Showing papers by "Robert Steele published in 2005"

The prognostic significance of K-ras, p53, and APC mutations in colorectal carcinoma

Abstract: Background: Accumulation of molecular alterations, including mutations in Kirsten-ras (K-ras), p53, and adenomatous polyposis coli (APC), contribute to colorectal carcinogenesis. Our group has previously characterised a panel of sporadic colorectal adenocarcinomas for mutations in these three genes and has shown that p53 and K-ras mutations rarely occur in the same colorectal tumour. This suggests that mutations in these genes are on separate pathways to colorectal cancer development and may influence patient prognosis independently. Aims: To correlate the presence or absence of mutations in K-ras, p53, and APC with survival in a cohort of colorectal cancer patients. Patients: A series of 107 inpatients treated surgically for colorectal cancer in Tayside, Scotland between November 1997 and December 1999. Methods: Colorectal tumours were characterised for mutations in K-ras, p53, and APC. Kaplan-Meier survival curves were constructed using overall survival and disease specific survival as the primary end points. Patient survival was analysed using the log rank test and Cox proportional hazards model. Results: Patients with K-ras mutations had significantly poorer overall survival than patients without K-ras mutations (p = 0.0098). Multivariate analysis correcting for Dukes’ stage, age, and sex confirmed this (hazard ratio 2.9 (95% confidence interval 1.4–6.2); p = 0.0040). K-ras mutations were also significantly associated with poorer disease specific survival. The presence of APC and p53 mutations did not affect survival in this cohort of patients (p = 0.9034 and p = 0.8290, respectively). Conclusions: Our data indicate that the presence of K-ras mutations predicts poor patient prognosis in colorectal cancer, independently of tumour stage.

The efficacy of lower axillary sampling in obtaining lymph node status in breast cancer: a controlled randomized trial.

Abstract: Four hundred and seventeen patients with operable breast cancer treated by simple mastectomy were randomly allocated to have node sampling or total axillary clearance. There was no significant difference in the incidence of node positivity. One hundred and thirty-five patients had node sampling and were randomized at the completion of this procedure to have axillary clearance or to have no further surgery. All node positive patients who went on to have a clearance had positive samples, confirming the accuracy of the sampling technique.

The Edinburgh randomized trial of axillary sampling or clearance after mastectomy

Abstract: Between January 1980 and October 1983, 417 patients were randomized for mastectomy followed by axillary node sampling or full axillary clearance. The aim of the study was to determine whether a standard 'four-node' axillary sample, followed by careful dissection of removed tissue, could accurately indicate the extent of local treatment required. Axillary radiotherapy was given only to patients with histological involvement of sampled nodes and not to any having axillary clearance. The incidence of involved nodes was similar for both groups, as were distant relapse and survival rates. Currently 62.6 percent are alive after clearance and 65.0 percent after sampling. A non-significant increase in the rate of locoregional relapse was observed for those treated by axillary node clearance, this being due mainly to increased relapse on the unirradiated chest wall (clearance 21 percent versus sampling 12 percent in patients with node-positive disease). There was only a minor difference in axillary relapse, favouring axillary clearance (3.0 versus 5.4 percent). In patients with operable breast cancer, mastectomy with axillary node sampling gives equal control to mastectomy with axillary node clearance but, as morbidity is greater, surgical clearance of the axilla is the preferred option.

