Statistically significant improvements in arm function have been demonstrated following a programme of home-strengthening hand exercises in RA patients compared with simple stretches or advice alone.

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The RA PREM and the modified PREM provide new valuable validated tools for capturing the patient experience in a range of rheumatic conditions. The RA PREM is currently being used in a UK National Clinical Audit of Rheumatoid and Early Inflammatory Arthritis.

Our interest in structure-metabolism relationships of pharmacologically active l-phenyl-2-aminopropanes has led to in vivo investigations of the fate of the psychotomimetic amine l-(2,5-dimethoxy-4-methylphenyl)-2-aminopropane (1). Compound 1 was resolved via its o-nitrotartranilate salts and the absolute configurations were found to be (S)-( + ) and (fi)-(-). Determination of the enantiomeric composition of unmetabolized amine excreted in the urine of rabbits treated with racemic 1 established the R/S ratio to be equal to or greater than 1. With the aid of 1-14C (labeled at the benzylic position) ft has been established that 1 was extensively metabolized by the rabbit and that of several suspected metabolites only l-(2,5-dimethoxy-4-carboxyphenyl)-2-aminopropane was excreted to any great extent.

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Polymyalgia rheumatica and giant cell arteritis are relatively common, but under research inflammatory rheumatological conditions. This survey aimed to ascertain the matters in which patients feel they need support with these conditions and appraise how the Charity PMRGCAuk currently supports these needs and could do so in the future. PMRGCAuk members (n = 910) were invited to complete an on-line survey. The survey requested the respondent's history of PMR and or GCA, their perceived priorities for support for people with PMR and or GCA and views on the services already provided by the Charity. A total of 209 people completed the survey. Less than 24% had heard of either PMR or GCA before their diagnosis. Priorities in supporting people with PMR and or GCA included: being on and tapering off glucocorticoids (76.6%), specifically, length of treatment and the risks versus benefits and managing side effects. Respondents generally reported satisfaction with the services currently provided by PMRGCAuk. The support provided by PMRGCAuk is very helpful to members and fills an important gap in provision for people with PMR and or GCA. The areas in which the greatest proportions of participants requested support do not have an evidence base to underpin them. It is incumbent on the research community to address patients' concerns and provide an evidence base where it is required by those affected.

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