Medicine and Health Sciences Commons^™

Precision Of Metabolite-Selective Mrs Measurements Of Glutamate, Gaba And Glutathione: A Review Of Human Brain Studies., Kesavi Kanagasabai, Lena Palaniyappan, Jean Theberge

Department of Medicine Publications

Single-voxel proton magnetic resonance spectroscopy (SV 1 H-MRS) is an in vivo noninvasive imaging technique used to detect neurotransmitters and metabolites. It enables repeated measurements in living participants to build explanatory neurochemical models of psychiatric symptoms and testing of therapeutic approaches. Given the tight link among glutamate, gamma-amino butyric acid (GABA), glutathione and glutamine within the cellular machinery, MRS investigations of neurocognitive and psychiatric disorders must quantify a network of metabolites simultaneously to capture the pathophysiological states of interest. Metabolite-selective sequences typically provide improved metabolite isolation and spectral modelling simplification for a single metabolite at a time. Non-metabolite-selective sequences provide …

Share Cannabidiol Exposure During Gestation Leads To Adverse Cardiac Outcomes Early In Postnatal Life In Male Rat Offspring., Daniel B. Hardy, Steven R. Laviolette, Kendrick Lee, David Rc Natale

Physiology and Pharmacology Publications

Introduction: Studies indicate that *7% of pregnant individuals in North America consume cannabis in pregnancy. Pre-clinical studies have established that maternal exposure to D9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC; major psychoactive component in cannabis) leads to fetal growth restriction and impaired cardiac function in offspring. However, the effects of maternal exposure to cannabidiol (CBD; major non-euphoric constituent) on cardiac outcomes in offspring remain unknown. Therefore, our objective is to investigate the functional and underlying molecular impacts in the hearts of offspring exposed to CBD in pregnancy. Methods: Pregnant Wistar rats were exposed to either 3 or 30mg/kg CBD or vehicle control i.p. daily from …

Cannabidiol Exposure During Rat Pregnancy Leads To Labyrinth-Specific Vascular Defects In The Placenta And Reduced Fetal Growth, Daniel B. Hardy, David R C Natale, Kendrick Lee

Physiology and Pharmacology Publications

Introduction: Cannabis use is increasing among pregnant people, and cannabidiol (CBD), a constituent of cannabis, is often perceived as ‘‘natural’’ and ‘‘safe’’ as it is non-intoxicating. In utero, cannabis exposure is associated with negative health outcomes, including fetal growth restriction (FGR). The placenta supplies oxygen and nutrients to the fetus, and alterations in placental development can lead to FGR. While there has been some investigation into the effects of D9-THC, there has been limited investigation into the impacts of in utero gestational CBD exposure on the placenta. Methods: This study used histological and transcriptomic analysis of embryonic day (E)19.5 rat …

Working Towards Recommended Terminology In The Canadian Preschool Speech-Language Pathology Context, Alison Csercsics, Lisa Md Archibald, Barbara Jane Cunningham

PRECISe Preschool Speech and Language Publications

Purpose: This quality improvement project aimed to address the inconsistent use of clinical labels across a preschool speech and language program in Ontario, Canada. The study investigated whether a multi-component knowledge translation intervention could increase speech-language pathologists’ (SLPs’) knowledge about the recommended clinical labels, motivate their intentions to use the labels, and facilitate practice change during a three-month pilot period.

Method: The Diffusion of Innovations Theory was utilized to identify and address known and suspected barriers and facilitators that could influence the adoption of consistent terminology. The intervention was evaluated using a pre-experimental study design (with pre-post-follow-up testing) and included …

Sasah Experiential Learning: Global Health Equity, Anjali Singh

SASAH 4th Year Capstone and Other Projects: Publications

My journey with the Global Health Equity (GHE) internship program through the SASAH experiential learning program has been a transformative experience. This report encapsulates an exploration of the four years I have spent at the placement, outlining the evolution of skills, collaborations, and impactful projects that have strengthened my academic development and career aspirations. The report starts with a reflective introduction on my initial anxiety about entering the GHE internship, ultimately highlighting the meeting of interests between diplomacy, global affairs, and journalism with the internship’s focus on global health equity. I highlight pivotal encounters with mentors, colleagues, staff, and experts, …

