Physiology Commons^™

Oxygen Supplementing, Biocompatible Outer Membranes For Enhanced Performance Of Implantable Glucose Sensors, Hardeep Singh

Honors Scholar Theses

Lack of linearity and sensitivity, oxygen dependence, biofouling and tissue inflammation hinder the development of implantable biosensors for continuous monitoring of glucose. Herein, we report the development of stacked outer membranes based on LBL/PVA hydrogels that improve sensor sensitivity, linearity, oxygen independence and counter biofouling and inflammation. While the inner LBL membrane affords tunable diffusivity, the outer PVA is capable of releasing anti-inflammatory drugs/tissue response modifying agents to counter acute and chronic inflammation, and to induce neo-angiogenesis at the implant site. Sensors were fabricated by immobilizing GOx enzyme on top of 50 μm platinum wires, followed by deposition of stacked …

Comparative Morphometrics Of The Sacral Vertebra In Aneides (Caudata: Plethodontidae)., Lisa Nicole Schaaf

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

The genus Aneides (Caudata: Plethodontidae) is an arboreal salamander with a prehensile tail and a distribution that spans North America. It is hypothesized that adaptations for arboreality will be visible in the osteology of the sacral vertebra either by qualitative analysis or linear and morphometric analysis in comparison with other plethodontid salamanders. This study demonstrates that while qualitative and quantitative analyses are successful at making genus-level distinctions between taxa, identification to lower taxonomic levels remains inconclusive. Linear morphometrics and dorsal Procrustes landmarks were the most successful metrics to identify known taxa. Two unidentified fossil salamander sacral vertebrae from Oregon Caves …

Role Of Neutrophils In Enhancing Vascular Reactivity To Angiotensin Ii In Preeclampsia, Nikita Mishra

Theses and Dissertations

Women with preeclampsia have enhanced vascular reactivity to Angiotensin II (Ang II) and extensive vascular infiltration of neutrophils. The primary mechanism to enhance vessel reactivity is RhoA kinase that phosphorylates MYPT1 to inhibit myosin light chain (MLC) phosphatase. Therefore, MLCs remain phosphorylated and increase sensitivity to calcium. Neutrophils release reactive oxygen species (ROS), which can activate this pathway, so we hypothesized that neutrophils would enhance vessel reactivity to Ang II. Omental vessels from normal pregnant women were used to study vascular reactivity. Ang II dose response (0.001-10µM) was significantly enhanced with perfusion of neutrophils (<2000/mm3, activated with IL-8) or ROS. Addition of superoxide dismutase (SOD)/Catalase to quench ROS or 3µM Y-27632, a specific RhoA kinase inhibitor, blocked enhancement. Vascular smooth muscle expression of pMYPT1 and pMLC in cell culture was significantly increased by neutrophils or ROS. The increase was prevented by Y-27632. RhoA kinase activity assay showed a 3-fold increase in RhoA kinase activity in omental vessels treated with ROS. Similarly, ROS also enhanced vessel reactivity to another vasoconstrictor, norepinephrine, via RhoA kinase. In preeclamptic women, increased neutrophil infiltration is associated with increased vascular expression and production of matrix metalloproteinase-1 (MMP-1). MMP-1 activates protease activated receptor-1 (PAR-1), which could cause endothelial endothelin-1 release, so we considered a novel hypothesis that MMP-1 might cause vasoconstriction and enhance vessel reactivity to Ang II via PAR-1. Omental vessels perfused with activated MMP-1 (0.025-25ng/ml) showed dose-dependent vasoconstriction. Perfusion of activated MMP-1 (2.5ng/ml) significantly enhanced dose response to angiotensin II. MMP-1 mediated vasoconstriction and enhanced vessel reactivity to Ang II was abolished by co-perfusion of 10µM SCH-79797, a specific PAR-1 blocker, and by 5µM BQ-123, a specific endothelin-1 type A receptor blocker. These data are the first to show that activated neutrophils enhance vascular reactivity to Ang II via ROS and the RhoA kinase pathway. They are also the first to show that MMP-1 induces vasoconstriction and enhances vessel reactivity to Ang II. Thus, vascular neutrophil infiltration leading to ROS and MMP-1 generation could be an important mechanism for hypertension in preeclampsia.

