University of Stirling

About: University of Stirling is a education organization based out in Stirling, Stirling, United Kingdom. It is known for research contribution in the topics: Population & Polyunsaturated fatty acid. The organization has 7722 authors who have published 20549 publications receiving 732940 citations. The organization is also known as: Stirling University.

Biosynthesis of polyunsaturated fatty acids in aquatic ecosystems: general pathways and new directions

Abstract: It is now well established that the long-chain, omega-3 (ω3 or n-3) polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) are vitally important in human nutrition, reflecting their particular roles in critical physiological processes (see Chap 14) In comparison to terrestrial ecosystems, marine or freshwater ecosystems are characterised by relatively high levels of long-chain n-3PUFA and, indeed, fish are the most important source of these vital nutrients in the human food basket Virtually all PUFA originate from primary producers but can be modified as they pass up the food chain This is generally termed trophic upgrading, and various aspects of these phenomena have been described in Chaps 2, 6 and 7 (this volume) However, while qualitative aspects of essential fatty acid production and requirements in aquatic ecosystems are relatively well understood, in order to fully understand and model ecosystems, quantitative information is needed on synthesis and turnover rates of n-3PUFA at different trophic levels in the food web The present chapter describes the biochemistry and molecular biology involved in the various pathways of PUFA biosynthesis and interconversions in aquatic ecosystems

Sprint interval and traditional endurance training increase net intramuscular triglyceride breakdown and expression of perilipin 2 and 5.

Abstract: Intramuscular triglyceride (IMTG) utilization is enhanced by endurance training (ET) and is linked to improved insulin sensitivity. This study first investigated the hypothesis that ET-induced increases in net IMTG breakdown and insulin sensitivity are related to increased expression of perilipin 2 (PLIN2) and perilipin 5 (PLIN5). Second, we hypothesized that sprint interval training (SIT) also promotes increases in IMTG utilization and insulin sensitivity. Sixteen sedentary males performed 6 weeks of either SIT (4-6, 30 s Wingate tests per session, 3 days week(-1)) or ET (40-60 min moderate-intensity cycling, 5 days week(-1)). Training increased resting IMTG content (SIT 1.7-fold, ET 2.4-fold; P < 0.05), concomitant with parallel increases in PLIN2 (SIT 2.3-fold, ET 2.8-fold; P < 0.01) and PLIN5 expression (SIT 2.2-fold, ET 3.1-fold; P < 0.01). Pre-training, 60 min cycling at ∼65% pre-training decreased IMTG content in type I fibres (SIT 17 ± 10%, ET 15 ± 12%; P < 0.05). Following training, a significantly greater breakdown of IMTG in type I fibres occurred during exercise (SIT 27 ± 13%, ET 43 ± 6%; P < 0.05), with preferential breakdown of PLIN2- and particularly PLIN5-associated lipid droplets. Training increased the Matsuda insulin sensitivity index (SIT 56 ± 15%, ET 29 ± 12%; main effect P < 0.05). No training × group interactions were observed for any variables. In conclusion, SIT and ET both increase net IMTG breakdown during exercise and increase in PLIN2 and PLIN5 protein expression. The data are consistent with the hypothesis that increases in PLIN2 and PLIN5 are related to the mechanisms that promote increased IMTG utilization during exercise and improve insulin sensitivity following 6 weeks of SIT and ET.

Patients' perceptions and experiences of using a mobile phone-based advanced symptom management system (ASyMS) to monitor and manage chemotherapy related toxicity.

Abstract: Chemotherapy forms a core component of treatment for the majority patients with cancer Recent changes in cancer services mean patients frequently receive such treatment as outpatients and are often required to manage side effects at home without direct support from oncology health professionals Information technology continues to develop to support patients in the community; this study evaluated the impact of a mobile phone-based advanced symptom management system (ASyMS) on chemotherapy related toxicity in patients with lung, breast or colorectal cancer One hundred and twelve patients were randomized from seven clinical sites across the UK; 56 patients used the mobile phone to record their symptoms, sending their reports directly to the nurses at their clinical site; 56 control group patients received standard care Health professionals were alerted about any severe or life-threatening symptoms through the development of a chemotherapy symptom risk model Patients' perceptions of ASyMS were evaluated pre and post participation Patients reported many benefits of using ASyMS including improved communication with health professionals, improvements in the management of their symptoms, and feeling reassured their symptoms were being monitored while at home ASyMS has the potential to positively impact on the management of symptoms in patients receiving chemotherapy treatment