Investigating Oxygen Levels as a Driver of Genetic and Epigenetic Changes in Cultured Cell Lines  

Monolayer cell culture is an accessible, high-throughput, and cost-effective approach to research in cell physiology. However, genomic changes over time in culture have been shown to introduce heterogeneity within supposedly identical cell lines, ultimately impacting the reproducibility of experimental findings. Recent evidence suggests that cell culture conditions, and particularly oxygen levels, are important factors underlying this process. In most cell culture studies, oxygen is not actively regulated, and consequently cells are exposed to near-atmospheric oxygen levels (~18% O2) that significantly exceed those in vivo (2-9% O2). Supraphysiological O2 promotes oxidative stress in cultured cells, leading to changes in mutation rate, gene expression and metabolism that may impair the interpretation of experimental results. Further, little is currently known about how oxygen in culture affects the regulation of epigenomic markers such as histone modifications and DNA methylation. In this study, we will use a genomic, transcriptomic, and functional approach to investigate mechanisms of genetic and epigenetic drift in the commonly used MCF-7 human cell line. First, we will measure mutation rates and methylation changes during long-term culture at 5% O2 and 18% O2 using whole-genome bisulfite sequencing (WGBS). Further analyses of gene expression, proliferation, and metabolism will be performed to evaluate the functional consequences of these genomic changes. This project will address a critical gap in the current understanding of how oxygen levels contribute to genetic drift in cultured cell lines, providing valuable insight that can inform the design and interpretation of future studies using cell culture models. 

Oxygen levels and nutrient media composition modulate gene expression, proliferation, migration, and metabolism of cultured human cancer cells  

In cell culture, cells are routinely grown in incubators that do not regulate oxygen levels. As such, they’re exposed to near-atmospheric (~18% O2) oxygen levels, which are considerably higher than in vivo conditions, where most tissues are exposed to 2–9% O2. Moreover, they are commonly cultured in conventional growth media like DMEM, which typically have excess glucose and nutrient composition. In the present study, we have used human cancer cells as model to investigate how culturing cells in non-physiological conditions affects their behavior in vitro. We cultured LNCaP, PC-3 (both prostate adenocarcinoma), Huh-7 (hepatocellular carcinoma), SH-SY5Y (neuroblastoma), and MCF7 (breast cancer) cells at 5% or 18% O2 in either DMEM or Plasmax, a recently developed physiological medium based on human plasma metabolome, for over 14 days prior to experimentation. Our data shows that both nutrient composition and oxygen levels in media have robust effects on gene expression, glucose consumption, metabolic activity, proliferation, and migration of cancer cells. Moreover, the choice of baseline oxygen level determines how cancer cells respond to a subsequent exposure to hypoxia, which is an important aspect of tumour biology. We conclude that culturing cells in conditions that better resemble their in vivo microenvironment will improve the quality and validity of cell culture-based research. 

Muscle Fatigue and Recovery Differences in Children and Adults  

Purpose: The purpose of this study is to investigate the age-related differences in discrete motor unit recruitment patterns and firing rates during maximal volitional contractions and fatigue in the knee extensors. This study also aims to investigate the neuromuscular fatigue and recovery patterns between untrained men, endurance trained men, and prepubertal untrained boys.  

Hypothesis: It is hypothesized that during sustained fatiguing maximal contractions boys will display lower MU firing rates and activation compared with untrained men but have similar adaptations to fatigue and recovery as endurance trained men.  

Methods: The proposed study will test the knee extensors in boys, untrained men and endurance trained men during 3 sessions. The first session will involve a habituation session. In the second session participants will perform multiple maximal contractions for different durations on a Biodex System 3 Dynamometer, followed by assessment of performance recovery. The third session will utilize the interpolated twitch technique (ITT) to assess volitional activation. During all contractions surface electromyography (EMG) will be recorded. EMG decomposition will be used to identify individual motor unit trains. Motor unit firing rate, recruitment threshold and force patterns will be analyzed using various statistical procedures (Students t-test, ANOVA, and multi-level modelling), as appropriate.  

Significance: The proposed research will provide mechanistic insight into the developmental changes in maximal strength, fatigue, and recovery among healthy children. 

This research aims to identify the factors affecting unemployment. Unemployment is influenced by several social, political, and economic variables. Hence, in this study, in-depth data will be analyzed statistically. This paper will provide insights to the policymakers and other stakeholders on the key variables of unemployment to promote economic stability. 

The Association Between Race Based Bullying and E-Cigarette Use in Adolescents 

Bullying victimization is characterized by the repetitive negative actions and power imbalance between the perpetrator and victim, resulting in harm to the victim. Racial and ethnic minority youth face heightened risk of bullying based on their race or culture due to discriminatory bias. Racial or cultural bullying has been linked to adverse health conditions in children, as well as increased risk of substance use compared to those who experience non-racial bullying. Recently, e-cigarettes have emerged as a public health concern. E-cigarette use among Canadian adolescents increased from 7.6% in 2013 to 25.7% in 2018. Recent studies suggest that e-cigarette use is associated with experiencing negative physical and mental health outcomes (e.g., nicotine addictions, exposure to inhaled toxicants and carcinogens). Some evidence has shown adolescents who were bullied are more likely to engage in e-cigarette use compared to those who were not bullied. However, there are limited studies on the association between those who experience racial or cultural bullying and the use of e-cigarettes. This objective of this study is to examine e-cigarette use among adolescents based on whether they experienced racial or cultural bullying, were bullied for other reasons, or were not bullied. Secondary data from the COMPASS Study 2022-2023 was used including 19,010 students in grades 7-12 attending participating Ontario high schools. Student-level data were collected through self-reported online questionnaires. The association between bullying and e-cigarette use patterns were identified using a random intercept logistic regression model. Preliminary results will be presented as they are currently being conducted. 

Effect of red rooibos tea supplementation on body composition and metabolism in ovariectomized female rats.  

Changes to body composition and metabolism occur through menopause. The ovariectomized (OVX) rat model, which involves the surgical removal of the ovaries, is used to study this phenomenon. The decline in estrogen after ovariectomy can stimulate whole body inflammation that is associated with a higher level of oxidative stress. Together, these are potential mechanisms driving changes in body composition. Red rooibos (RR) tea contains polyphenols that have potential antioxidant activity that may counter the effects of estrogen withdrawal. The study objective was to investigate if RR tea ameliorated changes in of body composition and metabolism in the ovariectomized (OVX) model.  

56 female Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly assigned to groups (SHAM-WATER, SHAM-RR, OVX-WATER, OVX-RR). At age 6 months and prior to OVX or sham surgery, body composition was measured  as well as metabolic measures such as energy expenditure. The intervention was provided for 12 weeks. A mixed-methods ANOVA with repeated measures was used to assess effects on body composition. 

Intervention with RR did not attenuate the higher fat mass and body weight that is often observed after ovariectomy. The anticipated changes in body composition – higher fat mass and lower lean mass along with higher body weight – were observed after ovariectomy. Energy expenditure, respiratory parameters (oxygen consumption, respiratory quotient), and movement data were recorded to analyze the metabolic effects of the surgery and tea intervention, and their relation to body composition outcomes. Such analyses are ongoing.  

(Funded by NSERC). 

Is exaggerated thinking associated with physical activity and mental health outcomes within new mothers?  

To be able to successfully commit to physical activity, mothers must navigate the barriers that come with having a newborn. Evidence suggests that mental health declines after childbirth. Exercise-related cognitive errors (ECEs) are a biased lens that causes individuals to have a negative view of exercise.  

