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The association of abdominal obesity with cardiovascular risk is often linked to altered secretion of adipose-derived factors and an abnormal lipid profile including formation of atherogenic small dense low density lipoprotein particles (sdLDL). Acylation-stimulating protein (ASP) is an adipose-derived hormone that exhibits potent lipogenic effects. Plasma ASP levels increase in obesity; however, the association of ASP levels with body fat distribution is not yet established, and no study to date has investigated the association of ASP with LDL size. In this study, we examined the association of ASP levels with abdominal obesity measures and the lipid profile including LDL size in 83 men with a wide range of abdominal girths. Regression analysis showed that waist/hip ratio was the main predictor of ASP levels (β = 0.52, P < 0.0001), significantly followed by decreased LDL size. BMI and TG levels, although positively correlated with ASP levels, were excluded as significant predictors in regression analysis. No correlation was found with LDL-C or apoB levels. ASP levels were 62.5% higher in abdominally obese compared to nonobese men. Waist/hip ratio presenting as the main predictor of ASP levels, suggests increased ASP production by abdominal fat which, as proposed previously, may result from resistance to ASP function causing delayed TG clearance and subsequent formation of atherogenic sdLDL.

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To fulfill the demand of teaching and learning quality in Higher Education, different means of evaluating, assessing, and accrediting academic programs have evolved. The need arises on finding scientific tools to measure and assess quality at different stages of educational processes. In Higher Education, course portfolio is considered one of essential quality assurance tools used. It is used to monitor and develop activities, to help students construct knowledge, and to improve the academic activities. This paper tackles the effectiveness of such tool for improving learning and teaching processes College of Health and Sport Sciences, University of Bahrain. The results of this study showed that the college faculty have a positive perceptions towards the use of course portfolio. They also, positively perceive the usefulness of audit results of the course portfolio and show good intention towards using electronic course portfolio; however, they need more training and support to use it effectively. In this study, the benefits of course portfolio as an independent variable was found to be a significant predictor of e-portfolio acceptance. College of Health and Sport Sciences need to improve the implementation of e-portfolio system through continuous faculty feedback and improvement plans.