Enteroids and enteroid derived monolayer cultures: Using primary intestinal epithelial cell cultures to define the mechanisms underlying epithelial intrinsic innate defenses

Using growth media available from Stemcell technologies, along with our own tools and techniques, we can isolate and grow intestinal stem cells from mice or human patient donors into enteroid cultures. Enteroids are 3D cell cultures that replicate many of the structures and types of cells found in the intestinal lining. We propose to work […]

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Mycobiota dysbiosis in colitis-associated colorectal cancer

A higher incidence of colon cancer is reported in populations consuming high amounts of red meat, as well as in patients with inflammatory bowel disease, where gut bacteria participate in the development of inflammation. We found that dietary supplementation with heme, an element found at high levels in blood, is detrimental to gut health and […]

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Utilization of Asparaginase-expressing yeast for the treatment of leukemia

Acute Lymphocytic Leukemia (ALL) is a common form of leukemia that affects approximately 3 people per 100,000 individuals, and is the most common form of cancer in children and adolescents. Current therapies are effective in children, however, treatment success in infants, adolescents, and adults needs improvement. Indeed, there is a need for new chemotherapeutic drugs […]

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Evaluating the effectiveness of real time image filtering in multi-platform live broadcasting and interactive VR installations as means for artistic expression

There are several platforms that allow users to share real time video with the public. However, these platforms lack the tools that would allow creative professionals to create artistic video compositions extemporaneously. Our prior research assessed the potential for artistic expression within live video broadcasting by developing and integrating new creative tools within the Generate […]

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Towards personalized surgical spine reconstruction post tumour resection

We aim to develop tools to assess patient outcomes following treatment and removal of bone metastases. We will identify markers for enhanced patient outcomes, so as to predict which patients may benefit from more aggressive treatments to better their quality of life. We also aim to use 3D printed bone implants to help in the […]

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Towards Detection of Subclinical Joint Bleeds in Hemophiliacs: Advanced Imaging

This project aims to assess how the use of the novel “ultra-short echo-time” (UTE) MR imaging technology can “add value to” conventional MRI for detection and quantification of blood products in hemophilic joints. We will test this novel technology in joints of hemophilic patients with different stages of arthropathy presenting with blood products at different […]

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Transitional REM Sleep Brain Connectomes and Seizure Susceptibility

Seizures are rare while dreaming in rapid eye movement (REM) sleep. New research, however, suggests seizures may rebound during unstable REM sleep. This may be due to brain wiring (“connectivity”) since a highly connected brain is more prone to seizures, and connectivity changes from wakefulness to sleep. Brainwave tracings (“EEG”) can generate connectivity maps (“connectomes”) […]

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