Rubber band ligation versus excisional haemorrhoidectomy for haemorrhoids

Abstract: Background Traditional treatment methods for haemorrhoids fall into two broad groups: less invasive techniques including rubber band ligation (RBL), which tend to produce minimal pain, and the more radical techniques like excisional haemorrhoidectomy (EH), which are inherently more painful. For decades, innovations in the field of haemorrhoidal treatment have centred on modifying the traditional methods to achieve a minimally invasive, less painful procedure and yet with a more sustainable result. The availability of newer techniques has reopened debate on the roles of traditional treatment options for haemorrhoids. Objectives To review the efficacy and safety of the two most popular conventional methods of haemorrhoidal treatment, rubber band ligation and excisional haemorrhoidectomy. The original study has now been up dated using the same search strategy. Search methods We searched MEDLINE, EMBASE, CENTRAL, and CINAHL October 2010 Selection criteria Randomised controlled trials comparing rubber band ligation with excisional haemorrhoidectomy for symptomatic haemorrhoids in adult human patients were included. Data collection and analysis We extracted data on to previously designed data extraction sheet. Dichtomous data were presented as relative risk and 95% confidence intervals, and continuous outcomes as weighted mean difference and 95% confidence intervals. Main results Three trials (of poor methodological quality) met the inclusion criteria. Complete remission of haemorrhoidal symptom was better with excisional haemorrhoidectomy (EH) (three studies, 202 patients, RR 1.68, 95% CI 1.00 to 2.83). There was significant heterogeneity between the studies (I2 = 90.5%; P = 0.0001). Similar analysis based on the grading of haemorrhoids revealed the superiority of EH over RBL for grade III haemorrhoids (prolapse that needs manual reduction) (two trials, 116 patients, RR 1.23, CI 1.04 to 1.45; P = 0.01). However, no significant difference was noticed in grade II haemorrhoids (prolapse that reduces spontaneously on cessation of straining) (one trial, 32 patients, RR 1.07, CI 0.94 to 1.21; P = 0.32) Fewer patients required re-treatment after EH (three trials, RR 0.20 CI 0.09 to 0.40; P < 0.00001). Patients undergoing EH were at significantly higher risk of postoperative pain (three trials, fixed effect; 212 patients, RR 1.94, 95% CI 1.62 to 2.33, P < 0.00001). The overall delayed complication rate showed significant difference (P = 0.03) (three trials, 204 patients, RR 6.32, CI 1.15 to 34.89) between the two interventions. Authors' conclusions The present systematic review confirms the long-term efficacy of EH, at least for grade III haemorrhoids, compared to the less invasive technique of RBL but at the expense of increased pain, higher complications and more time off work. However, despite these disadvantages of EH, patient satisfaction and patient's acceptance of the treatment modalities seems to be similar following both the techniques implying patient's preference for complete long-term cure of symptoms and possibly less concern for minor complications. So, RBL can be adopted as the choice of treatment for grade II haemorrhoids with similar results but with out the side effects of EH while reserving EH for grade III haemorrhoids or recurrence after RBL. More robust study is required to make definitive conclusions. One additional study was identified from the updated search (Ali 2005). However, after careful review and discussion among the authors, it was decided that this study did not meet the necessary criteria for including in the analysis. Hence, the results and conclusion remains the same.

Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs and complicated diverticular disease: a case-control study.

Abstract: Fifty patients with severe complications of diverticular disease were compared with two groups of 50 controls, matched for age and sex. The first control group (A) was randomly selected from all emergency hospital admissions, and the second group (B) from patients with uncomplicated diverticular disease. Of the 50 study patients, 24 (48 per cent) were taking non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) at the time of admission compared with nine (18 per cent) of control group A and ten (20 per cent) of control group B. Both of these differences were statistically significant, indicating a strong association between the ingestion of NSAIDs and the development of severe complications of diverticular disease.

Systematic review of randomized trials comparing rubber band ligation with excisional haemorrhoidectomy.

Abstract: Background and method: This review compares the two most popular treatments for haemorrhoids, namely rubber band ligation (RBL) and excisional haemorrhoidectomy. Randomized trials were identified from the major electronic databases. Symptom control, retreatment, postoperative pain, complications, time off work and patient satisfaction were assessed. Relative risk (RR) and weighted mean difference with 95 per cent confidence interval (c.i.) were estimated using a random-effects model for dichotomous and continuous outcomes respectively. Results: Three trials met the inclusion criteria and all were of poor methodological quality. Complete remission of haemorrhoidal symptoms was better after haemorrhoidectomy (RR 1·68 (95 per cent c.i 1·00 to 2·83)). There was significant heterogeneity between the studies (I2 = 90·5 per cent; P < 0·001). Fewer patients required retreatment after haemorrhoidectomy (RR 0·20 (95 per cent c.i 0·09 to 0·40)), but anal stenosis, postoperative haemorrhage and incontinence to flatus were more common with this operation. Conclusions: Haemorrhoidectomy produced better long-term symptom control in patients with grade III haemorrhoids, but was associated with more postoperative complications than RBL. Copyright © 2005 British Journal of Surgery Society Ltd. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

Epidermal growth factor receptor expression in colorectal cancer.

Abstract: Epidermal growth factor (EGF) receptor expression was estimated in 50 invasive human colorectal cancers using immunohistochemistry and the degree of expression was quantified from integrated optical density measurements on the stained sections. All tumours stained positively, but Dukes' C tumours exhibited significantly higher levels of receptor than either Dukes' A or B tumours. In addition, histologically high grade cancers expressed receptors more strongly than those of low grade. It is concluded that a high EGF receptor concentration is associated with poor prognostic factors in colorectal malignancy.

