Pharmacology, Toxicology and Environmental Health Commons^™

Monitoring The Leaching Of Bisphenol-A From Feminine Hygiene Products Using Fluorescence Spectroscopy, Madison Easley

Honors Theses

Bisphenol-A (BPA) is a compound commonly used as a stabilizer in plastic products, including food storage containers and thermal paper receipts. Because BPA can bind to and activate estrogen receptors, it is linked to reduced fertility, altered development, and hormone-related cancers. A recent study at NYU Medical School confirmed the presence of BPA in pantyliners, pads, tampons, feminine washes and deodorants. This is concerning due to the high absorption capacity of the vulvar skin.

For the research performed in our lab this summer, the goal was to determine if fluorescence spectrophotometry could be used to determine the presence of BPA …

Using Lanthanide Ions As Magnetic And Sensing Probes For The Detection Of Tetracycline From Complex Samples, Yan-Cen Zhan, Chin-Poa Chiu, Yu-Chie Chen

Journal of Food and Drug Analysis

Tetracycline (TC) is a broad-spectrum antibiotic and has been added to animal feeds to grow livestock under healthy conditions, making it important to have effective methods for rapidly detecting TC in complex samples. In this study, a novel method that uses lanthanide ions (i.e. Eu³⁺ and Gd³⁺) as magnetic and sensing probes for the detection of TC from aqueous samples is explored. When dissolving Gd³⁺ in tris(hydroxymethyl)aminomethane (Tris) buffer at pH 9, magnetic Gd³⁺-Tris conjugates can be readily generated. The magnetic Gd³⁺-Tris conjugates possess trapping capacity toward TC from sample solutions via …

Urolithin A Exhibits A Neuroprotective Effect Against Alzheimer’S Disease By Inhibiting Dyrk1a Activity, Huang-Ju Tu, Chih-Jou Su, Chao-Shiang Peng, Tony Eight Lin, Wei-Chun Huang Fu, Kai-Cheng Hsu, Tsong-Long Hwang, Shiow-Lin Pan

Journal of Food and Drug Analysis

Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is a devastating neurodegenerative disease with more than 50 million people suffer from it. Unfortunately, none of the currently available drugs is able to improve cognitive impairment in AD patients. Urolithin A (UA) is a metabolite obtained from ellagic acid and ellagitannin through the intestinal flora, and it has antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. Previous reports found that UA had neuroprotective effects in an AD animal model, but the detailed mechanism still needs to be elucidated. In this study, we performed kinase-profiling to show that dual-specific tyrosine phosphorylation-regulated kinase 1A (DYRK1A) is the main target of UA. Studies …

Chemometrics-Assisted Spectroscopic Methods For Rapid Analysis Of Combined Anti-Malarial Tablets, Panawan Pruksapha, Putthiporn Khongkaew, Chaweewan Suwanvecho, Nantana Nuchtavorn, Chutima Phechkrajang, Leena Suntornsuk

Journal of Food and Drug Analysis

Combination of piperaquine (PQ) (320 mg) and dihydroartemisinin (DHA) (40 mg) is an anti-malarial formulation, which is recommended by World Health Organization (WHO). Simultaneous analysis of PQ and DHA can be problematic due to the lack of chromophores or fluorophores in DHA molecule. Whereas PQ possesses strong UV absorption and it presents in 8 times of DHA contents in the formulation. In this study, two spectroscopic methods, Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) and Raman spectroscopy, were developed for the determination of both drugs in combined tablets. The FTIR and Raman spectra were recorded in the attenuate total reflectance (ATR) and scattering …

Three-Dimensional Strategies In The Quantitative Resolution Of Kinetic Uv Absorbance Measurements For Monitoring The Oxidation Of Quercetin By Oxidant Agents And Analyzing Dietary Supplement Product, Erdal Di̇nç, Asiye Üçer, Nazangül Ünal

Journal of Food and Drug Analysis

Three-dimensional strategies involving the application of parallel factor analysis (PARAFAC) to the kinetic UV absorbance measurements were elaborated to monitor the oxidation of quercetin with oxidant agents (K₂Cr₂O₇ and KIO₃) and to quantify analyte in a dietary supplement product. Loadings (spectral, kinetic and concentration profiles) were obtained by the PARAFAC deconvolution. Spectral identification, kinetics and quantification of the relevant analyte in the presence of interferent(s) were performed. The elaborated chemometric strategies were carefully validated to demonstrate the capability of the method. Assay results of the PARAFAC strategies were statistically compared to that of …

