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Fibromyalgia linked to heightened risk of death

A systematic review suggests fibromyalgia is associated with a 27% heightened risk of death from all causes, with elevated risks for cancer, accidents, and infections. Regular monitoring of patients' physical and mental health is crucial to minimize these risks.

SourceBMJ Group·JournalRMD Open·TypeSystematic review·DateJul 10, 2023

Polymyalgia Rheumatica could be safely, effectively treated with tofacitinib, avoiding the need for steroids, per new proof-of-concept Randomized Controlled Trial

A new proof-of-concept Randomized Controlled Trial found tofacitinib effective and safe for Polymyalgia Rheumatica treatment, potentially avoiding steroid use. The study's results suggest a promising alternative treatment option for patients with this condition.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Medicine·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateJun 29, 2023
Sony Alpha a7 IV (Body Only)

Sony Alpha a7 IV (Body Only) delivers reliable low-light performance and rugged build for astrophotography, lab documentation, and field expeditions.

Professor Osvaldo Daniel Messina awarded IOF CNS Medal

Professor Osvaldo Daniel Messina was awarded the 2023 IOF CNS Medal for his significant contributions to osteoporosis prevention. He has expanded IOF's messages and outreach in Argentina and internationally, promoting fracture prevention and healthy mobility.

SourceInternational Osteoporosis Foundation·DateMay 5, 2023

2023 IOF CSA Medal of Achievement awarded to Professor J-Y. Reginster

The IOF Medal of Achievement is awarded to individuals who significantly advance osteoporosis research and increase awareness of the disease. Professor Jean-Yves Reginster has made major impacts on the field through his original scientific contributions, education, and advocacy.

SourceInternational Osteoporosis Foundation·DateMay 5, 2023
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

Apple iPhone 17 Pro delivers top performance and advanced cameras for field documentation, data collection, and secure research communications.

2023 ESCEO-IOF Herbert Fleisch Medal awarded to Professor Bernard Cortet

Bernard Cortet receives ESCEO-IOF Herbert Fleisch Medal for groundbreaking contributions to osteoporosis research, including publications on clinical recommendations and patient outcomes. He is recognized for his leadership roles in French Society of Rheumatology and Osteoporosis Research and Information Group.

SourceInternational Osteoporosis Foundation·DateMay 5, 2023

Bones and muscles in the spotlight at IOF-ESCEO World Congress in Barcelona

The IOF-ESCEO World Congress on Osteoporosis, Osteoarthritis, and Musculoskeletal Diseases is the largest international scientific event devoted to musculoskeletal disorders. The congress presents new clinical advances and research on osteoporosis, osteoarthritis, sarcopenia, frailty, and rare skeletal disorders.

SourceInternational Osteoporosis Foundation·DateMay 4, 2023

New study questions the efficacy of many osteoarthritis treatments

A new study from Lund University estimates that regression to the mean can account for up to 1 point improvement in pain scores among osteoarthritis patients. This natural phenomenon can lead to false positives in clinical trials, masking the true efficacy of treatments.

SourceLund University·JournalThe Lancet Rheumatology·DateApr 26, 2023

Early Lyme disease may include neurologic Lyme disease

Rheumatologists are crucial in detecting neurologic Lyme disease due to its broad spectrum of symptoms and signs. Early treatment has a favorable prognosis, but delayed diagnosis can lead to severe symptoms.

SourceRutgers University·JournalPathogens·TypeCommentary/editorial·DateApr 26, 2023

Cocaine damage routinely misdiagnosed as nonthreatening nasal disease

Researchers find that patients with destructive nasal lesions may be suffering from cocaine-induced granulomatosis with polyangiitis, a condition often misdiagnosed. Cocaine use can trigger production of antibodies leading to symptoms similar to idiopathic Granulomatosis With Polyangiitis.

SourceOxford University Press USA·JournalRheumatology Advances in Practice·TypeObservational study·DateApr 4, 2023
Davis Instruments Vantage Pro2 Weather Station

Davis Instruments Vantage Pro2 Weather Station offers research-grade local weather data for networked stations, campuses, and community observatories.

