Editor’s Note
Live long and prosper and I hope you all have a wonderful time reading this issue!
Gaibrie Stephen
Editor-in-Chief Gaibrie Stephen
Dear Reader, It is my pleasure to present to you the seventh edition of Brock Health! Brock Health is student run academic magazine that emphasizes peer to peer interaction. Ideally, the goal of every article in this magazine is to provide knowledge translation on hot button issues for leisure reading. Our authors invest a great deal of time reviewing literature on popular issues in order to provide you, the reader, with a quality publication.
Brock Health Team Managing Editors Saumik Biswas Amen Idahosa Yasmeen Mann Layout Design Scott Alguire Gaibrie Stephen
Editorial Board Sierra Barrett Eliza Beckett Saumik Biswas Carly Cameron Michael Easson Miso Gostimir Amen Idahosa Joan Lopez Jordan McNalty Yasmeen Mann Amanda Milburn Cubby Sadoon Jaya Sam Our featured article for this semester sees the talented Miso Gaibrie Stephen Gostimir tackle a topic that has been in the forefront of scientific Shalina Vighio literature for quite some time. Miso will be evaluating calorie restriction diets and its possible link to longevity. First time writer Michael Easson Graduate Editors will be tackling the possibility of reprogramming tobacco plants in Meagan Barkans order to treat cancer. Furthermore, we also have a sobering piece Jon Choptiany by Saumik Biswas reflecting on the power of healthcare and medical Phuc Dang science. Issue seven includes a wide range of topics evaluating hot William Gittings button issues like the cost of food, mental health development, Steffannie Hancharyk antioxidants and much more. Finally, I am excited to present to you Kaitlyn LaForge our master’s highlight and faculty spotlight this semester as Phuc Rebecca MacPherson Dang and Dr. Sandra J. Peters talk about both their research and life Yasmeen Mezil at Brock University. Paula Miotto Madina Naimi As always, this magazine could not have materialized without Mike Pryzbek the help of a number of individuals. I would like to thank Brock Health’s managing editors, Saumik Biswas, Amen Idahosa and Yasmeen Mann Graphic Design for their continued support. Thank you to Dr. Neil McCartney, The Scott Alguire Faculty of Applied Health Sciences, BUSU and BUSAC for funding our magazine! A special thank you goes out to all our graduate editors Faculty Consultant who ensure the quality of this product. Additionally, I would like to Kelli-an Lawrance (PhD) thank Dr. Kelli-an Lawrance and Joanne Boucher for their continued support towards this publication! Finally, this semester we have a Disclaimer: Brock Health is a neutral magazine. It is not beautiful new layout and design for the magazine. If it wasn’t for the strictly hardcore sciences nor public health issues; it is a hard work of our graphics guru, Scott Alguire none of this could have platform for students to present scholarly, peer reviewed been possible. A big thank you goes out to Scott for his continued research in any topic related to health. excellence in both layout and design! In the field of health there are widely held beliefs and misconceptions about a multitude of topics. Through the media and mainstream health news sources, we have a general understanding of lifestyle habits that improve our physical and emotional health. Words like ‘free-radicals’, ‘organic’, ‘plaque’ and ‘anti-oxidants’ have very much become a part of our regular vocabulary. As intelligent consumers, we have to ask ourselves, are there times when reality deviates from our mantras? Science and research has battled extensively with these topics and we now understand that there are always gray areas. Even our understanding in some of the most traditional health views are not complete. There is still more to research, and with that there are more exciting discoveries to be made. In this issue of Brock Health many of our writers work to elucidate these gray areas.
1
tio
g ving Size 1 s Pe cup r Co Life?(22 Low AmCalorie: Longer oun ntai 8g) @BrockUHealth tP ner @BrockUniversity Ca er 2 Ser lor @CBCHealth vin ies g 260 Tot C alor al F ies at fromGet Social 13g Sat Fat ura ted %D 120 TranContents aily F a t s Fa3 Val 5g ue* t4 2g les ter 5 2 0 % o 6l 3 um 25% 660 7 0mg m8 g Ca rbo 119 h12yd 10% y Fi r a ber 13 te 3 14g 0 1 2 g 8% 5g 15 16 10% 17 18 19 0% 20
Ser
n F ac ts
Page 10
http://issuu.com/ brockuhealth (Digital Editions)
Tobacco Plants: Can They Be Programmed To Cure Cancer? Internet Addiction Disorder: How Real Is It? Fatty Acids: How Beneficial Are They? The Cost of Healthy Eating
Master’s Highlight: Phuc Dang
Cancer: An Evaluation of Antioxidant Diets
Featured Article: Low Calorie: Longer Life? How Important Are They?
RePOOPulate: Recent advancements in the fight against Clostridium difficile Fibrous Dysplasia
Asperger’s Syndrome: What The TV Shows Aren’t Telling Us Printing Up A Storm: 3D BioPrinting Hot Headlines
Faculty Spotlight: Dr. Sandra J. Peters
Mental Health in Development: Take the First Step Concussions: Where’s Your Head At?
DNA Vaccines: From Cancer to HIV to Allergies Brock Health Team
s
21
References
March 2013 - Issue 7
6
2
?
Did you know
• For the earliest settlers of the Americas, it was believed that tobacco was a “gift from the Gods” and that exhaled tobacco smoke carried thoughts and prayers to the heavens.
Tobacco Plants: Can They Be ProgrammeD To Cure Cancer? Michael Easson For the most part the answer to this question is yes! Professor Vincenzo De Luca of Brock University has already made critical steps in this exciting and relatively new research. Part of his research involves the manipulation of Tryptophan Decarboxylase (TDC) activity in tobacco plants. TDC is expressed in some mutants of the plant type Nicotiana tabacum3. TDC is critical in the biosynthesis of tryptamine, a protoalkaloid and precursor to the synthesis of Vinblastine, a well-known drug used in treatment of certain types of cancers such as lung and breast2. Indole alkaloids are a very potent class of chemicals, which have a wide range of biological effects. The range in properties extends from the hallucinogenic that are found in the mushroom Psilocybin, to cancer fighting agents employed in modern medical treatments. The latter is of high interest to the scientific and medical community. Vinblastine can be synthesized (under appropriate conditions) from the combination of alkaloid precursors known as vindoline and catharanthine4. In the Madagascar Periwinkle, (another plant studied by Dr. De Luca) the synthesis of alkaloids involves many enzymatic steps in order for the entire process to proceed4. Vinblastine can be isolated from the Madagascar Periwinkle (Catharanthus roseus) and it is found that the plant produces vindoline in leaves and stems, and catharanthine in above ground and below ground tissues4. Unfortunately, the sites of catharanthine biosynthesis are found in the roots of C.roseus, while vindoline is found mainly in the shoots where trace levels of catharanthine arepresent. This physical separation
3
of substrates does not allow the formation of the anti-cancer drug vinblastine, and is critical in the understanding of the biosynthetic pathway. If these biosynthesized molecules were able to come in contact with one another, then vinblastine could very well be formed within the plant. Dr. De Luca is currently studying the effects of ethane methyl sulfonate (EMS) mutations in hopes of discovering a mutant plant that shows a high expression of vindoline or catharanthine 1 in advantageous morphologies. This discovery will prove to be a key aspect in the advancement in the natural synthesis of the biologically active vinblastine and derivatives. In the end, what does the investigation of these different species mean for the research of anti-cancer drugs and treatments? Catharanthus roseus is a model organism for the investigation of the biosynthetic process of vindoline and catharanthine production, which are direct precursors to the formation of vinblastine. If mutants of these plants are discovered to over-express genes of high importance in alkaloid biosynthesis, then perhaps the nuclear mechanism in the organism’s genetic code can be analyzed. This vital information can then be translated to an alternate organism and - providing it is not detrimental to the organsim’s life - introduced to provide this species with the same biosynthetic pathway for synthesis of useful compounds. In essence, tobacco plants can be taken from simply producing the precursor tryptamine, to biosynthesis of vinblastine or other anti-cancer derivatives. Ultimately, tobacco plants could help to cure cancer itself.
