Effect of evolocumab on saphenous vein graft patency after coronary artery bypass surgery (NEWTON-CABG CardioLink-5): an international, randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial.

Background: Saphenous vein graft (SVG) failure remains a substantial challenge after coronary artery bypass graft (CABG). LDL cholesterol (LDL-C) is a causal risk factor for atherosclerosis, but its role in SVG failure is not well established. We evaluated whether early initiation of intensive LDL-C lowering with evolocumab could reduce SVG failure.

Whole genome sequencing and phylogenetic classification accelerate the implementation of respiratory syncytial virus genomic surveillance in Canada: a pilot study.

Unlabelled: Whole genome sequencing (WGS) has emerged as a powerful tool to facilitate the study of existing and emerging infectious diseases. WGS-based genomic surveillance provides information on the genetic diversity and tracks the evolution of important viral pathogens, including respiratory syncytial virus (RSV). Multiplex tiling polymerase chain reaction (PCR) assays have been used to facilitate sequencing of a variety of pathogens in support of genomics-based surveillance initiatives.

Real-world data and evidence in pain research: an IMMPACT comprehensive review and best practice recommendations.

Real-world data (RWD) can be defined as routinely collected clinical or administrative data that might be used for research purposes and to generate real-world evidence (RWE). Computerized search and data mining methods, large electronic databases, and the development of novel computational and statistical methods allow for improved access to and analysis of RWD. Although RWD afford the opportunity to generate RWE with potentially improved efficiency and generalizability over prospective clinical studies, it is important to understand and apply best practices when analysing RWD, particularly when the goal is to generate RWE of diagnostic, prognostic, or treatment effectiveness.

Guidance for Prenatal, Postnatal and Neonatal Immunohaematology Testing in Canada: Consensus Recommendations from a Modified Delphi Process.

Objective: Blood Group, antibody screen, fetal-maternal hemorrhage (FMH) tests and Rh(D) immunoglobulin (RhIG) administration are interventions during pregnancy that aid in the prevention of haemolytic disease of the fetus and newborn (HDFN). The timing, frequency, and nature of testing varies across centres due to limited data to inform standards development. Using Delphi methodology, this study aimed to establish guidance for Canadian practice related to prenatal, postnatal and neonatal immunohaematologic testing, and RhIG administration, to reduce risk and improve diagnosis of HDFN.

Cancer-related care for rural and remote populations in Canada: A scoping review.

Background: Synthesizing unique barriers to cancer-related care among rural and remote populations would be useful to inform future research and health service priorities. To fill this gap, the overall goal of this review is to synthesize the cancer literature about those living in rural and remote locations in Canada.

Methods: Using JBI scoping review methods, we extracted the following: definition of rural or remote; phase of cancer care continuum (screening, diagnosis, treatment/care, post-treatment, outcomes); province( s) and/or territory(ies) of the sample; and cancer diagnosis(es).

Risk of corneal edema following glaucoma filtering surgery: a retrospective cohort study.

Objective: To compare the long-term risk of corneal edema after various glaucoma-filtering surgeries and to identify risk factors for its development.

Design: A retrospective cohort study.

Population: Adults undergoing glaucoma-filtering surgery by a single surgeon at Kingston Health Sciences Centre over a 20-year period.

Protocol for a parallel-group, superiority randomized controlled trial of the PulsePoint mobile application to increase bystander resuscitation in out-of-hospital cardiac arrest.

Out-of-hospital cardiac arrest (OHCA) is a leading cause of mortality. Despite public awareness campaigns, widespread cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) training initiatives, and deployment of public access defibrillators, potentially life-saving bystander intervention occurs inconsistently. Mobile technologies that alert nearby lay responders or off-duty professionals to OHCA events have emerged as a strategy to increase bystander CPR and AED use.

Resident Case Volumes Following the Introduction of Competency-Based Medical Education in Diagnostic Radiology: A 10 Year Review.

Rationale And Objectives: A Canadian Diagnostic Radiology residency program implemented a competency-based medical education (CBME) curriculum in 2017 (Q-CBME), followed by the national Competence by Design (CBD) model in 2022. These frameworks emphasize progression through frequent assessment of competencies rather than time in training. However, concerns remain that the time burden or "tick-box" mentality in the context of increased assessments may decrease clinical exposure.

Development of a radiochromic film dosimetry readout system.

Radiochromic film is widely recognised as an easy-to-use, high-resolution dosimeter, but accurate, consistent, and reliable film readout remains an ongoing challenge. In this work, we compare three different radiochromic film imaging systems: a conventional flatbed scanner, and two systems that were custom built in-house (a diffuse light field and camera system, and a scanning point source and detector system). We examine key optical properties and imaging parameters to determine the strengths and weaknesses of each imaging system.

Registered Nurses' Characteristics and Their Levels of Compassion Competence and Satisfaction: A Cross-Sectional Survey.

Introduction: Although registered nurses are expected to treat patients with care and compassion, a variety of characteristics may influence their ability to express compassion.

