Publications by authors named "L Waddell"
Perspectives on blastomycosis in Canada in the face of climate change.
Can Commun Dis Rep
November 2024
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.
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.
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 PDFBackground: 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 PDFArticle Synopsis
- The study investigates how often MRI scans reveal unexpected but clinically significant findings in patients with knee osteoarthritis (KOA) suspected of having meniscal tears.
- Out of 760 subjects who underwent MRIs, 61 (8.03%) were found to have notable findings such as subchondral insufficiency fractures, avascular necrosis, and tumors.
- The results suggest that clinicians should consider a broader range of potential conditions underlying knee symptoms, as these incidental findings may require different management approaches and further imaging.