Impact of COVID-19 vaccination on seminal and systemic inflammation in men.

Expedited development of SARS-CoV-2 vaccines led to public concerns regarding impacts of the novel vaccine on gametes in patients seeking assisted reproduction. In cases of an acute intermittent illness or fever in men, it is often advised to postpone ART treatments so that efforts can be made to enhance wellbeing and improve sperm parameters. However, it is unknown whether sperm parameters are altered in the acute (24-72 hour) phase following COVID-19 vaccination. We performed a longitudinal cohort study of 17 normospermic male patients attending a fertility clinic for semen analysis. Semen and matched peripheral blood samples were collected prior to vaccination, within 46 + 18.9 hours of vaccine course completion (acute) and at 88.4 + 12 days (3 months) post-vaccination. No overall change from baseline was seen in symptoms, mean volume, pH, sperm concentration, motility, morphology or DNA damage in the acute or long phase. Seminal plasma was found to be negative for anti-SARS-CoV2 Spike antibody detection, and MCP-1 levels showed an acute but transient elevation post-vaccine, while IL-8 was marginally increased 3 months after completion of vaccination. A modest, positive correlation was noted between serum levels of the anti-inflammatory cytokine IL-10 and self-reported symptoms post-vaccine. Our findings are reassuring in that no significant adverse effect of vaccination was noted and provide evidence to support the current recommendations of reproductive medicine organisations regarding timing of vaccination during fertility treatment.

Type 1 interferon auto-antibodies are elevated in patients with decompensated liver cirrhosis.

Patients with decompensated liver cirrhosis, in particular those classified as Childs-Pugh class C, are at increased risk of severe coronavirus disease-2019 (COVID-19) upon infection with severe acute respiratory coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). The biological mechanisms underlying this are unknown. We aimed to examine the levels of serum intrinsic antiviral proteins as well as alterations in the innate antiviral immune response in patients with decompensated liver cirrhosis. Serum from 53 SARS-CoV-2 unexposed and unvaccinated individuals, with decompensated liver cirrhosis undergoing assessment for liver transplantation, were screened using SARS-CoV-2 pseudoparticle and SARS-CoV-2 virus assays. The ability of serum to inhibit interferon (IFN) signalling was assessed using a cell-based reporter assay. Severity of liver disease was assessed using two clinical scoring systems, the Child-Pugh class and the MELD-Na score. In the presence of serum from SARS-CoV-2 unexposed patients with decompensated liver cirrhosis there was no association between SARS-CoV-2 pseudoparticle infection or live SARS-CoV-2 virus infection and severity of liver disease. Type I IFNs are a key component of the innate antiviral response. Serum from patients with decompensated liver cirrhosis contained elevated levels of auto-antibodies capable of binding IFN-α2b compared to healthy controls. High MELD-Na scores were associated with the ability of these auto-antibodies to neutralize type I IFN signalling by IFN-α2b but not IFN-ß1a. Our results demonstrate that neutralizing auto-antibodies targeting IFN-α2b are increased in patients with high MELD-Na scores. The presence of neutralizing type I IFN-specific auto-antibodies may increase the likelihood of viral infections, including severe COVID-19, in patients with decompensated liver cirrhosis.

Point of care detection of SARS-CoV-2 antibodies and neutralisation capacity-lateral flow immunoassay evaluation compared to commercial assay to inform potential role in therapeutic and surveillance practices.

