bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A comparative study of the contents of corporate social responsibility reports of UK companies
Authors: Idowu Samuel O. , Towler Brian A.
Published: July 2006

The last few decades have seen an increase in awareness on the part of corporate entities in Western democracies that they are morally obliged to give something back to society. An entity that fails to make a positive contribution to society will be perceived as being socially irresponsible! To demonstrate that they “care” about the people and environment they operate in, organisations have taken different courses of action. The corporate social responsibility (CSR) reports which have now become an annual report in addition to the traditional annual financial reports is one of the vehicles used to demonstrate how caring they have been over the financial period that has just ended and how they intend to continue to be even more so in future periods. The study looks at CSR reports of different companies across different industries in the UK. Notes that there are two distinct practices adopted when reporting on CSR matters. Some companies issue separate reports for their CSR activities whilst others devote a section in their annual reports for providing information on these activities. Also notes that all companies in the survey recognise the enormous benefits that can emanate from making known their CSR policies and activities. It can be revealed from the study that UK CSR reports disclose information about the contributions an entity has made during the year that has just ended in four main perspectives, which are environment, community, marketplace and workplace.
Minimizing the environmental burden of oil palm trunk residues through the development of laminated veneer lumber products
Authors: Nordin Kamarulzaman , Ariff Jamaludin Mohd , Ahmad Mansur , Samsi Hashim W. , Hamid Salleh Abdul , Jalaludin Zaihan
Published: July 2006

This paper discusses the results from the initiative that has been undertaken to utilize residues from oil palm re‐plantation, particularly the oil palm trunk (OPT) for the production of laminated veneer lumber (LVL). Efficient use of such residues is vital in order to minimize the environmental burdens associated with the disposal of the oil palm residues, thus ensuring the future growth of Malaysian palm oil industry. The bending and compression strength of the OPT LVL produced were accessed and compared with Malaysian oak (formerly known as rubberwood), timber species that is commonly used in the manufacture of furniture in Malaysia. Properties of OPT LVL were found almost comparable to solid Malaysian oak in terms of bending and compression strength. Combination of OPT veneers with several layers of Malaysian oak veneers during the process of LVL manufacturing has resulted in the improvement in bending and compression strength of the LVL as compared to those produced entirely from OPT. In addition, such practice also produced LVL board with far less variation in strength properties as compared to solid OPT properties. With further research and development embarked upon the gluability of the OPT materials, the overall performance of the OPT LVL could be improved for commercial utilization of OPT wastes in the near future. Development higher value‐added by‐products from oil palm industry residues, would benefit the industry through reduction of the overall environmental burden and would place it on a new environmentally sustainable platform.
General waste handling and recycling in particleboard production
Authors: Varga Mihaly , Alpár Tibor L. , Németh Gabor
Published: July 2006

This paper aims to analyze general waste handling in Hungarian particleboard production and give solutions based on experimental researches. During our research reuse of waste in Hungarian particleboard production was studied. A wood industrial branch, which can be considered as both a waste “producer” and a waste “re‐user”, recycler was mapped. This allowed an examination and analysis of both sides of waste handling. In the experimental work the effect of recycling dried impregnated décor paper in particleboard production was evaluated. The primary goal was to work out technologies for recycling non‐dangerous materials such as washing water, production and process waste from the cutting of boards. With these technologies general techniques for waste handling in the particleboard industry can be developed. The results of the experiments with impregnated paper showed that by adding crushed impregnated paper the strength of the particleboards can be increased or the same board properties can be achieved with reduced amounts of applied adhesive (UF). Based on this case study the waste handling in Hungarian particleboard companies can be worked out. More experimental researches should be made to give solutions on every waste handling needs. Solutions and advices for the particleboard industry to work in an environmental friendly and economical way are practical implications of the research. This paper was created based on a case study and researches at the University of West Hungary and Hungarian particleboard companies.
Toxicity of pine resin derivatives to subterranean termites (Isoptera: Rhinotermitidae)
Authors: Nunes Lina , Nobre Tânia , Gigante Bárbara , Silva Ana Maria
Published: July 2006

In the search of alternatives for conventional fungicides and insecticides, the use of natural plant products for the protection of wood is one of the most appealing fields of work. Dehydroabietic acid, the main compound of dismutated rosin, a renewable raw material from Portuguese forests, and some of its derivatives, were recognized as having bactericidal, fungicidal or fungistatic properties that could eventually be used for wood protection. The work presented here is part of a project aimed at developing this possibility and to extend that action to insects, namely termites, as diterpene acids have been reported to be antifeedants against aphids and sawflies and several other similar products have been studied for the same end‐use. Pine resin and eight of its derivatives were bio‐assayed to test for termiticidal activity and to assess the LC50 of the compounds, whenever toxic activity was recorded. A comparison was made with the activity of an established termiticide, boron. There was a high degree of variation between the products tested: resin, resinate, resinol, dehydroabietic acid and trans‐deisopropyldehydroabietanol showed negligible activity; dehydroabietanol and cis‐deisopropyldehydroabietanol showed activity at higher concentrations; two mixtures of cis‐/trans‐deisopropyldehydroabietanol had a promising performance in terms of anti‐termite activity and will be further evaluated. This paper presents results that will contribute to the development of new termiticides from a renewable resource and with better behaviour towards the environment.
Environmental accounting: the Portuguese case
Authors: Ferreira Clementina
Published: July 2006

