List of Mentors
A number of Health Canada scientists from the sectors listed below are willing to act as mentors for post-doctoral fellows for the current competition.
Analytical Chemistry
Yves Aubin, Ph.D.
Centre for Biologics Research
Biologics and Genetic Therapies Directorate
Health Products and Food Branch
Health Canada
Tunney's Pasture
Postal Locator: 2201C
Ottawa, Ontario
K1A 0L2
Telephone: (613) 941-6155
Fax: (613) 941-8933
E-mail: yves_aubin@hc-sc.gc.ca
Academic Qualifications
Ph.D., Biophysical Chemistry, Yale University
M.Sc., Chemistry, University of Montréal
B.Sc., Chemistry, University of Montréal
Description of the Area of Research
Our main area of focus is Nuclear Magnetic Spectroscopy. We contribute to the mandate of the Biologics and Genetic Therapies Directorate through developing a solid expertise in the application of nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy to biologics. Important issues, such as safety and efficacy, are addressed through a structural perspective via three main research projects, including:
- The determination of the three-dimensional structures of protein-based biotherapeutics;
- The development of methods to characterize the efficacy of biotherapeutics; and
- The study of bacterial toxins and toxoids used in vaccine preparations.
More specifically, our laboratory focuses on:
- Studies of protein structure-function relationships using multi-dimensional NMR techniques of prions, cytokines and hormones;
- Development of protein expression and labelling methods to apply NMR techniques to the study of glycoproteins of therapeutic interest; and
- Method development to correlate structure to the activity of biotherapeutics.
Keywords: NMR spectroscopy; protein structure determination; protein expression and purification; glycoproteins; cytokines; bacterial toxins
Jesse Bertinato, Ph.D.
Nutrition Research Division
Food Directorate
Health Products and Food Branch
Health Canada
Postal Locator: 2203C
Ottawa, Ontario
K1A 0L2
Telephone: (613) 957-0924
Fax: (613) 941-6182
E-mail: jesse_bertinato@hc-sc.gc.ca
Academic Qualifications
Ph.D., Biochemistry, University of Ottawa
B.Sc., Biochemistry, University of Ottawa
Description of the Area of Research
Given that a deficiency or excess of essential trace metals (copper, zinc and iron) can be detrimental to health, appropriate amounts must be obtained from the diet. Our research is focused on (1) identifying novel biomarkers of mineral status, (2) investigating dietary mineral-mineral interactions, (3) elucidating the molecular mechanisms by which mineral homeostasis is maintained under conditions of deficiency or overload and (4) determining adverse effects of mineral imbalances. Our research is molecular biology oriented and we use a range of model systems including in vitro cell culture models and dietary studies involving animals and human subjects. Our laboratory has recently discovered a novel biomarker of copper deficiency [i.e. copper chaperone for Cu/Zn superoxide dismutase (CCS)]. We are currently using CCS in a human clinical trial with young boys to investigate the effects of zinc supplementation on copper status. This work is aimed at re-evaluating the Tolerable
Upper Intakes Levels (ULs) for Zn for children and will be used to set policies regulating fortification of foods with zinc. We are also investigating the regulation of copper and zinc-trafficking proteins in response to changes in dietary levels of these metals.
Keywords: mineral status, copper, zinc, iron, biomarkers, gene expression
Terry D. Cyr, Ph.D.
Centre for Biological Research
Biologics and Genetic Therapies Directorate
Health Products and Food Branch
Health Canada
Sir Frederick Banting Research Centre
Tunney's Pasture
Postal Locator: 2201C
Ottawa, Ontario
K1A 0L2
Telephone: (613) 957-1068 or (613) 941-2643
E-mail: terry_cyr@hc-sc.gc.ca
Academic Qualifications
Ph.D., Chemistry, University of Victoria
B.Sc., Chemistry, University of Victoria
Description of the Area of Research
Our research focuses on the development and utilization of separation science and mass spectrometric methods to identify and characterize biologics, especially peptides and proteins in complex matrices.
Methods to determine protein primary-sequence are developed and applied to problems related to the quality and safety of biologics. One emphasis in this laboratory has been to extend tryptic map peptide-coverage to allow greater certainty regarding the primary protein sequence and the nature and extent of protein modifications.
Another major focus of this laboratory has been proteomics, which is particularly useful for complex samples, such as blood fractions, human blood platelets, influenza vaccines and lysteria. Projects include increasing the analytical specificity by the
- Selective separation of protein mixtures,
- Chemical modifications of proteins and peptides with isotopically labelled reagents,
- Enhancement of tryptic digests of proteins, and
- Optimization MS and MS/MS of peptides.
MS Instrumentation: HPLC/Thermo LTQ-FT; MicroMass capillary HPLC/Global Q-TOF; MicroMass Q-TOF1; MicroMass M@LDI; Ciphergen SELDI
Keywords: mass spectrometry; proteomics; protein identification
Robert Dabeka, Ph.D.
Food Research Division
Bureau of Chemical Safety
Health Products and Food Branch
Postal Locator: 2203D
Ottawa, Ontario
K1A 0L2
E-mail: bob_dabeka@hc-sc.gc.ca
Description of the Area of Research
Our research focuses on the following three main areas:
- The assessment of human dietary exposure to toxic trace elements and the identification and investigation of potentially hazardous food safety situations;
- The application of high-resolution multicollector inductively coupled plasma mass spectroscopy (ICPMS) and other analytical techniques to measure background concentrations of toxic elements in foods to address the above issues; and
- The design and application of total diet studies, food and baby food surveillance studies, and human milk studies to address the above issues.
Keywords: high-resolution ICPMS; human milk; toxic trace elements; baby food
Donald S. Forsyth, Ph.D.
Food Research Division
Health Products and Food Branch
Food Directorate
Sir Frederic Banting Research Centre
Tunney's Pasture
Postal Locator: 2203D
Ottawa, Ontario
K1A 0L2
E-mail: don_forsyth@hc-sc.gc.ca
Academic Qualifications
Ph.D., McGill University
B.Sc. (Honours), Carleton University
Description of the Area of Research
Our metal speciation program is concerned with the identification and determination of metal containing organic compounds occurring in the Canadian food supply. Since the form in which a metal exists determines its physio-chemical, bioavailability and toxicological characteristics the speciation of metals is essential for accurate risk assessment. Current research interests include organotin, organomercury and organoarsenic compounds. Analysis is generally by GC coupled to atomic emission detection, GC-MS or ion exchange chromatography.
We are also working on a new rapid, low solvent extraction method recently developed in our laboratory called the micro extraction technique (MET). Further research on MET will include the development of new related technologies and the application of the technique to a variety of contaminants.
Keywords: metal speciation; organometallics; food; contaminants; micro extraction technique
Michel Girard, Ph.D.
Research Scientist
Centre for Biologics Research
Health Canada
Sir Frederick Banting Building
Tunney's Pasture
Postal Locator: 2201C
Ottawa, Ontario
K1A 0L2
E-mail: michel_girard@hc-sc.gc.ca
Academic Qualifications
Ph.D., Chemistry
M.Sc., Chemistry
B.Sc., Chemistry
Description of the Area of Research
Recent efforts in a number of laboratories have shown that the use of multidimensional high resolution analytical techniques (e.g., chromatography, capillary electrophoresis) offer a viable alternative to 2D electrophoresis to study proteomes. [1] ( G.T. Nepom et al., National Academy of Science. USA, 98 (2001) 1763). We will explore the use of high-resolution analytical techniques such as capillary electrophoresis and liquid chromatography as an alternative to conventional proteomic separations. Results in our laboratory and in others has demonstrated the utility of such techniques in the separation of biomolecules, particularly of complex proteins and glycoproteins; techniques that provide reproducible and quantifiable results that are easily amenable to automation. Separation techniques will then be coupled to characterization/identification techniques (e.g., HPLC/HPCE-MS/2-D gel electrophoresis).
A useful approach is based on the identification of "signature" peptides obtained from digestion of a protein mixture followed by separation of the peptide constituents by reversed-phase chromatography and characterization by mass spectrometry [2] (L. Riggs, C. Sioma and F.E. Regnier, J. Chromatogr. A, 294 (2001): 359-368). We will be using this approach for the assessment of the "proteomes" of influenza vaccines. Prior studies in our laboratory have focused on using size-exclusion liquid chromatography in conjunction with SDS-PAGE electrophoresis and mass spectrometry for profiling influenza vaccine antigens. However, the relatively low resolution of this chromatographic mode could not allow detection of proteins similar in size or low abundance proteins. The peptide signature approach uses high-resolution chromatographic modes and will allow the remediation of these problems.
Boniface K. Koudjonou
Chemistry Research Division
Environmental Health Bureau
Healthy Environments and Consumer Safety Branch
Health Canada
Tunney's Pasture
Postal Locator: 0800C
Ottawa, Ontario
K1A 0L2
Telephone: (613) 952-8118
Fax: (613) 946-3573
E-mail: boniface_koudjonou@hc-sc.gc.ca
Academic Qualifications
Ph.D., Université de Poitiers, France
M.Sc., Université de Poitiers, France
Description of the Area of Research
Our research activities include assessment of exposure to trace contaminants in environmental matrices, especially exposure to disinfection by-products (DBPs) in drinking water.
We conduct research to improve and validate methods for the analysis of water contaminants and DBPs as well as to develop novel approaches to determine emerging DBPs in drinking water. Trihalomethanes and haloacetic acids are commonly found in drinking water; however, the occurrence and analysis of other emerging DBPs (e.g., haloacetaldehydes, halonitromethanes, nitrosamines) are being investigated. The research group uses state-of-the-art techniques, including chromatography and mass spectrometry.
