University Archiveshttps://hdl.handle.net/10133/12024-03-29T00:15:38Z2024-03-29T00:15:38Z18521The impact of psilocybin and eugenol on brain inflammation in murine models: unraveling cumulative and individual effectsZanikov, TimurUniversity of Lethbridge. Faculty of Arts and Sciencehttps://hdl.handle.net/10133/67292024-03-26T05:04:19Z2023-01-01T00:00:00Zdc.title: The impact of psilocybin and eugenol on brain inflammation in murine models: unraveling cumulative and individual effects
dc.contributor.author: Zanikov, Timur; University of Lethbridge. Faculty of Arts and Science
dc.description.abstract: Neuroinflammation represents a unique immune response within the central nervous system, involving glial cells such as microglia and astrocytes. Unlike peripheral inflammation, neuroinflammation affects the blood-brain barrier, glia, and neurons. Various factors can induce neuroinflammation, including surgical procedures, infections, traumatic brain injuries, toxin exposure, and immune dysregulation, involving interactions between multiple cell types and signaling molecules.
Neuroinflammation is a critical factor in various acute and chronic brain diseases. Recent research has emphasized the potential anti-inflammatory properties of naturally occurring compounds from mushrooms and plants. This study aimed to investigate the effects of psilocybin and eugenol, individually and in combination, on neuroinflammation. We used two different models to study the effects of treatment on neuroinflammation.
First, we used lipopolysaccharide (LPS) model to examine if our treatments can prevent an increase in cytokine levels in the brains of mice injected with LPS.
Second, we utilized dextran sulfate sodium (DSS) model to assess the combined anti-inflammatory effects of psilocybin and eugenol. While both psilocybin and eugenol individually displayed anti-inflammatory effects, their combined treatment demonstrated an additive effect on the reduction in neuroinflammation. This study adds to the growing body of evidence supporting the therapeutic potential of psilocybin and eugenol in psychiatric and neurodegenerative inflammatory disorders, with further research needed to understand their underlying mechanisms and clinical efficacy.
2023-01-01T00:00:00ZThe effect of psilocybin and eugenol in dextran and lipopolysaccharide induced gastro-intestinal inflammationAsghari, ZeinabUniversity of Lethbridge. Faculty of Arts and Sciencehttps://hdl.handle.net/10133/67282024-03-26T05:04:24Z2023-01-01T00:00:00Zdc.title: The effect of psilocybin and eugenol in dextran and lipopolysaccharide induced gastro-intestinal inflammation
dc.contributor.author: Asghari, Zeinab; University of Lethbridge. Faculty of Arts and Science
dc.description.abstract: Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is a complex gastrointestinal condition, arising from immune dysfunction, epithelial cell abnormalities, and gut microbiota imbalances. This study seeks to find the potential anti-inflammatory properties of psilocybin and eugenol in both local and systemic intestinal inflammation by utilizing a murine model of IBD induced by dextran sulfate sodium (DSS) and lipopolysaccharide (LPS). We evaluated the impact of these compounds on inflammatory cytokine levels in intestinal tissues and also explored changes in serotonin receptor (HTR2A and B) expression, and transient receptor potential (TRP) ion channels (TRP1 and TRPM8), analyzing the influence of these compounds on serotonin signaling pathways.
Our study yielded significant insights into the multifaceted world of inflammation within the gastrointestinal tract. Notably, our findings revealed intriguing disparities in the trends observed pre- and post-treatment, particularly in the context of small and large intestine inflammation induced by LPS and DSS. Additionally, our study unearthed evidence of the anti-inflammatory properties of psilocybin and eugenol, compounds with agonistic effects on serotonin and TRP channels. Most notably, we observed a synergistic effect when these compounds were combined.
More comprehensive studies on the medicinal effects of natural compounds in IBD animal models are pivotal for exploring their implications, specifically the analysis of drug-microbiota-immune system interactions.
2023-01-01T00:00:00ZEffects of polyethylene microplastics and cadmium on freshwater animals: a modelling frameworkZink, Lauren M.University of Lethbridge. Faculty of Arts and Sciencehttps://hdl.handle.net/10133/67242024-03-22T05:04:32Z2023-01-01T00:00:00Zdc.title: Effects of polyethylene microplastics and cadmium on freshwater animals: a modelling framework
dc.contributor.author: Zink, Lauren M.; University of Lethbridge. Faculty of Arts and Science
dc.description.abstract: The emerging field of microplastic-metal mixtures toxicity is riddled with contradictory conclusions relating to the uptake, accumulation, and toxicity of the mixture and each constituent. After initially setting out to fill knowledge gaps through several studies with a phylogenetically diverse set of animal models and exposure scenarios, I recognized that this work contradicted other studies in the field. This thesis draws on our developed understanding of metal behaviour and toxicity in an effort to resolve the confusion relating to microplastic-metal mixtures toxicity. Despite the well-established knowledge that water quality characteristics govern the behaviour of metals in freshwater systems, there has not been adequate water quality reporting in the field of microplastic-metal mixtures toxicity. To address the reality that providing a full suite of water quality characterization is not often feasible for each experiment, we created a model to predict which aspects of water quality primarily govern the association of cadmium and polyethylene, a representative microplastic. The model, combined with understanding the bioavailability of metal-microplastic complexes, provides insight into the hazards of metal toxicity in a given system. This model promotes the harmonization across research in the field which can then collectively be used in policy development to protect aquatic life.
