bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Mental health in the left‐behind children in the Fujian Province of China
Authors: Albin Björn , Qin Jiang , Hong Zhang
Published: March 2013

Purpose

An increasing number of people are migrating within the borders of China. Some migrants have to leave their children behind, and 58,000,000 children are estimated to be living as left‐behind children. Earlier studies have found severe mental problems in left‐behind children, but different factors could influence their mental health. The purpose of this paper is to investigate the mental health of these left‐behind children and to determine possible influencing factors.

Design/methodology/approach

Data for this study were collected in one province of the People's Republic of China with a validated instrument, the Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire (SDQ), to investigate behavior in 13‐to‐15‐year old children.

Findings

No significant difference was found in total difficulty score and in any subscale score of SDQ when left‐behind children were compared with children who were not left behind. A significant difference in emotional difficulty subscale score was found between girls who were left behind and girls who were not. Some socio‐economic factors such as poor family economy and living with relatives, friends or grandparents, were identified as risk factors.

Originality/value

When strategies for support of the mental health in left‐behind children are developed, they will need to be individualized according to the gender, social and economic situation and focused on emotional and conduct problems.
Potential pathways from biopsychosocial risk factors to sleep loss due to worry: a population‐based investigation
Authors: Dregan Alex , Lallukka Tea , Armstrong David
Published: March 2013

Purpose

Typologies of sleep problems have usually relied on identifying underlying causes or symptom clusters. The purpose of this paper is to explore the value of using the patient's own reasons for sleep disturbance.

Design/methodology/approach

Using secondary data analysis of a nationally representative psychiatric survey the patterning of the various reasons respondents provided for self‐reported sleep problems were examined. Over two thirds (69.3 per cent) of respondents could identify a specific reason for their sleep problem with worry (37.9 per cent) and illness (20.1 per cent) representing the most commonly reported reasons. And while women reported more sleep problems for almost every reason compared with men, the patterning of reasons by age showed marked variability. Sleep problem symptoms such as difficulty getting to sleep or waking early also showed variability by different reasons, as did the association with major correlates such as worry, depression, anxiety and poor health.

Findings

While prevalence surveys of “insomnia” or “poor sleep” often assume the identification of an underlying homogeneous construct, there may be grounds for recognising the existence of different sleep problem types, particularly in the context of the patient's perceived reason for the problem.

Originality/value

A typology based on reasons presents a different snapshot of the landscape of insomnia. Using patient's reasons to underpin a sleep nosology is an alternative way of sub‐dividing patients' symptoms which has some face validity given the “subjective” associations between reasons and symptoms.
Towards a diversity justice management model: integrating organizational justice and diversity management
Authors: Fujimoto Yuka , Härtel Charmine E.J. , Azmat Fara
Published: March 2013

Purpose

Contemporary organizations are increasingly paying attention to incorporate diversity management practices into their systems in order to promote socially responsible actions and equitable employment outcomes for minority groups. The aim of this paper is to seek to address a major oversight in diversity management literature, the integration of organizational justice principles.

Design/methodology/approach

Drawing upon the existing literature on workforce diversity and organizational justice, the authors develop a model based on normative principles of organizational justice for justice‐based diversity management processes and outcomes.

Findings

The paper proposes that effective diversity management results from a decision‐making process that meets the normative principles of organizational justice (i.e. interactional, procedural and distributive justice). The diversity justice management model introduced in this article provides important theoretical and practical implications for establishing more moral and just workplaces.

Research limitations/implications

The authors have not tested the conceptual framework of the diversity justice management model, and recommend future research to take up the challenge. The payoff for doing so is to enable the establishment of socially responsible workplaces where individuals, regardless of their background, are given an equal opportunity to flourish in their assigned jobs.

Practical implications

The diversity justice management model introduced in this paper provides organizational justice (OJ)‐based guidelines for managers to ensure that OJ can be objectively benchmarked and discussed amongst diversity stakeholders to continuously improve actual and perceived OJ outcomes.

Social implications

The social implication of this conceptual paper is reduction of workforce marginalization and establishment of socially responsible organizations whereby those marginalized (e.g. people with disabilities) can effectively work in their organizations.

Originality/value

This is the first attempt to establish a diveristy justice management model, which incorporates normative principles of organizational justice into diversity management processes and outcomes.
The use of E‐Payment in the distribution of social welfare in Ireland
Authors: Csáki Csaba , O'Brien Leona , Giller Kieran , McCarthy J.B. , Tan Kay‐Ti , Adam Frédéric
Published: March 2013

Purpose

E‐Government programs often address problems such as institutional ineffectiveness, lack of transparency, or social exclusion. Financial exclusion and people's reliance on ineffective payment methods appear to be a well‐known problem world‐wide. Yet, despite the large number of related case studies and academic reports on the topic, little is understood about the impact governmental payment practices have on the financial behaviour of citizens. Few investigations address how governmental use of payment methods and related policies may impact citizen/consumer behaviour. Through investigating the move to E‐Payment based methods to replace the dominant use of cash and cheques in social welfare in Ireland, the purpose of this paper is to explore the recipient's view of this government project.

