Glucose dynamics in rat skeletal muscle : recovery from osmotic stress

The purpose of this study was to examine cell glucose kinetics in rat skeletal muscle during iso-osmotic recovery from hyper- and hypo-osmotic stress. Rat EDL muscles were incubated for sixty minutes in either HYPO (190 mmol/kg), ISO (290 mmol/kg), or HYPER (400 mmol/kg) media (Sigma medium-199, 8 mM glucose) according to an established in vitro whole muscle model. In addition to sixty minute baseline measures in aniso-osmotic conditions, (HYPO-0 n=8; ISO- 0, n=S; HYPER-0, n=8), muscles were subjected to either one minute (HYPO-1 n=8; ISO-1, n=8; HYPER-1, n=8) or five minutes (HYPO-5 n=8; ISO-5, n=8; HYPER-5, n=8) of iso-osmotic recovery media and analyzed for metabolite content and glycogen synthase percent activation. To determine glucose uptake during iso-osmotic recovery, muscles (n=6 per group) were incubated for sixty minutes in either hypo-, iso-, or hyper-osmotic media immediately followed by five minutes of iso-osmotic media containing 3H-glucose and 14 C-mannitol. Increased relative water content/decreased [glucose] (observed in HYPO-0) and decreased water content/increased [glucose] (observed in HYPER-0) returned to ISO levels within 5 minutes of recovery. Glycogen synthase percent activation increased significantly in HYPO-5 over iso-osmotic controls. Glucose uptake measurements revealed no significant differences between groups. It was determined that [glucose] and muscle water content rapidly recovered from osmotic stress demonstrating skeletal muscle's resilience to osmotic stress.

Therapeutic riding : learning and recovery for people with disabilities

The purpose ofthis study was to explore the process oftherapeutic riding as an experiential and holistic approach to learning and recovery for people with disabilities as perceived by the providers oftherapeutic riding. To enhance the connection between theory and practice and to suggest future research, the researcher endeavoured to develop a theory that contributed to the knowledge base oftherapeutic riding, animal-assisted therapy and education, experiential education, and experiential therapy in addition to contributing to connections among them. This topic was investigated because ofthe lack ofresearch about the process of therapeutic riding, particularly from learning and a recovery perspective. Few studies have addressed how therapeutic riding outcomes are achieved or how the therapeutic riding process actually works. This study was identified as grounded theory using qualitative data through interviews and narrative reflections with therapeutic riding providers, a researcher's journal, field notes, and written documents. Grounded theory analysis was used to analyze the qualitative data. This consisted ofdoing open, axial, and selective coding. This study provided detailed descriptions ofthe research approach, researcher's involvement, participant and site selection, data collection and analysis, methodological assumptions and limitations, credibility established, and ethical considerations. The findings ofthe data analysis revealed the theme ofrelationships as central to the learning and recovery process oftherapeutic riding for people with disabilities. The significance ofthe team relationships, the horse and rider relationship, and the providers and rider relationship was found. The essential components ofthe learning and recovery process were presented in a diagram in the selective coding phase. Goals oftherapeutic riding included psycho-education; behavioural and social; physical; and equestrian. Parts ofthe process ofhow outcomes were achieved included motivation; "opens new doors;" risk; task analysis; control; communication; and environmental factors. Outcomes of therapeutic riding included independence and mobility; confidence; and transfer abilities or skills. The implications ofthese findings for theory, practice, and further research were also. explored.

The Role of Pyruvate Dehydrogenase Kinase-4 in Post-Exercise Glycogen Recovery

The pyruvate dehydrogenase (PDH) complex regulates the oxidation of carbohydrates in mammals. Decreased activation of PDH following exhaustive exercise may aid the resynthesis of glycogen through increased activity of PDH kinase-4 (PDK4), one of four kinases that decrease the activity of the PDH complex. The purpose of this study was to examine the role of PDK4 in post-exercise glycogen resynthesis. Wild-type (WT) and PDK4-knockout (PDK4-KO mice) were exercised to exhaustion and were sampled at rest (Rest), at exercise exhaustion (Exh), and after two-hours post-exercise (Rec). Differences in feeding post-exercise led to the addition of a PDK4-KO group, pair-fed (PF) with WT mice. Glycogen fully recovered in all Rec groups in muscle however remained low in the PF group in liver. Flux through PDH was elevated in PDK4-KO muscle with feeding and low in the PF group in both tissues. This suggests PDK4 may fine-tune flux through PDH during exercise recovery.

