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Influence Of Trunk Position During Three Lunge Exercises On Muscular Activation In Trained Women, Ewertton De Souza Bezerra, Fernando Diefenthaeler, João Pedro Nunes, Raphael Luiz Sakugawa, Isabel Heberle, Bruno M. Moura, Antônio R. P. Moro, Giuseppe Marcolin, Antonio Paoli

International Journal of Exercise Science

International Journal of Exercise Science 14(1): 202-210, 2021. The present study aimed to compare the activation of the lower lumbar erector spinae, gluteus maximus, biceps femoris, and rectus femoris in two trunk positions (straight, and inclined) during three lunge exercises (static, step-forwarding, and walking) in trained young women in a randomized crossover design. Twelve women (24 ± 3 years) were selected and performed the lunge exercise with an overload of 30% of body weight in six conditions to analyze muscle activation via surface electromyography signals. Higher activation in the erector spinae (%MVIC) were observed (p < 0.05) when trunk position was inclined (straight = 20 ± 15, inclined = 40 ± 29) and during the walking lunge condition (static = 24 ± 16, forward = 26 ± 22, walking = 40 ± 33). Higher activation in the gluteus maximus was observed during step-forward and walking lunges conditions (static = 31 ± 12, forward = 54 ± 20, walking = 58 ± 30). All conditions displayed similar activations in the biceps femoris and rectus femoris (p > 0.05). Results indicate …

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 …

Rating Of Perceived Exertion In Three-Minute Step Test In Children With Cystic Fibrosis, Amanda Paiva Silva, Érika Veiga Araújo, Igor Pereira Machado, Lívia Ferreira Alves, Marcos Filipe Da Silva Mello, Pedro Henrique De Almeida Silva, Isabella Rodrigues Dias, Viviane Soares

International Journal of Exercise Science

International Journal of Exercise Science 14(3): 177-186, 2021. The purpose of the study was to assess whether there are differences in cardiorespiratory fitness between children with and without cystic fibrosis (CF). Ten children with CF attended at a referral center for the treatment of CF and 13 children without CF were evaluated. The average age of the children with CF was 10.40 (3.13) years and those without CF was 9.39 (3.25) years. The children performed the three-minute step test with monitoring of hemodynamic parameters and the rating of perceived exertion (RPE) every minute. Oxygen desaturation of 4% during the test …

Structured Exercise In Cancer Survivors: Is It Enough For Neural, Mental Health And Well-Being?, Peter Smoak, Victoria Flores, Nicholas Harman, Jonathon Lisano, Reid Hayward, Laura Stewart

International Journal of Exercise Science

International Journal of Exercise Science 14(3): 162-176, 2021. The purpose of this cross-sectional study was to explore physical activity, depression, fatigue, and quality of life (QOL), and their relationship to brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) and nerve growth factor (NGF) in cancer survivors enrolled in a structured exercise program. Participants were recruited into two groups: in-treatment (IT), currently receiving chemotherapy and/or radiotherapy, and out of treatment (OT), not undergoing therapy. Participants wore accelerometers for 7 days and completed cardiorespiratory fitness, muscular strength, and depression, fatigue, and QOL assessments. Circulating BDNF and NGF concentrations were obtained using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays. Thirty-two participants …

Comparison Of Emg Activity Between Single-Leg Deadlift And Conventional Bilateral Deadlift In Trained Amateur Athletes - An Empirical Analysis, Wiktor Piotr Diamant, Stephan Geisler, Tim Havers, Axel Knicker

International Journal of Exercise Science

International Journal of Exercise Science 14(1): 187-201, 2021. The purpose of the study was to compare the normalized-electromyographic (NEMG) activity of the gluteus maximus (GMAX), gluteus medius (GMED), biceps femoris (BF) and erector spinae (ES) muscles during the single-leg deadlift (SLDL) and the conventional-deadlift (DL). Additionally, a potential influence of body height on the NEMG activity was examined. Fifteen training-experienced male subjects completed the study. SLDL showed significantly higher average concentric NEMG values of the GMED (77.6% vs. 59.3% [p = 0.002, ES = 1.0]) and BF (82.1% vs. 74.2% [p = 0.041, ES = 0.6]). Significantly lower …

