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How Did Covid-19 Impact Physiology Research Globally? – Lessons Learned And Future Recommendations, Jeet Patel, Santanu De

Mako: NSU Undergraduate Student Journal

The Coronavirus Infectious Disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic caused massive changes in the medical field across the globe. As the whole world moved from in-person to remote activities, students found themselves in a predicament where they were compelled towards schooling and work online from home. This would mean that all projects, research, tests, and meetings were conducted over Zoom or other online meeting platforms. Laboratories were shut down or only a limited number of people were allowed to enter to conduct the necessary research. This paper discusses how the COVID-19 pandemic affected research process and experiments within various aspects of the …

Observing The Relationship Between Additional Measures Of Handgrip Strength And The 6-Minute Push Test In Ambulatory Young Adults, Eric Naugle, Megan Nelson, Ryan Mcgrath, Matthew Kilgas, Lukus Klawitter

International Journal of Exercise Science

International Journal of Exercise Science 18(5): 170-181, 2025. Manual wheelchair users have been shown to have low functional capacity and limited ability to perform activities of daily living. Conventional protocols for assessing physical attributes such as muscle function in this population have unique boundaries such as expensive testing equipment and procedures not specific to wheelchair propulsion. The measurement of muscle function using electronic handgrip dynamometry has shown promise in assessing additional characteristics beyond strength capacity alone. This study aimed to determine the correlations of electronic handgrip dynamometry derived strength, time to peak force generation, fatigability (22.40±10.12%), isometric control, and asymmetry …

Gps External Load Metric Data And Game Performance In Ncaa Division I Women’S Lacrosse Athletes: A Longitudinal Study, Rachel M. Lifson, Xavier Smith, Ernest Rimer, Andreas Stamatis

International Journal of Exercise Science

International Journal of Exercise Science 18(8): 130-146, 2025. This study investigates the relationship between GPS-derived external load metrics and game performance (win/loss) in NCAA Division I women’s lacrosse athletes. Utilizing data from three seasons (2022-2024), the study analyzed 1,687 observations from 54 players to identify key performance indicators correlating with game outcomes. GPS metrics including Total Distance (TD), High-Speed Distance (HSD), Very High-Speed Efforts (VHSE), Total Player Load (TPL), High Inertial Movement Analysis (High IMAs), and Total Acceleration Load (TAL) were assessed. Multivariate logistic regression results indicate that VHSE is the most significant predictor of game success, with VHSE showing …

A Comparison Of External Loads In Division Iii Men's Lacrosse Between High Competition Matches And Low Competition Matches, Patrick M. Moore, Thomas G. Bowman, Yasmine I. Jones, Price Blair, Sean M. Collins

International Journal of Exercise Science

International Journal of Exercise Science 18(3): 158-169, 2025. Lacrosse is an open-field, invasion sport with limited knowledge of the physiological demands of gameplay at the Division III level. This study aimed to investigate the external loads of Division III men’s lacrosse players during NCAA season games. Comparisons were made between the external loads placed on the athletes in high competition versus those placed on the athletes in low competition matches. High competition matches were defined as matches against teams that qualified for the NCAA tournament whereas low competition matches included teams that did not meet high competition requirements. The dependent …

Comparison Of Virtual Vs. Traditional Cycling Exercise On Perceived Duration And Exercise Enjoyment: A Pilot Study, Kyle W. Reason, Lauren G. Killen, T. Scott Lyons, Jean A. Helm Allen, Matt Green

International Journal of Exercise Science

International Journal of Exercise Science 18(2): 147-157, 2025. Participating in regular physical activity has been shown to increases one’s quality of life. Individuals may choose not to participate in regular physical activity because of a perceived lack of time and enjoyment. With the potential of these barriers to decrease exercise adherence, the purpose of this study was to compare perceived exercise duration and enjoyment between a virtually interactive stationary bike and a clamped workload on a standard non-interactive stationary bike. Thirteen active participants completed a VO₂ peak test and four counterbalanced trials (two 20-min, two 40-min) with one trial …

