bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Cross‐cultural adaptation of the Nordic musculoskeletal questionnaire
Authors: De Barros E. N. C. , Alexandre N. M. C.
Published: December 2004

Background: Reports in the literature have identified a need for internationally standardized and reliable measurements to analyse musculoskeletal symptoms. Screening of musculoskeletal disorders may serve as a diagnostic tool to evaluate the work environment. The Nordic general questionnaire is a standardized instrument used to analyse musculoskeletal symptoms in an ergonomic or occupational health context. Purpose: To translate and adapt a version of the Nordic general questionnaire into Brazilian Portuguese and evaluate its reliability. Method: The cross‐cultural adaptation was performed according to internationally recommended methodology, using the following guidelines: translation; back‐translation; committee review; and pretesting. First, the questionnaire was independently translated into Portuguese by two teachers and one doctor, and a consensus version was generated. Second, two other translators performed a back‐translation independently from one another. This version was then submitted to a committee, consisting of six specialists in the area of knowledge of the instrument, to evaluate its equivalence to the original instrument. The final version was pretested on 20 subjects randomly selected in an outpatient clinic. Reliability was assessed by a test–retest procedure at 1‐day intervals using the Kappa coefficient in a group of 40 subjects. The Kappa agreement values were calculated for each one of the four questions of the questionnaire. The agreement among the same observers was substantial, varying from 0.88 to 1, according to the Kappa values. Results: these demonstrated strong agreement of the instrument, suggesting that the Brazilian version of the ‘Standardized Nordic Questionnaire’ offers substantial reliability.
A1. Evaluation of antioxidant activity of lycopene
Authors: Andreassi M , Stanghellini E , Ettorre A , Di Stefano A , Andreassi L
Published: December 2004

Cutaneous antioxidant capacity can be strengthened by application of suitable substances to the skin. This has been demonstrated for vitamin E, vitamin C, and melatonin, especially when applied in combination. An evaluation was made of the protective capacity of three emulsions containing: (a) lycopene 0.03% (Lycopersicon esculentum extract); (b) alpha‐tocopherol acetate (0.5%) and ascorbic acid (1%); (c) a mixture of these three substances at the above concentrations.

Twenty healthy volunteers of phototype II or III were irradiated with a solar simulator (Multiport solar UV simulator, model 601) on the flexural surface of the forearm, with doses ranging from 20 to 80 mJ/cm2. The products containing antioxidants were applied on areas with similar characteristics which were irradiated after 30 min with the same UV doses. Skin damage was evaluated measuring erythema and transepidermal water loss before UV exposure and after 24 and 48 h. Erythema was measured by tristimulus colourimeter (Chroma meter CR‐200, Minolta) according to our previous experience. The barrier function was evaluated by evaporimeter (Tewameter TM 210, Courage‐Khazaka).

The product containing lycopene alone had a protective capacity against UV exposure similar to that of the product containing both alpha‐tocopherol acetate and ascorbic acid. When the three antioxidants were applied in combination the protective capacity was greater, as demonstrated by statistical evaluation.

Lycopene exhibits an antioxidant activity which is enhanced when applied in combination with other substances.
Postresuscitation Stunning: Postfibrillatory Myocardial Dysfunction Caused by Reduced Myofilament Ca2+ Responsiveness After Ventricular Fibrillation‐Induced Myocyte Ca2+ Overload
Authors: ZAUGG CHRISTIAN E. , ZIEGLER ANDRÉ , LEE RANDALL J. , BARBOSA VÂNIA , BUSER PETER T.
Published: December 2004

Postresuscitation Myocardial Stunning.
Introduction: Resuscitation from ventricular fibrillation (VF), particularly from prolonged VF, frequently is complicated by postfibrillatory myocardial dysfunction (postresuscitation stunning). We tested whether this dysfunction can be caused by reduced myofilament Ca2+ responsiveness after VF‐induced myocyte Ca2+ overload. We also tested whether electrical defibrillation shocks contribute to this dysfunction.

Methods and Results: Myofilament Ca2+ responsiveness was estimated as ratio of left ventricular developed pressure over myocyte Ca2+ transient amplitudes (assessed as indo‐1 fluorescence) in isolated perfused rat hearts before, during, and after VF (1.5 or 10 min) comparing three modes of defibrillation (biphasic electrical shocks, lidocaine, or spontaneous). We found that, independent of these defibrillation modes, myofilament Ca2+ responsiveness was significantly reduced, particularly after prolonged VF, although hearts were not ischemic or acidotic during and after VF (unchanged coronary flow, myocardial oxygen consumption, and pH of the coronary effluent). This reduction was associated with VF‐induced myocyte Ca2+ overload and increasing or decreasing Ca2+ overload during VF (using 1 μM diltiazem or 6 mM extracellular calcium) led to parallel changes of myofilament Ca2+ responsiveness. However, myofilament Ca2+ responsiveness was not associated with the defibrillation shock energy (range 0.1–15.0 J/g wet heart weight).

