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Implications of climate change for the UN Security Council: mapping the range of potential policy responses

6 November 2015 , Volume 91, Number 6

 

 

Shirley V. Scott




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Europe’s Energy Union: Foreign Policy Implications for Energy Security, Climate and Competitiveness

31 March 2016

By addressing structural divisions between member states, the Energy Union could have a beneficial effect on the EU’s capacity to conduct a unified and effective foreign policy, write Thomas Raines and Shane Tomlinson.

Thomas Raines

Director, Europe Programme

Shane Tomlinson

Former Senior Research Fellow, Energy, Environment and Resources, Chatham House

2016-03-31-europe-energy-union.jpg

True colour satellite image of Europe at night. Photo via Getty Images.

Summary

  • Plans for an EU-wide Energy Union are taking shape, following the European Commission’s adoption in February 2015 of a ‘Framework Strategy for a Resilient Energy Union with a Forward-Looking Climate Change Policy’. The strategy underlines the EU’s ambition to attain ‘secure, sustainable, competitive, affordable energy for every European’.
  • The initiative seeks to transform energy markets and energy/climate policy across the EU. Its goals include cross-border coordination and integration in energy security, supply, market operations, regulation, energy efficiency, low-carbon development, and research and innovation.
  • There is an important foreign policy aspect to the Energy Union, given the imperative of managing security and supply risks in Europe’s neighbourhood and further afield. By addressing structural divisions between member states, the Energy Union could have a marked beneficial effect on the EU’s capacity to conduct a unified and effective foreign policy.
  • Development of the Energy Union presents abundant challenges, however. Policy and legislative changes will need to be coordinated across 28 countries. Variations in EU member states’ attitudes to security and energy policy may lead to differences in, or clashes between, priorities. The wider context is also complicated. Interrelated challenges rooted in broader policy issues include the partial transition to low-carbon energy, and concerns over competitiveness relative to other major economies.
  • The current EU approach to energy security and infrastructure focuses on natural gas. This ‘gas first’ approach risks crowding out other responses to the energy security challenge. It could result in the creation of ‘stranded assets’, if the future gas demand on which investments are predicated does not match projections. A narrow focus on new gas infrastructure could also impede development of other dimensions of the Energy Union.
  • The markets for coal, oil, gas and renewables are changing significantly. The shale oil and gas ‘revolution’ in the United States has altered the economics of hydrocarbon fuels, and the plunge in oil prices since mid-2014 is causing energy businesses in the EU to reassess investment plans.
  • The EU is rapidly expanding the use of renewable energy. Dramatically falling prices for renewables will challenge traditional energy utility business models. How the Energy Union enables market access for new business models will be key to determining future energy trajectories.




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Mark Ricketts | Time to rethink economic implications - Jamaica engages IMF but the cost of the pandemic remains high

On Tuesday, April 14, the International Monetary Fund downgraded Jamaica’s growth prospects to -5.6 per cent. This is a severe contraction warranting substantial Government intervention. However, at times, the Government waits too late to respond...




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COVID-19 crippling Caribbean football – McNab

FORMER NATIONAL footballer Aldrick ‘Allie’ McNab is concerned about the effect of the COVID-19 pandemic on the Caribbean’s football development. The coronavirus has caused the postponement, suspension, and cancellation of a number of sporting...




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Unexpected findings, with uncertain implications, in research imaging

When healthy volunteers are scanned as part of a research project, unexpected findings, with uncertain implications, can be thrown up. Joanna Wardlaw, professor of applied neuroimaging and honorary consultant neuroradiologist at the University of Edinburgh, joins us to discuss how her group deals with these incidental findings, and what...




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Evidence for vitamin D supplimentation

Despite high quality systematic reviews reporting ineffectiveness, many guideline groups continue to recommend vitamin D supplementation (with or without calcium) for fall or fracture prevention. Recently Public Health England recommended that everyone needs vitamin D equivalent to an average daily intake of 10 μg (400 IU) to protect bone and...




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#talkaboutcomplications

Renza Scibilia and Chris Aldred have diabetes, and their introduction to the idea of complications arising from the condition were terrifying. Because of this early experience, and Chris's later development of complications, they have campaigned to make doctors really think about the way in which they talk about complications with patients....