The purpose of the study is to examine whether ECEs and barriers self-efficacy individually and interact to predict physical activity (MVPA), mental flourishing, and depressive symptoms during the postpartum period for new mothers. Adult mothers (N=268; Mage= 29.96 years; Mweeks postpartum= 22.74).) were invited to complete an online survey. Measures included  Exercise-related Cognitive Errors (ECEs; Locke & Brawley, 2016), Barrier Self-Efficacy (Garcia & King, 1991), Physical Activity participation (MVPA; Craig et al., 2003), Edinburgh Postpartum Depression scale (EPDS; Cox et al., 1987) and the Flourishing Scale (Deiner et al.,2009).  Hayes PROCESS was used to run moderation analysis.  

Barrier-efficacy (b=.056; p <.001) and ECEs (b=.376; p = .002) were associated with MVPA, but not the interaction. ECEs were associated with EPDS (b=1.047, p < .001) and flourishing (b=-1.367, p<.001).  The interactions between ECEs and barrier self-efficacy were associated with the EPDS (b=.018, p=.007) and flourishing (b=-.054, p<.001).  New mothers with high ECEs may have a greater likelihood of engaging in pro-health behaviours and poorer well-being. Reducing ECEs may be a good focal point to help new mothers overcome exercise-specific barriers and improve their mental health. 

Anti-inflammatory potential of a novel mixture of polyphenols in mast cell-mediated allergic inflammation  

With the proportion of individuals affected by allergic conditions in developed countries steadily rising and Canada’s total economic burden of food allergy-related costs exceeding upwards of $60 billion annually, it is imperative to discover interventions to impair allergic reactions. Mast cells, sentinel immune cells, play an important role in allergic inflammation, which consists of a time-dependent early-phase and late-phase response. Within minutes of allergen exposure, mast cells release their preformed cytoplasmic granules containing pro-inflammatory mediators such as histamine and β-hexosaminidase, characterizing the early-phase. The de novo synthesis and release of pro-inflammatory cytokines and chemokines marks the late-phase, peaking 6-9 hours following exposure. Polyphenols are compounds in plants that can exert anti-inflammatory effects. The polyphenols carnosic acid, resveratrol, quercetin and luteolin have been shown to inhibit mast cell activation, however the effect of all four polyphenols together has not yet been explored. Therefore, we are investigating the effect of a novel mixture of polyphenols on mast cell activation mechanisms in terms of degranulation (early-phase) and cytokine/chemokine secretion (late-phase), hypothesizing that the combination will impair allergen-induced mast cell activation. Our preliminary cell viability data show promising results with cocktails of 1, 2.5, and 5 μM of each, allowing subsequent experiments to proceed. We will perform a β-hexosaminidase release assay for the early-phase and various ELISA assays to quantify cytokine and chemokine release during the late-phase. In the polyphenol treated cells, we expect to see a reduction in the amount of β-hexosaminidase and cytokines/chemokines released, indicating the early-phase and late-phase were inhibited, respectively. 

Who are you? An exploratory inquiry into the identities of Canadian Children’s and Youth 

This study is an exploratory inquiry into the identities of a cohort of children living in Ontario Canada. Firstly, children and youth  are asked to generate their own identity in whatever way they decide as well as generating the identities of two other teammates. Secondly, participants are asked to create the identities of an opposing team of 3 which they are in conflict with. The method using a video game based strategies, offers participants more options than crayon to paper and as such opens up alternative possibilities in terms of generating their likeness. Using relational and post qualitative methodologies, this study endeavors to center children’s thoughts and ideas for what they are. This includes the absence of influences that serve to adultify the data or analyze it through the researcher lens. Instead, this study intends to prioritize the ideas and representations of children as primary stakeholders in connecting outsiders to their lived and embodied thoughts and experiences. This is a departure from traditional methods of data analysis which place the power to decide in the hands of the researcher. This poster presentation will address my literature review and methodology and some preliminary insights into prevailing trends within the data. 

Social Skills” Through The Critical Autistic Lens  

Critical review of common practices and assumptions within education can reveal gaps in accessibility, equity, and ethical considerations by facilitators – review of “Social Skills” programming targeted to autistic young people reveals all three. This poster displays recommendations following a mixed-methods study which examined the relationships between autistic masking, social self-esteem, and autonomy by gathering the perspectives of autistic youth who have undergone “social skills” services or classes. The project included a nation-wide survey, in-depth interviews, and a participatory feedback phase where initial respondents were invited to contribute additions and questions during data analysis. Participants reported overwhelmingly negative perceptions not only of currently-offered programming related to social skills, but also of the normative concept of “social skills” itself, due to the connected necessity to socially mask to fit those norms. Previously-reported consequences of autistic masking, including anxiety, depression, strain on relationships and trouble with friendship formation, loss of sense of self and autonomy, and suicidality were all corroborated in this project. Analysis falling from Critical Neurodiversity and Autism Theory, Crip, Queer, and Neuroqueer studies, as well as minority stress modeling and a breakdown of colonial behavioural standards all contributed to the multi-faceted set of recommendations developed in this project, which are presented here. 

This project was undertaken through a novel methodological pathway: The Critical Autistic Lens (CAL). This poster also displays examples of how researchers and educators may work through this lens towards anti-oppressive practices in all fields relating to the care and education of autistic young people. 

Impact of a Public Bicycle-sharing Program on Collisions in Toronto, Ontario: An Interrupted Time-series Analysis  

Background: Public bicycle-sharing systems are a rapidly growing mode of active transportation and have been associated with benefits for population health and the environment. Some of which include improved physical health and wellbeing, increased engagement in physical activity, reduced fuel emissions and air pollution, and more efficient transport within cities. Studies have examined the relationship between bicycle-sharing programs and their impact on the frequency of cycling collisions resulting in injury, yet evidence on this association in Canada remains limited. In this proposed study, we aim to examine the impact of Bike Share Toronto, a public bicycle-sharing program introduced on May 3rd of 2011, on the frequency and severity of fatal and non-fatal cycling collisions in Toronto, Ontario.  

Proposed Methods: An interrupted time-series design will be conducted. We will draw upon publicly available records on serious injury or mortality from cycling collisions from the Toronto Police Service Public Safety Data Portal. First, descriptive statistics and geospatial maps will be generated to quantify the frequency and spatial distribution of cycling collisions pre- and post-implementation of Bike Share Toronto. Second, segmented regression models will be conducted to evaluate the impact of Bike Share Toronto on injuries over time, while accounting for potential covariates, such as age, seasonality, and weather conditions. 

Knowledge Translation: We hope to submit this research for peer-review publication in the Lancet Public Health Journal. We also aim to create targeted infographics for dissemination among relevant organizations (e.g., City of Toronto, Toronto Public Health, Toronto Parking Authority). 

