Physiology Commons^™

Staying Sane In The Membrane: Neutral Sphingomyelinase 2 As A Master Regulator Of Plasma Membrane Ceramide, Zainuddin Quadri, Erhard Bieberich

Markey Cancer Center Faculty Publications

Ceramide, a key signaling sphingolipid in the plasma membrane, plays a pivotal role in fundamental cellular processes such as adhesion, polarity, and programmed cell death. The generation of plasma membrane ceramide is largely attributed to the activity of two types of sphingomyelinases: neutral sphingomyelinase 2 (nSMase2, Smpd3) and acid sphingomyelinase (aSMase, Smpd1). While many studies have explored ceramide generation following experimental activation of these enzymes, the mechanisms governing basal or steady- state ceramide levels have remained poorly understood. Using an innovative mass spectrometry approach developed in the Canals’ lab, the team has quantified the distinct contributions of nSMase2 and aSMase …

Bilirubin Bioconversion To Urobilin In The Gut-Liver-Kidney Axis: A Biomarker For Insulin Resistance In The Cardiovascular-Kidney-Metabolic (Ckm) Syndrome, Zachary A. Kipp, Olufunto O. Badmus, David E. Stec, Brantley Hall, Terry D. Hinds Jr.

Markey Cancer Center Faculty Publications

The rising rates of obesity worldwide have increased the incidence of cardiovascular disease (CVD), making it the number one cause of death. Higher plasma bilirubin levels have been shown to prevent metabolic dysfunction and CVD. However, reducing levels leads to deleterious outcomes, possibly due to reduced bilirubin half-life that escalates the production of its catabolized product, urobilinogen, produced by gut bacteria and naturally oxidized to urobilin. Recent findings suggest that the involvement of the microbiome catabolism of bilirubin to urobilin and its absorption via the hepatic portal vein contributes to CVD, suggesting a liver-gut axis involvement. We discuss the studies …

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 …

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 …

Improving Glucose Levels In Adults With Type 2 Diabetes, Kaitlin Castillo

Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) Scholarly Projects - Archive

Type 2 diabetes is a growing health crisis, posing significant challenges not only to individual well-being but also to healthcare systems' financial sustainability. The prevalence of type 2 diabetes continues to rise annually, contributing to increased medical costs, hospitalizations, and long-term complications. Houston, Texas, has a diabetes prevalence of 13.5%, exceeding the national average of 10%. A clinical gap exists in providers’ ability to prevent and manage type 2 diabetes. Prioritizing prevention, early intervention, and improved patient monitoring can reduce incidence rates, lower healthcare costs, and enhance overall population health. A Plan Do Study Act model was utilized for the …

A 40-Week Phase 2b Randomized, Multicenter, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Study Evaluating The Safety And Efficacy Of Memantine In Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis, Salman Bhai, Todd Levine, Dan Moore, Robert Bowser, Andrew J. Heim, Maureen Walsh, Aziz Shibani, Zachary Simmons, James Grogan, Namita A. Goyal, Raghav Govindarajan, Yessar Hussain, Tania Papsdorf, Tiffany Schwasinger-Schmidt, Nick Olney, Kim Goslin, Michael Pulley, Edward J. Kasarskis, Michael Weiss, Susan W. Katz, Suzan Moser, Duaa Jabari, Omar Jawdat, Jeffrey Statland, Mazen M. Dimachkie, Richard Barohn, Neuromuscular Study Group And Western Als Consortium Memantine Als Study Group

Neurology Faculty Publications

Introduction: Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a rapidly progressive neurodegenerative disease with no known cure, limited treatment options with minimal benefits, and significant unmet need for disease modifying therapies.

Aims: This study investigated memantine's impact on ALS progression, with an additional focus on the effects of memantine on cognitive and behavioral changes associated with the disease.

