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High levels of brand awareness, image and credibility have a profound impact on customers’ favourable word-of-mouth behaviour, which can lead to an increase in market share. Despite the important role of brand awareness, image and credibility in supporting customers’ word-of- mouth behaviour, there are limited studies on the mediating role of brand credibility in the impact of brand awareness and image on word-of-mouth praise and activity in the herbal market. Hence, this paper aimed to investigate the impact of brand awareness and brand image on word-of-mouth activity and praise via the mediating role of brand credibility in the herbal market. Data were gathered from a sample of 265 customers in the Cape Coast herbal market using a systematic sampling technique. The research hypotheses were statistically analysed through structural equation modelling, using SPSS and Amos 26. The research found that the impact of brand awareness and brand image on word-of-mouth activity is not mediated by brand credibility. However, the effect of brand awareness and image on word-of-mouth praise is fully mediated by brand credibility. The research established that brand credibility is an important element in building brand awareness and image to strengthen word-of-mouth praise in the herbal market in Ghana.

This paper examined the dynamics of working capital targeting and corporate life cycle (CLC) of listed manufacturing and trading firms on the Ghana Stock Exchange (GSE). Annual data spanning 2008 to 2019 and Panel Dynamic OLS, Delay and Half-life were used for the empirical analysis. The paper found that working capital varies across the stages of CLC with cash holding exhibiting low-high-high-low-low pattern while inventory holding showing U-shape. There is relatively high persistence at each stage of CLC with no sequential order of transition in the stages of life-cycle. Firms’ working capital targeting showed very high rate of adjustment to changes in stages of CLC with cash holding targeting showing the highest speed of adjustment while inventory holding being slowest to adjustment. The results imply that firms’ working capital policies are markedly interacted with the transitional mechanism of CLC and, therefore, firms should continuously evaluate working capital targets within the corporate life-cycle transition process.

Enduring brand trust, credibility, value and equity are essential drivers of customers’ willingness to pay a high price for a brand which can engender a higher profit margin. The role of brand trust, credibility, value and equity in strengthening customers` willingness to pay a price premium has been extensively studied of late. However, studies on the effect of brand trust, credibility and value on willingness to pay more through the intervening role of brand equity, particularly in the herbal industry are relatively scarce. As a result, this paper`s goal was to investigate the brand equity effect on the relationship between trust, credibility, value and willingness to pay a price premium in the herbal industry. Survey questionnaires were employed to gather information from 265 samples of customers through a systematic sampling strategy. The research propositions were tested using structural equation modelling. The study established that brand equity fully mediates the effect of brand credibility and perceived value on willingness to pay a price premium but partially mediates the path between brand trust and willingness to pay more in the herbal industry. The research, therefore, recommends that brand managers need to consider brand credibility, trust, value, and equity in strengthening customers` willingness to pay a price premium for medicinal herbal products in the industry.

Bisphenol A (BPA) and bisphenol S (BPS) are implicated in the development of metabolic disorders, such diabetes mellitus. However, the epigenetic mechanism underlying the pancreatic β-cell dysregulation for both BPA/BPS needs clarification. This exploratory study was designed to investigate whether embryonic exposure to low BPA/BPS concentrations impair early pancreatic β-cell differentiation as well as DNA methylation in its gene expression profile using an in vivo model, zebrafish. Zebrafish embryos were exposed to 0, 0.01, 0.03, 0.1, 0.3, and 1.0 µM BPA/BPS at 4-h post fertilization (hpf) until 120 hpf. BPA/BPS-induced effects on pancreatic-related genes, insulin gene, and DNA methylation-associated genes were assessed at developmental stages (24-120 hpf), while glucose level was measure at the 120 hpf. The insulin expression levels decreased at 72-120 hpf for 1.0 µM BPA, while 0.32 and 0.24-fold of insulin expression were elicited by 0.3 and 1 µM BPS respectively at 72 hpf. Significant elevation of glucose levels; 16.3% (for 1.0 µM BPA), 7.20% (for 0.3 µM BPS), and 74.09% (for 1.0 µM BPS) higher than the control groups were observed. In addition, pancreatic-related genes pdx-1, foxa2, ptfla, and isl1 were significantly interfered compared with the untreated group. Moreover, the maintenance methylation gene, dnmt1, was monotonically and significantly decreased at early stage of development following BPA exposure but remained constant for BPS treatment relative to the control group. DNMT3a and DNMT3b orthologs were distinctively altered following BPA/BPS embryonic exposure. Our data indicated that embryonic exposure to low concentration of BPA/BPS can impair the normal expressions of pancreatic-associated genes and DNA methylation pattern of selected genes in zebrafish early development.

