bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Effects of plaque, psychological stress and gender on crevicular Il‐1β and Il‐1ra secretion
Authors: Waschul Bernd , Herforth Armin , Stiller‐Winkler Renate , Idel Helga , Granrath Nicole , Deinzer Renate
Published: December 2004

Objectives: The study aimed to analyse (a) whether the effects of psychological stress and of experimental gingivitis on interleukin‐1β (Il‐1β) described before are compensated by concomitant increases in Il‐1 receptor antagonist (Il‐1ra), and (b) whether there do exist any gender differences in the Il‐1 responses to experimental gingivitis and to psychological stress.

Materials and Methods: Thirteen medical students participating in a major academic exam (seven males, six females) and 14 medical students without academic stress (eight males, six females) refrained from oral hygiene in two antagonistic quadrants for 28 days (plaque) while they maintained oral hygiene in the remaining quadrants (hygiene). Weekly crevicular fluid samples of plaque and hygiene sites were assayed for Il‐1β and Il‐1ra.

Results:

Neither stress nor experimental gingivitis exerted significant effects on Il‐1ra. In controls, we observed significant gender and gender×time effects on Il‐1β; comparing stress groups, gender×time and stress×gender×time interactions became significant. Women show a reduced Il‐1β response to plaque at rest and an increased response under stress. Similar results were found with respect to bleeding on probing.

Conclusions: Gender must be controlled in studies on periodontal responses to pathogens. Stress plays a role in these responses.
Accumulation of methylglyoxal in the gingival crevicular fluid of chronic periodontitis patients
Authors: Kashket S. , Maiden M.F.J. , Haffajee A.D. , Kashket E.R.
Published: December 2004

Background, aims: Methylglyoxal (MG), a toxic product of cellular metabolism, is elevated in tissues and fluids in a number of human diseases. A cross‐sectional study was undertaken to determine whether MG accumulates in the gingival crevicular fluid (GCF) of chronic periodontitis patients.

Methods: GCF samples were collected for 30 s each from three teeth with pocket depths greater than 3 mm (DD sites), from 14 chronic periodontitis patients. Control samples were taken from three healthy sites (DH sites) in the same patients, as well as from seven subjects who were periodontally healthy (HH sites). Fluid volumes were determined and the strips were placed in 0.5 N perchloric acid. Subsequently, samples were derivatized with o‐phenylenediamine and the resulting methylquinoxaline was assayed by high‐performance liquid chromatography on Lichrospher®‐100 RP‐18, with UV detection.

Results: Mean pocket depths were 5.7±0.7, 2.7±0.6 and 2.7±0.5 mm (mean±SD) for the DD, DH and HH sites, respectively. Mean MG levels were found to be 208.7±241.7 and 142.9±235.7 pmol/site in the GCF from DD and DH sites, respectively (p=0.0023), but only 11.5±4.4 pmol/site for the HH sites. Bacteroides forsythus has been found to accumulate high levels of MG in culture (unpublished data) and, consistent with this, the sampled diseased sites contained higher levels of B. forsythus than the corresponding healthy sites (2.7±4.2×105 versus 0.7±1.1×105, respectively; p=0.022). Total “red complex” microorganisms were significantly elevated in the DD sites.

Conclusions: In view of the known protein‐ and DNA‐modifying effects of MG, the finding of elevated levels of MG in the GCF from chronic periodontitis patients supports the hypothesis that MG may contribute to destructive tissue damage in this disease.
Differences in antimicrobial activity of four commercial 0.12% chlorhexidine mouthrinse formulations: an in vitro contact test and salivary bacterial counts study
Authors: Herrera David , Roldán Silvia , Santacruz Isabel , Santos Sagrario , Masdevall Mireia , Sanz Mariano
Published: December 2004

Aim: To evaluate the in vitro and in vivo antimicrobial activity of four commercial 0.12% chlorhexidine mouthrinses.

Material and methods: The in vitro antimicrobial activity test consisted in a modified contact test where 20 selected bacterial species were tested during 1 min with each test product. After the contact, the inoculum was cultured, and the results were expressed in terms of survival/resistance and the percentage of survival as compared to a saline control. The in vivo test consisted of a double‐blind, randomized, crossover salivary bacterial counts study. 10 volunteers rinsed during 1 min with each tested product. Saliva samples were obtained before rinsing, and after 5 min, and 1, 3, 5 and 7 h. These samples were cultured both aerobically and anaerobically. Percentages of survival, in regard to baseline, were calculated for each time point. Comparisons among products were tested using anova and selected paired t‐test.

Results: The in vitro contact test showed no survival in any tested species with CHX+CPC, while three species (Lactobacillus casei, Streptococcus mitis and Peptostreptococcus micros) were resistant to the other three products. CHX and CHX+NaF demonstrated additional resistant species (three and four species, respectively). The in vivo salivary bacterial counts test showed higher reductions of CHX+CPC and CHX+ALC in aerobic and anaerobic bacteria, lasting for 5 h. Significant differences were detected at multiple time points, when these two products were compared both with the control and the other tested products.

