bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Compensatory growth of Festuca rubra after grazing: can migratory herbivores increase their own harvest during staging?
Authors: VAN DER GRAAF A. J. , STAHL J. , BAKKER J. P.
Published: October 2005

The grazing optimization hypothesis predicts increased production and quality of plants grazed at intermediate grazing pressures. Following this hypothesis, herbivores will be able to increase their own harvest by repeated grazing. We tested the predictions of this hypothesis for Barnacle Geese, Branta leucopsis.

We manipulated the grazing intensity of Festuca rubra swards through trials with captive geese in early spring. Levels on experimental grazing matched levels of natural grazing pressure. The growth response of individually marked tillers was measured over 6 weeks.

Above‐ground biomass production of individual tillers was not different among different grazing intensities. Lost biomass in grazed tillers was compensated by a lower rate of senescence.

Grazing affected sward characteristics significantly: the proportion of dead biomass in the vegetation was reduced, and production of additional axillary tillers increased.

When extrapolating the experimental findings to foraging opportunities for staging geese, we calculate an increase in potential harvest for grazed compared with ungrazed swards at levels of natural spring grazing.

This experiment demonstrates an increase in the carrying capacity of the staging site for migratory geese through grazing. When comparing the experiment with grazing levels of wild Barnacle Geese, it is clear that current goose densities maximize potential harvest.
Moisture diffusivity and water activity of part‐baked bread at above and sub‐freezing temperatures
Authors: Hamdami Nasser , Monteau Jean‐Yves , Bail Alain Le
Published: October 2005

Accurate values of the effective moisture diffusivity and water activity of foodstuffs are necessary in order to study mass transfer and the weight loss during freezing. This work focuses on the evaluation of the effective moisture diffusivity of part‐baked bread and its crumb and crust and of the water activity of the part‐baked bread crust. The effective diffusivities have been estimated by analyses of drying data on the bread and crumb samples. They were related to the temperature by the Arrhénius relationship. Water activity was experimentally determined at positive temperatures. Experimental data were modelled by the Guggenheim–Anderson–de Boer (GAB) model and a model deduced from the Clausius–Clapeyron equation. The results predicted by the Arrhénius and GAB models showed a good agreement with the experimental values. Finally, the moisture diffusivity and water activity in the subzero domain were obtained by extrapolation using an Arrhénius model and a GAB model, respectively.
The microbial safety of strawberry and raspberry fruits packaged in high‐oxygen and equilibrium‐modified atmospheres compared to air storage
Authors: Siro István , Devlieghere Frank , Jacxsens Liesbeth , Uyttendaele Mieke , Debevere Johan
Published: October 2005

Microbial safety of strawberry and raspberry fruits was assessed after shelf‐life extension by two new packaging systems, high‐oxygen atmospheres (HOA) and equilibrium‐modified atmospheres (EMA), in combination with an ethylene absorbing film. Both fruits had a shelf‐life of 3 days at 7 °C when macroperforated films were used. Strawberry fruits were acceptable for 5 days in both packages, raspberries had a shelf‐life of 7 and 5 days when using EMA and HOA respectively. Escherichia coli, Salmonella spp. and Listeria monocytogenes were artificially inoculated onto packaged fruits. All were able to survive on packaged fruits stored at 7 °C. Raspberries showed an enhanced inactivation of Salmonella during storage time in both types of packaging. Growth of L. monocytogenes was observed on the calyx of strawberries after the end of the established shelf‐life. Generally, increasing the shelf‐life of the fruits with EMA and HOA did not give an increased microbial risk.
Effects of cooking methods on chlorophylls, pheophytins and colour of selected green vegetables
Authors: Turkmen Nihal , Poyrazoglu Ender Sinan , Sari Ferda , Sedat Velioglu Y.
Published: October 2005

The effect of microwave and conventional cooking methods on chlorophyll pigments and colour properties of squash, green beans, peas, leek, broccoli and spinach were studied, by HPLC and colorimetry, respectively. In five of six vegetables, chlorophyll a was found more heat resistant compared with chlorophyll b, except in peas. Chlorophylls in peas were retained to the 80–90%, the highest in all vegetables evaluated. Chlorophylls were retained to 19–100%, depending on the vegetable type and cooking method. Pheophytins increased in all vegetables after cooking. Highest chlorophyll a and chlorophyll b losses were observed in boiled leek while microwaved peas and boiled peas retained the most chlorophyll a and chlorophyll b, respectively. Pheophytin a and pheophytin b formation was highest at boiled squash and boiled green beans, which were fifty‐ninefold and twenty‐onefold compared with fresh ones, respectively. Most of the pheophytin formations occurred in boiled and the least in microwaved vegetables. Surface colour changed depending on the type of vegetable and cooking method.
Effect of extrusion process on the antioxidant activity and total phenolics in a nutritious snack food
Authors: O˝zer Emir Ayşe , Herken Emine Nur , Güzel Salih , Ainsworth Paul , İbanoğlu Şenol
Published: October 2005

