ma Too close for comfort - St Mary families in cramped homes have eyes on virus By jamaica-gleaner.com Published On :: Fri, 08 May 2020 00:26:06 -0500 Sandra Ferguson resides with her children and grandchildren in a concrete dwelling that is sectioned into four living quarters in the Fort George Road area of Annotto Bay. With 10 of them sharing kitchen and bathroom facilities, Ferguson said... Full Article
ma St Mary COVID crackdown - Health teams go house to house tracing virus as quarantine hits Dover, Annotto Bay, Enfield By jamaica-gleaner.com Published On :: Fri, 08 May 2020 00:26:31 -0500 Days after The Gleaner reported a clarion call from Port Maria Mayor Richard Creary for the quarantine of St Mary communities owing to growing concerns about the spread of COVID-19 in the parish, the Government responded with the lockdown of three... Full Article
ma Heartbreak again ... Unhappy landing for ship workers, other Jamaicans By jamaica-gleaner.com Published On :: Fri, 08 May 2020 15:15:24 -0500 It was not the landing the Jamaicans who arrived at Kingston’s Norman Manley International Airport on Wednesday evening would want again. The 43 Jamaican ship workers of the Marella Discovery 2 were among the 115 people aboard the TUI charter flight that touched down amid the Kingston breeze and evening sunset. Full Article
ma #JamaicaTogether Promo - Nadine Sutherland By jamaica-gleaner.com Published On :: Sat, 09 May 2020 00:13:42 -0500 “I know this has been some difficult times for us with the pandemic, but I know we are going to get through this together – Jamaica together. We are going to continue our social distancing. We are going to continue practising our incredible hygiene... Full Article
ma PNP wants Gov’t to issue quarantine order for St Mary By jamaica-gleaner.com Published On :: Sat, 09 May 2020 00:17:24 -0500 The People’s National Party (PNP) has asserted that the absence of a quarantine order for three St Mary communities is adding to the state of confusion. The 14-day measure began on Thursday in Dover, Enfield and Annotto Bay at 6 a.m. “The lack of... Full Article
ma Bread-and-butter issues surface under St Mary community restrictions By jamaica-gleaner.com Published On :: Sat, 09 May 2020 00:15:31 -0500 DOVER, St Mary: Residents of Epsom and Dover in St Mary are on edge, but have accepted quarantine measures imposed by the Government to curtail the spread of the dreaded coronavirus in that parish. Security checkpoints at both ends of the parish... Full Article
ma Ronald Jackson leaves CDEMA after seven years By jamaica-gleaner.com Published On :: Tue, 28 Apr 2020 15:58:24 -0500 BRIDGETOWN, Barbados, CMC – The Barbados-based the Caribbean Disaster Emergency Management Agency (CDEMA) says its executive director, Ronald Jackson, is leaving the post after seven years “of unwavering and exemplary service to the... Full Article
ma 2020 hurricane season will be more active than normal - CSU forecasters By jamaica-gleaner.com Published On :: Mon, 04 May 2020 10:15:00 -0500 BRIDGETOWN, Barbados, CMC – A few weeks before the official start of the 2020 Atlantic Hurricane Season, forecasters at the US-based Colorado State University are warning that the six-month period will be more active than normal. The CSU... Full Article
ma Vincentian students in Jamaica told to pay over US$1,000 to return home By jamaica-gleaner.com Published On :: Thu, 07 May 2020 10:49:07 -0500 KINGSTOWN, St Vincent, CMC – St Vincent and the Grenadines students in Jamaica wanting to return home amid the coronavirus (COVID-19, including locked borders, must each pay an estimated US$1,3339 for a return flight. In a letter to the... Full Article
ma Rotating night shift work and adherence to unhealthy lifestyle in predicting risk of type 2 diabetes: results from two large US cohorts of female nurses By feeds.bmj.com Published On :: Wednesday, November 21, 2018 - 23:31 Full Article
ma Rammya Mathew: Liquid diets offer promise, but we still need upstream solutions By feeds.bmj.com Published On :: Thursday, January 3, 2019 - 10:25 Full Article
ma Obesity: raising price of sugary snacks may be more effective than soft drink tax By feeds.bmj.com Published On :: Thursday, September 5, 2019 - 10:35 Full Article
ma Obesity: medical leaders call for end to “stigmatising” language By feeds.bmj.com Published On :: Wednesday, March 4, 2020 - 11:01 Full Article
ma Uniform patch to mark 150 years of pro baseball By mlb.mlb.com Published On :: Tue, 12 Feb 2019 10:09:05 EDT All 30 Major League teams will wear special "MLB 150" patches on their uniforms for the entire 2019 season in honor of the 150th anniversary of the 1869 Cincinnati Red Stockings, the first openly all-salaried professional baseball team. Full Article
ma Reds may play Lorenzen in OF during spring By mlb.mlb.com Published On :: Tue, 12 Feb 2019 18:40:46 EDT Reds reliever Michael Lorenzen's top priority in Spring Training will be to get innings and prepare himself to pitch in what could be a multitude of roles. However, Lorenzen's offseason workouts also included outfield work and batting practice -- and that could continue in the spring. Full Article
ma Letter of the Day | Discrimination and stigma hurt By jamaica-gleaner.com Published On :: Tue, 05 May 2020 00:05:16 -0500 THE EDITOR, Madam: The devastating news of Jodian Fearon’s death has resulted in public outrage and concern. The controversy and seemingly negligent actions of the hospitals involved have left many Jamaicans anxious about our health system and... Full Article
ma Private sector should rally with Jamaicans By jamaica-gleaner.com Published On :: Wed, 06 May 2020 00:09:48 -0500 THE EDITOR, Madam: In times of great challenge and hardship we must continue, as a people, to uphold the values and attitudes that make us truly Jamaican. It is a time for true patriotism and for us to reach down and pull up those among us with... Full Article
ma Stop mismanaging our country By jamaica-gleaner.com Published On :: Fri, 08 May 2020 00:11:36 -0500 THE EDITOR, Madam: TO THE Jamaican Government: there are no trade laws that say you have to buy poison – foreign chicken, beef, produce and other agricultural staples are poisonous. They are chock-full of hormones, antibiotics, fillers, excess... Full Article
ma Pandemic demands proper nutrition, exercise By jamaica-gleaner.com Published On :: Fri, 08 May 2020 00:10:57 -0500 THE EDITOR, Madam: On Wednesday at 8:30 a.m., while watching TVJ, I saw Get Moving home workout series. Very good, TVJ and the Ministry of Health, for bringing this workout programme into our homes. Minister Tufton was a participant; he truly... Full Article
