BLIS Technologies help in the fight against rheumatic fever with probiotics
Release date: 29 August 2013
Dunedin company BLIS Technologies Ltd have partnered with the Eastern Bay of Plenty Primary Health Alliance, Kawerau Rheumatic Fever Prevention Program. The company has donated 200 bottles of its BLIS K12 Throat Guard Daily probiotics to aid children and families in the region to assist in the battle against the third world disease.
BLIS Technologies produce the advanced probiotic lozenge BLIS K12, which helps support the body’s natural defence against throat and ear infections and is effective in the prevention of Streptococcal throat infections which can lead to rheumatic fever.
Kawerau has a high instance of rheumatic fever. The rheumatic fever prevention team monitor 1580 children each week, taking around 1300 swabs every school term. On average 13 % of the throat swabs taken return a Group A Streptococcus positive result.
Rheumatic fever can occur after a strep throat infection caused by a Group A Streptococcus (GAS) bacteria. Most strep throat infections get better and don’t lead to rheumatic fever. However, in a small number of people an untreated strep throat develops into rheumatic fever, where their heart, joints, brain and skin can sometimes be damaged.
Eastern Bay Primary Health Alliance rheumatic fever prevention nurse Sandra Ball said, “Our team are excited about the donation. It provides us with another tool in the fight against this disease. We have families who are experiencing recurrent infections and anything we can do to support their well-being is beneficial”.
Awareness of the potential of BLIS probiotics came about when members of the Eastern Bay Rheumatic Fever sector attended a lecture by BLIS Technologies founding Scientist, Professor John Tagg, earlier this year. They were enthusiastic about his research and the BLIS K12 and BLIS M18 probiotics. Professor Tagg, who as a child suffered from rheumatic fever, has dedicated much of his life to exploring ways to fight the disease. A microbiologist at the University of Otago, Tagg first discovered the strain of probiotic bacteria nearly 20 years ago.
BLIS Technologies spokesperson Mukesh Kumar said “We feel we can make a huge contribution to the wellbeing of kids in this community. It’s rewarding to support a project that promotes health for those vulnerable people who need it the most. BLIS Technologies has been retailing BLIS probiotic products in pharmacies in New Zealand for the past 10 years, and with growing loyalty from the general public in New Zealand and overseas, it is our time to give back to the people who need it the most”.
In addition to supporting the Rheumatic Fever Program in Kawerau BLIS Technologies donate BLIS K12 product to The Salvation Army to support families in Otago and Southland. BLIS Technologies donate a number of lozenges based on sales from their online business www.blis.co.nz which is going through a growth period allowing the company to expand its support to the community. BLIS Technologies were the Frost and Sullivan Global Probiotics Entrepreneurial Company of the Year in 2010.
Alzheimer's disease linked to poor dental health
Source: Medical News Today
A study has found that people with poor oral hygiene or gum disease could be at higher risk of developing Alzheimer's compared with those who have healthy teeth.
Researchers from the University of Central Lancashire (UCLan) in the UK, discovered the presence of a bacterium called Porphyromonas gingivalis in the brains of patients who had dementia when they were alive. The bug is usually associated with chronic periodontal (gum) disease.
For the study, published in the Journal of Alzheimer's Disease, 10 brain samples from patients with dementia were donated for analysis by a scheme called Brains for Dementia Research, alongside 10 brain samples from people who had not had the disease. Examination of the samples revealed the presence of the Porphyromonas gingivalis in the samples of the brains affected by Alzheimer's.
Need for invasive dental treatment 'increases the bacterial risk'
This bacteria is usually found in oral cavities, and enters the blood stream through a variety of daily activities, such as chewing, eating and brushing teeth. However, it is more likely to enter the blood stream after invasive dental treatment, where it is possible that the bacteria can enter the brain regularly, the researchers say.
Each time the bacteria enter the brain, the researchers note, this could potentially trigger immune system responses, causing the release of excess chemicals that can kill neurons.
The researchers say that this activity could lead to symptoms such as confusion and deteriorating memory - typical symptoms of Alzheimer's disease. Study adds to previous findings
The study adds to previous findings that Alzheimer's is linked to poor oral health. Research from New York University in 2010 revealed long-term evidence that linked gum inflammation and Alzheimer's disease, finding that gum disease could increase the risk of cognitive dysfunction. Read more
NSW Health records show children in areas without fluoride in the water more likely to suffer tooth decay
Source: news.com.au
THEY are two adorable toddlers, both with beautiful new teeth, but by virtue of their home address, one will be far better off than the other in the long run.