The effect of screw speed (220–340 rpm), moisture content of the feed (11.0–15.0%, wet base) and feed rate (22.0–26.0 kg h−1, wet base) on the total antioxidant capacity (TAA) and concentration of total phenolics (TP) in a nutritionally balanced extruded snack were investigated. Regression equations describing the effect of each variable on the responses were obtained. Results indicated that screw speed, moisture content of the feed and feed rate had an effect on the TAA values of the samples at 95% confidence interval (CI). The interaction between the three factors was also found to be significant at 95% CI for TAA values. Extrusion conditions applied in this study did not change the TP values in the samples. The TAA value of samples decreased with an increase in screw speed and decrease in moisture content.
Oral hygiene care for residents with dementia: a literature review
Authors: Chalmers Jane , Pearson Alan
Published: October 2005

Aim.  This paper presents a literature review of oral hygiene care for adults with dementia in residential aged care facilities, including evidence for: (1) prevalence, incidence, experiences and increments of oral diseases; (2) use of assessment tools to evaluate residents’ oral health; (3) preventive oral hygiene care strategies; and (4) provision of dental treatment.

Background.  The impact of dementia on residential care is ever‐increasing and regular oral hygiene care provision is challenging for cognitively impaired residents. Although an abundance of oral hygiene care recommendations for older people have been published, the supporting evidence has not been clearly delineated.

Methods.  A review was conducted of English language publications (1980–2002), using a two‐step approach (keyword electronic database search, supplemented with secondary search of cited references). All 306 selected articles were critically reviewed and systematically categorized.

Results.  Evidence confirmed clinicians’ observations of poor oral health in older residents with dementia. Possible risk factors identified were: salivary dysfunction, polypharmacy, medical conditions, swallowing and dietary problems, functional dependence, oral hygiene care assistance and poor use of dental care. One comprehensive, reliable and validated oral assessment screening tool for residents with dementia had been published. Expert opinion indicated that oral assessment screening by staff and a dentist would be ideal at admission and regularly thereafter. Clinicians and researchers suggested that oral hygiene care strategies were effective in preventing oral diseases and appropriate for residents with dementia.

Conclusion.  These literature review findings supported the use of oral assessment screening tools by staff and efficacious preventive oral hygiene care strategies/products for adults with dementia in residential care facilities. Further research with this population is needed to develop and validate oral assessment tools and staff education programmes, trial preventive oral hygiene care strategies/products and trial dementia‐focused behaviour management and communication strategies.
Modelling the Hypothalamic Control of Growth Hormone Secretion
Authors: MacGregor D. J. , Leng G.
Published: October 2005

Here, we construct a mathematical model of the hypothalamic systems that control the secretion of growth hormone (GH). The work extends a recent model of the pituitary GH system, adding representations of the hypothalamic GH‐releasing hormone (GHRH) and somatostatin neurones, each modelled as a single synchronised unit. An unpatterned stochastic input drives the GHRH neurones generating pulses of GHRH release that trigger GH pulses. Delayed feedback from GH results in increased somatostatin release, which inhibits both GH secretion and GHRH release, producing an overall pattern of 3‐h pulses of GH secretion that is very similar to the secretory profile observed in male rats. Rather than directly stimulating somatostatin release, GH feedback triggers a priming effect, increasing releasable stores of somatostatin. Varying this priming effect to reduce the effect of GH can reproduce the less pulsatile form of GH release observed in the female rat. The model behaviour is tested by comparison with experimental observations with a range of different experimental protocols involving GHRH injections and somatostatin and GH infusion.
A comparative study of two antimicrobial/anti‐inflammatory formulations in the treatment of canine otitis externa
Authors: ROUGIER SANDRINE , BORELL DANIELA , PHEULPIN SANDRINE , WOEHRLÉ FRÉDÉRIQUE , BOISRAMÉ BERNARD
Published: October 2005

Abstract  The efficacy and tolerability of a marbofloxacin‐clotrimazole‐dexamethasone otic suspension (MCD) was compared with a standard topical treatment using a phase III clinical trial protocol. In a total of 140 dogs with clinical signs of acute or subacute otitis externa, Staphylococcus, Pseudomonas, Enterobacteriaceae and Malassezia were isolated from samples taken at inclusion to identify the causative pathogen; a further sample was collected in the event of failure or relapse, and from dogs (at day 14) for which Pseudomonas species had been isolated at inclusion. One group received MCD (10 drops per affected ear) once daily and a second received Surolan® (containing polymyxin B, miconazole and prednisolone) (5 drops per affected ear), twice daily. Each group received treatment for 7 or 14 days according to the clinical outcome on day 7. Efficacy and tolerability were evaluated on days 7, 14 and, if necessary, 28 for dogs treated for 14 days. The trial demonstrated equivalence of both treatments in terms of efficacy, with a cure rate of 58.3% for MCD and 41.2% for Surolan®. Both medications were equally well tolerated by dogs, but MCD was superior in terms of pain relief, decrease in pus quantity and smell, response rate and investigator's assessment on day 14.
Sex‐Difference in The Ossification Rate of The Appendicular Skeleton in Capra pyrenaica Schinz, 1838, and Its Utility in The Sex Identification of Long Bones
Authors: Serrano E. , Pérez J. M. , Christiansen P. , Gállego L.
Published: October 2005

