Physiology Commons^™

Volatile Organic Compounds And Their Relation To Sympathetic Activation And Autonomic Balance In Humans., Cameron Kyle Stopforth

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is a multifaceted pathology that affects almost half of Americans ≥20 years old. One modifiable risk factor associated with CVD is air pollution exposure. The intricacy of air pollution exposure and CVD can make it difficult to elucidate on the multitude of mechanisms underpinning these associations. In this dissertation, we selected a relevant exposure (i.e., volatile organic compounds (VOC)) and an intermediate outcome (i.e., autonomic balance) that may represent one of these pertinent mechanisms. We tested the central hypothesis that higher VOC exposures would lead to increased sympathetic activation and autonomic imbalance. Aim 1 (Chapter III …

A Comprehensive Literature Review Of Barriers To Hormone Therapy Utilization: Strategies For Improving Menopause Management In Women Aged 40-60, Suhan Lee

Capstone Experience: Master of Public Health

Menopause is a natural transition marked by the cessation of ovarian activity, often accompanied by vasomotor symptoms (VMS), genitourinary syndrome of menopause (GSM), and psychological changes that significantly impact women’s quality of life. Hormone therapy (HT) has been the primary treatment for managing menopausal symptoms, particularly VMS, providing substantial relief when initiated within 10 years of menopause. Despite its effectiveness, HT usage has declined dramatically over the past two decades primarily due to barriers such as stigma, safety, misinformation, provider hesitancy, financial barriers, and cultural beliefs. This comprehensive literature review explores key factors influencing HT decision-making, including the media’s role …

Investigating The Effects Of Hepatocyte Growth Factor On Primary Myoblast Proliferation, Grace Heller

Biomedical Engineering

Peripheral artery occlusive disease (PAOD) is a progressive vascular condition that affects over 200 million people worldwide and approximately 8 million in the United States. It is characterized by atherosclerotic narrowing of peripheral arteries, leading to reduced blood flow, ischemia, and, in severe cases, tissue loss and limb amputation. Although surgical revascularization is the gold standard, many patients—particularly those with comorbidities like diabetes— continue to experience poor outcomes, emphasizing the need for alternative therapies. One promising strategy is to enhance collateral arteriogenesis, the remodeling and enlargement of collateral arterioles that naturally bypass occluded vessels. Satellite cells (SCs), which give rise …

Assessing The Osmoregulatory Capabilities Of American Alligator Lingual Glands, Benjamin Angalet, Nicholas S. Green

Symposium of Student Scholars

Crocodilians inhabit a wide variety of aquatic, marine, and estuarine habitats on 4 continents. Saltwater-adapted species and populations face considerable osmoregulatory challenges in maintaining homeostasis with respect to plasma salt [NaCl] concentration. In addition to the kidneys and cloaca found in all crocodilians, crocodiles possess a salt-secreting lingual gland whose presence and function is less understood in other crocodilians. This study investigates the lingual gland anatomy, physiology, and potential function of American alligator (Alligator mississippiensis) populations exposed to varying salinity levels. At each of four sites (Jekyll Island, Sapelo Island, Okefenokee NWR, and Banks Lake NWR), we will capture 12 …

Different Effects Between Trigeminal Sensory And Vagal Visceral Input On Salivary Gland Blood Flow, Ratna Ramadhani, Toshiya Sato, Hisayoshi Ishii

Journal of Dentistry Indonesia

Objective: The purpose of the present study was to evaluate the different effects of trigeminal sensory and vagal-visceral inputs on blood flow (BF) in the submandibular gland (SMG). Methods: Ten to eleven-week-old Wistar rats were anesthetized with urethane (1.0 g/kg) and artificially ventilated. The femoral artery was cannulated for systemic arterial blood pressure (SABP) measurement. The cervical sympathetic trunk (CST) on both sides and the cervical vagus nerve (CVN) on the right side were cut before the stimulation of the left abdominal vagus nerve (AVN). The CVN and lingual nerve (LN) were stimulated after cutting the CST and CVN. AVN, …

Evaluation Of Valid Vo2max Criteria For Graded Exercise Testing In Cancer Survivors, Daniel Y.K. Shackelford, Jessica M. Brown, Rhianna N. Patel

