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SkIN Canada Skin Investigation Network of Canada

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Institute of Musculoskeletal Health and Arthritis

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Featured profile

Early-Career Investigator

Dr. Rachel Asiniwasis is a dermatologist and early career clinician researcher based in western Canada (her hometown of Regina, Saskatchewan). She is the founder of Origins Dermatology Centre, a combined multidisciplinary model that services both the general population and provides outreach clinics (in-person and virtual care) for underserviced remote and rural Indigenous (First Nations and Metis) communities. Rachel is of Plains Cree, Saulteaux and English background. She carries a Master’s of Science in Health Sciences in clinical and translational research, and has special interest in common inflammatory dermatoses (atopic dermatitis, psoriasis), virtual care, underserviced areas, holistic impact of skin disease, medical education, and translational interpretation and implementation of research with the ultimate goal of tangible health outcomes. She currently has active educational and research projects ongoing in the areas of inflammatory skin disease, virtual care, and Indigenous and rural health in western Canada.

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Summer 2024

Featured profile: Patient Research Partner – Latoya Palmer

1. What inspired you to become an advocate for patients with skin conditions?
I was inspired to become a patient advocate because I myself suffer from Hidradenitis Suppurativa. Through my HS journey I have endured 17 major surgeries, various medical treatments, and emergency visits which had affected my mental health. While recovering from one of my surgeries I refused to believe that I am the only person that was dealing with this disease. My pastor questioned me stating “what if your healing came from helping someone else with HS?” and that when I knew I had to speak up, bring awareness, and educate others.


2. What are some of the challenges you had to face while trying to accomplish your goals?
The challenges I have faced thus far is connecting with others in the GTA who have HS. The majority of individuals who attend our support groups are international participants. Our goal is to not only help those internationally but also here at home in Canada.

3. What are your hopes for the future of skin research to include patients and patient research representatives on research teams?
My hope for future skin research is that patients are able to share their journey to collect lived experience collateral from patients. Also find a way where patients are willing to complete clinical studies because they feel supported with no additional stress (physically, mentally, and emotionally) while participating in a trial in order for research to continue/completed.

4. What are the roles and contributions of Patient Research Partners (PRPs) to SkIN Canada and skin research?
Working with SkIN Canada allows patients to share their lived experience and personal journey with their diagnosis which contributes to research. Hearing first hand from patients is significant to researchers to understand aspects of the disease such as quality of life, pain management, emotional/mental effects etc in order to make adequate outcomes of medications and bring awareness.

5. In your view, what are some of the obstacles that may dissuade patients from participating as PRPs?
-Patient may feel that participation is time consuming
-Compensation for participation
-Lack of understanding of contracts
-People may not be ready to share their journey as medical trauma continues to be difficult emotionally

6. How does your participation in SkIN Canada’s Training Committee help advance your work as a skin patient advocate?
-Allows patients to feel more comfortable advocating for themselves and others
-Allows patients to gain more knowledge of research jargon
-Allows the ability to gain knowledge of arising treatments
-Builds confidence to encourage other individuals with HS to stay strong and have hope that they will find a treatment regime that works for them as research continues to be in the works.

From the Training Committee Hub

Skin Canada Travel and Mobility Awards – Application Deadline October 15, 2024

1. Travel Award: The deadline for the next SkIN Canada Trainee Travel Award is Tuesday October 15 (2024) before 11:59 PM ET. SkIN Canada provides partial funding for trainees to attend conferences as part of their training experience. A limited number of awards are available each year on a competitive basis. There are two competition periods per year, one in May and one in October. Applicants who have previously received funding through this program in a fiscal year are not eligible to receive funding until the following fiscal year. The value of the SkIN Canada Travel Award is a maximum of $1,000 CAD. 

 

2. Mobility Award: The deadline for the next SkIN Canada Trainee Mobility Award is Tuesday October 15 (2024) before 11:59 PM ET. The SkIN Canada Trainee Mobility Award provides funding for trainees in the field of skin research to study and conduct research for a brief period in a laboratory other than their own within Canada or abroad as part of their training experience. A limited number of awards are available each year on a competitive basis.  There will be two competition periods per year, one in May and one in October. Applicants are eligible for the award only once during a particular training period or level of study (e.g. MSc, PhD, Clinical residency, or Postdoctoral training).
        The value of the Skin Canada Trainee Mobility Award is up to $4,000 which can be used for the trainee’s research in a laboratory other than their own, within Canada or abroad for a period ranging from 2 weeks to 6 months. 

