Medical Physiology Commons^™

Determinants Of Corporal Punishment And Severe Physical Punishment In Egypt: A Mixed-Methods Analysis For Child Protection Policy, Marwa Moustafa Nassef

Theses and Dissertations

Corporal punishment (CP) and severe physical punishment (SPP) remain a major public health, child rights, and child protection policy concern. In Egypt, despite legislative reforms, survey-weighted analysis of the 2021 Egypt Family Health Survey (EFHS) 2021 (CAPMAS, 2022) reveals prevalence rates of 60.5% for CP and 27.4% for SPP among children aged 1–14 (author’s calculations using EFHS-2021, n=7623), yet evidence distinguishing the determinants of routine corporal punishment from escalation to severe physical punishment remains limited in low- and middle-income contexts. Guided by Bronfenbrenner’s ecological framework, this mixed-methods study identifies key drivers of CP and its escalation to SPP among Egyptian …

Thermal Physiological Ecology Of The Relict Leopard Frog At Hot And Cold Springs, Robert P. Pelletier Iii

UNLV Theses, Dissertations, Professional Papers, and Capstones

The relict leopard frog (Rana onca) once ranged across drainages in southern Nevada, northwestern Arizona, and southwestern Utah. Following a decline, the species only persisted in a few geothermally influenced hot springs, which led to the perspective that hot springs were high-quality habitat. Rana onca has been under intensive, multiagency management and the species has been translocated to establish additional populations, including at cold-water sites. Three research studies are presented into the thermal physiological ecology of R. onca with the aim of informing conservation strategy. The research was focused at a thermally influenced hot spring and a cold-water spring to …

Engineering Enac Constructs To Examine Pip2 And Ubiquitin Competition On Enac Regulation And Stability, Lacie Johnson

Chemistry & Biochemistry Undergraduate Honors Theses

The epithelial sodium channel (ENaC) plays a critical role in sodium homeostasis, fluid balance, and blood pressure regulation. ENaC activity is tightly controlled by post-translational mechanisms, including ubiquitination-mediated degradation and phosphatidylinositol 4,5-bisphosphate (PIP2) dependent channel activation. PIP2 is a phospholipid necessary to facilitate the maximal channel opening. Previous studies suggest that intracellular PIP2 binding sites are located in proximity to ubiquitination sites on ENaC subunits, raising the possibility of PIP2 binding to influence channel stability and function. This thesis aimed to engineer and validate molecular tools capable of examining the interplay between PIP2 binding and ubiquitination in ENaC regulation. A …

Hepatocyte Peroxisome Biogenesis And Phytol-Induced Metabolic Stress In Liver Disease, William Galloway

Theses, Dissertations and Capstones

Hepatocyte peroxisomes are required for metabolism of phytol-derived branched-chain fatty acids through the ACOX2-SCPx beta-oxidation pathway. This study tests whether hepatocyte-specific deletion of PEX16 (Pex16^Alb-Cre), which eliminates peroxisome biogenesis, sensitizes the liver to phytol-induced injury. The Pex16^Alb-Cre mice and their normal control Pex16^fl/fl mice were fed the Lieber-DeCarli liquid with or without 0.1 percent phytol for eight weeks. Serum alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and liver index were measured. Liver sections were stained with hematoxylin and eosin and Masson’s trichrome. Immunoblot analysis of peroxisomal enzyme expression was also performed. Phytol had no effect in Pex16^fl/fl mice as …

The Impact Of Gastric Sleeve And Roux-En-Y Gastric Bypass On Chief Cell Function And Protein Digestion In Obese Patients, Garikoitz Mikel Gainza

Honors Undergraduate Theses

Obesity has become one of the largest global health concerns of the 21^st century, correlating with numerous associated diseases. To help address the growing prevalence and burden of obesity, sleeve gastrectomy and Roux-en-Y gastric bypass have become two commonly performed surgical procedures done to promote weight loss by altering the anatomical structure of the stomach and surrounding organs of the gastrointestinal system. Although the benefits of improved metabolism linked to these surgical procedures are well studied, their impact on the physiology of gastric cells, and more specifically chief cells as they relate to protein digestion post-surgery, is yet to …

The Effects Of Habitual Temperature And Diet On Crayfish Physiological Processes, Tyler D. Deramo, Sunny Rana, Victor Popoviciu

