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Hydrogen sulfide and mitochondria: an intriguing paradox of survival and fate
No full textHydrogen sulfide (H2S) has emerged as a critical gasotransmitter with profound implications for mitochondrial functions, challenging its historical classification as a mere toxic gas. Endogenously synthesized by cystathionine β-synthase (CBS), cystathionine γ-lyase (CSE), and 3-mercaptopyruvate sulfurtransferase (3-MST), H2S plays a pivotal role in modulating mitochondrial respiration, ATP production, redox homeostasis, and overall bioenergetics by directly influencing cytochrome c oxidase and the electron transport chain. Beyond its metabolic roles, H2S is essential for mitochondrial biogenesis, underscoring its importance in cellular survival, stress adaption, and disease development. Dysregulation of H2S levels has been implicated in a wide spectrum of mitochondria-related disorders, including neurodegenerative disorders, cardiovascular diseases, and cancer, positioning H2S as a promising target for therapeutic intervention. This review gives an extensive analysis of the intricate relationship between H2S and mitochondrial physiology, underscoring its regulatory mechanisms, pathological outcomes, and therapeutic opportunities. By elucidating the molecular basis of H2S-mitochondria interactions, this review aims to advance the development of novel H2S-based interventions for mitochondrial dysfunctions and the associated diseases
Preserving the heritage of Uxbridge, Ontario: applying adaptive principles to extend building lifespans
No full textCommunity growth focuses on new developments, resulting in a loss of cultural heritage as their built environment is viewed as unimportant, becoming obsolete, and needing to be demolished and replaced with entirely new buildings. This thesis presents the application of adaptive principles within new and existing buildings, creating adaptable and flexible spaces that can evolve over time with a community’s changing needs. Resulting in the extended use of buildings, the principles focus on emphasizing and embracing existing heritage in an environmentally sustainable way. Considered obsolete by the community, a bowling alley located in Uxbridge, Ontario is chosen to further demonstrate the operation of the adaptive principles due to the history in the downtown area, as well as the heritage within the building. Transforming this space into a grocery market and wellness facility, aspects can be taken from two different design options in this thesis and applied to locations beyond Uxbridge
IRP1 deficiency promotes fibroblast activation through iron dysregulation: protective modulation by H₂S
No full textIron is essential for various body functions, and intracellular iron metabolism is a precisely regulated process. Iron regulatory protein 1 (IRP1) acts as a key regulator of cellular iron metabolism. IRP1 dysfunction has been linked to oxidative stress, metabolic imbalances, and fibrosis. Hydrogen sulfide (H2S), an important gasotransmitter with antioxidant and cytoprotective properties, has emerged as a key player in both health and diseases. The regulatory roles of H2S on IRP1-related iron metabolism and fibroblast cell activation have not been explored. This study investigated the interaction of H2S and IRP1 on iron metabolism and cell fibrosis by using cultured mouse embryonic fibroblasts (MEFs). Here it was found that IRP1 deficiency increased labile iron level, promoted cell adhesion and proliferation, induced oxidative stress, stimulated the expressions of cell fibrosis-related genes in MEFs. Iron overload also strengthened cell proliferation and oxidative stress. In contrast, exogenously applied NaHS would be able to reverse IRP1 deficiency and iron overload-caused cell dysfunctions. It was further found that IRP1 deficiency or iron overload induced H2S generation but had no effect on the protein levels of H2S-generating enzymes in MEFs. Taken together, this study suggests that H2S would protect from IRP1 deficiency-induced iron overload and cell fibrosis. This study may pave the way for targeted therapeutic strategies in iron dysregulation disorders and fibrosis- related diseases
Using an anti-colonial research methodology to learn about Anishinaabe perspectives and the Robinson Huron Treaty of 1850
Get PDFThis 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
Enhancing expressive communication and language development in French minority daycares: The impact of parental awareness and educator professional development training
