The effect of phospholipid supplementation on cognitive performance across the lifespan

Phospholipids (PLs) are found abundantly in mammalian cell membranes and support cellular health and function. Their composition and shape promotes asymmetry within membrane bilayers and affects membrane physiological properties. PLs have the potential to facilitate cognitive function. A systematic review identified ten PL supplementation studies, including two acute and eight chronic (≥ 2 week) interventions. Cognitive benefits, mainly memory enhancement, were reported for a single PL, phosphatidylserine, and a bovine milk-derived PL composite, which was used in the supplementation studies reported in this thesis. The quality of the empirical studies reviewed was compromised by poor study designs and/or analytical approach. Moreover, the review highlighted a lack of empirical studies considering PL supplementation in children and adolescents. The focus of this thesis was to investigate the potential for bovine milk-derived PLs to promote cognitive function. Study 1 (n=70) was the first randomised placebo-controlled trial of the effects of PLs on cognitive performance in school-aged children (6-8 years). This was a six week intervention trial during which the children were tested every 3 weeks on measures of memory, motor skills, executive function and processing speed. Subjective evaluations of appetite, mood, motivation and mental alertness were also measured. The impact of the supplement on cognitive performance was limited. There was also no discernible effect on subjective state. Study 2 (n=50) extended limited existing evidence to examine effects of PL supplementation in middle-aged/older adults with a subjective memory complaint. This randomised placebo controlled trial investigated the acute and chronic effects of PL supplementation over 12 weeks on cognitive measures of memory and executive function and self-reports on the Cognitive Failures Questionnaire. Cognitive performance and the frequency of cognitive failures was measured at week 0 (acute), week 6 and week 12 (chronic). Few effects on cognitive performance following both acute and chronic supplement consumption were observed. Cognitive failures were reduced in participants who received the active supplement and reported greater cognitive failures at baseline. Across both studies, participants’ demographic characteristics and baseline performance had a greater impact on cognitive performance than the active supplement. Overall, the findings from the PL intervention studies presented in this thesis add to the existing heterogeneous evidence of the potential for PLs to moderate cognitive performance. Despite strong mechanistic data suggesting PLs could confer beneficial and/or protective effects on cognition, this thesis did not find clear evidence of a benefit of PLs for cognition. Further examination of the potential benefits of PLs in other formulations for cognitive function in young and old samples is warranted

National audit of pathways in epileptic seizure referrals (NAPIER) : a national, multicentre audit of first seizure clinics throughout the UK and Ireland

Acknowledgements We would like to thank the following collaborators of the NANSIG Collaborative, who conducted local data collection and analysis: Ajitesh Anand, Alena Abraham, Alex Irving, Amogh Prabhakar, Catinca Ciuculete, Cindy Zheng, Daniel King, Declan Browne, Dipesh Kumar Barua, Dorota Duklas, Farhat Mirza, Fumilola Olaifa, Harmani Daler, Hassan Naveed, Heba Elzeky, Hedley Emsley, Honglin Zhu, Ian Morrison, Irtiza Syed, Isabel Summers, Jack Wellington, Jasmine Wall, John O'Dwyer, Jordan Ford, Karthikeyan Sivaganesh, Katja Lassak, Keara Jamison, Khalid Hamandi, Kourosh Parvi, Lareyna McMenemy, Lewis McColm, Lina Aleknaite, Maithili Srikantha, Maja Kaladjiska, Marie Jasim, Mark McCarron, Martina Mockova, Mohammad Marar, Naghme Adab, Najma Ahmed, Nye Rhys Potter, Pavithira Tharmapoopathy, Prithvi Dixit, Rajiv Mohanraj, Ravanth Baskaran, Richard Davenport, Robert Seah, Rohan Bhate, Rohan Gupta, Sahar Shams, Siddarth Kannan, Tahir Majeed, Timothy Counihan, Tomas Ferriera, Yihui Cheng, Zaib ShamshiPeer reviewedPostprin

Improving selection of markers in nutrition research: evaluation of the criteria proposed by the ILSI Europe Marker Validation Initiative

The conduct of high-quality nutrition research requires the selection of appropriate markers as outcomes, for example as indicators of food or nutrient intake, nutritional status, health status or disease risk. Such selection requires detailed knowledge of the markers, and consideration of the factors that may influence their measurement, other than the effects of nutritional change. A framework to guide selection of markers within nutrition research studies would be a valuable tool for researchers. A multidisciplinary Expert Group set out to test criteria designed to aid the evaluation of candidate markers for their usefulness in nutrition research and subsequently to develop a scoring system for markers. The proposed criteria were tested using thirteen markers selected from a broad range of nutrition research fields. The result of this testing was a modified list of criteria and a template for evaluating a potential marker against the criteria. Subsequently, a semi-quantitative system for scoring a marker and an associated template were developed. This system will enable the evaluation and comparison of different candidate markers within the same field of nutrition research in order to identify their relative usefulness. The ranking criteria of proven, strong, medium or low are likely to vary according to research setting, research field and the type of tool used to assess the marker and therefore the considerations for scoring need to be determined in a setting-, field- and tool-specific manner. A database of such markers, their interpretation and range of possible values would be valuable to nutrition researchers

The relationship between obesity and cognitive health and decline

The relationship between obesity and cognitive impairment is important given the globally ageing population in whom cognitive decline and neurodegenerative disorders will carry grave individual, societal and financial burdens. This review examines the evidence for the link between obesity and cognitive function in terms of both the immediate effects on cognitive performance, and effects on the trajectory of cognitive ageing and likelihood of dementia. In mid-life, there is a strong association between obesity and impaired cognitive function. Anthropometric measures of obesity are also associated with reduced neural integrity (e.g. grey and white matter atrophy). Increasing age coupled with the negative metabolic consequences of obesity (e.g. type 2 diabetes mellitus) are likely to significantly contribute to cognitive decline and incidence of dementia. Stress is identified as a potential risk factor promoting abdominal obesity and contributing to impaired cognitive function. However, the potentially protective effects of obesity against cognitive decline in older age require further examination. Finally, surgical and whole diet interventions, which address obesity may improve cognitive capacity and confer some protection against later cognitive decline. In conclusion, obesity and its comorbidities are associated with impaired cognitive performance, accelerated cognitive decline and neurodegenerative pathologies such as dementia in later life. Interventions targeting mid-life obesity may prove beneficial in reducing the cognitive risks associated with obesity

Using Conducting Polymers as Active Agents for Marine Antifouling Paints

Antifouling coatings were prepared with paints containing polyaniline (PAni) and derivatives as active pigment, and evaluated by antifouling performance on metallic or polyvinyl chloride substrates. The paints, PAni and its derivatives were characterized by FT-IR spectrophotometry, thermogravimetric analysis, electrical conductivity and scanning electron microscopy. Coatings were also characterized by salt spray, leaching and erosion tests. Antifouling coatings’ performance was evaluated by immersion tests in a marine environment or in fresh water. Paints containing PAni-ES, PAni/DBSA and SPAN, and a co-biocide PyZn, showed antifouling performance similar to a commercial antifouling paint

Contributions à une histoire du catholicisme : Papauté, Aquitaine, France et Outre-Mer. Mélanges offerts à Marc Agostino

International audienc

Contributions à une histoire du catholicisme : Papauté, Aquitaine, France et Outre-Mer. Mélanges offerts à Marc Agostino

International audienc

Evaluation of mass media campaign of early cancer diagnosis, targeting older adults in Northern Ireland: a cross-sectional study

</p