Experiential Learning Final Report: Ase Leadership And Usri, Lauren Cowell

SASAH 4th Year Capstone and Other Projects: Publications

This reflective journey encapsulates the profound impact of my SASAH experiential learning, encompassing roles as an ASE Transition Leader and a USRI intern during my undergraduate years. From fostering academic growth to developing practical skills applicable in professional settings, this program provided unique opportunities for multidimensional learning. Collaboration emerged as a cornerstone, teaching adaptability, resilience, and the nuances of teamwork. Engaging with professionals contributed to workplace insights and personal growth. The roles undertaken enriched my skill set, from refining public speaking to engaging in collaborative research. The CliftonStrengths framework played a pivotal role, guiding me through challenges and leveraging collective …

Cognitive Decline In Thrombotic Thrombocytopenic Purpura Survivors: The Role Of White Matter Health As Assessed By Mri., F Hannan, J Hamilton, C J Patriquin, K Pavenski, M T Jurkiewicz, L Tristao, A M Owen, P K Kosalka, S C L Deoni, J Théberge, J Mandzia, S H S Huang, J D Thiessen

Department of Medicine Publications

Immune-mediated thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura (iTTP) is a rare condition caused by severe ADAMTS13 deficiency, leading to platelet aggregation and thrombosis. Despite treatment, patients are prone to cognitive impairment and depression. We investigated brain changes in iTTP patients during remission using advanced magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) techniques, correlating these changes with mood and neurocognitive tests. Twenty iTTP patients in remission (30 days post-haematological remission) were compared with six healthy controls. MRI scans, including standard and specialized sequences, were conducted to assess white matter health. Increased T1 relaxation times were found in the cingulate cortex (p < 0.05), and elevated T2 relaxation times were observed in the cingulate cortex, frontal, parietal and temporal lobes (p < 0.05). Pathological changes in these areas are correlated with impaired cognitive and depressive scores in concentration, short-term memory and verbal memory. This study highlights persistent white matter damage in iTTP patients, potentially contributing to depression and cognitive impairment. Key regions affected include the frontal lobe and cingulate cortex. These findings have significant implications for the acute and long-term management of iTTP, suggesting a need for re-evaluation of treatment approaches during both active phases and remission. Further research is warranted to enhance our understanding of these complexities.

Polisci 3210f: Feasibility Of A National Disability Insurance Plan (Ndip) In Canada, Twana Hassan, Aditi Priya, Dylan Poole, Samantha Rubin, Ethan Chen

Community Engaged Learning Final Projects

This research report presents an overview of the feasibility and reliability of a National Disability Insurance Plan (NDIP) in Canada. Several Global North countries are leading the way in disability legislation and disability funding in comparison to Canada's inaction on the matter. A National Disability Insurance Plan in Canada will have social and economic benefits for everyone in Canada. The report concluded that Canada is capable of implementing a NDIP and doing so is the right choice.

Identifying Canonical And Replicable Multi-Scale Intrinsic Connectivity Networks In 100k+ Resting-State Fmri Datasets., A Iraji, Z Fu, A Faghiri, M Duda, J Chen, S Rachakonda, T Deramus, P Kochunov, B M Adhikari, A Belger, J M Ford, D H Mathalon, G D Pearlson, S G Potkin, A Preda, J A Turner, T G M Van Erp, J R Bustillo, K Yang, K Ishizuka, A Faria, A Sawa, K Hutchison, E A Osuch, Jean Theberge, C Abbott, B A Mueller, D Zhi, C Zhuo, S Liu, Y Xu, M Salman, J Liu, Y Du, J Sui, T Adali, V D Calhoun

Department of Medicine Publications

Despite the known benefits of data-driven approaches, the lack of approaches for identifying functional neuroimaging patterns that capture both individual variations and inter-subject correspondence limits the clinical utility of rsfMRI and its application to single-subject analyses. Here, using rsfMRI data from over 100k individuals across private and public datasets, we identify replicable multi-spatial-scale canonical intrinsic connectivity network (ICN) templates via the use of multi-model-order independent component analysis (ICA). We also study the feasibility of estimating subject-specific ICNs via spatially constrained ICA. The results show that the subject-level ICN estimations vary as a function of the ICN itself, the data length, …

Models Of Shared Care For The Management Of Psychotic Disorder After First Diagnosis In Ontario., Joshua C. Wiener, Rebecca Rodrigues, Jennifer N S Reid, Kelly K. Anderson

Epidemiology and Biostatistics Publications

OBJECTIVE: To describe the provision of care for young people following first diagnosis of psychotic disorder.