ma George Headley Primary creates Peace Garden By jamaica-gleaner.com Published On :: Sun, 29 Mar 2020 00:20:29 -0500 A ‘Peace of Paradise’ garden has been created in George Headley Primary School, which is positively affecting behavioural change in students. The garden was created by students, teachers, and members of the community for the 2019 Trees for Peace... Full Article
ma In the spirit of serving humanity – Part 2 By jamaica-gleaner.com Published On :: Sun, 29 Mar 2020 00:20:02 -0500 We continue the positive reinforcement of humane spirit and action when humanity, as a collective, is grappling with an unprecedented calamity. “We shall overcome” is the mantra, and going by the indomitable strength we possess, we definitely... Full Article
ma In the spirit of serving humanity – Part 3 By jamaica-gleaner.com Published On :: Sun, 05 Apr 2020 00:10:27 -0500 We continue our journey highlighting the journey of Peace Corps volunteers (PCV). In this third and final instalment, the underlying and broad message is that volunteerism is a combination of one’s personal choices, external influences, and a keen... Full Article
ma Jamaican art spreads warmth in St Petersburg By jamaica-gleaner.com Published On :: Sun, 03 May 2020 00:13:49 -0500 St Petersburg is undoubtedly one of the most picturesque cities in the world – from its European-inspired architecture, its signature colourful, eclectic-style to its neoclassical and Baroque style to its water corridors, and the art, the city is a... Full Article
ma A Novel Model of Diabetic Complications: Adipocyte Mitochondrial Dysfunction Triggers Massive {beta}-Cell Hyperplasia By diabetes.diabetesjournals.org Published On :: 2020-02-20T11:55:30-08:00 Obesity-associated type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) entails insulin resistance and loss of β-cell mass. Adipose tissue mitochondrial dysfunction is emerging as a key component in the etiology of T2DM. Identifying approaches to preserve mitochondrial function, adipose tissue integrity, and β-cell mass during obesity is a major challenge. Mitochondrial ferritin (FtMT) is a mitochondrial matrix protein that chelates iron. We sought to determine whether perturbation of adipocyte mitochondria influences energy metabolism during obesity. We used an adipocyte-specific doxycycline-inducible mouse model of FtMT overexpression (FtMT-Adip mice). During a dietary challenge, FtMT-Adip mice are leaner but exhibit glucose intolerance, low adiponectin levels, increased reactive oxygen species damage, and elevated GDF15 and FGF21 levels, indicating metabolically dysfunctional fat. Paradoxically, despite harboring highly dysfunctional fat, transgenic mice display massive β-cell hyperplasia, reflecting a beneficial mitochondria-induced fat-to-pancreas interorgan signaling axis. This identifies the unique and critical impact that adipocyte mitochondrial dysfunction has on increasing β-cell mass during obesity-related insulin resistance. Full Article
ma Acyl-ghrelin Is Permissive for the Normal Counterregulatory Response to Insulin-Induced Hypoglycemia By diabetes.diabetesjournals.org Published On :: 2020-01-20T12:00:26-08:00 Insulin-induced hypoglycemia leads to far-ranging negative consequences in patients with diabetes. Components of the counterregulatory response (CRR) system that help minimize and reverse hypoglycemia and coordination between those components are well studied but not yet fully characterized. Here, we tested the hypothesis that acyl-ghrelin, a hormone that defends against hypoglycemia in a preclinical starvation model, is permissive for the normal CRR to insulin-induced hypoglycemia. Ghrelin knockout (KO) mice and wild-type (WT) littermates underwent an insulin bolus-induced hypoglycemia test and a low-dose hyperinsulinemic-hypoglycemic clamp procedure. Clamps also were performed in ghrelin-KO mice and C57BL/6N mice administered the growth hormone secretagogue receptor agonist HM01 or vehicle. Results show that hypoglycemia, as induced by an insulin bolus, was more pronounced and prolonged in ghrelin-KO mice, supporting previous studies suggesting increased insulin sensitivity upon ghrelin deletion. Furthermore, during hyperinsulinemic-hypoglycemic clamps, ghrelin-KO mice required a 10-fold higher glucose infusion rate (GIR) and exhibited less robust corticosterone and growth hormone responses. Conversely, HM01 administration, which reduced the GIR required by ghrelin-KO mice during the clamps, increased plasma corticosterone and growth hormone. Thus, our data suggest that endogenously produced acyl-ghrelin not only influences insulin sensitivity but also is permissive for the normal CRR to insulin-induced hypoglycemia. Full Article
ma Troponin T Parallels Structural Nerve Damage in Type 2 Diabetes: A Cross-sectional Study Using Magnetic Resonance Neurography By diabetes.diabetesjournals.org Published On :: 2020-03-20T11:50:29-07:00 Clinical studies have suggested that changes in peripheral nerve microcirculation may contribute to nerve damage in diabetic polyneuropathy (DN). High-sensitivity troponin T (hsTNT) assays have been recently shown to provide predictive values for both cardiac and peripheral microangiopathy in type 2 diabetes (T2D). This study investigated the association of sciatic nerve structural damage in 3 Tesla (3T) magnetic resonance neurography (MRN) with hsTNT and N-terminal pro-brain natriuretic peptide serum levels in patients with T2D. MRN at 3T was performed in 51 patients with T2D (23 without DN, 28 with DN) and 10 control subjects without diabetes. The sciatic nerve’s fractional anisotropy (FA), a marker of structural nerve integrity, was correlated with clinical, electrophysiological, and serological data. In patients with T2D, hsTNT showed a negative correlation with the sciatic nerve’s FA (r = –0.52, P < 0.001), with a closer correlation in DN patients (r = –0.66, P < 0.001). hsTNT further correlated positively with the neuropathy disability score (r = 0.39, P = 0.005). Negative correlations were found with sural nerve conduction velocities (NCVs) (r = –0.65, P < 0.001) and tibial NCVs (r = –0.44, P = 0.002) and amplitudes (r = –0.53, P < 0.001). This study is the first to show that hsTNT is a potential indicator for structural nerve damage in T2D. Our results indirectly support the hypothesis that microangiopathy contributes to structural nerve damage in T2D. Full Article
