bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
DANTES: a demonstration project for sustainable development
Authors: Manuilova Anastassia , Hallberg Klas , Sanne Karin , Widheden Johan , Bogeskär Malin 
Published: July 2006

PurposeTo present the EU project DANTES (Demonstrate and Assess New Tools for Environmental Sustainability), conducted by Akzo Nobel Surface Chemistry AB, ABB, Stora Enso and Chalmers University of Technology. One of the project's goals is to assess and demonstrate tools such as life cycle assessment (LCA), environmental risk assessment (ERA) and life cycle costing (LCC).Design/methodology/approachDifferent strategies for eco‐efficiency evaluation based on existing tools as well as case study results are demonstrated through the project's web site (see www.dantes.info) and through several information campaigns during the project period. The paper presents an overview of environmental assessment tools and strategies for using these tools and methods.FindingsProvides information on the use of sustainability tools and methods, indicating the problems that can be addressed by the application of the tool as well as how and who can use the tool. The results from the project were translated into strategies for eco‐efficiency evaluation based on existing tools.Practical implicationsImplementation of the strategies demonstrated in the project reduces costs by increasing the performance of products, processes and services, as well as the drive and awareness of companies' personnel in environmental issues. It also promotes good practices.Originality/valueThis paper describes the DANTES project, which is aimed at educating industries on how to use sustainability tools to address environmental problems. It offers practical help to different departments within companies.
Eco‐efficiency: inside BASF and beyond
Authors: Wall‐Markowski Charlene A. , Kicherer Andreas , Wittlinger Rolf 
Published: July 2006

PurposeAims to demonstrate how BASF's eco‐efficiency can be used for sustainable decision making at all levels, from industrial to consumer.Design/methodology/approachThree case studies are described as examples of the potential applications of eco‐efficiency both within industry and extensively in the consumer sector.FindingsThe first case study describes its use for dyeing facilities in Morocco, the second demonstrates how the most eco‐efficient product transport modes can be selected, and the third shows how eco‐efficiency can help the consumer decide whether to purchase a new household appliance.Originality/valueEco‐efficiency can support sustainable decision making not only within the company, but also industry‐wide and beyond.
The contribution of life cycle assessment to global sustainability reporting of organizations
Authors: Pflieger Julia , Fischer Matthias , Kupfer Thilo , Eyerer Peter 
Published: July 2006

PurposeAims to investigate the contribution of life cycle assessment to global sustainability reporting of organizations.Design/methodology/approachAssesses the current state of global sustainability reporting and points out future trends of reporting within the three dimensions of economy, environment and society.FindingsThe internal and external communication of the corporate performance is a very important company way to sustainable development. The communication of the corporate performance comprises the strategic and operational goals, the corporate performance data on inventory level, the translation of the inventory data to sustainability core indicators as well as the performance evaluation in terms of sustainability. The future trends on policy level and in customer demands are moving towards a product‐related consideration of sustainability issues, the inclusion of indirect effects over the life cycle in addition to the site‐related effects of companies’ activities, the analysis of results on impact level as well as the automation of data administration.Originality/valueThe methodology of life cycle assessment (LCA) provides the main starting‐point for global sustainability reporting including the emerging future trends in this context. This paper shows that results of impact assessments as central parts of an LCA are a good basis for creating significant indicators for sustainability reports.
An evaluation of current environmental management systems as indicators of environmental performance
Authors: Rowland‐Jones Rhys , Pryde Meinwen , Cresser Malcolm 
Published: July 2006

PurposeThis paper aims to evaluate current environmental management systems as indicators of the environmental performance of an organisation.Design/methodology/approachIt considers, in particular, the development of current environmental management systems BS EN ISO 14001:1996 and the eco‐management and audit scheme (EMAS) 761/2001 EEC.FindingsCurrently, organisations implementing either BS EN ISO 14000:1996 or EMAS do not need to comment on overall environmental performance. Environmental management is viewed as the control of all human activities that have significant impact on the environment. Neither standard comments on the degree of control exercised, the approach taken, or the effectiveness of that control.Originality/valueEnvironmental performance evaluation guidelines are appraised, and quality awards as a conceptual framework for classification of environmental performance are introduced.
A pilot regional scale model of land use impacts on groundwater quality
Authors: Di H.J. , Cameron K.C. , Bidwell V.J. , Morgan M.J. , Hanson C. 
Published: July 2006

