bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Reproductive diversity and survival of the potential annual Diplotaxis harra (Forssk.) Boiss (Brassicaceae) in Egypt
Authors: Hegazy Ahmad K.
Published: August 2010

Diplotaxis harra is a common annual species in the desert of Egypt, The investigated population was located in Wadi Hof near Helwan city. Additional water in relatively wet years cause these ephemeral plants to live longer and become perennials. The species has ephemeral, modular and coppiced life‐cycles and may shift from a r‐ to a K‐selected strategy. The germinable seed bank represented 15,6% of the total seed rain, out of which only 0,03% established as adult plants. About 72.7% of the adult plants were ephemeral. 27.0% modular and 0.3% coppiced plants. The highest contribution of the seed rain came from modular plants and the lowest contribution from coppiced plants. The survivorship curve of the coppiced plants exhibited a combination of Deevey type I and III curves. The ephemeral and modular plants showed steep curves. In contrast to ephemeral plants, the coppiced plants attained the highest reproductive value and the lowest reproductive effort, while the modular plants demonstrated intermediate values. The active phonological cycle started earlier in coppiced plants than in the modular and ephemeral plants. The period from the start of vegetative growth lo shoot‐die back extends from mid‐December to early June in coppiced plants, from February to May in modular plants, and from late February to early May in ephemeral plants. The living stumps of the coppiced plants remained dormant during summer and autumn months. Seeds collected from coppiced plants attained high germinability and viability, while those from ephemeral and modular plants attained low values. Seed longevity was higher in the modular plants (> 10 yr) than in seeds of ephemeral and coppiced plants (7–8 yr). The high energy content of the seeds produced from different cohorts over ten years of storage enabled the population to maximize the germinability. viability and longevity of seeds despite the unpredictable environment. The potential annual behaviour of D. harra is mainly attained by the persistence of viable seed bank and root‐shoot stock. The ability to shift from a r‐ to a K‐selected life‐cycle, phenological variations among the different cohorts of the population, variations in seed longevity and energy content strengthen intra‐population interactions.
Are there body size implications for the success of globally introduced land birds?
Authors: Cassey Phillip
Published: August 2010

Verbal models have hypothesized a relation between body size and the successful introduction of animal species. This relation is largely based on studies of intrinsic rate of increase in what have been termed “colonizing” species. From these studies it has been predicted that introduction success should be negatively correlated with body size across taxa but positively correlated within closely related taxa. T examine this relation for globally introduced land birds. Introduced land birds are. on average, larger bodied than extant land bird species. Across species, families, and higher family nodes, global introduction success is significantly related to decreasing body size. However, within taxa there is a significant positive relationship between introduction success and body size. I discuss possible explanations for the observed relations and conclude that an indirect but genuine relationship between the introduction success of land birds and their body size is currently the most plausible.
Breeding occupancy and success of two hole‐nesting passerines: the impact of fragmentation caused by forestry
Authors: Huhta Esa , Jokimäki Jukka
Published: August 2010

We studied the distribution and the reproductive success of the pied flycatcher Ficedula hypoleuca and the redstart Phoenieurus phoenicurus in relation to forest patch size, edge type (clearcut vs natural), distance from the forest edge, and vegetation characteristics in a forest‐dominated landscape. Breeding performances were recorded in up to 72 forest patches during 1992–1994 for birds breeding in nest‐boxes. In the spring, breeding individuals of both species arrived earlier in large forest patches (> 1 ha) than in smaller ones. Pied flycatchers arrived earlier on clearcut edges than natural edges but in the redstart there was no preference for a particular edge type. The territory distance from the forest to open land edge did not affect the arrival dates of either species. In the case of the pied flycatcher, the proportion of unpaired males was highest in patches < 1 ha in size and in the case of the redstart this applied to patches < 5 ha in size. Pairing success was not related to the forest edge type or the nest's distance from the edge. Nest predation was not patch‐size nor edge‐related for either of the species, but in the combined data for both species nest predation was higher at clearcut edges than at natural edges. Clutch size, brood size and the survival of nestlings to the fiedgling stage (fledgling/egg. %) were independent of the patch size, edge type and nest's “distance from the forest edge.
Habitat models and their transfer for single and multi species groups: a case study of carabids in an alluvial forest
Authors: Bonn Aletta , Schröder Boris
Published: August 2010

Environmental factors influencing the occurrence of single species and multi species groups of carabids in alluvial forest al the River Elbe were determined with habitat suitability models. Two representative species for different ecotypes present in the investigated community.Agonum livensandPterostichus oblongopunctatus.were defined by means of a discriminant analysis. The two species differed greatly in their microhabitat distribution,Agonum livenswas chosen as target species for a multi species group of wetland species that inhabited the fringes of temporary waters in the forest. In contrast,P. oblongopunctatusshould represent species of deciduous forests. Using stepwise multiple logistic regression statistically significant habitat suitability models were estimated, reliably predicting the species” occurrence, A subsequent evaluation by cross‐validations and receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves indicated a high discriminatory power. A transfer of the model onto different data sets in time was applied to validate the model. Alternatively, a multi species habitat model, taking into account weighted occurrence data of the wetland species group, was estimated. In order to show that the chosen target species truly holds an umbrella effect upon the represented multi species group, we used ROC curves to indicate the transferability of the target species’ habitat model for the multi species group and vice versa.
Small‐scale patterns of species richness in Swedish semi‐natural grasslands: the effects of community species pools
Authors: Franzén Daniel , Eriksson Ove
Published: August 2010

