contribute to the microbiota, whose composition is specific for every individual. Although we are just at the very beginning of understanding the microbiota concept, we already know that the composition of the microbiota has a profound impact on human health. A key factor in determining gut microbiota composition is diet. Preliminary evidence suggests that dietary patterns are associated with distinct combinations of bacteria in the intestine, also called enterotypes. Western diets result in significantly different microbiota compositions than traditional diets. It is currently unknown which food constituents specifically promote growth and functionality of beneficial bacteria in the intestine. The aim of this review is to summarize the recently published evidence from human in vivo studies on the gut microbiota-modulating effects of diet. It includes sections on dietary patterns (e.g. Western diet), whole foods, food constituents, as wells as food-associated microbes and their influence on the composition of human gut microbiota. The conclusions highlight the problems faced by scientists in this fast-developing field of research, and the need for high-quality, large-scale human dietary intervention studies.

Can skilled attendance at delivery reduce maternal mortality in developing countries

Abstract: Summary This paper explores the scientific justification for the key action message “ensure skilled attendance at delivery.” Many governments and other provider agencies in poor countries will need to commit additional health resources in order to respond to this message, and opportunity costs will be incurred. Achieving targets will take time, and benefits in terms of maternal mortality may not be detected for several years. It is therefore crucial to review the basis for prioritising skilled attendance. This paper examines the historical and epidemiological evidence at both the individual and population levels of analysis. The lack of a clear definition has been, and continues to be, the cause of much confusion over the role, and thus the potential, of skilled attendants. Recent initiatives to specify minimum and additional skills have improved understanding not only of training requirements but also of the wider environment which is required for skilled attendants to function effectively. This paper proposes that skilled attendance be conceived as encompassing 1) a partnership of skilled attendants (health professionals with the skills to provide care for normal and/or complicated deliveries), AND 2) an enabling environment of equipment, supplies, drugs and transport for referral. At the individual level, there are sound clinical reasons for believing that the risk of maternal death can be reduced by skilled attendance, particularly as the causal pathways can be specified. However, this theory of how skilled attendance could work has not been rigorously tested, and the available empirical evidence – both historical and epidemiological, is flawed, either owing to weak study designs which fail to control for key confounding factors and/or inadequate power. Insights from modeling can be used to complement an empirical approach and in this paper a preliminary model is pre

A COL1A1 Sp1 binding site polymorphism predisposes to osteoporotic fracture by affecting bone density and quality

Abstract: Osteoporosis is a common disease with a strong genetic component. We previously described a polymorphic Sp1 binding site in the COL1A1 gene that has been associated with osteoporosis in several populations. Here we explore the molecular mechanisms underlying this association. A meta-analysis showed significant associations between COL1A1 "s" alleles and bone mineral density (BMD), body mass index (BMI), and osteoporotic fractures. The association with fracture was stronger than expected on the basis of the observed differences in BMD and BMI, suggesting an additional effect on bone strength. Gel shift assays showed increased binding affinity of the "s" allele for Sp1 protein, and primary RNA transcripts derived from the "s" allele were approximately three times more abundant than "S" allele--derived transcripts in "Ss" heterozygotes. Collagen produced from osteoblasts cultured from "Ss" heterozygotes had an increased ratio of alpha 1(I) protein relative to alpha 2(I), and this was accompanied by an increased ratio of COL1A1 mRNA relative to COL1A2. Finally, the yield strength of bone derived from "Ss" individuals was reduced when compared with bone derived from "SS" subjects. We conclude that the COL1A1 Sp1 polymorphism is a functional genetic variant that predisposes to osteoporosis by complex mechanisms involving changes in bone mass and bone quality.

Effect of overweight and obesity on assisted reproductive technology—a systematic review

Abstract: Obesity is known to be associated with sub-optimal reproductive performance but its direct effect on the outcome of assisted reproduction techniques (ART) is less clear. This present study aimed to perform a systematic review of the available evidence to assess the effects of obesity on the outcome of ART. A number of observational studies were identified. Interpretation of the results was compromised by variations in the methods used to define overweight and obese populations and inconsistencies in the choice and definition of outcome measures. Compared with women with a BMI of 25 kg/m(2) or less, women with a BMI > or = 25 kg/m(2) have a lower chance of pregnancy following IVF [odds ratio (OR) 0.71, 95% CI: 0.62, 0.81], require higher dose of gonadotrophins (weighed mean differences 210.08, 95% CI: 149.12, 271.05) and have an increased miscarriage rate (OR 1.33, 95% CI: 1.06, 1.68). There is insufficient evidence on the effect of BMI on live birth, cycle cancellation, oocyte recovery and ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome. Further studies with clear entry criteria and uniform reporting of outcomes are needed to investigate the true impact of weight on the outcome of ART.