Conclusion: Postfibrillatory myocardial dysfunction can be caused by reduced myofilament Ca2+ responsiveness after VF‐induced myocyte Ca2+ overload. Electrical defibrillation shocks (up to 15 J/g wet heart weight), however, do not significantly contribute to this dysfunction. Our findings suggest that early additional therapy targeting intracellular Ca2+ overload may normalize myocyte Ca2+ and partially prevent postresuscitation stunning.
Interaction of Implantable Defibrillator Therapy with Angiotensin‐Converting Enzyme Deletion/Insertion Polymorphism
Authors: BEDI MANINDER S. , POSTAVA LISA A. , MURALI SRINIVAS , MACGOWAN GUY A. , MATHIER MICHAEL , MCNAMARA DENNIS M. , LONDON BARRY
Published: December 2004

Introduction: The angiotensin‐converting enzyme deletion allele (ACE D) decreases survival in patients with advanced heart failure. Whether the adverse impact on survival reflects an increased risk of pump failure or arrhythmic sudden death remains uncertain. If the ACE D genotype increases the risk of sudden death, implantable cardioverter defibrillator (ICD) therapy should diminish its negative impact. We sought to evaluate the effect of ICD therapy on ACE D genetic risk.

Methods and Results: The Genetic Risk Assessment of Cardiac Events (GRACE) study enrolled 479 patients at the University of Pittsburgh between 1996 and 2001. Blood was genotyped for the ACE D/I (deletion/insertion) polymorphism. Of the 479 patients, 82 (77% male, 84% Caucasian, age 56 ± 11 years, 60% ischemic, left ventricular ejection fraction 0.23 ± 0.08) received an ICD and were selected for outcomes analysis (mean follow‐up 871 ± 538 days). Transplant‐free survival and survival alone were compared in ACE DD patients (n = 24, 29%) versus ACE DI/II patients (n = 58, 71%). Survival was significantly improved in ACE DI/II patients compared to those without an ICD (1 year: 93% vs 87%; 2 year: 89% vs 77%; P = 0.02) but not in ACE DD patients. Transplant‐free survival among patients with an ICD was significantly worse in ACE DD versus ACE DI/II (1 year: 67% vs 88%, 2 year: 55% vs 80%, P = 0.03). Analysis of survival as a single endpoint revealed a similar result (1 year = 78% vs 94%; 2 year: 72% vs 88%; P = 0.05). ICD telemetry data showed a nonsignificant trend toward fewer individuals with arrhythmias in the ACE‐DD group (46% vs 65%, P = 0.22)

Conclusion: ICDs do not diminish the adverse influence of the ACE DD genotype on survival. This finding suggests that mortality in this high‐risk genetic subset of patients is due to progression of heart failure rather than arrhythmic sudden death.
Magnetic Resonance Imaging Findings in Patients with Brugada Syndrome
Authors: PAPAVASSILIU THEANO , WOLPERT CHRISTIAN , FLÜCHTER STEPHAN , SCHIMPF RAINER , NEFF WOLFGANG , HAASE KARL KONSTANTIN , DÜBER CHRISTOPH , BORGGREFE MARTIN
Published: December 2004

Introduction: Cardiac magnetic resonance imaging (CMR) is a powerful diagnostic tool for evaluating cardiac structure and function. Recently, right ventricular wall‐motion abnormalities were described using electron beam tomography in patients with Brugada syndrome. In the present study, we prospectively evaluated CMR findings in patients with Brugada syndrome compared to matched controls.

Methods and Results: CMR was performed on 20 consecutive patients with proven Brugada syndrome. The imaging protocol included breath‐hold dark blood prepared T1‐weighted multislice turbo spin‐echo and gradient‐echo images. Ventricular volumes and dimensions were compared to age‐ and sex‐matched normal volunteers. The right ventricular outflow tract area was significantly enlarged in patients with Brugada syndrome compared to controls (11 vs 9 cm2, P = 0.018). There was a trend to larger right ventricular end‐diastolic and end‐systolic volumes and lower right ventricular ejection fraction in patients with Brugada syndrome compared to controls. However, none of the differences reached significance (P = 0.3, P = 0.08, and P = 0.06, respectively). There was no statistically significant difference in the left ventricular parameters between patients and controls. High intramyocardial T1 signal similar to fat signal was observed in 4 (20%) of the 20 patients compared to none of the controls.

Conclusion: The findings support the view that subtle structural changes, such as right ventricular outflow tract dilation may point to a localized arrhythmogenic substrate in patients with Brugada syndrome.
Reentrant Ventricular Tachycardia Originating from the Aortic Sinus Cusp:
Authors: TSUCHIYA TAKESHI , YAMAMOTO KUNIHIKO , TANAKA ERIKO , TASHIRO HIDEKI
Published: December 2004

We report a case of idiopathic reentrant ventricular tachycardia (VT) originating from the left aortic sinus cusp. A prepotential preceding the QRS complex by 58 ms was recorded from the posterior right ventricular (RV) outflow tract. During VT entrainment observed by pacing from the midseptal RV, it initially was orthodromically captured with a long conduction time but then antidromically captured as the pacing cycle rate was increased. Pacing at that site failed to show concealed entrainment despite a postpacing interval similar to the VT cycle length. Radiofrequency catheter ablation abolished the VT in the left aortic sinus cusp where a prepotential preceding the QRS complex by 78 ms with a postpacing interval similar to the VT cycle length was recorded in addition to concealed entrainment. The findings suggest that, in this VT, a critical slow conduction zone is partially present extending from the left aortic sinus cusp to the posterior right ventricular outflow tract. The patient has remained free from VT recurrence after 5‐month follow‐up.
Clinical Assessment of Antiarrhythmic Agents for Paroxysmal Atrial Fibrillation Guided by Modification of Electrophysiologic Arrhythmogenicity
Authors: SASANO TETSUO , OKISHIGE KAORU , AZEGAMI KOUJI , ISOBE MITSUAKI
Published: December 2004