Williams Honors College, Honors Research Projects

We will use crayfish to test the individual and combined effects of temperature and diet to see how they impact physiological processes such as metabolism, growth rate, molting patterns, and behavioral analysis. A total of forty-eight crayfish will be used throughout the experiment, and they will be housed in separate containers. A plant-based diet (consisting of fresh kale) and an animal-based diet (consisting of dried bloodworms) will be tested alongside room temperature (~18 degrees Celsius) and a warmer habitual temperature (~24 degrees Celsius). Metabolism will be measured via O2 consumption, and growth will be measured by weighing and measuring the …

Increasing Documentation Of Endotracheal Tube Cuff Pressures: A Quality Improvement Initiative For Flight Crew Providers, Matthew D. Noss

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

ABSTRACT

Background: There was a lack of documentation of endotracheal tube (ETT) cuff pressures (CPs) by flight crew providers at Base 1 of HealthNet Aeromedical Services. A three-month pre-intervention data collection showed 1.8% of patients had initial CPs documented. Inadequate documentation and monitoring of ETT CPs can lead to patient complications such as tracheal injury and aspiration making this an important area for quality improvement.

Purpose: To increase documentation of ETT CPs through education and evidence-based interventions.

Intervention: This project implemented an educational in-service on ETT cuff syringe manometry for flight crew providers. The educational intervention consisted of …

Effects Of Body Armor On Respiratory Muscle Fatigue And Muscle Blood Flow During Progressive Treadmill Marching, Kathryn Bell

UNLV Theses, Dissertations, Professional Papers, and Capstones

Introduction: Torso-borne loads such as body armor are essential for modern military operations but impose mechanical and metabolic strain. These physiological stressors can trigger the inspiratory metaboreflex, which redirects blood flow from locomotor to respiratory muscles, further reducing muscle oxygen and endurance. While aerobic fitness has been shown to alleviate these effects, the interaction between sex, aerobic capacity, and oxygenation under load is not well understood. This study examined the physiological effects of torso-borne load carriage on respiratory muscle fatigue, skeletal muscle oxygenation, and exercise performance to volitional exhaustion and the degree to which sex and aerobic capacity influence these …

An Analysis Of The Influence Of Human Disease Pathogens On Core Behaviors Of The Black-Legged Tick, Emily F. Marinko

UNLV Theses, Dissertations, Professional Papers, and Capstones

Ixodes scapularis, the black-legged or deer tick, is a vector for several different disease-causing microbes, including the causative agent of Lyme disease. As such, it is a major health concern for people living within its range in the eastern half of the United States, a habitation area that is increasing due to climate change. Despite its medical relevance as a disease vector, there is still much to learn about the basic behavior of these arachnids in the wild. Thus, the major hypothesis of this thesis is that ticks that are infected with specific human disease-causing microbes behave differently than those …

Core Temperature While Swimming In Warm Open Water With And Without A Wetsuit, Katsiaryna Afanasyeva

UNLV Theses, Dissertations, Professional Papers, and Capstones

Triathlon is a popular sport which attract participants from all over the world. In general, triathlon is a safe sport with risk of death being about 1.74 deaths per 100,000 participants (Harris et al., 2017). The swimming portion of the race can be dangerous, posing particular risks due to open water conditions and the physical demands of the event. This study investigated the effects of wetsuit use on core temperature in warm open-water swimming (27.9–28.3°C). Four experienced triathletes (2 males, 2 females; age 49.50 ± 7.83 years) completed two 700-meter open-water swims at a submaximal pace—once wearing their personal full-sleeve …

Investigating The Influence Of Environmental Stressors To Exopolysaccharide Production In Soil Cyanobacteria: Genomic And Physiological Perspectives, Benjy Sedano-Herrera

UNLV Theses, Dissertations, Professional Papers, and Capstones

Cyanobacteria are photosynthetic microbes with essential roles in Earth’s ecosystems. The secretion of long–chain polysaccharides, known as exopolysaccharides (EPS), is a key trait facilitating cyanobacterial adaptation to diverse ecosystems. Genomics studies have shown that aquatic cyanobacteria harbor multiple gene copies encoding EPS export proteins, likely conferring a selective advantage in lakes or oceans. In addition, physiological experiments showed that nutrient limitation in aquatic habitats influences EPS production, affecting cyanobacterial fitness. However, whether terrestrial cyanobacteria also harbor multiple EPS-related genes and how nutrient limitation impacts their EPS production is not well understood.In the first chapter of my thesis, we investigated the …

