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1. Irish association of rheumatology & rehabilitation: Proceedings of annual general meeting, Friday 6th November 1992 at St. Vincent’s Hospital, Elm Park, Dublin

Author

Mulherin, D., FitzGerald, O., Bresnihan, B., Yanni, G., Farahat, M., Posten, R., Panayi, G. S., Abuzakouk, M., Feighery, C., Casey, E., Weir, D., Farrelly, C. O., Bell, A. L., Magill, K. M., McKane, J. R., Kirk, F., Irvine, A. E., Kelleher, D., Hall, N., Murphy, A., Long, A., O’Farrelly, C., Casey, E. B., McCarthy, J., Cushnaghan, J. J., Dieppe, P. A., O’Duffy, J. D., Lie, J. T., Ehman, R., Engel, A. G., Sitiny, M., Ryan, J., Plunkett, P., Jackson, J., O’Connell, P. G., Siegel, K. Lohmann, Stanhope, S., Gerber, L. H., Phelan, M. J. I., Williams, C., Williams, J., Smith, T., Ghadiali, E., Bucknall, R., Golding, D. N., McCarthy, C., Cushnaghan, J., Dieppe, P., Eustace, S., Griffin, S., Legge, D., O’Byrne, J., Breathnach, E., Beausang, O., Stack, J., Stephens, M. M., Srinivasan, U., Harrison, M., Coughlan, B., Heffernan, M., Foley-Nolan, D., Rowbotham, D., Kearney, M., O’Mally, A., Dyson, H., Martin, M., Hassan, J., Fitzgerald, M. X., Whelan, A., Camilleri, F., Cunnane, G., Arora, A., Bonnar, J., Chua, A., Keeling, P. W. N., Lynch, M., Garrahy, A., Mulcahy, F. M., Sant, S., Cahill, R., Gilvarry, J., Beattie, S., Hamilton, H., O’Morain, C., Mulcahy, D., McDermott, M., Molloy, M. G., Cashin, P., McConneir, F., O’Gara, F., McCabe, M., Brophy, D., Gibney, R., Choy, E., Kingsley, G. H., Wallace, E., Forde, A. M., Feighery, D., Sim, R. B., Donnelly, S., Lau, S., Veal, D., McLaren, M., Bancroft, A. J., Belch, J. J. F., Coughlan, R. J., Crockard, A. D., Thompson, J. M., McBride, S. J., Edgar, J. D., McNeill, T. A., Campbell, A., Byrne, J., Hough, Y., Hunt, J., Lynch, M. P., Nuallain, E. M. O., Monaghan, H., Reen, D. J., Winska-Wiloch, H., and Isenberg, D. A.

Published
1993
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2. Rheumatology occupational therapists’ views of participating in a randomised controlled trial of arthritis gloves

Author

Prior, Y, Hammond, A, Arafin, N, Adams, J, Hough, Y, and Jacklin, A

Abstract

Background: Arthritis gloves are provided by NHS rheumatology occupational therapists (OTs) to people with inflammatory arthritis (IA) to reduce hand pain and stiffness and improve hand function. However, there is little evidence to support their effectiveness or efficacy. We are conducting a NIHR Research for Patient Benefit (PB-PG-0214-33010) funded multi-centre national randomized controlled trial (RCT) testing the efficacy of arthritis gloves in people with IA. Twenty-seven Rheumatology OTs from (Band 6) from 17 NHS Trusts across the UK are treating trial participants. As part of their trial training, we explored OTs’ views about contributing to the RCT, to identify any concerns and ongoing training needs in trial delivery. Methods: Three focus groups (FGs), using a semi-structured interview schedule were conducted. The Rheumatology OTs collaborating in the trial attended a one-day clinical trial training programme which included trial background, key study procedures and practize providing the intervention and placebo gloves in a standardized manner using the OT Glove Provision Manual. Informed written consent was obtained from all participants and FGs were audio recorded, transcribed verbatim and analysed by two researchers independently using Thematic Analysis to increase the confirmability of the findings. Results: The main challenges identified by OTs were themed around Personal, Service and Research Methodology Factors. Personal Factors included: trepidations about being involved in a RCT; and concerns around delivering a placebo treatment to patients with hand pain and stiffness. Service Factors included: being able to recruit to target within service constraints; receiving support from their consultants and research staff; and whether they could treat participants within the given time frame. Research Methodology Factors included: risk of introducing bias when delivering a placebo treatment, due to concerns about going against participants’ best interests, or lack of experience addressing participants’ queries without revealing treatment allocation. However, they also perceived opportunities from being involved in a multi-centred RCT. These were Professional Development and evidence-based practice opportunities such as; potential to improve relationships within their multi-disciplinary teams, widen their professional networks, and raise the profile of OT by contributing to evidence-based practice. Most OTs acknowledged that their trepidations were related to inexperience and expected to become more confident following training, familiarization with study protocols and delivery of their first placebo treatment. Conclusion: This trial is one of the few UK-funded placebo-controlled trials examining the clinical efficacy of OT intervention in rheumatology services. This introduces new issues for clinicians in knowingly delivering placebo interventions as part of a RCT. Our OTs identify personal, service and research factors that cause them trepidation in taking part but also recognize clear professional development opportunities in contributing to evidence-based practice

