Pharmacology, Toxicology and Environmental Health Commons^™

False Halos: A Case Of Digoxin Poisoning, Usman Nazeer, Sarita Thanedar, Jacob Sanderson, Gongkai Liu, Hitesh Gidwani

Central & West Texas and San Antonio GME Research Day 2026

No abstract provided.

Polylactic Acid (Pla) Microplastic Toxicity In C. Elegans, Maria Gamez, Dana Farley, Chiara Maldonado, David Mares

Posters - 2026

• Microplastics (MPs, > 5 mm1) are an environmental pollutant that pose health risks to humans. • Primary MPs are created for direct use or plastic stocks, and secondary MPs are created when plastics in the environment break down over time. • Microplastic exposure can cause oxidative stress, metabolic disorders, immune responses, neurotoxicity, and reproductive issues2-3. • Polylactic Acid (PLA) is a biodegradable plastic used in everyday items, such as food packaging, and as a polymer in 3D printing. • PLA exposure to fish causes organ damage5 and C. elegans exposure to primary PLA MPs and UV-aged MPs reduced reproduction6-7 . …

Clinical Importance Of Phenytoin Monitoring To Reduce Phenytoin-Related Toxicity In Saudi Patients With Epilepsy, Ghidaa Alwaf, Hussam Younis, Mohammed Al-Hartani, Alaa H. Falemban, Et.Al.

Saudi Toxicology Journal

Background: Phenytoin toxicity can result from overdose, dosage changes, drug interac-tions, or physiological alterations. Symptoms range from nausea and confusion to severe cases involving coma and seizures, though fatalities are rare. To date, no literature has been found concerning phenytoin monitoring in Saudi epileptic patients. This study is the first to inves-tigate phenytoin monitoring for toxicity prevention, optimal dosing, and adverse effect management in Saudi epileptic patients. Methods: A two-month, randomized, open-label, prospective monitoring study was conducted in Saudi epileptic patients treated with phen-ytoin. The patients (n=40) were subdivided into two groups (monitored and unmonitored) to check the prevalence of …

Evaluation Of The Dnazyme Gr5 For The Determination Of Lead Speciation In Natural Waters, Gaganprit Gill

Theses and Dissertations (Comprehensive)

This thesis explores the development and application of a DNAzyme-based biosensor designed to detect labile metal species in environmental samples. Real time and on-site monitoring of labile metal fractions would make a valuable contribution to environmental management, as these fractions are the most bioavailable and pose significant toxicity risks to aquatic organisms. Conventional methods for detecting labile metals, while effective, are often burdened by high costs, complexity, and lengthy processing times, making them less ideal for rapid and widespread environmental assessments.

The first manuscript of this thesis (chapter 2) establishes the fundamental capabilities of the Pb²⁺-specific DNAzyme GR5 …

Rabbit Control: Fumigation, Department Of Primary Industries And Regional Development, Western Australia

Biosecurity factsheets

Fumigation for rabbit control involves the introduction of poisonous gas into a warren. It is one of the best control methods to use where low numbers of rabbits live in a few widely scattered warrens. The threat to non-target animals is minimal. This factsheet should be read in conjunction with registered product labels and directions for use. Check the Department of Health, Western Australia website (health.wa.gov.au) for public health requirements for the use of phosphine fumigation.

Fumigation may be used in areas where access is limited, such as fence lines, around trees, and on riverbanks, but it may be difficult …

Investigation Of The Environmental Factors Regulating The Biomass And Toxin Production Of The Benthic Cyanobacterium Microseira Wollei In Lake Wateree, South Carolina, Kara Clyburn

Theses and Dissertations

Impacts from anthropogenic activities and climate change are significantly altering nitrogen (N) cycling processes and biological productivity along the freshwater to marine continuum, and the acceleration rate of excessive N and phosphorus (P) concentrations entering aquatic environments is unprecedented. As a result, nutrient pollution is contributing to the increasing magnitude and duration of cyanobacterial harmful algal blooms (cHABs), oxygen (O2) depletion, loss of biodiversity, and impacts to human and ecosystem health. Lake Wateree, South Carolina (SC) is a freshwater drinking and contact recreational water resource with elevated symptoms of eutrophication, including the increasing prevalence of the N2 fixing benthic cyanobacterium …

