Pharmacology, Toxicology and Environmental Health Commons^™

Full Issue: Volume 18, Number 1, Fall 2024

The Science Journal of the Lander College of Arts and Sciences

Complete .pdf file of Volume 18, Number 1 of The Science Journal of the Lander College of Arts and Sciences. Published Fall 2024.

Can Immunotherapy Treat Food Allergies?, Baila Klahr

The Science Journal of the Lander College of Arts and Sciences

Food allergies among children are highly prevalent. The elimination diet and fear of allergic reactions cause anxiety in many children and their parents. Immunotherapy stimulates the production of Treg cells which inhibit IgE-mediated allergic reactions. This can successfully desensitize children to their allergens. Subcutaneous immunotherapy can be used for environmental allergens while sublingual or oral immunotherapy should be used for food allergies. There are some risks associated with oral immunotherapy and research is ongoing to study the safety and efficacy of oral immunotherapy.

Overview Of Weight Loss Medications, Malky Mandel

The Science Journal of the Lander College of Arts and Sciences

Obesity is a complex medical condition that is multifactorial in origin. About one-third of adults in the United States are obese, and another third are overweight (Ogden et al., 2007). Obesity is associated with a multitude of comorbidities, such as cardiovascular disease, diabetes mellitus, and osteoarthritis (Lim, Boster, 2023). Additionally, obesity may cause psychological disorders due to social prejudice and discrimination toward obese people (Wadden et al. 2002). Economically, obesity is also a tremendous financial burden (Tremmel et al. 2017). It is estimated that the overall cost of obesity-related illness in the US is nearly $500 billion (Cawley et al., …

The Biobehavioral Effects Of Embryonic Exposure To Neural Inflammation And Oxidative Stress In Zebrafish, Dalton J. Anderson

Honors College Theses

The purpose of this research is to improve understanding of the neurodevelopmental effects of embryonic exposure to elevated inflammation and oxidative stress induced by the antipyretic drug acetaminophen (APAP). Our study was the first to examine the interactive effects of APAP and inflammation in zebrafish embryos and how the treatments affect brain development and larval behavior. Experimental groups of zebrafish larvae were exposed to lipopolysaccharide (LPS) to induce inflammation, APAP, or LPS + APAP and larval behavior was analyzed using Ethovision automated behavioral tracking software. We also measured changes in whole-brain Glycogen Synthase Kinase 3 Beta (GSK3B) and GSK3B phosphorylation, …

The Effects Of Length, Weight, Age, And Gender On Mercury Concentrations In Burbot In North-Central Minnesota Lakes, Liam Hanley

Journal of Earth and Life Science

Burbot Lota lota in north-central Minnesota lakes have the potential to reach large sizes and consume large volumes of prey. This caveat may make burbot susceptible to higher rates of biocontamination, bioaccumulation and biomagnification. The objective of this study was to determine how changes in age, length, gender, weight, and lake affect total mercury concentrations in burbot. In this experiment 28 burbot were angled from three lakes: Cass (n = 17), Winnibigoshish (n = 4), and Bad Medicine (n = 7). Then tissue samples were taken from each fish and were lyophilized and homogenized. Homogenized tissue samples were analyzed by …

Effects Of Subchronic Oral Pfos Exposure Via Drinking Water On Gut Microbiota Composition, Emma Ann Loder

Graduate Theses/Dissertations

Perfluorooctanesulfonic acid (PFOS) has been phased out of production in the United States, but because of its resistance to degradation and its persistence in the environment, PFOS can be found in drinking water across America. Oral exposure to PFOS has been linked to adverse developmental, immunological, hepatic, and endocrine health. Oral PFOS exposure may alter the gut microbiota and cause dysbiosis, which is implicated in the pathology of inflammatory diseases like Crohn’s disease, diabetes, and ulcerative colitis. The goal of the study was to investigate the effects of subchronic oral PFOS exposure on the composition of the gut microbiota. Adult …

Evaluating Reactive Gliosis In The Brain Of Adult Zebrafish Following The Ingestion Of Nanopolystyrene., Hannah A. Kelehear

