Pharmacology, Toxicology and Environmental Health Commons^™

Biofunctional Characterization Of A Polyherbal Formulation, Muhammad Ameer Qarib Naqvi, Iqra Saleem, Fatma Hussain

Journal of Bioresource Management

Polyherbal formulations (PHFs) have greater medicinal importance due to their enhanced bioactivities. To check whether a combination of several plants enhances bioactivities, the current study was designed. Methanol, aqueous and n-hexane solvents were used to prepare PHF of Syzgium cumini, Origanum vulgare, Aloe vera barbadensis Miller and Gymnema sylvestre. DPPH (2, 2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl scavenging) assay was used to analyze antioxidant activity. The total phenolic content (TPC) and total flavonoid content (TFC) estimations were done by Folin-Ciocalteu reagent and AlCl₃ colourimetric techniques, respectively. Bactericidal activity was measured by agar well diffusion method, anti-diabetic profile was assessed by …

Psoriasis Treatments In The Stabilization Of Atherosclerosis: A Systematic Review, Lixin Ji, Sowmya Ravi, Laura Wright, Vi Nguyen, Jose Wiley, Milena Vukelic, Sangkyu Kim

School of Medicine Faculty Publications

This systematic review explores the relationship between achieving minimal disease activity in psoriasis and the progression of atherosclerosis. It investigates how biologic therapies and other treatments impact atherosclerosis markers, offering insights into therapeutic strategies. A comprehensive search of PubMed, Embase, and Web of Science was conducted from January 1, 2000, to April 1, 2023, using terms such as psoriasis, psoriatic arthritis, atherosclerosis, biologic therapy, vascular stiffness, carotid intima-media thickness (CIMT), and coronary computed tomography angiography (CCTA). Eligible studies were those involving human subjects over 18, written in English, that provided quantitative atherosclerosis markers, including CIMT, CCTA, arterial pulse wave velocity …

Machine Learning–Based Prediction Of Potentially Inappropriate Prescribing In Geriatric Patients Presenting To The Emergency Department At Al-Qatif Central Hospital, Saudi Arabia, Aymen Alqurain

Saudi Toxicology Journal

Potentially inappropriate prescribing (PIP) is an avoidable factor leading to adverse drug events in older adults, particularly in the emergency department (ED). This study aimed to train and validate a machine learning (ML) model to predict the probability of PIP in elderly patients in the ED. This retrospective analysis encompassed patients aged 65 years and above who presented to the Al-Qatif Central Hospital. PIPs were identified using a validated screening tool designed for older persons to ensure appropriate treatment. Variables have been detected by least absolute shrinkage and selection operator regression. An extreme gradient boosting model was trained and assessed …

Developing A Tool To Measure Resistance To Sustainable Food Choices: A Pilot Study In Ireland And The Netherlands, Kate Flanagan, Bart Sinteur, Patricia J. Bulsing, John M. Kearney

SURE Journal: Science Undergraduate Research Experience Journal

Consumer uptake of a sustainable diet is critical for addressing environmental challenges and promoting public health. Understanding why consumers resist adopting sustainable eating habits can inform targeted interventions and policies. This pilot study examines whether a newly developed scale can effectively detect consumer resistance to a sustainable diet. Currently, there is a lack of research on a tool to measure consumer resistance to a sustainable diet, highlighting the need for a reliable instrument.

The aim of this study is to develop a scale, based on existing literature, to measure consumer resistance to a sustainable diet. Additionally, the study aims to …

Editorial-Sure Journal Volume 7, Issue 2, Geraldine M. Dowling, Eva Campion, Sinead Loughran, Ariane Perez-Gavilan, Josephine Treacy

SURE Journal: Science Undergraduate Research Experience Journal

No abstract provided.

An Integrative Systems Biology Approach To Study Metabolic Changes Associated With Pfas Exposure In Xenopus Laevis, Claire Wolfer-Jenkins

The Journal of Purdue Undergraduate Research

No abstract provided.

