Pharmacology, Toxicology and Environmental Health Commons^™

Assessing Molecular And Morphological Methods For Diatom Taxonomy, Hailey Conrad

D.U.Quark

Diatoms are unicellular algae that are found in freshwater. Diatom communities are useful for monitoring water quality because they are directly impacted by pH, conductivity, phosphorus, and nitrogen content. Current methods of identifying the taxonomic makeup of a diatom community include morphological analysis with microscopy and eDNA metabarcoding. Both methods can be applied together to assess water quality by identifying indicator diatoms. However, microscopy methods are time-consuming, eDNA metabarcoding methods are unstandardized, and DNA databases are unorganized. This review explores the differences between morphology and eDNA metabarcoding methods, the cons of each method, and how they are both used for …

Ammonia Production From Cattle At The Walter C. Todd Agricultural Research Center, Sydney Cunningham, Elizabeth Smith, Rachel Nelson, Brayden Wagner

Undergraduate Research Conference

The Walter C. Todd Agricultural Research Center cattle pen was tested to measure the ammonia emission rates produced by cattle. Samples were collected from six testing locations. Eighteen samples were taken across three days of testing, in 8-hour increments. We found that small-scale cattle in open-air pens produce minimal amounts of ammonia that are not a concern for air quality. Ammonia was detectable in small quantities in the testing sites adjacent to the cattle and not in locations more than 0.1 miles away.

Quantifying Emitted Air Lead Concentrations From General Aviation Fuel At Georgetown Executive Airport, Anna Contreras, Linnea Maddux, Alexandra Marty, Emily Moore, Serif Tolleson

Undergraduate Research Conference

No abstract provided.

Zonal Hepatocellular Responses To Acute Ethanol: Impacts On Mitochondrial Function And Metabolism, Matthew T. Savoca

MUSC Theses and Dissertations

Background: Ethanol (EtOH) consumption causes hepatocellular mitochondrial depolarization (mtDepo) and mitophagy. Here, the Aims were to develop techniques to characterize sublobular hepatocellular metabolism and the distribution of mtDepo and mitophagy after acute EtOH. Methods: Wildtype and GFP-LC3 transgenic mice were treated with EtOH or vehicle and administered the covalently labeling mitochondrial membrane potential (ΔΨ) reporter, MitoTracker Red (MTR), and/or the non-covalent ΔΨ reporter, rhodamine 123 (Rh123), prior to intravital imaging, liver fixation, or hepatocyte isolation. After in vivo MTR, hepatocytes were isolated and sorted. Enrichment in E-cadherin (ECAD) and cytochrome P4502E1 in periportal (PP) and pericentral (PC) hepatocytes, respectively, validated …

Health Risk Assessment Of Heavy Metal(Loid)S Intake From Beverages In The United States, Hannah T.V. Stoner, Tewodros Rango Godebo, Pornpimol Kodsup Taylor

School of Public Health Faculty Publications

Heavy metals in beverages can pose health risks in an exposure-dependent manner, however, few studies in the United States have evaluated their metal content and health risks. This study determined the concentrations of eight metal(loid)s, As, Al, Cd, Cr, Mn, Ni, Pb, and Zn, in 60 beverages via inductively coupled plasma[sbnd]mass spectrometry (ICPMS). The highest median concentrations (µg/kg) were found in mixed fruit juices for Ni (45.7), Cr (14.8), and As (4.5); tea for Mn (5,300), Al (730), and Pb (1.4); and plant-based milk for Zn (835) and Cd (1.1). Chronic daily intake (CDI) across age groups was calculated using …

The Importance Of Well-Being For College Students, Benjamin Williamson, Dr. Mary Jan Greer, Phd, Otr

Spring 2025 OTD Capstone Symposium

Provided education on well-being, enabled independence, and improved quality of life, specifically for college students in this setting.

