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On April 11, in a full room at the London Convention Centre, almost 350 guests celebrated the sixth annual Lawson Impact Awards. The event honours research that is making a difference both locally and globally, and recognizes the remarkable accomplishments of Lawson scientists, staff, trainees and partners.

“This event gives us the opportunity to reflect on the importance of the work we do here at Lawson, and how everyone’s contributions ultimately improve patient care,” says David Hill, Scientific Director, Lawson Health Research Institute. “Throughout the organization, individuals regularly go above and beyond to drive innovative new discoveries.”

This year’s Lawson Impact Award winners are:
•    Dr. Guido Filler – Scientist of the Year Award
•    Dr. Don Richardson – Innovation Award
•    Dr. Sarah Morrow – Dr. Joseph Gilbert Research Contribution of the Year Award
•    Saagar Walia – Staff Award of Excellence
•    Laura Craven – Leadership Award for Fellows and Students
•    Lawrence Yip – Leadership Award for Fellows and Students
•    GE Healthcare – Industry Partner of the Year
•    Breast Cancer Society of Canada – Community Partner of the Year Award (LHSF)
•    Legate Personal Injury Lawyers – Community Partner of the Year Award (CHF)
•    3M Canada – Community Partner of the Year Award (SJHCF)

Two Children’s Health Research Institute (CHRI) award recipients were also recognized at the event. As a program of Lawson, CHRI awards a Scientist and Trainee of the Year annually, sponsored by the Children’s Health Foundation. CHRI’s 2019 award recipients are: Dr. Craig Campbell (CHRI Scientist of the Year), and Dr. Mohamed Gatie (CHRI Deb Comuzzi Trainee of the Year).

An engaging keynote was delivered by Dr. Dorin Comaniciu, Senior Vice President for Artificial Intelligence and Digital Innovation at Siemens Healthineers, titled “Artificial Intelligence for Health Care: The Road Ahead.” Dr. Comaniciu spoke about the wide application for artificial intelligence in health care, focusing on the fields of diagnostic imaging, image-guided therapy and personalized medicine. Sharing his own digital avatar, guests were treated to a glimpse of what the future of care will look like with the advancement of this technology.

If you attended the event, you are encouraged to complete this short survey. Your feedback is important in helping make improvements for next year’s event.

Visit the Lawson YouTube channel to watch videos highlighting each of the award recipients. To see photos from the event, visit Lawson’s Facebook album.

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3D imaging technology could improve outcomes for patients with breast cancer

During a conventional digital 2D mammogram, two x-ray images are taken of the breast, one from top-to-bottom and another from side-to-side at an angle. This technology is limited by the overlapping breast tissue that occurs from the required compression of the breast, and breast abnormalities may be hidden. A study at Lawson is looking to determine if digital breast tomosynthesis, a type of 3D imaging, is better at detecting breast tissue abnormalities than the 2D mammography regularly used today. Read more. 

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Antioxidants in the brain linked to improved treatment results in patients with psychosis

Once patients with psychosis start treatment, some get better in weeks while it can take months for others. A research team from Lawson and Western University studied antioxidant levels in the brain, and found that these chemicals, which rid the body of normal metabolic biproducts called free radicals, may improve outcomes of early intervention in psychosis. Read more. 

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Researchers awarded $4.8 million to validate locally developed test, EpiSign, for first-line diagnostic testing of rare hereditary disorders 

A clinical trial named “EpiSign-CAN,” led by researchers at Lawson was awarded $4.8 million to measure the clinical impact of a new molecular genomics test for diagnosing genetic neurodevelopmental conditions. The diagnostic test, called EpiSign, uses machine learning to analyze the EpiSign Knowledge Database. This database compiles information on rare genetic diseases using laboratory analyses of the entire genome, referred to as the epigenome, from patients with suspected genetic abnormalities. Read more.

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Perceptions of confidentiality for Canadian Veterans discussing moral injuries

Lawson researchers are exploring Canadian Veterans’ beliefs about confidentiality in mental health care and whether those beliefs act as a barrier to seeking treatment for a type of trauma known as moral injury. Moral injury describes psychological distress following events where a person performs, witnesses or fails to prevent acts that conflict with deeply held moral standards. Evidence suggests that moral injuries are on the rise among deployed members of the Canadian Armed Forces, and that those exposed to such events are at a higher risk of developing post-traumatic stress disorder and depression. Read more.

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New device could reduce COVID-19 infection risk and demand for invasive ventilators

Researchers designed a non-invasive ventilation mask that could significantly reduce aerosolization – the production of airborne respiratory droplets that may contain viruses or bacteria – when treating patients with COVID-19. The new device aims to reduce infection risks associated with non-invasive ventilation and lessen the demand for invasive ventilators. It is currently being tested through a clinical trial with patients at London Health Sciences Centre (LHSC). Read more.