New: Points to consider to help people with an RMD stay in work

The new EULAR points-to-consider support individuals with rheumatic and musculoskeletal diseases (RMDs) by acknowledging the benefits of staying in work, including increased self-worth and financial independence. These principles aim to optimise work-life balance and support physical and mental health.

SourceEuropean Alliance of Associations for Rheumatology (EULAR)·JournalAnnals of the Rheumatic Diseases·DateOct 20, 2022

ProDERM study results of Octagam® 10% treatment in patients with dermatomyositis published in the New England Journal of Medicine

A large randomized clinical trial demonstrated Octagam 10% as an efficacious and well-tolerated treatment option for adult dermatomyositis patients. The study showed improved outcomes in patients with this rare disease, providing a much-needed treatment alternative.

SourceYankee Public Relations·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateOct 6, 2022

Collaborative network led by Cincinnati Children’s receives $8 million grant to fund rheumatic heart fever research

A collaborative network led by Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center has received an $8 million grant to identify and validate biomarkers for acute rheumatic fever. This will enable the development of a sensitive and specific diagnostic test, crucial for diagnosing rheumatic heart disease, which is caused by a slow but progress...

SourceCincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center·DateSep 19, 2022

Brigham and Women’s Hospital announces $16 million grant from Helmsley Charitable Trust to expand access to care for severe noncommunicable diseases in lower-income countries

The Brigham and Women's Hospital will implement and evaluate an integrated service delivery model (PEN-Plus) for severe chronic noncommunicable diseases, such as type 1 diabetes and rheumatic heart disease, in eight low- and lower-middle-income countries. The initiative aims to enable one million of the world's poorest children and you...

SourceBrigham and Women's Hospital·DateJul 1, 2022
SAMSUNG T9 Portable SSD 2TB

SAMSUNG T9 Portable SSD 2TB transfers large imagery and model outputs quickly between field laptops, lab workstations, and secure archives.

Population screening for fracture risk: A logical step in reducing the osteoporotic fracture burden

The International Osteoporosis Foundation proposes a screening strategy to identify women at high risk of hip fracture, which could lead to a reduction in treatment gaps and improved identification of fractures. The approach combines low-cost assessment with targeted intervention using low-cost generic treatments.

SourceInternational Osteoporosis Foundation·JournalArchives of Osteoporosis·TypeLiterature review·DateJun 29, 2022

Taking a closer look into fibroblasts in the central nervous system

Researchers developed new method to visualize CNS fibroblasts and their intercellular interactions in the CNS. The technique provides a detailed picture of CNS fibroblasts, including their location, size, morphology, and gene/protein expression patterns.

SourceSPIE--International Society for Optics and Photonics·JournalNeurophotonics·DateApr 6, 2022
Nikon Monarch 5 8x42 Binoculars

Nikon Monarch 5 8x42 Binoculars deliver bright, sharp views for wildlife surveys, eclipse chases, and quick star-field scans at dark sites.

IOF CSA Medal of Achievement awarded to Professor Thierry Thomas

The International Osteoporosis Foundation awarded Professor Thierry Thomas the IOF Committee of Scientific Advisors (CSA) Medal of Achievement for his outstanding scientific contributions to osteoporosis. The award recognizes his work on secondary fracture prevention and post-fracture care coordination programs.

SourceInternational Osteoporosis Foundation·DateMar 24, 2022

Several protein biomarkers protect against disease development

A recent study identified several protein biomarkers that protect against the development of inflammatory diseases such as psoriasis and osteoarthritis. The researchers used Mendelian Randomization to determine whether high levels of these proteins are associated with a lower risk of disease.

SourceUppsala University·JournalScience Advances·TypeObservational study·DateDec 8, 2021
Garmin GPSMAP 67i with inReach

Garmin GPSMAP 67i with inReach provides rugged GNSS navigation, satellite messaging, and SOS for backcountry geology and climate field teams.

Mayo researchers link gut microbiome to rheumatoid arthritis prognosis

Researchers at Mayo Clinic's Center for Individualized Medicine found that the gut microbiome is connected to a patient's outcome in rheumatoid arthritis. By analyzing stool samples from 32 patients with rheumatoid arthritis, they identified several traits of the gut microbiome linked to future prognosis.