PurposeMajor land use changes can have a significant impact on the environment, e.g. increased leaching and run‐off losses of nutrients and water contamination. Nitrate (NO3–) can be easily leached and, when present at high concentrations in drinking water, can be a health hazard. This paper seeks to report an easy‐to‐use computer model designed to provide predictions of possible impacts on groundwater NO3– concentration on a regional scale.Design/methodology/approachThe model takes into account NO3–‐N concentrations from various land use activities, land surface recharge rates (as affected by soil water retention capacity, land management, irrigation and rainfall), and mixing of surface recharge and river recharge. Spatial information on land use and groundwater recharge sources are lumped into groundwater management zones (100‐500 km2), and vertical concentration profiles of NO3– in groundwater are estimated from a one‐dimensional dispersion model. The model is applied to the 2,300 km2 Central Canterbury Plains of New Zealand.FindingsA scenario analysis for the Bankside groundwater management zone showed that the NO3–‐N concentration at the groundwater surface could increase from 7.8 mg N L‐1 to 11.3 mg N L‐1 if all the land used for sheep farming is replaced by dairy farming (increasing dairy land from 21 per cent to 64 per cent of the total land area). However, the impact of such land use changes on the NO3–‐N concentration 50 m below the groundwater surface was relatively small, resulting in an increase of NO3–‐N concentration from 0.4 to 0.5 mg N L‐1. This is because of the significant mixing of surface recharge with river recharge at this depth.Originality/valueThe model can serve as a useful tool for first‐order estimation of possible trends of NO3–‐N concentration profiles in aquifers as a result of land use changes.
Risk management: developing a framework for a water authority
Authors: Dalgleish Fraser , Cooper Barry J. 
Published: July 2006

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to provide an analysis of the key issues to be addressed in implementing a risk management system, based on the experiences of a water authority in Australia.Design/methodology/approachBased on an analysis of the literature and the use of a case study approach, the key issues to be covered in implementing a risk management system in a water authority are discussed.FindingsThrough a case study analysis in the water industry, a number of strategic risks were identified, such as failure to provide a safe, acceptable and reliable water supply, and also a number of lessons were learned about the essential requirements for an integrated approach to managing risks in a water authority.Research limitations/implicationsAs this analysis is based on one case study only, it limits the generalisability of the results. However, valuable insights into risk management issues in the water industry are highlighted.Practical implicationsA very useful resource for risk managers in the water industry to learn from an Australian water authority's experience in developing a risk framework and the lessons that can be learned from an integrated risk management approach.Originality/valueThis paper provides an insight into risk management issues in the water industry and also provides practical help for risk managers who wish to develop and implement an integrated risk management strategy.
Rearranged gene order between pig and human in a quantitative trait loci region on SSC3
Authors: Mousel M. R. , Nonneman D. J. , Rohrer G. A. 
Published: July 2006