Neuromotor Mechanisms Involved in the Recovery from Local Muscular Fatigue

The phenomenon of over-recovery consists of a participant’s maximal force levels returning to values above initial levels. The present study examined the presence and causes of over-recovery following local muscular fatigue. Fourteen males completed two fatigue protocols consisting of maximal isometric dorsiflexion contractions. Upon completion of the fatigue protocol participants’ force was monitored over a 15 minute recovery period. Dorsiflexion force and surface electromyography (sEMG) from the tibialis anterior and soleus were monitored concurrently. Following the two fatigue conditions (10 and 20% force decrement) force recovered to 100.5 and 99.5% of initial levels for each condition, respectively. Surface EMG root-mean-square amplitude and MPF exhibited changes consistent with a warm-up effect. It was concluded that over-recovery was not present in the tibialis anterior following a local muscular fatigue. However, the return in force to initial values, rather than a persistent decrement as normally observed, was mediated by the warm-up effect.

Anachronistic Me: An Autoethnographic Account of Recovery through Volunteerism

The purpose of this autoethnography was to reflect upon the ways in which my recovery was aided by the personal connections made while volunteering in a homeless shelter. Congruent with autoethnographic best practice, data were collected through a variety of means, including: journaling, field notes, participant observation, and collection of artifacts. An autoethnographic narrative emerged out of the analysis of data detailing my recuperative journey. Results indicated that my time spent volunteering at the shelter: (a) fostered a sense of Community, (b) made me aware of Realizations that broadened my perspective, and (c) aided in motivating me to be Intentional about Improving my Life. These three themes proved to be important factors in my recovery process. This thesis will inform social science researchers and health advocates by making a contribution to the growing body of literature regarding recovery.

Carbon fiber recovery using subcritical and supercritical fluids for chemical recycling of thermoset composite materials.

Tesis (Doctor en Ingeniería de Materiales) UANL, 2014.

Establishing a recovery orientation in first line mental health teams in Québec : perspectives from social workers and managers

Le Plan d’action en santé mentale institué en 2005 marque le début d’une période de changements profonds qui auront un impact significatif sur les équipes de première ligne qui assurent la plupart des services au Québec. Le changement se manifestera sur deux fronts distincts. En premier lieu, le passage de services historiquement ancrés dans un modèle biomédical vers des services centrés sur le rétablissement. En second lieu, l’adoption de processus administratifs s’inscrivant dans une philosophie de gestion axée sur les résultats qui ont pour objectif de mesurer et d’assurer l’efficacité des services. L'objectif de cette étude est d’explorer le statu du développement des pratiques axées sur le rétablissement au niveau des travailleurs sociaux de première ligne dans le contexte administratif mentionné ci-haut. Le travail de recherche qualitatif et exploratoire est construit sur l’analyse de 11 interviews semi structurés avec des travailleurs sociaux et des gestionnaires dans des équipes de première ligne en santé mentale. Les entretiens m’ont non seulement permis d’identifier et d’examiner des actions concrètes s’inscrivant dans l’effort d’implantation du Plan d’action mais aussi de sonder et d’explorer la signification qui est donnée au rétablissement par les travailleurs sociaux de première ligne. Les résultats indiquent que certains facteurs relatifs à l'organisation du travail tels que la flexibilité, l'autonomie, la réflexivité et l’interdisciplinarité peuvent favoriser une pratique orientée vers le rétablissement. Aussi, les résultats démontrent que le modèle du rétablissement et la profession du travail social partagent des valeurs fondamentales mais que la signification et l'expression du rétablissement ont été profondément influencés par les modèles organisationnels et obligations administratives en vigueur. Il appert que les travailleurs sociaux sont confrontés, dans leur pratique, à des contraintes qui dépassent leur mandat professionnel et, à certains égards, leur savoir-faire. En somme, les résultats obtenus indiquent que le passage avec succès vers la pratique de services basés sur le rétablissement est compromis par les exigences d’un modèle de gestion axé sur les résultats.

Acute inactivation of the contralesional hemisphere for longer durations improves recovery after cortical injury

