Showing papers by "University of Westminster published in 2022"

Estimating the Effect of Liver and Pancreas Volume and Fat Content on Risk of Diabetes: A Mendelian Randomization Study

Abstract: Fat content and volume of liver and pancreas are associated with risk of diabetes in observational studies; whether these associations are causal is unknown. We conducted a Mendelian randomization (MR) study to examine causality of such associations.We used genetic variants associated (P < 5 × 10-8) with the exposures (liver and pancreas volume and fat content) using MRI scans of UK Biobank participants (n = 32,859). We obtained summary-level data for risk of type 1 (9,358 cases) and type 2 (55,005 cases) diabetes from the largest available genome-wide association studies. We performed inverse-variance weighted MR as main analysis and several sensitivity analyses to assess pleiotropy and to exclude variants with potential pleiotropic effects.Observationally, liver fat and volume were associated with type 2 diabetes (odds ratio per 1 SD higher exposure 2.16 [2.02, 2.31] and 2.11 [1.96, 2.27], respectively). Pancreatic fat was associated with type 2 diabetes (1.42 [1.34, 1.51]) but not type 1 diabetes, and pancreas volume was negatively associated with type 1 diabetes (0.42 [0.36, 0.48]) and type 2 diabetes (0.73 [0.68, 0.78]). MR analysis provided evidence only for a causal role of liver fat and pancreas volume in risk of type 2 diabetes (1.27 [1.08, 1.49] or 27% increased risk and 0.76 [0.62, 0.94] or 24% decreased risk per 1SD, respectively) and no causal associations with type 1 diabetes.Our findings assist in understanding the causal role of ectopic fat in the liver and pancreas and of organ volume in the pathophysiology of type 1 and type 2 diabetes.

The effect of transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) combined with cognitive training on EEG spectral power in adolescent boys with ADHD: A double-blind, randomized, sham-controlled trial

Abstract: Transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) is a possible alternative to psychostimulants in Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), but its mechanisms of action in children and adolescents with ADHD are poorly understood. We conducted the first 15-session, sham-controlled study of anodal tDCS over right inferior frontal cortex (rIFC) combined with cognitive training (CT) in 50 children/adolescents with ADHD. We investigated the mechanisms of action on resting and Go/No-Go Task-based QEEG measures in a subgroup of 23 participants with ADHD (n, sham = 10; anodal tDCS = 13). We failed to find a significant sham versus anodal tDCS group differences in QEEG spectral power during rest and Go/No-Go Task performance, a correlation between QEEG and Go/No-Go Task performance, and changes in clinical and cognitive measures. These findings extend the non-significant clinical and cognitive effects in our sample of 50 children/adolescents with ADHD. Given that the subgroup of 23 participants would have been underpowered, the interpretation of our findings is limited and should be used as a foundation for future investigations. Larger, adequately powered randomized controlled trials should explore different protocols titrated to the individual and using comprehensive measures to assess cognitive, clinical, and neural effects of tDCS and its underlying mechanisms of action in ADHD.

Inequalities in the commuting burden: Institutional constraints and job-housing relationships in Tianjin, China

Abstract: Encouraging transport equality is vital in order to create a liveable city. However, the burden of commuting has become a key concern in urban areas, particularly in developing countries. Inequalities in the commuting burden are accompanied by inequalities in housing and employment, because these institutions have a significant impact on individuals' choices of accommodation and jobs, thus shaping commuting behaviour and causing imbalances in job-housing relationships. Therefore, this paper aims to analyse the role of employment and housing system constraints in the unequal commuting burden by using Tianjin as a case study. The results of the study show that the effects of institutional factors, such as Hukou and the Danwei system, help to explain imbalances in the job-housing relationship and the unequal commuting burden. Some commuters are employed by Danweis or have Tianjin Hukou, and can, therefore, live in Danwei housing, which means that Danweis provide effective solutions for some people in terms of their accommodation, enabling them to significantly decrease the time they spend commuting. Moreover, our study provides new evidence that institutional barriers constrain the job-housing balance in the case of high-skilled immigrants, while local residents and low-skilled immigrants can avoid institutional barriers by returning to Danwei housing and choosing to live in informal housing. In terms of suggesting measures for improving commuting inequalities, commuters generally wanted to eliminate the housing benefits resulting from the legacy of the Danwei system and for equal housing subsidies to be implemented. At the same time, they appealed for improvements to be made in terms of housing benefits, the quality of public transport and mixed housing-workplace planning. This study finds that institutional discrimination causes social inequalities in relation to the commuting burden, which could continue to worsen unless the influence of institutional factors is eliminated. The findings could be used to assist planners and decision makers in developing effective strategies to promote sustainable urban development.

