Medicine and Health Sciences Commons^™

The Trait Repertoire Enabling Cyanobacteria To Bloom Assessed Through Comparative Genomic Complexity And Metatranscriptomics, Huansheng Cao, Yohei Shimura, Morgan M. Steffen, Zhou Yang, Jingrang Lu, Allen Joel, Landon Jenkins, Masanobu Kawachi, Yanbin Yin, Ferran Garcia-Pichel

Food for Health: Publications

Water bloom development due to eutrophication constitutes a case of niche specialization among planktonic cyanobacteria, but the genomic repertoire allowing bloom formation in only some species has not been fully characterized. We posited that the habitat relevance of a trait begets its underlying genomic complexity, so that traits within the repertoire would be differentially more complex in species successfully thriving in that habitat than in close species that cannot. To test this for the case of bloom-forming cyanobacteria, we curated 17 potentially relevant query metabolic pathways and five core pathways selected according to existing ecophysiological literature. The available 113 genomes …

How Does Ginsenoside Rh2 Mitigate Adipogenesis In Cultured Cells And Obese Mice?, Longyun Zhang, Carlos Virgous, Hongwei Si

Human Sciences Faculty Research

Ginsenoside Rh2, an intermediate metabolite of ginseng, but not naturally occurring, has recently drawn attention because of its anticancer effect. However, it is not clear if and how Rh2 inhibits preadipocytes differentiation. In the present study, we hypothesized that ginsenoside Rh2 attenuates adipogenesis through regulating the peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma (PPAR-γ) pathway both in cells and obese mice. Different concentrations of Rh2 were applied both in 3T3-L1 cells and human primary preadipocytes to determine if Rh2 inhibits cell differentiation. Dietary Rh2 was administered to obese mice to determine if Rh2 prevents obesity in vivo. The mRNA and protein expression of …

Neuroprotection Against Alzheimer’S And Lifespan Extension Induced By Dietary Restriction Are Associated With Metabolomic Changes And Depend On Oxidative Resistance Protein 1 (Oxr1), George W. Brownridge Iii

Natural Sciences and Mathematics | Biological Sciences Master's Theses

Dietary restriction (DR) has been demonstrated to be a robust means of extending the healthspan and lifespan, along with improving cognitive performance in various model organisms from yeast to primates, possibly by mediating neuroprotection. We utilized the Drosophila melanogaster model organism to better understand the molecular pathways that enable DR-induced benefits. By performing a genome-wide associated screening of the Drosophila Genetic Reference Panel (DGRP) that catalogues all natural genetic variants, we discovered that Oxidative resistance protein 1 (OXR1) showed the most significant difference in expression between DR and the inverse intervention of ad libitum (AL). Our research found that OXR1 …

Teacher Evaluation Of An Integrated Nutrition Curriculum For Mississippi Schools, Janiya A. Davis

Honors Theses

The prevalence of childhood obesity in the United States has more than tripled over the last four decades from 5 percent in 1978 to 18.5 percent in 2016, and according to the Mississippi Obesity Action Plan, 40.4% of Mississippi elementary school children (grades K-5) were either overweight or obese. Some reports have suggested that Mississippi’s overall obesity rate could reach 66.7% by 2030. Although the literature on best practices for the prevention of this condition is limited, some success has been achieved through the use of school-based nutrition interventions, in which children are taught how to make healthy food choices. …

Exploring The Relationship Between Dietary Self-Monitoring With A Mobile App And Weight Change, Jason Payne

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Background: Approximately 70% of the adult population in the United States has overweight or obesity and increased risk for developing chronic diseases. Dietary self-monitoring adherence using a paper diary is associated with weight loss; however, few studies have examined this association with dietary self-monitoring apps. Objectives: 1) explore if an association exists between app-based dietary self-monitoring and weight change among adults with overweight or obesity and 2) explore the relationships between the frequency, consistency, and completeness of self-monitoring and weight change. Methods: Participants self-monitored dietary intake for 8 weeks using the app Calorie Counter by FatSecret. Participants were assigned …

Compensatory Behaviors During A 12-Week Vigorous Interval Intervention In Post-Bariatric Men And Women, Kristen Byrne

