Exploring positive and negative aspects of eating disorders

Eating disorders are notoriously difficult to treat, and anorexia nervosa has the highest mortality rate of all the psychiatric illness (Gremillion, 2003). Therefore this client group can present challenges to clinicians working with them. Those working in the area of eating disorders require research with clear clinical implications, to improve treatment and outcomes. The thesis will attempt to provide such research, with clearly stated clinical implications for treatment. The first paper in this thesis reviews the literature on the link between shame and eating disorders. This paper defines shame, then explores studies identifying the differences or similarities between shame and other self-conscious emotions, such as guilt, embarrassment and humiliation. The paper then explores the link between shame and eating disorders. The second and main paper is an empirical paper exploring shame and pride in a clinical population with a diagnosed eating disorder. The third paper explores 'pro-anorexia' websites to access whether such sites offer any advice or support that could be considered positive. The final paper is a reflective paper which explores my research journey

Energy and Matter: The design of a nature centre, tunnel, and neutrino observatory

Neutrino physics proposes radical new conceptions of matter. Contemplating the extraordinary and mysterious nature of neutrinos in architectural terms, Energy and Matter considers the ideas and implications of this exciting field in three inter-linked design proposals—a nature centre, access tunnel, and neutrino observatory—that connect multiple disciplines in the natural sciences, engineering, and architectural theory. Located in the mountains above Modane, France, the nature centre is conceived as the outward expression of the neutrino observatory that is buried deep within the western Alps. Working from a position that acknowledges the significance of technical concerns, this thesis proposes an architecture that readily engages with technology, construction, and building systems, as well as the specialized instruments used to detect neutrinos, while exploring and evoking the equivalence and fluidity of energy and matter, form and forces. This hybrid approach expands the narrow functionalism that characterizes the design of modern observatories, and reasserts architecture’s role in the design of buildings for science, allowing these enormous collective projects to communicate their cultural significance as manifestations of our current understanding of the universe

CHANGES IN BACK SQUAT BAR VELOCITY AND PERCEIVED MUSCLE SORENESS FOLLOWING A STANDARDISED RUGBY LEAGUE MATCH SIMULATION

This study examined changes in back squat bar velocity and perceived muscle soreness following a rugby league match simulation protocol. Twenty male rugby league players (age: 19.8 ± 0.7 yrs) were recruited for this study. Back squat bar velocity and perceived muscle soreness of the lower body were collected on four days surrounding a match simulation: -24 h (prior to match simulation), +0 h (after the match simulation), +24 h and +48 h. Compared to baseline (-24h), there were non-significant decreases in maximum (dz=-0.50, moderate) back squat bar velocity +0 h. There was a significant increase in perceived muscle soreness at +0h only (p=0.003). Results suggest that elevated muscle soreness may not indicate impaired neuromuscular performance and highlight the importance of monitoring fatigue via multiple measures to ensure appropriate coaching decisions are made

Amyloid precursor protein processing and redox balance in the development of Alzheimer's disease