Advocate for Sustainable Programs:

Advocated for more programs to address the needs of college students and integrated all 8 dimensions of wellness into their current lifestyle

Support Academic Advancement:

Addressed college students' needs for overcoming occupational adversities which affects the longevity and academic success of college students

Motivate College Students:

Provided accessible and occupation-based resources that supported participating college students in independently improving their occupational roles

Advance Holistic Based Strategies:

Incorporated holistic based strategies that apply to each occupational role affecting participating …

Psilocybin Impairs The Extinction Of Contextual Fear In Adult Female, But Not Male, Rats, Lillianna P. Puppel, Aleece K. Al-Olimat, Kylie M. King, Marisa J. Savini, Claire E. Miller, Colin R. Del Valle, Heather R. Sparkman, Brooke E. Bramlage, Phillip R. Zoladz

ONU Student Research Colloquium

Fear-related disorders are often treated with exposure therapy, a technique based on the concept of extinction. However, this type of therapy is ineffective for many individuals, so finding a pharmacological adjunct that augments the extinction of fear could lead to better treatment outcomes. In recent preclinical work, investigators have shown that psychedelics can accelerate the extinction of fear, potentially through their impact on neurotrophic signaling. We previously found that psilocybin exerted sex-dependent effects on the extinction of conditioned fear to an isolated cue (i.e., a tone). Specifically, psilocybin enhanced the extinction of cue fear in male rats but impaired it …

How Can The Adoption Of Biodegradable Packaging In The Beverage Industry Specifically Contribute To Reducing Single-Use Plastic Waste, And What Regulatory Or Cost-Related Challenges Hinder Its Widespread Implementation In Developing Countries?, Rebecca Aba Gaisie

2025 Awards for Excellence in Student Research and Creative Activity - Documents

This research investigates the potential of biodegradable packaging to reduce single-use plastic waste in the beverage industry and explores the regulatory and cost-related barriers to its adoption in developing countries. The beverage sector is a major contributor to global plastic pollution, and biodegradable alternatives offer a promising path toward sustainability. Using a mixed-methods approach, this study combines qualitative interviews with industry experts and case studies of businesses implementing biodegradable solutions, alongside quantitative survey data from 100 manufacturers and 200 consumers across Africa, Asia, and Latin America. Findings reveal that while biodegradable packaging significantly reduces plastic waste and appeals to environmentally …

Investigating Mercury Contamination In Urban Fish: Atomic Absorption Spectroscopy And Histological Analysis For Environmental And Human Health, Indy L. Cockrill, Ross Andrew

SPARK Symposium Presentations

Mercury contamination in aquatic ecosystems is a pressing environmental and public health concern, particularly in urban areas where industrial runoff and wastewater contribute to heavy metal accumulation. This study investigates mercury presence in fish from Richland Creek in Nashville, TN, by analyzing histological changes in liver and muscle tissues. Mercury bioaccumulates in aquatic food chains, potentially leading to physiological damage in fish and posing health risks to humans who consume contaminated seafood. While prior research has established mercury’s toxic effects, there is a need for localized studies assessing its presence in urban waterways. The hope is to find histological abnormalities …

Investigation Of The Effects Of The Peptidylarginine Deiminase Inhibitor Cl-Amidine On Apoptosis And Gene Expression In Ovarian Cancer, Victoria Walden

Longwood Senior Thesis Proposal

Peptidylarginine deiminases (PADs) are a family of enzymatic proteins responsible for the conversion of arginine and methylarginine residues to citrulline. This conversion is important for several key cellular processes including transcriptional gene regulation. Recently, a link has been established between overexpression of a particular PAD, PAD4, and the accelerated progression of both autoimmune diseases and cancers. Ovarian cancer exhibits heightened levels of PAD4 in affected cells. High levels of PAD4 are associated with the formation of neutrophil extracellular traps (NETs) that promote cancer metastasis, and downregulation of the p53 apoptotic pathway. Thus, it is important to explore inhibitors of PAD4. …

The Pharmaceutical Applications Of Poisonous Compounds Found In Datura Stramonium, Ruby M. Raffaldt

Senior Theses

Datura stramonium is a plant that is known for its toxicity. However, a facet of this plant’s noxious chemicals, namely its tropane alkaloids, can be used medicinally. The aim of this paper was to compile knowledge on the botanical, chemical, and medicinal properties of Datura stramonium L with a focus on atropine, scopolamine, and anisodamine; three tropane alkaloid compounds with the ability to be both a poison and a medicine. Information was compiled using pre-existing studies, articles, and literature reviews on D. stramonium. For each of the three alkaloids, their biosynthetic pathways, targets, administration, distribution, metabolism, and excretion were discussed. …

Antituberculosis Potential Of Borrelidin Derivatives: An In Silico Molecular Docking And Molecular Dynamic Approach, Teni Ernawati, Donny Ramadhan, Faris Hermawan, Sasmito Wulyoadi, Bambang Marwoto, Ahmad Wibisana, Bambang Srijanto