Effectiveness Of A Computerized Cognitive Training Program For Reducing Head Impact Kinematics In Youth Ice Hockey Players, Melissa S. Difabio, Thomas A. Buckley

International Journal of Exercise Science

International Journal of Exercise Science 14(1): 149-161, 2021. Cognitive training (CT) is an effective technique to improve neurological performance, but has not been investigated as a head impact primary prevention strategy. The purpose of this study was to investigate the CT’s effectiveness in reducing head impact kinematics in youth ice hockey players. Twenty youth were divided into two groups: a CT and Control group. The CT group performed two 30-minute sessions of IntelliGym CT weekly for 20 weeks and the control group performed two 30-minute sessions weekly evaluating hockey videos. The dependent variables, number of head impacts, cumulative linear acceleration …

Arginase 1 Insufficiency Precipitates Amyloid-Β Deposition And Hastens Behavioral Impairment In A Mouse Model Of Amyloidosis, Chao Ma, Jerry B. Hunt, Maj-Linda B. Selenica, Awa Sanneh, Leslie A. Sandusky-Beltran, Mallory Watler, Rana Daas, Andrii Kovalenko, Huimin Liang, Devon Placides, Chuanhai Cao, Xiaoyang Lin, Michael B. Orr, Bei Zhang, John C. Gensel, David J. Feola, Marcia N. Gordon, Dave Morgan, Paula C. Bickford, Daniel C. Lee

Sanders-Brown Center on Aging Faculty Publications

Alzheimer’s disease (AD) includes several hallmarks comprised of amyloid-β (Aβ) deposition, tau neuropathology, inflammation, and memory impairment. Brain metabolism becomes uncoupled due to aging and other AD risk factors, which ultimately lead to impaired protein clearance and aggregation. Increasing evidence indicates a role of arginine metabolism in AD, where arginases are key enzymes in neurons and glia capable of depleting arginine and producing ornithine and polyamines. However, currently, it remains unknown if the reduction of arginase 1 (Arg1) in myeloid cell impacts amyloidosis. Herein, we produced haploinsufficiency of Arg1 by the hemizygous deletion in myeloid cells using Arg1 …

Lat1 Protein Content Increases Following 12 Weeks Of Resistance Exercise Training In Human Skeletal Muscle, Paul A. Roberson, Christopher Brooks Mobley, Matthew A. Romero, Cody T. Haun, Shelby C. Osburn, Petey W. Mumford, Christopher G. Vann, Rory A. Greer, Arny A. Ferrando, Michael D. Roberts

Physiology Faculty Publications

Introduction: Amino acid transporters are essential for cellular amino acid transport and promoting protein synthesis. While previous literature has demonstrated the association of amino acid transporters and protein synthesis following acute resistance exercise and amino acid supplementation, the chronic effect of resistance exercise and supplementation on amino acid transporters is unknown. The purpose herein was to determine if amino acid transporters and amino acid metabolic enzymes were related to skeletal muscle hypertrophy following resistance exercise training with different nutritional supplementation strategies.

Methods: 43 college-aged males were separated into a maltodextrin placebo (PLA, n = 12), leucine (LEU, n = 14), …

Effects Of Heart Rate Biofeedback, Sleep, And Alertness On Marksmanship Accuracy During A Live-Fire Stress Shoot, Jared Hornsby, Brittany Johnson, Donald P. Meckley, Anna Blackley, Will Peveler, Jeffrey Lowes, J. Jay Dawes

International Journal of Exercise Science

International Journal of Exercise Science 14(6): 123-133, 2021. On the job, law enforcement may be required to utilize lethal force to maintain personal or public safety. Officers’ attention to detail, decision-making, and marksmanship accuracy (MA) may be impaired by reduced sleep, increased heart rate (HR), and breathing rate (BR). HR biofeedback (emWave, EW) may help mitigate these impairments. This study sought to determine the impact EW had on MA, stress shoot time-to-completion (TTC), HR and BR versus placebo (PLA). Ten active-duty police officers volunteered for this study. Officers completed two live-fire stress shoots on a 25-m gun range (i.e., familiarization, …

