Add BrightSurf on Google Email

JCI table of contents, 2 June, 2003

Researchers have developed a new lentiviral vaccine that can induce robust immune responses in mice, offering a promising candidate for cancer therapy. Additionally, studies suggest that newborns may have a mature and functional immune response to infections, raising questions about neonatal vaccination strategies.

SourceJCI Journals·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateJun 2, 2003

New evaluation of osteoporosis therapies

A recent study evaluated the medical costs of osteoporosis therapies and found that patients taking weekly Fosamax had lower GI-related medical costs compared to those taking daily or weekly doses. The analysis, conducted with a large medical claims database, also revealed that treating patients with a weekly dose of Fosamax versus a d...

Nature designs hard and tough materials at the nanoscale

Researchers found that there exists a critical nanometer size where mineral particles in biocomposites become insensitive to flaws, maintaining strength equivalent to a perfect crystal despite inherent defects. This phenomenon suggests that the engineering concept of stress concentration at flaws is no longer valid for nanoscale design.

SourceMax-Planck-Gesellschaft·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMay 14, 2003

Heat zapps bone tumors

A study published in the Journal of Vascular Interventional Radiology suggests that percutaneous radiofrequency ablation can be an effective treatment for osteoid osteomas, with all eight patients achieving complete pain relief. The use of CT fluoroscopy enhanced imaging guidance improved precision and success rates.

SourceJohns Hopkins Medicine·JournalJournal of Vascular and Interventional Radiology·DateMay 12, 2003

Molecular defect may lead to osteoporosis

A study found that mice genetically engineered to lack a molecule called Stem Cell Antigen-1 (Sca-1) experienced normal bone development but exhibited decreased bone mass and brittle bones as they aged. The researchers believe that defective maintenance of stem cells may contribute to age-related osteoporosis in humans.

SourceUniversity of Toronto·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMay 1, 2003

Hibernating black bears shed light on treatments for osteoporosis

A study of wild black bears found that they recover from bone loss caused by inactivity through a mechanism involving increased bone formation during remobilization. This suggests that hibernating bears may minimize bone loss and completely recover lost bone, providing potential insights for treating osteoporosis.

SourcePenn State·JournalClinical Orthopaedics and Related Research·DateMar 4, 2003

JCI table of contents, December 15, 2002

Research reveals that mice without the calcitonin gene exhibit greater bone mass and formation, suggesting a novel function for this hormone. This discovery opens up new avenues for preventing bone loss associated with estrogen deficiency.

SourceJCI Journals·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateDec 17, 2002

Increased bone mass in a calcitonin knockout mouse full of surprises

Researchers discovered that calcitonin knockout mice have greater bone mass and increased bone formation, suggesting a novel function for the calcitonin gene product. This finding has implications for preventing bone loss associated with estrogen deficiency, potentially leading to new treatments for post-menopausal osteoporosis.

SourceJCI Journals·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateDec 17, 2002

JCI Table of Contents, December 2, 2002

Researchers have discovered that angiopoietin-1 can restore faulty blood vessel architecture in mice by promoting sprouting, survival, and stability of new vessels. This study highlights the importance of pericytes in maintaining normal vessel stability and may lead to new treatments for diseases like diabetic retinopathy.

SourceJCI Journals·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateDec 3, 2002

JCI Table of Contents, November 18, 2002

Researchers discover two compounds that inhibit parathyroid hormone-related protein production in human breast cancer cells, reducing metastatic bone breakdown and calcium levels. The findings suggest a novel therapeutic approach to treating bone metastasis and hypercalcemia in breast cancer patients.

SourceJCI Journals·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateNov 19, 2002

Targeting bone metastasis and hypercalcemia

Researchers have identified two compounds that inhibit PTHrP production, reducing metastatic bone breakdown and tumor burden. The findings suggest potential therapeutic benefits for treating both bone metastasis and hypercalcemia in breast cancer patients.

SourceJCI Journals·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateNov 19, 2002

New drug may reverse bone loss without estrogen’s side effects, Science study says

A new study published in the journal Science suggests that estren, a synthetic compound, can build bone and improve bone density and strength without affecting reproductive organs. The findings may indicate a potential alternative to standard hormone replacement therapy for treating osteoporosis in both men and women.

Rice bioengineers develop method to grow 3-D bone matrix

Researchers at Rice University have developed a technique to create a porous, 3D bony matrix similar to natural bone. The method uses flowing fluids to provide mechanical stimulation, resulting in thicker and more developed mineralized bone compared to static samples.

SourceRice University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateOct 3, 2002

Irregular periods in young women could be warning sign for later osteoporosis

Women with irregular periods are at increased risk of developing osteoporosis later in life, according to a recent study. The research found that nearly all women with premature ovarian failure reported changes in their menstrual cycle, highlighting the importance of early evaluation and treatment.

Forging a link between brain and bone

A recent study published in JCI Journals reveals a significant connection between the brain and bone health, with implications for osteoporosis treatment. The findings suggest that certain neurological factors contribute to the development of bone disorders, opening up new avenues for therapy.

SourceJCI Journals·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateMar 27, 2002

Bone loss resumes when hormone replacement therapy stops, but at normal rate

A long-term follow-up study of over 800 postmenopausal women found that stopping hormone replacement therapy resumes bone loss at a rate similar to those who never took the drugs. The study showed that while bone mass increased in the first 36 months after starting hormone replacement therapy, there was little gain after that.

SourceAtrium Health Wake Forest Baptist·JournalArchives of Internal Medicine·DateMar 24, 2002

Basis of rare genetic illness leads to better understanding of bone formation, Hopkins researchers find

Scientists at Johns Hopkins have identified GNAS1 as the gene responsible for progressive osseus heteroplasia (POH), a disease causing rice-size bone fragments to form under the skin and inside organs. The discovery may lead to new treatments blocking problem-causing bone fragments and potentially treating other bone problems like oste...

SourceJohns Hopkins Medicine·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateJan 9, 2002

Other highlights in the Jan. 2 issue of JNCI

Researchers have identified matrix metalloproteinases as a key player in the spread of prostate cancer to the bone, offering a new target for treatment. Additionally, a genetic marker may be useful in predicting survival rates for patients with diffuse large B-cell lymphoma, while oral contraceptive use has been found to reduce ovarian...

SourceJournal of the National Cancer Institute·JournalJNCI Journal of the National Cancer Institute·DateJan 1, 2002