bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Production of Melanins by Ceruloplasmin
Authors: ROSEI MARIA ANNA , FOPPOLI CESIRA , WANG XIN TAO , COCCIA RAFFAELLA , MATEESCU MIRCEA ALEXANDRU
Published: July 2006

It was shown that ceruloplasmin, apart from the known oxidative conversion of dopamine into melanin, can also produce (DHI)‐melanin from 5,6‐dihydroxyindole and THP‐melanin from tetrahydropapaveroline. Ceruloplasmin acts as an oxidase and the kinetic parameters for these oxidative reactions are reported. Since these ceruloplasmin‐catalyzed reactions occur also at pH 7.4, they could have a significant physiological impact. This ceruloplasmin‐oxidasic activity is enhanced by copper ions and inhibited by chelators, such as ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA) and desferoxamine (DEF). Some possible implication of melanin production in blood are discussed.
Cultures of Skin Fragments of Salamandra salamandra salamandra (L.) Larvae
Authors: PEDERZOLI AURORA , RESTANI CINZIA
Published: July 2006

As part of a study on the pigmentary system of Salamandra salamandra salamandra (L.), we cultured skin fragments of 7–10‐day‐old larvae in order to examine the expression of molecules implicated in cellular adhesion and migration and in regulating cell‐cell relationships. Keratinocytes, fibroblasts, Leydig cells, xanthophores, and melanophores migrated from the fragments and were observed in the outgrowth. Keratinocytes and fibroblasts organized into an epidermal layer and an underlying “dermal portion.” The chromatophores were always located below the epithelial cells, often with fibroblasts. We examined by immunocytochemistry the expression of fibronectin, β1‐integrin, L‐CAM, and A‐CAM in the cultures. Many keratinocytes, fibroblasts, and Leydig cells expressed all the signal molecules tested. Xanthophores and melanophores were only immunoreactive to the anti‐adhesion molecules antisera. Since the molecules tested are known to play a role in cell adhesion, growth, and spreading, as well as in regulating tissue differentiation and in maintaining normal tissue morphology, we may hypothesize that in Salamandra salamandra salamandra fibronectin, β1‐integrin, L‐, and A‐CAMS concertedly act to stabilize the architecture of the outgrowth and regulate the relationships between chromatophores and those between chromatophores and the other elements of the skin culture.
In Vitro Culture of Melanomacrophages From the Spleen and Liver of Turtles: Comments on Melanomacrophage Morphology
Authors: RUND CHAD R. , CHRISTIANSEN JAMES L. , JOHNSON JAMES C.
Published: July 2006

Melanomacrophages were extracted and cultured from the spleen and liver of three turtle species representing three divergent families, the Chelydridae, Emydidae, and Trionychidae. Homogeneous cultures were obtained by repeatedly forcing minced, frequently washed tissue through a sterile screen and separating the resulting cells by centrifugation. The cells were surprisingly resistant to lysis and were maintained in culture for over 12 weeks where culture characteristics, appearance, and longevity from these two organs were similar. They attached to the T flask substrate as individual cells and aggregates and spread out 14 days after being placed in media. Ridges and ruffles at the distal ends of pseudopodia and the cell surface along with a zone of clearing attest to the cells’phagocytic nature. A few melanomacrophages from both organs underwent mitosis 14 days after treatment with granulocyte macrophage colony‐stimulating factor but it is possible that other factors contributed to stimulation of cell division.
Lincomycin Abrogates Dexamethasone‐Enhanced Melanogenesis in B16 Melanoma Cells
Authors: KIM DAE‐GHON , KIM HONG‐YONG , KIM MI‐YOUNG , LEE MI‐YOUNG , YOU KYUNG‐RAN
Published: July 2006

The effects of lincosamide, and interference between the effects of glucocorticoid and lincosamide, on melanogenesis were determined in B16 melanoma cells. Cells were treated for 4 days with lincomycin (LM) and/or dexamethasone (DX) at equimolar concentrations ranging from 10‐9 M to 10‐5 M, or at various concentrations of DX with 10‐6 M LM. Effects on proliferation, tyrosinase activity, melanin biosynthesis, and levels of mRNA for tyrosinase, tyrosinase‐related protein 1 (TRP1), and tyrosinase‐related protein 2 (TRP2) were examined. Treatment with LM or LM + DX stimulated proliferation of melanoma cells with minimal cytotoxicity, while DX did not influence cell proliferation either alone or in combination with LM. Treatment with LM alone increased tyrosinase activity slightly and reduced melanin content in a dose‐dependent manner. However, LM counteracted the pronounced increase in tyrosinase elicited by DX and also abrogated the dose‐dependent increase in melanin content elicited by DX. Treatment with LM alone did not affect mRNA levels for tyrosinase, TRP1, or TRP2. Furthermore, LM abrogated the DX‐induced up‐regulation of mRNAs for tyrosinase and the down‐regulation of TRP1 mRNA. These results suggest that LM inhibits melanogenesis post‐transcriptionally and abrogates glucocorticoid‐induced melanogenesis at the transcriptional level in B16 melanoma cells.
Isolation, Cloning, and Sequencing of Porcine Agouti Exon 2 (porAex2)
Authors: WANG YAN , WESTBY CARL A. , JOHANSEN MARCUS , MARSHALL DONALD M. , GRANHOLM NELS
Published: July 2006