Introduction: Rapid atrial pacing alters atrial electrophysiology, promoting initiation and maintenance of atrial fibrillation (AF). The aim of this study was to assess differences in the electrophysiologic properties of atrial tissue between patients with and without AF episodes and to determine whether electrophysiologic properties can predict the clinical efficacy of antiarrhythmic agents.

Methods and Results: Sixty patients were studied, 33 with documented episodes of paroxysmal atrial fibrillation (PAF) and 27 control patients. Atrial effective refractory period (AERP), atrial vulnerability, and intra‐atrial conduction time were measured at baseline and after rapid constant atrial pacing for 5 minutes at rates of 130, 150, 170, and 190 beats/min. The clinical efficacy of antiarrhythmic agents for PAF prophylaxis was assessed over 14 months with an antiarrhythmic agent identical to that administered intravenously, and the antiarrhythmic agent effects on AERP, atrial vulnerability, and intra‐atrial conduction time were assessed. AERP shortening and atrial vulnerability increase were significantly larger in the PAF group. Antiarrhythmic agents that were clinically effective in suppressing PAF significantly attenuated AERP shortening, but antiarrhythmic agents that were clinically ineffective did not.

Conclusion: Changes in AERP and atrial vulnerability observed after rapid atrial pacing are considered indicative of the electrophysiologic substrate of PAF. Attenuation of AERP and atrial vulnerability by antiarrhythmic agents might be useful in predicting their clinical efficacy.
Effects of Ablation, Digitalis, and Beta‐Blocker on Dual Atrioventricular Nodal Pathways and Conduction During Atrial Fibrillation
Authors: HEGBOM FINN , ORNING OTTO M. , HELDAL MAGNUS , GJESDAL KNUT
Published: December 2004

Introduction: Modification of AV nodal conduction by radiofrequency ablation (RFA) results in a variable reduction in heart rate during atrial fibrillation (AF). Using AF induced in patients with dual AV nodal pathways as a model, we tested the effect of additional treatment with digitalis (ouabain) and beta‐blocker (esmolol).

Methods and Results: Ten patients were randomized to control (group I) and studied only before ablation. AF was induced in 30 patients before and after slow pathway ablation (group II). Mean ventricular cycle lengths (AF CLmean) were recorded. Slow pathway conduction was eliminated after ablation in 10 patients (group IIA), whereas slow pathway conduction was still present in 20 patients (group IIB). Compared to pre‐RFA there was a 10% increase in AF CLmean post‐RFA (P < 0.01). During isoproterenol infusion the increase was 8% (P = NS). Adding digitalis and beta‐blocker during isoproterenol infusion increased AF CLmean by 75% (95% in group IIA) compared to 36% in group I (P < 0.001 II vs I).

Conclusion: Slow pathway ablation reduces ventricular rate during AF. Addition of digitalis and beta‐blocker during isoproterenol infusion significantly decreases ventricular rate after ablation compared to the control group. The finding suggests that beta‐blocker has significant effects on fast AV nodal pathway conduction during induced AF with isoproterenol infusion.
Early Morphologic Changes Following Microwave Endocardial Ablation for Treatment of Chronic Atrial Fibrillation During Mitral Valve Surgery
Authors: CLIMENT VICENTE , HURLÉ AQUILINO , HO SIEW YEN , SÁENZ‐SANTAMARÍA JAVIER , NOGALES AGUSTÍN G. , SÁNCHEZ‐QUINTANA DAMIÁN
Published: December 2004

Introduction: The aim of this study was to investigate the early qualitative and quantitative structural changes in the left atrial wall after endocardial microwave ablation in patients with chronic atrial fibrillation (AF) undergoing mitral surgery.

Methods and Results: Seven patients with chronic AF of for at least 6 months underwent surgical microwave energy ablation. Linear isolation of pulmonary veins was performed in all patients by microwave energy applications to the endocardial surface delivered by catheter at 65‐W constant power for 45 seconds. Biopsies were obtained from a selected site (below the right lower pulmonary vein) of the left atrial posterior wall before and after the ablation procedure in all patients. Control tissues from the same sites were obtained at autopsy from patients with noncardiac causes of death. Light and electron microscopy was used to examine qualitative and quantitative changes in tissue morphology. Tissues after endocardial ablation procedure showed significantly increased loss of contractile material. Electron microscopy of atrial tissue demonstrated loss of profile of perinuclear and plasma membranes of myocytes, disruption of the endothelial cells of capillary vessels, and presence of macrophages.

