Dr. Subrata Chakrabarti

Topic:   Novel mechanisms in the pathogenesis of diabetic retinopathy.

Dysfunction of endothelial cell (ECs) causing increased production of vasoactive factors and extracellular matrix (ECM) proteins are characteristic features of chronic diabetic complications such as diabetic retinopathy. Glucose-induced biochemical alterations in the ECs activate a cascade of signaling pathways leading to such changes.

Chronic diabetes leads to the activation of a number of signaling proteins including protein kinase C and advanced glycation end product formation. These signaling cascades are activated in response to hyperglycemia-induced oxidative stress. Such aberrant signaling leads to activation of transcription factors, such as nuclear factor-κB and activating protein-1. Although transcription factors are of importance in the regulation of protein production, they remain ineffective without transcriptional co-activators.  In diabetes, transcriptional co-activator p300, with histone acetyl transferase activity, regulates several transcription factors. In addition, microRNA alterations regulate gene expression and the downstream effects eg. increased vasoactive factor and ECM protein production. Blockers of oxidative stress and histone acetylation as well as selected miRNA mimics prevent such alteration.

Hence a complex web of pathways including intracellular signaling, epigenetics and miRNA alterations are involved in the pathogenesis of functional and structural changes in chronic diabetic complications.  We have identified specific changes in the ECs and in the organs affected by diabetic complications such as retina. We have also identified novel adjunct treatment strategies, targeting epigenetic and transcriptional machinery for chronic diabetic complications such as retinopathy.

(Supported by Grants from Canadian Institute of health Research, Canadian Diabetes Association and Heart and Stroke Foundation of Ontario)

For more information contact
DND Office: (T) 235.3939 or
(E) dnd@sbrc.ca

The fund was established by the Division of Neurodegenerative Disorders, St. Boniface Hospital Research Centre to honor Nick Shepel who was an outstanding researcher, friend and leader. Nick was a true inspiration to his lab partners and brought fire, humor, and a desire to always do better. His insistence to always try better will have a permanent effect on his lab mates. Nick led by example and taught that detailed preparation and execution of experiments ensured reliable results.

Purpose:   The purpose of this fund shall be to recognize a young investigator (graduate student within the Faculty of Medicine – University of Manitoba) by providing an annual award ($500) to support travel costs associated with the applicant’s attendance at a national/international conference where the applicant is presenting a poster or oral presentation.

Eligibility:  At the time of application, students must be registered in the Faculty of Medicine at the University of Manitoba.

1.  “Registered” includes being accepted by the major department of study, admitted by the Faculty of Graduate Studies, or eligible to register in the Faculty of Graduate Studies.

2.  A student admitted under the “Provisional Status” may not receive the award during the provisional period.

3.  The award is valued at $500.00.

4.  Students must be giving a poster or oral presentation.

Submission Instructions: A complete application consists of the following:

1.  Introductory letter describing meeting

2.  Copy of abstract

3.  Curriculum vitae

4.  Current GPA, transcripts not needed

5.  Proposed budget of travel costs

6.  Submit your completed application materials to:
     Dr. Paul Fernyhough
     Director – Division of Neurodegenerative Disorders
     St. Boniface Hospital Research
     R4046 – 351 Tache Avenue
     Winnipeg, MB R2H 2A6

How to apply for reimbursement:  Reimbursement will be done in accordance with St. Boniface Hospital travel policies. Only original receipts will be accepted. Copies may be accepted only where proof of submission to another agency is provided.

For more information, contact:
Kelly Jorundson, Administrative Manager
Division of Neurodegenerative Disorders
R4046-351 Tache Ave., Winnipeg, MB  R2H 2A6
E:  kjorund@sbrc.ca   T:204.235.3939   F: 204.237.4092

CCARM team leader Dr. Peter Zahradka takes federal department managers for a tour of the Canadian Centre for Agri-Food Research in Health and Medicine

(May 8, 2012) St-Boniface Hospital Research hosted tours of the Centre for the 11th annual federal ministers’ manager’s conference – the first time the conference has been held in Winnipeg. The goal of the conference is to bring together managers working for federal ministries to raise awareness of government’s impact on the community.