Conclusion: Important differences in activity, among 0.12% CHX products, were detected by both in vitro and in vivo tests. The formulation with alcohol was more active than those without alcohol, excepting the formulation with CHX+CPC, in which the reformulation and addition of CPC not only compensate but rather increase the antimicrobial activity.
Efficacy of an amine fluoride–triclosan mouthrinse as compared to the individual active ingredients
Authors: Arweiler Nicole B. , Auschill Thorsten M. , Baguley Natascha , Netuschil Lutz , Sculean Anton
Published: December 2004

Background: The purpose of the clinical study was to examine the antibacterial and plaque‐reducing properties of mouthrinses containing triclosan (TRI), amine fluoride (AmF), and the combination of both (AFT) on 4‐day plaque regrowth. A placebo solution (PLA) and a 0.2% chlorhexidine solution (CHX) served as negative and positive controls, respectively.

Materials & Methods: After a professional tooth cleaning (day 0), 15 volunteers refrained from all mechanical oral hygiene measures for the next 96 h and rinsed instead twice daily for 1 min with 10 ml of one of the five randomly assigned solutions. Plaque index (PlI), which was assessed after 24 and 96 h (PlI1, PlI2), and plaque area of the front teeth (PA), which was planimetrically recorded from disclosed teeth after 96 h, served as clinical parameters. After 24 and 96 h a plaque sample was taken and analyzed microbiologically to evaluate biofilm vitality (VF1, VF2). The subsequent test cycles were conducted after a washout period of 10 days each.

Results: No severe adverse events or allergy were seen during the study. CHX influenced all parameters at all time points in comparison to PLA. AFT and AmF showed very similar values (in all parameters), but AmF did not reach the level of significance regarding VF1, nor did AFT with VF2 and PlI1. The TRI solution only reduced PlI2 and PA significantly, but had no influence on biofilm vitality when compared to PLA.

Conclusion: A synergism between AmF and TRI was not observed. The results suggest that the plaque‐reducing and antibacterial effects of the AFT solution are mainly based on the effects of the amine fluoride moiety.
Eight‐week histological analysis on the effect of chitosan on surgically created one‐wall intrabony defects in beagle dogs
Authors: Park Ji‐Sook , Choi Seong‐Ho , Moon Ik‐Sang , Cho Kyoo‐Sung , Chai Jung‐Kiu , Kim Chong‐Kwan
Published: December 2004

Objective: To evaluate the periodontal tissue regenerative effects of a chitosan/collagen sponge applied to preclinical one‐wall intrabony defects surgically created in beagle dogs.

Material and Methods:  4×4 mm one‐wall intrabony defects were surgically created in the bilateral maxillary first and third, and the mandibular second and fourth premolars. The surgical control group received a flap operation only, while the buffer control group was treated afterwards with a phosphate‐buffered saline/collagen sponge (CS) and the chitosan group was treated with a chitosan/cs. The subjects were killed 8 weeks after the operation, and a comparative histological examination was performed.

Results:  The amount of junctional epithelium migration was 2.30±1.24 mm in the surgical control group, 1.49±1.25 mm in the buffer control group, and 0.26±0.59 mm in the chitosan group. A significant difference was exhibited only between the surgical control and the chitosan group (p<0.05). The amount of connective tissue adhesion was 0.68±0.60, 1.07±0.91, and 0.41±0.42 mm in the surgical control, buffer control, and the chitosan group, respectively. The amount of cementum regeneration was 1.42±0.49, 1.60±0.41, and 3.46±0.78 mm in the surgical control, buffer control, and the chitosan group, respectively. A significant difference was seen between the chitosan group and the rest (p<0.01). The amount of alveolar bone regeneration was 1.00±0.77, 1.52±0.37, and 2.43±0.44 mm in the surgical control, buffer control, and the chitosan group, respectively. A significant difference was observed between the chitosan group and the rest (p<0.05).

Conclusion:  The results demonstrate the beneficial effect of the chitosan/cs on the one‐wall intrabony defects of beagle dogs. The inhibited apical migration of epithelium and the increase in the amount of new bone and new cementum suggest the potency of chitosan in inducing periodontal tissue regeneration.
The effects of a new mouthrinse containing chlorhexidine, cetylpyridinium chloride and zinc lactate on the microflora of oral halitosis patients: a dual‐centre, double‐blind placebo‐controlled study
Authors: Roldán S. , Winkel E. G. , Herrera D. , Sanz M. , Van Winkelhoff A. J.
Published: December 2004

Aim: This study evaluated the microbial effects of a newly formulated mouthwash (Halita®) on oral halitosis patients.

Methods: Forty subjects were included in this dual‐centre, double‐blind, placebo‐controlled parallel study. Inclusion and exclusion criteria were used to select patients. At baseline and at 2 weeks post‐treatment, full‐mouth organoleptic odor scores, level of volatile sulphur compounds (VSC) and the Winkel Tongue Coating Index were recorded. Standardized samples of tongue coating, saliva and subgingival plaque were microbiologically investigated. Participants were randomly assigned to the test or placebo groups.

Results: High prevalences were observed for Fusobacterium nucleatum, Prevotella intermedia and Porphyromonas gingivalis in tongue coating, saliva and subgingival plaque samples. A significant positive correlation between baseline total counts of P. gingivalis in saliva samples and organoleptic and VSC scores was found. Two weeks post‐treatment there was a reduction in total anaerobic counts in all samples in the test group. A significant positive correlation was observed between the reduction in total counts in saliva samples and the reduction in organoleptic scores in the test group. Significant reductions in total counts and proportions of F. nucleatum and total counts of P. intermedia in tongue coating samples were observed in the test group.

