Digital Commons Network^™

No Effect Of L-Arginine On Vascular Stiffness At Rest And During Reactive Hyperemia In Young Healthy Subjects, Andrew Wells, George Swanson, Thomas Fahey, Michael Smith

International Journal of Exercise Science

International Journal of Exercise Science 12(2): 556-566, 2019. The efficacy of L-arginine in augmenting blood flow via nitric oxide (NO) production is controversial, with several studies in the literature providing equivocal findings. The purpose of this study was to examine the effect of L-arginine supplementation on vascular stiffness at rest and during induced reactive hyperemia. Young healthy males (n = 15) were studied on two separate study days. On day one, a resting pulse wave velocity (PWV) was measured from the carotid and radial sites at rest and immediately following an induced reactive hyperemia (RH). On day two, subjects …

Computational Modelling Of Peptides Containing Non-Standard Amino Acids, David W. Kastner

Undergraduate Honors Theses

Peptides represent a class of abundant and potent pharmaceutic compounds. Despite their appeal, the design, synthesis, and engineering of biologically relevant peptides remain a challenge. Chapter 1 introduces the various computational methods that will be used. Chapter 2 focuses on the incorporation of a special class of amino acids called bulky dehydroamino acids into the turn of β-hairpins to proteolytically stabilize peptides. Our results suggest that dehydroamino acids confer proteolytic stability by favoring a more folded state. Chapter 3 describes the structural calculations of a rare anticancer peptide called Yaku’amide using a combined molecular mechanics/quantum mechanics hybrid method. The …

The Effect Of Cold-Water Immersion On Running Mechanics, Lucas M. Dibenedetto, Kristyne Wiegand, Julia Freedman Silvernail

International Journal of Exercise Science

International Journal of Exercise Science 12(1): 547-555, 2019. Cryotherapy is a common treatment used by athletes for rehabilitating acute injuries of a joint or muscle in order to accelerate recovery time and promptly return to play. Therefore, the potential effects of cryotherapy on performance and injury risk should be considered. The purpose of the current study was to investigate the effects of cold-water immersion on running mechanics. Fifteen healthy male and female participants (24.6 ± 5.74 years, 166.37 ± 7.67 cm, 71.72 ± 17.7 kg, 27.47 ± 7.55% body fat) were recruited for the study. Participants completed 10 running trials …

A Critical Evaluation Of The Biological Construct Skeletal Muscle Hypertrophy: Size Matters But So Does The Measurement, Cody T. Haun, Christopher G. Vann, Brandon M. Roberts, Andrew D. Vigotsky, Brad J. Schoenfeld, Michael D. Roberts

Publications and Research

Skeletal muscle is highly adaptable and has consistently been shown to morphologically respond to exercise training. Skeletal muscle growth during periods of resistance training has traditionally been referred to as skeletal muscle hypertrophy, and this manifests as increases in muscle mass, muscle thickness, muscle area, muscle volume, and muscle fiber cross-sectional area (fCSA). Delicate electron microscopy and biochemical techniques have also been used to demonstrate that resistance exercise promotes ultrastructural adaptations within muscle fibers. Decades of research in this area of exercise physiology have promulgated a widespread hypothetical model of training-induced skeletal muscle hypertrophy; specifically, fCSA increases are accompanied by …

Effects Of Personal Body Armor On Functional Movement Capability In Healthy Adults, Colin D. Tomes, Matthew David Lewis

International Journal of Exercise Science

International Journal of Exercise Science 12(6): 536-546, 2019. The Functional Movement Screen (FMS) is a tool used to assess fundamental movement patterns and has been utilized to determine movement readiness of tactical athletes. However, tactical athletes rarely perform tasks without load carriage, and limited research evaluating loaded tactical personnel via the FMS has been conducted. Therefore, the primary aim of this study was to determine if ballistic vest wear results in movement deficits as evaluated by the FMS. A convenience sample of college students (n = 31) completed test sessions in loaded and unloaded conditions. Subjects completed each FMS …

Effects Of Caffeine On Perceptually-Based Intensity Production During Outdoor Running, Kailee Neal, Matt Green, Eric O'Neal, Joyce Mcintosh, Alyssum Reno

