BioScientifica News Feed

Clinical Nurse Specialist in Endocrinology

Wed, 02 Jul 2008 12:00:00 GMT

Via http://www.jobs.nhs.uk. University College Hospital, London are inviting applications for the position of Clinical Nurse Specialist in Endocrinology. The postholder will work alongside the medical team and Clinical Nurse Specialists in an exciting area of outpatient medicine. The position requires excellent communication skills and the ability to work at all organisational levels as an autonomous practitioner. Applicants must have completed a degree in Nursing, Research or Ethics or be willing to work towards one. Previous experience in Endocrinology and Diabetes are desirable but not essential. Experience working with patients with chronic conditions is essential. The successful candidate will join an expanding unit which has an international reputation for research and clinical services. The department is based into the new UCLH building on Euston Road in Central London where new specialist clinics are being developed in Endocrinology. For further information and details on how to apply for this post, please click on the link below. The closing date for applications is 21 July 2008, however, late applications will also be accepted, - please contact Sofia Llahana at: sofia.llahana@uclh.nhs.uk.

Further details

The 10 Gigabase Sequencing and Transcriptome Analysis Grant

Wed, 02 Jul 2008 12:00:00 GMT

Roche Applied Science are pleased to announce their 10 Gigabase Grant Program for DNA sequencing and transcriptome analysis studies. The grant program will award up to 10 gigabases of DNA or cDNA sequencing data to an individual, institution, or corporation. The winning grant recipient(s) will be responsible for the experimental design, the quality and submission of the appropriate samples, and the analysis and interpretation of the resulting data. Roche Applied Science will perform all sequencing, primary data generation, and analysis using the Genome Sequencer FLX System, developed by 454 Life Sciences. The 10 gigabases of data will be generated using the new Genome Sequencer FLX reagents that produce an average of 400-base-pair read lengths. In total, up to 25 million sequencing reads will be generated, resulting in 10 gigabases of information. Interested parties should submit a proposal (1500 words maximum) outlining the goals of their DNA sequencing or transcriptome analysis project as it relates to their specific research needs. The deadline for grant submission is 8 August 2008 and the winning grant recipient(s) will be announced on 1 November 2008. Please visit the website below for grant submission guidelines and additional information.

Grant website

Obesity and Cancer Conference

Wed, 02 Jul 2008 12:00:00 GMT

The Association for the Study of Obesity (ASO) are holding a conference entitled 'Obesity and Cancer' on Tuesday 4 November 2008 at the Institute of Child Health in London. For further information, please visit the website below or contact Ms C Hawkins, Administrative Officer, Association for The Study of Obesity, 20 Brook Meadow Close, Woodford Green, Essex IG8 9NR. E-mail: chris@aso.ndo.co.uk. Tel/Fax: 020 8503 2042.

ASO website

Diet: Women warned that junk food in pregnancy may hit child's health (Guardian, 1 July 2008)

Wed, 02 Jul 2008 12:00:00 GMT

New research from the Royal Veterinary College, London shows that following a diet of junk food during pregnancy may lead to increased risks of long-term health complications for the offspring, such as diabetes and heart disease.

Full article

13th International Congress of Hormonal Steroids and Hormones & Cancer

Thu, 26 Jun 2008 12:00:00 GMT

The 13th International Congress of Hormonal Steroids and Hormones & Cancer is taking place in Quebec City, Canada on 27-30 September 2008. The deadline for abstract submission and early-bird registration is 4 August 2008. To find out more, please click on the link below or email info@ichshc2008.com

Conference website

36th Meeting of the British Society for Paediatric Endocrinology and Diabetes

Thu, 26 Jun 2008 12:00:00 GMT

The 36th meeting of the British Society for Paediatric Endocrinology and Diabetes is taking place on 5-7 November 2008 at Brangwyn Hall, Swansea, UK. The abstract deadline for this meeting is 1 August 2008. For more information please click on the link below or email conferences@endocrinology.org.

BSPED meeting webpage

King's College London: Chair/ Reader of Human Nutrition and Metabolism (clinical or non-clinical)

Thu, 26 Jun 2008 12:00:00 GMT

Applications are invited from both clinical and non-clinical academics for the post of Chair/Reader of Human Nutrition and Metabolism. The post has been established as part of a £4.5 million package funded by Tate & Lyle to strengthen research on obesity and related disorders (metabolic syndrome/type 2 diabetes) carbohydrate biology. King’s College London has an expanding multidisciplinary research programme in metabolic syndrome and obesity, which this post will support. Clinical research in this group has been furthered by building a Clinical Research Facility at St Thomas’ Hospital which opened in April 2008. The post will be suitable for either a leading non-clinical scientist or a clinical academic. In the latter case, clinical sessions would be available within Guys and St Thomas’ Foundation Trust in the relevant clinical disciplines (diabetes/general medicine/pathology/clinical pharmacology) and an honorary clinical contract would be arranged. The appointed person would be expected to develop research of international excellence, focused upon human nutrition and metabolism within this multidisciplinary programme. The opportunities for collaboration, together with state of the art facilities, offer a unique opportunity for an outstanding individual to lead an international programme in one of the UK’s premier nutrition groups. The post-holder will also contribute to the teaching and administration of the UK’s longest established undergraduate nutrition programme and a number of very popular postgraduate research degrees. Informal enquiries may be addressed to: Professor Tom Sanders Head of Division of Nutritional Sciences. Email: tom.sanders@kcl.ac.uk

