Pharmacology, Toxicology and Environmental Health Commons^™

Blood Lead Levels In Minority Children: A Case Of Environmental Racism, Erick Rivera

Sociology & Criminal Justice Theses & Dissertations

Racial minorities in the United States have suffered from being disadvantaged. Among these disadvantages is environmental racism. This includes minority communities being ‘sacrifice zones’ for toxic waste and being exposed to lead poisoning. The purpose of this study is to examine differences in blood levels between white children and children of color. This research will follow a bivariate model for the first research question, “Do youth of color (under the age of 18) have higher BLLs than white children?” The bivariate model will look at the relationship between ethno-racial group and BLLs. Specifically, an analysis of variance (ANOVA) will be …

Computational Analysis Of Type 3 Iodothyronine Deiodinase: Potential Inhibitors, Substrate Binding, And Dimer Structure, Eric Scott Marsan

Chemistry & Biochemistry Theses & Dissertations

Thyroid hormones (THs) in mammalian tissues are crucial for development and maintaining metabolic homeostasis. Iodothyronine deiodinases (Dios) remove iodines from THs by a selenocysteine (Sec) residue, which either activates or inactivates them. Halogen bonding (XB) has been proposed to describe the interaction between the Se and I atoms of the T4-Dio complex. Disruption of TH homeostasis by xenobiotics, such as polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs) and polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) can cause deleterious effects on the endocrine system. Experimental studies have indicated that PBDEs and PCBs could disrupt TH homeostasis by inhibiting Dio through XB formation. However, no current quantitative study exists …

Innovative Approaches In The Discovery Of Aquatic Mycobacteriophages, Janis H. Doss

Biomedical Sciences Theses & Dissertations

Bacteriophages (phages), viruses that infect bacteria, have many applications in medicine, agriculture, molecular biology, and other fields. As antibiotic resistance becomes an increasing problem, interest in phages has grown. The traditional techniques of phage discovery are successful for some phages, but others require modified procedures to achieve detectable host infection.

Mycobacterium is a diverse bacterial genus characterized by a unique cell wall containing mycolic acids, which aids in survival and pathogenesis. The aims of the present research were to isolate mycobacteriophages, use bioinformatics techniques to analyze mycobacterial prophages, and combine genetic analysis with multi-well plate host range studies to identify …

Effects Of Carboxylated Nanodiamonds On Macrophages During And After Differentiation, Maisoun E. Bani Hani

Biological Sciences Theses & Dissertations

Nanodiamonds (ND) are a carbon-based nanomaterial that are increasingly being proposed for developing novel imaging techniques, as carriers of biomolecules and therapeutic drugs, as coatings for implants, and for other biomedical applications. The exceptional chemical, mechanical, and optical properties of ND make this material suitable in a wide range of fields. The application of ND in the biomedical field is attractive but requires more in-depth investigation into the safety of ND and its interactions with different cells and systems. The effects of ND on the immune system are not fully understood or investigated and there are several controverting reports regarding …

A Gis Analysis Of The Environmental Variables Related To Rift Valley Fever Outbreaks, Jacqueline Florette Jackson

Health Services Research Dissertations

Rift Valley fever is a mosquito-borne disease that causes widespread febrile illness and mortality in domestic animals as well as humans (Gaff, 2007). Rift Valley fever virus was first isolated in 1931 (Daubney, 1931), and since then, outbreaks have occurred in sub-Saharan Africa, southern Africa, Egypt, Saudi Arabia, Yemen and Madagascar, proving it to be a virus able to invade ecologically diverse regions (Gaff, 2007). The potential introduction of Rift Valley fever into the United States suggests the potential for human infection and major economic disruption. It is important to understand the role environmental variables have played in historical outbreaks …

Cannabinoids: A Novel Treatment Strategy For Retinal Neurodegenerative Disorders, Sandeep Samudre

Theses and Dissertations in Biomedical Sciences

Synthetic and naturally occurring cannabinoids are known to decrease intraocular pressure (IOP). Glaucomatous damage to the retina and optic nerve progresses even after therapy to maintain normal intraocular pressure (IOP). Topical application of cannabinoids decreases IOP while not affecting blood pressure or heart rate. Based upon their effects on other tissues, we hypothesize that these analogs reduce IOP and may also confer direct neuroprotective effects on the retina, possibly via CB1 and/or CB2 receptors. The purpose of this study is to determine if the newly synthesized CB agonists, lipid soluble O-1812 (CB 1), and water soluble O-2545 (CB 1