A Comparison Of Brief Resistance And Aerobic Exercise Bouts On Cognitive Processing Speed In Young Adults, Jamie Ambriz, Amber M. Shipherd, Robert J. Kowalsky

International Journal of Exercise Science

International Journal of Exercise Science 18(4): 119-129, 2025. Research has found even a brief bout of exercise to be beneficial for improving processing speed. However, there is a lack of research directly comparing the effect of exercise modalities on processing speed. The purpose of this study was to compare the effects of a single brief bout of resistance exercise to aerobic exercise on cognitive processing speed in young adults. A total of 29 young adults ranging from 20-34 years of age (22.59±2.86 years) participated in a familiarization session followed by two randomized exercise conditions (aerobic, resistance). Each moderate-intensity exercise condition …

Strength Training Can Modulate Urinary Adipokine Levels In Healthy Young Males, Marcelo Henrique Salviano De Faria, Lucélia Scarabeli Silva Barroso, Antonio Felipe Souza-Gomes, João Luís Vieira Monteiro De Barros, Adriana Maria Kakehasi, Erica Leandro Marciano Vieira, Ana Cristina Simões E Silva, Albená Nunes Silva

International Journal of Exercise Science

International Journal of Exercise Science 18(2): 107-118, 2025. Adipose tissue stores energy in fat-rich adipocytes, which can produce and release several adipokines and modulate body metabolism. Exercise may induce adipokine production in adipocytes; however, the relationship between the two remains unclear. Few studies have shown the relationship between adipokines and strength training. Thus, we aimed to evaluate the acute and chronic effects of strength training (ST) on urinary adiponectin, leptin, and resistin levels. Twelve untrained young men (23.42 ± 2.67 years) were included in this study. Body composition was evaluated at baseline and after completing of the training protocol using …

Sport Participation Positively Associated With Balance Confidence And Well-Being In Transtibial Amputees, Lucas Hudson, Paolo Sanzo, Carlos Zerpa, Taryn Klarner

International Journal of Exercise Science

International Journal of Exercise Science 17(5): 1663-1678, 2024. Transtibial amputation (TTA) is the removal of the lower leg often resulting in pain, mental health issues, and a more sedentary lifestyle that lacks physical activity (PA). Low balance confidence and other factors related to the physical and psychosocial adaptation to amputation could contribute to why people with TTA actively avoid PA. Studies have investigated lower extremity amputations and barriers to PA in general, but none have focused solely on transtibial amputation and its relationship with PA participation and avoidance habits. To address this issue, 21 participants with TTA (14 male, 6 …

Diurnal Function And Expression Of Aquaporins In The Mouse Kidney, Phi Hung Nguyen

All ETDs from UAB

Aquaporins (AQPs) are a family of proteins that play a major role in maintaining water homeostasis. Aquaporin 2 (AQP2) and aquaporin 3 (AQP3) are expressed in the collecting duct and regulated by the antidiuretic hormone arginine vasopressin (AVP) through the AVPR2 receptor. It is well known that biological circadian rhythms are critical for maintaining homeostasis. In both humans and rodents, the kidneys exhibit time-of-day-dependent changes in function. We hypothesized that there is a diurnal pattern in urine and/or plasma osmolality, and that this may reflect changes in kidney aquaporins in mice. Male and female C57BL/6J mice (10-11 weeks old) were …

Compressive Pantyhose Mitigates Muscle Fatigue In Ballet-Specific Test: A Pilot Study, Gustavo R. Mota, Jeffer Eidi Sasaki, Mirelly Rangel Rocha, Pedro Augusto Bianchi Da Fonseca, Bernardo Ide, Kazushige Goto, Donizete Oliveira, Moacir Marocolo

