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The Friends of the National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research (FNIDCR) online newsletter is a membership benefit. Permission is granted to repost this publication only with inclusion of the header. Past issues are posted on www.fnidcr.org/news.html Executive Director's Report The annual Friends of NIDCR Patient Advocacy day is scheduled for May 19. Oral, dental and craniofacial health advocates will come to Washington to tell their stories and ask leaders to continue to make oral health research a national priority. With the federal budget process fully underway and serious discussions about NIH’s reauthorization, there will be much for the advocates to say and hear. We head into this meeting with a united voice that oral health research is essential. Expect to hear more about the day in our next update.
Sincerely,
Alec Stone NIDCR Awards Grants for New Practice-Based Initiative The National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research (NIDCR), part of the National Institutes of Health, announced it has awarded three grants, totaling $75 million, that establish regional practice-based research networks to investigate with greater scientific rigor everyday issues in the delivery of oral healthcare. The NIDCR awarded the three seven-year grants to: New York University, which will oversee the East Coast research network; the University of Alabama at Birmingham, which will work jointly with the University of Florida in Gainesville to coordinate studies in the South; and the University of Washington in Seattle, which together with the Oregon Health and Science University in Portland will operate the network in the West. Each regional network will conduct approximately 15 to 20 short-term clinical studies over the next seven years, comparing the benefits of different dental procedures, dental materials, and prevention strategies under a range of patient and clinical conditions. The networks also will perform anonymous chart reviews, as allowed by the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA), to generate data on disease, treatment trends, and the prevalence of less common oral conditions. "What's unique about these networks is they are practice based," said Dr. Lawrence Tabak, NIDCR director. "Practicing dentists and hygienists will propose and conduct each clinical study in close collaboration with their network colleagues. Thus, the networks will address practical, real-world issues and generate data that will be of immediate interest to practitioners and their patients." Tabak said the impetus behind the networks is the long-standing lack of high quality research data to guide treatment decisions in the dentist's office. This data shortfall has led some dentists and hygienists in some instances to rely on clinical experience alone to guide their treatment decisions, a valuable though inherently empirical approach to dental care. To expand the evidence base in dentistry, NIDCR two years ago began developing the General Dental Practice-Based Research Networks (PBRN) initiative. After extensive dialogue with the dental community and internal planning, NIDCR issued a Request of Applications (RFA) last year, and today's announcement marks the critical step toward forward in launching the PBRNs. "Although the PBRNs are located in just three regions of the country, dental professionals in the Midwest, Southwest, Rocky Mountains, or any other part of the country still can get involved," said Dr. Bruce Pihlstrom, acting director of NIDCR's Division of Populations and Health Sciences. "I would encourage dentists and hygienists who want to get involved to contact the PBRN nearest to them for more information." Pihlstrom said each network will be a grassroots effort, involving 100 or more practicing community dentists and hygienists. Network members will work within at least a two-state geographic area, which must span two distinct population centers. This will allow networks to have a more regional feel and better enable their leadership to consider the racial, ethnic, and socio-economic factors that dental professionals encounter every day in their offices. Once the network of community practitioners is in place, dental professionals can begin to propose clinical studies. Each proposal will be evaluated on its scientific merits and feasibility, and if considered viable by their peers, the network will develop an appropriate study design. "The PBRN protocols generally will be short term studies that involve relatively straightforward procedures," said Pihlstrom. "For example, protocols might evaluate the outcomes of two comparable root canal procedures, third molar extractions, or even