International Journal of Exercise Science

ABSTRACT

International Journal of Exercise Science 12(5): 526-535, 2019. Caffeine (CAF) may enhance performance while altering estimated RPE. However, effects of caffeine on RPE production is not well understood. This study examined effects of CAF on velocity (VEL) selection during outdoor running when intensity was prescribed using RPE. Ten (n = 10) fit male runners completed a VO₂ max and two running trials, CAF (6 mg· kg^-1) vs. placebo (PLA). Participants ran a 2.4 km (1.5 m) bout, at prescribed RPE4, and another at prescribed RPE7, following 10 min passive recovery. Separate 2 (trial) x 6 …

Deciphering The Consequences Of Yolk Testosterone Metabolism In Birds, Nicole A. Campbell

Theses and Dissertations

Maternal steroids transferred to eggs can elicit permanent effects on various aspects of offspring phenotype. Although, testosterone was thought to be a key mediator of maternal effects in birds, we now know that vertebrate embryos actively regulate their exposure to maternal testosterone through steroid metabolism, suggesting testosterone metabolites may elicit the observed phenotypic effects. To address the role steroid metabolism plays in mediating yolk testosterone effects, we used European starling (Sturnus vulgaris) eggs to characterize the timing of testosterone metabolism and determine whether etiocholanolone, a prominent testosterone metabolite in avian embryos, is capable of influencing early embryonic development. Tritiated testosterone …

Dennd5b Regulates Intestinal Triglyceride Absorption And Body Mass, Scott M. Gordon, Edward B. Neufeld, Zhihong Yang, Milton Pryor, Lita A. Freeman, Xiao Fan, Iftikhar J. Kullo, Leslie G. Biesecker, Alan T. Remaley

Saha Cardiovascular Research Center Faculty Publications

Regulation of lipid absorption by enterocytes can influence metabolic status in humans and contribute to obesity and related complications. The intracellular steps of chylomicron biogenesis and transport from the Endoplasmic Reticulum (ER) to the Golgi complex have been described, but the mechanisms for post-Golgi transport and secretion of chylomicrons have not been identified. Using a newly generated Dennd5b^−/− mouse, we demonstrate an essential role for this gene in Golgi to plasma membrane transport of chylomicron secretory vesicles. In mice, loss of Dennd5b results in resistance to western diet induced obesity, changes in plasma lipids, and reduced aortic atherosclerosis. In …

Effects Of Environmental Temperature On Aerobic Training Adaptations, Katherine Marshall

UNO Student Research and Creative Activity Fair

BACKGROUND: Previously we have demonstrated acute effects of endurance exercise in different environmental temperatures. However, training within these temperatures has not been examined. The purpose of this study is to determine the effect of exercise training in different environmental temperatures on aerobic capacity, body composition, heart rate, sweat rate, core, and skin temperature. METHODS: Thirty-six recreationally trained males made 18 visits to the lab and performed a 3-week cycling training protocol in either a 7°C, 20°C, or 33°C environment. Aerobic capacity, body composition, heart rate, sweat rate, core, and skin temperature were measured before and after the acclimation period. During …

The Effects Of Swimming Training On Arterial Stiffness, Muscular Strength And Cardiorespiratory Endurance In Postmenopausal Women With Stage 2 Hypertension, Steven Scott

UNO Student Research and Creative Activity Fair

Objective:

Aging is associated with progressive decreases in arterial health and function as well as overall fitness. It is crucial to prevent or reduce the negative effects of aging on vasculature and fitness components by implementing appropriate lifestyle interventions, such as exercise training. We examined the effects of a swimming (SWM) regimen on arterial stiffness (pulse wave velocity, PWV), blood pressure (BP), wave reflection (AIx), muscle strength and aerobic capacity in postmenopausal women with stage 2 hypertension.