Introduction: As the COVID-19 pandemic moves towards endemic status, testing strategies are being de-escalated. A rapid and effective point of care test (POCT) assessment of SARS-CoV-2 immune responses can inform clinical decision-making and epidemiological monitoring of the disease. This cross-sectional seroprevalence study of anti-SARS-CoV-2 antibodies in Irish healthcare workers assessed how rapid anti-SARS-CoV-2 antibody testing can be compared to a standard laboratory assay, discusses its effectiveness in neutralisation assessment and its uses into the future of the pandemic. Methods: A point of care lateral flow immunoassay (LFA) detecting anti-SARS-CoV-2 spike (S)-receptor binding domain (RBD) neutralising antibodies (Healgen SARS-CoV-2 neutralising Antibody Rapid Test Cassette) was compared to the Roche Elecsys/-S anti-SARS-CoV-2 antibody assays and an in vitro surrogate neutralisation assay. A correlation between anti-spike (S), anti-nucleocapsid (N) titres, and in vitro neutralisation was also assessed. Results: 1,777 serology samples were tested using Roche Elecsys/-S anti-SARS-CoV-2 assays to detect total anti-N/S antibodies. 1,562 samples were tested using the POC LFA (including 50 negative controls), and 90 samples were tested using an in vitro ACE2-RBD binding inhibition surrogate neutralisation assay. The POCT demonstrated 97.7% sensitivity, 100% specificity, a positive predictive value (PPV) of 100%, and a negative predictive value (NPV) of 61% in comparison to the commercial assay. Anti-S antibody titres determined by the Roche assay stratified by the POC LFA result groups demonstrated statistically significant differences between the "Positive" and "Negative" LFA groups (p < 0.0001) and the "Weak Positive" and "Positive" LFA groups (p < 0.0001). No statistically significant difference in ACE2-RBD binding inhibition was demonstrated when stratified by the LFA POC results. A positive, statistically significant correlation was demonstrated between the in vitro pseudo-neutralisation assay results and anti-S antibody titres (rho 0.423, p < 0.001) and anti-N antibody titres (rho = 0.55, p < 0.0001). Conclusion: High sensitivity, specificity, and PPV were demonstrated for the POC LFA for the detection of anti-S-RBD antibodies in comparison to the commercial assay. The LFA was not a reliable determinant of the neutralisation capacity of identified antibodies. POC LFA are useful tools in sero-epidemiology settings, pandemic preparedness and may act as supportive tools in treatment decisions through the rapid identification of anti-Spike antibodies.

The Relationship Between Muscular Strength, Jump Power, and Bone Health in Collegiate Distance Runners.

Participation in sports, especially those involving impact loading, enhance bone mineral content (BMC) and density (BMD). Additionally, participation in impact loading sports may strengthen relationships between strength or power and bone variables. The purpose of this investigation was to examine relationships between measures of muscular performance and bone variables in Division I endurance athletes (29 males, 31 females, 19.6 ± 1.4 years). Dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry (DXA) scans were analyzed at the anterior-posterior (AP) and lateral (LAT) spine, femoral neck (FN), total hip (TH), whole body (WB), and ultra-distal forearm (UD) for BMC and BMD measures. WB scans provided information for bone-free lean mass (BFLM). Performance measures included absolute, and relative (to body weight), grip strength (GS) and absolute lower body power (LBP) derived from a vertical jump. Pearson correlation coefficients were determined between bone variables and muscular performance measures. Hierarchical multiple regression was used to quantify the variance explained in bone variables. Male runners showed strong relationships between absolute and relative GS and numerous bone variables. Female runner had significant relationships between absolute jump power and numerous bone variables. Sex, GS, and LBP explained 41-76% of BMC at the various bone sites and 12-30% of BMD. Results indicate that in collegiate men, greater strength is related to higher BMC and BMD, however this was not the case for women. In female collegiate distance runners, higher jump power was related to greater BMC and BMD.

SARS-CoV-2 epidemiology, antibody dynamics, and neutralisation capacity in Irish healthcare workers in the era of booster COVID-19 vaccinations.

