Digital Commons Network^™

Factors That Influence Dietetic Interns' Dietary Practices, Jenna Sacks, Breann Mcfarlane, Courtney Weese, Katie Thompson

Student Research Symposium

Background: The dietetic internship is a rigorous supervised practice experience that all future registered dietitians must complete. Research suggests that environmental and social factors may affect dietary choices. No studies have been done to evaluate if the rigorous internship experience affects interns’ dietary practices. Objective: The objective of this focus group research study was to gather opinions from various dietetic interns to understand what factors of the internship experience, if any, affected interns’ dietary habits and preferences. It was hypothesized that environmental and social factors from the dietetic internship would impact interns’ dietary habits. Design: Qualitative data was collected via …

The Effect Of Diet On Muc2 Gene Expression In The Colon Mucosa, Abi Weaver

Student Research Symposium

The objective of this study is to determine how a change in diet affects the expression of Muc2 in the colon mucosa at three different timepoints of inflammation.

Creating Sustainable, High-Performance Silkworm Fibers Inspired By Neurodegenerative Disease (Amyloids), Gavin Christensen

Student Research Symposium

Amyloids present in neurodegenerative diseases, like Alzheimer’s, have a devastating effect on neurons at a microscopic level. The aggregation of amyloid plaque in neuronal synapses prevents communication between brain cells, resulting in decreased cognitive function. The ability of amyloids to form these plaques on a microscopic scale can potentially increase the strength of silkworm silk fibers when utilized on a macroscopic scale. Amyloids, by nature, have a high beta sheet concentration that forms beta nanocrystals when incorporated into the silkworm genome via CRISPR-Cas9. Silkworm silk, with select amyloid and spider silk gene sequences, poses a strong candidate for a biosynthetic …

A Study On The Impact Of Diet On Unified Fire Authority Firefighter Performance, Marin Easton

Student Research Symposium

Objective: This project aimed to examine the impact of nutrition knowledge, dietary intake, and physical activity on firefighters’ performance on their routine physical assessment (RPA) Methodology: Members of the Unified Fire Authority were invited via email to participate in this cross-sectional study. Participants (N=92) completed a 40-question survey that assessed specialized diet adherence, dietary intake, nutrition knowledge (using questions from the General Nutrition Knowledge Questionnaire; 1 point for each correct answer [26 points possible]), regular physical activity (International Physical Activity Questionnaire), and perceived physical performance on their RPA. Based on their responses, participants were categorized into one of two groups: …

How To Promote Intuitive Eating In Adolescents, Madeline Peterson, Stacy Bevan, Mateja R. Savoie-Roskos, Brooke Parker

All Current Publications

Intuitive eating is a pattern of eating that includes awareness of hunger and fullness cues and encourages an appropriate and respectful response to them. It is a non-diet approach to eating and is not focused on weight loss or weight gain—although changes in weight can occur for individuals who adopt or practice intuitive eating. This fact sheet discusses how to promote intuitive eating in adolescents as a way to build a healthier relationship with food and improve body image.

Precipitation Is A Strong Predictor Of Airborne Ammonia Levels., Bridger Jorgensen, Casey Olson, Connor Snow

Research on Capitol Hill

USU senior Connor has lived in the Uintah Basin all his life and studies kinesiology. Senior Casey, a Cache Valley native, studies climate science and works at the Utah Climate Center. Junior Bridger, also of Cache Valley, studies nutrition science. They led and funded this project through a student grant. Casey was alarmed by the ammonia data he was collecting at the Climate Center. “I immediately began to wonder how this issue would evolve over the coming decades.” The three teamed up to take a look at how Logan’s record-breaking amount of ammonia in our air is impacting those who …

Wyoming’S Wild Horse Ranch: History And Description Of A Socio-Ecological Experiment, Alex Sas-Jaworsky, John Derek Scasta

Human–Wildlife Interactions

The growing population of free-roaming horses (Equus ferus caballus) on western public rangelands has necessitated that federal agencies, such as the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) and U.S. Forest Service, develop novel approaches to curb growth including reproduction management. However, bureaucracy has hindered effective research and application of horse management on public lands and examples on private lands may present new solutions. Here we present the history and current population management strategy for the Wild Horse Ranch (WHR) located in southeastern Wyoming, USA, as an example of an ongoing private entity managing horses. Prior to 1985, this ~6,000-ha …

Determination Of Free Fatty Acid And Triglyceride Fatty Acid Of Food Fats Using A Rapid Gas Chromatographic Method, Aubreyona Migliori

