BSc (Hons) Applied Pharmacology
Permanent URI for this collectionhttps://eresearch.qmu.ac.uk/handle/20.500.12289/7254
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Item 2D:4D Ratio and its relation to Aggression, Spatial Awareness and Competitiveness in individuals who play contact and non-contact sport.(2018)Background - The length of the second and fourth digits (2D:4D) has been suggested as a marker for the prenatal androgen exposure. Relatively longer fourth finger indicates a higher prenatal androgen exposure of testosterone, a sexually dimorphic trait, which in turn gives a smaller 2D:4D ratio. Aggression, Spatial Awareness and competitiveness are associated with high levels of testosterone, therefore it is hypothesised that a relationship would occur between a low digit ratio and high levels of aggression, spatial awareness and competitiveness in a population involved in contact sports. Methods – A total of 40 QMU students who regularly participated in contact and non-contact sports were used (contact n=20, non-contact=20) in the study. All students had the second and fourth digit measured using digital calipers on each hand, and the 2D:4D ratio was calculated. Participants completed the Buss and Perry Aggression Questionnaire, which measured the individuals aggression scores. The Santa Barbara Solids Test, which measured the spatial awareness score, and a Competitiveness Questionnaire, measuring the individuals competitiveness percentage. Data was recorded on Microsoft Excel and further analysed using SPSS. Results – The study revealed that there was no statistical significance with any of the groups, however there were several trends indicating that those who participated in contact sports were more competitive than their counterparts who participated in non-contact sports. It was also noted that those who participated in non-contact sports were found to be more spatially aware, and more competitive than those involved in contact sports. Discussion – The results support the use of 2D:4D ratio as a biomarker for prenatal androgen exposure, in particular highlighting those with lower 2D:4D ratio have higher aggression levels. Although the results were not statistically significant, it does reveal a small correlation between low 2D:4D ratio and aggression. Key Words – 2D:4D ratio; Buss and Perry Questionnaire; Santa Barbara Solids Test; Competitiveness Questionnaire; Aggression; Spatial Awareness; CompetitivenessItem A Comparison of Drug Knowledge between Upper Primary and Lower Secondary School Pupils in Scotland.(Queen Margaret University, 2016)Drug abuse is fast developing into a global epidemic costing governments' billions annually. In Europe alone, it is estimated that for every drug induced death, there are twenty to twenty-five non-fatal overdose cases still contributing to the overall morbidity (UNODC 2014). Scotland specifically has been viewed as having the highest population of people using illegal drugs (EMCDDA 2012). The problem is exponentially growing among adolescents and hence measures have to be put into place to tackle the issue. One such method as to how this problem can be solved is through providing adequate education to adolescents on the topic. This study was carried out to compare levels of knowledge primary and secondary school pupils in Scotland have on the use and abuse of drugs, the key objective being to determine whether drug education should be given at a younger age in order to prevent abuse later in life. A self-designed questionnaire was developed to compare this knowledge and distributed to seven schools throughout the country where a total of 246 responses were obtained. The key findings showed that secondary participants scored higher in knowledge-based questions, 24.4% scored full marks in one question compared to 9.4% of primary respondents (p = 0.001). However, they have more alarming perceptions on drugs such as split numbers on whether marijuana was dangerous with 63.7% thinking it was compared with 92.5% of primary respondents perceiving the drug as a potential danger (p = 0.001). The majority of both groups could also not identify that certain illicit drugs are used in some aspects of medicine. An interesting discovery within the study was that the younger primary school participants felt they did not receive enough education (58.5% of respondents), which highlights the need for drug education to be given at a younger age. Many organisations believe that providing adequate levels of information on drugs and how they impact on life will reduce this epidemic (The United Kingdom Focal Point on Drugs 2014; Popescu 2015; NIDA 2016). Findings from this study would support this idea, as it is clear that in Scotland those in secondary school are receiving more thorough drug education in comparison to those in primary school. However, the problem of drug abuse in adolescents is still persistent therefore more drug education needs to be delivered to primary school children as the younger it is given, the less likely they will be to abuse later in life (Guo et al. 2014). As well as this, secondary school pupils should also obtain a more wide-ranged drug education programme aimed at problems which are specific to their generation such as the abuse of marijuana. Keywords: drug knowledge, drug education, adolescents, ScotlandItem An Investigation of the Relationship between 2D:4D and Respiratory Function Parameters.