Scribble: A Potential Dual Kinase Inhibitor, Steven Christofakis

Theses and Dissertations

Extracellular signal-regulated kinases (ERKs) modulate cellular activities in response to extracellular stimuli and play important biological roles. Thus, perturbed kinase pathways induce pathological conditions, such as tumor development. Rit, a novel member of the Ras family GTPases, activase ERK6, and its over-expression confers tumorigenicity. We hypothesized the presence of scaffolding molecules specific to ERK6, similar to other known MAP kinases. We performed yeast two-hybrid assays using ERK6 as bait, and Scribble was identified as a binding partner. Scribble contains 16 LRR domains and four PDZ domains. We performed immunoprecipitation (IP) assays and discovered ERK2 as another binding partner. Surprisingly, no …

The Development Of A Novel Multi-Dimensional Product For Wound Healing Applications, Necrisha Roach

Theses and Dissertations

A characteristic feature of chronic wounds is a prolonged inflammatory response as well as susceptibility to infection. Studies have shown that during the inflammatory response, there is a significant increase in the levels of neutrophil-derived enzymes. The purpose of this work was to determine whether the anionic macromolecule polystyrene sulfonate (PSS) and five of its salt forms, namely PSS-calcium, PSS-chlorhexidine, PSS-doxycycline, PSS-glutathione and PSS-silver are able to inhibit the activity of three of the enzymes whose levels are elevated in chronic wounds: elastase, cathepsin G and myeloperoxidase. In addition to the enzyme inhibition study, the various formulations’ antimicrobial properties were …

Asymmetry Of Force Fluctuation During Low Intensity Isometric Contraction In Leg Muscle, Kazushige Oshita†, Sumio Yano‡

International Journal of Exercise Science

Int J Exerc Sci 3(2) : 68-77, 2010. The purpose of this study was to investigate the asymmetry of force fluctuation in the leg muscles during isometric knee extension and flexion. Twenty healthy males (21±2 years) performed the maximal voluntary isometric contraction (MVC) in knee extensor and flexor. On the basis of MVC measurement, the subjects performed sustained isometric knee extension and flexion for 15s at levels corresponding to 10%, 20% and 30% MVC. The main findings of this study were: (1) a greater force fluctuation was found in the stronger MVC limb than in the weaker MVC limb at …

Neutrophil Products Control The Expression Of Progesterone Receptors And Matrix Metalloproteinase-1 In The Decidual And Myometrium And Are Possible Regulators Of Premature Labor, Anna Solotskaya

Theses and Dissertations

Neutrophils infiltrate myometrium and decidual tissue prior to parturition. Activated neutrophils release reactive oxygen species (ROS) and tumor necrosis factor α (TNFα), which might increase expression of pro-labor genes such as matrix metalloproteinase-1 (MMP-1), progesterone receptor (PR) A/B ratio, and cause demethylation of DNA. These changes might cause labor. Decidual tissue was obtained from consented, healthy women at term (37+ weeks of gestation) not in labor (no contractions, without cervical effacement), term labor and preterm labor (under 37 weeks of pregnancy). Decidual and myometrial cells in culture were treated with (1) ROS, (2) TNFα, or (3) 5-aza-2’-deoxycytidine. Total RNA was …

Avoidance Of Skeletal Muscle Atrophy In Spontaneous And Facultative Hibernators, Clark Cotton, Henry J. Harlow

Biology Faculty Publications

Smooth and skeletal muscle changes were compared from overwintering white-tailed prairie dogs, spontaneous hibernators that undergo regular, low-temperature torpor bouts, and black-tailed prairie dogs, facultative hibernators that use sporadic, moderate-temperature torpor bouts. The objectives were to assess the abilities of these two species with dramatically different torpor patterns (1) to conserve skeletal muscle morphology, protein, and strength and (2) to use labile protein in the small intestine and liver during the winter season of reduced activity and food intake. Mass and protein concentration of the extensor digitorum longus (EDL), soleus, liver, and small intestine, as well as skeletal muscle strength …