Methods: A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial was conducted from December 2018 to September 2020. ALS patients were enrolled in-person and remotely across 13 sites in the United States. Participants were randomized to memantine (20 mg twice daily) or placebo in a 2:1 ratio …

Therapy-Based Strategies To Support Tummy Time In Infants Post-Hospital Discharge: A Scoping Review Protocol, Ketaki Inamdar, Sonia Khurana

Rehabilitation Sciences Faculty Publications

Tummy time is essential for infant development, yet many caregivers face significant challenges with adherence due to behavioral and contextual barriers. While numerous tummy time interventions exist, a limited understanding of their behavioral components hinders effective replication and implementation. This scoping review aims to identify multidisciplinary interventions used to promote tummy time in infants aged 0–12 months, evaluate their impact on adherence, developmental and health outcomes, and examine the behavior change techniques employed using the Theoretical Domains Framework (TDF). Following the Joanna Briggs Institute (JBI) methodology, a comprehensive search will be conducted in MEDLINE (PubMed), Web of Science Core Collection, …

Application Of Telc Model To Better Elucidate Neural Stimulation By Touch, James Weifu Lee

Chemistry & Biochemistry Faculty Publications

Aim: This study is to better understand how the transient ion transport activity of touch receptors could change the graded potential to stimulate an action potential firing.

Methods: The latest transmembrane-electrostatically localized protons/cations charges (TELC) theory is employed for numerical analysis to calculate the neural touch signal transduction responding time required to fire an action potential spike.

Results: A neural action potential spike was constructed successfully using newly developed time-dependent TELC-based neural transmembrane potential integral equations (Equations 5, 6, and 7). The results explicated that the TELC curve has an inverse relationship with neural transmembrane potential since its curve appears …

The Role Of Tgf-Beta Superfamily Members In Immune Homeostasis And Disease, Natalie Eva Nieuwenhuizen, Ioannis Eleftherianos, Piotr Jan Kraj, Maria Semitekolou

Biological Sciences Faculty Publications

[Introduction] The Transforming Growth Factor beta (TGF-beta) superfamily, encompassing molecules such as TGFs, activins, Bone Morphogenetic Proteins (BMPs), Growth/Differentiation Factor (GDFs) and Nodals, represents the largest family of growth and differentiation factors, playing crucial roles in developmental and physiological processes across animal species (1). These molecules are integral to tissue homeostasis and cell fate determination. Among them, TGF-beta is particularly noted for its regulatory influence on immune responses and tissue fibrosis (2, 3). Recent research has expanded our understanding of the immune functions of other superfamily members, including activin A and BMPs (4). These molecules signal through receptor complexes composed …

Implementation Of Patient Care Documentation Standard For Athletic Training Staff In Intercolle, Lucas Bianco, Maria Popek, Bri Durics, Christian Miles

Clinical Practice in Athletic Training

Documentation is a professional standard for all health care professions. As part of a relatively young profession, athletic trainers have had to adjust to the expectations around documentation to stay at the same level as other health care providers. Documentation is often a highly discussed topic with more and more education sessions and resources being provided by NATA, BOC and NATA Research Education Foundation. The need for Continuous Quality Improvement projects and subsequent studies has continued to grow. Projects with a focus on documentation can be completed then disseminated to determine the most effective ways to improve documentation across our …

The Use Of Primal Reflex Release Technique To Address Pain And Stress: An Exploratory Case Series, Nathan R. Reep, Sydney N. Leverett, Rebecca M. Heywood, Zachary Johnson, Alan Nasypany, James May, Scott W. Cheatham

Clinical Practice in Athletic Training

The majority of the world population is experiencing more stress after the COVID-19 pandemic. Working in an outpatient healthcare setting it can be expected that patients will present with stress in combination with other perceptions of pain related to injury. Stress alone may be the cause of pain perception especially in patients who present with no specific mechanism of injury. There is a need for a quick full-body approach to assessment and treatment while considering the stress response to injury. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to determine the immediate effects of Primal Reflex Release Technique (PRRT) Primals on …

Concussions In Women’S Rugby: A Timely Review Of Available Data, Shannon M. Wright

