bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Formation of a sodium ring in Mercury's magnetosphere
Authors: Yagi M. , Seki K. , Matsumoto Y. , Delcourt D. C. , Leblanc F.
Published: October 2010

We have performed a statistical analysis of exospheric sodium ion paths in Mercury's magnetosphere under northward interplanetary magnetic field conditions. Electric and magnetic field models used in the simulation were obtained from a global MHD simulation model, whereas the initial conditions of test Na+ ions were derived from a sodium exosphere model. We observe the formation of a ring‐shaped high‐pressure region consisting of energetic sodium ions traveling around the planet close to the equatorial plane. The configuration of this “sodium ring” as well as the acceleration processes leading to its formation strongly depend on the solar wind conditions. When the dynamic pressure is low, most of the Na+ are picked up in the magnetosphere and accelerated by the large‐scale convective electric field. In contrast, in the case of high dynamic pressure, ions that are picked up in the magnetosheath and penetrate into the magnetosphere significantly contribute to the sodium ring. The configuration of this ring also depends upon the intensity of the solar wind electric field. Our analysis reveals that the pressure built by the Na+ ions may be significant as compared to the MHD pressure around the planet.
Physical speciation of iron in the Atlantic sector of the Southern Ocean along a transect from the subtropical domain to the Weddell Sea Gyre
Authors: Chever F. , Bucciarelli E. , Sarthou G. , Speich S. , Arhan M. , Penven P. , Tagliabue A.
Published: October 2010

Distributions of total dissolvable iron (TDFe; unfiltered), dissolved iron (DFe; 0.2 μm filtered), and soluble iron (SFe; 0.02 μm filtered) were investigated during the BONUS‐GoodHope cruise in the Atlantic sector of the Southern Ocean (34°S/17°E–57°S/0°, February–March 2008). In the mixed layer, mean values of 0.43 ± 0.28 and 0.22 ± 0.18 nmol L−1 were measured for TDFe and DFe, respectively. In deeper waters, TDFe and DFe concentrations were 1.07 ± 0.68 and 0.52 ± 0.30 nmol L−1, respectively. DFe concentrations decreased from the north (subtropical waters) to the south (Weddell Sea Gyre). In the subtropical domain, dusts coming from Patagonia and southern Africa and inputs from the African continental margin may explain high DFe and TDFe concentrations in surface and intermediate waters. Results from numerical models gave support to these hypotheses. In the Antarctic Circumpolar Current domain, estimation of the median advective time of water masses suggests that sediment inputs from the Antarctic Peninsula, South America margin, and/or South Georgia Islands could be an important source of Fe. Except in the subtropical domain where 0.4–0.6 nmol L−1 of SFe were observed in the upper 1500 m, all stations exhibited values close to 0.1–0.2 nmol L−1 in surface and 0.3–0.5 nmol L−1 in deeper waters. For all stations, colloidal Fe (CFe) was a minor fraction of DFe in surface waters and increased with depth. Colloidal aggregation, sinking of CFe, and assimilation of SFe, followed by rapid exchange between the two fractions, are suspected to occur.
Co‐occurrence statistics of tropical tropopause layer cirrus with lower cloud layers as derived from CloudSat and CALIPSO data
Authors: Schwartz M. Christian , Mace Gerald G.
Published: October 2010

Radar and lidar data collected by instruments aboard the CloudSat and CALIPSO satellites are used to demonstrate statistics of the spatial variability of tropical tropopause layer (TTL) cirrus, along with their tendency to occur with or without lower clouds, during the period July 2006 through June 2007. This time period included a mild El Niño event. TTL cirrus occurrence patterns contain maxima over the tropical convective areas of South America, of Africa, and of the west Pacific. It is demonstrated from co‐occurrence statistics that TTL cirrus events and general lower cloud events are nominally independent in a zonal average; however, tendencies toward co‐occurrence between TTL cirrus and lower clouds that appear in specific base height and geometrical thickness bins do exist. Nominally independent of clouds based below 3 km, TTL cirrus become increasingly less likely to occur with lower cloud layers of increasing base height than they are to occur generally. The independence of TTL cirrus from clouds based in the boundary layer is due to the ubiquitous, unconnected co‐occurrence of TTL cirrus with thin trade cumulus clouds. However, we find that TTL cirrus are more likely to occur with low‐based clouds of moderate depth (3–10 km) than they are generally and less likely to occur with deep (thicker than 10 km), low‐based clouds than they are generally. Results are used in commenting generally on the TTL cirrus maintenance and formation hypotheses of Hartman et al. (2001) and of Garret et al. (2006).
Bi‐directional air‐surface exchange of atmospheric ammonia: A review of measurements and a development of a big‐leaf model for applications in regional‐scale air‐quality models
Authors: Zhang L. , Wright L. P. , Asman W. A. H.
Published: October 2010