Fall Student Research Symposium 2021

Food fats are primarily triglycerides composed of esterified fatty acids on a glycerol backbone. To measure the fatty acid content of foods, a derivatization reaction is conducted which transfers the fatty acids from glycerol to methanol, forming a fatty acid methyl ester (FAME). FAMES are measured using gas chromatography with flame ionization detection (GC-FID). Free fatty acids in foods are a result of a degradation reactions and are considered a defect. This decreases consumer acceptance and expedites further deterioration which decreases the value of edible oils. The goal of this study was to develop a rapid and sensitive method to …

The Effects Of Various Carbon Sources And The Presence Of Vitamin B-12 On The Production Of 1,3-Propanediol By L. Reuteri., Kayden Stevenson

Fall Student Research Symposium 2021

Dairy product preservation has evolved over thousands of years and has been a major benefit to humanity by creating stable, nutrient-dense food sources. Today the lactic acid bacteria Lactobacillus reuteri is important in preserving fermented dairy products through the production of the compound reuterin. Reuterin (1,3-propanediol) demonstrates antibiotic properties that prevent the fermentation of dairy products by undesirable bacteria. The purpose of this study is to determine if L. reuteri can produce 1,3-propanediol from a variety of carbon sources. Bacterial strains were incubated in the presence of a carbon source with vitamin B-12 or without B-12 for seven days with …

Climate Change Impacts On Atmospheric Ammonia And Implications For Human Health, Casey Olson, Connor Snow, Bridger Jorgensen

Fall Student Research Symposium 2021

According to national data Cache Valley has the highest concentrations of atmospheric ammonia in the nation. This study aims to answer the questions of whether climate variables and events such as precipitation, averaged winds, geopotential height, and teleconnections can be used to predict the behavior of pollutants and how human biology is potentially affected. Data from the Utah Climate Center shows that the 3rd yearly quartile has the highest levels of airborne ammonia due to the high levels of fertilizer use and livestock emissions in the farming industry in Cache Valley. After data analysis, there seems to be a connection …

Influence Of External Ph And Organic Acids On Internal Ph And Acid Anion Accumulation In Listeria Monocytogenes And Escherichia Coli, Savannah R. Branson

All Graduate Theses and Dissertations, Spring 1920 to Summer 2023

Listeria monocytogenes and Escherichia coli are both among the most common microbial pathogens that cause foodborne illnesses and death. They both are capable of growing over a wide range of conditions. Organic acids are widely employed in the food industry to control growth of these pathogens to help prevent foodborne illnesses. There is substantial evidence that intracellular accumulation of organic acid anions is a major inhibitor to cell growth, and that many bacteria may combat anion accumulation by lowering their intracellular pH (pH_i). In this study, we followed the accumulation of acid anion into the cell pellet and …

Breastfeeding: Tools For Success, Norah Ashby, Casey Coombs, Stacy Bevan, Mateja R. Savoie-Roskos

All Current Publications

Every mother has a unique breastfeeding experience. Breastfeeding is natural, but that does not mean it comes naturally to every mother. The benefits of exclusively breastfeeding for the first six months and supplemental breastfeeding through the second year of life are well documented (Lessen & Kavanagh, 2015). However, there are many barriers that may prevent mothers from breastfeeding, including discomfort or pain, milk supply concerns, or simply not knowing how to breastfeed (Lessen & Kavanagh, 2015; Westerfield et al., 2018). Fortunately, there are a variety of tools that mothers can use to create a successful breastfeeding experience (Dennis et al., …

Increasing Fiber Intake During Childhood And Adolescence, Madison Gunter, Stacy Bevan, Casey Coombs, Mateja R. Savoie-Roskos

All Current Publications

Fiber is an important part of a healthful diet that provides numerous benefits when adequately consumed. Yet, many individuals do not know what fiber is, let alone how to eat enough. Thus, it is no surprise that fiber has been a dietary concern among children and adolescents for over a decade, with less than 10% of youth meeting recommended fiber intakes (Finn et al., 2019; Kranz et al., 2012; McGill et al., 2015). In this fact sheet, we will discuss what fiber is, along with its health benefits, current recommendations, and strategies for incorporating fiber into your child’s diet.

Mejore Su Salud, Celina Wille, Laura Licon, Laura Paola Johnson, Anny Galvin

All Current Publications

Create Better Health/Mejore su salud es una versión cultural adaptada de Create Better Health evaluada por expertos y escrita en español, Create Better Health es un currículo del programa Create Better Health Utah SNAP-Ed originalmente adaptado de Creates: Essentials in Creating Family Meals por Debra Christofferson, M.D.A., R.D., C.D. Los miembros del equipo de publicación de la versión en inglés son: Casey Coombs, M.S., R.D., C.D., subdirectora de Create Better Health Utah; Jaqueline Neid-Avila, M.D.A., R.D., C.D .; y editores / colaboradores Heidi LeBlanc, M.S., directora de Create Better Health Utah.

