bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Efficacy and safety of topical tacrolimus for the treatment of face and neck vitiligo
Authors: LO Yuan‐Hsin , CHENG Gwo‐Shing , HUANG Chieh‐Chen , CHANG Wen‐Yu , WU Chieh‐Shan
Published: February 2010

Vitiligo is a common acquired idiopathic hypomelanotic disorder characterized by circumscribed depigmented maculae. The conventional treatments are limited by their inconsistent and incomplete responses, relapse rate, inconvenience to apply, side‐effects and especially long‐term effects. The aim of the present study was to determine the efficacy and safety of topical tacrolimus as monotherapy for the treatment of face/neck vitiligo in Taiwan. This was a multicenter, open‐label, non‐comparative study. Patients were at least 16 years old and had vitiligo lesions with Vitiligo Index of Disease Activity score +1 or more on face or neck. Patients received a monotherapy with 0.1% of tacrolimus ointment twice daily for 12 weeks. The efficacy was measured by the percentage of repigmentation of target lesion, which was graded as minimal (1–25%), mild (26–50%), moderate (51–75%) or excellent (76–100%). Patients who had at least mild repigmentation were defined as responders. A total of 61 patients were enrolled in this investigation. Most of the patients showed repigmentation at week 4. At the end of treatment, all patients showed repigmentation and 45.9% of patients were responders. During the study, 15 adverse events related to the ointment were reported. All the reported adverse events were mild and similar to the well‐known adverse effect of tacrolimus in the treatment of atopic dermatitis. Tacrolimus ointment is effective and well tolerated for the treatment of patients with vitiligo in Taiwan. It will be another drug of choice for persons with vitiligo who are unable to receive regular phototherapy and fear the side‐effects of topical steroid in long‐term use.
Selective induction of apoptosis in the hamster flank sebaceous gland organ by a topical liposome 5‐α‐reductase inhibitor: A treatment strategy for acne
Authors: LI Lingna , TANG Li , BARANOV Eugene , YANG Meng , AMOH Yasuyuki , KATSUOKA Kensei , HOFFMAN Robert M.
Published: February 2010

Acne is a very widespread cosmesis problem. Isotretinoin, a synthetic oral retinoid is used to treat acne, which is androgen dependent. Numerous side‐effects occur from this treatment. 5‐α‐Reductase plays a critical role in normal and pathological androgen‐dependent processes. We have taken the approach to develop a selective, effective, topically‐applied 5‐α‐reductase inhibitor to modify unwanted or pathological processes in the pilosebaceous unit such as acne. Toward this goal, we have previously developed a selective liposome hair follicle targeting system. We demonstrate in this report that the 5‐α‐reductase inhibitor N,N‐diethyl‐4‐methyl‐3‐oxo‐4‐aza‐5α‐androstane‐17β‐carboxamide (4‐MA) incorporated into liposomes induces apoptosis and inhibits growth of the dihydrotestosterone (DHT)‐dependent hamster flank organ sebaceous gland. We have compared topical application of liposome 4‐MA and solvent‐formulated 4‐MA and observed selective efficacy of topical application of liposome 4‐MA by the reduction of size and induction of apoptosis only in the treated hamster flank organ. Apoptosis induced by liposome 4‐MA in the treated flank organ sebaceous gland cells was observed both by assays for DNA fragments (transferase deoxytidyl uridine end labeling) and by observation of condensed and fragmented nuclei. When 4‐MA was topically applied formulated in ethanol and glycerol without liposomes, the selective efficacy was lost. Liposome 4‐MA did not significantly affect prostate weight, testosterone/DHT ratios or bodyweight gain compared to controls indicating safety as well as efficacy of topical application of liposome 4‐MA for pathological processes such as acne.
Malignant melanoma with preserved hairs: A snap shot could suggest the development from an acquired melanocytic nevus
Authors: KIYOHARA Takahiro , KOURABA Sachio , TAKAHASHI Hidenori , KAWASAKI Takeo , TAKEUCHI Akiteru , KUMAKIRI Masanobu
Published: February 2010

A 63‐year‐old man presented with a dome‐shaped, black nodule on his right forehead, where hairs were preserved. The black surface tone measured 7 mm in diameter and spread irregularly from the periphery of the nodule. He had been conscious of the preceding, black macule for approximately 50 years. A snap shot of the patient in adolescence showed a tiny, black macule, which was a few millimeters in diameter. Histological examination demonstrated irregular proliferation of melanoma cells from the epidermis to the dermis. Partially, there were well‐circumscribed, oval nests composed of nevus cells in the acanthotic epidermis and follicles. Nevus cells were also seen in the dermal component, presenting a burnt‐out appearance. In this case, the small final size, the preserved hairs and the snap shot suggested a preceding, acquired melanocytic nevus. Malignant melanoma could arise from acquired melanocytic nevus.
Secondary cutaneous candidiasis with eosinophilia
Authors: TSUNEMI Yuichiro , KADONO Takafumi , SAEKI Hidehisa , KIKUCHI Kanako , TAMAKI Kunihiko , SATO Shinichi
Published: February 2010

