2023 August

Sheffield team to develop patch that treats oral lichen planus

Source: www.theengineer.co.uk Author: Jason Ford A condition for which there is no cure could be treated more effectively following EPSRC-funded research being carried in the Department of Materials Science and Engineering at Sheffield University. With £471,789 in funding, the three-year project will develop a patch that can stay in the mouth to treat oral lichen planus (OLP), a chronic inflammatory mucocutaneous disease that presents itself as white, red and/or ulcerative lesions of the oral mucosa, which is the moist tissue that lines parts the body including the mouth. Drugs including steroids are available to treat OLP, but there is currently no effective way to administer them. Steroids also come with side effects and the relatively high doses needed to treat OLP can exacerbate them. Now, Professor Ipsita Roy and Dr David Alexander Gregory will develop a solution that delivers the drug locally and in a spatially selective manner. Professor Roy explained that this would facilitate a much lower dosage of therapeutic. A significant challenge, however, is to develop an adhesive that works in the wet environment of the mouth where tissue is highly mobile. To this end, the Sheffield team has obtained proof of concept data for a new highly adhesive polymer system (polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHAs)) that is produced by bacteria and is environmentally sustainable. This has been coupled with the polydopamine chemistry, used by mussels to attach to wet surfaces, to further enhance adhesiveness and be developed into an OLP patch. Work at Sheffield has shown that PHA is approximately [...]

Oral Cancer Foundation News Team - A2023-08-02T08:24:17-07:00August, 2023|Oral Cancer News|

Health effects of using snuffs that should not be ignored

Source: ng.opera.news Author: LoudestSilence86 In recent years, there has been a surge in the use of snuffs as an alternative to smoking cigarettes and chewing tobacco. Snuff is a powdered form of tobacco that is either inhaled through the nose or placed in the mouth. While some people believe that snuffs are a safer alternative to smoking or chewing tobacco, it is crucial to acknowledge that there are significant health effects associated with their use. According to webmd, This article aims to shed light on the health consequences of using snuffs that should not be ignored. Respiratory Health Risks One of the most concerning health effects of using snuffs is the impact on respiratory health. Snuffs are typically inhaled through the nose, causing numerous respiratory issues. The intimate contact of the tobacco powder with the nasal tissues can lead to chronic inflammation and irritation. Over time, this can cause nasal congestion, frequent nosebleeds, a decreased sense of smell, and even sinus infections. Furthermore, snuff contains high levels of nicotine, which is a highly addictive substance. Regular use of snuff can lead to the dependence on nicotine, making it difficult for users to quit. Oral Health Complications Snuffs that are placed in the mouth can have severe consequences on oral health. The tobacco powder in snuffs contains numerous harmful chemicals that can lead to dental problems. Continuous exposure to snuff can cause gum irritation, inflammation, and increased plaque buildup. These factors contribute to an increased risk of gum disease, tooth loss, [...]

Oral Cancer Foundation News Team - A2023-08-01T10:40:14-07:00August, 2023|Oral Cancer News|

Researchers develop noninvasive test to detect oral cancer

Source: www.dentalnewspk.com Author: DN Monitoring Desk Researchers at the University of Surrey have achieved a significant medical breakthrough by creating a non-invasive diagnostic test for oral cancer. Known as PANDORA, this pioneering test has shown exceptional accuracy in identifying patients with oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) and pre-cancerous oral epithelial dysplasia (OED). As per the groundbreaking study detailing the development of PANDORA, published in the esteemed Journal of Oral Pathology and Medicine, with an impressive accuracy rate of over 92 percent, the proof-of-concept test has the potential to revolutionise oral cancer diagnosis. It says PANDORA also exhibits an outstanding accuracy rate of more than 80pc in detecting patients with OED, offering an opportunity for early intervention and preventive measures. The research team conducted their study by collecting cell samples from 40 individuals with OSCC and OED, as well as 79 individuals without cancer, including those with benign lesions. Using the state-of-the-art DEPtech 3DEP analyzer with a unique setup protocol, the researchers meticulously measured and analyzed the cells from the patients. Importantly, these samples can be easily collected at a dentist's office and sent for analysis, making PANDORA a convenient and accessible diagnostic tool for primary care settings. Oral squamous cell carcinoma is a prevalent form of cancer that affects the cells lining the mouth and throat, often associated with lifestyle factors such as smoking, poor oral hygiene, and alcohol use. Symptoms may include persistent mouth sores, difficulty swallowing, and changes in speech. Early detection of OSCC significantly improves treatment outcomes, [...]

Oral Cancer Foundation News Team - A2023-08-01T10:33:11-07:00August, 2023|Oral Cancer News|