Argues that the quality of the environment, and of course of human and non‐human life, depends on everybody's behaviour (men and companies). Laws are needed but above all it is essential that nature conservation is everybody's goal – governments, companies and anonymous citizens. In companies it is the administration's duty to make decisions and it is accounting's duty to present relevant information about patrimonial realities that help in the decision‐making process of every user. Does accounting have the duty to reveal what is being done with the natural resources? Yes. Aims to find out what Portuguese companies have been doing about this matter. The annual reports and accounts, from 1997 to 2001, of a group of ten Portuguese companies representative of their industrial sectors, were scrutinised. The companies were chosen because of their undoubted environmental impacts. All were asked: are they presenting environmental information? Where is this information presented ? What kind of information is being presented? How are they presenting it?
Environmental mapping of water quality of the River Yamuna in Delhi with landfill locations
Authors: Zafar M. , Alappat B.J.
Published: July 2006

Unfortunately in India, most landfills are located along the banks of rivers flowing through the cities. The interaction of two big, diverse and delicate ecological systems – rivers and landfills – has been investigated in this paper. During 2000, the estimated quantity of waste generation was more than 9,000 tons per day. This is one of the biggest sources of environmental degradation in Delhi, India's capital. It contributes to river pollution in a significant way through landfill leachate and runoff, especially during the rainy season. Since the 1950s over 12 large landfills have been packed with all sorts of non‐biodegradable and toxic wastes from Delhi. The area covered by landfills is at least 1 percent (14.83 sq.km) of Delhi's total area. All the landfill sites except Tilak Nagar, Hastal and Chattarpur are located close (0‐6 km) to the river Yamuna. Further, these landfills are not engineered sanitary landfills and the waste is dumped at open sites without proper compaction. A high mountain of waste can be seen at all landfill sites without a cover. The leachate produced by landfills finally percolates to the porous ground surface at the landfills or finds its way to nearby drains. A large portion of landfill leachate and runoff produced by these landfill sites finally reaches the Yamuna through ground water flow or surface water flow through the drains. The results of analysis by investigations and environmental mapping during the study clearly indicate that river water quality is affected by the presence of landfill locations, i.e. landfill leachate and landfill surface runoff.
The environmental impacts of teleworking
Authors: Pérez Pérez Manuela , Martínez Sánchez Angel , Pilar de Luis Carnicer María , José Vela Jiménez María
Published: July 2006

This paper analyses the environmental impacts of teleworking. Some empirical studies indicate a positive relationship between the use of teleworking and the reduction of commuting and pollution. The article discusses the variables that impact on the use of teleworking in urban environments, and shows a case estimation for a Spanish city.
Impact of urban effluents on intestinal helminth infections in the wastewater discharge zone of the city of El Jadida, Morocco
Authors: Lamghari Moubarrad Fatima‐Zahra , Assobhei Omar
Published: July 2006

Purpose

This work evaluates the risk of wastewater in transmitting intestinal helminths to a population living near an urban effluent.

Design/methodology/approach

This study is a copro‐epidemiological evaluation of the school‐age children of Sidi Daoui, a neighbourhood in the discharge area of the main sewer of the city of El Jadida and a control group from Sidi Moussa, a district far from the discharge area.

Findings

Intestinal helminths are more prevalent among the children of the study group of Sidi Daoui by 43 percent, compared with 20 percent in the control group, mainly caused by ascariasis and hymenolepiasis. Enterobiasis is an intestinal vermin present with similar expansion in both zones. Polyparasitism, which cannot be found in the control group, is 6 percent in the discharge area. A total of 22 percent of helminthiasis cases among these children are attributed to wastewater, in particular ascariasis (17 percent) and hymenolepiasis (11 percent). It was found that boys are the most vulnerable, mostly between the ages of seven to nine.

Originality/value

Provides some useful information concerning the risk of wastewater transmitting intestinal helminths.
An application of a new extreme value distribution to air pollution data
Authors: Hurairah Ahmed , Akma Ibrahim Noor , Bin Daud Isa , Haron Kassim
Published: July 2006

Purpose

Extreme value model is one of the most important models that are applicable in air pollution data. This paper aims at introducing a new model of extreme value that is more suitable in environmental studies.

