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Summer Student Job Database
Anesthesiology & Pain Medicine
| Supervisor |
Dr. Ban Tsui 8-120 Clinical Sciences Building Tel: 780.407.8604 btsui@ualberta.ca |
|---|---|
| Status | OPEN |
| Title | A novel method of non-invasive ventilation in children |
| Length | 3 months |
| Description | Children have different respiratory physiology and anatomy compared to adults, which sometimes means that different methods must be used to provide oxygen to children in emergency situations. Currently, a procedure known as cricothyroidotomy is used to insert a needle into the windpipe to allow temporary ventilation when traditional means of oxygen delivery cannot be performed. Since cricothyroidotomy is invasive and risky to the patient, we wish to find a gentle, non-invasive method of providing oxygen to children. We hypothesize that applying pressure to a child’s chest will be an easy, safe, and effective method of ventilating a child in an emergency situation. This method is based on the creation of a pressure gradient that forces air out when the chest is compressed and “sucks” air into the lungs upon release of pressure. The study will involve recruiting pediatric patients (<18 yrs old) who are scheduled for general anesthesia; once the patients are asleep, the anesthesiologist will attempt to ventilate them using the chest pressure technique. Tidal volumes (a measure of the gas inhaled and exhaled in one breath) will be measured for each patient to evaluate the method’s effectiveness in comparison to conventional methods of ventilation. |
| Supervisor |
Dr. Barry Finegan 8-129 Clinical Sciences Building University of Alberta, Edmonton AB Tel: 780 407 8614 amc12@ualberta.ca |
|---|---|
| Status | CLOSED |
| Title | Herbal waterpipe, content analysis and CO exposure |
| Length | 3 months |
| Description | In Canada legislations on waterpipe smoking are still uncertain, and hookah bars are exempted from clean air legislations. One of the reasons for such uncertainty is related to the marketing campaigns that claim the products served in waterpipes are tobacco free (herbal). Findings have suggested that the air quality in the waterpipe cafés is not hazard free and that herbal waterpipe smokers are not protected from Carbon Monoxide and other possible chemicals and carcinogens. The project’s aims are to assess the quality of the air in randomly selected waterpipe cafés, by visiting them carrying a small portable air quality analyzer, and follow standardized procedures that have been used to measure the air quality in similar conditions. We will also interview patrons upon their exit from the waterpipe cafés asking them to participate in a study to assess the carbon monoxide exposure by blowing in a small portable CO meter, and by filling out a short questionnaire. As a research assistant, tasks will include going to the hookah cafes with the air quality analyzer, interviewing patrons as they exit the café, data collection, analysis of data, and reporting on these findings. The duration of this project will be approximately 3 months. |
Biochemistry
| Supervisor |
Dr. Joe Casey 721 Medical Sciences Building Tel: 780 492.7203 joe.casey@ualberta.ca |
|---|---|
| Status | CLOSED |
| Title | Functional Defects in Diseased Mutants of SLC4a11 |
| Length | 4 months |
| Description | We are studying diseases of the cornea, caused by mutations in a membrane transport protein called SLC4a11. We have recently developed an assay for the transport activity of SLC4a11. The next step is to measure functional activity associated with disease causing mutants. Techniques to be used include: tissue culture (growing cultured human cells in culture), cell transfection, protein analysis (SDS-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis, Western blotting), and confocal microscopy. |
| Supervisor |
Howard S. Young Medical Sciences Building room 3-27 Tel: 780.492.3931 hyoung@ualberta.ca |
|---|---|
| Status | CLOSED |
| Title | Molecular insights into ion homeostasis and heart disease |
| Length | 4 months |
| Description | Inside of our cells, ion levels are used to control muscle contraction and relaxation. This occurs as a direct response to oscillations in the cytosolic calcium concentration – namely, the cyclic release and reuptake of calcium between external and internal stores and the cytosol. In addition, the metabolic processes that allow muscle contraction-relaxation to occur increase the cytosolic proton concentration (acidosis). However, the contractile apparatus in heart muscle is compromised by acidosis. Therefore, the regulated control of both of these ions (calcium and protons) is essential for heart muscle contractility. Calcium metabolism is primarily controlled by the sarcoplasmic reticulum (SR) – a calcium storage compartment containing a pump (SERCA) that plays a central role in muscle relaxation. Additional proteins ‘phospholamban’ (PLB) and ‘sarcolipin’ (SLN) regulate SERCA in response to stress, exercise, and disease. Proton metabolism in the heart is primarily controlled by the plasma membrane, which contains a sodium-proton exchanger (NHE1) that removes intracellular protons. Most intriguing is the pathological role of NHE1 in heart disease. The reduced blood flow that occurs in heart disease activates NHE1; however, under disease conditions activation of NHE1 indirectly triggers cell death. Our research encompasses structure-function studies of these calcium and proton transport systems. First, we use membrane reconstitution systems to provide insights into the mechanism of ion transport. Second, we use techniques called ‘x-ray crystallography’ and ‘electron microscopy’ that provide us with a molecular picture of the ion transporters, and take us one step closer to the rational improvement of heart performance in patients. |
| Supervisor |
M. Joanne Lemieux Medical Sciences 451 Tel: 780.492.3586 joanne.lemieux@ualberta.ca |
|---|---|
| Status | CLOSED |
| Title | Structural studies of lactoferrin binding proteins towards vaccine design |
| Length | 4 months |
| Description | Lactoferrin binding protein B (LbpB) is a peripherally associated bi-lobed outer membrane protein that is necessary for uptake of host iron from human Lactoferrin (Lf) in vivo. It is found in several pathogenic bacteria including Neiserria meningitides, the caustive agent for pyogenic meningitis and meningococcal septicaemia. Iron acquisition is important for pathogenicity. Currently no vaccine is available against serogroup B of N. meningitides. By solving the structure of LbpB, conserved regions of the protein necessary for interaction with Lf can be identified for use in antigen engineering towards a meningococcal vaccine. Our lab has solved several domains of LbpB using X-ray crystallography. We seek a student to assist with characterization and purification of the LbpB protein. |
| Supervisor |
Marek Michalak 3-55 MSB Tel: 780 492.2256 marek.michalak@ualberta.ca |
|---|---|
| Status | CLOSED |
| Title | Role of protein quality control in myelin biology |
| Length | 4 months |
| Description | We study structure/function of endoplasmic reticulum (ER) associated chaperones and their role in embryonic/postnatal development and in adult/congenital protein folding disorders in human and animals. Our major emphasis is on the ER quality control chaperones, calreticulin, calnexin and ERp57. These proteins constitute the calreticulin/calnexin cycle that is responsible for the folding and quality control of newly-synthesized glycoproteins. This is a critical function because protein folding is a pivotal biological process in both health and disease. Genetic studies have identified over 16,000 missense mutations leading to single amino acid changes in protein sequences that are linked to human disease. Recently, we showed that mice bearing a disruption in the calnexin gene exhibit motor problems manifested by progressive neurological problems. Calnexin-deficient mice have myelination defects suggestive of a role of calnexin in myelin formation. The objective of this research project is to investigate structure and function of calnexin with a special emphasis on the role of this protein in myelination. Calnexin chaperone activity and its role in protein degradation, controls folding, maturation and cellular targeting of the key myelin specific glycoproteins will be examined. As an experimental model, we will use wild-type and calnexin-deficient fibroblasts and oligodendrocyte cell isolated from mice. Biochemical techniques will be used to investigate expression (mRNA (Q-RT-PCR) and protein (Western blot)) and cell surface trafficking of myelin proteins. Pulse-chase experiments will be carried out to study association and kinetics of folding of myelin proteins. Half-life of these proteins will be monitored; ubiquitination of the proteins will be examined to evaluate contribution of protein degradation. This work will provide vital information for our understanding of calnexin function in protein folding and ER quality control. The role of calnexin in myelination is of great importance because it may play a critical role in pathology of many neurological diseases such as leukodystrophies, multiple sclerosis, Charcot-Marie-Tooth, to name a few. |
| Supervisor |
Nicolas Touret Room 4-020H - KGR Building Tel: 780 492 3513 touret@ualberta.ca |
|---|---|
| Status | CLOSED |
| Title | Super-resolution imaging of Innate Immune Receptors |
| Length | 4 months |
| Description | Background: Macrophages, cells of our innate immune system, are able to recognize microbes through the interaction of membrane receptors with molecules specific to pathogens. This initial contact is crucial for the building of the appropriate immune response, which will lead to the clearance of the microbes. How the contact between these receptors and the pathogen initiates the mobilization of our organism’s immune defenses is the focus of our research. The project: The student will first familiarize himself/herself with biochemical and cell biology techniques such as cell culture, SDS-PAGE, Western-blotting and fluorescence microscopy approaches including live cell imaging and super-resolution microscopy. He/she will study the activation mechanisms of the innate immune receptor Dectin-1 that binds specific fungal molecules. Using various fluorescent reporter molecules, he/she will investigate the coordinated steps of dectin-1 activation through simultaneous dual-channel imaging of dectin-1 and interacting proteins. Techniques: Plasmid preparation, Cell culture and transfection, SDS-PAGE and Western-blotting, immunofluorescence, live cell imaging, epifluoresence and confocal microscopy, super-resolution microscopy, image analysis. |
Cell Biology
| Supervisor |
Thomas Simmen 5-65 Medical Sciences Building Tel: 780 492.1546 thomas.simmen@ualberta.ca |
|---|---|
| Status | OPEN |
| Title | Redox regulation of tumor cell metabolism |
| Length | 4 months |
| Description | Tumor cells modulate their metabolism dramatically to be able to thrive under conditions of low nutrients and to evade apoptosis induction. Both requirements depend on altered mitochondria metabolism. Our laboratory has identified a group of redox-sensitive proteins localized to the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) that regulate the transfer of calcium from the ER to mitochondria. Through their function, the proteins of this group determine cell death (apoptosis) from intracellular cues, but also mitochondria metabolism. Melanoma cells show altered amounts of these proteins, but the full significance of these findings is so far not clear. During the summer studentship, the student will examine protein-protein interactions of TMX4, one of these redox-sensitive proteins of interest with ER calcium channels and pumps and assay for the significance of these interactions by assaying the mitochondrial metabolism. Techniques to be used by the summer student co-immunoprecipitation, fluorimetric calcium measurements and metabolic assays by various means. Successful applicants will apply at AHFMR and the ACB for a summer studentship, with the help of the supervisor. |
| Supervisor |
Thomas Simmen, co-supervision by Sarah Hughes 5-65 Medical Sciences Building Tel: 780 492.1546 thomas.simmen@ualberta.ca; sarah.hughes@ualberta.c |
|---|---|
| Status | OPEN |
| Title | Neurodegeneration in D. melanogaster |
| Length | 4 months |
