The human bladder urothelium (BU) and bladder urothelial cells (BUCs) play an important role in the normal functioning of bladder including bladder storage. Current evidence in interstitial cystitis (IC) supports multiple abnormalities in bladder urothelial physiology. These data have come primarily from human studies. The discovery of a novel protein termed the antiproliferative factor (APF) uniquely expressed by IC BUCs is extremely important. APF induces increased permeability of normal BUCs grown in culture. Furthermore, APF regulates expression of other cytokines, including upregulating heparin-binding epidermal growth factor-like growth factor and downregulating epidermal growth factor by BUCs. These cytokine abnormalities were also related to increases in purinergic (adenosine triphosphate) signaling, which could mediate increased bladder sensation. Recent studies of uroplakins, which are specialized proteins expressed only in the apical urothelial cells, suggest that uroplakins play a role in the barrier function of the BU. It is also conceivable that alterations in uroplakins may result in bladder symptoms related to increased permeability or decreased protective function. As the body of knowledge about BU and BUC function increases, novel therapies targeting urothelial cells should become clinically feasible.
Since Ghana started commercial production of oil in 2011, the overarching concern has been how to avoid a resource curse. This article examines the role civil society organisations (CSOs) have played in preventing Ghana from falling into the oil curse situation. It notes specific civil society initiatives that aim to promote transparency and accountability in oil governance. The Civil Society Platform on Oil and Gas has facilitated the creation of legislative frameworks, checks and monitoring systems to keep government and oil companies on their toes even though weak capacity, politicisation and lack of access to information remain a challenge to CSOs' effective mobilisation. They need to pursue collaborative rather than adversarial relationships with the government, promote participatory learning in their internal management and instigate the government to promote macroeconomic stability, wealth creation, infrastructure development and employment for the youth with oil revenues.
The discovery of oil should transform economies, since oil revenues can be invested in infrastructure and the non-oil sector. Whilst oil discovery has transformed the economy of countries such as Indonesia, Norway and UK, the story is different in Sub-Saharan Africa. Available evidence in countries like Angola, Equatorial Guinea, and Nigeria suggests that economic growth has an inverse relationship with oil production. Some researchers have attributed this to lack of quality institutions and the politics surrounding oil production. In this study, we take a critical look at the politics of oil production in Ghana and its potential implications for the oil sector and national development.
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