Pharmacology, Toxicology and Environmental Health Commons^™

Reversible, Light-Controlled Inhibition Of Stim1-Mediated Calcium Signaling Using Photoswitchable Ml-9 Derivatives In Jurkat-Lucia Nfat Reporter T Cells, José L. Matute Gálvez

Honors Scholar Theses

Store-operated calcium entry (SOCE) through calcium release-activated

calcium (CRAC) channels is the dominant pathway for sustained Ca2+ influx in

non-excitable cells and is essential for T cell activation, driving downstream

signaling through the calcineurin-NFAT transcriptional axis. Dysregulation of

SOCE produces multi-systemic disease phenotypes, establishing that precise,

spatiotemporally controlled modulation of this pathway is a fundamental

therapeutic requirement. ML-9 is one of the only characterized small molecules

capable of targeting SOCE upstream at the level of STIM1 localization, but lacks

the selectivity, pharmacokinetic properties, and spatiotemporal control necessary

for therapeutic development.

This work describes the design, synthesis, and biological evaluation of …

Desert Deep: The Great Salt Lake's Evanesce And The Gravity Of Recovery, Avery Truman

Undergraduate Honors Capstone Projects

The Great Salt Lake has been shrinking since the mid-19th century for several reasons, primarily due to a higher evaporation rate caused by climate change and water diversion from the Bear, Weber, and Jordan rivers. This problem will cause mass ecosystem destruction, release toxic chemicals into the air, and strand migrating birds. As an environmental studies and geography major, I’ve spent a lot of time learning about the Great Salt Lake in my courses. I decided to write Desert Deep, a series of essays, after I took my first creative nonfiction writing class. The goal was to tell the …

Molecular Mechanisms Of Pfas Induced Protein Dysfunction: Implications For Neurodegenerative Risk, Daisy Lee Wilson

Open Access Theses & Dissertations

Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are persistent environmental contaminants with widespread human exposure and well-established links to adverse health outcomes. However, despite increasing epidemiological and experimental evidence, the molecular mechanisms underlying PFAS-induced neurotoxicity remain incompletely defined. This dissertation investigates PFAS toxicity across biological scales, integrating protein biophysics with neuronal cell models to elucidate pathways relevant to neurodegeneration. At the molecular level, we demonstrate that PFAS disrupts the structure and function of globular proteins, including the impairment of α-lactalbumin's calcium-binding capacity and of β-lactoglobulin's retinol binding, through concentration-dependent conformational destabilization. By applying these findings to a neuronal model, we show that …

Enhancing Walleye (Ogaa) Recruitment: Evaluating Assisted Reproduction As A Mitigation Strategy, Douglass Keiser

Biology Graduate Theses

Over the past several decades, cold- and cool-water fish populations across the Upper Midwest, including Minnesota and Wisconsin, have shown troubling signs of decline. Among the most affected is the walleye/Ogaa (Sander vitreus), a species deeply embedded in the ecological balance, cultural identity, and economic vitality of the region, and central to the lifeways, treaty-reserved rights, and resource stewardship of Tribal Nations, including Ojibwe communities across the Upper Midwest. Despite ongoing stocking efforts and harvest regulations, many lake systems have experienced persistent declines in natural recruitment, prompting resource agencies to investigate the underlying causes. One such system is …

Redeveloping Mississippi: A Case Study On Brownfields In Central & Southern Mississippi, Sahrah R. Yeroozedek

Master's Theses

Brownfields, or properties that are or possibly are contaminated with dangerous materials, represent a common obstacle for communities in Mississippi. The real or potential presence of contaminants at these sites often deters investors due to costly cleanup requirements (EPA, n.d. -b). The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), through its Brownfield Revitalization Program, implemented guidelines for covering the costs and labor associated with the remediation of these properties. The EPA is not, however, responsible for redevelopment that supports long-term environmental and economic sustainability. Although the EPA maintains inventories of all Brownfields, there is also no comprehensive database of Brownfields and their current …

