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Spring 2021, Joëlle Walls

The Investigator Research Magazine

Dear readers,

We are proud to present the spring issue of The Investigator and share with you the expansion of diverse research and scholarly activities occurring at Kennesaw State. Although this year was met with challenges, KSU’s research enterprise has thrived and grown.

In this issue, Pamela Whitten discussed the establishment of the Interdisciplinary Innovation Initiative, an internal funding program to spur new collaborations focused on KSU’s research themes. And alumni Carl Saint-Louis and Karen Armstrong, featured in our cover story, have returned as faculty to mentor the next generation.

This publication would not have been possible without the visual …

Determining Master Regulatory Genes Of Muscle Senescence In The Hawk Moth, Manduca Sexta, Leah J. Naasz

Honors Thesis

ABSTRACT DETERMINING MASTER REGULATORY GENES OF MUSCLE SENESCENCE IN THE HAWK MOTH, MANDUCA SEXTA Leah Naasz Director: Bernie Wone, Ph.D. Skeletal muscle exhibits a gradual deterioration of its functional capabilities as it senesces. While the adverse effects of muscle aging are well-known, the molecular trigger of this degenerative process is unknown. Here, I aim to identify master regulatory genes (i.e., transcription factors) that might be involved in the initiation of the muscle senescence process in our muscle aging model Manduca sexta. This invertebrate adult moth was chosen as the model organism due to its relatively short lifespan, similarity to the …

The Importance Of Nutrition And Preventing Malnutrition In Older Adults: A Literature Review And Informational Booklet, Sophie Johnson

Honors Program: Senior Projects (Public)

Over years of studying nutrition science and gerontology, there was very little information in classes that combined these two important topics. Older adults are often classified as those above the age of 65 years old. There is a growing number of older adults in the United States, which increases the need for information on how nutrition and aging are interlaced. As humans age, multiple factors can impact nutrition. Nutrition involves consuming the proper amount of nutrients to maintain body function. There are physiological, physical, socioeconomic and medication factors that can all influence nutrition status. It is important to be aware …

Life Satisfaction: Aging Female Informal Caregivers Of Persons With Dementia, Deborah Ann Monson

Dissertations

Purpose/Aims

The purpose of this study was to describe the relationship between aging female informal caregivers of persons with dementia (PWD) and care recipients’ PWD demographic factors, aging female informal caregivers of PWD social support factors, positive and negative feelings, a sense of flourishing, stress, and life satisfaction.

Background/Rationale

Older adults with dementia are living longer and the majority are receiving care by aging female informal caregivers. Dementia incrementally worsens over time impacting informal caregiver life satisfaction. Most studies have focused on negative aspects of informal caregiving. Therefore, this study investigated both positive and negative aspects of caregiving.

Conceptual Basis …

Research Progress On Biological Activity And Molecular Mechanism Of Sea Cucumber Saponins, Zhong Jing-Shi, Zhang Jian, Liu Fang, Zhao Yun-Ping, Liu Kui, Wang Yi-Xin, Liu Hai-Chao, Wang Gong-Ming

Food and Machinery

In this review, the bioactivities and mechanisms of sea cucumber saponins, such as anti-tumor, anti-biofouling, atherosclerosis-improving, obesity-improving and obesity-related insulin resistance, Parkinson's disease-improving, osteoporosis-improv-ing and lifespan extension-promoting were summarized. Meanwhile, basic research, commercial application research and in-depth studies of sea cucumber saponins with modern technologies were also prospected.

The Relationship Between Hip Mobility And Performance On The Functional Movement Screen In Apparently Healthy Older Adults: A Preliminary Study, Kimberly Jaye Lindstrom

Theses and Dissertations

Limited or asymmetrical hip mobility can affect movement patterns common to everyday living. The aim of this study was to evaluate the relationship between hip mobility and performance on the Functional Movement Screen (FMS) in apparently healthy older adults. This relationship was evaluated in both males and females. In this observational study, 20 older adults (10 male, 10 female, mean age = 65.65 ± 10.18 years old) completed the Functional Movement Screen and measurements of passive hip range of motion. Separate regression analyses and Pearson Product-Moment Correlations were used to evaluate the relationship between hip mobility measures and FMS composite …

The Effect Of Dietary Fiber On Epigenetic Regulation Of Gene Expression In Hemodialysis Patients, Isabelle Strack

