Physiology Commons^™

Cardiorespiratory Fitness, Body Fatness Effect On Submaximal Systolic Blood Pressure And Cardiovascular Prognosis Among Young Adults, Vivek Kumar Prasad

Theses and Dissertations

Cardiovascular (CV) diseases (CVDs) are known to be the leading cause of death globally, as CVDs account for the highest rate of mortality compared to any other causes. The mortality from CVDs, is projected to increase to nearly 23.3 million by 2030. Mortality number due to CVD in the United States is 600,000 per year, thus representing nearly 1 in every 4 deaths. Exercise blood pressure (BP) is an important marker of CV events that are associated with incident CV morbidity and mortality among individuals with or without any CVD at present. Elevated exercise BP among individuals with normal resting …

Adiponectin And Selenium Rich Diet Can Act As A Complimentary Medicine In The Treatment Of Intestinal And Chronic Inflammation Induced Colon Cancer, Arpit Saxena

Theses and Dissertations

Colon cancer is the second largest cause of cancer death in United States. Chronic inflammation and obesity predispose patients to colon cancer. Adipose tissue is a source of bioactive substances called adipokines. Adiponectin (APN), an adipokine has anti-inflammatory property and found at lower levels in obese patients. Selenium (Se), a trace mineral and a dietary supplement, is inversely associated with cancer risk and possess anti-inflammatory and anti-carcinogenic properties. The overall purpose of this dissertation is to determine if chronic inflammation leading to colon and intestinal cancer are regulated by APN or Se rich diet or both. The working hypothesis is …

Novel Drug 2-Benzoyl-3-Phenyl 6,7-Dichloroquinoxaline 1,4-Dioxide Induces Colon Cancer Cell Apoptosis Through Hif-1Α Pathway, Alexander-Jacques Theodore Sougiannis

Theses and Dissertations

Recent developments in the field of cancer genomics have shown transcription factor HIF-1α as a major player in the survival and proliferation of colorectal tumors. Hypoxia targeted drug engineering has led to significant advancements in cancer treatments as a method of directly utilizing the hypoxic regions against the tumor. Novel drug DCQ (2-benzoyl-3-phenyl 6,7-dichloroquinoxaline 1,4-dioxide) has shown promising anti-tumor results in-vitro and in-vivo. The purpose of this study was to utilize a tumor xenograft and genetic mouse model of colorectal cancer to investigate the safety, clinical effectiveness, and mechanism of action of DCQ. Methods: 10 week old Balb/c mice were …

Mitochondrial Therapeutics During Ischemia-Reperfusion; Modulation Of Complex I: Effect Of Metformin., Shawn Y. Sunu

Theses and Dissertations

The modulation of the electron transport during ischemia-reperfusion has been shown to be protective. We hypothesized that metformin, a Complex I inhibitor, may exhibit characteristics of a pharmacological agent that could achieve long-term therapeutic intervention against ischemia-reperfusion injury. Mitochondria were harvested from adult male mice and incubated with or without metformin at 30^oC for 15 minutes, while being shaken at 300 rpm. Metformin decreased Complex I oxidative phosphorylation and Complex I activity. However, metformin also increased injury and decreased the maximum membrane potential. Even though there was a decrease in maximum membrane potential, the proton motive force (PMF) …

The Reproductive Cycle Of The Guatemalan Beaded Lizard, Heloderma Charlesbogerti, Wade C. Carruth Iii

College of Graduate Studies: Theses & Dissertations

Reproductive information, including seasonality in behavior and physiology, is key to our ability to breed species for maintaining assurance colonies or for future introductions. Limited scientific data is available about the reproduction of Helodermatid lizards. Several species of helodermatid lizard are uncommon, rare, or simply exist at low population densities and in need of the development of conservation programs and management. Most helodermatid reproductive data collected to date has been done on deceased animals using histological techniques. Until this study, no hormones have been analyzed, and individual animals have not been followed through a complete cycle. The purpose of this …

The Effect Of Training Volume And Intensity On Improvements In Muscular Strength And Size In Resistance-Trained Men, Gerald Mangine

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

The magnitude of improvements in muscular strength and size are influenced by the volume and intensity of a resistance training program. While it is clearly advantageous for resistance-trained individuals to utilize programming specific to these goals, it not clear which is more important. Therefore the purpose of the present investigation was to determine the effect of focusing on training volume versus intensity on changes in muscle size and strength. Changes in muscular strength and size were examined in 29 resistance-trained men following 8 weeks of resistance training. Participants were randomly assigned to either a high volume (VOL, n = 14, …

A Novel Cardiac Muscle-Derived Biomaterial Reduces Dyskinesia And Postinfarct Left Ventricular Remodeling In A Mouse Model Of Myocardial Infarction, Daniel M. O'Connor, Nivedita K. Naresh, Bryan A. Piras, Yaqin Xu, Robert S. Smith, Roy C. Ogle

