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The Process And Case Study Approach To Implementing A Nutrition-Specific Dissemination And Implementation Science Training In Appalachia, Ayron E. Walker

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports

Introduction: Nutrition professionals face implementation challenges due to their lack of knowledge to incorporate D&I science into intervention design. To improve intervention outcomes, nutrition professionals must be trained in D&I science, which are currently absent in the field.

Aims: To identify and assess nutrition educators and practitioners perceived motivations, self-efficacy, and attitudes in using D&I science to inform the educational design and strategies of a nutrition-specific D&I curriculum for nutrition educators. Then to test feasibility of the nutrition-specific curriculum in increasing knowledge, self-efficacy, and attitudes by a case study approach, pre/post intervention design.

Methods: First, scoping review methodology involved the …

Adherence To Dietary Recommendations For Adolescents With Cystic Fibrosis, Kristine M. Durkin

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports

Background: Adhering to dietary recommendations and nutritional supplements to ensure adequate absorption of nutrients and malnutrition plays an important role in the health of patients with cystic fibrosis (CF). Non-adherence to the CF care regimen, including nutritional recommendations, is high in adolescents. Therefore, the overall goal of this study was to identify factors related to adherence to nutritional recommendations in adolescents with CF.

Method: A total of 42 adolescents (ages 12-18) were recruited from 5 CF centers across the US. Adolescents completed surveys measuring body image/satisfaction, health literacy, perceived barriers to enzyme use, and self-efficacy, as well as the quality …

The Effects Of Internal Physiology On Polyphenic Horn Development In The Dung Beetle Onthophagus Taurus, Naomi Garrett Williamson

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports

An organism’s phenotype can be affected in development by alterations to gene expression based on environmental inputs. Nutrition is one such environmental input and the central regulator of development of large horn or small horn phenotypes in the dung beetle species, Onthophagus taurus. However, little is known about the nature of chemical compounds that are critical to this plastic horn development. To better understand these compounds, we are utilizing an untargeted metabolomic approach as well as a targeted gene approach. Through the metabolomic approach, it was uncovered that environmental conditions tend to have a greater impact on metabolomic composition …

Developmental Mechanisms For The Diversification Of Polyphenic Morphs In The Head Horn Of Onthophagine Beetles (Coleoptera: Scarabaeidae Onthophagus Taurus): Plasticity Through Nutrition, Logan Paul Zeigler

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports

Developmental plasticity is the phenotypic variation between organisms that is caused by environmental interactions affecting the developmental systems of organisms. The research focused primarily on nutrition-responsive developmental plasticity. In this research we used the nutritionally determined head horn development of Onthophagus taurus to better understand the developmental mechanisms and genetic underpinnings of nutrition-responsive trait development. We focused specifically on altering the availability of specific nutrition-related primary metabolites, cholesterol and palmitic acid, identified in the activity of The Hedgehog pathway, a critical pathway in head horn development. By altering diet composition using cholesterol, reducing transcript expression of an acyltransferase gene, rasp …

Evaluating Inorganic Feed Phosphate Type And Further Potential Of Phytase Supplementation Using A Commercial Broiler Model, Angela Elsie Lamp

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports

Optimizing feed formulation of poultry diets may be achieved by proper utilization of nutrients and feed additives. This will provide a less expensive and nutrient efficient diet to the bird. An experiment was conducted to evaluate early broiler performance, tibia mineralization, and mineral digestibility of broilers fed diets that differed in inorganic feed phosphates (IFP) but that were formulated to be either similar in dietary non-phytate phosphorus (nPP) and calcium to phosphorus ratio (Ca:P), total mineral content, or calculated prececal digestible phosphorus (CPDP). Dicalcium phosphate (DCP), monodicalcium phosphate (MDP), monocalcium phosphate (MCP), and defluorinated phosphate were used in formulations with …

The Effect Of Sodium Selenate Biofortification On Plant Yield, Mineral Content, And Antioxidant Capacity Of Culinary Herb Microgreens, Rachel G. Newman

