bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Doing business in the age of conscious capitalism
Authors: Sisodia Rajendra S.
Published: October 2009

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to describe the concept of “Conscious Capitalism,” which refers to a new, more enlightened approach to business purpose and management.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper describes how the context for business has changed in fundamental ways in the past two decades, calling for a new approach to business that reflects rising levels of consciousness among customers and employees as well as multiple and deepening challenges facing the world today. It is imperative that business gets on the right side of society rather than continuing to add to societal burdens, as is too often the case. Conscious capitalism is not synonymous with corporate social responsibility (CSR); since society is recognized as an important, even the primary stakeholder, the core business itself must by definition be socially responsible. A conscious approach to business is based on the adoption of a higher purpose that transcends profits, a stakeholder rather than shareholder orientation, and conscious, service‐oriented leadership.

Findings

Businesses that adopt this approach not only create multiple types of long‐term wealth for society at large (including social, emotional, intellectual and even spiritual wealth); but they also dramatically outperform conventional firms on financial measures of performance. The world of conscious business is thus largely devoid of the trade‐offs that are commonly made and accepted as part of business‐as‐usual.

Practical implications

The paper concludes by recognizing that a conscious approach to business is highly compatible with the ancient wisdom found in Indian and other traditions.

Originality/value

This paper shows that there is the potential to enter a golden age of leadership thinking that blends the best of modern Western practice (geared towards efficiencies) and ancient Eastern wisdom (focused on effectiveness).
When do firms revalue their assets upwards? Evidence from the UK
Authors: Agnes Cheng C.S. , Lin Stephen W.J.
Published: October 2009

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to investigate the timing of upward asset revaluations using large UK data.

Design/methodology/approach

A standard logistic model is used to examine the timing of upward asset revaluations. The result is further confirmed by using the ordinary least squares regression.

Findings

UK firms with higher industrial leverage and share performance two years before the revaluation year are inclined to write up their assets, suggesting that firms choose not to recognise good news unless it has been supported by their superior market performance and industry norm. This finding differs from the leverage reduction as well as the signalling objective suggested by previous literature.

Originality/value

This paper provides the first UK evidence on the timing of upward asset revaluation, which further enhance the understanding of the economic determinants of upward asset revaluations.
Accruals' persistence, accruals mispricing and operating cycle: evidence from the US
Authors: Hao Qian
Published: October 2009

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to investigate the effect of operating cycle on the differential persistence of accruals and cash flow, and the market reaction to the different components of earnings across firms with various operating cycles.

Design/methodology/approach

By examining the US public firms' earnings and the capital market reaction to different components of earnings, from 1964 to 1993, it is found that the longer the operating cycle, the lesser will be the persistent of accruals.

Findings

This result is consistent with Sloan's theory that the differential persistence of accruals is attributable to estimation errors in accruals. Moreover, the market efficiency test shows that the mispricing of accruals is greater for firms with longer operating cycle, indicating that investors fixate on earnings, while ignoring the persistence of accruals among firms with different earnings quality.

Originality/value

This paper adds to the growing literature that has begun to examine the factors affecting accrual persistence and accrual mispricing by indicating that the length of operating cycle can play a role. In addition, it provides fresh evidence that the market fixates on earnings, thus emphasizing the importance of contextual analysis of financial statement. Finally, it corroborates Sloan and Xie that estimation errors in accruals drive the lower persistence of accruals.
Reduction of 15‐hydroxyprostaglandin dehydrogenase expression is an independent predictor of poor survival associated with enhanced cell proliferation in gastric adenocarcinoma
Authors: Tatsuwaki Hiroshi , Tanigawa Tetsuya , Watanabe Toshio , Machida Hirohisa , Okazaki Hirotoshi , Yamagami Hirokazu , Shiba Masatsugu , Watanabe Kenji , Tominaga Kazunari , Fujiwara Yasuhiro , Oshitani Nobuhide , Muguruma Kazuya , Sawada Tetsuji , Hirakawa Kosei , Higuchi Kazuhide , Arakawa Tetsuo
Published: October 2009

Prostaglandin (PG) E2 promotes gastrointestinal carcinogenesis and tumor progression. We determined the correlations between pattern of expression of 15‐hydroxyprostaglandin dehydrogenase (15‐PGDH), a catabolic enzyme for biological inactivation of PGE2, in gastric adenocarcinoma and various clinicopathological factors and patient outcome in an attempt to elucidate its biological significance. In 35 of 71 cases of gastric adenocarcinoma, expression of 15‐PGDH protein was reduced in tumor tissues. Multivariate analysis revealed reduction of 15‐PGDH expression to be an independent predictor of poor survival. The proportion of Ki67‐positive cells in 15‐PGDH‐negative adenocarcinoma was higher than that in 15‐PGDH‐positive adenocarcinoma. No differences were found in clinicopathological parameters between patients with cyclooxygenase‐2 (COX‐2)‐positive tumors and those with COX‐2 negative tumors. In an in vitro study, use of specific siRNA to silence 15‐PGDH or a specific inhibitor of 15‐PGDH enhanced cell proliferation in the gastric cancer cell line AGS, which expresses 15‐PGDH. These findings suggest that reduction of 15‐PGDH is an independent predictor of poor survival associated with enhancement of cell proliferation in gastric adenocarcinoma. (Cancer Sci 2009)
Cre/loxP‐regulated transgenic zebrafish model for neural progenitor‐specific oncogenic Kras expression
Authors: Seok Seung‐Hyeok , Na Yi‐Rang , Han Ju‐Hee , Kim Tae‐Hyoun , Jung Hyun , Lee Byoung‐Hee , Emelyanov Alexander , Parinov Serguei , Park Jae‐Hak
Published: October 2009