ma Major Improvement in Wound Healing Through Pharmacologic Mobilization of Stem Cells in Severely Diabetic Rats By diabetes.diabetesjournals.org Published On :: 2020-03-20T11:50:29-07:00 Current therapeutic strategies for diabetic foot ulcer (DFU) have focused on developing topical healing agents, but few agents have controlled prospective data to support their effectiveness in promoting wound healing. We tested a stem cell mobilizing therapy for DFU using a combination of AMD3100 and low-dose FK506 (tacrolimus) (AF) in streptozocin-induced type 1 diabetic (T1DM) rats and type 2 diabetic Goto-Kakizaki (GK) rats that had developed peripheral artery disease and neuropathy. Here, we show that the time for healing back wounds in T1DM rats was reduced from 27 to 19 days, and the foot wound healing time was reduced from 25 to 20 days by treatment with AF (subcutaneously, every other day). Similarly, in GK rats treated with AF, the healing time on back wounds was reduced from 26 to 21 days. Further, this shortened healing time was accompanied by reduced scar and by regeneration of hair follicles. We found that AF therapy mobilized and recruited bone marrow–derived CD133+ and CD34+ endothelial progenitor cells and Ym1/2+ M2 macrophages into the wound sites, associated with enhanced capillary and hair follicle neogenesis. Moreover, AF therapy improved microcirculation in diabetic and neuropathic feet in GK rats. This study provides a novel systemic therapy for healing DFU. Full Article
ma Human conflict and ecosystem services: finding the environmental price of warfare By feedproxy.google.com Published On :: Wed, 02 Jul 2014 10:57:18 +0000 2 July 2014 , Volume 90, Number 4 Robert A. Francis and Krishna Krishnamurthy Full Article
ma Fossil Fuels Expert Roundtable: Managing Disputes and Arbitrations Involving the Extractive Sector in Africa By feedproxy.google.com Published On :: Mon, 01 Sep 2014 14:00:02 +0000 Invitation Only Research Event 30 September 2014 - 5:00pm to 6:30pm Chatham House, London Event participants Paula Hodges QC, Partner; Head, Global Arbitration Practice, Herbert Smith FreehillsStéphane Brabant, Partner; Chairman, Africa Practice Group, Herbert Smith Freehills Disputes between international companies and national governments commonly arise in the extractive industry where high expectations from producer countries often run alongside emotive issues of ‘ownership’ and ‘exploitation’. In 2013, Chatham House published the report Conflict and Coexistence in the Extractives Industries, examining the rising occurrence of long-running and expensive company-government disputes. Continuing the conversation, the speakers will share their personal insights regarding doing business in Africa's oil and gas sector and preparing for crisis situations. They will outline why they believe the effective management of any crisis is critical to achieving an early settlement and why arbitration is the best formal mechanism for resolving disputes in Africa. They will also discuss what the preconditions of success are, and how companies must adjust to new commercial and political realities when engaging with national companies. Attendance at this event is by invitation only. Department/project Energy, Environment and Resources Programme, Conflict or co-existence in extractive industries Owen Grafham Manager, Energy, Environment and Resources Programme +44 (0)20 7957 5708 Email Full Article
ma Methodology for Estimating Levels of Illegal Timber- and Paper-sector Imports: Estimates for China, France, Japan, the Netherlands, the UK, the US and Vietnam By feedproxy.google.com Published On :: Fri, 21 Nov 2014 10:50:40 +0000 25 November 2014 This paper accompanies a series of assessments on China, France, Japan, the Netherlands, the UK, the US and Vietnam, providing details on how the estimates of the level of illegality of imports of wood-based products into those countries were derived. Alison Hoare Senior Research Fellow, Energy, Environment and Resources Programme LinkedIn 20141124IllegalLoggingMethodologyHoare.jpg Photo by Getty Images. This paper accompanies a series of Chatham House assessments on China, France, Japan, the Netherlands, the UK, the US and Vietnam and provides details on how the estimates of the level of illegality of imports of wood-based products into those countries were derived. The assessments are part of a research project that monitored levels of illegal logging and related trade in selected consumer, producer and processing countries in order to evaluate the effectiveness of efforts to tackle this problem.The paper describes the methodology for estimating the levels of wood-based products at high risk of illegality that are being imported into consumer and processing countries. The methodology was developed in order to provide quantitative estimates of the scale of such imports and to assess how they have changed over time. The figures adopted for the assessments are based on the best available evidence; but, given the challenges of quantifying levels of illegal logging and the limited information available for some countries, they should not be regarded as definitive. Rather, they indicate the likely levels of illegality and, perhaps more important, how they may have changed over time. Related documents Research Paper Appendix: Methodology for Estimating Levels of Illegal Timber- and Paper-sector Imports: Estimates for China, France, Japan, the Netherlands, the UK, the US and Vietnampdf | 185.45 KB Annexe au document de recherche: Méthodologie d’estimation des niveaux d’importation de produits bois et papier illégaux: Estimations concernant la Chine, les États-Unis, la France, le Japon, les Pays-Bas, le Royaume-Uni et le Viêt Nampdf | 210 KB Department/project Energy, Environment and Resources Programme, Improving Forest Governance and Tackling Illegal Logging and Deforestation Full Article
ma Cartels and Competition in Minerals Markets: Challenges for Global Governance By feedproxy.google.com Published On :: Fri, 19 Dec 2014 16:13:30 +0000 19 December 2014 This research paper sets out recommendations for enhanced dialogue and intensified international cooperation that could significantly improve the functioning of global mineral markets. Download PDF Felix Preston Former Senior Research Fellow and Deputy Research Director, Energy, Environment and Resources Siân Bradley Research Fellow, Energy, Environment and Resources Programme @ChathamSian Jaakko Kooroshy Former Chatham House Expert 20141219CartelsMineralsKooroshyPrestonBradley.jpg Photo: iStockphoto.com/tunart The purpose of this research paper is to identify and analyse the key policy challenges associated with anti-competitive practices in international metals and minerals markets.RecommendationsEnhanced dialogue and intensified international cooperation in four areas could significantly improve the functioning of global mineral markets:Deal with the last remnants of producer-country cartels Consumer countries should make a publicly visible case that in an age of interdependence and global supply chains, any remaining forms of producer-country cartels are an anachronism. Given limited means to coerce governments to stop supporting the last remaining mineral cartels in potash, a ‘naming and shaming’ approach in key forums such as the Group of Twenty (G20) and the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) is likely to be most effective. Such