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Researchers first in world to profile the body’s immune response to COVID-19

By studying blood samples from critically ill patients at LHSC, researchers identified a unique pattern of six molecules that could be used as therapeutic targets to treat COVID-19. Studies show that part of what makes the virus so deadly is that the body mounts an overreactive immune response as the virus grows and replicates. This response releases inflammatory molecules in order to fight the virus, but also destroys healthy cells and organs in the process. Read more.

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Study suggests that surgery may be superior treatment for chronic sciatica

In a randomized controlled trial, surgery was found to be superior to non-operative therapy in the treatment of chronic sciatica. Chronic sciatica can be caused by a disc herniation which compresses a nerve in the lumbar spine causing pain from the lower back to the leg. The primary treatment options for sciatica are surgery or non-operative care. Researchers conducted this study to test if a surgical treatment called microdiscectomy results in better patient outcomes for those with chronic sciatica compared to non-operative care. Read more.

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Researchers unravel two mysteries of COVID-19

A team from Lawson and Western University made significant steps forward in understanding COVID-19 through two back-to-back studies. In one study, the team identified six molecules that can be used as biomarkers to predict how severely ill a patient will become. In the other study, they were the first to reveal a mechanism causing blood clots in COVID-19 patients and potential ways to treat them. The studies were conducted by analyzing blood samples from critically ill patients at LHSC. Read more.

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Gut microbiome may influence how cancer patients respond to oral therapies, study suggests

A study from Lawson and Western illustrated how the gut microbiome interacts with an oral medication in prostate cancer patients, suggesting bacteria in the gut play a role in treatment outcomes. The findings highlight how the drug abiraterone acetate is metabolized by bacteria in the gut to reduce harmful organisms while promoting those that fight cancer. The research team suspects this is one of many examples of how the microbiome influences our response to medications. Read more.

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First Contrast Enhanced Spectral Mammography guided biopsy in North America

Researchers at Lawson performed the first breast biopsy guided by Contrast Enhanced Spectral Mammography (CESM) in North America on June 12, 2020. CESM is a novel diagnostic imaging tool that is able to detect cancerous lesions at a greater rate than standard mammography, and at close rate to MRI. The procedure is faster and more accurate, comfortable and cost effective than an MRI biopsy. Read more.

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Assessing the pandemic's impact on Canadian Veterans and their spouses

A project from Lawson and the Centre of Excellence on Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) hopes to discover the impact the COVID-19 pandemic is having on the mental health of Canadian Veterans and their spouses. They are partnering with up to 1,000 Canadian Veterans and 250 spouses of Canadian Veterans. Through online surveys, the project will hear directly from Veterans and their spouses to assess the pandemic’s effects on their well-being over time. Read more.

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Fecal transplants show promise as treatment for non-alcoholic fatty liver disease

A randomized controlled trial found that fecal transplants in patients with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) results in a reduction in how easily pathogens and other unwanted molecules pass through the human gut and into circulation, known as intestinal permeability. The results could have implications for the treatment of numerous conditions including metabolic syndrome and autoimmune diseases. Read more.

Last week, the Honourable Kirsty Duncan, Minister of Science and Sport, announced an unprecedented investment of more than $588 million through the Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada’s (NSERC) Discovery Grants program. 

The successful applications in London include 12 projects funded for Lawson Health Research Institute scientists, through Western University. In total, they will receive $2.3 million in funding over five years. 

“The funding demonstrates our strong and enduring commitment to science and researchers. Since taking office, our government has worked hard to bring science and research back to their rightful place and this historic investment in the discoveries of tomorrow is just one example of how we are achieving this goal,” says The Honourable Kirsty Duncan, Minister of Science and Sport. 

Across Canada, this funding will go to more than 4,850 researchers and students as they pursue their world-leading discovery work. It also includes support for nearly 500 early-career researchers who will bring a diversity of new voices and new insights to their fields.

Local research highlights 

Dr. Jeffrey Carson is exploring the role of photoacoustic imaging as a method for detecting breast cancer. Currently, during the procedure the breast must be submerged in a tank of water to enhance the transmission of photoacoustic waves from the breast to the sensors. 

“The water tank is cumbersome and impractical,” notes Dr. Carson. “Our goal is to eliminate the need for the water tank by detecting the photoacoustic waves through the air without making contact with the breast.” Their hope is that the project leads to the development of a non-contact photoacoustic scanner offering women the opportunity to sit or stand comfortably during breast imaging. “This simple improvement could greatly accelerate the adoption of photoacoustic imaging for breast cancer screening.”

