bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Biallelic PDX1 (insulin promoter factor 1) mutations causing neonatal diabetes without exocrine pancreatic insufficiency
Authors: De Franco E. , Shaw‐Smith C. , Flanagan S. E. , Edghill E. L. , Wolf J. , Otte V. , Ebinger F. , Varthakavi P. , Vasanthi T. , Edvardsson S. , Hattersley A. T. , Ellard S.
Published: January 2013

Aims

Recessive PDX1 (IPF1) mutations are a rare cause of pancreatic agenesis, with three cases reported worldwide. A recent report described two cousins with a homozygous hypomorphic PDX1 mutation causing permanent neonatal diabetes with subclinical exocrine insufficiency. The aim of our study was to investigate the possibility of hypomorphic PDX1 mutations in a large cohort of patients with permanent neonatal diabetes and no reported pancreatic hypoplasia or exocrine insufficiency.

Methods

PDX1 was sequenced in 103 probands with isolated permanent neonatal diabetes in whom ABCC8, KCNJ11 and INS mutations had been excluded.

Results

Sequencing analysis identified biallelic PDX1 mutations in three of the 103 probands with permanent neonatal diabetes (2.9%). One proband and his affected brother were compound heterozygotes for a frameshift and a novel missense mutation (p.A34fsX191; c.98dupC and p.P87L; c.260C>T). The other two probands were homozygous for novel PDX1 missense mutations (p.A152G; c.455C>G and p.R176Q; c.527G>A). Both mutations affect highly conserved residues located within the homeobox domain. None of the four cases showed any evidence of exocrine pancreatic insufficiency, either clinically, or, where data were available, biochemically. In addition a heterozygous nonsense mutation (p.C18X; c.54C>A) was identified in a fourth case.

Conclusions

This study demonstrates that recessive PDX1 mutations are a rare but important cause of isolated permanent neonatal diabetes in patients without pancreatic hypoplasia/agenesis. Inclusion of the PDX1 gene in mutation screening for permanent neonatal diabetes is recommended as a genetic diagnosis reveals the mode of inheritance, allows accurate estimation of recurrence risks and confirms the requirement for insulin treatment.
The impact of hypoglycaemia on patients admitted to hospital with medical emergencies
Authors: Tan H. K. , Flanagan D.
Published: January 2013

Aims

To quantify the frequency of biochemical hypoglycaemia in acutely unwell patients in the medical assessment unit and relate this to their subsequent outcomes.

Methods

A retrospective audit was conducted on all emergency medical patients attending the medical assessment unit between November 2010 and April 2011. Capillary blood glucose measurements were obtained and electronically stored for all patients. Admission details, presence of diabetes, type of diabetes and treatment, length of stay in hospital and death in hospital were obtained from the hospital clinical coding data and electronic discharge summary. The incidence of hypoglycaemia in patients with and without diabetes was quantified. The mean age, length of stay and percentage of death in hospital were compared between groups with and without hypoglycaemia.

Results

One hundred and thirty‐eight (9.5%) patients with diabetes and 70 (2.7%) patients without diabetes had an episode of hypoglycaemia in the medical assessment unit. Patients with diabetes and hypoglycaemia on admission had a significantly longer length of stay (mean ± sd) (10.3 ± 11.2 vs. 7.3 ± 9.5 days, P = 0.001) and higher rate of hospital mortality (14.5 vs. 5.2%, P < 0.001) compared with those without hypoglycaemia. Patients without diabetes with hypoglycaemia had a longer length of stay (mean ± sd) (9.1 ± 10.5 vs. 6.7 ± 9.9 days, P = 0.05) and a higher rate of hospital mortality (24.3 vs. 5.4%, P < 0.001) compared with those without hypoglycaemia.

Conclusion

Hypoglycaemia is associated with an increased length of stay in hospital and an increased in‐hospital mortality rate. Hypoglycaemia may have contributed to the poorer outcome, but would also appear to be a marker of disease severity in unwell patients, especially patients with sepsis.
Clinical and socio‐demographic factors associated with diabetic ketoacidosis hospitalization in adults with Type 1 diabetes
Authors: Butalia S. , Johnson J. A. , Ghali W. A. , Rabi D. M.
Published: January 2013

Aim

To identify the clinical and socio‐demographic factors associated with hospitalization for diabetic ketoacidosis in adults with Type 1 diabetes.

Methods

We combined clinical and administrative health data from a large urban diabetes clinic to perform a data linkage study. We identified adults (aged ≥ 18 years old) with Type 1 diabetes and linked to hospital discharge abstracts to assess for diabetic ketoacidosis hospitalization. The study period was between 1 January 2004 and 31 December 2009, with all individuals living in the same geographic area. Multivariate logistic regression was used to identify potential predictors of diabetic ketoacidosis hospitalization.

Results

We identified 255 individuals with a diabetic ketoacidosis hospitalization and 1739 without a diabetic ketoacidosis hospitalization. Mean (standard deviation) age was 40.0 (15.8) years, 51.7% were men and mean duration of diabetes was 17.8 (12.9) years. Diabetic ketoacidosis hospitalization was associated with shorter duration of diabetes (odds ratio 0.96 per year; 95% confidence interval 0.95–0.98), gastroparesis (odds ratio 4.13; 95% confidence interval 1.82–9.35), psychiatric diagnosis (odds ratio 1.98; 95% confidence interval 1.22–3.19), and higher HbA1c (odds ratio 1.25 per 1% increase; 95% confidence interval 1.16–1.35).