Theses and Dissertations

Objective: More than 2/3 of those with kidney failure use hemodialysis as a treatment option. The purpose of this pilot study is to increase the understanding of the epigenetic changes that occur in hemodialysis patients through dietary fiber intake. Design and Methods: Gene expression through epigenetic changes of dietary fiber intake and soluble fiber intake were analyzed in this cross-sectional study. Data was collected from questionnaires and blood samples (n=20). Block Dialysis Food Frequency Questionnaire was used to calculate dietary fiber intake. Blood analysis counted the top 100 most prevalent microRNAs (miRNA). Pearson r correlation was used to determine level …

Creatine And Cognitive Functioning: What Is The Role Of Exercise Frequency?, Jonathan B. Banks, Jose Antonio, Amanda S. Holtzman, Mykola Marang, Catherine Weber, Alexsandra Alvarez-Beaton, Aysha Patel, Jaime Tartar

Journal for Sports Neuroscience

Creatine consumption appears to have a positive impact on cognitive function in different populations but the effects of creatine in a young, healthy population are mixed. Additionally, exercise appears to benefit cognitive processes in young and older adults. The present study explored the ways in which exercise frequency may moderate the effect of creatine consumption on working memory, sustained attention, mind wandering, and speed of processing, in a young, healthy, adult population. Forty-two individuals were randomly assigned to a creatine condition (n = 20) or a control condition (n = 22). For each session, participants completed the Symmetry …

Quantitative Proteomic And Metabolomic Profiling Reveals Altered Mitochondrial Metabolism And Folate Biosynthesis Pathways In The Aging Drosophila Eye, Hana Hall, Bruce R. Cooper, Guihong Qi, Aruna B. Wijeratne, Amber L. Mosley, Vikki M. Weake

Department of Biochemistry Faculty Publications

Aging is associated with increased risk of ocular disease, suggesting that age-associated molecular changes in the eye increase its vulnerability to damage. Although there are common pathways involved in aging at an organismal level, different tissues and cell types exhibit specific changes in gene expression with advanced age. Drosophila melanogaster is an established model system for studying aging and neurodegenerative disease that also provides a valuable model for studying age-associated ocular disease. Flies, like humans, exhibit decreased visual function and increased risk of retinal degeneration with age. Here, we profiled the aging proteome and metabolome of the Drosophila eye and …

Continuous-Flow Left Ventricular Assist Device Therapy In Adults With Transposition Of The Great Vessels, Tadahisa Sugiura, Chitaru Kurihara, Masashi Kawabori, Andre C Critsinelis, Andrew B Civitello, Jeffrey A Morgan, O H Frazier

Faculty, Staff and Students Publications

An increasing number of children with congenital heart disease are surviving into adulthood and subsequently developing end-stage heart failure. Two example populations are adults who have been previously operated on for congenitally corrected transposition of the great arteries (CCTGA) and transposition of the great arteries (TGA). Implantation of a continuous flow left ventricular assist device (CF-LVAD) in these patients can present unusual anatomical and physiologic challenges. In this report, we describe outcomes of CF-LVAD implantation in three such patients. These cases demonstrate the feasibility of implanting a CF-LVAD in patients who have undergone surgery for CCTGA and/or TGA.

From The Bench To Practice – Field Integration Of Community-Based Services For Older Citizens With Different Levels Of Functional Limitation Across European Regions, Regina Roller-Wirnsberger

Translational Medicine @ UniSa

The meeting of the European Innovation Partnership on Active and Healthy Ageing (EIPonAHA) action group A3 together with members of the Reference site collaborative network (RSCN) in December 2019 in Rome focused on integration of evidence-based approaches on health and care delivery for older citizens at different levels of needs with expertise coming from stakeholder across Europe. It was the final aim of the group to co-create culturally sensitive pathways and facilitate co-ownership for further implementation of the pathways in different care systems across Europe.

The study design is a mixed method approach. Based on data analysis from a cohort …

Std Prevention: An Educational Intervention For Exotic Dancers, Maria Delurdes Dehoyos

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

The Centers for Disease Control and prevention reported nearly 2.3 million STD cases diagnosed in 2017, and the number is continuing to rise. San Antonio, Texas, is ranked third in the state of Texas with the highest STD rates and leading in the state with congenital syphilis. There is an increased risk for contracting STDs working in the sex industry. There are little to no studies pertaining to any educational interventions offered to exotic dancers to increase personal knowledge on STDs. This research has focused on an educational intervention offered by a nurse practitioner to exotic dancers in two adults-only …