College of Graduate Studies: Theses & Dissertations

Polystyrene nanoplastics are one of the most pervasive environmental contaminants and have been shown to infiltrate multiple organ systems following ingestion. Studies in several animal models and humans have demonstrated that nanoplastics can cross the blood-brain barrier. Additionally, there is evidence that plastics will induce an inflammatory response in the brain involving reactive gliosis of microglia and astrocytes. This process has yet to be thoroughly investigated in the zebrafish model system in the context of micro-/nanoplastic ingestion. In the current study, we examined microglial and astrocytic phenotypes in the adult zebrafish telencephalon after consuming food contaminated with 44 nm polystyrene …

Evaluating The Risk Posed By Gadolinium In The Grand River Watershed, Johann Memmel

Theses and Dissertations (Comprehensive)

Gadolinium (Gd) is a rare earth element (REE), primarily used in contrast agents for magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), with additional applications in metallurgy, phosphors, neutron shielding, and other niche applications. Both Gd and Gd-based contrast agents (GBCAs, the form used for MRIs) have been detected downstream of wastewater effluent discharges and there is currently little research into the risk this poses to aquatic ecosystems. This study investigated the potential environmental risks of Gd and GBCAs using the Grand River watershed (GRW) in southwestern Ontario as a model ecosystem due to it containing a variety of land uses (urban, industrial, agricultural) …

Assessing Stormwater Management Pond Water Quality, Function, And The Potential Biotic Effects To Receiving Waters, Mitchell Elstone

Theses and Dissertations (Comprehensive)

The use of stormwater management ponds (SWMPs) has been increasing over the past five decades. However, an in-depth understanding of the daily performance of SWMPs and functionality during cold periods is limited. This is in part because mandated monitoring is relatively infrequent, and the assumption that SWMPs are inactive between storm events and during the winter. The goals of this research were to better understand daily stormwater (SW) characteristics, the performance of SWMPs based on current forms of evaluation and assess the potential for SWMP effluent to impact downstream biota. Influent and effluent samples from two SWMPs were collected daily …

Reducing Food Scarcity: The Benefits Of Urban Farming, S.A. Claudell, Emilio Mejia

Journal of Nonprofit Innovation

Urban farming can enhance the lives of communities and help reduce food scarcity. This paper presents a conceptual prototype of an efficient urban farming community that can be scaled for a single apartment building or an entire community across all global geoeconomics regions, including densely populated cities and rural, developing towns and communities. When deployed in coordination with smart crop choices, local farm support, and efficient transportation then the result isn’t just sustainability, but also increasing fresh produce accessibility, optimizing nutritional value, eliminating the use of ‘forever chemicals’, reducing transportation costs, and fostering global environmental benefits.

Imagine Doris, who is …

The Potential Of Stem Cell Therapy In Multiple Sclerosis Treatment: A Review, Sorina Amarculesei, Ava O'Meara Cushen, Cathy Brougham

SURE Journal: Science Undergraduate Research Experience Journal

Multiple Sclerosis is an autoimmune and neurodegenerative disease of the central nervous system. There are currently 2.8 million people living with Multiple Sclerosis worldwide, including 9000 people in Ireland, with a prevalence of 193 per 100,000 people. Symptoms of Multiple Sclerosis include sensory loss, fatigue, cognitive dysfunction, spasticity, depression, optic neuritis, gait ataxia, diplopia, and loss of bladder control. Currently, there is no standardised treatment or cure for Multiple Sclerosis with many strategies focusing on symptoms. Stem cells have emerged as promising approaches for Multiple Sclerosis therapeutics. Clinical trials primarily focus on mesenchymal stem cell-based therapies for Multiple Sclerosis. Furthermore, …

International Conference On Cancer Health Disparities, Juhi Rais, Asif Jafri, Neelam Shivnath, Habiba Khan, Md Arshad

Research Symposium

Background: Biochanin A, an isoflavone that is mainly present in red clover, has potent chemopreventive properties against many cancers. Ovarian carcinoma is fifth most common and deadliest gynaecological malignancy that causes the highest mortality in females worldwide. Hence a substantial need for new therapies for combating this gynaecological malignancy arises.

