Predatory journals have been identified as a significant problem in scientific publishing, with over 400,000 studies published annually. Researchers propose education for identifying predatory journals, incentives for legitimate publishing, and funding agency audits to disincentivize submissions to these outlets.
A massive investigation published in Nature reveals that a majority of papers in suspected biomedical predatory journals are from high or upper-middle income countries. The study analyzed 1,907 research papers and found that top countries publishing in these journals include India, the US, Nigeria, Iran, and Japan.
Researchers have discovered a protein called cardiotrophin 1 (CT1) that can trick the heart into growing in a healthy way and pumping more blood. CT1 also repairs heart damage and improves blood flow in animal models of heart failure.
A study by The Ottawa Hospital found that delayed emergency surgeries are associated with a higher mortality risk, longer hospital stays, and increased healthcare costs. The researchers also identified reasons for delays, including lack of operating room or staff availability.
A new rule developed by Canadian researchers could help hundreds of thousands of women stop taking life-long blood thinners for unexplained vein blood clots. According to the HERDOO2 rule, half of women with unprovoked clots are at low risk of recurrence, allowing them to discontinue medication.
A new clinical decision rule developed in Ottawa has been validated to safely take a third of chest pain patients off of heart monitors, freeing up beds for sicker patients. The rule was tested on 1,125 patients and found to accurately predict those who needed to stay on heart monitors with 100% accuracy.
The Ottawa Hospital's new comic book, 'Invasion of the Alien Zombies,' aims to educate elementary school students about the immune system and the importance of immunization in defending against illness. The comic uses a kid-centered approach, taking inspiration from Dr. Wilson's presentation to his son's science class.
A new study found that 33% of adults recently diagnosed with asthma did not have active asthma, and were able to stop medication. The study suggests doctors often misdiagnose patients based on symptoms alone, highlighting the need for further education on accurate diagnosis.
Researchers discovered a molecule, VGF nerve growth factor, triggered by running can help repair damaged nerve insulation in the brain. This finding could pave the way for new treatments for multiple sclerosis and other neurodegenerative disorders.
A study published in PLOS Medicine found that unhealthy habits in Canada result in an estimated six years of lost life expectancy. The study identified the top risk factors for premature death as smoking and lack of physical activity, which accounted for a significant proportion of deaths.
A large Canadian study found associations between blood donor characteristics and recipient survival in red blood cell transfusions. Recipients of female donor red blood cells were eight percent more likely to die than those receiving male donor blood, while younger donors (17-20 years) also had increased mortality risks.
Researchers developed a nine-question tool to predict patients' risk of adverse events from fainting. The tool, based on eight factors, can discharge low-risk patients quickly and safely, reducing emergency room wait times.
A clinical trial shows that an intensive procedure replacing the diseased immune system with a new one using blood stem cells can eliminate all signs of brain inflammation in people with early, aggressive multiple sclerosis. The treatment resulted in zero clinical relapses and no new active inflammatory lesions over 4-13 year follow-up.
The Ottawa Hospital has developed a mobile health app based on the internationally known Ottawa Rules, which help physicians determine whether a scan is needed for injured bones. The app aims to reduce unnecessary imaging and emergency room wait times, saving patients and hospitals money.
Researchers have found that a protein called OSMR is required for glioblastoma tumours to form, and blocking its activity prevents tumours from forming in mouse brains. The study also suggests that this protein could be a potential target for new therapies for other cancers with high EGFR expression.
A study published in the Journal of Obstetrics and Gynaecology Canada found that less invasive hysterectomies resulted in quicker recoveries, fewer complications, and cost savings for The Ottawa Hospital. The research showed a significant increase in minimally invasive surgeries from 40% to 74% between 2005 and 2012.
Researchers at The Ottawa Hospital and University of Ottawa identified a compound called GSK-J4 that can kill a severe form of childhood leukemia. By targeting the TAL-1 gene, the compound stops cancer cell growth, showing promise for personalized treatment.