Published
2017

3. A pilot trial of compression gloves in early inflammatory and rheumatoid arthritis

Author

Hough, Y, Hammond, A, Prior, Y, Jacklin, A, Dooley, M, Perkins, J, and Durkin, C

Subjects
body regions, technology, industry, and agriculture, equipment and supplies
Abstract

Background: Compression gloves are provided in rheumatoid arthritis (RA) to improve hand symptoms and function but there is little evidence for their effectiveness. As a group of Rheumatology Occupational Therapists we were unaware of clinical evidence to support use of gloves. Financial constraints lead to the need to justify effective use of resources. No recent quality studies of compression gloves in arthritis were available a \ud feasibility study to support anecdotal evidence was required. The study aim was to evaluate gloves’ effects on hand symptoms and function.\ud Methods: Members of the northwest COTSSR met to agree best clinical practice. Service users were involved. A systematic review of compression gloves trials undertaken all Studies were small and poor methodology. The last study undertaken was 21 years ago. The group agreed compression glove criteria, hand assessment, treatment protocols and patient information leaflet. Prior to recruitment the OTs attended a training day to standardize assessments and study procedures. A pre-post-test study was conducted. Participants wore Isotoner ¾ finger gloves. Hand assessments were completed at 0 and 4 weeks.\ud Results: Outcomes demonstrated significant improvements in: pain, stiffness, swelling, finger flexion and hand function.\ud Conclusion: Compression gloves improved hand symptoms and function. Lack of a control group means changes may not be due to glove-wear. A randomized controlled trial is required, including longer follow-up.\ud \ud References\ud Braun, V, Clarke, V (2006) Using thematic analysis in psychology. Qualitative Research in Psychology, 3 (2): 77–101\ud Dixon AStJ (1986) Trial for Isotoner gloves for morning stiffness and pain in rheumatoid arthritis. British Journal of Clinical Practice 40 (7): 271–272\ud Oostervelt FJG, Raskerr JJ (1990) The effect of pressure gradient and thermolactyl control gloves in arthritis patients with swollen hands. British Journal of Rheumatology 29:197–200

