bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Mapping pre‐ and post‐ fledging foraging locations of thick‐billed murres in the North Water polynya
Authors: Falk Knud , Antonia Luigi Dalľ , Benvenutti Silvano
Published: August 2010

In this study of thick‐ billed murres in high‐ arctic Greenland we used electronic data loggers and satellite transmitters (PTTs) to identify the foraging areas of chick‐rearing adults, and to map the routes and staging areas of adults accompanying post‐fledging chicks during their swimming migration within the North Water (NOW) polynya. During the pre‐fledging period the majority of 19 foraging trips performed by 8 birds went to a shelf area north of the colony where 83% of all dives took place. Individual birds headed in different directions during successive trips, and went up to 47 km from the colony. Upon fledging the four PTT‐tagged adult/chick pairs initiated swimming migration by heading south‐west from the colony. All pairs moved fast until they arrived at a shallow bank area ca 180 km from the colony, where at least two of the pairs remained for more than a week. Speed during the active migration averaged 2.5 km h‐1 with a peak of 6.6 km h‐1. In the pre‐fledging period the birds utilised a feeding area outside the normal foraging range of murres from other colonies. Similarly, post‐fledging adult/chick pairs may have benefitted from reduced food competition when they moved to a staging area situated at the only shallow area in the polynya without any adjacent murre colony. This initial study suggested that the high‐arctic murres did not hasten towards the wintering grounds, and that the NOW remained important even to post‐fledging murres.
A comparative study of interspecific variation in fruit size among Australian eucalypts
Authors: Murray Brad R. , Gill A. Malcolm
Published: August 2010

We examined variation in woody fruit size among 362 Australian Eucalyptus species with respect to predictions relating fruit size to fire exposure and rainfall. Predictions for fruit size variation were established that focussed on selection for small or large seeds, given a positive allometric relationship between fruit and seed size within the genus, and on the potential for fruits to protect their valuable seed contents. Comparatively smaller fruits were found in species that continually experience frequent disturbance by fire, while both small and large fruits were found among species subjected to both short and long fire intervals. In the latter case where a broad range of fire intervals is possible, some species have adopted a strategy of producing small seeds that provide superior colonisation ability in disturbed conditions, while other species have adopted a strategy of producing large seeds which are more competitive during longer intervals between disturbance by fire. Only when taxonomic membership at the subgeneric level was accounted for in analyses across all species, did a significant relationship emerge between fruit size and rainfall independently of fire interval and plant height; comparatively larger fruits were found in species experiencing lower average annual rainfall in the subgenera Eucalyptus and Symphyomyrtus. In contrast to previous studies, larger fruits were found only in short species, while small fruits were found in both short and tall species. Many short species have adopted a strategy of protecting their seeds from high fire intensity by producing larger fruit. Since tall species can elevate their fruit far above high fire intensity, they make considerable energy savings by producing smaller fruit. It remains an open question as to why small fruit size occurs in some short species, but we suggest that these species may invest more heavily in vegetative regrowth after fire than in re‐establishment by seed.
Nest‐predation at the edge: an experimental study contrasting two types of edges in the dry Chaco, Paraguay
Authors: Erikson Lena M. , Edenius Lars , Areskoug Veronika , Meritt Dennis A.
Published: August 2010

Forest fragmentation leads to the creation of isolated forest patches with subsequent impact on forest‐interior flora and fauna. Forested corridors have been suggested to alleviate some of the impact by increasing the connectivity between remnant forest patches. However, both fragmentation and corridors increase the ratio of edge to core habitat. We studied nest predation of artificial nests at edges between I) contiguous forests and pastures and 2) forested corridors and pastures, in a forest‐dominated landscape in the dry Chaco, Paraguay, The aim was lo determine if nest predation was higher near habitat edges compared to within forests and pastures, with special emphasis on edges at forested corridors. We found that predation rates were similar at edges and in interior habitats. Nest predation was higher for both ground and shrub nests in forested areas than in pastures, Predation rates were also higher for both ground and shrub nests at edges along forested corridors compared to edges neighbouring contiguous forests. Forested corridors connecting contiguous forests may thus act as an ecological sink for some species breeding here. Analysis of predator categories revealed that ground nests in pastures were relatively more depredated by mammals and less by birds, compared to both shrub nests in pastures and ground nests in forests.
Induction of inflammatory reactions by lipopolysaccharide in hamster sebaceous glands and pilosebaceous units in vivo and in vitro
Authors: Iinuma Katsuhiro , Sato Takashi , Akimoto Noriko , Kurihara Hirokazu , Ito Akira
Published: August 2010

Abstract:  Lipopolysaccharide (LPS) from Gram‐negative bacteria has been reported to exert inflammatory reactions in epidermis, dermis, and sebaceous glands. Here, we demonstrated that the intradermal administration of Escherichia coli‐derived LPS, three times a week for 4 weeks, to hamster auricle skin did not influence sebaceous morphology or sebum accumulation in sebaceous glands but in fact induced epidermal thickness. In addition, the administration of LPS, once a day for 2 days, augmented the production of cyclooxygenase 2 (COX‐2) in sebaceous glands. Furthermore, LPS increased the production of prostaglandin F2α (PGF2α) in hamster sebocytes. Moreover, the production of progelatinase A/promatrix metalloproteinase 2 (proMMP‐2) was transcriptionally augmented by LPS and PGF2α in hamster sebocytes. Therefore, these results suggest that LPS directly increases inflammation by augmenting COX‐2, PGF2α, and the PGF2α‐mediated proMMP‐2 production in sebaceous glands as well as epidermal inflammatory events in skin disorders including acne and folliculitis.
Hereditary benign intraepithelial dyskeratosis: a new case?
Authors: Jham Bruno Correia , Mesquita Ricardo Alves , Aguiar Maria Cássia Ferreira , Carmo Maria Auxiliadora Vieira
Published: August 2010