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports

Selenium (Se) biofortification of plants has been suggested as a method for enhancing dietary Se intake. Popular herbs such as basil (Ocimum basilicum), cilantro (Coriandrum sativum), and scallions (Allium fistulosum) are used for enhancing flavors. Microgreens are young seedlings harvested with one to two true leaves and are increasingly popular in the consumer marketplace. In this study, basil, cilantro, and scallion microgreens were treated with various concentrations of Se as sodium selenate in hydroponic conditions to investigate the effect on plant yield, mineral content (selenium, sulfur, sodium, potassium, phosphorus, calcium, magnesium, copper, iron, manganese, zinc, and boron), total phenolic compounds, …

The Relationship Between Dietary Quality And Mental Health In A Young Adult Appalachian College Population, Rachel Anne Wattick

Capstones and Honors Theses

To investigate the relationship between dietary quality and mental health status of young adults in an Appalachia college setting we 1) assessed the overall dietary quality of students 2) assessed the frequency of depression and anxiety symptoms of students and 3) assessed the relationship between these factors and food insecurity of students. A cross-sectional design was used in a large, Appalachian college population in fall 2017. Survey items included the Dietary Screener Questionnaire (DSQ), experience of depression or anxiety symptoms over the past 30 days, and the US Adult Food Security Survey Module, demographic variables and BMI. Participant responses (n=1956) …

Protein And Lipid Characterization Of Acheta Domesticus, Bombyx Mori, And Locusta Migratoria Dry Flours, Emily N. Brogan

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports

Cricket (Acheta domesticus), silkworm pupae (Bombyx mori), and locust (Locusta migratoria) dry flours were obtained to examine the biochemical properties and composition of the flours. This study aimed to characterize the protein and lipid components of three insect species utilizing proximate composition analyses, amino acid composition analysis, protein solubility, SDS-PAGE, fatty acid composition analysis, and thin layer chromatography to determine lipid classes, and lipid extraction efficiency. Kjeldahl determined the cricket, locust, and silkworm flours contained 72.0%, 53.1%, and 71.2% protein, respectively. All proximate composition analyses were significantly (p<0.05) different between species. Amino acid composition analysis revealed that the flours contained 3.6-3.9% and 0.90-1.5% of lysine and methionine, respectively. Many countries have cereal grains and legumes as a staple in their diet that contain these limiting amino acids. Essential amino acids were 22% of total amino acids. Protein solubility revealed that the three species studied were most soluble in alkaline environments with highest protein solubility occurring at pH 13 at 66% solubility in silkworm. Lowest solubility occurred in more acidic conditions between pH 4-5. SDS-PAGE revealed five major protein fractions with estimated molecular weights of 27 (cuticle proteins), 41 (arginine kinase), which has been identified as an allergen in shrimp, 42 (actin), 71 (hemocyanin), and 220 myosin) kDa. Soxhlet extraction determined cricket, silkworm, and locust flours contained 15.4%, 33.3%, and 11.4% lipid, respectively. The only omega-3 fatty acid found in the flours was α-linolenic acid. Silkworm flour contained the most α-linolenic acid at 33.3% of total fatty acids, followed by locust (13.7%), and cricket (0.6%). TLC resolved lipids for typical lipid classes. The four major lipid classes noted were triacylglycerol, free fatty acid, cholesterol, and phospholipid. Lipid extraction efficiency found that the organic solvents chloroform and methanol had the highest lipid extraction yield in both cricket (69.3%) and locust (93.0%). Methyl-tertiary-butyl ether (MTBE) extracted lipids most efficiently in the silkworm. Proteins and lipids found in insects need to be isolated to further or commercial use.