Breakfast-skipping behaviour patterns influenced by social media content among Canadian adolescents  

Adolescence is a critical life stage, defined by unique physical, cognitive, and social development in youth. Despite the large body of evidence supporting the importance of breakfast consumption, only 70% of students in grades 5-8, and 51% of students in grades 9-12 reported regular breakfast consumption in Canada prior to the COVID-19 pandemic. Beyond the well-documented reasons for adolescent breakfast-skipping (body weight and body image concerns, dieting to lose weight, lack of time, and lack of appetite), there are emerging concerns that these negative dieting patterns may be influenced by online-learnt risky behaviours, since social media has been identified as a powerful influencing factor among adolescents. The current literature is limited on explorations of relationships between social media use and breakfast skipping among adolescents. This study aims to establish new evidence on Canadian adolescents’ social media use and breakfast-skipping patterns, the associations between them, and exploration of potential gender differences. Data from the Canadian Health Behaviour of School-aged Children (HBSC) and the Cannabis, Obesity, Mental health, Physical activity, Alcohol, Smoking, Sedentary behaviour (COMPASS) studies will be used to provide prevalence rates and measures of association. Descriptive and multivariate statistical analyses will be utilized, with the inclusion of potential confounding or modifying covariates (e.g., age, gender, ethnicity). Expected findings of this study will set the stage for critical evaluation of current Canadian policies not only to mitigate the presence of negative online influencers but also to leverage social media platforms to promote content on positive body image and healthy eating habits. 

Effect of histone deacetylase inhibition during IL-3 mediated differentiation on the allergic inflammatory response of mast cells  

Allergic inflammation occurs due to over-activation of the immune system caused by allergens and is mediated by inflammatory cells, leading to itching, hives and swelling of the affected areas. Global allergy prevalence has increased, with regional estimates worldwide as high as 40% now suffering from one or more allergic conditions. 

Mast cells are large, granule-containing cells that bind allergen via immunoglobulin (IgE) on FcεRI receptors, leading to the release of immunogenic granule contents during allergic inflammation. As they differentiate from stem cells, expression of genes within the mast cell are controlled by chromatin structure, regulated through covalent modifications such as histone acetylation. Histone acetyltransferases (HATs) facilitate the addition of acetyl groups onto charged lysine residues while histone deacetylases (HDACs) facilitate the removal of these acetyl groups. Trichostatin-A (TSA) is the most widely used histone deacetylase inhibitor and its involvement in DNA acetylation has been found to regulate hematopoietic stem cell (HSC) maintenance and differentiation by blocking the effects of HDACs.  

The goals of the current project are to investigate the epigenetic mechanisms that control mast cell differentiation. Investigation of mast cells differentiated from the bone marrow of wild-type C57BL/6 mice in the presence of TSA for four weeks will support the discovery of potential intervention strategies toward less reactive mast cells in allergy. Mature mast cells will be confirmed by flow cytometry (FcεRI+, ckit+), β-hexosaminidase release assays and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays (ELISA) will be used to assess early and late phase inflammatory mediator secretion, respectively. 

Exploring sex-specific responses to chronic light-based circadian disruption in female and male degus  

The circadian system regulates a range of physiological & behavioural functions in living organisms. Disrupted circadian rhythm affects mood, learning, & memory. Yet, ramifications of circadian disruption are still not yet fully understood. Past studies have largely studied males of nocturnal species but both sexes of diurnal species may exhibit very different responses. Males of some diurnal rodents exhibit deficits in memory & increased anxiety-like behaviour following exposure to disruptive light/dark (LD) cycles, but females’ responses are sparsely reported. We aimed to investigate the effects of circadian disruption on anxiety-like behaviour & spatial memory in both sexes of degus, a diurnal & highly social rodent. Female & male adult degus were exposed to constant light (LL) or normal 12:12 photo period for 60 days. In the last 15 days, degus were tested for spatial memory (Barnes maze, novel object placement recognition), locomotor activity (open field), & anxiety-like behaviours (open field test, & elevated plus maze). Results indicate that LL males made fewer errors & had shorter latencies to reach the escape hole across all five learning days compared to controls. In contrast, LL females made more errors compared to controls, but were still faster to reach the escape hole, suggesting that circadian disruption might impact males & females differently. Analyses of other behaviours are ongoing. We expect this work will increase our understanding of sex-specific responses to circadian disruptions in species with different daily routines & life histories. 

Short and long term effects of prenatal alcohol exposure on social reward behaviour of Sprague Dawley Rats  

Prenatal alcohol exposure (PAE) has detrimental consequences on cognitive, physiological, and social development. The crucial period of adolescence is a unique perspective to analyze the deficits in social behaviour experienced PAE inflicts, as adolescence is characterized by a number of different behaviours including increased exploration, risk taking and increased social interaction. My research will investigate the extent to which PAE disrupts social behaviour, specifically social reward behaviour, using between subject operant conditioning taking into account sex and stages of development. Similar research conducted in zebrafish suggests that PAE reduces social motivation by disrupting the mesolimbic pathway evidenced by a reduction in dopamine release in response to social stimuli compared to controls. The proposed study will aim to provide supporting evidence towards this disruption through western blot analysis looking at dopamine receptor (DR) expression in several brain regions associated with reward behaviour. These analyses will be compared to behavioural test results and offer distinctive evidence for the role of sex- and age-related differences in a field predominantly focused on adult male research. I expect that PAE rats will show increased social motivation when exposed to social stimuli, and display reduced DR expression. These results can explain how social motivation behaviour is effected in PAE rats and inform future interventions aimed at reducing social deficits caused with PAE. 

Use of locally-isolated Saccharomyces uvarum strain, CN1, to mitigate the negative effects of Botrytis and sour rot in aromatic white wine 

Sour rot and Botrytis infections pose significant challenges to grape growers and wineries, negatively impacting wine quality and thereby affecting industry financial sustainability. Infected fruit exhibits elevated concentrations of acetic acid, glycerol, acetaldehyde, and ethyl acetate, compounds known to unfavorably alter wine sensory characteristics. Wineries establish juice thresholds for the concentration of acetic acid as a measure of infection, which when surpassed, necessitates rejection of entire loads, resulting in financial losses and disrupted production schedules. 

A locally isolated yeast, Saccharomyces uvarum CN1, shows promise for grape growers and wineries in managing acetic acid. Previous research on red wine fermentations showed CN1 metabolized acetic acid while simultaneously increasing volatile aroma compounds (VOCs) compared to commercial S. cerevisiae strains. However, studies have not extended to aromatic white wine fermentations. In this study, fermentations utilizing Riesling grapes with various degrees of rot infection were conducted by inoculating must with either CN1 or commercial S. cerevisiae EC1118. Wines fermented using CN1 showed a significance decrease in acetic acid when compared with the values in juice. In comparing acetic acid in wines fermented between CN1 and EC1118, CN1 showed a 13-fold decrease in 0% rot infection, a 6-fold decrease in the 20%, and a 5-fold decrease in the 40% lowering the acetic acid in wine to only 0.05-0.02g/L. 

The ability of CN1 to ameliorate sour rot and Botrytis contamination in grape must holds promise for a transformative opportunity for winemakers to produce quality wines from fruit previously deemed unusable. 

Exploring the Influence of Exercise on Body Image in Older Adults-Scoping Review Changes to the body due to aging include a decrease in muscle mass and strength, increases in body fat, and declines in body function. These changes can affect body image negatively. Systematic and scoping reviews have indicated that physical activity can positively influence body image. However, past reviews have included only a limited number of studies involving older adults or excluded individuals 65+ years completely. This scoping review aimed to analyze the current research landscape regarding body image and physical activity in older adults (65+ years of age), using Arksey and O’Malley’s five-stage framework. Through collaboration with a university librarian, key terms (e.g., older adults, exercise, body image) were utilized to search the following databases: Embase, Ovid Medline, Sport discus, CINAHL, and Ageline to identify relevant articles. Inclusion criteria included: full-text, English, empirical articles published within the last 20 years, mean sample age of 65 or older, with a measure of body image and exercise behaviour. Research that exclusively examined physical activity as a part of a weight loss treatment program were excluded. Articles will be screened in two stages using Covidence. In stage one, titles and abstracts will be screened and in stage two, full text of articles will be screened. Information about study characteristics, sample characteristics, body image measures, and physical activity measures will be extracted: The outcomes of this scoping review will illuminate key gaps in the literature and will provide guidance for future research. 

