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.
Factors associated with change in moderate or severe symptoms of anxiety and depression in community-living adults and older adults during the COVID-19 pandemic
Researchers explored changes in moderate or severe symptoms of anxiety or depression (MSSANXDEP) from before to during the COVID-19 pandemic in Canada, and examined associated sociodemographic, economic, psychosocial, health behavior and lifestyle, and clinical factors. Data from 59,997 participants from the five established cohorts of the Canadian Partnership for Tomorrow’s Health (CanPath) were used. Analyses indicated that certain sociodemographic, economic, lifestyle, health behavior, psychosocial, and clinical factors were associated with remitted, incident, and persistent MSSANXDEP.
Plant-based dietary patterns and genetic susceptibility to obesity in the CARTaGENE cohort
Researchers explored whether adherence to three plant-based dietary indices (PDIs) mediated or moderated genetic susceptibility to obesity. The study included 7,037 adults from the CARTaGENE cohort. Obesity outcomes were found to be significantly associated with overall- and healthy-PDIs and polygenic risk scores (PRSs). Adherence to PDIs neither mediated nor moderated genetic susceptibility to obesity. Higher levels of meat consumption were positively associated with obesity, while increased levels of whole grain intake were negatively associated with obesity outcomes.
The role of ultra-processed food consumption and depression on type 2 diabetes incidence: a prospective community study in Quebec, Canada
Researchers explored the link between depression and consumption of highly processed foods as potential risk factors for developing type 2 diabetes. Using CARTaGENE data, findings suggest that individuals with high depressive symptoms and high consumption of ultra-processed foods had the highest risk of developing type 2 diabetes.
Factors associated with mental health service use during the pandemic: Initiation and barriers
This study aimed to understand the factors associated with initiating new mental health service use (MHSU) during the COVID-19 pandemic, as well as distinguishing between different reasons for not seeking mental health services. The research found that several factors influenced MHSU, such as age, living situation, income, and health professional status. The study suggests the need for awareness campaigns targeting older adults to explain the importance of seeking treatment and for sensitizing health professionals to facilitate access to mental health care for individuals at risk of social isolation and lower socioeconomic status.
The evolution of SARS-CoV-2 seroprevalence in Canada: a time-series study, 2020-2023
This study used data from the COVID-19 Immunity Task Force, which includes CanPath data, to track the prevalence of SARS-CoV-2 antibodies in the Canadian population over the pre-vaccination period, the vaccine rollout, and the emergence of the Omicron variant. By March 2023, over three-quarters of the population had detectable antibodies, with the most substantial increases seen after the arrival of the Omicron variant. However, variations in immunity by age and geography highlight the importance of tailoring public health policies and clinical decisions to local patterns of population immunity, considering factors like potential antibody decline and the emergence of new variants that might evade immunity.
Importance of accounting for timing of time-varying exposures in association studies: Hydrochlorothiazide and non-melanoma skin cancer
The researchers used different models to determine how non-melanoma skin cancer (NMSC) risk varies with hydrochlorothiazide (HCTZ) exposure and explored how the results may be contingent on modeling strategies. Data was collected from study participants who were part of the Ontario Health Study cohort. In parametric models considering all exposures, longer duration of past HCTZ use was linked to a higher risk of NMSC, while cumulative dose did not show a consistent association. However, weighted cumulative exposure model results indicated that only exposures occurring 2.5–4 years ago were associated with the current hazard of NMSC.
Assessing skin cancer risk factors, sun safety behaviors and melanoma concern in Atlantic Canada: a comprehensive survey study
Using data from 7,861 Atlantic PATH participants, this study sought to understand sun exposure, sun protection, and level of worry for cutaneous melanoma (CM), a deadly form of skin cancer, among Atlantic Canadians. The researchers found that provinces with high CM incidence had higher rates of sunburns, total sun exposure, recreational sun exposure, and tanning. However, they also displayed more protective behaviours.
Added value of waist circumference to body mass index for predicting fracture risk in obesity: a prospective study from the CARTaGENE cohort
The researchers aimed to assess associations between waist circumference (WC) and fracture incidence within BMI categories to examine whether BMI modifies the relationships. Using data from 18,236 CARTaGENE participants, they found that larger WC was associated with a greater risk for fractures among those in the normal-to-overweight category.
On the genes, genealogies, and geographies of Quebec
Researchers used historical records and genetic data from 20,451 CARTaGENE participants to create a detailed model of French Canadian ancestry. They found that the population’s structure has changed, particularly influenced by geographic factors and river networks. Their simulated genetic dataset is available for further research.