Vacancy website

RSM meeting: Gender identity disorder in adolescents

Thu, 26 Jun 2008 12:00:00 GMT

The Royal Society of Medicine is holding a meeting on "Gender identity disorder in adolescents" on Wednesday 1 October 2008 at RSM in London. The aims of this meeting are to address what Gender Identity Disorder is in an adolescent, from the perspective of its prevalence and natural history, and attempt to determine aetiology in relation to cognitive development and endocrine factors in utero. The recognition from functional imaging studies that even the structure of the brain is still maturing throughout adolescence adds further complexity to the assessment of GID in this age group. For more information, please click on the link below.

Conference website

New impact factors for Society for Endocrinology journals

Wed, 25 Jun 2008 12:00:00 GMT

The Society’s journals have again made a good showing in the new impact factors that have just been released. The new figures are as follows: Journal of Endocrinology 2.636; Journal of Molecular Endocrinology 2.801; Endocrine-Related Cancer 5.193; Clinical Endocrinology 3.370. ERC has improved its impact factor this year and has sailed past the Factor 5 mark. Clinical Endocrinology has also improved its impact factor this year. JOE and JME have shown a downward revision in their impact factors, attributable perhaps to a significant increase in the number of research papers published during 2005-06. Both these journals continue to be popular with both our readers and researchers. Our congratulations to the respective editors and their editorial boards.

SfE journals

Impact Factors released

Wed, 25 Jun 2008 12:00:00 GMT

We are pleased to announce the new impact factors for our journals. The European Journal of Endocrinology is now at 3.239, its highest ever value; the Journal of Endocrinology is now at 2.636; Endocrine-Related Cancer has been returning strong results for the past few years and this year is 5.193, and the Journal of Molecular Endocrinology is now at 2.801. Although JOE and JME have returned slightly lower values than previous years, they continue to show keen interest amongst readers and researchers.

ESE Journals

ESE year end accounts for 2007

Wed, 25 Jun 2008 12:00:00 GMT

The ESE year end accounts for 2007 have been reviewed by the Honorary Auditors and approved at the 2008 AGM. A copy of the detailed income and expenditure account is available in the members section on the ESE website.

ESE members' area

ESE Constitution

Wed, 25 Jun 2008 12:00:00 GMT

The ESE would like to advise members that the ESE Memorandum and Articles of Association and Byelaws have recently been updated. As approved at the Annual General Meeting (6 May 2008) the Memorandum of Association has now been amended to reflect the ESE's status as a Charity in the dissolution clause 8. The simplified membership application process was also approved at the Annual General Meeting and both the Articles of Association (clause 2) and the Byelaws (clause 1.1a and clause 2) have been updated to reflect this change. At the last meeting, May 2008, of the ESE Executive Committee it was agreed to make the following amendments to the ESE Byelaws: a. To amend clause 2.3 by deleting "no reason need be given, but" from the beginning of the second sentence. b. To insert a new clause 9 regarding the approval of ESE Contracts and Agreements. Clause 9.1 states that "All contracts and official agreements and documents of the Society should be signed by the current President of the ESE and one other Executive Committee member". Please click on the link below to see the revised documents.

ESE Constitution

Samuel Leonard Simpson Fellowships in Endocrinology

Fri, 20 Jun 2008 12:00:00 GMT

Via www.rdfunding.org.uk. The Royal College of Physicians (RCP) offer these fellowships on an annual basis, subject to funds, in honour of Dr Samuel Leonard Simpson, a pioneer of British endocrinology. The fellowships aim to encourage exchange of ideas and the opportunity to learn new techniques, and are offered to one or more scientists each year. For further details and to download an application form, please visit the RCP website below, or contact the Trust Funds Administrator on tel: 020 7935 1174 ext. 564, or email: trustfunds@rcplondon.ac.uk. The closing date for applications is 1 September 2008.

RCP website

Lecturer/Senior Lecturer, King's College London

Fri, 20 Jun 2008 12:00:00 GMT

Two positions are available for Lecturer/Senior Lecturer posts within the Division of Reproduction and Endocrinology, King's College, London. Applicants should be established scientists at Lecturer/Senior Lecturer level with relevant experience in the areas of either obesity/type 2 diabetes, premature labour or stem cell biology. The postholder will be responsible for the co-ordination of research projects and would be expected to attract new research funding in experimental and clinical research. Applicants should have a relevant PhD or equivalent experience, a proven track record of research excellence and publications in leading journals in the field. The salary for will be in the range of £29,138 - £51,095 per annum plus £2,323 per annum London Allowance. Informal enquiries can be made by contacting Professor Lucilla Poston, Head of Division, Reproduction and Endocrinology at: lucilla.poston@kcl.ac.uk. Information packs can be found at the website below or by emailing: HSrecruit4@kcl.ac.uk. The closing date is 17 July 2008.

