A comprehensive review of bipolar disorder treatments has been published, identifying the most effective treatments across different age groups and mood phases. The review has been used to update clinical guidelines and provides a platform for clinicians and patients to make informed treatment decisions based on the latest evidence.
A landmark trial found that tranexamic acid reduces bleeding and blood transfusion without increasing clot risk. The study supports using the inexpensive drug in all major surgeries with high blood loss risk, potentially saving millions of red blood cells annually.
A large venous thrombosis trial has found that apixaban is safer than rivaroxaban, with 3.3% of participants experiencing clinically relevant bleeding compared to 7.1% with rivaroxaban. This trial has significant implications for clinical practice and patient care.
A large clinical trial published in JAMA Surgery shows that prehabilitation can reduce disability after surgery in older adults with frailty, provided they fully participate in the program. Participants who completed at least 75% of exercises had significantly lower levels of disability after surgery.
A systematic review and meta-analysis of over 15,000 patients found that exercise and nutritional enhancement were the most promising components of prehabilitation, reducing complications and length of hospitalization. The study's lead author notes that prehabilitation is promising but still unclear how to implement it across hospitals.
A team of researchers has identified an 18-digit code within a protein called Wnt7a that allows it to attach itself to exosomes, enabling targeted delivery of proteins throughout the body. This discovery has major implications for the development of new therapies for diseases such as Duchenne muscular dystrophy.
A large trial has found no major difference in clinical outcomes between restrictive and liberal blood transfusion strategies for critically ill patients with aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage. The study suggests that integrating these results with other research can provide a deeper understanding of the optimal threshold.
A large clinical trial found that removing 10% of a patient's blood before major liver surgery reduces the need for transfusions by half. This practice, known as hypovolemic phlebotomy, lowers blood pressure in the liver and is safe, simple, and inexpensive.
A world-first clinical trial found that finding and treating people with undiagnosed asthma or COPD improves their health and reduces healthcare visits. The study, which involved 508 patients, showed that those treated by a lung specialist and educator averaged fewer healthcare visits and improved symptoms compared to usual care.
The Ottawa Hospital is receiving a $59 million grant to boost Canada's capacity for life-saving biotherapeutics, including vaccines, gene therapies, and cell therapies. The funding will support the construction and operation of a world-class biomanufacturing facility at its new campus.
A world-first clinical trial published in JAMA found that using small-volume tubes reduced the need for almost one blood transfusion for every 10 patients. The study saved about 1,500 units of blood and may provide an easy way to save tens of thousands of units worldwide.
A study of 14 astronauts found that space travel depletes red blood cells and bone, but the body can eventually replenish them with the help of fat stored in the bone marrow. The researchers also discovered that younger astronauts may have an increased ability to harness energy from bone marrow fat.
A study of over 8 million Ontario adults found that even a modest loss of kidney function (20-30% below normal) is associated with increased risk of death, cardiovascular events, and kidney failure in young adults. Early conversations about prevention and monitoring are recommended.
A large clinical trial of over 8,700 patients found that the sex of a donor has no effect on the survival of recipients of red blood cell transfusions. The study used a pragmatic approach to answer the question definitively and was conducted at a lower cost than typical trials.
A large observational study found that most patients do not medically benefit from consultation with a medical specialist before their surgery. The study of 359,618 patients in Ontario suggested that preoperative medical consultations were an independent risk factor for death 30 days after surgery.
A recent study found that ECMO survivors have a 24% higher rate of new mental health diagnoses compared to other ICU survivors. The study, published in JAMA, analyzed data from over 3,800 patients and found that depression, anxiety, and traumatic disorders were the most common diagnoses.
A unique Canadian study found a 6.3 fold increase in hospitalizations for unintentional cannabis poisoning among children under 10 since legalization. Provinces with edible sales saw an increase 7.5 times higher than those without, highlighting the risk of allowing edibles
A recent study published in Science reveals that hyaluronic acid plays a key role in controlling muscle repair. The natural compound awakens stem cells to start the repair process after a 40-hour cleanup job by immune cells is complete.
Researchers have discovered that Schwann Cell Precursors are the origin of tuberous sclerosis complex tumours in the kidney. Lab-grown 'mini-kidneys' were used to create a genetic profile similar to TSC tumours, revealing the diversity in tumour size and cellular makeup within patients.
A Canadian study found that Inuit patients in Nunavut experienced a 25% higher risk of serious complications after surgery compared to non-Inuit patients. The research also showed that Inuit patients had different baseline health characteristics, including lower age and chronic disease prevalence.
Researchers have discovered that blood cancer cells steal membranes from immune cells like Natural Killer cells through a process called trogocytosis. This process allows the cancer cells to put the NK cells to sleep, shutting down their anti-cancer activity. The study also sheds light on how PD-1 inhibitors can be used to 'wake up' th...
Researchers have discovered a novel nano-therapy that prevents bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD) in premature babies. The therapy uses tiny particles released by mesenchymal stromal cells, which travel to the brain and lungs, reducing damage and improving lung and brain health.
A new study published in BRAIN shows that a neuronal growth factor called BDNF plays a major role in amplifying spinal cord pain signalling in male humans and male rats, but not in female humans or female rats. This discovery has significant implications for the development of new treatments for chronic pain.
Ontario residents aged 15 and older experienced a 190% increase in ED visits due to cannabis from January 2016 to May 2021. The rapid expansion of the legal market, combined with the COVID-19 pandemic, contributed to this surge.
The study found a significant increase in mental health visits among Ontario physicians, with female physicians having higher rates than male physicians. The expansion of virtual care options may have contributed to this trend, as it reduced barriers to seeking care.
