Medicine and Health Sciences Commons^™

Intoxicating Cannabinoids And Impurities In Hemp-Derived Products In Us Markets, Mahmoud Elsohly

Oxford ICSB

This talk will examine the nature and source of a number of intoxicating cannabinoids and impurities, widely available in the US and marketed as “hemp-derived” and thus promoted as legal and safe products. The presentation will elaborate on the 2018 Farm Bill, the definition of Hemp and the consequences of the interpretation of the definition on the composition of products on the market. Of particular emphasis will be the prevalence of Delta-8 THC in these products and the incorporation of their intoxicating cannabinoids.

Innovation Meets Rigor: A Case Study Of Decentralized Clinical Trials In Consumer Health Research, Belinda Tan

Oxford ICSB

Direct-to-consumer decentralized clinical trials (DCTs) conducted with mobile digital technologies and at-home or local clinical testing are accelerating rigorous clinical studies by virtualizing study activities and collecting data from mobile devices and web-based systems. Through technology automations, decentralized study designs allow for high quality and compliance with objective and subjective data collection. The result is increased study efficiency, high rigor, and more diverse participation, while generating high quality data to meet regulatory standards. Using a proprietary clinical trial software application Chloe, we conducted a double-blinded, randomized, placebo-controlled trial with optional open label extension investigating the impact of 2 doses of …

Cannabidiol And Other Minor Cannabinoids: Pharmacological Targets And Interactions With Thc., Larry Walker

Oxford ICSB

This talk will examine the pharmacology of minor phytocannabinoids, including cannabidiol (CBD) and its interactions with delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC). Of particular interest is the impact – if any – of varying ratios of THC and CBD on THC responses, and potential mechanisms for the interplay. We will also consider the pharmacology and potential therapeutic impacts of other minor cannabinoids, including cannabigerol, tetrahydrocannabivarin, and cannabichromene.

Effects Of Caffeinated Green Tea Extract And Exercise In Obese Nzo/Hlltj Mice, Igor Koturbash

Oxford ICSB

Green tea extracts (GTEs) are common ingredients among dietary supplements marketed for weight loss and weight management. However, GTEs and their various catechin polyphenols have also been linked to a number of hepatotoxicity cases. The purpose of this study was to investigate, using the NZO/HlLtJ obese mouse model, the hepato- and cardiotoxic potential of a well-characterized GTE in combination with caffeine (CAF) moderate exercise (EX, 1 hour daily for the duration of 8 weeks) as well as its ability to promote weight loss. No evidence of hepato- or cardiotoxicity was noted when GTE was administered either alone or in combination …

Spatial Training For Children With Suspected Auditory Processing Disorder: A Random Control Trial, Taylor Delao

Student Research Symposium

Auditory Processing Disorder (APD), defined here as a deficit in the way sounds are analyzed by the brain, has remained a controversial topic within audiology for decades.

A Randomized, Double-Blinded, Parallel, Placebo-Controlled Clinical Trial To Study The Effect And Safety Of Korean Red Ginseng Extract Powder On Cardiovascular Health Markers In Healthy Adults, Amir Rafie

Oxford ICSB

Cardiovascular disease is a prevalent condition that imposes a significant socioeconomic burden. Korean red ginseng, a medicinal plant traditionally used in Asia, has been suggested to potentially protect against cardiovascular dysfunction by improving blood flow. We conducted a randomized, double-blind, parallel, placebo-controlled trial to assess the effects of Korean Red Ginseng Extract Powder (G1899) on blood flow and platelet aggregation (primary endpoints) and other cardiovascular health markers (e.g., blood coagulation parameters) in healthy adults. Participants (N=108) were randomized in a 1:1:1 ratio to three groups: high dose (2000 mg G1899 per day), low dose (480 mg G1899 per day), and …

Elucidating The Pathogenic Mechanisms Of Disease-Causing Variants In The Low-Density Lipoprotein Receptor (Ldlr) And The Very-Low-Density Lipoprotein Receptor (Vldlr), Aseel Adnan Jawabri

Thesis/ Dissertation Defenses

The Low-Density Lipoprotein Receptor (LDLR) and the Very-Low-Density Lipoprotein Receptor (VLDLR) are major members of the LDLR family of proteins, and they have been shown to be responsible for Familial hypercholesterolemia (FH) and Cerebellar ataxia, mental retardation, and dysequilibrium syndrome type 1 (CAMRQ1), respectively. FH is an autosomal dominant disorder characterized by increased LDL-cholesterol levels mainly caused by mutations in LDLR. Clinically, FH is characterized by increased levels of LDL-C, tendon xanthomas, corneal arcus, and premature coronary artery diseases (CAD) such as atherosclerosis, if left untreated. CAMRQ-related disorders are a group of rare, heterogeneous, autosomal recessive conditions characterized by cerebellar …

