Pharmacology, Toxicology and Environmental Health Commons^™

Dataset For Manuscript: Comparing Performance Of Spectral Image Analysis Approaches For Detection Of Cellular Signals In Time-Lapse Hyperspectral Imaging Fluorescence Excitation-Scanning Microscopy, Silas J. Leavesley

BioImaging and BioSystems Research

The dataset contains raw and processed hyperspectral timelapse image data that are described in the manuscript:

Parker, M., Annamdevula, N. S., Pleshinger, D., Ijaz, Z., Jalkh, J., Penn, R., Deshpande, D., Rich, T. C. & Leavesley, S. J. Comparing Performance of Spectral Image Analysis Approaches for Detection of Cellular Signals in Time-Lapse Hyperspectral Imaging Fluorescence Excitation-Scanning Microscopy. Bioengineering 10, 642 (2023).

Keratoconus: The Conical Corneal Conundrum And Its Evolving Treatments, Sima Friedman

The Science Journal of the Lander College of Arts and Sciences

Keratoconus is an eye disease that transforms the shape of the cornea from its normal oval shape to a conical shape. This can lead to a decrease in vision and, if not treated, can lead to a loss of vision. Depending on the severity and progression of each case, many treatment options are now available, ranging from cross linking procedures and special contact lenses to corneal transplants.

Proposing An Rna Interference (Rnai)-Based Treatment For Human Immunodeficiency Virus (Hiv) By Analyzing The Post-Transcriptional Gene Targeting Of Sars-Cov-2, Hepatitis C Virus, And A549 Lung Cancer Cells, Arjun Jagdeesh

UROP Posters

Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) is a retrovirus that infects CD4+ T cell lymphocytes in humans, leading to the development of Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome (AIDS) if left untreated. While current treatment methods, including antiretroviral combination treatments, effectively limit HIV replication, HIV can evade these treatments due to its high mutation rate. Long-term antiretroviral treatment can also be toxic to patients, meaning patients would benefit from a new mechanism of HIV treatment. RNA interference (RNAi) is an antiviral pathway found in mammals, plants, and insects that involves a small-interfering RNA that is incorporated into a protein complex called the RNA-induced Silencing Complex …

Effects Of Elevated Extracellular Dopamine On Astrocytes In The Nucleus Accumbens, Mengfan Xia

Theses and Dissertations--Pharmacology and Nutritional Sciences

Nucleus accumbens is involved in processing of motivational and affective behaviors and plays a significant role in development and maintenance of substance use. Released from the ventral tegmental area into the nucleus accumbens, the mesolimbic dopamine controls incentive salience and facilitates learning of reinforcement and reward-related motor functions. Recent studies reveal that, in the context of cocaine exposure, dopamine transmission in the ventromedial striatum is pivotal to the regulation of initial drug use. Astrocytes, a major subpopulation of the brain glial cells, are an active component of the so-called tripartite synapse and communicate with neurons through the release of transmitters …

Beyond Mitosis, Plk1-Mediated Phosphorylation Re-Wires Cancer Metabolism And Promotes Cancer Progression, Qiongsi Zhang

Theses and Dissertations--Toxicology and Cancer Biology

Polo-like kinase 1 (PLK1) is a well- characterized regulator of cell division and is known to be highly expressed in certain types of tumors. It has been demonstrated the multifaceted roles of PLK1 in regulation of transcription, translation, epigenetics, DNA damage and cellular metabolism et al. Despite these findings, the precise mechanisms by which PLK1 regulates these processes beyond mitosis remain unclear. PLK1-mediated phosphorylation and misregulation of its substrates has been linked to tumorigenesis, cancer progression, drug resistance and worse prognosis. In this study, we investigated the non-canonical functions of PLK1 in cancer metabolism and drug resistance. We found that …

Selective Gsk3b Overexpression In Medial Prefrontal Cortex Camkiia Cells Produces Sex-Specific Changes In Ethanol Self-Administration, Anxiety-Like Behavior, And Working Memory, Sam Gottlieb, Zachary Tatom, Michael F. Miles

Graduate Research Posters

Background: Glycogen synthase kinase 3 beta (Gsk3b) is central in a gene network regulated by ethanol in mouse medial prefrontal cortex (mPFC). GSK3B abundance/activity modulations regulate ethanol consumption, suggesting GSK3B could be a target in treating alcohol use disorder. However, the critical cell type in this ethanol response is not yet known, nor have sex differences in GSK3B modulations been fully investigated. Here we report results of GSK3B overexpression selectively in CamKIIa⁺ mPFC cells on multiple behaviors.

