Channel - BCCDC RESEARCH WEEK 2022
Held October 24- 28th. Presentations held October 25th and 27th virtually.
11/2/2023 5:17:53 PM
Channel Videos
Agatha Jassem - Enterovirus D68 in 2022: detection, strain variability, and linking to neurologic disease
Mediasite Presenter
10/25/2022 7:20:00 PM
Angela Yao - Changes in emergency department use in British Columbia, Canada during the first two years of COVID-19 pandemic: A population-based study
As British Columbia (BC) moves out of the COVID-19 pandemic, recovery and future planning will rely on understanding the impact of the pandemic and associated mitigation strategies on health services use. Previous studies have shown dramatic reduction in emergency department (ED) visits early in the pandemic, but few examined the impact over time and stratified by visiting reasons. This study aimed to quantify the changes in overall ED visit during the pandemic in BC both cumulatively and during prominent nadirs; and to explore these differences by presenting complaint, age, and acuity
Mediasite Presenter
10/27/2022 7:35:00 PM
Darcy Sutherland - Bioinformatic tools for the high-throughput discovery and prioritization of antimicrobial peptides against multi-drug resistant pathogen
The widespread use of conventional antibiotics has accelerated the emergence of multi-drug resistant bacteria, known as “superbugs”. Antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) represent a diverse class of immune molecules produced by all classes of life to fight infection. We present a bioinformatics pipeline to rapidly discover and produce novel AMPs from the expanding collection of genomic resources. Discovered AMPs are validated through antimicrobial susceptibility testing, cytotoxicity testing, and induction of resistance experiments to examine the propensity for bacteria to become resistant to AMPs compared with conventional antibiotics.
Mediasite Presenter
10/27/2022 5:50:00 PM
day 1
Mediasite Presenter
10/27/2022 3:18:03 AM
day 2
Mediasite Presenter
10/27/2022 5:00:00 PM
Do not post - Molly Mastel -
Mediasite Presenter
10/27/2022 3:18:03 AM
Elle Wang -Characterizing People With Frequent Emergency Department Visits and Substance Use in Ontario, Alberta and BC.
Nuanced population-level characterizations of subgroups who frequently use drugs are lacking in Canadian provinces, making it challenging to develop policies that address these groups' patient-specific needs. We used linked administrative databases to categorize subgroups of patients who frequently presented with substance use-related concerns to emergency departments (EDs) in British Columbia, Ontario and Alberta. Our research stresses the importance of understanding risk factors for long-term, frequent ED use, as interventions are needed to better address physical and mental health needs that may lead to patients persistently visiting EDs.
Mediasite Presenter
10/27/2022 6:35:00 PM
Guadalein Tanunliong - Longitudinal antibody responses to COVID-19 among women with varying SARS-CoV-2 infection and vaccination histories during pregnancy
COVID-19 in pregnancy can lead to worse disease severity and outcomes. The increased risk of preterm births and hospitalizations may be influenced by varying immune responses to SARS-CoV-2. We used residual sera from routine pregnancy screening to conduct a nested case-control study to explore SARS-CoV-2 antibodies. We found that at least 2 doses of vaccine induced higher antibody levels than infection alone. Hybrid immunity from infection and vaccination also showed higher antibody level trends, though not significant. Findings can be correlated with clinical data to inform associations with pregnancy outcomes, and may guide clinical care of pregnant women and vaccination booster campaigns.
Mediasite Presenter
10/27/2022 6:50:00 PM
Hallie Dau - The social and economic impact of cervical cancer on women and children in Uganda
To date, the results from our study show that a cervical cancer diagnosis has an impact not only on women in Uganda, but their children as well, confirming that while largely preventable, cervical cancer has far-reaching impact beyond the woman diagnosed. Currently this cross-sectional study is ongoing and will collect data from September to December 2022. Among the 19 women who have completed the survey so far, we have found that approximetly one third of women cut down food consumed or withdrew their child from school to pay for cancer care. As such, this study demonstates the previously unknown impact that a cervical caner diagnosis has on children in Uganda.
