Society for Endocrinology

Insulin resistance linked to brain health in elderly (Alpha Galileo, 2 February 2012)

Thu, 02 Feb 2012 12:00:00 GMT

A new study from Uppsala University in Sweden indicates that lower insulin sensitivity may be linked to smaller brain size and reduced language skills in older people. The research is published in Diabetes Care.

Full article

Diabetes drugs tied to pancreatic cancer risk (Reuters, 31 January 2012)

Wed, 01 Feb 2012 12:00:00 GMT

A study by researchers from Switzerland published in the American Journal of Gastroenterology suggests that metformin and other diabetes drugs may have a gender-specific effect on the risk of developing pancreatic cancer.

Full article

Amylin's long-delayed diabetes drug gets US nod (Associated Press, 28 January 2012)

Wed, 01 Feb 2012 12:00:00 GMT

The US Food and Drug Administration has approved the long-acting GLP-1 agonist Bydureon for the treatment of type 2 diabetes mellitus.

Full article

With testosterone, it's 'my way or the highway': study (AFP, 1 February 2012)

Wed, 01 Feb 2012 12:00:00 GMT

A UK study, published in Proceedings of the Royal Society B, has looked into the effect that a dose of testosterone may have on cooperative decisions in women.

Full article

Could lack of vitamin D be behind Sids cases? (BBC Radio 4 The Today Programme, 26 January 2012)

Wed, 01 Feb 2012 12:00:00 GMT

Pathologists have voiced concerns that a number of infant deaths may have been due to vitamin D deficiency.

Interview on the Today Programme

In related news, Professor Dame Sally Davies, chief medical officer for England, has announced that she will be raising awareness of vitamin D deficiency among doctors and the public as a priority.

Full article (BBC News Online, 24 January 2012)

Neuorendocrine/Endocrine Tumour Clinical Nurse Specialist - King's College Hospital, London

Wed, 01 Feb 2012 12:00:00 GMT

The endocrinology department at King’s College Hospital seeks a Clinical Nurse Specialist to support the endocrine end of its neuroendocrine tumour multidisciplinary team.

Individuals with either a cancer or endocrine background are encouraged to apply. A track record in service development will be considered as important as specialist knowledge in this area.

The application deadline for this Band 7 position is 10 February 2012. For more information and to apply please follow the link below.

Further details

Improving medical treatment requires a risk-based approach to the regulation of clinical trials (AlphaGalileo, 30 January 2012)

Tue, 31 Jan 2012 12:00:00 GMT

The European Science Foundation has published a paper outlining its recommendations for an upcoming review of the EU Clinical Trials Directive.

Full article

Clinical Lecturer in Diabetes & Endocrinology, University of Edinburgh

Tue, 31 Jan 2012 12:00:00 GMT

Via www.jobs.ac.uk. There is a vacancy for a clinical lecturer in diabetes and endocrinology at Queen's Medical Research Institute, University of Edinburgh (salary: £31,523 - £46,708).

The post provides outstanding opportunities for postdoctoral research in parallel with clinical training in diabetes and endocrinology and general medicine. The University's endocrinology research groups are based in the UoE/BHF Centre for Cardiovascular Science and the MRC Centre for Reproductive Health, both large internationally renowned groups of clinical and biomedical researchers with expertise in many aspects of steroid hormone action in reproduction, obesity, type 2 diabetes, neuroendocrinology and cardiovascular disease. Clinical training will be provided in the Edinburgh Centre for Endocrinology, which encompasses tertiary referral services at the Royal Infirmary of Edinburgh and Western General Hospital.

Candidates must have completed an initial research training (to PhD or MD level), be committed to a career in academic medicine, and already hold MRCP(UK) and a national training number in diabetes and endocrinology in the UK. Informal enquiries should be directed to Professor Brian Walker (0131 242 6770; B.Walker@ed.ac.uk). Click on the link below for details of how to apply for this post. The closing date for applications is 17 February 2012.

Job advert

Clinical Research Fellow in reproductive medicine, early pregnancy & gynaecological ultrasound

Tue, 31 Jan 2012 12:00:00 GMT

Via www.jobs.ac.uk. Applications are invited for the above post based at NURTURE Fertility (Nottingham University Research and Treatment Unit in Reproduction), which is part of the School of Clinical Sciences and situated within the Nottingham University Hospitals NHS Trust on the Queen's Medical Centre campus.

The successful candidate will be expected to participate in the research programme of the School, and to pursue personal research leading to the award of a higher research degree. Current research interests include subfertility, gynaecological ultrasound, reproductive surgery, polycystic ovaries, gynaecological endocrinology, and early pregnancy. This particular post will focus on reproductive medicine and assisted conception and involves the provision of the clinical service to the IVF unit. There will be ample opportunity to develop skills in any of the above areas including gynaecological ultrasound and early pregnancy through the research component of the post.

Candidates should be obstetricians/gynaecologists in training and have an interest in reproductive medicine and/or gynaecological ultrasound and early pregnancy. This full time post will be offered on a fixed-term contract for a period of three years or on the completion of an MD/PhD whichever is shorter. Informal enquiries may be addressed to Dr Nicholas Raine-Fenning, tel: 0115 823 0700, email: nick.fenning@nottingham.ac.uk. Applications will be accepted until 28 February 2012 - click on the link below for further details.

Job advert

Non-clinical lecturer, Barts and The London

Tue, 31 Jan 2012 12:00:00 GMT

Via www.jobs.ac.uk. Applications are sought for a non-clinical lecturer position to develop complementary research projects in the area of paediatric endocrinology within the William Harvey Research Institute, Centre for Endocrinology, Barts and The London School of Medicine & Dentistry.

The successful applicant will join an established internationally excellent team of researchers and clinicians at the Centre for Endocrinology and will integrate into the paediatric endocrinology research programme on a project complementing the existing research on the timing of puberty. The lab's current focus is to use novel cell models to interrogate the genetic factors underlying the regulation of growth and the timing of sexual maturation through the GnRH neuronal network.

Experience in neurobiological research methodologies would be advantageous but is not mandatory. The closing date for applications is 20 February 2012.

Job advert

Research co-ordinator, Prostate Action

Mon, 30 Jan 2012 12:00:00 GMT

Prostate Action are seeking a research co-ordinator to manage the annual grant round and act as point of contact for all Prostate Action funded researchers.

The main duties of the postholder will be to: plan and manage the annual grant round, including placing adverts, ensuring forms and the website are up to date and co-ordinating the scientific committee and peer review process; act as main point of contact for all Prostate Action grant holders, ensuring reports are received in a timely manner and payments are made accordingly; manage the training grants budget, including deciding with the CEO which small grants receive funding; work with the CEO on research conferences, including the Young Prostate Researchers group; and act as main scientific spokesperson for the charity with regard to research stories, and carry out site visits to funded researchers.

