Enrolled nurse conversion: trapped into training

The introduction of Project 2000 in the late 1980s aimed to replace the existing two levels of nurse training with a single level of entry. This entailed phasing out training for enrolled nurses (ENs) and 'conversion' courses were introduced to allow ENs to upgrade their qualification. As part of a larger study of continuing education and training in the National Health Service (NHS), a cohort of ENs taking part in an open-learning conversion course were interviewed. Sixteen nurses described their motives for undertaking the course and the impact of the course on their work and home lives. Data collected in interviews were analysed using qualitative methods and revealed that all of these nurses felt under pressure to take part in the course. Participation in the course was associated with changes in home and work life. The findings of the study have implications in terms of study leave policy.     

Developing outcome measures for ambulatory care--an application to asthma and diabetes

Increasing emphasis is now being placed on the assessment of patient outcomes, both in evaluating medical interventions and in quality assurance initiatives. Clinicians, purchasers, managers and researchers need outcome measures that are valid, reliable and responsive. This paper describes the theory and practice underlying the development of outcome measures for two chronic conditions, asthma and diabetes, for application in ambulatory settings. Existing generic and condition-specific health status and health-related quality-of-life measures were administered to almost 1300 patients. The psychometric properties of these measures were examined to identify those that were of adequate validity and reliability in these population groups. Step-wise regression procedures were then used to identify a core set of scales that best predicted patients' general health perceptions, which could be used in measuring general health outcomes for each of these groups. These core sets consist of up to 40 items, spanning physical function, energy and vitality, emotional well-being and condition-specific aspects of health such as symptom control. Further analysis is being carried out to assess the responsiveness to change of these core item sets.     

Potent inhibitors of the MAP kinase p38

The MAP kinase p38 plays a key role in the biosynthesis of the inflammatory cytokines TNF-alpha and IL-1. We have developed a novel series of potent p38 inhibitors that could lead to new methods of treatment for inflammatory diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis and inflammatory bowel disease.     

Berechnung von Wärmespannungen mit der Methode der finiten Elemente

Einfluß von Wärmedehnungen auf das Spannungs- und Dehnungsverhalten fester Körper und Formulierung der Spannungs- und Dehnungsbeziehungen in Matrizenform für ebene und axialsymmetrische Probleme. Überprüfung der Aussagemöglichkeiten des Verfahrens anhand von Anwendungsbeispielen.     

The development of novel and selective p56lck tyrosine kinase inhibitors

Early T-cell receptor mediated signal transduction involves the activation of several tyrosine protein kinases. One of these tyrosine kinases, p56lck, is expressed primarily in T-cells and Natural Killer (NK) cells and has been shown to be critical for their proliferative and effector functions. Indandiones have been identified as a potent and selective chemical class that inhibits p56lck.     

Die Vorbereitung der Probenoberfläche und ihr Einfluß auf das Ergebnis der Elektronenstrahl-Mikroanalyse

Modellversuche und Untersuchungen an Zweistoffsystemen und technischen Legierungen zur Feststellung der Beeinflussung der Mikrosondenanalysen durch verschiedene Ätzverfahren. Prüfung der Anwendbarkeit von Interferenzaufdampfschichten.     

Validation of the performance of a GMO multiplex screening assay based on microarray detection

A new screening method for the detection and identification of GMO, based on the use of multiplex PCR followed by microarray, has been developed and is presented. The technology is based on the identification of quite ubiquitous GMO genetic target elements first amplified by PCR, followed by direct hybridisation of the amplicons on a predefined microarray (DualChip^® GMO, Eppendorf, Germany). The validation was performed within the framework of a European project (Co-Extra, contract no 007158) and in collaboration with 12 laboratories specialised in GMO detection. The present study reports the strategy and the results of an ISO complying validation of the method carried out through an inter-laboratory study. Sets of blind samples were provided consisting of DNA reference materials covering all the elements detectable by specific probes present on the array. The GMO concentrations varied from 1% down to 0.045%. In addition, a mixture of two GMO events (0.1% RRS diluted in 100% TOPAS19/2) was incorporated in the study to test the robustness of the assay in extreme conditions. Data were processed according to ISO 5725 standard. The method was evaluated with predefined performance criteria with respect to the EC CRL method acceptance criteria. The overall method performance met the acceptance criteria; in particular, the results showed that the method is suitable for the detection of the different target elements at 0.1% concentration of GMO with a 95% accuracy rate. This collaborative trial showed that the method can be considered as fit for the purpose of screening with respect to its intra- and inter-laboratory accuracy. The results demonstrated the validity of combining multiplex PCR with array detection as provided by the DualChip^® GMO (Eppendorf, Germany) for the screening of GMO. The results showed that the technology is robust, practical and suitable as a screening tool.