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 …

The Physiological Effects Of Anabolic Steroids On The Human Body, Aedan Kerr

Undergraduate Honors Theses

Anabolic-androgenic steroids (AAS) are synthetic derivatives of testosterone used both medically and illicitly for their muscle-building and performance-enhancing properties. While clinically prescribed for conditions like hypogonadism, osteoporosis, and muscle-wasting diseases, AAS are frequently abused by athletes and recreational lifters seeking rapid physical gains. AAS increase muscle protein synthesis via androgen receptor-mediated gene transcription, but they also predispose users to tendon ruptures and various organ functions. AAS abuse is strongly associated with a host of side effects including gynecomastia, male-pattern hair loss, infertility, hepatotoxicity, erythrocytosis, dyslipidemia, insulin resistance, and hypogonadism. Cardiovascular complications such as left ventricular hypertrophy, cardiomyopathy, and myocardial infarctions …

Optimizing Decision-Making In A Cerebral Palsy Model Using Reinforcement Learning, Richard Ampah

Pitzer Senior Theses

This study presents an original interdisciplinary investigation into how reinforcement learning (RL) can model motor and cognitive defects and potentially improve motor and cognitive functions in individuals with cerebral palsy (CP), a non-progressive neurological disorder that impairs movement and adaptability. Integrating computational neuroscience and machine learning, the research applies policy gradient methods and Markov Decision Processes (MDPs) to simulate adaptive learning in agents with and without CP-related constraints.

The central aim is to compare the cumulative rewards of optimal policies, derived from value iteration, and human-like learning policies using the REINFORCE algorithm, both with and without the Bellman baseline. The …

Investigating The Impact Of Phthalate Exposures From Personal Care Products On Uterine Fibroid Incidence And Prevalence In Us-Born Black Women, Ella Brissett

CMC Senior Theses

Uterine fibroids are benign tumors composed of smooth muscle cells and connective tissue that develop within or on the walls of the uterus. Despite being non-cancerous, they can severely affect quality of life by causing heavy bleeding, chronic pain, and reproductive complications. Fibroids are typically found in women of reproductive age, but they disproportionately affect Black women, who experience higher incidence and severity. The underlying causes of this disparity is poorly understood; however, an emerging body of research is highlighting the role of phthalates, endocrine-disrupting chemicals found in many personal care products, in exacerbating fibroid development. Through a critical analysis …

Biochemical Properties Of Cardiac Sarcomeres In Human Heart Failure, Austin Grey Wellette-Hunsucker

Theses and Dissertations--Physiology

Heart failure (HF) exhibits considerable heterogeneity, posing significant challenges for research involving human cohorts. Diastolic dysfunction is a common pathophysiological feature; however, its molecular mechanisms remain incompletely elucidated. Sarcomeric proteins are integral to cardiac contraction and relaxation. Nonetheless, the phosphoproteome and the structural remodeling effects of these proteins on diastolic function within the context of HF have not been comprehensively characterized. This study examined sarcomeric modifications in diastolic dysfunction in human HF, focusing on Dilated and Ischemic HF, with non-failing donor hearts as controls. Analyzing myocardial samples from ~150 patients using electrophoretic and biochemical techniques, it found significant titin remodeling …

Effects Of Invigorating And Relaxing Music On Heart Rate, Blood Pressure, And Heart Rate Variability, Matthew Joshua Faur

Honors Undergraduate Theses

Heart-rate variability (HRV) has been documented to correlate with several health measures, including autonomic nervous system longevity and athletic performance (Zulfiqar, 2010). While increasing age does not affect heart rate, there is a steady decline in HRV, which is a biological marker of aging and the decline of autonomic nervous system function. Furthermore, men who exercise regularly tend to have increased HRV, suggesting a mitigation of the typical age-dependent loss of HRV (Kristal-Boneh et al., 1995). Previous studies have suggested that music may have a physiological effect (e.g., fluctuating vitals, emotional changes) on cardiovascular parameters. However, little is known about …

Reassessing Hourly Neurological Assessments: A Quality Improvement Initiative, Haley Lynne Johnson

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

ABSTRACT

Reassessing Hourly Neurological Assessments: A Quality Improvement Initiative

Haley Lynne Johnson, BSN, RN

Background: Stroke and brain injuries remain among the leading causes of mortality in the United States, accounting for 162,890 deaths in 2021 (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention [CDC], 2021). Although frequent neurological assessments are essential for monitoring patient status, limited evidence supports the prolonged use of hourly neuro-checks (LaBuzetta et al., 2022). Excessive neuro-check frequency has been linked to sleep deprivation, an increased risk of delirium, and inefficient resource utilization (Kishore et al., 2021).