Toxicological Effects And Treatment Of Accidental Ingestion Of Simparica Trio® In Felis Catus: An Investigative Review, Aussia M. Stander

Honors Program: Senior Projects (Public)

Simparica TRIO^®, a canine endectocide manufactured by Zoetis, contains sarolaner, moxidectin, and pyrantel pamoate salt in an orally administered chewable tablet. These compounds are all toxic to both cats and dogs in sufficient amounts. As Simparica TRIO^® rises in popularity among pet owners, Felis catus (felines, cats) in multi-pet households (households with both cats and dogs) are at increased risk of overdosage and toxicosis from accidental ingestion of Simparica TRIO^® due to their smaller weight.

Simparica TRIO^® is not for feline use and little literature exists on the symptoms of and treatment for accidental ingestion …

The Interaction Of Sodium Fluoride And Sodium Selenate On The Developmental Toxicity To Xenopus Laevis And Ambystoma Maculatum Embryos, Shelby Wolfram

Theses

Amphibians play critical roles in the environment's wellness. Fluoride (F) is a widely existing environmental pollutant. It is commonly known for being added to drinking water and as a topical dose on teeth. Selenium (Se) can be found in organic and inorganic forms in nature. Many different fertilizers, pesticides, insecticides, and fungicides contain sodium selenate in them. The range selenium has between deficiency and toxicity is narrow, meaning excess exposure could cause various adverse effects in aquatic organisms. Xenopus laevis is a standard model for developmental toxicity due to being minimal maintenance, cost efficient, and having transparent embryos. Xenopus makes …

Antidiabetic Potential Of Vitex Mombassae Fruits Extract In Streptozotocin-Nicotinamide Induced Diabetic Wistar Rat Model, Mussa B. Mbegeze, Joan J.E. Munissi, Flora Stephano, Ramadhani S.O. Nondo, Stephen S. Nyandoro

Tanzania Journal of Science

Besides changes in life styles and improper dietary patterns, the rapidly increasing burden of diabetes mellitus type 2 is correlated with antidiabetic agents currently in clinical use, which are costly, less effective, and present undesirable side effects. Natural products from plants are promising alternative sources for developing more effective and cost friendly antidiabetic agents. This study therefore investigated the antidiabetic potential of Vitex mombassae fruits extract (VMFE) in streptozotocin-nicotinamide induced diabetic Wistar rat model. Oral acute toxicity test was conducted in male Wistar rat using up and down method by following OECD Guideline 423 (2002). No clinical signs of toxicity …

Anticancer Potential Of The Leaf Extracts From The Selected Croton Species, Peter V. Fayyu, Joan J.E. Munissi, Stephen S. Nyandoro, Flora Stephano

Tanzania Journal of Science

The reported investigations were aimed at establishing anticancer potential of the leaf extracts from Croton dictyophlebodes (CDE), C. kilwae (CKE) and C. longipedicellatus ssp austrotanzanicus (CLE). In vitro cytotoxicity assays of the extracts were performed against human laryngeal cancer cell line (HEp-2) and human breast cancer cell line (MCF-7), while in vivo toxicological studies were done using Swiss albino mice (Mus musculus) following the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development guideline number 423 of 2001. Results for in vitro assays revealed that CDE and CLE induced cytotoxicity to MCF-7 and HEp-2 cell lines at EC50 values of 86 and 63 …

Effects Of Occupationally Military-Relevant Particle Mixtures (Sio2, Cdo, Cr2O3) On A549 Human Pulmonary Epithelial Cells, Isabella M. Muffoletto

Theses and Dissertations

In the course of maintaining a safe, mission-ready aircraft fleet and operational runways, United States Airmen experience a range of occupational risks. These risks include inhalable hazards generated from oft-used maintenance practices, such as blasting which emits silica from the media abrasives as well as contaminants from the exterior coatings. Additional inhalation hazards range from engine and fuel emissions, chemical agents, radiation, and explosives, to naturally occurring and human-manufactured biopathogens. Of notable concern are emissions in forward-deployment areas, including urban pollution, particulates released from runway construction and maintenance activities, and combustion from burn pits containing hazardous and unknown combinations of …

