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Social prescriptions for advancing resilience in kids (SPARK): study protocol for a randomized controlled trial
No full textAbstract Background Child mental health needs are rising in Canada, with over half a million young people requiring access to mental health care. Social determinants, including poverty and limited social support, contribute significantly to these difficulties. Social prescribing (SP), a non-medical intervention connecting individuals to community resources, is gaining traction in child and youth wellbeing research, though empirical evidence remains limited. Objectives The overarching goal of the Social Prescriptions for Advancing Resilience in Kids (SPARK) study is to establish the preliminary feasibility of implementing social prescribing for children and youth on an outpatient MH waitlist. The study objectives are to determine feasibility and evaluate effectiveness. Methods This study will recruit 170 children and youth between the ages of 11 and 17 on the waitlist for outpatient mental health support at the Children’s Hospital of Eastern Ontario (CHEO) in Ottawa, Ontario, Canada. Participants will be randomly assigned to either the intervention group or educational control group. Youth in the intervention group will receive a social prescription connecting them to community-based activities of their choice, while those in the control group will receive an educational booklet on social connections. Caregivers will also be invited to take part in the study. Children, youth, and their caregivers in the control group will complete online questionnaires at baseline and again 12 weeks later, while those in the intervention group will complete them at baseline and 12 weeks after beginning the social prescribing activities. The questionnaires will address demographic information, youths’ symptoms of anxiety and depression, overall wellbeing, emotional and behavioural difficulties, social connectedness, and protective factors. Additionally, children and youth, caregivers, and staff (i.e., clinicians, medical practitioners) will participate in qualitative interviews about their experiences with SP. Discussion The findings from this study will add important knowledge about the impact of social prescribing as an approach to support the wellbeing of children and youth experiencing mental health challenges. In addition, this study will offer valuable insights into the barriers encountered and the strategies used to facilitate effective implementation of child and youth social prescribing. Trial registration The study was registered with ClinicalTrials.gov on June 6, 2025 (NCT07022561)
Bone Marrow Adipogenesis in Response to Chemotherapy and Resultant Effect on Tumour Cell Growth
No full textThe bone marrow microenvironment is highly saturated with bone marrow adipocytes (BMA), which differentiate from their precursor, mesenchymal stem cells (MSC). Evidence from patient trials suggests that bone marrow adiposity is increased following chemotherapy. Moreover, BMA can confer chemotherapeutic resistance to tumour cells, thereby ascribing a tumour-supportive role to BMA. We hypothesize that chemotherapy promotes bone marrow adipogenesis and in turn contributes to enhanced tumour cell growth in bone. We investigated the effect of doxorubicin on adipogenesis of human MSC in vitro and the effects in turn on tumour cell proliferation. Doxorubicin treatment of adipogenic differentiating MSC led to an increased percentage of mature BMA confirmed by increased levels of lipid droplet containing cells and the adipocyte marker, PPARG. RNA-sequencing, metabolomics and lipidomics were employed to assess global changes in gene expression and metabolite levels in the doxorubicin treated adipogenic differentiated MSC. Significant alterations in gene expression and metabolite levels were identified. Most notably, we identified increased expression of fibroblast growth factor (FGF) pathway genes in the doxorubicin treated cells. Endogenous and secreted FGF2 levels were significantly increased with doxorubicin treatment and siRNA-mediated inhibition of FGF2 impeded doxorubicin-enhanced formation of lipid droplet containing BMA. Doxorubicin also enhanced alkaline phosphatase staining of osteoblastic differentiating MSC but did not correspond to normal osteoblast morphology. Direct and conditioned supernatant transfer coculture models tested and confirmed that secreted factors from doxorubicin-treated adipogenic differentiated MSC enhanced PC3 prostate tumour cell proliferation. Furthermore, this phenotype was abrogated when FGF2 was depleted from the differentiating MSC. Pilot in vivo models were employed however further optimization is required to recapitulate the phenotype observed in vitro. Our findings suggest that chemotherapy can actively promote bone marrow MSC adipogenesis in part by increase of FGF2 which directly enhances adipogenesis and leads to enhanced prostate tumour cell growth as a result
Toward Eradication of Hepatitis C Infection Among Immigrants to Canada
No full textBackground: Canada has adopted the World Health Organization’s targets to eliminate hepatitis C (HCV) as a public health threat by 2030. Despite the availability of effective screening and treatment, uptake in Canada remains suboptimal. Immigrants from HCV endemic countries account for 35% of cases in Canada, with an average 10-year delay in diagnosis, leading to poorer health outcomes and increased healthcare system costs. This research explored barriers and enablers to HCV screening and treatment among immigrants from the perspectives of both immigrants and healthcare providers.
