The project aims to understand youth experiences of youth onset type 2 diabetes (T2D)-related mental health challenges. This will be done by adapting an online data collection platform to create a collaborative virtual platform, entitled a “living lab”, where youth can (a) create a user profile to become part of a participant registry, (b) participate in research about their mental health experiences, (c) prioritize their mental health needs and (d) help design knowledge resources that use artistic methods.

Septic shock accounts for approximately 8% of pediatric intensive care unit (PICU) admissions worldwide, carries significant morbidity and has a reported mortality rate between 5% and 40% depending on the setting in which it occurs. Important parts of treatment involve early administration of antibiotics, fluids and medications to improve blood pressure. However, the high morbidity and mortality of pediatric septic shock have led physicians to consider corticosteroids when patients do not stabilize following initial management. Although the use of corticosteroids in septic shock has been widely debated in the literature for over 40 years, there is no clear evidence for or against this practice. Some pediatric studies have reported an improvement in blood pressure and organ function with the use of corticosteroids while other studies have suggested an increase in secondary infections, blood sugar and a decreased ability to fight infection. We therefore plan to conduct a randomized controlled trial to determine if hydrocortisone (a corticosteroid) compared to placebo improves outcomes (as measured by mortality and quality of life) in children with septic shock. This study will be conducted in 1032 patients in 30 centres across Canada and the US over 4 years. Eligible children will include those from age 1 month to 17.5 years, with evidence of a severe infection and need for medications to support their blood pressure. We will also compare organ function, potential side effects and healthcare costs in the hydrocortisone and placebo groups. Our study will be the first pediatric septic shock trial that is large enough to assess the potential benefits of corticosteroids in this patient population. We will also be the first adult or pediatric trial to assess the effect of a treatment for septic shock on quality of life. The results of this study will provide evidence on which to base recommendations for corticosteroid administration in pediatric septic shock.

The temporomandibular joint (TMJ) is often inflamed in childhood arthritis. However, active inflammation of the TMJ is difficult to diagnose as it frequently presents without specific clinical symptoms. The golden standard for diagnosis is an MRI with follow-up imaging by MRI. Access to serial MRIs is difficult due to the associated costs, the lengthy examination and the need for sedation in young children. 3D photogrammetry has shown to be a reliable, quick and non-invasive method to evaluate dentofacial deformities in patients with genetic diagnosis with facial involvement. Patients can sit on a chair or the lap of their parent for the 3D photo. Patients who are diagnosed on the spectrum of JIA and may or may not be scheduled for an TMJ-MRI will have a 3D photo taken and a short clinical examination of their jaw function (opening and closing of mouth). We predict we can see changes on the 3D photo and we can minimize the need for an MRI. Our study will aim to assess the use of 3D facial photogrammetry for JIA associated TMJ arthritis and to develop a method that is easy accessible. This will help determine which patients needs additional imaging by MRI and reduce the burden of MRIs on the child and family. Patients who will be referred for an TMJ-MRI by their rheumatologist will be asked to participate in this study and a 3D photo will be performed at the day of the MRI. On the same day a short facial examination and some TMJ specific questionnaires will be performed.

Nephrotic syndrome is the most common acquired kidney disease in children. Affected children have massive leakage of protein into the urine as a consequence and develop body swelling (edema). Most children respond to treatment with drugs (steroids), however, many of them require repeated courses of steroids to treat the frequent relapses of the disease. Long term steroid usage causes many side-effects including obesity, growth retardation, hypertension and cataracts. We want to minimize steroid usage in the treatment of Nephrotic Syndrome because it is the number one priority of the patients and families. To do this, we need to figure out how this common pediatric disease occurs; so, we are collecting biological samples (blood and saliva), clinical and demographic information from children presenting with Nephrotic Syndrome. These samples and clinical information will be used by scientists to shape future Nephrotic Syndrome research and to find new ways to treat childhood Nephrotic Syndrome.

The prevalence of mental health disorders in Canada is increasing, impacting many children and youth. There is a need to increase treatment options for youth. The purpose of this study is to investigate the use of transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) for the treatment and investigation of anxiety and depression in youth referred by their doctor. TMS is a non-invasive form of brain stimulation that sends magnetic pulses to a specific brain area. If appropriate, participants will receive 20 sessions of either intermittent theta-burst TMS or repetitive TMS over 4 weeks (Monday-Friday). Participants and their parent/guardian will also be asked to complete a series of tasks and/or questionnaires asking about symptoms, quality of life, and medication use.

This project will collect the contact information of families and young adults that are interested in participating in research related to neurodevelopmental disorders (NDD) and provide it to researchers at the University of Calgary that have relevant studies. Neurodevelopmental disorders (NDD) are a group of conditions that are a common developmental concern in children. These include conditions such as autism spectrum disorder (ASD), attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), and fetal alcohol spectrum disorder (FASD). However, there is still so much we don’t understand about them. How children present with a NDD and what services or treatments they may need vary from individual to individual. For this reason, there are many studies by different researchers throughout the University of Calgary looking at different aspects of NDD and related developmental concerns. Reaching people to take part in this research can be hard. It can also be hard for people interested in research to learn about relevant research studies. This project will connect people to researchers at the University of Calgary that have important NDD-related studies. To improve research recruitment and support for families, we will also ask families to give input on their motivations for signing up for research. Families and individuals can enroll in the database at https://redcap.cru.ucalgary.ca/surveys/?s=MH7RE3YX43 by providing name, contact information, and developmental concerns. This will then be given to researchers that have a specific study so they can contact individuals. You can also learn about research studies through the childdevelopmentresearch.ca website. People can indicate how often they want to be contacted.

We want to learn about the best way to support families to feel the most confident in caring for their babies. If your infant has been admitted to the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU), this study is for you. This study involves an e-health program which provides support and education to help increase parent/caregiver confidence.

Running in “supershoes” can help people run faster, but we don’t fully know how they affect the body. This study will look at how these shoes and different running speeds change the stress on the knees and hips in women. What we learn could help make running shoes safer and better designed for female runners.

We are looking at how the knee joint moves when affected by osteoarthritis and knee dislocation. Participants will visit the University's Foothill campus once for a computed tomography (CT) scan, followed by video X-ray (biplane fluoroscopy) imaging.

This study is open to adults aged 40 and older who have idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF). The goal is to determine if a medicine called MTX-463 can benefit people with IPF. The study involves 8 visits over a period of up to 32 weeks. Participants will be randomly assigned to receive either the study drug (MTX-463) or placebo through intravenous (IV) infusion. The placebo will look like MTX-463 but will contain no active medicine. There will be a 4 week screening period, a 24 week treatment period, and a 4 week safety follow-up period. Participants will receive 6 infusions throughout the treatment period, one infusion every 4 weeks. At each visit, the study team will perform regular lung function tests to assess your breathing. These tests will be used to compare results between those taking MTX-463 and the placebo. The study will also monitor your overall health and document any side effects.