Gene Expression Strategies for Developing Blood-Based Screening Diagnostics for Colorectal Cancer

The N-myristoyltransferase isozymes, NMT1 and NMT2, have attracted growing interest in disease research, especially in the context of cancer. They are responsible for catalyzing the lipidic modification of N-terminal glycine and lysine residues of target proteins, altering their function, localization, and molecular interactions. Recent studies, including those from our laboratory have established NMT1 and NMT2 as key molecules in oncogenesis. In fact, our previous work has demonstrated the overexpression of NMT2 in the peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) of colorectal cancer (CRC) patients and individuals with adenomatous polyps (AP). CRC is classified as one of the most treatable cancers, however, it remains a leading cause of cancer related deaths. Without effective screening tests, CRC is often able to progress into advanced stages. While the stool-based tests and colonoscopy remain the primary methods for CRC detection, they often have low adherence rates due to inconvenience and the invasiveness of the colonoscopy. Therefore, a convenient, more accurate, and cost-effective screening test for CRC holds the potential to improve both the quality of life and survival outcomes for patients. Building on our previous studies focused on developing an NMT2-based blood test, this study aimed to assess the gene expression of the NMT isozymes and their upstream target, MetAP2, to build upon previous IHC findings. To ensure accurate gene expression normalization, I validated four candidate reference genes in PBMCs collected from individuals with various colorectal pathologies and no evidence of disease. Using these reference genes, I assessed expression differences among pathophysiological groups and observed meaningful group differences based on effect size. Importantly, the choice of normalization strategy influenced the results, highlighting the importance of accurate reference gene selection.Canadian Cancer SocietyMaster of Science in Bioscience, Technology and Public Polic

How Can Expropriation Be Used To Solve the Housing Crisis?

This paper considers application of the law of taking, called expropriation in Canada, to the “Housing Crisis,” as it is often characterized. It examines four options: The royal prerogative of taking, procedural reform, compensation reform, and public-sector directed surges in supply. Drawing on recent events (a rash of vacant house fires) in Winnipeg in particular, it is submitted that procedural reform is the most promising option, but more research is necessary to determine how best to do this, balancing speed with procedural fairness.This publication was funded by the Institute of Urban Studies

Characterization of soil dissolved organic matter using optical techniques in boreal catchments

Dissolved organic matter (DOM) is a critical medium for controlling the storage and mobilization of carbon within watersheds. With climate change threatening to alter carbon characteristics within boreal forests, understanding both the quantity and quality of DOM in boreal catchment soils, and exported to low-order headwater streams, is important in order to investigate processing and overall watershed dynamics. Headwater streams contain largely terrestrially derived DOM, and thus, gaining a better understanding into DOM within catchment soils and streams, allows for an understanding into the transport of carbon between the two systems. Utilizing optical techniques has become an increasingly common way to characterize DOM within aquatic systems. However, limited knowledge on optical properties within DOM in soil water, creates uncertainty surrounding patterns and controls on soil water DOM, and the ability to utilize optical properties to characterize soil water DOM. Furthermore, although dissolved organic carbon (DOC) concentration in streams has been linked to catchment type and landscape features, it is unclear how catchment characteristics influences DOM quality in boreal headwater streams. This study investigated DOM quality in soil water and stream water in the same watershed, using optical indices, and EEM-PARAFAC modelling. Soil water DOM was characterized by three terrestrial humic-like, one microbial humic-like, and one protein-like component. Optical properties of soil water DOM saw similarities with that of other boreal aquatic systems, indicating the potential for optical techniques to be used to characterize DOM quality in catchment soils. PARAFAC modelling and optical indices characterized organic soils as more aromatic, more humified, and with a higher molecular weight relative to mineral soils, as well as implied a high degree of processing within the soil environment. Stream water DOM within the same watershed was characterized by four terrestrial humic-like PARAFAC components, and differences in optical properties between soil water and stream water, indicated the selective loss of low molecular weight aliphatic compounds along the soil-stream continuum. Stream water DOM from forest draining streams was seen to be more microbially derived, with fresher carbon and a lower molecular weight, relative to wetland draining streams. Aromatic content seen through SUVA254 values, were seen to be a poor predictor of wetland coverage in this study, and suggested that additional factors such as wetland vegetation type, might need to be considered when predicting quality indicators based on wetland coverage. Intensive discharge events following dry periods were also seen to influence DOM in both forested and wetland draining streams. Therefore, optical techniques could prove to be an effective tool in order to characterize DOM quality in boreal watersheds, increasing understanding into the quality of DOM that both remains in catchment soils, as well as that which is transported to the stream. This has implications for better understanding carbon fate within watersheds, and the potential for optical techniques to be utilized, in order to investigate changes in carbon storage and transportation across boreal catchments.NSERC; Research ManitobaMaster of Science in Environmental and Social Chang

