Physiology Commons^™

Micrornas Regulated By Pregnancy Target Antiviral And Cancer Immunity Overlapping With The Hiv Interactome, Paula F. T. Cezar-De-Mello, Jonathan M. Dreyfuss, Pai-Lien Chen, Hidemi Yamamoto, Xiaoming Gao, Hui Pan, Charles Morrison, Gustavo F. Doncel, Robert L. Barbieri, Raina N. Fichorova

CONRAD Publications

Innate immunity predictors of HIV-1 risk and pathogenesis vary with reproductive hormones, pregnancy, and lactation, yet the underlying mechanisms remain unclear. We hypothesized that pregnancy-associated physiological adaptations alter systemic microRNA (miRNA) expression, thereby regulating immunity, pathogenesis and susceptibility to infection. We analyzed 174 serum samples from 88 participants in a longitudinal cohort from Uganda and Zimbabwe across pre-pregnancy (PP), pregnancy (P), and postpartum breastfeeding (BF). Cell-free peripheral blood miRNAs (n = 2083) were profiled using HTG EdgeSeq. Pregnancy-specific miRNAs were identified by intersecting differentially expressed (DE) miRNAs from P vs. PP and P vs. BF comparisons. miRNA targets and pathways …

A Comprehensive Overview Of Neurophysiological Correlates Of Cognitive Impairment In Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis, Seyyed Bahram Borgheai, Brie E. Achorn, Alyssa H. Zisk, Sarah M. Hosni, Karl E. G. Richter, Frank S. Menniti, Yalda Shahriari

Computer Science Faculty Publications

Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a progressive neurodegenerative disease that leads to the gradual loss of motor control, typically resulting in paralysis and death within 3 to 5 years of diagnosis. ALS shares neuropathological and genetic associations with fronto-temporal dementia (FTD), a neurodegenerative condition primarily impacting cognitive functions. These two conditions are increasingly viewed as manifestations of a single molecular disease process that affects distinct brain systems, impacting motor neuronal pathways in ALS and fronto-cortical functions in FTD. However, this simple dichotomy belies the complexity of these conditions. In particular, patients with primary motor ALS can also experience significant cognitive …

Gcn5l1-Mediated Lysine Acetylation Regulates Mitochondrial Dysfunction In The Aged Heart, Jackson Edmond Stewart

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

For over a century, cardiovascular disease (CVD) has been and remains the leading cause of death globally. CVD risk and severity increase significantly with advanced age, and mitochondrial dysfunction has been implicated in the pathogenesis of aging. Furthermore, mitochondrial health is crucial for cardiac function, as one-third of total cardiomyocyte volume is occupied by mitochondria in order to meet the high energy demand of contractile and relaxational function. It is thus crucial that we understand the pathological mechanisms driving mitochondrial dysfunction in aging and how this contributes to age-associated cardiovascular disease. The current manuscript aims to fill this knowledge gap …

The Influence Of Perceived Social Support On Mental Health During Injury In Female Gaa Athletes., Clodagh M. O’Connor, Samantha Glynn Kelly

SURE Journal: Science Undergraduate Research Experience Journal

Injury recovery in sport involves not only physical rehabilitation but also significant psychological challenges, particularly for female athletes in amateur and elite environments. This study aimed to explore the perceived social support received by injured female Gaelic Athletic Association (GAA) athletes and the effect it had on their mental health during injury. A qualitative research design was employed to gain an in-depth understanding of the experiences of injured female athletes. Data were collected through semi-structured, one-on-one interviews, allowing for open-ended responses and the exploration of individual perspectives. The sample consisted of 10 female athletes aged between 18 and 32 years, …

Developing A Tool To Measure Resistance To Sustainable Food Choices: A Pilot Study In Ireland And The Netherlands, Kate Flanagan, Bart Sinteur, Patricia J. Bulsing, John M. Kearney

SURE Journal: Science Undergraduate Research Experience Journal

Consumer uptake of a sustainable diet is critical for addressing environmental challenges and promoting public health. Understanding why consumers resist adopting sustainable eating habits can inform targeted interventions and policies. This pilot study examines whether a newly developed scale can effectively detect consumer resistance to a sustainable diet. Currently, there is a lack of research on a tool to measure consumer resistance to a sustainable diet, highlighting the need for a reliable instrument.