Design/methodology/approach

The research is organized as an intrinsic case study where the unit of analysis is one large project. It aims at a rich description of one particular case by analysing data collected from two main sources of evidence: preliminary investigation is done by reviewing relevant documents, while primary data collection involved face‐to‐face surveys of social welfare recipients (using a short, structured questionnaire augmented with a few open‐ended questions).

Findings

The planning and execution of E‐Government programs often face barriers of mostly social and historical nature. As the results of this research indicate, these barriers might be hard to overcome as they are the result of certain behaviours and attitudes rooted in people's daily experience, such as their daily financial reality. Results also imply that the choice of an adequate E‐Payment method and migration scenario by governmental agencies will be crucial to the outcome. Implementation and education will also be critical.

Originality/value

This study reports on the influence governmental decisions related to social welfare payment methods may have on recipients' financial habits regarding the choice of payment options. It also shows how recipients' everyday experience and financial reality determine the way they relate to payment options.
Transforming local government by project portfolio management
Authors: Kristian Hansen Lars , Kræmmergaard Pernille
Published: March 2013

Purpose

As public organizations strive for higher e‐government maturity, information technology (IT) Project Portfolio Management (IT PPM) has become a high priority issue. Assuming control is central in IT PPM, the purpose of this paper is to investigate how a Danish local government conducts control in IT PPM. The authors identify control problems and formulate recommendations to address these.

Design/methodology/approach

Adopting principles from Engaged Scholarship, the authors have conducted a case study using a wide variety of data collection methods, including 29 interviews, one workshop, and analyses of documents.

Findings

It is found that the local government relies vastly on informal control mechanisms and five control problems are identified: weak accountability processes between the political and administrative level; weak accountability between the director level and the IT executives; IT projects established on the basis of incomplete information about internal resources; lack of operational goals to hold IT projects accountable; and no account of actual IT project costs. The authors propose a model for highlighting how more formal control can be implemented and address the identified control problems.

Research limitations/implications

As a single qualitative case study, the results are limited to one organization and subject.

Practical implications

The paper has implications for IT PPM in Danish local governments and similar organizations in other countries. The paper shows that the lack of formal control mechanisms makes accountability between hierarchical levels difficult, which deprives organizations of the opportunity to pursue and display unambiguous value from their e‐government initiatives.

Originality/value

This paper fulfills an identified need to understand how local governments can improve IT PPM.
Where there's a will there's a way
Authors: Gaffney‐Rhys Ruth , Jones Joanna
Published: March 2013

Purpose

The aim of this paper is to explore inheritance planning amongst small business owners, which is important due to the complex nature of a business proprietor's estate and the fact that the latter sometimes have specific aspirations regarding the succession of the enterprise.

Design/methodology/approach

The article highlights the problems that can arise if a business owner dies intestate and then considers the levels of will ownership amongst small business owners in South Wales and attitudes to inheritance planning.

Findings

The primary research conducted found that a significant number of small business owners have not made a will (51 percent) and that the reasons for not doing so are complex and varied.

Originality/value

Several themes emerged from the study, such as the importance of contact with professional advisers, the impact of culture on inheritance planning, reliance on trust, the problems associated with complicated family circumstances and the effect of the current economic climate on attitudes to inheritance planning
Consumer insights for developing markets
Authors: Belk Russell W.
Published: March 2013

Purpose

Multinational companies (MNCs) entering developing markets face cultural, language, and other barriers to understanding consumers. Ethnographic consumer insights research offers the best means of understanding needed product innovations and adaptations for these markets. This paper aims to focus on these issues.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper emphasizes qualitative methods and gives examples of their successful application in developing markets.

Findings

Despite a wealth of quantitative consumer data from surveys, online data, and secondary data analysis, these methods cannot provide a culture‐sensitive understanding of local consumers. Anthropological approaches are best situated to do this.

Originality/value

While MNCs have global experience they can gain local experience by coming to see through the lens of qualitative consumer insights.
Mediating roles of commitment and corporate image in the formation of customer loyalty
Authors: Kaur Harsandaldeep , Soch Harmeen
Published: March 2013

Purpose

Identifying the loyalty drivers to cell phone operators is extremely important in today's competitive environment. Consensus is absent in the marketing literature on how loyalty should be conceptualized and measured in the service industry. The purpose of this study is to test an integrative model to examine the relations among customer satisfaction, trust, commitment, corporate image, attitudinal loyalty and behavioural loyalty. It also aims to examine the mediating roles of commitment and corporate image on causal relationships between trust and loyalty.

Design/methodology/approach

Data collection was done in two stages: in the first stage in which the primary purpose of analysis was pre‐testing, the authors collected data from 250 respondents. In the second stage, data were obtained from 855 mobile phone users in India via questionnaire. The data were analysed by structural equation modelling (SEM) in order to test all the relationships between variables in the model.