Objectives: (1) To assess registered nurses' level of compassion competence and compassion satisfaction, and; (2) to explore how individual-level, employment-related, and organization-level characteristics are associated with their level of compassion competence and compassion satisfaction.

Methods: Registered nurses working in any practice setting in Ontario, Canada, completed a cross-sectional electronic survey of valid and reliable measures.

Red Cell Transfusion in Acute Myocardial Infarction: AABB International Clinical Practice Guidelines.

Description: Optimal transfusion strategies for patients with acute myocardial infarction (AMI) are uncertain. The aim of this guideline is to provide recommendations for red blood cell transfusion in patients with AMI.

Methods: These guidelines are based on evidence from randomized controlled trials of patients presenting with AMI and assigned to 2 different transfusion strategies (restrictive or liberal) based on hemoglobin concentrations or hematocrit levels before receipt of a transfusion.

Evaluating rapid evaporative ionization mass spectrometry profiles of human breast cancer cells using a 3D in vitro assay.

Rapid evaporative ionization mass spectrometry (REIMS) enables near real-time sampling and classification of tissues on the basis of lipid and small molecule profiles. Because samples are ablated during REIMS, validation of mass spectra by assignment of class labels using gold-standard methods remains challenging. Further, determining the number of abnormal cells within a mixture of normal cells by REIMS remains an elusive but critical parameter when evaluating the utility of REIMS for use in clinical settings.

High Variability in the Use of Cement for Femoral Stem Fixation in Hip Fractures-An Analysis of the Canadian Joint Replacement Registry.

: This study examines current trends in Canada using data from the Canadian Joint Replacement Registry (CJRR) and includes a national survey to understand the varied uptake of cement for femoral stem fixation. : The survey was available online and the website link was distributed to all orthopaedic surgeons through the Canadian Orthopaedic Association between September and December 2022. The CJRR obtained data from the Canadian Institute for Health Information (CIHI), and information pertaining to patients 55 years of age and older who underwent hemiarthroplasty for hip fracture in Canada between April 2017 and March 2022 was used.

Balancing Innovation and Safety: Prediction, Prevention, and Management of Pneumonitis in Lung Cancer Patients Receiving Novel Anti-Cancer Agents.

Pneumonitis is characterized as inflammation of the lung parenchyma, and a potential adverse effect of several anti-cancer therapies. Diagnosing pneumonitis can be particularly challenging in lung cancer patients due to inherent similarities in symptoms and radiological presentation associated with pneumonitis, as well as other common conditions such as infection or disease progression. Furthermore, many lung cancer patients have underlying pulmonary conditions that might render them more susceptible to severe or fatal outcomes from pneumonitis.

Clinical validation of controlled exposure to cat dander in the Specialized Particulate Control Environmental Exposure Unit (SPaC-EEU).

Background: Cat allergen is the second most common cause of perennial allergic rhinitis. Despite its prevalence (~ 20% of the population), many patients continue to suffer from persistent symptoms due to constant exposure to cat allergens that reduce treatment efficacy. Modelling of the disease can improve our understanding of its onset and progression.

Female reproductive tract obstruction and its imaging mimics - A pictorial review.

Obstruction of the female reproductive tract can occur in multiple locations. This can result in hydrocolpos at the level of the vagina, hydrometra at the level of the uterus, and hydrosalpinx at the level of the uterine tubes, each with their own underlying causes. Identification of relevant anatomy helps localize the obstruction, which facilitates diagnosis and appropriate clinical management.

Why engagement matters in policy implementation: an examination of the engagement of policy actors in the implementation of a mental health and addictions strategy.

Background: Shifts toward "new public governance" (NPG), where policy decisions and their implementation are "co-produced" by a policy network, have captured the attention of policymakers as an approach that may produce better outcomes. It is particularly promising in mental health, where it is increasingly acknowledged that effective change requires actions by multiple actors across a range of policy and system settings. In Ontario, Canada, the government's recent mental health reform, Open Minds, Healthy Minds, Ontario's Comprehensive Mental Health and Addictions Strategy, is unique in terms of its scope and the NPG-inspired processes employed.

'This caused our journey': the relationship between sexual and gender-based violence and cross-border Sudan to South Sudan migration.

Background: Sexual and gender-based violence (SGBV) is a significant issue in the context of armed conflict and migration. The ongoing conflict in Sudan has led to catastrophic levels of SGBV, with widespread documentation of a range of severe and systematic abuses. This study examines the relationship between SGBV and migration in this region, with a particular focus on how it affects women and girls.

Immunization and cardiovascular disease in Latin America. The CorVacc study: rationale and design.

Objectives: To determine the rates of vaccination against influenza and pneumococcal disease in the general population of the Americas, both healthy and sick, and to analyze the factors influencing these rates.

Methods: The Inter-American Vaccination Registry of Influenza and Pneumococcus, (CorVacc Study) is a cross-sectional survey of the general population that will be enacted in 19 Latin American countries. A total of 34 questions will be given to consecutive patients aged 18 years or older through an online survey.