Design/methodology/approach

The parameters of the new model have been estimated by method of maximum likelihood. In order to relate to air pollution impacts, the new extreme value model was used, applied to carbon monoxide (CO) in parts per million (ppm) at several places in Malaysia. The objective of this analysis is to fit the extreme values with a new model and to examine its performance. Comparison of the new model with others is shown to illustrate the applicability of this new model.

Findings

The results show that the new model is the best fit using the method of maximum likelihood. The new model gives a significant impact of CO data, which gives the smallest standard error and p‐values. The new extreme value model is able to identify significantly problems of air pollution. The results presented by the new extreme value model can be used as an air quality management tool by providing the decision makers means to determine the required reduction of source.

Originality/value

The new extreme value model has mostly been applied in environmental studies for the statistical treatment of air pollution. The results of the numerical and simulated CO data indicate that the new model both is easy to use and can achieve even higher accuracy compared with other models.
The consumer's changing role: the case of recycling
Authors: Anderson Helén , Huge Brodin Maria
Published: July 2006

Purpose

The emerging material flows of recycled goods have effects on roles, responsibilities and positions of a range of industrial actors, but also on the consumer as a part of the industrial recycling process. The purpose of the paper is to discuss the changing role and position of the final‐product customer, the consumer, as recycling is introduced into the supply chain.

Design/methodology/approach

This is a conceptual paper, building on theory and concepts from literature on marketing channels, industrial actors and material flows. Those concepts were developed basically for traditional forward material flows, while recycling complicates their application and further development.

Findings

Through recycling the consumer is given a new role; as a supplier, however, not as a seller in traditional terms. This new nature of its role complicates the conception of the consumer's position, vis‐à‐vis the recycler. It also addresses the consumer seen as an economic entity vis‐à‐vis other actors.

Originality/value

Including recycling in the concept of material flow structures and the consumer as an actor in industrial processes becomes more and more vital; both for theory development where this is still novel, and for practice, as the mechanisms of recycling and consumer behaviour need to be better described and understood for both industry and authorities.
Environmental costs and benefits in life cycle costing
Authors: Steen Bengt
Published: July 2006

Purpose

From a methodological point of view, life cycle costing (LCC) is well developed with respect to conventional costs. However, when it comes to costs related to environmental issues, neither the items nor their estimation have been well developed. This paper aims at investigating the possibilities of using life cycle assessment (LCA) results to identify and estimate environmental costs or benefits in an LCC.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper begins by looking at the driving forces for introducing environmental costs in companies, continues by identifying external and internal environmental cost issues, and concludes with an attempt to estimate the internal costs.

Findings

Some of the items of an LCC have to do with increased/decreased sales, others with good will. Both are difficult to estimate, but LCA or LCA‐like investigations may be helpful in identifying relevant issues. Future costs to the product system may also be estimated, for example, with a distance‐to‐target type of weighting. LCA may be helpful in roughly estimating risks, especially together with those LCA impact assessment methods that model damage. Such an item in LCC can be dealt with as an insurance fee or, if the risk is too high, as a way of including necessary preventive actions.

Research limitations/implications

The literature on the subject is limited and not sufficient to aid in estimation of environmental costs and benefits for a company. It seems reasonable to begin an improvement of the methodology by looking at future costs and benefits.

Practical implications

This paper may help in structuring the task of using LCA information for estimating environmental costs in LCC.

Originality/value

There has been increased interest recently in the integration of LCA and LCC, such as in the SETAC (Society for Ecotoxicology and Chemistry) working group on LCC. This paper contributes with new outlooks and structures for that work.
LCC application in the Polish mining industry
Authors: Góralczyk Małgorzata , Kulczycka Joanna
Published: July 2006

Purpose

To provide a tool to evaluate the economic and ecological feasibility of new and existing mining projects using a combination of environmental goals expressed in life cycle assessment (LCA) results with economic goals expressed within life cycle costing (LCC).

Design/methodology/approach

Sustainability is developing into a target for an increasing number of industries and governments. As a consequence focus has shifted from the production process to the entire life cycle. LCA is a tool that can help producers make better decisions concerning environmental protection, whereas the aim of LCC analysis is to create a cost‐effective model for environmental impact assessment.

Findings

Study of the influence of the environmental cost of projects should be based on long‐term analysis of environmental investment. Using the life cycle net present value (LCNPV) method it is possible to compare different investment options, and this method can be treated as a tool that can help producers to make better decisions pertaining to environmental protection.

Research limitations/implications

Internalisation of external costs and valuation of environmental costs are the biggest problems for LCC calculations.

Practical implications

Mining producers can reasonably expect that implementation of LCA and LCC will lead to minimisation of environmental impact of their activities and to more effective environmental, cost and waste management. This means savings through reducing the amount of waste emissions and a decrease in fees and fines.

