title: Characterisation of the TNF superfamily members CD40L and BAFF in the small-spotted catshark (Scyliorhinus canicula)

authors: Li, Ronggai

subjects: CD40L

abstract: The tumour necrosis factor superfamily (TNFSF) members CD40L and BAFF play critical roles in mammalian B cell survival, proliferation and maturation, however little is known about these key cytokines in the oldest jawed vertebrates, the cartilaginous fishes. Here we report the cloning of CD40L and BAFF orthologues (designated ScCD40L and ScBAFF) in the small-spotted catshark (Scyliorhinus canicula). As predicted both proteins are type II membrane-bound proteins with a TNF homology domain in their extracellular region and both are highly expressed in shark immune tissues. ScCD40L transcript levels correlate with those of TCRα and transcription of both genes is modulated in peripheral blood leukocytes following in vitro stimulation. Although a putative CD40L orthologue was identified in the elephant shark genome the work herein is the first molecular characterisation and transcriptional analysis of CD40L in a cartilaginous fish. ScBAFF was also cloned and its transcription characterised in an attempt to resolve the discrepancies observed between spiny dogfish BAFF and bamboo shark BAFF in previously published studies.

text: Characterisation of the TNF superfamily members CD40L and BAFF in the small-spotted catshark (Scyliorhinus canicula) The tumour necrosis factor superfamily (TNFSF) members CD40L and BAFF play critical roles in mammalian B cell survival, proliferation and maturation, however little is known about these key cytokines in the oldest jawed vertebrates, the cartilaginous fishes. Here we report the cloning of CD40L and BAFF orthologues (designated ScCD40L and ScBAFF) in the small-spotted catshark (Scyliorhinus canicula). As predicted both proteins are type II membrane-bound proteins with a TNF homology domain in their extracellular region and both are highly expressed in shark immune tissues. ScCD40L transcript levels correlate with those of TCRα and transcription of both genes is modulated in peripheral blood leukocytes following in vitro stimulation. Although a putative CD40L orthologue was identified in the elephant shark genome the work herein is the first molecular characterisation and transcriptional analysis of CD40L in a cartilaginous fish. ScBAFF was also cloned and its transcription characterised in an attempt to resolve the discrepancies observed between spiny dogfish BAFF and bamboo shark BAFF in previously published studies.

year: 2015-11

title: To post or not to post? Perceptions of the use of a closed Facebook group as a networked public space

authors: Ballantyne, Neil

subjects: Facebook

abstract: Members of a closed Facebook group, established to discuss professional social work issues, were surveyed to explore what they valued about the group, the problems or issues associated with membership, and factors associated with participation or reluctance to participate. A non-probability, self-selection sample (N = 53) completed an online survey during January and February 2016. Survey findings suggest that participants valued feeling connected to a community of practice, the ability to post and share information, and access to news and information. However, participants also expressed concern about online incivility and experienced reluctance to post opinions because of concerns about the critical comments of others.

text: To post or not to post? Perceptions of the use of a closed Facebook group as a networked public space Members of a closed Facebook group, established to discuss professional social work issues, were surveyed to explore what they valued about the group, the problems or issues associated with membership, and factors associated with participation or reluctance to participate. A non-probability, self-selection sample (N = 53) completed an online survey during January and February 2016. Survey findings suggest that participants valued feeling connected to a community of practice, the ability to post and share information, and access to news and information. However, participants also expressed concern about online incivility and experienced reluctance to post opinions because of concerns about the critical comments of others.

year: 2017

title: Health information research privacy standards should include Māori perspectives on privacy

authors: Ragupathy, Rajan

subjects: computer science

abstract: Secondary research using health records and other personal health data (henceforth referred to as health information research) is a valuable tool for tackling New Zealand’s health and social challenges. It requires however suitable privacy standards to maintain public confi dence and social license. The privacy protocols used by New Zealand district health boards have been described in this journal, as have additional safeguards that could be adopted to prevent privacy breaches.¹,²

text: Health information research privacy standards should include Māori perspectives on privacy Secondary research using health records and other personal health data (henceforth referred to as health information research) is a valuable tool for tackling New Zealand’s health and social challenges. It requires however suitable privacy standards to maintain public confi dence and social license. The privacy protocols used by New Zealand district health boards have been described in this journal, as have additional safeguards that could be adopted to prevent privacy breaches.¹,²

year: 2019