Digital Commons Network^™

Enhancing Inclusivity In Sports: A Focus On Adaptive Synergy For Disabled Athletes, Lawrence W. Judge, Matt Moore, Aidan Biddle, Adam Smith, Donald L. Hoover

International Journal of Exercise Science

International Journal of Exercise Science 18(1): 470-494, 2025. Sport science serves many crucial functions in facilitating improvements in human performance, including advancing inclusivity. This may be realized through the conceptual framework of Adaptive Synergy, which integrates Adapted Physical Activity for athletes with physical disabilities while simultaneously optimizing athletic performance for all individuals. This paper introduces the Adaptive Synergy conceptual framework to sport science, applying this cross-disciplinary concept to biomechanics, exercise physiology, sport psychology, and neuroscience to more specific application of adaptive techniques and methods, which are essential to improving both accessibility and innovation in sports. Key areas of focus include …

Multicomponent Parenteral Lipid Emulsions Do Not Prevent Liver Injury In Neonatal Pigs With Obstructive Cholestasis, Greg Guthrie, Caitlin Vonderohe, Valeria Meléndez Hebib, Barbara Stoll, Douglas Burrin

Children’s Nutrition Research Center Staff Publications

Biliary atresia (BA) is a pediatric liver disease that often necessitates parenteral nutrition (PN) to support growth due to impaired liver function. While soy-based lipid emulsions (SLE) are commonly used in PN, they may contribute to cholestatic liver injury. In contrast, mixed lipid emulsions (MLE) show promise in preventing cholestasis in infants without BA, potentially by restoring bile flow. However, their effectiveness in patients of complete bile duct obstruction, as seen in BA, remains uncertain. To explore the potential benefits of MLE in BA, we utilized a neonatal pig model of bile duct ligation (BDL). Pigs underwent either BDL or …

Effects Of Fibrogenic And Non Fibrogenic Nanomaterials On Cellular And Molecular Responses In Thp-1 Macrophage, Adedayo E. Oyerinde

Biotechnology Theses

Traditional toxicological testing of nanomaterials is often low-throughput and time-consuming. Here, we aimed to develop an economically viable in vitro assay to prescreen nanomaterials with fibrogenic potential. To this end, we tested the generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) as well as cytokines (pro- and anti-inflammatory) by macrophages following treatment with fibrogenic and non-fibrogenic nanomaterials. Both classes of nanomaterials induced ROS indistinguishably, suggesting that ROS production doesn’t predict nanomaterial fibrogenicity. We observed higher levels of IL1β and IL6 in macrophages treated with fibrogenic nanomaterials. Analysis of single-cell RNA-Sequencing data of fibrotic lungs from rodents and humans revealed overexpression of Brain …

The Joint Association Of Diet Quality And Sleep Regularity With Incident Cardiovascular Disease In The Multi-Ethnic Study Of Atherosclerosis, Kaitlin S Potts, Claire Veldkamp, Alexis C Wood, Erin D Michos, Raymond Noordam, Tianyi Huang, Susan Redline, Heming Wang

Children’s Nutrition Research Center Staff Publications

Background/objectives: Diet quality and sleep regularity both influence cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk and may influence each other, but there is scarce evidence for their joint or interacting associations in relation to CVD. We assessed these associations in the Multi-Ethnic Study of Atherosclerosis (MESA).

Methods: Participants free of CVD with valid diet and sleep measures in 2010-2013 were included and followed through 2020 for detection of incident CVD (188 events detected over 8.8 years among 1782 participants; 55% women). Sleep timing and duration regularity were assessed via the intra-individual SD of sleep onset time and duration across 5- to 7-day actigraphy. …

Understanding Host-Pathogen Interactions Using The Caenorhabditis Elegans – Orsay Virus Experimental Model, Chika Fujii

Arts & Sciences Graduate Student Theses and Dissertations

Over an evolutionary timeline, viruses have evolved ways to exploit biochemical pathways of the host for their propagation, whereas host organisms developed mechanisms to recognize virus infection and cope with them. Consequently, a better understanding of the different host factors involved in virus replication could provide insights into potential biological pathways or molecules for therapeutic targeting. Furthermore, detailed dissection of the mechanisms of virus sensing could reveal fundamentally important aspects of virus sensing that are evolutionarily conserved to mammals and offer insights into potentially underexplored areas of research. The C. elegans experimental model offers a useful platform for studying evolutionarily …