DESIGN: Retrospective cohort study using health administrative data.

SETTING: Ontario.

PARTICIPANTS: People aged 14 to 35 years with a first diagnosis of nonaffective psychotic disorder in Ontario between 2005 and 2015 (N=39,449).

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Models of care, defined by psychosis-related service contacts with primary care physicians and psychiatrists during the 2 years after first diagnosis of psychotic disorder.

RESULTS: During the 2-year follow-up period, 29% of the cohort received only primary care, 30% received only psychiatric care, and 32% received both primary and …

Neuroimaging-Based Classification Of Ptsd Using Data-Driven Computational Approaches: A Multisite Big Data Study From The Enigma-Pgc Ptsd Consortium., Xi Zhu, Yoojean Kim, Orren Ravid, Xiaofu He, Benjamin Suarez-Jimenez, Sigal Zilcha-Mano, Amit Lazarov, Seonjoo Lee, Chadi G Abdallah, Michael Angstadt, Christopher L Averill, C Lexi Baird, Lee A Baugh, Jennifer U Blackford, Jessica Bomyea, Steven E Bruce, Richard A Bryant, Zhihong Cao, Kyle Choi, Josh Cisler, Andrew S Cotton, Judith K Daniels, Nicholas D Davenport, Richard J Davidson, Michael D Debellis, Emily L Dennis, Maria Densmore, Terri Deroon-Cassini, Seth G Disner, Wissam El Hage, Amit Etkin, Negar Fani, Kelene A Fercho, Jacklynn Fitzgerald, Gina L Forster, Jessie L Frijling, Elbert Geuze, Atilla Gonenc, Evan M Gordon, Staci Gruber, Daniel W Grupe, Jeffrey P Guenette, Courtney C Haswell, Ryan J Herringa, Julia Herzog, David Bernd Hofmann, Bobak Hosseini, Anna R Hudson, Ashley A Huggins, Jonathan C Ipser, Neda Jahanshad, Meilin Jia-Richards, Tanja Jovanovic, Milissa L Kaufman, Mitzy Kennis, Anthony King, Philipp Kinzel, Saskia B J Koch, Inga K Koerte, Sheri M Koopowitz, Mayuresh S Korgaonkar, John H Krystal, Ruth Lanius, Christine L Larson, Lauren A M Lebois, Gen Li, Israel Liberzon, Guang Ming Lu, Yifeng Luo, Vincent A Magnotta, Antje Manthey, Adi Maron-Katz, Geoffery May, Katie Mclaughlin, Sven C Mueller, Laura Nawijn, Steven M Nelson, Richard W J Neufeld, Jack B Nitschke, Erin M O'Leary, Bunmi O Olatunji, Miranda Olff, Matthew Peverill, K Luan Phan, Rongfeng Qi, Yann Quidé, Ivan Rektor, Kerry Ressler, Pavel Riha, Marisa Ross, Isabelle M Rosso, Lauren E Salminen, Kelly Sambrook, Christian Schmahl, Martha E Shenton, Margaret Sheridan, Chiahao Shih, Maurizio Sicorello, Anika Sierk, Alan N Simmons, Raluca M Simons, Jeffrey S Simons, Scott R Sponheim, Murray B Stein, Dan J Stein, Jennifer S Stevens, Thomas Straube, Delin Sun, Jean Theberge, Paul M Thompson, Sophia I Thomopoulos, Nic J A Van Der Wee, Steven J A Van Der Werff, Theo G M Van Erp, Sanne J H Van Rooij, Mirjam Van Zuiden, Tim Varkevisser, Dick J Veltman, Robert R J M Vermeiren, Henrik Walter, Li Wang, Xin Wang, Carissa Weis, Sherry Winternitz, Hong Xie, Ye Zhu, Melanie Wall, Yuval Neria, Rajendra A Morey

Department of Medicine Publications

BACKGROUND: Recent advances in data-driven computational approaches have been helpful in devising tools to objectively diagnose psychiatric disorders. However, current machine learning studies limited to small homogeneous samples, different methodologies, and different imaging collection protocols, limit the ability to directly compare and generalize their results. Here we aimed to classify individuals with PTSD versus controls and assess the generalizability using a large heterogeneous brain datasets from the ENIGMA-PGC PTSD Working group.

