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Centre for Advancing Health

@advancinghealth.bsky.social

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Advancing Health is dedicated to answering big health questions of today, while anticipating answers the world will need tomorrow.

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Centre for Advancing Health @advancinghealth.bsky.social · Dec 4

We are the Centre for Advancing Health Outcomes.

Join us where we continue our mission to move knowledge forward, advancing what we know and what we strive to know, with a name that better reflects what we do.

Centre for Advancing Health @advancinghealth.bsky.social · 1d

We might be well into autumn, but you don't want to *fall* behind on great science!

Get caught up with the latest issue of the Advancing Health newsletter, including:

💲 Budgeting for #Clinical Trial Designs
🎂 The 100th edition of Evidence Speaks
🤖Loneliness-fighting robots

https://bit.ly/3WqyMoK

Centre for Advancing Health @advancinghealth.bsky.social · 2d

How busy? Well, in the past year, our scientists published:

• 372 original research publications
• 79 reviews
• 62 editorials

For a full breakdown of the past year's accomplishments, we encourage everyone to check out the full report (2/2):
bit.ly/46VW0bu

Centre for Advancing Health @advancinghealth.bsky.social · 2d

The Advancing Health's Annual Report is here! 🔊

Science is collaborative. With a team of nearly 200 scientists, research associates, data analysts, and other staff, our Centre stands in testament to that fact. Over the past 12 months they have been busy working towards a healthier future. (1/2)

Centre for Advancing Health @advancinghealth.bsky.social · 6d

Post-#OrganTransplant viral infections, such as CMV, are a major risk to transplant success. But why do some infections seem to hurt more than others?

Researchers found that infections that lasted 60+ days were associated with worse survival outcomes, and created a profile for high-risk patients.

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Centre for Advancing Health @advancinghealth.bsky.social · 6d

📢Providence Research is inviting applications for the Carraresi Foundation Early Career Clinician Investigator Award, hich allows early career clinician investigators affiliated with PHC explore key medical research questions.

Apply before the deadline of Jan 16th, 2026:
https://bit.ly/476qzfG

Centre for Advancing Health @advancinghealth.bsky.social · 7d

🫀 #CardiacArrests are caused by malfunctions in the heart's electrical system. They're very dangerous, especially when they happen out-of-hospital.

New research found that high potassium levels after a cardiac arrest was associated with low survival, and could act as a prognostic biomarker.

Cardiac arrests happen when a malfunction in the heart’s electrical system causes it to abruptly stop beating. They are very dangerous, particularly when they occur out-of-hospital, due to the delay in receiving medical care. Even after the heart restarts beating on its own, over half of out-of-hospital cardiac arrest patients remain in a comatose state by the time they arrive at the hospital. These comatose patients have a mortality rate of up to 50 per cent.

Prognostic biomarker tests would help identify particularly at-risk cardiac arrest patients and give them additional support, but currently no such tests exist. Given that potassium plays a major role in maintaining heart rhythm, a team of researchers Advancing Health scientist Dr. Christopher Fordyce joined a group of researchers in Denmark to see if there was any association between potassium level and patient survival. They analysed data collected from 4,894 Danish patients admitted for out-of-hospital cardiac arrests between 2001–2019. Patients were sorted into seven groups based on their blood serum potassium level at admission and compared the 30-day mortality rate for all these groups.

The researchers found that low levels of potassium had no impact on patient survival. However, high levels of potassium (4.7 mmol/L or higher) were found to correspond with lower survival rates compared to normal levels of potassium. This association was found even when controlling for other factors, such as age, sex, and other medical conditions. While further research is needed on long-term survival, impact on neurological function, and to understand the underlying cause for this correlation, this association could help identify particularly high-risk cardiac arrest patients and give them the additional care they need.

Centre for Advancing Health @advancinghealth.bsky.social · 7d

Do you want to give back to your community?

Register to be a #StemCell donor!

