Toxicology Commons^™

The Chemistry Of Color: A Comparative Analysis Of Natural And Synthetic Dyes In Textile Application, Caitlyn Pinaga Cpht

Honors Program Theses and Research Projects

The Chemistry of Color: A Comparative Analysis of Natural and Synthetic Dyes in Textile Application examines how color functions at the intersection of chemistry, culture, and environmental responsibility. This project traces the evolution of dyeing from ancient natural pigment traditions, rooted in ecological knowledge, agricultural practices, and cultural identity, to the industrial rise of synthetic dyes, whose laboratory precision enabled unprecedented consistency, brightness, and global textile expansion. Through experimental swatch analysis, the study compares the behavior of natural dyes derived from plants and food sources with modern fiber-reactive and synthetic dye classes on a range of fibers including cotton, bamboo …

The Timing Of Pubertal Onset Affects Adults Anxiety Behavior In A Sex-Specific Manner, Evan Raubenolt

Honors Projects

This study aims to look at the relationship between the timing of pubertal onset and its long-term effects on adult anxiety behavior in rats. Though the topic of pubertal onset has been frequently discussed in developmental research, its exact effects have been inconsistent. Human models have shown that early and late maturing males are associated with a notable increase in adult anxiety behavior, while in rat models, similar sex-specific effects regarding anxiety have been demonstrated, though those studies focus on a causal relationship between exposure to stress and age of pubertal onset. This study first aims to examine that relationship …

Measuring Levels Of Ultrashort-Chain Per- And Polyfluoroalkyl Substances In Blood Collection Tubes, Alina M. Dziembowski

Discovery Undergraduate Interdisciplinary Research Internship

Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are highly persistent synthetic chemicals that are now ubiquitous in the environment. Due to PFAS stability leading to its environmental persistence, there is concern regarding potential long-term health effects as PFAS accumulation occurs in humans from dietary and inhalation exposure routes. Chronic exposure may lead to adverse effects such as fertility issues or liver damage. Although a wide range of PFAS have been found in human samples, specifically human serum, there remains data gaps for what PFAS are present in human blood. Recent innovation in detection technology has led to the ability to more accurately …

Unsaturated Fatty Acid Oil-Based Microdroplets: A Promising Novel Class Of Microdroplets, Ramiz S. Alejilat

Seton Hall University Dissertations and Theses (ETDs)

Droplet-based microfluidics has rapidly advanced numerous fields, including chemistry, biology, materials science, medicine, food science, and cosmetics. In these systems, fluorocarbon oil combined with fluorinated surfactants is the preferred medium for fluid encapsulation, offering exceptional stability and biocompatibility essential for sensitive biological and chemical processes. However, growing concerns about the environmental and biological risks associated with fluorinated chemicals have prompted a search for alternatives.

This study is the first to explore the use of unsaturated fatty acids derived from emu oil for microdroplet formation. We characterized droplet formation based on flow rates and the presence non-fluorinated surfactant at a certain …

Using Insecticidal Compounds To Elucidate The Potential Role Of Neurotransmitters In Lepidoptera Pupal Ecdysis, Niranjana Krishnan, Cassandra Gorman, Jillian Stewart, Steven Bradbury, Russell Jurenka

Biological Sciences Faculty Research & Creative Works

Previously, we reported final-instar lepidopteran larvae exposed to low doses of imidacloprid, clothianidin, and thiamethoxam had arrest in pupal ecdysis, which is a novel adverse outcome for neonicotinoid insecticides. Since neonicotinoids disrupt acetylcholine signaling, we hypothesized that the excitatory neurotransmitter acetylcholine plays a critical role in regulation of pupal ecdysis, likely by modulating the release of peptides from crustacean cardioactive peptide (CCAP) neurons. In this paper, using two lepidopteran species, we undertook studies with five additional nicotinic acetylcholine receptor (nAChR) agonists and three muscarinic acetylcholine receptor (mAChR) agonists to hypothesize the putative nAChR subunits that mediate pupal ecdysis. We also …

Fast & Forensic: Rapid Detection & Quantitation Of 30 + Emerging Novel Psychoactive Substances In Hair Using Lc-Ms/Ms, Seokjin Hwang

Student Theses

The continuous emergence of novel psychoactive substances (NPS) poses a significant challenge for forensic and clinical toxicologists, due to their structural diversity, rapid turnover on the illicit drug market, and limited toxicological information. Hair is a powerful matrix for retrospective drug exposure assessment and monitoring NPS worldwide. Not only does it provide a broad window of detection but also a simple sample exchange amongst laboratories. However, the extraction of multi-class NPS in a single method remains an analytical challenge. Therefore, there is an urgent need for extraction techniques and analytical methods that are both rapid and capable of multi-class quantitation …

