A study published in the American Journal of Preventive Medicine suggests that snuff use may be a gateway to cigarette smoking. Men who had quit using snuff were more likely to have switched to cigarettes than those who had never used snuff, indicating that snuff might impede smokers' efforts to quit.
The Robert Wood Johnson Foundation has awarded grants to ten dental schools to expand community-based education programs and increase enrollment of underrepresented minority students. The goal is to reduce gaps in dental care for underserved populations and create a more diverse dental workforce.
The IU Pediatrics Training Program, funded by a $2.5 million Anne E. Dyson Foundation grant, focuses on patient advocacy and community-based care. Pediatric residents will work with families served by organizations such as the Hispanic Education Center and Julian Center to improve their health outcomes.
Researchers discovered an autoimmune response to GAD65 enzyme leading to excess glutamate and brain damage in children with juvenile Batten disease. The study suggests immunotherapy may slow progression of the disease, which is fatal by late teens or twenties.
Brown, a renowned chemist and educator, has been recognized for her efforts to promote diversity in the chemical workplace. Through various initiatives, she has acted as a mentor and role model for underrepresented groups, serving on committees and participating in programs that encourage STEM education.
Early Childhood Caries (ECC) is a preventable condition characterized by decay of primary teeth, affecting underserved and poor communities. UCSF researchers found a significant association between ECC and low cariogenic bacterial levels, lack of dental insurance, and family income.
A study of 101 newborns found that 40% tested positive for drugs, with cocaine and heroin being the most common. The researchers argue for more funding on rapid-screening technology and better educational outreach to prevent drug exposure during pregnancy.
A UNC scientist found that trauma and human herpesvirus 8 (HHV8) contribute to the development of Kaposi's sarcoma, a cancer linked to HIV. The researcher also discovered that HHV8 can be detected in saliva prior to disease development, suggesting new treatment possibilities for high-risk individuals.
A study found that patients with depression experience lower disease improvement rates (4.7%) compared to mentally healthy patients (7.4%). Depressed individuals may be more likely to continue smoking and have impaired immune systems, leading to slower wound healing and poorer treatment outcomes.
Researchers found that long-stemmed barbells increase the risk of gum recession in 35% of subjects with pierced tongues. Additionally, 47% of young adults wearing barbells for four or more years had chipped teeth due to habitual biting.
A five-year study by the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill found that women with gum disease are more likely to deliver babies prematurely or at a lower than normal weight. The research suggests that germs from mothers' mouths can target the fetus, increasing the risk of pre-term delivery.
Children with severe stunted growth at age 2 scored 10 points lower on cognitive tests than their peers, indicating that the detrimental effects of malnutrition linger through childhood. Diarrhea caused by G. lamblia parasite also reduced test scores, highlighting the importance of addressing nutritional needs in young children.
A study of Peruvian children found that chronic malnutrition in infancy is associated with poor cognitive function in late childhood. Children who were stunted or had Giardia infections performed lower on the Wechsler intelligence scale, highlighting the importance of addressing nutritional deficiencies and parasitic infections early on.
A study conducted in Harlem found that 30% of adult residents suffer from oral health problems, with those with public insurance only slightly more likely to receive care due to limited provider availability. The high rates of unemployment and lower household income may be contributing factors.
The U-M Medical School is developing an interdisciplinary CAM curriculum, integrating theory, evidence, and practice to enhance learning. The program aims to increase medical students' knowledge of CAM, promoting a deeper understanding of the healing relationship between physician and patient.
The new Northwest/Alaska Center for Research to Reduce Oral Health Disparities will investigate disparities in oral health, focusing on children from poor families and minority groups. Researchers aim to prevent cavities through xylitol, culturally appropriate approaches to dental fear, and effective care translation.
Rochester's innovative double-helix curriculum assesses students' performance in real clinical sessions, emphasizing patient-physician interaction and interpersonal skills. The program has attracted national attention and potential federal recognition for its focus on reducing medical errors and improving care quality.
A randomized controlled trial found that peer support significantly increased breast-feeding rates among primiparous women. At 4, 8, and 12 weeks postpartum, mothers in the peer-support group had higher breast-feeding rates than those in regular care, with 92.4% vs. 83.9%, 84.8% vs. 75.0%, and 81.1% vs. 66.9%, respectively.
A recent study suggests that users of the former Viadent formulation are eight to 11 times more likely to develop oral leukoplakia than those who have never used the product. Leukoplakia can sometimes lead to oral cancer, and patients with this condition should be alert for symptoms.