Methods: The present study aimed to investigate anti-cancerous potentials of biochanin A on cultured human ovarian carcinoma PA-1 cells through the cell viability assay, cellular apoptosis, disruption of mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP), involvement of ROS, cell cycle kinetics, and expression of apoptosis-related genes namely, p53, Bax, Bcl-2, Noxa and Puma. …

Cell-Based Experimental Evidence To The Anti-Covid-19 Potential Of Ashwagandha And Honeybee Propolis Ingredients, Renu Wadhwa, Durai Sundar, Yoshiyuki Ishida, Keiji Terao, Sunil C. Kaul

Research Symposium

Background: The COVID-19 pandemic emerged in December 2019 by a novel strain of SARS-CoV-2 (Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2) has led to new endeavours in repurposing of existing drugs, anti-COVID-19 vaccine and drug development. Natural products, due to their general safety and wider availability, have attracted research and public attention. In this study, we report anti-COVID potential of compounds from honeybee propolis and Ayurvedic herb, Ashwagandha. Effect of active ingredients was studied on human cell surface receptors (ACE-2:Angiotensin Converting Enzyme-2/Spike protein and TMPRSS2:Transmembrane Protease Serine 2), critical for virus infection and virus main protease (Mpro, essential for virus replication), …

Ameliorative Effects Of Vitamins C And E On Haematotoxicity And Spleen Histopathology Induced By Dichlorvos Insecticide In Female Wistar Rats, Halima Mfaume, Harishchandra Pratap, Claudius Luziga, Felister Urasa

Tanzania Journal of Science

This research aimed to assess the toxicological effects of dichlorvos insecticide (2,2-dichlorovinyl dimethyl phosphate or DDVP) on haematological indices of female Wistar rats and to investigate the antioxidant properties of vitamins C and E in ameliorating haematotoxicity. The rats were divided into 6 groups; control-water, control-oil, dichlorvos group, dichlorvos + vitamin C group, dichlorvos + vitamin E group and dichlorvos + vitamin C + E group. Dichlorvos and vitamins were orally administered to rats with an interval of half an hour between treatments. The control-oil group was given 2 ml corn oil and the control-water group was given water adlib. …

Reintroducing Hemp (Rongony) In The Material Palette Of Madagascar: A Study On The Potential Of Hemp Clay Components And Its Impact On Social And Ecological Communities., Henintsoa Thierry Andrianambinina

Masters Theses

When mentioning the word hemp, especially in the local language of Madagascar, the literal translation does not set it apart from marijuana, as they are both called “rongony” - creating the stigma around hemp as the negative stereotype of marijuana. However, the material has been used by the ancestors of Madagascar, as well as across cultures, in its fibrous form to produce fabrication like textile goods and packaging. During colonization, the prohibition of hemp intensified, and since then, any activity related to either of these plants is prohibited and will end in severe punitive measures. This thesis explores the strengths …

Investigating Stormwater Parameters From Runoff On East Tennessee State University Campus, Abby Mciver, Dr. Joseph R. Bidwell

Undergraduate Honors Theses

Climate change has caused an increase in extreme rain events and flooding in certain regions across the globe. During rain events, water flows over impervious surfaces structures such as roads and sidewalks, picking up contaminants such as metals, fertilizers and other nutrients, and various organics that which may impact organisms in such as streams, river, and lakes. Previous work has found significant differences in survival of organisms that were exposed to contaminated stormwater runoff. This study investigated stormwater chemistry parameters at collection sites on the East Tennessee State University campus. Sites were selected based on the extent of human interaction …

Ketamine Slows Microinvertebrate Movement: Ecotoxicological Implications, Joy Bowling, Felicity Kelsch, Emma Welsh, Sophia Willis, Kathyrn Morris

2023 Midwest Ecology & Evolution Conference

With the new release of medications incorporating ketamine, a dissociative anesthetic, there is an ecotoxicology concern due to the presence of ketamine in local environments. Tardigrades, microscopic organisms commonly known as water bears, possess the same NDMA receptor that ketamine targets in humans, allowing for potential adverse reactions in exposure to ketamine. Our goal was to determine if tardigrade movement slowed under ketamine exposure over time. Tardigrade (Hypsibius exemplaris) velocity was measured using imaging software to record their response to increasing concentrations of the dissociative anesthetic. With higher concentrations, the tardigrades displayed a slower velocity. This indication of …