Mediasite Presenter
10/27/2022 7:50:00 PM
Hannah Lishman - Antibiotic Use in 600,000 BC and Manitoba Infants and Risk of Childhood Atopic Disease: A Study Update
Allergic conditions, such as asthma, hay fever and eczema, are some of the commonest conditions impacting children globally and there is strong incentive to investigate their determinants. Increasing evidence shows a link between infant antibiotic use and the risk of childhood atopic conditions, mediated through gut microbial dysbiosis during immune system maturation, however the potential for confounding remains. This retrospective cohort study will investigate the relationship between infant antibiotic use and risk of asthma, hay fever and eczema in British Columbian and Manitoban children born over 10 years, adjusting for relevant clinical, sociodemographic and environmental confounders.
Mediasite Presenter
10/25/2022 8:30:00 PM
Ihoghosa Iyamu -Health equity effects of digital interventions for sexually transmitted infection testing: A scoping review
Digital interventions promoting testing for sexually transmitted infections (STIs) have been increasingly implemented with the assumption that they guarantee equitable access to testing services for historically disadvantaged populations with higher prevalence of STIs. We conducted a scoping review to evaluate evidence of the health equity effects of these digital interventions. From 27 articles included in our review, we found limited focus on evaluating health equity effects of these interventions. Where available, evidence suggests benefits across sociodemographic strata with significantly less benefits for historically disadvantaged populations requiring these services the most.
Mediasite Presenter
10/25/2022 8:05:00 PM
Kate Smolina - Rates of COVID-19-Association Hospitalization in Immunocompromised Individual from Omicron: A Population-Based Observation Study Using Surveillance Data in British Columbia, Canada
This population-based study shows that while three doses of vaccination provides protection against breakthrough hospitalization in immunocompromised individuals, they remain a higher risk group and may benefit from additional booster doses and pharmacotherapy. This population-based study in a jurisdiction with a universal healthcare system reports recent, Omicron-era COVID-19 breakthrough hospitalization rates among immunocompromised individuals compared to the general population, with stratification by age and vaccination status. The study shows that a third dose was associated with a lower risk of hospitalization regardless of the immune status. Among 3-dose vaccinated, immunocompromised.
Mediasite Presenter
10/25/2022 7:50:00 PM
Kathleen McLean - Early results from a case control study of mortality during the 2021 extreme heat event in British Columbia
British Columbia experienced an extreme heat event in 2021 that was associated with approximately 740 excess deaths. We are comparing 1597 adults who died during the extreme heat event with 7970 control subjects who survived the event, using linked administrative health data. We matched controls on age, sex, region of residence, and care setting (residential care, hospital, emergency department, or community). Early results indicate that schizophrenia, substance use disorder, and heart failure were among the most important risk factors for heat dome mortality.
Mediasite Presenter
10/25/2022 8:20:00 PM
Keynote - Jeff Reading -Indigenous Research and Covid-19
In light of years of unprecedented Covid-19 pandemic-related interruptions and upheavals across the global Indigenous communities, this is an opportunity to reflect, from the standpoint of governance, on research and management perspectives, on respective organizational roles and practices, and the context of the pandemic and its impact on Indigenous communities. These reflections are informed by rapid developments in health sciences’ research disciplines connected with access to health services and the wider Indigenous human rights and social justice context. It is a challenging landscape to navigate public health research and meaningful Indigenous community engagement.
The unfolding pandemic already forced communities to make choices regarding health resources and capacity on short notice and without adequate consultation. Clearly, work needs to focus on adapting to urgent pandemic conditions with strict adherence to Indigenous ethical principles, e.g., OCAP®, in which future pandemic surveillance and response systems will require much more preparatory work, ideally before a pandemic begins, to establish the aims and technical details of research according to governance and community engagement protocols. These cannot be bypassed, even in the context of a global public health emergency.
A unique opportunity nonetheless has occurred to meet Indigenous leadership as partners in their pandemic readiness committed to community led Covid research in service to community to become navigators of infectious disease surveillance and community responses, engaged to proceed with public health surveillance intelligence required to further advance assessments and filling of capacity deficits.