Conclusions: The test mouthwash demonstrated efficacy in reducing the microbiological parameters in three oral niches in moderate to severe halitosis patients without periodontitis, and this was correlated with the improvements in organoleptic and VSC scores but not with the tongue coating scores.
Association between smoking, betel chewing and gingival bleeding in rural Sri Lanka
Authors: Amarasena Najith , Ekanayaka Asoka N. I. , Herath Lilani , Miyazaki Hideo
Published: December 2004

Objective: To ascertain the association between tobacco use and gingival bleeding in a rural community in Sri Lanka.

Material and methods: A cross‐sectional field‐based study was carried out in 2178 rural males aged 20–60 years, employing a multistage cluster sampling technique. The levels of plaque and gingivitis were recorded on four sites of all teeth present excluding third molars, using the plaque index (PLI) and gingival index (GI). Information pertaining to sociodemographic variables, oral hygiene practices and tobacco consumption habits was obtained from all subjects.

Results: One‐way anova combined with the Bonferroni test disclosed that betel chewers had a significantly higher mean number of sites with gingival bleeding (22.6±21.8) than smokers (10.8±11.2) and nontobacco users (8.7±6.8) (p<0.0001). A higher proportion of betel chewers (55.1%) showed ≥12 bleeding sites compared to smokers (27.6%). Logistic regression analysis revealed that the association between betel chewing and gingival bleeding was positive (OR=2.41; p<0.0001) whereas that of smoking and gingival bleeding was negative (OR=0.75; p<0.05). Oral hygiene had the strongest relationship with gingival bleeding (OR=18.11).

Conclusion: While confirming the masking effect of smoking on gingival bleeding, these findings indicate that betel chewing might significantly enhance gingival bleeding in the population studied.
Comparison between restorations in the permanent dentition produced by hand and rotary instrumentation – survival after 3 years
Authors: Taifour D. , Frencken J. E. , Beiruti N. , Van't Hof M. A. , Truin G. J. , Van Palenstein Helderman W. H.
Published: December 2004

Abstract –

Objectives: In the early 1990s, the Ministry of Education in Syria introduced a school oral health programme based on preventive and educational activities only. A restorative component was missing at that time. A few years later, the Atraumatic Restorative Treatment (ART) approach was considered an option to complement the oral health programme but little was known about the longevity of ART restorations in permanent teeth. The null hypothesis which was researched in this trial was: there is no difference between the survival of restorations placed through the ART approach using glass ionomer and those produced through the traditional approach using amalgam (MTA) in permanent dentitions after 3 years.

Methods: Using a parallel group design, 679 grade 2 children, with a mean age of 7.5 years, participated. A total of 369 children were treated through the ART and 310 children through the MTA approach. Eight dentists produced a total of 1118 single‐ and multiple‐surface restorations.

Results: The 3‐year dropout of the single‐surface restorations was 15.3%. Testing the null hypothesis for all single‐ and multiple‐surface restorations revealed a statistically significant difference between the two approaches in favour of the ART approach (P = 0.04). The study showed a 3‐year cumulative survival percentage of single‐surface ART and MTA restorations of 82.1 (SE = 1.9%) and 76.9% (SE = 2.3%), respectively. The difference was not statistically significant. The number of 3‐year surviving multiple‐surface restorations was too low for further analyses. The main failure characteristics for both single‐surface ART and MTA restorations were restoration missing and gross marginal defect. The 3‐year survival percentage of both single‐surface ART and MTA restorations varied widely among the eight operators resulting in an operator effect (P = 0.01).

Conclusions: The null hypothesis was rejected in favour of the ART approach. It is recommended to select the ART approach to complement the educational and preventive activities of the school oral health programme in Syria.
Hand eczema in 45 bakers − a clinical study
Authors: Meding B. , Wrangsjö K. , Brisman J. , Järvholm B.
Published: December 2004

The skin of bakers is heavily exposed to dough, spices, water and detergents. This is follow‐up of a previous Swedish questionnaire study showing bakers to have a 3‐fold increased risk of hand eczema. The aims were to establish diagnoses and to study consequences of hand eczema. From a cohort study of 2226 bakers, a random sample among bakers reporting hand eczema was examined. Of 60 randomly selected bakers reporting a history of hand eczema, 52 attended an examination comprising a standardized interview, documentation of clinical skin signs, patch testing and prick testing with standard and bakery series, and serum analyses. In all, 45 bakers confirmed a history of hand eczema, for which 11 (24%) had been on sick leave, with a median duration of 14 weeks. 13 (29%) had changed their occupation due to skin disease, 19 had positive patch test reactions to standard contact allergens – and 5 to bakery contact allergens. 16 bakers had positive prick tests to standard allergens, 10 to bakery allergens, of whom 9 reacted to flours. Since considerable medical and social consequences of hand eczema are seen, thorough diagnosis of contact allergy and IgE‐mediated allergy in bakers, as well as preventive measures, are essential.
Cutaneous response to irritants
Authors: Santucci B. , Cannistraci C. , Lesnoni I. , Ferraro C. , Rocco M. G. D. E. , Dell'Anna L. , Giannarelli D. , Cristaudo A.
Published: December 2004