The aim of this study is to develop a scale, based on existing literature, to measure consumer resistance to a sustainable diet. Additionally, the study aims to …

Editorial-Sure Journal Volume 7, Issue 2, Geraldine M. Dowling, Eva Campion, Sinead Loughran, Ariane Perez-Gavilan, Josephine Treacy

SURE Journal: Science Undergraduate Research Experience Journal

No abstract provided.

Measuring Welfare Of Wild Tarantulas During Field Surveys Using Heart Rate, Tim Angelo Artiaga Lopez, Becky Hansis-O'Neill, Aimee Dunlap Phd

Undergraduate Research Symposium

Tarantulas (Theraposidae) are predatory arachnids that can help control populations of herbivorous arthropods. We have been monitoring populations of the Missouri brown tarantula (Aphonopelma hentzi) in Missouri glades for three seasons and have questions about their welfare during these surveys. Unlike mammals, arthropods are not extensively researched and there are only a few known facts about measuring their welfare. Managing stress for wild animals during field surveys is important for reducing the potential negative impacts of research. In mammals, increased heart rate is positively correlated with negative stress and eustress. Using the same logic, we hypothesized that heart rate could …

Differences In Total Daily Energy Expenditure Across Field Sports: A Narrative Review, Brenen Skalitzky, Jennifer Fields, Margaret T. Jones, Chad Kerksick, Andrew Jagim

Faculty Scholarship

Background: Differences in total daily energy expenditure (TDEE) across sports, sex, and skill level support the need for sport- and athlete-specific energy intake recommendations. The purpose of the current review was to examine TDEE and related markers of energy expenditure across field-based team sports. A secondary aim was to evaluate physical activity levels (PAL), calculated as TDEE divided by resting metabolic rate (RMR), and their utility in estimating energy needs within team sports.

Methods: The review was limited to studies that included the field-based team sports of rugby or soccer and reported energy expenditure data using doubly labeled water …

Near-Infrared-Spectroscopy-Derived Oxygen Desaturation Rates During Post-Exercise Circulatory Occlusion As Predictors Of Cardiorespiratory Fitness Markers, Carstell Lee

Honors Theses

Cardiorespiratory fitness, measured as maximal oxygen consumption (VO₂max) is a critical predictor of all-cause mortality and overall cardiovascular health. Metabolic carts are the current gold standard for evaluation of VO₂max, but are inaccessible to most facilities and individuals, and are expensive ($20,000+). Near-Infrared spectroscopy (NIRS) has emerged as an accessible and affordable ($5,000-$10,000) alternative for evaluating skeletal muscle oxygenation kinetics and mitochondrial oxidative capacity. However, there is limited research in examining whether NIRS-derived oxygen desaturation rates can be a predictor of cardiorespiratory fitness markers (such as VO₂max and peak power output [PPO]), and whether these measurements show a superior predictive …

Exposure To Pm2.5 And Aging., Daniel Chris Gomes

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Inhalation of fine airborne particulate matter (PM_2.5) is an environmental risk factor for numerous health disorders, including cardiovascular diseases (CVD). While several studies have shown that PM_2.5 exposure can induce oxidative stress, DNA damage, and inflammation, the underlying mechanisms that translate these effects into systemic pathology remain poorly understood. Some recent studies have shown that PM_2.5 exposure can lead to telomere shortening in leukocytes, but the generality of this outcome and contribution to endothelial dysfunction has not yet been fully explored. We hypothesized that PM_2.5inhalation accelerates cellular aging and senescence in both circulating peripheral …

The Autonomic And Arrhythmogenic Effects Of Gestational E-Cigarette Exposure., Brittany Rachelle Reynolds

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Introduction. E-cigarettes (e-cigs) have been shown to be pro-arrhythmic in both human and male rodent studies; however, little is known about how e-cig use impacts patients with a predisposed heightened risk for arrhythmias, including pregnant women. Both pregnancy and e-cig use have independently been shown to increase heart rate, diminish heart rate variability, and increase ventricular premature beats, which is suspected to be due to sympathetic dominance. Importantly, β-blockers have been shown to reduce sympathetic activity, reduce heart rate, increase HRV, and reduce arrhythmias. Thus, the use of β-blockers may help prevent adverse health effects driven by sympathetic dominance from …

Hormonal Control Of Seawater Acclimation In The Intestine Of The Atlantic Killifish (Fundulus Heteroclitus), Karma Je Hine