We also manage different projects involving nationwide monitoring of contaminants in drinking water supplied to Canadians. These projects provide data on exposure to DBPs in support of better risk assessment and guidelines development.
Currently, we are conducting intensive collaborative work on modelling water quality and evaluating DBPs variations in the distribution system.
Keywords: drinking water; disinfection by-products; emerging contaminants; trace analysis; modelling
Cariton Kubwabo, Ph.D.
Chemistry Research Division
Environmental Health Science Bureau
Safe Environments Program
Healthy Environments and Consumer Safety Branch
Health Canada
Tunney's Pasture
Postal Locator: 0800C
Ottawa, Ontario
K1A 0L2
Telephone: (613) 941-6081
E-mail: cariton_kubwabo@hc-sc.gc.ca
Academic Qualifications
Ph.D., Catholic University of Louvain, Belgium
Description of the Area of Research
Our research involves issues related to emerging contaminants in the environment and drinking water analysis.
Research on emerging contaminants include the development of analytical methods used to measure these chemicals or their degradation products at trace levels in a variety of matrices. We are also examining the characterization of the sources of these contaminants in the environment as well as their routes of exposure. Current chemicals of interest include perfluoroalkylated compounds, brominated flame retardants such as polybrominated diphenyl ethers, and synthetic musks.
Our interest in drinking water analysis includes:
- Method development for the determination of pharmaceutical and personal care products;
- Freshwater toxins; and
- Polar disinfection by-products (e.g., mutagen X (MX, 3-chloro-4-(dichloromethyl)-5-hydroxy-2(5H)-furanone) and its chlorinated and brominated structural analogues).
Our laboratory also operates the following five mass spectrometers:
- Micromass VG QUATTRO II triple quadrupole;
- Waters-Micromass LC/Q-Tof micro;
- Thermo Finnigan TSQ Quantum Ultra;
- Waters-Micromass Quattro micro GC; and
- Varian Saturn 2200 GC/MS.
Keywords: emerging environmental contaminants; analytical chemistry; mass spectrometry; perfluoroalkylated substances; biomonitoring; drinking water disinfection by-products; freshwater toxins
Thea Rawn, Ph.D.
Research Scientist
Food Research Division
Bureau of Chemical Safety
Health Products and Food Branch
Sir Frederick Banting Research Centre
Tunney's Pasture
Postal Locator: 2203D
Ottawa, Ontario
K1A 0L2
E-mail: thea_rawn@hc-sc.gc.ca
Academic Qualifications
Ph.D., University of Manitoba
M.Sc., University of Manitoba
B.Sc. (4-Year), University of Winnipeg
Description of the Area of Research
Seafood toxins are produced by numerous species of algae that are subject to uptake by filter feeders, such as oysters, mussels, etc. Human exposure can occur via consumption of toxin-contaminated seafood. Seafood toxins can result in illness and death in exposed humans. Human poisonings due to consumption of seafood products have been observed throughout the world and are increasing in frequency. In Canada, there are three major types of seafood poisoning, these include paralytic shellfish poisoning (PSP), amnesic shellfish poisoning (ASP) and diarrhetic shellfish poisoning (DSP).
The most common regulatory method for the testing of seafood toxins is through the use of a mouse bioassay. This tool is limited because identification of which toxin is responsible for a given illness cannot be performed and the method lacks sensitivity for certain toxins. The use of high pressure liquid chromatography (HPLC) and liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC-MS) methods, however, are becoming increasingly popular for identification and quantification of toxins in seafood samples and health food products containing algae. Ongoing research in this laboratory is to develop accurate and sensitive methods for the detection of marine and freshwater algal toxins.
Keywords: seafood toxins; HPLC; LC-MS; method development
Sheryl Tittlemier, Ph.D.
Food Research Division
Bureau of Chemical Safety
Health Canada
Tunney's Pasture
Postal Locator: 2203D
Ottawa, Ontario
K1A 0L2
Telephone: (613) 941-5603
Fax: (613) 941-4775
E-mail: sheryl_tittlemier@hc-sc.gc.ca
Academic Qualifications
Ph.D., Carleton University
B.Sc.(Honours), Chemistry, University of Manitoba
Description of the Area of Research
Our research deals with emerging persistent organic pollutants found in food. Currently, the focus of our work is on perfluorinated surfactants (e.g., fluorinated carboxylic acids, sulfonates, phosphate esters, alcohols) and new generation brominated flame retardants such as hexabromocyclododecane. Our work is mainly concerned with the development and application of methods to extract and quantitate these compounds in food. However, we are also involved in collaborations to examine the toxicology of these compounds. The purpose of our research is to allow for the analysis of these compounds in foods sampled during the Total Diet Studies and Human Milk Surveys, and thus estimate the level of exposure to the Canadian population.
Keywords: environmental contaminants; human exposure; perfluorinated surfactants; brominated flame retardants; analytical chemistry
Jiping Zhu, Ph.D.
Chemistry Research Division
Environmental Health Science Bureau
Safe Environments Program
Healthy Environments and Consumer Safety Branch
Health Canada
Postal Locator: 0800C
Ottawa, Ontario
K1A 0K9
E-mail: jiping_zhu@hc-sc.gc.ca
Academic Qualifications
Ph.D., Chemistry, University of Zürich
Description of the Area of Research
Our research focuses on measurements of human population exposure to environmental contaminants (e.g., volatile organic chemicals, phthalates, PAHs, chemicals under the Canadian Environmental Protection Act (CEPA) assessment process) by monitoring these chemicals in various media, including consumer products, indoor environments and human body fluids. The genotoxicities and other toxicological properties of a chemical or chemical mixture are assessed using chemistry-based screening methods to detect their interaction with DNA or DNA fragments. The laboratory is interested in indoor air quality research to investigate the impact of chemicals, particularly the VOCs, on indoor air quality. Modern analytical instruments, including high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC), capillary electropherosis (CE) and capillary electropherosis-mass spectrometers (CE/MS), and gas chromatograph-mass spectrometer (GC/MS) are employed in our research. New measurement methods are constantly being developed
in the laboratory as part of population exposure and indoor air quality studies.
Keywords: environmental pollutants; analytical chemistry; indoor air quality; biomonitoring; human exposure
Biomaterials/Radiation
Li Chunsheng, Ph.D.
Radiation Protection Bureau
Health Canada
775 Brookfield Road
Postal Locator: 6302A
Ottawa, Ontario
K1A 1C1
Telephone: (613) 954-0299
E-mail: li_chunsheng@hc-sc.gc.ca
Academic Qualifications
Ph.D., Radiochemistry
Description of the Area of Research
Our research includes the following:
- Method development for measuring trace radionuclides in human and environmental samples by using radiometric methods and ICP-MS;
- Method development for monitoring radionuclides and heavy metals in natural waters; and
- Health effects of radionuclides taken in from food and water.
Currently, we are heavily involved in the federal counterterrorism research and development program. The projects are on a rapid method for assessing actinides in a nuclear emergency, the health effects of radiological dispersal devices ("dirty bomb") and nuclear forensics. We have sufficient funding and adequate facilities to support research of a PDF scientist for a period of two years.
Keywords: human and environmental monitoring; radiological and nuclear emergency; health effects; radiochemistry; ICP-MS
Joseph N. Daka, Ph.D.
Device Surveillance Division
Medical Devices Bureau
Health Canada
775 Brookfield Road
Postal Locator: 6302B
Ottawa, Ontario
K1A 1C1
E-mail: joseph_n_daka@hc-sc.gc.ca
Academic Qualifications
Ph.D., Chemistry, University of Ottawa
M.Eng., Chemical Engineering, University of Ottawa
B.Sc. (Chemistry and Mathematics), University of Zambia
Description of the Area of Research
Our research areas include studies of the biocompatibility and biosafety of the polymer materials used to manufacture implantable medical devices and scaffolds for tissue engineering. This is an emerging area of biotechnology that would provide replacement tissues for patients. The research will help in identifying unsafe performance characteristics and failure modes of medical devices̓ materials, such as polyurethane and polylactic acids. In compliance with the requirements of the Canadian Food and Drugs Act, the data will provide the background information needed for health risk assessments and for regulatory actions to ensure the safety and efficacy of the devices. The research techniques will involve the use of tissue culture and the use of GC-MS, HPLC, FT-IR, etc., to understand how living cells interact or respond to synthetic biomaterials, such as scaffolds, and to develop new knowledge in the area.
Keywords: medical devices; biomaterials; tissue culture; scaffolds; tissue engineering; biotechnology; biocompatibility; biosafety
Gary H. Kramer, Ph.D.
Human Monitoring Section
Radiation Surveillance and Health Assessment Division
Radiation Protection Bureau
Safe Environments Program
Healthy Environments and Consumer Safety Branch
Health Canada
Postal Locator: 6302D1
Ottawa, Ontario
K1A 1C1
Telephone: (613) 954-6668
E-mail: gary_h_kramer@hc-sc.gc.ca
Academic Qualifications
Ph.D., Sussex University
B.Sc. (Honours), Sussex University
Description of the Area of Research
Research is generally conducted to improve radiation measurement accuracy as well as phantom design and fabrication. Where accuracy cannot be improved, research is conducted to quantify the uncertainties associated with a series of measurements. For example, the effect of a person's height and weight on the result from a whole body count. In other cases, research may address a special project.
In the past, the following projects have been carried out:
- Whole body counting: size dependency, counter design, geometry effects, simplified calibration curves and standing Bottle Manikin Absorber (BOMAB);
- Lung: size dependency, effect of activity distributions, effect of chest wall thickness and composition, the quantification of distribution patterns, techniques for determining phantom characteristics, phantom comparisons, simplified calibration curve, MDA reduction, and phantom design and fabrication;
- Thyroid: phantom design and fabrication, iodine metabolism, measurement accuracy improvement, and geometry effects, including collimation; and
- Emergency response: optimum use of field-deployable equipment.