Further information

Clinical Lecturer, University of Birmingham

Fri, 20 Jun 2008 12:00:00 GMT

Via www.jobs.ac.uk. A post is available for a clinical lecturer with a special interest in Endocrinology/Diabetes in the Division of Medical Sciences, University of Birmingham. The vacant post represents one of four clinical lectureships in General Medicine, Endocrinology and Diabetes which participate in a rotation and training programme with the University Hospital Birmingham Foundation NHS Trust and the Heart of England Foundation NHS Trust. Applicants will be expected to be involved in the care of patients with general medical, endocrine and diabetic problems, to teach undergraduate and postgraduate students, and to carry out research in line with the current activities of the Division. Possession of MRCP is essential. Please direct informal enquiries to Professor JA Franklyn on tel: + 44 (0) 121 415 8711 or email: j.a.franklyn@bham.ac.uk or Professor AH Barnett on tel: + 44 (0) 121 424 3587 or email: anthony.barnett@heartofengland.nhs.uk. The starting salary will be on a scale of £29,580 to £50,219 a year (appointment will be made at the appropriate threshold). The post is available for a period of 5 years or 6 months after the completion of your CCT, whichever is the sooner. Please visit the website below for further information. The closing date for applications is 12 July 2008.

Further details

Two BBSRC-funded PhD studenships at the University of Bristol

Fri, 20 Jun 2008 12:00:00 GMT

Via www.jobs.ac.uk. Two four year PhD studentships are being offered by the University of Bristol, based at the Henry Wellcome Laboratories for Integrative Neuroscience & Endocrinology (LINE). The studentships are funded by the BBSRC and will include taught elements from the university's MSc in Molecular Neuroscience programme, details of which can be found at the link below. Applicants will have the choice of four projects to choose from: 1. Pathways for oxytocin-induced calcium sensitization in human myometrial cells. 2. The role of transcription factor Creb3l1 in hypothalamic remodeling. 3. The APJ receptor as a novel regulator of water balance, the stress response and endocrine functions. 4. Significance of epigenetic mechanisms in dentate gyrus neurons in stress-related learning and memory processes. To apply, please send a full CV together with a supporting statement and contact details of at least two academic referees, via email to Jill Locke-Edmunds, Department Manager at: Jill.Locke-Edmunds@bristol.ac.uk. For further details of the projects, please visit the website below. The closing date for applications is 7 July 2008.

MSc in Molecular Neuroscience

Project details

ESE and Young Active Research

Thu, 19 Jun 2008 12:00:00 GMT

The ESE are pleased to announce a collaboration with the group Young Active Research. Young Active Research has been active for 10 years, and are a group of young endocrine researchers. The ESE looks forward to the collaboration and together supporting the young endocrinologists in Europe. For further information please visit the website below.

Young Active Research

Letter from ESE President

Newton International Fellowships

Wed, 18 Jun 2008 12:00:00 GMT

The Newton International Fellowships are run by the Royal Society, the British Academy and the Royal Academy of Engineering. The fellowships are aimed at early stage post-doctoral researchers from anywhere in the world, and provide support for two years at a UK institute. They provide grants of £24,000 per annum to cover subsistence and £8,000 to cover research expenses, plus a one-off relocation allowance of £2,000. For further information and to apply for a fellowship, please visit the website below. The closing date for applications is 4 August 2008.

Newton Fellowships

Drugs don't work. . . but thinking you've taken them does (The Times, 18 June 2008)

Wed, 18 Jun 2008 12:00:00 GMT

In a study led by Dr Ken Ho, Sydney, Australia, a group of athletes were given growth hormone or a placebo and the affects on their performance monitored. The results highlighted the power of the mind, as athletes who had taken the placebo showed significantly improved performance.

Full article

EMBO Molecular Medicine Fellowship

Tue, 17 Jun 2008 12:00:00 GMT

The EMBO molecular medicine fellowships are aimed at improving collaborations between research scientists and clinicians. The awards cover travel and subsistence expenses for fellows visiting laboratories in a different country only. For full eligibility criteria and to apply for a fellowship, please visit the EMBO website below. The deadline for applications is 15 August 2008.

EMBO website

'Hunger hormone' depression link (BBC Online, 16 June 2008)

Tue, 17 Jun 2008 12:00:00 GMT

A study published in the journal Nature Neuroscience has shown that mice with increased levels of the hormone ghrelin, were less likely to exhibit signs of depression.

Full article

Med diet 'helps prevent diabetes' (BBC Online, 29 May 2008)

Tue, 17 Jun 2008 12:00:00 GMT

A study of over 14,000 Spanish volunteers has suggested that following a Mediterranean diet high in fruit and vegetables may lower the risk of developing type two diabetes.

Full article

Society Travel Grants to attend Conferences and Overseas Meetings

Tue, 17 Jun 2008 12:00:00 GMT

The Society for Endocrinology travel grants are available for members to attend Society conferences and other overseas endocrine meetings. The next deadline for applications is 15 August 2008. For further information and to apply for a travel grant, please click on the link below.