Resveratrol Stimulates Star Expression And Progesterone Production By Gper-Mediated Downregulation Of Snail Expression In Human Granulosa Cells, Tinglin Song, Jiaye Chen, Sizhu Yang, Boqun Liu, Lingling Zhang, Qian Zhang, Jung-Chien Cheng, Lanlan Fang

Journal of Food and Drug Analysis

Steroidogenic acute regulatory protein (StAR) plays a critical role in the regulation of progesterone (P4) production. Resveratrol (RSV), a natural polyphenol, has beneficial effects on reproductive function. However, its effects on StAR expression and P4 production in human granulosa cells remain undetermined. In this study, we showed the treatment of RSV upregulated StAR expression in human granulosa cells. G protein-coupled estrogen receptor (GPER) and ERK1/2 signaling were involved in RSV-stimulated StAR expression and P4 production. In addition, the expression of a transcriptional repressor, Snail, was downregulated by RSV, which contributed to the RSV-induced induction of StAR expression and P4 production.

Selective Detection Of Tricyclazole By Optical Technique Using Thiomalic Acid–Modified Au And Ag Nanoparticle Mixtures, Yu-Shu Pan, Tsunghsueh Wu, Cho-Chun Hu, Tai-Chia Chiu, Chen-Hao Yeh, Yang-Wei Lin

Journal of Food and Drug Analysis

This study proposes the use of thiomalic acid–modified Au and Ag nanoparticle mixtures (TMA-Au/AgNP mixes) for the selective detection of tricyclazole. Upon the addition of tricyclazole, the color of TMA-Au/AgNP mixes solution changes from orange-red to lavender (red-shift). According to the density-functional theory calculations, tricyclazole-induced aggregation of TMA-Au/AgNP mixes through electron donor–acceptor interactions was proved. The sensitivity and selectivity of the proposed method are affected by the amount of TMA, volume ratio of TMA-AuNPs to TMA-AgNPs, pH value, and buffer concentration. The ratio of absorbance (A₆₅₄/A₅₂₀) of TMA-Au/AgNP mixes solution is proportional to the concentration of …

Development Of A Lateral Flow Immunoassays-Based Method For The Screening Of Ractopamine In Foods And Evaluation Of The Optimal Strategy In Combination Of Screening And Confirmatory Tests, Yuan-Chih Chen, Jen-Yi Hsu, Chien-Sheng Chen, Yi-Ting Chen, Pao-Chi Liao

Journal of Food and Drug Analysis

Ractopamine has been authorized as a feed additive and permitted in animal husbandry. With the establishment of the regulation to limit the concentration of ractopamine, a rapid screening method for ractopamine is urgently needed. Additionally, how to combine the screening and confirmatory tests of ractopamine is also critical to maximizing the efficiency of testing. Here, we developed a lateral flow immunoassays-based method for the screening of ractopamine in foods and proposed a cost-benefit analysis approach to optimize cost allocation between screening and confirmatory tests. After verifying the analytical and clinical performance of the screening method, a mathematical model was established …

Sleep-Promoting Activity Of Amylase-Treated Ashwagandha (Withania Somnifera L. Dunal) Root Extract Via Gaba Receptors, Chun Woong Park, Ki-Bae Hong, Hyung Joo Suh, Yejin Ahn

Journal of Food and Drug Analysis

Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera L. Dunal), an Indian medicinal plant that has been used for centuries to treat insomnia, exhibits a variety of biological activities, such as improving cognitive function, immunity and anxiety. In this study, the effect of enzyme-treated Ashwagandha root extract (EA) and on sleep was evaluated using rodent models. Starch contained in the Ashwagandha root extract was removed by amylase treatment to prepare EA. To evaluate the sleep-promoting activity of EA, a pentobarbital-induced sleep test and electroencephalogram analysis were performed. In addition, the sleep-promoting mechanism of EA was elucidated by analyzing the expression of sleep-related receptors. In …

The Inhibitory Effect Of Quercetin-3-Glucuronide On Pulmonary Injury In Vitro And In Vivo, Pei-Rong Yua, Jen-Ying Hsu, Chiao-Yun Tseng, Jing-Hsien Chen, Hui-Hsuan Lin