| Description | Clcium homeostasis within neuronal cells is a critical determinant of their survival. While cell surface channels and receptors are well-established and characterized factors in neuronal cell calcium homeostasis, recent evidence suggests that intracellular calcium handling is just as important. This insight comes as no surprise, since the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) is a massive calcium storage compartment. Likewise, mitochondria are known to provide energy for the correct functioning of neurons, a process that requires calcium, but also trigger apoptosis, when they receive too much calcium. Thus, the release of calcium from the ER and its uptake by mitochondria is emerging as a regulator of neuronal cell survival. Our laboratory has identified the human equivalent of D. melanogaster Rab-related protein 1 (RabRP1) as a determinant of ER-mitochondria interaction. Through this function, RabRP1 ultimately also determines the quality of ER-mitochondria calcium transfer. While we have demonstrated the role of “human RabRP1” in apoptosis, it is currently unclear whether RabRP1 is implicated in neuronal survival. During the summer studentship, the student will examine tissue from D. melanogaster expressing wild type or mutant RabRP1 or from animals lacking RabRP1, focusing on the detection of apoptotic cells. Techniques to be used by the summer student comprise standard D. melanogaster expertise. Previous experience will be an asset, but not a requirement. Interest in the contribution of basic science to the understanding of disease is essential. Successful applicants will apply at AHFMR and the ACB for a summer studentship, with the help of the supervisors. Length of project: 4 months |
| Supervisor |
Zhixiang Wang 6-16 MSB Tel: 780.492.0710 zhixiang.wang@ualberta.ca |
|---|---|
| Status | OPEN |
| Title | ErbB receptor expression and drug resistance in breast cancer |
| Length | 4 months |
| Description | Overexpression of ErbB receptors has been found in approximately 30% of human breast cancers. Patients whose breast tumors overexpress the ErbB receptors have a significantly lower survival rate and a shorter time to relapse than patients without the ErbB receptors overexpression. Also high levels of ErbB receptors expression has been positively correlated with lymph node metastasis and has been shown to render the cancer cells more resistant to chemotherapy. However, it is not clear whether ErbB receptor overexpression renders the cells more resistant to specific anti-cancer drugs or render the cells more resistant to broad range of anti-cancer drugs. It is not clear how the relative levels of various ErbB receptors including ErbB1 (EGFR), ErbB2, and ErbB3 related the drug resistance, and how ErbB receptor overexpression causes drug resistance. We propose that ErbB receptors renders the breast cancer cells more resistant to anti-cancer drugs by promoting the anti-apoptotic signaling of the cell. Thus the resistance is to broad range of drugs. We plan to test this hypothesis by examining the expression and activation levels of ErbB receptors and the resistance to various anti-cancer drugs in various primary breast cancer cell lines, selected drug resistance breast cancer cell lines and primary cancer cells. |
Critical Care
| Supervisor |
Dr. Demetrios J Kutsogiannis 616 CSC, 10240 Kingsway Avenue Tel: (780) 735.4096 djk3@ualberta.ca |
|---|---|
| Status | OPEN |
| Title | Effects of an ICU Diary on Post Traumatic Stress Disorder Symptoms in ICU Survivors and Family Members |
| Length | 4 months |
| Description | Approximately 30% of all Intensive Care Unit (ICU) patients and family members struggle with psychological challenges after their ICU experience, including Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). Symptoms of flashbacks, anxiety and numbing that create a state of fear, helplessness or horror have obvious deleterious effects on the quality of life and long-term outcomes of these survivors and family members. Recent literature suggests that ICU survivors who have no factual recall of their ICU stay or suffer vivid delusional memories of events in the ICU are more at risk to develop PTSD symptoms. An ICU Diary that provides a day-to-day account of their ICU stay may help to restore these memories and decrease PTSD symptoms in ICU survivors. Participation in the development of this diary may also decrease PTSD symptoms in family members by involving them in care and keeping alive the link to the patient as a person. This prospective, interventional study is designed to explore the impact of an ICU Diary on PTSD symptoms in ICU survivors and family members by comparing PTSD symptom scores of the pre-interventional group (no ICU Diary) and the post-interventional group (received ICU Diary). Ethics Approval ID #: Pro00004733 |
Family Medicine
| Supervisor |
Dr. Sudha Koppula and Olga Szafran 901 College Plaza (8215–112 Street) Tel: 780.492.8102 olga.szafran@ualberta.ca |
|---|---|
| Status | CLOSED |
| Title | Medical Graduates' Experiences with Cross-Cultural Patient Populations |
| Length | 3-4 months |
| Description | Background: International medical graduates (IMGs) are physicians who graduated from a medical school outside of Canada. IMGs come from numerous countries with different health care systems than Canada’s, different societal norms and values, different disease management strategies different approaches to the doctor-patient relationship, and different cultural perspectives. In Canada, IMGs who are practicing as family physicians are faced with the challenge of providing care to patients from many cultures, of different languages, with different understanding of illness and health, and varying expectations. A understanding of the benefits and challenges that IMGs face in providing care to Canada’s culturally diverse patient populations will facilitate the development of educational strategies to support IMGs in providing quality care to their patients. Purpose: This research project aims to explore the experiences of IMGs in providing care to patients of the same or different cultural backgrounds as themselves. Methods: This is a mixed methods study employing questionnaire survey and interview methodology. IMGs who completed the family medicine residency program at the University of Alberta and University of Calgary will be surveyed regarding their experiences with cross-cultural patient populations. The questionnaire will address: (1) the benefits, challenges, and issues that IMGs face in providing cross-cultural care; (2) the types of cross-cultural patients IMGs care for; (3) factors that influence cross-cultural care; (4) how cross-cultural issues are managed; (5) demographic and educational background of IMGs. Interviews will be conducted with a subset of IMGs to obtain indepth qualitative data on the issues encountered in providing care to culturally diverse patients. Role of Summer Student: The summer research student will be involved in conducting the questionnaire survey, collecting and analyzing study data using SPSS, searching and critically reviewing the published literature, and writing a report of the study findings. |
| Supervisor |
Shelley Ross 901 College Plaza Tel: (780) 248.1264 shelley.ross@ualberta.ca |
|---|---|
| Status | CLOSED |
| Title | Characteristics of feedback given in residency training |
| Length | 3 months |
| Description | The primary way that residents know how well they are progressing in their training is through the feedback they receive from the preceptors they encounter. This study aims to examine objectively the type and quality of feedback received by residents in training. This examination is possible due to the implementation in Family Medicine of the Competency-Based Achievement System (CBAS), where documented formative feedback (in the form of FieldNotes) is collected, organized, and stored for retrieval. CBAS is being piloted in other programs, and those databases should also be available for this research. The successful summer student will update our ongoing database containing articles about formative feedback and create a systematic review. The student will perform audits of all of the FieldNotes in the CBAS system, and categorize those FieldNotes according to multiple aspects of training. The student will also be responsible for a survey about kinds of feedback given and received across all residency programs at the University of Alberta. The work will result in the generation of at least one poster for presentation at a national conference, and may result in a manuscript for submission to a peer-reviewed journal. This work will be completed in 2-3 months. Duration: 3 months |
| Supervisor |
Dr Andrew J Cave 901 College Plaza Tel: 780.492.8102 andrew.cave@ualberta.ca |
|---|---|
| Status | CLOSED |
| Title | The Changing Face of Practice: The House Call Review |
| Length | 3 months |
| Description | A previous summer student completed a study of the comprehensiveness of care by family physicians in Edmonton which was later published (ref 1). In that study, it was shown that 32% 0f family physicians in Edmonton perform palliative house calls and 55% visit their patients in nursing homes. The physicians indicated that the services they were providing, whilst still varied, were changing with time. The supervisor performed a survey in 1983 of house calls performed in Western Ontario and in 1988 of house calls in the UK (ref 2 &3). The proposed study will examine the changes in house call practices in Ontario and the UK in the last 24-30 years. A colleague in the UK (Smith) and in the University of Western Ontario (Stewart) will be part of the collaborative team performing the study. The survey instrument is already developed. The student will be involved in the collection and analysis of the data and in the dissemination of the results in manuscript and at family medicine conferences. The summer student (May –July) will meet with the rest of the department researchers and their students to develop a sense of the depth and breadth of research activities available to family practitioners. Length of project: 2, 3, 4 months 3 months (May – July) |
| Supervisor |
Dr. Bonnie Dobbs Division of Care of the Elderly 1704 College Plaza Tel: 780.492.6306 rhianne.mckay@ualberta.ca |
|---|---|
| Status | CLOSED |
| Title | Medically At-Risk Drivers |
| Length | 4 months |
| Description | In Canada, motor vehicle crashes are responsible for thousands of deaths and hundreds of thousands of injuries each year. Illnesses and/or the treatment for those illnesses account for a significant number of injury and fatality crashes each year. In 2006, there were approximately 3 million drivers age 65 and older in Canada. That number is projected to increase significantly over the next two to three decades, due in large part to the aging of the baby boomer population. Students will assist in several research projects in relation to medically at-risk drivers including chemotherapy’s effect on breast cancer patients, alternate transportation for seniors in rural districts, and a roadside protocol for law enforcement in detecting drivers with dementia. The student will gain valuable experience in the basics of research including study design and methodology, as well as participant recruitment, data collection, entry, and analysis. The research experience also will advance the student's knowledge in the area of evidence-based practice and will provide the student with experience working with patient populations. |
| Supervisor |
Dr. Earle Waugh Centre for the Cross-Cultural Study of Health and Healing Department of Family Medicine 901 College Plaza (8215 - 112 Street) Tel: (780)492.6424 earle.waugh@ualberta.ca |
|---|---|
| Status | CLOSED |
| Title | CULTURAL COMPETENCE OF HEALTH CARE PROFESSIONALS |
| Length | 4 months months |
| Description | In Canada, health care professionals are faced with the challenge of caring for patients from many cultures, with different languages, and different understanding of illness and health. In order to provide quality health care to all patients regardless of race, ethnicity, culture or language, health professionals need to develop cultural competency skills. The summer student will assist the study investigators on two projects. The first project involves focus groups with family physicians, residents, and other health professionals to: (a) identify barriers that international medical graduates (IMGs) (i.e. individuals who graduated from a medical school outside of Canada) encounter in becoming culturally competent within the Canadian medical health care system; and (b) identify the Canadian health system values, behaviors, and codes of conduct that are expected of IMGs working in Canada. The second project will involve the design and development of a proposal to conduct a study on the assessment of cultural competency skills in health care professionals. Role of Summer Student: The student will be involved in: (1) recruiting participants into the IMG study and organizing the focus group sessions; (2) working with the study investigators to write a research project proposal that will examine the cultural competency of family physicians and family medicine residents; (3) writing and submitting an on-line research ethics application using HERO (Human Ethics Research Online); (4) reviewing relevant literature. The student will learn research skills related to designing a research study, writing a project proposal, developing data collection instruments, applying for ethics approval, conducting a survey, organizing a focus group, the consent process involved in subject recruitment, confidentiality issues in research, analyzing data, and the write up of project findings. Funding: This is a STEP and Department of Family Medicine funded summer position. |