METHODS: We analyzed brain MRI data from 3,477 structural-MRI; 2,495 resting state-fMRI; and 1,952 diffusion-MRI. First, we identified the brain features that best distinguish individuals with PTSD from controls …

Access To A Regular Primary Care Physician Among Young People With Early Psychosis In Ontario, Canada, Rebecca Rodrigues, Jennifer N S Reid, Joshua C. Wiener, Suzanne Archie, Richard G Booth, Chiachen Cheng, Arlene G Macdougall, Lena Palaniyappan, Bridget L Ryan, Aristotle Voineskos, Paul Kurdyak, Saadia Hameed Jan, Kelly K. Anderson

Epidemiology and Biostatistics Publications

AIM: Access to a primary care physician in early psychosis facilitates help-seeking and engagement with psychiatric treatment. We examined access to a regular primary care physician in people with early psychosis, compared to the general population, and explored factors associated with access.

METHODS: Using linked health administrative data from Ontario (Canada), we identified people aged 14-35 years with a first diagnosis of nonaffective psychotic disorder (n = 39 449; 2005-2015). We matched cases to four randomly selected general population controls based on age, sex, neighbourhood, and index date (n = 157 796). We used modified Poisson regression to estimate prevalence …

A Tale Of Two Targets: Examining The Differential Effects Of Posterior Cingulate Cortex- And Amygdala-Targeted Fmri-Neurofeedback In A Ptsd Pilot Study, Jonathan M. Lieberman, Daniela Rabellino, Maria Densmore, Paul Frewen, David Steyrl, Frank Scharnowski, Jean Theberge, Niki Hosseini-Kamkar, Richard W.J. Neufeld, Rakesh Jetly, Benicio N. Frey, Tomas Ros, Ruth A. Lanius, Andrew A. Nicholson

Department of Medicine Publications

Introduction: Real-time fMRI-based neurofeedback (rt-fMRI-NFB) is a non-invasive technology that enables individuals to self-regulate brain activity linked to neuropsychiatric symptoms, including those associated with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Selecting the target brain region for neurofeedback-mediated regulation is primarily informed by the neurobiological characteristics of the participant population. There is a strong link between PTSD symptoms and multiple functional disruptions in the brain, including hyperactivity within both the amygdala and posterior cingulate cortex (PCC) during trauma-related processing. As such, previous rt-fMRI-NFB studies have focused on these two target regions when training individuals with PTSD to regulate neural activity. However, the differential …

Data-Driven Decision Support Tool Co-Development With A Primary Health Care Practice Based Learning Network, Jacqueline K. Kueper, Jennifer Rayner, Sara Bhatti, Kelly Angevaare, Sandra Fitzpatrick, Paulino Lucamba, Eric Sutherland, Daniel J. Lizotte

Epidemiology and Biostatistics Publications

Background: The Alliance for Healthier Communities is a learning health system that supports Community Health Centres (CHCs) across Ontario, Canada to provide team-based primary health care to people who otherwise experience barriers to care. This case study describes the ongoing process and lessons learned from the first Alliance for Healthier Communities’ Practice Based Learning Network (PBLN) data-driven decision support tool co-development project.

Methods: We employ an iterative approach to problem identification and methods development for the decision support tool, moving between discussion sessions and case studies with CHC electronic health record (EHR) data. We summarize our work to date in …

Social Capital Associates With Better Cognitive Health, Oral Health And Epigenetic Age Deceleration: Findings From The Canadian Longitudinal Study On Aging., Aileen Liang, Noha Gomaa

Department of Medicine Publications

Background: Social exposures are linked to an array of health outcomes, especially around aging. In this study, we examined the association of social capital, defined as social relationships and networks, with clinical and biological outcomes including cognitive health, oral inflammation, and epigenetic aging. Methods: We used data from the Canadian Longitudinal Study on Aging (CLSA) (n =1,479; aged 45–85 years), categorizing social capital as structural and cognitive capital. Oral inflammation was determined as the presence of gum bleeding. Epigenetic aging was computed as the difference between chronological age and DNA methylation age. We constructed multivariable regression models adjusted for covariates …

Can The Power Of Sport Help Men With Overweight/Obesity Improve Their Health Through A Tailored Healthy Lifestyle Program?, Robert Petrella, Melissa Majoni, Marisa Kfrerer, Narton Boa Sorte Silva, Brendan Riggin, Wendy Blunt, Dawn P. Gill, Brooke Bliss, Guangyong Zou, Paul Aspinall, Jennifer Irwin

Department of Medicine Publications

Abstract

Context: In Canada and the U.S., a greater proportion of men (vs. women) have overweight or obesity. Despite this, men are underrepresented in weight loss research and fewer are recruited into weight loss services.