International Journal of Exercise Science

International Journal of Exercise Science 18(5): 443-455, 2025. Cardiovascular fitness (VO_2max) predicts all-cause mortality and is vital to assess in cancer survivors (CS) for individualized exercise prescriptions. Metabolic carts confirm VO_2max with respiratory exchange ratio (RER) >1.10; other VO_2max criteria include ≤10 beats/minute of maximal predicted heart rate and/or a rating of perceived exertion (RPE) of >8 on the Modified Borg Scale. Another suggested criterion is respiratory frequency (Rf) > 40 breaths per minute. These criteria are assumed applicable for all populations, but due to cancer-related toxicities, frequency and validity of traditional VO_2max criteria usage in …

Metabolic And Microbial Crossroads: Sodium-Glucose Cotransporter-2 Inhibitors And Urinary Tract Infections In (Asian) Diabetes Care, Rob E. Carpenter

Human Resource Development Faculty Publications and Presentations

The global rise of type 2 diabetes, particularly in Asian populations, has led to widespread adoption of sodium-glucose cotransporter-2 (SGLT2) inhibitors for glycemic control. While effective, these agents elevate the risk of urinary tract infections (UTIs) by inducing glycosuria, which creates a nutrient-rich environment that favors uropathogen growth. Asian individuals may be disproportionately vulnerable to SGLT2 inhibitor–associated UTIs due to a confluence of factors, including lower body mass index, increased visceral adiposity, congenital urinary tract anomalies, and genetic polymorphisms that impair uroepithelial integrity and immunity. This review integrates emerging evidence on the molecular, anatomical, and immunometabolic mechanisms that underlie infection …

Relationships Between Performance In The Frequency Speed Kick Test, Heart Rate Variability, And Body Composition In Amateur Muay Thai Fighters, Antonio Beira De Andrade Junior, Elena Marie Peixoto Ruthes De Andrade, Patrícia Dos Santos Vigário, Cesar Antonio Luchesa, João Eduardo De Azevedo Vieira, Igor Ramathur Telles De Jesus, Agnaldo Jose Lopes

International Journal of Exercise Science

International Journal of Exercise Science 18(6): 428-442, 2025. In martial arts, heart rate variability (HRV) measurements can potentially be used to assess injury risk and susceptibility to fatigue. Muay Thai uses the Frequency Speed of Kick Test (FSKT) to measure kick speed, but it is unknown whether better fitness results in improved autonomic function and body composition, which may affect athletic performance and recovery. We aimed to evaluate the correlations between FSKT, HRV, and body composition measures in amateur Muay Thai fighters. This is a cross-sectional study with 37 Muay Thai fighters. They underwent FSKT-10s and multiple FSKT to measure …

Lack Of Patient-Centered Care Relative To Evidence-Based Practice In Clinical Diagnosis And Treatment Of Endometriosis In The U.S.: A Review, Piper E. Scoskie

Honors Theses

This scoping review examines the impact of combining Patient-Centered Care (PCC) and Evidence-Based Care (EBC) on clinical outcomes and patient satisfaction in the diagnosis and treatment of endometriosis in the United States. In particular, the review aims to (1) examine the body of research from the United States to learn more about the connection between PCC and EBC and their collective impact on patient satisfaction and clinical outcomes in the treatment of endometriosis; (2) identify the gaps in existing research and practice, specifically regarding PCC procedures, varying patient populations, and longitudinal investigations; and (3) provide recommendation for future research and …

Erratum For Effect Of Chronotype On Sleep Quality In A Laboratory Setting, Brianna Harfmann, Natashia Swalve, John Mitrzyk, Alexander Montoye

International Journal of Exercise Science

No abstract provided.

