Pharmacology, Toxicology and Environmental Health Commons^™

Ping-Chong-Jiang-Ni Formula Effectively Inhibits Migration And Invasion Of Endometriosis 12z Cell Line Via Trip13, Jiahua Peng, Shuzhen Liu, Yunxiang Xie, Min Xiao, Chichiu Wang, Ruining Liang

Journal of Food and Drug Analysis

The Ping-Chong-Jiang-Ni Formula (PCJNF), a compound of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), has demonstrated remarkable clinical effectiveness and is widely utilized in the treatment of endometriosis (EMs). Previous studies have shown that PCJNF inhibits the proliferation and induces the apoptosis of ectopic endometrial stromal cells (EESCs) by modulating the JNK signaling pathway. In our most recent study, published in January 2024, we found that PCJNF effectively alleviates EMs-associated pain by reducing inflammatory mediators, including tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) and nerve growth factor (NGF). Furthermore, PCJNF down-

regulates the expression of transient receptor potential vanilloid 1 (TRPV1), phosphorylated TRPV1 (p-TRPV1), and protein …

In Vitro Metabolic Profiling Of Methylenedioxy-Substituted Synthetic Cathinones For Enhanced Detection In Urine Sample Analysis, Ya-Ling Yeh, Chin-Lin Hsieh, Yi-Jia Huang, Yu-Hsiang Chang, Sheng-Meng Wang

Journal of Food and Drug Analysis

Synthetic cathinones are a widely abused class of new psychoactive substances that pose significant challenges in forensic toxicology owing to their complex metabolic pathways and lack of verified reference standards. This study investigated the in vitro metabolism of nine methylenedioxy-substituted synthetic cathinones, including methylone and eight structural isomers, which were categorized into three groups: Group 1 (dimethylone, ethylone, and butylone), Group 2 (dibutylone, pentylone, and eutylone), and Group 3 (N-ethylpentylone and dipentylone). Pooled human liver microsomes, cytosol, and uridine diphosphate glucuronic acid were used to identify phase Ⅰ and Ⅱ metabolites by liquid chromatography–quadrupole time-of-flight mass spectrometry. Key pathways included …

Integrating Network Analysis And Experimental Validation To Reveal The Ferroptosis-Associated Mechanism Of Velvet Antler In The Treatment Of Chronic Atrophic Gastritis, Quan Liao, Zhenzhen Guo, Chenchun Ding, Renjie Zuo, Guoyan Liu

Journal of Food and Drug Analysis

Chronic atrophic gastritis (CAG) is precancerosis with limited treatment options. This study investigated the therapeutic effects of velvet antler (VA), a traditional natural medicine, on CAG, with a focus on ferroptosis. In vivo experiments demonstrated the efficacy of VA in alleviating CAG, and network pharmacology analysis revealed its involvement in related terms, including inflammation, oxidative stress, and cell proliferation. Analyses further confirmed the modulation of ferroptosis by VA, particularly via the Keap1-Nrf2/HO-1/GPX4 pathway. In vitro assays supported these findings, demonstrating the ability of VA to reduce methylnitronitrosoguanidine-induced inflammation, oxidative stress, and ferroptosis in GES-1. This study provides a basis for …

Jiao San Xian Granule Containing Prebiotic Alleviate Functional Dyspepsia By Regulating Intestinal Flora And The Secretion Of Inflammatory Response, Huimin Pei, Mengyuan Zhao, Hongyue Wang, Xindi Zhang, Caihong Shi, Xiangrong Zhang

Journal of Food and Drug Analysis

Jiao Sanxian (JSX) consists of three traditional Chinese medicine including charred hawthorn, malt and Liu Shen Qu, they are also from Chinese medicine homologous food. It is commonly used to relieve functional dyspepsia (FD). The present study aims to explore the mechanism of JSX (granule), with the addition of prebiotics for the treatment of FD using mice model. The network pharmacology and molecular docking were used to forecast therapeutic targets for JSX. Based on the protein-protein interaction (PPI) results, thirteen targets exhibited strong interactions with each other. The results of network pharmacology and molecular docking revealed therapeutic activity of JSX …