The air‐surface exchange of atmospheric ammonia (NH3) and measurements of the canopy and stomatal compensation points (χcp and χst, respectively) and the stomatal and soil emission potentials (Γst and Γg, respectively) are reviewed. A database of these values has been developed, to be used for the development of input parameters and for model evaluation. The compensation points are dependent on canopy type, nitrogen (N) status, temperature, growth stage, and meteorological conditions. Canopies that receive high atmospheric nitrogen input generally have high χcp values. χcp values also tend to be higher over intensively managed vegetated surfaces than semi‐natural vegetation, due to the higher nitrogen content in these surfaces. Increased nitrogen concentrations from fertilization and cutting practices have been observed to increase the compensation points and therefore the emission from these canopies. The decomposition of litter leaves has been found to play a dominant role and significantly increase the values of χcp over agricultural vegetation and fertilized grasslands. By modifying an existing big‐leaf dry deposition model to allow NH3 emission from leaf stomata and soil surfaces, a bi‐directional air‐surface exchange model has been developed for applications in regional‐scale air‐quality models. The model predicts χcp values that vary with canopy type, nitrogen content, and meteorological conditions. χcp values predicted by the model are around 1–2 μg m−3 over forest canopies and 4–10 μg m−3 over grasslands and agricultural canopies during a typical summer daytime; χcp values are ∼10 and ∼3 times lower over forests and agricultural lands, respectively, in nighttime and/or winter conditions. These results are similar to the range of measured values. The new bi‐directional air‐surface exchange model will reduce the dry deposition fluxes by 20–100 ng m−2 s−1 compared to the original dry deposition model over low‐N forests and agricultural lands during typical summer daytime conditions, which can be the difference between whether deposition or emission occurs. For example, this new model produces emissions fluxes of 0–90 ng m−2 s−1 over croplands when the atmospheric NH3 concentrations are below 10 μg m−3.
Postseismic deformation induced by brittle rock damage of aftershocks
Authors: Wang Lifeng , Hainzl Sebastian , Sinan Özeren M. , Ben‐Zion Yehuda
Published: October 2010

Large earthquakes are commonly followed by abundant aftershocks that are densely located around the coseismic rupture zone. Laboratory experiments indicate that “microscopic” brittle rock failures (acoustic emission) are associated collectively with a “macroscopic” damage‐related inelastic relaxation. Utilizing basic relations between local brittle failures and gradual inelastic strain in a viscoelastic damage rheology model, we develop connections between aftershock decay rates and the aftershocks‐induced component of geodetic deformation. The discussed mechanism is relevant for postseismic relaxation produced by sources located within the seismogenic zone, and especially in regions that overlap locations of high aftershocks activity. Assuming the Omori‐Utsu decay rate for aftershocks, we find that the temporal decay of the damage‐related postseismic relaxation follows a generalized power‐law relation with the standard Omori‐Utsu law as a limit case. The results provide a way for estimating the separate contributions to observed postseismic displacements that stem from brittle failures in the seismogenic zone (aftershocks) and other (aseismic) processes. Using the obtained theoretical expectations, we analyze postseismic displacements measured by GPS stations around the North Anatolian fault ∼3 months following the 1999 M7.4 İzmit earthquake. We find that the observed postseismic displacements decay slower than the aftershock seismicity. Based on our theoretical results, we conclude that up to 50% of the measured surface displacements at near‐fault sites can be attributed to aftershock‐induced inelastic deformation in the seismogenic zone. The remainder postseismic deformation can generally be explained by relaxation in the deeper ductile substrate.
Precursory seismic anomalies and transient crustal deformation prior to the 2008 Mw = 6.9 Iwate‐Miyagi Nairiku, Japan, earthquake
Authors: Kumazawa Takao , Ogata Yosihiko , Toda Shinji
Published: October 2010

The epidemic‐type aftershock sequence (ETAS) model has been widely used for detecting seismicity anomalies, such as quiescence and activation during aftershock sequences of large earthquakes and background levels of seismicity. The causes of such anomalies are thought to be associated with spatiotemporal changes in stress, even tiny perturbation of local stress. Here we analyze the seismic activity during the decade prior to the 2008 Iwate‐Miyagi inland earthquake of M7.2 (Mw6.9), to fit the ETAS model to the seismicity from various regions around the source over northern Honshu, Japan. From the viewpoint of the analyses with the ETAS model, we find northern Honshu is divided into three areas of distinctive behaviors, increased seismicity, decreased seismicity, and normal seismicity relative to the ETAS prediction. As in other previously published papers, here we hypothesize that Coulomb stress changes caused by a few years of precursory slip of the Iwate‐Miyagi earthquake resulted in the seismicity changes in and around the 2008 source region. The confirmed significant seismic anomalies in respective regions are consistent with the increments of the Coulomb failure stress of the corresponding regions that are calculated by the assumed slow slip on the southern part of the faults of the main shock. The local crustal deformations observed from a dense Global Positioning System network, including a station right above the focal fault, supports that slow slip on the fault had been taking place for about 5 years prior to the occurrence of the focal earthquake and suggests that the slip terminated or migrated to down‐dip extension of the fault around 1 year before the rupture.
Hydrological connectivity of hillslopes and streams: Characteristic time scales and nonlinearities
Authors: McGuire Kevin J. , McDonnell Jeffrey J.
Published: October 2010

