Young Rheumatologists Research Articles

The power of us: breaking barriers and bridging the gap of ultrasound in rheumatology to empower a new generation.

This study assesses musculoskeletal ultrasound (MSUS) knowledge, attitudes, and practices among young rheumatologists in Mexico, aiming to identify barriers and facilitators to its clinical use. An online survey distributed to a network of young rheumatologists captured demographics, institutional, and personal MSUS information. Multivariable analysis identified factors associated with positive MSUS attitudes. Ninety-six rheumatologists (39.18% national response rate) completed the survey. Of respondents (54.2% females, median age 35.1years), 81.2% deemed MSUS necessary in clinical rheumatology. The main barriers included limited training access (56.2%) and required training time (54.1%). Lack of scientific evidence was not a major barrier (60.4%). Positive MSUS attitudes were associated with learning from conferences (p = 0.029) and colleagues (p = 0.005), formal (p = 0.043), and in-person training (p = 0.020), MSUS use in practice (p = 0.027), and use by radiologists in their institute (p < 0.001). Interest in learning MSUS (88.5%) was significantly higher in those with positive attitudes (94.4%, p < 0.001). Elastic net analysis identified key drivers, including learning MSUS from conferences, colleagues, and in residency; using MSUS in practice; respondent-performed MSUS; and MSUS use by radiologists. Statistically significant associations were found with using MSUS for synovitis/inflammatory joint disease (OR = 1.43, 95% CI 1.00-2.05) and MSUS use by radiologists in respondent's institutes (OR = 1.70, 95% CI 1.20-2.90). Most young rheumatologists in Mexico recognize the necessity of MSUS in clinical practice. By addressing identified barriers, encouraging rheumatologist-radiologist collaboration, and establishing a regulatory body to certify rheumatologist's MSUS experience, there is an opportunity to empower them with the necessary skills for effective MSUS use, ultimately benefiting patient care.

Social Media Use Among Members of the Assessment of Spondyloarthritis International Society: Results of a Web-Based Survey

The use of social media in health care may serve as a beneficial tool for education, information dissemination, telemedicine, research, networking, and communications. To better leverage the benefits of social media, it is imperative to understand the patterns of its use and potential barriers to its implementation in health care. A previous study in 2016 that investigated social media use among young clinical rheumatologists (≤45 years) and basic scientists showed that there was substantial social media use among them for social and professional reasons. However, there is a limited inquiry into social media use in different areas of rheumatology, such as spondyloarthritis. We aimed to explore the motivations, barriers, and patterns of social media use among an international group of experts in spondyloarthritis. We distributed a web-based survey via email from March 2021 to June 2021 to 198 members of the Assessment of Spondyloarthritis International Society. It contained 24 questions about demographic characteristics, patterns of current social media use, and perceptions of utility. Univariable and multivariable logistic regression analyses were performed to identify the characteristics associated with use trends. The response rate was 78.8% (156/198). Of these, 93.6% (146/156) of participants used at least one social media platform. Apart from internet-based shopping and entertainment, the use of social media for clinical updates (odds ratio [OR] 6.25, 95% CI 2.43-16.03) and research updates (OR 3.45, 95% CI 1.35-8.78) were associated with higher social media consumption. Among the respondents, 66% (103/156) used social media in a work-related manner. The use of social media for new web-based resources (OR 6.55, 95% CI 2.01-21.37), interaction with international colleagues (OR 4.66, 95% CI 1.21-17.90), and establishing a web-based presence (OR 4.05, 95% CI 1.25-13.13) were associated with higher levels of consumption for work-related purposes. Time investment, confidentiality concerns, and security concerns were the top 3 challenges to a wider adoption of social media. Most respondents (103/156, 66%) use social media in a work-related manner. Professional development, establishing a web-based presence, and international collaboration were associated with higher use. Challenges to social media adoption should be addressed to maximize its benefits.