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Skin Canada Training Committee Opening

The Training Committee represents skin research trainees from across Canada. The Committee considers representations from across Canada to be valuable. The committee currently has an opening for a PhD student or a post-doctoral fellow from any of the Western Provinces. If interested in joining this dynamic committee, please send your expression of interest and CV  to info@skincanada.org.

News from Other Organizations

CIHR Planning and Dissemination Grants – Oral Health

(Summer 2024 Competition) 

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Call for Applications: CADR-NCOHR Student Research Awards 2024-25

The Canadian Association for Dental Research (CADR) and the Network for Canadian Oral Health Research (NCOHR) announce a Call for Applications for the CADR-NCOHR Student Research Awards (2024-25).

These awards will be available for trainees to present their research at the AADOCR/CADR meeting in New York, New York, USA, March 12-15, 2025.

Applications must be submitted no later than Tuesday, September 3, 2024. Please see Call for Applications for further details.  
 
For further information, you may contact:

Iona Worden-Driscoll | BSc, MBA
National Coordinator, Network for Canadian Oral Health Research
Healthy Populations Institute
Dalhousie University
1318 Robie Street, Halifax, NS B3H 3E2

2024 NCOHR Summer Institute

The Network for Canadian Oral Health Research is pleased to announce the successful applicant of our 2024 Summer Institute Program. Dr. Hollis Lai, School of Dentistry, University of Alberta will lead the organization and hosting of the Applied AI in Oral Health Summer Institute. 

This summer institute will focus on applied and methodological AI training through examples and the application of coding techniques to solve challenges in dental research. This program is designed for interested dental researchers and students with no previous experience in AI who wish to pursue this dimension of research. The program is scheduled to take place for four days from July 23 to 26, 2024. It will offer active learning sessions in the morning and labs with hands-on, project-based learning using Google Colab in the afternoon.

Event Link: Click HERE

Registration Link: https://forms.gle/bfPuC5rFGKwkQwb99. An NCOHR-sponsored travel subsidy may be available.. Details can be found on the registration form.
For further information, you may contact:

Iona Worden-Driscoll, MBA, BSc
National Coordinator, Network for Canadian Oral Health Research
Healthy Populations Institute
Dalhousie University
1318 Robie Street, Halifax, NS B3H 3E2

Eczema Society of Canada Research Grant Program

The Eczema Society of Canada (ESC) is dedicated to improving the lives of Canadians living with eczema by providing support, education, and raising awareness. ESC’s Research Grant Program provides an opportunity for Canadian researchers to apply for funding for research and/or eczema education projects. Grant amounts range up to $25,000 per grant.

ESC is pleased to invite Canadian researchers to apply today for this funding opportunity. Please help them spread the word! Applications may include research and/or educational projects that will work toward improving the lives of eczema sufferers here in Canada. 

The Application Deadline is September 1, 2024.

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Recent Publications on Skin Research
Inflammatory Skin Conditions
 

1.    Silverberg JI, Gooderham M, Katoh N, Aoki V, Pink AE, Binamer Y, Rademaker M, Fomina D, Gutermuth J, Ahn J, Valenzuela F, Ameen M, Steinhoff M, Kirchhof MG, Lio P, Wollenberg A. Combining treat-to-target principles and shared decision-making: International expert consensus-based recommendations with a novel concept for minimal disease activity criteria in atopic dermatitis. J Eur Acad Dermatol Venereol. Jul 11 2024.https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/38989857
2.    Wheeler KE, Chu DK, Schneider L. Updated Guidelines for Atopic Dermatitis-AAAAI/ACAAI Joint Task Force. JAMA Pediatr. Jul 8 2024.https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/38976275
3.    Chu X, Wang J, Ologundudu L, Brignardello-Petersen R, Guyatt GH, Oykhman P, Bernstein JA, Saini SS, Beck LA, Waserman S, Moellman J, Khan DA, Ben-Shoshan M, Baker DR, Oliver ET, Sheikh J, Lang D, Mathur SK, Winders T, Eftekhari S, Gardner DD, Runyon L, Asiniwasis RN, Cole EF, Chan J, Wheeler KE, Trayes KP, Tran P, Chu DK. Efficacy and Safety of Systemic Corticosteroids for Urticaria: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Randomized Clinical Trials. J Allergy Clin Immunol Pract. Jul 2024;12(7):1879-1889 e1878.https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/38642709
4.    Ushcatz I, Zhao HJ, Tadrous M, Aoki V, Chang AY, Dlova N, Merilleno ASP, Drucker AM. Association of Countries’ Atopic Dermatitis Burden and Sociodemographic Index with Topical Calcineurin Inhibitor Utilization. Dermatitis. Jul 3 2024.https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/38959123
5.    Li K, Bouadi N, Jeremian R, Bi WG, Piguet V, Croitoru DO. A Comparative Analysis of Hidradenitis Suppurativa and Acne Inversa Webpages. Clin Exp Dermatol. Jul 3 2024.https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/38959433