No full textFrench-speaking children in Ontario minority-language settings face unique language development challenges, as over half of children in French-daycares are either anglophone or have limited French skills. This quasi-experimental study investigated whether a combination of professional development training for educators and parental awareness initiatives improves French language development in minority-language daycares. The study involved 23 educators and 34 children (18 in the experimental group, 16 in the control group), aged 18-48 months, across eleven centres managed by the Carrefour francophone de Sudbury. The experimental group received four months of training on 25 language stimulation strategies and digital resources for families. Children in this group showed significantly greater gains in French language skills (median difference of 20.93 vs. 4.20 points on the Language Use Inventory), with an increase of 11.7 hours of French exposure weekly. Qualitative feedback indicated that 85.7% of parents noticed improvements in their children's vocabulary and communication skills. However, 57% of parents faced communication barriers with resources, and the small sample size limits the ability to generalize the findings. Overall, the combined intervention effectively supported French expressive language development by addressing both daycare and home
environments.Carrefour francophone de Sudbur
Northeastern Ontario minority nursing student experiences of cultural insensitivity in clinical practice settings
No full textResearch suggests that student nurses who experience discrimination or racialization face barriers in clinical practice that can lead to negative health outcomes, such as anxiety and emotional exhaustion. There is a lack of research examining minority nursing students’ experiences of cultural insensitivity in clinical settings and the strategies they use to cope when encountering culturally insensitive experiences in Northeastern Ontario. This study addresses that gap by exploring the experiences of minority nursing students and how they cope with these situations. The two research questions guiding this interpretive descriptive design are: 1) What are the experiences of minority nursing students with cultural insensitivity in clinical settings in Northeastern Ontario? and 2) What strategies or coping mechanisms do nursing students use to address these situations? This study uses Sally Thorne’s (2016) interpretive description methodology guided by the conceptual framework for embracing cultural diversity (Registered Nurses of Ontario, 2007). Northeastern minority nursing students (n=10) participated in this research. Five major themes were identified from the data analysis: 1) experiences of cultural insensitivity in clinical settings, 2) coping strategies, 3) emotional and psychological impact, 4) systemic barriers in nursing education and clinical practice, and 5) building inclusive and culturally competent nursing practices. These experiences created significant barriers to minority nursing students' professional and personal development. The participants' experiences highlight the need for nursing programs to develop and implement policies that actively address discrimination in clinical settings. The findings demonstrated the need for additional cultural competency training for faculty and students to better understand the diverse backgrounds of patients and fellow students. Institutions should also consider implementing peer support networks to assist students in creating a sense of community and belonging among nursing students. These types of programs can provide a safe space for students to share their experiences and seek support
Spaces for inclusivity of international students in Canada: a diversified approach for Guelph, Ontario
No full textThis thesis addresses the current state of international student inclusion in Canada and how architecture can be used as a medium to promote intercultural communication between these arriving students and the host nation. The policies and relationships examined in this research highlights the treatment of these students as economic gains rather than cultural significance in Canada. Through interviews with international students and their respective organizations, their needs and to ensure a positive transition. This thesis explores downfalls and opportunites for these students and what design elements and programs can contribute to creating these intercultural communication and facilitating their transition and migration if necessary. The proposal of an international student center in Guelph creates a safe and personal space for these students which encourages these students to support each other socially, economically and culturally in their new settings in Canada
Bridging the healthcare gap: independent palliative care facilities to improve end-ff-life care for the chronically ill.
