Charlottetown

Researchers are conducting a phase 3, randomized controlled trial to evaluate the best dosing and use of intravenous tenecteplase for patients with acute ischemic stroke (AIS). The study aims to compare standard-dose tenecteplase (0.25 mg/kg) versus low-dose tenecteplase (0.18 mg/kg) and to assess whether intravenous thrombolysis should be used in patients who recently took direct oral anticoagulants (DOACs) or are eligible for emergency endovascular thrombectomy (EVT). The study also examines how patient factors like diabetes, prior antiplatelet therapy, renal failure, frailty, age, and brain imaging findings influence treatment effects. Participants will be randomly assigned to receive either standard-dose or low-dose intravenous tenecteplase, or no tenecteplase upfront with rescue intra-arterial tenecteplase if needed in EVT-eligible patients. Those who took DOACs within 48 hours before stroke onset may not receive tenecteplase initially. The treatments involve a single intravenous bolus of tenecteplase. The trial follows patients for 90 days after treatment or until death if earlier. During the study, participants will undergo evaluations including assessments of functional dependence using the modified Rankin Scale at 90 days. Researchers will monitor safety and effectiveness, focusing on reducing disability after stroke. The trial includes blinded outcome assessment and gathers data to guide clinical decisions on thrombolysis dosing and use in various patient groups. Total participation lasts up to 90 days from enrollment.

Researchers are studying the impact of a single 40-minute infrared sauna session on blood sugar control in adults aged 30 to 55 who are at risk for metabolic problems such as obesity or overweight. The study aims to find out if sauna sessions before meals can reduce blood sugar spikes after eating and improve overall glucose control over 24 hours. This trial uses a randomized crossover design where participants experience both sauna and resting conditions to compare their effects. Participants will first complete a familiarization session with two 20-minute infrared sauna exposures. Each participant will then attend two lab visits at least 72 hours apart: one visit includes two 20-minute sauna sessions at about 165°F separated by a 5-minute break, and the other involves 45 minutes of seated rest outside the sauna. During each visit, participants fast overnight, have continuous glucose monitoring, baseline and repeated measurements of blood pressure, heart rate, and oral temperature. After the session, they consume a standardized breakfast followed by identical meals throughout the day while remaining mostly sedentary. Throughout the study, participants will wear a continuous glucose monitor to track blood sugar levels during and after each condition. Researchers will measure the incremental 2-hour blood glucose response after breakfast as the primary outcome. Participants will also complete food logs, and their physical activity readiness will be assessed. The study lasts for two experimental visits plus the initial familiarization session, with follow-up monitoring continuing through standardized meal consumption and fasting protocols.

Over 20,000 men in Canada are diagnosed with prostate cancer each year, with many undergoing treatments such as radical prostatectomy or radiation therapy. These treatments, while effective, can cause side effects like urinary incontinence, sexual dysfunction, and reduced physical function that impact quality of life. Researchers developed the Prostate Cancer Patient Empowerment Program (PC-PEP) to address critical needs of prostate cancer survivors by improving mental health, fitness, and overall well-being while reducing treatment-related side effects. PC-PEP is a six-month "at home" behavioral program that includes aerobic and strength training, pelvic floor muscle exercises, meditation, social connection, and healthy lifestyle practices. Participants receive daily text message or email reminders to encourage adherence. The aerobic exercise is done five times a week, strength training twice a week, pelvic floor exercises three times daily, and meditation for 10 minutes daily. Social connection is promoted by pairing participants with study peers, and intimacy and relationship practices are included as daily activities. Men in this study will participate in surveys at the start and at 6, 12, and 24 months to assess outcomes, especially mental health, which is the primary focus. Weekly compliance surveys will track adherence during the six-month program. The study includes monitoring of fitness, quality of life, side effects, and mental health over time. The goal is to improve long-term health and well-being for men undergoing curative treatment for prostate cancer compared with usual care.