Digital Commons Network^™

The Effects Of Astrocytic Derived Insulin-Like Growth Factor (Igf-1) On Cognition And Astrocytes, Destiny Wilson

Honors Theses

Insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF-1) is a neuroendocrine signaling hormone that plays a vital role in growth and development, as well as learning and memory. Inhibition of this hormone results in cognitive impairments like those seen with age-related decline. While a majority of research has focused on the role of IGF-1 on neurons, the role of astrocytes still needs to be explored. Our research investigates how astrocytes and cognition are affected as a result of direct regulation of localized IGF-1 production in early development and after puberty. Preliminary studies in our laboratory established a connection between IGF-1 and glial fibrillary …

Psychological Trauma Alters T-Lymphocyte Inflammation And Redox Through Sympathetic Mechanisms, Safwan K. Elkhatib

Theses & Dissertations

Posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a devastating psychiatric disorder characterized by distinctive symptom clusters, including intrusive memories (i.e., flashbacks), avoidance of related stimuli, affective changes, and hyperarousal. Strikingly, patients with PTSD face a significantly increased risk for a number of inflammation-driven pathologies, ranging from cardiovascular to autoimmune disease. Yet, the exact etiology of this increased risk remains unknown. The immune system is known to be strongly influenced by the sympathetic nervous system, and sympathetic overactivity is a hallmark of PTSD. Lymphoid organs, such as the spleen, are richly innervated by sympathetic nerve fibers which terminate near adaptive immune …

Progression Magazine, 2022 Spring, Coastal Carolina University

Progression Magazine

Magazine of the College of Science at Coastal Carolina University.

Hyper Stable Variants Of Fgf-1-Fgf-2 Dimer, Madison Shields Mcclanahan

Chemistry & Biochemistry Undergraduate Honors Theses

Fibroblast Growth Factors (FGFs), including FGF-1 and FGF-2, are proteins that play a crucial role in cell proliferation, cell differentiation, cell migration, and tissue repair. FGF-1 and FGF-2 are useful in accelerating the healing process in the human body; however, these proteins are naturally thermally unstable, resulting in a relatively low half-life in vivo. 1,8 In efforts to improve the stability of this protein, FGF-1 and FGF-2 proteins are engineered by combining the amino acid sequences of the two proteins to form a heterodimer and obtain novel properties. These two FGF variants are chosen for their specific wound healing capabilities. …

Effects Of Reciprocal Inhibition And Whole-Body Relaxation On Persistent Inward Currents Estimated By Two Different Methods, Ricardo N.O. Mesquita, Janet L. Taylor, Gabriel S. Trajano, Jakob Škarabot, Aleš Holobar, Basílio A. M. Gonçalves, Anthony J. Blazevich

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

Persistent inward currents (PICs) are crucial for initiation, acceleration, and maintenance of motoneuron firing. As PICs are highly sensitive to synaptic inhibition and facilitated by serotonin and noradrenaline, we hypothesised that both reciprocal inhibition (RI) induced by antagonist nerve stimulation and whole-bodyrelaxation (WBR) would reduce PICs in humans. To test this, we estimated PICs using the well-established paired motor unit (MU) technique. High-density surface electromyograms were recorded from gastrocnemius medialis during voluntary, isometric 20-s ramp, plantarflexor contractions and decomposed into MU discharges to calculate delta frequency (ΔF). Moreover, another technique (VibStim), which evokes involuntary contractions proposed to result from PIC …

Challenge And Development Strategy For Colon-Targeted Drug Delivery System, Raditya Iswandana, Kurnia Sari Setio Putri, Fathia Amalia Putri, Maxius Gunawan, Sekar Arum Larasati

Pharmaceutical Sciences and Research

Colon-Targeted Drug Delivery System (CTDDS) is able to improve local therapeutic effects in the treatment of colon-specific diseases, such as Crohn’s disease, Ulcerative Colitis (UC), and Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS). A colon can also be a suitable site for systemic delivery of drugs susceptible to extreme gastric pH, such as peptides and protein therapeutics. The physiological conditions of the gastrointestinal tract and the physicochemical properties of drugs are being considered to develop strategies and approaches to overcome emerging challenges. This review will discuss factors, challenges, strategies, and approaches to developing a colon-targeted drug delivery system.

