Brock Health - Issue 11

EDITOR’SYasmeen NOTE Mann Dear Reader,

I am honoured and privileged to present you the eleventh publication of Brock Health, our own student run academic magazine. This publication has allowed students of Brock University to select, research and write on current health research, for years now. The magazine has not only enhanced the experience of peerto-peer education, but also individual research initiative.

The issue that you are currently holding contains a broad spectrum of topics, with our feature article exploring Transhumanism and the potential of biotechnology to enhance human health and ability. We also bring you our first opinion piece, written by Caitlin Muhl, exploring the popular debate surrounding anti-vaccination. Additional topics in issue eleven include aspirin as a preventative care measure, smoke free Ontario laws, three-dimensional organ printing, and many more. Finally, I am excited to introduce our faculty spotlight on the remarkable Dr. Adam MacNeil!

Beginning last year, our magazine issues and articles have become available digitally, thus increasing our outreach by allowing readers to access our magazine from the comfort of their phones, tabloids or laptops. Brock Health is also now available at various clinics and health practices within the Niagara region now thanks to the help of our sponsors: Niagara Vision Clinic, Naturopathic Prosthetics & Orthotics, United Family Martial Arts, Naturopathic Family Practice of Niagara and the Niagara Orthopaedic Institute. Our magazine has also expanded in terms of writers, reaching a maximum this year! Furthermore, we now invite writers from all departments and subdivisions here at Brock University to write for Brock Heath, thus, broadening our perspectives in student discussion of health.

This publication could not have been materialized without the numerous individuals who have worked so hard to bring it to you. Thank-you to our executive team, Saumik Biswas, Shirley Lee, Jessica Wong, Nathaniel Mannella, Dawood Parekh, Joan Lopez and Christilynn Huff. It has been an honour to lead such a fantastic team. Thank-you to BUSU and BUSAC for funding publications for the 2014-2015 year, graduate editors for ensuring accuracy of work and Joanne Boucher for your constant assistance and support. Our beautiful design and layout for the magazine has been possible due to the countless hours invested by our creative wizard, Shirley Lee. Also, thank-you Scott Alguire for your ongoing support with the magazine graphics, and work with the website. Lastly, thank-you to all of our writers and readers, without whom this magazine could not exist.

I encourage those interested in writing for Brock Health to join us next year by sharing your passion for health and research as a member of our team. I wish you all another happy read and encourage you to explore these various outlooks on health. “Luminous beings are we. Not this crude matter”.

BROCK HEALTH TEAM Editor-in-Chief Yasmeen Mann Writers Hawa M. Conde Michelle. Cieslik Elli Kubarakos Ola Kit Hassaan Khalid Sharmeel Bhatti Joyce Chang Zanab Shah Caitlin Muhl Melina Passalent Jessica Kapoor Laura Wiens Managing Editor Saumik Biswas Editors Michaela Morello Jordan Bunda Kelly Pilato Michelle Zahradnik Rachel Gray Stephen Morris Meagan Barkans Stephen Klassen Marketing Team Nathaniel Mannella (Director) Dawood Parekh Joan Lopez Christilynn Huff Communications Director Jessica Wong Creative Director Shirley Lee Web Design Scott Alguire Disclaimer: Brock Health is a neutral magazine. It is not strictly hardcore sciences nor public health issues; it is a platform for students to present scholarly, peer reviewed research in any topic related to health.

TRANSHUMANISM

A Glimpse into the Future of Biotechnology| PAGE 9

ANTI-VACCINATION?

|PAGE 5

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BROCKHEALTHMAGAZINE.CA

CONTENTS 3 4

Bisphenol...eh?

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Opinion Piece: Anti-vaccination: Sitting on a Throne of Lies

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Occupational Therapy: The Masked Secret

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Feature Article: Transhumanism: A Glimpse into the Future of Biotechnology Depression as an Infectious Disease: Is there More to the Condition than we Previously Thought?

Garcinia Cambogia: To try, or not to try; that is the Question Just When You Thought Scientists Couldn’t Get Any More Multi-Dimensional

11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19

Aspirin: Not Just for Headaches Anymore

Smoke-Free Ontario

Faculty Spotlight: Dr. Adam MacNeil All the Nutty Details Hot Headline Thanks to our Sponsors!

Brock Health Team References

@BROCKUHEALTH FACEBOOK.COM/BROCKUHEALTH

Be a Part of

Brock Health We have positions for students interested in: • Writing • Social Media • Photography Email us: BrockHealth@busu.net

BISPHENOL ... EH? Elli Kubarakos While walking down an aisle in a supermarket, we have all seen or heard the phrase, “BPA-free”. It has been used countless times, it practically rolls off the tongue. How many of us really know what it means?

BPA is short for bisphenol A, a polycarbonate compound used to harden clear plastics that are often used in food packaging, water bottles (including baby bottles), cash register receipts, dental fillings[1] and the epoxy resin found in the lining of cans[2] among others. Sounds like a great innovation, right? Not necessarily. Following a 4-year study conducted in the mid-2000’s, Canada became the first country in the world to ban BPA in 2010[3]. An alarmingly high number of Canadians, approximately 91%, were found with BPA in their bodies[4].

In January of this year, the French government banned the use of BPA in all food packaging[5]. Meanwhile, the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) deemed BPA a non-harmful substance due to its rapid metabolic rate[6]. Nevertheless, by mid-January, the EFSA reduced the safe tolerable daily intake of BPA from 50μg/kg of body weight to 4μg/kg[7]. Canada has now lifted the ban on BPA, since it is believed that the current BPA exposure concentrations are low enough (with a population mean of 0.055 μg/ kg bw/day) not to pose a health risk[8].

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Research has demonstrated that BPA has estrogen-mimicking properties, which can lead to differential binding to the estrogen receptor, and can thus interfere with estrogen-mediated pathways[2]. Additionally, when present in high concentrations, BPA has been associated with asthma [9], breast cancer[10] and heart disease[11].

Recently, BPA exposure was found to lead to sperm cell death in mice therefore, may contribute to male infertility6. Finally, for all those genetics-lovers out there, a study focusing on BPA exposure in utero found it affected global methylation in the placenta[12].

With all the taboo associated with BPA, research has been done to find safer substitutes, but do not be fooled. New synthetic BPA substitute compounds, bisphenol S (BPS) and bisphenol F (BPF), have also been found to have estrogen-mimicking properties similar to BPA, and can act as endocrine disruptors[13].

What can you do? One alternative is switching to glass food containers and bottles, or one can avoid heating up food or liquid in BPA-containers, since higher temperatures increase the amount of BPA leaching into the food. At the end of the day, as far as we know, the current low BPA concentrations currently found in foodrelated products are, thankfully, safe.