Cutaneous candidiasis is a common skin infection caused by the Candida species, especially in intertriginous areas, and neutrophils usually infiltrate histopathologically. We describe a case of secondary cutaneous candidiasis which spread extensively to the trunk and extremities and showed marked dermal eosinophilia. This case and a similar reported case suggest that Candida can sometimes cause cutaneous inflammation predominantly composed of eosinophils.
Land snail species richness and diversity in Idanre hills, Ondo State, Nigeria
Authors: Christopher Oke Omamoke , Joseph Chokor Utienyi
Published: February 2010

The land snail community of Idanre hills was studied using a combination of direct search and leaf litter‐sieving techniques. In total, 36 species and 2192 individuals in nine molluscan families were collected from 19 plots of 400 m2 each. Species richness varied from 8 to 23 and the number of individuals from 21 to 566 per plot. Species richness was dominated by the carnivorous Streptaxidae, while numerical abundance was dominated by the Subulinidae, Streptaxidae and Urocyclidae, contributing to more than 95% of the total number of individuals. The single most abundant species was the urocyclid Trochozonites talcosus, contributing to almost 20% of the total number of individuals. The species richness and high abundance of land snails make Idanre hills a unique site for molluscan conservation in Nigeria.
Size–abundance relationships in Florida ant communities reveal how ants break the energetic equivalence rule
Authors: KING JOSHUA R.
Published: February 2010

1. Ants are among the most abundant terrestrial organisms, yet little is known of how ant communities divide resources because it is difficult to measure the number of individuals in colonies and the density of colonies.

2. The body size–abundance relationships of the ants of five upland ecosystems in Florida were examined. The study tested whether abundance, energy use, and total biomass were distributed among species and body sizes as predicted by Damuth's energetic equivalence rule. Estimates of average worker body size, colony size, colony mass, and field metabolic rates were used to examine the relationships among body sizes, energy use, and total biomass.

3. Analyses revealed significant variation in energy use and did not support the energetic equivalence hypothesis. Specifically, the energy use and total standing biomass of species with large workers and colonies was much greater than smaller species.

4. These results suggest that larger species with larger colonies account for a disproportionate fraction of the total abundance and biomass of ants. A general model of resource allocation in colonies provides a possible explanation for why ants do not conform to the predictions of the energetic equivalence rule and for why ants are so abundant.
Determination of shale stiffness tensor from standard logs
Authors: Chesnokov Evgeni , Bayuk Irina O. , Ammerman Mike
Published: February 2010

A technique allowing inversion of the shale stiffness tensor from standard logging data: sonic velocities, density, porosity and clay content is developed. The inversion is based on the effective medium theory. The testing of the technique on laboratory measurements of the elastic wave velocities in shale samples shows that the inversion makes it possible to predict the elastic wave velocitiesVP,VS1andVS2in any direction within an error of a few per cent.

The technique has been applied for the stiffness tensor inversion along a well penetrating a shale formation of the Mississippian age altered by thin layers of limestone. It is demonstrated that the symmetry of a stiffness tensor inverted at the sonic frequency (2 kHz) is slightly orthorhombic and taking into account the experimental errors, can be related to the vertical transverse isotropy symmetry. For the productive interval of the shale formation, the Thomsen parameters ɛ, γ, and δ average, respectively, 0.32, 0.25 and 0.21, which indicate anelliptic behaviour of the velocities in this shale. The coefficients of anisotropy of this shale interval are around 24% and 20% for the compressional and shear waves, respectively. The values of the inverted velocities in the bedding plane for this interval are in good agreement with the laboratory measurements. The technique also allows inversion of the water saturation of the formation (Sw) and the inverted values are in agreement with theSwvalues available for this formation.

A Backus‐like upscaling of the inverted stiffness tensors is carried out for the lower and upper bounds of the frequency band used in the crosswell tomography (100 Hz and 500 Hz). These results can serve as an initial velocity model for the microearthquake location during hydrofracking of the shale formation.
Drivers of diversity in Macaronesian spiders and the role of species extinctions
Authors: Cardoso Pedro , Arnedo Miquel A. , Triantis Kostas A. , Borges Paulo A. V.
Published: February 2010

Aim  To identify the biogeographical factors underlying spider species richness in the Macaronesian region and assess the importance of species extinctions in shaping the current diversity.

Location  The European archipelagos of Macaronesia with an emphasis on the Azores and Canary Islands.

Methods  Seven variables were tested as predictors of single‐island endemics (SIE), archipelago endemics and indigenous spider species richness in the Azores, Canary Islands and Macaronesia as a whole: island area; geological age; maximum elevation; distance from mainland; distance from the closest island; distance from an older island; and natural forest area remaining per island – a measure of deforestation (the latter only in the Azores). Different mathematical formulations of the general dynamic model of oceanic island biogeography (GDM) were also tested.

Results  Island area and the proportion of remaining natural forest were the best predictors of species richness in the Azores. In the Canary Islands, area alone did not explain the richness of spiders. However, a hump‐shaped relationship between richness and time was apparent in these islands. The island richness in Macaronesia was correlated with island area, geological age, maximum elevation and distance to mainland.