Methods: I conducted three theory-informed qualitative descriptive studies using semi-structured interviews. The first two studies focused on Egyptian immigrants in Ottawa and Punjabi immigrants in Montreal. Two Community Advisory Groups familiar with the respective communities provided input throughout the research process. I applied the Common-Sense Self-Regulation Model and the Theoretical Domains Framework (TDF) to explore perceptions of HCV and the barriers and enablers to care. The third study applied the TDF to examine healthcare providers’ perspectives on delivering HCV care to immigrants in both cities. All interviews were double-coded using the relevant frameworks, and key findings were identified.
Results: I conducted interviews with 34 immigrants (18 Egyptian and 16 Punjabi) and 12 healthcare providers. Punjabi immigrants demonstrated lower awareness of HCV and greater language-related barriers, often relying on family or community members. Egyptian participants had higher awareness and fewer language challenges. Despite these differences, both groups identified the asymptomatic nature of HCV, fear, and stigma as key barriers. Long wait times and shortages of family physicians were reported by both immigrants and providers. Providers also highlighted additional barriers, including the absence of standardized immigrant-specific guidelines, limited training in HCV care, time constraints, and fragmented services. Nonetheless, immigrant participants expressed a strong willingness to engage in care if diagnosed.
Conclusion: This research identified individual, provider, and system-level barriers to HCV care among immigrants in Canada. While shared challenges exist, community-specific differences underscore the need for culturally tailored and multilevel strategies. Findings can inform theory-based implementation and policy efforts to improve timely and equitable HCV care access for immigrant populations
The Long Chain Acyl-CoA Synthetases 4, 5 and 6: Their Implication in the Skeletal Myoblast Response to Mono-(2 Ethyl Hexyl) Phthalate (MEHP)
No full textBackground: Obesity is influenced by genetic and environmental factors, including environmental contaminants like mono(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (MEHP), which disrupt lipid metabolism. While their effects on adipose tissue and liver are not entirely known, their impact on skeletal muscle remains even less studied. This study examines how MEHP affects acyl-CoA synthetases (ACSLs), key enzymes in lipid processing, in a cellular model of skeletal muscle.
Objectives: To assess the effect of MEHP on lipid accumulation in C2C12 myoblasts and to determine its impact on the expression of ACSL4, ACSL5, and ACSL6.
Methods: In C2C12 myoblasts exposed to MEHP, lipid quantification was assessed by fluorimetry. ACSL4, ACSL5 and ACSL6 expression was determined by RT-qPCR and Western blots and one-way ANOVA was used for analysis.
Results: Lipid accumulation increased in MEHP exposed C2C12 cells, particularly at the highest doses of MEHP.MEHP induced dose-dependent downregulation of ACSL4, ACSL5 along with decreased protein levels of both isoforms. Western blot analysis of ACSL6 revealed an isoform-specific response to MEHP exposure: the 76 kDa and 78 kDa isoforms were downregulated, whereas the 74 kDa isoform was upregulated. These findings were consistent with mRNA analysis, which showed reduced expression of both ACSL6 76 kDa and 78 kDa transcript variants.