Subsurface flow from hillslopes is widely recognized as an important contributor to streamflow generation; however, processes that control how and when hillslopes connect to streams remain unclear. We investigated stream and hillslope runoff dynamics through a wet‐up period in watershed 10 of the H. J. Andrews Experimental Forest in the western Cascades of Oregon where the riparian zone has been removed by debris flows. We examined the controls on hillslope‐stream connectivity on the basis of observations of hydrometric, stable isotope, and applied tracer responses and computed transit times for multiple runoff components for a series of storms during the wet‐up phase of the 2002–2003 winter rainy season. Hillslope discharge was distinctly threshold‐like with a near linear response and average quick flow ratio of 0.58 when antecedent rainfall was greater than 20 mm. Hillslope and stream stormflow varied temporally and showed strong hysteretic relationships. Event water mean transit times (8–34 h) and rapid breakthrough from applied hillslope tracer additions demonstrated that subsurface contributing areas extend far upslope during events. Despite rapid hillslope transport processes during events, soil water and runoff mean transit times during nonstorm conditions were greater than the time scale of storm events. Soil water mean transit times ranged between 10 and 25 days. Hillslope seepage and catchment base flow mean transit times were between 1 and 2 years. We describe a conceptual model that captures variable physical flow pathways, their synchronicity, threshold activation, hysteresis, and transit times through changing antecedent wetness conditions that illustrate the different stages of hillslope and stream connectivity.
Decision support for dam release during floods using a distributed biosphere hydrological model driven by quantitative precipitation forecasts
Authors: Saavedra Valeriano Oliver C. , Koike Toshio , Yang Kun , Graf Tobias , Li Xin , Wang Lei , Han Xujun
Published: October 2010

This study proposes a decision support system for real‐time dam operation during heavy rainfall. It uses an operational mesoscale quantitative precipitation forecast (QPF) to force a hydrological model and considers the forecast error from the previous time step, which is introduced as a perturbation range applied to the most recent QPF. A weighting module accounts for the location, intensity, and extent of the error. Missing precipitation intensities within contributing areas and information from surrounding areas can both be considered. Forecast error is defined as the ratio of QPF to the observed precipitation within an evaluation zone (sub‐basin, basin, buffer, or total domain). An objective function is established to minimize the flood volume at control points downstream and to maximize reservoir storage. The decision variables are the dam releases, which are constrained to the ensemble streamflow's information. A prototype was applied to one of the most important river basins in Japan, the Tone reservoir system. The efficiency of the approach was evident in reduced flood peaks downstream and increased water storage. The results from three events indicate that the developed decision support system is feasible for real‐life dam operation.
Expression of the endothelial receptor tyrosine kinase Tie2 in lobular capillary hemangioma of the oral mucosa: an immunohistochemical study
Authors: Sato Hirotaka , Takeda Yasunori , Satoh Masanobu
Published: October 2010

Background:  Lobular capillary hemangioma (LCH) usually occurs in the skin or mucous membranes as a rapidly growing red nodule. LCH is one of the most common vascular lesions in the oral mucosa. Tie2 is a novel, human endothelial receptor tyrosine kinase which may play an important role in blood vessel formation. In this study, we investigated its immunohistochemical expression in LCH of the oral mucosa.

Methods:  Double immunostaining with anti‐CD34 and antiα smooth muscle actin (SMA) antibodies was performed to characterize the cellular expression of Tie2 in 15 cases of this condition.

Results:  We found Tie2 immunoreactivity in the ovoid cells only, which were frequently intermingled with αSMA‐positive cells, especially in the hypercellular portion of LCH.

Conclusions:  These results suggest that the expression of Tie2 in ovoid cells and the interaction between ovoid cells and αSMA‐positive cells play an important part in the development and progression of LCH.
A study of the extracellular matrix in salivary gland tumors
Authors: Raitz R. , Martins M. D. , Araújo V. C.
Published: October 2010

Background:  Epithelial–mesenchymal interactions constitute fundamental phenomena in the development and maintenance of the characteristic branching pattern seen in salivary glands. This study was undertaken to discuss the extracellular matrix (ECM) role in morphogenesis and cellular differentiation of salivary gland tumors originating from the intercalated duct.

Methods:  The ECM components, laminin (LN), type IV collagen, fibronectin (FN), and tenascin (TN) were revealed using a streptoavidin‐biotin immunohistochemical technique and analyzed in 34 cases of salivary gland tumors: pleomorphic adenoma (PA); myoepithelioma; basal cell adenoma (BCA); polymorphous low grade adenocarcinoma (PLGA); and adenoid cystic carcinoma (ACC).

Results:  LN and type IV collagen were present in all tumors, confining well‐organized duct‐like structures, separating them from the stroma, or surrounding cell clusters. In PA and myoepithelioma, the basement membrane (BM) fragmentation was observed through LN and type IV collagen staining around each individual spindle‐shaped cell, which was strictly related to the cell modification. Interestingly, BM interruption could not be seen in the malign tumors, however, was frequently augmented in some cases. LN, type IV collagen, and FN were also found in the stroma of all tumors studied, except for the pseudocystic spaces of ACC, which were only delimited by replicated LN and type IV collagen. TN exhibited a variable expression, being more intense in solid ACC.

Conclusions:  LN and type IV collagen were always present around morphologically well‐differentiated duct‐like structures in all tumors studied. BM interruption could not be seen in the malign tumors, on the contrary BM production was evident, which is probably related to invasion. FN was present in the stroma of all tumors, but TN was mostly observed in less differentiated and higher degree of malignancy tumors, such as solid ACC.
Oral pre‐cancer and the associated risk factors among industrial workers in Japan's overseas enterprises in the UK
Authors: Nagao Toru , Warnakulasuriya Saman , Gelbier Stanley , Yuasa Hidemichi , Tsuboi Shinji , Nakagaki Haruo
Published: October 2010

Background:  Screening at industries has been advocated as a method of early detection for cancer. This study describes the prevalence of oral pre‐cancerous lesions and other mucosal diseases following oral mucosal screening, and associated risk factors among Japanese industrial workers in the UK.

Methods:  Oral mucosal screening was by invitation at 51 industrial locations in the UK. A self‐administered questionnaire was used to record socio‐behavioural factors and frequency of daily intake of fruits and vegetables.