A new study from The Ottawa Hospital and the University of Ottawa shows that men with slow-growing prostate tumors are increasingly adopting active surveillance, a monitoring approach that avoids unnecessary treatment. After five years of follow-up, about 59% of patients under active surveillance were still managed that way.
A study by Dr. Fraser Scott and his team discovered a bacteria-killing protein called cathelicidin antimicrobial peptide (CAMP) that helps the pancreas regenerate and produce insulin. The research could lead to novel treatments for both type 1 and type 2 diabetes.
A new study from The Ottawa Hospital and the University of Ottawa found that repeating an abnormal PSA test reduces unnecessary biopsies by 55 percent. Men with conflicting test results who had a second normal test were diagnosed with cancer within a year, suggesting the importance of repeat testing.
Duchenne muscular dystrophy directly affects muscle stem cells, leading to intrinsic defects in their function. Researchers discovered that dystrophin is a key member of the molecular machinery that enables muscle stem cells sense their orientation in the surrounding tissue.
A new study published in JAMA-Oncology found that a personalized approach to treating chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting is more effective than the existing 'one size fits all' guidelines. Patients at higher risk of nausea and vomiting due to personal factors such as age, pregnancy history, or travel sickness showed significant i...
Three new studies led by The Ottawa Hospital researchers show that ramipril, levofloxacin, and sirolimus are not nearly as effective as previously thought, with potential serious side effects.
A small clinical trial suggests that a genetically-enhanced stem cell therapy can improve blood flow in the lungs and enhance exercise ability in patients with PAH. The therapy was generally well-tolerated, but one patient died after treatment due to severe disease progression.
A large clinical trial led by The Ottawa Hospital and the University of Ottawa found that CT scans do not improve cancer detection in people with unexplained blood clots. Approximately four percent of patients from each group were diagnosed with cancer within the next year, with no difference in cancer-associated deaths.
Researchers have discovered a way to make pancreatic cancer cells more susceptible to oncolytic viruses by exploiting the communication between cancer cells and supportive cells, such as cancer-associated fibroblasts. This weakness can be exploited to improve treatment outcomes for patients with pancreatic cancer.
A large clinical trial found no significant difference in mortality between fresh and older blood in critically ill patients. The Age of Blood Evaluation (ABLE) study, conducted across 64 centers, showed that 423 patients died within 90 days with fresh blood compared to 398 with older blood.
Researchers have discovered a new biological pathway that connects anxiety and obesity, leading to the discovery of a potentially therapeutic drug. The study suggests that inhibiting an enzyme called PTP1B may alleviate both anxiety disorders and obesity.
A recent study published in JAMA found that hospitalization for pneumonia significantly raises the risk of developing cardiovascular disease. This is especially true for older adults and those with pre-existing cardiovascular risk factors such as diabetes, smoking, and high cholesterol.
A recent study published in PNAS reveals the link between gelsolin protein and ovarian cancer resistance, providing a promising avenue for developing new therapies. By cutting down gelsolin levels, researchers found that chemo-resistant cells become susceptible to chemotherapy.
A new study has provided clinical guidelines for selecting the best oral blood thinner for patients suffering from deep vein thrombosis. The study, published in JAMA, analyzed 45 randomized trials involving nearly 45,000 patients and found no major differences in effectiveness and safety among eight anticoagulant therapies.
Researchers found that age-related decline in skeletal muscle stem cell function is caused by increased activation of the JAK/STAT signalling pathway. Inhibiting this pathway with specific drugs restores muscle stem cell function and promotes tissue repair.
A new study led by Dr. Marc Rodger finds that low molecular weight heparin (LMWH) has no positive benefits for pregnant women, and may even cause harm by increasing bleeding and reducing access to anesthesia during childbirth. The study's results are a significant relief for many women who had been prescribed the treatment for decades.