Quantifying the Effects of Sea Level Rise on Estuarine Drainage Systems

Abstract: Much of the development of the low elevation coastal zone has involved the reclamation of low-lying floodplains and wetlands through the construction of flood mitigation and drainage systems. These systems function throughout the tidal range, protecting from high tides while draining excess catchment flows to the low tide. However, drainage can only be achieved under gravity when water levels in the catchment drains are higher than those in the estuary. Changes to the tidal range and to the duration of the rising and falling tides that occur throughout estuarine waters will result in dynamic variations in the window of opportunity for gravity discharge within and between different catchments and under sea level rise (SLR). Existing concerns regarding SLR impacts have focused on the acute effects of higher water levels, but SLR will affect the full tidal range, and drainage systems will be particularly vulnerable to changes in the low tide. This study introduces the concept of the drainage window to address this limitation by assessing how the present-day and future SLR tidal regimes may influence the drainage of different estuarine floodplains. Applying the drainage window to two different estuaries indicated that SLR may substantially reduce the opportunity for discharging many estuarine floodplain drainage systems. Reduced drainage creates a host of chronic problems that may necessitate changes to existing land uses. A holistic assessment of future changes to all water levels (including low tide levels and extended flood recession periods) is required to inform strategic land use planning and estuarine management.

Development and Validation of the Social Anomie Brief Scale (SAS-10) Against the New Standards Implemented During the COVID-19 Pandemic

Abstract: Currently, social anomie is a public health problem worldwide since people show behavior that does not conform to the newly established norms. Faced with this, the aim of the study was to develop and validate the psychometric properties of a short scale to assess social anomie in a sample of 406 adults (48% male and 52% female) between the ages of 18 and 62. Validity was evaluated based on internal structure through confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) and reliability through the internal consistency method with the hierarchical omega coefficient. The results indicate that a bi-factor model presents better indexes of adjustment to the data (χ2=62.86; df=25; p=.000; RMSEA=.061 [IC90% .042-.080]; SRMR=.024; CFI=.99; TLI=.99). Furthermore, the bi-factor model presents adequate levels of reliability for the general factor (ωH=.70) and for the affective (ωhs=.32) and behavior (ωhs=.41) dimensions. In conclusion, the study results provide a conceptual and statistical basis for the psychometric development of the SAS-10 scale in subsequent studies.

Co-infection of the four major Plasmodium species: Effects on densities and gametocyte carriage

Abstract: Co-infection of the four major species of human malaria parasite Plasmodium falciparum (Pf), P. vivax (Pv), P. malariae (Pm), and P. ovale sp. (Po) is regularly observed, but there is limited understanding of between-species interactions. In particular, little is known about the effects of multiple Plasmodium species co-infections on gametocyte production.We developed molecular assays for detecting asexual and gametocyte stages of Pf, Pv, Pm, and Po. This is the first description of molecular diagnostics for Pm and Po gametocytes. These assays were implemented in a unique epidemiological setting in Papua New Guinea with sympatric transmission of all four Plasmodium species permitting a comprehensive investigation of species interactions.The observed frequency of Pf-Pv co-infection for asexual parasites (14.7%) was higher than expected from individual prevalence rates (23.8%Pf x 47.4%Pv = 11.3%). The observed frequency of co-infection with Pf and Pv gametocytes (4.6%) was higher than expected from individual prevalence rates (13.1%Pf x 28.2%Pv = 3.7%). The excess risk of co-infection was 1.38 (95% confidence interval (CI): 1.09, 1.67) for all parasites and 1.37 (95% CI: 0.95, 1.79) for gametocytes. This excess co-infection risk was partially attributable to malaria infections clustering in some villages. Pf-Pv-Pm triple infections were four times more frequent than expected by chance alone, which could not be fully explained by infections clustering in highly exposed individuals. The effect of co-infection on parasite density was analyzed by systematic comparison of all pairwise interactions. This revealed a significant 6.57-fold increase of Pm density when co-infected with Pf. Pm gametocytemia also increased with Pf co-infection.Heterogeneity in exposure to mosquitoes is a key epidemiological driver of Plasmodium co-infection. Among the four co-circulating parasites, Pm benefitted most from co-infection with other species. Beyond this, no general prevailing pattern of suppression or facilitation was identified in pairwise analysis of gametocytemia and parasitemia of the four species.This trial is registered with ClinicalTrials.gov, Trial ID: NCT02143934.