Internet Addiction Disorder: How Real Is It? Jaya Sam Do you frequently have ‘one of those days’? You know, the ones where you just sit at your computer or laptop, and go back and forth between Harlem Shake videos on YouTube, or cat pictures on Reddit? If you answered yes, you may be experiencing Internet Addiction Disorder (IAD). IAD is characterized by excessive or poorly controlled Internet behaviors, in which the user is persistently preoccupied online. As a result, IAD may lead to emotional distress or impairment, mood changes, withdrawal symptoms when not engaged, and continuation of the behaviour despite family conflict 1,2. Upon first glance, one might believe that excessive Internet use is a minor issue, due to its convenience and widespread networking abilities. However, like many addictions, severe consequences may exist. For instance, IAD has been linked to neurological complications, psychological disturbances, and social problems2. Unfortunately, this disorder is not well known; primarily because IAD is not included in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM). However, there is discussion to include it in the next version of the DSM2. Despite this, surveys have been completed across the USA and Europe, demonstrating that IAD is prevalent between 1.5 and 8.2% of these populations 1. To put this into perspective, that is up to 26, 682, 693 people affected in the US alone! Since research regarding IAD is still in its infancy and this disorder is not included in the DSM, not a single definition exists that is regarded as the definition. Although, following criteria have been suggested as requirements for an IAD diagnosis: (1) Thoughts of previous or future Internet activity are always on the mind; (2) Internet usage continues to increase in order to achieve satisfaction; (3) Previous attempts to gain control over Internet use have been unsuccessful; (4) The person becomes restless, moody, depressed, or irritable during attempts to control Internet behaviours; or (5) The individual stays online longer than originally intended. In addition to the preceding criteria, one of the following must also be present: (1) The individual has jeopardized a job, relationship, or career opportunity due to their Internet use; (2) The person has lied about the degree of their Internet use; or (3) The person uses the Internet as a way of avoiding confrontation or to escape from their problems3. One possible explanation for IAD resides in March 2013 - Issue 7
Join Our Team! Email us: BrockUHealth@gmail.com how addictive behaviours can stimulate the release of neurochemicals (i.e., dopamine) that bind to the ‘pleasure center’ receptors of the brain. Eventually, the receptors develop a tolerance for these neurochemicals and more stimulation is required (through a greater surge of dopamine release). You may be reading this and think that you have IAD or have met an alarming amount of the criteria for IAD, however; fear not! Simple tactics can be used to alter potentially toxic internet behaviours. As such, you can plan events or activities that will take you away from the computer, set goals to reduce the amount of time spent online, or join an Internet addictions support group2. These are just a few examples, however; keep in mind that what works best for you is key! Addiction can ruin lives, don’t let it ruin yours.
4
?
Did you know
• Research suggests that cultures that consume foods with high levels of omega-3 fatty acids tend to have a lower incidence of depression.
Fatty Acids: How beneficial are they? Joan Lopez
takes place from the beginning of the third trimester to two years after birth in humans4. DHA levels are reduced when a person has Alzheimer’s disease, which results in memory loss as the hippocampus links short-term memories to the processing and storage of spatial information5. It is starting to sound like these fatty acids are becoming more important to mental health than one would have initially thought. However, there are other researchers who are quick to dismiss these findings. There are clinical trials that were performed on humans have failed to demonstrate the advantages of an increased consumption of essential fatty acids, although there The two essential fatty acids that are required have been promising benefits as seen in rodents6. in diet are α-linoleic acid and linoleic acid, which are also known as omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids The inconsistencies in research make it respectively1. Although minimal amounts of each difficult to believe that an increase in fish and nut are required in a 2000 kilocalorie diet, studies have consumption can ultimately boost brain power as shown that these fatty acids, particularly omega-3, we age. As our generation becomes more concerned may reduce the risk of cognitive decline and may with nutrition and overall health, it is suggested that even decrease the progression of Alzheimer’s achieving a balanced, varied, and adequate diet can disease2. You may ask why the sudden interest in only further benefit our bodies in the long run1. cognitive health, particularly if it is not one of the major concerns of a younger generation. We have all the heard the expression, “you are what you eat”, and since the food we consume now affects us as we age, changes in diet are encouraged to support longterm health. One study suggests that omega-3 fatty acids can improve cognitive health as it contains docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) and eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA), acids that are crucial for nerve growth in the brain development of humans3. Researchers state that most DHA accumulation in the hippocampus When it comes to being a university or college student, there are challenges that one must overcome to ensure that the required nutrients are met with a balanced, varied, and adequate diet. Students often lack the time and patience to prepare healthy meals and tend to go for high-calorie and low nutrient-dense foods. A group of lipids in particular that students do not consume frequently are essential fatty acids, which are fats that are not made in the body and must be obtained through diet1.
5
the cost of Healthy eating Jordan McNalty When you think of “healthy� foods, which come to mind? Perhaps images of fruits and vegetables? According to Mukhopadhyay and Thomassin (2012) in the field of nutrition, an ideal healthy diet is comprised of the following: 15-35% of total caloric intake from fat, 55-75% from carbohydrates, and the remaining 10-15% from protein sources. The authors say that on average, it is recommended to obtain more than 400 g/day of fruits and vegetables. Unfortunately, most Canadians do not meet the standards put forth by the Canadian Food Guide. For instance, Canadians consume 50% less fruits and vegetables than recommended1. A major reason for improper dietary consumption is that a healthy diet costs Canadians more money. The Nutritious Basket of Canada was introduced by the Ministry of Health Promotion in 1974 as a way to measure the cost of basic healthy eating that represents current nutritional guidelines2. According to the 2012 Nutritious Basket of Toronto, it would cost the average 19-30 year old male $54.37 per week to afford the recommended nutritional intake. This is a 7.3% increase per week compared to 2009. It would cost females in the same age category $42.03 per week in 2012, which signifies an increase of 7.4% per week compared to 20093. From this data, it is evident that the costs of nutritional foods are continually increasing for Canadians. Not following recommended nutritional guidelines is not only costing Canadians economically. Eating outside of these guidelines can be at the cost of their health. A study by Feeney (2012) says that although processed foods are more affordable and convenient, buyers should be aware of the high quantities of salt, sugar and fat found in processed foods4. Kennedy et al. (2010) states that salt, refined sugar and saturated fat when consumed above recommended levels are linked to preventable chronic diseases5. Six chronic diseases (hypertension, stroke, respiratory diseases, cancer, cardiovascular disease and musculoskeletal disease) cost the health care system 26.43 billion dollars in 20051.
up to $196.00 per month for students’ groceries. Meldrum and Willows calculated that it would cost a student upwards of $296.44 per month in order to meet healthy guidelines. This estimate is $100.44 more than the CSLP provides. The authors suggest that the CSLP should increase their grocery limit so that students are more easily able to adopt healthier food selections6. Organic foods are often seen as a great choice towards establishing a healthier diet. The Canadian organic food industry had grown between 15-25% between 2005 and 2006 7. Hamzaoui-Essoussi and Zahaf (2012) state that this trend is likely to continue because most people perceive organic food as healthier, better tasting and as economic support for local organic providers. However, the cost of these foods is an ongoing issue. On average, the study estimates that there is a 10-20% increase in the price of organic food compared to non-organic alternatives8.