The Effects Of Palm Cooling On Repeat Sprint Ability Following A Fatigue Inducing Protocol In Collegiate Female Athletes, Ella Wrabley, Britta Lagerquist, Grace Smith, Rachel Jones, Madeline Mcneilly, Jeff Buxton, Hayden Gerhart, Phillip Prins

International Journal of Exercise Science

International Journal of Exercise Science 18(3): 415-426, 2025. Cooling glabrous skin sites, such as the palms, can mitigate core body temperature rise and delay fatigue during physical activity, potentially enhancing performance. However, research on palm cooling (PC) in female athletes remains limited, and existing devices are often costly or impractical. This study evaluated the effects of PC using a novel, cost-effective portable device on repeat sprint ability in female collegiate athletes after a fatiguing protocol. Twenty female athletes (age: 20.1±1.4 years; height: 166.7±6.9 cm; mass: 66.6±9.8 kg; BMI: 24.0±3.9 kg/m²; body fat: 24.9±4.6%) participated in a randomized crossover study. Sessions …

Designing An Optimal Thermal Preference Arena For Southern Cricket Frog (Acris Gryllus) Juveniles, Eleanor E. Briggs, David M. Phillips Jr.

Honors Theses

Climate change has been altering ecosystems across the world at a substantial rate, disrupting the delicate ecophysiological relationships between ecosystems and the organisms that live in them. Ectotherms, such as amphibians, rely on external temperatures to behaviorally thermoregulate, making it especially imperative to study their thermal biology. Thermal preference, which assesses the environmental temperature an organism would seek out in the absence of external stimuli, provides valuable information about an amphibian’s thermal biology and can be used to predict the effects of climate change on a species or population. A commonly used method to measure thermal preference is an arena …

The Effects Of Stress On Injury And Sickness Rates Of Middle-Distance And Distance D3 Athletes, Hailey D. Smith Ms.

Student Scholar Showcase

A runner intentionally stresses their body to experience an adaptation, however, issues occur when the body does not have time to recover. Male athletes (n = 14) on the University of Lynchburg’s distance and middle-distance team participated in this study. For 6 weeks, heart rate variability (HRV4training app), resting heart rate, perceived stress, and cortisol levels were assessed as indicators of recovery and stress. It was anticipated that indicators of physical stress such as higher resting heart rates and higher cortisol levels, would correspond with greater perceived stress and higher occurrence of injury and sickness. Cortisol (n = 2, p …

Age Of Anaerobic, Aerobic, And Skill-Based Olympic Athletes 1988 - 2024, Corban J. Ruiz, Iliana G. Hernandez, Edward K. Merritt

International Journal of Exercise Science

International Journal of Exercise Science 18(3): 404-414, 2025. The age at which athletes compete at a high-level provides understanding of human physiology, development, aging and skill refinement. The Olympics, with high-level performances across events with differing metabolic demands, provide unique data for analysis of optimal performance age given the type of performance required. The aim of this study was to classify Olympic events from 1988-2024 into aerobic, anaerobic, mixed, or skill, and compare male and female athlete ages in each classification. Events of maximal effort under 2-minutes duration were classified as anaerobic. Events longer than 5 minutes were classified as …

Effects Of Beetroot Juice Supplementation On Power Output During Resistance Exercise In Resistance-Trained Women, Christopher B. Sottile, Sydney N. Brennan, Trevor J. Molnar, Raymond T. Gerardo, Justin M. Foster, Ryan Tran, Michael Egiazarian, Kyle S. Geppert, Abigial F. Ballhagen, Adam Pennell, Rachel Tan

Seaver College Research And Scholarly Achievement Symposium

Dietary nitrate supplementation has been reported to enhance explosive-type movements, but our understanding of the ergogenic potential of nitrate in resistance exercise and women is understudied. PURPOSE: To investigate if dietary nitrate, provided as nitrate-rich beetroot juice (BR), improved resistance exercise performance compared to nitrate-depleted beetroot juice (PL) in resistance-trained women. METHODS: Eighteen resistance-trained women were assigned in a randomized, double-blind, crossover design to consume PL (0.10 mmol nitrate) and BR (6 mmol of nitrate) 2.5 h prior to performing barbell back squats and bench press at 55% one-repetition max (1RM), 60%1RM, and 65%1RM. Power and velocity were measured via …

Metabolite Analysis To Understand Factors Limiting Microbial Fermentation At High Substrate Concentrations, Bishal D. Sharma

