VictorJuiz/thesis huggingface dataset:
Examining Causes and Consequences of Mental Health Disorders in Chronic Traumatic Brain Injury
Keywords: Hippocampus
Homelessness
Psychosis
Rehabilitation
Schizophrenia
Traumatic brain injury

Traumatic brain injury (TBI) is characterized by a host of persisting mental health (cognitive and psychiatric), motor and neurological sequelae, including progressive, degenerative change in the hippocampi. This thesis postulates that hippocampal volume loss may contribute to the increased risk of psychotic disorder that is observed in this population, through dysregulation of dopaminergic networks. The thesis also posits that TBI is implicated in the substantial mental health deficits observed in persons experiencing homelessness. This thesis specifically investigated (1) The relationship between increased psychotic symptom severity and hippocampal volume loss from 5 to 12 months post-injury and (2) The relationship between TBI and cognitive/psychiatric dysfunction among persons experiencing homelessness. A significant association between increasing hippocampal degeneration and increasing psychotic symptom severity was demonstrated. TBI was also demonstrated to bear strong associations with mental health dysfunction among homeless populations.
Empirical Estimation of Bias in Randomized and Nonrandomized Study Designs: A Meta-Epidemiological Case Study using TAVI vs. SAVR
Keywords: aortic valve replacement
bias in study design
health technology assessment
meta-epidemiological study
surgical trials

Objective: To quantify the bias associated with nonrandomized study (NRS) design attributes in literature comparing Transcatheter Aortic Valve Implantation (TAVI) vs. Surgical Aortic Valve Replacement (SAVR). Methods: 1) Conducted meta-analysis; 2) Compared estimates of treatment effects (ETE) between study designs; 3) Identified associations between 41 NRS attributes and pooled ETE. Results: We included 87 NRSs and 6 randomized controlled trials (RCTs). Lower quality studies underestimated the benefit for TAVI. Randomization in low quality RCTs and risk adjustments in NRSs did not always bring estimates closer to high quality RCT compared to NRSs without adjustment. NRSs that described lost to follow-up reported ETE significantly closer to high quality RCTs than NRSs that did not. Conclusion: ETEs in NRSs are often biased compared to RCTs. Simply categorizing a study as an RCT or NRS fails to reflect the range of bias in each category. Factors related to follow-up may explain important bias.
Investigating the Role of Phosphoinositides in Skeletal Muscle Development and Substructure Formation
Keywords: muscle
phosphoinositide
triad
zebrafish

The triad, formed by the close apposition of the T-tubule and terminal sarcoplasmic reticulum, is an important skeletal muscle substructure that regulates excitation-contraction coupling and calcium homeostasis. Recently, defects in triad structure and function have emerged as important underlying contributors to a wide range of human muscle diseases. I hypothesized that dysregulation of phosphoinositide (PIP) activity is a major contributing factor to the irregular triad formation seen in congenital myopathies. To address this, I generated a phosphatidylinositol synthase (CDIPT) mutant zebrafish using CRISPR/Cas9 to determine the overall requirement for PIPs at the triad. In parallel, I also used confocal microscopy to investigate the live dynamics of PIP activity upon overexpression of both wildtype and mutant membrane modelling proteins. The work herein sets the stage further exploration of PIP pathway dynamics and demonstrates that loss of PI(4,5)P2 localization may contribute to disease pathology.
Instrument, Analysis, and Coaching Considerations with Velocity-Based Training
Keywords: GymAware
Instruction
Push
Tendo
Validity
Velocity-Based Training

The purpose of this thesis was to assess: 1) The validity of commercial instruments to quantify barbell velocity, 2) The influence of an instruction to attain a specific target velocity in comparison to “move as fast as possible” on barbell velocity and subsequent repetition maximum test performance, and 3) The variability in load-velocity profiles and maximum velocity capabilities between athletes, and if the variability in training intensity is dependent on the absolute velocity target. GymAware was found to be valid across the widest range of velocities, followed by Tendo. PUSH was not valid. Participants moved faster when provided with a specific target velocity (p
Distributed Linear Quadratic Control with an Attack Detectability Constraint
Keywords: attack detectability
distributed control
network flow
optimization

