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Zou Y, Wang L, Wen J, Cheng J, Li C, Hao Z, Zou J, Gao M, Li W, Wu J, Xie H, Liu J. Progress in biological and medical research in the deep underground: an update. Front Public Health 2023; 11:1249742. [PMID: 37637794 PMCID: PMC10447979 DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2023.1249742] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/29/2023] [Accepted: 07/31/2023] [Indexed: 08/29/2023] Open
Abstract
As the growing population of individuals residing or working in deep underground spaces for prolonged periods, it has become imperative to understand the influence of factors in the deep underground environment (DUGE) on living systems. Heping Xie has conceptualized the concept of deep underground medicine to identify factors in the DUGE that can have either detrimental or beneficial effects on human health. Over the past few years, an increasing number of studies have explored the molecular mechanisms that underlie the biological impacts of factors in the DUGE on model organisms and humans. Here, we present a summary of the present landscape of biological and medical research conducted in deep underground laboratories and propose promising avenues for future investigations in this field. Most research demonstrates that low background radiation can trigger a stress response and affect the growth, organelles, oxidative stress, defense capacity, and metabolism of cells. Studies show that residing and/or working in the DUGE has detrimental effects on human health. Employees working in deep mines suffer from intense discomfort caused by high temperature and humidity, which increase with depth, and experience fatigue and sleep disturbance. The negative impacts of the DUGE on human health may be induced by changes in the metabolism of specific amino acids; however, the cellular pathways remain to be elucidated. Biological and medical research must continue in deep underground laboratories and mines to guarantee the safe probing of uncharted depths as humans utilize the deep underground space.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuhao Zou
- Department of Otolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
- Deep Underground Space Medical Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Ling Wang
- Deep Underground Space Medical Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Jirui Wen
- Deep Underground Space Medical Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Juan Cheng
- Deep Underground Space Medical Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Can Li
- Deep Underground Space Medical Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Zhizhen Hao
- Department of Otolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
- Deep Underground Space Medical Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Jian Zou
- Department of Otolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
- Deep Underground Space Medical Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Mingzhong Gao
- College of Water Resources and Hydropower, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
- Institute of Deep Earth Science and Green Energy, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen, China
| | - Weimin Li
- West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Jiang Wu
- Deep Underground Space Medical Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Heping Xie
- College of Water Resources and Hydropower, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
- Institute of Deep Earth Science and Green Energy, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen, China
| | - Jifeng Liu
- Department of Otolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
- Deep Underground Space Medical Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
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Pirkkanen J, Lalonde C, Lapointe M, Laframboise T, Mendonca MS, Boreham DR, Tharmalingam S, Thome C. The REPAIR Project, a Deep-Underground Radiobiology Experiment Investigating the Biological Effects of Natural Background Radiation: The First 6 Years. Radiat Res 2023; 199:290-293. [PMID: 36745561 DOI: 10.1667/rade-22-00193.1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/14/2022] [Accepted: 01/17/2023] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
In 2017, a special edition of Radiation Research was published [Oct; Vol. 188 4.2 (https://bioone.org/journals/radiation-research/volume-188/issue-4.2)] which focused on a recently established radiobiology project within SNOLAB, a unique deep-underground research facility. This special edition included original articles, reviews and commentaries relevant to the research goals of this new project which was titled Researching the Effects of the Presence and Absence of Ionizing Radiation (REPAIR). These research goals were founded in understanding the biological effects of terrestrial and cosmic natural background radiation (NBR). Since 2017, REPAIR has evolved into a sub-NBR radiobiology research program which investigates these effects using multiple model systems and various biological endpoints. This paper summarizes the evolution of the REPAIR project over the first 6-years including its experimental scope and capabilities as well as research accomplishments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jake Pirkkanen
