Pharmacology, Toxicology and Environmental Health Commons^™

The Effect Of A Vegetation Buffer On Sound Levels, Madison Cicha

Posters-at-the-Capitol

Noise pollution is a growing concern in the environmental health community. Unlike other common exposures, such as air and water pollution, noise is uniquely difficult for an individual to protect themselves from. Studies have shown multiple adverse health outcomes resulting from exposure to noise pollution, including hearing impairment, negative social behavior and annoyance, sleep disturbance, along with a strong association between noise pollution and high cardiovascular risk. It is important, then, to look for solutions to this exposure. This study is designed to assess the effects of a tree barrier in reducing traffic noise. Noise monitoring was conducted at Saint …

Ten Years Of Experience Support Pharmacogenetic Testing To Guide Individualized Drug Therapy., María Celsa Peña-Martín, Belén García-Berrocal, Almudena Sánchez-Martín, Elena Marcos-Vadillo, María Jesús García-Salgado, Santiago Sánchez, Carolina Lorenzo, David González-Parra, Francisco Sans, Manuel Franco, Andrea Gaedigk, María José Mateos-Sexmero, Catalina Sanz, María Isidoro-García

Manuscripts, Articles, Book Chapters and Other Papers

Precision medicine utilizing the genetic information of genes involved in the metabolism and disposition of drugs can not only improve drug efficacy but also prevent or minimize adverse events. Polypharmacy is common among multimorbid patients and is associated with increased adverse events. One of the main objectives in health care is safe and efficacious drug therapy, which is directly correlated to the individual response to treatment. Precision medicine can increase drug safety in many scenarios, including polypharmacy. In this report, we share our experience utilizing precision medicine over the past ten years. Based on our experience using pharmacogenetic (PGx)-informed prescribing, …

Wastewater-Based Estimation Of Substances Discharged At The Rest Areas Along The State Highways In Kentucky, Katherine E. Gray, Eugene Shin, Tyler Whitt, Andrew Windhorst, Houston Hampton, Chris Delcher, Bikram Subedi

Posters-at-the-Capitol

The availability of licit and illicit stimulants and its adverse consequences on public health has emerged as a major drug threat to communities in the United States. Despite several drug-involved traffic incidents along the interstate highways, this report represents the first comprehensive and quantitative report of drugs discharged at the rest areas along the interstate highways. In this National Institute of Justice-funded study, the amount of several discharged drugs focusing on stimulants but also including opioids and prescription antipsychotics are being measured in raw wastewater collected from five rest areas and a truck servicing facility using a state-of-the-art mass …

Ephemeroptera Culturing Methods: An Analysis On Rearing And Toxcity Testing On Sensitive Early Life Stages Of Native Mayfly Taxa, Geneve Rainette Edwards

Theses, Dissertations and Capstones

Standard toxicity testing organisms are utilized for regulatory purposes and often ecological risk assessments. Ephemeroptera taxa have been reported to be more sensitive to aquatic contaminants than the standard toxicity testing organisms currently used in determining effects on aquatic ecosystems. Establishing methods for culturing native Ephemeroptera taxa will provide a more sensitive test organism to determine the toxicity of contaminants and will be more representative of the responses of native taxa. Additionally, it will provide a test organism at the most sensitive life stages. The objective of this research is to develop methods for culturing and testing of native Ephemeroptera …

Investigation Of The Effects Of Prenatal Drug Exposure On Astrocyte-Mediated Synaptogenic Signaling, Taylor Christian Boggess

Theses, Dissertations and Capstones

One of the most significant outcomes of the rise in rates of opioid abuse in the United States has been a dramatic increase in the incidence of neonatal abstinence syndrome (NAS), the clinical diagnosis for the collection of withdrawal-like signs and symptoms commonly observed in the newborns of mothers who abused certain drugs, such as opioids, during pregnancy. While a great deal of research has investigated the short-term symptoms and potential treatments for NAS, including my own studies to identify emerging trends among a local population of NAS patients, there remains a critical need to investigate the long-term effects of …

Creating A Pre-Illness Covid-19 Action Plan: A Web-Based Public Education Initiative, Brian S. Hustad

DNP Research Projects

Abstract

Background: The COVID-19 pandemic took the world by storm in the beginning stages of 2020. Public health agencies were overwhelmed, undermanned, and therefore slow to respond. Information began to flow at an unprecedented rate. Yet, very limited resources were put into place to present this information or to instruct the public on evidence-based prevention, treatment, or care at home during active infection.