Researchers found that proteins produced by melanocytes trigger attacks on immune cells, leading to hair loss. The discovery could pave the way for more effective treatments for alopecia areata.
A new pilot study aims to investigate whether treating periodontal disease can reduce the risk of heart attacks. The three-year study will follow approximately 900 patients who have had a heart attack or are at high risk of one, comparing those who receive aggressive treatment for gum disease with those who do not.
Researchers at the University of Michigan have developed a new tissue engineering method that uses a polymer to encourage the formation of healthy blood vessels in living rats. The approach, which combines VEGF and PDGF growth factors, shows promise for treating coronary artery disease and speeding up wound healing.
A study published in the American Journal of Public Health found that dental sealants can significantly reduce dental costs for children on Medicaid who are at high risk of dental problems. Researchers analyzed data from 15,438 North Carolina children and found that sealant treatments led to lower expenses for Medicaid in 1990 dollars,...
Researchers found that active stress from a memory task increased the concentration of immune proteins in saliva, while passive stress from watching gruesome videos lowered it. The study suggests that engaging with challenges at work can boost immunity.
Scientists develop 'smart' polymer drug carriers that target diseased cells, improving treatment outcomes for cancer, AIDS, and other diseases. The technology also enables controlled release of drugs over days, weeks, or years.
A new research initiative aims to understand the reasons behind oral health disparities among low-income African American children and their caregivers. The study will examine social characteristics, dietary habits, lead levels, and dental caries to identify risk factors for poor oral health.
The UCSF Center for Addressing Disparities in Children's Oral Health will investigate causes and preventive measures for early childhood caries, focusing on racial and ethnic minorities. The center aims to improve oral health among young children through data-driven projects and interventions.
A recent study by UCSF researchers reveals a significant shortage of dentists in California's rural and underserved communities. The study found that two-thirds of communities without dentists are rural and at least 20% of California communities face a dentist shortage, exacerbating oral health disparities.
A unique experiment studying chemical activity in human brains while experiencing sustained pain revealed long-suspected connections between pain-dampening changes in brain chemistry and sensory/emotional responses. The findings may help researchers better understand prolonged pain and find more effective ways to relieve it.
Researchers found that patients with the lowest activity of a key folate-metabolizing enzyme suffered the highest degree of toxicity and treatment complications. Patients with the MTHFR variant had less than half the rate of folate-enzyme activity, resulting in increased oral mucositis symptoms and slower platelet recovery.
A study of 705 individuals found that cigar and pipe smokers have nearly three times the prevalence of moderate to severe periodontitis as non-smokers, with an average of four missing teeth. Smoking cessation efforts are crucial for improving periodontal health and preventing tooth loss.
Researchers in New Zealand tracked the health of 1,000 children from birth to age 26, revealing that attachment loss, pockets, and bleeding gums are common signs of periodontal disease. The study emphasizes the need for regular dental screenings and proper oral hygiene practices to prevent chronic periodontal disease.
A national survey of 321 dentists found that most never screened for domestic violence, despite visible signs. Education on intervention increased likelihood of screening and responding appropriately. The study recommends standardized training and the AVDR model for dentists to recognize and respond to signs of abuse.
Scientists have found a link between the combination of two widely used agricultural pesticides and Parkinson's disease in mice. The study, led by Deborah Cory-Slechta, suggests that everyday environmental factors may play a role in the development of the disease.
The UCSF Center aims to improve nursing care for older Americans by training more gerontological nurse scientists. The center will prepare nurses to educate future nurses and conduct research on aging health care policy.
A study by researchers at NIH has identified the HOXA1 gene as a potential contributor to autism in a large number of cases. The gene plays a crucial role in early brain development, and variants of the gene were found to be present in nearly 40% of individuals with autism.
Researchers found that patients with periodontal disease had significantly higher levels of C-reactive protein in their blood than those without gum disease, indicating an increased risk of future heart attacks. The study suggests that treating severe gum disease may help reduce CRP levels and the risk of another heart attack.
A UF pilot study shows that massage and relaxation techniques can safely and effectively reduce pain, tension, and fatigue in patients with sickle cell anemia. The treatments improved blood flow and reduced muscle tension, providing relief from debilitating episodes of severe pain.
Researchers at the University of Washington School of Dentistry found no link between periodontal disease and chronic coronary heart disease. Despite shared risk factors, their analysis of over 8,000 people showed only a slight connection.
A new UCSF study reveals that while combination antiretroviral therapy has improved patient outcomes, it also creates uncertainty and anxiety among healthcare providers. The researchers found that providers are struggling to make informed decisions due to a lack of resources and limited information on patient adherence.