The significance of brand image, trust, credibility and perceived value to repurchase intentions has received considerable attention of late. However, few studies have investigated the impact of image, trust and credibility on repurchase intentions through the role of value as high-order construct, particularly in the over-the-counter herbal market. Hence, this study aims at exploring the impact of brand image, trust and credibility on value dimensions and in turn, their role in enriching repurchases intentions in the over-the-counter herbal market. Data were collected from a sample of 265 customers using a systematic sampling method. Structural equation modelling was used to test the hypotheses in the study. The study established that brand image, trust and credibility positively influence the value dimensions, which in turn, strengthen repurchase intentions. The study, therefore, recommends that managers should develop and harness image, trust, credibility and value dimensions to reinforce repurchase intentions in the over-the-counter herbal market.

Although herbicides have extensively been used in forest landscape restoration, its effects and opportunity costs have rarely been studied in Ghana. This study evaluated types of herbicides used, assessed the perceptions of the effects of herbicide usage among farmers enrolled in a taungya (i.e. farm forestry programs) in the dry semi-deciduous ecological zone of Ghana. The study also analyzed the challenges associated with the application of herbicides and determined the impact of socio-economic factors that influence farmers decision to use herbicides on farms. Data were collected from 300 taungya farmers and 20 herbicide traders in Offinso North, Offinso South, and Techiman South Municipal. Data collection was completed in December 2016. Data were analyzed descriptively and quantitatively. Results indicate that 100% of farmers perceived herbicides as having deleterious effects on flora (seedlings, under-storey wild foods, medicines) and fauna (soil micro-organisms, fish in rivers) as well as water quality, soil structure and human health. Nevertheless, 93% of them use herbicides to reduce labour costs and to establish larger acreages. Based on their functional properties, 85% of herbicides traded are non-selective for bush clearing and 15% are selective for weeding. Farmers use them indiscriminately due to poor knowledge on recommended practices and intensity of invasiveness of weed species. Education, residential status and age of respondents significantly predicted usage. The study recommends a review of Ghana's pesticide deployment strategies and herbicides guide book for use in farm forestry. Capacity of frontline forestry professionals, traders and farmer-based organizations must be enhanced to effectively advice and monitor safe application. Plant based herbicides must be promoted for safety and enhancement of biodiversity.

Background Within HIV/HBV infected patients, an increase in HDV infection has been observed; there is inadequate information on HDV prevalence as well as virologic profile in Ghana. This study sought to determine the presence of HDV in HIV/HBV co-infected patients in Ghana. Methods This was a longitudinal purposive study which enrolled 113 HIV/HBV co-infected patients attending clinic at Korle-Bu Teaching Hospital (KBTH) in Accra, Ghana. After consenting, 5 mL whole blood was collected at two-time points (baseline and 4–6 months afterwards). The sera obtained were tested to confirm the presence of HIV, HBV antibodies and/or antigens, and HBV DNA. Antibodies and viral RNA were also determined for HDV. Amplified HBV DNA and HDV RNA were sequenced and phylogenetic analysis carried out with reference sequences from the GenBank to establish the genotypes. Results Of the 113 samples tested 63 (55.7%) were females and 50 (44.25%) were males with a median age of 45 years. A total of 100 (88.5%) samples had detectable HBV surface antigen (HBsAg), and 32 out of the 113 had detectable HBV DNA. Nucleotide sequences were obtained for 15 and 2 samples of HBV and HDV, respectively. Phylogenetic analysis was predominantly genotype E for the HBVs and genotype 1 for the HDVs. Of the 13 samples that were HBsAg unreactive, 4 (30.8%) had detectable HBV DNA suggesting the incidence of occult HBV infections. The percentage occurrence of HDV in this study was observed to be 3.54. Conclusion Our data suggest the presence and circulation of HDV and incidence of occult HBV infection in HIV/HBV co-infected patients in Ghana. This informs health staff and makes it imperative to look out for the presence of HDV and occult HBV in HIV/HBV co-infected patients presenting with potential risk of liver cancers and HBV transmission through haemodialysis and blood transfusions.

