Gram-negative bacteria such as E.coli, salmonella, shigella, pseudomonas aeruginosa, and yersina pestis are responsible for a wide range of diseases. A common trait shared by these bacteria is their capacity to inject toxins directly into the cells of infected individuals using a syringe-shaped “nano-machine” called the Type 3 Secretion System injectisome. Preventing the injectisome from performing its function would effectively prevent these bacteria from causing a disease.
The injectisome is an important target for the development of novel treatments against bacterial infection. This research project will attempt to obtain a “map” of the injectisome at the level of individual atoms. Such a map will allow us to understand how different components interact to assemble such a “nano-machine” at the surface of the bacteria, and the mechanism by which the injectisome can inject toxins into human cells.
To map the injectisome at the level of individual atoms, Dr. Bergeron will use a range of biophysical methods, such as X-ray crystallography, nuclear magnetic resonance, electron microscopy, and molecular modelling.
A map of the injectisome could be used to design novel antibiotics or vaccines, which would function against a wide range of bacteria. In addition, understanding the mechanism of this nano-machine could allow the development of microscopic targeted injection devices with a wide range of potential applications.
Half of individuals recovering from a stroke have some form of impaired cognition, which hampers their independence. One possible contributor to impaired cognition after stroke is the presence of small “silent” lesions, which are detected in up to 28 percent of individuals with stroke.
Currently, there is little data describing the impact of silent lesions on stroke recovery. This study will determine if impaired cognition after stroke is associated with the presence and quantity of silent lesions.
Multimodal neuroimaging will identify how silent lesions affect brain function after stroke and determine if the number and/or type of silent lesion differently impacts cognition or brain function. The impact of silent lesions on brain function will be assessed by measuring cerebral vascular reactivity and examining neural network activity during a cognitive task.
Together with a battery of cognitive assessments, these measures will help explain how silent lesions alter cognition after a stroke. This knowledge will lead to the development of new interventions that account for silent lesions, resulting in improved quality of life for Canadians with stroke.
Anthracyclines are a class of drugs used world-wide for the treatment of most cancers. However, their clinical utility is limited by a high risk of cardiac toxicity and congestive heart failure.
Dr. Aminkeng aims to identify genetic markers that can predict anthracycline-induced cardiotoxicity and congestive heart failure using a genome-wide association study (GWAS). The goal is to develop a clinical test that will allow for better identification of risk factors and improved treatment and monitoring that will increase the safety of anthracycline therapy.
Study participants have been recruited via the Canadian Pharmacogenomics Network for Drug Safety. Patients will be genotyped using the GWAS Illumina Infinium assay. In vitro, in vivo, and pharmacokinetic studies and pharmacodynamics modelling will be used to study the functional relevance of identified genes.
A highly predictive test for anthracycline-induced cardiotoxicity and congestive heart failure would significantly benefit patients, families and physicians by improving counselling and treatment options. For example, a patient at high risk could receive more aggressive echocardiogram monitoring for toxicity, receive a cardio-protective drug such as dexrasoxane, or be treated with an alternative chemotherapy protocol.
The BC Proteomics Network (BCPN) will build on its foundation of providing support for proteomics research and education in the province, and in Phase II will continue to add value to the BC research community through an expanded research mandate, upgraded research support services, enhanced educational opportunities, and health system improvement in the province.
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The recruitment and retention of health care professionals is one of the most pressing challenges currently facing the Canadian health care system. In rural communities, the number of obstetricians and general surgeons is diminishing for a number of reasons, including difficulties in recruitment, an aging workforce, resistance to a demanding call schedule, and an increase in sub-specialization resulting in fewer ‘general’ surgeons. In some rural communities, maternity care is provided by general surgeons with enhanced obstetrical skills.
There are approximately 4,000 pregnant women in BC living in rural communities whose maternity care comes from these general practice (GP) surgeons. Despite the important role these practitioners play in sustaining rural maternity care in BC, to date, there has been no systematic research into their current experiences, and no official policy regarding guidelines for the practice, training, and maintenance of skills. Dr. Jude Kornelsen is investigating the role of these practitioners in rural health care in BC and their contribution to sustainable maternity care in these communities from a multi-disciplinary perspective.
Primarily through in-depth interviews, she will detail the experiences of GP surgeons in providing obstetrical care to rural communities including understanding their motivation, the nature of support received, and identifying any barriers to practice. She will describe the relationship between GP surgeons and specialists in their local community and in referral facilities, and determine how they receive ongoing training, mentoring and education. Ultimately, this research will provide a greater understanding of the culture of GP surgeons’ role in rural maternity service delivery in rural BC, and will help to inform policy guidelines regarding the practice, training, and maintenance of skills.
Population Data BC provides researchers with access to one of the world’s largest collections of health care, health services and population health data, and a comprehensive education and training service on how to best use those data.
With the foundational processes and products in place, the proposal outlined a plan for the expansion of the Platform in terms of its use, user groups and enhancement of its quality.
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The purpose of this demonstration knowledge translation project is to build upon and advance knowledge of effective, integrated KT in health care in the context of the “Initiative for a Palliative Approach in Nursing: Evidence and Leadership” (iPANEL), an MSFHR-funded project on the advancement of evidence and leadership for a palliative approach in nursing. The KT research project will test a model for effective, collaborative and integrated knowledge translation processes in facilitating the uptake and integration of the clinical recognition to identify which clients would benefit from a palliative approach, particularly as they transition from hospital to community settings, and what resources could be mobilized for them. The research team will include academic, administrative, clinical stakeholders and a knowledge broker. The aim of the project is to refine a model for KT that provides practical guidance to Health Authorities and specific clinical sites for integration of KT into health services.
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Home care clients are at particularly high risk for falls and related injuries by virtue of their degree of frailty, lack of independent mobility and presence of multiple chronic conditions. The objective of this study is to determine the impact, cost effectiveness and sustainability of the Strategies and Actions for Independent Living (SAIL) program, and the sub component of the SAIL program – the Home Activity Program (HAP), as strategies for reducing falls and their consequences among home care clients. The SAIL interventions include staff training, fall and injury surveillance, individualized client prevention plans and a Home Activity Program.
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