Dartmouth College Ph.D Dissertations

Clostridium thermocellum, a thermophilic anaerobic bacterium, holds promise as a biocatalyst for conversion of lignocellulosic biomass into biofuels. This microbe has been subjected to various metabolic engineering strategies, including the deletion of genes encoding secondary fermentation products such as H₂, formate, acetate, and lactate, as well as the expression of heterologous genes to redirect carbon flux toward ethanol production. Despite these efforts, achieving economically viable ethanol titers remains a challenge. We hypothesized that studying how intracellular metabolite concentrations change as fermentation stops could reveal metabolic bottlenecks or regulatory mechanisms limiting ethanol production at high titers. However, metabolomics studies at …

Does Body Mass Index Affect Postural Control In Adults?, Taylor Kruse, Andrew Shim, Ian Bonder

International Journal of Exercise Science

International Journal of Exercise Science 18(7): 394-403, 2025. Obese adults are faced with greater challenges to maintaining balance compared to their healthy-weight counterparts. Due in part to the ongoing national and global obesity epidemic, it’s imperative to identify if body mass index (BMI) could negatively affect postural control and balance. The purpose of this study was to determine if CoP scores displayed a significant relationship with BMI in healthy adults. Cross-sectional, archival data from 225 adults (40 males; 185 females; age 29.6 + 14.25 years; weight 77.95 + 21.33 kilograms [kg]; height 168.43 + 0.66 centimeters [cm]; BMI 27.52 + …

Metabolic Transitions In Embryos Of Artemia Franciscana: Regulation And Consequences For Oxidative Stress, Daniel Anthony Arabie

LSU Doctoral Dissertations

Embryos of Artemia franciscana survive harsh conditions in diapause and anoxia-induced quiescence for years by undergoing deep metabolic transitions. I investigated the relationship between phosphorylation of pyruvate dehydrogenase (PDH) and carbon flux to the tricarboxylic acid (TCA) cycle during metabolic depression. The difference in catalytic activity of the PDH complex (PDC) in maximally phosphorylated and dephosphorylated samples was 16.5-fold. Western blot analysis confirmed the changes in phosphorylation of PDH. Analysis of PDH expression in diapause and post-diapause embryos via phospho-PDH showed no significant differences. Investigation of post-diapause embryos under anoxia showed that phosphorylation of PDH decreased and activated the enzyme. …

Using A Cadaveric Model Of Lumbar Scoliosis To Determine Optimal Patient Positioning For Reliable Bone Mineral Density Measures Using A Hologic Dexa Scanner, Caleb B. Schuring, Alexander H.K. Montoye

The Journal of Integrative Physiology

Introduction: Osteoporosis and osteopenia affect roughly 10 million and 43 million older adults, respectively, in the United States. The primary way to detect osteoporosis and osteopenia is through a bone mineral density (BMD) scan, as is often done using dual energy x-ray absorptiometry (DEXA). However, previous research shows DEXA to be unreliable when assessing BMD in individuals with lumbar scoliosis. The purpose of this study was to test the effect of spine orientation on the DEXA scanning bed on lumbar BMD measures, using a cadaver spine as a model. Methods: One female cadaver was dissected to the skeletal …

Effects Of Interval Load And Constant Load Cycling On Cortisol And Testosterone Production, Anna Zurlo

ASPIRE 2025

Testosterone is an anabolic-androgenic steroid released from the gonads when exercising. Additionally, cortisol is a catabolic hormone that is also released in response to the stress of exercise. Both hormones have been known to increase significantly following high-intensity exercise as compared to low-intensity exercise. However, more research needs to be done regarding the interval training effect on testosterone and cortisol levels. PURPOSE: The purpose of this study is to determine the hormonal response of testosterone and cortisol during interval versus constant load cycling. METHODS: Participants aged 19-45 years old will be recruited to participate in the study. Their initial visit …

Life Line Spring 2025, Otterbein Biology And Earth Science Department

Life Line - The Biology Department Newsletter

In this issue:

Greetings and Farewell!; COSI 2024; Ketchup, Culture, and an Unforgettable Conference; Alumna Earns PhD; Tortoises, Butterflies, and Cockroaches, Oh My!; Licking River Roundup 2024; Aquarium Students Explore Coral Restoration in Fiji; The Galapagos Islands: Geology, Ecology, Conservation, and Culture; Dr. Svitana Presents on Otterbein Lake Well Field; Cell Bio Pilots Unique Approach to Learning; Hoggarth to Retire, June 2025; AED is BACK on Campus!; The Greenhouse Gets a Lifeline; Acoustic Rabies Identification (ARID): A Sound-Based Approach to Rabies Testing

