NIHRDataInsights/HRCSData huggingface dataset:
Title: High Iron Wheat - HarvestPlus Challenge Program
Funder: Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council

Abstract: We will investigate two independent strategies to increase iron concentration in wheat grains. The first relates to the identification of functional vacuolar transporters in wheat. We will identify putative vacuolar iron transporters in wheat through in silico methods and determine their transport activity in yeast mutants sensitive to extracellular Fe or Zn. Validated transporters will be characterized by over-expressing them in wheat seeds using endosperm-specific promoters. In addition, we will identify EMS mutants for those transporters found to be expressed in leaves. We will also examine the regulatory network modulated by GPC1 (Grain Protein Content 1). This gene has been shown to increase N, Zn and Fe remobilization from wheat flag leaves to grain, yet the downstream targets remain unknown. We will use ChIP-Seq to identify these target genes and perform an initial validation using qPCR.


Research activity codes: 3.3 NUTRITION AND CHEMOPREVENTION
Health categories: STROKE;CANCER AND NEOPLASMS;METABOLIC AND ENDOCRINE;CARDIOVASCULAR;ORAL AND GASTROINTESTINAL
Title: BACterial Hosts for production of Bioactive phenolics from bERRY fruits
Funder: Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council

Abstract: Plants synthesize a staggering variety of secondary metabolites, and this chemodiversity is a poorly used pool of natural molecules with bioactive properties of importance for applications in the pharma and food industries. BacHBerry focusses on phenolic compounds, a large and diverse class of plant metabolites, which are currently in the spotlight due to their claimed beneficial effects in prevention and treatment of chronic diseases, but that also have applications as cosmetics, flavours and food colorants etc. Berries are soft and colourful fruits, with great diversity, high content and unique profiles in phenolic compounds, making them a major source of these high-value metabolites. The BacHBerry project aims to develop a portfolio of sustainable methodologies to mine the potential of the untapped biodiversity of the bioactive phenolic compounds in an extensive collection of berry species. Full exploitation of this unrivalled natural resource requires an integrated and comprehensive effort from bioprospecting in berries using SMART high-throughput screens for the valorisation of phenolic bioactivities aligned with their identification using cutting edge analytics and subsequent elucidation of their biosynthetic pathways. This knowledge will facilitate metabolic engineering of suitable bacterial hosts for high-value phenolics production in scalable fermentation bioprocesses, ultimately serving as commercial production platforms The consortium comprises a full chain of research and innovation, with 12 research groups, 5 SMEs and a large enterprise, representing 10 countries including partners from ICPC countries Russia, Chile and China, with the capacity to exploit novel bioactivities from berry fruits diversity. BacHBerry develops a pipeline of sustainable and cost-effective processes to facilitate production of added-value berry phenolics with immediate potential for commercialization and consequent socio-economic benefits for the European community and beyond.


Research activity codes: 3.3 NUTRITION AND CHEMOPREVENTION
Health categories: STROKE;CANCER AND NEOPLASMS;METABOLIC AND ENDOCRINE;CARDIOVASCULAR;ORAL AND GASTROINTESTINAL
Title: Understanding the role of primary care in the management of co-morbid obesity: a mixed methods programme
Funder: Chief Scientist Office (Scotland)

Abstract: Obesity is one of the biggest public health problems in Scotland today. Strategies to prevent and treat obesity include interventions at the individual, family, healthcare provider, and environmental levels. However, from a healthcare perspective, services should be targeted according to need, taking into account markers of severity, such as obesity-related co-morbidities. This mixed methods study aims to inform the development of a theory-driven, evidence-based intervention supporting primary care practitioners to improve the management of co-morbid obesity – addressing the first stage of the MRC Framework for design and evaluation of complex interventions – through three integrated phases. In Phase 1, population-level obesity will be stratified by severity through statistical analysis of a large, national, cross-sectional dataset. Markers of severity will include co-morbidities, adverse health behaviours and clinical risk factors. Differences by age, gender, ethnicity and deprivation will be explored, building a profile of the current co-morbid, obese population. Phase 2 is a literature review and realist synthesis of existing interventions targeting primary care practitioners to achieve positive outcomes for adults with obesity, with and without co-morbidities. The reported patient populations will be compared with that identified in Phase 1. Phase 3 is a case study of the Glasgow & Clyde Weight Management Service. Qualitative semi-structured interviews, informed by Phases 1 and 2, will be conducted with practitioners and patients, exploring barriers and facilitators to discussion of weight and subsequent referral. They will also be consulted on the acceptability of possible interventions identified in Phase 2, to inform future intervention development.