(Queen Margaret University, 2017)Sex hormones play a key role in the development and maturation of the human body. From functional tissue to anthropometrics, sex hormones and the activation of their receptors are crucial in the development of a foetus into the adult they will eventually become. In utero sex hormones mediate the development of many aspects of a growing body including functional tissue, making them crucial determinants of adult health. Throughout adult life, the activation of sex hormone receptors within functional tissue also attenuates the efficacy with which that tissue performs its functions, giving sex hormones an even more crucial role when determining health. The effects of sex hormones have proven to be especially keen in determining pulmonary health, this has been found to be primarily due to the influence that sex hormones have in determining lung morphogenesis in utero, and determining alveolar quality, and pulmonary smooth muscle elasticity throughout adulthood. The importance of sex hormones has inspired researchers to investigate the links between those hormones and pulmonary health - an area which has proven to be complex and layered beyond what had initially been believed. Owing to the complexity of the issues surrounding the influence of sex hormones on health, researchers turned to investigating the potential of other sex-hormone mediated aspects of development such as anthropometric measurements, as indicators of the effect that sex hormones have had on an individual's health and development. Investigating the links between digit ratio and pulmonary function, this study found that digit ratio can be used to determine the difference between individuals predicted respiratory function parameters and their measured parameters. (Male, FEV1/FVC variance, P = 0.005, R = 0.156; Female, FEV1/FVC variance, P = 0.04, R = 0.044; All, FEV1/FVC variance, P = 0.002, R = 0.03). Throughout the course of this research we consider our findings in the wider scope of research into the effect of sex hormones on adult health, while considering other factors which may be important and therefore conclude that while the links detected between anthropometric measurements and pulmonary function are strong owing to the influence of sex hormones, there are other elements of pulmonary health which ought to be considered before findings in this field of study can translate into clinical practice. Keywords: 2D:4D, sex hormones, respiratory function, development, lungItem An Investigation of the Relationship Between 2D:4D Ratio and Respiratory Function Parameters.(Queen Margaret University, 2017)Background: 2D:4D digit ratio is used as a biomarker for exposure to prenatal sex hormone exposure and is a sexually dimorphic trait, with males having a lower 2D:4D ratio than females. Sex hormones have been shown to play a significant role in physiological processes including lung development and maturation, proposing that there is a direct link between prenatal sex hormone exposure and lung physiology. The hypothesis is therefore that digit ratio may be related to lung function. Objectives: To investigate if a significant correlation exists between 2D:4D ratio and pulmonary function of QMU students and to determine if the relationship provides evidence for 2D:4D ratio to be a clinical indicator of lung function. Methods: Forty-two healthy individuals with no cardiovascular or respiratory conditions including current infections participated. Individuals second and fourth digits of the right hand were measured using digital calipers. Height was measured using a stadiometer. Lung function tests were carried out on a Vitalograph Alpha. Age, ethnicity and smoking status/number of cigarettes smoked per day were also taken from each participant. Student's paired and independent t-tests were used for analysis of results along with Pearson's Linear correlation using Excel 2016. Results: The average age of all 40 participants was 22 years. No significance in age existed between genders. Mean 2D:4D ratio was lower in males compared to females (0.99 + 0.04 vs. 1.00 + 0.03). Males were significantly taller than women (178.87 +6.6 vs. 164.84 +7.1, p < 0.001). The actual LFT values