Findings

The findings supported the proposed hypotheses, which are consistent with the theoretical framework. Analysis showed that corporate image is an important determinant of attitudinal loyalty.

Research limitations/implications

In order to generalize the findings, the proposed model should be studied in different service industries. This research does not examine the interaction effects between customer satisfaction and trust. Future researchers can test these interaction effects and study its impact on development of behavioural and attitudinal loyalty. The proposed model should be tested using a longitudinal research design.

Practical implications

Firms should focus both on attitudinal and behavioural loyalty to create truly loyal customers. A defensive marketing strategy is important for the highly competitive and maturing mobile telecommunications service market. Mobile phone companies should develop and reinforce marketing strategies focusing on factors (satisfaction, commitment, trust and corporate image) which have the greatest influence on retention.

Originality/value

This paper examines the mediating roles of commitment and corporate image in the formation of customer loyalty.
Evaluating event economic impact: rigour versus reality?
Authors: Davies Larissa , Coleman Richard , Ramchandani Girish
Published: March 2013

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to focus on the methodologies used to evaluate major events. It aims to establish the most practically‐relevant methodology for analysing the economic impact of routinely‐held major events and to identify the key methodological issues for future consideration.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper draws on empirical research undertaken by the Sport Industry Research Centre using the direct expenditure approach (DEA).

Findings

The DEA is the most pragmatic and cost‐effective method for evaluating the economic impact of medium‐sized major events. However, the approach is only as robust as the quality of data utilised to derive estimates. Key emerging methodological issues are measuring attendance, consideration of direct first‐round leakage and treatment of organisational spend and event surplus/deficit.

Research limitations/implications

The DEA limits the measurement of economic impact to first‐round spending associated with an event. It is not suitable for measuring large‐scale mega‐events that require a more holistic and advanced method of event evaluation.

Originality/value

The paper considers the methods used to evaluate events in the context of balancing academic rigour with the everyday practical realities and constraints facing event organisers and researchers. It discusses existing and emerging methodological considerations and techniques for dealing with these. The paper will be of particular interest to researchers and practitioners from the event industry carrying out or commissioning economic impact studies.
Research productivity of accounting academics in changing and challenging times
Authors: Wills Debbie , Ridley Gail , Mitev Helena
Published: March 2013

Purpose

The aim of this study is to investigate factors considered to impact on the research productivity of accounting academics, and identify how the factors were related. The study aims to set itself within an international context of increased workloads, and revenue‐driven research and teaching.

Design/methodology/approach

A meta‐analysis was conducted of international studies from accounting and related business fields, published between 1988 and 2008, that examined factors influencing the research productivity of academics. A data‐driven approach to thematic analysis was used to synthesise the results, which were categorised into two time periods.

Findings

Three clusters of factors that accounted for researcher productivity were found to have had most focus in related studies over the period. These were “Institutional characteristics”, “Intrinsic motivation” and “Knowledge, skills and other individual characteristics”. Hierarchical clusters of factors operating at government, institution and individual levels appeared to influence the research output of accounting academics.

Practical implications

Increased understanding of the factors that affect the research productivity of accounting academics, and how they are related, has potential to benefit individual researchers and their institutions.

Originality/value

Models identified in previous studies have not considered the impact of the relatively recent global market pressures on accounting academics. As the proposed model was developed from a meta‐analysis of many international studies it is likely to accommodate current global pressures better than previous models.
Shared service centres and management control structure change
Authors: Minnaar Reinald A. , Vosselman Ed G.J.
Published: March 2013

Purpose

This paper aims to explore management control structure change related to the development of a shared service centre (SSC).

Design/methodology/approach

The paper explores a transaction costs economics perspective (TCE‐perspective) on management control structure change related to the development of an SSC. Particularly, it explores and challenges the scope of such a perspective both in terms of contents (i.e. the nature of management control related to the dimensions of transactions) and process (i.e. the way change is effectuated). It does so by theorizing as well as empirically investigating management control structure change through a case study at PCM (a Dutch newspaper publisher).

Findings

The theoretical analysis broadens existing frameworks of management control structures by particularly pointing to the possibility of including governance structures for internal transactions and exit threats (connected to a market mechanism) in the management control structure of an organization. However, the paper's empirical investigations challenge the broader framework: the possibility of an exit threat was not explicitly considered by top management (“the designer” of management control). More profoundly, empirical investigations challenge the calculative approach of the change and show that the change in management control is to a large extent a drifting process.

Research limitations/implications

An instrumental calculative approach towards SSC‐related management control change should be complemented with a relational perspective on such change, in order to further explore its drifting character.

Practical implications

A transaction costs economics approach to change in management control might provide practitioners with insights into the efficiency of specific management control structures.

