Provost ’s Award for Public Engagement
Earlier this year, University College London announced the winners of the2017 Provost’s Awards for Public Engagement. The winner of the Early Career Researcher Award was Hema Chaplin, Research Facilitator at theArthritis Research UK Centre for Adolescent Rheumatology.In her first two years at the Centre for Adolescent Rheumatology, Hema and the team have transformed the way that patients and the public are actively involved in research activities. By working closely with the Centre researchers, as well as encouraging community activities, they ensure that research activities follow one rule: they do what young people...
Source: Arthritis Research UK - May 8, 2017 Category: Rheumatology Source Type: news
Noisy knee joints 'may be a sign of osteoarthritis'
This study suggests that if these people have noisy knees, they are at higher risk for developingpain within the next year, compared with the people who do not have noisy knees. "Future studies that target people who have X-ray signs of osteoarthritis, who do not complain of pain but do report noisy knees hold the promise of identifying interventions that can prevent knee pain." Arthritis Research UK's view Natalie Carter, head of research liaison and evaluation at Arthritis Research UK, said:"Osteoarthritis of the knee affects more than four million people in the UK and can cause daily pain and fatigue....
Source: Arthritis Research UK - May 7, 2017 Category: Rheumatology Source Type: news
Common rheumatoid arthritis risk factors 'also affect those of African descent'
Genetic and environmental factors associated with rheumatoidarthritis in people from European and Asian backgrounds also apply to people of African ancestry. This is according to a new Arthritis Research UK-funded study led by King's College London, which offers evidence of a shared genetic and environmental underpinning for the disease that is consistent across European, Asian and African ancestry populations. Assessing risk factors among a black British population The study, published in the medical journal Rheumatology, looked at data from 197 people withrheumatoid arthritis and 868 controls in south London, all of ...
Source: Arthritis Research UK - May 4, 2017 Category: Rheumatology Source Type: news
Researchfish deadline approaching
Award-holders who are due to report in May must have updatedResearchfish by 31st May 2017.The majority of our awardsreport through Researchfishin either May or December. If you're due to report in May, you should have received an email to let you know. We recognise that new awards may have little to report, but please complete your update as fully as you can.In particular we ask that you:Only report outputs arising from work funded by the specific grant that we have asked you to report on.Review all sections inResearchfish and complete all those for which you have outputs to report. Remember to update the‘Furthe...
Source: Arthritis Research UK - May 3, 2017 Category: Rheumatology Source Type: news
Ali Mobasheri becomes OARSI President-Elect
We are delighted to announce that Professor Ali Mobasheri (University of Surrey) was inaugurated as President-Elect of theOsteoarthritis Research Society International (OARSI) in April 2017 at the society’s annual world congress in Las Vegas.OARSI is the leading medical society for advancing the understanding, early detection, treatment and prevention of osteoarthritis through its exclusive dedication to research. Professor Mobasheri will serve as President-Elect alongside existing President-Elect Dr Jeffrey Katz from Harvard University.Professor Mobasheri works very closely with the charity, he is part of the Arthri...
Source: Arthritis Research UK - May 1, 2017 Category: Rheumatology Source Type: news
TfL launches badge to recognise customers with invisible impairments
(Source: TfL)Transport for London (TfL) has launched a‘Please offer me a seat’ badge to recognise customers with invisible impairments.The‘Please Offer Me a Seat’ badge and card was created following requests from customers, particularly those with invisible impairments, conditions and illnesses, who struggle to get a seat as their need for one isn’t immediately obvious.A six-week trial with 1,200 users was held in autumn last year to test if the badge and card would help people getting a seat. Over the course of the trial, participants’ confidence in using the network increased. More th...
Source: Arthritis Research UK - April 27, 2017 Category: Rheumatology Source Type: news
Women of South Asian descent 'may be at greater risk of osteoporosis'
This study focused on trends in bone resorption, the process by which bone tissue is broken down by osteoclast cells to enable the transfer of calcium from bone tissue into the bloodstream. This is an essential function that help to body adapt to change and repair damage, but when it becomes excessive and unbalanced, it can be detrimental to bone health. Researchers examined 370 pre and postmenopausal South Asian and white Caucasian women in the UK over a 12-month period by measuring levels of N terminal telopeptide, a byproduct of bone resorption found in urine. It was found that premenopausal South Asian women had higher...
Source: Arthritis Research UK - April 26, 2017 Category: Rheumatology Source Type: news
Clinical trial discovers a new way to prevent children with arthritis and eye disease losing their sight
This study demonstrates the benefit of adalimumab in children with uveitis. This is the first randomised trial of its kind worldwide and the results will have a major impact in children with uveitis all around the world."Finding the best way of caring for children with arthritis and uveitisProfessor Beresford from University of Liverpool and Alder Hey Children’s NHS Foundation Trust said: "This landmark trial has demonstrated the commitment and leadership of colleagues across the UK in working closely with patients and parents in tackling a key priority of finding the very best way of caring for children with arthrit...