The Impacts Of Physical (In)Activity On Endothelial Function, Joel Ernest Harden

Rehabilitation Sciences Theses & Dissertations

Exercise and physical activity are known to have beneficial effects on endothelial function and vascular health. Sedentary behavior and physical inactivity, however, have been shown to be related to poor endothelial function and vascular health. The overall purpose of this dissertation was to further elucidate the physiological links between physical (in)activity and vascular health. In the first study, 12 active, young (18-40 yr) individuals and 12 active, old (55+ yr) individuals were recruited. Participants underwent 5 days of removal of exercise, and had their endothelial function assessed via flow-mediated dilation (FMD) during their normal, habitual exercise state (EX) and during …

Adipocyte-Derived Cchamide-1, Eiger, Growth-Blocking Peptide 3, And Unpaired 2 Regulate Drosophila Melanogaster Oogenesis, Chad Simmons, Isaiah Williams, Tancia Bradshaw, Alissa R. Armstrong

Faculty Publications

In addition to energy storage, adipose tissue communication to other organs plays a key role in regulating organismal physiology. While the link between adipose tissue dysfunction and pathophysiology, including diabetes, chronic inflammation, and infertility, is clear, the molecular mechanisms that underlie these associations have not been fully described. We use Drosophila melanogaster as a model to better understand how adipose tissue communicates to the ovary. In this study, we utilized D. melanogaster’s robust genetic toolkit to examine the role of five adipokines known to control larval growth during development, CCHamide-1, CCHamide-2, eiger, Growth-blocking peptide 3, and unpaired 2 in regulating …

Investigation Of The Hdl Molecular Architecture Before And After Exercise Training., Prasun Kumar Dev

Theses and Dissertations

The functional characteristics of high-density lipoprotein (HDL) particles are influenced by their structure, including their molecular composition (e.g. HDL lipidome and proteome). However, the effects of exercise training on HDL molecular composition and its relationship with HDL-related traits are largely unknown. In this ancillary study, we investigated the HDL lipidome and proteome of 154 adults before and after 20 weeks of exercise training in the HERITAGE Family Study. The HDL-sized plasma fraction was isolated utilizing FPLC-SEC, followed by untargeted lipidomic and proteomic analysis using LC/MS. We identified 341 known lipid species while 409 HDL associated proteins. Clinical and functional related …

The Effects Of Acute Nutrient Intake On Raw Segmental Bioelectrical Impedance Values And Fluid Shifts In Premenopausal Women, Callie Unrein

Theses and Dissertations

Background: Raw bioimpedance measures—impedance (Z), resistance (R), reactance (Xc), and phase angle (PhA)—are emerging tools to assess hydration, cellular integrity, and muscle quality. While multifrequency bioimpedance analysis (MF-BIA) can detect acute physiological shifts, its sensitivity to nutrient intake, especially across hormonal phases in women, remains underexplored. Purpose: This study investigated how essential amino acids (EAA), carbohydrates (CHO), and water (CON) influence postprandial segmental bioimpedance and fluid distribution in healthy women, and whether these responses vary by menstrual hormone phase. Methods: Twenty-two recreationally active women (18–40 years) underwent serial MF-BIA (InBody 970) assessments during high- and low-hormone phases, randomized to one …

The Anorexigenic Peptide Nesfatin-1 Dampens The B Cell Response To Receptor-Mediated Stimulation Through Inhibition Of Nf-Kb Signaling, Tara L. Steffen, Joshua D. Stafford, Colleen R. Boche, Willis K. Samson, Gina Yosten

Biological Sciences Faculty Research & Creative Works

Nesfatin-1, a posttranslational product of the protein encoded by the nucleobindin 2 gene (NUCB2), was functionally identified as an appetite regulatory molecule in rat hypothalamic nuclei. In the years following the discovery, those findings have been corroborated and expanded upon, and we now know that nesfatin-1 is expressed throughout peripheral tissues and exerts physiological effects beyond feeding control. Literature indicates that adipose tissue is one of the peripheral sources of NUCB2/nesfatin-1, and in this setting, it has anti-inflammatory effects that have recently been implicated in regulating chronic inflammation associated with diet-induced obesity. Currently, there are gaps in our understanding of …