International Journal of Exercise Science

International Journal of Exercise Science 18(2): 92-106, 2025. Compression garments, utilized in sports and exercise for performance enhancement and recovery, lack sufficient well-controlled studies to overcome any potential placebo effect. Therefore, we tested whether wearing compressive pantyhose (CP) during the Ballet-specific aerobic fitness test (BAFT) would influence performance, recovery, physiological, and perceptual indicators. Additionally, this pilot study tested the feasibility of the research procedures and informed adjustments for the main study. Nine young classical ballerinas attended two sessions on different days: a) wearing CP (pressure of 20-30 mmHg) or b) wearing a placebo pantyhose ([PLA] no compression, containing an illusory …

Comparison Of Cardiorespiratory Fitness Testing Measures In Children, Trey R. Naylor, Mariana V. Jacobs, Michael C. Taylor Jr., Jody L. Clasey

International Journal of Exercise Science

International Journal of Exercise Science 18(8): 65-78, 2025. There is currently an exponential increase in the prevalence of childhood obesity thus warranting the demand to appropriately measure and evaluate cardiorespiratory fitness within educational settings. The aims of this study were to (1) compare measured peak oxygen consumption (VO₂peak), heart rate peak (HRpeak), and 1-min heart rate recovery (HRRec) responses obtained using a GXTmax and the PACER test; and (2) compare the VO₂peak from the GXTmax and PACER test to a PACER prediction equation (ScottEqua). Methods: This study included 32 (16 boys) children. Despite not having maturational …

A Flexible Training Approach To Improving Concurrent Training Outcomes In Remote Trainees, Christopher Bonilla, Justin R. Kilian, Robert L. Herron

International Journal of Exercise Science

International Journal of Exercise Science 18(8): 43-55, 2025. This study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of a flexible, trainee-driven training program in improving concurrent training outcomes for individuals training remotely. The study employed a repeated-measures, parallel group design with 18 participants randomized into either a control group with fixed workouts or an experimental group with flexible workout selection based on perceived readiness. Participants were recreationally trained at baseline. Over a 16-week period, both groups completed assessments of strength and endurance, including deadlift, push-ups, and a two-mile run. The results indicated no significant difference in overall fitness improvements between the two …

The Effects Of Augmented Feedback, Focus Of Attention, And Monetary Reward On Vertical Jump Height: A Replication Study, Javad Bakhshinejad, Jasmin C. Hutchinson, Jennifer Murphy, Lydia Trainor, Sarah Friedman, Nicholas Coker

International Journal of Exercise Science

International Journal of Exercise Science 18(7): 13-26, 2025. Reproducibility and replicability of published empirical scientific evidence are fundamental for verifying key findings, identifying errors and/or boundary conditions, and upholding rigorous research standards. For this replication study, the primary goal was to assess the replicability of the findings from Wälchli et al. (2016), which investigated the role of augmented feedback (AF), external focus of attention (EF), and reward (RE), as well as a combination of these conditions on countermovement jump height. The original study sample included 18 resistance-trained male and female participants, while this replication included 38 (19 male, 19 female). …

Yoga Vs. Static Stretching: Recovery Impact On Male Athletes’ Post-Hiit Heart Rate, Respiratory Rate, Blood Pressure, And Heart Rate Variability Analysis, Haruthai Petviset Dr., Sasima Pakulanon Dr., Suppalerk Rusmeeroj, Buris Rukdang

International Journal of Exercise Science

International Journal of Exercise Science 18(6): 79-91, 2025. Heart rate and heart rate variability indicate an athlete's cardiovascular recovery and autonomic balance after intense exercise. While stretching aids recovery, its effects on autonomic balance are inconsistent. Yoga’s combination of postures, breathing, and relaxation may further activate the parasympathetic system, making it a promising tool for sports recovery. This study employed a crossover design to examine the effects of yoga and stretching on post 30-min session of high-intensity interval training (HIIT) recovery in male athletes. Twenty athletes of Mae Fah Luang University (Age 20.95±0.99 years old, VO2max 42.53±4.79 ml/kg/min) were given …

An Exploratory Study Comparing The Metabolic Responses Between The 12-3-30 Treadmill Workout And Self-Paced Treadmill Running, Michael W.H. Wong, Dustin W. Davis, Olivia R. Perez, Bianca Weyers, Devin Green, Alan Garcia, James W. Navalta

