bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Present Status and Perspectives in the Treatment of Hormone-Refractory Prostate Cancer
Authors: Silvestris Nicola , Leone Bernardo , Numico Gianmauro , Lorusso Vito , De Lena Mario
Published: November 2005

The cornerstone in the treatment of de novo or recurrent metastatic prostate cancer is androgen deprivation. Unfortunately, nearly all patients will develop androgen-independent (‘hormone-refractory’) disease with progressive clinical deterioration and ultimately death. Chemotherapy has been shown to palliate symptoms of hormone-refractory disease but not to improve survival. Recently, two large phase III trials have demonstrated an overall survival advantage for patients treated with docetaxel-based regimens as compared to the best standard of care. Indeed, investigations into the pathophysiology of this malignancy, novel biological agents, skeletal protectants and radiopharmaceuticals are expanding the clinician’s armamentarium and improving the patient’s outcome.
An Alternating Regimen of Irinotecan/ 5-Fluorouracil/Folinic Acid and Oxaliplatin/ 5-Fluorouracil/Folinic Acid in Metastatic Colorectal Cancer: A Phase II Trial
Authors: Ferrari Vittorio , Valcamonico Francesca , Amoroso Vito , Simoncini Edda , Vassalli Lucia , Marpicati Patrizia , Rangoni Giovanni , Grisanti Salvatore , Pasinetti Nadia , Marini Giovanni
Published: November 2005

Objective: To assess the feasibility and activity of a combination schedule with irinotecan (CPT-11), oxaliplatin (L-OHP), brief infusional fluorouracil (5-FU) and folinic acid (FA) as first-line treatment in metastatic colorectal cancer (MCC) patients. Methods: Fifty consecutive patients were treated with CPT-11 125 mg/m2 as a 90-min intravenous infusion, followed by FA 20 mg/m2 as an intravenous bolus, and 5-FU 500 mg/m2 over a 2-hour intravenous infusion on days 1 and 8. L-OHP was administered at 85 mg/m2 over 2 h on day 15, in combination with a FA 60 mg/m2 intravenous bolus and 5-FU 600 mg/m2 as a 2-hour intravenous infusion on days 15–16. The treatment was repeated every 4 weeks for a maximum of 9 cycles. Results: Twenty-five of 50 assessable patients achieved a complete (n = 5) or partial (n = 20) response, leading to a response rate of 50% (95% CI 35–64%). Eighteen (36%) patients showed stable disease. The median time to tumor progression was 10.3 months (95% CI 9.6–10.9 months). After a median follow-up of 16.4 months, the median survival was not reached. Grade 3 neutropenia (8%), grade 3 nausea/vomiting (6%) and grade 3 diarrhea (2%) were the major adverse events. Conclusion: This alternating three-drug regimen is very well tolerated, manageable and effective in terms of activity and time to progression.
Combination Chemotherapy in Advanced Small Bowel Adenocarcinoma
Authors: Locher Christophe , Malka David , Boige Valérie , Lebray Pascal , Elias Dominique , Lasser Philippe , Ducreux Michel
Published: November 2005

Objective: To assess the efficacy of 5-fluorouracil (5-FU) and either platinum compounds or irinotecan in patients with advanced small bowel adenocarcinoma (SBA), for whom data on the efficacy of chemotherapy are scarce. Methods: We reviewed data on all patients with advanced SBA who received chemotherapy over a 9-year period at our institution. Results: Twenty patients with advanced SBA received a median of 6 cycles (range 2–15) of chemotherapy with 5-FU and either cisplatin (n = 15), carboplatin (n = 2), or oxaliplatin (n = 3). The overall response rate was 21%, and median progression-free and overall survival 8 and 14 months, respectively. Toxicity was moderate. Second-line chemotherapy with 5-FU and irinotecan resulted in disease stabilization in 4 (50%) of 8 patients (median progression-free survival: 5 months), and in a biological complete response in another patient with nonmeasurable peritoneal carcinomatosis, allowing surgical cytoreduction surgery and hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy. No tumor response or disease stabilization was seen among the patients who received protracted venous infusion of 5-FU (n = 4) or infusional 5-FU and cisplatin (n = 1) as second-line chemotherapy. Conclusion: Chemotherapy with 5-FU and platinum compounds seems effective and well-tolerated in patients with advanced SBA. 5-FU-irinotecan combination chemotherapy deserves further investigation in the first-line setting.
Paclitaxel, Carboplatin and Gemcitabine Combination as Induction Chemotherapy for Stage IIIA N2 Bulky Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer
Authors: Giannitto Giorgio Carmelo , Giuffrida Dario , Pappalardo Alessandro , Russo Antonio , Vincenzi Bruno , Saita Salvino , Potenza Enrico , Marletta Franco , La Venia Giuseppe , Castorina Sergio , Bordonaro Roberto
Published: November 2005