action could be initiated by the three largest potash importers China, India and Brazil, and should seek support from others such as the EU and Japan. Prevent damaging export restrictions through win-win arrangementsWTO litigation against export restrictions is unlikely to be a silver bullet and in the short term cooperative policy dialogues, such as those pursued by the OECD, offer the best prospects for concrete results. Such dialogues should also be initiated by major emerging economies and could focus on providing incentives such as investment packages or technology-sharing to entice producer countries to abstain from imposing restrictions. Consumers should continue to push for more specific and stricter WTO rules on export restrictions. Japan, the EU and the US should seek to include similar measures in regional trade negotiations. Strengthen cooperation among regulators on clandestine private cartels and other anti-competitive practices Concerted action will be required by governments to tackle anti-competitive practices such as clandestine cartels, price-fixing and territorial agreements. Key regulators, such as those in the EU and China, should expand collection and sharing of data and best practice on anti-trust enforcement in minerals markets. In key cases they could also coordinate prosecution. Sustained investment in institutional capacity is required in many emerging economies; this should be supported through bilateral cooperation and via regional forums. Governments should also resuscitate the stalled negotiations on the WTO’s role in competition policy. Enhance governance for transnational market platforms and pricing mechanismsThe responsibility to regulate key nodes in global minerals markets will remain in the hands of national bodies, but coordination is vital given interconnected global markets. International organizations and regulators should strengthen structural cooperation and exchange in the area of physical markets and with greater involvement of emerging economies. An informal high-level forum on regulating physical markets could reinvigorate debate, foster new perspectives and stimulate new partnerships. Governments in key consumer countries should also give their national regulators a clear mandate in minerals markets. Department/project Energy, Environment and Resources Programme Full Article
ma Illegal Logging and Related Trade: The Response in Malaysia By feedproxy.google.com Published On :: Tue, 20 Jan 2015 16:50:44 +0000 21 January 2015 This paper finds high levels of deforestation and widespread problems in Malaysia, particularly in the state of Sarawak. Read online Download PDF Alison Hoare Senior Research Fellow, Energy, Environment and Resources Programme LinkedIn 20150120LoggingMalaysia.jpg A truck hauls fresh timber from mountainous terrain in the Limbang area of Sarawak, Borneo. Photo by Getty Images. This paper is part of a broader Chatham House study which assesses the global response to illegal logging and the related trade. There has been limited progress in tackling illegal logging and related trade in Malaysia since 2010. Widespread problems remain, particularly in the state of Sarawak. There are high levels of deforestation throughout the country: expansion of timber, pulp and agricultural plantations (including oil palm and rubber) is the main driver of forest loss.Forest policy-making in Malaysia involves both the federal and state governments, but the states have prerogative rights to develop their own policies on land and forests. This poses challenges, not least since governance of the forest sector varies quite significantly from one region of the country to another.The government has been negotiating a Voluntary Partnership Agreement (VPA) with the EU since 2007. Negotiations stalled for a number of years but resumed in 2012 without the participation of Sarawak. Concerns remain among stakeholders about the limited recognition of indigenous peoples’ rights by the government, as well as about corruption and the lack of transparency.Awareness of illegal logging and related trade is increasing in the private sector, although the area of natural forest concessions certified as being under sustainable production remained virtually unchanged during the period 2008–12.Asia is the major export market destination for Malaysia’s timber products. However, both the US and the EU import significant volumes of wood-based products from Malaysia too.The Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) has recently stepped up investigating corruption in the forest sector. In Sarawak, an intensified focus on combatting illegal logging could signal a turning point for the state’s forest sector.In order to build on its response to illegal logging and related trade to date, the Malaysian government should fully engage with the voluntary partnership agreement process and improve multi-stakeholder participation. Transparency in decisions about forest allocation needs to be significantly improved and greater recognition accorded to the rights of indigenous peoples.More concerted efforts are required to tackle high-level corruption – for example, through strengthening the MACC. At the same time, the government should consider options for an independent monitor for the forest sector as a means of improving forest governance. Department/project Energy, Environment and Resources Programme, Improving Forest Governance and Tackling Illegal Logging and Deforestation Full Article
ma The Impact of Mining on Forests: Information Needs for Effective Policy Responses By feedproxy.google.com Published On :: Wed, 20 May 2015 14:30:01 +0000 Invitation Only Research Event 3 June 2015 - 9:00am to 6:00pm Chatham House, London Meeting Summarypdf | 376.31 KB While there is much anecdotal information about the impact of mining on forests, no comprehensive review of minerals as a forest risk commodity has yet been undertaken. Indications are that mining activities are an important driver of deforestation in many countries, and that the impact of mineral extraction on forest resources is likely to increase with growing global demand for minerals. This event will discuss the state of knowledge on the impact of mining on forests, identify the available policy tools aimed at supporting sustainable supply chains, and determine the data needs to facilitate improved monitoring, control and regulation of the sector. Attendance at this event is by invitation only. Department/project Energy, Environment and Resources Programme, Improving Forest Governance and Tackling Illegal Logging and Deforestation Adelaide Glover Digital Coordinator, Energy, Environment and Resources Programme Email Full Article