Methods:

Using a parallel experimental design, participants were randomly assigned to either a SWM (n=52) or non-exercising control group (n=48) for 20 weeks. …

Physiological Response To Exercise With Naturally-Occurring Carbon Dioxide Exposure, Megan Johnson

UNO Student Research and Creative Activity Fair

BACKGROUND: Carbon dioxide (CO₂) plays a normal part in gas exchange and acid-base equilibrium in the human body. With added stress or exposure, CO₂ levels can accumulate in the blood and tissues, causing hypercapnia. Research has shown that exposure to CO₂ at 4% or 40,000 ppm will cause cardio-respiratory changes, both at rest and during exercise. Lower levels may still cause changes under conditions of added stress, but this has not been elucidated. Preliminary data from our laboratory chamber suggests physiological changes at levels of CO₂ reaching 0.08% or 8,000 ppm during experiments with exercising …

Effect Of Local Cold Application During Exercise On Mitochondrial Gene Expression, Ben Meister

UNO Student Research and Creative Activity Fair

BACKGROUND: Different modes of exercise and temperatures can elicit different responses in mitochondrial gene expression. Stresses including exercise and cold exposure act to trigger the transcription of genes associated with mitochondrial growth (biogenesis). Traditional endurance exercise is known to have a potent effect on mitochondrial growth biogenesis. However, limited knowledge exists on the effect of local cold application during endurance exercise. Additionally, it is currently unknown how cold exposure impacts mitochondrial breakdown (mitophagy). PURPOSE: Therefore, the purpose of this study is to determine the impact of local muscle cooling during endurance exercise on human skeletal muscle gene expression related to …

Effects Of 7°C Environmental Temperature During A 3-Week Training Period, Robert J. Shute

UNO Student Research and Creative Activity Fair

Approximately three weeks is required for cold temperature acclimation to occur. However, the effects of cold temperature acclimation on fitness and performance remain unknown. Purpose: To determine the impact of cold environmental temperature on training adaptations, fitness measurements, and aerobic performance. Methods: Two groups of twelve inactive male subjects completed 1-hour of cycling in fourteen temperature acclimation trials of either a cold (7°C) or room temperature (20°C) environmental temperature. A performance trial and tolerance trial occurred pre- and post-acclimation. The performance trials assessed VO_2peak and body composition. Skin and core temperature were recorded during the 1-hour tolerance trials. Tympanic …

Skeletal Muscle Mitophagy In Response To Cold Exposure During Exercise, Megan Vande Hei

UNO Student Research and Creative Activity Fair

BACKGROUND: The signaling pathways generated during exercise elicit mitochondrial adaptation, which includes both biogenesis and removal of damaged mitochondria (also known as mitophagy). It has been established that training followed by cold exposure alters the transcription of genes associated with mitochondrial growth and division. However, it is currently unknown whether temperature intervention during exercise influences the mRNA expression of genes associated with mitophagy, which is essential to maintaining the quality of this organelle. PURPOSE: To determine the expression of PINK1, PARK2, BNIP3, and BNIP3L mRNA following exercise in a cold environmental temperature with recovery at room temperature compared to exercise …

Sex Comparisons Of Agonist And Antagonist Muscle Electromyographic Parameters During Two Different Submaximal Isometric Fatiguing Tasks, Sunggun Jeon, Xin Ye, William M. Miller

Faculty and Student Publications

© 2019 The Authors. Physiological Reports published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. on behalf of The Physiological Society and the American Physiological Society. To examine the task failure time of the force- and position-based submaximal elbow flexion fatiguing tasks for both sexes, twelve men and eight women visited the laboratory for two separate experimental occasions. During the experiment, they pulled against a rigid restraint for the force task and maintained a constant elbow joint angle to support an equivalent inertial load for the position task. For both fatiguing tasks (50% of the isometric strength at the elbow joint angle of 135 …

Alternative Nad(P)H Dehydrogenase And Alternative Oxidase: Proposed Physiological Roles In Animals, Allison Mcdonald, Dmytro V. Gospodaryov

Biology Faculty Publications

The electron transport systems in mitochondria of many organisms contain alternative respiratory enzymes distinct from those of the canonical respiratory system depicted in textbooks. Two of these enzymes, the alternative NADH dehydrogenase and the alternative oxidase, were of interest to a limited circle of researchers until they were envisioned as gene therapy tools for mitochondrial disease treatment. Recently, these enzymes were discovered in several animals. Here, we analyse the functioning of alternative NADH dehydrogenases and oxidases in different organisms. We propose that both enzymes ensure bioenergetic and metabolic flexibility during environmental transitions or other conditions which may compromise the operation …

