Loss of T cell tolerance in the skin following immunopathology is linked to failed restoration of the dermal niche by recruited macrophages

T cell pathology in the skin leads to monocyte influx, but we have little understanding of the fate of recruited cells within the diseased niche, or the long-term impact on cutaneous immune homeostasis. By combining a murine model of acute graft-versus-host disease (aGVHD) with analysis of patient samples, we demonstrate that pathology initiates dermis-specific macrophage differentiation and show that aGVHD-primed macrophages continue to dominate the dermal compartment at the relative expense of quiescent MHCIIint cells. Exposure of the altered dermal niche to topical haptens after disease resolution results in hyper-activation of regulatory T cells (Treg), but local breakdown in tolerance. Disease-imprinted macrophages express increased IL-1β and are predicted to elicit altered TNF superfamily interactions with cutaneous Treg, and we demonstrate the direct loss of T cell regulation within the resolved skin. Thus, T cell pathology leaves an immunological scar in the skin marked by failure to re-set immune homeostasis

Sexuality as taboo: using IPA and a Foucauldian lens to explore fathers' practices in talking to their children about puberty, relationships and reproduction

Background: Fathers can play an important role in their children’s learning about relationships and sexuality but we know very little about the father’s lived experience in this regard. Aim: To explore eight fathers’ perceptions and experiences of discussing puberty, relationships and reproduction with their 10-year-old children. Methods: The paper commences with a genealogical analysis of the history of sex education in England from the Public Health Act of 1848 to the present day. Interpretative phenomenological analysis (IPA) was used as both a methodology and a method. Face-to-face interviews were conducted with each father and results were analysed ideographically, followed by analysis across the group. Interpretations were developed using a Foucauldian lens of governmentality and biopower. Findings: The paper explores how synthesis of IPA with a Foucauldian lens revealed significant tensions between the fathers’ cognitions, accounts and behaviours, which were underpinned by an enduring perception of sexuality as taboo. Conclusion: By providing a contextualised understanding of the fathers’ practices, this study demonstrates that a more informed approach to health promotion strategy can be achieved and the implications for nursing are explored

Effective nurse leadership in times of crisis

Why you should read this article: To learn about the leadership strategies that can be effective during times of crisis To understand when different styles of leadership are appropriate in certain situations To count towards revalidation as part of your 35 hours of CPD, or you may wish to write a reflective account (UK readers) To contribute towards your professional development and local registration renewal requirements (non-UK readers) The emergence of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) has meant that nurse leaders need to respond rapidly and decisively to the demands and challenges of a pandemic in a context of increased staff shortages and limited resources. This article suggests essential leadership skills and characteristics that nurses can use to underpin effective leadership in a crisis, emphasising the importance of decision-making and emotional intelligence. It also addresses two important questions: ‘what do leaders in a crisis need to do that differs from any other time?’ and ‘what does effective leadership look like in a crisis?

Understanding camp dogs : the relationship between Aboriginal culture and western welfare

This article examines how rising concern for animal welfare in Australia is manifested in increased media coverage of these topics, including growing coverage of animal sentience, rights, and welfare. In Australia, canine existence is often determined by their positioning within cultural frames. Dogs have been integral to Aboriginal social, family, and environmental relationships for generations; however, colonisation brought fundamental changes to these established relationships, with ramifications that have prompted welfare concerns about camp dog populations. The goal of this article is to review existing research discourses and epistemological positioning of the supposed camp dog problem. We are not assessing individual programmes or reporting on fieldwork conducted with communities. Instead, this initial paper reviews some of the current literature to identify ways forward in facilitating Aboriginal self-determining of camp dog interactions in communities. © The Author(s) 2023

Fathers as Sexuality Educators: Aspirations and Realities. An Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis

Men can play a significant role in teaching their children about sexuality but fathers’ practices and perceptions in this domain remain under explored. This study presents an Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis of eight fathers’ perceptions and practices in educating their ten-year-old children about physical maturation, reproduction and relationships. A Foucauldian analysis with a focus on governmentality and biopower revealed tensions and contradictions between the fathers’ aspirations and their realities, which appeared to be underpinned by the dynamic, contradictory, shifting, plural nature of fatherhood identities. Whilst fathers wished to adhere to the cultural imperative for father–child emotional closeness, a disparity between their ambitions and their conduct emerged. Care appeared to be a deeply gendered concept for the fathers and despite their aspirations for an intimate relationship with their children, gendered norms for motherhood and fatherhood prevailed resulting in passivity in their role as sexuality educators. The study concludes by arguing that challenges to structures and subcultural contexts, which may deter fathers from fully engaging with their sons and daughters in this aspect of communication are required

Metabolic adaption of mucosal macrophages: Is metabolism a driver of persistence across tissues?

Macrophages play essential roles in tissue homeostasis, defense, and repair. Their functions are highly tissue-specific, and when damage and inflammation stimulate repopulation by circulating monocytes, the incoming monocytes rapidly acquire the same, tissue-specific functions as the previous, resident macrophages. Several environmental factors are thought to guide the functional differentiation of recruited monocytes, including metabolic pressures imposed by the fuel sources available in each tissue. Here we discuss whether such a model of metabolic determinism can be applied to macrophage differentiation across barrier sites, from the lung to the skin. We suggest an alternative model, in which metabolic phenotype is a consequence of macrophage longevity rather than an early driver of tissue-specific adaption

Laying Down the Foundations for International Student Journey. Students as Academic Partners Project Report.

The aim of this project was to explore the lived experiences of being an international student studying at a University within the UK and to make recommendations for future provision. There are increasing numbers of international students studying at Universities within the UK. Positive learning environments and arrangements are the responsibility of the host University and international students’ needs should be taken into consideration. This project was led by international students in collaboration with academic staff. It involved a qualitative exploration of international student perspectives and their experiences of studying within the UK. Ten international students completed a questionnaire that was designed by international students. Respondents were asked questions in relation to three areas: coming to the UK, arriving in the UK and studying in the UK

Cancer vaccines: from an immunology perspective

The concept of a therapeutic cancer vaccine to activate anti-tumour immunity pre-dates innovations in checkpoint blockade immunotherapies. However, vaccination strategies have yet to show the hoped-for successes in patients, and unanswered questions regarding the underlying immunological mechanisms behind cancer vaccines have hampered translation to clinical practice. Recent advances in our understanding of the potential of tumour mutational burden and neo-antigen-reactive T cells for response to immunotherapy have re-ignited enthusiasm for cancer vaccination strategies, coupled with the development of novel mRNA-based vaccines following successes in prevention of COVID-19. Here we summarise current developments in cancer vaccines and discuss how advances in our comprehension of the cellular interplay in immunotherapy-responsive tumours may inform better design of therapeutic cancer vaccines, with a focus on the role of dendritic cells as the orchestrators of anti-tumour immunity. The increasing number of clinical trials and research being funnelled into cancer vaccines has demonstrated the ‘proof-of-principle’, supporting the hypothesis that therapeutic vaccines have potential as an immuno-oncology agent. For efficacious and safe cancer vaccines to be developed, better understanding of the underpinning immunological mechanisms is paramount