The goal of the tour (one of several in the city) is to give federal department managers an opportunity to see the many projects and institutions that are supported by Federal funding. Their tour also included: l’Université de Saint-Boniface, the Economic Development Council for Manitoba’s Bilingual Communities, Entreprises Riel, the Bilingual Services Center and a stop at the Basilica for a brief historical presentation on the francophone presence.

Abstract:

Background: Activation of adenosine A 1receptors has neuroprotective effects in animal stroke models. Adenosine levels are regulated by nucleoside transporters. In vitro studies showed that neuron-specific expression of human equilibrative nucleoside transporter 1 (hENT1) decreases extracellular adenosine levels and adenosine A 1receptor activity. In this study, we tested the effect of hENT1 expression on cortical infarct size following intracerebral injection of the vasoconstrictor endothelin-1 (ET-1) or saline.Methods: Mice underwent stereotaxic intracortical injection of ET-1 (1 μl; 400 pmol) or saline (1 μl). Some mice received the adenosine receptor antagonist caffeine (25 mg/kg, intraperitoneal) 30 minutes prior to ET-1. Perfusion and T 2-weighted magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) were used to measure cerebral blood flow (CBF) and subsequent infarct size, respectively.Results: ET-1 reduced CBF at the injection site to 7.3 ± 1.3% (n = 12) in hENT1 transgenic (Tg) and 12.5 ± 2.0% (n = 13) in wild type (Wt) mice. At 48 hours following ET-1 injection, CBF was partially restored to 35.8 ± 4.5% in Tg and to 45.2 ± 6.3% in Wt mice; infarct sizes were significantly greater in Tg (9 ± 1.1 mm 3) than Wt (5.4 ± 0.8 mm 3) mice. Saline-treated Tg and Wt mice had modest decreases in CBF and infarcts were less than 1 mm 3. For mice treated with caffeine, CBF values and infarct sizes were not significantly different between Tg and Wt mice.Conclusions: ET-1 produced greater ischemic injury in hENT1 Tg than in Wt mice. This genotype difference was not observed in mice that had received caffeine. These data indicate that hENT1 Tg mice have reduced ischemia-evoked increases in adenosine receptor activity compared to Wt mice. © 2012 Soylu et al; licensee BioMed Central Ltd.

For more information on this publication, contact:
Carolyn Sifton Helene Fuld Library
St. Boniface Hospital Research
351 Taché Ave.
Winnipeg, MB R2H 2A6
Phone: (204) 237-2807
FAX: (204) 235-3339
sbghlibrary@umanitoba.ca

Abstract:

BACKGROUND:
Nuclear factor kappa B (NF-kappaB) is a transcription factor typically expressed with two specific subunits (p50, p65). Investigators have reported that NF-kappaB is activated during the induction of in vitro long term potentiation (LTP), a paradigm of synaptic plasticity and correlate of memory, suggesting that NF-kappaB may be necessary for some aspects of memory encoding. Furthermore, NF-kappaB has been implicated as a potential requirement in behavioral tests of memory. Unfortunately, very little work has been done to explore the effects of deleting specific NF-kappaB subunits on memory. Studies have shown that NF-kappaB p50 subunit deletion (p50/) leads to memory deficits, however some recent studies suggest the contrary where p50/ mice show enhanced memory in the Morris water maze (MWM). To more critically explore the role of the NF-kappaB p50 subunit in synaptic plasticity and memory, we assessed long term spatial memory in vivo using the MWM, and synaptic plasticity in vitro utilizing high frequency stimuli capable of eliciting LTP in slices from the hippocampus of NF-kappaB p50/ versus their controls (p50+/+).

RESULTS:
We found that the lack of the NF-kappaB p50 subunit led to significant decreases in late LTP and in selective but significant alterations in MWM tests (i.e., some improvements during acquisition, but deficits during retention).