An Evaluation Of State Employees' Preferences For Worksite-Based Physical Activity, Nutrition, And Stress Management Programs, Peter Kadushin

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports

Worksite wellness programs (WWPs) have evolved over the last several decades as a way to positively impact employees' health, and to manage rising healthcare costs. Despite the impact that WWPs can have both clinically and financially, participation rates in many programs remain low. Some research has reported success in increasing participation and engagement through tailoring programs to fit employee preferences. The purpose of this study was to investigate the wellness programming preferences of state employees in West Virginia. A secondary purpose was to identify how these preferences differ by health risk, worksite wellness participation, age, and gender. Respondents (N = …

Role Of The Dietitian In Multidisciplinary Treatment Of Polycystic Ovary Syndrome, Wendy Thompson

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports

Background: Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) is the most common reproductive endocrine disorder in females. Genetic and lifestyle factors influence the etiology and insulin resistance plays a key role in the pathogenesis of PCOS.;Objective: To investigate the current trends and future implications of multidisciplinary PCOS clinics while emphasizing the role and challenges for dietitians.;Methods: The study design was a two-phase formative investigation of PCOS focused practitioners through an anonymous, internet-based survey (Qualtrics, Provo, UT) followed by focus groups done via teleconference. Focus group data was analyzed using Braun and Clarke's method of thematic analysis.;Participants: Survey respondents included 261 health care providers, …

Cafe Nudge Project: Choice Architecture For Eating And Nudging Healthy Behaviors, Shannon N. Ackerman

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports

The objective of the Cafe Nudge Project was to assess the cafeteria environment and the flow of students through the lunch-line to determine characteristics that could be enhanced to encourage healthy food choices in three Appalachian high schools. The Center for Behavioral Economics and Child Nutrition Program (BEN Center) has collectively conducted prior research on this topic and has coined the term "Smarter Lunchrooms Movement" for improving cafeteria environments. These improvements included increased fresh fruit and vegetable consumption, increased consumption of low-fat white milk, and decreased consumption of high-fat and high-calorie foods. This study was a two-part observation. In the …

Investigating Feeding Omega-3 Polyunsaturated Fatty Acids And/Or Soy Protein Isolate To Female Pck Rats On Polycystic Kidney Disease And Related Complications, Kaitlin Hope Maditz

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports

Polycystic kidney disease (PKD) is a genetic disorder characterized by multiple benign cysts along the epithelial lining of the kidneys. As PKD progresses, cyst growth increases kidney volume, decreases renal function, and may eventually lead to end stage renal disease. In addition to renal manifestations, PKD patients are at risk of complications that include bone loss and polycystic liver disease (PLD). Currently, no genetic therapy or effective pharmacological treatments exist. Therefore, dietary intervention offers a potentially efficacious, cost-effective, and safe therapeutic option for PKD and PKD-related complications. Offering dietary treatment to attenuate PKD disease progression has the potential to improve …

Effectiveness Of Sleep Extension On Athletic Performance And Nutrition Of Female Track Athletes, Oluremi Famodu

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports

Adequate sleep is an essential component to rest and recovery for athletes. Detrimental effects of inadequate sleep (sleep deprivation), on athletes' performance have been well documented. In contrast, increasing sleep (sleep extension), has not been thoroughly investigated in this population. Furthermore, the effect of sleep on an athlete's nutrition behaviors and choices has yet to be determined.;PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of one additional hour of sleep on performance and nutrition behaviors on collegiate, female, track and field athletes.;METHODS: Twenty-one females (age 20.2 +/- 1.8 yrs) maintained normal sleep habits for one week. Baseline …

Technology Use In The Treatment And Prevention Of Eating Disorders, Jessie T. Popelka

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports

Technology is changing rapidly in this global world. A radically different delivery of nutrition information and counseling is technologically feasible in fewer than five years. With about half of girls and a quarter of boys being dissatisfied with their bodies during adolescence into young adulthood, some negative consequences including development of disordered eating, eating disorders (ED) and poor psychological well-being may increase. New methods of delivery, from social media to virtual worlds will allow health care providers (HCP) to reach and interact with patients in different cities or even countries. Simple "tweets" to online videos may have a place in …