It Is Not Clear How Well Physical Activity Promotion Materials Are Understood: Findings From A Rapid Literature Review, Jafra D. Thomas, Jasmine C. Wong, Regina F. Hockert, Yi Sheng Wu, Winston Kennedy

Topics in Exercise Science and Kinesiology

Topics in Exercise Science and Kinesiology Volume 6: Issue 1, Article 6, 2025. Efforts to promote physical activity and other health-related behaviors are more effective when resource materials are understood by a wide and diverse audience. Before our lab’s previous investigations (Thomas et al., 2024), only one study seemed to use the cloze procedure to directly test the comprehension (i.e., readability) of physical activity promotion material (Cardinal & Seidler, 1995). Thus, this rapid literature review sought to (a) determine the extent the cloze procedure has been used to study physical activity promotion material comprehension in lay adults and (b) collate …

Poverty In Association To Academic Achievement In Children, Sara Tolley

Family Perspectives

This paper explores the impact of poverty on academic achievement in children. It begins by outlining the general effects of poverty before delving into its specific consequences for educational outcomes. Findings indicate that poverty significantly affects self-esteem and family relationships, which, in turn, contribute to lower academic performance among children. Additionally, the paper proposes underlying causes for these outcomes and potential interventions. These insights are supported by a diverse range of data, highlighting the urgent need to address this critical issue.

The Relationship Between Immigration And Academic Achievement In Hispanic Children, Jasmine Selph

Family Perspectives

This literature review explores the relationship between immigration and academic achievement among Hispanic immigrant children in the United States, focusing on the impacts of immigration trauma and poverty. With immigration levels reaching record highs, Hispanic immigrant children face unique challenges that significantly influence their educational outcomes. Research highlights the profound effects of immigration trauma, including familial separation, violence, and insecurity, which manifest in physical, emotional, and cognitive difficulties that hinder academic performance. Additionally, poverty compounds these challenges, creating barriers to educational success through limited resources, language acquisition difficulties, and intergenerational cycles of disadvantage. The review also examines the roles of …

Exposure To Second-Hand Smoke In Homes And Respiratory Symptoms Among Non-Smoking Adults In Depok, Indonesia 2025, Faraz Ali, Budi Hartono

Journal of Indonesian Health Policy and Administration

Second-hand smoke (SHS) exposure in the home environment has become a public health emergency, especially in countries with very high smoking rates, such as Indonesia. SHS exposure has already presented evidence of symptoms of the respiratory category, like a cough and shortness of breath. This study aimed to assess the association between exposure to SHS at home and the presence of respiratory symptoms among non-smoking adults in Depok, Indonesia. Convenience sampling was adopted for enrolling 108 non-smoking adults aged 18-30 who were jointly exposed to SHS in their homes for a cross-sectional study. Data aggregations of gatherings were performed using …

Global Dna Methylation Differences Involving Germline Structural Variation Impact Gene Expression In Pediatric Brain Tumors, Fengju Chen, Yiqun Zhang, Wei Li, Fritz J Sedlazeck, Lanlan Shen, Chad J Creighton

Children’s Nutrition Research Center Staff Publications

The extent of genetic variation and its influence on gene expression across multiple tissue and cellular contexts is still being characterized, with germline Structural Variants (SVs) being historically understudied. DNA methylation also represents a component of normal germline variation across individuals. Here, we combine germline SVs (by short-read sequencing) with tumor DNA methylation across 1292 pediatric brain tumor patients. For thousands of methylation probes for CpG Islands (CGIs) or enhancers, rare and common SV breakpoints upstream or downstream associate with differential methylation in tumors spanning various histologic types, a significant subset involving genes with SV-associated differential expression. Cancer predisposition genes …