Clinical Practice in Athletic Training

Rugby is a growing full-contact sport across the world for both men and women; as a full-contact sport with no protective equipment, it has a reputation for high injury rates, including concussions. Organized men’s rugby has been established for over a century, whereas organized women’s rugby has struggled to achieve the same success over the years. With a much shorter amount of time to track injuries, women’s rugby lacks data to assess when, where, and what kinds of injuries are most common. The guiding study attempts to examine epidemiological trends for concussion in women’s rugby union and league. After pooling …

Effective Anterior Cruciate Ligament Injury Prevention Programming In Young Female Athletes: An Evidence-To-Practice Review, Janay Ward, Kina M. Ingram, Jackson Biffle, Emily E. Hildebrand, Peter Lisman

Clinical Practice in Athletic Training

Anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injuries are common in adolescents, in particular females participating in sports requiring frequent jumping, pivoting, and rapid acceleration. Consequently, the prevention of ACL injury is a principal concern of athletic trainers and other sports medicine professionals. Neuromuscular training (NMT) programs have been effective in reducing ACL injury risk in athletic populations, though additional clarity on programmatic factors, such as exercise selection, timing, and training dosage is warranted. Therefore, the primary purpose of this evidence-to-practice review was to present which components of NMT programs have been found to be most effective in reducing ACL injury incidence in …

Treating Type Ii Medial Tibial Stress Syndrome With Primal Reflex Release Technique: A Novel Approach, Shelli Green, Jenna Morogiello, Kurrel Fabian, James May, Alan Nasypany

Clinical Practice in Athletic Training

Five NCAA Division I cheerleaders (age 20 ± 1.4; 3 males, 2 females) presented with Medial Tibial Stress Syndrome (MTSS). Following an evaluation, all patients diagnosed with MTSS were treated using Primal Reflex Release Technique (PRRT). Immediate improvements in reported pain were demonstrated after one treatment. Improvements in perceived dysfunction were demonstrated after 4.2 (± 0.84) treatments over 15.4 (± 5.86) days with no time lost. All improvements were maintained at two-week follow-up. Type II MTSS patients treated with PRRT may experience an immediate, lasting reduction in pain, improvement in function, and shorter time to overall resolution.

A Descriptive Examination Of Perceived Stress And Coping Among Athletic Trainers Employed In The National Collegiate Athletic Association, Stephanie M. Singe, Elisabeth M. Mckenna, Alexandrya Cairns, Christianne Eason

Clinical Practice in Athletic Training

Time and work demands are high for the collegiatea athletic trainer, which can increase work stress and burnout may result. High perceived levels of stress and burnout can impact an athletic trainer’s mental health and wellness. Data were collected via an online descriptive, cross-sectional survey (Qualtrics) examining the perceived stress and coping strategies used among athletic trainers employed in the collegiate setting. Respondents completed the pereceived stress scale (ɑ=.90), and a series of close-ended questions related to their self-reported strategy of coping. Data was collected during September of 2022. We had 987 (men 371, women 607, did not disclose 9) …

Driving After A Concussion In Adolescents And Young Adults, What Is The Current Research And Consensus?, Melanie Kwok, Tamara Valovich Mccleod

Clinical Practice in Athletic Training

N/a

Comparison Of Patellar Taping And Strapping For Treating Patellofemoral Pain, Kaison Ames, Eric G. Post

Clinical Practice in Athletic Training

Among collegiate athletes, patellofemoral pain (PFP) represents nearly one-third of all sport-related injuries. There have been multiple studies using a patellar tendon strap as an intervention to treat PFP that showed an improvement in knee pain, as well as studies showing improvement in knee pain when using patellar taping for PFP. However, there is very limited research written that compares the effectiveness of a patellar tendon strap versus a patellar tendon taping technique for patients with PFP. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to compare the effectiveness of patellar taping versus patellar strapping to reduce PFP in collegiate athletes. …

Thoracic Mobility And The Effects It Has On The Human Body: An Evidence To Practice Review, Megan Kurzec, Barton E. Anderson

