Digital Commons Network^™

Therapeutic Importance Of Exercise In Neuroplasticity In Adults With Neurological Pathology: Systematic Review, Sara Valverde Cardoso, Sofia Rita Fernandes, Maria Teresa Tomás

International Journal of Exercise Science

International Journal of Exercise Science 17(1): 1105-1119, 2024. Neuroplasticity is an essential mechanism by which the nervous system shapes and adapts according to functional requirements. Evidence suggests that physical exercise induces a cascade of cellular processes that favours brain plasticity. The Brain Derived Neurotrophic Factor (BDNF) is a neurotrophin closely linked to neuroplasticity that can be increased due to exercise. To verify the effects of therapeutic exercise on neuroplasticity and/or peripheral BDNF levels in neurological conditions in adults, such as stroke, Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s diseases and mild cognitive impairment and address its clinical relevance in the treatment of neurological dysfunctions. …

Understanding The Role Of Mastl In Colon Homeostasis And Colitis-Associated Cancer Development, Kristina Pravoverov

Theses & Dissertations

Colitis-associated cancer (CAC) is the most devastating complication of longstanding inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). Understanding the mechanisms underlying the switch from damage-repair to dysplasia in IBD is critical for identifying novel therapies to facilitate mucosal healing while mitigating CAC risk. Microtubule-associated serine-threonine kinase-like (MASTL), though crucial in cell growth and repair, is upregulated in sporadic colorectal cancer and CAC. This study sought to delineate the role of MASTL in colitis and CAC development.

First, we examined whether MASTL is associated with colitis and recovery. Review of publicly available data found significant elevation of MASTL and interleukin (IL)-22 in biopsies from …

The Prevalence Of Stress Fractures And The Associated Leaf-Q Responses, Self-Reported Exercise Volume And Dietary Behaviors In Female Recreational Runners, Malorie Wilwand, Kelly Pritchett, Marissa Miles, Robert Pritchett, Abigail Larson

International Journal of Exercise Science

International Journal of Exercise Science 17(2): 1092-1104, 2024. Previous research suggests a high prevalence of low energy availability (LEA) and stress fractures (SF) among competitive female endurance athletes. However, much less is known about these issues among recreational female runners. This study aimed to assess the prevalence and number of self-reported SF and risk of LEA among noncompetitive, recreationally active female runners, aged 18 – 25 years. Additionally, it compared characteristics between females with a history of multiple SF vs. one or no SF, and between those ‘at risk’ vs. ‘not at risk’ of LEA. Female recreational runners (n=485) completed …

Towards Building A Reliable Human-Machine Partnership: A Visual Analytics Approach, Sunwoo Jennifer Ha

McKelvey School of Engineering Graduate Student Theses & Dissertations

In recent years, the rapid advancement of artificial intelligence (AI) technology has sparked what has been coined by mass media as a global AI race. At the heart of this race lies the increasing integration of AI technology into our daily lives as well as in analytical workflows and high-risk decision-making processes. In visual analytics, the goal is to unify the strengths of both the human and the machine through an interactive visual interface to solve complex and overwhelming tasks together. To formulate a fruitful collaboration, researchers in the visual analytics community have proposed various intelligent methods to better understand …

The Cadet Athlete Physical Training Intervention (Capti): A 16-Week Periodized Program To Remediate Underdeveloped Tactical Athletes At A Senior Military College, Margaret T. Thornton, Amy S. Welch, Scott Caulfield, Rachele M. Pojednic

International Journal of Exercise Science

International Journal of Exercise Science 17(4): 1083-1091, 2024. Approximately half of military recruits fail the Army Physical Fitness Test (APFT), and 70% of all injuries in the US military are musculoskeletal in nature. The purpose of this study was to investigate whether underdeveloped musculoskeletal and cardiovascular fitness levels and subsequent APFT scores of senior military college cadets could be improved by a novel, evidence-based Cadet Athlete Physical Training Intervention (CAPTI) compared to the current Remedial Physical Training program (RPT). Cadets failing the APFT (total score < 180, or < 60 in scored sit-ups, pushups or run time, respectively) participated in a 16-week remedial training program including either CAPTI (periodized full body calisthenic and varied-technique cardiovascular training, along with mobility training and mental health and wellbeing sessions), or a traditional, event-specific remedial training program (RPT). CAPTI was randomly assigned to one of three battalions, while the others received RPT. One hundred and thirty-eight cadets (n = 70 CAPTI, n = 68 RPT) participated in the study. After training, 82.9% …