The …

Development Of Single Nanoparticle Optical Assays For Imaging Single Living Cells, William John Brownlow

Chemistry & Biochemistry Theses & Dissertations

Multi-drug resistance (MDR) has been reported in both prokaryotes and eukaryotes; the pathogenic gram-negative bacteria Pseudomonas aeruginosa can extrude a variety of structurally and functionally diverse substrates via a number of membrane transport systems leading to MDR. We have developed a novel nanoparticle assay to characterize both the membrane transport system composed of the MexAB-OprM efflux pump and the membrane permeability induced by antibiotics. Gold (Au) and silver (Ag) nanoparticles were investigated for use as probes to explore membrane transport in P. aeruginosa.

The surface plasmon absorption (color) of Au nanoparticle solutions was found to change in the presence …

Embryo And Gamete Development Upon Exposure To Cca Components: Cro3, Cuo, And As2o5, Nerbana Talaat-Elsebaei Mahmoud

Theses and Dissertations in Biomedical Sciences

Production of functional gametes and healthy embryos is essential for proliferation of all vertebrates, especially humans. Many compounds have toxic effects on developing gametes and embryos among which are chromium trioxide (CrO₃), cupric oxide (CuO) and arsenic pentaoxide (As₂O₅) as a mixture (CCA) or individually. Controversy surrounding the safety of CCA-treated wood centers primarily on the toxicity of its components and the potential for these metals to be released from the wood.

The aim of this research is to test the hypothesis that CCA components have deleterious effects on embryo development, oocyte maturation and …

Validation Of Passive Air Sampling Monitors Onboard United States Navy Submarines, Larry A. Mcfarland

Community & Environmental Health Theses & Dissertations

An operating submarine creates a unique air quality mixture of compounds that result from a combination of human metabolism, construction materials, materials brought onboard and compounds created through the interaction of ship systems. A comprehensive study of submarine atmospheres is ongoing during deployments of U.S. Navy nuclear submarines. As part of the overall effort, a paired air sampling comparison field validation was conducted to compare the air sampling effectiveness of passive diffusive monitors compared to more traditional active air sampling methods when sampling for acrolein, formaldehyde and ozone in the enclosed submarine atmosphere. Acrolein monitors containing 2-hydroxymethylpiperidine (HMP) impregnated glass …

Investigations On The Use Of Ion Mobility Spectrometry For Clinical Chemistry Applications, Henri Parson Patten

Theses and Dissertations in Biomedical Sciences

The major objective of this research is to examine ion mobility spectrometry as a rapid screening tool for specific application to clinical chemistry research and laboratory use. Methodology was developed for target analytes representing several classes of physiologically active substances, including anesthetics, illicit drugs, and their metabolites. The IMS characteristics of animal tissues and other compounds such as amino acids and proteins were determined. Quality assurance and control procedures were developed for specific quality data objectives. Criteria were established relating to use of IMS for assessing the precision and accuracy of data, qualitative screening, and semi-quantitative analyses.

It was found …

The Accuracy Of Nitrous Oxide Passive Dosimeters As Compared With An Infra-Red Spectrographic Reference Method, Susan Allen

Community & Environmental Health Theses & Dissertations

Nitrous oxide is a gas often used in dental, surgical and veterinary operations as an anesthetic agent. Employees stationed in proximity of fugitive gas emissions may potentially suffer adverse health effects from chronic exposure to this agent. Passive dosimeters can be worn in the breathing zone of potentially affected personnel during exposure periods, then later analyzed to quantify nitrous oxide exposure. This study sought to establish the accuracy of several commercially available passive monitoring devices for nitrous oxide by comparison against an infra-red spectrophotometric reference method.