Genome-Wide Association Study For Ashy Stem Blight Resistance In Usda Common Bean Germplasm, Ainong Shi, Deigo M. Viteri, Angela M. Linares-Ramirez, Haizheng Xiong, Senyu Chen

Horticulture Faculty Publications and Presentations

Ashy stem blight (ASB), caused by the fungus Macrophomina phaseolina (Tassi) Goidanich, poses a significant threat to common bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) cultivation worldwide. Due to the limited effectiveness of fungicides against ASB, the development of genetically resistant cultivars offers an eco-friendly and sustainable management strategy. This study aimed to accelerate genetic improvement in common bean by integrating molecular breeding tools with conventional breeding approaches to enhance ASB resistance. A total of 335 common bean germplasm accessions from the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) Germplasm Resources Information Network (GRIN) collection were evaluated for their response to the PRI21 M. …

In Vivo Crispr Activation Screen Identifies Acyl-Coa-Binding Protein As A Driver Of Bone Metastasis, Hongqi Teng, Qinglei Hang, Caishang Zheng, Yuelong Yan, Shaomin Liu, Yang Zhao, Yalan Deng, Litong Nie, Weiche Wu, Marisela Sheldon, Zachary Yu, Wei Shi, Jianxuan Gao, Chenling Meng, Consuelo Martinez, Jie Zhang, Fan Yao, Yutong Sun, Di Zhao, Boyi Gan, Tong Meng, Li Ma

Faculty, Staff and Student Publications

One of the most common sites of cancer metastasis is to the bone. Bone metastasis is associated with substantial morbidity and mortality, and current therapeutic interventions remain largely palliative. Metastasizing tumor cells need to reprogram their metabolic states to adapt to the nutrient environment of distant organs; however, the role and translational relevance of lipid metabolism in bone metastasis remain unclear. Here, we used an in vivo CRISPR activation screening system coupled with positive selection to identify acyl-coenzyme A (CoA) binding protein (ACBP) as a bone metastasis driver. In nonmetastatic and weakly metastatic cancer cells, overexpression of wild-type ACBP, but …

Informatics Hygiene To Support Reuse Of Routinely Collected Health Care Data For Evidence-Based Practice, Elmer V Bernstam, Alejandro Araya, Matthew Decaro, Todd R Johnson

Faculty, Staff and Student Publications

No abstract provided.

Histone Methyltransferase Ash1l Primes Metastases And Metabolic Reprogramming Of Macrophages In The Bone Niche, Chenling Meng, Kevin Lin, Wei Shi, Hongqi Teng, Xinhai Wan, Anna Debruine, Yin Wang, Xin Liang, Javier Leo, Feiyu Chen, Qianlin Gu, Jie Zhang, Vivien Van, Kiersten L Maldonado, Boyi Gan, Li Ma, Yue Lu, Di Zhao

Faculty, Staff and Student Publications

Bone metastasis is a major cause of cancer death; however, the epigenetic determinants driving this process remain elusive. Here, we report that histone methyltransferase ASH1L is genetically amplified and is required for bone metastasis in men with prostate cancer. ASH1L rewires histone methylations and cooperates with HIF-1α to induce pro-metastatic transcriptome in invading cancer cells, resulting in monocyte differentiation into lipid-associated macrophage (LA-TAM) and enhancing their pro-tumoral phenotype in the metastatic bone niche. We identified IGF-2 as a direct target of ASH1L/HIF-1α and mediates LA-TAMs' differentiation and phenotypic changes by reprogramming oxidative phosphorylation. Pharmacologic inhibition of the ASH1L-HIF-1α-macrophages axis elicits …

Molecular Phylogeny And Population Structure Of Eurygaster Integriceps (Hemiptera: Scutelleridae) In The Southeastern Anatolia Region Of Türkiye, Mehmet Sali̇h Özgökçe, Merve Doğaç, Hi̇lmi̇ Kara

Turkish Journal of Zoology

The aim of this study was to determine the identity and distribution of the sunn pest Eurygaster spp. and to quantify the population density in wheat fields across Southeastern Anatolia, Türkiye. A total of 309 samples were collected from 76 fields in 54 districts across all provinces within the study region, where wheat production is intensive. A combination of morphological and molecular techniques was employed to identify the collected specimens. Morphological identification was based on male genitalia, and PCR amplification of the COI mitochondrial gene region was used for DNA barcoding. Both morphological and molecular analyses confirmed that all collected …