In order for Canadians to eat a healthier diet, Lee and colleagues (2011) suggest that lowering the price of low-fat snacks, fruits and vegetables throughout common establishments (grocery stores, restaurants, workplace, etc.), will increase the chance One demographic that appears to be at a a Canadian would buy these items. By doing this, higher risk of unhealthy eating is university and Canadians would be able to enhance their nutritional college students. A study conducted by Meldrum intake9. Ultimately, the cost of an unhealthy country and Willows (2006) at the University of Alberta is not a price we can afford to pay. examined the impact that student loans have on the ability for students to buy healthy groceries. In 2003, the Canada Student Loans Program (CSLP) provided March 2013 - Issue 7
6
Master’s Highlight: Phuc Dang Gaibrie Stephen You may recall seeing her on the front page of Brock University’s Community Health Sciences website. If you’re in the Faculty of Applied Health Sciences, you’ve likely seen her while adventuring through the department offices. As one of the co-founders of Brock Health, VP of Student Affairs for the Graduate Students Association and a Mapping New Knowledges Organizing Committee member, Phuc is the poster-child for ingenuity. Having obtained her bachelor’s degree in Public Health at Brock University, Phuc is in the second year of her master’s program under the supervision of Dr. Madelyn Law. Her research focuses on inter-organizational networks and falls prevention programs. Phuc’s interest lies in the effectiveness of the referral process that directs clients to any of the 43 programs in the Niagara region dedicated to fall prevention. Her research is largely qualitative and as a result she interacts with a wide range of health professionals. Phuc conducted 30-40 minute interviews with health care professionals, public health professionals and primary care professionals as part of her data collection. In these interviews, she identified how the aging population in the Niagara Region is exposed to falls prevention programming. Phuc enjoys the small class sizes, seminars and research based learning at Brock University. Furthermore, she is a fan of the holistic approach to health that is promoted at Brock. She enjoys the fact that she can choose from a wide range of courses, whether it be Pharmacology, Public Health or the History of Medicine. Like most of us, Phuc entered her undergraduate degree with a limited understanding of health, let alone healthcare. By taking
research opportunities and pursuing projects of her own, Phuc has developed her passion for both population health and public health. What’s next for Phuc? She is currently completing her Master’s degree and is planning to defend her thesis before the summer. In hopes of continuing research initiatives, Phuc will be applying for her PhD in the upcoming year to University of Victoria in British Columbia. While Phuc’s main interest is research, she hopes to pursue practical work within the Public Health field as well. She plans to balance practical work with her studies in the future so she can gain a better understanding of research and practice. Outside of everything mentioned above, Phuc regularly promotes the Community Health Sciences Department at the Fall Preview Day, the Ontario Universities’ Fair and the Spring Open House. She is also involved in organizing a series of research cafes and a conference through the Faculty of Graduate Studies called Mapping the New Knowledges. Last year Phuc assisted in the organization of a research cafe on career changes and in February she will aid in planning another research cafe focused on environmental sustainability. Phuc exemplifies grit, ingenuity and hard work. In this she has made a name for herself as a staple figure in the Department of Community Health Sciences, Brock University and the Niagara community as a whole.
Her advice? “Volunteer as much as you can, and be as inquisitive as possible!”
7
Cancer: An Evaluation of antioxidant diets Shalina Vighio Antioxidants have become a popular trend in the health world. This buzz word is present on many food and juice packages promoting awareness and building hype about their powerful health benefits and dietary satisfaction. In fact, there has been an increase in the number of fad diets and detoxifying remedies dedicated to overloading the body with antioxidants. Although claims are made about the benefits, those who purchase these foods and juices may not truly understand what antioxidants are or how they work in the body. Firstly, what is an antioxidant? Antioxidants include substances such as beta-carotene, lutein, lycopene, selenium, vitamin ace. It does exactly as the name suggests, reverses and combats oxidation reactions within cells3. They are in the form of vitamins and minerals as well as enzymes that assist the body in chemical reactions3. Antioxidants are known to combat oxidative damage, occurring in cells by removing free radical intermediates and inhibit oxidation reactions2. Oxidation reactions are a natural occurrence in the body especially as the body ages and cells grow older. Within these oxidation reactions, electrons are transferred3. These free radicals, also known as reactive oxygen species (ROS), are the chemically active atoms that possess a charge due to an excess or deficient number of electrons and include hydrogen peroxide, singlet oxygen, and hypochlorous acid2. The excess or deficient number of electrons is what makes these readicals highly unstable, causing them to search the body for electrons to grab, causing damage to cells, proteins, and DNA along the way. Radicals are often produced from the breakdown of foods, and environmental factors such as smoke and radiation2. These radicals are known for their ability to cause irreparable damage within cells and can play a significant role in the onset of cancers and heart disease. Causing oxidative stress, especially when the production of free radicals is beyond the ability of the antioxidant defense2.
repairing some of the free radical damage associate with cancer. Conklin (2000) suggests that dietary supplementation of antioxidants can influence the response to chemotherapy and the side effects that result from treatment with antineoplastic agents. Administration of antineoplastic agents results in oxidative stress from the production of ROS, reducing the rate of cell proliferation and may interfere with the cytotoxic effects of antineoplastic drugs, occur during chemotherapy1. Some activities function beyond antioxidant properties in which ROS contribute to side effects such as alopecia are not prevented by antioxidants. Agents that interfere with these side effects, also interfere with the anticancer effects of chemotherapy 1,4. It may not be the best idea to over consume strictly antioxidants, however it is evidently beneficial to health, moreover, it would be a better idea to consume it in moderation, thereby not giving into the fad of antioxidant diets.
Antioxidants are vastly present among many different types of teas such as green tea, sweet potatoes, beans and many greens and berries. Benefits of antioxidants include increasing longevity and slowing the process of aging by making the skin appear youthful and more vibrant as well as March 2013 - Issue 7
8
Feature Article LOW CALORIE: Longer Life? How Important are They?
Low Calorie: Longer Life? How Important Are They? Miso Gostimir The link between aging and nutrition has been extensively researched since the beginning of the century. Ever since it was observed that a restricted-calorie diet extended the life span of rats, the major focus of nutrition-related aging research has shifted towards the relationship between caloric restriction and longevity1. If a link could be made between lower-calorie diets and longevity, then a new and simple method of extending life spans would be available to humans. Astonishingly, research has strengthened this connection. The observation that calorie restriction increases life span was also confirmed in other species as well. Numerous studies explored this effect on other rodents, such as mice and hamsters, and concluded that when the food intake of rodents was reduced by 30-60%, an increase in life span was observed2. Even a study on primates by the Wisconsin National Primate Research Center (WNPRC) published the same conclusion in Science, one of the most highly-respected scientific journals3. Furthermore, the relationship between calorie restriction and longevity was observed in animals regardless of whether such diets were implemented early or later in life. When mice were fed low-calorie diets starting at one month of age, the expected increase in life span was observed4. Additionally, when a low-calorie diet was implemented in a group of middle-aged mice, the same relationship was observed, albeit to a lower extent4.
9
The explanation behind this relationship has also been explored. Restricted-calorie diets have been shown to reduce metabolic rates, and it is widely-accepted that decreased metabolic rates correlate with longer life spans4. When the metabolic rate increases within cells, the rate of oxygen consumption increases as well4. The by-products of oxidative metabolism are known as reactive oxygen species (ROS)5. Hydrogen peroxide is a particularly dangerous ROS because it is able to penetrate cellular membranes5. Once it has crossed the cellular membrane, hydrogen peroxide is broken down into one of the most reactive molecules known, the hydroxyl free radical. This molecule is believed to be one of predominant causes of damage to proteins, DNA, and lipids4. Damage to these macromolecules is a major cause of senescence, the deterioration of organisms associated with age4. This phenomenon happens on a regular basis, and several cellular defenses have evolved to combat the associated damage. The body also produces natural oxidants which aid in neutralizing reactive oxygen species4. However, the increased production of these molecules that results from an increased metabolic rate eventually exhausts cellular defense mechanisms, rendering the cells vulnerable to oxidative damage4. Thus, the decreased metabolic rate that results from a restricted-calorie diet could serve as a method of alleviating the body’s cells from oxidative stress, prolonging the life span. This had enormous implications in the field of nutrition because it had now been determined that a low-calorie diet not only led to weight loss, but also
LOW CALORIE: Longer Life? How Important are They?
had the potential to increase the life spans. However, all of these beliefs were put to rest after the conclusion of a 25-year study that was published in the highly-respected scientific journal known as Nature in 20126. The 25-year study, conducted by the National Institute of Aging (NIA), began in 1987 and examined the life spans of monkeys that were fed diets with 30% less calories than those of control monkeys6. The monkeys were analyzed extensively during life and after death, providing the most in-depth conclusions of any study of this kind6. The publication in 2012 concluded that low-calorie diets had no significant effects on longevity6. Although this finding is contrary to the results of previous studies, there are several explanations for the previously-accepted results. Many of the former studies focused only on non-primate animals with typically short life spans6. These studies were also relatively short and did not offer a reliable interpretation of the relationship between calorie restriction and longevity in all animals. Although the WNPRC study did examine this relationship in rhesus monkeys and found calorie-restricted diets to increase life span, the control monkeys in this experiment were placed on ad libitum diets, meaning that their meals were unlimited3. Although ad libitum diets are meant to represent the typical diet, it is quite possible that the monkeys actually consumed more food than normal simply because there was more readily available6. Additionally, the sucrose content of these diets was found to be 28.5%, whereas the NIA control monkeys were given diets that contained only 3.9% sucrose3, 6. The diets of the 25-year NIA study also included fish oil and antioxidants, which have been shown to produce beneficial health effects6.
