bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Exploratory Practice: rethinking practitioner research in language teaching
Authors: Allwright Dick 
Published: May 2003

This paper is an introduction to the rest of this Special Issue of Language Teaching Research devoted entirely to Exploratory Practice (EP), a form of practitioner research. It is also an introduction to EP itself, telling the story of the development of its practices and its principles over the last ten or so years. Readers already familiar with EP may wish to go directly to the other seven papers in this issue, for illustrations of EP in practice, for research about EP, and for a more thorough review of the relevant research literature (see especially the papers by Miller and by Perpignan). The case for EP presented below is based on a perceived need for practitioner research to be rethought: to be refocused on understanding, and ultimately on a concern for the quality of life in the language classroom, for both teachers and learners. The paper includes, in Section VII, a brief introduction to the other papers in this volume.
Researching teacher-consultancy via Exploratory Practice
Authors: Miller Inés K. 
Published: May 2003

This paper provides much of the theoretical background to Exploratory Practice (EP) that it was not possible to cover in the introductory paper to this collection. It also illustrates how the framework of EP can be invoked in the context of doctoral research. I report and comment on my reflexive doctoral study, which focuses on my own professional development as an EP teacher-consultant (Miller, 2001). I added an academic investigative dimension to my already reflexive practitioner research with a view to creating opportunities for working towards enriched understandings of the unfolding of two longitudinal teacher-consultancy encounters in which I worked, within EP (Allwright, 1992-2002), individually, as an EFL consultant to/with two practising EFL teachers.I claim that my paradoxically reflexive positioning in both my practitioner and academic research practices combined to enhance my understandings of the ‘unrepresentable’ management of reflection in the sessions. I captured the interactional delicacy of the evolving teacher-consultant relationship through longitudinal topic-footing frame micro-analyses.
Mental health of Kosovan Albanian refugees in the UK
Authors: Turner Stuart W. , Bowie Cameron , Dunn Graham , Shapo Laidon , Yule William 
Published: May 2003

BackgroundIn 1999 the UK received 4346 refugees from Kosovo.AimsTo determine the prevalence of mental health problems in this group.MethodA sample of 842 adults was surveyed. All were asked to complete self-report questionnaires (translated into Kosovan Albanian). A subset of 120 participants were later interviewed in Albanian using the Clinician Administered PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) Scale and a depression interview.ResultsThe study yielded estimates of prevalence of PTSD and depression. Self-report measures appear to overestimate the prevalence of these disorders. Just under half of the group surveyed had a diagnosis of PTSD and less than one-fifth had a major depressive disorder.ConclusionsThese results may be taken as a sign of the resilience of many who survived this conflict but they also imply that there is still a substantial need for good health and social care in a significant proportion. Psychosocial interventions are likely to be an important part of the treatment programme.
Psychotherapy training experience in an inner-city psychiatry rotation
Authors: Podlejska-Eyres Maria , Stern Julian 
Published: May 2003

Aims and MethodA postal questionnaire was circulated to all psychiatrists who had completed their basic specialist training on the Royal London Hospital training scheme within the last 7.5 years. The aim of the questionnaire was to explore their psychotherapy experience while on the rotation.ResultsThe response rate was 95%. The respondents had a broad experience of both didactic and case work that they valued highly. Over half of them wished for an even greater exposure to psychotherapy during their basic training.Clinical ImplicationsThe results of our survey suggest that with the dedication of both the trainees and trainers, it is possible to have a comprehensive psychotherapy experience while working on a busy inner-city rotation.
Service innovations
Authors: Chowdhury U. , Caulfield C. , Heyman I. 
Published: May 2003

Aims and Method
Young people attending the Maudsley obsessive–compulsive disorder (OCD) children's clinic had expressed an interest in meeting other similar young people with OCD. A group was set up comprising 6-weekly sessions focusing on psycho-education and support.

Results
Seven young people (mean age: 14 years 4 months; age range: 11 years 11 months to 16 years 6 months) took part. Feedback questionnaires showed that all the participants found the group helpful and enjoy-able. They felt less isolated and more confident about dealing with OCD.