Characterizing Hexavalent Chromium Neurotoxicity Across Laboratory Models., Samuel Thomas Vielee

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Hexavalent chromium [Cr(VI)] is a ubiquitous environmental pollutant and potent toxicant. Exposure to Cr(VI) in drinking water is primarily associated with cancers, inflammation, and hepatotoxicity; however, recent studies have identified Cr(VI) as a neurotoxicant in rodent and cell culture models. The literature suggest chromium accumulates in the brain, induces widespread neurodegeneration, and alters rodent behaviors. Despite these data, we lack a detailed and consistent assessments of Cr(VI) neurotoxicity across models, and interactions between aging and Cr(VI) neurotoxicity are not reported in the literature. In this dissertation, we characterize Cr(VI) neurotoxicity across 3 laboratory models: Sprague-Dawley rats, Caenorhabditis elegans, and …

Exposure To Pm2.5 And Aging., Daniel Chris Gomes

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Inhalation of fine airborne particulate matter (PM_2.5) is an environmental risk factor for numerous health disorders, including cardiovascular diseases (CVD). While several studies have shown that PM_2.5 exposure can induce oxidative stress, DNA damage, and inflammation, the underlying mechanisms that translate these effects into systemic pathology remain poorly understood. Some recent studies have shown that PM_2.5 exposure can lead to telomere shortening in leukocytes, but the generality of this outcome and contribution to endothelial dysfunction has not yet been fully explored. We hypothesized that PM_2.5inhalation accelerates cellular aging and senescence in both circulating peripheral …

The Influence Of Tert-Butylhydroquinone (Tbhq) On Acod1/Irg1-Driven Inflammatory Pathways, Alyssa M. Whisel

All Dissertations

The demand for processed foods has led to increased use of synthetic phenolic antioxidants (SPAs), notably tert-butylhydroquinone (TBHQ), to inhibit lipid oxidation and prolong shelf life. While TBHQ is deemed safe at regulated levels, concerns arise from studies indicating potential adverse effects such as oxidative stress, genotoxicity, and impaired immune function. To investigate TBHQ's immunomodulatory effects, RAW 264.7 murine macrophages were pre-treated with TBHQ and subsequently stimulated with lipopolysaccharide (LPS) or polyinosinic-polycytidylic acid (poly I:C, PIC) to simulate bacterial or viral challenges. Results demonstrated that TBHQ at high non-cytotoxic doses reduced nitric oxide and IL-10 production while promoting phagocytosis and …

Effects Of Photo-Oxidized Crude Oil On Gulf Killifish Early Life Stages, Charles Campbell

LSU Master's Theses

Photo-oxidation of spilled crude oil generates polar compounds that can heighten toxicity to marine fish embryos. We investigated the effects of photo-oxidized crude oil on early life stages of Gulf killifish (Fundulus grandis) by exposing embryos under flow-through conditions to water-accommodated fractions of four oil treatments: fresh oil unexposed to either sunlight or weathering referred to as dark control (DC), a UV-light oxidized whole oil (LT), the polar fraction extracted from LT (Pol) and the remnants after extracting the Pol from LT (NP). Oil loadings of 0.38–3.00 g oil/kg water were tested. Total PAH concentrations and chemical profiles …

Development And Validation Of An Analytical Method For Determination Of Bongkrekic Acid In Biofluids For Toxin Monitoring, Ying-Tzu Shieh, Te-I Weng, Ju-Yu Chen, I-Ting Wang, Kevin Shu-Leung Lai, Chia-Mo Lin, Chu-Yun Teng, Guan-Yuan Chen

Journal of Food and Drug Analysis

Bongkrekic acid (BKA) poisoning is a severe foodborne illness with a high mortality rate. This study aimed to identifyBKA in postmortem tissues from poisoning victims in Taiwan and to develop a reliable analytical method for detectingBKA in biofluids to aid clinical diagnosis and treatment. BKA was identified in postmortem samples using high-reso-lution mass spectrometry (HRMS) and confirmed with an independent ultrahigh-performance liquid chromatographycoupled with tandem mass spectrometry (UHPLC-MS/MS) method. To meet clinical needs, a UHPLC-MS/MS methodwas developed and validated for BKA detection in plasma and urine. Method optimization included adjustments to ionsource conditions for multiple reaction monitoring (MRM) transitions and …