Bibliometric Analysis Of Coronavirus Disease 2019 Medical Research Production From Saudi Arabia, Amr A. Jamal, Samar Binkheder, Raniah N. Aldekhyyel, Jwaher Almulhem, Shabana Tharkar, Afaf Ali Batis, Layal Hneiny

Faculty Publications

In response to the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic and as an attempt to fill the knowledge gap related to this topic, extensive research in this area has been published. The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, as one of the countries affected by the pandemic, has contributed to the growing body of scientific literature related to COVID-19. To measure research contribution produced by Saudi Arabian affiliated researchers, we conducted a bibliometric analysis of COVID-19 research across two databases: the Web of Science and Scopus. Analysis was conducted on February 2, 2021 and included all relevant COVID-19-related publications (n = 1510). …

Products Of Gut Microbial Toll/Interleukin-1 Receptor Domain Nadase Activities In Gnotobiotic Mice And Bangladeshi Children With Malnutrition, James S Weagley, Mark Zaydman, Siddarth Venkatesh, Yo Sasaki, Neha Damaraju, Alex Yenkin, William Buchser, Dmitry A Rodionov, Andrei Osterman, Tahmeed Ahmed, Michael J Barratt, Aaron Diantonio, Jeffrey Milbrandt, Jeffrey I Gordon

2020-Current year OA Pubs

Perturbed gut microbiome development has been linked to childhood malnutrition. Here, we characterize bacterial Toll/interleukin-1 receptor (TIR) protein domains that metabolize nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD), a co-enzyme with far-reaching effects on human physiology. A consortium of 26 human gut bacterial strains, representing the diversity of TIRs observed in the microbiome and the NAD hydrolase (NADase) activities of a subset of 152 bacterial TIRs assayed in vitro, was introduced into germ-free mice. Integrating mass spectrometry and microbial RNA sequencing (RNA-seq) with consortium membership manipulation disclosed that a variant of cyclic-ADPR (v-cADPR-x) is a specific product of TIR NADase activity and a …

Oxygen Deprivation Masks For Training, Brittany M. Hanlon

Student Publications

Oxygen deprivation masks are being advertised towards athletes as a piece of fitness equipment that can simulate the effects of high altitude, as well as a respiratory muscle training device. Studies that investigated the claims as to whether ODMs increased VO2max and improved endurance were looked into. Experimental data did not find that the use of these masks increased VO2max, nor was there any supporting data to prove that it improved endurance. The function of ODMs as a training tool to increase respiratory muscle strength was also examined. There were contradicting results between the three different studies examined. One study …

A Feasibility Study For Utilizing A Peer-Teaching Experiential Learning Activity To Alter Student Perceptions Of Attributes Present In Effective Clinical Instructors, Susan J. Barlow, Penelope S. Elam, Stephen W. Elam, Lee Ann Eagler

Internet Journal of Allied Health Sciences and Practice

Purpose: Many physical therapists are requested to assume the role of a clinical instructor (CI) after only one year of clinical practice. The purposes of this study are to assess the feasibility of an activity that introduces students to the responsibilities of a CI and to determine if this activity had any impact on student perceptions of attributes that are present in an effective CI. Methods: Second year DPT students enrolled in a course that utilizes case-based learning and peer-teaching activities participated in this study. Participants completed the McGill University Clinical Tutor Evaluation survey both pre- and post-learning activity. Survey …

Incidence Of Injuries In The Opinion Of Young Volleyball Players And Ways To Prevent Them, Monika Opanowska, Barbara Wilk, Malgorzata Kusmierczyk, Karol Opanowski

Baltic Journal of Health and Physical Activity

Background: The aim of the research was to establish the types and incidence of motor organ injuries in young volleyball players and to indicate methods of preventing them. Material/Methods: The research was carried out in a population of 70 volleyball players aged 16-19, students of the Sports Championships Schools No. 2 and 3 in Gdansk, players of the Lotos Trefl Gdansk sports club. The employed method was a diagnostic survey based on an original questionnaire entitled "The Characteristics of Motor Organ Injuries in Young People Aged 16-19 Who Train Volleyball." Results: 85.7% adolescent players experienced different motor organ injuries, the …

