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Oncology for pharmacists: A person-centred approach to caring for people living with cancer - Leslie Dan Faculty of Pharmacy, in collaboration with Cancer Care Ontario, Launches New Oncology Program for Pharmacists

Leslie Dan Faculty of Pharmacy, in collaboration with Cancer Care Ontario, Launches New Oncology Program for Pharmacists Toronto, ON – The Office of Continuous Professional Development at the University of Toronto’s Leslie Dan Faculty of Pharmacy, in collaboration with Cancer Care Ontario, is introducing the first comprehensive program in the province for pharmacists focused on […]




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Understanding and Improving Governance, Accountability and Transparency in the Pharmaceutical Sector - World Health Organization Launches Collaborating Centre for Governance, Accountability and Transparency in the Pharmaceutical Sector at University of To

World Health Organization Launches Collaborating Centre for Governance, Accountability and Transparency in the Pharmaceutical Sector at University of TorontoToronto, ON – The University of Toronto and the World Health Organization are proud to launch the WHO Collaborating Centre for Governance, Accountability and Transparency for the Pharmaceutical Sector with a policy workshop and celebration at the Leslie […]




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No cell phones in class? It’s a good thing, student and principal say

From our partners at School News Network: Cell phones: so convenient, so helpful, but for schools and students they can be such a big headache. A recent survey by Pew Research Center found 72 percent of K-12 teachers say students being distracted by cell phones in their classroom is a major problem. Some states such as […]

The post No cell phones in class? It’s a good thing, student and principal say appeared first on Forest Hills Public Schools.



  • FHPS District News

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Stephen Toope — international law scholar — named Director of U of T’s Munk School of Global Affairs

TORONTO, ON – Professor Stephen J. Toope, a noted international law scholar and university leader, has been named the new Director of the University of Toronto’s Munk School of Global Affairs. “The Munk School has built a reputation around the world for its thoughtful and insightful examination of international issues,” said Toope. “I look forward […]




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New Beginnings: Dan Kennedy and Ophira Eisenberg

On this episode, we hear two stories about new years and new beginnings. This episode is hosted by Michelle Jalowski.

Storytellers:

Dan Kennedy tries to make his new years’… explosive.

Ophira Eisenberg has a magical new years in a magical city.




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Popping Up: Tonja Murphy

On this episode, we take a look at one of the coolest projects the Moth has done - the traveling Pop Up Porch. And we hear a story that came out the Pop Up Porch.

We also interview Rita Brent - who hosted one of our events and shares her experiences.

If you’d like to experience some of the magic of the Pop Up Porch you should come visit us at the Pop Up Porch when it comes to your city. We’ll be in Ann Arbor from September 27th to October 1st, Detroit from October 4th to October 8th, and in Dallas from October 11th to October 15th.

For more information, visit to themoth.org

Also, The Moth's spinoff podcast Grown is up for a Signal award. If you haven't listened to Grown before, check it out, it's filled with stories all about growing up, and if you have listened, we'd love for you to vote for it for the Signal Awards. Just go to vote.signalaward.com and vote for Grown in the categories of Best Co-Host Team and Best Emerging Podcast.

Hosted by:

Aldi Kaza

Storyteller: Tonja Murphy’s students always tell her the truth, so she has to be careful about what outfits she wears.




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What Does It Take to Be a Professional Photographer?

What does it take to become a professional photographer (and maybe even get your photos noticed by Beyoncé)?




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Walgreens CEO Roz Brewer to Leaders: Put Your Phones Away and Listen to Employees

Brewer, CEO of Walgreens Boots Alliance and one of only two Black female CEOs of Fortune 500 companies, says inclusion and equity are about making employees feel seen and heard.