Kanon Jatuworapruk: bringing out the enjoyment in life

Kanon Jatuworapruk is passionate about providing care for people with crystal-associated arthritis. As a member of the Gout, Hyperuricemia and Crystal-Associated Disease Network (G-CAN), Asia Pacific League of Associations for Rheumatology (APLAR) crystal-induced arthritis special interest group, APLAR young rheumatologist group, and the Thai Rheumatism Association research committee, he has an infectious enthusiasm for building networks and deepening knowledge of rheumatic diseases in the Asia-Pacific region and further afield.

Women in rheumatology: major contributions and key discoveries of the twentieth century.

In the twentieth century, rheumatology saw an exponential growth. Discoveries in the pathophysiology of rheumatic diseases, progress in research methodology and novel treatments cardinally changed the natural course of rheumatic diseases and revolutionized patient management. Although underrepresented in this field, women have made considerable input in advancing our specialty towards the new era. In this article we acknowledge key scientific discoveries and major contributions made by 18 brilliant women scientists that shaped the field of rheumatology in the twentieth century. We hope that the achievements of these remarkable women will inspire young rheumatologists and researchers.

Fucosylation of anti-dsDNA IgG1 correlates with disease activity of treatment-naïve systemic lupus erythematosus patients.

SummaryBackgroundSystemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE) is a complex and heterogeneous autoimmune disease mediated by quantities of autoantibodies in which anti-double-stranded DNA (anti-dsDNA) antibodies are important. Besides, glycosylation is one of the most commonly post-translational modifications of antibodies. The association of anti-dsDNA antibodies glycosylation and SLE disease activity is still unknown.MethodsWe enrolled 101 consecutive treatment-naïve SLE patients with positive anti-dsDNA antibodies from the Department of Rheumatology and Immunology at Ruijin Hospital, Shanghai, between 2017 and 2019. Serum samples were used in this study. We analysed the glycosylation of anti-dsDNA IgG and total IgG subclasses according to systemic lupus erythematosus disease activity index (SLEDAI) scores. Statistical analysis and machine learning were performed to assess the correlation between glycosylation of anti-dsDNA IgG and total IgG with disease activity.FindingsSerum samples from 86 patients could be detected with anti-dsDNA IgG glycopeptide and subclass of IgG glycoform. Cluster analysis showed that glycosylation of anti-dsDNA IgG and total IgG subclasses were different in SLE patients. Fucosylation, galactosylation, and sialylation levels of anti-dsDNA IgG1 were increased with SLEDAI scores (all p<0.05). The results of machine learning showed that all the glycoforms of anti-dsDNA IgG1 had better performance with lower standardised square error (SSE) than that of total IgG1, with anti-dsDNA IgG1 fucosylation level having the lowest SSE (0.009).InterpretationOur study indicated that glycosylation of anti-dsDNA IgG was different from that of total IgG and fucosylation of anti-dsDNA IgG1 correlated best with SLE disease activity.FundingThis work is supported by the National Key Research and Development Program of China (2018YFC0910303), National Natural Science Foundation of China (81801592, 82101876), Clinical Research Plan of SHDC (SHDC2020CR4011), Ruijin Hospital Youth Incubation Project (KY2021607) and Shanghai Pujiang Young Rheumatologists Training Program (SPROG202006).

EMEUNET and the Section of Young Rheumatologists of the Polish Society of Rheumatology activities - an update.

The EMerging EULAR NETwork (EMEUNET) arose in 2009 to fulfil EULAR’s aims: “Bring on board high-quality, young-generation contributors in all EULAR activities”. The Section of Young Rheumatologists of the Polish Society of Rheumatology was set up in 2012 to integrate medical doctors below the age of 45 years who are specializing or have already specialized in rheumatology as well as internal medicine and paediatrics residents who plan to enter rheumatology training.&lt;br/&gt;&lt;br /&gt; The Section aims to provide opportunities of professional and scientific development, skill improvement, exchange of experience, collaborative organization of scientific meetings, conferences, and courses, and collaboration with early career sections of other medical specializations.

En Reumatología, ¿generamos los maestros que el siglo XXI necesita?

