Life Sciences Commons^™

Wellness Review 2022, Part 2, Martin Huecker, Brian A. Ferguson, Jacob Shreffler

Journal of Wellness

Introduction: Similar to prior reviews, the Journal of Wellness editors searched the literature from the second half of 2022 for an interesting and impactful selection of publications on wellness in healthcare professionals.

Methods: Editors conducted a standard keyword search in Pubmed, focusing chiefly on large journals, interventional trials, and other prospective research. We included papers published between July 1, 2022 and December 31, 2022.

Literature in Review: Finding several hundred publications, we excluded editorials, reviews, and some smaller, less generalizable papers. A final 25 significant studies focusing on wellness in medical professionals were sorted into the following categories: logistics, creativity …

The Effects Of Carbohydrate Intake On Body Composition And Muscular Strength In Trained Men Undergoing A Progressive Resistance Training, Alex Silva Ribeiro, Kamila Quintilhano, Witalo Kassiano, João Pedro Nunes, Ademar Avelar, Michele C. Trindade, Andreo Aguiar, Brad Schoenfeld, Edilson Serpeloni Cyrino

International Journal of Exercise Science

International Journal of Exercise Science 16(2): 267-280, 2023. This study's purpose was to compare the effects of different carbohydrate (CHO) intakes on body composition and muscular strength following eight weeks of resistance training (RT) in pre-conditioned men. In addition, we explored the individual responses to different CHO intakes. Twenty-nine young men volunteered to participate in this study. The participants were divided into two groups according to their relative CHO intake: lower (L-CHO; n = 14) and higher (H-CHO; n = 15). Participants performed a RT program four days a week for eight weeks. The lean soft tissue (LST) and fat …

Women's Health: Optimal Nutrition Throughout The Lifecycle, Edith J M Feskens, Regan Bailey, Zulfiqar Ahmed Bhutta, Hans-Konrad Biesalski, Heather Eicher-Miller, Klaus Krämer, Wen-Harn Pan, James C. Griffiths

Department of Paediatrics and Child Health

Sex differences are an important consideration when researching and establishing policies for nutrition and optimal health. For women's health, there are important physiologic, neurologic, and hormonal distinctions throughout the lifecycle that impact nutritional needs. Distinct from those for men, these nutritional needs must be translated into appropriate nutrition policy that aims to not only avoid overt nutritional deficiency, but also to promote health and minimize risk for chronic disease. Through a series of webinars, scientific experts discussed the advances in the understanding of the unique nutritional needs, challenges and opportunities of the various life stages for women across the life …

Science, Physiology, And Nutrition For The Nonscientist, Judi S. Morrill

Open Educational Resources

A wonderful blend of physiology, nutrition, biochemistry, genetics, biology, evolution, chemistry--what we all need to know as informed citizens. A basic knowledge of the life sciences and how our bodies work--to promote our own good health, especially as we're bombarded with misleading advertisements, soundbites, and the like. DNA fingerprinting, calorie requirements, dietary advice, genetic engineering (including gene editing with CRISPR cas9)--all in an easy-to understand book.

Acute Ingestion Of A Commercially Available Pre-Workout Supplement Improves Anaerobic Power Output And Reduces Muscular Fatigue, Sotiris Panayi, Andy Galbraith

International Journal of Exercise Science

International Journal of Exercise Science 15(6): 455-472, 2022. The effect of a pre-workout supplement on anaerobic power output and muscular fatigue was examined. 18 participants took part in this double-blinded crossover study, reporting for testing on 3 occasions. Participants completed a 6x6 second repeated sprint test, with 20s recovery between sprints. Anaerobic power output was recorded as the highest power achieved during sprint test. Muscular fatigue was reported as a fatigue index across the six sprints ((maximum power – minimum power) ÷ total sprint time). During a baseline visit, participants consumed 250ml of water 30 minutes prior to testing, whilst …

Examining The Feasibility Of Delivering A Multi-Component Virtual Lifestyle Medicine Program For Adults With Type 2 Diabetes, Madison S. Hiemstra

