bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Japan's Big 3 Firms' Response to Clients' Business Risk: Greater Audit Effort or Higher Audit Fees?
Authors: Kim Hyonok , Fukukawa Hironori
Published: September 2012

This study examines whether and how the Big 3 audit firms in Japan respond to clients' business risk and whether their responses vary. Two possible approaches to addressing clients' higher business risk are increasing audit effort (e.g., increasing total audit hours or assigning more experienced staff to the audit team) and charging a risk premium to cover possible future losses without increasing audit effort. Although the auditing standards and audit fee determination guidelines issued by the Japanese audit profession apparently assume that an auditor chooses the first approach to respond to clients' high business risk, the approach adopted by each Big 3 firm is an empirical issue. By analyzing data on audits conducted by the Big 3 Japanese firms using structural equation modeling and ordinary least squares regression, we find that responses to clients' higher business risk vary among the firms. While two of the firms increase audit effort and charge a risk premium for audits with higher business risk, the third firm responds to clients' business risk only by increasing audit effort. In addition, the strength of the relationships between clients' business risk and audit effort/fees varies among the firms.
Anti‐viral and anti‐bacterial activities of an extract of blackcurrants (Ribes nigrum L.)
Authors: Ikuta Kazufumi , Hashimoto Koichi , Kaneko Hisatoshi , Mori Shuichi , Ohashi Kazutaka , Suzutani Tatsuo
Published: September 2012

The inhibitory effects of an extract of the blackcurrant (Ribes nigrum L.) against pathogens associated with oral, nasopharyngeal and upper respiratory infectious diseases; namely respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), influenza virus A and B (IFV‐A and IFV‐B), adenovirus (AdV), herpes simplex virus type 1, Haemophilus influenzae type B, Streptococcus pneumoniae and Streptococcus mutans, were investigated. Less than 1% concentration of extract of blackcurrant inhibited replication of RSV, IFV‐A and ‐B and HSV‐1 by over 50% and a 10% extract inhibited adsorption of these viruses onto the cell surface by over 95%. The effects on AdV were much less pronounced; the half minimal inhibitory concentration of AdV replication was 2.54 ± 0.26, and a 10% concentration of the extract inhibited AdV adsorption on the cell surface by 72.9 ± 3.4%. The antibacterial activities of the blackcurrant were evaluated based on its efficacy as a disinfectant. A 10% extract disinfected 99.8% of H. Influenzae type B and 78.9% of S. pneumoniae in 10 min, but had no demonstrable effect against S. mutans. The blackcurrant extract still showed antiviral and antibacterial activities after the pH had been made neutral with sodium hydroxide, suggesting that these activities are not the result of acidic reactions or of components precipitated at a neutral pH. These findings demonstrate the potential of blackcurrant extract as a functional food for oral care.
Identification of peptides from foot‐and‐mouth disease virus structural proteins bound by class I swine leukocyte antigen (SLA) alleles, SLA‐1*0401 and SLA‐2*0401
Authors: Pedersen L. E. , Harndahl M. , Nielsen M. , Patch J. R. , Jungersen G. , Buus S. , Golde W. T.
Published: September 2012

Characterization of the peptide‐binding specificity of swine leukocyte antigen (SLA) class I and II molecules is critical to the understanding of adaptive immune responses of swine toward infectious pathogens. Here, we describe the complete binding motif of the SLA‐2*0401 molecule based on a positional scanning combinatorial peptide library approach. By combining this binding motif with data achieved by applying the NetMHCpan peptide prediction algorithm to both SLA‐1*0401 and SLA‐2*0401, we identified high‐affinity binding peptides. A total of 727 different 9mer and 726 different 10mer peptides within the structural proteins of foot‐and‐mouth disease virus (FMDV), strain A24 were analyzed as candidate T‐cell epitopes. Peptides predicted by the NetMHCpan were tested in ELISA for binding to the SLA‐1*0401 and SLA‐2*0401 major histocompatibility complex class I proteins. Four of the 10 predicted FMDV peptides bound to SLA‐2*0401, whereas five of the nine predicted FMDV peptides bound to SLA‐1*0401. These methods provide the characterization of T‐cell epitopes in response to pathogens in more detail. The development of such approaches to analyze vaccine performance will contribute to a more accelerated improvement of livestock vaccines by virtue of identifying and focusing analysis on bona fide T‐cell epitopes.
Record linkage in Scotland and its applications to health research
Authors: Fleming Michael , Kirby Brad , Penny Kay I
Published: September 2012

Aims and objectives.  This paper will focus on the key concepts behind record linkage and describe how probability matching of Scottish health records can be used for national health research.

Background.  Record linkage can bring together two or more records relating to the same individual. This allows information from multiple sources to be joined together to produce richer data sets for research purposes and has wide applicability in public health and epidemiological research. The probability matching techniques underpinning record linkage bring together records on a patient basis using key identifying information on each record. Scotland has a strong track record for performing linkage for research purposes owing to routinely collected and well‐maintained national administrative health data sets, the emergence of the Scottish record linkage system and organisations like the Information Services Division of NHS National Services Scotland who centrally hold permanently linked patient‐based databases.

Design.  A record linkage retrospective population cohort study is described within this paper.