Hereditary benign intraepithelial dyskeratosis (HBID) is a rare disorder first described in 1960. To date, all but one published case trace their ancestry back to an Indian tribe in North Carolina. Affected patients usually develop asymptomatic ocular and oral lesions. The latter may resemble other dermatologic conditions that affect the oral mucosa, such as white sponge nevus. This report describes a case of a Brazilian patient who showed clinical and histological features of HBID, which appears to be the first reported case in South America. Although genetic analysis could not be carried out, the family history suggests a genetic etiology.
Highly sensitive detection of HPV‐DNA in paraffin sections of human oral carcinomas
Authors: Koyama Koichi , Uobe Kenichi , Tanaka Akio
Published: August 2010

Background:  Although human papillomavirus (HPV) infection has been shown to be a significant carcinogen in cervical squamous cell carcinoma (SCC), its significance in oral SCC remains unclear.

Methods:  We developed highly sensitive detection methods for HPV to elucidate the prevalence and localization of HPV in paraffin sections from human oral SCC using modified in situ polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and in situ hybridization AT tailing (ISH‐AT). Analyses revealed a high prevalence of several HPV types (HPV‐16, ‐18, ‐22, ‐38 and ‐70) under optimal conditions. The ISH‐AT method can be used as an alternative to in situ PCR.

Results:  Various staining patterns were observed in the 20 cases examined, and HPV‐positive cells were localized within the surface epithelium as well as in neoplastic cells. We demonstrated that HPV‐DNA could be detected in paraffin sections using either the method of in situ PCR or ISH, providing an appropriate primer and probe are used.

Conclusion:  These results suggest that HPV infection could be one of several risk factors being involved in oral SCC.
Malignant transformation in 1458 patients with potentially malignant oral mucosal disorders: a follow‐up study based in a Taiwanese hospital
Authors: Hsue Shue‐Sang , Wang Wen‐Chen , Chen Chung‐Ho , Lin Cheng‐Chung , Chen Yuk‐Kwan , Lin Li‐Min
Published: August 2010

Background:  It is generally accepted that the development of cancer in the oral mucosa is preceded by an identifiable non‐invasive precursor lesion. The aim of this follow‐up study was to estimate the rate and the time to transformation in a group of patients from southern Taiwan with potentially malignant oral epithelial lesions.

Methods:  The follow‐up time is defined as the duration between the onset of the initial diagnosis and the occurrence of confirmed oral cancer. A total of 1458 patients with histological diagnoses of various pre‐malignant oral lesions were followed up between 1991 and 2001. The average age at initial diagnosis was 47.5 years. The histological diagnoses were divided into six categories: epithelial dysplasia with hyperkeratosis/epithelial hyperplasia (8.85%); epithelial dysplasia with submucous fibrosis (2.54%); submucous fibrosis (27.57%); hyperkeratosis/epithelial hyperplasia (29.01%); lichen planus (9.80%) and verrucous hyperplasia (22.22%).

Results:  Within the cohort of 1458 patients, 44 patients progressed to oral cancer in the same site as the initial lesions with an overall transformation rate of 3.02% and a mean follow‐up time of 42.64 months. Eight of the 166 patients with dysplastic lesions and 15 of 423 patients with hyperkeratosis/epithelial hyperplasia progressed to malignancy. The other patients with malignant transformation originated from various pre‐cancerous oral lesions and conditions (submucous fibrosis, eight of 402; lichen planus, three of 143; verrucous hyperplasia, 10 of 324).

Conclusion:  These results indicate that patients with pre‐malignant oral lesions need long‐term follow up.
Comparison of salivary calmodulin binding proteins in Sjögren's syndrome and healthy individuals
Authors: Deming Fanasy P. , Al‐Hashimi Ibtisam , Haghighat Nasser , Hallmon William W. , Kerns David G. , Abraham Celeste , Rivera‐Hidalgo Francisco
Published: August 2010

Background:  Reduction in salivary secretion is the hallmark of Sjögren's syndrome (SS). Calmodulin (CaM) and calmodulin binding proteins (CaMBPs) play a key role in the secretory process of saliva. Recent studies have suggested that SS‐B, an autoantibody associated with SS, is a CaMBP. This finding suggests that CaMBP may contribute to the loss of saliva in SS. To better understand the role(s) of these proteins in SS, the purpose of this study was to compare salivary CaMBPs in Sjögren's patients and controls.

Methods:  Saliva samples were collected from 20 patients and 20 age‐, race‐, and gender‐matched controls. CaM overlay was used to identify CaMBPs in saliva of patients and controls.

Results:  Higher number of salivary CaMBPs was observed among patients than controls.

Conclusions:  The increased number of salivary CaMBPs in SS may suggest a potential role for these proteins in the pathogenesis of the disease.
Claudins 1, 4, 5, 7 and occludin in ameloblastomas and developing human teeth
Authors: Bello Ibrahim O. , Soini Ylermi , Slootweg Pieter J. , Salo Tuula
Published: August 2010

Background:  To analyze the distribution pattern of claudins 1, 4, 5, 7 and occludin in benign and malignant ameloblastomas and developing human teeth.