Regulatory Framework And Challenges For Live Biotherapeutic Products In Taiwan, Shirley Pan, Jia-Chuan Hsu, Kuo-Teng Hung, Ching-Jung Ho

Journal of Food and Drug Analysis

Products containing live microorganisms may be classified as food or drugs depending on their intended use; live biotherapeutic products (LBPs) with therapeutic claims are defined as medicinal products containing live bacteria or yeasts intended to prevent or treat disease. Based on their characteristics, LBPs are classified as biological drugs and must be registered as biological drugs before they can enter the Taiwanese market. As research into the microbiota and its role in health and disease continues to advance, LBPs are expected to play an increasingly important role in medicine and biotechnology. With the growing popularity of microbial applications in recent …

Aspergillosis: A Comprehensive Review Of Pathogenesis, Drug Resistance, And Emerging Therapeutics, Amanpreet Singh, Jeewanjot Singh, Sandeep Kumar

Journal of Food and Drug Analysis

Aspergillosis stands as a primary opportunistic fungal infection which mainly results from Aspergillus fumigatus events that have gained more importance because of its multiple infection patterns and developing antifungal resistance. Healthcare providers identify two main ends of the aspergillosis spectrum which include allergic responses and invasive systemic infections that affect mainly immunocompromised subjects. This review presents a detailed summary for understanding the epidemiology of aspergillosis along with its risk factors as well as pathogenesis and host immune response and diagnostic difficulties. The analysis puts significant weight on increasing azole and echinocandin resistance that has become worse because of agricultural and …

Consumer Choice And Indoor Air Quality, Crystal Jadach

Civil and Environmental Engineering Undergraduate Honors Theses

Outdoor air pollution has drastically improved for everyone since the passage of the clean air act. However, indoor air quality is not monitored or enforceable in the United States. Yet, the EPA estimates that people of developed nations spend approximately 90% of their time indoors. Candles, a common ambiance setting choice for many household consumers, have been well characterized as a source of volatile organic compounds (VOCs). VOCs can have a wide variety of negative effects on human health. A benchtop and pilot scale study were used to characterize the difference in the accumulation and displacement of total volatile organic …

Targeting Detoxifying Enzymes In The Lymphatic Filariasis Vector: An In Silico Study On Curcumin, Camphor, And Menthol, Rizal Subahar, Rawina Winita, Surya Dwira, Gulshan Fahmi El Bayani

Indonesian Journal of Medical Chemistry and Bioinformatics

Vector control remains a critical component in the prevention of lymphatic filariasis, a disease transmitted by insect vectors. Natural compounds such as curcumin, camphor, and menthol are being explored for their bio-insecticidal properties due to their potential to inhibit key detoxification and neurological enzymes in insects, including acetylcholinesterase (AChE), glutathione S-transferase (GST), and cytochrome P450 oxidases (CYP450). A molecular docking study using SwissDock was conducted to evaluate the interaction of curcumin, camphor, and menthol with AChE, GST, and CYP450 enzymes. Binding affinity (ΔG), hydrogen bonding, and active site interactions were analyzed to assess the inhibitory potential of each compound. Curcumin …

Pesticides As Multiple Stressors To Bivalves And Echinoderms, Alexandra Gabrielle Tissot

Dissertations and Theses

Pesticides are ubiquitous in aquatic environments, alongside numerous contaminants and other stressors that can result in combined exposure to target and non-target organisms. Nevertheless, traditional toxicity studies quantify the effects of these compounds at an individual level, and to a narrow range of traditional test organisms. Through this dissertation, I explored the presence and effects of commonly detected pesticides of concern in the Pacific Northwest in order to realistically quantify potential effects from combined stressors. In Chapter 2, I demonstrated my background knowledge on these select pesticides (atrazine, bifenthrin, diuron, indaziflam, and imidacloprid), including their chemical and physical properties. Using …

Fda Approves Lecanemab-Irmb Maintenance Dosing For Early Alzheimer’S Disease Treatment, Jordyn Linfield, Giang Nguyen, Ashley Jacob, Andrew Johnson, Maria Nguyen, Sara Ha, Joshua Honaker, Samantha Mccord, Kelly Kroustos

