Identifying Biomarkers for Accurate Detection of Stress.

Substance use disorder (SUD) is a dangerous epidemic that develops out of recurrent use of alcohol and/or drugs and has the capability to severely damage one's brain and behaviour. Stress is an established risk factor in SUD's development of addiction and in reinstating drug seeking. Despite this expanding epidemic and the potential for its grave consequences, there are limited options available for management and treatment, as well as pharmacotherapies and psychosocial treatments.

Selection of Optimal Physiological Features for Accurate Detection of Stress.

Stress is an established risk factor in the development of addiction and in reinstating drug seeking. Substance use disorder (SUD) is a dangerous epidemic that affects the brain and behavior. Despite this growing epidemic and its subsequent consequences, there are limited management and treatment options, pharmacotherapies and psychosocial treatments available.

Congenital heart defects and copy number variants associated with neurodevelopmental impairment.

A genetic etiology is identifiable in 20%-30% of patients with congenital heart defects (CHD). Chromosomal microarray analysis (CMA) can detect copy number variants (CNV) associated with CHD. In previous studies, the diagnostic yield of postnatal CMA testing ranged from 4% to 28% in CHD patients.

Excretion and toxicity of gold-iron nanoparticles.

Unlabelled: Though gold nanoparticles have been considered bio-inert, recent studies have questioned their safety. To reduce the potential for toxicity, we developed a nanoclustering of gold and iron oxide as a nanoparticle (nanorose) which biodegrades into subunits to facilitate rapid excretion. In this present study, we demonstrate acid and macrophage lysosomal degradation of nanorose via loss of the near-infrared optical shift, and clearance of the nanorose in vivo following i.