Graduate Theses and Dissertations

The Atlantic killifish (Fundulus Heteroclitus) is a teleost found in brackish water estuaries, which are subject to large fluctuations in salinity, that handles osmotic stress by triggering compensatory actions across their osmoregulatory organs. As the external salinity increases, the killifish intestine exhibits a high degree of phenotypic plasticity, as the protein composition of the gut epithelium can be modified to absorb desalinated water (H2O) from ingested seawater (SW). Three osmoregulatory hormones, prolactin (P), growth hormone (GH), and cortisol (F), have been observed to be crucial for these transitions to occur in many species of teleosts, including killifish. This research sought …

Establishing Procedures For Primary Human Myoblast Cell Culture, Erica Duffy

Biomedical Engineering

Peripheral Artery Disease (PAD) affects an estimated 200 million people worldwide and is the leading cause of amputation in the United States. PAD is characterized by atherosclerotic narrowing of arteries, resulting in ischemia from reduced blood flow to distal tissues. Although surgical and percutaneous interventions can restore perfusion, fewer than 50% of patients experience sustained benefit, highlighting the need for alternative therapeutic strategies. One promising approach is promoting arteriogenesis, the growth and outward remodeling of pre-existing collateral vessels that improve blood flow around the occluded arteries. Arteriogenesis is regulated by regenerative, M2-polarized macrophages, making macrophage polarization a key therapeutic target. …

Effects Of Rehabilitative Device On Parkinsonian Gait, Brooke N. Ray, Ksenia I. Ustinova, Joseph E. Langenderfer

International Journal of Exercise Science

International Journal of Exercise Science 18(7): 1422-1440, 2025. https://doi.org/10.70252/TGOI6101 Parkinson’s disease (PD) is second in occurrence among neurodegenerative disorders after Alzheimer’s disease and significantly impacts gait and mobility. This research tested the effect of the NewGait rehabilitative device in PD impaired individuals. Twenty individuals with PD participated in this study. Walking gait for three conditions were analyzed: Normal, wearing NewGait and Post-NewGait. Standard spatial and temporal analysis measures as well as nonlinear measures from recurrence quantification were compared to determine any effects of the device on walking gait. NewGait was perceived to be both comfortable to wear as well as …

The Effect Of Three Precooling Methods On Endurance Performance In Active Men, Bahman Mirzae, Mohammadreza E. Toloee, Omid Malekshahi, Victor Romano

International Journal of Exercise Science

International Journal of Exercise Science 18(6): 1410-1421, 2025. https://doi.org/10.70252/ERZX6867 The study aimed to compare the effect of three precooling techniques (internal, external, and combined) on the time to reach exhaustion in active men. Eight active men (23 ± 2 yrs; 178 ± 6 cm; 73 ± 11 kg) participated] in 4 exhaustive test sessions with a minimum power output of 40Wmax. Sessions included consumption of 7.5 grams of ice water with a temperature of -1 degree per kilogram of body weight, cold towels (4-6°C) used to cool the skin surface], a combination of ice water consumption and a towel cooling, …

Can Motivation And Self-Efficacy Predict A Law Enforcement Officer’S General And Job-Specific Fitness?, Robert G. Lockie, Maria M. Beitzel, Tyler Campana, Jennifer Kramer, Robin (Rob) Marc Orr, J. Jay Dawes, Joseph Dulla

International Journal of Exercise Science

International Journal of Exercise Science 18(8): 1393-1409, 2025. https://doi.org/10.70252/GEHB5425 Sedentary behaviors contribute to law enforcement officer fitness declines over a career. An officer’s motivation (desire to exercise) and self-efficacy (belief in ability to exercise) could affect whether they exercise and predict resulting fitness. Data from 60 officers (48 men, 12 women) were analyzed. Motivation (amotivation, external, introjected, identified, integrated, and intrinsic regulation) was measured via the Behavioral Regulation in Exercise Questionnaire. A 6-item questionnaire assessed coping (confidence in exercising under challenging conditions) and scheduling (confidence in scheduling exercise) self-efficacy. General fitness variables included sit-and-reach, grip strength, 60-s push-ups, 60-s sit-ups, …

The Role Of Inflammatory Cytokines In The Bidirectional Relationship Between Periodontitis And Diabetes Mellitus, Andrew R. Witty

Oral Health

Periodontitis and type 2 diabetes mellitus are associated with each other in a bidirectional relationship. The mechanism by which diabetes affects periodontitis is understood to be due to the inflammatory effects of hyperglycemia (high blood glucose levels) and a hospitable environment for sugar-consuming bacteria. Periodontitis is known to be associated with higher levels of glycated hemoglobin (HbA_1c), a long-term measurement of blood glucose control, and treatment of periodontitis reduces HbA_1c. Inflammation caused by periodontitis induces insulin resistance (which leads to higher blood glucose levels), but due to the complex nature of inflammation it is difficult to …