Clinical Implications
Establishment of groups may be a valuable way of increasing awareness and knowledge on aspects of OCD, as well as providing much-needed psycho-social support to patients.
Pre-registration house officer training in psychiatry: the London experience
Authors: Herzberg Joe , Aitken Maryanne , Moss Fiona 
Published: May 2003

Aims and MethodTo evaluate whether new pre-registration house officer posts in psychiatry deliver training leading to increased confidence in target skills, based on General Medical Council requirements, and to evaluate trainees' satisfaction with these posts. A structured questionnaire was filled out by the first nine incumbents of the PRHO posts before and after the placements.ResultsTrainees' confidence improved in all the target skills and the posts were all rated as good or excellent. The posts attracted trainees who were potentially interested in a career in psychiatry or general practice.Clinical ImplicationsPRHO posts in psychiatry deliver training that meets General Medical Council objectives, and trainees' confidence with core psychiatric skills improves after undertaking the placements.
c-kit Receptor Expression in Ewing’s Sarcoma: Lack of Prognostic Value but Therapeutic Targeting Opportunities in Appropriate Conditions
Authors: Scotlandi Katia , Manara Maria Cristina , Strammiello Rosaria , Landuzzi Lorena , Benini Stefania , Perdichizzi Stefania , Serra Massimo , Astolfi Alessia , Nicoletti Giordano , Lollini Pier-Luigi , Bertoni Franco , Nanni Patrizia , Picci Piero 
Published: May 2003

Purpose: Autocrine/paracrine stimulation of c-kit has been recently observed in Ewing’s sarcoma (ES) cell lines. In this study, we tested the prognostic and therapeutic role of the receptor in this tumor. Methods: One hundred one ES tumor biopsies were evaluated for the expression of c-kit by the avidin-biotin-peroxidase procedure. Effectiveness of STI-571 (Gleevec; Novartis, Basel, Switzerland), a selective inhibitor of specific tyrosine kinases, was analyzed with respect to in vitro growth and migration inhibition, as single agent or in combination with doxorubicin. Results: Approximately 30% of patients expressed c-kit in their primary tumors. No significant association between the expression of the receptor and the clinical outcome was observed. In vitro growth of ES cell lines showing high levels of c-kit demonstrated limited inhibition by exposure to STI-571 (10 μmol/L is required to obtain 40% to 50% of growth inhibition). A decrease of stem-cell factor–mediated ES cell migration was also found. The drug acted additively with doxorubicin in inhibiting ES cell growth. Conclusion: The negative prognostic findings and the limited in vitro therapeutic activity of STI-571 indicate that the putative aberrant signaling provided by c-kit overexpression may be dispensable for ES development and unlikely to constitute a critical therapeutic target. Accordingly, the dose of STI-571 required to give a significant ES growth inhibition is much higher than for those tumors in which mutations of c-kit constitute a relevant pathogenetic event. Nevertheless, in the subset of ES patients showing a high level of c-kit expression, the activity of the drug may be exploited in combination with standard therapy.
Progestagenic Effects of Tibolone on Human Endometrial Cancer Cells
Authors: Blok L. J. , De Ruiter P. E. , Kühne E. C. M. , Hanekamp E. E. , Grootegoed J. A. , Smid-Koopman E. , Gielen S. C. J. P. , De Gooyer M. E. , Kloosterboer H. J. , Burger C. W. 
Published: May 2003

Tibolone, a synthetic steroid acting in a tissue-specific manner and used in hormone replacement therapy, is converted into three active metabolites: a Δ4 isomer (exerting progestagenic and androgenic effects) and two hydroxy metabolites, 3α-hydroxytibolone (3α-OH-tibolone) and 3β-OH-tibolone (exerting estrogenic effects). In the present study an endometrial carcinoma cell line (Ishikawa PRAB-36) was used to investigate the progestagenic properties of tibolone and its metabolites. This cell line contains progesterone receptors A and B, but lacks estrogen and androgen receptors.
When tibolone was added to the cells, complete conversion into the progestagenic/androgenic Δ4 isomer was observed within 6 d. Furthermore, when cells were cultured with tibolone or when the Δ4 isomer or the established progestagen medroxyprogesterone acetate was added to the medium, marked inhibition of growth was observed. Interestingly, 3β-OH-tibolone also induces some inhibition of growth. These growth inhibitions were not observed in progesterone receptor-negative parental Ishikawa cells, and progestagen-induced growth inhibition of PRAB-36 cells could readily be reversed using the antiprogestagen Org-31489. Upon measuring the expression of two progesterone-regulated genes (fibronectin and IGF-binding protein-3), tibolone, the Δ4 isomer and medroxyprogesterone acetate showed similar gene expression regulation.
These results indicate that tibolone, the Δ4 metabolite, and to some extent 3β-OH-tibolone exert progestagenic effects. Tibolone and most likely 3β-OH-tibolone are converted into the Δ4 metabolite.
Personalised prescribing for asthma - is pharmacogenetics the answer?
Authors: Dewar Jane C , Hall Ian P 
Published: May 2003