Psychomotor testing and the ability to perform an anastomosis in junior surgical trainees

Abstract: Ten junior surgical trainees underwent objective testing of manual dexterity and visuospatial ability and were required to carry out five consecutive anastomoses on fresh porcine jejunum. Anastomoses were scored by a single observer and a cumulative error score (CES) derived for each procedure. In the first anastomosis there was little correlation between the psychomotor test results and the anastomosis scores. In subsequent trials there were significant negative correlations between aspects of manual dexterity and the CES. Over the five anastomoses there were significant negative correlations between improvement and manual dexterity, but there was a positive correlation between improvement and visuospatial ability (rs = 0.76, P < 0.005). Visuospatial skills are more important than pure motor ability in predicting the capacity to perform an anastomosis and tests of manual dexterity may be misleading in this context.

Postdefaecation pain syndrome after circular stapled anopexy is abolished by oral nifedipine.

Abstract: Background: Controversy has surrounded the technique of circular stapled anopexy since an isolated report of a high incidence of persistent postdefaecation pain following the procedure. The characteristics, clinical course and management of this complication have not been described. Methods: Within an ongoing multicentre randomized clinical trial comparing circular stapled anopexy with closed haemorrhoidectomy, 77 patients underwent circular stapled anopexy. Follow-up was at 6, 12, 24 and 48 weeks. Patients underwent transanal ultrasonography, anal electrosensitivity testing and manometry. Results: Of the 77 patients who had circular stapled anopexy, three men reported new-onset postdefaecation pain that compromised lifestyle, including ability to return to work. All three had sphincter hypertonicity on digital and manometric examination but were refractory to topical 0·2 per cent glyceryl trinitrate ointment. The addition of oral nifedipine 20 mg twice daily did not alter anal sphincter pressures but rapidly abolished symptoms and restored quality of life. Conclusion: Postdefaecation pain is a specific complication of circular stapled anopexy, affecting a small percentage of patients. Men with a high anal sphincter pressure appear to be at risk. Although the exact aetiology remains unclear, it is likely that rectal rather than anal sphincter muscle is affected. Oral nifedipine represents an effective therapy. Copyright © 2004 British Journal of Surgery Society Ltd. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

P53 in cancer: a paradigm for modern management of cancer

Abstract: The p53 tumour suppressor gene is thought to be central in protecting against the development of cancer, and this article reviews current understanding of its function and potential clinical significance Information for this review was obtained from previous review articles, references cited in original papers, a Pubmed search of the last twelve months' literature and by scanning the latest issues of relevant journals P53 can be described as a stress response gene, its product (the p53 protein) acting to induce apoptosis or cell-cycle arrest in response to DNA damage, thereby maintaining genetic stability in the organism These functions are realised by a series of steps known as the "p53 pathway" involving induction of the expression of a number of other genes As p53 is the most commonly mutated gene in human cancer, it has attracted a great deal of interest in the areas of prognosis, diagnosis and therapy, and p53 gene therapy is becoming established as a useful adjunct to conventional cancer treatment

Prediction of recurrent bleeding after endoscopic haemostasis in non-variceal upper gastrointestinal haemorrhage

Abstract: Endoscopic haemostasis by injection of adrenaline was attempted in 135 consecutive patients with active upper gastrointestinal bleeding Initial haemostasis was obtained in 127 patients following injection of 5–15 ml 1 : 10000 adrenaline; eight patients in whom haemostasis was not achieved underwent immediate laparotomy There was further haemorrhage in 25 patients, which was successfully treated by further injection of adrenaline in ten Fifteen patients had major rebleeding requiring emergency surgery Stepwise logistic regression analysis identified three factors that, taken together, were highly predictive of the need for surgery: pulse rate on admission, the position of the ulcer and whether the patient was obese A scoring system was derived from the logistic analysis equation that was found to predict correctly the need for emergency surgery in 84 per cent of patients In patients with a high probability of rebleeding surgery should be considered after initial endoscopic haemostasis and stabilization In the majority of patients endoscopic treatment alone is sufficient for permanent haemostasis

Review article: Population screening for colorectal cancer.

