bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Quantitative X‐Ray Spectrum Imaging of Lead Lanthanum Zirconate Titanate PLZT Thin‐Films
Authors: Parish Chad M. , Brennecka Geoff L. , Tuttle Bruce A. , Brewer Luke N.
Published: October 2008

The high permittivity of Pb(Zr,Ti)O3and (Pb,La)(Zr,Ti)O3—PZT and PLZT, respectively—thin films and the flexibility of chemical solution deposition (CSD) make solution‐derived P(L)ZT thin films extremely attractive for integrated capacitor applications. However, Pb‐loss or cation segregation during processing results in degraded properties of the final film. Here, we have extended the use of multivariate statistical analysis (MSA) of energy‐dispersive spectroscopy (EDS) spectrum images (SIs) in scanning transmission electron microscopy (STEM) to allow the two‐dimensional (2D) quantitative analysis of cation segregation and depletion in P(L)ZT thin films. Quantified STEM‐EDS SIs allow high‐resolution (< ≈10 nm) quantification of these cation distributions. Surface Pb depletion is found after crystallization and is replenished by a unique post‐crystallization PbO overcoat+anneal processes. Zr/Ti and La segregation are found to develop in a decidedly nonplanar fashion during crystallization, especially in PLZT 12/70/30 material, highlighting the need for 2D analysis. Quantitative 2D chemical information is essential for improved processing of homogeneous P(L)ZT films with optimal electrical properties.
The Effectiveness of Negotiation Training
Authors: Movius Hal
Published: October 2008

In the last twenty‐five years negotiation has become widely recognized both as a topic of serious research and as an essential, frequently used set of skills. Organizations currently spend tens of billions of dollars annually on training, and mounting evidence suggests that training in interpersonal and problem‐solving domains typically has a significantly positive effect. But little systematic research has been conducted concerning the actual effectiveness of negotiation training. This article reviews the available evidence regarding the effectiveness of negotiation training using four levels of outcome measurement. While far less prevalent than one would wish, existing evidence suggests that negotiation training can have positive effects. In this article, I review the specific effects of different teaching methods, and recommend additional research.
mTOR‐dependent signalling in Alzheimer's disease
Authors: Pei Jin‐Jing , Hugon Jacques
Published: October 2008

Introduction

Neurodegeneration and neurofibrillary degeneration in Alzheimer's disease brains

Dysfunction of protein synthesis mediated by mTOR‐dependent signalling in Alzheimer's disease brains

Neurodegeneration mediated by mTOR‐dependent signalling

Tau phosphorylation mediated by mTOR‐dependent signalling

mTOR‐dependent signalling in lymphocytes of AD: potential biomarkers for AD diagnosis

mTOR‐dependent signalling and other neurodegenerative diseases

Perspectives

Conclusions

Neurodegeneration and neurofibrillary degeneration are the two main pathological mechanisms of cognitive impairments in Alzheimer's disease (AD). It is not clear what factors determine the fates of neurons during the progress of the disease. Emerging evidence has suggested that mTOR‐dependent signalling is involved in the two types of degeneration in AD brains. This review focuses on the roles of mTOR‐dependent signalling in the pathogenesis of AD. It summarizes the recent advancements in the understanding of its roles in neu‐rodegeneration and neurofibrillary degeneration, as well as the evidence achieved when mTOR‐related signalling components were tested as potential biomarkers of cognitive impairments in the clinical diagnosis of AD.
MicroRNA and cancer – focus on apoptosis
Authors: Wang Yu , Lee Caroline G. L.
Published: October 2008

Introduction

miR biogenesis

miR and Cancer

miR and Apoptosis

Conclusion

MicroRNAs (miRs) are small non‐coding RNAs regulating gene expression at the post‐transcriptional and/or translational levels. miRs play important roles in diverse biological processes, including development, cell differentiation, proliferation and apoptosis. Recent evidence has shown that miR loci frequently map to cancer‐associated genomic regions and deregulated miR expression profiles are associated with many cancer types, implicating miRs in crucial processes that lead to tumourigenesis. Here, we review the current findings about miRs and tumourigenesis, focusing on their involvement in the apoptosis pathway. A significant observation is that greater than one‐quarter of all known human miRs were reported to be deregulated in at least one cancer type. The expression of a subset of miRs (e.g. miR‐21 and miR‐155) was found to be consistently up‐regulated, whereas another subset of miRs (e.g.miR‐143 and miR‐145) was consistently down‐regulated across different cancer types suggesting their involvement in regulating common cellular processes whose deregulation may lead to tumourigenesis. Several miRs were implicated to play roles in cell proliferation and apoptosis. Some miRs, such as miR‐29b and miR‐15–16, influence only the apoptotic pathway, whereas others including let‐7/miR‐98 and miR‐17–92 may play roles in both the apoptotic and cell‐proliferation pathways. In conclusion, although our current understanding of the functions of miRs is still fragmentary, taken together, this review highlights the complex and intricate roles that miRs play in the regulation of cellular processes. Perturbation of the expression of miRs may thus lead to tumourigenesis.
Role of endogenous bone marrow cells in long‐term repair mechanisms after myocardial infarction
Authors: Odörfer Kathrin I. , Walter Ingrid , Kleiter Miriam , Sandgren Eric P. , Erben Reinhold G.
Published: October 2008