No full textChronic illnesses are becoming increasingly prevalent in our society, yet access to quality palliative care remains a significant challenge for Canadians. This issue is especially pronounced in underserved regions like Sudbury, Ontario, where geography isolates patients and resources are limited. With few options, residents are often forced to rely on Health Sciences North, the region’s sole hospital, which is frequently over-crowded and prioritizes clinical efficiency over long-term, compassionate care. As a result, the needs of chronic patients are often neglected, leaving them feeling disconnected from environments that should offer comfort and support during their most vulnerable moments. This thesis seeks to bridge this health-care gap by proposing a new typology for palliative care, an independent, alternate-level care centre, designed to better serve those facing end-of-life transitions. Rooted in a salutogenic framework, this design focuses on promoting health and well-being through personalized, compassionate care, setting a new standard for chronically ill patients
Vertical excavation stability and mitigation of strainburst risk using preconditioning blasting in deep mining environments
No full textPreconditioning blasting is used as a means of managing strainburst risk in high stress development headings. Many of the published designs of preconditioning blast are used across varying lithologies and multiple mine sites without accounting for changes in the local rock strength, geological conditions, or stress regime. There are no guidelines for the design of a preconditioning blast or for evaluating the effectiveness of the blast. In this thesis, an in-depth field study as well as a numerical study of preconditioning blasting in a shaft sinking operation are presented.
First, the rock mass response behavior of vertical bored raises excavated in brittle rock is examined. Data were collected from two in-line raises excavated in rock (with an average UCS of 225 MPa) at depths from 1150 to 1915 m. Through this work, the mechanisms of deterioration that occurred in the raises are examined along with the depth of failure around the excavations. The importance of the disturbance or damage zone around an excavation is highlighted because, similar to preconditioning blasting, the damaged zone around the raise can provide confinement, suppress spalling, strainbursting, and associated seismicity. However, when the damaged rock is removed, the exposed rock wall becomes unstable, leading to more damage, spalling, and bursting.
Second, using FLAC3D, a Finite Difference Method (FDM) code, the observations that were made in the field relating to deterioration/growth in the 3-m-diameter bored raises are replicated. Demonstrating the ability to capture the deterioration observed in the raises, specifically the importance of the damaged zone around an excavation for promoting stability, is important for understanding the potential effect of preconditioning blasting at the larger 7.2-m-diameter shaft scale.
Third, using observations made in lateral development, the bored raise excavations, and numerical modeling, a preconditioning blast design is proposed for the conventional blind shaft sink that occurred below 1915 m and extended to a depth of 2635 m. The proposed preconditioning blast design is trialed in the Onaping Depth shaft blind sink, and with the use of a microseismic system, the preconditioning blast is quantitatively evaluated to show the success of the blast.
Fourth, the preconditioning blast design for the conventional shaft sink is simulated in a FLAC3D numerical model using scaled-up material properties based on the bored raise model. The damage generated from the preconditioning blast is simulated with shells of damage, representing the hole, the crush zone, and fracture damage radiating away from the blast hole. The shells are an elongated oval shape, which are in line with the field observations. The modulus and cohesion of the individual shells are reduced to represent the softening of the rock associated with the damaged zone resulting from preconditioning blasting. Based on these blind sink models, the preconditioning blasting design can be modified to examine the resulting stress accumulation and shedding that occurs ahead of the bench face.
Finally, a framework for preconditioning blasting design in shaft sinking operations is presented. This approach is tested against the observations made in two main lithologies that were present in the blind sink – norite and gneiss.
The work developed in this thesis provides a novel approach to developing a preconditioning blast design to suit the conditions that are encountered in the field. This work is important for understanding the stress conditions in deep shaft sinking operations, evaluating the effectiveness of a preconditioning blast, and safeguarding operators working in this environment
Comparison of analytical tools and biological assays for detecting hydrogen sulfide
No full textHydrogen sulfide (H2S) is a biologically signaling molecule involved in various physiological and pathological processes. The detection and quantification of H2S are critical for understanding its roles in cellular functions and disease mechanisms. This review compares the analytical tools and biological assays used for H2S measurement, focusing on the accuracy, ease of use, and practicality. Analytical tools such as gas chromatography, mass spectrophotometry, and electrochemical sensors offer high precision and sensitivity but often require complex instrumentation and sample preparation. On the other hand, colorimetric, fluorometric, and chemiluminescent assays provide more accessible, real-time detection methods with varying degrees of specificity and interference. Recent advances in probe-based technologies have improved the sensitivity and specificity. These comparisons would help researchers choose the right method for their needs, enhancing the understanding of H2S’s role in health and disease