Pharmacy and Wellness Review

Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is the most prevalent neurodegenerative disorder and is associated with progressive and irreversible cognitive decline that begins with memory lapses leading to physical and functional impairment. The conventional therapies that have been used for the treatment from Alzheimer's Disease include acetylcholinesterase inhibitors and memantine, but additional therapy options are being developed. Lecanemab, brand name Lequembi, is currently a Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved humanized monoclonal antibody for the treatment of Alzheimer’s disease and indicated for mild cognitive impairment (MCI) or mild dementia. While there is impactful aid for treatment, lecanemab has three significant adverse reactions, which …

The Possible Cardioprotectiveeffect Of Empagliflozin During Endotoxemia In Mice Model, Safwa Miqdad Al-Killidar, Bashaer M. Muhammad-Baqir

Maaen Journal for Medical Sciences

Background:Sepsis is a major complication for seriously ill people with shock, major infections, serious burns, or severe trauma. Inflammation imbalance is the primary underlying cause of sepsis progression and persists continuously over the entire sepsis course. Empagliflozin is an orally administered medication for diabetes that selectively inhibits sodium-glucose cotransporter 2 to improve kidney elimination of glucose. It has been discovered that sodium-glucose cotransporter 2 exhibit anti inflammation and multiple effects, suggesting that they may be beneficial and prevent infections. Aim of study:This study was undertaken to assess Empagliflozin's cardioprotective efficacy in septic mice through its potent anti- inflammatory …

The Role Of G6pd Variants And 3d Genomic Structure In The Development Of Pulmonary Hypertension, Christina M. Signoretti Ph.D.

NYMC Student Theses and Dissertations

Pulmonary hypertension is an under-recognized global health epidemic which is estimated to affect 1% of the population. It is associated with sustained mean pulmonary artery pressure greater than 20 mmHg, pulmonary artery remodeling, smooth muscle and endothelial cell proliferation and subsequent increased right ventricle hypertrophy due to increased afterload. Glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PD) is one of the key enzymes in the pentose phosphate pathway and has been previously linked to the development of pulmonary hypertension. G6PD deficiency is the most common human enzymopathy which affects approximately 400 million people worldwide and is a result of agricultural and epidemiological evolution in different …

Evaluating The Protective Role Of Epo-R76e In Oxidative Stress-Induced Cell Death In Retinal Pigment Epithelium, Jemima Alam

USF Tampa Graduate Theses and Dissertations

Age-Related Macular Degeneration (AMD) causes dysfunction and loss of Retinal pigment epithelium (RPE). The degeneration and death of RPE cells causes irreversible visual impairment. Oxidative stress is a widely accepted triggering factor for RPE dysfunction. A hormone called Erythropoietin (EPO) is responsible to facilitate the erythropoiesis process, prevents progenitor cells from apoptosis and protects photoreceptors downregulating retinal degeneration. In this study, we aim to elucidate the role of EPO in downregulating oxidative stress in RPE. It is hypothesized that EPO will have a positive impact on suppressing oxidative stress and ferroptosis-mediated RPE degeneration due to its vital role in apoptosis …

Exposure To Second-Hand Smoke In Homes And Respiratory Symptoms Among Non-Smoking Adults In Depok, Indonesia 2025, Faraz Ali, Budi Hartono

Journal of Indonesian Health Policy and Administration

Second-hand smoke (SHS) exposure in the home environment has become a public health emergency, especially in countries with very high smoking rates, such as Indonesia. SHS exposure has already presented evidence of symptoms of the respiratory category, like a cough and shortness of breath. This study aimed to assess the association between exposure to SHS at home and the presence of respiratory symptoms among non-smoking adults in Depok, Indonesia. Convenience sampling was adopted for enrolling 108 non-smoking adults aged 18-30 who were jointly exposed to SHS in their homes for a cross-sectional study. Data aggregations of gatherings were performed using …

Evaluation Of Schoenoplectus Californicus In An Artificial System For E. Coli Removal, Kimia Ahmadiyehyazdi