Masters Theses, 2020-current

Strong links have been recognized between sedentary time, higher BMI, and waist circumference among post-operative bariatric surgery patients. The time-efficient aspects of the High Intensity Interval Training show a significant influence in creating a habitual strategic exercise for fighting obesity and controlling compensatory components. Ten post-operative bariatric participants (9 females, 1 male) with BMI of 33.65 ± 2.90 kg/m², undergoing a 12-week Vigorous Intensity Interval Training (VIIT) program, were assessed for the compensatory mechanisms of sedentary behavior and caloric intake. Participants were evaluated through 4-day food intake records and ActivPal accelerometers, assessed using Nutrition Data System for Research …

The Effects Of A Nutritional Intervention On Healthy Eating Habits And Body Mass Index, Kelley Eshenaur

Evidence-Based Practice Project Reports

In the US, overweight and obesity are growing concerns, as both can have life altering consequences if not prevented or treated. Since 2000, there has been nearly a 10% increase of adults who are obese, from 30.5% (85.8 million) to 39.8% (93.9 million) in 2016 (CDC, 2017). These conditions are preventable with early intervention and motivation. Obesity statistics are especially of interest during the transition to young adulthood. The purpose of this project was to improve student outcomes by identifying barriers, effective strategies, and healthy choices that would ultimately impact weight, increasing healthy food choices, and decreasing overall BMI in …

Effect Of Protein, Fat, And Both Protein And Fat On The Glycemic Response Of A High Glycemic Index Meal, Muhammed Taai

Theses & Dissertations

Research Focus: Elevated blood glucose (BG) levels from a diet high in refined carbohydrates, even in the absence of diabetes, may increase the risk for chronic diseases including cardiovascular disease, type 2 diabetes, and obesity. The purpose of this study was to determine if supplementation of a high glycemic load breakfast with protein, fat, or a combination of the two attenuates the glycemic response in non-diabetic subjects.

Research Methods: Thirteen healthy adults, age 24.7±4y, BMI 25.1±4.5 completed four trials, having fasted 8-12h for this randomized, double-blind crossover study.

Fasting BG was measured, then subjects consumed 2 slices of white …

Effects Of Concord Grape Juice Alone Or With Meals On Glycemia, Appetite And Cognitive Function In Healthy Adults, Aidan M. Hannon

Nutrition Science Honors Theses

Literature suggests that dietary polyphenols and intensely flavored foods/beverages can have a positive effect on glucose homeostasis. The purpose of this study was to determine if the high phenolic content and strong flavor intensity of Concord Grape Juice (CGJ) could hold beneficial effects on appetite, glycemia, and cognitive function.

Role Of Nutrition Focused Physical Exam In The Identification Of Malnutrition In The Elderly, Madeline Wallace, Markie Campbell, Detri Brech

Scholars Day Conference

Sixteen percent of the U.S. population is over 65 years of age and up to one out of two have malnutrition. The nutrition-focused physical exam (NFPE) is an integral part of the nutrition care process and model consisting of consecutive steps: nutrition assessment, diagnosis, intervention, and monitoring/evaluation. The NFPE is a component of nutrition assessment providing registered dietitian nutritionists (RDN) with information to determine nutrition status and degree of malnutrition. Six clinical characteristics used to identify malnutrition are energy intake, weight loss, subcutaneous fat loss, muscle loss, fluid accumulation, and reduced function status. Each has a threshold for identification of …

Breakfast Boost Study: Defining The Role Of Breakfast Macronutrient Composition On Markers Of Childhood Obesity, Caroline Ganoung

Human Nutrition and Hospitality Management Undergraduate Honors Theses

Abstract

Background: Childhood obesity is a serious problem in the United States, affecting ~19% of children 2-19 years of age. Breakfast is a key component of a healthy diet and can positively impact children’s health. However, there has been a steady decline in breakfast consumption in children over the past 40 years.

Methods: The objective of this study was to determine if breakfast macronutrient composition, protein (PRO)-based breakfast (30 g protein, 31 g carbohydrate, 11.7 g fat) or an isocaloric (360 kcal) carbohydrate (CHO)-based breakfast (13 g protein, 48 g carbohydrate, 11.7 g fat), can influence postprandial appetite and food …

Association Of Micronutrient Inadequacy And Body Mass Index In Young Adults, Taylor Peabody

Human Nutrition and Hospitality Management Undergraduate Honors Theses

Background

Micronutrient inadequacy has been found at higher levels in overweight and obese individuals in a broad range of ages relative to healthy weight. Insufficient micronutrient levels can have a negative impact on physical and mental health along with excess weight.