School of Medical Diagnostics & Translational Sciences Publications

Extracellular matrix (ECM) degradation after myocardial infarction (MI) leaves the myocardium structurally weakened and, as a result, susceptible to early infarct zone dyskinesia and left ventricular (LV) remodeling. While various cellular and biomaterial preparations have been transplanted into the infarct zone in hopes of improving post-MI LV remodeling, an allogeneic cardiac muscle-derived ECM extract has yet to be developed and tested in the setting of reperfused MI. We sought to determine the effects of injecting a novel cardiac muscle-derived ECM into the infarct zone on early dyskinesia and LV remodeling in a mouse model of MI. Cardiac muscle ECM was …

Development Of A Yeast-Based Assay For The Functional Characterization Of Fkbp52/ Î?-Catenin Interactions With The Androgen Receptor, Theresa Anne Rodriguez

Open Access Theses & Dissertations

Prostate cancer development is uniquely dependent on the androgen receptorâ??s (ARâ??s) transcriptional regulation in response to hormone binding. Current therapies directly target AR acting as an antagonist at androgen binding sites. However, once androgen-dependence is lost, meaning the patient has progressed into a late-stage hormone resistant phenotype, all current treatments are essentially ineffective. Utilizing the yeast strain Saccharomyces cerevisiae we are capable of creating a model system that allows for the exogenous expression of AR while still retaining the chaperone components needed for this steroid receptor complex. The 52kDa FK506 binding protein (FKBP52) has been shown to be an important …

Regulation Of Micrornas By 17Β-Estradiol In The Aging Female Brain, Yathindar Satya Giffin-Rao

Dissertations

Hormone Therapy (HT) is used to increase the 17β-estradiol (E2) levels in women who are going through the menopausal transition to alleviate the negative symptoms associated with menopause and decrease the risk of chronic diseases. Clinical and basic science research had previously shown that HT provided protection from cognitive decline and reduced the risk of dementia. However the Women's Health Initiative (WHI) clinical trial demonstrated that HT had no beneficial effects for cognitive decline and, in some cases increased the risk of dementia in post-menopausal women. However, further analysis of WHI data showed that when HT was given to women …

Introduction To Fifth Special Issue On Electroporation-Based Technologies And Treatments, Damijan Miklavčič, Lluis M. Mir, P. Thomas Vernier

Bioelectrics Publications

This special issue of the Journal of Membrane Biology contains reports on recent developments in the field of electroporation by participants in the International Workshop and Postgraduate Course on Electroporation-Based Technologies and Treatments held in November 2014 in Ljubljana. This was the eighth session of what is now an annual event, first organized in 2003.

Sigma Receptor Activation Mitigates Toxicity Evoked By The Convergence Of Ischemia, Acidosis And Amyloid-Beta, Adam Alexander Behensky

USF Tampa Graduate Theses and Dissertations

Stroke is the fifth leading cause of death in the United States and a major cause of long-term disability in industrialized countries. The core region of an ischemic stroke dies within minutes due to activation of necrotic pathways. Outside of this core region is the penumbral zone, where some perfusion is maintained via collateral arteries. Delayed cell death occurs in this area due to the triggering of apoptotic mechanisms, which expands the ischemic injury over time. The cellular and molecular events that produce the expansion of the ischemic core continue to be poorly understood. The increases in the amyloid precursor …

Characterization Of Mechanism Of Action Of Hydrogen Sulfide (H2s) In The Regulation Of Smooth Muscle Function, Ancy D. Nalli

Theses and Dissertations

Hydrogen sulfide (H₂S) is receiving increasing interest, as much as nitric oxide (NO) and carbon monoxide have received previously, to understand its physiological functions as it meets all the criteria to define as a third gasotransmitter. Endogenous synthesis from L-cysteine via cystathionine-γ-lyase (CSE) and cystathionine-β-synthase (CBS) and the function of H₂S as an inhibitor of smooth muscle contraction in gastrointestinal tract are known. However, the loci of generation and action of H₂S, and the mechanism of inhibition of contraction are unknown. Hence, my aims in the present study are to: i) identify the expression …

Female Social Rank And Steroid Production In Semi-Free Ranging Lemur Catta On St. Catherines Island, Georgia, Tiffany Burgess

College of Graduate Studies: Theses & Dissertations

Many mammalian species live in complex social groups that profoundly affect the behavior and ecology of their members. In ring-tailed lemurs (Lemur catta) these groups are characterized by female dominance, where females have priority over males for food, grooming, and space. Among females there is also a linear dominance hierarchy. L. catta have a strong matrilineal social core due to females staying within their natal group and males dispersing at sexual maturity. Daughters “inherit” their mother’s social rank. However, it is not known if the matrilineal lines are maintained through learned dominant/aggressive behavior or inherited via genetically determined hormonal …