The Barekese reservoir has seen persistent degradation for decades through anthropogenic activities within its catchment. In spite of this, heavy metal pollution profile of fish species of the reservoir is not well studied. Total concentrations of Hg, Cd, Ni, and Cr were analyzed in muscle tissues of 45 edible fish species comprising (Tilapia zilli, Oreochromis niloticus, and Heterotis niloticus) from the reservoir. The examined fish species showed varying bioaccumulative factors for detected metals. A PCA biplot revealed that Cd showed association with all examined fish species used in the study indicating that Cd in the reservoir is biologically available for uptake by all examined fish species. A dendrogram of cluster analysis also revealed that Cd and Cr are in one cluster indicating their associations and similarities to a common anthropogenic source. The study suggests that anthropogenic activities are possible sources of heavy metal pollution in the Barekese reservoir and, hence, the examined fish species could be used to monitor the levels of Ni, Cr, Hg, and Cd in the reservoir.

The leaves of Persea americana are widely used for ethno-medicinal purposes worldwide. This study assessed the antimicrobial and antioxidant activities of the methanol, ethyl acetate, chloroform and petroleum ether leaves extracts of P. americana. Extracts displayed variable antimicrobial activities that were microorganism-specific. The methanolic extract displayed the most potent antimicrobial activities with the largest zones of inhibition (0-1.8 mm) in the agar diffusion assay and with the lowest minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) in the broth dilution assay against a panel of microorganisms that included Bacillus subtilis, Escherichia coli, Salmonella typhi, Streptococcus aureus, Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Candida albicans. The ethyl acetate extract exhibited the most potent antioxidant potential with the lowest EC50 of 4.15x10-30 g/ml for the peroxide radical scavenging activities. The data supports the ethnomedicinal use of the leaves of P. americana for the management of infections and for other symptoms whose etiology may be linked to oxidative stress. Key words: Persea americana, antioxidant, antimicrobial, phytochemical screening, minimum inhibitory concentration.

The liberal use of alcohol-based hand sanitizers (ABHS) for hand disinfection has raised questions regarding the bactericidal efficacies of brands that are widely available in Ghana. Ten different brands of hand sanitizers bearing different chemical constituents and originating from six different countries were purchased in Kumasi, Ghana. The 10 samples represent the only available brands in the retail market. Purchased brands were examined for their relative bactericidal efficacies with the combined use of agar well diffusion, broth dilution, and viable bacterial count reduction assays. Serially diluted solutions of the ABHS displayed variable brand-specific bactericidal efficacies against a panel of bacteria specimen that comprised three gram-positive bacteria (Staphylococcus aureus, Enterococcus faecalis, Streptococcus pneumonia) and three gram-negative bacteria (Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Salmonella typhi) in the agar well diffusion and in the broth dilution assays. Neither gram-positive nor gram-negative bacteria strains showed a clear pattern of preferential susceptibility to the growth inhibitory activities of any of the examined brands of ABHS. Only HS9 displayed a full spectrum bactericidal activity against all bacteria species in agar diffusion assay. Full strength ABHS formulations demonstrated brand-based rapid bactericidal action on hands of volunteers in a pattern best described as a post-ABHS-treatment reduction in levels of viable bacteria hand counts. HS9 displayed the highest efficacy and this relative estimation held true in all the three assays utilized for the assessment of bactericidal efficacies.

Demand forecasting is of critical essence to the maritime industry, especially in Ghana. On this note the study sought to achieve among other things by identifying the type(s) of model(s) used by Maritime industry in forecasting their operational demands as well as develop an appropriate forecasting model(s) for these industry using Maersk line as a case study. We realized that Maersk line preferred to be responsive and as such incur more cost by underutilizing their capacity. Maersk line Ghana should not use only one model to forecast for both exports and import data. We therefore recommend from our study that the organization should use exponential smoothing model of forecasting to forecast their export data only.

Sixty-one samples of canned tomato paste comprising seven brands originating from three countries and sold in local markets in the Kumasi Metropolis of Ghana were analysed for levels of iron (Fe), zinc (Zn), manganese (Mn), cadmium (Cd) and lead (Pb) by flame atomic absorption spectrophotometry and for levels of mercury (Hg) by direct mercury analyzer. Mean heavy metal concentrations varied by brand, ranging from below the limit of detection (Cd) to a maximum concentration range of 1.68 ± 1.63 to 58.6 ± 14.5 µg g⁻¹ (Fe). Estimated mean ranges of other heavy metals are 2.06 ± 0.62 to 8.52 ± 0.68 µg g⁻¹ (Zn), 2.62 ± 0.33 to 5.75 ± 0.47 µg g⁻¹ (Mn), 0.070 ± 0.003 to 0.116 ± 0.012 µg g⁻¹ (Pb) and 0.011 ± 0.001 to 0.102 ± 0.001 µg g⁻¹ (Hg). Assessed metal levels in five brands were below the WHO/FAO permissible levels. Results of the one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) conducted on the data suggested no significant variations (P > 0.05) in the concentrations of the metals in the same brands of canned tomatoes.