Keywords: Monte Carlo simulations; in vivo measurements; phantoms; calibration; internal dosimetry
James P. McNamee, Ph.D.
Consumer and Clinical Radiation Protection Bureau
Product Safety Programme
Healthy Environments and Consumer Safety Branch
Health Canada
775 Brookfield Road
Postal Locator: 6303B
Ottawa, Ontario
K1A 1C1
Telephone: (613) 954-7804
Fax: (613) 941-1734
E-mail: james_mcnamee@hc-sc.gc.ca
Academic Qualifications
Ph.D., Pharmacology and Toxicology, Queen's University
B.Sc., Life Sciences, Queen's University
Description of the Area of Research
Our research has been focused in three general areas. The first pertains to investigating the potential biological effects of exposure of cell cultures and/or animals to both ionizing radiation and electromagnetic fields, such as those generated by mobile phones and power lines. Our studies have employed both traditional markers of genotoxicity and, more recently, we have been using DNA microarrays in an attempt to identify possible subtle changes in gene expression.
The second area of interest is the development of new and/or the improvement of existing techniques for the assessment of genotoxicity in both cell culture and whole animal systems. Of particular interest is the development of high throughput techniques, such as the erythrocyte micronucleus assay and detection of radiation-induced dicentric chromosomes by flow cytometry.
Finally, our third area of interest relates to the identification and evaluation of potential radioprotectors and/or therapeutic agents for immediate term treatment following a radiation overexposure. Various approaches to minimizing the hematopoietic effects of acute radiation expsoure are being investigated.
Keywords: radiation; cell phone; radiofrequency; magnetic; microarray; genotoxin
Bliss L. Tracy, Ph.D.
Radiological Impact Section
Radiation Surveillance and Health Assessment Division
Radiation Protection Bureau
Safe Environments Program
Healthy Environments and Consumer Safety Branch
Health Canada
Postal Locator: 6302D1
Ottawa, Ontario
K1A 1C1
Telephone: (613) 954-6678
Fax: (613) 957-1089
E-mail: bliss_tracy@hc-sc.gc.ca
Academic Qualifications
Ph.D., Nuclear Physics, McMaster University
B.Sc. (Honours), Physics, University of New Brunswick
Description of the Area of Research
The Radiological Impact Section studies pathways for the transport of radionuclides and other contaminants through the environment and the uptake of these contaminants by human populations. This work is supported by Health Canada's coast-to-coast network of air monitoring stations. Atmospheric transport models are used to trace the pathways of contaminants arriving from distant sources. Currently, there is an emphasis on the study of long-range transport of contaminants into the Canadian Arctic and the effects of climate change on the Arctic environment and northern communities. Assessments are being carried out on the effects of these contaminants on human health.
Our laboratory also includes a subprogram dealing with the measurement of radon gas in homes and public buildings — a broad inter-disciplinary area of research. In addition to radiation specialists, this research would appeal to those with backgrounds in general physics, chemistry, atmospheric science, ecology, biology or health science.
Keywords: radiation; radionuclides; atmosphere; ecosystems; climate change
Cancer and Genetics
Rekha Mehta, Ph.D.
Research Scientist and A/Chief, Toxicology Research Division
Bureau of Chemical Safety, Food Directorate
Health Products and Food Branch
2E-Sir F.G. Banting Research Centre
Postal Locator: 2202D1
Ottawa, Ontario
K1A 0L2
E-mail: rekha_mehta@hc-sc.gc.ca
Academic Qualifications
Ph.D., St. Mary's Hospital Medical School, University of London
B.Sc. (Honours), Queen Elizabeth College, University of London
Postdoctoral training at University of Surrey, UK, and Ontario Cancer Institute, University of Toronto
Descriptions of the Area of Research
Research is conducted to determine the potential for genotoxic and carcinogenic effects of novel foods, and chemical food contaminants and additives as well as the modulation of their effects by dietary intervention. Current projects focus on elucidating the role of soy phytoestrogens and veterinary bovine growth promoters in breast and colon cancer, with an emphasis on the genomic and proteomic basis of carcinogenesis. Opportunities and facilities are available to
- Utilize either classical rodent cancer initiation-promotion models or transgenic strains; and
- Apply ample biochemical, histological, immunological and molecular techniques (e.g., DNA adduct and oxidative stress analysis, detection of aberrant lesions in tissue whole-mount preparations, immunohistochemistry, RT-PCR, blotting, DNA microarrays, and protein arrays).
The ultimate goal of this research is to provide tools and data for enhanced risk assessment of food products and it will, therefore, provide a rich training environment for application of scientific knowledge for food regulation and policy decisions.
Keywords: novel foods; food contaminants; breast and colon cancer; genomics; proteomics
Environmental Toxicology
Genevieve S. Bondy, Ph.D.
Toxicology Research Division
Bureau of Chemical Safety
Food Directorate
Health Products and Food Branch
Health Canada
Tunney's Pasture
Postal Locator: 2204D2
Ottawa, Ontario
K1A 0L2
E-mail: genevieve_bondy@hc-sc.gc.ca
Academic Qualifications
Ph.D., Toxicology, University of Guelph
B.Sc., Biology (Honours), Acadia University
Description of the Area of Research
Our laboratory conducts toxicological research in the field of immunotoxicology. To fulfill the Food Directorate's program requirements, we focus on short-term, long-term and developmental studies that evaluate the immunomodulatory effects of food and environmental contaminants, food constituents, and novel foods. Our ongoing research spans a wide range of topics and offers opportunities for varied and comprehensive experience in regulatory immunotoxicology.
In terms of food contaminants, our multi-assay approach incorporates
- Measures of humoral immunity (specific and non-specific immunoglobulin induction);
- Cellular immunity (delayed-type hypersensitivity, cytokine induction); and
- Innate immunity (natural killer cell activity) as well as lymphocyte phenotyping and proliferation assays.
Our current research activities also include the following:
- Toxicological and immunotoxicological effects of the industrial fluorochemical and peroxisome proliferator perfluorooctansulfonate in adult Sprague-Dawley rats;
- Developmental toxicity and immunotoxicity of polybrominated diphenylether flame retardants in Sprague-Dawley rats; and
- Immunomodulation and carcinogenicity of genotoxic and non-genotoxic fungal toxins in six-month alternative cancer bioassays using transgenic p53 heterozygous mice.
Although most immunotoxicology research is concerned with detecting putative immunosuppression, immunostimulation is also a concern with food. To address this, our laboratory is developing approaches to study allergies associated with food. There is currently no validated animal model to assess the allergic potential of novel or genetically modified foods. The focus of this project area is to develop an oral sensitization exposure regimen for the C3H/HeJ mouse, with the goal of furthering the development and validation of an animal model of food allergy.
Keywords: immunotoxicology; food; food contaminants; allergy
Daniel Desaulniers, Ph.D.
Environmental and Occupational Toxicology Division
Healthy Environments and Consumers Safety Branch
Health Canada
Tunney's Pasture
Postal Locator: 0803D
Ottawa, Ontario
K1A 0K9
Telephone: (613) 957-1552
Fax: (613) 957-8800
E-mail: daniel_desaulniers@hc-sc.gc.ca
Academic Qualifications
Ph.D., Biomedical Sciences, University of Montreal
M.Sc., Veterinary Anatomy and Physiology, University of Montreal
B.Sc., Renewable Resources, McGill University
Description of the Area of Research
Post-doctoral fellows are required to investigate the hypothesis that exposure to environmental contaminants can induce adverse effects in the liver and brain by affecting such things as DNA methylation, estrogen metabolism and signalling. In carcinogenesis, the hypothesis to be investigated is that environmental contaminants have epigenetic effects that lead to changes in gene expression and microsatellite instability.
Effects on embryo epigenetics and placental functions are also areas of interest. In vivo protocols assess the magnitude of effects associated with exposure in utero or during the postnatal period. As a government laboratory, our research must provide data for the risk assessment of priority contaminants identified under the Canadian Environmental Protection Act. Our laboratory investigates important health effects of the highest concern to the Canadian population. We compare the dose-response effects of chemicals on classical and new endpoints with the intent of refining and/or developing chemical testing strategies to protect Canadians.
Keywords: reproduction; toxicology; cancer; epigenetic; estrogen metabolism
Santokh Gill
Toxicology Research Division
Food Directorate
Health Products and Food Branch
Health Canada
Sir Frederick Banting Research Centre
1 Ross Avenue
Postal Locator: 2202D2
Ottawa, Ontario
K1A 0L2
Telephone: 613-952-9555
Fax: 613-941-6959
E-mail: Santokh_Gill@hc-sc.gc.ca
Academic Qualifications
Ph.D., Dept of Microbiology, University of Laval
M.Sc., Dept of Biology, University of Carleton
B.Sc (Honours), Dept of Biology, University of Carleton
Description of the Area of Research
We are using various cellular and molecular approaches to study toxic effects of food and environmental contaminants in the developing and the adult central nervous system. These toxins include natural toxins (seafood toxins- including domoic acid, spirolides); environmental pollutants entering the food chain, nutrients, and food additives.
In recent years we have focussed on the mechanistic investigations of chemical safety using molecular biomarkers of tissue and cellular injury markers of neural injury and degeneration.
Current research projects include neurotoxicology of excitatory amino acids, perfluorooctansulfonate (pfos), polybrominated diphenylether (flame retardants), and furan found in canned foods. We are also examining the glutamate receptors as mediators of cell injury in peripheral tissues. To this end, we have shown the presence of these glutamate receptors in peripheral tissues using molecular biology tools such as PCR, westerns Northerns, immunohistochemistry and in situ hybridization.