Background: Induction chemotherapy followed by surgical resection or definitive radiotherapy for patients affected by stage IIIA N2 bulky non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) has been investigated in several trials. Patients and Methods: In this present study, 52 patients with stage IIIA N2 bulky NSCLC with cytologically or histologically confirmed mediastinal lymph node involvement received paclitaxel 175 mg/mq on day 1, carboplatin AUC 5 on day 1 and gemcitabine 1,000 mg/mq on day 1 and 8 every 3 weeks for three cycles as induction chemotherapy. Results: Objective response (4 complete remission and 36 partial remission) was achieved in 40/52 patients. No early or toxic deaths were observed. Twenty-two patients were surgically explored. Fifteen were excluded for resection for biopsy-proven residual tumour in mediastinal nodes. Complete surgical resection was performed in 15 patients with confirmed pathological downstaging. Pathological complete response was achieved in 4 patients. No surgery-related mortality or significant morbidity was reported. Adjuvant radiotherapy was delivered in 15 patients, and 30 patients received definitive radiotherapy. Conclusion: In the present study, the combination of paclitaxel, carboplatin and gemcitabine has been a safe and active regimen in poor-prognosis stage IIIA N2 bulky NSCLC.
Expression of N-Acetylglucosaminyltransferase V in the Development of Human Esophageal Cancers: Immunohistochemical Data from Carcinomas and Nearby Noncancerous Lesions
Authors: Ishibashi Yoko , Dosaka-Akita Hirotoshi , Miyoshi Eiji , Shindoh Masanobu , Miyamoto Masaki , Kinoshita Ichiro , Miyazaki Hiroki , Itoh Tomoo , Kondo Satoshi , Nishimura Masaharu , Taniguchi Naoyuki
Published: November 2005

Objective: N-Acetylglucosaminyltransferase V (GnT-V) is a key enzyme in the formation of branching asparagine-linked oligosaccharides and is linked to tumor invasion and metastasis in colon and breast cancers. In normal esophageal epithelium, β1,6-branched asparagine-linked oligosaccharides synthesized by GnT-V are seen in the basal cell layers but not in the superficial cell layers, and its presence has been shown in invasive esophageal cancers. However, neither GnT-V expression nor its clinical significance has been previously examined in human normal, premalignant and malignant esophageal tissues. Methods: GnT-V expression was studied by immunohistochemistry using a specific monoclonal antibody in 121 surgically resected specimens of esophageal squamous cell carcinomas (SCCs) and adjacent tissues, and was analyzed statistically in relation to various characteristics. Results: GnT-V expression was observed in none (0%) of the 19 normal epithelial tissues, 1 (2%) of the 43 hyperplastic tissues, 30 (54%) of the 56 mildly dysplastic tissues, 27 (63%) of the 43 moderately dysplastic tissues, 21 (44%) of the 48 in situ SCCs and 29 (26%) of the 110 invasive SCCs (p < 0.005). GnT-V expression was observed significantly more frequently in mildly and moderately dysplastic tissues when compared with normal epithelial and hyperplastic tissues (p < 0.005), and its frequency was decreased in in situ and invasive SCCs (p < 0.005). GnT-V expression was frequently observed in SCCs of small size and without distant metastasis or lymph node metastasis. Conclusions: Increased expression of GnT-V is associated with the early event of esophageal tumorigenesis.
A Phase II Study of the Docetaxel- Ifosfamide-Carboplatin Combination in Advanced Non-Small-Cell Lung Cancer
Authors: Kosmas Christos , Tsavaris Nicolas , Koutras Aggelos , Makatsoris Thomas , Mylonakis Nicolas , Tzelepis George , Dimitrakopoulos Antonis , Spyropoulos Konstantinos , Polyzos Aristidis , Karabelis Athanasios , Kalofonos Haralambos P.
Published: November 2005

Purpose: In the present phase II study we evaluated the docetaxel-ifosfamide-carboplatin (DICb) combination in the outpatient setting in patients with advanced non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC). Patients and Methods: Patients with advanced NSCLC (stages IIIB/IV), WHO performance status (PS) <2, and no prior chemotherapy were eligible. Chemotherapy drug doses were: docetaxel: 80 mg/m2, ifosfamide: 3.5 g/m2, and carboplatin at a target area under the curve of 5 (based on Calvert’s formula), all on day 1, followed by prophylactic G-CSF. Results: Fourty patients were entered and all are evaluable for response and toxicity: median age: 64 (48–72); PS: 1 (0–1); gender: 29 males/11 females; stages: IIIB: 13 (33%), IV: 27 (67%). Metastatic sites at diagnosis included: lymph nodes: 25; bone: 7; liver: 4; brain: 5; lung nodules: 13; adrenals: 6. Responses were as follows: 22/40 [55%; 95% confidence interval (CI), 54–81%] evaluable patients responded: 4 complete responses, 18 partial responses, 11 had stable disease, and 7 had progressive disease. The median response duration was 7 months (range 2–14 months), median time to progression 9 months (range 2–18 months) and median overall survival 11 months (range 3–46+ months). 1-year survival was 47.5%. Grade 3/4 toxicities included: neutropenia 28/40, with 12 developing grade 4 and 12% febrile neutropenia, thrombocytopenia grade 3: 3/40 and grade 4: 1/40, no grade 3 neuropathy, grade 1 CNS toxicity in 3, no renal toxicity, 8 grade 2 diarrhea and 4 grade 3 vomiting. Conclusion: In the present phase II study the DICb combination yielded important activity and good tolerability in advanced NSCLC.
Induction and Coexpression of Latent Transforming Growth Factor β-Binding Protein-1 and Fibrillin-1 in Experimental Glomerulonephritis
Authors: Porst Markus , Daniel Christoph , Plank Christian , Schocklmann Harald O. , Reinhardt Dieter P. , Hartner Andrea
Published: November 2005