Cyber physical systems such as power network are vulnerable to various attacks in everyday life. Due to the critical role of cyber physical system, the development of advanced methods to protect cyber physical system against attacks is very important. In this thesis, we adopt the linear time invariant (LTI) system model of such systems. An optimization problem based on the LTI model framework is formulated to study the trade-off between system performance and state feedback communication overhead, subject to attack detectability constraints. We use network flow to model the attack detectability constraints. To demonstrate the effectiveness of our method, we design an attack detection filter based on the Luenberger observer. We validate our result using a six-state system and two power network models.
Affective Metadata for Object Experiences in the Art Museum
Keywords: affect
documentation
information systems
knowledge management
metadata
ontologies

Affective metadata for object experiences in the art museum explores the notion of affect as related to visitor experiences of artworks in a museum gallery setting, resulting in the specification of a data structure and knowledge organization system capable of methodically documenting these experiences. This proposed system presents an interdisciplinary view of museum object documentation that pushes the boundaries of what is conceptualized as object information worthy of documentation in order to adequately account for affective knowledge. Through an analysis of the literature – including affect and affect modeling, art museum information systems, and empirical aesthetics – and a visitor research study at the Art Gallery of Ontario, this thesis argues that affect needs to be considered as a salient dimension of art museum information infrastructures and metadata standards. One possible model for developing such a structure and corresponding standard is presented and validated using the results of this visitor research study.
Identification of Novel miRNA that Regulate Skeletal Muscle Regeneration in Intensive Care Unit-Acquired Weakness
Keywords: Critical Illness
Intensive Care Unit-Acquired Weakness
miRNA
Muscle Atrophy
Myogenesis
Skeletal Muscle

Intensive care unit-acquired weakness (ICUAW) is a common complication of critical illness that may cause long term muscle atrophy and weakness, resulting in permanent physical disability. Our understanding of the mechanisms underlying sustained ICUAW is limited. Survivors of critical illness with sustained atrophy exhibit reduced muscle satellite cell content, suggesting their muscles suffer from an impaired regenerative capacity. Our integrated miRNA/mRNA analysis of quadriceps biopsies from patients with early and sustained ICUAW identified dysregulated expression of miRNAs (miR-206, miR-424-5p, miR-487b, miR-23a-3p, miR-29b-3p) and their gene targets that regulate skeletal myogenesis, supporting the notion that prolonged weakness is explained by an inability to repair muscle. Importantly, we identify miR-490-3p and miR-744-5p as novel miRNA in skeletal muscle that are upregulated in patients with sustained ICUAW, and that regulate skeletal myoblast proliferation and differentiation in vitro. miR-490-3p overexpression significantly downregulates CDK1 expression and inhibits myoblast proliferation, while miR-744-5p overexpression prevents myogenic differentiation.
Exploring the Role of Resilience in the Experiences of Family Caregivers of a Patient Requiring an Alternate Level of Care
Keywords: ALC
alternate level of care
caregivers
qualitative
resilience
secondary analysis

Patients requiring an Alternate Level of Care (ALC) wait in the hospital for an appropriate discharge setting despite being cleared for discharge. The increasing ALC rates have negative implications for health system performance and patient and caregiver health and wellbeing. To date, there are few studies focusing on caregiver perspectives during the ALC period and no research has been conducted on caregiver resilience during this period. This thesis describes the development of a conceptual framework on resilience and family caregiving. Using this conceptual framework, a secondary analysis of qualitative data was undertaken to explore how resilience was impacted and reflected in family caregivers who are caring for a patient who requires an ALC. Three themes were identified: becoming an advocate, variable communication with the healthcare team and searching for balance. Findings from this study shed light on how the health system can support caregivers during this stressful time.
Boolean Modeling of Developmental Gene Networks in T Cell Progenitor Differentiation
Keywords: Boolean networks
Gene regulatory networks
T cell
Thymopoiesis