Electronic Thesis and Dissertation Repository

BACKGROUND: The virtual delivery of lifestyle medicine programs (e.g., via web-conferencing platforms) can increase program accessibility for adults living with type 2 diabetes (T2D). PURPOSE: To assess the feasibility of virtually delivering a multi-component group-based lifestyle medicine program that uses wearable technologies and exercise prescriptions in an adult population with T2D. METHODS: This was a six-week, single-cohort feasibility study. The virtual lifestyle medicine program included live-video delivery of group education classes, one-on-one exercise counselling phone calls, flash glucose monitors, wearable activity monitors, and exercise prescriptions. Several feasibility outcomes were assessed including recruitment and retention rates, acceptability (e.g., exit survey), and …

A Short-Term Paleolithic Dietary Intervention Does Not Alter Adipokines Linked To Adiposity, Rachel M. Graff, Kristofer Jennings, Natalie A. Davies, Andres E. Carrillo, Emily C. Lavoy, Edward J. Ryan, Melissa M. Markofski

International Journal of Exercise Science

International Journal of Exercise Science 14(2): 113-122, 2021. The Paleolithic diet, characterized by an emphasis on hunter-gatherer type foods accompanied by an exclusion of grains, dairy products, and highly processed food items, is often promoted for weight loss and a reduction in cardiometabolic disease risk factors. Specific adipokines, such as adiponectin, omentin, nesfatin, and vaspin are reported to be dysregulated with obesity and may respond favorably to diet-induced fat loss. We aimed to evaluate the effects of an eight-week Paleolithic dietary intervention on circulating adiponectin, omentin, nesfatin, and vaspin in a cohort of physically inactive, but otherwise healthy adults. Methods: …

Polar Bear Behavior: Morphologic And Physiologic Adaptations, John P. Whiteman

Biological Sciences Faculty Publications

Polar bears possess morphologic and physiologic characteristics that reflect their terrestrial lineage as members of the bear family (Ursidae) as well as adaptations to the Arctic marine environment. Among marine mammals, they are the least adapted for aquatic life. They exhibit substantial seasonality in body mass, body condition, and many physiological functions, reflecting the annual cycle of both their Arctic sea ice habitat and the availability of their main prey, ringed seals. This hypercarnivorous diet has likely influenced the polar bear’s craniodental morphology and nutritional physiology. Similar to other marine mammal predators, polar bears exhibit a relatively high resting metabolic …

Effect Of A Commercially Available Low-Dose Capsaicin Supplement On Knee Extensor Contractile Function, Brett Cross, Darell Parker, Sean P. Langan, Gregory J. Grosicki

International Journal of Exercise Science

International Journal of Exercise Science 13(2): 312-318, 2020. Capsaicin, the active pungent ingredient in chili peppers and various spicy foods, is demonstrated to influence a variety of physiological systems including skeletal muscle. The purpose of this study was to examine if a chewable capsaicin supplement (1.2 mg) could enhance isokinetic knee extensor contractile performance. Nine young, recreationally active individuals (5 females/4 males; 23.6 ± 1.5 yrs; 24.2 ± 3.3 kg/m²) participated in this randomized, single-blind crossover study. Following a familiarization session, participants completed two isokinetic knee extensor contractile function assessments, 45 minutes after ingesting either a capsaicin fruit …

Commercially Available Capsaicin Supplement Fails To Enhance Time-To-Exhaustion During Cycling, Sean P. Langan, Gregory J. Grosicki

International Journal of Exercise Science

International Journal of Exercise Science 13(2): 225-233, 2020. This study examined whether a commercially available low-dose (1.2 mg), chewable capsaicin supplement could enhance endurance cycling performance. Thirteen young (8M/5F), recreationally active individuals (age = 24.2 ± 2.9 yrs, body fat = 21.2 ± 6.1%) participated in the study. The study consisted of three visits, beginning with an initial evaluation of cardiorespiratory fitness (37.1 ± 5.5 ml/kg/min). During the second and third study visits, participants completed time-to-exhaustion (TTE) tests on a cycle ergometer at a workload eliciting ~90% VO2max, 45 minutes after ingesting either a 139 kcal capsaicin fruit gummy, or …

