title: Mechanisms of host manipulation by Neisseria gonorrhoeae

authors: Walker, Emma Jane

subjects: gonorrhoea (Neisseria gonorrhoeae)

abstract: Neisseria gonorrhoeae (also known as gonococcus) has been causing gonorrhoea in humans since ancient Egyptian times. Today, global gonorrhoea infections are rising at an alarming rate, in concert with an increasing number of antimicrobial-resistant strains. The gonococcus has concurrently evolved several intricate mechanisms that promote pathogenesis by evading both host immunity and defeating common therapeutic interventions. Central to these adaptations is the ability of the gonococcus to manipulate various host microenvironments upon infection. For example, the gonococcus can survive within neutrophils through direct regulation of both the oxidative burst response and maturation of the phagosome; a concerning trait given the important role neutrophils have in defending against invading pathogens. Hence, a detailed understanding of how N. gonorrhoeae exploits the human host to establish and maintain infection is crucial for combating this pathogen. This review summarizes the mechanisms behind host manipulation, with a central focus on the exploitation of host epithelial cell signaling to promote colonization and invasion of the epithelial lining, the modulation of the host immune response to evade both innate and adaptive defenses, and the manipulation of host cell death pathways to both assist colonization and combat antimicrobial activities of innate immune cells. Collectively, these pathways act in concert to enable N. gonorrhoeae to colonize and invade a wide array of host tissues, both establishing and disseminating gonococcal infection.

text: Mechanisms of host manipulation by Neisseria gonorrhoeae Neisseria gonorrhoeae (also known as gonococcus) has been causing gonorrhoea in humans since ancient Egyptian times. Today, global gonorrhoea infections are rising at an alarming rate, in concert with an increasing number of antimicrobial-resistant strains. The gonococcus has concurrently evolved several intricate mechanisms that promote pathogenesis by evading both host immunity and defeating common therapeutic interventions. Central to these adaptations is the ability of the gonococcus to manipulate various host microenvironments upon infection. For example, the gonococcus can survive within neutrophils through direct regulation of both the oxidative burst response and maturation of the phagosome; a concerning trait given the important role neutrophils have in defending against invading pathogens. Hence, a detailed understanding of how N. gonorrhoeae exploits the human host to establish and maintain infection is crucial for combating this pathogen. This review summarizes the mechanisms behind host manipulation, with a central focus on the exploitation of host epithelial cell signaling to promote colonization and invasion of the epithelial lining, the modulation of the host immune response to evade both innate and adaptive defenses, and the manipulation of host cell death pathways to both assist colonization and combat antimicrobial activities of innate immune cells. Collectively, these pathways act in concert to enable N. gonorrhoeae to colonize and invade a wide array of host tissues, both establishing and disseminating gonococcal infection.

year: 2023-02-03

title: Threshold-Concept inspired eTutorials in electronics

authors: Scott, Jonathan B.

subjects: Threshold Concepts

abstract: Engagement of students in traditional engineering tutorials can be low, especially where the level of preparation varies widely across the student population. Online tutorials are a way of addressing this problem, as they offer the chance for students to work at their own pace, at their own preferred times, while staff can add and update questions, links, and hints in almost-real time. We created such a set of tutorials in an introductory electronics course, incorporating a strong Threshold-Concept focus. The tutorials were coded by one of us (Balsom) in PHP, and this allowed us to extensively and flexibly control reporting to examine student usage. We benchmarked students from year to year, introduced the eTutorials, and measured their impact. We employed surveys and interviews for additional feedback. We quantitatively and qualitatively address the question of how effective the eTutorials were in comparison with well-staffed, well-attended, conventional tutorials addressing the exact same material in the previous year. We also search for correlations between student usage and eventual grade with the aim of early detection of students requiring intervention. The cost is compared with use of commercially-available eTutorials in Physics that are used by a parallel introductory Physics course in the same school.

text: Threshold-Concept inspired eTutorials in electronics Engagement of students in traditional engineering tutorials can be low, especially where the level of preparation varies widely across the student population. Online tutorials are a way of addressing this problem, as they offer the chance for students to work at their own pace, at their own preferred times, while staff can add and update questions, links, and hints in almost-real time. We created such a set of tutorials in an introductory electronics course, incorporating a strong Threshold-Concept focus. The tutorials were coded by one of us (Balsom) in PHP, and this allowed us to extensively and flexibly control reporting to examine student usage. We benchmarked students from year to year, introduced the eTutorials, and measured their impact. We employed surveys and interviews for additional feedback. We quantitatively and qualitatively address the question of how effective the eTutorials were in comparison with well-staffed, well-attended, conventional tutorials addressing the exact same material in the previous year. We also search for correlations between student usage and eventual grade with the aim of early detection of students requiring intervention. The cost is compared with use of commercially-available eTutorials in Physics that are used by a parallel introductory Physics course in the same school.