Au cours des dernières années, des méthodes non-invasives de stimulations permettant de moduler l’excitabilité des neurones suivant des lésions du système nerveux central ont été développées. Ces méthodes sont maintenant couramment utilisées pour étudier l’effet de l’inhibition du cortex contralésionnel sur la récupération motrice à la suite d’un accident vasculocérébral (AVC). Bien que plusieurs de ces études rapportent des résultats prometteurs, les paramètres permettant une récupération optimale demeurent encore inconnus. Chez les patients victimes d'un AVC, il est difficile de débuter les traitements rapidement et d'initier l’inhibition dans les heures suivant la lésion. L'impact de ce délai est toujours inconnu. De plus, aucune étude n’a jusqu’à maintenant évalué l’effet de la durée de l’inhibition sur la récupération du membre parétique. Dans le laboratoire du Dr Numa Dancause, nous avons utilisé un modèle bien établi de lésion ischémique chez le rat pour explorer ces questions. Nos objectifs étaient d’évaluer 1) si une inactivation de l’hémisphère contralésionnel initiée dans les heures qui suivent la lésion peut favoriser la récupération et 2) l’effet de la durée de l’inactivation sur la récupération du membre parétique. Suite à une lésion dans le cortex moteur induite par injections d’un vasoconstricteur, nous avons inactivé l’hémisphère contralésionnel à l’aide d’une pompe osmotique assurant l’infusion continue d’un agoniste du GABA (Muscimol). Dans différents groupes expérimentaux, nous avons inactivé l’hémisphère contralésionnel pour une durée de 3, 7 et 14 jours suivant la lésion. Dans un autre groupe, le Muscimol a été infusé pour 14 jours mais à un débit moindre de façon à pouvoir étudier le lien entre la fonction du membre non-parétique et la récupération du membre parétique. Les données comportementales de ces groupes ont été comparées à celles d’animaux ayant récupéré de façon spontanée d'une lésion similaire. Nos résultats indiquent que l’augmentation de la durée de l’inactivation (de 3 à 14 jours) accélère la récupération du membre parétique. De plus, les deux groupes ayant reçu une inactivation d'une durée de 14 jours ont montré une plus grande récupération fonctionnelle que le groupe n’ayant pas reçu d’inactivation de l’hémisphère contralésionnel, le groupe contrôle. Nos résultats suggèrent donc que l’inactivation de l’hémisphère contralésionnel initiée dans les heures suivant la lésion favorise la récupération du membre parétique. La durée d’inhibition la plus efficace (14 jours) dans notre modèle animal est beaucoup plus longues que celles utilisées jusqu’à maintenant chez l’homme. Bien qu’il soit difficile d’extrapoler la durée idéale à utiliser chez les patients à partir de nos données, nos résultats suggèrent que des traitements de plus longue durée pourraient être bénéfiques. Finalement, un message clair ressort de nos études sur la récupération fonctionnelle après un AVC: dans le développement de traitements basés sur l’inhibition de l’hémisphère contralésionnel, la durée de l’inactivation est un facteur clef à considérer.

Dynamic magnetic resonance spectroscopy of phosphate energetics during muscle exercise and recovery

Entailing of phosphorus exchanges in most bio-chemicals as a key factor in disease, increases researcher’s interest to develop the technologies capable of detecting this metabolite. Phosphorus magnetic resonance spectroscopy is able to detect key metabolites in a non-invasive manner. Particularly, it offers the ability to measure the dynamic rate of phosphocreatine(PCr) degeneration through the exercise and recovery. This metric as a valid indication of mitochondrial oxidative metabolism in muscle, differentiate between normal and pathological state. To do magnetic resonance imaging and spectroscopy, clinical research tools provide a wide variety of anatomical and functional contrasts, however they are typically restricted to the tissues containing water or hydrogen atoms and they are still blind to the biochemicals of other atoms of interests. Through this project we intended to obtain the phosphorus spectrum in human body – specificadenerativelly in muscle – using 31P spectroscopy. To do so a double loop RF surface coil, tuned to phosphorus frequency, is designed and fabricated using bench work facilities and then validated through in vitro spectroscopy using 3 Tesla Siemens scanner. We acquired in vitro as well as in vivo phosphorus spectrum in a 100 mM potassium phosphate phantom and human calf muscle in rest-exercise-recovery phase in a 3T MR scanner. The spectrum demonstrates the main constituent in high-energy phosphate metabolism. We also observed the dynamic variation of PCr for five young healthy subjects who performed planter flexions using resistance band during exercise and recovery. The took steps in this project pave the way for future application of spectroscopic quantification of phosphate metabolism in patients affected by carotid artery disease as well as in age-matched control subjects.

Exploration of Recovery Trajectories in Sexually Abused Adolescents.

This study documents recovery status and symptom changes in a one-year follow-up of sexually abused (SA) adolescent girls in child protection services in the province of Québec, Canada. Sixteen French-speaking participants were interviewed using the Multidimensional Trauma Recovery and Resiliency Interview (MTRR-I), which was in turn rated by interviewers using the companion rating scale, the MTRR, and completed questionnaires assessing symptoms, types of maltreatment endured and services received. Participants were between the ages of 13 and 17 years (M = 15.2 years) when first interviewed and had experienced severe sexual abuses. Analyses of one-year follow-up data revealed statistically significant changes towards better functioning on multiple domains and less symptomatology for a majority of the girls interviewed. The recovery status of a minority of research participants seems to have worsened in the interval. The discussion considers these findings and addresses relevancy of the MTRR measures in cases of SA adolescents.