Exercise Shifts Hypothetical Food Choices Toward Greater Amounts And More Immediate Consumption, Karsten Koehler, Safiya E. Beckford, Elise Thayer, Alexandra R. Martin, Julie B. Boron, Jeffrey R. Stevens

Department of Nutrition and Health Sciences: Faculty Publications

Although exercise modulates appetite regulation and food intake, it remains poorly understood how exercise impacts decision-making about food. The purpose of the present study was to assess the impact of an acute exercise bout on hypothetical choices related to the amount and timing of food intake. Forty-one healthy participants (22.0 ± 2.6 years; 23.7 ± 2.5 kg/m² , 56% female) completed 45 min of aerobic exercise and a resting control condition in randomized order. Food amount preferences and intertemporal food preferences (preference for immediate vs. delayed consumption) were assessed using electronic questionnaires with visual food cues. Compared to rest, …

Age And Sex Differences In Load-Induced Tibial Cortical Bone Surface Strain Maps, Alessandra Carriero, Behzad Javaheri, Neda Bassir Kazeruni, Andrew A. Pitsillides, Sandra J. Shefelbine

Publications and Research

Bone adapts its architecture to the applied load; however, it is still unclear how bone mechano-adaptation is coordinated and why potential for adaptation adjusts during the life course. Previous animal models have suggested strain as the mechanical stimulus for bone adaptation, but yet it is unknown how mouse cortical bone load-related strains vary with age and sex. In this study, full-field strain maps (at 1 N increments up to 12 N) on the bone surface were measured in young, adult, and old (aged 10, 22 weeks, and 20 months, respectively), male and female C57BL/6J mice with load applied using a …

Comparison Of Balance Variables Across Active And Retired Athletes And Age Matched Controls, Caitriona Lee, Neil Fleming, Bernard Donne

International Journal of Exercise Science

International Journal of Exercise Science 14(3): 76-92, 2021. Postural control is a major falls risk factor, therefore identifying protective mechanisms is essential. Physical activity enhances postural stability but effect duration has been minimally researched. The current study investigated if prolonged early life training exposure protected neuromuscular balance processes later in life. Static and dynamic balance variables were assessed in 77 healthy adults. Two age ranges (18 - 35yr, young; > 50yr, retired) were divided into weight bearing athlete and control groups; young athlete (YA), young control (YC), retired athlete (RA) and retired control (RC). Static balance was quantified using force platform …

A Population Dynamics Tipping Point For Aging As A Cause Of Adult Death, Andrea Scharf

Biological Sciences Faculty Research & Creative Works

Populations are a fundamental level of biological organization that poses major challenges for analysis. Individual traits that influence development, diapause, reproduction, aging, and lifespan interact in complex ways to determine birth and death. Birth and death drive population dynamics and determine whether a population survives or is doomed for extinction. However, we lack a deep understanding of the relationships between individual traits and population dynamics, a major challenge in the emerging field of ecology-development (eco-devo). Here we establish a laboratory ecosystem using the model organism C. elegans and a computational simulation that realistically models the laboratory ecosystem. We used these …

Diversifying Participation: The Rarity Of Reporting Racial Demographics In Neuroimaging Research, Madeline Goldfarb

Pitzer Senior Theses

Background: Functional neuroimaging techniques have been instrumental to progress in the cognitive and behavioral sciences; however, their increasing prevalence has evoked conversations concerning limitations associated with reproducibility and bias (Gilmore et al., 2017). While the literature has explored several mechanisms driving issues of replicability, few discussions have considered the effects of confounding social and environmental variables such as age, sex, socioeconomic status, and race (Sauce & Matzel, 2013). The prevailing racial, cultural, and socioeconomic bias in scientific research and the methodological limitations of EEG perpetuate racial and ethnic homogeneity in participation, eliciting qualms regarding the generalizability of findings (Henrich et …

Effect Of Acute Sleep Fragmentation Upon Inflammatory Response Of Brown And White Adipose Tissue In Male Mice, Zach Wriedt

Mahurin Honors College Capstone Experience/Thesis Projects

Sleep is an important process required for vertebrates, including humans, to function. When sleep is disrupted, it leads to deleterious effects such as inflammatory responses throughout the body. Past studies have shown that acute (24 h) sleep fragmentation (SF) leads to an inflammatory response in white adipose tissue. However, whether brown adipose tissue responds in a similar fashion is unknown. Male adult (>8 weeks of age) C57BL/6j mice were subjected to SF for 24 h using a cage outfitted with a bar that moves horizontally across the cage every 2 min to periodically awaken mice (N =10). Controls were …

