March 2023 OEFC & IHSFC Research Voucher Awards
Cycle 6- March 2023 IHSFC Research Voucher Awards
New Hypothesis Expansion/Direction Medium IHSFC Research Voucher Award(s):Medium research voucher applications support the expenses (up to $5,000) associated with critical exploratory research and proof-of-concept studies needed by CIEHS members for hypothesis generation and grant (re)submission.
Principal Investigator: Jiapeng Huang, M.D., Ph.D.
Collaborator:Lu Cai, M.D., Ph.D.; Jun Cai, M.D., Ph.D.
Title: Effects And Mechanisms of Antimony During Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension Pathogenesis
Lay Description: The etiology of pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) is extremely complex, involving genetic, epigenetic, and environmental factors. We hypothesize that heavy metal, antimony, may directly induce PAH, and would significantly facilitate the development or worsen the pathogenesis of PAH via disturbance of the redox homeostasis. We aim to examine effects of antimony on PAH and right ventricular dysfunction by direct exposure, which will shed light on roles of low dose antimony exposure in PAH pathogenesis and help identify novel therapeutic targets for PAH.
Cycle 10 - March 2023 OEFC Research Voucher Awards
New Hypothesis Expansion/Direction Medium OEFC Research Voucher Award(s): Medium research voucher applications support the expenses (up to $5,000) associated with critical exploratory research and proof-of-concept studies needed by CIEHS members for hypothesis generation and grant (re)submission.
Principal Investigator: LiQing He, Ph.D.
Collaborator: Xiang Zhang, Ph.D.
Title: RNA Modification Changes In CAA Treated Human Liver Cell Line
Lay Description: We will use chloroacetyaldehyde to treat the human liver cell line to mimic environmental pollution-related liver disease. A two-dimensional liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry will be used for identifying and quantifying RNA modifications at the epitranscriptome scale.
New Hypothesis Expansion/Direction Medium OEFC Research Voucher Award(s): Medium research voucher applications support the expenses (up to $5,000) associated with critical exploratory research and proof-of-concept studies needed by CIEHS members for hypothesis generation and grant (re)submission.
Principal Investigator: Andrew Mehring, Ph.D.
Collaborator: Lu Cai, M.D., Ph.D. and Jason Xu
Title: The Use of Stormwater Biofilters as Long-Term Sensors Of Urban Heavy Metal Pollution
Lay Description:
- Storm water biofilters (also known as raingardens or bioswales) are treatment systems designed to trap pollutants that flow over city streets during rainstorms, and if they are functioning properly, they should accumulate a long-term record of pollutants released in known areas of cities.
- Heavy metals (such as lead and mercury) in 40 biofilters in Louisville and neighboring cities will be measured to determine if metal pollution in biofilters is related to biofilter design, age, and layout of the city, or if it may also be related to household income or other demographic information.
- By monitoring pollutant accumulation in biofilters and other forms of urban treatment systems, we may improve our ability to detect pollution “problem areas”, effectively target our cleanup efforts, and address environmental health and justice issues within cities.