The experiences of Indigenous people with cancer in Saskatchewan: a patient-oriented qualitative study using a sharing circle.

Background: Although disparities in cancer rates, later diagnoses and lower survival rates between Indigenous and non-Indigenous people have been documented, little is known about how Indigenous patients with cancer encounter the health care system. We explored perceptions and experiences of Indigenous patients with cancer and their families to understand better how 2 key concepts - trust and world view - influence cancer care decisions.

Methods: In this patient-oriented study that included participation of 2 patient partners, qualitative data were collected from Indigenous patients with cancer and their families using an Indigenous method of sharing circles.

Decisions on cancer care by Indigenous peoples in Alberta and Saskatchewan: a narrative analysis.

Introduction: The prevalence of cancer is increasing among Indigenous peoples in Canada. To enhance quality of life of those Indigenous people affected by cancer, their decision-making experiences must be understood. This article presents the findings of a qualitative study exploring the treatment decision-making practices among Indigenous peoples with cancer in rural and remote Alberta and Saskatchewan, Canada.

Development of PLGA nanoparticles for sustained release of a connexin43 mimetic peptide to target glioblastoma cells.

Effective therapeutic delivery of peptide and protein drugs is challenged by short in vivo half-lives due to rapid degradation. Sustained release formulations of αCT1, a 25 amino acid peptide drug, would afford lower dosing frequency in indications that require long term treatment, such as chronic wounds and cancers. In this study, rhodamine B (RhB) was used as a model drug to develop and optimize a double emulsion-solvent evaporation method of poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid) (PLGA) nanoparticle synthesis.

Collection of airborne ultrafine cellulose nanocrystals by impinger with an efficiency mimicking deposition in the human respiratory system.

As cellulose nanocrystals (CNCs) are increasing in production, establishing safe workplace practices in industry will be paramount to their continued use and growth. Particles other than CNCs with similar high aspect ratios have exhibited toxicity on inhalation. Safeguards are needed to monitor concentrations of CNCs in air in industrial and laboratory settings to protect workers.

Current characterization methods for cellulose nanomaterials.

A new family of materials comprised of cellulose, cellulose nanomaterials (CNMs), having properties and functionalities distinct from molecular cellulose and wood pulp, is being developed for applications that were once thought impossible for cellulosic materials. Commercialization, paralleled by research in this field, is fueled by the unique combination of characteristics, such as high on-axis stiffness, sustainability, scalability, and mechanical reinforcement of a wide variety of materials, leading to their utility across a broad spectrum of high-performance material applications. However, with this exponential growth in interest/activity, the development of measurement protocols necessary for consistent, reliable and accurate materials characterization has been outpaced.

Effective cellulose nanocrystal imaging using transmission electron microscopy.

Characterization of cellulose nanocrystals (CNCs) is often complex and tedious. With their increased use for biological materials, polymer reinforcing agents, and other applications, better characterization methods of CNCs are needed to ensure product quality. However, because of their small size, hydrogen bonding, and low electron density, individual CNCs are difficult to image with high resolution and magnification using electron microscopy.

Reconceptualizing determinants of health: barriers to improving the health status of First Nations peoples.

Comparing the key determinants of health articulated by the Public Health Agency of Canada (the Agency) with the spiritual and cultural knowledge systems of First Nations peoples, as expressed by the Four Worlds International Institute for Human and Community Development (Four Worlds) and their 14 determinants of well-being and health, reveals differing philosophical perspectives. The key determinants of health can be interpreted as lacking a holistic and inclusive approach to public health services. As a result, many public health programs in Canada marginalize, ignore and suppress the needs of First Nations communities and people.

Individual differences in sentence memory.

Results from an experiment with two parts are presented in this paper. In part one, participants listened to sentences containing two, three, four, or five clauses, and were asked questions about the content of the sentences. The results of part one demonstrate that an important unit of representation in sentence memory is the clause, and not some other component of discourse structure.