| Supervisor |
Dr. Jasneet Parmar and Dr. Bonnie Dobbs Division of Care of the Elderly 1704 College Plaza Tel: 780.492.6306 rhianne.mckay@ualberta.ca |
|---|---|
| Status | CLOSED |
| Title | Improving the Diagnosis and Management of Dementia in Primary Care – An Innovative, Collaborative Approach for Use by the WestView Primary Care Network |
| Length | 4 months |
| Description | The prevalence of dementia is projected to increase dramatically over the next several decades, due in large part to the aging of the baby boomers. Meeting the needs of this segment of the population will challenge the health care community and will require innovations in the delivery of health care. Our overall goal is to develop a collaborative model of dementia care to improve the diagnosis and management of dementia in the primary care setting. The objectives of the research are fourfold: 1) to assess the current identification (e.g., recognition and diagnosis) and management of patients with a dementia in a selected primary care network in Northern Alberta, 2) to identify strengths of and barriers to the identification and management of dementia in a primary care setting, 3) to utilize the learnings from the first two objectives to develop a collaborative model of dementia care for use in the primary care setting, and 4) to implement the model into the WestView Primary Care Network. Over the past three years, we have completed the research related to the first three objectives. In the summer of 2012, our focus will be on Objective # 4. We anticipate that the results from the research will lead to improvements in the identification and management of this growing segment of the clinical population. The student will gain experience in working with a multi-disciplinary team in a primary care setting and learn, first-hand, the rewards and challenges of providing health care to this growing segment of the population. The student also will gain valuable experience in research methodology, data collection, entry, and analysis. The student also will gain valuable experience in the dissemination of knowledge. |
| Supervisor |
Dr. Jean Triscott and Dr. Denise Campbell–Scherer 205 College Plaza Tel: 780.735.8826 Jean.Triscott@albertahealthservices.ca |
|---|---|
| Status | CLOSED |
| Title | Spectrum of Multimorbidity in Geriatric Patients |
| Length | 4 months |
| Description | Multimorbidity refers to the co-occurrence of two or more chronic conditions in one patient. Management targeting one condition in a patient may cause undesirable sequelae with regards to their other conditions. There is very little information in the literature on patterns of multimorbidity and associations between conditions. We want to characterize the patterns of multimorbidity in seniors who have received care on Geriatric Units to assess the burden of illness, scope and patterns of multimorbidity. We will also examine patterns of multimorbidity associated with increased depression and anxiety. The student will aid in a secondary analysis of de-identified patient data collected by the Canadian Institutes of Health Information (CIHI). All of the inpatients of the Specialized Geriatric Program at the Glenrose Rehabilitation Centre, Edmonton AB have had all of their chronic diseases coded into this database for the last ten years. Understanding patient variables which drive need for services will help to plan manpower and infrastructure requirements for the optimal handling the chronic disease management services in primary care family and geriatric medicine. |
| Supervisor |
Dr. Shirley Samuel and Dr. Bonnie Dobbs Division of Care of the Elderly 1704 College Plaza Tel: 780.492.6306 rhianne.mckay@ualberta.ca |
|---|---|
| Status | CLOSED |
| Title | The Comprehensive Home Option of Integrated Care for the Elderly (CHOICE): An Evaluation |
| Length | 4 months |
| Description | The Comprehensive Home Option of Integrated Care for the Elderly (CHOICE) program is a comprehensive community-based model of coordinated care that helps to support older people who are experiencing multiple, ongoing health problems (e.g., frail seniors, those with dementia, and seniors with chronic mental illnesses), with the goal of allowing them to remain living independently in their own homes longer, and to reduce their use of in-patient and emergency unit services. The program offers recreational activities, physiotherapy, occupational therapy, and social work. CHOICE provides 24 hour on call services, as well as a 10 bed treatment area that is used for respite and for management of acute illnesses. The current project will examine the value of the CHOICE program in terms of overall system outcomes. The student will gain experience with literature reviews, data collection and analysis, presentation preparation, and writing research reports. Length of project: 4 months |
| Supervisor |
Ginetta Salvalaggio 205 College Plaza Edmonton AB T6G 2C8 Tel: (780) 492.2890 ginetta@ualberta.ca |
|---|---|
| Status | CLOSED |
| Title | Towards Patient-Centered Addiction Care |
| Length | 3 months |
| Description | Towards Patient-Centered Addiction Care is a knowledge translation project (putting evidence into practice) targeted at patients who suffer from alcohol or substance use problems and their physicians. In both emergency and family medicine settings, participating patients have received health care navigation resources and physicians have received a multi-pronged educational strategy on the assessment of addiction. Evaluation of these strategies is underway. A summer student is being sought to assist with end-of-project knowledge translation, i.e. review of outcomes for development and dissemination of key project messages, focus groups with patients and other stakeholders on the project’s impact and next steps, and monitoring of and reporting on the frequency of use of project print and web materials. The student will gain skills in plain and scientific writing, qualitative research methods, and knowledge translation strategies. |
Laboratory Medicine & Pathology
| Supervisor |
Dr. Roger Leng 370 Heritage Medical Research Centre Tel: 780.492.4985 rleng@ualberta.ca |
|---|---|
| Status | OPEN |
| Title | Study of gene expression in brain tumors |
| Length | 4 months |
| Description | Two positions are available. Medulloblastomas (MB) are the most common childhood malignant brain tumors, accounting for 20-25% of pediatric brain tumors. Only about 50-60% of children survive 10 years after diagnosis and almost all survivors display extensive neurological and cognitive deficits. Despite a multiplicity of available treatments (surgery, radiation and chemotherapy), the prognosis of MB has not improved significantly in the last two decades. However, improvements are expected through the identification of genes and biological pathways that contribute to MB development. Ependymomas are the third most frequent brain tumors following low-grade astrocytomas and medulloblastomas and account for 6 to 12% of all pediatric CNS tumors. However, the molecular basis of ependymoms is poorly understood. The goal of this short project is to study of gene expression in brain tumors using cutting-edge molecular tools. We will apply this knowledge to a more general understanding of the development of brain tumors. |
Medical Education
| Supervisor |
Various University of Alberta Tel: TBA |
|---|---|
| Status | OPEN |
| Title | If you are interested in a studentship in medical education please visit our website to view additional new studies that are available for students.
Website |
| Length | 2-4 months |
| Description | Medical Education Summer Studentships |
Medical Genetics
| Supervisor |
David Eisenstat, MD, MA, FRCPC Department of Medical Genetics and Division of Pediatric Hematology/Oncology/Palliative Care, Department of Pediatrics 8-43 Medical Sciences Building Tel: 780.492.9738 eisensta@ualberta.ca |
|---|---|
| Status | OPEN |
| Title | Colorectal cancer and DLX homeobox genes |
| Length | 4 months |
| Description | Colorectal cancer is a common cancer in adults with high mortality. Predisposing syndromes, such as Familial Adenoma Polyposis (FAP), may be evident in children. In FAP, there is abnormal intestinal development, with multiple adenomas arising from normal mucosa. The genetic causes of colorectal cancer are not completely known, but sequential progression to cancer from normal mucosa has been proposed. The APC tumour suppressor gene is mutated or “silenced” by hypermethylation in most colorectal cancers and APC mutations are considered an early step in carcinogenesis. The MIN mouse has a germline APC mutation and spontaneously develops multiple intestinal polyps. The DLX transcription factors are important regulators of brain and retina development. We have discovered DLX gene expression in the developing intestine. In this project, the student will study tissues from normal, MIN and DLX mutant mouse, as well as clinical samples obtained from patients with/without colorectal cancer. For students with more advanced backgrounds in molecular biology, chromatin technologies will be used to confirm the genetic relationship between DLX and target genes using mouse intestine. This summer project will lead to co-authorship on a manuscript and will be of interest to students whose career pathway may include Graduate School or Medicine in the fields of Pediatrics, Surgery, Genetics, or Gastroenterology. Length of project: 2 to 4 months (4 months preferred) |
| Supervisor |
David Eisenstat, MD, MA, FRCPC Department of Medical Genetics and Division of Pediatric Hematology/Oncology/Palliative Care, Department of Pediatrics 8-43 Medical Sciences Building Tel: 780.492.9738 eisensta@ualberta.ca |
|---|---|
| Status | OPEN |
| Title | Hirschsprung’s disease, intestinal development and DLX genes |
| Length | 4 months |
| Description | Hirschsprung’s disease usually presents during infancy, although milder forms may present later. In this disorder, there is abnormal nerve supply to the intestine. The genetic causes of Hirschsprung’s disease are not completely known. The RET oncogene is a major player in this disorder as well as for the proper development of neural crest-derived tissues. The DLX homeobox genes are transcriptional regulators for brain, retina, and pancreas development. Our laboratory has discovered that DLX genes are expressed in the developing intestine, including its mucosa and nerve supply. In this project, the student will study tissues from normal, RET and DLX mutant mouse, as well as clinical biopsy and resection samples obtained from patients with/without Hirschsprung’s disease. For students with more advanced backgrounds in molecular biology, chromatin technologies will be used to determine the relationship between DLX and RET genes using mouse intestinal tissues. A previous student successfully learned this approach to identify an adhesion molecule as a transcriptional target of DLX in the developing brain. This student project will lead to co-authorship on a manuscript and will be of interest to students whose career pathway may include Graduate School or Medicine in the fields of Pediatrics, Surgery, Genetics, Gastroenterology, or Neonatology. Length of project: 2 to 4 months (4 months preferred) |
| Supervisor |
Toshifumi Yokota 8-29 Medical Sciences Building Tel: 780 492.1102 toshifum@ualberta.ca |
|---|---|
| Status | CLOSED |
| Title | Molecular mechanisms and antisense therapeutics for muscular dystrophies. |
| Length | 3-4 months |
| Description | Project Description: Our lab studies the molecular mechanisms of muscular dystrophies and antisense oligonucleotide-mediated therapy for them. Muscular dystrophies are a group of more than 20 different genetic muscle-wasting disorders. We use mouse and dog models of Duchenne muscular dystrophy, Limb-girdle muscular dystrophy, and Miyoshi myopathy to clarify the molecular mechanisms of them and to test antisense therapy. We use approaches that range from genetic analysis, molecular and cell biology, biochemistry, and advanced microscopy. Several projects are available to meet student interests. This position is most suitable for a student in 3rd or 4th year with a background in cell biology, molecular biology, or genetics. |
Medical Genetics/Pediatrics
| Supervisor |
