bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Matter in Plotinus's Normative Ontology
Authors: Schäfer Christian 
Published: November 2004

AbstractTo most interpreters, the case seems to be clear: Plotinus identifies matter and evil, as he bluntly states in Enn. I.8[51] that 'last matter' is 'evil', and even 'evil itself'. In this paper, I challenge this view: how and why should Plotinus have thought of matter, the sense-making εσχατον of his derivational ontology from the One and Good, evil? A rational reconstruction of Plotinus's tenets should neither accept the paradox that evil comes from Good, nor shirk the arduous task of interpreting Plotinus's texts on evil as a fitting part of his philosophy on the whole. Therefore, I suggest a reading of evil in Plotinus as the outcome of an incongruent interaction of matter and soul, maintaining simultaneously that neither soul nor matter are to be considered as bad or evil. When Plotinus calls matter evil, he does so metonymically denoting matter's totally passive potentiality as perceived by the toiling soul trying to act upon it as a form-bringer. As so often, Plotinus is speaking quoad nos here rather than referring to 'matter per se ' (for Plotinus, somewhat of an oxymoron) which, as mere potentiality (and nothing else) is not nor can be evil. In short: matter is no more evil than the melancholy evening sky is melancholy – not in itself (for it isn't), but as to its impression on us who contemplate it. As I buttress this view, it will also become clear that matter cannot tritely be considered to be the αυτο κακον as a prima facie -reading of Enn. I.8[51] might powerfully suggest, but that the αυτο κακο&ν, far from being a principle of its own, has to be interpreted within the dynamics of Plotinus's philosophical thinking as a unique, though numerously applicable flaw-pattern for all the single κακα(hence the Platonic αυτο). To conclude, I shall offer a short outlook on the consistency of this interpretation with Plotinus's teaching on the soul and with the further Neoplatonic development of the doctrine of evil.
Value of imprint cytology for ultrasound-guided transthoracic core biopsy
Authors: Liao W-Y. , Jerng J-S. , Chen K-Y. , Chang Y-L. , Yang P-C. , Kuo S-H. 
Published: November 2004

The aim of this study was to investigate the possible additional diagnostic information provided by imprint cytology when performing ultrasound-guided transthoracic core biopsy and to evaluate whether it could optimise the biopsy procedure.A total of 155 transthoracic core biopsies with touch imprint smears were performed under ultrasound guidance, with 127 malignant and 28 benign lesions. The imprint smears were stained using Riu's method and interpreted by a cytopathologist. These were compared with the histopathology of core biopsy specimens and the final diagnosis of malignantversusbenign disease.The overall diagnostic accuracy of imprint cytology was 94% (146 out of 155). Histopathological analysis showed an overall accuracy of 94% (146 out of 155), with a sensitivity of 94% (119 out of 127) and negative predictive value of 79% (27 out of 34). The combination of these two methodologies had an increased overall accuracy and negative predictive value of 98% (152 out of 155) and 90% (28 out of 31), respectively. The results of imprint cytology and histopathology were in agreement in 143 patients (92%).In conclusion, imprint cytology of ultrasound-guided transthoracic core biopsy is a sensitive procedure for diagnosing peripheral thoracic lesions, and it may increase the diagnostic accuracy and cancer negative prediction of biopsy alone. With an on-site approach, imprint cytology may help to assess the adequacy of biopsy specimens and optimise the biopsy procedure.
Airway remodelling assessed by sputum and high-resolution computed tomography in asthma and COPD
Authors: Vignola A.M. , Paganin F. , Capieu L. , Scichilone N. , Bellia M. , Maakel L. , Bellia V. , Godard P. , Bousquet J. , Chanez P. 
Published: November 2004

It is not known whether sputum elastase, metalloproteinase (MMP)-9 and tissue-inhibitor metalloproteinase (TIMP)-1 are related to structural changes of the airways, as assessed by high-resolution computed tomography (HRCT) scan.The relationships between these markers and the magnitude of structural changes of the airways in asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) were assessed. Induced sputum and HRCT scan were performed in 30 asthmatics (14 mild and 16 severe) and in 12 patients with COPD.A greater extent of HRCT scan abnormalities was found in COPD than in severe and mild asthmatics. HRCT scan abnormalities correlated with the degree of airway obstruction in COPD and in severe asthma. HRCT scan abnormalities also correlated with the levels of sputum elastase both in COPD and in severe asthma. HRCT scan abnormalities were associated with sputum MMP-9/TIMP-1 ratio in mild asthma, severe asthma and COPD.In conclusion, this study demonstrates that sputum elastase and the metalloproteinase-9/tissue-inhibitor metalloproteinase-1 ratio are associated with the magnitude of high-resolution computed tomography scan abnormalities of the airways in asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, and suggests that the levels of these markers reflect the extent of structural changes of the airways.
Effects of ageing and smoking on SP-A and SP-D levels in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid
Authors: Betsuyaku T. , Kuroki Y. , Nagai K. , Nasuhara Y. , Nishimura M. 
Published: November 2004