Friend Social Network Size Moderates The Association Between Age And Physical Activity Across Adulthood, Ashley Kuzmik, Yin Liu, Yendelela Cuffee, Lan Kong, Christopher N. Sciamanna, Liza S. Rovniak

International Journal of Exercise Science

International Journal of Exercise Science 17(5): 1068-1082, 2024. Both physical activity and social network size decline as people age. However, limited research has examined if social network size and contact frequency differentially influence physical activity across the adult lifespan. This study aimed to assess if these social network characteristics moderated the relationship between age and physical activity level across adulthood. Multiple regression analyses were conducted to examine the main-effect association between age, past-week physical activity, and past-year physical activity, as well as the moderating effect of social network characteristics (i.e., friend network size, friend contact frequency, relative network size, and …

A Qualitative Description Of Graduate Students’ Perceived Decline In Physical Activity From Undergraduate School, Kristin M. Jett, Bryce T. Daniels, Max Brigance, Jessica L. Passarelli, Erin Howie

International Journal of Exercise Science

International Journal of Exercise Science 17(5): 1038-1055, 2024. Many university students, especially graduate students, are experiencing poor physical and psychological health. Thus, universities are initiating programs like Exercise is Medicine-On Campus (EIM-OC) to promote positive physical activity behavior to improve physical and mental health for primarily undergraduate university students. However, the influences on physical activity when transitioning from an undergraduate to a graduate student are unknown. To explore perceptions of if and how the physical activity levels of graduate students changed from their time as undergraduate students while considering environmental and lifestyle factors. METHODS: Using a qualitative, phenomenological research design, …

Investigating The Effects Of Visual Feedback On Muscle Activity, Heart Rate, Rpe, And Perceptions Of Performance In Ballet Dancers, Lilah A. Duboff, Sarah Dipasquale, Stephen Ives

International Journal of Exercise Science

International Journal of Exercise Science 17(1): 1056-1067, 2024. Extreme postures and imbalances in neuromuscular activity may place classical ballet dancers at higher risk of injury. Dance studio mirrors provide visual feedback by which a dancer can self-correct their body position and alignment, but have been suggested to negatively impact kinesthetic abilities and decrease performance capabilities. Thus, we investigated the effects of a mirror on muscle activity of the quadriceps, heart rate (HR), rating of perceived exertion (RPE), and qualitative performance. A lack of visual feedback would increase muscle activity of the quadriceps, HR, and RPE, and decrease self-reported perception of …

Effect Of Glucocorticoid Blockade On Inflammatory Responses To Acute Sleep Fragmentation In Male Mice, Zim Hasan

Masters Theses & Specialist Projects

The association between sleep and the immune-endocrine system is well recognized, but the nature of that relationship is not well understood. Sleep fragmentation induces a pro-inflammatory response in peripheral tissues and brain, but it also activates the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis, releasing glucocorticoids (GCs) (cortisol in humans and corticosterone in mice). It is unclear whether this rapid release of glucocorticoids acts to potentiate or dampen the inflammatory response in the short term. The purpose of this study was to determine whether blocking or suppressing glucocorticoid activity will affect the inflammatory response from acute sleep fragmentation (ASF). Male C57BL/6J mice were injected …

The Role Of Matrix Metalloproteinase-9 Gene Ablation In Preserving Ejection Fraction During Chronic Volume Overload-Induced Heart Failure., Oluwaseun Ebenezer Akinterinwa

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Heart failure is a prevalent cause of hospitalization globally, especially among older adults. The ejection fraction is a critical parameter in assessing and managing heart failure patients. As we age, the cardiovascular system undergoes changes that increase the risk of cardiovascular morbidity and mortality. One of the most significant structural features that occur with age is reduced or impaired contractility of the left ventricular wall of the heart. Matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) play a crucial role in tissue remodeling, and their latency is linked with nitric oxide (NO). In the context of heart failure and constant stress, tissue remodeling leads to …

Molecular Mechanisms Of Exercise-Stimulated Resolution Of Inflammation And Its Dietary Dependence., Ernesto H. Pena Calderin

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Diet-induced obesity and adipose tissue (AT) inflammation that ensues sets the stage for systemic metabolic inflammation, disrupted insulin signaling, and eventual type 2 diabetes (T2D) development. At the center of this pathology lies a disruption in endogenous inflammation resolution pathways characterized by an imbalance in lipid mediator production (greater abundance of pro-inflammatory to pro-resolving lipids). Additionally, obese states are characterized by adrenergic deficiency, especially in response to physical activity. Inflammatory processes have been experimentally mitigated by either the pharmacological inhibition of pro-inflammatory signals (i.e., Leukotriene B₄ (LTB₄) and its receptor BLT1, which establishes a potent chemotactic stimulus …