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Lost My iPhone in Tokyo: A Lesson in Japanese Kindness and Culture on My Japan Study Trip

I'm thrilled to be back in Japan for the first time in five years. Today is the start of Katie Anderson's Japan Study Trip (learn more about joining her in May 2025). It's great to be here for another week of learning and great experiences. Little did I know, I'd kick off the trip by nearly losing my iPhone on the streets of Tokyo–a mistake that ended up teaching me a valuable lesson about Japan's […]

The post Lost My iPhone in Tokyo: A Lesson in Japanese Kindness and Culture on My Japan Study Trip by Mark Graban appeared first at Lean Blog.




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Phenna Group Appoints New Group Head of Corporate Development

Phenna Group has appointed Jon Harrison as the Group Head of Corporate Development.




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The Future is Now: The Impact of Industrial Computerized Tomography on the Castings Industry

Are you a manufacturer researching ways to improve and increase productivity, as your cast parts become more complex?




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Four Solar Atmospheres Facilities Obtain AS9100D and ISO 9001:2015 Certifications

Solar has held AS and ISO quality management systems registration certificates since 2001.




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The Application of Digital Radiography in the Aerospace Industry

Computed radiography, a form of X-ray imaging, has been embraced widely by many major manufacturing companies. Its application is now core for testing within a range of sectors including aerospace, oil and gas, industrial gas turbines, medical implants and prosthetics.




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High Speed X-ray Computed Tomography for Quality Control

Discover the secrets behind X-ray CT system design and learn how rapid scanning can revolutionize production quality control. Uncover hidden internal voids, inclusions, and defects in molded and die-casted products—all without a single destructive test.




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Advanced Applications of X-ray Computed Tomography (CT) in Aerospace

X-ray CT is crucial for the aerospace industry, offering nondestructive insights into components' inner structure, aiding in defect detection, maintenance, and research. High-energy CT is advancing the technology, allowing for detailed imaging and shaping the industry.




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Enhancing Automated NDT: Leveraging Advanced 3D Phased Array Scanning and C-Scan Mapping Techniques for Aerospace Applications

The aerospace industry relies on advanced nondestructive testing (NDT) to ensure safety and reliability. Automated technologies, such as phased arrays and 3D scanning, enhance defect detection in aircraft structures, reducing human error. This overview emphasizes the importance of these advancements.




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1976 Olympics - Serigraph

1976 Olympics - Serigraph by Romare Bearden is a(n) Limited Edition. The Edition is Limited to Limited Edition 200 pcs




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Early Carolina Morning - Serigraph

Early Carolina Morning - Serigraph by Romare Bearden is a(n) Estate Certified. The Edition is Limited to Limited Edition 300 pcs




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School Bell Time - Serigraph

School Bell Time - Serigraph by Romare Bearden is a(n) Estate Certified. The Edition is Limited to Limited Edition 950 pcs




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Dolphin Wave

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Maid to Order Serigraph on Canvas

Maid to Order Serigraph on Canvas by Tennessee Loveless is a(n) Limited Edition. The Edition is Limited to Limited Edition of 195 pcs




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Respect Your Elders Serigraph on Canvas

Respect Your Elders Serigraph on Canvas by Tennessee Loveless is a(n) Limited Edition. The Edition is Limited to Limited Edition of 195 pcs




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Suck it Up Serigraph on Canvas

Suck it Up Serigraph on Canvas by Tennessee Loveless is a(n) Limited Edition. The Edition is Limited to Limited Edition of 195 pcs




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Mickeymerica Serigraph on Paper

Mickeymerica Serigraph on Paper by Tennessee Loveless is a(n) Limited Edition. The Edition is Limited to Limited Edition of 50 pcs




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Hooray Serigraph on Paper

Hooray Serigraph on Paper by Tennessee Loveless is a(n) Limited Edition. The Edition is Limited to Limited Edition of 95 pcs




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Portofino Evening Enhanced Serigraph

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Amalfi Terrace Serigraph on Paper

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The President Barack Obama Lithograph

The President Barack Obama Lithograph by Thomas Blackshear II is a(n) Limited Edition. The Edition is Limited to Limited Edition of 6000 pcs