for the total population were significantly lower than predicted for all parameters. Males had significantly higher VC, FVC and FEV1 actual results compared to females. No significant correlations were observed between 2D:4D and LF for any cohort. Significant strong positive correlations were observed between the predicted and actual values for VC, FVC and FEV1 in all, male and female cohorts. Significant strong and very strong positive correlations were observed between height and actual LFT values of the total population (VC: r= 0.796; FVC: r= 0.823; FEV1: r= 0.809). Conclusion: Results from this study demonstrated no significant correlation between 2D:4D ratio and lung function however males had lower 2D:4D than females, consistent with pervious findings. There were significances between predicted and actual LFT values. Height also correlated significantly with lung function and this provides evidence that with further research, 2D:4D ratio could be used as a non-invasive biomarker of pulmonary function and a better understanding of the roles of prenatal sex hormone exposure in both lung function and digit formation could be established. Key Words: 2D:4D, digit ratio, sex hormones, pulmonary function, lung function testItem ANALYSIS OF ANTIOXIDANT AND CAFFEINE IN COMMERCIALLY AVAILABLE GREEN, BLACK AND WHITE TEAS.(Queen Margaret University, 2017)Tea consumption has been a significant part of human tradition for centuries. Increased publicity of the health benefits of tea have increased the demand of certain teas due to the health benefits associated with them. Commercial tea is produced from the C. sinesis plant. An ever-green shrub, believed to have originated from South East Asia. Research has been conducted on the optimal brewing methods for tea and the antioxidant capacity. However, there is a scarcity of research comparing the caffeine and antioxidant content. Caffeine and antioxidant content of commercially available tea brands were analysed using HPLC and FRAP assays. Statistical analysis was conducted using two-way ANOVA, followed by Tukey's HSD test for further analysis. A p value>0.05 was considered significant. Black tea recorded the highest HPLC values for caffeine 57.0±11.97mg/ml. While green tea recorded FRAP values Mm/100ml. However, black tea had the highest antioxidant capacity overall. In conclusion, green tea was considered to have the most health benefits of the tea types tested with consideration of caffeine and antioxidant content. Green tea competed favorably with black tea in antioxidant content. While maintaining moderate caffeine content.Item Analysis of the Mineral Content of Venison and Beef and Assessing Consumer Taste preferences(Queen Margaret University, 2015)Background: Evidence over the last few decades' shows obesity has been gradually increasing world wide. The importance of a healthy diet low in fat with an emphasis on exercise has been highlighted to individuals to combat this disease. To achieve a healthier diet swapping some foods for healthier alternatives have been recommended usually on the grounds of the diets fat content. Another health issues affecting the world population is mineral deficiencies e.g. Iron deficiency. When swapping foods for healthier alternatives choosing foods that are rich in minerals could decrease the incidence of mineral deficiencies. Venison has long been thought of as a niche product and not as popular as other red meats. Evidence has shown venison to be a leaner red meat due to its lower fat content compared to others such as beef. This study will investigate if people like the taste of venison and how does venison's mineral content compare to beef. This will ascertain if venison can be considered a viable option for people to swap over too. Objective: To investigate the mineral content of venison and beef to ascertain if swapping to venison from beef is a healthier option, while assessing consumer taste preferences. Methods: A consumer taste preference pilot study was carried out first. The main consumer taste preference study used the single blind randomised control tasting method using 21 subjects that recorded their results on a sensory questionnaire. The mineral content of venison raw (N=3), cooked (N=3) and beef raw (N=3) and cooked (N=3) were calculated by reducing samples to ash via ashing oven, and then using an Inductively Coupled Plasma Emission Spectroscopy (ICPE). Results: The most important attributes when buying meat were overall liking, flavour intensity and nutritional content. The flavour intensity attribute of venison over beef was preferred P= 0.01. The Overall liking attribute of venison over beef was preferred with P=0.008. 