Determining the molecular difference between biological men and women following acute heat exposure  

Adverse health outcomes associated with rising ambient temperatures have become apparent in recent years. While the physiology of maintaining a core body temperature of 37 ± 1ºC through thermoregulatory mechanisms is well-documented, cellular mechanisms in humans and sex-based differences remain to be elucidated. Compared to their male counterparts, female cyclical changes in ovarian hormones during the menstrual cycle are known to impact systemic thermal responses and influence the heat shock protein response. The heat shock response (HSR) is an evolutionary mechanism that protects against heat-induced damage by refolding and degrading proteins to maintain intracellular homeostasis. This project aims to investigate whether female ovarian hormones quantitatively influence the HSR, comparing males (control) to females in distinct hormonal states: follicular and luteal phases and oral contraceptive users. To achieve this, blood samples will be collected from participants passively exposed to heat stress. To evaluate genomic differences, a transcriptomic analysis approach will be employed using mRNA extracted from peripheral blood mononuclear cells. Previous transcriptomic work done in this area revealed that heat stress upregulated genes involved in stress response pathways, while downregulating oxidative metabolism and immune function genes in participants following heat stress. Anticipated findings from this project will not only enhance the current understanding of heat-related physiological mechanisms, but also highlight underlying biological disparities between sexes. 

Long-term behavioural effects of pregnancy and motherhood in a long-lived rodent, the Octogon degu. 

Pregnancy and motherhood (parity) are unique experiences that greatly influence female physiology, changes in the endocrine system, and can modulate behaviour both in the short and long term. In the long term, the effects of parity on spatial learning and memory have been documented in rats  however, work in other species, especially those with longer lifespans is very limited. In addition, the impact of parity on other behaviours such as anxiety is unclear. The present study aimed to investigate the effects of parity on spatial memory and anxiety-related behaviour in a novel long-lived rodent model, the degu. Female degus with and without reproductive experience were aged until 3.8 years of age, equivalent to middle-age. Females were tested for differences in locomotor activity, anxiety-related behaviours (using an open field and elevated plus maze), and spatial learning and memory (Barnes maze). Estrous cycle was tracked daily prior to behavioural tests. Brains were collected for immunohistochemistry at the end of behavioural testing.  Data analysis for anxiety-like behaviour and spatial memory is underway. Parity has previously been shown to influence neuroplasticity in the long-term but how these structural changes relate to behaviour are unclear. Future work will aim to fill this gap in the literature by analysing brain plasticity markers. We anticipate that this study will enhance our understanding of how parity affects anxiety and memory in rodents. 

Adolescent Mate Selection: An Evolutionary Lens on Dating Priorities  

While research extensively explores adult motivations in selecting romantic partners, adolescent dating preferences remain relatively understudied. Existing literature on mate selection suggests adults seek out partners who are attractive, physically healthy and of high social status (Amador et al., 2005; Buss, 1989; Fletcher et al., 2014). From an evolutionary position, these traits ensure successful transmission of genetic material and optimizes the survival of potential offspring. These are underlying goals of mating for adults, but it is unclear if adolescents hold the same priorities. The sample for the current study was part of an on-going longitudinal study on peer relationships. 547 adolescents (52.1% male; 55.6% White) between the ages of 13 and 18 (M=15.25; SD = 1.42) completed both self and peer report surveys. Students nominated other students in their grade that fit a range of descriptions, including “Who would you like to date?” There were significant bivariate correlations between receiving nominations for being someone others would like to date and being nominated as attractive, civil, kind, popular and someone who others look up to and respect. In a follow up linear regression controlling for the age and sex of the nominator, with received nominations for “who would you like to date?” as the outcome variable, only received nominations for “who is attractive” and “who is popular” were significant for boys and “who is attractive” were significant for girls. This suggests that adolescents, like adults, may subconsciously align their choices with the desire to successfully transmit genetic material to future generations.   

Assessing the Effectiveness of a Brief Reframing Coaching Session in Improving Quality of Life for Individuals with Multiple Sclerosis  

Multiple Sclerosis (MS) is a chronic progressive disease that leads to decreases in cognitive and physical functioning, and reduced quality of life. In absence of a cure, strategies are required to manage the disease’s unpredictable progressions. Physical activity (PA) may be an effective management strategy for MS; individuals with MS are not sufficiently active. Reframing is a coaching strategy that helps challenge their negative thoughts towards exercise to overcome their PA barriers. Reframing has been examined in the general population, but requires tailoring and validation for individuals with MS.  This proposed Honour’s thesis aims to examine changes in fatigue and emotional well-being following brief reframing counseling for individuals with MS. Participants (N=22) will meet the inclusion criteria: (a) diagnosed with MS, (b) currently exercising <90 mins/week, (c) MS disability score < 6. This experiment consists of a single reframing session (~15 mins). Reframing includes: (1) helping individuals identify biases that contribute to negative thinking, (2) challenging the accuracy of their thinking, and (3) reframing their view to be accurate. Participants will complete online surveys (pre, post, 1-week post) about their perceptions of fatigue [7 items] and emotional wellbeing [5 items] using 2 validated subscales of the MS quality-of-life scale. One-way ANCOVA will be used to analyze changes across all time points. Data collection currently in progress. Findings will provide insight to whether perceptions of fatigue and wellbeing might change as a result of reframing for individuals with MS. Future research will build on these findings to run a larger-scale trial.

Inhibition of proliferation, survival and migration of triple negative breast cancer cells by carnosic acid  

Breast cancer is the second leading cause of cancer death among women with nearly 30,000 women diagnosed in 2022 leading to 6000 deaths. Breast cancer is driven by specific mutations and is characterized by accelerated proliferation, reduced apoptosis and increased metastasis. Triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) is the most aggressive and highly metastatic subtype; it is characterised by loss of estrogen, progesterone and human epidermal growth factor 2 (HER2) receptors, making it difficult to treat and more likely to recur. Current treatments for TNBC include chemotherapy, radiation and surgery. TNBC can become treatment resistant and often has begun to metastasis before diagnosis making traditional treatments ineffective therefore, new treatment options are required. Plant-derived chemicals, such as paclitaxel derived from Pacific yew tree, are established chemotherapy agents and our research is aimed to find other plant-derived chemicals with strong anticancer potential. Carnosic acid, a phenolic diterpene, has shown effects against lung and prostate cancer. Limited studies have examined the effects of CA in breast cancer cells, however its effects in TNBC are not fully known and its mechanism of action is not understood. In this study CA concentrations ranging from 25 – 70 µM significantly reduced proliferation, survival and migration of MDA-MB-231 TNBC cells. These effects were associated with increased phosphorylation of the signalling molecules AMPK and ACC. Overall, our data so far show anti-proliferative and anti-migratory effects of CA in TNBC cells and further in vitro and in vivo studies are required to fully explore the anti-cancer potential of CA. 