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Endothelial Progenitor Cell Dysfunction: A Novel Concept in the Pathogenesis of Vascular Complications of Type 1 Diabetes

Cindy J.M. Loomans
Jan 1, 2004; 53:195-199
Complications




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Are the {beta}-Cell Signaling Molecules Malonyl-CoA and Cystolic Long-Chain Acyl-CoA Implicated in Multiple Tissue Defects of Obesity and NIDDM?

Marc Prentki
Mar 1, 1996; 45:273-283
Original Article




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Protein kinase C activation and the development of diabetic complications

D Koya
Jun 1, 1998; 47:859-866
Articles




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Lipotoxicity in the Pathogenesis of Obesity-Dependent NIDDM: Genetic and Clinical Implications

Roger H Unger
Aug 1, 1995; 44:863-870
Perspectives in Diabetes




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Exendin-4 stimulates both beta-cell replication and neogenesis, resulting in increased beta-cell mass and improved glucose tolerance in diabetic rats

G Xu
Dec 1, 1999; 48:2270-2276
Articles




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Hypoglycemia in the Diabetes Control and Complications Trial

The Diabetes Control and Complications Trial Research Group
Feb 1, 1997; 46:271-286
Original Article




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The Relationship of Glycemic Exposure (HbA1c) to the Risk of Development and Progression of Retinopathy in the Diabetes Control and Complications Trial

The Diabetes Control and Complications Trial Research Group
Aug 1, 1995; 44:968-983
Original Article




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Role of oxidative stress in diabetic complications: a new perspective on an old paradigm

JW Baynes
Jan 1, 1999; 48:1-9
Articles




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Role of Oxidative Stress in Development of Complications in Diabetes

John W Baynes
Apr 1, 1991; 40:405-412
Perspectives in Diabetes




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Triggering and amplifying pathways of regulation of insulin secretion by glucose

JC Henquin
Nov 1, 2000; 49:1751-1760
Articles




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The Pathobiology of Diabetic Complications: A Unifying Mechanism

Michael Brownlee
Jun 1, 2005; 54:1615-1625
Banting Lecture 2004




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A Novel Model of Diabetic Complications: Adipocyte Mitochondrial Dysfunction Triggers Massive {beta}-Cell Hyperplasia

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.




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The Marikana Killings and Labour Dispute Resolution in South Africa: Implications of an Inquiry

Research Event

4 August 2015 - 4:00pm to 5:00pm

Chatham House, London

Event participants

Toby Fisher, Barrister, Landmark Chambers; Representative of the South African Human Rights Commission, Marikana Commission of Inquiry
Gary White, Director of Operations, Ineqe Group; Expert Witness on Policing, Marikana Commission of Inquiry
Chair: 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

Christopher Vandome

Research Fellow, Africa Programme
+44 (0) 20 7314 3669




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Term complications and subsequent risk of preterm birth: registry based study




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LNG complicates light bill savings

THE SWITCH towards liquefied natural gas, LNG, as fuel to produce power supplies for Jamaica has a downside for electricity customers, who are largely missing out on the big oil savings. The near two-thirds plunge in oil prices will have limited...




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To address AML oversight, BOJ creates sandbox for fintech applicants

FOUR MORE applicants are vying to provide mobile payment services in various formats, including one applicant seeking to use phone credit as a cash equivalent, but successful applicants will fall under a new framework the regulator calls its “...




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UK General Election 2019: Foreign Policy Implications

Members Event

11 December 2019 - 5:30pm to 6:30pm

Chatham House | 10 St James's Square | London | SW1Y 4LE

Event participants

John Casson, Associate Fellow, Europe Programme, Chatham House
Tom Raines, Head, Europe Programme, Chatham House
Dr Yu Jie, Senior Research Fellow, Asia-Pacific Programme, Chatham House
Antony Froggatt, Senior Research Fellow, Energy, Environment and Resource Governance, Chatham House

On the eve of the UK general election, a group of senior Chatham House experts analyse a range of key foreign policy issues that will hinge on the election’s outcome.

