bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Platelet‐derived growth factor‐B gene delivery sustains gingival fibroblast signal transduction
Authors: Lin Z. , Sugai J. V. , Jin Q. , Chandler L. A. , Giannobile W. V. 
Published: June 2008

Background and Objective:  Platelet‐derived growth factor‐BB is a potent mediator of tooth‐supporting periodontal tissue repair and regeneration. A limitation of the effects of topical platelet‐derived growth factor‐BB application is its short half‐life in vivo. Gene therapy has shown strong promise for the long‐term delivery of platelet‐derived growth factor in both skin ulcer healing and periodontal tissue engineering. However, little is known regarding the extended effects of platelet‐derived growth factor‐B on cell signaling via gene delivery, especially at the level of phosphorylation of intracellular kinases. This study sought to evaluate the effect of gene transfer by Ad‐PDGF‐B on human gingival fibroblasts (HGFs) and the subsequent regulation of genes and cell‐surface proteins associated with cellular signaling.Material and Methods:  HGFs from human subjects were treated by adenoviral PDGF‐B, PDGF‐1308 (a dominant negative mutant of PDGF) and recombinant human platelet‐derived growth factor‐BB, and then incubated in serum‐free conditions for various time points and harvested at 1, 6, 12, 24, 48, 72 and 96 h. Exogenous PDGF‐B was measured by RT‐PCR and Western blot. Cell proliferation was evaluated by [methyl‐3H]thymidine incorporation assay. We used proteomic arrays to explore phosphorylation patterns of 23 different intracellular kinases after PDGF‐B gene transfer. The expression of α and β PDGFR and Akt were measured by Western blot analysis.Results:  Sustained in vitro expression of PDGF‐B in HGFs by Ad‐PDGF‐B transduction was seen at both the mRNA and protein levels. Compared to rhPDGF‐BB and Ad‐PDGF‐1308, Ad‐PDGF‐B maintained cell growth in serum‐free conditions, with robust increases in DNA synthesis. Gene delivery of PDGF‐B also prolonged downregulation of the growth arrest specific gene (gas) PDGFαR. Of the 23 intracellular kinases that we tested in proteomic arrays, Akt revealed the most notable long‐term cell signaling effect as a result of the over‐expression of Ad‐PDGF‐B, compared with pulse recombinant human platelet‐derived growth factor BB. Prolonged Akt phosphorylation was induced by treatment with Ad‐PDGF‐B, for at least up to 96 h.Conclusion:  These findings further demonstrate that gene delivery of PDGF‐B displays sustained signal transduction effects in human gingival fibroblasts that are higher than those conveyed by treatment with recombinant human platelet‐derived growth factor‐BB protein. These data on platelet‐derived growth factor gene delivery contribute to an improved understanding of these pathways that are likely to play a role in the control of clinical outcomes of periodontal regenerative therapy.
Factors affecting the oral condition of patients with severe motor and intellectual disabilities
Authors: Idaira Y , Nomura Y , Tamaki Y , Katsumura S , Kodama S , Kurata K , Asada Y 
Published: June 2008

Background:  Handicapped persons living in nursing homes have special risks for oral diseases.Objective:  To investigate the specific factors related to the occurrence of dental caries and tooth extraction in patients with severe motor and intellectual disabilities (PSMI) residing in an institution.Methods:  One hundred eighty‐nine PSMI residing in a single institution in Japan were followed for 3 years. Oral examinations were conducted at baseline and 3 years later. The following items were investigated: age of subject at admission, period of institutionalization, age at baseline oral examination, status of rumination, drooling, type of ward, dietary mode, and etiology of the impairment. Logistic regression analyses were conducted to examine factors associated with new dental caries and tooth extraction occurring during the study period.Results:  By multivariate analysis, rumination and tube feeding were identified as significant factors associated with new dental caries. On the other hand, infancy or childhood impairment and drooling were identified as significant factors related to tooth extraction.Conclusion:  Some specific factors in this patient population affect the dental caries and tooth extraction and oral programs targeting these factors may reduce dental degeneration in these patients.
Stroke with supernumerary phantom limb: case study, review of literature and pathogenesis
Authors: Srivastava Abhishek , Taly Arun B. , Gupta Anupam , Murali Thyloth , Noone Mohan L. , Thirthahalli Jagadisha , Gangadhar B. N. , Kumar J. Keshav , Jayakumar P. N. 
Published: June 2008