March 2013 - Issue 7
The effects of caloric restriction on longevity are much more complicated than initially expected6. Compounds such as resveratrol, a constituent of red wine, have been shown to trigger the same beneficial effects observed with low-calorie diets6. Therefore, the inclusion of similar beneficial compounds in diets may serve as a better option than simply lowering caloric intake, especially for the low-calorie diets composed of nutrient-poor foods. These findings disprove the emerging theory that there is a diet-triggered switch that can delay the aging process. Instead, the study proved that genetics and the specific nutritional contents of a diet play a larger role in determining longevity than simply the number of calories6. A calorie is not merely calorie anymore. The source of calories makes a profound difference on the health effects of two foods that have the exact same amount of calories. Therefore, those interested in improving their health should focus more on the content of the foods that they consume rather than simply ‘counting calories’.
WE WANT YOU! Email us: BrockUHealth@gmail.com
10
?
Did you know
• People who have a lowered immunity can develop C.Difficile without any hospital contact. These community acquired infections account for 25% of the total cases.
Repoopulate: Fight against Clostridium difficile Amen Idahosa Reducing the incidence of nosocomial infections in hospitals is one of the most difficult challenges in health care across the country today. Although infection control guidelines emphasize the importance of hand washing, the improvement in cleaning standards, and a call for a change in antibiotic use, nosocomial infections are rampant and generally very difficult to control. These infections continue to hamper our health care system and place a great financial strain on hospitals. In particular, Clostridium Difficile (commonly referred to as C. difficile), is a highly contagious antibiotic-resistant bacillus found in human stool that has claimed many patients’ lives in health care facilities over the past several years1. In fact, there has been a two to three fold increase in C. difficile infections in Canadian hospitals alone between 1997 and 20054. Initial symptoms associated with C. difficile include diarrhea, abdominal cramping, and fever1. C. difficile is a harmful microbe that can eradicate the healthy bacteria in the gut, allowing it to flourish without competition2. Regrettably, patients can experience recurring C. Difficile infections as there are very few treatments available for these patients - none of which seem to be permanent3. Most recently, a highly publicized outbreak of C. Difficile occurred in several hospitals within the Niagara Health System. If our health care professionals cannot mitigate or decrease the current rate of transmission of C. difficile, improved treatment options such as stool transplantation could improve the care of individuals with recurring C. Difficile infections. In preliminary studies by Bakken (2009) and Rohlke, Surawicz and
11
Stollman (2010), fecal bacteriotherapy (also known as a stool transplant), has improved re-establishment of normal bacterial microbiota in the intestines of the recipient by the infusion of donor stool3. In addition, a more recent study explored whether the same result could be accomplished by using a stool substitute (a desirable alternative), lessening concerns for pathogen transmission and increasing the patient acceptance rate3. The mixture, called RePOOPulate, is a human probiotic or synthetic stool mixture that was developed from the stool of a 41-year-old female donor3. In the study, the mixture was transferred to the proximal ascending colon and the transverse colon of a 74 and 70-year-old patient during a colonoscopy. The results were promising as the patients demonstrated a return back to normal bowel patterns and health with formed stool every 1-2 days with no detection of C. difficile at ten days post procedure3. Overall, this study showed a cure rate of 94%, introducing a great alternative for patients that fail oral vancomycin therapy3. The increased cost of utilizing the RePOOPulate mixture in the future will need to be compared against the cost prolonged hospital stays required for those with recurring infections. Finally, the effect of the RePOOPulate transplantation on risk of death related to repeat infections and the likelihood of transmittance to neighbouring patients will need to be studied before the efficacy of this treatment option may be firmly established.
fibrous dysplasia Saumik Biswas In the year 2000, there was a child who fell in a waiting room of a walk-in clinic. In agonizing pain, the little boy screamed for help and his fragile body began to turn pale. Once the boy and the parents were called to a room by the receptionist, the physician did his appropriate diagnosis and concluded that the child suffered a “minor injury” and that it was “nothing to worry about”. With the reassurance of the doctor, the parents felt at ease, but little did they know what the next few hours had in store for them. Once they arrived home, the parents of the boy urgently spotted that he was still in need of great medical assistance and they then rushed him to the hospital. As the boy was still crying in the emergency room, the physician dressed in the bright white coat read his x-ray and discovered something absolutely astounding. The faces of the staff around the emergency department grew with confusion and the first words that came out of the physician’s mouth were, “where is his tibia”? After it was determined that the child had fibrous dysplasia (FD), the little boy was quickly transported to a world-renowned hospital in Toronto for immediate surgery. This “little boy” is my younger brother and he has monostotic FD. FD is a type of bone disease involving abnormal bone development in which normal bone is replaced with fibrous tissue2. This anomaly develops due to the failure in the remodeling of “primitive bone” to “mature lamellar bone” and a failure of the bone to realign in response to mechanical stress1. Since the bone is unable to mature, masses of immature isolated trabeculae are left behind- trabeculae are small tissue elements that form a network. The tra-
March 2013 - Issue 7
beculae are also meshed in dysplastic fibrous tissue, and are constantly “turning over” at a slow rate, but never end up completing the remodeling process1. You might ask yourself, “What causes fibrous dysplasia”? Well, certain theories postulate that FD is linked to a mutation in the gene that encodes the alpha subunit of a stimulatory G protein located on chromosome 20. As a result of this mutation, the amino acids cysteine or histidine in the G protein of osteoblasts is replaced by arginine which causes these cells to produce a fibrous tissue in the bone marrow instead of the proper elements required for normal bone development2. Now, depending on when the mutational event occurs during embryogenesis, different forms of FD can arise: monostotic (affects a single bone in the body), polyostotic (affects multiple bones), or McCune-Albright syndrome (most severe form)1,3. Furthermore, in order to treat my brother’s disease, the head orthopedic surgeon at the Hospital for Sick Children performed a procedure known as ‘bone grafting’. To simplify, the surgeon implanted an intramedullary rod (for bone support), bone graft material (served as a scaffold for new bone growth), and osteoprogenitor cells (these cells help with the formation of a new bone by osteogenesis) into his leg1. At the end of the day, I find it truly extraordinary that the human body can be afflicted with many intricate diseases and yet, medicine has developed such fascinating advancements that can help us combat them. Nevertheless, my family and I are sincerely grateful for the help we received from the various healthcare professionals.
12
?
Did you know
• An increasing amount of evidence is linking the ‘cuddle chemical’ oxytocin with some of the social impairments associated with Autism Spectrum Disorder.
Asperger’s Syndrome: What TV Shows Aren’t Telling Us Eliza Beckett It has become increasingly common for symptoms of Asperger’s syndrome (AS) to be depicted by characters in popular television shows. Sheldon from The Big Bang Theory, Abed from Community and Dr. Virginia Dixon from Grey’s Anatomy all demonstrate personality traits that may be considered symptomatic of AS. Because of these shows, this syndrome has gained a high level of popularity in the past few years. Each of these characters presents as a remarkable individual living with AS however, this is only showing viewers a partial glimpse of what AS truly is. Asperger’s Syndrome is considered “HighFunctioning Autism”1 and is defined as a developmental disability characterized by impairments in social interaction as well as restricted, repetitive and routine patterns of behaviour, interests and activities1. An individual with AS can sometimes appear as arrogant or condescending as people with AS often demonstrate advanced verbal skills, superior intelligence and difficulty reading social cues2 indicating difficulty with social cognition1 and have difficulty understanding emotions experienced by other individuals1,2. People with AS are often detail oriented and have trouble acquiring a larger meaning or general ideas. Due to this altered thought process, people with AS are often more susceptible to mood and anxiety disorders such as depression, anxiety and obsessive compulsive disorder1,2,3. The prevalence of AS is unclear, although it has been noted that the diagnosis of AS is far more common now than it was in the past2. Diagnosis of
13
AS is difficult because varying definitions as well as diagnostic criteria and tools exist for Asperger’s Syndrome. There are many tools available to clinicians for diagnosis of AS, yet there is variability and notable differences across these tools and diagnosis of AS can often be muddled with symptoms from another disorder1,3. In general, AS is diagnosed in childhood and symptoms can be treated as they develop3. Diagnosis in adulthood is far more difficult and people with AS can be misdiagnosed or written off due to similar symptoms for other mental disorders3. The treatment goal for someone with Asperger’s syndrome is not to treat AS itself but to manage the issues that are causing distress2,3. Treatment is designed to aid the individual in coming up with effective ways to deal with psychological and social issues that can make daily interactions difficult. Many people with Asperger’s consider the syndrome to be a part of who they are and do not consider it a disorder or disability. Cognitive behaviour therapy has been shown to be effective as a treatment method; however there must be a therapeutic alliance. This is defined as trust between client and therapist2. There is also pharmaceutical therapy for the associated mood disorders such as depression, which have mixed reviews among treating clinicians. As with any syndrome, disorder or disease, psychosocial support from friends, family and health professionals can help individuals with AS to lead a healthy and fulfilling life.