Methods: Mice underwent stereotaxic injections to overexpress GSK3B in mPFC CamKIIa⁺ cells or control virus (n=4-6/sex/virus). We assayed working …

Entangled Mangrove Roots: The Shrimp Industry, Ancestral Afro-Descendant People, And Community Resistance In Esmeraldas, Ecuador, O'Philia Le

Pitzer Senior Theses

Mangroves are one of the most important ecosystems because of the many services they provide on a local and global scale, but in contrast, are one of the most threatened by anthropogenic activities at a global level. Being sources of food for various kinds of fish, crustaceans, and mollusks, they are essential for the economy, culture, and livelihood of locals in Esmeraldas, Ecuador. This thesis takes an environmental justice approach in the discussion of the loss of mangroves in Esmeraldas, Ecuador. While toxic industries may not be apparent at first, environmental injustice prevails in adverse human health effects, environmental degradation, …

Nutritional & Colorectal Health, Tariq A. Alam, Brittany R. Rice, Sara B. Police

Journal of Pharmacology & Nutritional Sciences

Kentucky has the highest incidence and mortality rate of all site cancers, and Kentuckians residing in the Appalachian region often have worse outcomes, where cancer is a leading cause of death. Focusing on colorectal cancer (CRC) specifically, Kentucky ranks first nationwide for incidence (50 cases per 100,000 people) and fifth for mortality (about 17 deaths per 100,000 people). The Kentucky Colon Cancer Screening Program increased screening rates and reduced mortality since its launch. Yet, CRC remains a leading cause of death for Kentuckians. Risk factors for CRC include increasing age as well as a history of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) …

Xeroderma Pigmentosum Type A Deficiency Results In Increased Generation Of Microvesicle Particles In Response To Ultraviolet B Radiation And Solar Simulated Light Via Platelet-Activating Factor Receptor Signaling Pathway, Pranali Sushil Manjrekar

Browse all Theses and Dissertations

Increased vulnerability to the DNA-damaging effects of ultraviolet (UV) radiation is a hallmark of the uncommon genetic disorder Xeroderma Pigmentosum (XP). The Nucleotide Excision Repair (NER) route uses the DNA Damage Recognition and Repair component XPA to identify and get rid of damaged DNA segments. Although the solar UVB (290-320 nm) radiation is necessary for humans to produce vitamin D, it may also induce erythema and inflammatory reactions, and in some pathological situations, such as XPA deficiency, results in increased UV responses (photosensitivity). Our group has previously shown, using cell lines and mice, that increased synthesis of the lipid mediator …

Docking, Synthesis Of Some Novel Flavonoid Analogues, And Their Biological Evaluation, Ishwar Bhat K, Afiya Abdul Aziz, Abhishek Kumar, Vijaya Bhaskar K, Vijay Kumar M

The Thai Journal of Pharmaceutical Sciences

Cancer remains a major class of morbidity and mortality despite basic and clinical research and trials of promising new therapies. In the current era, many drugs are marketed with flavonoid nucleus. Based on this information, this study aims to synthesize and screen flavones for their anticancer activity. Docking studies for cytotoxic activity of flavonoid derivatives targeting tankyrase enzyme were performed. A new series of flavonoid derivatives were prepared from chalcones. Chalcones were prepared between substituted benzaldehyde and 2-hydroxy acetophenone in the presence of potassium hydroxide as catalyst. The flavone derivatives were characterized based on IR, 1H NMR, and Mass spectral …

Application Of Concept Mapping In Telepharmacy Model Development For Prescription Filling At Primary Care Clusters, Nusaraporn Kessomboon, Siwapond Prasertsuk, Jirachaya Suttima, Nur-Ainee Korsem