The Thai Journal of Pharmaceutical Sciences

Background: The present tuberculosis (TB) treatment requires a significant time commitment, often lasting from 6 months to 2 years, with strict daily adherence. Non-compliance leads to drug resistance and suboptimal outcomes. Present research indicates that borrelidin shows potential activity against Mycobacterium tuberculosis, including strains that are resistant to first-line medications. Borrelidin has shown remarkable activity against M. tuberculosis H37Rv, with a minimum inhibitory concentration value of 3.12 μg/mL. Therefore, investigating the inhibition activity of borrelidin derivatives was essential for finding new anti-TB candidates. Objectives: This study aims to investigate the effects of 31 borrelidin derivative compounds …

Preparation And Evaluation Of Mesoporous Celecoxib For Improved Antiarthritic Activity In Rodents, Reena I. Fernandaes, Sayani Bhattacharyya

The Thai Journal of Pharmaceutical Sciences

Background: Celecoxib, a model anti-inflammatory drug, used in the management of arthritis exhibits limited oral bioavailability and slow onset of action due to its poor solubility. Objective: The present study explores a mesoporous drug delivery of celecoxib to investigate the efficacy of its antiarthritic activity in animal models, and develops a low-oral dose therapy. Materials and Methods: The solvent evaporation method was employed for the preparation of mesoporous delivery of celecoxib, using Syloid^®, and Neusilin^®, at a molar ratio of silica/ drug 1:2.5. The formulations were characterized for drug loading, in vitro drug release, and material …

Enhancing Topical Drug Delivery Of Apremilast Through Niosomal Gel Formulation: Ex Vivo Skin Permeation And In Vivo Evaluation For Psoriasis, Megha Shyam Matlapudi, Anka Rao Areti, Yukti Jaiswal, Veeresh Bantal, Raghavender Medishetti

The Thai Journal of Pharmaceutical Sciences

Background: Psoriasis is a dynamic and chronic disease characterized by inflammatory changes and an increased rate of keratinocyte proliferation leading to the formation of erythematous scleroderma plaques with a silvery sheen. The existing therapies come with shortcomings in terms of effectiveness and leave behind a trail of side effects. Hence, there is a need of alternative therapeutic measures. Objectives: This study aimed to assess the therapeutic potential of Apremilast Niosomal Gel (APR Nio Gel) in treating psoriasis, comparing its effectiveness with conventional gel (APR Gel) and oral suspension (APR Oral) formulations. Materials and Methods: Apremilast niosomes were prepared by thin …

Bacillus Coagulans 198 And L-Glutamine In Combination Attenuated Intestinal Mucositis In A 5-Fu-Induced Balb/C Mouse Model Via Modulation Of Gut Microbial Community Structure And Diversity, Wei-Jen Chen, Siou-Ru Shen, Wei-Hsuan Hsu, Bao-Hong Lee, Yu-Shan Wei, Hui-Fang Chu, Ming-Chung Tseng, Tang-Long Shen

Journal of Food and Drug Analysis

5-Fluorouracil (5-FU) disrupts intestinal cells and causes dysbiosis in the gut microbiota. This study explores the potential of Bacillus coagulans-198 (BC198) to mitigate gut microbiota imbalance and mucositis caused by 5-fluorouracil. L-glutamine is used to alleviate mucositis, and this study found that BC198 exhibits protective effects on the gut, including maintaining a healthy microbiota and reducing intestinal inflammation, regardless of whether L-glutamine is used in combination. Therefore, it can help reduce the deterioration of the gut environment caused by 5-fluorouracil. BC198 can be provided to cancer patients to prevent severe side effects, thereby improving their treatment outcomes and nutritional …

Protective Role Of Hsian-Tsao Ethanol Extract Against Body Fat, Serum Lipid Profiles, And Hepatic Lipid Profiles In High-Fat Diet-Fed Rats, Ching-Chang Cho, Gow-Chin Yen, Hsin-Yi Lee, Chun-Tse Tsai, Wei-Tang Chang, Chin-Lin Hsu

Journal of Food and Drug Analysis

This study investigated the preventive effects of a 40% ethanol extract of Hsian-tsao (40EEHT) on obesity in high-fat diet (HFD)-induced obese rats. Male Wistar rats were administered 0, 100, 200, or 500 mg/kg of 40EEHT, resulting in reduced body weight, total body fat, and hepatic tissue weight after 8 weeks. 40EEHT also decreased adipocyte size, improved lipid profiles, alleviated oxidative stress, and enhanced hepatic antioxidant enzyme activities. Additionally, it regulated fatty acid metabolism by reducing lipogenesis and increasing lipolysis and β-oxidation, suggesting its potential as an anti-obesity dietary supplement.