Members Events Team




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Webinar: European Union – The Economic and Political Implications of COVID-19

Corporate Members Event Webinar

26 March 2020 - 5:00pm to 5:45pm

Online

Event participants

Colin Ellis, Chief Credit Officer, Head of UK, Moody’s Investors Service
Susi Dennison, Director, Europe Power Programme, European Council of Foreign Relations
Shahin Vallée, Senior Fellow, German Council of Foreign Relations (DGAP)
Pepijn Bergsen, Research Fellow, Europe Programme, Chatham House

Chair: Hans Kundnani, Senior Research Fellow, Europe Programme, Chatham House


 

In the past few weeks, European Union member states have implemented measures such as social distancing, school and border closures and the cancellation of major cultural and sporting events in an effort to curb the spread of COVID-19. Such measures are expected to have significant economic and political consequences, threatening near or total collapse of certain sectors. Moreover, the management of the health and economic crises within the EU architecture has exposed tensions and impasses in the extent to which the EU is willing to collaborate to mitigate pressures on fellow member states.

The panellists will examine the European Union's response to a series of cascading crises and the likely impact of the pandemic on individual member states. Can the EU prevent an economic hit from developing into a financial crisis? Are the steps taken by the European Central Bank to protect the euro enough? And are member states expected to manage the crisis as best they can or will there be a united effort to mitigate some of the damage caused?  

This event is part of a fortnightly series of 'Business in Focus' webinars reflecting on the impact of COVID-19 on areas of particular professional interest for our corporate members.

Not a corporate member? Find out more.

 




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Sino-Russian Gas Cooperation: Power of Siberia I and II and Implications for Global LNG Supplies

Invitation Only Research Event

27 November 2019 - 8:30am to 9:30am

Chatham House | 10 St James's Square | London | SW1Y 4LE

Event participants

Professor Keun-Wook Paik, Associate Fellow, Energy, Environment and Resources Department, Chatham House
Chair: John Lough, Associate Fellow, Russia and Eurasia Programme, Chatham House

In a new event in the Sustainable Transitions series, the speaker will present an update of Sino-Russian gas cooperation.

To give a comprehensive account of their impact on global liquefied natural gas (LNG) supplies, he will discuss the following points:

  • Gas is scheduled to start flowing from the Power of Siberia I (POS) on 2 December 2019. But what is the background of development of POS 1 and what is its current status and prospects? 
  • What are the chances of exporting gas through the proposed Altai pipeline? Why is the Mongolia export route so significant? And how will it affect the Central Asian Republics and in particular Turkmenistan’s gas export to China? 
  • What are the implications of both POS I and Altai gas via Mongolia route in the context of global LNG supply?
  • What are the prospects for multilateral pipeline gas cooperation in northeast Asia?
  • What are the implications for other Arctic onshore LNG supply, in particular, for Novatek's Yamal LNG and Arctic LNG 1 and 2 to China on top of POS 1 and Altai gas?

Attendance at this event is by invitation only.

Event attributes

Chatham House Rule

Chloé Prendleloup




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Atomic force microscopy-based characterization of the interaction of PriA helicase with stalled DNA replication forks [DNA and Chromosomes]

In bacteria, the restart of stalled DNA replication forks requires the DNA helicase PriA. PriA can recognize and remodel abandoned DNA replication forks, unwind DNA in the 3'-to-5' direction, and facilitate the loading of the helicase DnaB onto the DNA to restart replication. Single-stranded DNA–binding protein (SSB) is typically present at the abandoned forks, but it is unclear how SSB and PriA interact, although it has been shown that the two proteins interact both physically and functionally. Here, we used atomic force microscopy to visualize the interaction of PriA with DNA substrates with or without SSB. These experiments were done in the absence of ATP to delineate the substrate recognition pattern of PriA before its ATP-catalyzed DNA-unwinding reaction. These analyses revealed that in the absence of SSB, PriA binds preferentially to a fork substrate with a gap in the leading strand. Such a preference has not been observed for 5'- and 3'-tailed duplexes, suggesting that it is the fork structure that plays an essential role in PriA's selection of DNA substrates. Furthermore, we found that in the absence of SSB, PriA binds exclusively to the fork regions of the DNA substrates. In contrast, fork-bound SSB loads PriA onto the duplex DNA arms of forks, suggesting a remodeling of PriA by SSB. We also demonstrate that the remodeling of PriA requires a functional C-terminal domain of SSB. In summary, our atomic force microscopy analyses reveal key details in the interactions between PriA and stalled DNA replication forks with or without SSB.




