Chiral objects are defined as nonsuperimposable conformations that are mirror images of each other, much like a pair of left and right hands. In fact, the word "chiral" derives from the Greek word "χειρ" (kheir), which translates to "hand." Most biomolecules exist in only one particular conformation. For example, amino acids within large protein and peptide molecules are exclusively in the l-form (left-handed). It has long been considered that the phenomenon of homochirality (predominant occurrence of one conformation) could be linked to the origin of life. [1] These phenomena have inspired chemists and biologists to isolate, synthesize, and study the properties of chiral molecules. Research interest in chiral nanostructures has escalated rapidly since the early 2000s due to visionary reports that either predicted or demonstrated the potential applications of these materials. [2,3] In 2004, Pendry predicted that chiral metamaterials could be used to achieve negative refraction (Figure 1). [2] Following this seminal work, others demonstrated that such materials lead to circular dichroism (CD), [4] negative phase velocities, [5] and intense gyrotropy, [6] generating significant excitement within this emerging field. These properties can be harnessed to realize optical materials including "perfect lenses," [7] circular polarizers, [3] chiroptical sensors, [8] and negative refractive index materials. [9,10] In addition to these optical applications, chiral metallic nanostructures have been used for detection of biomolecular disease precursors, [11] chiral catalysis, [12] and chiral separations. [13] Many of the promising applications of chiral metallic nanostructures arise in part from their plasmonic chiroptical activity. At the nanoscale, individual metallic particles exhibit unique properties due to their high surface to volume ratio and geometric confinement of electrons. One particularly important property is the localized surface plasmon resonance (LSPR), [14] which occurs when the oscillation of surface electrons matches the frequency of incident photons. The spectral position and intensity of the LSPR depends not only on the size, shape, composition, and dielectric environment of the metallic nanoparticles (NPs) [15,16] but also on their aggregation state or assembly. [17] When metallic NPs are arranged in a chiral geometry, [18] the coupling of individual plasmons leads to collective plasmon oscillation across the entire structure. [19] Chiral NP assemblies may exhibit enhanced optical chirality in Chiral nanoparticle (NP) superstructures, in which discrete NPs are assembled into chiral architectures, represent an exciting and growing class of nanomaterials. Their enantiospecific properties make them promising candidates for a variety of potential applications. Helical NP superstructures are a rapidly expanding subclass of chiral nanomaterials in which NPs are arranged in three dimensions about a screw axis. Their intrinsic asymmetry gives rise to a variety of interesting properties, including plasmonic chir...

Our results provide the first direct evidence of accelerated joint tissue turnover in a mouse model responding to acute joint injury. These data strongly suggest that mouse SF recovery is feasible and that biomarker analysis of collected SF samples can augment traditional histological analyses in mouse models of arthritis.

The Ottawa Panel recommends land-based therapeutic exercise, notably strength training, for management of hip osteoarthritis in reducing pain, stiffness and self-reported disability, and improving physical function and range of motion.

ObjectivesTo examine the feasibility and potential benefits of early peer support to improve the health and quality of life of individuals with early inflammatory arthritis (EIA).DesignFeasibility study using the 2008 Medical Research Council framework as a theoretical basis. A literature review, environmental scan, and interviews with patients, families and healthcare providers guided the development of peer mentor training sessions and a peer-to-peer mentoring programme. Peer mentors were trained and paired with a mentee to receive (face-to-face or telephone) support over 12 weeks.SettingTwo academic teaching hospitals in Toronto, Ontario, Canada.ParticipantsNine pairs consisting of one peer mentor and one mentee were matched based on factors such as age and work status.Primary outcome measureMentee outcomes of disease modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs)/biological treatment use, self-efficacy, self-management, health-related quality of life, anxiety, coping efficacy, social support and disease activity were measured using validated tools. Descriptive statistics and effect sizes were calculated to determine clinically important (>0.3) changes. Peer mentor self-efficacy was assessed using a self-efficacy scale. Interviews conducted with participants examined acceptability and feasibility of procedures and outcome measures, as well as perspectives on the value of peer support for individuals with EIA. Themes were identified through constant comparison.ResultsMentees experienced improvements in the overall arthritis impact on life, coping efficacy and social support (effect size >0.3). Mentees also perceived emotional, informational, appraisal and instrumental support. Mentors also reported benefits and learnt from mentees’ fortitude and self-management skills. The training was well received by mentors. Their self-efficacy increased significantly after training completion. Participants’ experience of peer support was informed by the unique relationship with their peer. All participants were unequivocal about the need for peer support for individuals with EIA.ConclusionsThe intervention was well received. Training, peer support programme and outcome measures were demonstrated to be feasible with modifications. Early peer support may augment current rheumatological care.Trial registration numberNCT01054963, NCT01054131.

Objective: The purpose of the study is to determine if an updated online evidence-based educational programme delivered through Facebook is effective in improving the knowledge, skills, and self-efficacy of patients with arthritis in relation to evidence-based self-management rehabilitation interventions for osteoarthritis (OA) and rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Methods: Adult patients (>18 years old) with self-reported OA or RA were eligible for the study. One-hundred-and-ten participants were recruited from the general public and different arthritis patient organizations throughout Canada. Eleven participants were selected to participate in focus groups to select effective self-management strategies for OA and RA according to level of implementation burden. Ninety-nine participants were then selected to participate in the online Facebook intervention which included a 'group' web page providing case-based video clips on how to apply the selected self-management interventions. Over a three-month period participants were asked to complete three online questionnaires regarding Article at University of Birmingham on November 3, 2014 hej.sagepub.com Downloaded from 110 Health Education Journal 73 (1) their previous knowledge, intention to use/actual use of the self-management strategies, self-efficacy and confidence in managing their condition. Results: Knowledge acquisition scores improved among OA and RA participants with a mean difference of 1.8 (p < 0.01) when compared from baseline to immediate post-intervention. At three months postintervention, almost all self-management strategies were successful with participants following through on their intention to use the self-management strategies; however, statistically significant results were only demonstrated for 'aquatic jogging' (p < 0.05) and 'yoga' (p < 0.05) among OA participants, and 'aquatic therapy' (p < 0.01) among RA participants. Self-efficacy was maintained from immediate post-intervention to three months follow-up, and confidence improved as the study progressed. Conclusions: This online programme can provide patient organization representatives with the opportunity to learn about and integrate evidence-based self-management strategies for OA and RA in their daily lives, to increase their awareness of useful community resources, and support their efforts to disseminate the information to others with arthritis.