Background: Latent transforming growth factor-β-binding protein 1 (LTBP-1) and fibrillin-1 were shown to colocalize and interact in the extracellular matrix of the skin and vasculature. This interaction may regulate transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β) activity. TGF-β is an important progression factor for glomerular diseases. We hypothesized that LTBP-1 and fibrillin-1 are coexpressed in the glomerulus and upregulated during glomerulonephritis. Methods: Acute anti-Thy1.1 glomerulonephritis was induced with a single intravenous injection (1 mg/kg body weight) of a monoclonal anti-Thy1.1 antibody in rats. Real-time RT-PCR and immunohistochemical analyses for LTBP-1 and fibrillin-1 were performed. Results: Induction of glomerular LTBP-1 mRNA was detected on day 2 of disease, while mRNA for fibrillin-1 was already upregulated 1 day after induction of disease. Both LTBP-1 and fibrillin-1 showed a mesangial distribution. An expansion of the LTBP-1 and fibrillin-1-positive mesangial area was seen on day 6 of disease, when transient matrix accumulation was most prominent. On day 12 of disease, glomerular LTBP-1 and fibrillin-1 immunoreactivities had returned to control levels. In serial sections, some colocalization of LTBP-1 and fibrillin-1 was detected in control as well as in nephritic glomeruli. Conclusion: Mesangial expression of LTBP-1 and fibrillin-1 is induced early in experimental nephritis and LTBP-1 and fibrillin-1 are partially colocalized in the nephritic glomerulus. An interaction of these molecules could stabilize latent TGF-β complexes and thus attenuate the activation of TGF-β during this self-limited glomerular disease.
Relevance of Meat Fat Content and Fruit and Vegetable Intake for the Oxidative Status of Pigs
Authors: Rezar V. , Pajk T. , Levart A. , Salobir K. , Krsnik M. , Osredkar J. , Salobir J.
Published: November 2005

Background: The aim of the present study was to evaluate the effect of substituting lean meat with fat meat on oxidative stress in a diet with or without fruit and vegetables. Methods: Thirty-two pigs were divided into groups and fed isocaloric daily rations: LM+FV (balanced diet with lean meat and fruit and vegetables); FM+FV (as LM+FV, but lean meat was substituted with fat meat); LM–FV (as LM+FV, but without fruit and vegetables), and FM–FV (as FM+FV, but without fruit and vegetables). Oxidative stress was evaluated by measuring the 24-hour urine malondialdehyde excretion rate, the degree of leukocyte nuclear DNA damage, the concentration of tocopherols in blood plasma, erythrocyte glutathione peroxidase activity and the total antioxidant status of plasma. Results: The substitution of lean meat with fat meat modestly increased the rate of leukocyte DNA damage only in the diet with fruit and vegetables but had no effect in the group deprived of fruit and vegetables. Regardless of the fruit and vegetable content of the diet, the substitution of lean meat with fat meat did not affect any other parameters measured. In comparison to both fruit- and vegetable-containing diets, the deprivation of fruits and vegetables in the LM–FV and FM–FV groups significantly increased the rate of leukocyte DNA damage and reduced the plasma α-tocopherol level (significant only for FM+FV). Conclusion: The substitution of fat meat with lean meat in a diet with or without fruit and vegetables has only a marginal or no effect on oxidative stress. But fruit and vegetable exclusion markedly increased the level of oxidative stress.
Bile Acids Decrease Hepatic Paraoxonase 1 Expression and Plasma High-Density Lipoprotein Levels Via FXR-Mediated Signaling of FGFR4
Authors: Gutierrez Alejandra , Ratliff Eric P. , Andres Allen M. , Huang Xinqiang , McKeehan Wallace L. , Davis Roger A.
Published: November 2005

Objective—The purpose of this research was to determine how dietary bile acids repress hepatic expression of paraoxonase 1 (PON1).

Methods and Results—C57BL/6 mice and C3H/HeJ mice, having different susceptibilities to atherosclerosis, were fed a chow diet and an atherogenic diet containing taurocholate. Compared with the more atherosclerosis–susceptible C57BL/6 mice, C3H/HeJ mice display resistance to dietary bile acid repression of hepatic PON1 mRNA and decreased high-density lipoprotein cholesterol. Whereas knockout of toll receptor 4 did not affect response to taurocholate, deletion of either FXR or FGFR4 blocked taurocholate repression of PON1 and CYP7A1. FGF19, an activator of FGFR4 expressed in human ileum, decreased expression of both PON1 and CYP7A1 expression by human hepatoma cells. In all of the mice studied, dietary taurocholate increased ileal expression of FGF15, a FXR-inducible murine homologue of human FGF19.

Conclusions—Hepatic PON1 and CYP7A1 mRNA expression is repressed by bile acids via FXR-mediated induction of FGF15. Thus, the inability of C3H/HeJ mice to display taurocholate repression of PON1 and CYP7A1 mRNAs was not because of a lack of induction of FGF15 but rather signaling events distal to FGF15-FGFR4 association.
PTEN Activity Is Modulated During Ischemia and Reperfusion
Authors: Cai Zheqing , Semenza Gregg L.
Published: November 2005