Printing Up A Storm: 3D BioPrinting Technology
Join Our Team! Image via PLOS ONE/Reiffel et. al.
Email us: BrockUHealth@gmail.com
Cubby Sadoon As any patient on a transplant list will tell you, organs are a precious commodity. When diseases and genetic predispositions impair the functions of organs, ill-health will surely follow. Once a patient has been admitted into a hospital, the initial goal of medical staff is to prevent that patient’s death. If survival is warranted, the patient is often placed on a transplant list for a specific organ. Once transplantation has been successfully achieved, many problems may arise post-surgery. For instance, organ rejection and other side effects such as hypertension and high cholesterol can interfere with a patient’s recovery4. One way to potentially divert the negative consequences of foreign organ transplantation is to use groundbreaking technology that exploits the ability to print numerous amounts of biological materials such as cells and tissue scaffolding that potentially yields the creation of biomimetic tissues and organs1.
technique that is based on the principle of focusing high-energy laser pulses onto a spot above hydrogel dominated by cells, and then uses the evaporated spot to dispense cells underneath2. These two techniques have allowed for the construction of a bioprinting platform which accommodates for different printing materials that are then loaded into ‘bio cartridges’. This creates multi-layered 3D tissue architecture. The first layer is multi-cellular, the second is filled with fluidic channels intended for perfusion and lumen-formation and the third is a scaffold that integrates water-soluble growth factors (i.e. cytokines) and releases them periodically into the first layer5.
Simplistically, the entire process of bioprinting can be summarized by a practical analogy. Imagine reprinting an image on a sheet of paper over and over again using a regular ink-jet printer. Eventually, ink will begin to collect in one area and compromise Direct cell-printing or as it is commonly the integrity of the paper. Now imagine doing the exdubbed, ‘bioprinting’ is the latest methodology under act same process, but with three-dimensional scafinvestigation as an alternative to organ transplanta- folding embedded in the paper that allows the ink to tion. The entire process is based on cell dispersion, in separate. Through repetition, this will eventually crewhich there are two main types available. The first ate a 3D representation of the image being printed; type involves ink-jet dispersion which refers to the which is essentially the premise behind bioprinting. ejection of cell encompassing ink using a modified bubble jet printer2. There is also an additional ink-jet This technology is currently employed for printing technique utilizing a piezo crystal that re- printing various biological materials such as nucleic ceives a tiny electric charge and induces vibrations acids and growth factor proteins, and its future apforcing a minimal amount of ink out2. Both of these plication in transplant surgery is promising 2. Though printers dispense cells onto a hydrogel material to there are indefinite obstacles in the development form a layer of cell-hydrogel complexes3. The second of this technology for 3D tissue engineering, it is no type of cell dispersion is known as laser printing; a longer a question of why, but why not... March 2013 - Issue 7
14
How you can burn calories by drinking ice-cold water Miso Gostimir
HIV ‘Cured’ In Infant Gaibrie Stephen A topic that has been heavily reported recently is the case of a 2.5 year old baby being ‘cured’ of HIV through the use of antiretroviral therapy. This report has generated a lot of buzz with the possibility of a cure to the world’s most deadly virus. Although this prospect is certainly interesting, questions have been raised on various dimensions of the case report. One researcher in the University of North Carolina denounced the scenario as “irresponsible reporting”. Researchers are questioning whether this baby was simply a “super-controller”. A super-controller is an individual who has a genetic mutation on a white blood cell surface receptor that offers a natural resistance to HIV.
The term ‘calorie’, that we often see on nutrition labels actually represents something that scientists call a ‘kilocalorie’. A kilocalorie is the amount of heat required to raise the temperature of 1 kilogram of water by 1 degree Celsius[1].Interestingly, this definition can be used to reveal a diet ‘cheat’ that we can all apply to our everyday lives. Based on this definition, you can burn a few extra calories each day by drinking ice-cold water. This is because your body must use energy, or calories, to warm the water to regular body temperature (37°C)before it can be utilized by your cells. Assuming that ice-cold water sits at around 3°C, the body spends about 8 calories warming up a 250 mL cup of ice-cold water. Sure, 8 calories isn’t much, but if you adhere to the Mayo Clinic’s recommendations of 3 liters of water per day for men and 2.2 liters for women, the numbers change quite drastically. Men can burn an extra 102 calories per day, and women can be burning 75 calories simply by drinking ice-cold water! For all you dieters, that’s about 2 free Oreo cookies! Of course, this ‘cheat’ isn’t a substitute for regular exercise. While you definitely shouldn’t rely on drinking ice-cold water to lose weight, this is an interesting piece of information that we can all use to burn some extra calories. 1. Thompson, Manroe, and Vaughan, The Science of Nutrition: Second Edition2011, San Francisco, CA: Pearson Education.
15
HoT HeaD lines
In addition to this, the timeline of the baby’s infection was also gray as there was question as to whether the baby was genuinely infected in the first place. Antiretroviral therapy was the drug of choice for the baby, the most popular drug cocktail given to individuals with HIV. It was found that after treatment for 18 months doctors found no detectable levels of the virus even after treatment cessation. Important to note is that there are still doubts regarding whether the cure is permanent, as this requires extensive follow-up. As with all case-reports, this has sparked a new field of research regarding a triple drug regime. If this regime proves to be effective it could help millions of infants all around the world. Overall, this case does provide hope that there is a cure for children suffering from HIV. Source: http://www.newscientist.com/article/dn23231hiv-baby-cured-with-triple-blast-of-drugs.html
Faculty Spotlight: Dr. Sandra J. Peters Amanda Milburn A lot of hard work and dedication has lead Dr. Sandra Peters to a Professor position at Brock University. The seed for her interest in science was planted when she did her honours Bachelor of Science degree in Biochemistry and Chemistry at Mc Master University. She met her husband while studying at Mc Master, and they got married while her husband was in medical school. Together, they have three sons who have grown into very successful men. After having her children, Dr. Peters had the itch to go back to school and grow her knowledge in the field of research. She completed her Master of Science degree at the University of Guelph in Human Biology studying the effects of epinephrine on lipid metabolism in resting skeletal muscle. Following completion of her Master’s degree, Dr. Peters went on to pursue her PhD at the University of Guelph in Human Biology and Nutritional Sciences. Her main interest was the dietary regulation of rat and human skeletal muscle pyruvate dehydrogenase (PDH) kinase activity. In the year 2009, Dr. Peters started working at Brock University. Although she had no background in Kinesiology when starting, she became a very distinguished powerhouse in the field of physiology and is well respected by her peers and students. Most of Dr. Peter’s students know her for teaching human physiology, exercise physiology and regulation of human metabolism; however, a few are familiar with her impressive research background. For many years, PDH, which is the key regulator of carbohydrate metabolism in skeletal muscle, was Dr. Peter’s main area of research. During her sabbatical at McMaster University in 2007-2008, Dr. Peters conducted research on the novel field of PLIN proteins which are embedded in the lipid droplet membrane. Since then, her field of research
has expanded from PDH to also include the PLIN proteins which are believed to play a major role in lipolysis. The PLIN proteins are newly discovered and Dr. Peter’s lab in the new Cairns Bioscience building is one of only a few in the world to examine these proteins in skeletal muscle. Both of her areas of expertise have implications for obesity and type II diabetes. Dr. Peters’ wealth of knowledge in physiology positions her to be a strong advocate for physical activity. She notes that numerous studies, including
“...be passionate about what you do... go after it with gusto!”