Indigenous Peoples’ have worked long and hard to establish norms and standards for research that aims to be supporting Indigenous communities and key institutions are moving forward to achieve their research mandates without overstepping the boundaries of ethical practice and supportive partnership. What is required now is for us to commit to undertaking this journey together, learning from our experiences with Covid 19 to support the current pandemic response and to prepare for the next one.
Mediasite Presenter
10/25/2022 5:05:00 PM
Keynote: Mel Krajden - Creating a data driven learning public health system: Lessons from COVID
The pandemic has been both a challenge and a learning opportunity for the public health system. This retrospective-prospective discussion will explore some lessons learned.
Mediasite Presenter
10/27/2022 8:05:00 PM
Kristin Weatherall, Katt Cadieux - Peer2Peer Project: Assessing the Mental Health Support Needs of Peer Workers in Overdose Settings in BC
Peer workers with lived/living experience of substance use play a crucial role in supporting individuals in overdose response settings. This work is stressful, with lasting social and emotional impacts, and yet peer workers lack access to mental health supports. The Peer2Peer Project aims to identify, implement and evaluate peer-led support interventions for peer workers at organizations across BC. It started as a pilot in 2018 at two organizations and was expanded in 2022 at another four in a Scale-Up project, ensuring access to peer-led supports in all health regions. Focus groups and baseline surveys were conducted to understand the unique needs of peer workers at the six project sites.
Mediasite Presenter
10/25/2022 7:03:00 PM
Lori Baugh Littlejohns - Using an Attributes Model to Map Systems for Population Physical Activity Promotion in BC
The Population and Public Health team does not currently have a model for describing, assessing and strengthening intersectoral systems for health promotion and NCD prevention. We are completing a project focused on population physical activity (PA) and are developing, implementing and evaluating a rigorous, systematic and complex system approach. The approach is based upon an 'attributes of systems' model. Desired outcomes include a) a synthesis review of complex systems methods used in PA research, b) the model and associated participatory processes are evaluated for future application, and c) leverage points to strengthen systems are identified and recommendations for PPH are developed.
Mediasite Presenter
10/27/2022 6:05:00 PM
Max Xie - Observational Study Examining Organ Utilization and Transplant Outcomes Following Donation from Individuals that Died of Drug Toxicity
The opioid crisis is a public health emergency, and illicit drug toxicity poisoning is now the leading cause of unnatural death in Canada and the United States. In the last decade, an increasing number of individuals who have died from drug toxicity (overdose) have become organ donors. Transplantation is the preferred treatment for individuals experiencing end stage organ failure and organ demand outpaces supply. Maximizing donation from all eligible donors is essential. Our study focuses on transplantation outcomes for recipients of heart, bilateral lung, liver, and kidney from individuals who died of drug toxicity in British Columbia, Canada.
Mediasite Presenter
10/27/2022 7:20:00 PM
Naiomi Liu - Capitalizing on a Policy Window to Support Federal Bill C-21 Firearm Amendments
This year, the federal government announced Bill C-21, proposing further restrictions on firearms in Canada. As firearm injuries are a major public health problem, contributing substantially to premature death and preventable morbidity, BC Injury Prevention Committee (BCIPC) members thought it was pertinent to respond in support. We will provide an overview of the data used to show the impact of firearms on deaths and injuries, both intentional and unintentional; the process used to communicate the evidence; and the outcome of the efforts of the BCIPC members. We will highlight why public health needs to continue advocating for evidence-informed legislation that supports population health.
Mediasite Presenter
10/25/2022 5:50:00 PM
Naman Paul - The Canadian Optimized Statistical Smoke Exposure Model (CanOSSEM)
Understanding the acute and chronic health effects of biomass smoke exposure requires reliable estimates of PM2.5 concentrations during the wildfire season and throughout the year, particularly in areas without regulatory air quality monitoring stations. We have developed a machine learning approach that estimates daily mean (24-h) PM2.5 concentrations across populated areas of Canada at a 5 km2 spatial resolution between 2010 and 2019.CanOSSEM integrates data from multiple sources including smoke plumes traced from remote sensing imagery, satellite estimates of meteorological parameters, measurements of fire radiative power, and aerosol optical depth. These estimates are available on CANUE.
