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.
Relationship between lifestyle habits and cardiovascular risk factors in familial hypercholesterolemia
This study’s objective was to assess the relationship between lifestyle and cardiovascular risk factors in adults with familial hypercholesterolemia (FH), the most prevalent genetic disorder causing premature cardiovascular diseases (CVD) and deaths. Using data from 122 CARTaGENE participants, researchers suggest that a healthy lifestyle (e.g., not smoking, being physically active, eating a healthy diet, having a light to moderate alcohol consumption, sleeping 7-8 hours per day) is favorably associated with CVD risk factors in adults with FH.
Provincial variation in colorectal cancer screening adherence in Canada; evidence from the Canadian Partnership for Tomorrow’s Health
The researchers sought to assess regional variation in screening uptake, identify factors to non-adherence to screening, and estimate adherence to screening in those with differing risk profiles. Using national CanPath data, they found adherence suboptimal amongst Canadians and noticed variation by region.
Toenail arsenic species and metallome profiles associated with breast, cervical, prostate, and skin cancer prevalence in the Atlantic Partnership for Tomorrow’s Health cohort
The purpose of this study was to characterize the profiles of arsenic species and metallome in the toenails of four cancer groups, compare them to healthy participants, and assess potential associations between the profiles with cancer prevalence.
150 risk variants for diverticular disease of intestine prioritize cell types and enable polygenic prediction of disease susceptibility
This study includes data from over 724,000 individuals, including data from 7,696 CARTaGENE participants. Researchers identified 150 genetic variants associated with diverticular disease (DivD) of the intestine. Their findings suggest that DivD may be linked to factors related to colon structure, gut motility, gastrointestinal mucus, and ionic balance. Notably, one of the identified genes is a target for a drug used to treat irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), highlighting a potential connection between these two gastrointestinal conditions.
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
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.
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.
Prevalence of weak D phenotypes in the general population of Québec, Canada: A focus on weak D type 42
This study aimed to estimate the prevalence of weak D type 42, a particular blood group variant, and other common weak D phenotypes among 1000 CARTaGENE participants. Researchers estimated that about 0.08% of the Quebec population has this variant.