Increasing the subject knowledge of trainee teachers

A number of potential entrants to teacher training in secondary science are deterred due to lack of breadth and depth in subject knowledge. This article outlines two Teacher Training Agency (TTA) sponsored approaches to enhancing the subject knowledge of trainee teachers during and prior to their formal training period

ADAMTS proteinases: a multi-domain, multi-functional family with roles in extracellular matrix turnover and arthritis

Members of the ADAMTS (a disintegrin and metalloproteinase with thrombospondin motifs) family are known to influence development, angiogenesis, coagulation and progression of arthritis. As proteinases their substrates include the von Willebrand factor precursor and extracellular matrix components such as procollagen, hyalectans (hyaluronan-binding proteoglycans including aggrecan), decorin, fibromodulin and cartilage oligomeric matrix protein. ADAMTS levels and activities are regulated at multiple levels through the control of gene expression, mRNA splicing, protein processing and inhibition by TIMP (tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinases). A recent screen of human cartilage has shown that multiple members of the ADAMTS family may be important in connective tissue homeostasis and pathology

The turning points of EU cohesion policy, Working Paper Report to Barca Report

In more recent discussions on the future of Cohesion policy, however, both critics and supporters have tended to agree on the need for a “modernisation” of the policy, in recognition of existing weakness in the current approach and of the emerging challenges faced by the European economy, society and broader integration process. In this context of reform, this paper will take a step back in time to examine the origins and evolution of Cohesion policy, with a view to shedding some light on its core dynamics and revealing some of the lessons of history. In doing so, the main objectives of this paper are to identify the main historical turning points in Cohesion policy, the trends and nature of changes witnessed, and the key underlying factors facilitating or obstructing policy reform over time

The role of proteases in pathologies of the synovial joint

Synovial (diarthrodial) joints are employed within the body to provide skeletal mobility and have a characteristic structure adapted to provide a smooth almost frictionless surface for articulation. Pathologies of the synovial joint are an important cause of patient morbidity and can affect each of the constituent tissues. A common feature of these pathologies is degenerative changes in the structure of the tissue which is mediated, at least in part, by proteolytic activity. Most tissues of the synovial joint are composed primarily of extracellular matrix and key pathological roles in the degeneration of this matrix are performed by metalloproteinases such as matrix metallproteinases (MMPs) and a disintegrin and metalloproteinase with thrombospondin motifs (ADAMTS). However, other proteases such as cathepsin K are likely to play an important role, especially in bone turnover. In addition to the cleavage of structural proteins, proteolytic activities are employed to regulate the activity of other proteases, growth factors, cytokines and other inflammatory mediators. Proteases combine to form complex regulatory networks, the correct functioning of which is required for tissue homeostasis and the imbalance of which may be a feature of pathology. A precise understanding of the proteases involved in these networks is required for a true understanding of the associated pathology

The vasculature and its role in the damaged and healing tendon

Tendon pathology has many manifestations, from spontaneous rupture to chronic tendinitis or tendinosis; the etiology and pathology of each are very different, and poorly understood. Tendon is a comparatively poorly vascularised tissue that relies heavily upon synovial fluid diffusion to provide nutrition. During tendon injury, as with damage to any tissue, there is a requirement for cell infiltration from the blood system to provide the necessary reparative factors for tissue healing. We describe in this review the response of the vasculature to tendon damage in a number of forms, and how and when the revascularisation or neovascularisation process occurs. We also include a section on the revascularisation of tendon during its use as a tendon graft in both ligament reconstruction and tendon–tendon grafting

Screening elite winter athletes for exercise induced asthma: A comparison of three challenge methods

The official published version can be obtained from the link below.Background: The reported prevalence of exercise induced asthma (EIA) in elite winter athletes ranges from 9% to 50%. Many elite winter athletes do not report symptoms of EIA. At present there is no gold standard test for EIA. Objective: To establish the efficacy of screening for EIA and examine the role of the eucapnic voluntary hyperventilation (EVH) challenge and laboratory based and sport specific exercise challenges in the evaluation of elite winter athletes. Methods: 14 athletes (mean (SD) age 22.6 (5.7) years, height 177.2 (7.0) cm, body mass 68.9 (16.9) kg) from the Great Britain short-track speed skating (n=10) and biathlon teams (n=4) were studied. Each athlete completed a laboratory based and sport specific exercise challenge as well as an EVH challenge, in randomised order. Results: All 14 athletes completed each challenge. Two had a previous history of asthma. Ten (including the two with a previous history) had a positive test to at least one of the challenges. Ten athletes had a positive response to EVH; of these, only three also had a positive response to the sport specific challenge. No athletes had a positive response to the laboratory based challenge. Conclusions: Elite athletes should be screened for EIA. EVH is a more sensitive challenge in asymptomatic athletes than sport specific and laboratory based challenges. If sporting governing bodies were to implement screening programmes to test athletes for EIA, EVH is the challenge of choice

The pathogenesis of tendinopathy. A molecular perspective

There are many publications that discuss the aetiology, diagnosis and treatment of the various forms of tendinopathy, but few are based on conclusive scientific evidence. The pathogenesis of tendinopathy is difficult to study because tendon biopsies are rarely obtained before a tendon has ruptured. There are interesting comparisons with animal tendinopathy, particularly in the equine athlete, although many animal models do not accurately reflect the human condition—the tendon lesions usually heal. However, the application of biochemical and molecular techniques to the study of both animal and human tendinopathy has led to a greater understanding of these common and disabling conditions. This article summarizes current knowledge of the pathogenesis of tendinopathy, with particular emphasis on the molecular pathology of the tendon matrix