Temperate semi‐natural grasslands are known for their high plant species richness at small spatial scales. We examined the variation in small‐scale species richness in a sample of 63 sites from Swedish semi‐natural grasslands, located as fragments in the modem landscape dominated by forest and agricultural land. Data were obtained from two spatial scales at each site. 1 dm2 and 4 m2. Using an analysis based on a Monte Carlo simulation, we found support for the species‐pool hypothesis: a high species richness at the I dm‐ scale was associated with high species richness at the 4 m2 scale. The conclusion from this pattern analysis would, however, be considerably strengthened if we could reduce the likelihood that other mechanisms than sampling from species pools of unequal size influence the pattern of small‐scale species richness. Additional analyses were made in order to identify such mechanisms. We examined whether four putative key traits: seed size, seed production, plant size and reproductive allocation were different among species at comparatively species‐rich vs species‐poor I dm’ plots. We found only a little evidence for such differences. There was a weak tendency that species in the plots with high species richness possessed larger (and fewer) seeds than species from species‐poor plots. Our results are congruent with the main prediction of the species pool model: variation in small‐scale species richness (1 dm2‐ scale) is basically a result of sampling from unequally sized community species pools (4 m2 scale). Variation in species richness between the 4 nr semi‐natural grassland “patches” may thus be sought for among mechanisms operating al larger spatial scales than 4 m2. We briefly discuss such mechanisms, based on other studies performed in the same study area.
Large‐scale spatial ecology of dung beetles
Authors: Roslin Tomas
Published: August 2010

Recent modelling work shows that the composition of local communities can be influenced by the configuration of the surrounding landscape, but many of these models assume that all community members display the same type of extinction‐colonization dynamics. I use Aphodius dung beetles to test the hypothesis that interspecific differences in habitat selection and dispersal capacity may translate into differences in spatial population dynamics, even among closely related species coexisting on the same resource. If this is true, then groups of species with different characteristics would show different responses to landscape configuration.

I first divided the area of Finland into a grid, and used collection records to describe regional variation in the Aphodius fauna of open cattle pastures. I then sampled dung beetles on 131 cattle farms, to examine whether the subset of species found on each farm was related to the density of pastures in the surrounding grid square. Finally, I used historical records to analyze changes in dung beetle communities during the last century, when there was great loss of pasture.

Overall, I found no relationship between landscape characteristics and the total proportion of the regional species pool that was found on each farm. However, the distribution of species among guilds with different habitat specificity did relate to the configuration of the landscape, and the pattern was most pronounced in a specialists species with limited dispersal. Associations between community structure and landscape configuration were superimposed on two much larger and stronger patterns: a large‐scale latitudinal gradient in regional species richness, and a decelerating gain of species to local communities with an increasing regional species pool. I conclude that ecological variation among community members is a crucial factor in the analysis of local community composition, and that local species richness should always be conditioned on regional richness.
Effects of spatial variation in food availability on spacing behaviour and demography of Eurasian red squirrels
Authors: Wauters Luc A. , Gurnell John , Preatoni Damiano , Tosi Guido
Published: August 2010

In heterogeneous habitats with limited resources, spacing behaviour will affect individual variation in breeding success and density of populations, and is thus of general interest to ecologists. We investigated how red squirrels Sciurus vulgaris adapt their social organisation to tine‐grained heterogeneity in habitat quality, studying spacing behaviour, habitat use and population dynamics in a forest in north Italy, characterised by a mosaic of high‐quality (chestnut‐pine) and poor‐quality patches. We compared the data with those from more homogeneous broadleaf and mixed woodlands with similar overall tree seed abundance (“stable” habitats). Squirrels lived at lower densities (pre‐breeding density 0.39‐0.58 ha‐1) than in “stable” habitats, although breeding rate was not reduced. Female breeding success was related to being primiparous as yearlings, and increased with body mass and proportion high‐quality habitat in the home range. Persistency rate of females was as in stable habitats, It was higher than male persistency, but immigration and recruitment rates were male biased, resulting in even sex‐ratio. All residents occupied high‐quality patches, and no subadults established a permanent home range in poor‐quality habitat. Home range and core‐area size was typically larger in males than in females and a male's core‐area overlapped those of other males and of females. Female core‐areas were overlapped by males but not. or very little, by other females (intrasexual territoriality). Home ranges, or core‐areas, were not smaller than in “stable” habitats, nor did we find a higher degree of core‐area overlap. We conclude that in patchy habitats dominant, resident red squirrels exclude dispersing animals from preferred, high‐quality habitat, producing a spacing pattern referred to as ideal despotic distribution, and that poor patches were only used temporarily by transient individuals, resulting in a reduction of density in comparison to populations in “stable” habitats.
Was high grouse hag in early 20th century Norway due to a program for extermination of small game predators?
Authors: Smedshaug Christian A.
Published: August 2010