We evaluated the role of pre‐existing dermatitis in the response to irritants by patch testing the skin of 40 healthy volunteers and the uninvolved skin of 480 subjects for 2 days. These latter were affected by active atopic dermatitis, psoriasis, eczema with positive and negative patch test reactions, urticaria and generalized pruritus. A first panel containing 15 µL of aq. solutions of disodium laureth sulfosuccinate (NaLSS) 5% and 10%, potassium cocoate (KCC) 5%, potassium oleate (KOL) 5%, zinc coleth sulphate (ZnCS) 5%, sodium mireth sulphate (NaMS) 5%, sodium cocoamphoacetate (NaCCAA) 3% and 5%, was simultaneously applied to 1 site on the upper back. The results, scored by visual assessment, were compared to those observed when testing on the opposite side a second panel containing 15 µL of aq. solutions of 3 well‐known irritants, benzalkonium chloride (BAK) 1%, sodium lauryl sulphate (SLS) 1%, and dimethylsulphoxide (DMSO) 10%. Whilst the substances of the first panel and DMSO gave, on the whole, a scarce number of positive responses in all the tested groups, more evident differences in number, percent and mean intensity of the positive responses to BAK and SLS were found between the different groups. Although some of them seemed statistically significant, when the same values were evaluated by means of χ2 and Student t‐test, they did not differ in a statistically significant way from the values found in healthy subjects. The results of this study seem to indicate that the substances of the first panel have a chemical structure that makes them quite safe in real‐life conditions. In contrast, BAK and SLS have chemical properties that condition the number and intensity of the responses, making the role exerted by the pre‐existing dermatosis quite marginal. In particular, there is no proof that the healthy skin of active atopic subjects is the most susceptible to the irritating effects of the tested substances.
Occupational dermatoses in a metalworking plant
Authors: Gruvberger Birgitta , Isaksson Marléne , Frick Malin , Pontén A. N. N. , Bruze Magnus
Published: December 2004

In a plant producing advanced components for engines and drivelines we undertook a survey of occupational dermatoses, based on a questionnaire, clinical examination, and patch testing with a standard series and a series of samples from the working environment. The questionnaire was given to all 430 employees and it was answered and returned by 382 of these. 214 reported having had or having skin manifestations during the time of employment suspected of being work‐related. 183 employees (164 metal workers, 19 office staff) participated in the clinical investigation, 182 (163 metal workers, 19 office staff) being patch tested. Occupational dermatoses were diagnosed in 23 of these 163 (14.1%) and in 1 of these 19 (5.3%). In all, irritant contact dermatitis was diagnosed in 12 metal workers, occupational allergic contact dermatitis in 11 (10 metal workers and 1 office clerk) and folliculitis in 1 metal worker. In the 11, neat oils were the cause in 4 workers, a water‐based cutting fluid in 3 and various biocides in 4.
Recalcitrant atopic dermatitis due to allergy to Compositae
Authors: Wintzen M. , Donker A. S. , Van Zuuren E. J.
Published: December 2004

Atopic dermatitis is often complicated by allergic contact dermatitis, although patch testing may reveal positive reactions of uncertain relevance. We report a case of a 35‐year‐old woman with recalcitrant atopic dermatitis, with a positive patch‐test reaction to Compositae mix (CM). Initially, sensitization appeared to be of past relevance only, due to use of calendula. However, it turned out that she followed a self‐devised diet consisting largely of food products of the Compositae family. On excluding these food products her skin condition improved quickly. This case report underscores the difficulty in determining the relevance of positive patch tests, and shows that thorough analysis of positive patch tests, by both patient and physician, may reveal unexpected or less common sources of contact allergens.
Risk factors for contact allergy to nickel – results of a multifactorial analysis
Authors: Uter W. , Pfahlberg A. , Gefeller O. , Geier J. , Schnuch A.
Published: December 2004

To quantify the independent impact of potential risk factors for nickel contact allergy (NCA), a multifactorial Poisson regression analysis of standardized anamnestic and patch test data (with nickel sulfate, 5% in petrolatum) was performed, comprising 74 940 patients assessed in the 33 German and Austrian contact dermatitis units of the Information Network of Departments of Dermatology (IVDK) between 1992 and 2000. NCA was observed in 15.5% patients. Female sex was the strongest risk factor (prevalence ratio 3.74, 95% CI: 3.51–3.98). Risk increased monotonically and significantly with decreasing age. Atopic dermatitis was not a risk factor. The year of patch test had no influence on NCA risk. Significant variation of risk between occupations was observed. In conclusion, our multifactorial analysis was able to quantify the impact of established risk factors and additionally address other, e.g. occupational, factors yet unidentified.
An immunohistochemical study of CD4, CD8, TIA‐1 and CD56 subsets in inflammatory skin disease
Authors: Harvell Jeff D. , Nowfar‐Rad Mehran , Sundram Uma
Published: December 2004

Background:  Antibodies to CD4, CD8, TIA‐1, and CD56 are available which perform well in formalin‐fixed and paraffin‐embedded tissue. While previous studies have investigated CD4 and CD8 subsets in inflammatory skin disease, few have specifically addressed TIA‐1 and CD56 reactivity in benign dermatoses. Given that CD8, TIA‐1, and CD56 are linked to aggressive lymphoproliferative disorders (i.e. subcutaneous panniculitic T‐cell lymphoma, natural killer (NK), and NK/T‐cell lymphomas), it would be important to determine their specificity for cutaneous hematologic malignancies. This investigation was undertaken to determine the frequency with which common, benign dermatoses express these four markers. We also sought to determine whether the ratio of CD4‐ to CD8‐positive cells could be used to distinguish among the dermatoses, especially the superficial and deep perivascular ones.

