Specific mesenchymal/epithelial induction of olfactory receptor, vomeronasal, and gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) neurons

We asked whether specific mesenchymal/epithelial (M/E) induction generates olfactory receptor neurons (ORNs), vomeronasal neurons (VRNs) and gonadotropin releasing hormone (GnRH) neurons—the major neuron classes associated with the olfactory epithelium (OE). To assess specificity of M/E-mediated neurogenesis, we compared the influence of frontonasal mesenchyme on frontonasal epithelium, which becomes the OE, with that of the forelimb bud. Despite differences in position, morphogenetic and cytogenic capacity, both mesenchymal tissues support neurogenesis, expression of several signaling molecules and neurogenic transcription factors in the frontonasal epithelium. Only frontonasal mesenchyme, however, supports OE-specific patterning and activity of a subset of signals and factors associated with OE differentiation. Moreover, only appropriate pairing of frontonasal epithelial and mesenchymal partners yields ORNs, VRNs, and GnRH neurons. Accordingly, the position and molecular identity of specialized frontonasal epithelia and mesenchyme early in gestation and subsequent inductive interactions, specifies the genesis and differentiation of peripheral chemosensory and neuroendocrine neurons

The Relationship between Aerobic Fitness and Bone Health in College-Aged Women

1Masteller, B., 2Dixon, C.B., FACSM, 1Rawson, E.S., FACSM, 1Andreacci, J.L., FACSM. 1Bloomsburg University, Bloomsburg, PA, 2Lock Haven University, Lock Haven, PA Purpose: To examine the relationship between body composition, cardiovascular fitness and bone mineral content (BMC) in college-aged women. Methods: Thirty-nine women (age = 21.5 ± 2.2 years; body mass index = 23.0 ± 3.4 kg/m2) reported for testing on two occasions separated by 48 hrs: (1) body composition assessment via dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA); and (2) a maximal oxygen consumption (VO2max) test performed on a motorized treadmill. Results: Of the 39 subjects tested, 34 achieved VO2max according to standardized criteria and included in data analysis. Statistical analyses revealed no relation between VO2max and BMC (r = 0.185, p = 0.294). As expected, a positive correlation was observed between body mass and BMC (r = 0.825, p \u3c 0.001). Although both significant, absolute fat mass (r = 0.660, p \u3c 0.001) was more strongly correlated to BMC than was percent body fat (r = 0.527, p = 0.001). Interestingly, no association between fat free mass and BMC was observed in this study (r = 0.291, p = 0.095). Conclusion: The results of this study indicate a positive relationship between body mass, and more specifically fat mass, and BMC. However, no relationship was observed between fat free mass and VO2max on BMC

Alcohol Intake, Cardiorespiratory Fitness, Body Size, and Dietary Behaviors in Young Adults

Steele, C.N., Fradkin, A.F., FACSM, Andreacci, J.L., FACSM, Rawson, E.S., FACSM, Bloomsburg University, Bloomsburg PA The ingestion of alcohol in young adults is not uncommon; however, it is unclear if alcohol intake displaces the consumption of healthy nutrients from the diet. Purpose: To assess dietary behaviors, relative to alcohol intake, in apparently healthy young adults. Methods: Ninety-two college aged participants (59 men; 33 women) were assessed for dietary behaviors, cardiorespiratory fitness, and body size. Volunteers were placed into three groups based on percentage of daily kilocalories ingested from alcohol (Low \u3c 5%, Medium 5 to 10%, High \u3e 10%). ANOVAs were conducted to locate differences between the three groups. Results: Volunteers were 20.3 ± 1.6 yrs., relative VO2max was 49.1 ± 7.8 ml/kg/min, and body mass index (BMI) was 24.9 ± 3.3 kg/m2 (mean ± SD). There was no difference in age, relative VO2max, or BMI between alcohol intake groups (all p \u3e 0.05). Alcohol intake was significantly different between groups (Low: 1.9 ± 1.6 \u3c Medium: 7.7 ± 1.6 \u3c High: 15.7 ± 7 % of kilocalories) (p \u3c 0.0001). Kilocalorie (2636 ± 1436 vs. 1856 ± 793), protein (109 ± 66 vs. 68 ± 64 g), fat (97 ± 59 vs. 60 ± 32 g), and carbohydrate (334 ± 173 vs. 221 ± 97 g) (all p \u3c 0.05) intake were significantly greater in Low vs. High alcohol intake groups. Daily servings of grains (7.5 ± 4.6 vs. 4.1 ± 2.9) (p=0.01) and meat (3.6 ± 2.8 vs. 1.9 ± 1.3) (p=0.04) were significantly greater in Low vs. High alcohol intake groups. Dietary fiber from grains was significantly greater in Low vs. High (11.9 ± 9.2 vs. 5.8 ± 3.3 g) (p=0.02) alcohol intake groups. Dietary iron (20.2 ± 12.7 vs. 11.3 ± 5.0 mg) (p=0.01) and zinc (16.8 ± 11.2 vs. 9.8 ± 4.7 mg) (p=0.02) were significantly greater in Low vs. High alcohol intake groups. Conclusion: Although there were no differences in cardiorespiratory fitness or body mass index between Low, Medium, and High alcohol intake groups, there were many differences in dietary behaviors. Individuals in the High alcohol intake group ate fewer total calories relative to the low alcohol intake group, but also consumed lower amounts of the macronutrients, grains, and meats, which resulted in lower intake of fiber, iron, and zinc. Funding: Bloomsburg University Foundatio