ma The Marikana Killings and Labour Dispute Resolution in South Africa: Implications of an Inquiry By feedproxy.google.com Published On :: Fri, 17 Jul 2015 16:15:01 +0000 Research Event 4 August 2015 - 4:00pm to 5:00pm Chatham House, London Meeting Summarypdf | 118.42 KB Event participants Toby Fisher, Barrister, Landmark Chambers; Representative of the South African Human Rights Commission, Marikana Commission of InquiryGary White, Director of Operations, Ineqe Group; Expert Witness on Policing, Marikana Commission of InquiryChair: Muzong Kodi, Associate Fellow, Africa Programme The Marikana Commission of inquiry was appointed by South Africa’s President Jacob Zuma following more than 40 deaths (with many others left injured) after police opened fire on striking miners at Marikana in August 2012.The massacre was reported as the worst use of lethal force by the South African Police Service since 1994, and brought issues of labour dispute resolution, public-order policing and accountability into stark relief.Speakers will discuss the Commission's recently-published report and its potential impact on industrial stakeholders, as well as the wider consequences for South Africa. Department/project Africa Programme Christopher Vandome Research Fellow, Africa Programme +44 (0) 20 7314 3669 Email Full Article
ma Estimating Levels of Illegal Logging and the Related Trade: Lessons from the Indicators Project By feedproxy.google.com Published On :: Thu, 15 Oct 2015 13:30:02 +0000 Invitation Only Research Event 9 November 2015 - 9:00am to 5:00pm Chatham House, London The aim of the meeting is to identify ways to improve monitoring of illegal logging and the trade in illegal timber. Building on the experiences of Chatham House’s project Indicators of Illegal Logging, the discussions will focus on the data needs of particular end users and methodological challenges for estimating levels of illegality. The potential for improved coordination and collaboration between global efforts to monitor trade flows will also be considered.Attendance at this event is by invitation only. Department/project Energy, Environment and Resources Programme, Improving Forest Governance and Tackling Illegal Logging and Deforestation Adelaide Glover Digital Coordinator, Energy, Environment and Resources Programme Email Full Article
ma Navigating the New Normal: China and Global Resource Governance By feedproxy.google.com Published On :: Mon, 25 Jan 2016 16:29:44 +0000 28 January 2016 How China responds to the challenges of resource security and sustainability, working with others, will help define its reputation as a responsible actor on the world stage in the next decade, according to a new paper. Felix Preston Former Senior Research Fellow and Deputy Research Director, Energy, Environment and Resources Rob Bailey Former Research Director, Energy, Environment and Resources @ClimateRob Siân Bradley Research Fellow, Energy, Environment and Resources Programme @ChathamSian Dr Wei Jigang, Senior Research Fellow, Department of Industrial Economy, Development Research Center of the State Council (DRC)Dr Zhao Changwen, Director, Department of Industrial Economy, Development Research Center of the State Council (DRC) 2016-01-27-china-resource-governance-2.jpg Qingdao, China. Photo: Getty Images. It is time to upgrade global resource governanceMeaningful progress cannot be achieved without ChinaChina will need to be both innovative and pragmatic in its approachNew modes of cooperation are neededChanges in China’s economy present opportunities and risks Executive summaryChina’s new role in the global governance of natural resources is coming to the fore against a backdrop of profound uncertainty, driven by the convergence of three interlinked trends. At home, China’s leaders are navigating the structural shift to slower but higher-quality growth, a phase of development referred to as the ‘new normal’, while facing considerable environmental and resource security challenges. Globally, the slowdown in China’s economy has sent reverberations through commodity markets, pulling the plug on the decade-long commodities ‘super cycle’. Meanwhile, China is taking on a growing role in global governance, from the G20 and multilateral development banks, to its regional partnerships in Latin America and Africa.During the resources boom of the last decade, policy-makers and businesses in consumer countries were focused on high and volatile resource prices. The risks posed by resource nationalism in producer countries were seen in the proliferation of export restrictions and the increase in investment disputes. Today, the tables have turned, leaving producer countries facing economic pressure from falling revenues and investments. Many organizations have called on governments to phase out subsidies for fossil fuels and other natural resources while prices are low. The international policy debate is shifting to the immediate challenges presented by a massive oversupply of many energy and mineral commodities, and the longer-term risk of ‘stranded assets’.These new resource realities will provide the context for China’s growing global role, as well as setting the tenor of its relations with producer countries. Over the past decade, narratives around China often focused on its real or perceived impacts from resource production overseas and consumption at home. In the next, China’s approach to resource security and sustainability will help define its reputation, and whether it is perceived as a responsible actor on the world stage and as a development partner. The collection of international narratives, norms, rules and organizations that currently guides resource production, trade and consumption – what we call ‘global resource governance' in this report – will provide the framework.Much political leadership will be required to overcome the barriers to China assuming a more active role in global resource governance. On the one hand, there has been slow progress in expanding China’s role in organizations from the World Bank to the International Energy Agency (IEA). On the other, new instruments or processes initiated by China can be seen as a challenge to the existing rules-based order, as the US reaction to the establishment of the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB) demonstrated. Yet developments such as the US–China Joint Presidential Statement on Climate Change in September 2015, ahead of the Paris Climate Conference, show that it is possible to forge cooperation and boost the prospects for progress on public goods at the multilateral level, even in politically fraught areas.China’s international role on natural resources is also closely tied to ongoing reforms at home. The introduction of ‘ecological civilization’ as a guiding principle for China’s development at the Communist Party’s 17th Congress in 2007 marked a recognition of the need not only to address China’s domestic challenges such