The main goal of our work is to quantify differences in the rate of ossification in post‐cranial Iberian ibex skeletons, related to sex. Another objective is to improve criteria for assessing the sex of post‐cranial bones by combining the degree of ossification of the distal epiphysis and biometrical data. Forty Capra pyrenaica skeletons were examined in order to determine the degree of ossification by means of an Ossification Index. Our results evidence that sexual differences in the rate of ossification become visible at 6 months of age. On average, females complete their bone development 2 years before males do. Finally, by means of lineal classification functions which take into account both biometrical and anatomical criteria, we can achieve, in average, a 95.5% of correct sex discrimination within a sample consisting of ibex metacarpi and metatarsi from individuals aging from <1 to 12 years. Therefore, we conclude that the rhythm of ossification in the post‐cranial skeleton of C. pyrenaica may be used as a criterion for assessing the sex of skeletal remains and could be applicable to other dimorphic ungulates. Nevertheless, the results obtained for specimens belonging to a particular population may have limited application to other populations with different medium sizes and living at particular densities within habitats with variable quality.
Corticotropin‐Releasing Factor Immunoreactivity Increases in the Cerebellar Climbing Fibers in the Novel Ataxic Mutant Mouse, Pogo
Authors: Jeong Y. G. , Chung S. H. , Kim C. T. , Kim K. H. , Han S. Y. , Hyun B. H. , Lee N. S. , Sawada K. , Won M. H. , Fukui Y.
Published: October 2005

The ataxic pogo mouse (pogo/pogo) is a novel neurological mutant, which was derived as an inbred strain (KJR/MsKist) from a Korean wild mouse. The pathological manifestations include a difficulty in maintaining a normal posture, the failure of inter‐limb coordination and an inability to walk straight. In this study, we examined the distribution of corticotropin‐releasing factor (CRF) immunoreactive cerebellar climbing fibres and their projections to tyrosine hydroxylase (TH) immunoreactive Purkinje cells in the cerebellum of the pogo mutant mouse using immunohistochemistry. In the pogo/pogo mouse, a subset of climbing fibres was stained more intensely for CRF than in the control. Moreover, ataxic pogo mouse, neurons of the inferior olivary nucleus projecting climbing fibres were also more intensely stained for CRF than in the control. In the pogo/pogo mouse, TH immunoreactivity was located in the Purkinje cells, whereas no TH expression was found in the control. Double immunostaining for CRF and TH in the pogo/pogo cerebellum revealed that the distribution of TH‐immunoreactive Purkinje cells corresponded to terminal fields of CRF‐immunoreactive climbing fibres but not to the CRF‐immunoreactive mossy fibres. Therefore, we suggest that an increase of CRF level may alter the function of targeted Purkinje cells and that it is related to the ataxic phenotype in the pogo mutant mouse.
Crohn's disease in mainland China: a systematic analysis of 50 years of research
Authors: ZHENG Jia Ju , ZHU Xia Shuang , HUANGFU Zhao , GAO Zhi Xin , GUO Zhi Rong , WANG Zhen
Published: October 2005

BACKGROUND:  Crohn's disease appears to be increasing in frequency in many areas of the world. However, little information with regard to disease incidence, prevalence and temporal trends has been published in China.

OBJECTIVE:  The aim of this review is to better understand the occurrence of Crohn's disease in mainland China, and to give an overview of the current status of the disease.

METHODS:  We used a computer‐based literature search using 50‐years of records from the Chinese Database of Biology and Medicine (CBM, 1979–2002), combined with a manual year‐by‐year search of the literature from 1950 to 1979. Each article was double‐reviewed, and all descriptive epidemiological data were recorded, pooled and statistically analyzed.

RESULTS:  In total, 1526 cases of Crohn's disease since 1950 have been reported by more than 50 hospitals from 22 provinces and cities in mainland China, comprising 884 male and 642 female patients, with a 1.38:1 male predominance. More than 70% of patients were aged 20 to 50 years old, with a mean age of 37.2 ± 2.68 (ranging from 1 to 83) years. The extrapolated disease incidence and prevalence rates are 0.28/100 000 person years and 1.38/100 000 persons, respectively.

CONCLUSIONS:  The incidence and prevalence rates of Crohn's disease are still lower than those in Western and other Asian countries, but these rates have been increasing rapidly, and the disease is no longer uncommon. An underestimation may occur because the patients who were misdiagnosed or did not seek medical advice could not be included in the study. A future population‐based survey is warranted.
Fat food for a bad mood. Could we treat and prevent depression in Type 2 diabetes by means of ω‐3 polyunsaturated fatty acids? A review of the evidence
Authors: Pouwer F. , Nijpels G. , Beekman A. T. , Dekker J. M. , van Dam R. M. , Heine R. J. , Snoek F. J.
Published: October 2005

Aims  Evidence strongly suggests that depression is a common complication of Type 2 diabetes mellitus. However, there is considerable room to improve the effectiveness of pharmacological antidepressant agents, as in only 50–60% of the depressed subjects with diabetes does pharmacotherapy lead to remission of depression. The aim of the present paper was to review whether polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) of the ω‐3 family could be used for the prevention and treatment of depression in Type 2 diabetes.

Methods  MEDLINE database and published reference lists were used to identify studies that examined the associations between ω‐3 PUFA and depression. To examine potential side‐effects, such as on glycaemic control, studies regarding the use of ω‐3 supplements in Type 2 diabetes were also reviewed.

