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Objective: To determine the impact of four classroom-based sessions on mindfulness and symptoms of psychological distress among first-year students. A secondary objective was to explore participants' involvement experiences. Participants: First-year undergraduate students at a Canadian university were recruited. Methods: A mixed-methods pre-experimental design with repeated measures was used. The mindfulness intervention involved four, 15-minute sessions delivered by a counselor from the university's Student Health and Wellness center. Results: A significant positive change to participants' mindfulness scores from pre- to post-intervention was observed. Qualitatively, themes relating to intervention benefits, challenges, and logistics emerged. Conclusions: Collectively, results supported the utility of this brief mindfulness intervention delivered to first-year students. Participants were appreciative of the techniques learned and the "in-class" delivery format. Given the pressures faced by post-secondary students, collaborating with student wellness centers in this way may represent a novel and efficient approach for attenuating health risks while promoting their personal wellness. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Rationale: Benzene has been classified as carcinogenic to humans, but there is limited evidence linking benzene exposure to lung cancer. Objectives: We aimed to examine the relationship between occupational benzene exposure and lung cancer. Methods: Subjects from 14 case-control studies across Europe and Canada were pooled. We used a quantitative job-exposure matrix to estimate benzene exposure. Logistic regression models assessed lung cancer risk across different exposure indices. We adjusted for smoking and five main occupational lung carcinogens and stratified analyses by smoking status and lung cancer subtypes. Measurements and Main Results: Analyses included 28,048 subjects (12,329 cases, 15,719 control subjects). Lung cancer odds ratios ranged from 1.12 (95% confidence interval, 1.03–1.22) to 1.32 (95% confidence interval, 1.18–1.48) (Ptrend = 0.002) for groups with the lowest and highest cumulative occupational exposures, respectively, compared with unexposed subjects. We observed an increasing trend of lung cancer with longer duration of exposure (Ptrend < 0.001) and a decreasing trend with longer time since last exposure (Ptrend = 0.02). These effects were seen for all lung cancer subtypes, regardless of smoking status, and were not influenced by specific occupational groups, exposures, or studies. Conclusions: We found consistent and robust associations between different dimensions of occupational benzene exposure and lung cancer after adjusting for smoking and main occupational lung carcinogens. These associations were observed across different subgroups, including nonsmokers. Our findings support the hypothesis that occupational benzene exposure increases the risk of developing lung cancer. Consequently, there is a need to revisit published epidemiological and molecular data on the pulmonary carcinogenicity of benzene. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

School summer vacation may create a significant gap in the learning cycle. Such a gap may be particularly detrimental for vulnerable children such as those with lower academic achievement due to learning and language disabilities, lower socio-economic environments or learning in a language other than their native language. The current exploratory study investigated the efficacy of a summer family literacy programme on the reading achievement of 14 four-year-old children completing their pre-kindergarten year. All participating children were identified by their classroom teacher and a subsequent reading assessment to be at-risk for reading difficulties. Children and one of their primary caregivers participated in a five-week summer literacy programme. The programme consisted of literacy-based activities for both children and caregivers. The results of the study indicated that children demonstrated significant gains in all aspects of literacy, thus reversing the summer learning loss expectancy. (Contains 2 tables.)

This exploratory study measured the efficacy of an emergent literacy intervention program designed to support preschool children who have been identified as having specific language impairments. Specifically, the study compares two intervention approaches--an experimental emergent literacy intervention and a traditional intervention based on traditional models of language therapy. It was hypothesized that the explicit emergent literacy approach would result in significant gains in phonological and print awareness skills relative to a less structured traditional intervention approach. Results indicated that children in the emergent literacy intervention experienced greater gains in pre-literacy measures. The results hold important implications for service delivery models aimed at supporting preschool children with language impairments. (Contains 2 tables and 4 figures.)

The problem with traditional, perimeterbased security methods is twofold: First, they can stifle the educational mission that district networks were created to encourage. Firewalls can thwart hackers, but they can also prevent staff and students from accessing online tools or information. Second, these approaches tend to provide inadequate defenses against modern security threats, such as USB devices and memory sticks, which are potential sources of infection, as well as handy and easily concealed storage for data theft; instant messaging, through which a variety of suspect files may be introduced to the network; and peer-to-peer file sharing programs (Kazaa, Gnutella, BitTorrent), which clog up the system and can not be blocked at the firewall. The most important thing to remember about the process of securing data, is that it is in fact, a "process," and not a product. Security is not something that comes out of a box and it is not something that is "in" a box.