Red rooibos tea to preserve jaw bone in a model of postmenopausal osteoporosis

Osteoporosis is the weakening of the skeleton that leads to a higher risk of bone fracture due to regular activities of living such as like carrying groceries or falls from standing height. Osteoporosis is particularly common in women after menopause due to a significant decline in estrogen. Common sites of fracture include the hip but the jaw can also be compromised. The loss of mineral and structure of the bone can lead to tooth loss and encourage a less healthy diet. In turn, a less healthy diet can lead to a higher risk of chronic diseases such as heart disease. Polyphenols – natural compounds in fruit, vegetables, and tea – may help to support bone and oral health through their antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activity. My research is studying if red rooibos (RR) tea – a good source of polyphenols – protects the loss of mineral and structure in the jaw of the ovariectomized (OVX) rat model. The OVX surgery involves removal of the ovaries and mimics the low levels of estrogen after menopause. This study consists of four groups (14 rats/group): Sham surgery + water; OVX + water; Sham surgery + RR; or OVX + RR. Rats were fed a control diet, and water or RR was provided for 12 weeks (study endpoint). The mandible was extracted and mineral and structure will be analyzed using advanced imaging. Analyses are ongoing. Positive findings could support a dietary strategy that includes foods rich in polyphenols to support bone health and prevent tooth loss. 

Profiling Transposable Elements in Ancient Human Genomes  

This project is focused on discovering and profiling a set of retrotransposons in ancient human genomes, using computational methods. The transposable elements in question are Alu, LINE1, SVA and LTR, referred to as class I transposable elements. These transposable elements are not fossils, but rather are still active in the human genome, hence the significance of their study. The impact of Neanderthal (HN) and Denisovan (DN) introgressed alleles on the ancient Homo Sapiens (aHS) samples is discerned from the data. Further, the effect of aHS introgressed alleles on modern human populations will be discerned. We expect longer introgressed haplotypes from HN and DN in the aHS samples than in the modern human samples, due to the years of mating in absence of Neanderthals. Introgression between the ancient samples is also discerned, by identifying which insertions are shared between each sample. This information is a good indicator of which insertions will be shared among modern human populations. Further, we expect to observe more introgression from aHS in Eurasian populations than in African populations. We expect to observe insertions that are unique to Africans, as they are a very diverse and expansive group. These introgressed alleles in modern populations may have an evolutionary benefit, which will be discussed in depth. 

The ‘Sanitization’ of Science Education: Connecting Theory and Practice of Socioscientific Issues in Elementary Science Classrooms  

Society has reached a pinnacle point in its soon-to-be-named Anthropocene epoch in which we bear witness to the devastation catalyzed by human action. Entrenched in disease, natural disasters, climate change, and environmental degradation, the children of today will be fraught with the task of living through what remains and creating the change necessary to move humanity towards a time of homeostasis. The onus, then, falls to educators to prepare students for the future they will experience outside of the confines of the classroom. However, educators, primary (kindergarten to grade six) in particular, often struggle to navigate ways to appropriately integrate real-world, science-based issues into the curriculum. Common gripes of time, lack of administrative support and knowledge, and confidence have repeatedly resurfaced throughout the literature, resulting in socioscientific issues (SSI) not being practiced. Guided by the SSI theoretical framework, this ongoing Master’s thesis will utilize a mixed methods approach to explore the theory versus practice disconnect that exists between the awareness and implementation of SSI and the realities of the elementary science classroom.

Comparing the effects of parental experience on cognition, anxiety-like behaviours and neuroimmune and neuroplasticity mechanisms in both sexes of the same species.  

The experience of being a parent leads to various neural, physiological and behavioural changes.  In human and rodent mothers, there are drastic hormonal fluctuations that take place, along with decreased brain volume that persists years after giving birth. Rodent mothers also display decreased brain cell production (neurogenesis) and changes in brain immune function (microglia and cytokines) in the late postpartum period. Neurogenesis and brain immune function are implicated in learning, memory and the formation of neuron connections. Studies to date have focused on species where parental care is only carried out by mothers, such as rats and mice. My current study directly compares the effects of parental experience on behaviour and immune and plasticity mechanisms in the brain in both sexes of the same species, the degu. I have randomly assigned adult degus to breeding pairs or nonbreeding controls. After pups are weaned, both groups will be subjected to behavioural tests to measure spatial and recognition memory, anxiety-like behaviours, and locomotor activity. I predict that both mothers and fathers will have improved spatial and recognition memory and reduced anxiety-like behaviours. After behavioural testing, brains will be processed to assess markers of neurogenesis and brain immune function. I expect that behavioural changes with parenthood will be associated with changes in neurogenesis and brain immune function. This study allows us to compare the effects of maternal and paternal experience on behaviours and neural mechanisms in the same species and provide insights on how such an important life experience remodels the adult brain. 

The Power of Connection: Enhancing Executive Functioning in Preschoolers at Risk of Attention Difficulties through Mother-Child Synchrony  

It is crucial to acknowledge the pivotal role of young children attention difficulties research, as they face severe adverse outcomes that can significantly impact their executive functioning. However, there is a lack of research on preschoolers at risk of or diagnosed with attention difficulties and the efficacy of synchrony in improving their executive functioning. Over the past fourteen years, only two studies have been conducted to investigate the impact of attention difficulties on mother-child synchrony. The objective of this research was to unravel the complexities of this phenomenon by examining the effects of synchrony on mother-child dyads in speech and song contexts and how it impacts preschoolers at risk of attention difficulties. By utilizing an experimental design, 50 dyads were recruited (50 children and 50 mothers) and randomized into two conditions. These conditions were: individual coloring activities (Condition A) and joint music sessions between mother and child (Condition B), with synchrony assessed using the Dyadic Mutuality Code. Children were assessed on their executive functioning through parent BRIEF-Preschool reports and the MEFS App. This research seeks to enrich the understanding of mother-child synchrony by exploring child-driven songs that link attention difficulties with toddlers. The proposed study aimed to address the limitations of previous research on executive functioning and mother-child synchrony in preschoolers at risk of or diagnosed with attention difficulties.

Investigating Synergies and Antagonisms in Multi-Execution Type Advertising Campaigns 

This research investigates the synergistic and antagonistic effects of combining different advertisement execution types across diverse media platforms on sales outcomes. The study explores the interplay of execution types, their consistency or incongruency, and the resulting implications for advertising effectiveness and sales. The study employs Dynamic Linear Models (DLMs) to capture the dynamic relationships between variables over time, using datasets from IRI Marketing and Kantar Media databases. The study aims to address the following research questions: (1) How does the combination of different advertisement execution types (comparative, endorsement, entertainment, imagery/visual, mnemonic devices) across diverse media platforms influence sales outcomes? (2) Are there synergistic effects when specific combinations of execution types and media are employed, leading to a greater positive impact on sales than individual components alone? (3) What are the antagonistic aspects of combining certain execution types with specific media platforms, resulting in diminished advertising effectiveness and potentially negative effects on sales? The study contributes to the theoretical and practical understanding of advertising dynamics, offering valuable insights for both academic scholarship and strategic decision-making in the ever-evolving field of advertising. 

Prospective memory (PM), or remembering to carry out future intentions, is an ability that young children often struggle with. Thus, it is crucial to determine ways to support the development of their PM skills. Reminders are often used to support PM, and previous research has found that reminders referencing both the PM cue and intended action can improve children’s and adults’ PM (Guynn et al., 1998; Kliegel & Jager, 2007). To date, no studies have investigated the effect of different types of verbal reminders on preschool children’s PM performance, a gap the present study intended to fill. Eighteen 3-to-4.5-year-olds and 51 4.5-to-6-year-olds completed a PM task over Microsoft Teams. The PM task required children to interrupt an ongoing card-sorting task to wave at specific cards (cards depicting elephants). Children were randomly assigned to receive either: (1) three cue-action reminders, which referenced the PM cue (the elephants) and intended action (waving); (2) three cue-only reminders, which only referenced the PM cue; (3) three action-only reminders, which only referenced the intended action, or (4) three irrelevant, control reminders. Older children performed better on the PM task than younger children, and the action reminders resulted in better PM performance than when no action reminders were present. These findings build on previous studies using cue-action reminders with young children, indicating the action component of the reminder is especially beneficial to PM. Our results have implications for the use of verbal reminders to support preschool children’s PM in everyday contexts.