Ischemic preconditioning (IPC), a brief period of ischemia and reperfusion (I/R), generates profound but transient protection against a subsequent prolonged ischemic episode. The serine-threonine kinase Akt has been shown to mediate IPC, and Akt activation is negatively regulated by the phosphatase PTEN, but whether PTEN activity is modulated by IPC has not been investigated. When isolated, perfused rat hearts were subjected to an IPC stimulus consisting of 15-minute ischemia and 30-minute reperfusion (I-15/R-30), PTEN protein levels and activity were decreased, and levels of phospho-AKT were increased, relative to nonischemic hearts. Hearts subjected to IPC demonstrated improved recovery of cardiac function when subsequently subjected to I-30/R-45 as compared with hearts subjected to I-30/R-45 without prior IPC. When hearts were subjected to I-15 followed by R-30, R-60, or R-120, PTEN reaccumulated gradually and its activity was restored. Phospho-Akt levels at R-120 were decreased and these hearts were no longer protected against injury when subjected to I-30/R-45. Wortmannin administration during reperfusion blocked Akt activation and PTEN reaccumulation. In ischemic hearts, PTEN was rapidly degraded. Pretreatment with proteasome inhibitor MG132 blocked ischemia-induced degradation of PTEN and blocked IPC. Reperfusion following I-15 induced oxidation of the remaining PTEN, leading to Akt activation. Perfusion of H
2
O
2
was sufficient to induce Akt activation. Thus, loss of PTEN activity leads to induction of IPC and feedback mechanisms designed to ensure that Akt activation is transient are responsible for decay of IPC.
Oxidative Mediated Lipid Peroxidation Recapitulates Proarrhythmic Effects on Cardiac Sodium Channels
Authors: Fukuda Koji , Davies Sean S. , Nakajima Tadashi , Ong Boon-Hooi , Kupershmidt Sabina , Fessel Joshua , Amarnath Venkataraman , Anderson Mark E. , Boyden Penelope A. , Viswanathan Prakash C. , Roberts L. Jackson , Balser Jeffrey R.
Published: November 2005

Sudden cardiac death attributable to ventricular tachycardia/fibrillation (VF) remains a catastrophic outcome of myocardial ischemia and infarction. At the same time, conventional antagonist drugs targeting ion channels have yielded poor survival benefits. Although pharmacological and genetic models suggest an association between sodium (Na
+
) channel loss-of-function and sudden cardiac death, molecular mechanisms have not been identified that convincingly link ischemia to Na
+
channel dysfunction and ventricular arrhythmias. Because ischemia can evoke the generation of reactive oxygen species, we explored the effect of oxidative stress on Na
+
channel function. We show here that oxidative stress reduces Na
+
channel availability. Both the general oxidant tert-butyl-hydroperoxide and a specific, highly reactive product of the isoprostane pathway of lipid peroxidation, E
2
-isoketal, potentiate inactivation of cardiac Na
+
channels in human embryonic kidney (HEK)-293 cells and cultured atrial (HL-1) myocytes. Furthermore, E
2
-isoketals were generated in the epicardial border zone of the canine healing infarct, an arrhythmogenic focus where Na
+
channels exhibit similar inactivation defects. In addition, we show synergistic functional effects of flecainide, a proarrhythmic Na
+
channel blocker, and oxidative stress. These data suggest Na
+
channel dysfunction evoked by lipid peroxidation is a candidate mechanism for ischemia-related conduction abnormalities and arrhythmias.
Blood Pressure Evolution After Acute Ischemic Stroke in Patients With and Without Sleep Apnea
Authors: Selic Claudia , M. Siccoli Massimiliano , Hermann Dirk M. , Bassetti Claudio L.
Published: November 2005

Background and Purpose—

Sleep apnea (SA) is an independent risk factor for arterial hypertension and is present in 50% to 70% of patients with ischemic stroke. The effects of SA on blood pressure (BP) and stroke outcome in the acute stroke phase are essentially unknown.

Methods—

We studied 41 consecutive patients admitted within 96 hours after stroke onset. Stroke severity on admission (National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale [NIHSS]) and stroke outcome at discharge (modified Rankin Disability Scale [mRS]) were assessed. Nocturnal breathing was assessed with an ambulatory device the first night after admission. SA was defined by an apnea-hypopnea-index (AHI) ≥10/hour, and moderate-severe SA (MSSA) was defined by an AHI >30/hour. BP monitoring was performed during the first 36 hours after admission. A nondipping status (NDS) was defined by a ratio >0.9 of mean systolic BP during nights 1 to 2/mean systolic BP during day 2.

Results—

SA was found in 28 (68%) and MSSA in 11 (27%) of 41 patients. A correlation was found between AHI and both NIHSS (
r
=0.331;
P
=0.035) and mRS (
r
=0.341;
P
=0.031). Patients with MSSA had higher systolic and diastolic BP values during night 1 (
P
=0.003), day 2 (
P
=0.004), and night 2 (
P
=0.03). NDS was found in 26 (63%) patients. Nondippers had a similar AHI but higher NIHSS (
P
=0.004) and mRS (
P
=0.005) than dippers. AHI and NDS were confirmed to be independent predictors for both stroke severity and stroke outcome in a multiple stepwise linear regression model.

Conclusions—

SA severity is associated with high 24-hour BP values but only weakly with stroke severity and outcome. Conversely, NDS is linked with a more severe stroke and a poorer evolution but not with SA severity. These data suggest different, although overlapping, pathophysiological and clinical implications of circadian and nocturnal BP values in acute stroke.
Neurogenesis in Rats After Focal Cerebral Ischemia is Enhanced by Indomethacin
Authors: Hoehn Benjamin D. , Palmer Theo D. , Steinberg Gary K.
Published: November 2005

Background and Purpose—

Newborn cells may participate in repair following ischemic brain injury, but their survival and function may be influenced by inflammation.