Results  Epidemiological and clinical studies suggest that a high intake of ω‐3 PUFA protects against the development of depression. There is also some evidence that a low intake of ω‐3 is associated with an increased risk of Type 2 diabetes, but the results are less conclusive. Results from randomized controlled trials in non‐diabetic subjects with major depression show that eicosapentaenoic acid is an effective adjunct treatment of depression in diabetes, while docosahexanoic acid is not. Moreover, consumption of ω‐3 PUFA reduces the risk of cardiovascular disease and may therefore indirectly decrease depression in Type 2 diabetes, via the reduction of cardiovascular complications.

Conclusions  Supplementation with ω‐3 PUFA, in particular eicosapentaenoic acid, may be a safe and helpful tool to reduce the incidence of depression and to treat depression in Type 2 diabetes. Further studies are now justified to test these hypotheses in patients with Type 2 diabetes.
Diabetes screening anxiety and beliefs
Authors: Skinner T. C. , Davies M. J. , Farooqi A. M. , Jarvis J. , Tringham J. R. , Khunti K.
Published: October 2005

Aims  This study assesses the impact of screening for diabetes on anxiety levels in an ethnically mixed population in the UK, and explores whether beliefs about Type 2 diabetes account for these anxiety levels.

Methods  This cross‐sectional study recruited individuals who were identified at high risk of developing diabetes through general practitioners’ (GPs) lists or through public media recruitment. Participants completed an oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT). Between blood tests, participants completed the Spielberger State Anxiety Scale Short Form, the Emotional Stability Scale of the Big Five Inventory 44 and three scales from the Diabetes Illness Representations Questionnaire, revised for this study.

Results  Of the 1339 who completed the OGTT and questionnaire booklet, 54% were female, with 21% from an Asian background. Forty‐five per cent of participants reported little to moderate amounts of anxiety at screening (mean 35.2; sd = 11.6). There was no significant effect of family history of diabetes, ethnic group or recruitment method on anxiety. The only variable significantly associated (negatively) with anxiety was the personality trait of emotional stability. Of responders, 64% and 61% agreed that diabetes was caused by diet or hereditary factors, respectively. Only 155 individuals (12%) agreed that diabetes was serious, shortens life and causes complications.

Conclusions  The results of this study replicate that of previous studies, indicating that screening for diabetes does not induce significant anxiety. Bivariate analysis indicated that individuals who perceived diabetes to be serious, life shortening and resulting in complications had higher anxiety scores, the personality trait of emotional stability being the strongest predictor of anxiety.
Coronary flow reserve, insulin resistance and blood pressure response to standing in patients with normoglycaemia: is there a relationship?
Authors: Nemes A. , Lengyel C. , Forster T*. , Várkonyi T. T. , Takács R. , Nagy I. , Kempler P. , Lonovics J. , Csanády M.
Published: October 2005

Aims  To establish the relationships between coronary flow reserve, cardiovascular autonomic function, and insulin resistance characterized by the homeostasis model assessment insulin resistance score in patients with normal carbohydrate metabolism according to the World Health Organization (WHO) and American Diabetes Association (ADA) criteria, and with morphologically normal epicardial coronary arteries.

Methods  Twenty‐five patients [12 women and 13 men, mean (sd) age: 53 ± 11 years] with normal coronary angiography were enrolled into the study. Coronary flow reserve was measured during stress transoesophageal echocardiography. Autonomic dysfunction was assessed by means of five standard cardiovascular reflex tests. The fasting serum glucose and insulin levels were determined and the homeostasis assessment model insulin resistance score was calculated.

Results  In patients with normal carbohydrate metabolism, negative correlations were observed between the coronary flow reserve and both the serum insulin level (r = −0.445, P = 0.026) and the homeostasis assessment model insulin resistance score (r = −0.449, P = 0.024). The systolic blood pressure response to standing also correlated with the coronary flow reserve (r = −0.519, P = 0.011). The heart rate response to deep breathing, the Valsalva ratio, the 30/15 ratio and the sustained handgrip test results were not correlated with the coronary flow reserve.

Conclusions  Our data suggest the possible role of insulin resistance and early sympathetic nerve dysfunction in the development of decreased coronary flow reserve in patients without diabetes mellitus or impaired glucose tolerance.
Is pregnancy a risk factor for microvascular complications? The EURODIAB Prospective Complications Study
Authors: Vérier‐Mine O. , Chaturvedi N. , Webb D. , Fuller J. H. ,   The EURODIAB Prospective Complications Study Group
Published: October 2005

Aims  To examine the long‐term influence of pregnancy on the development and progression of microvascular complications in Type 1 diabetes.

Methods  In the EURODIAB Prospective Complications Study (PCS), 793 women potentially child bearing at baseline completed the follow‐up (7.3 years) and 163 (21%) gave birth during the follow‐up period. We compared risk factors [mean levels of age, duration of diabetes, HbA1c, systolic blood pressure (SBP) and proportion giving birth] between those that did or did not develop microvascular complications during the follow‐up period.