Intervention: A project website was created and accessed through a QR code on the project flyer or by entering the URL into any browser. Participants were able to access three evidence- based video modules, which introduced the …

Xenotransplants: The Risks And Benefits, Sima Langner

The Science Journal of the Lander College of Arts and Sciences

This literature review discusses how xenotransplants from animals, especially pigs, can serve as viable alternatives to allotransplants. There are many ways of ensuring the health of the host, including testing the donor pig for cytomegalovirus, Epstein Barr virus, simian agent 8, and other viruses linked to transmitted infections. The Galα-1,3-Gal epitope and N-glycolylneuraminic acid are both recognized by human antibodies and induce rejection. To remedy this, double knockout pigs have been developed that lack both. The human complement system serves as another potential pitfall for xenotransplants that can be neutralized by introducing human complement regulatory proteins into transgenic animals pre-transplant. …

Full Issue: Volume 16, Number 1, Fall 2022

The Science Journal of the Lander College of Arts and Sciences

Complete .pdf file of Volume 16, Number 1 of The Science Journal of the Lander College of Arts and Sciences. Published Fall 2022.

Crohn’S Disease: Risk Factors As Pathways To Treatment, Yonina Wallerstein

The Science Journal of the Lander College of Arts and Sciences

Objective: This paper discusses the research available regarding risk factors of Crohn’s disease. Risk factors are analyzed to determine which are the most likely to cause pathogenesis. Discussion includes a definition of the disease, including new ways to diagnose and treat it. Prevalence amongst different populations is reviewed to consider a broad variety of environmental and genetic factors. Risk factors and research of affected populations lead to the study of the microbiome and how that must be further studied to broaden understanding and treatment options.

N, N-Dimethylacetamide Targets Neuroinflammation In Alzheimer’S Disease In In Vitro And Ex Vivo Models, Zenghui Wei

Theses and Dissertations

Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is a neurodegenerative disorder with no cure, accounting for 60-80% of cases of dementia. While the two pathologic hallmarks of AD, senile plaques from extracellular deposition of amyloid β-protein (Aβ) and tau-based neurofibrillary tangles (NFT), have been known for decades, the pathogenesis of AD remains unclear. In recent years, anti-neuroinflammatory treatment has entered the spotlight in AD research. In previous studies, we have shown that N,N-dimethylacetamide (DMA), a common drug excipient, is a potent anti-inflammatory agent. In the current work, we investigate the effect of DMA on neuroinflammation and its mechanism of action in in-vitro and ex-vivo …

Effective Treatments For Onychomycosis, Jonathan Knobel

The Science Journal of the Lander College of Arts and Sciences

Background: Onychomycosis is a highly prevalent nail infective disorder. Many treatments, with varied success rates and side effects, are used. Objectives: To assess the most recommended treatment for Onychomycosis with the optimal cure rate and least severe side effects. Search Methods: PubMed, ProQuest, EBSCO Multisearch, and Google Scholar were used to gather information. Search terms such as “Onychomycosis,” and “Effective treatments for Onychomycosis” etc. were used. Results: Effective treatments include oral, topical, nail avulsion, and laser treatments. Topical treatments have low cure rates and minimal side effects. Oral treatments have various side effects but the highest mycological and clinical cure …