In order to isolate, clone, and sequence agouti exon 2 of the pig (Yorkshire), we used an interspecific hybridization strategy. Primers from the 5′ and 3′ borders of the known human agouti exon 2 sequence were used to amplify (PCR) pig agouti exon 2. Following Southern blotting using a human exon 2 internal primer to authenticate that our PCR amplified product was truly pig exon 2 (PorAex2), the fragment was cloned and sequenced. PorAex2 exhibits 79.1 and 75.7% DNA sequence and 85 and 74% deduced amino acid sequence homologies with human and mouse agouti exon 2 and agouti protein, respectively. With the isolation of PorAex2, we can now map, sequence, and clarify the modus operandi of the porcine agouti gene. The GenBank Accession number of PorAex 2 is AF018166.
Effect of Arbutin on Melanogenic Proteins in Human Melanocytes
Authors: CHAKRABORTY ASHOK K. , FUNASAKA YOKO , KOMOTO MARI , ICHIHASHI MASAMITSU
Published: July 2006

The inhibitory effect of arbutin, a naturally occurring β‐D‐glucopyranoside derivative of hydroquinone, on melanogenesis was studied biochemically by using human melano‐cytes in culture. Cells were cultured in the presence of different concentrations of arbutin. The maximum concentration of arbutin that was not inhibitory to growth of the cells was 100 ug/ml. At that concentration, melanin synthesis was inhibited significantly by ∼20% after 5 days, compared with untreated cells. This phenotypic change was associated with the inhibition of tyrosinase and DHICA polymerase activities, and the degree of inhibition was dose dependent. No significant difference in DOPAchrome tautomerase (DT) activity was observed before or after arbutin treatment. Western blotting experiments revealed there were no changes in protein content or in molecular size of tyrosinase, TRP‐1 or TRP‐2, indicating that inhibition of tyrosinase activity by arbutin might be due to effects at the post‐translational level.
The Tyrosinase Gene from Medakafish: Transgenic Expression Rescues Albino Mutation
Authors: INAGAKI HIDEHITO , KOGA AKIHIKO , BESSHO YOSHITAKA , HORI HIROSHI
Published: July 2006

We have determined the 9.8 kb genomic nucleotide sequence of the tyrosinase gene and its 5’upstream region from a teleost, medakafish (Oryzias latipes), and shown that the coding region is composed of five exons and four introns, spanning 4.7 kb. While the number and sizes of the exons were found to be similar to those of mammalian tyrosinase genes, however, the total size of the coding region (4.7 kb) was demonstrated to be less than one tenth those of mouse (ca. 70 kb) and human (> 70 kb) genes. Primer extension analysis revealed that the transcription initiation site starts with a long untranslated leader sequence (340 nucleotide long) from the AUG start codon. A characteristic CATGTG sequence known as a putative regulatory motif in melanocyte‐specific genes was present in the 131st base upstream from the initiation site, while other typical regulatory elements such as the TATA‐box or M‐box common to terrestrial vertebrates were lacking. Transgenic experiments were carried out by microinjecting two kinds of plasmid clones into fertilized eggs of the albino i1 mutant: one consisting of the genomic tyrosinase gene with the 10 kb 5’upstream region and the other the tyrosinase cDNA with the 3 kb 5’upstream region. The results showed that 53 and 45 of 114 and 118 transgenic eggs, respectively, developed normally beyond hatching and 15 and 10 exhibited a mosaic pattern of pigmentation. Despite the absence of typical regulatory elements like a TATA‐box in both cases correct melanin pigmentation was obtained without ectopic expression. Thus, transgenic expression rescued from the albino‐i1 mutation, and the i locus of the medaka genome can be concluded to encode the tyrosinase gene.
Effects of Fluorescent Light on Growth of Bovine Retinal Pigment Epithelial Cells In Vitro Incubated with Linoleic Acid or Linoleic Acid Hydroperoxide
Authors: AKEO KIYOSHI , MIYAMOTO HIROTOMO , OKISAKA SHIGEKUNI , HIRAMITSU TADAHISA
Published: July 2006

Light‐induced peroxidation of polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) may generate lipid hydroperoxides, which may have toxic effects on retinal pigment epithelial (RPE) cells in vitro. We investigated the effects of cool‐white fluorescent light on the RPE cells incubated with linoleic acids (LA) or linoleic acid hydroperoxides (LHP) and the influence of antioxidative enzymes.

We measured the bovine RPE cell number after exposure to fluorescent light (610 and 1,200 lux) in the presence of LA or LHP. Furthermore, the effects of superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase on LA‐ or LHP‐treated RPE cells were also examined.

Both LA and LHP treatment increased RPE cell number under weak illumination (610 lux), but dose‐dependently decreased the number of cells exposed to strong illumination (1,200 lux). With exposure to strong illumination, LA caused a greater reduction in RPE cell number than LHP. Multiple linear regression analysis showed that the number of RPE cells was significantly decreased in a manner dependent on the interactions of the illuminance of light and the concentrations of LA or LHP. The antioxidative enzymes significantly ameliorated the damage to RPE cells from LA or LHP and exposure to light.