Results  For the 425 childless women at baseline, 102 gave birth during follow‐up. HbA1c was a significant risk factor for progression to microalbuminuria but age, duration of diabetes, systolic blood pressure or giving birth were not. Duration of diabetes and high HbA1c were significant risk factors for progression to proliferative retinopathy, whereas giving birth was not. Similar results were obtained for progression to any form of retinopathy. Giving birth was not significantly related to the incidence of neuropathy. Similar results were obtained for women with children at baseline giving birth during follow‐up (n = 61/368).

Conclusions  In this European study, having a first or another pregnancy did not seem to be a risk factor for long‐term progression of any microvascular complication. This is in accordance with the findings of the Diabetes Control and Complications Trial (DCCT).
Evaluation of a programme of group visits and computer‐assisted consultations in the treatment of adolescents with Type 1 diabetes
Authors: Graue M. , Wentzel‐Larsen T. , Hanestad B. R. , Søvik O.
Published: October 2005

Aim To examine the effects of group visits and computer‐assisted consultations on quality of life and glycaemic control in adolescents with Type 1 diabetes.

Methods A total of 116 adolescents, aged 11–17 years, and their parents were randomly assigned to an intervention (n = 62) or a control group (n = 54). The intervention group was invited to a 15‐month programme comprising group visits and computer‐assisted consultations. The control group was offered traditional out‐patient consultations. Outcomes included changes in HbA1cand the adolescents’ assessment of generic and disease‐specific health‐related quality of life measured by the Child Health Questionnaire (CHQ‐CF87) and the Diabetes Quality of Life Questionnaire (DQOL), respectively.

Results One hundred and one adolescents (55/46) agreed to participate, mean age 14.2 years (sd1.5), mean diabetes duration 6.5 years (sd3.6, range 1–16 years), mean HbA1c9.3% (sd1.4, range 6.1–12.8%). Eighty‐three (72%) completed the questionnaires at follow‐up (intervention/control 45/38). There were significant age by randomization group interactions for diabetes‐related impact (P = 0.018), diabetes‐related worries (P = 0.004), mental health (P = 0.046) and general behaviour (P = 0.029), implying that the intervention was effective in older adolescents (above 13–14 years). No significant effects on mean HbA1cwere identified.

Conclusions Group visits and computer‐assisted consultations had beneficial effects on health‐related quality of life in older adolescents, the role of this intervention being questionable in younger adolescents.
Does parity increase insulin resistance during pregnancy?
Authors: Seghieri G. , De Bellis A. , Anichini R. , Alviggi L. , Franconi F. , Breschi M. C.
Published: October 2005

Aims  To study the effect of parity on impairment of insulin sensitivity during pregnancy and on the risk of gestational diabetes (GDM).

Methods  We studied the relationship between parity and peripheral insulin sensitivity index (ISIOGTT) or GDM in 1880 caucasian women, who underwent a 100‐g, 3‐h oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) between the 24th and 28th gestational week and in 75 women who underwent an OGTT in two consecutive pregnancies. A proxy for β‐cell function (basal plasma C peptide/fasting plasma glucose; CP/FPG) was also measured.

Results  By univariate analysis parity was related to decreased ISIOGTT and to increased CP/FPG in those with parity > 3 and likewise GDM, diagnosed in 124 women (6.58%), was linearly related to parity (P = 0.0034) and strongly age dependent. The relationships between parity and ISIOGTT, CP/FPG and GDM were no longer significant after adjustment for age, pregestational body mass index (BMI), and weight gain. GDM was significantly related to age and pregestational weight, while ISIOGTT and CP/FPG were inversely related to prepregnancy BMI or weight gain. In comparison with the index pregnancy, the subsequent pregnancy was characterized by an increase in actual and prepregnancy BMI, in 2 h area under curve (AUC) glucose and by a decrease in ISIOGTT (P = 0.0001). The longer the time interval between pregnancies and the higher the increment in pregestational BMI or in weight gain during the pregnancy, the greater were the ISIOGTT decrease and 2‐h AUC glucose increase.

Conclusions  Parity is not directly linked to insulin sensitivity deterioration, to CP/FPG increase during pregnancy, or to GDM appearance, although it is linked through the mediation of progressive ageing and weight gain either before or during pregnancy, when there is a sufficiently long time interval between pregnancies.
Immigrants in emergency care: Swedish health care staff's experiences
Authors: Hultsjö S. , Hjelm K.
Published: October 2005

Background:  During the past few decades Sweden has developed into a multicultural society. The proportion of patients with different cultural backgrounds increases, which naturally makes new demands on health care staff.

Aim:  To identify whether staff in somatic and psychiatric emergency care experienced problems in the care of migrants, and if so to compare these.

Method:  The study design was explorative. Focus group interviews of 22 women and 13 men working as nurses and assistant nurses at an emergency ward, an ambulance service and a psychiatric intensive care unit were held.

Findings:  The results showed that the main problems experienced in all wards were difficulties related to caring for asylum‐seeking refugees. Some dissimilarities were revealed: unexpected behaviours in migrants related to cultural differences described by staff working in the emergency ward; migrants’ refusal to eat and drink and their inactive behaviour in the psychiatric ward; and a lot of non‐emergency runs by the ambulance staff because of language barriers between the emergency services centre and migrants.