Background: The PRECISE Study, a multi-phase cross-sectional seroprevalence study of anti-SARS-CoV-2 antibodies in Irish healthcare workers (HCW) investigated: (1) risk factors for SARS-CoV-2 seropositivity, (2) the durability of antibody responses in a highly vaccinated HCW cohort, and (3) the neutralisation capacity of detected antibodies, prior to booster COVID-19 vaccination. Materials and methods: Serology samples were collected across two hospital sites in November 2021 and analysed using the Roche Elecsys Anti-SARS-CoV-2/Elecsys-S Anti-SARS-CoV-2 assays to detect anti-nucleocapsid (N) and anti-spike (S) antibodies respectively. Paired serology results from prior study phases were used to analyse changes in individual HCW serostatus over time. Risk-factors for SARS-CoV-2 infection were assessed for demographic and work-related factors. Antibody neutralisation capacity was assessed in a subset of samples via an in vitro ACE2 binding enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Results: 2,344 HCW samples were analysed. Median age was 43 years (IQR 33-50) with 80.5% (n = 1,886) female participants. Irish (78.9%, n = 1,850) and Asian (12.3%, n = 288) were the most commonly reported ethnicities. Nursing/midwifery (39.3%, n = 922) was the most common job role. 97.7% of participants were fully vaccinated, with Pfizer (81.1%, n = 1,902) and AstraZeneca (16.1%, n = 377) the most common vaccines received. Seroprevalence for anti-SARS-CoV-2 antibodies indicating prior infection was 23.4%, of these 33.6% represented previously undiagnosed infections. All vaccinated participants demonstrated positive anti-S antibodies and in those with paired serology, no individual demonstrated loss of previously positive anti-S status below assay threshold for positivity. Interval loss of anti-N antibody positivity was demonstrated in 8.8% of previously positive participants with paired results. Risk factors for SARS-CoV-2 seropositivity suggestive of previous infection included age 18-29 years (aRR 1.50, 95% CI 1.19-1.90, p < 0.001), India as country of birth (aRR 1.35, 95% CI 1.01-1.73, p = 0.036), lower education level (aRR 1.35, 95% CI 1.11-1.66, p = 0.004) and HCA job role (aRR 2.12, 95% CI 1.51-2.95, p < 0.001). Antibody neutralisation varied significantly by anti-SARS-CoV-2 antibody status, with highest levels noted in those anti-N positive, in particular those with vaccination plus previous SARS-CoV-2 infection. Conclusion: All vaccinated HCWs maintained anti-S positivity prior to COVID-19 booster vaccination, however anti-N positivity was more dynamic over time. Antibody neutralisation capacity was highest in participants with COVID-19 vaccination plus prior SARS-CoV-2 infection.

A 2-Year Longitudinal Study of Bone Mineral Density in Collegiate Distance Runners.

ABSTRACT: Brimacomb, OE, Martinez, MP, McCormack, WP, and Almstedt, HC. A 2-year longitudinal study of bone mineral density in collegiate distance runners. J Strength Cond Res 37(8): 1654-1659, 2023-The purpose of this investigation was to examine changes in bone mineral density (BMD) of male and female collegiate distance runners over 2 years. Bone mineral density of 29 collegiate distance runners (16 men and 13 women) were measured 5 times over 24 months using dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry (DXA) at the anterior-posterior (AP) and lateral (LAT) spine, femoral neck (FN), total hip (TH), whole body (WB), and ultradistal (UD) forearm. Repeated-measures multivariate analysis of covariance, with bone-free lean mass (BFLM) as covariate, was used to compare mean BMD values. Adjusted for BFLM, there were no significant differences ( p > 0.05) in BMD at any site between sexes. There were no significant differences at the AP or LAT spine, FN, or WB between visit 1 and 5 for either sex. There was a significant increase in BMD ( p = 0.044) at the UD forearm over 2 years in males. However, 56% of the men ( n = 9) had a Z-score < -1.0 at the UD forearm. Seven of 11 women had Z-scores < -1.0 at the LAT spine and 4 of 13 had Z-scores < -1.0 at the AP spine. There were no significant changes in BMD at any site over the 2-year time frame, except a significant increase in BMD at the nondominant forearm in men. The spine appears to be an area of concern for women in this study when examining Z-score results. Coaches and medical staff need to continually educate collegiate endurance athletes about the importance of achieving and maintaining BMD through their college years.

Study protocol for the St James's Hospital, Tallaght University Hospital, Trinity College Dublin Allied Researchers' (STTAR) Bioresource for COVID-19.

Background: The current coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic began in Ireland with the first confirmed positive case in March 2020. In the early stages of the pandemic clinicians and researchers in two affiliated Dublin hospitals identified the need for a COVID-19 biobanking initiative to support and enhance research into the disease. Through large scale analysis of clinical, regional, and genetic characteristics of COVID-19 patients, biobanks have helped identify, and so protect, at risk patient groups The STTAR Bioresource has been created to collect and store data and linked biological samples from patients with SARS-CoV-2 infection and healthy and disease controls. Aim: The primary objective of this study is to build a biobank, to understand the clinical characteristics and natural history of COVID-19 infection with the long-term goal of research into improved disease understanding, diagnostic tests and treatments. Methods: This is a prospective dual-site cohort study across two tertiary acute university teaching hospitals. Patients are recruited from inpatient wards or outpatient clinics. Patients with confirmed COVID-19 infection as well as healthy and specific disease control groups are recruited.  Biological samples are collected and a case report form detailing demographic and medical background is entered into the bespoke secure online Dendrite database. Impact: The results of this study will be used to inform national and international strategy on health service provision and disease management related to COVID-19. In common with other biobanks, study end points  evolve over time as new research questions emerge. They currently include patient survival, occurrence of severe complications of the disease or its therapy, occurrence of persistent symptoms following recovery from the acute illness and vaccine responses.

