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Science News for August 16, 2004


Possible new cure for psoriasis

Researchers at the University of Bonn have found a new effective therapy for psoriasis by blocking the division of epidermis cells. The treatment, which uses metalloproteinase inhibitors, has shown no toxic side effects and may provide a promising solution for the condition.

SourceUniversity of Bonn·JournalJournal of Investigative Dermatology·DateAug 16, 2004

Progress in breast cancer progression

Researchers found that NF-kB is essential for the initial transition stage of epithelial-mesenchymal transition in breast cancer cells. Inhibiting NF-kB after transition prevents cells from becoming invasive.

SourceJCI Journals·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateAug 16, 2004

JCI table of contents, 16 August, 2004

Researchers found that AMPK plays a vital role in protecting cells under conditions of a heart attack, including glucose uptake and preventing cardiac dysfunction. In contrast, mice without functional AMPK exhibited impaired contractile function and increased cell death after blood flow reduction.

SourceJCI Journals·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateAug 16, 2004

Pollen-blocking cream may help reduce allergy symptoms

Researchers found that a new ointment, applied inside the nose, significantly reduced symptom scores in patients with allergic rhinitis. The treatment improved airflow by nearly 20 percent and reduced symptoms by about 60 percent compared to a placebo.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalArchives of Otolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery·DateAug 16, 2004

Breast cancer screening underutilized by ethnic women

A study by University of Toronto researchers found that only 38.5% of Urdu- and Hindi-speaking women had undergone a clinical breast examination, despite 83% being aware of the procedure. The study highlights gaps in knowledge about breast cancer risk and screening methods among South Asian immigrant women.

SourceUniversity of Toronto·JournalJournal of Immigrant Health·DateAug 16, 2004

Female aboriginal inmates get bum rap

Research by University of Toronto criminologists reveals a systematic bias against Aboriginal women prisoners, leading to unfair classification rates and reduced privileges. The study found that 60% of Aboriginal women were classified as medium security risks despite committing fewer infractions in prison.

SourceUniversity of Toronto·JournalCanadian Journal of Criminology and Criminal Justice/La Revue canadienne de criminologie et de justice pénale·DateAug 16, 2004

MICs shed light on prostate cancer

Researchers found that prostate cancer cells shed immunostimulatory molecules, allowing them to evade the immune system's natural killer cell defense. Soluble MIC levels in serum correlated with high-grade and invasive tumor status, suggesting a potential biomarker for disease progression.

SourceJCI Journals·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateAug 16, 2004

Putting energy into heart protection

A recent study published in JCI Journals reveals that AMP-activated protein kinase plays a crucial role in protecting the heart against ischemic stress. The kinase mediates increased glucose uptake in the heart during ischemia, which helps prevent post-ischemic cardiac dysfunction, apoptosis, and injury.

SourceJCI Journals·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateAug 16, 2004

American Thoracic Society Journal news tips for August 2004 (second issue)

Researchers found that combination antibiotic therapy significantly improved survival rates among critically ill patients with severe pneumonia, with a mortality rate of 23.4% compared to 55.3% for those on monotherapy. A new test combining symptom questions, body weight data, and oxygen concentration measures shows a 91% predictive ra...

SourceAmerican Thoracic Society·JournalAmerican Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine·DateAug 16, 2004