Objective

Due to health consequences related to inadequate micronutrient intake and the understanding that the general population not only fails to meet the majority of micronutrient recommendations, but is also overweight or obese, the objective of this study is to first, determine if young adults in the Northwest Arkansas Region are consuming adequate levels of micronutrients and second, if …

Nutrinews: May, 2020, Department Of Nutrition And Dietetics, University Of North Florida

NutriNews

This issue features Vacation Fun and Physically Distancing, Lend a wing, Why Communication is Key in Nutrition, Tips in maintaining health during a crisis

A Protocol To Increase Referral Rates To Diabetic Education, David M. Rokser

Evidence-Based Practice Project Reports

In 2015, approximately 30.3 million Americans, including 10.5% of the population of Minnesota, had been diagnosed with diabetes mellitus (American Diabetes Association, 2019). Increased risk of diabetic complications including neuropathy, retinopathy, nephropathy, cardiovascular disease, and chronic wounds has been associated with an elevated hemoglobin A1C (HgA1C). Formal diabetic education has been shown to be a cost-effective intervention to reduce HgA1C. The Office of Disease Prevention and Health Promotion published an objective within HealthyPeople 2020 that seeks to increase the percentage of diabetics receiving formal diabetic education in the United States from 46.9% of adults to 58.4%. The purpose of this …

Plant-Based Diet: How It Affects Health, Sarah Marsland

Senior Honors Projects

This research project aims to investigate the relationship between plant-based dieting and overall health, specifically the prevention and reversal of chronic disease. Two subjects committed to eating a plant-based diet comprised of primarily vegetables, fruits, whole grains and non-processed foods for six weeks. Before beginning, they were asked about their current health status, including a complete health history, and their knowledge of plant-based eating. Throughout the research period, the subjects shared what they were eating, challenges they faced, and any benefits they noticed. Upon completion of the diet, they answered questions about their experience. With this information, the researcher was …

Effects Of Nutrition And Physical Activity Intervention In Improving Children's Bmi-For-Age Percentiles, Markie Campbell, Madeline Wallace, Detri Brech

Scholars Day Conference

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), globally 340 million school-aged children are obese. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) report that 13.7 million (19%) of U.S. children and adolescents age 2-19 years are obese. Obesity rates are 14% in 2- to 5-year-olds, 18% in 6- to 11-year-olds, and 21% in 12- to 19-year-olds. Hispanic children (26%) and non-Hispanic black children (22%) have higher obesity prevalence than non-Hispanic white children (14%). Non-Hispanic Asian children (11%) have lower obesity rates than non-Hispanic black children and Hispanic children. In Arkansas, 22% of school-aged children are obese and 39% are overweight …

The Impact Of Stress On Diet, Sleep, And Exercise Amongst College Students, Jessica Rizzo

Senior Honors Projects

Stress is something that everyone faces in their lifetime and has an everlasting impact on their health. College students face high levels of stress throughout the semester, but how is that impacting their behavior? I conducted a survey alongside Dr. Melanson, a professor in the Department of Nutrition and Food Sciences, to see just how college students are reacting to stress. The survey was circulated to different departments and classes to achieve a widespread collection of data. The survey remained completely anonymous and posed questions about eating, exercise, and sleep habits, along with questions on demographics and stress levels. Our …

Improving Identification Of Pediatric Feeding Dysfunction Among Registered Dietitian Nutritionists, April Litchford

All Graduate Theses and Dissertations, Spring 1920 to Summer 2023

All Registered Dietitian Nutritionists (RDN) undergo extensive training to develop the ability to improve dietary intake among individuals of all ages. Treating children (0-18 years of age) is often challenging and requires specialized training. One area that is particularly challenging is identifying children that may not be able to eat appropriately to sustain rapid growth and development. An online survey of RDNs that work specifically with children was conducted to better understand how RDNs are identifying and treating children with feeding problems. From the survey we learned that the methods and procedures used by RDNs for identifying and treating children …

A Feasibility Study On The Implementation Of A Web-Based Intuitive Eating Program In A University Setting, Jaime Gnau

MSU Graduate Theses

This research reports on the feasibility of implementing a web-based intuitive eating (IE) program to employees through a university employee wellness department at Missouri State University (MSU). Barriers and facilitators to program participation were also identified and discussed.

