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The composition of the gut microbiota in zebra finch (Taeniopygia guttata) with the provision of different diets
No full textThe bacterial community living within a host’s gut plays a crucial role in digestion,
pathogen resistance, and even interacting with important immune functions. This
community in the gut is often referred to as the gut microbiome, and it can be influenced
by the diet of the host, the environment the host is situated in, and individual
characteristics of the host like age and sex. Given its significant role in host health,
findings from human studies are often extended to animal models, particularly birds. This
study examines how dietary changes affect the diversity and composition of the gut
microbiome in zebra finches (Taeniopygia guttata). This was done over an 11-week
dietary intervention, and fecal samples were collected from 16 zebra finches once a week.
16S rRNA gene DNA sequences were used from these samples to assess the changes in
the bird’s gut microbiome over the study period. Results from this study showed that
dietary changes did not cause significant shifts in the overall gut microbiome. Instead,
individual differences in the microbiome had a greater impact than diet. Additionally, the
microbiome did not follow a consistent pattern in response to dietary changes, it
fluctuated randomly over time. These findings provide a deeper understanding of the
zebra finch gut bacterial community by highlighting its dynamic changes over time with
dietary variation. This study serves as a valuable foundation for future research
exploring gut microbiome interactions in response to various factors
The Passion Portfolio: Investing in Style
No full textWhen you hear the word “investing,” you might immediately think of stocks and bonds. But have you ever considered investing in a rare bottle of whisky or a unique painting?
The Passion Portfolio serves as your guide to the world of alternative investments. Think of art, luxury bags, stamps, vintage cars, old coins, or LEGO sets. For each type of passion investment, you’ll discover its pros and cons, history, and future investment potential.
Expert testimonials, in-depth analyses, and practical advice will help you make informed decisions. This essential guide is perfect for beginners and seasoned investors looking to diversify their portfolios
Evaluation of using a graphic novel Vivian in nursing curriculum from the perspectives of nurse educators: a three-country qualitative study
No full textBACKGROUND: Graphic novels - full-length stories published in comic-strip format are a proven method for putting student nurses 'into the shoes' of health service users and offer nurse educators an alternative to traditional modes of instruction. Their use can support the teaching of palliative care related topics, which remains a challenge in nurse education. This study aimed to explore the views and perspectives of nurse educators about how the graphic novel Vivian could be used to prepare undergraduate nursing students for palliative care and beyond. METHODS: Focus groups and individual interviews were conducted with 12 nurse educators at universities in the United Kingdom, New Zealand and Sweden and analysed using thematic analysis. RESULTS: Four themes were generated: (1) impact of visual storytelling, (2) arts-based learning in palliative care, (3) refinement of the graphic novel, (4) recommendations about future graphic novels. Participants noted Vivian's usefulness for teaching issues related to palliative care and the health care system, including gender inequities, ageing, and economic crises. CONCLUSIONS: There is scope to use arts-based learning when engaging audiences from diverse backgrounds. The educators stressed Vivian could help students think 'outside of the box' and stressed the importance of a teaching and learning approach that extended beyond textbooks to include other interactive forms. Future research is needed to adapt and refine the graphic novel by considering social and cultural contexts and evaluate how the graphic novel is implemented in nurse education across different settings and countries
Develop and Characterize a Human Induced Pluripotent Stem Cell-Derived DRG Model to Study CGRP
No full textThe calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP) is a neuropeptide expressed throughout the central and peripheral nervous systems. CGRP is released by sensory neurons, potentially resulting in neurogenic inflammation and pain sensitization. Unsurprisingly, the abnormal elevation of CGRP is associated with migraine and chronic pain. Therefore, CGRP and its receptors are promising pain-related therapeutic targets. However, the models used in CGRP research, including primary cultured rodent neurons, post-mortem human tissues, and transfected receptor cell models, all have limitations that restrict the translational relevance of this research. The differentiation of human induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) into a model of sensory neurons is a potential solution. This will allow the study of the CGRP system in a highly physiologically relevant model.
This thesis aimed to develop and characterize a human iPSC-derived DRG model to investigate the CGRP system.
Optimization of the differentiation protocol suggested that iPSCs were differentiated into mature sensory neurons by day 31. These cultured neurons displayed extensive neurite formation and were clustered into dorsal root ganglion (DRG)-like structures. cAMP signaling assays were performed to characterize the receptor pharmacology for the calcitonin peptide family in the model. Calcitonin (CT) was the most potent peptide, suggesting that the major functional receptor in iPSC-derived DRG neurons is the CT receptor. CT-like receptor pharmacology was also detected in undifferentiated iPSCs, and iPSC-derived immature sensory neurons, indicating that the CT receptor was maintained throughout differentiation.