Improving Opportunities For Small Flock Egg Production And Proper Evaluation Of Glucanase For Commercial Poultry, Angela Elsie Lamp

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports

Consumers of pastured hen eggs have justified paying an associated premium price because they perceive animal welfare, sustainability, and nutrition are enhanced compared to conventionally produced eggs. The objective of Study 1 (Chapter 2) was to implement practical management strategies to increase eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid ( DHA) composition of eggs (Experiment 1) and to determine if the same diet formulation would produce an enhanced EPA and DHA egg composition and effect hen health when pasture access and hen breed varied (Experiment 2). For Experiment 1, four dietary treatments were utilized: 1) Basal, 2) Basal + 0.5% Sardine …

Evaluation Of The Effectiveness Of Healthy Me A Nutritional And Exercise Program For African American Adolescents In An Urban School Utilizing The Cope/Teen Program, Patricia D Setlow

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports

Background.;Obesity, a preventable and reversible condition, increases the risk of type 2 diabetes, hypertension, and hyperlipidemia, while decreasing both life expectancy and quality of life (U.S. Department of Health And Human Services, 2001). The national obesity rate for adolescents ages 12-19 years was 18.1% in the 2007-2008 period, a significant change from 6.1% in the early 70's (CDC, 2009). According to Barlow (2007) these figures have sounded alarms for all involved in the health care of children and adolescents.;Objectives.;The purpose of this pilot program was to assess the effectiveness of providing nutritional education and exercise opportunities for African American adolescents …

The Effect Of Melatonin Or Maternal Nutrient Restriction On Cell Proliferation In The Ovine Placenta, Adam Walter Eifert

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports

Our objectives were to assess melatonin receptor dependent modulation of placental cell proliferation following treatment with either melatonin, luzindole (melatonin receptor 1 and 2 antagonist), or vehicle. In addition, a second study was conducted to assess placental cell proliferation following dietary melatonin treatment in a maternal nutrient restriction model. For the first experiment, 14 primiparous ewes were fitted with Alzet mini osmotic pumps attached to a catheter and infused with vehicle, melatonin, or luzindole from d 62 to 90 of gestation. Ewes were euthanized and placentomes collected for analysis at the end of the 4 week infusion. For the second …

Characterization Of Coconut Oil And Cla Induced Lipolysis, Siri Manasa Ippagunta

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports

Obesity is a main health concern and leads to many other health complications. Conjugated linoleic acid (CLA) has been shown to cause a reduction in obesity in several species. CLAinduced body fat loss is enhanced when mice are fed coconut oil (CO). The objectives were to determine if the CLA-induced lipolysis in different oil source-fed mice was time-dependent and to determine the effect of cell signaling inhibitors on CO+CLA-induced lipolysis. Study 1: Male mice (ICR; n=80; 3wk) were fed 7% soybean oil (SO) or CO diets for 6wk and then supplemented with 0 or 0.5% CLA for 3, 7, 10 …

The Effect Of Non-Marine Vs. Marine Sources Of The Omega-3 Fatty Acids, Dha And Epa, On Serum Lipoproteins, Mary C. Rodavich

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports

Background: Fish oil (FO) is a marine source of n-3 fatty acids, eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexanaenoic acid (DHA), and has been shown to improve heart health.;Objective: The purpose of this study was to determine the cardiovascular effects of non-marine sources of n-3 fatty acids, algae oil (AO) and yeast oil (YO), as compared to fish oil (FO).;Methods: Male ICR mice (8 wk old, n=100) were randomly assigned to dietary treatment groups: soy oil (SO; 0 g/kg DHA or EPA), FO (7.03 g/kg DHA + 12.64 g/kg EPA), AO (7.03 g/kg DHA + 0.13 g/kg EPA), YO (0.018 g/kg DHA …

The Effects Of Feeding Growing Female Rats Different Sources Of Omega-3 Polyunsaturated Fatty Acids On Lipogenic Gene Expression And Lipid Metabolism In Liver And Adipose Tissues, Kaitlin Mock