Surfactant protein (SP)-A and SP-D are collagen-like glycoproteins that are synthesised in the distal pulmonary epithelium. This study examined the effects of ageing and long-term smoking on SP-A and SP-D in the lungs. The possible links to the development of pulmonary emphysema were also investigated.Sequential lavage was performed in young and middle-aged or elderly nonsmokers and asymptomatic current smokers with various smoking histories. Middle-aged or elderly smokers were further categorised according to the presence of emphysema by high-resolution computed tomography. Levels of SP-A and SP-D in bronchial lavage (BL) fluid and in bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) fluid were quantified by ELISA.Significant decreases in SP-A were seen with age in nonsmokers in BL fluid, but not in BAL fluid. Middle-aged or elderly smokers with emphysema had lower levels of SP-A in both BL and BAL fluids when compared with young subjects, and in BL fluid when compared with middle-aged or elderly smokers without emphysema. SP-D did not change with age alone, however, it was decreased in middle-aged or elderly smokers when compared with similarly aged nonsmokers.In conclusion, surfactant protein-A may decrease with age alone or due to the cumulative effects of long-term smoking and development of emphysema, while surfactant protein-D decreases due to long-term smoking.
Vasoactive intestinal peptide receptors in the airways of smokers with chronic bronchitis
Authors: Miotto D. , Boschetto P. , Bononi I. , Zeni E. , Cavallesco G. , Fabbri L.M. , Mapp C.E. 
Published: November 2004

Vasoactive intestinal peptide (VIP) is a neuropeptide involved in the regulation of airway mucus secretion. The biological functions of VIP are mediated through two receptors, the vasoactive intestinal peptide receptor type 1 (VPAC1R) and type 2 (VPAC2R). The aim of this study was to quantify the expression of both VPAC1R and VPAC2R in the central airways of smokers with chronic bronchitis.Surgical specimens were obtained from 33 smokers undergoing thoracotomy for localised pulmonary lesions: 23 smokers with symptoms of chronic bronchitis and 10 asymptomatic smokers with normal lung function.By using immunohistochemical and microscopic analysis, an increased expression of VPAC1R, but not VPAC2R, was found in bronchial epithelium, bronchial glands and vessels of smokers with symptoms of chronic bronchitis compared with asymptomatic smokers. Smokers with symptoms of chronic bronchitis also had an increased number of mononuclear cells positive for both VPAC1R and VPAC2R in the bronchial submucosa.In conclusion, the expression of type 1 and type 2 vasoactive intestinal peptide receptors is increased in the central airways of smokers with chronic bronchitis, suggesting their possible involvement in the pathogenesis of chronic bronchitis.
Diagnostic stability in a Dutch psychosis incidence cohort
Authors: Veen Natalie D. , Selten Jean-Paul , Schols Diede , Laan Winfried , Hoek Hans W. , van der Tweel Ingeborg , Kahn René S. 
Published: November 2004

BackgroundNo study outside the UK has examined the diagnostic stability of psychotic disorders in a population-based sample.AimsTo determine diagnostic stability in a Dutch population-based psychosis incidence cohort, to examine the frequencies of diagnostic shifts to and from schizophrenic disorders and to report the revised relative risks of schizophrenic disorders for immigrants.MethodA 30-month follow-up study assessed the cohort (n=181) by means of face-to-face diagnostic interviews.ResultsDiagnostic stability of schizophrenic disorders was high (91%), but lower for other psychotic disorders. At follow-up, the initial diagnosis was adjusted to schizophrenic disorder more often than that the reverse occurred. Almost half (49%) of the patients who were not initially diagnosed as having a schizophrenic disorder received this diagnosis at follow-up. The relative risks for most immigrant groups were stable.ConclusionsSchizophrenic disorders are underdiagnosed, rather than overdiagnosed, at first presentation.
Socio-economic differentials in mental disorders and suicide attempts in Australia
Authors: Taylor Richard , Page Andrew , Morrell Stephen , Carter Greg , Harrison James 
Published: November 2004