The Economic Burden Of Covid-19 In A Region With Stringent Response Measures: A Case Study Of Taiwan, Elise Chia-Hui Tan, Fei-Yuan Hsiao, Ming-Chin Yang

Journal of Food and Drug Analysis

The COVID-19 pandemic has imposed a significant economic burden globally, particularly in regions with stringentresponse measures. This study aimed to assess the economic impact of COVID-19 in Taiwan, focusing on both directand indirect costs. A cost-of-illness analysis was conducted, utilizing data from the Taiwan Centers for Disease Control(CDC), national databases, epidemiological studies, and economic surveys. The analysis included both direct costs (e.g.,hospital admissions, outpatient care) and indirect costs (e.g., productivity losses due to long COVID, absenteeism, caregiving duties). The study encompassed Taiwan's population of 23.2 million, with particular attention to age-specific impacts on economic outcomes. The total economic burden of …

Nanovesicles Derived From Protocorm-Like Bodies Of Dendrobium Officinal Enhance Corneal Epithelial Repair And Reduce Inflammation In Dry Eye Disease Models, Bao Yuqing, Peng Chengyu, Zhang Fenglei, Zheng Yuqiang, Zhang Mingqi, He Wei

Journal of Food and Drug Analysis

Plant-derived nanovesicles (PDNVs) offer a promising, biocompatible therapeutic platform. In this study, we isolatednanovesicles from protocorm-like bodies of Dendrobium officinale (PLBs-NVs) and evaluated their efficacy in dry eyedisease (DED) models. PLBs-NVs protected human corneal epithelial cells against hyperosmotic stress, supportedwound repair, and inhibited inflammation in vitro. In a desiccating stress-induced DED mouse model, topical PLBs-NVstreatment significantly restored tear secretion, reduced corneal epithelial damage, and lowered levels of proinflammatorycytokines. These results suggest that PLBs-NVs are a safe, natural, and effective therapeutic strategy for DED, sup-porting their potential for future clinical translation in ocular surface disorders.

Protective Effects Of Jujube Seed Extract Against Oxidative Stress In Ht22 Cells And Its Sleep-Promoting Action Through Gabaergic Receptors, Seok Hyun Chung, Hyeongyeong Kim, Singeun Kim, Pan-Young Jeong, Hyowon Lee

Journal of Food and Drug Analysis

Jujube seed extract (JSE), rich in polyphenols and flavonoids, exhibits neuroprotective and sleep-enhancing properties.In vitro, JSE protected HT22 cells against oxidative stress by activating the Nrf2/HO-1 pathway and upregulatingantioxidant enzymes. In vivo, JSE increased non-REM sleep and delta wave activity in pentobarbital- and caffeine-induced sleep models. Spinosin contributed to these effects. Long-term JSE administration upregulated GABAA, GABAB, and 5-HT1A receptors in brain tissue. These findings suggest that JSE offers dual benefits in mitigating oxidativestress and promoting sleep through antioxidant defense and neurotransmitter modulation, supporting its potential as a natural therapeutic agent.

Repurposing Dihydroartemisinin As A Novel Anticancer Agent Against Colorectal Cancer Stem Cells, Meng-Han Wu, Chieh-Ju Sung, Fan-Lu Kung, Jih-Hwa Guh, Yu Su, Lih-Ching Hsu

Journal of Food and Drug Analysis

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is one of the leading causes of cancer-related death globally and discovering novel therapeuticagents to treat the disease, and prevent cancer metastasis and recurrence is an urgent medical need. Cancer stem cells(CSCs) capable of self-renewal and differentiation are generally considered the cause of tumor metastasis, recurrenceand chemoresistance. Hence, targeting CSCs may be a promising strategy for the treatment of cancer. GATA6, a zincfinger transcription factor, contributes to tumorigenesis in CRC and is related to cancer stemness. GATA6-overexpressing stable clones OE4 and OE6 derived from HCT116 cells were previously established and exhibitedincreased stemness properties. In this study, we …

Yi-Qi-Xuan-Fei Formula Ameliorate Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease By Remodeling Lung And Intestinal Florase In Rat Models, Si-Si Han, Li-Yun Song, Peng-Tao Liang, Yin-Ying Wang, Yi Ying, Li Li, Jia-Li Yuan, Zhong-Shan Yang