Cardiorespiratory Responses To Shallow Water Exercise: A Sex Comparison, Mitchell Garant Fisher, Laura Jean Miller, Jerusalem Tesfaye, Karen Roemer, Debra Mary D'Acquisto, Leo Joseph D'Acquisto

International Journal of Aquatic Research and Education

This investigation examined physiological responses to shallow water exercise (SWE) and to a high-intensity interval SWE workout (HIISWE) in males (M, n=9) and females (F, n=9). Participants performed 5 X 5 min. SWE bouts (bts.) at ratings of perceived exertion (RPE) 9, 11, 13, 15 and 17 (Borg scale) and a maximal bout of SWE with metabolic, heart rate (HR), and blood lactate (BLa) responses monitored. The same measurements were performed during HIISWE (4 X 4-min bts., alternating 20-s “all-out” and 10-s rest). Peak oxygen uptake (V̇O₂) and BLa were greater in M (3.6 ± 0.4 vs. 2.7 …

Bilateral Striatal Necrosis Due To Homoplasmic Mitochondrial 3697g>A Mutation Presents With Incomplete Penetrance And Sex Bias, Shanshan Zhong, Shumeng Wen, Yusen Qiu, Yanyan Yu, Ling Xin, Yang He, Xuguang Gao, Hezhi Fang, Daojun Hong, Jun Zhang

Faculty and Student Publications

© 2019 The Authors. Molecular Genetics & Genomic Medicine published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Background: Heteroplasmic mitochondrial 3697G>A mutation has been associated with leber hereditary optic neuropathy (LHON), mitochondrial encephalopathy, lactic acidosis and stroke-like episodes (MELAS), and LHON/MELAS overlap syndrome. However, homoplasmic m.3697G>A mutation was only found in a family with Leigh syndrome, and the phenotype and pathogenicity of this homoplasmic mutation still need to be investigated in new patients. Methods: The clinical interviews were conducted in 12 individuals from a multiple-generation inherited family. Mutations were screened through exome next-generation sequencing and subsequently confirmed by PCR-restriction fragment length …

Heat Exposure And Hypohydration Exacerbate Physiological Strain During Load Carrying, Elizabeth L. Adams, Douglas J. Casa, Robert A. Huggins, Julie K. Demartini, Rebecca L. Stearns, Rachel M. Kennedy, Lindsay J. Distefano, Lawrence E. Armstrong, Carl M. Maresh

All PTHMS Faculty Publications

Heat exposure and hypohydration induce physiological and psychological strain during exercise; however, it is unknown if the separate effects of heat exposure and hypohydration are synergistic when co-occurring during loaded exercise. This study compared separate and combined effects of heat exposure and hypohydration on physiological strain, mood state, and visual vigilance during loaded exercise. Twelve males (mean±SD; age, 20±2 years; body mass, 74.0±8.2 kg; maximal oxygen uptake, 57.0±6.0 mLkg-1min-1) completed 4 trials under the following conditions: euhydrated temperate (EUT), hypohydrated temperate (HYT), euhydrated hot (EUH), and hypohydrated hot (HYH). Exercise was 90 min of treadmill walking (∼50% VO2 max, 5% …

Validation Of A New Incremental Swim Test As A Tool For Maximum Oxygen Uptake Analysis In Lifeguards, Brais Ruibal-Lista, José Palacios-Aguilar, José Antonio Prieto, Sergio López-García, José Antonio Cecchini-Estrada, Miguel Santiago-Alonso, Cristian Abelairas-Gómez

International Journal of Aquatic Research and Education

This study was designed to validate an incremental test predicting maximum oxygen uptake for lifeguards. A maximum incremental test was performed in the laboratory (i.e., treadmill run) and in the pool (i.e., swim) by 10 certified lifeguards. The values of maximum oxygen uptake (VO₂Max), maximum heart rate (HRMax), and lactate (LaMax) achieved during both tests were analyzed. The VO₂Max (0.87, p =.001), HRmax (0.85, p = .002) and LaMax (0.67, p