Using the 2000/2001 Canadian Community Health Survey (CCHS), this paper examines the health status of the older (aged 55[thorn]) immigrant population relative to that of non-immigrants in order to identify areas where their health statuses diverge. First, we compare the health status of older immigrants (foreign-born) aged 55 and over in Canada to the Canadian-born in terms of age and gender using multiple measures of health status including self-assessed health. Second, we identify the factors associated with health status using the determinants of health framework. In both cases, the key questions are whether differences in health status exist and whether they are explained primarily by socio-economic, socio-demographic, or lifestyle factors that may point to problems with the Canadian health care system. Findings indicate that there is a relative comparability in the health status of older immigrants, even after controlling for age.

In Canada over the past two decades many legal disputes have arisen concerning education for children with learning disabilities. Most often these disputes are concerned with equal access for children with disabilities and centre on the notion of appropriate education. Issues concerning equal access to appropriate education have a long history and are now addressed in the Canadian Charter of Human Rights (Section 15 [1]) as well as most provincial human rights codes. This paper reviews three prominent legal cases concerned with appropriate education for children with learning disabilities and also considers a prevention model of learning disabilities with the intent of providing one way to alleviate the legal susceptibilities of education systems. The prevention model presented here emphasizes the importance of strengthening academic results of children at-risk for poor achievement associated with learning disabilities. By promoting an education system where children at-risk for learning disabilities are identified and provided with effective instruction in the early primary years, not only will legal susceptibilities be alleviated, children at-risk for learning disabilities will be provided with a healthy and productive beginning to their educational careers.

This paper describes a study evolving out of a collaboration between university researchers, special educators, classroom teachers, speech pathologists, and division-level administrators who were responding to a call from provincial administrators concerned with meeting the needs of children with reading disabilities. The primary goal of the study was to design and evaluate the efficacy of a tool that could be used in kindergarten classrooms to identify children at-risk for reading difficulties. The results of the study demonstrated that we could indeed reliably identify a small group of children in kindergarten who held achievement profiles that place them in the lower ranks of readers in their class and that these children were likely to remain poor readers in grade one. Further, the results also suggest that the small group of children who were identified as requiring reading-based support in kindergarten were falling further behind their grade-level peers in grade one. This finding is consistent with what Stanovich (1986) refers to as the "Matthew Effect"--the rich are getting richer while the poor are getting poorer.

Analysis of special education services in British Columbia (BC) for students with learning disabilities in light of a current legal challenge finds the province's policies and practices are supported by theory and research on best practices. However, BC's Ministry of Education is urged to ensure policies are enacted consistently and to increase funding for students with high incidence disabilities. (Contains references.) (Author/DB)

There is limited evidence regarding the exposure‐effect relationship between lung‐cancer risk and hexavalent chromium (Cr(VI)) or nickel. We estimated lung‐cancer risks in relation to quantitative indices of occupational exposure to Cr(VI) and nickel and their interaction with smoking habits. We pooled 14 case‐control studies from Europe and Canada, including 16 901 lung‐cancer cases and 20 965 control subjects. A measurement‐based job‐exposure‐matrix estimated job‐year‐region specific exposure levels to Cr(VI) and nickel, which were linked to the subjects' occupational histories. Odds ratios (OR) and associated 95% confidence intervals (CI) were calculated by unconditional logistic regression, adjusting for study, age group, smoking habits and exposure to other occupational lung carcinogens. Due to their high correlation, we refrained from mutually adjusting for Cr(VI) and nickel independently. In men, ORs for the highest quartile of cumulative exposure to CR(VI) were 1.32 (95% CI 1.19‐1.47) and 1.29 (95% CI 1.15‐1.45) in relation to nickel. Analogous results among women were: 1.04 (95% CI 0.48‐2.24) and 1.29 (95% CI 0.60‐2.86), respectively. In men, excess lung‐cancer risks due to occupational Cr(VI) and nickel exposure were also observed in each stratum of never, former and current smokers. Joint effects of Cr(VI) and nickel with smoking were in general greater than additive, but not different from multiplicative. In summary, relatively low cumulative levels of occupational exposure to Cr(VI) and nickel were associated with increased ORs for lung cancer, particularly in men. However, we cannot rule out a combined classical measurement and Berkson‐type of error structure, which may cause differential bias of risk estimates. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Sickle cell disease (SCD) is a genetic disorder which causes dysfunctional red blood cells (RBC) and is thought to increase requirements for folate, an essential B vitamin, due to increased RBC production and turnover in the disease. High-dose supplementation with 1-5 mg/d folic acid, synthetic folate, has been the standard recommendation for children with SCD. There is concern about whether children with SCD need such high doses of folic acid, following mandatory folic acid fortification of enriched grains in Canada, and advancements in medical therapies which extend the average lifespan of RBCs. In animal and human studies, high folic acid intakes (1 mg/d) have been associated with accelerated growth of some cancers, and the biological effects of circulating unmetabolized folic acid (UMFA), which can occur with doses of folic acid ≥ 0.2 mg/d, are not fully understood. The objective of this study is to determine efficacy of, and alterations in folate metabolism from high-dose folic acid in children with SCD during periods of folic acid supplementation versus no supplementation.Methods: In this double-blind randomized controlled cross-over trial, children with SCD (n = 36, aged 2-19 years) will be randomized to either receive 1 mg/d folic acid, the current standard of care, or a placebo for 12 weeks. After a 12-week washout period, treatments will be reversed. Total folate concentrations (serum and RBC), different folate forms (including UMFA), folate-related metabolites, and clinical outcomes will be measured at baseline and after treatment periods. The sum of the values measured in the two periods will be calculated for each subject and compared across the two sequence groups by means of a test for independent samples for the primary (RBC folate concentrations) and secondary (UMFA) outcomes. Dietary intake will be measured at the beginning of each study period.Discussion: As the first rigorously designed clinical trial in children with SCD, this trial will inform and assess current clinical practice, with the ultimate goal of improving nutritional status of children with SCD.Trial Registration: ClinicalTrials.gov NCT04011345 . Registered on July 8, 2019. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Chromosome numbers are reported for 209 individuals of Solidago altissima from Canada and the United States. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper applies a social return on investment (SROI) analysis to the issue of flood control and wetland conservation in the Smith Creek basin of southeastern Saskatchewan, Canada. Basin hydrological modeling applied to wetland loss and restoration scenarios in the study area provides local estimates of the ecosystem service (ES) provision related to flood control and nutrient removal. Locally appropriate monetary values are applied to these services to gauge the cost effectiveness of wetland conservation funding at two levels: flood control capacity alone and then incorporating a suite of ES. SROI ratios for flood control alone provide ratios between 3.17 (retention) and 0.80 (full restoration) over 30 years; when other ES are included, the ratios increase, ranging from 7.70 (retention) to 2.98 (full restoration) over 30 years. Retention of existing wetlands provides the highest SROI and therefore we argue that government policy should focus on preventing further loss of wetlands as a strategic investment opportunity. Overall, these results indicate that wetland retention is an economically viable solution to limit the financial, social and environmental damages of flooding in Saskatchewan specifically and the Prairie Pothole Region (PPR) generally. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Discrimination toward sex and gender minority anesthesiologists and anesthesia trainees exists. Potential reasons for this discrimination are unclear and incompletely characterized. This study sought to better understand what discrimination looks like for sex and gender minorities in anesthesiology and the culture within anesthesiology that allows this discrimination to occur.Materials and Methods: With institutional research ethics board approval and informed consent, we performed a qualitative analysis of free-text responses from a previously-published internet-based cross-sectional survey distributed to Canadian anesthesiology residents, fellows, and staff. The purpose of this survey was to characterize intersections between respondent gender or sexuality with experiences of discrimination in the workplace. Separate analysis of qualitative and quantitative components of this survey was planned a priori, and the quantitative component was published elsewhere. Free-text responses were independently coded by two researchers and subsequently synthesized into emerging themes using latent projective content analysis sensitized by Butler's theory of performativity.Results: Out of 490 free-text responses from 171 respondents [140 (81.9%) identifying as heterosexual], two themes emerged: i) fitting in: performativity reinforcing the status quo, and ii) standing out: performativity as a means of disruptive social change. Power structures were observed to favour individuals who "fit in" with the normative performances of gender and/or sexuality.Discussion: Our study illuminates how individuals whose performances of gender and sexuality "fit in" with those expected normative performances reinforce a workplace culture that advantages them, whereas individuals whose performances of gender and sexuality "stand out" disproportionately experience discrimination. The dismantling of bias and discrimination in the anesthesiology workplace requires individuals (a) who are empowered within their workplace because they "fit in" with the majority; (b) who recognize discrimination toward communities of their peers and/or colleagues; and (c) who actively choose to "stand out". [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The New Public Management emerged in the 1980s, and with it, alternative service delivery ( ASD) mechanisms, which removed service delivery from the public bureaucracy and separated policy making from policy implementation. Most western governments implemented measures including privatization or contracting out of service delivery to the private sector. By the mid-1990s, many governments started reversing ASD policies and sought new ways to deliver services, leading to a mixed model approach to service delivery, which combines the benefits of the public and private sectors. We examine the adoption of the model in the Canadian municipalities of Hamilton and Ottawa to determine if and how it enhances competition, cost-savings, efficiency, effectiveness, and good governance in the delivery of public services, during an era of fiscal constraint. Our findings indicate the model is better in enhancing the five variables when compared to solely public or private services delivery. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim: To explore whether it is possible to predict future United Kingdom (UK) death rate of liver cirrhosis based on birth cohort models. Method: Routinely available mortality data were plotted graphically to display the trends in cirrhosis mortality by birth cohort in several countries. Data for Italy, France, Portugal, USA, Canada, Scotland and England & Wales were plotted by birth cohort. Results: The current increase in cirrhosis mortality in the UK countries is being driven by a birth cohort effect. Later birth cohorts have much higher death rates than preceding ones. This pattern was seen in Western European and North American countries, which had also experienced increases in liver cirrhosis mortality. However, after the increases, those countries had sudden and persistent falls in death rates. For each country, the dramatic reversal of death rates occurred at a single calendar period and in every age group simultaneously. Conclusion: Prediction of future death rates using information from previous cohorts is not possible due to the occurrence of sudden reversals in death rates. The sudden fall in the death rates of several birth cohorts suggests that reversing the current UK trend of rising liver cirrhosis deaths is possible. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Yukon River chum salmon are managed under the Pacific Salmon Treaty (PST), which requires conservation and equitable sharing of this fishery resource by the USA and Canada. Fall chum salmon are of special concern because they spawn in both the United States and Canada, and the focus of the PST is on Canadian-origin salmon. Yukon River chum salmon were assayed for genetic variation at 22 microsatellite loci to establish a baseline for mixed-stock analysis (MSA) applications to assist in addressing conservation and allocation issues. The baseline has been applied yearly to estimate the stock composition of Yukon River fall chum salmon from samples collected in the Pilot Station test fishery. Accuracies in MSA simulations for 12 of 14 management regions exceeded 90%, with a range of 80-98%, for the 12 most informative loci. Stock composition estimates were within 10% of the actual proportions in a known-origin mixture analysis. Stock-specific abundance estimates, which were derived from combining the estimates of genetic stock composition of Pilot Station test fishery harvests with sonar abundance estimates, were concordant with upriver escapement data. The combination of genetic MSA using the baseline developed in this study and sonar abundance provides a viable tool for assessing stock strength and assisting managers in regulating fisheries to maintain the productivity and evolutionary potential of Yukon River chum salmon. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Multibeam bathymetry and 3.5-kHz sub-bottom profiler data collected from the US icebreaker Healy in 2003 provide convincing evidence for grounded ice on the Chukchi Borderland off the northern Alaskan margin, Arctic Ocean. The data show parallel, glacially induced seafloor scours, or grooves, and intervening ridges that reach widths of 1000 m (rim to rim) and as much as 40 m relief. Following previous authors, we refer to these features as “megascale glacial lineations (MSGLs).” Additional support for ice grounding is apparent from stratigraphic unconformities, interpreted to have been caused by ice-induced erosion. Most likely, the observed sea-floor features represent evidence for massive ice-shelf grounding. The general ESE/WNW direction of the MSGLs, together with sediment, evidently bulldozed off the Chukchi Plateau, that is mapped on the western (Siberian) side of the plateau, suggests ice flow from the Canada Basin side of Chukchi Borderland. Two separate generations of glacially derived MSGLs are identified on the Chukchi Borderland from the Healy geophysical data. The deepest and oldest extensive MSGLs appear to be draped by sediments less than 5 m thick, whereas no sediment drape can be distinguished within the resolution of the sub-bottom profiles on the younger generation. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Alternative service delivery (ASD) is a Canadian phenomenon that spread, surfaced important issues and made a wider impact. ASD refers to the many and varied organizational forms and delivery mechanisms governments use to achieve their objectives. It is anchored in a spectrum of options that mirrors the diversity of the nation, its governments and its public institutions. Innovations sustain the capacity to serve the public interest and to leverage efficiency, accountability and renewal. They embrace a strategy of collaboration across sectors and boundaries to overcome impediments to change and to transform service delivery. Countless spin-offs cascade throughout the Canadian public sector. Many governments benchmark the international scene and adapt innovations to their settings. Respect for situation and reciprocal learning facilitate the transfer of good practice. Lessons learned from ASD experiences across Canada and in countries like Tanzania, Latvia and New Zealand improve the prospects of `getting service delivery right'. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Focuses on the results of a long-term reconstruction of the Daphnia community in Hannah Lake, Canada. Background on lake damage resulting from acidification; Overview of recovery work in the lake; Description of the zooplankter Daphnia; Screening of haplotypes by single-strand conformation polymorphism.