Myogenin Modulates Exercise Endurance By Altering Skeletal Muscle Metabolism, James Eric Meadows

Dissertations and Theses (Open Access)

The function of myogenic regulatory factors (MRFs) during adult life is not well understood. The requirement of one of these MRFs, myogenin (Myog), during embryonic muscle development suggests an equally important role in adult muscle. In this study, we have determined the function of myogenin during adult life using a conditional allele of Myog. In contrast to embryonic development, myogenin is not required for adult viability, and Myog-deleted mice exhibited no remarkable phenotypic changes during sedentary life. Remarkably, sedentary Myog-deleted mice demonstrated enhanced exercise endurance during involuntary treadmill running. Altered blood glucose and lactate levels in sedentary Myog-deleted mice after …

Determining Intensity Levels For Selected Wii Fit Activities In College Aged Individuals, Joshua D. Grieser

Boise State University Theses and Dissertations

Introduction: Physical activity is important to the proper growth, development, and overall health of an individual. Current physical activity trends show declines in activity level throughout aging. To counteract inactivity many physical activity interventions have been implemented in different age groups and yet very little change in activity level has been seen. The Nintendo Wii® offers a popular technological intervention tool with its movement oriented game play. The physiological costs and intensity of the Nintendo Wii Fit® game have not been thoroughly researched, yet the Wii is being used as a physical activity tool in many arenas. Purpose: The purpose …

The Complexity And Origins Of The Human Eye: A Brief Study On The Anatomy, Physiology, And Origin Of The Eye, Evan T. Sebastian

Senior Honors Theses

The human eye has been the cause of much controversy in regards to its complexity and how the human eye came to be. Through following and discussing the anatomical and physiological functions of the eye, a better understanding of the argument of origins can be seen. The anatomy of the human eye and its many functions are clearly seen, through its complexity. When observing the intricacy of vision and all of the different aspects and connections, it does seem that the human eye is a miracle, no matter its origins. Major biological functions and processes occurring in the retina show …

Effect Of The E3 Fitness Grips On Running Economy, Julie A. Szabo*, Brian B. Parr‡, Jarod A. Holt*, Christopher M. Dewitt‡

International Journal of Exercise Science

Int J Exerc Sci 3(2) : 64-67, 2010. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effect of the E3 Fitness Grips (BioGrip, Inc., Rancho Cordova, CA) on running economy, as measured by oxygen uptake (VO2), and heart rate (HR) during submaximal treadmill running. Eleven subjects, seven female and four male, completed a submaximal running test on a treadmill while VO2 and HR were measured continuously. After achieving steady-state at a speed and grade that elicited a VO2 equivalent to 70% VO2max, the subjects ran for five minutes holding the E3 Fitness Grips (G) and five minutes without the …

Heat Stress And Injury Prevention Practices During Summer High School Football Training In South Texas, Christopher M. Hearon‡, Alberto Ruiz‡, Zachary J. Taylor†

International Journal of Exercise Science

Int J Exerc Sci 3(2) : 55-63, 2010. The purpose was to describe practice conditions influencing the risk of heat stress to athletes in summer football training in South Texas high schools, and to compare these conditions to ACSM recommendations for heat stress/injury risk reduction in this population. Thirty (N=30) high school summer football practices were observed. Wet bulb globe temperature (WBGT) was measured before/after practices and practices were observed for: duration/ structure; athlete clothing; and rest break frequency/duration/content. Practices averaged 125+31 min and WBGT (pre- to post-practice) was 29.7+2.1°C to 31.2+2.2°C for morning, and 31.2+1.6°C to 28.9+1.2°C for evening …

Leveraging Online Learning Resources To Teach Core Research Skills To Undergraduates At A Diverse Research University, Brian K. Mcfarlin, Whitney L. Breslin, Katie C. Carpenter, Kelley Strohacker, Randi J. Weintraub

