Are we ready for clinical gene therapy?
Article Abstract:
Gene therapy holds promise for curing disease, but it is as yet in the earliest stages of knowledge and experimentation. Contrary to representations in the scientific and popular press, many obstacles and gaps intervene between mapping the human genome and providing effective therapy for genetic diseases. For example, molecular vehicles will be needed to deliver corrective genes into the proper target cell. Once introduced, the new gene must mesh with the cell's own genetic machinery, and it must reliably produce an effective amount of its corrective protein product. New insights continue to offer new opportunities while posing new challenges. For example, efforts to determine the sequences of human genes has revealed a great amount of genetic variation. Researchers have also discovered that the expression of certain genetic defects depend on the number of iterations of repeating sequences.
Publication Name: Journal of the American Dental Association
Subject: Health
ISSN: 0002-8177
Year: 1996
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Placing health promotion into the context of our lives
Article Abstract:
Preventive dentistry has been responsible for significant reductions in cavities and other oral diseases since the 1940's. Widespread fluoridation of drinking water has substantially reduced childhood cavities and tooth-loss among adults, and has been a tremendous public health success. Dentists are well-placed to promote oral health during dental visits. Beyond treating disease, dentists should increase promotion of preventive services like dental sealants.
Publication Name: Journal of the American Dental Association
Subject: Health
ISSN: 0002-8177
Year: 1998
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Health promotion made easy -- give a gift!
Article Abstract:
The author suggests one easily accomplished health promotion actually plays well with the American desire for take pills for health, and that would be urging the taking of folic acid for women planning or entering pregnancy. He discusses the number of birth defects which can be prevented from that simple act and encourages use of multivitamins with folic acid.
Publication Name: Journal of the American Dental Association
Subject: Health
ISSN: 0002-8177
Year: 2000
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