Background: Ten IE principles present an evidence-based strategy for reducing incidence of weight cycling and improving one’s relationship with food and self, and reducing health risks associated with chronic dieting and weight regain. Offering web-based programming reduces barriers to program enrollment but is also associated with high rates of attrition.

Methods: The program was developed utilizing the PRECEED-PROCEDE model with application of …

An Evaluation Of The Eating Behaviors Of Honors College Undergraduate Students At The University Of Mississippi, Anna Bouthillier

Honors Theses

Eating disorders are defined as an illness that changes one’s relationship with food, that ultimately affects one’s emotions, thoughts, and physical well-being. Three types of eating disorders most commonly diagnosed are anorexia nervosa, bulimia nervosa, and disordered eating. It is important to note that disordered eating is a term used to describe abnormal eating behaviors and feelings related to food that may or may not fall into a certain diagnostic category (Anderson, 2018). Many college students today are diagnosed with an eating disorder or disordered eating as a result of the increasing anxiety and pressures experienced at this age.

The …

Deprivation Matters: Understanding Associations Between Neighbourhood Deprivation, Unhealthy Food Outlets, Unhealthy Dietary Behaviours And Child Body Size Using Structural Equation Modelling., Victoria Egli, Matthew Hobbs, Jordan A. Carlson, Niamh Donnellan, Lisa Mackay, Daniel Exeter, Karen Villanueva, Caryn Zinn, Melody Smith

Manuscripts, Articles, Book Chapters and Other Papers

BACKGROUND: Children residing in neighbourhoods of high deprivation are more likely to have poorer health, including excess body size. While the availability of unhealthy food outlets are increasingly considered important for excess child body size, less is known about how neighbourhood deprivation, unhealthy food outlets and unhealthy dietary behaviours are interlinked.

METHODS: This study involves children aged 8-13 years (n=1029) and resided in Auckland, New Zealand. Unhealthy dietary behaviours (frequency of consumption of unhealthy snacks and drinks) and food purchasing behaviour on the route to and from school were self-reported. Height and waist circumference were measured to calculate waist-to-height ratio …

¡Sí, Yo Puedo Vivir Sano Con Diabetes! A Self-Management Randomized Controlled Pilot Trial For Low-Income Adults With Type 2 Diabetes In Mexico City, Robin Whittemore, Mireya Vilar-Compte, Selene De La Cerda, Roberta Delvy, Sangchoon Jeon, Soraya Burrola-Méndez, Mariana Pardo-Carrillo, Annel Lozano-Marrufo, Rafael Pérez-Escamilla

Department of Public Health Scholarship and Creative Works

Background: Type 2 diabetes (T2D) is a worldwide epidemic and a leading cause of death in Mexico, with a prevalence of 15.9%, and >70% of diagnosed adults have poor glycemic control [glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) >7.5%]. We developed a diabetes self-management education program contextualized to the study population, including dietary preferences, health literacy, and health system.

Objectives: We aimed to evaluate the efficacy of a self-management + text message program (¡Sí, Yo Puedo Vivir Sano con Diabetes!) on primary (HbA1c), and secondary behavioral (self-management), clinical, and psychosocial outcomes in adults with T2D in Mexico City.

Methods: Participants were recruited at public …

Caffeine’S Physiological And Psychological Effects, Cameron Shadaia

Honors College Theses

In my university honors research paper, I will not only take a look at the physiological and psychological effects of the body, but also the proper range of caffeine intake, the situational purposes for caffeine, the best and worst ways to introduce caffeine into the body, and popular beverages that are commonly used for caffeine consumption. This research paper draws upon a variety of studies in which caffeine was the topic of interest. The conclusion that is drawn upon is that caffeine can have many benefits if used in a proper dosage. Negative effects have a higher likelihood of occurring …

Incentive Sensitization For Exercise Reinforcement To Increase Exercise Behaviors, Kyle D. Flack, Harry M. Hays, Jack Moreland

Dietetics and Human Nutrition Faculty Publications

Individuals can be sensitized to the reinforcing effects of exercise, although it is unknown if this process increases habitual exercise behavior. Sedentary men and women (body mass index: 25–35 kg/m², N = 52) participated in a 12-week aerobic exercise intervention. Exercise reinforcement was determined by how much work was performed for exercise relative to a sedentary alternative in a progressive ratio schedule task. Habitual physical activity was assessed via accelerometry. Post-intervention increases in exercise reinforcement predicted increases in physical activity bouts among those who expended over 2000 kcal per week in exercise and who compensated for less than …

