Review of the UBC Porcine Model of Traumatic Spinal Cord Injury

Traumatic spinal cord injury (SCI) research has recently focused on the use of rat and mouse models for in vivo SCI experiments. Such small rodent SCI models are invaluable for the field, and much has been discovered about the biologic and physiologic aspects of SCI from these models. It has been difficult, however, to reproduce the efficacy of treatments found to produce neurologic benefits in rodent SCI models when these treatments are tested in human clinical trials. A large animal model may have advantages for translational research where anatomical, physiological, or genetic similarities to humans may be more relevant for pre-clinically evaluating novel therapies. Here, we review the work carried out at the University of British Columbia (UBC) on a large animal model of SCI that utilizes Yucatan miniature pigs. The UBC porcine model of SCI may be a useful intermediary in the pre-clinical testing of novel pharmacological treatments, cell-based therapies, and the “bedside back to bench” translation of human clinical observations, which require preclinical testing in an applicable animal model.

Review of the UBC Porcine Model of Traumatic Spinal Cord Injury

Traumatic spinal cord injury (SCI) research has recently focused on the use of rat and mouse models for in vivo SCI experiments. Such small rodent SCI models are invaluable for the field, and much has been discovered about the biologic and physiologic aspects of SCI from these models. It has been difficult, however, to reproduce the efficacy of treatments found to produce neurologic benefits in rodent SCI models when these treatments are tested in human clinical trials. A large animal model may have advantages for translational research where anatomical, physiological, or genetic similarities to humans may be more relevant for pre-clinically evaluating novel therapies. Here, we review the work carried out at the University of British Columbia (UBC) on a large animal model of SCI that utilizes Yucatan miniature pigs. The UBC porcine model of SCI may be a useful intermediary in the pre-clinical testing of novel pharmacological treatments, cell-based therapies, and the “bedside back to bench” translation of human clinical observations, which require preclinical testing in an applicable animal model.

Interaction of Gender and Hepatitis C in Risk of Chronic Renal Failure After Liver Transplantation

ABSTRACT Background. Chronic renal failure (CRF) is a significant cause of morbidity and mortality in post-liver transplantation (LT) recipients. The risk factors associated with the development of renal dysfunction are not clearly elucidated. Objectives. To examine the risk factors in the development of CRF in these patients. Material and methods. Retrospective case-cohort of liver transplant patients without baseline kidney dysfunction who developed chronic renal failure during their follow-up. Results. Of 370 patients, 254 met the inclusion criteria. 30% (76) of these patients had CRF of which 57% (43) were male. Age, estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) at discharge, and HCV infection were found to be risk factors for CRF post-LT. The odds ratio of developing CRF was 1.4 (0.6-3.3) in males with HCV, 1.6 (0.7-3.9) in females without HCV and 4.4 (1.5-13.2) among females with HCV when compared to men without HCV. Conclusions. In this cohort of LT receipients of a major Canadian city, age, eGFR, and HCV infection were risk factors for CRF. Female gender and HCV increased this odds by a factor of more than 4.

Contribuições do programa de doutorado sanduíche nas abordagens metodológicas: relato de experiência / Contribuciones del programa de doctorado sándwich con los abordajes metodológicos: relato de experiencia / Contributions of the sandwich doctoral program to methodological approaches: an experience report

RESUMO Objetivo Compartilhar experiências e insights teóricos e metodológicos que os pesquisadores obtiveram ao trabalhar juntos durante um programa de doutorado sanduíche. Método Trata-se de um estudo descritivo do tipo relato de experiência. Resultados Incorporou-se o pensamento restaurativo no estudo da cultura de segurança do paciente e espera-se implementar o plano de knowledge translation utilizando os princípios do diálogo deliberativo como uma estratégia para aumentar a aplicabilidade dos resultados da pesquisa. Conclusão A incorporação de novas metodologias nas pesquisas da enfermagem brasileira possui um papel fundamental para o alcance de visibilidade e participação internacional nas diferentes áreas de conhecimento da enfermagem.