What Are The Global Differences In Air Quality Due To The Covid-19 Pandemic?, Jude Spencer, Ian Mcgee, Brandon Solis-Martinez

Student Scholar Symposium

The COVID-19 pandemic led to unprecedented global disruptions, including significant changes in air quality due to lockdown measures, reduced industrial activity, and shifts in transportation patterns. Air pollution, primarily from nitrogen oxides (NOₓ), carbon dioxide (CO₂), and particulate matter (PM2.5), is a major environmental and public health concern. While some studies suggest temporary improvements in air quality during lockdowns, long-term impacts remain uncertain across different regions. To examine this, we investigated the research question: "What are the global differences in air quality due to the Covid-19 pandemic?" Using peer-reviewed studies from the Greenfile and ScienceDirect databases, along with EPA data, …

Investigation Of Aldehyde Oxidase Inhibition By Clopidogrel And Its Thiol Metabolite, Rachel Crouch, Merna Kamal, Hilina Woldeamanuel

Student Scholar Symposium

Aldehyde oxidase (AO) is an enzyme that metabolizes drugs containing aromatic azaheterocycles. Small thiol-containing molecules have been reported to inactivate AO. Clopidogrel is an antiplatelet agent used to treat cardiovascular diseases. Clopidogrel is a prodrug that is bioactivated in vivo by cytochrome P450 enzymes CYP3A4 and CYP2C19 into a thiol metabolite. Our research aims to explore whether the clopidogrel thiol metabolite can inhibit AO, leading to potential drug-drug interactions when co-administered with other drugs that are metabolized by AO. In order to determine whether the prodrug clopidogrel and/or its thiol metabolite inhibit AO, O6-benzylguanine (AO substrate) was incubated with human …

Pediatric Glioblastoma Molecular Mechanisms, Ariana Trabachino, Joshua Owens

Student Scholar Symposium

Powerpoint presentation

Corrigendum To “Yi-Qi-Xuan-Fei Formula Ameliorate Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease By Remodeling Lung And Intestinal Florase In Rat Models” [J Food Drug Anal 33(3) (2025) 252-276]

Journal of Food and Drug Analysis

No abstract provided.

Economic Evaluation Of Ai-Assisted Technologies In Healthcare: A Systematic Review, Wen-Tung Wu, Yi-Wen Chao, Tsung-Kun Lin, Ching-Kuo Huang, Ping-Hsuan Hsieh

Journal of Food and Drug Analysis

Artificial intelligence (AI) technologies are increasingly integrated into healthcare, yet their economic value remains uncertain. Traditional economic evaluation methods may not adequately capture the unique features of AI, including dynamic model evolution, scalability, and broader societal impacts. This systematic review synthesized existing evidence on the cost-effectiveness of AI-based healthcare interventions and assessed the methodological rigor of published studies. A comprehensive search identified health economic evaluations of AI applications published between September 2019 and March 2025, following PRISMA and SWiM guidelines and registered in PROSPERO (CRD42025641230). Eligible studies were full economic evaluations comparing AI-based interventions with non-AI alternatives, and data were …

Combination Treatment Of Cordycepin And Radiation Induces Apoptosis Accompanied By Protective Autophagy In Tm3 Mouse Leydig Progenitor Cells, Yu-Yan Lan, Yi-Ping Lee, Wei-Ru Huang, Chun-Ying Yu, Lyh-Jyh Hao, Chun-Hung Lin, Bu-Miin Huang

Journal of Food and Drug Analysis

Leydig cells are anatomically located in the testicular interstitial tissue, and their main function is to produce and secrete testosterone and indirectly support spermatogenesis. We previously reported that the combination treatment of cordycepin and radiation can effectively induce Leydig tumor cell apoptosis through cell cycle arrest, caspase activation, endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress, reactive oxygen species (ROS) accumulation, and DNA damage. However, there is still a lack of scientific evidence for the susceptibility of normal Leydig cells to the combination treatment. In the present study, mouse TM3 Leydig progenitor cells were used as a model to evaluate the effects and mechanisms …

