The National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases has awarded $1.9 million to three Chronic Fatigue Syndrome Research Centers, led by experts in various aspects of the disease. These centers will conduct research on causes, characteristics, and treatment of CFS.
A UCSF study found that physicians who ask victims of domestic violence if they are being physically abused can provide the first step towards helping them find a way out. The study showed that a validating and gentle approach, rather than seeking a yes or no answer, is more effective in identifying victims and providing support.
Researchers are changing treatment methods for gum disease to focus on treating bacterial infections. This approach can save many teeth that were previously considered 'hopeless' and may reduce the risk of heart disease.
Researchers found physicians who provided validation and confirmed patients' worth had a positive impact on those abused. Validation messages, such as 'battering is wrong', helped women realize the seriousness of their situation and move toward safety.
The new center will conduct studies and educational activities to understand the underlying mechanisms of inflammatory diseases and their relationship to oral inflammation and systemic conditions. The research aims to improve diagnosis and treatment of patients by identifying similarities between inflammatory conditions.
A new study suggests that estrogen supplementation in postmenopausal women may slow the progression of periodontal disease, protecting their teeth. The research found that estrogen deficiency and osteopenia/osteoporosis speed oral bone loss following menopause, leading to tooth loss.
A study found that patients with chronic nonmalignant back pain who received higher levels of economic and social rewards experienced increased disability, depression, and anxiety. Those with fewer rewards reported lower levels of these conditions.
A study of 12,330 men and women aged 45-64 found that those with high levels of white blood cells, albumin, or fibrinogen were at higher risk of developing diabetes. The research suggests that inflammation may play a central role in the development of Type 2 diabetes.
A new study by University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill researchers found no additional mercury exposure to children from dental fillings, despite low environmental exposure. Tiny amounts of mercury were detected in primary teeth, but statistical analysis showed no correlation with the number of fillings.
Research on limonoids, compounds in citrus peels, indicates potential anticancer activities, inhibiting human breast cancer cell proliferation and reducing LDL cholesterol levels. Field tests also demonstrate insect pest management prospects for these compounds.
Researchers at UB School of Dental Medicine found that hydrogen peroxide, a common dental bleaching ingredient, may promote the growth of precancerous oral lesions. The study used photofluorescence to detect increased fluorescence in hamster cheek pouches exposed to hydrogen peroxide.
African Americans are less likely to visit the dentist for routine visits due to lack of money and dental insurance. The study found that 13% of African Americans had never visited a dentist, compared to 1% of whites.
The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill is launching a unique project to reduce tooth decay among the state's youngest children by applying fluoride varnish on their teeth starting from 9 months. Despite improvements in dental health over the past three decades, 20-25% of young children still suffer from severe tooth decay.
Researchers from the University of Kentucky Medical Center have found no significant association between mercury levels in autopsied brains and dental amalgam status. The study, which compared over 200 brain samples, suggests that small amounts of mercury released from dental amalgams are not taken up by the brain.
A study reveals a dramatic rise in oral warts among HIV patients treated with protease inhibitors, which are effective against HIV. The researchers found that these warts were difficult to control and highly prone to recurrence, causing discomfort and affecting eating habits.
A University of Michigan team discovered that vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) helps blood vessels survive and proliferate in the face of nutrient depletion. This mechanism is thought to support tumor growth, leading researchers to explore strategies for inhibiting VEGF to starve tumors.
People with diabetes are at increased risk of getting periodontal disease, which can lead to problems with blood sugar control and complications like vision problems and cardiovascular disease. Clinical studies show that people with severe periodontal disease are six times more likely to have poor glycemic control.
Researchers suggest a clear connection between periodontal disease and cardiovascular disease, with bacteria and toxins traveling through the bloodstream. Periodontal bacteria contain lipopolysaccharides that can cause illness and damage blood vessel linings.
Patients are willing to disclose behavior that puts them at risk for conditions ranging from HIV to domestic violence, regardless of the method used. The study's findings suggest that doctors can initiate discussions about sensitive subjects without worrying about patient willingness.
A study of 1,189 Indian seventh-grade children found that nearly 13% had fluorosis, a primarily aesthetic condition affecting adult teeth during development. Children who started using fluoride toothpaste under age 2 showed more severe cases of fluorosis.
A new study by Ohio State University researchers found that nearly one-third of children with asthma developed symptoms after a dental visit. The study suggests that allergens from dental procedures may be a key culprit.