Conclusions

This study identifies specific clinical factors associated with diabetic ketoacidosis hospitalization in adults with Type 1 diabetes. This information can help to inform the detection of high‐risk patients, for whom special attention and interventions may be warranted to prevent diabetic ketoacidosis.
Real‐world factors affecting adherence to insulin therapy in patients with Type 1 or Type 2 diabetes mellitus: a systematic review
Authors: Davies M. J. , Gagliardino J. J. , Gray L. J. , Khunti K. , Mohan V. , Hughes R.
Published: January 2013

Aims

To identify real‐world factors affecting adherence to insulin therapy in patients with Type 1 or Type 2 diabetes mellitus.

Methods

A literature search was conducted in PubMed and EMBASE in November 2011 to identify studies reporting factors associated with adherence/non‐adherence to insulin therapy in adults with Type 1 or Type 2 diabetes.

Results

Seventeen studies were identified; six used self‐reported measures and 11 used calculated measures of adherence. Most (13/17) were conducted exclusively in the USA. Four categories of factors associated with non‐adherence were identified: predictive factors for non‐adherence, patient‐perceived barriers to adherence, type of delivery device and cost of medication. For predictive factors and patient‐perceived barriers, only age, female sex and travelling were associated with non‐adherence in more than one study. Fear of injections and embarrassment of injecting in public were also cited as reasons for non‐adherence. Conversely, adherence was improved by initiating therapy with, or switching to, a pen device (in four studies), and by changing to an insurance scheme that lowered the financial burden on patients (in two studies).

Conclusions

Adherence to insulin therapy is generally poor. Few factors or patient‐perceived barriers were consistently identified as predictive for non‐adherence, although findings collectively suggest that a more flexible regimen may improve adherence. Switching to a pen device and reducing patient co‐payments appear to improve adherence. Further real‐world studies are warranted, especially in countries other than the USA, to identify factors associated with non‐adherence and enable development of strategies to improve adherence to insulin therapy.
Examining the Behaviour subscale of the Hypoglycaemia Fear Survey: an international study
Authors: Gonder‐Frederick L. A. , Vajda K. A. , Schmidt K. M. , Cox D. J. , DeVries J. H. , Erol O. , Kanc K. , Schächinger H. , Snoek F. J.
Published: January 2013

Aims

The Hypoglycemia Fear Survey (HFS)‐II Behaviour and Worry subscales were developed to measure behaviours and anxiety related to hypoglycaemia in diabetes. However, previous studies found lower reliability in the HFS Behaviour subscale and inconsistent relationships with glucose control. The purpose of this study was to conduct extensive analyses of the internal structure of the HFS Behaviour subscale's internal structure and its relationships with diabetes outcomes, including HbA1c and episodes of severe hypoglycaemia.

Methods

HFS‐II survey data from 1460 adults with Type 1 diabetes were collected from five countries. This aggregated sample underwent exploratory factor analysis and item analysis to determine the internal structure of the survey and subscales.

Results

A three‐factor solution showed the best fit for the HFS, with two subscales emerging from the HFS Behaviour representing tendencies towards (1) maintenance of high blood glucose and (2) avoidance of hypoglycaemic risks by other behaviours, and a third single HFS Worry subscale. Subscale item analysis showed excellent fit, separation and good point–measure correlations. All subscales demonstrated acceptable (0.75) to excellent (0.94) internal reliability. HbA1c correlated with Maintain High Blood Glucose subscale scores, r = 0.14, P < 0.001, and severe hypoglycaemia frequency correlated with all subscales.

Conclusions

The HFS Worry subscale measures one construct of anxiety about various aspects of hypoglycaemia. In contrast, the HFS Behaviour subscale appears to measure two distinct aspects of behavioural avoidance to prevent hypoglycaemia, actions which maintain high blood glucose and other behaviours to avoid hypoglycaemic risk. These results demonstrate the clinical importance of the HFS Behaviour subscales and their differential relationships with measures of diabetes outcome such as HbA1c.
Efficacy and safety of the dipeptidyl peptidase‐4 inhibitor gemigliptin compared with sitagliptin added to ongoing metformin therapy in patients with type 2 diabetes inadequately controlled with metformin alone
Authors: Rhee E. J. , Lee W. Y. , Min K. W. , Shivane V. K. , Sosale A. R. , Jang H. C. , Chung C. H. , Nam‐Goong I. S. , Kim J. A. , Kim S. W. ,   Gemigliptin Study 006 Group
Published: January 2013

Aims

This study was designed to assess the efficacy and safety of a dipeptidyl peptidase‐4 inhibitor, gemigliptin versus sitagliptin added to metformin in patients with type 2 diabetes.

Methods

We conducted a double‐blind, randomized, active‐controlled trial in 425 Asian patients with inadequately controlled type 2 diabetes being treated with metformin alone. Eligible patients were randomized into three groups: 50 mg gemigliptin qd, 25 mg gemigliptin bid or sitagliptin 100 mg qd added to ongoing metformin treatment for 24 weeks. Haemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) and fasting plasma glucose (FPG) were measured periodically, and oral glucose tolerance tests were performed at baseline and 24 weeks after starting the treatment regimen.