Alzheimer’s Disease (AD) is the leading cause of dementia and is characterised by progressive and irreversible neurodegeneration. The societal increase in average lifespan and trends in the prevalence of obesity are both associated with an increased risk of AD. Despite advancements in our understanding of the biochemical processes underlying AD, such as perturbed Amyloid- β Precursor Protein (AβPP) processing and disrupted redox homeostasis, finding new treatments that can prevent the neurodegenerative process has proved difficult. Recently, there has been growing interest in the ‘a disintegrin and metalloproteinase’ -10 (ADAM10) enzyme as both a biomarker for detecting AD and as a potential avenue for intervention. ADAM10 has been shown to have a favourable role in AβPP processing, therefore, strategies aimed at increasing ADAM10 enzymatic activity may hold therapeutic benefits. The thesis presented contains four empirical research chapters (chapters 3-6). In chapter 3, the research was focused on measuring peripheral markers associated non-amyloidogenic platelet AβPP processing, inflammation and oxidative stress in people who may be ‘at risk’ of AD. This research showed that lowered platelet ADAM10 and elevated markers of oxidative stress were associated with advancing age and obesity. However, there was no change in the AβPP isoform ratio. Lowered platelet ADAM10 has been previously shown to be predictive of AD and worsening cognitive function, this research suggests ADAM10 may a useful tool in determine people ‘at risk’ of AD. Research in chapter 4 focused on the characterisation of markers associated with AβPP processing and redox balance in induced pluripotent stem cell (iPSC) models carrying one of two PSEN1 mutations (L286V and R278I) compared to a healthy control line. The main findings demonstrated that AβPP processing was altered towards the pro-amyloidogenic pathway, with increased Aβ secretion, reduced ADAM10 protein levels and a lower AβPP ratio in both PSEN1 mutations. Further, markers of oxidative stress were typically elevated in PSEN1 mutations. These features are consistent characteristics identified in people with AD and therefore, this ‘in vitro’ model represents a functional system to study the early pathological features of AD. Work in chapter 5 investigated the functionality of the Serotonin-4 receptor (5HT4r) in the healthy control and L286V mutation carrying iPSC cortical models. This work extended to assess whether 5HT4r modulation affected ADAM10 activity. Detection of the 5HT4r by a polyclonal antibody (ab60359, Abcam) using both western blotting and immunocytochemistry showed positive staining for the receptor at the predicted molecular weight. Functional neuronal depolarisation was detected using a calcium tracking probe as a result of agonist / antagonist incubation. Treatment with the 5HTr agonist, Prucalopride, significantly increased ADAM10 activity in L286V cells, but not healthy controls. Finally, chapter 6 focused on the effect of continuous treatment with a Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI), Citalopram, on ADAM10 activity, Aβ-peptide generation and redox balance in the L286V PSEN1 mutation and healthy control iPSC models. Treatment with Citalopram significantly increased ADAM10 activity and reduced markers of oxidative stress in iPSC-derived cortical cell models carrying PSEN1 mutations. Differential effects on Aβ generation were shown in control cells, with a reduction in Aβ generation at a dose of 0.8μM and elevated Aβ generation at 10μM. However, there were no changes in Aβ generation in L286V mutation carrying cells. This data suggests that treatment with Citalopram may hold protective effects on processes underlying AD, possibly, through the modulation of ADAM10 activity. The research presented in this thesis highlights the potential role for ADAM10 in the early development of AD and demonstrates a therapeutic role of SSRIs in modifying ADAM10 expression and correcting redox imbalance in an iPSC-derived cortical cell model of AD. Further research aimed at improving our understanding of how ADAM10 is regulated across the lifespan and whether it is a useful biomarker for assessing risk of AD is needed. Mechanistically the association of ADAM10 with other membrane receptors, and the impact of this colocalisation on ADAM10 activity should be further investigated

Exploring positive and negative aspects of eating disorders

Eating disorders are notoriously difficult to treat, and anorexia nervosa has the highest mortality rate of all the psychiatric illness (Gremillion, 2003). Therefore this client group can present challenges to clinicians working with them. Those working in the area of eating disorders require research with clear clinical implications, to improve treatment and outcomes. The thesis will attempt to provide such research, with clearly stated clinical implications for treatment. The first paper in this thesis reviews the literature on the link between shame and eating disorders. This paper defines shame, then explores studies identifying the differences or similarities between shame and other self-conscious emotions, such as guilt, embarrassment and humiliation. The paper then explores the link between shame and eating disorders. The second and main paper is an empirical paper exploring shame and pride in a clinical population with a diagnosed eating disorder. The third paper explores 'pro-anorexia' websites to access whether such sites offer any advice or support that could be considered positive. The final paper is a reflective paper which explores my research journey.EThOS - Electronic Theses Online ServiceGBUnited Kingdo