ASPIRIN:

Joyce Chong Have you ever heard of genetically modified organisms? Would you be surprised to know that you’re probably consuming them. With new research appearing on a regular basis, it seems that the uses for aspirin are constantly expanding. Previously known for its use as a pain medication, aspirin moves towards a new role as a preventative measure for those at risk for cardiovascular events. Recent research even implicates a role in reducing certain types of cancer rates.

Aspirin, or acetylsalicylic acid, is an antithrombotic drug best known for it’s anti-inflammatory properties.

One meta-analysis study has shown that low-dose aspirin is effective when used as secondary prevention in high-risk populations, reducing one-fifth of total stroke and coronary events[1] in those who have already had a cardiovascular event. While aspirin is effective in decreasing the incidence of subsequent vascular events in at-risk populations, its value in primary prevention is not as clear.

The use of aspirin carries with it an increased risk of gastrointestinal and cerebrovascular bleeding, although ISSUE 11 • MARCH 2015

NOT JUST FOR HEADACHES ANYMORE beneficial, the risk of major bleeding is an area of concern when weighing the efficacy and issues of this drug[2].

While the benefits of aspirin are pronounced in at-risk populations, its use as a preventative treatment is less clear due to the potentially dangerous adverse effects. The constant thinning of blood can also cause issues with wound healing, which is important to note both before and after any surgical procedures.

Another study examined the effects of primary prevention aspirin use in a sample of healthy women 45 years or older, without a history of cardiovascular disease (CVD) or cancer. The study found a small benefit in CVD and colorectal cancer with no effect on other cancer types, and an increased CVD effect in women over the age of 65[3]. While the benefits of aspirin’s protective abilities are more substantial over the age of 65, so is the risk of bleeding. In women under 65, the risks did not exceed the benefits of preventative aspirin use, and the study concluded by suggesting that the greatest efficacy is found mainly in higher risk groups such as women over the age of 65[3].

While the pros and cons of preventative aspirin use in healthy populations seems to suggest a minimal degree of usefulness in everyday prevention, the body of research examining its effects on certain cancers suggest some potential benefits from aspirin. A recent study examined the role of aspirin in improving survival rates of individuals diagnosed with colon cancer, and found that lowdose aspirin use improved overall survival compared to non-users, but this was only seen in those with tumor cells that expressed HLA class I antigen[4]. Further research is needed to determine the mechanisms of action and to develop further clinical applications.

As a preventative measure, aspirin comes with its own risks and disadvantages and should not be taken without the consultation of a doctor and a proper understanding of its effects. For now, it looks like aspirin has a place in secondary prevention to deter recurring cardiovascular events, but in the future the drug could play an even greater role in other diseases.

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Opinion Piece ANTI-VACCINATION: Sitting on a Throne of Lies Caitlin Muhl We all want the best for our children. We want to give them the greatest possible chance at a happy and healthy life. Why is it then that some parents choose to play Russian roulette with their children’s lives by denying them vaccines? With vaccine-preventable outbreaks on the rise, it’s necessary to evaluate arguments made against vaccinations to dispel potentially false accusations that have been established. Due to the fact that the anti-vaccination debate is significant in its span of literature, this article will remain focused on the most current and widely discussed issues, including the MMR vaccine, and the ingredients thimerosal and mercury.

One argument claimed by anti-vaccine promoters is that the diseases in which vaccines prevent are no longer in existence or exist at minimal levels, and so we have no need for vaccines[1]. What this dispute negates to take into account is the reason behind vaccine-preventable disease eradication. In fact, vaccines themselves are responsible for the tremendous decline of every one of their respective diseases[2]. However, as the number of people denying vaccines increases, the resurgence of vaccine-preventable diseases will be imminent, as these diseases remain in circulation within Canada and around the world[2]. Our current protection is due in part to herd immunity, a concept that explains how a community protects the people

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within it who cannot be immunized[3].

This involves maintaining the percentage of vaccinated individuals as high as possible to reduce the likelihood of disease incidence, which provides an indirect protective barrier to those who cannot receive vaccinations[3]; including infants and immunocompromised individuals[4].

Thus, if herd immunity is no longer achieved due to a lack of vaccinations, we will run the potential risk of these diseases returning to combat[2].

Arguably, one of the most famous arguments made against vaccinations was an article published in The Lancet by British physician Andrew Wakefield in 1998[5]. The article demonstrated a ‘scientifically proven’ link between childhood autism and the MMR (measles, mumps and rubella) vaccine[1]. This led to plummeting vaccination rates and skyrocketing levels of antivaccination bandwagoners[1]. In 2004, 10 of the 12 co-authors of Wakefield’s article released a statement saying ‘no causal link was established between [the] MMR vaccine and autism as the data were insufficient’[6]. In 2010, The Lancet retracted the original article, stating that ‘several elements of the 1998 paper by Wakefield et al are incorrect”[7]. Despite complete repudiation of Wakefield’s research, the revoking of his medical license, and reputation as a fraud, the fear instilled by his article still lives on and continues to dominate as a source of scrutiny against vaccines[1]. There

have also been efforts by celebrities, (most notably Jenny McCarthy) to promote the link between autism and vaccines, which has propelled this inaccurate argument even further[8].

Unfortunately, once something is out; false or not, people will use the information to support their own beliefs. This was demonstrated in a study that found that 88% of anti-vaccine websites presented false information and unsupported claims[1]. In a recent meta-analysis, researchers reviewed five cohort studies involving 1,256,407 children, and five case-control studies involving 9,920 children, and found that the studies revealed no relationship between autism and the MMR vaccine, thimerosal exposure, or mercury exposure[9]. It is clear there can be considerable contradictions between credible research and antivaccine testimony, which highlights the importance of ensuring valid sources are being utilized by trusted information.

There has also been concern regarding the potential dangers of two components of vaccines; namely thimerosal and mercury. While at first this argument might seem admissible, upon further examination it is evident that these ingredients pose no threat to our health. Thimerosal contains ethyl mercury, which is a preservative added to prevent bacterial growth in multi-dose vials[10]. However, most vaccines licensed in Canada no longer contain thimerosal, and in ISSUE 11 • MARCH 2015

vaccines that do; like influenza and hepatitis B, ethyl mercury is within safe limits and is eliminated from the body very rapidly[10]. In a reputable study, mercury was eliminated from the blood within 6-7 days[11]. Instead, methyl mercury is found in common foods like fish, remains in the body for a longer time period, and can accumulate to concerning levels[10].

Through analyzing both ethyl and methyl mercury, it comparatively demonstrates the lack of concern for the mercury included in vaccinations.

Fortunately, a large part of the problem is that we no longer live in a time where these diseases are of great concern, and so it is hard for people to fully comprehend the risks of vaccine-preventable diseases. It’s also a matter of overlooking the premise behind vaccines; we aren’t dealing with insignificant illnesses. Measles can potentially result in brain damage, deafness or death[12], and mumps has a potential risk of deafness, encephalitis and meningitis[13]. Encephalitis is swelling of the brain, and meningitis is an infection covering the brain and spinal cord[13].