Originality/value

The use of the tools described in this paper will increase the efficiency of the decision‐making process, demonstrating the connection between activity and devastation of the environment.
Integrating LCIA and LCM
Authors: Brent Alan C.
Published: July 2006

Purpose

Evaluations of environmental performances are of increasing importance for environmental management systems. In the automotive sector of South Africa, suppliers of components lack the ability to provide customers in the value chain with the necessary information to assess and compare environmental performances. Original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) in South Africa have systematically commenced to obtain limited process information from first‐tier suppliers. However, the information is not an accurate reflection of the true environmental burdens associated with the supplied components. Based on the available process information, this paper introduces a performance evaluation methodology that is applicable for South Africa.

Design/methodology/approach

The LCA methodology, as stipulated by ISO 14040, has been applied to obtain quantified environmental performance resource impact indicators (EPRIIs) associated with limited process parameters in the South African context. Three first‐tier suppliers of an OEM are used as a case study to demonstrate the application of the indicator methodology.

Findings

The EPRII procedure considers the spatially differentiated ambient environmental state of the South African natural environment for normalisation factors of typical LCIA categories. The procedure further incorporates costs in order to compare supplied components (and companies) equally.

Originality/value

The EPRII procedure provides the means for OEMs to obtain a first approximate of environmental concerns in the supply chain, based on three basic process parameters. Thereby, tiers can be prioritised to determine where assistance is required to improve environmental performances.
DANTES: a demonstration project for sustainable development
Authors: Manuilova Anastassia , Hallberg Klas , Sanne Karin , Widheden Johan , Bogeskär Malin
Published: July 2006

Purpose

To present the EU project DANTES (Demonstrate and Assess New Tools for Environmental Sustainability), conducted by Akzo Nobel Surface Chemistry AB, ABB, Stora Enso and Chalmers University of Technology. One of the project's goals is to assess and demonstrate tools such as life cycle assessment (LCA), environmental risk assessment (ERA) and life cycle costing (LCC).

Design/methodology/approach

Different strategies for eco‐efficiency evaluation based on existing tools as well as case study results are demonstrated through the project's web site (see www.dantes.info) and through several information campaigns during the project period. The paper presents an overview of environmental assessment tools and strategies for using these tools and methods.

Findings

Provides information on the use of sustainability tools and methods, indicating the problems that can be addressed by the application of the tool as well as how and who can use the tool. The results from the project were translated into strategies for eco‐efficiency evaluation based on existing tools.

Practical implications

Implementation of the strategies demonstrated in the project reduces costs by increasing the performance of products, processes and services, as well as the drive and awareness of companies' personnel in environmental issues. It also promotes good practices.

Originality/value

This paper describes the DANTES project, which is aimed at educating industries on how to use sustainability tools to address environmental problems. It offers practical help to different departments within companies.
Eco‐efficiency: inside BASF and beyond
Authors: Wall‐Markowski Charlene A. , Kicherer Andreas , Wittlinger Rolf
Published: July 2006

Purpose

Aims to demonstrate how BASF's eco‐efficiency can be used for sustainable decision making at all levels, from industrial to consumer.

Design/methodology/approach

Three case studies are described as examples of the potential applications of eco‐efficiency both within industry and extensively in the consumer sector.

Findings

The first case study describes its use for dyeing facilities in Morocco, the second demonstrates how the most eco‐efficient product transport modes can be selected, and the third shows how eco‐efficiency can help the consumer decide whether to purchase a new household appliance.

Originality/value

Eco‐efficiency can support sustainable decision making not only within the company, but also industry‐wide and beyond.
The contribution of life cycle assessment to global sustainability reporting of organizations
Authors: Pflieger Julia , Fischer Matthias , Kupfer Thilo , Eyerer Peter
Published: July 2006

Purpose

Aims to investigate the contribution of life cycle assessment to global sustainability reporting of organizations.

Design/methodology/approach

Assesses the current state of global sustainability reporting and points out future trends of reporting within the three dimensions of economy, environment and society.

Findings

The internal and external communication of the corporate performance is a very important company way to sustainable development. The communication of the corporate performance comprises the strategic and operational goals, the corporate performance data on inventory level, the translation of the inventory data to sustainability core indicators as well as the performance evaluation in terms of sustainability. The future trends on policy level and in customer demands are moving towards a product‐related consideration of sustainability issues, the inclusion of indirect effects over the life cycle in addition to the site‐related effects of companies’ activities, the analysis of results on impact level as well as the automation of data administration.

Originality/value

The methodology of life cycle assessment (LCA) provides the main starting‐point for global sustainability reporting including the emerging future trends in this context. This paper shows that results of impact assessments as central parts of an LCA are a good basis for creating significant indicators for sustainability reports.
An evaluation of current environmental management systems as indicators of environmental performance
Authors: Rowland‐Jones Rhys , Pryde Meinwen , Cresser Malcolm
Published: July 2006

Purpose

This paper aims to evaluate current environmental management systems as indicators of the environmental performance of an organisation.

Design/methodology/approach

It considers, in particular, the development of current environmental management systems BS EN ISO 14001:1996 and the eco‐management and audit scheme (EMAS) 761/2001 EEC.