different ways of placing a filling. The key is we won't want to overload busy practitioners with tedious, time-consuming protocols that require multiple in-office calibrations. We want to make this as practice and patient friendly as possible." The National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research is the nation's leading funder of research on oral, dental, and craniofacial health. ADEA Congressional Testimony on FY 2006 Appropriations On April 14, 2005, Dr. Michael C. Alfano, Dean of the New York University College of Dentistry, presented testimony before the House Appropriations Subcommittee on Labor, Health and Human Services, Education and Related Agencies on behalf of the FY 2006 appropriations recommendations of the American Dental Education Association and the American Association of Dental Research. Subcommittee Chairman Ralph Regula (R-OH) presided at the hearing. Summarizing the five-page written statements submitted separately by ADEA and AADR, Dean Alfano requested an appropriation of:
He also highlighted three areas of dental research that are presenting opportunities for scientific innovation:
Patient Advocacy Spotlight: Treacher Collins Syndrome Treacher Collins syndrome, also known as mandibulofacial dysostosis or Franceschetti Klein syndrome, is a rare and very complex genetic condition involving underdevelopment of the structures of the head and face. The pattern of inheritance is autosomal dominant. In 1995, investigators mapped the gene that causes Treacher Collins syndrome, "Treacle", to chromosome #5. Prenatal testing and postnatal diagnosis are available. The physical features usually include: downslanting eyes; notches of the lower eyelids; broad mouth; prominent nose; small chin with a steep angle of the lower jaw; underdeveloped, malformed and/or prominent ears; and, "sideburns" (licks of hair extending in front of the ears.) A hearing loss, usually conductive, is frequently associated with this disorder. Breathing problems and eating difficulties may also be present. Other less frequent features include: cleft lip with or without cleft palate; cleft palate alone; heart defects; and strabismus. Most people with Treacher Collins syndrome have normal development and intelligence and go to regular schools. Children and adults with Treacher Collins syndrome are usually normal individuals with some physical abnormalities of the face. Early speech and language difficulties may require evaluations and therapies, and the use of hearing aids may be necessary. Reconstructive facial surgeries may also be recommended. Genetic counseling may be of benefit for patients and their families.
What Are Some Related Disorders?
For more information, please visit: www.treachercollinsfnd.org HHS Secretary Leavitt Names Additions to Senior Staff HHS Secretary Mike Leavitt formally named six people to his senior staff, including a Chief of Staff, Deputy Chief of Staff and four counselors. The appointments are the first in a series of appointments that will comprise Secretary Leavitt's senior team at the Department. "I've selected a very seasoned and competent team of professionals to help guide the work of the Department," Secretary Leavitt said. "Each offers valuable experience, subject-matter expertise and a proven track record of performance that will help me fulfill the President's aspirations for the Department." William F. Raub will serve as Acting Counselor for Science Policy. In this role, he will function as senior policy advisor for science and oversee a portfolio of issues that include activities, among others, at the Food and Drug Administration, National Institutes of Health and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Dr. Raub also will serve as a key advisor to the Secretary on counterterrorism. His experience includes multiple roles at HHS, including serving as Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary for Public Health Emergency Preparedness and earlier as Acting Assistant Secretary for Planning and Evaluation. Dr. Raub also served previously as Deputy Director of the National Institutes of Health, the Science Advisor to the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency and Special Assistant for Health Affairs in the Office of Science and Technology Policy at the White House. He brings a rich and distinguished background to Secretary Leavitt's senior team. Kennedy Sets National Goal of Cutting Child Poverty in Half Within A Decade: Will Offer Anti-Poverty Amendment to the Budget Washington, DC - At a speech before the National Community Action Foundation, Senator Edward M. Kennedy declared that cutting child poverty in half is an attainable -- and moral -- goal to achieve within this decade. To meet this commitment