Pharmacology Commons^™

Nutrient-Driven Transcription Factor-Dna Interactions And Their Signaling Mechanisms In Metabolic Disease, Evelyn A. Bates

Theses and Dissertations--Nutritional Sciences

Metabolic homeostasis is maintained through tightly coordinated signaling networks that integrate diverse physiological inputs. Central to this regulation are transcription factors, which sense nutrient, hormonal, and vitamin-derived signals and translate them into coordinated gene expression programs. Transcription factor activity is governed by DNA binding, recruitment of coregulatory proteins, and interactions with specific response elements in gene promoters, which allows them to selectively modulate diverse metabolic pathways. Owing to their multifactorial and tunable nature, transcription factors have emerged as promising targets for the treatment and diagnosis of metabolic diseases, including metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD). This dissertation explores the molecular …

Design And Advancement Of Analytical Frameworks For In Vivo Single-Photon Calcium Imaging To Characterize Temporal- And Treatment-Dependent Neural Adaptations To Opioid Exposure And Withdrawal In The Medial Prefrontal Cortex, Alexia R. Alsum Dr.

Theses and Dissertations--Pharmacy

Despite the availability of several approved medications for opioid use disorder (OUD), it remains a significant public health concern characterized by persistent neurobiological adaptations that drive relapse and impede successful recovery. The medial prefrontal cortex (mPFC), a region critical for executive control and decision-making, undergoes pronounced functional changes during chronic opioid exposure and withdrawal, yet the cellular mechanisms underlying these adaptations remain poorly understood. This dissertation aims to investigate longitudinal alterations in mPFC neural activity across opioid exposure and withdrawal using in vivo single-photon calcium imaging and newly developed computational frameworks.

Following standard preprocessing to extract and normalize calcium traces, …

Molecular Mechanisms And Metabolic Consequences Of Glucocorticoid Resistance, Genesee J. Martinez

Theses and Dissertations--Pharmacology and Nutritional Sciences

Glucocorticoids are vital steroid hormones that govern metabolism, stress responses, and immune functions through intricate, tissue-specific mechanisms, both genomic and non-genomic. These hormones bind to the glucocorticoid receptor (GR), which then acts as a transcription factor to modulate gene expression. Chronic elevation of glucocorticoid levels may lead to glucocorticoid resistance, resulting in adiposity, inflammation, and insulin resistance, thereby adversely affecting multiple metabolic tissues. Whether produced endogenously or administered exogenously, excessive, chronic glucocorticoid concentrations impair glucocorticoid signaling. Although there are two primary isoforms of the receptor, GR⍺ and GRβ, only GR⍺ interacts with glucocorticoids.Through the research conducted in this dissertation, we …

Improving Antibiotic Prescribing For Urinary Tract Infections In Urgent Care Centers, Alexis Alastanos

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

Introduction: Urinary tract infections (UTIs) are one of the most common infections that require antibiotic therapy. Providers working in three urgent care clinics located in Eastern West Virginia diagnosis and treat UTIs based on their clinical judgement. Variability in clinical judgement results in inappropriate antibiotic use which has implications on antibiotic resistance and the financial burden of the patients as well as the entire organization.

Evidence Review: A total of 10 articles were evaluated to support the implementation of antibiotic stewardship initiatives that provide guidance in caring for this population. Interventions include electronic health record enhancements, provider education, and tracking …

Umbralisib Antagonizes Multidrug Resistance In Abcb1- Overexpressing Cancer Cells, Letao Bo

Theses and Dissertations

Overexpression of ATP-binding cassette (ABC) transporters, particularly ABCB1, is a major mechanism of multidrug resistance (MDR) and contributes to chemotherapy failure by reducing intracellular drug accumulation. Umbralisib is a dual inhibitor of phosphoinositide 3-kinase delta (PI3Kδ) and casein kinase 1 epsilon (CK1ε) that was developed for the treatment of hematologic malignancies; however, it was later withdrawn due to safety concerns. In the present study, we found that umbralisib has the potential to reverse ABCB1-mediated MDR. The MTT assay demonstrated that umbralisib significantly sensitized ABCB1-overexpressing KB-C2 and SW620/Ad300 cells, as well as ABCB1-transfected HEK293 cells. Mechanistic assays revealed that umbralisib enhanced …