Methods.  The paper will describe current linkage methodology before discussing typical applications in the setting of Information Services Division and focusing on a particular linkage study investigating rates and risk factors for gastroschisis.

Results.  Conclusions from the gastroschisis study are typical of the types of important findings drawn from analysing linked health data.

Conclusions.  Scotland’s good track record for linking records for health research is evidenced by the high volume of research projects, publications and findings resulting from probability matching of national health data.

Relevance to clinical practice.  Record linkage allows information relating to the same person held across different data sources to be brought together. Probabilistic record linkage can overcome data quality issues, producing accurate matches. This allows linked, analysable, patient‐based databases, capable of answering complex research questions, to be produced from several data sources with wide applications in the field of health research.
Knowledge of stroke warning signs and risk factors among patients with previous stroke or TIA in China
Authors: Zeng Ying , He Guo‐Ping , Yi Guang‐Hui , Huang Yan‐Jin , Zhang Qing‐Hai , He Ling‐Ling
Published: September 2012

Aims and objectives.  The purpose of this study was to describe knowledge about stroke warning signs and risk factors in patients with previous stroke or transient ischaemic attacks in China and to investigate the relationship between socio‐demographic characteristics & health status and patients’ knowledge about stroke.

Background.  Stroke is the leading cause of death and functional impairment in China. Survivors are at high risk of new vascular events. Secondary prevention after stroke or transient ischaemic attacks is not satisfactory. Previous research suggests that awareness of stroke plays an important role in facilitating secondary prevention. However, little is known about knowledge of stroke warning signs and risk factors among patients with previous stroke/transient ischaemic attacks.

Design.  A cross‐sectional questionnaire study.

Methods.  This study was conducted in Hunan Province, China, between July and December in 2010. Subjects were recruited using a cluster sampling method. A questionnaire was administered to 1600 patients with stroke/transient ischaemic attacks diagnose from eight hospitals, and 1200 patients (75%) responded. Patients’ knowledge about stroke warning signs and risk factors were collected and analysed.

Results.  Patients’ knowledge about stroke warning signs was very poor (only 3·3% identified all warning signs and 28·3% identified three). Patients’ knowledge about important risk factors (e.g. atrial fibrillation, diabetes, metabolic syndrome, etc.) was also very poor (<30%). Patients’ action in emergency was extremely poor (only 9·2% reported to call emergency service). The age, education, stroke‐related diagnoses and family history of cardiovascular disease were significantly associated with patients’ knowledge about stroke.

Conclusions.  Knowledge about stroke warning signs and risk factors was very poor in patients with previous stroke or transient ischaemic attacks in China.

Relevance to clinical practice.  Dissemination of stroke knowledge should be a core responsibility for Chinese clinical nurse. Future clinical education to improve patient’s knowledge about stroke and further intervention to manage cardiovascular risk factors are indicated.
Hodges' Health Career Model and its role and potential application in forensic mental health nursing
Authors: DOYLE M. , JONES P.
Published: September 2012

Accessible summary

Mental health nurses working in forensic services require a model to guide their practice although to date it is unclear which if any model is most appropriate.

The Health Career Model is a guide for nurses to help them assess people with mental health problems so that they can help them with their physical, psychological and social needs and assist with any problems in their relationship with health, social and criminal justice services.

This paper proposes that the Health Career Model should be used by forensic mental health nurses to guide their practice and to promote the recovery of people who are in their care.

In order to maintain standards and improve their practice it is important that forensic mental health nurses structure their judgement and decision making with an evidence‐based model and more research in this area is required.

Forensic mental health nursing is increasingly recognized as a speciality of mental health nursing. Despite this, there are limited examples of theoretical models to underpin this specialism. This paper describes a conceptual framework known as the Hodges' Health Career – Care Domains – Model, hereafter referred to as the Health Career Model (HCM). Readers will learn of the model's origins, development, structure and content together with its application in forensic mental health nursing. Created in the 1980s, the model was developed in the North West of England by Brian E. Hodges. Overall, the purpose of the paper is to demonstrate the model's potential in forensic mental health nursing, its flexibility, adaptability and its increasing relevance to the problems of 21st century health, social care and well‐being. Forensic nursing is discussed and the rationale for a nursing model is made. Hodges' model is introduced by explaining its original purposes, structure, its four knowledge (care) domains, its current status, publications and resources. The model's relevance and application in forensic nursing is explored, in particular the demands and unique constraints of this care environment as exercised upon service users, the multidisciplinary team, families, carers and other stakeholders. Future implications for research and recovery‐orientated practice are discussed.
Host preferences of PalaearcticCulicoidesbiting midges: implications for transmission of orbiviruses
Authors: VIENNET E. , GARROS C. , GARDÈS L. , RAKOTOARIVONY I. , ALLÈNE X. , LANCELOT R. , CROCHET D. , MOULIA C. , BALDET T. , BALENGHIEN T.
Published: September 2012