“Be stronger than your excuses”: Examining believability and fitspiration related cognitive errors  

Fitspiration (fitspo) is a social media trend that uses photos and/or quotes to depict women’s bodies as being desirable when thin and achievable through extreme exercise or eating practices. Studies have reported that viewing fitspo content negatively impacts body image, leads to lower body satisfaction and lower positive affect for women.  If internalized, the extremes promoted in fitspo may encourage exaggerated or biased thinking (i.e., cognitive errors). Cognitive errors represent a distorted lens that impacts how individuals perceive their experiences. We examined whether implicit or explicit evaluations correlated with message believability, social media behaviour, physical activity and fitspo related cognitive errors (FCEs). Using a regression model, we investigated which variables predicted FCEs. Women (N= 137) between the ages of 18 to 65 (M= 22.35, SD= 3.54) completed an online cross-sectional survey measuring demographics, social media behaviour (frequency of searched and shared fitspo) and measures of FCEs and physical activity. Participants were then shown fitspo media, asked to rate their believability and stated up to five thoughts they had about the media (coded into anti- and pro-fitspo comments). Finally, they completed an implicit association task that paired fitspo media with good or bad descriptors. Message believability (M= 4.12, SD= 1.29; 1-5 scale) and FCEs (M= 4.97, SD= 1.74; 1-9 scale) were positively correlated with pro-message comments (message r= .216, FCE r=.254, p= < .05). Implicit evaluation scores only correlated with BMI (r= .192, p= .034). Physical activity (= 0.258, p= .003), pro-message comments (= 0.190, p= .024) and share frequency (= 0.189, p= .026) significantly predicted FCEs (R2= .198). Positive explicit evaluations of fitspo and social media behaviour were related to FCEs, which may represent a maladaptive form of motivation. Future research should examine potential causal impact of FCEs on mental health and physical activity. 

Unpacking Body Image Experiences in Canadian Pregnant Women Following Participation in an Online Yoga Program
Prenatal yoga is a popular form of physical activity during pregnancy because of its physical, mental, and delivery benefits. Evidence indicates that yoga programs improve body image (e.g., reduce negative and improve positive body image) in young adult women; whether the same occurs in pregnant women requires investigation. Promoting positive body image is particularly important for this population because negative body image (e.g., body dissatisfaction) is prevalent during pregnancy and is associated with numerous high-risk health behaviours (e.g., disordered eating behaviours) and poor mental (e.g., depression) and physical (e.g., excessive gestational weight gain) health outcomes. This mixed-methods pilot study will explore if and how an online yoga program affects pregnant women’s body-related experiences. Fifty pregnant Canadian-residing, English-speaking women in their first or second trimester, carrying a singleton pregnancy, with no exercise contraindication, and having a safe space to practice yoga will participate in a 12-week online Hatha prenatal yoga program. The yoga and control groups will each consist of 25 women. The yoga program will use language and themes emphasizing positive body image. Once the program is complete, women in the yoga group will participate in one-on-one semi-structured interviews to discuss their body image experiences related to the practice. Interviews will be audio-recorded and transcribed verbatim; reflexive thematic analysis will generate themes addressing the research question. Findings from this mixed methods study will aid in understanding pregnant women’s body image experiences with yoga, adding to the maternal body image and physical activity literature. 

#Fitspiration and Body Dissatisfaction:  Application of the Tripartite Influence Model in Men?Fitspiration, a combination of the terms fitness and inspiration, is a social media trend that aims to inspire people to engage in exercise through photos and/or videos. Although evidence suggests that it can lead to increased exercise motivation, it has also been shown to have a negative effect on body image, including lower body satisfaction, greater internalization of the ideal, and higher self-objectification, particularly in women. Relatively little research has examined the effects of Fitspiration on body image in men. The purpose of this study is to examine the effects of viewing #Fitspiration images on young males’ self-objectification and body fat and muscularity dissatisfaction. Appearance comparisons and muscular-ideal internalization will additionally be examined as potential mediating factors in this relationship. This study will employ a between-subjects pre-post experimental design with young men 18-30 years of age. Participants will be randomly assigned to a Fitspiration or control condition; they will view 20 images through Instagram accounts made for the study, completing state body image measures immediately before and following. It is hypothesized that participants assigned to the Fitspiration condition will report higher self-objectification and body fat and muscularity dissatisfaction compared to those in the control condition. It is also hypothesized that upward appearance comparisons and muscular-ideal internalization will mediate the relationship between viewing Fitspiration images and body image outcomes in men. This study will examine theoretically derived outcomes of Fitspiration in men, as well as potential mechanisms for the impact on body image. 

Ganglionic blockade modulates sympathetic neural discharge and neurocirculatory regulation in humans  

This study investigated the impact of integrated muscle sympathetic nerve activity (MSNA) discharge patterns on human neurocirculatory regulation. In 13 healthy females (42 ± 15 years), the transduction of integrated MSNA (peroneal microneurography) into mean arterial pressure (MAP; arterial catheter) was studied during an intravenous infusion of a nicotinic ganglionic antagonist (trimethaphan camsylate, 1-7 mg/min). Neurovascular transduction (signal averaging) was studied based on the overall response, burst sequence (singlet, doublet, and triplet+), and burst amplitude (binned into tertials: small, medium, and large bursts). Data (mean ± SD) are reported for a 10-minute baseline (BSL), the one-minute period at the midpoint of the trimethaphan infusion with integrated MSNA bursts (TM-Mid), and the last minute of trimethaphan infusion with integrated MSNA bursts (TM-Last). During BSL, the MAP transduction responses were greatest for triplets+ (singlets: 0.9 ± 0.2 mmHg, doublets: 2.0 ± 0.6 mmHg, triplet+: 2.6 ± 0.9 mmHg; P < 0.01) and large bursts (small: 1.0 ± 0.3 mmHg, medium: 1.7 ± 0.5 mmHg, large: 2.2 ± 0.7 mmHg; P < 0.01). Trimethaphan infusion reduced integrated MSNA burst frequency resulting in a greater proportion of singlets (BSL: 45 ± 18 %, TM-Mid: 75 ± 23 %, TM-Last: 94 ± 20 %; P < 0.01), a lower proportion of doublets, and a lower proportion of triplets+ (BSL: 23 ± 19 %, TM-Mid: 9 ± 18 %, TM-Last: 0 ± 0 %; P < 0.01). Trimethaphan infusion reduced integrated MSNA burst amplitude resulting in a greater proportion of small bursts (BSL: 33 ± 0.2 %, TM-Mid: 60 ± 26 %, TM-Last: 78 ± 37 %; P < 0.01), a lower proportion of medium bursts, and a lower proportion of large bursts (BSL: 34 ± 1 %, TM-Mid: 17 ± 26 %, TM-Last: 1 ± 5 %; P < 0.01). Trimethaphan-mediated changes in MSNA burst frequency and amplitude were associated with reduced overall MAP transduction responses (BSL: 1.6 ± 0.5 mmHg, TM-Mid: 0.5 ± 0.2 mmHg, TM-Last: 0.3 ± 0.3 mmHg; P < 0.01). Linear regression analyses demonstrated that the trimethaphan-mediated reduction in the proportion of large bursts (β = 0.02 ± 0.008 mmHg/%, R2 = 0.13, P = 0.03) more strongly affected sympathetic neurovascular transduction responses than reductions in the proportion of triplet+ burst sequences (P = 0.91). These findings suggest that time varying MSNA discharge patterns, particularly variations in burst amplitude, support human neurocirculatory regulation.

