Backgrounder on Featured Researchers - National

New treatments for migraines
Some 10-15% of Canadians, or 3-4 million people, suffer from migraine headaches. Dr. Gerald Zamponi of the University of Calgary is conducting fundamental research in calcium channels that could lead to new treatments for a variety of neurological problems, including migraines, which are the single most common neurological disorder associated with calcium channels. His research could also help scientists better understand and improve treatments for epilepsy, which affects 2% of Canadians, chronic pain, vision disorders and even some cardiac problems.

Fighting C. difficile
Many Quebec hospitals have recently experienced increases in the incidence and severity of Clostridium difficile-associated diarrhea (CDAD), the most frequent cause of hospital-acquired gastro-intestinal infections. Dr. Allison J. McGeer of Toronto's Mount Sinai Hospital is conducting clinical trials of new therapeutic strategies to provide physicians with evidence of how best to manage CDAD through prediction rules covering severe and relapsing CDAD. Such rules allow clinicians in a general practice environment to help their patients more effectively.

Suicide rates in Aboriginal communities
Suicide rates in Aboriginal communities are almost 10 times the national average. Dr. Gustavo Turecki and his multidisciplinary team from the Douglas Hospital Research Centre are investigating the causes of suicide and mechanisms that promote resilience among Aboriginal people. Their research will provide the evidence about the role of suicide risk factors and the processes and resources associated with survival that is needed to design effective suicide prevention programs.

Prenatal exposure to maternal cigarette smoking
The metabolic syndrome - a group of risk factors including obesity, high blood pressure and insulin resistance - is a major risk factor for cardiovascular disease. While lifestyle habits such as diet and exercise play an important role in the development of the metabolic syndrome, there is increasing evidence of the importance of environmental influences during fetal development. Dr. Zdenka V. Pausova of the Centre Hospitalier de l'Université de Montréal is studying the impact of prenatal exposure to maternal cigarette smoking (PEMCS) on the development of the individual components of the metabolic syndrome in adolescence. She is also working to identify genes that mediate PEMCS effects to learn more about the mechanisms through which PEMCS may contribute to development of the metabolic syndrome.

Peacekeepers and mental health
Members of the Canadian Armed Forces are increasingly involved in peacekeeping operations, which can lead to emotional problems including depression, anxiety disorders and suicidal behaviour. Dr. Jitender Sareen of the University of Manitoba is using data from the largest survey ever conducted of the Canadian Armed Forces on a wide range of mental health issues to examine the emotional distress related to peacekeeping operations. By developing a better understanding of the factors that lead to such distress, Dr. Sareen could provide guidance for preventing the distress among peacekeepers and treating it when it occurs. Dr. Sareen will also examine the self-reported need for such treatment among peacekeepers and the perceived barriers that prevent them from receiving the treatment.