How Is H. Pylori Implicated In The Etiology Of Cancer?, Chaya S. Lowy

The Science Journal of the Lander College of Arts and Sciences

Gastric cancer is a major public health concern due to the many deaths it is associated with. H. pylori is present in almost all gastric cancer patients; thus, it is fundamental to understand how H. pylori is implicated in the etiology of gastric cancer. The research in this paper is primarily based on studies acquired from Touro College Online Libraries. The bacteria have the means to survive the harsh environment of the stomach by creating a safe microenvironment and propelling themselves toward safer territory. If the bacteria attach to host cells, H. pylori injects cytotoxin-associated protein A (CagA) and vacuolating …

Retinal Detachment: What Are The Types And Potential Causes?, Mera Skoblo

The Science Journal of the Lander College of Arts and Sciences

Retinal detachment is one of the few ocular emergencies. Depending on the extensiveness of the detachment, and whether it is macula on or macula off, will affect the patient’s visual acuity after treatment. Therefore, it is vital that after experiencing any common retinal detachment symptoms, the patient sees an ophthalmologist immediately. High-risk factors for retinal detachment include aging, ocular trauma, high myopia, and prior eye surgery. Statistically, the cause of a given retinal detachment often determines the specific type of detachment that occurs. There are three forms of retinal detachment, categorized separately based on their anatomical characteristics.

Gene Therapy For Cancer Treatment, Nechama Grossman

The Science Journal of the Lander College of Arts and Sciences

Cancer is a genetic disease in which cells grow uncontrollably and can spread throughout the body. Cancer cells have distinguishing traits which facilitate their unlimited growth; these traits can be used in the development of gene therapy cancer treatment, which includes: CRISPR, a gene-editing tool that can precisely modify human DNA; Kymriah, which induces T cells to kill cancer cells; Gendicine and zinc metallochaperones, which utilize p53, a protein vital for the destruction of cancer cells. Scientists continue to improve gene therapy treatments, making them available to more patients and decreasing the toxicity of treatments.

Physical Therapy In The Treatment And Prevention Of Pelvic Floor Dysfunctions In Women, Tova Feigenbaum

The Science Journal of the Lander College of Arts and Sciences

Pelvic floor dysfunctions are a widespread health issue that significantly disrupts the quality of life of those afflicted. This paper aims to present the research that proves how physical therapy, specifically pelvic floor muscle training, is an effective way to treat and prevent pelvic floor dysfunctions in women. Extensive research was done on the topic by exploring numerous scholarly databases and analyzing relevant articles on experimental trials, studies, and their results. After gaining an understanding of pelvic floor dysfunctions, studying the methodology of pelvic floor physical therapy, and examining numerous successful clinical trials, it has been determined that physical therapy …

Golimumab, Inderbir S. Padda, Rajat Bhatt, Mayur S. Parmar

HPD Articles

No abstract provided.

Provoking The Desire, Taking Away The Performance: Toxic Effects From An Erectile Dysfunction Supplement, Jenna Betz, Md, Anjali Das, Md Ms

Poster Presentations

No abstract provided.

Are Clear Aligners Better Than The Conventional Orthodontic Fixed Appliances?, Adelle Perkelvald

The Science Journal of the Lander College of Arts and Sciences

Clear aligner therapy (CAT) has become an attractive alternative for orthodontic treatment as more adolescents and young adults pursue othodontic care. CAT is comprised of removable transparent appliances that offer a more aesthetic appearance to prospective patients. Recent studies have shown that CAT efficiency and efficacy for orthodontic procedures for cases of mild to moderate malocclusions are of equal or greater caliber to those of conventional fixed appliances. Clear aligners are also found to be less painful, better for periodontal health, and more accessible in comparison with fixed appliances. For those meeting the criteria for CAT, clear aligners may be …

An Analysis Of Different Treatment Options For Type 1 Diabetes Mellitus, Ariella Shifteh

The Science Journal of the Lander College of Arts and Sciences

Type 1 Diabetes Mellitus is a highly dangerous autoimmune disease. Type 1 diabetes is most commonly seen in children and young adults as pancreatic Beta (B) cell destruction is highest at this age. Patients with Type 1 Diabetes are required to take insulin injections to compensate for their lack of insulin, but many patients still have episodes of hyperglycemia. This paper analyzes and compares the effectiveness of different treatment options. The standard approach is to prescribe insulin injections, but this analysis finds insulin injections in conjunction with oral medications such as Metformin and Sodium-glucose co-transporter (SGLT) inhibitors has a positive …