David Eisenstat, MD, MA, FRCPC Department of Medical Genetics and Division of Pediatric Hematology/Oncology/Palliative Care, Department of Pediatrics 8-43 Medical Sciences Building Tel: 780.492.9738 eisensta@ualberta.ca |
|---|---|
| Status | OPEN |
| Title | DLX genes and disorders of brain development - relevance to autism and epilepsy |
| Length | 4 months |
| Description | Neurodevelopmental disorders, such as autism, Rett Syndrome and congenital epilepsies, may result from an imbalance of excitation to inhibition in selected brain regions. However, the genetic basis for these disorders is poorly understood. Our laboratory has discovered that DLX genes, which are expressed in the developing forebrain, directly regulate the expression of GAD65 and GAD67, the enzymes that synthesize GABA, the most important inhibitory neurotransmitter in the brain. Mutant DLX1/DLX2 mice have a loss of migration and differentiation of these GABAergic interneurons to the developing cortex. In this project, the student will study other DLX “gene targets” (Olig2, Nkx2-2) in the developing mouse forebrain to confirm the relevance of DLX genes to the pathophysiology of some of these neurodevelopmental disorders. As well, the student will assess expression of DLX genes and other markers in clinical samples from brain tissues resected at the time of epilepsy surgery. Previous undergraduate and medical students have successfully learned these approaches to identify an adhesion molecule as a transcriptional target of DLX in the developing brain. This project will lead to co-authorship in a manuscript and will be of interest to students whose career pathway may includes Graduate School or Medicine in the fields of Pediatrics, Psychiatry, Neurosurgery, Neurology, Genetics, or Neonatology. Length of project: 2 to 4 months (4 months preferred) |
Medicine
| Supervisor |
Dr. Adrian Wagg Division of Geriatric Medicine 300 Campus Tower 8625 - 112 Street NW Edmonton, AB T6G 1K8 Tel: 780 492.5338 adrian.wagg@ualberta.ca |
|---|---|
| Status | CLOSED |
| Title | Do geriatricians pay attention to anticholinergic risk in a consecutive series of older people referred for cognitive assessment? |
| Length | 3 months |
| Description | Anticholinergic medications are used in the management of various medical conditions. They have many adverse effects including the potential for confusion, delirium, urinary retention, and falls, particularly when prescribed in combination. Their long term exposure has been associated with an increased risk of developing dementia. It is therefore, important that exposure to these medications is therapeutically appropriate to reduce risk. This project will: 1. Use the anticholinergic risk scale, developed to help predict the risk of anticholinergic adverse events, to assess the extent of an association between anticholinergic risk or/and indices of cognitive and physical impairment 2. Describe the range of extent of anticholinergic prescribing within a cohort of older people who were referred for cognitive assessment, 3. Examine the actions, if any, taken by the physician in noting and reducing the anticholinergic burden 4. Describe the anticholinergic burden of this cohort according to the ARS score. This is a retrospective chart review of 100 consecutive outpatients referred to seniors’ clinic of the U of A. The outcome of this project should lead to a greater emphasis on medication review for this patient cohort thereby reducing the incidence of anticholinergic burden and potential for developing adverse effects. The summer student will be involved in data abstraction, data entry and quality control, and under supervision will undertake the analysis of data. It is anticipated that the work, in addition to being presented at the Summer Student's Research Day, will be written up for publication. |
| Supervisor |
Dr. Klaus Gutfreund Zeidler Ledcore Centre, #130 Tel: 780 492 0388 klaus.gutfreund@ualberta.ca |
|---|---|
| Status | CLOSED |
| Title | Expression of interleukin (IL)-12 for immunotherapeutic studies in the duck hepatitis B model |
| Length | 3-4 months |
| Description | Rationale: Despite considerable progress with drug development for hepatitis B only a minority of patients with chronic hepatitis B will achieve durable treatment response as post-therapy relapse and drug resistant mutants remain major challenges. Long-term disease remission of chronic hepatitis B requires effective immunological control of the HBV infection. We have initiated research to evaluate prototype therapeutic vaccines for chronic hepatitis B in the duck hepatitis B model. IL-12 is a key cytokine that links innate and adaptive immune responses and supports the expansion of antigen-specific CD4+ T helper-1 (Th1) cells and CD8+ cytotoxic T cells (CTL) while actively suppressing Th2 responses. Therefore, the expression of functional IL-12 is of interest as an adjuvant in our ongoing therapeutic immunization studies. Functional IL-12 is comprised of two disulfide-linked subunits (p40 and p35). We have cloned duck IL-12 (DuIL-12) p40 and a partial cDNA of DuIL-12p35. The aim of this project is to obtain the complete cDNA of DuIL-12p35 and to test the hypothesis that co-expression of DuIL-12p40 and DuIL-12p35 produces a heterodimeric protein that is biologically active. Project outline: This project will require prior experience with PCR and/or DNA cloning. The complete DuIL12p35 cDNA will be obtained be rapid amplification of cDNA ends (RACE) or RT-PCR based on duck genomic sequences identified in a duck genomic library. The PCR product will be cloned into a cloning vector. DuIL-12p35 and DuIL-12p40 will be inserted into the eukaryotic expression vector pcDNA3.1. Expression, secretion and assembly into heterodimers will be assessed in 293T or LMH cells. Cells will be transfected with plasmids that express DuIL-12p40 plus DuIL-12p35, DuIL-12p40 or DuIL-12p35. Cell lysates and culture supernatants will be separated by polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (PAGE) under reducing and non-reducing conditions and analyzed by Western blotting with available polyclonal antibodies that react with DuIL-12p40. It is expected that DuIL-12p40 and DuIL-12p40/DuIL-12p35 heterodimers can be detected by immunoblot following PAGE under non-reducing conditions. IL-12 is known to induce INF-γ secretion in splenocytes. To demonstrate biological function of the heterodimeric protein supernatants of transfected and mock transfected cells will be incubated with duck splenocytes and assessed for DuINF-γ expression by real-time quantitive RT-PCR established in our laboratory. |
| Supervisor |
Dr. Richard Long Division of Pulmonary Medicine 8326 Aberhart Centre, 11402 University Ave Tel: 780.407.1427 Richard.Long@ualberta.ca |
|---|---|
| Status | OPEN |
| Title | Determinants of Tuberculosis Transmission on the Prairie Provinces (DTT Project) |
| Length | 4 months |
| Description | TB in Canada disproportionately affects Aboriginal peoples; rates of disease are particularly high on the Prairies and in the North. For example, in the Prairie Provinces, rates of TB in First Nations are 30 times, or more, higher than in the Canadian-born “other” population and repeated outbreaks in selected reserve communities are frustrating elimination efforts. The gradual withdrawal of BCG, a vaccine that has protected children (a vulnerable group) highlights the importance of on-going transmission. HIV is increasing in Aboriginal peoples and its synergy with TB worsens the situation. The chasm between knowledge and practice in TB control is not from a lack of understanding of the disease or the availability of the tools to fight it, but from our failure to grasp how socio-cultural factors, economic disparity, political apathy, and artificial borders compromise elimination strategies rolled out in local jurisdictions. In this summer student project we intend to explore the connections between TB cases in 3 First Nations and Métis communities in Alberta, and 3 Fist Nations and Métis communities in Saskatchewan. These communities are in close proximity to one another across the border between the provinces and related to one another linguistically and culturally. |
| Supervisor |
Dr. Sander Veldhuyzen van Zanten Division of Gastroenterology 2-14C Zeidler Ledcor Centre University of Alberta Edmonton, AB T6G 2X8 Email: Tel: (780) 492.9864 vanzanten.clinic@med.ualberta.ca |
|---|---|
| Status | OPEN |
| Title | An evaluation of “the Natural History” of the declined referrals for patients with liver problems |
| Length | 4 months |
| Description | Unfortunately the demand for GI outpatient consultations at the University of Alberta Hospital, GI Division does exceed what can be supplied by the GI Division. Approximately 30% of all patient referrals are declined; most often because of a lack of physician manpower and/or endoscopy resources. However, there is very limited data available to document what happens to patients after their request to see a specialist is declined. The plan for the project is to do an analysis of a sample of patients who are referred for liver‐related problems, such as cirrhosis, abnormal liver enzymes, or hepatitis and see what happens to the patients over the proceeding 12 months. This is essentially an observational study where we evaluate what happens to these patients without applying any interventions. In a recent similar project looking at luminal GI complaints, such as iron deficiency anemia and rectal bleeding, it was found that only approximately 50% of patients are seen by gastroenterologists at other regional sites and that in 10% of these patients, a significant diagnosis is made. The supervisor has extensive research experience and has published in this area. As part of the summer research project, the student will also have opportunities to attend GI clinics, GI inpatient service rounds, and endoscopy sessions. The project has a very high likelihood for presentation at a peer‐reviewed meeting and publication. |
| Supervisor |
Professor Philip Baker 232 Heritage Medical Research Centre Tel: 780.492.8562 jlstanle@ualberta.ca |
|---|---|
| Status | OPEN |
| Title | Effect of Obesity on Mouse Models of Preeclampsia |
| Length | 4 months |
| Description | Preeclampsia, a pregnancy-specific syndrome, characterized by high blood pressure and protein in the urine, continues to be a leading cause of morbidity and mortality for both mother and baby. Despite this, there is no cure, except delivery of the placenta, and there have been few therapeutic advances in the search for alleviation or prevention of this pathology. Our group uses genetically modified mouse models that simulate preclampsia in order to test putative new therapies for this condition. Obesity is a major risk factor for preeclampsia; we are currently developing new protocols in order to understand the effects of obesity in our mouse models in order to determine the possible mechanisms by which obesity increases the risk of developing preeclampsia. We hypothesize that feeding transgenic mice, which develop preeclampsia-like symptoms, with a high fat diet will further exascerbate the preeclampsia-like syndrome. This will include increased proteinuria and increased oxidative stress in both uterine arteries and the placenta compared with genotype contols on a normal diet. The student will use samples from both groups of mice to test this hypothesis, using techniques such as Western blotting, ELISA, immunohistochemistry, fluorescent microphotography and live cell imaging with DAF-FM DA and DHE stains. |
Medicine/Division of Neurology
| Supervisor |
Sanjay Kalra 2E3.18 WMC Tel: 780 407.7780 sanjay.kalra@ualberta.ca |
|---|---|
| Status | CLOSED |
| Title | Advanced magnetic resonance imaging in ALS |
| Length | 3-4 months |
| Description | My research focuses on the development and application of advanced magnetic resonance imaging techniques to quantify and understand cerebral degeneration in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). An imaging biomarker of cerebral degeneration would permit an earlier diagnosis allowing for earlier access to treatment and research trials. It would also permit a more objective means to monitor disease progression and response to therapy. Projects exist to process and analyze human MR data and to correlate them with clinical features. The main objectives are to gain an appreciation for basic concepts in MR imaging technology, basic image processing and statistical methods, applied neuroanatomy, and how advanced imaging techniques can be used in research. Students with an interest in neuroscience, computer science, or biomedical engineering are encouraged to apply. |
Medicine/Geriatric Medicine
| Supervisor |
Dr. Kannayiram Alagiakrishnan B139, Clinical Sciences Building, 113 St and 83 Ave Edmonton, AB Tel: 780. 407. 6947 Kannayiram.Alagiakrishnan@albertahealthservices.ca |
|---|---|
| Status | CLOSED |