Protein Composition Of The Foam Nest Of Rhacophorus Reinwardtii (Schlegel, 1840) (Anura: Rhacophoridae), With Notes On Breeding Sites Characteristics And Biomedical Applications, Muhammad Asyraf Rijalullah, Nia Kurniawan, Nia Kurnianingsih

Turkish Journal of Zoology

Rhacophorus reinwardtii is endemic to Java Island and is currently experiencing a population decline. Therefore, the sustainability of its offspring is important to prevent species extinction. Foam nest as a biosurfactant structure plays a crucial role as egg protection through major protein components function. However, studies on the functional proteins of rhacophoridae foam nests are limited. Thus, this study aims to uncover the protein-specific components and functions of the R. reinwardtii foam nest. Additionally, the characteristics of breeding sites, including abiotic factors, were also assessed. Total protein concentration of the R. reinwardtii foam nest was determined to be 747.7 μg/mL …

Engineering Hiv-1 Env Protein To Elucidate In Situ Structural Dynamics Of Env, Narendra Kumar Gonepudi

Biotechnology Theses

The HIV-1 Envelope (Env) glycoprotein trimers undergo structural changes upon interacting with host receptor CD4 and coreceptors (CCR5/CXCR4) for virus entry. As the only surface-exposed viral protein, Env is a key antibody target but evades recognition through structural changes. Studying Env dynamics with respect to the coreceptor binding region (V3 loop) provides insights into virus entry and immune evasion. Fluorescence labeling via genetic code expansion (amber–TAG suppression) offers a minimally invasive approach for fluorescence microscope-based Env dynamics studies. Here, two V3-related dual-amber Env constructs (A135_TAG-P308_TAG, P308_TAG-E395_TAG) were generated by incorporating two non-canonical …

Myocardin Effector Proteins Affect Tgf-Beta-Induced Myofibroblast Differentiation In Ipf Cells, Allison Gonzalez

Biotechnology Theses

Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) is an incurable interstitial lung disease defined by the progressive, irreversible scarring of the tissues between the lung’s alveoli. To date, only two drugs have received approval for treatment. However, these medications are not considered cures since they do not stop the progression of the disease. A deeper understanding of the mechanisms underlying IPF could aid in discovering a cure. We recently found that myocardin (MyoCD) regulates SMAD2/3 transcription factors in the TGF-β signaling pathway and governs the genes involved in pleural fibrosis. However, it is unclear whether MyoCD plays a critical role in IPF by …

Transcriptome Analysis Reveals Nutrient Deprivation Reduces Nitrate Content In Lettuce (Lactuca Sativa Var. Ramosa Hort.) And Enhances Nitrogen Metabolism, Yingying Zhang, Xuena Liu, Shikai La, Mingjiao Wang, Xu Hu, Ainoug Shi, Jinghuai Guo, Lingdi Dong

Horticulture Faculty Publications and Presentations

Introduction Excessive nitrate accumulation in leafy vegetables poses health risks and indicates inefficient nitrogen use in conventional agriculture. While nitrogen metabolism has been extensively studied, the molecular mechanisms linking nutrient deprivation to nitrate reduction in vegetables remain unclear. Methods In this study, we investigated these mechanisms in lettuce (Lactuca sativa var. ramosa Hort.) by analyzing nitrate content and gene expression in leaves and roots under nutrient deprivation. Results After five days of treatment, nitrate content decreased by 57.49% in leaves and 50.77% in roots. Transcriptome sequencing identified 323 and 3,494 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) in leaves and roots, respectively, with …

Development And Evaluation Of A Simple Human Body Link Model Considering The Degrees-Of-Freedom Of Shoulders, Mizuki Takeda, Yuki Saito, Kaiji Sato