CONCLUSIONS:
These results support the hypothesis that the NF-kappaBeta p50 subunit is required in long term spatial memory in the hippocampus.

For more information on this publication, contact:
Carolyn Sifton Helene Fuld Library
St. Boniface Hospital Research
351 Taché Ave.
Winnipeg, MB R2H 2A6
Phone: (204) 237-2807
FAX: (204) 235-3339
sbghlibrary@umanitoba.ca

Abstract: Purpose/Objectives: To provide a preliminary determination of the prevalence rate of women who suffer from neuropathic pain post breast surgery (PPBS) and explore potential risk factors associated with its development. Design: Prospective, quantitative, longitudinal survey. Setting: Breast health clinic in western Canada. Sample: A convenience sample of 17 women undergoing breast cancer surgery. Methods: The Brief Pain Inventory was administered before surgery and 2 days, 10 days, and 3 months postsurgery. Demographic data also were collected preoperatively. Analysis included determining prevalence of PPBS; descriptive analyses on age, gender, and body mass index (BMI); presence of acute postoperative pain; type of surgery; and two-tailed t tests on age and BMI. Main Research Variables: The symptom experience of chronic PPBS. Findings: Twenty-three percent of the sample developed PPBS. Younger age (50 years or younger), more invasive surgery, acute postoperative pain, and less analgesic use during the acute postoperative period were factors associated with the development of PPBS. Conclusions: Additional research is required to confirm the significance of these potential risk factors in the development of PPBS. Implications for Nursing: Nurses are ideally situated to identify early signs of PPBS. In addition, nurses play a key role in the education of patients and healthcare professionals and can facilitate increased awareness about the possibility of developing PPBS, enabling earlier and more effective treatment of PPBS. © 2012 by the Oncology Nursing Society.

For more information on this publication, contact:
Carolyn Sifton Helene Fuld Library
St. Boniface Hospital Research
351 Taché Ave.
Winnipeg, MB R2H 2A6
Phone: (204) 237-2807
FAX: (204) 235-3339
sbghlibrary@umanitoba.ca

Abstract: Introduction: Although the physician’s role with patients is crucial in encouraging FOBT screening, the nature and content of physician-patient discussions about FOBT screening is unclear. As part of a larger study, this paper reports on our analyses of physician beliefs about fecal occult blood testing (FOBT) and strategies they employed to enhance patient adherence. The second aim of this paper is to report on the perceptions of individuals at average risk for colorectal cancer (CRC) in regard to their awareness of the FOBT and their responses to physician recommendations about FOBT screening. Methods: The larger study was conducted in urban and rural Manitoba, Canada between 2008 and 2010. We used a qualitative design and conducted semi-structured, audio-recorded interviews with 15 physicians and 27 individuals at average risk for CRC. We included data from 11 family members or friends on their perspectives of FOBT instructions as individuals who were also at average risk for CRC and had their own experiences with CRC screening recommendations. Results: Despite widespread knowledge of The Canadian Task Force on Preventive Health Care CRC screening guidelines, physician attitudes, behaviors, and instructions were not uniform in promoting patient adherence to FOBT screening. Individuals at average-risk for CRC identified that FOBT instructions were confusing and burdensome, which in turn served as a barrier in their adherence to FOBT screening. Conclusions: Variation in FOBT instruction counseling in relation to the recommended age of individuals at average risk for CRC, as well as adequate patient preparation affected patient adherence. We recommend uniform or standardized instructions and counseling by health care providers who administer the FOBT kit to patients to promote adherence to recommended CRC screening. © 2012 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

For more information on this publication, contact:
Carolyn Sifton Helene Fuld Library
St. Boniface Hospital Research
351 Taché Ave.
Winnipeg, MB R2H 2A6
Phone: (204) 237-2807
FAX: (204) 235-3339
sbghlibrary@umanitoba.ca