Homing and regenerative potential of endogenous bone marrow cells (BMC) in myocardial infarction (MI) is a controversial issue. Using human placental alkaline phosphatase (hPLAP) as genetic marker for cell tracking, we examined the influx of bone marrow‐derived cells during tissue repair after the induction of MI over a study period of 17 weeks in wild‐type inbred Fischer 344 rats, lethally irradiated and reconstituted with bone marrow (BM) from transgenic F344 rats expressing hPLAP under the control of the ubiquitous R26 promoter. During the early phases of tissue repair, hPLAP‐positive macrophages, endothelial cells, fibroblasts and also myofibroblast‐like cells were recruited from BM. However, only some hPLAP‐positive endothelial cells, fibroblasts and myofibroblast‐like cells persisted until 17 weeks after MI. With the exception of a single cell, there was no evidence of BM‐derived cardiomyocytes throughout the study. Rather, some local cardiac progenitor cells appeared to differentiate into cardiomyocytes in the peri‐infarct regions. In conclusion, our data show that the inflammation‐induced influx of BM‐derived cells into the infarction area is restricted to leukocytes, endothelial cells, fibroblasts and myofibroblast‐like cells. Our long‐term analysis casts doubt on the hypothesis that circulating BM‐derived mesenchymal precursor cells participate in cardiomyogenesis after MI.
Insights into cerebrovascular complications and Alzheimer disease through the selective loss of GRK2 regulation
Authors: Obrenovich Mark E. , Morales Ludis A. , Cobb Celia J. , Shenk Justin C. , Méndez Gina M. , Fischbach Kathryn , Smith Mark A. , Qasimov Eldar K. , Perry George , Aliev Gjumrakch
Published: October 2008

Introduction

General features of GRKs

Expression patterns of GRK2

GRK, ET‐1 and Insulin signalling

GRK studies In AD and CBH

Conclusions

Alzheimer disease (AD) and stroke are two leading causes of age‐associated dementia. Increasing evidence points to vascular damage as an early contributor to the development of AD and AD‐like pathology. In this review, we discuss the role of G protein‐coupled receptor kinase 2 (GRK2) as it relates to individuals affected by AD and how the cardiovasculature plays a role in AD pathogenesis. The possible involvement of GRKs in AD pathogenesis is an interesting notion, which may help bridge the gap in our understanding of the heart–brain connection in relation to neurovisceral damage and vascular complications in AD, since kinases of this family are known to regulate numerous receptor functions both in the brain, myocardium, and elsewhere. The aim of this review is to discuss our findings of overexpression of GRK2 in the context of the early pathogenesis of AD, because increased levels of GRK2 immunoreactivity were found in vulnerable neurons of AD patients as well as in a two‐vessel occlusion (2‐VO) mammalian model of ischaemia. Also, we consider the consequences for this overexpression as a loss of G‐protein coupled receptor (GPCR) regulation, as well as suggest a potential role for GPCRs and GRKs in a unifying theory of AD pathogenesis, particularly in the context of cerebrovascular disease. We synthesize this newer information and attempt to put it into context with GRKs as regulators of diverse physiological cellular functions that could be appropriate targets for future pharmacological intervention.
Renal, vascular and cardiac fibrosis in rats exposed to passive smoking and industrial dust fibre amosite
Authors: Boor Peter , Casper Sandra , Celec Peter , Hurbánková Marta , Beňo Milan , Heidland August , Amann Kerstin , Šebeková Katarína
Published: October 2008

Passive smoking is an independent risk factor for cardiovascular diseases. Industrial fibrous dust, e.g. the asbestos group member, amosite, causes lung cancer and fibrosis. No data are available on renal involvement after inhalational exposure to these environmental pollutants or of their combination, or on cardiovascular and renal toxicity after exposure to amosite. Male Wistar rats were randomized into four groups (n= 6): control and amosite group received initially two intratracheal instillations of saline and amosite solution, respectively. Smoking group was subjected to standardized daily exposure to tobacco smoke for 2 hrs in a concentration resembling human passive smoking. Combined group was exposed to both amosite and cigarette smoke. All rats were killed after 6 months. Rats exposed to either amosite or passive smoking developed significant glomerulosclerosis and tubulointerstitial fibrosis. Combination of both exposures had additive effects. Histomorphological changes preceded the clinical manifestation of kidney damage. In both groups with single exposures, marked perivascular and interstitial cardiac fibrosis was detected. The additive effect in the heart was less pronounced than in the kidney, apparent particularly in changes of vascular structure. Advanced oxidation protein products, the plasma marker of the myeloperoxidase reaction in activated monocytes/macrophages, were increased in all exposed groups, whereas the inflammatory cytokines did not differ between the groups. In rats, passive smoking or amosite instillation leads to renal, vascular and cardiac fibrosis potentially mediated via increased myeloperoxidase reaction. Combination of both pollutants shows additive effects. Our data should be confirmed in subjects exposed to these environmental pollutants, in particular if combined.
Prevalence, onset and comorbidity of postpartum anxiety and depressive disorders
Authors: Reck C. , Struben K. , Backenstrass M. , Stefenelli U. , Reinig K. , Fuchs T. , Sohn C. , Mundt C.
Published: October 2008

Objective:  The study presents data on the 3‐month prevalences of postpartum anxiety disorders (PAD) and postpartum depressive disorders (PDD) and their comorbidity in a German community sample. Associations with sociodemographic variables and previous history of psychopathology were analysed.

Method:  Data were gathered in a longitudinal study over the first 3 months postpartum. In a two‐stage screening procedure, a population‐based representative sample of 1024 postpartum women was assessed for symptoms of anxiety and depression using DSM‐IV‐based screening instruments.