Therefore, the exposure to fluorescent light augmented the cytotoxic effects of LA and LHP on RPE cells, and this effect is likely to be mediated by reactive oxygen species.
β‐Adrenergic Receptor Subtypes in Melanophores of the Marine Gobies Tridentiger trigonocephalus and Chasmichthys gulosus
Authors: KATAYAMA HEIZABURO , MORISHITA FUMIHIRO , MATSUSHIMA OSAMU , FUJIMOTO MASAAKI
Published: July 2006

The subtype of β‐adrenergic receptors in melanophores of the marine gobies Tridentiger trigonocephalus and Chasmichthys gulosus was studied. Pigment of denervated melanophores in isolated, split caudal fins was preliminarily aggregated by incubating the specimens in a physiological saline containing 10 μM phentolamine and 30–100 μM verapamil or 2–10 nM melatonin, and the responses of the melanophores to a β‐adrenergic agonist added to the incubating medium were recorded photoelectrically. The β‐adrenergic agonists noradrenaline, adrenaline, isoproterenol, salbutamol and, dobutamine were all effective in evoking a dispersion of melanophore pigment in the presence of phentolamine and verapamil or melatonin. The pigment‐dispersing effect of noradrenaline (β1‐selective agonist) was inhibited by metoprolol (β1‐selective antagonist), propranolol, and butoxamine. Whereas, the effect of salbutamol (β2‐selective agonist) was hardly inhibited by metoprolol, though it was considerably inhibited by propranolol and ICI‐118551. It was estimated that β1‐ and β2‐adrenergic receptors coexist at ratios of 8.6:91.4, in the melanophore of Tridentiger trigonocephalus, and 25:75, in the melanophore of Chasmichthys gulosus, through the analyses of Hofstee plots of the effects of the β‐adrenergic drugs. It was suggested that the relation between the pigment‐dispersing effect of a β‐adrenergic agonist on the melanophores and the concentration of the drug follows mass action kinetics, when the effect is mainly caused by the activation of β2‐adrenergic receptors of the melanophores. However, when it is mainly caused by the activation of β1‐adrenergic receptors of the melanophores, the relation does not follow mass action kinetics.
Presence of the Dominant Extension Allele ED in Red and Mosaic Cattle
Authors: KLUNGLAND HELGE , VÅ GE DAG INGE
Published: July 2006

The melanocyte‐stimulating hormone receptor (MC1‐R) is a central regulator of mammalian coat colour, encoded by the extension locus. In cattle, the dominant extension allele ED is associated with the production of black pigment in coloured areas. Genotyping of the MC1‐R gene in a bull with mosaic expression of red vs. black pigment verified the existence of the ED allele, in spite of the fact that the majority of the animal is red coloured. No further mutations were found within the ED variant of the MC1‐R gene, which was inherited from a completely red mother (genotype ED/e).
Microtubule‐Organizing Centers in the Mitotic Melanophores of Xenopus laevis Larvae In Vivo: Ultrastructural Study
Authors: RUBINA KSENIYA A. , STARODUBOV SERGEI M. , NIKERYASOVA ELENA N. , ONISHCHENKO GALINA E.
Published: July 2006

Mitotic melanophores of Xenopus laevis larvae at 51‐53 stages of development were morphologically studied using light and electron microscopy, with special reference to their microtubule‐organizing centers. These melanophores represented a highly branched cell shape in mitosis, each cell process is distributed with melanosomes without exhibiting any responsiveness to hormonal (melatonin) stimulation, and upon completion of mitosis, recovered the ability to translocate these granules in response to such a stimulus. At the metaphase, these cells contained bipolar or multipolar spindles, whose poles were composed of three zones: the centrosome with centrioles; the centrosphere; and an outlying radial arrangement of microtubules and their associated inclusions. In these mitotic melanophores, a number of microtubules are distributed within the radially stretching cell processes, whereas an abundance of microtubules reside in the spindles. Possible origins of the microtubules observed in these cytoplasmic processes are discussed in relation to the loss of the ability of pigment translocation during mitosis.
Cyclic Stretch up‐regulates Proliferation and Heat Shock Protein 90 Expression in Human Melanocytes
Authors: KIPPENBERGER STEFAN , BERND AUGUST , LOITSCH STEFAN , MÜLLER JUTTA , GUSCHEL MAIKE , KAUFMANN ROLAND
Published: July 2006

Human skin is repeatedly exposed to mechanical stretching in vivo, but in an ordinary culture of skin cells this prominent feature has been neglected. In order to study whether mechanical stretching plays a role for human melanocytes, we have established a culture technique to mimic this physical stretching: primary cultures of human melanocytes were plated on silicon supports, which undergo a stretching of about 10% of the initial length. After application of repeated stretching and relaxation for 4 days, cell count was significantly (about 40%) enhanced. In addition, we found ∼ 2‐fold increase in heat shock protein (HSP) 90, both at the protein and mRNA level. HSP 90 is known to bind to Raf‐1 and, therefore, may contribute to the Raf‐1‐MEK (mitogen‐activated protein‐kinase kinase)‐MAPK (mitogen‐activated protein‐kinase) signaling pathway. Disruption of the Raf‐1‐HSP 90 multimolecular complex by geldanamycin lead to a considerable decrease in melanocyte cell count. However, geldanamycin did not reverse the stretch‐induced growth stimulation. Therefore, the stretch‐mediated up‐regulation of HSP 90 expression in melanocytes appears to be independent of stretch‐mediated growth stimulation. These findings have strong implications for the in vitro cultivation of melanocytes for transplantation purposes.
Ommochrome Deficiency in an Albino Strain of a Terrestrial Isopod, Armadillidium vulgare
Authors: HASEGAWA YURIKO , NEGISHI SUMIKO , NAITO JUNKO , IKEDA RIE , HASEGAWA HIROYUKI , NAGAMURA YOICHI
Published: July 2006