Using Podcasts To Bring National Estuarine Research Reserves Into The Classroom For Grades 6-12, Kaitlyn M. Dirr

Senior Theses

In a typical classroom setting, there are significant challenges to exposing students to concepts related to earth sciences and the environment. These challenges are exacerbated when conveying lessons about geographic areas with limited access, such as oceans and coastlines (Louv, 2010). It is now more important than ever for environmental education to improve and adapt to our changing world. Educators may have the opportunity to bring these subjects to life by using media content such as podcasts to introduce students to new places and the scientists, managers and educators that work in those spaces. In the United States, there exists …

Effects Of B4galnt1 Expression On Metastatic Phenotype And Response To Treatment In Osteosarcoma Cell Lines, Fatemeh Zareihajiabadi

Annual Research Symposium

No abstract provided.

The Effects Of Salinity And Acetaminophen On The Aquatic Snail Physa Acuta, Michelle Sackey-Ansah, Megan Mackey, Daniel Elias, Jason Doll, Alyssa Brookhart

Journal of the South Carolina Academy of Science

Pharmaceuticals are increasingly detected in water bodies, and their presence can negatively impact aquatic organisms. This effect can be amplified when combined with increasing salinity in freshwater ecosystems. Acetaminophen is a widely used analgesic that is commonly found in river, streams, and waters where it is discharged directly. Therefore, organisms present in these locations (e.g., insects, snails, amphibians, and fish) are likely to be affected by acetaminophen. In this study, we determined the effects of elevated salinity (0.68 g/L), acetaminophen (500 µg/L) and combined elevated salinity (0.68 g/L) and acetaminophen (500 µg/L), on the growth, reproduction, and movement of the …

What Is The Optimal Timing Of Embryo Biopsy For Diagnosing Genetic Abnormalities?, Nekhama Riznyk

The Science Journal of the Lander College of Arts and Sciences

Introduction and Purpose: This paper examines current trends in assisted reproductive technology, specifically the use of preimplantation genetic diagnosis (PGD to help in the preimplantation detection of genetic abnormalities such as monogenetic diseases and aneuploidy. PGD can be carried out in different stages, and the timing of the procedure has become one of the major issues in implementation. Three major stages of biopsy have been applied when carrying out PGD: Polar body biopsy (pre-conception), cleavage stage biopsy (3 days after conception), and blastocyst stage biopsy (6 days after conception). The purpose of the paper was to explore these stages and …

Improving The Prediction And Management Of Intrauterine Growth Restriction, Shulamis Sadowsky

The Science Journal of the Lander College of Arts and Sciences

Intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR) is a potentially fatal and often missed obstetric complication. The fetus is deprived of vital blood, oxygen, and nutrients due to faulty maternofetal circulation, leading to a severe lack of fetal growth. Since current prenatal testing is highly ineffective at diagnosing the condition, many babies with IUGR are negatively impacted before, during, and after birth. This paper assesses alternative and innovative detection and management methods of IUGR. Current routine prenatal care includes simple fundal height measurements to screen for IUGR. This analysis finds that other testing may increase the rate of detection of the disease. Maternal …

Is Nanotechnology An Effective Treatment For Diabetic Wounds?, Esther Auerbach

The Science Journal of the Lander College of Arts and Sciences

Diabetes Mellitus is increasingly impacting millions of adults worldwide. Multiple complications are associated with the disease, including non-healing chronic wounds. Treatment of diabetic wounds and foot ulcers is a complex challenge, as standard treatment options are ineffective. This review focuses on the use of nanotechnology as a treatment option. Nanomaterials include inorganic and organic nanoparticles as well as nanofilms and fibers. Analysis of the benefits of these nanoparticles will be discussed which include their antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and wound healing capabilities. A critical overview of the possible bene- fits will be assessed from in vitro and in vivo studies. Overall, …

Can Physicians Transfer Bacteria Onto Patients Through Their Neckties?, Alexandra Pinkhas