Previous SARS-CoV-2 Infection, Age, and Frailty Are Associated With 6-Month Vaccine-Induced Anti-Spike Antibody Titer in Nursing Home Residents.

OBJECTIVES: Older nursing home residents make up the population at greatest risk of morbidity and mortality from severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection. No studies have examined the determinants of long-term antibody responses post vaccination in this group. DESIGN: Longitudinal cohort study. SETTING AND PARTICIPANTS: Residents from 5 nursing homes assessed before vaccination, and 5 weeks and 6 months post vaccination, with the BNT162b2 messenger RNA SARS-CoV-2 vaccine. METHODS: Comprehensive clinical assessment was performed, including assessment for comorbidity, frailty, and SARS-CoV-2 infection history. Serum nucleocapsid and anti-spike receptor binding domain (RBD) antibodies were analyzed at all timepoints. An in vitro angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE2) receptor-spike RBD neutralization assay assessed serum neutralization capacity. RESULTS: Of 86 participants (81.1 ± 10.8 years; 65% female), just under half (45.4%; 39 of 86) had evidence of previous SARS-CoV-2 infection. All participants demonstrated a significant antibody response to vaccination at 5 weeks and a significant decline in this response by 6 months. SARS-CoV-2 infection history was the strongest predictor of antibody titer (log-transformed) at both 5 weeks [ß: 3.00; 95% confidence interval (CI): 2.32-3.70; P < .001] and 6 months (ß: 3.59; 95% CI: 2.89-4.28; P < .001). Independent of SARS-CoV-2 infection history, both age in years (ß: -0.05; 95% CI: -0.08 to -0.02; P < .001) and frailty (ß: -0.22; 95% CI: -0.33 to -0.11; P < .001) were associated with a significantly lower antibody titer at 6 months. Anti-spike antibody titers at both 5 weeks and 6 months significantly correlated with in vitro neutralization capacity. CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATIONS: In older nursing home residents, SARS-CoV-2 infection history was the strongest predictor of anti-spike antibody titers at 6 months, whereas age and frailty were independently associated with lower titers at 6 months. Antibody titers significantly correlated with in vitro neutralization capacity. Although older SARS-CoV-2 naïve nursing home residents may be particularly vulnerable to breakthrough SARS-CoV-2 infection, the relationship between antibody titers, SARS-CoV-2 infection, and clinical outcomes remains to be fully elucidated in this vulnerable population.

Dynamic Assay for Profiling Anti-SARS-CoV-2 Antibodies and Their ACE2/Spike RBD Neutralization Capacity.

Serological assays have been widely employed during the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic to measure antibody responses to severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) and to track seroconversion in populations. However, currently available assays do not allow determination of neutralization capacity within the assay protocol. Furthermore, commercial serology assays have a high buy-in cost that is inaccessible for many research groups. We have replicated the serological enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay for the detection of SARS-CoV-2 antibody isotypes, developed at the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York. Additionally, we have modified the protocol to include a neutralization assay with only a minor modification to this protocol. We used this assay to screen local COVID-19 patient sera (n = 91) and pre-COVID-19 control sera (n = 103), and obtained approximate parity with approved commercial anti-nucleoprotein-based assays with these sera. Furthermore, data from our neutralization assay closely aligns with that generated using a spike-based pseudovirus infection model when a subset of patient sera was analyzed.

Bone mineral density and hip structure changes over one-year in collegiate distance runners and non-athlete controls.

