Bisphosphonates Can Extend Life Of Replacement Joint
According to a new study published on bmj.com, people who take bisphosphonates following joint replacement surgery tend to need less repeat surgery. A significant number of patients require repeat surgery within 10 years following their knee or hip replacement due to infection, loosening, wear or other mechanical failures, even though hip and knee replacements are cost effective procedures. According to some experts, oral bisphosphonates, used to prevent fractures and to treat common bone diseases like osteoporosis, could potentially improve the survival time of replacement joints through its ability to reduce bone resorption.
Bone Fractures Can Be Predicted By Dental X-Rays
It is now possible to use dental X-rays to predict who is at risk of fractures, reveals a new study from researchers at the Sahlgrenska Academy reported in the journal Nature Reviews Endocrinology. In a previous study, researchers from the University of Gothenburg's Sahlgrenska Academy and Region VГ stra GГ taland demonstrated that a sparse bone structure in the trabecular bone in the lower jaw is linked to a greater chance of having previously had fractures in other parts of the body. X-rays investigates bone structure The Gothenburg researchers have now taken this a step further with a new study that shows that it is possible to use dental X-rays to investigate the bone structure in the lower jaw, and so predict who is at greater risk of fractures in the future.
Engineered Botulism Toxins Could Have Broader Role In Medicine
The most poisonous substance on Earth - already used medically in small doses to treat certain nerve disorders and facial wrinkles - could be re-engineered for an expanded role in helping millions of people with rheumatoid arthritis, asthma, psoriasis and other diseases, scientists are reporting. Their study appears in ACS' journal Biochemistry. Edwin Chapman and colleagues explain that toxins, or poisons, produced by Clostridium botulinum bacteria, cause of a rare but severe form of food poisoning, are the most powerful toxins known to science.