Methods: Formalin‐fixed and paraffin‐embedded sections from a variety of common inflammatory dermatoses were stained with antibodies to CD4, CD8, TIA‐1, and CD56. Positive reactions were scored as a percentage of the entire mononuclear cell infiltrate.

Results: All of the dermatoses represented in the study showed TIA‐1‐ and CD56‐positive lymphocyte subpopulations. On a case‐by‐case basis, the percentage of positive cells varied, and while all cases were positive for TIA‐1, many were completely negative for CD56. For TIA‐1, the percentage of positive cells ranged from 21 to 59%, and for CD56, from < 1 to 9%. The CD4:CD8 ratio ranged from 1.0 to 6.0 but was never less than 1.0. In addition to lymphocytes, TIA‐1 also stained polymorphonuclear leukocytes, eosinophils, and mast cells.

Conclusion: TIA‐1‐ and CD56‐positive lymphocytes are common participants in routine inflammatory dermatoses, and therefore these markers are not specific for aggressive lymphoproliferative disorders. Using only immunohistochemical data, the ratio of CD4‐ to CD8‐positive lymphocytes could not be used reliably to separate the superficial and deep perivascular dermatoses from one another. Finally, mast cells are positive for TIA‐1 and are commonly seen in normal and inflamed skin, and thus TIA‐1 is not specific for cytotoxic T lymphocytes.
Adhesion molecules CD171 (L1CAM) and CD24 are expressed by primary neuroendocrine carcinomas of the skin (Merkel cell carcinomas)
Authors: Deichmann Martin , Kurzen Hjalmar , Egner Ursula , Altevogt Peter , Hartschuh Wolfgang
Published: December 2004

Background:  The neuroendocrine carcinoma of the skin is a rare malignant neuroendocrine tumor, which frequently metastasizes in regional lymph nodes or visceral organs. As adhesive interactions with endothelia, leukocytes, or thrombocytes enable malignant cells to penetrate the endothelium and to circulate in blood or lymphatic vessels, we here addressed the adhesion molecules CD171 (L1CAM) and CD24, which are known to be expressed by neurons, neuroblastomas, and other malignant tumors.

Methods:  Thirty‐one neuroendocrine carcinomas of the skin (22 primary tumors, four recurrent tumors, and five metastases) were included in the study. Immunohistochemical staining of CD171 and CD24 was performed by the streptavidin–biotin–peroxidase‐complex technique and a nickel‐enhanced diaminobenzidine (DAB) reaction using the monoclonal antibodies UJ 127.11 and ML‐5, respectively.

Results:  CD171 expression was detected in most neuroendocrine carcinomas of the skin, and staining was less frequent in metastases and recurrences in comparison with primary tumors which was statistically significant. The majority of neuroendocrine carcinomas of the skin was also positive for the mucin‐like adhesion protein CD24. In contrast to tumor cells, cytokeratin 20‐positive Merkel cells in 12 trichoblastomas and one fibroepithelioma of Pinkus were all negative for CD171 and CD24 staining.

Conclusions:  Expression of CD171 and CD24 is found in most neuroendocrine carcinomas of the skin, which may be used diagnostically. Further studies will assess whether this feature may contribute to metastasis of neuroendocrine carcinomas of the skin by facilitating transendothelial migration or tumor cell dissemination as has been suggested for other malignancies.
Zirconyl hematoxylin vs. alcian blue staining in a case of extramammary Paget's disease
Authors: Smith Allen A. , Silver Timothy M.
Published: December 2004

Background:  Despite its occasional unavailability, alcian blue has long been the stain of choice for the pathognomonic mucin‐secreting cells of extramammary Paget's disease. Zirconyl hematoxylin is a recently developed substitute for alcian blue, which is made from common laboratory materials.

Methods:  We have stained sections from three different areas of the same case of extramammary Paget's disease with zirconyl hematoxylin, destained in 7% HCl in ethanol, restained with alcian blue at pH 2.5, destained in 2.5% trifluoroacetic acid in dichloromethane, and restained with zirconyl hematoxylin.

Results:  Each staining procedure stained the same cells.

Conclusions:  Zirconyl hematoxylin is a useful alternative to alcian blue in the diagnosis of extramammary Paget's disease.
Expression of S100A2 and S100B proteins in epithelial tumors of the skin
Authors: Park Hye‐Rim , Min Soo Kee
Published: December 2004

Background:  The purpose of this study was to evaluate the expression of Ca2+‐binding S100 proteins, S100A2 and S100B, in normal skin. These immunohistochemical stain patterns were compared with those in a variety of epithelial tumors.

Methods:  Paraffin‐embedded tissues of 38 skin tumors were evaluated immunohistochemically with S100A2 and S100B antibodies.

Results:  Epidermal basal cells, epithelial cells of sebaceous glands, hair follicle epithelia, and eccrine ducts reacted strongly with S100A2 antibody. Langerhans' cells and melanocytes were labeled by S100B. Varying types of skin appendage tumors and most peripheral cells in tumor nests of basal cell carcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma showed positive S100A2 immunoreactivity in neoplastic cells. Basophilic cells of calcifying epithelioma were occasionally stained with S100A2 antibody. Chondroid syringoma containing neoplastic myoepithelial cells stained strongly for both S100A2 and S100B.