In order to clarify the cause of ommochrome deficiency in an albino strain of the terrestrial isopod, Armadillidium vulgare, levels of xanthom‐matin, 3‐hydroxykynurenine, 3‐hydroxyanthranilic acid and tryptophan in whole body extracts of the albino and the wild type individuals were determined together with enzyme activities of kynurenine‐3‐hydroxylase, kynureninase and tryptophan‐2,3‐dioxygenase. Xanthommatin could not be detected in the albinos. The levels of 3‐hydroxykynurenine and 3‐hydroxyanthranilic acid were determined by high‐performance liquid chro‐matography (HPLC) with electrochemical detection and were markedly low in the albinos compared with the wild type individuals. In contrast to those, the tryptophan levels determined by HPLC with fluorescence detection did not differ significantly between the two phenotypes. In the albino A. vulgare, kynurenine‐3‐hydroxylase activity was lower and kynureninase activity was higher than in the wild type, although the differences were not statistically significant. Tryptophan‐2,3‐dioxygenase activity in the albinos was less than 10% that in the wild type. Thus, ommochrome deficiency in the albino A. vulgare is considered to be caused by the extremely low activity of tryptophan‐2,3‐dioxygenase.
Age‐Associated Lesions in Barrier‐Reared Male Sprague‐Dawley Rats: A Comparison Between Hap: (SD) and Crl:COBS[R]CD[R] (SD)Stocks1,6
Authors: Anver Miriam R. , Cohen Bennett J. , Lattuada Charles P. , Foster Sumner J.
Published: July 2006

Age‐associated lesions were characterized in two outbred stocks of barrier‐reared male Sprague‐Dawley rats. Seventy‐two virgin Hap:(SD) between 6–29 months of age and 113 retired breeder Crl:COBS[R]CD[R](SD) between 12–38 months of age were evaluated for the presence of lesions in all major organ systems. Rats of both stocks developed a spectrum of neoplastic, inflammatory and degenerative diseases with highest prevalence in the oldest age groups. In general, the shorter‐lived Hap:(SD) rats had greater incidences and severity of lesions when compared to Crl:COBS[R]CD[R]SD of similar ages. Many of these differences were not apparent when the two stocks were compared over their respective life spans. The study provides baseline pathology data relevant to the use of these rats in gerontologic research.
Characteristics of Sublingual Glands from Young Adult and Aged Rats
Authors: Kuyatt Brian L. , Baum Bruce J.
Published: July 2006

Descriptive biochemical characteristics of aqueous extracts from young adult and aged male and female rat sublingual glands, have been examined. No change in gland protein or DNA content was observed with increased age. The concentrations of sialic acids and neutral sugars, in gland extracts, from aged rats of both sexes, were increased 25–50% compared to their young adult counterparts. No consistent difference in any individual protein species, resolved by 3.75% and 10% acrylamide gel/SDS electrophoresis, was found.
A Study of Chlorhexidine Gel Treatment in an Oral Hygiene Program for Elderly Patients in Long Term Care1
Authors: Nordenram Gunilla , Westphal Peter
Published: July 2006

An investigation was made to measure the effectiveness of one of the newer agents used in promotion of oral hygiene, i.e., Chlorhexidine gel. The study was designed with elderly people in long term care.
The Effect of Diabetes On Lysyl Oxidase Activity and Extractability of Newly Synthesized Collagen in Rat Gingiva and Skin1
Authors: Ramamurthy N.S. , Golub L.M. , Leung M.K.
Published: July 2006

Lysyl oxidase activity and the extractability of recently synthesized collagen were measured in gingiva and skin, two tissues which exhibit altered pathophysiologic responses during diabetes. Both tissues showed a reduced content and extractability of newly synthesized, 14C‐Hydroxyproline labeled, collagen after induction of streptozotocin‐induced diabetes. Diabetes increased lysyl oxidase activity in skin and gingiva but the effect on gingiva was much less dramatic. The altered characteristics of interstitial collagen in the diabetic rat, including aging‐like changes, appear to reflect multiple alterations in collagen metabolism.
Artificial Saliva in the Management of Patients Suffering from Xerostomia
Authors: 's‐Gravenmade E.J. , Vissink A. , Panders A.K. , Vermey A.
Published: July 2006

Hyposalivation results in the sensation of a dry mouth “subjective xerostomia.” Besides the sensation of a dry mouth in serious conditions, distressing clinical symptoms are observed, e.g. difficulties in oral functioning, mucositis, progressive dental caries and nocturnal oral discomfort. A mucin‐containing artificial saliva to relieve patients'complaints from xerostomia has been developed. Its chemical and physical properties are demonstrated. In a 3‐year retrospective study the efficacy of this substitute and a CMC‐containing saliva has been evaluated for a total of 137 patients. Patients were free in choosing a mucin‐ or CMC preparation. Ninety‐six patients reported a considerable relief of their complaints with mucin‐saliva, one patient wished to continue using the CMC product. To increase efficacy of the saliva substitute on intra‐oral saliva reservoir has been developed for dentate and edentulous persons.
Nutritional Deficiencies and the Oral Tissues
Authors: Massler Maury
Published: July 2006