Results:  The estimated rates of DSM‐IV disorders were 11.1% for PAD and 6.1% for PDD. Comorbidity was found in 2.1%. The rate for PAD with postpartum onset was 2.2% and for PDD 4.6%. Young mothers and mothers with a low education level had a heightened risk of developing depression following delivery.

Conclusion:  Because of the clinical relevance of PAD, controlled studies and specialized programmes for prevention and treatment are urgently required.
Alveolar ridge augmentation using implants coated with recombinant human bone morphogenetic protein‐2: histologic observations
Authors: Wikesjö Ulf M. E. , Qahash Mohammed , Polimeni Giuseppe , Susin Cristiano , Shanaman Richard H. , Rohrer Michael D. , Wozney John M. , Hall Jan
Published: October 2008

Background: Studies using ectopic rodent, orthotopic canine, and non‐human primate models show that bone morphogenetic proteins (BMPs) coated onto titanium surfaces induce local bone formation. The objective of this study was to examine the ability of recombinant human BMP‐2 (rhBMP‐2) coated onto a titanium porous oxide implant surface to stimulate local bone formation including osseointegration and vertical augmentation of the alveolar ridge.

Material and Methods: Bilateral, critical‐size, 5 mm, supra‐alveolar, peri‐implant defects were created in 12 young adult Hound Labrador mongrel dogs. Six animals received implants coated with rhBMP‐2 at 0.75 or 1.5 mg/ml, and six animals received implants coated with rhBMP‐2 at 3.0 mg/ml or uncoated control. Treatments were randomized between jaw quadrants. The mucoperiosteal flaps were advanced, adapted and sutured to submerge the implants for primary intention healing. The animals received fluorescent bone markers at weeks 3, 4, 7 and 8 post‐surgery when they were euthanized for histologic evaluation.

Results: Jaw quadrants receiving implants coated with rhBMP‐2 exhibited gradually regressing swelling that became hard to palpate disguising the contours of the implants. The histologic evaluation showed robust bone formation reaching or exceeding the implant platform. The newly formed bone exhibited characteristics of the adjoining resident Type II bone including cortex formation for sites receiving implants coated with rhBMP‐2 at 0.75 or 1.5 mg/ml. Sites receiving implants coated with rhBMP‐2 at 3.0 mg/ml exhibited more immature trabecular bone formation, seroma formation and peri‐implant bone remodelling resulting in undesirable implant displacement. Control implants exhibited minimal, if any, bone formation. Thus, implants coated with rhBMP‐2 at 0.75, 1.5 and 3.0 mg/ml exhibited significant bone formation (height and area) compared with the sham‐surgery control averaging (±SD) 4.4±0.4, 4.2±0.7 and 4.2±1.2 versus 0.8±0.3 mm; and 5.0±2.2, 5.6±2.2 and 7.4±3.5 versus 0.7±0.3 mm2, respectively (p<0.01). All the treatment groups exhibited clinically relevant osseointegration.

Conclusions: rhBMP‐2 coated onto titanium porous oxide implant surfaces induced clinically relevant local bone formation including vertical augmentation of the alveolar ridge and osseointegration. Higher concentrations/doses were associated with untoward effects.
Bone formation at recombinant human bone morphogenetic protein‐2‐coated titanium implants in the posterior maxilla (Type IV bone) in non‐human primates
Authors: Wikesjö Ulf M. E. , Huang Yi‐Hao , Xiropaidis Andreas V. , Sorensen Rachel G. , Rohrer Michael D. , Prasad Hari S. , Wozney John M. , Hall Jan
Published: October 2008

Background: Studies using ectopic rodent and orthotopic canine models (Type II bone) have shown that titanium porous oxide (TPO) surface implants adsorbed with recombinant human bone morphogenetic protein‐2 (rhBMP‐2) induce local bone formation including osseointegration. The objective of this study was to evaluate local bone formation and osseointegration at such implants placed into Type IV bone.

Material and Methods: rhBMP‐2‐coated implants were installed into the edentulated posterior maxilla in eight young adult Cynomolgus monkeys: four animals each received three TPO implants adsorbed with rhBMP‐2 (2.0 mg/ml) and four animals each received three TPO implants adsorbed with rhBMP‐2 (0.2 mg/ml). Contra‐lateral jaw quadrants received three TPO implants without rhBMP‐2 (control). Treatments were alternated between left and right jaw quadrants. Mucosal flaps were advanced and sutured to submerge the implants. The animals received fluorescent bone markers at weeks 2, 3, 4, and at week 16 when they were euthanized for histologic analysis.

Results: Clinical healing was uneventful. Extensive local bone formation was observed in animals receiving implants adsorbed with rhBMP‐2 (2.0 mg/ml). The newly formed bone exhibited a specific pinpoint bone–implant contact pattern regardless of rhBMP‐2 concentration resulting in significant osseointegration; rhBMP‐2 (2.0 mg/ml): 43% and rhBMP‐2 (0.2 mg/ml): 37%. Control implants exhibited a thin layer of bone covering a relatively larger portion of the implant threads. Thus, TPO control implants bone exhibited significantly greater bone–implant contact (∼75%; p<0.05). There were no statistically significant differences between rhBMP‐2‐coated and control implants relative to any other parameter including peri‐implant and intra‐thread bone density.