Conclusions:  We conclude that S100A2 can be a specific marker of epithelial cells in the different skin tumors. However, these antibodies are not of much help in classifying skin appendage tumors.
Scale dependency and fractal dimension of rarity
Authors: Witte Jan‐Philip M. , Torfs Paul J. J. F.
Published: December 2004

The rarity of species in a country is usually determined by counting the number of grid cells occupied by those species on a geographical observation grid. In this paper, we present a measure of rarity that is less sensitive to the shape and size of a country. We demonstrate that the distribution of species on a national grid is not monofractal. Consequently, rarity figures cannot be scaled down to a finer grid merely using scale‐area plots. We propose a downscaling method that takes into account the non‐monofractal distribution of species. Rarity figures have often been published on a scale comprising a limited number of rarity classes. This article finally provides an insight into the degree of accuracy of such classes.
Latitudinal trends in body size among over‐wintering leaf warblers (genus Phylloscopus)
Authors: Katti Madhusudan , Price Trevor D.
Published: December 2004

Geographical trends in body size are commonly interpreted in the framework of Bergmann's rule, which states that larger body sizes are found at higher latitudes. Here we demonstrate a negative association of body size with latitude among over‐wintering warblers of the genus Phylloscopus as well as within a single species (Phylloscopus trochiloides) we were able to study in depth. We examine the role of resources in determining body size distributions. In mid‐winter in India there are more large prey at southern sites (occupied by large‐bodied warblers) than at a northern site (occupied by small‐bodied warblers). Phylloscopus trochiloides is a relatively large species. The timing of its autumn migration is correlated with the withdrawal of the monsoon through India and its appearance on the breeding grounds in spring is correlated with the appearance of relatively large prey. We suggest that prey size and abundance are the main determinants of the spatial distributions of Phylloscopus warblers in winter. Cross‐species associations of body size with both time of arrival on the breeding grounds and migration distance may also largely reflect the spatial and temporal distribution of prey. Resources are likely to be more important in determining both the strength and direction of latitudinal associations with body size than is currently appreciated, even in cases where Bergmann's rule is upheld.
Alternative causes of edge‐abundance relationships in birds and small mammals of California coastal sage scrub
Authors: Kristan III William B. , Lynam Antony J. , Price Mary V. , Rotenberry John T.
Published: December 2004

Changes in the distribution and abundance of bird and small mammal species at urban‐wildland edges can be caused by different factors. Edges can affect populations directly if animals respond behaviorally to the edge itself or if proximity to edge directly affects demographic vital rates (an “ecotonal” effect). Alternatively, urban edges can indirectly affect populations if edges alter the characteristics of the adjacent wildland vegetation, which in turn prompts a response to the altered habitat (a “matrix” or “habitat” effect). We studied edge effects of birds and small mammals in southern Californian coastal sage scrub, and assessed whether edge effects were attributable to direct behavioral responses to edges or to animal responses to changes in habitat at edges. Vegetation species composition and structure varied with distance from edge, but the differences varied among study sites. Because vegetation characteristics were correlated with distance from edge, responses to habitat were explored by using independently‐derived models of habitat associations to calibrate vegetation measurements to the habitat affinities of each animal species. Of sixteen species examined, five bird and one small mammal species responded to edge independently of habitat features, and thus habitat restoration at edges is expected to be an ineffective conservation measure for these species. Two additional species of birds and one small mammal responded to habitat gradients that coincided with distance from edge, such that the effect of edge on these species was expressed via potentially reversible habitat degradation.
Mollusk species diversity in the Southeastern Pacific: why are there more species towards the pole?
Authors: Valdovinos Claudio , Navarrete Sergio A. , Marquet Pablo A.
Published: December 2004

The most ubiquitous and well recognized diversity pattern at large spatial scales is the latitudinal increase in species richness near the equator and decline towards the poles. Although several exceptions to this pattern have been documented, shallow water mollusks, the most specious group of marine invertebrates, are the epitome of the monotonic decline in species diversity toward higher latitudes along the Pacific and Atlantic coasts of North America. Here we analyze the geographic diversity of 629 mollusk species along the Pacific South American shelf. Our analyses are based on the most complete database of invertebrates assembled for this region of the world, consisting of latitudinal ranges of over 95% of all described mollusks between 10° and 55°S. Along this coast, mollusk diversity did not follow the typical latitudinal trend. The number of species remained constant and relatively low at intermediate latitudes and sharply increased toward higher latitudes, south of 42°S. This trend was explained by changes in shelf area, but not by sea surface temperature, unlike the pattern documented for Northern Hemisphere mollusks. Direct sampling of soft bottom communities along the gradient suggests that regional trends in species richness are produced by increased alpha diversity, and not only by artifacts produced by the increase in sampling area. We hypothesize that increased shelf area south of 42°S, geographic isolation produced by divergence of major oceanic currents, and the existence of refugia during glaciations, enabled species diversification. Radiation could have been limited by narrow continental shelves between 10°–42°. Asymmetries in latitudinal diversity trends between hemispheres show that there is not a single general factor determining large‐scale diversity patterns.
Interspecific patterns of species richness, geographic range size, and body size among New World venomous snakes
Authors: Reed Robert N.
Published: December 2004

