Publications by authors named "L A Waddell"

The sphingosine-1-phosphate-5 (S1P) receptor is one of the five membrane G protein-coupled receptors that are activated by the lysophospholipid, sphingosine-1-phosphate, resulting in regulation of many cellular processes. S1P receptors are located on oligodendrocytes and are proposed to influence oligodendrocyte physiology. Understanding S1P modulation during processes such as remyelination could have potential applications for demyelinating CNS disorders such as multiple sclerosis (MS).

View Article and Find Full Text PDF
Article Synopsis
  • - Blastomycosis is caused by fungi that can change from mold to yeast, primarily spread through inhalation of spores, often found in warm, wet soils, especially near forests and waterways.
  • - It is mostly found in Canada, particularly in Ontario and Manitoba, with Northwestern Ontario seeing high case rates; however, diagnosis can be delayed because symptoms resemble those of pneumonia or tuberculosis.
  • - Climate change might increase cases of blastomycosis due to shifts in temperature and rainfall, emphasizing the need for more research to predict its effects and improve prevention strategies.
View Article and Find Full Text PDF

Background: Understanding the facilitators, barriers and hesitancy to accepting COVID-19 booster doses is important for encouraging recommended vaccination. This evidence brief summarizes literature on the intention to accept or reject COVID-19 vaccine booster doses and the factors associated with intention/uptake among individuals in Canada.

Methods: A database of COVID-19 literature established at the Public Health Agency of Canada was searched for articles referencing vaccination and knowledge, attitudes and behaviours towards COVID-19 boosters.

View Article and Find Full Text PDF

Background: The COVID-19 pandemic underlined the need for pandemic planning but also brought into focus the use of mathematical modelling to support public health decisions. The types of models needed (compartment, agent-based, importation) are described. Best practices regarding biological realism (including the need for multidisciplinary expert advisors to modellers), model complexity, consideration of uncertainty and communications to decision-makers and the public are outlined.

View Article and Find Full Text PDF

Background: Preprints are scientific articles that have not undergone the peer-review process. They allow the latest evidence to be rapidly shared, however it is unclear whether they can be confidently used for decision-making during a public health emergency. This study aimed to compare the data and quality of preprints released during the first four months of the 2022 mpox outbreak to their published versions.

View Article and Find Full Text PDF