Chemical Actions and Uses Commons^™

Early Intervention In Helminth Infections: Investigating Albendazole’S Effects On C. Elegans Egg Hatch Rate And Health, Giselle Domingo Diaz

Student Scholar Symposium

Over 1.5 billion of the poorest people are infected with soil-transmitted helminths (STH) such as whipworm, hookworm, and Ascaris which have devastating effects on human growth, nutrition, and cognition, perpetuating the cycle of poverty. The World Health Organization only approves four anthelmintic drugs to treat STH for mass drug administration (MDA), with Albendazole being the drug of choice. Due to these drugs only having two mechanisms of action, resistance to these drugs has been reported over the years. We aim to better understand STH susceptibility to drugs at multiple points in their life stage. Previously, the effects of Albendazole and …

Total Synthesis Of The Marine Cytotoxic Mansouramycin And Derivatives, Aditya Dantu, Gabriella L. Madrigal, Neel Gondi, David Osazee, Ahmad Amro, Whard Alsabbagh, Shizue Mito

Research Colloquium

Purpose: Isoquinolinequinones are a group of organic compounds which are composed of an isoquinoline fused to a quinone ring. This class of molecules is known to exhibit a wide variety of biological activities, including cytotoxic and antitumor properties. Among the many families of isoquinolinequinones are the Caulibugulones and Mansouramycins, which exhibit anticancer properties and are thus desirable subjects for cancer-related research. They are obtained by isolation from marine bryozoan Caulibugula intermis and marine Streptomyces sp respectively, however these compounds are difficult to extract. Thus, organic synthesis is being explored as a method of obtaining them; this project focuses on the …

The Impact Of Obesity On The Risk Of Venous Thromboembolism In Users Of Combined Oral Contraceptives: A Comprehensive Literature Review, Adeena Javed

Rowan-Virtua Research Day

Background: Combined oral contraceptives (COCs) are a widely used method of birth control in the U.S., particularly among women aged 15–44. COCs are known to increase the risk of venous thromboembolism (VTE). Obesity, which affects over 40% of adult women in the U.S., is also a recognized independent risk factor for VTE. However, the compounded risk posed by the simultaneous presence of obesity and COC use has not been thoroughly explored.

Hypothesis: Obesity significantly elevates the risk of VTE in women using COCs, demonstrating a synergistic interaction between these two factors.

Methods: A systematic literature review was conducted using PubMed, …

Mechanisms Mediating The Protective Effects Of Caffeine On Alzheimer’S Disease Progression, Jessica Ivanov, Malky Bernat, Joshua Drawbaugh, Jeremy Mehta, Namira Rahmani, Saikumar Thellapally

Rowan-Virtua Research Day

Background: This review aims to examine the molecular mechanisms through which caffeine may exert neuroprotective effects against Alzheimer’s Disease (AD).

Methods: A literature review was done across PubMed and Embase to identify studies between 2000 and 2024, exploring the mechanism behind caffeine’s effects on AD. The criteria focused on peer-reviewed articles involving human or animal models. Information was gathered on study design, participant characteristics, caffeine consumption, proposed mechanisms, and effects on cognition.

Results: The studies support caffeine's potential as a therapeutic, neuromodulator against AD through six mechanisms: inhibition of adenosine A2A receptors, decreased amyloid-beta production and aggregation, promotion of amyloid …

Assessing The Efficacy Of Prolonged Doxycycline Pep Use In High-Risk Populations For Sti Prevention, Lam Doan, Pearl Joslyn, Lizann Sung, Timothy Breiner, Sarah Marotta, Shikhar Rastogi

Rowan-Virtua Research Day

First recommended in October 2022, doxycycline post-exposure prophylaxis (DoxyPEP) has been increasingly used as a treatment for multiple sexually transmitted infections (STIs). To evaluate the efficacy of prolonged DoxyPEP use in high risk populations - men who have sex with men (MSM) and transgender women - for STIs, different sources addressing various aspects of DoxyPEP, its efficacy in STI prevention, and the potential consequences of its widespread use in terms of antimicrobial resistance were examined. Across 9 studies, DoxyPEP was found to decrease the incidence of bacterial STIs, specifically, syphilis, chlamydia, and gonorrhea with varying efficacy, especially for gonorrhea. Furthermore, …

Cardiovascular Effects Of Glp-1 Receptor Agonists In Non-Diabetic Adults With Obesity: A Systematic Literature Review, Mariam Abdeen

Rowan-Virtua Research Day

Background: Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is the leading cause of morbidity and mortality in individuals with obesity. GLP-1 receptor agonists, initially developed for glycemic control in diabetes, are now approved for weight loss in non-diabetic populations. Recent clinical trials suggest these agents may also offer direct cardiovascular benefits.

Objective: This literature review aims to evaluate the cardiovascular effects of GLP-1 receptor agonists, specifically semaglutide, liraglutide, and tirzepatide, in non-diabetic adults with overweight or obesity.