Presents several letters from readers of the 'Canadian Medical Association Journal.' Clinical practice guidelines for care and treatment of breast cancer; Decline in physician workforce in Canada; Restrictions to certain drugs save health administrators money; Abnormal posture of neck causing compression or occlusion of vertebral circulation; Hormone replacement therapy; Others.

Abstract Background: Two programs to reduce expenditures for common gastrointestinal drugs were introduced simultaneously by British Columbia (BC) Pharmacare in 1995. Reference-based pricing restricted reimbursement for all histamine-2 receptor antagonists (H[sub2]RAs) to the cost of the least expensive H[sub2]RA available, generic cimetidine. Special authority restricted reimbursement for proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) to patients who met certain eligibility criteria. We evaluated the effect of reference-based pricing for H[sub2]RAs and special authority for PPIs on dispensing and reimbursement for senior citizen beneficiaries of BC Pharmacare. Methods: Itemized monthly claims data for upper gastrointestinal drugs were obtained from BC Pharmacare for all beneficiaries 65 years of age or older. Periods before and after implementation of reference-based pricing and special authority were compared with respect to defined daily doses dispensed per 100 000 beneficiaries, BC Pharmacare reimbursement per 100 000 beneficiaries, BC Pharmacare reimbursement per defined daily dose and beneficiary contributions per defined daily dose. We used regression models to project forward trends in expenditures observed before implementation of the new policies and hence to estimate accrued cost savings. Results: Before reference-based pricing and special authority, the numbers of defined daily doses that were dispensed and total BC Pharmacare reimbursements for H[sub2]RAs appeared to be declining gradually, whereas those for PPIs were rising. With reference-based pricing, the monthly defined daily dose of cimetidine dispensed increased more than 4-fold, to 116 257 per 100 000 beneficiaries, while those of other restricted H[sub2]RAs decreased by more than half, to 50 927 per 100 000 beneficiaries. Special authority immediately reduced the dispensed volumes of PPIs by one-fourth, but growth in volume then appeared to resume at its previous rate. The estimated annualized cost savings... [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Discusses international opportunities for undergraduate forestry students at Canadian universities. Undergraduate forestry student exchange programs; Undergraduate courses and other international initiatives.

Context Tuberculosis is one of the most common infectious diseases worldwide and is responsible for the largest number of deaths from a single infectious cause. Objective The objective of this study was to compare the knowledge of and practices regarding tuberculosis in final-year medical students at schools from endemic and non-endemic areas. Subjects Final-year medical students at McMaster University in Canada, the Christian Medical College in India, and Makerere University in Uganda. Methods A questionnaire consisting of 20 multiple-choice questions assessing knowledge, practices, and exposure. A total knowledge score (maximum=13) and a total practice score (maximum=5) were created for each study site. Results 160 questionnaires were returned; the response rate was 68·4% (65/95) for McMaster University, 39·7% (23/58) for the Christian Medical College and 78·3% (72/92) for Makerere University. Students from Makerere University had the highest knowledge scores but differences were non-significant after adjustment for patient exposure and curriculum time (F(2,153)= 1·80, P=0·16). Differences in practice scores, however, remained significant after adjusting for curriculum time and patient exposure (F(2,153)=5·14, P=0·006). Knowledge score (F(1,156)=5·05, P=0·02), patient exposure (F(1,153)=9·11, P=0·003), and curriculum time and patient exposure (F(2,153)=5·14, P=0·006) were statistically significant positive predictors of the total practice score. Conclusions This study demonstrated significant differences in undergraduate exposure to tuberculosis, total knowledge, and practice competency at three medical schools in Canada, India, and Uganda. In general, the knowledge base and practice competency of all three graduating classes was adequate. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Presents an interview with Health Minister Allan Rock concerning the health care system in Canada. Threat in the confidence of the public on its health care system; Consequences of budget cutbacks in health funds; Decrease in the funding of health insurances in the provinces; Ban of private insurance for publicly insured services.