Functional Mushrooms Supplementation As A Prebiotic Fibre Impacting Microbiome Composition, The Gut Metabolome And Impact On The Intestinal Epithelial Barrier Integrity, Julie Daoust

Oxford ICSB

This study aimed to determine if functional mushroom preparation supplementation with Cordyceps militaris mycelium and fruiting body, Ganoderma lucidum mycelium and fruiting body, and a blend of ten species of functional mushrooms could impact gut health. The Ex Vivo model Simulator of Human Intestinal Microbial Ecosystem (SHIME®) has been used to study the behaviour of a human microbiome in response to various factors. The aim of this study was to demonstrate changes in the microbiome after supplementation with functional mushroom preparation and the resulting neuroactive metabolome using the SHIME® model. The endpoints measured were microbial fermentation activity, metabolic fingerprinting, microbial …

Caffeine-Free Plant-Based Nootropics: The Evolving Science And Regulatory Journey Of Alpinia Galanga., Deshanie Rai

Oxford ICSB

Consumer interest in using botanicals as complementary medicine to help address a variety of health benefits is rooted in the traditional use of botanicals to support for example vision performance, joint health, and mental wellbeing. With increasingly busy lifestyles, consumers are seeking ways to support their mental energy. While caffeine is a widely used nootropic, consumers are wary of consuming too much caffeine and/or it’s associated “caffeine-crash” effects, and therefore looking for plant-based nootropic alternates. Plant-derived nutraceutical research is now on the research agendas in academic and industry settings. At OmniActive Health Technologies, we are helping to address consumer health …

What Do Medical Assistants Do?, Ryan Williams

Student Research Symposium

Medical assistants interact with patients before, during, and after provider interactions. They assist providers, conduct clinical maintenance, and mediate between patients, providers, and administration personnel.

Efficacy And Safety Of A Prescription Botanical Drug, Cinainu, In Pediatric Alopecia Areata: An International, Double-Blind, Randomized, Placebo-Controlled, Phase 2/3 Trial, Saad Harti, Ulrike Blume-Peytavi

Oxford ICSB

Background: Alopecia areata (AA) is a debilitating autoimmune-mediated disorder marked by non-scarring hair loss. It significantly impairs patients' quality of life. Unmet needs persist, particularly for pediatric patients and patients with moderate AA. Cinainu, a topical solution containing four botanical drug substances, may address these gaps due to its anti-inflammatory, anti-apoptotic, and antioxidant properties. Objective: This phase 2/3 study evaluated the efficacy and safety of cinainu in children and adolescents with moderate-to-severe AA. Methods: The RAAINBOW study, an international, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial, involved 107 pediatric patients randomly assigned (2:1) to receive cinainu or placebo for 24 weeks, followed by a …

Neonatal Intensive Care Internship, Moroni Butler

Student Research Symposium

Ever since I was a kid, I have wanted to be a part of the Neonatal Intensive Care team and learn to provide the life-saving care they practice each day. My younger brother had bilateral pneumothoraces (holes in the walls of each lung allowing the escape of air). When I visited him in the NICU and saw all the wires and cords attached to his little body, I had the realization that he may never come home. The NICU team saved his life, and I've loved every minute with him since. I wanted to take this position in the NICU …

South African Plants With Potential Applications In Traditional Medicine For Wound Healing, Salome Mahlo

Oxford ICSB

Skin infections are primarily fungal and bacterial attacks on the skin. The aim of the study was to investigate medicinal plants used for the treatment of wound infections by the local people and traditional health practitioners. An ethnobotanical survey was conducted in the Greater Tzaneen Local Municipality, Limpopo Province to identify plant species used to treat skin infections. Guided fieldwork and a semi-structured questionnaire were used to gather information from the traditional healers. A questionnaire was designed to gather information on the common names, plant parts used, preparation, administration, and illnesses treated were recorded for each species. In the current …

Publicly Available Online Data From National Adverse Event Reporting Schemes: Observations On Cases Involving ‘Ashwagandha’, Jo Barnes

Oxford ICSB

No abstract provided.

A Novel Method For Deriving The Binaural Interaction Component And Its Association With Spatial Listening Ability In Adults, Kate M. Fisher, Marlana J. Petersen, Mindee Anderson, Annika P. Williams

Student Research Symposium

• Spatial listening helps children detect and focus on specific sounds in noisy environments.
• Classrooms require filtering relevant speech (e.g., teacher's voice) from background noise, which is challenging without strong spatial listening skills.