year: 2013

title: Decolonising Midwifery Education in Aotearoa: A Case Study Approach

authors: Cleaver,  Deanne Lesley

subjects: Decolonisation

abstract: The bicultural nature of Aotearoa (New Zealand) creates a strong foundation for the unique environment that supports the weaving of indigenous knowledge throughout midwifery education, and in turn creating a platform for decolonisation. Te Tiriti o Waitangi/ The Treaty of Waitangi serves to inform the direction that midwifery education and midwifery practice must take by underpinning these frameworks.
The revised midwifery curriculum and reaccreditation that supported the immersion of Indigenous knowledge throughout the midwifery degree at Wintec is currently in its fifth year. It was identified that there needed to be a more explicit focus of cultural safety and responsiveness, therefore in support of this Mātauranga Māori (Māori knowledge) was carefully embedded and linked to learning outcomes. This is in direct support of Te Tiriti o Waitangi and a move towards a Te Tiriti honouring programme. Topics that relate to tikanga Māori (customs), Te Ao Māori (Māori worldview) and Te Reo Māori (language) are respectfully taught, providing opportunities for understanding and growing competencies for midwifery tauira.  
Understanding colonisation in its global context alongside its role in the history of Aotearoa supported by Te Tiriti o Waitangi knowledge, is vital in the process of decolonisation. Tauira are encouraged to explore and reflect on these factors throughout their degree, supporting their growing cultural safety and awareness of relationships.  An anti-racism workshop in the final year of the degree adds another layer to the work of decolonisation and equips tauira with tools to be active in their allyship.
This personal and curricula journey empowers tauira to become culturally safe and responsive midwives, positively impacting the health of whānau Māori.
Through a case study approach the effectiveness of the interweaving of indigenous knowledge, Te Tiriti o Waitangi and Anti-Racism praxis will be explored, with the purpose of unpacking the learnings as a tool for social transformation within the process of decolonisation.
These changes promote the professional development of educators and the empowerment of tauira to uphold Indigenous rights, while providing care in partnership that is respectful. Decolonising Midwifery Education in Aotearoa: A Case Study approach’ will be explored and unpacked.

text: Decolonising Midwifery Education in Aotearoa: A Case Study Approach The bicultural nature of Aotearoa (New Zealand) creates a strong foundation for the unique environment that supports the weaving of indigenous knowledge throughout midwifery education, and in turn creating a platform for decolonisation. Te Tiriti o Waitangi/ The Treaty of Waitangi serves to inform the direction that midwifery education and midwifery practice must take by underpinning these frameworks.
The revised midwifery curriculum and reaccreditation that supported the immersion of Indigenous knowledge throughout the midwifery degree at Wintec is currently in its fifth year. It was identified that there needed to be a more explicit focus of cultural safety and responsiveness, therefore in support of this Mātauranga Māori (Māori knowledge) was carefully embedded and linked to learning outcomes. This is in direct support of Te Tiriti o Waitangi and a move towards a Te Tiriti honouring programme. Topics that relate to tikanga Māori (customs), Te Ao Māori (Māori worldview) and Te Reo Māori (language) are respectfully taught, providing opportunities for understanding and growing competencies for midwifery tauira.  
Understanding colonisation in its global context alongside its role in the history of Aotearoa supported by Te Tiriti o Waitangi knowledge, is vital in the process of decolonisation. Tauira are encouraged to explore and reflect on these factors throughout their degree, supporting their growing cultural safety and awareness of relationships.  An anti-racism workshop in the final year of the degree adds another layer to the work of decolonisation and equips tauira with tools to be active in their allyship.
This personal and curricula journey empowers tauira to become culturally safe and responsive midwives, positively impacting the health of whānau Māori.
Through a case study approach the effectiveness of the interweaving of indigenous knowledge, Te Tiriti o Waitangi and Anti-Racism praxis will be explored, with the purpose of unpacking the learnings as a tool for social transformation within the process of decolonisation.
These changes promote the professional development of educators and the empowerment of tauira to uphold Indigenous rights, while providing care in partnership that is respectful. Decolonising Midwifery Education in Aotearoa: A Case Study approach’ will be explored and unpacked.

year: 2023