Roanoke Times
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: SUNDAY, January 15, 1995 TAG: 9501170060
SECTION: NATIONAL/INTERNATIONAL PAGE: A-7 EDITION: METRO
SOURCE:
DATELINE: LENGTH: Medium
DETROIT - An antibiotic used to fight acne can soothe the painful swelling and tenderness of mild to moderate rheumatoid arthritis, according to a study released Saturday.
The study of 219 adults found that, after taking minocycline for 48 weeks, 54 percent saw a 50 percent improvement in the number of swollen joints.
Fifty-six percent showed at least a 50 percent improvement in the number of tender joints.
``Not only did the antibiotic significantly reduce symptoms, but side effects were minimal and less severe than observed for most other common rheumatoid arthritis treatments,'' said Dr. Barbara C. Tilley of the Henry Ford Health Sciences Center in Detroit, who directed the study published today in the Annals of Internal Medicine.
Dr. Arthur Grayzel, medical adviser for the Atlanta-based Arthritis Foundation, said more study of dosages and long-term use of minocycline is needed. This study is the first use of antibiotics against the disease.
Rheumatoid arthritis affects about 2 million people in the United States. In the chronic, potentially crippling disease, joint linings become inflamed and damage nearby bone and cartilage. It often strikes people in their 40s or 50s.
- Associated Press
Willy won't be free, but he'll be happier
NEWPORT, Ore. - Enough money has been raised to begin building a new home for the whale made famous in the movie ``Free Willy.''
The 21-foot, 31/2-ton killer whale named Keiko has been languishing in a pool in Mexico, where he suffers from skin trouble and weight loss, but a veterinarian has determined he's not in imminent danger.
Now, more than $5 million has been raised to build a 2million-gallon tank at the Oregon Coast Aquarium for the star of the Warner Bros. film from the summer of 1993.
Earth Island Institute, the San Francisco organization working to relocate the ailing orca, said a deal for the transfer remains to be signed.
- Associated Press
Ford recalls 1995 Windstar minivans
DETROIT - Ford Motor Co. is recalling the first 133,476 Windstar minivans to correct possible electrical defects that could cause fires.
The recall includes 1995 models built between Jan. 31 and Sept. 19 last year, company spokeswoman Linda Lee said Friday.
The recall involves two separate problems:
All of the vehicles might have an electrical power distribution box under the hood with a loose connection that could result in excessive heat and ignite wire insulation and other nearby parts.
About 72,100 of the vans also might have an instrument panel wire harness that could be pinched, causing a short circuit that could start an electrical fire.
- Associated Press
by CNB