The Role Of Elevation In The Migration, Physiology, And Genomic Diversification Of Birds, Jessie L. Williamson

Biology ETDs

Elevational gradients cause profound eco-climatic variation across short distances. Partial pressure of oxygen (PO₂) is a severe challenge that organisms face at high elevations; due partly to specialization on PO₂, most Neotropical bird species have narrow elevational ranges. However, a small fraction are elevational generalists that span sea level to high elevations, and a subset undertake extreme migratory journeys from low to high elevations biannually. My dissertation combines diverse approaches across levels of biological organization to understand how elevation impacts the ecology, evolution, physiology, and migration of montane birds. I examined ‘extreme’ elevational …

Impact Of Thermal-Hydric Stress Of Physiological Performance And Mating Behavior Of Fiddler Crabs, Talene G. Yeghissian

Dissertations

Fiddler crabs live on the edge of their thermal tolerance limits, balancing the need to thermoregulate with the need to mate. Previous research suggests that increased temperature reduces fiddler crab surface activity time, thus decreasing mating opportunities, throughout the range species with greatest impacts to low latitude populations. The less studied missed mating opportunities associated with behavioral compensation for thermal stress are crucial to understanding species vulnerability to climate change. In this dissertation, I describe a combination of experimental and observational approaches in the field and in the laboratory to investigate the physiological and behavioral responses of fiddler crabs to …

Investigating The Adaptive Potential Of Leaf Variegation In Two Dimorphic Hexastylis Species, Cierra N. Sullivan

All Dissertations

Variegated leaves with disjointed, patterned coloration of the leaf blade are often hypothesized to have decreased photosynthetic capacity in comparison to uniformly colored leaves. Yet, many forest understory plants in tropical, subtropical, and temperate climates possess leaf variegation. Moreover, mixed findings from previous research on the physiological impacts of leaf variegation suggest variegation is adaptative under certain environmental conditions despite decreased photosynthetic tissue area. I take an eco-physiological approach to investigate agents of selection maintaining a leaf variegation polymorphism in Hexastylis, which has both quantitative and qualitative variation in variegation. First, I conduct field surveys of morph frequencies, quantitative …

Cancer Heterogeneity And Mitochondrial-Targeted Therapies In Cancer Cachexia, Francielly Morena Clark

Graduate Theses and Dissertations

Cancer Cachexia (CC) is a multifactorial and complex syndrome affecting up to 80% of cancer patients and contributing to approximately 40% of cancer-related deaths. Given its relationship with patients' quality of life and prognosis, there has been increasing emphasis on understanding the underlying mechanisms of CC using pre-clinical models. However, the mechanisms of cachexia vary depending on several factors, including tumor type, model, and biological variables such as sex. RNA-sequencing technology is a crucial tool for investigating CC heterogeneity, enabling the analysis of the transcriptome across different models, conditions, and sexes using publicly available data. Aim 1 of this dissertation …

A Practical Guide To Data Management And Sharing For Biomedical Laboratory Researchers., K Fouad, R Vavrek, M C Surles-Zeigler, J R Huie, H L Radabaugh, G G Gurkoff, U Visser, J S Grethe, M E Martone, A R Ferguson, John C. Gensel, A Torres-Espin

Physiology Faculty Publications

Effective data management and sharing have become increasingly crucial in biomedical research; however, many laboratory researchers lack the necessary tools and knowledge to address this challenge. This article provides an introductory guide into research data management (RDM), and the importance of FAIR (Findable, Accessible, Interoperable, and Reusable) data-sharing principles for laboratory researchers produced by practicing scientists. We explore the advantages of implementing organized data management strategies and introduce key concepts such as data standards, data documentation, and the distinction between machine and human-readable data formats. Furthermore, we offer practical guidance for creating a data management plan and establishing efficient data …

The Role Of Cardiac Mitochondria In Arrhythmias And Sudden Unexpected Death In Epilepsy In Models Of Dravet Syndrome, Jessa L. Aldridge

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Dravet Syndrome (DS) is a pediatric epilepsy disorder. Individuals with DS are at increased risk of Sudden Unexpected Death in Epilepsy (SUDEP). One mechanism implicated in the pathology of SUDEP is cardiac arrhythmias. A central element involved in cardiac regulation is mitochondria. In the heart, mitochondria maintain cardiomyocyte energy (ATP) generation and ion homeostasis but also produce harmful reactive oxygen species (ROS) byproducts. We hypothesized that deficits in cardiac mitochondria could underlie arrhythmias and SUDEP in two independent mouse models of DS. Mitochondria produce ATP through the mitochondrial respiratory chain, also called electron transport chain, comprised of a series of …