Conclusion: Lesions created by endocardial microwave energy ablation revealed a transmural effect on the left atrial wall without a significant reduction in thickness but a significant increase in the myolytic areas involving the entire cytosol and occlusion of the small intramyocardial vessels within the ablative lesion.
Balancing Work and Family: The Role of High‐Commitment Environments
Authors: Berg Peter , Kalleberg Arne L. , Appelbaum Eileen
Published: December 2004

Recently, researchers have begun to recognize that the nature of jobs, the workplace environment, and more generally, the culture of the workplace can have a significant impact on the ability of workers to balance their work and family lives. This article examines the effect of high‐performance work practices, job characteristics, and the work environment on workers’ views about whether the company helps them balance work and family. Using data from a survey of workers across three manufacturing industries, we show that a high‐commitment environment—characterized by high‐performance work practices, intrinsically rewarding jobs, and understanding supervisors—positively influences employees’ perceptions that the company is helping them achieve this balance. This article reinforces the view that helping workers balance work and family responsibilities is not just a matter of benefits and formal family‐friendly policies. Rather, it also depends on the characteristics of jobs within the business enterprise.
Job Gendering: Occupational Choice and the Marriage Market
Authors: Lee Badgett M. V. , Folbre Nancy
Published: December 2004

Existing theories of occupational segregation appeal to family‐related responsibilities, employer discrimination, and socialization to explain why women and men occupy such different jobs. We suggest that occupational segregation is perpetuated because women (and men) may be penalized in the marriage market for making nontraditional occupational choices. As an empirical test, we asked students to rate personal ad‐like vignettes. Holding all else equal, having a gender‐nonconforming occupation reduced the attractiveness of both men and women.
The Future of the Stability and Growth Pact
Authors: Bishop Graham
Published: December 2004

Books reviewed in this article:

Anne Brunila, Marco Buti and Daniele Franco (eds), The Stability and Growth Pact: The Architecture of Fiscal Policy in EMU

Marco Buti, Jurgen von Hagen and Carlos Martinez‐Mongay (eds), The Behaviour of Fiscal Authorities: Stabilization, Growth and Institutions

Marco Buti and Andre Sapir (eds), EMU and Economic Policy in Europe: The Challenge of the Early Years

Sylvester C. Eijffinger and Jakob de Haan, European Monetary and Fiscal Policy
Welfare and the unemployment crisis: Sweden in the 1990s
Authors: Bergmark Åke , Palme Joakim
Published: December 2004

In the 1990s Sweden went through a deep economic recession accompanied by a massive increase in unemployment and a rapidly growing budget deficit. The crisis had large repercussions for the welfare of many citizens and it generated cutbacks in virtually all social policy programmes. This halted a welfare‐state expansion that had been going on for decades. It also caused great concern about the state of welfare of the nation. In 1999 the Swedish Government appointed a ‘Welfare Commission’, a team of academic researchers who were assigned the task of drawing up a balance sheet for the development of welfare in the 1990s. The Commission delivered its final report in October 2001. This article is a condensed account of one of the more central issues for the Commission; namely, how the unemployment crisis affected already socially and economically vulnerable groups. Looking at the development over the entire decade, three groups stand out as particularly disadvantaged in terms of individual welfare resources: young adults, immigrants and single mothers. The downturn for these groups was especially accentuated in terms of employment and income. Young people and immigrants trying to get into the labour market during the crisis years faced the problems of newcomers to the systems of social protection. The poor economic development for single mothers could essentially be attributed to the shortage of work in general and of full‐time work in particular that followed from the unemployment crisis. As a consequence, the importance of selective benefits increased and the relative size of all public transfers – despite rationing measures – stayed fairly unchanged. The results highlight the great influence of macroeconomic conditions and policy making for the welfare of vulnerable groups in society.
Social work students and social change: on the link between views on poverty, social work goals and policy practice
Authors: Weiss Idit
Published: December 2004

This article seeks to contribute to a better understanding of the factors that are associated with social work students’ willingness to engage in policy practice. It examines a model according to which the willingness to engage in policy practice is linked to the importance that students attribute to the goals of social work and to their views on poverty. The sample consisted of 138 social work students in one of Israel's leading universities. The measures consisted of four questionnaires developed specifically for this study. The findings revealed strong relationships between students’ views regarding the causes of poverty and their attitudes towards the preferred ways to deal with poverty. In addition, strong relationships were found between the importance that students attributed to the goals of social work and their willingness to engage in policy practice. However, no significant relationships were found between students’ views on poverty and their willingness to engage in policy practice. Different explanations for these findings are advanced in the article.
Traces of Norwegian influence in the development of social services in Minnesota, USA, 1890–1920
Authors: Zahl Mari‐Anne , Andrews Janice
Published: December 2004

This article explores areas where Norwegian Americans contributed to the burgeoning social welfare system being established in Minnesota from 1890 to 1920. The array of services developed was due in part to the belief among native‐born Americans that immigrant groups should establish their own helping networks and care for themselves. The Lutheran Church played a central part in this development by initiating and sponsoring new undertakings. Issues discussed during this period are found to be still central among both immigrant groups and ‘natives’ today. Concerns regarding mother tongue, religion, integration in schools and use of existing welfare systems continue to stir up ‘natives’ and ‘settlers’ alike.
Cultural responsiveness in substance‐abuse treatment: a qualitative study using professionals’ and clients’ perspectives
Authors: Vandevelde Stijn , Vanderplasschen Wouter , Broekaert Eric
Published: December 2004

