Add BrightSurf on Google Email

Tracking the working dogs of 9/11

A study of search and rescue dogs found that dogs at the disaster site lived a similar length of time as those in a control group, with no discernable difference in cause of death. The most common cause of death was age-related conditions such as arthritis and cancer.

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania·JournalJournal of the American Veterinary Medical Association·DateSep 21, 2020

Gout diagnoses rising worldwide

The prevalence of gout increased worldwide between 1990 and 2017, reaching approximately 41.2 million cases in 2017. High body mass index and impaired kidney function were identified as key risk factors for the disease.

SourceWiley·JournalArthritis & Rheumatology·DateAug 5, 2020

Cracking the Lyme disease code

Researchers at Washington State University have identified a key protein in Borrelia burgdorferi that shields the immune system from fighting Lyme disease. By understanding this 'VlsE' protein, they hope to develop effective vaccines against the disease.

SourceWashington State University·JournalCell Reports·DateApr 30, 2020

Is autoimmunity on the rise?

A study published in Arthritis & Rheumatology found a significant increase in autoimmunity prevalence in the US population between 1988 and 2012. The prevalence of antinuclear antibodies (ANA) rose from 11.0% in 1988 to 15.9% in 2011-2012, affecting an estimated 41 million individuals.

SourceWiley·JournalArthritis & Rheumatology·DateApr 8, 2020

Modifiable risk factors contribute to gout

A study of 14,624 US adults found that four modifiable risk factors--body mass index, diet, alcohol consumption, and diuretic use--contribute to hyperuricemia. Promoting healthy diets and preventing obesity can help reduce the frequency of hyperuricemia and gout.

SourceWiley·JournalArthritis & Rheumatology·DateSep 5, 2019

Breakthrough paves way for new Lyme disease treatment

Researchers have discovered a cellular component called peptidoglycan that contributes to Lyme arthritis, a debilitating condition. The presence of peptidoglycan in synovial fluid may explain why some people experience symptoms despite no obvious infection, and could lead to new treatments.

SourceVirginia Tech·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJun 17, 2019

Profiling immune system in pediatric arthritis patients offers hope for improved diagnosis and treatment

A team of scientists developed a machine learning algorithm that identifies children with juvenile arthritis with nearly 90% accuracy from a simple blood test. The new findings pave the way for improving diagnosis and predicting which patients respond best to different treatment options.

SourceVIB (the Flanders Institute for Biotechnology)·JournalAnnals of the Rheumatic Diseases·DateMar 12, 2019

Obstructive sleep apnea linked with higher risk of gout

A study published in Arthritis & Rheumatology found that people with obstructive sleep apnea have a higher risk of developing gout. The risk was highest one to two years after diagnosis and was seen in patients with normal body mass index, regardless of weight status.

SourceWiley·JournalArthritis & Rheumatology·DateAug 30, 2018

Which pain medication is safest for arthritis patients?

A recent study found that celecoxib, an NSAID, had better gastrointestinal safety than ibuprofen or naproxen when co-prescribed with esomeprazole. The medication was associated with infrequent gastrointestinal side effects in arthritis patients, making it a safer option for those taking these medications.

SourceWiley·JournalAlimentary Pharmacology & Therapeutics·DateApr 19, 2018

Scientists identify new marker of arthritis in mice

Researchers have discovered a new marker, Ratiometric thrombin-Activatable Cell Penetrating Peptide, to identify joints with established arthritis and predict subsequent swelling. This imaging tool may help clinicians monitor arthritis development and progression, enabling early intervention.

SourceWiley·JournalArthritis & Rheumatology·DateNov 22, 2017

Reports reveal racial and ethnic disparities in lupus rates

New research reveals striking racial and ethnic disparities in lupus incidence and prevalence, with higher rates found in Black, Hispanic, and Asian populations. The findings emphasize the need for vigilant diagnosis and prompt care for these groups, particularly in cases of arthritis, rashes, and kidney disease symptoms.

SourceWiley·JournalArthritis & Rheumatology·DateSep 11, 2017

Copaiba: Silver bullet or snake oil?

Researchers from Florida Atlantic University caution that copaiba's potential benefits for treating inflammatory arthritis are unproven due to limited evidence. Despite this, sales of the essential oil continue to increase, presenting clinical challenges.

SourceFlorida Atlantic University·JournalJournal of Integrative Medicine·DateJun 6, 2017

Vitamin D supplements could help pain management

Research suggests that vitamin D levels combined with good sleep quality can effectively manage conditions like arthritis, menstrual cramps, and chronic back pain. This review highlights the potential benefits of vitamin D supplementation in pain management, offering a new approach to alleviate suffering.

SourceSociety for Endocrinology·JournalJournal of Endocrinology·DateMay 23, 2017

Disability, reduced social participation associated with chronic conditions in middle-age

A new study from McMaster University finds that chronic conditions like arthritis, depression, and diabetes can lead to disability and reduced social participation in middle-aged adults. The research highlights the importance of targeting treatment strategies for patients and developing preventative health plans.

SourceMcMaster University·JournalJournal of Epidemiology and Community Health·DateNov 9, 2016