Abstract: Colorectal cancer is a common cancer and common cause of death The mortality rate from colorectal cancer can be reduced by identification and removal of cancer precursors, adenomas, or by detection of cancer at an earlier stage Pilot screening programmes have demonstrated decreased colorectal cancer mortality; as a result many countries are developing colorectal cancer screening programmes The most common modalities being evaluated are faecal occult blood testing, flexible sigmoidoscopy and colonoscopy Implementation of screening tests has been hampered by cost, invasiveness, availability of resources and patient acceptance New technologies such at computed tomographic colonography and stool screening for molecular markers of neoplasia are in development as potential minimally invasive tools This review considers who should be screened, which test to use and how often to screen

Endoscopic haemostasis for non-variceal upper gastrointestinal haemorrhage.

Abstract: Endoscopic haemostasis can be effective in non-variceal upper gastrointestinal haemorrhage, and should be regarded as potential front-line treatment. Diverse methods are available, and although no single technique has become firmly established, current evidence favours thermal coagulation and injection therapy.

Psychomotor skills of surgical trainees compared with those of different medical specialists

Abstract: Forty-eight trainees in surgery, psychiatry, anaesthetics and medicine underwent objective testing of manual dexterity (Mandex test), hand-eye coordination (Gibson spiral maze test) and visuospatial ability (embedded figures task). Surgical trainees performed significantly more quickly on the spiral maze test than psychiatrists (P = 0.03) but made more errors (P = 0.02). Combining male and female subjects across all groups, women were significantly more accurate than men. When men only were compared no psychomotor differences between specialty groups could be demonstrated. There were no differences in visuospatial ability by either sex or specialty. Self-selection on the basis of such skill is therefore unlikely.

Lower gastrointestinal symptoms are not predictive of colorectal neoplasia in a faecal occult blood screen‐positive population

Abstract: Background: The aim of this study was to evaluate the incidence of lower gastrointestinal symptoms in faecal occult blood (FOB) test-positive participants in a colorectal screening programme, and to compare the colonoscopic findings in symptomatic and asymptomatic individuals. Methods: Five hundred and sixty-three consecutive individuals with a positive FOB test in the Scottish arm of the national colorectal cancer screening pilot were studied. All were aged between 50 and 69 years and underwent colonoscopy. Before the procedure the participants were given a standard questionnaire to elicit gastrointestinal symptoms; these were correlated with the colonoscopic findings. Results: Of the 563 participants, 439 (78.0 per cent) had one or more lower gastrointestinal symptoms and 124 (22.0 per cent) were symptom free. Taking adenoma and carcinoma together, 322 (57.2 per cent) of the subjects were found to have colorectal neoplasia, and 128 (22.7 per cent) had a completely normal colon. Rectal bleeding was the most common symptom, followed by change in bowel habit, abdominal pain, tenesmus, unexplained weight loss, rectal pain and unexplained anaemia. No significant associations were found between any of these symptoms and the findings at colonoscopy. Conclusion: In a FOB test-positive screened population, lower gastrointestinal symptoms are common, but are not predictive of colorectal neoplasia.

Mobile Web services discovery and invocation through auto-generation of abstract multimodal interface

Abstract: With the advancement in wireless technologies in general and mobile devices capabilities in particular, ubiquitous access of mobile Web services continues to be in the focal point of research. This paper presents a novel architecture for discovery and invocation of mobile Web services through automatically generated abstract multimodal user interface for these services. A prototype has been developed to auto-generate user interface based on XForms and VoiceXml from a WDSL file. In this proposed architecture, the discovered Web services are invoked dynamically with a transparent mechanism. Moreover, the proposed architecture is a component-based architecture that provides its core functionality as Web services.

A high macrophage content in human breast cancer is not associated with favourable prognostic factors.

Abstract: The macrophage contents of 40 human primary breast cancers were ascertained using three separate macrophage membrane markers. Four prognostic factors (lymph node status, tumour size, histological grade and oestrogen receptor status) were determined concurrently in these mammary carcinomas. No significant relationship was found between the macrophage content of the mammary carcinomas and any individual prognostic factor. When the patients were grouped according to whether they had 0-2 or 3-4 high risk factors, however, the macrophage content was significantly greater in those tumours with the poorer prognosis, regardless of the marker used to enumerate the cells. A high macrophage content, therefore, is not associated with favourable prognostic factors in breast cancer. Indeed, the present study has revealed the reverse to be the case.

