Inflammation-Resolving Lipid Mediators Promote Revascularization To Enhance Wound Healing.,
2014
University of Louisville
Inflammation-Resolving Lipid Mediators Promote Revascularization To Enhance Wound Healing., Michael Jingyuan Zhang
Electronic Theses and Dissertations
Wound healing is a highly concerted cellular process that begins with inflammation and proceeds to resolution to revascularize the site of injury. Although inflammation is essential to revascularization during wound healing, it is now recognized that resolution is an active process that is equally important. Other investigations have implicated a beneficial effect of resolving inflammation and promoting resolution in the remission of inflammatory pathologies. Recently investigations have yielded a novel class of ?-3 fatty acid derived lipid mediators, biosynthesized by leukocytes, which are capable of resolving inflammation and promoting resolution. We therefore hypothesized that these leukocyte-derived pro-resolving lipid mediators can …
Epigenetic Modifications Associated With Aortic Remodeling In Hyperhomocysteinemia.,
2014
University of Louisville
Epigenetic Modifications Associated With Aortic Remodeling In Hyperhomocysteinemia., Nithya Narayanan
Electronic Theses and Dissertations
Background: Hyperhomocysteinemia (HHcy) is prevalent in hypertensive patients and is an independent risk factor for aortic pathologies. HHcy is known to cause an imbalance between matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) and tissue inhibitors of metalloproteinases (TIMPs) leading to accumulation of collagen in the aorta resulting in stiffness and development of hypertension. Although the exact mechanism of extracellular matrix remodeling (ECM) is unclear, emerging evidence implicates epigenetic regulation involving DNA methylation. The purpose of the study was to investigate whether inhibition of DNA methylation reduces high blood pressure by regulating aortic ECM remodeling in HHcy. Methods: In the first set of experiments, we …
Myocyte-Specific Overexpression Of Stromal Cell-Derived Factor 1 Facilitates Cardiac Regeneration And Improves Myocardial Function After Infarction In Mice.,
2014
University of Louisville
Myocyte-Specific Overexpression Of Stromal Cell-Derived Factor 1 Facilitates Cardiac Regeneration And Improves Myocardial Function After Infarction In Mice., Detlef Ernst-Rudolf Obal
Electronic Theses and Dissertations
Background: Interruption of cardiac stromal cell-derived factor 1 (SDF1)-CXCR4 axis by chronic AMD3100 administration increased myocardial injury after permanent coronary artery ligation, demonstrating the important role of this chemokine in cardiac regeneration. Hypothesis: Cardiomyocyte-specific conditional overexpression of SDF prevents heart failure after permanent coronary ligation and facilitates cardiac regeneration. Methods and Results: Tetracycline-controlled, a-myosine heavy chain promoter directed overexpression of cardiac SDF resulted in a significant increase of SDF expression (SDF: 8.1 ng / g protein) compared with littermate WT mice (0.02 ng / g protein) four weeks after doxycycline withdrawal. SDF overexpression increased AKT and casein kinase 1 levels …
Understanding How Honey Bee Flight And Senescence Are Connected Through Oxidative Stress.,
2014
University of Nevada, Las Vegas
Understanding How Honey Bee Flight And Senescence Are Connected Through Oxidative Stress., Joseph Margotta
UNLV Theses, Dissertations, Professional Papers, and Capstones
The goal of this dissertation was to exploit the tractability of the honey bee (Apis mellifera) to understand how the physiological and cellular mechanisms that determine the onset and duration of senescence are shaped by behavioral development and behavioral intensity. These data reveal how behavior can damage cells and consequently limit lifespan. The honey bee represents the ideal model to address these factors because age, behavior, functional senescence, and lifespan are easily manipulated independently of each other while in its natural environment. I determined if there was a cause-effect relationship between honey bee flight and oxidative stress by comparing damage …