Psychological Status During And After The Preparation Of A Long-Distance Triathlon Event In Amateur Athletes, Vincent Gosselin Boucher, Maxime Caru, Sarah-Maude Martin, Maxime Lopes, Alain Steve Comtois, Francois Lalonde

International Journal of Exercise Science

International Journal of Exercise Science 14(5): 134-148, 2021. Preparation for an endurance event among amateur athletes requires a major commitment on their part. Knowing amateur athletes’ psychological characteristics during a training period should be a priority for coaches and athletes. The aim of our longitudinal study was to characterize the psychological profile of amateur athletes over a training period of six months prior to and after a long-distance triathlon. Thirty-two amateur athletes (13 females; 19 males; 1.5±1.3 years of experience) were recruited for this observational study. All participants (39±9.9 years old; weighs 73±12.9 kg; measure 172±10.2 cm) underwent a physical …

A Short-Term Paleolithic Dietary Intervention Does Not Alter Adipokines Linked To Adiposity, Rachel M. Graff, Kristofer Jennings, Natalie A. Davies, Andres E. Carrillo, Emily C. Lavoy, Edward J. Ryan, Melissa M. Markofski

International Journal of Exercise Science

International Journal of Exercise Science 14(2): 113-122, 2021. The Paleolithic diet, characterized by an emphasis on hunter-gatherer type foods accompanied by an exclusion of grains, dairy products, and highly processed food items, is often promoted for weight loss and a reduction in cardiometabolic disease risk factors. Specific adipokines, such as adiponectin, omentin, nesfatin, and vaspin are reported to be dysregulated with obesity and may respond favorably to diet-induced fat loss. We aimed to evaluate the effects of an eight-week Paleolithic dietary intervention on circulating adiponectin, omentin, nesfatin, and vaspin in a cohort of physically inactive, but otherwise healthy adults. Methods: …

Mitochondria Exert Age-Divergent Effects On Recovery From Spinal Cord Injury, Andrew N. Stewart, Katelyn E. Mcfarlane, Hemendra J. Vekaria, William M. Bailey, Stacey A. Slone, Lauren A. Tranthem, Bei Zhang, Samir P. Patel, Patrick G. Sullivan, John C. Gensel

Physiology Faculty Publications

The extent that age-dependent mitochondrial dysfunction drives neurodegeneration is not well understood. This study tested the hypothesis that mitochondria contribute to spinal cord injury (SCI)-induced neurodegeneration in an age-dependent manner by using 2,4-dinitrophenol (DNP) to uncouple electron transport, thereby increasing cellular respiration and reducing reactive oxygen species (ROS) production. We directly compared the effects of graded DNP doses in 4- and 14-month-old (MO) SCI-mice and found DNP to have increased efficacy in mitochondria isolated from 14-MO animals. In vivo, all DNP doses significantly exacerbated 4-MO SCI neurodegeneration coincident with worsened recovery. In contrast, low DNP doses (1.0-mg/kg/day) improved tissue …

Investigation Of Salt Tolerance Mechanisms Across A Root Developmental Gradient In Almond Rootstocks, Yuhang Shao, Yukun Cheng, Hongguang Pang, Mingqin Chang, Fang He, Minmin Wang, Destiny J. Davis, Shuxiao Zhang, Oliver Betz, Chuck Fleck, Tingbo Dai, Shahab Madahhosseini, Thomas E. Wilkop, Judy Jernstedt, Georgia Drakakaki

Physiology Faculty Publications

The intensive use of groundwater in agriculture under the current climate conditions leads to acceleration of soil salinization. Given that almond is a salt-sensitive crop, selection of salt-tolerant rootstocks can help maintain productivity under salinity stress. Selection for tolerant rootstocks at an early growth stage can reduce the investment of time and resources. However, salinity-sensitive markers and salinity tolerance mechanisms of almond species to assist this selection process are largely unknown. We established a microscopy-based approach to investigate mechanisms of stress tolerance in and identified cellular, root anatomical, and molecular traits associated with rootstocks exhibiting salt tolerance. We characterized three …

