Physical, Psychosocial, and Practical Burden of Patients Receiving Care for Age-Related Macular Degeneration in Canada: A Mixed-Methods Qualitative Study.

Purpose: Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is a leading cause of irreversible vision loss. Documentation of the disease's description and treatment experience of Canadian patients is limited but of interest given the aging population and resultant implications for healthcare systems. A mixed-methods study was conducted to understand the challenges experienced by patients living in Canada with AMD to identify areas of need and for potential reform.

Willingness of Canadian community pharmacists to adopt a proactive life-course approach to vaccination services.

Background: Most Canadian jurisdictions authorize pharmacists to administer vaccines, with differences in vaccine and patient age eligibility. Vaccination rates could be further optimized if pharmacists took a more proactive role in life-course vaccine screening and administration. Health professional vaccine fatigue following the COVID-19 pandemic may negatively impact service delivery.

Biogeochemical and oceanographic conditions provide insights about current status of an Antarctic fjord affected by relatively slow glacial retreat.

Understand the origin, transport, and character of organic matter entering Antarctic fjords is essential as they are major components of the global carbon cycle and budget. Macromolecular pools of particulate organic matter, bulk organic geochemistry, major and trace elements in surface sediments from Collins Bay were analysed as source indicators. Oceanographic conditions, bathymetry (multibeam) and grain size were considered as environmental controlling factors.

Influence of a patient navigation program on timeliness of care in patients with esophageal cancer.

Background: Patient navigation (P.N.) is designed to eliminate barriers to care.

The impact of influenza on the ability to work, volunteer and provide care: results from an online survey of Canadian adults 50 years and older.

Background: Influenza is associated with a decline in functional abilities among Canadian older adults, although specific impacts on daily life have not been fully explored.

Methods: In August 2019 and May 2020, we conducted surveys of Canadian adults 50-64 years and 65 years and older through an online market research platform. The survey included questions about the impact of diagnosed influenza or self-reported influenza-like-illness (ILI) on working, volunteering and caregiving.

Impact of inherited retinal diseases on Canadian patients and families: a mixed-methods study.

Objective: To understand the physical, psychosocial, and practical challenges faced by Canadian patients with inherited retinal diseases (IRDs) and their families.

Design: Mixed methods.

Participants: A total of 408 Canadians living with or caring for someone with an IRD (mean age = 51.

MRI Patterns Distinguish AQP4 Antibody Positive Neuromyelitis Optica Spectrum Disorder From Multiple Sclerosis.

Neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder (NMOSD) and multiple sclerosis (MS) are inflammatory diseases of the CNS. Overlap in the clinical and MRI features of NMOSD and MS means that distinguishing these conditions can be difficult. With the aim of evaluating the diagnostic utility of MRI features in distinguishing NMOSD from MS, we have conducted a cross-sectional analysis of imaging data and developed predictive models to distinguish the two conditions.

Study protocol for DICE trial: Video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery decortication versus interventional radiology guided chest tube insertion for the management of empyema.

Background: Empyema is a common thoracic surgery presentation, defined as pus in the pleural space. Despite the commonality of empyema, consensus on initial management remains ambiguous. Two standard of care treatment options include inserting a chest tube (thoracostomy) and the administration of intrapleural fibrinolytics, or an initial surgical approach, surgical decortication.

COVID-19's Impact on Willingness to Be Vaccinated against Influenza and COVID-19 during the 2020/2021 Season: Results from an Online Survey of Canadian Adults 50 Years and Older.

There is considerable overlap in age-related risk factors for influenza and COVID-19. We explored the impact of the pandemic on anticipated influenza and COVID-19 vaccination behaviour in the 2020/2021 season. In May 2020, we conducted online surveys of Canadian adults 50 years and older via a market research panel platform, as part of a series of annual surveys to understand experiences with influenza.

Relapse Patterns in NMOSD: Evidence for Earlier Occurrence of Optic Neuritis and Possible Seasonal Variation.

Neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorders (NMOSD) and multiple sclerosis (MS) show overlap in their clinical features. We performed an analysis of relapses with the aim of determining differences between the two conditions. Cases of NMOSD and age- and sex-matched MS controls were collected from across Australia and New Zealand.

The Clinical Burden of in Ontario, Canada.

Background: To understand the clinical burden of infection (CDI), we analyzed health outcome data from Ontario, Canada for CDI associated with and manifested in acute care hospitals (ACH), long-term care facilities (LTCF), the community, or ACH-associated with community-onset.

Methods: We performed a retrospective analysis using individual-level data from Ontario databases (April 1, 2005 to March 31, 2015), identifying CDI cases ≥18 years requiring hospitalization, and stratifying into cohorts based on association and onset location. Cohort members were matched to controls on demographics and medical conditions at onset, for outcomes including 30- and 180-day all-cause mortality and rehospitalization.

The clinical profile of NMOSD in Australia and New Zealand.

Neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorders (NMOSD) are an inflammation of the central nervous system associated with autoantibodies to aquaporin-4. We have undertaken a clinic-based survey of NMOSD in the Australia and New Zealand populations with the aim of characterising the clinical features and establishing the value of recently revised diagnostic criteria. Cases of possible NMOSD and age and sex-matched controls with multiple sclerosis (MS) were referred from centres across Australia and New Zealand.

Incidence and economic burden of infection in Ontario: a retrospective population-based study.

Background: Understanding the impact of prevention programs on infection rates is important, and decisions on future program changes, including how to use vaccines currently in development, requires a detailed understanding of the epidemiologic features of infection. We analyzed Ontario health administrative data to determine incidence rates and medical costs of infection, based on whether acquisition and onset occurred in acute care hospitals (ACHs), long-term care facilities or the community.

Methods: We performed a retrospective analysis using individual-level data from Ontario health databases from Apr.

The critical role of histology in distinguishing sarcoidosis from common variable immunodeficiency disorder (CVID) in a patient with hypogammaglobulinemia.

Background: Common variable immunodeficiency disorders (CVID) are a rare group of primary immune defects, where the underlying cause is unknown. Approximately 10-20% of patients with typical CVID have a granulomatous variant, which has closely overlapping features with sarcoidosis.

Case Presentation: Here we describe a young man who sequentially developed refractory Evans syndrome, cauda equina syndrome and most recently renal impairment.

EXamining the knowledge, Attitudes and experiences of Canadian seniors Towards influenza (the EXACT survey).

Background: Older adults are at high risk for influenza-related complications including worsening frailty and function. We surveyed older Canadians to explore the impact of influenza and determine how influenza knowledge influences vaccination decision-making.

Methods: We disseminated an online survey through a national polling panel.

Modulation of the Biophysical Properties of Bifunctional Antibodies as a Strategy for Mitigating Poor Pharmacokinetics.

Interest in the development of bi- or multispecific antibody (BsAbs)-based biotherapeutics is growing rapidly due to their inherent ability to interact with many targets simultaneously, thereby potentially protracting their functionality relative to monoclonal antibodies (mAbs). Biophysical property assays have been used to improve the probability of clinical success for various mAb therapeutics; however, there is a paucity of such data for BsAbs. This work evaluates a fusion of an IgG with an isolated protein domain (deemed ECD) and serves to understand how molecular architecture influences biophysical and biochemical properties and, in turn, how these relate to drug disposition.

Needle-free delivery of influenza vaccine using the Med-Jet® H4 is efficient and elicits the same humoral and cellular responses as standard IM injection: A randomized trial.

Background: Needle-free vaccine delivery systems have many potential advantages including increased vaccine compliance and decreased risk of needlestick injuries and syringe reuse. The Med-Jet® H4 is a gas-powered, auto-disabling disposable syringe jet injector. The Med-Jet family of products are currently being used in dermatology, podiatry, pain management and veterinary practices.

Canadian older adults' perceptions of effectiveness and value of regular and high-dose influenza vaccines.

Influenza vaccination is an important public health intervention for older adults, yet vaccination rates remain suboptimal. We conducted an online survey of Canadians ≥ 65 years to explore satisfaction with publicly-funded standard-dose influenza vaccines, and perceptions of the need for a more effective product. They were provided with information about currently approved influenza vaccines, and were asked about their preferences should all formulations be available for free, and should the recently approved high-dose (HD) vaccine for seniors be available at a cost.

Incidence and prevalence of NMOSD in Australia and New Zealand.

Objectives: We have undertaken a clinic-based survey of neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorders (NMOSDs) in Australia and New Zealand to establish incidence and prevalence across the region and in populations of differing ancestry.

Background: NMOSD is a recently defined demyelinating disease of the central nervous system (CNS). The incidence and prevalence of NMOSD in Australia and New Zealand has not been established.

Changing perceptions and efficacy of generic medicines: An intervention study.

Objective: Generic medicines provide a safe and economical medical treatment and are used routinely throughout the world. However, a significant proportion of individuals view generic medicines as less safe, less effective and of lower quality compared with their equivalent branded medicines. This study aimed to investigate the effect of an educational intervention on improving perceptions and perceived efficacy of generic medicines.

C9ORF72 and UBQLN2 mutations are causes of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis in New Zealand: a genetic and pathologic study using banked human brain tissue.

Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a devastating neurodegenerative disease, which causes progressive and eventually fatal loss of motor function. Here, we describe genetic and pathologic characterization of brain tissue banked from 19 ALS patients over nearly 20 years at the Department of Anatomy and the Centre for Brain Research, University of Auckland, New Zealand. We screened for mutations in SOD1, TARDBP, FUS, and C9ORF72 genes and for neuropathology caused by phosphorylated TDP-43, dipeptide repeats (DPRs), and ubiquilin.