The oral tissues like all the tissues in the body change with age. Dehydration results from negative water balance and is almost inevitable, with drying of secretions, skin, eyes and in the oral cavity (xerostomia). Osteoporosis results from negative calcium balance and affects the entire bony skeleton. This is seen in fractures, the vertebrae and alveolar process. Correction of nutritional deficiences may slow down the rate of dehydration and osteoporosis.
Gerontology and the Practice of Geriatric Dentistry1
Authors: Levy B.M. , Konigsberg I.
Published: July 2006

The elderly population is rapidly increasing, reflecting the fact that better pre‐ and post‐natal care, better nutrition, immunizations, antibiotics, and better general hygiene have reduced infant, childhood and young adulthood mortality. There are now more of us around to live longer. It is therefore important to develop gerontologic research programs aimed at understanding the normal aging process. We need to know what age‐related changes are irreversible concomitants of the passage of time and what age‐related changes are associated with various diseases, life‐styles and cultures. It is possible that life‐style, diet and genetic characteristics, which retard or accelerate aging, can be identified and thus have major public health implications. Aging brings about an unusual immunologic situation that has not yet been thoroughly explained. The primary effect of normal aging on the immune system appears to be a decrease in thymus derived or T‐cell functional capacity, especially in the suppressor subpopulation of T‐cells. There is also an age associated hyperglobulinemia with an increase in normal autoantibody titer. Thus, one can propose that the T supressor inhibition of B lymphocytes is released in older individuals, allowing B cells an increase in functional response, especially to “slightly altered” self. The implications of these changes to the processes of chronic destructive periodontitis and oral cancer must be explained and eventually understood if we are to prevent and/or successfully treat them.
Oral Defenses and Disease: Salivary Gland Function 1
Authors: Mandel Irwin D.
Published: July 2006

Recent studies on parotid gland flow rate and composition in healthy subjects do not support the conventional wisdom that there is a gradual deterioration in salivary gland function with aging. With gustatory stimulation a diminution in flow rate was observed only in post‐menopausal women taking medications. Studies of whole saliva and preliminary studies of submandibular saliva flow rate, however, suggest that these glands may exhibit functional changes not seen in the parotid. This would be consistent with histological findings. Reports to date on age effects on composition suggest modest selective changes in electrolytes (e.g. sodium) and only subtle changes in proteins (e.g. amylase isoenzymes). Clinical concerns (rampant caries, stomatitis, periodontal disease) arise largely because of the high number of elderly on medications or therapeutic interventions that affect salivary flow and the increase in incidence of diseases of the salivary gland (e.g. sialadeneitis, Sjogren's, sarcoidosis). Reduction in flow rate and alterations in composition diminish salivary protective mechanisms, i.e. antibacterial activity, lubrication and protection of soft tissues, and maintenance of hard tissue integrity. Recent research on structure of mucins, the nature of the salivary lipids and interactions among salivary proteins should stimulate a second generation of studies on both the effects of aging per se and aberrations resulting from disease. Stimulation of compromised function and development of more effective salivary substitutes are also important areas of research.
Pain Perception in the Elderly Patient: An Overview of Issues
Authors: Richard Chapman C.
Published: July 2006

The control of pain is an issue of major importance for older patients. As the proportion of elderly persons in society grows, these problems take on particular humanitarian and economic significance. Review of the literature indicates that the sensory mechanisms subserving pain in older persons are not unique, but painful pathologic states are more likely to occur in old age. Stereotypes of the older person have led to insufficient management and overmedication of this patient population. Moreover, the complex nature of chronic pain in the aged patient has not been appreciated by health care professionals. The literature points to an urgent need for more data that will shed light on the nature of pain problems in old age.
Prevalence of TMJ Signs and Symptoms in the Elderly
Authors: Heft Marc W.
Published: July 2006

Investigations of temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorders have included assessment of the prevalence of signs such as joint clicking, limitation of jaw opening, and deviation of the mandible on function, and symptoms such as pain on function in patient and non‐patient populations. The former (signs) might be viewed as the prevalence of TMJ “disease”, and the latter (symptom presentation) might be viewed as TMJ “illness behavior.” The majority of the reports profiling TMJ patients suggest that most are females (80%) in the 20–40 year age group. Reports of the relationship of TMJ signs and symptoms to age have provided inconsistent findings, i.e. signs and symptoms have been found to increase with age, to decrease with age, or to be unrelated to age. Many of the inconsistencies reflect differences in the populations studied and lack of standardized criteria for diagnosing mandibular function/dysfunction. This study assessed the prevalence of the signs and symptoms of TMJ disorders in community‐dwelling, non‐health care seeking participants in the Baltimore Longitudinal Study of Aging, the intramural longitudinal aging study of the National Institute on Aging. The only age difference noted was in limitation of jaw opening among the older subjects.
Taste and Smell Perception in Aging1
Authors: Weiffenbach James M.
Published: July 2006

