Predictors of primary cutaneous melanoma stage at diagnosis: observations from Alberta’s Tomorrow Project
This study examined data from the Alberta’s Tomorrow Project on 62 adults who developed primary cutaneous melanoma by 2018. The majority (67.74%) were diagnosed at stage I, with individual factors like being married or common-law, having an annual household income between $50,000–100,000, and spending more than 1 hour in the sun between 11 am–4 pm per day during the past summer. In contrast, increased occupational physical activity was linked to a higher likelihood of later-stage diagnosis. These findings highlight potential epidemiologic risk factors that could inform targeted interventions for earlier melanoma detection.
Differences in antihypertensive medication prescription profiles between 2009 and 2021: a retrospective cohort study of CARTaGENE
Researchers examined the differences in antihypertensive medication prescription profiles in the province of Quebec between 2009 and 2021. Data from the CARTaGENE population–based cohort was used. The study found that application of hypertension guidelines for the choice of antihypertensive drugs remains suboptimal, underscoring the importance of educational initiatives.
Stage shifting by modifying the determinants of breast cancer stage at diagnosis: a simulation study
The researchers sought to understand how lifestyle factors influence the stage at which breast cancer is diagnosed. Using data from 492 participants in Alberta’s Tomorrow Project, they found that increasing dietary protein intake and reducing energy intake had the most significant impact. This suggests that minor lifestyle adjustments could potentially increase the rate of early-stage diagnoses by 12%, thereby informing cancer prevention strategies.
Dose-responsive effects of iron supplementation on the gut microbiota in middle-aged women
The researchers sought to investigate the association between iron supplementation and the gut microbiota among healthy female participants in Alberta’s Tomorrow Project. They found that adequate iron levels are essential for the overall health and wellbeing of women through their various life stages.
Age- and sex-specific associations of frailty with mortality and healthcare utilization in community-dwelling adults from Ontario, Canada
The researchers sought to estimate the association of frailty with the risk of death, hospital admissions, and length of hospital stay. Using data from the Ontario Health Study linked to all-cause mortality and hospital admissions data from ICES, they found that frailty is an important health construct for both younger and older adults.
A test to comprehensively capture the known genetic component of familial pulmonary fibrosis
The study aimed to develop a laboratory-developed test (LDT) based on standard Sanger sequencing to capture all known familial pulmonary fibrosis-associated variants. The new genetic test was evaluated in 62 sporadic cases of idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis. It was found that the MUC5B promoter variant rs35705950 was strongly enriched in these patients, with a minor allele frequency of 41.1%, compared with 10.6% in a matched population-based cohort from CARTaGENE.
Microbial features linked to medication strategies in cardiometabolic disease management
Researchers explored the association of microbial structure with the use of single or multiple medications among participants from Alberta’s Tomorrow Project who were diagnosed with cardiometabolic disease. Forty-six associations were identified between microbial composition and single medications. Findings indicated that both single- and multiple medication use in cardiometabolic disease is associated with decreases in bacterial diversity, species, and microbial functional potential.
Psychosocial factors, health behaviors and risk of cancer incidence: Testing interaction and effect modification in an individual participant data meta-analysis
Researchers determined whether psychosocial factors interact with or modify the effects of health behaviors, such as smoking and alcohol use, in relation to cancer incidence. Data were used from 22 cohorts, including the Ontario Health Study, Atlantic Partnership for Tomorrow’s Health, and CARTaGENE. After exploring 744 combinations of psychosocial factors, the researchers found no evidence that psychosocial factors interacted with or modified health behaviors related to cancer incidence.
Ultra-processed foods consumption, depression, and the risk of diabetes complications in the CARTaGENE project: a prospective cohort study in Quebec, Canada
Researchers examined the association between depression, ultra-processed food consumption (UPFs), and the risk of developing diabetes-specific complications in adults with type 2 diabetes. Data from participants enrolled in CARTaGENE were used. Over 7 years, 105 individuals developed diabetes-related complications. Participants with high depressive symptoms and high levels of UPF consumption had a higher risk of diabetes complications compared to those without depressive symptoms and low levels of UPFs in their diet. When high depressive symptoms and antidepressant use were combined with high UPF consumption, the risk of diabetes complications was higher.
Reduced incidence of diabetes during the COVID-19 pandemic in Alberta: A time-segmented longitudinal study of Alberta’s Tomorrow Project
Researchers aimed to outline the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on diabetes diagnosis using data from participants who were part of Alberta’s Tomorrow Project. During the COVID-19 pandemic (up to 31 March 2021), the rate of diabetes diagnosis was 32% lower than pre-pandemic levels. The first COVID-19 state of emergency (first wave) was associated with an 87.3% reduction in diabetes diagnoses. This trend continued through the second COVID-19 state of emergency, and no notable increase in diagnoses was observed even after the state of emergency was relaxed. Ultimately, it was found that in Alberta, the COVID-19 public health emergencies had adverse consequences on diabetes diagnoses.