This study investigated provincial and territorial differences in dentists' compliance with recommended infection control practices in Canada (1995). Questionnaires were mailed to a stratified random sample of 6,444 dentists, of whom 66.4% responded. Weighted analyses included Pearson's chi-square test and multiple logistic regression. Significant provincial and territorial differences included testing for immune response after hepatitis B virus (HBV) vaccination, HBV vaccination for all clinical staff, use of infection control manuals and post-exposure protocols, biological monitoring of heat sterilizers, handwashing before treating patients, using gloves and changing them after each patient, heat-sterilizing handpieces between patients, and using masks and uniforms to protect against splatter of blood and saliva. Excellent compliance (compliance with a combination of 18 recommended infection control procedures) ranged from 0% to 10%; the best predictors were more hours of continuing education on infection control in the last two years, practice location in larger cities (> 500,000) and sex (female). Clearly, improvements in infection control are desirable for dentists in all provinces and territories. Extending mandatory continuing education initiatives to include infection control may promote better compliance with current recommendations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives. This study investigated dentists' refusal to treat patients who have HIV. Methods. A survey was mailed to a random sample of all licensed dentists in Canada, with 3 follow-up attempts (n=6444). Data were weighted to allow for probability of selection and nonrespense and analyzed with Pearson's x2 and multiple logistic regression. Results. The response rate was 66%. Of the respondents, 32% had knowingly treated HIV-infected patients in the last year; 16% would refuse to treat HIV-infected patients. Respondents reported willingness to treat HIV-infected patients (81%), injection drug users (86%), hepatitis B virus-infected patients (87%), homosexual and bisexual persons (94%), individuals with sexually transmitted disease(s) (94%), and recipients of blood and blood products (97%). The best predictors of refusal to treat patients with HIV were lack of ethical responsibility (odds ratio = 9.0) and items related to fear of cross-infection or lack of knowledge of HIV. Conclusions. One in 6 dentists reported refusal to treat HIV-infected patients, which was associated primarily with respondents' lack of belief in an ethical responsibility to treat patients with HIV and fears related to cross-infection. These results have implications for undergraduate, postgraduate, and continuing education. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: To investigate age- and population based differences in dentists' infection control practices and willingness and refusal to treat patients with HIV. Methods: A national mailed survey of a stratified random sample of dentists in Canada (n=6444) with three follow-up attempts. Pearson's chi-square test and multiple logistic regression were used for data analysis Predictor variables included population, age, gender, marital status, specialty, number of patients treated per day and continuing education on HIV/AIDS Results: The adjusted response rate was 66.4%. The best predictors of willingness to treat patients with HIV were younger age (compared with dentists ≥60 years of age <30 years, OR= 8.6, 30-39, OR=3.4, 40-49, OR=2.7, 50-59, OR=1.6), attending continuing education on HIV/AIDS in the past 2 years (>10 hours, OR=1.6 compared with zero hours), practicing in small population centres <10 000 (OR=1.6 compared with >500 00) and gender (male OR=1 3) The best predictors of refusal to treat patients with HIV were older age (compared with dentists <30 years of age ≥60, OR=6.1, 50-59, OR=4.1; 40-49, OR=3.0, 30-39, OR=2.6), and practicing in population. centres >500 000 (OR.=1.5 compared with <10000). However, the latter group also reported treating more HIV patients than respondents in smaller communities Infection control practices varied significantly with age and population centre. Dentists in communities of <10000 were more compliant with HBV vaccination, but less compliant with handwashing after the use of infection control manuals, Similarly, dentists >60 years of age were the least compliant with HBV immunization, routine use of barriers and sterilization of handpieces, but reported the highest compliance with handwashing. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We surveyed 5,997 dentists in Ontario to investigate gender differences in the characteristics, infection control practices, knowledge and attitudes regarding the treatment of HIV-infected patients. The response rate was 70.3%. Reports indicated that female dentists are younger and more likely to work in larger urban centres (P<0.00001), and in general practice (P<0.0001) than their male counterparts. Multiple logistic regression analyses indicated that many significant gender differences in the univariate analyses could be explained by the confounding influence of age. practice location, and specialty; however, some differences remain significant: Women were more likely than men to report attending continuing education dealing with HIV/AIDS in the past two years (P<0.001), and to use masks and eye protection (P<0.00001). Men reported more economic concerns than women: they were more concerned about the financial burden of infection control costs (P<0.00001), and losing patients from their practice if it is known that they treat patients with HIV (P<0.05). However, there were no significant differences in willingness to provide treatment for patients with HIV. We conclude that there is little evidence to show that access to oral care for patients with HIV is affected by gender differences. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article presents some of the major criticisms concerning Mexico's entry into the NAFTA. Then it addresses these criticisms from the Canadian business executives' point of view using data gathered from those currently doing business and not currently doing business in Mexico. We major concerns, costs, and benefits to Canadian firms have been identified. Candid comments from the business executives are contrasted with those views frequently portrayed in the popular press. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In his 2001 presidential address to the Canadian Association of General Surgeons, the author offers advice to young surgeons, based on his lifetime experience as a surgical educator, researcher and practitioner. He offers the following samples of wisdom for young surgeons: they should be prepared for a lifetime of learning and be willing and able to adapt to new advances; they should listen to their patients as they describe their presenting complaints and not be tempted to interrupt; they should take time in an emergency situation and remember that split-second decisions can affect the patient for a lifetime; they should be willing to take advice from fellow professionals; they should take time to maintain a quality family life and take adequate time away from the workplace; they should be active be a role model in their community; and, finally, they should get involved and adopt an advocacy role in their profession. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Comprehensive standardized data on the sociodemographic characteristics and workload of dentists in different provinces and territories in Canada are not available. The authors mailed a survey to a stratified random sample of dentists (n = 6,444) with three follow-up attempts. The response rate was 66.4%. Significant provincial and territorial differences in sociodemographic characteristics included gender, age, years since graduation, marital status, population size of town or city where primary practice is located and patient load. There was considerable variation in dentists' workload: more than 10% of dentists from New Brunswick and Prince Edward Island reported seeing ≥ 30 patients per day. The majority of respondents reported seeing patients for 25 to 40 hours per week. British Columbia, Ontario, Saskatchewan and Newfoundland had a greater proportion of respondents ≥ 60 years of age compared with other provinces/territories, indicating that there may be more opportunities in these provinces for younger dentists as a result of retirements. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Only 13% of older Canadians achieve weekly physical activity (PA) recommendations suggesting that health promotion efforts are warranted. Tai Chi (TC) is a martial art identified as an accessible form of PA for older adults. While research has supported TC's ability to enhance health among those with chronic conditions, no studies have investigated healthy older adults who are experienced in TC practice. To uncover avenues to enhance PA rates and adherence, the study purpose was to explore qualitatively, the perspectives of experienced, healthy older adult TC practitioners. Older adults who identified as healthy and had been practicing TC for at least 1 year were recruited from a communitybased program in Northwestern Ontario, Canada. Semi-structured interviews, observations, and field notes were collected and analyzed using deductive and inductive content analysis. Eleven participants (Mean age = 64.9 years; male, n = 8) with an average of 13.6 years TC experience were enrolled. Analysis revealed five themes with associated subthemes including: reasons for joining (e.g., becoming active); participant principles related to TC and aging (e.g., being kind to an aging body); barriers to practice (e.g., class size); facilitators for practice (e.g., energy from softness), and group dynamics (e.g., delivery format). Findings suggest that in this population, TC is gentle and holistic, and facilitators to practice outweigh the barriers. Researchers and health care providers should adopt similar program characteristics (e.g., group-based format, supportive instructors, facilitated social network) when seeking to promote PA in older adults. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Analysis of data from the Canadian National Renal Failure Register indicates that Canadian Natives are at much higher risk for end-stage renal disease (ESRD) than the Canadian population in general. Using two population estimates for the total Native population, the age-standardized incidence rate of newly registered ESRD cases between 1981 and 1986 among Natives was at least 2.5 times (and may be as high as four times) the national rate. Natives were particularly at higher risk for ESRD to diabetes, glomerulonephritis, and pyelonephritis, whereas for the other causes the risk was no different from that of other Canadians. As technologically sophisticated treatment facilities are only available in major urban centers, Native ESRD patients and their families living in remote areas of Canada are faced with major psychosocial disruptions of relocation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Data recorded from 24,862 whales killed by British Columbia coastal whaling stations between 1908 and 1967 revealed trends in the abundance, sex ratios, age structure, and distribution of sperm (Physeter macrocephalus), fin (Balaenoptera physalus), sei (Balaenoptera borealis), humpback (Megaptera novaeangliae), and blue (Balaenoptera musculus) whales. The catch data were analyzed using annual and monthly mean values. Monthly and annual variation in whaling effort was deduced from accounts of the history of British Columbia coastal whaling, and biases arising from changes in effort were considered in the interpretation of the results. During the later years of whaling (1948-1967), the mean lengths of captured whales declined significantly and pregnancy rates dropped to near zero in fin, sei, and blue whales. Monthly patterns in numbers killed revealed a summer migration of sei and blue whales past Vancouver Island, and confirms anecdotal suggestions that local populations of fin and humpback whales once spent extended periods in the coastal waters of British Columbia. Furthermore, the data strongly suggest that sperm whales mated (April-May) and calved (July-August) in British Columbia's offshore waters. The historic whaling records reveal much about the migratory behavior and distribution of the large whales species as they once were, and may continue to be, in the northeastern Pacific. Verifying the persistence of these trends in the remnant populations is a necessary and logical next step. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Analyzes the Canadian health care system, which provides universal coverage of hospital care and physicians' services to citizens. Changes in government policy which have occurred between 1990 and 2000; Comparison of health care in the United States and Canada; Evolution of Canada's health insurance system; Erosion of public and professional support of the system in the 1990s; Shortfall of capacity; Federal response; Need to develop a plan to address the shortcomings of the eroding Canadian health care system.