Lumbar Multifidus Muscle Thickness During Graded Quadruped And Prone Exercises, Konstantinos Dafkou, Eleftherios Kellis, Athanasios Ellinoudis, Chrysostomos Sahinis

International Journal of Exercise Science

International Journal of Exercise Science 14(7): 101-112, 2021. Exercises for lumbar multifidus (LM) muscle are important for injury and low back pain prevention and treatment. This study examined the differences in LM contraction thickness between variations of the superman and bird dog exercises. Twenty-one recreational athletes performed the superman exercise from the prone position with the following grading: rest, right upper extremity lift (RU), right lower extremity (RL) and upper and lower extremities lift (UL). They also performed the following bird dog variations from the quadruped position: rest, RU, RL and left upper - right lower extremity lift (LURL). LM …

Effect Of Large Versus Small Range Of Motion In The Various Intensities Of Eccentric Exercise-Induced Muscle Pain And Strength, Chakravarthy M. Sadacharan, Sumin Seo

International Journal of Exercise Science

International Journal of Exercise Science 14(7): 1-18, 2021. The purpose was to investigate eccentric (ECC) exercise with full range of motion (FROM) induce a greater magnitude of delayed onset muscle soreness (DOMS), pain, functional limitations compared to partial range of motion (PROM; outer 60° of ROM). Thirty-four participants (men and women) aged between 18 and 30 years performed ECC exercise protocol on elbow and knee muscles (5 × 10 repetitions each session) using their 15%/25%/35% of maximal voluntary isometric contraction (MVIC) with PROM (week 2-4) and FROM (week 6-8). Two days a week, ECC exercises and remaining days the subjective …

Do Critical And Functional Threshold Powers Equate In Highly- Trained Athletes?, Eanna Mc Grath, Nicholas Mahony, Neil Fleming, Conor Raleigh, Bernard Donne

International Journal of Exercise Science

International Journal of Exercise Science 14(4): 45-59, 2021. The purpose of this investigation was to determine whether Critical Power (CP) and Functional Threshold Power (FTP) can be used interchangeably for a highly-trained group of cyclists and triathletes. CP was ascertained using multiple fixed load trials and FTP determined from a single cycling trial. Three different models for the determination of CP were initially addressed, one hyperbolic (H_model) and two linear (J_model and I_model). The J_model was identified as most appropriate for a comparison with FTP. The J_model and FTP were not found to …

Simple Bodyweight Training Improves Cardiorespiratory Fitness With Minimal Time Commitment: A Contemporary Application Of The 5bx Approach, Linda R. Archila, William Bostad, Michael J. Joyner, Martin J. Gibala

International Journal of Exercise Science

International Journal of Exercise Science 14(3): 93-100, 2021. Bodyweight training (BWT) is a style of interval exercise based on classic principles of physical education. Limited research, however, has examined the efficacy of BWT on cardiorespiratory fitness. This is especially true for simple BWT protocols that do not require extraordinarily high levels of effort. We examined the effect of a BWT protocol, modelled after the original “Five Basic Exercises” (5BX) plan, on peak oxygen uptake (VO_2peak) in healthy, inactive adults (20 ± 1 y; body mass index: 20 ± 5 kg/m²; mean ± SD). Participants were randomized …

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 …

Acute Beet Juice Supplementation Does Not Improve 30- Or 60-Second Maximal Intensity Performance In Anaerobically Trained Athletes, Scott A. Conger, Clare M. Zamzow, Matthew E. Darnell

International Journal of Exercise Science

International Journal of Exercise Science 14(2): 60-75, 2021. Research suggests that beet juice is beneficial during aerobic exercise. However, the impact of beet juice during primarily anaerobic exercise is equivocal. The purpose of this study was to determine the effects of acute beet juice supplementation on maximal intensity performance during 30-s and 60-s maximal-intensity cycling sprints. Using a double-blind, crossover-study design, 14 anaerobically trained male hockey players completed six Wingate cycling tests: familiarization trials of a 30-s and 60-s Wingate test, followed by 30-s Wingate placebo/beet juice trials, and 60-s Wingate placebo/beet juice trials. Repeated measures ANOVAs were used to …