Researchers at the University of Alberta have developed a novel drug delivery system that targets bones directly, potentially treating osteoporosis more effectively. The system uses growth factors to stimulate bone cells and retains the drug in the targeted area, reducing side effects.
M. David Francis, an Ohio-based physical biochemist, received a national award from the American Chemical Society for his pioneering work on fluoride additives in toothpaste and pharmaceuticals.
A UBC research team led by Prof. Chris Overall discovered a protein that reduces inflammation and halts the flow of white blood cells. The discovery, published in Science, may lead to new treatments for chronic inflammatory diseases such as arthritis and lung disease.
The Consortium of New York Geriatric Education Centers has received a $1.3 million grant to provide interdisciplinary training on geriatric care. The grant will support 40-50 hour certificate programs, continuing education conferences, and outreach to underserved areas.
A University of Alberta researcher found that childhood trauma has risen markedly faster for girls than boys, leading to increased rates of depression and potentially unhealthy adulthood. The study's findings suggest a link between childhood trauma and later difficulties, including psychiatric symptoms and social problem behavior.
Gallium nitride is used to produce very bright light emitting diodes and lasers, and very high power transistors that can operate at high temperatures. The technology has potential applications in mobile phone base stations, surgery, and dentistry, promising huge energy savings and CO2 reductions.
Researchers from UNC Chapel Hill present new approaches to HIV vaccine development, improved diagnostic training, and a method for identifying high-HIV transmission areas. They also reveal the role of Epstein-Barr virus in mouth disorders associated with AIDS.
Scientists at the University of Michigan School of Dentistry have developed a method to create bones from skin and gum tissue cells, which can be used to replace missing bone in living rats. The engineered cells not only deliver bone-forming proteins but also participate directly in bone formation.
Researchers at the Howard Hughes Medical Institute solved the structure of the reovirus core, a double-stranded RNA virus that bears similarity to pathogens such as rotavirus. The study reveals how the core synthesizes, modifies, and exports viral messenger RNA, ultimately leading to viral replication and takeover of host cells.
New York State-based study finds that removing financial barriers through vaccine-financing reforms reduces scattered care and underimmunization among disadvantaged children. The reforms appear effective in keeping children in their primary care medical homes.
The cavity rate among children in Rochester is on the rise slightly, with an average of three cavities per 10-year-old child. The decline in cavity rates that began in the 1970s and 1980s has flattened, and researchers warn that complacency may be contributing to the increase.
A University of Toronto study has shown that botox injections can effectively relieve headache pain, especially for patients with neck-related headaches. The treatment group experienced a substantial reduction in pain and improvement in range of motion after just four weeks.
A study found that 54 out of 57 bottled waters had fluoride levels below the recommended range, while all Cleveland tap water samples met or exceeded the optimal level. Bottled water also contained higher bacteria counts than tap water, with some samples having over 4,900 colonies per milliliter.
Researchers from the University of Illinois at Chicago and the University of Stellenbosch isolated six chemical compounds with antimicrobial activity in chewing sticks used in Namibia, demonstrating their effectiveness in removing plaque and massaging gums.
A recent study reveals that children with Down syndrome are susceptible to severe periodontal disease due to factors such as inadequate oral hygiene and congenital deformities. Research suggests that proper plaque control can help ward off the disease, emphasizing the importance of regular dental visits and education for parents.
A University of Florida researcher has developed a genetically altered bacteria strain, called an effector strain, that can permanently prevent tooth decay. The new strain, constructed from the naturally occurring bacterium Streptococcus mutans, breaks down food sugars and thrives on high-sugar diets.
The Tuberculosis Research Unit at CWRU will work with seven basic science sites and three clinical sites to evaluate new drugs, vaccines, and diagnostic tests. The unit aims to alleviate the burden of TB, which affects 1.7 billion people worldwide.
A recent study found that nearly half of South Bronx adolescents feel unsafe at home due to exposure to violence, including physical and emotional abuse. The young people reported taking proactive steps to mitigate the violence, such as resolving conflicts peacefully and seeking protection from friends.
Researchers conducted an extensive review of recent studies on chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS), noting a lack of consensus on its definition and treatment. Studies estimate that up to 380 out of every 100,000 people in the US suffer from CFS, primarily affecting middle-aged women.
A University of Michigan team found that applying repeated strain during tissue development increases the expression of key structural protein genes and improves cell organization, leading to stronger tissues. This approach could improve engineered tissues' strength and potentially be used to investigate disease mechanisms.