bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Diagnostic equivalence of conventional and fast spin echo magnetic resonance imaging of the anterior cruciate ligament of the knee
Authors: Munk PL , Hilborn MD , Vellet AD , Dumas MD , Romano CC
Published: March 2008

Many techniques and pulse sequences have been devised for the assessment of the anterior cruciate ligament. The present study compares fast spin echo (FSE) imaging to conventional spin echo imaging at a field strength of 1.5 T in an effort to determine if these sequences are diagnostically equivalent. Where available, arthroscopy was also done. A total of 52 patients were imaged using both FSE and conventional spin echo sequences. Eight volunteers were used as controls. Arthroscopy was performed on 10 patients. The anterior cruciate ligament was assessed in a blinded fashion by three radiologists. The Kappa statistic was then used to determine the percentage agreement between FSE and conventional spin echo imaging. Fast spin echo sequencing demonstrated a sensitivity of 100%, a specificity of 94.8% and an accuracy of 96.3% when compared to arthroscopy. Conventional spin echo imaging and arthroscopy had a sensitivity of 100%, specificity of 84.6% and an accuracy of 88.9%. The remaining 34 patients who did not undergo arthroscopy were followed clinically because clinical and imaging findings were not suggestive of ACL tears. These demonstrated 72% agreement between FSE and conventional spin echo imaging using the Kappa statistic, with regards to calling ACL normal or having only a low‐grade partial tear. Fast spin echo imaging produces images of the anterior cruciate ligament that have similar diagnostic accuracy to conventional spin echo images (P<0.05) within a much shorter scan time. These results however, require further validation in a larger group, preferably with arthroscopic correlation.
Magnetic resonance imaging of traumatic transection of the optic chiasm
Authors: De Nunzio M , McAuliffe W , Chakera TMH
Published: March 2008

A case of traumatic transection of the optic chiasm diagnosed by magnetic resonance imaging is reported.
Implementation of image‐guided large‐core needle biopsy of the breast on a limited budget
Authors: Doyle Anthony J , King Alan R , Miller Mary V , Collins John P
Published: March 2008

Image‐guided large‐core needle biopsy (LCNB) of the breast is becoming widely accepted as an accurate, minimally invasive and economical way to obtain a tissue diagnosis of breast lesions. However, much of this work has been done with expensive dedicated equipment, often favouring stereotaxic guidance. Image‐guided LCNB was introduced to Middlemore Hospital based around existing inexpensive equipment, and stereotaxic or ultrasound guidance was chosen depending on which showed the lesion best. Multidisciplinary clinical, radiological and pathological assessment of each case was performed. The results of 213 biopsies (112 stereotaxic and 101 ultrasound guidance) are reported here. Malignancy was shown or suspected in 85 biopsies (40%). The absolute sensitivity for malignancy was 97% with complete sensitivity of 100%. The absolute specificity was 100% and the complete specificity 98.5%. Large‐core needle biopsy can be successfully implemented in a large institution without investment in expensive equipment while maintaining high ratios of malignant/benign biopsies. Attention to technique and careful multidisciplinary review are important to the success of such a programme.
Rothmund‐Thomson syndrome and tolerance of chemoradiotherapy
Authors: Borg MF , Olver IN , Hill MP
Published: March 2008

Rothmund‐Thomson syndrome (RTS) is a rare disorder with a predisposition for cutaneous and non‐cutaneous malignancy. It is speculated that ultraviolet (UV) sensitivity and deficient DNA repair may account for this predisposition and influence the tolerance of chemoradiotherapeutic management. A case is reported of the management of an RTS patient with squamous cell carcinoma of the tongue who demonstrated increased radiosensitivity and tissue intolerance to chemotherapy.
Letters from the radiation oncologist: Do referring doctors give a damn ?
Authors: Graham PH , Wilson G
Published: March 2008

Letters sent to referring and associated doctors by a radiation oncologist after consultation and treatment for 128 consecutive patients were reviewed. Overall, only 60% of information items previously identified as‘essential’were included in these letters. An anonymous survey of the referring doctors and general practitioners (GPs) for these 128 patients was conducted. A total of 93 of 103 respondents considered letter content to be satisfactory or very good, nine considered letter content to be only average and only one respondent considered content to be unsatisfactory. The possible reasons for high levels of satisfaction regarding correspondence by referring doctors and GPs in spite of the relatively low level of information content are explored.
Cutaneous metastases from adenocarcinoma of unknown primary
Authors: Veness MJ , Sullivan J
Published: March 2008

Cutaneous manifestations of malignancy are not uncommon, especially in advanced disease. They may also occur early in malignant disease or they may even signify recurrence particularly if they are paraneoplastic in nature. Clinical diagnosis can be difficult because of the wide spectrum of appearance of these lesions, and, in many cases, because of the lack of an identifiable underlying primary. Presented here is the case of a 65‐year‐old woman with multiple inflammatory cutaneous metastases, which were sclerodermoid in nature. These appeared 14 months after initial diagnosis of adenocarcinoma of unknown primary (ACUP) and signified the beginning of a rapid deterioration in her condition. The coexistence of limited systemic sclerosis (scleroderma) and ACUP initially raised several interesting diagnostic possibilities. Adenocarcinoma of unknown primary and the sclerodermoid reaction in malignancy are discussed.
Spontaneous arterial thrombosis in association with pancreatic carcinoma: Diagnosis and interventional management
Authors: Holden A , Ferrar D
Published: March 2008