T cell lineage differentiation of hematopoietic progenitors is controlled via gene regulatory networks. We apply computational Boolean network (BN) modeling to simulate systems-level dynamics of this developmental program. Asynchronous Boolean simulations mapped the transcriptional space that is accessible to T cell progenitors under combinations of Notch, interleukin-7 and pre-T cell receptor signaling. Simulations also predict steady states that correspond to known T cell progenitor types and multiple distinct trajectories that can lead to these steady states. Heterogeneous transcriptional dynamics and trajectories were explored further by single-cell transcriptomics to elucidate differences between in vivo thymopoiesis and novel in vitro differentiation platforms. Finally, our BN modeling framework was integrated into a systems biology software platform to facilitate future extensions to the model. Overall, BN modeling presents a powerful advancement over existing static models for predicting heterogeneous transcriptional responses of T cell progenitors to extrinsic signals during development and in vitro differentiation.
Close to Home: The Evolving Engagement Strategies of Alberta's Local Museums in Canada's Cultural Landscape
Keywords: Alberta
Albertan museums
Canada
Canadian museums
Local museums
small museums

In February 2016, the Canadian Government announced for the first time in thirty years it would undertake a study on the state of Canadian museums, yet there was no mention of small local museums. Despite the prolific nature of local museums in Canadian communities, little scholarly work has been done with or on them to understand their specific obstacles and locally-focused engagement strategies. Local museums, then, develop distinct forms of museological practice but receive little attention when it comes to policy, strategic planning, or reliable public funding. To address this gap, my thesis contributes a comparative analysis based on three local museums in rural and suburban Alberta. Through an analysis of policy, funding, programming, and community contexts, I seek to explore how community well-being, museum-community relationships, and museum sustainability can be identified and understood though local museums.
Workplace Learning in Non-Profit Organizations – Three Essays
Keywords: Change management
Employee engagement
Isomorphism
Nonprofit
Organizational development
Workplace learning

This three-essay thesis uses the systematic review of literature as the method to examine workplace learning in non-profit organizations. The first essay studies how human resource development practitioners conceptualised workplace learning and the factors informing their decisions on workplace learning in organizations. The second essay explores human resource management in non-profit organizations and the third essay analyzes scholarly literature to explore the management of workplace learning in non-profit organizations. The essays reveal a still contested and fuzzy understanding of workplace learning being deployed by non-profit organizations to function in an increasingly competitive and marketized landscape. As the sector adapts to operating in competitive markets, formal learning of professional and managerial programs is privileged over informal learning.
Simulation Model to Assess the Impact of a Centralized Scheduling Policy for Imaging Procedures in Ontario
Keywords: MRI
Optimization
Scheduling
Simulation

Due to constrained capacity, wait times for imaging procedures in Ontario hospitals are frequently higher than the provincial target. A new approach that centrally schedules outpatients and assigns them between different locations is expected to be more efficient. Discrete event computer simulation was used to evaluate the impact of this approach by comparing individual hospital models versus a centralized model with imaging demand data from two Ontario hospitals. Results show that the proposed policy can lead to shorter wait times in the system. We also analyzed the different variables that drive better system performance. Final recommendations are given on the real-life application of this policy.
Craniofacial Morphology in Children With Obesity or Down Syndrome With and Without Obstructive Sleep Apnea
Keywords: Craniofacial
Dentofacial
Down Syndrome
Obesity
Obstructive Sleep Apnea
Orthodontics

Introduction: Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA) is common in children. Risk factors include adenotonsillar hypertrophy, obesity, and craniofacial abnormalities (e.g. Down Syndrome, DS). The aim was to describe the craniofacial morphology in children with suspected OSA referred for polysomnography (PSG) in 2 cohorts: DS and obesity. Methods: Cross-sectional study of children with DS or obesity referred for PSG at SickKids, Toronto. Orthodontic examinations, PSG, lateral cephalograms, and sleep questionnaires were completed. Results: 42 children (20 DS, 22 obese) aged 5-18 (11.9 +3.6) were included. DS with OSA (Obstructive-Apnea-Hypopnea-Index (OAHI) >1) had increased palatal depth (p=0.04); OAHI was correlated with intercanine distance (r=0.48, p=0.03). ANB angle was increased in Obesity with OSA (p=0.03); OAHI was correlated with ANB (r=0.58, p
TALEN-mediated site-specific integration of human CFTR gene by a helper-dependent adenoviral vector
Keywords: cystic fibrosis
gene therapy
helper-dependent adenoviral vector