The Thai Journal of Pharmaceutical Sciences

Background: Although the Pharmacy Council of Thailand has announced a standard telepharmacy service procedure, there may be some details or limitations that are specific to the primary care cluster (PCC) in the real situation. Objective: This research aimed to create a telepharmacy service model for the PCC using concept mapping techniques. Methodology: Group discussions were held, each participant will submit their opinions and graded of importance and possibilities of each opinion. After that, the data obtained were statistically analyzed to create a concept mapping. Results: From the group discussion, (n = 10) can be concluded that the optimum telepharmacy services …

Characterization Of Quality Attribute And Specification For Standardization Of Acemannan Extracted From Aloe Vera For Tissue Regeneration, Siriwan Seeleamngam, Polkit Sangvanich, Pasutha Thunyakitpisal, Vorasit Vongsutilers

The Thai Journal of Pharmaceutical Sciences

Acemannan extracted from Aloe vera was well characterized as an acetylated mannose polysaccharide which have promising clinical profile for tissue regeneration. Quality aspect of acemannan is required to develop the herbal extract for practical industrial application and reliable therapeutic use. The research aim is to investigate the qualify attributes of acemannan that have impact on its safety and efficacy. Quality of three production batches of acemannan were evaluated based on ICH quality guidelines and pharmacopeial standard. The quality aspect of acemannan were determined by analytical technique including FT-IR, SEC-HPLC, RP-HPLC, GC, and loss on drying to ensure its identify and …

Hepatotoxic Effect Of Cadmium And Available Therapeutic Options, Tomilola Olaolu, Favour Jibulu, Rotimi Damilare

The Thai Journal of Pharmaceutical Sciences

Hepatoxicity, also known as toxic hepatitis, is a condition, in which the liver becomes inflamed due to exposure to such substances as chemicals, medications, herbal products, or excessive alcohol consumption. Cadmium is a major environmental pollutant from agricultural and industrial sources and has been reported to induce hepatotoxicity. Cadmium can also be found in phosphate fertilizers, detergents, and refined petroleum products as an impurity and used industrially in the production of polyvinyl chloride product stabilizers and the fabrication of nickel-cadmium batteries. Cadmium can be absorbed into the human body through the gastrointestinal tract, respiratory, and dermal routes. Cadmium-induced hepatic damage …

Development Of Amino Acid Salt-Based Curcumin@Lysine Acetate Co-Amorphous System Using Liquid-Assisted Grinding For Improved Solubility And Dissolution, Udaykumar Patil, Snehal Rawal, Jidnyasa Pantwalawalkar, Sopan Nangare, Dilip Dagade, Pravin Patil, Namdeo R. Jadhav

The Thai Journal of Pharmaceutical Sciences

Curcumin, multivalued phytoceutical, exhibits appreciable safety. However, its therapeutic utility is significantly compromised due to low aqueous solubility, and thus, poor absorption and low bioavailability become apparent. To surpass this limitation, the present work aims to develop amino acid salt-based curcumin@lysine acetate co-amorphous system for improved solubility and dissolution. Initially, screening of curcumin-amino acid mixtures was performed for saturation solubility assessment. Considering the outcome, lysine acetate was formulated to generate a co-amorphous mixture (COAM) by liquid-assisted grinding and evaluated for saturation solubility and different spectroscopical characterizations. Curcumin-lysine acetate COAM tablet formulation was developed by direct compression method and evaluated for …

Solubility Enhancement Of Diacerein By Spray Drying Technique, Formulation Development, And In Vivo Study, Devidas G. Bachhav, Somashekhar S. Khadabadi, Leena P. Deore, Vilas B. Ghavate

The Thai Journal of Pharmaceutical Sciences

Purpose: The aim of the present research was solubility and dissolution rate enhancement of diacerein by spray drying technique. Materials and Methods: Solid dispersions of diacerein with PEG-600, guar gum, poloxamer-188 and aerosil were prepared in different ratios using 32 factorial designs. FTIR, DSC, XRD and SEM were performed to study the interaction between drug and polymers and evaluated for in-vitro drug release study. Results and Discussion:In spray dried solid dispersion formulations there was decrease in crystallinity of diacerein, which leads to increase in dissolution of diacerein from solid dispersions. Diacerein 50 mg immediate release tablets formulated (using spray dried …

Determination Of Anti-Herpes Simplex Virus Type 1 Activity Of The Air Filter Coated With Silver Ions Using A Modified Method Of Iso 21702:2019, Mali Wirotesangthong, Ariya Khanboon, Kanyanat Piewpong