March 2013 - Issue 7
her own, have shown that exercise and a balanced diet are essential to leading a healthy life. That is one of the reasons Dr. Peters has increased her physical activity in the last 10 years by working out at the YMCA, doing Zumba® classes as well as tai chi where she is now a senior student. Besides exercising, Dr. Peters and her husband also enjoy making wine (as well as learning about the chemistry of the reactions involved) and spending time by the Atlantic coast at their cottage in Newfoundland. All of Dr. Peters’ experiences have made her an excellent professor and mentor. Her number one advice to students is to be passionate about what you do so you can get up every morning and go after it with gusto!
16
?
Did you know
• In a recent article published by CBC Health, it was implicated that over the past 10 years the use of antidepressants in Canadian post secondary students has nearly equaled the use of birth control.
Mental health: take the first step Yasmeen Mann Based on the events in this past year, people became more aware of the issue of mental health awareness, with up-close news reports about convicting felons enforced to undergo mental health treatment. Mental health is a silent killer that can strike anywhere, harming any age, sex, size or race, being overlooked by health systems. Personally, as university students, we face mental health issues frequently, primarily or secondarily. Without the care and treatment necessary for mental disorders, people everywhere are at risk of becoming ostracised from society, potentially falling into poverty and homelessness. The question that remains is, why do several fail to be convinced that improving mental health programs may be one of the first steps to take in improving our society as a whole? Despite the desire or physical ability to work, 90% of individuals with a serious mental illness in Canada are unemployed1. Good mental health can benefit businesses through increased productivity, work performance, fewer workplace accidents and a more consistent work attendance. With strong mental health benefit programs instilled for employees, employers can safeguard their businesses, thus guarding a driving force in our economy1. A decline in mental health that leads to anxiety and stress can lead to health problems such as heart disease, ulcers, frequent body pain and a decline in the overall physical wellbeing of
17
an individual1. Studies demonstrate that when people receive the appropriate care for their mental health issues, their need for medical services overall declines1. A specific study demonstrated that after psychological treatment for anxiety disorders, medical visits decreased by 90%, laboratory costs by 50% and treatment costs by 35%1. With programs available to improving mental health, psychological problems that lead to poor behavioural choices for one’s physical health will decrease as well. People may be less likely to engage in smoking, excessive alcohol use, drug use or other poor choices that negatively affect their physical health. Another aspect of today’s society that mental health can have a dramatic impact on is the overall quality of life. The average middleclass lifestyle involves a busy family and work life which repeats almost everyday. Though this routine sounds typical, the thin line between looking forward to repeating it every day or fearing it is a peace of mind, which is a natural condition. that can be available to everyone. When free of anxiety, depression, chronic stress, or other psychological problems, we have the potential to live our lives to the maximum. Taking the first step and recognizing when you need to talk about your mental health can save you from measuring your quality of life in terms of days that pass rather than the days to look forward to.
Concussions: Wheres Your Head At? Carly Cameron A concussion is a minor traumatic brain injury (TBI) that may occur when the head hits an object, or a moving object strikes the head1. Concussions are becoming extremely prevalent in our current sports industry – such as Sidney Crosby’s accident. Crosby was first injured in 2011 and did not return until the 2011-2012 season. His return was halted because he returned to play just a few days later, where he was hit again. However, despite this media blitz, a new study shows fear of losing valuable playing time keeps many high school football players from telling a coach or parent about symptoms of a concussion 2– the very reason Crosby chose to return to play despite his concussion like symptoms. Signs and symptoms of concussion can be categorized into four areas: physical, cognitive, emotional, and sleep-related issues3. In the growing body, the central nervous system is framed by musculature that is still1. The structure and size of cranial bones also provide a thinner layer of protection from physical impact1. All these factors contribute to an increased risk for concussions in youth. The developing brain is acquiring new information and skills continually4. This makes cognitive skills such as focusing, sustaining attention and recall of information extremely difficult after sustaining a concussion4. This makes academic activities challenging as common classroom activities can exacerbate the symptoms of a concussion. In other words, the symptoms associated with concussions will not only surface when the person is physically active, but also when they are mentally active4. Additionally, treating and managing concussions is very different between youth and adults. Studies have shown that children with more concussions are not only more likely to sustain additional concussions, but they are also more likely to suffer long-term neurological deficits2. Adults are more neurologically developed, which results in fewer symptoms and quicker recovery times after mild head injuries2. Youth also have to be aware that when signs and symptoms appear to resolve, subtle cognitive deficits may persist5. Several studies have demonstrated that verbal memory, visual memory, reaction time, and processing speed are still diminished in players who have reported recovery from symptoms5. One study revealed that athletes who had a history March 2013 - Issue 7
of two or more concussions and were symptomfree had testing scores similar to athletes who were tested immediately postconcussion6. The researchers found “subtle yet significant prolonged neuropsychological effects in youth athletes with a history of two or more previous concussions”6. It is important to recognize, report and manage concussion like symptoms in youth in order to avoid the multitude of academic performance deficits as well as long-term impacts on the proper growth and functioning of the brain. Many people assume that concussions are an unavoidable part of the game. However, young athletes do not need these life long frustrations in order to enjoy sports. Increased awareness regarding signs, symptoms and appropriate protocol to follow will help to reduce the prevalence of concussions in young athletes.
18
?
Did you know
• Paul Berg sparked the topic of genetic engineering by creating the first recombinant DNA. Soon after, in 1974 Paul Berg drafted a letter calling for all scientists to suspend studies in the field.
DNA Vaccines: From Cancer to HIV to Allergies Sierra Barrett
in response to the specific antigen5. This immune Vaccination is one of the most significant sci- response stimulates both B and T-cell production, entific advancements of the 20th century and has which combine to form a more effective antibody revolutionized global health. Currently the World reaction. Health Organization’s Expanded Program on Immunization, which includes six vaccines for diseases The widespread advantages of DNA vaccines common in young children, such as measles and have implications in health, safety, and economics. pertussis (whooping cough), has prevented over one One of the most promising effects is the versatility million deaths in developing nations1. Still, most of of DNA vaccines. Just one treatment can provide anthe common and devastating diseases and ailments tibodies for many strains of a disease, such as the we face have no vaccines currently available. There seasonal flu for which new vaccines must be created are also certain disadvantages to vaccines that are each year3. A patient may even be given personalused to treat modern diseases including an inabil- ized DNA vaccines made from a biopsy of their own ity to immunize against the mutated strains of dis- tissue3. Another is the seemingly endless number eases such as influenza2. Additionally, scientific eth- of possible pathogens to treat. Studies have been ics become a factor when working in a laboratory to done using different types of cancers, HIV, and more synthesize vaccines from dangerous pathogens due recently, allergies and autoimmune disease4. When to the possibility of inciting pandemics in the case of considering safety, DNA vaccines are a safer option accidental exposure to society. DNA vaccines are a compared to many traditional vaccines where there relatively new field of research that has the poten- is a possibility of the viral vector reverting to its virutial to develop generally simple and safe immunity lent form and becoming harmful to the host3. Retreatments for a plethora of conditions from cancer garding the economic implications, DNA vaccines are to HIV to allergies3. quicker and less expensive to make. They are stable at a wide range of temperatures, which decreases DNA vaccines are classified as a third genera- the need for high-tech storage particularly in develtion vaccine that works differently from traditional oping nations5. vaccines that use live-attenuated virus vectors or recombinant protein vectors4. Instead of using the You may ask: if there are so many advantagpathogenic agent itself, DNA vaccines manage to es then why don’t we have miraculous new vaccines eliminate the “middle-man” by injecting only the made with DNA? Currently, the only approved DNA agent’s genetic code. The DNA is inserted into a plas- vaccines, such as the anti-cancer vaccine for dogs and mid, which is used as the vector for transportation the West Nile vaccine for horses, are for animals2. In to the targeted cells. When these body cells attempt order to develop human vaccines that will pass clinito translate this DNA into the coded proteins, an im- cal expectations, immunological research still needs mune response is stimulated to produce antibodies to be done to make DNA vaccines more effectual in human hosts.