The Effect Of Illicit Drugs On The Cardiovascular And Hormonal Responses In Pregnant Rabbits, Andrea Alana Chambliss

Biological Sciences Theses & Dissertations

The purpose of this study is to determine the effect of acute administration of heroin and ecgonine methyl ester (EME) on renin and atrial natriuretic peptide (ANP) secretion in time dated New Zealand White rabbits. Thirteen rabbits were studied. Arterial blood pressure and pCOz, increased significantly from a control value of 80 ± 8 mmHg and 30 ± 2 mmHg respectively to 93 ± 18 mmHg and 31 ± 1 mmHg. pO₂ decreased from 99 ± 8 mmHg to 90 ± 11 mmHg 10 minutes after heroin administration. EME caused arterial blood pressure to significantly increase from a control …

Mouse Embryo Development In The Presence Of Capsaicin, Carlos Santiago Villar-Gosalvez

Theses and Dissertations in Biomedical Sciences

Capsaicin is the pungent agent found in hot peppers of the Capsicum genus. It is a potent neurotoxin that stimulates the degranulation and degeneration of C-afferent neurons. Capsaicin is widely used as a food condiment and medicine. Human exposure of capsaicin can exceed levels shown to be neurotoxic in laboratory animals. Additionally, capsaicin can cross the blood/placenta barrier and affect an embryo in utero. In order to assay the potential for toxicity to human embryos, mouse embryos were exposed to capsaicin and the effect of the capsaicin on embryo development was measured. Embryos were co-cultured in Krebs medium with 1% …

Effect Of Cocaine On Rabbit Renin Angiotensin System: Cocaine Detection In Adult And Fetal Tissue And Adult Plasma Using Ion Mobility Spectrometry, Barbara Belinda Guinn

Biological Sciences Theses & Dissertations

Ion mobility spectrometry (IMS) was used to detect cocaine and/or the metabolite ecgonine methyl ester (EME) in tissue and plasma samples from male, maternal, and fetal New Zealand White (NZW) rabbits. EME was consistently detected in all adult plasma samples 5 minutes after the injection of cocaine hydrochloride (cocaine•HCI, 2 mg/kg). EME was also in the liver, kidneys, testicles, and ovaries. Five minutes after the injection of cocaine•HCI, the male arterial pressure (MAP) increased from a mean control value of 79 ± 3.2 mmHg to 88 ± 4.1 mmHg, and the pCO₂ increased from a control value of28 ± …

Human Immunodeficiency Virus (Hiv)/Hepatitis B Virus (Hbv) Risk Perception Related To Needlestick Injuries At A Medical School In Norfolk, Virginia, Ronald B. Hartman

Community & Environmental Health Theses & Dissertations

A limited number of studies have been conducted to assess the perceptions of risk of medical students and residents for acquiring Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) or Hepatitis B Virus (HBV) via percutaneous (needlestick) injuries while performing clinical training. The purpose of this study is to investigate these perceptions of risk, and to determine whether there is an association between a high perception of risk and a low incidence of needlestick injury. The method of investigation was a four-page survey questionnaire. The instrument was investigated for reliability by use of a pilot study with a small group of medical students and …

Lead Activation Of A Developmentally Regulated Calcium Channel In Rat Hippocampal Nerve Terminals, Troy E. Rhodes

Theses and Dissertations in Biomedical Sciences

Low level lead (Pb²⁺) exposure may produce lasting deficits in learning and memory by altering calcium (Ca²⁺) dependent processes. Isolated presynaptic nerve terminals from rat hippocampus were loaded with the intracellular (Ca²⁺) indicator Fura-2. The changes in cytoplasmic free calcium ([Ca²⁺]_i) were measured by stopped-flow fluorescence spectroscopy following depolarization with elevated potassium on a millisecond time scale (Lentzner et al., 1992). Depolarization promoted a rapid increase in Ca²⁺_i which occured in two kinetically distinguishable phases: a fast component, representing the activity of rapidly inactivating Ca²⁺ channels (τ …

Comparison Of Positive Screening And Confimatory Results From Federally Mandated Drug Testing Of Urine, Mary M. Stuck

Community & Environmental Health Theses & Dissertations

The purpose of this study was to analyze the accuracy of FDA approved immunoassays for the detection of drug positive urine samples.

Federal civilian employees are tested under the strict protocol of the Department of Health and Human Services mandatory guidelines for federal workplace drug testing programs. The guidelines provide for a two instrument testing protocol for the analysis of urine samples. The first is an FDA approved immunoassay. Samples which test positive on this screening immunoassay are then submitted for confirmatory testing with the "gold standard" gas chromatography/mass spectrometry.