| Title | Small vessel disease and its association with Geriatric Syndromes |
| Length | 2 months |
| Description | Cerebral small vessel disease is one of the common cause of cerebrovascular disease. Small vessel ischemic disease are often unrecognized, involving the white matter of the different regions of the brain and can cause different clinical issues or symptoms. Vascular risk factors damage the small vessel through different mechanisms. White matter disease is a common neuroradiological finding in CT and MRI of the brain in the elderly. This study is a retrospective chart review, and will look at the association between small vessel disease of the brain and different geriatric syndromes. |
Medicine/Lab Med & Pathology
| Supervisor |
Dr Jeremy Beach, Dr George Cembrowski Community and Occupational Medicine Program 5-30 University Terrace, 8303 112 Street Edmonton, AB Tel: 780 492 6291 jeremy.beach@ualberta.ca |
|---|---|
| Status | OPEN |
| Title | Womens’ Health in Apprenticeship Trades – Metalworkers and Electricians: Characterisation of normal ranges for urinary metals. |
| Length | 3 months |
| Description | Brief Project description (no more than 200 words): A project to study reproductive health among women in non-traditional trades such as welding and electrical work is currently underway. As a part of this project urine samples are being collected from participants so as to estimate their exposure to metal dust, fume and vapour in the workplace. The Department of Laboratory Medicine recently upgraded the analyzer used for assaying the metal content of urine samples, and consequently there are concerns that the previous values for the normal range of urinary metals in an Albertan population may no longer be valid. The aim of this project is to characterize normal ranges for a variety of metals in an Alberta population. It is anticipated that the student will help with all stages of the project including the recruitment of volunteers, the collection of samples and the analysis and interpretation of samples. The main duties of the student will be to take a significant role under supervision in the assay of collected urine samples. They will also take a role in analysing the results of these assays, and interpreting the data so as to define the boundaries of ‘normal’ for an unexposed population. The student will be expected to prepare a written report of the project by the end of the studentship. |
Oncology
| Supervisor |
Dr Sanjay K Sharma Oncologic Imaging Address: 11560 University Avenue, Edmonton Radiopharmaceutical Centre, Cross Cancer Institute, Edmonton, AB T6G 1Z2 Tel: 780.432.8868 sanjay.sharma2@albertahealthservices.ca |
|---|---|
| Status | OPEN |
| Title | Development of a new isotopic exchange radiolabelling procedure for the synthesis of 123 I-MIBG |
| Length | 4 months |
| Description | Functional imaging of neuroendocrine tumors has become possible as a result of two characteristics of the tumor cells. The first is that they express somatostatin receptors and therefore can be imaged with Indium111-labelled octreotide (Octreoscan) . The second characteristic of neuroendocrine tumors is that amine precursors are taken up into the cells by a specific amine precursor’s uptake/decarboxylase (APUD) pathway. Labeling of physiological amine precursors was unsuccessful, but metaiodobenzylguanidine (MIBG) is taken up by the same pathway and is concentrated in tumors cells, and thus I123 labelled MIBG can be used for imaging, and tumors which concentrate MIBG on scanning may respond to local radiation therapy with I131-MIBG .MIBG or Iobenguane, is an aralkylguanidine resulting from the combination of the benzyl group of bretylium and guanidine group of guanethidine (an adrenergic neuron blocker). The early radiolabelling method of MIBG involved the solid phase exchange technique using ammonium sulphate and has been widely used. All these procedures generally give a low yield of the labeled product, the process is of low technological value, and neither the composition nor the individual characteristics of labeled compounds have been analyzed. We want to develop a new isotopic exchange reaction in the radiolabelling of MIBG with sodium iodide in the presence of a copper catalyst. |
Oncology/Experimental Oncology
| Supervisor |
Alan Underhill 2328 Cross Cancer Institute Tel: 780.432.8903 alan.underhill@ualberta.ca |
|---|---|
| Status | CLOSED |
| Title | Epigenetic deregulation in melanoma |
| Length | 4 months |
| Description | Based on Canadian Cancer Society statistics, 5229 new cases of melanoma will be diagnosed and the disease will cause 922 deaths in 2010. It continues to increase in incidence and mortality, having a lifetime risk of ~1 in 74. Advanced melanoma is highly resistant to therapy and the standard of care has remained largely unchanged for decades. A significant effort has therefore been made to define the molecular basis of melanoma, including analyses of both genetic and epigenetic alterations. With regard to the latter, the proposed summer project will examine how chemical modifications to histones are altered during melanoma progression. In parallel, gain and loss-of-function studies will be carried out to assess how the enzymes that catalyze these modifications contribute to melanoma growth and metastases. |
Oncology/Radiation
| Supervisor |
Dr. Nawaid Usmani Cross Cancer Institute 11560 University Avenue Tel: 780 432.8518 Nawaid.Usmani@albertahealthservices.ca |
|---|---|
| Status | OPEN |
| Title | Prostate brachytherapy outcomes in Edmonton |
| Length | 4 months |
| Description | Prostate cancer is the most common malignancy in men, representing approximately 25% of new malignancies diagnosed in men. Prostate brachytherapy is an increasingly popular treatment option for localized prostate cancer and is currently one of the most common treatments selected by men with this disease. The popularity of this treatment has arisen from its convenience as an out-patient day procedure, with limited toxicity and excellent outcomes that are similar, and possibly superior, to surgical treatment. The prostate brachytherapy program at the Cross Cancer Institute has a database of all patients that have been treated since its inception in 1998. The student will be asked to develop a questionnaire that will be mailed to patients to update us on their health. This questionnaire, in conjunction with a chart review, will allow the summer student to update the database and assess our local outcomes. This data will be utilized in combination with genetic samples that have been obtained for a cohort of patients to identify genes that predict for toxicities in this patient population. The goal of this summer project will be to produce data that can be presented at national and international radiation oncology meetings and published in peer reviewed journals. |
Oncology/Radiation and Medical Oncology
| Supervisor |
Dr. Matthew Parliament, MD Cross Cancer Institute Tel: 780 432.8749 matthew.parliament@albertahealthservices.ca |
|---|---|
| Status | CLOSED |
| Title | Evaluation of advanced nurse practitioner led follow-up of testicular cancer patients at the Cross Cancer Institute with respect to cancer control and survival |
| Length | 3 months |
| Description | Co-Supervisor’s: Scott North, MD; Edith Pituskin, MN Testicular cancer is the most common cancer in men <35 years of age, and is associated with a very good prognosis. Treatment guidelines post-orchidectomy vary between seminoma and nonseminoma sub-types; clinical practice guidelines in all stages of disease emphasize close follow-up of survivors, since salvage therapy is highly efficacious. In 2005, an advanced nurse practitioner (ANP) led clinic was established at the Cross Cancer Institute for follow-up of seminoma survivors. Patients were managed by an ANP licensed for independent practice according to consensus guidelines, and were referred back to the initial oncologist if recurrence was suspected or documented. In 2009, a similar clinic was established for nonseminomatous germ cell tumors led by a second ANP. We will analyze the survival patterns for the testicular cancer patients diagnosed and referred to these clinics since 2005 including patient clinical demographics, follow-up compliance, vital status, crude and relative survival and treatment morbidity including fertility experience as evaluable. Relapse-free, cause-specific and overall survival will be compared with similar cohorts in the literature. The efficacy of the ANP led follow-up model in testicular cancer survivors will be reported. |
Ophthalmology
| Supervisor |
Dr Matthew Tennant and Dr Imran Jivraj Unit 23, ATC, Royal Alexandra Hospital 10240 Kingsway Avenue Edmonton, AB T5H 3V9 Tel: 780 735 4986 georgie@ualberta.ca |
|---|---|
| Status | CLOSED |
| Title | Designing an Interdisciplinary Intervention for Patients with Age Related Macular Degeneration |
| Length | 2-4 months |
| Description | Introduction: Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is the most common cause of irreversible vision loss among the elderly. Challenges with activities with daily living extend into the psychological sphere: patients with AMD have twice the rate of depression (33%) when compared with non-institutionalized older people (8-16%). A significant niche exists within the AMD patient population for interventions and support directed at identifying and managing the psychological and functional sequelae of AMD. Project: In Partnership with the Department of Psychology and the Canadian National Institute for the Blind (CNIB) we hope to develop an interdisciplinary educational program and support group for patients newly diagnosed with AMD. Role: We are looking for a medical student passionate about ophthalmology and patient advocacy to lead the development of a series of educational presentations on topics relevant to AMD. This would be a full-time position over the summer months. The role would include: • Conducting a literature review on relevant aspects of AMD diagnosis, treatment, prognosis • Translating relevant research and clinical practice into standard presentations for patients newly diagnosed with AMD • Working in concert with partners (CNIB, Psychiatry, Psychology, patients, ophthalmologists) to refine and review the presentation material • Developing tools and a framework for the support group for patients with AMD To apply: If you are interested in developing strong educational and research skills, enjoy advocating for patients, are interested in ophthalmology and are looking for opportunities to design interventions, please submit a cover letter and CV vy e-mail to Georgie Jarvis, Research and Development Coordinator. |
Pediatrics
| Supervisor |
Dr. A. Bruce KIDCLOT program Pediatric Hematology, Oncology, Palliative Care, and Environmental Health 3-537 ECHA Tel: 780 969.4486 Aisha.Bruce@albertahealthservices.ca |
|---|---|
| Status | OPEN |
| Title | Development of a Pediatric Health related QoL Inventory for children with Inherited Thrombophilia |
| Length | 4 months |
| Description | Many children are diagnosed with thrombophilia which influences their quality of life (QOL). QOL is an abstract entity which can be measured by a tool developed specific to the patient condition. A pediatric QOL inventory for children with thrombophilia would assess general constructs that are salient for this population. Identification and evaluation of these constructs is critical to recognizing influences on patient adherence to improve patient care. Objective: To develop a pQOL inventory that describes variables which represent the impact of thrombophilia on lives and well-being (QOL) of children and their families. Methods: Focus groups have aided in the generation of a preliminary inventory. Additional participants have rated the variables as to the level of frequency and severity. Now, the data will be entered into SPSS © and item reduction completed. The final inventory will be pre-tested to ensure that patients understood the questions and there is a full range of responses. Then reliability and validity testing will be completed in a step-wise process. Goal: The generated QOL inventory for children with thrombophilia will be useful to determine confounders to therapy and facilitate partnership in care. Once confounders are identified, the “best” management for children with thrombophilia can be established. |
| Supervisor |
Dr. Aisha Bruce Department of Pediatric Hematology, Oncology, Palliative Care and Environmental Health 3-537 ECHA Tel: 780 969.4486 Aisha.Bruce@albertahealthservices.ca |
|---|---|
| Status | OPEN |
| Title | Pediatric Extracorporeal membrane oxygenation and Anticoagulation |
| Length | 4 months |