Methods:  Paraffin‐embedded tissue specimens of 25 benign and four malignant ameloblastomas and two developing human teeth were examined immunohistochemically using antibodies against claudins 1, 4, 5, 7 and occludin.

Results:  In ameloblastomas strongest expression was seen for claudins 1 and 7 while claudin 4 was expressed less frequently. Claudin 5 and occludin were seen only in a minority of cases. There were no evident differences in the expression of claudins or occludin neither between different histologic subtypes of ameloblastomas nor between benign or malignant cases. The strongest expression for claudins was present in the central stellatum reticulum‐like cells surrounding the microcysts and in the areas with squamous differentiation of the ameloblastomas. In developing teeth both claudin 1 and 7 stained strongly in the enamel epithelium, ameloblasts, and enamel matrix, but staining for claudin 4 was relatively weak. Claudin 5 was preferentially expressed only in vessels, and occludin staining ranged from negative to weak in ameloblastomas and teeth germs.

Conclusion:  There were no clear differences in the expression levels between benign and malignant ameloblastic tumors. The overexpression of claudins in the areas with microcyst formation may indicate their attempt to maintain the interepithelial cohesion of the cells. The strong immunoreactivity of ameloblasts and newly synthesized enamel matrix for claudins 1 and 7 indicates that they may be involved in cell signaling influencing enamel formation.
Collagen XVIII modulation is altered during progression of oral dysplasia and carcinoma
Authors: Väänänen Anu , Ylipalosaari Merja , Parikka Mataleena , Kainulainen Tiina , Rehn Marko , Heljasvaara Ritva , Tjäderhane Leo , Salo Tuula
Published: August 2010

Background:  Collagen XVIII is a ubiquitous basement membrane (BM) component and a precursor of endostatin.

Methods:  Using immunohistochemistry and in situ hybridization, we studied the expression and localization of collagen XVIII in different stages of normal oral wound healing, epithelial dysplasia and squamous cell carcinoma (SCC).

Results:  In mild epithelial dysplasias collagen XVIII appeared as a continuous signal in the BM, whereas in severe epithelial dysplasias and in the invasive areas of oral SCCs collagen XVIII was absent. In situ hybridization showed that collagen XVIII mRNA expression did not decrease in severe dysplasia or oral carcinoma samples when compared with the mild dysplasias.

Conclusions:  The results indicate that the absence of collagen XVIII protein in severe oral dysplasias is related to the processing of the protein rather than to changes in mRNA expression.
Further evidence for adipocytic differentiation by the neoplastic myoepithelium
Authors: Ide F. , Tanaka A. , Kusama K.
Published: August 2010

Lipomatous pleomorphic adenoma (PA)/myoepithelioma is rare. Nevertheless, adipocytic differentiation in salivary gland tumors is a well‐known phenomenon. As extensive lipometaplasia occurs primarily in adenomas with myoepithelial participation, circumstantial evidence implicates neoplastic myoepithelium (NME), especially the spindle type, as a key partaker. We report here a unique PA that represents an equivocal transition from the epithelioid NME to adipocytes in recurrent lesions but not in a primary tumor.
Proliferative verrucous leukoplakia and its progression to oral carcinoma: report of three cases
Authors: Morton Thomas H. , Cabay Robert J. , Epstein Joel B.
Published: August 2010

Proliferative verrucous leukoplakia (PVL) is a distinct clinical form of oral leukoplakia defined by its progressive clinical course, changing clinical and histopathologic features, and potential to develop into cancer. PVL behaves in a more aggressive and relentless manner than the more innocuous white oral lesions that it can resemble clinically. We present three cases of PVL that progressed to carcinoma and discuss the histopathologic findings that may either hinder or assist in the diagnosis.
Microarray analysis of IL‐1β‐stimulated chemokine genes in synovial fibroblasts from human TMJ
Authors: Ogura Naomi , Akutsu Miwa , Tobe Makiko , Sakamaki Hiroyuki , Abiko Yoshimitsu , Kondoh Toshirou
Published: August 2010

Background:  Interleukin (IL)‐1β is thought to play a key role in several pathologic conditions of the temporomandibular joint (TMJ). Gene expression profile of synovial fibroblasts stimulated with IL‐1β was studied by oligonucleotide microarray analysis to elucidate candidate genes associated with intracapsular pathologic conditions of TMJ.

Methods:  RNA was isolated from synovial fibroblasts from five patients after IL‐1β treatment. Gene expression profiling was performed with a GeneChip. Changes in gene expression were determined by comparing IL‐1β‐treated cells with untreated cells.

Results:  A total of 121 genes showed a greater than threefold difference in average intensity between untreated and IL‐1β‐treated synovial fibroblasts in five experiments. Five chemokines were among the 10 most upregulated genes, and the most upregulated gene was CCL20. The 121 IL‐1β‐responsive genes included 12 chemokines whose mRNA levels were confirmed by real‐time PCR.

Conclusion:  These data should provided useful information about the pathologic conditions of TMJ, especially in support of diagnosis and therapeutic approaches to TMJ.
Immunohistochemical detection of insulin‐like growth factors, platelet‐derived growth factor, and their receptors in ameloblastic tumors
Authors: Kumamoto H. , Ooya K.
Published: August 2010

Background:  To evaluate the roles of growth factors in oncogenesis and cytodifferentiation of odontogenic tumors, expression of insulin‐like growth factors (IGFs), platelet‐derived growth factor (PDGF), and their receptors was analyzed in ameloblastic tumors as well as in tooth germs.

