Tears are formed by a group of glands and ocular epithelia collectively named the lacnmal gland system. The lacrimal glands are paired orbital structures which in the rat consist of an intraorbital and exorbital component. The exorbital gland is responsible for secreting the aqueous components of the tear film, consisting of water, electrolytes and proteins which are responsible for keeping the cornea buffered, lubricated, nourished and protected. Ageing has been associated with lacrimal gland dysfunction, resulting in reduced aqueous tear production, which is associated with dry eye conditions. However, very little is known about ageing effects on the lacrimal gland and in particular the lacrimal gland acinar cells. This study employed light and electron microscopy, immunohistochemical, radiobiological and physiological techniques to investigate ageing changes in the morphology and function of the lacrimal gland and acinar cells. In all experiments animals of 3-5 months were considered normal, control. The light microscopical studies revealed that with ageing to 28 months the gland underwent progressive morphological changes, including; thickening and deposition of the interlobular connective tissue, inflammatory cell infiltration, inflammation, necrosis, enlargement of ducts, patchy destruction of acinar, vascular and ductal tissues and luminal swelling of the acini. These changes were most apparent at 20, 24 and 28 months, only changes to the interlobular connective tissue was observed at 12 months and very little was observed at 9 months. However, in all age groups there was a change in the type and distribution of the acinar cell. Three distinct types of acinar cells were observed in the lacrimal glands; serous, seromucous and mucous (Draper et aL, 1998; 1999).

The nursing profession is pivotal to the delivery of healthcare services within the UK National Health Service (NHS). However, studies have shown that an increasing number of older nurses are leaving the NHS as a result of the physical and cognitive demands of the nursing job. In particular, a growing body of literature suggests that ward nurses are at risk of sustaining work-related injuries due to the demands of their job. Responding to these challenges, the aim of this PhD research project was to develop a framework to support NHS ward nurses in the ward environment, by exploring how the architectural design features of NHS hospital wards could be improved to create a better fit between ward nurses and their work environment, by applying the Person-Environment Fit theory. The Nursing Tasks and Environmental Assessment Framework (NTEA Framework) consists of two components. The Nursing Tasks Demand Matrix (NTDM), which provides a nuanced understanding of nursing tasks on wards and the Ward Environment Assessment Tool (WEAT), which is used to conduct Post-Occupancy Evaluation of hospital wards. The two together forms the NTEA Framework, which offers a holistic approach to improving nurses’ quality of life in the workplace. The NTEA Framework may be used by facilities managers, human resource managers, occupational health advisors, ward managers and the NHS management, for refurbishments decisions, in drafting nurses’ job descriptions, to perform occupation health screening and for the assessment of the adequacy of NHS healthcare estates for ward nurses. The NTEA Framework is also a benchmarking information tool that could inform design of healthcare facilities.