Antifungal effect of triclosan on Aspergillus fumigatus: quorum quenching role as a single agent and synergy with liposomal amphotericin-B

Abstract: Abstract The purpose of this research was to determine Aspergillus fumigatus conidial viability and its biofilm formation upon treatment with triclosan and amphotericin-B loaded liposomes. A. fumigatus was treated with the antimicrobials, triclosan and liposomal amphotericin-B (L-AMB), in single and combined supplementation. To quantify the cells’ viability upon treatments, resazurin-based viability assay was performed. Confocal laser scanning microscopy was done by applying FUN-1 stain to screen the role of the agents on extracellular polymeric substances. Total A. fumigatus biomass upon treatments was estimated by using crystal violet-based assay. To study the agents’ effect on the conidial viability, flow cytometry analysis was performed. Expression levels of A. fumigatus genes encoding cell wall proteins, α-(1,3)-glucans and galactosaminogalactan were analysed by real-time polymerase chain reaction assay. A synergistic interaction occurred between triclosan and L-AMB when they were added sequentially (triclosan + L-AMB) at their sub-minimum inhibitory concentrations, the triclosan and L-AMB MICs were dropped to 0.6 and 0.2 mg/L, respectively, from 2 to 1 mg/L. Besides, L-AMB and triclosan contributed to the down-regulation of α-(1,3)-glucan and galactosaminogalactan in A. fumigatus conidia and resulted in less conidia aggregation and mycelia adhesion to the biotic/abiotic surfaces; A. fumigatus conidia-became hydrophilic upon treatment, as a result of rodlet layer being masked by a hydrophilic layer or modified by the ionic strength of the rodlet layer. In A. fumigatus , the potential mechanisms of action for L-AMB might be through killing the cells and for triclosan through interrupting the cells’ development as a consequence of quorum quenching.

Riders on the storm

Abstract: In the early 1860s, W. Stanley Jevons began a project to explain decennial ‘commercial fluctuations’ or ‘storms,’ subsequently termed business cycles. It was a highly detailed analysis, using statistics and graphs, discussing credit and money, investment, prices, outputs and pauperism. The core argument was that wheat prices provided the trigger for the storms by altering the amount of capital. The analysis followed Jevons’ work in meteorology, reflecting contemporary controversies over weather forecasting and the relation between sunspots and terrestrial phenomena. Jevons also drew on the analysis of commercial fluctuations by James Wilson.

Abdominal Imaging Associates Body Composition with COVID-19 Severity

Abstract: Abstract The main drivers of COVID-19 disease severity and the impact of COVID-19 on long-term health after recovery are yet to be fully understood. Medical imaging studies investigating COVID-19 to date have mostly been limited to small datasets and post-hoc analyses of severe cases. The UK Biobank recruited recovered SARS-CoV-2 positive individuals (n=967) and matched controls (n=913) who were extensively imaged prior to the pandemic and underwent follow-up scanning. In this study, we investigated longitudinal changes in body composition, as well as the associations of pre-pandemic image-derived phenotypes with COVID-19 severity. Our longitudinal analysis, in a population of mostly mild cases, associated a decrease in lung volume with SARS-CoV-2 positivity. We also observed that increased visceral adipose tissue and liver fat, and reduced muscle volume, prior to COVID-19, were associated with COVID-19 disease severity. Finally, we trained a machine classifier with demographic, anthropometric and imaging traits, and showed that visceral fat, liver fat and muscle volume have prognostic value for COVID-19 disease severity beyond the standard demographic and anthropometric measurements. This combination of image-derived phenotypes from abdominal MRI scans and ensemble learning to predict risk may have future clinical utility in identifying populations at-risk for a severe COVID-19 outcome.

Access-Based Consumption, Behaviour Change and Future Mobility: Insights from Visions of Car Sharing in Greater London

Abstract: The way in which people choose to travel has changed throughout history and adaptations have taken place in order to provide the most convenient, efficient and cost-effective method(s) of transport possible. This research explores two trends—technological and socio-economic change—by discussing the effects of their application in the renewed drive to promote car clubs in Greater London through the introduction of new technologies and innovative ways in which a car can be used and hired, thus helping to generate new insights for car sharing. A mixed methods approach was used, combining secondary data analysis obtained from a car club member survey of 5898 people with in-depth, semi-structured interviews. Our findings show that there is an opportunity to utilise car clubs as a tool for facilitating a step change away from private vehicle ownership in the city. In addition, the results suggest that car club operators are seeking to deliver a mode of transport that is able to compete with private car ownership. In terms of policy implications, such findings would suggest that compromise is necessary, and an operator/authority partnership would offer the most effective way of delivering car clubs in a manner that benefits all Londoners.

Kashmir, Feminisms, and Global Solidarities

Abstract: In this chapter, I consider what is made available to our understanding by thinking together the three terms: Kashmir, feminism, and solidarity. In the first part, I argue that thinking these terms together can reveal the limitations and contradictions of solidarity when it comes to the Indian feminist response, and the Indian Muslim response, to Kashmir. In the second part, I discuss the relative global lack of solidarity with Kashmir in spite of the parallels with other occupations. I point to how this relates to an understanding of international relations where conflicts are widely made sense of in disembodied terms and nonviolent struggles are considered worthier than violent resistance. I conclude with a call for the vital need to generate trans-contextual solidarities.