Conclusion:  The main problems experienced by the health care staff were situations in which they were confronted with the need to care for asylum‐seeking refugees.

Practice implications:  These emphasize the importance of support from organizational structures and national policies to develop models for caring for asylum‐seeking refugees. Simple routines and facilities to communicate with foreign‐language‐speaking migrants need to be developed. Health care staff need a deeper understanding of individual needs in the light of migrational and cultural background.
Overcoming strangeness and communication barriers: a phenomenological study of becoming a foreign nurse
Authors: Magnusdottir H.
Published: October 2005

Background:  This paper presents a study that explored the lived experience of foreign nurses working at hospitals in Iceland.

Aim:  The aim was to generate an understanding of this experience both for local and international purposes.

Method:  The methodology that guided the study was the Vancouver school of doing phenomenology. Sampling was purposeful and consisted of 11 registered nurse from seven countries. The data were collected in dialogues; the analyses were thematic.

Findings:  The findings are presented in five main themes that describe the essence of the experience with the overall theme of ‘Growing through experiencing strangeness and communication barriers’. The first theme portrays how the nurses met and tackled the multiple initial challenges. One of the challenges, described in the second theme, was becoming outsiders and needing to be let in. The third theme explores the language barrier the nurses encountered and the fourth theme the different work culture. The fifth then illuminates how the nurses finally overcame these challenges and won through.

Conclusion:  The findings and their international context suggest the importance of language for personal and professional well‐being and how language and culture are inseparable entities.
Introduction and development of NCP using ICNP® in Pakistan
Authors: Rukanuddin R. J.
Published: October 2005

Background:  Traditionally, nursing care has been described as performing nursing tasks and often focused on nurses carrying out doctors’ orders. In many countries of the world, including Pakistan, nurses do not document care in a standardized manner. Because of this limitation many health administrators, policy makers, and consumers make inadequate assumptions about nursing work, often regarding nurses as any other ‘health care technician’ who can be easily replaced by more economical health care workers.

Purpose:  To overcome this problem, standardized documentation is being introduced into the Aga Khan University School of Nursing and hospital, Aga Khan Health Services, Public Health School in Karachi, and government colleges of nursing, using the International Classification for Nursing Practice (ICNP®). The purpose of this paper is to highlight the process of introducing and developing standardized nursing care plans (NCP) using ICNP® in Pakistan.

Process:  The process for introducing ICNP® consists of four components, including administrative planning, development, teaching and training, and testing. Subsets of the ICNP® for (i) maternity: antenatal, postnatal and natal care; and (ii) cardiology were developed using standardized NCPs. The subsets were developed by nurse experts and introduced at the testing sites. The testing will be conducted as a pilot project. Findings from the pilot will be used to continue and expand standardized nursing documentation using the ICNP® across Pakistan.

Conclusion:  Through this project, nurses, midwives and lady health visitors (midwives, vaccinator and health educators) will test standardization of documentation and begin to evaluate efficiency and effectiveness of clinical practice.
Applying ICF in nursing practice: classifying elements of nursing diagnoses
Authors: Heinen M. M. , Van Achterberg T. , Roodbol G. , Frederiks C. M. A.
Published: October 2005

Aim:  This study explores the relevance of the International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health (ICF) to nursing diagnoses.

Background:  As a multidisciplinary classification of human functioning, the ICF (previously known as ICIDH‐2) is potentially relevant to nursing care. However, nurses have rarely used the classification during the 23 years of its existence.

Method:  In part 1 of the study, 51 nursing diagnoses from anonymous patients were deliberately selected for diversity from an existing database. The 427 diagnostic elements from these diagnoses (problem statements, aetiological factors, signs and symptoms) were classified, using the ICF, by a panel of six nurses. In part 2 of the study, the panel classified 223 elements from 30 diagnoses of patients they had actually cared for.

Results:  Nearly all diagnostic elements could be classified, most often in the sub‐dimensions of body functions and activities. Agreement on appropriate ICF components was 61% for anonymous patients and 75% for familiar patients. Agreement at the more detailed 3‐digit level of the classification was 42% for anonymous and 60% for familiar patients.

Conclusion:  The ICF has relevance to nursing care. As a general classification, it was not designed by nurses or specifically for nursing care. This can explain some difficulties in using the classification that were identified in this study, as well as the rather low levels of agreement. To resolve these issues and to further improve the classification, nurses should further explore the use of the ICF and participate in future revision processes.
Nursing research with refugee clients: a call for more qualitative approaches
Authors: Halabi J. O.
Published: October 2005

Background:  Nursing research with refugee populations, who lack an understanding of the importance of research, presents unique challenges. These challenges include bureaucratic requirements for gaining permission for research, navigating through camps, identifying potential participants, gaining acceptance, building rapport and trust, maintaining privacy, and respecting participants’ status in the camp. Few studies exist regarding Palestinian refugees, with no reported studies that address nursing or healthcare, especially in Jordan.

Findings:  Quantitative research, which often requires participants who read and write, may be ineffective with long‐term refugee populations. Additionally, many research tools are not culturally valid. Consequently, refugees, many of whom are illiterate, are largely unstudied.