Disruption Of Energy Homeostasis By Chemical Mixtures Containing Persistent Pollutants In Hepg2 And C2c12 Cells, Morgan Jacobellis

All Theses

The Environmental Influences on Child Health Outcomes Fetal Growth Studies (ECHO-FGS) birth cohort data was used to identify chemical mixtures associated with adverse outcomes. This biomonitoring study associated specific chemical mixtures in maternal serum with low birth weight or childhood obesity (Pearce et al., 2021). Mixture Profiles 1, 3, and 4, comprised of different observed concentrations of DDE, PCB153, BDE47, and PFOS were prioritized. Mixtures were tested to determine whether they perturbed mitochondrial metabolism and energy sensing pathways. The purpose of this study was to elucidate a potential mechanism linking maternal exposure to mixtures containing persistent organic pollutants (POPs) to …

Developing Aero-Floating Treatment Wetland (Aeroftw) Scaffolds: A Non-Plastic Alternative To Conventional Plastic-Based Ftws, Ada C. Montoya Gomez

All Theses

This research was conducted to explore the possibility of constructing floating treatment wetlands (FTWs) without using plastic materials. FTWs are floating platforms that hold plants on the water’s surface, letting roots dangle within the water column, to help remove contaminants from contaminated water, especially in stormwater ponds. Many conventional FTWs are made with plastic components, such as mats and plastic cup containers, which can release microplastics into the environment over time. The goal of this project was to design and test a new type of FTW that does not depend on plastics to support FTW flotation. The study took place …

Psychedelic Research In The Modern Day: Good Or Bad?, Shane Miller

Mechanical Engineering Student Research

This work is about the usage/safety of psychedelic substances, and I explain whether they are good or bad in terms of other drugs, such as alcohol.

Evaluation Of Drug Use In Inpatient Care: A Retrospective Study At A Tertiary Hospital In Bandung, Indonesia (2024), Aliya Rosyidah Fitrianti, Athoya Delarosa, Husna Muharram Ahadi, Imam Adi Wicaksono, Falerina Puspita

Pharmacology and Clinical Pharmacy Research

Rational drug use is a critical component of improving healthcare quality. However, irrational prescribing remains a significant concern, particularly in developing countries like Indonesia. This study evaluates drug use patterns at a Type B hospital in Bandung using WHO standard: average number of drugs per prescription, percentage of generic drugs, antibiotics, injections, and adherence to the National Formulary. A retrospective, descriptive observational method was applied, using 2024 inpatient Drug Use Evaluation (DUE) data. Findings reveal an average of 3.4 drugs per prescription—slightly above the WHO standard (≤ 3.3); 68.4% of prescriptions used generic drugs (meeting the WHO standard ≥ 59%); …

Comparative Analysis Of The Quality Of Life Of Schizophrenic Patients On Antipsychotic Treatment Between Aripiprazole Monotherapy And Combination Of Risperidone-Clozapine At Mental Hospital In West Java, Taufiqurahman Taufiqurahman, Sani Asmi Ramdani Lestari, Ardilla Kemala Dewi

Pharmacology and Clinical Pharmacy Research

Quality of life (QoL) is a critical outcome measure in schizophrenia management, yet antipsychotic side effects may negatively impact patients' well-being. Objective: This study aimed to compare the QoL of schizophrenia patients receiving aripiprazole monotherapy versus a risperidone-clozapine combination at West Java Mental Hospital. An analytical observational study with a cross-sectional design was conducted at the outpatient clinic of West Java Mental Hospital from March to May 2025. The Indonesian version of the WHOQOL-BREF questionnaire was used to assess QoL. A total of 58 outpatients with schizophrenia who met the inclusion criteria were enrolled, comprising 28 patients in the aripiprazole …

Adherence To Malaria Treatment And Its Associated Factors: A Narrative Review, Lafie Urwatul Wutsqo, Eli Halimah, Sofa Dewi Alfian