Immunofluorescence-based protein analysis further supports the receptor pharmacological findings. The CT receptor was detected in nearly all iPSC-derived DRG neuron cell bodies and neurites. Additionally, co-localization of CGRP, amylin, and the CT receptor was observed, with CGRP exhibiting a broader and more intense distribution than amylin. Interestingly, immunopositive “nodes of Ranvier”-like structures were observed, which are important sites for neuron-to-neuron communication. Importantly, the expression pattern of CTR, CGRP, and amylin in the iPSC-derived DRG model resembles that previously observed in postmortem human DRGs.
The human iPSC-derived DRG model described significantly improves the accuracy, reliability, and translational relevance of research outcomes, providing a more precise platform for investigating the CGRP function and pain signaling mechanisms in human DRG sensory neurons. In addition, the reprogramming of iPSCs renders this model highly adaptable for targeted genetic modifications. Integrating gene-editing techniques enables precise investigation of specific genes or SNP variants influencing the CGRP system, potentially unveiling new avenues for CGRP research
Process and dependency are better together: A reply to Quillien et al. (2025)
No full textThanawala and Erb (2024) found that causal judgments in double prevention scenarios are sensitive to the temporal order of events leading up to an outcome, even when the outcome remains constant across the scenarios. These findings challenged the causal pluralism account proposed by Lombrozo (2010) but ultimately supported its core insight: namely, that reasoners think about causal scenarios in terms of both process and dependency. Quillien et al. (2025) provided a compelling re-analysis of Thanawala and Erb's data, arguing that more sophisticated counterfactual accounts of causal reasoning (a type of dependency theory) can account for temporal order effects without appealing to causal pluralism. Here, we question whether continuing to frame the literature in terms of an opposition between process and dependency theories is the most productive path forward. We contend that investigations of causal reasoning would benefit from (1) occasionally emphasizing rich empirical exploration over strict theory comparison and (2) developing integrative accounts to capture how factors typically associated with either process or dependency theories jointly support causal reasoning
What Are the Perspectives and Experiences of Counsellors and Pastoral Leads Regarding the Ministry of Education’s Recent Support of Counselling in Primary Schools in Aotearoa NZ?
No full textThis master’s thesis explores the perspectives and experiences of counsellors and pastoral leads regarding the Ministry of Education’s recent support for counselling in primary schools in Aotearoa New Zealand. Schools play a crucial role in supporting students’ mental health and wellbeing through their pastoral care systems, as seen internationally through counselling provision for adolescents and young children. Counselling services are established in New Zealand’s secondary schools while counselling in primary schools remains unfunded, except for The Ministry of Education’s Counselling in Schools’ recent trial. This is known as Awhi Mai, Awhi Atu: Counselling in Schools. Counsellors and pastoral leads offering counselling in their primary schools face a variety of challenges including logistical issues, staffing and funding difficulties, which adds to the complexity of counselling provision to support primary students.
Qualitative methods were used in this study to capture the storied picture of primary school counselling in the Auckland region, contributing to this mental health conversation through the counsellors’ and pastoral leads’ stories. Semi-structured interviews were conducted and reflexive thematic analysis identified differences and similarities including areas that supported and hindered participants’ counselling provision.
These findings position the school as a ‘therapeutic community’ in supporting mental health. Notable differences were seen in how the school community’s needs were addressed through a bicultural lens and mental health support included professionals, paraprofessionals and experienced counsellors. The expansion of funding for greater availability of Awhi Mai, Awhi Atu: Counselling in Schools, was encouraged to facilitate early intervention and positive student outcomes. Greater counsellor training opportunities to build a culturally appropriate counsellor workforce were encouraged, as was planning and clear guidelines to support the growing need for counselling in primary school.
