Evaluating the ingress of total polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) specifically naphthalene through firefighter hoods and base layers.

Structural firefighters are exposed to an array of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) as a result of incomplete combustion of both synthetic and natural materials. PAHs are found in both the particulate and vapor phases in the firefighting environment and are significantly associated with acute and chronic diseases, including cancer. Using a fireground exposure simulator (FES) and standing mannequins dressed in four different firefighter personal protective equipment (PPE) conditions, each with varying levels of protective hood interface and particulate-blocking features, the efficacy of the hoods was assessed against the ingress of PAHs (specifically, naphthalene).

Cost-Effectiveness of Breast Cancer Screening Using Digital Mammography in Canada.

Importance: Evolving breast cancer treatments have led to improved outcomes but carry a substantial financial burden. The association of treatment costs with the cost-effectiveness of screening mammography is unknown.

Objective: To determine the cost-effectiveness of population-based breast cancer screening in the context of current treatment standards.

Screening for breast cancer: a systematic review update to inform the Canadian Task Force on Preventive Health Care guideline.

Objective: This systematic review update synthesized recent evidence on the benefits and harms of breast cancer screening in women aged ≥ 40 years and aims to inform the Canadian Task Force on Preventive Health Care's (CTFPHC) guideline update.

Methods: We searched Ovid MEDLINE® ALL, Embase Classic + Embase and Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials to update our searches to July 8, 2023. Search results for observational studies were limited to publication dates from 2014 to capture more relevant studies.

Guidelines unmet: Assessing gaps in breast cancer survivorship care.

Background: In Canada, after completing their treatment at oncology centers in tertiary care facilities, most breast cancer patients are discharged and receive survivorship care from primary care providers (PCPs). Evidence-based guidelines exist to inform appropriate care for breast cancer survivor follow-up.

Objectives: This study analyzed the concordance of breast cancer survivorship follow-up care by PCPs with recommended guidelines at an academic Family Health Team (FHT) in Ottawa.

Elevated hematopoietic stem cell frequency in mouse alveolar bone marrow.

Hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs) are crucial for maintaining hematopoietic homeostasis and are localized within distinct bone marrow (BM) niches. While BM niches are often considered similar across different skeletal sites, we discovered that the alveolar BM (al-BM) in the mandible harbors the highest frequency of immunophenotypic HSCs in nine different skeletal sites. Transplantation assays revealed significantly increased engraftment from al-BM compared to femur, tibia, or pelvis BM, likely due to a higher proportion of alveolar HSCs.