Celeste Eddington, from Byron Bay, is almost three times more likely to be hospitalised due to serious dental decay compared to her counterpart James Stevenson, who is growing up in Sydney's eastern suburbs, with fluoridated water.
Byron Bay is one of the three northern NSW regions in the Richmond Valley without fluoride in the water. Health experts back fluoride across NSW
NSW Health records show that by age six, children in the North Coast Area Health Service have almost three times as many decayed teeth as those in the best performing areas of the state where fluoride has been in the water supply for decades.
Children like James in the Southeast Sydney Area Health Service and the Illawarra have less than one decayed tooth at the same age.
The health records also reveal alarming hospitalisation rates for children in unfluoridated regions.
More than one out of every hundred kids aged 0-4 in the region is being forced to undergo hospital surgery to correct dental problems.
In Lismore it's about 0.8 per cent of children in that age group - well above the NSW average of less than 0.3 per cent. Read more.
Significant role for oral health in COPD events
Source:Medwire News
Researchers from the USA have found a significant association between poor dental health and the risk for respiratory events among patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).
In particular, edentulous individuals who were classified as Global Initiative for Chronic Obstructive Lung Disease (GOLD) stage I or II had a more than twofold greater risk for COPD-related events, an association that was further amplified by the presence of raised interleukin (IL)-6 levels.
The study included data on 1635 participants with COPD taking part in the Atherosclerosis Risk in Communities (ARIC) Study, who underwent a full-mouth periodontal examination at baseline.
Over 5 years of follow-up, 24.4% had a fatal or nonfatal respiratory event, a rate which was significantly associated with oral health: those who were dentate and periodontally healthy had an event rate of 10.5%, compared with 23.8% among those with severe periodontal disease, and 43.9% among those who had lost all of their teeth. Read more.
Poor oral health linked to cancer-causing oral HPV infection
Source: Extract from Medical Press
Poor oral health, including gum disease and dental problems, was found to be associated with oral human papillomavirus (HPV) infection, which causes about 40 percent to 80 percent of oropharyngeal cancers, according to a study published in Cancer Prevention Research, a journal of the American Association for Cancer Research.
"Poor oral health is a new independent risk factor for oral HPV infection and, to our knowledge, this is the first study to examine this association," said Thanh Cong Bui, Dr.P.H., postdoctoral research fellow in the School of Public Health at the University of Texas Health Sciences Center in Houston. "The good news is, this risk factor is modifiable—by maintaining good oral hygiene and good oral health, one can prevent HPV infection and subsequent HPV-related cancers."
The researchers found that among the study participants, those who reported poor oral health had a 56 percent higher prevalence of oral HPV infection, and those who had gum disease and dental problems had a 51 percent and 28 percent higher prevalence of oral HPV infection, respectively. In addition, the researchers were able to associate oral HPV infections with number of teeth lost. Read more.
The Most Common Chronic (Preventable) Childhood Disease
Source: Extract from Oral Health Matters
It always surprises people when I tell them that dental disease is the most common chronic illness of childhood—four times more common than asthma. While most people couldn't imagine a 2 year old with a mouthful of cavities, it is a sad reality for many. Aggressive dental disease in very young children (1-5 years old) is called Early Childhood Caries (ECC). Typically, children with ECC end up in hospital operating rooms for oral surgery (which often involves anesthesia, root canals and stainless steel crowns). This is a very scary experience for such young children and their families. It’s also upsetting for the dentist to have to do oral surgery on babies.
Early childhood caries is a significant public health problem. It is caused by bacteria in the mouth. Read more.
Fiji- Dental Crisis
Source: The Fiji Times
DENTAL caries and periodontal diseases are two major oral health problems suffered by members of the public.
National adviser for oral health, Dr Joan Lal said almost all dental practitioners were involved and geared towards addressing these two major issues.
"Members of the Fiji Oral Health Workers Association who are government employees, this is their major business," she said. Read more.
Dental Health and Pregnancy
Source: Explorer News
Many moms-to-be receive advice from well-meaning friends and relatives. Yet there seem to be myths about taking care of teeth and gums -- if dental health is even mentioned at all.
While pregnancy comes with many responsibilities, oral hygiene should be a top priority to ensure both mother and child are set up for healthy habits that will last a lifetime.
What to Expect
Hormonal changes can lead to an increased risk of gum disease (gingivitis) throughout pregnancy. Some women may develop “pregnancy tumors,” painless bumps on their gums, most often during their second trimester. In addition to flossing once daily and brushing twice daily, work closely with your dentist throughout pregnancy to flag issues before they become problematic.