Exposure To Pcb126 During The Nursing Period Reversibly Impacts Early-Life Glucose Tolerance, Brittany B. Rice, Keegan W. Sammons, Sara Y. Ngo Tenlep, Madeline T. Weltzer, Leryn J. Reynolds, Cetewayo S. Rashid, Hollie I. Swanson, Kevin J. Pearson

Human Movement Studies & Special Education Faculty Publications

Polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) are persistent environmental organic pollutants known to have detrimental health effects. Using a mouse model, we previously demonstrated that PCB126 exposure before and during pregnancy and throughout the perinatal period adversely affected offspring glucose tolerance and/or body composition profiles. The purpose of this study was to investigate the glucose tolerance and body composition of offspring born to dams exposed to PCB126 during the nursing period only. Female ICR mice were bred, and half of the dams were exposed to either vehicle (safflower oil) or 1 µmole PCB126 per kg of body weight via oral gavage on postnatal …

Hepatotoxic Effect Of Cadmium And Available Therapeutic Options, Tomilola Olaolu, Favour Jibulu, Rotimi Damilare

The Thai Journal of Pharmaceutical Sciences

Hepatoxicity, also known as toxic hepatitis, is a condition, in which the liver becomes inflamed due to exposure to such substances as chemicals, medications, herbal products, or excessive alcohol consumption. Cadmium is a major environmental pollutant from agricultural and industrial sources and has been reported to induce hepatotoxicity. Cadmium can also be found in phosphate fertilizers, detergents, and refined petroleum products as an impurity and used industrially in the production of polyvinyl chloride product stabilizers and the fabrication of nickel-cadmium batteries. Cadmium can be absorbed into the human body through the gastrointestinal tract, respiratory, and dermal routes. Cadmium-induced hepatic damage …

Quantifying The Toxicological Effects Of The Organic Uv Filters Avobenzone And Homosalate On Acropora Cervicornis, Samantha F. Buckley

All HCAS Student Capstones, Theses, and Dissertations

Reports of the environmental effects of organic UV filters such as oxybenzone have led to the marketing of “reef-safe” sunscreen ingredients, including avobenzone and homosalate. Avobenzone provides broad-spectrum UV protection which blocks higher wavelength UV rays, the leading cause of aging and skin cancer. However, as polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), organic UV filters have similar structures to crude oil and estrogens, some of which have been labeled endocrine disrupters. Common in personal care products, UV filters enter marine ecosystems via wastewater effluent and swimmers. Significant stress and mortality have been observed in juvenile and some adult scleractinian corals after exposure …

Subchronic Oral Cylindrospermopsin Exposure Alters The Host Gut Microbiome And Is Associated With Progressive Hepatic Inflammation, Stellate Cell Activation, And Mild Fibrosis In A Preclinical Study, Punnag Saha, Macayla Upright, Dipro Bose, Subhajit Roy, Ayushi Trivedi, Madhura More, Geoff Scott Ph.D., Bryan W. Brooks, Saurabh Chatterjee

Faculty Publications

Epidemiological studies have reported a strong association between liver injury and incidences of hepatocellular carcinoma in sections of humans globally. Several preclinical studies have shown a strong link between cyanotoxin exposure and the development of nonalcoholic steatohepatitis, a precursor of hepatocellular carcinoma. Among the emerging threats from cyanotoxins, new evidence shows cylindrospermopsin release in freshwater lakes. A known hepatotoxin in higher concentrations, we examined the possible role of cylindrospermopsin in causing host gut dysbiosis and its association with liver pathology in a mouse model of toxico-pharmacokinetics and hepatic pathology. The results showed that oral exposure to cylindrospermopsin caused decreased diversity …

Health Effects Of Neonicotinoids On An Agricultural Community, Jocelyn Rodriguez-Paar

Capstone Experience: Master of Public Health

Mead, Nebraska, a small United States agricultural community consisting of approximately 600 people, was accidentally exposed to high amounts of neonicotinoids when AltEn, an ethanol plant that used neonicotinoid coated corn and soybean seeds for biofuel, was discovered not disposing of the toxic byproduct safely. Coincidentally, there was also a leak in their wastewater system that also contaminated the nearby areas. Although neonicotinoids are not considered highly dangerous with low dose exposures, large dose exposures can cause symptoms similarly to nicotine poisonings, such as difficulty breathing, vomiting, nausea, hypertension, tachycardia, and lethargy (Imamura, T. et al., 2010). Neonicotinoid poisoning can …