Journal of Food and Drug Analysis

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a chronic respiratory disease characterized by various pathologicallesions and an imbalance in the microflora. The Yi-Qi-Xuan-Fei Formula (YQXF) is a clinically effective formula withpharmacological potential to delay the progression of COPD. This study aims to explore the relationship between thetherapeutic mechanism of YQXF and the microflora in COPD. Our study found that YQXF reduces inflammatory injuryand inflammatory cell infiltration in lung tissue, repairs the intestinal mucosal barrier, and enhances immune function.Additionally, YQXF regulates the pulmonary and intestinal flora by increasing the abundance of Alloprevotella, Rose-buria, Oscillibacter, and Lactobacillus, while reducing the abundance of …

Precision Nanomedicine For Anxiety: Challenges, Opportunities, And Future Directions In Targeted Drug Delivery, Sehrabpreet Singh, Amanpreet Singh, Shruti Chittu, Shailesh Sharma

Journal of Food and Drug Analysis

Nanoparticle-based drug delivery system represents one of the challenging strategies suggested to improve anxietydisorder therapeutic approaches, clinic challenges of delayed action, side effect-free designing and poor patientcompliance. Traditional pharmacological agents can increase drug bioavailability and target specific brain regions,whereas nanoparticle-mediated controlled release offers enhanced precision and sustained action. The others in thisreview concentrate on several kinds of nanoparticle, including lipid-based, polymeric-metallic, and responsive nano-particles, their use in anxiety medication. In addition, emphasis is placed on precision medicine that pertain the delivery of treatment based on an individual's genetic, environmental and lifestyle aspects. Also, it is looked into how artificial intelligence …

The Rhythm Of Decline: Circadian Disruption In Neurodegeneration, Jeewanjot Singh, Devinder Kumar, Jasleen Kaur, Amanpreet Singh

Journal of Food and Drug Analysis

Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a progressive neurodegenerative disorder with a multifactorial etiology involving genetic,environmental, and metabolic factors. Among these, circadian rhythm disruption has emerged as a crucial but under-explored contributor to disease progression. The circadian system, regulated by the suprachiasmatic nucleus (SCN),controls essential physiological functions such as the sleep-wake cycle, metabolism, and neuroendocrine signaling.Disruption of this system has been increasingly linked to key pathological features of AD, including amyloid-betaaccumulation, tau hyperphosphorylation, and neuroinflammation. This review critically examines the mechanistic roleof circadian misalignment in AD by analyzing studies on sleep disturbances, SCN degeneration, metabolic dysregu-lation, clock gene polymorphisms (BMAL1, CLOCK, PER, …

Targeted Nanosponge-Based Treatment For Pulmonary Hypertension: A Novel Approach, Jashanpreet Kaur, Gursimran Kaur, Chamanpreet Kaur, Sandeep Kumar

Journal of Food and Drug Analysis

Pulmonary Hypertension (PH) is a progressive and potentially fatal condition marked by high pulmonary arterypressure, resulting in heart failure and reduced oxygenation. Despite advancements in treatments, therapeutic optionsfor PH remain limited, particularly in cases resistant to conventional therapies. In biomedical research, nanotechnologyhas become a potential area of study, presenting novel approaches to drug delivery and tissue targeting. Nanosponges, aclass of nanoparticles with porous structures, have gained attention for their ability to encapsulate therapeutic agents,enhance drug stability, and provide controlled release. Nanosponges can be engineered to deliver vasodilators, anti-inflammatory drugs, and gene therapies directly to the pulmonary vasculature, minimizing systemic side …

In Vivo And In Vitro Perspectives In Parkinson's Disease: Mechanisms And The Role Of Phytomedicine, Jeewanjot Singh, Devinder Kumar

Journal of Food and Drug Analysis

Parkinson's disease (PD) is a progressive neurodegenerative disorder marked by dopaminergic neuronal loss,oxidative stress, neuroinflammation, and a-synuclein aggregation. Despite advances, current treatments only offersymptomatic relief without altering disease progression. This review aims to evaluate the therapeutic potential of plant-derived phytochemicals in PD through evidence from both in vivo and in vitro experimental models. Key findingsindicate that rodent models (e.g., MPTP, rotenone) and neuronal cell lines (e.g., SH-SY5Y) help replicate PD pathologyand mechanistic insights. Phytochemicals such as baicalein, morin, ferulic acid, and bacopa demonstrate neuroprotectiveeffects via antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and mitochondrial-stabilizing pathways. Nanotechnology and brain orga-noids further improve translational relevance. In conclusion, …