Methods:  Tissue specimens of 10 tooth germs, 47 ameloblastomas, and five malignant ameloblastic tumors were examined immunohistochemically with the use of antibodies against IGF‐I, IGF‐II, IGF‐I receptor (IGF‐IR), PDGF A‐chain, PDGF B‐chain, PDGF α‐receptor, and PDGF β‐receptor.

Results:  Immunohistochemical reactivity for IGFs, PDGF chains, and their receptors was detected predominantly in odontogenic epithelial cells near the basement membrane in tooth germs and in benign and malignant ameloblastic tumors. The expression levels of IGF‐II and PDGF chains were significantly higher in ameloblastic tumors than in tooth germs. Malignant ameloblastic tumors showed higher reactivity for PDGF chains than benign ameloblastomas and higher reactivity for platelet‐derived growth factor receptors than tooth germs. The expression levels of PDGF chains were significantly higher in follicular ameloblastomas than in plexiform ameloblastomas. Desmoplastic ameloblastomas showed higher expression of IGFs and IGF‐IR when compared with other ameloblastoma subtypes.

Conclusion:  Expression of IGFs, PDGF, and their receptors in tooth germs and ameloblastic tumors suggests that these growth factor signals contribute to cell proliferation or survival in both normal and neoplastic odontogenic tissues. Expression of these molecules in odontogenic tissues possibly affects interactions with the bone microenvironment during tooth development and intraosseous progression of ameloblastic tumors. Altered expression of the ligands and receptors in ameloblastic tumors may be involved in oncogenesis, malignant potential, and tumor cell differentiation.
Survival signalling in keratinocytes of erythematous oral lichen planus
Authors: Karatsaidis Andreas , Hayashi Katsuhiko , Schreurs Olav , Helgeland Kristen , Schenck Karl
Published: August 2010

Background:  Keratinocytes in oral lichen (OL) planus have been shown to be exposed to potentially cell death‐inducing factors such as tumour necrosis factor‐α (TNF‐α) and FasL, produced by the cells of the inflammatory infiltrate and by the keratinocytes themselves. Mostly, however, the lesions do not show ulceration, the clinical manifestation of substantial keratinocyte death. The aim of this study was to find support for the contention that there is activation of protecting anti‐apoptotic mechanisms in keratinocytes in a form of chronic OL (erythematous OL; ERY OL), simultaneously with the pathological cell death signals.

Methods:  Biopsies from patients with normal oral mucosa (NOM) or with ERY OL were compared by immunohistological staining.

Results:  In ERY OL keratinocytes, both the pro‐apoptotic FADD and the anti‐apoptotic molecules p‐IKK, NF‐κB/p50, FLIPL, cIAP‐1 and cIAP‐2 were strongly upregulated when compared with NOM. There were no significant differences in the staining patterns for active caspase‐3 and caspase‐8 with only few positive cells for both enzymes.

Conclusions:  The presently observed marked increase in expression of anti‐apoptotic molecules in ERY OL epithelium may counteract the pro‐apoptotic assault and rescue the epithelium from rampant cell death and thereby clinical ulceration.
Regional difference in intratumoral lymphangiogenesis of oral squamous cell carcinomas evaluated by immunohistochemistry using D2‐40 and podoplanin antibody: an analysis in comparison with angiogenesis
Authors: Ohno Fumi , Nakanishi Hayao , Abe Atsushi , Seki Yasushi , Kinoshita Atsutaka , Hasegawa Yasuhisa , Tatematsu Masae , Kurita Kenichi
Published: August 2010

Background:  Whether tumor cells induce lymphangiogenesis intratumorally or permeate pre‐existing lymphatic vessels in the peritumoral area still remains unclear. In this study, we investigated in detail the intratumoral lymphangiogenesis of oral squamous cell carcinomas (SCC) in comparison with tumor angiogenesis.

Methods:  Immunohistochemistry with D2‐40, podoplanin antibody, and CD34 antibody were used to evaluate the lymphatic vessel density (LVD) and blood microvessel density (MVD). Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and VEGF‐C expressions of oral SCC were also assessed by immunohistochemistry.

Results:  LVD significantly increased in the superficial area of tumor tissue compared with normal mucosa, whereas it decreased in the deep area of intratumoral tissue near the invasion front, in sharp contrast to MVD, which significantly increased throughout tumor tissue. Consistent with the decreased intratumoral LVD and increased intratumoral MVD, VEGF‐C expression of tumor cells was down‐regulated in the deep area of tumor tissue, while VEGF expression of tumor cells was up‐regulated throughout the tumor tissue.

Conclusions:  Lymphangiogenesis in oral SCC varies depending on the region within the tumor tissue. It is not induced in the genuine tumor stroma near the invasion front, probably due to the down‐regulation of VEGF‐C expression of tumor cells, which is different from VEGF‐mediated induction of intratumoral angiogenesis.
Coexistence of Sjögren's syndrome and sarcoidosis: a report of five cases
Authors: Mansour M. J. , Al‐Hashimi I. , Wright J. M.
Published: August 2010

Background:  Sjögren's syndrome (SS) and sarcoidosis are diseases that can affect the salivary glands and result in the loss of salivary gland function. Most of the criteria used for the diagnosis of SS exclude sarcoidosis before establishing the diagnosis of SS. However, several reports have suggested the coexistence of both SS and sarcoidosis in the same patient.