Abstract
An individual's response to anti-asthma medication is likely to arise from a complex interaction between social, environmental and inherited factors. Studies indicate that genetic factors may account for 60–80% of the heterogeneity in treatment responsiveness in asthmatics. Identifying the genetic variants responsible may potentially lead to the development of novel treatments, improved effectiveness in the use of existing treatments and better prediction of efficacy in phase II and III trials. This article will briefly outline the current methods of identifying relevant treatment-responsive genes and their genetic variants. The pharmacogenetics of the main asthma treatment groups will then be reviewed in detail. Finally, the impact of pharmacogenetics on the pharmaceutical industry, and clinical practice in the future will be discussed.
Improvement of (+)-catechin inhibitory activity on human PMN respiratory burst by (+)-3-O-propionyl and (-)-3-O-valeryl substitution
Authors: Vuotto Maria Luisa , Miranda Rosario , Ritieni Alberto , Basile Adriana , Ricciardi Luca , Di Prisco Rocco , Nicolosi Giovanni , Mascolo Nicola 
Published: May 2003

Abstract
Catechins and their derivatives are abundant flavanols in the plant kingdom. Usually, catechin activity correlates with chemical structure. We hypothesized that by adding hydrophobic groups to the native catechin, we could ameliorate penetration of the cell and make the derivatives more active than native molecule in inhibiting polymorphonuclear leucocyte (PMN) oxidative burst. This study was designed to compare the antioxidant activity of native catechin with that of (+)-3-propionylcatechin and (-)-3-O-valerylcatechin esters by two cell-free colorimetric methods and by their effects on whole blood leucocytes as well as on isolated PMN chemiluminescence activity. The results showed that the colorimetric methods did not detect differences between catechins. On the contrary, cellular chemiluminescence studies showed that light emission by resting, as well as by phorbol myristate acetate (PMA)-stimulated PMNs and whole blood leucocytes was inhibited by catechin esters more intensively than native catechin. The compartmental chemiluminescence evaluation showed that the extracellular activity was similar with all catechins, while the intracellular activity was higher with esters. PMN pre-incubation, with catechins at various times before stimulation with PMA, enhanced the inhibitory activity of all compounds. Since the esterification with propionic or valeric acid increased the lipophilicity of (+)- catechin, we hypothesized that native and esterified catechins have different intracellular availability and therefore differ in effectiveness. An ancillary result obtained is that a single approach, chemical or cellular, is not sufficient to evaluate overall antioxidant activity in biological sytems. The results indicate that modified catechins may be very intriguing as possible future leucocyte modulating drugs, with possible applications in vascular and inflammatory diseases.
The polysaccharide from Tamarindus indica (TS-polysaccharide) protects cultured corneal-derived cells (SIRC cells) from ultraviolet rays
Authors: Raimondi L , Lodovici M , Guglielmi F , Banchelli G , Ciuffi M , Boldrini E , Pirisino R 
Published: May 2003

Abstract
The aim of this work was to investigate the possible protective effect of a new viscosising agent, TS-polysaccharide, on corneal-derived cells (SIRC) exposed to ultraviolet-B rays. To verify this, SIRC cells were first exposed, in the absence or in the presence of TS-polysaccharide (1% w/v), for 9 s at the UV-B source and then post-incubated for 45 min at 37°C. After this period the hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) accumulated in the medium and the concentration of 8-hydroxy-2′-deoxy-guanosine (8-OHdG) in cell DNA was measured. In addition, the amount of 3H-methyl-thymidine incorporated in cellular DNA was evaluated after 18 h from irradiation. Our results show that cells exposed to UV-B rays accumulate H2O2, and have higher levels of 8OHdG and a lower amount of 3H-methyl-thymidine incorporated in DNA than control cells. In the presence of TS-polysaccharide, the H2O2 and 8-OHdG accumulation, and the 3H-methyl-thymidine incorporation were significantly reduced with respect to the values measured in cells exposed in the absence of the polysaccharide. We propose a protective role of the polysaccharide in reducing UV-B derived DNA damage to eye cells. This finding could be of some clinical importance when the polysaccharide is used as a delivery system for ophthalmic preparations.
Butein suppresses myofibroblastic differentiation of rat hepatic stellate cells in primary culture
Authors: Woo Sun Wook , Lee Sung Hee , Kang Hee-Chul , Park Eun-Jeon , Zhao Yu-Zhe , Kim Youn-Chul , Sohn Dong Hwan 
Published: May 2003