Society travel grants

British Pharmacological Society: Joint Symposium Obesity and Metabolic Diseases Special Interest Group & Clinical Pharmacology Section

Tue, 17 Jun 2008 12:00:00 GMT

This event will take place at the British Pharmacological Society (BPS) winter meeting on 17 December 2008 at the Hilton Brighton Metropole Hotel, Brighton. Talks will be given by: Prof Steve Bloom (Imperial College, London) 'New targets - peripheral obesity', Dr Bruce Sargent (AMRI, USA) 'New targets - central obesity', Dr Nick Finer (Wellcome Clinical Research Facility, Cambridge) 'Clinical challenges:can current drugs compete with surgery?' and Dr Douglas Greene (Sanofi-Aventis, USA) 'Regulatory hurdles'. Abstract submission and online registration open on 4 September 2008 at the website below. For further information please email: meetings@bps.ac.uk.

BPS website

One out of four obese school-aged children suffers metabolic syndrome forty years earlier than is typical (AlphaGalileo, 11 June 2008)

Tue, 17 Jun 2008 12:00:00 GMT

A Spanish study has shown that one in four children between the ages of 6-12 suffer from metabolic syndrome, due to childhood obesity.

Full article

FEBS/EMBO Women in Science Award

Tue, 17 Jun 2008 12:00:00 GMT

This award aims to highlight outstanding contributions of women to life sciences research. Organised jointly by the Federation of European Biochemical Societies (FEBS) and European Molecular Biology Organisation (EMBO), the winner will receive a grant of 10,000 Euros, and present a plenary lecture at the 2008 FEBS Congress in Athens. For further details, eligibility criteria and to make a nomination, please visit the website below. The deadline for award nominations is 1 September 2008.

Award website

Controversies to Consensus in Diabetes, Obesity and Hypertension (CODHy) - Abstract submission deadline

Mon, 16 Jun 2008 12:00:00 GMT

The 2nd world congress on Controversies to Consensus in Diabetes, Obesity and Hypertension (CODHy) is taking place in Barcelona, Spain on 30 October - 2 November 2008. The deadline for abstract submission is 20 June 2008 and the early registration deadline for this event is 10 July 2008. For further details, please click on the links below.

Abstract submission

Registration

Undergraduate Achievement Award - Apply now!

Mon, 16 Jun 2008 12:00:00 GMT

The Society for Endocrinology Undergraduate Achievement Awards have been established to recognise outstanding achievement in the study of endocrinology by undergraduate students. Successful departments will receive an award of £300/yr (for a period of 3 years) and a certificate for the undergraduate award winner. Applications will open on 18 June 2008 and close on 17 July 2008. For full details, please visit the website below.

Award website

National Endocrine Nursing Conference - Registration now available

Mon, 16 Jun 2008 12:00:00 GMT

We will be holding a National Endocrine Nursing Conference in Exeter, UK on 8-10 September 2008. This year the topic for the conference will be 'The pituitary gland - function, disease and treatment'. Online registration is now open at the link below.

Registration

ECE 2009 - website now live

Mon, 16 Jun 2008 12:00:00 GMT

The 11th European Congress of Endocrinology will be hosted by the Society of Endocrinology and Metabolism of Turkey (SEMT) and will be held in Istanbul on 25-29 April 2009. Abstract submission for ECE 2009 will open on 1 July 2008 and will be available until 24 November 2008. For full details of ECE 2009, and to submit an abstract, please visit the website below.

ECE 2009

UPDATE 3-Ipsen seeks U.S. growth with $404 mln Tercica deal (Reuters, 5 June 2008)

Mon, 16 Jun 2008 12:00:00 GMT

The French pharmaceutical company Ipsen, have announced they will be buying their American partner company, Tercica Inc, for $404 million.

Full article

Breast cancer 'wonder drug' wins licence for use in Britain (The Daily Telegraph, 13 June 2008)

Mon, 16 Jun 2008 12:00:00 GMT

A new breast cancer drug - Lapatinib, has received its European licence and may prove to be as successful as Herceptin, the current top drug for breast cancer treatment.

Full article

Society for Endocrinology call for medal nominations

Mon, 16 Jun 2008 12:00:00 GMT

The Society awards 5 medals annually in recognition of outstanding contributions to endocrinology. All members are now welcome to submit nominations for the 2010 medals. Please click on the link below to view the citations, download a nomination form and view previous medallists. The deadline for nominations is 14 July 2008.

Medal nominations

Glycosmedia - an international diabetes news service

Mon, 16 Jun 2008 12:00:00 GMT

Glycosmedia is a free and editorially independent diabetes news service. It exists to bring the latest diabetes news and information to professionals working in the field of diabetes, both in the clinic and in research. It will also be of interest to allied professionals involved with, or interested in diabetes, and to patients wishing to keep abreast of latest developments The content is selected "by hand" and does not use an automated trawl of the net. As well as being available online, the free subscription email service will deliver a listing of the most pertinent news directly to your inbox every day. To subscribe to Glycosmedia's free email service, please visit the link below.

Glycosmedia website

Committee vacancies

Mon, 16 Jun 2008 12:00:00 GMT

This is your chance to play a role in running your Society. Several vacancies are available on the Awards, Clinical, Nurse, Programme and Science Committees. Terms of office start on 1 January 2009 and run for 4 years. Full committee remits and a nomination form can be found at the website below, under the relevant committee. The deadline for receipt of nominations is 31 July 2008.