Objective: To determine whether participants who received an innovative gender-sensitized healthy lifestyle program (Hockey Fans in Training: Hockey FIT) would have greater weight loss and reduced waist circumference (WC), after 3 and 12 months, compared with a wait-list control group.

Study Design and Analysis: Cluster randomized controlled trial whereby 42 sites were randomly assigned to either the intervention (i.e., Hockey FIT) or a wait-list control …

Hockey Fans In Training Graduate Program (Hfit Grad): Process Evaluation Of An Add-On Fitness Program For Hfit Participants, Robert Petrella, Marisa Kfrerer, Olivia Crozier, Brendan Riggin, Wendy Blunt, Dawn P. Gill, Brooke Bliss

Department of Medicine Publications

Context: Approximately 1 in 4 Canadian adults are living with obesity, indicating a need to provide accessible, sustainable, and locally tailored programs to manage the disease long-term. HFIT Grad was a 6-week exercise and physical activity pilot program offered to previous participants who completed Hockey FIT (a 12-week healthy lifestyle program for male hockey fans who were overweight or had obesity) within the last 12 months. Objective: Evaluate the acceptability of HFIT Grad for promoting maintenance of health behaviours developed in Hockey FIT. Study Design and Analysis: Participants who completed HFIT Grad (n=27) were invited to participate in a virtual …

Hockey Fit For Women (Hfit For Women): Evaluating Reach And Implementation Of A Gender-Sensitized Healthy Lifestyle Program, Robert Petrella, Melissa Majoni, Marisa Kfrerer, Brendan Riggin, Wendy Blunt, Dawn P. Gill, Brooke Bliss, Olivia Crozier, Paul Aspinall

Department of Medicine Publications

Context: 57% of Canadian women have obesity or are overweight, indicating a need for novel mitigation strategies. Research suggests health promotion programs tailored to at-risk groups are more likely to be effective in improving health and sustaining implementation and outcomes long-term. Hockey FIT for Women (HFIT for Women) was adapted from Hockey Fans In Training (HFIT), a 12-week gendersensitized healthy lifestyle program for men who were hockey fans with obesity/overweight. Process evaluation findings from both a HFIT pilot and large-scale trial indicated a need to adapt to women. Objective: Evaluate reach and implementation of the HFIT for Women program from …

Recruitment And Characteristics Of Men With Overweight/Obesity From A Trial Of A Gender-Sensitized Healthy Lifestyle Program, Robert Petrella, Melissa Majoni, Marisa Kferer, Narlon Boa Sorte Silva, Precious Adekoya, Brendan Riggin, Wendy Blunt, Dawn P. Gill, Brooke Bliss, Matthew Dinunzio, Paul Aspinall, Jennifer Irwin

Department of Medicine Publications

Context: Engaging men in chronic disease prevention is critical as rates of obesity in men continue to increase, coupled with men being less likely to proactively seek preventative health care services.

Objective: To report on the recruitment and baseline characteristics of a healthy lifestyle program using the power of sport (hockey) to engage men.

Study Design and Analysis: Cluster randomized controlled trial where 42 sites were randomly assigned to either the intervention or wait-list control group. The intervention group received the Hockey Fans in Training (Hockey FIT) program (3-month active phase; 9-month minimally-supported phase) while the control group continued with …

Corrosion Of Implant Materials In The Human Body, Maedeh Barzmehri

Corrosion Research

This paper extensively examines the complex problem of implant corrosion occurring within the human body. The corrosion of implants gives rise to substantial challenges, encompassing compromised implant durability, patient safety concerns, and potential adverse impacts on the long-term functionality of the medical device. The study's primary objectives include offering a concise overview of the various corrosion mechanisms that impact a range of implant materials and outlining health complications linked to the byproducts of implant corrosion. Furthermore, it delves into a cost analysis specific to hip or knee revision arthroplasty, which has become a prevalent scenario in implant failure cases on …

Sex-Related Differences In Gait Characteristics And Their Associations With Symptoms In Individuals With Patellofemoral Osteoarthritis, Harvi Hart Dr.