A Norwegian program for extermination of (small game) predators (NPEP) was run during 1900‐ 1914, This initiative is believed to have caused larger small game stocks and more regional synchrony in rodents. To investigate the effectiveness of the NPEP time series of predators bountied (1885–1914), rodent dynamics (1885–1914), ptarmigan hunting index (1885–1914 and 1900/1‐1914), and willow ptarmigan and berry export statistics (1885–1914) were analyzed for three different regions: south, east and central Norway. In south and east Norway there were higher ptarmigan export in the period 1907–1914 than the years before, but not in central Norway. There was not bountied higher number of red fox. eagle or goshawk in any of the three regions when comparing years a) before and after 1900. and b) when comparing the periods 1900–1906 and 1907–1914. This suggests that predator removal was not the cause of increased ptarmigan export. The ptarmigan hunting index and rodent index for south and east Norway were correlated in the period 1885 1914, while the ptarmigan export from east Norway was correlated with berry export from the year before. However, for central Norway the rodent index was not correlated with the hunting index. There were cross correlation between berry and ptarmigan export with lag from minus one to nine years for south and east Norway, The NAO (North Atlantic Oscillation) ‐ an indication of the winter weather variation ‐ had higher values during 1900–1914 than 1885–1899, indicating moister and warmer winters in the last period. This analysis indicates that NPEP generally did not increase predator removal. The results suggest, however, that it was a series of years with high rodent density, that caused the increase in ptarmigan populations In south and cast Norway, which, in turn, may have been caused by favourable weather conditions leading to among others good berry crops. Conclusions based on old data series must, however, be drawn with caution.
Space use of the Siberian flying squirrel Ptevomys volans in fragmented forest landscapes
Authors: Selonen Vesa , Hanski IIpo K. , Stevens Paul C.
Published: August 2010

We studied the space use of the Siberian flying squirrel in fragmented forest landscapes in southern Finland in 1996‐ 1999. Twenty‐four adult males and 23 adult females were radio trucked in three different study areas. The use of different landscape elements by flying squirrels was compared to their availability using compositional analysis. Effects of fragmentation on flying squirrels were studied by comparing the use of different habitat types, number of used patches, and size of home range to the principal components formed from the landscape variables patch size, patch isolation, area of spruce‐dominated forests, and area of other habitats with trees.

Flying squirrels preferred spruce‐ and deciduous‐dominated forests, but other habitats with trees were also used for moving and foraging. These less preferred habitats connected spruce and deciduous forest patches in a matrix of open areas. Males used several separate patches of preferred habitat, but females usually stayed in one patch. The spacing behaviour of males was affected by the structure of the landscape in a way that home ranges were larger and males used more spruce patches in the more highly fragmented landscape. Home‐range size of females was not affected by the landscape structure. Basically, the space use of males seemed lo be reflected by the location and number of female home ranges. In the study area where female density was high, the home ranges of males were small. Our results give empirical evidence of the effects of habitat loss and landscape connectivity for the Siberian flying squirrel and the implications of these for the conservation of the species.
Effects of plant invasions on the species richness of abandoned agricultural land
Authors: Meiners Scott J. , Pickett Steward T. A. , Cadenasso Mary L.
Published: August 2010

While exotic plant invasions are thought to lead to declines in native species, the long‐term impacts of such invasions on community structure are poorly known. Furthermore, it is unknown how exotic plant invasions compare to invasions by native species. We present data from 40 yr of continuous vegetation sampling of 10 fields released from agriculture to examine the effects of invasions on species richness. The effects of both exotic and native species invasions on species richness were largely driven by variations among fields with most species not significantly affecting species richness. However, invasion and dominance by the exotics Agropyron repens, Lonicera japonica. Rosa multiflora. Trifolium pratense and the native Solidago canadensis were associated with declines in richness. Invasions by exotic and native species during old field succession have similar effects on species richness with dominance by species of either group being associated with loss of species richness. Exotic species invasions tended to have stronger effects on richness than native invasions. No evidence was found of residual effects of invasions because the impact of the invasion disappeared with the decline of the invading population. When pooled across species, heavy invasion by exotic species resulted in greater loss o species richness than invasion by native species. Studies of invasion that utilize multiple sites must account for variability among sites. In our study, had we no included field as a factor we would have incorrectly concluded that invasion consistently resulted in changes in species richness.
Spatio–temporal structure of earthworm community and soil heterogeneity in a tropical pasture
Authors: Decaëns Thibaud , Rossi Jean Pierre
Published: August 2010

The spatio–temporal structure of an earthworm community was assessed in a tropical Colombian pasture and compared with the patterns of soil heterogeneity. Earth–worms were sampled at six dates during a period of one year, while soil properties were assessed at a single date at the end of this period. Sample design was spatially explicit and consisted in a regular grid of 5 m mesh. At each date, 120 samples were taken for earthworm evaluations, while the single soil sampling consisted in 60 points, Multivariate and geostatistical analyses were performed to describe the spatial structure of collected data. Mantel and partial ManteTs tests were used to assess the links between the spatio‐temporal patterns of earthworm distribution and soil heterogeneity.