Changes In Health Behaviors And Outcomes Following Graduation From Higher Education, Oliver W A Wilson, Peter J. Matthews, Michele Duffey, Zack Papalia, Melissa Bopp

International Journal of Exercise Science

International Journal of Exercise Science 13(5): 131-139, 2020. The purpose of this study was to examine changes in health behaviors and outcomes of higher education (college) students following graduation. Undergraduate students (n= 206) enrolled at a large, northeastern United States university in general education health and wellness courses were assessed pre and post-graduation. Participants self-reported their demographics, physical activity behaviors, dietary behaviors, sleep, and stress pre and post-graduation via an online survey. Paired sample t-tests examined changes health behaviors pre and post-graduation. Following graduation, fruit and vegetable consumption increased significantly, moderate physical activity declined significantly, and both vigorous …

Can The Carbon And Nitrogen Isotope Values Of Offspring Be Used As A Proxy For Their Mother's Diet? Using Foetal Physiology To Interpret Bulk Tissue And Amino Acid Δ15N Values, Nico Lübcker, John P. Whiteman, Seth D. Newsome, Robert P. Millar, P.J. Nico De Bruyn

Biological Sciences Faculty Publications

The measurement of bulk tissue nitrogen (δ¹⁵N) and carbon isotope values (δ¹³C) chronologically along biologically inert tissues sampled from offspring can provide a longitudinal record of their mothers' foraging habits. This study tested the important assumption that mother-offspring stable isotope values are positively and linearly correlated. In addition, any change in the mother-offspring bulk tissues and individual amino acids that occurred during gestation was investigated. Whiskers sampled from southern elephant seal pups (Mirounga leonina) and temporally overlapping whiskers from their mothers were analyzed. This included n = 1895 chronologically subsampled whisker segments for bulk …

Nutrients, Infectious And Inflammatory Diseases, Helieh S. Oz

Physiology Faculty Publications

No abstract provided.

Energy Balance During A Self-Sufficient, Multistage Ultramarathon, Paul A. Hough, James Earle

Journal of Human Performance in Extreme Environments

Endurance athletes are recommended to maintain energy balance and ensure adequate energy availability (EA) so that endurance performance is not compromised. Purpose: Describe and evaluate the energy balance of an athlete competing in a self-sufficient, multistage ultramarathon (MSU). Methods: A male endurance athlete (age 35 years; height 183.0 cm; body mass 78.4 kg; VO_2max 66 ml/kg/min) volunteered to take part in this observational case study prior to competing in the Marathon des Sables (MdS) 2016. The subject self-reported energy intake (EI) by reviewing his dietary plan following each stage. Basal metabolic rate (BMR) was estimated prior to the MdS …

Optimal Nutrition For Endurance Exercise: A Systematic Review, Sarah E. Andrus Ms, Bruce W. Andrus Md Ms

Dartmouth Scholarship

Introduction

As fatigue in endurance events correlates with depletion of muscle glycogen, the traditional approach to nutritional support has been carbohydrate loading. However, there has been recent interest in improving athletic endurance performance by novel diets in the days to weeks prior to endurance events, the pre-event meal, and during exercise.

Methods

We searched PubMed and SCOPUS for randomized trials published from 1992-2017 with a primary endpoint of endurance performance. We identified 407 citations which were examined against our inclusion criteria of randomization or crossover allocation to diet and for which a primary outcome was endurance performance.