- School of Natural Sciences, Laurentian University, Sudbury, Ontario, P3E 2C6, Canada
| | - Christine Lalonde
- School of Natural Sciences, Laurentian University, Sudbury, Ontario, P3E 2C6, Canada
| | - Michel Lapointe
- School of Natural Sciences, Laurentian University, Sudbury, Ontario, P3E 2C6, Canada
| | - Taylor Laframboise
- School of Natural Sciences, Laurentian University, Sudbury, Ontario, P3E 2C6, Canada
| | - Marc S Mendonca
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Radiation and Cancer Biology Laboratories, and Department of Medical & Molecular Genetics, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, Indiana 46202
| | - Douglas R Boreham
- School of Natural Sciences, Laurentian University, Sudbury, Ontario, P3E 2C6, Canada.,Medical Sciences Division, Northern Ontario School of Medicine (NOSM University), Sudbury, Ontario, P3E 2C6, Canada.,Nuclear Innovation Institute, Port Elgin, Ontario, N0H 2C0, Canada
| | - Sujeenthar Tharmalingam
- School of Natural Sciences, Laurentian University, Sudbury, Ontario, P3E 2C6, Canada.,Medical Sciences Division, Northern Ontario School of Medicine (NOSM University), Sudbury, Ontario, P3E 2C6, Canada.,Nuclear Innovation Institute, Port Elgin, Ontario, N0H 2C0, Canada
| | - Christopher Thome
- School of Natural Sciences, Laurentian University, Sudbury, Ontario, P3E 2C6, Canada.,Medical Sciences Division, Northern Ontario School of Medicine (NOSM University), Sudbury, Ontario, P3E 2C6, Canada.,Nuclear Innovation Institute, Port Elgin, Ontario, N0H 2C0, Canada
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Vigneux G, Pirkkanen J, Laframboise T, Prescott H, Tharmalingam S, Thome C. Radiation-Induced Alterations in Proliferation, Migration, and Adhesion in Lens Epithelial Cells and Implications for Cataract Development. Bioengineering (Basel) 2022; 9:29. [PMID: 35049738 PMCID: PMC8772889 DOI: 10.3390/bioengineering9010029] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/23/2021] [Revised: 01/07/2022] [Accepted: 01/10/2022] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
The lens of the eye is one of the most radiosensitive tissues. Although the exact mechanism of radiation-induced cataract development remains unknown, altered proliferation, migration, and adhesion have been proposed as factors. Lens epithelial cells were exposed to X-rays (0.1-2 Gy) and radiation effects were examined after 12 h and 7 day. Proliferation was quantified using an MTT assay, migration was measured using a Boyden chamber and wound-healing assay, and adhesion was assessed on three extracellular matrices. Transcriptional changes were also examined using RT-qPCR for a panel of genes related to these processes. In general, a nonlinear radiation response was observed, with the greatest effects occurring at a dose of 0.25 Gy. At this dose, a reduction in proliferation occurred 12 h post irradiation (82.06 ± 2.66%), followed by an increase at 7 day (116.16 ± 3.64%). Cell migration was increased at 0.25 Gy, with rates 121.66 ± 6.49% and 232.78 ± 22.22% greater than controls at 12 h and 7 day respectively. Cell adhesion was consistently reduced above doses of 0.25 Gy. Transcriptional alterations were identified at these same doses in multiple genes related to proliferation, migration, and adhesion. Overall, this research began to elucidate the functional changes that occur in lens cells following radiation exposure, thereby providing a better mechanistic understanding of radiation-induced cataract development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Graysen Vigneux
- Biomolecular Sciences Program, Laurentian University, 935 Ramsey Lake Road, Sudbury, ON P3E 2C6, Canada; (G.V.); (S.T.)
| | - Jake Pirkkanen
- Department of Biology, Laurentian University, 935 Ramsey Lake Road, Sudbury, ON P3E 2C6, Canada; (J.P.); (T.L.); (H.P.)
- Northern Ontario School of Medicine, Laurentian University, 935 Ramsey Lake Road, Sudbury, ON P3E 2C6, Canada
| | - Taylor Laframboise
- Department of Biology, Laurentian University, 935 Ramsey Lake Road, Sudbury, ON P3E 2C6, Canada; (J.P.); (T.L.); (H.P.)
- Northern Ontario School of Medicine, Laurentian University, 935 Ramsey Lake Road, Sudbury, ON P3E 2C6, Canada
| | - Hallie Prescott
- Department of Biology, Laurentian University, 935 Ramsey Lake Road, Sudbury, ON P3E 2C6, Canada; (J.P.); (T.L.); (H.P.)
| | - Sujeenthar Tharmalingam
- Biomolecular Sciences Program, Laurentian University, 935 Ramsey Lake Road, Sudbury, ON P3E 2C6, Canada; (G.V.); (S.T.)
- Department of Biology, Laurentian University, 935 Ramsey Lake Road, Sudbury, ON P3E 2C6, Canada; (J.P.); (T.L.); (H.P.)
