Publications by authors named "J M Cruickshank"

Objectives: The increasing burden of cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) in Kenya threatens its healthcare system. There is a need for innovative models that improve equitable access to CVD prevention services. Community markets are social establishments with untapped potential to promote public health.

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Multicellular spheroids and patient-derived organoids find many applications in fundamental research, drug discovery, and regenerative medicine. Advances in the understanding and recapitulation of organ functionality and disease development require the generation of complex organoid models, including organoids with diverse morphologies. Microfluidics-based cell culture platforms enable time-efficient confined organoid generation.

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Article Synopsis
  • Bariatric surgery may improve coronary microvascular function and metabolic health in patients with obesity, reducing risks of heart dysfunction and heart failure.
  • A study showed significant decreases in obesity-related metabolic markers and an increase in myocardial blood flow and perfusion reserve 6 months after surgery.
  • Improvements in blood flow were linked to reductions in fasting insulin levels, but those with pre-existing type 2 diabetes saw less improvement.
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Introduction: Epidemiological transition to NCDs is a challenge for fragile health systems in the Caribbean. The Congregations Taking Action against NCDs (CONTACT) Study intervention proposes that trained health advocates (HAs) from places of worship (PoWs), supervised by nurses at nearby primary healthcare centres (PHCs), could facilitate access to primary care among vulnerable communities. Drawing on participatory and systems thinking, we explored the capacity of local PHCs in three Caribbean countries to support this intervention.

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Objectives: Sickle cell disease (SCD) occurs in 2.8 % of our Jamaican antenatal population with homozygous HbSS being most associated with adverse maternal and perinatal outcomes.

Methods: A retrospective comparative analysis of HbSS, HbSC and HbSβThal pregnancy outcomes at the University Hospital of the West Indies (UHWI) between January 2012 and December 2022 was conducted.

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