Committee vacancies

Study suggests testosterone levels may be driven by looks (The Daily Telegraph, 2 June 2008)

Thu, 12 Jun 2008 12:00:00 GMT

A study of North American barn swallows shows that testosterone levels may be driven by looks, rather than the other way round.

Full article

Lifespan cheer for breast cancer (BBC Online, 11 June 2008)

Thu, 12 Jun 2008 12:00:00 GMT

The NHS Cancer Screening Programme audit has found that women diagnosed with breast cancer through screening programmes are just as likely to live as long as women without the disease.

Full article

Anthony Nolan Trust Cord Blood Programme: Cord Blood Available for Research

Thu, 12 Jun 2008 12:00:00 GMT

The Anthony Nolan Trust runs the UK's most successful Bone Marrow Register, and has been taking lives back from leukaemia for over 30 years. We are embarking upon an exciting new project which will save even more lives: the Anthony Nolan Trust Cord Blood Programme, the UK's first charitable Cord Blood Bank and integrated research institute. As well as collecting cord blood for haematopoietic transplant, we will use samples for research and make it available to the UK research community. Please help us assess the need for ethically collected clinical grade cord blood by completing the short survey at the link below.

Survey website

Diabetes cases could reach 4m by 2025 (Guardian, 9 June 2008)

Thu, 12 Jun 2008 12:00:00 GMT

Diabetes UK has warned that the nation's growing obesity problem is fuelling a dramatic rise in cases of diabetes. The news comes as the Government extends its 'healthy-town' project in an attempt to combat the country's obesity crisis.

Full article

Gene-based diabetes therapy paves way for personalised medicine for all (The Times, 7 June 2008)

Thu, 12 Jun 2008 12:00:00 GMT

A therapy for diabetes based on an individual's genetic make-up, could revolutionise the treatment of this chronic disease.

Full article

Obese children find it harder to sleep (The Daily Telegraph, 10 June 2008)

Thu, 12 Jun 2008 12:00:00 GMT

Scientists in America have found obese children find it harder to get to sleep and are more tired during the day compared to their classmates.

Full article

PRKAR2B in adrenocortical adenomas

Mon, 09 Jun 2008 12:00:00 GMT

The cAMP/protein kinase A (PKA) pathway has important implications in adrenocortical tumourigenesis. PKA is a heterotetramer with two regulatory subunits (encoded by 4 genes: PRKAR1A, PRKAR1B, PRKAR2A and PRKAR2B) and two catalytic subunits. Inactivating mutations in PRKAR1A have been observed in Carney complex and a subset of adrenocortical tumours (ACT). Most adrenocortical adenomas are non-secreting, but some cause symptoms caused by excess steroid secretion. Malignant adrenocortical cancers (ACC) can have consequences that are due to both steroid oversecretion and tumor growth or metastasis. This study by Vincent-Dejean et al aimed to search for alterations in PKA subunits in ACT which have no PRKAR1A mutation, and the consequences on PKA activity. The study used 35 ACT of which 10 were non-secreting adrenocortical adenomas (ACA-NS), 13 cortisol-secreting adenomas (ACA-S) and 12 were malignant (ACC). The PKA subunits were analysed using western blot and RT-qPCR and sequencing analysis of the PRKAR2B gene. Of the ACA-S adenomas, a subgroup (ACA-S2) with a 96% PRKAR2B protein decrease compared to normal adrenal levels was identified. Basal PKA activity was high in ACA-S2. These sACA with loss of PRKAR2B protein were small, benign, cortisol-secreting tumours with a homogenous phenotype. Loss of the PRKAR2B protein was due to a post-transcriptional mechanism, which represents a new mechanism of cAMP pathway alteration in adrenocortical tumourigenesis.

The results demonstrate that deficiency of PRKAR2B protein is a common event in cortisol-secreting ACA, which could involve up to 50% of these adenomas. The authors conclude that the state of various subunits of PKA varies between ACC and ACA, and is likely to reflect different pathological mechanisms. Vincent-Dejean, C., Cazabat, L., Groussin, L., Perlemoine, K., Fumey, G., Tissier, F., Bertagna, X., Bertherat, J. European Journal of Endocrinology 158: 829-839. DOI: 10.1530/EJE-07-0819

ESE Journals: New Accepted Preprint Service

Mon, 09 Jun 2008 12:00:00 GMT

Abstracts of articles accepted into the official journals of the ESE: European Journal of Endocrinology, Journal of Endocrinology, Journal of Molecular Endocrinology and Endocrine-Related Cancer can be viewed online free of charge via the 'New! Accepted Preprint' link on the journals’ home page. Abstracts are also being made available in Pubmed soon after acceptance. Subscribers can also access the Accepted Preprints, a new improved service where the full texts of authors’ manuscripts are posted online immediately upon acceptance, prior to copyediting, page layout and proofing.