Commonly used techniques include PCR- gene fishing, differential display, DNA chips, Real-Time PCR, semi-quantitative RT-PCR, Northern and Western blots, cloning, promoter analysis, immunohistochemistry, and cell culture.
Keywords: glutamate receptors, gene expression, neurotoxicity, biomarkers
Dawn (Xiaolei) Jin, Ph.D.
Toxicology Research Division
Bureau of Chemical Safety
Food Directorate
Health Products and Food Branch
Health Canada
Tunney's Pasture
Postal Locator: 2204D2
Ottawa, Ontario
K1A 0L2
Phone: (613) 954-2045
Fax: (613) 941-6959
E-mail: dawn_jin@hc-sc.gc.ca
Academic Qualifications
Ph.D., Toxicology, Biochemistry, University of Toronto
M.Sc., Biochemistry, Toxicology, University of Guelph
B.Sc., Biochemistry, Jilin Agricultural University
Description of the Area of Research
Our research involves the identification and characterization of the toxicological and/or beneficial effects of foodborne chemicals (i.e., contaminants, additives, preservatives and veterinary drugs) and their interaction with diets in animal models using clinical, pathological, biochemical and molecular markers. We are particularly interested in the role of oxidative stress, antioxidant defence, and, in particular, DNA damage and repair in the toxic action of foodborne chemicals, the pathogenesis of various diseases and human health in general.
Mercury pollution and bioaccumulation imposes a significant health threat to fish consumers, and especially to Inuit living in the Canadian North, whose traditional diet is based on fish and marine mammals. Our current research is focused on the role of oxidative stress and antioxidant defence in the toxic effects of methylmercury and the modulating effects of dietary fats, proteins and antioxidants (e.g., vitamin E, selenium) on methylmercury toxicity in a rat model.
Our research also involves protein profiling and biomarker discovery in an animal model of mammary gland tumours using a state-of-art ProteinChip Biology System. This system uses surface-enhanced laser desorption/ionization time of flight mass spectrometry. It enables rapid, sensitive, reproducible, on-chip protein expression and analysis of complex biological samples without separation, tagging, and amplification processes and with minimal prior purification. This system also provides an advanced tool for studying the effects of toxicants on protein expression patterns and for identifying and characterizing novel protein biomarkers for early diagnosis and risk assessment of chemical exposure and/or disease development.
Keywords: food toxicology; foodborne chemicals; oxidative stress and antioxidant defenses; DNA damage and repair; protein profiling; biomarker discovery
Premkumari Kumarathasan, Ph.D.
Growth and Development Section
Health Environments and Consumer Safety Branch
Health Canada
Tunney's Pasture
Postal Locator: 0803C
Ottawa, Ontario
K1A 0L2
E-mail: premkumari_kumarathasan@hc-sc.gc.ca
Academic Qualifications
Ph.D., Chemistry, North Dakota State University
B.Sc. (Honours), Chemistry, University of Jaffna
Description of the Area of Research
Our main research focus is to understand the toxicity mechanisms underlying environmental contaminants-associated adverse health effects. We generate experimental atmospheres and carry out in vivo inhalation exposures of animals to environmental contaminants, such as air pollutants, to investigate the sequence of biological events that lead to toxicity of these pollutants.
Our laboratory is also focused on developing analytical methodologies (HPLC, GC-MS, proteomics by 2DGE-MALSI-TOF-PSD, metabolomics and peptidomics) for their application in biomarker research. Developing biomarkers of pollutant exposure and their effects is our main approach to the study of dose-response relationships, toxicity interactions, mechanistic pathways and susceptibility to pollutant exposures.
We carry out environmental sample analyses to find associations between chemical characteristics of pollutants and in vivo study-generated observations on biological responses. Our laboratory also conducts in vitro pollutant exposure studies to screen different pollutants to assess their potencies based on their toxicity characteristics. Our goal is to provide tools for reliable risk assessment and risk management procedures.
Keywords: inhalation exposure; air pollutants; analytical methods; mechanisms; biomarkers
David S. Michaud, Ph.D.
Consumer and Clinical Radiation Protection Bureau
Product Safety Programme
Healthy Environments and Consumer Safety Branch
Health Canada
775 Brookfield Road
Postal Locator: 6303B
Ottawa, Ontario
K1A 1C1
Telephone: (613) 954-6670
E-mail: david_michaud@hc-sc.gc.ca
Academic Qualifications
Adjunct professor, University of Ottawa (member of Faculty of Graduate and Postdoctoral Studies)
Ph.D., Experimental Psychology-Behavioural Neurosciences, University of Ottawa
BA., Psychology, University of Ottawa
Description of the Area of Research
Our research pertains to investigating the biological plausibility for the link between exposure to noise and the development of adverse health effects. This research has included experimental animal models in addition to studies with human subjects. The endpoints of interest in the animal research include behavioural, developmental and biochemical markers in response to either acute or chronic noise exposure. More recently, this research has also investigated changes resulting from the concomitant exposure to chronic noise and fractionated X-ray radiation.
The human studies to date have focused on objective and subjective markers of sleep disturbance under laboratory settings. There is an interest in studying these changes under field conditions. Our research also includes conducting social surveys to gauge subjective attitudes towards environmental noise. The animal and human research is integrated insofar as our group is interested in identifying novel noise-responsive biomarkers in animal models that can be non-invasively monitored in human saliva.
Keywords: sleep; noise; stress; salivary biomarkers; behavioural neuroscience; EEG
David Moir
Health Canada
Healthy Environments and Consumer Safety Branch
Tunney's Pasture
Postal Locator: 0801D3
Ottawa, Ontario
K1A 0L2
Telephone: (613) 957-4185
E-mail: david_moir@hc-sc.gc.ca
Academic Qualifications
Ph.D., Chemistry, Carleton University
B.Sc., Biochemistry, Carleton University
Description of the Area of Research
Pharmacokinetics and pharmacokinetic modelling are critically important in the assessment of risk from exposure to environmental chemicals. The classical kinetic descriptions of absorption, distribution, metabolism and excretion are required to understand the relationship between exposure and dose, and thereby allow for a more informed risk assessment. To that end, studies are undertaken that involve dosing of chemicals of concern at discrete levels using different routes of exposure. Residue analysis at timed intervals allows mathematical description of the time course in various tissues. Beyond the classical kinetic approach, kinetic modelling based on the physiology of the animal and the chemical-specific parameters has been shown to be a powerful tool in risk assessment. Physiologically based pharmacokinetic modelling (PBPK) offers the advantage of allowing route-to-route, dose-to-dose and species-to-species extrapolations. These extrapolations are especially important in the risk
assessment of environmental chemicals.
Keywords: pharmacokinetics; modelling; PBPK; toxicokinetics
Rudolf W. Mueller, DVM, Ph.D.
Health Products and Food Branch
Sir Frederick Banting Research Centre
Toxicology Research Division
Tunney's Pasture
Postal Locator: 2202D2
Ottawa, Ontario
K1A 0L2
E-mail: rudi_mueller@hc-sc.gc.ca
Academic Qualifications
Ph.D., DVM, M.Sc., Adjunct professor in Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine,
University of Ottawa
Description of the Area of Research
Our research is focused on aspects of pathobiology and molecular pathology in relation to toxins, microbes, parasites, drugs and implanted devices as well as their effects on live organisms.
Experimental studies involve the main species of laboratory animals and monkeys.
Extensive research is carried out in conjunction with novel foods that are tested in various animal models for their long-term effects on development and longevity.
In collaboration with the Ottawa Heart Institute, several projects involved the host interaction with implanted devices. Special pathology studies are carried out on the effects of glutamic acid analogues, such as domoic acid on the circulatory and nervous system.
Keywords: pathology; pathobiology; molecular pathology; toxicologic pathology; comparative pathology; medical devices
Pat Rasmussen
Research Scientist
Environmental and Occupational Toxicology Division
Environmental Health Science Bureau
Safe Environments Programme
Healthy Environments and Consumer Safety Branch
Health Canada
Tunney's Pasture
Postal Locator: 0803C
Ottawa, Ontario
K1A 0L2
E-mail: pat_rasmussen@hc-sc.gc.ca
Academic Qualifications
Ph.D., Faculty of Science, University of Waterloo
M.Sc., Earth Sciences Department, University of Toronto
B.Sc., Earth Sciences Department (Honours), University of Waterloo
Description of the Area of Research
As part of the Inhalation Toxicology and Aerobiology Section, our research focuses on the characterization of metals in airborne particles and settled dust in residential environments. Equipment is available to quantify particle size distribution in indoor and outdoor air samples and to permit the collection of size-segregated particle fractions for mass measurement, total metal analysis and metal speciation studies. Collected samples are separated into a series of aerodynamic size fractions (for the inhalation pathway) and physical size fractions (for the ingestion pathway) prior to chemical characterization.
Gravimetric analysis is performed in a dedicated Class 100 clean balance room equipped with humidity and temperature controls that meet US-EPA guidelines for mass measurement of PM 2.5 and PM 10 in ambient air. Metal concentrations are determined using inductively coupled plasma mass spectroscopy (ICPMS) with a dynamic reaction cell. In vitro extraction techniques are performed on the particle samples to determine the solubility of particle-bound metal compounds under the pH and ionic strength conditions of human body fluids, as a function of particle size. The purpose of this research is to extend our understanding of potential adverse effects of the metals component of relevant size fractions of urban particulate matter.