Behavioral Alterations Following Exposure To A Mixture Of Lead And Atrazine During Early Development In The Zebrafish Model System, Anusha Kv Lakshmi Dharmavathi

The Journal of Purdue Undergraduate Research

Lead (Pb) and atrazine (ATZ) are hazardous environmental toxicants that can exist as a mixture in potable water. Numerous single chemical studies on Pb and ATZ support adverse health outcomes, including neurotoxicity, but mixture studies are limited. Th e aim of this study is to test the hypothesis that Pb and ATZ mixtures result in a greater than additive toxicity, causing increased adverse health outcomes than single chemical exposures. Th e zebrafish model system was exposed to 3 or 30 ppb (µg/L) ATZ, 10 ppb (equivalent to 0.1 µg/dL) or 100 ppb Pb, along with mixtures of each beginning at …

Toxicity Assessment Of The Crude Ethanolic Pod Extract Of Swartzia Madagascariensis Desv. In Rats, Adelina A. Mwakalila, Saada M. Mbepera, Shaabani A. Mshamu, Amina Msonga, Washa B. Washa

Tanzania Journal of Science

This study assessed toxicity of the crude ethanolic pod extracts of Swartzia madagascariensis Desv in Wistar rats. Forty (40) Wistar rats aged 8–10 weeks were orally administered with crude extracts from pods of S. madagascariensis. Chemical analysis of serum and histopathology of liver and kidney from test animals were performed to determine the levels of alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), and creatinine in serum. In addition, serum albumin levels were also determined. The levels of ALT, AST and creatinine were found to be high in groups treated with crude extracts compared to the control group, suggesting some damage in …

Toxicological Assessment Of Zinc Oxide And Titanium Dioxide On Staghorn Coral, Acropora Cervicornis, Katherine E. Meurer

All HCAS Student Capstones, Theses, and Dissertations

Coral reefs are one of the most diverse and biologically significant ecosystems on the planet. However, anthropogenic impacts have led to a global decline in overall reef health in recent years. To address concerns that organic ultraviolet filters in sunscreen may contribute to reduced coral health, the mineral UV filters, zinc oxide (ZnO) and titanium dioxide (TiO₂), have become more common in sunscreen formulas as they are often considered “reef safe” despite limited information on the toxicological effects of these compounds in corals. This study evaluated the effects of exposure to unmodified forms of zinc oxide or titanium …

Fruits Of Nandina Domestica Are (Sometimes) Cyanogenic And (Sometimes) Hazardous To Birds, Scott Zona

Poisonous Plant Research (PPR)

A 12-month survey of cyanogenesis in the fruits and leaves of Nandina domestica (Berberidaceae) revealed that the leaves are strongly cyanogenic throughout the year, as measured by the Feigl-Anger test. Fruits vary in their cyanogenic potential depending on the degree of ripeness and clone. Green fruits are strongly and rapidly cyanogenic, but most ripe fruits are weakly and slowly cyanogenic. Some fruits tested negative for cyanide. Fruits tend to become less cyanogenic the longer they remain on the plant, so birds feeding on older fruits are at a lower risk of poisoning. More than other frugivores, cedar waxwings (Bombycilla …

Toxic Effects Of Silver Ions On Early Developing Zebrafish Embryos Distinguished From Silver Nanoparticles, Martha S. Johnson, Preeyaporn Songkiatisak, Pavan Kumar Cherukuri, Xiao-Hong Nancy Xu

Chemistry & Biochemistry Faculty Publications

Currently, effects of nanomaterials and their ions, such as silver nanoparticles (Ag NPs) and silver ions (Ag⁺), on living organisms are not yet fully understood. One of the vital questions is whether nanomaterials have distinctive effects on living organisms from any other conventional chemicals (e.g., their ions), owing to their unique physicochemical properties. Due to various experimental protocols, studies of this crucial question have been inconclusive, which hinders rational design of effective regulatory guidelines for safely handling NPs. In this study, we chronically exposed early developing zebrafish embryos (cleavage-stage, 2 hours post-fertilization, hpf) to a dilution series of …