“Delaying necessary treatment for dental problems could result in significant risk to you and your baby,” said Dr. Maria Lopez Howell, DDS, spokesperson for the American Dental Association (ADA). “It’s worth your time to visit the dentist even if you don’t think you have dental problems.” Read more
Years or Decades Later, Flu Exposure Still Prompts Immunity
Source: ScienceNews
New forms of influenza viruses can spur production of antibodies to past pandemics in people who lived through them. Exposure to new flu strains can stimulate production of antibodies against older versions of the virus, researchers have found. The work suggests how to make longer-lasting vaccines with broader flu-fighting capabilities. Read more.
Flu Cases Swamp Canberra Emergency Department
Source: ABC
Canberra's two hospital emergency departments are under pressure after a spike in influenza cases. Read more.
Dental School Slams Hamilton Fluoride Leaflet
Source: Otago Daily Times
A leaflet sent out by Hamilton City Council to explain its controversial decision to remove tooth decay-fighting fluoride from the city's drinking water has been slammed by dental authorities.
New Zealand's only dental training school said the one-page leaflet's oral health information is "wrong, unscientific and misleading" and residents should disregard it.
Dr Jonathan Broadbent, a public health dentistry specialist and researcher from the University of Otago's Faculty of Dentistry, said the newly-released information needs to be corrected. Read more.
Scientists Want to Make New Superflu that is Deadlier
Source: University Chronicle
Researchers concerned over the newest deadly strain of bird flu have come up with a surprising way to counter the virus: Making one that is even more powerful. Despite their being some public outcry, their intentions are to go forward with their plan.
Two scientists proposed a new range of experiments on the bird flu H7N9 strain, which already has killed 43 in Asia since its March break out.
The two said it was necessary to make experiments with the virus to figure out how the virus functions and to learn how scientists can keep it in check. Read more.
'Superbug' Can Spread to Nearby Hospitals
Study of antibiotic-resistant VRE found domino effect
Source: Health Day
A common drug-resistant "superbug" spreads among hospitals through a domino effect, according to a new study.
Researchers found that a moderate increase in vancomycin-resistant enterococci (VRE) at one hospital in Orange County, Calif., led to an average 2.8 percent increase in VRE in other hospitals in the county.
Hospitals in the most populated area of the county were most likely to spread VRE to other hospitals, according to the study, which was published in the August issue of the American Journal of Infection Control. Read more.
Many Docs Wrongly Prescribe Powerful Antibiotics: Study
Source: Extract from US News
Using these drugs incorrectly, such as for viruses, adds to problem of drug-resistant bacteria
When prescribing antibiotics, American doctors choose the most powerful drugs more than 60 percent of the time, a new study finds.
But more than 25 percent of the prescriptions for these "broad-spectrum" antibiotics -- which are capable of killing multiple types of bacteria -- are useless because the infection is caused by a virus, which cannot be treated with antibiotics, the researchers said.
The investigators analyzed data from more than 238,000 ambulatory visits made by patients 18 and older to doctors, outpatient clinics and emergency rooms in the United States between 2007 and 2009. They found that broad-spectrum drugs accounted for 61 percent of antibiotic prescriptions, while narrow-spectrum drugs accounted for the other 39 percent. Read more.
Antibiotic use to take priority at G8 summit
Source: World Poultry
UK Science minister David Willetts will urge his counterparts at the G8 summit to impose restrictions on the use of antibiotics including in animal production, claiming the spread of antibiotic resistance could be as damaging to humanity as climate change.
“Across the G8, we should regard the spread of antibiotic resistance as a global challenge that is up there with climate change, water stress and environmental damage, and there are genuine policy consequences that follow from that,” Willets told local media.
Farms in the UK, unlike in other non-EU countries, are not supposed to use antibiotics routinely, but the current monitoring of usage does not give government regulators enough information to decide how the drugs are used in practice. Read more.
New Study Says Life is Less Satisfying When Living With Gum Disease.
Source: American Academy of Periodontology (Complete Aug 2013 Press Release)
Many people are aware that gum disease can lead to tooth loss and has been associated with other chronic diseases such as heart disease, diabetes, and various cancers. A new study published in the American Academy of Periodontology’s Journal of Periodontology found another reason to maintain healthy teeth and gums. Researchers found that gum disease, also called periodontal disease, can significantly impact a person’s quality of life.
The study, titled “Impact Of Periodontal Disease Experience On Oral Health-Related Quality Of Life,” found that those with periodontal disease (as indicated by bone loss) experienced a worse oral health-related quality of life, including functional limitation, psychological discomfort, and social disability. Many had difficulty pronouncing words, and experienced a decline in tasting the flavor of and eating foods. In addition, sufferers of periodontal disease reported feeling insecure, tense, embarrassed, and irritated, often finding it difficult to relax and do normal daily activities.