As a result of the growing number of ethnic and cultural minority clients in substance‐abuse treatment during the last decades, a culturally responsive approach has become more and more imperative. In this article the statements (n = 1330) of professionals (n = 11) and clients (n = 11) representing the substance‐abuse treatment centres in the region of Ghent and its suburbs (Belgium) are analysed. In focus are the specific treatment needs of ethnically and culturally diverse substance‐abusing clients and the difficulties consequent to treating this target group. Possible approaches to overcoming these difficulties are highlighted and elaborated by means of semi‐structured interviews and focus groups. The participants in the study stress the importance of an integrated approach, with special attention given to the factors that can promote or jeopardise treatment.
How do substance abusers and their significant others experience the re‐entry phase of therapeutic community treatment: a qualitative study1
Authors: Soyez Veerle , Broekaert Eric
Published: December 2004

Transition to re‐entry (aftercare) is a stressful event for therapeutic community residents. While several authors agree on the importance of social support during reintegration, few studies have focused on the experiences of re‐entry clients themselves and their significant others during this period. Using a case‐study design, the present study examines the re‐entry process of four TC‐residents and three of their social network members during a six‐month period, starting at the time of their transfer to the halfway house. Clients and their significant others have mixed feelings about the reintegration period, although both are mainly positive. Clients report difficulties in leaving behind the TC‐mentality and building up a stable social network; they are surprised about the frequent contacts with substance (ab)use in mainstream society. Significant others misjudge clients’ feelings about transition and relapse. Many significant others have a positive attitude towards the use of substances. The tendency in mainstream society to increasingly accept the use of substances intensifies clients’ need for early guidance in building up stable supportive networks. Significant others need well‐grounded information on the reintegration process and on relapse.
The onward sweep of social capital: causes and consequences for understanding cities, communities and urban movements
Authors: Mayer Margit
Published: December 2004

This article examines the way ‘social capital’ has been deployed by researchers and practitioners in the field of urban movements and community development. It reveals the powerful and in many ways effective role the concept is playing in framing the contemporary reconfigurations of local state‐society relations which impact especially on the trajectory of third or voluntary sector development. The article identifies the gaps and weaknesses the ‘social capital’ perspective responds to, thereby explaining why it looms so large within the urban development discourse. Its own blind spots and ambiguities, however, limit our understanding of contemporary urban change. By prioritizing specific forms of civic engagement (and neglecting others), the concept filters the contemporary reconfigurations in the relationship of civil society, state and market in a peculiar way, which is conducive to supporting the spread of market forces to areas so far beyond the reach of capital. By directing attention to the self‐activation potential of different communities, whether in the form of civic engagement of well‐to‐do volunteers or in the form of activation/reinsertion (into the low‐wage labour market) of the marginalized, this new discourse plays a crucial role not only in current efforts to unburden the local (welfare) state, but also in the expansion of market forces into new areas.

L'article examine comment les chercheurs et spécialistes ont fait usage du ‘capital social’ dans le domaine des mouvements urbains et de l'évolution des communautés. Il dévoile le rô le dynamique et, par bien des aspects, efficace que ce concept joue en structurant les reconfigurations contemporaines des relations société‐gouvernement local, lesquelles influent notamment sur les tendances du secteur associatif ou du bénévolat. L'article identifie les lacunes et faiblesses que comble la perspective du ‘capital social’, expliquant ainsi les raisons de son omniprésence dans la rhétorique de l'urbanisme. Ses propres faiblesses et ambiguïtés limitent toutefois notre compréhension du changement urbain contemporain. En mettant en avant des formes spécifiques d'engagement civique (et en en négligeant d'autres), le concept dégage les reconfigurations modernes qui interviennent sur la relation entre société civile, É tat et marché, et ce d'une manière particulière qui contribue à la propagation des forces du marché dans des zones jusqu'alors inaccessibles au capital. En s'intéressant au potentiel d'auto‐activation de diverses communautés, que ce soit sous la forme d'un engagement civique de nantis volontaires ou de l'activation ou la réinsertion (sur le marché du travail des bas salaires) des marginaux, ce nouveau discours est essentiel, non seulement dans le cadre des efforts actuels visant à soulager l'É tat (providence) local, mais aussi dans l'expansion des forces du marché vers des zones nouvelles.
From ‘Talking Shop’ to ‘Working Parliament’? The European Parliament and Agricultural Change
Authors: Roederer‐Rynning Christilla
Published: December 2004

Studies of agricultural change in the EU have disregarded the European Parliament on the grounds that it enjoys limited formal policy‐making prerogatives in this domain. Contrary to perceptions of parliamentary powerlessness, it is argued here that European Parliament committees can steer change by manipulating the formal institutional parameters defining their actions. The analysis shows how shifting patterns of farm politics in the last 15 years have enabled the European Parliament to promote key public concerns on the EU farm agenda. It fits one more piece into the puzzle of agricultural change by shedding light on the work of parliamentary committees.
The politics of mobility in technology‐driven commodity chains: developmental coalitions in the Irish software industry
Authors: Ó Riain Seá
Published: December 2004

Through a case study of the Irish software industry, this article explores how an industry and region that was ‘locked in’ to a dependent relationship of routine production within the global software production network managed to partially move up the production and technology chain to develop more sophisticated operations among foreign firms and in the Irish‐owned sector. Relations within production networks tend to become institutionalized and self‐reproducing. Firms and territories tend to remain locked in to a particular niche, in the absence of a ‘development project’ or coalition that mobilizes resources and cooperation to generate a push into a niche further up the network hierarchy. The push for moving up the network comes when a marginalized or vulnerable group within or on the edges of the network makes an alliance with supportive public agencies. Global production networks institutionalize hierarchical relations, but it remains possible for developmental coalitions to mobilize around the connections and resources within those networks to enter new niches further up these hierarchies. In practice, this requires a concerted and ongoing state policy of industrial development and innovation promotion.