Progress in Scale Modeling, an International Journal

Modeling of the human body is widely utilized in the field of human–robot interaction, warranting the development of a simple model to measure and recognize the human body movements. To this end, a two-dimensional (2D) human body link model in the sagittal plane has been used to represent the human body with rotating joints and links connecting these joints. The joint positions can be determined by using the coordinates of a limited number of points on the links and estimated using a few sensor outputs when the links are of constant length. However, models with constant link lengths may result …

Are We Ready For Ai-Augmented Generalists?, Jiajie Zhang

Faculty, Staff and Student Publications

Artificial Intelligence (AI) is reshaping medical practice and education by unifying the knowledge of medical specialties and subspecialties into a single, intelligent system. This system functions not only as an integrated knowledge base but also as an active cognitive collaborator. By bridging knowledge gaps beyond the capacity of any individual clinician, AI could enable physicians to function as AI-augmented generalists who can perform certain tasks that require specialist training. These generalists may help mitigate care fragmentation, but realizing their potential will require significant changes in medical education.

The Manifestation Of Synesthesia In The Deaf, Hard-Of-Hearing, And Sign Language User Population, Elizabeth Droubi

Undergraduate University Honors Capstones

This capstone project investigated the prevalence and manifestation of synesthesia—a perceptual condition where stimulation in one sensory pathway triggers automatic, involuntary experiences in another—within d/Deaf, hard-of-hearing (DHH), and sign language user populations. Despite an estimated prevalence of over 4% in the general population and findings that many synesthetic experiences are language-based, little is known about how synesthesia presents across different language modalities, including signed languages. This project explored the phenomenon in two phases: an initial online survey assessing the prevalence and characteristics of synesthesia among DHH and signing individuals and follow-up interviews with self-reported synesthetes along with a test-retest procedure …

Evaluation Of Broiler Performance And Processing Metrics Through Sodium Bisulfate Application To Litter And Varying Inclusions In Feed, Samantha Suzanne Plocher

Theses and Dissertations

Poultry producers must continuously evaluate current practices and determine new ones to further optimize broiler production. Sodium bisulfate (SB) is used as a poultry litter amendment (SBL), but also in human food to control pH; thus, initiating interest for SB in feed (SBF) for performance and gut health benefits. This thesis utilized common diets varying in SBF (Chapters II and III) and SBL (Chapter II; SBL1- d 0 and SBL2 – d 0 and 18) to optimize 40 d broiler performance, litter quality, and d 41 processing metrics. For Chapter II, d 0 SBL1 dramatically lowered litter pH, while minimally …

Reaching Tomorrow’S Extension Customer: A Food And Health Needs Assessment, Morgan Szczepaniak, Sarah L. Francis, Ruth Litchfield, Ulrike Genschel, Shannon Coleman, Anirudh Naig

Journal of Extension

The food and health needs and preferences of Iowans (n=452) were examined. The leading food and health information sources were online platforms, social media, and print media. Program topics with high participation likelihood were cooking, food preservation, food safety, and gardening. Short, low-cost, online programs were preferred. Extension use was more likely among those who identified as persons of color, Hispanic/Latino, or were food insecure (p < 0.030). Those with less education and chronic disease were less likely to be interested in Extension programming (p < 0.040). These results provide valuable information regarding future directions for Extension programming.

Expanding Anatomy Academy In The Las Vegas Metropolitan Area: A Service Learning Project To Improve Childhood Health Through Supplemental Educational Sessions, Alekzander Hall, Brandon Paige, Marlee Parkin, David Sanchez

UNLV Theses, Dissertations, Professional Papers, and Capstones

Childhood obesity is a growing epidemic in the United States, with approximately 18.5% of US children presenting with obesity. High levels of obesity are less common in higher income communities, but increasingly more prevalent in lower income communities. Currently in Clark County, Nevada, more specifically in lower socioeconomic communities and Title I schools within the Las Vegas area, there is an opportunity to educate students about the components of a healthier lifestyle to provide children with the tools to improve their health. Anatomy Academy (AA) is an eight-week health education program that was created to teach fourth and fifth grade …

A New Coralloid Arecoid Palm Root Mat From The Deccan Intertrappean Beds Of India And Its Significance, Sanchita Kumar, Robert Spicer, Mahasin Ali Khan