- Northern Ontario School of Medicine, Laurentian University, 935 Ramsey Lake Road, Sudbury, ON P3E 2C6, Canada
- Nuclear Innovation Institute, 620 Tomlinson Drive, Port Elgin, ON N0H 2C0, Canada
| | - Christopher Thome
- Biomolecular Sciences Program, Laurentian University, 935 Ramsey Lake Road, Sudbury, ON P3E 2C6, Canada; (G.V.); (S.T.)
- Department of Biology, Laurentian University, 935 Ramsey Lake Road, Sudbury, ON P3E 2C6, Canada; (J.P.); (T.L.); (H.P.)
- Northern Ontario School of Medicine, Laurentian University, 935 Ramsey Lake Road, Sudbury, ON P3E 2C6, Canada
- Nuclear Innovation Institute, 620 Tomlinson Drive, Port Elgin, ON N0H 2C0, Canada
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Kennedy KJ, LeBlanc A, Pirkkanen J, Thome C, Tai TC, LeClair R, Boreham DR. DOSIMETRIC CHARACTERISATION OF A SUB-NATURAL BACKGROUND RADIATION ENVIRONMENT FOR RADIOBIOLOGY INVESTIGATIONS. RADIATION PROTECTION DOSIMETRY 2021; 195:114-123. [PMID: 34402520 DOI: 10.1093/rpd/ncab120] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/18/2021] [Revised: 06/24/2021] [Accepted: 07/16/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
Living systems have evolved in the presence of naturally occurring ionising radiation. REPAIR is a research project investigating the biological effects of sub-natural background radiation exposure in SNOLAB, a deep-underground laboratory. Biological systems are being cultured within a sub-background environment as well as two control locations (underground and surface). A comprehensive dosimetric analysis was performed. GEANT4 simulation was used to characterise the contribution from gamma, muons and neutrons. Additionally, dose rates from radon, 40K and 14C were calculated based on measured activity concentrations. The total absorbed dose rate in the sub-background environment was 27 times lower than the surface control, at 2.48 ± 0.20 nGy hr-1, including a >400-fold reduction in the high linear energy transfer components. This modelling quantitatively confirms that the environment within SNOLAB provides a substantially reduced background radiation dose rate, thereby setting the stage for future sub-background biological studies using a variety of model organisms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Konnor J Kennedy
- Department of Physics, Laurentian University, 935 Ramsey Lake Road, Sudbury, ON P3E 2C6, Canada
| | - Alexandre LeBlanc
- Department of Physics, Laurentian University, 935 Ramsey Lake Road, Sudbury, ON P3E 2C6, Canada
| | - Jake Pirkkanen
- Department of Biology, Laurentian University, 935 Ramsey Lake Road, Sudbury, ON P3E 2C6, Canada
- Biomolecular Sciences Program, Laurentian University, 935 Ramsey Lake Road, Sudbury, ON P3E 2C6, Canada
- Northern Ontario School of Medicine, 935 Ramsey Lake Road, Sudbury, ON P3E 2C6, Canada
| | - Christopher Thome
- Department of Physics, Laurentian University, 935 Ramsey Lake Road, Sudbury, ON P3E 2C6, Canada
- Department of Biology, Laurentian University, 935 Ramsey Lake Road, Sudbury, ON P3E 2C6, Canada
- Biomolecular Sciences Program, Laurentian University, 935 Ramsey Lake Road, Sudbury, ON P3E 2C6, Canada
- Northern Ontario School of Medicine, 935 Ramsey Lake Road, Sudbury, ON P3E 2C6, Canada
- Nuclear Innovation Institute, P.O. Box 384, 620 Tomlinson Drive, Port Elgin, ON N0H 2C0, Canada
| | - T C Tai
- Department of Biology, Laurentian University, 935 Ramsey Lake Road, Sudbury, ON P3E 2C6, Canada
- Biomolecular Sciences Program, Laurentian University, 935 Ramsey Lake Road, Sudbury, ON P3E 2C6, Canada
- Northern Ontario School of Medicine, 935 Ramsey Lake Road, Sudbury, ON P3E 2C6, Canada
| | - Robert LeClair
- Department of Physics, Laurentian University, 935 Ramsey Lake Road, Sudbury, ON P3E 2C6, Canada
- Biomolecular Sciences Program, Laurentian University, 935 Ramsey Lake Road, Sudbury, ON P3E 2C6, Canada
| | - Douglas R Boreham
- Department of Biology, Laurentian University, 935 Ramsey Lake Road, Sudbury, ON P3E 2C6, Canada
- Biomolecular Sciences Program, Laurentian University, 935 Ramsey Lake Road, Sudbury, ON P3E 2C6, Canada
- Northern Ontario School of Medicine, 935 Ramsey Lake Road, Sudbury, ON P3E 2C6, Canada
- Nuclear Innovation Institute, P.O. Box 384, 620 Tomlinson Drive, Port Elgin, ON N0H 2C0, Canada