71% of subjects would choose venison over beef. Raw venison vs raw beef had a significant difference in Iron P=.038, Potassium P=.027 and Sodium P=.001. Cooked venison vs cooked beef had significant difference in potassium P=.025 and sodium P=.014. No significant difference was found in iron. Raw beef vs cooked beef had significant difference in potassium P=0.001. The sodium to potassium ratio in venison was 16.82% that was higher than the beef sodium to potassium at 4.98%. Conclusion: There were a significant difference in Iron, Potassium, and Sodium in raw venison vs raw beef although iron lost its significance in the cooked meat category. Iron is an important mineral for the human body especially in those who are iron deficient. Venison is a good source of Iron just not significantly high enough to justify swapping from beef to it. The higher concentration of potassium and sodium in venison doesn't necessarily equate to health benefits as too little or too much of these minerals can cause health problems. The study population enjoyed the venison making it a viable meat option however the health benefits would come from its lesser fat content that previous studies have found. Further research could provide useful with different cooking methods but initially this study suggests no health benefits by way of its mineral contents to justify swapping beef for venison. Keywords: venison, beef, minerals, iron, potassium, sodium,Item Antimicrobial Properties of Honey(Queen Margaret University, 2016)Background: Many countries and cultures worldwide use honey as a medicinal remedy to treat a variety of burns and wound infections. Over the years, research has provided evidence of the increasing antimicrobial properties exerted from specific honeys. A number of factors such as pH, colour, polyphenol and antioxidant levels, % sugar content and H2O2 content are all believed to contribute to these antimicrobial properties, as well as the floral and geographical origins of the honey. As such, the most widely researched honey, Manuka honey, has been highlighted as a prime example of a honey that exerts powerful antimicrobial properties in inhibiting the growth of infectious bacteria. Aims and Objectives: In the present study, the aim was to investigate he antimicrobial properties of a selection of honeys against wound infecting bacteria Staphylococcus aureus. The biochemical composition would also be investigated alongside the antibacterial properties of honey in combination with antibiotics. Finally, the antibacterial properties of a recently discovered diacid isolate from honey would also be explored. Methods: The antimicrobial properties of the honeys were investigated after 24 and 48 hours incubation through the use of a serial broth dilution assay. Viable counts were then made. The compositional analysis of honey was carried out using the appropriate measures - pH strips for pH, Ciocalteau and Folin method for polyphenol content, FRAP assay for antioxidant capacity and Refractometer for sugar content. A qualitative analysis was carried out for the levels of H2O2 produced. Results: Initial screening identified Chestnut and Kashmir honey as the most antimicrobial out of the six samples tested. Manuka honey remained in the study as a positive control. Significant reduction in bacteria growth was observed with the three honeys after both 24 and 48 hours incubation (P<0.0001) compared to a TSB growth control. Chestnut honey was identified as the strongest honey out of the three and it was included in further investigation compared to a negative sugar control. After 24 hours and 48 hours incubation, Chestnut honey caused significant decrease in bacteria growth compared to the sugar control (P<0.05). Conclusion: Many factors contribute to the antimicrobial properties of honey and the importance of all factors has been indicated throughout this study. A synergistic relationship is suggested between honey and antibiotics and the inhibitory action of the diacid isolate is also apparent. Further investigation can be carried out on different honeys against different strains of bacteria. The opportunity for further investigation into the action of antibiotics with honey and the action of the diacid isolate is also open. Keywords: Honey, bacteria, antioxidants, polyphenols, antimicrobial, growth inhibition.Item Antimicrobial properties of honey and mode of action.