Results

Twenty‐four weeks later, adding gemigliptin (50 mg/day) to ongoing metformin therapy significantly improved glycaemic control. Reduction in HbA1c caused by 50 mg gemigliptin qd (−0.77% ± 0.8) was non‐inferior to that caused by 100 mg sitagliptin qd (−0.8% ± 0.85). Proportion of patients achieving HbA1c <7% while taking 25 mg gemigliptin bid (50%) or 50 mg gemigliptin qd (54.07%) was comparable to the results with 100 mg sitagliptin qd (48.87%). There were significant decreases in FPG, postprandial glucose and AUC0–2 h glucose, as well as increases in GLP‐1 and β cell sensitivity to glucose (supported by homeostasis model assessment of β‐cell function, postprandial 2‐h c‐peptide and insulinogenic index) in patients receiving gemigliptin treatment with their metformin therapy. There was no increased risk of adverse effects with this dose of gemigliptin compared with sitagliptin 100 mg qd.

Conclusions

Addition of gemigliptin 50 mg daily to metformin was shown to be efficacious, well tolerated and non‐inferior to sitagliptin in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus.
Allogeneic stem cell transplantation for chronic myelomonocytic leukemia: a report from the Societe Francaise de Greffe de Moelle et de Therapie Cellulaire
Authors: Park Sophie , Labopin Myriam , Yakoub‐Agha Ibrahim , Delaunay Jacques , Dhedin Nathalie , Deconinck Eric , Michallet Mauricette , Robin Marie , De Revel Thierry , Bernard Marc , Vey Norbert , Lioure Bruno , Lapusan Simona , Tabrizi Reza , Bourhis Jean‐Henri , Huynh Anne , Beguin Yves , Socié Gérard , Dreyfus François , Fenaux Pierre , Mohty Mohamad
Published: January 2013

Objectives and methods

Chronic myelomonocytic leukemia (CMML) is a severe disease for which allogeneic stem cell transplantation (allo‐SCT) remains the only potentially curative treatment. We describe a retrospective study determining prognostic factors for outcome after allo‐SCT in consecutive 73 patients with CMML reported to the SFGM‐TC registry between 1992 and 2009.

Results

At diagnosis, median age was 53 yrs, and 36% patients had palpable splenomegaly (SPM). 48, 13, and 9 patients had good, intermediate, and poor risk karyotype, respectively, according to IPSS, 61% patients had CMML‐1, and 39% had CMML‐2. 41/31/1 cases had an HLA‐identical sibling, an unrelated and haploidentical donor, respectively. 43 patients received reduced‐intensity conditioning. With a median follow‐up of 23 month, acute grade 2–4 and chronic GVHD developed in 21 and 25 patients, respectively. The 3‐year OS, NRM (non‐relapse mortality),EFS, and CIR (cumulative incidence of relapse) were 32%, 36%, 29% and 35%, respectively. OS was not influenced by the CR status, marrow blasts% at allo‐SCT, prior treatments, and cGVHD. Using multivariate analysis, year of transplant < 2004 (YOT) (P = 0.005) was associated with higher NRM, YOT < 2004 (P = 0.04) and SPM at allo‐SCT (P = 0.02) with lower EFS, and YOT < 2004 (P = 0.03) and SPM at allo‐SCT (P = 0.04) with poorer OS.

Conclusions

Allogeneic stem cell transplantation is a valid treatment option for patients with CMML, and its outcome has improved with YOT > 2004. Splenomegaly seems to be a negative factor of OS and EFS in this series.
Antagonism of the dopamine D1‐like receptor in mesocorticolimbic nuclei attenuates acute food deprivation‐induced reinstatement of heroin seeking in rats
Authors: Tobin Stephanie , Sedki Firas , Abbas Zarish , Shalev Uri
Published: January 2013

The neurotransmitter dopamine (DA) plays a critical role in both priming‐and cue‐induced reinstatement of extinguished drug‐seeking behavior, but its role in stress‐induced reinstatement is less clear. Our laboratory has recently demonstrated that systemic administration of the DA D1‐like receptor antagonist, SCH 23390, attenuates acute food deprivation (FD) stress‐induced reinstatement. The current study was designed to elucidate the brain regions critical to the effect of SCH 23390 on FD stress‐induced reinstatement. Rats were trained to press a lever to self‐administer heroin (0.1 mg/kg/inf) over a period of 10 days. Following training, heroin was removed leading to an extinction of lever pressing. Next, rats were tested for reinstatement twice, under extinction conditions: once following 21–48 h FD; and once under sated conditions. Prior to testing, SCH 23390 was administered into the nucleus accumbens (NAc) shell (0.0, 0.3, 0.6 μg/side), NAc core (0.0, 0.3, 0.6 μg/side), dorsomedial prefrontal cortex (dmPFC; 0.0, 0.2, 2.0 μg/side), ventromedial prefrontal cortex (vmPFC; 0.0, 2.0 μg/side) or basolateral amygdala (BLA; 0.0, 1.0, 2.0 μg/side). An attenuation of FD‐induced reinstatement of heroin seeking was seen in rats injected with SCH 23390 into the NAc shell, dmPFC or BLA, but not into the NAc core or the vmPFC. These findings support the hypothesis that DA transmission through the DA D1‐like receptors plays a critical role in stress‐induced reinstatement of heroin seeking.
Obesity and impaired cognitive functioning in the elderly: a population‐based cross‐sectional study (NEDICES)
Authors: Benito‐León J. , Mitchell A. J. , Hernández‐Gallego J. , Bermejo‐Pareja F.
Published: January 2013

Background and purpose

Studies of high body mass index (BMI) and cognition in the elderly have shown conflicting results. While some studies have shown a detrimental effect of high BMI on cognitive function, others have observed beneficial effects on cognition. Our aim was to assess cognitive function in a large population‐based sample of overweight (BMI 25–29.9 kg/m2) and obese (BMI ≥ 30 kg/m2) community‐dwelling elderly participants compared with their counterparts with BMI < 25 kg/m2 (i.e. controls) living in the same population.