Clinical Practice in Athletic Training

Decreased thoracic mobility, stability, and strength are prevalent issues in athletes, contributing to various musculoskeletal problems. This Evidence to Practice Review synthesizes findings from a guiding systematic review that identified exercises targeting the thoracic spine in athletes. The review included a comprehensive search across six databases, five journals, and five social media platforms, yielding 38 exercises designed to improve thoracic mobility, motor control, work capacity, and strength. Despite the low level of evidence (Level D), these exercises are widely used in clinical practice. This review provides a framework for exercise prescription, offering athletic trainers a range of exercise options to …

Psychological Effects Of Number Of Knee Surgeries In Female Collegiate Soccer Athletes, Jun Yamada, Eric G. Post

Clinical Practice in Athletic Training

Psychological readiness is an important factor for returning to sport successfully following anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction. To date, no studies have determined the effect of the number of knee surgery to psychological readiness. The primary purpose of this investigation was to determine whether the number of knee surgeries impacts psychological readiness. The secondary purpose was to examine the relationship between the number of surgeries and knee function. Data was collected from participants on the women’s soccer teams at a local division Ⅰ, Ⅲ, and NAIA college. Inclusion criteria were 1) currently fully participating in activities without any limitations, and …

Treating Chronic Low Back Pain And Plantar Fasciitis With Myokinesthetic System: A Case Study, Sadie Buboltz-Dubs, Russell Baker

Clinical Practice in Athletic Training

The purpose of this case study was to report the effects of the MyoKinesthetic (MYK) System on the pain and function of a collegiate softball player previously diagnosed with chronic non-specific low back pain and foot pain. The patient had been experiencing bilateral foot pain since childhood and conservative treatment options had failed to resolve her pain long term. Additionally, the patient had been experiencing persistent back tightness and soreness. Upon arrival at the university, the patient was evaluated using the MYK postural analysis to identify if a primary nerve root dysfunction could be the cause of her pain. The …

Supporting Mental Wellness In Transgender Athletes, Abaigeal C. Fields, Zachary K. Winkelmann

Clinical Practice in Athletic Training

N/a

A Review Of Automated External Defibrillator Considerations In Athletic Training, Bryana M. Mammana, Susan W. Yeargin, Zachary K. Winkelmann

Clinical Practice in Athletic Training

N/a

Correlation Between Pre-Season Single-Leg Hop Testing Data And Lower Extremity Injuries In Collegiate Soccer Players, Ashley Kuchenbuch, Justin M. Stanek

Clinical Practice in Athletic Training

Lower extremity injuries are very common in collegiate soccer athletes and often lead to long-term rehabilitation programs and a decline in the athlete’s overall quality of life. Using single leg hop tests to identify “at-risk” athletes before the competitive season begins could allow medical staff to implement injury prevention programs that could help reduce the incidence of lower extremity injuries throughout the season. The purpose of this study was to determine if data taken from single leg hop (SLH) testing could help predict lower extremity injuries in female collegiate soccer players. A convenience sample of twenty-one participants were chosen to …

College Student-Athlete Perceptions Of Characterizations And Interpersonal Trust In Their Athletic Trainer: A Point-Of-Care Research Study, Ryan N. Moran, Deidre Leaver-Dunn, Jeff Allen, Jessica Wallace

Clinical Practice in Athletic Training

Patient-centered care is essential in athletic training with limited research examining the relationship between patient and clinician. Previous theory has identified constructs of quality athletic trainers (ATs); however, it remains unknown how current athletes perceive these theorized constructs in the ATs providing them medical care. The purpose of this study was to determine the perceptions of characterizations of a quality athletic trainer and interpersonal trust between the student-athlete and AT in the collegiate setting and establish reliability of these surveys. A second aim was to explore differences between sex, previous exposure to an AT, and having had access to an …

The Impact Of Video-Assisted Education On Knowledge And Retention Compared To Paper Education Material, Keiona M. Nance, Matthew J. Drescher, Lindsey E. Eberman, Matthew J. Rivera