Objective:Constitute hypothesis for origin of supernumerary phantom limb (SPL) after stroke.Method:Single case description, review of literature and formulation of hypothesis.Results:A 59-year-old lady was evaluated for complaints of left-sided hemiparesis and extra limbs attached to her left shoulder for the past 7 months. Neuropsychological assessment revealed left hemineglect with SPL, and profile suggested bilateral frontal, right parietotemporal and basal ganglia involvement. Magnetic resonance imaging brain scan showed gliotic cavity secondary to the old haematoma in right putamen with white matter changes in the right frontoparietotemporal lobes.Conclusions:The conceptual framework of body schema can be used to classify many of the neurological disorders of body representation. Generation of SPL comes under the subtype of pathology of updating among the disorders of body schema. The continuous updating allows the body schema to modulate perceptual processing of objects according to their position in space. Brain areas classified as parts of motor system can, under pathological conditions (haemorrhage), influence body perception. So, when she used to move her arm, the representation of the estimated position was not updated by the motor commands. Sensory and motor information therefore becomes discrepant, and failure to integrate these two sources of information leads to loss of normal coherence, and the perceived shape of the body was altered by adding a SPL to accommodate the discrepancy.
Skin rejuvenation by radiofrequency therapy: methods, effects and risks
Authors: Paasch Uwe , Bodendorf Marc Oliver , Grunewald Sonja , Simon Jan Christoph 
Published: June 2008

SummaryTreatment of sun‐damaged skin and wrinkles is attracting increasing interest as the possible approaches expand. Recently mono‐ und bipolar radiofrequency devices have been introduced as new treatment options for skin rejuvenation. Initial studies have demonstrated changes in collagen content of the skin as the molecular basis of skin texture improvement. However, there are many possible risks and side effects. We describe a patient referred to us with severe facial scarring as a result of a bipolar radiofrequency treatment performed by non‐medical personnel. Due to the risk of permanent tissue damage, the indications for radiofrequency interventions should be made carefully. Potential contraindications should be considered and written informed consent about all possible side effects and risk factors should be obtained. According to current knowledge, the experience of the physician using radiofrequency devices is most important in determining the outcome of this procedure. Therefore the use of radiofrequency therapy requires extensive training.
Research in practice: the systemic aspects of psoriasis
Authors: Boehncke Wolf‐Henning , Boehncke Sandra 
Published: June 2008

SummaryPsoriasis is a common, chronic inflammatory and frequently severe skin disease. Recent epidemiologic studies have documented an increased cardio‐vascular mortality in psoriasis patients. Our own work focuses on endothelial cells as mediators for the development of inflammatory infiltrates and more recently as a victim of injury caused by infiltrating cells. In this context, we have measured systemic effects of this seemingly cutaneous inflammation, which results in a metabolic state much like that in patients developing diabetes mellitus and insulin resistance. The latter is an important pathomechanism causing endothelial cell dysfunction and subsequently cardiovascular diseases such as myocardial infarction or stroke. Co‐morbidities observed in psoriatic patients therefore represent complications of the accompanying systemic inflammation and are likely to be mediated through the mechanism of insulin resistance. As psoriasis is a risk factor for cardiovascular diseases, its adequate management must include the treatment of other known risk factors. Dermatologists should discuss the elevated cardiovascular risk with their psoriasis patients and encourage them not to smoke and to normalize their body weight.
Subacute cutaneous lupus erythematosus induced by terbinafine: case report and review of literature
Authors: Lorentz Katharina , Booken Nina , Goerdt Sergij , Goebeler Matthias 
Published: June 2008

