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 & Politics. The organization has 2944 authors who have published 8426 publications receiving 200236 citations. The organization is also known as: Westminster University & Royal Polytechnic Institution.

From 'Event-led' to 'Event-themed' Regeneration: The 2002 Commonwealth Games Legacy Programme:

Abstract: Hosting large events has long been associated with the physical regeneration of cities. To supplement these ‘hard’ impacts, cities are now attempting to use events to stimulate ‘softer’ social and economic regeneration. This paper evaluates the impacts of a regeneration Programme adopted in conjunction with the 2002 Commonwealth Games held in Manchester, UK. Alongside its emphasis on social and economic regeneration, this Programme was unusual in that the projects were Games-themed, rather than being directly linked to the event. Despite some concerns about the organisational structures employed and the sustainability of impacts, target beneficiaries have received valuable assistance from the Programme. As such there appears to be valuable lessons that other cities can learn from this example of event regeneration.

Flour and breads and their fortification in health and disease prevention

Abstract: Bread and flour-based foods are an important part of the diet for millions of people worldwide. Their complex nature provides energy, protein, minerals and many other macro- and micronutrients. However, consideration must be taken of three major aspects related to flour and bread. The first is that not all cultures consume bread made from wheat flour. There are literally dozens of flour types, each with their distinctive heritage, cultural roles and nutritive contents. Second, not all flours are used to make leavened bread in the traditional (i.e., Western) loaf form. There are many different ways that flours are used in the production of staple foods. Third, flour and breads provide a suitable means for fortification: either to add components that are removed in the milling and purification process or to add components that will increase palatability or promote health and reduce disease per se. Flour and Breads and their Fortification in Health and Disease Prevention provides a single-volume reference to the healthful benefits of a variety of flours and flour products, and guides the reader in identifying options and opportunities for improving health through flour and fortified flour products. Examines those flour and bread related agents that affect metabolism and other health-related conditions. Explores the impact of compositional differences between flours, including differences based on country of origin and processing technique. Includes methods for analysis of flours and bread-related compounds in other foods.

Expression of integrin β1 by fibroblasts is required for tissue repair in vivo

Abstract: In tissue repair, fibroblasts migrate into the wound to produce and remodel extracellular matrix (ECM). Integrins are believed to be crucial for tissue repair, but their tissue-specific role in this process is poorly understood. Here, we show that mice containing a fibroblast-specific deletion of integrin β1 exhibit delayed cutaneous wound closure and less granulation tissue formation, including reduced production of new ECM and reduced expression of α-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA). Integrin-β1-deficient fibroblasts showed reduced expression of type I collagen and connective tissue growth factor, and failed to differentiate into myofibroblasts as a result of reduced α-SMA stress fiber formation. Loss of integrin β1 in adult fibroblasts reduced their ability to adhere to, to spread on and to contract ECM. Within stressed collagen matrices, integrin-β1-deficient fibroblasts showed reduced activation of latent TGFβ. Addition of active TGFβ alleviated the phenotype of integrin-β1-deficient mice. Thus integrin β1 is essential for normal wound healing, where it acts, at least in part, through a TGFβ-dependent mechanism in vivo.

The central role of myostatin in skeletal muscle and whole body homeostasis

Abstract: Myostatin is a powerful negative regulator of skeletal muscle mass in mammalian species. It plays a key role in skeletal muscle homeostasis and has now been well described since its discovery. Myostatin is capable of inducing muscle atrophy via its inhibition of myoblast proliferation, increasing ubiquitin-proteasomal activity and downregulating activity of the IGF–Akt pathway. These well-recognized effects are seen in multiple atrophy causing situations, including injury, diseases such as cachexia, disuse and space flight, demonstrating the importance of the myostatin signalling mechanism. Based on this central role, significant work has been pursued to inhibit myostatin's actions in vivo. Importantly, several new studies have uncovered roles for myostatin distinct from skeletal muscle size. Myostatin has been suggested to play a role in cardiomyocyte homeostasis, glucose metabolism and adipocyte proliferation, all of which are examined in detail below. Based on these effects, myostatin inhibition has potential to be widely utilized in many Western diseases such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, type II diabetes and obesity. However, if myostatin inhibitors are to successfully translate from bench-top to bedside in the near future, awareness must be raised on these non-traditional effects of myostatin away from skeletal muscle. Indeed, further research into these novel areas is required.