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Lim MYT, Manzon RG, Somers CM, Boreham DR, Wilson JY. Impacts of temperature, morpholine, and chronic radiation on the embryonic development of round whitefish (Prosopium cylindraceum). ENVIRONMENTAL TOXICOLOGY AND CHEMISTRY 2018; 37:2593-2608. [PMID: 29963715 DOI: 10.1002/etc.4219] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/27/2018] [Revised: 05/10/2018] [Accepted: 06/28/2018] [Indexed: 06/08/2023]
Abstract
During incubation, round whitefish embryos may experience fluctuating or elevated temperatures from natural (e.g., seasonal temperature changes) and/or anthropogenic sources. Anthropogenic sources like once-through cooling discharges from nuclear power plants can also expose embryos to chemicals (e.g., morpholine) and/or radiation. To examine the effects of these potential stressors on embryogenesis, round whitefish were incubated under fluctuating or constant temperatures, with morpholine or 137 Cs gamma rays. We report the percentage of prehatch and posthatch mortality, developmental rate, hatch dynamics, and morphometrics at 4 development stages. Embryos reared at constant temperatures had delayed developmental stage onset and median hatch, higher mortality at constant 8 °C, and lower mortality at ≤5 °C, compared with embryos reared under seasonal temperature regimes. Embryos incubated with ≥500 mg L-1 morpholine (>200× regulatory limits) had advanced hatch, reduced body size, and increased prehatch (100% at 1000 mg L-1 ) and posthatch (≈95% at 500 mg L-1 ) mortality compared with controls. Relative to controls, embryos irradiated with ≥0.16 mGy/d had larger body mass early in development, and all irradiated embryos had decreased posthatch mortality; the lowest dose was >300× discharge limits. Our study suggests that fluctuating or elevated temperatures and high-dose morpholine can alter development rate, hatch dynamics, and growth, and/or increase mortality compared with embryos reared at constant temperatures of ≤5 °C; conversely, low-dose irradiation had transient developmental effects but may benefit early posthatch survival. Environ Toxicol Chem 2018;37:2593-2608. © 2018 SETAC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael Y-T Lim
- Department of Biology, McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada
| | - Richard G Manzon
- Department of Biology, University of Regina, Regina, Saskatchewan, Canada
| | | | | | - Joanna Y Wilson
- Department of Biology, McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada
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Mitz C, Thome C, Cybulski ME, Somers CM, Manzon RG, Wilson JY, Boreham DR. Is There a Trade-Off between Radiation-Stimulated Growth and Metabolic Efficiency? Radiat Res 2017; 188:486-494. [PMID: 28877005 DOI: 10.1667/rr14665.1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/03/2022]
Abstract
Beneficial protective effects may result from an adaptive respose to low dose radiation exposure. However, such benefits must be accompanied by some form of cost because the responsible biological mechanisms are not normally maintained in an upregulated state. It has been suggested that stimulation of adaptive response mechanisms could be metabolically costly, or that the adaptive response could come at a sacrifice to other physiological processes. We exposed developing lake whitefish embryos to a fractionated regime of gamma radiation (662 keV; 0.3 Gy min-1) to determine whether radiation-stimulated growth was accompanied by a trade-off in metabolic efficiency. Developing embryos were exposed at the eyed stage to different radiation doses delivered in four fractions, ranging from 15 mGy to 8 Gy per fraction, with a 14 day separation between dose fractions. Dry weight and standard length measurements were taken 2-5 weeks after delivery of the final radiation exposure and yolk conversion efficiency was estimated by comparing the unpreserved dry weight of the yolk to the unpreserved yolk-free dry weight of the embryos and normalizing for size-related differences in somatic maintenance. Our results show that the irradiated embryos were 8-10% heavier than the controls but yolk conversion efficiency was slightly improved. This finding demonstrates that stimulated growth in developing lake whitefish embryos is not "paid for" by a trade-off in the efficiency of yolk conversion.