he will offer an amendment to the budget next week that would enact a one percent surtax to be paid by our wealthiest citizens in order to take care of the needs of our most vulnerable citizens. Senator Kennedy outlined the severity of the issue and discussed imperative we have to make a national commitment to our nation's poor children. "Poverty is a moral issue and we have a moral obligation to address it. We are the wealthiest country on earth. We are blessed with great abundance. And in the powerful words of Luke's Gospel, "To whom much is given, much is required," Senator Kennedy said in his remarks. Today, nearly one child in five is living in poverty. Nearly 36 million men, women, and children in the United States now live below the poverty line -- an increase of over 4 million since President Bush was first elected. The poverty rate for children in the United States is substantially higher -- often two to three times higher -- than that of most other major Western industrialized nations. And the number of Americans living in hunger and malnutrition has soared to almost 36 million. The Senate is set to debate the budget next week. President Bush's budget includes severe, yet often hidden, cuts from programs that most directly impact America's poorest families—in education, nutrition, child care, health care, affordable housing, job training, heating and cooling assistance, and in community and rural development. For example, it cuts the Women, Infants, and Children Program, which provides health information and nutritious meals to low income pregnant women and their children. And the budget would cut Medicaid, which ensures that more than 50 million children, pregnant women, the elderly, and people with disabilities have access to the medical services they need. A Mouthful of Microbes Elizabeth Pennisi Thanks to dentists, "open wide" has become a command to fear. A century ago, dental practitioners depended on a shot of whiskey and pliers to treat toothaches and sore gums. Today's dentists have laser drills and Novocain, but they haven't completely shed the aura of pain. In the near future, however, the tools of choice may be less scary: a DNA test followed by a chaser of "good" bacteria, for example. Over the past 40 years, oral biologists have been taking stock of the vast microbial communities thriving on and around teeth, gums, and the tongue. It's been known for quite some time that bacteria that normally reside in the mouth can escape to other parts of the body and cause problems. There's a well-substantiated link between one oral pathogen and heart problems, for example. And last year, tests in mice lent support to the theory that a common mouth bacterium can slip into the bloodstream of pregnant women and infect their uterus and placenta, eventually causing premature births. But poor oral health also causes harm directly. Three out of 10 people over 65 have lost all their teeth. In the United States, half of all adults have either gum disease or tooth decay; Americans spend more than $60 billion a year to treat tooth decay alone. Indeed, cavities are the single most common chronic disease of childhood, with a rate five times greater than that seen for the next most prevalent disease, asthma. Adding insult to injury, about one-third of the general population also suffers from halitosis, better known as bad breath. A lot of those problems can be traced to the mouth's microbes, say oral biologists. In healthy mouths, "good" bacteria and other microbes compete with nefarious cousins and keep them in check. But if conditions change, pathogenic microbes can gang up against the beneficial species and gain control of the mouth's surfaces. Bleeding gums, cavities, and bad breath can result. Predicting Cavities
By Linda Marsa, Special to The Times They can blame their genes. The tendency to develop cavities is inherited. On the other hand, family history isn't always a good indicator of risk. Soon a new saliva test may be able to identify those most at risk for cavities, how many they're likely to develop and even predict which parts of the mouth are the most vulnerable. That way, preventive steps can be taken before cavity-causing bacteria take hold in the mouth. The test would be most beneficial for children; by adulthood, decay has taken root. "This is exciting research," says Dr. Lawrence A. Tabak, a dentist and director of the National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research in Bethesda, Md. "A test that would identify children who are most at risk for dental decay would be a tremendous step forward because it would allow us to target preventive measures in a highly focused way," Tabak said. Developed by USC School of Dentistry scientists, the Caries