The role of semaphorin 3A on hippocampal plasticity in the adult mouse brain.  

The brain is composed of a series of dynamic neural circuits. These circuits are made up of specialized connection sites between brain cells known as synapses, and these synapses are created, maintained, or modified through the actions of multiple different proteins. Guidance cue proteins, originally described in the developing nervous system for their role in guiding connections between brain cells, are a class of proteins that have recently been linked with the maintenance and modification of synapses. Semaphorins are a family of membrane-bound and secreted guidance cue proteins, and work from our lab and others has shown that these proteins continue to be expressed throughout postnatal development and into adulthood. Semaphorin 3A (Sema3A) is a secreted guidance cue protein that was originally described as a repulsive guidance cue, triggering cellular collapse and retraction, but has recently been implicated in synaptic changes in the adult hippocampus, a brain structure heavily implicated in learning and in memory consolidation. Sema3A has been proposed to change hippocampal synapses by triggering molecular cascades that strengthen activated connections, while removing superfluous connections. These changes mediate the cellular and molecular processes that underlie memory consolidation. Interestingly, genes that encode Sema3A and its receptors have been implicated in neuropsychiatric disorders involving neural hyperactivity, such as epilepsy or neurodevelopmental disorders such as autism spectrum disorder. Together, these findings suggest that Sema3A signaling may represent a new therapeutic target for the treatment of neuropsychiatric disorders affecting neural circuit dynamics.

Increased Greek Yogurt Consumption versus Whey Protein Supplementation in Youth Athlete 

High-impact sports create a habitually high skeletal load that has been shown to positively affect bone mineral properties in athletes. However, longer periods of intense training may lead to increased inflammation paired with an uncoupling or imbalance of bone remodelling, favouring increased bone resorption. Currently, nutritional protocols in athletic youth have focused on protein, specifically, whey protein (WP) powder. Wholefood dairy products, however, such as Greek yogurt (GY), are high-quality, nutrient-dense snacks that are high in multiple bone-supporting ingredients, including protein, calcium, and phosphorus. The proposed study will investigate the effect of high-impact training and GY consumption on bone metabolism and inflammation compared with isonitrogenous/isocaloric WP supplementation in youth athletes. A total of 40 club athletes (age 15-16 years; 20 males and 20 females) and 40 varsity athletes (age 17-22 years; 20 males and 20 females) will be recruited. The study will use a randomized controlled, parallel design which will include an initial 8-week control condition, followed by a 16-week intervention condition of either increased GY or WP supplementation. During the control condition, all participants will follow their typical, habitual diet and training protocols. During the intervention condition, participants will be randomly assigned to consume 2 servings/day (morning and night) of either 175 g GY (1 serving: flavoured, 0%, 130 calories, 17 g protein, 225 g calcium) or ⅔ of a scoop 2x/day (morning and night) of commercially available WP powder (flavoured, ~29 g, 120 calories, 19 g protein, 112.5 g calcium) for 16 weeks. Morning blood draws, will be collected during weeks 0, 8, 16, and 24 to measure osteocalcin, P1NP, OPG, CTX, RANKL, sclerostin, IL6, IL10, TNFα, IGF-1 and PTH. Testosterone and estrogen will also be assessed to examine their potential mediating effects on the bone response to dairy consumption. Body composition and bone properties will be measured at the beginning and the conclusion of the 24-week study to assess the overall impact of the intervention intervals. 

A Population Level Study of Disordered Eating in Secondary School Students in Canada: Measurement, Profiles, Transitions, and Prospective Associations with Screen Media Use 

Background: There is a need for a brief measure of disordered eating (DE) for population-level survey research in a Canadian adolescent context. Moreover, there is a lack of research examining DE profiles and transitions among Canadian youth. Additionally, the directionality of potential relationships between screen media (SM) usage and Canadian adolescents’ DE is unclear, and possible mediators for the relationships are understudied. 

Purpose: This thesis will first evaluate the measurement invariance of a DE measure among Canadian adolescents. Next, I will explore DE prevalence, profiles, and transitions overall and by population subgroups. Finally, I will examine prospective associations with SM and test flourishing as a potential mediator.  

Methods: Student-level survey data from Y10 (2021/2022) and Y11 (2022/2023) of the COMPASS study will be utilized. All students through grades 9-12 from sampled secondary schools in Alberta, BC, and Ontario will be included. Confirmatory-factor-analysis and mixed-linear-regression will be used to assess the measurement invariance of this new DE measure. Latent-class-analysis will be conducted to determine students’ DE profiles, and latent-transition-analysis will be applied to investigate DE transitions over time. Regression models will examine screen media types as predictors of transitions. A path-analysis will be employed to test the potential mediating role of flourishing. 

Significance: This research will improve our understanding of DE thoughts and behaviors in Canadian youth to inform future prevention and early intervention strategies. Results may also help address gaps in a brief DE measure, validated for comparisons across population subgroups that have been underrepresented in the DE literature. 

Sub-zero body temperatures during early spring migration in Blue-spotted Salamanders (Ambystoma laterale)  

Amphibians that reproduce in early spring at northern latitudes may encounter environmental ice while migrating to their breeding sites. Due to the nucleation properties of ice, contact with environmental ice may induce rapid freezing of body tissues, which can cause irreversible damage to cells and lead to death. Although some species of salamanders are known to move over ice during early spring migration, freeze-intolerant species are expected to avoid physical contact with ice crystals to minimise the risk of freezing. Here, we documented the thermal biology of the freeze-intolerant Blue-spotted Salamander (Ambystoma laterale) migrating at sub-zero temperatures in Algonquin Provincial Park, Ontario, Canada. During our surveys, we found sheltered, inactive, and migrating individuals; some in direct contact with ice. Our field measurements of skin temperature using high resolution thermal imaging suggest that the Blue-spotted Salamander can sustain activity in a supercooled state (i.e., chilled below the freezing point of body fluids but not frozen). By migrating in a supercooled state, these salamanders may overcome the risk of freezing while simultaneously prolonging their breeding season and potentially avoiding predators. 

Unveiling the Significance of Physical Activity & Sports in the Lives of Refugee Youth Resettling in Canada – An Ethnographic Study  

Forced migration profoundly alters lives, especially for refugees facing multifaceted challenges during their resettlement. Refugees often arrive in compromised health conditions, facing challenges such as increased sedentary behaviour, physical and mental health issues, as well as, the added complexity of navigating obstacles during social integration. This ethnographically-informed study delves into the potential role of sports and physical activity (PA) programs in this context. Residing within a temporary residence for incoming refugee families, the researcher engaged 16 refugee youths (Mage=16±1.75, n=14 males), gathering formal and informal data on their desires and experiences related to sport and PA during their transition to Canada. Notably, before arrival, within refugee camps, some youths assumed coaching roles, facilitating sporting experiences for others, underscoring the community-building potential of sports and PA in challenging circumstances. Upon arrival in Canada, refugee youth expressed a desire for skill development through sports and PA, citing its role in catalyzing personal growth and empowerment. Barriers to youth participation emerged, including language, time constraints, and parental concerns—specifically, gender-specific preferences leading to decreased female youth participation. Despite these hurdles, participants recognized opportunities and embraced their new life in Canada, with PA playing a pivotal role in their transition. These programs, as conveyed, offer a pathway for integration and serve as a means of connecting with the local culture and language. Implications highlight the imperative to integrate sports and PA programs into resettlement initiatives, recognizing their potential to enhance integration, promote PA, and foster a sense of belonging for refugee youth. 