If you're between the ages of 17-35, drop by St. Paul's Hospital cafeteria between Oct 8th-9th to register. Canadian Blood Services will be collecting quick and simple cheek swabs. Then take a spin on the prize wheel!

A woman stands smiling at a registration table with Canadian Blood Services materials for stem cell donor registration. Text reads:
Drop-in Stem Cell Donor Registration
October 8 @ 10:00 am – October 9 @ 10:00 am

Centre for Advancing Health @advancinghealth.bsky.social · 12d

It's the 101st edition of Evidence Speaks! 🎺

So join us in discovering:
• Potassium level's impact on #CardiacArrests
• Why some CMV infections are so dangerous after organ transplants
• How only 1/3rd of of COPD patients in BC get the medications they need

Learn more:

https://bit.ly/47Z6fxS

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Centre for Advancing Health @advancinghealth.bsky.social · 13d

Budgeting for Clinical Research Sites 101: Funding Models and Negotiation Techniques

Leslie Love, a #ClinicalResearch professional with over 25 years of experience, delves into the benefits and drawbacks of activity-based and payment-based funding models.

Come learn with us:
https://bit.ly/4mvS7zC

Centre for Advancing Health @advancinghealth.bsky.social · 14d

Did you know that since 2016, we've written a full one hundred Evidence Speaks articles? 😮#SciComm

It's true! To celebrate this huge milestone, Advancing Health looks back on the series' history— which actually stretches back all the way to 1998. Come join us:
https://bit.ly/4nN8okS

Text "The Evidence Speaks!" in a speech bubble over a background of a scientist pipetting in a lab.

Centre for Advancing Health @advancinghealth.bsky.social · 15d

How do different styles of surgery for #BreastCancer impact patient quality-of-life?

Advancing Health scientist Dr. Jason Sutherland and team investigated, looking at impact on depression, anxiety, pain, and more.
www.youtube.com/shorts/RXBUa...

How do different styles of surgery for breast cancer impact patient quality-of-life?

YouTube video by Advancing Health

www.youtube.com

Reposted by Centre for Advancing Health

Providence Research @providenceresearch.bsky.social · 16d

In a landmark moment for B.C.’s life sciences sector, Providence Research has officially opened the province’s first and only non-oncology Phase 1 Clinical Trials Unit at Mount Saint Joseph Hospital.

Read the full story: buff.ly/rasv04x

#research #healthcare #healthresearch #clinicaltrials

A bright day for B.C. life sciences: Phase 1 Clinical Trials Unit opens at Mount Saint Joseph Hospital | Providence Research

In a landmark moment for B.C.’s life sciences sector, Providence Research, in collaboration with the Government of B.C., Michael Smith Health Research BC, Providence Health Care and the University of…

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Centre for Advancing Health @advancinghealth.bsky.social · 19d

UBC's 2025 Faculty of Medicine Award Recipients have been announced!

A huge round of applause for all awardees! We particularly want to congratulate Advancing Health scientist Dr. Daniel Vigo, recognition for his work on public #MentalHealth.

Read about all the awards:
https://bit.ly/47Nyuzj

A black and white image of Dr. Daniel Vigo, an Argentinian man with glasses and a beard, wearing a dark suit.

Centre for Advancing Health @advancinghealth.bsky.social · 20d

Join us this November for the Inaugural PHC CREST Conference!🎺

Focusing on elevating the nursing and allied health clinician-scientist, this event will feature two keynote speakers, a panel discussion, a workshop, and more.