Results:  Four hundred and eighty‐four subjects attended for oral mucosal screening (mean age 39.9 ± 8.3 years) and their mean period of residence in UK was 5.3 ± 4.5 years. 63.4% examined were male. 31.3% of males and 26.6% of females smoked daily. The gender differences were striking compared with Japan's national rates. A higher proportion of managerial staff was regular heavy (20+ per day) smokers. The intake of more than five portions per day of vegetables and/or fruits during the weekend was significantly higher in females than in males (P = 0.022). One hundred and six subjects (22%) were detected with oral mucosal lesions, including 16 leukoplakia lesions (3.3%) and three with oral lichen planus (1%). The rate of positive detections was higher in managers (7.5%). Odds ratios were estimated by socio‐behavioural variables. Among subjects positive for oral leukoplakia, managers accounted for 68.8% (OR 5.26; 95% CI, 1.24–22.29). 87.5% of subjects detected with oral leukoplakia smoked daily and had done so for the past 10 years (OR 28.40; 95% CI, 5.63–143.28). Though regular alcohol drinking was a common feature among male leukoplakia cases, heavy alcohol misuse was not encountered. None reported an intake of five or more portions of fruits or vegetables.

Conclusions:  The Japanese nationals working in managerial positions in the UK and daily regular smokers in the industries visited were found to be at a high risk of oral pre‐cancer. Regular dental/oral check up and tobacco education programmes are encouraged for oral cancer/pre‐cancer control in industrial settings.
Evidence for the formation of metaplastic bone from pericytes in calcifying fibroblastic granuloma
Authors: Dayoub S. , Devlin H. , Sloan P.
Published: October 2010

Background:  The calcifying fibroblastic granuloma (CFG) is a variant of epulis characterised histologically by calcified nodules and metaplastic bone formation and clinically by its pattern of frequent recurrence. Recent evidence suggests that calcified nodules and bone may form directly from non‐haemopoetic pericytes in a variety of situations. This study aimed to test the hypothesis that metaplastic bone formation in CFG may be the result of a pericytic differentiation pathway.

Methods:  A series of 16 cases of CFG meeting the criteria of Lee were reviewed and stained using markers which aid the identification of pericyte (smooth muscle actin, von Willebrand's factor, monoclonal antibody 3G5) and osteoblast (AML‐3) lineages.

Results:  The cells in mineralising areas of CFG resembled pericytes morphologically. Often, calcified nodules were observed within the vascular basement membrane and nodules frequently formed the nidus for reactive bone formation. The pericyte‐like cells were positive for smooth muscle actin and AML‐3 and were negative for von Willebrand's factor.

Conclusions:  These data provide circumstantial evidence for a pericytic lineage in CFG.
Cellular mechanisms of osteoclast formation and lacunar resorption in giant cell granuloma of the jaw
Authors: Itonaga I. , Hussein I. , Kudo O. , Sabokbar A. , Watt‐Smith S. , Ferguson D. , Athanasou N. A.
Published: October 2010

Background:  Giant cell granuloma (GCG) is an osteolytic tumour of the jaw which is characterised by the presence of both mononuclear and multinucleated (osteoclast‐like) giant cell components. The nature of these component cells and the pathogenesis of the extensive osteolysis associated with this lesion is uncertain.

Methods:  Using cell culture techniques and immunohistochemistry, we defined the phenotypic characteristics of the mononuclear and multinucleated cells present in four cases of GCG of the jaw. We also analysed the cellular and humoral factors associated with osteoclast formation and osteolysis in these tumours and determined whether GCG stromal cells are capable of supporting osteoclast formation.

Results:  GCG‐derived giant cells expressed the phenotypic characteristics of osteoclasts (TRAP+, VNR+, and calcitonin responsive) and were capable of lacunar resorption. In addition to macrophages, the mononuclear cell population contained numerous spindle‐shaped stromal cells which proliferated in culture and expressed RANKL; these GCG‐stromal cells were capable of supporting human osteoclast formation from circulating monocyte precursors.

Conclusion:  Our findings indicate that the giant cells in GCG of the jaw are osteoclast‐like and formed from monocyte/macrophage precursors which differentiate into osteoclasts under the influence of RANKL‐expressing mononuclear stromal cells found in this lesion.
Expression of vascular endothelial growth factor in salivary gland carcinomas and its relation to p53, Ki‐67 and prognosis
Authors: Lim Ji J. , Kang Sungmin , Lee Mi R. , Pai Hyun K. , Yoon Hye J. , Lee Jae I. , Hong Sam P. , Lim Chang Y.
Published: October 2010

Background:  Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) has been demonstrated to play an important role in tumor angiogenesis and to influence prognosis in many cancers. But, its significance in salivary gland carcinomas has not been elucidated. The authors investigated the association between VEGF expression and clinicopathological factors, p53, and Ki‐67 to verify its validity as a prognostic factor.

Methods:  Surgical specimens from 45 patients with salivary gland carcinoma were examined for VEGF, p53, and Ki‐67 expression by immunohistochemical staining. The results were compared with the clinicopathological factors and the relationships were correlated.

Results:  VEGF expression was low in 14 cases, moderate in 15 cases, and high in 16 cases. It was significantly correlated with a variety of clinicopathological factors such as TNM stage, perineural and vascular invasion, and recurrence. VEGF showed significant association with the expression of p53 but not with that of Ki‐67. Univariate analysis showed that age, gender, lymph node metastasis, vascular invasion, p53, Ki‐67, and VEGF expression correlate with prognosis. Multivariate analysis demonstrated that VEGF is an independent prognostic factor for patients with salivary gland carcinomas.