Methods

One‐thousand nine‐hundred and forty‐nine population‐dwelling participants aged ≥ 65 years in central Spain [the Neurological Diseases in Central Spain study (NEDICES)] underwent a neuropsychological assessment, including tests of global cognitive performance [measured with a 37‐item version of the Mini‐Mental State Examination (37‐MMSE)], psychomotor speed, verbal fluency, memory and pre‐morbid intelligence.

Results

There were 507 with BMI < 25 kg/m2, 850 overweight and 592 obese participants. In regression analyses that adjusted for age, gender, educational category, intake of medications that potentially affect cognition function, diabetes mellitus, hypertension, dementia, ever smoker, ever drinker and waist circumference, we found that obese/overweight status was associated with the lowest quartiles of the 37‐MMSE, Trail Making Test‐A (number of errors; indeed more errors), verbal fluency, delayed free recall, immediate logical memory and pre‐morbid intelligence.

Conclusions

In this large population sample, overweight and obese participants performed poorer on formal neuropsychological tests than their counterparts with BMI < 25 kg/m2. These results support the hypothesis of a detrimental effect of high BMI on impaired cognition in the elderly.
The Impact of Slack Resources on High–Tech IPOs
Authors: Mousa Fariss–Terry , Reed Richard
Published: January 2013

Research on organization slack has focused mainly on its effect in large publicly traded firms, but little work exists on the value of slack resources for other firms. Therefore, here, we address the question: Do slack resources matter in the case of initial public offerings (IPOs)? We argue that firms that possess financial, innovational, and managerial slack resources are sending a positive signal to potential investors regarding the quality of the IPO. Using a sample of high–tech IPOs, we find support for that contention.
Return on Recent VC Investment and Long–Run IPO Returns
Authors: Michel Jean–Sébastien
Published: January 2013

This paper examines the return on recent venture capital (VC) investment and its impact on the long–run stock market performance of initial public offerings (IPOs). Firms with higher return on recent VC investment underperform firms with lower return on recent VC investment by 32 to 43% in the 3–year period following the offer. This effect is robust to various risk–adjustment procedures. Market conditions at the time of the VC valuation and changes in these market conditions thereafter are the main drivers of this result, suggesting that investors are too optimistic or do not properly understand the informational content of the recent return on VC investment.
How Exactly Do Network Relationships Pay Off? The Effects of Network Size and Relationship Quality on Access to Start–Up Resources
Authors: Semrau Thorsten , Werner Arndt
Published: January 2013

Entrepreneurs are expected to profit from network relationships. Research addressing the link between entrepreneurs’ network characteristics and their performance, however, has so far produced inconclusive results. In an attempt to explain these inconsistencies, we investigate the resource returns connected to network size and relationship quality. Based on a sample of 379 nascent entrepreneurs, we find that increasing network size and relationship quality results in diminishing marginal returns in terms of access to financial capital, knowledge and information, and additional business contacts. Additionally, we observe that the returns vary strongly by resource type.
Declining trend of carbon in Finnish cropland soils in 1974–2009
Authors: Heikkinen Jaakko , Ketoja Elise , Nuutinen Visa , Regina Kristiina
Published: January 2013

Soil organic matter not only affects soil properties and productivity but also has an essential role in global carbon (C) cycle. We studied changes in the topsoil C content of Finnish croplands using a dataset produced in nationwide soil monitoring. The monitoring network consisting of fields on both mineral and organic soils was established in 1974 and resampled in 1987, 1998, and 2009. Over the monitoring period from 1974 to 2009, cultivated soils showed a continuous decline in C concentration (g kg−1). In organic soils, C concentration decreased at a mean rate of 0.2–0.3% yr−1 relative to the existing C concentration. In mineral soils, the relative decrease was 0.4% yr−1 corresponding to a C stock (kg m−2) loss of 220 kg ha−1 yr−1. The change in management practices in last decades toward increasing cultivation of annual crops has contributed to soil C losses noted in this study. The results, however, suggest that the C losses result partly from other processes affecting cultivated soils such as climatic change or the continuing long‐term effect of forest clearance. We estimated that Finnish cropland soils store 161 Tg carbon nationwide in the topmost 15 cm of which 117 Tg is in mineral soils. C losses from mineral soils can therefore total up to 0.5 Tg yearly.
Student Geographies: Exploring the Diverse Geographies of Students and Higher Education
Authors: Holton Mark , Riley Mark
Published: January 2013

In recent years a growing body of literature has emerged relating to what may be termed ‘student geographies’. In synthesising this literature pertinent to the geographies of higher education students, including their movements, [im]mobilities and identities, this paper seeks to achieve two objectives. First, to move beyond traditional geographical boundaries by incorporating important discussions from across the social sciences and second, to transcend inward/outward dichotomies in order to achieve a clearer understanding of the mobilities and concentrations of what is a complex and diverse social group. The paper explores the different scales which have been focussed on in this literature – from that on national and international student movements, through to those focussing on the more local geographies of students’ experiences of HEIs and their university location.
Disciplinary Engagements with Prisons, Prisoners and the Penal System
Authors: Turner Jennifer
Published: January 2013