Assessment and Risk Evaluation test measures sugar proteins in the saliva; these sugar chains also coat the surfaces of the teeth. These proteins' effect on the teeth is similar to the way "good' and "bad" cholesterol act on blood vessels, says Paul Denny, a USC saliva researcher and a co-inventor of the test. Certain combinations of sugar proteins fend off the bacteria that cause tooth decay (dental caries), while others promote decay by allowing the microbes to stick to the tooth's surface. Although being cavity-prone is genetic, family history isn't always a good predictor. "There is case after case of parents who have great teeth and their children who have rotten ones, and vice versa," says Denny. "How these genes are parceled out to prevent caries is an extremely complicated process, and every single sugar protein chain is a composite of up to 20 or 30 different genes." The saliva test uses a piece of paper that is dipped into the person's saliva and then bathed in a battery of sensitive chemicals that can detect the presence of these different sugar proteins. "The color the saliva spot turns can tell you the person's risk level," says Denny. In a 2004 study, the saliva of 29 children ages 7 to 10 was compared to the saliva of 20 young adults, revealing that the makeup of sugar chain proteins could predict a child's cavity history with more than 98% accuracy. More long-term research is needed, but Denny hopes the test will be available in dental offices within several years. The test will enable families to take preventive measures, such as applying sealants to vulnerable teeth before the caries form. The sealants can help prevent caries from getting established in the mouth and stop the lifelong process of deterioration that often leads to costly and painful root canals, crowns and loss of teeth. Because sealants can be expensive, knowing which teeth -- or which people -- are more vulnerable could allow the sealants to be targeted only to potential trouble areas and could open the door for better insurance reimbursement. "In the future," says Denny, "even a kid at the highest risk could arrive at adulthood without any cavities, with the proper preventive dental care." Starting Life With Good Oral Health (WebMD) Pregnant women have extra incentive to brush, floss, and take good care of their teeth. Those simple steps could help their babies get a better start in life. Bacteria in the mouth of the mother-to-be could influence the baby's birth weight and delivery date, a new study shows. That's important because babies born prematurely and/or at a low birth weight are more vulnerable to health problems, disability, and even death. The preterm and low birth weight problems were put in sharp, startling detail earlier this year in a CDC report. The CDC found that infant deaths rose in 2002 for the first times since 1958, partly due to more babies being born too small and too soon. "Birth weight is one of the most important predictors of an infant's survival chances," the CDC reported. The 2002 death rate for preterm infants was 15 times higher than that of full-term babies, according to the CDC.
Rates Rising But the problem hasn't gone away. Preterm low birth weight is still the second leading cause of infant death in general. The numbers have increased in America over the last few decades. The preterm delivery rate rose from 10.2 percent to 11.6 percent of all live births from 1987-1998. Low birth weight increased for all races from 6.8 percent to 7.6 percent from 1980-2000. Those numbers come from the latest study on oral health, preterm delivery, and low birth weight. The researchers included Ananda Dasanayake of New York University's College of Dentistry.
Which Groups Have The Highest Rates Of Preterm Delivery? Overseas, even more preterm babies die young. Every year, about 4 million babies die before they're 1 month old. Most are born in poorer countries that often lack sanitation and medical facilities expected in the West. Preterm birth is a leading cause, accounting for an estimated 28 percent of infant deaths worldwide. That's according to a report published in The Lancet earlier this month.
Oral Health's Role Still, bacteria seen in gum disease and cavities may play a role. The mouth is home to hundreds of types of bacteria, some of which are linked to dental problems. Recently, oral bacteria were studied in about 300 pregnant women in Alabama. Most of the women were black and lived in a low-income area in and around Birmingham. That reduced the influence of racial, social, or economic factors, say Dasanayake and colleagues. The researchers monitored levels of several types of bacteria while the women were pregnant. They also noted the babies' delivery date and birth weight.