Conclusion: rhBMP‐2‐coated TPO implants enhanced/accelerated local bone formation in Type IV bone in a dose‐dependent fashion in non‐human primates resulting in significant osseointegration. rhBMP‐2‐induced de novo bone formation did not reach the level of osseointegration observed in native resident bone within the 16‐week interval.
An unusual ostensible example of intraoral basal cell carcinoma
Authors: Koutlas Ioannis G. , Koch Christian A. , Vickers Robert A. , Brouwers Frederieke M. , Vortmeyer Alexander O.
Published: October 2008

An example of oral basal cell carcinoma is presented originating on the posterior mandibular mucosa and gingiva of a 67‐year‐old female. Histologically, it featured a multifocal pattern. It recurred eight times in a period of 20 years. Tissue samples of the tumor were evaluated with monoclonal antibody Ber‐EP4 and were compared with examples of oral mucosa, skin, oral and cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma, peripheral ameloblastoma, ameloblastoma and cutaneous basal cell carcinoma (BCC). Only neoplastic basal cells showed positive immunohistochemical staining. Additionally, microdissected neoplastic areas were evaluated for loss of heterozygosity (LOH) of the PTCH gene with markers D9S303, D9S252 and D9S287. PTCH gene mutations are reported in patients with Gorlin syndrome and sporadic cutaneous BCCs. Loss of one allele was observed with all three markers. Examples of conventional ameloblastomas did not show evidence of LOH. These observations support the inclusion of BCC in the differential diagnosis of appropriate oral mucosal neoplasms.
Angiomatoid Spitz nevus: a clinicopathological study of six cases and a review of the literature
Authors: Tetzlaff Michael T. , Xu Xiaowei , Elder David E. , Elenitsas Rosalie
Published: October 2008

Angiomatoid Spitz nevus is a recently described subtype of desmoplastic Spitz nevus. Six cases have been described in the literature thus far. Here, we describe six additional cases of angiomatoid Spitz nevus and provide a review of the literature on this entity. The features of classic angiomatoid Spitz nevus are described in the context of important differential diagnostic considerations, particularly regressed malignant melanoma.
Squamomelanocytic tumor: a new case of a unique biphenotypic neoplasm of uncertain biological potential
Authors: Rongioletti Franco , Baldari Manuela , Carli Carla , Fiocca Roberto
Published: October 2008

Squamomelanocytic tumor is an uncommon cutaneous neoplasm composed of an admixture of melanocytic and squamous cellular phenotypes. We describe a case of this tumor in a 94‐year‐old man who presented with a nodule on the back. Histologically, a well‐demarcated expansive dermal nodule was composed of anastomosing epithelial strands with focal formation of squamous pearls and ductal structures commixed with elongated spindle cells with clear cytoplasm grouped in nests. The two cell types were diffusely admixed or clustered in groups within the nodule. Immunohistochemical studies showed that the spindle cells grouped in nests expressed S‐100 and HMB‐45 antigens, and the squamoid cells expressed cytokeratins and carcinoembrionic antigen (CEA) protein only in the inner layer of the ducts and the cystic space. Atypical features and high mitotic activity was observed in the melanocytic cells but slight atypia, mild dyskeratosis and mitotic figures were observed also in the squamoid component. This tumor represents a proliferation of two phenotypic cells that are distinctive for their intimate admixture and singular immunohistochemical profile. The authors discuss the histogenesis of this tumor, suggesting that it could represent an atypical solid‐cystic hidradenoma colonized by a melanocytic malignant component. The biological behavior of this neoplasm remains currently uncertain.
Extra‐abdominal subcutaneous metastasis of a gastrointestinal stromal tumor: report of a case and a review of the literature
Authors: Kroep Judith R. , Bovée Judith V. M. G. , Van Der Molen Aart J. , Hogendoorn Pancras C. W. , Gelderblom Hans
Published: October 2008

Gastrointestinal stromal tumors (GISTs) metastasize primarily within the peritoneal cavity and to the liver. Superficial soft tissue metastases occur in about 1% of advanced GIST and are mostly associated with abdominal laparotomy scars and advanced disease. Extra‐abdominal subcutaneous metastases of GIST have not been previously reported. Subcutaneous spindle cell tumors constitute a diagnostic challenge of which the differential diagnostic list can be limited by recognition of morphological, immunohistochemical en molecular genetic patterns. A 69‐year‐old woman presented with a fast growing subcutaneous nodule on her right upper arm. She was known with an imatinib‐resistant advanced GIST, treated with sunitinib. The nodule was excised. Histopathological examination revealed a sharply demarcated tumor nodule in the subcutaneous fat with slightly spindled tumor cells, with pleomorphic nuclei and multiple mitoses. There was a hemangiopericytomatous vascular pattern. The cells stained positive for CD117 (KIT) and CD34. No KIT or platelet‐derived growth factor receptor‐α mutations were detected. We report the first case of an extra‐abdominal subcutaneous metastasis of GIST. Although rare, metastatic GIST should therefore be included in the differential diagnosis of subcutaneous spindle cell tumors. A comparative survey of the histological, immunohistochemical and molecular genetic features of spindle cell tumors of the subcutis and a review of the literature is presented.
Pigmented epithelioid melanocytoma: report of first Japanese cases previously diagnosed as cellular blue nevus
Authors: Ito Keigo , Mihm Martin C.
Published: October 2008

Background:  The term ‘pigmented epithelioid melanocytoma (PEM)’ was recently used for borderline melanocytic tumor/low‐grade melanoma including cases previously diagnosed as human animal‐type melanoma and epithelioid blue nevus. No Japanese cases have been reported.

Methods:  We reviewed 219 cases previously diagnosed as blue nevus in Japan. Common blue nevus was identified in 154 cases and cellular blue nevus in 65 cases.