We must accept the fact that if the number of people refusing vaccines continues to grow we will be challenged with these diseases once again, potentially leading to epidemics and increasing death rates[2]. When making the decision about vaccines please consider the facts. Remember immunity is only a quick shot away.

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Occupational Therapy:

The Masked Secret Crusader in our Schools Michelle Cieslik Occupational therapy aims to enable individuals to live an active and rewarding lifestyle through modifications to the many environments that they work in on a daily basis[2]. One niche area that an occupational therapist can consult and work in is in the heart and soul of school boards - the classroom. Has anyone thought that perhaps the classroom environment such as fluorescent lighting is what triggers students to be turned off learning? The role of the occupational therapist specifically in the school environment is to assist students achieve academic success. The following are two unique forms of intervention that occupational therapists can introduce into the school setting.

The concept of Sensory Diets for children with Attention Deficit Disorder (ADD); the term “sensory diets” was founded and developed by Patricia Wilbarger an American registered occupational therapist. Sensory diets are individualized meal programs that dictate which foods your child needs to eat to maximize sensory input and stay focused throughout the day[5]. For example, a lemon placed on a child’s desk or in their lunch bag can keep their senses perked and alert[5].

Next, in 2003 the American Occupational Therapy Association recognized Sherry Shellenberger and Mary Sue Williams two occupational therapists created The Alert Program to enhance the school experience of children[4]. This program uses communication descriptors to help elementary students self-regulate and express how alert one feels. Using the child’s interests such as colours or animals as trigger words that can tell a teacher or occupational therapist how alert one feels. For example, the colour green can mean the child feels alert and ready to learn math. In contrast, red for feeling too alert (hyper) identifying that while feeling this way learning would be problematic[4].

Occupational therapists also assist in reframing the views and expectations of the adaptations that are necessary in the home and school environment. Awareness is

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increasing and university occupational therapy programs certainly have made their presence such as, McMaster’s CanChild: Partnering for Change Study in 2009. This highlights how occupational therapists work as an integral part of the school community.

However, the bottom-line remains that rarely do we hear of occupational therapy success stories when talking amongst educators. If we know the benefits of occupational therapy in the school system then why are we not employing these strategies or identifying occupational therapists in the school? Is it the responsibility of the profession to better market the value of occupational therapy? Is it up to benefit plan administrators to inform employees that they can take advantage of these services?

Lastly, is money the biggest factor holding back the success of our next generation? Occupational therapists are not accessories to educators but valuable resources for school boards. It appears that it is the challenge of the masked crusader – the Occupational therapists themselves to reveal the success of their role by sharing evidence based research that features success stories with students and the satisfaction that teachers and parents had with the incorporation of occupational therapists intervention[3].

Smoke-Free Ontario Ola Kit Each year, it claims approximately 13,000 lives. It also costs the Ontario health care system approximately $2.2 billion in direct costs and an additional $5.3 billion in indirect costs.

It is tobacco[1].

Although there are many existing laws concerning tobacco, the provincial government in Ontario has introduced additional laws that took affect January 1, 2015.

As of January, in Ontario it is illegal to smoke on and around children’s playgrounds and publically owned sports fields and surfaces[1]. This includes all courts, ice rinks, splash pads, and swimming pools owned by a municipality, the province or a postsecondary institution.

Additionally, it has become illegal to smoke on all bar and restaurant patios[1]. So say goodbye to enjoying a beer on the patio on a warm summer evening with a cigarette in hand. There is a minor exception here as all Canadian Legions that built patios prior to November 18, 2013 are exempt[1]. Additionally, selling tobacco on university and college campuses is no longer legal. This includes all buildings that are owned and leased by a postsecondary institution or student union[1].

These new laws are part of many existing regulations and are part of The SmokeFree Ontario Strategy. This strategy combines policies, laws and education to help smokers quit, protect people from exposure to secondhand smoke and encourage young individuals to never start. Statistics demonstrate that the strategy is working, smoking rates in Ontario significantly decreased from 24.5% in 2000 to 18.1% in 2013[1].

Tobacco laws are not new to Ontario, and have changed quite a bit in the last two decades. Some highlights include: in 1994, the Tobacco Control Act banned the sale of tobacco in pharmacies, created separate smoking areas in buildings and raised the legal ISSUE 11 • MARCH 2015

smoking age to nineteen[2]. In 2006, the Smoke-Free Ontario Act prohibited smoking in workplaces, bars and restaurants and in 2009, the display of tobacco in stores became illegal. More recently, in 2009 it became illegal to smoke in vehicles where children under the age of sixteen are present and the selling of flavored cigarillo products became restricted[2].

There is some fear that the new restrictions will hurt businesses across Ontario. Associate Health Minister, Dipika Dameria has stated, “when we first introduced a ban on smoking inside restaurants and bars, there was a lot of concern raised that it would throw restaurants and bars out of business, but the evidence shows that did not happen.”[3] There are of course consequences to breaking the law. For the newest laws, failure to adhere to the laws will result in a $250 fine for smoking near a playground and $300 for selling tobacco on campus[1]. The goal is reduce smoking behaviours since smoking and associated health sequelae reduce an individual’s quality of life. The hope with these new laws is to discourage smoking behaviours by reducing social exposure.

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Feature Article

TRANSHUMANISM:

A Glimpse into the Future of Biotechnology Zanab Shah From the involvement of genetic modification in the food we eat, to the use of biopharmaceuticals in lifesaving medications and treatments, biotechnology has embraced even the most mundane of our daily rituals.

Described as “any technological application that uses biological systems, living organisms or derivatives thereof, to make or modify products or processes for specific use”[1], biotechnological advancements in the past decade have increased, and continue to increase, at an exponential rate. According to PwC (multinational professional services network), in the year of 2014 it was found that nearly 64% of capital investment in the field of life sciences was directed towards the research and development of new biotechnology[2]. The rapidness, with which biotechnology has grown, not only as an industry, but as an educational and medical stream, has created a place for biotechnology within cultural roles as well[3].

The presence of biotechnology as a cultural aspect is best seen in Transhumanism, a developing, futuristic ideology that aims to enhance human-health and the potential of human ability through various biotechnological methods. The movement is described as an “international cultural and intellectual movement with an eventual goal of fundamentally transforming the human condition by developing and making widely available technologies to greatly enhance human intellectual, physical, and psychological capacities”[4].

Transhumanism is inclusive of the mainstream uses of biotechnology, such as in medicine and agriculture.

However, it also extends further on the role of technological advances as a way to supplement existing, intrinsic qualities within individuals. The ideology of Transhumanism combines already present roles of biotechnology with the aim of creating improved, efficient qualities within genetic, molecular and physiologic capacities—ultimately creating qualities that are Transhuman, capable of transcending even the most limiting of functional barriers at the human level[4].

