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EXTERNAL RESISTANCE CHANGES THE ROTATION-EXTENSION STRATEGY IN ACCELERATED RUNNING
No full textThis study aimed to investigate the effect of external resistance on running mechanics by comparing unresisted and resisted acceleration tasks. Fourteen elite bobsleigh athletes performed unresisted (bodyweight) and resisted sprints by pushing a loaded sled (85 kg). Ground reaction forces as well as 3D marker trajectories were recorded for five ground contact phases to quantify whole-body posture and rotational and extensional components of forward centre of mass velocity. Resisted acceleration provoked more forward oriented postures (p \u3c .001), and higher extensional velocity components (p \u3c .001) compared to unresisted. Accordingly, the strategy to produce propulsion shifted from rotation to extension in the presence of an external mass. Resisted acceleration exercises are therefore appropriate to stress the extensional component to produce propulsion
ELUCIDATING THE ROLE OF MIR-10A/B IN THE WOUND HEALING PROCESS IN LARVAL ZEBRAFISH
No full textThis study explores the regulatory role of microRNA-10 (miR-10) in larval zebrafish caudal fin regeneration, a model with broad implications for the future of regenerative medicine. Building on prior research from the lab, which indicated that miR-10 knockdown impairs regeneration, we verified this finding through rescue experiments, assessed its influence on healing projections, and examined its role in the innate immune response during the wound healing process. To address these questions, we employed a multi-faceted approach, including timed matings, microinjections, immunohistochemistry, fixed sample microscopy, and live imaging. Our results show that the experimental introduction of exogenous miR-10 can rescue the regenerative defect caused by morpholino-mediated knockdown. In addition, miR-10 participates in cellular proliferation without altering apoptosis during the healing process, further eliminating off-target concerns for the morpholino. miR-10 also influences the formation of healing projections, as confocal imaging revealed a decrease in vimentin expression at the wound site 20 hours post-injury in miR-10-deficient larvae. This suggests a potential link between miR-10 and vimentin expression, a known regulator of healing projections. Additionally, knockdown of miR-10 reduced both overall neutrophil and macrophage development, as evidenced by total cell counts at 2 days post-fertilization, suggesting a role for miR-10a/b in proper hematopoiesis in developing zebrafish. Not surprisingly, a marked decrease in leukocyte recruitment to the wound site was also observed. Together, these findings highlight miR-10 as a key regulator of the healing process, particularly through its roles in modulating immune cell dynamics and promoting healing projections
THE EFFECT OF SKELETAL MUSCLE-SYNTHESIZED BDNF ON MOTOR NEURON SOMA SIZE AND BDNF PROTEIN ABUNDANCE
No full textBrain derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) is a neurotrophin essential to neuron health and maintenance in both the central nervous system and periphery. It acts as a positive feedback system for the body’s motor neurons and the muscles they innervate, strengthening the synapse between them. Skeletal muscle-synthesized BDNF transmission occurs across the neuromuscular junction, the site where motor neuron axons synapse with muscle fibers. BDNF transmission to tropomyosin receptor kinase B (TrkB) at the motor neuron axon terminal causes clathrin mediated endocytosis of the complex and an intracellular signaling cascade that recruits dynein motor proteins for retrograde transport of the BDNF/TrkB endosome to the motor neuron soma. At the motor neuron soma, the BDNF/TrkB complex activates cyclic Adenosine Monophosphate (cAMP) response element binding protein (CREB), leading to transcriptional changes that support neuron dendrite growth and survival. Using a skeletal muscle-synthesized BDNF deficient mouse model, this thesis aims to assess the effects of skeletal muscle-synthesized BDNF on the expression of BDNF within the motor neuron soma, and soma size, using a combination of in situ hybridization and immunostaining techniques. Results indicate that despite BDNF’s known trophic effects, muscle-synthesized BDNF does not appear to have an effect on neuronal BDNF protein production or overall soma size at 120d of age which suggests that innervating neurons are able to compensate for the loss of muscle-synthesized BDNF in our model
How Does Adult Foster Care Affect Mental Health Outcomes in California?