Main conclusions  In Macaronesia as a whole, area, island age, the large distance that separates the Azores from the mainland, and the recent disappearance of native habitats with subsequent unrecorded extinctions seem to be the most probable explanations for the current observed richness. In the Canary Islands, the GDM model is strongly supported by many genera that radiated early, reached a peak at intermediate island ages, and have gone extinct on older, eroded islands. In the Azores, the unrecorded extinctions of many species in the oldest, most disturbed islands seem to be one of the main drivers of the current richness patterns. Spiders, the most important terrestrial predators on these islands, may be acting as early indicators for the future disappearance of other insular taxa.
Outcrossing rate in sweet passion fruit based on molecular markers
Authors: Ferreira T. G. T. , Penha H. A. , Zucchi M. I. , Santos A. A. , Hanai L. R. , Junqueira N. , Braga M. F. , Vencovsky R. , Vieira M. L. C.
Published: February 2010

With 3 tables

Yellow and sweet passion fruit are insect‐pollinated species native to the tropics. Fruits are used commercially for human consumption worldwide. The yellow passion fruit is an outcrossing species with self‐incompatible flowers. However, the reproductive system of the sweet passion fruit (Passiflora alata) has not been well elucidated. The objective of this work was to characterize aspects of the mating system in the sweet passion fruit using random amplified polymorphic DNA (RAPD) and microsatellite markers, particularly the rate of outcrossing in P. alata progenies. A multilocus outcrossing rate of tm = 0.994 was determined from RAPD and tm = 0.940 from microsatellites, supporting P. alata as an outcrossing species. The fixation indices of the maternal generation (Fm) were −0.200 and 0.071 with RAPD and microsatellite loci, respectively, indicating the absence of inbreeding in the maternal generation. The paternity correlation (rp) varied from −0.008 with RAPD markers to 0.208 with microsatellite markers, suggesting a low probability of finding full sibs within the progenies. The results demonstrated that all progenies assessed in this study were derived from outcrossing.
Interferon‐α suppressed granulocyte colony stimulating factor production is reversed by CL097, a TLR7/8 agonist
Authors: Tajuddin Tariq , Ryan Elizabeth J , Norris Suzanne , Hegarty John E , O'Farrelly Cliona
Published: February 2010

Background and Aim: Neutropenia, a major side‐effect of interferon‐α (IFN‐α) therapy can be effectively treated by the recombinant form of granulocyte colony stimulating factor (G‐CSF), an important growth factor for neutrophils. We hypothesized that IFN‐α might suppress G‐CSF production by peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs), contributing to the development of neutropenia, and that a toll‐like receptor (TLR) agonist might overcome this suppression.

Methods: Fifty‐five patients who were receiving IFN‐α/ribavirin combination therapy for chronic hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection were recruited. Absolute neutrophil counts (ANC), monocyte counts and treatment outcome data were recorded. G‐CSF levels in the supernatants of PBMCs isolated from the patients and healthy controls were assessed by enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay following 18 h of culture in the absence or presence of IFN‐ α or the TLR7/8 agonist, CL097.

Results: Therapeutic IFN‐α caused a significant reduction in neutrophil counts in all patients, with 15 patients requiring therapeutic G‐CSF. The reduction in ANC over the course of IFN‐α treatment was paralleled by a decrease in the ability of PBMCs to produce G‐CSF.In vitroG‐CSF production by PBMCs was suppressed in the presence of IFN‐α; however, co‐incubation with a TLR7/8 agonist significantly enhanced G‐CSF secretion by cells obtained both from HCV patients and healthy controls.

Conclusions: Suppressed G‐CSF production in the presence of IFN‐α may contribute to IFN‐α‐induced neutropenia. However, a TLR7/8 agonist elicits G‐CSF secretion even in the presence of IFN‐α, suggesting a possible therapeutic role for TLR agonists in treatment of IFN‐α‐induced neutropenia.
Divergent effects of irritants on the gastric mucosa in rats during various stages after bile duct ligation
Authors: Ackerman Zvi , Karmeli Fanny , Pappo Orit
Published: February 2010

Background and Aim: Controversy exists as to whether rats after bile duct ligation (BDL) are more susceptible to gastric mucosal damage (GMD) induced by irritants. In the present study we characterize GMD after intragastric instillation of either ethanol or hydrochloric acid (HCL), 3 and 21 days after the surgical procedure.

Methods: Bile duct ligation and sham operated (SO) rats were studied.

Results: Three days after surgery, BDL rats exhibited a reduction in gastric mucosal nitric oxide synthase (NOS) activity but an increase in ethanol‐induced GMD. Twenty‐one days after surgery gastric mucosal prostaglandin (PG) E2generation in BDL rats was increased while NOS activity in both groups was similar. Ethanol‐induced GMD in SO rats was higher. Pretreatment with NG‐nitro‐L‐arginine methyl ester, prior to ethanol administration was associated with an increase in gastric mucosal PGE2generation: (147% in SO and 104% in BDL rats) and in GMD (176% in SO and 303% in BDL rats).

HCL induced GMD was of similar magnitude in both groups in both time periods.

Conclusions: The gastric resistance to damage by irritants in rats with BDL is not a static phenomenon. This may result from sequential changes that occur in the gastric mucosal defense mechanisms during the evolution of liver disease.
Optimal treatment increased survival of hepatocellular carcinoma patients detected with community‐based screening
Authors: Tseng Po‐Lin , Wang Jing‐Houng , Tung Hung‐Da , Hung Chao‐Hung , Kee Kwong‐Ming , Chen Chien‐Hung , Chang Kuo‐Chin , Lee Chuan‐Mo , Changchien Chi‐Sin , Chen Pao‐Fei , Tsai Lin‐San , Lu Sheng‐Nan
Published: February 2010

Background and Aim:  The early detection of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) and opportunity to select appropriate treatment are important benefits of HCC screening. Our aim in the present study was to investigate the survival rate, prognostic factors and treatment effects in HCC patients of community‐based screening.