Many higher taxa exhibit latitudinal gradients in species richness, geographic range size, and body size. However, these variables are often interdependent, such that examinations of univariate or bivariate patterns alone may be misleading. Therefore, I examined latitudinal gradients in, and relationships between, species richness, geographic range size, and body size among 144 species of New World venomous snakes [families Elapidae (coral snakes) and Viperidae (pitvipers)]. Both lineages are monophyletic, collectively span 99° of latitude, and are extremely variable in body size and geographic range sizes. Coral snakes exhibit highest species richness near the equator, while pitviper species richness peaks in Central America. Species – range size distributions were strongly right‐skewed for both families. There was little support for Bergmann's rule or Rapoport's rule for snakes of either family, as neither body size nor range size increased significantly with latitude. However, range area and median range latitude were positively correlated above 15° N, indicating a possible “Rapoport effect” at high northern latitudes. Geographic range size was positively associated with body size. Available continental area strongly influenced range size. Comparative (phylogenetically‐based) analyses revealed that shared history is a poor predictor of range size variation within clades. Among vipers, trends in geographic range sizes may have been structured more by historical biogeography than by macroecological biotic factors.
Spatio‐temporal shifts in gradients of habitat quality for an opportunistic avian predator
Authors: Sergio Fabrizio , Pedrini Paolo , Marchesi Luigi
Published: December 2004

We used the conceptual framework of the theory of natural selection to study breeding habitat preferences by an opportunistic avian predator, the black kiteMilvus migrans. In Europe, black kite populations are mostly found near large networks of aquatic habitats, usually considered optimal for foraging and breeding. We hypothesized that proximity to wetlands could vary among individuals and affect their fitness, and thus be subject to natural selection. We tested the hypothesis first on a population on Lake Lugano (Italian pre‐Alps) which has been monitored for nine years, and then on seven other populations, each studied for four–five years, located along a continuum of habitat from large water bodies to scarce aquatic habitat of any kind. In the Lake Lugano population, black kite abundance was negatively related to distance to the lake in all the nine years of study, consistent with long‐term natural selection. There was evidence of ongoing directional selection on strategic nest location in three of the years, and evidence of stabilizing selection in two years. In eight of the nine years the trend was for a linear increase in fitness with increasing proximity to the lake. At the population level, results were consistent with adaptive habitat choice in relation to the previous year's spatial variation in fitness: higher associations between fitness and distance to the lake (i.e. higher selection gradients) resulted in higher density variations in the following year, in turn related to the availability of fish, the main local prey. The progressive decline of inland pairs and increase in the density of lakeshore pairs caused a directional long‐term trend of declining mean distance to the lake. Breeding near aquatic habitats was associated with higher foraging success, and higher frequency and biomass of prey deliveries to offspring. There was weak evidence of selection in other populations. The inland‐wetland gradient of habitat quality may have been affected by predation risk, as estimated by density of a major predator of adults and nestlings, the eagle owlBubo bubo. Behavioral decisions at the level of the individual probably translated into population effects on density and distribution at various spatial scales. Populations in optimal habitats showed higher density and produced six times as many young per unit space as those in sub‐optimal habitats.
Antibody reactivities to skeletal muscle proteins in a patient with λ light chain secreting multiple myeloma, generalised amyloidosis and rhabdomyolysis
Authors: Sundblad Anne , Porwit Anna , Ostad Masih , Nennesmo Inger , Holm Göran , Ösby Eva , Borg Kristian , Björkholm Magnus
Published: December 2004

Abstract: Rhabdomyolysis is a rare complication in haematological malignancies, and a diverse range of factors has been implicated in the etiology of the syndrome. In the present study we analysed muscle morphology and antibody reactivities to skeletal muscle proteins in a patient diagnosed with lambda (λ) light chain‐secreting multiple myeloma (MM) and amyloidosis, who developed a progressive rhabdomyolysis. The muscle tissue analysis showed focal amyloid depositions and a low degree of atrophy and inflammation. Antibody reactivities against muscle proteins of approximately 42, 51 and 66 kD, respectively, were present in the patient's serum. The antibody specificities were revealed by λ light chain‐ or IgM‐specific antibodies. The results indicate a possible etiologic link between antibody reactivities towards muscle proteins and muscle tissue disorder in a patient with the unique combination of rhabdomyolysis, amyloidosis and MM of the light chain type.
Pelvic extramedullary haematopoiesis associated with hereditary spherocytosis
Authors: Sutton Chistopher Derek , Garcea Giuseppe , Marshall Lesley Jane , Lloyd Tom David , De Alwis Charkban , Lewis Michael Howell
Published: December 2004

Abstract: Extramedullary haematopoiesis (EMH) is a rare disorder and is characterised by the appearance of haemopoietic tissue outside of the bone marrow. The most common of the previously recognised sites of EMH are the spleen and the liver. This case‐report describes a unique case of pelvic EMH secondary to herditary spherocytosis with regression of the lesion following splenectomy. Current principles of managing EMH are also discussed.
Lymphoproliferative disease of granular lymphocytes with T‐cell receptor gamma delta‐positive phenotype: restricted usage of T‐cell receptor gamma and delta subunit genes
Authors: Makishima Hideki , Ishida Fumihiro , Saito Hiroshi , Ichikawa Naoaki , Ozaki Yayoi , Ito Susumu , Ota Masao , Katsuyama Yoshihiko , Kiyosawa Kendo
Published: December 2004