This paper reviews changing contemporary approaches to geographies of incarceration, the penal system, and the institution of the prison. Firstly, it suggests a propensity to position spaces of imprisonment within thematics of containment and exclusion, which removes from consideration the particular contextual issues of reform and rehabilitation. By highlighting emerging literature within and beyond the discipline, which focuses upon both the development of the prison as a purposeful form of punishment and the complex interlinkages between prison and society, I have noted geography’s tendency to concentrate upon political economy analyses, with other disciplines providing a different register of interest. This paper concludes by calling for intervention from the repertoire of cultural geography with such things as performance, media, embodiment and spectacle, to open up the political at a more ‘personal’ level.
Applying Geospatial Tools and Techniques to Viticulture
Authors: Mathews Adam J.
Published: January 2013

Viticulture is the science of growing grapevines, in particular, those used in the production of wine grapes and wine. Although many different research areas exist within viticulture, the latest implement geospatial tools and techniques such as GIS, GPS, and remote sensing to better monitor the crop and therefore make better decisions regarding it. Geospatial techniques allow both researchers and vineyard managers to study the natural spatial variability that exists within and between vineyard blocks. This paper reviews three emerging subfields of geographic research in viticulture: site location and suitability analysis, vineyard land use identification, and precision viticulture. Future research directions and integration of additional geographic tools and techniques are also discussed.
“Non‐Representational Theory for the Uninitiated: Come JUMP with me!”
Authors: Somdahl‐Sands Katrinka
Published: January 2013

The article/performance is a 13 minute performance/presentation/film investigating the role of the subject in nonrepresentational theory. The piece is a discussion of Non‐Representational Theory, identity and dance. In particular, it I describe how I, as a feminist/political geographer who writes about dance, (so I fell in with Non‐Representational Theory by association), came to understand what all the fuss was about with NRT by finally placing it in my own body, and also came to an accommodation between NRT as a theory and my own interest in feminist political praxis. The foundation of the work is a film commissioned by the author/performer of JUMP! by the BodyCartography Project for the SCUBA National Touring Network for Dance in Philadelphia March 2010. On top of this film, I narrate my experience in understanding what NRT is, how I figured out how an “I” could be a “trans‐identity”, and how that understanding can be used for political change. Because I am, in effect, speaking to my audience/reader I ask them to DO things as I speak to further their experiential understanding of NRT (which by its nature is experiential).
Master‐Planned Estates: Privatization, Socio‐Spatial Polarization and Community
Authors: Thompson Carolyn
Published: January 2013

Master‐planned estates are an increasingly proliferating phenomenon in urban development. These primarily residential estates have often been explored under the terms ‘gated community’, ‘planned community’ and ‘common interest development’, however the development of the term ‘master‐planned estate’ or MPE by Australian geographers has opened up the terminology describing this phenomenon to a variety of planned residential forms. Three key themes dominate the literature on MPEs: privatization, socio‐spatial polarization and community. Through assessing the research completed on MPEs to date, with specific attention to Australian research using this terminology, I explore these key themes, as well as oversights in the literature, particularly in the lack of research on inner‐city MPEs. I conclude that new‐build gentrification can offer a fruitful launching point to explore the development of inner‐city MPEs.
Anarchism and Geography: A Brief Genealogy of Anarchist Geographies
Authors: Springer Simon
Published: January 2013

Anarchism and geography have a long and disjointed history, characterized by towering peaks of intensive intellectual engagement and low troughs of ambivalence and disregard. This paper traces a genealogy of anarchist geographies back to the modern development of anarchism into a distinct political philosophy following the Enlightenment. The initial rise of geographers’ engagement with anarchism occurred at the end of the 19th‐century, owing to Élisée Reclus and Peter Kropotkin, who developed an emancipatory vision for geography in spite of the discipline’s enchantment with imperialism at that time. The realpolitik of the war years in the first half of the 20th‐century and the subsequent quantitative revolution in geography represent a nadir for anarchist geographies. Yet anarchism was never entirely abandoned by geographical thought and the counterculture movement of the 1970s gave rise to radical geography, which included significant interest in anarchist ideas. Unfortunately another low occurred during the surge of neoliberal politics in the 1980s and early 1990s, but hope springs eternal, and from the late 1990s onward the anti‐globalization movement and DIY culture have pushed anarchist geographies into more widespread currency. In reviewing the literature, I hope to alert readers to the ongoing and manifold potential for anarchist geographies to inform both geographical theory and importantly, to give rise to more practice‐based imperatives where building solidarities, embracing reciprocity, and engaging in mutual aid with actors and communities beyond the academy speaks to the ‘freedom of geography’ and its latent capacity to shatter its own disciplinary circumscriptions.
Recycled crustal zircons from podiform chromitites in the Luobusa ophiolite, southern Tibet
Authors: Yamamoto Shinji , Komiya Tsuyoshi , Yamamoto Hiroshi , Kaneko Yoshiyuki , Terabayashi Masaru , Katayama Ikuo , Iizuka Tsuyoshi , Maruyama Shigenori , Yang Jingsui , Kon Yoshiaki , Hirata Takafumi
Published: January 2013