A 58‐year‐old woman presented with bilateral upper limb ischaemia. Digital subtraction angiography demonstrated upper limb arterial thrombosis, extensive on the left. This was initially treated with catheter‐directed thrombolysis which cleared the thrombus on the right, although the left upper limb required supplementary surgical embolectomy. Subsequently, biopsy‐proven pancreatic adenocarcinoma was detected. The upper limb arterial thrombosis appeared to be spontaneous in association with the malignancy because there was no obvious embolic source.
Brachytelephalangic chondrodysplasia punctata
Authors: Bieganski Tadeusz , Kozlowski Kazimierz
Published: March 2008

A case is reported here of a boy with brachytelephalangic chondrodysplasia punctata. This is the first case of this disorder reported in the Australian literature.
Mistaken angiographic diagnosis of traumatic aorto‐atrial fistula
Authors: Williams‐Jones Si n , Beningfield Steve , Brink Johan
Published: March 2008

A case of angiographically occult traumatic aorto‐caval fistula masquerading as aorto‐right atrial fistula is presented. The importance of angiographic vigilance in the imaging of arterio‐venous fistula is emphasized.
Fracture epiphyseal separation of the distal humerus
Authors: Sen RK , Bedi GS , Nagi ON
Published: March 2008

Seven patients seen with fracture separation of the distal humerus epiphysis have been analysed for the problems linked with the radiological diagnosis of this injury. Peculiar male predominance, exclusive left‐side involvement, consistent postero‐medial displacement of the epiphyseal fragment and ability to achieve near anatomic reduction by closed manipulation in fresh cases have been some of the other features observed. The literature has been briefly reviewed for this infrequent and usually misdiagnosed injury.
Pulmonary tuberculosis presenting as mass lesions and simulating neoplasms in adults
Authors: Cherian MJ , Dahniya Mohamed H , Al‐Marzouk Najib F , Abel Adnan , Bader Sanaa , Buerki Khaleda , Mahdi Othman Z
Published: March 2008

In a review of the chest X‐rays and medical records of 597 cases of culture‐ or biopsy‐proven pulmonary tuberculosis (PTB; age range 1.5‐72 years), seen over a period of 6 years (1991‐97), 26 patients had radiographic patterns unusual for PTB. These patterns were mass‐like densities simulating neoplasms, chronic lower lobe airspace opacities without adenopathy, mediastinal adenopathy without parenchymal airspace opacities and bronchopleural fistula without other radiographic abnormalities. The most common of these unusual radiographic patterns was mass‐like densities, most of which were initially and mistakenly diagnosed as neoplasms. These masses, seen in 11 adult patients, form the basis of this report. Two children aged 1.5 and 2 years also had tuberculous mass densities initially diagnosed as neurogenic tumour and round pneumonia, respectively. They have been excluded from the present series, and form the subject of another report. The masses were lower lobe predominant and were not usually associated with fibro‐productive satellite lesions or with calcification or cavitation. In view of the recent resurgence of PTB and the importance of chest X‐rays in its diagnosis and management, this rare radiographic pattern needs to be emphasized.
Primary pulmonary tuberculosis presenting as mass lesions and simulating tumours in children
Authors: Cherian MJ , Dahniya MH , Al‐Marzouk N , Osmanagich E , Abul A , Haider A
Published: March 2008

Two cases of primary pulmonary tuberculosis presenting as mass densities and simulating neoplasms in children are reported. This manifestation has not been previously reported in children. It probably represents an unusual immunological response to the mycobacterium.
Radiation therapy in pseudotumour haemarthrosis
Authors: Lai P , Biswal BM , Thulkar S , Patel AK , Venkatesh R , Julka PK
Published: March 2008

Total or partial deficiency of factor VIII and IX in the coagulation cascade leads to haemophilia. Haemophilia affecting weight‐bearing joints gives a‘pseudotumour’or haemarthrosis‐like condition. Surgery and cryoprecipitate infusions have been the treatment for this condition. Radiocolloids and radiation therapy have been used with some benefit. One case of ankle pseudotumour which was treated by low‐dose external beam radiation is presented here.
Postoperative patellar tendon healing: An ultrasound study
Authors: Kiss Zoltan S , Kellaway Duncan P , Cook Jill L , Khan Karim M
Published: March 2008

The patellar tendon donor site of 20 patients who underwent anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction using the patellar tendon tissue as autograft was examined with high resolution 7.5 MHz ultrasound. The patients were randomly divided into four groups and studied at 3, 6, 9 or 12 months postoperatively. The size of the postoperative tendon defect was measured just distal to the lower pole of the patella. The size of the tendon defect diminished progressively from a mean of 109 mm2 at 3 months to a mean of 23 mm2 at 12 months. Increasing echogenicity was first noticed 12 months after tendon repair. Seven patients developed clinical features postoperatively of jumper's knee (patellar tendinosis). There were no ultrasound signs that differentiated these patients from asymptomatic patients. It is concluded that ultrasound provides objective evidence of patellar tendon healing after ACL reconstruction: the surgical defect diminished in size and became echogenic after a period of 12 months.
Capital budgeting techniques
Authors: Hansen David
Published: March 2008