Objective:  The purpose of this study was to present five cases that support a true coexistence of sarcoidosis and SS.

Methods:  Clinical and laboratory findings of patients with evidence of having both SS and sarcoidosis were reviewed. The diagnosis of SS was based on the European community criteria; the diagnosis of sarcoidosis was based on the presence of serological, radiographic and/or histopathologic findings that are consistent with sarcoidosis.

Results:  All patients fulfilled the criteria for the diagnosis of both diseases.

Conclusion:  Our findings appear to support a true coexistence of sarcoidosis with SS. Therefore, it is reasonable to suggest removing the exclusion of sarcoidosis from the diagnostic criteria for SS.
Prevalence of oral Candida species in leprosy patients from Cambodia and Thailand
Authors: Reichart P. A. , Samaranayake L. P. , Bendick Ch. , Schmidt‐Westhausen A. M. , Jayatilake J. A. M. S.
Published: August 2010

Background:  Leprosy is a chronic bacterial infection which may lead to significant orofacial morbidity. However, reports on the oral mycotic flora of leprosy patients are rare. The aim of the current study was to explore the oral yeast carriage in two groups of leprosy patients.

Methods:  40 Cambodian (seven men, 33 women) and 48 Thai (14 men, 34 women) leprosy patients from Leprosy Rehabilitation Centre Khien Kleang, Phnom Penh, Cambodia and McKean Rehabilitation Center, Chiangmai, Thailand were randomly selected and their demographic data and clinical history were recorded. Tongue and palatal swabs of each patient were collected using sterile Fungi‐Quick swabs (Hain Diagnostika, Nehren, Germany) and they were cultured aerobically on Sabouraud's dextrose agar and CHROMAgar (CHROMagar, Paris, France). Yeast were identified by germ tube, chlamydospore production, and assimilation tests (API 20C AUX, Bio‐Merieux, Marcy l'Etoile, France) and reconfirmed using APILAB Plus system (Bio‐Merieux).

Results:  Two groups (Cambodian and Thai) had median age of 35 and 64 years. They had been with leprosy for median durations of 17.7 and 38.9 years (P < 0.05), respectively. Overall yeast carriage in two cohorts were 80% and 93.75%. Candida albicans had highest carriage rate in either group (65.6%, 44.4%). Candida krusei and C. glabrata existed as second‐line colonizers after C. albicans. Candida glabrata carriage was significantly higher in Thai patients (P < 0.05). Multispecies carriage was seen in three Cambodian (9.4%) and five Thai (11.5%) patients.

Conclusions:  This study indicates high oral yeast carriage in leprosy patients. Candida albicans remains predominant while C. krusei and C. glabrata are second‐line oral colonizers. Co‐inhabitation of multiple yeast species is also noted in these patients’ oral mycotic flora.
Syndecan‐1 and Wingless‐type protein‐1 in human ameloblastomas
Authors: Leocata P. , Villari D. , Fazzari C. , Lentini M. , Fortunato C. , Nicòtina P. A.
Published: August 2010

Background:  Aberrant Wingless type 1 glycoprotein (Wnt) pathway in ameloblastomas and a role of syndecan‐1 (SDC1) in activating Wnt signalling were perspected. SDC1 shifting from epithelium to stroma was reported in invasive non‐odontogenic neoplasms. The aim of this study was to reveal the role of SDC1 and Wnt1 in intraosseous ameloblastomas (IAs).

Methods:  SDC1 and Wnt1 expressions were investigated in 29 ameloblastoma subtypes and seven tooth buds.

Results:  SDC1 immunostaining strongly depicted stromal cells, extracellular matrix (ECM) and basement membranes of ameloblastomas. It also showed epithelial tumour cells in the acanthomatous and plexiform subtypes, and it often occurred in stellate reticulum cells and basal ameloblasts of tooth buds. Parallel Wnt1 expression occurred in ameloblastomatous epithelial cells, but it was common in basal cells of tooth buds too. Statistically, a significant correlation was found between the percentage of IAs‐bearing SDC1‐positive stromal cells and ECM and the percentage of IAs‐bearing Wnt1‐positive epithelial cells.

Conclusions:  A role of SDC1 in stromal cells and ECM can be hypothesized as a critical factor for carcinogenesis and local invasiveness of IAs.
An association between the MICA‐A5.1 allele and an increased susceptibility to oral squamous cell carcinoma in Japanese patients
Authors: Tamaki Shigehiro , Sanefuzi Nobuyuki , Ohgi Kazuhiko , Imai Yuichiro , Kawakami Masayoshi , Yamamoto Kazuhiko , Ishitani Akiko , Hatake Katsuhiko , Kirita Tadaaki
Published: August 2010

Background:  Recently, a new polymorphic gene family called the major histocompatibility complex class I chain‐related gene A (MICA) was discovered about 40 kb centromeric to HLA‐B gene. The MICA protein, expressed on epithelial cells and many kinds of tumor cells, serves to regulate immune function. The MICA protein is thought to activate immune function on mucosal tissue by binding to NKG2D which is expressed on most natural killer cells, CD8 positive T cells, and gamma delta T cells. An association between MICA gene polymorpisms and the development of oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) has also been reported.

Objective:  This study was designed to test this association in Japanese patients with OSCC.

Methods:  The (GCT)n polymorphisms of the MICA gene was investigated in 123 patients with OSCC and 188 normal controls using polymerase chain reaction amplification and denaturing polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis.