Agency monthly drug testing summaries, required under the DHHS guidelines …

A Test Of An Alternate Calibration Matrix For Niosh Method 7300, Robert T. Vitek

Community & Environmental Health Theses & Dissertations

The purpose of this study was to determine if the analytical results (when determining cadmium, lead, and zinc concentrations) for air sample filters prepared and analyzed according to N:OSH Method 7300, differ significantly, from those obtained when the instrument is calibrated using EPA Method 200.7 acid matrix standards. The null hypothesis was that no statistically significant difference, measured at the 95% confidence level, would exist between results obtained from the two calibration standards. Careful standard and sample preparation, the use of an internal standard, and the application of working standard and working internal standard correction factors served to isolate the …

The Evaluation Of Succinylcholine Chloride For Harmful Effects Upon Early-Stage Mouse Embryos, Francis Warren Prescott

Biological Sciences Theses & Dissertations

Succinylcholine (SCh) chloride is a depolarizing neuromuscular blocking agent used to paralyze patients for surgical procedures. Over 1,800 clinical observations of newborn infants have demonstrated that succinylcholine does not cross the placenta in quantities detrimental to fetuses (Kolstad, et al., 1957, Bakhoum, et al., 1957, Hodges, et al., 1959, Duffield, et al., 1958, Dennis, et al., 1954, 1956, McNab, 1955, Coleman, et al., 1956, Lund, 1953). Later investigations which involved comparison of blood levels of SCh in the mother to those in fetuses bolstered the finding that SCh fails to cross the placenta in significant amounts (Moya and Kvisselgaard, 1961, …

In Situ Regulation Of Cytosolic Phospolipase A₂, Beverly A. Rzigalinski

Theses and Dissertations in Biomedical Sciences

The 85 kDa cytosolic phospholipase A₂ (cPLA₂) is an agonist-responsive effector for intracellular signal transduction through the arachidonate cascade. In vitro studies have demonstrated that this enzyme is regulated by sub-micromolar calcium and is specific for arachidonate as the sn-2 fatty acyl group of phospholipid substrates. However, very little data is available regarding in situ mechanisms which govern the activity of cPLA₂. The primarily objective of these studies was to develop an in situ system for the study of cPLA₂, and investigate mobilization of arachidonate during signal transduction events.

Dimethylsulfoxide differentiation of the …

Validation Of A Bag Sampling Method For 1,3-Butadiene, Lori Eckenrode

Community & Environmental Health Theses & Dissertations

At this time there is no NIOSH approved means for bag sampling 1,3-butadiene. An attempt was made to use the application of cold (0°F) to inhibit the reactivity of the gas prior to analysis. The State of California Air Resources Board has an approved method for the gas chromatographic analysis of 1,3-butadiene from stationary sources. The method was utilized in the application of industrial hygiene monitoring of affected workers. The application of cold was found to be ineffective at inhibiting the highly reactive nature of 1,3-butadiene. Analyte losses were too great to classify the method as an accurate measure of …

Development And Standardization Of A Short-Term Assay For Evaluating Polluted Estuarine And Coastal Environments: The Medaka Embryo-Larval Assay, Michael Frederick Helmstetter

OES Theses and Dissertations

The eggs of the Japanese medaka (Oryzias latipes) were employed in a number of studies to develop a routine, standardized assay which can assess the acute and sublethal impacts of individual toxicants and complex mixtures. The eggs of this Cyprinodont minnow were topically treated with each toxicant or mixture dissolved in membrane permeable dimethylsulfoxide (DMSO) solvent. Nine chemicals were initially evaluated with two, pentachlorophenol (PCP) and tributyltin chloride (TBTCl), subsequently selected for extensive evaluations of salinity tolerance and the accuracy of the topical exposure method for representing a typical immersion exposure. The amount of material actually penetrating the eggs was …

A Biochemical Study Of Gossypol And Lactate Dehydrogenase X Binary Interactions, Patricia Brown Ravenell

Theses and Dissertations in Biomedical Sciences

The goal of this project was to study the mechanism of action of gossypol through its (a) binary interaction with native and trypsin digested lactate dehydrogenase-X (LD-X), a sperm-specific isozyme, and (b) its binding in vitro in primary cultures of spermatogenic cells. Mouse LD-X was cleaved with trypsin before and after treatment with gossypol. This was followed by high performance chromatography (HPLC) separation of the LD-X tryptic peptide fragments to observed alterations in separation patterns as indicators of intramolecular disturbance in the enzyme molecule. Definite alterations in peptide fragment peaks were observed in the presence of gossypol and suggest conformational …

