The need to smoke may be more genetic than habit-based

Scientists have identified a genetic variant that not only makes smokers more susceptible to nicotine addiction but also increases their risk of developing two smoking-related diseases, lung cancer and peripheral arterial disease. The research was supported by the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA), part of the National Institutes of Health (NIH). more  

NIDA Infofacts: Cigarettes and other tobacco products (Also available in Spanish)

Through the use of cigarettes, cigars, and chewing tobacco, nicotine is one of the most heavily used addictive drugs in the United States. In 2004, 29.2 percent of the U.S. population 12 and older—70.3 million people—used tobacco at least once in the month prior to being interviewed. more

Research Report Series - Tobacco addiction (Also available in Spanish)

Tobacco use kills nearly half a million Americans each year, with one in every six U.S. deaths the result of smoking. Smoking harms nearly every organ of the body, causing many diseases and compromising smokers’ health in general. Nicotine, a component of tobacco, is the primary reason that tobacco is addictive, although cigarette smoke contains many other dangerous chemicals, including tar, carbon monoxide, acetaldehyde, nitrosamines, and more. more  

Reconstructing mandibular defects with bioengineered tooth and bone

Current strategies for jaw reconstruction require multiple procedures, first to repair the bone defect to offer sufficient support, and then to place the tooth implant. The entire procedure can be painful and time-consuming, and the desired esthetic and functional repair can be achieved only when both steps are successful. Although the patient’s quality of life can be improved significantly, the prognosis is often unpredictable, especially in young patients, whose jaws continue to grow, while the implant remains fixed. more

Caution advised when using hormone therapy for prostate cancer  

In men with localized but aggressive prostate cancer, the combination of testosterone-lowering therapy and radiation improves survival substantially more than radiation therapy alone. But testosterone-lowering therapy isn’t so hot for the heart, reports the April issue of the Harvard Heart Letter. Low testosterone can increase harmful LDL cholesterol, blood sugar, blood pressure, and weight. It can also make arteries stiffer, promote formation of artery-clogging plaque, and allow blood clots to form more readily. more

Gleason score remains one of the strongest prognostic predictors of treatment outcome in patients with prostate cancer  

The Gleason score remains one of the strongest prognostic predictors of treatment outcome in patients with prostate cancer (CaP). The prostate biopsy is a sampling and may not accurately reflect the Gleason score in the final radical prostatectomy (RP) specimen. more

Hormonal dietary supplements might promote prostate cancer progression

Hormonal components in over-the-counter dietary supplements may promote the progression of prostate cancer and decrease the effectiveness of anti-cancer drugs, researchers at UT Southwestern Medical Center have discovered. more

© RAmEx Ars Medica,Inc. All rights reserved.

Information appearing on the Vidyya Medical News Service is not intended as a substitute for professional medical care. Seek professional medical help and follow your health care provider's advice.

Interested in subscribing to our daily e-mail newsletter? Send an email to Vidyya@Ramex.com with the word subscribe in the subject field.