Sea Otters (Enhydra lutris) ranged historically across the north Pacific from the central Pacific coast of Baja California, to northern Japan. An intensive fur hunt in the 18th and 19th centuries extirpatedthe Sea Otter from much of its range. The species was protected in 1911, and now occupies approximately half of its historic range. Presently, the worldwide population of Sea Otters is thought to be about 150 000 animals. The British Columbia Sea Otter population, originating from 89 animals reintroduced to Vancouver Island from 1969 to 1972,has increased at a finite rate of 18.6% per year, a rate similar to reintroduced populations in Washington and southeast Alaska. In 1995,a minimum of 1522 Sea Otters were found in British Columbia. Most ofthese animals occurred off Vancouver Island, but at least 135 Sea Otters were found near Goose Island, 125 km north of Vancouver Island. The origin of this latter group is uncertain. Sea Otters are presently classed as threatened in British Columbia and are protected under Federal and Provincial regulations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Late-line treatment options for patients with ovarian cancer are few, with the proportion of patients achieving an overall response typically less than 10%, and median overall survival after third-line therapy of 5–9 months. In this study (QUADRA), we investigated the activity of niraparib monotherapy as the fourth or later line of therapy. QUADRA was a multicentre, open-label, single-arm, phase 2 study that evaluated the safety and activity of niraparib in adult patients (≥18 years) with relapsed, high-grade serous (grade 2 or 3) epithelial ovarian, fallopian tube, or primary peritoneal cancer who had been treated with three or more previous chemotherapy regimens. The study was done in the USA and Canada, and 56 sites screened patients (50 sites treated at least one patient). Patients received oral niraparib 300 mg once daily continuously, beginning on day 1 and every cycle (28 days) thereafter until disease progression. The primary objective was the proportion of patients achieving an investigator-assessed confirmed overall response in patients with homologous recombination deficiency (HRD)-positive tumours (including patients with BRCA and without BRCA mutations) sensitive to their last platinum-based therapy who had received three or four previous anticancer therapy regimens (primary efficacy population). Efficacy analyses were additionally done in all dosed patients with measurable disease at baseline. Between April 1, 2015 and Nov 1, 2017, we screened 729 patients for eligibility and enrolled 463 patients, who were initiated on niraparib therapy. At the time of database lock (April 11, 2018), enrolment had closed and the study was ongoing, with 21 patients still on treatment. Patients had received a median of four (IQR 3–5) previous lines of therapy, and the median follow-up for overall survival was 12·2 months (IQR 3·7–22·1). 151 (33%) of 463 patients were resistant and 161 (35%) of 463 patients were refractory to the last administered platinum therapy. 13 (28%) of 47 patients in the primary efficacy population achieved an overall response according to RECIST (95% CI 15·6–42·6; one-sided p=0·00053). The most common drug-related grade 3 or worse treatment-emergent adverse events were anaemia (113 [24%] of 463 patients) and thrombocytopenia (95 [21%] of 463 patients). The most common treatment-emergent serious adverse events were small intestinal obstruction (34 [7%] of 463 patients), thrombocytopenia (34 [7%] of 463 patients), and vomiting (27 [6%] of 463 patients). One death due to gastric haemorrhage was considered treatment related. We observed clinically relevant activity of niraparib among women with heavily pretreated ovarian cancer, especially in patients with HRD-positive platinum-sensitive disease, which includes not only patients with a BRCA mutation but also a population with BRCA wild-type disease. We identified no new safety signals. Our data support expansion of the treatment indication for poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase inhibitors to include patients with HRD-positive ovarian cancer beyond those with BRCA mutations. Tesaro. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The development of an area-based polychlorinated biphenyl (PCB) food-web bioaccumulation model enabled a critical evaluation of the efficacy of sediment quality criteria and prey tissue residue guidelines in protecting fish-eating resident killer whales of British Columbia and adjacent waters. Model-predicted and observed PCB concentrations in resident killer whales and Chinook salmon were in good agreement, supporting the model's application for risk assessment and criteria development. Model application shows that PCB concentrations in the sediments from the resident killer whale's Critical Habitats and entire foraging range leads to PCB concentrations in most killer whales that exceed PCB toxicity threshold concentrations reported for marine mammals. Results further indicate that current PCB sediment quality and prey tissue residue criteria for fish-eating wildlife are not protective of killer whales and are not appropriate for assessing risks of PCB-contaminated sediments to high trophic level biota. We present a novel methodology for deriving sediment quality criteria and tissue residue guidelines that protect biota of high trophic levels under various PCB management scenarios. PCB concentrations in sediments and in prey that are deemed protective of resident killer whale health are much lower than current criteria values, underscoring the extreme vulnerability of high trophic level marine mammals to persistent and bioaccumulative contaminants. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]