Methods:  Community‐based ultrasound (US) screening for HCC in adults with platelet counts (< 150 × 103/mm3) and/or alpha fetoprotein (AFP) > 20 ng/mL was conducted in 2002 and 2004. As per the Barcelona Clinic Liver Cancer (BCLC) stage, 90 cases of intermediate or earlier stage HCC were detected and 88 cases had sufficient information for analysis (49 men and 39 women, aged 65.8 ± 9.6 years). The tumor diameter was mostly less than 5 cm (76.1%). The follow up was continued until June 2008.

Results:  The 4‐year overall survival rate was 46.8%. Old age (≥ 70 years) (P = 0.046), later stage of HCC (intermediate vs earlier) (P = 0.012), low platelet count (< 100 × 103/mm3) (P = 0.013) and refusal of modern treatment (P = 0.026) were independent poor prognostic factors. Curative treatment increased survival in patients of all ages. Both curative treatment and transcatheter arterial embolization (TAE) increased survival in cases of intermediate HCC. However, treatment benefits were not found for patients with (very) early stage HCC.

Conclusions:  Early detection and prompt treatment of HCC leads to increased survival. For elderly patients this benefit was seen only for early stage cases receiving curative treatment. Differences between treatment types for patients with (very) early stage HCC might emerge with a longer follow‐up period.
Anti‐cancer activity of anti‐p185HER‐2 ricin A chain immunotoxin on gastric cancer cells
Authors: Zhou Xin‐Xin , Ji Feng , Zhao Jing‐Li , Cheng Lin‐Fang , Xu Cheng‐Fu
Published: February 2010

Background and Aim:  Overexpression of the human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER‐2) protein has been detected in gastric cancer and has been associated with an unfavorable prognosis. We investigated the anti‐cancer effects of anti‐p185HER‐2 ricin A chain (RTA) immunotoxin, alone or in combination with 5‐flurouracil on SGC7901‐HER‐2+ cells.

Methods:  SGC7901‐HER‐2+ cells were obtained by transfecting SGC7901 cells with HER‐2‐pcDNA3.1. Anti‐p185HER‐2‐RTA was prepared by chemical conjugation of anti‐HER‐2 monoclonal antibody (mAb) and RTA. The SGC7901‐HER‐2+ cells were incubated with RTA, anti‐p185HER‐2‐RTA, and/or 5‐flurouracil. The effects of drugs on cells were evaluated by MTT assay and Annexin V‐fluorescein isothiocyanate and propidium iodide double staining flow cytometry. The expression of caspase‐3, caspase‐9, cyclooxygenase‐2, and nuclear factor‐κB/p65 were assayed by western blot. SGC7901‐HER‐2+ cells were transplanted into BALB/c nude mice to produce solid tumors in an attempt to study the immunotoxin activity in vivo.

Results:  In vitro, anti‐p185HER‐2‐RTA inhibited cell growth and induced apoptosis in SGC7901‐HER‐2+ cells. Anti‐p185HER‐2‐RTA enhanced caspase‐3 and caspase‐9 activity, while downregulating the expression of cyclooxygenase‐2 and nuclear factor‐κB/p65. Its combination with 5‐flurouracil further inhibited the growth of SGC7901‐HER‐2+ cells. In vivo, our data showed that anti‐p185HER‐2‐RTA significantly inhibited the growth of SGC7901‐HER‐2+ cells‐transplanted tumors.

Conclusions:  Anti‐p185HER‐2‐RTA inhibits the growth of SGC7901‐HER‐2+ cells. The effect may be related to the activation of caspase‐3 and caspase‐9 and inhibition of cyclooxygenase‐2 and nuclear factor‐κB/p65. Anti‐p185HER‐2‐RTA plus 5‐FU enhance anti‐cancer activity, suggesting useful clues for further study for the treatment of HER‐2 positive gastric cancers.
Gastric reddish streaks in the intact stomach: Endoscopic feature of reactive gastropathy
Authors: Chen Tseng‐Shing , Li Anna Fen‐Yau , Chang Full‐Young
Published: February 2010

The pathogenesis of reddish streaks in the intact stomach is unclear. Sixty‐three functional dyspeptic patients with gastric reddish streaks were recruited for the study. Fifty‐five patients (group I) had only reddish streaks while nine patients (group II) had additional lesions such as reddish patches or spots randomly scattered throughout the stomach. Updated Sydney system and parameters of reactive gastropathy were used to score the biopsy specimens from reddish streaks separately. Helicobacter pylori infection rate was found to be markedly lower in group I than group II patients (13% vs 89%, P < 0.001). H. pylori‐infected patients had higher scores for acute and chronic inflammation (P < 0.001) and foveolar hyperplasia (P < 0.005) than non‐infected patients, while other parameters for gastritis and gastropathy were similar between infected and non‐infected patients. In H. pylori‐non‐infected patients all biopsy specimens had at least one histological feature of reactive gastropathy. Bile reflux was observed in 54% of patients (34/63). Only 7.9% used non‐steroidal anti‐inflammatory drugs and 4.9% drank alcohol. The present data indicate that the fundamental histological features of gastric reddish streaks are reactive gastropathy with low H. pylori infection, and are probably enterogastric reflux related in etiology. Coincidental H. pylori infection increased acute and chronic inflammatory cell infiltration, and enhanced the grade of foveolar hyperplasia.
Insulin detemir is a fully efficacious, low affinity agonist at the insulin receptor
Authors: Sørensen A. R. , Stidsen C. E. , Ribel U. , Nishimura E. , Sturis J. , Jonassen I. , Bouman S. D. , Kurtzhals P. , Brand C. L.
Published: February 2010

Aim: To compare the properties of insulin detemir with human insulin or insulin aspart in various in vitro and in vivo experiments, thereby highlighting the importance of performing dose–response studies when investigating insulin analogues, in this study specifically insulin detemir.