Virgin Coconut Oil Ameliorates Arsenic Hepatorenal Toxicity And No-Mediated Inflammation Through Suppression Of Oxidative Stress In Rats, Ademola C. Famurewa, Ekenechukwu K. Maduagwuna, Chinyere Aloke, Sharon O. Azubuike-Osu, Arunaksharan Narayanankutty

The Thai Journal of Pharmaceutical Sciences

Background: Compelling evidence has implicated oxidative stress as a leading mechanism for arsenic (As)-induced pathologies. We evaluated antioxidant effect of virgin coconut oil (VCO) against arsenic-induced oxidative stress-mediated hepatorenal damage in rats. Methods: Rats were randomly divided into three groups: Control group, as group, and VCO + As group. VCO was orally administered before and along with arsenic (10 mg/kg body weight, orally) for 21 days. Subsequently, serum liver enzymes, albumin (ALB), creatinine, urea, antioxidant enzymes, malondialdehyde, and nitric oxide (NO) level were evaluated. The histology of the tissues was analyzed with standard procedures. Results: Arsenic caused marked increases in …

Occurrence, Toxicity And Adsorptive Removal Of The Chloramphenicol Antibiotic In Water: A Review, Luan Minh Nguyen, Ngoan Thi Thao Nguyen, Thuy Thi Thanh Nguyen, Thuong Thi Nguyen, Duyen Thi Cam Nguyen, Thuan Van Tran

Faculty, Staff and Student Publications

Chloramphenicol is a broad-spectrum bacterial antibiotic used against conjunctivitis, meningitis, plague, cholera, and typhoid fever. As a consequence, chloramphenicol ends up polluting the aquatic environment, wastewater treatment plants, and hospital wastewaters, thus disrupting ecosystems and inducing microbial resistance. Here, we review the occurrence, toxicity, and removal of chloramphenicol with emphasis on adsorption techniques. We present the adsorption performance of adsorbents such as biochar, activated carbon, porous carbon, metal-organic framework, composites, zeolites, minerals, molecularly imprinted polymers, and multi-walled carbon nanotubes. The effect of dose, pH, temperature, initial concentration, and contact time is discussed. Adsorption is controlled by π-π interactions, donor-acceptor interactions, …

Toxicity Of The Technology Critical Elements Germanium And Yttrium To Daphnia Magna And Hyalella Azteca And The Influence Of Toxicity Modifying Factors, Rashid Shah

Theses and Dissertations (Comprehensive)

Technology critical elements (TCEs) are increasingly used in high and green technologies but there is little aquatic toxicity data for TCEs, particularly in fresh water. The objective of this study was to investigate the toxicity of two TCEs, Ge and Y, to Daphnia magna and Hyalella azteca and to understand the role of natural organic matter and cations on toxicity modification. Testing followed standard methods. The 48 h EC50 for D. magna was 11.6 (95% CI of 9.64-13.8) mg Ge/L based on measured dissolved concentrations at test end. The addition of NOM at 10 mg DOC/L resulted in a significant …

Comparative Toxicity, Phytochemistry, And Use Of 53 Philippine Medicinal Plants, Lydia M. Clemen-Pascual, Rene Angelo S. Macahig, Nina Rosario L. Rojas

Chemistry Faculty Publications

The study compares the toxicity of 53 selected medicinal plants commonly used in the Philippines to treat various diseases. It uses as a benchmark Vitex negundo L., which was approved by the Philippine Food and Drug Administration as an herbal drug for cough and asthma after passing clinical trials for safety and efficacy. The methods were chosen for their simplicity and accessibility even for resource-limited laboratories. Extracts (95 % ethanol) of the medicinal parts of the plants were (1) chemically profiled using qualitative phytochemical tests that detect the presence of key classes of bioactive compounds; and (2) evaluated for toxicity …

Monarch Butterfly (Danaus Plexippus) Life-Stage Risks From Foliar And Seed-Treatment Insecticides, Niranjana Krishnan, Yang Zhang, Melanie E. Aust, Richard L. Hellmich, Joel R. Coats, Steven P. Bradbury

