A new study published in the American Journal of Transplantation reveals an association between certain types of human papillomavirus (HPV) infection and cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) in organ transplant recipients (July 2011, Vol. 11:7, pp. 1498-1509). HPV is known to cause cervical cancer and SCC in the anogenital area and also plays a role in some forms of head and neck cancer. SCC of the skin is increasing in
HONG KONG (Reuters) – Scientists in Japan said on Wednesday they have created teeth — complete with connective fibers and bones — by using mouse stem cells and successfully transplanted them into mice, a step they hope will lead to progress in stem cell research. The entire tooth units, which were inserted into lower jaws of mice, attached successfully with jaw bones and the rats were able to chew normally,
Rebecca Slayton, DDS, PhD, has been named chief dental officer of the National Children’s Oral Health Foundation (NCOHF). As chief dental officer, she will continue to chair the NCOHF Scientific Advisory Board while assuming responsibility for oral health messaging, approval of preventive strategies, and treatment protocols. Dr. Slayton is a professor and chair of the department of pediatric dentistry at the University of Iowa. She is a board-certified pediatric dentist
Obstructive sleep apnea may cause changes in blood vessel function that reduce blood supply to the heart in people who are otherwise healthy, according to new research reported in Hypertension, the journal of the American Heart Association (AHA). However, treatment with 26 weeks of continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) improved study participants’ blood supply and function, according to the study authors. Obstructive sleep apnea affects about 15 million adults in
Children in states with higher Medicaid reimbursements got more dental care than those in states with lower payment rates between 2000 and 2008, but children covered by Medicaid received dental care less often than children with private insurance, according to a new study in the Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA, July 13, 2011, Vol. 306:2, pp. 187-193). Between 2000 and 2008, children covered by Medicaid were less likely
A link between phthalates — industrial chemicals used to make plastics such as polyvinyl chloride — and thyroid hormone levels has been confirmed by University of Michigan researchers in the first large-scale and nationally representative study of phthalates and bisphenol A (BPA) in relation to thyroid function in humans (Environmental Health Perspectives, July 11, 2011). The study authors also reported suggestive findings consistent with a previously reported link between BPA
Researchers at the University of Helsinki in Finland have described a new, recessively inherited human syndrome featuring craniosynostosis, maxillary hyperplasia, delayed tooth eruption, and extra teeth (American Journal of Human Genetics, July 7, 2011). The researchers also identified causative mutations in the gene for interleukin 11 receptor alpha (IL11RA). In craniosynostosis, the sutures between skull bones become ossified prematurely, affecting skull shape and limiting space for the growth of the
A new 8% hydrogen peroxide bleaching agent was found to be effective in patients wearing fixed orthodontic appliances, according to a study in the American Journal of Orthodontics and Dentofacial Orthopedics (July 2011, Vol. 140:1, pp. e43-7). Researchers assessed six anterior maxillary teeth of 40 patients ages 18 to 40. The patients were divided into two groups (n = 20): in group A, the patients used the bleaching agent during
The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry (AAPD) and its Healthy Smiles, Healthy Children foundation have partnered with the Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania to establish the Advanced Leadership Institute. For the past six years, the AAPD has partnered with the Kellogg School of Management at Northwestern University in Chicago and Ultradent Products to provide members with the first institute of its kind among dental and medical organizations. This
When faced with interproximal root caries, what is the best way to fill them? While many would drill up or down through the crown to reach the lesion, two prosthodontists from Israel are confident that they’ve come up with a better, less invasive method for treating them (Quintessence International, July/August 2011, Vol. 42:7, pp. 611-614). Their four-step approach uses glass ionomer for an inexpensive, predictable restoration that preserves more of
Joe Theismann, a Super Bowl champion quarterback with the Washington Redskins, has teamed up with SaniBrands to introduce a new mouth rinse designed for athletes who wear mouthguards. Defense Sport mouthguard rinse is scientifically created to clean and remove dirt and bacteria from the mouthguards, according to the company. This rinse was designed to help keep a mouthguard clean without exposing the athlete to alcohol and sugar. The patent-pending formula
Dental hygienist Molly Whalen, 20, of Middleboro, MA, was selected Miss Massachusetts 2011 at the Miss Massachusetts Scholarship Pageant in Worcester, according to a story on SouthCoasttoday.com. Whalen was chosen from among 15 contestants and will receive more than $8,500 in scholarships. She will also compete at the Miss America Pageant next January in Las Vegas. Whalen is a 2011 graduate of Massachusetts College of Pharmacy and Health Science, where