We have measured the U–Pb age of zircon grains separated from podiform chromitites from the Luobusa ophiolite, Southern Tibet, using laser ablation microprobe – inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometer (LA‐IC‐PMS), to determine the age relationship between the podiform chromitites and the host mantle peridotite. Spot analyses with LA‐IC‐PMS, assisted by cathodoluminescence images gave a wide age range, from the Cretaceous to the Late Archean (ca 100–2700 Ma). The minimum ages of ca 100 Ma, plotted on the concordia curve, were slightly lower than the metasomatic (magmatic) event in the supra‐subduction zone (120 ± 10 Ma), suggesting that the zircons suffered some Pb loss. However, most of the ages found are much older than those of the chromitite and ophiolite formation. Laser Raman spectroscopy analyses revealed that the zircons recovered from the chromitites contain crustal mineral inclusions, such as quartz and K‐feldspar, but lack mantle minerals (e.g., olivine, pyroxene, and chromite), suggesting that they had a crustal origin. The results indicate that crustal zircons in chromitites had a xenocrystic origin and resided in the mantle peridotite for a long period before being entrained into the chromitite during its formation. This indicates that the mantle peridotite under the Neo‐Tethys Ocean was affected by the crustal material contamination. Our results are consistent with previous reports that mid‐oceanic ridge basalts in the Indian Ocean have the isotopic signature of crustal material contamination. From these results, and previous isotopic studies on Gondwana geology, we conclude that ancient zircons from podiform chromitites could provide evidence of crustal material being recycled through the upper mantle.
Spindle cell rhabdomyosarcoma of the prostate
Authors: Latz Stefan , Ellinger Jörg , Goltz Diane , Marx Christian , Leuschner Ivo , Müller Stefan C , Fechner Guido
Published: January 2013

The spindle cell rhabdomyosarcoma is a rare variant of the embryonal rhabdomyosarcoma, mostly occurring in childhood. Only a few cases are described in adults. To date, no case of the spindle cell subtype of the prostatic embryonal rhabdomyosarcoma has been published. We report on a 23‐year‐old man, initially presenting with obstructive micturition problems, perineal pain and night sweat. After diagnosis by transrectal biopsy of the prostate, radiochemotherapy within the CWS 2002 P study was applied: nine cycles of vincristine, doxorubicin, actinomycin D, ifosfamide, and fractionated radiotherapy of the tumor and suspect lymph nodes (final dose 50.4 Gy). The tumor initially shrank, but an early local recurrence arose. Second‐line chemotherapy was applied, followed by a salvage radical cytoprostatectomy. The patient died of disseminated disease 14 months after diagnosis.
Interleukin‐33 and alveolar macrophages contribute to the mechanisms underlying the exacerbation of IgE‐mediated airway inflammation and remodelling in mice
Authors: Mizutani Nobuaki , Nabe Takeshi , Yoshino Shin
Published: January 2013

Allergen‐specific IgE has long been regarded as a major molecular component of allergic asthma. Additionally, there is increasing evidence of the important roles of interleukin‐33 (IL‐33) in the disease. Here, we show that IL‐33 and alveolar macrophages play essential roles in the exacerbation of IgE‐mediated airway inflammation and remodelling. BALB/c mice passively sensitized with ovalbumin (OVA)‐specific IgE monoclonal antibody (mAb) were challenged with OVA seven times intratracheally. The seventh challenge exacerbated airway inflammation and remodelling compared with the fourth challenge; furthermore, markedly increased expression of IL‐33 in the lungs was observed at the fourth and seventh challenges. When anti‐IL‐33 or anti‐ST2 antibody was administered during the fourth to seventh challenge, airway inflammation and remodelling were significantly inhibited at the seventh challenge. Because increases of IL‐33+ and ST2+ alveolar macrophages and ST2+ CD4+ T cells in the lungs were observed at the fourth challenge, the roles of macrophages and CD4+ cells were investigated. Depletion of macrophages by 2‐chloroadenosine during the fourth to seventh challenge suppressed airway inflammation and remodelling, and IL‐33 production in the lung at the seventh challenge; additionally, anti‐CD4 mAb inhibited airway inflammation, but not airway remodelling and IL‐33 production. Meanwhile, treatment with 2‐chloroadenosine or anti‐CD4 mAb decreased IL‐33‐induced airway inflammation in normal mice; airway remodelling was repressed only by 2‐chloroadenosine. These results illustrate that macrophage‐derived IL‐33 contributes to the exacerbation of IgE‐mediated airway inflammation by mechanisms associated with macrophages and CD4+ cells, and airway remodelling through the activation of macrophages.
Osteology and relationships of Thaiichthys nov. gen.: a Ginglymodi from the Late Jurassic – Early Cretaceous of Thailand
Authors: CAVIN LIONEL , DEESRI UTHUMPORN , SUTEETHORN VARAVUDH
Published: January 2013

Abstract:  The osteology of Thaiichthys buddhabutrensis, nov. gen., from the Late Jurassic – Early Cretaceous of Thailand is described on the basis of a collection of well‐preserved specimens. The mode of preservation of the material allows describing the external anatomy, as well as some elements of the internal anatomy (braincase, elements of the vertebral column). Most of the cranial and postcranial skeleton shows a rather conservative anatomy for ‘semionotiformes’, but the jaw apparatus displays specializations. Variations observed in the ossification pattern of the skull roof and of the cheek, in the morphology of the median dorsal scales and in fin rays’ count indicate that caution should be applied when these characters are used in diagnoses and in phylogenetic analyses. A phylogenetic analysis including a set of gars, of ‘semionotiformes’, of Macrosemiiformes and of Halecomorphi shows the following features: (1) the monophyly of Holostei; (2) sister‐pair relationships between Tlayuamichin/Semiolepis, Isanichthys/’Lepidotes’ latifrons and Araripelepidotes/Pliodetes; (3) the latter pair, together with Thaiichthys and possibly ‘Lepidotes’ mantelli, are resolved as stem Lepisosteiformes; and (4) the ‘semionotiformes’ (a group gathering species of Semionotus and Lepidotes) do not form a clade.
A Path‐Specific SEIR Model for use with General Latent and Infectious Time Distributions
Authors: Porter Aaron T. , Oleson Jacob J.
Published: January 2013