The Science Journal of the Lander College of Arts and Sciences

Hospital-acquired infections are exacerbated by the presence of transmission agents such as bacteria on neckties. Physicians can put patients at risk of infections if bacteria contaminate their ties during their normal hospital routines. In the hospital setting, some of the most common bacteria include Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Staphylococcus epidermidis, Enterococcus, Streptococcus pneumoniae, Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) and Clostridioides difficile. Studies have shown that neckties can act as transmission agents, especially when they come into contact with patients. Additionally, the type of material used to make a necktie determines the viability of bacteria. Wearing neckties increases risk for …

Intraoral Appliance Therapy - A Better Alternative For Apnea Than Cpap?, Bryan Teigman

The Science Journal of the Lander College of Arts and Sciences

Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is a condition where there is a physiologic hindrance of airflow to the lungs, triggering the brain to interfere with the sleep cycle and awaken an individual to provide sufficient oxygen flow. For years, the continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) machine has been the gold standard of care for patients suffering from OSA. Nonetheless, the machine has its flaws of being bulky, noisy, and other side effects, causing a low adherence rate and thus a lower relief rate of OSA symptoms. Accordingly, there have been many researchers seeking a more effective way to treat OSA, such …

Is Intermittent Fasting A Better Option Than Continuous Calorie Restriction?, Joseph J Cynamon

The Science Journal of the Lander College of Arts and Sciences

Intermittent fasting has become an increasingly popular diet for weight loss in the United States in the past ten years. Proponents of intermittent fasting claim that restricting calories via a fasting period yields more significant weight loss and better improvements in biomarkers for longevity than restricting calories continuously. The goal of this paper is to determine whether intermittent fasting leads to weight loss and is more beneficial than continuous calorie restriction. The paper first details the physiological processes which can occur during fasting that are theorized to render fasting advantageous. It then reviews the limited available research that experimentally compares …

How Can We Eliminate Peanut Allergies?, Ari Weingarten

The Science Journal of the Lander College of Arts and Sciences

For a long time, people with peanut allergies have had to carefully read labels, carry around emergency epinephrine injections, and live in fear of accidentally consuming an otherwise benign food that could potentially kill them. Thankfully, researchers have been working on ways to alleviate the harmful effects of these allergies and perhaps even find a cure. In the Learning Early About Peanut allergy (LEAP) study performed in 2015, researchers examined whether the early introduction of peanut consumption could be used to prevent peanut allergies. According to the study, peanuts can be introduced orally to high-risk infants who are sensitized, as …

Singer’S Voice Quality - Genetic Or Environmental Influences?, Dobra Baum

The Science Journal of the Lander College of Arts and Sciences

This paper explores the singing voice in terms of the vocal mechanism’s key anatomical features and the physiology of the vocal function. It focuses on phonation and resonation and examines the anatomy and physiology of the vocal tract and the respiratory system. The aim is to determine whether the singer’s voice is only the product of genetics or due to environmental influences. It conducts a procedure to evaluate how singers use their voices to modify breathing, pitch, volume, and timbre through resonance shaping. It also investigates the hereditary transmission of a good singing voice, on chromosome 12q, between relatives, and …

Full Issue: Volume 16, Number 2, Spring 2023

The Science Journal of the Lander College of Arts and Sciences

Complete .pdf file of Volume 16, Number 2 of The Science Journal of the Lander College of Arts and Sciences. Published Spring 2023.

Rheumatoid Arthritis: Traditional Drugs Vs. Alternative Medicine, Menachem Rubenstein

The Science Journal of the Lander College of Arts and Sciences

Rheumatoid arthritis is a systemic autoimmune disease which is inflammatory and chronic. This disease affects the joint linings of those with this condition, which causes painful swelling. Complications of this disease can cause problems in the patients’ eyes, skin, heart, lungs, and other organs. Being that there is no cure for Rheumatoid Arthritis, different treatment approaches are aimed to reduce the current pain and to slow further damage. In this paper, we will present a summary of past and present treatments to address the best possible treatment options for Rheumatoid arthritis. We will place an added emphasis on the use …