Exploring epithelial cell response and engineered microbial therapeutics in the mitigation of radiation-induced gastrointestinal injury

As a cornerstone of cancer treatment, over half of all cancer patients will receive radiation therapy at some point in their treatment course. However, the gastrointestinal tract (GIT) is particularly vulnerable due to its high cellular turnover, often resulting in gastrointestinal toxicity that compromises patient quality of life and limits the efficacy of abdominal and pelvic radiotherapy. This thesis aimed to investigate the biological effects of ionizing radiation on the GIT using a multi-model approach and to establish future therapeutic strategies involving genetically engineered probiotics. First, mice underwent whole-body exposure to X-rays (0.1–3 Gy) which revealed acute structural and microbial disruptions within the gut 48 hours post-irradiation. At 3 Gy, significant crypt loss, goblet cell depletion, and increased goblet cell size were observed in the ileum. Radiation-induced shifts in microbial composition were observed across doses and gut regions, underscoring the microbiome's sensitivity to radiation. Next, the effects of the immune-regulated growth factor amphiregulin (AREG), were evaluated in-vitro in HIEC-6 and Caco-2 intestinal epithelial cell lines following radiation. While AREG enhanced cell density at plateau in Caco-2 cells, it did not significantly alter other outcomes, suggesting a potential role in epithelial recovery rather than direct radioprotection. Finally, to advance microbial-based interventions, a dual-origin shuttle vector system was successfully developed for Lactobacillus reuteri, enabling high-efficiency transformation and robust gene expression. An optimized electroporation protocol and P32-driven promotor established a modular platform for future delivery of therapeutic clones. Together, these findings present a comprehensive analysis of radiation induced bowel injury across biological models and introduce a translational pipeline for evaluating microbial-based therapies. This work establishes a foundation for integrated analysis of engineered probiotics as mitigation strategies in radiation-induced gut toxicity

La question de la pensée critique et des modalités de son développement chez le futur personnel enseignant francophone lors des stages en Education Physique et Santé: points de vue du personnel enseignant associé francophone de l’Ontario

Cette étude qualitative descriptive explore les perceptions du personnel enseignant associé francophone (PEAF) de l’Ontario relatives à l’utilité et / ou à l’importance de la pensée critique (PC) et les modalités de son développement chez le futur personnel enseignant (FPE) en éducation physique et santé (EPS). Elle s’inscrit dans un contexte éducatif francophone minoritaire où la PC est de plus en plus considérée comme un levier essentiel de professionnalisation. L’enquête s’appuie sur des questionnaires et des entrevues individuelles, et mobilise le paradigme de la « pensée des enseignants » (Clark & Peterson, 1986) ainsi que les modèles de supervision pédagogique réflexive comme théories de référence. Le corpus recueilli a été analysé selon un processus inductif d’analyse de contenu (Fortin et Gagnon, 2016). Les résultats révèlent des perceptions variées de la PC, des stratégies concrètes de son développement, ainsi que des défis contextuels propres aux stages en EPS. L’étude met en lumière le rôle crucial du PEAF dans la formation à la pensée critique du FPE en contexte de stage

Les perceptions des enseignant.e.s francophones d’éducation physique et santé (EPS) de l’élémentaire en Ontario relatives au développement de la pensée critique des élèves en classe d’EPS

Cette étude vise à comprendre les perceptions des enseignant.e.s francophones d’éducation physique et santé (EPS) de l’élémentaire en Ontario concernant le développement de la pensée critique (PC) chez leurs élèves. Elle explore leur compréhension de la nature et du rôle de la PC, ainsi que les stratégies pédagogiques qu’ils déclarent utiliser. Malgré l’importance accordée à la PC dans le programme-cadre ontarien (MÉO, 2019), peu d’études portent sur sa mise en œuvre en EPS. S’inscrivant dans le courant de la « pensée des enseignants », cette recherche qualitative exploratoire repose sur un questionnaire et des entrevues menées auprès de 26 enseignant.e.s. L’analyse des déclarations des participant.e.s révèle une conceptualisation partielle de la nature et une meilleure conceptualisation du rôle de la PC ainsi qu’une connaissance très élaborée de l’utilisation des stratégies actives centrées sur l’élève (jeux, discussions réflexives, études de cas). L’étude recommande d’approfondir les recherches sur les pratiques effectives pour évaluer concrètement la mise en œuvre des déclarations dans le développement de la PC en contexte d’EPS