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Ascension Lithograph

Ascension Lithograph by John Holyfield is a(n) Limited Edition. The Edition is Limited to Limited Edition of 1000 pcs




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Soul Clap Lithograph

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Romantic Rendezvous - Lithograph

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Family Lithograph

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Sunday Lithograph

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Star Hawk Seriagraph

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Mad Hatters Tea Party Ciarograph

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Mowgli and Bagheera Ciarograph

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Sorcerer Symphony Giclee on Canvas

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When I See An Elephant Fly

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Dolphin Domain

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Epiphany

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Epiphany

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NIA LITHOGRAPH REMARQUE

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NIA LITHOGRAPH ARTIST PROOF

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Frank Morrison Dynasty Limited Edition Lithograph

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Canadian Blood Services discovery research lab contributes to new knowledge on neutrophils

Canadian Blood Services discovery research lab contributes to new knowledge on neutrophils


Thursday, August 29, 2024 Abby Wolfe

Dr. Donald R. Branch’s work as a discovery scientist at Canadian Blood Services focuses on immunotherapy, seeking to further enhance understanding of the cellular and molecular mechanisms involved in autoimmune diseases. Based in Toronto, Dr. Branch’s laboratory develops models of rheumatoid arthritis, Alzheimer’s disease, immune thrombocytopenia (ITP) and multiple sclerosis in mice. These models are particularly useful in examining how cells affected by these conditions respond to current therapeutic agents like intravenous immunoglobulin – a blood product made from human plasma commonly known as IVIg – and investigating potential alternative therapeutics.  

Over the years, Dr. Branch’s lab research findings have included the discovery of a special reagent that makes identification of antibodies easier by “zapping" autoantibodies,answers around unexpected side effects of IVIg therapy, and insights around recipients’ responses to bone marrow transplantation. It has also earned him numerous awards and accolades, including four from AABB, the Association for the Advancement of Blood & Biotherapies.

Dr. Don Branch, Canadian Blood Services senior scientist

New knowledge about neutrophils

Recently, contributions from Dr. Branch’s lab helped a U.K.-based team of researchers discover new information about how neutrophil function and activity is regulated. Neutrophils are a type of white blood cell that are part of the body’s normal immune response. A person’s neutrophil levels may be affected by infections as well as chronic or acute illnesses. Patients who have very low neutrophil counts and/or persistent infections may receive a boost to their neutrophil levels via granulocyte transfusion therapy. However, in some diseases, overactivation of neutrophils can also create an inflammatory environment and harm healthy tissue.

The research has been published in the high-impact scientific journal, Nature. This publication has filled a gap in knowledge about the mechanisms involved in maintaining balance between neutrophils’ infection-fighting power and inflammation-causing potential. As Dr. Branch describes: “This research by Dr. Brown and team shows that the myeloid inhibitory C-type lectin enzyme, which is known as MICL, controls neutrophil activity in rheumatoid arthritis. It is likely that MICL also regulates neutrophil activity in general. This suggests that if therapeutics can be designed to target MICL, they may be useful in controlling inflammation and infection. It is a fundamental finding that will change our understanding of the biology of neutrophils.”  

Discovery research, like the study to which Don and Ruqayyah contributed, is essential to improving patient care in the long run. New biomedical insights are essential to crafting new drugs and new therapeutic approaches in a rational way.

Dr. William (Bill) Sheffield, Canadian Blood Services senior scientist and associate director of research

Discovery research expertise leads to new collaboration  

The special mouse model that Dr. Branch’s lab uses is known as K/BxN. In this model, two mouse populations are selectively bred to produce offspring whose genetic material carry an antibody that destroys bone cartilage. An arthritis-causing serum containing this destructive antibody can then be obtained from the mice for use as a reagent in research. This process is termed “serum-transfer arthritis” and has been used by many investigators in the study of treatments that may alleviate the condition. 

