Innovative Projects Realized

Advancement of bio-processing technology for ginseng polysaccharides: a model for value-added medicinal plant polysaccharides development – Year two

This proposed project focuses on American ginseng (AmG), a natural herb native to Canada that has been used as a traditional medicine for many generations. Southern Ontario has become the World’s largest producer of AmG with annual sales of over $400M at the farm gate. Polysaccharides (PS) are a major active component of AmG showing various biological activities including anti-carcinogenic, anti-aging, immunostimulatory and antioxidant effects. Despite of having such significant pharmacological activities, they have limited bioavailability due to their physicochemical properties including molecular size, heterogeneity, and solubility. Herein, advanced state-of-the-art technologies including nanosizing and encapsulation will be employed for enhancing penetration, absorption and controlled delivery. In addition, fluorescent dye labelling of PS will be developed to allow the tracking of PS. Pharmacology of these innovative health products will be studied to evaluate their safety and delivery efficacy. TO BE CONT’D

Advancement of bio-processing technology for ginseng polysaccharides: a model for value-added medicinal plant polysaccharides development

This proposed project focuses on American ginseng (AmG), a natural herb native to Canada that has been used as a traditional medicine for many generations. Southern Ontario has become the World’s largest producer of AmG with annual sales of over $400M at the farm gate. Polysaccharides (PS) are a major active component of AmG showing various biological activities including anti-carcinogenic, anti-aging, immunostimulatory and antioxidant effects. Despite of having such significant pharmacological activities, they have limited bioavailability due to their physicochemical properties including molecular size, heterogeneity, and solubility. Herein, advanced state-of-the-art technologies including nanosizing and encapsulation will be employed for enhancing penetration, absorption and controlled delivery. In addition, fluorescent dye labelling of PS will be developed to allow the tracking of PS. Pharmacology of these innovative health products will be studied to evaluate their safety and delivery efficacy. TO BE CONT’D

Inhibiting somatostatin signaling in animal models of diabetes – Year two

The prevalence of diabetes is growing rapidly and currently, over 60 million people worldwide use insulin treatment to manage their diabetes. However, insulin treatment can result in hypoglycemia or low blood sugar levels. To date only retroactive treatments are available to treat hypoglycemia, which affects an individual’s quality of life and increases the likelihood of recurring bouts of hypoglycemia as well as development of cardiovascular or renal disease. The goal of this project is to test the efficacy of novel therapeutic targets utilizing somatostatin receptor-2 antagonists to better manage glycemic control in type 1 diabetics. It is hypothesized that this new drug will help prevent hypoglycemia in diabetes by increasing glucagon levels when blood sugar drops below normal. TO BE CONT’D

Inhibiting somatostatin signaling in animal models of diabetes

The prevalence of diabetes is growing rapidly and currently, over 60 million people worldwide use insulin treatment to manage their diabetes. However, insulin treatment can result in hypoglycemia or low blood sugar levels. To date only retroactive treatments are available to treat hypoglycemia, which affects an individual’s quality of life and increases the likelihood of recurring bouts of hypoglycemia as well as development of cardiovascular or renal disease. The goal of this project is to test the efficacy of novel therapeutic targets utilizing somatostatin receptor-2 antagonists to better manage glycemic control in type 1 diabetics. It is hypothesized that this new drug will help prevent hypoglycemia in diabetes by increasing glucagon levels when blood sugar drops below normal. TO BE CONT’D

Improve the performance of Heaven Fresh Canada Inc. air purifier

Indoor air quality has received immense attention in past decades, considering it is more

heavily polluted than outdoor environments. People generally spend more than 80% of their

time indoors, which contributes to a higher risk of inhaling pollutants. Air cleaning is the most

feasible way to improve indoor air quality. Most of indoor air – purifying systems adapt filter –

type components to purify polluted air. This method is effective for short-term use, but

insufficient for long-term filtration as cleaning the filter components produces secondary

pollution. In this proposal, two different types of materials are considered as potential

substitutions for traditional air filters. First, a filter coated with TiO2 nanoparticles; TiO2 based

cleaning techniques are effective against degrading organic and inorganic compounds, toxic

metal ions, and to kill microorganisms and viruses. Secondly, a zeolitic material that can be

dispersed on a filter; the zeolites are porous aluminosilicate compounds. The present study

indicates that the zeolites are particularly well suited for volatile…

Assessment of Myocardial Perfusion Enhancement Associated with Current Treatments for Ischemic Heart Disease Using Positron Emission Tomography – Year two

Efficient pumping function of heart depends on receiving oxygen and nutrients through heart’s specific blood vessels called coronaries. In case of coronary stenosis (e.g. plaques formation on their inner walls), the heart muscle cannot function normally and may be permanently damaged. Three treatment strategies are broadly available that include medications, coronary stent placement and coronary bypass graft surgery. However, the efficacy of either treatment in restoring blood perfusion to the heart muscle is not clearly quantified. This knowledge gap prevents the physicians from systematically predicting the benefits and risks of each available treatment for every individual patient. The objective of the current study is to use positron emission tomography (PET) to measure coronary blood perfusion using a specific tracer that is rubidium-82 (Rb-82). TO BE CONT’D