Methods—

We investigated the effects of indomethacin, a nonsteroidal antiinflammatory drug, on the fate of newborn cells following transient focal ischemia.

Results—

Bromodeoxyuridine (BrdU)-labeled cells, including migrating neuroblasts, were observed in the neighboring striatum and overlying cortex 1 day poststroke. The density of BrdU+ cells labeled with doublecortin, nestin, glial fibrillary acidic protein, or NG2 was increased at 14 and 28 days. Indomethacin increased BrdU+ cells of all lineages and reduced microglial/monocyte activation.

Conclusion—

Indomethacin enhanced the accumulation of newborn cells following stroke.
Risk Factors for Subarachnoid Hemorrhage
Authors: Feigin Valery L. , Rinkel Gabriel J.E. , Lawes Carlene M.M. , Algra Ale , Bennett Derrick A. , van Gijn Jan , Anderson Craig S.
Published: November 2005

Background and Purpose—

After a 1996 review from our group on risk factors for subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH), much new information has become available. This article provides an updated overview of risk factors for SAH.

Methods—

An overview of all longitudinal and case-control studies of risk factors for SAH published in English from 1966 through March 2005. We calculated pooled relative risks (RRs) for longitudinal studies and odds ratios (ORs) for case-control studies, both with corresponding 95% CIs.

Results—

We included 14 longitudinal (5 new) and 23 (12 new) case-control studies. Overall, the studies included 3936 patients with SAH (892 cases in 14 longitudinal studies and 3044 cases in 23 case-control studies) for analysis. Statistically significant risk factors in longitudinal and case-control studies were current smoking (RR, 2.2 [1.3 to 3.6]; OR, 3.1 [2.7 to 3.5]), hypertension (RR, 2.5 [2.0 to 3.1]; OR, 2.6 [2.0 to 3.1]), and excessive alcohol intake (RR, 2.1 [1.5 to 2.8]; OR, 1.5 [1.3 to 1.8]). Nonwhite ethnicity was a less robust risk factor (RR, 1.8 [0.8 to 4.2]; OR, 3.4 [1.0 to 11.9]). Oral contraceptives did not affect the risk (RR, 5.4 [0.7 to 43.5]; OR, 0.8 [0.5 to 1.3]). Risk reductions were found for hormone replacement therapy (RR, 0.6 [0.2 to 1.5]; OR, 0.6 [0.4 to 0.8]), hypercholesterolemia (RR, 0.8 [0.6 to 1.2]; OR, 0.6 [0.4 to 0.9]), and diabetes (RR, 0.3 [0 to 2.2]; OR, 0.7 [0.5 to 0.8]). Data were inconsistent for lean body mass index (RR, 0.3 [0.2 to 0.4]; OR, 1.4 [1.0 to 2.0]) and rigorous exercise (RR, 0.5 [0.3 to 1.0]; OR, 1.2 [1.0 to 1.6]). In the studies included in the review, no other risk factors were available for the meta-analysis.

Conclusions—

Smoking, hypertension, and excessive alcohol remain the most important risk factors for SAH. The seemingly protective effects of white ethnicity compared to nonwhite ethnicity, hormone replacement therapy, hypercholesterolemia, and diabetes in the etiology of SAH are uncertain.
Predicting Improvement in Gait After Stroke
Authors: Kollen Boudewijn , van de Port Ingrid , Lindeman Eline , Twisk Jos , Kwakkel Gert
Published: November 2005

Background and Purpose—

To study the longitudinal relationship of functional change in walking ability and change in time-dependent covariates and to develop a multivariate regression model to predict longitudinal change of walking ability.

Methods—

A total of 101 acute stroke patients with first-ever ischemic middle cerebral artery strokes was used as the population. Prospective cohort study based on 18 repeated measurements over time during the first poststroke year. Baseline characteristics as well as longitudinal information from functional ambulation categories (FAC), Fugl–Meyer leg score (FM-leg), Motricity index leg score (MI-leg), letter cancellation task (LCT), Fugl-Meyer balance (FM-balance), and timed balance test (TBT) were obtained. Intervention consisted of a basic rehabilitation program with additional arm, leg, or air splint therapy. Main outcome measure constituted change scores on FAC over time.

Results—

In total, 1532 of the 1717 change scores were available for regression analysis. The regression model showed that TBT change scores were the most important factor in predicting improvement on FAC (β=0.094;
P
<0.001) followed by changes scores on FM-leg (β=0.014;
P
<0.001) and reduction in LCT omissions (β=−0.010;
P
<0.001) and MI leg test (β=0.001;
P
<0.001). In addition, time itself was significantly negatively associated with improvement (β=−0.002;
P
<0.001).

Conclusion—

Improvement in standing balance control is more important than improvement in leg strength or synergism to achieve improvement in walking ability, whereas reduction in visuospatial inattention is independently related to improvement of gait. Finally, time itself is an independent covariate that is negatively associated with change on FAC, suggesting that most pronounced improvements occur earlier after stroke.
The Vulnerable Carotid Artery Plaque
Authors: Nighoghossian Norbert , Derex Laurent , Douek Philippe
Published: November 2005

Background and Purpose—

Atherosclerosis is a diffuse, chronic inflammatory disorder that involves the vascular, metabolic, and immune systems and leads to plaque vulnerability. The traditional risk assessment relies on clinical, biological, and conventional imaging tools. However, these tools fall short in predicting near-future events in patients with vulnerable carotid artery plaque.