Ras proteins regulate signaling pathways that control many cellular responses, such as proliferation, survival, and differentiation. However, there are intriguing questions about the relationship between the developmental timing of specific mutations and the resultant phenotypes in individual cells. In this study, we used the Cre/loxP system for maintaining transgenic zebrafish lines harboring oncogenic KrasV12 under the nestin promoter, and investigated the developmental effects of Ras activation in neural progenitor cells. Activated human KrasV12 was induced within pDSNesLCherryLEGFPKRasV12 transgenic fish by Cre mRNA injection. Cre‐mediated gene excision was confirmed by polymerase chain reaction, and the injected embryos were investigated for KrasV12 effects using the hemotoxylin–eosin staining, terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase‐mediated digoxigenin‐dUTP nick‐end labeling assay, and in situ hybridization. pDSNesLCherryLEGFPKRasV12 transgenic embryos normally expressed mCherry in their central nervous system throughout the developmental stage. However, Cre mRNA injection efficiently excised the flanking stop sequence, and the injected embryos expressed enhanced green fluorescent protein in their brain with severe edema. Brain histology showed that neuronal cell differentiation could occur in spite of oncogenic KrasV12 overexpression, but massive apoptosis and brain edema caused early embryonal death. In summary, the overexpression of KrasV12 induces extensive apoptosis of neural progenitor cells followed by severe edema of the brain. However, some neural progenitor cells are resistant to KrasV12 and can retain their ability to differentiate into neurons. Finally, our transgenic model demonstrates the inability of KrasV12 alone to induce brain tumors at the early stage of development. (Cancer Sci 2009)
Body iron store as a predictor of oxidative DNA damage in healthy men and women
Authors: Hori Ai , Mizoue Tetsuya , Kasai Hiroshi , Kawai Kazuaki , Matsushita Yumi , Nanri Akiko , Sato Masao , Ohta Masanori
Published: October 2009

While iron plays an important role in many cellular functions, excess iron storage induces DNA damage by generating hydroxyl radicals and thus promotes carcinogenesis. However, it remains unclear whether body iron levels that are commonly observed in a general population are related to oxidative DNA damage. We examined the association between serum ferritin concentrations and levels of urinary 8‐hydroxydeoxyguanosine (8‐OHdG), a biomarker of systemic oxidative DNA damage and repair, in 528 Japanese men and women aged 21–67 years. Men had much higher ferritin levels than in women, and the levels were significantly greater in women aged 50 years or older than in women aged less than 50 years. Urinary 8‐OHdG concentrations were significantly and positively associated with serum ferritin levels in all the subgroups. The Spearman rank correlation coefficients were 0.47, 0.76, and 0.73 for men overall, women aged less than 50 years, and women aged 50 years or older, respectively. These associations were materially unchanged after adjustment for potential confounding variables. In men, a more pronounced association was observed in nonsmokers than in smokers. Our results suggest body iron storage is a strong determinant of levels of systemic oxidative DNA damage in a healthy population. (Cancer Sci 2009)
Roadmap for future research on plant pathogen effectors
Authors: ALFANO JAMES R.
Published: October 2009

Bacterial and eukaryotic plant pathogens deliver effector proteins into plant cells to promote pathogenesis. Bacterial pathogens containing type III protein secretion systems are known to inject many of these effectors into plant cells. More recently, oomycete pathogens have been shown to possess a large family of effectors containing the RXLR motif, and many effectors are also being discovered in fungal pathogens. Although effector activities are largely unknown, at least a subset suppress plant immunity. A plethora of new plant pathogen genomes that will soon be available thanks to next‐generation sequencing technologies will allow the identification of many more effectors. This article summarizes the key approaches used to identify plant pathogen effectors, many of which will continue to be useful for future effector discovery. Thus, it can be viewed as a ‘roadmap’ for effector and effector target identification. Because effectors can be used as tools to elucidate components of innate immunity, advances in our understanding of effectors and their targets should lead to improvements in agriculture.
The type III effectors of Xanthomonas
Authors: WHITE FRANK F. , POTNIS NEHA , JONES JEFFREY B. , KOEBNIK RALF
Published: October 2009

A review of type III effectors (T3 effectors) from strains of Xanthomonas reveals a growing list of candidate and known effectors based on functional assays and sequence and structural similarity searches of genomic data. We propose that the effectors and suspected effectors should be distributed into 39 so‐called Xop groups reflecting sequence similarity. Some groups have structural motifs for putative enzymatic functions, and recent studies have provided considerable insight into the interaction with host factors in their function as mediators of virulence and elicitors of resistance for a few specific T3 effectors. Many groups are related to T3 effectors of plant and animal pathogenic bacteria, and several groups appear to have been exploited primarily by Xanthomonas species based on available data. At the same time, a relatively large number of candidate effectors remain to be examined in more detail with regard to their function within host cells.
Pilot study: the use of sulfasalazine for the treatment of acute pouchitis
Authors: BELLUZZI A. , SERRANI M. , RODA G. , BIANCHI M. L. , CASTELLANI L. , GRAZIA M. , ROSATI G. , UGOLINI G. , RODA E.
Published: October 2009

Background  Acute pouchitis, an idiopathic inflammatory condition of the ileal pouch anal anastomosis, is the most frequent complication after proctocolectomy for ulcerative colitis.