Findings

Currently, organisations implementing either BS EN ISO 14000:1996 or EMAS do not need to comment on overall environmental performance. Environmental management is viewed as the control of all human activities that have significant impact on the environment. Neither standard comments on the degree of control exercised, the approach taken, or the effectiveness of that control.

Originality/value

Environmental performance evaluation guidelines are appraised, and quality awards as a conceptual framework for classification of environmental performance are introduced.
A pilot regional scale model of land use impacts on groundwater quality
Authors: Di H.J. , Cameron K.C. , Bidwell V.J. , Morgan M.J. , Hanson C.
Published: July 2006

Purpose

Major land use changes can have a significant impact on the environment, e.g. increased leaching and run‐off losses of nutrients and water contamination. Nitrate (NO3–) can be easily leached and, when present at high concentrations in drinking water, can be a health hazard. This paper seeks to report an easy‐to‐use computer model designed to provide predictions of possible impacts on groundwater NO3– concentration on a regional scale.

Design/methodology/approach

The model takes into account NO3–‐N concentrations from various land use activities, land surface recharge rates (as affected by soil water retention capacity, land management, irrigation and rainfall), and mixing of surface recharge and river recharge. Spatial information on land use and groundwater recharge sources are lumped into groundwater management zones (100‐500 km2), and vertical concentration profiles of NO3– in groundwater are estimated from a one‐dimensional dispersion model. The model is applied to the 2,300 km2 Central Canterbury Plains of New Zealand.

Findings

A scenario analysis for the Bankside groundwater management zone showed that the NO3–‐N concentration at the groundwater surface could increase from 7.8 mg N L‐1 to 11.3 mg N L‐1 if all the land used for sheep farming is replaced by dairy farming (increasing dairy land from 21 per cent to 64 per cent of the total land area). However, the impact of such land use changes on the NO3–‐N concentration 50 m below the groundwater surface was relatively small, resulting in an increase of NO3–‐N concentration from 0.4 to 0.5 mg N L‐1. This is because of the significant mixing of surface recharge with river recharge at this depth.

Originality/value

The model can serve as a useful tool for first‐order estimation of possible trends of NO3–‐N concentration profiles in aquifers as a result of land use changes.
Risk management: developing a framework for a water authority
Authors: Dalgleish Fraser , Cooper Barry J.
Published: July 2006

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to provide an analysis of the key issues to be addressed in implementing a risk management system, based on the experiences of a water authority in Australia.

Design/methodology/approach

Based on an analysis of the literature and the use of a case study approach, the key issues to be covered in implementing a risk management system in a water authority are discussed.

Findings

Through a case study analysis in the water industry, a number of strategic risks were identified, such as failure to provide a safe, acceptable and reliable water supply, and also a number of lessons were learned about the essential requirements for an integrated approach to managing risks in a water authority.

Research limitations/implications

As this analysis is based on one case study only, it limits the generalisability of the results. However, valuable insights into risk management issues in the water industry are highlighted.

Practical implications

A very useful resource for risk managers in the water industry to learn from an Australian water authority's experience in developing a risk framework and the lessons that can be learned from an integrated risk management approach.

Originality/value

This paper provides an insight into risk management issues in the water industry and also provides practical help for risk managers who wish to develop and implement an integrated risk management strategy.
Developing Web services using the Microsoft.Net platform: technical and business challenges
Authors: Currie Wendy L. , Wang Xinkun , Weerakkody Vishanth
Published: July 2006

This paper discusses an ongoing research programme, which explores the development of the software‐as‐a‐service business model by different service providers (xSPs). With the demise of the first phase of the ASP market, due to the failure of vendors to provide business value to potential and existing customers, Web services promise to resolve some of these problems by integrating software applications across heterogeneous technology platforms and business environments. Whether this will be achieved is the subject of continuing debate. This paper presents the preliminary findings from a study, which uses the Microsoft .NET technology platform to develop Web services. Two Web‐enabled prototype databases are discussed. The paper concludes that Web services is still relatively new, but if key technical and business challenges are resolved, it may provide value for the customer where ASPs failed.
Exploring the role of third parties in inter‐organizational Web service adoption
Authors: Daniel E.M. , White A. , Ward J.M.
Published: July 2006

Web services promise the ability to reduce the time and cost involved in developing, supporting and integrating the internal information systems within a single organization. They also promise the ability to quickly and effectively integrate information systems with those of customers, suppliers and other business partners, and use these integrated systems as a basis for developing shared business processes. This paper discusses the potential role of third party organizations in facilitation of inter‐organizational Web service adoption and use. An empirical case study of such a third party, E2open is presented. The challenges and future potential for such third parties is considered in light of the evolution of inter‐organizational systems in general and from the ASP and electronic marketplaces sectors, in particular. Since the adoption of Web services is a new phenomenon, the role of third parties in that adoption is highly emergent. This study is therefore exploratory in nature and should be considered as providing a basis for further research in this area.
Effective quality management through third‐generation balanced scorecard
Authors: Andersen Henrik V. , Lawrie Gavin , Savič Nenad
Published: July 2006