Methods: Displacement of membrane‐associated insulin receptors from human and rat hepatocytes, and from Chinese Hamster Ovary cells over‐expressing human insulin receptor (CHO‐hIR) at varying albumin concentrations is measured. Lipogenesis in primary rat adipocytes over time and the effects in the simultaneous presence of insulin detemir and human insulin or insulin aspart are assessed. The hyperinsulinaemic euglycaemic clamp technique in rats is used to establish dose–response curves for multiple metabolic endpoints and to investigate the effects of the simultaneous presence of insulin detemir and human insulin.

Results: Both in vitro and in vivo, insulin detemir shows full efficacy and right‐shifted parallel dose–response curves compared with human insulin. The potency estimates are different between the in vivo and in vitro conditions and among different in vitro conditions, that is the potency decreases in vitro with increasing albumin concentration. The effects of insulin detemir and human insulin are additive both in vitro and in vivo.

Conclusions: Insulin detemir is fully efficacious compared with human insulin on all metabolic endpoints measured in vitro and in vivo. The fact that the potency estimates are method‐dependent emphasizes the importance of establishing full dose–response relationships when characterizing insulin detemir.
The cost‐effectiveness of solifenacin vs fesoterodine, oxybutynin immediate‐release, propiverine, tolterodine extended‐release and tolterodine immediate‐release in the treatment of patients with overactive bladder in the UK National Health Service
Authors: Cardozo Linda , Thorpe Andrew , Warner Juliet , Sidhu Manpreet
Published: February 2010

OBJECTIVE

Please also see BJUI letters on page 586

To assess the cost‐effectiveness of solifenacin vs other antimuscarinic strategies commonly used in UK clinical practice, based on the results of a recent published review.

METHODS

Overactive bladder (OAB) syndrome is characterized by symptoms of urgency, frequency, incontinence and nocturia. Pharmacological treatment comprises oral antimuscarinic agents, which are divided into older‐generation treatments, including oxybutynin, and new‐generation treatments, comprising solifenacin, tolterodine, darifenacin and fesoterodine. The latter have reduced central nervous system penetration and have better selectivity for the M3 subclass of acetylcholine receptors, resulting in improved tolerability. A recent systematic review and meta‐analysis of the efficacy and safety of antimuscarinics provided an opportunity for an economic evaluation of these agents using a rigorous assessment of efficacy. A cost‐utility analysis was undertaken using a 1‐year decision‐tree model. Treatment success was defined separately for urgency, frequency and incontinence, with efficacy data taken from the recent review. Treatment persistence rates were taken from the Information Management System database. Utility values for the calculation of quality‐adjusted life‐years (QALYs) were taken from published sources. The analysis included costs directly associated with treatment for OAB, i.e. antimuscarinic therapy, consultations with general practitioners, and outpatient contacts. Resource use was based on expert opinion. Costs were reported at 2007/2008 prices. Extensive deterministic and probabilistic analyses were conducted to test the robustness of the base‐case results.

RESULTS

Solifenacin was associated with the highest QALY gains (per 1000 patients) for all three outcomes of interest, i.e. urgency (712.3), frequency (723.1) and incontinence (695.0). Solifenacin was dominant relative to fesoterodine, tolterodine extended‐release (ER) and tolterodine immediate‐release (IR), and cost‐effective relative to propiverine ER for urgency, frequency and incontinence. Solifenacin was not found to be cost‐effective relative to oxybutynin IR for the frequency and incontinence outcomes, with an incremental cost‐effectiveness ratio of >£30 000/QALY threshold.

CONCLUSIONS

Solifenacin provided the greatest clinical benefit and associated QALYs for all three outcomes of interest across all therapies considered, and to be either dominant or cost‐effective relative to all other new‐generation agents, but not cost‐effective relative to oxybutynin for frequency and incontinence.
Extended vs standard pelvic lymphadenectomy during laparoscopic radical prostatectomy for intermediate‐ and high‐risk prostate cancer
Authors: Eden Christopher G. , Arora Avanish , Rouse Paul
Published: February 2010

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

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the effect of extended vs standard pelvic lymphadenectomy (sPLND) for patients with intermediate‐ and high‐risk prostate cancer undergoing laparoscopic radical prostatectomy (LRP).

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Of a total of 1269 patients who underwent LRP during a 109 month period, 374 (30%) had a PLND; 253 men had a sPLND (2000 to March 2008) and 121 had an extended PLND (ePLND; after April 2008) for intermediate‐ or high‐risk prostate cancer. An extraperitoneal approach was used in all patients having sPLND and a transperitoneal approach in patients having ePLND.