Conclusions:  The results of this study suggest that VEGF expression is correlated with p53 expression and that it may have prognostic value in salivary gland carcinomas.
Immunohistochemical study of matrilin‐1 in arthritic articular cartilage of the mandibular condyle
Authors: Ohno Shigeru , Murakami Kenichiro , Tanimoto Kotaro , Sugiyama Hiroki , Makihira Seicho , Shibata Takanori , Yoneno Kiyoshi , Kato Yukio , Tanne Kazuo
Published: October 2010

Background:  The objective of this study was to investigate the expression of matrilin‐1 in arthritic articular cartilage of the mandibular condyle by means of immunohistochemical methods.

Methods:  Condylar cartilage specimens were obtained from temporomandibular joints (TMJs) of 12 patients with arthritis (osteoarthritis and internal derangement) (mean age 51.8 years; age range 28–71 years) and four patients with TMJ ankylosis (mean age 44.0 years; age range 16–64 years), diagnosed clinically and with imaging examinations. Paraffin sections were immunostained with anti‐matrilin‐1 antibodies.

Results:  Matrilin‐1 expression was detected in both patient groups with TMJ ankylosis and arthritis, and the level was remarkably higher in arthritic cartilage. The mean percentage of matrilin‐1‐producing cells to the total chondrocytes was significantly (P < 0.05) greater in the arthritic group (43.9 ± 19.2%) than in subjects with TMJ ankylosis (28.0 ± 8.7%).

Conclusions:  Articular chondrocytes in the TMJ condyle can express matrilin‐1 and the expression is enhanced in arthritic cartilage, suggesting a presence of functional or adaptive remodeling in the condyle in response to degenerative changes in the TMJ structures.
Levamisole and Chinese medicinal herbs can modulate the serum interleukin‐6 level in patients with recurrent aphthous ulcerations
Authors: Sun Andy , Chia Jean‐San , Chang Yu‐Fong , Chiang Chun‐Pin
Published: October 2010

Background:  Recurrent aphthous ulcerations (RAU) are common oral inflammatory lesions. Interleukin‐6 (IL‐6) is a pro‐inflammatory cytokine that has effects on cellular and humoral immunities. Previous studies have shown that the high serum IL‐6 levels in some RAU patients can be reduced by drug treatment. This finding suggests that IL‐6 may be a useful marker in evaluating therapeutic effects of RAU.

Methods:  In this study, we used a solid phase, two‐site sequential chemiluminescent immunometric assay to determine the baseline serum levels of IL‐6 in a group of 228 patients with RAU, erythema multiforme (EM), traumatic ulcers (TU), oral submucous fibrosis (OSF), pemphigus vulgaris (PV), or Sjögren's syndrome (SS), and in 77 normal control subjects. Some RAU patients were treated with levamisole plus Chinese medicinal herbs or levamisole only for 0.5–5 months and their serum IL‐6 levels were measured after treatment.

Results:  We found that about 99% of the normal control subjects and the patients with EM, TU, or OSF had a serum IL‐6 level within the normal limit of 5.0 pg/ml. However, 24% (48/197) RAU patients, 14% (1/7) EM patients, 43% (3/7) PV patients, and 100% (6/6) SS patients had a serum level of IL‐6 greater than 5.0 pg/ml. The mean serum level of IL‐6 in patients with RAU (3.6 ± 3.5 pg/ml, P < 0.001), minor type RAU (2.7 ± 2.0 pg/ml, P < 0.05), major type RAU (5.2 ± 4.6 pg/ml, P < 0.001), or herpetiform type RAU (4.1 ± 3.8 pg/ml, P < 0.01) was higher than that in normal control subjects. The mean serum level of IL‐6 in major type (P < 0.001) or in herpetiform type RAU patients (P < 0.05) was higher than that in minor type RAU patients. The mean reduction of serum IL‐6 level (10.0 ± 7.1 pg/ml) in RAU patients after treatment with levamisole plus Chinese medicinal herbs was significantly higher than that (5.1 ± 3.7 pg/ml) in RAU patients after treatment with levamisole only (P < 0.005), suggesting that the combination therapy is superior to the single therapy of levamisole only.

Conclusion:  We conclude that levamisole and levamisole plus Chinese medicinal herbs can modulate the serum IL‐6 level in RAU patients. Although the therapeutic effect of RAU can be assessed by a decrease in the frequency, duration and number of the oral ulcerations, it can also be monitored by a reduction of serum IL‐6 level in RAU patients.
The multiform and variable patterns of onset of orofacial granulomatosis
Authors: Mignogna Michele D. , Fedele Stefano , Lo Russo Lucio , Lo Muzio Lorenzo
Published: October 2010

Background:  The recurrent chronic orofacial swelling caused by orofacial granulomatosis (OFG) can cause significant cosmetic and functional problems but can be prevented if the disease is diagnosed early and promptly treated. Although the enlargement of the lips is described to be the most common presenting complaint, the clinical onset of OFG may be characterized by minor associated mucosal and neurological manifestations, making early diagnosis very difficult or, sometimes, merely presumable.

Patients and methods:  We retrospectively analyzed the clinical manifestations of 19 patients with OFG, who were examined at our institution between 1998 and 2002, in order to determine their initial manifestations and presenting symptoms.