Helpful, Harmful Bacteria Different kinds of lactobacillus bacteria are found elsewhere in the body. For instance, they help with digestion. Possibly, the lactobacillus bacteria in the women's mouths helped keep the vaginal environment healthy, boosting the chances of a good delivery, says the study. The researchers aren't sure how that works. Possibly, "oral bacteria and the molecules the body produces against them can enter the uterine environment through the bloodstream and may influence the delivery process," says Dasanayake in a news release. Harmful oral bacteria have also been linked to greater risk of heart disease. A similar theory — oral bacteria that flow through the blood to other parts of the body — has been floated for that problem, too. That's all the more reason to reach for your toothbrush. Monitoring oral bacteria levels could help reduce poor pregnancy outcomes, the researchers conclude. Their study appears in the Journal of Periodontology's February issue. Sources: Dasanayake, A. Journal of Periodontology, February 2005; vol 76: pp 171-177. WebMD Medical News: "Why The Infant Death Rate Went Up." WebMD Medical News: "Simple Measures Could Save Millions Of Infants." News release, American Academy of Periodontology. News release, New York University. WebMD Medical News: "Brush Your Teeth, Help Your Heart." Teardrop Test May Speed Diagnosis of Sjögren's Syndrome Researchers in Japan are developing a faster, more accurate diagnostic test for Sjögren's (SHOW-grins) syndrome, an incurable autoimmune disorder characterized by chronically dry eyes and dry mouth. The noninvasive test, which analyzes multiple protein biomarkers in the tears using highly sensitive mass spectrometry, shows promise in early clinical studies as the first simple test for identifying the disease, the scientists say. Sjögren's affects between 1 million and 4 million Americans, primarily women over age 40. April is Sjögren's Syndrome Awareness Month. The study will be described in the June 13 print issue of the American Chemical Society's Journal of Proteome Research, a peer-reviewed publication. ACS is the world's largest scientific society. Current methods to diagnose the disease involve a battery of tests, including painful invasive techniques using needles or biopsies to analyze bodily tissues and fluids, particularly in the eyes and mouth. Because of the complexity of the disease and its similarity to other disease symptoms or drug-induced conditions, Sjögren's can be difficult to diagnose. Diagnosis of the disease has been further complicated by the lack of biomarkers specific for the disease as well as its slow progress, the researchers say. According to study leader Naohisa Tomosugi, M.D., of Kanazawa Medical University in Japan, the new painless technique would require that patients shed as little as a single teardrop, collected in a doctor's office using special filter papers. The teardrop would then be analyzed in the laboratory for newly discovered protein biomarkers and results can be obtained in as little as one hour, Tomosugi says. The test, which is being refined, could be available to consumers in two to three years, he estimates. "The development of an accurate and noninvasive diagnostic test [for Sjögren's] would be of considerable value in the clinical field," Tomosugi says. Early diagnosis is considered key to reducing the severity of disease symptoms and its complications, which can include debilitating fatigue and joint pain. Although the disease has no cure, its symptoms can be minimized with a variety of medications, including anti-inflammatory drugs and special moisture replacement therapies for dryness. In the current study, Tomosugi and his associates analyzed the protein content of tears obtained from 31 patients diagnosed with Sjögren's syndrome (on the basis of conventional tests) and compared the results to protein markers obtained from the tears of 57 subjects who did not have the syndrome. Using a new analytical technique called surface enhanced laser desorption/ionization time-of-flight mass spectrometry (SELDI-TOF-MS), the researchers identified about 10 protein biomarkers that appear to be specific for Sjögren's. In addition to helping diagnose the disease, the tear biomarkers also show potential for noninvasive monitoring of disease activity and progress, the researchers say. The biomarkers may also provide insights into the underlying mechanisms of the syndrome, such as those involving inflammation and glandular destruction, they say. The exact cause of the condition is unknown. In general, researchers believe that the immune system attacks the glands that produce tears and saliva, resulting in dry mouth and dry eyes. Although the disease is generally not life-threatening, it can produce serious symptoms, including fatigue, difficulty swallowing, joint pain and eye problems. Because its symptoms often accompany other conditions, such as arthritis or lupus, and vary among individuals, the disease is often misdiagnosed or undiagnosed. See also:
