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Item Open Access Exploring relationships between corticospinal excitability, motor function, and aerobic fitness in multiple sclerosis(2023-12-04) Moslemi, Z.; Toledo-Aldana, E.A.; Bye, N.D.; Foy, H.C.M.; Eng, J.J.; Donkers, S.J.; Mang, C.S.Background: Limitations in motor function experienced by people with multiple sclerosis (PwMS) may contribute to physical deconditioning. Here, we explored relationships between measurements of central nervous system function obtained with transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS), walking and balance motor function, and aerobic fitness in PwMS. Methods: This ancillary study uses baseline data from an ongoing randomized controlled trial of PwMS. TMS was applied to determine corticospinal excitability and inhibition via active motor threshold (aMT) and cortical silent period (CSP) duration for the tibialis anterior (TA) and first dorsal interosseous (FDI) of the stronger limb. Motor function assessments included the Timed 25-foot Walk Test (T25-FW) and Mini-Balance Evaluation Systems Test (Mini-BESTest). Aerobic fitness (V̇O2-peak) was determined using a maximal exercise test. Independent-sample, unequal variance t-tests examined differences in motor function and fitness between participants with (TA+) and without (TA−) a response to TMS in the TA muscle. Spearman’s correlations evaluated relationships among measures. As preliminary research, comparisons and correlations yielding medium-to-large effect sizes were noted (Cohen’s d or rho ≥ 0.5). Results: Baseline data from 16 participants was analyzed (age: 56±10 years; T25-FW range: 4.3-180 s; Mini-BESTest range: 2-22). Compared to TA+ participants (n=9), TA− participants (n=7) demonstrated slower T25-FW times (44.5±73.5 s vs. 8.7±4.6 s, d=0.75, p=0.29) and lower V̇O2-peaks (10.6±2.2 ml/kg/min vs 15.9±3.6 ml/kg/min, d=−1.3, p<0.01). Among TA+ participants, higher TA aMT and longer CSP duration were associated with faster T25-FW performance (rho≥|0.52|, p≤0.15) and greater Mini-BESTest scores (rho≥|0.65|, p≤0.06). There were no relationships between FDI aMT and CSP with T25-FW or Mini-BESTest performance (n=14; rho≤|0.12|, p≥0.70). Both TA and FDI aMT were correlated with V̇O2-peak (rho≥|0.80|, p≤0.01). Discussion: Corticospinal excitability and inhibition for the TA muscle may be uniquely associated with walking and balance motor function, while corticospinal excitability associations with aerobic fitness may be independent of the muscle tested.Item Open Access Exploration of the Lived Experiences and Needs of Individuals with Adult-Diagnosed Cystic Fibrosis(2023-11) Dollimount, Anna; Ram, Malina; Power, Hilary, A.; McKay, Corinne; Afseth, Niki; Genoe, Rebecca; Switzer, Heather; Tam, Julian; Wright, Kristi, D.Background: Most cases of cystic fibrosis (CF) are diagnosed in infancy, however rates of adult-diagnosed CF are increasing with 5-10% of CF cases being diagnosed in adulthood [1]. Our limited understanding of this subset of the CF population is based on dated literature [2-3] and an up-to date understanding of the experiences and needs of those diagnosed in adulthood is required in order to develop age-appropriate supports to navigate the disease [4]. The purpose of present study was to examine the lived experiences and needs of those diagnosed with CF in adulthood from multiple vantage points (i.e., those with CF and CF health care providers). Methods: A qualitative research design was used. Participants (n = 16) included adults with CF (n = 8, Mage = 41.71, SD = 14.47), and interdisciplinary CF health care providers (n = 8, Mage = 46.29, SD = 7.93) recruited from CF clinics and chapters in Western Canada. Participants completed a brief demographic questionnaire and a semi-structured interview. Individual interviews ranged from 30-60 minutes in length. Interview questions included general introductory questions about informational and service needs, as well as specific questions about the benefits and drawbacks of an Internet-based resource. All interviews were audio-recorded and transcribed verbatim. Results: A thematic content analysis was completed, and five major themes were uncovered: (1) CF information needs (i.e., limited information available, limited understanding of CF); (2) challenges of having CF (i.e., diagnosis challenges, treatment challenges, social challenges); (3) emotions related to CF and coping (i.e., feeling overwhelmed, angry, worried, guilty); (4) health service needs (i.e., access, physical health, mental health); (5) online resource considerations (i.e., benefits, drawbacks, key components). Conclusions: The results highlight that those diagnosed with CF in adulthood require tailored information in crucial areas (i.e., disease knowledge, challenges, emotions, coping strategies, resources). The results also indicate that individuals with adult-diagnosed CF are in favor of information provision via an Internet-delivered resource. Information gathered from the study will be employed to inform the development of a tailored resource to address information and support needs. Acknowledgements: Supported by the Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council (SSHRC) and the SK Centre for Patient-Oriented Research (SCPOR).Item Open Access BOX-IT: How to cover many basic Intro-class objectives with one assignment(2024-03-21) Wecker, SabineThe poster Box it: How to cover many basic Intro-class objectives with one assignment is about teaching an intro to ceramics class in a short period. The ceramic field is very wide, and the amount of theoretical knowledge, hands on skills, technical skills and artistic skills that need to be covered in one semester is intense. The poster shows a way on how to layer and connect objectives from all areas. This includes hands on skills in the fabrication methods on making, theoretical knowledge of clay, surface development and implementation, glaze theory, hands on glaze handling, firing, use of equipment, and lastly an artistic approach to ceramic. I had shown how the box assignment offers an opportunity to connect the many important areas step by step, slowly incorporating hands on skills and theoretical frameworks. The annual conference of the National Council on Education for the Ceramic arts is the biggest conference in North America related to Ceramic. The poster presentation is a way to extend /exchange knowledge from across the field beside the panel discussions, demonstrations, presentations within the conference. Twenty posters were accepted for this year’s conference. They were exhibited beside the emerging artists exhibition, at the entrance of the resource hall for the duration of the conference (March 20 -March 23, 2024). On March 21st, 3pm- 5pm, the poster’s had their official presentation time slot in the program, where all 20 posters were presented by their makers. The two-hour interaction with visitors was very fruitful.