The cost of new medical imaging equipment for a radiology practice is a major capital purchase. Due to rapid advances in technology and imaging techniques, the management decision to purchase new capital equipment can present itself every few years. The present report explains various financial management techniques that are generally used by corporations worldwide to determine their cost of capital. The cost of capital is the return on a capital investment project required by the providers of the capital. The published financial accounts of Sonic Healthcare Limited, Australia's largest pathology company, are reproduced as a numerical example of how the financial accounts of a business may be used to determine its cost of capital. The cost of capital forms an integral part of management's financial decision‐making process.
Primary pleomorphic sarcoma of the liver
Authors: Mani S , Naik L , TShet  , Vora IM , Rananavare R
Published: March 2008

A 35‐year‐old woman presented with abdominal distension and a palpable liver mass. Ultrasonography and computed tomography revealed a large well‐delineated liver mass with bilobar involvement. Based on autopsy and immuno‐histochemical findings, a final diagnosis of primary pleomorphic liver sarcoma with myogenic differentiation was established.
A simple percutaneous inserter for radiopaque gold seeds used in radiotherapy treatment planning
Authors: Hay KD , Hindley A , Sharp I
Published: March 2008

Percutaneous insertion of a radiopaque marker is an important technique used in radiotherapy planning for both external‐beam and brachytherapy. It is of particular importance in the oral cavity. We describe the construction and use of a simple inserter for‘cold’gold seeds manufactured from a commercially available Becton Dickinson Brand 5‐mL disposable syringe and a Becton Dickinson Brand 18 G 1/2 TW (1.25 × 38 mm) hypodermic needle.
Deep venous thrombosis of the leg due to psychiatric stupor
Authors: MORIOKA HIROFUMI , NAGATOMO ITSUGI , YAMADA KOICHIRO , HORIKIRI YASUSHI , OKAMURA HISATAKA , TAKIGAWA MORIKUNI
Published: March 2008

Abstract  We report the cases of two patients with psychiatric stupor who developed venous thrombosis. A 29‐year‐old schizophrenic woman had been hospitalized in psychiatric institutions three times because of stupor associated with auditory hallucinations and thought blocking. These symptoms recurred and she was admitted to our hospital with deep venous thrombosis of her left leg. The other patient was a 67‐year‐old woman with depression. She had also suffered from insomnia. Following admission to our hospital, she developed a depressive stupor complicated by deep venous thrombosis of her left leg. Both cases were treated with sodium heparin and urokinase, and completely resolved. It is well known that dehydration, infection and decubitus ulcers are important physical complications of psychiatric stupor, but there have been few reports of deep venous thrombosis as a physical complication of stupor.
Global epidemiology of human infections with highly pathogenic avian influenza A (H5N1) viruses
Authors: UYEKI Timothy M.
Published: March 2008

Abstract:  From 1997 through 2007, human infections with highly pathogenic avian influenza A (H5N1) viruses resulted in rare, sporadic, severe and fatal cases among persons in 14 countries in Asia, the Middle East, Eastern Europe and Africa. Of 369 reported human H5N1 cases that occurred from 1997 through 2007, overall mortality was 60%. Ten antigenically and genetically distinct clades of H5N1 viruses have been identified to date, and strains from four clades have infected humans. Surveillance has focused upon hospitalized cases of febrile acute lower respiratory tract disease among persons with exposure to sick or dead poultry, or to a human H5N1 case. Detection of H5N1 virus infection is based primarily upon collection of respiratory tract specimens from suspected cases for RT‐PCR testing. Most human H5N1 cases were previously healthy children or young adults who developed severe acute pulmonary or multi‐organ disease following direct or close contact with sick or dead H5N1 virus–infected poultry. Occasional clusters of H5N1 cases have occurred, predominantly among blood‐related family members. Limited human‐to‐human H5N1 virus transmission has been reported or could not be excluded in some clusters. The frequency of asymptomatic or clinically mild H5N1 virus infection is unknown, but limited investigations suggest that such infections have been rare since 2003. There is no evidence of sustained human‐to‐human H5N1 virus spread. However, H5N1 viruses continue to circulate and evolve among poultry in many countries, and there are many unanswered questions about human infection with H5N1 viruses. Thus, the pandemic influenza threat presented by H5N1 viruses persists.
Intensive care management of life‐threatening avian influenza A (H5N1)
Authors: SESSLER Curtis N. , GRAY Nicole D.
Published: March 2008