| Description | Extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) is used to support heart and lung function in critically ill children. Heparin is the most common anticoagulant used for children on ECMO. Heparin efficacy has significant influence on patient risk / survival (secondary to bleeding versus clotting) and is monitored by a laboratory tests, in combination with the condition of the ECMO circuit. Recently, the manufacturing of heparin changed as well as the membrane oxygenator in our ECMO circuits. Over this same time period, we have clinically identified an increase in the heparin required as well as an increased need for ECMO circuit changes due to clot and fibrin buildup in the circuit. The objective of this study is to evaluate the effects of changes in manufacturing of heparin and of the membrane oxygenator on anticoagulation and hemostasis. The study will retrospectively examine heparin levels, partial thromboplastin time (PTT), activated clotting time (ACT) and antithrombin as well as the number of circuit changes in this population. Data will be examined before the change in heparin manufacturing, after the change in heparin manufacturing and again after the use of the new membrane oxygenator to look for associations in heparin dose, its efficacy and monitoring targets. |
| Supervisor |
Lisa Hartling 4-472 ECHA, 11405-87 Avenue Tel: 780.492.6124 hartling@ualberta.ca |
|---|---|
| Status | OPEN |
| Title | A systematic review of social media to communicate with health consumers |
| Length | 4 months |
| Description | Social media tools such as Facebook, Twitter, and YouTube are being used to disseminate health care knowledge to and between patient populations and have potential for use as part of a knowledge translation strategy. While there have been numerous calls for the uptake of social media in health care, the evidence of its uses and effectiveness has not yet been synthesized. This project will involve a systematic review of studies examining the use of social media tools to communicate with and between patients. The specific focus of the systematic review will be driven by an initial scoping of the literature to answer four key questions: 1) What social media tools are currently being used to improve health outcomes in patient populations? 2) How are social media tools used to improve health outcomes in patient populations? 3) How do patients perceive the value of social media tools in health care? and 4) Are social media tools effective in improving health outcomes in patient populations, compared to no intervention or to an alternative intervention? Based on the initial scoping, we will select a specific patient population, health condition, or social media tool for more in-depth examination using systematic review methods. Length of project: 4 months |
| Supervisor |
Lisa Hartling 4-472 ECHA, 11405-87 Avenue Tel: 780.492.6124 hartling@ualberta.ca |
|---|---|
| Status | OPEN |
| Title | Standards for age groupings in pediatric research |
| Length | 4 months |
| Description | It has long been an axiom in clinical paediatrics that “children are not just little adults”. It has also been recognized that there are many changes from birth through childhood and the adolescent years. However, the full implications for health care and research are still not adequately understood. There is still much to be discovered about children’s biological and psychological development and how these processes affect the effectiveness and efficacy of interventions. We will assess whether differences over the 0-18 years age range account for differences in effects of treatments. This project will specifically focus on non-pharmacological interventions in the area of mental health of children and youth. We will examine systematic reviews in the Cochrane Library and within these examine how treatment effect estimates vary depending on different age groupings of the study participants. We will compare these against theoretical frameworks of how behavioural, physiological, psychological, and social development affect responsiveness to treatment. The outcome of this work will be an evidence base to support recommendations for Cochrane authors about appropriate age groupings for subgroup analysis in systematic reviews and for pediatric trialists about appropriate target populations for randomized trials. |
| Supervisor |
Dr. Andrea M Haqq Department of Pediatrics, Division of Endocrinology 4-511 ECHA Tel: 780.248.5488 Andrea.haqq@albertahealthservices.ca |
|---|---|
| Status | OPEN |
| Title | Clinical Characteristics of Children and Adolescents with Prader-Willi Syndrome |
| Length | 4 months |
| Description | Prader-Willi Syndrome (PWS) is a genetic disorder caused by lack of paternally expressed genes on chromosome 15q11-13 that affects 1 in 10,000 live births. PWS children present with hypotonia and feeding difficulty in the neonatal period, typically followed by hyperphagia and rapid weight gain between 1 and 5 years. Typical abnormalities include obesity, endocrine disorders, short stature, sleep disorders and developmental delay. However, the clinical phenotype among PWS patients is variable and characteristics of Alberta’s PWS population are currently unknown. The aim of this project is to determine the prevalence of overweight, obesity and endocrine dysfunction (including insulin resistance and diabetes) in PWS children and adolescence within Alberta. |
| Supervisor |
Dr. Rhonda Rosychuk 3-524, Edmonton Clinic Health Academy (ECHA) Tel: (780) 492.0318 rhonda.rosychuk@ualberta.ca |
|---|---|
| Status | CLOSED |
| Title | Using Administrative Health Databases to Examine Emergency Department Presentations |
| Length | 4 months |
| Description | This research program examines presentations to Alberta emergency departments (EDs) for various conditions with the goal of describing trends over time and geography and by identifying management gaps that could form the basis for future interventions. The websites www.AlbertaEDSurveillance.ca and www.EDCompass.net provide examples of the research accomplished to date. We use a comprehensive, reliable, and valid ED administrative database that is linked to other databases (e.g., physician claims). Data analysis include summaries by demographic (i.e., age group) and geographic (i.e., health region) variables, age- and sex-standardized presentation rates, relapses to the ED, and follow-up visits (to specialists and primary care providers) after an initial ED presentation. We map the regions to identify geographic clusters of patients and/or presentations. Two studies are available for summer student participation in 2012 that provide the opportunity to gain specific research, statistical, and analytical skills with a biostatistical researcher: 1. Examining sex differences in presentations to the ED for atrial fibrillation and flutter. 2. Examining presentations to the ED for pediatric mental health emergencies. The student can also negotiate the opportunity to participate in abstract, manuscript and technical report writing, and participate in grant writing. Project participation: May to August 2012 Student positions available: up to 2 |
| Supervisor |
Dr. Shairaz Baksh 3-055 Katz Group Centre for Pharmacy and Health Research 113 St. 87 Ave., University of Alberta Edmonton, AB Tel: 780.492.3494 sbaksh@ualberta.ca |
|---|---|
| Status | OPEN |
| Title | Biomarkers of Pediatric Leukemia Project Description: |
| Length | 2-4 months |
| Description | RASSF1A (or 1A) is a tumor suppressor gene that is silenced in cancer cells resulting in the loss of its function. Our group has demonstrated that both 1A and the downstream effector for 1A, modulator of apoptosis (MOAP-1), cooperate to promote the killing of abnormal cells. Leukemia is cancer of the blood and is the major cause of cancer in the pediatric population. If diagnosed < 1 year old, the treatment is very difficult due to lack of knowledge of the genetic changes that have occurred. Additionally, if relapsed it is also equally as difficult to treat due to unknown genetic changes. Interestingly, we have found that 1A is not subjected to genetic changes in leukemias, but MOAP-1 is. Interestingly, MOAP-1 is also post-translationally modified in some leukemias in the pediatric population. We speculate that this modification will result in the lack of these cells to die and the appearance of excessive growth. This project will explore the causes of MOAP-1 post-translational modification in both the infant leukemic and relapased population - two hard to treat populations of pediatric patients with leukemia. Understanding how MOAP-1 may be genetically altered may offer a diagnostic option to treat leukemia and possibly predict relapse in the pediatric population. The project will offer the student experience in handling cell cultures, epigenetic and signaling analysis as well the post-translational analysis of proteins. |
| Supervisor |
Dr. Shairaz Baksh 3-055 Katz Group Centre for Pharmacy and Health Research 113 St. 87 Ave., University of Alberta Edmonton, AB Tel: 780.492.3494 sbaksh@ualberta.ca |
|---|---|
| Status | OPEN |
| Title | The role of MOAP-1 in metastasis in breast cancer Project |
| Length | 2-4 months |
| Description | Breast cancer is the second leading cause of cancer-related deaths in women worldwide after lung cancer. Evidence suggests that, like most cancers, breast cancer is a heterogeneous disease especially in the metastatic state. About 90% of the genes the drive cancer encode for tumour suppressor genes that inhibit accelerated growth and promote cell death (apoptosis). Breast cancer has been classified into four major subtypes depending on the presence of human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (Her2), estrogen and progesterone receptors (ER and PR, respectively). The most devastating form is the “triple negative form” that is Her2-ER-PR-and with very poor prognosis and high metastasis. The focus of this research project is to characterize the role of an emerging element, modulator of apoptosis (MOAP-1), as a tumor suppressor protein important in the appearance of the triple negative form of breast cancer. We have evidence that MOAP-1 is a pro-apoptotic protein absent in numerous cancers including breast cancer and is significantly lower in triple negative breast cancer cells. Our hypothesis is that MOAP-1 is an important “apoptotic checkpoint” that regulates the appearance of metastasis. The project will offer the student experience in handling cell cultures, DNA transfections, DNA sequencing and cell signaling analysis. |
| Supervisor |
Hien Q. Huynh, MBBS, FRACP, FRCPC(Hon) Division of Pediatric GI Nutrition Stollery Children’s Hospital University of Alberta Edmonton Clinic Health Academy (ECHA) 4th floor, Room 4-579 11405 - 87th Avenue Edmonton AB T6G 1C9 Tel: 780.248.5420 hien.huynh@ualberta.ca |
|---|---|
| Status | CLOSED |
| Title | Role of environmental factors in children with Eosinophilic Esophagitis |
| Length | 3-4 months |
| Description | Eosinophilic esophagitis (EoE) is a relatively newly described esophageal disorder. The incidence of Eosinophilic Esophagitis is increasing. The pathogenesis involves genetic and environmental factors leading to a condition of food antigen sensitivity and inflammation of the esophagus in which eosinophils play a major role. Certain food and environmental allergens have been implicated as triggers. However the environmental factors have not been systematically investigated. Currently biopsy is required for diagnosis. The consequence is a chronic symptomatic disease leading to potential esophageal stricture formation and perforation usually necessitating long term treatment. The aim of our project is to assess different environmental exposures and their contribution as risk factors for the development, predictors of disease activity and treatment response in children with EoE. We will systematically collect environmental factors via a structured questionnaire. Our controls subjects will be children undergoing endoscopy for gastroesophgeal reflux or abdominals pain. Subjects’ demographics, esophageal symptoms, endoscopy and histology findings will be collected including their allergy status from both EoE children’s as well as controls. All the data will eventually be entered into REDCAP data basis program, and will be analyzed in terms of relation to disease and disease characteristics. The student is expected to become familiar with Eosinophilic Esophagitis and the nature of allergic diseases and gain experience with investigating relation between exposures and disease, recruiting subjects, data collecting, data analysis and assisting in writing the manuscript. |
| Supervisor |
Hien Q. Huynh, MBBS, FRACP, FRCPC(Hon) Division of Pediatric GI Nutrition Department of Pediatrics Stollery Children’s Hospital University of Alberta Edmonton Clinic Health Academy (ECHA) 4th floor, Room 4-579 11405 - 87th Avenue Edmonton AB T6G 1C9 Tel: 780.248.5420 hien.huynh@ualberta.ca |
|---|---|
| Status | CLOSED |