Stories of resilience honouring my ancestors and traditional lands

This thesis explores the resilience of my ancestors, focusing on storytelling as an act of cultural preservation and resistance. It examines how family and ancestral narratives serve as vital data, revealing insights into Algonquin history, ancestral lands, and the impacts of colonization within traditional Algonquin Anishinaabe territory. At its core, this study asks: How does storytelling function as a decolonizing research method that preserves Algonquin history, strengthens cultural identity, and fosters resilience through connections to land and ancestors? The primary objective is to demonstrate how storytelling decolonizes research methodologies while deepening the understanding of Algonquin identity, culture, and resilience. This research, grounded in Indigenous storytelling and decolonizing frameworks, uncovers recurring themes of resilience, including textiles and crafts as survival tools, waterways as protective pathways, women’s strength, and the significance of traditional transportation. By drawing on intergenerational stories, maps, archival materials, and cultural teachings, this study emphasizes the interconnectedness of land, family, and identity. Despite the absence of traditional interviews, this strengths-based approach highlights valuable insights into the resilience of the Algonquin people and their enduring connections to land and culture. This study explores key themes presented in Chapter 4 (Stories of the Algonquin Peoples), Chapter 5 (Stories of the Land and Water), and Chapter 6 (Stories of My Grandmothers), leading to the identification of five key findings: 1. Survival as Tradition: Resilience 2. Textiles and Crafts as Resilience 3. Waterways and Traditional Transportation 4. Resilience and the Impacts of Colonization 5. The Strength of Indigenous Women Together, these findings illuminate the role of storytelling in strengthening personal and collective identity, deepening connections to land and kin, and resisting colonial erasure. As a decolonizing research approach, storytelling offers a means of reclaiming Indigenous knowledge and ensuring its transmission for future generations

Harvesting microalgae using ceramic and polymeric crossflow membrane systems

Harvesting microalgae from its growth media remains a challenge for the industrial production of microalgal biomass and associated products. Harvesting microalgae, specifically Scenedesmus sp., using crossflow ceramic and hollow fiber membrane techniques is studied in this thesis. A bench-scale membrane harvesting system was designed and operated with 0.2 μm, 0.45 μm, 0.8 μm and 1.4 μm ceramic membranes; and 0.1 μm, 0.2 μm and 0.45 μm hollow fiber membranes. Notably, all of the tested pore sizes achieved 100% microalgae biomass recovery for both types of membrane. The highest filtration flux achieved was 184 L/m2/h, when using the 1.4 μm ceramic membrane at a crossflow velocity of 0.5 m/s. For both membrane types, critical transmembrane pressure points existed, beyond which further increasing the transmembrane pressure (TMP) did not result in higher filtration flux. Since all the membrane pore sizes achieved the desired microalgae biomass rejection rate, the importance of membrane operation needs to be taken into consideration. Among various methods used to maintain operational efficiency, the use of backwash stands out due to its advantages, including no required chemical addition, energy saving and ease of operational design. Backwash effectiveness was affected by various conditions, including backwash duration, flux and intervals. The most efficient backwash was obtained with the 1.4 μm ceramic membrane, when the backwash flux was 2.0 times the filtration flux, with a 30 seconds duration and a 480 seconds (8 minutes) backwash interval. This increased the filtration flux by 70%. Additionally, the 0.2 μm hollow fiber membrane demonstrated significantly better filtration flux maintain ability compared to the 1.4 μm ceramic membrane, an average of 2.5 times higher flux was observed from the filtration cycles

Investigating the relationship between the non-judgment facet of mindfulness and disordered eating symptoms among university Students

Research consistently shows a negative association between trait mindfulness and disordered eating symptoms. However, state mindfulness and facets of mindfulness are not consistently associated with disordered eating symptoms in the same way. The purpose of this research was to isolate and investigate the relationship between the Non-judgment facet of mindfulness and disordered eating symptoms and constructs that are known to be closely related to disordered eating symptoms. Findings from the current study revealed that Non-judgment had a significant negative relationship with disordered eating symptoms, and difficulties in emotion regulation and a significant positive relationship with self-compassion. Non-judgment was also found to be a significant predictor of disordered eating symptoms and the negative relationship between Non-judgment and disordered eating symptoms was significantly mediated by difficulties in emotion regulation. An experimental Non-judgment mindfulness exercise did not affect state emotion regulation, food selection, or body image satisfaction

Using an anti-colonial research methodology to learn about Anishinaabe perspectives and the Robinson Huron Treaty of 1850

