Innovative Projects Realized

Development of a comprehensive educational program forLaparoscopic Inguinal Hernia Repair and a randomized controlled trail for IncisionalHernia after abdomal surgery to Increase the safe and effectiv

Compared to “open” surgery, laparoscopic inguinal hernia repair done with 3 small incisions in the

abdominal wall, is associated with less pain and quicker recovery. Many surgeons are not comfortable

performing this operation since it can be challenging to learn. The purpose of this research program

is 1) to describe the practice patterns of surgeons and residents and to understand what their

educational needs are, 2) to develop educational programs of both knowledge and skill to ensure that

surgeons are competent, 3) to implement programs in regular surgical trainaing, 4) to evaluate the

impact of the educational programs by measuring performance in the operating room and patient

outcomes. We intend to perform a pilot study to analyze the incidence of incisional hernia one year

after laparoscopic colon resection using midline or transverse extraction incision. Covidien Inc.,

produces laparoscopic devices. It will benefit from this project by obtaining direct, relevant and

insightful information and feedback from users about the latest laparoscopic…………………TOBECONTINUED

Role of neuronal nitric oxide synthase in neurovascular coupling

My project aims to unravel how the brain can precisely deliver blood flow to match neuronal metabolism, termed neurovascular coupling (NVC). Evidence suggests that functional changes within the neurovascular unit, which is comprised of the neuron, the astrocyte and the vascular contractile cell, are associated with the development of vascular-cognitive impairment, as well as treatment strategies for stroke recovery in humans. Previous studies have shown the importance of regulating NVC via the nitric oxide synthase (NOS) pathways, specifically nitric oxide production via neuronal NOS (nNOS), in animal work and isolated preparations. However, these studies may limit translation to humans due to interspecies differences, the use of anesthetic agents dulls cerebrovascular regulatory pathways, and isolated models lack input to neurovascular unit. Therefore, this study will provide the first in vivo human data on the role of nNOS in NVC regulation using a clinically validated selective inhibitor of nNOS.

Serum Protein and Antibody Interactions with Immunomagnetic Cell Isolation Particles

Immunomagnetic cell isolation particles are widely used to separate cells from complex, biological environments, such as blood, urine, or bone marrow. Cell isolation particles are typically decorated with specialized antibodies to bind to targeted cell surfaces via specific antibody–antigen interactions. These interactions can be disturbed by the presence of serum proteins, which are common constituents of cell isolation buffers to prevent cell aggregation. The proposed research will investigates the effect of serum protein–particle interactions on the binding of antibody linkers to immunomagnetic cell isolation particles. The intern will compare the binding capacity of serum proteins to various types of cell isolation particles and examine binding mechanism(s) with deteriorating effect on the cell isolation process. The partner organization, STEMCELL Technologies, is a leading manufacturer and distributor of cell isolation products. The results of this research are expected to allow STEMCELL to benefit their customers with improved cell isolation kits and cell isolation protocols.

Using Rapid Eye Movement (REM) Sleep to Enable and Enhance Clinical Epilepsy Surgery

A seizure is a medical emergency. 1 in 10 people will be hit by at least one seizure in their lifetime. 1 in 26 people continue to be hit by seizures recurrently: this is epilepsy. When medications do not work, surgery is needed to cut out seizing brain tissue. Unfortunately, many people cannot presently benefit from epilepsy surgery. Our research will harness the power of dream sleep (rapid eye movement or REM sleep) to help locate where the seizures are coming from. Empowered with this information, we can help guide the surgeon on where to perform life-changing epilepsy surgery. Our research will partner with the HSC Foundation, affiliated with Manitoba’s flagship hospital for neuroscience (Health Sciences Centre), to further its goal of advancing research and cutting-edge health care for the benefit of all Manitobans.

Modeling the Removal of Mine-impacted Water Species Using Freezing Technologies Focused on Frazil Ice Formation

The development of environment-friendly freezing technologies to contaminated water is a potential solution for water treatment in regions with cold weather conditions and vulnerable to anthropogenic impact. The results of laboratory tests fulfilled by Core Geoscience Services Inc. on the removal of mine-impacted water species through ice formation along with other publicly available data will form a basis for the next stage of research comprising quantitative analysis and mathematical modelling. The primary objective of this project is to develop and test a mathematical model based on the results of laboratory data analysis and mine-impacted water species removal using freezing technologies. This project is directed to providing a net benefit to communities and stakeholders by developing a more effective and efficient water treatment technology that utilizes northern climates and/or cold temperatures as an asset.

The role of marginal B cells in atherosclerosis

Atherosclerosis is an inflammatory disease characterized by the accumulation of cholesterol, fat and immune cells deposits in large arteries. In the body, the main inflammatory modulators are called immune cells. We have recently discovered that a type of immune cell called marginal zone B (MZB) cells protect from atherosclerosis (Nus, Nat Med 2017). In response to a high cholesterol diet (HCD), MZB cells activate an atheroprotective programme limiting another immune cell subset called T follicular helper cells, which are detrimental for atherosclerosis. RNAseq identified several genes responsible for MZB cell activation to a HCD. Our preliminary data shows BCR signalling pathway as a main regulator. To get more insight and validate our in vivo results we need to develop an in vitro model to perform gene expression (qRT-PCR, RNAseq data analysis using Ingenuity) and protein analyses (flow cytometry, western blot) to determine the main targets downstream of BCR signalling pathway.