Keywords: metals; particulate matter; human exposures; house dust; in vitro extractions
Mietek Szyszkowicz
Research Analyst
Air Health Effects Division
Healthy Environments and Consumer Safety Branch
Health Canada
Chomley Building, 400 Cooper Street
Postal Locator: 4602C
Ottawa, Ontario
K1A 0K9
Phone: (613) 946-3542
Email: mietek_szyszkowicz@hc-sc.gc.ca
Academic Qualifications
Ph.D., Applied Mathematics
Description of the Area of Research
Our research is involved in developing methodological strategies to detect associations between air pollution and health outcomes with a particular emphasis on meteorology. Classical approaches have utilized time-series analyses and event-driven methods (e.g., Case Cross-over), which allow for an estimation of acute health risks relating to changes in air pollution. We are working on extending these methods through the use of techniques such as cluster and principal components analyses. Greater insight into these relationships will prove valuable, as the manner in which they can adversely affect health is an important concern of the general public. Our research attempts to answer the following:
- What environmental exposures trigger the aggravation of symptoms that require hospitalization?
- What interventions exist to minimize the exacerbation of disease such that health care utilization is reduced?
There is currently rich data available to address the above research needs or other similarly related research.
Keywords: air pollution; awareness; emergency department; time-series
Paul J Villeneuve Ph.D.
Air Health Effects Division
Healthy Environments and Consumer Safety Branch
Health Canada
Chomley Building
400 Cooper Street
Postal Locator: 4602C
Ottawa, Ontario
K1A 0K9
Phone: (613) 941-5161
E-mail: Paul_Villeneuve@hc-sc.gc.ca
Academic Qualifications
Ph.D., Epidemiology, University of Toronto
M.Sc., Epidemiology, University of Ottawa
B.Math, University of Waterloo
Description of the Area of Research
Our laboratory is actively involved in conducting environmental epidemiologic research, primarily in the area of air pollution. Several of our current projects focus on chronic exposures to air pollution, diesel exhaust and cancer risk. For example, we are investigating the relationship between outdoor levels of air pollution and the incidence of childhood leukemia and lung cancer in adults. Other projects currently under development include an evaluation of the association between occupational exposure to diesel and lung cancer and an evaluation of the relationship between environmental exposures and drug and physician utilization.
In addition to the above projects, other research interests include the comparison and development of methodologic strategies for evaluating the relationship between environmental exposures and acute health effects. These strategies include the use of geographical information systems to assign environmental exposures and the utilization of case-crossover and time-series methods to evaluate the effect of environmental exposures on human health.
Keywords: epidemiology; air pollution; cancer epidemiology
Renaud Vincent, Ph.D.
Head, Growth and Development Section
Room 338, Environmental Health Centre
Tunney's Pasture
Postal Locator: 0803C
Ottawa, Ontario
K1A 0L2
E-mail: renaud_vincent@hc-sc.gc.ca
Academic Qualifications
Ph.D., Biology, Sherbrooke University
M.Sc., Biology, Sherbrooke University
B.Sc., Microbiology and Immunology, McGill University
Description of the Area of Research
Our areas of research involve the following:
- Effects of ambient air particulate matter in cell culture models: Identification, in cell culture models, of potential determinants of the potency of respirable environmental particles. Development of in vitro strategies for toxicodynamic inferences as adjunct to in vivo testing, exposure modelling and human health studies. Altered macrophage responses to phorbol myristate acetate (protein kinase C pathways and activation of NADPH oxidase), zymosan (phagocytosis related respiratory burst), and a combination of LPS and interferon-gamma (activation of nitric oxide production). Stress genes induction (HSP70, MT, CYP1A) in target cell models;
- Inhalation toxicology of urban particulate matter: Biological responses to inhaled particulate matter recovered from ambient air. Toxicological interactions with inhaled oxidants. Preparation of reference batches of particulate matter (EHC-93, EHC-96, EHC-98, EHC-2K). Bronchoalveolar lavage biochemistry and cytology, macrophage functional assays, cytokine production, cytokinetics, lung morphometry, vasoactive peptides, and proteomics. Search for critical toxicological endpoints for dose-response assessments. Investigation of the cardiovascular effects of ambient particulate matter and gaseous pollutants at ambient and near-ambient levels using ECG and blood pressure telemetry and analysis of vasoactive peptides. Determination of a multipollutant toxicodynamic model for acute pulmonary lesions factoring pollutant interactions using cytokinetics and morphometry;
- Vasoactive peptides in human subjects exposed to urban fine particles: Transfer to human studies of the biomarkers of cardiovascular and pulmonary effects developed in animal experimentation; and
- Effects of particles and ozone in transgenic models of biological sensitivity: Investigation of the impact of acute and repeated inhalation exposures (90-day) to ozone and particulate matter on the pathogenesis of emphysema in a transgenic mouse model expressing constitutively pulmonary TNF-alpha under transcriptional control of the SPC promoter.
Michael Wade, Ph.D.
Systemic Toxicology and Pharmacokinetics Section
Environmental Health Program
Healthy Environments and Consumer Safety Branch
Health Canada
Tunney's Pasture
Postal Locator: 0803D
Ottawa, Ontario
K1A 0L2
Telephone: (613) 946-5127
Fax: (613) 957-8800
E-mail: mike_wade@hc-sc.gc.ca
Academic Qualifications
Ph.D., Zoology, University of Guelph
B.Sc., Zoology, University of Guelph
Description of the Area of Research
Our research program focuses on the impacts of environmental and occupational chemical exposure on both the thyroid and reproductive hormone physiology and on the developmental and reproductive sequelae of such exposures. Our work delves into the molecular consequences of hormone action — whether in the developing germ cells in the adult testis or in the developing brain of the fetus or neonate — with the aim of identifying the molecular target of endocrine disruption. While the goal of this work is to understand the process of toxicity and predict the extent of adverse effects and possible interventions to minimize damage, an equally important goal is to develop validated end points that can be used as predictive tools in toxicity testing and risk assessment.
Keywords: endocrine disruption; reproductive toxicology; testis; thyroid; spermatogenesis
Amanda J. Wheeler
Air Health Effects Division
Health Canada
400 Cooper Street
Postal Locator: 4602C
Ottawa, Ontario
K1A 0K9
Telephone: (613) 948-3686
Fax: (613) 948-8482
E-mail: amanda_wheeler@hc-sc.gc.ca
Academic Qualifications
Ph.D., Environmental Health, Middlesex University
Description of the Area of Research
Personal exposure information is valuable in obtaining a comprehensive understanding of the risks posed to human health in specific situations. To obtain more precise estimates of human exposure to air pollution, Health Canada is undertaking a personal exposure study. This requires individuals to carry an array of equipment over an extended period of time (usually days) so that personal exposures to a variety of air pollutants can be measured. This personal monitoring equipment, which is usually carried in a backpack, captures and displays individual-level results. This approach also provides information about the specific situations and sources of exposure experienced by healthy adults and children. Health Canada can then develop a better understanding of the risks individuals face. Indoor and outdoor monitoring at the individual's residence will estimate potential sources of personal exposure.
Another aspect of the exposure research is the development of a spatial monitoring network to more accurately estimate gradients of air pollution across urban areas.
Recent research findings from Europe indicate that limited monitoring within cities may underestimate human exposure to air pollution and its impact on residents' health. This research is being utilized to estimate the chronic exposure of participants to air pollution in other health studies.
Keywords: air pollution; monitoring; modelling; epidemiology; chemistry
Carole Lyn Yauk, Ph.D.
Environmental Health Centre
Health Canada
Building 8
Tunney's Pasture
Postal Locator: 0803A
Ottawa, Ontario
K1A 0L2
E-mail: carole_yauk@hc-sc.gc.ca
Academic Qualifications
Ph.D., Biology
B.Sc., Biology
Description of the Area of Research
Our research has focused on the development and application of new molecular biology techniques for the measurement of biological changes resulting spontaneously and from exposure to environmental genotoxins. In a very broad sense, our interests lie in understanding the impact of exposure to toxic chemicals on mutation, disease and other significant biological endpoints as well as the biological significance of these endpoints, the expression pathways that result, and the use of these pathways and/or endpoints as biomarkers for exposure. We are very interested in using DNA microarrays as a tool to investigate the response of cells, tissues and organisms to xenobiotic exposures. These studies will increase our understanding of the mechanisms, targets and interactions involved in induced response as well as validate the potential application of microarray technology as a method of risk assessment.
Keywords: microarray; mutation; genotoxin; biomarkers
Epidemiology/Surveillance
Zachary Jacobson, Ph.D.
Senior Mathematician
Applied Research and Analysis Directorate, HPB
Jeanne Mance Building, 5th floor
Tunney's Pasture
Postal locator: 1905C
Ottawa, Ontario
K1A 0K9
E-mail: zack_jacobson@hc-sc.gc.ca
Academic Qualifications
Ph.D., Mathematical Psychology, University of Waterloo University
MA., Experimental Psychology, University of Waterloo
B.Sc., Math and Physics, Dalhousie
Description of the Area of Research
Our research focuses on the general disease spread model. We are developing model(s) of rapidly developing epidemics (e.g., SARS, pandemic influenza, smallpox) in order to make available a robust tool for policy advice as new disease outbreaks appear, in the "early days" while they are still perhaps poorly understood. Such a tool would aim to provide reasonable answers quickly in the absence of a good data history for questions such as the optimal intervention strategy among those available and the optimal research and development priorities (e.g., coronary vascular disease, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)).
We are also concentrating on the study of endemic infectious diseases (e.g., "normal year" influenza, Tuberculosis (TB)). This includes modelling behaviours and impacts of possible interventions. Compare with modelling techniques appropriate for chronic but noninfectious disease (e.g. coronary vascular disease, COPD).