Feeding success depends on host availability, host defensive reactions and host preferences. Host choice is a critical determinant of the intensity at which pathogens are transmitted. The aim of the current study was to describe host preferences of PalaearcticCulicoidesspecies (Diptera: Ceratopogonidae) Latreille using traps baited with the five different host species of poultry, horse, cattle, sheep and goat. Collections were carried out nightly in July and August 2009 in western France with three replicates of a 5 × 5 randomized Latin square (five sites, five hosts). Moreover, an ultraviolet (UV) light/suction trap was operated during host‐baited collections to correlateCulicoidesbiting rates and UV light/suction trap catches. A total of 660Culicoidesbelonging to 12 species, but comprised mainly ofCulicoides scoticusDownes and Kettle,Culicoides dewulfiGoetghebuer andCulicoides obsoletusMeigen, were collected on animal baits. Abundance was highest for the horse, which accounted for 95% of allCulicoidescaught, representing 10 species. The horse, the largest bait, was the most attractive host, even when abundance data were corrected by weight, body surface or Kleiber's scaling factor.Culicoides obsoletuswas the only dominant species attracted by birds. BothC. scoticusandC. dewulfiwere collected mainly from the upper body of the horse. Finally, the quantification of host preferences allows for discussion of implications for the transmission ofCulicoides‐borne pathogens such as bluetongue virus.
Temperature interactions with transpiration response to vapor pressure deficit among cultivated and wild soybean genotypes
Authors: Seversike Thomas M. , Sermons Shannon M. , Sinclair Thomas R. , Carter Thomas E. , Rufty Thomas W.
Published: September 2012

A key strategy in soybean drought research is increased stomatal sensitivity to high vapor pressure deficit (VPD), which contributes to the ‘slow wilting’ trait observed in the field. These experiments examined whether temperature of the growth environment affected the ability of plants to respond to VPD, and thus control transpiration rate (TR). Two soybean [Glycine max (L.) Merr.] and four wild soybean [Glycine soja (Sieb. and Zucc.)] genotypes were studied. The TR was measured over a range of VPD when plants were growing at 25 or 30°C, and again after an abrupt increase of 5°C. In G. max, a restriction of TR became evident as VPD increased above 2.0 kPa when temperature was near its growth optimum of 30°C. ‘Slow wilting’ genotype plant introduction (PI) 416937 exhibited greater TR control at high VPD compared with Hutcheson, and only PI 416937 restrained TR after the shift to 35°C. Three of the four G. soja genotypes exhibited control over TR with increasing VPD when grown at 25°C, which is near their estimated growth optimum. The TR control became engaged at lower VPD than in G. max and was retained to differing degrees after a shift to 30°C. The TR control systems in G. max and G. soja clearly were temperature‐sensitive and kinetically definable, and more restrictive in the ‘slow wilting’ soybean genotype. For the favorable TR control traits observed in G. soja to be useful for soybean breeding in warmer climates, the regulatory linkage with lower temperatures must be uncoupled.
Effect of acid swallowing on esophageal contraction in patients with heartburn related to hypersensitivity
Authors: Lee Hyuk , Lee Sang Kil , Park Jun Chul , Shin Sung Kwan , Lee Yong Chan
Published: September 2012

Background and Aim

There are heterogeneous subgroups among those with heartburn, and data on these individuals are relatively scant. We aimed to evaluate the effect of acid challenge on the segmental contractions of esophageal smooth muscle in endoscopy‐negative patients with normal esophageal acid exposure.

Methods

High‐resolution esophageal manometry (HRM) was performed on 30 endoscopy‐negative patients with heartburn accompanied by normal esophageal acid exposure using 10 water swallows followed by 10 acidic pomegranate juice swallows. Patients were classified into functional heartburn (FH) and hypersensitive esophagus (HE) groups based on the results of 24‐hr impedance pH testing. HRM topographic plots were analyzed and maximal wave amplitude and pressure volumes were measured for proximal and distal smooth muscle segments.

Results

The pressure volume of the distal smooth muscle segment in the HE group measured during acidic swallows was higher than during water swallows (2224.1 ± 68.2 mmHg/cm per s versus 2105.6 ± 66.4 mmHg/cm per s, P = 0.027). A prominent shift in the pressure volume to the distal smooth muscle segment was observed in the HE group compared with the FH group (segmental ratio: 2.72 ± 0.08 versus 2.39 ± 0.07, P = 0.005). Manometric measurements during acidic swallows revealed that this shift was augmented in the HE group. The optimal ratio of pomegranate juice swallowing for discrimination of FH from HE was 2.82, with a sensitivity of 88.9% and a specificity of 100%.

Conclusions

Hypercontractile response of distal smooth muscle segment to acid swallowing was more prominent in the HE group than the FH group.
Influence of non‐alcoholic fatty liver disease on the development of diabetes mellitus
Authors: Kasturiratne Anuradhani , Weerasinghe Sanjaya , Dassanayake Anuradha S , Rajindrajith Shaman , de Silva Arjuna P , Kato Norihiro , Wickremasinghe A Rajitha , de Silva H Janaka
Published: September 2012

Background and Aim

Non‐alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is linked to metabolic syndrome, and is known to be associated with impaired fasting glycemia and diabetes mellitus. This prospective community‐based study was conducted to determine the association between NAFLD and incidence of diabetes mellitus in an urban adult population in Sri Lanka.

Methods

Participants of the Ragama Health Study cohort were assessed for NAFLD using established ultrasound criteria in 2007. Those who were free of diabetes at baseline were followed up for 3 years. Incidence rates of diabetes mellitus were compared between subjects with and without NAFLD at baseline.