Society Journals: New Accepted Preprint Service

Mon, 09 Jun 2008 12:00:00 GMT

Abstracts of articles accepted into the Society’s journals: Journal of Endocrinology, Journal of Molecular Endocrinology and Endocrine-Related Cancer can be viewed online free of charge via the 'New! Accepted Preprint' link on the journals’ home page. Abstracts are also being made available in Pubmed soon after acceptance. Subscribers can also access the Accepted Preprints, a new improved service where the full texts of authors’ manuscripts are posted online immediately upon acceptance, prior to copyediting, page layout and proofing.

National Osteoporosis Society Research Grants

Wed, 04 Jun 2008 12:00:00 GMT

The National Osteoporosis Society (NOS) are inviting applications for their 2008 research grants. NOS will be funding a Linda Edwards Memorial PhD Studentship as well as project grants and innovative awards up to a total amount of £250,000. The amount available to fund individual project grants will be £150,000 for this grants round. There will be using a two-stage application process; the closing date for stage 1 is 31 July 2008. Full details of the grants available and the application forms are available at the link below.

NOS grant website

Type 2 diabetes: National clinical guideline for management in primary and secondary care (update)

Mon, 02 Jun 2008 12:00:00 GMT

The National Collaborating Centre for Chronic Conditions at the Royal College of Physicians (RCP) have issued an updated clinical guideline on the management and care of type 2 diabetes. The guideline contains invaluable information for diabetologists, dieticians, general practitioners, nurses and healthcare professionals involved in the management and care of people with type 2 diabetes. For further information on the RCP guideline, please visit their website below.

RCP guideline

Biosciences Federation Science Communication Award 2008 - Call for Nominations

Tue, 27 May 2008 12:00:00 GMT

The Biosciences Federation (BSF) are requesting nominations for the 2008 Science Communication Award. This Award recognises research-active bioscientists from UK universities or institutes who make an outstanding and consistent contribution to communicating science to the public. There are two categories of Award: Category A (£500 prize): New Researcher - for bioscience researchers currently reading for a Masters or PhD, or in the first year of a post-doctoral position; Category B (£1500 prize): Established Researcher - for bioscience researchers who are beyond the first stages of their research career, as defined in category A above. For further information and to download a nomination form, please visit the website below. The closing date for nominations is 24 August 2008.

Award website

13th Meeting of the European Neuroendocrine Association-ENEA 2008

Thu, 22 May 2008 12:00:00 GMT

The 13th meeting of the ENEA will take place in Antalya, Turkey on 17-20 October 2008. The meeting will feature all the latest innovations in neuroendocrinology in addition to clinical sessions on diseases of the hypothalamus and pituitary. The scientific programme is now available at the website below, where you can also register for the meeting.

ENEA website

ESPE Visiting Scholarship

Fri, 16 May 2008 12:00:00 GMT

The European Society for Paediatric Endocrinology (ESPE) Visiting Scholarship offers financial support to members of the Society or to their collaborators in the view of gathering information and experience on a specific research issue OR on a laboratory technique in the field of paediatric endocrinology. Proposed projects should endeavour to increase general know-how in paediatric endocrinology at the recipient's home institution. Scholarships of Euro 2,500 are awarded four times a year on the basis of nominations made by an ESPE member. Priority will be given to applicants who demonstrate how they intend to bring important knowledge and/or techniques back to their home institution. Further details and scholarship application forms can be found at the website below. The next closing date for applications is 31 July 2008.

ESPE scholarship website

Significance of low levels of thyroglobin in fine needle aspirates in differentiated thyroid cancer patients

Fri, 09 May 2008 12:00:00 GMT

Differentiated thyroid cancer (DTC) patients treated by surgery may develop recurrence in the form of metastatic lymph nodes, meaning that long-term follow-up is important. Cytological analysis of the washout from a fine needle aspiration (FNA) biopsy to determine thyroglobin (Tg) levels has been reported previously to have 100% sensitivity and 96% specificity and is recommended for follow-up of DTC patients. However, there is no standardized method in performing the needle washout, and the possibility of interferences between Tg and Tg antibodies has been suggested. A study by Borel et al., used 34 DTC patients with 53 cervical lymph nodes, 26 non-thyroidectomized patients with thyroid-unrelated cervical mass as negative controls and 13 patients with 21 thyroid nodules as positive controls, from which the levels of FNATg were measured. All 26 negative controls showed FNATg levels less than 1ng /FNA while all 21 positive controls showed FNATg levels 127 – 210 000 ng/FNA. Among the DTC patients 25 lymph nodes in 16 patients were benign and showed 1 with low FNATg levels (6ng/FNA) while the remainder were undetectable; 19 lymph nodes with a malignant cytology showed high FNATg levels, except in 2 oncocytic DTC metastasis (6.6 and 7ng/FNA), finally FNATg was also high in a lymph node with a non-informative FNA cytology which proved to be a DTC metastasis. FNA was performed using spinal needles, cells were spread onto a glass slide and 1 ml saline solution was aspirated through the needle using a triple pumping action. The washout was analysed using an IRMA to determine FNATg levels. The results show the correct detection of thyroid cells in the FNATg of the positive group and no evidence of interference of serum Tg in the negative group. The authors conclude that the method of FNATg of lymph nodes reported in this study provides a useful method of detecting lymph node metastasis in the follow-up of DTC patients and that low levels of FNATg can be an indication of DTC metastasis. Borel, A-L., Boize, R., Faure, P., Barbe, G., Boutonnat, J., Sturm, N., Seigneurin, D., Bricault, I., Caravel, J-P., Chaffanjon, P., Chabre, O. European Journal of Endocrinology, 158, 691-698. DOI: 10.1530/EJE-07-0749