Results

Twenty full …

The Insulin-Like Growth Factor-1 (Igf1) System As A Potential Biomarker For Nutritional Status And Growth Rate In Pacific Rockfish (Sebastes Spp.), Nicole L. Hack

Master's Theses

Growth performance in vertebrates is regulated by environmental factors including the quality and quantity of food, which influences growth via endocrine pathways such as the growth hormone (GH) / insulin-like growth factor somatotropic axis. In several teleost fishes, circulating concentrations of insulin-like growth factor-1 (Igf1) correlate positively with growth rate, and it has been proposed that plasma Igf1 levels may serve as an indicator of growth variation for fisheries and aquaculture applications. Here, I tested whether plasma Igf1 concentrations might serve as an indicator of somatic growth in olive rockfish (Sebastes serranoides), one species among dozens of rockfishes …

The Effect Of A Moderately-Low And High Carbohydrate Intake On Crossfit Performance, Kurt A. Escobar, Jacobo Morales, Trisha A. Vandusseldorp

International Journal of Exercise Science

International Journal of Exercise Science 9(4): 460-470, 2016. CrossFit is a metabolically demanding strength and conditioning method which performance may benefit from a carbohydrate (CHO)-rich diet. This study investigated the effect of three consecutive days of high CHO intake on CrossFit performance and corresponding metabolically -related variables in strength trained individuals. Eighteen subjects with a CHO intake of <6 g/kg/day were randomly assigned into a CHO (n = 9) or control (C) group (n =9) and underwent a 9-day training protocol. During days 1, 5, and 9, performance was measured as repetitions completed during a 12 minute CrossFit workout. Oxygen consumption (VO2), respiratory exchange ratio (RER), and blood lactate (BL) were also measured. Days 6-8, the CHO group increased CHO intake from <6 g/kg/day to 6-8 g/kg/day; the C group maintained their current intake of <6 g/kg/day. On days 6 and 7 both groups performed CrossFit workouts followed by a day of rest prior to day 9. There was a significant increase in repetitions completed in both groups in day 9 (vs. means score of day 1 + 5) (p = 0.002), but no differences between C and CHO groups (p = 0.111). However, the CHO group displayed a 15.2 repetition increase (+10.9%) in day 9, compared to 5.7 (+4.2%) by the C group. VO2, RER, and BL were not influenced by the experimental intervention. Our results suggest that the CrossFit-embraced practice of moderately-low CHO diets may be adequate in CHO during short periods of training, however, given the noted trend, extended training periods may be effected.

The Effects Of A Lifetime Physical Activity And Fitness Course On College Students’ Health Behaviors, Ale Quartiroli, Hotaka Maeda

International Journal of Exercise Science

International Journal of Exercise Science 9(2): 136-148, 2016. The purpose of this study was to examine motivational constructs and the effect of physical activity engagement on health behaviors in college students who were required to take a 15-week lifetime physical fitness (LPF) course for graduation. A total of fifty-eight first and second year college students aged between 17 and 23 years (M=18.72; SD=1.09). Paper and pencil questionnaires were anonymously administered at the beginning and at the end of the 15-week long spring 2012 semester. Analysis of the differences between the beginning and the end of the semester …

Lifestyle Contributors To Cardiovascular Disease Risk, Adam J. Berrones

Theses and Dissertations--Kinesiology and Health Promotion

Aortic stiffness is an independent risk factor that has prognostic value regarding future cardiovascular disease (CVD) events such as myocardial infarction, strokes, and heart failure. Although death rates due to coronary heart disease have declined in recent years, the leading global killer remains CVD and prevalence is still high. Understanding lifestyle contributors associated with aortic stiffness would provide the public with insight into targeting key health-related behaviors.