Methods: A systematic search was conducted in January 2025 using PubMed as the primary database, supplemented by Google Scholar and Embase. Clinical trials were selected based on …

Acetylcholine Release In The Dorsal Lateral Straitum During Social Approach Task, Taylor Good, Oyku Dinckol, Noah Wenger, Jake Caselli, Munir Gunes Kutlu

Rowan-Virtua Research Day

Nicotine Decreases ACh Release in the DS leading to a Serenic Effect during Social Approach Task

Acetylcholine (ACh) regulates attention, learning, and stress responses (Benarroch E. E., 2012). The dorsal striatum (DS), essential for stimulus-response learning, is also linked to anxiety and compulsivity (Casado-Sainz et al., 2021). We used behavioral pharmacology and in vivo fiber photometry to study ACh responses during social approach tasks in the dorsal striatum. Male and female C57BL/6J mice underwent stereotaxic surgeries to inject a fluorescent ACh sensor (ACh.Sn.Fr) and implant fiber optic cannulas in the DS. Using in vivo fiber photometry, we tracked ACh release …

A Rare Case Of Diffuse Alveolar Hemorrhage In The Setting Of Iga Nephropathy, Vasculitis And Atypical Hemolytic Uremic Syndrome In A Previously Healthy Young Adult, Karl Schlicht, Nancy Kaura

Rowan-Virtua Research Day

IgA Nephropathy, also known as Berger disease, can precipitate acute renal failure in patients. IgA Nephropathy (IgAN) is deposition of protein from IgA into the renal tissue with subsequent renal dysfunction. IgA vasculitis (IgAV) is another condition where similarly the protein of IgA is deposited into the vessels. There are some cases of co-existing atypical hemolytic uremic syndrome (aHUS) with IgAN. However, rare combinations seen with all three IgAN, IgAV, and aHUS without any pre-existing conditions nor medical history. Patients that develop any one of these conditions are looking at life long changes with hemodialysis (HD) and organ transplants being …

An Integrative Review Of The Absorption Of Fda-Approved Chemical Sunscreen Filters Into The Blood, Srinidhi Banala, Samrat Gollapudi, Abhiram Gollapudi, Bhaumik Patel

Rowan-Virtua Research Day

Introduction: This integrative review examines the absorption of FDA-approved chemical sunscreen filters, specifically avobenzone and oxybenzone, into the bloodstream. The study aims to compare the levels of absorption and potential health effects of systemic exposure to these sunscreen ingredients in the United States.

Methods: The researchers conducted a literature search of 57 articles, of which 15 were used for the review. Inclusion criteria focused on studies discussing absorption levels of avobenzone and oxybenzone, as well as methods of absorption into the bloodstream. Exclusion criteria included sunscreen ingredients not approved in the United States, non-English studies, and studies on methods to …

Brain Connectivity Pattern Changes Associated With Psychedelic-Assisted Psychotherapy, Prince Patel, Samrat Gollapudi, Brian Joseph Mathew, Bhaumik Patel

Rowan-Virtua Research Day

Psychedelic-assisted psychotherapy (PAP) has shown promising therapeutic benefits for various psychiatric disorders, but the underlying neural mechanisms remain unclear. This study aimed to investigate the effects of psychedelics on brain connectivity patterns using functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI). A comprehensive literature search was conducted in PubMed and Google Scholar databases using relevant keywords related to psychedelics, connectivity, therapy, and fMRI. Only studies involving major psychedelic compounds (LSD, psilocybin, ayahuasca) and measuring outcomes via fMRI were included.

The findings from the reviewed studies suggest that psychedelics induce acute disruptions in normal large-scale brain network patterns, leading to a compromised modular but …

The Impact Of Vitamin Supplementation (D, B12, B9) On Behaviors Associated With Autism Spectrum Disorder, Rohan Mehra

Rowan-Virtua Research Day

Background: One in 36 children in the United States are diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). Although heritability of the condition ranges from 40 to 80%, other factors such as vitamin levels, may have a significant impact on the risk of development. These vitamins include D, B12, and B9.

Purpose: To assess the impact vitamin supplementation has on behaviors associated with ASD, and to determine which specific aspects of ASD may be improved with vitamin supplementation.