Purpose: This project aimed to assess the impact of …

Understanding Anatomy & Physiology Students’ Knowledge And Perceptions Of Learning Sex And Pleasure, Yaileen Velazquez

Honors Capstones

Undergraduate anatomy & physiology (A&P) is an opportune place for future healthcare providers to learn a diversity of topics related to human health and function, including sexual health. However, the current undergraduate curriculum and instruction in A&P classes do not support students in achieving a high level of understanding of sexual health, including sexual anatomy and physiology. Previous studies have shown that college students obtain a mean score of lower than 65% in sexual knowledge tests, with the lowest mean scores on sections concerning sexual anatomy and sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) (Weinstein et al., 2008). Sexual pleasure is an important …

Point Of Care Ultrasound For Gastric Residual: An Objective Structured Clinical Examination, Brandon Quinn, Kaitlyn Gray

Doctoral Projects

Point of care ultrasound (POCUS) has become an invaluable tool in modern medical practice offering real-time diagnostic and procedural guidance for anesthesia providers. POCUS is a non-invasive assessment tool that gives anesthesia insight into a quantitative assessment of gastric residuals. Furthermore, POCUS assessments are useful in preventing anesthetic complications that can cause major morbidity and mortality such as aspiration pneumonia. Despite the growing relevance, formalized training on POCUS for assessing gastric residuals remains limited in many nurse anesthesia programs. The University of Southern Mississippi currently lacks a standardized curriculum for teaching student registered nurse anesthetists how to utilize gastric ultrasound …

Plasma Resuscitation Attenuates Hemorrhage-Induced Glomerular Barrier Damage And Dysfunction., William Byron Risinger

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Introduction: Acute renal dysfunction following traumatic injury and hemorrhagic shock carries significant morbidity and mortality. Despite an extensive understanding of renal tubule damage after injury, less is known regarding early alterations to the glomerular filtration barrier following hemorrhagic shock and resuscitation. Previously, our lab and others have demonstrated improved hepatic and intestinal microcirculatory parameters when resuscitation strategies incorporate fresh frozen plasma. In addition to improving end-organ perfusion, plasma reconstitutes the endothelial glycocalyx, an essential regulator of vascular permeability and microcirculatory function. However, the impact of plasma resuscitation on the glomerular glycocalyx and barrier following hemorrhage remains unknown. We hypothesized …

Physiology And Genomics At The Bottom Of The World: Genome To Phenome, Amy Christine Klink

UNLV Theses, Dissertations, Professional Papers, and Capstones

Mammals are exposed to a suite of physiological challenges based on the environment in which they inhabit. Animal individuals can overcome challenges associated with the dynamic nature of their habitat through variation in phenotypic traits. The plasticity of a phenotype relies on an individual’s genome and the transcription factors that act on regulatory elements. Species living in Antarctica display physiological specializations to withstand harsh conditions, such as severe cold temperatures, shifts in available ice habitat, and annual fluctuations in daylight. To explore the connections between an individual’s genome and its phenotype, we investigated two physiologies of the Antarctic Weddell seal …

Aging Skeletal Muscle: Influence Of Obesity And Role Of The Exercise Responsive Nuclear Receptor Nor-1, Hector G. Paez

Alternative Theses and Dissertations (AETDs)

Skeletal muscle mass and function are critical components of overall health and quality of life. Advanced age is associated with skeletal muscle disease characterized by a loss of muscle mass, function, and quality. Indeed, low muscle mass and function is associated with poor disease outcomes and greater mortality, greater incidence of falls, and a high fiscal and societal cost. Aging contributes to a decline in skeletal muscle health through several intrinsic and extrinsic mechanisms including impaired nutrient sensing, mitochondrial dysfunction, inflammation, physical inactivity, and proteostatic imbalance. Obesity, an increasingly prominent public health concern, is becoming more common in the elderly …

Caffeine Trends And Optimal Intake Systematic Review, Mark Byaliy

Theses and Graduate Projects

Background: Caffeine is the world’s most consumed psychoactive stimulant, with many different sources. Many individuals drink caffeine for the wakefulness effect, but there are many secondary effects that might be unknown to most consumers.

Purpose: This review explores the trends in caffeine consumption, how our bodies process caffeine, the potential benefits and adverse effects of caffeine, and the health benefits associated with natural sources. It also examines the ingredients found in energy drinks, such as vitamin B complexes and taurine.