Most current Bayesian SEIR (Susceptible, Exposed, Infectious, Removed (or Recovered)) models either use exponentially distributed latent and infectious periods, allow for a single distribution on the latent and infectious period, or make strong assumptions regarding the quantity of information available regarding time distributions, particularly the time spent in the exposed compartment. Many infectious diseases require a more realistic assumption on the latent and infectious periods. In this article, we provide an alternative model allowing general distributions to be utilized for both the exposed and infectious compartments, while avoiding the need for full latent time data. The alternative formulation is a path‐specific SEIR (PS SEIR) model that follows individual paths through the exposed and infectious compartments, thereby removing the need for an exponential assumption on the latent and infectious time distributions. We show how the PS SEIR model is a stochastic analog to a general class of deterministic SEIR models. We then demonstrate the improvement of this PS SEIR model over more common population averaged models via simulation results and perform a new analysis of the Iowa mumps epidemic from 2006.
Comparing aquatic and terrestrial grazing ecosystems: is the grass really greener?
Authors: Burkepile Deron E.
Published: January 2013

‘Grazing ecosystem’ is typically used to describe terrestrial ecosystems with high densities of mammalian herbivores such as the Serengeti in East Africa or the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem in North America. These abundant, large herbivores determine plant community dynamics and ecosystem processes. The general concepts that define grazing ecosystems also aptly describe many aquatic ecosystems, including coral reefs, seagrass beds, and lakes, where herbivores such as parrotfishes, turtles, and zooplankton have strong impacts on ecosystem processes. Here, I compare the ecology of grazing ecosystems in search of common concepts that transcend the terrestrial‐aquatic boundary. Specifically, I evaluate: 1) the feedbacks between herbivory and primary production, 2) the roles of herbivore richness and facilitation, 3) how predators and diet quality shape patterns of herbivory, and 4) how altering herbivory mediates alternative states.
Surf and Turf: Toward better synthesis by cross‐system understanding
Authors: Rotjan Randi D. , Idjadi Joshua
Published: January 2013

The goal of a truly synthetic, cross‐systems ecology has been often lauded but rarely implemented. Here, our authors have embraced the challenge to achieve synthesis via a multi‐paper dialogue and we hope this format will act as a springboard for new ecological ideas, experiments and theories.
Water and International Security
Authors: Kreamer David K.
Published: January 2013

“Water, like religion and ideology, has the power to move millions of people. Since the very birth of human civilization, people have moved to settle close to it. People move when there is too little of it. People move when there is too much of it. People journey down it. People write, sing and dance about it. People fight over it. And all people, everywhere and every day, need it.”

                   –Mikhail Gorbachev
Water Modeling Technologies: A Key to Unlocking Water Conflict in the Middle East?
Authors: Nasser Al‐Sharif Nasser Bin
Published: January 2013

Several cases of armed conflict in the Middle East have a root cause in competition over resources, with water being the focus of conflict. Water will increasingly become a critical trigger for future conflict as supplies become scarcer and as population pressures continue to grow. With existing talks between riparian countries surrounding the Jordan River and the Tigris‐Euphrates Basins either being absent or ineffective, there is a pressing need to develop a new approach to resolve water issues in the Middle East. In this context, water modeling technologies may offer a new and unique tool for regional discussions.
Irrigation Outreach in Afghanistan: Exposure to Afghan Water Security Challenges
Authors: Reich Denis , Pearson Calvin
Published: January 2013

The authors, from Colorado State University were invited by the United Sates Department of Agriculture's Foreign Agriculture Service and Afghanistan's Ministry for Agriculture Irrigation and Livestock to lead a “train‐the‐trainer” workshop with Afghanistan's best and brightest irrigation outreach professionals. The six day workshop on the outskirts of Kabul helped clarify that prolonged conflict has damaged agriculture's access to what should be a plentiful supply of irrigation water. The violence of two wars still lingers today continuing to inhibit foreign aid's ability to rebuild Afghanistan's water resources infrastructure. In spite of these challenges participants in the workshop demonstrated remarkable resourcefulness and courage helping producers throughout Afghanistan take advantage of improvements as they came online. With continued assistance from Western researchers and extension professionals that is sensitive to the traditional methods of water administration, there is reason to be hopeful for the future success of Afghanistan's agricultural sector.
Development of an Army Water Security Strategy: Stateside Component
Authors: Koch Paul , Kodack Marc
Published: January 2013

In October 2010, the Army Environmental Policy institute initiated the development of an Army water security strategy, which was ultimately published in December 2011. The purpose of this effort was to; (1) provide a complete workable definition for Army water security, (2) conduct the first comprehensive study of water security management in the Army, and (3) identify the key issues on which Army leadership can focus to ensure that the Army has enough water of suitable quality for the foreseeable future. A review of key policy drivers was followed by a series of interviews of personnel inside and outside the Army. The culminating effort identified four major goal areas, three of which apply to stateside military installations: (1) water resources sustainability – preserve sources, protect rights, (2) reduce demand, and (3) maintain infrastructure integrity and security. This paper provides a condensed view of the objectives associated with each of these three goals.
The Past, Present, and Future of Water Conflict and International Security
Authors: Kreamer David K.
Published: January 2013