This research aims to broaden the conversation around counselling services, advocating for a continued focus on mental health education across all curricula. Ultimately, this research is a starting point for future studies gathering specific evidence regarding appropriate counselling therapies with clear targets and measures to support counselling in primary education
Asian and ethnic minority health research in Aotearoa New Zealand: a scoping review of grey literature (2011-2020)
No full textAimsA wealth of knowledge, especially on ethnic and migrant health, is located in "grey literature" (GL), i.e., material that is not formally published. This article reviews four types of GL: a) student theses, b) research reports, c) government, and d) non-government unpublished research on Asian and other ethnic minority (A/EM) health in Aotearoa New Zealand, covering a decade between 2011 and 2020.MethodsA range of flexible data collection methods was used for each GL category. The application of inclusion and exclusion criteria resulted in the selection of 167 articles for review.ResultsKey themes on methodologies, participants and identities, acculturation, barriers to health and recommendations for changes in healthcare are highlighted in the findings. In general, there was greater representation of intersectional identities, deployment of non-Western methodologies to address A/EM health problems and a broader diversity of health conditions addressed in GL compared with published A/EM research.ConclusionAll four GL categories are important knowledge bases for A/EM health in ways not captured in published research, with student research in particular offering creative and cutting-edge conceptual health frameworks. There needs to be greater visibility of GL, especially non-conventional frameworks and methodologies for A/EM health knowledge
Determining factors affecting the accuracy of SEM-EDX data-based quantitative chemical analysis for identifying naturally occurring individual carcinogenic erionite fibers.
No full textErionite is a fibrous zeolite classified as a Group 1 carcinogen and may pose a significant public health hazard when aerosolized into individual respirable-sized fibers. SEM-EDXA has been widely used to identify individual erionite fibers in environmental samples as it combines morphological imaging with elemental analysis. However, the reliability of SEM-EDXA data when applied to the quantitative chemical analysis of individual erionite fibers rather than bulk samples remains uncertain. This study analyzed 325 individual erionite fibers (obtained from a bulk sample with high-purity) across a range of fiber widths and four commonly used sample preparation methods, using two different SEM-EDS systems. SEM-EDXA results were compared with previously acquired EPMA reference data from the bulk sample to assess analytical accuracy. Systematic overestimations of Si and Mg and underestimations of Al, K, and Ca were observed. Framework elements (Si and Al) exhibited relatively stable detection in fibers > 0.5 μm. However, preparation methods-deionized water dispersion and hydrogen peroxide digestion-introduced greater variability, likely due to ion exchange and cation mobilization. Despite the purity of the erionite bulk sample, none of the analyzed individual fibers fully met the established quantitative chemical criteria for erionite identification. These results highlight the need for pre-calibration with erionite standards and the application of correction index to improve SEM-EDX accuracy, and subsequent confirmation of mineralogy using TEM-SAED, when determining whether individual fibers found in airborne samples are erionite
Imaging the Auckland Volcanic Field upper lithosphere with local body-wave tomography
No full textTāmaki Makaurau Auckland, New Zealand’s most populated city, sits on top of the active Auckland Volcanic Field (AVF). Despite extensive multi-disciplinary research, the processes driving its formation, including the influence of the underlying lithosphere, remain poorly constrained.
The AVF’s intraplate setting and pervasive anthropogenic noise mean that local earthquakes are sparse and their recording noisy. As a result, travel-time tomography to image the upper lithosphere architecture with local earthquakes is challenging. We, however, have taken on this challenge to image the uppermost ∼10 km beneath the city. This is achieved using the FMTOMO inversion software, employing a high-resolution dataset of 580 P-wave and 437 S-wave travel times from 71 local earthquakes to iteratively update a previously optimised homogeneous starting model. Our final 3D Vp and Vs models align with the broad crustal dichotomy identified in previous multicomponent ambient noise tomography. However, the higher resolution allows for finer details to emerge.
Our imaging reveals anomalously low velocities beneath the AVF, interpreted as a potential superposition of thermal weakening from residual cooling magma, pervasive serpentinisation of the Dun Mountain Ophiolite Belt (DMOB), or the incorporation of adjacent metasedimentary material into the ultramafic basement. To the east, anomalously high velocities align with exhumed Waipapa terrane blocks, indicating that uplift along major basement faults has exposed once deeper, higher grade metamorphic rocks. Additionally, we propose two previously unmapped, active faults striking NNE–SSW: one extending from Rangitoto into the Hauraki Gulf, and the other bisecting western Waiheke Island. Onshore extensions of these lineaments challenge existing fault maps, aligning with the Bucklands Beach Fault and the Wairoa or Drury Fault systems, respectively. Also illuminated is a northern Waiheke slow-velocity zone, potentially linked to fluid migration and tectonic processes of the Hauraki Rift. The confidence in earthquake locations increases when relocating the catalogue using the 3D velocity model, enabling a more meaningful assessment of spatial patterns. Seismicity generally occurs within fast Waipapa terrane rocks, when anomalously slow material is nearby. Alongside several tectonic swarms, this suggests that fluid plays an important role in at least a subset of the seismic events in Auckland
A landscape approach to peri-urban planning: Evidence from Wuhan, China
No full textThesis embargoed until 7/202