Mediasite Presenter
10/27/2022 5:35:00 PM
Neil Arason - Identifying Priority Areas for Public Health Prevention of Youth Suicide and Self-Harm in British Columbia
Youth suicide and self-harm is a provincial injury prevention priority. We will share the process used to establish and support the BC Injury Prevention Committee’s Youth Suicide and Self-Harm Working Group to prioritize recommended public health actions to reduce youth suicide and self-harm. We will outline the process being utilized to ensure an evidence-informed and transparent approach for priority-setting. Further, we will outline our efforts to ensure public health actions are coordinated with other relevant provincial partners. Finally, we will share key resources used to develop our process, and highlight lessons learned to date.
Mediasite Presenter
10/25/2022 6:50:00 PM
Nick Gauthier - Rapid metagenomic next-generation sequencing for diagnosis of viral infections
Current viral diagnostic strategies are limited in that they rely on prior knowledge of a pathogen's genome. We are aiming to optimize, automate, and validate an agnostic Nanopore next-generation sequencing-based assay with host nucleic acid depletion for the detection and characterization of respiratory viral pathogens. We are completing analytical and clinical validation studies to assess the diagnostic performance of our assay for the detection of common respiratory pathogens (e.g. SARS-CoV-2, Flu A/B, RSV). The development and translation of this technology to clinical and public health laboratories will aid in public health response to emerging infectious diseases.
Mediasite Presenter
10/25/2022 6:05:00 PM
Sofia Bartlett - Bridging the digital divide for people affected by hepatitis C virus: The Test Link Call Project
As a result of poverty and unstable housing, many people living with hepatitis C virus (HCV) face significant barriers to owning & maintaining a personal cell phone. This 'digital divide' creates barriers to accessing care, which have become even larger since COVID-19, as most services shifted to telehealth and virtual care.
To address this, we launched a Quality Improvement project providing people diagnosed with HCV who are released from prison, using drugs, or who are unstably housed with a cell phone and free 6 month plan, plus Peer Health Mentoring.
We tracked outcomes along the HCV care cascade among participants who were provided a phone, which we will share in this presentation.
Mediasite Presenter
10/27/2022 6:20:00 PM
Solmaz Setayeshgar - Comparison of influenza and COVID-19 hospitalizations in British Columbia, Canada: a population-based study
Understanding the relative morbidity and mortality of COVID-19 compared to more familiar pathogens will be important to policymakers contemplating a sustainable approach. In this study, we compared the population rate of COVID-19 and influenza hospitalizations by age, COVID-19 vaccine status and pandemic phase among residents of British Columbia, Canada. Our analysis captures the most recent Omicron wave and adjusts hospitalization estimates to only include those admitted primarily for COVID-19. This study captures population level burden of influenza and COVID-19 hospitalizations, filling an important gap in the literature comparing the two diseases.
Mediasite Presenter
10/27/2022 7:05:00 PM
Suzana Montoya - Antibody response to B/Victoria in pre-teens primed a decade earlier with B/Yamagata vaccine: follow-up investigation of potential childhood imprinting
Immunological imprinting is a phenomenon by which memory responses are preferentially recalled to epitopes shared with ancestral virus to which we were originally primed as children. In this series of investigations, infants and toddlers were primed with trivalent influenza vaccine containing B/Yamagata lineage antigen. Vaccination the next 2 seasons with B/Victoria lineage antigen failed to illicit a strong B/Victoria antibody response, instead back-boosting antibodies to the priming B/Yamagata antigen. In follow-up a decade later, we explore the antibody response in a subset of these children re-vaccinated as pre-teens with quadrivalent vaccine containing changed antigens of both lineages.
Mediasite Presenter
10/25/2022 6:20:00 PM
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