📆 Nov 6
📍St. Paul's Hospital/Virtual

Register:
https://bit.ly/4nBsOx9

Date: November 6, 2025
Time: 8:00AM – 4:00PM
Where: St. Paul’s Hospital Conference Centre, virtual attendance
Brief description: This is the inaugural conference for the PHC Centre for Research Training (CREST) for Nursing and Allied Health. This event features two keynote speakers, a panel discussion, a workshop, and more, focusing on elevating the nursing and allied health clinician-scientist.
Attendance information: No cost, registration encouraged (drop-ins welcome)

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Centre for Advancing Health @advancinghealth.bsky.social · 21d

Better access to new life-saving medical treatments is coming with the launch of an 8-bed clinical trials unit at Mount Saint Joseph Hospital in Vancouver. Advancing Health is proud to have been part of its development of this crucial new clinical infrastructure.
Read more:
https://bit.ly/46a9eCf

Mount Saint Joseph Hospital's red brick facade with a cross on top and entrance canopy.

Centre for Advancing Health @advancinghealth.bsky.social · 26d

Upcoming webinar: Boosting Real-World Evidence in Health Services! 🚨

Advancing Health scientist Dr. Ehsan Karim will explore how to utilize health services data better in #MachineLearning.
Date: Sep 25th
Time: 12-1pm

Register today:
https://bit.ly/42sSROC

Webinar poster:
CHSPR Seminar | Boosting Real-World Evidence in Health Services
Using Machine Learning and Robust Methods to Harness High-Dimensional Proxies from Administrative Data for Minimizing Residual Confounding
Ehsan Karim, UBC School of Population and Public Health

Thursday Sept 25, 2025
12-1 pm PT
SPPH B104 or Zoom (Ehsan Karim will speak in person)

Centre for Advancing Health @advancinghealth.bsky.social · Sep 5

On Sep 16, Clinical Trials BC will be welcoming Dr. Shannon Bard for their opening ep of ASK US: Season 6!
With host Dr. Jean Smart, Shannon will explore the environmental impact of #ClinicalTrials and how you can integrate good environmental practices.

Register today: lnkd.in/gYeR3Hxi

ASK US: Towards Good Environmental Practices (GEPs) for Clinical Trials and Sites
Date: September 16, 2025
Time: 12:00 PM Pacific Time
Event webpage: https://healthresearchbc.ca/event/ask-us-towards-good-environmental-practices-for-clinical-trials-sites/
Speakers: Dr. Shannon Bard, PhD, Environmental Scientist & Climate Solutions Innovator, Intertidal Solutions Inc, and Celia Belamour, Clinical Research Nurse Coordinator, Northern Centre for Clinical Research

Centre for Advancing Health @advancinghealth.bsky.social · Sep 3

It's said you are what you eat. But what you eat depends on who you spend time with.

Recent longitudinal studies conducted by Advancing Health scientist Dr. Annalijn Conklin and her team are untangling the complex interplay between social engagement and #nutrition.

Learn more:
bit.ly/3VCAiUl

An image of Dr. Annalijn Conklin, from the torso up, wearing a blue outfit. Her photograph is superimposed over a picture of fresh produce, including apples, lemons, and grapes, that is tinted purple.

Centre for Advancing Health @advancinghealth.bsky.social · Sep 2

For women, two key life stages, #pregnancy and #menopause, can reveal a lot about future risk for heart disease and stroke. So what's the connection between them? 🫀

Heart and Stroke Canada asked Advancing Health scientist Dr. Karin Humphries to explain:
bit.ly/3HHwOwO

Pregnant person sitting on a couch, lightly cupping their belly, with a cat sitting on their chest.

Reposted by Centre for Advancing Health

Providence Research @providenceresearch.bsky.social · Sep 2

Dr. Mieke Koehoorn, @advancinghealth.bsky.social Scientist, has been appointed as Dean pro tem of the University of British Columbia Faculty of Medicine.

Read more: buff.ly/UJRb1XI

#research #healthcare #healthresearch

Dr. Mieke Koehoorn appointed Dean pro tem, Faculty of Medicine, and interim Vice-President, Health - UBC Faculty of Medicine

Ranked among the world’s top medical schools with the fifth-largest MD enrollment in North America, the UBC Faculty of Medicine is a leader in both the science and the practice of medicine. Across…

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Centre for Advancing Health @advancinghealth.bsky.social · Aug 28

Next: Can gene editing cure #CysticFibrosis? 🧬

Theoretically, yes! But in practice, it's difficult delivering the genetic cargo through the disease's defining thick mucus.