Conclusion: In summary, MEHP exposure increased lipid accumulation in C2C12 cells, downregulated ACSL4 and ACSL5 expression, and induced an isoform-specific response of ACSL6.This study highlights the role of MEHP in disrupting fatty acid metabolism by impairing metabolic function and emphasizes skeletal muscle dysfunction as a contributing factor to obesity and related metabolic disorders
Experiential Learning Framework: Summary Guide
No full textThe Experiential Learning (EL) Framework at the University of Ottawa is a practical and strategic tool designed to support program development, course design, and the recognition of high-quality EL activities. Originally developed as part of the creation of the In-depth Experiential Learning Stream (IELS), a 30-credit undergraduate stream of EL-labelled courses, the framework has since evolved into a broader institutional guide to enhance coherence, quality, and visibility across experiential offerings. As new forms of EL continue to be developed and implemented across campus, the framework itself will continue to evolve to support emerging needs and opportunities.Prepared by Student Affairs, Career Development and Experiential Learning (CDEL), University of Ottaw
The Use of a Novel Antioxidant Compound, WN1316, for the Treatment of Experimental Glaucoma
No full textGlaucoma is a leading cause of irreversible blindness worldwide, characterized by the death of retinal ganglion cells (RGCs). Accumulating evidence has revealed that in addition to elevated intraocular pressure (IOP), oxidative stress also plays a significant role in glaucomatous pathology. In this respect, this thesis assessed whether a novel antioxidant compound, WN1316, could offer functional and structural protection of RGCs in the magnetic microbead mouse model of glaucoma. WN1316 has been previously shown to protect against oxidative stress-induced cell death in other disease models. Sustained IOP elevations were achieved in microbead-injected eyes; however, confounding lens and corneal damage developed, complicating the disease phenotype and the interpretation of WN1316's effects on RGCs. Trends in the electrophysiological and histological data were therefore not consistent and the therapeutic efficacy of WN1316 remains inconclusive. Future studies should thus refine the glaucomatous disease model to better assess the clinical potential of WN1316
The power of product: how food advertising affects children’s perceptions of child and non-child targeted food advertising?
No full textAbstract Background Food advertising shapes children’s preferences for unhealthy foods, contributing to poor diets and increased risk of obesity and non communicable diseases. This study explored children’s perceptions of child and non-child-targeted food advertising. Methods Open-ended online interviews with 17 participants, recruited through convenience sampling, were conducted where children were prompted with four advertisements (ads): a child-targeted and non-child-targeted ad for both healthy (plain milk) and unhealthy (chocolate) foods. A thematic analysis was conducted. Results Most children expressed positive perceptions of the ads, and the reasons children described liking the ads included: (i) people in the ad eating the product, (ii) positive emotional appeal, (iii) pre-existing affinity with the product, and (iv) visibility of the product. However, most children expressed “negative purchase intent” to all ads due to a pre-existing aversion to the product. Many children who expressed pre-existing affinity with the product still expressed negative purchase intent because they preferred other brands or flavours of the product. Most children considered the type of product over the marketing techniques when asked about perceived targeted audience. The main themes found were: (i) product for everyone, and (ii) product for people that like the product. Conclusions Children’s perceptions, purchase intent and perceived targeted audience did not change between child-targeted and non-child-targeted ads. This study underscores the critical role of the product itself in influencing children’s responses to ads. It highlights the need for public policies and advertising regulations to focus on restricting promotions of unhealthy products rather than solely addressing marketing techniques or target audiences
Graduate Student Food Insecurity on Campus: A Hidden Hurdle
No full textFood insecurity is characterized by an uncertainty or inability to acquire sufficient amounts of food needed to meet the dietary requirements of household members, due to a lack of financial resources within the household (Polsy & Garriguet, 2022). Post-secondary students are a particularly vulnerable population, with a disproportionate number reporting having experienced food insecurity during their studies (El-Zein et al., 2019). Such tendencies are concerning as correlations between food insecurity and various adverse outcomes influencing the health and well-being of post-secondary students have consistently been documented in the literature. However, very little is known regarding the specific experiences of graduate students. To this end, this thesis seeks to bridge the gaps in our understanding through a three-phase approach. Phase one of this thesis assessed changes in neighborhood food environment quality pre- and post-pandemic using data from 39 supermarkets located in Ottawa. The findings suggest that food affordability and food quality have decreased post-pandemic with disparities persisting between high and low socioeconomic status neighborhoods in Ottawa. Phase two consisted of a survey of 363 anglophone graduate students attending the University of Ottawa revealing that 48% were food secure, 13.5% of graduate students were marginally