Originality/value

The paper contributes to the extant knowledge by both exploring and challenging a TCE‐perspective on SSC‐related changes in management control.
Lack of association between genetic polymorphisms of CYP3A4,CYP2C9 and CYP2C19 and antituberculosis drug‐induced liver injury in a community‐based Chinese population
Authors: Tang Shao‐Wen , Lv Xiao‐Zhen , Chen Ru , Wu Shan‐Shan , Yang Zhi‐Rong , Chen Da‐Fang , Zhan Si‐Yan
Published: March 2013

The precise pathogenic mechanism of antituberculosis (anti‐TB) drug‐induced liver injury (ATLI) is poorly understood. It may be associated with drug‐metabolizing enzymes, such as cytochrome P450 (CYP) 3A4, CYP2C9 and CYP2C19. The aim of the present study was to explore the role of tagging single nucleotide polymorphisms (tSNPs) of CYP3A4, CYP2C9 and CYP2C19 in the risk of ATLI in a population‐based anti‐TB treatment cohort.

A nested case–control study was designed. Each ATLI case was matched 1 : 4 with controls on the basis of age, gender, treatment history, disease severity and drug dosage. The tSNPs were selected using Haploview 4.2 based on the HapMap database of Han Chinese in Beijing and genotyped by TaqMan allelic discrimination technology.

Eighty‐nine patients with ATLI and 356 controls were included in the study. One tSNP in CYP3A4 (rs12333983), two in CYP2C9 (rs4918758, rs9332098) and two in CYP2C19 (rs11568732, rs4986894) were selected and genotyped. The minor allele frequencies of rs12333983, rs4918758, rs9332098, rs11568732 and rs4986894 were 36.0%, 41.4%, 1.1%, 5.7% and 35.7%, respectively, in the patients, compared with 31.7%, 42.9%, 3.4%, 8.9% and 35.1%, respectively, in the controls. No significant differences were observed in genotypes or allele frequencies of the five tSNPs between the two groups and none of the CYP2C9 or CYP2C19 haplotypes was significantly associated with the development of ATLI.

Based on the Chinese anti‐TB treatment cohort, we did not find a significant association between the risk of ATLI and genetic polymorphisms of CYP3A4, CYP2C9 and CYP2C19. None of the haplotypes exhibited a significant association with the development of ATLI in a Chinese tuberculosis population.
Neural activation during processing of aversive faces predicts treatment outcome in alcoholism
Authors: Charlet Katrin , Schlagenhauf Florian , Richter Anne , Naundorf Karina , Dornhof Lina , Weinfurtner Christopher E. J. , König Friederike , Walaszek Bernadeta , Schubert Florian , Müller Christian A. , Gutwinski Stefan , Seissinger Annette , Schmitz Lioba , Walter Henrik , Beck Anne , Gallinat Jürgen , Kiefer Falk , Heinz Andreas
Published: March 2013

Neuropsychological studies reported decoding deficits of emotional facial expressions in alcohol‐dependent patients, and imaging studies revealed reduced prefrontal and limbic activation during emotional face processing. However, it remains unclear whether this reduced neural activation is mediated by alcohol‐associated volume reductions and whether it interacts with treatment outcome. We combined analyses of neural activation during an aversive face‐cue‐comparison task and local gray matter volumes (GM) using Biological Parametric Mapping in 33 detoxified alcohol‐dependent patients and 33 matched healthy controls. Alcoholics displayed reduced activation toward aversive faces–neutral shapes in bilateral fusiform gyrus [FG; Brodmann areas (BA) 18/19], right middle frontal gyrus (BA46/47), right inferior parietal gyrus (BA7) and left cerebellum compared with controls, which were explained by GM differences (except for cerebellum). Enhanced functional activation in patients versus controls was found in left rostral anterior cingulate cortex (ACC) and medial frontal gyrus (BA10/11), even after GM reduction control. Increased ACC activation correlated significantly with less (previous) lifetime alcohol intake [Lifetime Drinking History (LDH)], longer abstinence and less subsequent binge drinking in patients. High LDH appear to impair treatment outcome via its neurotoxicity on ACC integrity. Thus, high activation of the rostral ACC elicited by affective faces appears to be a resilience factor predicting better treatment outcome. Although no group differences were found, increased FG activation correlated with patients' higher LDH. Because high LDH correlated with worse task performance for facial stimuli in patients, elevated activation in the fusiform ‘face’ area may reflect inefficient compensatory activation. Therapeutic interventions (e.g. emotion evaluation training) may enable patients to cope with social stress and to decrease relapses after detoxification.
The Road to Hell? Third‐Party Intervention to Prevent Atrocities
Authors: Kydd Andrew H. , Straus Scott
Published: March 2013

Preventing large‐scale atrocities has emerged as an important policy goal of the post–Cold War period. However, a debate exists about the effects of creating an international institution to prevent atrocities. Advocates of intervention argue that a credible threat to intervene should deter perpetrators and stop atrocities when deterrence fails. Critics argue that third‐party intervention, by strengthening weak minority groups and lowering the cost of war, encourages rebellions and so makes war and atrocities more likely. We develop a model of intervention to analyze this debate. The model shows that the negative effects of intervention highlighted by critics can be mitigated if the third party is relatively neutral and if alternative costs are imposed on decision makers. We conclude that with appropriate institutional design, the net impact of stronger third‐party commitments to end atrocities will be to lower the expected level of atrocities.
Elections and Democratization in Authoritarian Regimes
Authors: Donno Daniela
Published: March 2013