Published
2016

4. A pre-post test pilot trial of compression gloves in early inflammatory and rheumatoid arthritis

Author

Hammond, A, Prior, Y, Jones, V, Dooley, M, Hough, Y, and Jacklin, A

Subjects
health_and_wellbeing
Abstract

Background: \ud Compression gloves are increasingly provided by occupational therapists (OTs) to people with rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Gloves are provided to: reduce hand joint pain (day and/or night), swelling and stiffness; and improve hand function. A systematic review identified only four trials (n= 8-24), of poor/moderate quality, indicating glove-wear may lead to small reductions in proximal interphalangeal joint (PIPJ) swelling but effects on hand symptoms and function are unclear. The aim of this study was to evaluate compression gloves’ effects on hand symptoms and function, to assist planning a randomised controlled trial. \ud Methods: \ud A pre-post-test study was conducted. Participants: were recruited from 10 Rheumatology OT departments; had recent onset inflammatory (IA)/RA, or RA; no steroid injections in 4/52; and no new/changed medication in 12/52, unless recent-onset IA/RA. Participants wore right and/or left Isotoner ¾ finger gloves, day and/or night as required. Assessments at 0 and 4 weeks included: hand pain on activity and at night, hand stiffness (all 0-10 numeric rating scales: none to very severe); swelling (joint circumference: cms); composite finger flexion to distal wrist crease (CFF: cms); Measure of Activity Performance-Hand [MAP-HAND]; Grip Ability Test [GAT]. OTs were trained in assessments: inter-rater reliability (ICC,11) was good: 2nd PIPJ circumference (0.91); CFF (0.76-0.93); GAT (0.98). Data were analysed using paired t-tests and effect sizes calculated using eta-squared (0.14+ = large effect).\ud Results: \ud 41 participated (early IA/RA = 14; RA = 27): 33 women, 8 men; average age = 59.10 (SD 12.54) years; time since diagnosis 2.33 (IQR 0.23-8.5) years; 7 (early IA) had medication changes in 12/52. Early IA and RA results were combined as similar (Table 1).\ud Table 1: Mean (SD) outcomes pre- and post- 4 weeks of compression glove wear (Right hand only; n=38).\ud Outcome measures 0 weeks 4 weeks p Effect size\ud Hand pain on activity (0-10) 5.69 (2.13) 4.67 (2.32) 0.006* 0.18\ud Hand pain at night (0-10) 4.26 (3.26) 3.41 (2.30) 0.03* 0.12\ud Hand stiffness (0-10) 5.51 (2.61) 3.92 (2.25) 0.001* 0.33\ud 2nd PIPJ circumference (cm) 6.66 (0.58) 6.57 (0.55) 0.03* 0.12\ud CFF Middle (cms) 5.45 (1.66) 4.88 (1.35) 0.002* 0.23\ud MAP-HAND 21.91 (7.83) 19.78 (7.36) 0.02* 0.12\ud GAT 39.44 (20.82) 32.73 (2.86) 0.005* 0.20\ud \ud Conclusion: \ud Compression gloves led to significant improvements in: pain (day/night), stiffness, swelling, finger flexion and hand function, with moderate to large effect sizes, although PIPJ swelling changes were small. The lack of a control group means improvements may not be due to compression gloves. A randomised controlled trial is required, including longer follow-up.

Published
2015

5. The effect of compression gloves in hand Osteoarthritis: A pre-post test trial

Author

Hammond, A, Prior, Y, Jones, V, Dooley, M, Hough, Y, and Jacklin, A

Subjects
body regions, health_and_wellbeing
Abstract

Background: Compression gloves are used in Hand Osteoarthritis (HOA) to reduce pain (day and/or night), stiffness and improve hand function. A systematic review identified only two trials (sample sizes n= 2 and 5), with inconclusive results [1]. The commonest compression gloves provided in the UK are Isotoner gloves. The aim was to evaluate effects of compression gloves on hand pain, stiffness and function. \ud Methods: A pre-post-test study was conducted. Participants were recruited from 10 Rheumatology Occupational Therapy (OT) departments; had a doctor diagnosis of HOA and no steroid injections or new/changed medication within the previous 4 weeks. Assessments at 0 and 4 weeks included: hand pain on activity and at night, hand stiffness (all 0-10 numeric rating scales: none to very severe); Measure of Activity Performance of the Hand [MAP-HAND, 2]; Grip Ability Test [GAT, 3]; and composite finger flexion to distal wrist crease (CFF). OT assessors were trained in standardised hand assessment procedures. Assessor inter-rater reliability (ICC,10) was good : CFF (0.76-0.93); GAT (0.98) [4]. All participants received Isotoner ¾ finger gloves. Data were analysed using paired t-tests and effect sizes calculated using eta-squared (values of 0.14+ = large effect, 5).\ud Results: 30 people with HOA participated: 28 women, 2 men); average age = 61.23(SD 8.35) years; time since diagnosis 4.71(SD 6.47) years.\ud Conclusion: This study demonstrates, for the first time, that compression gloves used by people with HOA led to significant improvements in: pain during the day and night, stiffness, hand function and finger motion, with moderate to large effect sizes. A limitation was the lack of a control group meaning we cannot be certain benefits were due to compression gloves. A randomised controlled trial needs to be conducted, including longer follow-up.