Knowledge of Dr. Branch’s lab’s expertise in this area prompted a connection to the team of researchers at the Universities of Exeter and Aberdeen in the U.K. for this study. Says Dr. Branch, “In 2021, I supported a successful application to Canadian Blood Services’ Blood Efficiency Accelerator Program (BEAP) by Dr. Maria Fernandes, a researcher from  Héma-Québec who works with neutrophils. Through this collaboration, Dr. Fernandes was aware that I work on rheumatoid arthritis with K/BxN mice, and she also knew that Dr. Gordon Brown in the U.K. was looking to collaborate with a researcher in this area for some planned neutrophil research. My lab, which included postdoctoral fellow Dr. Ruqayyah Almizraq at the time, contributed to Dr. Brown’s research by providing the sera from our K/BxN mice. With this sera, Dr. Brown and his collaborators were able to induce rheumatoid arthritis and show that it could be resolved by removing the inhibition of a specific enzyme.”  

Science that is never boring

The Branch lab is currently using these same mouse models to investigate whether a recombinant protein called IgG1 Fc hexamer could be an effective replacement for IVIg in the treatment of autoimmune conditions like rheumatoid arthritis and ITP. While early results are promising, continued work is needed. In fact, back in 2018, Dr. Branch was asked in a previous R.E.D. blog post to describe what he found to be the most exciting part of science. Reflecting on the same question now, he reiterates that his response still rings true after 50 years in the field:   

The most exciting part of science is that when you do good science, you get more questions than you get answers, which means it is never boring. There is no end to imagination; new ideas, theories, experiments and discoveries occur often and provide a level of excitement to which many other professions cannot attest.

Dr. Donald (Don) Branch, Canadian Blood Services senior scientist


Canadian Blood Services – Driving world-class innovation 

Through discovery, development and applied research, Canadian Blood Services drives world-class innovation in blood transfusion, cellular therapy and transplantation—bringing clarity and insight to an increasingly complex healthcare future. Our dedicated research team and extended network of partners engage in exploratory and applied research to create new knowledge, inform and enhance best practices, contribute to the development of new services and technologies, and build capacity through training and collaboration. Find out more about our research impact.   

The opinions reflected in this post are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the opinions of Canadian Blood Services nor do they reflect the views of Health Canada or any other funding agency. 

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Tuesday, March 28, 2023
Aldis Brennan

Dr. Donald Branch, Canadian Blood Services senior scientist, has received the Dale A. Smith Memorial Award for his discovery of the ZZAP reagent. This award, from the Association for the Advancement of Blood & Biotherapies (AABB), recognizes the application of technology to the practice of transfusion medicine or biotherapies.


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Beth Binnington, Senior Research Assistant

Students from the Undergraduate Pathology Alliance at Western University posed insightful questions to researchers during an interactive visit to the research laboratory of Dr. Donald Branch, Canadian Blood Services senior scientist in February 2023.


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Dr. Kendra Hodgkinson

For this instalment of “Meet the researcher”, we met with Dr. Donald Branch, a scientist at Canadian Blood Services who studies infectious diseases and immunology. How long have you been with Canadian Blood Services? I started with the Canadian Red Cross at the Edmonton Blood Centre in December 1985...




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53-Year Study Shows 90% Drop in Forest Elephant Numbers



  • Life & Non-humans

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Maplesoft CEO comes full circle with honorary PhD

The chief executive officer of Waterloo math software company Maplesoft was recently awarded an honorary PhD in engineering from his alma mater. He had wanted to return to university and do that, but it never happened.




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Stepwise precession of a double elastic-spherical pendulum

The physical effect known as stepwise precession is a surprising fact that takes place in the movement of an elastic pendulum. When this pendulum is initially set near the downward equilibrium vertical configuration, with the length of the spring stretched by the gravity force, there is a chance to move in such a way that the springing vibrational mode of movement and the rotational "swing" mode interchange periodically their respective energies, with a periodic change of the swing plane and stepwise precession. We simulate here numerically the same dynamical behaviour for the natural extension of a double elastic-spherical pendulum.