To apply for this vacancy, please download the application pack and return your covering letter and CV application to emalcolm@prostateaction.org.uk, subject line ?Research Co-ordinator application’ by Wednesday 15 February 2012.

Job advert

Postgraduate Diploma/MSc in endocrinology - call for applications

Mon, 30 Jan 2012 12:00:00 GMT

Applications are now open for 2012 entry for the Barts and the London Postgraduate Diploma/MSc programme in endocrinology and diabetes mellitus. This popular programme is taught by distance learning on a part-time basis and is very suitable for clinical trainees who wish to gain in depth knowledge and cover a broad and balanced curriculum.

For more details including eligibility criteria and how to apply, please have a look at the programme website.

Wessex Diabetes and Endocrinology Taster Evening

Mon, 30 Jan 2012 12:00:00 GMT

The Wessex Deanery are organising a taster evening for all grades of doctors and medical students interested in entering the speciality of endocrinology and diabetes. The event will be held at Chilworth Manor Hotel, Southampton on 14 March 2012 from 18:30.

Registration, including drinks and dinner is FREE and closes on 5 March 2012. For further information and to book your place, contact Dr Lina Chong at lina.chong@porthosp.nhs.uk.

Testicular zap 'may stop sperm' (BBC News Online, 30 January 2012)

Mon, 30 Jan 2012 12:00:00 GMT

A study on rats published in Reproductive Biology and Endocrinology has investigated the effect of ultrasound at different doses on sperm counts.

Full article

Body clock receptor linked to diabetes in new genetic study (AlphaGalileo, 26 January 2012)

Mon, 30 Jan 2012 12:00:00 GMT

A letter to Nature Genetics by an international consortium of researchers suggests that variations in the melatonin receptor gene may be linked to the development of type 2 diabetes.

Full article

Genetic regulation of metabolomic biomarkers ? paths to cardiovascular diseases and type 2 diabetes (AlphaGalileo, 29 January 2012)

Mon, 30 Jan 2012 12:00:00 GMT

Scientists from Finland have identified gene regions that may influence blood levels of biomarkers for certain metabolic conditions including diabetes, publishing their findings in Nature Genetics.

Full article

Prenatal testosterone levels linked to increased risk of language delay for male infants, study shows (AlphaGalileo, 23 January 2012)

Thu, 26 Jan 2012 12:00:00 GMT

A study published in Journal of Child Psychology and Psychiatry suggests that prenatal testosterone levels, as measured in umbilical cord blood, may be linked to language development delays in infants.

Full article

The genome and the timing of menopause (Medical News Today, 24 January 2012)

Wed, 25 Jan 2012 12:00:00 GMT

An international collaboration has published a meta-analysis of studies into genes linked with menopause onset in Nature Genetics.

Full article

First complete 3D visualization of vitamin D receptor (AlphaGalileo, 24 January 2012)

Wed, 25 Jan 2012 12:00:00 GMT

A team from France has published a cryo electron microscopy 3D image of the vitamin D receptor-ligand-DNA complex in The EMBO Journal.

Full article

Narcissistic men may pay with their health (Medical News Today, 24 January 2012)

Wed, 25 Jan 2012 12:00:00 GMT

A study published in PLoS ONE reports that men who exhibit certain traits related to narcissism (as assessed by a 40-item Narcissistic Personality Inventory questionnaire) have higher levels of cortisol in their saliva.

Full article

Head of Research Strategy, Breakthrough Breast Cancer

Wed, 25 Jan 2012 12:00:00 GMT

In this senior and high-profile role you will develop Breakthrough’s research strategy, enabling it to deliver maximum benefit for people affected by breast cancer. Breakthrough has established an outstanding research portfolio, which includes the UK’s only dedicated Breast Cancer Research Centre based at The Institute of Cancer Research in London. This role will enable the charity to build on its research successes by creating new opportunities to Breakthrough Breast Cancer.

Click on the link below for more information. The closing date for applications is 6 February 2012.

Job advert

Blackpool Zoo uses glitter to identify gorilla poo (BBC News Online, 23 January 2012)

Tue, 24 Jan 2012 12:00:00 GMT

Staff at Blackpool Zoo are adding glitter to a female gorilla's food so that they can identify her stools and therefore test her reproductive hormone levels without taking blood samples.

Full article

Members receive free online access to Clinical Endocrinology

Mon, 23 Jan 2012 12:00:00 GMT

We are very pleased to be able to offer the Society’s official clinical journal - Clinical Endocrinology - published by Wiley-Blackwell, online to members as part of their membership fee at no extra cost. This completes the online package of the Society’s four official journals, all of which members will be able to access via BioSciAlliance.

Members should log on using their membership number and same password used to access the SfE Members’ secure area at www.endocrinology.org. If you require any further assistance, please contact members@endocrinology.org.

Media and Public Affairs Manager, Understanding Animal Research

Mon, 23 Jan 2012 12:00:00 GMT

Understanding Animal Research are seekign a media and public affairs manager to manage their pro-active non-science media and public affairs work. He or she will keep the organisation engaged with relevant public affairs issues, contribute to how the organisation's reputation is managed, and attend and report on external policy-related events.

Click on the link below for further information. Applications should be sent to info@uar.org.uk by Monday 6 February 2012.

Job advert

EMA recommends approval of new somatostatin analogue pasireotide (Signifor) for Cushing?s disease (NeLM News Service, 20 January 2012)

Mon, 23 Jan 2012 12:00:00 GMT

The European Medicines Agency has made a positive recommendation to the European Commission for EU approval for Novartis' Signifor (pasireotide) in the treatment of Cushing's disease.

Full article

British Science Association Media Fellowships

Mon, 23 Jan 2012 12:00:00 GMT

The British Science Association Media Fellowships help bridge the communication gap between journalists and scientists. Running science 1987, upto 10 Media Fellowships are awarded each year to scientists, social scientists, clinicians and engineers from different backgrounds and stages of their career.

Media Fellows spend 3-8 weeks working with a national press, broadcast or internet journalist to gain a greater awareness and understanding of the workings of the media and produce accurate and well-informed news pieces and work in the Press Centre at the British Science Festival. Click on the link below for further details and to apply for a fellowship by the deadline of 11 March 2011.

Media Fellowships

Foulkes Foundation Fellowships

Mon, 23 Jan 2012 12:00:00 GMT

The Foulkes Foundation is a charitable foundation that was established in 1972. The fellowships were first awarded in 1975 and their purpose is to promote medical research, the training of scientists and the study of medicine. The fellowship scheme provides financial support for recently qualified PhD science graduates with research experience who want additionally to take a medical degree or medical graduates wanting to take a life science PhD Degree. In both cases the graduate must intend to do medical research after qualification, and science graduates must continue part-time research during their medical training with an appropriate named supervisor.

Click on the link below for more information. The deadline for applications is 15 March 2012.