Serum Amyloid A Binds To Gibrin(Ogen), Promoting Fibrin Amyloid Formation, Martin J. Page, Greig J. A. Thomson, J. Massimo Nunes, Anna-Mart Engelbrecht, Theo A. Nell, Willem J. S. De Villiers, Maria C. De Beer, Lize Engelbrecht, Douglas B. Kell, Etheresia Pretorius

Physiology Faculty Publications

Complex associations exist between inflammation and thrombosis, with the inflammatory state tending to promote coagulation. Fibrinogen, an acute phase protein, has been shown to interact with the amyloidogenic ß-amyloid protein of Alzheimer’s disease. However, little is known about the association between fibrinogen and serum amyloid A (SAA), a highly fibrillogenic protein that is one of the most dramatically changing acute phase reactants in the circulation. To study the role of SAA in coagulation and thrombosis, in vitro experiments were performed where purified human SAA, in concentrations resembling a modest acute phase response, was added to platelet-poor plasma (PPP) and whole …

Triple Hop For Distance As A Predictor Of Lower Extremity Performance In Firefighter Equipment, Sean M. Rogers, Zachary K. Winkelmann, Lindsey E. Eberman, Kenneth E. Games

International Journal of Exercise Science

International Journal of Exercise Science 12(6): 515-525, 2019. The objective of this study was to examine the predictive value of the Triple Hop for Distance (THD) physical performance test to assess lower extremity (LE) strength and power in individuals donning firefighter personal protective equipment (PPE). Thirty-one healthy participants completed the THD in firefighter PPE on both the dominant and non-dominant limb. Dependent variables included LE power (vertical jump height [cm]) on a jump mat, and LE strength of the quadriceps and hamstrings (peak torque [Nm]) on an isokinetic dynamometer. THD was a strong predictor of LE power on the dominant …

A Hindbrain Inhibitory Microcircuit Mediates Vagally-Coordinated Glucose Regulation, Carie R. Boychuk, Katalin Cs. Smith, Laura E. Peterson, Jeffery A. Boychuk, Corwin R. Butler, Isabel D. Derera, John J. Mccarthy, Bret N. Smith

Physiology Faculty Publications

Neurons in the brainstem dorsal vagal complex integrate neural and humoral signals to coordinate autonomic output to viscera that regulate a variety of physiological functions, but how this circuitry regulates metabolism is murky. We tested the hypothesis that premotor, GABAergic neurons in the nucleus tractus solitarius (NTS) form a hindbrain micro-circuit with preganglionic parasympathetic motorneurons of the dorsal motor nucleus of the vagus (DMV) that is capable of modulating systemic blood glucose concentration. In vitro, neuronal activation or inhibition using either excitatory or inhibitory designer receptor exclusively activated by designer drugs (DREADDs) constructs expressed in GABAergic NTS neurons increased …

Exercise Is Medicine®: Knowledge And Awareness Among Exercise Science And Medical School Students, Rachel Mealy, Laura Richardson, Brian Miller, Melissa Smith, Judith A. Juvancic-Heltzel

International Journal of Exercise Science

International Journal of Exercise Science 12(3): 505-514, 2019. The purpose of this exploratory study was twofold: to determine whether exercise science and medical students are aware of the Exercise is Medicine^® (EIM^®) program and to construct a tool that would permit assessment of EIM^® variables with students enrolled in both programs. The study consisted of a quantitative, cross-sectional design, using a self-report electronic questionnaire. An Exploratory Factor Analysis (EFA) using principal component analysis extraction method with Varimax factor rotation was employed to validate the survey instrument based on the expected constructs, which posited five (5) contending …

Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation Of Motor Cortex Enhances Running Performance., Seung-Bo Park, Dong Jun Sung, Bokyung Kim, Sojung Kim, Joung-Kyue Han

College of Science & Mathematics Departmental Research

Transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) is a technique used to modulate neuronal excitability through non-invasive brain stimulation that can enhance exercise performance. We hypothesize that tDCS would improve submaximal running time to exhaustion (TTE) and delay the increase in the rating of perceived exertion (RPE) over time. We also hypothesize that tDCS would not lead to difference in cardiorespiratory responses. We employed a randomized, single-blinded, and counterbalanced design in which 10 trained men participated. After receiving either 20 min of 1.98 mA anodal tDCS applied over the primary motor cortex (M1) or sham-operated control on separate days, participants completed a …