Life History Tradeoffs And The Costs Of Reproduction In Arizona Bark Scorpions (Centruroides Sculpturatus),
2014
University of Nevada, Las Vegas
Life History Tradeoffs And The Costs Of Reproduction In Arizona Bark Scorpions (Centruroides Sculpturatus), Michael Marie Webber
UNLV Theses, Dissertations, Professional Papers, and Capstones
Tradeoffs in life history evolution result from conflicts in the time and energy that can be simultaneously invested in activities such as growth, reproduction, and survival. Reproduction is an energetically costly activity for organisms, and is known to elicit alterations in the daily activity patterns of individuals. I investigated reproductive tradeoffs in the Arizona Bark Scorpion,Centruroides sculpturatus. To better understand the nature of tradeoffs in this species, I examined the influence of reproductive state on the predatory efficiency and thermal preference of reproductive females. Further, I examined the influence of reproductive activities (i.e. gestation) on the ability of reproductive females …
Salivary Alpha-Amylase As An Indicator Of Body Stress Following An Acute Session Of Repetitive Jumping,
2014
University of Nevada, Las Vegas
Salivary Alpha-Amylase As An Indicator Of Body Stress Following An Acute Session Of Repetitive Jumping, Shaelee Allen
UNLV Theses, Dissertations, Professional Papers, and Capstones
Determining body stress levels is important when developing training programs for athletes and rehab facilities. Stress levels during exercise are commonly measured using heart rate, oxygen consumption (VO2), and blood biomarkers. These collection measures involve training on the part of the data collector and the participant, are invasive, and themselves elicit some stress. The purpose of this study is to test whether a 10-min repetitive jumping session will cause a significant increase in salivary alpha-amylase, a potential stress biomarker. This study also looks to determine if a 20-min recovery is enough time for amylase levels to return to …
The Grass Shrimp, Palaemonetes, Pugio: Hypoxic Influences On Embryonic Development,
2014
University of Nevada, Las Vegas
The Grass Shrimp, Palaemonetes, Pugio: Hypoxic Influences On Embryonic Development, Christensen C. Javier
UNLV Theses, Dissertations, Professional Papers, and Capstones
Grass shrimp,Palaemonetes pugio, can survive in brackish waters and estuarine ecosystems despite the frequent oscillations and fluctuations in salinity, temperature and oxygen. AdultP. pugiohave the ability to osmoregulate (Romney and Reiber 2011), change cardiac parameters to tolerate temperatures (not yet published, Mika and Reiber) and oxyregulate (Guadagnoli and Reiber 2013). Manipulation of cardiac parameters allows for these methods of regulation. However, cardiac contraction and internal convection of oxygen do not occur until later stages of embryonic development. Studies focused on these morphological and physiological advantages may provide further understanding of the regulatory mechanisms within grass shrimp embryos, larvae and adults. …
Cloning The Ultrabithorax Gene In Tribolium Castaneum,
2014
Brigham Young University
Cloning The Ultrabithorax Gene In Tribolium Castaneum, Kara I. Ludlow, Dr. Randy Bennett
Journal of Undergraduate Research
My original proposal was to clone the extradenticle gene in Tribolium castaneum (red flour beetle); however, I worked in conjunction with Laura Newell who received an ORCA grant to work with Dr. Bennett cloning the Ultrabithorax gene of the red flour beetle. To further previous research, it was determined that the Ultrabithorax gene needed to be cloned first, so Laura and I worked on that project together. Due to complications and unexpected delays, we were only able to finish cloning the Ultrabithorax gene of the beetle and did not have time to clone the extradenticle gene, as well.