SummarySystemic lupus erythematosus and subacute cutaneous lupus erythematosus (SCLE) occasionally evolve as adverse reactions to a large variety of chemically different drugs. We here report on a 76‐year‐old woman who developed SCLE within 10 days after initiation of oral terbinafine. Analysis of the 27 cases of terbinafine‐induced SCLE in the literature revealed that this disorder has been reported 6 times more often in females than in males. Skin lesions evolved on average around 7 weeks after starting the drug. In 79% of the cases ANA could be detected while antibodies against Ro/SS‐A and La/SS‐B were found in 86% and 39%, respectively. Remarkably, anti‐histone antibodies were present in only 29%. In all cases terbinafine‐induced SCLE resolved after discontinuation of the triggering agent. Systemic treatment with anti‐malarials and/or corticosteroids does not appear to be mandatory.
Exploring the barriers to exclusive breastfeeding in black and minority ethnic groups and young mothers in the UK
Authors: Ingram Jenny , Cann Karen , Peacock Jennie , Potter Barbara 
Published: June 2008

AbstractUK health policy for many years has been to increase rates of breastfeeding because of the health benefits conferred on mothers and babies. World Health Organization recommends that babies should be breastfed exclusively for 6 months (without water or other fluids) and the National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence promotes the provision of peer supporters or breastfeeding support groups to increase breastfeeding rates. This study aimed to explore the barriers to exclusive breastfeeding to 6 months with black and minority ethnic groups and with young mothers, and the strategies for overcoming these barriers, including peer support. Twenty‐two mothers from Somali, Afro‐Caribbean and South Asian communities or young mothers groups attended five focus groups. Transcripts were analysed using thematic and framework methods. There was enthusiasm for breastfeeding support groups, but with a wider remit to discuss other baby‐related issues and provide general social support as well as support for breastfeeding. The Somali and South Asian women preferred the groups to be for their ethnic group, Afro‐Caribbean women were keen that they should be open to all cultures and young mothers would like groups for their peers only. Encouraging mothers to breastfeed exclusively to 6 months should be promoted more and emphasized by health professionals when supporting women post‐natally, and good support with breastfeeding management should be given to enable mothers to achieve this goal. Breastfeeding support groups may play a part in increasing breastfeeding continuation of breastfeeding, but for the groups studied this was not the greatest influence, with families and older women in the community having more influence in changing practice.
Determinants of termination of breastfeeding within the first 2 years of life in India: evidence from the National Family Health Survey‐2
Authors: Malhotra Rahul , Noheria Amit , Amir Omar , Ackerson Leland K. , Subramanian S.V. 
Published: June 2008

AbstractThe present study assesses socio‐demographic and health service determinants of termination of breastfeeding within the first 2 years of life in India by analysing data from the nationally representative National Family Health Survey‐2 using Cox regression modelling techniques. While the likelihood of stopping breastfeeding increased with increasing household wealth status, it declined with increasing maternal age at childbirth. The likelihood of stopping breastfeeding was significantly higher among female children compared with male children, and the gender differential was attenuated by increasing maternal educational status. Overall, findings of the present study suggest that breastfeeding promotion programmes in India should focus on certain high‐risk mother–child pairs such as female infants, first‐born babies, babies born in the private sector and in urban areas, as well as mothers who are literate, have a higher wealth status, are aged less than 20 years and belong to Sikh or Christian communities. Qualitative studies to understand cultural factors or norms and causal pathways responsible for the association of identified factors and early termination of breastfeeding, especially household wealth status and maternal education, are also called for.
Body image perceptions in Western and post‐communist countries: a cross‐cultural pilot study of children and parents
Authors: Humenikova Lenka , Gates Gail E. 
Published: June 2008