Methods: A literature review was performed. The search was utilized PubMed, JSTOR and Web of Science. Keyword strings included: “Vitamin D B12 B9 folate …

Short-Term Effects Of Caffeine Supplementation On Cardiac Dynamics And Anaerobic Strength Output In Collegiate Male Athletes, Tyler Clum, Katelyn Messner, Alyssa Jagger, Caeden Gurganus, Kylie Miller, Rema Suniga

ONU Student Research Colloquium

ABSTRACT. Caffeine, a widely consumed drug, has been shown to significantly increase heart rate (HR) and blood pressure (Geethavani et al., 2014), but had only insignificant changes in these cardiovascular measurements (Alhabeeb et al., 2022); while Matsumara and his colleagues (2023) reported that caffeine decreased 100-meter sprint times indicating that caffeine may improve anaerobic performance. The current study investigated the short-term effects of caffeine on heart rate (HR, beats per minute), blood pressure (mmHg), and 20-yard sprint performance time (seconds; Dashr Sprint Timing System). These parameters were measured in triplicate before and at 45-minutes after caffeine supplementation at a dose …

Ethical Issues And Standards Of Responsible Research Conduct And Monitoring In An Adventist Institution Of Higher Learning - The Babcock Experience, Kayode O. Ogunwenmo, Godswill N. Anyasor, Grace O. Tayo

Adventist Human-Subject Researchers Association

Ethical issues and standards of responsible research conduct involving human participants are important considerations in any institution of higher learning and in particular Adventist institutions. Research conduct and ethics are reviewed and approved before they begin by the Babcock University Health Research Ethics Committee (BUHREC)

Chemical Restraints In The Emergency Department, Nicholas Noffsinger

Rowan-Virtua Research Day

Chemical restraint is a critical intervention used in emergency departments to manage acutely agitated or violent patients. It involves the administration of medication to induce sedation and control behavior, with the goal of ensuring patient and staff safety while allowing necessary medical interventions to be performed. However, the use of chemical restraints necessitates close observation of vital signs and any potential side effects, as well as careful consideration of patient-specific considerations.

Comparison Of Clinical And Radiographic Efficacy Of Particles Versus Nbca/Onyx In Middle Meningeal Artery Embolization For Chronic Subdural Hematoma, Jane Khalife, Mohamed Salem, Victoria Wong Murray, Allen Karimov, Brian Jankowitz, Jan Karl Burkhardt, Hamza Shaikh, Daniel Tonetti, Pratit Patel, Tudor Jovin, Ajith Thomas

Rowan-Virtua Research Day

Different embolic materials are utilized in MMA embolization of chronic subdural hematoma per operators’ discretion. We aim to compare the clinical and radiographic efficacy of different embolic materials in a pooled retrospective cohort of two US centers.

Opioid Use Disorder: The Timeline For Medication Assisted Therapy, Alexander Cristofori

Capstone Showcase

Opioid Use Disorder is patterns of opioid use leading to withdrawal, giving up important life events in order to use opioids, and excessive time spent using opioids, to name a few diagnostic criteria. The clinical progression of the disorder involves periods of acute exacerbation and remission that are cyclic in nature. Treatment is most effective when it includes both pharmacological and psychosocial modalities, referred to as medication assisted therapy (MAT). Three drugs used commonly in MAT-based treatment for OUD from oldest to newest include Methadone, Buprenorphine-naloxone, and Naltrexone. Treatment program models that prioritize total abstinence from the addictive substance attached …

Efficacy Of Onabotulinumtoxina (Botox) Injections Compared To Oral Topiramate In Reduction Of Migraines Suffered In Adults, Stephanie Blaha

Capstone Showcase

Abstract

Introduction: Migraines are a leading cause of disability in many people worldwide. There are numerous postulations as to their etiology and various medications that treat them. As crippling as migraines are, it is critical that there are therapies to prevent them rather than just treat them acutely. Both OnabotulinumtoxinA (Botox) and Topiramate have been shown to be beneficial as prophylaxis for migraines. This review aims to determine if, in adults who suffer from chronic migraines [P], OnabotulinumtoxinA injections [I] are more effective than oral Topiramate [C] in reduction of the amount of migraines suffered [O].

Methods: A literature search …

Sirna Knock-Down Of Vav1 In Breast Cancer Cells: Effects On Pi3kinase And Akt, Tajai Sion-Milligan

Student Scholar Showcase

One in eight women in the United States will be diagnosed with breast cancer. Approximately 25-30% of these breast tumors will overexpress Human Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor 2 (HER2), associated with a worse prognosis and decreased survival rate. Stimulation of HER2 results in activation and production of many signaling molecules, ultimately resulting in increased cell division. Two of the downstream molecules activated are PI₃Kinase and, further downstream, the molecule Akt. Typically, overproduction and/or overactivation of PI₃Kinase can lead to oncogenesis. A molecule that may have a significant role in PI₃Kinase formation is VAV1. VAV1 …

Studies Of Amino Acid Mutations In Drug Resistance Of The Smo Protein, Eunice Wintona

UNO Student Research and Creative Activity Fair

Smoothened receptor (SMO) is a protein that in humans, is encoded by the SMO gene. A systemic mutation in its binding pocket helps predict the sensitivity of mutant proteins to different drugs. Known as a GPCR-like receptor, it is a component of the hedgehog signaling pathway; a pathway involved in body patterning and the regulation of adult stem cells. An uncontrolled or inappropriate activation of the Hedgehog pathway drives tumor progression in cancers and a number of birth defects. To achieve these goals, the molecular modeling software MOE was used to build small molecules and drug molecules like Vismodegib and …