Development Of An Untargeted Metabolomics Analytical Protocol For Fecal Samples By Liquid Chromatography–Mass Spectrometry, Tsai-Wei Ting, Chih-Ning Cheng, Chieh-Chang Chen, Ching-Hua Kuo

Journal of Food and Drug Analysis

Gut microbiota has recently gained attention for its role in regulating multiple host pathways and contributing to disease developments. Fecal metabolomics using liquid chromatography—mass spectrometry (LC—MS) offers a promising approach to study gut microbial metabolites; however, it remains technically challenging due to the complex, heterogeneous nature of fecal samples and the lack of standardized protocols. This study aimed to establish a robust and reproducible untargeted fecal metabolomics workflow. We systematically evaluated sample preparation parameters―including sample amount, extraction solvent, numbers of extraction, and sample-to-solvent ratio―and assessed method reproducibility. Additionally, we compared three LC—MS data acquisition workflows using 10 samples from inflammatory …

Dna Tetrahedron-Au Nps-Go For Enhanced Fluorescence Detection Of Serotonin, Zhang Yun, Wu Qiong, Gao Hui, Zhang Hua, Miao Xiang-Min

Journal of Food and Drug Analysis

Evidence had accumulated that serotonin (5-HT), a hormone and neurotransmitter, was not only involved in a variety of different physiological and central nervous system functions but also in the development and manifestation of psychiatric diseases. Here, DNA tetrahedron-Au NPs-GO for enhanced fluorescence sensor was designed for detecting serotonin. Au NPs-GO was used as a fluorescence quencher, while fluorophore-labeled DNA tetrahedron was used as a donor, resulting in fluorescence resonance energy transfer (FRET) from the fluorophore to Au NPs-GO (signal off). With the strong binding ability of aptamer to serotonin, S5 was released from Aptamer: S5 duplex, then reacted with the …

Carotenoids Identified From Slipper-Shaped Oyster Magallana Bilineata Powder Residue Exhibit Potent Biological Activities, Rhoda Mae C. Simora, Raymund B. Parcon, Andrea Roxanne J. Anas, Tatsufumi Okino

Journal of Food and Drug Analysis

Carotenoids are a diverse class of biologically active compounds that contribute significantly to human health, serving vital functions in nutrition and overall well-being. Magallana bilineata, a commercially important oyster species, yields a shelf-stable powder residue possessing bioactivities with unknown specific compounds. Carotenoids are key marine bioactive compounds, but their presence in oysters remains underexplored. The present study aimed to identify the bioactive compounds from oyster powder residue through mass spectrometry for optimum utilization and value creation as a biomedical resource. The study employed solvent extraction of oyster powder residue, followed by fractionation using octadecylsilyl (ODS) column chromatography, liquid chromatography-mass …

Selective Sodium-Glucose Cotransporter Two Inhibitor Empagliflozin Ameliorates Diabetic Cardiomyopathy By Activating The Ampk/Tfeb Signaling Pathway., Man-Chen Hsu, Ru-Wen Chang, Mu-Chun Wang, Chia-Hui Chen, Wen-Hua Chen, Tzong-Shyuan Lee, Chih-Hsien Wang

Journal of Food and Drug Analysis

The highly selective SGLT2 inhibitor (SGLT2i) is reported to have beneficial effects on diabetic cardiac hypertrophy; however, the molecular mechanisms underlying the cardioprotection of SGLT2i are not fully understood. In this study, we investigated the impact of the SGLT2 Inhibitor empagliflozin (EMPA) on diabetic hearts and its regulatory mechanisms in high-fat-diet (HFD)- and streptozotocin (STZ)-treated rats. Male rats orally administered HFD/STZ treatment for eight weeks, with or without EMPA (10 mg/kg), were used as our in vivo model. Hematoxylin and eosin (H&E) staining was used for histological examination. Western blot analysis and immunohistochemistry were used to analyze the expression of …

Targeting Chemical Carcinogenesis: Α-Pinene And D-Limonene As Chemopreventive Agents Against Nnk/ Tcdd- And Urethane-Induced Lung Tumorigenesis, Kuo-Ching Huang, Vui-Hyen Chew, Yu-Ying Chen, Huey-Jen Su, Hao-Ting Chang, Rong‑Jane Chen, Ying‑Jan Wang