RESULTS

Patient age, body mass index, gland weight, prostate‐specific antigen level and Gleason grade were similar in the two groups. The ePLND group had a greater proportion of patients with cT3 disease (9.9% vs 4.2%, P = 0.046) and was associated with a longer operating time of 206.5 vs 180.0 min (P < 0.001) and a higher node count of 17.5 vs 6.1 (P = 0.002). Blood loss, hospital stay, transfusion and complication rates were similar in the two groups. Lymph node positivity was significantly greater (P = 0.018) in patients with pathological Gleason grade 7 tumours who had ePLND (9.6% vs 1.0%) but was similar for other grades of tumour.

CONCLUSION

Based on these findings, and the results of other studies which show a reduction of prostate cancer‐specific mortality of 23% if lymph nodes are positive and 15% if they are negative after ePLND, and the correlation between surgical experience, lymph node yield and positivity, we recommend that all patients undergo ePLND if they are being treated with curative intent for intermediate‐ and high‐risk prostate cancer; ePLND should replace sPLND and surgeons performing <35 cases of RP a year should stop performing RP.
Long‐term outcome of tension‐free vaginal tape for treating stress incontinence in women with neuropathic bladders
Authors: Abdul‐Rahman Ahmad , Attar Kaka H. , Hamid Rizwan , Shah P. Julian R.
Published: February 2010

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

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the long‐term safety and efficacy of the tension‐free vaginal tape (TVT) for the treatment of stress urinary incontinence (SUI) in women with neuropathic bladder dysfunction.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Twelve women (mean age 53.3 years, range 41–80) with neuropathic bladder dysfunction and SUI confirmed by video‐cystometrography (VCMG) were treated with a TVT in one institution by an expert neuro‐urologist between November 1997 and December 2000. The patient’s notes, clinical annual follow‐up and VCMG after the procedure, and the incontinence impact questionnaire (IIQ) forms (Urinary Distress Inventory, and IIQ‐7) were assessed during the long‐term clinical follow‐up for SUI, in addition to a health‐related quality of life assessment. The cure of SUI was defined as no loss of urine on physical exercise, confirmed VCMG after the procedure, and by clinical assessment.

RESULTS

The mean (range) follow‐up was 10 (8.5–12) years. Nine patients were using clean intermittent self‐catheterization before the insertion of TVT and continued to do so afterward. At 10 years of follow‐up, one patient had died (with failed TVT initially), and two were lost to follow‐up at 5 years after surgery, but up to 5 years they did not complain of UI and VCMG did not show SUI. The remaining seven of the nine patients were completely dry, and two improved and were satisfied with using one or two pads/day. Two patients showed neurogenic detrusor overactivity confirmed on VCMG, with no evidence of SUI. One patient needed a transient urethral catheter for urinary retention after surgery, one had a bladder injury that required leaving the catheter for 5 days, but no urethral erosions were reported during the follow‐up.

CONCLUSIONS

In women with neuropathic bladder dysfunction secondary to a variety of spinal cord pathologies, and who have SUI necessitating a definitive intervention, insertion of TVT should be considered a desirable treatment, with very good long‐term outcomes.
Does informed trading occur in the options market? Some revealing clues
Authors: Blasco Natividad , Corredor Pilar , Santamaría Rafael
Published: February 2010

This paper analyses the relationship between proxy variables for informed trading in the options market and a set of exogenous news variables. The aim was to test directly for the presence or absence of informed trading in the options market and for the possible impact of this trading on underlying asset prices. Our findings reveal that potential informed trading in options markets is channelled basically through out‐of‐the‐money options, except for volatility trading which mainly involves at‐the‐money options because of their liquidity. In both cases, we have found evidence in favour of investors’ strategic fragmentation of transactions into intermediate size trades (stealth trading). Finally, it is shown that lack of consensus among agents also generates increased trading, particularly in out‐of‐the‐money and at‐the‐money options.
Strategic timing of earnings announcements?
Authors: Truong Cameron
Published: February 2010

Using firm‐specific regressions, I show that earnings response coefficient differ across firms. However, there is no evidence of differential earnings response coefficient to a certain earnings announcement time. By switching to a different announcement time from its preferred time, a firm does not gain a softer market reaction. I compare research results from a firm‐specific method and from a pooled time‐series and cross‐sectional method and demonstrate that they differ significantly due to large heterogeneity across firms. I suggest that researchers should adopt a firm‐specific approach to avoid misleading results and to achieve improved estimations.
Role of corporate governance in mitigating the selective disclosure of executive stock option information
Authors: Nelson Jodie , Gallery Gerry , Percy Majella
Published: February 2010

We examine the nature and extent of statutory executive stock option disclosures by Australian listed companies over the 2001–2004 period, and the influence of corporate governance mechanisms on these disclosures. Our results show a progressive increase in overall compliance from 2001 to 2004. However, despite the improved compliance, the results reveal managements’ continued reluctance to disclose more sensitive executive stock option information. Factors associated with good internal governance, including board independence, audit committee independence and effectiveness, and compensation committee independence and effectiveness are found to contribute to improved compliance. Similarly, certain external governance factors are associated with improved disclosure, including external auditor quality, shareholder activism (as proxied by companies identified as poor performers by the Australian Shareholders’ Association) and regulatory intervention.
ORGANIZATIONAL CHANGE, SKILL FORMATION, HUMAN CAPITAL MEASUREMENT: EVIDENCE FROM ITALIAN MANUFACTURING FIRMS
Authors: Antonelli Gilberto , Antonietti Roberto , Guidetti Giovanni
Published: February 2010