There are various types of biotechnologies that func-

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tionally align themselves with the desired purposes of Transhumanism. Examples include, the Brain-Computer-Interface (BCI), the process of molecular-manufacturing, or molecular nanotechnology (MNT), and the prospect of neural implants. These biotechnologies have the ability to act as a substitute for nonexistent biological components without which the afflicted individual may suffer a biological limitation. These biotechnologies also have the prospective ability to enhance existing components and qualities, improving upon the human condition and creating a more efficient, and advantaged individual[5,6,7].

The Brain-Computer-Interface is described as a passage of communication between an external device and the human brain[5]. The most common function of BCIs is to assist individuals with damaged or nonexistent sensory-to-motor functions, especially vision repair. Additionally, BCI’s can assist with the reversal of acquired vision loss through physical traumas or incidents related to chemicals.

BCIs exist in invasive and noninvasive forms depending on their purpose. For the purpose of regaining vision, the BCI consists of several electrodes capable of stimulating phosphene, the process in which one is able to see and analyze light[8]. The BCI is implanted directly into the grey matter of the brain (in the visual cortex) and acts as a surrogate for damaged, dysfunctional components of the brain.

This eventually allows the individual to regain vision[8].

Though visual BCIs are currently used to repair damaged eyesight and reverse acquired vision loss, future prospects and models of BCIs may be used to supplement existing qualities of vision to enhance what an in-

dividual can already see, either microscopically or with regards to distance and clarity.

Molecular-manufacturing is a term which may be used to describe the production of various molecular compounds through the use of self-replicating assemblers, or actuators[8]. The purpose of these assemblers is to position available molecules in a way that optimizes the probability of the occurrence of a reaction [9] . These actuators, in theory, have the ability to substitute necessary molecular compounds in individuals who may be genetically incapable of producing them independently[10].

From a Transhumanist perspective, these molecular “machines� could be implemented in a way that creates an unlimited amount of a select compound within the body under adjusted conditions[11].

The medical implications of unlimited molecular-manufacturing in humans would include the elimination of specific deficiencies, such as those of certain enzymes, as well as the prospect of cell repair at the molecular level.

Possibly one of the most important Transhumanist technologies is neural implants. Neural implants are described as devices that attach directly to the outer surface of the brain, and are able to conduct, stimulate, record or block transmissions from neurons within the brain[10]. In most cases, the purpose of neural implants is to simulate dysfunctional or damaged portions of the brain without

causing complementary damage. The placement of the neural implant is dependent on the area of injury or dysfunction. In a way similar to vision based BCIs, neural implants have the ability to stimulate sensory responses in the brain as a substitute for dysfunctional regions.

However, neural implants, unlike BCIs, do not exist in a non-invasive form, and must be attached to the brain to function properly.

Neural implants, from a Transhumanistic approach, could be used to supplement a healthier, more durable human being. For example; a neural implant currently in the developmental stage is designed to block signals from the brain to the GI tract, offering a promising solution to obesity and overeating as a habit[5]. The progression of neural implant technology to completely replace weak portions of the human brain could then make way for an enhanced, less vulnerable version of the organ itself.

The growing advancement and implementation of biotechnology at the individual capacity is a driving force in the healthcare world. The analysis of prospective biotechnologies provides evidence of a shifting landscape within the medical field, as well as a glimpse into the future of Transhumanist biotechnologies. The possible merger of human qualities with artificially supplemented enhancements seems less and less like themes of science fiction as biotechnologies like BCIs, self-replicating actuators, and neural implants become more common in the medical world.

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DEPRESSION AS AN INFECTIOUS DISEASE: IS THERE MORE TO THE CONDITION THAN WE PREVIOUSLY THOUGHT?

Hassaan Khalid Every now and then, we all feel blue due to various life events – friends moving away, breaking up with our partners, our favourite TV shows coming to an end. But this “blue feeling” is not the same as major depressive disorder (MDD). According to the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, MDD is a mental illness showcased by low mood, general withdrawal from daily activities coupled with sadness and thoughts of hopelessness[1]. Not only does MDD interfere with our daily lives and erode our quality of life, it represents an economic budren, as treatment costs and lost economic productivity cumulate to upwards of $52 billion annually[2]. In addition, research demonstrates that MDD has a 16.6% lifetime prevalence rate[3] and anti-depressants which increase neurotransmitter concentrations (e.g. Selective Serotonin Re-uptake Inhibitors) may have no greater effect than placebos in non-severe cases[4]. As pharmaceuticals merely treat the clinical symptoms of MDD, a growing area of research involves identifying the origins of psychological conditions.

Dr. Turhan Canli, an Associate Professor of Integrative Neuroscience and Director of the Graduate Program in Genetics at Stony Brook University has a novel view on MDD. Dr. Canli suggests that MDD is not just an emotional disorder but may be an infectious disease caused by microbes[4].

Dr. Canli notes that similar to patients who have mounted immune responses to an influenza virus or a bacterial infection, those with MDD also show signs of “sickness behaviour” characterized by loss of energy, trouble getting out of bed and general withdrawal from daily activities[4]. Interestingly, Dr. Canli also notes that in several meta-analyses, patients with MDD were found to have significantly higher levels of inflammatory markers like tumour nercrosis factor-alpha and interleukin-6 [4] . Thus, he has proposed that elevated concentrations of these inflammatory markers could represent an immunemediated response to pathogens such as bacteria, parasites or viruses.

Given that MDD persists despite the use of anti-de-

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pressants, Dr. Canli argues that we should start looking elsewhere for the root cause of this “emotional” disorder instead of only dealing with clinical symptoms. Dr. Canli highlights that Toxoplasma gondii (T. gondii), a protozoan parasite which infects approximately 2.3 billion individuals globally, demonstrates the ability to cause parasitic cysts in rat brains, which may be responsible for altered behavior such as reduced fear in the presence of natural predators; e.g. house cat[4]. T. gondii infections are associated with biomarkers similar to those that are observed in individuals with MDD and people who have attempted suicide demonstrate higher concentrations of T. gondii antibodies[4]. In order to find the cause of MDD, Dr. Canli suggests that researchers should examine the 8 percent of the human genome which has originated from exogenous sources such as viruses or parasites[4].

Based on Dr. Canli’s research, in a similar manner to how environmental factors may mediate the progression of a genetic condition, it is hypothesized that microbial pathogens may be involved in MDD pathology. Thus, future research must be directed to this unique and intriguing area in order to understand the complexities of this psychological condition.

Garcinia Cambogia:

To Try, or Not to Try; That is the Question Hawa M. Conde Western Society is constantly bombarded by advertisements suggesting what products to buy, and where to buy them. Unfortunately, since many products fail to perform as advertised, care must be taken to thoroughly investigate their claims.

For that reason, the fruit of the Garcinia Cambogia plant, which has been incorporated into numerous diet pills, has been the subject of controversial arguments.