The discovery of the Snf2h gene's role in cerebellum development highlights its importance in balance, fine motor control, and complex physical movements. Without this gene, the cerebellum becomes smaller, leading to compromised balance and refined movements.
New research reveals that blocking cell death proteins can prevent abnormal heart muscle thickening in animal models. This breakthrough could lead to new strategies for treating certain forms of heart disease, including hypertension and genetic conditions.
Researchers have developed unique virus-derived particles that can kill human blood cancer cells in the laboratory and eradicate the disease in mice. These non-replicating particles, derived from rhabdovirus, work by direct cytolysis and induction of antitumor immunity, showing promise as a new therapy for leukemia.
Researchers used advanced mathematical modelling to devise strategies for making cancer cells exquisitely sensitive to virus infection, killing them without affecting normal cells. The models were remarkably accurate, predicting experimental outcomes in a mouse model of the disease and creating a useful framework for further research.
Researchers have discovered a trigger that turns muscle stem cells into brown fat, a form of good fat associated with less obesity. The discovery, published in Cell Metabolism, provides hope for a potential obesity treatment using adult skeletal muscle stem cells.
Dr. Bernard Thébaud's team presents promising findings on treating bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD), a lung disease affecting thousands of premature newborns annually. Their study suggests the use of human umbilical cord-derived stem cells as a potential treatment, paving the way for further research and clinical trials.
Scientists discovered injecting Wnt7a into muscle affected by Duchenne muscular dystrophy significantly increases its size and strength. The treatment shows promise as a therapy akin to insulin use for diabetics.
Researchers have discovered that putrescine water can increase the viability of egg cells in women over 30 by inhibiting chromosomal defects. The compound, naturally produced in mammals during ovulation, has been shown to reduce defective eggs by over 50% in older mice.
A randomized clinical trial of 377 premature babies found that receiving fresher blood did not improve clinical outcomes, including major organ injury, mortality, and infection. The study, led by Dr. Dean Fergusson, used the gold standard of medical science and challenged existing beliefs about fresh blood being better.
Researchers at The Ottawa Hospital have found a protein in the blood of pregnant women that can predict if they are likely to have a fetus with growth restrictions, leading to stillbirth and long-term health complications. A widely available blood test could help develop ways to improve outcomes for women and their children.
A large study found that mothers who received the H1N1 flu vaccine during pregnancy were 34% less likely to have a stillbirth, 28% less likely to deliver before 32 weeks, and 19% less likely to give birth to a child with low birth weight. The study also showed no adverse outcomes for vaccinated mothers and their babies.
Scientists have discovered that mice lacking Snf2l gene have larger brains, more cells and actively dividing brain stem cells, providing a new approach to stimulate brain regeneration and understand developmental disorders. The research may lead to potential treatments for conditions like autism and Rett syndrome.
A phase I clinical trial led by Ottawa researchers will test the safety and efficacy of mesenchymal stem cells in treating septic shock. The study aims to evaluate the therapy's effects on up to 15 patients with septic shock, who will receive standard treatments plus a planned dose of MSCs.
Scientists discovered a drug called fasudil can extend the average lifespan of mice with Spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) from 30.5 days to over 300 days. Fasudil-treated SMA mice had larger muscle fibers and behaved more normally, but still showed low motor neuron numbers.
A large study involving over 9,000 cardiac arrest patients found that longer initial CPR has no survival benefit. Bystander CPR may improve outcomes in patients who receive it.
A world-first viral therapy trial has shown promising results, with 87% of patients experiencing viral replication in their tumours and tumour-selective expression of a foreign gene after intravenous delivery. The treatment was well-tolerated, with mild flu-like symptoms as the most common side effect.
A Canadian-led international study has found a link between the most common genetic risk factor for Parkinson's and the hallmark accumulation of alpha-synuclein in the brains of people with Parkinson's. The GBA mutation increases the risk of developing Parkinson's symptoms four to five years earlier than those without it.