Physical activity experiences for those with multiple sclerosis and Parkinson’s disease during COVID-19: A qualitative study  

Using interpretive phenomenological analysis, this study examined perceptions and experiences of physical activity during and following the COVID-19 pandemic among individuals with mild-to-moderate multiple sclerosis (MS) or Parkinson’s disease (PD) in Canada. Eleven participants (4 males, 7 females; 4 people with MS and 7 with PD) each completed two interviews online between May and July of 2022. Interview 1 focused on physical activity behaviours during the pandemic while interview 2 discussed perceived outcomes of physical activity changes related to physical health/functioning, psychological/emotional health, social functioning, and overall well-being. Two themes were generated using reflexive thematic analysis: 1) “It truly was a COVID-19 bubble:” The influence of isolation and restrictions in Canada; and 2) Managing MS or PD during COVID-19: “Exercising was essential.” For most participants, physical activity declined during COVID-19 restrictions, which in turn was associated with an increase in symptoms. Three participants described little change to their frequency of physical activity, although often the mode changed, and intensity decreased. Two participants described how COVID-19 restrictions lifted physical activity barriers, leading to more frequent physical activity during lockdowns specifically. Participants also described how COVID-19 and its restrictions impacted their daily routines and psychological motivation. Findings highlight the need to provide accessible, motivating, and sociable physical activity for individuals with MS or PD in situations where in-person physical activity is not feasible. In particular, implementing technology that allows for online physical activity closer to in-person experiences, aiming to increase stamina, full-body movement, and balance is critical. 

Sex dependent metabolic effects of adipose specific GSK3 alpha/betadeletion in mice

Glycogen synthase kinase-3 (GSK3) is a negative regulator of adipose-based thermogenesis. Inhibiting GSK3 increases energy expenditure and induces whole-body adaptations in both male and female mice. The purpose of this study was to investigate the role of GSK3 in adipose tissue by characterizing an adipose tissue specific GSK3alpha/beta knockout mouse model fed a chow or western diet (WD, 45% fat). Adipose-specific GSK3 knockout mice (GSK3KO; male n=5, female n=7) and floxed control (GSK3flox; male n=5, female n=6) were generated through Cre-Lox breeding. Prior to tissue collection, body composition and whole-body energy expenditure were examined using DXA scanning and Promethion metabolic caging, respectively. These measures were repeated in the WD cohort (GSK3flox n=7; and GSK3KO n=5 WD). In the chow fed groups, there weren’t differences in body mass between control and KO mice. Lean mass % was higher in both male and female GSK3KO groups compared to GSK3flox. The fat mass % was lower in male and female GSK3KO groups compared to GSK3flox. Gonadal adipose tissue wasn’t present in GSK3KO mice. Furthermore, GSK3KO mice exhibited elevated respiratory exchange ratio and energy expenditure across sexes along with impaired insulin sensitivity and glucose intolerance. Under WD conditions, the GSK3KO mice resisted diet-induced obesity, whereas the GSK3flox mice experienced weight gain. We conclude that knocking out GSK3 in adipose tissue led to reduced adipose tissue content and disturbances in whole-body glucose regulation, a phenotype akin to lipodystrophy. These findings highlight GSK3’s vital role in adipose tissue development and function. 

Developing best practices for adaptive movement programs for older adults living with dementia.  

In a community-based setting where leisure professionals are responsible for program development, there is a lack of curriculum development and research being done involving movement sciences and critical disability studies. Leisure-based programming, specific to dementia, is under-developed in the Niagara region. A critical disability studies orientation compels the researcher to work consultatively with community members in order to develop relevant, meaningful programming. Process analysis is the research methodology within program development, focusing on various phases and components that create the program while taking feedback as an opportunity to improve throughout. To create meaningful programs for older adults living with dementia, researchers need to understand the perspectives of both participants and supporters to fully understand how this project directly impacts them. Using a critical disability studies orientation to shape and understand older adults’ lived experiences and capacities, the purpose of this study is to document and analyze appropriate and meaningful program development for adults with dementia, with the input of consultants and dementia community insiders. 

Anti-inflammatory potential of a novel mixture of polyphenols in mast cell-mediated allergic inflammation.

In-vivo analysis of Notch1 Cleavage by the proteolytic enzyme Nardilysin 

Human diseases arise from the dysregulation of cell signalling pathways that regulate communication between cells and tissues. The Notch signalling pathway, prominent in a wide range of human diseases, operates through direct cell-to-cell contact. This contact activates the expression of discrete sets of genes in a context-specific manner throughout development and homeostasis, serving as one of the central modes of communication disrupted in human diseases. Furthermore, the core feature that distinguishes the Notch pathway is the mechanism for its signal transduction. It is highly regulated by a series of proteases that cleave the Notch1 receptor, resulting in the release of the Notch1 intracellular domain (N1ICD), which activates gene expression. 

An analysis of the human Notch1 protein sequence using the eukaryotic linear motif (ELM) analysis server (www.elm.eu.org), and human mutant variation data across cancers identified Nardilysin (N-arginine dibasic convertase; NRDc). NRDc, a zinc peptidase of the metalloprotease M16 family, selectively cleaves arginine residues in dibasic pairs at the N-terminus, is a key potential regulator of Notch1 function in human cancers through proteolytic cleavage of Notch1. In support of its nuclear function, it has been demonstrated that it plays a role in chromatin regulation through its activity as a dimethyl-H3K4-binding protein. However, the role of NRDc in transcriptional regulation through Notch signalling, along with the importance and biological role of NRDc-mediated Notch cleavage, is currently unknown and remains poorly understood. The central aim of this study is to determine the sufficiency and necessity of NRDc in mediating proteolytic cleavage of Notch1, exploring its coordination with Notch activation, nuclear translocation, and target gene activation through overexpression and genome editing. 

Coping with Cardiotoxicity Induced Heart Failure post Chemotherapy: A Qualitative Study Proposal using Interpretive Description.

Background: Cancer treatment methods, particularly chemotherapy, have significantly increased survival rates among cancer patients. However, this cancer treatment method has a detrimental impact on cancer survivors’ heart muscle, leading to cardiotoxicity-induced heart failure. Cardiotoxicity-induced heart failure post-chemotherapy (CIHFpC) is a life-threatening condition impeding survivors’ quality of life and presents a challenge for healthcare systems worldwide. There is little research that explores the way individuals with heart failure cope with this condition and its health-related outcomes.
This qualitative study aims to explore the coping strategies employed by cancer survivors living with CIHFpC in Canada. Informed by the transactional theory of stress and coping and employing interpretive description methodology and reflexive thematic analysis, the study will conduct semi-structured interviews with 6-8 women and men who have survived the experience of CIHFpC.
Anticipated Significance: This study may contribute to the limited literature on coping in this unique patient population. It aims to help healthcare professionals better understand the stressors and challenges of living with CIHFpC and how individuals manage and cope with their condition. This knowledge may guide and inform future patient-centered care plans and interventions that acknowledge the specific needs and challenges of surviving cancer with subsequent heart failure.