An Examination Of The Physical And Technical Demands Of The Competitive Season For Ncaa Division I Male Soccer Players, Emmanuel Espinoza

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

The purposes of this dissertation were to examine the physical and technical demands of collegiate NCAA D-I male soccer players over the course of a competitive season. The following are the major findings of the dissertation:

Study 1 – GPS normative data was calculated by position using data from 5 seasons (2017, 2018, 2019, 2021, 2022). GPS data was compared by position for 5 different GPS-derived metrics. No statistically significant differences were found in any field or lab testing data by position. Statistically significant relationships were found between physical match performance variables of TD and SPR with both YYIRT-1 and …

Bacterial Chondronecrosis With Osteomyelitis Lameness In Broiler Chickens And Its Implications For Welfare, Meat Safety, And Quality: A Review, Amanda Anthney, Anh Dang Trieu Do, Adnan A.K. Alrubaye

Poultry Science Faculty Publications and Presentations

The exponential increase in global population continues to present an ongoing challenge for livestock producers worldwide to consistently provide a safe, high-quality, and affordable source of protein for consumers. In the last 50 years, the poultry industry has spearheaded this effort thanks to focused genetic and genomic selection for feed-efficient, high-yielding broilers. However, such intense selection for productive traits, along with conventional industry farming practices, has also presented the industry with a myriad of serious issues that negatively impacted animal health, welfare, and productivity–such as woody breast and virulent diseases commonly associated with poultry farming. Bacterial chondronecrosis with osteomyelitis (BCO) …

States Of Matter, Todd Sformo

Journal of Humanistic Mathematics

This is a non-fiction essay overtly about three methods used in overwintering physiology, set in the context of my first learning them, along with associated thoughts and ideas as I began working on my PhD. The mathematics shows up mainly in the final section of the essay whose subtitle plays on a poem by Wallace Stevens called “Anecdote of the Jar”. This section is fable-like in its explanation of protein purification and begins with an impossible statement that is slowly adjusted to make sense by words and math.

Differences In Cardiorespiratory Responses With Three Set-Paced Submaximal Endurance Tests In Community-Dwelling Older Adults, Konrad J. Dias, Renee’ S. Rhyne, Danielle M. Callahan, Kaitlyn N. Durbin, Abigail R. Kasten, Jill Heitzman, Dustin R. Nadler

International Journal of Exercise Science

International Journal of Exercise Science 17(4): 1026-1037, 2024. A variety of submaximal exercise tests are commonly used in clinical practice to determine an individual’s exercise capacity and cardiorespiratory fitness. This study explored differences in cardiorespiratory and perceived exertion responses following the completion of three set-paced exercise tests. A prospective, observational, cross-sectional design assessed 30 healthy community-dwelling older adults, who participated in three submaximal exercise tests, including seated marching (SM), standing marching (STM), and standing stepping (STS). Each test was three minutes in length and required the participant to step at a set pace. Heart rate (HR), blood pressure (BP), rate …

Effects Of Remote Versus In-Person Training On Metabolic Profiles And Body Composition Of Physically Inactive Adults. Randomized Clinical Trial, Jhonatan Peña, Willlian Martin, Luis Cardozo, John F. Rodriguez, Cristian C. Peña, Luisa Cardenas, Luis Andres Tellez Tinjaca

International Journal of Exercise Science

International Journal of Exercise Science 17(4): 1016-1025, 2024. The COVID-19 pandemic has pushed the population to adopt increasingly sedentary lifestyles. Faced with this problem, remote training appears as a practical and inexpensive strategy to promote physically active lifestyles. The aim of this research was to compare the effects of remote versus in-person training on metabolic profiles and body composition of physically inactive adults. This research was conducted through a randomized, single-blind clinical trial with balanced block randomization. The sample consisted of 30 physically inactive subjects of both sexes between 18 and 30 years of age. The sample was selected using …

Perceptions And Use Of The Athletic Training Milestones In Education: A Report From The Aate Research Network, Cailee E. Welch Bacon, Barton E. Anderson, Julie M. Cavallario, Bonnie L. Van Lunen, Lindsey E. Eberman

Clinical Practice in Athletic Training

The Athletic Training Milestones (AT Milestones) were developed as an evaluation tool to capture the breadth and depth of athletic training knowledge, skills, and behavior. However, it is unclear whether athletic training programs are implementing this tool or how they are implementing it to gauge the clinical progression of students or residents in athletic training. We aimed to explore the perceptions and use of the AT Milestones among educators in athletic training programs. We used a cross-sectional, web- based survey with open-ended questions to collect data from athletic training programs on if and how they implement the AT Milestones at …

The Value Of Using Validated Competency-Based Assessments Across The Career Span Of An Athletic Trainer, Matthew Drescher, Lindsey Eberman

Clinical Practice in Athletic Training

No abstract provided.