Results:  We have found two Japanese cases of PEM previously diagnosed as cellular blue nevus. Two patients were female. The age at presentation was 32 and 28 years. Two lesions were on the buttock. Two cases fulfilled histological criteria proposed for PEM. There is no evidence of recurrence or metastases.

Conclusions:  PEM is a distinct melanocytic tumor and the unifying diagnostic term. PEM is present in Japanese, but these cases may be previously diagnosed as cellular blue nevus. Japanese pathologists should recognize a new concept of PEM, and when they make a diagnosis of PEM, they should be recommended sentinel lymph node sampling.
Apocrine hidradenocarcinoma showing Paget’s disease and mucinous metaplasia
Authors: Wahl Carter E. , Todd Douglas H. , Binder Scott W. , Cassarino David S.
Published: October 2008

A 54‐year‐old man presented with a solitary, erythematous, rapidly growing 1‐cm nodule on his scalp that had arisen over the previous 3 months. He had no history of skin cancer. An excisional biopsy of the lesion showed a fairly well‐circumscribed but focally invasive tumor consisting of areas of typical‐appearing clear cell hidradenoma as well as areas with mucinous goblet‐type cells and cells with eosinophilic cytoplasm and decapitation‐type secretion. There was marked cellular atypia, numerous atypical mitotic figures and focal necrosis. The tumor cells focally involved the overlying epidermis (Paget’s disease). Large areas of mucin were identified throughout the lesion. The tumor cells stained with markers for cytokeratin 7 and focally for EMA and CEA, confirming ductal differentiation. The goblet cells and mucinous areas stained with mucicarmine and PASD. The patient was diagnosed with hidradenocarcinoma with mucinous differentiation. Associated Paget’s disease has only rarely been reported, and mucinous metaplasia is a previously unreported feature in hidradenocarcinoma.
Extinction risk under coloured environmental noise
Authors: Heino Mikko , Ripa Jörgen , Kaitala Veijo
Published: October 2008

Positively autocorrelated red environmental noise is characterized by a strong dependence of expected sample variance on sample length. This dependence has to be taken into account when assessing extinction risk under red and white uncorrelated environmental noise. To facilitate a comparison between red and white noise, their expected variances can be scaled to be equal, but only at a chosen time scale. We show with a simple one‐dimensional population dynamics model that the different but equally reasonable choices of the time scale yield qualitatively different results on the dependence of extinction risk on the colour of environmental noise: extinction risk might increase as well as decrease when the temporal correlation of noise increases.
Variation in the diet of the viperine snake Natvix mama in relation to prey availability
Authors: Santos Xavier , González‐Solis Jacob , Llorente Gustavo A.
Published: October 2008

The diet of the viperine snake was compared with food availability in the Ebro Delta, a wetland largely occupied by rice fields, in 1990 and 1991. Snake selection of prey type and size was studied seasonally and by snake group: males, females and immature snakes. Overall, feeding activity (percentage of individuals with prey and number of prey per stomach) increased with food availability. Diet analysis showed that viperine snakes mainly foraged on the green frog Rana perezi (adults and tadpoles) and the carp Cyprinus earpio. Conversely, viperine snakes rejected the mosquito fish Gambusia holbroki which is the most abundant species in autumn, when Natrix maura has a low feeding activity. Statistical comparisons between viperine snake diet and prey availability showed that males selected small carp, immature snakes selected tadpoles and, in spring, females selected frogs. The selection of small carp by males may reflect a sexual divergence of trophic niche related to sexual size dimorphism, as females are larger than males. As tadpoles are presumably easier to catch than fish, tadpole selection by immature individuals may reflect variance in capture abilities. In spring, the selection of frogs by females overlapped with vitellogenesis, suggesting that females compensate for the cost of reproduction by selecting green frogs, which have a greater biomass and higher energy content than fish. Carps eaten in spring were smaller than in summer. Moreover, in summer viperine snakes selected smaller carp than the available mean size. This divergent tendency between carp size selection and carp size availability reveals how seasonal diet shifts in prey size selection may be a response to an increase in prey size.
Oxidative stress causes alveolar bone loss in metabolic syndrome model mice with type 2 diabetes
Authors: Ohnishi T. , Bandow K. , Kakimoto K. , Machigashira M. , Matsuyama T. , Matsuguchi T.
Published: October 2008

Background and Objective:  Alveolar bone loss is caused by a host response to periodontal pathogens, and its progression is often enhanced by systemic conditions such as insulin resistance.Alveolar bone dehiscence has been observed in KK‐Ay mice, which are metabolic syndrome model mice with type 2 diabetes. The aim of this study was to investigate inducements responsible for alveolar bone dehiscence in the KK‐Ay mice.

Material and Methods:  The expression of endothelial nitric oxide synthase in the mandibles of mice was detected using immunohistochemical staining and the reverse transcription–polymerase chain reaction. After administration of N‐acetylcysteine, an antioxidant, to KK‐Ay mice, alveolar bone loss and the expression of endothelial nitric oxide synthase protein in gingival keratinocytes and of hydrogen peroxide concentrations in plasma, were analyzed. The effect of hydrogen peroxide on endothelial nitric oxide synthase expression in keratinocytes was examined using cultured keratinocytes.

Results:  The expression of endothelial nitric oxide synthase was decreased in gingival keratinocytes from KK‐Ay mice compared with gingival keratinocytes from control mice. Administration of N‐acetylcysteine to the mice restored endothelial nitric oxide synthase expression in the gingival keratinocytes, suppressed the alveolar bone loss and decreased the hydrogen peroxide concentrations in plasma without the improvement of obesity or diabetes. In vitro, stimulation with hydrogen peroxide decreased the expression level of endothelial nitric oxide synthase in cultured keratinocytes, which was restored by the addition of N‐acetylcysteine.