Journal of Food and Drug Analysis

Lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer-related deaths worldwide, driven by carcinogens such as tobacco-derived nitrosamines, dioxins, and urethane. This study evaluated the chemopreventive effects of two monoterpenes, α-pinene and D-limonene, using NNK/TCDD- and urethane-induced lung tumor models and A549 lung cancer cells. Both compounds significantly reduce tumor number and size, with enhanced effects when combined. Mechanistic studies revealed suppression of PRC1, β-catenin, and c-Myc, alongside activation of p53, Bax, and caspase-3, indicating inhibition of the PRC1—Wnt/β-catenin pathway and induction of apoptosis. These findings suggest α-pinene and D-limonene as safe, promising agents for lung cancer chemoprevention.

Fish Oil Rich In Ω-3 Fatty Acid Alleviates Long-Term High Fructose Consumption-Induced Fatty Liver And Kidney Dysfunction In Rats, Shing-Hwa Liu, Ruoh-Wenn Hung, Ting-Yu Chang, Meng-Tsan Chiang

Journal of Food and Drug Analysis

Excessive fructose intake leads to fatty liver and kidney dysfunction, with associated inflammation and metabolic disturbances. This study evaluated the effects of fish oil rich in ω-3 fatty acid on these conditions in rats fed a high- fructose diet. Male Sprague Dawley rats were divided into three groups: normal diet, high-fructose (HF) diet, and high- fructose diet with 5% fish oil supplementation. The experiment lasted for 21 weeks. Fish oil supplementation significantly reduced blood levels of total cholesterol, triglycerides, and advanced glycation end products (AGEs) in HF-fed rat. It also improved liver function markers and kidney function indicators. Mechanistically, fish …

Effects Of Chamomile And L-Theanine Beverage On Menstrual Pain, Menstrual Symptoms, Mood, And Sleep Quality In Young Women Experiencing Primary Dysmenorrhea: A Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Study, Ziqing Soh, Soo Cing Tan, Tak Hiong Wong, Seok Tyug Tan, Seok Shin Tan, Chin Xuan Tan

Journal of Food and Drug Analysis

Primary dysmenorrhea is one of the most common complaints among young women. This study aimed to evaluate the effects of chamomile and L-theanine beverage intake on menstrual symptoms, pain intensity, mood, and sleep quality in young adult females with primary dysmenorrhea, using a two-phase continuous study design. In the first phase, a cross-sectional study was conducted to assess the prevalence of primary dysmenorrhea. In the second phase, participants were randomly assigned to either the intervention group (n =15), which consumed chamomile and L- theanine beverage (CTT), or the control group (n =15), which consumed chamomile-flavored beverage (non-CTT). Beverages …

Cordycepin In Cancer Therapy: A Bibliometric Analysis And Review Of Mechanisms, Zhiwei Ouyang, Yufei Zhang, Jianghan Ning, Yayi Tu, Bin He

Journal of Food and Drug Analysis

Cordycepin (3’-deoxyadenosine), a major bioactive component derived from fungi of the genus Cordyceps, has garnered significant attention in recent years for its potent antitumor properties. Drawing on literature indexed in the Web of Science Core Collection from 2004 to 2025, this study employs bibliometric tools―specifically CiteSpace and VOSviewer―to systematically examine developmental trends, research hotspots, and emerging frontiers in the field of cordycepin-related cancer research. The analysis maps a shift in focus from early-stage pharmacological validation to more advanced investigations into molecular mechanisms, with particular emphasis on cell cycle regulation. Keyword burst analysis highlights bursts in terms such as “apoptosis,” “cell …

Distinguishing Avocado Oil Quality Based On Fatty Acid Profile Using Pca: A Review Of Influencing Factors And Research Gaps, David Fernando, Ali Ridho Arif Madja, Nur Azizah, Agustina Ari Murti Budi Hastuti, Abdul Rohman