Foulkes Foundation

Lithium toxicity profile: systematic review and meta-analysis (NeLM News Service, 20 January 2012)

Mon, 23 Jan 2012 12:00:00 GMT

Researchers from France and the UK have assessed the side-effects of lithium in a number of outcome measures incuding renal, thyroid and parathyroid function, publishing in The Lancet.

Full article

Pictures of food create feelings of hunger (EurekAlert, 19 January 2012)

Mon, 23 Jan 2012 12:00:00 GMT

Scientists from Germany have conducted a study which suggests that blood levels of grehlin, a hormone involved in appetite regulation, are raised when subjects view pictures of 'appetising' food. The research is published in Obesity.

Full article

'I was treated by the pioneers of insulin in 1930' (BBC News Online, 23 January 2012)

Mon, 23 Jan 2012 12:00:00 GMT

Type 1 diabetics, including one who was treated by the discoverer of insulin Frederick G. Banting, discuss the treatment options that exist today and are under development for the future.

Full article

Call for UK Clinical Research Collaboration Clinical Trials Unit registration

Mon, 23 Jan 2012 12:00:00 GMT

The UK Clinical Research Collaboration (UKCRC) invites applications from Clinical Trials Units (CTUs) that are capable of centrally coordinating multi-centre clinical trials and other well designed studies (see full eligibility below) to apply to undergo the UKCRC Registered CTU Network registration process.

The UKCRC Registered CTU Network is designed to help improve the quality of available expertise to carry out clinical trials in the UK. Applications are invited from registered Units (for review of their status) and from Units that are not currently registered with the Network.

Registered Units are those that are considered to have the expertise to design, coordinate and analyse multicentre clinical trials or other well designed studies, ensuring that they are conducted in line with appropriate standards and regulations. For more information please follow the link below.

UKCRC Registered CTU Network

Health Check - Testosterone (BBC Radio Health Check, 18 January 2012)

Thu, 19 Jan 2012 12:00:00 GMT

Professor Pierre Bouloux (London) discusses testosterone levels and hypogonadism with BBC Health Check's Dr Max Pemberton.

Full article

Sense About Science Standing Up for Science media workshop - free places

Thu, 19 Jan 2012 12:00:00 GMT

Now an annual partner of Sense About Science, SfE is once again pleased to offer five of its trainee members free places on a media workshop at the University of Manchester on Friday 23 March.

The workshop is organised by Voice of Young Science (VoYS), Sense About Science's early-career scientist network, and is designed to introduce young scientists to working with the media and engaging in scientific debate in the public arena.

SfE is inviting applications from it's Scientist-in-Training, Clinician-in-Training, Associate and Student Members (excluding undergraduates, who are not eligible to attend the workshop) to attend and receive a travel grant of up to £200. Please visit the page below for full details and an application form. The deadline for applications is 1 March 2012. Places will be offered on a first-come first-serve basis on complete submission of an application.

Standing Up for Science media workshop

Public Event: Hungry?

Thu, 19 Jan 2012 12:00:00 GMT

Do you have an appetite for science?

At this year's Brighton Science Festival SfE will be bringing together internationally renowned experts on hunger and appetite to discuss just what it is that drives this most basic of human instincts - the desire to feed.

Come along to Big Science Saturday on 25 February 2012 at the Sallis Benney Theatre, Brighton, to learn why some people find dieting so difficult whilst others eat in moderation with seeming ease, and how hormones can affect our eating habits. Find out more at the link below.

Hungry? 25 March 2012, Brighton.

Lack of sleep makes your brain hungry (AlphaGalileo, 18 January 2012)

Thu, 19 Jan 2012 12:00:00 GMT

European researchers have examined fMRI brain scans to look into how acute sleep loss might affect brain activity related to appetite. The findings are published in The Journal of Clinical Endocrinology and Metabolism.

Full article

The pill 'does ease period pain' (BBC News Online, 18 January 2012)

Wed, 18 Jan 2012 12:00:00 GMT

Research from Sweden published in Human Reproduction finds that the use of combined oral contraceptives may be linked with a reduction in the reported severity of dysmenorrhoea.

Full article

Roux-en-Y gastric bypass better than gastric banding for rapid and safe weight loss (Medical News Today, 16 January 2012)

Tue, 17 Jan 2012 12:00:00 GMT

A study by researchers from Switzerland published in Archives of Surgery compares the effectiveness, failure rates and comorbitities of Roux-en-Y gastric bypass and gastric banding procedures.

Full article

Study faults research linking hormone therapy to cancer (AFP, 16 January 2012)

Tue, 17 Jan 2012 12:00:00 GMT

A review published in the Journal of Family Planning and Reproductive Health examines the 2003 'Million Women Study' into menopausal hormone replacement therapy and breast cancer.

Full article

Medicine and Me: Turner syndrome

Tue, 17 Jan 2012 12:00:00 GMT

Medicine and Me: Turner syndrome will take place at the Royal Society of Medicine, London at 12:30-17:00 on 6 March 2012. The event is organised jointly by the Royal Society of Medicine and the Turner Syndrome Support Society.

?Medicine and Me’ meetings aim to provide a forum in which patients’ concerns about their illness are given top priority. The meetings provide an opportunity for patients and their families to share their experiences, to hear about the latest research and to question the experts.

Event details

National Osteoporosis Society Research Grants

Mon, 16 Jan 2012 12:00:00 GMT

The National Osteoporosis Society is now accepting applications for its research grants. Up to £250,000 is available to fund projects which clearly demonstrate potential benefits to those people with or at risk of osteoporosis.

The following types of award are available: Linda Edwards Memorial PhD Studentship - maximum of £25,000 per annum for up to four years; Project Grants - maximum of £150,000 over three years; Innovative Awards - maximum of £20,000 to allow researchers to test hypotheses for a maximum of 12 months.

For more information and full details of how to apply please follow the link below. The deadline for applications is 2 March 2012.

Young Scientist Prize - The National Osteoporosis Society also offers funds to support the careers' of young researchers. £4000 is on offer to put towards furthering your research career, plus £500 in your pocket. More information and full details of how to apply can be found at the link below. The deadline for applications is 24 February 2012.

NOS research grants

Call for nominations for Royal Society awards

Mon, 16 Jan 2012 12:00:00 GMT

The Royal Society’s medals, awards and prize lectureships provide an excellent opportunity to celebrate and recognise outstanding scientific achievement. Nominations are invited for the 2012 medals, awards and prize lectureships.

The Michael Faraday Prize is awarded to the scientist or engineer whose expertise in communicating scientific ideas in lay terms is exemplary. For further details, eligibility information and to download the nomination form for this award, please click on the link below.

The Royal Society Kohn Award is for UK-based early-career stage scientists who have undertaken high-quality public engagement activities that have had (or will have) a strategic impact on institutions, organisations and cultures. Further details, eligibility information and a nomination form can be accessed via the link below.

Anyone is able to nominate a candidate for a Royal Society medal, award or prize lectureship. The closing date for returning completed nomination forms is Monday 6 February 2012. Should you require any further assistance or information please don't hesitate to contact Camilla Tham by email at awards@royalsociety.org.