Pharmacology and Clinical Pharmacy Research

Malaria is an infectious disease that remains a global health concern, particularly in Asia and Africa. The success of malaria medication largely depends on patients' adherence to the prescribed therapeutic regimen. This article aims to identify the level of adherence to malaria treatment and the factors that influence it, based on observational studies. A narrative review was conducted using the PRISMA approach, involving 12 articles published between 2019 - 2023 from various countries. The results indicate that adherence levels vary widely, ranging from 15.6% to 93.31%, depending on respondent characteristics and the intervention strategies implemented. Factors influencing adherence include patient-related …

Patterns Of Adverse Drug Reactions In Tuberculosis Treatment: A Literature Review, Jasmine R. Aisyah, Ivan S. Pradipta, Widya N. Insani

Pharmacology and Clinical Pharmacy Research

Tuberculosis (TB) treatment is often interrupted by adverse drug reactions (ADRs). However, few studies have thoroughly examined these ADR patterns in TB treatment, and no research has assessed the prevalence of ADRs in specific organs. This narrative review describes the patterns of ADRs in tuberculosis treatment, including how common each type is and its impact on organs across different countries and populations. A structured narrative literature review was conducted to identify relevant original studies published in PubMed database between 2019 and 2025. The search combined Medical Subject Headings (MeSH) and free-text terms related to ``tuberculosis'' and ``adverse drug reactions''. Eligible …

Comparison Of Chop And R-Chop For Treatment Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma, Yogyakarta, Indonesia: A Cost-Effectiveness Analysis, Woro Supadmi, Rizky Gustinanda, Lalu M. Irham, Riat El Khair

Pharmacology and Clinical Pharmacy Research

CHOP and R-CHOP are commonly used chemotherapy regimens for Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma (NHL). While R-CHOP has demonstrated clinical benefits, its higher cost raises concerns regarding economic efficiency, particularly in middle-income countries such as Indonesia. This study aimed to compare direct medical costs and clinical outcomes of CHOP and R-CHOP regimens among NHL patients treated at a national referral hospital in yogykarta. A retrospective cohort study was conducted using medical record data of NHL patients who received CHOP or R-CHOP chemotherapy at Dr. Sardjito General Hospital Yogyakarta, between 2020 and 2023, with follow-up extended until April 30, 2025. Clinical outcomes included overall …

Balanced Scorecard In Healthcare Facilities: A Ten-Year Review Of Strategies To Improve Organizational Effectiveness, Larasati Tunggadewi, Sofa Dewi Alfian, Auliya A Suwantika

Pharmacology and Clinical Pharmacy Research

The Balanced Scorecard (BSC) has increasingly been adopted as a strategic performance management framework within healthcare organizations. Evidence from the past decade shows varied implementation outcomes, shaped by institutional readiness, leadership commitment, and the maturity of health information systems. This narrative review synthesizes findings from 47 scientific articles selected through a systematic screening process, covering studies conducted in hospitals, primary health centers, and pharmacy units in Indonesia, Morocco, Iran, China, and other countries. The studies employed case study and descriptive cross-sectional designs using both quantitative and qualitative approaches. Overall, BSC implementation contributed to improvements in service performance across the financial, …

Exploring Protein-Protein Interactions: A Promising Avenue For Biomarker And Anti-Tb Drug Development, Rajwa Dwifauza Suryanto, Maritsa Widati Aqila Rumawan, Imam Adi Wicaksono

Pharmacology and Clinical Pharmacy Research

In 2023, tuberculosis (TB) reached its highest incidence with 8.2 million new cases reported by the World Health Organization (WHO). The virulence of Mycobacterium tuberculosis (MTB) is strongly governed by protein-protein interactions (PPIs) that regulate essential processes such as cell wall biosynthesis, immune evasion, and persistence. This study aims to map and analyze the mechanisms of key PPIs in MTB using a scoping review approach. Data was retrieved from PubChem and related literature with the keyword ``PPIs Network TB''. Our findings highlight crucial PPI-driven mechanisms, including the role of DprE1/DprE2 in arabinogalactan synthesis, VapB4/VapC4 in stress response and self-toxicity, ESX-1 …