Journal of Food and Drug Analysis

The quality of avocado oil is influenced by multiple factors, including cultivar, growing region, drying method, harvest season, fruit maturity, extraction technique, and storage conditions. This review aims to show how fatty acid profiles (FAP), combined with principal component analysis (PCA), can be used to characterize avocado oil based on various established factors. A total of 23 peer-reviewed articles were included, encompassing 143 data points. PCA was applied as an exploratory tool to reduce dimensionality and visualize patterns in the data. Among the evaluated variables, the fruit part emerged as the most influential determinant, allowing clear categorization of avocado oils …

Method Development And Optimization For The Detection Of Synthetic Cannabinoids In Hair Using Lc-Msms, Linda K. Obeng

Student Theses

Synthetic cannabinoids represent one of the most prevalent and high-risk classes of New Psychoactive Substances (NPS), continuously evolving in structure and potency. Their widespread presence in seized materials and toxicology casework underscores the growing need for reliable analytical methods capable of detecting these compounds in biological matrices. Hair offers several advantages for drug testing, including a long detection window, minimal invasiveness, and resistance to adulteration; however, detecting synthetic cannabinoids in hair remains challenging due to their low incorporation levels and structural diversity. This study focuses on the method development and optimization of an LC-MS/MS technique for the detection of selected …

Knowledge, Attitudes, And Practices Concerning Water, Sanitation, And Hygiene And Related Diseases Among University Students In Malaysia, Renee Ng Jeffrey, Aida Soraya Shamsuddin, Farah Diyana Ariffin, Aziemah Zulkifli

Makara Journal of Health Research

Background: Water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) practices are fundamental components of public health, being crucial in preventing disease transmission and promoting healthy living environments. In this context, university students play an essential role as future professionals and community advocates in fostering proper hygiene behaviors and preventing disease outbreaks. Understanding knowledge, attitudes, and practices (KAP) in regard to WASH among individuals, particularly university students, is crucial for promoting proper hygiene behaviors. This study aimed to assess the KAP in regard to WASH and related diseases among undergraduate students from the Faculty of Health Sciences, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (UKM).

Methods: …

Applying Instrumental Neutron Activation Analysis (Inaa) To Characterize Trace Elements In Water Samples Around Lake Mead, Danesha Hunter

UNLV Theses, Dissertations, Professional Papers, and Capstones

Lake Mead, the largest reservoir in the United States is located on the boarder of Nevada and Arizona. Despite reaching historically low water levels, it continues to supply water and energy to millions of Americans in the southwest. It is well known that the United States suffers from negative implications from nationwide drought. The ongoing megadrought affecting the Colorado River Basin and its tributaries undergoes the urgent need to assess the future water quality of Lake Mead as it continues to shrink. With water levels depleting at an alarming rate, water quality is significantly impacted, indicating that heavy metal accumulation …

Mapping Climatic And Environmental Determinants Of Parasitic Helminth Prevalence In Southeast Asia, Angelica Avisado

UNLV Theses, Dissertations, Professional Papers, and Capstones

Climate change is reshaping environmental conditions across Southeast Asia (SEA) through rising temperatures, altered precipitation patterns, and increased droughts. These changes alter transmission dynamics of neglected tropical diseases (NTDs) by shifting spatial distribution, increasing larval development rates, faster pathogen growth development, and increasing transmission rates. NTDs are a group of preventable and treatable infections that disproportionately affect more than 1 billion people globally, specifically in tropical and subtropical regions. A subgroup of NTDs, parasitic helminth infections (PHIs) - particularly schistosomiasis, soil-transmitted helminths, and lymphatic filariasis remains a public health concern in the Southeast Asian region. PHIs and their ecological responses …

The Cytotoxicity And Anti-Inflammatory Properties Of 1’S-1’-Acetoxychavicol Acetate (Aca) On Oral Cells, Nur Umairah Atiqah Sabri, Nor Syazwani Muhammad Zahidan, Zulfahmi Said, Siti Noor Adnalizawati Adnan, Normaliza Ab Malik