A Systematic Search And Review On The Efficacy, Safety, And Cost-Effectiveness Of Utilizing Lactobacillus Probiotics In Concurrence With Prescribing Antibiotics To Reduce Clostridium Difficile Infection Rates In Hospitalized Patients, Laura Sheehan

Nursing Masters Papers

Incidence of Clostridium difficile infection, (CDI) in patients receiving antibiotics is significant. In 2017, there were approximately 223,900 cases of CDI in hospitalized patients alone (Center for Disease Control [CDC], 2017). Despite enhanced infection control measures, CDI rates remain prevalent and are associated with increased costs to healthcare. An integrative literature review and synthesis was performed. Studies were analyzed to delineate if Lactobacillus containing probiotics, when administered concurrently with high risk antibiotics, decrease CDI rates for patients in the inpatient hospital setting. Additional analysis of probiotic safety and a cost versus benefit analysis was researched. The purpose of the review …

How Can We Change Gut Microbiota For Healthy Lives?, Elizaveta Shmakova

Scientific Communication News

No abstract provided.

Intervention Approaches And Potential Impacts Of Nutrition Education In Youth Ages 3-14, Lauren Barnhard

Honors Theses

This thesis explores the key factors impacting the health disparities associated with inadequate fruit and vegetable (FV) consumption in youth throughout America. Forms of nutrition education may be an effective means to increase FV consumption in youth, especially when utilizing specific teaching techniques such as taste education, experiential learning, enhanced curriculum, and adhering to age specific programming. According to the CDC, American students receive less than 8 hours of required nutrition education each school year, far less than the 40 to 50 hours that are indicated to affect behavior change. This signifies a need for increased program development and implementation …

Increasing Patient Adherence To Gestational Weight Gain Goals In Pregnancy, Annie Vining

Dissertations

Abstract

Problem: The inability to maintain healthy weight gain during pregnancy may contribute to multiple pregnancy-related complications. Nutritional education and support may improve nutrition and vitamin consumption, and recommendations for healthy gestational weight gains have been published. However, pregnant women have reported minimal advice regarding healthy weight gain during pregnancy. A personalized, nutritional counseling program was initiated in a Midwestern, suburban OB-GYN private practice.

Methods: A quality improvement descriptive, correlational design was used. A cohort of pregnant women first trimester through six-weeks postpartum received individual counseling and face-to-face interaction at an office visit each trimester.

Results: Twenty ( …

Food Insecurity Among College Students With And Without Medical Disorders At A University In Appalachia, Laura Mcarthur, Melissa D. Gutschall, Kimberly Fasczewski, Anna Jackson

Journal of Appalachian Health

Objective: This study compared severity of food insecurity, characteristics, and behaviors of college students with and without diagnosed medical disorders.

Design: Data were collected using a cross-sectional online questionnaire. Variables measured were food security status, disorders, coping strategies, and perceived barriers to food access. Descriptive and inferential statistics examined associations and compared groups. Statistical significance was p≤0.05.

Setting: Data were collected at Appalachian State University in North Carolina.

Participants: The sample was 247 food insecure students, of whom 60% were females, 50% 3rd- and 4th-year students, and 75% whites.

Results: Medical disorders were reported by 67.2% of food insecure students, …

Structure And Stability Of W1/O/W2 Emulsions As Influenced By Wpc And Nacl In Inner Aqueous Phase, Vivek Prakash Wankhede, Prateek Sharma, Shaik Abdul Hussain, Ram Ran Bijoy Singh

Nutrition, Dietetics, and Food Sciences Faculty Publications

Effect of WPC and NaCl in internal aqueous phase (W1) of W1/O/W2 type double emulsions was studied. Pre-emulsion and final emulsion were prepared using microfluidizer and Ultra-Turrax high shear mixer, respectively. The emulsions prepared using salt exhibited uniform droplet size distribution and structural integrity. WPC at 6% and NaCl at 2 or 4% levels demonstrated better sedimentation stability (> 99%) and encapsulation stability (> 95%) during preparation and storage of double emulsions. Samples without added NaCl showed poor emulsion stability and structural integrity. Higher level of WPC i.e. 8% resulted in poor stability and encapsulation efficiency of double emulsions at …