The results clearly demonstrated the existence of structured spatial patterns in the earthworm community which were stable in time, at least at the temporal scale concerned by the study period, it mostly corresponded to an alternation of patches where particular species assemblages dominated. The ecological significance of these assemblages is discussed. Soil properties also displayed a significant spatial organisation. Only a small part of the spatio–temporal structures of earthworm distribution was correlated with soil properties. Small species were more abundant in patches where soil was more compact, while large species were associated with high root biomass and total C levels. The question whether earthworm spatio–temporal distribution induces similar patterns in soil properties or the contrary occurs is discussed. Our results suggest that earthworm community organisation mostly corresponds to a non–equilibrium system where mobile earthworm populations influence soil properties. The overall effect of earthworm community on soil is difficult to assess due to the predominance of factors that preferentially express tbetnselves at large scales in the ecological hierarchy.
Long‐term demographic fluctuations of the spur‐thighed tortoise Testudo graeca in SW Spain
Authors: Díaz‐Paniagua Carmen , Keller Claudia , Andreu Ana C.
Published: August 2010

We assessed the dynamics of a population of spur‐thighed tortoises, Testudo graeca. placed under long‐term protection from human interference. We estimated demographic parameters and constructed vertical life tables based on age structures for two different study periods separated by a 12‐yr interval. Average age at maturity was 6.9 yr for males and 8.5 yr for females. Clutch size varied with female size, but tended to be constant among years. Average annual female fecundity over 9 yr was 8.4 eggs and decreased significantly in years of high rainfall. Females seemed to reproduce yearly, but with a constantly low output, probably maximising both their long‐term reproductive potential and the probability of producing offspring during favourable years for hatchling survival. Adult survival was high and constant between periods. Juvenile survivorship from egg to 6 yr and recruitment into the 5 8‐yr‐old cohorts were significantly higher in the second period. Life tables indicated a predominantly negative demographic trend for the first period, with an average population increase rate of 0.977. and an overall positive tendency for the second period, with an average increase rate of 1.091. These figures suggest that the population experienced a variation that was closer to the maximum estimates for the first period, mediated mainly by an increase in juvenile recruitment. The data indicate that, besides high adult survival rates, occasional high juvenile recruitment bouts may have an important regulatory effect on the population dynamics of Testudo graeca.
Relative importance of isolation, area and habitat heterogeneity for vascular plant species richness of temporary wetlands in east‐German farmland
Authors: Brose Ulrich
Published: August 2010

The purpose of this investigation was to explore the determinants of vascular plant species richness for temporary, isolated wetland habitats which are influenced by hydrologic gradients and characterized by variation in habitat area. The dependent variables total plant species richness and the number of obligate wetland species were analyzed consecutively. In regression analyses habitat area explained between 11 and 15% of the variation in the dependent variables. Habitat area was correlated with the heterogeneity of the hydroperiods between the upper and lower parts of the hydrologic gradients. In multivariate regression analyses, habitat heterogeneity accounted for 70‐77% of the variation in the dependent variables, and habitat area did not have a significant impact. The results are most consistent with the habitat heterogeneity hypothesis. I therefore concluded that area is a surrogate variable for habitat heterogeneity which directly enhances vascular plant species diversity. There was no significant impact of isolation on species richness. The data suggest that the expanses of agricultural fields are not an effective barrier to the dispersal of the studied plant species. Only 10 of,52 wetland species were negatively influenced by isolation. This group of species did not differ from the other wetland species with respect to dispersal strategies and longevity of seed banks. However, the longevity of the seed banks was generally high, and there was a dominance of species whose propagules are transported with the soil clinging to the feet of birds. The results are discussed in the context of accurate dispersal strategies and remnant populations, which may counteract the effects of isolation.
MICA and MICB overexpression in oral squamous cell carcinoma
Authors: Liu Chung‐Ji , Lui Man‐Tin , Chen Hsin‐Lan , Lin Shu‐Chun , Chang Kuo‐Wei
Published: August 2010

Background:  The concentration of MICA in serum seems be a good candidate marker in cancer. Previous studies from our laboratory have shown that the polymorphic MIC gene may confer a risk for oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC). The study investigated the expression levels of MICA and MICB of OSCC patients and cancer cell lines.

Material and methods:  We used RT‐PCR to analyze the mRNA expression of MICA and MICB in four oral cancer cell lines compared with three normal human oral keratinocyte (NHOK) cell lines and in tissues from 36 patients with OSCC comparing tumor tissue with non‐cancerous matched tissue (NCMT).

Results:  Endogenous MICB mRNA expression in OSCC cell lines was significantly higher than that in NHOK (1.40 ± 0.27 vs. 0.40 ± 0.16; P = 0.04). In 20 of 36 sets of tissue from patients with OSCC, MICB mRNA expression was higher in the cancerous tissue than in the NCMT. The mean MICB mRNA expression in OSCC tissues was significantly higher than in NCMT (0.39 ± 0.08 vs. 0.14 ± 0.03, P = 0.009, paired t‐test). A significantly lower MICA mRNA was found in patients who chewed areca nut compared with those who did not use areca (P = 0.001) and in patients with well‐differentiated tumors compared with those with less well‐differentiated tumors (P = 0.02).