(Queen Margaret University, 2017)Antimicrobial-resistant strains of bacteria are becoming increasingly prevalent. As Manuka honey is recognised as an alternative to antibiotic therapy for treating infections of wounds, it is important to assess other honey samples for their antimicrobial activity. It is also important to understand their mechanisms of action, and determine the components of honey that most significantly contribute to overall antimicrobial effectiveness. Identification of these factors may aid the design of standardised medical honeys. This study has demonstrated the antimicrobial effectiveness of a Scottish Heather honey, Manuka honey, and Carob honey at 75% concentration for inhibiting the growth of two wound-infecting strains of bacteria, Staphylococcus aureus and Pseudomonas aeruginosa. All honeys significantly inhibited the growth of bacteria compared to growth control of each culture (p < 0.05). Manuka honey was the most effective at inhibiting Staphylococcus aureus and Carob honey was the most effective at inhibiting Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Compositional analysis of these honeys has allowed for comparison of antimicrobial effectiveness to known antimicrobial factors, such as total phenolic content, pH, and sugar content. This study has also demonstrated that Staphylococcus aureus cells are significantly more sensitive to osmotic shock following culture in a sub-inhibitory dose of honey (p < 0.05), potentially showing cell wall damage as a mechanism of antimicrobial action of honey against this bacterium. Finally, this study has provided evidence that azelaic acid is an important contributor to the overall antimicrobial effectiveness of honey, by showing that the addition of a sub-lethal dose of azelaic acid significantly enhances the antimicrobial effectiveness of honey to a degree that is greater than either azelaic acid or honey alone (p < 0.05). This shows that azelaic acid should be considered for application in the production of standardised medical honeys. Keywords: honey; antimicrobial; osmotic shock; azelaic acidItem Item The Effect of Different Music Genres on Cognitive Performance.(2018)Background: An area of interest for many researchers has been the associations between music and cognitive performance. Research has indicated that music has an enhancing effect on cognitive function. Many of these investigations have been based upon the “Mozart Effect”, which claims that listening to classical music can enhance learning abilities in comparison to silence. However, while previous research has only broadly investigated the effects of music, what studies lack are the effect of different music genres on cognitive performance. Aims: The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of music individuals prefer the most versus the least, and determine whether this enhances or diminishes their capabilities to perform in simple cognitive function tasks after listening to a short period of music. Design: 40 participants were recruited to perform simple cognitive function tasks in three separate interventions: no music, liked music, disliked music. Blood pressure was measured before and after each testing session. After each intervention participants were tested using a Stroop and Corsi test. Thereafter statistical analysis was carried out on the data. Results: Results found that there was a significant difference between music intervention groups (liked music/disliked music) and baseline between Stroop Test Errors and Time (p<0.05). No significance was established between music intervention groups and baseline in the Corsi Block Test scores (p>0.05). Correlations were established between the test scores and age, caffeine intake and playing a musical instrument. Conclusion: The results obtained indicate that music has an enhancing effect on executive function in comparison to baseline (Stroop Test). However, music did not have an impact on visuospatial memory (Corsi Block Test). This could be due to the limited number of older adults in the study. Future studies should look at implementing a similar study design in older adults and patients showing signs of mild cognitive impairment. Key Words: Cognitive function, Memory, Music Listening, Stroop Test, Corsi Test, Blood PressureItem Effect of L-tryptophan Supplementation on Mood, Cognitive Function and Sleep in Relation to Dietary Protein Intake. A randomized double blinded placebo control study.(Queen Margaret University, 2017)Background: The essential amino acid L-tryptophan is the sole precursor molecule for the monoamine neurotransmitter serotonin. Due to the role serotonin plays in regulating mood, cognition and sleep dietary supplementation of L-tryptophan has been explored in scientific literature. Evidence suggests that it may have a beneficial role in conditions were serotonin dysfunction Is present, such as major depressive disorder however evidence is for its use in healthy individuals has shown mixed results. This may be due to the fact that L-tryptophan transport across the blood brain barrier is dependent on a shared carrier with other large neutral amino acids. Objectives: The aim of the study was to assess how L-tryptophan supplementation in healthy individuals at a practical dose would affect mood, sleep quality and cognitive function. The secondary objective was to reveal if there was any correlation