Conclusion:  Reactive oxygen species, such as hydrogen peroxide, are responsible for the alveolar bone loss accompanied by decreased endothelial nitric oxide synthase expression in KK‐Ay mice. Therefore, we propose a working hypothesis that the generation of oxidative stress is an underlying systemic condition that enhances alveolar bone loss in periodontitis occurring as a complication of diabetes.
Validation of a dental image analyzer tool to measure alveolar bone loss in periodontitis patients
Authors: Teeuw W. J. , Coelho L. , Silva A. , Van Der Palen C. J. N. M. , Lessmann F. G. J. M. , Van Der Velden U. , Loos B. G.
Published: October 2008

Background and Objective:  Radiographs are an essential adjunct to the clinical examination for periodontal diagnoses. Over the past few years, digital radiographs have become available for use in clinical practice. Therefore, the present study investigated whether measuring alveolar bone loss, using digital radiographs with a newly constructed dental image analyzer tool was comparable to the conventional method, using intra‐oral radiographs on film, a light box and a Schei ruler.

Material and Methods:  Alveolar bone loss of the mesial and distal sites of 60 randomly selected teeth from 12 patients with periodontitis was measured using the conventional method, and then using the dental image analyzer tool, by five dentists. The conventional method scored bone loss in categories of 10% increments relative to the total root length, whereas the software dental image analyzer tool calculated bone loss in 0.1% increments relative to the total root length after crucial landmarks were identified.

Results:  Both methods showed a high interobserver reliability for bone loss measurements in nonmolar and molar sites (intraclass correlation coefficient ≥ 0.88). Also, a high reliability between both methods was demonstrated (intraclass correlation coefficient nonmolar sites, 0.98; intraclass correlation coefficient molar sites, 0.95). In addition, the new dental image analyzer tool showed a high sensitivity (1.00) and a high specificity (0.91) in selecting teeth with ≥ 50% or < 50% alveolar bone loss in comparison with the conventional method.

Conclusion:  This study provides evidence that, if digital radiographs are available, the dental image analyzer tool can reliably replace the conventional method for measuring alveolar bone loss in periodontitis patients.
Cytokines differentially regulate CXCL10 production by interferon‐γ‐stimulated or tumor necrosis factor‐α‐stimulated human gingival fibroblasts
Authors: Hosokawa Y. , Hosokawa I. , Ozaki K. , Nakae H. , Matsuo T.
Published: October 2008

Background and Objective:  CXC chemokine 10 (CXCL10) activates CXC chemokine receptor 3 (CXCR3) and attracts activated T‐helper 1 cells. In this study we examined the effects of cytokines on CXCL10 production by human gingival fibroblasts.

Material and Methods:  Human gingival fibroblasts were exposed to pro‐inflammatory cytokines (interleukin‐1β, tumor necrosis factor‐α), a T‐helper 1 cytokine (interferon‐γ), T‐helper 2 cytokines (interleukin‐4, interleukin‐13), T‐helper 17 cytokines (interleukin‐17A, interleukin‐22) and regulatory T‐cell cytokines (interleukin‐10, transforming growth factor‐β1) for 24 h. CXCL10 production by human gingival fibroblasts was examined by enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay.

Results:  Human gingival fibroblasts produced CXCL10 protein upon stimulation with interleukin‐1β, tumor necrosis factor‐α and interferon‐γ. Treatment of human gingival fibroblasts with interferon‐γ in combination with tumor necrosis factor‐α or interleukin‐1β resulted in a synergistic production of CXCL10. However, interleukin‐4 and interleukin‐13 inhibited CXCL10 production by interferon‐γ‐stimulated or tumor necrosis factor‐α‐stimulated‐human gingival fibroblasts. On the other hand, interleukin‐17A and interleukin‐22 enhanced CXCL10 production by human gingival fibroblasts treated with interferon‐γ and inhibited CXCL10 production by tumor necrosis factor‐α‐stimulated human gingival fibroblasts. Furthermore, the anti‐inflammatory cytokine, interleukin‐10, inhibited CXCL10 production by both interferon‐γ‐ and tumor necrosis factor‐α‐stimulated human gingival fibroblasts, but transforming growth factor‐β1 enhanced interferon‐γ‐mediated CXCL10 production by human gingival fibroblasts.

Conclusion:  These results mean that the balance of cytokines in periodontally diseased tissue may be essential for the control of CXCL10 production by human gingival fibroblasts, and the production of CXCL10 might be important for the regulation of T‐helper 1 cell infiltration in periodontally diseased tissue.
Elevation of C‐reactive protein and interleukin‐6 in plasma of patients with aggressive periodontitis
Authors: Sun X. J. , Meng H. X. , Shi D. , Xu L. , Zhang L. , Chen Z. B. , Feng X. H. , Lu R. F. , Ren X. Y.
Published: October 2008

Background and Objective:  Systemic levels of C‐reactive protein and interleukin‐6 have been reported to be elevated in patients with periodontitis compared with periodontally healthy individuals. Most studies included patients with chronic periodontitis and comprised predominantly Caucasians. The aim of this study was to determine the relative levels of C‐reactive protein and interleukin‐6 in plasma of patients with aggressive periodontitis in China and to examine the relationships between these two inflammatory mediators and clinical parameters, peripheral blood cells and protein variables.

Material and Methods:  Plasma samples were collected from 84 patients with aggressive periodontitis and from 65 control subjects. Periodontal examination consisted of taking probing depth and attachment loss measurements. The levels of plasma C‐reactive protein and interleukin‐6 were determined using enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assays.