Research activity codes: 7.1 INDIVIDUAL CARE NEEDS;8.1 ORGANISATION AND DELIVERY OF SERVICES;2.4 SURVEILLANCE AND DISTRIBUTION
Health categories: STROKE;CANCER AND NEOPLASMS;METABOLIC AND ENDOCRINE;CARDIOVASCULAR;ORAL AND GASTROINTESTINAL
Title: Community-based health improvement for disadvantaged women: could a physical activity / healthy eating intervention be delivered in Bingo clubs in Scotland?
Funder: Chief Scientist Office (Scotland)

Abstract: Many socially-disadvantaged women would benefit from improving their diet and physical activity levels. Public health initiatives are most successful when they are linked to the everyday life of communities, led by community members and build upon local traditions. Following these principles, we have identified Bingo clubs as a potential novel setting to deliver healthy lifestyle interventions (PA/diet) to socially-disadvantaged women, using principles of community-based participatory research to involve them directly. The project comprises a scoping review/evidence synthesis to identify potentially effective interventions for socially-disadvantaged women. Formative qualitative work will be conducted among Bingo customers (4 focus groups) and staff (1 focus group, 1 interview) to investigate the feasibility of recruitment and intervention delivery in this setting. Components of existing, effective interventions will be demonstrated to customers and staff, with 4 focus groups to re-design/adapt them as necessary. We will also explore how behaviour change might be sustained after formal intervention.


Research activity codes: 3.1 PRIMARY PREVENTION INTERVENTIONS TO MODIFY BEHAVIOURS OR PROMOTE WELL-BEING
Health categories: STROKE;CANCER AND NEOPLASMS;METABOLIC AND ENDOCRINE;CARDIOVASCULAR;ORAL AND GASTROINTESTINAL
Title: Excessive Sitting, in Prolonged Bouts, in Children and Adolescents: Developing a Sound Evidence Base for Future Interventions
Funder: Chief Scientist Office (Scotland)

Abstract: Both sitting time and the fragmentation of sitting have important and largely independent adverse effects on cardiometabolic health. The overall aim of the present proposal is to provide an evidence-informed basis for future research and policy interventions aimed at reduction in sitting time and/or the promotion of breaks in sitting in children and adolescents. The proposal will use a combination of secondary analysis of cohort study data on accelerometry-measured sitting (at ages 6/7y, 8/9y, and l l / 1 2 y ) , and collection of new data on the cohort (at ages 15/16y) to: quantify sitting time and fragmentation of sitting at each age, and tracking of sitting time and fragmentation; identify the main determinants of sitting time and sitting fragmentation across childhood and adolescence; as a by product of these studies we would identify age-related changes in physical activity across the cohort from age 6-16y and their relationship to changes in body fatness.


Research activity codes: 3.1 PRIMARY PREVENTION INTERVENTIONS TO MODIFY BEHAVIOURS OR PROMOTE WELL-BEING
Health categories: STROKE;CANCER AND NEOPLASMS;METABOLIC AND ENDOCRINE;CARDIOVASCULAR;ORAL AND GASTROINTESTINAL
Title: A mixed methods programme of study for the determinants and health outcomes of home food preparation.
Funder: Department of Health (England)

Abstract: The UK is experiencing an obesity epidemic, with huge associated health, economic and social costs. Currently, there is little research studying home food preparation behaviour and its potential for obesity prevention and treatment. This project will review existing evidence regarding the influential factors for home cooking, and its advantages and shortcomings for health. It will explore cooking behaviour through detailed interviews, and a large-scale population survey; and compare nutritional quality and financial costs of consuming home cooked dishes ‘from scratch’ with pre-prepared ready meals. Findings will help develop initiatives encouraging healthy home food preparation, and hence improvements in health.