When do elections in authoritarian regimes lead to democracy? Building from the distinction between competitive and hegemonic authoritarian regimes, I argue that presence of relatively weaker incumbents renders competitive authoritarian elections more prone to democratization, but only when domestic and international actors choose to actively pressure the regime. The effects of two forms of pressure—opposition electoral coalitions and international conditionality—are theorized. Propositions are tested using a comprehensive dataset of elections in authoritarian regimes from 1990 to 2007. Results support two core claims: that the effect of electoral pressure is conditional on the type of authoritarianism and that this greater vulnerability to pressure is the reason why competitive authoritarian elections are more likely to lead to democracy. In contrast, several alternative explanations—that differences across regime type are explained by alternation in power, better electoral conduct, or ongoing processes of liberalization—are not supported by the evidence.
Impact of early diagnosis and control of chronic respiratory diseases on active and healthy ageing
Authors: Bousquet J. , Tanasescu C.C. , Camuzat T. , Anto J.M. , Blasi F. , Neou A. , Palkonen S. , Papadopoulos N.G. , Antunes J.P. , Samolinski B. , Yiallouros P. , Zuberbier T.
Published: March 2013

A debate at the European Union Parliament was held on 13 November 2012 on the Impact of early diagnosis and control of chronic respiratory diseases on Active and Healthy Ageing (AHA). The debate was held under the auspices of theCyprus Presidency of the European Union (2012) and represents a follow‐up of the priorities of the Polish Presidency of the European Union (2011). It highlighted the importance of early life events on the occurrence of chronic respiratory diseases later in life and their impact on active and healthy ageing. Epidemiologic evidence was followed by actions that should be taken to prevent and manage chronic respiratory diseases in children. The debate ended by practical, feasible and achievable projects, demonstrating the strength of the political action in the field. Three projects will be initiated from this debate: The first will be a meeting sponsored by the Région Languedoc‐Roussillon on the developmental origins of chronic diseases and ageing: from research to policies and value creation. The second project is being led by the WHO Collaborating Centre for Asthma and Rhinitis: Prevention of Asthma, Prevention of Allergy (PAPA). The third project is the GA2LEN sentinel network.
Dog saliva – an important source of dog allergens
Authors: Polovic N. , Wadén K. , Binnmyr J. , Hamsten C. , Grönneberg R. , Palmberg C. , Milcic‐Matic N. , Bergman T. , Grönlund H. , van Hage M.
Published: March 2013

Background

Allergy to dog (Canis familiaris) is a worldwide common cause of asthma and allergic rhinitis. However, dander extract in routine diagnostics is not an optimal predictor of IgE‐mediated dog allergy. Our objective was to evaluate saliva as an allergen source for improved diagnostics of allergy to dog.

Methods

IgE‐binding proteins in dog saliva and dander extract were analysed by immunoblot and mass spectrometry (LC‐MS/MS) using pooled or individual sera from dog‐allergic patients (n = 13). Sera from 59 patients IgE positive to dander and 55 patients IgE negative to dander but with symptoms to dog were analysed for IgE against saliva and dander by ELISA. Basophil stimulation with dog saliva and dander extract was measured by flow cytometry among three dog‐allergic patients. Additionally, IgE‐binding protein profiles of saliva from different breeds were investigated by immunoblot.

Results

Greater number and diversity of IgE‐binding proteins was found in saliva compared to dander extract and varied among dog breeds. In saliva, Can f 1, 2, 3 and 6 were identified but also four new saliva allergen candidates. The majority of the 59 dog dander–positive sera (n = 44) were IgE positive to dog saliva. Among patients IgE negative to dander, but with symptoms to dog, 20% were IgE positive to saliva. The biological activity of saliva was confirmed by basophil degranulation.

Conclusions

Dog saliva is an allergen source for improved diagnostics of dog allergy. The IgE‐binding protein profile of saliva from different dogs varies.
Long‐term follow‐up of last autogenous option arm vein bypass
Authors: Robinson Domenic R. , Varcoe Ramon L. , Chee Wilson , Subramaniam Peter S. , Benveniste Glen L. , Fitridge Robert A.
Published: March 2013

Background

The superiority of autogenous conduits in infrainguinal bypass surgery is well established. At our institution, arm vein is utilized as the last autogenous option for infrainguinal bypass surgery. The aim of this study was to review the long‐term outcomes of last autogenous option arm vein bypass.

Methods

All infrainguinal arm vein bypasses performed between 1997 and 2005 by The Queen Elizabeth Hospital vascular surgeons were identified. Patency, reintervention, limb salvage and survival were calculated using the Kaplan–Meier survival estimate method.