Dr. Carson adds that funding like this provides graduate student trainees opportunities to develop knowledge and skills in engineering, mathematics, and biophysics. “They bring innovative new ideas to the Canadian medical device industry through employment and entrepreneurship.”

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Dr. Rajnikant Patel is developing advanced robotic and intelligent systems for the next generation of systems and devices for minimally invasive surgery and therapy. These reduce trauma and costs while enhancing efficiency and reliability. 

“For us, this funding opportunity is unique because it supports a program of research rather than a project,” says Dr. Patel. “We can explore new areas and directions that will lead to research projects and medical applications. A program that investigates novel robotic and AI technologies fits well with NSERC’s mandate.” 

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Dr. Gregor Reid is leading a revolutionary project that could save the world’s honeys bees, insects that are vital to human survival. 

The intent is to develop an understanding of how lactobacilli strains can counter the most widely used pesticides that are wiping out nature's critically important pollinators. The lactobacilli appear to potentially degrade some of these toxic chemicals and improve the ability of honey bees to fight off early death.   

“NSERC funding gives ideas like this a chance and even though the funding amount is relatively small, it allows graduate students to apply for their own awards and work on the project,” explains Dr. Reid. Students Brendan Daisley and Johnny Chmiel have been awarded NSERC scholarships to work on this important research. 

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Dr. Xiugen Zheng’s project is investigating the role of circular RNA AEBP in the development and function of dendritic cells which are very important immune cells in the immune system. This will provide insights into new molecular and gene regulators, and their impact on the immune system and overall health. 

“NSERC research funding greatly supports us to study the basic scientific questions that are critical for better understanding health problems and developing treatment for diseases,” says Dr. Zheng. 

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Dr. Rudolf Veldhuizen’s laboratory aims to understand how surfactant performs its function at a molecular and biophysical level. Pulmonary surfactant is a material in the lung that allows people and other mammals to breath with minimal effort. You can see this in babies who are born prematurely and have trouble breathing due to the lack of surfactant. 

“Previous work has established a generalized model of how surfactant improves lung function under standardized conditions. This, however, does not explain how surfactant functions in extreme conditions,” says Dr. Veldhuizen. “By exploring conditions in comparative, mechanistic studies we will be able to establish a more universal understanding of surfactant function.” 

This funded work provides a foundation for clinically relevant studies to further explore the role of alterations to surfactant in lung injuries and the opportunities for therapeutic interventions. 

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Dr. Shou Li is developing state-of-the-art machine learning system able to analyze huge amounts of clinical data and provide human level intelligent analysis. This work will enable the prediction of disease onset, progression and prognosis. “It is added value that will lead to more effective and efficient health care,” explains Dr. Li. 

He adds that this funding is supporting a multi-disciplinary research program that combines the strength of multiple teams. “We will look at both the fundamental side of machine learning systems and clinical applications. In this way, we connect basic science with clinical science.”

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Congratulations to all the Lawson scientists who received funding:

• Dr. Dean Betts for Metabolic reprogramming to enhance the generation of canine induced pluripotent stem cells (Physiology and Pharmacology)
• Dr. Jeffrey Carson for Development of non-contact photoacoustic tomography (Medical Biophysics)
• Dr. Louis Ferreira for Multi-Directional Mechanical Testing of Bone using CTCompatible Loading Mechanisms (Mechanical and Materials Engineering)
• Dr. Shuo Li for Innovative Machine Learning for Medical Data Analytics (Medical Imaging)
• Dr. Penny MacDonald for Investigating cognitive functions mediated by ventral and dorsal striatum (Clinical Neurological Sciences)
• Dr. Charles McKenzie for Fetoplacental Molecular and Metabolic Magnetic Resonance Imaging; instalment (Medical Biophysics)
• Dr. Rajnikant Patel for Design and Control of Robotic Systems and Devices for Medical Applications (Electrical and Computer Engineering)
• Dr. Gregor Reid for Detoxification functionality of lactic acid bacteria (Microbiology and Immunology)
• Dr. Rudolf Veldhuizen for Mechanisms of surface tension reduction by pulmonary surfactant (Physiology and Pharmacology)
• Dr. Aaron Ward for Machine learning-based quantitative image, tissue, and clinical data analysis for lesion detection and characterization on prostate cancer imaging (Medical Biophysics)
• Dr. Eugene Wong for Optimization of spatiotemporal-modulated electric fields and fabrication of organs-on-chips for applications in Medical Physics (Physics and Astronomy)
• Dr. Xiufen Zheng for The role of circular RNA AEBP2 in dendritic cells (Pathology)