The Development, Implementation, And Value Of The Athletic Training Milestones For Assessing Progressive Clinical Behaviors, Hollie Walusz, Eric Sauers, Mark Laursen, Forrest Pecha

Clinical Practice in Athletic Training

No abstract provided.

Standardized Patient Evaluation Tool: A Valid Measure Of The Core Competencies, Lindsey E. Eberman, Jessica Edler Nye

Clinical Practice in Athletic Training

No abstract provided.

Effect Of Resistance Training On Physical Function During Chemotherapy In Colon Cancer, Justin C. Brown, Shengping Yang, Stephanie L.E. Compton, Kristin L. Campbell, Elizabeth M. Cespedes Feliciano, Sara Quinney, Barbara Sternfeld, Bette J. Caan, Jeffrey A. Meyerhardt, Kathryn H. Schmitz

School of Medicine Faculty Publications

Background: The decline of physical function during chemotherapy predicts poor quality of life and premature death. It is unknown if resistance training prevents physical function decline during chemotherapy in colon cancer survivors. Methods: This multicenter trial randomly assigned 181 colon cancer survivors receiving postoperative chemotherapy to home-based resistance training or usual care control. Physical function outcomes included the short physical performance battery, isometric handgrip strength, and the physical function subscale of the Medical Outcomes Short-Form 36-item questionnaire. Mixed models for repeated measures quantified estimated treatment differences. Results: At baseline, participants had a mean (SD) age of 55.2 (12.8) years; 67 …

Skills And Hills: Factors That Influence Women’S And Non-Binary College Students’ Decisions To Commute Via Bicycle, Emily Dzieniszewski, Ashley N. Myers, Lucas D. Elliott, Melissa Bopp

International Journal of Exercise Science

International Journal of Exercise Science 17(8): 1003-1015, 2024. College students, who actively travel in the forms of walking and/or bicycling, have shown a wide range of physical and mental health benefits. Despite the known benefits of bicycling, participation is influenced by various demographics, including gender identity, sexual orientation, and race/ethnicity. Universities have the potential to promote active travel participation to all populations. The study aimed to understand the environmental and social factors influencing female students’ decision to commute via bicycle in a university setting. A volunteer sample of female college students (n=153) were surveyed to identify common themes from the …

The Effect Of Resisted Sprint Training On Acceleration: A Systematic Review And Meta-Analysis, Elizabeth K. Aldrich, Katherine Sullivan, Jonathan E. Wingo, Michael R. Esco, James Leeper, Mark T. Richardson, Lee J. Winchester, Michael V. Fedewa

International Journal of Exercise Science

International Journal of Exercise Science 17(6): 986-1002, 2024. Resisted sprint (RS) training, such as sled or parachute towing, is commonly used for sprint training among field sport athletes. While RS training is frequently employed by athletes and coaches, there is little research on its benefits, especially compared to unresisted running (UR) training programs with similar training volumes. This systematic review and meta-analysis compared the effectiveness of RS training on acceleration compared to UR training. Potential sources were limited to peer-reviewed articles published in English prior to June 12, 2022, and gathered from the EBSCOhost, PubMed, and Web of Science online …

Persistent Interruption In Parvalbuminpositive Inhibitory Interneurons: Biophysical And Mathematical Mechanisms, Carol M. Upchurch, Christopher J. Knowlton, Simon Chamberland, Carmen C. Canavier

School of Graduate Studies Faculty Publications

Persistent activity in excitatory pyramidal cells (PYRs) is a putative mechanism for maintaining memory traces during working memory. We have recently demonstrated persistent interruption of firing in fastspiking parvalbumin-expressing interneurons (PV-INs), a phenomenon that could serve as a substrate for persistent activity in PYRs through disinhibition lasting hundreds of milliseconds. Here, we find that hippocampal CA1 PV-INs exhibit type 2 excitability, like striatal and neocortical PV-INs. Modeling and mathematical analysis showed that the slowly inactivating potassium current KV1 contributes to type 2 excitability, enables the multiple firing regimes observed experimentally in PV-INs, and provides a mechanism for robust persistent interruption …