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

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

SummaryObjective  PROP1 mutations are the most common cause of genetic combined pituitary hormone deficiency (CPHD). The aim of this study was to investigate the PROP1 gene in two siblings with CPHD.Design  Pituitary function and imaging assessment and molecular analysis of PROP1.Patients  Two siblings, born to consanguineous parents, presented with GH deficiency associated with other pituitary hormone deficiencies (TSH, PRL and gonadotrophins). The male sibling also had an evolving cortisol deficiency.Methods  Pituitary size was evaluated by magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). PROP1 gene analysis was performed by polymerase chain reaction (PCR), automatic sequencing and Southern blotting. Amplification of sequence tag sites (STS) and the Q8N6H0 gene flanking PROP1 were performed to define the extension of PROP1 deletion.Results  MRI revealed a hypoplastic anterior pituitary in the girl at 14 years and pituitary enlargement in the boy at 18 years. The PROP1 gene failed to amplify in both siblings, whereas other genes were amplified. Southern blotting analysis revealed the PROP1 band in the controls and confirmed complete PROP1 deletion in both siblings. The extension of the deletion was 18·4 kb. The region flanking PROP1 contains several Alu core sequences that might have facilitated stem–loop‐mediated excision of PROP1.Conclusions  We report here a complete deletion of PROP1 in two siblings with CPHD phenotype.
Efficacy of lanreotide Autogel® administered every 4–8 weeks in patients with acromegaly previously responsive to lanreotide microparticles 30 mg: a phase III trial
Authors: Lucas T. , Astorga R. ,   and the Spanish–Portuguese Multicentre Autogel Study Group on Acromegaly
Published: July 2006

SummaryObjective and design  Depot somatostatin analogues are well accepted as either adjuvant or primary therapy for acromegaly, and their long dosage intervals facilitate adherence to treatment. Our objective was to evaluate whether lanreotide Autogel® 120 mg, every 4–8 weeks, was as effective in controlling acromegaly as lanreotide microparticles 30 mg, every 1–2 weeks.Patients design and measurements  Patients who had used lanreotide microparticles 30 mg, ≥ 2 months prestudy, and had responded to treatment were recruited to this open, prospective, multicentre phase III trial. Three to five injections of lanreotide Autogel® 120 mg were administered. Lanreotide Autogel® 120 mg was injected every 4, 6 or 8 weeks in patients previously receiving lanreotide microparticles every 7, 10 or 14 days, respectively. GH and insulin‐like growth factor (IGF)‐1 levels were assessed one dosing interval after the final injections.Results  Ninety‐eight patients were enrolled and 93 completed. Steady‐state GH concentrations demonstrated similar efficacy between the formulations (upper 95% confidence interval of the quotient, 77·7%). Mean (SE) GH levels were lower with lanreotide Autogel® than with lanreotide microparticles (3·8 (0·5) vs 4·3 (0·5) ng/ml; P < 0·001). GH levels < 2·5 ng/ml were observed in 54% and 46% of patients; 40% and 35% having GH < 2·5 ng/ml and normalized IGF‐1 with lanreotide Autogel® and microparticles, respectively. Symptoms were controlled better with lanreotide Autogel® and treatment was well accepted.Conclusions  Lanreotide Autogel® 120 mg every 4–8 weeks, is at least as effective and as well tolerated in acromegaly as lanreotide microparticles 30 mg injected every 7–14 days.
PROP1 gene analysis in Portuguese patients with combined pituitary hormone deficiency
Authors: Lemos Manuel C. , Gomes Leonor , Bastos Margarida , Leite Valeriano , Limbert Edward , Carvalho Davide , Bacelar Conceição , Monteiro Mariana , Fonseca Fernando , Agapito Ana , Castro João J. , Regateiro Fernando J. , Carvalheiro Manuela 
Published: July 2006

SummaryObjective  Mutations of the PROP1 gene lead to combined pituitary hormone deficiency (CPHD), which is characterized by a deficiency of GH, TSH, LH/FSH, PRL and, less frequently, ACTH. This study was undertaken to investigate the molecular defect in a cohort of patients with CPHD.Design, patients and measurements  A multicentric study involving 46 cases of CPHD (17 familial cases belonging to seven kindreds and 29 sporadic cases) selected on the basis of clinical and hormonal evidence of GH deficiency, central hypothyroidism and hypogonadotrophic hypogonadism, in the absence of an identified cause of hypopituitarism. Mutations of PROP1 were investigated by DNA sequencing. Clinical, hormonal and neuroradiological data were collected at each centre.Results  PROP1 mutations were identified in all familial cases: five kindreds presented a c. 301–302delAG mutation, one kindred presented a c. 358C → T (R120C) mutation and one presented a previously unreported initiation codon mutation, c. 2T → C. Of the 29 sporadic cases, only two (6·9%) presented PROP1 germline mutations (c. 301–302delAG, in both). Phenotypic variability was observed among patients with the same mutations, particularly the presence and age of onset of hypocortisolism, the levels of PRL and the results of pituitary imaging. One patient presented a sellar mass that persisted into adulthood.Conclusions  This is the first report of a mutation in the initiation codon of the PROP1 gene and this further expands the spectrum of known mutations responsible for CPHD. The low mutation frequency observed in sporadic cases may be due to the involvement of other unidentified acquired or genetic causes.
Testosterone treatment comes of age: new options for hypogonadal men
Authors: Nieschlag Eberhard 
Published: July 2006