Modification of bone is continuous throughout life and influenced by many factors, including physical activity. This study investigated changes in areal bone mineral density (aBMD) and hip structure among male and female collegiate distance runners and non-athlete controls over 12 months. Using dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry (DXA) and hip structure analysis (HSA) software, aBMD at the posterior-anterior (PA) and lateral spine, femoral neck, total hip (TH), whole body (WB), and bone geometry at the narrow neck (NN) of the femur was measured three times over 12 months. HSA included cross-sectional area (CSA), cross-sectional moment of inertia (CSMI), and Z-section modulus (Z). Male runners had significantly higher aBMD at TH and WB and greater CSA, CSMI, and Z than male controls at the end of 12 months. Female controls had higher aBMD at the PA spine than female runners at the end of 12 months. Male runners had significant increases in aBMD at the PA (p = 0.003) and lateral spine (p = 0.002), and TH (p = 0.002), female runners had significant decreases in aBMD at TH (p = 0.015) and WB (p = 0.002), male controls had significant increases in aBMD at the PA spine (p < 0.001) and WB (p < 0.001), and female controls had significant decreases in aBMD at lateral spine and TH (p = 0.008) over the year. When applying covariates of bone-free lean mass and vitamin D, male distance runners demonstrated significant improvement in CSA (3.602 ± 0.139 vs. 3.675 ± 0.122 cm2, p = 0.05), CSMI (3.324 ± 0.200 to 3.467 ± 0.212 cm4, p < 0.05), and Z (1.81 ± 0.08 to 1.87 ± 0.08 cm3, p = 0.05) during the study. No other changes in hip structure occurred over the year. Distance running may be beneficial to aBMD and hip structure in college-age males but not females. Further research is needed on potential influences of weight-bearing activity, energy availability, and hormonal status on aBMD and hip structure in males and females.

Indicators of Sarcopenia: Sex Differences in Competitive Runners Prior to Peak Muscle Mass.

Strength, muscle mass, and muscle quality have been observed to be compromised in low body-mass index individuals such as competitive runners, increasing their risk for sarcopenia. The purpose was to compare indices of sarcopenia in young runners to age, height, body-mass, and body-mass index-matched non-runners. Handgrip strength and arm composition from dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry (baseline-T1, T2=5.3±1.4, T3=11.5±0.7 months later) were assessed in 40 non-runners and 40 runners (19.3±0.7 vs. 19.2±1.1 years, 170.7±10.3 vs. 171.1±9.1 cm, 60.2±7.4 vs. 60.2±7.9 kg, 20.6±0.9 vs. 20.5±1.5 kg m-2). The unitless variable of muscle quality, was defined as the sum of right and left maximal handgrip (in kg) divided by the sum of bone-free lean mass of both arms (in kg). Female runners displayed the highest muscle quality (T1=15.3±1.7; T3=15.7±2.0) compared to male runners (T1=13.7±1.4, p < 0.001; T3=14.2±1.6, p < 0.001) and male non-runners (T1=12.4±1.8, p=0.001; T3=13.2±1.6, p < 0.001), while female non-runners (T1=14.6±2.5, p=0.154; T3=15.1 ±2.2, p=0.124) showed higher muscle quality than male non-runners. Higher muscle quality in low-body-mass index females persists over one-year during young-adulthood and while running contributes to whole-body muscle mass accrual, it does not appear to be significantly associated with improvements in the most commonly used upper-body diagnostic indicator of sarcopenia.

Nutritional Intake and Energy Availability of Collegiate Distance Runners.

Objective: Research investigating the dietary habits of distance runners has presented varying results. Proper dietary intake appears to enhance distance running performance and low dietary intake may impact health. The purpose of this investigation was to perform a comprehensive evaluation of nutrient intake of collegiate distance runners with comparison to recommendations for athletes.Methods: Twenty-one men (Age: 19.6 ± 1.2 years; height: 177.1 ± 5.7 cm; body mass: 65.7 ± 4.6 kg; body fat: 15.5 ± 2.2%) and 20 women (Age: 20.2 ± 1.7 years; height: 162.9 ± 6.6 cm; body mass: 53.7 ± 6.5 kg; body fat: 23.3 ± 3.6%) volunteered to participate in the investigation. Energy intake was derived from the Block Food Frequency Questionnaire. Energy availability was calculated by subtracting exercising energy expenditure from daily energy intake, divided by bone free lean mass and fat-free mass. Macronutrient and micronutrient consumption were compared with the appropriate dietary reference intake values, U.S. Dietary Guidelines, or standards recommended for endurance athletes.Results: Dietary intake for the men was 2,741.0 ± 815.2kilocalories and for the women was 1,927.7 ± 638.2kilocalories. A majority of the runners (73%) consumed less than recommended levels of carbohydrates. All men and 75% of women met or exceeded the recommended daily protein intake. Fifty percent of women and 24% of men did not meet the recommended daily allowance for calcium. Ninety-five percent of the runners did not meet the RDA for vitamin D. All the men and 75% of the women met the RDA for iron intake, with 24 of the runners taking an iron supplement. Eight men and 10 women did not meet the recommended intake for potassium.Conclusion: The dietary intake in this group of distance runners is below that necessary for the level of energy expended in their training. Carbohydrate intake is below the recommended amount for endurance athletes, and the calcium and vitamin D intake may not be favorable for bone health in this group of distance runners.