INVESTIGATIONS ON THE RECOVERY OF TITANIUM VANADIUM AND IRON VALUES FROM THE WASTE CHILORIDE LIQUORS OF TITANIA INDUSTRY

The thesis entitled INVESTIDGATIONS ON THE RECOVERY OF TITANIUM VANADIUM AND IRON VALUES FROM THE WASTE CHILORIDE LIQUORS OF TITANIA INDUSTRY embodies the results of the investigations carried out on the solvent extraction separation of iron (III) vanadium(V) and titanium (IV) chlorides from the waste chloride liquors of titanium minerals processing industry by employing tributylphosphate (TBT) as an extractant. The objective of this study is to generate the knowledge base to achieve the recovery of iron, vanadium and titanium cvalues from multi- metal waste chloride liquors originating from ilmenite mineral beneficiation industries through selective separation and value added material development

Production of Alkaline Protease by Free and Immobilised Cells of VIBRIO sp. Under Different Fermentation Systems and Its Application on Deproteinisation of Prawn Shell Waste for Chitin Recovery

This thesis presents a detailed account of a cost - effective approach towards enhanced production of alkaline protease at profitable levels using different fermentation designs employing cheap agro-industrial residues. It involves the optimisation of process parameters for the production of a thermostable alkaline protease by Vibrio sp. V26 under solid state, submerged and biphasic fermentations, production of the enzyme using cell immobilisation technology and the application of the crude enzyme on the deproteinisation of crustacean waste.The present investigation suggests an economic move towards Improved production of alkaline protease at gainful altitudes employing different fermentation designs utilising inexpensive agro-industrial residues. Moreover, the use of agro-industrial and other solid waste substrates for fermentation helps to provide a substitute in conserving the already dwindling global energy resources. Another alternative for accomplishing economically feasible production is by the use of immobilisation technique. This method avoids the wasteful expense of continually growing microorganisms. The high protease producing potential of the organism under study ascertains their exploitation in the utilisation and management of wastes. However, strain improvement studies for the production of high yielding variants using mutagens or by gene transfer are required before recommending them to Industries.Industries, all over the world, have made several attempts to exploit the microbial diversity of this planet. For sustainable development, it is essential to discover, develop and defend this natural prosperity. The Industrial development of any country is critically dependent on the intellectual and financial investment in this area. The need of the hour is to harness the beneficial uses of microbes for maximum utilisation of natural resources and technological yields. Owing to the multitude of applications in a variety of industrial sectors, there has always been an increasing demand for novel producers and resources of alkaline proteases as well as for innovative methods of production at a commercial altitude. This investigation forms a humble endeavour towards this perspective and bequeaths hope and inspiration for inventions to follow.

Dopamine Receptor Subtypes,IP3, cAMP and cGMP Functional Regulation in Parkinsonism Induced by Unilateral Infusion of Rotenone in Rats: Recovery with Bone Marrow Cells,Serotonin and GABA Supplementation

In the present study, the effects of 5-HT, GABA and Bone Marrow Cells infused intranigrally to substantia nigra individually and in combinations on unilateral rotenone infused Parkinsonism induced rats. Scatchard analysis of DA, DA D1 and D2 receptors in the corpus striatum, cerebral cortex, cerebellum, brain stem and hippocampus showed a significant increase in the Brain regions of rotenone infused rat compared to control. Real Time PCR amplification of DA D1, D2, Bax and ubiquitin carboxy-terminal hydrolase were up regulated in the brain regions of rotenone infused rats compared to control. Gene expression studies of -Synuclien, cGMP and Cyclic AMP response element-binding protein showed a significant down regulation in Rotenone infused rats compared to control. Behavioural studies were carried out to confirm the biochemical and molecular studies.Our study demonstrated that BMC administration alone cannot reverse the above said molecular changes occurring in PD rat. 5-HT and GABA acting through their specific receptors in combination with bone marrow cells play a crucial role in the functional recovery of PD rats. 5-HT, GABA and Bone marrow cells treated PD rats showed significant reversal to control in DA receptor binding and gene expression. 5-HT and GABA have co-mitogenic property. Proliferation and differentiation of cells re-establishing the connections in Parkinson's disease facilitates the functional recovery. Thus, it is evident that 5-HT and GABA along with BMC to rotenone infused rats renders protection against oxidative, related motor and cognitive deficits which makes them clinically significant for cellbased therapy. The BMC transformed to neurons when co-transplanted with 5-HT and GABA which was confirmed with PKH2GL and nestin. These newly formed neurons have functional significance in the therapeutic recovery of Parkinson’s disease.