Chemicals and Drugs Commons^™

Effective Imagery In Scientific Etextbooks, Jordan Moore

Scholars Week

This presentation overviews the benefits of eTextbook images in the fields of science.

Development Of A Rapid Drug Detection Method For Insects Using Paper Spray Ionization Mass Spectrometry (Psi-Ms), Alexandria Plyler

Undergraduate Research and Scholarship Symposium

Insects have the ability to reflect the chemical environment that they have developed in. Thus, necrogenous insects can reflect the chemical environment of cadavers they have fed on. Forensic scientists can potentially utilize insect larvae as an alternate biological matrix to detect drugs in cadavers that are skeletonized, burned, or otherwise badly damaged. Analysis of insects using paper spray ionization mass spectrometry (PSI-MS), an analytical method requiring little to no sample preparation, could prove a rapid, cost-effective, and non-destructive alternative form of toxicological analysis. Traditional tissue analysis via GC and LC-MS often require lengthy sample preparation, use expensive reagents, and …

Development Of Continuous Flow Sonogashira Coupling Of Lead Anti-Cancer Small Molecule Inhibitors For Potential Treatment Of Acute Myeloid Leukemia, Yuta W. Moriuchi, Shruti A. Biyani, David H. Thompson

Discovery Undergraduate Interdisciplinary Research Internship

As the technology for science develops, the research strategy in medicines and therapeutics also improves. In this paper, I will cover the process of Sonogashira cross-coupling and Amide Coupling reaction for an anticancer agent in both batch and flow chemistry. Continuous Flow Chemistry has advantages such as being more efficient, safer, and faster. This paper studies the synthesis of HSNO608, an anticancer lead compound for Acute Myeloid Leukemia (AML), which has a specific potent activity to FTL3 Kinase. Inhibition of FLT3 Kinase leads to inhibition of downstream pathways such as MPK and P13K pathways. In this two-step experiment, the Sonogashira …

Development Of An Immunoblot To Detect Human Antibodies Against Sars-Cov-2 Virus Proteins, Shivum Desai

Honors Theses

Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) is a virus that infects cells in the lungs, nasal passages, and intestines via the ACE2 receptors of the host, and leads to the coronavirus disease (COVID-19). Since the occurrence of the pandemic in December 2019, there have been 114 million cases worldwide in which 2.5 million lives have unfortunately been taken away.

Being diagnosed with a past infection stems questions among those that have tested positive through antibody testing. The problem here is that patients were notified that they have antibodies resulting from a SARS-CoV-2 infection, but in fact they may not …

Corruption In Capsules: How It Is Legal For Companies To Put Harmful Ingredients In Vitamins And Dietary Supplements, Emily Leggiero

English Department: Research for Change - Wicked Problems in Our World

The vitamin and supplement industry has increased exponentially in profits as well as potential products on the market since the turn of the century. However, these products are not regulated, nor do they undergo any premarket clinical research or testing. Public health is compromised by vitamins and supplements that are available for American consumption that is disproportionately unregulated to their chemically similar counterparts. This wicked problem is facilitated through the combination of historical legislative definitions that has since been distorted for corrupt administrative gain through the allotment of corporate expenditures. Company disbursements are made to the same policymakers that create …

Drug Addiction & Mental Health, Tyler Burkholder

English Department: Research for Change - Wicked Problems in Our World

Drugs have a serious effect on our mental health, and mental health has a major effect on drug abuse and addiction. There is a reason so many drug users usually need to keep going back to rehab. It is because drugs affect mental health to a point where you aren’t the same person during and even after drug addiction. Poor mental health also can be a major cause influencing people to start doing drugs. People with depression, anxiety disorders, mood disorders are more prone to drug use. That is why we need to make it a public policy to screen …

Save The Rich, Connor Harris

English Department: Research for Change - Wicked Problems in Our World

The problem of medication pricing and lobbying in the healthcare industry has caused millions of people within the United States to not be able to afford medications essential to their lives. Pharmaceutical companies are taking advantage of the need people have for certain drugs by setting the sale price far higher than it costs to produce. My suggested solution is to make lobbying illegal in the United States so that pharmaceutical companies would not have control over government officials who pass laws to help or hurt the issue of medication pricing. Illegalizing government lobbying will take away the incentive politicians …

Toxic Effect Of Crotalus Adamanteus Acidic Phospholipase A2 On Mcf-7 Cell Line, Daniel J. Petra

Honors Thesis

We are investigating the effect of Crotalus adamanteus acidic phospholipase A₂ on MCF-7 cells using the MTS assay. Understanding these interactions and isolated effects is critical to developing new ways to treat envenomation. By understanding the effects of individual toxins within a whole venom, we are set to better understand the effects of the whole venom and investigate synergistic actions between venom toxins. In this paper, we are quantifying the amount of MCF-7 cell death caused by Crotalus adamanteus phospholipase A₂ on MCF-7 using the MTS assay. Analysis of the amount of cells death caused by the phospholipase …