as air quality and water scarcity but also shift to an environmentally sustainable model of economic development. In 2015 China’s leaders set out the key incentives, accountability and mechanisms to deliver the ecological civilization in China’s 13th Five-Year Plan. Central elements of this vision, such as building sustainable cities, pursuing environmentally-friendly economic growth and developing the circular economy will have major impacts on China’s future resource consumption and import needs.Globally, the speed and scale of the economic realignments have taken most experts and policy-makers by surprise – in many respects, China’s new normal is the world’s new normal. The greatest challenge that China’s government faces is managing a shift to slower but higher-quality growth. It is clear that the ramifications of this reach far beyond the confines of the Chinese economy or global commodity markets; yet the situation remains fluid and the nature of a new equilibrium is difficult to predict. This only makes it more urgent to consider the strategic and practical options available to policy-makers, both in China and around the world.This report is the result of two years of joint research between Chatham House and the Development Research Center of the State Council (DRC), including six expert workshops in China and conversations with international organizations. It discusses key policy areas in global resource governance as they relate to China – in light of recent falls in commodity prices, China’s shifting economic situation, and its growing global role in the ‘new normal’. The scope of the research is limited to non-renewable energy, metals and mineral resources; throughout this report, the term ‘resources’ refers to these commodities. Other traded commodities such as agricultural goods are not included, and land, water and air are discussed only in the context of their important linkages with energy and metals. The report considers the costs and benefits of a more active role for China in global resources governance. It recognizes that different commodities face different challenges and require different governance frameworks, and that different regions require context-specific responses. The report also considers the risks of more limited engagement of China and other new actors, which could mean declining relevance for existing processes and institutions that govern resource production, trade and consumption, and a diminished capacity to tackle longer-term challenges like climate change. Related documents Joint Report: Navigating the New Normal: China and Global Resource Governancepdf | 4.24 MB 引领新常态 中国与全球资源治理pdf | 4.69 MB Chart: China's imports of natural resourcespdf | 118.83 KB Map: China’s resource interdependenciespdf | 906.25 KB Map: The Belt and Roadpdf | 525.6 KB Department/project Energy, Environment and Resources Programme, Resource Trade Full Article
ma D-backs, manager Lovullo agree on extension By mlb.mlb.com Published On :: Tue, 29 Jan 2019 21:35:41 EDT The Arizona Diamondbacks agreed to terms on a contract extension with manager Torey Lovullo on Tuesday. Full Article
ma Uniform patch to mark 150 years of pro baseball By mlb.mlb.com Published On :: Tue, 12 Feb 2019 10:09:05 EDT All 30 Major League teams will wear special "MLB 150" patches on their uniforms for the entire 2019 season in honor of the 150th anniversary of the 1869 Cincinnati Red Stockings, the first openly all-salaried professional baseball team. Full Article
ma Marte confident transition to CF will be smooth By mlb.mlb.com Published On :: Thu, 14 Feb 2019 19:16:45 EDT Ketel Marte does not lack for confidence when it comes to switching from second base/shortstop to center field, which is where he's expected to see a lot of time this season. Full Article
ma Tomas getting work in at first base By mlb.mlb.com Published On :: Tue, 19 Feb 2019 20:31:55 EDT As the D-backs went through fielding drills Tuesday, Yasmany Tomas spent his time at first base rather than in the outfield. Full Article
ma Covid-19: Number of Germans infected could be 10 times higher than official estimates By feeds.bmj.com Published On :: 2020-05-07T07:16:18-07:00 The number of people in Germany infected with covid-19, could be 10 times higher than official government estimates, according to a new study by University of Bonn researchers.1The Heinsberg study is... Full Article
ma Vitamin C in Human Health and Disease: Effects, Mechanisms of Action, and New Guidance on Intake By jnm.snmjournals.org Published On :: 2020-04-01T06:00:28-07:00 Full Article
ma Reversibility of 68Ga-FAPI-2 Trapping Might Prove an Asset for PET Quantitative Imaging By jnm.snmjournals.org Published On :: 2020-04-01T06:00:28-07:00 Full Article
ma Human Radiation Dosimetry for Orally and Intravenously Administered 18F-FDG By jnm.snmjournals.org Published On :: 2020-04-01T06:00:28-07:00 Intravenous access is difficult in some patients referred for 18F-FDG PET imaging. Extravasation at the injection site and accumulation in central catheters can lead to limited tumor 18F-FDG uptake, erroneous quantitation, and significant image artifacts. In this study, we compared the human biodistribution and dosimetry for 18F-FDG after oral and intravenous administrations sequentially in the same subjects to ascertain the dosimetry and potential suitability of orally administered 18F-FDG as an alternative to intravenous administration. We also compared our detailed intravenous 18F-FDG dosimetry with older dosimetry data. Methods: Nine healthy volunteers (6 male and 3 female; aged 19–32 y) underwent PET/CT imaging after oral and intravenous administration of 18F-FDG. Identical preparation and imaging protocols (except administration route) were used for oral and intravenous studies. During each imaging session, 9 whole-body PET scans were obtained at 5, 10, 20, 30, 40, 50, 60, 120, and 240 min after 18F-FDG administration (370 ± 16 MBq). Source organ contours drawn using CT were overlaid onto registered PET images to extract time–activity curves. Time-integrated activity coefficients derived from time–activity curves were given as input to OLINDA/EXM for dose calculations. Results: Blood uptake after orally administered 18F-FDG peaked at 45–50 min after ingestion. The oral-to-intravenous ratios of 18F-FDG uptake for major organs at 45 min were 1.07 ± 0.24 for blood, 0.94 ± 0.39 for heart wall, 0.47 ± 0.12 for brain, 1.25 ± 0.18 for liver, and 0.84 ± 0.24 for kidneys. The highest organ-absorbed doses (μGy/MBq) after oral 18F-FDG administration were observed for urinary bladder (75.9 ± 17.2), stomach (48.4 ± 14.3), and brain (29.4 ± 5.1), and the effective dose was significantly higher (20%) than after intravenous administration (P = 0.002). Conclusion: 18F-FDG has excellent bioavailability after oral administration, but peak organ activities occur later than after intravenous injection. These data suggest PET at 2 h after oral 18F-FDG administration should yield images that are comparable in biodistribution to conventional clinical images acquired 1 h after injection. Oral 18F-FDG is a palatable alternative to intravenous 18F-FDG when venous access is problematic. Full Article