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Wound Healing, Fibrosis and Regeneration

1.    Arif S, Larochelle S, Trudel B, Gounou C, Bordeleau F, Brisson AR, Moulin VJ. The diffusion of normal skin wound myofibroblast-derived microvesicles differs according to matrix composition. J Extracell Biol. Jan 2024;3(1):e131.https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/38938680
2.    Arif S, Richer M, Larochelle S, Moulin VJ. Microvesicles derived from dermal myofibroblasts modify the integrity of the blood and lymphatic barriers using distinct endocytosis pathways. J Extracell Biol. May 2024;3(5):e151.https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/38939570
3.    Rijal H, Bouadi N, Piguet V, Mukovozov I. Treatment Outcomes of Scleroderma With Janus Kinase Inhibitors: A Systematic Review. J Cutan Med Surg. Jun 10 2024:12034754241260021.https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/38859662
4.    Safoine M, Paquette C, Gingras GM, Fradette J. Improving Cutaneous Wound Healing in Diabetic Mice Using Naturally Derived Tissue-Engineered Biological Dressings Produced under Serum-Free Conditions. Stem Cells Int. 2024;2024:3601101.https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/38737365
5.    Attiogbe E, Larochelle S, Chaib Y, Mainzer C, Mauroux A, Bordes S, Closs B, Gilbert C, Moulin VJ. An in vitro autologous, vascularized, and immunocompetent Tissue Engineered Skin model obtained by the self-assembled approach. Acta biomaterialia. Sep 15 2023;168:361-371.https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/37419164

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Skin Cancer

 1.    Narod SA, Metcalfe K, Finch A, Chan AW, Armel SR, Aeilts A, Eisen A, Karlan B, Bordeleau L, Tung N, Foulkes WD, Neuhausen SL, Eng C, Olopade O, Zakalik D, Couch F, Cullinane C, Pal T, Sun P, Kotsopoulos J, Hereditary Breast Cancer Clinical Research G. The risk of skin cancer in women who carry BRCA1 or BRCA2 mutations. Hered Cancer Clin Pract. May 13 2024;22(1):7.https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/38741145
2.    Ituarte BE, Taylor MA, Thomas SI, Ehsan E, Griffin J, Fernandez JM, Wei EX. Analysis of increasing prevalence of skin of colour publications in the PubMed database. J Eur Acad Dermatol Venereol. May 11 2024.https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/38733280
3.    Blanchard M, Morren MA, Busschots AM, Hauben E, Alberti-Violetti S, Berti E, Avallone G, Tavoletti G, Panzone M, Quaglino P, Colonna C, Melchers RC, Vermeer MH, Gniadecki R, Mitteldorf C, Gosmann J, Stadler R, Jonak C, Oren-Shabtai M, Hodak E, Friedland R, Gordon E, Geskin LJ, Scarisbrick JJ, Mayo Martinez F, Noguera Morel L, Pehr K, Amarov B, Faouzi M, Nicolay JP, Kempf W, Blanchard G, Guenova E. Paediatric onset lymphomatoid papulosis: results of a multicentre retrospective cohort study, on behalf of the EORTC Cutaneous Lymphoma Tumours Group (CLTG). The British journal of dermatology. Apr 10 2024.https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/38595050
4.    Huang Y, Fleming P, Fung K, Chan AW. Association between dermatology follow-up and melanoma survival: a population-based cohort study. J Am Acad Dermatol. Feb 16 2024.https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/38368952
5.    Venables ZC, Gran S, Levell NJ, Yiu ZZN, Proby CM. International melanoma and non-melanoma skin cancer mortality trends – is it time to re-focus our attention? Clin Exp Dermatol. Dec 7 2023.https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/38060677