Physiological And Biochemical Consequences Of Sleep Deprivation,
2014
Georgia Southern University
Physiological And Biochemical Consequences Of Sleep Deprivation, Jade Catherine Boykin
Honors College Theses
Sleep is a universal phenomenon in vertebrates and lack of sleep has been linked with various abnormal behaviors (Singh et al 2013). Studies have shown that a strong linkage exists between stress and sleep, or lack thereof. In fact, the Better Sleep Council’s 2009 survey revealed that 65% of Americans lose sleep due to elevated stress (Wells and Vaughn 2012). Continual (chronic) elevated stress levels have been linked with serious negative health effects. By using sleep deprivation studies, on a simpler animal model than humans it is our aim to investigate the consequences of sleep deprivation at the physiological and …
Gpr55: A Potential Enhancer Of Learning And Memory In The Hippocampus,
2014
Brigham Young University
Gpr55: A Potential Enhancer Of Learning And Memory In The Hippocampus, Rachel Schneider, Dr. Jeff Edwards
Journal of Undergraduate Research
My project goal was to understand how G-protein coupled receptor 55, (GPR55), a novel cellular pathway in the hippocampus, contributes to learning and memory. Recent research of neurodegenerative diseases, particularly Alzheimer’s, has primarily focused on understanding how learning occurs and how memories are encoded within the brain. Understanding the process in a normal brain and then how it is disrupted in a diseased brain is essential to making headway on treatments for neurodegeneration. Some studies have shown that to encode memories, the brain changes neural synapses to either strengthen or weaken the electrical pathways, which is a process known as …
Ceramides, Mitochondrial Fission, And Reactive Oxygen Species, A Novel Mechanism Of Obesity-Induced Insulin Resistance,
2014
Brigham Young University
Ceramides, Mitochondrial Fission, And Reactive Oxygen Species, A Novel Mechanism Of Obesity-Induced Insulin Resistance, Braden Tucker, Dr. Benjamin Bikman
Journal of Undergraduate Research
With the unabated rise in obesity in the United States and globally (1), increasing efforts are being devoted to understand and prevent both the onset and the consequences of excess fat gain. As evidenced by health trends, efforts to curtail weight gain have proven largely ineffective, as the number of obese adults in the U.S. is projected to grow by 2.4 million annually (2). The increased prevalence of obesity would not be noteworthy if such a trend were not accompanied by a substantial economic and personal cost—medical costs are roughly $150 billion annually and obese individuals may expect a loss …
Histological Validation Of Alzheimer’S Disease And Cerebrovascular Disease Imaging Biomarkers,
2014
Brigham Young University
Histological Validation Of Alzheimer’S Disease And Cerebrovascular Disease Imaging Biomarkers, Brigham Barzee, Brett Gardiner, Dr. Jon Wisco
Journal of Undergraduate Research
The purpose of this study is to analyze spatial co-localizations between amyloid beta (Aβ), tau, and iron in postmortem brains of Alzheimer’s disease (AD) and cerebrovascular disease (CVD) patients. Iron is readily visible in T2* magnetic resonance images (MRI), and has been shown to be spatially correlated with Aβ plaques in AD. Neurofibrillary tangles of tau protein are also associated with AD, and Aβ plaques are also found in the walls of the vessels in CVD. If iron co-localizes with Aβ, then the location of the iron—parenchyma vs. sulci—as seen in MRI could reveal if the disease is possibly AD …
Expression Of Htra1 And Tgfb1 In Osteoarthritis,
2014
Brigham Young University
Expression Of Htra1 And Tgfb1 In Osteoarthritis, Karl Andersen, Dr. David Kooyman
Journal of Undergraduate Research
Osteoarthritis increasingly debilitates and causes discomfiture to millions of people worldwide. Most people over 65 years of age suffer from symptoms of osteoarthritis. There has, up to this point, been effectively no clear understanding of the processes of the body that contribute genetically or mechanically to this severe condition. The result of this lack of knowledge is a general absence of prevention and treatment measures. As of today, treatments consist only of joint replacement and pain reduction measures.