Chicken tissues and eggs were analyzed for residues of eight veterinary drugs including albendazole, piperazine, tiamulin, chloramphenicol, levamisole, sulphathiazole, sulphamethoxazole and oxytetracyclineoxytetracycline. Mean residue concentrations of all drugs varied by tissue and ranged from 0.004 μg/kg for tiamulin in eggs to 8.6 μg/kg for chloramphenicol in liver. Total residues of all drugs in the liver generally exceeded that of the kidney, muscles and eggs by at least a two-fold difference. The general order of decreasing total drug residue levels is liver > kidney > muscle > eggs. The exposure due to albendazole and sulphamethoxazole in liver were 2- and 7-folds higher than their recommended average daily intake. Exposure due to piperazine, sulphamethoxazole, levamisole and tiamulin were, however, lower than their respective recommended limits. Dietary exposure assessments of all drugs based on quantitated residue levels are within the Joint FAO/WHO Expert Committee on Food Additives safe regulatory exposure limits. This study informs the public about veterinary drug residues in poultry and helps address policy and regulatory changes in the use of veterinary drugs in poultry.

Categorization is a fundamental psychological ability necessary for problem solving and many other higher-level cognitive tasks. In organic chemistry, students must establish groupings of different chemical compounds in order not only to solve problems, but also to understand course content. Classic models of categorization emphasize similarity as the primary means of classification: if two items are similar, they belong in the same category and if they are dissimilar, they belong in different categories. These models also underscore a one-dimensional approach where a single salient feature is often used as the basis of categorization, even though multiple salient features may be present. This study examined the critical attribute organic chemistry students used to categorize eight organic compounds possessing similar salient features related to structure, functional groups, and stereochemistry and how this primary feature changed over time. Results from this study support the notion that the critical attribute is not stable, but changes as student learning progresses. The results also suggest that categorization is a systematic process involving conscious selection of the critical attribute and that higher-ability students (e.g., honor students) are more prone to be influenced by the current instructional topic when selecting the critical attribute.

An article published by Annan,J.,& Mensah,)J.,& Boso,N.(2015). Traffic congestion Impact on Energy Consumption and Workforce Productivity:Empirical Evidence from a Developing Country;Archives of Business'Research,3(4),)40-54.

Our objective is to identify molecular factors which contribute to the increased risk of smokers for oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC). In the present study, we investigated the effects of cigarette smoke condensate (CSC) on gene expression profiles in different human oral cell phenotypes: normal epidermal keratinocytes (NHEK), oral dysplasia cell lines (Leuk1 and Leuk2), and a primary oral carcinoma cell line (101A). We determined differential gene expression patterns in CSC-exposed versus non-exposed cells using high-density microarray RNA expression profiling and validation by quantitative real-time RT-PCR. A set of 35 genes was specifically up- or down-regulated following CSC treatment (25microg/ml for 24h) by at least 2-fold in any one cell type. Notably, five genes of the cytochrome P450 (CYP1A1, CYP1B1) and aldo-keto reductase (AKR1C1, AKR1C3, AKR1B10) families were highly increased in expression, some of them 15- to 30-fold. The timing and extent of induction for these genes differed among the four cell phenotypes. A potential biological interaction network for the CSC response in oral cells was derived from these data, proposing novel putative response pathways. These CSC-responsive genes presumably participate in the prevention or repair of carcinogen-induced DNA damage in tobacco-related oral carcinogenesis, and may potentially be exploited for determining the severity of exposure and for correcting mutagenic damage in exposed tissues of the oral cavity.