Aim  To test the hypothesis that sulfasalazine (SASP) might have a synergistic beneficial effect in acute pouchitis, by combining the anti‐inflammatory activity of 5‐aminosalicylic Acid and the bacteriostatic effect of sulphapyridine.

Methods  Twenty two patients were investigated for acute pouchitis; the Pouchitis Disease Activity Index (PDAI) was calculated and 11 patients with acute pouchitis (PDAI >7) were included in an open study, after obtaining their informed consent. Patients were treated with SASP 500 mg tablets, two tablets three times per day (3000 mg daily), for 2 months. Pouch endoscopy with biopsies was performed at the entry and at the end of the study.

Results  According to the PDAI score, 8/11 patients (73%) improved their clinical condition and 7/11 (63%) were in remission at the end of the treatment. At 8 weeks, the median PDAI index decreased from 11.2 ± 2.3 to 6.6 ± 4.7 P < 0.01. No adverse events or toxicity were reported and all patients completed the study.

Conclusions  Despite the limitations of the current study, sulfasalazine seems to be a potential treatment for acute pouchitis.

Aliment Pharmacol Ther 31, 228–232
Expression of tight-junction proteins in the inflamed and clinically uninvolved skin in patients with venous leg ulcers
Authors: Zorko M. S. , Veranič P. , Leskovec N. K. , Pavlović M. D.
Published: October 2009

Skin around venous leg ulcers (VLUs) is often inflamed and prone to contact sensitization. Expression of tight-junction components (ZO-1, occludin, and claudins 1 and 4) was studied by immunofluorescence in inflamed and noninflamed lower leg skin (both uncovered skin and skin occluded under hydrocolloid dressings) in patients with VLUs. No major differences were found in the expression of occludin and claudin-4. ZO-1 protein had stronger and more wide-ranging expression in the inflamed epidermis. Expression of claudin-1 was lost from the basal layer of the inflamed skin and skin under the hydrocolloid dressing. The skin on the lower legs affected by VLU may have altered expression of ZO-1 and claudin-1, similar to that seen in psoriatic plaques.
The European carbon balance. Part 1: fossil fuel emissions
Authors: CIAIS P. , PARIS J. D. , MARLAND G. , PEYLIN P. , PIAO S. L. , LEVIN I. , PREGGER T. , SCHOLZ Y. , FRIEDRICH R. , RIVIER L. , HOUWELLING S. , SCHULZE E. D. ,   members of the CARBOEUROPE SYNTHESIS TEAM (1)
Published: October 2009

We analyzed the magnitude, the trends and the uncertainties of fossil‐fuel CO2 emissions in the European Union 25 member states (hereafter EU‐25), based on emission inventories from energy‐use statistics. The stability of emissions during the past decade at EU‐25 scale masks decreasing trends in some regions, offset by increasing trends elsewhere. In the recent 4 years, the new Eastern EU‐25 member states have experienced an increase in emissions, reversing after a decade‐long decreasing trend. Mediterranean and Nordic countries have also experienced a strong acceleration in emissions. In Germany, France and United Kingdom, the stability of emissions is due to the decrease in the industry sector, offset by an increase in the transportation sector. When four different inventories models are compared, we show that the between‐models uncertainty is as large as 19% of the mean for EU‐25, and even bigger for individual countries. Accurate accounting for fossil CO2 emissions depends on a clear understanding of system boundaries, i.e. emitting activities included in the accounting. We found that the largest source of errors between inventories is the use of distinct systems boundaries (e.g. counting or not bunker fuels, cement manufacturing, nonenergy products). Once these inconsistencies are corrected, the between‐models uncertainty can be reduced down to 7% at EU‐25 scale. The uncertainty of emissions at smaller spatial scales than the country scale was analyzed by comparing two emission maps based upon distinct economic and demographic activities. A number of spatial and temporal biases have been found among the two maps, indicating a significant increase in uncertainties when increasing the resolution at scales finer than ≈200 km. At 100 km resolution, for example, the uncertainty of regional emissions is estimated to be 60 g C m−2 yr−1, up to 50% of the mean. The uncertainty on regional fossil‐fuel CO2 fluxes to the atmosphere could be reduced by making accurate 14C measurements in atmospheric CO2, and by combining them with transport models.
Evidence for an intrinsic energetic ceiling in free‐ranging kittiwakes Rissa tridactyla
Authors: Welcker Jorg , Moe Børge , Bech Claus , Fyhn Marianne , Schultner Jannik , Speakman John R. , Gabrielsen Geir W.
Published: October 2009

1. The rate at which free‐living animals can expend energy is limited but the causes of this limitation are not well understood. Theoretically, energy expenditure may be intrinsically limited by physiological properties of the animal constraining its capacity to process energy. Alternatively, the limitation could be set extrinsically by the amount of energy available in the environment or by a fitness trade‐off in terms of reduced future survival associated with elevated metabolism.

2. We measured daily energy expenditure (DEE) using the doubly labelled water method in chick‐rearing black‐legged kittiwakes (Rissa tridactyla) at a study site close to the northern limit of their breeding range over 5 years. We measured breeding success, foraging trip duration and diet composition as proxies of resource availability during these years and estimated the probability of parent kittiwakes to return to the colony in relation to their energy expenditure in order to determine whether kittiwakes adjust their DEE in response to variation in prey availability and whether elevated DEE is associated with a decrease in adult survival.

