Acute and long-term impact of e-cigarettes use on vascular function in young healthy individuals.

This is a full-time, self-funded PhD opportunity in the Faculty of Science and Engineering. It is open to both home and overseas students.

PROJECT CONTACT

Dr Maxime Boidin ([email protected])

PROJECT ADVERT

We are looking for a PhD candidate to run our already approved and started project on e-cigarettes and vascular function. The project will entirely be performed in the state-of-the-art facilities in the Institute of Sport at Manchester Metropolitan University.

When blood vessels become damaged, it heightens the risk of various complications, including mortality. E-cig use leads to inflammation, which is a mechanism that damages the blood vessel wall. However, this direct impact of e-cig use on the blood vessel wall has not been demonstrated.

Our study aims to compare e-cig use to cigarette use on:

• The quality of blood vessels using validated and non-invasive measures of blood vessels
• Lung capacity
• Exercise capacity

We will use the validated flow-mediated dilation, the carotid artery reactivity and transcranial Doppler to measure peripheral, central and cerebral vascular function in the participants. We will also use spirometry and cardiorespiratory exercise testing to investigate lung and cardiopulmonary function. Blood and urine samples will be collected from all participants.

In addition, the use of specific software to analyse the data will be needed to investigate the data.

AIMS AND OBJECTIVES

The aim of our already-approved research project is to assess the impacts of e-cigarette use on vascular function in age/sex-matched young individuals (18-45 years old) who exclusively use e-cigarette or combustible cigarettes, and in controls (no use of e-cigarettes/cigarettes).

The potential student will recruit participants and perform measurements under Maxime Boidin’s supervision.

The student will conduct data analyses and write related manuscripts. Additionally, the student will present their findings at international conferences within the cardiology and sport and exercise communities.

The student will learn to use novel state-of-the-art vascular techniques and run and supervise cardiopulmonary exercise measures.

SPECIFIC REQUIREMENTS OF THE PROJECT

The target student must hold a master or a first or upper-second class (2:1) honours degree in sport science-related area. Strong interest in cardiovascular science is strongly encouraged.

Experience in running exercise testing is mandatory.

Strong confidence and communication skills are required.

Skills or experience in vascular measures is an asset.

Statistical analysis knowledge is an asset.

HOW TO APPLY

Interested applicants should contact Maxime Boidin for an informal discussion. Associated Project Costs (in addition to fees) will be £5,000/year.

To apply you will need to complete the online application form for a full-time PhD in Sport and Exercise Sciences (or download the PGR application form).

You should also complete the PGR thesis proposal andNarrative CV form addressing the project’s aims and objectives, demonstrating how the skills you have maps to the area of research and why you see this area as being of importance and interest.

If applying online, you will need to upload your statement in the supporting documents section, or email the application form and statement to [email protected].

Closing date 15 July 2024

Expected start date October 2024

Please quote the reference: SciEng-MB-2024-longterm-impact-ecigarettes