with dietary intake and any significant changes to the primary outcome measures. Method: This study preformed a randomised double blind placebo controlled study in healthy student volunteers (n=10). Cycles of 800mg tryptophan and 2g placebo were administered for 6 days in total, with a washout of 2 days in between each cycle. At the beginning of the study and following each intervention week, participants were subjected to a series of tests to assess cognition, mood and sleep quality. Stoop and reverse digit span tests were used to asses cognition, a Profile of State Questionnaire was use to assess mood, and the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index was used to determine quality of sleep. A 4 day diet diary was used to analyse the diet of the participants. Analysis of variance tests with pos-hoc analysis was used to find any changes in these measurements at baseline, following placebo and following tryptophan. A Pearson's correlation was used to test for any correlations between significant findings and protein intake. Results: Results found that there was a significant change (p≤0.05) in POMS scores for anger when baseline measurements were compared to tryptophan and placebo results. A Significant result was also found in reverse digit span test (p≤0.05) where placebo was found to decrease response time when compared to baseline. A Pearson's correlation was only found between protein intake and anger scores at baseline. Conclusion: The results obtained did not suggest tryptophan produces any significant improvement in mood, sleep or cognition when compared to a placebo. This could be due to limitations in the design of the study such as, low sample size and insufficient follow up in dietary analysis. It could also be as a result of inaccuracies in the personally subjective nature of the tests used. Future studies should therefore look to improve study design, and measure both subjective measurements for mood and cognition, along with biomarkers which show the underlying effects supplementation mayor may not have within the brain Key Words: L-tryptophan, Supplementation, Cognition, Mood, Sleep, Diet,Item Effect of Menoforce® on cognitive function and cardiovascular risk factors(2018)Background: Accumulating evidence suggests a strong correlation between members of the sage family and cognitive function, showing memory enhancing effects, which have led to the use of it being explored as a potential treatment for Alzheimer’s disease. Moreover, sage has been linked to have had antioxidant effects on cardiovascular risk factors, consequently improving blood pressure (BP). However, studies which have investigated the effects of sage on cognitive function are limited to know if sage has protracted effects. Aims/Objectives: The purpose of this study was to determine the effect of Menoforce® - (51mg sage) on cognitive function in healthy 18-60 year olds, with the use of the following cognitive/memory tests carried out on PEBL; Corsi block; Digital memory span; Staircase memory span. The study also looked at the effects of antioxidant content on cardiovascular parameters. Anthropometry measurements were taken; BP; HR; Height and weight. Methods: A single unblinded study In which eleven participants were recruited (aged 18-60) all of which were given a course of sage tablets (Menoforce 51g tablets) to take one tablet daily for 7 days. Cognitive function was assessed using three memory tests using the software PEBL, assessing a range of memory functions at baseline, acute and chronic stages (baseline = day 0, acute = day 2, chronic = day 8). Anthropometry measurements of height and weight were taken at baseline, whilst BP and HR were measured at all three stages. These results were statistically analysed to find significant results with a P. value of <0.05. Results: Menoforce® showed a significant difference in memory span and the total number of correct trials for the Corsi block test (p<0.05). The one-way ANOVA also showed significant results in memory span for the Dspan test for acute and chronic treatment (p<0.05), as well as a significant result in the total correct trials between baseline and day 2 (p<0.05). The Mspan test revealed a significant difference in only correct trials between baseline to day 2, and between baseline to day 8 (p<0.05). There was a decline in systolic blood pressure giving significant results from 114±17 mmHg at baseline to 111±12 mmHg at day 8 (p=<0.05). There was no significance seen in DBP or HR throughout the study. Conclusion: The findings of this study shows that seven-day supplementation of 51mg menoforce® has the potential to improve cognitive function, however longer trials are needed to see the long-term effects. Keywords: Menoforce®, Sage, cognitive function, blood pressure, antioxidants, cardiovascular disease