Assessment of Myocardial Perfusion Enhancement Associated with Current Treatments for Ischemic Heart Disease Using Positron Emission Tomography

Efficient pumping function of heart depends on receiving oxygen and nutrients through heart’s specific blood vessels called coronaries. In case of coronary stenosis (e.g. plaques formation on their inner walls), the heart muscle cannot function normally and may be permanently damaged. Three treatment strategies are broadly available that include medications, coronary stent placement and coronary bypass graft surgery. However, the efficacy of either treatment in restoring blood perfusion to the heart muscle is not clearly quantified. This knowledge gap prevents the physicians from systematically predicting the benefits and risks of each available treatment for every individual patient. The objective of the current study is to use positron emission tomography (PET) to measure coronary blood perfusion using a specific tracer that is rubidium-82 (Rb-82). TO BE CONT’D

The Cost-Benefit Analysis of Capacity Building Initiative for Rural Community Health Research in Northern Newfoundland and Coastal Labrador (Rural 360 Project)

Faculty Development Programs (FDPs) are widely well-established through the academic medical centers (AMCs); however, little attention has been paid to rural and remote physicians (RRPs), despite their critical role in addressing the priority health concerns of the communities. In response to this, 6for6 and Rural 360 projects have been introduced by the Memorial University of Newfoundland.
One of the key questions for researchers is how to evaluate the economic impact/value of these projects. Although the cost-benefit analysis (CBA) is well-structured in welfare economics, education, and environment, there is little evidence found to develop a theoretical framework of CBA for FDPs.
The aim of this study is twofold: first, to establish a theoretical framework/tool-set of CBA for research development programs; and second, to assess the advantages (benefits) and cost/saving associated with the rural 360. The possible outcomes would be technical reports, policy reports, and publications/presentations. TO BE CONT’D

‘Part of the water, part of the land’: Developing Indigenous water legislation for Carcross/Tagish First Nation – Year two

The protection of water is a priority for Carcross/Tagish First Nation (C/TFN) and revitalizing Indigenous legal and governance systems is fundamental to advancing Indigenous approaches to water governance. While the citizens of C/TFN have governed the waters and lands within their traditional territory since time immemorial, their Tagish and Tlingit legal orders have been disrupted by colonial forms of governance. Nevertheless, knowledge of these systems endures in practice and oral history. The revitalization of Indigenous legal traditions and forms of governance is a core objective of for C/TFN. Under the supervision of Carcross/Tagish Management Corporation, this MITACS Postdoctoral research will contribute to the advancement of innovative Indigenous approaches to water governance. It aims to collaboratively develop Indigenous water legislation, which brings together Indigenous legal traditions with western legal frameworks to advance contemporary legislation. TO BE CONT’D

‘Part of the water, part of the land’: Developing Indigenous water legislation for Carcross/Tagish First Nation

The protection of water is a priority for Carcross/Tagish First Nation (C/TFN) and revitalizing Indigenous legal and governance systems is fundamental to advancing Indigenous approaches to water governance. While the citizens of C/TFN have governed the waters and lands within their traditional territory since time immemorial, their Tagish and Tlingit legal orders have been disrupted by colonial forms of governance. Nevertheless, knowledge of these systems endures in practice and oral history. The revitalization of Indigenous legal traditions and forms of governance is a core objective of for C/TFN. Under the supervision of Carcross/Tagish Management Corporation, this MITACS Postdoctoral research will contribute to the advancement of innovative Indigenous approaches to water governance. It aims to collaboratively develop Indigenous water legislation, which brings together Indigenous legal traditions with western legal frameworks to advance contemporary legislation. TO BE CONT’D

Development of a Borehole Muon Detector for Muon Tomography – Year two

CRM Geotomography Technologies (CRM) has developed detectors that are able to measure cosmic ray muon particles underground. By measuring the rate at which these particles pass through the detectors, it is possible to reconstruct a three-dimensional map of the density of the earth’s subsurface above the detectors. This technique is called muon tomography. CRM’s detectors have been successfully used to search for ore bodies in and nearby existing mines. However, to leverage this technology more effectively in the oil and gas industry, and in searching for potential mining sites, the shape and size of the detectors needs to accommodate the dimensions of typical boreholes. The objective of this project is to develop a portable detector that can be easily deployed inside industry standard boreholes. The successful completion of this project will allow CRM to engage new clients in resource exploration as well as in underground monitoring applications. TO BE CONT’D

Development of a Borehole Muon Detector for Muon Tomography

CRM Geotomography Technologies (CRM) has developed detectors that are able to measure cosmic ray muon particles underground. By measuring the rate at which these particles pass through the detectors, it is possible to reconstruct a three-dimensional map of the density of the earth’s subsurface above the detectors. This technique is called muon tomography. CRM’s detectors have been successfully used to search for ore bodies in and nearby existing mines. However, to leverage this technology more effectively in the oil and gas industry, and in searching for potential mining sites, the shape and size of the detectors needs to accommodate the dimensions of typical boreholes. The objective of this project is to develop a portable detector that can be easily deployed inside industry standard boreholes. The successful completion of this project will allow CRM to engage new clients in resource exploration as well as in underground monitoring applications. TO BE CONT’D