Cerebral Organoids As Models For Neurological Disorders, Esther Karman

The Science Journal of the Lander College of Arts and Sciences

Despite the devastating effects of neurological disorders on millions of people each year, for decades, brain research remained stagnant in the face of scientific advancement in other areas. Ethical concerns, debilitating costs, and a lack of suitable models created an unfriendly environment for the study of neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer’s disease (AD), Parkinson’s disease (AD), amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), autism spectrum disorder (ASD), and gliomas. Recent developments in the field of stem cells, including Yamanaka’s discovery of the four transcription factors necessary to induce pluripotency, and the subsequent culturing of induced pluripotent stem cell models known as organoids, opened …

Dithiocarbamates Mancozeb And Disulfiram Induce Striated Muscle Myopathy And Neuropathy In Long-Evans Rats, Olivia Stephenson

Theses and Dissertations

Mancozeb (MZ), an ethylene bis-dithiocarbamate complexed with the metals manganese and zinc, is a broad-spectrum fungicide used primarily on orchards and vineyards. Disulfiram (DS, Antabuse®), a diethyldithiocarbamate, is an FDA-approved drug used for alcohol aversion therapy. Both dithiocarbamates (DTCs) have shown neurological effects including motor impairment, muscle weakness, and hind-limb paralysis, although the mechanism of toxicity is not understood. The purpose of this study is to determine how these neurotoxic compounds are damaging striated muscle of rats. Adult, male Long-Evans rats were administered either 250mg/kg MZ or 750mg/kg DS via oral gavage 3x/week for four weeks. Animals were euthanized 24 …

Repurposing An Anti-Epileptic Drug For The Treatment Of Glioblastoma, Anjali Yadav

Theses and Dissertations

Glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) is a grade IV malignant glioma. It is a highly proliferative form of brain tumor with 5-year survival rate ~ 5% indicating a high mortality rate. Current treatment strategies for GBM include surgery, radiation, and chemotherapy. Surgical resection is challenging due to vital function of brain and as GBM often metastasizes in different brain regions. Additionally, development of resistance against the standard of care drug temozolomide (TMZ) is a major challenge in GBM management. GBM is also shielded with the blood brain barrier (BBB) which prevents the entry of several drugs. Therefore, a new drug must overcome …

The Role Of Dichloro(Ethylenediamine) Platinum Ii In Altering Cellular Iron And Copper Transport, Megan Hall

Mahurin Honors College Capstone Experience/Thesis Projects

Approximately 50% of all chemotherapy cancer patients receive a platinum chemotherapeutic during their treatment. Although these drugs are widely utilized, little is known about the cellular transport of platinum drugs. It is hypothesized that platinum utilizes transporters for other metals to enter the cell. Structural differences between compounds are predicted to affect the compounds’ ability to exploit different transporters. Also, different cell types express different transporters. Therefore, compound structure is expected to influence transport of platinum compounds differently in different cell types. This study investigated the role of the platinum drug cisplatin and platinum compound Pt(en)Cl₂ in altering iron …

What Is The Best Method To Cure Hiv?, Israel Hacker

The Science Journal of the Lander College of Arts and Sciences

Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) is a sexually transmitted retrovirus impacting millions of people worldwide. Strides have been made to cure and/or prevent various genetic mutations via gene editing. Scientists hope to rid of HIV on a genomic level which will also prevent Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome (AIDS) - a biproduct of HIV. HIV utilizes a mechanism that counteracts the innate, adaptive, and intrinsic immune systems. Because the virus’s replication takes place in the lymphatic organs, the infection traverses the entire bloodstream. Due to the complexity of HIV and AIDS, their constant evolution, and their effect on a genomic level, no cures …

Can Stem Cell Transplantation Restore Insulin Levels In Diabetics?, Nechama Mendelson