Submaximal neuromuscular economy is related to cardiorespiratory fitness in endurance-trained runners.

A number of factors determine neuromuscular economy (NE) and running economy (RE) in endurance-trained runners. The purpose of this investigation was to examine the relationship between aerobic fitness and NE in endurance-trained runners. Twenty-seven endurance-trained runners (25.1 ±â€¯10.2 y) completed a maximal voluntary isometric contraction of the leg extensors to measure maximal electromyography (EMGmax) amplitude of the vastus lateralis (VL) and rectus femoris (RF), a steady-state treadmill run at 9.66, 11.27, and 12.87 km∙hr-1 and a maximal graded exercise test. Participants were outfitted with surface electrodes over the VL and RF muscles to record EMG amplitude throughout each test. During the steady-state test, the EMG (as a percentage of EMGmax) and oxygen consumption (VO2) over the final minute of each stage were established and considered NE and RE, respectively. Pearson product moment correlations were used to determine the relationships between VO2max and velocity at VO2max (vVO2max) and NE and RE. The results revealed significant negative correlations between VO2max and vVO2max and relative NE and RE at all three speeds. In addition, there were significant correlations between relative RE and NE at all three speeds. These results indicate that faster runners have improved NE and RE when expressed as a relative measure.

Bone mineral density, energy availability, and dietary restraint in collegiate cross-country runners and non-running controls.

PURPOSE: Weight-bearing activities such as running have been shown to be osteogenic. However, investigations have also shown that running may lead to site-specific deficiencies in bone mineral density (BMD) as well as overall low BMD. The purpose of this investigation was to evaluate and compare the BMD of female and male collegiate cross-country runners with non-running controls. In addition, energy availability and disordered eating attitudes and behaviors were assessed. METHODS: BMD of 60 collegiate cross-country runners and 47 BMI and age-matched non-running controls were measured via DXA scans. Participants completed a Block 2014 Food Frequency Questionnaire and Eating Disorder Examination Questionnaire. RESULTS: Controlling for fat-free mass (FFM), male runners showed greater BMD at the femoral neck (0.934 ± 0.029 vs. 0.866 ± 0.028 g cm2, p < 0.05), total hip (1.119 ± 0.023 vs. 1.038 ± 0.021 g cm2, p < 0.05), and whole body (1.119 ± 0.023 vs. 1.038 ± 0.021 g cm2, p < 0.05) than male controls. The female runners had greater whole-body BMD than female controls (1.143 ± 0.018 vs. 1.087 ± 0.022 g cm2, p < 0.05). Runners scored significantly higher than controls in dietary restraint (1.134 ± 1.24 vs. 0.451 ± 0.75, p < 0.05), male runners were significantly higher than male controls in eating concern (1.344 ± 1.08 vs. 0.113 ± 0.27, p < 0.05) and female runners were significantly higher than male runners in shape concern (1.056 ± 1.27 vs. 0.242 ± 0.31, p < 0.05). Forty-two percent of the male runners and 29% of female runners had an energy availability of less than 30 kcals kg-1FFM. CONCLUSION: It appears that distance running has beneficial effects on whole-body BMD and site-specific areas. Further research is warranted to further clarify the health effects of eating behaviors and EA of distance runners.

Muscle strength can better differentiate between gradations of functional performance than muscle quality in healthy 50-70y women.