Creaciones En La Cocina Curriculum, Celina Wille

All Current Publications

Este currículo es una interpretación al español y adaptación cultural basado en su mayoría en la publicación titulada CREATE FAMILY MEALS* de Food Sense del Programa de Extensión de la Universidad Estatal de Utah (USU).

Farmers Feeding Utah: Increasing Healthy Food Access And Supporting Local Agriculture, Heidi Leblanc, Casey Coombs

Outcomes and Impact Quarterly

The need for food assistance increased by 300% among Utah families as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. Farmers and ranchers were also adversely impacted by market losses and processing shortages. In response, Farmers Feeding Utah was developed to facilitate access to fresh agricultural produce for families in need.

Patterns Of Use In A Division I University Fueling Station Before And After Implementing A Nutrition Education Intervention, Cady L. Peters

All Graduate Theses and Dissertations, Spring 1920 to Summer 2023

Well-timed nutrition strategies are a well-established way to improve athletic performance and minimize recovery time, however, athletes often do not prioritize nutrition as a strategy to gain an edge over their competitors. Even with a resource such as a Fueling Station, which provides athletes with nutrient dense, convenient pre- and post-workout snacks, athletes still struggle understanding which foods are an appropriate choice for their purpose of eating.

The purpose of this research was to examine the changes in the appropriateness of the athlete’s meal choices at the Fueling Station based on their macronutrient distribution and timing of workout or training …

Rotc Cadets' Nutrition Knowledge & Behaviors: A Pilot Study, Mikaela Blake, Annika Israelsen, Tori Gossling, Jacob Lamb

Student Research Symposium

The Reserve Officer Training Corps (ROTC) prepares college students for future military service. The ROTC includes a rigorous physical training program. As such, effective nutrition practices are necessary to maintain performance. The purpose of this study was to assess USU Cadets’ nutrition knowledge and practices to inform future research and intervention needs. Cadets were recruited through email and classroom announcements. Participants completed an online survey that gathered demographic, fitness, nutrition knowledge, nutrition behaviors, Intuitive Eating, perceived stress, and food security data. Results indicated that most cadets had a moderate knowledge of nutrition with a deficit in sports nutrition. This study …

Usu Rotc Cadet Focus Group Perspectives On Nutrition And Dietary Intake, Karli Mcrae, Hailee Pulli, Lexie Jex, Natalie Steiner

Student Research Symposium

Nutrition plays a significant role in supporting the physical performance of USU ROTC Cadets. The purpose of this research was to learn more about ROTC cadets' dietary habits, the reasons for their dietary choices, and gain feedback on what they think could improve their dietary intake. Two, 1-hour focus groups were conducted with 8 participants total. During each focus group, participants completed a brief survey about their dietary habits and discussed factors that influenced their food choices.The discussion included information on frequency of meals and snacks, impact of food on performance and lifestyle, ROTC culture surrounding nutrition, and potential helpful …

Nutrition And Chronic Pain, Elise Withers, Mateja R. Savoie-Roskos, Riley Samples, Maren Wright Voss

All Current Publications

The internet is full of information about anti-inflammatory diets, foods, and supplements claiming to prevent or alleviate chronic pain. For those who struggle with chronic pain, sound dietary advice is essential to improve intake and ultimately decrease pain (Arranz et al., 2010). However, it’s important to note that research showing the impact of specific foods on health and the immune system is currently limited; therefore, these claims should be interpreted with caution (Elma et al., 2020; Harvard Health, 2018). This fact sheet will cover (1) how inflammation affects chronic pain and (2) how eating a well-balanced diet may help reduce …

Tips To Safely Ferment Food At Home, Kelsie Maw, Brian Nummer, Callahan K. Ward, Melanie Jewkes

All Current Publications

Fermenting foods is perhaps the oldest food preservation method and has grown in popularity in recent years due to their touted “gut,” probiotic, and other additional health benefits. Fermenting at home is an inexpensive way to control what goes inside your food. Fermentation is the process of “good” microorganisms fermenting sugars and nutrients in food to produce byproducts (acids) that usually preserve the food in some manner. For example, milk is fermented to produce acids that create cheese, yogurt, and other products. In most cases, fermentation alone cannot produce a shelf-stable (room temperature) food product. Nearly all fermented foods require …

Ingredient Substitutions And Equivalents, Ann Henderson, Suzanne Jorgenson, Susan Haws

All Current Publications

This fact sheet lists substitutions for leavening agents, liquids, sugars, flour, fats, rice and pasta, spices and miscellaneous items. Also lists equivalent measurements.