Abstract This paper emphasizes the role of labour demand as a determinant of human capital formation. After a section in which the alternative conceptions on the functioning of labour markets are presented and different ways of measuring human capital are compared, an applied analysis is carried out in which we provide a labour‐demand‐oriented measure of human capital, as defined by the amount of specific skills firms generate through work‐based training (WBT) activities. By merging three rich firm‐level datasets, we estimate the impact of a set of variables supposed to affect both the propensity to invest in WBT and the intensity of training within the Italian manufacturing industry over the period 2001–2005. Special attention is devoted to the variables characterizing within‐firm organization of knowledge, organizational change and the formation of competence pipelines: among them, innovation, internationalization commitment, out‐sourcing and new hirings. The estimates show that the effect of innovation on WBT is higher when the introduction of new technologies is supported by organizational innovations. When looking at the nature of WBT, we investigate the different determinants of the firms' propensity to provide both in‐house and outside training. We measure training intensity in terms, respectively, of the number of provided training activities, private and total training costs and share of trainees.
RESPECT FOR AUTONOMY, ADVANCE DIRECTIVES, AND MINIMALLY CONSCIOUS STATE
Authors: VARELIUS JUKKA
Published: February 2010

In this article, I consider whether the advance directive of a person in minimally conscious state ought to be adhered to when its prescriptions conflict with her current wishes. I argue that an advance directive can have moral significance after its issuer has succumbed to minimally conscious state. I also defend the view that the patient can still have a significant degree of autonomy. Consequently, I conclude that her advance directive ought not to be applied. Then I briefly assess whether considerations pertaining to respecting the patient's autonomy could still require obedience to the desire expressed in her advance directive and arrive at a negative answer.
The impact of wireless keypads in an interprofessional education context with health science students
Authors: Williams Brett , Lewis Belinda , Boyle Malcolm , Brown Ted
Published: February 2010

The aim of this study was to identify if wireless keypads could facilitate interprofessional interaction among undergraduate paramedic, nursing, occupational therapy, physiotherapy, health science, social work and midwifery students. Secondary research aims included the examination of students' perceptions of interprofessional education and how students perceived using wireless keypads in large lecture classes and smaller tutorials. The study used a mixed methodology approach via self‐reporting questionnaires and focus groups that included (n = 210) students in week 1 and (n = 151) students in week 13 of an undergraduate unit. Overall, students were satisfied with the use of wireless keypads in their interprofessional undergraduate unit of study. While modest findings supported the use of wireless keypads in improving student interaction, other findings were statistically significant in understanding the roles of other health professions and why collaboration in health‐care environments was important for professional growth. The following themes emerged from the qualitative data: engagement, satisfaction, use of educational technology, interprofessional education and learning environment. Integration of wireless keypads has assisted undergraduate students to better appreciate and understand other health‐care disciplines within an interprofessional education setting. Students reported that they appreciated the alternative teaching and learning approach that wireless keypads offered, thus improving engagement and interactivity, and providing a broader understanding of other allied health‐care professions.
A mixed‐method approach to sense of coherence, health behaviors, self‐efficacy and optimism: Towards the operationalization of positive health attitudes
Authors: POSADZKI PAUL , STOCKL ANDREA , MUSONDA PATRICK , TSOUROUFLI MARIA
Published: February 2010

Posadzki, P., Stockl, A., Musonda, P. & Tsouroufli, M. (2010). A mixed‐method approach to sense of coherence, health behaviors, self‐efficacy and optimism: Towards the operationalization of positive health attitudes. Scandinavian Journal of Psychology, 51, 246–252.

This study discusses the results of a cross‐sectional survey of healthy college students in Poland. More specifically, it describes, explores, and explains the relationships between psychological variables/models such as health behaviors (HB), sense of coherence (SOC), level of optimism (LOO), and self‐efficacy (SE) among college students. These separate constructs have also been used to operationalize a positive health attitude (PHA) as a novel construct. The social survey was carried out at three higher education institutions in Poland in January 2006. The random sample of 455 undergraduate students was taken from five different faculties: Physiotherapy, Physical Education, Tourism and Recreation, English Philology and Polish Philology. Four reliable and validated research tools were used to collect the data: Juczynsky’s Health Behaviour Inventory (HBI); Antonovsky’s Sense of Coherence Questionnaire (SOC‐29); Schwarzer & Jerusalem’s Generalized Self‐Efficacy Scale (GSES); and Seligman’s Scale (SS). The results indicate statistically significant differences (p < 0.001) between these four variables: for example, the healthier health behaviors the stronger the sense of coherence, level of optimism and self‐efficacy. It was also demonstrated that LOO, SOC, SE, and HB correlate with one another. Finally, these variables create an explicit empirical‐theoretical pattern. All the research results from REGWQ tests, Pearson’s correlation coefficient and cluster analysis suggest the existence of conceptual similarities between these four variables and/or the existence of some broader scientific construct such as PHA. However, this needs to be examined further. These results could be a good indicator for future research among different faculties or age groups.
The acoustic characteristics of diphthongs in Indian English
Authors: MAXWELL OLGA , FLETCHER JANET
Published: February 2010

