Income and health in Canada: Canadian researchers' conceptualizations make policy change unlikely.

The research reported here identified and evaluated gaps in Canadian knowledge and research activity concerning the role of income and its distribution in influencing health outcomes. The study consisted of an analysis of 241 recent Canadian research studies, the components of which were compared with 40 U.K.

Goblet cell mimickers in esophageal biopsies are not associated with an increased risk for dysplasia.

Context: Identification of intestinal-type goblet cells (ITGCs) in hematoxylin-eosin-stained sections of esophageal biopsies is essential for the diagnosis of Barrett metaplasia. However, we have seen cases diagnosed as Barrett metaplasia based solely on cells that pose morphologic similarity to ITGCs on hematoxylin-eosin staining or stain positive with Alcian blue.

Objective: To determine the clinical significance of goblet cell mimickers.

Income and health in Canada: research gaps and future opportunities.

Background: The goal of this research project was to identify and suggest means of filling the gaps/needs in Canadian research activity and public policy action on the income and health relationship.

Methods: The research consisted of an environmental scan and analysis of 321 empirical research pieces from Canada (n = 241), the United Kingdom (n = 40) and Finland (n = 40) followed by a systematic gaps/needs analysis of these studies by members of three advisory committees, consisting of researchers and policy advocates. These data were complemented by key informant interviews with researchers from Canada, the UK and Finland.

Researching income and income distribution as determinants of health in Canada: gaps between theoretical knowledge, research practice, and policy implementation.

The research identified gaps in Canadian knowledge and research activity concerning the roles that income and its distribution play in Canadians' population health. 241 Canadian research studies on income and health were considered along eight taxonomies: conceptualization of income or its proxies; theoretical underpinnings; income distribution measures; health measures; who/what was studied, pathways mediating between income and health; complexity of these pathways; research design; and presence of policy implications. The study identified the following areas of weakness: (a) poor conceptualization of income and the means by which it influences health; (b) lack of longitudinal studies of the impact of income-related issues upon health across the life-span; (c) lack of linked data bases that allow complex analyses of how income and related issues contribute to health and well-being, and (d) little inter-disciplinary work in identifying pathways mediating the income and health relationship.