SourceMayo Clinic·JournalGenome Medicine·DateSep 14, 2021

Rehabilitation exercises improve knee health in osteoarthritis

A study published in Current Rheumatology Reviews found that rehabilitation exercises significantly improved functional strength and reduced weight in knee osteoarthritis patients. The researchers also noted an increase in exercise adherence among the rehabilitation group compared to the control group.

SourceBentham Science Publishers·JournalCurrent Rheumatology Reviews·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 26, 2021
DJI Air 3 (RC-N2)

DJI Air 3 (RC-N2) captures 4K mapping passes and environmental surveys with dual cameras, long flight time, and omnidirectional obstacle sensing.

Internal compression stocking helps against varicose veins

Researchers developed an organ-preserving treatment method to repair damaged vein valves, achieving a success rate of 95.24% in eliminating varicose vein problems. The therapy uses a thin sheath around the defective vein to restore its normal diameter and prevent serious health issues.

SourceRuhr-University Bochum·JournalJournal of International Medical Research·DateJun 8, 2021

Most frequently asked questions in rheumatology clinics answered

The Hong Kong Society of Rheumatology has developed consensus recommendations for COVID-19 vaccination in adult patients with autoimmune rheumatic diseases. The guidelines address concerns about vaccine efficacy and safety, as well as considerations for immunosuppressed patients.

SourceWorld Scientific·JournalJournal of Clinical Rheumatology and Immunology·DateMay 11, 2021
AmScope B120C-5M Compound Microscope

AmScope B120C-5M Compound Microscope supports teaching labs and QA checks with LED illumination, mechanical stage, and included 5MP camera.

Program may help patients with rheumatic diseases quit smoking

A new protocol called Quit Connect has been shown to increase electronic referrals to free, state-run tobacco quitlines among patients with rheumatic diseases. The program, which leverages electronic health record prompts for nurses and medical assistants, resulted in a 71% increase in referrals.

SourceWiley·JournalArthritis Care & Research·DateApr 7, 2021

Helping childhood-onset lupus patients stay healthy as adults

Researchers found that patients with public health insurance, a history of Child Protective Services involvement, and an unscheduled hospitalization during pediatric care were at higher risk for end-stage renal disease and death. Childhood-onset lupus patients face significant challenges as they transition to adult healthcare.

SourceUT Southwestern Medical Center·JournalSeminars in Arthritis and Rheumatism·DateMar 30, 2021

Calcium-sensing receptor of immune cells and diseases

Researchers found that calcium-sensing receptor (CaSR) is expressed in neutrophils, monocytes/macrophages, and T lymphocytes, regulating cytokine secretion, chemotaxis, and ligand delivery. This receptor also contributes to the development of several diseases, including sepsis, cryopyrin-associated periodic syndromes, and rheumatism.

SourceCompuscript Ltd·JournalCardiovascular Innovations and Applications·DateMar 27, 2021
GoPro HERO13 Black

GoPro HERO13 Black records stabilized 5.3K video for instrument deployments, field notes, and outreach, even in harsh weather and underwater conditions.

EULAR: Timely detection of axial spondyloarthritis

A large European cross-sectional study found that patients with axial spondyloarthritis experience a significant delay in diagnosis due to misdirected referrals and involvement of multiple medical professionals. The study recommends initiating measures to prevent such delays and facilitate timely referral to a rheumatologist.

SourceEuropean Alliance of Associations for Rheumatology (EULAR)·JournalAnnals of the Rheumatic Diseases·DateAug 11, 2020

The European League Against Rheumatism, EULAR, launches Virtual Research Centre

The European League Against Rheumatism (EULAR) has launched a Virtual Research Centre to address barriers in rheumatic and musculoskeletal disease research. The centre aims to facilitate collaborative research, provide access to resources and technology, and develop broad coalitions for innovation and training.

SourceEuropean Alliance of Associations for Rheumatology (EULAR)·DateJun 8, 2020
Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope

Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope combines portable Schmidt-Cassegrain optics with GoTo pointing for outreach nights and field campaigns.