Michael Faraday Prize

Royal Society Kohn Award

Society of Biology Life Sciences Careers Conference - London, 1 March 2012

Thu, 12 Jan 2012 12:00:00 GMT

SfE will be attending the second Society of Biology Life Sciences Careers Conferences for 2011/12 in London on 1 March 2012.

The conference is aimed at undergraduates and will include presentations on careers in a wide range of science-related subjects, a CV workshop with tips on how to ensure you secure an interview for your perfect job, and offer a chance to mingle with the experts and ask informal questions over lunch and afternoon refreshments. Please spread the word and encourage your students to attend.

The programme can be viewed at the link below and includes talks about careers in academic research, industry and science policy. You can also register online at £10 per person which includes entry to the exhibition hall, the lectures, a buffet lunch and refreshments. Please direct any queries to the Society of Biology at: education@societyofbiology.org.

Life Sciences Careers Conference

Mid-career surgeons 'are safest' (BBC News Online, 11 January 2012)

Thu, 12 Jan 2012 12:00:00 GMT

A study of thyroidectomies performed in five hospitals in France, published in the British Medical Journal, suggests that outcomes of the procedure are better when performed by surgeons aged 35 to 50.

Full article

Improved resources for MRCP Specialty Certificate Examination in Endocrinology and Diabetes

Wed, 11 Jan 2012 12:00:00 GMT

Dr Mark Cooper (on behalf of the Endocrinology & Diabetes Examining Board) has expanded the list of suggested information sources for potential candidates in order to help and encourage those considering sitting the SCE in endocrinology and diabetes. The resource, which now includes 24 sample questions, can be accessed via: MRCP(UK) - Endocrinology and Diabetes.

Remember that registration for the examination will be open between 1 February – 1 March 2012 (for overseas candidates) and 1 February – 24 April 2012 (for UK candidates). The exam will take place on 30 May 2012.

Gut hormone leads to weight loss in overweight or obese patients (EurekAlert, 10 Jan 2012)

Wed, 11 Jan 2012 12:00:00 GMT

Researchers from Denmark publishing in the British Medical Journal have investigated the effectiveness of GLP-1 receptor agonists as weight loss agents.

Full article

70% of Europeans suffer from low vitamin D levels (AlphaGalileo, 10 January 2012)

Wed, 11 Jan 2012 12:00:00 GMT

The European Menopause and Andropause Society has published a report into vitamin D levels across Europe and vitamin D supplementation in Maturitas.

Full article

New articles added to You & Your Horomones - progesterone, prostaglandins and diabetes mellitus

Wed, 11 Jan 2012 12:00:00 GMT

Three new articles have recently been added to You & Your Hormones - click on the links below to view them. You & Your Hormones is an evolving project with new articles on hormones and endocrine conditions being added on a regular basis.

Progesterone

Prostaglandins

Diabetes mellitus

Welcome new committee members

Tue, 10 Jan 2012 12:00:00 GMT

We are pleased to welcome the following members to Society committees with effect from 1 January 2012.

Clinical Committee: Dr Helena Gleeson and Dr Aled Rees.

Finance Committee: Dr Mark Gurnell.

Nurse Committee: Ms Lisa Shepherd, Ms Nadia Gordon and Mrs Jean Munday.

Programme Committee: Dr Liz Crowne, Dr Colin Duncan, Professor Bill Farrell, Dr Robert Semple and Dr Andy Toogood.

Public Engagement Committee: Professor Saffron Whitehead (Chair), Professor Pierre Bouloux, Dr Paul Foster, Dr Neil Gittoes, Professor John Wass and Lord Robert Winston.

Science Committee: Professor Karen Chapman (Chair), Professor Julia Buckingham, Dr Anthony Coll, Dr Peter King and Professor Philippa Saunders.

YE Steering Group: Miss Ghazala Begum and Dr Samantha Mirczuk.

We would also like to take the opportunity to thank all those who have stepped down from committees at the end of December having completed their terms of office. Without this input on a voluntary basis, the Society would not be able to run the wide range of initiatives that it offers members and we are very grateful for the time and effort invested.

SfE Committees

Voting for new Council member

Tue, 10 Jan 2012 12:00:00 GMT

No e-ballot will be necessary this year for the vacancy arising on Council with effect from the AGM in March 2012. The new Council member will be announced at the AGM during the SfE BES meeting (19-22 March 2012, Harrogate).

SfE BES 2012 - reduced registration rates available until 13 February 2012

Tue, 10 Jan 2012 12:00:00 GMT

This year the Society for Endocrinology BES meeting returns to the Harrogate International Centre in the picturesque Yorkshire town of Harrogate from 19-22 March 2012. We look forward to an exciting scientific programme featuring the latest in endocrine research and clinical practice and hope to see you all there. Visit the SfE BES 2012 website to view the scientific and social programmes, information on accommodation and to view an interactive floorplan of the exhibition hall.

The early bird registration deadline of 13 February 2012 is fast approaching - register early to benefit from reduced rates.

You can still submit scientific research cases for the 'Meet the Expert’ sessions at the conference - the deadline for receipt is Monday 6 February. This is a chance to present a case for an informal discussion with the expert. To submit your case, please email a word attachment to conferences@endorinology.org.

Don't forget to check out the SfE BES 2012 blog to keep up to date with news about the conference. If tweeting about the meeting, please use the hashtag #sfebes12. Please direct any questions to the conference secretariat: conferences@endocrinology.org, telephone +44 (0)1454 642210. We look forward to seeing you in Harrogate.

Society endorsed event: Bone Research Society Training Course

Tue, 10 Jan 2012 12:00:00 GMT

The Bone Research Society Training Course: Osteoporosis and other metabolic bone diseases is endorsed by the Society for Endocrinology and will take place in Oxford, UK on 26-28 March 2012. This is a three-day residential training course which aims to provide trainees, newly qualified consultants, allied health professionals and others with the knowledge and understanding to manage patients with osteoporosis and other metabolic bone diseases. Any queries should be directed to Janet Crompton at janet@janet-crompton.com.

Bone Research Society

Cancer and fertility ? young women speak up (AlphaGalileo, 9 January 2012)

Tue, 10 Jan 2012 12:00:00 GMT

A study of young female cancer survivors' experiences concerning fertility and parenthood is published in Journal of Cancer Survivorship.

Full article

Estrogen-targeting drug combo may help prevent lung cancer (EurekAlert, 9 January 2012)

Tue, 10 Jan 2012 12:00:00 GMT

Research presented at the American Association for Cancer Research/International Association for the Study of Lung Cancer joint conference in San Diego looks into the effect of a number of different oestrogen-targeting drugs, alone and in combination, on lung cancer pathology in mice.