RESUMEN Objetivo Compartir experiencias e introspecciones teóricas y metodológicas que los investigadores obtuvieron al trabajar juntos durante un programa de doctorado sándwich. Método Estudio descriptivo del tipo relato de experiencia. Resultados Se ha incorporado el pensamiento restaurador en el estudio de la cultura de seguridad del paciente y se espera implementar el plan de traducir conocimientos usando los principios del diálogo deliberativo como una estrategia para aumentar la aplicabilidad de los resultados de la investigación. Conclusión La incorporación de nuevas metodologías en las investigaciones de enfermería brasileña tiene un rol fundamental para el alcance de visibilidad y participación internacional en las diferentes áreas de conocimiento de enfermería.

ABSTRACT Objective To share our experience on theoretical and methodological insights we have gained as researchers working together during the Sandwich Doctoral Program. Method This is a descriptive experience report. Results We have incorporated restoration thinking into a study on patient safety culture and will enhance knowledge translation by applying principles of deliberative dialogue to increase the uptake and implementation of research results. Conclusion Incorporating new approaches in Brazilian nursing research plays a key role in achieving international participation and visibility in different areas of nursing knowledge.

Occupational Exposure to Antineoplastic Drugs: Identification of Job Categories Potentially Exposed throughout the Hospital Medication System

OBJECTIVES: Studies examining healthcare workers' exposure to antineoplastic drugs have focused on the drug preparation or drug administration areas. However, such an approach has probably underestimated the overall exposure risk as the drugs need to be delivered to the facility, transported internally and then disposed. The objective of this study is to determine whether drug contamination occurs throughout a facility and, simultaneously, to identify those job categories that are potentially exposed. METHODS: This was a multi-site study based in Vancouver, British Columbia. Interviews were conducted to determine the departments where the drugs travel. Subsequent site observations were performed to ascertain those surfaces which frequently came into contact with antineoplastic drugs and to determine the job categories which are likely to contact these surfaces. Wipe samples were collected to quantify surface contamination. RESULTS: Surface contamination was found in all six stages of the hospital medication system. Job categories consistently found to be at risk of exposure were nurses, pharmacists, pharmacy technicians, and pharmacy receivers. Up to 11 job categories per site may be at risk of exposure at some point during the hospital medication system. CONCLUSION: We found drug contamination on select surfaces at every stage of the medication system, which indicates the existence of an exposure potential throughout the facility. Our results suggest that a broader range of workers are potentially exposed than has been previously examined. These results will allow us to develop a more inclusive exposure assessment encompassing all healthcare workers that are at risk throughout the hospital medication system.

Ethnic differences in survival for female cancers of the breast, cervix and colorectum in British Columbia, Canada.

BACKGROUND: Chinese and South Asians are among the fastest growing minority populations in Canada; however little is known about the burden of cancer in these populations. OBJECTIVE: The objective is to examine survival rates for breast, cervical and colorectal cancers in women within these two ethnic populations, as compared to the BC general population. METHODS: Survival rates were calculated for three time periods in the Chinese, South Asian and BC general populations, using the BC cancer registry. Ethnicity within the registry was determined using surnames. RESULTS: Survival rates for female breast, cervical and colorectal cancers have improved over time in all three population groups, however general differences were found among the groups. Chinese women had higher survival rates than both South Asians and all BC women for breast and cervical cancer, and intermediate survival rates between South Asians and all BC women for colorectal cancer. South Asian women had the highest survival rates for colorectal cancer, similar survival rates to all BC women for breast cancer, and lower survival rates for cervical cancer. INTERPRETATION: Differences in the observed survival rates may be explained by variations in screening and early detection, treatment practices, and cancer biology. This is discussed more fully for each cancer site.

Predisposing, reinforcing and enabling factors associated with hepatitis B testing in Chinese Canadians in British Columbia.