Assessing Aerobic And Anaerobic Thresholds With Emphasis On Isocapnic Buffering In Endurance Runners, Yahya Mushaflar Fathi, Seyed Houtan Shahidi Dr., Prof. Dr. Mohamed Twfeq Othman Alhusaen Aga

International Journal of Exercise Science

International Journal of Exercise Science 18(5): 1381-1392, 2025. https://doi.org/10.70252/IYED1370 Accurate determination of metabolic thresholds is essential for designing effective endurance training. This study aimed to apply a multi-visit Step–Ramp–Step (SRS) protocol to identify aerobic (VT1) and anaerobic (VT2/RCP) thresholds in trained endurance runners, with a particular focus on delineating the isocapnic buffering region—the ventilatory phase between VT1 and VT2 where carbon dioxide (PetCO₂) remains stable despite rising ventilation. Twelve trained male runners (mean age: 27.1 ± 1.9 years; VO₂max: 60.5 ± 2.1 ml·kg⁻¹·min⁻¹) completed the SRS protocol across separate lab visits. Each session included a 4-minute moderate-intensity phase, a progressive …

The Effects Of Visual And Audio Secondary Cognitive Tasks During Landing: A Statistical Parametric Mapping Analysis Of Hip And Knee Biomechanics, Hillary Nguyen, Amber Lyle, Kevin Tran, Dominic Espinoza, Gerwyn Hughes

International Journal of Exercise Science

International Journal of Exercise Science 18(7): 1367-1380, 2025. https://doi.org/10.70252/KGHI3479 ACL injuries often occur when athletes perform cognitive tasks while performing a landing/cutting movement. This study investigated the effects of secondary cognitive tasks on hip and knee biomechanics during single limb landing. Sixteen recreational athletes (10 females and 6 males, age: 21.6 ± 2.5 years, mass: 65.2 ± 8.9 kg, height 1.66 ± 0.07 m) performed landings on their dominant limb as a single task and while simultaneously performing secondary cognitive tasks (mental arithmetic) provided through audio and visual means. Hip and knee joint angles and moments were calculated in all …

Treadmill Exercise And Indoor Cycling: Self-Selected Intensity, Perceived Enjoyment, And Importance Of Preference For Activity Mode, Ernst A. Hansen, Jonathan Ipsen, Jari Schneider, Simon Petersen, Alexander Petersen, Marianne Lindahl

International Journal of Exercise Science

International Journal of Exercise Science 18(5): 1344-1354, 2025. https://doi.org/10.70252/NCPI2090 For advancement of public health through exercise, exercise intensity and enjoyment are important. We aimed at testing whether self-selected exercise intensity was higher during treadmill exercise than during indoor cycling. Secondly, the enjoyment associated with the two activities was evaluated. Thirdly, in a person-centered analysis, taking into account the participants’ preference for mode of activity, we assessed whether preference for one of the activity modes was accompanied by greater intensity. Healthy adults (n=21) participated in the repeated measures crossover-designed study. They performed 16-min bouts of treadmill exercise and indoor cycling at …

Acute Physiological Responses To Rope Climbing Ergometer High-Intensity Interval Training In Males And Females, Hannah K. Eberhardt, Matthew F. Brisebois, Matthew A. Yeomans, Patrick G. Saracino

International Journal of Exercise Science

International Journal of Exercise Science 18(3): 1355-1366, 2025. https://doi.org/10.70252/EAFV3707 This study aimed to assess the acute physiological responses to a single bout of rope climbing high-intensity interval training (RC-HIIT) and compare the responses between sexes as no data currently exists on this training modality. Following an overnight fast, body composition was assessed, and resting measurements were recorded. Participants then completed an exercise protocol consisting of 10 rounds of maximal effort rope climbing using a 30:60 second work:rest ratio. Gas analysis and heart rate (HR) were recorded continuously. Blood lactate (BLa) was measured following the final work interval. Participants remained seated …

The Effect Of High-Intensity Interval Training On Visceral Adipose Tissue In Type 2 Diabetes: A Systematic Review, Ivan D. Delgado, Julio C. Delgado, Ryan D. Burns