April is Sjögren's Syndrome Awareness Month. For more information about the disease, please visit www.sjogrens.org or ninds.nih.gov/disorders/sjogrens/sjogrens.htm. Foodborne Illnesses Continue Downward Trend: 2010 Health Goals for E.Coli 0157 Reached A report released by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) in collaboration with the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) showed important declines in foodborne infections due to common bacterial pathogens in 2004. For the first time, cases of E. coli O157 infections, one of the most severe foodborne diseases, are below the national Healthy People 2010 health goal. From 1996-2004, the incidence of E. coli O157 infections decreased 42 percent. Campylobacter infections decreased 31 percent, Cryptosporidium dropped 40 percent, and Yersinia decreased 45 percent. Overall, Salmonella infections dropped 8 percent, but only one of the five most common strains declined significantly. Different Salmonella strains are found in a variety of animal hosts and in different geographic locations. Further efforts are needed to better understand why some Salmonella strains tend to contaminate produce during production and harvest. FDA has recently developed a plan to decrease foodborne illnesses associated with fresh produce. To better control foodborne pathogens in animals and plants, prevention efforts should be implemented across the farm to table continuum. "This report is good news for Americans and underscores the importance of investments in food safety. Our efforts are working and we're making progress in reducing foodborne illnesses," said CDC Director Dr. Julie Gerberding. "However, foodborne disease is still a significant cause of illness in the United States and further efforts are needed to sustain and extend these important declines and to improve prevention of foodborne illnesses." "The continued reduction in illnesses from E. coli O157 is a tremendous success story and we are committed to continuing this positive trend in the future," said USDA Secretary Mike Johanns. "These results demonstrate that through innovative policies and strong and consistent enforcement of inspection laws, we are protecting the public's health through a safer food supply." The full report, "Preliminary FoodNet Data on the Incidence of Infections with Pathogens Transmitted Commonly Through Food - Selected Sites, United States, 2004" appears in this week's Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report (April 15, 2005) and is available online at www.cdc.gov/mmwr. To learn more about FoodNet please visit www.cdc.gov/foodnet/. To learn more about various foodborne pathogens, visit www.cdc.gov/az.do. A Bloodless Revolution: Spit Will Tell What Ails You By Claudia Dreifus, April 19, 2005 (excerpts from an interview) Baltimore - Unlike the rest of us, David Wong enjoys talking about spit. He likes to speak of its texture, color, scent and sociology. Spend a few hours with him and one learns that saliva is the lubricant that makes food and language possible and that at certain Greek weddings, celebrants spit on the bride and groom for good luck. If Dr. Wong, 50, the associate dean for research at the U.C.L.A. School of Dentistry, is singular in his conversation, it is because he has seen the future, and it is spit. At his laboratory, Dr. Wong has been investigating the molecular content of saliva, with the hope of developing a whole new category of tests for diagnosing human diseases. "If you consider the eyes the window to the soul, then spit is a window to the body," he said during a break at a recent dentistry conference in Baltimore. "It is a part of circulation. It came from it. It doesn't have the color of blood, but it's less sticky. A saliva test will be totally noninvasive."
Q. How did spit become your research topic? In this case, this government agency offered $57 million dollars to scientists to build tools to detect the molecular components of saliva. A sample of saliva can have within it DNA, RNA, proteins, germs, viruses, fatty acids and a host of interesting molecules useful in disease detection. This R.F.A. was a sign that the government was putting serious effort behind developing a saliva-based diagnostic test for various diseases. I'm both a molecular biologist and a dentist. And dentists really know their spit: we work with it every day. So this seemed a natural for my lab. When the grants were finally announced, ours was one of nine laboratories around the country put to work on this project.
Q. Why should we use spit for diagnoses? What's wrong with a blood test? With saliva, all a patient has to do is expectorate. Moreover, you can monitor saliva frequently so it's possible to follow real-time changes in the body. If you want to collect samples from a patient, you can take saliva 10 times a day. Can you imagine being needled 10 times a day? No, no, no! I really don't like giving blood. I have to prepare myself mentally for it.
Q. Is this idea of saliva as a medical gauge a new idea? In fact, anything present in blood is also in spit - though in much smaller quantities. The problem was, We didn't have the means to detect most of it until recently. And knowing exactly what's in there is critical because we need to know if it changes when somebody is sick. Do the proteins in saliva change when someone becomes diabetic or develops a disease process like cancer? If so, we can use molecular profiles of "healthy spit" and "sick spit" to screen for disease. Now, the big change in saliva's possibilities came only three years ago, when engineers developed highly sensitive sensors that can detect molecules at minute levels. These nonoelectrical mechanical systems can locate one anthrax spore in a huge public space. And this same technology can detect obscure molecules in saliva.