Research activity codes: 3.1 PRIMARY PREVENTION INTERVENTIONS TO MODIFY BEHAVIOURS OR PROMOTE WELL-BEING;3.3 NUTRITION AND CHEMOPREVENTION
Health categories: STROKE;CANCER AND NEOPLASMS;METABOLIC AND ENDOCRINE;CARDIOVASCULAR;ORAL AND GASTROINTESTINAL
Title: The economic and individual health implications of adiposity: evidence from the Million Women Study
Funder: Department of Health (England)

Abstract: There is extensive evidence that overweight and obesity, usually measured by body mass index (BMI), adversely affect many health outcomes. However, there is limited evidence about the overall effects that differences in BMI may have on individual health and healthcare costs, and how these effects may vary between different groups of people. This project will estimate the overall effects of overweight and obesity, as measured by BMI, on UK healthcare costs, quality of life and life expectancy, using the detailed information on physical characteristics, health behaviours, health events, and healthcare resource use available for participants in the Million Women Study.


Research activity codes: 2.3 PSYCHOLOGICAL, SOCIAL AND ECONOMIC FACTORS;8.2 HEALTH AND WELFARE ECONOMICS
Health categories: STROKE;CANCER AND NEOPLASMS;METABOLIC AND ENDOCRINE;CARDIOVASCULAR;ORAL AND GASTROINTESTINAL
Title: Foaming and fat replacer ingredients
Funder: Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council

Abstract: Obesity related illness presents a huge financial and social challenge to Governments and health services in the UK, EU_x000D_ and around the world. The UK House of Commons Health Select Committee calculated that in 2002 clinical obesity cost_x000D_ the English economy somewhere between £3.3-3.7 billion per annum. A similar calculation in 2006 by the EU commission_x000D_ estimated that between 59 billion Euros and 236 billion Euros per annum or 7-28% of the total healthcare budget of the_x000D_ member states was spent on the consequences of obesity related illness. It is estimated that by 2050 obesity will affect_x000D_ 60% of the UK population. If this problem is not addressed it will result in an unprecedented and possibly unsustainable_x000D_ drain on healthcare resources in the UK. Tackling this huge problem will require a multi faceted approach, not least of_x000D_ which will be attempts to modify the eating behaviour of large parts of the population. Food manufacturers have been_x000D_ proactive in this respect by developing a range of low or reduced fat foods to replace less healthy alternatives. However,_x000D_ reduced fat foods at present have low uptake by consumers and make little profit for industry. Market studies show that_x000D_ consumers will not choose healthier food and drink products that have inferior taste or mouth feel to the less healthy_x000D_ equivalent. In this study we aim to develop protein-based ingredients and enabling technologies for the formulation of foods_x000D_ with reduced energy density while providing stability and mouth feel that are equivalent or improved compared to the_x000D_ original versions. We will use a multi-scale approach that aims both to understand the microscopic role played by novel fat_x000D_ replacers and emulsifiers, how these will impact on structure at the colloidal level, and how this determines texture in the_x000D_ whole food. This will allow us to broaden our specific approach into a general strategy that can be applied to a wider range_x000D_ of food products


Research activity codes: 3.3 NUTRITION AND CHEMOPREVENTION
Health categories: STROKE;CANCER AND NEOPLASMS;METABOLIC AND ENDOCRINE;CARDIOVASCULAR;ORAL AND GASTROINTESTINAL
Title: A social norms approach to encourage healthier eating
Funder: Economic and Social Research Council

Abstract: Obesity is major current health concern and encouraging healthier eating is a national and global priority. However, making healthful food choices is not easy in an environment in which high calorie foods are all too easily available and highly visible. Psychological research has demonstrated that how we behave is strongly influenced by our perceptions of how other people behave in similar situations and by the opinions of others about what is appropriate behaviour in a given context. In relation to eating behaviour, people look to others as a guide for how much to eat and the presence of other people in eating situations can guide food selection. This suggests that one way of encouraging healthier eating would be to provide information about the healthy eating habits of others. This approach has been used successfully to reduce unhealthy consumption of alcoholic drinks but has yet to be applied to eating behaviour. To address this, and to provide evidence to help develop a new intervention to promote healthier eating, we will conduct experiments in which we will first expose people to posters and flyers that provide information about the healthy eating behaviour of others and then we will assess actual food selection in a simulated café environment. We predict that we can promote healthier food selection in these experiments, and then we will implement the most effective strategy in a catering outlet. The effect on actual food purchases of employees at the University of Birmingham will be assessed. These studies fit under ESRC strategic priority on health and wellbeing and will advance our understanding of the role of social norms in changing health behaviours and provide a basis for novel healthy eating interventions.


