A review of the differences between normal and osteoarthritis articular cartilage in human knee and ankle joints

Background: Osteoarthritis (OA) is the most common joint disease yet its pathophysiology is still poorly understood. It is more prevalent in some lower limb joints than others; in particular the knee is more commonly affected than the ankle. Research into articular cartilage and OA has primarily focussed on using animal models. However, it is apparent that articular cartilage differs between species, so more research is concentrating on human cartilage. Objective: This paper reviews recent studies that have been undertaken to elucidate the reasons for this, and to discover if the findings would alter the conception that articular cartilage is not capable of repair. Method: Primary research papers into human knee and ankle cartilage published since 1997 have been reviewed. Results: Differences in the structure, metabolism, physical properties and response to trauma have been found, implying that ankle cartilage may be more resistant to damage. Conclusions: More research is needed before definitive conclusions can be reached, but the findings so far suggest that OA should not be accepted as the inevitable outcome of joint injury and individuals and practitioners, such as podiatrists, may be able to use simple measures to prevent or delay its onse

A new formulation for the treatment of acid-deterioration (Red Rot) in historic leathers

Conservation of acid-deteriorated historic leather (also commonly known as red rot) is an on-going concern as current treatment options are limited. Various products such as aqueous-based buffer salts, imidazole, ammonia vapour and aluminium di(isopropoxide) acetoacetate ester chelate (referred to as aluminium alkoxide in this study) have been used to treat acid-deterioration in historic leathers. Among the various products studied, aluminium alkoxide was found to be the most effective. However the effect of aluminium alkoxide when applied on its own may be limited due to its short-term stabilisation effect. A new formulation consisting of aluminium alkoxide and 5-ethyl-1-aza-3, 7-dioxabicyclo [3.3.0] octane (oxazolidine II) was used to treat acid-deterioration in historic leather. Acid-deteriorated leathers were treated with the new formulation and aged further by exposure to an acidic environment at 40°C and 30% relative humidity for up to 12 weeks. The acidic environment was created using sulfur dioxide and nitrogen dioxide. Corresponding untreated acid-deteriorated historic leathers were used as a negative control. The impact of the treatments and artificial ageing was determined by measuring the hydrothermal stability of the leather samples using differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) and pH of the aqueous extract. The results obtained showed that the formulation has collagen-stabilising properties, acid-buffering capacity as well as the capability to provide long-term protection against an artificially-created acidic environment

The Association for Events Management Education (AEME) Forum 2022 - New Horizons: Working Together for a Brighter Future

It is widely agreed that stakeholders have a significant impact on event development and success. Research is beginning to emerge into how events engage with stakeholders but this is still a relatively new area of study. From internal team and volunteer relationships to media and sponsor partnerships, from audience and participants to performers and suppliers, events connect a plethora of stakeholders, each requiring management and communication. This complex web and the challenges of operating in that environment are being explored through multiple research routes and includes wider topics such as events strategy, experience design, communications planning, team development and operational management. This theme also connects with wider strategic opportunities and challenges around sustainability, accessibility, forecasting and leadership

Podiatry in paediatric rheumatology

This presentation was to provide podiatry students with an overview of Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis (arthritis in children) and the podiatrists role within the paediatric rheumatology team

How development viability is undermining the English planning system - written evidence (BEN0027)

An appeal to the House of Lords Select Committee on the Environment to consider a review of the viability clauses of National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF). The paper explains how development viability assessment is undermining the planning system and reducing public scrutiny over planning decisions particularly those concerned with the provision of affordable housing by developers as part of their "planning obligations"

Requiem Macabre

A postmodern rendering of Saint-Saens' Requiem Opus 54 and Grieg's Hall of the Mountain Kin

The Skills Hub

The Skills Hub is an open access resource containing videos, guides, interactive tutorials and blog posts covering core academic skills, such as information evaluation, referencing, writing skills and critical thinking skills. The OERs cover an array of levels, from A-level through to postgraduate and research. It is for use by students, schools, researchers and the community. The material on the Skills Hub is mainly created in-house by Library and Learning Services staff at the University of Northampton, in particular, by Academic Librarians and Academic Practice Tutors. In addition, we have selected material from other external open access sources that we think is valuable.

The myth of spatial planning: housing markets, cartels and housing delivery in a global urban region

A conference presentation about how spatial planning strategies in the UK are limited by the monopolistic behaviour of volume housebuilder

Transition in higher education: exploring the experiences of first and second year psychology undergraduate students

The transition of students into higher education receives much attention due to the fact that the educational environment may be different from students’ previous learning experiences - presenting challenges for adjustment. As a result, there has been growing interest in areas such as student induction into university life; student preparedness for higher education, and the first year experience - all with the aim of supporting the smoothness of transition for students and subsequently improving their performance, satisfaction and retention (e.g. Harvey, Drew & Smith, 2006). It is unclear however how individual students experience and reflect on this process in an in-depth qualitative way. In order to explore this, six current first and second year undergraduate psychology students studying on a full time basis participated in individual semi-structured interviews about their experiences of transition in higher education. A focus group with six students was also conducted. Data was analysed thematically using an inductive semantic approach (Braun & Clarke, 2006). Themes were identified relating to personal growth; development of social connections; lifestyle transition; the progression of transition and the need for preparedness. Experiences were mediated by prior expectations of university life, on or off campus living, level of social support and the stage students were at in their course. Additionally, transitions between levels of study were noteworthy to students’ experiences alongside their initial transition in to higher education. Findings will be discussed in relation to the growing body of educational literature on student transition and the practical implications for university practic