Published
2014

6. A-Gloves: OT Glove provision manual version 2

Author

Hammond, A, Jacklin, A, Hough, Y, Adams, J, and Prior, Y

Subjects
body regions, ComputingMethodologies_PATTERNRECOGNITION, InformationSystems_INFORMATIONINTERFACESANDPRESENTATION(e.g.,HCI), ComputingMilieux_PERSONALCOMPUTING, technology, industry, and agriculture, equipment and supplies, GeneralLiterature_MISCELLANEOUS, psychological phenomena and processes, ComputingMethodologies_COMPUTERGRAPHICS
Abstract

This manual describes the Occupational Therapy (OT) protocol for the A-GLOVES trial, including glove-fitting (treatment and placebo); instructions and therapy assessments (but not trial assessments). The intervention group receive Isotoner gloves, applying warmth and pressure. The control group receive Jobskin gloves purposefully fitted one-size too large, applying warmth only, with very minimal pressure. We do not know if arthritis gloves are effective or not. It is unclear whether gloves may have an effect through applying pressure or warmth (or both). The control gloves therefore provide control for the effects of warmth (Hammond et al, 2015).

7. Perceptions of arthritis glove wear of patients with rheumatoid arthritis and persistent hand pain: A nested questionnaire study within the A-Gloves trial.

Author

Hammond A, Prior Y, Adams J, Firth J, O'Neill T, and Hough Y

Subjects
Humans, Pain etiology, Surveys and Questionnaires, Hand, Arthritis, Rheumatoid complications
Abstract

Introduction: Arthritis gloves are prescribed in rheumatoid arthritis (RA) to reduce hand pain, stiffness, and improve hand function. As part of a randomised controlled trial, this study investigated participants' perceptions of wearing arthritis gloves., Method: Participants with RA and persistent hand pain (n = 206) were randomly assigned and prescribed either loose-fitting gloves (control) or arthritis gloves (intervention), for day and/or night wear (as per individual need). At 12-weeks, the trial follow-up questionnaire also included items about whether the gloves prescribed were: beneficial or not; if yes, the benefits experienced; any problems encountered; if they stopped wearing gloves day and/or night, and why., Results: The questionnaire response rate was 154/206 (75%). In both groups, 73% reported gloves were beneficial (p = 0.97). There were no differences in types of benefits reported. The most common were: warmth (59% control: 54% intervention; p = 0.53); and comfort (54%: 62%; p = 0.29). Fewer reported problems with glove wear in the control group (33%), compared to the intervention group (49%); p = 0.05. In both groups, the most common daytime problem was inability to wear gloves for wet or dirty activities; and at night, gloves being too hot. Similar numbers in the control and intervention groups stopped wearing gloves either day or night (23%: 31%; p = 0.26), primarily for these reasons., Discussion: Participants' perceptions about wearing arthritis or loose-fitting gloves were very similar. Wearing ordinary gloves could result in similar perceived benefits to arthritis gloves., (© 2022 The Authors. Musculoskeletal Care published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.)

Published
2023
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8. Clinical and cost effectiveness of arthritis gloves in rheumatoid arthritis (A-GLOVES): randomised controlled trial with economic analysis.

Author

Hammond A, Prior Y, Cotterill S, Sutton C, Camacho E, Heal C, Adams J, Hough Y, O'Neill TW, and Firth J

Subjects
Adult, Cost-Benefit Analysis, Humans, Pain, Treatment Outcome, Arthritis, Rheumatoid diagnosis, Arthritis, Rheumatoid therapy, State Medicine
Abstract