The Thai Journal of Pharmaceutical Sciences

Background: Since severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 causing coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic has emerged, various air membrane filters with antimicrobial agents have been explored and investigated for inactivating virus particles. Objectives: The purpose of this study was to determine an antiviral activity of the air filter coated with silver ions using the method of ISO 21702:2019. Materials and Methods: Herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1), KOS strain, an enveloped virus causing skin, mucous membrane, and respiratory tract infection (RTI) were tested with the non-porous surface coated with or without silver ions (control filter) for 0, 24 h at 25°C. …

Exposure To Pcb126 During The Nursing Period Reversibly Impacts Early-Life Glucose Tolerance, Brittany B. Rice, Keegan W. Sammons, Sara Y. Ngo Tenlep, Madeline T. Weltzer, Leryn J. Reynolds, Cetewayo S. Rashid, Hollie I. Swanson, Kevin J. Pearson

Human Movement Studies & Special Education Faculty Publications

Polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) are persistent environmental organic pollutants known to have detrimental health effects. Using a mouse model, we previously demonstrated that PCB126 exposure before and during pregnancy and throughout the perinatal period adversely affected offspring glucose tolerance and/or body composition profiles. The purpose of this study was to investigate the glucose tolerance and body composition of offspring born to dams exposed to PCB126 during the nursing period only. Female ICR mice were bred, and half of the dams were exposed to either vehicle (safflower oil) or 1 µmole PCB126 per kg of body weight via oral gavage on postnatal …

Trends In Cyanotoxin Production Potential In China Lake: An Edna Analysis Of Microcystis And Dolichospermum And The Environmental Drivers Of Cyanotoxin Production, Gennifer M. Rubin

Honors Theses

Episodes of cyano-harmful algal blooms (cyano-HABs) are hypothesized to be exacerbated by the effects of climate change. However, the dynamics of the interactions between elements of climate change and toxigenic cyanobacteria proliferation are not well defined. China Lake is the drinking water source for 7 municipalities in the Kennebec County and is one of many lakes in central Maine that has been subjected to high levels of cyano-HABs and microcystin toxin contamination in recent years. Monitoring the toxicity of these blooms in relation to various aspects of climate change may lead to identification of the major drivers of microcystin production …

Développement De Stratégie Visant À Contrôler Le Niveau De Contamination Des Piscines Par Les Sous-Produits De Désinfection, Maximilien Debia, Elham Ahmadpour, Isabelle Valois, Sami Haddad, Robert Tardif, Stéphane Hallé, Hélène Proulx, Manuel Rodriguez, François Proulx, Ianis Delpla, Jean Sérodes, Sabrina Simard

Rapports de recherche scientifique

La présence de sous-produits de désinfection dans l’eau et l’air des piscines intérieures est une problématique de santé publique et de santé au travail. L’exposition aux sous-produits de désinfection et notamment à la trichloramine est associée à différents effets délétères comme l’irritation des voies respiratoires, l’irritation oculaire et l’hyperréactivité bronchique. La présence des sous-produits de désinfection résulte des réactions chimiques qui surviennent entre les agents désinfectants ajoutés et les matières organiques ou azotées présentes naturellement dans l’eau ou qui y sont amenées par les baigneurs.

L’objectif général de recherche visait à améliorer les connaissances sur les pratiques de gestion et …

Evaluating The Influence Of Concurrently Available Non-Drug Reinforcers On Drug Reinforcement Using Sophisticated Preclinical Models Of Substance Use Disorder, Madison M. Marcus

Theses and Dissertations

The maladaptive allocation of behavior towards cocaine and away from other concurrently available non-drug reinforcers (e.g., family, health, work, etc.) is a key characteristic of cocaine use disorder (CUD) that is embedded into multiple diagnostic criteria for CUD. Accordingly, basic research conducted in a drug-vs-food “choice” context has improved our fundamental knowledge of the behavioral and neurobiological mechanisms of drug reinforcement. However, to date, these preclinical studies have only been conducted with food as the alternative reinforcer. The extent to which other non-drug reinforcers compete with cocaine-taking behavior is unknown. The studies in this dissertation establish two sophisticated discrete-trial cocaine-vs-alternative …