Results

Out of 2984 subjects, 926 had NAFLD and 676 had diabetes in 2007. Of the 2276 subjects who were free of diabetes in 2007, 1914 were re‐assessed in 2010. After 3 years, 104 out of 528 subjects with NAFLD and 138 out of 1314 subjects without NAFLD had developed diabetes mellitus de novo. Incidence rates of diabetes were respectively 64.2 and 34 per 1000 person‐years of follow up for those with and without NAFLD. NAFLD was an independent predictor of developing diabetes mellitus. Other independent predictors were impaired fasting glycemia and dyslipidemia.

Conclusions

Subjects with ultrasonically diagnosed NAFLD have an increased risk of developing diabetes mellitus. Intervention for NAFLD through lifestyle modification may prevent progression of the current diabetes epidemic.
Histology of symptomatic gastroesophageal reflux disease: Is it predictive of response to proton pump inhibitors?
Authors: Miwa Hiroto , Takubo Kaiyo , Shimatani Tomohiko , Furuta Takahisa , Oshima Tadayuki , Tanaka Junji , Aida Junko , Ito Masanori , Kurosawa Susumu , Joh Takashi , Wada Tsuneya , Habu Yasuki , Watanabe Yusuke , Hongo Michio , Chiba Tsutomu , Kinoshita Yoshikazu ,   The Acid‐Related Symptom Research Group
Published: September 2012

Background and Aim

To examine the differences in esophageal histopathology between non‐erosive reflux disease (NERD) and reflux esophagitis (RE), and to investigate whether baseline esophageal histopathology can predict the therapeutic response to proton pump inhibitors (PPIs).

Method

The subjects comprised 94 patients with NERD (n = 71) or mild RE (n = 23). Tissue was biopsied from 5 cm above the squamo‐columnar junction (SCJ), and the degree or presence of nine histopathological markers was assessed. The patients were treated with rabeprazole (RPZ) 10 mg once daily for 4 weeks. If complete heartburn relief was not achieved, RPZ was increased to 10 mg twice daily for another 2 weeks, and then to 20 mg twice daily for another 2 weeks if heartburn remained.

Results

Features of esophageal histopathology 5 cm above the SCJ differed between NERD and RE patients. The esophageal histopathology in patients unresponsive to RPZ was characterized by Protein Gene Product (PGP) 9.5 negativity in those with NERD, and intraepithelial bleeding in those with RE. In addition, the combination of dilated intercellular spaces (DIS) (+)/PGP 9.5 (−) was indicative of strong resistance to PPI therapy in NERD patients.

Conclusion

The therapeutic efficacy of PPI can be predicted from the features of biopsied esophageal tissue. Factors predictive of resistance to treatment with PPI are negativity for PGP 9.5 in NERD patients and intraepithelial bleeding in RE patients.
Use of imaging in surveillance of women with early stage breast cancer
Authors: Bell Robin J. , Schwarz Max , Fradkin Pamela , Davis Susan R.
Published: September 2012

Background

There is no evidence of benefit in terms of survival or quality of life for intensive surveillance of women with early breast cancer (BC) and current guidelines reflect this. We have examined whether Victorian women, nearly 4 years from a diagnosis of localized BC, were being managed according to these guidelines.

Methods

Participants are women in the BUPA Health Foundation Health and Wellbeing after Breast Cancer prospective cohort study. All participants completed an enrolment questionnaire within 12 months of diagnosis and then completed follow‐up questionnaires every 12 months thereafter. In the third follow‐up questionnaire, completed nearly 4 years from the time of diagnosis, women were asked about imaging tests they had in the previous 12 months.

Results

The analysis was completed on 673 women who were stage 1 at the time of diagnosis and had not reported evidence of recurrence or a new BC since diagnosis. Of the 673, 603 (89.5%) reported having had a mammogram in the previous 12 months and 319 (52.9% of those having a mammogram) reported a breast ultrasound. Seventy‐one per cent of women reported no other imaging investigations in the previous 12 months.

Conclusions

Our study shows that, nearly 4 years from diagnosis, Australian practitioners are generally adhering to guidelines about imaging surveillance of BC survivors. Practitioners could use the guidelines for the education of BC survivors about appropriate health surveillance.
Systematic review of computer‐navigated total knee arthroplasty
Authors: Zamora Luis A. , Humphreys Karen J. , Watt Amber M. , Forel Deanne , Cameron Alun L.
Published: September 2012

Background

Conventional total knee arthroplasty (TKA) and the more recently available computer‐navigated total knee arthroplasty (CNTKA) use alternative methods to achieve correct limb alignment. This systematic review was undertaken to assess the safety and effectiveness of CNTKA compared with conventional TKA.

Methods

A systematic search of multiple databases identified relevant randomized controlled trials published to August 2012. Study inclusion was established through application of a predetermined protocol, with independent assessment by two reviewers.

Results

Thirty randomized controlled trials were included. The majority of adverse events associated with CNTKA were minor and comparable with those seen with conventional TKA. Conversion to conventional TKA was required in 1% of patients undergoing CNTKA. Thirteen trials reporting on satisfactory post‐operative radiological alignment of the mechanical axis in the frontal plane were suitable for meta‐analysis, which showed a significant total odds ratio (non‐event) of 2.32 (95% confidence interval: 1.77–3.04) in favour of CNTKA (P < 0.00001). Clinical outcomes were comparable between the two techniques, with longer‐term follow‐up suggesting that CNTKA provided no benefit over conventional TKA in terms of sustained functional improvements.