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports

Omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acid (n-3 PUFA) consumption has increased through diet and supplementation due to reports of health benefits. The objective of this study was to determine whether different n-3 PUFA sources play a role in lipid metabolism by altering lipogenic gene expression, serum lipids and lipoproteins, and inflammation. Young (aged 28 days) female Sprague-Dawley rats were assigned to one of six diets: corn oil (CO, control), flaxseed oil (FO), krill oil (KO), menhaden oil (MO), salmon oil (SO), or tuna oil (TO). qPCR was used to analyze relative gene expression. Only MO-fed rats had down-regulated gene expression of the …

Physicochemical Properties Of Alaska Pollock (Theragra Chalcogramma) Surimi Seafood Nutrified With Powdered Cellulose Fiber And Omega-3 Polyunsaturated Fatty Acids, Alicia Debusca

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports

Surimi is minced deboned fish meat that has been washed of lipids, sarcoplasmic proteins, and other impurities. Surimi seafood, also known as "imitation crabmeat", is widely enjoyed in the United States; however, it is not currently nutrified with fiber, omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids, and salt substitute. In the present study, preliminary experimentation was done to determine the optimal level of fiber addition. Powdered cellulose was added to Alaska Pollock surimi gels at levels of 0% (control), 2%, 4%, 6%, and 8% fiber. The objectives of this initial study were to determine effect of dietary fiber on 1) color and textural …

Feeding Female Growing Rats Different Sources Of Omega-3 Polyunsaturated Fatty Acids Affects Lung Fatty Acid Composition And Gene Expression, Maria L. Dalzot

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports

Justification: The lungs are constantly exposed to oxidative stress and inflammation which increase the risk of lung damage. Omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (n-3 PUFAs), found in different dietary sources, regulate the expression of various genes involved in eicosanoid production and oxidative stability.;Objective: to determine whether providing different sources of n-3 PUFAs will affect the fatty acid composition, inflammation and oxidation in the lungs of growing rats.;Methods: Growing (age 28 d) Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly assigned (n=10/group) to diets consisting of either corn oil (CO) or n-3 PUFA rich flaxseed (FO), krill (KO), salmon (SO) or tuna (TO) oil for 8 …

Sensory Characteristics And Storage Quality Indicators Of Surimi Franks Nutritionally Enhanced With Omega-3 Rich Flaxseed Oil And Salmon Oil, Christin Rose Sell

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports

Surimi, a lean source of fish protein, is consumed worldwide in various forms. Considerable increase in U.S. consumption of surimi products was observed in the 1980s but tapered off in recent decades. Consumer demand for foods enriched with o-3 fatty acids including DHA and EPA has increased due to potential health benefits. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to (1) create a surimi frank enhanced with o-3 PUFA rich salmon oil or flaxseed oil, (2) evaluate product composition and quality indicators (pH, color {lcub}L*, a*, b*{rcub}, syneresis, thiobarbituric acid reactive substances test, and texture) over 21d, and (3) establish …

Metabolic Syndrome Risk In Young Adults Attending West Virginia University, Amanda M. Dent

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports

The prevalence of Metabolic Syndrome (MetS) is increasing throughout the United States across age groups. The purpose of this study was to collect descriptive baseline anthropometric and biochemical data to determine MetS prevalence in 18 to 24 year olds and to assess change in MetS risk after a 10 week web-based intervention. MetS was defined using the National Cholesterol Education Program's Third Adult Treatment Panel (NCEP ATP III) definition. Blood pressure, anthropometric and biochemical measures were obtained at baseline, post-intervention and 15 months. The overall prevalence of MetS at baseline was 15.1% (n = 14). The prevalence of one or …

Evaluation Of The Impact Of The Creating Opportunity For Personal Empowerment (Cope) Healthy Lifestyles Thinking, Emotions, Exercise, And Nutrition (Teen) Program In A Rural High School Health Class, Teresa Ritchie