2023-01-01T00:00:00ZLidar derived models and NDVI trends indicate vegetation threshold response to hydroclimatic drivers across the Peace Athabasca DeltaAslami, FarnooshUniversity of Lethbridge. Faculty of Arts and Sciencehttps://hdl.handle.net/10133/67232024-03-22T05:04:18Z2023-01-01T00:00:00Zdc.title: Lidar derived models and NDVI trends indicate vegetation threshold response to hydroclimatic drivers across the Peace Athabasca Delta
dc.contributor.author: Aslami, Farnoosh; University of Lethbridge. Faculty of Arts and Science
dc.description.abstract: In northeastern Alberta, Canada, the Peace Athabasca Delta (PAD) is a Ramsar and UNESCO World Heritage-designated wetland complex vital for biodiversity and well-being of the Indigenous communities residing there. In this study, remote sensing techniques were used to understand the changes that have occurred within the PAD over the past four decades. Initially, lidar data was used to quantify vegetation height changes and better understand NDVI (Normalised Difference Vegetation Index) trends across lidar survey sample areas. These findings were then utilized to interpret Landsat-derived vegetation and surface water trends across the entire PAD. Between 1984 and 2022, NDVI trend analysis indicated greening along ecotones surrounding perched basins (shrubification), accompanied by noticeable drying patterns in the surface water trends. Further, a significant drying event spanning 1999 to 2003, appears to have been initiated by the strong 1998 El Niño event. The overall average greening rates pre and post 1999-2003 were 2.1 m/yr. and 3.1 m/yr., respectively. The severe drying during that short interval appears to have altered the rate and patter of vegetation processes across the delta post-2003. The more recent period of 2018 to 2022 was also notable for the observed high levels of inundation. If the PAD’s open water and vegetation cover trends continue, surface moisture is generally expected to decrease, with commensurate increases in shrub cover. Meanwhile, certain areas like the southern region around Mamawi Lake, could become wetter due to localised changes in surface drainage. While flooding events are expected to continue to be a regular feature of this landscape, the extent to which the PAD can return to its historically large areas of persistent inundation remains uncertain.
2023-01-01T00:00:00ZComputational investigation of enzyme-facilitated cleavage of the phosphodiester bond in nucleic acidsKaur, RajwinderUniversity of Lethbridge. Faculty of Arts and Sciencehttps://hdl.handle.net/10133/67182024-03-13T05:05:05Z2024-02-05T00:00:00Zdc.title: Computational investigation of enzyme-facilitated cleavage of the phosphodiester bond in nucleic acids
dc.contributor.author: Kaur, Rajwinder; University of Lethbridge. Faculty of Arts and Science
dc.description.abstract: The phosphodiester backbone in nucleic acids is remarkably resistant to degradation. Although high stability is essential for storage of genetic information and proper cell function, some circumstances necessitate the cleavage of the nucleic acid backbone. For example, breaking the DNA backbone is critical to repair damage and maintain genetic integrity, while RNA cleavage is necessary for quality control during protein synthesis. Nucleases are enzymes that facilitate the challenging phosphodiester bond cleavage by accelerating the uncatalyzed reaction. Many nucleases utilize metals to enhance catalysis. Despite several experimental studies on enzymes that cleave phosphodiester bonds in nature, the mechanism for bond cleavage used by many enzymes, including the role and/or number of metal ions involved, is still unclear. Computer modeling is a powerful tool to investigate enzyme-catalyzed reaction mechanisms and discern the roles of the metal/s and amino acids involved in the reaction. This thesis uses computational techniques (i.e., quantum mechanics calculations, molecular dynamics simulations, and quantum mechanics–molecular mechanics calculations) to gain an atomic-level understanding of the phosphodiester bond cleavage reaction catalyzed by nucleases, specifically focusing on APE1, I-PpoI, and EndoV. These enzymes are particularly interesting since they either invoke a single metal ion for catalysis, which conflicts with the two-metal mediated mechanism generally proposed for most nucleases, or the metal-dependence is unknown. The mechanistic details uncovered by this thesis will open the door for new and improved applications of these enzymes in the fields of disease diagnostics, genetic engineering, and therapeutics.