Conclusions

At present, it is unclear whether the significant improvements shown in radiological outcomes after CNTKA translate to measurable clinical benefits. Although an assumption could be made that an improvement in post‐operative alignment should lead to an improvement in patient‐related outcomes, the available literature did not clearly show this. Further, long‐term trials are required to address this issue.
Primary liver leiomyoma: a review of this unusual tumour
Authors: Perini Marcos Vinicius , Fink Michael Anthony , Yeo David Andrew , Carvalho Carlos Alberto , Morais Carlos Floriano , Jones Robert McLaren , Christophi Christopher
Published: September 2012

Primary liver leiomyoma (PLL) should be considered in the differential diagnosis of liver lesions. A literature review has been completed and two cases are reported. The first is a 45‐year‐old white woman complaining of vague abdominal pain. She was initially evaluated with abdominal ultrasonography (US) that revealed a heterogeneous liver mass measuring 18 cm in greatest diameter. The tumour demonstrated hypointensity on T1‐weighted and hyperintensity on T2‐weighted magnetic resonance imaging. The second case is a 45‐year‐old Asian male who had undergone kidney transplantation 16 years ago for IgA glomerulonephritis and who developed mild, self‐limiting epigastric pain. US showed a 4.3‐cm‐diameter lesion that was predominantly hypoechoic and was either compressing or arising from segment 2 of the liver. Computed tomography showed a well‐circumscribed 4‐cm‐diameter mass that appeared to be arising from segments 2/3 of the liver and was adjacent to the anterior gastric wall. He underwent an uneventful laparoscopic left lateral sectionectomy and discharged on post‐operative day 3. Pathological examination of the resection specimen confirmed the lesion as a PLL in each case. Herein, we report two cases of PLL and review the literature regarding this uncommon disorder.
Occlusal support including that from artificial teeth as an indicator for health promotion among community‐dwelling elderly in Japan
Authors: Kimura Motoshi , Watanabe Misuzu , Tanimoto Yoshimi , Kusabiraki Toshiyuki , Komiyama Maki , Hayashida Itsushi , Kono Koichi
Published: September 2012

Aim: The Eichner index (EI) is used to evaluate occlusal support. However, this index is based on existing natural tooth contact. This study aimed to establish whether a modified EI that included artificial teeth reflected individual oral condition of elderly people, and to clarify the relationship between this index and: (i) mental condition; (ii) physical condition; and (iii) physical function.

Methods: We recruited 286 people (145 men, 141 women) aged 65–79 years. They were divided into three groups by modified EI, and then underwent assessment of oral condition. After establishing that the index was clearly related to oral condition, we investigated psychological factors (satisfaction with life, self‐rated health and anxiety regarding falling), indicators of walking and balance (Timed Up & Go test [TUG] and one‐leg standing balance), physical condition (higher‐level functional capacity [HLFC]: instrumental activities of daily living [IADL], intellectual activity and social role; continuous walking over 15 min; and frequency of outings), and health history in the previous year (history of hospital admissions and falls).

Results: Modified EI was a good indicator of occlusal condition. The index was significantly correlated in men with satisfaction with life, TUG test, one‐leg standing balance, overall HLFC and HLFC‐IADL, and in women with TUG test, one‐leg standing balance and HLFC‐Intellectual activity.

Conclusion: The evaluation of occlusal support including that from artificial teeth is beneficial in the elderly as an indicator of health and oral function, in particular firm bite.Geriatr Gerontol Int 2013; 13: 539–546.
Association of geriatric conditions and cardiovascular diseases with disability in older adults with diabetes: Findings from a nationally representative survey
Authors: Li Chia‐Lin , Chiu Yi‐Chen , Chang Hsing‐Yi , Hsu Kuang‐Hung , Bai Yuh‐Bin , Wang Hui‐Hsuan
Published: September 2012

Aim:  To examine how diabetes in combination with cardiovascular diseases (hypertension, heart disease and stroke) and geriatric conditions (cognitive impairment and depressive symptoms) affects the odds of disability in older adults.

Methods:  We analyzed data from a nationally representative sample of people aged 65 years and over (n = 2727) participating in the 2005 National Health Interview Survey in Taiwan. A total of 473 participants had a history of self‐reported physician diagnosed diabetes. Disability was defined as reporting limitations in one or more tasks of activities of daily living (ADL), instrumental activities of daily living (IADL) or general physical activities (GPA). The Mini‐Mental State Examination was used to assess cognitive function. The Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression Scale was used to assess depressive symptoms.

Results:  After adjustment for other factors, cardiovascular diseases and geriatric conditions independently contributed to the excess odds of disability among participants with diabetes. Participants who had diabetes combined with cardiovascular diseases and geriatric conditions had odds ratios for ADL, IADL and GPA disability of 18.02 (95% CI 5.13–63.34), 7.95 (95% CI 4.07–15.50) and 5.89 (95% CI 3.19–10.90), respectively.