Conclusion:  MICA and MICB mRNA expression may be increased in OSCC but there appears to be individual variation.
A case of extragingival peripheral ameloblasotoma in the buccal mucosa
Authors: Yamanishi Tadashi , Ando Shoji , Aikawa Tomonao , Kishino Mitsunobu , Nakano Yuko , Sasai Kimi , Isomura (Tanaka) Emiko , Tsuji Tadataka , Koizumi Hidehiko , Iida Seiji , Kogo Mikihiko
Published: August 2010

Peripheral ameloblastomas (PAs) of the extragingival areas are extremely rare. To the best of our knowledge, only five cases of extragingival PA have been reported. We present here a sixth case of extragingival PA of the buccal mucosa in an 80‐year‐old male. The tumor was surgically removed by blunt dissection and there is no evidence of recurrence for 7 months. We also discuss here the clinical characteristics, the origin, and the management of the tumor by reference to the relevant literature.
The feasibility of using infrared thermography to evaluate minor salivary gland function in euhydrated, dehydrated and rehydrated subjects
Authors: Lamey P‐J. , Biagioni P. A. , Al‐Hashimi I.
Published: August 2010

Background:  Infrared thermography technique (IRT) is utilized by a growing number of disciplines within medicine and dentistry. However, IRT has not been employed in the evaluation of salivary gland dysfunction. The purpose of this study was to examine the feasibility of using thermographic imaging in the evaluation of minor labial salivary gland function in subjects during euhydration, dehydration, and rehydration states.

Methods:  Ten subjects were studied. Upper labial minor salivary gland secretion was quantified whilst simultaneously visualizing lower minor salivary gland output thermographically during each state.

Results:  A significant difference was observed in the minor labial salivary flow among euhydrated, dehydrated and rehydrated, states. Despite the lack of statistical difference in the thermographic findings, IRT images reflected noticeable differences among the three hydration states.

Conclusion:  The overall results of this study suggest that IRT could potentially provide a valuable non‐invasive tool for evaluating the relationship between minor labial salivary gland function and hydration status.
Oral submucous fibrosis: study of 1000 cases from central India
Authors: Hazarey V. K. , Erlewad D. M. , Mundhe K. A. , Ughade S. N.
Published: August 2010

Background: Very few reports have been published on the gender specificity of oral submucous fibrosis (OSF) in relation to habit patterns and the severity of disease in the world literature. The purpose of the study was to ascertain the gender specificity for different habits and severity of OSF.

Methods: A hospital‐based cross‐sectional study on various habit patterns associated with OSF was performed in Nagpur over a 5‐year period. A total of 1000 OSF cases from 266 418 out patients comprised the study sample.

Results: The male‐to‐female ratio of OSF was 4.9:1. Occurrence of OSF was at a significant younger age group (<30 years) among men when compared with women (OR = 4.62, 3.22–6.63,P = 0.0001). Reduced mouth opening, altered salivation and altered taste sensation were found to be significantly more prevalent in women when compared with men. Exclusive areca nut chewing habit was significantly more prevalent in women (OR = 44.5, 25.4–79.8,P = 0.0001). Whereas significant increase forGutkha(Areca quid with tobacco) (OR = 2.33, 1.56–3.54,P = 0.0001) andkharra/Mawa(crude combination of areca nut and tobacco) (OR = 6.8, 4.36–11.06,P = 0.0001) chewing was found in men when compared with women.

Conclusions: There is a marked difference in literacy, socioeconomic status, areca nut chewing habits, symptoms and disease severity in women when compared with men in the central Indian population.
Osteopontin as biomarker in early invasion by squamous cell carcinoma in tongue
Authors: Matsuzaki H. , Shima K. , Muramatsu T. , Ro Y. , Hashimoto S. , Shibahara T. , Shimono M.
Published: August 2010

Background:  Osteopontin (OPN) expression in squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) of the tongue has not been clearly elucidated.

Methods:  We selected 46 cases of tongue SCC and investigated the expression of OPN by immunohistochemical staining. The immunopositive reaction and score for each case were semiquantitatively evaluated.

Results:  Scores were significantly higher in carcinoma nests than in neighboring normal epithelium or epithelial dysplasia. The OPN was expressed clearly in the cytoplasm of carcinoma cells. In cases of early invasive carcinoma, in particular, expression of OPN showed a remarkable increase at the invasion front compared with the non‐invaded regions. However, there was no significant correlation between expression of OPN in the primary tumor nest and lymphatic metastasis, recurrence, or survival rate.

Conclusion:  This suggests that OPN is a useful biomarker of early invasion by SCC in tongue.
The management of fistulizing oral Crohn's disease with infliximab
Authors: Staines K. S. , Green R. , Felix D. H.
Published: August 2010

A 20‐year‐old female patient with oral Crohn's disease developed a fistula in her neck from a focus of intra‐oral infection. Despite repeated courses of antimicrobial therapy over a period of several months, the fistula failed to resolve. However, following administration of infliximab, a monoclonal antitumour necrosis factor‐α antibody, the fistula resolved spontaneously without the need for any further treatment.
Altered CD40 and E‐cadherin expression – putative role in oral lichen planus
Authors: Neppelberg E. , Loro L. L. , Øijordsbakken G. , Johannessen A. C.
Published: August 2010

Background:  Oral lichen planus (OLP) is characterized among other features by apoptosis of basal keratinocytes. To identify potential regulatory mechanisms associated with basal cell apoptosis in OLP, we investigated the expression of CD40, CD40 ligand (CD40L), CD44 and epithelial (E)‐cadherin.