Source: Arthritis Research UK - April 26, 2017 Category: Rheumatology Source Type: news
Rheumatoid arthritis patients 'at an increased risk of atherosclerosis'
This study confirms increased prevalence of atherosclerosis in rheumatoid arthritis and provides data to support the hypothesis that patients have a high-risk plaque phenotype." Arthritis Research UK's view Dr Natalie Carter, head of research liaison and evaluation at Arthritis Research UK, said:"Rheumatoid arthritis is an incredibly debilitating condition that affects more than 400,000 people within the UK. The condition can not only limit a person's ability to live their everyday life to the full, but it can also put them at higher risk of cardiovascular disease. "This study not only reinforces the...
Source: Arthritis Research UK - April 24, 2017 Category: Rheumatology Source Type: news
Diets high in fat and carbohydrates 'may lead to osteoarthritis'
This study supports our advice that a diet that is low in saturated fats can help the ten million people in the UK who have arthritis. We also know that vitamins and minerals such as calcium, vitamin D and iron are important for maintaining healthy joints and bones. "Being overweight puts more strain on joints, which can affect the likelihood of developing arthritis. Losing weight may mean a person doesn't have to takepainkillers so often." (Source: Arthritis Research UK)
Source: Arthritis Research UK - April 23, 2017 Category: Rheumatology Source Type: news
2017 Annual Fellows' Meeting Report
The 2017 Annual Fellows' Meeting was held on 30th-31st March, and highlighted the prominent and innovative research currently ongoing by our fellows and PhD students.Day 1Jane Worthington, Chair of the newly established Fellowship Expert Group, opened the meeting with an enthusiastic introduction to the packed agenda for the two days, highlighting the opportunity for networking, the two keynote speakers and chance to hear the excellent research endeavours of the current cadre Arthritis Research UK fellows.The floor was then open for our fellows to present their research, with the first series of research presentations gene...
Source: Arthritis Research UK - April 23, 2017 Category: Rheumatology Source Type: news
Workshop on patient involvement and communication
Our strategic focus to 2020 is to put people with arthritis at the heart of everything we do. This includes listening to, and involving, them in all aspects of our work. As such, the perspectives and insights of people with arthritis are essential in the review of funding applications. People with arthritis ensure that the research we fund is the most relevant to them.We advocate this same approach to our funded researchers and those applying to us for funding. We ask all applicants to demonstrate how they have engaged and/or involved people with arthritis in the development of their proposal and how they will do so if awa...
Source: Arthritis Research UK - April 20, 2017 Category: Rheumatology Source Type: news
Rheumatoid arthritis patients 'have experienced progress in recent decades'
This study confirms how important early diagnosis and the commencement of treatment is. It is also encouraging to hear about the progress that has been made over the last 20 years. "Now the scientific community must continue to build on this, so that together we can continue to harness the power of exceptional science and make everyday life better for all people with arthritis." (Source: Arthritis Research UK)
Source: Arthritis Research UK - April 18, 2017 Category: Rheumatology Source Type: news
3D-bioprinted cartilage cells successfully implanted in groundbreaking study
This study expands our understanding in using stem cells for the treatment of osteoarthritis. We welcome any research that brings us closer to finding a treatment for osteoarthritis, and that will help people to break free from the limits of their condition. "As a charity, we are committed to funding exceptional science, finding the breakthroughs that help people push back the limits of arthritis. Work at the Arthritis Research UK Tissue Engineering Centre brings together doctors and scientists from the fields of engineering, biology and material science with the aim of regenerating bone and cartilage by using the pat...
Source: Arthritis Research UK - April 17, 2017 Category: Rheumatology Source Type: news
NHS hospitals 'misusing pain scoring tools to restrict access to joint surgery'
NHS patients in England may be being inappropriately denied access to hip and knee surgery due to the use ofpain scoring tools as a means of determining eligibility for treatment. New data, shared with the Health Service Journal by the UK Orthopaedics Industry Group, has indicated that at least ten per cent of clinical commissioning groups (CCGs) across England are using unproven scoring tools to restrict access to orthopaedic surgery, despite a lack of regulatory authorisation to do so. Inappropriate use of pain scoring tools Pain scoring tools such as the Oxford hip and knee scoring system and the New Zealand scoring sys...
Source: Arthritis Research UK - April 10, 2017 Category: Rheumatology Source Type: news