A large proportion of patients with avian influenza A (H5N1) develop life‐threatening manifestations, often including ARDS, acute renal failure and multiple organ failure that requires aggressive intensive care management. The pace of development of respiratory failure is often rapid and can occur in previously healthy hosts, mandating close observation and timely intervention of infected individuals. Use of standard, contact, droplet and airborne isolation precautions is recommended to protect healthcare workers. Key components of ARDS management encompass appropriate mechanical ventilation including limiting tidal volume to ≤6 mL/kg of predicted body weight, maintaining transpulmonary pressures ≤30 cm H2O, and utilizing positive end–expiratory pressure to limit alveolar deflation and to improve oxygenation. Additional strategies include conservative fluid management and using nutrition supplemented with antioxidants. Use of corticosteroids is controversial for both early and late ARDS and although often used for avian influenza, beneficial effects on outcomes have not been demonstrated for corticosteroids. Prone positioning can improve oxygenation temporarily and might be useful as rescue therapy for severe hypoxemia. Administration of inhaled nitric oxide and high frequency oscillatory ventilation can improve oxygenation but have not been demonstrated to improve survival in ARDS—their role in avian influenza is uncertain and availability limited. Management of multiple organ failure may include vasopressor support for septic shock and renal replacement therapy for acute renal failure.
Response to avian influenza and preparedness for pandemic influenza: Thailand's experience
Authors: CHUNSUTTIWAT Supamit
Published: March 2008

Thailand has been struggling to control and prevent H5N1 avian influenza on both the animal health and public health fronts. Prevention and control programs for animals and humans are improving, with infections in poultry currently under control and no human cases seen in 2007. In awareness of the risk of an influenza pandemic, Thailand is joining global efforts in pandemic influenza preparedness. The national preparedness plan highlights building of national capacity for self‐reliance and regional/international cooperation. Public health response to avian influenza and pandemic preparedness benefit significantly from the experience of responses to severe acute respiratory syndrome. This underlines the need to strengthen infrastructure and manpower, ensure public confidence and cooperation, secure maximum government advocacy and support, and forge multi‐sector and international cooperation.
Health‐related quality of life after bladder preservation therapy for muscle invasive bladder cancer
Authors: Hashine Katsuyoshi , Miura Noriyoshi , Numata Kousaku , Shirato Akitomi , Sumiyoshi Yoshiteru , Kataoka Masaaki
Published: March 2008

Objective:  To assess health‐related quality of life (QOL) of bladder cancer patients following bladder preservation therapy (BPT).

Methods:  Eighty patients with muscle‐invasive bladder cancer had been treated between January 1992 and July 2005 at our institutions with BPT consisting of transurethral resection, intra‐arterial chemotherapy and radiotherapy. Among them, 48 were alive and free from recurrence at the time of survey and were asked to participate. A total of 168 patients who had been treated for superficial bladder cancer in the same period were used as a control group. Three questionnaires, namely the International Prostate Symptom Score (IPSS), the SF‐36, and the Expanded Prostate Cancer Index Composite (EPIC) were used.

Results:  Thirty‐three patients in the BPT group (68.8%) and 128 patients in the control group (76.2%) answered the QOL survey. There was no significant difference in age, gender and other clinical factors among these two groups. No significant difference was found between the groups according to IPSS. The QOL score of BPT was lower than that of the control group in the SF‐36, but there was no significant difference without body pain (P = 0.047). There was a tendency toward a diminished physical functioning (P = 0.053) and role‐physical (P = 0.064) in BPT. The EPIC scores for urinary function, especially storage and voiding symptoms, and bowel function were significantly lower in the BPT group. At multivariable analysis, body pain and bowel function were associated with the type of treatment.

Conclusion:  Although some of the QOL outcome parameters after BPT were found to be lower than the control group, these differences were not significant. Overall, patients retaining their bladder had an acceptable health related QOL.
Two types of melanopsin retinal ganglion cell differentially innervate the hypothalamic suprachiasmatic nucleus and the olivary pretectal nucleus
Authors: Baver Scott B. , Pickard Galen E. , Sollars Patricia J. , Pickard Gary E.
Published: March 2008

Melanopsin‐expressing intrinsically photosensitive retinal ganglion cells (ipRGCs) innervate the hypothalamic suprachiasmatic nucleus (SCN) and the olivary pretectal nucleus (OPN), providing irradiance information for entrainment of circadian rhythms and for stimulating the pupillary light reflex. In this study, mice were used in which the melanopsin gene was replaced with the tau‐lacZ gene. Heterozygous (tau‐lacZ+/–) mice express both melanopsin and β‐galactosidase. In tau‐lacZ+/– mice, only ∼50% of melanopsin ipRGCs contain β‐galactosidase, and these cells are specifically labeled with a C‐terminus melanopsin antibody. Retrograde tracer injection into the SCN labels β‐galactosidase‐expressing ipRGCs (termed M1) that comprise ∼80% of the SCN‐projecting ipRGCs. M1 ipRGCs and an additional set of ipRGCs (termed M2) are labeled with a melanopsin antiserum targeted against the N‐terminus of the melanopsin protein; M2 ipRGCs do not contain detectable β‐galactosidase, and these cells make up the remainder of the SCN‐projecting RGCs. Tracer injection into the OPN labeled non‐melanopsin RGCs and both types of melanopsin ipRGC: 45% M1 and 55% M2. Infection of the iris with pseudorabies virus (PRV) results in retrograde transneuronal label of OPN projection neurons that innervate preganglionic parasympathetic neurons of the Edinger‐Westphal nucleus; PRV‐labeled cells were located almost exclusively within the terminal field of M1 ipRGCs in the periphery (shell) of the OPN. The OPN core receives retinal input, and we hypothesize that the OPN core receives input from the M2 ipRGCs. Two subtypes of melanopsin ipRGCs project differentially to the SCN and OPN; the functional significance of ipRGCs subtypes is currently unknown.
Gene regulation in the frontal cortex of rats exposed to the chronic mild stress paradigm, an animal model of human depression
Authors: Orsetti M. , Di Brisco F. , Canonico P. L. , Genazzani A. A. , Ghi P.
Published: March 2008

