Although
12thOctober isWorld Arthritis Day, the campaign
runs throughout the year to raise awareness of rheumatic and musculoskeletal
diseases (RMDs) in those who are affected, the medical community and the general
public. One of their broader aims is to influence public policy to ensure the
provision of adequate support for those who are affected with RMDs.
As such, open access research can play a pivotal role in substantiating their work, and from bench to bedside, there is an array of cutting-edge articles published in BioMed Central’s various journals. For example, a recentstudy by Lechleret al.inBMC Musculoskeletal Disordersanalyzing survivin expression in osteoarthritic cartilage and its function in primary human chondrocytesin vitrohighlights the potential role this antiapoptotic protein could play in understanding and utilizing cartilage regeneration therapies.
Asystematic review by Batterhamet al.assesses aquatic and land based exercise rehabilitation programs with both methods indicating no significant difference in patient quality outcomes, demonstrating the clinical relevance for future prescription of such exercise programs.
Looking primarily at influencing future policy decisions, in athree-part review seriespublished inPediatric Rheumatology, Dr Henrickson considers the challenges faced by the pediatric rheumatology workforce in meeting the needs of their patients. In discussing these issues, from the lack of exposure by primary care services, uneven institutional support in the field, limited patient access to self-management programs and multidisciplinary team care, Henrickson highlights the global crisis faced in this specialty field and offers creative suggestions to improve patient access to care.
BioMed Central will be exhibiting at this year’sAmerican College of Rheumatology congressfrom 5th – 9th November, in Chicago, USA. To speak to someone for more information on our journals and submitting your research, please do visit our booth (834).
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