International Journal of Exercise Science

International Journal of Exercise Science 18(6): 56-64, 2025. The fitness movement in the United States has evolved substantially since its emergence in the late 20th century, with social media platforms like YouTube and TikTok now playing a pivotal role in disseminating fitness programs and associated claims. One program that has gained considerable popularity is the 12-3-30 treadmill workout (12-3-30), which involves walking at a 12% grade at 3 mph for 30 minutes. Despite widespread claims about its effectiveness in burning fat and calories, there is a lack of peer-reviewed scientific studies evaluating these claims. The present study investigated metabolic responses …

The Psychometric Performance Of State Mindfulness Scales Around Sitting And Walking On Desert Trails: A Pilot Study, Dustin W. Davis, Elias M. Malek, Rob Salatto, Marcus M. Lawrence, Jacob W. Manning, Mark Debeliso, Merrill R. Landers, Graham Mcginnis, James W. Navalta

International Journal of Exercise Science

International Journal of Exercise Science 18(4): 27-42, 2025. State mindfulness is a dynamic construct reflecting current mindfulness, or purposeful attention to the present moment with openness, non-judgment, non-reactivity, and acceptance. Despite its popularity and research in psychology and medicine, measuring state mindfulness remains a challenge. Validity and reliability of the State Mindfulness Scale (SMS) and State Mindfulness Scale for Physical Activity (SMS-PA) in applied settings like nature require more data to be established. This pilot study aimed to evaluate these scales and introduce a new, one-item scale, the Visual Analog Scale-Mindfulness (VAS-M), for quicker mindfulness assessment. Participants completed the SMS, …

The Relationship Between Lower-Body Flexibility And Running Performance In A Half Marathon Downhill Running Event, Logan Petty, Marcus M. Lawrence

International Journal of Exercise Science

International Journal of Exercise Science 18(3): 1-12, 2025. Although previous studies examining treadmill or relatively flat overground running events have found relationships for running performance and flexibility, no study has examined these outcomes during downhill events, including between sexes. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to determine if a relationship exists between lower body flexibility and running performance in recreational adult male and female distance runners competing in a downhill half marathon race. Recreational (n=11 male, n=19 female) adult distance runners completed this study. On the day prior to the race, participants performed a standardized warm-up, …

Editorial: Frontiers In The Midlands Society Of Physiological Sciences (2023-2024), Sathish Kumar Natarajan, Hong Zheng, Surabhi Chandra, Harold D. Schultz, William C.W. Chen

Journal Articles: Cellular & Integrative Physiology

No abstract provided.

Ashwagandha And Sexual Health In Women With Hypoactive Sexual Desire Disorder: Exploring Extent Of Adaptogenic Properties, Rhea Chatterjee

AUCTUS: The Journal of Undergraduate Research and Creative Scholarship

Hypoactive Sexual Desire Disorder (HSDD) affects 40% of women and potentially decreases their quality of life. Currently, the primary treatment for HSDD is Flibanserin, which is a serotonergic agonist and an antidepressant. However, the limited efficacy of Flibanserin encourages the exploration of the utilization of traditional drugs such as Withania somnifera, otherwise known as Ashwagandha, as an alternative treatment for HSDD. Minimal studies examine ayurvedic medications or the symptoms of illnesses that traditional Western medicines are unable to treat. This comprehensive literature review investigated the efficacy of Ashwagandha in improving sexual function in women with HSDD. The paper evaluated …

Effects Of Psychedelics On Acute Nicotine Pharmacological Responses, Aleny Oros, Belle Buzzi, Julian Vaughn, Burhan Buttar, Javier Gonzalez-Maeso, M Imad Damaj

IRBEH/Spit for Science Publications and Presentations

Smoking is a major risk factor for illnesses, such as cancers, cardiovascular diseases and respiratory conditions. In smoking, nicotine activates nicotinic acetylcholine receptors in the brain region. Prolonged use of nicotine will desensitize these specific receptors and cause nicotine dependence, resulting in smokers to experience withdrawal symptoms, such as anhedonia, depression, stress, and craving, leading to relapse.2 As the rate cigarette smoking has declined over the years, it is not significantly entitled by the tremendous increase rate of e-cigarette use. In a previous study being published, life-time use of psychedelics is associated with lower nicotine dependence.1

