Trans-ancestry genome-wide association study identifies 12 genetic loci influencing blood pressure and implicates a role for DNA methylation

We carried out a trans-ancestry genome-wide association and replication study of blood pressure phenotypes among up to 320,251 individuals of East Asian, European and South Asian ancestry. We find genetic variants at 12 new loci to be associated with blood pressure (P = 3.9 × 10-11 to 5.0 × 10-21). The sentinel blood pressure SNPs are enriched for association with DNA methylation at multiple nearby CpG sites, suggesting that, at some of the loci identified, DNA methylation may lie on the regulatory pathway linking sequence variation to blood pressure. The sentinel SNPs at the 12 new loci point to genes involved in vascular smooth muscle (IGFBP3, KCNK3, PDE3A and PRDM6) and renal (ARHGAP24, OSR1, SLC22A7 and TBX2) function. The new and known genetic variants predict increased left ventricular mass, circulating levels of NT-proBNP, and cardiovascular and all-cause mortality (P = 0.04 to 8.6 × 10-6). Our results provide new evidence for the role of DNA methylation in blood pressure regulation

Profile and competences for the European dentist.

Item does not contain fulltextThis paper presents the profile and competences for the European Dentist as approved by the General Assembly of the Association for Dental Education in Europe at its annual meeting held in Cardiff in September 2004. A task-force drafted the document, which was then sent to all European Dental Schools. Reactions received were used to amend the document. European dental schools are expected to adhere to the profile and the 17 major competences but the supporting competences may vary in detail between schools. The document will be reviewed in 5 years time. This paper will be disseminated to ministries of health, national dental associations and dental specialty associations or societies in Europe and these organisations will be asked to offer their comments. This information will be used in the reviewing process to be started in 2007. It is hoped that the availability of this document will assist dental schools in Europe to further harmonize and improve the quality of their curricula

Development of a standardized method for comparing fluoride ingested from toothpaste by 1.5-3.5-year-old children in seven European countries. Part 2: Ingestion results

Objectives: To develop a standardized method for measuring the variables affecting fluoride ingestion from toothpaste in young children between the ages of 1.5 and 3.5 years, and to use the method at seven European sites. Methods: Random samples of children were invited to take part in the study. Parents who gave consent were visited at home. The children brushed their teeth using the toothpaste brand and toothbrush type currently in use. The difference between the fluoride dispensed onto the toothbrush and the fluoride recovered after accounting for losses was deemed to be the fluoride ingested. Details of other oral health-care habits were collected by questionnaire. For each child, the fluoride concentration of the toothpaste used was measured in the laboratory, from which an estimate of total daily fluoride ingestion was made. Results: There was considerable variation between countries in the types of toothpaste used and in the amounts of toothpaste applied and ingested. The amount of fluoride ingested ranged from 0.01 to 0.04 mg fluoride per kg of body weight per day. Conclusion: The amount of fluoride ingested that is likely to be a risk factor for the development of dental fluorosis during tooth formation is equivocal and was found to vary widely between European countries. There appears to be a need for clearer health messages regarding the use of fluoridated toothpaste by young children. © Blackwell Munksgaard, 2004

Development of a standardized method for comparing fluoride ingested from toothpaste by 1.5-3.5-year-old children in seven European countries. Part 1: Field work

Objectives: To develop a standardized method for measuring the variables affecting fluoride ingestion from toothpaste in young children between the ages of 1.5 and 3.5 years, and to use the method at seven European sites. Methods: Random samples of children were invited to take part in the study. Parents who gave consent were visited at home. The children brushed their teeth using the toothpaste brand and toothbrush type currently in use. Variables measured were: type of toothpaste used, fluoride concentration of toothpaste used, weight of toothpaste used, frequency of brushing and body weight of the child. Results: It was not possible to follow the agreed protocol in all seven countries and in three countries appropriate alternative methods were employed. There was considerable variation between countries in the variables investigated. Use of children's toothpaste ranged from 69% in Ireland to 98% in Portugal. In the Netherlands up to 60% of the children were using toothpaste containing <400 ppm F and in Finland up to 27% of children were using toothpaste containing >1200 ppm F. Over half of the children used <0.25 g of toothpaste per brushing and the majority of children brushed once or twice per day. Conclusion: Although adherence to the agreed protocol was not possible at all study sites there was a clear picture of considerable variation in the oral hygiene practices of young children throughout Europe. © Blackwell Munksgaard, 2004