An Analysis Of The Correlation Between Kinesthetic Differentiation Capacity And The Maximum Force Level In Lower Limbs, Dariusz Harmacinski, Tadeusz Stefaniak, Anna Burdukiewicz, Jadwiga Pietraszewska, Aleksandra Stachon, Justyna Andrzejewska, Krystyna Chromik, Kazimierz Witkowski, Jarosław Maslinski

Baltic Journal of Health and Physical Activity

Background: Among specific coordination abilities, kinesthetic differentiation capacity of movement belongs to the most crucial factors fostering rational human behavior in the surrounding environment. The capacity is universal – indispensable in nearly all sports disciplines. One of the most important constituent elements of kinesthetic differentiation is the so-called “force sense,” defined as differentiation of movement with respect to administering appropriate force. The authors of the study analyzed the correlation between the maximum force level in lower limbs and the accuracy of applying a targeted force value. Material/Methods: The study was conducted on 54 participants, students from the University School of …

Effect Of Training On Morphological, Physiological And Biochemical Variables Of U-19 Soccer Players, Indranil Manna, Gulshan Lal Khanna, Prakash Chandra Dhara

Baltic Journal of Health and Physical Activity

Background: The purpose of the study was to find out the effect of training on selected morphological, physiological and biochemical variables in soccer players under 19 years of age. Material/Methods: A total of 30 Indian male soccer players under 19 years of age (age: 16.00–18.99 yr) volunteered for this study. The training sessions were divided into 2 phases (i) Preparatory Phase (PP, 8 weeks) and (ii) Competitive Phase (CP, 4 weeks). The training programme consisted of aerobic, anaerobic and skill development, and was completed 4 hrs/day; 5 days/week. Selected morphological, physiological and biochemical variables were measured at zero level (baseline …

Lactate Threshold Changes In Soccer Players During The Preparation Period, Zbigniew Jastrzebski, Robert Dargiewicz, Wojciech Ignatiuk, Lukasz Radziminski, Pawel Rompa, Anna Konieczna

Baltic Journal of Health and Physical Activity

Background: The aim of the study was to assess the anaerobic threshold (lactate threshold LT) changes during winter and summer preparation period in soccer premier league and first division players. It was assumed that the index value varies depending on the stage of a one-year training cycle. Material/Methods: Tests were conducted on the premier league and first division soccer players. Physical capacity tests were carried out at the beginning and at the end of the winter and summer preparation period. The tests covered 3 years: 2008 – 2010. Subjects performed an incremental running test according to Jastrzębski’s method. The most …

Analysis Of Interrelations Of Psychophysiological And Hysiological Indicators Of Martial Arts Athletes, Vyacheslav Romanenko, Sergii Iermakov, Leonid Podrigalo, Olga Rovnaya, Zhanna Sotnikova-Meleshkina, Valeriy Goloha, Larysa Ruban

Baltic Journal of Health and Physical Activity

Background: The article presents a comparative analysis of interrelations of psychophysiological and physiological indicators of martial art athletes while performing functional tests. Material and methods: 63 martial art athletes were divided into groups: the 1st group – 34 athletes of "striking" martial arts (taekwondo ITF, WTF, karate, hand-to-hand fight), age (17.58±0.08) years; the 2nd group – 18 Greco-Roman and freestyle wrestlers, age (18.94±0.33) years; the 3rd group – 11 judo and sambo athletes, age (18.73±0.23) years. Participants performed a test to define the choice reaction time with parallel control of the heart rate for 3 minutes. Results: Indicators of the …

The Level Of Somatic Health, Sports Specialization And Alification Of An Athlete As Indicators Of Intermediate Selection In The Mixed Martial Arts, Alexander Alexandrovich Gorelov, Vladimir Mikhailovich Voronov, Andrei Ivanovich Krylov, Viktor Leonidovich Kondakov

Baltic Journal of Health and Physical Activity

Background: This article presents the results of experimental research to identify high-priority types of martial arts whose representatives successfully implement their skills in mixed martial arts, as well as the results of the study of somatic health. Objective: To explore the mechanisms of the intermediate selection in sport of the highest achievements and to explore the possibility of using them in mixed martial arts. Materials and methods: We have attracted twelve fully qualified athletes of mixed martial arts for a study to identify criteria of talent prediction and intermediate selection in terms of somatic health. We have engaged eighteen leading …