Quality initiatives in the West have produced limited long‐term success compared with equivalent initiatives in Japan. Some claim that this is due to the absence of explicit links between strategy and operational initiatives. The paper aims to tests this claim and suggests an approach that better supports quality management initiatives. The paper is based on a combination of literature review and case studies. It supports the assumption that an explicit link between strategy and operational initiatives is a critical success factor in deriving long‐term benefits from quality initiatives. It is an equally important feature of best practice performance management system design and the paper finds that quality management initiatives can be implemented more successfully, when associated with a robust corporate performance management approach based on modern strategic control principles. The paper demonstrates how the latest evolution of balanced scorecard – third‐generation balanced scorecard – adheres to such control principles and illustrates how it supports effective application of a number of popular quality management tools. The limited success of quality initiatives, along with the continued popularity of some of these tools, suggests that any approach, which effectively helps decrease the risk of failure, would carry significant value.
Rearranged gene order between pig and human in a quantitative trait loci region on SSC3
Authors: Mousel M. R. , Nonneman D. J. , Rohrer G. A.
Published: July 2006

A quantitative trait locus (QTL) for ovulation rate on chromosome 3 that peaks at 36 cM has been identified in a Meishan‐White composite resource population with an additive effect of 2.2 corpora lutea. As part of an effort to identify the responsible gene(s), typing of additional genes on the INRA‐University of Minnesota porcine radiation hybrid (IMpRH) map of SSC3 and comparative analysis of gene order was conducted. We placed 52 known genes and expressed sequence tags, two BAC‐end sequences and one microsatellite (SB42) on a framework map that fills gaps on previous RH maps. Data were analysed for two‐point and multipoint linkage with the IMpRH mapping tool and were submitted to the IMpRH database (http://imprh.toulouse.inra.fr/). Gene order was confirmed for 42 loci residing in the QTL region (spanning c. 17 Mb of human sequence) by using the high‐resolution IMpRH2 panel. Carthagène (http://www.inra.fr/internet/departments/MIA/T/CarthaGene) was used to estimate multipoint marker distance and order using all public markers on SSC3 in the IMpRH database and those typed in this study. For the high‐resolution map, only data for markers typed in both panels were used. Comparative analysis of human and porcine maps identified conservation of gene order for SSC3q and multiple blocks of conserved segments for SSC3p, which included six distinct segments of HSA7 and two segments of HSA16. The results of this study allow significant refinement of the SSC3p region that contains an ovulation rate QTL.
Current therapeutic strategies for acute myeloid leukaemia
Authors: Kolitz Jonathan E.
Published: July 2006

Improvements in survival in adult acute myeloid leukaemia (AML) have yet to be gleaned from either refinements in the understanding of the pathophysiology of the disease or from the expanding pool of targeted therapies. Outcomes have remained particularly dismal in older patients. Ongoing and planned trials will assess the effects of drugs targeting biological pathways whose clinical importance may vary as a function of the unique genotype and phenotype of each case of AML. The success of these ventures will ultimately require well‐designed clinical trials in subsets of patients with risk being dependent not only on age and cytogenetics, but on additional, increasingly quantifiable biological variables. Inhibitors of fms‐like tyrosine kinase‐3, farnesyl transferase, apoptotic and angiogenic pathways are being studied alone and in combination with chemotherapy. Biological therapies, including monoclonal antibodies, peptide vaccines and interleukin‐2, are undergoing evaluation. The role of autologous as well as allogeneic myeloablative and reduced‐intensity transplantation continues to be defined. Several potentially useful new cytotoxic agents are being introduced. Critically important to advancing the field in light of such an increasing number of choices is a reassessment of traditional phase II trial designs so that more efficient evaluation of new therapies may take place, even as well‐designed phase III trials continue to be performed.
Combined pituitary hormone deficiency (CPHD) due to a complete PROP1 deletion
Authors: Abrão M. G. , Leite M. V. , Carvalho L. R. , Billerbeck A. E. C. , Nishi M. Y. , Barbosa A. S. , Martin R. M. , Arnhold I. J. P. , Mendonca B. B.
Published: July 2006

Objective  PROP1 mutations are the most common cause of genetic combined pituitary hormone deficiency (CPHD). The aim of this study was to investigate the PROP1 gene in two siblings with CPHD.

Design  Pituitary function and imaging assessment and molecular analysis of PROP1.

Patients  Two siblings, born to consanguineous parents, presented with GH deficiency associated with other pituitary hormone deficiencies (TSH, PRL and gonadotrophins). The male sibling also had an evolving cortisol deficiency.