Research activity codes: 3.1 PRIMARY PREVENTION INTERVENTIONS TO MODIFY BEHAVIOURS OR PROMOTE WELL-BEING
Health categories: STROKE;CANCER AND NEOPLASMS;METABOLIC AND ENDOCRINE;CARDIOVASCULAR;ORAL AND GASTROINTESTINAL
Title: 'Urgent invite': Camden Borough Active Spaces Project
Funder: Economic and Social Research Council

Abstract: Physical activity is beneficial for the health of young people. It is recommended that young people engage in physical activity of moderate intensity for at least one hour a day, to maintain good health. However, just 24% of British girls and 32% of boys achieve this recommendation, which has been partly linked to the rise in obesity levels across the UK. Studies have found that weekday physical activity in school children is lowest when they are at school. Numerous school-based interventions have focused on physical education lessons in an attempt to increase activity levels, but have generally been unsuccessful. Environments both stimulate and provide the arena for physical activity although there is limited research to show if changing the physical environment at school influences activity levels in children. Camden Borough Council will be re-designing six existing school playgrounds with exciting bespoke features to engage children to become more active. The underlying goal is to encourage motivation by integrating potential for activities that are not motivated by traditional sports or by team competition. This presents a unique opportunity to evaluate the impact of these structures on physical activity, engagement, wellbeing, and academic performance. The building work will be undertaken in the school holidays of this year. Measuring physical activity in children is challenging and often relies on proxy measures such as parent-report that can be unreliable. In the last decade the measurement of physical activity has been revolutionised with the introduction of small wearable motion sensors that now enables us to assess movement objectively over prolonged periods at low cost. We propose to randomly select approximately 80 pupils from similar year groups from each of the six schools (total sample size~ 480) and collect objective physical activity data from them, using an accelerometer, at three different time points before and after the intervention (Spring/summer term 2014; Autumn term 2014; summer term 2015). Taking repeated follow up assessments would allow us to examine if short term effects are sustained over a longer period. We will also collect data on the child's mental and physical health (such as body mass index), and markers of academic performance.


Research activity codes: 3.1 PRIMARY PREVENTION INTERVENTIONS TO MODIFY BEHAVIOURS OR PROMOTE WELL-BEING
Health categories: STROKE;CANCER AND NEOPLASMS;METABOLIC AND ENDOCRINE;CARDIOVASCULAR;ORAL AND GASTROINTESTINAL
Title: Glucocorticoid metabolism and the control of metabolic phenotype.
Funder: Medical Research Council

