The cardiovascular safety of incretin-based therapies: a review of the evidence

Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is a leading cause of morbidity and mortality in people with diabetes and therefore managing cardiovascular (CV) risk is a critical component of diabetes care. As incretin-based therapies are effective recent additions to the glucose-lowering treatment armamentarium for type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2D), understanding their CV safety profiles is of great importance. Glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonists have been associated with beneficial effects on CV risk factors, including weight, blood pressure and lipid profiles. Encouragingly, mechanistic studies in preclinical models and in patients with acute coronary syndrome suggest a potential cardioprotective effect of native GLP-1 or GLP-1 receptor agonists following ischaemia. Moreover, meta-analyses of phase 3 development programme data indicate no increased risk of major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE) with incretin-based therapies. Large randomized controlled trials designed to evaluate long-term CV outcomes with incretin-based therapies in individuals with T2D are now in progress, with the first two reporting as this article went to press

Ceramic Transfer Printing

This is one of the first books dedicated to the creative practice and research of ceramic transfers or decals with a focus on the creative potential for studio-based artists or designer-makers. A ceramic transfer allows pictures, patterns or text to be transferred onto ceramic forms - 2D and 3D. This added layer of meaning might have artistic or commercial ends. Importantly, print can achieve distinct aesthetic effects on ceramics that are not possible by using other decoration methods such as hand painting. Drawing on over twenty years of experience, Kevin Petrie offers a focused analysis of the potential of ceramic transfer printing as a creative medium. He traces the history of the subject and explains the distinctive visual qualities of a range of transfer printing methods. Petrie’s research into the specific materials and techniques for making versatile screen-printed ceramic transfers are explained with an emphasis on water-based systems. Other approaches by artist researchers (UK, Netherlands, USA, Canada, Germany) are also brought together for the first time and recent developments with digital transfers appraised. A range of case studies shows the potential and diversity of approach in this area, which extends beyond ceramics to include enamel on metal and glass. During preparation the publishers decided to increase the scale of the book and launch it through a new series, `The new ceramics’. The book was subsequently accepted by The American Ceramic Society, Ohio, for simultaneously publication in the UK and USA. Since publication the book has sold c2000 copies. Aspects of the book have been expanded and published in an article for ‘Ceramic Review – The International Magazine of Ceramic Art and Craft’

Book review: Thesis survivor stories: Practical advice on getting through your PhD or Masters thesis

This article reviews the book "Thesis survivor stories: Practical advice on getting through your PhD or Masters thesis" complied by M. Waring & K. Kearins

Coming unstuck as an interviewer.

As a novice researcher, interviewing seemed relatively unproblematic. What an epiphany it was when I realised just how many flaws there were in both my interviewing technique and my development of an interview schedule. This paper highlights the issues that arose in the process of using semi-structured interviews during a small research project that focused on primary teacher education students' understanding of physical education. The issues discussed focus on my interview schedule, my ability to listen and probe, and the conflict of attempting to be both empathetic and neutral when I wanted to challenge points, and in my desire to get 'good' data. This paper outlines the literature that I drew on in developing my understanding of the semi-structured interview and offers a story from the field that illuminates the challenges inherent in the actual interview process

The importance of conference!

The author discusses the benefits of attending conferences for physical education teachers. It is noted that within and outside of the teaching profession physical educators are sometimes not viewed as teachers and the author believes that creating professional development opportunities will change that

Stepping out of the "ivory tower": an initial teacher educator's experience of returning to the classroom.

In this article I want to discuss my attempts to make sense of my role and practice as a teacher educator who helps student teachers implement the curriculum in schools and my experiences of engaging in a process of personal professional development. I will demonstrate how a six week experience as a teacher in a primary school challenged my understandings and practices of the what it means to be a teacher in this context, and what the learning experience meant for me as a teacher educator. It is work that explores what it takes to be a teacher of teaching for students who are working towards teaching in primary schools. I report that linking teacher education curriculum with the realities of primary schools has particular challenges

Physical education in primary schools: holding on to the past or heading for a different future?

This paper reports on research undertaken by Pétrie, jones, and McKlm (2007)' during 2006, as part of a Ministry of Education funded evaluation ofthe Impacts of professional learning on currlcular and co-currlcular physical activity. While the evaluative research explored physical activity In the broadest sense, this paper concentrates specifically on the aspect ofthe research that focussed on physical education [PEj as a curriculum subject. The paper provides a snapshot of how PE ¡s understood and practised by generallst teachers In ten primary schools. It then identifies some of the factors that contribute to interpretations and delivery of PE, and Issues that need to be addressed If PE is to move beyond the past and towards an alternative future

Book review: Oloketa tingting fo apem education long Solomon Islands: Issues in Solomon Islands Education.

Book review: Oloketa tingting fo apem education long Solomon Islands: Issues in Solomon Islands Education

Institutions, Social Norms and Well-being

This paper discusses the intrinsic and instrumental value of governance and social norms to the well being of New Zealanders. The interaction between informal social norms and formal institutions is also discussed. An attempt is made to identify the channels and precise mechanisms through which governance and social norms respectively may impact on well-being. Empirical evidence on these effects is cited, and the relevance of the evidence to New Zealand is assessed. A range of suggestions is then presented for strengthening the governance of public institutions in New Zealand, focusing on improvements to transparency, accountability and integrity within existing constitutional arrangements. Finally, some tentative remarks are made on the potential role of government in influencing the evolution of social norms, and managing tensions between conflicting norms in New Zealand.Norms; governance; well-being; public institutions; transparency