Physical Therapy Publications

Background

Patellofemoral osteoarthritis (OA) is an important subgroup of knee OA. However, the influence of sex on gait characteristics in patients with patellofemoral OA is unknown.

Research question

Compare gait characteristics in females and males with patellofemoral OA and investigate their associations with patellofemoral joint-related symptoms and limitations.

Methods

Mixed effects polynomial regression models compared knee flexion-extension and adduction moments, knee flexion angles, and vertical ground reaction forces over 100% of stance between 26 females and 22 males with patellofemoral OA, with and without adjustment for walking speed and body mass. Multivariable linear regression models were then used to …

Validation Of An Integrated Pressure Level Measured Earmold Wideband Real-Ear-To-Coupler Difference Measurement, Matthew Urichuk, David Purcell, Prudence Allen, Susan Scollie

Communication Sciences and Disorders Publications

Objective: To validate measurement of predicted earmold wideband real-ear-to-coupler difference (wRECD) using an integrated pressure level (IPL) calibrated transducer and the incorporation of an acoustically measured tubing length correction. Design: Unilateral earmold SPL wRECD using varied hearing aid tubing length and the proposed predicted earmold IPL wRECD measurement procedure were completed on all participants and compared. Study Sample: 22 normal hearing adults with normal middle ear status were recruited. Results: There were no clinically significant differences between probe-microphone and predicted earmold IPL wRECD measurements between 500 and 2500 Hz. Above 5000 Hz, the predicted earmold IPL wRECD exceeded earmold SPL …

Development And Initial Evaluation Of The Hearing Aid Attribute And Feature Importance Evaluation (Hafie) Questionnaire, Hasan Saleh, Paula Folkeard, Selina Liao, Susan Scollie

Communication Sciences and Disorders Publications

Objectives: To develop and validate a novel questionnaire aimed at providing a structured, evidence-based methodology for hearing aid recommendation and selection using self-reported importance ratings for different modern hearing aid features. Design: The initial questionnaire items were created through a concept mapping approach that involved input from hearing aid users. Hearing care professional focus groups (n¼10) were conducted to assess questionnaire content and design, and to guide modifications. Validation of this initial 34-item version of the questionnaire was conducted using an anonymous online survey tool (Qualtrics). Exploratory factor analysis was used to assess the factor structure of the dataset, using …

Large-Scale Functional Hyperconnectivity Patterns In Trauma-Related Dissociation: An Rs-Fmri Study Of Ptsd And Its Dissociative Subtype, Saurabh B. Shaw, Braeden A. Terpou, Maria Densmore, Jean Theberge, Pau Frewen, Margaret C. Mckinnon, Ruth A. Lanius

Department of Medicine Publications

The dissociative subtype of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a distinct PTSD phenotype characterized by trauma-related dissociation, alongside unique patterns of functional connectivity. However, disparate findings across multiple scales of investigation have highlighted the need for a cohesive understanding of dissociative neurobiology. We took a step towards this goal by conducting one of the broadest region of interest (ROI)-to-ROI analyses performed on a PTSD population to date. In this retrospective study, we investigated resting-state functional MRI data collected from a total of 192 participants, 134 of whom were diagnosed with PTSD. Small functional connectivity differences (maximum effect size 0.27) were …

Rehabilitation Interventions For Physical Capacity And Quality Of Life In Adults With Post-Covid-19 Condition: A Systematic Review And Meta-Analysis., Dimitra V Pouliopoulou, Joy C Macdermid, Emily Saunders, Sue Peters, Laura Brunton, Erin Miller, Kieran L Quinn, Tiago V Pereira, Pavlos Bobos

Physical Therapy Publications

IMPORTANCE: Current rehabilitation guidelines for patients with post-COVID-19 condition (PCC) are primarily based on expert opinions and observational data, and there is an urgent need for evidence-based rehabilitation interventions to support patients with PCC.

OBJECTIVE: To synthesize the findings of existing studies that report on physical capacity (including functional exercise capacity, muscle function, dyspnea, and respiratory function) and quality of life outcomes following rehabilitation interventions in patients with PCC.