food insecure, 19.5% were moderately food insecure, and 18.7% were severely food insecure. Furthermore, food insecure students were more likely to report a negative influence on their academic performance, course load, in-class participation, attendance, and sense of belongingness to graduate studies community. Finally, phase three made use of semi-structured interview with 14 food insecure graduate students which revealed four key themes namely 1) Graduate students understood food insecurity as a lack of proximity, affordability, quality, and time; 2) Food insecure students experienced adverse physical and mental health outcomes, lower socialization, and academic outcomes; 3) Institutional factors hindered help-seeking behaviours; and 4) Food insecure advocated for holistic programs on campus to mitigate food insecurity. Together, the findings of the thesis provide insights into the experience of food insecurity amongst graduate students which may be used to adapt policies and approaches used by universities in better supporting students
Understanding School Attendance: Perspectives from Educators Supporting Inuit Youth in a Culturally Sensitive Learning Environment
No full textSchool attendance is essential to the biopsychosocial development of youth. Consequently, frequent interruptions to school attendance places a youth's academic achievement, mental and physical health at risk. Within existing Canadian literature, there is a significant dearth of research exploring attendance among Indigenous student populations. Further, existing conceptualizations to attendance primarily consider research that comes from Western colonial perspectives, leaving a further gap in developing culturally inclusive interventions for attendance. Indigenous peoples have resisted through long-standing historical injustices and deficit research approaches within Western colonial educational systems. Their perspectives are crucial to exploring, diversifying and furthering our understandings of attendance issues in Canada. This case study sought to contribute towards literature incorporating Indigenous views of attendance. I, in partnership with an Inuit non-profit organization explored conceptualizations of attendance through a sample of educators in a culturally sensitive learning program for urban Inuit youth. The data was primarily collected through a sharing circle and from my experiences conducting this research and volunteering within this learning program. A thematic analysis, guided by Indigenous and Inuit frameworks, identified that the educator's viewed attendance as holistic and relational and used strengths-based approaches when working with their students and families. Three main themes were created to summarize the educator's conceptualization and approaches to addressing attendance within their program: a) Recognizing Barriers to Attendance b) Sense of Community and c) Representing Students. The culturally sensitive aspects of their program were also identified as contributing towards positive attendance for their students. Our discussion highlights how these findings connect to existing factors related to student attendance; emphasizing the significance of cultural inclusivity and recommending holistic models of attendance that reflect responsible practices for working with Inuit youth
Searching for Patient Involvement in Obstetrics and Gynecology Education and Training; A Scoping Review
No full textBackground: The active involvement of patients in Health Professions Education (HPE) fosters partnerships and enhances patient-centred care. While reviews have explored this topic broadly, patient involvement in Obstetrics and Gynecology (OB/GYN) education and training, an area of care that addresses sensitive issues, remains poorly understood. Synthesized evidence is crucial in guiding research priorities.
Objective: The purpose of this scoping study was to comprehensively synthesize English and French evidence on patient involvement in OB/GYN education and training. The following research questions were addressed: (1) How is patient involvement in OB/GYN education and training conceptualized? (2) What is the nature and state of research on this topic? (3) What are priority areas for future research?
Methods: With the support of a Research Librarian, we developed and executed search strategies in EMBASE, Education Source, Academic Search Complete, Web of Science, MEDLINE, ERIC, APA PsycINFO, and CINAHL, utilizing Covidence to facilitate screening and publication selection. Included publications detail patient involvement in OB/GYN education and training within medicine, nursing, and midwifery, published in English and French. We conducted a complementary search of reference lists and relevant educational and professional websites. We iteratively developed and piloted a data extraction form in Excel, extracting data from all included sources.
Results: After screening 3,085 titles and abstracts and reviewing 147 full texts, 34 publications were included, with 11 added through reference list reviews, for a total of 45. Patient involvement was primarily used as a tool to enhance HPE programming, ensuring content meets patient needs, and supporting competency development. Most examples came from midwifery, followed by medicine and nursing. Patients were typically positioned as information sources, sharing their lived experience. A key gap was inconsistent reporting, with many studies lacking essential contextual details about the nature of involvement.
Conclusions: Patient involvement remains a passive focus in the field of OB/GYN and requires more targeted research. Particularly, the field would benefit from clear reporting standards and a shared framework for evaluating involvement that captures its contextual complexity