Participation Trends And Performance Analysis Of Turkey’S Long-Distance Runs Between 2007-2017, Melda Pelin Yargic, Naila Babayeva, Mehmet Sinan İyi̇Soy, Galip Bilen Kurklu, Gürhan Dönmez

Baltic Journal of Health and Physical Activity

Background: Long-distance running events have gained more popularity worldwide over years. However, the number of participants to such events, age and sex distribution of participants may vary by country. Material and methods: We have investigated participation trends and performances of the finishers of three different courses (15km, half-marathon, marathon) in two of the biggest running events in Turkey (The Antalya and Istanbul marathons) between 2007-2017. Results: Our results have shown that runners who completed the 15km course were the highest and marathon finishers were the lowest in number each year. Among native runners, male participation in each distance and event …

Effects Of Interval Training Of Maximal Effort Intensity, Henryk Norkowski, Anna Kuder, Tadeusz Hucinski, Stanislaw Przybylski

Baltic Journal of Health and Physical Activity

Background: The purpose of this study was to determine changes in anaerobic capacity at 100% physical effort intensity in the examined people. Material/Methods: 12 male students from the University of Physical Education in Warsaw were subject to these examinations. The average age was 23.6 years, mean body height 178.7 cm, and body mass 80.6 kg. The experiment was carried out from 7th January to 8th March 2008. The experiment (one group) was carried out in two stages. The first stage had 25 training units on a cycloergometer within 5 weeks. The second stage was connected with controlling the obtained results …

Recommendations For Daytime, Evening, And Nighttime Indoor Light Exposure To Best Support Physiology, Sleep, And Wakefulness In Healthy Adults, Timothy M Brown, George Brainard, Christian Cajochen, Charles A Czeisler, John P Hanifin, Steven W Lockley, Robert J Lucas, Mirjam Münch, John B O'Hagan, Stuart N Peirson, Luke L A Price, Till Roenneberg, Luc J M Schlangen, Debra J Skene, Manuel Spitschan, Céline Vetter, Phyllis C Zee, Kenneth P Wright

Department of Neurology Faculty Papers

Ocular light exposure has important influences on human health and well-being through modulation of circadian rhythms and sleep, as well as neuroendocrine and cognitive functions. Prevailing patterns of light exposure do not optimally engage these actions for many individuals, but advances in our understanding of the underpinning mechanisms and emerging lighting technologies now present opportunities to adjust lighting to promote optimal physical and mental health and performance. A newly developed, international standard provides a SI-compliant way of quantifying the influence of light on the intrinsically photosensitive, melanopsin-expressing, retinal neurons that mediate these effects. The present report provides recommendations for lighting, …

Crosswalking Wet Bulb Globe Temperature And Heat Index, Paul Irvin

USF Tampa Graduate Theses and Dissertations

Wet bulb globe temperature (WBGT) is a common metric to represent the environmental conditions in the assessment of heat stress. Because WBGT requires some technical expertise and sufficiently accurate equipment, there is interest in using heat index (HI) as a substitute index for the environment. Because the underlying science for understanding heat stress exposures does not exist for HI, it is necessary to crosswalk between HI and a data-driven exposure method. Expanding upon previous research, the focus of this study is the exploration of the interrelationships between WBGT and HI. The simulated weather data of Morris et. al. (2019) served …

Novel Energy Drink Improves Mood And Raises Blood Pressure, But Has No Effect On Cardiac Qtc Interval Or Rate-Pressure Product In Young Adult Gamers, Nathaniel Helwig, Laura Schwager, Emily Rogers, Nile Banks, Chris Lockwood, Nathaniel D.M. Jenkins

International Journal of Exercise Science: Conference Proceedings

Novel energy drink formulations have been introduced to the market that are purported to have nootropic effects – including improving mood. Despite their rapidly growing popularity, especially among video gamers, there is minimal evidence supporting their efficacy or establishing their cardiovascular safety profiles. PURPOSE: We conducted a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, crossover trial to investigate the effects of acute consumption of a non-caloric, novel energy drink (NED) containing 200 mg caffeine, citicoline, tyrosine, B-vitamins, and carboxylic acids on mood and cardiovascular safety outcomes. We hypothesized that NED would improve mood without significant adverse cardiovascular effects when compared to placebo. METHODS: Forty-five …