Results:  Five alleles, namely A4, A5, A6, A9, and A5.1, were found in both groups. The phenotype frequency of the MICA‐A5.1 allele was significantly higher in patients with OSCC when compared with normal controls (OR 1.707, 95% CI 0.76–3.45, P = 0.042). Also, the microsatellite frequency of the MICA‐A5.1 allele was significantly higher in patients with OSCC compared with normal controls (OR 1.664, 95% CI 0.82–3.42, P = 0.021). Lastly, the frequency of the MICA‐A5.1 allele was significantly higher in those with lymph node metastasis from OSCC compared with normal controls (OR 2.605, 95% CI 1.14–5.27, P = 0.026).

Conclusions:  These results suggest that the MICA‐A5.1 allele may be associated with an increased susceptibility to OSCC in Japan.
Application of fluorescence microscopy on hematoxylin and eosin‐stained sections of healthy and diseased teeth and supporting structures
Authors: De Rossi Andiara , Rocha Lenaldo B. , Rossi Marcos A.
Published: August 2010

Destruction of dental tissue and supporting structures is usually microscopically assessed by routine hematoxylin and eosin (HE)‐stained sections. This short communication is concerned with the potential role of fluorescence microscopy of HE‐stained sections to study morphological aspects of intact and pathological teeth in dental research. This methodology improves the visualization of the anatomical structures of the intact teeth, especially anatomical features and periodontal ligament spatial distribution. This technique also improves the visualization of the root and bone resorption and the delineation of the periapical lesion extension. The fluorescence microscopy technique of HE‐stained sections is an easy, reliable and inexpensive method that seems to be a useful tool for evaluating morphological aspects of intact and pathological teeth in dental research.
Island of salivary gland in adipose tissue: a report of three cases
Authors: Ponniah I. , Lavanya N. , SureshKumar P.
Published: August 2010

Although uncommon, many variants of lipomatous lesions in or around salivary glands have been reported in the literature. We report a series of three such cases in the minor salivary gland region. The first case (oral floor) is a well‐circumscribed lipocytic lesion admixed with glandular components (mucous acini, serous demilunes and ducts). The second case (alveolar mucosa) is a diffuse lipomatous proliferation with entrapped salivary glandular elements, muscles and blood vessels. The third case (palate) is similar to the first case but the gland is located at the periphery of the lesion. The purpose of the article was to report these three lesions and discuss in relation to other pertaining lipomatous lesions (sialolipoma, lipoadenoma, lipomatosis, lipometaplasia in pleomorphic adenoma and infiltrating lipoma).
Analysis of histopathological and immunohistochemical differences of oral squamous cell carcinoma in young and old patients in Sri Lanka
Authors: Siriwardena B. S. M. S. , Tilakaratne A. , Amaratunga E. A. P. D. , Udagama M. N. G. P. K. , Ogawa Ikuko , Kudo Yasusei , Takata Takashi , Tilakaratne W. M.
Published: August 2010

Background:  Oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) most commonly occurs in the middle‐aged and older individuals. The purpose of the present study was to evaluate the histopathological and immunohistochemical differences of the younger (<40 years) and the older (more than 50 years) groups.

Methods:  The histopathological parameters of 112 patients (younger 56 and older 56) were compared according to three grading systems (Broder JAMA 1920; 74: 656, Anneroth et al. Scand J Dent Res 1987; 95: 229, Bryne et al. J Pathol 1992; 166: 375) and as individual histopathological parameters. Further, the expression of p53 and Proliferative Cell Nuclear Antigen (PCNA) index was also compared.

Results:  Although there was no significant difference between two groups regarding the three grading systems, a significantly higher number of nuclear aberrations was found in younger group (P < 0.001). Interestingly, higher number of mitoses (P < 0.05) and lymph node metastasis (P < 0.05) were observed in the older group (P < 0.05). Furthermore, significantly a higher PCNA index was found in the older group (P < 0.005).

Conclusions:  Although tumours of the young patients showed more nuclear aberrations, OSCC of the older patients is proliferative and showed higher metastatic rate.
Cranial suture biology and dental development: genetic and clinical perspectives
Authors: De Coster P. J. , Mortier G. , Marks L. A. , Martens L. C.
Published: August 2010

Premature fusion of the calvarial bones at the sutures, or craniosynostosis (CS), is a relatively common birth defect (1:2000–3000) frequently associated with limb deformity. Patients with CS may present oral defects, such as cleft soft palate, hypodontia, hyperdontia, and delayed tooth eruption, but also unusual associations of major dental anomalies such as taurodontism, microdontia, multiple dens invaginatus, and dentin dysplasia. The list of genes that are involved in CS includes those coding for the different fibroblast growth factor receptors and a ligand of ephrin receptors, but also genes encoding transcription factors, such asMSX2andTWIST. Most of these genes are equally involved in odontogenesis, providing a pausible explanation for clinical associations of CS with dental agenesis or tooth malformations. On the basis of the present knowledge on genes and transcription factors that are involved in craniofacial morphogenesis, and from dental clinics of CS syndromes, the molecular mechanisms that control suture formation and suture closure are expected to play key roles in patterning events and development of teeth. The purpose of this article is to review and merge the recent advances in the field of suture research at the genetic and cellular levels with those of tooth development, and to apply them to the dental clinics of CS syndromes. These new perspectives and future challenges in the field of both dental clinics and molecular genetics, more in particular the identification of possible candidate genes involved in both CS and dental defects, are discussed.
Additional use of DNA‐image cytometry improves the assessment of resection margins
Authors: Handschel Jörg , Öz Döne , Pomjanski Natalia , Depprich Rita , Ommerborn Michelle A. , Braunstein Stefan , Kübler Norbert R. , Meyer Ulrich , Böcking Alfred
Published: August 2010

Background:  Despite the histopathologic findings of tumor‐free margins, patients with oral squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) often suffer from local tumor relapse. The purpose of this study was to determine the prognostic value of DNA‐image cytometry in the assessment of resection margins.