Wild Ungulate Detections Using RPAS and Satellite Imagery in Manitoba

Effective wildlife monitoring is essential for the sustainable management of animal populations and their habitats, given the ecological and societal significance of wildlife. Traditional aerial surveys using helicopters and fixed wing aircraft remain the predominant method for tracking wild ungulates. However, they present certain limitations due to their high operational cost, safety risks to crews and animal behavioral impacts. This thesis investigates the potential of remotely piloted aircraft systems (RPAS), commonly known as drones, and satellite imagery as alternative technologies for wildlife monitoring in Manitoba. To evaluate the feasibility of these methods, satellite and RPAS imagery were collected across four Game Hunting Areas (GHAs). GHAs are designated areas used by the province of Manitoba to manage wildlife populations and designate human hunting activities. Satellite imagery was manually reviewed for animal detection, while RPAS imagery was analyzed using thermal thresholding techniques. This study successfully detected farmed cattle in satellite imagery and deer in RPAS imagery. While satellite imagery reliably detected animal groups, RPAS imagery proved more effective overall by enabling the identification of individual animals with greater accuracy and detail. Given the substantial volume of data generated, further advancements in automation for wildlife detection and enumeration are necessary to enhance efficiency and scalability. This research contributes to the ongoing development of innovative monitoring solutions, offering insights into the integration of remote sensing technologies for improved wildlife conservation and management strategies.The Fish and Wildlife Enhancement Fund, Research ManitobaMaster of Science in Environmental and Social Chang

Advanced Dutch Elm Disease Management in Winnipeg through RPAS-Based Monitoring and Elm Bark Beetle Activity Tracking

This study consisted of two projects designed to provide information to improve Dutch elm disease (DED), (Ophiostoma novo-ulmi), management methods in Winnipeg, Manitoba. The objective of the first project was to test whether a remote piloted aircraft system (RPAS) equipped with a multispectral camera can detect DED symptoms in American elm (Ulmus americana) trees. Three neighbourhoods in Winnipeg were surveyed using this technology in 2022 and 2023, and categorical maps of diseased versus healthy trees were generated for each neighbourhood using a variety of vegetation indices and methods of delineating tree canopies in the imagery. Ground disease detection surveys were conducted in conjunction with the aerial surveys to guide and validate these maps. Results for each survey showed that healthy tree canopies had significantly higher mean normalized difference vegetation index (NDVI) values than DED/hazard trees. Other vegetation indices were also tested, but mean NDVI values generated the most accurate classifications. Manually digitized polygons outlining the shape of each tree canopy also generated more accurate classifications than generic circles or rectangles centred on tree coordinates, but overall success of DED detection was still moderately low with manual polygons at 67.3%. The results from this research indicate that the use of RPAS solely to detect DED will require more refinement to increase accuracy levels to be as reliable as ground survey crews. However, the technology is effective at detecting dead elm trees or trees with advanced DED symptoms with 79.5% overall correct classification, and would therefore be a useful tool to assist with current DED management strategies, particularly in less accessible locations. The native elm bark beetle (Hylurgopinus rufipes) is the primary known insect vector of DED spread in Manitoba, while several other elm bark beetle species can also spread the disease elsewhere in North America. One of these species, the banded elm bark beetle (Scolytus schevyrewi) has been reported in rural Manitoba feeding on Siberian elm (Ulmus pumila). The objectives of the second project were to determine the beginning of emergence of summer brood of elm bark beetles in Winnipeg, and to determine if the banded elm bark beetle is present and attracted to American elm trees in Winnipeg. A pilot experiment was carried out from July 13 to September 18, 2023. American elm and Siberian elm logs were collected and left exposed in a Winnipeg neighbourhood. Logs were partially debarked throughout the study period. Beetles found on the surface of logs, boring into them, or inside the logs, along with larvae in galleries, were collected and preserved. Nearly all adult bark beetles collected were identified as banded elm bark beetles, which was unexpected given that banded elm bark beetles were not found to be attracted to American elm in previous studies in rural Manitoba. DNA bar coding technology was used to confirm that larvae and adults collected in elm logs were banded elm bark beetles. These findings suggest that banded elm bark beetles could potentially be a second significant vector of DED in Winnipeg’s urban forest.Volatus Aerospace; Mitacs; SERG InternationalMaster of Science in Environmental and Social Chang