Effect Of Water Depth On Heart Rate And Core Temperature During Underwater Treadmill Walking, Carrie E. Bajenski, Brianna R. Brandon, Cailey A. Curry, Leslie Fajardo, Ryan T. Conners

International Journal of Aquatic Research and Education

Exercising using an underwater treadmill (UTM) has become a popular modality; however, few studies have focused on the physiological demands of UTM walking at varying water depths. Thus, the objective of this study was to investigate changes in heart rate (HR) and core temperature (CT) values in college-aged males and females while exercising at different water immersion depths using an UTM. Twenty participants (age = 21.50 ± 2.19 years; height = 169.04 ± 10.85cm; weight = 75.56 ± 22.28kg) walked at water depths of 10cm below the xiphoid process and at the level of the superior iliac crest (I.C.). Each …

Improving The Technical And Tactical Training Of Sambo Wrestlers At The Stage Of In-Depth Specialization, Shukurjon Shukhrat Ugli Gaziev

Eurasian Journal of Sport Science

Purpose: improvement of technical and tactical readiness of sambo wrestlers among 12-14 age at performing technical and tactical actions during the wrestling.

Methods: The study uses methods of analysis of scientific and methodological literature, questionnaires; pedagogical observations; biomedical methods, control tests characterizing special preparedness, pedagogical experiment, mathematical and statistical data processing.

Results: According to the results of the scientific experiment, it can be seen that the use of the largest increase was shown only by the number of throws in the control group, and in the experimental group for all indicators of the analysis. In addition, tests used not only …

The Effects Of A Carbohydrate Mouth Rinse On Soccer-Specific Skills Following A Morning High-Intensity Practice, Lynnsey Rose Bowling

Student Theses and Dissertations

Carbohydrate mouth rinse (CMR) enhances aerobic performance lasting ≥ 30 minutes and some anaerobic and skill-related performance. This study evaluated the effects of a CMR on four soccer-specific skills in fasted collegiate female athletes. Participants completed a control session and two counterbalanced, double-blind experimental sessions, during which participants rinsed with either a carbohydrate (CHO; 6% maltodextrin) or taste- and color-matched placebo (PLA) solution following a high-intensity soccer practice. Participants then performed passing, agility, juggling, and shooting tasks. Thirst sensation, rating of perceived exertion, and heart rate (HR) were assessed throughout sessions. No significant differences (p >.05) were observed between experimental …

Utilization Of The Calm Apparatus To Adult Men And Women With Atrial Fibrillation To Decrease Emergency Department Visits For Atrial Fibrillation, Ami Klein

Doctor of Nursing Practice Scholarly Projects

The purpose of this project is two-fold. The first is to determine if the CALM APP use by adult men and women with atrial fibrillation (AF) will decrease anxiety. The second is to determine if decreased anxiety utilizing the CALM APP will deter admissions to the emergency department (ED) for AF in the first month post-catheter ablation of AF. The Zung SAS was used to determine the pre- and post-anxiety scores. The Seven Days of Calm (free app) was used to teach deep breathing and meditation. This study showed a moderate decrease in ED visits with use of the Calm …

Ces2 Sustains Hnf4Α Expression To Promote Pancreatic Adenocarcinoma Progression Through An Epoxide Hydrolase-Dependent Regulatory Loop, Yihui Chen, Michela Capello, Mayrim V Rios Perez, Jody V Vykoukal, David Roife, Ya'an Kang, Laura R Prakash, Hiroyuki Katayama, Ehsan Irajizad, Alia Fleury, Sammy Ferri-Borgogno, Dodge L Baluya, Jennifer B Dennison, Kim-Anh Do, Oliver Fiehn, Anirban Maitra, Huamin Wang, Paul J Chiao, Matthew H G Katz, Jason B Fleming, Samir M Hanash, Johannes F Fahrmann

Faculty, Staff and Student Publications

Objective: Intra-tumoral expression of the serine hydrolase carboxylesterase 2 (CES2) contributes to the activation of the pro-drug irinotecan in pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC). Given other potential roles of CES2, we assessed its regulation, downstream effects, and contribution to tumor development in PDAC.