Methods—

In current clinical practice, anatomic imaging modalities, such as B-mode ultrasound, spiral computed tomography angiography, and high-resolution MRI, can identify several morphological features characteristic of the vulnerable plaque but give little or no information regarding molecular and cellular mechanisms.

Results—

This review is dedicated to factors involved in carotid artery plaque vulnerability and to new imaging methods that target this condition. Our aim is to describe the following: (1) conventional pathologic and imaging markers predictive of plaque vulnerability; (2) the role of relevant biological, genetic, and mechanical factors; (3) the potential of new imaging methods; and (4) current and emerging treatments.

Conclusions—

A multimodal assessment of plaque vulnerability involving the combination of systemic markers, new imaging methods that target inflammatory and thrombotic components, and the potential of emerging therapies may lead to a new stratification system for atherothrombotic risk and to a better prevention of atherothrombotic stroke.
Managing Abnormal Blood Lipids
Authors: Fletcher Barbara , Berra Kathy , Ades Phil , Braun Lynne T. , Burke Lora E. , Durstine J. Larry , Fair Joan M. , Fletcher Gerald F. , Goff David , Hayman Laura L. , Hiatt William R. , Miller Nancy Houston , Krauss Ronald , Kris-Etherton Penny , Stone Neil , Wilterdink Janet , Winston Mary
Published: November 2005

Current data and guidelines recommend treating abnormal blood lipids (ABL) to goal. This is a complex process and requires involvement from various healthcare professionals with a wide range of expertise. The model of a multidisciplinary case management approach for patients with ABL is well documented and described. This collaborative approach encompasses primary and secondary prevention across the lifespan, incorporates nutritional and exercise management as a significant component, defines the importance and indications for pharmacological therapy, and emphasizes the importance of adherence. Use of this collaborative approach for the treatment of ABL ultimately will improve cardiovascular and cerebrovascular morbidity and mortality.
Why Humanitarian Interventions Succeed or Fail
Authors: Gizelis Theodora-Ismene , Kosek Kristin E.
Published: November 2005

Why do interstate interventions, even when carried out with the best of intentions, so often fail to contain conflicts and support a peaceful settlement? We argue that the extent of local participation exerts a strong effect on the prospects for successful peace-building and reconstruction efforts in the wake of humanitarian interventions. Even though the population in target countries may sympathize with the goal of the intervention, local populations are unlikely to feel a personal attachment to a solution externally imposed unless actively consulted or involved in the intervention strategy. Humanitarian interventions without some form of local participation are likely to create cognitive dissonance among the local population between the outcome and the means chosen to implement it. We evaluate our hypotheses about the relationship between local involvement and successful post-conflict reconstruction by looking at variation in conflict and local involvement over time in two humanitarian interventions, Bosnia (1991–95) and Somalia (1987–97). Consistent with our hypotheses about how lack of local involvement can undermine post-conflict reconstruction efforts in the wake of interventions, we find that phases with more local involvement are associated with lower levels of conflict.
Hand(e)ling the Messiah
Authors: Brummitt Mark
Published: November 2005

Handel’s Messiahdepends heavily upon Old Testament texts to produce a musical meditation on the life of Christ. In this study of the first part of the oratorio Œ the Christmas Music Œ I shall consider the verses that have been used, and observe how they have been reinterpreted by little more than careful juxtaposition in the libretto.
Minority Electoral Politics: A Sri Lankan Case Study
Authors: Warnapala Yajni , Yehiya Zufni ‘Bobby’
Published: November 2005

The two major parties in Sri Lanka are putting forward an increased number of minority candidates in order to prevent the minorities from voting for ethnically-/religiously-based minority parties. The proportional representative (PR) system that was introduced in 1989 was initially considered as a disadvantage to the minorities. However, the PR system has benefited the minorities and has not brought any expected benefits to the major parties. More minority candidates are getting elected, but the votes of the minorities are getting split, and therefore there is no net gain to the two major parties. In fact, there is evidence to say that parties that are taking a more nationalistic approach are doing better than the parties that are projecting a more inclusive image. Appealing to the minorities has alienated the majority, Sinhalese, so the major parties are moving towards more radical extremist nationalistic platforms. Wilcoxon Rank Sum test was used for this analysis, the samples that were taken were independent and no assumptions were made on the probability distributions other than the fact that they are continuous.
Viscoelastic and Damage Analyses of Fibrous Polymer Laminates by Micro/meso-mechanical Modeling
Authors: Zhang Yunfa , Xia Zihui , Ellyin Fernand
Published: November 2005

Micro/meso-mechanical models for unidirectional and angle-ply laminates under an off-axis tensile loading are presented. Three-dimensional unit/multi-cell representations of laminates with periodical fiber arrays are established. The matrix is described by a nonlinear viscoelastic model, and the fiber is described by an elastic one. Matrix cracking is modeled by the smeared crack method, which permits a crack description in terms of stress-strain relations and stiffness reduction in particular orientations. The modeling of material nonlinearity, damage initiation and growth, and the multiaxial loading with appropriate periodic boundary conditions are successfully incorporated in a FEM analysis. As examples of this unified analysis procedure, numerical results for unidirectional, angle-ply, and crossply laminates are presented. Using the same set of material constants of the constituents, different response characteristics of the three types of laminates are predicted, and the results are found to be in good agreement with the test data.
Language Learning Strategies and Language Self-Efficacy
Authors: Wong Mary Siew-Lian
Published: November 2005