Biological Sciences Faculty Research & Creative Works

Conservation of North America's eastern monarch butterfly (Danaus plexippus) population would require establishment of milkweed (Asclepias spp.) and nectar plants in the agricultural landscapes of the north central United States. A variety of seed-treatment and foliar insecticides are used to manage early- and late-season pests in these landscapes. Thus, there is a need to assess risks of these insecticides to monarch butterfly life stages to inform habitat conservation practices. Chronic and acute dietary toxicity studies were undertaken with larvae and adults, and acute topical bioassays were conducted with eggs, pupae, and adults using 6 representative insecticides: beta-cyfluthrin …

The Interactive Effects Of Nontoxic Levels Of Microplastics - Textile Microfibers And Tire Wear Particles, On The Acute Toxicity Of Bifenthrin In The Estuarine Grass Shrimp, Palaemonetes Pugio, Xiaoxuan Fan

Theses and Dissertations

Contemporary pollution issues are primarily focused on Contaminants of Emerging Concern (CECs) which may include Brominated and Fluorinated flame retardants, Pharmaceuticals and Personal Care Products (PPCPs), Contemporary Use Pesticides (CUPs), nanomaterials and microplastics (Muraya et al., 2014). Tire wear particles and textile microfibers are examples of CECs which may gradually increase in the environment and may cause adverse effect on the health of some aquatic species (Marwood et al., 2011; Taylor et al., 2016). Microplastic particles are so small that they can be ingested by many marine species such as filter feeders and small particle feeders including mollusk and crustaceans, …

Characterization, Bio-Uptake And Toxicity Of Polymer-Coated Silver Nanoparticles And Their Interaction With Human Peripheral Blood Mononuclear Cells, Sahar Pourhoseini, Reilly T. Enos, Angela E. Murphy, Bo Cai Ph.D., Jamie Lead

Faculty Publications

Silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) are widely used in medical applications due to their antibacterial and antiviral properties. Despite the extensive study of AgNPs, their toxicity and their effect on human health is poorly understood, as a result of issues such as poor control of NP properties and lack of proper characterization. The aim of this study was to investigate the combined characterization, bio-uptake, and toxicity of well-characterized polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP)-coated AgNPs in exposure media during exposure time using primary human cells (peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs)). AgNPs were synthesized in-house and characterized using a multimethod approach. Results indicated the transformation of NPs …

The Effect Of Circadian Clock Modulation On Cisplatin Cytotoxicity, Nadeen Nibal Ahmad Anabtawi

Browse all Theses and Dissertations

Cisplatin is a DNA damage-based chemotherapeutic drug widely used to treat various types of cancers; however, the treatment's toxicity restricts its efficiency. Studies have shown that the circadian rhythm controls the DNA damage response and affects the repair pathways of cisplatin-induced DNA damage. Circadian clock modulation, therefore, has been proposed to be a potential mechanism for enhancing cisplatin tolerability. Here we used clock-enhancing molecules to evaluate the effect of pharmacological clock modulation on cisplatin cytotoxicity. Using cultured human cell lines, cisplatin cytotoxicity was found to be attenuated following treatment with circadian-enhancing molecules KS15 and SR8278. Moreover, the protein and mRNA …

Evaluation Of Acute Oral Toxicity Of Methanolic Fractions Of Sesbania Grandiflora Linn. Roots In Albino Mice, N. S. Vinay, S. Babitha, R. Nandeesh, S. Paramesh, E. Manjunath, J. P. Geetha, V. P. Veerapur, B. Swetha, H. V. Keerthi Prasanth

The Thai Journal of Pharmaceutical Sciences

Introduction: Although Sesbania grandiflora Linn. roots have valuable pharmacological effects, the comprehensive awareness about its toxicity potential has been lacking. Objectives: The objectives of the study were to assess the acute oral toxicity of methanolic fraction of S. grandiflora root (MFSGR). Materials and Methods: The female albino mice were divided into two groups (n = 5), one group served as normal control while the other treated with MFSGR (2000 mg/kg, p.o). Both the groups of mice were observed for 14 days for various parameters according to the Organization for Economic Cooperative and Development guidelines 425 TG. Results: Oral administration of …