Keywords: epidemic; infectious disease; modelling; epidemiology; optimal response; mathematics
Food Technology and Nutrition
John W. Austin, Ph.D.
Bureau of Microbial Hazards
Food Directorate
Health Products and Food Branch
Health Canada
Sir Frederick Banting Research Centre
Tunney's Pasture
Postal Locator: 2204A2
Ottawa, Ontario
K1A 0L2
E-mail: john_austin@hc-sc.gc.ca
Academic Qualifications
Ph.D., Microbiology and Immunology, University of Western Ontario
M.Sc., Biology, University of Windsor
B.Sc., Biology, University of Windsor
Description of the Area of Research
Our reseach focuses on the epidemiology of foodborne and infant botulism, the growth and ecology of clostridium botulinum in foods, the development and testing of in vitro assays for detection of botulinum neurotoxin, and the adherence of bacteria to foods and food processing surfaces as well as bacterial cell surface structures.
Keywords: clostridium botulinum; botulism; bacterial biofilms; food microbiology; microscopy
Kevin A. Cockell, Ph.D.
Nutrition Research Division
Food Directorate
Health Products and Food Branch
Health Canada
Sir Frederick Banting Research Centre
1 Ross Avenue
Postal Locator: 2203C
Ottawa, Ontario
K1A 0L2
E-mail: kevin_cockell@hc-sc.gc.ca
Academic Qualifications
Ph.D., Nutritional Sciences, University of Guelph
B.Sc., Fisheries Biology, University of Guelph
Description of the Area of Research
Our research activities involve metabolic interactions of mineral nutrients. Interactions between mineral nutrients, or between minerals and other nutrients, can have profound impacts on metabolism and ultimately upon health. Examples of recent work include the influence of elevated intakes of calcium and/or phosphorus on the metabolism and distribution of trace mineral nutrients (e.g., iron, manganese, copper, zinc) and the effects of dietary conjugated linoleic acid on parameters of bone health. Imbalances of dietary selenium, copper or iron can lead to the alteration of risk factors for cardiovascular diseases, including serum cholesterol and triglyceride levels. Production of oxidized proteins and/or lipids through oxidative stress resulting from dietary trace element imbalances is also being investigated. Investigation of mineral nutrient toxicities and tolerable upper limits of intake is another area of continuing interest. Metal stable isotope tracer work is facilitated through the
rent acquisition of a high resolution/multicollector ICP-MS.
Keywords: nutrition and health; mineral nutrients; trace elements; metabolism and interactions; metal stable isotope tracer methodology
G. Sarwar Gilani, Ph.D.
Nutrition Research Division
Food Directorate
Health Products and Food Branch
Health Canada
Tunney's Pasture
Postal Locator: 2203C
Ottawa, Ontario
K1A 0L2
Telephone: (613) 957-0933
E-mail: sarwar_gilani@hc-sc.gc.ca
Academic Qualifications
Ph.D., Nutritional Sciences, University of Saskatchewan
M.Sc., Food Science/Nutrition, University of Saskatchewan
M.Sc., Agricultural Chemistry, University of Peshawar, Pakistan
B.Sc., University of Peshawar
Description of the Area of Research
Our research program is primarily focused on assessing the safety and nutritional quality as well as the health aspects of dietary proteins and associated minor bioactive components. We are also looking at their levels in the Canadian diet, including sole-source foods such as infant formulas and enteral nutritionals, and developing state-of-the-art methods for determining peptide/amino acid sequences and phytoestrogens. New evidence concerning the potential health benefits and the possible risks associated with various aspects of dietary protein and associated phytoestrogens is constantly emerging in both the scientific literature and popular media. At times, controversies about these findings evolve, requiring a number of studies to address those issues that are most relevant to nutritional policies set by Health Canada's food program.
The Protein Research Program has generated important research findings on the safety, nutritional quality and health aspects of dietary proteins and associated phytoestrogens. The amount and source of dietary protein and associated phytoestrogens were found to have significant effects on hypertension. The state-of-the-art liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry methodology for the determination of isoflavones (a major subclass of phytoestrogens) in blood and urine has been developed to study the metabolic effects of soy isoflavones in a multi-generation rodent study. We have found that the bioavailability of isoflavones was influenced by gender, age and food matrix. Moreover, the estrus cycle in female rats was affected by the source of dietary isoflavones (bound versus extracted supplement).
This research could provide scientific guidance in developing appropriate policy and/or regulations regarding safe upper levels of dietary isoflavones and in developing regulatory standards and protocols for testing the safety of isoflavone-containing functional foods. Our research could also address emerging issues related to potential health claims for soy protein and/or isoflavones and bioactive peptides from animal protein sources.
Keywords: dietary proteins; bioactive peptides; phytoestrogens; bioavailability; nutritional safety; blood cholesterol; hypertension
Chaowu Xiao, Ph.D.
Nutrition Research Division
Bureau of Nutritional Sciences
Food Directorate
Health Products and Food Branch
Health Canada
Postal Locator: 2203C
Ottawa, Ontario
K1A 0L2
Telephone: (613) 946-4566
Fax: (613) 941-6182
E-mail: chaowu_xiao@hc-sc.gc.ca
Academic Qualifications
Ph.D., University of Montreal
M.Sc., McGill University
M.Sc., South-China Agricultural University
B.Sc., Hunan Agricultural University
Description of the Area of Research
Our research is focused on the interactions of nutrients and gene expression involved in endocrine function, reproduction and chronic diseases such as cardiovascular diseases, diabetes and carcinogenesis. We are using various cellular and molecular approaches to study
- The effect of dietary soy proteins and associated anti-nutritional factors on gene expression involved in thyroid hormone, lipid and bone metabolisms;
- The potential antithyroid effect of soy consumption and iodine deficiency;
- The effect of consumption of conjugated linoleic acid isomers during early development on prostaglandin production and gene expression; and
- The impact of different dietary sources of proteins on gene expression involved in the conversion of dietary-linolenic acid to long-chain omega-3 fatty acids.
The techniques most commonly used include PCR-select mRNA differential display, semi-quantitative RT-PCR, Northern blot, Western blot, gene cloning and transfection, electrophoretic mobility shift assay, immunohistochemistry, and tissue culture.
Keywords: soy proteins; phytochemicals; conjugated linoleic acid; gene expression; chronic diseases
Immunology
William L. Casley
Centre for Biologics Research
Biologics and Genetic Therapies Directorate
Health Canada
Sir Frederick Banting Research Centre
Tunney's Pasture
Postal Locator: 2201C
Ottawa, Ontario
K1A 0L2
Telephone: (613) 957-3096
Fax: (613) 941-8933
E-mail: bill_casley@hc-sc.gc.ca
Academic Qualifications
Ph.D., Biology, University of Ottawa
M.Sc., Biochemistry, University of Western Ontario
B.Sc.(Honours), Genetics
Description of the Area of Research
Microbial pathogens continue to pose a threat to the safety of blood and blood products as therapeutic agents. A number of serological and nucleic acid-based assays are currently in use to identify contaminated materials. Pathogens such as hepatitis C virus, Human Immunodeficiency Virus and, more recently, West Nile Virus are routinely screened for using nucleic acid-based testing (NAT) methods, which permit the detection of very low copy numbers of these viral genomes prior to seroconversion.
Newly emergent blood-borne pathogens are a constant challenge in ensuring the safety of blood and blood products. Our laboratory is involved in a number of international collaborations to ensure the validity and appropriate implementation of existing NAT methods for virus detection. In addition, we are interested in developing novel methods for the detection of known pathogens for which NAT methods are not currently available as well as for potential emergent viral or bacterial pathogens.
Keywords: pathogen screening; nucleic-acid testing; blood
Sean (Xuguang) Li, Ph.D.
Centre for Biologics Research
Biologics and Genetic Therapies Directorate
Health Products and Food Branch
Health Canada
Tunney's Pasture
Postal Locator: 2201C
Ottawa, Ontario
K1A 0K9
Telephone: (613) 941-6149
E-mail: sean_li@hc-sc.gc.ca
Academic Qualifications
Ph.D., Microbiology and Immunology, McGill University
M.D., Medical College of Suzhou University, China
Description of the Area of Research
Intranasal administration of vaccines in the form of a recombinant live virus is the most effective way of inducing mucosal immunity against respiratory viral infections such as those caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS) and influenza viruses. However, inadvertent infection of the central nervous system and “exaggerated” inflammation of the normal tissues are of great concern when administering vaccines in this form. Our research is aimed at gaining a better understanding of the use of virus vectors as vaccines and gene therapy vehicles in the context of tissue distribution, immune responses and immunopathological reactions.
Interferons (IFNs) have been shown to exhibit potent anti-viral, anti-proliferative and immunomodulatory activities in response to virus infection and other biological inducers. While the therapeutic values of IFNs are unquestionable, they also represent one of the most common sources of adverse events associated with the prescription of biologics. Our research is focused on systemic dissection of the molecular pathways involved in these pathological processes.
Keywords: vaccine; gene therapy; anti-viral agent; immune response; immunopathogenesis
Kirsten Mattison, Ph.D.
Microbiology Research Division
Bureau of Microbial Hazards
Food Directorate
Health Products and Food Branch
Health Canada
Sir Frederick Banting Research Centre, Tunney's Pasture
Postal Locator: 2204A2
Ottawa, Ontario
K1A 0L2
Telephone: (613) 957-0887
E-mail: kirsten_mattison@hc-sc.gc.ca
Academic Qualifications
Ph.D., Oregon Health and Science University
B.Sc., University of British Columbia
Description of the Area of Research
Our laboratory is focused on the study of enterically transmitted viruses, working predominantly with the hepatitis A virus and noroviruses and also having studied rotavirus and the enteric adenoviruses. We examine the survival and inactivation of these viruses in foods and develop and assess methodologies for the detection and characterization of these viruses from food. We are interested in risk assessment studies of viral contamination of foods and agricultural products. Current projects are the assessment of a novel virus capture and concentration method as a tool for the rapid detection of virus from food, the development of real-time PCR protocols to quantify viral load in contaminated food, and the development of a microarray to detect and characterize virus isolated from foods.