Identifying Rna Splicing Changes During Alcohol Withdrawal Using An Optimized Rna-Seq Analysis Pipeline, Yasaswi Veera, Luana Martins De Carvalho, Amy Lasek

UROP Posters

Alcohol use disorder (AUD) causes long-lasting changes in brain gene expression and RNA splicing, particularly in the ventral hippocampus. This study analyzes RNA-Seq data from rats exposed to chronic alcohol and withdrawal to identify transcript-level and splicing alterations. An optimized RNA-Seq pipeline using STAR, FeatureCounts, edgeR, and WGCNA improved efficiency by 25-40% while maintaining consistency across 25 datasets. Results reveal changes in neural signaling and stress-response pathways associated with withdrawal. This work provides both biological insight into AUD and a reproducible computational framework for transcriptomic analysis.

Ex Vivo Sensitivity Assays With Molecular Validation To Guide Preclinical Drug Selection For Schwann Cell Tumors, Ethan W. Hass

Graduate Studies Theses and Dissertations 2026

Schwann cells are the glial cell of the peripheral nervous system. They are dependent on receptor tyrosine kinase-mediated RAS signaling, cell matrix adhesion, and cell-cell contact to proliferate during nerve development and repair. These pathways become deregulated with loss of function of the merlin tumor suppressor encoded by NF2, leading to benign tumors called schwannomas. Patients with NF2-related schwannomatosis (NF2-SWN) develop bilateral vestibular schwannomas that cause hearing loss, tinnitus, and death from brainstem compression if untreated. Severe NF2-SWN causes multiple spinal and peripheral schwannomas and neuropathic pain. Schwannomas require careful monitoring, trial and error use of repurposed anti-cancer …

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 …

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 …

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 …

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 …

Exposure To Pm2.5 And Aging., Daniel Chris Gomes

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Inhalation of fine airborne particulate matter (PM_2.5) is an environmental risk factor for numerous health disorders, including cardiovascular diseases (CVD). While several studies have shown that PM_2.5 exposure can induce oxidative stress, DNA damage, and inflammation, the underlying mechanisms that translate these effects into systemic pathology remain poorly understood. Some recent studies have shown that PM_2.5 exposure can lead to telomere shortening in leukocytes, but the generality of this outcome and contribution to endothelial dysfunction has not yet been fully explored. We hypothesized that PM_2.5inhalation accelerates cellular aging and senescence in both circulating peripheral …

A Ralgef Inhibitor Suppresses Lung Cancer Stem Cell Development And Tumorigenesis., Raphael Ngozichi Suarez Jigo

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

The RALGEF family of proteins are direct downstream effectors of the RAS oncoprotein. RALGEFs act as guanine nucleotide exchange factors (GEFs) for downstream RAL proteins, thus tying RAS to the regulation of RAL. Genetic studies have demonstrated RAL proteins to be key drivers of RAS-driven transformation and metastasis. Furthermore, this pathway has been implicated in chemoresistance, exocyst-mediated transport, and the modulation of cancer stem cells. Previous work in our lab reported the activity of a novel pan-RALGEF inhibitor (C4-180) against RAS-driven pancreatic cancer models. Here we show the agent to be active against in vitro and in vivo models of …

Alirocumab In Dexamethasone-Induced Metabolic Syndrome: Therapeutic Benefits And Potential Hepatic Risks Through Rxr-Α / P-Akt Modulation, Miad A. Aljuhani, Mohamed S. Abdel-Bakky

Saudi Toxicology Journal

Background: Metabolic syndrome (MetS) elevates the risk of developing cardi-ovascular diseases and type 2 diabetes., driven by insulin resistance (IR), inflammation, and metabolic dysregulation. The PI3K/AKT pathway shows a key part in glucose and lipid metabolism. Alirocumab, a PCSK9 inhibitor, lowers LDL-C and improves IR but may cause hepatotoxicity. Aims: This study examines ali-rocumab’s effects on dexamethasone-induced MetS in rats, focusing on its metabolic benefits and potential liver toxicity. Methods: Over 30 days, 40 male Albino rats were distributed into control, Alirocumab, Dexamethasone, and Dexa-methasone+Alirocumab groups, with the latter receiving Dexamethasone to induce metabolic syndrome followed by Alirocumab administration. Results: …