MEASURING INSTANTANEOUS VELOCITY IN FOUR SWIM STROKES USING AN AUTOMATIC HEAD TRACKING SYSTEM: A COMPARISON STUDY

This study compared instantaneous swimming velocity from an automated video-based system to a tethered speedometer. Twenty-two state- and national-level swimmers (7 M, 15 F; 14.5 ± 2.5 yrs) swam 25 m of each stroke at maximal intensity. Bland-Altman plots showed good agreement between systems for backstroke and freestyle but poorer agreement for butterfly and breaststroke. The RMS error was also lower in backstroke and freestyle compared to butterfly and breaststroke. The differences in systems may be explained by the different body segments tracked by each system (head vs hips) and with differences being more apparent during butterfly and breaststroke due to the wave-like motion of these strokes. While the automated video-based system is suitable for measuring instantaneous swimming velocity, coaches, sports scientists, and swimmers should be aware of larger discrepancies between systems when assessing butterfly and breaststroke

Analysis of Training Loads in Elite Under 18 Australian Rule Football Players

Elsworthy, N ORCiD: 0000-0002-5223-6803Differences in training loads (TL) between under 18 (U18) Australian Rules football (AF) State Academy selected and non-selected players were investigated. Players were categorised relating to their highest representative level; State Academy selected (n = 9) and TAC Cup level players (n = 38). Data were obtained from an online training-monitoring tool implemented to collect player training and match information across a 20 - week period during the regular season. Parameters modelled included AF skills, strength, and other sport training sessions. Descriptive statistics (mean ± SD) and between-group comparisons (Cohen's d) were computed. A J48 decision tree modelled which TL variables could predict selection level. Pooled data showed 60% of weekly training duration consisted of AF training sessions. Similar AF TL were reported between State Academy and TAC Cup players (1578 ± 1264 arbitrary units (AU) v 1368 ± 872 AU; d = .05). While higher TL were reported for State selected players comparative to TAC Cup in total training (d = .20), core stability (d = .36), flexibility (d = .44), on-feet conditioning (d = .26), and off-feet conditioning (d = .26). Decision tree analysis showed core stability duration and flexibility TL the most influential parameters in classifying group selection (97.7% accuracy TAC Cup level; 35.8% accuracy State Academy level). Insights of U18 AF players' weekly training structures, loads, and characteristics of higher achieving players are provided. This study supports the application of training diaries and session rating of perceived exertion (sRPE) for TL monitoring in junior athletes

Within Game and Between Gender Comparisons of Match Demands in Men’s and Women’s International Touch Rugby World Cup

Touch rugby is an intermittent, high-intensity, anaerobic team sport that is widely played internationally as the Federation of International Touch includes 47-member nations. PURPOSE: The present study quantified and compared the match demands of men’s and women’s international touch rugby players during the 2019 world cup. METHODS: Match demands (male: n=16; female: n=15) were assessed via 5Hz global positioning system devices. Separate linear mixed models and Cohen’s effect size comparisons were used to compare variables within matches (1st v 2nd half) for men’s and women’s only matches, while between gender comparisons were made for complete match demands. RESULTS: Within match comparisons revealed significant, small reductions in running distance (p = 0.003) and one-minute peak average speed (p = 0.019) for men’s matches in the second half compared to the first half. For women’s matches a significant, small reduction in running distance (p \u3c0.001) and a significant, small increase for walking distance (p \u3c0.001) was revealed during the second half compared to the first half. Significant, small to moderate differences were found between men’s and women’s matches for average speed (p = 0.006), running distance (p \u3c0.001), sprint distance (p \u3c0.001), and peak speed (p \u3c0.001). CONCLUSION: Findings show the physical demands of men’s touch rugby matches are more demanding than women’s matches. Results from our study suggest that gender specific conditioning programs should be implemented to ensure suitable preparation for international matches