Listeria monocytogenes is a common food-borne pathogen that is the causative agent of listeriosis, a severe and potentially fatal condition. Current methods for detection of L. monocytogenes in food samples require multiple days due to lengthy amplification steps to aid in microbe detection. Due to the recent emergence of nanoparticle technology, however, new options are emerging for removing and concentrating microbes from complex samples and providing extremely sensitive detection.

In the spinal cord injured population, inactivity is wide-spread, and most causes of death in those with spinal cord injury can be improved by increasing physical activity.  Current electric wheel-chairs exacerbate inactivity in this population by performing all the work required for transportation. The new openPAW device uses bio and environmental feedback (ie. current arm strength, weight, slope) from the wheelchair to alter how much power is mechanically provided to the wheels on each arm crank.

Workplace trauma has significant adverse effects on the individual and the employers. The majority of people exposed to a traumatic event will recover and not suffer from further difficulties, but 8 - 12% will go on to develop post-traumatic stress disorder. In this study, two groups of Toronto Transit Commission (TTC) employees will be compared: those with PTSD diagnosis and a group with PTSD and depression diagnosis. The primary outcome of the study is the severity of PTSD symptoms.

Septic shock is the most common cause of death in critically ill patients in Intensive Care Units.  The development of septic shock is an extremely complex process involving many different cellular pathways of interacting proteins. One of the main proteins involved in these pathways is called nuclear factor kappa beta (NFκB). This protein controls the activities of other genes that are important to the survival of patients with septic shock. NFκB activity is controlled by another protein called NFκB inducing kinase (NIK).

Providence Health Care has established a reputation as one of the leading centres for cardiology research and treatment in Canada. Medtronic of Canada is a major supplier of therapeutic cardiac equipment, technology and implantable devices, and works closely with Providence Healthcare to advance the science of cardiac treatment.