In the present study, we have coupled the chronic mild stress (CMS) protocol with Affymetrix microarray technology to screen the rat genome for gene changes in the frontal cortex. The aim of our work was to assess whether the CMS protocol could be a useful experimental model to provide insights into the molecular basis of depression. Under our experimental conditions, 59 transcripts changed by more than ±1.5‐fold between naïve and anhedonic rats and showed significantly altered expression levels (P < 0.05). Among these, 18 were upregulated (fold change range +1.509 to +3.161) and 41 were downregulated (fold change range −1.505 to −2.659). To confirm the data obtained with microarrays, we used real‐time reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT‐PCR). The results confirmed the downregulation ofItga6,Camk2a,Plcb1,Cart,Gad1,Homer1andThand the upregulation ofEgr2andPtgs2observed in the DNA microarray analysis. Moreover, the fold change data of the nine validated transcripts from microarray analysis and real‐time polymerase chain reaction showed a good correlation (r = 0.863, 7 d.f.,P < 0.01; slope = 0.976). It is of great interest that prostaglandin‐endoperoxide synthase 2, tyrosine hydroxylase, Cart, Homer1 and glutamate decarboxylase have already been implicated in affective disorders by different approaches in previous reports. In conclusion, our findings indicate that the CMS paradigm is a useful preclinical model with which to investigate the molecular basis of anhedonia and to help in the discovery of novel targets for antidepressant drugs.
Experimentally increased group diversity improves disease resistance in an ant species
Authors: Reber Anabelle , Castella Grégoire , Christe Philippe , Chapuisat Michel
Published: March 2008

A leading hypothesis linking parasites to social evolution is that more genetically diverse social groups better resist parasites.Moreover, group diversity can encompass factors other than genetic variation that may also influence disease resistance. Here, we tested whether group diversity improved disease resistance in an ant species with natural variation in colony queen number. We formed experimental groups of workers and challenged them with the fungal parasiteMetarhizium anisopliae. Workers originating from monogynous colonies (headed by a single queen and with low genetic diversity) had higher survival than workers originating from polygynous ones, both in uninfected groups and in groups challenged withM. anisopliae. However, an experimental increase of group diversity by mixing workers originating from monogynous colonies strongly increased the survival of workers challenged withM. anisopliae, whereas it tended to decrease their survival in absence of infection. This experiment suggests that group diversity, be it genetic or environmental, improves the mean resistance of group members to the fungal infection, probably through the sharing of physiological or behavioural defences.
Novel implications for the basal internal relationships of Gastrotricha revealed by an analysis of morphological characters
Authors: Kieneke Alexander , Riemann Ole , Ahlrichs Wilko H
Published: March 2008

A cladistic analysis of Gastrotricha based on morphological characters is presented. Unlike previous morphological analyses, our study uses species rather than higher level taxa, for which the ground pattern is often unknown. The analysis comprises 79 ingroup taxa, 4 outgroup taxa and 135 binary and multistate characters in total. Character coding is based on a careful assessment of original species descriptions. Characters included cover general body organization, internal and external features as, for example, data on the adhesive tubes, digestive tract or cuticle armament. Character systems such as many ultrastructural findings, for which it was problematic to obtain data for a large set of the included taxa, were not considered. To minimize a priori assumptions, all characters were treated with equal weight and left unordered. The four outgroup representatives were chosen in accordance with the current sister group hypotheses for Gastrotricha. Two search strategies, a heuristic search (maximum parsimony) and a parsimony ratchet search, reveal a comparable scenario. Gastrotricha split into two sister taxa. One group comprises genus Neodasys only, the sister group N.N.1 (Eutubulata nom. nov.) consists of all remaining Gastrotricha. Within Eutubulata, monophyletic Macrodasyida s. str. and N.N.2 (Abursata nom. nov.) are sister taxa of highest rank. Abursata consists of the ‘freshwater macrodasyids’Marinellina and Redudasys as sister group of monophyletic Paucitubulatina. Some traditional families are supported by this analysis. We evaluate possible apomorphies for the most basal stem lineages and track the evolution of selected organs. Our findings reveal that secondary character loss may play an important role in the stem lineage of Abursata and further in Paucitubulatina. Moreover, according to this analysis there might have been a single invasion of the freshwater environment in the stem lineage of Abursata followed by several independent returns to marine habitats within the monophylum Paucitubulatina.
FTO: the first gene contributing to common forms of human obesity
Authors: Loos R. J. F. , Bouchard C.
Published: March 2008