Background: Arthritis (or compression) gloves are widely prescribed to people with rheumatoid arthritis and other forms of hand arthritis. They are prescribed for daytime wear to reduce hand pain and improve hand function, and/or night-time wear to reduce pain, improve sleep and reduce morning stiffness. However, evidence for their effectiveness is limited. The aims of this study were to investigate the clinical and cost effectiveness of arthritis gloves compared to placebo gloves on hand pain, stiffness and function in people with rheumatoid arthritis and persistent hand pain., Methods: A parallel randomised controlled trial, in adults (≥ 18 years) with rheumatoid or undifferentiated inflammatory arthritis at 16 National Health Service sites in the UK. Patients with persistent hand pain affecting function and/or sleep were eligible. Randomisation (1:1) was stratified by recent change (or not) in medication, using permuted blocks of random sizes. Three-quarter-finger length arthritis gloves (Isotoner®: applying 23-32 mmHg pressure) (intervention) were compared to loose-fitting placebo gloves (Jobskin® classic: providing no/minimal pressure) (control). Both gloves (considered to have similar thermal qualities) were provided by occupational therapists. Patients and outcome assessors were blinded; clinicians were not. The primary outcome was dominant hand pain on activity (0-10) at 12 weeks, analysed using linear regression and intention to treat principles., Results: Two hundred six participants were randomly assigned (103 per arm) and 163 (84 intervention: 79 control) completed 12-week follow-up. Hand pain improved by 1.0 (intervention) and 1.2 (control), an adjusted mean difference of 0.10 (95% CI: - 0.47 to 0.67; p = 0.72). Adverse events were reported by 51% of intervention and 36% of control group participants; with 6 and 7% respectively, discontinuing glove wear. Provision of arthritis gloves cost £129, with no additional benefit., Conclusion: The trial provides evidence of no clinically important effect of arthritis gloves on any of the trial outcomes (hand pain, function and stiffness) and arthritis gloves are not cost-effective. The clinical and cost-effectiveness results support ceasing provision of arthritis gloves in routine clinical practice., Funding: National Institute for Health Research., Trial Registration: ISRCTN, ISRCTN25892131 ; Registered 05/09/2016: retrospectively registered.

Published
2021
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9. The effect on work presenteeism of job retention vocational rehabilitation compared to a written self-help work advice pack for employed people with inflammatory arthritis: protocol for a multi-centre randomised controlled trial (the WORKWELL trial).

Author

Hammond A, Sutton C, Cotterill S, Woodbridge S, O'Brien R, Radford K, Forshaw D, Verstappen S, Jones C, Marsden A, Eden M, Prior Y, Culley J, Holland P, Walker-Bone K, Hough Y, O'Neill TW, Ching A, and Parker J

Subjects
Adolescent, Adult, Cost-Benefit Analysis, Humans, Multicenter Studies as Topic, Presenteeism, Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic, Rehabilitation, Vocational, State Medicine, Arthritis, Psoriatic, Arthritis, Rheumatoid
Abstract

Background: Work problems are common in people with inflammatory arthritis. Up to 50% stop work within 10 years due to their condition and up to 67% report presenteeism (i.e. reduced work productivity), even amongst those with low disease activity. Job retention vocational rehabilitation (JRVR) may help prevent or postpone job loss and reduce presenteeism through work assessment, work-related rehabilitation and enabling job accommodations. This aims to create a better match between the person's abilities and their job demands. The objectives of the Workwell trial are to test the overall effectiveness and cost-effectiveness of JRVR (WORKWELL) provided by additionally trained National Health Service (NHS) occupational therapists compared to a control group who receive self-help information both in addition to usual care., Methods: Based on the learning from a feasibility trial (the WORK-IA trial: ISRCTN76777720 ), the WORKWELL trial is a multi-centre, pragmatic, individually-randomised parallel group superiority trial, including economic evaluation, contextual factors analysis and process evaluation. Two hundred forty employed adults with rheumatoid arthritis, undifferentiated inflammatory arthritis or psoriatic arthritis (in secondary care), aged 18 years or older with work instability will be randomised to one of two groups: a self-help written work advice pack plus usual care (control intervention); or WORKWELL JRVR plus a self-help written work advice pack and usual care. WORKWELL will be delivered by occupational therapists provided with additional JRVR training from the research team. The primary outcome is presenteeism as measured using the Work Limitations Questionnaire-25. A comprehensive range of secondary outcomes of work, health, contextual factors and health resource use are included. Outcomes are measured at 6- and 12- months (with 12-months as the primary end-point). A multi-perspective within-trial cost-effectiveness analyses will also be conducted., Discussion: This trial will contribute to the evidence base for provision of JRVR to people with inflammatory arthritis. If JRVR is found to be effective in enabling people to keep working, the findings will support decision-making about provision of JRVR by rheumatology teams, therapy services and healthcare commissioners, and providing evidence of the effectiveness of JRVR and the economic impact of its implementation., Trial Registration: Clinical Trials.Gov: NCT03942783 . Registered 08/05/2019 ( https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT03942783 ); ISRCTN Registry: ISRCTN61762297 . Registered:13/05/2019 ( http://www.isrctn.com/ISRCTN61762297 ). Retrospectively registered.