Substituted Piperidines As (Alpha4)3(Beta2)2 Nicotinic Acetylcholine Receptor Positive Allosteric Modulators: In Vitro Pharmacology, Nataly Sanchez, Josue Gaona, Wilder Felix, Nathalia Menegasso, Brisa Cea, Ganesh Thakur, Ayman K. Hamouda

School of Medicine Student Publications and Presentations

Nicotinic acetylcholine receptors (nAChRs) play a crucial role in the pathogenesis of neurodegenerative diseases such as Parkinsonʼs disease (PD). In PD, degeneration of dopaminergic and cholinergic neurons impairs neurotransmitter release, leading to cognitive and motor dysfunction. Current treatments provide only symptomatic relief, highlighting the need for novel therapeutic strategies. The (α4)₃(β2)₂ subtype of nAChRs is expressed on affected neurons, making it a promising druggable target for enhancing neurotransmitter release and providing neuroprotection. To explore the therapeutic potential of positive allosteric modulators (PAMs) of (α4)₃(β2)₂ nAChRs, we evaluated chemical derivatives of CMPI [3-(2-chlorophenyl)-5-(5-methyl-1-(piperidin-4-yl)-1H-pyrazol-4-yl)isoxazole]. We used two-electrode voltage-clamp recordings from Xenopus laevis …

Untangling The Roles Of Pulmonary Vagal Afferent Subsets With Inhaled Irritants, Teresa Darcey

USF Tampa Graduate Theses and Dissertations

The sensory nerves in the airways directly regulate critical defenses and indirectly regulate vital gas exchange. Airway function is largely controlled by the autonomic nervous system, and our understanding of its sensory regulation is directly connected to our ability to treat respiratory and cardiovascular pathologies. Airway sensory afferents are heterogeneous with respect to their electrophysiological properties, peptidergic capacity, and stimuli sensitivity, which at least in part dictate some of their various functions. There is evidence that embryological origin impacts reflex function: activation of the neural crest-derived population of sensory afferents has been shown to evoke the cough reflex whereas activation …

Development And Validation Of An Analytical Method For Determination Of Bongkrekic Acid In Biofluids For Toxin Monitoring, Ying-Tzu Shieh, Te-I Weng, Ju-Yu Chen, I-Ting Wang, Kevin Shu-Leung Lai, Chia-Mo Lin, Chu-Yun Teng, Guan-Yuan Chen

Journal of Food and Drug Analysis

Bongkrekic acid (BKA) poisoning is a severe foodborne illness with a high mortality rate. This study aimed to identifyBKA in postmortem tissues from poisoning victims in Taiwan and to develop a reliable analytical method for detectingBKA in biofluids to aid clinical diagnosis and treatment. BKA was identified in postmortem samples using high-reso-lution mass spectrometry (HRMS) and confirmed with an independent ultrahigh-performance liquid chromatographycoupled with tandem mass spectrometry (UHPLC-MS/MS) method. To meet clinical needs, a UHPLC-MS/MS methodwas developed and validated for BKA detection in plasma and urine. Method optimization included adjustments to ionsource conditions for multiple reaction monitoring (MRM) transitions and …

The Economic Burden Of Covid-19 In A Region With Stringent Response Measures: A Case Study Of Taiwan, Elise Chia-Hui Tan, Fei-Yuan Hsiao, Ming-Chin Yang

Journal of Food and Drug Analysis

The COVID-19 pandemic has imposed a significant economic burden globally, particularly in regions with stringentresponse measures. This study aimed to assess the economic impact of COVID-19 in Taiwan, focusing on both directand indirect costs. A cost-of-illness analysis was conducted, utilizing data from the Taiwan Centers for Disease Control(CDC), national databases, epidemiological studies, and economic surveys. The analysis included both direct costs (e.g.,hospital admissions, outpatient care) and indirect costs (e.g., productivity losses due to long COVID, absenteeism, caregiving duties). The study encompassed Taiwan's population of 23.2 million, with particular attention to age-specific impacts on economic outcomes. The total economic burden of …