| Title | Assessing barrier function in children with Eosinophilic Esophagitis ! |
| Length | 3-4 months |
| Description | Background: Eosinophilic oesophagitis (EE) is an increasingly recognized clinical entity of uncertain pathophysiology characterized by an increased mucosal eosinophilic (Eos) infiltrate. The airways mucosa of asthma patients is also infiltrated with eosinophils and extensive remodelling of the airways has been described. Epithelial damage is known to contribute significantly to the pathogenesis of allergic disorders such as asthma, by inducing injury of the barrier function and changes in permeability of the mucosa. The epithelial layer is dependent on a variety of cell-cell adhesion mechanisms to maintain its integrity which includes tight maintenance of both its barrier function and structure. The intercellular adhesions, which include the adherens junctions (AJ) and tight junctions (zonula occludens) (TJ), are mediated by the cadherins at the AJ, ZO-1 at the TJ. Hypothesis: We hypothesize that structural alterations in the oesophageal epithelial layer supported by alterations in the molecular phenotype of epithelial cell are a key factor in the pathogenesis of EE. Objective: To determine the integrity of the oesophageal epithelia in paediatric EE patients compared to normal oesophagus. Alterations in cell-cell adhesion molecules E-cadherin and zonula occludens associated protein, ZO-1, will also be evaluated. Biopsies of about 30 patients with EoE have been collected. A student is needed to assist in analyzing the tissues with electron microscopy, immunohistochemistry and PCR on the tissues as well as putting all the clinical data together. |
| Supervisor |
Lesley Mitchell Dept Pediatrics, Division of Hematology Oncology 1-130 Dentistry Pharmacy Centre Brief Project description (no more than 200 words): See attached Length of project: 2, 3, 4 months 4 months Tel: 780 492.3137 lesley.mitchell@albertahealthservices.ca |
|---|---|
| Status | OPEN |
| Title | RELATIONSHIP OF PROTHROMBOTIC MARKERS TO THROMBOSIS IN SURVIVORS OF CHILDHOOD CANCER |
| Length | 4 months |
| Description | INTRODUCTION: In children with cancer, thrombosis is a serious secondary complication resulting in significant morbidity and mortality. As not all children with cancer have thrombosis determining those patients at increased risk is important, as this would allow for targeting intervention to only those at increased risk. Hereditary abnormalities in the hemostatic system (prothrombotic markers) have been identified as risk factors for thrombosis in adults. The importance of these factors in children is the subject of intense international scientific debate as there are conflicting reports in the literature. OBJECTIVE: To determine the relationship of prothrombotic markers to risk of thrombotic events in a large cohort of survivors of childhood cancer. RESPONSIBILITES OF THE STUDENT: The applicant will be responsible for performing the laboratory analysis on patients’ samples. Markers include Factor V Leiden, Prothrombin gene 20210, MTHFR genotypes, and plasma levels of protein C, protein S, AT, FVIII:C, FVIII:Ag . FVIII:C, FVII:Ag, Protein C, Protein S will be measured by a ELISA. Antithrombin levels will be measured by enzymatic procedure. The FV Leiden, MTHFR and prothrombin 20210A gene mutations will be analyzed following standard PCR techniques. The student will learn PCR amplification, restriction enzyme digest, gel electrophoresis, chromogenic assays and ELISA techniques. |
| Supervisor |
Sujata Persad 1-134 Dentistry Pharmacy Centre Tel: 780 492.9713 svannisp@ualberta.ca |
|---|---|
| Status | CLOSED |
| Title | The role of a switch in cadherin profile and beta-catenin in melanoma progression |
| Length | 4 months |
| Description | Background: Malignant melanoma is the most deadly form of skin cancer arising from melanocytes. Melanocytes reside at the basement membrane and contact multiple keratinocytes. Keratinocytes play an essential role in regulating melanocyte proliferation and phenotype. This regulation is mediated by a major adhesion molecule, E-cadherin. Early metastasis is characteristic of melanoma and is associated with poor prognosis. A major mechanism by which melanoma cells escape from control by keratinocytes through the down-regulation E-cadherin and up-regulation of N-cadherin. Moreover, -catenin is an oncoprotein that associates with the cytoplasmic tail of E-cadherin and also functions as a co-activator of the lymphoid enhancer factor/ T-cell factor (TCF) family of transcription factors which activate transcription of genes that control cell proliferation and invasiveness. |
| Supervisor |
Sunita Vohra 8B 1111 Jasper Ave Edmonton, AB Tel: 780.342.8592 care@med.ualberta.ca |
|---|---|
| Status | CLOSED |
| Title | Building a database of validated pediatric outcomes |
| Length | 4 months |
| Description | Background: Pediatric populations have increasingly been included in clinical research, which relies on the availability and use of appropriate outcome measurement tools. The objectives of this study are i) to develop an inventory of pediatric outcome measurement tools and ii) to identify gaps in outcomes reporting in publications of pediatric randomized controlled trials (RCTs). Methods: This project is a systematic review (SR) of outcome measures that have been used in RCTs in a particular medical condition (student choice). For the SR, we will collect data on what the tool is measuring and the psychometric properties of the measure (validity, reliability, etc). Seconding of the data will be conducted by a graduate student or staff member of the CARE program. Specific tasks that the student will undertake are as follows: 1. Literature searching of relevant databases 2. Screen and evaluate references for inclusion/exclusion into the systematic review 3. Extract data from included articles 4. Enter information into database 5. Data analysis (descriptive statistics) 6.Beginning to draft a manuscript 7. Drafting a poster or presentation describing the project for dissemination purposes |
Pediatrics/Gastroenterology
| Supervisor |
Eytan Wine, MD PhD The Center of Excellence for Gastrointestinal Inflammation and Immunity Research (CEGIIR) Katz Group – Rexall Centre for Pharmacy and Health Research Room 7-142H, University of Alberta Tel: 780.248.5420 wine@ualberta.ca |
|---|---|
| Status | OPEN |
| Title | Inflammation and microbial virulence in inflammatory bowel diseases: cause or effect? |
| Length | 4 months |
| Description | The pathogenesis of inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD) involves aberrant immune responses to commensal bacteria in genetically susceptible hosts. Changes in microbial composition have been described but it remains unclear whether alterations in microbes are the cause of intestinal inflammation or just reflect changes in their environmental. Our hypothesis is that the environment microbes are exposed to affects microbial virulence. We propose to establish whether microbes from inflamed mice, or exposed to different inflammatory stimulants, are more virulent than those from control conditions. Our laboratory has expertise in using a variety of colitis animal models as well as cell models to test this hypothesis. Effects of exposures on bacterial virulence will be assessed using qPCR, monolayer permeability studies, ELISA, and confocal microscopy. Findings arising from this research will advance current understanding of the role of microbes in intestinal diseases, and will serve as a basis for additional animal and human-based research in our laboratory to confirm these findings. This research will provide potential future interventional applications for human diseases, especially IBD. |
Pediatrics/General Surgery
| Supervisor |
Ioana Bratu 2C3.56 WMC Tel: 780.407.1182 bratu@ualberta.ca |
|---|---|
| Status | OPEN |
| Title | Pediatric Trauma and Awareness amongst Medical Students |
| Length | 2-4 months |
| Description | Pediatric trauma is a major contributor of pediatric morbidity and mortality in Canada. Medical school curriculum emphasizes its recognition, treatment, and outcomes at various levels. The question we wish to answer is: how aware are “brand new” medical students entering first year compared to “more informed” medical students entering their fourth year about the importance of pediatric trauma, its diagnosis, its treatment, its outcomes, and its prevention strategies? As a cross-sectional study in time, a survey would be distributed to medical students early in their first year, and to the fourth year medical students early in their fourth year (after having completed the core rotations and now entering electives), to observe and contrast their awareness and knowledge of pediatric trauma. The data would help direct educational needs for medical school awareness about pediatric trauma. The student will be involved in all aspects of the study. The student will be involved in developing the survey questions, collecting the survey responses, entering them into a database, and data statistical analysis, with eventual presentation and publication at a national/ international level. |
Pediatrics/Human Nutrition
| Supervisor |
Linda M. Casey 4-571 Edm Clinic Health Academy Tel: 780.248.5492 linda.casey@ualberta.ca, |
|---|---|
| Status | OPEN |
| Title | Creation and Evaluation of Patient Education Materials for a PKU Website |
| Length | 4 months |
| Description | Description: Families and individuals will medical conditions regularly seek information by accessing the internet. Particularly when accessing medically complex information, it is difficult for a lay audience to evaluate the quality and applicability of the information, and to interpret and understand it. This project is based on the hypothesis that families would value information prepared and presented by trusted professionals, and presented in a readily accessible way (ie via the internet). The student will develop materials for patient education directed toward the PKU population, and will pilot test materials on a subset of children/families with PKU. |
Pediatrics/Neuroscience
| Supervisor |
Francois Bolduc 1-130 Dentistry Pharmacy Centre Tel: 780 492.9616 fbolduc@ualberta.ca |
|---|---|
| Status | CLOSED |
| Title | Genetics of Memory |
| Length | 4 months |
| Description | I am looking for a motivated student interested in the genetic basis of learning and memory. My lab specializes in studying the genes involved in memory but also linked to mental retardation in human. We use a Drosophila model to understand how these genes lead to cognitive dysfunction and develop potential treatments that could later be applied to patients. You will gain knowledge of genetics, behaviour and molecular biology. |
Pediatrics/Oncology
| Supervisor |
Alvaro R. Osornio-Vargas 3-591 ECHA 11405 87th Avenue Edmonton, AB T6G 1C9 Tel: 780.492.7092 osornio@ualberta.ca |
|---|---|
| Status | OPEN |
| Title | Spatial analysis of childhood cancer and environmental carcinogenic emissions in Canada: a GIS-based framework for supporting multidisciplinary research and surveillance |
| Length | 4 months |
| Description | Childhood cancer represents a costly multifactor/multistep disease in which environmental factors play important roles. Radiation, chemicals, viruses, and probably, socio-economic factors are among the environmental players known to participate in the development of cancer, given other genetic conditions. The complexity of the problem requires evidence collected from research at various levels and from multiple disciplines. In particular, this project is motivated by concerns about small daily exposures to chemical carcinogens released into the environment by industrial activities. It is our intention to generate Canadian maps in order to identify potential areas of interest, in which the occurrence of childhood cancer co-locates with carcinogens polluting the air, considering background information of the area on childhood population, income, land use, etc. Assessment of significant observations on overlaying variables will be done by geo/spatial and statistical analyses. Only an interdisciplinary research team of pediatricians, epidemiologists, geographers, statisticians, physicists and, computer scientists can deal with this kind of project in which multiple data interactions take place and multiple techniques are required. The hypothesis is that publicly existing databases will allow for the construction of the maps, providing challenges for further exploration of the data and their relationships, as well as communicating their meaning. |
| Supervisor |
Alvaro R. Osornio-Vargas 3-591 ECHA 11405 87th Avenue Edmonton, AB T6G 1C9 E-mail: Tel: 780.492.7092 osornio@ualberta.ca |
|---|---|
| Status | OPEN |
| Title | Identifying DNA alterations and Polyaromatic hydrocarbon-DNA adducts in Paediatric leukemic cell lines: A pilot study. |