Journal of Dentistry Indonesia

Objective: Mouthwash is widely used to maintain oral health by reducing the prevalence of pathogenic microbiomes. Nonetheless, chlorhexidine, a common active ingredient, is associated with side effects including teeth staining, mucosal peeling, mouth and tongue numbness. This has prompted interest in natural alternatives. This study aimed to identify the cytotoxicity and anti-inflammatory properties of 1’S-1’-acetoxychavicol acetate (ACA) isolated from Alpinia conchigera rhizome against human primary gingival fibroblast and keratinocyte (HPGF and HPGK). Methods: Cytotoxicity of ACA (1.57 mg/mL) against HPGF and HPGK was assessed using the MTT assay. Meanwhile, the anti-inflammatory property of ACA was analyzed based on …

The Chemistry Of Color: A Comparative Analysis Of Natural And Synthetic Dyes In Textile Application, Caitlyn Pinaga Cpht

Honors Program Theses and Research Projects

The Chemistry of Color: A Comparative Analysis of Natural and Synthetic Dyes in Textile Application examines how color functions at the intersection of chemistry, culture, and environmental responsibility. This project traces the evolution of dyeing from ancient natural pigment traditions, rooted in ecological knowledge, agricultural practices, and cultural identity, to the industrial rise of synthetic dyes, whose laboratory precision enabled unprecedented consistency, brightness, and global textile expansion. Through experimental swatch analysis, the study compares the behavior of natural dyes derived from plants and food sources with modern fiber-reactive and synthetic dye classes on a range of fibers including cotton, bamboo …

Microplastic Exposure Alters Tubulin Leading To Alterations In Insulin Secretion By Pancreatic Beta Cells, Anakaren Garcia

Honors Program Theses and Research Projects

Abstract

Diabetes mellitus is a metabolic disorder characterized by elevated blood glucose levels due to impaired insulin secretion or diminished cellular response to insulin (resistance). Pancreatic β-cells depend on a well-organized cytoskeleton, particularly microtubules composed of α- and β-tubulin heterodimers, to transport insulin granules to the plasma membrane during glucose-stimulated insulin secretion (GSIS). Disruption of microtubule organization can impair granule trafficking and reduce insulin release. However, emerging environmental toxicants such as microplastics that interfere with β-cell cytoskeletal function remains largely unexplored.

Microplastics (MPs) are small plastic particles (< 5 mm) that have become widespread environmental contaminants and can enter biological systems. Previous studies have shown that MPs can induce cellular stress and protein misfolding, but their effects on microtubules in pancreatic β-cells are not well characterized. This study investigates whether exposure to fluorescent polystyrene microplastics alters microtubule organization and insulin secretion in βTC-6 cells.

βTC-6 cells were treated with 10 µg/mL of fluorescent polystyrene microplastics for …

The Timing Of Pubertal Onset Affects Adults Anxiety Behavior In A Sex-Specific Manner, Evan Raubenolt

Honors Projects

This study aims to look at the relationship between the timing of pubertal onset and its long-term effects on adult anxiety behavior in rats. Though the topic of pubertal onset has been frequently discussed in developmental research, its exact effects have been inconsistent. Human models have shown that early and late maturing males are associated with a notable increase in adult anxiety behavior, while in rat models, similar sex-specific effects regarding anxiety have been demonstrated, though those studies focus on a causal relationship between exposure to stress and age of pubertal onset. This study first aims to examine that relationship …

Measuring Levels Of Ultrashort-Chain Per- And Polyfluoroalkyl Substances In Blood Collection Tubes, Alina M. Dziembowski

Discovery Undergraduate Interdisciplinary Research Internship

Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are highly persistent synthetic chemicals that are now ubiquitous in the environment. Due to PFAS stability leading to its environmental persistence, there is concern regarding potential long-term health effects as PFAS accumulation occurs in humans from dietary and inhalation exposure routes. Chronic exposure may lead to adverse effects such as fertility issues or liver damage. Although a wide range of PFAS have been found in human samples, specifically human serum, there remains data gaps for what PFAS are present in human blood. Recent innovation in detection technology has led to the ability to more accurately …