This fruit has been used in India to appease the effects of skin disorders, improve digestion, fight fungal infections[1], and recent research has uncovered a number of other health benefits of Garcinia Cambogia supplementation. A study conducted on obese and normal diabetes-induced rats showed that extracts from the rind of Garcinia Cambogia decreased both glucose levels and body weight[1]. Furthermore, the hydroxycitric acid (HCA) found in Garcinia Cambogia has been reported to decrease appetite and promote weight loss in animals[1]. Another study conducted on rats demonstrated that Garcinia Cambogia enhanced kidney function[2].

ISSUE 11 • MARCH 2015

These findings certainly reveal the positive impact that Garcinia Cambogia supplementation may have; however, not all studies support these conclusions. Indeed, one double blind, randomized controlled trial conducted on overweight individuals reported that the supplementation of Garcinia Cambogia extracts did not result in significant weight loss or reduction of body fat over 10 weeks[3].

Thus, although the potential benefits of this fruit may seem quite convincing, it is important to note that several of these studies were conducted on animals. While these studies have been, and still are, very helpful in research, differences may arise when implemented on humans. Moreover, with all of the different brands and sources available on the market, it may be difficult to make an informed decision on the reliability of the Garcinia Cambogia diet pills.

Returning to the title of this article: to try, or not to try, this will be your choice. But, make sure to look out for biases in the media.

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JUST WHEN YOU THOUGHT SCIENTISTS COULDN’T GET ANY MORE MULTI-DIMENSIONAL...

Laura Wiens Imagine you are in the hospital undergoing peritoneal dialysis because you have chronic kidney disease—you are waiting for your name to get to the top of the organ transplant list. This is not an uncommon situation. In fact, 256 people died in 2011 waiting for an organ, with one third of them in need of a kidney[1]. Now imagine instead that doctors could make a new kidney for you!

3D bio printing could make this possible in the future. Many of us have heard of 3D printing but may not know how it works. Basically, these printers build things by laying down material and continuously adding layers to it until a 3-dimensional object is eventually created.

Even more exciting, the object can be pretty much any size or shape you want[2]. 3D bio printing is a little more complex. It requires materials that are compatible with biological materials, such as cells, for the printing to be successful[3].

Although research in this area is in the early stages, much advancement has been made. 3D bioprinting has been successfully used in skin, bone, vascular graft, tracheal splint, heart tissue and cartilage transplants[3].

What about 3D organ bioprinting? We are not quite there yet. While 2D tissues like skin have been tested and printed already, the printing of hollow tubes such as vessels, tracheas and urethras are currently being researched and will probably follow 2D tissue printing in application. Organs, however, are more complex. Hollow

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organs, like bladders, will certainly take longer to develop and solid organs will be the most difficult to fabricate and will take the longest. There are many challenges to developing solid organs, one of the greatest being innervation and vascularization (making sure the organ is being supplied by nerves and vessels)[3].

Ten years ago, Anthony Atala implanted the first fabricated bladder which used the patient’s own bladder tissue. So how come this isn’t happening more? This technology is only in phase 2 clinical trials. In fact, any bioprinted implant would probably be considered biological drugs under regulatory guidelines. As such, there is a minimum of ten years between the trial and use of the technology. Atala is also known for producing a 3D bioprinted human kidney, which was created in only a few short hours. While it had all of the aesthetic features of a kidney—it was bean shaped, pink and fleshy—it was not at all functional. It was not vascular and was nowhere near ready for human transplantation [4].

While fabricated organ transplantation may not be feasible in the near future, there have certainly been innovations and great accomplishments in the medical field with the application of 3D bioprinters. In the short-term, simpler tissues like skin are being successfully fabricated.

In the long-term, who knows how this technology will change clinical and regenerative medicine?

Faculty

SPOTLIGHT Jessica Kapoor

Brock University’s Department of Health Sciences has undergone a few recent changes and additions to better reflect the department’s academic reputation, and to broaden the scope of expertise of its faculty. About a year BsC, PhD ago, the department was looking to hire a new professor with a research background in Immunology. Through their search, they met Dr. Adam MacNeil.

Dr. MacNeil is a fairly new face around campus, hav- Neil himself suffers from allergies. He ultimately hopes ing been an assistant professor in the Department of that he can contribute to the development of new and Health Sciences here at Brock University for the past nine improved allergy treatments through his research. months. Hailing all the way from Nova Scotia, Dr. Mac- Currently, Dr. MacNeil teaches Human ImmunolNeil completed his undergraduate ogy and Infecdegree in Biology in the Health Scition Control “Students, your time here at Brock ences stream at Acadia University in and Safety, both the Annapolis Valley, a place which will be full of opportunities to explore s e c o n d - y e a r he describes as “a smaller version of courses. Human and challenge yourself, follow what Niagara”. After completing his honImmunology is ours research thesis, he moved to motivates you and you’ll find success!.” one of only two Halifax to pursue his PhD at Dalcourses in the housie University. He then went on to do a postdoctoral Department of Health Sciences, which offers a wet lab fellowship at the IWK children’s hospital in Halifax. Dur- component, something which Dr. MacNeil feels provides ing his postdoctoral fellowship, Dr. MacNeil learned of valuable opportunities for students to gain experience the opening at Brock University for a professor to teach and skills leading to a biomedical research career. He and lead research projects in immunology. He applied for also plans to introduce a new third-year course next year, the position, and found himself moving to Ontario!

Medical Immunology. Additionally, he is excited to be Dr. MacNeil’s research focuses on the immune sys- launching a new research program in the area of inflamtem and allergies. It was during his PhD that Dr. Mac- mation – a program for which he is currently recruiting Neil first began to learn in-depth about immune system graduate and honours thesis students! disorders, including allergy. His research largely involves In his down time, Dr. MacNeil is an avid music fan, mast cells, which are the immune cells responsible for especially of bands such as The White Stripes and The causing inflammation in response to exposure to an al- Black Keys, and he enjoys listening to and collecting vilergen. Dr. MacNeil is currently researching the molecu- nyl records and gig posters from concerts. He likes to lar signalling pathways, which lead to mast cell release watch football, and he has always loved hockey, a lifeof soluble mediators involved in inflammation, as well as long Habs fan. Dr. MacNeil has been a great addition to the genetics behind how stem cells differentiate into mast Brock’s Health Sciences department, and his future plans cells. Allergic illnesses have reached epidemic propor- for his research and for the department will benefit stutions, especially in the Western world; in fact, Dr. Mac- dents for years to come!

Dr. Adam MacNeil

ISSUE 11 • MARCH 2015

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ALL THE NUTTY DETAILS Melina Passalent CBC News reports that in Canada, sixty thousand individuals are at risk of developing a food related allergy [2]. In the last ten years alone, there has been an enormous increase in food related allergies, specifically peanut allergies within the school boards. In the last decade, the number of confirmed cases of peanut allergies has risen and the number of individuals with peanut allergies has doubled between the years of 1997 and 2002[5].