Researchers made a big step in that direction with a delivery method that had a 50% editing success rate in a 2D cell model!

An infographic explaining the following:

Title: Novel gene editing technique allows cystic fibrosis to be corrected in 50% of lung cells in a 2D model

Cystic fibrosis is a genetic condition that causes the body to produce a thick, viscous mucus.

In the lungs, this mucus makes breathing difficult, while also making it much easier to contract severe respiratory infections. This causes long-term lung damage.

Cystic fibrosis is caused by a single mutation on the CTFR gene.

Once in the patient's lung cell, CRISPR can be used to edit and fix the malfunctioning gene.

However, the nanoparticles used to carry the CRISPR technology struggles to mass through the thick mucus.

Researchers wanted to design a system better designed to pass through the mucus. They experimented with different combination of characteristics, such as nanoparticle stability, cargo design, and
immune suppression.

They were able to find a combination of elements that could repair the CTRF gene in 50% of human cells in a 2D model. However, they were much less effective in a 3D model.

A systemic approach can produce gene editing techniques that maximizes efficacy when treating cystic fibrosis in lung cells. However, further research is necessary in more human-like models.

Centre for Advancing Health @advancinghealth.bsky.social · Aug 27

First up:

Researchers found that female and male patients with #AlcoholUseDisorder shared similar demographics, symptoms, and number of visits to the emergency room. However, hospital re-visits and mortality rates were higher among men.
Sex-specific screening could help better support patients.

An infographic reporting the results of a study on sex-based outcomes for long-term Alcohol Use Disorder. It reads:

Title: Sex differences in the 1-year outcomes of emergency department (ED) patients with alcohol withdrawal

Alcohol use disorder (AUD): A pattern of alcohol use that involves problems controlling drinking, preoccupation with alcohol, or continued use even when it causes problems.

1,019 ED patients
in Vancouver:
746 male
273 female

The researchers studied sex-based differences in emergency department visits, hospital admissions, and mortality in patients with alcohol withdrawal and AUD.

Differences in visits at 7- & 30-day, 1-year:

Women
7 days: 12.8%
30 days: 24.5%
1 year: 68%

Men:
7 days: 21.2%
30 days: 31.2%
1 year: 69%

Mortality rates at the 1-year mark:
Male patients: 19 (2.4%)
Female Patients: 1 (0.4%)

Female and male patients shared similar demographics, acute illness, and number of visits but mortality rates differed.

Why are the mortality outcomes different?

Potential unstudied factors include:
- Alcohol consumption patterns
- Improved recovery after ED visit
- Enhanced social support

Clinical implications: need sex-specific screening, tailored management approaches for patients with high visit counts, as well as post-discharge supports, and specialised programs.

Centre for Advancing Health @advancinghealth.bsky.social · Aug 26

Looking for science fact without the fiction?

Evidence Speaks is here to help! This month, we're digging into 3 recent papers on:

• Gender-based differences in alcohol withdrawal
• Tackling #CysticFibrosis with gene editing
• Step goals for stroke rehab

Learn more:
https://bit.ly/4mXSzHp

Centre for Advancing Health @advancinghealth.bsky.social · Aug 25

It's so exciting to see how robots can speak to something very human. We look forward to learning more about how these companions can help support those in long-term care. 🤖💟

A photograph of a collection of 'love robots', or LOVOTS, short cartoon-like figures with round bodies with big round eyes, looking up at the camera/viewer.

Centre for Advancing Health @advancinghealth.bsky.social · Aug 24

How can we ensure the Canadian public's trust in our #OrganDonation and transplant system?

In response to recent errors within the US system, Advancing Health scientist Dr. Gill, along with Dr. Jevnikar, discuss both existing safeguards and potential improvements.

📖https://bit.ly/47Izftn