Full text linkMental health in adult foster care is an important threat to the overall mental health of the citizens of California. Mental health has challenged professionals and recipients of adult foster care. Although mental health and adult foster care have had some connections (i.e., people with mental health issues typically live in adult foster care), the mental health effects of living in an adult foster care have been overlooked. In particular, mental health has been separated from general medical issues and has been overlooked as a necessary part of a person\u27s overall health. This capstone paper will draw upon the literature of integrated policy approach and policy implementation of mental health of adults living in adult foster care facilities. This capstone will summarize the effects on mental health for those who live in adult foster care over the last twenty years and the integration of mental health services and laws to improve the lives of those who live in adult foster care facilities in California. This paper will focus on the divide between medical and mental health care and the laws that are there to monitor the well-being of vulnerable populations
THE ROLE OF MTHFR GENE MUTATION IN NEURODEVELOPMENTAL DISORDERS: EXPLORING POTENTIAL CORRELATIONS WITH ATTENTION DEFICIT HYPERACTIVITY DISORDER AND ANXIETY
No full textOne of the most common neurodevelopmental disorders is Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), which is often co-occurring with symptoms of depression and anxiety. The misdiagnosis and overdiagnosis of ADHD is agreed to be a prevalent problem. The methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase (MTHFR) gene has been identified as a possible contributor to ADHD. The goal of this research is to decrease the frequency at which ADHD is misdiagnosed by investigating the correlation between the MTHFR gene at the single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) C677T to ADHD and anxiety. A group of 80 participants’ DNA samples were collected through cheek swabs following IRB approval. Participants completed several questionnaires to assess their signs and symptoms of ADHD. DNA amplification of the MTHFR gene was achieved using loop-mediated isothermal amplification (LAMP), with colorimetric visualization to determine the presence of mutations. Results were analyzed using Fisher’s exact tests to explore the associations between ADHD, anxiety, and MTHFR mutation. The hypothesis is that the presence of the C677T SNP in the MTHFR gene would positively correlate with reported symptoms of anxiety and ADHD. This study aimed to add a genetic component to the testing for ADHD, by assessing whether mutations in the MTHFR gene are a factor for disorders such as ADHD and anxiety. Results from statistical analysis yielded no significant findings across any measure
Cherry Tree Variations
No full text“Cherry Tree Variations” is a book-length creative nonfiction essay that collages memoir, research, and artifacts into a meditation on the meaning of community and the places in which queerness has often been forced to hide: in shadows, in whispers, and at the margins of the page. This lyric essay comprises a persistent attempt to gather a lineage where there is none and to find the author’s place in a society that refuses to center them. Through this experimental form and research therein, the author discovers their origins, complicates their understanding of their own identity, and considers their role in perpetuating this pieced-together family tree for future queer/trans generations
IMPACT TECHNIQUES FOR CONTROLLING BALL TRAJECTORIES HEIGHT IN SOCCER INSTEP KICKING
No full textThe present study aims to illustrate the distinct characteristics of foot motion during ball impact by comparing kicks with different ball launching angles. Seven male soccer players performed 42 trials of soccer instep kicking, targeting two different heights (High and Low). Three cameras recorded the ball impact at 2000 Hz. The ball contact point was near the centre for the low target but approximately 10 mm below it for the high target. While the foot swung downward in both cases, its direction was more horizontal for the high target. A greater abduction tilt was observed for the high target, whereas a more downward-facing instep contributed to kicking towards the low target. These findings demonstrate the precise criteria for ball impact to control effective shooting regarding ball trajectory height
THE STABILITY OF VARIABILITY – MULTIDAY RELIABILITY OF SAMPLE ENTROPY IN SUBMAXIMAL HOP AND STRENGTH TASKS IN ELITE ATHLETES
No full textThe purpose of this study was to determine the multiday reliability in submaximal continuous hops and submaximal isometric squats from the ground reaction force signals. Twelve elite team-sport athletes completed submaximal isometric squats at 40% and 60% of their maximal voluntary isometric contraction and submaximal continuous hopping at 2 Hz, 2.5 Hz, and a self-selected frequency for 30 s, respectively, over four sessions. Sample entropy was calculated from the force-time data. Good-to-excellent reliability (ICC2,k \u3e 0.75) was observed for submaximal hopping frequencies (Hop2.0, Hop2.5) following one session and for isometric squats at 60% MVIC from the initial session. These data suggest a stable force-time structure across testing days, indicating that sample entropy can detect meaningful changes for these tasks between testing days
HEAD IMPACT DIFFERENCES BETWEEN MALE AND FEMAL JUDO PRACTITONERS DURING SPARRING PRACTICE: A SECONDARY ANALYSIS OF AN EXPLORATORY STUDY
No full textAlthough judo carries a high risk of head injuries, primarily due to throws, empirical data on head impact characteristics during sparring practice remains limited. This study examined differences between males and females in head impact frequency and magnitude among collegiate judo practitioners. Nine athletes were monitored using mouthguard-type inertial sensors to measure head linear and rotational accelerations during practice. Generalized linear mixed models (GLMMs) estimated that head impact frequency was higher in female practitioners (10.9 impacts/hour; 95% CI: 4.8–25.0) compared to males (3.7 impacts/hour; 95% CI: 1.4–9.5; rate ratio: 2.96, p = 0.09). In contrast, model-estimated peak linear acceleration (PLA) was higher in males (25.4g; 95% CI: 19.3–33.3) than in females (18.1g; 95% CI: 14.4–22.6; rate ratio: 0.71, p = 0.06). Similarly, model-estimated peak rotational acceleration (PRA) was higher in males (2,101 rad/s²; 95% CI: 1,562–2,826) than in females (1,591 rad/s²; rate ratio: 0.76, p = 0.16). While these differences did not reach conventional statistical significance, preliminary findings suggest that females experienced more frequent impacts, whereas males encountered fewer but potentially more severe impacts. This exploratory evidence highlights the need for large-scale studies to identify head injury risk factors in judo
JOINT POWER DIFFERENCES IN SPEED RUNNING BETWEEN AMERICAN STYLE FOOTBALL POSITION GROUPS
No full textWe tested lower limb joint power during a treadmill run of 54 American style football players preparing for league try-outs where 40-yard (36.6 m) dash performance is critical. Players represented 3 position groups: Big (e.g., linemen), Big skill (e.g., tight ends), and Skill (e.g., receivers) groups, reflecting their varying play demands, from blocking/tackling to sprinting/cutting. MANOVA showed significant group differences in joint power, F(24,80) = 2.917, p \u3c .001; Wilk’s λ = .285, partial η² = .467. ANOVA and post-hocs revealed Skill players generated more total limb power than Big (p \u3c .001) and absorbed more ankle power than Big (p \u3c .001), but not Big skill (p \u3e .017). Big absorbed more right hip power than Skill and Big skill (p \u3c .05). Skill vs. Big showed the greatest contrasts, highlighting the need for ankle-specific conditioning exercises in preparation for the 36.6 m dash test