A world-first study found that space travel causes a 54% increase in red blood cell destruction, leading to severe anemia upon return to Earth. Astronauts experienced prolonged effects of anemia even after months of recovery.
Emergency department visits for cannabis poisonings in children under 10 increased ninefold after commercial cannabis edibles were legalized, with 39% requiring hospitalization. Researchers found that cannabis legalization overlapped with the COVID-19 pandemic, leading to a surge in cannabis poisoning cases.
Leading scientists recommend a new scientific approach called 'living evidence' that provides rigorous and trustworthy summaries of relevant research in real-time. This system aims to overcome the challenges of rapidly shifting research evidence and inform informed decisions.
The study found that the legal cannabis market increased significantly in Canada, with twice as many stores concentrated in low-income neighborhoods compared to high-income areas. Jurisdictions with private retail models saw a 913% increase in store growth, while public models saw a 75% increase.
A new online calculator can predict an individual's risk of dementia in the next five years by assessing factors such as age, physical activity, diet, and stress. The tool, developed by Canadian researchers, aims to empower individuals to modify their lifestyle and reduce their risk.
A new Canadian TIA Score tool helps emergency physicians predict patients at greatest risk of having a major stroke within the week. The study showed the Canadian TIA Score accurately categorized patients into three risk groups, outperforming existing ABCD2 score.
A new study published in The BMJ found that patients who underwent leg artery bypass surgery under spinal or epidural anesthesia had a lower risk of death compared to those under general anesthesia. This may lead to significant cost savings and improved patient outcomes.
The Canadian Partnership for Research in Immunotherapy Manufacturing Excellence (CanPRIME) provides hands-on manufacturing training to develop novel biotherapeutics, including vaccines and therapies that incorporate viruses, cells, and genes. Nearly 50 individuals will be trained over five years.
A large study has found a link between cannabis use during pregnancy and an increased risk of autism in children. The study, published in Nature Medicine, looked at data from over 500,000 women in Ontario and found that children exposed to cannabis in utero were at greater risk of developing autism.
Researchers found that mice with a common genetic mutation in autism spectrum disorder had delayed and weaker blood vessel responses, which led to neuronal dysfunction and autistic traits. The study suggests that problems with blood vessels begin early in life and can contribute to the development of autism.
A clinical trial is underway to test an immune booster, IMM-101, in cancer patients to prevent severe COVID-19. The study aims to boost the innate immune system and protect vulnerable populations from lung infections.
A clinical trial found that IV drugs can rapidly restore normal heart rhythm in patients with acute atrial fibrillation without sedation or shocks. The study showed that both drug-shock strategies were equally good at restoring normal heart rhythm and getting patients home the same day.
A consensus definition has been reached by leading scholars and publishers to track and combat predatory journals, which prioritize self-interest over scholarship. The definition highlights false or misleading information, deviation from best practices, lack of transparency, and aggressive solicitation as key characteristics.
A laboratory study found that fibrosis, a natural stiffening of the ovaries, occurs with age and may be linked to ovarian cancer. Metformin, a diabetes drug, was shown to halt this process in some cases.
A Canadian team found that the LRRK2 gene is associated with an increased risk of Parkinson's disease, Crohn's disease, and leprosy due to enhanced inflammation. The study suggests that treating excessive inflammation may lead to new treatments and prevention strategies for these diseases.
A study found that infliximab, a biologic therapy, did not result in lower rates of hospitalizations or intestinal surgeries among patients with inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD) in Ontario. Despite improving symptoms for individual patients, the treatment's impact on quality of life and workplace productivity remains uncertain.
A mathematical model using simple blood tests and birth weight can accurately estimate gestational age without ultrasound, offering a solution to measure preterm birth rates in low-resource countries. This approach has been validated with over 1,000 pregnant women in Bangladesh and is being implemented in other countries.
Researchers have restored muscle stem cell function in animal models of Duchenne muscular dystrophy, leading to efficient muscle regeneration and preventing progressive loss of muscle strength. The study's findings suggest a new treatment approach may be effective in addressing this complex disease.
A new study provides evidence-based recommendations on how to catch life-threatening conditions that cause fainting. Low-risk patients can be safely discharged home within two hours, while medium and high-risk patients can be sent home after six hours with no danger signals detected.
A clinical trial found that a low dose of apixaban safely prevents blood clots in over half of newly diagnosed cancer patients. The strategy is expected to prevent clots in 57,000 people per year, saving lives and reducing healthcare costs.
Researchers developed a targeted strategy to treat chemotherapy-resistant AML by targeting the MTF2-MDM2 axis, resulting in complete remission in all mouse models treated with the new combination. The findings hold promise for treating AML patients who would otherwise die from their disease.
Natural Killer cells have been found to play a key role in responding to checkpoint inhibitors, which are transforming the treatment of cancer. Researchers discovered that these cells can produce the same checkpoint receptor molecules as T cells, enabling them to respond directly to the therapy.
Researchers found that combining erectile dysfunction drugs with the flu vaccine can reduce cancer spread by over 90% in a mouse model. The treatment works by blocking immune cells that suppress the immune system after surgery, allowing natural killer cells to fight cancer more effectively.
A study led by The Ottawa Hospital and University of Ottawa suggests combining oncolytic viruses with checkpoint inhibitors could cure resistant breast cancer in mice. This combination therapy showed success in models that mimic metastatic spread after surgery, curing 60-90% of mice.
Scientists at The Ottawa Hospital and University of Ottawa discover Maraba virus can eliminate latent HIV-infected cells. Laboratory tests show the virus targets cells with impaired interferon pathway, leaving healthy cells unharmed.