Technological training for lawyers

Although law schools ensure that legal professionals are well prepared to offer their clients legal advice, little is done to evaluate their basic technological skills (word processing software, accounting tools, etc.). We therefore have no way of benchmarking how often and how well legal professionals use the technologies at their disposal to serve their clients. Although this might seem trivial, improper or insufficient use of technology could have significant impacts on a lawyer’s ethical obligations, efficiency, and fees – which could in turn affect access to justice for their clients. The overlying purpose of this project is therefore to develop a tool that can evaluate Canadian lawyers’ technological competencies and generate sufficient data to modify law school curriculums in order to produce more well-rounded legal professionals.

Objective Assessment of Suicide Ideation using Measures of Electrophysiology Data and Machine Learning

Digital Medical Experts Inc. (DME) is a Canadian start-up company in the business of developing cloud-based point-of-care monitoring systems for the management of psychiatric illnesses. DME has developed algorithms to diagnose and predict optimal treatment for major depression disorder and schizophrenia, and has been allowed patents describing its technology in Canada, the USA, and Australia.
As part of this proposal I will be working with DME to develop and assess the viability of an objective measure of suicide risk taken directly from electroencephalogram (EEG) and electrocardiogram (ECG) recordings. We have already shown that particular interactions of electrical signals in the brain, known as cross-frequency couplings, can be used to characterize brain activity in ways relevant to psychiatric clinical practise. By developing data-driven algorithms, we will examine the robustness of these features for identification of suicidal ideation. If found acceptable the algorithms will be optimized and incorporated into a point-of-care monitoring system (that has already been developed by DME) using portable and wireless dry electrode EEG headsets.

Epigenetic effects of smolt-to-adult rearing in Atlantic Salmon

Stocking remains an important component of managing and conserving Atlantic Salmon populations, but it also has the potential to cause negative effects to wild populations. To understand the cause of these effects and the potential consequences of using a smolt-to-adult supplementation approach we will use cutting edge technology to investigate epigenetic changes in captive reared salmon. Epigenetic changes do not alter the genetic makeup of the fish but cause changes in the way genes are expressed which can affect their ability to survive. We will compare epigenetic differences between salmon raised from smolt-adult in a hatchery with wild fish as well as changes if these changes are observed in their offspring. The results of this research will help assess the risks of smolt-adult supplementation to wild populations and help improve captive rearing protocols to reduce impacts to wild populations.

A Policy Analysis of Rebate and Incentive Programs for StormwaterManagement in Local Governments.

This research will explore how local governments in the Western United States and Canada have

initiated and implemented rebate and incentive programs that help manage stormwater in community

watersheds. The exploration of stormwater rebate and incentive programs will assist the City of

Victoria in developing a rebate/incentive program for Victoria property owners. This research will fill a

knowledge gap in current stormwater management programs as current efforts in British Columbia

have not considered how best to involve property owners and interested members of the public in

changing the way in which stormwater is managed on privately owned land. Examining how rebate

and incentive programs from across Canada and the Pacific Northwest have been applied in a fair,

equitable, fle xible and progressive manner will provide valuable insight for the application of a rebate

and incentive program that supports the creation of a stormwater utility in the City of Victoria.

A randomized control trial comparing weight loss effects between the Keyto virtual “ketogenic diet” program compared to a standard-care weight loss app

Over 60% of overweight or obese individuals attempt weight loss diets each year. Although many different dietary approaches can lead to weight loss, increasing evidence suggests that a very low-carbohydrate ketogenic diet may have superior metabolic and weight loss effects. However, any diet is only as effective as adherence to it and adherence requires effective self-monitoring. While many evidence-based dietary programs are time and resource-intensive, Keyto is a scalable self-monitoring and app-enhanced intervention to help individuals learn about and monitor their breath acetone (a measure of ketosis) levels to promote dietary change and weight loss. Keyto has reported anecdotal success but would like robust evidence supporting the use of this low-cost, highly scalable intervention to help self-monitor and adhere to a ketogenic diet. The purpose of this research is to test the Keyto self-monitoring + app intervention against a “standard of care” mHealth weight loss dietary intervention.

Drug Repurposing for Neuromuscular Diseases

SMA is a neurodegenerative disease characterised by the loss of lower motor neurons and is an incurable disease. SMA is the leading genetic cause of early childhood lethality, with an incidence of 1 in 6,000 to 10,000 live births and a carrier frequency of 1 in 35-40. Current therapeutic strategies under development are almost exclusively based on increasing functional SMN protein. Given the divergence in prognoses due to the complexity of the different SMA type designation, the application of a combination of non-SMN dependent and SMN restoring therapies, would likely be essential to treat SMA. Therefore, there is an urgent need to develop and assess new non-SMN therapeutics for this incurable disease, which could be particularly effective at early stages of SMA. Modelis’ mission is to accelerate drug discovery for human genetic diseases and they are investing a large portion of their activities to drug repurposing. The current project will allow fastening the identification of already approved drugs for SMA using simple fish models of the disease in order to translate them quickly to the clinic