Published
2020
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10. Gfi1aa and Gfi1b set the pace for primitive erythroblast differentiation from hemangioblasts in the zebrafish embryo.

Author

Moore C, Richens JL, Hough Y, Ucanok D, Malla S, Sang F, Chen Y, Elworthy S, Wilkinson RN, and Gering M

Subjects
Animals, Cell Differentiation, Zebrafish, DNA-Binding Proteins metabolism, Embryo, Mammalian metabolism, Erythroblasts metabolism, Hemangioblasts metabolism, Transcription Factors metabolism
Abstract

The transcriptional repressors Gfi1(a) and Gfi1b are epigenetic regulators with unique and overlapping roles in hematopoiesis. In different contexts, Gfi1 and Gfi1b restrict or promote cell proliferation, prevent apoptosis, influence cell fate decisions, and are essential for terminal differentiation. Here, we show in primitive red blood cells (prRBCs) that they can also set the pace for cellular differentiation. In zebrafish, prRBCs express 2 of 3 zebrafish Gfi1/1b paralogs, Gfi1aa and Gfi1b. The recently identified zebrafish gfi1aa gene trap allele qmc551 drives erythroid green fluorescent protein (GFP) instead of Gfi1aa expression, yet homozygous carriers have normal prRBCs. prRBCs display a maturation defect only after splice morpholino-mediated knockdown of Gfi1b in gfi1aa qmc551 homozygous embryos. To study the transcriptome of the Gfi1aa/1b double-depleted cells, we performed an RNA-Seq experiment on GFP-positive prRBCs sorted from 20-hour-old embryos that were heterozygous or homozygous for gfi1aa qmc551 , as well as wt or morphant for gfi1b We subsequently confirmed and extended these data in whole-mount in situ hybridization experiments on newly generated single- and double-mutant embryos. Combined, the data showed that in the absence of Gfi1aa, the synchronously developing prRBCs were delayed in activating late erythroid differentiation, as they struggled to suppress early erythroid and endothelial transcription programs. The latter highlighted the bipotent nature of the progenitors from which prRBCs arise. In the absence of Gfi1aa, Gfi1b promoted erythroid differentiation as stepwise loss of wt gfi1b copies progressively delayed Gfi1aa-depleted prRBCs even further, showing that Gfi1aa and Gfi1b together set the pace for prRBC differentiation from hemangioblasts., (© 2018 by The American Society of Hematology.)

Published
2018
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11. The effects of arthritis gloves on people with Rheumatoid Arthritis or Inflammatory Arthritis with hand pain: a study protocol for a multi-centre randomised controlled trial (the A-GLOVES trial).

Author

Prior Y, Sutton C, Cotterill S, Adams J, Camacho E, Arafin N, Firth J, O'Neill T, Hough Y, Jones W, and Hammond A

Subjects
Arthritis, Rheumatoid diagnosis, Feasibility Studies, Follow-Up Studies, Humans, Pain diagnosis, Single-Blind Method, Surveys and Questionnaires, Treatment Outcome, United Kingdom epidemiology, Arthritis, Rheumatoid epidemiology, Arthritis, Rheumatoid therapy, Gloves, Protective statistics & numerical data, Hand pathology, Pain epidemiology, Pain Management methods
Abstract