The taste and smell experience of other human beings cannot be known directly. Thus our understanding of age‐related changes in the perception of taste and smell is derived inferentially. Inferences based on verbal reports and on the performance of tasks involving taste and smell stimuli suggest that some older individuals are impaired. The perceptual disadvantage of older adults appears to be more marked or more easily measured for complex than for simple stimuli. Some difference between older and younger adults may not be primarily sensory; others may arise from differences only incidentally associated with aging. The study of taste and smell perception in aging continues to challenge the psychophysical investigator to define the nature and extent of age‐related change and to demonstrate its underlying mechanisms.
Oral Health Status of the Elderly, With Dietary and Nutritional Considerations
Authors: Papas A. , Herman J. , Palmer C. , Rounds M. , Russell R. , McGandy R. , Hartz S. , Jacob R. , Feldman R.
Published: July 2006

This paper is a preliminary report of a dental pilot study which was recently conducted with 104 elderly subjects, 77 of whom also participated in a nutrition status survey. The study was comprehensive, including measurements of oral health status, and medical data concerning nutrition status. Also included were questionnaires concerning diet and nutritional habits, and attitudes towards dental care. A literature review is also presented. Statistical analysis reveals correlations between certain food types, (liquid/solid fermentable, slowly dissolving fermentable), and root and coronal decay. The correlation with coronal decay is greater. Some of the data are still undergoing analysis. When all the data are analyzed and available, additional reports will be forthcoming and will describe any other correlations that are found between nutritional and oral health status. Certain new periodontal indices will also be described. The relationships between the oral health status and the nutritional needs of the elderly have not been adequately studied. It is expected that with a broader data base, these relationships will be better understood.
Clinical Decision Making in the Dental Treatment of the Elderly1
Authors: Ettinger Ronald L.
Published: July 2006

Dental care of elderly persons is similar to that of younger persons but is modified by a variety of age‐related and age‐associated changes, as well as diseases and drugs. Clinical decision‐making for the dental care of elderly persons is therefore more complex. The dental disease patterns in the elderly population seem to be changing and they seem to be expressed differently, which will require actual diagnosis and more complicated treatment planning. This paper evaluates the principles of problem solving and decision making in general, and applies them to dental diagnosis and treatment planning. A model of the different types of decision making in dentistry is presented, and its component parts discussed, with emphasis on the care of the elderly patient. The conclusions of this paper are that dental care for the elderly patient is becoming extremely complex, especially as more elderly patients will be dentate and more will be demanding care. Research is needed in the area of how dentists make decisions, and in methods of teaching decision‐making skills. Longitudinal studies are required to evaluate the outcomes of treatment.
Maturational Changes in Alveolar Bone of Adult Rats
Authors: Hardt Alfred B.
Published: July 2006

Structural and cellular alterations of interproximal alveolar bone were quantified by histomorphometry in 36 Wistar rats over an 18 week period. Half of the rats were fed a standard diet and half were fed a high‐sucrose diet from time of weaning. Six animals from each diet group were sacrificed at 10, 18 and 28 weeks of age, one hour after labeling with tritiated thymidine. Autoradiographs were prepared from histological sections, and the interproximal area between first and second maxillary molars was evaluated, Periodontal ligament width, cell populations and cell proliferation were reduced by 18 weeks of age. By 28 weeks of age, significant reductions of bone dimensions were detected and a further decrease in fibroblast proliferation was evident. The influence of diet on the changes observed was relatively minor. Evidence from this investigation supports the concept that changes in alveolar bone are initiated early in the life span of the rat, and provides a quantitative basis for future use of the rat model in similar studies.
A Study of the Effects of Aging on Parathormone Induced Osteoclastogenesis in the Mouse1
Authors: Levenson David A. , Tonna Edgar A.
Published: July 2006

The effects of aging on the ability of parathormone (PTH) to induce osteoclastogenesis in the femora of mice was investigated. Seventy BNL short‐lived mice ranging in age from 5 to 104 weeks were used and divided in 5 age groups. Fifty‐two mice were Injected i.p. with 5U/gm body weight and sacrificed every 6 hours for 24 hours. Both femora were fixed, decalcified and routinely prepared histologically. All osteoclasts observed at the distal metaphyseal region were microscopically counted, as well as their nuclei. Cell size was also measured. The results showed that the ability of PTH to induce osteoclastogenesis is not lost with age, but is significantly reduced. Furthermore, the tissue response is prolonged with age from 12 to 24 hours. The earlier reports in the literature that osteoclasts originate from fusion of osteogenic cell precursors was supported by the present study. This does not eliminate the fact that alternative origins may also be possible. Observed morphological differences in osteoclasts are most probably functionally related, with loss of function due to aging not being ruled out.
Prevention of Root Caries1
Authors: Newbrun Ernest
Published: July 2006

Primary prevention of root caries should focus on preventing periodontitis and the concomitant loss of gingival attachment. This requires a regimen of plaque control consisting of scrupulous oral hygiene, supplemented, if necessary, by antimicrobial agents. Once gingival recession has occurred, available data from human and animal studies indicate that to prevent root caries, patients should limit their dietary sucrose intake both in amount and frequency. The cornerstone of any preventive regimen for patients at high risk for caries is some mode of topical fluoride therapy. No controlled clinical data exist that show one agent (sodium fluoride versus stannous fluoride) or one vehicle (gel versus rinse) as more effective than another. When used daily at home, these topical fluoride agents reduce caries in patients with xerostomia. Some reports claiming efficacy are anecdotal, but ethical considerations preclude the use of an untreated control group. As no studies exist documenting an effect of topical fluoride in controlling root caries per se, current recommendations are based on extrapolation from studies of these xerostomic patients. Limited studies, both in humans and animals, indicate that drinking fluoridated water helps in reducing root caries. Progression of early root caries lesions can be arrested by a combination of mechanical/chemical therapy, recontouring and smoothing the roots, and applying topical fluoride to these surfaces.
Age‐Related Changes in Rat Sublingual Salivary Gland Morphology1
Authors: Mintz Greg A. , Mooradian Arshag D.
Published: July 2006