Anaphylaxis, which is a serious life-threatening allergic reaction, causes hives, swelling of the face, nausea, coughing, and choking[1]. A Canadian run charity, established since 2001 has been extremely effective in the promotion, safety and education of individuals affected by a peanut allergy[1]. Since the charity’s creation fourteen years ago, the group has raised over one million dollars dedicated to anaphylaxis research[6].

In 2005, an important milestone was reached-the Ontario government finally passed a bill requiring all Ontario teachers to have the appropriate training to handle allergic reactions The training also included being able to recognize the symptoms of anaphylaxis, and how to treat a child experiencing an allergic reaction.

The bill, referred to as “Sabrina’s

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Law” was a tribute to Sabrina Shannon, a student who passed away in 2003 from an allergic reaction at her school. The legislation also required students to be taught how to use EpiPens. Ontario was the first province in Canada to implement “Sabrina’s Law”[2]. Soon after, Alberta, British Columbia, Manitoba, and Quebec implemented the new law as well[4].

After the laws had been put into place, large food production com-

panies such as Mars, Nestle, and Quaker Oats began the production of “peanut free” products in order to accommodate families with peanut allergies. However, although some of the products were “peanut free”, many of the food packaging noted the food “may still contain traces” of nuts[3].

In response to these occurrences, some parents demanded the school boards to do more to ensure students with peanut allergies were accommodated. Some parents even asked for specific foods to be banned from children’s school lunches. The Sabrina Law does not restrict what foods are allowed to be packed in school lunches, and only focuses on the treatment for allergic reactions[4].

Health professionals, such as allergy immunologist Moshe BenShoshan has strongly opposed the ban of foods in schools, noting that it ensures a “false sense of security”[4]. It is nearly impossible to completely eliminate the threat of allergens in schools, and Ben-Shoshan stresses that there should be an emphasis put on education and promotion[4]. While becoming “peanut free” may be out of the question for schools, they should strive to be “nut vigilant” and trained to act in an emergency[5].

Three Parent Babies Sharmeel Bhatti

In February of 2015, Britain became the first country to legalize the “three-parent” genetic technique for the purposes of in-vitro fertilization[2]. The legalization of “three-parent” in-vitro fertilization now allows healthcare providers to begin genetically modifying the DNA of infants while inside the mothers’ womb.

This technique could help reduce the number of infants born with mitochondrial related diseases[2].

The procedure involves removing the defective mitochondria from the egg of one women and replacing it with healthy mitochondria from a donor egg of another woman. Two women are required for this procedure as mitochondrial DNA can only be passed onto a child through women[1].

By removing defective mitochondria, the prevention of several diseases such as Leigh’s disease, progressive infantile poliodystrophy, and

Barth syndrome could become possible in the future.

The topic of “three parent” infants remains to be controversial and begs the question-will there become a designer baby market? Currently it is understood that mitochondria are not responsible for establishing an infants’ physical or mental characteristics, and are solely responsible for generating energy to carryout normal cell function(s)[2]. However, not enough scientific evidence currently exists to support whether or not introducing new mitochondrial DNA will have adverse side effects on the health of infant(s) born using the “three parent” in-vitro fertilization technique[1].

Despite the risks involved, “three parent” in-vitro fertilization offers women with defective mitochondria an opportunity to have children free from any mitochondrial related genetic conditions.

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REFERENCES IMAGE SOURCES Cover photo: Geralt - http://pixabay.com/en/robot-artificial-intelligencewoman-507811/ All other graphics: Non-Commercial Creative Commons Share Alike 2.5 license • http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/9/9d/MAZE_40x20_ DFS_no_deadends.png • http://pixabay.com/p-25606/?no_redirect • http://pixabay.com/p-163710/?no_redirect • http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/b/ba/TRNA-Phe_ yeast_1ehz.png • http://pixabay.com/p-308328/?no_redirect • http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/1/18/Water_bottle_ map_symbol.svg • http://mikehoolboom.com/thenewsite/wp-content/uploads/2012/11/ babyblackandwhitefeethandsphotographbighandssmallfeet-ae3bcb9f5d d5a88cde306865ca021603_h.jpg • http://fc09.deviantart.net/fs70/f/2013/352/1/5/transhumanism_a_i__ by_guru_isaac-d6xqj6x.jpg • http://pixabay.com/p-99507/?no_redirect • http://pixabay.com/p-576887/?no_redirect • https://c2.staticflickr.com/8/7314/16361591807_e1236302a3_z.jpg • http://pixabay.com/p-342760/?no_redirect • http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/f/f0/Child_vaccine.jpg • http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/f/f6/Fluzone_vaccine_ extracting.jpg • http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/3/3a/ Transhumanism_h+.svg • http://pixabay.com/p-523226/?no_redirect • http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/8/87/BPA-Free_ Bottle.JPG • http://news.bbcimg.co.uk/media/images/81421000/ jpg/_81421785_80508067.jpg • http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/4/42/Regular_ strength_enteric_coated_aspirin_tablets.jpg • http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/0/0c/Peanutjar.jpg • http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/f/f0/Printing_ with_a_3D_printer_at_Makers_Party_Bangalore_2013_11.JPG INFORMATION SOURCES Bisphenol...eh?

[1] Héliès-Toussaint, C., Peyre, L., Costanzo, C., Chagnon, M-C., Rahmani, R. 2014. Is bisphenol S a safe substitute for bisphenol A in terms of metabolic function? An in vitro study. Toxicology and Applied Pharmacology 280, 224235.

[2] Grignard, E., Lapenna, S., Bremer, S. (2012). Weak estrogenic transcriptional activities of Bisphenol A and Bisphenol S. Toxicology in Vitro 26, 727-731.

[3] http://www.theglobeandmail.com/technology/science/canada-first-todeclare-bisphenol-a-toxic/article1214889/ [4] Statistics Canada. (2010). Bisphenol A concentrations in the Canadian population, 2007 to 2009. Canadian Health Measures Survey: Health Fact Sheets. http://www.statcan.gc.ca/pub/82-625-x/2010002/article/11327eng.pdf [5] http://www.service-public.fr/actualites/003099.html [6] Fisher, M., Arbuckle, T.E., Mallick, R., LeBlanc, A., Hauser, R., Feeley, M., Koniecki, D., Ramsay, T., Provencher, G., Bérubé, R., Walker, M. 2014.

Bisphenol A and phthalate metabolite urinary concentrations: Daily and across pregnancy variability. Journal of Exposure Sciene and Environmental Epidemiology, 1-9.

