Platelets are cells that stop bleeding when an injury occurs. However, platelets can also form clots that obstruct the blood vessels of the heart leading to a heart attack. Recently it has been discovered that different platelet subtypes exist based on the ability to produce a molecule called nitric oxide (NO). These different platelet subtypes have different roles in initiating and limiting how big a blood clot can grow. We want to compare the amount of NO producing platelets in patients who have recently suffered a heart attack to control healthy participants and are seeking a single 20 ml blood sample from healthy participants.

People receiving hemodialysis (HD) often experience muscle weakness, low physical function, and delayed wound healing. This may be partly due to poor blood and oxygen flow to the legs during dialysis. This study will use a safe, non-invasive device called near-infrared spectroscopy (NIRS) to measure changes in leg muscle oxygen levels at different points during dialysis. We will also test how the muscles respond to light exercise (cycling), leg movements, and brief blood flow changes. This small, proof-of-concept study will help us understand if dialysis reduces leg oxygenation and whether exercise during dialysis can improve it.

Pituitary tumors are a type of brain tumors. Large pituitary tumors can cause headaches and eye problems. Unbalance of hormones by pituitary tumors can cause several complications, such as diabetes, obesity, etc. As there are limited treatment options, we need new treatment options. Our data from mouse and rat pituitary tumor cells suggest some molecules and signals as possible treatment targets. As these cells do not fully mimic human cells, we will use pituitary tumor cells from patients. We will examine the effects of inhibition of the target molecules on cell functions, such as cell growth, hormone production, in cultured human pituitary tumor cells. Findings will lead to the establishment of new treatment options for pituitary tumors.

Although, there are many common symptoms that occur with chronic conditions, there is a lot of variation in the supportive care these patients receive. Their care is fragmented and uncoordinated, and may not reflect their wishes. To improve care for patients with chronic conditions there needs to be a standardized approach to better coordinate services no matter where they live in the province. Small focus groups and interview will be held to co-develop and integrated supportive care pathway for patients with chronic disease.

Infections of the heart (endocarditis) are common in patients with inborn heart defects (congenital heart disease).  Endocarditis may cause stroke, heart attack, heart failure, emergency surgery or death.  This study will gather data to better understand endocarditis in adult congenital heart patients.  The charts of patients with congenital heart disease and endocarditis  will be reviewed in order to gather data on risk factors, complications and adverse events.  This information will be valuable to understand who is most at risk of endocarditis and what the outcomes are after an episode of endocarditis. Ultimately it is hoped that information from this study will help patients and doctors better prevent and treat endocarditis.

The purpose of this trial is to test if closing off the left atrial appendage (LAA) with a surgical device known as the AtriClip® reduces stroke occurrence in patients who do not have atrial fibrillation (AF), but have one or more risk factors for developing AF in the next 5 years. To properly answer this question, patients who are scheduled for heart surgery, such as artery bypass or valve replacement surgery, and have one or more risk factors for developing AF will be screened and considered to participate. Patients who meet all the trial requirements and agree to participate will be enrolled.

A new device, the PillowsPlus Nasal Cannula, has been developed to improve oxygen delivery during sleep and exercise. We are testing to determine how well the device works and if shows improvements in oxygen delivery over the current standard nasal cannula.

Urinary tract infections are common after kidney transplantation. Recurrent cystitis is repeated inflammation in the bladder usually caused by infection. Recurrent cystitis can result in kidney graft dysfunction, lower quality of life, and complex management. Despite this, little is known about the disease process. This study is gathering information through urine samples regarding recurrent cystitis to add to scientific knowledge.

We are looking for people who are regular gamblers to participate in a research study. This study investigates the effects of taking a drug used to treat alcohol dependence to treat disordered gambling. If selected, you will be in the control group and will not receive any medication. Participants will also have brain scans at the beginning and end of the study and will will passively measure brain signals on the scalp at follow-up . Participants will be asked to complete a range of assessments. Compensation is provided for completing these assessments. Participation is confidential.

COVID-19 is an infection that affects a person’s lungs and makes it hard to breath. People with COVID-19 can also get a fever and cough a lot. Many people with these symptoms will use over the counter drugs, like pain relievers and cough and cold products. These drugs can help people feel better when they are sick. But some of these drugs might affect how SARS-CoV-2 (the virus causing COVID-19) works in the body. The purpose of this study is to determine if there is a link between over the counter medication use and the course of COVID-19. All confirmed cases of COVID-19 and a random sample of people with negative COVID-19 tests will be sent invitation letters from Alberta Health Services independent of the study investigators.