AbstractThe development of an unrealistic ideal body image and body size dissatisfaction among children is common in Western countries, including the USA and many European nations. However, little is known about children's body image perceptions in post‐communist countries. This pilot study evaluated body image perceptions in a sample of Czech school‐aged children and their parents and compared them with the perceptions of American children and parents. Ninety‐seven Czech and 45 American 4th–6th graders and their parents from eight urban schools participated in this study. A previously developed silhouette body image instrument was utilized in a parent questionnaire and during child interviews to measure perceived and ideal body image perceptions of children and parents. Descriptive statistics, independent t‐tests and paired t‐tests were used to compare differences between children's and parents’ perceived and ideal body image perceptions. Associations between body image perceptions and other variables were explored using bivariate correlations. American children had a thinner ideal body image compared with Czech children (P < 0.05). However, a larger proportion of Czech boys desired to be thinner compared with American boys (34.2% vs. 20%). Parent's ideal body image for their children did not differ by nationality (P = 0.858). While the pressure on children to look thinner was apparent among both American and Czech children, Czech children considered a larger body size as more ideal. A future study should evaluate body image perceptions and factors influencing these perceptions in a representative sample of Czech children and parents.
Maternal obesity and initiation and duration of breastfeeding: data from the longitudinal study of Australian children
Authors: Donath Susan M. , Amir Lisa H. 
Published: June 2008

AbstractThe aim of this paper is to investigate whether the lower rate of breastfeeding at 6 months by overweight and obese mothers is primarily due to these women giving up breastfeeding in the first week postpartum using a cross‐sectional population survey. The sample is children from the infant cohort (about 12 months of age) of Wave 1 (2004) of the Longitudinal Study of Australian Children for whom breastfeeding and maternal information were available (n = 3075). Definitions used: normal‐weight body mass index (BMI, kg/m2) 20 to <25, overweight BMI 25 to <30, obese BMI ≥30. Breastfeeding initiation was 95.1% for normal‐weight women, 92.8% for overweight women and 87.1% for obese women. At 6 months, 64% of normal‐weight women were breastfeeding, compared with 54% of overweight and 44% of obese women. On multivariate analysis, for women who initiated breastfeeding, overweight women had an odds ratio (OR) of 1.52 [95% confidence interval (CI) 1.02, 2.28] and obese women had an OR of 2.54 (95% CI 1.70, 3.79) of stopping breastfeeding by 1 week compared with normal‐weight women (adjusted for maternal age, education, smoking, level of socio‐economic disadvantage, caesarean birth, admission to special care nursery). For women who breastfed for at least 1 week, overweight women had an adjusted OR of 1.26 (1.04, 1.53) and obese women had an adjusted OR of 1.38 (1.10, 1.73) of ceasing to breastfeed before 6 months, compared with normal‐weight women. In conclusion, among overweight/obese women who initiate breastfeeding, higher rates of cessation of breastfeeding in both the immediate postpartum period and in the first 6 months contribute to the shorter duration.
Newborn care practices in Pemba Island (Tanzania) and their implications for newborn health and survival
Authors: Thairu Lucy , Pelto Gretel 
Published: June 2008

AbstractNewborn mortality accounts for about one‐third of deaths in children under five. Neglecting this problem may undermine the fourth Millennium Development Goal of reducing child mortality by two‐thirds by 2015. This study was conducted in Tanzania, where an estimated 32/1000 infants die within the first 28 days. Our objective was to describe newborn care practices and their potential impact on newborn health. We interviewed two purposive samples of mothers from Pemba Island, a predominantly Muslim community of Arab‐African ethnicity, and one of Tanzania's poorest. The first sample of mothers (n = 12) provided descriptive data; the second (n = 26) reported actual practice.We identified cultural beliefs and practices that promote early initiation of breastfeeding and bonding, including ‘post‐partum seclusion’. We also identified practices which are potentially harmful for newborn health, such as bathing newborns immediately after delivery, a practice motivated by concerns about ‘ritual pollution’, which may lead to newborn hypothermia and premature breast milk supplementation (e.g. with water and other fluids) which may expose newborns to pathogens. Some traditional practices to treat illness, such as exposing sick newborns to medicinal smoke from burning herbs, are also of concern. It is unclear whether the practice of massaging newborns with coconut oil is harmful or beneficial.Interventions to reduce neonatal mortality need to identify and address the cultural rationales that underlie negative practices, as well as reinforce and protect the beliefs that support positive practices. The results suggest the need to improve use of health services through improving health worker communication skills and social management of patients, as well as by lowering healthcare costs.
Maternal common mental disorder and infant growth – a cross‐sectional study from Malawi
Authors: Stewart Robert C. , Umar Eric , Kauye Felix , Bunn James , Vokhiwa Maclean , Fitzgerald Margaret , Tomenson Barbara , Rahman Atif , Creed Francis 
Published: June 2008