[7] http://www.efsa.europa.eu/en/topics/topic/bisphenol.htm?wtrl=01 [8] http://www.hc-sc.gc.ca/fn-an/securit/packag-emball/bpa/bpa_hraers-2012-09-eng.php [9] Kim, K.-N., Kim, J.H., Kwon, H.-J., Hong, S.-J., Kim, B.-J., Lee, S.-Y., Hong, Y.C., Bae, S. 2014. Bisphenol A exposure and asthma development in schoolage children: A longitudinal study. PLoS ONE, 9: e111383.

[10] Doherty, L.F., Bromer, J.G., Zhou, Y., Aldad, T.S., Taylor, H.S. (2010). In utero exposure to Diethylstilbestrol (DES) or Bisphenol-A (BPA) increases EZH2 expression in the mammary gland: An epigenetic mechanism linking endocrine disruptors to breast cancer. Hormones and Cancer 1(3), 146-155.

[11] Urriola-Munoz, P., Lagos-Cabre, R., Moreno, R.D. (2014). A mechanism of male germ cell apoptosis induced by bisphenol-A and nonylphenol involving ADAM17 and p38 MAPK activation. PLoS ONE 9(12), e113793.

[12] Nahar, M.S., Liao, C., Kannan, K., Harris, C., Dolinoy, D.C. 2015. In utero bisphenol A concentration, metabolism, and global DNA methylation across

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matched placenta, kidney, and liver in the human fetus. Chemosphere 124, 54-60.

[13] Goldinger, D.M., Demierre, A.-L., Zoller, O., Rupp, H., Reinhard, H., Magnin, R., Becker, T.W., Bourqui-Pittet, M. (2015). Endocrine activity of alternatives to BPA found in thermal paper in Switzerland. Regulatory Toxicology and Pharmacology 71(3), 453-462.

Aspirin: Not Just for Headaches Anymore [1] Baigent C, Blackwell L, Collins R, Emberson J, Godwin J, Peto R, Buring J, Hennekens C, Kearney P, Meade T, Patrono C, Roncaglioni MC, Zanchetti A; Antithrombotic Trialists’ (ATT) Collaboration. Aspirin in the primary and secondary prevention of vascular disease: collaborative meta-analysis of individual participant data from randomised trials. Lancet 2009;373:18491860.

[2] De Berardis G, Lucisano G, D’Ettorre A, et al. Association of Aspirin Use With Major Bleeding in Patients With and Without Diabetes. JAMA. 2012;307(21):2286-2294. doi:10.1001/jama.2012.5034.

[3] Kruijsdijk R, Visseren F, Ridker P, Dorresteijn J, Buring J, Graaf Y, Cook N. Individualised prediction of alternate-day aspirin treatment effects on the combined risk of cancer, cardiovascular disease and gastrointestinal bleeding in healthy women. Heart 2015;101:5 369-376. doi:10.1136/ heartjnl-2014-306342 [4] Reimers MS, Bastiaannet E, Langley RE, et al. Expression of HLA Class I Antigen, Aspirin Use, and Survival After a Diagnosis of Colon Cancer. JAMA Intern Med. 2014;174(5):732-739. doi:10.1001/jamainternmed.2014.511.

Opinion Piece: Anti-vaccination: Sitting on a Throne of Lies [1] Kata, A. (2009). A postmodern Pandora’s box: Anti-vaccination misinformation on the Internet. Vaccine, 28, 1709-1716. Retrieved from http://resources.cpha.ca/immunize.ca/data/1700e.pdf [2] Public Health Agency of Canada. (2013). The Chief Public Health Officer’s Report on the State of Public Health in Canada, 2013 Infectious Disease— The Never-ending Threat. Retrieved from http://www.phac-aspc.gc.ca/ cphorsphc-respcacsp/2013/imm-vac-eng.php [3] Fine, P., Eames, K., Heymann, D. (2011). “Herd Immunity”: A Rough Guide.

Clinical Infectious Diseases, 52(7), 911-916. Retrieved from http://cid. oxfordjournals.org/content/52/7/911.full.pdf+html [4] Vaccines.gov. (2013). Herd Immunity. Retrieved from http://www. vaccines.gov/basics/protection/ [5] Wakefield, A., Murch, S., Anthony, A., Linnell, J., Casson, D., Malik, M., Berelowitz, M,. Dillon, A., Thompson, M., Harvey, P., Valentine, A., Davies, S., & Walker-Smith, J. (1998). Ileal-lymphoid-nodular hyperplasia, non-specific colitis, and pervasive developmental disorder in children. The Lancet, 351(9103), 637-641. Retrieved from http://www.thelancet.com/journals/ lancet/article/PIIS0140-6736(97)11096-0/abstract [6] Murch, S., Anthony, A., Casson, D., Malik, M., Berelowitz, M,. Dillon, A., Thompson, M., Valentine, A., Davies, S., & Walker-Smith, J. (2004). Retraction of an interpretation. The Lancet, 363(9411), 750. Retrieved from http:// www.thelancet.com/journals/lancet/article/PIIS0140673604157152/ abstract [7] The Lancet Editors. (2010). Retraction—Ileal-lymphoid-nodular hyperplasia, non-specific colitis, and pervasive developmental disorder in children. The Lancet, 375(9713), 445. Retrieved from http://download. thelancet.com/flatcontentassets/pdfs/S0140673610601754.pdf [8] Pearce, T. (2013, October 20th). Helping parents sort vaccination fact from myth. The Globe and Mail. Retrieved from http://www. theglobeandmail.com/life/health-and-fitness/health/helping-parentssort-vaccination-fact-from-myth/article14927903/ [9] Taylor, L., Cellier, D., Swerdfeger, A., & Eslick, G. (2014). Vaccines are not associated with autism: An evidence-based meta-analysis of case-control and cohort studies. Vaccine, 32, 3623-3629. Retrieved from http://www. researchgate.net/publication/262769208_Vaccines_are_not_associated_ with_autism_An_evidence-based_meta-analysis_of_case-control_and_ cohort_studies [10] Public Health Agency of Canada. (2014). Do vaccines contain toxic ingredients? Retrieved from http://www.phac-aspc.gc.ca/im/vs-sv/vsfaq14-eng.php [11] Pichichero, M., Cernichiari, E., Lopreiato, J., & Treanor, J. (2002). Mercury concentrations and metabolism in infants receiving vaccines containing thiomersal: A descriptive study. The Lancet, 360(9347), 1737-1741. Retrieved from http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/12480426 [12] Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2015). Measles and the Vaccine (Shot) to Prevent It. Retrieved from http://www.cdc.gov/vaccines/ vpd-vac/measles/fs-parents.html [13] Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2014). Mumps and the Vaccine (Shot) to Prevent It. Retrieved from http://www.cdc.gov/vaccines/ vpd-vac/mumps/fs-parents.html

REFERENCES Occupational Therapy: The Masked Secret [1] CanChild (2009). Partnering for change study: Occupational therapy role in the school. McMaster University. Retrieved from http://canchild.ca/en/ ourresearch/resources/DescriptionofOTRoleinPartneringforChange.pdf [2] Learning Disabilities Association of Ontario. (2011). The role of the occupational therapist in schools. Retrieved from http://www.ldao.ca/ introduction-to-ldsadhd/ldsadhs-in-depth/articles/about-education/therole-of-the-occupational-therapist-in-schools/ [3] Sahagian Whalen, S. (2003). Effectiveness of occupational therapy in the school environment. CanChild Center for childhood disability research.

