The Canadian Fermented Foods Initiative (CFFI) launches with a shared network of research and industry experts to share trusted information on fermented foods. Large population studies show that people who eat fermented foods are generally healthier.
Researchers at Lawson Research Institute are studying Ambroxol as a potential treatment for dementia linked to Parkinson's disease. The 12-month clinical trial found that Ambroxol was safe and reached therapeutic levels in the brain, potentially protecting against brain cell damage.
A new study suggests that injection drug users prescribed controlled-release hydromorphone are three times more likely to develop endocarditis than those prescribed other opioids. The findings also highlight the role of equipment used in preparing the medication as a source of bacterial contamination.
Teenage pregnant women are more likely to experience poorer mental health, higher rates of substance use, and live in poverty. However, a Canadian study found that teenage pregnancy is not associated with a higher risk for preterm birth or low birth weight compared to pregnancies among women aged 20-34 years.
A multi-centre registry trial is testing the use of a new PSMA tracer to detect early recurrence of prostate cancer. The trial provides valuable insights and has already shown promising results for patients like Wayne Smith, who was able to have a shorter round of hormone therapy.
A phase I trial is evaluating the combination of fecal transplants and immunotherapy for melanoma, with preliminary research suggesting a potential link between the human microbiome and treatment outcomes. Researchers aim to improve responses in 40-50% of patients treated with immunotherapy.
The seven-year ORATOR trial found no difference in survival between robotic surgery and radiation therapy, but patients receiving radiation experienced better swallowing outcomes. Participants in the surgery group were at risk for complications such as pain, bleeding, and hearing loss.
A new method called cardiac functional MRI eliminates the need for injections or physical stress testing, providing a safer and more detailed way to diagnose heart disease. The technique uses oxygenation-sensitive MRI to measure how well the heart's blood vessels are working to deliver oxygen.
A multi-center clinical trial found that performing an additional surgical procedure called lateral extra-articular tenodesis (LET) can improve patient outcomes in young athletes. The study showed a 65% relative risk reduction for graft failure, suggesting patients under 25 may benefit from considering the LET procedure
Researchers found that sharing equipment used to prepare drugs before injection can transmit HIV, but heating the equipment with a cigarette lighter for 10 seconds can destroy the virus. The 'Cook Your Wash' campaign has helped reduce rates of HIV transmission in London, Ontario.
Treatment at Canada's only early intervention program for youth with mood and anxiety disorders leads to improved symptoms, functioning, and access to psychiatric care in the most appropriate settings. Patients who disengage from treatment have less severe symptoms than those who stay engaged.
A study by Lawson Research Institute found evidence of a strong association between exposure to sulfur dioxide during pregnancy and adverse birth outcomes, including low birthweight and preterm birth. Pregnant women were 3.4 times more likely to have a low birthweight baby for every 1-part per billion increase in sulfur dioxide.
A new computational model facilitates diagnosis of previously unsolved cases of neurodevelopmental and congenital abnormalities by examining DNA methylation. The test resolved dozens of new cases, providing a specific diagnosis that can help predict the course of the disease.
Researchers discovered a significant rise in infective endocarditis among Ontarians who inject drugs, with hydromorphone prescriptions linked to the increased risk. The study found that reusing injection equipment, common among opioid users, allows for bacterial contamination and increases the chances of heart infection.
A new study found that cardiac surgery was associated with a 56% reduction in mortality, while in-hospital addictions counselling resulted in a 72% reduction. Both interventions showed significant benefits for patients who inject drugs with first-episode endocarditis.
A new clinical protocol called STOP Narcotics reduces post-operative opioid prescribing by 50%, while maintaining adequate pain control, and increases medication disposal. The study involved 416 patients undergoing general surgery and found significant reduction in opioid use and diversion.
A study found that female-specific genetic mutation ATRX increases susceptibility to pancreatitis and pancreatic cancer. The research team discovered that deleting the gene in females led to increased progression to cancer, while males with the mutation experienced reduced risk of injury and progression to cancer.
Researchers developed an AI algorithm that analyzes brain scans to classify illness and predict medication response in patients with complex mood disorders. The algorithm correctly classified MDD and bipolar I diagnoses with 92.4% accuracy, predicting the correct medication response for 11 out of 12 patients.
A blood test can predict which treatment is most likely to extend a patient's life with advanced prostate cancer. Researchers found that patients who tested positive for the protein AR-V7 responded best to taxane-based chemotherapy, while those who tested negative responded better to hormone-targeting therapy.
A study from Lawson Research Institute and Western University found that patients experienced lasting improvements in managing symptoms, academics, work performance, and relationships. Patients credited a collaborative partnership with their care provider for keeping them engaged in treatment.
Researchers developed a new synthetic surfactant that equaled or outperformed animal-derived surfactant in every outcome, including oxygenating blood. The synthetic surfactant could be produced at lower cost and tested with more lung diseases and injuries in adults.
A new clinical trial found that coaching patients with Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) to drink more water did not slow down the decline of their kidney function. However, increased water intake did suppress antidiuretic hormone release and may be beneficial for those who are low-intake drinkers.
Patients treated at PEPP experienced a significant reduction in risk of mortality, emergency department visits, and involuntary hospitalizations. However, benefits were not observed long-term, highlighting the need for further research on EPI program effectiveness.
The research aims to assess the cost-effectiveness of LHSC's personalized medicine program, which uses pharmacogenomics to predict patient responses to medications. The study will compare patient outcomes with those in the province using provincial health care data.
Researchers are testing new palliative radiation techniques to spare esophageal effects and improve swallowing function in lung cancer patients. The PROACTIVE trial aims to reduce negative symptoms like heartburn and difficulty swallowing.