This final report presents the learnings and themes from my advanced practicum in an anti-colonial research project that seeks to answer What can we learn from Anishinaabe Treaty perspectives and Anishinaabe law that may inspire non-Indigenous peoples to become better Treaty partners with Anishinaabe peoples and lands? The advanced practicum site was a part of Dr. Elizabeth Carlson-Manathara’s research program. The practicum focused on understanding the Robinson-Huron Treaty of 1850. This paper contributes to the discussion on best practices for understanding Anishinaabe Treaty perspectives by exploring the importance of Anishinaabe law, which serves as a foundational element in interpreting Treaty relations. Anishinaabe law is not just a set of rules; it incorporates the community’s cultural values, historical contexts, and relational frameworks that inform how treaties are understood and honoured within Anishinaabe communities. The key points discussed are the cultural identity and traditions of the Anishinaabe people and the historical perspective of how Anishinaabe story telling and diplomatic practices shape the understanding of treaties. This perspective enriches academic discussions and has practical implications for social work practice, such as acknowledging cultural perspectives, advocacy, critical reflection, and integrating anti-colonial perspectives into social work education

The perceptions of two older First Nation women with multiple chronic conditions regarding community-level supports during the COVID-19 pandemic

The public health responses to the COVID-19 pandemic limited the spread of the illness and older adults and Elders’ ability to socialize and connect with others, impacting their ability to pass on guidance and leadership through culturally-specific ways. Community-level supports are vital for older adults living in First Nation communities, particularly supports that are inclusive, accessible, private, and confidential and that promote visiting, connecting, and culture, offering opportunities for outings and using many avenues for awareness. Using an Anishinabek research methodology, this community-based participatory action research approach is responsive to the Health and Community Wellness Committee of Atikameksheng Anishnawbek. We used the Gaataa’aabing visual research method to answer the research question: What perceptions are held by Atikameksheng Anishnawbek adults over 50 years of age who have multiple chronic conditions about community-level supports during the COVID-19 pandemic? We recruited two participants who took part in three learning circles and contributed seven photos. We followed an adapted version of the collective consensual data analytic procedure to analyze over 400-word sentences or stories (segments). This resulted in 14 themes organized into strengths of, thoughts and perceptions about, and barriers to community-level support. We found that the importance of connecting through various means was heightened during the COVID-19 pandemic and that community-level support aided in socialization through digital platforms. Although older adults and Elders enjoyed connecting with others through modern technology, they also felt that there was a need to return to the old ways, bringing back an Anishinabek way of life. Moving forward, service providers and community-level supports can use these findings to support the coordination of ‘friendly visiting’ via community-level volunteer programs to reduce the impacts of social isolation

Strategies for supporting the mental health of students exposed to simulated learning activities: a systematic and immersive review

The field of addictions and mental health is growing in Canada due to various factors, including the high prevalence of mental health disorders and addiction, the increasing awareness and recognition of the toxic drug crisis, and the rising demand for mental health services as evidenced by lengthy wait times and shortage of accessible and affordable health care professionals. As such, there is an urgent need to prepare future practitioners with the necessary skills and knowledge to address the imminent challenges and escalating changes within the field of addictions and mental health. This research paper investigates the strategies essential for supporting the mental health of students engaged in simulated learning activities within post-secondary addictions and mental health programs. Given the importance of bridging theoretical knowledge with real-world applications within this particular field of study, simulated learning activities can serve as crucial components of contemporary education. This paper employs a systematic integrative literature review methodology to answer the research question: What strategies are needed to support the mental health of students exposed to simulated learning activities in post secondary addictions and mental health programs? A total of 26 articles were identified and reviewed for this analysis. Nine themes were identified in the literature across three distinct stages of simulation design: development, integration, and facilitation

Cell derived microparticles in intercellular communication and their cole in cancer

Cell-derived microparticles (MPs) are extracellular vesicles that, although once considered to be cellular waste, are an important part of cellular processes. They play an important role in intercellular communication and have been identified as major participants in cancer progression. These submicron vesicles facilitate the passage of bioactive substances such as proteins, lipids, and genetic material, impacting important physiological processes like coagulation, angiogenesis, immunological regulation, and metastasis. MPs promote tumor growth by increasing endothelial cell proliferation, establishing a pro-metastatic microenvironment, and allowing immune evasion. Furthermore, their function in drug resistance underscores their significance on cancer therapy, demanding the development of innovative therapeutic interventions. MPs have also been identified as possible biomarkers for cancer diagnosis, prognosis, and therapy monitoring due to the molecular characteristics they share with their parent cells, and they can be used as drug delivery vehicles. Despite their promise, there are still hurdles to standardizing MPs isolation and characterization procedures. This study critically investigates the biogenesis, composition, and functional importance of MPs in intercellular communication and their role in disease progression with special focus on cancer and possible therapeutic applications