Dissecting ADAMTS proteoglycanase biology in development and disease

 This research was focused upon members of the ADAMTS family of 'proteinases', proteins that have enzymatic activity. Their dysregulation can cause developmental defects and disease. This thesis describes the expression and regulation of ADAMTS15, as well as new developmental functions and inhibition of ADAMTS5 in arthritis.

Positive changes in self-management and disease severity following climate therapy in people with psoriasis

The aim of this study was to investigate the impact of climate therapy on self-management in people with psoriasis. This was a prospective study of 254 adults with chronic psoriasis who participated in a 3-week climate therapy (CT) programme. The 8-scale Health Education Impact Questionnaire (heiQ) was completed at baseline, after 3 weeks of CT, and 3 months later. Change was assessed using paired sample t-tests mean (95% confidence interval) change scores (range 1-4). All heiQ scales showed statistically significant improvement after 3 weeks of CT. The greatest improvement was in Health-directed activity, followed by Emotional distress, and Skill and technique acquisition. At the 3-month follow-up, only the Emotional distress scale remained improved. In addition, disease severity (self-administered PASI; SAPASI) improved significantly from before CT to 3 weeks and 3 months after CT. This study suggests that CT provides a range of benefits that are important to people with psoriasis, particularly in the short term. A challenge is how to achieve long-term benefits.