Molecular characterisation of the "LEAome" in the resurrection plant Xerophyta humilis (Baker)

Studies on resurrection plants and other anhydrobiotic organisms, have shown that Late Embryogenesis Abundant (LEA) proteins are expressed upon the onset of desiccation and are therefore inferred to be associated with the desiccation tolerance response. To date, despite some 25 years of research on these proteins, there is still very little understanding of the physiological function(s) of the majority of LEAs. This is because they lack tertiary structure in the hydrated state, making assigning of physiological roles difficult. This MSc study was undertaken to investigate the gene expression of a set of 21 putative LEAs during dehydration and subsequent rehydration stress, in the resurrection plant Xerophyta humilis (Baker). Recombinant proteins were expressed for 3 of the LEA genes from this set in order to perform structural studies and to ascertain their LEA status. These studies were conducted with the purpose of shedding light on the role of LEAs in desiccation tolerance, to add to the ever-growing transcriptomic and proteomic data, and to the current knowledge of these enigmatic proteins. Quantitative real-time gene expression (qPCR) analysis was conducted on the set of 21 full length X. humilis cDNA clone nucleotide sequences, with similarities to late embryogenesis mRNA sequences, derived from a study conducted by Collett et al., (2004). Expression analysis was conducted in both leaves and roots, across a dehydration and rehydration profile of X. humilis. Of this total group of 21 full length cDNA clones, three LEAs; XhLEA2-3 and XhLEA2-6 (two putative Group 2 LEA genes) and XhLEA3-5 (a putative Group 3 LEA gene), were chosen for cloning and expression studies. cDNAs of these XhLEAs were cloned into a modified bacterial expression vector and recombinant protein expression was attempted in E. coli

Toward a sustainable culture of peer partnership

This project is a two phase design working in partnership with five universities to develop, implement and systematically embed a distributive leadership model that aims to embed peer partnership (review, development) within the culture of teaching and learning excellence. This presentation will posit a ‘prototype’ peer review leadership model based on ongoing research that brings together both the fundamentals of peer review with the broader importance of context and persons. It will be argued that essential to teaching development is a need to address not only the implementation of peer partnership programs but also strategies to influence and change both the contexts of teaching and the advantages for colleagues. Peer review as a strategy to develop excellence in teaching needs to be considered from a holistic perspective encompassing all elements of the teaching environment. The emphasis is on working to foster the type of conditions needed for leadership and change to begin and be sustained. The work has implications for policy, research, leadership development and student outcomes and has potential application world-wide. Phase 1 has collected focus interview and questionnaire data to inform the research and is being analysed using a thematic qualitative approach and statistical analysis. Evidence is emerging currently as the project is ongoing

Immune interaction between SARS-CoV-2 and Mycobacterium tuberculosis

SARS-CoV-2 and Mycobacterium tuberculosis (Mtb) are major infectious causes of death, with meta-analyses and population-based studies finding increased mortality in co-infected patients simultaneously diagnosed with COVID-19 and tuberculosis (TB). There is a need to understand the immune interaction between SARS-CoV-2 and Mtb which impacts poor outcomes for those co-infected. We performed a PubMed and preprint search using keywords [SARS-CoV-2] AND [tuberculosis] AND [Immune response], including publications after January 2020, excluding reviews or opinions. Abstracts were evaluated by authors for inclusion of data specifically investigating the innate and/or acquired immune responses to SARS-CoV-2 and Mtb in humans and animal models, immunopathological responses in co-infection and both trials and investigations of potential protection against SARS-CoV-2 by Bacille Calmette Guérin (BCG). Of the 248 articles identified, 39 were included. Incidence of co-infection is discussed, considering in areas with a high burden of TB, where reported co-infection is likely underestimated. We evaluated evidence of the clinical association between COVID-19 and TB, discuss differences and similarities in immune responses in humans and in murine studies, and the implications of co-infection. SARS-CoV-2 and Mtb have both been shown to modulate immune responses, particularly of monocytes, macrophages, neutrophils, and T cells. Co-infection may result in impaired immunity to SARS-CoV-2, with an exacerbated inflammatory response, while T cell responses to Mtb may be modulated by SARS-CoV-2. Furthermore, there has been no proven potential COVID-19 clinical benefit of BCG despite numerous large-scale clinical trials

Regulators of male and female sexual development are critical for the transmission of a malaria parasite

Malaria transmission to mosquitoes requires a developmental switch in asexually dividing blood-stage parasites to sexual reproduction. In Plasmodium berghei, the transcription factor AP2-G is required and sufficient for this switch, but how a particular sex is determined in a haploid parasite remains unknown. Using a global screen of barcoded mutants, we here identify genes essential for the formation of either male or female sexual forms and validate their importance for transmission. High-resolution single-cell transcriptomics of ten mutant parasites portrays the developmental bifurcation and reveals a regulatory cascade of putative gene functions in the determination and subsequent differentiation of each sex. A male-determining gene with a LOTUS/OST-HTH domain as well as the protein interactors of a female-determining zinc-finger protein indicate that germ-granule-like ribonucleoprotein complexes complement transcriptional processes in the regulation of both male and female development of a malaria parasite