Does Peer Influence Impact Substance Use Intentions In Pre-Adolescence? A Longitudinal Examination, Aubrey Low

Student Research Symposium

• Substance use in adolescent populations remains a significant public health concern. Although many studies have explored the association between peer influence and adolescents' substance use intentions, little has focused on how pre-adolescent populations are impacted by peer influence and their susceptibility to substance use. This gap in knowledge presents to be concerning given the increased vulnerability to social pressures during this developmental stage. This study aims to close this gap by investigating the association of the role of peer influence in shaping pre-adolescents' intent to use substances.

Examining Cultural Competency In Audiologists Across The United States: A Pilot Survey, Olivia Montoya

Student Research Symposium

• Cultural competency refers to the ability of systems to provide care to patients with diverse values, beliefs, and behaviors, including tailoring delivery to meet patients' social, cultural, and linguistic needs (Betancourt, 2002).

• Limited studies to date have explored the implementation of cultural competence in audiology, which begs the question of how audiologists are fighting against—instead of contributing to—healthcare disparities among ethnic minorities.

Ashwagandha – Is It Safe? A Toxicologist’S Perspective, Mukesh Summan

Oxford ICSB

Withania somnifera (WS) also known as ashwagandha is a herb commonly used in Ayurvedic medicine with recorded use dating back centuries. Different plant parts including roots, leaves, fruits, seeds and stems are purported to have various biological actions such as anti-inflammatory, anti-diabetic, anti-stress, anti-anxiety when used alone or in combination with other plants. Despite this long history of use as a traditional herb in Indian medicine and world-wide as a food supplement, regulatory health authorities have begun to question the safety of WS due clinical cases of herb-induced liver injury from products labelled as containing ashwagandha and concerns for WS …

Evaluation Of Potential Hormonal Activities Of Ashwagandha (Withania Somnifera), Guenter Vollmer

Oxford ICSB

No abstract provided.

Ashwagandha: Is It Safe? A Review Of The Clinical Evidence., Thomas Brendler, Elizabeth Williamson

Oxford ICSB

Over the last decade, ashwagandha (Withania somnifera (L.) Dunal, AS) has been brought under increasing scrutiny regarding its safety for the use in food supplements, culminating in a recent recommendation for an Article 8 procedure according to Regulation (EC) No 1925/2006 in the European Union (EU). Once executed, this could lead to a ban of the use as an ingredient in food supplements. One of the regulators’ concerns is the purported lack of clinical safety data combined with evidence for what may constitute a safe daily dose. In this overwiew we assess evidence stemming from 96 clinical trials conducted over …

Substance Abuse On Vulnerable United States And Russian Populations, Avery Wuollet, Emyli Sandrock, Mallory Loerts, Rylyn Murphy

INSPIRE Student Research and Engagement Conference

The National Institute of Health states that 39.5 million people in the world are affected by drug abuse. According to the National Institute of Health, a total of 18,013 overdose deaths in Russia, while nearly 108,000 people have overdosed in the United States as of 2024, according to The National Institute of Drug Abuse. This is prevalent due to poor policies, the presence of street drugs, and the stigmas surrounding this problem. This research will entail the different effects drug abuse has on both users and the community. The research will also compare the risks of engaging in drug abuse …

84 - Effect Of Organized Sport Interventions On Motor Outcomes Of Children With Autism Spectrum Disorder - A Systematic Review., Maeren Hill, Kailash Ram, Caitlyn Warnock, Kaitlin Hardy, Sonia Khurana, Pt, Ph.D.

Undergraduate Research Symposium

Aim:

The aim of this systematic review was to synthesize randomized clinical trials to evaluate the effectiveness of sports-based interventions on motor outcomes in children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD).

Methods:

A comprehensive literature search was conducted on the following five databases from inception to November 2024: PubMed, Web of Science, CINAHL, Cochrane Library, and Clinical Trials. Gray literature was sourced from Google Scholar and ProQuest Dissertations and Theses.

Articles were eligible for inclusion if they met the following criteria: (1) published in English; (2) participants were under the age of 18 with a diagnosis of ASD; (3) interventions consisted …

76 - Cochlear Implant Candidacy In Adults: Evidence From Systematic Reviews, Madison Hastain, Stacie Raymer

Undergraduate Research Symposium

This poster provides recommendations for cochlear implant candidacy in adults based on data collected from several systematic reviews, along with information regarding the efficacy of cochlear implants in adults with varied types of hearing loss.

74 - Age And Seasonal Blood Pressure Variation In People Experiencing Homelessness In Hampton Roads, Luke Ekdahl, Katherine Schaffer, Joshua Edwards, Kean Feyzeau

Undergraduate Research Symposium

Intro: For older community members experiencing homelessness, both their housing status and age are associated with increased cardiovascular risk. Lack of consistent protection from outdoor temperatures are hypothesized to affect variation in blood pressure seasonally. In this study, we sought to compare older (55+) and younger (under 55) individuals in this cohort and identify within-group associations between blood pressure (BP) and mean daily temperature (MDT) as affected by season.