European Clinical Research Programme in Adolescents with Type 2 Diabetes

Fri, 09 May 2008 12:00:00 GMT

Via www.rdfunding.org.uk. European Foundation for the Study of Diabetes (EFSD) and Novo Nordisk A/S are calling for applications for research grants aimed at finding a cure for type 2 diabetes and its complications. The duration of each grant award may be one year or longer, depending upon the needs of the project and as justified in the application, so long as the total budget does not exceed the fixed sum of Euro 100,000. Application forms can be requested by emailing Foundation@easd.org. The deadline for applications is 10 July 2008. For full details please visit the website below.

EFSD website

MRC Milstein Fund Awards - Call for proposals

Thu, 08 May 2008 12:00:00 GMT

The MRC are now inviting proposals for the Milstein Fund Award. Any UK based researcher who can demonstrate a proven track record in their own scientific field and will be able to demonstrate highly innovative ideas and approaches to contemporary challenges in medical research can apply for this award. In 2006, the MRC developed the Milstein Fund specifically to support pioneering and original research ideas with potential for high impact, which may involve a diverse range of disciplines, be too novel, or be at an early stage to fare well the usual review and assessment processes. For full details, eligibility criteria and how to apply for this award, please visit the link below. The deadline for receipt of proposals is Monday 16 July 2008. The Milstein panel will meet to consider the short-listed proposals in December 2008.

Further information

Pituitary Foundation 2nd Annual Strawberry Line Walk

Thu, 08 May 2008 12:00:00 GMT

The Pituitary Foundation is pleased to announce the 2nd Annual Strawberry Line Walk which will take place on 27 September 2008. This sponsored walk between Yatton and Cheddar will be the culmination of Pituitary Awareness Week, and aims to raise funds and awareness of pituitary conditions. Please tell your family, friends and colleagues! For further details and to register for this event please visit the Pituitary Foundation website below. If you are unable to participate and wish to sponsor this event, you can do so at the link below.

Sponsorship website

Pituitary Foundation website

BBSRC Industry Interchange Programme

Wed, 07 May 2008 12:00:00 GMT

The BBSRC is inviting applications for its Industry Interchange Programme. This initiative seeks to fund short-term exchanges between researchers working in the science base and industry. Individual awards are likely to be in the range of £10,000 - £30,000 and unlikely to exceed £50,000. The lead participant at the academic partner must hold a permanent academic post and be a current/past BBSRC research grant holder with a research grant of relevance to the planned exchange. The closing date for applications is 1 September 2008. More information can be obtained by visiting the link below, or by contacting Adam Webb on Tel: 01793 413390, Email: industry.interchange@bbsrc.ac.uk.

BBSRC website

British Thyroid Foundation Research Awards 2008

Tue, 29 Apr 2008 12:00:00 GMT

The British Thyroid Foundation (BTF) are offering two 1-year awards for up to £10,000 to fund one basic science and one clinical project. Funds will be awarded for consumables, running costs and essential equipment. These awards are intended for projects specifically directed towards the study of thyroid disorders. Further information and application forms can be found at the link below, or by writing to: BTF Research Award, PO Box 97, Clifford, Wetherby, LS23 6XD. The closing date for receipt of applications is 31 August 2008.
BTF website

Effects of GH treatment in GH-deficient adults on adiponectin, leptin and pregnancy-associated plasma protein-A

Mon, 21 Apr 2008 12:00:00 GMT
Untreated GH deficient (GHD) adults have shown increased cardiovascular morbidity and mortality, increased atherosclerotic plaques, and increased intima-media thickness of carotid arteries. Along with the altered body composition of GHD adults, changes in lipid profile, insulin resistance and lowered exercise capacity, this leads to a high cardiovascular risk for such patients. Pregnancy-associated plasma protein-A (PAPP-A) has been proposed as a marker of an increased risk of atherothrombotic events in general, with levels correlating with carotid intima-media thickness, an early indicator of cardiovascular events. Joaquim et al conducted a clinical study on 14 GHD adults in whom levels of PAPP-A, leptin, fibrinogen and high-sensitive C-reactive protein (hsCRP) were measured at baseline and after 1 year of GH replacement therapy. The study found that at baseline GHD adults had higher PAPP-A, leptin, fibrinogen and hsCRP levels than controls. GH therapy was shown to decrease levels of PAPP-A and fibrinogen, while leptin and adiponectin levels showed no change. The fourteen adult onset GHD patients were assessed and matched with 28 healthy control subjects, for age, sex, body mass index and menopausal status. Blood samples were taken after an overnight fast, centrifuged, and analysed for a number of constituents including, PAPP-A leptin, fibrinogen and hsCRP using appropriate assays for each. The study concluded that PAPP-A serum concentrations were higher in GHD patients than in matched controls and that GH therapy lowered PAPP-A levels. Although the study used a small number of patients, it is the first to study PAPP-A levels in GHD adults and represents a novel finding. The authors speculate that GH therapy may reverse early onset atherosclerosis and decrease the cardiovascular risk in these patients. It is recommended that further and larger studies are required to determine whether the decrease in PAPP-A levels as observed in this study does lead to a reduction in cardiovascular events in GHD patients. Joaquin, C., Aguilera, E., Granada, M.L., Pastor, M.C., Salinas, I., Alonso, N., Sanmartí, A. European Journal of Endocrinology, 158, 483-490. DOI: 10.1530/EJE-07-0554