Results:  A total of 10 patients showed classical recurrent enlargement of the lips (six lower; four upper) as presenting symptom. In the other nine patients, OFG onset was characterized by transient unilateral facial nerve palsy (two cases), intraoral manifestations (two cases), recurrent swelling of the periorbital area (two cases), of the chin (one case), of the zygomatic area (one case), and of the cheeks (one case).

Conclusion:  Our data underlined that OFG onset could be frequently characterized by widely variable, multiform, and temporary clinical findings. Involvement of atypical sites of the orofacial region and presence of single minor manifestations may occur as presenting symptoms, often preceding the development of traditional clinical findings.
Progress in determining the malignant potential of oral lesions
Authors: Scully C. , Sudbø J. , Speight P. M.
Published: October 2010

The dilemma in managing patients with potentially malignant oral lesions and field change is of deciding which mucosal lesions or areas will progress to carcinoma. Although dysplasia may be predictive, this is not invariable, and there can be considerable inter‐ and intraexaminer variation in that diagnosis. Recent data on molecular and DNA changes in potentially malignant lesions suggest that it is now feasible to identify those lesions that are truly potentially malignant.
Salivary gland tumours: immunoexpression of integrins β1, β3 and β4
Authors: Loducca S. V. L. , Mantesso A. , Kapas S. , Williams D. M. , Araújo N. S. , Araújo V. C.
Published: October 2010

Background:  Integrins, heterodimeric transmembranic adhesion molecules composed of α and β subunits, have been implicated in normal and neoplastic biological processes. We investigated the patterns of expression of integrins subunits β1, β3 and β4 in neoplasms derived from the terminal segment of salivary glands in order to understand their expression patterns in the different structures of these tumours.

Methods:  Immunohistochemistry using ‘catalized signal amplification’ (CSA) detection system was applied to paraffin‐embedded specimens of polymorphous low‐grade adenocarcinoma, adenoid cystic carcinoma and acinic cell carcinoma. Normal salivary glands were used as controls.

Results:  Immunoexpression of integrins showed that neoplastic structures of the tumours studied tend to mimic the patterns seen in the normal structures of salivary glands from which they are derived. Anaplastic cells were negative for all integrins.

Conclusions:  This study revealed detailed topography of integrins in malignant tumours derived from intercalated acinar segment of salivary gland and this might be useful in the diagnosis of these lesions, especially of fine‐needle aspiration (FNA) products or small specimens derived form incisional biopsies.
Increase of mast cells and tumor angiogenesis in oral squamous cell carcinoma
Authors: Iamaroon Anak , Pongsiriwet Surawut , Jittidecharaks Sumana , Pattanaporn Komkham , Prapayasatok Sangsom , Wanachantararak Sitthichai
Published: October 2010

Background:  Although mast cells (MCs) have been implicated in promoting angiogenesis in some malignant tumors, especially of the aerodigestive tract, little is known in oral squamous cell carcinoma (SCC).

Methods:  A retrospective study was conducted to elaborate upon the correlation between MCs and tumor angiogenesis in 26 cases of oral SCC, six cases of oral pre‐malignant dysplasia, 10 cases of oral hyperkeratosis, and six cases of normal oral mucosa by means of immunohistochemical technique.

Results:  The MCs in all lesions and normal oral mucosa strongly expressed tryptase. The densities of MCs and microvessels appeared to increase with disease progression. The MC and microvascular counts were significantly higher in oral SCC than in hyperkeratosis and normal oral mucosa (P < 0.05). A significant correlation between MC and microvascular densities was observed in oral SCC (r = 0.5; P = 0.012).

Conclusions:  These findings suggest that MCs may upregulate tumor angiogenesis in oral SCC, perhaps via MC tryptase.
Erythematous and reticular forms of oral lichen planus and oral lichenoid reactions differ in pathological features related to disease activity
Authors: Karatsaidis Andreas , Schreurs Olav , Helgeland Kristen , Axéll Tony , Schenck Karl
Published: October 2010

Background:  Common clinical forms of oral lichen planus (OLP) and oral lichenoid reactions (OLR) are erythematous (ERY) or reticular (RET). The purpose of this study was to find histopathological changes that differ between these forms.

Methods:  Epithelial thickness, epithelial proliferation rate, apoptosis, and HLA‐DR expression were compared among 10 reticular and 12 erythematous lesions, and 11 normal oral mucosa samples (NOM).

Results:  The epithelium in ERY was thinner than in NOM, whereas RET showed values between ERY and NOM. Cell proliferation increased significantly in ERY as compared with RET and NOM, with no difference between RET and NOM. Relative numbers of epithelial cell nuclei displaying visible chromatin condensation were reduced in ERY form.

Conclusions:  The markedly increased cell proliferation in ERY supports the notion that this form displays a higher disease activity as compared to RET. It can therefore be important to study each disease form separately.
Helicobacter pylori DNA in recurrent aphthous stomatitis
Authors: Victória Júnia Maria Netto , Kalapothakis Evanguedes , Silva Jeane de Fátima Correia , Gomez Ricardo Santiago
Published: October 2010

Background:  Considering not only the fact that recurrent aphthous stomatitis (RAS) and stomach ulcers are immunologically mediated ulcers associated with Helicobacter pylori, but also the recent evidence that anaemia can be associated with both diseases, and the discovery of H. pylori in the oral mucosa led us to hypothesize that this bacteria may be related to RAS pathogenesis.