Full article

Oxidative stress and thyroid cancer

Tue, 10 Jan 2012 12:00:00 GMT

Thyroid cancer is the most common endocrine cancer. High production of reactive oxygen species can result in oxidative stress which is involved in the pathophysiology of cancers, though the understanding of these systems is limited. Wang and colleagues investigated the relationship between markers of oxidative stress and serum thyroid profiles in thyroid cancer patients. They found that levels of oxidants increased and antioxidants decreased in thyroid cancer patients compared with controls. The oxidative stress index (ratio of total oxidant status to total antioxidant status), which was significantly higher in thyroid cancer patients, was the best marker for clinicians to distinguish cancer patients from those with other thyroid disease. Wang et al. (2011) Endocrine-Related Cancer 18 773–782.

Read the full article at: DOI:10.1530/ERC-11-0230.

Winter edition of The Endocrinologist now online

Tue, 10 Jan 2012 12:00:00 GMT

The Winter 2011/2012 edition of the Society's quarterly newsletter, The Endocinologist, entitled 'How to excel as a woman in endocrinology' is now available to download from the Society's website.

The Endocrinologist

Immune thrombocytopenia (ITP) research grants available

Mon, 09 Jan 2012 12:00:00 GMT

The ITP Support Association now invites applications for their research grants. Up to £60,000 is available for research into immune thrombocytopenia for projects to start in September 2012. Applications are invited from all areas of ITP research, but preference will be given to applications that show a short- to medium-term patient benefit.

An application form and project guidance can be found at the link below or by contacting the office at: info@itpsupport.org.uk. The closing date for preliminary grant applications is 31 March 2012.

ITP research funds

Restricted embryo growth 'predicts miscarriage risk' (BBC News Online, 7 January 2012)

Mon, 09 Jan 2012 12:00:00 GMT

A study presented at the British Fertility Society 2012 Annual Meeting in Leeds investigates foetal growth in IVF pregnancies, and links restricted growth in singleton pregnancies with miscarriage.

Full article

BFS press release

Professor Steve Bloom receives a knighthood!

Mon, 09 Jan 2012 12:00:00 GMT

The Society for Endocrinology would like to congratulate Professor Steve Bloom on receiving a knighthood in the 2012 New Year Honours list. Professor Sir Steve Bloom (Imperial College London) was Chairman of the Society for Endocrinology from November 2002–2005 and prior to that General Secretary from 1999. He was awarded the Society for Endocrinology Dale Medal in 2003. Professor Sir Steve received his knighthood in recognition of his services to Medical Science and is credited with transforming how obesity is understood. Further information

Professor Bloom has published a number of articles in Society for Endocrinology journals; these are free online including:

Endocrinology: the next 60 years - a commentary published in Journal of Endocrinology in which "designer endocrinology" is discussed as a future possibility.

The Starling Review: Appetite Control - a review published in Journal of Endocrinology as part of a special series to commemorate the centenary of the first use of the word "hormone".

Who’s to say the risk’s worth taking - an interesting article originally published in the New Scientist in September 2002 and reprinted in the Society’s newsletter The Endocrinologist where Professor Sir Steve discusses the potential issues surrounding his groundbreaking research.

These and other papers published by Professor Bloom in Society for Endocrinology journals are free online in the Society for Endocrinology Archive.

Campaigners voice vitamin D fears (BBC News Online, 6 January 2012)

Mon, 09 Jan 2012 12:00:00 GMT

Experts discuss findings of vitamin D deficiency across the UK and describe a lack of public awareness of the importance of vitamin D in health.

Full article

PhD studentship, University of Nottingham

Mon, 09 Jan 2012 12:00:00 GMT

Via www.jobs.ac.uk. A PhD studentship entitled 'The endocrine and dietary regulation of brown adipose tissue' is open for applications at the School of Clinical Sciences, University of Nottingham. The project will be in collaboration with the Cardiometabolic Disease Research Foundation, Los Angeles, USA.

The studentship aims to develop novel interventions aimed at promoting brown adipose tissue (BAT) function. It has recently been established that BAT function can be promoted by individual dietary compounds which can be quantified using novel imaging techniques. A number of landmark discoveries have identified the period from prior to birth extending up to and beyond puberty as a key window for developmental endocrine influences on the risk of becoming obese and developing diabetes. Therefore, interventions aimed at promoting BAT function early in life may be considerably more successful in regulating the capacity for lipid storage in white adipose tissue and energy expenditure in BAT during a person's life, compared with therapies during adult life when BAT is disappearing. This studentship will uniquely offer the opportunity to translate in vivo data with detailed in-depth cellular and molecular analysis.

This position will remain open until filled. Click on the link below for further information and details of how to apply.

Job advert

Benefits of joining the Royal College of Physicians (RCP)

Mon, 09 Jan 2012 12:00:00 GMT

New RCP foundation doctor membership benefits - For £4 per month, foundation doctor members receive career planning information covering 30 specialties, online clinical learning tools, discounts and a chance to be a part of the RCP.

New RCP medical student membership - For £1 per month, medical students receive career planning information from doctors in 30 medical specialties represented by the RCP, clinical learning tools, discounts and a chance to be part of the RCP, with elective fund opportunities and opportunities to apply for event sponsorship.

Visit the Join the RCP section of the RCP website for more information or visit the RCP training timeline.

miRNAs in follicular thyroid tumours

Mon, 09 Jan 2012 12:00:00 GMT

The assessment of malignancy of follicular thyroid cancer is a challenge as its molecular determinants are not completely understood. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are abnormally expressed or lost in a variety of cancers, leading Rossing and colleagues to investigate their use in classifying tumours. By using global miRNA analysis they identified differentially expressed miRNAs in follicular thyroid carcinoma (150 compared to normal thyroid) and adenoma (107 compared to normal thyroid). They then identified potential targets and analysed molecular pathways and expression of target mRNAs. One transcript, miR-199b-5p which was lost in the carcinoma, decreased cell doubling time by ~23%, indicating it may be involved in the growth of follicular carcinoma. miRNA analysis may thus facilitate diagnosis of follicular thyroid cancer. Rossing et al. (2011) Journal of Molecular Endocrinology 48 (in press).

Read the full article at: DOI: 10.1530/JME-11-0039

Professor Julia Buckingham to be the next Vice-Chancellor of Brunel University

Mon, 09 Jan 2012 12:00:00 GMT

The Society would like to congratulate its President Professor Julia Buckingham on her appointment as the next Vice-Chancellor and Principal of Brunel University. Professor Buckingham of Imperial College London will take up the role on 1 October 2012.

Further details

New! Profiles in Endocrine-Related Cancer

Mon, 09 Jan 2012 12:00:00 GMT

Endocrine-Related Cancer has published the first in a new series of Profiles on key figures in endocrinology which are available free online.

In the first Profile 'Chaos theory and a career in medicine' Dr Marc Lippman gives a fascinating insight into his early life and career in cancer research. He describes his career as being the outcome of 'The Butterfly Effect', a culmination of small yet significant opportunities which steered him down the professional road he took. In particular, he describes the outcome of his research on hormone dependent human breast cancer as a combination of serendipity and perseverance. Yet, in hindsight, he reflects that perhaps the path he chose was unavoidable, given the state of science in the 1960s and the vast influences of people around him.