Psychedelics, specifically psilocybin, which …

Principles Of Biomedical Research, Faina Linkov, Matthew C. Kostek

Open Education Materials

HLT 430/530

CC BY-NC-SA

Hypothalamic Paraventricular Nucleus G⍺Q/G⍺S And Rgs2 Signaling Pathways Mediate Sympathoexcitation And Sodium Retention In Hypertension, Shane Harold Boomer

Dissertations and Theses

The hypothalamic paraventricular nucleus (PVN) regulates diverse physiological processes for maintaining homeostasis, modulating functions ranging from fluid balance to sympathetic nervous system activity. Due to its integral connections with various autonomic and endocrine systems, the PVN significantly influences cardiovascular and renal function, notably in blood pressure homeostasis and the development and regulation of hypertension. The regulatory capacity of PVN is mediated through several signaling pathways, including those involving G-protein coupled receptor (GPCR) and G- protein signaling. We hypothesized the altered PVN signaling through Gαq/Gαs and regulators like regulator of G-protein signaling 2 (RGS2) pathways affected sympathetic nerve activity and blood …

The Evolution Of The Stress Response In The Trinidadian Killifish: Ecological Drivers And Maternal Mediation, Mikaela E. Feder

Biology Dissertations - Archive

Ecological variables can induce the stress response in organisms. Yet, few studies have tested for evolutionary shifts in stress responses across ecological gradients. In these studies, we used Trinidadian killifish found in sites with predators (high predation, HP) and sites where they are the only fish present (killifish only, KO). HP and KO populations differ in a suite of behavioral and life-history traits, making the Trinidadian killifish an excellent model to examine evolutionary physiology. My dissertation addresses the knowledge gap by examining: (1) how baseline cortisol differs in wild-caught Trinidadian killifish found in HP and KO sites, (2) the influence …

Characterizing And Targeting The Non-Catalytic Functions Of Phosphatase Of Regenerating Liver 3 (Prl-3) In Oncogenesis And Cancer Progression, Jeffery T. Jolly

Theses and Dissertations--Molecular and Cellular Biochemistry

Phosphatase of Regenerating Liver 3 (PRL-3) is frequently upregulated in various cancers and is associated with poor patient prognosis. Although traditionally studied for its phosphatase activity, PRL-3 also interacts with the CNNM family of magnesium transporters through its catalytic site, and these two functions are mutually exclusive at any given time. Most previous studies relied on a commonly used PRL-3 mutation that disrupts both phosphatase activity and CNNM binding, making it challenging to determine which function drives its oncogenic effects. To address this gap in the field, I utilized a panel of PRL-3 mutants that selectively disrupt either phosphatase activity …

Organic Geochemical Evidence For Life In Archean Rocks Identified By Pyrolysis-Gc-Ms And Supervised Machine Learning, Michael L. Wong, Anirudh Prabhu, Conel O'D. Alexander, H. James Cleaves Ii, George D. Cody, Grethe Hystad, Marko Bermanec, Wouter Bleeker, C. Kevin Boyce, Andrea Corpolongo, Andrew D. Czaja, Souvik Das, Robert R. Gaines, Daniel D. Gregory, John A. Jaszczak, Emmanuelle J. Javaux, Jaganmoy Jodder, Andrew H. Knoll, Martin Van Kranendonk, Katie M. Maloney, Nora Noffke, Robert Rainbird, Emersyn Slaughter, Eva E. Stüeken, Roger E. Summons, Frances Westall, Jasmina Wiemann, Shuhai Xiao, Robert M. Hazen