Results

Thirty‐eight arm vein bypasses were performed in 35 patients. Eighty‐nine per cent were performed for critical limb ischaemia. Median follow‐up was 58 months (range 2–121). Twelve‐month primary, assisted primary and secondary patency rates were 52%, 73% and 76%, respectively. Three‐year primary, assisted primary and secondary patency rates were 32%, 61% and 63%, respectively. Five‐year primary, assisted primary and secondary patency rates were 21%, 47% and 49%, respectively. Patency was superior in single compared with spliced vein grafts (P < 0.05). Limb salvage rates at 1, 3 and 5 years were 94%, 87% and 76%, respectively. Patient survival at 1, 3 and 5 years was 92%, 68% and 49%, respectively.

Discussion

Infrainguinal bypass surgery with arm vein can be performed safely with favourable patency and high rates of limb salvage. Secondary interventions to maintain patency are common and we recommend a vigilant surveillance programme to identify the threatened graft.
Sushruta in 600 B.C. introduced extraocular expulsion of lens material
Authors: Grzybowski Andrzej , Ascaso Francisco J.
Published: March 2013

It is generally accepted that Jacques Daviel introduced in the 18th century the extracapsular technique of extraction of the lens while the couching method of cataract operation had already been practiced since ancient times. Present study analyses the first known cataract surgery description in three translations into English from the original Sanskrit Sushruta textbook and all the available literature on the subject. We found evidences that some sort of extraocular expulsion of lens material through a limbal puncture (paracentesis) was described by the Indian surgeon. Nevertheless, this incision cannot be considered as a classic extracapsular procedure because it was not large enough to allow the extraction of the entire lens.
The reliability and validity of the revised Diabetes Family Conflict Scale questionnaire, in a sample of Swedish children
Authors: Sand Peter , Kleiberg Anna Nilsson , Forsander Gun
Published: March 2013

Aim

The overall aim of the study was to assess the psychometric properties of the revised Diabetes Family Conflict Scale (DFCS), in a Swedish sample of children, mothers and fathers. A second aim was to analyse maternal and paternal effects separately.

Methods

One hundred and fifty‐nine families from two diabetes centres participated in the study. The revised DFCS was administered to children aged 8–18 years and their parents. Internal consistency of the scale was measured with Cronbach's alpha, and its concurrent validity was evaluated using bivariate correlations. Independent t‐tests were performed to test for differences between mother‐ and father reports.

Results

The revised DFCS total scale exceeded the criteria for satisfactory internal consistency for the child‐, mother‐ and father reports, as did the subscale direct management, with α‐values ranging from 0.72 to 0.81. Furthermore, a higher level of reported conflict on the total scale was associated with poorer metabolic control, thus confirming concurrent validity of the instrument. This was true for mother‐, father‐ and child reports.

Conclusion

In summary, the study concludes that the revised DFCS can be utilized as a valuable tool both in a research setting and in clinical practice.
An experimental investigation of emotional reasoning processes in depression
Authors: Berle David , Moulds Michelle L.
Published: March 2013

Objectives

Cognitive models of depression emphasize how distorted thoughts and interpretations contribute to low mood. Emotional reasoning is considered to be one such interpretative style. We used an experimental procedure to determine whether elevated levels of emotional reasoning characterize depression.

Methods

Participants who were currently experiencing a major depressive episode (n = 27) were compared with those who were non‐depressed (n = 25 who had never been depressed and n = 26 previously but not currently depressed) on an emotional reasoning task.

Results

Although there were some trends for depressed participants to show greater levels of emotional reasoning relative to non‐depressed participants, none of these differences attained significance. Interestingly, previously depressed participants engaged in more non‐self‐referent emotional reasoning than never‐depressed participants.

Conclusions

Emotional reasoning does not appear to characterize mild to moderate levels of depression. The lack of significant differences in emotional reasoning between currently depressed and non‐depressed participants may have been a consequence of the fact that participants in our currently depressed group were, for the most part, only mildly depressed. Non‐self‐referent emotional reasoning may nevertheless be a risk factor for subsequent depressive episodes, or else serve as a ‘cognitive scar’ from previous episodes.

Practitioner points

Clinical Implications

In contrast with the predictions of cognitive models of depression, emotional reasoning tendencies may not be especially prominent in currently depressed individuals.

Depressed individuals vary greatly in the degree to which they engage in emotional reasoning.

Individuals with remitted depression may show elevated of levels non‐self‐referent emotional reasoning compared with those who have never had a depressive episode, that is, rely on their emotions when forming interpretations about situations.

Limitations

Our findings require replication using alternative indices of emotional reasoning.

Our currently depressed individuals were only mildly clinically depressed precluding conclusions about individuals with more severe levels of depression.
Long‐term evaluation of survival, continence and potency (SCP) outcomes after robot‐assisted radical prostatectomy (RARP)
Authors: Ficarra Vincenzo , Borghesi Marco , Suardi Nazareno , De Naeyer Geert , Novara Giacomo , Schatteman Peter , De Groote Ruben , Carpentier Paul , Mottrie Alexander
Published: March 2013

Objective

To report combined oncological and functional outcome in a series of patients who underwent robot‐assisted radical prostatectomy (RARP) for clinically localised prostate cancer in a single European centre after 5‐year minimum follow‐up according to survival, continence and potency (SCP) outcomes.