Clinical Practice in Athletic Training

When educating patients, clinicians must be effective to assure patients understand their treatment plan and abide by such to achieve optimal outcomes. Teaching methods that stimulate numerous senses more positively impact learning outcomes. The purpose of this study is to compare paper and video-assisted education at the point-of-care with the aim of changing patient education and local practice in a system for individuals undergoing total hip arthroplasties (THAs). We used a randomized cohort design to explore patient knowledge and retention and educational method at the point-of-care. We compared the current education method (paper) to video-assisted materials using pre and post-education …

Exploratory Clinical Assessment And Treatment Of Autonomic Nervous System Dysregulation Post Concussion: A Case Study, Megan Coker, James May

Clinical Practice in Athletic Training

The physiological alterations in autonomic nervous system (ANS) function due to concussion are suggested to play a role in persistent post-concussion symptoms (PPCS). Currently, there are few objective and clinically feasible measurements to assess ANS vitality in patients experiencing PPCS. The following case study details an assessment and treatment protocol targeted towards regulating the ANS in an adolescent female suffering from PPCS one month after injury. Pre-intervention, patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs) used to assess perceived pain, anxiety, stress, and breathing function were administered as well as a physical assessment performed for breath function and vagus nerve integrity. The patient was …

Comparing Mental Health Between Ncaa Division Iii Student-Athletes Competing In Team- And Individual-Sports, Autumn Presley, Tiffany Franklin, Jeffrey Williams

Clinical Practice in Athletic Training

Mental health is a topic that has gained attention in recent years, but few studies have examined NCAA Division III student-athletes. Division III student-athletes are known to experience high levels of distress, and previous literature indicates there may be a significant psychological difference between student-athletes who compete in individual-sports compared to those who participate in team-sports. The purpose of this study was to explore mental health challenges (levels of depression, stress, and anxiety symptoms) among Division III student-athletes, particularly between those participating in team- and individual-sports. A cross-sectional survey design was used. The independent variable was group (team-sport athletes and …

Medical Disqualification As A Barrier To Healthcare In Military Service Members, Kaitlyn A. Jones, Joshua R. Jaime, Zachary K. Winkelmann

Clinical Practice in Athletic Training

N/a

Myosin Xva Isoforms Participate In The Mechanotransduction-Dependent Remodeling Of The Actin Cytoskeleton In Auditory Stereocilia, Ana I. López-Porras, Ava M. Kruse, Mark T. Mcclendon, A. Catalina Vélez-Ortega

Neurology Faculty Publications

Auditory hair cells form precise and sensitive staircase-like actin protrusions known as stereocilia. These specialized microvilli detect deflections induced by sound through the activation of mechano-electrical transduction (MET) channels located at their tips. At rest, a small MET channel current results in a constant calcium influx which regulates the morphology of the actin cytoskeleton in the shorter ‘transducing’ stereocilia. However, the molecular mechanisms involved in this novel type of activity-driven plasticity in the stereocilium cytoskeleton are currently unknown. Here, we tested the contribution of myosin XVA (MYO15A) isoforms, given their known roles in the regulation of stereocilia dimensions during hair …

High Yield Of Congenital Hypothyroidism Among Infants Attending Children Hospital, Nairobi, Kenya. Facility Based Study In The Absence Of Newborn Screening, Menbere Kahssay, Thomas Ngwiri

Paediatrics and Child Health, East Africa

Objectives: Congenital hypothyroidism (CHT) is a treatable cause of intellectual disability. Late diagnosis and delayed initiation of treatment leads to irreversible neurodevelopmental and intellectual disability. Thus, newborn screening is crucial. However, 71 % of babies are born in an area with no established newborn screening program and Kenya is not an exception. We aimed to determine the incidence of CHT, developmental outcomes of patients in the absence of newborn screening.

Methods: A retrospective data of subjects who met the inclusion criteria, newborn and infants from 3 days to 2 years whose thyroid function test (TFT) was undertaken during well baby …