Q. To create a workable test, won't you need to do more than chart the molecular content of saliva? Think about this scenario: Two years from now, when you go to a dentist, before they clean your teeth, they'll take a drop of saliva and put it into a little machine. At the end of the visit, you will get a printed chart that will tell if you're at risk for Disease A or Disease B and if you should have a follow-up with a medical doctor. The dentist in the very near future may become a triage doctor. That's going to change dentistry. A Good Tip To Protect Your Teeth Second Opinion by Dr. Isadore Rosenfeld Aspirin is one of the wonder drugs of our time. It lessens pain, lowers heard disease and stroke. Although the tablet is meant to b e swallowed, some people prefer to let it dissolve in the mouth, or they chew it or suck on it. In fact, a chewable version is available to satisfy this preference, but it may not be a good idea. Aspirin is an acid (acetylsalicylic acid), and researchers at the University of Maryland Dental School found that it work away the enamel and the interior tissue of teeth in some patients who were taking aspirin frequently. I suggest that the safest way to take it is simply to swallow it. Effects of Smoking May Be Passed Down through Generations
Scientific American Researchers led by Frank D. Gilliland of the University of Southern California (USC) analyzed data collected as part of the ongoing USC Children's Health Study. They interviewed the parents or guardians of 908 school-age children, 338 of whom had developed asthma by the age of five. They report in the April issue of the journal Chest that children of women who smoked while pregnant were 1.5 times as likely to develop asthma as the offspring of nonsmokers were. If both the mother and grandmother smoked during pregnancy, the risk increased to 2.6 times that of children of nonsmokers. Most surprising, even when a mother did not smoke while she was pregnant her child had nearly double the risk of developing asthma as a child from a smoke-free home if her mother had smoked during pregnancy. "This is the first study to show that if a woman smokes while she is pregnant, both her children and grandchildren may be more likely to have asthma as a result, " Gilliland says. "The findings suggest that smoking could have a long-term impact on a family's health that has never before been realized." Further studies are needed to confirm the new transgenerational findings, the scientists say. For now, Gilliland explains, he and his colleagues "speculate that the damage that occurs affects the child's immune system and increases her susceptibility to asthma, which is then passed down to her children." -- Sarah Graham Students Chat Online with Leading Genome Researchers for National DNA Day Bethesda, Maryland - On April 25, high school students across the country celebrated National DNA Day by tuning in to webcasts featuring cutting-edge genomic research and taking part in a live online discussion with researchers from the National Human Genome Research Institute (NHGRI), part of the National Institutes of Health (NIH). National DNA Day, begun in April 2003, commemorates the successful completion of the Human Genome Project and the anniversary of the discovery of DNA's double helix in 1953. The event is a collaboration of NHGRI, American Society of Human Genetics, Genetics Society of America, the Genetic Alliance and the National Society of Genetic Counselors. "As we embark on the genome era, we face an urgent need for a new generation of young professionals trained in everything from molecular biology to computer science to bioethics. National DNA Day is a wonderful opportunity for students to learn from real-life genome researchers how they can join in the effort to use genomics to improve human health," said NHGRI Director Francis S. Collins, M.D., Ph.D. The first DNA Day webcast featured Dr. Collins, co-leader of the Human Genome Project, who will discuss "The Genome Era: What It Means for You." The second webcast featured Elaine A. Ostrander, Ph.D., chief of NHGRI's Cancer Genetics Branch, who described her work using the dog genome to understand human disease in a talk entitled "The Power of Comparison: Unleashing the Dog Genome." Both webcasts are be available on April 25 at www.genome.gov/DNAday. "As we expand our public education program we are pleased that computer technology is enabling NHGRI to reach out to teachers and students across the country in small towns and urban school districts and connect them with genome researchers on National DNA Day," said Vence Bonham, J.D., chief of NHGRI's Education and Community Involvement