Molecular Surveillance Of Drug Resistance: Plasmodium Falciparum Artemisinin Resistance Single Nucleotide Polymorphisms In Kelch Protein Propeller (K13) Domain From Southern Pakistan, Najia Karim Ghanchi, Bushra Qurashi, Hadiqa Raees, Mohammad Asim Beg

Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine

Background: K13 propeller (k13) polymorphism are useful molecular markers for tracking the emergence and spread of artemisinin resistance in Plasmodium falciparum. Polymorphisms are reported from Cambodia with rapid invasion of the population and almost near fixation in south East Asia. The study describes single nucleotide polymorphisms in Kelch protein propeller domain of P. falciparum associated with artemisinin resistance from Southern Pakistan.
Methods: Two hundred and forty-nine samples were collected from patients with microscopy confirmed P. falciparum malaria attending Aga Khan University Hospital during September 2015-April 2018. DNA was isolated using the whole blood protocol for the QIAmp DNA Blood Kit. …

Plga Nanoparticle-Based Formulations To Cross The Blood–Brain Barrier For Drug Delivery: From R&D To Cgmp, Kaining Zhi, Babatunde Raji, Anantha R. Nookala, Mohammad Moshahid Khan, Xuyen H. Nguyen, Swarna Sakshi, Tayebeh Pourmotabbed, Murali M. Yallapu

School of Medicine Publications

The blood–brain barrier (BBB) is a natural obstacle for drug delivery into the human brain, hindering treatment of central nervous system (CNS) disorders such as acute ischemic stroke, brain tumors, and human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-1-associated neurocognitive disorders. Poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid) (PLGA) is a biocompatible polymer that is used in Food and Drug Administration (FDA)-approved pharmaceutical products and medical devices. PLGA nanoparticles (NPs) have been reported to improve drug penetration across the BBB both in vitro and in vivo. Poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG), poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVA), and poloxamer (Pluronic) are widely used as excipients to further improve the stability and effectiveness of PLGA …

Combine Cryo-Em Density Map And Residue Contact For Protein Structure Prediction: A Case Study, Maytha Alshammari, Jing He

College of Sciences Posters

Although atomic structures have been determined directly from cryo-EM density maps with high resolutions, current structure determination methods for medium resolution (5 to 10 Å) cryo-EM maps are limited by the availability of structure templates. Secondary structure traces are lines detected from a cryo-EM density map for α-helices and β-strands of a protein. A topology of secondary structures defines the mapping between a set of sequence segments in 1D and a set of traces of secondary structures in 3D. In order to enhance the accuracy in ranking secondary structure topologies, we propose a method that combines three sources of information …

Ketogenic Diet As A Preventative Measure Or Treatment Option For Osteoarthritistargeting Nfl Athletes As A High-Risk Group, Kelsi J. Smith

Selected Honors Theses

Osteoarthritis (OA) is a prevalent joint disease that results from the degradation of articular cartilage, leading to inflammation, pain, and eventual joint failure. At one time, it was thought that OA was only the result of the natural decline experienced in old age; however, various risk factors have now been identified that may contribute to an increased risk for developing OA. Risk factors may include joint loading, altered biomechanics, obesity, and joint injury, to which athletes are exposed at a high rate. NFL athletes are one group of athletes that have continued to show a high prevalence of arthritis in …

Combination Treatment With Cdk4/6 And Cdk8/19 Inhibitors In Er-Positive Breast Cancer, Samantha Tolentino Safa

Senior Theses

Cyclin-dependent kinases (CDK) 4 and 6 are the main drivers of proliferation in estrogen receptor (ER)-positive breast cancer cells. CDK4/6 inhibitors, such as the FDA-approved cytostatic drug, Palbociclib, induce G1 arrest and prevent cell cycle progression. Prolonged treatment with CDK4/6 inhibitors can lead to drug resistance in the clinic as well as in the lab. The mechanisms behind this resistance are varied, with preliminary evidence suggesting that it may be influenced by the senescence-associated secretory phenotype (SASP), CDK6 hyperactivation, or degradation of the retinoblastoma protein (Rb). In contrast to the cell cycle mediating CDK4/6, CDK8 and 19 are involved in …

March / April 2021, Randy Curry, Cindy Brooks

RURAL ROCKS

Rural Rocks, the Rural Health Network newsletter by the SWOSU College of Pharmacy.