Recommendations:  Qualitative approaches, such as interviewing and observation, allow participants to describe their healthcare concerns, and their management of them. Rapport and trust can then enable the researcher to provide interventions and education.
A Sledgehammer to Crack a Nut: Deportation, Detention and Dispersal in Europe
Authors: Schuster Liza
Published: October 2005

Since the increase in the numbers of asylum‐seekers arriving in Europe in the early 1990s, European countries of asylum have been implementing new and increased controls over entry and making conditions more difficult for asylum‐seekers while they are waiting for a decision on their case. This paper explores the ways in which four European asylum regimes use the deportation, detention and dispersal of asylum‐seekers in an attempt to control and exclude them from national societies and territories. Germany, France, Italy and the UK have different migration histories and have introduced different asylum policies at different times; but all have in common the increasingly draconian response to asylum‐seekers since the 1990s. The paper looks at the stated rationale for introducing and extending dispersal, deportation and detention. EU governments have introduced these measures, arguing that they will deter “fraudulent” asylum claims. While the number of claims has fallen in the last five years to the lowest level since 1988, there is no evidence that this is due to such policies. It is clear, however, that these policies penalize all asylum‐seekers, breach their human rights, damage the receiving societies as a whole, and as such should be abandoned.
Governance, Forced Migration and Welfare
Authors: Dwyer Peter
Published: October 2005

This paper explores the welfare of forced migrants (i.e. refugees, asylum‐seekers, those with humanitarian leave to remain, and “failed asylum‐seekers/overstayers”) at three linked levels. First, it considers the governance of forced migrants at a supranational (in this case European Union) level. Second, particularly, but not exclusively in the context of the UK, it considers the extent to which the welfare rights of forced migrants in EU member states have been subject to a process of “hollowing out” or “dispersal”. Third, utilizing data from a recently completed qualitative research project, the paper outlines the complex local systems of governance that exist in relation to the housing and social security rights of forced migrants in the UK. The consequences of these networks are highlighted.
When the Export of Social Problems Is No Longer Possible: Immigration Policies and Unemployment in Switzerland
Authors: Afonso Alexandre
Published: October 2005

Throughout the twentieth century, Switzerland has been one of the OECD countries with the highest proportion of immigrants in its population. The aim of this article is to show how institutional factors have shaped the opportunities for change in immigration and immigrant‐employment‐related policies there in the 1990s. Whereas unemployment had remained low in the 1970s and 1980s, there was a marked increase at the beginning of the 1990s. Existing migration policies were considered a central cause of this increase, since the great majority of foreigners who had come and settled in Switzerland in the periods of economic expansion were low‐skilled, and were now over‐represented among the unemployed. The reforms undertaken in the field of immigration and integration policy to respond to these new problems have been determined by specific institutional factors: direct democracy, a defensive migration regime, the development of immigrant rights and the weak autonomy of the central state. These factors account to a large extent for the limited scope and specific pathways of policy reforms in these two domains.
STEPS TO THE STEPPE: OR, HOW THE NORTH PONTIC REGION WAS COLONISED
Authors: MANZURA IGOR
Published: October 2005

Summary.  The occupation of the steppe region north of the Black Sea by farming or herding groups in the fifth and fourth millennia BC has been a controversial question. At the core of the problem is the changing relationship between Cucuteni‐Tripole farming groups in the forest‐steppe zone and their neighbours in the true steppe zone. Three phases of this relationship are discussed, in the Early Copper Age, Late Copper Age and Early Bronze Age (c.5000–3000 BC), during which different forms of exchange and acculturation took place, each with its own social and economic characteristics. The role of environmental change, and the significance of burial monuments in the process of cultural convergence, are evaluated. The process is discussed both in terms of general models of social transformation, and by comparison with other areas of Europe where similar processes of interaction were taking place.
THEANATOLIAN TRADE NETWORKAND THE IZMIR REGION DURING THE EARLY BRONZE AGE
Authors: ŞAHOĞLU VASIF
Published: October 2005

Summary. The monumental Early Bronze Age settlement at Liman Tepe (Levels VI–IV) (predecessor of the classical site of Klazomenai), on the southern shore of the Gulf of Izmir, is a good indication of the emergence of settlements with centralised organisation on the west coast of Anatolia. Similar developments can also be followed in Troy at the northernmost limit of the western coastline, on the islands of the north and east Aegean, and at the inland site of Küllüoba in north‐west Anatolia. Over a much wider geographical area, extending from south‐eastern Anatolia via central and western Anatolia, the islands of the east Aegean, the Cyclades, and mainland Greece, a distinctive set of cultural features emerged at the end of Early Bronze Age II. An explanation of the cultural changes taking place along the west Anatolian coastline at this time should thus be sought in the perspective of this wider sphere. These features can be summarised as follows:

organised settlement structures indicating the presence of a central authority;

monumental fortification systems;

large settlements with citadels and lower towns;

first introduction of wheel‐made pottery (mass production);

first appearance of certain new pottery shapes such as depas, tankard, two‐handled cup, wheel‐made plate, incised pyxis, cutaway‐spouted jug and ‘Syrian bottles’;

first examples of tin bronzes.