International Journal of Exercise Science

International Journal of Exercise Science 18(5): 1321-1333, 2025. https://doi.org/10.70252/YEUF2363 Visceral adipose tissue (VAT) is a significant contributor to insulin resistance in type 2 diabetes (T2D). The effectiveness of time-efficient high-intensity interval training (HIIT) in reducing VAT has not been reviewed. A systematic search conducted on PubMed, Embase, and SPORTDiscus up to April 2025 for randomized controlled trials that compared HIIT with non-exercise control and quantified VAT using imaging identified five trials (n = 138) that met inclusion criteria. Risk of bias was assessed using a nine-item modified PEDro scale. Four trials reported significant reductions in VAT after 8-12 weeks of …

Effects Of A Personalized Fitness Program Provided By Undergraduate Exercise Science Students On Attitudes Toward Exercise, Mental Health, And Quality Of Life, Kris M. Cleveland, Jacob Fike, Scott Peterson

International Journal of Exercise Science

International Journal of Exercise Science 18(4): 1334-1343, 2025. https://doi.org/10.70252/IYNS6043 Personalized fitness training is designed to improve physical health and fitness, but may also promote mental health and well-being. The purpose of this study was to determine whether there are positive psychological outcomes for clients participating in a community-based personalized fitness program led by undergraduate Exercise Science students. A total of 44 participants completed a battery of psychological scales both before and after participation in a 12-week university-sponsored personalized fitness training program. Psychological measures included the Exercise Attitudes Scale, Self-Efficacy Scale for Exercise, Short Warwick-Edinburgh Mental Well-Being Scale, Health Status Questionnaire, …

Mathematical Models For The Eye -- From The Tear Film To The Retina, Daniel Anderson

Annual Symposium on Biomathematics and Ecology Education and Research

No abstract provided.

The Effects Of Caffeine And Resistance Exercise On Pulse Wave Reflection In Resistance-Trained Women, Sarah G. Kearney, Therese M. Smith, Meredith C. Paskert Joplin, Erica Marshall, Jason C. Parks, Stacie M. Humm, Michelle A. Kern, J. Derek Kingsley

International Journal of Exercise Science

International Journal of Exercise Science 18(6): 1310-1320, 2025. https://doi.org/10.70252/RWDY4284 Caffeine, alone or in conjunction with an acute bout of resistance exercise (RE), increases measures of pulse wave reflection (PWR), with most studies focusing on men. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to investigate caffeine’s effects on measures of PWR alone and following an acute bout of RE in young, healthy, resistance-trained women. Eleven resistance-trained women completed an acute bout of RE using free-weights with repetitions to failure for squat and bench press with caffeine (4mg/kg) and a placebo. Measures of PWR were measured at Rest, 50 minutes following ingestion …

Two-Year Skeletal Adaptations In Development And National Level Female Figure Skaters, Chelsea Wong, Leigh Gabel, Erik Groves, Kelly Quipp, Steven Boyd, Lauren Burt

International Journal of Exercise Science

International Journal of Exercise Science 18(3): 1297-1309, 2025. https://doi.org/10.70252/ZSKN7069 Figure skaters typically have higher bone mineral density (BMD) than the general population. However, the current literature is limited to cross-sectional studies. The objective of this study was to determine two-year changes in volumetric BMD, bone microarchitecture, and estimated bone strength in elite national and development level Canadian figure skaters. Eleven female figure skaters aged 14+ years were recruited for this longitudinal study. Measurements occurred annually. High-resolution peripheral quantitative computed tomography (HR-pQCT) scans of the radius and tibia underwent three-dimensional image registration. Total (Tt), cortical (Ct) and trabecular (Tb) volumetric BMD …

Losing Focus In The Age Of Tik Tok: Clinical Evidence For Policy Action On Social Media Use, Megan Conefrey, Robert Griffin

SURE Journal: Science Undergraduate Research Experience Journal

No abstract provided.

Tracking Livestock Heart Rate & Location Using Long-Range Radio Networks. An Immediate Solution For Farms Without Reliable Wi-Fi, Dermott Harkin, Martin Bradley

SURE Journal: Science Undergraduate Research Experience Journal

No abstract provided.

Voices Matter: Tackling Accentism In Ireland. A Study Addressing Accent-Based Discrimination Awareness In Education, Sadhbh Reddington, Victoria Graham, Holly Jordan, Mairead Moriarty

SURE Journal: Science Undergraduate Research Experience Journal

No abstract provided.

Income Inequality And Attitudes Towards Immigrants – How Increased Inequality Drives Division, Niamh Anderson, Vincent O'Sullivan

SURE Journal: Science Undergraduate Research Experience Journal

No abstract provided.