Degradation of connective tissue matrices by macrophages. III. Morphological and biochemical studies on extracellular, pericellular, and intracellular events in matrix proteolysis by macrophages in culture.

We have shown that macrophages in culture degrade the glycoproteins and amorphous elastin of insoluble extracellular matrices. Ultrastructural observation of the macrophage-matrix interaction revealed that connective tissue macromolecules were solubilized from the matrix extracellularly. At least part of the matrix breakdown was localized to the immediate vicinity of the cells, as shown by morphological and biochemical studies, although the rate of degradation correlated closely with the secretion of proteinases by various inflammatory stimuli in vivo, by glucocorticoids, prostaglandin E2 or colchicine, or by phagocytosis of latex, zymosan, or cholesterol-albumin complexes in culture was reflected in altered rates of glycoprotein and elastin degradation by the macrophages. Alteration of endocytosis and lysosomal digestion by cytochalasin B, NH4Cl, and proteinase inhibitors did not decrease the overall rate of matrix solubilization, but reduced the processing of the matrix fragments to peptides. Therefore, extracellular, pericellular, and lysosomal events each contribute to degradation of extracellular matrix macromolecules by inflammatory macrophages

Banking on a better future

Access to banking services for vulnerable and homeless people on their ourney to stability and independenc

Relationships between unilateral horizontal and vertical drop jumps and 20 metre sprint performance

Objectives: The purpose of this study was to compare the relationships between horizontal (HDJ) and vertical drop jumps (VDJ) to sprint performance. Design: Exploratory Study. Setting: Laboratory. Participants: Nineteen male collegiate participants (22.5 ± 3.2 years, 181.1 ± 6.7 cm, 80.3 ± 9.6 kg). Main outcome measures: All participants performed VDJ and HDJ from a 20 cm height onto an AMTI force platform sampling at 1200 Hz before performing three 20 m sprints.Sprint times (5, 10, 15, 20, 5-10, 10-15, 15-20 m) were measured using a LAVEG speed gun. Results: All jump and sprint measures showed excellent within session reliability (ICC: 0.954 to 0.99). Pearson's and Spearman's correlations revealed significant (p < 0.01) moderate to high correlations between jump measures and sprint times (R: -0.665 to -0.769). Stepwise multiple regression revealed jump distance normalised by body height (HDJ) was the best predictor for 10, 20, 5-10, 10-15 and 15-20 m sprint times (R2 = 41% to 48%). Conclusions: HDJ performance measures provide stronger relationships to sprint performance than VDJ's. Thus,HDJ's should be considered in test batteries to monitor training and rehabilitation for athletes in sprint related sports

The reliability of using a laser device to assess deceleration ability

An important component of change of direction speed is the ability to decelerate. Objective methods to examine this quality have been rarely reported in the literature. The aim of this study was to investigate the within and between session reliability [intra-class correlation coefficients (ICC), co-efficient of variation (CV), standard error of measurement (SEM) and smallest detectable difference (SDD)] of using a laser-Doppler device (LAVEG) to quantify deceleration ability in 20 amateur rugby union players. Each player performed one familiarisation and two experimental sessions (7 days apart) consisting of three maximal 15 m sprints from a standing start, with an immediate deceleration to a complete stop upon hearing an audible cue at the 15 m mark. Deceleration was evaluated by determining the distance required to decelerate to 75%, 50%, 25% and 0% (‘stopping distance’) of the velocity achieved at 15 m of the maximal sprint. Within-session relative reliability were moderate to good (ICC = 0.64-0.83) with borderline acceptable variation (CV’s = 10.51-16.71%) across all variables. Between-session reliability reported good to excellent relative reliability (ICC = 0.79-0.93) with acceptable absolute reliability, particularly for stopping distance (SEM: 6.54%; SDD 9.11%). The assessment shows promise as a method to quantify deceleration ability in athletes

Discrete element models of soil-geogrid interaction

Geogrids are the geosynthetics of choice for soil reinforcement applications. To evaluate the efficiency of geogrid reinforcement, several methods are used including field tests, laboratory tests and numerical modeling. Field studies consume long period of time and conducting these investigations may become highly expensive because of the need for real-size structures. Laboratory studies present also significant difficulties: large-size testing machines are required to accommodate realistic geogrid designs. The discrete element method (DEM) may be used as a complementary tool to extend physical testing databases at lower cost. Discrete element models do not require complex constitutive formulations and may be fed with particle scale data (size, strength, shape) thus reducing the number offree calibration parameters. Discrete element models also are well suited to problems in which large displacements are present, such as geogrid pullout. This paper reviews the different approaches followed to model soil-geogrid interaction in DEM and presents preliminary results from pull-out conditions.Peer ReviewedPostprint (author's final draft

Enabling access to affordable credit for social housing residents

This research report explores the dynamics and impact of the affordable loans project organised by the Affinity Sutton Group (ASG) in order to enable its residents nationwide to access credit through Places for People Financial Services (PfP)

Borrowing from a Credit Union: Messages from Members

The paper summarises survey and focus group data from two large credit unions on the member experience with borrowing from their credit unions. It also includes mini-case studies on the initiatives and practices of five other credit unions who have been notably successful in getting loans out to members