The Science Journal of the Lander College of Arts and Sciences

A recent public interest in stem cell research has led to new approaches to treat various pathologies, including diabetes. Diabetes mellitus is characterized by elevated blood glucose levels due to the inability of the β cells in the pancreas to produce insulin. Therefore, the standard diabetes treatment is introducing insulin to the bloodstream. With the advancement of stem cell therapy, a new approach to treating diabetes mellitus is being researched. Scientists are working to differentiate pluripotent stem cells into mature insulin-producing pancreatic beta cells. These cells are then transplanted into in vivo models and observed after a glucose challenge for …

Small G- Protein Regulators Of Islet Beta Cell Function, Suhadinie Sameera Gamage

Wayne State University Dissertations

Defects in insulin secretion from pancreatic islet beta- cells leads to long term complications such as type 2 diabetes mellitus. The mechanism and regulation of glucose stimulated insulin secretion (GSIS) as well as factors contributing to pancreatic islet beta-cell demise are yet poorly understood. Previous work from our laboratory demonstrated that Ras-related C3 botulinum toxin substrate 1 (Rac1), a small G- protein is involved in GSIS as well as in culminating dysfunction under metabolic stress. Cycling of Rac1 between its inactive and active form is considered a vital event in glucose stimulated insulin secretion. This conversion is made possible by …

The Arsenic Induced Endoplasmic Reticulum Stress Response Via The Activating Transcription Factor 6 In Human Bronchial Epithelial Beas-2b Cells, Priya Wadgaonkar

Wayne State University Dissertations

Arsenic is a well-known human carcinogen associated with a number of cancers, including lung cancers. We have previously shown that long-term exposure to an environmentally relevantconcentration of inorganic arsenic (As3+) leads to the malignant transformation of the BEAS-2B cells, and some of the transformed cells show cancer stem-like features (CSCs) with a significant upregulation of glycolysis and downregulation of mitochondrial oxidative phosphorylation. In the present report, we investigate the short-term effect of As3+ on the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress response—the “unfolded protein response (UPR)” and metabolism in human bronchial epithelial cell line BEAS-2B cells. Treatment of the cells with inorganic …

Cellular Activation Following Acute And Chronic Ethanol In Glutamatergic Projection Neurons, Annalise Hassan, Sam Gottlieb, Michael F. Miles Md, Phd

IRBEH/Spit for Science Publications and Presentations

No abstract provided.

Chromatographic Studies Of Some Hormone And Metabolic Modulators Used For Doping In Sports, Ruth Marie Speidel

Online Theses and Dissertations

The World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) is an international agency that monitors the use of Performance Enhancing Drugs (PEDs) in sports; their mission is “to lead a collaborative worldwide movement for doping-free sport” (Who We Are, 2022). For this mission, the WADA needs quick, sensitive, reproducible, and accurate methods for analyzing athletes’ biological fluids for possible PEDs. This research focuses on developing and validating simple, sensitive, rapid, and reliable gas chromatography- mass spectrometry (GC-MS) methods for the analysis of two hormone and metabolic modulators, toremifene and trimetazidine. Previously, there has been limited GC-MS methods used to analyze toremifene and trimetazidine. Quantification …

Effects Of Perchlorate Exposure On Swimming Performance Of Zebrafish (Danio Rerio) And Organ Development Of Mice (Mus Musculus), Quentin Phillips

All Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Other Capstone Projects

Biomimetic properties of endocrine disrupting compounds (EDC) enable these chemicals to induce physiological responses in organisms at the cellular level, affecting fishes, amphibians, reptiles, birds, and mammals. Perchlorate is a ubiquitous EDC to which nearly all humans of industrialized countries are exposed. Perchlorate competitively inhibits the sodium-iodide symporters located within the follicular cells of the thyroid gland, reducing the body’s ability to uptake iodide and synthesize thyroid hormone (TH), a crucial hormone in the regulation of many metabolic processes. Threespine stickleback (Gasterosteus aculeatus) and zebrafish (Danio rerio) are aquatic model organisms used in perchlorate exposure research. Exposure causes many common …