The Role Of Ms-818 In Altering Age-Related Characteristics Of An In Vitro Model Of Senescence In Neural Stem Cells, Sandeep Sreerama

Honors Undergraduate Theses

Aging of the brain is the leading risk factor for neurodegenerative diseases and brain cancers and has deleterious effects on brain functions. It follows that attempts to reverse the aging process may be therapeutically valuable. Neural stem cells (NSC) have been shown to play a critical role in maintaining brain functions, and their number is severely decreased with age. The development of senescence-like characteristics and declining functions in NSCs have been proposed to be responsible for brain aging and tumorigenesis. MS-818 is a pyrrolopyrimidine that has been shown to increase the NSC population and reverse the decline of behavioral function …

Cognitive Abilities In Hearing Loss: Perceived And Performance Abilities Of Adults Related To Attention, Memory, And Social Cognition, Karah Gottschalk

Theses and Dissertations--Gerontology

Hearing loss is the most common sensory deficit noted in aging adults. It is commonly known to reduce an individual’s ability to detect, identify, and localize sounds and speech and to cause issues in communication. However, there are other less commonly discussed impacts that hearing loss has beyond the auditory system. Literature suggests a correlation between hearing loss and cognition in aging adults. Similar to hearing loss, the domains of cognition experience performance and functional changes across the life span. In an aging adult, changes related to cognition are also suggested to be associated with hearing loss. This study aimed …

Comparison Of The Effects Of Land Use / Land Cover On Water Quality And The Intertidal Marine Macroalgae Communities At The Fluvial Outflows Of The Dingle Peninsula, Cassandra Lew

Theses

The Milltown, Feohanagh, and Owenmore river basins located on the Dingle Peninsula in Ireland were studied to see how variation in land use and land cover (LU/LC) affected water quality and the macroalgal communities at each river’s respective fluvial outflow. Abundance and composition of macroalgae in river and coastal water bodies have been designated as an indicator of water quality according to the Water Framework Directive 2000. The results of this study found that the Feohanagh’s macroalgal community had the highest species richness for most months while the Milltown had the highest Shannon Diversity Index. The Owenmore’s community was consistently …

Effectiveness Of An Educational Intervention To Reduce Ageism In Undergraduate Students In An Entry-Level Nutrition Class, Ann Irvin Armstrong

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Although the older adult population continues to increase, ageism remains an issue in the healthcare system and is prevalent among nutrition-related professionals. The aim of our study is to is determine the effectiveness of an educational intervention to reduce ageism among pre-healthcare professionals including Nutrition major students. Undergraduate students enrolled in an entry-level nutrition class were recruited and randomized into an intervention (INT) group (n=30) and a control (CON) group (n=29). The online educational intervention consisted of pre-recorded lectures and videos regarding ageism and myths regarding aging for the INT group, and on cultural competency and biases (other than ageism) …

Structual Analysis Of The Cl-Par-4 Tumor Suppressor As A Function Of Ionic Environment, Krishna K. Raut, Komala Ponniah, Steven M. Pascal

Chemistry & Biochemistry Faculty Publications

Prostate apoptosis response-4 (Par-4) is a proapoptotic tumor suppressor protein that has been linked to a large number of cancers. This 38 kilodalton (kDa) protein has been shown to be predominantly intrinsically disordered in vitro. In vivo, Par-4 is cleaved by caspase-3 at Asp-131 to generate the 25 kDa functionally active cleaved Par-4 protein (cl-Par-4) that inhibits NF-κB-mediated cell survival pathways and causes selective apoptosis in tumor cells. Here, we have employed circular dichroism (CD) spectroscopy and dynamic light scattering (DLS) to assess the effects of various monovalent and divalent salts upon the conformation of cl-Par-4 in vitro. We have …

Muscle Mass And Immune Function In The Senior Horse, Alisa Christina Herbst

Theses and Dissertations--Veterinary Science

Senior horses (≥ 15 years) represent up to one-third of the global equine population, and the proportion of old horses (≥ 20 years) in the U.S. has been steadily increasing. Aging is associated with a loss of skeletal muscle mass in horses, and while age-related muscle loss is comparingly well characterized in humans, little is currently known concerning underlying mechanisms, adverse outcomes, or the prevalence of low muscle mass in senior horses. One factor proposed to play a role in the development of age-related muscle atrophy in humans is inflamm-aging, a low-grade inflammation that affects elderly people and that has …