A partir du cas de l'industrie irlandaise des logiciels, l'article examine comment un secteur et une région ‘emprisonnés’ dans une relation de dépendance, via une production routinière inscrite dans un réseau mondial de fabrication de logiciels, ont réussi à monter dans la chaîne technologique et productive pour mettre au point des opérations plus sophistiquées au sein d'entreprises étrangères et irlandaises. Les rapports dans les réseaux de production tendent à s'institutionnaliser et à s'auto‐reproduire. Entreprises et territoires restent plutôt prisonniers d'une niche donnée, en l'absence de ‘projet de développement’ ou de coalition mobilisateur de ressources et de coopération, capable de les pousser dans une niche supérieure du réseau hiérarchisé. Cette poussée se crée seulement si un groupe marginalisé ou vulnérable situé dans le réseau ou à sa périphérie s'allie à des organismes publics d'aide. Même si les réseaux de production mondiaux institutionnalisent des liens hiérarchiques, des coalitions de développement peuvent encore se mobiliser autour de contacts et de ressources appartenant à ces réseaux pour pénétrer de nouvelles niches, plus élevées dans les hiérarchies. En pratique, cela exige une politique gouvernementale concertée et durable de développement industriel et de promotion de l'innovation.
Molecular cloning and functional expression of a serotonin receptor from the Southern cattle tick, Boophilus microplus (Acari: Ixodidae)
Authors: Chen A. , Holmes S. P. , Pietrantonio P. V.
Published: December 2004

A full‐length cDNA encoding a 5‐hydroxytryptamine (5‐HT) receptor from the Southern cattle tick, Boophilus microplus, was isolated using a strategy based on sequence homology among G protein‐coupled receptors. The deduced amino acid sequence revealed highest identity with Drosophila melanogaster 5HT‐dro2A (Z11489, 50.8%) and 5HT‐dro2B (Z11490, 49.5%) receptors. The receptor was transiently expressed in mammalian HEK293 cells, and Western blot analysis showed the expected 43.3 kDa band. In these cells, application of 5‐HT (10 µm) inhibited forskolin‐induced cAMP synthesis by 26%. The results indicate that the tick receptor is an invertebrate 5‐HT1‐like receptor that couples to Gαi protein.
Development of a new Sindbis virus transducing system and its characterization in three Culicine mosquitoes and two Lepidopteran species
Authors: Foy B. D. , Myles K. M. , Pierro D. J. , Sanchez‐Vargas I. , Uhlířová M. , Jindra M. , Beaty B. J. , Olson K. E.
Published: December 2004

Alphavirus transducing systems (ATSs) are alphavirus‐based tools for expressing genes in insects. Here we describe an ATS (5′dsMRE16ic) based entirely on Sindbis MRE16 virus. GFP expression was used to characterize alimentary tract infections and dissemination in three Culicine and two Lepidopteran species. Following per os infection, 5′dsMRE16ic‐EGFP efficiently infected Aedes aegypti and Culex tritaeniorhynchus, but not Culex pipiens pipiens. Ae. aegypti clearly showed accumulation of green fluorescent protein (GFP) in the posterior midgut and foregut/midgut junction within 2–3 days postinfection. Following parenteral infection of larvae, Bombyx mori had extensive GFP expression in larvae and adults, but Manduca sexta larvae were mostly resistant. 5′dsMRE16ic should be a valuable tool for gene expression in several important insect species that are otherwise difficult to manipulate genetically.
Establishment and evaluation of a trauma clinic based in a primary care setting
Authors: STEWART S. M. , MACKIE I. C.
Published: December 2004

Objectives.  The aim of this study was to establish and evaluate a referral centre for the treatment of children with traumatized teeth in an area remote from a dental hospital.

Setting.  The study was conducted in a Community Dental Service clinic in Cheshire, UK.

Methods.  A dentist from the Cheshire Community Dental Service was trained in the treatment and management of traumatized teeth. Invite referrals to the trauma clinic in a health centre. The number and types of patients referred and treated at the trauma clinic were monitored. In addition, the parents of referred children and referring dentists were asked to comment on the acceptability of the service.

Results.  During the first 12 months, 49 patients with 74 traumatized teeth were referred to the trauma clinic. The majority of the patients were referred by their dentist because problems arose following their initial management. Both parents and referring dentists were very satisfied with the service.