Methods: Association between the mRNA expression of CES2 in pancreatic tumors and overall survival was assessed using The Cancer Genome Atlas. Cell viability, clonogenic, and anchorage-independent growth assays as well as an orthotopic mouse model of PDAC were used to evaluate the biological relevance of CES2 in pancreatic cancer. CES2-driven metabolic changes were determined by untargeted and targeted …

Effects Of Placebo Administration On Immune Mechanisms And Relationships With Central Endogenous Opioid Neurotransmission, Alan Prossin, Alisa Koch, Phillip Campbell, Geoffroy Laumet, Christian S Stohler, Robert Dantzer, Jon-Kar Zubieta

Faculty, Staff and Student Publications

Behavioral conditioning and expectation can have profound impact on animal and human physiology. Placebo, administered under positive expectation in clinical trials, can have potent effects on disease pathology, obscuring active medications. Emerging evidence suggests placebo-responsive neurotransmitter systems (e.g., endogenous opioid) regulate immune function by manipulating inflammatory proteins including IL-18, a potent pro-inflammatory, nociceptive cytokine implicated in pathophysiology of various diseases. Validation that neuroimmune interactions involving brain μ-opioid receptor (MOR) activity and plasma IL-18 underlie placebo analgesic expectation could have widespread clinical applications. Unfortunately, current lack of mechanistic clarity obfuscates clinical translation. To elucidate neuroimmune interactions underlying placebo analgesia, we exposed …

Influence Of Core Temperature On Psychomotor Performance During Cold Weather Military Training, Douglas Jones, Rebecca Weller, Stephen Eggan, Nicholas Roberts, Weimin Zheng, Jay Heaney, Timothy Dunn

Journal of Human Performance in Extreme Environments

Purpose: Cold environments may deteriorate psychomotor performance due to slowing of neuronal signals, distractions caused by pain and discomfort, and a loss of manual dexterity. The extent to which core temperature (T_c) influences psychomotor performance in the cold has not been established. Therefore, psychomotor performance and T_c were assessed during a cold weather military training exercise to evaluate this relationship.

Methods: Thirty-six military personnel (age: 26 ± 4 yr, ht: 175 ± 8 cm, wt: 79.1 ± 11.1 kg) participating in cold weather training volunteered for this study. Participants completed a 10-min immersion in cold (1°C) water, …

Designing A Clinical Study With Dietary Supplements: It's All In The Details, Z. Elizabeth Floyd, David M. Ribnicky, Ilya Raskin, Daniel S. Hsia

Faculty and Student Publications

A successful randomized clinical trial of the effect of dietary supplements on a chosen endpoint begins with developing supporting data in preclinical studies while paying attention to easily overlooked details when planning the related clinical trial. In this perspective, we draw on our experience studying the effect of an ethanolic extract from Artemisia dracunculus L. (termed PMI-5011) on glucose homeostasis as a potential therapeutic option in providing resilience to metabolic syndrome (MetS). Decisions on experimental design related to issues ranging from choice of mouse model to dosing levels and route of administration in the preclinical studies will be discussed in …

P300 Or Cbp Is Required For Insulin-Stimulated Glucose Uptake In Skeletal Muscle And Adipocytes, Vitor F. Martins, Gretchen A. Meyer, Et Al.

2020-Current year OA Pubs

While current thinking posits that insulin signaling to glucose transporter 4 (GLUT4) exocytic translocation and glucose uptake in skeletal muscle and adipocytes is controlled by phosphorylation-based signaling, many proteins in this pathway are acetylated on lysine residues. However, the importance of acetylation and lysine acetyltransferases to insulin-stimulated glucose uptake is incompletely defined. Here, we demonstrate that combined loss of the acetyltransferases E1A binding protein p300 (p300) and cAMP response element binding protein binding protein (CBP) in mouse skeletal muscle caused a complete loss of insulin-stimulated glucose uptake. Similarly, brief (i.e., 1 hour) pharmacological inhibition of p300/CBP acetyltransferase activity recapitulated this …