Approximately 2,000 different mutations in CFTR gene have been identified to cause cystic fibrosis (CF). Gene therapies are being developed to target all types of CFTR mutations and to reduce drug burdens in long term. Major challenges of CFTR gene transfer to the lung are the efficient delivery to relevant cells and the safe integration for long-lasting expression. Exploiting the maximized packing capacity of helper-dependent adenoviral vectors (HD-Ad), we are able to deliver a donor CFTR expression cassette together with site-specific TALEN gene editing system in one single vector for accurate transgene integration. We show an approximately 5-7% integration efficiency at the AAVS1 locus in IB3-1 cells by delivering a LacZ reporter with the HD-Ad-TALEN system. Furthermore, we show expression of CFTR mRNA and functional protein by delivering a CFTR expression cassette. Overall, these results demonstrate great potential of the HD-Ad-TALEN system as a novel strategy for CF lung disease.
Existence of P/Q-type Calcium Channels in Chicken Presynaptic Nerve Terminals?
Keywords: CaV2.1
Chicken
Exon44
Immunocytochemistry
Presynaptic
Synaptosomes

Transmitter release at fast-transmitting mammalian synapses are predominately gated by CaV2.2 and CaV2.1. This was primarily determined due to pharmacological characterizations of these synapses with high fidelity neurotoxins ω-conotoxin GVIA and ω-agatoxin IVA respectively. Similar pharmacological characterizations of 'lower' vertebrates such as birds led to the assumption that CaV2.2 was the predominant and possibly the sole CaV2. The recent finding that the zebrafish CaV2.1 was also sensitive to ω-conotoxin GVIA brings into question whether avian CaV2.1 and its role in transmitter release requires re-examination. We used both biochemical western blot approaches and immunocytochemistry to characterize recently generated anti-CaV2.1 antibodies and explored CaV2.1 localization to chicken presynaptic nerve terminals. Our results identified CaV2.1 in chicken presynaptic nerve terminals. Therefore, our work furthers our understanding of avian transmitter release and illustrates its conservation throughout vertebrates.
An In Vivo Study of the Musculo-Aponeurotic Architecture of Human Masseter Muscle
Keywords: aponeuroses
architectural parameter
fiber bundle length
masseter
muscle architecture
ultrasound

It has been suggested that architectural changes occur in masseter muscle (MM) in conditions of facial pain. To understand pathological changes, it is necessary to elucidate normal musculo-aponeurotic architecture. Muscle architecture is characterized by parameters including fiber bundle length (FBL) and height of aponeuroses. The purpose of this study was to investigate the architecture of MM volumetrically in 24 asymptomatic participants using ultrasound, in the relaxed and maximally contracted states. Masseter consisted of superficial (SH) and deep heads (DH), each arranged in laminae. Fiber bundles extended between superior and inferior aponeuroses and/or bone. Statistically significant differences were observed in mean FBL and in the mean height of aponeuroses between the relaxed and contracted states only in superficial laminae of SH. These results suggest there is differential contraction of the laminae of MM. Future comparison with pathologic subjects can be made based on the normative database established.
The Recovery of Postural Control Following a Concussion in Adults from the General Population
Keywords: Balance
Brain Injury
Concussion
Mild Traumatic Brain Injury
Postural Control

Following concussion, dizziness and balance deficits are commonly reported symptoms. Although evidence in the athletic population exists, limited knowledge exists regarding balance deficits and recovery timelines in adults from the general population with concussion. Currently, the Balance Error Scoring System (BESS) is widely used for assessment of balance following a concussion in athletes. Limitations associated with the BESS have encouraged work using center-of-pressure (COP) metrics during quiet standing. This thesis determined balance deficits were present acutely following concussion (on average, 5-days post-injury) in self-reported symptoms, BESS score, and COP metrics. However, objective balance deficits did not accurately reflect self-perceived symptoms of balance problems or dizziness. When examining recovery longitudinally across 3-months post-concussion, limited recovery was observed in BESS score or COP metrics. This work highlights the importance of standardizing the assessment of postural control following a concussion. Future work should include measures of dynamic balance in the concussion assessment battery.
Oral inflammatory load and salivary flow rate in morbidly obese patients: relationship with diabetes and effect of bariatric care protocol
Keywords: Bariatric surgery
Obesity
Optifast
Oral health
Periodontal disease
Very low calorie diet