A comparison of dynamic strength index between team-sport athletes

The purpose of this study was to examine the differences in countermovement jump peak force (CMJ-PF), isometric mid-thigh pull peak force (IMTP-PF), and resultant dynamic strength index (DSI) values between team-sport athletes. One hundred and fifteen male and female team-sport athletes performed the CMJ and IMTP to determine peak force (CMJ-PF and IMTP-PF, respectively). Statistically and practically significant differences (p ≤ 0.050; d = 0.49–1.32) in CMJ-PF were evident between teams. Specifically, the greatest CMJ-PFs were produced by the male cricket players and were followed in order by the male basketball, male soccer, female netball, female cricket, and female soccer players. Statistically and practically significant differences (p ≤ 0.045; d = 0.64–1.78) in IMTP-PF existed among sports teams, with the greatest IMTP-PFs were produced by the male soccer players and were followed in order by the male cricket, male basketball, female netball, female soccer, and female cricket players. Statistically and practically significant differences (p ≤ 0.050; d = 0.92–1.44) in DSI were found between teams. These findings demonstrate that CMJ-PF, IMTP-PF, and DSI differ between sports teams and provide normative data for ballistic and isometric PF measures. Strength and conditioning coaches should consider relative changes in CMJ-PF and IMTP-PF when assessing DSI ratios

Uncertainties in the attribution of greenhouse gas warming and implications for climate prediction

This is the final version. Available from the American Geophysical Union via the DOI in this record. Using optimal detection techniques with climate model simulations, most of the observed increase of near-surface temperatures over the second half of the twentieth century is attributed to anthropogenic influences. However, the partitioning of the anthropogenic influence to individual factors, such as greenhouse gases and aerosols, is much less robust. Differences in how forcing factors are applied, in their radiative influence and in models’ climate sensitivities, substantially influence the response patterns. We find that standard optimal detection methodologies cannot fully reconcile this response diversity. By selecting a set of experiments to enable the diagnosing of greenhouse gases and the combined influence of other anthropogenic and natural factors, we find robust detections of well-mixed greenhouse gases across a large ensemble of models. Of the observed warming over the twentieth century of 0.65 K/century we find, using a multimodel mean not incorporating pattern uncertainty, a well-mixed greenhouse gas warming of 0.87 to 1.22 K/century. This is partially offset by cooling from other anthropogenic and natural influences of-0.54 to-0.22 K/century. Although better constrained than recent studies, the attributable trends across climate models are still wide, with implications for observational constrained estimates of transient climate response. Some of the uncertainties could be reduced in future by having more model data to better quantify the simulated estimates of the signals and natural variability, by designing model experiments more effectively and better quantification of the climate model radiative influences. Most importantly, how model pattern uncertainties are incorporated into the optimal detection methodology should be improved.Joint UK DECC/Defra Met Office Hadley Centre Climate Programm

Level of health care and services in a tertiary health setting in Nigeria

Background: There is a growing awareness and demand for quality health care across the world; hence the need to describe the level of health care and services provided to meet the patient centered care by the frontline stakeholders.Aim of study: To determine the current level of care provided in a tertiary hospital in a developing country setting. Study design: prospective, descriptive and questionnaire based survey.Methods: The study was conducted at the National Hospital Abuja, atertiary care setting in Nigeria. 157 health workers were enrolled, whoresponded to questions on the clinical, support and corporate servicesof the hospital. Response were either yes, no or do not know. The result were analyzed and presented in tables and charts.Results: Of 157 respondents, 66 males (42.0%) 91 females (58.0%). Doctors and nurses formed 64.3% of the study population. 114 (72.6%) of the health staff agreed that patients received appropriate medical needs and treatments, 118 (75.2%) that care was planned with patient involvement, 107(68.2%) that patients were informed of results and final care processes, 127 (80.9%) that patient were aware of consent processes and 112 (71.3%) that patients at discharge were aware of their ongoing and subsequent care. 90 (57.3%) of the respondents agreed that the patients records were accurate with patients’ participation and medicationswell managed to prevent errors and adverse reactions (75.2%). Infection control and routine surveillance were low. Safe blood sample collectionmeasures (74.5%), measures to reduce break in skin integrity (77.7%), and bed sores rare and effectively managed (38.9%). Some agreed that patient received appropriate nutrition (58.0%). Information on patients’ rights and responsibilities, and continuous quality control measures rateswere low. Others were adverse incidences reported and treated (50.3%), feedbacks mechanism (66.9%) and complaints management rates (54.8%). Hand washing practice rates were low among doctors and nurses and patient relatives. Staff rated that both workforces planning that supported needs and recruitment  and appointment systems low.Records were not updated to meet with international standards (ICD-10); (22.9%) and had low rates for use in future purposes. Also low were the level of medical and environmental research, informal relationship and security, but the management had a high level of social responsibility in form of emergency and disaster management to the immediate  community; (83.4%).Conclusion: Health workers agreed that some of the patients’ needs were met.Key word: Health care, health workers, service