Subclinical primary aldosteronism and cardiovascular health: a population-based cohort study
This study explores the impact of subclinical primary aldosteronism, a less recognized form of hypertension characterized by renin-independent aldosterone production, on cardiovascular health. With data from 1284 CARTaGENE participants, researchers found that a higher aldosterone-to-renin ratio, indicative of this condition, was associated with increased arterial stiffness, adverse cardiac remodeling, and higher odds of developing hypertension, independent of traditional blood pressure measures.
Health-related and psychosocial factors associated with prostate cancer stage at diagnosis among males participating in Alberta’s Tomorrow Project
Researchers investigated the factors associated with the stage at which prostate cancer (PCa) is diagnosed among males in Alberta’s Tomorrow Project. They found that a higher number of lifetime prostate-specific antigen tests were linked to earlier-stage PCa, while higher abdominal circumference, lower social support, and having children were associated with later-stage disease.
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.
Association of infertility with type and timing of menopause: a prospective cohort study
This study sought to uncover the association between past infertility and type and timing of menopause among midlife women. Using data from 13,243 midlife females from Alberta’s Tomorrow Project, the researchers found that women with past infertility were more likely to experience surgical menopause and had greater risk of earlier surgical menopause until age 43 years but experienced no differences in the timing of natural menopause.
The contributions of neighbourhood design in promoting metabolic health
Using data from 6,718 Alberta’s Tomorrow Project participants, the researchers assessed associations between neighbourhood built environment and metabolic syndrome, or the presence of at least three clinical risk factors among lipid levels, blood pressure, and waist circumference. They found that neighbourhoods with more points of interest and greater overall active living environment-friendliness were associated with fewer metabolic syndrome risk factors and lower odds of metabolic syndrome. Higher dwelling density was also linked to having fewer metabolic syndrome risk factors.
Development and external validation of partial proportional odds risk prediction models for cancer stage at diagnosis among males and females in Canada
This study examined health patterns in Alberta’s Tomorrow Project participants before cancer diagnosis to find factors related to cancers caught early versus late. The researchers found factors then tested them in a similar group from the British Columbia Generations Project.
Time spent in the sun and the risk of developing non-Hodgkin lymphoma: a Canadian cohort study
This study’s objective was to explore the relationship of sun behaviour patterns with non-Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL) risk. Using data from 79,803 Alberta’s Tomorrow Project, CARTaGENE, and Ontario Health Study participants, the researchers found a protective effect of moderate time spent in the sun on NHL risk
Urban design and cardio-metabolic risk factors
This study aimed to estimate associations between neighbourhood built environment metrics and cardiovascular health. Using data from 7171 Alberta’s Tomorrow Project participants, researchers found that a new measure of neighbourhood design showed lower blood pressure in men and lower risk of being overweight or obese in men and women, whereas traditional measures did not show this association.
Physical activity-induced alterations of the gut microbiota are BMI dependent
Researchers assessed physical activity and hand-grip strength’s role in gut microbiome composition in middle-aged adults with normal and overweight body mass index. Data from 443 participants from Alberta’s Tomorrow Project suggest that BMI plays a significant role in modelling PA-induced changes in gut microbiota.
Associations between neighborhood walkability and walking following residential relocation: Findings from Alberta’s Tomorrow Project
This study aimed to estimate whether changes in neighbourhood walkability resulting from residential relocation were associated with leisure, transportation, and total walking levels. Using data from 5,977 urban adults (non-movers, movers to less walkability, and movers to more walkability), researchers found that time spent walking at follow-up was lower among those who moved to less walkable neighbourhoods, suggesting that relocating to less walkable neighbourhoods could negatively affect health.