DATA SOURCES: A systematic electronic search was performed from January 2020 until February 2023, in MEDLINE, Scopus, CINAHL, and the Clinical Trials Registry. Key terms that were used to identify potentially …

Designing Systems For The Care We Need: A Transformation Journey In Southwestern Ontario., Shannon L. Sibbald, Jacobi Elliott, Alexander Smith, Mulugeta B. Chala, Nancy Dool Kontio, Amber Alpaugh-Bishop, Sarah Jarmain, Atharv Joshi, Mike Mcmahon, Matthew Meyer

Health Studies Publications

Primary care is considered the foundation of any health system. In Ontario, Canada Bills 41 and 74 introduced in 2016 and 2019, respectively, aimed to move towards a primary care-focused and sustainable integrated care approach designed around the needs of local populations. These bills collectively set the stage for integrated care and population health management in Ontario, with Ontario Health Teams (OHTs) introduced as a model of integrated care delivery systems. OHTs aim to streamline patient connectivity through the healthcare system and improve outcomes aligned with the Quadruple Aim. When Ontario released a call for health system partners to apply …

Students' Attitudes, Beliefs And Perceptions Surrounding 2slgbtqia + Health Education And Inclusiveness In Canadian Physiotherapy Programs, Codie A Primeau, Holly T Philpott, Kyle Vader, Janelle Unger, Christina Y Le, Trevor B Birmingham, Joy C Macdermid

Physical Therapy Publications

BACKGROUND: Patients who identify as 2SLGBTQIA + report negative experiences with physiotherapy. The objectives were to evaluate student attitudes, beliefs and perceptions related to 2SLGBTQIA + health education and working with individuals who identify as 2SLGBTQIA + in entry-level physiotherapy programs in Canada and to evaluate physiotherapy program inclusiveness towards 2SLGBTQIA + persons.

METHODS: We completed a nationwide, cross-sectional survey of physiotherapy students from Canadian institutions. We recruited students via email and social media from August-December 2021. Frequency results are presented with percentages. Logistic regression models (odds ratios [OR], 95%CI) were used to evaluate associations between demographics and training hours …

An Introduction To The Sustainable Developmental Goals Through The Lens Of Dewroze, Obidimma Ezezika, Kishif Fatima, Umayangga Yogalingam, Mona Jarrah, Suzanne Sicchia

Health Studies Publications

The following interactive discussion questions are based on a fictional animated storyline by Chapter 1 of the third edition of An Introduction to Global Health. The animated storyline and questions are intended to provide students with the opportunity to understand global health, the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), and barriers related to the social determinants of health, in the context of a developing country.

Students will be introduced to the fictional village of Dewroze where they will learn how poverty shapes vulnerabilities that lead to health inequities. In this village, students will meet Ada, Ada’s father, Ada’s mother who is pregnant, …

Using Machine Learning To Assist Auditory Processing Evaluation, Hasitha Wimalarathna, Sangamanatha Veeranna, Minh Vu Duong, Chris Allan Prof, Sumit K. Agrawal, Prudence Allen, Jagath Samarabandu, Hanif M. Ladak

Electrical and Computer Engineering Publications

Introduction: Approximately 0.2–5% of school-age children complain of listening difficulties in the absence of hearing loss. These children are often referred to an audiologist for an auditory processing disorder (APD) assessment. Adequate experience and training is necessary to arrive at an accurate diagnosis due to the heterogeneity of the disorder.

Objectives: The main goal of the study was to determine if machine learning (ML) can be used to analyze data from the APD clinical test battery to accurately categorize children with suspected APD into clinical sub-groups, similar to expert labels.

Methods: The study retrospectively collected data from 134 children referred …

Knowledge, Behaviours, And Training Related To 2slgbtqia+ Health Education Amongst Entry-Level Physiotherapy Students In Canada: Results Of A Nationwide, Cross-Sectional Survey, Codie A Primeau, Holly T Philpott, Kyle Vader, Janelle Unger, Christina Y Le, Trevor B Birmingham, Joy C Macdermid

Physical Therapy Publications

BACKGROUND: Individuals who identify as 2SLGBTQIA+ report worse health outcomes than heterosexual/cisgender counterparts, in part due to poor experiences with healthcare professionals. This may stem from inadequate 2SLGBTQIA+ health and inclusiveness training in health professional student education. The purpose of the study was to evaluate knowledge, behaviours, and training related to 2SLGBTQIA+ health education and inclusiveness for entry-level physiotherapy students in Canada.

METHODS: We conducted a nationwide, cross-sectional survey with physiotherapy students from accredited Canadian physiotherapy programs. We administered the survey through Qualtrics and recruited students through targeted recruitment emails and social media posts on Twitter and Instagram between August …