3. We found that DEE was strikingly similar across all five study years. There was no evidence that energy expenditure was limited by resource availability that varied considerably among study years. Furthermore, there was no evidence of a negative effect of DEE on adult return rate, which does not support the hypothesis of a survival cost connected to elevated energy expenditure.

4. The additional lack of variation in DEE with respect to ambient temperature, brood size or between sexes suggests that kittiwakes at a time of peak energy demands may operate close to an intrinsic metabolic ceiling independent of extrinsic factors.
Catchment‐scale effects of forestry practices on benthic invertebrate communities in Pacific coastal streams
Authors: Zhang Yixin , Richardson John S. , Pinto Xavier
Published: October 2009

1. Catchment‐scale effects of forestry practices alter stream physical structures and influence composition and abundance of benthic communities. Looking beyond the reach‐scale effects to disturbance impacts that come from upstream catchments is rare. Understanding of effects of large‐scale catchment disturbances on downstream habitats is crucial to better manage the impacts or mitigate the effects of forest management.

2. By comparing catchments with different forestry histories, we examined the impacts of past forestry practices on stream habitats and benthic invertebrate diversity in six reference streams in mature forests and five previously logged streams in young‐growth forests in the Chilliwack River basin, Canada. Principal components analysis separated the reference streams and the previously logged streams by their physical characteristics. Streams in mature forests had coarser substrates than in young‐growth forests.

3. Using partial least squares projection to latent structures (PLS) modelling, we assessed the relationship between multiple environmental variables and benthic communities. Predictive PLS models were developed based on environmental variables and community response variables at reference streams. The observed taxon richness and relative abundance of total benthos, scrapers and predators at previously logged sites were significantly lower than the model predicted. The biomasses of total benthos and shredders at previously logged sites were significantly lower than those at reference sites.

4. Synthesis and applications.This study demonstrates that a legacy of measurable logging impacts on habitats and invertebrate community metrics can be detected up to 40 years after logging on these streams and at a catchment‐scale. This predictive model approach combined with intensive field observations has potential for assessing the catchment‐scale effects of forestry on stream ecosystems. This method also can be used to estimate the time to recovery from harvesting and to assist the evaluation of improving management decisions to reduce the negative impacts of forest harvesting on stream ecosystems.
Characterization of CD25‐Positive T Cells During Syngeneic Pregnancy: Production of Stimulatory Class II MHC Molecules
Authors: Kyvelidou C. , Chatzi K. , Semitekolou M. , Papathanassiou X. , Vassiliadis S. , Athanassakis I.
Published: October 2009

Various studies demonstrate that immunosuppression vis‐à‐vis paternal alloantigens may play a role for successful pregnancy. However, if this theory is true, the question that remains unanswered is how do syngeneic pregnancies manage to produce viable embryos. In allogeneic murine pregnancies immunosuppression is mediated by regulatory CD25+/Foxp3/CTLA‐4 T cells. In order to evaluate whether these cells also play a role in syngeneic pregnancies, CD25+CD4+ and CD25+CD8+ were isolated from spleens of pregnant mice and examined as to the expression of specific suppressive and stimulatory markers, cytokine and soluble MHC class II antigen production. Interestingly, the CD25+ cells and their products displayed an MHC‐restricted stimulatory activity on total spleen cell proliferation assays. Although the CD25+CD4+ and CD25+CD8+ cells expressed Foxp3, they lacked CTLA‐4, while expressing CD28. Non‐specific proliferative effect was shown to be mediated by IL‐3 and IL‐4. The MHC‐restricted proliferative effect; however, could be attributed to IAd molecules, which were detected in all culture supernatants of the T cell subpopulations tested and their elimination ablated the observed stimulatory activity. The detection of Ea, Eb1, Eb2 in addition to the Aa and Ab transcripts in these cells indicated the possible involvement of other class II gene combinations in this type of regulation. The results indicate that in the absence of paternal MHC alloantigens, maternal CD25+ cells are involved in the development of immunostimulation to ensure foetal survival.
Susceptibility of Abies pinsapo and its tree cohort species to Heterobasidion abietinum
Authors: De Vita P. , Serrano M. S. , Luchi N. , Capretti P. , Trapero A. , Sánchez M. E.
Published: October 2009

Abies pinsapo, a rare fir found in the southernmost mountain region of Spain, is severely affected by Heterobasidion abietinum. It was hypothesized that spread of the disease might be favoured by woody species growing in the same habitat. In order to evaluate this hypothesis, artificial inoculation tests were performed on other potential hosts forming the tree cohort species with A. pinsapo. Inoculation test on seedlings demonstrated that H. abietinum was able to colonize stems of Pinus halepensis, P. pinaster and Quercus ilex subsp. rotundifolia, but failed on Q. faginea. Both Pinus species were colonized to a similar extent as the natural host, but Q. ilex subsp. rotundifolia showed a significantly lower susceptibility than conifers. These results suggest that Pinus spp. growing in mixed stands with A. pinsapo might favour spread of H. abietinum. As a consequence, natural replacement of pure A. pinsapo stands by mixed forest Abies‐Quercus should be facilitated.
β‐catenin expression and claudin expression pattern as prognostic factors of prostatic cancer progression
Authors: Szász Attila M. , Nyirády Péter , Majoros Attila , Szendrõi Attila , Szûcs Miklós , Székely Eszter , Tõkés Anna‐Mária , Romics Imre , Kulka Janina
Published: October 2009

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the patterns of expression of the junctional proteins β‐catenin and claudins in different prognostic groups of patients with prostatic cancer, to determine their value as prognostic markers.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

We evaluated the samples of 30 patients who had a radical prostatectomy for organ‐confined cancer (pT2N0M0), men with clinically advanced cancer, and a control group with benign prostatic hyperplasia. Using immunohistochemistry applied to tissue microarrays, each group was evaluated for claudin‐1, ‐2, ‐3, ‐4, ‐5, ‐7, ‐8 and ‐10, and β‐catenin expression.