Il-1r1 Deficiency Impairs Liver Regeneration After 2/3 Partial Hepatectomy In Aged Mice, Deming Li, Ze Wang, Chunyan Zhang, Cunshuan Xu

Turkish Journal of Biology

Inflammation has a dual effect: it can protect the body and destroy tissue and cell as well. The purpose of this experiment was to determine the role of IL-1R1 in liver regeneration (LR) after partial hepatectomy (PH) in aged mice. The wild-type (WT, n = 36) and the IL-1R1 knockout (KO, n = 36) 24-month-old C57BL/6J mice underwent two-thirds PH; 33 WT mice underwent sham operation. Liver coefficient was calculated by liver/body weight. The mRNA and protein expressions of genes were evaluated by quantitative realtime polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) and Western blotting methods, respectively. Compared with WT mice, liver coefficient …

Psychosocial Factors And Physical Health In Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease Patients, Olulana Bamiro

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

The research problem identified was poor physical health in older adults with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). The problem is important because poor physical health yields unsuccessful aging. The current research aimed to identify psychosocial factors that improve self-evaluated physical health in the study population as a proxy to overall health; the research questions helped identify these factors. The first research question assessed the association between health locus of control and self-evaluated physical health. The second research question evaluated the association between family support and self-evaluated physical health. A final research question assessed the association between health locus of control, …

Caregiver Knowledge And Perceptions Of Dementia-Specific Nutritional Approaches, Danielle Freitag

All Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Other Capstone Projects

Dementia is a syndrome that affects millions worldwide. The syndrome can cause great distress not only for the diagnosed individual but also for the family and friends who provide care. It is known that many caregivers for people with dementia face difficulties in planning and preparing meals, feeding, and making nutritional decisions for their loved ones. Several diets have been shown to assist with dementia-related symptoms pre and post diagnosis. However, what is unknown is whether caregivers are aware of the benefits of these diets and what the barriers are to implementing them into their nutrition regime. This study surveyed …

The Effects Of Increasing Positively Charged Metal Ions Within Synovial Fluid, Kandisi Anyabwile

Williams Honors College, Honors Research Projects

Osteoarthritis is a degenerative joint disease that affects 10% of men and 13% of women over age of 60. It is the degradation of the cartilage between two bones; obesity, age, overuse, or injury are major contributors to the development of this disease. The joint is incapsulated by the synovial sac filled with a viscous solution that aids in lubrication referred to as synovial fluid. If the synovial sac is ruptured due to injury, positive ions (K⁺, Na⁺, Ca²⁺, and Fe³⁺) may affect viscoelastic properties within the sac. The purpose of this …

Effects Of Resistance Training On Muscle Quality Index, Muscle Strength, Functional Capacity, And Serum Immunoglobulin Levels Between Obese And Non-Obese Older Women, Paulo Roberto Silva Junior, Dahan Da Cunha Nascimento, Ivo Vieira De Sousa Neto, Silvana Schwerz Funghetto, Ramires Alsamir Tibana, James W. Navalta, Fabiani Lage Rodrigues Beal, Jonato Prestes

Kinesiology and Nutrition Sciences Faculty Research

International Journal of Exercise Science 14(7): 707-726, 2021. Considering the negative impact of obesity on neuromuscular and immune systems, we sought to compare the effects of a 10-week resistance training (RT) program on muscle quality index (MQI), muscle strength, functional capacity, and immunoglobulins in older women with and without obesity. Thirty-nine older women participated in the present study (age: 69.02 ± 6.16, fat (%): 38.80% ± 6.28) and underwent a linear RT program performed on two non-consecutive days of the week. Body composition, functional tests, immunoglobulins, muscle quality of upper and lower limbs and absolute muscular strength of the upper …

How Does Direct Volunteering Affect The Onset Of Alzheimer’S Dementia In Elderly Patients With Preexisting Cardiac Comorbidities?, Sneha R. Gade

UROP Posters

Alzheimer's Dementia is a disease that affects memory, thinking, and behavior. The Alzheimer's Association reported Alzheimer's as the sixth-leading cause of death in the United States, and a cure does not exist. Donepezil, a cholinesterase inhibitor drug, is frequently prescribed to treat Alzheimer's disease. Still, patients must continuously take the medication for years to receive any measurable improvement in quality of life after developing Alzheimer's Dementia. Further, research shows prolonged use of Donepezil can lead to other health problems, such as QTc prolongation, for cardiac disease patients. Therefore, the effectiveness of non-drug interventions, such as volunteering to prevent the disease's …