Pax9 is a paired domain-containing transcription factor that plays an essential role in the patterning of murine dentition. In humans, mutations in PAX9 are associated with unique phenotypes of familial tooth agenesis that mainly involve posterior teeth. Among these, a frameshift mutation (219InsG) within the paired domain of PAX9 produces a protein product associated with a severe form of molar agenesis in a single family. The objectives of this study were to gain new insights into the molecular pathogenesis of the 219InsG mutation and its role in tooth agenesis. Here we describe functional defects in DNA binding and transactivation of mutant 219InsGPax9. Although wild type Pax9 binds to the high affinity paired domain recognition sequences, e5 and CD19-2(A-ins), the 219InsGPax9 mutant protein was unable to bind to these cognate DNA-binding sites. In co-transfection assays, wild type Pax9 activated reporter gene transcription although the mutant was transcriptionally inactive. Immunolocalization data show that Pax9 and 219InsGPax9 proteins are synthesized in mammalian cells but that the nuclear localization of the mutant Pax9 protein is altered. Furthermore, transactivation by the full-length Pax9 protein from paired domain binding sites was not impaired by the 219InsGPax9 mutant. The latter did not alter the DNA binding activities of wild type Pax9 in gel mobility shift assays. The combined defects in DNA binding activities and transactivation function of mutant 219InsGPAX9 likely alter the selective activation and/or repression of PAX9 effector genes during odontogenesis. This loss-of-function of PAX9 most likely results in its haploinsufficiency during the patterning of dentition and the subsequent loss of posterior teeth.

Oligodontia, the congenital absence of six or more permanent teeth, is a common developmental anomaly of human dentition whose genetic basis is poorly understood. We recently reported a nonsyndromic form of oligodontia involving mostly all permanent molars in a large kindred, caused by a frameshift mutation in exon 2 of the human PAX9 gene [3]. To better understand the genotype/phenotype correlation in non-syndromic familial oligodontia, we identified additional families with a similar pattern of molar oligodontia. We hypothesize that molar oligodontia is due to allelic heterogeneity involving different mutations in PAX9. To test this hypothesis, we performed pedigree analysis followed by mutational analysis. Pedigree analysis revealed that the oligodontia trait is inherited in an autosomal dominant fashion. Mutational analysis of PAX9 thus far excludes the presence of the previously identified frameshift mutation.

Assessment of the Perception and Knowledge of Chemical Hazards Associated with the Handling and Disposal of Computer Waste in Kumasi, Ghana Exposure to toxic computer waste chemical constituents is epidemiologically linked to a range of developmental and adult diseases, yet exposure-prone rudimentary techniques remain the mainstay operational modes of the informal computer waste management sector in Ghana. This study specifically assessed previously unexplored associations between worker awareness level of adverse health risk and worker adherence to exposure limitation occupational practices and broadly highlighted the contextual socioeconomic factors that underpins Ghana’s longstanding primitive computer waste management practices.

Background Historical proven wood species have no reported adverse health effect associated with its past use. Different historical proven species have traditionally been used to manufacture different wooden food contact items. This study uses survey questionnaires to assess suppliers’, manufacturers’, retailers’ and consumers’ (end-users’) preferences for specific wood species, to examine the considerations that inform these preferences and to investigate the extent of awareness of the chemical benefits and chemical hazards associated with wooden food contact material use. Methods Through the combined use of a cross sectional approach and a case study design, 25 suppliers, 25 manufacturers, 25 retailers and 125 consumers (end-users) of wooden food contact materials in four suburbs in Kumasi Metropolitan Area (Anloga junction, Ahinsan Bus Stop, Ahwia-Pankrono and Race Course) and Ashanti Akyim Agogo in the Ashanti Akyim North District of the Ashanti Region were administered with closed ended questionnaires. The questionnaires were prepared in English, but local language, Twi, was used to translate and communicate the content of the questionnaire where necessary. Results Suppliers’, manufacturers’ and retailers’ preferences for specific wood species for most wooden cookware differed from that of consumers (end-users). But all respondent groups failed to indicate any awareness of chemical benefits or chemical hazards associated with either the choice of specific wood species for specific wooden cookware or with the general use of wooden food contact materials. The lack of appreciation of chemical benefits or hazards associated with active principles of wooden cookware led to heavy reliance of consumers (end-users) on the wood density, price, attractive grain pattern and colour or on the judgement of retailers in their choice of specific species for a wooden cookware. Conclusion This study contributes some practical suggestions to guide national policy development on improvement in quality of available wooden food contact materials in Ghana.