19
Brock Health Team
Amanda Milburn
Amen Idahosa
Carly Cameron
Cubby Sadoon
Eliza Beckett
Jaya Sam
Joan Lopez
Jordan McNulty
Thanks For Reading!
Micheal Easson
Miso Gostimir
Saumik Biswas
Scott Alguire
This CoulD Be
YOU!
To find out how please contact us:
BrockUHealth@gmail.com
Shalina Vighio
Sierra Barret
Yasmeen Mann
See You Next Issue! March 2013 - Issue 7
20
References Image Sources
intercellular translocation of a pathway intermediate. The Plant Cell Online, 11(5), 887-900. Internet Addiction Disorder: How Real Is It?
Tabacco Plants: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Native_American_ tobacco_flower.jpg
1. Weinstein, A.; Lejoyeux, M. (2010). Internet addiction or excessive internet use. The American Journal of Drug and Alcohol Abuse, 36, 277-283.
Internet Addiction Disorder: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:LG_L194WTSF_LCD_monitor.jpg
2. Cash, H.; Rae, C. D.; Steel, A. H.; Winkler, A. (2012). Internet addiction: a brief summary of research and practice. Current Psychiatry Reviews, 8(4), 292-298.
Fatty Acids: How Beneficial Are They?: http://pixelperfectdigital.com/ photo/372/gel-caps-macro.html The Cost of Healthy Eating: http://cdn.morguefile.com/imageData/public/ files/h/hotblack/preview/fldr_2008_11_02/file0001113585346.jpg Cancer: An evaluation of Antioxidants: http://freerangestock.com/details. php?gid=&sgid=&pid=69 Low Calorie: Longer life? How important is it?: http://freerangestock.com/ details.php?gid=&sgid=&pid=19557 http://freerangestock.com/details.php?gid=&sgid=&pid=10437 http://morguefile.com/archive/display/555797 RePOOPulate: Fight Against Clostridium Difficille: http://freerangestock. com/details.php?gid=&sgid=&pid=15728 Fibrous Dysplasia: http://freerangestock.com/details. php?gid=&sgid=&pid=5255
3. Beard, K.W. (2005). Internet addiction: a review of current assessment techniques and potential assessment questions. CyberPsychology & Behaviour, 8(1), 7-14. Fatty Acids: How Beneficial Are They? 1. Thomson, J. L., Manore, M. M., & Vaughan, L.A. (2011). The science of nutrition. 40-41, 182-185. 2. Mazereeuw, G., Lanctôt, K. L., Chau, S. A., Swardfager, W., & Herrmann, N. (2011). Effects of omega-3 fatty acids on cognitive performance: a metaanalysis. Neurobiology of ageing. 33. 1482.e17-1482.e29 3. Jones, C. R., Arai, T., & Rapoport, S. I. (1997). Evidence for the involvement of docosahexaenoic acid in cholinergic stimulated signal transduction at the synapse. Neurochemical research, 22(6), 663-670. 4. Dobbing, J., & Sands, J. (1979). Comparative aspects of the brain growth spurt. Early human development, 3(1), 79-83.
Asperger’s Syndrome: http://www.flickr.com/photos/ medhius/3217871488/
5. Moser, M. B., & Moser, E. I. (1999). Functional differentiation in the hippocampus. Hippocampus, 8(6), 608-619.
Printing Up A Storm: Image via PLOS ONE/Alyssa J. Reiffel, Concepcion Kafka, Karina A. Hernandez, Samantha Popa, Justin L. Perez, Sherry Zhou, Satadru Pramanik, Bryan N. Brown, Won Seuk Ryu, Lawrence J. Bonassar, Jason A. Spector
6. Languille, S., Aujard, F., & Pifferi, F. (2012). Effect of dietary fish oil supplementation on the exploratory activity, emotional status and spatial memory of the aged mouse lemur, a non-human primate. Behavioural brain research, 235, 280-286.
http://www.plosone.org/article/info%3Adoi%2F10.1371%2Fjournal. pone.0056506#references
The Cost of Healthy Eating
http://blogs.smithsonianmag.com/science/2013/02/an-artificial-earbuilt-by-a-3d-printer-and-living-cartilage-cells/
1. Mukhopadhyay, K., & Thomassin, P. J. (2012). Economic impact of adopting a healthy diet in Canada. Journal Of Public Health, 20(6), 639-652. doi:10.1007/s10389-012-0510-2
Mental Health: Take the First Step: Image via openphoto/ Miroslav Vajdic http://openphoto.net/gallery/image.html?image_id=23259#how_to_ credit_this_image
2. Nutritious Food Basket.(2012). Ministry of Health Promotion - Standards, Programs & Community Development Branch.
DNA Vaccines: From Cancer to HIV to Allergies: http://morguefile.com/ archive/display/732482 Concussions: Where’s Your Head At?: http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/ File:Brain_trauma_CT.jpg
Information Sources
3. Weekly Cost of the Nutritious Food Basket in Toronto.(2012). Toronto Public Health. 4. Feeney, D. F. (2012). 10 Worst Processed Foods for People With Diabetes. Nutritional Perspectives: Journal Of The Council On Nutrition, 35(1), 5-6. 5. Kennedy, P. (2010). Economic Incentives for a Healthy Diet: A Comparison of Policies in a Canadian Context. B E Journal Of Economic Analysis & Policy, 10(1)
Tobacco Plants: Can They Be Programmed To Cure Cancer?
6. Meldrum, Liesel A.; Willows, Noreen D. Canadian Journal of Dietetic Practice & Research. Spring 2006, Vol. 67 Issue 1, p43-46. 4p.
1. Campos-Tamayo, F., Hernández-Domínguez, E., & Vázquez-Flota, F. (2008). Vindoline formation in shoot cultures of Catharanthus roseus is synchronously activated with morphogenesis through the last biosynthetic step. Annals of botany, 102(3), 409-415.
7. MacRae, R., Martin, R., Juhasz, M., & Langer, J. (n.d). Ten percent organic within 15 years: Policy and program initiatives to advance organic food and farming in Ontario, Canada. Renewable Agriculture And Food Systems, 24(2), 120-136.
2. Legha, S. S., Ring, S., Eton, O., Bedikian, A., Buzaid, A. C., Plager, C., & Papadopoulos, N. (1998). Development of a biochemotherapy regimen with concurrent administration of cisplatin, vinblastine, dacarbazine, interferon alfa, and interleukin-2 for patients with metastatic melanoma. Journal of Clinical Oncology, 16(5), 1752-1759.
8. Hamzaoui-Essoussi, L., & Zahaf, M. (2012). Canadian Organic Food Consumers’ Profile and Their Willingness to Pay Premium Prices. Journal Of International Food & Agribusiness Marketing, 24(1), 1-21. doi:10.1080/08974 438.2011.621834
3. Songstad, D. D., De Luca, V., Brisson, N., Kurz, W. G., & Nessler, C. L. (1990). High levels of tryptamine accumulation in transgenic tobacco expressing tryptophan decarboxylase. Plant physiology, 94(3), 1410-1413. 4. St-Pierre, B., Vazquez-Flota, F. A., & De Luca, V. (1999). Multicellular compartmentation of Catharanthus roseus alkaloid biosynthesis predicts
21
9. Lee, J., Ralston, R. A., & Truby, H. (2011). Influence of food cost on diet quality and risk factors for chronic disease: A systematic review. Nutrition & Dietetics, 68(4), 248-261. doi:http://dx.doi.org/10.1111/j.17470080.2011.01554.x Cancer: An Evaluation of Antioxidant Diets
References 1. Conklin KA. (2000). Dietary antioxidants during cancer chemotherapy: impact on chemotherapeutic effectiveness and development of side effects. PubMed. 37(1):1-18 2. Mathew, B., Tiwari, A., & Jatawa, S. (2011). Free Radicals and Antioxidants: A Review. Journal ofPharmacy Research, 4(12), 4340-4343. 3. Main, P., AE., Angley, M., T., O’Doherty, C., E., Thomas, P., & Fenech, M. (2012). The potential role of the antioxidant and detoxification properties of glutathione in autism spectrum disorders: a systematic review and meta-analysis. (2012). Nutrition & Metabolism, 9(1), 35-71. doi:10.1186/1743-7075-9-35 4. Valko, M., Rhodes C.J., Moncol, J., Izakovic, M., Mazur, M. (2006). Free radicals, metals and antioxidants in oxidative stress-induced cancer. ELSEVIER. Chemico-Biolgoical Interactions(160)1-40. Low Calorie: Longer Life? How Important Are They? 1. McCay, C.M., M.F. Crowell, and L. Maynard, The effect of retarded growth upon the length of life span and upon the ultimate body size. J Nutr, 1935. 10(1): p. 63-79. 2. Weindruch, R. and R.L. Walford, The retardation of aging and disease by dietary restriction1988: CC Thomas Springfield, IL. 3. Colman, R.J., et al., Caloric restriction delays disease onset and mortality in rhesus monkeys. Science, 2009. 325(5937): p. 201-204. 4. Weindruch, R. and R.S. Sohal, Caloric intake and aging. The New England journal of medicine, 1997. 337(14): p. 986.
