University of Westminster

About: University of Westminster is a education organization based out in London, United Kingdom. It is known for research contribution in the topics: Population & Context (language use). The organization has 2944 authors who have published 8426 publications receiving 200236 citations. The organization is also known as: Westminster University & Royal Polytechnic Institution.

Contribution of activin receptor-like kinase 5 (transforming growth factor beta receptor type I) signaling to the fibrotic phenotype of scleroderma fibroblasts.

Abstract: Objective To use a specific transforming growth factor β receptor type I (TGFβRI; activin receptor–like kinase 5 [ALK-5]) kinase inhibitor (SD208) to determine the role of activation of the TGFβRI kinase (ALK-5) in maintaining the profibrotic phenotype of dermal fibroblasts in systemic sclerosis (SSc). Methods The effect of SD208 on the expression of key biochemical markers of the fibrotic phenotype was compared in fibroblasts cultured from clinically involved (lesional) and clinically uninvolved skin of patients with diffuse cutaneous SSc (dcSSc) and in fibroblasts from healthy controls matched for age, sex, and anatomic site. Protein expression was compared together with the ability of fibroblasts to adhere to the extracellular matrix and to remodel and contract a free-floating fibroblast–populated type I collagen lattice. Results Inhibiting TGFβRI kinase reduced the expression of a cohort of fibrotic markers by dermal fibroblasts from patients with dcSSc, including type I collagen and β1 integrin. Moreover, inhibition also attenuated the elevated adhesive and contractile abilities of dcSSc fibroblasts. Conclusion Our data suggest that some of the key profibrotic features of lesional SSc fibroblasts are dependent upon ALK-5 activity. Thus, TGFβRI kinase–mediated signaling may contribute to dermal fibrosis in dcSSc.

Pathophysiology and treatment of motion sickness

Abstract: Purpose of reviewMotion sickness remains bothersome in conventional transport and is an emerging hazard in visual information technologies. Treatment remains unsatisfactory but advances in brain imaging, neurophysiology, and neuropharmacology may provide insights into more effective drug and behavio

Composite polymer-bioceramic scaffolds with drug delivery capability for bone tissue engineering.

Abstract: Introduction: Next-generation scaffolds for bone tissue engineering (BTE) should exhibit the appropriate combination of mechanical support and morphological guidance for cell proliferation and attachment while at the same time serving as matrices for sustained delivery of therapeutic drugs and/or biomolecular signals, such as growth factors. Drug delivery from BTE scaffolds to induce the formation of functional tissues, which may need to vary temporally and spatially, represents a versatile approach to manipulating the local environment for directing cell function and/or to treat common bone diseases or local infection. In addition, drug delivery from BTE is proposed to either increase the expression of tissue inductive factors or to block the expression of others factors that could inhibit bone tissue formation. Composite scaffolds which combine biopolymers and bioactive ceramics in mechanically competent 3D structures, including also organic–inorganic hybrids, are being widely developed for BTE, where t...

Strategic spatial planning: collective action and moments of opportunity

Abstract: The theory and practice of strategic spatial planning makes a significant contribution to debates about contemporary European planning. Whilst its proponents describe a progressive style of governance and new territorial imaginations it is difficult to point to success on the ground. The paper argues that the normative conception of strategic spatial planning and focus on the failure of planners to live up to the ideal diverts attention from understanding the day-to-day work of planners and the ordinary politics of planning. We review some potentially helpful work in political sociology to develop framework that, rather than seeing planners failing to develop appropriate spatial and governance imaginations, may contribute to a better understanding of how planners pursue interests, attempt to manage the costs of collective action and assess institutional constraints and political opportunities.