ma TSPO Versus P2X7 as a Target for Neuroinflammation: An In Vitro and In Vivo Study By jnm.snmjournals.org Published On :: 2020-04-01T06:00:28-07:00 Neuroinflammation is important in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). The P2X7 receptor (P2X7R) is a promising target for neuroinflammation. The objective of this study was to compare 18F-DPA714, a second-generation translocator protein tracer, with 11C-JNJ717, a novel P2X7R tracer, in vitro and in vivo in ALS. Methods: For the in vitro portion of the study, autoradiography with 18F-DPA714 and 11C-JNJ717 was performed on human ALS brain sections in comparison to immunofluorescence with Iba1 and GFAP. For the in vivo portion, 3 male patients with early-stage ALS (59.3 ± 7.2 y old) and 6 healthy volunteers (48.2 ± 16.5 y old, 2 men and 4 women) underwent dynamic PET/MR scanning with 18F-DPA714 and 11C-JNJ717. Volume-of-distribution images were calculated using Logan plots and analyzed on a volume-of-interest basis. Results: Autoradiography showed no difference in 11C-JNJ717 binding but did show increased 18F-DPA714 binding in the motor cortex correlating with Iba1 expression (glial cells). Similar findings were observed in vivo, with a 13% increase in 18F-DPA714 binding in the motor cortex. Conclusion: In symptomatic ALS patients, 18F-DPA714 showed increased signal whereas 11C-JNJ717 was not elevated. Full Article
ma Multimodality Imaging of Inflammation and Ventricular Remodeling in Pressure-Overload Heart Failure By jnm.snmjournals.org Published On :: 2020-04-01T06:00:28-07:00 Inflammation contributes to ventricular remodeling after myocardial ischemia, but its role in nonischemic heart failure is poorly understood. Local tissue inflammation is difficult to assess serially during pathogenesis. Although 18F-FDG accumulates in inflammatory leukocytes and thus may identify inflammation in the myocardial microenvironment, it remains unclear whether this imaging technique can isolate diffuse leukocytes in pressure-overload heart failure. We aimed to evaluate whether inflammation with 18F-FDG can be serially imaged in the early stages of pressure-overload–induced heart failure and to compare the time course with functional impairment assessed by cardiac MRI. Methods: C57Bl6/N mice underwent transverse aortic constriction (TAC) (n = 22), sham surgery (n = 12), or coronary ligation as an inflammation-positive control (n = 5). MRI assessed ventricular geometry and contractile function at 2 and 8 d after TAC. Immunostaining identified the extent of inflammatory leukocyte infiltration early in pressure overload. 18F-FDG PET scans were acquired at 3 and 7 d after TAC, under ketamine-xylazine anesthesia to suppress cardiomyocyte glucose uptake. Results: Pressure overload evoked rapid left ventricular dilation compared with sham (end-systolic volume, day 2: 40.6 ± 10.2 μL vs. 23.8 ± 1.7 μL, P < 0.001). Contractile function was similarly impaired (ejection fraction, day 2: 40.9% ± 9.7% vs. 59.2% ± 4.4%, P < 0.001). The severity of contractile impairment was proportional to histology-defined myocardial macrophage density on day 8 (r = –0.669, P = 0.010). PET imaging identified significantly higher left ventricular 18F-FDG accumulation in TAC mice than in sham mice on day 3 (10.5 ± 4.1 percentage injected dose [%ID]/g vs. 3.8 ± 0.9 %ID/g, P < 0.001) and on day 7 (7.8 ± 3.7 %ID/g vs. 3.0 ± 0.8 %ID/g, P = 0.006), though the efficiency of cardiomyocyte suppression was variable among TAC mice. The 18F-FDG signal correlated with ejection fraction (r = –0.75, P = 0.01) and ventricular volume (r = 0.75, P < 0.01). Western immunoblotting demonstrated a 60% elevation of myocardial glucose transporter 4 expression in the left ventricle at 8 d after TAC, indicating altered glucose metabolism. Conclusion: TAC induces rapid changes in left ventricular geometry and contractile function, with a parallel modest infiltration of inflammatory macrophages. Metabolic remodeling overshadows inflammatory leukocyte signal using 18F-FDG PET imaging. More selective inflammatory tracers are requisite to identify the diffuse local inflammation in pressure overload. Full Article
ma Preoperative Localization of Adenomas in Primary Hyperparathyroidism: The Value of 11C-Choline PET/CT in Patients with Negative or Discordant Findings on Ultrasonography and 99mTc-Sestamibi SPECT/CT By jnm.snmjournals.org Published On :: 2020-04-01T06:00:28-07:00 We aimed to assess the value of 11C-choline PET in patients with primary hyperparathyroidism and negative or discordant results on 99mTc-sestamibi imaging and neck ultrasound. Methods: Eighty-seven such patients were assessed and subsequently underwent parathyroidectomy. PET/CT image data were analyzed semiquantitatively using SUVmax and SUV ratios (target to contralateral thyroid gland and carotid artery). A positive PET/CT result was defined as focal uptake significantly higher than regular thyroid tissue. Ectopic foci were also considered positive. Inconclusive PET/CT cases were defined as a lesion with uptake equal to normal thyroid tissue. If no prominent or ectopic uptake was detectable, the PET/CT result was considered negative. Results: When dichotomizing the 11C-choline PET/CT imaging results by defining lesions with both positive and inconclusive uptake as positive, we found 84 of 92 lesions (91.3%) to have true-positive uptake whereas 8 lesions (8.7%) had false-positive uptake. One lesion showed false-negative uptake; the sensitivity was 98.8%. The corresponding positive predictive value for lesions was 91.3%. The mean SUVmax was 6.15 ± 4.92 in 72 lesions with positive uptake (70 patients) and 2.96 ± 2.32 in 20 lesions with inconclusive uptake (18 patients). Conclusion: These results in a large group of patients indicate that 11C-choline PET/CT is a promising tool for parathyroid adenoma localization when ultrasound and 99mTc-sestamibi imaging yield negative or discordant results. Full Article