Conclusion:  Our results highlight the high prevalence of co‐occurrence of cardiovascular diseases with geriatric conditions in people with diabetes. Furthermore, the combined presence of these diseases and conditions is strongly associated with an excess odds of disability. These findings highlight the critical importance of preventing cardiovascular disease morbidity, and improving depressed mood and cognitive function in order to reduce disability risk in older adults with diabetes. Geriatr Gerontol Int 2013; 13: 563–570.
Reconstruction with scrotal skin flaps after wide local resection of penoscrotal extramammary Paget's disease
Authors: Qin XiaoJian , Zhang Shilin , Zhang HaiLiang , Shen YiJun , Zhu Yao , Ye DingWei
Published: September 2012

Study Type – Therapy (case series)

Level of Evidence 4

What's known on the subject? and What does the study add?

Both the treatment and reconstruction after resection of penoscrotal extramammary Paget's disease (EMPD) are of concern among oncological urologists. Reconstruction of large skin defects after wide local resection of this disease remains challenging and skilled work.

For the first time, by using scrotal skin flaps, we have introduced an effective and reliable procedure into the new area of reconstruction for penoscrotal EMPD in selected patients, with satisfactory functional and aesthetic results.

OBJECTIVE

To introduce an effective procedure for reconstruction of large skin defects after wide local resection of penoscrotal extramammary Paget's disease (EMPD) in selected patients using scrotal skin flaps without compromising oncological control.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

From January to June 2010 this procedure was carried out in five selected patients with penoscrotal EMPD who underwent wide local resection with subsequent reconstruction using scrotal skin flaps.

Patient demographics, lesion characteristics, surgical margins and outcomes were evaluated.

Skin defects covered 48–96 cm2 (median = 72 cm2). The median (range) duration of follow‐up was 24 (22–27) months.

RESULTS

Flaps survived with satisfactory functional and aesthetic results.

All patients survived without local or systemic recurrence of tumour.

CONCLUSIONS

Wide local resection can provide cure in superficial penoscrotal EMPD.

The described method using scrotal skin flaps seems to be a safe and effective procedure for the reconstruction of large defects.
Tackling illiteracy in Year 7 of the comprehensive school
Authors: MAYS DENNIS
Published: September 2012

Reading standards are regarded by many as the true yardstick by which to measure school effectiveness, and the relative standards achieved by different generations are often debated by adults. Some young people do not perceive reading to be of anything like such importance, however, using digital communication habitually and easily. Each year a growing number of young people enter secondary education without having achieved functional reading. Illiteracy in Year 7 poses a real problem for the secondary SEN teacher. Financial and timetable constraints make it impossible to arrange individual multi‐sensory teaching. A programme of didactic teaching using selections from several different approaches to reading was delivered to a group of ten semi‐literate and illiterate young people throughout the 2010–2011 academic year.
The land that lean manufacturing forgot?
Authors: Bloom Nicholas , Schweiger Helena , Van Reenen John
Published: September 2012

We have conducted the first large‐scale survey on management practices in transition countries. We found that Central Asian transition countries, such as Uzbekistan and Kazakhstan, have on average very poor management practices. Their average scores are below developing countries such as India. In contrast, the Central European transition countries such as Poland and Lithuania operate with management practices that are only moderately worse than those of Western European countries such as Germany. As we find these practices are strongly linked to firm performance, this suggests that poor management practices may be impeding the development of Central Asian transition countries. We find that competition, multinational ownership, private ownership and human capital are all strongly correlated with better management. If causally interpreted, this would imply that the continued opening of markets to domestic and foreign competition, privatization of state‐owned firms and increased levels of workforce education should promote better management, and ultimately faster economic growth.
Land use rights, market transitions, and labour policy change in China (1980–84)
Authors: Chen Yiu Por
Published: September 2012

This paper provides a systematic analysis of the way shifts in property utilization rights in China induced another sequence of institutional changes that led to the rise of rural–urban labour migration from 1980 to 1984, a critical period in the country’s market transition. The paper shows that the 1980s’ Household Responsibility System (HRS), which brought family farming back from the communal system, endowed rural households not only with land use rights, but also withde factolabour allocation rights. These shifts in property relations promoted a growth in agricultural market size as well as the emergence of intraprovincial non‐hukourural–urban migration, which may have made labour retention policies such as the small township strategy ineffective, and may have given the government an incentive to deregulate its subsequent labour market policy.
A genetic tango attack against the David–Prasad RFID ultra‐lightweight authentication protocol
Authors: Barrero David F. , Hernández‐Castro Julio César , Peris‐Lopez Pedro , Camacho David , R‐Moreno María D.
Published: September 2012

Radio frequency identification (RFID) is a powerful technology that enables wireless information storage and control in an economical way. These properties have generated a wide range of applications in different areas. Due to economic and technological constrains, RFID devices are seriously limited, having small or even tiny computational capabilities. This issue is particularly challenging from the security point of view. Security protocols in RFID environments have to deal with strong computational limitations, and classical protocols cannot be used in this context. There have been several attempts to overcome these limitations in the form of new lightweight security protocols designed to be used in very constrained (sometimes called ultra‐lightweight) RFID environments. One of these proposals is the David–Prasad ultra‐lightweight authentication protocol. This protocol was successfully attacked using a cryptanalysis technique named Tango attack. The capacity of the attack depends on a set of boolean approximations. In this paper, we present an enhanced version of the Tango attack, named Genetic Tango attack, that uses Genetic Programming to design those approximations, easing the generation of automatic cryptanalysis and improving its power compared to a manually designed attack. Experimental results are given to illustrate the effectiveness of this new attack.
Diagnostic accuracy of punch biopsy in subtyping basal cell carcinoma
Authors: Kamyab‐Hesari K. , Seirafi H. , Naraghi Z.S. , Shahshahani M.M. , Rahbar Z. , Damavandi M.R. , Naraghi M.M. , Rezvani M. , Aghazadeh N.
Published: September 2012

Background  Basal cell carcinoma (BCC) is the most common skin cancer in humans. The histological subtype reported by punch biopsy may influence the type of treatment. Few studies have investigated the accuracy of punch biopsy in diagnosing the true BCC subtype.