Who should be the great educators and masters of Argentinian Rheumatology? One would think they should be the best ones! But are they the best ones? What ought to be the selection criteria for such a distinguished and honourable position? Our society demands: “All of those who have turned 65 years old and who, thanks to their academic work, have trained young rheumatologists”. How the latter were trained... do we know? As mere technicians or as humane professionals? The academic training of a pupil of Rheumatology, as in this case, must be comprehensive. Not only the technical but also the human aspect is of the utmost importance. An educator converses, is true to an ideal, gives up/sacrifices enrichment and reveals their weak points.

The Future #10s of Rheumatology

The Copa América, with young rheumatologists from the continent, is a knowledge competition with professionals from the region.

The specialised health workforce matters: how to adapt the WHO National Health Workforce Accounts

Abstract Background The importance of a sustainable health workforce is increasingly recognised. However, the specialised heath workforce remains marginal in health workforce planning, policy and research. This paper aims to improve the integration of small specialised professional groups in health workforce governance and to critically assess existing tools, using Germany and rheumatology physicians as a case study. Methods A qualitative explorative approach was applied, which draws on a scoping review of the literature, public statistics and expert information. The National Health Workforce Accounts (NHWA) and the WHO 'AAAQ' framework served as guidance to assess workforce development in rheumatology in Germany. Results On average physician density is high in Germany, yet access to specialised care may be seriously delayed and services may not be accessible to all patients; e.g. currently only half of the patients with spondyloarthritis are treated by a rheumatologist which impacts quality of care. An estimated 850 to 1000 additional rheumatologists are needed to ensure early diagnoses and treatment and prevent long-term health damage. However, shortage will even reinforce in future: annual inflow of newly registered rheumatologists over recent years did not exceed 30 to 50 physicians and young rheumatologists more often prefer part-time work. Conclusions Specialised health professions with small numbers and long duration of training face specific challenges to create a sustainable workforce. This calls for (1) greater investment in education and training, (2) greater attention to qualitative indicators, such as assess and prevention measurements like early diagnosis, and (3) a dynamic health workforce approach to respond to both new technologies/ treatments and changing preferences of the health professionals, like part-time work. Key messages Integrating the specialised health workforce in health workforce governance is important to improve prevention, quality and access to care. NHWA may be aligned to qualitative indicators and prevention policies to respond more effectively to future population needs.

My new normal: A patient's perspective on polymyalgia rheumatica

My new normal: A patient's perspective on polymyalgia rheumatica

La radioprotection en rhumatologie interventionnelle

Radiation protection is being re-evaluated by the nuclear safety authority (ASN) following an investigation of practices showing significant inadequacies in precautions, and in order to comply with the new European directives. Rheumatologists are less and less involved with the choice of the new generation of young rheumatologists to favor the ultrasound approach, both diagnostic and interventional. However, X-rays will still be required to visualize the bone tissue and to practice interventional gestures at this level, and absorptiometry, although extremely non-irradiating, is also concerned, as is the practice of isotopic synoviortheses. Finally, rheumatologists remain prescribers of exams or interventional procedures carried out under visual control with X-rays. Those who will be exposed to ionizing radiation will have to comply with the new regulations, acquire an adequate equipment, respect pre-established procedures, and validate radiation protection training for patients, 1 day every 7 years in France.

Protocol for a case–control diagnostic accuracy study to develop diagnostic criteria for psoriasis in children (DIPSOC study): a multicentre study recruiting in UK paediatric dermatology clinics

IntroductionDiagnosing psoriasis in children can be challenging. Early and accurate diagnosis is important to ensure patients receive psoriasis specific treatment and monitoring. It is recognised that the physical, psychological, quality...