You can read more about the career of this leading figure in Endocrine-Related Cancer free online.

Marc Lippman is currently Kathleen and Stanley Glaser Professor and Chairman of the Department of Medicine, Miller School of Medicine, University of Miami and continues his work to understand, at the molecular genetic level, how oestrogen stimulates breast cancer proliferation and to translate this knowledge into the clinic in order to identify patients who will benefit from hormone therapy.

Society endorses updated guidelines on neuroendocrine tumours

Mon, 09 Jan 2012 12:00:00 GMT

The Society for Endocrinology is delighted to endorse these updated guidelines by members of UKINETS on the management of neuroendocrine tumours. The guidelines are published in the journal Gut.

SfE-endorsed guidelines

New policy statements from SfE

Mon, 09 Jan 2012 12:00:00 GMT

The Society has produced new guidance for those seeking endorsement for events or publications and has updated its position statement on the use of dopamine agonists in endocrine disorders. Both documents can be accessed via the SfE Practice & Policy web page.

Pre-congress courses at ICE/ECE 2012

Mon, 09 Jan 2012 12:00:00 GMT

ICE/ECE 2012 will take place in Florence, Italy from 5-9 May 2012. There will be two pre-congress courses on 'Medical writing' and 'Thyroid ultrasound' which will take place on Saturday 5 May 2012. Places are strictly limited, and can be booked online through the registration form found on the ICE/ECE 2012 website. The early bird registration deadline is 16 March 2012.

Ants turned into 'supersoldiers' (BBC Nature News, 5 January 2012)

Fri, 06 Jan 2012 12:00:00 GMT

A study published in Science describes the hidden ability of an entire genus of ants to produce 'supersoldiers' when a specific 'juvenile hormone' (or chemical that mimics juvenile hormone) is applied to the larvae.

Full article

Whiff of 'love hormone' helps monkeys show a little kindness (EurekAlert, 5 January 2012)

Fri, 06 Jan 2012 12:00:00 GMT

A study on rhesus macaques published in Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences shows that the hormone oxytocin, delivered via a nebuliser, can influence social behaviour and increase prosocial choices.

Full article

Antiestrogen therapy may decrease risk for melanoma (EurekAlert, 4 January 2011)

Thu, 05 Jan 2012 12:00:00 GMT

A study from Switzerland published in Cancer Prevention Research examines rates of melanoma among women taking antiestrogen therapy for breast cancer.

Full article

Arena responds to FDA concerns on weight loss drug (Reuters, 3 January 2011)

Thu, 05 Jan 2012 12:00:00 GMT

Arena Pharmaceuticals Inc has responded to the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) regarding safety concerns expressed by the FDA over the experimental weight-loss drug lorcaserin's New Drug Application.

Full article

Should all medical research be published? (BBC Radio 4 Today Programme, 4 January 2012)

Thu, 05 Jan 2012 12:00:00 GMT

A BMJ focus issue addresses unpublished results of clinical trials. BMJ editor-in-chief Dr Fiona Godlee and neuroscientist Professor Colin Blakemore discuss.

Full article

Testosterone prevents prostate inflammation in metabolic syndrome

Tue, 03 Jan 2012 12:00:00 GMT

High-fat diet (HFD)-induced metabolic syndrome is associated with hypogonadism and prostate inflammation. Vignozzi and colleagues sought to uncover the effects of testosterone supplementation on these effects. Male rabbits fed a HFD were treated with testosterone which resulted in the increased expression of mRNA of prostate proinflammatory markers and ameliorated all HFD-induced features, including hypoxia and fibrosis. These results may be informative in the prevention of benign prostate hyperplasia and lower urinary tract symptoms. Vignozzie et al. (2012) Journal of Endocrinology 212 71–84.

Read the full article at: DOI:10.1530/JOE-11-0289.

Regulation of glucose homeostasis

Tue, 03 Jan 2012 12:00:00 GMT

Somatostatin plays an important role in the regulation of neurotransmission and secretion. Octreotide, an analog of somatostatin, has been in clinical use for the treatment of acromegaly and neuroendocrine tumours for 20 years. Schmid and Brueggen investigated an alternative analog, pasireotide, which has therapeutic potential for treatment of Cushing’s disease. The effects of both analogs on blood glucose, insulin and glucagon levels in rats were studied. Both analogs inhibited insulin to a similar degree but only pasireotide administration resulted in transient hyperglycemia. This study adds to the current knowledge of the effects of somatostatin analogs on glucose homeostasis. Schmid & Brueggen. (2012) Journal of Endocrinology 212 49–60.

Read the full article at: DOI:10.1530/JOE-11-0224.

Adipogenic capacity and the metabolic syndrome

Tue, 03 Jan 2012 12:00:00 GMT

Central obesity is a key feature of the metabolic syndrome; understanding the regulation of abdominal fat mass is important for its treatment. In their commentary, Lansdown, Ludgate and Rees discuss recent research by Park et al. which suggests that an enhanced adipogenic capacity of subcutaneous fat depots may protect against the metabolic syndrome. They discuss the concept of ?adipose tissue expandability’ which claims that individuals have limited adipose tissue expansion. After this point, lipid is deposited in nonadipose organs leading to insulin resistance and other metabolic problems. The authors commend the elegant study of Park et al., highlighting that it supports the concept that subcutaneous adipogenic potential may be useful in determining metabolic risk.

Read the commentary in Clinical Endocrinology 76 19-20 DOI: 10.1111/j.1365-2265.2011.04176.x.

Read the article by Park et al. in Clinical Endocrinology 76 59–66 DOI: 10.1111/j.1365-2265.2011.04141.x.

(UPDATED) European Medicines Agency confirms positive benefit-risk balance of somatropin-containing medicines (EMA press release, 21 December 2011)

Thu, 22 Dec 2011 12:00:00 GMT

The European Medicines Agency has updated a press release which was issued to announce the conclusion of its review into the benefit-risk ratio of somatropin-containing medicines. The update concerns details of the studies mentioned in the press release.

Full press release

SfE Conference grants - next deadline 15 April 2012

Fri, 16 Dec 2011 12:00:00 GMT

Society members can apply for conference grants of up to £500 (£750 for overseas meetings) to attend endocrine conferences. The next deadline for applications is 15 April 2012. Full details and eligibility criteria can be found at the link below.

SfE Conference grants

Video - A Tall Story: Unravelling the genetics behind Charles Byrne, 'the Irish Giant'

Fri, 16 Dec 2011 12:00:00 GMT

On Wednesday 23 November 2011, the Society supported a public event on Charles Byrne (the ?Irish Giant’) and familial isolated pituitary adenoma (FIPA). Professor Márta Korbonits (London) presented the findings of the groundbreaking study that characterised FIPA to a packed room at the Hunterian Museum. She was joined by Brendan Holland, a central participant in the study and a FIPA patient who shares a common ancestor with Charles Byrne. You can view a video of the event at the FIPA Patients website.