Nationalism and Populism

Abstract: Since the nation remains the primary identity around which lives are organised in contemporary times, a study of how gender matters in world politics is incomplete without a gendered analysis of how nationalism, including its populist variant, operates in different parts of the world. In this chapter, I first outline the main theoretical debates related to nationalism and then analyse the ways in which gender is central to understanding nationalism. I also point to the importance of gender in populist forms of majoritarian nationalism, especially the right-wing forms. Rather than offer a cosy accommodation between feminism and nationalism, I emphasise that a genuine democratic space, in which all forms of diversities, justices and freedoms are valued, necessitates a feminist politics that challenges nationalisms and populisms and the processes through which these ideologies are sustained.

Cabotegravir–rilpivirine treatment initiation in a nonvirologically suppressed patient

Abstract: Barnett, Steven K.a; Armas-Kolostroubis, Lauraa; Sension, Michaela; Riedel, David J.b Author Information

(Un)Shielded: Russia’s Influence in the Western Balkans Through the Kosovo-Serbia Open Dispute

Abstract: The Western Balkan region has long been a ‘chessboard’ for geopolitical games between Russia and the West. A prolonged EU membership process for the region and current enlargement fatigue provide a unique opportunity for Russia to strengthen its position in the region still further, thereby undermining EU and NATO roles. As such, the Western Balkans remains a vulnerable region on the periphery of Europe where Russia can extend its influence, strengthen alliances with specific countries, gain supporters and maximise its leverage, even to the point of competing with the West. While Russian economic investment cannot compete with EU investments and funds dedicated to the region, Russian propaganda media outlets in some countries (for instance, Serbia) portray the EU as weak, inefficient and politically unable to deliver in the Western Balkans. This propaganda campaign has been highly effective due to the EU’s inability to be more vocal in its promotion of assistance provided to the Western Balkans.

International perspectives on academic English in turbulent times

Abstract: The areas that have experienced the most impact include technical capability and readiness, pedagogic adaptations to online teaching, existing working patterns, and assessing learning. The need for rapid responses to the pandemic has demanded adapting existing, as well as adopting, new technological capabilities and pedagogic practices. Together with technological and pedagogical adaptations, teaching academic English in turbulent times also demands a higher degree of collaboration among all stakeholders. The responses summarised in this chapter exemplify the resourcefulness and creativity of academic English practitioners in responding to the challenges of teaching Academic English during the Covid-19 global pandemic. They also show their determination, dedication, and passion for the profession and, in particular, for their students to enable Academic English to continue, despite the turbulent times.

A structural equation modelling approach to understanding the determinants of childhood vaccination in Nigeria, Uganda and Guinea

Abstract: Abstract Vaccines have contributed to reductions in morbidity and mortality from preventable diseases globally, but low demand for vaccination threatens to reverse these gains. Explorations of the determinants of vaccination uptake may rely on proxy variables to describe complex phenomena and construct models without reference to underlying theories of vaccine demand. This study aimed to use the results of a formative qualitative study (described elsewhere) to construct and test a model to explain the determinants of vaccination uptake. Using the results of a survey among more than 3,000 primary caregivers of young children in Nigeria, Uganda and Guinea, factor analysis produced six explanatory factors. We then estimated the effects of each of these factors on uptake of immunization using a structural equation model. The results showed that the probability that a child is fully vaccinated increases if a caregiver has support from others to vaccinate them (B= 0.33, β= 0.21, p<0.001) and if caregivers had poor experiences with the healthcare system (B= 0.09, β= 0.09, p= 0.007). Conversely, the probability of full vaccination decreases if the caregiver’s husband exerts control over her decision-making ability (B= -0.29, β = -0.20, p<0.001), or if the caregiver perceives vaccines to be of low importance (B= -0.37, β= -0.27, p<0.001). Belief in religious protection (B= -0.07, β= -0.05, p=0.118) and a belief that vaccines are harmful (B= -0.12, β= -0.04, p= 0.320) did not have an observed effect on vaccination status. This research suggests that interventions may benefit from that including entire families and communities in their design.

The philosophy of construction economics

Abstract: In this chapter, the authors survey a wide range of philosophical, moral and ethical issues confronting firms and individuals in the construction industry. Conflict between parties in construction projects leads to adversarial behaviour. Because it is a project-orientated industry, there is often little continuity between the contractors and their clients and trust is lost between them as building proposals tend to benefit some and harm the interests of others. Trade associations and professional bodies expect that all work undertaken should be in accordance with good practice and all should act in the interests of their clients, having regard for the public interest, health and safety, and even future generations. At the same time, all members are expected to show regard for the environment and the sustainable management of natural resources. Nevertheless, examples of unethical behaviour include knowingly damaging the environment and social discrimination, as occurs in many parts of society.