Abstract: Lymphoproliferative disease of granular lymphocytes (LDGL) is characterized by more than 0.5 × 109/L of proliferating granular lymphocytes in the peripheral blood. Because of its rarity, the characteristics of LDGL with T‐cell receptor (TCR) γδ phenotype (γδT‐LDGL) have not yet been identified. This report describes the clinical, hematological, and immunological findings of four patients with this disease. In two cases, the clinical course was indolent and the other two patients required various therapies. The cells had a common immunophenotype: CD3+, CD4–, CD16+, CD56–, CD57–, CD122–, TCR‐γδ+, and three were CD8‐positive. The immunopurified TCR‐γδ cells from the patients expressed only Vγ9 and Vδ1. Spectratyping and sequencing showed mono‐ or oligoclonality for TCRγ and TCRδ subunit genes. Soluble Fas ligand in sera was significantly elevated in all patients. These findings suggest that γδT‐LDGL qualifies as a distinct disease entity.
High serum hepatocyte growth factor level in patients with non‐Hodgkin's lymphoma
Authors: Hsiao Liang‐Tsai , Lin Jen‐Tsun , Yu I‐Ting , Chiou Tzeon‐Jye , Liu Jin‐Hwang , Yen Chueh‐Chuan , Wang Wei‐Shu , Chen Po‐Min
Published: December 2004

Abstract: Higher pretreatment serum hepatocyte growth factor (HGF) levels were observed in patients with multiple myeloma and Hodgkin's disease, but not in those with non‐Hodgkin's lymphoma (NHL). We examined patients’ serum levels at diagnosis using enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay and histological expression of HGF in pathological specimens of lymphoma, in relation to clinical features. The subjects were 77 NHL patients and 40 healthy controls. The serum levels of HGF in NHL patients at diagnosis were significantly higher than those in healthy controls (median 1019 vs. 689 pg/mL, P < 0.001). At diagnosis, patients with more than two sites of extranodal involvement (P = 0.001), higher scores of international prognostic index (P = 0.015), and advanced Ann Arbor stage (P = 0.023) had a higher level of serum HGF. Although the association of pretreatment serum HGF level and survival was not significant, a correlation of serial change of serum HGF levels with treatment response was found in limited cases. Furthermore, HGF expression of lymphoma tissues was shown in 18 of 24 (75%) different NHL subtypes, including most of the diffuse large B cell lymphoma (12 of 15, 80%). In conclusion, our study showed higher pretreatment serum HGF levels in NHL patients, which was related to clinical features; and the serial change of HGF seemed to parallel the treatment response. The pathogenic role of HGF in NHL patients was further highlighted by a modest expression of HGF in most of the diffuse large B cell lymphoma.
The antiapoptotic effects of blood constituents in patients with chronic lymphocytic leukemia
Authors: Bomstein Yonit , Yuklea Mona , Radnay Judith , Shapiro Hava , Afanasyev Faina , Yarkoni Shai , Lishner Michael
Published: December 2004

Objective: Clonal B‐lymphocytes of chronic lymphocytic leukemia (B‐CLL) are characterized by decreased sensitivity to programmed cell death and, therefore, they accumulate in vivo. However, these malignant cells die rapidly in vitro. In the current study we concentrated on the contribution of autologous serum (AS) and lymphocyte subsets to the survival of the malignant cells in vitro.

Methods: Mononuclear cells from the peripheral blood of 26 CLL patients and 24 controls were incubated overnight in the presence or absence of AS and heat‐inactivated AS (HI‐AS) or fetal calf serum (FCS). Also, isolated B cells were incubated at different concentrations in the presence of AS and/or isolated T cells. The level of apoptosis of CD19+ cells was measured by flow cytometry.

Results: Spontaneous apoptosis of unfractionated B‐CLL cells incubated with AS, FCS or without serum was significantly lower than the rate of B‐cell death in the control group, in similar culture conditions. AS had an antiapoptotic effect on unfractionated B‐CLL cells when compared with FCS. The rate of apoptosis of B‐CLL cells was directly associated with stage. HI of AS had a variable effect, which was related to the stage of the disease. High concentrations of B cells and the addition of autologous T cells reduced the rate of apoptosis when incubated without serum. The antiapoptotic effect of T cells was most prominent in progressive stages.

Conclusions: B‐CLL cells exhibit decreased spontaneous apoptosis, which is partially prevented by humoral (AS) and cellular (T cells and B‐CLL cells) factors. The equilibrium between apoptotic and antiapoptotic factors changes with disease progression.
Dental injuries in Norwegians aged 7–18 years
Authors: Skaare Anne Berit , Jacobsen Ingeborg
Published: December 2004

Abstract  – In this prospective study, baseline information regarding trauma to permanent teeth is presented. The aim of the study was twofold: to increase the knowledge of dental injuries in young Norwegians and to examine whether a rise in the number of dental trauma had occurred during the last 10–15 years. Both an urban and a rural area were included, constituting 12% of the 7–18‐year‐olds living in the country. A total of 1275 children in this age group suffered dental injuries in the capital city of Oslo and in the rural area of Nord‐Trøndelag during a 1‐year registration period. The children were examined by calibrated dentists in the public dental health service. The service offers regular, free recalls, and 98% of the children attend. The dental injuries were classified according to WHO's classification system. The dental trauma incidence found was 1.8% (2.0% in Oslo and 1.3% in Nord‐Trøndelag). Nearly 50% of the children were in the age group 8–10 years. Ninety‐seven per cent of the accidents involved the incisors, and the minor trauma dominated. Age and gender were predisposing factors. Boys were nearly twice as often injured as girls and this difference increased with age. No increase in the annual frequency of dental injuries was observed.