Effects Of Applied Soil Repellent Finish On Pesticide Residues In Work Clothing, Sandra L. Prior

Community & Environmental Health Theses & Dissertations

This study explores the feasibility of using an applied soil repellent finish, Scotchgard, on 100% cotton denim fabric in order to enhance the removal of atrazine and alachlor residue during the laundering process. The experimental findings provided no statistically significant evidence that Scotchgard fabric protector reduced pesticide residuals on the 100% cotton denim fabric either before or after laundering. A significant finding secondary to the study involved the possible interaction of Scotchgard with the pesticide alachlor, leaving greater amounts of residual on the fabric after laundering than those found with no fabric treatment. This suggests that agricultural workers be cautioned …

Reactions Of Organic N-Chloramines In The Gastric Fluid Of The Rat, Kathryn E. Mazina

Chemistry & Biochemistry Theses & Dissertations

Using chlorine as a drinking water disinfectant may have potential health effects due to its reactivity with organic amino nitrogen compounds found in the stomach. Organic N-chloramines have been shown to form in the stomachs of laboratory rats. The possible reactions of N-chloramines in the stomach fluid were examined in this study using a model radiolabeled N-chloramine. ³⁶Cl-N-Chloropiperidine, was synthesized and purified to remove ³⁶Cl-chloride. Stomach fluid was obtained from Sprague-Dawley rats which had been first fasted for 24 or 48 hours and then administered 3 mL of deionized water. Different concentrations of radiolabeled chloramine were reacted with …

The Synthesis And Evaluation Of A New Analog Of Phencyclidine (Pcp), William H. Johnson Jr.

Chemistry & Biochemistry Theses & Dissertations

Based on an interpretation of the literature of phencyclidine (PCP) together with an examination of the relevant models or prototype structures, this research has attempted to design and synthesize a rigid analog of the phencyclidine structure. The parent ring systems suggested for this study were the 1-arnino and 2-arninornethyltetralins, 10 and, 12.

Several organic compounds, based on this design, have been prepared by classical examples of reductive alkylation reactions of the corresponding 2-hydroxyciethylene-1-tetralones, 11, and by the condensation and subsequent reductive alkylation of the 1-arninotetralin, 9. These arninomethyltetralones, 28, 29 and 30, together with an example of a substituted 1-arninotetralin, …

The Effects Of Tri-O-Cresyl Phosphate On 2',3'-Cyclicnucleotide-3'-Phosphohydrolase Activity In Neural And Non-Neural Tissue Of The Rat, Mark K. Schlager

Chemistry & Biochemistry Theses & Dissertations

A total of 44 Long-Evans rats received 5.7 g/kg tri-O-cresyl phosphate (TOCP) orally every 3 days for 6 days. A second group of 13 rats received 4.6 g/kg orally every 3 days for 6 days. Animals were administered atropine sulfate (10 mg/kg) intraperitoneally every 6 hours or as needed to alleviate cholinergic symptoms. Ten control animals were given corn oil orally. Eight rats (18%) survived the 5.7 g/kg dose regimen and 5 rats (38%) survived the 4.6 g/kg dose regimen. Surviving rats were killed at 30-33 days post-dose. Signs of delayed neuropathy included ataxia and motor impairment.

The CNP activity …

Sulfatides As Opiate Receptors: An Evaluation Of The Opiate Binding Potential Of Sulfogalactosylgylcerolipid, Darby Geoghegan Hand

Chemistry & Biochemistry Theses & Dissertations

Cerebroside sulfate (CS) has recently been shown to bind opiate drugs in a pharmacologically relevent manner and therefore satisfy the structural requirements of an opiate receptor. Seminolipid (SGG), a novel sulfated galactosyl. glycerolipid that has been isolated from the testes of a variety of mammals, may be viewed as a structural analog of CS. In view of this structural similarity, it is reasonable to presume that SGG may also bind opiate drugs. The isolation of SGG from boar testes was accomplished using silica gel dry column chromotography with a chloroform: methanol water solvent system. The structure and purity of the …