Journal of Food and Drug Analysis

Pulmonary injury is defined as a progressive inflammation. Extensive pro-inflammatory cytokines are secreted from alveolus, associated with the production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and apoptosis. The model of endotoxin lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-stimulated lung cells has been applied to mimic the pulmonary injury. Some antioxidants and anti-inflammatory compounds can be used as chemopreventive agents of pulmonary injury. Quercetin-3-glucuronide (Q3G) has been showed to exert antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, anti-cancer, anti-aging and anti-hypertension effects. The aim of the study is to examine the inhibitory potential of Q3G on pulmonary injury and inflammation in vitro and in vivo. Firstly, human lung fibroblasts MRC-5 cells pre-treated …

Electrochemically Synthesized Green Fluorescent Carbon Dots For Quantitation Of Hypochlorite And Carbendazim, Kuan-Min Lo, Yu-Shen Lin, Je-Wen Liou, Tai-Chia Chiu, Cho-Chun Hu

Journal of Food and Drug Analysis

Green emission carbon dots (CDs) electrochemically prepared from 2,6-pyridinedicarboxylic acid and o-phenylenediamine were applied separately for the quantitation of hypochlorite and carbendazim. The characteristic and optical properties of the CDs were studied through fluorescence, UV–vis absorption, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, and transmission electron microscopy. The synthesized CDs were mainly 0.8–2.2 nm in size, with an average size of 1.5 nm. The CDs exhibited green luminescence centered at 520 nm when excited by 420 nm light. The green emission of the CDs is quenched after the addition of hypochlorite, mainly through the redox reaction between hypochlorite and hydroxyl groups on the CDs …

Preparation Procedures Of Food And Beverage Samples For Oxygen Bomb Calorimetry: A Scoping Review And Reporting Checklist, Zane Hopper, Ben Desbrow, Shelley Roberts, Chris Irwin

Journal of Food and Drug Analysis

Standardised bomb calorimetry methods are essential to accurately quantify the gross energy within food and beverages, yet no accepted protocols exist. The objective of this review was to synthesise literature on food and beverage sample preparation methods used for conducting bomb calorimetry. This synthesis enhances our understanding of the extent to which methodological variances may currently affect estimates of the caloric values of dietary items. Five electronic databases were searched for peer reviewed literature on food and beverage energy measurement via bomb calorimetry. Data were extracted on seven identified methodological themes, including: (1) initial homogenisation, (2) sample dehydration, (3) post-dehydration …

What Nature Has To Offer: Opportunities For Immuno-Oncology, Rubina Kousar, Cheng-Han Lin, Bbumba Patrick, Miao He, Dong-Chuan Wu, Xing-Guo Li

Journal of Food and Drug Analysis

Recent rapid development of cancer therapy has come about with the paradigm shift from the traditional goal of targeting cancer cells themselves, to reprograming the immune tumor microenvironment. Accumulating evidence shows that compounds that target epigenetic regulation, called epidrugs, play a crucial role in mediating the immunogenicity of cancer cells and in reshaping antitumor immunity. A large body of literature has recognized natural compounds as epigenetic modulators for their immunomodulatory effects and anticancer potential. Unifying our understanding of the role of these biologically active compounds in immuno-oncology may open new avenues for more effective cancer therapies. In this review, we …

The Therapeutic Potential Of Curcumin And Its Related Substances In Turmeric: From Raw Material Selection To Application Strategies, Kai-Yu Hsu, Chi-Tang Ho, Min-Hsiung Pan

Journal of Food and Drug Analysis

Turmeric (Curcuma longa L.) is a medicinal plant used extensively in Chinese and Indian traditional medicine as a home remedy for various diseases. It has been used for medical purposes for centuries. Today, turmeric has become one of the most popular medicinal herbs, spices, and functional supplements worldwide. Curcuminoids are linear diarylheptanoids from the rhizomes that include curcumin and two related compounds: demethoxycurcumin and bisdemethoxycurcumin, which are the active components of the C. longa plant, play a crucial role in numerous functions. This review summarises the composition of turmeric and the properties of curcumin regarding its antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, anti-diabetic, …

Hydromethanolic Extract Of Ipomoea Cairica Leaf Extract Ameliorate The Oxidative Activity Of Cadmium Chloride In The Hearts And Testes Of Male Wistar Rats, Omotayo Babatunde Ilesanmi, Toyin Binang, Ridwan Abiodun Lawal