Conclusions.  The trauma clinic fulfilled a clinical need, and was well received by the parents of children referred to the clinic and by the local dentists.
Temporary arrest of root development in a premolar of a child with hypodontia and extensive caries
Authors: MCDONNELL S. T. , LIVERSIDGE H. , KINIRONS M.
Published: December 2004

The arrested development of a permanent tooth as a sequela to a periradicular infection in a primary predecessor is a rare occurrence. A case is presented where temporary arrest of root development occurred in a premolar of a child with hypodontia and extensive caries. The aetiology, management and outcome are discussed.
Lecturer practitioners in six professions: combining cultures
Authors: Fairbrother Pat , Mathers Nigel J
Published: December 2004

Background.  Whilst research has been undertaken in relation to the lecturer practitioner role in nursing, there have been no cross‐professional studies. There is an explicit political agenda in the United Kingdom on interprofessional education and enhancing the status of those who provide practice‐based teaching.

Aim.  This paper reports a study to investigate the commonalities and differences between lecturer practitioners across professions and to generate hypotheses about the role, which follows different models of practice in the different professions.

Methods.  An exploratory research design was adopted, using semi‐structured interviews with a purposive sample of lecturer practitioners from six professions (architecture, clinical psychology, law, medicine, nursing and social work). A grounded theory approach was used.

Findings.  All lecturer practitioners perceived a clear dichotomy between their professional practice role and their university role. All used similar strategies to adapt to and deal with combining two very differently perceived cultures. There were striking similarities in response to the consequences of serving ‘two masters’ in the areas of time management and role identity/definition.

Conclusions.  The role not only bridges theory and practice, but has to operate within very different organizational cultures. Further research is needed to test the generalizability of the findings.

Relevance to clinical practice.  This investigation aims to inform higher education and health service policy on lecturer practitioners, and also provide support for those undertaking this challenging role. The study poses challenging questions for policymakers in the current climate of interprofessional learning, which need to be addressed if future initiatives in this area are to be successful.
CSF circulation disorders: measuring progress in patients through quality of life and hope
Authors: Gelling Leslie , Iddon Joanna , McVicar Andrew , Pickard John D
Published: December 2004

Background.  Cerebrospinal fluid circulation disorders are complex and multifaceted conditions making reliable assessment of progress problematic.

Aims and objectives.  It is the aim of this paper to explore how efficient measures of quality of life and hope might be used to assess clinical progress for patients with disorders of cerebrospinal fluid circulation. It will be argued that a single‐item 10‐point quality of life scale and the Herth Hope Index are as effective at measuring progress as the more widely used, but considerably more complex, Short‐Form 36.

Design.  Patients attending a cerebrospinal fluid clinic were sent a questionnaire containing the three measures of progress. Questionnaires were returned in a stamp‐addressed envelope to allow initial analysis before the clinic appointment and to enable discussion of results during the clinic appointment. Patients were also assessed using the Mini‐Mental State Examination during the clinic appointment.

Methods.  The relationship between the three measures of progress was calculated using Spearman's rank order correlation. Correlations of 0.40–0.70 are considered modest and correlations of 0.70 are considered strong; 5% levels of significance are considered significant and 1% levels are highly significant. Internal consistency of the Short‐Form 36 was assessed using Cronbach's alpha coefficient. Reliability was considered acceptable for dimension comparisons when α > 0.70.

Results.  All patients were diagnosed with benign intracranial hypertension (n = 74), congenital hydrocephalus (n = 35) or normal pressure hydrocephalus (n = 171). There was a modest to strong correlation between the quality of life‐10 and all eight dimensions of the Short‐Form 36 for benign intracranial hypertension and congenital hydrocephalus patients. A slightly weaker correlation was demonstrated in seven of the eight Short‐Form 36 dimensions for normal pressure hydrocephalus patients. Normal pressure hydrocephalus patients scored significantly lower on the Mini‐Mental State Examination, which may contribute to explaining the weaker correlation between the three measures and the weaker internal consistency between the dimensions with the Short‐Form 36.

Conclusions.  This paper demonstrates that efficient indicators of progress (quality of life‐10 and Herth Hope Index) can be as effective at assessing clinical progress as more complex indicators (Short‐Form 36) in patients who do not demonstrate cognitive deficit.

Relevance to clinical practice.  For clinical application, the Short‐Form 36 is too long, difficult to complete, score and analyse for these patient groups. Quality of life‐10 and Herth Hope Index could provide efficient and effective measures of clinical progress but this requires further psychometric examination.
Aggressive and violent incidents: perceptions of training and support among staff caring for older people and people with head injury
Authors: Badger Frances , Mullan Barbara
Published: December 2004

Background.  Reported rates of workplace violence are increasing and studies of violence and aggression to health service staff in the United Kingdom have largely focused upon mental health and accident and emergency units. The study of violence and aggression in other specialties has been neglected. This paper reports the findings from a survey of staff perceptions of training and support in an elderly care and head injury unit.

Aims and objectives.  Staff in a care of older people and head injury unit, half of whom were nurses, were surveyed to identify their experiences of violence and aggression in the workplace, their receipt of training, the relevance of training and knowledge of support services.

Methods.  An anonymous semi‐structured questionnaire was sent to all nursing, therapy and psychology staff in the unit. Quantitative data were analysed by SPSS and content analysis was adopted for the qualitative data.