The purpose of this observational study was to examine the association of physical activity, physical function, and dietary quality as independent factors contributing to aortic stiffness in apparently healthy middle aged men. Fifty-two …

Success Stories And Emerging Themes In Conservation Physiology, Christine L. Madliger, Steven J. Cooke, Erica J. Crespi, Jennifer L. Funk, Kevin R. Hultine, Kathleen E. Hunt, Jason R. Rohr, Brent J. Sinclair, Cory D. Suski, Craig K. R. Willis, Oliver P. Love

Biology, Chemistry, and Environmental Sciences Faculty Articles and Research

The potential benefits of physiology for conservation are well established and include greater specificity of management techniques, determination of cause–effect relationships, increased sensitivity of health and disturbance monitoring and greater capacity for predicting future change. While descriptions of the specific avenues in which conservation and physiology can be integrated are readily available and important to the continuing expansion of the discipline of ‘conservation physiology’, to date there has been no assessment of how the field has specifically contributed to conservation success. However, the goal of conservation physiology is to foster conservation solutions and it is therefore important to assess whether …

Bacterial Symbionts, Buchnera, And Starvation On Wing Dimorphism In English Grain Aphid, Sitobion Avenae (F.) (Homoptera: Aphididae), Fangmei Zhang, Xiangrui Li, Yunhui Zhang, Brad Coates, Xuguo Joe Zhou, Dengfa Cheng

Entomology Faculty Publications

Wing dimorphism in aphids can be affected by multiple cues, including both biotic (nutrition, crowding, interspecific interactions, the presence of natural enemies, maternal and transgenerational effects, and alarm pheromone) and abiotic factors (temperature, humidity, and photoperiod). The majority of the phloem-feeding aphids carry Buchnera, an obligate symbiotic proteobacteria. Buchnera has a highly reduced genome size, but encode key enzymes in the tryptophan biosynthetic pathway and is crucial for nutritional balance, development and reproduction in aphids. In this study, we investigated the impact of two nutritional-based biotic factors, symbionts and starvation, on the wing dimorphism in the English grain aphid, …

Community Based Nutritition Education: A Model For Raising Awareness Of Childhood Obesity, Selina Ahmed

Selina M Ahmed PhD

Background: Since 2003, Texas Southern University has coordinated conferences to educate Houston’s Third Ward community about strategies to combat childhood obesity. Presenters included faculty and students as speakers and activity coordinators. Participants indicated that these conferences are helpful in increasing awareness of health problems and the availability of community health resources. Purpose: To address the high rate of childhood obesity in Houston’s Third Ward and its costs in terms of health and long-term productivity on that community, faculty at Texas Southern University (TSU) coordinated annual conferences to educate community members about strategies to combat childhood obesity. Methods: Seven conferences intended …

The Effects Of Vespa Amino Acid Mixture On Cycling Performance During A 20k Time Trial, Sebastian Haynes, Adam Parker

International Journal of Exercise Science: Conference Proceedings

The effects of Vespa Amino Acid Mixture on cycling performance during a 20k time trial.

Sebastian Haynes and Adam Parker, Ph.D.

Department of Kinesiology

Angelo State University, San Angelo, TX

Category: Undergraduate

Mentor: Adam Parker (adam.parker@angelo.edu)

Abstract

Vespa amino acid mixture (VAAM) is a nutritional supplement derived from the Asian Mandarin Wasp (Vespa Mandarina). VAAM has been shown to enhance lipolysis in rat adipocytes and is purported to improve endurance performance via enhanced fat metabolism. The purpose of this study was to examine the effects VAAM on cycling performance during a 20k time trial. 10 trained, male cyclists …

Carbohydrate Mouth Rinse Improves 1.5 H Run Performance: Is There A Dose-Effect?, Benjamin F. Wright, Glen Davison

International Journal of Exercise Science

International Journal of Exercise Science 6(4) : 328-340, 2013. There is a substantial body of recent evidence showing ergogenic effects of carbohydrate (CHO) mouth rinsing on endurance performance. However, there is a lack of research on the dose-effect and the aim of this study was to investigate the effect of two different concentrations (6% and 12% weight/volume, w/v) on 90 minute treadmill running performance. Seven active males took part in one familiarization trial and three experimental trials (90-minute self-paced performance trials). Solutions (placebo, 6% or 12% CHO-electrolyte solution, CHO-E) were rinsed in the mouth at the beginning, and at 15, …

Exercise Participation During Weight Loss On A High Protein – Low Carbohydrate Diet Plan In Females Aged 15-25 Years, Margaret Mobley-Meulman