Sublingual salivary glands were removed from 3.5‐, 12‐, 18‐ and 24‐month‐old Fisher 344 male rats and examined for age‐related changes in morphology. Morphometric analysis revealed stability in the proportional volume of acinar tissue, connective tissue and vascular tissue across age groups. The proportion of gland volume occupied by ducts increased with age due to an increase in proportional volume of striated ducts. A number of qualitative age‐related changes were noted including an increase in squamous metaplasia of duct epithelium, periductal lymphocytic foci and diffuse periductal lymphocytic infiltration. Consolidated deposits were identified in the lumen of intralobular ducts and appeared most frequent in young animals and declined in frequency with age. These morphologic changes while apparently age‐related were evident by 12 months of age indicating that developmental and maturational factors rather than senescence may account for these findings.
Dental Implications of Pharmacological Management of the Alzheimer's Patient
Authors: Somerman Martha J.
Published: July 2006

Medications used for the management of the Alzheimer's patient are of two types: agents prescribed for treatment of cognitive disorders and agents used for symptomatic relief of mood disorders. This article reviews the mechanisms of action and side‐effects of the more common of these agents. In addition, dental management of the Alzheimer's patient is discussed in relation to specific medications being taken.
Recent Advances in Behavioral Research in Geriatric Dentistry1
Authors: Kiyak H. Asuman
Published: July 2006

This paper examines recent studies in behavioral science and health services aspects of geriatric dentistry. With the increased focus on special needs of older patients, researchers have become concerned with psychological and sociocultural factors that influence older people's oral health status, behavior, and attitudes. Studies of dental service utilization patterns among subgroups of the elderly, including those in long‐term care settings, will be reviewed. Research on methods to improve oral health care behaviors will be discussed, with their implications for developing oral health promotion and service delivery programs. The special oral health needs of cognitively impaired and frail elderly will be reviewed. Studies of clinical decision‐making in geriatric dentistry have been conducted. These studies have revealed significant gaps in dental professionals' knowledge and attention to the special needs of older patients. This and other aspects of behavioral research suggest the need for better methods to disseminate research findings in geriatric dentistry to clinical practice in this field. The presentation will discuss ways of improving dissemination and transfer of research findings to the clinical management of aged patients.
Psychosocial Antecedents and Consequences of Periodontal Disease: A New Agenda1
Authors: Karuza Jurgis , Miller William A. , Thines Terrence , Cantos Albert
Published: July 2006

Although it is generally recognized that the antecedents of periodontal disease are multiple, relatively little attention has been paid to the role of psychosocial variables. The present paper argues that psychological variables can help identify additional risk factors for periodontal disease, define the generalizability of periodontal research across different elderly adult sub‐populations, and serve as adjunct clinical markers. Changes in psychological well being offer additional measures of the impact of the disease, and suggest criteria for the evaluation of treatment impact. Consideration of environmental antecedents of periodontitis points to the importance of pathological rather than developmental dynamics in the etiology of the disease. Recommendations are made for an interdisciplinary, but carefully balanced approsch, to the study of periodontal diseases in older adults.
The Relationship between Oral Health and Systemic Infections among Elderly Residents of Chronic Care Facilities: A Review1
Authors: Limeback Hardy
Published: July 2006

Elderly residents living in chronic care facilities such as nursing homes and homes for the aged are more likely to become ill or die from lower respiratory tract infections and other systemic infections than age‐ and sex‐matched persons living in the community. Bacterial infections such as non‐pneumococcal pneumonia are responsible for a large proportion of the hospital admissions from nursing homes and are implicated in many of the deaths that follow hospitalization. The incidence of infection in this group can be attributed to a change in the host's defence mechanisms and to an increased exposure to pathogenic microorganisms. The intent of this review is to develop from evidence in the literature the hypothesis that poor oral hygiene among residents of chronic care facilities increases their exposure to microorganisms found in the oral cavity and, in combination with reduced host defence mechanisms, results in an increased incidence of systemic infections. It is proposed that preventive programs designed to limit oral infections will go far to reduce hospital admissions from chronic care facilities and even lower the mortality rate related specifically to systemic bacterial infections in these patients.
Ageing and the Accuracy of Jaw Muscle Control
Authors: Lewis George Robert
Published: July 2006

This study was designed to investigate the effect of ageing upon the accuracy with which subjects control jaw muscle activity during voluntary tooth clenching. The experiment involved the subjects clenching on a force transducer to achieve and maintain a predetermined target force displayed using a biofeedback light bar. The subjects were seventeen healthy, dentally fit males, ranging in age from 22 to 77 years, each of whom performed the experiment on one occasion. Target forces of 0.5, 1 and 2 Kg were demanded, and were maintained for two minutes duration with an equivalent rest period between each task. Subject performance was a measure of the difference between the force achieved and the target force, and was obtained electrically using an integrator controlled by a timing device. The results showed that performance deteriorated both at higher force levels and with increasing age, although there was a wide variation in ability between different individuals.
A Bibliography of Articles in Dentistry and Aging Research and Case Studies
Authors: Tonna Edgar A.
Published: July 2006