Turkish Journal of Botany

A new fossil-species of coralloid palm root mat under the organ genus Rhizopalmoxylon is reported from the latest Maastrichtian (Late Cretaceous) to earliest Danian (Early Palaeocene) sediments (c. 66–65Ma) of the Deccan Intertrappean Beds of Madhya Pradesh, Central India. The significant anatomical attributes, specifically an exodermis comprising 2–4 layered parenchymatous cells; a 5–8 layered homogeneous outer cortex, a highly lacunate inner cortex central diffuse layer of aerenchyma with well-developed radially elongated cells arranged in 2–4 rows, and a stele consisting of radial and exarch vascular bundles with proto and metaxylem strands reveal its close resemblance to root mats of extant …

Peripheral Neuroimmune Mechanisms Of Chronic Back Pain, Aleyah Esther Goins

Biomedical Sciences ETDs

Chronic back pain (CBP) affects 1 in 10 people worldwide, reducing mobility, productivity, and quality of life. Despite its prevalence, non-addictive treatments remain limited due to an incomplete understanding of chronic pain mechanisms. This dissertation examines peripheral neuroimmune interactions in CBP using a urokinase-type plasminogen activator (uPA)-induced mouse model (uPA-CBP). uPA, a pro-inflammatory serine protease, was injected into the L2/L3 lumbar spinous ligament, inducing prolonged mechanical and cold hypersensitivity. Flow cytometry of dorsal root ganglia (DRG) showed increased CD45+CD11b+ myeloid cells in males and CD45+CD3+CD4+ lymphocytes in females. DRG neurons from male uPA-CBP mice exhibited heightened action potential firing. Pharmacological …

The Effects Of Sugar Alcohols On The Growth Of Cariogenic Bacteria, Jake Sanders Boone

UNLV Theses, Dissertations, Professional Papers, and Capstones

The purpose of this study was to examine the potential of sugar alcohols, commonly used as sugar substitutes to reduce the activity of dental caries causing bacteria. Specifically, the sugar alcohols xylitol, erythritol, sorbitol, and mannitol were placed into the growth media of Streptococcus mutans and Lactobacillus acidophilus. The effects on their bacterial growth were observed. 10% xylitol, 10% erythritol, 10% sorbitol, 10% mannitol, 5% xylitol + 5% erythritol, and 3.3% erythritol + 3.3% xylitol + 3.3% sorbitol combinations were compared to the control groups for differences in bacterial growth. S. mutans samples were significantly inhibited by all groups except …

Targeting The Beiging Of Muscle-Associated Adipose Tissue To Promote Muscle Regeneration, Jacob C. Parson

WUSM Theses and Dissertations – All Programs

The expansion of intra-muscular adipose tissue (IMAT) between myofibers and epi-muscular adipose tissue (EMAT) outside of the muscle boundary accompanies numerous pathologies including diabetes, muscular dystrophy, and aging. IMAT and EMAT are anatomically juxtaposed to myofibers. Some evidence supports that IMAT and EMAT impede muscle function. This is potentially due to paracrine factors that are secreted by IMAT/EMAT. Different adipose depots can be classified in numerous ways including where they are located anatomically as well as the factors in which they secrete. Unlike classical white fat, adipose depots classified as brown or beige, noted by the marker uncoupling protein-1 (UCP-1) …

Quick And Easy Method For The Determination Of Cocaine And Six Metabolites In Postmortem Hair, Samantha C. Mulkeen

Student Theses

Hair testing is increasing in popularity in toxicology because of its long window of detection and ease of collection and sample storage. However, it has its limitations largely due to external contamination of drugs. In particular, cocaine (COC) is a common offender of this as it has several routes of consumption. Analyzing metabolites of COC may be the key to distinguishing between consumption and external contamination. The aim of the present study was to develop a quick, easy, and sensitive method for the detection and quantification of COC, benzoylecgonine (BE), norcocaine (NCOC), cocaethylene (CE), anhydroecgonine methyl ester (AEME), meta-hydroxy-cocaine (m-OH-COC), …