Methods  Pituitary size was evaluated by magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). PROP1 gene analysis was performed by polymerase chain reaction (PCR), automatic sequencing and Southern blotting. Amplification of sequence tag sites (STS) and the Q8N6H0 gene flanking PROP1 were performed to define the extension of PROP1 deletion.

Results  MRI revealed a hypoplastic anterior pituitary in the girl at 14 years and pituitary enlargement in the boy at 18 years. The PROP1 gene failed to amplify in both siblings, whereas other genes were amplified. Southern blotting analysis revealed the PROP1 band in the controls and confirmed complete PROP1 deletion in both siblings. The extension of the deletion was 18·4 kb. The region flanking PROP1 contains several Alu core sequences that might have facilitated stem–loop‐mediated excision of PROP1.

Conclusions  We report here a complete deletion of PROP1 in two siblings with CPHD phenotype.
Efficacy of lanreotide Autogel® administered every 4–8 weeks in patients with acromegaly previously responsive to lanreotide microparticles 30 mg: a phase III trial
Authors: Lucas T. , Astorga R. ,   and the Spanish–Portuguese Multicentre Autogel Study Group on Acromegaly
Published: July 2006

Objective and design  Depot somatostatin analogues are well accepted as either adjuvant or primary therapy for acromegaly, and their long dosage intervals facilitate adherence to treatment. Our objective was to evaluate whether lanreotide Autogel® 120 mg, every 4–8 weeks, was as effective in controlling acromegaly as lanreotide microparticles 30 mg, every 1–2 weeks.

Patients design and measurements  Patients who had used lanreotide microparticles 30 mg, ≥ 2 months prestudy, and had responded to treatment were recruited to this open, prospective, multicentre phase III trial. Three to five injections of lanreotide Autogel® 120 mg were administered. Lanreotide Autogel® 120 mg was injected every 4, 6 or 8 weeks in patients previously receiving lanreotide microparticles every 7, 10 or 14 days, respectively. GH and insulin‐like growth factor (IGF)‐1 levels were assessed one dosing interval after the final injections.

Results  Ninety‐eight patients were enrolled and 93 completed. Steady‐state GH concentrations demonstrated similar efficacy between the formulations (upper 95% confidence interval of the quotient, 77·7%). Mean (SE) GH levels were lower with lanreotide Autogel® than with lanreotide microparticles (3·8 (0·5) vs 4·3 (0·5) ng/ml; P < 0·001). GH levels < 2·5 ng/ml were observed in 54% and 46% of patients; 40% and 35% having GH < 2·5 ng/ml and normalized IGF‐1 with lanreotide Autogel® and microparticles, respectively. Symptoms were controlled better with lanreotide Autogel® and treatment was well accepted.

Conclusions  Lanreotide Autogel® 120 mg every 4–8 weeks, is at least as effective and as well tolerated in acromegaly as lanreotide microparticles 30 mg injected every 7–14 days.
PROP1 gene analysis in Portuguese patients with combined pituitary hormone deficiency
Authors: Lemos Manuel C. , Gomes Leonor , Bastos Margarida , Leite Valeriano , Limbert Edward , Carvalho Davide , Bacelar Conceição , Monteiro Mariana , Fonseca Fernando , Agapito Ana , Castro João J. , Regateiro Fernando J. , Carvalheiro Manuela
Published: July 2006

Objective  Mutations of the PROP1 gene lead to combined pituitary hormone deficiency (CPHD), which is characterized by a deficiency of GH, TSH, LH/FSH, PRL and, less frequently, ACTH. This study was undertaken to investigate the molecular defect in a cohort of patients with CPHD.

Design, patients and measurements  A multicentric study involving 46 cases of CPHD (17 familial cases belonging to seven kindreds and 29 sporadic cases) selected on the basis of clinical and hormonal evidence of GH deficiency, central hypothyroidism and hypogonadotrophic hypogonadism, in the absence of an identified cause of hypopituitarism. Mutations of PROP1 were investigated by DNA sequencing. Clinical, hormonal and neuroradiological data were collected at each centre.

Results  PROP1 mutations were identified in all familial cases: five kindreds presented a c. 301–302delAG mutation, one kindred presented a c. 358C → T (R120C) mutation and one presented a previously unreported initiation codon mutation, c. 2T → C. Of the 29 sporadic cases, only two (6·9%) presented PROP1 germline mutations (c. 301–302delAG, in both). Phenotypic variability was observed among patients with the same mutations, particularly the presence and age of onset of hypocortisolism, the levels of PRL and the results of pituitary imaging. One patient presented a sellar mass that persisted into adulthood.