OBJECTIVE: It is not known which laboratory indices of muscle mass, strength or quality can distinguish functional performance in healthy middle aged women. The aim of this study was to (a) examine the association between upper leg lean tissue mass, knee extensor strength, muscle quality (strength per unit lean tissue mass) and functional performance and (b) to determine the utility of tertiles of muscle strength and muscle quality to distinguish gradations of functional capacity in healthy 50-70y women. METHODS: Using a cross-sectional study design, one hundred and twenty-eight healthy 50-70y women (mean age: 60.4, SD=5.1y) underwent body composition assessment (dual X-ray absorptiometry) and performed maximal voluntary isometric contractions of the knee extensors (Con-Trex Dynamometer). Functional performance was assessed using a 5 repetition and 30s chair rise test and 900m gait speed test. RESULTS: Ordered by muscle strength or muscle quality, those in the highest tertile (T1) demonstrated greater functional performance than those in lowest tertile (T3). There was no association between upper leg lean tissue mass and functional performance (r=≤0.06). Muscle strength explained a greater proportion of the variance in all functional performance measures relative to muscle quality (R2=0.13-0.36 vs. R2=0.11-0.16). CONCLUSION: Upper leg lean tissue mass is not associated with physical performance in healthy 50-70y women. These results suggest strength relative to the body mass being accelerated distinguishes gradations in functional performance better than muscle quality healthy 50-70y women.

The effect of hydration status on the measurement of lean tissue mass by dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry.

PURPOSE: Athletes cycle between exercise and recovery. Exercise invokes changes in total body water from thermal sweating, muscle and hepatic glycogen depletion and metabolic water loss. Recovery from exercise results in rehydration, substrate repletion, and possible glycogen supercompensation. Such changes may corrupt the measurement of hydrated tissues, such as lean tissue mass (LTM), by dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA). The purpose of this study was to determine the effect of exercise and thermal dehydration and subsequent glycogen supercompensation on DXA-based measurement of body composition. METHODS: Twelve active adult (18-29 years) males exercised at 70% VO2max on a cycle ergometer in a thermal environment (30 °C) to induce a 2.5% reduction in body mass. Participants subsequently underwent a glycogen supercompensation phase, whereby a high carbohydrate diet (8-12 g/kg body mass/day) was consumed for a 48-h period. Whole-body DXA measurement was performed at baseline, following exercise and supercompensation. RESULTS: Following exercise, mean body mass decreased by -1.93 kg (95% CI -2.3, -1.5), while total LTM decreased by -1.69 kg (-2.4, -1.0). Supercompensation induced a mean body mass increase of 2.53 kg (2.0, 3.1) and a total LTM increase of 2.36 kg (1.8, 2.9). No change in total fat mass or bone mineral content was observed at any timepoint. CONCLUSIONS: Training regimens that typically induce dehydration and nutrition regimens that involve carbohydrate loading can result in apparent changes to LTM measurement by DXA. Accurate measurement of LTM in athletes requires strict observation of hydration and glycogen status to prevent manipulation of results.

Body composition changes in an endurance athlete using two different training strategies.

Swimming, running and cycling are among the most popular and fastest growing sports in the world. Inherent in these sports is a desire to favorably alter body composition. Here we report a ~5.4 kg and ~5.3 kg fat tissue mass (FTM) loss in two separate interventions (12-16 weeks), in the same athlete, separated by 5 years. Whole body composition was assessed using dual X-ray absorptiometry (DXA). Dietary analysis for intervention 2 was completed using Mc Cance and Widdowson's composition of foods. In 2010, the male athlete (23 years, weight 85 kg, height 195 cm, 18.1% body fat) had a reduction of ~5.4 kg of FTM (15.4 vs. 10.0 kg) and an increase of ~5.1 kg of lean tissue mass (LTM) following 16 weeks of moderate intensity running (213±53 min/week) and circuit training (64±46 min/week). In 2015, the same athlete (28 years, 90.6 kg, 195 cm; 18.2%) had a ~5.3 kg loss of FTM and a ~0.8 kg increase in LTM after 12 weeks, predominately (75%) non-weight bearing exercise (49% cycling, 215±88 min/week; 25% running 110±47 min/week; 19% swimming, 83±27 min/week; 7% rowing machine, 29±26 min/week). Weekday and weekend dietary intake during intervention 2 were estimated as 2560 kcal and 3240 kcal per day, respectively. This report provides support for the hypothesis that an extended period of energy deficit is required to reduce body fat levels in amateur athletes independent of the mode of exercise.

Seasonal changes in body composition of inter-county Gaelic Athletic Association hurlers.