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Weight gain due to poor diet and lack of exercise is responsible for over 300,000 deaths each year (U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, 2010). Obese adults have an increased risk for serious health conditions including high blood pressure and cholesterol, type 2 diabetes, coronary heart disease, stroke, gallbladder disease, osteoarthritis, sleep apnea, respiratory problems, and certain cancers (National Cancer Institute, 2012). Participation in exercise can help control weight, strengthen muscles and bones, and reduce the incidence of cardiac events, stroke, hypertension, type 2 diabetes, colon and breast cancers, osteoporotic fractures, gallbladder disease, obesity, depression, anxiety, and delay mortality …

Nursing With Eating, Activity, And Supportive Environment (Ease) : Effects Of An Eight-Week Mentoring Program, April V. Lane Hartmann, Laura Van Winkle-Preston, Peggy Mancuso, Gayle Roux, Shannon Scott, Nancy M. Dimarco

International Journal of Exercise Science: Conference Proceedings

Each year, approximately 2.8 million adults die from complications related to obesity (World Health Organization, 2011). One in three adults aged 20 years or older is obese, and 6% are morbidly obese. This problem is increasing at an alarming rate in young adults, and 20.5% of college students are classified as being overweight based upon their body mass index (BMI) (Adderley-Kelly, 2007). The purpose of this study was to increase knowledge about evidence-based, effective interventions that will enable college-aged, pre-nursing students to attain physical and mental well-being. The participants (N=24) were freshman and sophomore pre-nursing majors who were randomized into …

Healthy Bites: A Challenge-Based Worksite Wellness Nutrition Program, Mary E. Herndon, Adelina J. Espat, Laura R. Nathan-Garner

International Journal of Exercise Science: Conference Proceedings

Purpose: The worksite health promotion literature has shown that successful nutrition communication programs call for making small changes to diet, one at a time. The use of observational learning (role models) and a “challenge” scenario for behavior change is supported by Social Cognitive Theory. The significance of these small changes in worksites is underscored by a recent Harvard Business Review article suggesting workplace wellness programs can return up $2.71 on every $1.00 invested. The purpose of the proposed program, Healthy Bites, is to increase knowledge of employees regarding the impact of specific nutrition behaviors related to reducing cancer risk and …

Sports For Achieving Wellness, Paul Queen Jr.

International Journal of Exercise Science: Conference Proceedings

Title: SPORTS FOR ACHIEVING WELLNESS

Author: Paul Queen, Jr.

Affiliations: 1Wellness Coordinator, St. Johns Downtown United Methodist Church, 2Wellness Consultant, Houston Parks and Recreation Department (Soccer for Success and The First Tee FM Law Park), 3President/CEO, Quality Wellness.

Purpose: An age-old proverb reads, “It takes a community/village to raise a child”. The purpose of this project was to utilize sports as a vehicle to promote healthy community development. Method: Targeting the Southeast quadrant of Houston, Texas and using multiple community centers we initiated futsal (indoor soccer) team play for girls and boys ages 6 to 18. Each participant’s height, weight, …

Engaging Mexican American Seniors To Define Healthy Eating: A Community Based Participatory Pilot Study, Adelita Gonzales Cantu Phd, Rn, Jillian Rushing

International Journal of Exercise Science: Conference Proceedings

Community based participatory research is a research strategy aimed at bridging the gap between research and practice. At the Good Samaritan Senior Center in San Antonio, TX there had seemed to be a disconnect between nutritional education provided to the seniors at their Senior Center and what the seniors did in practice. Despite significant efforts of the staff to provide nutrition education through classes and activities, 61% of the seniors attending still report an unhealthy body weight and many struggle with diabetes according to organizational assessments. The purpose of this study was to utilize Community Based Participatory Research to understand …

Green Tea Extract Protects Against Fibrogenesis Associated With Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease In Diet-Induced Obese Rats, Allyson M. Bower

Master's Theses

No abstract provided.