The following is a bibliography of articles pertinent to the interests and research areas of readers of Gerodontology. Both basic research papers and clinical reports are included. Most are quite recent publications; others are historically important. This bibliography supplements the listing of current references which is presented in each issue.
Oral Soft Tissue Status in an Elderly Institutionalized Population1
Authors: Pisanty Sarah , Mersel Alex , Markitziu Alice
Published: July 2006

A total of 1,037 oral soft tissue lesions (3.98 lesions per patient) was found in 260 elderly people of American/European and of Asian/African extraction residing in a home for senior citizens in Jerusalem. There was a strong association between wearing of dentures or usage of bare mucosa for masticatory purposes and the presence of specific lesions at typical locations. A significant difference was found between the two ethnic groups with respect both to pattern of tooth loss and utilization of rehabilitative means. The distribution of the oral soft tissue lesions among the participants in the study seemed to be linked to their cultural background.
Immunohistological Analysis of the Immune Cells in the Normal Oral Mucosa of Aging Mice1
Authors: Raffaniello Robert D. , Roy Martin
Published: July 2006

Normal gingival tissues of BNL mice of different ages were studied, using recently developed immunohistochemical techniques to detect T and B lymphocytes, Langerhans cells and macrophages. The presence of mast cells, plasma cells and neutrophils was also determined. Cell densities were determined in the epithelium and connective tissue compartments of the attachment area, the papilla and the diastema. T lymphocytes (Lyt 1*) were present in the epithelium and connective tissue of all three areas studied. Their numbers increased significantly with age in the attachment area and in the papillary connective tissue. Langerhans cells (F4/80*) were detected in the epithelium of all three areas examined. Their numbers did not vary significantly with age. The highest concentrations of T lymphocytes and Langerhans cells were observed in the attachment area at all ages. Macrophages (F4/80*) were detected in the connective tissue of all three areas examined. Their numbers increased significantly in the papillary connective tissue of older animals (78 weeks of age). Neither B lymphocytes (RA‐2C2′) nor plasma cells were detected in any of the tissue areas examined. The presence of neutrophils in the attachment area increased with age. Mast cells were present in all samples in the more vascularized areas (the papilla and diastema). The results suggest that, throughout the lifespan, T lymphocytes, macrophages, Langerhans cells and mast cells are normal constituents of the oral mucosa of the mouse, while B lymphocytes, plasma cells and, for the most part, neutrophils are absent under normal conditions. Furthermore, the concentrations of T lymphocytes and macrophages increased with age in the areas adjacent to the dentition, possibly as a result of reduced tissue resistance to external antigens.
Oral Findings in Elderly Nursing Home Residents in Selected Countries II. Soft Tissue Lesions and Denture Wearing Habits
Authors: Pietrokovski Jaime , Levy Fanny , Azuelos Josef , Tau Shmuel , Tamari Israel , Mostavoy Robert
Published: July 2006

This paper demonstrated that 38% of the 610 examinees at seven institutions in four countries have soft tissue lesions. Seventy t o eighty percent of the detected lesions were of the erythematous type. This incidence was found at institutions with and without attending dentists, in denture and non‐denture users, in dependent and independent patients. Tissue lesions in denture wearers were four times as many as in non‐denture wearers. The percentage of inflammatory lesions in both denture and non‐denture wearers was considerably higher at institutions with no attending dental personnel when compared with those with dental care facilities. Where patients depended on the staff and/or their relatives for their personal hygiene, a sharp increase in pathological findings was seen when compared to independent dwellers. The nursing staff and the relatives know very little about the oral problems of the elderly residents. There was no uniform policy about telling patients when to wear their removable dentures and patients did not always follow instructions when they were given. Many patients sleep with their upper denture while the lower one is removed for the night. Patients sometimes sleep in the dentures and sometimes remove one or both dentures for varying periods of time. The high percentage of soft tissue lesions and erratic denture wearing habits point to neglect and insufficient oral care toward the geriatric population studied.
Dental Behavioral Aspects of a Non‐Institutionalized Elderly Population1
Authors: Mann Jonathan , Mersel Alex , Ernest Moshe , Labiv Musa
Published: July 2006

Various studies have shown an increase in utilization of dental services among the elderly in the last three decades. This study aimed at evaluating utilization rate of a non‐institutionalized geriatric population in Jerusalem and determining reasons for non‐utilization. To eliminate the factor of accessibility of services, a Jerusalem neighborhood with a dental geriatric clinic was selected and all residents were notified. A second letter requesting cooperation with a dentist who would be visiting their homes was sent, and was followed by a phone call. According to a list provided by the municipality, 175 homes were visited; only 87 were examined, 21.7% refused; 4.6% were disqualified for health problems. 13.7% died and 10.3% moved. Testing included: a clinical dental examination, an interview regarding number of visits at a dental clinic and reasons for non‐utilization of services. Results indicated that 42.4% had visited a dentist during the last year and 37.6% had not seen a dentist for more than 5 years. Of those who had not seen a dentist for more than a year, 62.7% indicated having no problems, 9.8% indicated a financial barrier, 7.8% indicated no services available, 5.9% were too busy and only 3.9% indicated fear as the reason for non‐utilization. Though the sample was relatively small, accessibility and availability of dental services have proven to be factors which increase utilization.