Aranet4 Home CO2 Monitor

Aranet4 Home CO2 Monitor tracks ventilation quality in labs, classrooms, and conference rooms with long battery life and clear e-ink readouts.

How IL-6 allows the immune response to develop for a key cell, the T follicular helper

A preclinical study shows that IL-6 protects T follicular helper cells from deleterious effects of IL-2 by interrupting a feedback loop, allowing them to receive sustained T-cell receptor stimulation. This finding has important therapeutic implications for autoimmune diseases like lupus and may lead to better treatment options.

SourceUniversity of Alabama at Birmingham·JournalScience Immunology·DateSep 13, 2019

Patients at a reduced risk of venous thromboembolism and persistent pain after partial versus total knee replacement

A study published in EULAR 2019 found that patients with osteoarthritis who undergo partial knee replacement have a 25-50% lower risk of venous thromboembolism, but an increased risk of revision compared to total knee replacement. The long-term benefits of partial knee replacement are offset by the higher risk of revision.

SourceEuropean Alliance of Associations for Rheumatology (EULAR)·DateJun 13, 2019
Apple Watch Series 11 (GPS, 46mm)

Apple Watch Series 11 (GPS, 46mm) tracks health metrics and safety alerts during long observing sessions, fieldwork, and remote expeditions.

Gout patients suffer in silence with low expectations of treatment

A recent European survey found that gout is being diagnosed late, poorly controlled, and not regularly monitored. Eight out of ten patients are satisfied with their current treatment, indicating low expectations. The study highlights significant gaps in the management of gout, emphasizing the need for improved education and care.

SourceEuropean Alliance of Associations for Rheumatology (EULAR)·DateJun 12, 2019
Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter

Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter is a trusted meter for precise measurements during instrument integration, repairs, and field diagnostics.

Lupus strongly linked to imbalances in gut microbiome

Researchers at NYU Langone Health have found a strong link between systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) and an abnormal mix of bacteria in the gut. The study showed that patients with SLE had significantly higher levels of Ruminococcus gnavus bacteria in their guts, which triggered immune reactions and disease flares.

SourceNYU Langone Health / NYU Grossman School of Medicine·JournalAnnals of the Rheumatic Diseases·DateFeb 19, 2019

Connective tissue on the wrong road -- when organs start to scar

A molecular network controlling connective tissue deposition has been decrypted, revealing a key protein PU.1 that causes pathological scarring. Inhibiting PU.1 may provide a new way to treat fibrotic diseases such as systemic sclerosis and idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis.

SourceFriedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg·JournalNature·DateFeb 5, 2019
Creality K1 Max 3D Printer

Creality K1 Max 3D Printer rapidly prototypes brackets, adapters, and fixtures for instruments and classroom demonstrations at large build volume.

Connective tissue on the wrong road -- When organs start to scar

In connective tissue diseases, excessive activation of connective tissue cells leads to hardening and scarring within organs. The discovery of the protein PU.1 reveals a molecular mechanism responsible for ongoing activation of these cells, leading to fibrotic diseases.

SourceFriedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg·JournalNature·DateJan 31, 2019

Many diseases increase the risks of hip fracture surgery

A Finnish study of 68,800 patients found that hip fracture surgery is associated with a significant risk of surgical complications. Patients with osteoarthritis, Parkinson's disease, and rheumatic diseases are particularly at risk, with 4.6% experiencing complications within three months of surgery.

SourceUniversity of Eastern Finland·JournalInjury·DateNov 30, 2018

Why macrophages rest in healthy tissue

Researchers have discovered that macrophage activity is lowered when they sit in tissue between cells, even with pro-inflammatory stimuli present. This mechanism helps prevent unnecessary inflammatory responses in healthy tissues.

SourceETH Zurich·JournalNature Materials·DateNov 20, 2018
Rigol DP832 Triple-Output Bench Power Supply

Rigol DP832 Triple-Output Bench Power Supply powers sensors, microcontrollers, and test circuits with programmable rails and stable outputs.