syndrome. Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders, 42(5), 697-706. 2. Leather, J., & Leardi, M. (2012). Mental health and Asperger’s syndrome: What clinicians need to know. Journal of Human Behavior in the Social Environment, 22(8), 1014-1020. 3. Szatmari, P., Bartolucci, G., & Bremner, R. (2008). Asperger’s syndrome and autism: comparison of early history and outcome. Developmental Medicine & Child Neurology, 31(6), 709-720. Printing Up A Storm: 3D Bioprinting Technology 1. Campbell, P. G., & Weiss, L. E. (2007). Tissue engineering with the aid of inkjet printers. Future Perspective, 1(1), 1-6. 2. Derby, B. (2008). Bioprinting: Inkjet printing proteins and hybrid cellcontaining materials and structures. Journal of Materials Chemistry, 1(1), 1-5. 3. Henmi, C., Nakamura, M., Nishiyama, Y., Yamaguchi, K., Mochizuki, S., Takiura, K., & Nakagawa, H. (2008). New approaches for tissue engineering: Three dimensional cell patterning using inkjet technology. Mini review: 3D cell patterning using inkjet technology, 1(1), 1-5. 4. Mironov, V., Reis, N., & Derby, B. (2006). Bioprinting: A beginning. Tissue Engineering, 12(4), 1-4. 5. Yoo, S. S., & Polio, S. (2010). 3d on-demand bioprinting for the creation of engineered tissues. Chapter 1, 1(1), 1-17. Mental Health: Take The First Time
5. Finkel, T. and N.J. Holbrook, Oxidants, oxidative stress and the biology of ageing. NATURE-LONDON-, 2000: p. 239-247.
1. World Health Organization, “Improving Health Systems and Services for Mental Health” Last modified 2009. http://whqlibdoc.who.int/publications
6. Mattison, J.A., et al., Impact of caloric restriction on health and survival in rhesus monkeys from the NIA study. nature, 2012.
DNA Vaccines: From Cancer to HIV to Allergies
RePOOPulate: Fight Against Clostridium Difficille
1. Bloom, D. E., Canning, D., & Weston, M. (2005). The value of vaccination. WORLD ECONOMICS-HENLEY ON THAMES-, 6(3), 15.
1. CBC News Health. (2013). C. Difficile-related deaths highest in recent years. Retrieved from http://www.cbc.ca/news/health/story/2013/01/12/ c-difficile-increase-quebec.html?cmp=rss on January 12th 2013.
2. Ferraro, B., Morrow, M. P., Hutnick, N. A., Shin, T. H., Lucke, C. E., & Weiner, D. B. (2011). Clinical applications of DNA vaccines: current progress. Clinical infectious diseases, 53(3), 296-302.
2. CBC News Health. (2013). “Poop” substitute may help C. difficile infections. Retrieved from http://www.cbc.ca/news/health/ story/2013/01/08/c-difficile-stool.html?cmp=rss on January 8th 2013.
3. Liu, M. A. (2011). DNA vaccines: an historical perspective and view to the future. Immunological reviews, 239(1), 62-84.
3. Petrof, E. O., Gloor, G. B., Vanner, S. J., Weese, S. J., Carter, D., Daigneault, M. C., Brown, E. M., Schroeter, K., & Allen-Vercoe, E. (2013). Stool substitute transplant therapy for the eradication of Clostridium Difficile infection: ‘RePOOPulating’ the gut. Microbiome 1:3. 4. Simor, A. E. (2012). Clostridium difficile Infection: Canadian epidemiology, 2012. Retrieved from http://www.oahpp.ca/resources/documents/ presentations/2012may28-29/2.0%20-%20Epi%20Data/CdiffCanEpi2012. pdf on January 9 2013. Fibrous Dysplasia 1. Dicaprio, M. R., & Enneking, W. F. (2005). FIBROUS DYSPLASIA. Journal Of Bone & Joint Surgery, American Volume, 87(8), 1848-1864. doi:10.2106/JBJS.D.02942. Retrieved from: http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/ pubmed/16085630 2. Guruprasad, Y., & Chauhan, D. (2012). Craniofacial fibrous dysplasia - A review of current management techniques. Chronicles Of Young Scientists, 3(2), 106-110. doi:10.4103/2229-5186.98672. Retrieved from: http://web. ebscohost.com/ehost/pdfviewer/pdfviewer?sid=aeff136d-4204-42089765-e44c74dee278%40sessionmgr115&vid=4&hid=107 3. Monini, S., Volpini, L., Lacolucci, C., & Barbara, M. (2012). Temporal Bone Fibrous Dysplasia: A Rare Mastoid Localization. Journal Of International Advanced Otology, 8(2), 321-324. Retrieved from: http://web.ebscohost. com/ehost/pdfviewer/pdfviewer?sid=aeff136d-4204-4208-9765-e44c74d ee278%40sessionmgr115&vid=7&hid=107 Asperger’s Syndrome: What TV Shows Aren’t Telling Us 1. Jackson, P., Skirrow, P., & Hare, D. (2012). Asperger through the looking glass: an exploratory study of self-understanding in people with Asperger’s
4. Moore, A. C., Kong, W. P., Chakrabarti, B. K., & Nabel, G. J. (2002). Effects of antigen and genetic adjuvants on immune responses to human immunodeficiency virus DNA vaccines in mice. Journal of virology, 76(1), 243-250 5. Hasan, U. A., M Abai, A., Harper, D. R., Wren, B. W., & Morrow, W. J. W. (1999). Nucleic acid immunization: concepts and techniques associated with third generation vaccines. Journal of immunological methods, 229(1), 1-22. Concussions: Wheres Your Head At? 1. Norton, C. (2013). Tackling long-term consequences. Nursing, 43(1), 50-55. doi: 10.1097/01.NURSE.0000423961.53249.6a 2. Meehan, W. P., d’Hemecourt, P., & Dawn, R. C. (2010). High school concussions in the 2008-2009 academic year. American Journal of Sports Medicine, 38(12), 2405-2409. doi: 10.1177/0363546510376737 3. McLeod, T. V., & Register-Mihalik, J. K. (2011). Clinical outcomes assessment for the management of sport-related concussion. Journal of Sport Rehabilitation, 20(1), 46-60. 4. Schapiro, S. R., & Sacchetti, T. S. (1993). Cognitive Dysfunction Following Mild Head Injury. Minor Head Trauma: Assessment, Management, and Rehabilitation, 86. 5. Zuckerman, S. L., Lee, Y. M., Solomon, G. S., Forbes, J. A., & Sills, A. K. (2012). Recovery from sports-related concussion: Days to return to neurocognitive baseline in adolescents versus young adults. Surgical Neurology International, 3(1), 709-715. doi: 10.4103/2152-7806.102945 6. Moser, R. S., Schatz, P., & Jordan, B. D. (2005). Prolonged effects of concussion in high school athletes. Neurosurgery, 57(2), 300. doi: 10.1227/01.NEU.0000166663.98616.E4
Copyright Š 2010 Community Health Science Council. This work is licensed under the Creative Commons Attribution - Noncommercial-Share Alike 2.5 Canada License You are free to copy, distribute, transmit, and adapt this magazine and its contents, provided you attribute the work in an appropriate manner and do not use it for commercial purposes. Any derivative works must be licensed similarly. These conditions may be waived with the permission of the copyright holder. Full terms of licence are found at creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-sa/2.5/ca/
For more info please contact: brockuhealth@gmail.com