Skin of Colour

1.    Scheufele CJ, Wong CM, Nguyen DA, Carletti M, Weis SE. Presentations of Cutaneous Disease in Various Skin Pigmentations: Seborrheic Dermatitis. HCA Healthc J Med. 2024;5(2):97-102.https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/38984223
2.    Lim H, Wong CM, Scheufele CJ, Nguyen DA, Carletti M, Weis SE. Presentations of Cutaneous Disease in Various Skin Pigmentations: Porokeratosis. HCA Healthc J Med. 2024;5(2):113-123.https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/38984231
3.    Nguyen C, Thompson J, Nguyen DA, Wong CM, Scheufele CJ, Carletti M, Weis SE. Presentations of Cutaneous Disease in Various Skin Pigmentations: Chronic Atopic Dermatitis. HCA Healthc J Med. 2024;5(2):103-111.https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/38984232
4.    Litaiem N, Sboui K, Daghrir J, Khouladi A, Tlig L, Bouchouicha M, Sayadi M, Zeglaoui F. Collective human intelligence vs. artificial intelligence: a comparative analysis for melanoma diagnosis in darker skin tones. Int J Dermatol. Jul 4 2024.https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/38965055
5.    Salmen NL, Curtis DP, Baumann AN, Willets J, Brodell RT. Skin color reporting in basal cell carcinoma-related randomized controlled trials in top dermatology journals: a systematic review. Arch Dermatol Res. Jul 5 2024;316(7):451.https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/38967663

 
Other

1.    Manyara AM, Davies P, Stewart D, Weir CJ, Young AE, Blazeby J, Butcher NJ, Bujkiewicz S, Chan AW, Dawoud D, Offringa M, Ouwens M, Hrobjartssson A, Amstutz A, Bertolaccini L, Bruno VD, Devane D, Faria C, Gilbert PB, Harris R, Lassere M, Marinelli L, Markham S, Powers JH, 3rd, Rezaei Y, Richert L, Schwendicke F, Tereshchenko LG, Thoma A, Turan A, Worrall A, Christensen R, Collins GS, Ross JS, Taylor RS, Ciani O. Reporting of surrogate endpoints in randomised controlled trial protocols (SPIRIT-Surrogate): extension checklist with explanation and elaboration. BMJ. Jul 9 2024;386:e078525.https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/38981624
2.    Manyara AM, Davies P, Stewart D, Weir CJ, Young AE, Blazeby J, Butcher NJ, Bujkiewicz S, Chan AW, Dawoud D, Offringa M, Ouwens M, Hrobjartssson A, Amstutz A, Bertolaccini L, Bruno VD, Devane D, Faria C, Gilbert PB, Harris R, Lassere M, Marinelli L, Markham S, Powers JH, 3rd, Rezaei Y, Richert L, Schwendicke F, Tereshchenko LG, Thoma A, Turan A, Worrall A, Christensen R, Collins GS, Ross JS, Taylor RS, Ciani O. Reporting of surrogate endpoints in randomised controlled trial reports (CONSORT-Surrogate): extension checklist with explanation and elaboration. BMJ. Jul 9 2024;386:e078524.https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/38981645
3.    Khalaf F, Ricciuti Z, Barayan D, Wojtowicz-Piotrowski S, Jeschke MG. Post-burn endocrine-immune dynamics and ageing considerations. Nat Rev Endocrinol. Jul 9 2024.https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/38982289
4.    McDermid A, Lam K, Ko YCK, Schmitt T, Khosravi-Hafshejani T, Dutz JP. Cyclosporin als Erstlinienbehandlung bei SARS‐CoV‐2‐reaktiver infektiöser mukokutaner Eruption bei Erwachsenen. J Dtsch Dermatol Ges. Jul 2024;22(7):1013-1015.https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/38978425
5.    Abdi P, Haq Z, Diaz MJ, Maibach HI, Ogunyemi B. Rosacea as a potential risk factor for dementia. Int J Dermatol. Jun 17 2024.https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/38887091

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