Event profile

Academy of Medical Sciences Starter Grants for Clinical Lecturers

Tue, 13 Dec 2011 12:00:00 GMT

Via www.rdfunding.org.uk. The Academy of Medical Sciences is working in collaboration with the Wellcome Trust and the British Heart Foundation to deliver this four year grants programme for research active Clinical Lecturers. It is a £5 million grant scheme which aims to provide modest ?starter’ funds to enable research active Clinical Lecturers to pursue their research work, gather preliminary data and so further strengthen their applications for longer-term fellowships and funding. The scheme will fund research work of only the very highest quality and where it is clearly demonstrated that the findings will inform the applicant’s future career aspirations and bids for larger scale fellowships.

The maximum grant available is £30,000 and this can be spread over two years to contribute towards new and directly incurred research costs such as consumables and equipment. The scheme is open to medically trained clinicians who have already obtained an MD or PhD and who currently hold a research active Clinical Lectureship post. Click on the link below for more information. The deadline for applications is 12 March 2012.

Grant advert

Paget's Association research grants

Tue, 13 Dec 2011 12:00:00 GMT

The Paget’s Association is a charity which offers information and support to those suffering from Paget's disease and encourages and assists research into the causes and treatments of the disease. In order to further these aims the trustees of the Paget’s Association will fund research projects that: advance understanding of the causes of Paget’s disease and/or provide new insights into management of the disease and the prevention of complications.

For the current round of funding, the trustees wish to particularly encourage applications which address the negative impact that Paget’s disease has on quality of life and the strategies that might be used to address this. It is expected that research projects will awarded for periods of between 1-3 years. Although there is no formal upper limit for funding, it is unlikely that projects with total value in excess of £100,000 will be able to be supported.

Further details and an application form can be accessed via the link below. Applications should be submitted by e-mail to Marilyn McCallum at director@paget.org.uk by the deadline of 30 March 2012.

Paget's Association

RCP Graham Bull prize in clinical science and Goulstonian lectureship

Tue, 13 Dec 2011 12:00:00 GMT

Applications for the Graham Bull prize are invited from fellows and members of the RCP who are under the age of 45 years. The £1,000 prize recognises those who have made a major contribution to clinical science and is available by self nomination.

The winner of the Graham Bull Prize will also be invited to deliver the Goulstonian Lecture, an annual lecture endowed in 1635 in memory of Dr Theodore Goulston. The closing date for self nominations is 1 March 2012. Full details and an application form can be found at the link below.

RCP Graham Bull prize

SfE events in 2012 - save the dates

Tue, 13 Dec 2011 12:00:00 GMT

We are pleased to announce the following Society events coming up this year - watch this space for further details.

Regional Clinical Cases 2012 - Oxford - 10 July 2012

Endocrine Nurse Update 2012 - Stratford-upon-Avon - 17-18 September 2012

Autumn Endocrine Retreat - Oxford - 19-21 October 2012

Clinical Update 2012 - Stratford-upon-Avon - 5-7 November 2012

Regional Clinical Cases 2012 - Leeds - December 2012

Society events

SfE Undergraduate Essay Prize 2012 - deadline for applications - 13 February 2012

Tue, 13 Dec 2011 12:00:00 GMT

Calling all undergraduate students - do you have the "write stuff"? We are pleased to launch our 2012 Undergraduate Essay Prize competition with a first prize of £1000!

The competition is open to all students currently studying an undergraduate course. The essay is required to be endocrine-related and based on a topical aspect of endocrinology. The essays must be the original work of the candidate, and extra credit will be awarded for essays illustrating thought–provoking, opinionated and readable content.

Please spread the word among your undergraduate students and encourage them to get creative for this increasingly popular competition. Click on the link below for full details, eligibility criteria and to have a peek at previous winning entries. Please send us your essays by 13 February 2012.

Undergraduate Essay Prize 2012

SfE Summer Studentships - deadline for applications - 12 March 2012

Tue, 13 Dec 2011 12:00:00 GMT

The Society's Summer Studentships are to assist undergraduate students in gaining research experience by working in a research environment. A stipend is offered for a period of study of up to ten weeks, together with a sum for the host department consumables.

The student will normally be an undergraduate following a course in endocrinology or a related life science subject. Students will normally take up the award during the summer vacation before their final year. Applications are invited from students whose intended host supervisor is a Society member.

The deadline for applications for the next round of studentships is 12 March 2012.

Summer Studentships

Thematic reviews issues published in Journal of Endocrinology

Mon, 12 Dec 2011 12:00:00 GMT

Journal of Endocrinology is publishing a series of thematic reviews issues commissioned around central themes. The latest of these 'Understanding the diversity of sex steroid action' edited by Matti Poutanen is now published FREE online. This issue includes:

The diversity of sex steroid action: regulation of metabolism by estrogen signaling by Malin Hedengran Faulds, Chunyan Zhao, Karin Dahlman-Wright and Jan-Ake Gustafsson.

The diversity of sex steroid action: the role of micro-RNAs and FOXO transcription factors in cycling endometrium and cancer by Eric W-F Lam, Kunal Shah and Jan J Brosens.

The diversity of sex steroid action: novel functions of hydroxysteroid (17?) dehydrogenases as revealed by genetically modified mouse models by Taija Saloniemi, Heli Jokela, Leena Strauss, Pirjo Pakarinen and Matti Poutanen.

Society members have free access to Journal of Endocrinology online.

National Association for Premenstrual Syndrome Study Day - 23 March 2012

Mon, 12 Dec 2011 12:00:00 GMT

The National Association for Premenstrual Syndrome are holding a Study Day on Women’s Health for Health Care Professionals at The Medical Society of London on 23 March 2012. For further details, visit the NAPS website via the link below.

NAPS Study Day

National Clinical Cases 2012 - London - 29 February 2012

Tue, 06 Dec 2011 12:00:00 GMT

The SfE National Clinical Cases meeting in association with the Royal Society of Medicine Section of Endocrinology & Diabetes will take place at the RSM, London on Wednesday 29 February 2012. The meeting will consist of ten oral communication presentations made up from top scoring submitted abstracts. The remaining 29 accepted abstracts will be displayed as posters. The meeting will close with an evening reception and awards ceremony.

The programme for this meeting is now live and can be viewed on the SfE National Clinical Cases 2012 - London website. The Society’s Clinical Cases meetings provide an excellent forum for the presentation and discussion of clinical cases and we recommend that you register as soon as possible.

On-line registration is now available via the link below with reduced rates available for Society members. If you are not a member of the Society and would like to register at the members’ rate, you may do so upon receipt of a membership application form with payment. Free registration is offered to a limited number of medical students and pre-ST3 trainees – see the website for details. If you have any queries, please contact the conference secretariat at conferences@endocrinology.org or call +44 (0)1454 642210.