Effect Of Pre-Exercise Ice Slurry Ingestion On Physiological And Perceptual Measures In Athletes With Spinal Cord Injuries, Alexis Moore, Kelly Pritchett, Robert C. Pritchett, Elizabeth Broad

International Journal of Exercise Science

International Journal of Exercise Science 14(2): 19-32, 2021. Athletes with cervical level spinal cord injuries (SCI) have an impaired ability to thermoregulate during exercise, leading to an increased core temperature (T_core) due to a decrease in sweat response. Elevated T_core may result in premature onset of fatigue and decreased athletic performance. Therefore, precooling techniques that decrease T_core before exercise may increase the storage capacity for metabolic heat production, thereby delaying the time before reaching a critically high T_core. The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of pre-exercise ice slurry ingestion …

Ankle-Knee Initial Contact Angle And Latency To Maximum Angle Are Affected By Prolonged Run, Sydni Wilhoite, Jessica Mutchler, Barry Munkasy, Li Li

International Journal of Exercise Science

International Journal of Exercise Science 14(1): 33-44, 2021. The initial contact and midstance angles may influence injury risk. Previous literature has not assessed these angles under the influence of new footwear for a non-exhaustive prolonged run or the relationship between the angles. To assess lower extremity kinematic changes and the relationship between kinematic parameters at initial contact and midstance with prolonged running under the influence of different types of footwear. Twelve experienced, recreational runners (6 male; 6 female; 24.8 ± 8.4 years; 70.5 ± 9.3 kg; 174.1 ± 9.7 cm) ran for 31 minutes at a self-selected pace for three …

The Effects Of Concussion On Quantity Of Sleep And Quality Of Sleep, Taren Asheton Bone

Theses, Dissertations and Capstones

This study observed how a concussion's effects change the quantity and quality of sleep in collegiate athletes. There is a lack of research pertaining to this topic, explicitly involving collegiate athletes and the changes in sleep outcomes during concussion recovery from a concussion. The study design is a convenient cohort in the field involving athletes from two local universities. Participants wore a Readiband™ device for seven to ten days or throughout their concussion recovery. There were differences in total minutes in bed and calculated minutes in bed between concussed and non-concussed participants. This study indicates that concussion affects the quantity …

Role Of Na/K-Atpase Non-Enzymatic Signaling In Renal Proximal Tubule Sodium Transport, Shreya Tapan Mukherji

Theses, Dissertations and Capstones

The renal proximal tubule (RPT) is the center stage for renal handling of Na+ , a potent determinant of systemic Na+ and volume homeostasis in health and disease. In the RPT, through its classic ion-pumping function, Na + /K+ -ATPase (NKA) generates the Na+ gradient that drives apical Na+ absorption, mostly through Na+ /H+ exchanger (NHE3). In contrast, pharmacological evidence suggests that the activation of the NKA non-enzymatic signaling function, through Src and other signaling partners, triggers a cellular redistribution of NKA and NHE3 that decreases transcellular Na+ flux in cultured RPT cells. However, the physiological relevance of the nonenzymatic …

Extracellular Vesicles From Uvb Irradiated Keratinocytes Contain Cyclobutane Pyrimidine Dimers, Meghana Reddy Ginugu

Browse all Theses and Dissertations

Ultraviolet (UV) radiation induces the formation of cyclobutane pyrimidine dimers (CPDs) in genomic DNA, which are normally removed by nucleotide excision repair. However, the fate of these adducts remain largely unexplored. Detection of these photoproducts in body fluids could act as a predictor of UV exposure and enable a better understanding of the pathogenesis of photosensitive skin diseases, such as lupus. Using cultured human keratinocytes exposed to UVB radiation in vitro, ultracentrifugation of cell culture supernatants, and immunodot blot analysis of isolated DNA, we have found that a small fraction of CPDs is released from cells in a dose- and …