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

AbstractObjective  This investigation was undertaken to quantify histopathological disparities between male and female patients with sporadic and hereditary thyroid cancers, which may reflect a biological ‘sex difference’ or a behavioural ‘gender divide’.Design  Retrospective cohort analysis (November 1994–January 2006).Patients  1298 consecutive surgical patients with sporadic papillary (n = 587), sporadic follicular (n = 232), sporadic medullary (n = 320), and hereditary medullary thyroid cancers (n = 159) from a tertiary referral centre.Measurements  Age at diagnosis of cancer, primary tumour diameter, frequency of extrathyroidal extension, lymph node and distant metastases, and cancer subtypes.Results  Primary diameters of sporadic tumour entities (papillary, 26·0 vs. 19·3 mm; follicular, 54·9 vs. 35·1 mm; and medullary, 27·9 vs. 20·8 mm), but not hereditary medullary cancers, were significantly (P ≤ 0·001) larger in male patients. Likewise, lymph node metastases from sporadic papillary cancers (60%vs. 44%, P < 0·001), the insular subtype in sporadic follicular cancers (22%vs. 8%, P = 0·003), extrathyroidal extension of sporadic medullary cancers (35%vs. 15%, P < 0·001), and distant metastases from sporadic medullary cancers at the most recent operation (29%vs. 15%, P = 0·002) were seen significantly more often with male patients. No significant differences were observed between male and female patients with hereditary medullary cancers, half of which were detected by screening.Conclusions  Our data emphasize the need for earlier diagnosis and intervention in male patients to ensure that male sex will cease sometime to constitute an ominous prognostic marker of advanced thyroid cancer.
Comparison of conventional Papanicolaou smear and SurePath® liquid‐based cytology in the Copenhagen population screening programme for cervical cancer
Authors: Kirschner B. , Simonsen K. , Junge J. 
Published: July 2006

Objective:  To compare diagnostic performance of conventional Papanicolaou smear with SurePath® liquid‐based cytology in a population screening programme.Methods:  A retrospective comparison was performed on data from two 18‐month periods of the screening programme for cervical cancer in the municipality of Copenhagen with conventional Papanicolaou technique (n = 82 116) and liquid‐based cytology (n = 84 414).Results:  After the conversion to liquid‐based cytology the percentage of unsatisfactory samples decreased from 2.3% to 0.3% (P < 0.001), whereas the number of normal cervical samples lacking an endocervical component increased from 8.5% to 8.9% (P < 0.005). The percentage of samples with atypical cells and cells suspicious for malignancy increased from 3% to 4.2% (P < 0.001) and from 1.9% to 2.4% (P < 0.001), respectively. The subsequent histological follow‐up showed normal findings decreased from 70.5% to 68.9% and from 28.0% to 26.1%, respectively. However, in relation to the entire screening populations, there was an increase of normal findings from 2.12% to 2.89% after primary atypical diagnosis and from 0.53% to 0.62% after diagnosis of suspicious cells after conversion to the liquid‐based technique.Conclusions:  This study showed the number of unsatisfactory samples to be significantly reduced with the liquid‐based technique. The data suggest that there is an increased detection rate of cervical precancerous lesions with liquid‐based cytology, but the number of false positive tests is still high. The specificity of the two tests seems similar, but this cannot be ascertained exactly, because of the fact that follow‐up of negative cases is unavailable.