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Moving Beyond “Root Causes:” The Complicated Relationship between Development and Migration

Development assistance may be a blunt tool for reshaping migration patterns—and indeed one that could increase flows over the short term. Shifting the focus away from increasing individuals’ skills and assets toward investments in the broader economic or governance structures that are a prerequisite for growth and stability may offer more alternatives to emigration in the long run.




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Indonesia: A Country Grappling with Migrant Protection at Home and Abroad

Indonesia, which has a long history as a major origin for migrant labor in the Asia-Pacific and beyond, more recently has reluctantly found itself a transit and destination country, including for asylum seekers. Still, policymakers remain focused on protection of its nationals abroad rather than on assuring the status of Chinese and other foreigners in the country. This country profile explores Indonesia's rich migration history. 

 




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Achieving Skill Mobility in the ASEAN Economic Community: Challenges, Opportunities, and Policy Implications

This report by MPI and the Asian Development Bank lays out a realistic roadmap toward freer movement among skilled professionals within the ASEAN Economic Community (AEC), encouraging cooperation among ASEAN Member States in recognizing foreign qualifications and making government investments in training and educations systems that prepare workers in accordance with common standards.




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Temporary Protected Status at Risk: Implications for Central America and U.S. Policy

As the Trump administration weighs the future of Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for Salvadorans, this teleconference focuses on the legal framework for TPS (particularly for Hondurans and Salvadorans) and profile of current TPS holders; the capacity of El Salvador and Honduras to receive and meaningfully reintegrate returnees; and the implications of TPS termination for broader U.S. policy goals in Central America.




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Smartphone-Based Glucose Monitors and Applications in the Management of Diabetes: An Overview of 10 Salient "Apps" and a Novel Smartphone-Connected Blood Glucose Monitor

Joseph Tran
Oct 1, 2012; 30:173-178
Practical Pointers




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Glucose, Advanced Glycation End Products, and Diabetes Complications: What Is New and What Works

Melpomeni Peppa
Oct 1, 2003; 21:
Council's Voice




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Microvascular and Macrovascular Complications of Diabetes

Michael J. Fowler
Apr 1, 2008; 26:77-82
Diabetes Foundation




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Mortality Implications of Prediabetes and Diabetes in Older Adults

OBJECTIVE

Diabetes in older age is heterogeneous, and the treatment approach varies by patient characteristics. We characterized the short-term all-cause and cardiovascular mortality risk associated with hyperglycemia in older age.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS

We included 5,791 older adults in the Atherosclerosis Risk in Communities Study who attended visit 5 (2011–2013; ages 66–90 years). We compared prediabetes (HbA1c 5.7% to <6.5%), newly diagnosed diabetes (HbA1c ≥6.5%, prior diagnosis <1 year, or taking antihyperglycemic medications <1 year), short-duration diabetes (duration ≥1 year but <10 years [median]), and long-standing diabetes (duration ≥10 years). Outcomes were all-cause and cardiovascular mortality (median follow-up of 5.6 years).

RESULTS

Participants were 58% female, and 24% had prevalent cardiovascular disease. All-cause mortality rates, per 1,000 person-years, were 21.2 (95% CI 18.7, 24.1) among those without diabetes, 23.7 (95% CI 20.8, 27.1) for those with prediabetes, 33.8 (95% CI 25.2, 45.5) among those with recently diagnosed diabetes, 29.6 (95% CI 25.0, 35.1) for those with diabetes of short duration, and 48.6 (95% CI 42.4, 55.7) for those with long-standing diabetes. Cardiovascular mortality rates, per 1,000 person-years, were 5.8 (95% CI 4.6, 7.4) among those without diabetes, 6.6 (95% CI 5.2, 8.5) for those with prediabetes, 11.5 (95% CI 7.0, 19.1) among those with recently diagnosed diabetes, 8.2 (95% CI 5.9, 11.3) for those with diabetes of short duration, and 17.3 (95% CI 13.8, 21.7) for those with long-standing diabetes. After adjustment for other cardiovascular risk factors, prediabetes and newly diagnosed diabetes were not significantly associated with a higher risk of all-cause mortality (hazard ratio [HR] 1.03 [95% CI 0.85, 1.23] and HR 1.31 [95% CI 0.94, 1.82], respectively) or cardiovascular mortality (HR 1.00 [95% CI 0.70, 1.43] and HR 1.35 [95% CI 0.74, 2.49], respectively). Excess mortality risk was primarily concentrated among those with long-standing diabetes (all-cause: HR 1.71 [95% CI 1.40, 2.10]; cardiovascular: HR 1.72 [95% CI 1.18, 2.51]).