National Clinical Cases 2012 registration

AMEND AGM & Information Day - 19 May 2012

Tue, 06 Dec 2011 12:00:00 GMT

The Association for Multiple Endocrine Neoplasia Disorders (AMEND) are holding a weekend of activities to mark their 10th anniversary in May 2012. Their AGM and Information Day will take place on Saturday 19 May 2012 at the Draycote Hotel and Whitefields Golf Club, Thurlaston, Warwickshire. The day will feature talks from two world class experts - Professor Rajesh Thakker (Oxford) and Professor Robert Gagel (Texas, USA). Further activities include a charity ball, charity golf tournament and ladies’ spa day. To find out more about what is going on, visit the AMEND website via the link below.

AMEND website

Ovarian steroid secretion post-awakening

Tue, 06 Dec 2011 12:00:00 GMT

Cortisol levels sharply rise in the first hour following waking in the morning. This cortisol awakening response (CAR) is used to assess the function of the hypothalamus-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis; an altered CAR is associated with various health issues, including depression. Ahn and colleagues sought to investigate whether ovarian steroid concentrations in saliva act in the same way, finding that both estradiol-17? and progesterone peak in the hour after waking in women with regular menstrual cycles, but not in postmenopausal women, and this effect is influenced by the phase of the menstrual cycle. Upon waking, the functions of both the HPA and hypothalamus-pituitary-ovary (HPO) axes are activated, regulated by the suprachiasmatic nucleus, with the HPO axis function being dependent on the woman’s menstrual status. Ovarian steroid concentrations can thus be used as an index for ovarian function. Ahn et al. (2011) Journal of Endocrinology 211 287–297.

Read the full article at: DOI:10.1530/JOE-11-0247.

Igfbp1 KO: prostate cancer and metabolism

Tue, 06 Dec 2011 12:00:00 GMT

Prostate cancer is the most common cancer in men. Increased levels of insulin-like growth factor binding protein 1 (IGFBP1) may protect against the development of prostate cancer. Gray et al. crossed and interbred c-Myc transgenic mice (WT) with Igfbp1 knockout (KO) mice to investigate whether deletion of Igfbp1 would accelerate the development of prostate cancer. No difference in the incidence of prostate cancer was seen between WT and KO mice, with no difference in total IGF1 levels observed between the two groups. Gray et al. (2011) Journal of Endocrinology 211 299–306.

Read the full article at: DOI:10.1530/JOE-11-0240.

TNFRSF11B and low bone mineral density

Tue, 06 Dec 2011 12:00:00 GMT

Osteoprotegerin (OPG) negatively regulates osteoclastogenesis by binding to RANKL and preventing it from activating RANK. The gene which encodes OPG, TNFRSF11B, is widely studied, with several of its polymorphisms having been linked to osteoporosis and associated disorders. Vidal and colleagues investigated the role of two polymorphisms which had strong linkage disequilibrium to each other, C950T and rs4876869, by performing functional assays to assess gene expression and pre-mRNA splicing. The C allele of rs4876869 was found to affect pre-mRNA splicing, resulting in the transcription of two transcripts, one of which lacks exon 3 and leading to a less effective OPG isoform. The T allele of C950T increased the risk for low bone mineral density in the Maltese postmenopausal women studied; it affects bone mass by decreasing OPG expression, resulting in higher bone resorption. Haplotypes C-G-T and C-C-C had protective roles. Vidal et al. (2011) Journal of Molecular Endocrinology 47 327–333.

Read the full article at: DOI:10.1530/JME-11-0067.

Proliferation response to short-term endocrine therapy

Tue, 06 Dec 2011 12:00:00 GMT

Letrozole is an aromatase inhibitor used to treat ER-positive breast cancer. Bedard and colleagues used the gene expression grade index (GGI; a 97-gene algorithm that measures tumour proliferation and defines intermediate histological grade tumours as high- or low-grade) to determine clinical response to neoadjuvant letrozole. They found that women with low genomic grade tumours were more likely to respond to three months of letrozole treatment. GGI was a useful predictive biomarker of response to neoadjuvant anti-estrogen therapy in post-menopausal patients with ER-positive breast cancer. Bedard et al. (2011) Endocrine-Related Cancer 18 721–730.

Read the full article at: DOI:10.1530/ERC-11-0180.

BRAFV600E in thyroid nodule sonography

Tue, 06 Dec 2011 12:00:00 GMT

Ultrasonography (US) can assist in distinguishing between malignant and benign thyroid nodules. BRAFV600E is a useful papillary thyroid carcinoma diagnostic marker. Lee and colleagues combined BRAFV600E status with US techniques, finding that the BRAFV600E mutation is significantly associated with malignant features found via US. The application of BRAFV600E mutation analysis can improve the diagnostic accuracy of thyroid nodules. Lee et al. (2011) Clinical Endocrinology 75 844-850.

Read the full article at: DOI:10.1111/j.1365-2265.2011.04154.x.

SfE on JustGiving

Mon, 28 Nov 2011 12:00:00 GMT

The Society for Endocrinology is the major British society representing scientists, clinicians and nurses who work with hormones.

If you'd like to support our aims in advancing education and research in endocrinology by making a donation or holding a fundraising event please visit our JustGiving page at www.justgiving.com/endocrinology.

SfE produces standards for the teaching of endocrinology and diabetes in UK medical schools

Tue, 15 Nov 2011 12:00:00 GMT

SfE has produced a guidance document to more accurately represent endocrinology and diabetes in the undergraduate medical curriculum. The proposed curriculum and strategy for implementation can be accessed from the SfE Clinical Portal via the link below. Those interested in this initiative should contact Dr Abhi Vora, SfE Professional Affairs Officer at info@endocrinology.org.

SfE Clinical Portal

RCP medical student elective bursaries

Mon, 07 Nov 2011 12:00:00 GMT

The Royal College of Physicians (RCP) are offering up to four grants of £500 each year to undergraduate medical students at UK universities, who will be undertaking a medical elective overseas. Applications must be made before the start of the project/elective period. Applicants must be RCP medical student members. To apply for a grant, fill in an application form at the link below, and return it to the RCP by 27 February 2012.

RCP website

SfE grants, prizes & awards

Tue, 11 Oct 2011 12:00:00 GMT

The Society for Endocrinology offers a number of grants, prizes and awards which members can apply for throughout the year. Grants include: public engagement grants, clinical department visit grants, sponsored seminars and poster session grants, and conference travel grants.

Prizes are offered at the SfE BES meeting and Clinical Cases meetings for oral and poster presentations, and students can submit essays for the Undergraduate or Postgraduate Essay Prizes. Our newest award is the JOE/JME basic science prize.

For details on how to apply for Society grants, prizes and awards, please visit the website below. If you have any questions, please email: grants@endocrinology.org.

Grants, prizes & awards