Low To Moderate Intensity Home-Based And Online Exercise For Cognitive Health In Older Adults: A Narrative Review, Novita Salim, Melisa Intan Barliana, Anna Meiliana

Pharmacology and Clinical Pharmacy Research

Cognitive decline represents one of the most pressing public health challenges associated with global population ageing, prompting growing interest in accessible and scalable exercise-based interventions. This narrative review synthesizes evidence from 15 randomized controlled trials to compare the cognitive effects of 3 exercise modalities in older adults across varying cognitive and functional profiles: conventional aerobic and resistance training, exergame-based interventions, and dual-task or multicomponent training. Interventions were evaluated on their capacity to improve global cognition, executive function, working memory, and attention, with additional consideration of adherence, supervision format, and implementation feasibility. The evidence consistently demonstrates that dual-task and multicomponent training …

Histological Analysis Of Six Atlantic Scleractinian Coral Species Exposed To Three Hydrocarbons, 1-Methylnapthalene, Phenanthrene, And Toluene, Jalyn R. Lee

All HCAS Student Capstones, Theses, and Dissertations

Coral reefs are biologically diverse marine ecosystems that provide numerous goods and ecosystem services. These sessile organisms are vulnerable to anthropogenic impacts, habitat degradation, climate change, and pollution, particularly Petroleum hydrocarbon contamination. Previous research has characterized coral species' sensitivity to hydrocarbons, using a continuous passive dosing system, but the specific histological impacts of petroleum hydrocarbons remain underexplored. This study investigates the histological effects of three petroleum hydrocarbons, 1-methylnaphthalene, phenanthrene, and toluene, on six Atlantic scleractinian coral species: Acropora cervicornis, Porites astreoides, Porites divaricata, Solenastrea bournoni, Stephanocoenia intersepta, and Siderastrea siderea. Coral fragments were exposed to species-specific hydrocarbon concentrations, and …

Effects Of Limb Dominance On Dopaminergic Neurodegeneration In A 6-Ohda Rat Model Of Parkinson’S Disease Assessed By Immunoblotting, Jasin Aziz Porshia, Deanna Chaialee, Dipesh Pokharel, Kala Venkiteswaran, Thyagarajan Subramanian, Dilshan Beligala

ONU Student Research Colloquium

Effects of Limb Dominance on Dopaminergic Neurodegeneration in a 6-OHDA Rat Model of Parkinson’s Disease Assessed by Immunoblotting

Jasin Porshia^a , Deanna Chaialee^a , Dipesh Pokharel^b,c , Kala Venkiteswaran^{b, c, d} , Thyagarajan Subramanian^{b, c, d}, Dilshan Beligala^a

^aDepartment of Biological Sciences, Ohio Northern University, Ada, OH, USA

^bDepartment of Neurosciences and Psychiatry, The University of Toledo College of Medicine and Life Sciences, Toledo, OH, USA

^cDepartment of Neurology, The University of Toledo College of Medicine and Life Sciences, Toledo, OH, USA

^dDepartment of Neurology, Howard University, Washington, DC, …

Evaluating Drug Use Through Examination Of Local Water Sources: Drug Concentrations Within Biota Systems, Madeleine Freyhof

Honors Projects

Understanding drug usage based on drug concentrations found within biota samples grown in different concentrations of cocaine and benzoylecgonine. Drug policy then can be potentially based on how drug concentrations display drug usage for a specific community.

Development Of A Preclinical Model That Can Be Used To Test Novel Therapeutics For The Treatment Of Mild And Moderate Traumatic Brain Injury, Hayden Anderson

Honors Theses

Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) occurs when a foreign object induces damage to the skull and brain through a forceful blow or whiplash. It is one of the most frequent injuries in the United States, with approximately 250,000 cases of different levels occurring annually. It is well known that severe TBIs can result in persistent physical, cognitive, and socioeconomic consequences and the timing of treatment following this injury can play a critical role in the ultimate outcome. It would be beneficial to develop a safe therapeutic that could be administered rapidly after impact and improve the recovery of the patient. However, …