Obesity and diabetes promote periodontal disease (PD). The bariatric care protocol, which is a very-low-calorie diet (VLCD) followed by bariatric surgery (BSx), is an effective treatment for obesity and diabetes but little is known about its effect on oral health. Study objectives are: 1) to assess PD prevalence in obese subjects using oral inflammatory load (OIL); 2) to determine the difference in OIL and salivary flow rate (SFR) between obese patients with and without diabetes; and 3) to assess the effects of VLCD, BSx and bariatric care protocol on OIL and SFR. Findings suggest that, based on OIL, PD prevalence is similar to that reported in the literature. Both VLCD and BSx improve glucose metabolism and weight but have no impact on oral parameters. However, patients with low SFR at baseline are more prone to increased OIL post-surgery, suggesting a higher risk of developing PD.
Assessing Velocity-Dependent Features of Post-Stroke Spasticity Using Robotic Assessment Methods
Keywords: Kinematics
Robotics
Spasticity
Stroke

Spasticity is typically assessed by examining the velocity-dependence of resistance to passive movement; however, velocity-independent features may present in tandem. This thesis examined whether velocity-dependent and velocity-independent components were distinguishable in individuals with post-stroke spasticity. A retrospective analysis was conducted in which thirty individuals with stroke (13 with spasticity, 17 without) and 98 healthy controls were recruited. Using the KINARM Robotic Exoskeleton, each participants’ upper-limb was moved through range at two speeds. Velocity-reduction angle (kinematically-detected spastic catch), between-limb final angle, and between-limb peak velocity were the primary outcomes. Individuals with spasticity displayed a velocity-reduction angle, decreased range of motion, and increased tone. While a velocity-reduction angle was detected more frequently during fast stretch, final angle and peak velocity did not differ significantly across speeds. Individuals with stroke (with and without spasticity) were also characterized based on kinematic properties. These findings suggest velocity-dependent and velocity-independent impairments are detectable in individuals post-stroke.
An Investigation into the Viability of Using Supplementary Visual Patterns for Improved Labelling
Keywords: Labelling
Texture
Visual patterns

This thesis reports on an investigation into the use of visual patterns as a means of adding identifying features in order to supplement text based labelling. Perceptual characteristics of patterns/textures were reviewed and used as the basis for a first stage experiment aimed at testing whether patterns are able to provide any improvements in performance beyond traditional text labels in a visual search and identification task. Results indicate that the addition of patterns in the background of text-based labels significantly reduced search times, and improved identification confidence, with no apparent loss of accuracy. This suggests that patterns designed in accordance with human perceptual capabilities can reduce search times and potentially reduce the possibility of errors based on label misidentifications.
Tamoxifen Therapy in a Murine Model of Myotubular Myopathy
Keywords: Medical Genetics
Myotubular Myopathy
Neuromusuclar Disease
Paediatric Neurology
Therapy

X-linked myotubular myopathy (XLMTM), also known as myotubular myopathy (MTM), is a fatal pediatric congenital myopathy caused by loss-of-function mutations in MTM1 that is without existing therapy. MTM1 is a phosphoinositide 3-phosphatase that antagonizes class II and III phosphatidylinositol 3-kinases (PI3Ks) to modulate levels of endosome-specific phosphoinositides. MTM1 regulates endosomal trafficking, and proper formation of the skeletal muscle triad. Using a murine model of MTM, our lab has identified tamoxifen as a novel therapeutic candidate. Using several in vitro and in vivo studies and RNA sequencing, I demonstrate the aforementioned effects of tamoxifen to be mediated primarily through estrogen receptor signaling, and the post-transcriptional regulation of dynamin-2 (DNM2), a known MTM1 modifier. The preclinical evidence presented herein identifies and uncovers the FDA approved drug tamoxifen as the first small molecule therapeutic with pre-clinical efficiency and clinical translatability for use in MTM patients.