Programme for the Study of Metabolic Toxicity in Diabetes

Mon, 21 Apr 2008 12:00:00 GMT
Via www.rdfunding.org.uk. The European Foundation for the Study of Diabetes (EFSD) along with GlaxoSmithKline are offering project grants for up to £80,000 for research in the field of metabolic toxicity in diabetes. Full details of these grants can be found at the website below. The deadline for receipt of applications is 1 October 2008. For further information, please contact Dr Viktor Jörgens: Telephone: +49-211-758469-0, email: Foundation@easd.org.
EFSD website

British Society for Neuroendocrinology - Research Visit Grants

Wed, 16 Apr 2008 12:00:00 GMT
Via www.rdfunding.org.uk. The British Society for Neuroendocrinology (BSN) is offering research travel grants to support scientists visiting research labs in order to learn a technique or to carry out experiments essential to complete a project. Awards will be up to a maximum of £1000 and are only available for BSN members. The closing date is 1 September 2008. For further information, please contact Dr Alison Douglas, Email: alison.j.douglas@ed.ac.uk or visit the website below.
BSN Research Visit Grant

The 16th Simpson Symposium - Pregnancy: Ensuring the best outcome

Wed, 16 Apr 2008 12:00:00 GMT
The Simpson Symposia are held in honour of Sir James Young Simpson, a world leader in the field of obstetrics and gynaecology. This year's symposium will be held in Edinburgh on 31 August - 2 September 2008 and will be comprised of oral and poster presentations in addition to the Simpson Lecture, this year presented by Professor Andrew Calder. For further information on this event, please visit the website below.
Website

Diabetes UK - RD Lawrence Research Fellowships

Wed, 16 Apr 2008 12:00:00 GMT
Via www.rdfunding.org.uk. The aim of the RD Lawrence Research Fellowships are to enable scientists in the early postdoctoral stage of their career, who wish to establish independence in the field of diabetes research, to run a research project of their own. The Fellow will be sponsored by a researcher in the United Kingdom who will offer space and facilities for the duration of the Fellowship. Support may be requested for up to five years. Requests should not exceed £14,000 per annum, and the closing date is 31 October 2008. For more information and an application form please contact Tanya Bernstein at research@diabetes.org.uk or call 020 7424 1076. For further information, please see the website below.
RD Lawrence Research Fellowships

Preliminary programme for 6th Postgraduate Course in Clinical Endocrinology now available

Wed, 26 Mar 2008 12:00:00 GMT
The 6th Postgraduate Course in Clinical Endocrinology will be held in Tbilisi, Georgia between 2-4 October 2008. Click the link below to view the preliminary programme and letter of invitation.
Preliminary programme

Society for Endocrinology/Midlands Endocrine Club (SfE/MEC) Clinical Cases meeting - 8 December 2008

Thu, 13 Mar 2008 12:00:00 GMT
The Society for Endocrinology and the Midlands Endocrine Club are pleased to announce that they will be holding a joint Clinical Cases meeting at the National Motorcycle Museum in Birmingham on 8 December 2008. Please submit cases on a single Word document on one of the following topics: endocrinology, obesity, metabolic syndrome or diabetes, to Joanne Galer at: joanne.galer@endocrinology.org. To be eligible to submit a case for consideration for presentation at this meeting you must be a member of the Society for Endocrinology. If you are not a member and would like to apply, please visit the link below. The deadline for submission is 15 September 2008.
SfE Membership

Autumn Endocrine Retreat

Tue, 11 Mar 2008 12:00:00 GMT
The first of our new retreats for our trainee members will take place on 17-19 October 2008 in Oxfordshire. This initiative aims to further meet the educational needs of trainee members and to promote applications for the Society's postgraduate diploma. Led by Dr Rob Fowkes, the retreat will: provide an informal setting for PhD students/early post-docs to gain experience in presenting work; encourage younger members to actively participate in an event; provide networking opportunities; encourage participants to undertake/complete the postgraduate diploma in endocrinology. Please note that there will be a limited number of places available. For further information or to register your interest please contact Kate Openshaw at kate.openshaw@endocrinology.org, or visit the website below.
Retreat website

Clinical Update 2008

Mon, 10 Mar 2008 12:00:00 GMT
Following the success of the Clinical Update meeting last year, the Society is pleased to announce that Clinical Update 2008 will be held on 6-8 October 2008 at the Bristol Royal Marriott, Bristol, UK. Online registration is now available via the link below. For further information please contact Kate Openshaw at kate.openshaw@endocrinology.org.
Clinical Update website