This study explored graduate pre-service teachers’ language learning strategies and language self-efficacy and the relationship between these two constructs. Seventy-four graduate English-as-a-second-language (ESL) pre-service teachers (13 males, 61 females) from a teachers’ college in Kuching, Sarawak, Malaysia, participated in this study. These pre-service teachers were in a one-year Diploma in Education course to prepare them to teach English in school. Six categories of language learning strategies were identified from their responses to seven hypothetical learning contexts. Pearson correlation coefficients show that there was a significant positive relationship between language learning strategies and language self-efficacy. Interview findings were in agreement with the above findings. High self-efficacy pre-service teachers reported more frequent use of more number of language learning strategies than did low self-efficacy pre-service teachers. Implications and suggestions for further research are put forward.
The Generic Integrity of Newspaper Editorials
Authors: Ansary Hasan , Babaii Esmat
Published: November 2005

One fruitful line of research has been to explore the local linguistic as well as global rhetorical patterns of particular genres in order to identify their recognizable structural identity, or what Bhatia (1999: 22) calls ‘generic integrity’. In terms of methodology, to date most genre-based studies have employed one or the other of Swales’ (1981/1990) move-analytic models of text analysis to investigate whether or not the generic prototypical patterns that he has introduced exist universally. This paper, however, considers the application of the Systemic Functional (SF) theory of language to genre analysis. The paper looks, in particular, at distinctive rhetorical features of English newspaper editorials as an important public ‘Cinderella’ genre and proposes a generic prototypical pattern of text development for editorials or what Halliday and Hasan (1989) refer to as the Generic Structure Potential (GSP) of a genre. The results of this study should benefit both genre theory and Systemic Functional Linguistics (SFL) and will be, it seems, of interest not only to applied linguists, but to those involved in education, journalism, and the media.
Why Do Teachers Ask the Questions They Ask?
Authors: Ho Debbie Guan Eng
Published: November 2005

Although teacher questioning has received much attention in the past few years, studies on teacher questions in the ESL classroom have so far revolved around the ‘closed’/‘open’ or ‘display’/‘referential’ distinction. Findings from classroom observations show excessive use of closed questions by teachers in the classroom. The argument that has been more or less accepted is that such questions seek to elicit short, restricted student responses and are therefore purposeless in the classroom setting. This paper attempts to conduct an analytical discussion of the argument. The questions of three non-native ESL teachers during reading comprehension in the upper secondary school in Brunei are analysed using a three-level question construct.

Through this three-level question analysis, it is possible to challenge the argument concerning question types and purposes. Particularly, it illustrates (i) the problem of assigning teacher questions into narrowly defined categories and (ii) that questions asked by teachers in the language classroom are purposeful when reflected against the goals and agenda of the educational institution.
Language Learning Edutainment
Authors: Bird Stephen A.
Published: November 2005

Recent advances in digital video have lead to a convergence of mainstream entertainment (e.g., movies) and language learning tools. An example is a software system/media player called L1, which provides interactive subtitling and learning support for DVD entertainment products. Convergence of entertainment and learning resources raises challenging language learning software design tensions. The article reports a study of English language learners who were asked to use the L1 system and to rate the system features in terms of ease of use and learning. The results showed several distinct design preferences depending on the user’s more general attitudes toward edutainment resources. The article discusses L1’s consequent design modifications. as well as design considerations for language learning edutainment resources more generally.
An Attribute-Treatment Interaction Study
Authors: Hashemi Mohammad Reza , Gowdasiaei Farah
Published: November 2005

The purpose of the current study was (a) to assess the effectiveness of the lexical-set (LS) and the semantically-unrelated (SU) vocabulary instruction, separately and relative to each other, and (b) to assess the differential effects of the two methods for students of lower and upper English proficiency levels. Two intact EFL classes were assigned randomly to the LS or the SU treatment. Each treatment group then received special instruction in vocabulary. The students’ gains of target words were measured in terms of vocabulary breadth (VB) and vocabulary depth (VD) knowledge, using the Vocabulary Knowledge Scale (VKS). The study provided some initial evidence to suggest that although students in both instructional methods significantly gained in their knowledge of target words with regard to their VB and VD knowledge, both upper and lower level LS students reached a significantly higher level than their peer SU ones. The upper level students, however, made greater gains than their peer lower level ones.
English Language Teaching in Japan
Authors: Honna Nobuyuki , Takeshita Yuko
Published: November 2005

This paper describes Japan's most recent attempts to improve English teaching and learning at all levels of the education system both for students and teachers as well as for the public in general. Based on policy recommendations by several advisory committees, the Japanese Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology has developed a five-year strategic plan to cultivate ‘Japanese with English Abilities’. One important issue is whether or not English should be introduced in public elementary classrooms as a subject. Various districts, nationwide, have implemented this primary English program with the government’s approval. This paper deals with the issues involved in implementing the new awareness of the importance of English as a Japanese language for international communication within the country as well as abroad.
Rights, cosmopolitanism and public reason
Authors: Bohman James
Published: November 2005

In this discussion of Seyla Benhabib’s Claims of Culture, I defend a more pluralist conception of deliberative democracy and a stronger conception of the cosmopolitan content of human rights. I will discuss three main issues: first, problems of incommensurability and deep conflict; second, the role of impartiality and normative constraints embodied in the ‘syntactic’ and ‘semantic’ interpretations of the deliberative formula ‘reasons that all could accept’; and third, the differences in our conceptions of cosmopolitanism and the status of rightless persons, particularly as illustrated through the example of the European Union. In the first two cases, I argue that the democratic minimum required for the resolution of second-order conflicts without domination demands a weaker interpretation of procedural norms of deliberation; in the case of rightless persons, I argue that the ‘right of hospitality’ that Benhabib employs is not robust enough and that there is more content to the conception of human rights that is applicable to the fate of refugees, asylum seekers, and other stateless persons.
Art and philosophy
Authors: Negrin Llewellyn
Published: November 2005

Ever since the time of Hegel, there has been a growing philosophization of art in which artists increasingly make works where visual/formal concerns are supplanted by philosophical questions concerning the definition of art itself.