Masters Theses (Archived)

Green technologies and nature-based solutions like constructed wetlands have be come more popular due to their environmentally friendly approach to remediation, low cost of construction, and maintenance. Also, they have shown efficiency in removing a wide range of contaminants. However, choosing a suitable aquatic plant for this system is one of the questions that should be answered wisely. Schoenoplectus californicus– Giant Bulrush is an aquatic plant that was tested in this controlled constructed wetland, and the final concentration of the targeted microbial contamination, which is E. coli, was reduced remarkably. Also, for this study, soil was removed from the …

Misused And Misunderstood: Examining The Inappropriate Use Of Stimulant Medications, Connor Dains, Madilyn Paphanchith, Makayla Eversole, Chaehyeon Jin, Minhwan Yang, Joshua Honaker, Samantha Mccord, Kayla Petkus

Pharmacy and Wellness Review

Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is a common neurodevelopmental disorder in children, characterized by inattention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity. The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) endorses stimulant medications as the first-line treatment option. When combined with behavioral therapy, this pharmacologic class can improve focus, executive functioning, and the overall quality of life. While stimulant prescriptions can have a positive effect when used as directed, there is concern for the potential of provider overprescription and patient misuse related to these medications. Consequently, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) revised the boxed warning and prescribing information for stimulant medications. Healthcare providers must educate …

Variability In Methotrexate Metabolites In A Cohort Of Jia Patients, Nuria Lara Castillo, Mara Becker, Marc Sudman, Susan Thompson, Laura Ramsey

Research Days

Background: Methotrexate (MTX) is the cornerstone disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drug for the treatment of Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis (JIA). While most patients receiving MTX have a favorable outcome, approximately 30% do not respond, and several experience toxic events, suggesting interindividual difference. Furthermore, evaluation of MTX response takes several months, with the risk of missing the early “window of opportunity” for treatment. Predicting MTX response prior to administration would greatly benefit these patients and their treating physicians by saving valuable time during the early stages of the disease onset. MTX is a folate antagonist and, similar to folate, it undergoes polyglutamation inside the …

Plastic In The Pack: Assessing Microplastic Risk To Urban Coyotes (Canis Latrans) In The San Francisco Bay Area, Elaina E. Herrmann

Master's Projects and Capstones

Microplastics are an emerging concern worldwide. However, their impact on terrestrial mammals, such as Canis latrans (coyotes), has yet to be extensively studied. Coyotes are unique in their ability to adapt to urban environments and have recently begun bridging the gap between marine and terrestrial food webs. This research examines the potential sources and impact of microplastic exposure in urban coyotes in the San Francisco Bay Area and possible food web impacts through literature synthesis and Geographic Information System (GIS) mapping. This research examined potential mechanisms for direct and trophic microplastic uptake by coyotes resulting from the anthropogenic, terrestrial, and …

Assessing One-Year Health Impacts From Wildfires In Rural Communities: Roles For Extension In Promoting Wildfire Preparedness And Recovery, Marc T. Braverman, Sandi Cleveland Phibbs, Emily Jane Davis, Amanda Rau, Elijah Penner

Journal of Extension

Wildfires can produce health impacts that persist for years in affected communities. This article describes an Extension-led study of health impacts in rural Oregon communities one year after a destructive wildfire. Data collection included key informant interviews (n=36), an online survey (n=80), and three focus group interviews with survivors (n=23). Mental health, exposure to contaminants, physical stress, food insecurity, and other issues were frequently identified health concerns. Survivors’ difficulties in dealing with housing displacement significantly exacerbated health challenges. We describe potential roles for Extension in addressing wildfire risk and mitigating health impacts, including a description of the Oregon Fire Program.