[4] Therapyworks Inc. (2013). The alert program: Why the engine analogy?

Retrieved from https://www.alertprogram.com/New_to_the_program.php [5] What is a sensory diet? Retrieved from http://sensorysmarts.com/ sensory_diet_activities.html

83-107.

Garcinia Cambogia: To try or not to try, that is the Question [1] Geetha, R.V., Lakshmi, T., & Anitha Roy. (2011). Garcinia cambogia (Malabar Tamarind): A Pharmacological Review. Journal of Pharmacy Research, 4(5), 1464-1466.

[2] Amin, K. A., Kamel, H.H., & Eltawab M. A. A. (2011). Protective effect of Garcinia against renal oxidative stress and biomarkers induced by high fat and sucrose diet. Lipids in Health and Disease, 10(6), 1-13.

[3] Kim, J., Jeon, S., Park, K.H., Song Lee, W., Jeong, T., McGregor, A.R., & Choi, M. (2011). Does Glycine max leaves or Garcinia Cambogia promote weightloss or lower plasma cholesterol in overweight individuals: a randomized control trial. Nutrition Journal, 10(94), 1-11.

Smoke-Free Ontario

Just When You Thought Scientists Couldn’t Get More Multi-Dimensional

[1] Government of Ontario. (2015). Smoke-Free Ontario. <http://www. ontario.ca/health-and-wellness/smoke-free-ontario>.

[2] Government of Ontario Ministry of Health and Long Term Care. (2015).

Smoke-Free Ontario Legislation. <http://www.mhp.gov.on.ca/en/smokefree/legislation/chart.asp>.

[3] National Post. (2014). Smoking ban on bar patios won’t harm businesses, says Ontario. Don’t be so sure, counters industry group.

November 7, 2014. Retrieved on February 18, 2015. <http://news. nationalpost.com/2014/11/07/welcome-to-the-last-days-of-smoking-onbar-patios-ontario-decrees-jan-1-ban/>.

[1] Blood, organ and tissue donation. (2015, January 14). Retrieved January 21, 2015, from http://healthycanadians.gc.ca/diseases-conditionsmaladies-affections/donation-contribution-eng.php#a21 [2] Michalski, M. H. (2014). The shape of things to come: 3D printing in medicine. JAMA, The Journal Of The American Medical Association, (21), 2213.

[3] Murphy, S. V., & Atala, A. (2014). 3D bioprinting of tissues and organs.

Nature Biotechnology, 32(8), 773-785. doi:10.1038/nbt.2958 [4] Sinha, G. (2014). Cell presses: the holy grail of printed human organs remains a long way off, but commercial efforts to print simple structures and tissues are forging ahead. Nature Biotechnology, (8), 716.

Feature Article: Transhumanism: A Glimpse into the Future of Biotechnology [1] UN Convention on Biological Diveristy. (1999). Retrieved February 13, 2015, from http://www.cbd.int/doc/legal/cbd-en.pdf [2] Vlahos, G. (2007). Retrieved February 13, 2015, from http://www.pwc. com/en_US/us/technology/publications/assets/pwc-biotech-trendinghigh-q3-2014.pdf [3] More, Max. “The philosophy of transhumanism.” The transhumanist reader: Classical and contemporary essays on the science, technology, and philosophy of the human future (2013): 3-17.

[4] Bostrom, N. (2005). A history of transhumanist thought. Journal of Evolution and Technology, 14(1), 1-25.

[5] Vallabhaneni, A., Wang, T., & He, B. (2005). Brain—computer interface. In Neural engineering (pp. 85-121). Springer US. [6] Arnall, A. (2008). Future Technologies. Retrieved February 13, 2015, from http://www.greenpeace.org.uk/MultimediaFiles/Live/FullReport/5886.pdf [7] Sommer, M.A., Wurtz, R.H. What the brainstem tells the frontal cortex.

I. Oculomotor signals sent from superior colliculus to frontal eye field via mediodorsal thalamus. J. Neurophysiol. 91: 1381-1402, 2004.

[8] Kennedy, PR; Bakay, RA (1998). “Restoration of neural output from a paralyzed patient by a direct brain connection”. NeuroReport 9 (8): 1707–11.

[9] Nanoscience and nanotechnologies:. (2004). Retrieved February 13, 2015, from http://www.nanotec.org.uk/report/Nano report 2004 fin.pdf [10] Dexler, E. (2008). Debate About Assemblers — Smalley Rebuttal.

Retrieved February 13, 2015, from http://www.imm.org/publications/ sciamdebate2/smalley/ [11] Blake, D., Heiser, M., Caywood, M., & Merzenich, M. (2009). ExperienceDependent Adult Cortical Plasticity Requires Cognitive Association between Sensation and Reward. Retrieved February 13, 2015, from http://www.ncbi. nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2826987/ Depression as an Infectious disease: Is there More to the condition than we Previously Thought?

[1] Diagnostic and statistical manual of mental disorders: DSM-5. (2013).

Washington, D.C.: American Psychiatric Association.

[2] Greenberg, P. E., Kessler, R. C., Birnbaum, H. G., Leong, S. A., Lowe, S. W., Berglund, P. A., & Corey-Lisle, P. K. (2003). The Economic Burden of Depression in the United States. The Journal of Clinical Psychiatry,64(12), 1465-1475.

[3] Kessler, R. C., Petukhova, M., Sampson, A., Zaslavsky, A M., & Wittchen, H.U (2012). Twelve-month and lifetime prevalence and lifetime morbid risk of anxiety and mood disorders in the United States. International Journal of Methods in Psychiatric Research,21(3), 169-184.

[4] Canli, T. (2014). Reconceptualizing major depressive disorder as an infectious disease. Biology of Mood & Anxiety Disorders,4(10), 1-5.

[5] Maier, S. F., & Watkins, L. R. (1998). Cytokines for psychologists: Implications of bidirectional immune-to-brain communication for understanding behaviour, mood, and cognition. Psychological Review,105(1),

ISSUE 11 • MARCH 2015

Hot Headlines Three Parent Babies [1] A The Telegraph. (2015, January 29). Three parent baby law is ‘irresponsible’ says Church of England ahead of vote. Retrieved February 11, 2015 from http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/science/11377992/Threeparent-baby-law-irresponsible-says-Church-of-England-ahead-of-vote. html [2] Wired. (2015, February 04). How it’s possible for a baby to have three parents. Retrieved February 11, 2015 from http://www.wired. com/2015/02/baby-two-mommies-daddy-cool/

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