Power Ultrasonication Improves Tenderness And Proteolysis In Beef Steak During Aging, Chandler Stafford

Fall Student Research Symposium 2020

Among the eating qualities attributed to cooked meat, tenderness is considered an essential factor in dictating consumers' overall satisfaction and future purchase. Tenderness can be influenced by several extrinsic and intrinsic factors; however, the extent of postmortem proteolysis that occurs during meat aging is the main contributor to end-product tenderness. The process involves enzymatic degradation of key cytoskeletal proteins and the signaling of cellular apoptosis, which ultimately leads to the breakdown of muscles structural integrity, resulting in tenderization. The calcium-dependent calpain system, specifically calpain-1, has been recognized as the main protease involved in postmortem tenderization. In the presence of calcium, …

Mitochondrial Pyruvate Consumption Decreases Glycolytic Flux In Postmortem Muscle, Natalie Keele

Fall Student Research Symposium 2020

Mitochondrial pyruvate consumption decreases glycolytic flux in postmortem muscleColor, water-holding capacity and tenderness are important aspects of meat quality that are impacted by pH. The pH of meat is primarily determined by the amount of anaerobic glycolysis that occurs postmortem. As glycogen is degraded, it will produce ATP, pyruvate and hydrogen ions that acidify the meat, and this acidification process is essential for proper meat quality development. In the absence of oxygen, pyruvate is converted to lactate to restore NAD+ necessary for further glycolysis. In this state of anoxia, mitochondria are often ignored due to their reliance on oxygen to …

Belief, Virtue, And Illness In Late-Nineteenth Century Domestic Manuals, Anneka Walton

Fall Student Research Symposium 2020

The belief that one's health is a result of their behavior has persisted throughout much of history. At times, these beliefs were so direct as to blame any and all illness on the "sins" of the victim. In some ways, we still see these beliefs persist today. While we now understand many of the true causes of illness, we continue to believe that poor behaviors can result in poor health outcomes, and often treat people suffering from conditions they "brought on themselves" accordingly. The object of this research is to better understand how American societal beliefs of the causes of …

Cytokine Indicators Of Inflammation In Mice Fed A Western Type Diet, Emily Mortensen

Fall Student Research Symposium 2020

Colorectal cancer is currently the second leading cause of cancer-related deaths in the United States and is projected to cause 53,200 deaths during 2020. The risk of colon cancer increases by 8-20% in individuals who suffer from colitis, which is inflammation of the colon lining. Colitis is common in patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), including Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis. The development of colorectal cancer is complex and can be associated with dysbiosis of the gut microbiota, which has been shown to be affected by diet. Disruption of the gut microbiome can lead to the overgrowth of pathogenic bacteria …

Understanding Caffeine Vs. Kids, Cindy Nelson, Rachel Mcmaster

All Current Publications

Children enjoy numerous foods and drinks on a regular basis that contain caffeine: soda, chocolate candy, energy drinks, and so forth. In fact, almost 3 out of 4 children consume caffeine regularly (American Academy of Family Physicians, 2020). This is a concern because studies show caffeine can affect children and adults differently, and too much caffeine can have detrimental health effects on kids. This fact sheet defines caffeine, reviews its effects and risks, identifies popular foods containing caffeine, and how to reduce consumption of caffeine.

Preventing Allergies In Infants: What Foods To Introduce And When, Annika Israelsen, Stacy Bevan, Mateja R. Savoie-Roskos

All Current Publications

Food allergies have become increasingly common over the past several years among children in the United States (Comberiati et al., 2019; Sicherer et al., 2017). Food allergies are a negative immune response occurring in the body after eating a specific food (Sicherer et al., 2017). Unlike food intolerances, such as lactose intolerance which causes uncomfortable symptoms in the stomach and intestines, allergic reactions to food can cause a wide range of serious and sometimes fatal symptoms (Konek & Becker, 2020). Food allergies can affect a child’s health and quality of life, while also impacting their caregivers’ lives (Sicherer et al., …

The Female Athlete Triad In Adolescent Athletes, Elise Withers, Mateja R. Savoie-Roskos, Stacy Bevan, Katie N. Brown

All Current Publications

The number of teenage girls participating in sports has dramatically increased in the last few decades (Brown et al., 2017). With increased sports participation, the positive effects of physical activity have become obvious (Thein-Nissenbaum & Hammer, 2017). However, a set of health-related problems specific to female athletes, known as the female athlete triad (triad), has emerged. This fact sheet will cover what the triad is, why the triad occurs, and triad prevention and treatment.

Encouraging Snap Shopper Participation At Utah Farmers Markets, A Best Practices Guide, Kelsey Hall, Alicia Meiners

All Current Publications

This guide’s steps were compiled during background research for advertising acceptance of SNAP benefits using Electronic Benefits Transfer (EBT) cards and the Double Up Food Bucks (Double Up) program offered at farmers markets throughout Utah. Information in this guide will expand marketing campaigns across Utah to promote farmers markets already accepting SNAP benefits, especially to minority and low-income populations. The information, however, may be generalized to other health/food programs and to populations with low incomes in other states.