International Journal of Exercise Science

Int J Exerc Sci 3(2) : 49-54, 2010. Today’s students have unique learning needs and lack knowledge of core research skills. In this program report, we describe an online approach that we developed to teach core research skills to freshman and sophomore undergraduates. Specifically, we used two undergraduate kinesiology (KIN) courses designed to target students throughout campus (KIN1304: Public Health Issues in Physical Activity and Obesity) and specifically kinesiology majors (KIN1252: Foundations of Kinesiology). Our program was developed and validated at the 2nd largest ethnically diverse research university in the United States, thus we believe that it would be effective …

The Effects Of 2 Different Arm Positions On Maximum Trunk Flexion In The Bodyweight Squat, A. Page Glave, Jacilyn Olson, Danika K. Applegate, Ro Di Brezzo

International Journal of Exercise Science: Conference Proceedings

No abstract provided.

Protein Evolution Via Amino Acid And Codon Elimination, Lise Goltermann, Marie Sofie Yoo Larsen, Ranat Banerjee, Andreas C. Joerger, Michael Ibba, Thomas Bentin

Biology, Chemistry, and Environmental Sciences Faculty Articles and Research

Background
Global residue-specific amino acid mutagenesis can provide important biological insight and generate proteins with altered properties, but at the risk of protein misfolding. Further, targeted libraries are usually restricted to a handful of amino acids because there is an exponential correlation between the number of residues randomized and the size of the resulting ensemble. Using GFP as the model protein, we present a strategy, termed protein evolution via amino acid and codon elimination, through which simplified, native-like polypeptides encoded by a reduced genetic code were obtained via screening of reduced-size ensembles.

Methodology/Principal Findings
The strategy involves combining a sequential …

Small Molecule Inhibitors Of Mapk And Pi3k Pathways Enhance Mda-7 Lethality In Renal Cell Carcinoma, Patrick Eulitt

Theses and Dissertations

Renal cell carcinoma accounted for an estimated 57,760 new cases and estimated 12,980 deaths in the United States in 2009. Current treatment options for systemic renal cell carcinoma yield markedly low response percentages; however, recent cytokine therapy experiments have produced promising results. A novel adenovirus, Ad.5/3-mda-7, has been synthesized to efficiently infect renal cancer cells with the mda-7 gene. This gene encodes for the cytokine MDA-7/IL-24 that has the ability to specifically target transformed cells. Assays performed with this adenovirus resulted in an increased percentage of cell death in renal cancer cells when compared to infection with Ad.5/3-cmv empty vector. …

How The Sequence Of A Gene Can Tune Its Translation, Kurt Fredrick, Michael Ibba

Biology, Chemistry, and Environmental Sciences Faculty Articles and Research

Sixty-one codons specify 20 amino acids, offering cells many options for encoding a polypeptide sequence. Two new studies (Cannarrozzi et al., 2010, Tuller et al., 2010) now foster the idea that patterns of codon usage can control ribosome speed, fine-tuning translation to increase the efficiency of protein synthesis.

The Effects Of Gdf8 And Activin A On Muscle Atrophy, Amy Sato '10

Honor Scholar Theses

Muscle atrophy and weakening are major health care concerns. For instance sarcopenia, which is a condition of extreme muscle loss and weakening due to aging, was estimated to have cost over 18.5 billion for the year 2000 in the US (Dirks & Leeuwenburgh, 2005). Abilities that depend upon muscle quality like strength, functional mobility, and balance are all key components for how people evaluate their self-rated health (SRH) and quality of life (QoL) (Ozcan et al., 2005; Sirola et al., 2010). Interestingly, SRH and QoL also serve as strong predictors for institutionalization, disability, and mortality for elderly populations (Marzetti & …

Relationship Of Rate Of Loading In Overground And Treadmill Gait, Cameron E. Sheid, Jody L. Riskowski, Huiying Yu

International Journal of Exercise Science: Conference Proceedings

No abstract provided.