Longitudinal change in body composition for elite-level inter-county hurlers was reported over a single season and four consecutive seasons. Body composition measured by dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry (DXA) of 66 senior, male, outfield players was obtained. Four successive measurements were taken: off-season (OFF1), pre-season (PRE), mid-season (MID) and the off-season of the following season (OFF2). A subsample of 11 hurlers were measured at all time points over 4 consecutive seasons. DXA-derived estimates of fat and lean mass were normalised to stature for analysis (kg∙m‒2); data are (mean [lower: upper, 95% confidence interval]). A concurrent increase of lean mass (0.31 [0.19: 0.43] kg∙m‒2) and loss of fat mass occurred (-0.38 [-0.50: -0.26] kg∙m‒2) OFF1 to PRE. Lean mass accrual was maintained PRE to OFF2 while the initial loss of fat mass was restored MID to OFF2 (0.52 [0.40: 0.64] kg ∙ m‒2), with the trunk acting as the primary region of change. Over the four seasons, a net increase of lean mass was observed (~ 0.9 [0.4: 1.4] kg per annum) with a negligible overall change for fat mass over time. However, the cycling of fat mass (OFF to PRE and MID to OFF) within each season was recurrent season-to-season.

Dynamic measures of skeletal muscle dialysate and plasma amino acid concentration in response to exercise and nutrient ingestion in healthy adult males.

Nutrient stimulation of muscle protein synthesis (MPS) is regulated by the change in extracellular essential amino acid (EAA) concentration. In vivo microdialysis (MD) is a minimally invasive sampling technique, capable of sampling solute in the interstitial space of a target tissue. In a contralateral limb design (REST vs. EX), this study utilised in vivo MD to examine the change in skeletal muscle dialysate amino acid concentration following ingestion of whey protein isolate (WPI) and flavoured water (CON). Four male subjects undertook unilateral, concentric lower limb knee extensor resistance exercise (RE) on two occasions. After RE, an MD catheter (CMA 63) was inserted into m. vastus lateralis of the exercise and resting leg and sampled serially over 7 h. Following a 2.5 h equilibration period subjects consumed either 0.55 g/kg WPI or CON. Peak plasma EAA (2656 ± 152 µM) preceded the peak in dialysate EAA (2345 ± 164 µM) by 30 min in response to WPI ingestion; however, the post-prandial elevation in dialysate EAA extended beyond that of the plasma. This resulted in no difference in the dialysate EAA area under the curve (ΔAUC270) relative to plasma in response to WPI ingestion [220 ± 29 vs. 206 ± 7.9 mmol min/L (p = 0.700)]. A bout of unilateral lower limb RE had no effect of the subsequent dialysate amino acid concentration in response to either WPI or CON ingestion. These data represent a novel report describing the time course and magnitude of change in skeletal muscle dialysate concentration of key nutrient regulators of MPS sampled by in vivo MD, in response to nutrient ingestion with and without RE.

Inhibiting TLR2 activation attenuates amyloid accumulation and glial activation in a mouse model of Alzheimer's disease.

The effects of Toll-like receptor (TLR) activation in peripheral cells are well characterized but, although several TLRs are expressed on cells of the brain, the consequences of their activation on neuronal function remain to be fully investigated, particularly in the context of assessing their potential as therapeutic targets in neurodegenerative diseases. Several endogenous TLR ligands have been identified, many of which are soluble factors released from cells exposed to stressors. In addition, amyloid-ß (Aß) the main constituent of the amyloid plaques in Alzheimer's disease (AD), activates TLR2, although it has also been shown to bind to several other receptors. The objective of this study was to determine whether activation of TLR2 played a role in the developing inflammatory changes and Aß accumulation in a mouse model of AD. Wild type and transgenic mice that overexpress amyloid precursor protein and presenilin 1 (APP/PS1 mice) were treated with anti-TLR2 antibody for 7months from the age of 7-14months. We demonstrate that microglial and astroglial activation, as assessed by MHCII, CD68 and GFAP immunoreactivity was decreased in anti-TLR2 antibody-treated compared with control (IgG)-treated mice. This was associated with reduced Aß plaque burden and improved performance in spatial learning. The data suggest that continued TLR2 activation contributes to the developing neuroinflammation and pathology and may be provide a strategy for limiting the progression of AD.