Although alternative food packaging materials are available, Ghanaians still use leaves to package some ready-to-eat cornmeal products. This study examines the perceptions of a representative community sample of 70 producers, 40 sellers and 120 consumers of ready-to-eat leaves-packaged cornmeal products in Kumasi using questionnaires. Fante Kenkey (packaged in dried leaves of either musa paradisiaca or sterculia tragacanta) and Ga kenkey (packaged in dried sheaths of zea mays) are the most preferred products, accounting together for 80% of all leaves-packaged cornmeals processed by producers, for 76% of products offered by sellers and for 96% of products purchased by consumers. Reasons producers cited for the continued utilization of leaves as packaging materials include medicinal via the infusion of the cornmeal with beneficial phytonutrients that also imparts distinctive aroma and taste (61%), environmental friendliness (17%), availability (4%), relatively low cost (4%), lack of toxicity and renewability (14%). Despite consumers concerns of unhygienic (7%), short shelf lives (18%) and loss of moisture leading to hardening of Ga Kenkey (60%), 87% of consumers declined a suggestion for use of alternative packaging materials for ready-to-eat cornmeals. Data provided by this study can be used to examine food packaging trends for research and policy analyses in Ghana. Keywords : Kenkey, musa paradisiaca, sterculia tragacanta, zea mays, phytochemical, leaf-package

Healthcare organisations all over the world are looking for ways to improve operational efficiencies at reduced costs without affecting their services. This study was undertaken to first and foremost examine the supply chain practices at KATH Pharmacy, and secondly to assess those practices in the light of industrially accepted best practices. Primary data was obtained from fifty-five (55) respondents and the data were analysed using SPSS, and queuing model. Interesting findings emerged from the study, including patients spending an average of 12 minutes within the system of drug dispensing unit. However, this time can be reduced if the numbers of servers within the facility is increased by way of opening more dispensing outlets.

Public sector procurement is very significant driver of innovation and currently re-emerging as the most sought after instrument of demand-side innovation policies. Progressively, it has been viewed as having imperative potential to drive innovation; there has been an issue of awareness deficit of public procurement as an innovation policy tool among key stakeholders- policy makers, procurement practitioners and academics particularly in Ghana and Africa. It’s in this direction that this study sought to explore the barriers to awareness level of public procurement as an innovation policy tool among the key stakeholders in Ghana. The study adopted both exploratory and cross-sectional survey designs in investigating the barriers. Purposive sampling was used in selecting the sample to help fulfil the predetermined purpose of the study. The study revealed among others the following: low level of education as a major challenge to innovation in Ghana and developing nations, limited budgets for education in training of high-skill specialist for promotion of innovation, lack of coordination across agencies on innovation policies (incoherent public policies), poor governance and business conditions affecting awareness level, lack of public sector support of innovation, no policy direction as to the use of public procurement to stimulate innovation in Ghana. The study also showed a lack of link between science and innovation in Ghana impeding the awareness level among the key stakeholders. The study recommends performance appraisal and institutional performance reviews for management of education to improve the level of education in Ghana and the curriculum for VTE level should be practical-oriented. They should also increase the funding of education in general and VTE in particular. Agencies responsible for STI should be strengthened to coordinate all policies intended to influence innovation in Ghana and put together a coherent policy competent enough to capturing innovation where public procurement policy, R&D policies and innovation policies will be connected together.

Gene expression profiling of oral premalignant (OPM) cells and normal oral epithelial (NOR) cells showed that EMMPRIN expression was markedly upregulated in OPM cells compared to NOR cells. We used an oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) progression model composed of cell lines, organotypic cultures and tissue specimens to characterize EMMPRIN expression patterns by microarray analysis, qRT-PCR, Western blotting and immunohistochemistry. EMMPRIN levels are elevated in OPM and primary and metastatic OSCC cells as compared to NOR. EMMPRIN was detected as high and low glycosylated forms in the OPM and OSCC cellular extracts and was released in the media by OSCC cells but not by OPM cells. EMMPRIN expression in an organotypic culture model of normal and OPM mucosae mirrored the expression patterns in the respective tissues in vivo. EMMPRIN expression was limited to basal cells of normal, benign hyperkeratotic and inflammatory (lichen planus) oral mucosa. EMMPRIN expression is increased in dysplastic leukoplakias spreading to more superficial layers, and its expression levels correlated significantly with the degree of dysplasia. Primary and metastatic OSCC showed strong cell surface expression of EMMPRIN. These results suggest that EMMPRIN overexpression occurs at a very early stage of oral carcinogenesis and plays a contributing role in OSCC tumorigenesis.