Abstract
Hepatic stellate cells play a key role in the pathogenesis of hepatic fibrosis. In this study, we investigate the inhibitory effect of butein on the activation and proliferation of rat primary cultured hepatic stellate cells. Possible cytotoxic effects were measured on stellate cells and hepatocytes using the 3-(4, 5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2, 5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay. The effects of butein on the production of collagen and smooth muscle α-actin proteins were examined at the same concentration, by western blot. The effects of butein on α1(I) collagen, tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase-1, and metalloproteinase-13 gene expression in activated stellate cells were investigated by measuring mRNA levels using reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction. The effect of butein on DNA synthesis was also determined. Butein, at a concentration of 1 μg mL−1, reduced DNA synthesis without affecting cell viability, and downregulated smooth muscle α-actin and type-I collagen expression, and α1(I) collagen and tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase-1 mRNA expression, while treatment with butein induced metalloproteinase-13 mRNA expression. These findings suggest that butein is a potent inhibitor of stellate cell transformation.
Investigation on the antiplatelet activity of pyrrolo[3,2-c]pyridine-containing compounds
Authors: Voskressensky Leonid G , de Candia Modesto , Carotti Andrea , Borisova Tatiana N , Kulikova Larisa N , Varlamov Alexey V , Altomare Cosimo 
Published: May 2003

Abstract
A series of 4,5,6,7-tetrahydro-1H-pyrrolo[3,2-c]pyridines (THPPs), mostly C(2)-substituted derivatives, and some 2, 3, 4, 5-tetrahydro-1H-pyrido[4, 3-b]indoles (THPIs) were synthesized and tested in-vitro for their ability to inhibit aggregation of human platelet-rich plasma (PRP) induced by adenosine 5′-diphosphate (ADP) and adrenaline (epinephrine). 5-Benzyl THPP (3), 2-(benzylamino)methyl THPP (5f) and 2-ethyl THPI (6) moderately and dose-dependently inhibited platelet aggregation induced by adrenaline and, to a lesser extent, by ADP. These compounds inhibited the second phase of the PRP aggregation triggered by adrenaline, which largely depends upon thromboxane A2 production and ADP release. In the adrenaline-stimulated aggregation, the THPI derivative 6 was found to be nearly equipotent with aspirin, their IC50 values (concentration effecting 50% inhibition of aggregation) being 90 and 60 μM, respectively. A relation between activity and calculated octanol-water partition coefficient suggested that a log P value around 2.5 should be the optimal lipophilicity value for the activity of THPP-containing compounds.
The effect of protective agents on the stability of plasmid DNA by the process of spray-drying
Authors: Kuo Jung-hua Steven 
Published: May 2003

Abstract
The effect of several protective agents was assessed on the stability of spray-dried plasmid DNA. The spray-drying process had adverse effects on the tertiary structure of plasmid DNA with the protective agents of sucrose, glycine and agarose. With the protection of these noncondensing agents, a band corresponding to the linear form of plasmid DNA was observed in the gel electrophoresis between the supercoiled circular (SC) form and the open circular (OC) form. On the contrary, spray-dried plasmid DNA maintained some degree of structural integrity under the protection of condensing agents. For the protection by neutral condensing polymers, such as polyethylene glycol 1000 and 4000, no linear form between the SC form and the OC form of plasmid DNA was revealed in the gel electrophoresis. Also, excess cationic condensing polymer, polyethyleneimine, had the ability to provide the plasmid DNA with protection from degradation as indicated by the preservation in SC and OC forms of plasmid DNA on the agarose gel electrophoresis. Moreover, DNA topology was unchanged after six-month storage at 4°C by the protection of these neutral and cationic condensing agents. Accordingly, DNA condensation induced by condensing agents may provide a way to minimize damage to plasmid DNA by the process of spray drying.
Changes of materials that scavenge 1, 1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl radicals in plasma by per-oral administration of Kampo medicine, Ninjin-yoei-to in rats
Authors: Egashira Toru , Takayama Fusako , Komatsu Yasuhiro 
Published: May 2003

