IL-5; a diffuse biomarker associated with brain inflammation after blast exposure.

Detailed biomolecular mechanisms underlying cognitive issues following blast exposure are unknown. Recently, studies confined to the hippocampus have shown elevated pro-inflammatory factors after blast exposure. In an attempt to understand the diffuse effects from blast, an established rodent model of blast neurotrauma was used.

A temporal evaluation of cytokines in rats after blast exposure.

Blast induced neurotrauma (BINT) has been a challenge clinically due to the associated diagnostic issues, overlapping symptoms with other forms of trauma, and delayed onset of the symptoms. Little is understood about the pathophysiology of BINT and there are no validated biomarkers available for diagnosis. Animal studies have shown elevated levels of inflammation in the brain after BINT using histological techniques.

Envelope protein E1 as vaccine target for western equine encephalitis virus.

Western equine encephalitis virus (WEEV) is a mosquito-borne RNA virus which causes lethal infection in humans and equines. There are no commercial vaccines or anti-WEEV drugs available for humans. We used replication-defective, human adenovirus serotype-5 (HAd5) as a delivery vector for developing WEEV vaccine.

A suspension array immunoassay for the toxin simulant ovalbumin.

A microsphere-based suspension array (SA) system was used for the development and characterization of an immunoassay for the toxin simulant ovalbumin. Results obtained by SA immunoassay were compared with those obtained by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) using the same immunoreagents. The limit of detection (LOD) for the SA ovalbumin assay was 4.