BackgroundResponses to mental disorders usually focus on treatment; socio-economic conditions are less likely to be considered.AimsTo examine social determinants of mental disorders and attempted suicide in Australia.MethodData from the 1997 Australian National Survey of Mental Health and Wellbeing (n=10 641) were used to estimate associations between socio-economic status, mental disorders and attempted suicide. Logistic regression was used to adjust for age, urban/rural residence and country of birth. Socio-economic status differentials in suicide attempts were also adjusted for mental disorders.ResultsSignificant increasing gradients from high to low levels of education and occupational status (employed) were evident for affective disorders and anxiety disorders in both men and women and for substance use disorders in men. Similar gradients were found for suicide attempts, which decreased after adjusting for mental disorders, but remained significant in the working-age employed.ConclusionsThese findings suggest social causation of mental disorders and suicide attempts, and the need for social and economic responses beyond provision of mental health services.
Suicide in custody
Authors: Fruehwald Stefan , Matschnig Teresa , Koenig Franz , Bauer Peter , Frottier Patrick 
Published: November 2004

BackgroundFew risk factors and indicators of vulnerability for suicide in custody are known so far.AimsA case-control study was conducted to investigate the relevance of criminal history, psychiatric morbidity and social integration to suicide in prison.MethodFor every suicide that occurred in an Austrian correctional institution between 1975 and 1999, two controls matched for correctional institution, gender, nationality, age, custodial status and time of admission were selected. Psychiatric characteristics, previous suicidal behaviour, criminal history and indicators of social integration were compared.ResultsOf 250 recorded suicides, 220 personal files were available and matched to 440 controls. The most important predictors for suicide in custody were a history of suicidality (status following attempted suicide and suicide threat), psychiatric diagnosis, psychotropic medication, a highly violent index offence and single-cell accommodation.ConclusionsA significant finding is the importance of suicidal behaviour as an indicator of risk of suicide in correctional institutions, which until now has been a matter of debate. This study demonstrates the need for staff to take suicidal behaviour as seriously in custodial settings as in any other circumstances.
People with learning disabilities in a low secure in-patient unit: comparison of offenders and non-offenders
Authors: Reed Suzie , Russell Ailsa , Xenitidis Kiriakos , Murphy Declan G. M. 
Published: November 2004

BackgroundPeople with learning disability who exhibit challenging behaviour are frequently segregated from services and local teams are often reluctant to receive them back into their care. This situation is worse in those whose challenging behaviour includes a forensic history, but the difference between those labelled as challenging and those treated as offenders is not clear, and there is a lack of evidence about treatment effectiveness.AimsTo test between-group differences in aggression and treatment outcome in people with learning disability and challenging behaviour, with and without a forensic history.MethodClinical records of 86 former in-patients (45 offenders and 41 non-offenders) of a specialist unit were compared on measures of behavioural disturbance and placement outcome.ResultsPeople in the offenders group were significantly less likely to be aggressive to others and to use weapons, but significantly more likely to harm themselves compared with the non-offenders group. Both groups had a significant reduction in their challenging behaviour during admission, and there was no significant difference in treatment outcome.ConclusionsThe negative reputation of people with learning disabilities who offend needs to be reconsidered.
Complementary and Alternative Medicine Use by Patients Enrolled Onto Phase I Clinical Trials
Authors: Dy Grace K. , Bekele Lishan , Hanson Lorelei J. , Furth Alfred , Mandrekar Sumithra , Sloan Jeff A. , Adjei Alex A. 
Published: November 2004