Results:  The levels of plasma C‐reactive protein in patients with aggressive periodontitis were significantly higher than those in control subjects (1.87 vs. 0.52 mg/L). The level of plasma interleukin‐6 in patients with aggressive periodontitis was 1.20 pg/mL, higher than that in control subjects (0.08 pg/mL). Multiple linear regression analysis showed that log C‐reactive protein was significantly related to severe sites percentage and albumin following correction for age, gender, body mass index and smoking (p = 0.000, p = 0.008, respectively). Log interleukin‐6 was found to be significantly correlated with periodontal diagnosis, leukocyte count and level of fasting blood glucose after adjusting for the confounders (p = 0.000, p = 0.009 and p = 0.013, respectively).

Conclusion:  Patients with aggressive periodontitis have significantly elevated levels of plasma C‐reactive protein and interleukin‐6. These elevated inflammatory factors might potentially increase the risk for cardiovascular events and glucose dysregulation in relatively young individuals.
Factors affecting human supragingival biofilm composition. I. Plaque mass
Authors: Haffajee A. D. , Teles R. P. , Patel M. R. , Song X. , Veiga N. , Socransky S. S.
Published: October 2008

Background and Objective:  Little is known about the factors that affect the microbial composition of supragingival biofilms. This study was designed to examine the relationship between total DNA probe counts of supragingival biofilm samples, clinical parameters and supragingival biofilm composition.

Material and Methods:  Supragingival plaque samples were taken from 187 systemically healthy adult subjects (n = 4745 samples). All samples were individually analyzed for their content of 40 bacterial species using checkerboard DNA–DNA hybridization. The relationship between total DNA probe counts and microbial composition was examined by subsetting the data into 10 groups based on 10 percentile increments of the total DNA probe counts. Differences among groups in terms of species counts and proportions were sought, as well as relationships of total plaque DNA probe count and clinical parameters.

Results:  There was a wide distribution in mean total DNA probe counts among the 187 subjects. With increasing total plaque levels there was a change in the proportions of individual species and microbial complexes. ‘Small plaques’ were characterized by high proportions of species in the yellow, orange, purple and ‘other’ complexes; plaques of moderate mass were characterized by high proportions of Actinomyces and purple complex species, while ‘large plaques’ exhibited increased proportions of green and orange complex species. Measures of gingival inflammation, pocket depth and recession were significantly positively associated with total DNA probe counts. Increased plaque numbers were related to increased pocket depth irrespective of presence or absence of gingival inflammation.

Conclusion:  The proportions of individual species and microbial complexes in supragingival biofilms are influenced by the total numbers of organisms in the biofilm.
Arginine/Lysine Residues in the Cytoplasmic Tail Promote ER Export of Plant Glycosylation Enzymes
Authors: Schoberer Jennifer , Vavra Ulrike , Stadlmann Johannes , Hawes Chris , Mach Lukas , Steinkellner Herta , Strasser Richard
Published: October 2008

Plant N‐glycan processing enzymes are arranged along the early secretory pathway, forming an assembly line to facilitate the step‐by‐step modification of oligosaccharides on glycoproteins. Thus, these enzymes provide excellent tools to study signals and mechanisms, promoting their localization and retention in the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) and Golgi apparatus. Herein, we focused on a detailed investigation of amino acid sequence motifs present in their short cytoplasmic tails in respect to ER export. Using site‐directed mutagenesis, we determined that single arginine/lysine residues within the cytoplasmic tail are sufficient to promote rapid Golgi targeting of Golgi‐resident N‐acetylglucosaminyltransferase I (GnTI) and α‐mannosidase II (GMII). Furthermore, we reveal that an intact ER export motif is essential for proper in vivo function of GnTI. Coexpression studies with Sar1p provided evidence for COPII‐dependent transport of GnTI to the Golgi. Our data provide evidence that efficient ER export of Golgi‐resident plant N‐glycan processing enzymes occurs through a selective mechanism based on recognition of single basic amino acids present in their cytoplasmic tails.
Auto‐inflammatory syndromes and oral health
Authors: Scully C , Hodgson T , Lachmann H
Published: October 2008

Auto‐inflammatory diseases (periodic syndromes) are rare childhood‐onset disorders which are characterized by fluctuating or recurrent episodes of fever and inflammation affecting serosal surfaces, joints, eyes and/or skin without significant autoantibody production or an identifiable underlying infection. They are disorders of innate immunity and the underlying genetic defect has been identified in most of the syndromes. Diagnosis relies on clinical symptoms and evidence of an elevated acute phase response during attacks, supported by finding mutations in the relevant genes. Several syndromes can lead to systemic AA amyloidosis. Aphthous‐like oral ulceration has been reported as one manifestation in several of the syndromes, including periodic fever, aphthous‐stomatitis, pharyngitis, adenitis (PFAPA) familial Mediterranean fever (FMF), hyperimmunoglobulinaemia D and periodic fever syndrome, tumour necrosis factor receptor associated periodic syndrome and pyogenic sterile arthritis, pyoderma gangrenosum, acne (PAPA). Chronic jaw recurrent osteomyelitis has been recorded in chronic recurrent multifocal osteomyelitis. Advances in the molecular pathogenesis of these syndromes and the regulation of innate immunity have enhanced diagnosis, and rationalized therapies. This article reviews the periodic fever syndromes relevant to oral health and the suggested association of FMF with Behçet’s disease.
Multiplexed immunobead‐based assay for detection of oral cancer protein biomarkers in saliva
Authors: Arellano‐Garcia ME , Hu S , Wang J , Henson B , Zhou H , Chia D , Wong DT
Published: October 2008

Objective:  For clinical applications of biomarkers, there is a need for multiplex assays using high throughput platforms. The objective of this study was to determine the efficacy of Luminex Multianalyte Profiling (xMAP) technology for measurement of salivary proteins and to evaluate whether multiplex assays are as effective as single‐plex assays and enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA).