Barriers to Systemic Therapy Services Among Transgender and Nonbinary Adults in Canada

Systemic therapies, including relational, couple, marriage, and family therapy services, play a key role in supporting transgender and nonbinary people who experience mental health and relational challenges. However, limited research studies have examined this population's barriers to accessing these therapy services. This study aimed to explore these barriers to enhance the cultural competence of relational and family therapists. This study involved 12 TNB adult participants in Canada. Regarding methodology, the semi-structured interviews were conducted via Zoom and recorded, and the interpretative phenomenological analysis was applied. The results included the following: (1) Challenges in finding competent and affirming therapists; (2) Geographic limitations; (3) Financial concerns; and (4) Systemic and institutional barriers to accessing RCMFT services. The results can be shared in teaching, supervision, workshops, and conference presentations to improve cultural competence and reduce the barriers."This study was funded by the University of Winnipeg Major Research Grant (#20642) and the University of Winnipeg Research Start Up Grant."https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/jmft.7006

Tigers on the Prowl: Determining the Distribution and Habitat Requirements of Eastern Tiger Salamander (Ambystoma tigrinum) in Manitoba

Manitoba has the only remaining population of Eastern Tiger Salamanders (Ambystoma tigrinum) in Canada. Unfortunately, very little is known regarding its range and habitat in the province. The purpose of this study was to determine key biological and physical habitat requirements that influence the distribution of A. tigrinum in the forested areas of southeastern Manitoba. Fifty-four sites were surveyed in the Sandilands Provincial Forest and surrounding areas using a combination of visual searches and funnel-trapping methods to locate salamander breeding ponds. Much of the Sandilands provides quality habitat for A. tigrinum with little variation between ponds. They are typically sandy, shallow, clear, and most ponds do not contain fish or are unable to sustain a fish population for more than one season. The upland habitat is forested with little agriculture or mining but with some forestry activity. Overall, percent of sand ranged from 85.7% to 99.7%, indicating that the substrate in all ponds is similarly friable. The ponds were mostly small, ranging from 61.38 m2 to 2336.42 m2. All ponds are relatively shallow, ranging in depth from 23 to 300 cm; all sites where salamanders were found at least once were less than 160 cm in depth except for one outlier that is 300 cm. The slope of the bank ranged from -0.06 to -0.80 cm/cm, but salamanders were only found in sites with slopes of less than -0.54 cm/cm. There was a large range in both aquatic vegetation cover (0 to 100% submerged vegetation; 0 to 50% emergent vegetation) and proximity of terrestrial vegetation (minimum distance to forest 0 to 23 m, maximum distance to forest 0 to 312 m; % of shoreline vegetated (0 to 100%), although both ponds with and without salamanders had similar ranges for these vegetation variables (above). Even with the relative homogeneity of the landscape in Sandilands, salamander larvae are not found in all ponds. The results of the analysis identified two key environmental variables: salamanders were more likely to be found in ponds with no fish and with low TDS. Of the 54 total sites, 13 sites had fish present, and of those 13 sites, zero had salamanders present in more than one year. The concentration of TDS in the ponds (the critical value for the split was 207 ppm TDS) also impacted salamander presence. In ponds with high concentrations of TDS (n = 13), approximately nine sites did not have salamanders, while zero sites had salamanders in only one year and four sites had salamanders in more than one year. Ponds with lower TDS concentrations (n = 28) had the opposite pattern of salamander presence; five sites did not have salamanders, four had salamanders in only one year while 19 sites had salamanders in more than one year. With global amphibian decline and the increased risk of climate change, knowledge of local populations of salamanders is important for the conservation of the species, informing policy and recovery strategies.Master of Science in Bioscience, Technology and Public Polic