Water stress and scarcity has affected, and will continue to affect, the stability of communities. An overview of global water security challenges indicates profound difficulties and potential flashpoints. There are many examples of struggles in supplying clean water throughout the world, and how water has been both a strategic tool and object of conflict in the past. Water has been an instrument of ethnic and religious conflict, and has recently been used in regional and local clashes. Transboundary water disputes are also potentially dangerous in several regions of the world and stresses from climate change and variability increase the uncertainty of clean water supplies. Potential ways to move positively forward and increase international security include: anticipating future regions of conflict over water, cooperation among water users, proper policy and regulatory structures, and infrastructure solutions.
Relationship of milk intake and physical activity to abdominal obesity among adolescents
Authors: Abreu S. , Santos R. , Moreira C. , Santos P. C. , Vale S. , Soares‐Miranda L. , Autran R. , Mota J. , Moreira P.
Published: January 2013

What is already known about this subject

Diet and physical activity (PA) are recognized as important factors to prevent abdominal obesity (AO).

Studies have found an inverse relationship between milk intake or milk products and body weight and/or body fat in children and adolescents.

Evidence suggests that low levels of PA are associated with AO in youth.

What this study adds

Our study explored the combined association of milk intake and PA on AO in adolescents, which are most often studied in isolation.

Our findings suggested that adolescents with high milk intakes, regardless of whether they were active or low active, were less likely to have AO.

Our findings could have a great epidemiological interest and bring important evidence in the field of AO management among adolescents.

Background

Diet and physical activity (PA) are recognized as important factors to prevent abdominal obesity (AO), which is strongly associated with chronic diseases. Some studies have reported an inverse association between milk consumption and AO.

Objective

This study examined the association between milk intake, PA and AO in adolescents.

Methods

A cross‐sectional study was conducted with 1209 adolescents, aged 15–18 from the Azorean Archipelago, Portugal in 2008. AO was defined by a waist circumference at or above the 90th percentile. Adolescent food intake was measured using a semi‐quantitative food frequency questionnaire, and milk intake was categorized as ‘low milk intake’ (<2 servings per day) or ‘high milk intake’ (≥2 servings per day). PA was assessed via a self‐report questionnaire, and participants were divided into active (>10 points) and low‐active groups (≤10 points) on the basis of their reported PA. They were then divided into four smaller groups, according to milk intake and PA: (i) low milk intake/low active; (ii) low milk intake/active; (iii) high milk intake/low active and (iv) high milk intake/active. The association between milk intake, PA and AO was evaluated using logistic regression analysis, and the results were adjusted for demographic, body mass index, pubertal stage and dietary confounders.

Results

In this study, the majority of adolescents consumed semi‐skimmed or skimmed milk (92.3%). The group of adolescents with high level of milk intake and active had a lower proportion of AO than did other groups (low milk intake/low active: 34.2%; low milk intake/active: 26.9%; high milk intake/low active: 25.7%; high milk intake/active: 21.9%, P = 0.008). After adjusting for confounders, low‐active and active adolescents with high levels of milk intake were less likely to have AO, compared with low‐active adolescents with low milk intake (high milk intake/low active, odds ratio [OR] = 0.412, 95% confidence intervals [CI]: 0.201–0.845; high milk intake/active adolescents, OR = 0.445, 95% CI: 0.235–0.845).

Conclusion

High milk intake seems to have a protective effect on AO, regardless of PA level.
Screening for genetic variants in BDNF that contribute to childhood obesity
Authors: Zegers D. , Hendrickx R. , Verrijken A. , Van Hoorenbeeck K. , Van Camp J. K. , de Craemer V. , Rooman R. P. , Desager K. N. , Massa G. , Van Gaal L. F. , Van Hul W. , Beckers S.
Published: January 2013

What is already known about this subject

BDNF is involved in the regulation of food intake and body weight.

BDNF deficient animal models are obese.

Chromosomal abnormalities cause obesity in humans.

What this study adds

Evaluation of point mutations in BDNF.

Identification of BDNF mutations in obese children.

Point mutations in BDNF are not a common cause of childhood obesity.

Introduction

There is ample evidence that BDNF has a role in the regulation of food intake and body weight. Study of various mouse models gave a clear indication that BDNF deficiency leads to the development of obesity. Functional loss of one copy of the BDNF gene, due to chromosomal rearrangements or microdeletions, can cause an obesity phenotype in humans. Therefore, we wanted to investigate whether point mutations in the gene also result in a comparable phenotype.

Methods

We screened 554 severely overweight and obese children and adolescents and 565 lean adults for mutations in the coding region of BDNF. Mutation screening was performed by high‐resolution melting curve analysis and direct sequencing.

Results

Screening of obese patients led to the identification of two synonymous variations (V37V and H65H) and two non‐synonymous coding mutations (T2I and V46M) in the BDNF gene. When we subsequently screened our control population, we found T2I with comparable frequency and confirmed that this is a rare and non‐pathogenic variant. In addition, we found another non‐synonymous mutation (N187S) in the control population.

Conclusions

In silico analysis of the V46M variant did not support a clear disease‐causing effect and no family data were available in order to determine whether the mutation segregates with obesity. However, we cannot rule out a possible pathogenic effect for this variant. In general, we tend to conclude that mutations in the coding region of BDNF are uncommon in obese patients and are therefore not likely to play an essential role in the pathogenesis of childhood obesity.