Computerized Drug Screening Of The S31n Mutant Of The Influenza A Virus,
2014
Brigham Young University
Computerized Drug Screening Of The S31n Mutant Of The Influenza A Virus, Mitchell Gleed, David D. Busath
Journal of Undergraduate Research
Influenza is responsible for millions of hospitalizations and deaths every year. Treating the influenza virus has become increasingly difficult since mutant viruses have rendered previously viable drugs ineffective. New drug-screening procedures are now necessary in order to speed up the process of viable drug discovery. Molecular simulations have proven valuable for studying drug effectiveness in wild-type flu viruses, but little has been done on prevailing influenza mutants. Influenza mutants often feature a change in the M2 proton channel, a critical component in the viral replication and infection cycle. To counter this, drugs must be discovered that can block the influenza …
Protein Signaling Effects On Embryonic Limb Formation,
2014
Brigham Young University
Protein Signaling Effects On Embryonic Limb Formation, Derrick Crawford, Dr. Jeffery Barrow
Journal of Undergraduate Research
Congenital limb malformations occur in approximately 1 in 500 live births. These defects are due largely because of genetic and developmental causes. In my experiments, I have researched the source of these defects to understand how cell to cell signaling affects digit and limb formation. I was able to manipulate signaling between limb tissues during development to understand better how proteins interact with each other to stimulate growth in chick embryos. These same proteins have been observed in mammals such as mice and hopefully in the future may be applied in human development as well. There are many key factors …
Increased Circulatory Lipopolysaccharide From A High Fat Diet Aggravates Inflammation And Exacerbates Renal Failure,
2014
Virginia Commonwealth University
Increased Circulatory Lipopolysaccharide From A High Fat Diet Aggravates Inflammation And Exacerbates Renal Failure, Samuel Righi
Theses and Dissertations
Kidney failure is frequently associated with the risk factors linked to metabolic syndrome. Lipopolysaccharide (LPS) is a potent inflammatory molecule, which has increased absorption from the gut into blood circulation following a high fat and high-energy diet. We hypothesized that LPS from a high fat diet can amplify inflammation, thereby exacerbating chronic kidney disease and associated disorders. We have found that adding a high fat diet to renal insufficient mice significantly progressed their kidney disease as well as associated disorders, compared to both a high fat diet and renal insufficiency alone. Additionally, we were able to demonstrate in vitro that …
Differences Between Men And Women In Percentage Of Body Weight Supported During Push-Up Exercise,
2014
Barry University
Differences Between Men And Women In Percentage Of Body Weight Supported During Push-Up Exercise, Constance M. Mier, Tal Amasay, Steven Capehart, Heather Garner
International Journal of Exercise Science
International Journal of Exercise Science 7(2) : 161-168, 2014. The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of push-up method (standard vs modified) and gender on percentage of body weight supported. Thirty seven men and women completed five push-ups in the standard (SPU) and modified (MPU) positions, and 5-sec hold (static) in the up (elbow extension) and down (elbow flexion) positions. Vertical ground reaction forces (expressed as load relative to body weight) were measured using force platforms. From a video-captured image, a computer software distance tool measured vertical range of motion (ROM) achieved in the down position expressed …
The Critical Power Concept And Bench Press: Modeling 1rm And Repetitions To Failure,
2014
Massey University
The Critical Power Concept And Bench Press: Modeling 1rm And Repetitions To Failure, R Hugh Morton, Matthew D. Redstone, Daniel J. Laing
International Journal of Exercise Science
International Journal of Exercise Science 7(2) : 152-160, 2014. Introduction: We demonstrate application of the 3-parameter critical power (CP) model derived for cycling and running, to performance at bench press exercise. We apply the model to both performance of a single repetition maximum (1RM) and multiple repetitions (reps) to failure at different sub-maximal weights. Methods: Sixteen weight-trained young adult male participants each performed a modified YMCA 1RM test and four sets of fixed cadence reps to failure at different sub-maximal weights. The CP model equation takes the form: n = ALC/(m – CL) + ALC/(CL – Lmax,), where n is …
Racial Comparisons In Police Officer Bench Press Strength Over 12.5 Years,
2014
University of North Carolina Wilmington
Racial Comparisons In Police Officer Bench Press Strength Over 12.5 Years, Robert W. Boyce, Tyler K. Willett, Glenn R. Jones, Edward L. Boone
International Journal of Exercise Science
International Journal of Exercise Science 7(2) : 140-151, 2014. Strength, when considering gender and race, provides a basis for training, hiring, and retention for police officers. The purpose of this study is to identify muscular strength differences among racial groups from initial-recruit to in-service tests. Strength variables included bench press, bench press/lean mass and bench press/body mass. Scores were retrieved for the 1990 to 1995 recruit classes and were paired to the 2006 in-service fitness log. Sample included 309 officers: 30 females (13 black, 17 white) and 279 males (41 black, 238 white). Mean age of recruit was 24.6 ± …
Manuscript Has Been Retracted,
2014
California State University - Bakersfield
Manuscript Has Been Retracted, Michael Smith, Eric Trexler, Allan Sommer, Brooke Starkoff, Steven Devor
International Journal of Exercise Science
International Journal of Exercise Science 7(2) : 128-139, 2014. Manuscript has been retracted.