Methods:  Thirty‐six consecutive subjects affected by minor and major forms of RAS and 48 healthy volunteers were included in the present study. The nested polymerase chain reaction (PCR) technique was used to detect the presence of H. pylori in the oral lesion, the normal contralateral mucosa of patients affected by RAS and the oral mucosa of control subjects. The χ2‐ and Fisher's tests were used for statistical analysis.

Results:  No association between RAS lesions and H. pylori was observed. However, 14 out of 36 (38.9%) of the patients with RAS were found to show the presence of H. pylori DNA in the lesion and/or contralateral mucosa. Sixteen out of 48 (33.3%) of the patients without RAS (control subjects) were positive (P > 0.05).

Conclusion:  The present study does not give support to the assumption that H. pylori could be involved in RAS development.
Cadherin and catenin expression in mucoepidermoid carcinoma: correlation with histopathologic grade, clinical stage, and patient outcome
Authors: Shieh Yi‐Shing , Chang Long‐Chang , Chiu Kuo‐Chou , Wu Cheng‐Wen , Lee Herng‐Sheng
Published: October 2010

Background:  Alteration of cadherin and catenin expression is associated with loss of differentiation, acquisition of an invasive phenotype, and poor prognosis in many types of cancers. The roles of cadherins and catenins in mucoepidermoid carcinoma (MEC) are not fully understood.

Methods:  Based on immunohistochemical studies, the expressions of E‐, N‐, and P‐cadherins and α‐, β‐, and γ‐catenins in MEC were investigated, and correlations with clinicopathologic parameters were evaluated.

Results:  These six molecules were strongly expressed in normal ductal epithelium but increased or decreased immunoreactivities of those proteins in MEC were frequently observed, especially for E‐cadherin and α‐catenin. The immunoactivity of β‐catenin showed significant correlation with grade (P = 0.05) and stage (P < 0.0001). β‐Catenin expressions are also correlated with γ‐catenin expression (P = 0.006) according to cross‐table analysis. Survival analysis indicated that stage, grade, and β‐catenin expressions had significant correlation with survival.

Conclusion:  Aberrant β‐catenin expression may play an important role in the histologic differentiation and tumor staging of MEC.
Characterizing genetic diversity and creating novel gene pools in rice for trait dissection and gene function discovery
Authors: Mauleon Ramil , McNally Kenneth , Leung Hei , Bruskiewich Richard , Sackville-Hamilton Ruaraidh
Published: October 2010

Rice diversity is the foundation for rice improvement programs. At IRRI, over 100,000 rice accessions are deposited, and intelligent use of this diversity can not only help solve current production problems but also create future production opportunities and tackle climate change challenges. To fully explore and utilize rice diversity, two ingredients are needed: 1 - the genetic blueprints of diverse rice accessions in use, 2 - plant populations with recombined genotypes allowing expression of phenotypic variation and discovery of new genes/QTLs for use in breeding programs. Sequencing of the genomes & obtaining SNP genotypes of many rice accessions is feasible due to decreasing cost of advanced DNA sequencing technologies. Coupled with the creation of populations suitable for trait dissection / phenotyping, discovery of gene functions and allelic variations causal to important agronomic traits becomes possible. This in turn will provide rich biological evidences to the rice/cereal crop genome annotation community.
Escherichia coli glycogen genes are organized in a single glgBXCAP transcriptional unit possessing an alternative suboperonic promoter within glgC that directs glgAP expression
Authors: Montero Manuel , Almagro Goizeder , Eydallin Gustavo , Viale Alejandro M. , Muñoz Francisco J. , Bahaji Abdellatif , Li Jun , Rahimpour Mehdi , Baroja-Fernández Edurne , Pozueta-Romero Javier
Published: October 2010

Although it is generally accepted that Escherichia coli glycogen genes are organized in two tandemly arranged, differentially regulated glgBX and glgCAP operons, RT (reverse transcriptase)–PCR analyses carried out in the present study showed that E. coli cells possess transcripts comprising the five glgBXCAP genes. glg::lacZY expression analyses in cells lacking the region immediately upstream of the glgB gene revealed an almost total abolishment of glgB, glgX and glgC expression, but only a 50–60% reduction of the wild-type glgA and glgP expression levels. Furthermore, similar analyses showed that glgA and glgP expression was almost totally abolished in cells lacking glgA upstream sequences, including glgC, glgB and the asd–glgB intergenic region upstream of glgB. These results indicate that E. coli glgBXCAP genes are organized in a single transcriptional unit controlled by promoter sequences occurring upstream of glgB, and that an alternative suboperonic promoter is located within glgC, driving expression of the glgA and glgP genes. Computer searches for consensus promoters, and analyses of glgB::lacZY and glgA::lacZY expression in cells containing deletions of glgB and glgA upstream sequences identified regions directing glgBXCAP and glgAP expression. 5′ RACE (rapid amplification of cDNA ends) analyses located a glgBXCAP transcription start site 155 bp upstream of the glgB initiation codon, and a glgAP transcription start site 359 bp upstream of the glgA initiation codon. Finally, glg::lacZY expression analyses on cells lacking the relA or phoP regulatory genes indicated that both the glgBXCAP operon and the suboperonic promoter driving glgAP expression form part of both the RelA and PhoP-PhoQ regulons.
The crystal structure of human GLRX5: iron–sulfur cluster co-ordination, tetrameric assembly and monomer activity
Authors: Johansson Catrine , Roos Annette K. , Montano Sergio J. , Sengupta Rajib , Filippakopoulos Panagis , Guo Kunde , von Delft Frank , Holmgren Arne , Oppermann Udo , Kavanagh Kathryn L.
Published: October 2010