Researchers found that probiotics can improve immunity in fruit flies exposed to pesticides, a common model for studying honey bee effects. This mechanism could lead to improved survival rates for honey bees exposed to pesticide toxins, with potential benefits for agriculture and human health.
Researchers at Lawson Health Research Institute and Western University found that dual gait testing can predict dementia progression in seniors with mild cognitive impairment. The study showed that individuals with slower gait speeds while performing a cognitively demanding task are at higher risk of progressing to dementia.
A new study found that nearly half of seniors in Ontario who visited a family doctor for a non-bacterial infection received an unnecessary antibiotic prescription. The majority of prescriptions were for broad-spectrum antibiotics, which are associated with increased risk of adverse outcomes and antibiotic resistance.
A Canadian study found that women who used marijuana during pregnancy were almost three times more likely to have an infant with low birth weight. Maternal amphetamine use and smoking were also identified as risk factors for low birth weight.
A study found that radio advertising free ultrasounds increased pregnant women's modern medical care attendance in rural Uganda by 490%. The use of portable ultrasound machines helped detect serious anatomical problems and infectious diseases, leading to improved health outcomes.
A study by Lawson Research Institute has discovered that the Retinoblastoma protein works with EZH2 to silence repetitive DNA sequences, potentially leading to enhanced therapies for cancer and HIV. The research suggests that targeting these proteins could reveal viral hiding places in immune memory cells, allowing for new treatments.
Researchers have developed a game-changing blood test that can identify concussions with greater than 90% certainty, using metabolomics to analyze small molecules in the blood. The test is unique and has been proven to be effective in distinguishing concussed patients from non-concussed adolescents.
A new study found that early marijuana use is associated with abnormal brain function, particularly in areas related to reward-processing and motor control. Additionally, those who used marijuana from a young age had lower IQ scores and more pronounced abnormalities in brain regions responsible for visuo-spatial processing and memory.
A study by London researchers found that standard radiation margins may not be large enough for all patients with non-melanotic skin cancer. Using protoporphyrin fluorescence, the team was able to determine more precise treatment volumes, resulting in improved patient outcomes and reduced recurrence rates.
Neuropathic pain is a common complication of spinal cord injuries, affecting every person differently. The new guidelines recommend screening and diagnosis, treatment models, and care approaches to manage pain and ensure patients can fully benefit from rehabilitation.
A study using GPS technology found that adolescents' exposure to junk food outlets during trips to and from school significantly affects their likelihood of making a junk food purchase. The research revealed that longer exposure times increased the chances of a purchase, with females being more likely to make unhealthy choices than males.
A recent imaging study found a subtle increase in brain tissue volume in certain regions of patients with schizophrenia, indicating the brain's ability to reorganize and fight the illness. The study suggests that despite severe damage, the brain may constantly attempt to rescue itself or limit the damage.
A study published in Human Pathology found that lung cancer patients without the retinoblastoma tumor suppressor protein (pRB) experience significantly improved survival rates when undergoing chemotherapy. The absence of pRB was detected in 15% of patients, with a 92% 5-year survival rate compared to 49% for those with the protein.
A study published in Resuscitation found that paramedic care delivered on-scene for 10-35 minutes is associated with improved survival rates in pediatric patients. The optimal time range for this benefit was found to be between 10 and 35 minutes, with longer times not resulting in better outcomes.
Researchers at Lawson Health Research Institute have identified LKB1 as a key player in promoting and surviving ovarian cancer cells. This discovery contradicts previous studies, which suggested that LKB1 acts as a tumour suppressor in ovarian cancer.
A new stem cell population has been identified in the colon that is linked to cancer growth, which could lead to new treatments. The study found that this radiation-resistant stem cell population can give rise to colonic tumors and sustain their growth.
A new study reveals that probiotic yogurt can reduce the uptake of mercury and arsenic in pregnant women by up to 78%, while also showing positive but not statistically effective results in children. The probiotic strain, Lactobacillus rhamnosus GR-1, binds to heavy metals and prevents their absorption.
A study led by Dr. Elizabeth Osuch found a correlation between the activation of the putamen region in the brain and bipolar disorder symptoms. The discovery may lead to a definitive biological marker for differentiating between major depressive disorder and bipolar disorder, ultimately improving diagnosis and treatment.
A study published in Current Oncology has confirmed an epidemic of HPV-related tonsillar cancer in Canada, with a significant increase in cases over the past few decades. The research found that young non-smokers are most commonly affected, and treatment has evolved to include concurrent chemotherapy and radiation.
Research found that low-vitamin D season can reduce breast cancer treatment effectiveness by up to 30%. The study identifies seasonal and genetic factors affecting tamoxifen metabolism.
A global study has found that anaesthetic-related deaths have declined dramatically over the past five decades, with a 90% reduction in post-anaesthetic fatalities since before the 1970s. The study, published in The Lancet, also revealed an 88% decrease in mortality rates within 48 hours of surgery globally.
A new study suggests pregnancy could have a positive impact on bipolar disorder, with fewer and shorter episodes in pregnant women. The study's findings call for large, multicenter, prospective studies to better understand the natural course of the disorder.
A study by Lawson Research Institute suggests that breast cancer stem cells have a preference for specific organs, such as the lung and brain, when spreading to other sites. Researchers hope to uncover the underlying factors driving this phenomenon and potentially develop new strategies to target these aggressive cells.
A new study found a significant increase in acute kidney injury requiring dialysis after major elective surgery, with the number of patients tripling since 1995. The study suggests that developing interventions to prevent severe AKI could lead to improved outcomes for patients.
Researchers at Lawson Health Research Institute have identified a novel mechanism that allows adenovirus to evade the immune system's interferon response. The study found that the virus blocks the formation of an enzyme necessary for this process, leading to increased gene transcription and cell division.