Branch. "We hope that National DNA Day will excite more students from all walks of life to learn about genome science and careers in genomics." Scleroderma Foundation Passes Autoimmune Disease Legislation in Maryland The Maryland Model Autoimmune Legislation Passes Unanimously! Monday, April 11, 2005, was the final day of Maryland’s legislative session. The House (135-0) and the Senate (47-0) voted unanimously to create a Task Force to Study the Impact of Autoimmune Disease in Maryland. At this time, the legislation awaits Governor Ehrlich’s signature. For the entire story, visit: www.scleroderma.org/advocacy/news/MD_autoimmune_leg_passes.shtm Levin Group Teams with NYU College of Dentistry to Drive $26.7 Million NIH Practice-Based Research Project One of the largest-ever NIH-funded studies for dentistry designed to create effective research network in dental practices Levin Group Inc., a leading dental consulting firm providing innovative lifetime services to dentists and dental practices, announced it has joined forces with the Bluestone Center for Clinical Research at New York University College of Dentistry (NYUCD) to establish a Practice-Based Research Network (PBRN) over the next seven years. The ultimate objective of the $26.7 million grant awarded to NYUCD by the National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research (NIDCR), part of the National Institutes of Health (NIH), is to improve patient care and clinical care outcomes by addressing research questions that are immediately relevant to dentists and their patients. The comprehensive scope of the innovative PBRN grant includes all aspects of project implementation from recruitment and retention of network practices to selection of research topics, development of research protocols, implementation of field studies, development of research findings, and generation of scientific publications. Levin Group’s role in the program, designed to increase data accuracy and reliability and ultimately optimize validity of research findings, is to establish effective operational systems, scripting, and management systems to secure optimal compliance with research protocols and requirements. Roger P. Levin, DDS, MBA, Founder and CEO of Levin Group, said, "We are very excited to partner with NYU in this ground-breaking research project, and take pride in knowing that we have been selected to help guide this massive study to close the gap between science and clinical dentistry. As Levin Group develops management systems that enable dental practices joining the PBRN program to implement their research responsibilities accurately, effectively, and efficiently, we will systematically improve the overall practice and delivery of oral healthcare." "The project, known as the PEARL (Practitioners Engaged in Applied Research and Learning) Network, bridges the gap between practicing dentists and academia," added Dr. Michael C. Alfano, dean of NYUCD, "and has the potential to transform the way dentistry is practiced." Also involved in the regional study with Levin Group and the Bluestone Center for Clinical Research are EMMES Corporation in Rockville, MD, a distinguished team of NYU senior scientists, and a broad network of investigators and consultants. The network will also perform anonymous chart reviews, as allowed by the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA), to generate data on disease, treatment trends, and the prevalence of less common oral conditions. For more information about the PBRN grant at NYUCD, call (212) 998-9310.
About Levin Group Inc. Levin Group offers management and marketing consulting services to each of its nine divisions – General Practice, Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Orthodontics, Endodontics, Periodontics, Prosthodontics, Implants, Pediatrics, and Large Group – as well as continuing education materials such as videotapes, DVDs, audiocassettes, and books. Levin Group is committed to improving the lives of dentists and specialists. For more information, visit www.levingroup.com or call (888) 973-0000. Baby Your Oral Health
What You Need to Know About Oral Health and Pregnancy
Congratulations on your pregnancy! For more information, please visit www.hmhb.org. Friends 2005 Awards Dinner and Gala
Mark your calendars for the 8th annual Friends of NIDCR Gala Awards Dinner! Funding Opportunities
Tools for Zebrafish Research
Planning Grants for Regional Translational Research Centers: Revised Information on Second Planning Grant RFA
NCBC Collaborations as a Roadmap-Related Activity
Sjögren's Syndrome: A Model Complex Disease
Drug Delivery Systems for Orofacial Disease (SBIR/STTR) |