Methods:  DNA‐image cytometry was performed in 40 SCC patients with histologically tumor‐free resection margins. The follow‐up period since the tumor resection was at least 3 years.

Results:  Twenty patients showed a locoregional relapse of the SCC. Fourteen of these patients had aneuploid cells in DNA‐image cytometry. Two patients who were relapse‐free revealed aneuploid cells too. The sensitivity of the adjuvant use of DNA‐image cytometry was 70% and the positive predictive value was 87.5%.

Conclusions:  The additional use of DNA‐image cytometry is a reasonable tool for the assessment of the resection margins of SCCs. DNA‐image cytometry could help to find the appropriate treatment option for the patients and thus might improve their prognosis.
State of differentiation defines buccal epithelial cell affinity for cross‐linking to Candida albicans Hwp1
Authors: Ponniah Gomathinayagam , Rollenhagen Christiane , Bahn Yong‐Sun , Staab Janet F. , Sundstrom Paula
Published: August 2010

Candida albicans utilizes mammalian cell‐associated transglutaminase (TGase) activity to adhere covalently to human buccal epithelial cells (BECs) through Hyphal Wall Protein 1. Little is known about the factors leading to the identity and appearance of Hwp1 binding partners on cells lining the oral cavity. The observation that BECs vary in their ability to attach to C. albicans germ tubes and to bind recombinant Hwp1 (rHwp1) suggested that differentiation may play a role in affinity for germ tube attachment. Individual BECs were characterized for differentiation status and rHwp1 binding. rHwp1 bound to the more terminally differentiated cells displaying SPR3 and keratin 13 but not to less differentiated cells with abundant involucrin. Sequential expression of involucrin followed by SPR3 in oral keratinocytes was demonstrated using stratified organotypic cultures and a feeder layer system with the OKF6/TERT‐2 cell line. Increased cross‐linking of the lysine analogue 5‐(biotinamido)pentylamine to cultured OKF6/TERT‐2 cell proteins accompanied this increased expression of SPR3. Western blot analysis demonstrated the presence of rHwp1 cross‐links to proteins from BECs or from OKF6/TERT‐2 cells that had been mechanically dislodged from culture dishes. Therefore, the differentiation of SPR3 positive from involucrin positive cells is correlated with the acquisition of affinity for cross‐linking to rHwp1 and covalent adhesion of germ tubes to BECs.
Oral manifestations of systemic and cutaneous lupus erythematosus in a Venezuelan population
Authors: López‐Labady Jeaneth , Villarroel‐Dorrego Mariana , González Nieves , Pérez Ricardo , Mata de Henning Magdalena
Published: August 2010

Background:  The aim of this study was to characterize oral lesions in patients with systemic and cutaneous lupus erythematosus (LE) in a Venezuelan group.

Methods:  Ninety patients with LE were studied. Oral biopsies were taken from patients who showed oral mucosal involvement. Tissue samples were investigated with histology and direct immunofluorescence techniques for the presence of immunoglobulins G, M, A and complement factor C3.

Results:  In 90 patients with LE, 10 patients showed oral lesions related to the disease. Sixteen lesions were investigated. Oral ulcerations accompanied by white irradiating striae occurred in five patients, erythema was observed in five patients and a white homogeneous plaque in one patient. Fifteen lesions demonstrated vacuolar basal degeneration and 12 thickening of the basement membrane histologically. Direct immunofluorescence was negative in three samples.

Conclusions:  These findings corroborated that ulcers are not the only manifestation of LE in the oral mucosa. Clinical and histological examinations are significant as immunoproteins are not always found on the oral sample.
Oromandibular limb hypogenesis syndrome, type IIA, hypoglossia–hypodactylia: a case report
Authors: Wadhwani Puneet , Mohammad Shadab , Sahu Ruchi
Published: August 2010

A patient with oromandibular limb hypogenesis syndrome, type IIA hypoglossia–hypodactylia, is reported. The features essential for the diagnosis of this congenital defect include a reduction in tongue size (microglossia), micrognathic mandible and limb abnormalities of varying severity. Parents and the other sibling were normal. Past medical history for exposure of the mother to drugs during pregnancy was positive.
Epigallocatechin‐3‐gallate inhibits the invasion of human oral cancer cells and decreases the productions of matrix metalloproteinases and urokinase‐plasminogen activator
Authors: Ho Yung‐Chuan , Yang Shun‐Fa , Peng Chih‐Yu , Chou Ming‐Yung , Chang Yu‐Chao
Published: August 2010

Background:  Green tea polyphenols are considered beneficial to human health, especially as cancer chemopreventive agents in recent years. Epigallocatechin‐ 3‐gallate (EGCG), the most abundant polyphenol in green tea, has been proven to suppress colonic tumorigenesis in animal and epidemiological studies, whereas its role in the oral carcinogenesis remains to be elucidated.