Abstract
The Kampo medicine, Ninjin-yoei-to, scavenged 1, 1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radicals in a dose-dependent fashion as did ascorbic acid and α-tocopherol. Ninjin-yoei-to, which is composed of 12 herbs, had a potent DPPH radical scavenging ability. We investigated the transition of the materials that scavenge DPPH radicals in plasma after oral administration of Ninjin-yoei-to to rats. When 1.0 g kg−1 Ninjin-yoei-to was administered, the DPPH radical scavenging ability increased at 30 min and biphasic peaks were observed at 2 h and at 10h. From the response-time profile, kinetic parameters including values for Ka (absorption rate constant), tmax (peak concentration time), t1/2 (half-life) and MRT (mean residence time) of the radical scavenging ability in plasma could be calculated for DPPH radicals. Ka values were 0.53 ± 0.03 and 0.36 ± 0.07 h, tmax values were 2.1 ± 1.04 and 8.56 ± 2.69 h, t1/2 values were 1.60 ± 0.12 and 3.39 ± 1.72 h, and MRT values were 4.14 ± 1.59 and 8.18 ± 2.55 h, respectively. These parameters calculated from the antioxidation dynamics were considered to offer a very meaningful procedure for examining the effects of Ninjin-yoei-to.
Disturbed Ca2+ kinetics in N-deacetylase/N-sulfotransferase-1 defective myotubes
Authors: Jenniskens Guido J. , Ringvall Maria , Koopman Werner J. H. , Ledin Johan , Kjellén Lena , Willems Peter H. G. M. , Forsberg Erik , Veerkamp Jacques H. , van Kuppevelt Toin H. 
Published: May 2003

The biosynthesis of heparan sulfate, present on the cell surface and in the basal lamina surrounding cells, is a multistep process in which each step is mediated by a specific enzyme. The initial modification of the precursor polysaccharide, N-deacetylation followed by N-sulfation of selected N-acetyl-D-glucosamine residues, is catalyzed by the enzyme glucosaminyl N-deacetylase/N-sulfotransferase (NDST). This event is a key step that regulates the overall sulfate content of the polysaccharide. Here, we report on the effects of NDST deficiency on Ca2+ kinetics in myotubes from NDST-1- and NDST-2-deficient mice,indicating a novel role for heparan sulfate in skeletal muscle physiology.
Immunostaining for specific heparan sulfate epitopes showed major changes in the heparan sulfate composition in skeletal muscle tissue derived from NDST-1–/– mice and NDST–/–cultured myotubes. Biochemical analysis indicates a relative decrease in both N-sulfation and 2-O-sulfation of skeletal muscle heparan sulfate. The core protein of heparan sulfate proteoglycan perlecan was not affected, as judged by immunohistochemistry. Also, acetylcholine receptor clustering and the occurrence of other ion channels involved in excitation-contraction coupling were not altered. In NDST-2–/– mice and heterozygous mice no changes in heparan sulfate composition were observed. Using high-speed UV confocal laser scanning microscopy, aberrant Ca2+ kinetics were observed in NDST-1–/– myotubes, but not in NDST-2–/– or heterozygous myotubes. Electrically induced Ca2+ spikes had significantly lower amplitudes, and a reduced removal rate of cytosolic Ca2+, indicating the importance of heparan sulfate in muscle Ca2+ kinetics.
Male-like behavioral patterns and physiological alterations induced by androgenic gland implantation in female crayfish
Authors: Barki Assaf , Karplus Ilan , Khalaila Isam , Manor Rivka , Sagi Amir 
Published: May 2003

SUMMARY
The androgenic gland (AG) has been shown to regulate male sexual differentiation and secondary male characteristics in Crustacea. This study presents for the first time in crustaceans evidence for masculinization effects of the AG on reproductive behavior, in addition to morpho-anatomical and physiological effects. AG implantation into immature female red claw crayfish Cherax quadricarinatus inhibited secondary vitellogenesis and development of the ovaries, as well as morphological traits that facilitate maternal egg brooding; it also caused the appearance of secondary male characteristics. However, primary male characteristics and a masculine reproductive system were not developed. In pair encounters, aggression was substantially lower in interactions between AG-implanted and intact females than in interactions within AG-implanted or intact pairs. Moreover, elements of mating behavior, i.e. male courtship displays and false copulations, were exhibited by AG-implanted females in several encounters with intact females. In addition to known morpho-anatomical and physiological effects of the AG in crustaceans, the present study suggests that the AG has novel effects on the neural network that generates social behavior.