Objective  To determine the accuracy, sensitivity and specificity of punch biopsy in BCC subtype diagnosis.

Methods  In this retrospective study, 333 biopsy specimens and excisions were reviewed. Histological subtypes present in the initial biopsy were compared with tumour subtypes of the total excision.

Results  The concordance between the BCC subtype present in the biopsy specimen and in the subsequent excision specimen was 72.3%. The most common BCC patterns were nodular (158, 47.5%) and mixed subtype (90, 27%). Most mixed tumours contained one or more aggressive subtype (63/90, 70%). In 47/120 (39.1%) aggressive tumours (14.1% of the total), punch biopsy failed to correctly identify the aggressive component. The most commonly missed aggressive subtype was mixed aggressive including nodular/micronodular and nodular/infiltrative (30/47, 63.8%). In 45/213 (21.1%) non‐aggressive BCCs (13.5% of total cases), punch biopsy incorrectly reported an aggressive subtype. The most commonly misidentified non‐aggressive subtype was nodular (39/45, 86.6). The sensitivity and specificity of punch biopsy in diagnosing aggressive vs. non‐aggressive BCC subtypes 60.8% (95% CI, 51.9–69.1) and 78.9% (95% CI, 72.8–83.8), respectively. The positive and negative predictive values were 61.9% and 78.1%, respectively.

Conclusion  Punch biopsy has serious pitfalls in differentiating aggressive and non‐aggressive BCC subtypes. Dermatologists should consider the possibility of aggressive components within non‐aggressive BCCs reported using punch biopsy.
Atorvastatin preconditioning improves the forward blood flow in the no‐reflow rats
Authors: Shao Liang , Zhang Yong , Ma Aiqun , Zhang Ping , Wu Dayin , Li Wenzhu , Wang Jue , Liu Kun , Wang Zhaohui
Published: September 2012

Atorvastatin is not only an antilipemic but also used as an anti‐inflammatory medicine in heart disease. Our working hypothesis was that atorvastatin preconditioning could improve the forward blood flow in the no‐reflow rats associated with inflammation. We investigated that two doses of atorvastatin preconditioning (20 and 5 mg/kg/day) could alleviate deterioration of early cardiac diastolic function in rats with inflammation detected by echocardiography and haemodynamics. This benefit was obtained from the effect of atorvastatin preconditioning on improving forward blood flow and preserving the infarct cardiomyocytes, which was estimated by Thioflavin S and TTC staining in rats with myocardial ischemia/reperfusion. Subsequently, the improving of forward blood flow was ascribed to reduction of microthrombus in microvascular and myocardial fibrosis observed by MSB and Masson's trichrome staining with atorvastatin preconditioning. Ultimately, we found that atorvastatin preconditioning could reduce inflammation factor, such as tumor necrosis factor‐α and fibrinogen‐like protein 2, both in myocardial and in mononuclear cells, which probably attribute to microcirculation dysfunction in no‐reflow rats detected by immunohistochemistry staining, western blot, and ELISA detection, respectively. In conclusion, atorvastatin preconditioning could alleviate deterioration of early cardiac diastolic function and improve the forward blood flow in the no‐reflow rats attributing to reduction of TNF‐α and fgl‐2 expression.
Phylogenetic affinities of evolutionarily enigmatic African galliforms: the Stone Partridge Ptilopachus petrosus and Nahan's Francolin Francolinus nahani, and support for their sister relationship with New World quails
Authors: Cohen Callan , Wakeling Julia L. , Mandiwana‐Neudani Tshifhiwa G. , Sande Eric , Dranzoa Christine , Crowe Timothy M. , Bowie Rauri C. K.
Published: September 2012

The monotypic Stone Partridge Ptilopachus petrosus (Galliformes: Phasianidae), restricted to arid rocky areas of the northern savanna belt including the Sahel on the southern border of the Sahara Desert, is a taxonomic enigma. Historically, it has been grouped with Asian forest partridges (Galloperdix and Bambusicola spp.). However, recent DNA‐based phylogenetic research has suggested that its closest relative is Nahan's Francolin Francolinus nahani, another taxonomically enigmatic African galliform, and a globally threatened, narrow endemic species associated with the interior of remnant primary forests of the eastern equatorial lowlands of the Democratic Republic of the Congo and Uganda. This hypothesis is investigated in greater detail using additional DNA evidence and information on behaviour and vocalizations. Phylogenetic analyses of the combined sequences from three nuclear and four mitochondrial markers (5554 bases for 84 galliform taxa) overwhelmingly support the sister relationship between F. nahani and P. petrosus. They, in turn, are the distantly related sister taxon of the New World quails (Odontophoridae), and are not related to any other Old World galliform.
Galvechelone lopezmartinezae gen. et sp. nov., a new cryptodiran turtle in the Lower Cretaceous of Europe
Authors: PÉREZ‐GARCÍA ADÁN , MURELAGA XABIER
Published: September 2012