2024-02-05T00:00:00ZAssessment of aryl hydrocarbon receptor mediated toxicity of benzotriazole ultraviolet stabilizers (UV-P, UV-9, UV-090) to fishesJohnson, Hunter M.University of Lethbridge. Faculty of Arts and Sciencehttps://hdl.handle.net/10133/67172024-03-21T20:56:11Z2024-01-01T00:00:00Zdc.title: Assessment of aryl hydrocarbon receptor mediated toxicity of benzotriazole ultraviolet stabilizers (UV-P, UV-9, UV-090) to fishes
dc.contributor.author: Johnson, Hunter M.; University of Lethbridge. Faculty of Arts and Science
dc.description.abstract: Benzotriazole ultraviolet stabilizers (BUVSs) are a class of chemical contaminants used to help counter UV-induced damage to manufactured goods, especially plastics. The broad applicability of BUVSs has resulted in their ubiquitous detection in aquatic ecosystems and biota. Although BUVSs are detected globally in aquatic ecosystems, a limited number of studies have investigated the potential toxic effects of BUVSs to fish. Of the limited toxicity data for BUVSs, studies suggest that certain BUVSs might dysregulate the aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR) causing early life-stage toxicity in fishes. Therefore, the objectives of this study were to use in vivo and in vitro approaches to characterize the toxicity of 2-(benzotriazol-2-yl)-4-methylphenol (UV-P), 2-(Benzotriazol-2-yl)-4-methyl-6-prop-2-enyl-phenol (UV-9), and 2-[3-(2H-benzotriazol-2-yl)-4-hydroxyphenyl]ethyl methacrylate (UV-090) as agonists of the AhR across a phylogenetically diverse number of fish species. In vivo toxicity was assessed by exposing zebrafish (Danio rerio) to BUVSs by microinjection and toxicities were assessed by recording embryo mortality and malformations including yolk sac and pericardial edema, and spinal curvature. Each of the tested BUVSs caused dose-dependent increases in embryo mortality following exposure. In vitro activation of the AhR by BUVSs was determined with a luciferase reporter gene (LRG) assay using COS-7 cells transfected with the AhR of zebrafish or eight other species. Results confirm that UV-P and UV-9, cause toxicity via AhR activation whereas, UV-090 lacked the ability to activate the AhR, indicating that its toxicity is independent of the AhR. Furthermore, interspecies differences in sensitivity to AhR activation by BUVSs was observed. Overall, this study fills knowledge gaps regarding the potential toxic effects of BUVSs to fishes and can help guide improved objective assessment of risks posed by BUVS that have AhR agonistic properties for the protection of Canada’s diverse population of fish.
2024-01-01T00:00:00ZThe use of fashion as a mood enhancer and its effect on mental health in emerging adults in Canada during a global pandemicWenderski, MalgosiaUniversity of Lethbridge. Faculty of Educationhttps://hdl.handle.net/10133/67162024-03-13T05:04:18Z2023-01-01T00:00:00Zdc.title: The use of fashion as a mood enhancer and its effect on mental health in emerging adults in Canada during a global pandemic
dc.contributor.author: Wenderski, Malgosia; University of Lethbridge. Faculty of Education
dc.description.abstract: Literature demonstrates that clothing has a positive influence on aspects of mental health, and this study frames the use of clothing to enhance one’s wellbeing as a coping mechanism. The advent of the COVID-19 pandemic disrupted lifestyles as individuals were isolated in their homes in accordance with lockdown restrictions. There were global reports of isolation and diminished mental health (Rajkumar, 2020). It was unknown if emerging adults continued their high engagement with clothing during the peaks of the pandemic. The relationship between clothing, mood, and mental health is also unknown. This thesis surveyed 574 emerging adults (individuals 18 to 29) in Canada to investigate how the peaks of the pandemic had affected both clothing engagement and the use of clothing as a mood enhancer, and how this relationship impacted mental health. The mixed methods study found that participants either increased or decreased their engagement with clothing. Greater fear of COVID-19 predicted and positively correlated with fashion involvement and mood enhancement through clothing. Emerging adults reported multiple motivations to enhance mood through clothing, including bolstering the self concept, self-esteem, and comfort. While there was no relationship between mood enhancement and mental health, the thematic analysis revealed reports of both positive and negative effects of clothing on mental health. The study found that emerging adults used clothing as a coping mechanism to support their wellbeing. Furthermore, engagement with clothing, or a lack thereof had consequences to their experience. Participants shared that clothing enhanced their self-esteem, mood, self-empowerment, self-congruency, and self-efficacy. Emerging adults who did not sustain high engagement with clothing reported negative impacts to self-esteem, self-efficacy, connection with self, and mood. Future research is encouraged to further explore and clarify the relationship between clothing, mood, and mental health.