A management framework for mobile government services

Abstract: This paper’s objective is to present a generic management framework in order to guide government in managing the adoption of wireless and mobile technologies for the implementation of government services. Analysis of current response models revealed their lack of managerial perspective which controls the input, the processing and the output of that impact. The proposed model in this paper focuses on strategic management. The dimensions of the framework have been formed by combining specific management principles with the normal information system’s activities and then applying the product to mobile government management. This new mobile management framework can assist governments to respond properly to any pressures imposed by wireless and mobile technologies and, ultimately, gain the prospective benefits whilst minimizing the risk of any change or innovation.

Taurolidine peritoneal lavage as prophylaxis against infection after elective colorectal surgery.

Abstract: A total of 300 patients undergoing elective colorectal surgery over a 3-year period were randomly assigned to receive intraoperative peritoneal lavage with either taurolidine or saline. Culture swabs were taken from the region of surgery before and after lavage and the development of postoperative infection monitored. Of the positive culture swabs before lavage, a significantly higher proportion were negative after lavage with taurolidine than after that with saline. However, there was no difference in the incidence of postoperative infection between groups, suggesting that taurolidine intraoperative peritoneal lavage confers no clinical benefit over that with saline.

An overview of research on reverse engineering XML schemas into UML diagrams

Abstract: Extensible Markup Language (XML) has become a standard for data representation and exchange over the Internet. XML schemas are often used to define vocabularies of XML document types and to validate whether the XML documents adhere to the rules defined in the XML schemas. Since XML schemas are textual, programmatic, logical-level schemas, users of XML schemas often find it difficult to understand and communicate with each other the structure and content of the XML schemas and documents as the XML schemas grow in complexity. A solution to the problem would be to convert the logical-level XML schemas developed back to conceptual-level Unified Modeling Language diagrams to facilitate easy understanding and communication. This research paper provides an overview of research on reverse engineering XML schemas into UML diagrams.

Adrenaline injection for endoscopic haemostasis in non-variceal upper gastrointestinal haemorrhage.

Abstract: Over a 30-month period, 53 patients with actively bleeding non-variceal lesions of the oesophagus, stomach or duodenum were treated by endoscopic injection of 1/10,000 adrenaline. Initial haemostasis was obtained in 50 cases, and permanent haemostasis in 44. Emergency surgery for bleeding was required in nine patients overall, and there were four deaths. All lesions requiring surgery were located on the posterior wall of the duodenum or the lesser curve of the stomach, and all but one had evidence of an exposed arterial vessel. Adrenaline injection is an effective, safe and simple method of endoscopic haemostasis.

Technical training in surgery: the trainee's view

Abstract: A questionnaire designed to investigate the technical training of general surgical trainees was distributed throughout Scotland. A total of 222 questionnaires were sent out and 179 (81 per cent) were returned. Of the responders, 38 per cent felt that the overall operative workload was too small and the majority thought that there was too little emphasis on supervised operating. Two-thirds of trainees were generally satisfied with the amount of unsupervised operating, although a substantial proportion (21 per cent) sometimes felt out of their depth when performing delegated emergency operations. Few had attended craft workshops or travelled to other centres, but of those who had, most considered both activities to be very useful. Photographic atlases and videos were not generally felt to be of great value by those who had used them. The majority of trainees did not believe that research activity had interfered excessively with their technical training.

Building a fuzzy trust network in unsupervised multi-agent environments

Abstract: In automated and unsupervised multi-agent environments, where agents act on behalf of their stakeholders, the measurement and computation of trust is a key building block upon which all business interaction scenarios rely In environments, where the individual and independent calculation of trustworthiness values for future negotiation partners is desired, flexible algorithms and models imitating human reasoning are crucial This paper introduces a trust evaluation model that imitates human reasoning by using fuzzy logic concepts Furthermore, post-interaction processes such as business interaction reviews and credibility adjustment are used to continuously build and refine an information repository for future trust evaluation processes Fuzzy logic offers a mathematical approach encompassing uncertainty and tolerance of imprecise data, and combined with our highly customizable model, it allows to meet the security needs of different stakeholders

Introduction of laparoscopic cholecystectomy in a large teaching hospital: independent audit of the first 3 years

Abstract: Commencing with the introduction of laparoscopic cholecystectomy, a detailed independent prospective audit of all cholecystectomies attributable to 12 general consultant surgeons has been carried out over a period of 3 years. Of 650 operations 502 were intended laparoscopic cholecystectomies. In the first year 58 per cent were intended laparoscopic cholecystectomies; this rose to 80 per cent in the second year and to 90 per cent in the third. The conversion rate was 21 per cent in the first year, 21 per cent in the second and 15 per cent in the third. The mean operating time for laparoscopic cholecystectomy was 133 min for year 1, 123 min for year 2 and 115 min for year 3, compared with 92, 101 and 95 min respectively for open cholecystectomy. The overall complication rate was 10 per cent for laparoscopic and 21 per cent for open cholecystectomy. This included six bile duct injuries (1.2 per cent) in the patients undergoing the laparoscopic procedure and one (0.7 per cent) in those having open cholecystectomy. This unselected audit of a group of general surgeons introducing laparoscopic cholecystectomy into their practice has revealed complication and conversion rates that are higher than those reported in most of the published literature, but may be representative of practice throughout the UK.