Abstract: Purpose/Objectives: To test the impact of patient smoking behavior on family caregiver judgments of responsibility, emotions, empathic responses, and helping behavior. Design: Structural equation modeling. Setting: Five oncology outpatient settings in Canada. Sample: 304 dyads consisting of patients with lung cancer and their primary caregivers. Methods: Self-report questionnaires, abstracted medical record data, confirmatory factor analysis, and structural equation modeling. Main Research Variables: Smoking history, judgments of responsibility for controlling the disease, anger, pride, empathic responses, and helping behaviors. Findings: The impact of patient smoking behavior on caregiver help was mediated by caregiver judgments of responsibility, affective reactions of anger and pride, and empathic responses by caregivers. Conclusions: When patients continued to engage in smoking behavior, despite a diagnosis of lung cancer, caregivers tended to ascribe more responsibility and feel more anger and less pride in the patients’ efforts to manage the disease, therefore placing caregivers at risk for less empathy and helping behavior. Implications for Nursing: Caregiver blame and anger must be assessed, particularly when the patient with lung cancer continues to smoke. If caregiver judgments of blame and anger are evident, then an attribution approach is indicated involving a dialogue between the caregiver and the patient, with the aim of enhancing the caregiver’s understanding of how negative attributions and linked emotions impact his or her ability to engage in empathic helping behaviors. © 2012 by the Oncology Nursing Society.

For more information on this publication, contact:
Carolyn Sifton Helene Fuld Library
St. Boniface Hospital Research
351 Taché Ave.
Winnipeg, MB R2H 2A6
Phone: (204) 237-2807
FAX: (204) 235-3339
sbghlibrary@umanitoba.ca

Abstract: The aim of the present study was to determine whether Clostridium difficile was present in uncooked retail ground beef and ground pork products sold in Winnipeg, Manitoba. Using an alcohol treatment protocol and inoculation of cultures on C difficile Moxalactam Norfloxacin (CDMN), toxigenic C difficile was found in 6.3% of 48 meat samples. The C difficile isolates belonged to different pulsotypes, all of which had been previously isolated from the stool of Manitoba patients with C difficile disease. Because cooking of meat will not eradicate C difficile spores, this raises a concern regarding potential foodborne transmissibility of this organism. ©2012 Pulsus Group Inc. All rights reserved.

For more information on this publication, contact:
Carolyn Sifton Helene Fuld Library
St. Boniface Hospital Research
351 Taché Ave.
Winnipeg, MB R2H 2A6
Phone: (204) 237-2807
FAX: (204) 235-3339
sbghlibrary@umanitoba.ca

Abstract:

BACKGROUND:
The impacts of cancer on young men are reportedly different from the experiences of others. These impacts may adversely affect the health and the healthcare of young men.

OBJECTIVE:
The purpose of this article was to conduct a literature review to examine what is known about the experiences of young men with cancer.

METHODS:
A systematic strategy was used to locate original research that included 4 electronic databases using the search terms men, young men, male, father, parents, and cancer experience.

RESULTS:
Sixteen studies met the inclusion criteria. Twelve studies used qualitative methodology, and 4 studies used a quantitative method; no mixed-method studies were found. Of the studies reviewed, 6 focused on the experiences of men but not young men aged 20 to 44 years exclusively, 10 studies had male and female respondents. Analysis revealed 5 themes: (1) manhood in question, (2) the good father or not, (3) family and that special bond, (4) silencing cancer talk, and (5) living with uncertainty.

CONCLUSIONS:
Young men are building resources while creating family bonds, and they identify themselves through their work. Young men with cancer have needs specific to their gender and cohort.

IMPLICATIONS FOR PRACTICE:
Methodological and conceptual recommendations are presented. This includes conducting research focusing on this cohort and using a life-course perspective. Understanding the overall experience of this cohort will enable the development of clinical interventions for young men with cancer. Supportive care in a nonthreatening environment is needed to help young men cope with the problems described.

For more information on this publication, contact:
Carolyn Sifton Helene Fuld Library
St. Boniface Hospital Research
351 Taché Ave.
Winnipeg, MB R2H 2A6
Phone: (204) 237-2807
FAX: (204) 235-3339
sbghlibrary@umanitoba.ca