These cultural changes, appearing suddenly in a wide geographical range at approximately the same time, can only be explained by the presence of wide international contacts. The character and the nature of these relations are becoming clearer as recent excavations yield new information. This paper aims to shed new light on the nature of the Anatolian Trade Network (ATN) period in the light of new archaeological data from Liman Tepe and Bakla Tepe located on the west Anatolian coastline. The importance of the Izmir region as a bridge between the land trade routes of Anatolia and the sea trade routes of the Aegean and various effects of this unique location on the region's cultural development are discussed.
HOUSE URNS AND ETRUSCAN TOMB PAINTING: TRADITION VERSUS INNOVATION IN THE NINTH–SEVENTH CENTURIES BC
Authors: LEIGHTON ROBERT
Published: October 2005

Summary.  The first painted tombs in Etruria date to about 675–650 BC, as attested by a few examples at Veii and Caere, which pre‐date those of Tarquinia (mainly sixth–third centuries BC). At first glance, tomb painting has no obvious connection with the Early Iron Age or Villanovan period (tenth/ninth–eighth centuries BC), when burial in shaft or trench graves predominated. Nevertheless, some links can be suggested with Villanovan house urns, which reinforce the point that indigenous traditions merit greater consideration than is usual in discussions of Etruscan artistic and cultural development.
SOLDIER, CIVILIAN AND MILITARY BRICK PRODUCTION
Authors: KURZMANN RENATE
Published: October 2005

Summary.  Occasional claims have been made that some of the names on Roman military brick stamps could be those of civilian entrepreneurs tiling for the Roman army, most recently in the case of a stamp of Legio XX Valeria Victrix from Tarbock (Liverpool). This paper analyses these claims and investigates the evidence for interaction between the Roman army and civilians in brick production. The texts of the stamps and the archaeological context of the bricks and literary sources, which give information about the role of the army and civilian bodies in Roman provincial building, are taken into consideration.
Simultaneous occurrence of linear scleroderma and homolateral segmental vitiligo
Authors: Bonifati C , Impara G , Morrone A , Pietrangeli A , Carducci M
Published: October 2005

Localized scleroderma and vitiligo only rarely have been reported to occur simultaneously. Here we report a case of a 21 year old man affected with both linear scleroderma of the left upper limb and homolateral segmental vitiligo of the trunk. Since the two diseases appeared during the same period, involved the same side of the body and their progression paralleled, a possible non‐coincidental association between these two diseases is discussed.
Successful treatment of severe recalcitrant erosive oral lichen planus with topical tacrolimus
Authors: Shichinohe R , Shibaki A , Nishie W , Tateishi Y , Shimizu H
Published: October 2005

Oral lichen planus (LP) is a severe, painful form of LP, and is often resistant to topical corticosteroid therapy. Recently, open trials demonstrated that topical tacrolimus therapy was effective for the treatment of chronic erosive oral LP. We report two cases with severe recalcitrant erosive oral LP, who dramatically benefited from topical tacrolimus therapy. In case 1, a 64‐year‐old man presented with a 5‐month history of painful erosions on his entire lower lip and buccal mucosa. Physical and histological examination confirmed a diagnosis of LP. He experienced rapid relief from pain and a dramatic improvement was obtained within 5 weeks of topical tacrolimus treatment. No significant irritation was observed and blood tacrolimus level was kept within a safe level (2.5 ng/mL). In case 2, a 68‐year‐old man developed painful erosions on his right lower lip and buccal mucosa 2 months before his arrival at our hospital. Histopathological analysis confirmed a diagnosis of oral LP. He experienced a rapid dramatic improvement of both lesions within 4 weeks of the start of tacrolimus application. No significant irritation or recurrence was observed. Thus, topical tacrolimus is suggested as a well‐tolerated, effective therapy for oral LP.
Isolation of nine microsatellite loci in Dolichogenidea homoeosomae (Hymenoptera) a parasitoid of the sunflower moth Homoeosoma electellum (Lepidoptera)
Authors: DOUHOVNIKOFF VLADIMIR , NERNEY CATERINA , RODERICK GEORGE K. , NEWTON CRAIG H. , WELTER STEPHEN C.
Published: October 2005

Nine microsatellite loci were isolated from the insect Dolichogenidea homoeosomae (Hymenoptera: Braconidae), an important parasitoid of the sunflower moth Homosoeosoma electellum (Lepidoptera: Pyralidae), and assayed for polymorphism. All nine loci were polymorphic within the five populations tested, with two to 14 alleles per locus. Expected and observed heterozygosities ranged from 0.39 to 0.90 and 0.25 to 0.72 respectively. These are the first microsatellite primers developed for D. homeosomae and will be useful for studies of population dynamics and connectivity.
Isolation and characterization of microsatellite loci from the ectomycorrhizal basidiomycete Suillus luteus
Authors: MULLER LUDO A. H. , LAMBAERTS MARC , VANGRONSVELD JACO , COLPAERT JAN V.
Published: October 2005

Eight microsatellite loci were isolated from the ectomycorrhizal basidiomycete Suillus luteus using a dual‐suppression‐polymerase chain reaction (PCR) method. In a test sample of 40 isolates, the total number of alleles per locus and the expected heterozygosities ranged from five to 16 and from 0.532 to 0.811, respectively. These highly polymorphic markers allow an accurate description of the genetic diversity and structure of S. luteus populations.