ma 18F-Fluorocholine PET/CT in Primary Hyperparathyroidism: Superior Diagnostic Performance to Conventional Scintigraphic Imaging for Localization of Hyperfunctioning Parathyroid Glands By jnm.snmjournals.org Published On :: 2020-04-01T06:00:28-07:00 Primary hyperparathyroidism (PHPT) is a common endocrine disorder, definitive treatment usually requiring surgical removal of the offending parathyroid glands. To perform focused surgical approaches, it is necessary to localize all hyperfunctioning glands. The aim of the study was to compare the efficiency of established conventional scintigraphic imaging modalities with emerging 18F-fluorocholine PET/CT imaging in preoperative localization of hyperfunctioning parathyroid glands in a larger series of PHPT patients. Methods: In total, 103 patients with PHPT were imaged preoperatively with 18F-fluorocholine PET/CT and conventional scintigraphic imaging methods, consisting of 99mTc-sestamibi SPECT/CT, 99mTc-sestamibi/pertechnetate subtraction imaging, and 99mTc-sestamibi dual-phase imaging. The results of histologic analysis, as well as intact parathyroid hormone and serum calcium values obtained 1 d after surgery and on follow-up, served as the standard of truth for evaluation of imaging results. Results: Diagnostic performance of 18F-fluorocholine PET/CT surpassed conventional scintigraphic methods (separately or combined), with calculated sensitivity of 92% for PET/CT and 39%–56% for conventional imaging (65% for conventional methods combined) in the entire patient group. Subgroup analysis, differentiating single and multiple hyperfunctioning parathyroid glands, showed PET/CT to be most valuable in the group with multiple hyperfunctioning glands, with sensitivity of 88%, whereas conventional imaging was significantly inferior, with sensitivity of 22%–34% (44% combined). Conclusion: 18F-fluorocholine PET/CT is a diagnostic modality superior to conventional imaging methods in patients with PHPT, allowing for accurate preoperative localization. Full Article
ma PET Imaging of Pancreatic Dopamine D2 and D3 Receptor Density with 11C-(+)-PHNO in Type 1 Diabetes By jnm.snmjournals.org Published On :: 2020-04-01T06:00:28-07:00 Type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM) has traditionally been characterized by a complete destruction of β-cell mass (BCM); however, there is growing evidence of possible residual BCM present in T1DM. Given the absence of in vivo tools to measure BCM, routine clinical measures of β-cell function (e.g., C-peptide release) may not reflect BCM. We previously demonstrated the potential utility of PET imaging with the dopamine D2 and D3 receptor agonist 3,4,4a,5,6,10b-hexahydro-2H-naphtho[1,2-b][1,4]oxazin-9-ol (11C-(+)-PHNO) to differentiate between healthy control (HC) and T1DM individuals. Methods: Sixteen individuals participated (10 men, 6 women; 9 HCs, 7 T1DMs). The average duration of diabetes was 18 ± 6 y (range, 14–30 y). Individuals underwent PET/CT scanning with a 120-min dynamic PET scan centered on the pancreas. One- and 2-tissue-compartment models were used to estimate pancreas and spleen distribution volume. Reference region approaches (spleen as reference) were also investigated. Quantitative PET measures were correlated with clinical outcome measures. Immunohistochemistry was performed to examine colocalization of dopamine receptors with endocrine hormones in HC and T1DM pancreatic tissue. Results: C-peptide release was not detectable in any T1DM individuals, whereas proinsulin was detectable in 3 of 5 T1DM individuals. Pancreas SUV ratio minus 1 (SUVR-1) (20–30 min; spleen as reference region) demonstrated a statistically significant reduction (–36.2%) in radioligand binding (HCs, 5.6; T1DMs, 3.6; P = 0.03). Age at diagnosis correlated significantly with pancreas SUVR-1 (20–30 min) (R2 = 0.67, P = 0.025). Duration of diabetes did not significantly correlate with pancreas SUVR-1 (20–30 min) (R2 = 0.36, P = 0.16). Mean acute C-peptide response to arginine at maximal glycemic potentiation did not significantly correlate with SUVR-1 (20–30 min) (R2 = 0.57, P = 0.05), nor did mean baseline proinsulin (R2 = 0.45, P = 0.10). Immunohistochemistry demonstrated colocalization of dopamine D3 receptor and dopamine D2 receptor in HCs. No colocalization of the dopamine D3 receptor or dopamine D2 receptor was seen with somatostatin, glucagon, or polypeptide Y. In a separate T1DM individual, no immunostaining was seen with dopamine D3 receptor, dopamine D2 receptor, or insulin antibodies, suggesting that loss of endocrine dopamine D3 receptor and dopamine D2 receptor expression accompanies loss of β-cell functional insulin secretory capacity. Conclusion: Thirty-minute scan durations and SUVR-1 provide quantitative outcome measures for 11C-(+)-PHNO, a dopamine D3 receptor–preferring agonist PET radioligand, to differentiate BCM in T1DM and HCs. Full Article
ma Theranostics Targeting Fibroblast Activation Protein in the Tumor Stroma: 64Cu- and 225Ac-Labeled FAPI-04 in Pancreatic Cancer Xenograft Mouse Models By jnm.snmjournals.org Published On :: 2020-04-01T06:00:28-07:00 Fibroblast activation protein (FAP), which promotes tumor growth and progression, is overexpressed in cancer-associated fibroblasts of many human epithelial cancers. Because of its low expression in normal organs, FAP is an excellent target for theranostics. In this study, we used radionuclides with relatively long half-lives, 64Cu (half-life, 12.7 h) and 225Ac (half-life, 10 d), to label FAP inhibitors (FAPIs) in mice with human pancreatic cancer xenografts. Methods: Male nude mice (body weight, 22.5 ± 1.2 g) were subcutaneously injected with human pancreatic cancer cells (PANC-1, n = 12; MIA PaCa-2, n = 8). Tumor xenograft mice were investigated after the intravenous injection of 64Cu-FAPI-04 (7.21 ± 0.46 MBq) by dynamic and delayed PET scans (2.5 h after injection). Static scans 1 h after the injection of 68Ga-FAPI-04 (3.6 ± 1.4 MBq) were also acquired for comparisons using the same cohort of mice (n = 8). Immunohistochemical staining was performed to confirm FAP expression in tumor xenografts using an FAP-α-antibody. For radioligand therapy, 225Ac-FAPI-04 (34 kBq) was injected into PANC-1 xenograft mice (n = 6). Tumor size was monitored and compared with that of control mice (n = 6). Results: Dynamic imaging of 64Cu-FAPI-04 showed rapid clearance through the kidneys and slow washout from tumors. Delayed PET imaging of 64Cu-FAPI-04 showed mild uptake in tumors and relatively high uptake in the liver and intestine. Accumulation levels in the tumor or normal organs were significantly higher for 64Cu-FAPI-04 than for 68Ga-FAPI-04, except in the heart, and excretion in the urine was higher for 68Ga-FAPI-04 than for 64Cu-FAPI-04. Immunohistochemical staining revealed abundant FAP expression in the stroma of xenografts. 225Ac-FAPI-04 injection showed significant tumor growth suppression in the PANC-1 xenograft mice, compared with the control mice, without a significant change in body weight. Conclusion: This proof-of-concept study showed that 64Cu-FAPI-04 and 225Ac-FAPI-04 could be used in theranostics for the treatment of FAP-expressing pancreatic cancer. α-therapy targeting FAP in the cancer stroma is effective and will contribute to the development of a new treatment strategy. Full Article