| Length | 4 months |
| Description | 2nd Project title: Identifying DNA alterations and Polyaromatic hydrocarbon-DNA adducts in Paediatric leukemic cell lines: A pilot study. Brief Project description (no more than 200 words): Research has identified important roles played by environmental factors in the multistep/multifactor nature of cancer suggesting that cancer can be preventable. Environmental exposures in occupational settings initiated this area of research. Understanding the role of simultaneous long-term/low-dose exposures to multiple environmental agents in the general population becomes the next challenge, in which early life exposures during pregnancy/childhood become relevant. As a way to identify geographic areas of interest in which we could focus this type of research, we have been mapping the location of facilities emitting carcinogens (e.g. organic compounds) to the air and children’s neoplasm in Alberta using data from the National Pollution Release Inventory (NPRI) and the Alberta Cancer Registry. Our results indicate that major emissions and higher neoplasm rates coincide in major urban areas. The distribution of carcinogens and neoplasm in those cities appears heterogeneous and provides enough contrast to generate hypotheses. Our hypothesis is that differential exposures to carcinogens will result in differential geo-spatial distribution of leukemia cases, in which biomarkers of exposure and DNA alterations will reflect those exposures. Edmonton offers an opportunity to explore the relationship between local carcinogen releases and childhood leukemia in areas identified with our maps. Length of project: 4 months |
| Supervisor |
Alvaro R. Osornio-Vargas 3-591 ECHA 11405 87th Avenue Edmonton, AB T6G 1C9 E-mail: Tel: 780.492.7092 osornio@ualberta.ca |
|---|---|
| Status | OPEN |
| Title | Does cold weather induce seasonal indoor exposures to environmental tobacco smoke in children? |
| Length | 4 months |
| Description | 3rd Project title: Brief Project description (no more than 200 words): Exposure to environmental tobacco smoke (ETS) is still a frequent environmental factor compromising the health of exposed individuals. In utero fetal and postnatal passive exposures in children are most concerning as ETS exposure leads to immediate health consequences and later onset health problems. Asthma, low birth weight, respiratory tract infections, neurodevelopmental alterations, and cancer are examples of ETS related conditions. Efforts to regulate smoking have proven useful by decreasing ETS exposures in many places around the world. However, opportunity still exists for education and further changes in regulations to control ETS exposure more adequately. Direct correlations between socioeconomic status and self-imposed smoking banning in the household or low self-reporting smoking due to stigmatization, especially from mothers, are current concerns and provide opportunity to better understand limitations of existing self-imposed and regulatory control measures. Our interest includes assessing ETS exposure for children from household smoking using seasonality as a determinant. During winter we are hypothesizing that parents could be more lenient with their self imposed household or vehicle smoking bans. Understanding these variables will not only add useful knowledge for physicians assessing ETS exposure in children, but also for recommending educational or regulation control strategies. Length of project: 4 months |
Physiology
| Supervisor |
Steve Harvey 7-41 Med Sci Bldg Tel: 780.492.2809 steve.harvey@ualberta.ca |
|---|---|
| Status | OPEN |
| Title | Extrapituitary Growth hormone: A retinal ganglion cell model |
| Length | 4 months |
| Description | Background: We have established that growth hormone (GH) is expressed in retinal ganglion cells (RGCs) and that retinal GH has roles in RGC axon growth and RGC cell survival.The factors regulating retinal GH are, however, unknown. Methodology: In the study proposed, a RGC cell line that expresses the GH gene will be incubated with factors known to regulate pituitary GH and with other retinal-derived factors to determine their effect on GH mRNA, determined by PCR, and on GH secretion, measured by ELISA and immunocytochemistry. Relevance: The presence of retinal GH in the human retina of elderly subjects is associated with RGC survival, whereas its absence is associated with RGC death and ocular disease, like glaucoma. Increasing or maintaining retinal GH secretion may therefore protect against glaucoma and other ocular diseases. This study will provide novel information on the regulation of retinal GH, which may be of therapeutic relevance. |
| Supervisor |
Dr. E. Cordat Room 734, Medical Sciences Building Tel: 780.492.8892 cordat@ualberta.ca |
|---|---|
| Status | CLOSED |
| Title | Trafficking defects of SLC26A3 and congenital chloride diarrhea |
| Length | 4 months |
| Description | Bicarbonate transporters are key membrane proteins for acid-base homeostasis and solute transport. In the intestine, SLC26A3 is vital for chloride and water reabsorption. Patients with congenital chloride diarrhea (CCD) carry mutated SLC26A3 protein, a protein normally expressed at the apical membrane of the intestinal epithelial cells. We hypothesize that SLC26A3 mutations cause mis-trafficking of this protein which results in development of the CCD symptoms. During the course of the 2012 summer, the summer student who will join the Cordat’s lab, will become familiar with cell culture techniques, biochemical techniques (Western-blotting, immunoprecipitations) and with cell biology, including confocal microscopy on living and polarized epithelial cells. |
| Supervisor |
Dr. Zamaneh Kassiri 474 HMRC Tel: (780) 492.9283 z.kassiri@ualberta.ca |
|---|---|
| Status | OPEN |
| Title | Role of Matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) in hypertension. |
| Length | 4 months |
| Description | Hypertension is the most common cause of cardiovascular diseases. Matrix metalloproteases (MMPs) are a family of enzymes that degrade the structural proteins in the vascular wall matrix. Their function is regulated by their physiological inhibitors (TIMPs). In health, MMPs and TIMPs mediate the turnover of the vascular matrix. In disease, the balance in the function of these proteins is disturbed. Our lab studies the mechanism underlying the role of MMPs and TIMPs in hypertension. We utilize genetically modified mice that lack specific MMPs or TIMPs. For this summer research project, the student will participate in experiments to study the role of MMP2 in hypertension, using MMP2 knock-out mice (MMP2-/-). The selected summer student will work closely with a PhD student and a technician to learn the experimental techniques and to perform experiments. |
Radiology & Diagnostic Imaging
| Supervisor |
Jacob Jaremko, MD, PhD 2A2.41 WMC, University of Alberta Hospital 8440 112 Avenue Edmonton AB Tel: 780.407.6907 jjaremko@ualberta.ca |
|---|---|
| Status | CLOSED |
| Title | MRI of Pediatric Spondyloarthropathy |
| Length | 4 months |
| Description | Background: Spondyloarthropathy, an inflammatory arthritis affecting the sacroiliac joints, spine, and tendon attachments, is a disabling condition rarely seen in children. Diagnosis traditionally relies on clinical history and examination, and pelvic and spinal X-rays. However, X-rays are often normal until disease has become advanced. MRI of the spine and pelvis is more sensitive than X-rays for detecting inflammation, and does not expose the patient to harmful ionizing radiation. However, few studies assess the role of MRI in pediatric spondyloarthropathy. Hypothesis: Patterns of inflammation detected on MRI accurately distinguish between the diagnoses of juvenile ankylosing spondylitis, other spondyloarthropathies, juvenile inflammatory arthritis, and normal development. MRI features also accurately predict short-term progression of disease. Methods: Beginning from an existing database, the student will collect clinical data (demographics, outcomes) and imaging data (MRI and Xray findings) for all children who had MRI for possible spondyloarthropathy this past decade at University Hospital and associated clinics. The student will then correlate findings from MRI, X-ray and clinical charts, and assist in developing a model to best predict the clinical diagnosis from imaging findings. If the database contains sufficient follow-up information we will also attempt to predict disease progression from the imaging findings. |
| Supervisor |
Jacob L. Jaremko, MD, PhD 2A2.41 WMC, University of Alberta Hospital 8440 112 Ave, Edmonton, AB T6G 2B7 Tel: 780.407.6907 jjaremko@ualberta.ca |
|---|---|
| Status | CLOSED |
| Title | Injuries Associated with ACL Tears in Pediatric Knees |
| Length | 4 months |
| Description | Background: Anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) tears are increasingly common knee injuries in children. Forces strong enough to tear this ligament often also cause other injuries at the time of event, and since ACL tear leads to chronic instability, additional injuries can develop later, such as medial meniscal tears. MRI of children with ACL tears is often delayed for weeks to months, which may increase the risk of these injuries. Hypothesis: We expect that children with ACL tears have patterns of associated injury differing from those seen in adults. We also hypothesize that increased delay between date of injury and date of MRI is associated with significant increase in other knee injuries such as meniscal tears. Methods: Starting from an existing database, with aid of other team members the student will collect clinical and imaging findings in all pediatric knee MRI performed for knee injury over the past decade at University Hospital. The student will correlate time and mechanism of injury, time of MRI, and MRI findings, to determine (1) common or specific patterns of injuries associated with ACL rupture in children and differences from injury patterns in adults; (2) whether any injuries are more common after delay obtaining MR. |
Surgery
| Supervisor |
Dr. Bin Zheng Surgical Research 3-002F Li Ka Shing Centre for Health Research Innovation Tel: 780.492.6963 bin.zheng@ualberta.ca |
|---|---|
| Status | OPEN |
| Title | Video-aided study on the cooperation behaviors in surgery teams |
| Length | 3 months |
| Description | Teamwork is important to the success of a surgery, yet we know little about cooperation pattern among team members in the operating room. This project aims to examine cooperation behaviors of surgeons and their team partners based on videos taken from the operating room. The purpose of this project is to develop a list of valid measures of teamwork to guide training and education. Research Question: what would be the constructive or detrimental activities performed by members in a surgical team that affect operation outcomes? The role of the medical student will be to: • Assist in the development of an instruction guide for video analysis. • Develop skills of using the video editing program for annotating team behaviors. • Assist in the development of a spreadsheet to input data for further analysis • Classify team behaviors and conduct preliminary analysis on data • Present project at the lab meeting |
Surgery/Surgical Education
| Supervisor |
Jonathan White, Dr. Shelley Ross, Shannon Erichsen Office of Surgical Education - Department of Surgery 237-5 Community Services Centre – Royal Alexandra Hospital Tel: 780.735.5455 shannon.erichsen@ualberta.ca |
|---|---|
| Status | CLOSED |
| Title | Teachable Moments - Evaluating the use of television drama in medical education |
| Length | 3 months |
| Description | Medical drama has become one of the most popular types of entertainment on television today, from ‘MASH’ to ‘Grey’s Anatomy’ to ‘House’. The purpose of this project is to evaluate the use of “teachable moments” from popular television dramas in medical education. Research Question: How can popular medical television dramas be effectively incorporated into existing programs of medical education? In the summer of 2011, a database of vignettes was catalogued from a number of medical dramas. Our aim is to incorporate that information into a usable teaching resource. The role of the medical student will be: • To develop an online searchable database of “teachable moments.” • Assist in the development of an Instructor’s Guide. • Assist in the development of a tool to evaluate the impact of this learning resource using Kirkpatrick’s framework. • Conduct pre-implementation interviews with key informants in Surgery and Family Medicine. • To evaluate the impact of this learning resource using semi-structured interviews / online surveys with instructors and learners • Present project at Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry’s Summer Student Research Day 2012 |