Methods:  Cytotoxicity, invasion, and migration assays were used to investigate the effects of human oral cancer cell line OC2 cells exposed to EGCG. To look at the precise involvement of EGCG in cancer metastasis, gelatin zymography and casein zymography were performed to evaluate the impacts of EGCG on matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)‐2, MMP‐9, and urokinase plasminogen activator (uPA) secretion in OC2 cells.

Results:  EGCG exhibited a dose‐dependent inhibitory effect on the invasion and migration of OC2 cells in the absence of cytotoxicity (P < 0.05). EGCG was also found to decrease the expressions of MMP‐2, MMP‐9, and uPA in a concentration‐dependent manner (P < 0.05).

Conclusion:  Taken together, these results suggest that EGCG could inhibit the invasion and migration of human oral cancer cells and that the effects may partially because of the decreased productions of MMP‐2, MMP‐9, and uPA.
Recurrent aphthous stomatitis revisited; clinical features, associations, and new association with infant feeding practices?
Authors: McCullough Michael John , Abdel‐Hafeth Samah , Scully Crispian
Published: August 2010

Background:  Recurrent aphthous stomatitis (RAS) is a common oral mucosal disease, characterized by painful oral ulcerations whose causes is poorly understood. The aim of the present study was to assess the characteristics of patients suffering from RAS.

Methods:  Five hundred and twenty‐eight consecutive patients attending an Oral Medicine Specialist Clinic in the UK were examined and 143 specific attributes recorded.

Results:  Patients with a clinical diagnosis of RAS were significantly more often males (P = 0.001) younger (P < 0.001). Significant correlations were observed between a diagnosis of RAS and trauma (P = 0.044), stress (P = 0.006), non‐smoking (P < 0.001), a family history (P < 0.001), breast feeding (P = 0.017) and the site in the mouth (buccal, labial, floor of mouth) (P < 0.007).

Conclusion:  This retrospective analysis of patients attending a tertiary referral center provides evidence to support some long held beliefs about RAS, such as young age of onset, sites affected, and associations with trauma, stress, familial history and hormonal changes, while raising a new and interesting decreased incidence with breast feeding.
Amelogenesis imperfecta with renal disease – a report of two cases
Authors: Elizabeth J. , Lakshmi Priya E. , Umadevi K. M. R. , Ranganathan K.
Published: August 2010

Amelogenesis imperfecta (AI) is a collective term for a number of developmental conditions characterized by abnormal enamel formation. AI is usually not associated with generalized findings; however, a few cases of AI associated with syndromes and metabolic disorders have been reported in the literature. We report two cases of AI presenting with renal disease and thereby highlight the importance of recognizing this possible association at an early stage, as AI in some cases, may be a marker of renal disease.
Stem cell patterns in cell lines derived from head and neck squamous cell carcinoma
Authors: Harper Lisa J. , Piper Kim , Common John , Fortune Farida , Mackenzie Ian C.
Published: August 2010

The initiation, growth, recurrence and metastasis of solid tumours, including squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck region, have been related to the behaviour of a small subpopulation of ‘tumour‐initiating’ cells. Cells with stem cell characteristics have also been identified in cell lines derived from cancers and the aim of the present work was to extend examination of such cells. Established cell lines were examined for their patterns of colony morphologies and staining, the presence of a Hoechst dye‐excluding ‘side population’, expression of the putative stem cell markers CD44, CD133 and CD29, and their ability to grow as ‘cancer spheroids’. Two cell lines, CaLH2 and CaLH3, recently generated from HNSCC tumour biopsies, were similarly examined. All cell lines showed a holoclone/meroclone/paraclone series of colony morphologies and cell sorting indicated that CD44 marker expression was related to clonogenicity. FACS analysis after exposure to Hoechst dye indicated that the CA1, H357 and UK1 cell lines contain a dye‐excluding ‘side population’, a property associated with stem‐like subpopulations. When held in suspension, all cell lines formed spheroids that could be re‐passaged. These observations indicate that cell lines derived from HNSCC contain cells with stem cell properties and that such cell lines may provide experimental systems relevant to the behaviour of stem cells present in the tumours of origin and to their responses to therapy.
ORIGINAL ARTICLE: Lack of Consistent Association Between Endothelial Nitric Oxide Synthase Gene Polymorphisms, Homocysteine Levels and Recurrent Pregnancy Loss in Tunisian Women
Authors: Zammiti Walid , Mtiraoui Nabil , Mahjoub Touhami
Published: August 2010

Problem  Polymorphisms of the endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS) gene have been associated with reduced vascular NO production or increased level of homocysteine, and evaluated as risk factors for recurrent pregnancy loss (RPL). Therefore, in this case‐control study, we aimed to determine the effects of some eNOS functional polymorphisms: the 27‐bp intron 4 repeat, the 894G/T of exon 7, and the promoter substitution ‐786T/C, in women with RPL.

Method of study  We genotyped 350 patients with RPL and 200 healthy women by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and restriction fragment length polymorphism‐PCR (RFLP‐PCR). The homocysteine total plasma concentrations (tHcy) were determined by enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA).

Results  None of the eNOS polymorphisms‐related alleles, genotypes, and haplotypes were associated with RPL. The tHcy were similar between patients and controls; no significant association between tHcy levels and eNOS genotypes could be evidenced.

Conclusion  The present study identified a lack of association between eNOS gene polymorphisms, the risk of RPL and tHcy levels.