Association between Inflammation, Cardiorespiratory Fitness, Body Size, and Dietary Behaviors in Young Adults

1Fleming J.J., 1Fradkin A.F., 1Andreacci J.L., 2Miles M.P., 1Rawson E.S., Bloomsburg University of Pennsylvania, Bloomsburg, PA, Montana State University, Bozeman, MT Chronic inflammation predicts cardiovascular disease risk. However, the lifestyle factors that increase systemic inflammation have not been well characterized in young healthy individuals. Purpose: To determine if systemic inflammation is associated with differences in fitness, body size, or dietary behaviors in apparently healthy young adults. Methods: A cross section of thirty participants were randomly selected from a database of individuals who were assessed for VO2max, body mass index (BMI), dietary behaviors, and serum high-sensitivity c-reactive protein (hs-CRP). Volunteers were separated into low (Group 1: \u3c 1.0 mg/dL), medium (Group 2: 1.0 to 3.0 mg/dL), and high (Group 3: \u3e 3.0 mg/dL) inflammation groups based on hs-CRP values. One way ANOVAs and Tukey’s post-hoc tests were performed to locate differences between the three groups. Results: Mean hs-CRP was different between groups (Group1: 0.4 ± 0.3 mg/dL \u3c Group 2: 1.5 ± 3.1 mg/dL \u3c Group 3: 7.5 ± 4.2 mg/dL) (P2max was greater in Group 1 vs. Group 3 (51.4 ± 4.7 vs. 42.4 ± 5.71 ml/kg/min) (p=0.02). There was no difference in BMI between groups (p = 0.82). Dietary fat intake was lower in Group 1 vs. Group 3 (56.1 ± 25.7 vs. 124.1 ± 76.7 g/d) (p=0.02) and Group 2 vs. Group 3 (67.5 ± 36.8 vs. 124.1 ± 76.7 g/d) (p=0.05). Dietary protein intake was lower in Group 1 vs. Group 3 (63.0 ± 30.1 vs. 136.5 ± 31.5 g/d) (p=0.04). Total kilocalorie intake tended to be lower in Group 1 vs. Group 3 (1774.2 ± 741.2 vs. 3103.5 ± 1865.8 Kcal/d) (p=0.07). There was no difference in carbohydrate intake between groups (p = 0.10). Glycemic index was lower in Group 1 and Group 2 vs. Group 3 (44.1 ± 3.3 vs. 46.8 ± 2.2 vs. 50.8 ± 3.0) (pConclusion:Increased CRP was associated with lower cardiorespiratory fitness and dietary factors typical of a westernized diet. These results suggest that, regardless of BMI, lifestyle habits can influence inflammation level in young adults. Funding: Bloomsburg University Foundatio

Recovery of rowing sprint performance after high intensity strength training

This study evaluated the impact of a high-intensity strength training session on rowing sprint performance. Ten male club rowers performed a baseline counter-movement jump (CMJ) and a 250 m rowing ergometer sprint (250 m). Twenty-four hours after baseline, participants performed a high-intensity strength training session (ST) consisting of multi-joint barbell exercises. At 24 h, 48 h and 72 h post-ST, CMJ and 250 m were repeated alongside assessment of plasma creatine kinase (CK) and perceived muscle soreness. At 24 h post-ST 250 m performance decreased significantly (90% CI: 0.3 - 0.7 s), but returned to pre-test values at 48 h. There was a significant decrease in CMJ height at 48 h post ST (90% CI: -0.7 - -4.1 cm). Perceived muscle soreness was significantly greater than baseline at all assessed time points following ST (p < 0.05). There was a significant increase in CK from baseline to 24 h (90% CI: 146 - 390 U/L). High-intensity strength training was observed to adversely affect 250 m rowing ergometer performance after 24 h and coincided with transient muscle damage

BMP signaling and microtubule organization regulate synaptic strength

The strength of synaptic transmission between a neuron and multiple postsynaptic partners can vary considerably. We have studied synaptic heterogeneity using the glutamatergic Drosophila neuromuscular junction (NMJ), which contains multiple synaptic connections of varying strengths between a motor axon and muscle fiber. In larval NMJs, there is a gradient of synaptic transmission from weak proximal to strong distal boutons. We imaged synaptic transmission with the postsynaptically targeted fluorescent calcium sensor SynapCam, to investigate the molecular pathways that determine synaptic strength and set up this gradient. We discovered that mutations in the Bone Morphogenetic Protein (BMP) signaling pathway disrupt production of strong distal boutons. We find that strong connections contain unbundled microtubules in the boutons, suggesting a role for microtubule organization in transmission strength. The spastin mutation, which disorganizes microtubules, disrupted the transmission gradient, supporting this interpretation. We propose that the BMP pathway, shown previously to function in the homeostatic regulation of synaptic growth, also boosts synaptic transmission in a spatially selective manner that depends on the microtubule system