Methods: A literature review was conducted using Augsburg Lindell Library, NIH National Library of Medicine, and Google Scholar. Using the …

Novel Mechanisms For The Neural Control Of Breathing In Acute Lung Injury, Kajal Kamra

Theses & Dissertations

Acute lung injury (ALI) triggers inflammation that disrupts the normal alveolar-capillary endothelial barrier, impairing gas exchange and causing hypoxemia, which reflexively increases respiration. An elevated respiratory rate (fR) usually develops within hours to days following ALI. This acute respiratory failure disorder affects approximately 200,000 new cases annually in the US and accounts for 10% of ICU admissions, with high morbidity and mortality. The neural mechanisms underlying respiratory dysfunction post-ALI are not fully understood. My doctoral dissertation aimed to investigate the mediators of abnormal ventilation during ALI. Systemic hypoxia stimulates the carotid body (CB) chemoreflex, a crucial protective reflex that maintains …

The Role Of Microrna-152 In The Pathogenesis Of Diabetic Cardiomyopathy, Joy Olaoluwa Gbadegoye

Alternative Theses and Dissertations (AETDs)

Diabetes mellitus, one of the world’s fast-growing diseases, is characterized by high death rates from cardiac complications named diabetic cardiomyopathy (DCM). DCM is a heart disease that occurs in both type 1 and 2 diabetes mellitus patients. Many management options have been explored in the management of DCM, including ACE inhibitors, beta-blockers, etc.; however, limited success has been recorded from these. MicroRNAs, recently discovered gene regulators, have been reported to be associated with various physiology and pathological processes in the mammalian body. These include cell proliferation, cell death, senesis, carcinogenesis, diabetes, and heart failure, among others. Various miRs have been …

Seasonal Climate And Environmental Conditions Associated With Physiological Variations Of Southwestern United States Pines, Taylor Brewer

UNLV Theses, Dissertations, Professional Papers, and Capstones

Juvenile and adult conifers in the southwestern United States are vulnerable to a range of different abiotic and biotic factors, yet it is unclear how their stress tolerance varies across environments. Predicted increases in the frequency and intensity of disturbance as well as greater climate and weather variability across the region highlight the potential for differential physiological responses across tree species and populations. This thesis focuses on two physiologic mechanisms, hydraulic vulnerability and mortality, that could be altered by climate change in two broadly distributed southwestern United States conifers: ponderosa pine and pinyon pine.

In chapter 2, I measured the …

Examining The Impact Of Firearm Recoil During A Round Of Trap Shooting On Neurometabolic Changes Associated With Traumatic Brain Injury, Lakota Jones

Theses, Dissertations and Capstones

The CDC identifies concussion as a blunt, blow, or jolt to the head resulting in brain injury. Shooting sports do not impose a direct blow to the head but instead inflict rapid acceleration to the brain via recoil transfer. Exposure to rapid, repetitive recoil may cause physiological disturbances in the brain, therefore resulting in mild traumatic brain injury (TBI). Chronic recoil transfer and overpressure exposure influencing neurometabolic changes of TBI have yet to be measured. The objective of this study was to examine kinetic energy experienced in trap and skeet shooters following one round of shooting in comparison to neurometabolic …

The Impact Of Local Physiology On The Corrosion Of Orthopedic Alloys, Madison Nicole Brown

Theses and Dissertations (ETD)

Introduction. Total knee arthroplasty (TKA) is used in the treatment of end-stage osteoarthritis of the knee. It is one of the most common elective surgeries performed with predictions expecting significant increases in the number of procedures performed over the next decade. However, the patient satisfaction rate after TKA is as low as 80%. Cobalt-chromium-molybdenum (CoCrMo) is regularly used for TKA protheses due to the alloy’s mechanical strength, biocompatibility, and corrosion resistance. The corrosion resistance of this alloy relies on a passive oxide layer. This oxide layer can be impacted by phagocytic cells which can leave pits and craters on implant …

Pathophysiologic Consequences Of Pericardial Adipose Tissue Assessed By Magnetic Resonance Imaging, Sauyeh K. Zamani

Kinesiology Dissertations - Archive

Obesity is a major contributor to cardiovascular disease; however, the exact mechanism remains incompletely understood. Conventional metrics, like body mass index, fail to represent fat distribution and its impact on health. A growing body of literature suggest differences between subcutaneous and visceral fat in relation to cardiovascular risk. This specificity has also been extended to the fat surrounding the heart, collectively known as pericardial fat, which includes epicardial adipose tissue (EAT)— located between the myocardium and the visceral layer of the pericardium— and paracardial adipose tissue (PAT)—found outside the parietal pericardium in the mediastinum. Importantly, these two depots have distinct …