Predeposit autologous blood transfusion in patients with colorectal cancer: a feasibility study.

Abstract: Over a 2-year period, a predeposit autologous blood transfusion service was provided for all patients undergoing elective surgery for left-sided colonic or rectal cancer in one hospital. Of 129 such patients, 28 were suitable for autologous donation. Eight of these received autologous blood only, 13 required no transfusion, and seven needed additional homologous blood. Thus, although predeposit autologous transfusion for patients with colorectal cancer is possible, only a very small proportion are likely to derive any benefit which it might confer.

SELDI-TOF proteomic analysis and cancer detection

Abstract: Background: In recent years proteomic approaches have been widely used to diagnose disease and the new technology of surface enhanced laser-desorption and ionization time-of-flight mass spectrometry (SELDI-TOF MS) is very promising. Methods: A review of english language literature was undertaken using internet databases such as PubMed and Medline for studies using proteomic technologies for the early detection of cancer. Results: SELDI-TOF is an array based mass spectrometric method in which proteins of interest are selectively absorbed onto a chemically modified surface and the mass and amount of each protein is measured by irradiating the surface with a laser and measuring the time-of-flight. The technology has revealed a large number of previously uncharacterized biomarkers for a wide variety of cancers. Its versatility has also been demonstrated by its application as a tool for mining a wide variety of biological tissues and fluids. Conclusions: The majority of these studies have discriminated between diseased and healthy controls with a high degree of sensitivity and specif city. The reproducibility, standardization and feasibility of this technology need to be addressed before these proteomic approaches to the discovery of novel, highly sensitive diagnostic tools can become routine clinical care

Applying a fuzzy trust model to e-commerce systems

Abstract: Moving towards automated service selection, contract negotiation, and contract fulfillment remains a promising vision for E-commerce systems. Trust is one of the main reasons why this vision is not put into practice in current E-commerce systems. Various theoretical models and technical concepts are in place to facilitate crucial factors such as system interoperability or communication-level security. However, proven models, to measure social values such as trustworthiness, reputation or credibility of service consumers and service providers in loosely coupled, distributed E-commerce systems, are the missing factors which prevent the adoption of automated service interaction. This paper demonstrates the application of our Fuzzy trust model in an E-commerce platform. We apply an exemplary business scenario to demonstrate the usage of our Fuzzy trust model.

Continuous single-layer serosubmucosal anastomosis in the upper gastrointestinal tract.

Abstract: In a 4-year period, 100 anastomoses in the upper gastrointestinal tract were fashioned using a single serosubmucosal layer of continuous polydioxanone. One patient required revisional surgery because of anastomotic stricture after partial gastrectomy, but there was no other complication related to the anastomosis. This technique is simple, safe, and quick to perform.

UDDI access control

Abstract: Web services are designed to provide easier B2B integration among enterprises. UDDI defines a standard way for businesses to list their services and discover each other on the Internet. Due to security concerns organizations prefer to build their own private UDDI registries in their corporate network, which are only accessible by invited business partners. Since an organization may only want the right business partners to see only the right service information they have permission to see, access control mechanisms inside the private registry are desirable. Hence in this paper we propose a role-based access control model in private UDDI registries to help achieve information confidentiality inside corporate registries. Based on XACML, the model exploits XML's own ability to build access control in a UDDI registry.

A framework for integrating mobility into collaborative business processes

Abstract: Most collaborative systems assume that users have access to workspaces through which they can access the entire collaborative context. This is often not the case with mobile users in global environments. Such users are often disconnected from their contexts and cannot contribute in the best possible way to a business. Connection to contexts is essential for users to contribute usefully in collaborative processes. This requires the mobile devices to manage complex engagements by sequences of simple interactions, which are dynamically adapted to the changes in the context. This paper describes a modeling approach for such integration and the use of software agents to manage engagements using mobile devices. It provides a framework for defining ways to integrate mobility into business processes.