Evaluation Of Novel Hemocompatible Surface Coatings For Extracorporeal Life Support: A Biocompatible Alternative To Systemic Anticoagulation, Teryn Rose Roberts

USF Tampa Graduate Theses and Dissertations

Extracorporeal life support (ECLS) is a class of technologies used to support or replace the function of failing organs. During ECLS, blood is withdrawn from systemic circulation and circulated through an artificial organ or “treatment membrane” that performs the function of the failing organ, prior to return to systemic circulation. While ECLS provides life-saving therapy to wide patient populations from pre-term infants to combat-wounded soldiers, this therapy is limited due to secondary thrombotic and bleeding complications that result from: 1) exposure of blood to the foreign surfaces in the device circuit and 2) administration of anticoagulant drugs to prevent clot …

Effect Of An 8-Week Plyometric Training Program With Raised Forefoot Platforms On Agility And Vertical Jump Performance, Matthieu Pj Voisin, Mikaël Scohier

International Journal of Exercise Science

International Journal of Exercise Science 12(6): 491-504, 2019. Some athletes use solid rubber platforms strapped onto the forefoot during plyometric exercises in order to increase their explosive performance including vertical jump height and agility. The purpose of this study was to compare the effects of a plyometric training program realized with these ‘raised forefoot platforms,’ designed to keep the heels off the ground, to the same program conducted with regular shoes. Forty-nine subjects performed 2 sessions of plyometric training for eight weeks, either with raised forefoot platforms (n=20) or regular shoes (n=29). Countermovement jump (CMJ) height and agility test time …

Monitoring Changes Of Cardio-Respiratory Parameters During 2000m Rowing Performance, Arnab Das, Malay Mandal, Alak K. Syamal, Pralay Majumdar

International Journal of Exercise Science

International Journal of Exercise Science 12(2): 483-490, 2019. The purpose of this study was to characterize the kinetics of cardio-respiratory parameters of elite male rowers during 2000m rowing time trial. 16 lightweight category (LWC) and 11 open category (OC) elite male rowers attending National camp were included in the study. Pulmonary gas exchange and heart rate (HR) during 2000m rowing ergometer test was determined through breath-by-breath analysis, with a portable metabolic gas analyzer and HR monitor. Time to completion, HR, oxygen uptake (V̇O₂), minute ventilation (V̇E) and respiratory exchange ratio (RER) were recorded at 500m, 1000m, 1500m and …

Validity And Wearability Of Consumer-Based Fitness Trackers In Free-Living Children, Keith Brazendale, Lindsay Decker, Ethan T. Hunt, Michelle W. Perry, Allison B. Brazendale, R Glenn Weaver, Michael W. Beets

International Journal of Exercise Science

International Journal of Exercise Science 12(5): 471-482, 2019. Over the past decade wearable fitness trackers (WFTs) have grown in popularity with more recent versions able to capture the pulse rate noninvasively on the wrist of the wearer. Most of evidence on the validity of WFTs have explored adults in clinical settings. Thus, the purpose of this study is to 1) evaluate the validity of a wrist-placed WFT in determining heart rate, and 2) examine the wear compliance of a wrist-placed WFT, in children in free-living settings. In study 1, 19 children (5-12yrs) wore a Fitbit Charge HR^© and a …

Effects Of Exercise Environment And Protocol Intensity On The Efficacy Of Rehabilitation Care For Patients With Huntington’S Disease: A Comprehensive Review, James D. Dolbow, Hau Ly, Nicholas Elwert, John Gassler

International Journal of Exercise Science

International Journal of Exercise Science 12(3): 456-470, 2019. Huntington’s disease (HD) is a neurodegenerative disease caused by astrogliosis of the putamen and caudate nucleus. Motor symptoms include progressive chorea, leading to deficits in gait, motor function, and quality of life. While many studies have examined the effects of therapeutic exercise on these factors in individuals with HD, the efficacy of such protocols has yet to be analyzed. Purpose: The purpose of this review is to analyze trends in efficacy reported by studies examining the effects of exercise on motor function, gait quality, and quality of life in individuals with HD. …