Methods:  Biopsies from 22 patients with OLP were investigated by immunohistochemistry for detection of CD40, CD40L, E‐cadherin, CD44, Laminin‐5 and Collagen IV, double‐labelling for CD40 and CD3, and in situ mRNA hybridization for CD40 and CD40L.

Results:  In actively diseased areas of OLP lesions, basal keratinocytes did not express CD40 and were focally E‐cadherin‐negative, in contrast to non‐diseased areas and normal oral mucosa. Demonstration of intraepithelial T cells expressing CD40 and CD40L, indicates a potential role in inflammatory cell responses involved in the disease process of OLP.

Conclusion:  T cells may orchestrate inflammatory cell responses in OLP via CD40–CD40L interactions. As basal keratinocytes downregulate CD40, they may escape CD40–CD40L‐induced apoptosis in OLP. On the other hand, loss of E‐cadherin expression may contribute to epithelial basal cell destruction and T‐cell migration into the epithelial compartment in OLP.
Foreign body gingival lesions: distribution, morphology, identification by X‐ray energy dispersive analysis and possible origin of foreign material
Authors: Koppang Hanna Strømme , Roushan André , Srafilzadeh Ali , Stølen Steinar Ørbeck , Koppang Rolf
Published: August 2010

Background:  Foreign material may cause and aggravate gingival lesions. This is rarely considered clinically. The lesions are resistant to frequently protracted conventional therapy. The foreign material is often inconspicuous and easily overlooked by the pathologist.

Methods:  85 cases of gingival lesions containing foreign material were investigated by conventional and polarization light microscopy, focusing on the morphology and optical characteristics of the foreign substance. Supplemented with the results of X‐ray energy dispersive analysis the foreign material was compared with commonly used dental materials.

Results:  The foreign material was most frequently compatible with amalgam. Inconspicuous crystals, often revealed only by polarization microscopy, were most commonly compatible with abrasives, particularly corundum and silicates, and mostly occurred together with amalgam dust.

Conclusions:  Iatrogenic introduction of dental materials during dental procedures explains most foreign body gingival lesions which could be reduced or avoided by prophylactic measures. Pathologists should meticulously scrutinize gingival biopsies routinely applying polarization microscopy.
Adenomatoid odontogenic tumor: a report of a rare case with recurrence
Authors: Chuan‐Xiang Zhou , Yan Gao
Published: August 2010

Adenomatoid odontogenic tumor (AOT) is an uncommon tumor of odontogenic origin, composed of odontogenic epithelium in a variety of histoarchitectural patterns, and characterized by slow but progressive growth. Generally, recurrences seldom, if ever, occur after surgical curettage, while here we report an extremely rare case of AOT with recurrence. The patient was a 36‐year‐old Chinese man who presented with a palpable bony‐hard swelling in the anterior maxillary region initially at the age of 16 and the lesion recurred twice over a 20‐year period. The tumor was diagnosed as AOT with well‐defined unilocular radiolucency shown in X‐ray graphs and solid nodule of cuboidal or columnar cells of odontogenic epithelium forming typical nests or rosette‐like structures as well as characteristic duct‐like spaces in histologic findings.
Relative frequency of intra‐oral minor salivary gland tumors: a study of 380 cases from northern California and comparison to reports from other parts of the world
Authors: Buchner Amos , Merrell Phillip W. , Carpenter William M.
Published: August 2010

Background:  The relative frequency of individual intra‐oral minor salivary gland tumors (IMSGT) is not well documented in the literature. The aim of this study was to determine the relative frequency and distribution of IMSGT in an oral pathology biopsy service and to compare the data with similar studies from different parts of the world.

Methods:  Files from the Pacific Oral and Maxillofacial Pathology Laboratory of the University of the Pacific, San Francisco, California served as a source of material for this study. Files were systematically searched for all cases of IMSGT during a 20‐year period. Tumors were classified according to the 2005 WHO classification of salivary gland tumors.

Results:  IMSGT were identified in 380 (0.4%) cases of 92 860 accessed. This is the largest series of IMSGT from one source reported in recent years. Of the 380 tumors, 224 (59%) were benign and 156 (41%) were malignant. Of the benign tumors, pleomorphic adenoma (PA) was the most common (39.2%), followed by cystadenoma (6.3%), canalicular adenoma (6.1%), ductal papillomas (4.4%), basal cell adenoma (1.6%), and myoepithelioma (1.3%). Of the malignant tumors, mucoepidermoid carcinoma was the most common (21.8%), followed by polymorphous low‐grade adenocarcinoma (7.1%), adenoid cystic carcinoma (6.3%), adenocarcinoma, not otherwise specified (NOS; 2.1%), acinic cell carcinoma (1.6%), clear cell carcinoma, NOS (1.0%), and carcinoma ex PA (0.5%).