Genome‐wide association, the latest gene‐finding strategy, has led to the first major success in the field of obesity genetics with the discovery of FTO (fat mass and obesity associated gene) as an obesity–susceptibility gene. A cluster of variants in the first intron of FTO showed a strong and highly significant association with obesity‐related traits in three independent genome‐wide association studies, a finding that has been replicated in several other studies including adults and children of European descent. Homozygotes for the risk allele weigh on average 3–4 kg more and have a 1.67‐fold increased risk of obesity compared with those who did not inherit a risk allele. We are still at an early stage in our understanding of the pathways through which FTO confers to increased obesity risk. Studies in humans and rodents have suggested a central role for FTO through regulation of food intake, whereas others have proposed a peripheral role through an effect on lipolytic activity in adipose tissue. There is no doubt that many more obesity–susceptibility loci remain to be discovered. Progress on this front will therefore require major collaborative efforts and pooling of compatible datasets. We stand to learn a lot about the genetic architecture of human obesity in the coming years. The expectations are high but many challenges remain. Among the latter, translating new advances into useful guidelines for prevention and treatment of obesity will be the most demanding.
Riefenstahl on safari: Embodied contemplation in East Africa
Authors: Meiu George Paul
Published: March 2008

After the fall of the Nazi regime, Leni Riefenstahl carried out photographic work among various ethnic groups of East Africa. Some called her aesthetics “fascist.” Others refused to differentiate it from larger modernist and primitivist productions. In this paper, I explore her photography in terms of the underlying styles and postures of an embodied contemplation that perpetuate her images in East Africa even after her death.
How Should We Measure Poverty in a Changing World? Methodological Issues and Chinese Case Study
Authors: Osberg Lars , Xu Kuan
Published: March 2008

This study asks whether, in a rapidly changing world, the estimated proportion of the world's population with income below US$1 (adjusted according to purchasing power parity) per day is still a good measure of trends in poverty. It argues that strong economic growth in nations such as China implies that the commonly accepted international poverty line definition of one half median national equivalent income is increasingly relevant and that poverty intensity (the normalized deficit or Foster–Greer–Thorbecke (FGT) index of order one) is a better summary index. This index has a convenient graphical representation—the “poverty box”. Using the proposed poverty line and the example of ranking the level of rural poverty in Chinese provinces, the study demonstrates how poverty intensity replicates the poverty rankings of the Sen family of poverty indices and captures most of the information content of higher‐order FGT indices.
SPILLOVERS, EXPECTATIONS AND RESIDENTS‘ BENEFITS IN A HOUSING REVITALISATION PROGRAMME: GLASGOW 1977–1987
Authors: MACLENNAN DUNCAN
Published: March 2008

Housing rehabilitation: theory and policy but no evidence

The character and quality of the housing stock within an urban area has a direct bearing on the well‐being of not only residents but of surrounding neighbours and even commuters, visitors and tourists. Changing the quality of the housing stock within a neighbourhood not only alters the physical character of the area but may also shift the social and economic linkages between that local physical space and the social and economic systems operating within the metropolitan area. Conversely, and recognising that both top‐down and bottom‐up linkages can exist, changes in broader systems may impact upon specific localities, including neighbourhoods.
INCOME, INDUSTRIALIZATION AND FOOD CONSUMPTION
Authors: GRIGG DAVID
Published: March 2008

Food consumption is a function of a variety of influences that includes agricultural production, trade, food processing technology, religious taboos, the relative cost of foods, and health concerns. But a particularly powerful factor is income. This article investigates the relationship between total national calorie consumption per capita per day and income, the proportion of all calories derived from livestock products and income, and the proportion of all calories derived from cereals, roots and income. This is done (a) for selected West European countries from c. 1800 to the present and (b) by comparing over 120 nations in 1986–1988. The data suggests calorie consumption per capita and the proportion derived from livestock is positively related to income over time and cross‐sectionally, and that cereals and roots are inversely related to income.
THE RESIDENTIAL MOBILITY EXPERIENCES OF MARGINALIZED POPULATIONS
Authors: KEARNS ROBIN A. , SMITH CHRISTOPHER J.
Published: March 2008

This article situates the housing experiences of marginalized urban groups within the social, economic and ideological shifts that have recently occurred in Western cities. Within this theoretical context, the residential mobility experiences of two samples of respondents who represent groups marginalized within the New Zealand housing market are examined: the seriously mentally ill (n = 203) and households in serious housing need (n = 279). Data from these groups are compared to a sample drawn from the general population (n = 100). Results from a two‐city longitudinal design indicate that for the two research samples, moving house, which is commonly regarded as a stressful experience, actually contributed to improved mental health. For many, however, moving was not an option despite a high level of dissatisfaction and strong desire to move. While public housing policy in New Zealand remains benign compared to some western nations, recent policy shifts such as the raising of public housing rentals are of concern in light of these findings.
INTEGRATING INDUSTRIAL GEOGRAPHY AND INDUSTRIAL RELATIONS RESEARCH
Authors: McGRATH‐CHAMP SUSAN
Published: March 2008

The way in which employment is managed is a crucial dimension in the operation and restructuring of industry, but has been sorely neglected in studies of labour and industry. In concert with processes of economic restructuring, and in broadly similar manner to other Western economies, labour‐management (industrial) relations in Australia are undergoing extensive change. This article reviews key themes in industrial geography, industrial relations and human resource management, identifying and developing connections between these diverse schools of thought. Within this conceptual framework, a case study of the Australian coal industry is used to illustrate aspects of restructuring and the benefits of enhanced ‘dialogue’ between these disciplinary realms.
RESHAPING JAPANESE FOREIGN AID FOR THE POST‐COLD WAR ERA
Authors: GRANT RICHARD
Published: March 2008