Human GLRX5 (glutaredoxin 5) is an evolutionarily conserved thiol–disulfide oxidoreductase that has a direct role in the maintenance of normal cytosolic and mitochondrial iron homoeostasis, and its expression affects haem biosynthesis and erythropoiesis. We have crystallized the human GLRX5 bound to two [2Fe–2S] clusters and four GSH molecules. The crystal structure revealed a tetrameric organization with the [2Fe–2S] clusters buried in the interior and shielded from the solvent by the conserved β1-α2 loop, Phe69 and the GSH molecules. Each [2Fe–2S] cluster is ligated by the N-terminal activesite cysteine (Cys67) thiols contributed by two protomers and two cysteine thiols from two GSH. The two subunits co-ordinating the cluster are in a more extended conformation compared with iron–sulfur-bound human GLRX2, and the intersubunit interactions are more extensive and involve conserved residues among monothiol GLRXs. Gel-filtration chromatography and analytical ultracentrifugation support a tetrameric organization of holo-GLRX5, whereas the apoprotein is monomeric. MS analyses revealed glutathionylation of the cysteine residues in the absence of the [2Fe–2S] cluster, which would protect them from further oxidation and possibly facilitate cluster transfer/acceptance. Apo-GLRX5 reduced glutathione mixed disulfides with a rate 100 times lower than did GLRX2 and was active as a glutathione-dependent electron donor for mammalian ribonucleotide reductase.
Oral pemphigus vulgaris occurring during pregnancy
Authors: Muhammad Joseph K. , Lewis Michael A. O. , Crean St. John
Published: October 2010

There have been few reports describing the occurrence of pemphigus vulgaris (PV) during pregnancy. The patient described in this case report is interesting because the PV that developed during her pregnancy was confined to her mouth. It has been suggested that prompt treatment with systemic steroids prevents development of PV in cutaneous tissues. In this case, early control of the condition is believed to have eliminated the need for high dose steroids throughout the remainder of the pregnancy. In addition, this therapeutic approach could have contributed to the birth of a baby free of PV. Resolution of the presenting oral symptoms allowed the mother to resume a normal diet, allaying her anxiety about the possible effects of poor nutritional intake on foetal development. Aspects of clinical management considered in this report include the choice of immunospuppressive therapy and the multidisciplinary care involving both dental and obstetric specialists.
The excretion of cephem antibiotics into saliva is inversely associated with their plasma protein‐binding activities
Authors: Hamada Toshihiro , Ueta Eisaku , Kodama Hiroyuki , Osaki Tokio
Published: October 2010

Background: The excretion of medicated drugs into saliva may disturb the oral environment and antibiotic excretion into saliva appears to be regulated by many factors that have not been fully explored.

Methods: Excretion of four cephem antibiotics into saliva was examined in healthy volunteers and rats, using high‐performance liquid chromatography, and the relationship between excretion levels and plasma protein‐binding activities of the antibiotics was investigated.

Results: Following addition of 50 µg/ml of each antibiotic to human plasma, protein binding rates (PBRs) of cefuzonam (CZON, molecular weight (MW): 535.58), cefotaxime (CTX, MW: 477.45), flomoxef (FMOX, MW: 518.45) and cefozopran (CZOP, MW: 551.99) were 87.8 ± 1.2, 70.8 ± 0.8, 36.2 ± 0.5 and 8.3 ± 0.3%, respectively. In rat plasma, PBRs of the four antibiotics were 94.0 ± 0.5, 62.1 ± 1.4, 54.0 ± 0.8 and 6.0 ± 0.8%, respectively. Similar PBRs were observed when the antibiotic concentration was increased to 100 and 200 µg/ml. CZOP was most rapidly excreted into saliva and had the highest concentration in saliva among the tested antibiotics, while the plateau level of CZON was the lowest. The excreted levels of each antibiotic in saliva, when locally perfused through the rat facial artery, were inversely associated with each PBR. Similarly, the ratios of antibiotic concentration in saliva to rat plasma were almost constant for each antibiotic, revealing an inverse relationship with PBRs.

Conclusion: These results appear to indicate that low molecular weight antibiotics are excreted into saliva through passive diffusion, inversely relating to their PBRs, and that high concentrations of antibiotics in the saliva have the potential to change the oral ecological environment.
Whole stimulated salivary flow in patients with chronic hepatitis C virus infection
Authors: Castro Ferreiro M. , Hermida Prieto M. , Barral Rodríguez S. , Laredo Vázquez R. , Castro Iglesias A. , Diz Dios P.
Published: October 2010

Background:  Salivary gland disorders have been included among the extra‐hepatic manifestations related to HCV infection.

Methods:  The whole stimulated salivary flow rate (spitting technique) was studied in 74 HCV infected patients to evaluate salivary gland dysfunction.

Results:  The salivary flow of the patients with chronic HCV infection was similar to that of the healthy controls. The association between subjective xerostomia salivary flow was seen to be very weak. No significant associations were found between salivary flow and age, sex, risk factor of acquired infection, ALT, AST, GGT, ALP values, time lapsed since the diagnosis or HCV‐RNA detection in saliva.

Conclusions:  Although the functional repercussion of hepatitis C related lymphocytic sialoadenitis remains unclear, we did not find a significant reduction in the whole stimulated salivary flow in HCV infected patients.