Radial Glia Integrin Avb8 Regulates Cell Autonomous Microglial Tgfβ1 Signaling That Is Necessary For Microglial Identity, Gabriel Mckinsey, Nicolas Santander, Xiaoming Zhang, Kilian Kleemann, Lauren Tran, Aditya Katewa, Kaylynn Conant, Matthew Barraza, Kian Waddell, Carlos Lizama, Marie La Russa, Ji Hyun Koo, Hyunji Lee, Dibyanti Mukherjee, Helena Paidassi, E. S. Anton, Kamran Atabai, Dean Sheppard, Oleg Butovsky, Thomas Arnold

Department of Medicine Faculty Papers

Microglial diversity arises from the interplay between inherent genetic programs and external environmental signals. However, the mechanisms by which these processes develop and interact within the growing brain are not yet fully understood. Here, we show that radial glia-expressed integrin beta 8 (ITGB8) activates microglia-expressed TGFβ1 to drive microglial development. Domain-restricted deletion of Itgb8 in these progenitors results in regionally restricted and developmentally arrested microglia that persist into adulthood. In the absence of autocrine TGFβ1 signaling, microglia adopt a similar phenotype, leading to neuromotor symptoms almost identical to Itgb8 mutant mice. In contrast, microglia lacking the canonical TGFβ signal transducers …

Cardiometabolic Risk Factors Associated With Physical Fitness And Activity Levels: An Exploratory Study Of Us College Students, Keegan T. Peterson, Gabrielle Barraco, Jennifer Niessner, Melissa Rodgers, Melissa Bopp

International Journal of Exercise Science

International Journal of Exercise Science 18(8): 379-393, 2025. College students are a vulnerable population at risk of developing and/or experiencing poor physical fitness and insufficient physical activity (PA) levels, both associated with poor cardiometabolic health. Thus, this study assessed the association of physical fitness and domain-specific PA levels on cardiometabolic risk factors (CMRFs) among college students. A volunteer sample of students enrolled in general health and wellness courses at a large, Northeastern U.S. institution from Spring 2023 – Spring 2024 (n=1418, 69.0% male, 89.9% non-Hispanic White) completed an objective health assessment as part of a required course assignment. CMRFs (e.g., …

Comparative Effects Of Exercise And Glp-1 Ras On Type 2 Diabetic Rat Model: A Systematic Review, Sumera Afzal, Hira Attique Dr., Abdul Hameed Dr., Sumaira Imran Farooqui Prof.Dr, Sofia Amjad Dr.

International Journal of Exercise Science

International Journal of Exercise Science 18(6): 363-378, 2025. Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2D) is a major health problem worldwide having life-threatening complications causing mortality and a rise in prevalence. Effective treatment strategies are vital for managing diabetes and its associated complications including cardiovascular disease (CVD), nephropathy, neuropathy, and retinopathy. This systematic review aims to evaluate effective treatment approaches, focusing on the comparative effects of exercise and GLP-1 receptor agonists (GLP-1RAs) in T2D rat models. Current pharmacological therapies primarily target glycemic control and insulin sensitivity. However, there is a growing concern in non-traditional approaches that involve exercise and GLP-1 RAs for …

Shielding The Skull: Exploring The Influence Of Facial Protection, Impact Location And Neck Stiffness On Hockey Helmet Safety During A Linear Impact, Leigh Jeffries, Dr.Meilan Liu, Dr. Paolo Sanzo, Dr. Eryk Przysucha, Dr. Carlos Zerpa

International Journal of Exercise Science

International Journal of Exercise Science 18(7): 343-362, 2025. https://doi.org/10.70252/REVL1750 Originally designed to mitigate skull fractures and traumatic brain injuries in hockey players, hockey helmets have now become a critical focus for further research due to the rise in mild traumatic brain injuries. With the sport's evolution introducing stronger and faster players, new approaches that incorporate facial shielding in helmet technology and enhance athletes’ neck strength are needed to reduce concussion risks. This study pursued two primary objectives. Firstly, it sought to determine if a hockey helmet's stiffness fluctuated at different contact locations during static compression with the inclusion of facial …