Conclusions  This is the first report of a mutation in the initiation codon of the PROP1 gene and this further expands the spectrum of known mutations responsible for CPHD. The low mutation frequency observed in sporadic cases may be due to the involvement of other unidentified acquired or genetic causes.
Testosterone treatment comes of age: new options for hypogonadal men
Authors: Nieschlag Eberhard
Published: July 2006

Male hypogonadism is one of the most frequent, but also most underdiagnosed, endocrinopathies. However, the required testosterone treatment is simple and very effective if properly administered. Although testosterone has been available for clinical use for seven decades, until quite recently the treatment modalities were far from ideal. Subdermal testosterone pellets require minor surgery for insertion and often cause local problems. The injectable testosterone enanthate, for a long period the most frequently used mode of administration, lasts for two to four weeks, but produces supraphysiological levels initially and low levels before the next injection. The oral testosterone undecanoate has to be taken three times daily, has an uncertain absorption pattern and results in peaks and valleys of serum testosterone levels throughout the day. With the advent of transdermal testosterone preparations, the desired physiological serum levels could be achieved for the first time. Scrotal testosterone patches were the first to fulfil this requirement. These were followed by nonscrotal skin patches, which, however, cause considerable skin reactions including erythema and blisters. Recently introduced, invisible transdermal testosterone gels increased the intervals of application and are now slowly replacing other modalities. A mucoadhesive buccal testosterone tablet with sustained release is also a recent competing modality. Finally, injectable testosterone undecanoate in castor oil was made into a real depot preparation requiring only four injections per year for replacement therapy. These new preparations with a desired pharmacokinetic testosterone profile give the patient a real choice and make treatment easier. Based on pharmacogenetic considerations taking the androgen receptor polymorphism into account, treatment may be individualized for each patient in the future.
Disparities between male and female patients with thyroid cancers: sex difference or gender divide?
Authors: Machens Andreas , Hauptmann Steffen , Dralle Henning
Published: July 2006

Objective  This investigation was undertaken to quantify histopathological disparities between male and female patients with sporadic and hereditary thyroid cancers, which may reflect a biological ‘sex difference’ or a behavioural ‘gender divide’.

Design  Retrospective cohort analysis (November 1994–January 2006).

Patients  1298 consecutive surgical patients with sporadic papillary (n = 587), sporadic follicular (n = 232), sporadic medullary (n = 320), and hereditary medullary thyroid cancers (n = 159) from a tertiary referral centre.

Measurements  Age at diagnosis of cancer, primary tumour diameter, frequency of extrathyroidal extension, lymph node and distant metastases, and cancer subtypes.

Results  Primary diameters of sporadic tumour entities (papillary, 26·0 vs. 19·3 mm; follicular, 54·9 vs. 35·1 mm; and medullary, 27·9 vs. 20·8 mm), but not hereditary medullary cancers, were significantly (P ≤ 0·001) larger in male patients. Likewise, lymph node metastases from sporadic papillary cancers (60%vs. 44%, P < 0·001), the insular subtype in sporadic follicular cancers (22%vs. 8%, P = 0·003), extrathyroidal extension of sporadic medullary cancers (35%vs. 15%, P < 0·001), and distant metastases from sporadic medullary cancers at the most recent operation (29%vs. 15%, P = 0·002) were seen significantly more often with male patients. No significant differences were observed between male and female patients with hereditary medullary cancers, half of which were detected by screening.

Conclusions  Our data emphasize the need for earlier diagnosis and intervention in male patients to ensure that male sex will cease sometime to constitute an ominous prognostic marker of advanced thyroid cancer.
Comparison of conventional Papanicolaou smear and SurePath® liquid‐based cytology in the Copenhagen population screening programme for cervical cancer
Authors: Kirschner B. , Simonsen K. , Junge J.
Published: July 2006

Objective:  To compare diagnostic performance of conventional Papanicolaou smear with SurePath® liquid‐based cytology in a population screening programme.

Methods:  A retrospective comparison was performed on data from two 18‐month periods of the screening programme for cervical cancer in the municipality of Copenhagen with conventional Papanicolaou technique (n = 82 116) and liquid‐based cytology (n = 84 414).

Results:  After the conversion to liquid‐based cytology the percentage of unsatisfactory samples decreased from 2.3% to 0.3% (P < 0.001), whereas the number of normal cervical samples lacking an endocervical component increased from 8.5% to 8.9% (P < 0.005). The percentage of samples with atypical cells and cells suspicious for malignancy increased from 3% to 4.2% (P < 0.001) and from 1.9% to 2.4% (P < 0.001), respectively. The subsequent histological follow‐up showed normal findings decreased from 70.5% to 68.9% and from 28.0% to 26.1%, respectively. However, in relation to the entire screening populations, there was an increase of normal findings from 2.12% to 2.89% after primary atypical diagnosis and from 0.53% to 0.62% after diagnosis of suspicious cells after conversion to the liquid‐based technique.

Conclusions:  This study showed the number of unsatisfactory samples to be significantly reduced with the liquid‐based technique. The data suggest that there is an increased detection rate of cervical precancerous lesions with liquid‐based cytology, but the number of false positive tests is still high. The specificity of the two tests seems similar, but this cannot be ascertained exactly, because of the fact that follow‐up of negative cases is unavailable.