Enhancement of knowledge and skills in laboratory techniques for autoantibody evaluation: Utility of a single-day hands-on workshop

Background: Laboratory tests evaluating autoantibodies form a key part of rheumatology practice, yet this remains the least emphasized part of rheumatology training. Methods: We conducted a single-day autoantibody workshop to train young rheumatologists in the principles of autoantibody testing as well as provide hands-on exposure to conduct these tests. We assessed the efficacy of this workshop by pretest and posttest questionnaires evaluating three domains – Antigen–antibody interactions and laboratory techniques other than immunofluorescence (Domain 1); immunofluorescence (Domain 2); and clinical relevance of autoantibodies (Domain 3). In addition, we also sought unstructured feedback from participants. Results: There was a baseline knowledge deficit regarding autoantibody estimation and evaluation among the participants. Comparison of pre- and posttest questionnaires revealed that the 1-day workshop was effective in improving overall knowledge about autoantibody testing as well as in Domain 1 and 2 but not Domain 3. Hands-on exposure and basic level discussion of laboratory techniques were appreciated by attendees. Conclusion: A single-day workshop is effective in enhancing knowledge of attendees about autoantibody testing. In-depth discussions about these laboratory techniques in rheumatology, the immune mechanisms involved and association with clinical scenarios require workshops of longer duration.

Nanna Svartz (1890-1986) : The first female professor of medicine in Sweden

Nanna Svartz was a charismatic character who played a significant role in Swedish medicine in the mid-twentieth century. As one of five brothers and sisters, she escaped an early death from tuberculosis. She reached 96 years of age. Her diligence and sense of duty were legendary, along with her ambition to fully prove herself as "the first female professor". She inherited a certain insecurity from her father that led to her difficulty in taking criticism. Despite extensive academic obligations, she worked as a treating doctor for 55 years and always took her time with her patients, especially if they held important public positions. Nanna was honoured several times in her lifetime. Among others, she was a member of the Leopoldina, the National Academy of Germany, and received many honorary doctorates, for example, from Rockefeller College (USA) and the Åbo University (Turku, Finland). She was an honorary member of over 40 scientific societies. Underneath the new auditorium in the Karolinska Institute, a restaurant and a street in her home town of Västerås bear her name. An annual international Nanna Svartz Lecture is held by the Swedish Society for Rheumatology, and a Nanna Svartz Prize is awarded annually to a deserving young Swedish rheumatologist.

Social media use among young rheumatologists and basic scientists: results of an international survey by the Emerging EULAR Network (EMEUNET)

ObjectivesTo explore perceptions, barriers and patterns of social media (SM) use among rheumatology fellows and basic scientists.MethodsAn online survey was disseminated via Twitter, Facebook and by email to members of...

The dynamic evolution of rheumatology in Korea.

Rheumatology was first recognized as a distinct clinical specialty in Korea just 35 years ago. Young professors who were trained in rheumatology in the USA and afterwards returned to Korea contributed substantially to advances in rheumatology clinical practice, educational programmes and research activities. They also established the Korean Rheumatism Association, later renamed the Korean College of Rheumatology. These young rheumatologists had a major role not only in raising the level of clinical and scientific activities, but also in promoting academic exchanges around the Asia-Pacific region, the USA and Europe. Subsequently, Korea's rapid economic growth and high education level enabled rheumatology to advance rapidly. Today, continued efforts are required to raise the standard of clinical and basic research, to optimize clinical practice with regard to new biologic agents, to exploit personalized and targeted therapies for the rheumatic diseases, and to meet the medical demands of Korea's ageing society.

What are EMEUNET and the Section of Young Rheumatologists of the Polish Society for Rheumatology?

What are EMEUNET and the Section of Young Rheumatologists of the Polish Society for Rheumatology?

SP0036 Project: Assessing the Standards of Training for Rheumatology Fellows Across Europe

The harmonization of rheumatology specialist training in Europe is deemed essential to support the current freedom of movement of rheumatologists and to guarantee standards of care for patients with rheumatic...

1.5 Decades Later: Bearing fruits from the ACR/EULAR exchange Program

1.5 Decades Later: Bearing fruits from the ACR/EULAR exchange Program

A Call to Arms

Photograph of a large gathering of Mexican men. In the photograph there are several men who have white bandanas around their hats and those bandanas have different words printed on them. . One of the bandanas has the word "Justicia" printed on one side of the hat and another bandana has the word "Tierra." Justicia means justice and Tierra means land or earth.