CONCLUSIONS

In older adults, long-standing diabetes has a substantial and independent effect on short-term mortality. Older individuals with prediabetes remained at low mortality risk over a median 5.6 years of follow-up.




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Evidence-Informed Clinical Practice Recommendations for Treatment of Type 1 Diabetes Complicated by Problematic Hypoglycemia

Pratik Choudhary
Jun 1, 2015; 38:1016-1029
Type 1 Diabetes at a Crossroads




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Kidney Disease and Related Findings in the Diabetes Control and Complications Trial/Epidemiology of Diabetes Interventions and Complications Study

Ian H. de Boer
Jan 1, 2014; 37:24-30
DCCT/EDIC 30th Anniversary Summary Findings




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Phase 3 Trial of Transplantation of Human Islets in Type 1 Diabetes Complicated by Severe Hypoglycemia

Bernhard J. Hering
Jul 1, 2016; 39:1230-1240
Emerging Technologies and Therapeutics




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Vitamin E Reduction of Protein Glycosylation in Diabetes: New Prospect for Prevention of Diabetic Complications?

Antonio Ceriello
Jan 1, 1991; 14:68-72
Short Report




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Update on Cardiovascular Outcomes at 30 Years of the Diabetes Control and Complications Trial/Epidemiology of Diabetes Interventions and Complications Study

John M. Lachin
Jan 1, 2014; 37:39-43
DCCT/EDIC 30th Anniversary Summary Findings




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Acute Effects of Insulin in the Control of VLDL Production in Humans: Implications for the insulin-resistant state

Gary F Lewis
Apr 1, 1996; 19:390-393
Symposium On Insulin Resistance




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Neuropathy and Related Findings in the Diabetes Control and Complications Trial/Epidemiology of Diabetes Interventions and Complications Study

Catherine L. Martin
Jan 1, 2014; 37:31-38
DCCT/EDIC 30th Anniversary Summary Findings




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Periodontal Disease: The sixth complication of diabetes mellitus

Harald Löe
Jan 1, 1993; 16:329-334
Supplement 1: Diabetes in Native Americans




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The Diabetes Control and Complications Trial/Epidemiology of Diabetes Interventions and Complications Study at 30 Years: Overview

David M. Nathan
Jan 1, 2014; 37:9-16
DCCT/EDIC 30th Anniversary Summary Findings




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Metabolic Implications of Body Fat Distribution

Per Björntorp
Dec 1, 1991; 14:1132-1143
Diet and Diabetes




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Impact of Fat, Protein, and Glycemic Index on Postprandial Glucose Control in Type 1 Diabetes: Implications for Intensive Diabetes Management in the Continuous Glucose Monitoring Era

Kirstine J. Bell
Jun 1, 2015; 38:1008-1015
Type 1 Diabetes at a Crossroads




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The Diabetes Control and Complications Trial/Epidemiology of Diabetes Interventions and Complications Study at 30 Years: Overview

David M. Nathan
Jan 1, 2014; 37:9-16
DCCT/EDIC 30th Anniversary Summary Findings




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Scholarship applicants sought for 2020 Institute for Teaching and Learning

This year’s Institute for Teaching Learning program is scheduled for Aug. 23-26 in Atlanta. Now in its 14th year, with over 700 alumni, the program combines presentations, discussions, small group activities and peer-to-peer learnings to give participants new teaching skills. The onsite program is followed by a six-month distance learning experience that include online activities and interactive webinars.




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HIPAA fee limitation no longer applies to third-party access to health records

Following a ruling in federal court two days prior, the Department of Health and Human Services announced Jan. 25 that the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act Privacy Rule fee limitations do not apply to requests to transmit copies of records to third-parties.




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ADA seeks applicants for standards awards

The American Dental Association is accepting submissions for awards that honor standards-based research.