RESULTS

There were differences among the three groups in the expression of claudin‐1 (P = 0.001), ‐2 (P = 0.014), ‐3 (P = 0.027), ‐4 (P = 0.001), ‐8 (P = 0.001) and β‐catenin (P = 0.002), regardless of Gleason score. By contrast, claudin‐5, ‐7 and ‐10 patterns were not significantly different among the groups. Furthermore, claudin‐1 (P = 0.014) and ‐4 (P = 0.004) could be used to distinguish between those patients who had metastases and those who did not.

CONCLUSIONS

The pattern of claudin expression could be a novel diagnostic marker in re‐classifying adenocarcinomas, and an additional sensitive predictive factor for a clinically poor prognosis. Our results suggest that patients with organ‐confined and advanced cancer are subsets with distinct claudin expression profiles, and that claudin‐4 is related to cellular differentiation in prostate cancer, which is not only the receptor molecule for the Clostridium perfringens enterotoxin, and thus a theoretical future therapeutic target for prostate cancer, but also a marker of progression.
Results of buccal mucosa grafts for repairing long bulbar urethral strictures
Authors: Fransis Karen , Vander Eeckt Kathy , Van Poppel Hendrik , Joniau Steven
Published: October 2009

Study Type – Therapy (case series) Level of Evidence 4

OBJECTIVES

To report the medium‐term results at our institution of repairing long bulbar urethral strictures with buccal mucosal grafts.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Between January 2003 and June 2007, a buccal mucosa graft repair was used in 34 patients with recurrent bulbar strictures >2 cm. The follow‐up included uroflowmetry with an ultrasonographic estimate of residual volume at 3 months, 1 year and yearly thereafter, or at the onset of obstructive voiding symptoms. A retrograde urethrogram with a voiding cysto‐urethrogram was taken at 6 months. Flexible urethroscopy was used whenever a recurrent stricture was suspected. A successful outcome was defined as normal voiding with no stricture on the voiding cysto‐urethrogram and no need for subsequent instrumentation.

RESULTS

The median (range) age of the patients was 55.5 (23–74) years. The mean (sd) preoperative maximum flow rate was 6.6 (2.5) mL/s with a mean (sd) residual volume of 51.7 (89.7) mL. Seven patients (21%) had had one or more previous urethral dilatations, 15 (44%) had undergone one or more internal urethrotomies and 10 (30%) received both treatments. Eight patients (24%) had previous open urethral surgery; two had no previous treatment. A dorsal onlay technique was used in 30 patients, a ventral onlay in one, a combined technique (dorsal onlay and ventral fasciocutaneous flap) in two and a two‐stage buccal mucosa urethroplasty in one. The mean (sd) operative duration was 147 (36) min, and the stricture length and buccal mucosa graft length were, respectively, 3.2 (1.2) cm and 4.4 (0.6) cm. Follow‐up was available in 33 patients (97%) with a mean of 23 (15.4) months. The success rate was then 94%. Both failures occurred within the first year and were managed successfully by internal urethrotomy. The mean (sd) postoperative maximum flow rate was 20 (11) mL/s with a mean (sd) residual volume of 46 (68) mL. There were no medium‐term donor‐site complications. Postmicturition dribbling was noted in eight patients (24%). None of the patients had de novo impotence or urinary incontinence, and to date no patient has needed a repeat open reconstruction.

CONCLUSION

Our results show that in patients with bulbar urethral strictures of >2 cm, urethroplasty using buccal mucosa is feasible, with very encouraging medium‐term results. We confirm that this type of reconstruction could be considered the standard of care for bulbar strictures of >2 cm.
Predicting unilateral prostate cancer on routine diagnostic biopsy: sextant vs extended
Authors: Tsivian Matvey , Kimura Masaki , Sun Leon , Mouraviev Vladimir , Mayes Janice M. , Polascik Thomas J.
Published: October 2009

Study Type – Diagnosis (exploratory cohort) Level of Evidence 2b

OBJECTIVE

To compare the diagnostic properties of routine office‐based sextant and extended biopsies for unilateral prostate cancer, as validated by final pathology, because focal therapy of prostate cancer is gaining acceptance as a viable treatment option and thus patient selection is of paramount consideration.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

We retrospectively analysed records of patients who had a radical prostatectomy (RP) for biopsy confirmed prostate cancer at our institution between 1990 and 2007. Records with incomplete data were excluded. Diagnostic properties for sextant and extended biopsies were calculated and compared for diagnostic accuracy, sensitivity, specificity, positive and negative predictive values (PPV, NPV) and false‐positive and ‐negative rates.