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Affiliation(s)
- Charles Mitz
- a Department of Medical Physics and Applied Radiation Sciences, McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada, L8S 4L8
| | - Christopher Thome
- a Department of Medical Physics and Applied Radiation Sciences, McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada, L8S 4L8
| | - Mary Ellen Cybulski
- a Department of Medical Physics and Applied Radiation Sciences, McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada, L8S 4L8
| | - Christopher M Somers
- b Department of Biology, University of Regina, Regina, Saskatchewan, Canada, S4S 0A2
| | - Richard G Manzon
- b Department of Biology, University of Regina, Regina, Saskatchewan, Canada, S4S 0A2
| | - Joanna Y Wilson
- c Department of Biology, McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada, L8S 4K1
| | - Douglas R Boreham
- a Department of Medical Physics and Applied Radiation Sciences, McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada, L8S 4L8.,d Northern Ontario School of Medicine, Sudbury, Ontario, Canada, P3E 2C6
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Thome C, Tharmalingam S, Pirkkanen J, Zarnke A, Laframboise T, Boreham DR. The REPAIR Project: Examining the Biological Impacts of Sub-Background Radiation Exposure within SNOLAB, a Deep Underground Laboratory. Radiat Res 2017; 188:470-474. [PMID: 28723273 DOI: 10.1667/rr14654.1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022]
Abstract
Considerable attention has been given to understanding the biological effects of low-dose ionizing radiation exposure at levels slightly above background. However, relatively few studies have been performed to examine the inverse, where natural background radiation is removed. The limited available data suggest that organisms exposed to sub-background radiation environments undergo reduced growth and an impaired capacity to repair genetic damage. Shielding from background radiation is inherently difficult due to high-energy cosmic radiation. SNOLAB, located in Sudbury, Ontario, Canada, is a unique facility for examining the effects of sub-background radiation exposure. Originally constructed for astroparticle physics research, the laboratory is located within an active nickel mine at a depth of over 2,000 m. The rock overburden provides shielding equivalent to 6,000 m of water, thereby almost completely eliminating cosmic radiation. Additional features of the facility help to reduce radiological contamination from the surrounding rock. We are currently establishing a biological research program within SNOLAB: Researching the Effects of the Presence and Absence of Ionizing Radiation (REPAIR project). We hypothesize that natural background radiation is essential for life and maintains genomic stability, and that prolonged exposure to sub-background radiation environments will be detrimental to biological systems. Using a combination of whole organism and cell culture model systems, the effects of exposure to a sub-background environment will be examined on growth and development, as well as markers of genomic damage, DNA repair capacity and oxidative stress. The results of this research will provide further insight into the biological effects of low-dose radiation exposure as well as elucidate some of the processes that may drive evolution and selection in living systems. This Radiation Research focus issue contains reviews and original articles, which relate to the presence or absence of low-dose ionizing radiation exposure.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christopher Thome
- a Division of Medical Sciences, Northern Ontario School of Medicine, Sudbury, Canada, P3E 2C6.,b Department of Biology, Laurentian University, Sudbury, Canada, P3E 2C6
| | - Sujeenthar Tharmalingam
- a Division of Medical Sciences, Northern Ontario School of Medicine, Sudbury, Canada, P3E 2C6.,b Department of Biology, Laurentian University, Sudbury, Canada, P3E 2C6
| | - Jake Pirkkanen
- b Department of Biology, Laurentian University, Sudbury, Canada, P3E 2C6
| | - Andrew Zarnke
- b Department of Biology, Laurentian University, Sudbury, Canada, P3E 2C6
| | - Taylor Laframboise
- a Division of Medical Sciences, Northern Ontario School of Medicine, Sudbury, Canada, P3E 2C6
| | - Douglas R Boreham
- a Division of Medical Sciences, Northern Ontario School of Medicine, Sudbury, Canada, P3E 2C6.,b Department of Biology, Laurentian University, Sudbury, Canada, P3E 2C6.,c Bruce Power, Tiverton, Canada, N0G 2T0
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