ABSTRACT:  This paper presents the results of an acoustic analysis of English diphthongs produced by three L1 speakers of Hindi and four L1 speakers of Punjabi. Formant trajectories of rising and falling diphthongs (i.e., vowels where there is a clear rising or falling trajectory through the F1/F2 vowel space) were analysed in a corpus of citation‐form words. In line with previous research, the diphthong inventory included six different diphthongs and a long monophthongal vowel [o?] in place of /??/ in GOAT; however, none of the speakers produced a full set of diphthong vowels. In addition, the /e?/ diphthong, as in FACE, and the /??/ diphthong, as in TOUR, had both monophthongal and diphthongal realizations depending on the speaker. Overall, there was a great deal of variation in diphthong realization across the corpus but L1 appeared to be a relevant factor. Punjabi speakers showed a wider range of phonetic realizations for some of the vowels, and were more likely to produce long monophthongs rather than diphthongs. The results also highlight differences in the phonetic characteristics of several diphthongs between the speakers of two language backgrounds. The results of this study therefore contribute to the debate on the phonemic representation of IE vowels by taking into account different L1 influence (i.e., Hindi or Punjabi).
The particle ya in Colloquial Singapore English
Authors: WEE LIONEL
Published: February 2010

ABSTRACT:  It has been recently argued that the particles in Colloquial Singapore English (CSE) constitute a grammatical category that actively draws new members to it. Drawing on distributional and collocational evidence, this paper establishes that CSE has a new particle, ya. The paper then proceeds to analyse the discourse pragmatic function of the particle. It shows that a speaker uses the particle ya to (weakly) boost the illocutionary force of a statement, and to also signal that this is a statement that the speaker considers to be uncontroversial in nature. The paper then closes by discussing some observations – from the perspective of grammaticalization and sociolinguistic studies – that are consistent with the relative newness of this particle. Regarding grammaticalization, the paper shows that the particle ya is actually more grammaticalized than affirmative yes/ya. It is by comparison more expressive of the speaker's belief‐state or attitude. Regarding sociolinguistics, the paper observes that users of the particle ya seem to be mainly females who are in their late thirties or younger.
Word stress in Cameroon and Nigerian Englishes
Authors: BOBDA AUGUSTIN SIMO
Published: February 2010

ABSTRACT:  The purpose of this paper is to study the strategies used by Cameroonians and Nigerians to cope with the notorious complexity of English word stress. Stress placement is similar among these two groups, but differs significantly from what obtains in traditional native English speech, received pronunciation (RP), for example. Some of the stress placement strategies used by Cameroonians and Nigerians, for some words, are the same as those used by RP speakers, while others are parallel and/or completely innovative. In fact, the strategies can be seen as the speakers’ behaviour with regard to a number of internalized rules or constraints. The constraints identified include the backward stress (BWS) and antepenultimate stress (APS) constraints, the reverse forward stress constraint (FWS) more characteristic of CamE/NigE, noun‐verb alternation (NVA), final obstruent verbal stress (FOVS), affix stress property (ASP), and many more. For example, in CamE/NigE, the observance of BWS and APS accounts for the stress pattern of ?assassin, ?lieutenant, ?opponent, ?umbrella; the observance of FWS accounts for car?ton, mat?tress, sa?lad, pet?ty; NVA accounts for ?applause, ?extent, ?success; FOVS accounts for embar?rass, inter?pret, (verb) kid?nap; the observance of ASP (which RP violates in this particular case) accounts for spi?ritual. In fact, the paper shows that, in a large number of words, (CamE/NigE) stress placement results from competition between several constraints, in which the winning constraint is often different from what obtains in RP. The approach used in the analyses is eclectic, but draws substantially on generative phonology and somewhat on optimality theory.
Naming and defining in world Englishes
Authors: SEARGEANT PHILIP
Published: February 2010

ABSTRACT:  This paper offers a taxonomy of the names used within world Englishes studies to refer to the object of investigation at the heart of the discipline. With the emergence of English as a global language, and with the concomitant increase in scholarship that critically studies this emergence, there has been a proliferation of names used to refer to the language, each of which represents a distinct theoretical stance towards the contemporary study of English. This paper analyses the categories used to subdivide the field, considers the functions performed by the distinctions made within this taxonomy, and examines the theoretical motivation behind these acts of naming. In analysing the structure of this taxonomy, the paper considers what this multiplicity of acts of naming suggests both about the current state of the discipline of world Englishes studies, as well as the nature of the entity that it takes as its object of study.
English in Cambodia: changes and challenges
Authors: MOORE STEPHEN H , BOUNCHAN SUKSIRI
Published: February 2010

ABSTRACT:  This paper reports research undertaken at a prestigious university in Phnom Penh in late 2007. The views of lecturers who teach the BEd (TEFL) degree and their students were canvassed in relation to the status of English in Cambodia. The students completed a questionnaire probing their views on the notion of a Cambodian English, as well as their preferences for learning different varieties of English. The lecturers discussed similar questions to those of the student questionnaires, but with more probing of actual changes in English usage in Cambodia since the country opened up to the outside world in the early 1990s. The analysis suggests some evolution of the status of English from English as a foreign language (EFL) towards English as an international language (EIL) and, surprisingly, to English as a second language (ESL). Challenges of this evolution for teachers in Cambodia are also discussed.