Purpose To describe the prevalence, clinical characteristics, and pattern of use of complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) in patients enrolled onto phase I trials. Patients and Methods Questionnaires were administered to 108 patients with advanced malignancies enrolled onto phase I chemotherapy trials at the Mayo Clinic Comprehensive Cancer Center (Rochester, MN). CAM was classified into two modalities, pharmacologic and nonpharmacologic. Clinical and demographic data, including age, sex, and prior cancer treatment, were subsequently obtained from patient charts and examined for any correlation with CAM use, using χ2 analysis. Results One hundred two survey forms were returned. Among respondents, 88.2% (90 of 102) had used at least one CAM modality; 93.3% (84 of 90) and 53.3% (48 of 90) had used pharmacologic and nonpharmacologic CAM, respectively; and 46.7% (42 of 90) used both modalities. Vitamin and mineral preparations constituted 89.3% (75 of 84) of all pharmacologic CAM used. Intake was highest for vitamins E (48.8% [41 of 84]) and C (38.1% [32 of 84]), and 71.4% (60 of 84) of respondents took nonvitamin/mineral agents. Green tea (29.8% [25 of 84]), echinacea (13.1% [11 of 84]), and essiac (9.5% [8 of 84]) were the most popular. Prayer and spiritual practices were the most commonly used nonpharmacologic CAM, accounting for 52.1% (25 of 48). Chiropractors, the most frequently visited nontraditional medicine practitioners, were consulted by only 10% (9 of 90) of those who practiced CAM. Both CAM modalities were used more frequently by women (53.5% [23 of 43]) than men (40.4% [19 of 47]). Conclusion CAM use is common among patients in phase I trials and should be ascertained by investigators, because some of the agents used may interact with investigational agents and affect adverse effects and/or efficacy.
Dose-Ranging Pharmacodynamic Study of Tipifarnib (R115777) in Patients With Relapsed and Refractory Hematologic Malignancies
Authors: Zimmerman Todd M. , Harlin Helena , Odenike Olatoyosi M. , Berk Seth , Sprague Evie , Karrison Theodore , Stock Wendy , Larson Richard A. , Ratain Mark J. , Gajewski Thomas F. 
Published: November 2004

Purpose Tipifarnib, an orally bioavailable inhibitor of farnesyl transferase, has activity in hematologic malignancies, but the dose required to achieve the proposed biologic end point, inhibition of farnesylation, is unknown. Patients and Methods The impact on post-translational farnesylation was assessed in 42 patients with refractory hematologic malignancies and bone marrow involvement. Tipifarnib was taken orally for 21 days of a 28-day cycle. For cycle 1, patients were randomly assigned to one of four dose levels: 100 mg bid, 200 mg bid, 300 mg bid, and 600 mg bid. In cycle 1, peripheral blood and bone marrow mononuclear cells were analyzed for inhibition of HDJ2 prenylation by Western blot analysis at baseline and on day 21. Results Twenty-three patients were assessable for analysis of HDJ2 prenylation before and after therapy. Inhibition of farnesylation was noted at all dose levels, although the highest level of inhibition was noted at the 300-mg-bid dose. The inhibition of farnesylation in the peripheral blood correlated with the inhibition in the bone marrow (r = 0.62). Of the 26 patients assessable for clinical activity after cycle 1, three patients had a significant decrease in total blasts count (acute myeloid leukemia in two patients, and chronic myelogenous leukemia in one patient). The inhibition of farnesylation was greater in the three responders than the nonresponders (P = .03). Conclusion Farnesylation as measured by HDJ2 analysis was inhibited at all dose levels administered. Clinical activity may correlate with the degree of farnesylation inhibition, rather than dose of tipifarnib, and escalation beyond 300 mg bid might not result in additional clinical activity.
Racial Disparity of Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor Expression in Prostate Cancer
Authors: Shuch Brian , Mikhail Maryann , Satagopan Jaya , Lee Peng , Yee Herman , Chang Caroline , Cordon-Cardo Carlos , Taneja Samir S. , Osman Iman 
Published: November 2004

Purpose The epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) plays a critical role in prostate cancer (PC) signal transduction and is the target of a novel class of anticancer agents. Despite recent reports of interethnic variation in response to EGFR inhibitors, limited information exists regarding differences in expression of EGFR in PC patients. This has therapeutic relevance because a better understanding of the molecular basis underlying the ethnic variability will help in the design of individualized treatment regimens using EGFR inhibitors. Patients and Methods We investigated EGFR expression in a well-characterized cohort of PC patients to determine the association between EGFR expression and race. Tumor tissues from 202 radical prostatectomies performed between 1990 and 2000 at the Veterans Administration Medical Center (New York, NY) were studied (142 African Americans, 60 whites; median age, 67 years; stage T2, n = 130; stage ≥ T3, n = 72; Gleason score < 7, n = 110; Gleason score ≥ 7, n = 92). Membrane-specific EGFR expression was evaluated immunohistochemically. Results EGFR overexpression, defined as complete membrane staining in more than 10% of tumor cells, was observed in 75 of 202 patients (37%). There was a significant association between EGFR overexpression and African American race (P = .0006), higher pretreatment prostate-specific antigen (PSA; P = .02), and stage (P = .02), but not Gleason score (P = .33). The association between African American race and EGFR overexpression remained significant in a multivariate model after controlling for grade, stage, and pretreatment PSA simultaneously (P = .003). Conclusion Our data demonstrate that race contributes significantly to variability of EGFR expression in prostate cancer. Racial background may have an impact on the design of clinical trials to test the efficacy of anti-EGFR agents.
Randomized Phase III Trial of Marimastat Versus Placebo in Patients With Metastatic Breast Cancer Who Have Responding or Stable Disease After First-Line Chemotherapy: Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group Trial E2196
Authors: Sparano Joseph A. , Bernardo Patricia , Stephenson Patricia , Gradishar William J. , Ingle James N. , Zucker Stanley , Davidson Nancy E. 
Published: November 2004