At the same time, however, an equally vociferous defence of art against its subsumption by philosophy has been made by theorists such as Nietzsche, Sontag and Barthes who have sought to rescue the sensuous immediacy of art from the abstractness of philosophical thought by advocating a more spontaneous and less rationalistic response to works of art.

While it may seem paradoxical that two such diametrically opposing conceptualizations of the relation between art and philosophy should coexist, it is argued that they are in fact two sides of the one coin and reflect the fundamentally contradictory nature of the project of art in modernity. Furthermore, both conceptualizations are one-sided insofar as they fail to grasp the essentially antinomous nature of the relationship between the two in which art is inescapably dependent upon philosophy at the same time as it is irreducible to it.
Immanuel Kant, Jürgen Habermas and the categorical imperative
Authors: Bordum Anders
Published: November 2005

It has often been said that discourse ethics as developed by Jürgen Habermas can be understood as a dialogical continuation of the monological ethics developed by Immanuel Kant, as formulated in the categorical imperative in Grounding for the Metaphysics of Morals. Like Kant’s categorical imperative, Habermas’ principle of universalization specifies a rule for impartial testing of norms for their moral worthiness. This article will substantiate that discourse ethics develops a dialogical version of the categorical imperative, and will make this explicit. This is done by presenting a new interpretation of the Kantian ethics. Renewing the traditional understanding, four instead of two or three formulations of the categorical imperative are identified. Finally it is shown how this interpretation relates to Jürgen Habermas’ discourse ethics. This analysis shows that one must specify which formulation of the categorical imperative one is talking about when discussing it.
Introducing Professional and Career Development Skills in the Marketing Curriculum
Authors: Kelley Craig A. , Bridges Claudia
Published: November 2005

According to recent studies in academic journals, business practitioners have expressed the view that marketing graduates lack certain professional and career skills. In addition, informal discussions with campus recruiters have suggested that their experience is very similar. This exploratory study reports the results of a survey of the perceptions of marketing practitioners and educators concerning the need to incorporate the development of professional and career development skills into the marketing curriculum. The results of this study indicate marketing graduates may not have many important managerial skills necessary to begin a successful career in marketing. Practitioners and educators agree that marketing departments should consider teaching professional and career development skills either as a separate class or by integrating them into existing marketing classes.
Design and Implementation of an Interdisciplinary Marketing/Management Course on Technology and Innovation Management
Authors: Athaide Gerard A. , Desai Harsha B.
Published: November 2005

Given increasing industry demand for integrative learning, marketing curricula need to emphasize interdisciplinary approaches to teaching. Although team teaching is a useful method for achieving cross-functional integration, there are very few frameworks for effectively implementing team teaching. Consequently, marketing educators seeking to offer team-taught, interdisciplinary courses have little direction on how to proceed. Against this background, this article describes the design and implementation of a team-taught, Marketing/Management interdisciplinary course on Technology and Innovation Management (TiM). On the basis of their experiences with the course, the authors provide instructors with a template for effectively implementing similar courses.
The Reflective Learning Continuum: Reflecting on Reflection
Authors: Peltier James W. , Hay Amanda , Drago William
Published: November 2005

The importance of reflection to marketing educators is increasingly recognized. However, there is a lack of empirical research that considers reflection within the context of both the marketing and general business education literature. This article describes the use of an instrument that can be used to measure four identified levels of a reflection hierarchy: habitual action, understanding, reflection, and intensive reflection and two conditions for reflection: instructor-to-student interaction and student-to-student interaction. The authors also demonstrate the importance of reflective learning in predicting Graduates' perception of program quality. Although the focus was on assessment of MBA-level curricula, the findings have great importance to marketing education and educators.
Seductive Simulations? Uncertainty Distribution Around Climate Models
Authors: Lahsen Myanna
Published: November 2005

This paper discusses the distribution of certainty around General Circulation Models (GCMs) – computer models used to project possible global climatic changes due to human emissions of greenhouse gases. It examines the trope of distance underpinning Donald MacKenzie’s concept of ‘certainty trough’, and calls for a more multi-dimensional and dynamic conceptualization of how uncertainty is distributed around technology. The certainty trough describes the level of certainty attached to particular technoscientific constructions as distance increases from the site of knowledge production, and proposes that producers of a given technology and its products are the best judges of their accuracy. Processes and dynamics associated with GCM modeling challenge the simplicity of the certainty trough diagram, mainly because of difficulties with distinguishing between knowledge producers and users, and because GCMs involve multiple sites of production. This case study also challenges the assumption that knowledge producers always are the best judges of the accuracy of their models. Drawing on participant observation and interviews with climate modelers and the atmospheric scientists with whom they interact, the study discusses how modelers, and to some extent knowledge producers in general, are sometimes less able than some users to identify shortcomings of their models.