Abstract:  The Spanish town of Galve (Teruel) is notable because of the abundance of Upper Jurassic and, especially, Lower Cretaceous vertebrates recorded there. Although most groups have been studied in detail, information on turtles is very limited even though the material is relatively abundant. So far, no turtle taxa have been identified at the generic level. The only Lower Cretaceous articulated specimen from Galve is analysed here. It is identified as a representative of Cryptodira, Galvechelone lopezmartinezae gen. et sp. nov. Galvechelone lopezmartinezae is determined as a taxon belonging to the node that groups the turtles traditionally assigned to ‘Macrobaenidae’ and ‘Sinemydidae’, and other taxa such as the members of Panchelonioidea. This node, very abundant in the Lower Cretaceous of Asia, and with a broad subsequent distribution, has recently been recognized in the Lower Cretaceous of Europe. The diversity of basal members of Eucryptodira in the European Late Jurassic (represented by Thalassemydidae, Plesiochelyidae and Eurysternidae) was high. Owing to a relative scarcity of well‐preserved early Cretaceous turtles from Europe, the knowledge of this group of reptiles is limited. The study of the new turtle from Galve, together with the recently described Hoyasemys jimenezi, and the recently completed review of the enigmatic Chitracephalus dumonii demonstrate that members of the cryptodiran node grouping ‘Macrobaenidae’, ‘Sinemydidae’ and Panchelonioidea were also very diverse in this period.
Two Cheers for Modernity
Authors: Hall John A.
Published: September 2012

Michael McKeon’s great The Secret History of Domesticity has at its core a powerful, well‐articulated view of the nature of modernity. This paper engages with that view. The argument of this essay is simple: McKeon does not give sufficient attention to alternative views of modernity – or, if you like, to tensions with modernity. This matters: his view of modernity is slightly too optimistic – as indeed a closer reading of Smith and Hume proposed here makes clear
Domesticating the Conscience
Authors: Linch Amy
Published: September 2012

Michael McKeon’s The Secret History of Domesticity offers a powerful theory for understanding the intensity of religious conflict during the 17th century and its role in advancing the central categories of liberal political thought. Through McKeon’s framework we can see the struggle for confessional homogeneity as a conflict over interpretations of the public and the role of the private with respect to its legitimacy, purpose and direction resulting from the devolution of absolutism. The perspective his theory illuminates also allows us to recognize the Anglican consensus as a domestication of radical challenges to the consolidating state on the basis of liberty of conscience.
National Domesticity: “The Fairy Way of Writing”
Authors: Pask Kevin
Published: September 2012

Michael McKeon’s The Secret History of Domesticity is a powerful account of early modern culture partly because of its abandonment of the traditional (Marxist) association of domesticity with the bourgeoisie. However, the book’s scrupulous avoidance of anachronistic ideological terms of analysis also seems to entail a relative lack of interest in nationalism, which is arguably emerging in the period. This paper argues for the relevance of the emergence of a national literary imaginary as a version of early modern domesticity.
Drama Theory, the Division of Knowledge, and the Emergence of the Aesthetic
Authors: Frank Marcie
Published: September 2012

In The Secret History of Domesticity, Michael McKeon provides a new account of the development of the aesthetic in the eighteenth century. He characterizes the contribution of debates about neoclassical dramatic theory to the division of knowledge into the categories of science and art when they separate the pleasures of the understanding from the pleasures of the imagination. Unlike other accounts of the aesthetic that treat 18th‐century theatricality as a metaphor, McKeon’s use of drama theory mediates between metaphorical theatricality and literal theater history. By emphasizing the emergent epistemological divide between arts and science, however, McKeon does not fully exploit one of the consequences that may flow from giving this importance to drama theory: the location of aesthetics beside commerce or entertainment. To recognize the persistence of drama theory in literature even after the crystallization of the realist novel in the 1740s, moreover, might also generate an alternative history of the novel to the one provided in The Secret History.
Public Learning and Private Learners: The Separation of Public and Private in Renaissance Literature and Pedagogy
Authors: Carlson Eric
Published: September 2012

Although Michael McKeon’s The Secret History of Domesticity is both a major achievement in public sphere theory and builds a major bridge between studies of the Restoration and the Renaissance, it also suggests a further examination of evidence from before the civil wars. While the opening chapter considers the pre‐16th‐century developments of privacy in politics, economics and religion, the book’s literary and cultural evidence focuses overwhelmingly on the 17th and 18th centuries. Taking the topic of education as the main point of departure, this article argues that the conceptual separation of public and private can be seen in Tudor evidence such as Richard Mulcaster’s pedagogy manual, Positions (1581), Dudley Fenner’s Artes of Logike and Rhethorike (1584) and even in the statutes of London’s Gresham College (1596). Although the language of public and private in these texts is inchoate and provisional, these Elizabethan educational texts also participate in what McKeon identifies as the emergence of the modern categories of publicity and privacy.