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Background: Human Papillomavirus (HPV) genotype distribution and co-infection occurrence was studied in cervical cytologic specimens from Murcia Region, (southeast Spain), to obtain information regarding the possible effect of the ongoing vaccination campaign against HPV16 and HPV18. Methods: A total of 458 cytologic specimens were obtained from two outpatient gynecological clinics. These included 288 normal benign (N/B) specimens, 56 atypical squamous cell of undetermined significance (ASC-US), 75 low-grade squamous intraepithelial lesions (LSIL) and 39 high-grade squamous intraepithelial lesions (HSIL). HPV genotyping was performed using PCR and tube array hybridization. Results: The most frequent genotype found was HPV16 (14.9% in N/B; 17.9% in ASC-US; 29.3% in LSIL and 33.3% HSIL). Distribution of other genotypes was heavily dependent on the cytologic diagnoses. Co-infections were found in 15.3% of N/B, 10.7% of ASC-US, 48% of LSIL and 25.6% of HSIL cases (significantly different a

In a finding that challenges the increasingly popular belief that smoking marijuana is less harmful to health than smoking tobacco, researchers in Canada are reporting that smoking marijuana, like smoking tobacco, has toxic effects on cells. Their study is scheduled for the Aug. 17 issue of ACS' Chemical Research in Toxicology, a monthly journal.

In a finding that challenges the increasingly popular belief that smoking marijuana is less harmful to health than smoking tobacco, researchers in Canada are reporting that smoking marijuana, like smoking tobacco, has toxic effects on cells.

One-third of cancer patients experience increases in blood pressure due to their cancer medicines, and scientists say the drugs' effects on a pathway that affects blood vessel health may be the cause of this side effect.

More research needed to see if compound has same effect in humans, experts say

Long used to boost head-to-toe wellness in traditional Indian medicine, triphala is now touted as a natural solution for detox and weight loss. From fighting inflammation to possibly protecting against cancer, get the lowdown on triphala's true health effects.

Scientists raise safety concerns about insect repellents containing the compound Deet after noting toxic effects in mammals.

Clair is a 12-year-old girl who has been under the care of outpatient paediatrics for 2 years. She initially presented with a combination of lower abdominal pain and epigastric pain with a clear history of heartburn. She had been investigated at that time - full blood count (FBC), erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR), C-reactive protein (CRP), liver function tests (LFTs), amylase, Helicobacter pylori antigen test, coeliac screen, stool reducing substances, stool for infection (including bacteria, ova, cysts and parasites) - all of which were negative. She was initially managed for gastritis and mild constipation with good effect, but is now presenting to the emergency department in apparent severe abdominal pain every few weeks. This has led at one extreme to her almost having surgery and at the other to her being told that it is 'all in her mind'. The family is increasingly convinced that her symptoms are due to food allergy and attend clinic with a detailed food diary. They have also

Since Ohio's statewide smoking ban went into effect in December 2006, making it illegal to smoke tobacco products in bars, restaurants and most other enclosed workspaces, smokers have been forced to keep their habit in check -- or at least make it more discreet. More than two years later, some smokers still argue that the smoking ban infringes upon their personal freedom. Recent technology, however, has given them the chance to fight back and reclaim their right to suck down nicotine anytime, anywhere, without the risk of legal consequence. In this respect, every smoker's ticket to liberation could be electronic cigarettes. . . . In essence, clinical trials must be conducted for e-cigarettes to be approved by the FDA. 'Clinical trials cost several million dollars and some take 10 years (to complete). No e-cigarette companies have that much money to invest in clinical trials, nor do they have that amount of time to deal with,' Auer says. 'There's the question of whether or not it's

Now that Alzheimer's disease is recognized as a growing health problem among older (and sometimes, younger) adults, a variety of screenings for memory problems have been developed and offered as means of early detection. There are arguments on both sides of the issue regarding whether screenings for memory problems are a good idea. The decision is up to you, but in order to make an informed choice, here are six things you should know about memory screenings.