Keywords: foodborne infection; enteric viruses; virus isolation; DNA microarray
Hari M. Vijay, Ph.D., FAAAAI
Research Scientist
Growth and Development Section
Environmental and Occupational Toxicology Division
Sir Frederick Banting Building
Tunney's Pasture
Postal Locator: 2202D2
Ottawa, Ontario
K1A 0L2
Telephone: (613) 957-0962
E-mail: hari_vijay@hc-sc.gc.ca
Academic Qualifications
Ph.D., Chemistry, "Natural Products", University of Birmingham
M.Sc.Tech., Organic Chemistry, University of Manchester
B.Sc., (Honours), University of Bombay
Description of the Area of Research
Our research focuses on indoor aeroallergens and children's health. Research in this laboratory centres on obtaining pure indoor mould and mite allergens in unlimited quantities by using gene cloning techniques. These cloned allergens are used as reference standards and for the generation of specific polyclonal and monoclonal antibodies in order to develop immunological assays for screening the indoor allergens and also to determine the presence of antibodies and the changes in T- and B-lymphocytes of human subjects. Indoor fungi are a mixture of those that have entered from outdoors and those that grow and multiply indoors.
Penicillium, which is less common outdoors, is considered to be the major indoor fungus. It has been reported that indoor dampness and mould growth is positively associated with asthma and respiratory as well as non-specific symptoms. Fungi can cause health problems by allergenic and toxigenic mechanisms that need to be investigated considering Canadians spend 90 per cent of their time indoors. The health significance of indoor fungi may account for 18 per cent of all childhood asthma. It is important to know how moisture, microbial growth and health are related. The proposed study will provide the strongest evidence of casualty. Exposure during infancy could be a particularly important determinant of future allergic predispositions and chronic respiratory diseases.
Keywords: indoor; mould allergens; polyclonal and monoclonal antibodies
Medical Devices/Clinical Engineering
Kok-Swang Tan, Ph.D.
Medical Devices Bureau
Therapeutic Products Directorate
775 Brookfield Road
Postal Locator: 6302B
Ottawa, Ontario
K1A 1C1
E-mail: kokswang_tan@hc-sc.gc.ca
Academic Qualifications
Ph.D., University of Calgary
Description of the Area of Research
Users of medical devices have raised concerns about malfunctions caused by electromagnetic interference (EMI) from electromagnetic sources. Laboratory tests and clinical incident reports have confirmed some cases of hazardous malfunction due to EMI. The Medical Devices Bureau has investigated reports of interference that highlight the need for guidelines on the management of EMI within hospitals and advice to patients with implantable cardiac devices that may be affected by interference sources. For example, EMI effects on implantable cardioverter defibrillators (ICDs) may cause a number of malfunctions, some of which could cause inappropriate shocking of the patient. We are proposing to do a multi-centre clinical study on 300 ICD patients to determine the prevalence and clinical significance of EMI effects from five cell phone technologies on ICDs.
Keywords: electromagnetic interference; susceptibility; wireless telecommunication system; implantable cardioverter defibrillators; clinical study
Molecular Biology
Sabah Bidawid, Ph.D.
Bureau of Microbial Hazards
Food Directorate
Health Products and Food Branch
Health Canada
Sir Frederick Banting Research Centre
Tunney's Pasture
Postal Locator: 2204A2
Ottawa, Ontario
K1A 0L2
E-mail: sabah_bidawid@hc-sc.gc.ca
Academic Qualifications
Ph.D., Microbiology and Immunology, University of Ottawa
M.Sc., Microbiology and Immunology, University of Ottawa
Dip., Bacteriology, University of Manchester
Description of the Area of Research
Our research program focuses on pathogenic bacterial, parasitic and viral agents in foods. This includes research on Listeria, Salmonella, Shigella, Clostridium, Vibrios, E. coli, Campylobacter, protozoan parasites and foodborne viruses.
Our virology laboratory has been conducting research on foodborne viruses such as Hepatitis A virus and Noroviruses (Norwalk viruses) focussing on:
- Developing methods for virus concentration and molecular detection in foods (RT-PCR, DNA microarrays);
- Conducting studies on virus survival and inactivation in foods; and
- Investigating virus transfer between food handlers and foods.
Keywords: Food microbiology; bacteria, parasites, viruses , molecular methodology
Stephen P. J. Brooks, Ph.D.
Nutrition Research Division
Bureau of Nutritional Sciences
Food Directorate
Health Products and Food Branch
Sir Frederick Banting Research Centre
Postal Locator: 2203C
Ottawa, Ontario
K1A 0L2
E-mail: steve_brooks@hc-sc.gc.ca
Academic Qualifications
Ph.D., Biochemistry, Michigan State University
M.Sc., Biology, Brock University
B.Sc., Biology and Chemistry (Honours), Brock University
Description of the Area of Research
Research in our laboratory focuses on the effect of dietary fibre and fermentable material on the overall structure of the bacterial communities in the gastrointestinal tract.We use molecular-based techniques as well as culturing to follow changes in bacteria through cloning and sequencing of the 16S rDNA gene. We currently use animal models and humans to study the interaction of dietary factors (dietary fibre, frutooligosaccharides, antibiotics) and disease (post-weaning diarrhoea, diabetes) on bacterial populations. We are also developing and testing a bacterial species rDNA microarray to follow changes in several individuals simultaneously. In addition, we work on carbohydrate and dietary fibre detection methodology and the interaction between dietary fibre and minerals along the GI tract.
Keywords: dietary fibre; probiotics; bacteriology; molecular biology; nutrition
George R. Douglas, Ph.D.
Head, Mutagenesis Section
Healthy Environments and Consumer Safety Branch
Environmental Health Centre
Tunney's Pasture
Postal Locator: 0803A
Ottawa, Ontario
K1A 0L2
E-mail: george_douglas@hc-sc.gc.ca
Academic Qualifications
Ph.D., Genetics, University of Western Ontario
B.Sc. (Honours), University of Western Ontario
Description of the Area of Research
Research in our laboratory centres on the study of mutagenesis in vivo using transgenic mouse models and in the development of cell lines from cancer target tissues from such mice in order to reduce assumptions in studying mechanisms in vitro. DNA micro-arrays are being used to study gene expression changes associated with mutation induction to better understand mechanisms of action and to compare similarities between cell lines and their tissue sources. Other interests include development of methods to detect mutations in animal tissues in situ. Applications of transgenic technology include, for example, the study of complex mixture environmental pollutants such as airborne particulates and the by-products of bioremediation. Other research within our Section includes a diverse set of interests involving applications of toxicogenomics and proteomics.
Keywords: mutagenesis; transgenic mice; toxicogenomics; cell lines
Mary Alice Hefford
Centre for Biologics Research
Biologics and Genetic Therapies Directorate
Health Canada
Sir Frederick Banting Building
Tunney's Pasture
Postal Locator: 2201C
Ottawa, Ontario
K1A 0L2
Telephone: (613) 957-3627
E-mail: mary_hefford@hc-sc.gc.ca
Academic Qualifications
Adjunct Professor, Biochemistry Department, University of Ottawa
Ph.D., Biochemistry, University of Ottawa
B.Sc., Chemistry, Carleton University
Description of Research Area
For a protein to function properly, it must fold properly. Protein misfolding is the underlying cause in several diseases including Alzheimer's, Parkinson's, Huntington's, diabetes, cystic fibrosis and prion diseases. When a protein is used as a therapeutic to treat disease, protein folding is also critical. Protein misfolding can reduce the therapeutic efficacy and/or result in serious adverse reactions, including unpredicted immunogenicity. Research in this laboratory is directed towards the development of knowledge and methods to predict, understand and assess protein folding in either naturally occurring situations of health and disease or in formulations of therapeutic proteins.
Current work includes computer modelling of novel proteins; the prediction and subsequent validation of secondary and tertiary structural elements in recombinant proteins undergoing clinical assessment as a therapeutic product; the development of physico-chemical methodology to assess protein folding and/or misfolding in potential therapeutic agents and in subsequent entry (generic) biologics; and proteomic analysis.
Keywords: protein folding; protein chemistry; methods; prediction
Maya Kozlowski
Biologics and Genetic Therapies Directorate
Health Products and Food Branch
Health Canada
Sir Frederick Banting Building
Tunney's Pasture
Postal Locator: 2201C
Ottawa, Ontario
K1A 0L2
Telephone: (613) 941-6594
E-mail: maya_kozlowski@hc-sc.gc.ca
Academic Qualifications
Research Scientist, Health Canada
Adjunct Professor, School of Medicine, Department of Biochemistry, Microbiology and Immunology, University of Ottawa
Description of Research Area
Our research is in the field of chronic inflammatory and proliferative diseases and focuses on understanding the cellular factors and distinct genetic mutations that may impact on the safety and efficacy of biological therapeutics. Research includes an in-depth study of the role of signal transduction proteins regulating cytokine networks and inflammatory responses of monocytic/ macrophage cells derived from normal and immuno-compromised hosts. Employing genomics, proteomics and confocal microscopy experimental approaches combined with unique animal models of human diseases, we have been investigating the mechanisms by which biotherapeutics or bacterial/viral products affect the production of pro-inflammatory and regulatory cytokines and immune responses at the molecular level.