Exploring Sustainable Biopolyesters: Synthesis From 1,4-Butanediol And Aliphatic Diacids, Vinashkumar Jayantibhai Chaudhari

Electronic Theses & Dissertations

In this thesis, we applied 1,4-butanediol, which is an emerging biobased and low-cost monomer, was synthesized with a series of aliphatic dicarboxylic acids, namely succinic acid, adipic acid, and sebacic acid using melt polycondensation to Biobased polyesters. The resulting polymers poly(butylene succinate) (PPeS), poly(butylene adipate) (PPeA), and poly(butylene sebacate) (PPeSe) chemical structures were analysis through Fourier transfer infrared spectroscopy(FT-IR), ¹H nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) revealed the elimination of side reactions in the obtained polyesters. Differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) was employed to analyze physical properties, and the impact of dicarboxylate chain length and long short diol on crystalline structure and …

Quick And Easy Method For The Determination Of Cocaine And Six Metabolites In Postmortem Hair, Samantha C. Mulkeen

Student Theses

Hair testing is increasing in popularity in toxicology because of its long window of detection and ease of collection and sample storage. However, it has its limitations largely due to external contamination of drugs. In particular, cocaine (COC) is a common offender of this as it has several routes of consumption. Analyzing metabolites of COC may be the key to distinguishing between consumption and external contamination. The aim of the present study was to develop a quick, easy, and sensitive method for the detection and quantification of COC, benzoylecgonine (BE), norcocaine (NCOC), cocaethylene (CE), anhydroecgonine methyl ester (AEME), meta-hydroxy-cocaine (m-OH-COC), …

Microbial Biodiversity Of The James River Rock Pool Ecosystem., Jordan C. Heydt

Masters Theses, 2020-current

Rock pools are ephemeral aquatic environments that offer a unique opportunity to study complex communities and their responses to environmental changes. The urban James River rock pool system consists of over 700 individual rock pools varying in size and depth. This unique urban freshwater ecosystem has been studied for its invertebrate, plant, and zooplankton populations but not for its microbial community composition. To fill that gap, the microbial community of this system was characterized using 16S rRNA gene sequencing, and the influence of environmental variables on the community composition was analyzed. Our findings show variation in microbial community composition across …

Parents Perceived First Aid Skills In Dealing With The Ingested Poisoning Products, Saudi Arabia, A Cross-Sectional Study, Maher Hassan Nahari, Bsaim Abdulsalam Altirkistani, Athoub Nasser Kadasa, Saleh Salah Alilwani Et.Al.

Saudi Toxicology Journal

Introduction: Toxins are substances that can lead to harmful effects when introduced to the body. Accidental poisonings remain a critical concern for pediatric health, so understanding the nature of toxins and the potential risks associated with them is a fundamental aspect of child safety. Parents' knowledge and attitudes towards toxins and poisoning incidents significantly influence the outcomes of accidental exposures. Materials and Methods: An observational cross-sectional study conducted across various regions of Saudi Arabia in March 2024. Participants were selected by convenience sampling. A total of 1,997 participants took the self-administered questionnaire. Results: The majority of the participants are married …

Detection And Quantification Of Total Airborne Fungi And Coccidioides Species In Environmental Samples, Theresa T. Roehr

UNLV Theses, Dissertations, Professional Papers, and Capstones

Fungal exposure can cause acute and chronic illnesses or exacerbate existing illnesses. Some fungi are opportunistic pathogens and can lead to serious systemic fungal infections. In 2020, more than 150 million cases of severe fungal infections were reported globally resulting in an estimated 1.7 million deaths. Coccidioidomycosis, or Valley fever, is classified as a serious fungal infection caused by the fungi Coccidioides immitis and C. posadasii. These particular fungi are prevalent in the soil of the Southwestern United States, including Las Vegas, Nevada. In 2024, there were a total of 269 cases of Valley fever reported in Nevada, and …

Pfas Levels In Hair: Comparing Us Populations To Global Trends, Ashef Ameer

Student Theses

Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are synthetic chemicals that raise significant toxicological concerns due to their environmental persistence and potential health hazards. This research examines the presence and concentration of selected PFAS compounds in human hair samples from volunteers in New York, comparing these results with global trends found in peer-reviewed research. Hair was selected as the biological matrix for its non-invasive collection method, ability to reflect exposure, and long-term chemical stability. For analysis, a validated LCMS/ MS technique was utilized to analyze hair samples (n = 27) for three compounds: perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA), perfluorononanoic acid (PFNA), and perfluoroheptanoic acid …