A study by Case Western Reserve University professor Miriam Grushka found that low doses of clonazepam can provide significant relief from burning mouth syndrome, a chronic condition affecting 1.3 million adults. The medication may prevent spontaneous firing of the cranial nerve carrying pain sensations to the brain.
The UCSF Dental Post-Bac Program aims to provide additional training to students from disadvantaged backgrounds who have been rejected from dental school. The program helps students develop the skills and knowledge needed to succeed in dentistry, with a focus on increasing access to dental care in underserved communities.
A combination of XPS and XRD techniques reveals complex near-surface structures of oxidized palladium alloys, showing chemically bound water and microcrystals of gold and copper. The research provides new information on the mechanical properties and adherence to dental porcelain.
A new questionnaire developed by UCSF researchers helps healthcare providers identify patients at risk of contracting HIV, and patients are willing to disclose risky behavior even when their doctor will see the results. The tool aims to increase aggressive prevention and treatment of HIV/AIDS, a leading cause of death among young adults.
Temple University Hospital has introduced the internal jaw distraction device DynaForm, which helps regrow destroyed bone and correct facial deformities. The device is less cumbersome than traditional methods and can be used as an alternative to painful extraction for severe tooth crowding.
Seven mid-career health professionals from various institutions have been selected as Robert Wood Johnson Health Policy Fellows. They will work in congressional and executive branch offices to enrich their knowledge of public policy and foster a better understanding of government health activities.
Researchers found that women with the p53Arg gene variation are seven times more likely to develop cervical cancer due to HPV infection. The study suggests that this genetic variation may confer a strong susceptibility to skin cancers linked to HPV and ultra-violet radiation exposure.
UCSF researchers are using powerful microscopes to observe the bonding process between tooth enamel and dentin. By analyzing structures as small as two micrometers, they aim to develop methods for creating tighter, more permanent bonds between teeth and plastic-based fillings.
Researchers identified a rare genetic mutation in the Tricho-dento-osseous syndrome, which may hold clues for treating osteoporosis. The study found that people with TDO syndrome have exceptionally dense bones that fracture rarely, offering potential insights into improving bone density treatments.
The Whitaker Foundation has awarded $6.8 million in grants to improve biomedical engineering education at six US universities and one in Canada. The grants will support the creation of new graduate programs, research initiatives, and infrastructure development.
The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill School of Medicine is establishing a unique clinical trials unit to develop and test new therapies and vaccines for sexually transmitted diseases. The unit will focus on addressing major problems worldwide, including syphilis and gonorrhea, and will be the first of its kind in the US.
Researchers have identified a gene responsible for late infantile Batten disease, a devastating genetic disorder that affects about 300 children in the US. The CLN2 gene codes for an enzyme that degrades proteins and its discovery may lead to effective treatment and new insights into the aging process.
Research suggests that aging has a modest impact on sensory perception, particularly smell, taste, and touch. Most older adults can detect scents and flavors similar to those of younger individuals.
A study by University of Rochester researchers found that maternal lead exposure leads to a 40% increase in cavities in rats. Lead interferes with saliva production, which protects teeth against decay. The team is now searching for the cause of this link, which could help explain why dental cavities remain a major public health problem.
The new Parkinson's disease drug pramipexole dihydrochloride has been shown to reduce symptoms by 20% in patients, with a more precise target on the specific dopamine receptor involved. The drug also appears to be better tolerated than current options, offering hope for improved treatment outcomes.
A University of Washington study links hormone replacement therapy to an increased risk of temporomandibular disorders (TMD) among women. Researchers discovered that post-menopausal women using hormone replacement therapy were over 70% more likely to suffer from TMD, while those taking oral contraceptives also showed a 20% higher risk.
Researchers localized the gene responsible for Parkinson's disease to a small region of chromosome 4, marking a significant advancement in understanding the disease. This finding is based on a large family study with multiple cases of Parkinson's disease over several generations.
University of Florida researchers report that psychological effects of chronic pain are more disruptive to daily life than the pain itself. The study found that nearly 200 patients with TMD experienced depression, anger, and anxiety due to their condition.
A pilot study found that mothers with children have poorer oral health, including more missing teeth and gum problems, compared to childless women. Stress levels may exacerbate this issue, suggesting that mothers need to prioritize their oral hygiene despite stress.