“We have long known that gum disease can lead to tooth loss and is linked to other diseases. However, this study demonstrates that periodontal disease can affect a person’s overall quality of life,” says Nancy L. Newhouse, DDS, MS, President of the American Academy of Periodontology. “These is why periodontists strongly encourage everyone to brush twice a day, floss at least daily, and receive a comprehensive periodontal evaluation from a periodontist or dentist annually to prevent gum disease,” urges Dr. Newhouse. “If improving your quality of life isn’t motivation enough, preventing gum disease may also reduce your risk of other chronic diseases, including heart disease, diabetes, and even various forms of cancer.”
Gum disease is defined as a chronic, bacteria-induced inflammatory condition that attacks the gum tissue and in more severe cases, the bone supporting the teeth. If left untreated, gum disease, also known as periodontal disease, can lead to tooth loss.
Tuesday, August 6: FRESH BREATH DAY
Profile America — Tuesday, August 6th. Today is one of America's more obscure and unusual commemorations. It's National Fresh Breath Day, even if it is not recognized by the greeting card industry. The idea is to make people aware that having fresh breath is part of overall health and wellness, and that the solution to bad breath — technically known as halitosis — can be relatively simple. Sometimes, chronic bad breath can be a symptom of a serious illness. Mostly, it's one of life's most personal problems and has an impact on social and workplace relationships. The problem is stressed in advertising for a variety of products, and Americans spend a lot of money to achieve fresh breath. Mouthwashes, for example, are part of the more than $43 billion a year industry making various toiletries.
Read more here: http://www.sacbee.com/2013/08/05/5625785/us-census-bureau-daily-feature.html#storylink=cpy
Good Deeds Boosts Immunity
Source: MSN
If you find happiness in helping others you probably have a healthier immune system than those who don't, according to new research.
American scientists found that altruists have stronger immune cells than people who get a kick out of self-indulgent activities like shopping.
In their study of 80 healthy adults, the team from the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) compared the biological effects of eudaimonic well-being —the result of having a greater purpose in life — and hedonic well-being — which stems from self-gratification.
While the group of do-gooders had strong antibody and antiviral genes and low levels of inflammatory gene expression, the selfish participants showed high inflammation and weak immune cells.
"What this study tells us is that doing good and feeling good have very different effects on the human genome, even though they generate similar levels of positive emotion," said study researcher and professor of medicine Steven Cole, in a statement.
"Apparently, the human genome is much more sensitive to different ways of achieving happiness than are conscious minds." Find out.
Clean Teeth and Stroke Risks
London, April 1 (ANI): Regular dental hygiene visits and taking preventive measures to maintain good oral hygiene can help prevent conditions that can lead to a stroke, research has revealed. Find out.
A new study from the University of Illinois at Chicago College of Dentistry has found that a glass of milk after a sugary cereal meal reduces plaque acid levels and prevents cavities.
Source: Headlines and Global News
Sugary cereal is the quickest breakfast meal for those on-the-run. But daily consumption of these sugar sweetened cereals may lead to dental cavities. A new study has found a way to prevent dental decay by spending just an extra minute during meals. Researchers from the University of Illinois at Chicago College of Dentistry have learnt that a glass of milk holds the key to prevent cavities that are formed due to sugary cereals. Read more.
Breastfeeding and Middle Ear Infection
Source: Delmarvanow.com
"There’s strong evidence that breastfeeding during infancy helps babies reduce gastrointestinal tract infections and middle ear infections, as well as the risk of obesity and diabetes for both mothers and babies.
A new study, out Monday in the journal JAMA Pediatrics, offers new evidence that breastfeeding also may offer infants intellectual benefits.
“I don’t think there’s any one study that’s going to be a complete slam dunk, but it’s definitely evidence in support of that idea,” said Mandy Belfort, a pediatrician at Boston Children’s Hospital and study lead author." Read more.
Picking your nose and eating it may be good for you (Scientist Suspect)
Source: 10News
"Parents, next time you see your child picking his or her nose you may want to fight the urge to scream "stop!". A Canadian biochemist is making waves with a new theory that picking your nose -- and eating it -- may be...way to boost your immune system's protective powers."
"And, he hopes to conduct a study to prove it, CBC News in Canada reports."
"Scott Napper, an associate professor of biochemistry at the University of Saskatchewan in Canada, told CTV News in Saskatoon that he proposed this theory one day while teaching a classroom full of bored college students."