AbstractThe objective of the study was to investigate the association between maternal common mental disorder (CMD) and infant growth in rural Malawi. A cross‐sectional study was conducted at a district hospital child health clinic. Participants were consecutive infants due for measles vaccination, and their mothers.Mean infant weight‐for‐age and length‐for‐age z‐scores were compared between infants of mothers with and without CMD as measured using the self‐reporting questionnaire (SRQ).Of 519 eligible infants/mothers, 501 were included in the analysis. Median infant age was 9.9 months. 29.9% of mothers scored 8 or above on the SRQ indicating CMD. Mean length‐for‐age z‐score for infants of mothers with CMD (−1.50 SD 1.24) was significantly lower than for infants of mothers without CMD (−1.11 SD 1.12) Student's t‐test: P = 0.001. This association was confirmed in multivariate analysis. Mean weight‐for‐age z‐score for infants of mothers with CMD (−1.77 SD 1.16) was lower than for infants of mothers without CMD (−1.59 SD 1.09) but this difference was not significant on univariate (Student's t‐test: P = 0.097) or multivariate analysis.The study demonstrates an association between maternal CMD and infant growth impairment in rural sub‐Saharan Africa.
The Treatment of Adolescent Transsexuals: Changing Insights
Authors: Cohen-Kettenis Peggy T. , Delemarre-van de Waal Henriette A. , Gooren Louis J.G. 
Published: June 2008

ABSTRACT

Introduction
Treatment of individuals with gender identity disorder (GID) has in medicine nearly always met with a great deal of skepticism. Professionals largely follow the Standards of Care of the World Professional Association for Transgender Health. For adolescents, specific guidelines have also been issued by the British Royal College of Psychiatrists.

Aim
To describe the stepwise changes in treatment policy which, in recent years, have been made by the team of the Gender Identity Clinic at the VU University Medical Center in Amsterdam, The Netherlands.

Methods
The first step taken to treat adolescents was that, after careful evaluation, (cross-sex hormone) treatment could start between the ages of 16 and 18 years. A further step was the suppression of puberty by means of gonadotropin-releasing hormone analogs in 12–16 year olds; the latter serves also as a diagnostic tool. Very recently, other clinics in Europe and North America have followed this policy.

Results
The first results from the Amsterdam clinic show that this policy is promising.

Conclusion
Professionals who take responsibility for these youth and are willing to help should yet be fully aware of the impact of their interventions. In this article, the pros and cons of the various approaches to youngsters with GID are presented, hopefully inciting a sound scientific discussion of the issue.
The Effectiveness of Psychological Interventions for the Treatment of Erectile Dysfunction: Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis, Including Comparisons to Sildenafil Treatment, Intracavernosal Injection, and Vacuum Devices
Authors: Melnik Tamara , Soares Bernardo G.O. , Nasello Antonia Gladys 
Published: June 2008

ABSTRACT

Introduction
In contrast to the impressive advances in somatic research of erectile dysfunction (ED), scientific literature shows contradictory reports on the results of psychotherapy for the treatment of ED.

Aim
Authors conducted a meta-analysis to evaluate the effectiveness of psychological interventions for the treatment of ED compared to oral drugs, local injection, vacuum devices, or other psychological intervention.

Method
Distinct sources of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) were searched: electronic databases (between 1966 and 2007), cross checking of references, and contact with scientific societies.

Main Outcome Measures
For dichotomous outcomes the pooled relative risks were calculated and for continuous outcomes mean differences between interventions. Statistical heterogeneity was addressed.

Results
Eleven RCTs involving 398 men met the inclusion criteria.

Conclusions
There is evidence that group therapy improves ED. Focused sex group therapy showed greater efficacy than control group. Men randomized to receive psychotherapy plus sildenafil showed significant improvement of ED and were less likely than those receiving only sildenafil to drop out. Regarding to the effectiveness of psychological interventions for the treatment of ED compared to local injection and vacuum devices no difference was found.