Energy Efficiency Programming and Indigenous Rights in Manitoba, Canada

Improving energy efficiency is increasingly recognized as key to the energy transition and offers numerous benefits at the household level. There has been little scholarship to date addressing how energy efficiency is governed, and even less study of how Indigenous Nations and settler governments might co-develop energy efficiency policy. This gap is notable because energy efficiency policy can exacerbate equity issues when done without proper consideration of the diverse needs of different energy users. Through a document analysis and key informant interviews, this case study of energy efficiency governance in Manitoba, Canada investigates how Efficiency Manitoba works with Indigenous Nations and how well its programs meet the needs of Indigenous communities. Efficiency Manitoba’s approach to building relationships with Indigenous Peoples has several strengths that other settler governments and institutions would do well to emulate. Evaluating the overall success of Efficiency Manitoba’s programs for Indigenous participants is inhibited by limited data availability, so there is a need for better measurement and transparency. This research also found that the overlap between housing policy and residential energy efficiency policy is much greater than is commonly acknowledged in energy efficiency literature. Efficiency Manitoba is already collaborating with Indigenous-led housing initiatives, but more explicit integration of energy efficiency and housing supports could be beneficial, especially on First Nations reserves."I would like to acknowledge funding from the University of Winnipeg President’s Distinguished Graduate Student Scholarship, the Government of Canada’s New Frontiers in Research Fund (NFRF) CANSTOREnergy project NFRFT-2022-00197, and other funding from the University of Winnipeg Master of Environment and Social Change program."Master in Environmental and Social Change Progra

Blended Soil Amendment Effects on Phosphorus Loss from Soils under Simulated Snowmelt Flooding

Phosphorus (P) accumulation in agricultural soils from long-term fertilizer and manure applications increases the risk of P mobilization into freshwater systems, contributing to eutrophication. In the Canadian Prairies, spring snowmelt over frozen soils creates anaerobic conditions, exacerbating the transport of dissolved reactive phosphorus (DRP) to surface waters. This research investigated the effectiveness of single and blended soil amendments in reducing P losses from high legacy P soils under simulated snowmelt flooding conditions. Two complementary laboratory studies were conducted using agricultural soils from southern Manitoba. The first study employed packed soil incubations to evaluate fifteen treatments across six soils, including an unamended control, six single amendments at different rates of alum [KAl(SO4)2.12H2O], ferric chloride (FeCl3), gypsum (CaSO4.2H2O), and magnesium sulfate (MgSO4), plus eight blended combinations. The second study used intact soil monoliths from four sites to compare gypsum, ferric chloride, and their 1:1 combination. Results demonstrated that ferric chloride-based treatments were consistently the most effective across soil types. In packed soils, single amendment of ferric chloride achieved maximum DRP reductions of 64%, while blended amendments containing ferric chloride achieved reductions up to 89%. The monolith study confirmed these findings, with ferric chloride reducing floodwater DRP by 93-99%. Calcium and magnesium-based amendments showed soil-dependent effectiveness, with gypsum achieving 31-56% reductions in the monolith study. Blended amendments did not provide substantial advantages over single ferric chloride applications. These findings suggest that ferric chloride represents a viable single-amendment strategy for mitigating snowmelt-driven P losses from Prairie agricultural soils, offering practical implications for water quality protection in cold climatic regions.Master of Science in Environmental and Social Chang