Identifying the molecular mechanisms of neutrophil extracellular trap (NET) formation and screening NETosis-suppressing drugs to treat cystic fibrosis lung disease

Recent discoveries show that neutrophils mainly die by formation of neutrophil extracellular traps (NETs) in Cystic Fibrosis airways. Therefore determining mechanism and identifying FDA-approved drugs that inhibit NETosis could provide novel options to treat CF lung disease. We aimed to do the comparative gene expression analysis during NETosis induced by different NET inducing agents (PMA,LPS,A23187) […]

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Identifying the molecular mechanisms of neutrophil extracellular trap (NET) formation and screening NETosis-suppressing drugs to treat cystic fibrosis lung disease – Year Two

Recent discoveries show that neutrophils mainly die by formation of neutrophil extracellular traps (NETs) in Cystic Fibrosis airways. Therefore determining mechanism and identifying FDA-approved drugs that inhibit NETosis could provide novel options to treat CF lung disease. We aimed to do the comparative gene expression analysis during NETosis induced by different NET inducing agents (PMA,LPS,A23187) […]

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Resilience of modern skyscrapers subject to natural hazards

The structural performance of skyscrapers subjected to natural hazards such as strong winds and earthquakes has significant effects on the resilience of a city because of the recent boom in the construction of skyscrapers around the world. However, resilience is currently not explicitly considered in the design of tall buildings. Studies show that modern tall […]

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Resilience of modern skyscrapers subject to natural hazards – Year two

The structural performance of skyscrapers subjected to natural hazards such as strong winds and earthquakes has significant effects on the resilience of a city because of the recent boom in the construction of skyscrapers around the world. However, resilience is currently not explicitly considered in the design of tall buildings. Studies show that modern tall […]

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Harnessing imaging spectroscopy for multivariate rock sorting in the mine environment

The proposed research focuses on imaging spectroscopy of geological materials encountered at mineral deposits. Imaging spectroscopy (also known as hyperspectral imaging) in the geosciences traditionally utilizes airborne or spaceborne platforms but ground-based studies at outcrop and smaller scales are becoming more common. This technique collects reflectance data as images, and allows quick analysis of specific […]

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Harnessing imaging spectroscopy for multivariate rock sorting in the mine environment – Year Two

The proposed research focuses on imaging spectroscopy of geological materials encountered at mineral deposits. Imaging spectroscopy (also known as hyperspectral imaging) in the geosciences traditionally utilizes airborne or spaceborne platforms but ground-based studies at outcrop and smaller scales are becoming more common. This technique collects reflectance data as images, and allows quick analysis of specific […]

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Development of Monoclonal Antibodies and Rapid Lateral Flow Test Kit for the Specific Detection of Streptococcus agalactiae

Streptococcus agalactiae (S. agalactiae) is a worldwide-distributed bacterium. It is a major infectious agent to humans, cattle and aquatic animals. The outbreak and prevalence of S. agalactiae in aquaculture has been reported in different countries as one of the major causes of mortality leading to serious economic losses and threatening the sound development of aquaculture. […]

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Development of Standardized Laboratory and Semi-Field Methods for Assessing the Risk of Pesticide Exposure to Megachile rotundata F.

Non-Apis bees are now recognized as significant pollinators. For most crops visited by bees, pesticides are used for pest management, and there is concern about the potential negative effects of pesticides on wild and managed bees. Most toxicity studies involving bees have focused on honey bees (Apis mellifera), partially because honey bee data are required […]

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Development of Standardized Laboratory and Semi-Field Methods for Assessing the Risk of Pesticide Exposure to Megachile rotundata F. – Year Two

Non-Apis bees are now recognized as significant pollinators. For most crops visited by bees, pesticides are used for pest management, and there is concern about the potential negative effects of pesticides on wild and managed bees. Most toxicity studies involving bees have focused on honey bees (Apis mellifera), partially because honey bee data are required […]

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Development and Delivery of Inhibitors for Viral Pathogenic Deubiquitinases

In human viral diseases, misbehaviour of the cellular machinery utilizing ubiquitin is frequently observed. Ubiquitin is a small protein that attaches to target proteins in human cells and signals for their destruction. Human deubiquitinases are enzymes that remove ubiquitin to keep protein levels in balance. Viral pathogens have evolved proteins that mimic human deubiquitinases to […]

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Development and Delivery of Inhibitors for Viral Pathogenic Deubiquitinases – Year Two

In human viral diseases, misbehaviour of the cellular machinery utilizing ubiquitin is frequently observed. Ubiquitin is a small protein that attaches to target proteins in human cells and signals for their destruction. Human deubiquitinases are enzymes that remove ubiquitin to keep protein levels in balance. Viral pathogens have evolved proteins that mimic human deubiquitinases to […]

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Versatile applications of a safe and efficient peptide in gene/drug delivery

Gene therapy is one of the most attractive new therapeutic strategies in the treatment of multiple diseases. However, to apply gene therapy in clinic, an efficient and safe delivery system must be developed to transport these therapeutic reagents to target organs. The existing gene carriers suffer from either high cytotoxicity or immunogenicity problems, which will […]

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