Xanthohumol As A Potential Therapeutic Strategy For Acute Myeloid Leukemia: Targeting The Flt3/Srpk1 Signaling Axis, Duan-Na Zhang, Wen-Ya Yang, Xiao-Xue Hu, Xiao-Min-Ting Song, Chuan-Jie Guo, Fu Peng, Yu-Zhi Li, Zhi-Xing Cao

Journal of Food and Drug Analysis

Xanthohumol (XN) is an isoprene chalcone found in hops (Humulus lupulus L.), a food ingredient with a wide range of pharmacological activities. The aim of this study was to reveal the therapeutic effect of XN on acute myeloid leukemia (AML) and the potential underlying molecular mechanism. Through network pharmacology analysis, molecular docking, and HTRF determination, XN was shown to inhibit the kinase activities of FLT3 and SRPK1 by targeting their ATP-binding domains, with IC₅₀ values of 1.51 ± 0.44 μM and 0.37 ± 0.15 μM, respectively. By inhibiting AML cell proliferation, promoting apoptosis, regulating autophagy, and inhibiting …

Within-Trial Cost-Effectiveness Of Novel Macrophage-Regulating Treatment On Wound Healing In Patients With Diabetic Foot Ulcers, Hsuan-Yu Su, Chen-Yi Yang, Yi-Hsin Chang, Shyi-Gen Chen, Jui-Ching Chen, Hui-Ju Ho, Huang-Tz Ou, Shihchen Kuo

Journal of Food and Drug Analysis

An M1/M2 macrophage-regulating treatment, ON101 cream, has shown its superior healing efficacy for diabetic foot ulcers (DFUs) versus standard absorbent dressing, according to a phase Ⅲ trial. Given its high cost, corroborating the economic value of ON101 treatment can facilitate clinical and policy decision-makings. This study sought to evaluate the cost-effectiveness of ON101 versus an absorbent dressing for patients with DFUs from Taiwan's healthcare sector perspective. This economic evaluation utilized effectiveness and cost data (in 2022 USD) from a randomized controlled trial of ON101, published literature, and Taiwan’s National Health Insurance program. Incremental cost-effectiveness ratio (ICER) against willingness-to-pay (WTP) threshold …

Method Development For The Determination Of Phosphine Residues In Foods, Shu-Wei Lin, Yu-Ting Liu, Ya-Chun Chou, Yu-Ching Hung, Shu-Han Chang, Ya-Min Kao, Su-Hsiang Tseng, Der-Yuan Wang

Journal of Food and Drug Analysis

Phosphine (PH₃) is a fumigant used for pest control of stored products and foods. In Taiwan, PH₃ has the maximum residue level (MRL) in 14 foods, including dried fruits, vegetables, spices, nuts, crops, roots, and tuber vegetables. In this study, gas chromatography/mass spectrometry coupled with a headspace sampler (HS-GC/MS) was used to determine the PH₃ content in foods. The stability of the PH₃ standard was evaluated either directly using the gas standard or indirectly using zinc phosphide (Zn₃P₂) with an acid. The optimal conditions for the headspace agitator were determined to …

A Deep Dive Into The Orchard Of Health: Exploring The Anti-Cancer And Anti-Aging Potential Of Apple Polyphenols, Li-Ching Chen, Han-Sheng Chang, Yuan-Soon Ho

Journal of Food and Drug Analysis

Apples, a ubiquitous and beloved fruit, harbor a treasure trove of bioactive compounds, with apple polyphenols (APs) taking center stage. This review delves into the latest scientific advancements illuminating the anti-cancer and anti-aging properties of APs. We dissect the intricate mechanisms by which APs combat cancer initiation, progression, and metastasis, highlighting their prowess in inducing apoptosis, inhibiting angiogenesis, and modulating cell signaling pathways. Furthermore, we explore the multifaceted ways APs combat aging, including their potent antioxidant and anti-inflammatory actions, DNA protective effects, and ability to modulate cellular processes like autophagy and metabolism. This comprehensive review underscores the therapeutic promise of …