Al-Bahir Journal for Engineering and Pure Sciences

Background: Ipomoea cairica (L.) sweet Convolvulaceae also known as morning glory or ‘Railway creeper’ is a traditional herb that has been used in treating various diseases throughout the world. Some of the reported pharmacological activities include antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antiviral. Cadmium is a toxic metal that can cause both hearts and testicular damage and its major mechanism is oxidative stress. Objective: Therefore, this study was done to investigate the effect of I. cairica leaf extract (ICE) against cadmium chloride-induced hearts and testicular damage in Wistar rats. Materials and Methods: Twenty male Wistar rats were divided into 4 groups of 5 …

Reintroducing Hemp (Rongony) In The Material Palette Of Madagascar: A Study On The Potential Of Hemp Clay Components And Its Impact On Social And Ecological Communities., Henintsoa Thierry Andrianambinina

Masters Theses

When mentioning the word hemp, especially in the local language of Madagascar, the literal translation does not set it apart from marijuana, as they are both called “rongony” - creating the stigma around hemp as the negative stereotype of marijuana. However, the material has been used by the ancestors of Madagascar, as well as across cultures, in its fibrous form to produce fabrication like textile goods and packaging. During colonization, the prohibition of hemp intensified, and since then, any activity related to either of these plants is prohibited and will end in severe punitive measures. This thesis explores the strengths …

Toxicological Evaluation Of A Polyherbal Formulation On Testicular Function And Gonadal Histomorphology In Exposed Wistar Rats, Godswill James Udom, Uduak Peter Ise, Omoirri Moses Aziakpono, Ayodeji Aturamu, Mba Ogbonnaya, Israel Kevin Umana, Jude Efiom Okokon

BioMedicine

Introduction: Dr Iguedo Goko Cleanser® is a herbal formulation (HF) widely marketed in southern Nigeria and purported to be very efficacious for the management of various diseases including giardiasis, toilet infections, hypertension, diabetes, ulcer, impotence, low libido, low sperm count amongst others. Medicinal plants reportedly produce an array of adverse reactions capable of inducing harmful conditions, including death. Aim: This study evaluated the subchronic toxicity concern of HF on testicular function and gonadal histoarchitecture in Wistar rats. Methods: Thirty Wistar rats of both sexes were randomly divided into six groups (5/group) and were orally administered HF for 60 days. The …

Validation Of Monitoring Septic Thymus Involution In Mice Using Ultrasound., Jianyao Xue, Xiang-An Li

Journal of Pharmacology & Nutritional Sciences

Sepsis is a dangerous condition commonly seen in the intensive care unit (ICU) of hospitals. It causes the thymus, a crucial immune organ, to shrink. This process is known as thymus involution. Although thymus involution is a natural process that occurs as we age, it is accelerated during sepsis. This process is associated with poor outcomes in septic patients, yet it had never been studied using ultrasonography in a septic mouse model. Researchers from the University of Kentucky have validated a non-invasive ultrasound imaging approach to monitor septic thymus involution in a cecum ligation and puncture (CLP) sepsis mouse model. …

Gpr75 Deficiency Attenuates High Fat Diet-Driven Obesity And Glucose Intolerance, Sakib Hossain

NYMC Student Theses and Dissertations

Recently, a collaboration between Regeneron Pharmaceuticals and the Schwartzman-Garcia labs at New York Medical College published an exome sequencing study of individuals across the United Kingdom, United States, and Mexico which concluded that individuals possessing non-functioning, truncated mutations to the orphan g protein coupled receptor (GPCR), GPR75, had lower BMI and 54% reduced likelihood of obesity. The present study was undertaken to fully characterize the metabolic phenotype of Gpr75 deficient mice when fed a high fat diet (HFD) and explore potential mechanisms by which GPR75 activation links to increased adiposity and decreased glucose tolerance. After 14 weeks of HFD-feeding we …

Nursing Education In Complementary Alternative Modalities: A Case Study, Deborah Bird

Dissertations

Purpose: The purpose of this embedded case study was to describe the preparation for and utilization of complimentary alternative modality (CAM) interventions by an experienced Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) prepared nurse practitioner (NP) working in an outpatient setting.

Background: Given the widespread use of CAM by the American public and the potential complications involved in combining CAM and standard medical care, a lack of educational preparation in CAM interventions by NPs delivering primary care in outpatient health care settings represents both a potential risk and a missed opportunity to provide holistic patient care. Such a lack of knowledge also …