Patients and Methods

We extracted from our prostate cancer database all consecutive patients with a minimum follow‐up of 5 years after RARP. Biochemical failure was defined as a confirmed PSA concentration of >0.2 ng/mL.

All patients alive at the last follow‐up were evaluated for functional outcomes using the Expanded Prostate Cancer Index Composite (EPIC) and Sexual Health Inventory for Men (SHIM) questionnaires.

Oncological and functional outcomes were reported according to the SCP system. Specifically, patients were classified as using no pad (C0), using one pad for security (C1), and using ≥1 pad (C2) (not including the prior definition).

Patients potent (SHIM score of >17) without any aids were classified as P0 category; patients potent (SHIM score of >17) with use of phosphodiesterase type 5 inhibitorsas P1; and patients with erectile dysfunction (SHIM score of <17) as P2 category. Patients who did not undergo a nerve‐sparing technique, who were not potent preoperatively, who were not interested in erections, or who did not have sexual partners were classified as Px category.

Results

The 3‐, 5‐ and 7‐year biochemical recurrence‐free survival rates were 96.3%; 89.6% and 88.3%, respectively.

At follow‐up, 146 (79.8%) were fully continent (C0), 20 (10.9%) still used a safety pad (C1) and 17 (9.3%) were incontinent using ≥1 pad (C2).

Excluding Px patients, 52 patients (47.3%) were classified as P0; 41 patients (37.3%) were classified as P1 and 17 patients (15.5%) were P2.

In patients preoperatively continent and potent, who received a nerve‐sparing technique and did not require any adjuvant therapy, oncological and functional success was attained by 77 (80.2%) patients.

In the subgroup of 67 patients not evaluable for potency recovery (Px), oncological and continence outcomes were attained in 46 patients (68.7%).

Conclusions

Oncological and functional success was attained in a high percentage of patients who underwent RARP at ≥5 years follow‐up.

Interestingly, this study confirmed that excellent oncological and functional outcomes can be obtained in the ‘best’ category of patients, i.e. those preoperatively continent and potent and with tumour characteristics suitable for a nerve‐sparing technique.
REDISTRIBUTIVE POLITICS AND GOVERNMENT DEBT IN A BORROWING‐CONSTRAINED ECONOMY
Authors: Arawatari Ryo , Ono Tetsuo
Published: March 2013

We develop a two‐period, three‐class of income model where low‐income agents are borrowing constrained because of capital market imperfections, and where redistributive expenditure is financed by tax and government debt. When the degree of capital market imperfection is high, there is an ends‐against‐the‐middle equilibrium where the constrained low‐income and the unconstrained high‐income agents favour low levels of government debt and redistributive expenditure; these agents form a coalition against the middle. In this equilibrium, the levels of government debt and expenditure might be below the efficient levels, and the spread of income distribution results in a lower debt‐to‐GDP ratio.
Infestation by a Common Parasite is Correlated with Ant Symbiont Identity in a Plant‐Ant Mutualism
Authors: Schumer Molly , Birger Ruthie , Tantipathananandh Chayant , Aurisano Jillian , Maggioni Marco , Mwangi Peter
Published: March 2013

In East Africa, up to four symbiotic ant species associate with the obligate myrmecophyte Acacia drepanolobium. These ant species differ in the extent to which they defend their host trees from both vertebrate and invertebrate herbivores, but other potential roles of ants in tree defense have not been studied. We investigate the distribution of a new species of parasitic midge targeting A. drepanolobium in a region where A. drepanolobium is inhabited almost exclusively by two ant species—Crematogaster nigriceps and C. mimosae. We find that the frequency of infestation correlates strongly with the identity of the ant occupant: trees inhabited by C. nigriceps are significantly less likely to be infested with parasitic midges. Although the two ant species responded similarly to simulated large herbivore disturbances, trees inhabited by C. nigriceps also had a lower invertebrate load than trees inhabited by C. mimosae. We suggest that differences in defensive behavior towards invertebrates could be one explanation of the observed differences in infestation of A. drepanolobium by parasitic midges.
Assessment of the accuracy and reproducibility of adrenal volume measurements using MRI and its relationship with corticosteroid phenotype: a normal volunteer pilot study
Authors: Freel Ellen Marie , Nicholas Richard Stephen , Sudarshan Thiru , Priba Lukasz , Gandy Stephen J. , McMillan Nigel , Houston John Graeme , Connell John M.
Published: March 2013

Objective

The significant role of corticosteroids in hypertension and cardiovascular disease highlights the importance of the adrenal gland in these disorders. The ability to correlate corticosteroid production with adrenal volume offers a novel research tool and intermediate phenotype in cardiovascular disease. The aim of this study was to develop and validate the use of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) in adrenal volume assessment and investigate whether this associates with corticosteroid production.