Conclusions:  Studies related to the relative frequency of individual IMSGTs from different parts of the world are difficult to compare because many studies are outdated, the number of cases is small, the list of tumors is limited, and new entities are not included. To determine the true relative frequency, more studies should be conducted, on a large number of cases from one source, by experienced pathologists in the field of salivary gland tumors.
Overexpression of cyclooxygenase‐2 correlates with cytoplasmic HuR expression in salivary mucoepidermoid carcinoma but not in pleomorphic adenoma
Authors: Cho Nam‐Pyo , Han Hye‐Suk , Soh Yunjo , Son Hyun‐Jin
Published: August 2010

Background:  The overexpression of cyclooxygenase (COX)‐2 in several human carcinomas suggests that COX‐2 is related to carcinogenesis. Although COX‐2 expression has been shown to be up‐regulated in carcinomas of the salivary gland, its mechanisms are not completely understood. HuR is an mRNA‐binding protein that controls the stability of certain transcripts including COX‐2.

Methods:  The expression of COX‐2 and HuR was determined by immunohistochemistry in 28 cases of salivary pleomorphic adenoma and 18 cases of salivary mucoepidermoid carcinoma.

Results:  28.6% and 72.2% of the pleomorphic adenomas and mucoepidermoid carcinomas showed high COX‐2 expression respectively. 35.7% of pleomorphic adenomas and 72.2% of mucoepidermoid carcinomas were tested positive for HuR in the cytoplasm of tumor cells. There was a correlation between a high COX‐2 immunoreactivity and cytoplasmic HuR expression in mucoepidermoid carcinomas but not in pleomorphic adenomas.

Conclusion:  This study suggests that cytoplasmic HuR is correlated with COX‐2 expression in salivary mucoepidermoid carcinomas. In addition, the immunoreactivity of COX‐2 and cytoplasmic HuR might be used to evaluate the nature of a borderline malignancy in the salivary glands.
A possible CD1a Langerhans cell–mast cell interaction in chronic hyperplastic candidosis
Authors: Ali Ahmed , Rautemaa Riina , Hietanen Jarkko , Beklen Arzu , Konttinen Yrjö
Published: August 2010

Aims:  T lymphocyte–antigen‐presenting cell (APC) interaction plays a central role in T lymphocyte activation and APC maturation. We therefore studied the CD1a‐positive Langerhans cells with respect to receptor activator of nuclear factor kappa B ligand (RANKL)‐positive cells in chronic hyperplastic candidosis (CHC).

Materials and methods:  Tissue sections of CHC were compared with leukoplakia and healthy oral mucosa using RANKL and CD1a monoclonal antibodies in an avidin–biotin peroxidase complex protocol. Two different antigen‐retrieval protocols, pepsin preincubation and Tris–EDTA heat treatment, were used.

Results:  CD1a‐positive Langerhans cells were in healthy and leukoplakia epithelium found in the middle layer, but in CHC in all layers of the epithelium, at the basement membrane and as mononuclear round cells in the lamina propria. Use of pepsin digestion enabled studies of mast cells and their activation in the form of degranulation of RANKL.

Conclusions:  The numerical, morphological and topographical versatility of the CD1a‐positive Langerhans cells in CHC can be clarified by dendritic cell (DC) recruitment into the epithelium. RANK‐positive and RANKL‐sensitive DCs have ample opportunity to interact with local T lymphocytes. Use of an optimized antigen‐retrieval protocol enabled demonstration of an active engagement (degranulation) of mast cells, which represent a rapidly available source of soluble RANKL.
Frequent high telomerase reverse transcriptase expression in primary oral squamous cell carcinoma
Authors: Freier Kolja , Pungs Susanne , Flechtenmacher Christa , Bosch Franz X. , Lichter Peter , Joos Stefan , Hofele Christof
Published: August 2010

Background:  Gene copy number gain of chromosomal arm 5p is frequently found in oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) suggesting the activation of proto‐oncogenes. TERT is a candidate gene encoding for human telomerase reverse transcriptase (hTERT). The aim of the present study was to elucidate the relevance of TERT copy number gain and high hTERT expression in OSCC.

Methods:  Fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) for TERT and immunohistochemistry (IHC) for hTERT were performed to analyze TERT copy numbers and hTERT expression, respectively, on tissue microarray (TMA) sections including n = 247 OSCC and n = 105 pharyngeal and laryngeal squamous cell carcinomas (PSCC/LSCC).

Results:  Increased hTERT protein expression was more frequently found in OSCC (71.1%, 155/218) than in PSCC/LSCC (36.0%, 35/89) (P < 0.001). By contrast, specific TERT amplifications were less common in OSCC (2.1%, 4/191) compared with PSCC/LSCC (9.9%, 8/81) (P = 0.047).

Conclusions:  High hTERT expression is a frequent finding in OSCC. It might be a promising target for the development of specific anti‐neoplastic therapy approaches.
Up‐regulation of vascular endothelial growth factor in synovial fibroblasts from human temporomandibular joint by hypoxia
Authors: Ke Jin , Liu Yu , Long Xing , Li Jian , Fang Wei , Meng Qinggong , Zhang Yufeng
Published: August 2010

Introduction:  Enhanced expression of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) has been described in patients with internal derangement (ID). Herein, we examined the expression of VEGF in synovial fibroblasts from temporomandibular joint (TMJ) under hypoxia and investigated the regulation of hypoxia‐inducible factor‐1α (HIF‐1α) involved in the expression of VEGF.