2023-01-01T00:00:00ZNiitsitapii heritage education: a poomiikapii approachWeasel Moccasin, Camina N.University of Lethbridge. Faculty of Arts and Sciencehttps://hdl.handle.net/10133/66962024-02-17T06:04:37Z2023-01-01T00:00:00Zdc.title: Niitsitapii heritage education: a poomiikapii approach
dc.contributor.author: Weasel Moccasin, Camina N.; University of Lethbridge. Faculty of Arts and Science
dc.description.abstract: This is a critical study of the current heritage management practices in southern Alberta, especially as they relate to Niitsitapii (Blackfoot) heritage sites. Two sites in particular, Head-Smashed-In Buffalo Jump and Writing-on-Stone / Aisinai’pi, are used as case studies for this research. Both of these sites have provincial, federal, and global designations resulting in layers of colonial policy focussed on how to best manage the heritage sites. Current heritage management directives and policies are discussed and dissected in order to understand the cultural values they represent and protect. These are compared and contrasted to Niitsitapii cultural values at the core of Niitsitapiiysinni (our way of life). Opinions from the Niitsitapii communities of Kainai and Piikanii were gathered and analyzed. From the responses / engagement received, themes began to emerge highlighting what is of importance, and value, for Niitsitapii people when it comes to managing Niitsitapii heritage. The document ends with discussing and presenting best practices that would benefit and support Indigenous led heritage management policy making.
2023-01-01T00:00:00ZUnsupervised detection of cell ensembles in rats' primary motor cortex during online and offline processingNazari Robati, PeymanUniversity of Lethbridge. Faculty of Arts and Sciencehttps://hdl.handle.net/10133/66952024-02-17T06:05:19Z2023-01-01T00:00:00Zdc.title: Unsupervised detection of cell ensembles in rats' primary motor cortex during online and offline processing
dc.contributor.author: Nazari Robati, Peyman; University of Lethbridge. Faculty of Arts and Science
dc.description.abstract: Motor actions engage intricate neural processes, spanning active learning phases and crucial offline periods, notably during sleep. Online learning involves diverse neural dynamics, while sleep is known for its role in skill consolidation. While numerous studies have contributed to our understanding of information processing during online and offline learning periods, these investigations have often focused on specific learning phases, leaving the intricate relationships between diverse online learning neural activities and sleep processing relatively unexplored. Here, we embarked on a comprehensive analysis aimed at unraveling the interplay between primary motor cortex (M1) neural activity during reach-to-grasp skill learning and sleep, employing an unsupervised framework. During online training, our findings uncovered four neural dynamics related to the motor execution, with compelling evidence of their replay during post-training sleep, both in Rapid Eye Movement and Slow-Wave Sleep (SWS). Moreover, our data revealed that all cell ensembles, irrespective of their dynamics during the task, exhibited substantial reactivation during spindles coupled with slow-oscillations in SWS. Further exploration on the cortico-hippocampal communication led us to investigate the activation patterns of M1 cell ensembles during hippocampal sharp-wave ripples. Our results demonstrated the dynamic suppression and enhancement modulation of M1 cell ensembles during SWS-ripples across learning days suggesting complex cortico-hippocampal dialogues associated with sensorimotor learning task. We thus contributed to understand the extensive details of neural mechanisms underlying motor learning tasks during online and offline processing periods.
2023-01-01T00:00:00ZOrigins of thermalization in quantum cosmologyOsei, Michael AdjeiUniversity of Lethbridge. Faculty of Arts and Sciencehttps://hdl.handle.net/10133/66862024-02-15T06:05:27Z2023-01-01T00:00:00Zdc.title: Origins of thermalization in quantum cosmology
dc.contributor.author: Osei, Michael Adjei; University of Lethbridge. Faculty of Arts and Science
dc.description.abstract: We aim to provide the effect of accelerated frames in cosmology and identify the origins of thermalization in the evolution of the universe. We begin our discussion by discussing general relativity and cosmology, as well as their successes and failures, which leads to the need for quantum cosmology. We then discuss the canonical formulation of general relativity, which is the basis of quantum cosmology, and its issues. We constructed a wavefunction for the universe whose dynamics are governed by the Wheeler-Dewitt equation.
Semiclassical approximations simplify assumptions and approximations that bring the equation closer to a form that can be more easily analyzed. The WKB method is used to approximate the wave function.
We constructed a transformation that is similar to the Rindler transformation motivated by the Klein-Gordon equation in Minkowski spacetime. We performed the Bogoliubov transformation and obtained a result which suggested thermalization. However, we were not using creation and annihilation operators. To interpret this result, we calculated the density matrix and the square of the density matrix to see if the WKB state is a pure or mixed state. The result from the density matrix calculation suggested that the WKB state is a mixed state, which suggested that the result we obtained from the Bogoliubov transformation can be interpreted as thermalization.
2023-01-01T00:00:00Z