@william At the heart of the problem: Researchers don't always agree on the best methods for quantifying and typing the microorganisms that make up a "normal" microbiome or what they mean to the health of a given person, according to Purna Kashyap, MBBS, a professor of medicine and of physiology at the Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota. The human gastrointestinal tract harbors 100 trillion microbes, according to Kashyap, whose laboratory is researching not only the organisms that make up that stunning mass but how they interact with the host genotype, diet, and gastrointestinal function.

Oral calcium supplementation was associated with lower survival and a greater need for aortic valve replacement in elderly patients with mild to moderate aortic stenosis, a new study finds. The researchers, led by Nicholas Kassis, MD, Cleveland Clinic Foundation, Cleveland, Ohio, explain that aortic stenosis is the most common adult valvular disease in the developed world. Increasing with age, it has a prevalence of 2% among those over 65 years and 4% over 85 years. The condition is marked by severe calcification causing leaflet immobility and outflow obstruction, a process that occurs over a mean duration of 8 years and leads to dramatically increased mortality if left untreated once symptoms develop. With no proven pharmacological therapy, aortic valve replacement is the only treatment modality.

Vitamin D deficiency amplifies the craving for, and the effects of, opioids, potentially raising the risk for opioid dependence and addiction, new research suggests. However, some experts are urging caution in interpreting the findings. The study, which also linked vitamin D deficiency to sun-seeking behavior, points to the potential of vitamin D supplementation to help address the opioid epidemic, the investigators note.

@senjuti The device serves two purposes: to monitor several health metrics and to alert when the mask has become inefficient for some reason due to poor fit, a leak, or deterioration. FaceBit measures heart rate and respiration based on temperature changes from breath. It uses pressure measurements to determine how well the mask fits and how long a person has been wearing it.

@udipta One proven home remedy for toothaches is a warm saltwater rinse, which will help clear out bacteria and reduce inflammation.
You can also take an over-the-counter pain reliever, use clove oil as a numbing agent, or apply a dab of toothpaste meant for sensitive teeth on the affected area.
If your tooth is swelling, bleeding, or producing pus, call a dentist.

Hello, my brother in law is a 43-year-old man with hypertension and a 5-year history of dysphagia. Foods, especially solids but occasionally liquids, are sticking at the level of his upper sternum with every meal. He is usually able to get the food down with repeated swallows or by drinking water. More recently, he has noticed the spontaneous regurgitation of clear, foamy liquid and undigested food into his mouth, especially when bending over after dinner. His wife has noted that he coughs at night and has lost 7 to 8 lb. Additional complaints include episodes of chest seizures, characterized as a squeezing pain without radiation, that can occur at any time of day. These episodes last for several minutes to 1 hour and are unrelated to physical activity or meals. Drinking cold water sometimes helps alleviate the pain. Is there any treatment for this condition?