Methods: 301 patients from two student-run free clinics met BP inclusion criteria. MDT was sourced from the Global Historical Climatology Network daily dataset. Interquartile range method for outlier detection limited visits …

The Pharmaceutical Quality Of Herbal Medicinal Products And Dietary Supplements – Assessment Of Products From Lavandula Species, Banaz Jalil, Michael Heinrich

Oxford ICSB

Several Lavandula species are important aromatic and medicinal plants with great economic value as phytopharmaceuticals, foods, in perfumery, cosmetics, and aromatherapy. The genus Lavandula comprises 39 species with many hybrids. Over 20 years ago about 400 registered cultivars were recorded (1) , with the three main cultivated species being used to produce essential oils, including fine lavender oil, spike lavender oil and lavandin oil. Lavandula angustifolia Mill. is used traditionally to treat restlessness, agitation, insomnia and intestinal discomfort linked to nervousness (2). For example, Silexan® is a high-quality fine lavender oil licensed as an active ingredient in medicines for the …

Dosage Form Performance Assessment Of Four Commercially Available Turmeric-Containing Dietary Supplements To Inform Clinical Study Design., Bill Gurley

Oxford ICSB

Clinical studies assessing structure-function claims, safety, phytochemical pharmacokinetics, or drug interaction potential of botanical dietary supplements (BDS) often overlook the disintegration and dissolution characteristics of the administered dosage form. Consequently, inadequate disintegration or dissolution profiles may prevent key study endpoints from being met. Given the high cost of clinical research, no study should proceed without first verifying the disintegration and dissolution performance of the selected dosage form. Failure to do so may compromise the study’s validity and render its findings inconclusive. Assessing dosage form performance, particularly in biorelevant media, is a cost-effective strategy that can provide critical insights for optimizing …

52 - The Intersection Of Trauma Type And Alcohol Use In College Women: Examining Maladaptive Coping In A High-Risk Population, Mira I. Hopkins, Christopher T. Latourrette, Niya Richardson, Mellyssa G. Deoliveira, Sage E. Hawn

Undergraduate Research Symposium

This study examines how different types of trauma exposure, interpersonal and non-interpersonal, relate to alcohol use as a coping mechanism in college women with trauma histories. Given the unique social and environmental pressures of college life, this research aims to highlight the ways in which trauma and substance use intersect in this high-risk population.

Abstract Title: What Is Chaga? Unique Biochemistry Of The Sterile Conk., Anna Kreynes

Oxford ICSB

Fungal based supplements or functional mushrooms are growing in popularity worldwide. Among them, Chaga is attracting increasing attention for its broad immune-modulatory and anti-inflammatory properties. Chaga is unique among “mushroom” supplements as it is technically neither a mushroom (fruiting body), nor a sclerotia, as some researchers assert, but rather a sterile conk or canker that forms on trees, infected and colonized by mycelia of the pathogenic fungus Inonotus obliquus. Commonly associated with birch (Betula spp.), I. obliquus also parasitizes other hardwood species such as alder (Alnus), beech (Fagus), and ash (Fraxinus), found in boreal forests of northern Europe, Asia and …

An Update From The U.S. Drug Induced Liver Injury Network And Plans For Sentinel Surveillance For Supplement Induced Liver Injury, Victor Navarro

Oxford ICSB

Herbal and dietary supplements (HDS) are commonly used by consumers, and some have been linked to liver injury severe enough in some cases to result in transplantation and death. The U.S. Drug Induced Liver Injury is funded by the NIH to study liver injury from supplements. The DILIN investigators have identified many supplements linked to liver injury, as well as risks for the development of hepatotoxicity. The Network has also observed temporal trends in the occurrence of supplement related liver injury, some that parallel regulatory actions. In order to use these observations to promote consumer protection and supplement safety, the …

Misidentification Remains Common In Selected Historically Substituted Traditional Chinese Medicine Herbs., Wendy Applequist

Oxford ICSB

Various studies have observed that some minimally processed botanicals sold for use in Traditional Chinese Medicine are adulterated or substituted with species having similar appearance and/or traditional uses. In this study, commercial samples of several plants for which aboveground parts are used, and for which Leon & Lin’s (2017) reference work reported known substitutes, were examined. All samples of Ma Chi Xian (Portulaca oleracea), Yi Mu Cao (Leonurus japonicus), Ze Lan (Lycopus lucidus), and Zi Hua De Ding (Viola philippica) were at least mostly consistent with the stated identities, though some contained contaminants. Three of nine samples of Xi Xian …