Methods:  Synovial fibroblasts were prepared from human TMJ. These cells were incubated under hypoxia or normoxia for the indicated time periods. VEGF levels in cultured supernatant were measured by an ELISA. VEGF mRNA isoforms and stability were assessed using RT‐PCR and Northern blot analysis respectively. HIF‐1α accumulation was evaluated by Western blotting and immunofluorescence.

Results:  VEGF were significantly induced by hypoxia in synovial fibroblasts. In response to hypoxia, VEGF121 and VEGF165 mRNA were both remarkably increased, while there was no change in VEGF mRNA stability. The accumulation and nuclear translocation of HIF‐1α occurred under hypoxia.

Conclusions:  Hypoxia may mainly induce the expression of VEGF121 and VEGF165 in synovial fibroblasts to promote inflamed angiogenesis of TMJ. HIF‐1α, which is clearly activated in response to hypoxia, may control the expression of VEGF in synovial fibroblasts from TMJ.
Immunohistochemical characterization of capsular cells in neuromuscular spindles of the neck
Authors: Triantafyllou Asterios
Published: August 2010

Background:  To identify capsular components of neuromuscular spindles in man by means of immunohistochemistry.

Methods:  Investigation of histologically observed neuromuscular spindles in surgical specimens with the use of markers for sheath cells and basement membranes.

Results:  Epithelial membrane antigen and CD34 immunoreactivities were found in the outer and inner capsular layers, respectively. S‐100 protein was not expressed in the capsules and there was more collagen type IV than laminin.

Conclusions:  Cells resembling perineurial cells and endoneurial fibroblasts, and basement membrane rich in collagen type IV comprise the capsules of neuromuscular spindles.
Sentinel lymph nodes in cancer of the oral cavity: is central step‐sectioning enough?
Authors: Thomsen Jørn Bo , Christensen Rikke Kølby , Sørensen Jens Ahm , Krogdahl Annelise
Published: August 2010

Background:  Extended histopathologic work‐up has increased the detection of micrometastasis in sentinel lymph nodes in malignant melanoma and breast cancer. The aim of this study was to examine if (A) step‐sectioning of the central 1000 μM at 250 μM levels with immunostaining were accurate when compared with (B) step‐sectioning and immunostaining of the entire sentinel lymph node at 250 μM levels.

Methods:  Forty patients with T1/T2 cN0 oral cancer were enrolled. Three patients were excluded. In one patient no sentinel lymph node was identified. The remaining two had unidentified sentinel lymph nodes due to lymphoscintigraphic and surgical sampling error. The central 1000 μM of 147 sentinel lymph nodes were step‐sectioned in 250‐μm intervals and stained with hematoxylin and eosin and CK‐KL1. All lymph nodes were recorded as negative or positive for macrometastases or micrometastases. After inclusion of the last patient the residual tissue of the lymph nodes was totally step‐sectioned at 250‐μm intervals and re‐classified. The tumor deposits were divided into macrometastases and micrometastases and ITC.

Results:  Method (A) upstaged 17 lymph nodes and 11 patients compared with method (B), which upstaged 22 lymph nodes and 11 patients. Seven of the patients with positive lymph nodes did not change stage. However, four lymph nodes changed from micrometastases to macrometastases. One patient changed from a micrometastasis to four micrometastases. One pN2c patient with bilateral micrometastases did not change stage, but an additional ipsilateral lymph node with a micrometastasis was identified.

Conclusion:  Larger tumor deposits and more metastases are identified by more extensive sectioning of the sentinel lymph nodes. None of the patients was false‐negative due to histopathologic sampling error, but the results indicate that central step‐sectioning of the central 1000 μM cannot completely be relied upon for accurate staging of the patients.
Stromal myofibroblasts in central giant cell granuloma of the jaws cannot distinguish between non‐aggressive and aggressive lesions
Authors: Vered Marilena , Nasrallah Warda , Buchner Amos , Dayan Dan
Published: August 2010

Objective:  To investigate correlations between myofibroblast density (MFD) and biological behavior of a large series of non‐aggressive and aggressive central giant cell granuloma lesions (CGCGs).

Methods:  Twenty‐four non‐aggressive and 17 aggressive lesions were immunohistochemically stained with alpha smooth muscle actin. MFD was assessed using the point counting method in the lesions’ core tissue and in control areas that consisted of non‐involved, connective tissue surrounding the lesion.

Results:  All CGCGs contained myofibroblasts among the stromal cells. No significant differences were found in the mean percentage of MFD (%MFD) of non‐aggressive (20.8 ± 15.7%) and aggressive (23.7 ± 22.9%) lesions (P > 0.05) or in the mean %MFD of the respective control areas (1.4 ± 2.2% and 1.7 ± 4.1%; P > 0.05). The mean core tissue %MFD of both lesion types was significantly higher than that of the control areas (P < 0.001).

Conclusion:  Myofibroblasts were an integral component of CGCG stromal cells, but their density could not distinguish between non‐aggressive and aggressive lesions.