RESULTS

We identified 882 records (729 sextant, 153 extended biopsies) matching our criteria. Overall, unilateral prostate cancer was confirmed in 151 (16%) of pathological RP specimens. The sensitivity improved from 84.1% to 88.0% on sextant and extended biopsy, respectively. Similarly, the PPV increased from 21.9% to 27.2%, specificity from 37.1% to 53.9% (P < 0.05), and NPV from 91.8% to 95.8% (P < 0.05). These changes are reflected in the decrease in false‐positive rates (from 62.9% to 46.1%) and false‐negative rates (from 15.9% to 12.0%). The overall diagnostic accuracy increased from 49% on sextant to 59% on extended biopsy (P < 0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

Taking more prostate biopsy cores improves the diagnostic properties for identifying unilateral prostate cancer. However, a 12‐core biopsy is not an ideal diagnostic test to select patients for focal therapy, and should be interpreted in conjunction with imaging and clinical variables. Additional research should investigate the diagnostic gain associated with a further increase in the number of biopsy cores.
Efficacy of simplified bladder training in patients with overactive bladder receiving a solifenacin flexible‐dose regimen: results from a randomized study
Authors: Mattiasson Anders , Masala Alberto , Morton Richard , Bolodeoku John
Published: October 2009

Study Type – Therapy (RCT) Level of Evidence 1b

OBJECTIVE

To compare the efficacy of flexible‐dose solifenacin 5/10 mg with and without simplified bladder training in patients with overactive bladder (OAB) syndrome.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

SOLAR (SOLifenacin Alone and with simplified bladder Re‐training) was a multicentre, prospective, randomized, parallel‐group, open‐label study in patients with OAB. After a 2‐week, single‐blind, placebo run‐in, 643 patients were randomized to treatment with either solifenacin 5 mg once daily (od) alone (323) or 5 mg od combined with simplified bladder training (320) for 8 weeks. At week 8, patients in both groups could request a dose increase to solifenacin 10 mg od for the remaining 8 weeks of the study. The primary efficacy endpoint was the change from baseline in the mean number of micturitions/24 h after 8 weeks. Secondary efficacy measures were the change in micturition frequency and other voiding diary variables at week 16. Patient‐reported outcomes were also assessed, including patient Perception of Bladder Condition, Incontinence Quality of Life, and Treatment Satisfaction using a visual analogue scale score; tolerability was also assessed.

RESULTS

Solifenacin given alone was effective in improving all measures of OAB evaluated in the study. When simplified bladder training was used combined with solifenacin there was a further significant improvement in micturition frequency at week 8, and this difference was maintained through to week 16. The use of simplified bladder training with solifenacin also significantly improved treatment satisfaction at week 16 over the responses to solifenacin given alone. There was no significant difference between the treatment groups at week 16 in urgency, incontinence or other secondary variables measured. The most common adverse event reported was dry mouth in both treatment groups; there was a low rate of discontinuation due to adverse events in the total study group.

CONCLUSION

Combined treatment with solifenacin and simplified bladder training was more effective than solifenacin alone in reducing micturition frequency at weeks 8 and 16, and improving treatment satisfaction at week 16 in patients with OAB. Simplified bladder training did not improve on the benefits of solifenacin alone in the symptoms of urgency or incontinence.
Urinary fluorescence in situ hybridization assay for detecting urothelial carcinoma in Taiwanese patients
Authors: Chuang Kun‐Lung , Chuang Hun‐Chang , Ng Kwai‐Fong , Chang Ying‐Hsun , Wu Chun‐Te , Chuang Cheng‐Keng , Liao Shuen‐Kuei , Pang See‐Tong
Published: October 2009

Study Type – Diagnosis (case series) Level of Evidence 4

OBJECTIVES

To investigate the cytogenetic marker detected by fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH; UroVysionTM, Vysis, Inc., Abbott Laboratories, Des Plaines, IL, USA) in the diagnosis of bladder cancer and upper tract urothelial carcinoma (UC) in Taiwanese patients, as FISH has been used in Western countries for detecting UC, but there are limited results in Asian populations.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

We analysed polyploidy of chromosome 3, 7, 17 and aneuploidy of chromosome 21, using uroepithelial cells collected at the first void or by instrumental extraction of urine, for bladder cancer, and shedding cells from the upper tract flushed by normal saline via ureteric catheterization or ureterorenoscopy. The criteria for positive tumour cells included three or more positive staining in two or more chromosomes showing polyploidy or <50% staining of the chromosome 9p21.

RESULTS

In all, 32 patients with bladder UC and 12 with upper tract UC were assessed. The overall sensitivity for bladder cancer by UroVysion was 96.8%. The sensitivity of the cytology test was 36% for UC of the bladder. The sensitivity for UroVysion in upper tract UC was 12/12 but the specificity was three of nine.

CONCLUSIONS

This preliminary report shows that UroVysion was a sensitive screening method for UC of the bladder and upper urinary tract.
Mixed epithelial and stromal tumour of the kidney: imaging features
Authors: Sahni V. Anik , Mortele Koenraad J. , Glickman Jonathan , Silverman Stuart G.
Published: October 2009

Study Type – Diagnosis (case series) Level of Evidence 4

OBJECTIVE

To describe the features on ultrasonography (US), computed tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of mixed epithelial and stromal tumours of the kidney.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Five women with renal mixed epithelial and stromal tumours (mean age 55.6 years, range 49–59) who had preoperative imaging were retrospectively analysed. Three ultrasonograms, five contrast‐enhanced CT scans, and one contrast‐enhanced MRI examination were available for review. Specific imaging features analysed included lesion size, location, enhancement and cystic composition. The presence of calcification, septation, nodularity and a capsule were also evaluated.