Japan recently became the world's largest bilateral aid donor. Tokyo views foreign aid as a ‘main pillar’ of its foreign policy for addressing post‐Cold War global challenges. Western understanding of Japanese foreign aid remains a poorly understood perspective both in the foreign aid and Japan studies literature. Therefore, this article improves conceptualization of Japan's aid activities by focusing on past trends, present changes and possible future developments. An approach is adopted in this study that focuses on both the Japanese domestic policymaking environment and the international context. Empirical evidence suggests that the Japanese employed an ‘entrepreneurial’ approach to aid that incorporates strong private sector involvement and a regional Asia‐Pacific concentration but that its approach is gradually changing toward a more multidimensional one. The ‘perceived’ success of Japanese aid involvement enables Tokyo to promote its international development approach as an alternative to the Western development
EUROPEAN AID POLICIES: SOUTH, EAST, BOTH OR NEITHER?
Authors: HOLDAR SVEN
Published: March 2008

The member states of the European Community contribute more than 45% of the total aid provided by all bilateral foreign aid donors. In addition, the EC foreign aid program is the second biggest budget item of this organization. However, there has been little coordination of the bilateral aid programs of the EC member states. To date, there is no common EC foreign aid policy. The geographic distribution of the aid sent by the EC member states has instead been defined by a mix of old colonial ties, economic interests and humanitarian values. The creation of the European Union, involving further foreign policy coordination among the EU member states, and the opening‐up of Eastern Europe after the fall of Communism have hardly changed this picture. While present aid from the EU and the EU member states as a whole shows a concentration on Africa, the Middle East, South Asia and Eastern Europe, this aid is not guided by any division of labour or common EU principles. Rather, it is determined by the foreign policy interests of each donor state. This situation is not likely to change in the future.
COFFEE MARKETING IN AN INDONESIAN HIGHLAND AREA: A LOCAL INSTITUTION UNDER CHANGING EXTERNAL CONDITIONS
Authors: JÄCKEL WOLFRAM
Published: March 2008

The current export‐led development strategies of Third World nations rely largely on the capacity of agrarian world markets which, however, are characterized by unfavourable conditions. This situation enhances the pressure on the performance of local institutions related to product marketing. It is shown that coffee marketing within the traditional market system of an Indonesian highland area turns out to be an increasing disadvantage for the rural poor since it involves high transaction costs. New practices will have to be institutionalized in order to facilitate more transparency and to strengthen the peasants' capacity to compete with large plantations as well as with other production areas. Methodologically, the article attempts to demonstrate the value of an analysis which studies the dynamic interrelationships between structures and processes of different spatial dimensions.
BRANCH PLANT ECONOMIES AND FLEXIBLE SPECIALISATION: EVIDENCE FROM DEVON AND CORNWALL
Authors: POTTER JONATHAN
Published: March 2008

Recent corporate restructuring in externally‐owned production units is examined in the case of Devon and Cornwall. Evidence is presented on the extent and nature of corporate restructuring in the areas of products and markets, production processes and labour use, and assessment is made of the degree to which restructuring has involved shifts towards flexible specialisation. Evidence of widespread restructuring based around achievement of increased production flexibility points to a broader applicability of concepts of flexible specialisation to regions dominated by external ownership. There is, however, significant unevenness in the movement towards flexible specialisation, between large and small firms, foreign‐owned and British‐owned plants, and between industrial sectors. Findings also have important implications for the role ascribed to branch plants in regional economies.
FOREIGN MANUFACTURING INVESTMENT IN FRANCE AND THE UK: A REGIONAL ANALYSIS OF LOCATIONAL DETERMINANTS
Authors: HILL STEPHEN , MUNDAY MAX
Published: March 2008

This article examines the geography of manufacturing foreign direct investment (FDI) in France and the UK. In considering the regional distribution of both new and existing manufacturing FDI in the two states, the article seeks to show the extent to which the factors that influence the distribution of new FDI in France are similar to those in the UK.
LOW INCOME HOUSING, EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES, AND PERCEPTIONS OF THE URBAN POOR
Authors: MENSAH JOSEPH
Published: March 2008

Complex socio‐economic and spatial relations combine uniquely in different locations within the city to create variable employment prospects for the poor. Drawing on a survey conducted among low income housing residents of Edmonton, this article investigates the spatial variations in employment‐related problems faced by the urban poor, and explores their views on the causes of poverty and unemployment. The study found that low income residents of the inner city face more severe employment hurdles than their counterparts in the suburbs. Evidently, space is an important variable in explaining the employment circumstances of the urban poor.
NEW TOURISM TRENDS AND THE FUTURE OF MEDITERRANEAN EUROPE
Authors: GÓMEZ MANUEL J. MARCHENA
Published: March 2008