Results:  The average levels of interleukin‐8 (IL‐8) from the single‐plex assay were 3313.2 ± 3759.8 pg ml−1 [oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC), n = 20] and 1061.7 ± 1978.8 pg ml−1 (control, n = 20). The IL‐1β average levels from the single‐plex assay were 945.2 ± 1134.8 pg ml−1 (OSCC, n = 20) and 314.2 ± 444.8 pg ml−1 (control, n = 20). The average levels of IL‐8 from the multiplex assay were 2834.9 ± 3385.6 pg ml−1 (OSCC, n = 20) and 947.3 ± 2036.8 pg ml−1 (control, n = 20). The IL‐1β average levels from the multiplex assay were 1013.5 ± 1221.1 pg ml−1 (OSCC, n = 20) and 376.3 ± 576.3 pg ml−1 (control, n = 20). The correlation coefficient between Luminex and ELISA assay for IL‐8 (n = 19) and IL‐1β (n = 19) was 0.91 and 0.84, respectively.

Conclusion:  Luminex xMAP single‐plex and multiplex assays are as effective as ELISA assays for quantification of proteins in saliva. Both IL‐8 and IL‐1β were expressed at significantly higher levels in OSCC subjects than in the matched healthy control subjects.
Identification of an antihypertensive peptide derived from chicken bone extract
Authors: NAKADE Koji , KAMISHIMA Ryosuke , INOUE Yusuke , AHHMED Abdulatef , KAWAHARA Satoshi , NAKAYAMA Tatsuo , MARUYAMA Masugi , NUMATA Masahiro , OHTA Kazuyoshi , AOKI Takayoshi , MUGURUMA Michio
Published: October 2008

A novel angiotensin‐converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitory peptide was isolated and purified from chicken bone extract by enzymatic digestion. The peptide was defined as an ACE inhibitor, and it demonstrated antihypertensive activity following oral administration to spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHRs). The results of this study suggest that peptides derived from an extract of chicken bones, administered orally, have the ability to reduce the blood pressure of SHRs significantly over a short period of time (3 h). Moreover, the blood pressure then remains low for 3 h. This peptide derived from chicken bones may therefore have great value as a short‐term remedy for chronic conditions such as high blood pressure. The amino acid sequence of the peptide was YYRA (Tyr‐Tyr‐Arg‐Ala), which was the origin of the Ig heavy chain V region (27–30 position). The IC50 value of its synthetic peptide was 33.9 μg/mL. We suggest that the ACE inhibitory and antihypertensive peptides derived from chicken bone extract may contribute to develop physiologically functional foods or improve food functionality.
Structural weakening of intramuscular connective tissue during postmortem aging of pork
Authors: NISHIMURA Takanori , FANG Suhong , ITO Toshiaki , WAKAMATSU Jun‐ichi , TAKAHASHI Koui
Published: October 2008

We studied structural changes in the endomysium and perimysium during postmortem aging of pork using the cell‐maceration/scanning electron microscope method. Immediately post mortem, endomysia sheaths that house individual muscle fibers displayed a honeycomb‐like structure. The sheaths of the endomysium consisted of tightly arranged collagen fibrils in a random network. The perimysium comprised several layers of wavy sheets made up of tightly bundled collagen fibers. While the structure of the intramuscular connective tissues remained almost unchanged up to five days post mortem, the endomysium had resolved into individual collagen fibrils, and the thick sheets of the perimysium had separated into collagen fibers and fibrils at 8 days post mortem. These results provide direct evidence for structural weakening of the endomysium and perimysium during postmortem aging of pork. The shear‐force value of raw pork decreased rapidly within six days post mortem and then decreased slowly until 14 days post mortem. Since the rapid increase in tenderness is mainly due to structural weakening of myofibrils, we conclude that the disintegration of the endomysium and perimysium contributes to tenderization of pork during extended postmortem aging.
The effect of approach direction and pace on flight distance of beef breeding cows
Authors: KOSAKO Takami , FUKASAWA Michiru , KOHARI Daisuke , OIKAWA Kumiko , TSUKADA Hideharu
Published: October 2008

The aim of this study is to determine the effect of approach direction and pace on flight distance of beef breeding cows. Five Japanese Black breeding cows were used as experimental cattle. Three approach directions were tested; that were the approach toward the head of the test cow from the front direction (FRONT), the approach toward to the foreleg of the test cow from the right or left (SIDE) and the approach toward to hind‐leg of the test cow diagonally from the right or left rear (BACK). Three levels of approach pace were also tested; that were the approach at a pace of 7 km/h, the approach at a pace of 4 km/h, and the approach at a pace of 1 km/h. The shortest distance between observer and cow's at the moment of the cow's withdrawal was defined as the flight distance. The flight distance in FRONT was significantly shorter than that in SIDE. The effect of the approach pace was significant. The faster an observer approached to cow, the greater the flight distance shown by the cow. The manner of approach to cattle markedly affects the flight distance. Therefore, the manner of approach to cattle must be standardized to measure flight distance for sharing results obtained by several researchers under various conditions.