RESULTS

All mixed epithelial and stromal tumours appeared as well‐marginated, multi‐septate cystic masses with a nodular component. All lesions were classified as Bosniak category III (three) or IV (two). The presence of calcification (four) or a capsule (three) was variable. Two tumours invaginated into the renal pelvis with no invasion.

CONCLUSION

Mixed epithelial and stromal tumours of the kidney have a diverse radiographic appearance, indistinguishable from multilocular cystic nephroma and cystic renal cell carcinoma.
Trends from 1999 to 2007 in the surgical treatments of kidney cancer in Europe: data from the Veneto Region, Italy
Authors: Fedeli Ugo , Novara Giacomo , Alba Natalia , Ficarra Vincenzo , Artibani Walter , Spolaore Paolo
Published: October 2009

Study Type – Therapy (prospective cohort) Level of Evidence 2b

OBJECTIVE

To investigate trends in the incidence of overall renal oncological surgery, and the trends and determinants of nephron‐sparing (NSS) and minimally invasive surgery, in the Veneto region of North‐eastern Italy.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

The regional archive of hospital discharge records (HDRs) in the Veneto region of North‐eastern Italy was assessed to identify discharged patients with a diagnosis of neoplasm of the kidney and intervention codes for partial nephrectomy (PN) or radical nephrectomy (RN) in 1999–2007. An indirect method for identifying minimally invasive surgery was also adopted. Demographic characteristics, year of intervention, presence of comorbidities, and hospital nephrectomy volume were retrieved from HDRs. The influence of patient and hospital variables on the adoption of nephron‐sparing surgery (NSS) was assessed through multivariate models.

RESULTS

The crude rate of surgery for kidney cancer increased from 11.5 to 17.0 per 100 000 population and overall 7221 procedures were included in the evaluated period. The use of PN increased through the study period, reaching 31% of kidney cancer operations in 2007. Younger age, male sex and being hospitalized in facilities with a higher procedural volume were strongly associated with NSS. Laparoscopic nephrectomies, uncommon in 1999, increased to ≈18% of all procedures by the end of the study period, irrespective of hospital volume.

CONCLUSIONS

The proportion of open RNs declined to about half of all kidney cancer surgery by 2007; this was the result of an increase in NSS and an even greater increase in laparoscopic RN.
A bioactive complex to protect proteins from UV‐induced oxidation in human epidermis1
Authors: Schweikert K. , Gafner F. , Dell’Acqua G.
Published: October 2009

Synopsis

UV light induces multiple damages including protein oxidation on skin. Oxidized proteins if not degraded by the proteasome would eventually accumulate causing metabolic damage, elastosis and pigment formation such as lipofuscin. During ageing, the activity of the proteasome decreases dramatically together with enzymes that protect from oxidation and as a result oxidized proteins accumulate. We have investigated a combination of Panthenyl triacetate and Ethyl linoleate (bioactive complex) to fight against protein oxidation. This complex when tested at 3% on human skin biopsies showed statistically significant protection from UV (UVA + UVB)‐induced protein oxidation both in a 24‐h pre‐treatment before UV irradiation (72% protection,P < 0.05) and immediately after irradiation (78% protection,P < 0.05). UV light also induced a significant decrease of mRNA for protein repairing enzymes, such as Methionine Sulfoxide Reductase (MSR). The complex, given both pre‐ and post‐irradiation, stimulated the repairing enzyme expression. We can suggest utilization of this new complex to prevent accumulation of oxidized protein as a result of skin photo‐ageing and to prevent stratum corneum dehydration, skin elastosis and pigmentation formation (age spots).
A State to Call Their Own: Insurrection, Intervention, and the Communal Integrity Thesis
Authors: DOBOS NED
Published: October 2009

abstract

Many reasons have been given as to why humanitarian intervention might not be justified even where rebellion with similar aims would be a morally legitimate option. One of them is that intervention involves the imposition of alien values on the target society. Michael Walzer formulates this objection in terms of a people's right to a state that ‘expresses their inherited culture’ and that they can truly ‘call their own’. I argue that this right can plausibly be said to extend sovereignty to at least some illiberal governments, and therefore to impose at least some moral constraints on humanitarian intervention. The problem for Walzer is that this right cannot form the basis of a constraint that applies to foreign intervention exclusively. Once the details of Walzer's argument are teased out, it becomes apparent that civil war and revolution must be equally restricted by this right. Hence a people's prerogative to be governed in accordance with familiar traditions cannot coherently be invoked to show that intervention is impermissible in cases where insurrection is taken to be justified.
MULTIPURPOSE EXPLORATION AND DEVELOPMENT OF GEOTHERMAL RESOURCES
Authors: Barnea Joseph
Published: October 2009

This article is based on an address delivered before the Symposium on the Development and Utilization of Geothermal Resources, held at Pisa, Italy, 22 September to 1 October 1970
WATER RESOURCES MANAGEMENT AND THE CHOICE OF TECHNOLOGY
Authors: BOWER BLAIR T.
Published: October 2009

Asserting that the major problem in water resources management stems not so much from a lack of alternative technologies as from a failure to make a choice which is appropriate to the several factors involved, the author addresses himself to these factors and to the criteria which should be applied in the decision‐making process. Particular attention is devoted to a consideration of the incentives, and of the institutional, infra‐structural, analytical and policy measures required to facilitate the adoption of ‘socially optimal’ technology, including the relationship of these measures to the promotion of effective water resources management technology within the broader economic, social and cultural situations specific to each country.
INSTITUTIONAL ARRANGEMENTS FOR PLANNING AND MANAGEMENT OF WATER RESOURCES IN PAKISTAN: A CASE STUDY
Authors: BOKHARI S. M. H.
Published: October 2009

