During low risk births, the risk of newborn death and maternal complications is similar for deliveries performed by family physicians and those performed by obstetricians, according to a new study. The authors note that these findings should only be applied to low-risk deliveries that could be safely performed by either a generalist or a specialist, […]
Tag: public health
Tracing the family history of HIV
Lentiviruses, a group of retroviruses including HIV and SIV, the simian version of HIV, have been infecting primates as far back as 16 million years ago according to DNA sequencing. Researchers studied an antiviral gene called TRIM5 in 22 species of African primates. They found that a cluster of changes unique to the TRIM5 proteins […]
The importance of health care in the federal election
In the upcoming federal election, health care must be a key issue otherwise Canada’s health care problems will continue, according an editorial in the Canadian Medical Association Journal. Additionally the editorial calls on federal political parties to articulate clear policy platforms on health care. The Deputy Editor of the CMAJ, Dr. Matthew Stanbrook, says “the federal government […]
Trans fats, not saturated fats, are the real danger
Saturated fats are not associated with cardiovascular disease, coronary heart disease, stroke, or type 2 diabetes, while trans fats are, according to a meta-analysis of studies. Researchers reviewed 39 studies from around the world, where nutrients, typically refined carbohydrates, were replaced with saturated fat. The researchers found no association between saturated fats and health outcomes, […]
An antibody against MERS
Researchers have found, for the first time, an antibody against Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (MERS-CoV), which has been responsible for over 1,300 human infections and over 450 deaths since it was first identified in 2012. The research team believes the antibody, known as LCA60, can be used to develop a monoclonal antibody against MERS-CoV that […]
Current dietary protein recommendations are too low
Recommendations for protein intake in healthy populations may be incorrect, according to researchers who point to a meta-analysis reviewing the latest findings. Current recommendations may not be sufficient to promote optimal muscle health, especially in aging populations prone to muscle loss. Consuming moderate amounts of high-quality protein at each meal, rather than a larger quantity once […]
Reminder for mushroom hunters
Distinguishing poisonous mushrooms from edible varieties can be tricky as they can look so similar that even experts are challenged. A case reported in this week’s CMAJ reminds that “patients should be counselled that poisonous and edible mushrooms can be very similar in appearance and that wild mushrooms of uncertain identity should not be eaten. […]
Living near trees leaves people feeling healthier
A new study of 13,000 residents of Toronto, suggests that living in a neighbourhood with more (and or larger) trees leads people to report feeling healthier. The research team used Toronto tree density data and combined this information with a self-reporting questionnaire of general health perception and certain medical conditions including heart disease, stroke and […]
Community based HIV prevention programs save $5 in treatment costs for every $1 spent
Community based HIV prevention programs helped stop 16,672 HIV infections between 1987 and 2011, saving the health care system approximately $6.5 billion. Researchers found that every dollar invested into community based HIV prevention programs saved approximately five dollars in provincial healthcare costs. The researchers used Ontario HIV surveillance reports to estimate the number of HIV […]
Traffic-related air pollution during pregnancy is a likely cause of asthma
Children exposed to high levels of traffic-related air pollution before they are born are more likely to suffer from asthma as children according to a study of Toronto neighbourhoods. The study also found that children in close proximity to high-traffic areas are more likely to suffer from asthma. Researchers analyzed the health and residential records […]
CT scanning for cancer redundant in blood clot patients
Computerized tomography scans, or CT scans, do not improve cancer detection rates, or shorten the time to diagnosis, in patients with unexplained blood clots in the lungs or legs. Previous studies suggest that up to 10 per cent of patients suffering from venous thromboembolism, blood clots in the lungs or legs, will be diagnosed with […]
Leaky pipes can lead to water contamination
Underground water pipes can not only leak water but in certain circumstances suck in surrounding and potentially contaminated water. New research shows that while pressure in water mains typically forces water out through the leaks, when the pressure drops, pipes start to suck in groundwater. Any contaminants can then travel throughout the water main network. […]
Anti-smoking legislation reduced children’s hospital admissions in Britain
Smoking legislation reduced child hospital admissions by 11,000 each year in England. Researchers analyzed the the British Hospital Episode Statistics database to analyze over 1,500,000 general hospital admissions for children aged from 0 to 14 years, between 2001-2012 from across England. They found that the legislation resulted in an immediate decline in admissions for lower […]
Rejuvenating old bones
A molecule secreted from young blood cells can speed up fracture healing in elderly mice, reports a new Canadian study. Researchers showed that a specific molecule, either a chemical or a small protein,which is only secreted from young blood cells increased the regenerative capacity of bone cells. The study could help explain why fractures take […]
Beer Home Brewing kits which might also produce morphine leads to calls for early-regulation
Researchers have taken the final steps to turn sugar-fed yeast, already used by homemade beer brewers to convert sugar into alcohol, into a microbial factory for producing morphine and other drugs. The authors demonstrate how they synthesized a compound of the poppy plant from sugar using a bio-engineered strain of yeast. This research could be […]
Refugees more likely to suffer from psychotic disorders
Refugees from East Africa and South Asia coming to Ontario have a significantly higher incidence of psychotic disorders than both other immigrants and the general population according to a new study. Researchers analyzed Ontario health records over a 10 year period and cross-referenced their findings with information from Citizenship and Immigration Canada. The researchers believe […]