OES Faculty Publications

Throughout Earth’s history, organic molecules from both abiogenic and biogenic sources have been buried in sedimentary rocks. Most of these organic molecules have been significantly altered by geologic processes through deep time. Nonetheless, the nature and distribution of those ancient fragmentary organic remains have the potential to reveal diagnostic biomolecular information after billions of years of burial. Here, we analyzed 406 fossil, modern biological, meteoritic, and synthetic samples using pyrolysis gas chromatography and mass spectrometry. We explored these analytical data via supervised machine-learning methods to discriminate samples of biogenic vs. abiogenic origin, plant vs. animal phylogenetic affinity, and photosynthetic vs. …

Traction Force Microscopy Using An Epifluorescence Microscope: Experimental Considerations And Caveats, Zaria Booth, Mazen Mezher, Rudra Patel, Venkat Maruthamuthu

Mechanical & Aerospace Engineering Faculty Publications

Forces exerted by cells due to their internal contractility play fundamental roles in a host of processes, including adhesion, migration, survival and differentiation. Traction force microscopy (TFM) enables the determination of forces exerted by cells or cell collectives on their environment, which is typically taken to be an extra-cellular matrix (ECM)-coated substrate. Sample preparation for TFM involves the plating of cells onto an environment embedded with fiducial markers. The imaging of these fiducial markers in the presence and absence of the cells then enables calculation of the displacement of localized regions of the environment, and, consequently, the spatial distribution of …

Assessing The Role Of Daily Thermal Fluctuations In The Performance Of Mitochondrial Energy Transduction Of The Centrarchid, Lepomis Cyanellus, Grayson Hofmann

Masters Theses

Freshwater systems are affected by current climate extremes, forcing species found in these systems to withstand drastic changes in temperature. Temperature changes affect these organisms by altering their metabolic rate and energy balance. Increases in temperature can lead to an increase in oxygen consumption, which ultimately increases the need for more energy production. Mitochondrial energy transduction of green sunfish (Lepomis cyanellus) and many other fish species after a thermal insult, has hardly been explored. This study complements the limited research available on mitochondrial function in similar species, as they ignore the possibility of consecutive thermal events, which are …

Racial Health Disparities Among Pregnant Women Of Color In New York City: Biological And Systemic Impacts, Kaylin Peña

Pitzer Senior Theses

Racial Health Disparities Among Pregnant Women of Color in New York City: Biological and Systemic Impacts

Abstract

This thesis aims to explore how racial health disparities, underrepresentation in gynecology, and socioeconomic barriers contribute to adverse pregnancy outcomes among women of color in New York City. Through an interdisciplinary approach that combines resources from medical anthropology and human biology, this research will examine the biological implications of chronic stress, specifically HPA axis dysregulation, and its role in maternal health outcomes. With the idea of intersectionality, as conceptualized by Kimberlé Crenshaw, the study analyzes the various effects of systemic inequities and social …

The Impact Staphylococcus Aureus Has On Conventional And Organic Dairy Herds In New Hampshire And New York, Jacqueline Rose Holmes

Honors Theses and Capstones

Staphylococcus aureus is a potentially virulent bacterium that causes mastitis in dairy cattle. The toxins produced from S. aureus impact host immunity, damage the mammary gland, and can adapt to cause antimicrobial resistance. It is important to manage both organic and conventional farms correctly by practicing proper hygiene while milking and providing a clean environment. There is a significant increase of S. aureus cases on organic farms compared to conventional, so there may be ways in which organic management and treatment options could be altered to reduce economic loss and animal suffering. The thesis focuses on the involvement S. aureus …

The Design Of A Bioinspired Impact Mitigation System Towards The Prevention Of Brain Injuries, Bryce H. Reimer

Master’s Theses

Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs), including concussions and chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE), remain a major concern across contact sports, military operations, and transportation. Despite advancements in protective equipment, current strategies often fall short in preventing the mechanical conditions that contribute to long-term neurological damage. This thesis presents the design and validation of a bioinspired impact mitigation system modeled after bighorn sheep horn structures, which have evolved to endure high-energy collisions without apparent brain injury.

Using biomimetic principles, the research integrates experimental and computational methods to evaluate how horn-like geometries reduce impact-induced accelerations. A custom drop tower was built to test dynamic …