The author describes the institutional structure for water planning and management in Pakistan. He goes on to assess its present effectiveness and draws conclusions regarding action needed for future improvement.
THE CONTINUING DEBATE OVER THE EXHAUSTION OF NONFUEL MINERAL RESOURCES
Authors: TILTON JOHN E.
Published: October 2009

The author examines the various views of mineral scarcity, distinguishing between the physical view and the economic view of exhaustion, with the aim of clarifying where the debate stands now and why.
THE LONG‐RANGE ENERGY PERSPECTIVE
Authors: STYRIKOVICH M. A.
Published: October 2009

The author reviews general questions affecting energy projections and goes on to examine reserve forecasts for each type of energy. The last part of the paper considers consumption forecasts and makes an assessment of the likely situation in the year 2000.
INVESTMENT REQUIREMENTS IN THE NON‐FUEL MINERAL SECTOR IN THE DEVELOPING COUNTRIE
Authors: TAKEUCHI KENJI , THIEBACH GERHARD E. , HILMY JOSEPH
Published: October 2009

Concern over the financial requirements for the long‐term expansion of the world non‐fuel minerals industry has led to growing interest in estimates of the magnitude of the requirements. The authors focus on the requirements in the developing countries for nine major minerals and deal with the most important among these, copper, in an appendix.
BEYOND THE UNITED NATIONS WATER CONFERENCE
Authors: FANO ENZO
Published: October 2009

We are pleased to print a preliminary review of the United Nations Water Conference by Mr Fano who has been intimately associated with the preparations for the Conference. Other viewpoints will be presented in future issues.
SHARED WATER RESOURCES: REVIEW OF CO‐OPERATIVE ACTION IN LATIN AMERICA
Authors: SOUTO‐MAIOR JOEL
Published: October 2009

Present disputes between Bangladesh and India, Iraq and Syria, and Argentina and Brazil, to give only a few examples, have made headlines and brought world‐wide attention to the difficult problem of management of fresh water resources shared by two or more countries. Through an in‐depth analysis of the Latin American experience from the earliest bilateral treaties and continental conventions to existing multilateral agreements and up to the 1977 United Nations Water Conference in Argentina, Mr. Souto‐Maior provides some insight into the factors which have led to successful negotiations and guidance to improve the management of international rivers and lakes.
THE COMMITTEE ON NATURAL RESOURCES AND SOME ISSUES ON THE INTERNATIONAL AGENDA
Authors: SCHIEBER MARC
Published: October 2009

The Committee on Natural Resources, which meets every two years, is the primary intergovernmental body of the United Nations dealing with natural resources matters. In the following article, the author summarizes briefly some of the issues before the Committee at its most recent session, which convened in Geneva in May 1977, and the recommendations adopted by participating governments.
WELMM, A SYSTEMS APPROACH TO ENERGY RESOURCES
Authors: GRENON MICHEL
Published: October 2009

In assessing energy resources it is interesting to consider their systems aspects and interrelationships with other natural and/or human resources. This is the purpose of the WELMM approach (Water, Energy, Land, Materials, Manpower) which analyzes resources requirements through the use of various Data Bases. Present applications focus on the comparison of various energy options and assessment of various long term strategies. The method can also be used for Integrated Resources Management.
THE ECONOMICS OF DEEP SEA NODULES: AN APPRAISAL OF RECENT ESTIMATES
Authors: CHACKO EAPEN
Published: October 2009

The metal resources of deep sea nodules are attracting investment from many international corporations. Commercial interest in nodule mining is related to, but not governed by, existing estimates of economic profitability of the first generation ventures. Mr. Chacko reviews some of the latest published figures on costs and revenues, and these are updated and put on a comparable basis. He then argues that more attention should be paid to the long‐term objectives of corporate policy in analysing the future development of the nodule mining industry.
PETROLEUM IMPORTING DEVELOPING COUNTRIES: A NEW OIL FRONTIER
Authors: CONSTANTINOU CHARALAMBOS , KRAL PAVEL
Published: October 2009

The majority of developing countries depend on imported petroleum to fulfil most of their energy requirements. Many are not able to do so without substantial assistance from abroad. Meanwhile, various studies indicate the existence of a large undiscovered potential of petroleum resources in these countries. In the following article, the authors review some of the proposals for assistance to petroleum importing developing countries, and, at the same time, launch their own proposal for a modest exploration programme in the least developed countries which could enable them to become self‐sufficient in petroleum in the near future.
WORLD ENERGY RESOURCES ‐ LIMITS FROM TODAY'S GEOLOGICAL STANDPOINT
Authors: KEHRER PETER
Published: October 2009

World fossil energy resources are estimated at about 12,500 times 109 tons of coal equivalent (t.c.e.) of which 900 times 109 t.c.e. are classed as presently recoverable reserves. Future exploration will transform a substantial part of the resources into reserves. Coal is by far the dominant fossil energy. Oilshales and tarsands represent a large energy potential, whose utilization depends on a high energy price level and progress in production technologies. Limits in the availability of oil and gas are visible now for the first time. Low‐cost, high‐grade uranium reserves are also limited. However, there are large amounts of low‐grade uranium resources, which might become recoverable in the future. The use of geothermal energy is currently troubled by problems of technology, costs and environment.