Background: Arthritis gloves are regularly provided as part of the management of people with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and undifferentiated (early) inflammatory arthritis (IA). Usually made of nylon and elastane (i.e. Lycra®), these arthritis gloves apply pressure with the aims of relieving hand pain, stiffness and improving hand function. However, a systematic review identified little evidence supporting their use. We therefore designed a trial to compare the effectiveness of the commonest type of arthritis glove provided in the United Kingdom (Isotoner gloves) (intervention) with placebo (control) gloves (i.e. larger arthritis gloves providing similar warmth to the intervention gloves but minimal pressure only) in people with these conditions., Methods: Participants aged 18 years and over with RA or IA and persistent hand pain will be recruited from National Health Service Trusts in the United Kingdom. Following consent, participants will complete a questionnaire booklet, then be randomly allocated to receive intervention or placebo arthritis gloves. Within three weeks, they will be fitted with the allocated gloves by clinical specialist rheumatology occupational therapists. Twelve weeks (i.e. the primary endpoint) after completing the baseline questionnaire, participants will complete a second questionnaire, including the same measures plus additional questions to explore adherence, benefits and problems with glove-wear. A sub-sample of participants from each group will be interviewed at the end of their participation to explore their views of the gloves received. The clinical effectiveness and cost-effectiveness of the intervention, compared to placebo gloves, will be evaluated over 12 weeks. The primary outcome measure is hand pain during activity. Qualitative interviews will be thematically analysed., Discussion: This study will evaluate the commonest type of arthritis glove (Isotoner) provided in the NHS (i.e. the intervention) compared to a placebo glove. The results will help occupational therapists, occupational therapy services and people with arthritis make informed choices as to the value of arthritis gloves. If effective, arthritis gloves should become more widely available in the NHS to help people with RA and IA manage hand symptoms and improve performance of daily activities, work and leisure. If not, services can determine whether to cease supplying these to reduce service costs., Trial Registration: ISRCTN Registry: ISRCTN25892131 Registered 05/09/2016.

Published
2017
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12. A gene trap transposon eliminates haematopoietic expression of zebrafish Gfi1aa, but does not interfere with haematopoiesis.

Author

Thambyrajah R, Ucanok D, Jalali M, Hough Y, Wilkinson RN, McMahon K, Moore C, and Gering M

Subjects
Animals, Animals, Genetically Modified, Base Sequence, Cell Differentiation, Core Binding Factor Alpha 2 Subunit biosynthesis, DNA-Binding Proteins genetics, Erythrocytes metabolism, Gene Expression Regulation, Developmental, Green Fluorescent Proteins genetics, Promoter Regions, Genetic genetics, RNA, Messenger biosynthesis, Receptors, Notch genetics, Receptors, Notch metabolism, Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor A genetics, Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor A metabolism, Zebrafish genetics, Zebrafish Proteins genetics, DNA Transposable Elements genetics, DNA-Binding Proteins biosynthesis, Erythrocytes cytology, Erythropoiesis genetics, Hematopoietic Stem Cells cytology, Zebrafish embryology, Zebrafish Proteins biosynthesis
Abstract

A transposon-mediated gene trap screen identified the zebrafish line qmc551 that expresses a GFP reporter in primitive erythrocytes and also in haemogenic endothelial cells, which give rise to haematopoietic stem and progenitor cells (HSPCs) that seed sites of larval and adult haematopoiesis. The transposon that mediates this GFP expression is located in intron 1 of the gfi1aa gene, one of three zebrafish paralogs that encode transcriptional repressors homologous to mammalian Gfi1 and Gfi1b proteins. In qmc551 transgenics, GFP expression is under the control of the endogenous gfi1aa promoter, recapitulates early gfi1aa expression and allows live observation of gfi1aa promoter activity. While the transposon integration interferes with the expression of gfi1aa mRNA in haematopoietic cells, homozygous qmc551 fish are viable and fertile, and display normal primitive and definitive haematopoiesis. Retained expression of Gfi1b in primitive erythrocytes and up-regulation of Gfi1ab at the onset of definitive haematopoiesis in homozygous qmc551 carriers, are sufficient to allow normal haematopoiesis. This finding contradicts previously published morpholino data that suggested an essential role for zebrafish Gfi1aa in primitive erythropoiesis., (Copyright © 2016 The Authors. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

Published
2016
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