We are also interested in linking mutations in genes encoding signal transduction proteins, such as protein tyrosine kinases and phosphatases, to a predisposition to cancer and in identifying of therapeutic targets and biomarkers for early detection of breast adenocarcinoma and childhood leukemia.
Keywords: cytokines; signalling; inflammation; monocytes; cancer
Kylie A. Scoggan, Ph.D.
Research Scientist
Nutrition Research Division
Bureau of Nutritional Sciences
Food Directorate, Health Products and Food Branch
Sir Frederick Banting Research Centre
Tunney's Pasture
Postal Locator: 2203C
Ottawa, Ontario
K1A 0L2
E-mail: kylie_scoggan@hc-sc.gc.ca
Academic Qualifications
Ph.D., Pharmacology and Therapeutics, McGill University
B.Sc. (Honours), Cooperative Biochemistry, University of Waterloo
Description of the Area of Research
A number of common food products in the U.S.A. and Europe have been fortified with up to 12 per cent plant sterols or stanols because dietary plant sterols and stanols have been shown to lower blood cholesterol levels. While these functional foods may have beneficial effects for people with hypercholesterolemia, plant sterols and stanols exacerbated the development of haemorrhagic stroke, increased cell membrane fragility and consequently reduced the lifespan of stroke-prone spontaneously hypertensive (SHRSP) rats. SHRSP rats are a widely accepted model for essential hypertension and haemorrhagic stroke. The adverse effects of plant sterols and stanols on SHRSP rats were due to excessive absorption and accumulation in various tissues and cell membranes. To elucidate the underlying molecular mechanisms responsible for shortened lifespan, genomic and proteomic approaches will be utilized to examine the effects of dietary plant sterols and stanols on genes involved in the absorption and/or
elimination of sterols in SHRSP rats.
Keywords: DNA microarray; gene expression; plant sterols; plant stanols; stroke-prone spontaneously hypertensive rats
Social Science/Policy
Stephanie Austin, Ph.D.
Health Policy and Evaluation Unit
Bureau of Women's Health and Gender Analysis
Health Policy Branch
Health Canada
Tunney's Pasture
Postal Locator: 1903C
Ottawa, Ontario
K1A 0K9
E-mail: stephanie_austin@hc-sc.gc.ca
Academic Qualifications
Ph.D., Psychology, York University (History and Theory of Psychology)
M.A., Psychology, Wilfrid Laurier University (Community Psychology)
B.A., Psychology, University of Ottawa
Description of the Area of Research
As stated in Framework for Science (2002), Health Canada supports the principle of linkages that promotes science being conducted in collaboration with other government departments, universities, non-governmental organizations, industry, and international health and science organizations. The Bureau of Women's Health and Gender Analysis at Health Canada is mandated to build linkages between civil society, especially women's groups and organizations, and government.
Our research activities focus on the design, implementation and evaluation of collaborative projects between government and civil society to enhance the production and utilization of policy-relevant research in women's health.
Some of our areas of interest include:
- Equity in health;
- Gender -based analysis and women's health;
- Collaborative research and policy on the reduction of health inequities and inequalities; and
- Evaluation of policy and research effectiveness.
Keywords: equity in health; evaluation research; women's health; policy research; gender- and diversity-sensitive health indicators
Kisalaya Basu Ph.D.
Microsimulation Modelling and Data Analysis Division
Applied Research and Analysis Directorate
Health Policy Branch
Health Canada
Tunney's Pasture
Postal Locator: 1905C
Ottawa, Ontario
K1A 0K9
Telephone: (613) 946-3164
Fax: (613) 946-3166
E-mail: kisalaya_basu@hc-sc.gc.ca
Academic Qualifications
Ph.D., Economics, State University of New York at Albany
MA., Economics, State University of New York at Albany
MA., Economics, University of Calcutta, West Bengal
BA., (Honours in Economics), University of Calcutta, West Bengal
Description of the Area of Research
Our research focuses on the following:
- HHR Research and Modelling. We have built comprehensive HHR models to project HHR demand and supply well into the future;
- Econometric analysis of HHR-related issues. We have recently completed two comprehensive projects on interprovincial migration of physicians in Canada;
- Econometric analysis related to prescription drug coverage in Canada. In the process, we have built a comprehensive database that has the potential for further studies that will allow us to tell a more complete story and to undertake more efficacious analysis regrading prescription drug coverage; and
- Health outcome research using econometric methods.
Keywords: health human resources; drug coverage; econometrics; modelling; healthy communities.
Bachir Belhadji, Ph.D.
Primary and Continuing Health Care Division
Health Care Policy Directorate
Health Policy Branch
Health Canada
Tunney's Pasture
Postal Locator: 1918C
Ottawa, Ontario
K1A 0K9
Telephone: (613) 954-8611
Fax: (613) 954-0704
E-mail: bachir_belhadji@hc-sc.gc.ca
Academic Qualifications
Ph.D., Economics, University of Montreal
M.Sc., Economics, University of Montreal
B.Sc., Economics, University of Algiers
Description of the Area of Research
Our research focuses on the following:
- Analyzing the use of financial incentives to improve the quality of primary health care delivered by general practitioners;
- Conducting economic evaluations of quality of care: concepts, methods and estimation;
- Evaluating the quality of care by physicians remunerated under alternative payment methods;
- Analyzing the barriers and facilitators regarding access to primary health care services in urban centres;
- Evaluating the cost-effectiveness of different practice settings: solo physicians, group practice and multi-disciplinary teams;
- Comparing the cost-effectiveness of health lines in Canada;
- Evaluating the economic cost of waiting for surgeries;
- Analyzing the incidence of Ambulatory Care Sensitive Conditions as a means to measure accessibility to primary health care services; and
- Conducting dynamic forecasting of physician supply with the introduction of the evolution of chronic diseases.
Keywords: health and human resources; primary health care; cost-effectiveness; quality of care; wait times
Anil Gupta
Microsimulation Modelling and Data Analysis Division
Applied Research and Analysis Directorate
Health Policy Branch
Health Canada
Tunney's Pasture
Postal Locator: 1905C
Ottawa, Ontario
K1A 0K9
Telephone: (613) 946-2091
Fax: (613) 946-3166
E-mail: anil_gupta@hc-sc.gc.ca
Academic Qualifications
Ph.D., Mathematics, University of Calgary
MA., Mathematics, University of Calgary
MA., System Science, University of Ottawa
M.Sc., Mathematics, University of Delhi
B.Sc., Mathematics (Honours), University of Delhi
Description of the Area of Research
Our research focuses on the following:
- The use of the health-and-tax microsimulation model (HTSIM) to enable the Department to develop and fully assess tax-based health policy options. This model has the advantage over existing income tax models by providing a greater understanding of unreimbursed health expenses, those both included and presently unrecognized by the tax system. The HTSIM policy tool could be employed to develop responses to, for example, some recommendations by the recent Report on the Future of Health Care in Canada ("The Romanow Commission Report");
- Health Human Resource (HHR) Research and Modelling, which includes building HHR models to forecast HHR demand and supply well into the future; and
- The PHARMASIM model that simulates direct-delivery private and public drug insurance plans. Microsimulation Modelling and Data Analysis Division (MSDAD) had identified secured and prepared a plethora of databases. These comprehensive databases are unique and can potentially be used to conduct studies regarding the issues related to prescription drug coverage in Canada.
Keywords: health human resources; drug coverage; microsimulation modelling; healthy communities
Hu Lu, Ph.D.
Health Demand and Supply Analysis Division
Applied Research and Analysis Directorate
Health Policy Branch
Health Canada
Tunney's Pasture
Postal Locator: 1905C
Ottawa, Ontario
K1A 0K9
Phone : (613) 946-4576
Fax : (613) 946-3166
E-mail: hu_lu@hc-sc.gc.ca
Academic Qualifications
Ph.D., Economics, University of Montreal
M.Sc., Mathematical Economics, Nankai University
B.Sc., Mathematics, Wuhan University
Description of the Area of Research
Research Interests: health economics, economics of pharmaceuticals, health insurance, health innovation, industrial organization
Our current research program has four major areas of focus. These include the following:
- Competition between brand-name rival products: pricing and product selection under different institutional settings;
- Public drug subsidy and formulary decision-making;
- Advertising and physician prescribing; and
- Drug regulation: good decision making in drug regulation and best practices.
Keywords: pharmaceutical pricing; therapeutic competition; advertising; physician prescribing; drug coverage; health insurance
Charles D. Mallory, Ph.D.
Director
Health Demand and Supply Analysis Division
Applied Research Analysis Directorate
Health Policy Branch
5th Floor, Jeanne Mance Building
Postal Locator: 1905C
Ottawa, Ontario
K1A 0K9
E-mail: charles_mallory@hc-sc.gc.ca
Academic Qualifications
Ph.D., Sciences économiques, Université de Montréal
M.Sc., Sciences économiques, Université de Montréal
B.Comm., McGill University
Description of the Area of Research
Interest Areas of Research: welfare economics, health economics, industrial organization.
Our research program supports policy making in the Department through the use of a variety of methodologies. "Sustainability" is addressed through a micro-examination of fast-growing sectors such as pharmaceuticals (the most important sector where Canadians pay a large share of the direct costs) and information technologies, using methodologies from industrial organization, econometrics and applied welfare (benefit-cost). Price theory is applied to disentangle price change from technological progress and real growth in consumption. In addition, health human resource issues require methods from labour economics, while the "rational epidemic" theory is used to graft agent behaviour onto standard infectious disease modelling.
Keywords: health economics; pharmaceuticals; information technologies; benefit-cost; rational epidemics
|