Abstract: The global epidemic of obesity has been estimated to cost the UK economy up to £16billion/yr (Foresight report), and translates to a decrease in life expectancy to the individual of approximately 10 years. Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is the hepatic manifestation of the obesity epidemic and is a spectrum of disease that ranges from simple fat accumulation (hepatic steatosis), to non-alcoholic steatohepatitis, to fibrosis, cirrhosis and liver failure; within the next 5 years, NAFLD is likely to become the leading cause of liver failure word-wide. Patients with glucocorticoid (GC) excess, Cushing‘s syndrome, develop a phenotype characterized by intra-abdominal fat deposition and insulin resistance and NAFLD in 20% of cases. However, in the vast majority of cases of NAFLD, circulating GC levels are not elevated. In liver and adipose, GC availability to bind and activate the glucocorticoid receptor is controlled by a series of enzymes that either generate (11?-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase type 1, 11?-HSD1) or inactivate GC (A-ring reductases). We hypothesize that increased GC availability to liver and intra-abdominal adipose tissue through increased 11?-HSD1 and / or decreased A-ring reductases, in the context of normal circulating GC levels, predisposes to the development of NAFLD and hepatic insulin resistance. We will adopt a translational approach, combining in vitro experiments, rodent models and clinical studies to define in detail the impact of GCs and their pre-receptor metabolism, upon lipid homeostasis and insulin sensitivity in liver and intra-abdominal adipose tissue. Inhibition of 11 -HSD1 using shRNA and specific inhibitors in cell culture and rodent models will allow us to define the precise impact upon lipid metabolism and insulin sensitivity. These studies will be endorsed by the generation of a rodent model with targeted genetic deletion of 11 -HSD1 specifically within the liver. Clinical studies using selective 11 -HSD1 inhibitors will incorporate state-of-the-art investigative techniques including stable isotopes, microdialysis, tissue biopsies and magnetic resonance spectroscopy to determine the metabolic impact of 11 -HSD1 inhibition. We will explore the role of the A-ring reductases by modifying gene expression in vitro (transient transfection and generation of stable cell lines) and in rodent studies (hepatic transgenic over-expression and in vivo silencing using adenovirally delivered shRNA) and examining the metabolic impact of A-ring reductase inhibition in a clinical study. Overall, these studies will determine the contribution of GC pre-receptor metabolism to the pathogenesis of NAFLD and insulin resistance, highlighting the role of both GC regeneration and clearance. They will generate novel translational research outcomes, providing mechanistic insight, as well as improvements in patient health.


Research activity codes: 2.1 BIOLOGICAL AND ENDOGENOUS FACTORS
Health categories: STROKE;CANCER AND NEOPLASMS;METABOLIC AND ENDOCRINE;CARDIOVASCULAR;ORAL AND GASTROINTESTINAL
Title: The role of MRAPs in the control of melanocortin receptor dependent energy homeostasis and adrenal function
Funder: Medical Research Council

Abstract: The Melanocortin Receptor (MCR) family consists of five G protein-coupled receptors (MC1R to MC5R) which have a diverse role in human physiological and disease processes. MC1R is important in pigmentation, MC2R in steriodogenesis and MC5R has an exocrine function especially in sebaceous gland secretion. MC3R and MC4R are both highly expressed in the brain and play key roles in energy homeostasis. Mutations in MC4R are the most common cause of monogenic obesity. More recently, fat mass, weight, risk of obesity and insulin resistance were associated with common variants near the MC4R locus. Both MC4R knockout mice and humans with MC4R mutations display early onset obesity associated with hyperphagia. MC3R knockout mice, however, develop a milder phenotype with later onset obesity. MRAP (Melanocortin-2-receptor accessory protein) is a small transmembrane MC2R accessory protein that enables the functional expression of MC2R. Mutations in MRAP result in the autosomal recessive disorder, Familial Glucocorticoid Deficiency type 2. More recently, we identified and characterised a novel MRAP homologue highly expressed in the brain, which we have named MRAP2. We showed that the MRAPs were novel bidirectional regulators of the MCR family. MRAPs can interact with all five members of the MCR family, and in doing so regulate cell surface receptor expression and signalling. Both MRAP and MRAP2 are expressed in the hypothalamus, in regions where MC3R and MC4R are known to be expressed. This suggests that the MRAPs may play an important role in vivo in regulating appetite and weight. MRAP2 is also expressed in the adrenal gland and may play a role in adrenal function and/or development. The ultimate aim of this Fellowship is to further characterise the role of MRAPs on MCR function and to establish the in vivo role of MRAPs in energy homeostasis and adrenal function. I hypothesise that: (1) MRAPs affect MCR binding and ligand specificity (2) Changes in the expression of MRAP and MRAP2 will affect MC3R and MC4R expression and signalling, hence disrupt and alter feeding behaviour, energy homeostasis and fat mass in murine models (3) MRAP2, in addition to the already established role of MRAP, plays an important role in adrenal function and/or development. The potential medical and scientific opportunities are great as therapeutic manipulation of the melanocortin receptors is at the forefront of pharmacological research.


Research activity codes: 1.1 NORMAL BIOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENT AND FUNCTIONING;2.1 BIOLOGICAL AND ENDOGENOUS FACTORS
Health categories: STROKE;CANCER AND NEOPLASMS;METABOLIC AND ENDOCRINE;CARDIOVASCULAR;ORAL AND GASTROINTESTINAL