Analysis Of Gabapentinoids Abuse-Reports In The Middle East And North Africa Region Utilizing The Food And Drug Administration Adverse Event Reporting System, Mona Yaser Alsheikh, Ali Mofleh Alshahrani, Reem Dhayan Almutairi, Hana Abdulmohsen Althobaiti, Ahmed Ibrahim Fathelrahman, Enrique Seoane-Vazquez, Moudi Mubarak Alasmari

Pharmacy Faculty Articles and Research

Objectives: The purpose of this study was to identify abuse-related post-marketing reports associated with gabapentinoids use in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region countries. Methods: A retrospective cross-sectional analysis of abuse-related adverse drug event (ADE) reports from the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region. It was performed using the Food and Drug Administration Adverse Event Reporting System (FAERS) database from January 2008 through June 2020. Abuserelated ADE reports for gabapentin and pregabalin were extracted from the FAERS database. Descriptive statistics were performed, and the proportional reporting ratio (PRR) was calculated to detect disproportional attribution of abuse-related ADEs …

Biological Activity And Solubility Of 5-Methoxy-1,4-Benzoquinone Having Bromoheptyl And Bromodecyl Substituents In The N-Octanol/Water System, Siti Mariyah Ulfa, Fath Dwisari, Laras Pangesti, Mohammad Farid Rahman

Makara Journal of Science

The biological activity and solubility of compounds are influenced by its chemical structure. These properties can be improved by substituting alkyl, alkoxy, and/or haloalkane in the parent skeleton. In this research, the synthesis of 3-(7-bromoheptyl)-2-methyl-5-methoxy-1,4-benzoquinone (3a) and 3-(10-bromodecyl)-2-methyl-5-methoxy-1,4-benzoquinone (3b) was achieved through the decarboxylation reaction. The solubility and biological activity of 3a and 3b were compared with that of thymoquinone (TQ), which acts as an anti-inflammatory agent. Compounds 3a and 3b were successfully synthesized and analyzed using Fourier Transform Infra-Red (FTIR) and Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR). The FTIR spectrum showed the increasing intensity of …

Synthesis Of 1-(4-Ethoxy-3-Methoxybenzyl)-1,10-Phenanthrolin-1-Ium Bromide And Its Evaluation As Antiplasmodium Through Heme Polymerization Inhibitory Activity (Hpia) Assay, Dhina Fitriastuti, Viny Alfiyah, Mustofa Mustofa, Jumina Jumina, Muhammad Idham Darussalam Mardjan

Makara Journal of Science

This study describes the development of N-benzyl-1,10-phenantrolinium salt as an antiplasmodium agent. The salt, that is, 1-(4-ethoxy-3-methoxybenzyl)-1,10-phenanthrolin-1-ium bromide, was prepared using vanillin as the starting material in four simple synthetic steps. First, the alkylation of vanillin using diethyl sulfate produced 4-ethoxy-3-methoxybenzaldehyde in 79% yield. Second, the reduction of the protected vanillin by NaBH₄ through the grinding method allowed us to obtain 4-ethoxy-3-methoxybenzyl alcohol in 96% yield. Next, the bromination of the benzyl alcohol under solvent-free condition led to the formation of the corresponding benzyl bromide, which in turn underwent bimolecular nucleophilic substitution with 1,10-phenanthroline to produce the desired …

Use Of A Zebrafish Model To Identify Anticonvulsant Properties Of Cannabinoid And Terpenoid Extracts And Mixtures, Courtney Murr

LSU Master's Theses

Epilepsy is a complex group of neurological disorders affecting approximately 65 million people worldwide. Animal models reveal the activation of cannabinoid receptor 1 and cannabinoid receptor 2 reduces the severity of seizures associated with epilepsy. Trials of phytocannabinoids in mammals demonstrate their efficacy of reducing the severity of epileptic seizures. Numerous terpenoid compounds are present in Cannabis plants but most have yet to be clinically investigated. The goal of this research was to use zebrafish (Danio rerio) to identify the potential anticonvulsive properties of phytocannabinoid and terpenoid compounds. During acute cannabinoid exposures, 7-days-post-fertilization (7 dpf) zebrafish larvae were …

Synthesis Of 5-Membered Ring Heterocycles For Alzheimer’S Disease, Daniel Fajardo

Honors Scholars & Undergraduate Research Poster Symposium Programs

The progression of Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is correlated to the degenerative activation of muscarinic acetylcholine receptors (mAChR) located in the brain. They are a family of five G-protein coupled receptors, (M1-M5), linked to functions within the central and peripheral nervous system.1 More specifically, activation of M1 with positive allosteric modulators (PAM), have shown to bind to the allosteric pocket and slow the degenerative process of AD with minimal intrinsic effects.2 Structural motifs of potent PAM activity and weak agonism proposed a synthesis of an isooxazoline compound, incorporating a 1,3-dipolar cycloaddition. The core motif of the proposed isooxazoline structure has been …

Remotely Controlled Enzyme Behavior Using Localized Thermal Gradients, Sarah Brown

UNO Student Research and Creative Activity Fair

No existing model describes an identified special case of enzyme behavior when directly stimulated with thermal energy via an RF field.

The ability to remotely influence cellular functions and outcomes is a new approach to targeted medicine. Nano-medicine and biotechnology are the future of medical diagnostics and treatment. The ability to remotely influence cellular functions and outcomes is a new approach to targeted medicine. Direct heating of an enzyme vs bulk heating changes the enzyme activity.

I tested how direct transfer of thermal energy changes rates of enzyme reactions. We created samples of enzymes, attached to ferrous (magnetic) nano-particles, and …