BACKGROUND: Liver cancer, a significant health problem in Chinese, can be controlled through HBV blood testing, vaccination, and community education about HBV. The PRECEDE framework has been very helpful in identifying factors associated with health practices. OBJECTIVES: The objective was to identify factors associated with HBV testing in Chinese Canadians, using the PRECEDE framework. METHODS: Five hundred and thirty-three randomly selected Chinese Canadian adults were interviewed about HBV blood testing practices. Factors were grouped as predisposing, reinforcing and enabling. RESULTS: Fifty-five percent had received HBV blood testing. Several predisposing factors, all reinforcing factors and one enabling factor were associated with HBV testing in bivariate analysis. A physician's recommendation for testing was the strongest factor associated with testing in multiple logistic regression analysis (OR=4.4, p<0.0001). INTERPRETATION: Many Chinese Canadian adults in Vancouver have not been tested for HBV. Continuing educational efforts are needed and the PRECEDE framework can inform the development of health education interventions.

Comparison of cancer incidence in Iran and Iranian immigrants to British Columbia, Canada.

Migrant studies provided strong evidence about the role of environment and life style in cancer risk. Iran has experienced many immigrants to other countries with different cultures and environment. This study compares cancer incidence rates in Iran, Iranian immigrants to British Columbia (BC), Canada, and the BC general population. Cancer incidence rates were computed from two population-based cancer registries in Iran and from the BC cancer registry. A listing of common Iranian surnames and given names was produced to identify Iranian immigrants within the BC cancer registry. Age-standardized rates (ASRs) were calculated using mid year census data. The overall cancer incidence rate for Iranian female immigrants was intermediate between rates for Iran and the BC general population, and the rate for Iranian male immigrants was lower as compared to the other population groups. For female Iranian immigrants, the incidence of breast cancer was increased four-fold, and for colorectal cancer two-fold, as compared to Iranian rates. A dramatic decrease was found in the incidence of both stomach and oesophageal cancers for Iranian immigrants of both sexes. For male Iranian immigrants, the incidence of prostate cancer was increased as compared to Iranian rates. Differences in incidence rates of specific cancers were observed between BC Iranian immigrants and Iran, with cancer patterns in Iranian immigrants being more similar to the BC general population. This warrants further investigation into differences in lifestyle and cancer detection.

Methodology to identify Iranian immigrants for epidemiological studies.

Determining ethnic differences in cancer patterns using administrative databases is often a methodological challenge for information on ethnicity or place of birth is commonly lacking. This paper describes the approach we used to identify Iranians residing in British Columbia (BC), Canada and who were registered within the BC Cancer Registry. A listing of common Iranian surnames and given names was generated from two sources: a residential telephone book (with a high density of Iranians) and a provincial breast cancer screening program (which allowed for the selection of women born in Iran). Surnames and given names were reviewed manually and the Iranian names were identified and coded as 'highly probable' and 'probable' Iranian. A name directory was then created and linked with the BC Cancer Registry to identify Iranian cancer cases. Using this method, 1729 surnames and 737 given names were selected from the telephone book, and 1881 surnames and 757 given names from the screening program. The majority of these names were coded as 'highly probable' Iranian (98% and 96% for surnames and given names, respectively). 12% of surnames and 10% of given names were common to both sources. A listing of the most common Iranian surnames and given names is provided. In conclusion, in the absence of other ethnicity data, surnames and given names can be very helpful to identify persons of specific ethnicities when these ethnic groups have distinctive names.

Guidelines for the Screening of Uterine Cervical Cancer

Cancer has become a major cause of death in Korea since 1989. Despite the major advances in the treatment of cancer, prevention and early detection is the most effective strategy to decrease the mortality from cancer. The indicence of invasive cervical cancer has declined since the 1950s, and indirect evidence suggests that this decline is the result of the institution of screening with cervical smear. However, cervical cancer continues to be a major health problem in the developing world today, where screening is not universal. Among Korean women, the incidence of cervical cancer is still high and was the 3rd most common cancer following stomach and breast cancer in 2000. If preinvasive conditions would be included, the disease would be the most frequent. The first organized screening programmes were initiated in 1949 at British Columbia, Canada. Since then, cervical cancer screening programmes have been implemented in almost all developed countries. In Korea, opportunistic screening began in the late 1950s, and organized screening began in 1998 by Health Insurance without a consensus meeting. The guidelines for the screening of cervical cancer were developed by National Cancer Center and the Koean Society of Obstetrics and Gynecology in May, 2001 ; and the national screening programmes were developed by the Supporting Evaluation Board of National Cancer Screening Program in December, 2001. This article introduces these programmes.