Design/Methods

Twenty normotensive men underwent noncontrast 1·5T MRI scanning of adrenals, measurement of blood pressure and plasma corticosteroids. Left adrenal volume was calculated twice using standard segmentation software by four independent observers with differing levels of clinical expertise and segmentation experience. To optimize this process, adrenal ‘phantoms’ with known fixed volumes underwent MRI scanning and analysis by two observers.

Results

Intra‐observer coefficients of repeatability (CoRs) in phantoms ranged from 0·23 to 0·43 ml (interobserver CoR 0·48 ml). In the subject group, mean adrenal volumes were 3·99–5·82 ml with intra‐observer CoRs 0·27–1·94 ml. Interobserver variability was 2·73 ml. Segmentation expertise was the main factor affecting variability, with experienced observers having the lowest CoRs; clinical knowledge was a factor when combined with segmentation experience. Mean adrenal volume correlated with plasma glucocorticoids (r = 0·523, P < 0·05) and aldosterone (r = 0·515, P < 0·05) for the most experienced observer only.

Conclusions

Measurement of adrenal volume using MRI is challenging; most accurate volumes are achieved using a single observer with both segmentation experience and anatomical knowledge. The data also provide novel preliminary evidence that adrenal gland volume may be associated with plasma corticosteroid concentrations supporting further study of adrenal volume and steroid production across a range of blood pressures.
What do we know about the long‐term cognitive effects of iron‐deficiency anemia in infancy?
Authors: Alloway Tracy P
Published: March 2013

This commentary is on the original article by Algarín et al on pages 453–458 of this issue.
Viruses ofHeterobasidion parviporumpersist within their fungal host during passage through the alimentary tract ofHylobius abietis
Authors: Drenkhan T. , Sibul I. , Kasanen R. , Vainio E. J.
Published: March 2013

Heterobasidion annosum(Fr.) Bref.sensu latois an important fungal parasite of coniferous trees throughout the temperate regions of the world. Approximately 15% ofHeterobasidionisolates are infected by dsRNAviruses, which are considered as obligately intracellular and transmit vertically into both basidiospores and asexual conidia. Insects such asH. abietisand its larvae feeding on wood colonized byHeterobasidionfungi may carryHeterobasidionconidia and hyphae. In this study, we usedH. abietisas a model species to reveal whetherHeterobasidionviruses resist in their fungal host passing through the digestive tract of insects that may potentially serve as disseminators of fungal propagules.Pinus sylvestrisbranches were inoculated by three different strains ofHeterobasidion parviporum, hosting taxonomically diverse virus species:HeterobasidionRNAvirus 2, HetRV4 and HetRV6. Then, the inoculated branches were fed toH. abietisinsects, and beetle excrements were investigated forHeterobasidioninfections. All the inoculated fungal strains survived passage through the alimentary tract of the insects (survival rate 25–80%). The passage rates of the viruses inside their hosts varied considerably, ranging from 0 to 67%. Two different mycoviruses, HetRV2 and HetRV6, survived the intestinal passage of their fungal host, while the virus species HetRV4 was detected among none of the fiveH. parviporumisolates retrieved from insect faeces. The relative stability of fungi harbouring viruses suggests that if viruses are to be used for biological control againstHeterobasidionspecies, it is likely that insect feeding does not considerably decrease the virus effect, but might instead enhance short‐range dispersal of the viral biocontrol agent.
Sodium butyrate inhibits platelet‐derived growth factor‐induced proliferation and migration in pulmonary artery smooth muscle cells through Akt inhibition
Authors: Cantoni Silvia , Galletti Margherita , Zambelli Filippo , Valente Sabrina , Ponti Francesca , Tassinari Riccardo , Pasquinelli Gianandrea , Galiè Nazzareno , Ventura Carlo
Published: March 2013

Sodium butyrate (BU) is a molecule that acts as a histone deacetylase inhibitor. As compared with its well‐known antineoplastic/antiproliferative effects, little is known about BU action on vascular cell dynamics. An imbalance of proliferation and migration in pulmonary arterial smooth muscle cells (PASMCs) is essential in the onset and progression of pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH), a disease that is characterized by vascular lung derangement and that frequently has an unfavorable outcome. Here, we show that, in PASMCs of PAH rats, BU counteracted platelet‐derived growth factor (PDGF)‐induced Ki67 expression, and arrested the cell cycle, mainly at G0/G1. BU decreased proliferating cell nuclear antigen, c‐Myc and cyclin D1 transcription and protein expression, while increasing p21 expression. BU reduced the transcription of PDGF receptor‐β, and that of Ednra and Ednrb, two major receptors in PAH progression. Wound healing, migration and pulmonary artery ring assays indicated that BU inhibited PDGF‐induced PASMC migration. BU strongly inhibited PDGF‐induced Akt phosphorylation, an effect reversed by the phosphatase inhibitor calyculin A. BU‐treated cells showed a remarkable increase in acetylated Akt, indicating an inverse relationship between the levels of acetylated Akt and phospho‐Akt. These findings may provide novel perspectives on the use of histone deacetylase inhibitors in PAH.