CD169(+) macrophages are critical for osteoblast maintenance and promote intramembranous and endochondral ossification during bone repair

Osteal macrophages (osteomacs) contribute to bone homeostasis and regeneration. To further distinguish their functions from osteoclasts, which share many markers and growth factor requirements, we developed a rapid, enzyme-free osteomac enrichment protocol that permitted characterization of minimally manipulated osteomacs by flow cytometry. Osteomacs differ from osteoclasts in expression of Siglec1 (CD169). This distinction was confirmed using the CD169-diphtheria toxin (DT) receptor (DTR) knock-in model. DT treatment of naïve CD169-DTR mice resulted in selective and striking loss of osteomacs, whilst osteoclasts and trabecular bone area were unaffected. Consistent with a previously-reported trophic interaction, osteomac loss was accompanied by a concomitant and proportionately striking reduction in osteoblasts. The impact of CD169 macrophage depletion was assessed in two models of bone injury that heal via either intramembranous (tibial injury) or endochondral (internally-plated femoral fracture model) ossification. In both models, CD169 macrophage, including osteomac depletion compromised bone repair. Importantly, DT treatment in CD169-DTR mice did not affect osteoclast frequency in either model. In the femoral fracture model, the magnitude of callus formation correlated with the number of F4/80 macrophages that persisted within the callus. Overall these observations provide compelling support that CD169 osteomacs, independent of osteoclasts, provide vital pro-anabolic support to osteoblasts during both bone homeostasis and repair

Draft genome sequence of Enterococcus faecalis MB5259.

In this study, we present a draft genome sequence of Enterococcus faecalis MB5259, a promising probiotic strain. The identified differences and common features between this strain and reference strains will assist in better understanding the mechanism of antibacterial action and in developing novel probiotics

Breaking the ice : introducing trainee primary and secondary teachers to rural education settings

Teacher availability and stability has been a long-standing issue for isolated rural communities. While major rural centers in NSW appear to be well catered for, the lack of teachers for either permanent or casual positions and the limited length of time that teachers stay in isolated rural schools raises concerns for student outcomes that have ramifications for the futures of these students, their parents and stakeholders in their local communities. To address this issue the NSW government has provided funding for a program aptly called “Beyond the Line” (BTL) which hopes to encourage city-trained teachers to seek employment in rural schools. The program provides the opportunity for city preservice students to visit rural education settings and communities and experience education in the bush. To broaden this experience the University of Western Sydney introduced a teaching unit that embedded BTL so that students could explore theoretical issues of rural education before experiencing the reality. The first group of students has completed the program with very positive outcomes for the students, participating schools and rural communities

Developing a culture of peer review of teaching through a distributive leadership approach: Final Report 2014

Teaching is a core function of higher education and must be effective if it is to provide students with learning experiences that are stimulating, challenging and rewarding Obtaining feedback on teaching is indispensable to enhancing the quality of learning design, facilitating personal and/or professional development and maximising student learning outcomes. Peer review of teaching has the potential to improve the quality of teaching at tertiary level, by encouraging critical reflection on teaching, innovation in teaching practice and scholarship of teaching at all academic levels. However, embedding peer review within the culture of teaching and learning is a significant challenge that requires sustained commitment from senior leadership as well as those in leadership roles within local contexts

Visual, olfactory, gustatory and somatic hallucinations

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Limited interface between physiotherapy primary care and people with severe mental illness: a qualitative study

© 2017 Questions How do mental health professionals perceive the role of physiotherapists in the care of people with severe and persistent mental illness, and what factors do they perceive as influencing access to physiotherapy services? How do people with severe and persistent mental illness understand the potential role of physiotherapy in their healthcare, and what factors do they perceive as influencing access to physiotherapy services? Design Qualitative study. Participants Twenty-four mental health professionals and 35 people with severe and persistent mental illness. Methods Interview schedules were developed to explore participants’ understanding of physiotherapy, as well as barriers and enablers to service access. Focus groups and interviews were conducted for each group of participants. Transcripts were analysed using an inductive approach to derive key themes. Results Both the mental health professionals and the people with severe and persistent mental illness expressed a limited understanding of the role and relevance of physiotherapy for physical health in mental healthcare. Common barriers to service access were cost, transport and lack of motivation. Likewise, enablers of reduced cost, provision of transport and education about physiotherapy to improve their understanding were identified. The health system structure and perceived lack of mental health knowledge by physiotherapists influenced referrals from mental health professionals. Consequently, education in mental health for physiotherapists and integration of the service within mental health were identified as potential enablers to physiotherapy access. Conclusion Limited understanding about physiotherapy and its relevance to physical health in mental healthcare among mental health professionals and people with severe and persistent mental illness was found to be a key factor influencing service access. Limited physiotherapy presence and advocacy within mental health were also highlighted. There is a need for greater understanding about physiotherapy among stakeholders, and for physiotherapists to be well equipped with skills and knowledge in mental health to facilitate greater involvement. [Lee S, Waters F, Briffa K, Fary RE (2017) Limited interface between physiotherapy primary care and people with severe mental illness: a qualitative study. Journal of Physiotherapy 63: 168–174