Neurogenic Hypertension Mediated Mitochondrial Abnormality Leads To Cardiomyopathy: Contribution Of Upr Mt And Norepinephrine-Mir- 18a-5p-Hif-1Α Axis, Shyam Sundar Nandi, Kenichi Katsurada, Sushil K. Mahata, Kaushik K. Patel

Journal Articles: Cellular & Integrative Physiology

Aims: Hypertension increases the risk of heart disease. Hallmark features of hypertensive heart disease is sympathoexcitation and cardiac mitochondrial abnormality. However, the molecular mechanisms for specifically neurally mediated mitochondrial abnormality and subsequent cardiac dysfunction are unclear. We hypothesized that enhanced sympatho-excitation to the heart elicits cardiac miR-18a-5p/HIF-1α and mitochondrial unfolded protein response (UPR^mt) signaling that lead to mitochondrial abnormalities and consequent pathological cardiac remodeling. Methods and Results: Using a model of neurogenic hypertension (NG-HTN), induced by intracerebroventricular (ICV) infusion of Ang II (NG-HTN; 20 ng/min, 14 days, 0.5 μl/h, or Saline; Control, 0.9%) through osmotic mini-pumps in Sprague-Dawley …

Characterization Of The Whale Shark (Rhincodon Typus) Melanocortin-2 Receptor, Brianne Hoglin

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Among bony vertebrates, the melanocortin-2 receptor ortholog is unique among the family of five melanocortin receptors on the basis that it is dependent on its accessory protein, MRAP1, for trafficking and activation, and is selective for activation by ACTH alone. Previous studies on the MC2R orthologs of select cartilaginous fish, the elephant shark (Callorhinchus milii) and the red stingray (Dasyatis akajei), revealed divergent traits in a less obligatory relationship on MRAP1 and its ability to be activated by ACTH or the MSH-sized peptides. However, observed traits were not consistent between these two cartilaginous fish species, posing …

The Effect Of Warm-Up Protocols On The Occurrence Of Medial Tibial Stress Syndrome In High School Cross Country Athletes, Makayla Mack

Mahurin Honors College Capstone Experience/Thesis Projects

Medial Tibial Stress Syndrome (MTSS, i.e. shin splints) is among one of the most frequently reported running-related musculoskeletal injuries. Minimal research has investigated the prevention of MTSS with limited evidence supporting few preventative measures. The purpose of this study is to gain a better understanding of which method of warming up could yield the most promising results for the prevention of MTSS in high school cross country athletes and to use this information to further educate coaches and athletes on the most efficacious protocols to implement in the future. METHODS: Participants were recruited via communication with high school cross country …

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 …

Open Neuroscience Initiative, Austin Lim

College of Science and Health Full Text Publications

The Open Neuroscience Initiative is a free-to-use textbook

This project began as a means to overcoming the financial burden that face undergraduate neuroscience students when buying textbooks. By compiling and writing a completely free-to-access textbook that covers the foundations of a typical college introduction to neuroscience course, students would have one less obstacle to overcome in their educational career, allowing them to focus their valuable time and attention on learning rather than finances. To make this project a reality, I began with a humble tweet in May 2019 that managed to gain a tiny bit of traction among the neuroscience …

Physiology Of Ischyrobacter In Cephalotes Guts, Yangzhou Su, John T. Wertz

Summer Research

Nitrogen is an essential element for living organisms. For herbivorous ants like Cephalotes (Turtle ants), obtaining sufficient nitrogen is difficult. Previous studies have shown that the diet of turtle ants is nitrogen-limited. Hence they rely on bacterial gut symbionts to provision nitrogen through uric acid recycling. Metagenomic studies suggest the nitrogen recycling process involves multiple symbionts that together can degrade uric acid and produce amino acids. Of the symbionts in the ant gut, the recently cultured Ischyrobacter davidsoniae st. CV33 is an abundant member of the gut community that can degrade uric acid. What is not known is if this …