Purpose To determine whether a matrix metalloproteinase inhibitor improves progression-free survival (PFS) in patients with metastatic breast cancer who have responding or stable disease after first-line chemotherapy. Patients and Methods One hundred seventy-nine eligible patients were randomly assigned to receive oral marimastat (10 mg bid; n = 114) or a placebo (n = 65) within 3 to 6 weeks of completing six to eight cycles of first-line doxorubicin- and/or taxane-containing chemotherapy for metastatic disease. Patients were evaluated every 3 months until disease progression. Results When comparing placebo with marimastat, there was no significant difference in PFS (median, 3.1 months v 4.7 months, respectively; hazard ratio, 1.26; 95% CI, 0.91 to 1.74; P = .16) or overall survival (median, 26.6 months v 24.7 months, respectively; hazard ratio, 1.03; 95% CI, 0.73 to 1.46; P = .86). Patients treated with marimastat were more likely to develop grade 2 or 3 musculoskeletal toxicity (MST), a known complication of the drug indicative of achieving a biologic effect, compared with patients administered placebo (63% v 22%, respectively; P < .0001). Patients with grade 2 or 3 MST had significantly inferior survival compared with patients who had grade 0 or 1 MST (median, 22.5 months v 28.2 months; P = .04). In addition, patients who had a marimastat plasma concentration of at least 10 ng/mL at month 1 and/or 3 were significantly more likely to have grade 2 to 3 MST (P < .0001). Conclusion Marimastat does not prolong PFS when used after first-line chemotherapy for metastatic breast cancer. Patients with higher marimastat levels exhibited MST, and MST was associated with inferior survival.
Postmastectomy Radiation Improves Local-Regional Control and Survival for Selected Patients With Locally Advanced Breast Cancer Treated With Neoadjuvant Chemotherapy and Mastectomy
Authors: Huang Eugene H. , Tucker Susan L. , Strom Eric A. , McNeese Marsha D. , Kuerer Henry M. , Buzdar Aman U. , Valero Vicente , Perkins George H. , Schechter Naomi R. , Hunt Kelly K. , Sahin Aysegul A. , Hortobagyi Gabriel N. , Buchholz Thomas A. 
Published: November 2004

Purpose To evaluate the efficacy of radiation in patients treated with neoadjuvant chemotherapy and mastectomy. Patients and Methods We retrospectively analyzed the outcomes of 542 patients treated on six consecutive institutional prospective trials with neoadjuvant chemotherapy, mastectomy, and radiation. These data were compared to those of 134 patients who received similar treatment in these same trials but without radiation. Results Irradiated patients had a lower rate of local-regional recurrence (LRR) (10-year rates: 11% v 22%, P = .0001). Radiation reduced LRR for patients with clinical T3 or T4 tumors, stage ≥ IIB disease (AJCC 1988), pathological tumor size >2 cm, or four or more positive nodes (P ≤ .002 for all comparisons). Patients who presented with clinically advanced stage III or IV disease but subsequently achieved a pathological complete response to neoadjuvant chemotherapy still had a high rate of LRR, which was significantly reduced with radiation (10-year rates: 33% v 3%, P = .006). Radiation improved cause-specific survival (CSS) in the following subsets: stage ≥ IIIB disease, clinical T4 tumors, and four or more positive nodes (P ≤ .007 for all comparisons). On multivariate analyses of LRR and CSS, the hazard ratios for lack of radiation were 4.7 (95% CI, 2.7 to 8.1; P < .0001) and 2.0 (95% CI, 1.4 to 2.9; P < .0001), respectively. Conclusion After neoadjuvant chemotherapy and mastectomy, comprehensive radiation was found to benefit both local control and survival for patients presenting with clinical T3 tumors or stage III-IV (ipsilateral supraclavicular nodal) disease and for patients with four or more positive nodes. Radiation should be considered for these patients regardless of their response to initial chemotherapy.