Results.  Just over half the participants had experienced an incident of violence or aggression in the past 12 months. Training was judged to be relevant by almost 90% of respondents but was not always delivered in line with trust guidance. Staff who had been involved in incidents were more likely to identify training needs. A higher percentage of nurses than other professions were involved in incidents, but they were not as aware of the staff support department as other professional groups.

Conclusions.  The findings indicate that care of older people and head injury units should examine more closely the delivery of staff training on violence and aggression, and invite staff to identify their training needs. A national survey of approaches to staff support may be worthwhile.

Relevance to clinical practice.  Staff who had received training judged it to be relevant to their working situations, but outstanding training needs should be identified and addressed. Confidential staff support facilities should be well publicized.
Can the brain inhibit inflammation generated in the skin? The lesson of α‐melanocyte‐stimulating hormone
Authors: Lotti Torello , Bianchi Beatrice , Ghersetich Ilaria , Brazzini Benedetta , Hercogova Jana
Published: December 2004

The neuro‐immuno‐cutaneous‐endocrine network is not a simple construct featuring organ systems intimately involved in the bridge between body and mind. Mind‐body influences are bi‐directional and the skin should be considered an active neuroimmunoendocrine interface, where effector molecules of neuropeptides act as common words used in a dynamic dialogue between brain, immune system and skin. Alpha‐melanocyte stimulating hormone (α‐MSH), one of the principal neuroimmunomodulating peptides, seems to exercise some control on the cutaneous inflammatory process, through a central action mediated by descending anti‐ inflammatory neural pathways and via local direct influence on inflammatory cells infiltrating the dermis, such as monocytes, macrophages and neutrophils. α‐MSH down‐regulates the production of proinflammatory cytokines, while the production of the anti‐inflammatory cytokine IL‐10 is stimulated by α‐MSH. Finally, α‐MSH seems to regulate the expression of surface molecules in immunocompetent cells. Thus, further studies may lead to the use of α‐MSH as an important anti‐inflammatory agent in clinical dermatology.
Adaptive allocation of stress-induced deformities on bird feathers
Authors: Jovani R. , Blas J.
Published: December 2004

Physiological stress during ontogeny is known to cause abnormalities in keratin structures of vertebrates, but little is known about if and how organisms have evolved mechanisms to reduce the negative effects of these abnormalities. Stress experienced during avian feather growth is known to lead to the formation of fault bars, and thereby to the weakening of feathers because of shortage and slimming of barbules. Here we propose and test a new hypothesis (the ‘fault bar allocation hypothesis’) according to which birds should have evolved adaptive strategies to counteract this evolutionary pressure. In particular, we predicted and tested the idea that in flying birds, natural selection should have selected for mechanisms to reduce fault bar load on feathers with high strength requirements during flight. Data on the growth of feathers of nestling white storks (Ciconia ciconia) revealed a consistent allocation of more, and more intense, fault bars in innermost than in outermost wing feathers as predicted by our hypothesis. Moreover, the same pattern emerged from feathers of adult storks. We discuss the generality of our results, and suggest avenues for further investigations in this area.
Female ambrosia beetles adjust their offspring sex ratio according to outbreeding opportunities for their sons
Authors: Peer K. , Taborsky M.
Published: December 2004

Recent studies on the effect of local mate competition (LMC) on sex ratios have focused on the effect of post-dispersal mating success by males. A higher proportion of males is expected to be produced as the potential for outbreeding increases. Here we demonstrate that males of a haplodiploid ambrosia beetle with LMC disperse to seek additional matings, and brood sex ratios increase with outbreeding opportunities in the field. Manipulations in the laboratory confirm that females produce more sons when the post-dispersal mating prospects of their sons are experimentally increased. This is the first study showing that male dispersal options may influence individual female sex allocation decisions in species with strong LMC.
Approximating prediction error covariances among additive genetic effects within animals in multiple‐trait and random regression models
Authors: Tier B. , Meyer K.
Published: December 2004

A method for approximating prediction error variances and covariances among estimates of individual animals’ genetic effects for multiple‐trait and random regression models is described. These approximations are used to calculate the prediction error variances of linear functions of the terms in the model. In the multiple‐trait case these are indexes of estimated breeding values, and for random regression models these are estimated breeding values at individual points on the longitudinal scale. Approximate reliabilities for terms in the model and linear functions thereof are compared with corresponding reliabilities obtained from the inverse of the coefficient matrix in the mixed model equations. Results show good agreement between approximate and ‘true’ values.
The context, measures and outcomes of psychosocial care interventions in long‐term health care for older people
Authors: Mackenzie Ann E , Lee Diana TF , Ross Fiona M
Published: December 2004

This paper examines the psychosocial dimensions of long‐term care with reference to the new International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Handicap (ICIDH 2) and to research conducted in Hong Kong. It also draws on selected international literature about older people. It discusses the different ways in which information can be gained about the personal, social and emotional processes of rehabilitation that influence outcomes and raises methodological questions about the study of interventions. Outcomes that are sensitive to psychosocial interventions and that take account of the elderly person's own perspective are identified as important challenges for nurses and other professionals in the multidisciplinary team, in order to respond to an individualized approach to long‐term care. It is concluded that gaining a better understanding of the psychosocial dimensions of long‐term care will enhance professional practice and benefit older people and their carers.