Sodium Valproate-Induced Hyperemesis In A Patient Post-Bariatric Surgery, Mohammed Alsubhi, Khalid Alharb, Bandar Alrehaili

Saudi Toxicology Journal

Long-term treatment of patients with medications is associated with adverse drug reactions and continues to be a challenge. Sodium valproate is commonly used to treat bipolar disorder and epilepsy. It can induce adverse gastrointestinal effects, and its absorption may vary depending on the excipient used. In this case study, a middle-aged woman with a history of bipolar disorder developed hyperemesis after the use of a generic sodium valproate formulation. The patient had undergone gastric sleeve surgery 3 years ago and lost weight. Using generic formulation of sodium valproate stimulated vomiting 3 years after the patient had been tolerating the branded …

Exploring The Landscape Of Animal Advocacy In Egypt: Insights Into Stray, Wildlife, And Farmed Animal Rights, Yara Moussa, Wasseem Emam

General - Animal Protection

This article examines the landscape of animal advocacy in Egypt, a nascent and growing field in one of Africa’s largest economies and most densely populated countries. It focuses on three types of animal advocacy: 1) stray animal welfare, 2) wildlife conservation, and 3) farmed animal welfare. The paper critically analyses current practices and trends in each of these areas, highlighting the main challenges and opportunities facing the growth of the movement. Our research draws on insights from interviews with active animal welfare organizations, situating their practical experiences, daily operational struggles, as well as instances of success, within Egypt’s wider socio-economic …

Menthalactone From Mentha Piperita L., A Monocot-Selective Bioherbicide, Adam Soltani

Honors Theses

The challenge of managing invasive weed species continues to affect the agricultural industry, presenting ecological, economic, and agronomic hurdles that lead to over 100 billion USD in annual crop losses globally. One such concern is the management of Agrostis stolonifera L., commonly known as creeping bentgrass, particularly due to its ability to form hybrids. This scenario underscores the urgent need for innovative, effective, and environmentally sustainable herbicides, steering the focus toward natural substances as potential candidates. We report here a promising natural lactone, commonly known as menthalactone, which is derived from Mentha piperita L. Its phytotoxic activity was assessed against …

Impact Of Unconventional Gas Extraction On Tributaries Of Tenmile Creek, Greene County, Pennsylvania: A 12-Year Perspective, Christian L. Beall

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Much of southwestern Pennsylvania has been central to a rapid increase in development for unconventional natural gas extraction in the past two decades. The continued monitoring of streams over their lifetime as extraction sites is pivotal to understanding the effects of fracking on local waterways and their ability to provide for wildlife and human use. Here, using multiple indices of biotic integrity (IBI), I perform analyses of fish and macroinvertebrate communities as well as water chemistry on two streams, Bates Fork (with shale wells) and Fonner Run (without), as part of a follow-up to work performed there from 2010-2012. Fish …

Household Point-Of-Use Faucet Filters For Lead Removal: Field Performance And User Experiences, Jeannie M. Purchase, Chantaly Villalona, Adrienne Katner, Kelsey Pieper, Marc Edwards

School of Public Health Faculty Publications

Lead certified point of use (POU) faucet filters were field tested in two Louisiana cities in a total of 21 occupied homes during normal use and in two unoccupied homes with very high risk of water lead (Pb) contamination. In an unoccupied home with a 28 m lead service line (LSL) with average lead of 17 μg/L in flushed water, treatment by POU filters generally produced water with < 5 μg/L Pb even when tested to 200% of rated capacity. In the unoccupied home with a disturbed LSL, the water had erratic influent particulate lead of 9-3053 μg/L, and the POUs did not consistently produce water with < 10 μg/L Pb despite very high percentage removals. When testing POUs in occupied homes known to occasionally have lead over 5 μg/L, POUs always reduced lead to < 1 μg/L. In addition, POUs were also effectively removing high levels of iron and manganese present in the water of one city, but this also caused clogging before reaching half of their rated capacity. Laboratory experiments confirmed POU susceptibility to iron clogging.