The traditional Mediterranean tourism model is under pressure from international competition, and the diversification of tourism demand and leisure time. This article analyzes the megatrends in the field of tourism which are impacting on the Mediterranean model, and outlines some of the opportunities and constraints on responses. Particular attention is paid to the Spanish experience.
THE DYNAMICS OF OUTGOING TOURISM: POTENTIALS AND THREATS OF HOLIDAY TRAVEL AND DESTINATION CHOICES
Authors: KROON HENK
Published: March 2008

Many conflicts which spring from tourism potentials and threats, impact on economic sectors, cultural processes and the environment. Countries may take different positions in these respects, but conflict resolution from an international perspective seems possible through the management of conflicts between aspects of tourism rather than between the countries themselves. Along with causes and effects hi host countries and regions, attention should also be paid to the causes in source countries and effects during travel. Partial models are needed to combine statistics and concepts into operational explanations and strategies. In this article, time series of holiday indicators for the Dutch population are analyzed, through the use of such partial models which stress the dynamics of ‘acceptance’ and allow for differentiation of social categories.
TOURISM IN PORTUGAL: DIVERSITY, DIFFUSION, AND REGIONAL AND LOCAL DEVELOPMENT
Authors: CAVACO CARMINDA
Published: March 2008

Social and economic transformations, linked to changes in value systems, have led to a relative shift from mass tourism to new forms of holiday‐taking, including rural vacations. These trends are illustrated by a case study of Portugal, which experienced a massive growth of tourism, especially in coastal areas, from the 1960s. To some degree, this supplemented an older tourism tradition, based on inland spas. The growth of ‘green’ tourism in recent decades, facilitated by social and economic changes, has led to the revival of many such spa towns, as well as the emergence of new forms of rural tourism such as farm tourism, turismo da habitaçâo and hunting activity holidays. The overall impact of these new forms of tourism on rural development is, however, limited, and it should be considered as one strategy, among many others, for economic diversification.
EVALUATING TOURIST FLOWS IN HISTORIC CITIES: THE CASE OF VENICE
Authors: MONTANARI ARMANDO , MUSCARÀ CALOGERO
Published: March 2008

Venice is one of the world's great tourist‐historic urban attractions, but this has produced a number of well‐documented threats to both its physical and cultural environments, as well as conflicts with the needs of its residents and commuters. This has led to demands that tourist inflows should be limited. Against this background, the authors argue that, in practice, Venice's tourist demand is both varied and complex. This is illustrated by their analysis of a ninefold classification of tourists, which highlights important differences in spatial behaviour, perceptiveness, receptiveness and spending power. On this basis, they propose that some categories of tourists should be actively encouraged. Finally, they conclude by emphasizing the key role of the water transport system, and the need to plan for effective separation of the access, circulation and exit of the tourist and the resident/commuting populations.
SMALL AND MEDIUM‐SIZED ENTERPRISES IN THE ANTWERP‐BRUSSELS AXIS
Authors: VERHETSEL ANN , JORISSEN ANN , VANDAMME STEFAN
Published: March 2008

The results of interdisciplinary research in which data and techniques of accounting are combined with theories in the field of economic geography are presented. The investigation tests the validity of some theories of economic geography on the basis of financial statement data. Up till now these theories have only been tested empirically with the use of macro‐economic data, such as employment figures. In this project, the performances of small and medium‐sized companies are analysed in the functional urban regions of Antwerp, Brussels and Mechelen. The most important conclusion is that the ‘average’ companies in the centre of the ‘research area’ show weaker financial performances than those in the periphery. If focused solely on trade companies the same pattern emerges. For industrial companies however, ‘the reversal of the centre‐periphery relations’ is not obvious.
FOREIGNERS IN BRUSSELS 1981–1991: SPATIAL CONTINUITY AND SOCIAL CHANGE
Authors: KESTELOOT CHRISTIAN , HAEGEN HERMAN VAN DER
Published: March 2008

This contribution considers the spatial distribution of foreigners in Brussels. Fifteen nationalities are considered, among which a group of affluent foreigners linked to the international functions of the city (EU Capital and NATO headquarters) and a poor group whose beginnings can be traced to the ‘guestworkers’ immigration in the late sixties and early seventies. Firstly, the population structure of Brussels and the position of its foreigners are outlined in a historical perspective. Then, the housing market structure and its spatial distribution are explained. Both elements are crucial to the understanding of the contrasting residential distribution of the affluent foreigners and the guestworkers. Finally, the changes in the composition of the foreign communities between 1981 and 1991 are examined and related to processes of urban restructuring. They express the passage from a Fordist to a post‐Fordist city whereby spatial patterns merely change, but deepening contrasts in the social structure appear.
ETHNIC SEGREGATION AND THE ROLE OF PUBLIC HOUSING IN AMSTERDAM
Authors: MUSTERD SAKO , DEURLOO RINUS
Published: March 2008

Dutch cities are characterized by moderate levels of ethnic (and social) segregation if compared with other countries in the Western world. Dutch cities are also famous for their large share of public housing in the total stock. Not surprisingly these two features are frequently supposed to be causally related. However, in this contribution this association is challenged on the basis of a review of existing and well‐described segregation situations, and on the basis of an empirical GIS analysis of micro‐level data from the Amsterdam population register. Ethnic segregation may also develop within the large public housing sector.