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.
Evaluation of the accuracy of the PLCOm2012 6-year lung cancer risk prediction model among smokers in the CARTaGENE population-based cohort
This study aimed to validate a tool to predict lung cancer risk using data from CARTaGENE participants. It showed good accuracy in identifying lung cancer risk but underestimated the number of cases. This tool may require calibration adjustments for the Quebec population.
Genetic analyses of DNA repair pathway associated genes implicate new candidate cancer predisposing genes in ancestrally defined ovarian cancer cases
Researchers investigated families with a history of ovarian cancer that couldn’t be explained by known genetic risk factors. Using healthy controls from CARTaGENE, they applied a targeted gene approach and found rare genetic variants in DNA repair pathway genes, particularly in ERCC5, EXO1, FANCC, NEIL1, and NTHL1, in a significant portion of these families.
Relationships between Obesity and Incidence of Fractures in a Middle-Aged Population: A Study from the CARTaGENE Cohort
The study examined the CARTaGENE cohort to evaluate the association between obesity and fracture incidence among middle-aged individuals, 40 to 70 years, and further stratified the data by sex. The authors determined that, in middle-aged individuals, obesity was associated with distal lower limb fracture risk among both men and women.
Molecular Genetic Characteristics of FANCI, a Proposed New Ovarian Cancer Predisposing Gene
Researchers investigated the genetic characteristics of the FANCI gene, which has been linked to an increased risk of ovarian cancer. Using data from 171 CARTaGENE participants and other sources, they confirmed that a specific FANCI variant is associated with ovarian cancer and discovered potential genetic links to other cancer types.