The Physiological Stress Response Caused By Hypoxia And Reperfusion Injury In Striped Bass (Morone Saxatilis) And Nile Tilapia (Oreochromis Niloticus), Amanda C. Reynolds

College of Graduate Studies: Theses & Dissertations

Approximately five million people in the United States are affected by cardiovascular related diseases yearly contributing to 300,000 annual deaths, making CVD the leading cause of mortality worldwide. It has been suggested that apoptosis (programmed cell death) contributes to the pathogenesis of cardiovascular diseases. When blood flow is reduced or cut off from the heart, usually by a thrombus, this results in oxygen deprivation (hypoxia) to the cardiomyocytes (heart cells). In response to this hypoxic stress, cardiomyocytes will undergo apoptosis. Since many species of fish can survive levels of hypoxia that would be fatal to mammals, fish are an ideal …

The Effects Of Spinal Manipulative Therapy On Isokinetic Strength And Postactivation Potentiation, Grant D. Sanders

Theses and Dissertations--Kinesiology and Health Promotion

Spinal manipulative therapy (SMT) is a therapeutic procedure employed by various healthcare practitioners for alleviating acute and chronic musculoskeletal complaints. This form of treatment is also delivered to enhance the performance and augment the rehabilitation of athletes. However, despite research findings alleging the strength-modulating effects of SMT alongside numerous professional athletes’ positive anecdotal claims concerning its results, the physiological processes to explain its effects remain largely unexplained. Therefore, the purpose of this work was to investigate the effects of SMT in a college-aged sample population with two experiments.

The first study examined the effect of SMT targeting the lumbosacral region …

A Program Designed To Address Academic Failure Due To Alcohol Abuse, Frank James Plateroti

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

This project study addressed the problem of alcohol and binge drinking at a local rural college campus in the Northeast United States and the lack of an effective long-term academic intervention program to address the problem. The purpose of this research study was to determine the prevalence of the problem of the alcohol abuse problem and to develop a long-term program that would respond to the problem of repeat alcohol offenders. Guided by Mezirow’s transformative learning theory, which holds that transformational learning causes changes in a learner that significantly shift the pattern of a learner’s future experiences, this study examined …

The Reproductive Biology Of The Finetooth Shark, Carcharhinus Isodon, In The Northwest Atlantic Ocean, Amanda N. Brown

UNF Graduate Theses and Dissertations

Shark fisheries are a multimillion dollar industry in the United States and have significant contributions both recreationally and commercially. In order to maintain this industry, fisheries must be properly managed. An understanding of life history and reproduction is crucial in order to adequately manage shark fisheries. The finetooth shark, Carcharhinus isodon, is a member of the small coastal shark (SCS) fishery complex. It is found in Atlantic waters from South Carolina to Florida and throughout the Gulf of Mexico. This species has recently come under increased fishing pressure and has previously been overfished. New data is needed in order …

Molecular Identification And Functional Characteristics Of Peptide Transporter 1 (Pept1) In The Bonnethead Shark (Sphyrna Tiburo), Hannah Hart

UNF Graduate Theses and Dissertations

Many elasmobranchs are considered top predators with worldwide distribution, and in general these fish play an important role in the transfer of energy from the lower to the upper trophic levels within the marine ecosystem. Despite this, little research has been done regarding the rates of prey ingestion, digestion, and the processes of energy and nutrient absorption. Specifically understudied is enzymatic digestion within the intestinal brush border, which functions to break down macromolecules into smaller subunits for luminal absorption across the gastrointestinal epithelium. Given their carnivorous diet, the present study sought to expand knowledge on nutrient intake in elasmobranchs by …

Gender Differences In Social Support During Injury Rehabilitation, Chelsey Ann Bruns

Dissertations and Theses @ UNI

Athletic injury can be a stress-inducing event that could have negative consequences on the psychological health of the athlete (Anderson & Williams, 1988; Gould, Udry, Bridges, & Beck, 1997). Injuries not only challenge the athlete physically, but also mentally challenge their ability to cope and overcome. A growing amount of research has indicated social support as a key factor in the rehabilitation process for an injured athlete (Yang, Peek, Lowe, Heiden, & Foster, 2010). Athletic injury causes an emotional disruption, and social support could influence the athlete’s reaction to the injury and his or her ability to cope with rehabilitation …

Transfer Rna Comes Of Age, Michael Ibba

Biology, Chemistry, and Environmental Sciences Faculty Articles and Research

"The year the journal RNA was founded was slated by some in scientific publishing to be the year that one particular type of RNA's run in the spotlight would end. In 1995 I had recently started as a post-doc with Dieter Söll at Yale when he came into the lab to solemnly inform us all that an editor at a certain (S)cience journal had just told him “we won't be publishing any more tRNA papers.” For a post-doc who had migrated across the Atlantic for the sole purpose of furthering his career by working on tRNA this was not great …