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports

Background. More than 12.5 million children in the United States are overweight. More specifically, in 2007, 31% of 9th grade students in West Virginia were overweight. Healthy People 2010 identified obesity as among the top ten health issues and set a goal to reduce the proportion of children and adolescents who were overweight to 5%. This goal was not attained because most current interventions to prevent and treat obesity have not been effective in changing the weight status of children and adolescents. However, cognitive behavioral interventions, combined with parent education have been found to be an effective strategy in weight …

Is A Poor Quality Nutrition Environment A Contributor To Obesity Prevalence In School-Age-Children In West Virginia?, Anna M. Chetrick

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports

In recent years there has been considerable interest in describing and explaining increases in the prevalence of overweight and obesity. The quality of the nutrition environment, including the availability and price of healthy foods options, has been suggested as a likely contributor. This project was developed to investigate the relationship between weight status and the nutrition environment in school children in two West Virginia counties. The Nutrition Environment Measures Survey (NEMS) was conducted in Monongalia and Marshall Counties, WV. From NEMS survey data nutrition environment quality scores were calculated for 79 retail food outlets, including grocery, convenience, general, and department …

The Sustainability Of Hunger Relief: Analysis Of Emergency Food Providers In Low Access Counties Of West Virginia, Juston Chad Morrison

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports

Hunger in West Virginia has long been considered a problem that stems from high poverty rates and rural low access communities. The purpose of this study is to assess the stability of emergency food providers in economically distressed counties in West Virginia. Data was collected from Clay and Webster counties, of which Clay is considered low access and Webster is severely low access or a food desert. Administrators of emergency food providers were asked to complete a questionnaire regarding basic information about their program, changes in client usage, and possible threats to the existence of their program. The questionnaires were …

Influencing Kidney Health And Function In Young Female Rats Through Dietary Alterations, Joseph Christopher Gigliotti

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports

The occurrence of kidney failure in the US has drastically increased over the past decade. The decline in health associated with chronic kidney disease can be prevented if detected early in disease progression. However, substantial damage has often occurred before detection of renal disease is possible. Therefore, disease prevention (as in all diseases) is the optimal treatment.;In regards to the kidneys, dietary habits can have a profound influence on the function and overall kidney health. This is particularly evident in female rats due to their susceptibility to diet induced renal disease. In female rats, the initiation of chronic kidney disease …

Sensory Evaluation And Quality Indicators Of Nutritionally Enhanced Egg Product With Omega-3 Rich Oils, Helenia Dawn Sedoski

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports

Heart disease is a leading cause of death in the United States. Omega-3 (n-3) fatty acids (FA) positively affect heart health while high levels of cholesterol are an indication of poor heart health. Nutritionally-enhanced low-cholesterol egg sticks fortified with n-3 FA were developed; quality indicators were measured and sensory evaluations were conducted. Store-bought eggs were separated and egg whites were mixed with oil, spray dried egg whites, annatto (color) and salt. The oil sources included: algae, menhaden, flaxseed, and canola oils. Experimental egg batters and mixed whole egg (control) were cooked in the shape of a cheese stick, vacuum packed, …

The Effect Of Omega-3 Polyunsaturated Fatty Acids Derived From Various Sources On Bone Metabolism In Growing Female Rats, Robin E. Lukas

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports

Bone loss may be lessened if bone mass and strength are increased by optimizing nutrition intervention. Omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (o-3 PUFAs) have been suggested to improve bone mineralization and microarchitecture by affecting mineral balance and lipid peroxidation. However, the sources of the o-3 PUFA differ in the types of o-3 PUFA, ratios, and structural form. Therefore, the study objective was to determine the effect of o-3 PUFAs from different sources on bone mineral and microarchitecture and explore potential associations. Growing (28 day) female Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly assigned (n=10/group) to a high fat 12% (weight) diet consisting of either …