Human and Clinical Nutrition Commons^™

Vitamin A Rich Foods Consumption Of Women And Children From Selected Region In Uganda, Joyce Nankumbi

Doctoral Dissertations

Vitamin A deficiency (VAD) remains a public health concern in low- and middle-income countries. Young children and women in the reproductive age group, particularly pregnant and lactating women, continue to experience vitamin A deficiency resulting in the risk of morbidity and mortality. Efforts to combat vitamin A deficiency have been tested with some success especially with school-based vitamin A supplementation programs. However, cost issues and reaching the most vulnerable individuals presents a formidable challenge. Globally, food-based approaches have been identified as a sustainable and effective strategy in improving vitamin A status and alleviating VAD.

This dissertation provides an overview of …

Influence Of Fertilizer Rate On Swollen Stem Formation (“Bulbing”) And Vitamin C Content In Different Kohlrabi Cultivars, Mark Iradukunda, Paul E. Read

Honors Theses, University of Nebraska-Lincoln

Kohlrabi (Brassica oleracea Gongylodes Group) is a vegetable crop found in the Brassicaceae, and it is rich in antioxidants such as vitamin C. Vitamin C helps in oxidative damage repair and strengthens the immune system, so exploring vitamin C sources may contribute to improving human health. The objective of this study was to determine the effect of different fertilizer rates on kohlrabi yield, in terms of the swollen stem and the vitamin C content, and if those effects are similar in different kohlrabi cultivars. In this greenhouse study, we fertilized four potted kohlrabi cultivars with a common water-soluble greenhouse fertilizer …

Tissue Losses And Metabolic Adaptations Both Contribute To The Reduction In Resting Metabolic Rate Following Weight Loss, Alexandra Martin, Darius Fox, Chaise A. Murphy, Hande Hofmann, Karsten Koehler

Nutrition and Health Sciences -- Faculty Publications

OBJECTIVE: To characterize the contributions of the loss of energy-expending tissues and metabolic adaptations to the reduction in resting metabolic rate (RMR) following weight loss.

METHODS: A secondary analysis was conducted on data from the Comprehensive Assessment of Long-term Effects of Reducing Intake of Energy study. Changes in RMR, body composition, and metabolic hormones were examined over 12 months of calorie restriction in 109 individuals. The contribution of tissue losses to the decline in RMR was determined by weighing changes in the size of energy-expending tissues and organs (skeletal muscle, adipose tissue, bone, brain, inner organs, residual mass) …

A Systematic Review To Propose An Evidence-Based Nutrition Protocol In Depression, Camilla A. Mirkin, Nicole Koci

NSU REACH and IPE Day

Background: Rates of depression have been rising steadily over the last several decades with more than 264 million people affected, making it one of the top three burdens globally. The pandemic has brought on a greater risk of depression. Forty-two percent of individuals surveyed in December 2020 by the US Census Bureau reported depressive symptoms. Many factors, including poor diet quality, play a role in the development of depression during traumatic events like the pandemic. A low-quality dietary pattern has been associated with obesity, low-grade chronic inflammation, dysbiosis, increased cortisol levels and monoamine neurotransmitter deficiency. Among others, these factors have …

What Kigali’S Open‑Air Markets Reveal About Achieving Food And Nutrition Security: The Role Of African Indigenous Crops, Eugene Baraka, Mary S. Willis, Brice A. Ishimwe

Nutrition and Health Sciences -- Faculty Publications

Background: Household dietary diversity in Rwanda remains low and significantly contributes to the double burden of malnutrition. Rwanda has one of the highest under five stunting rates globally, and malnutrition remains one of the most pressing public health issues; therefore, factors that shape food and nutrition security are of utmost concern. Globally, the variety of foods available in open-air markets has been shown to affect dietary diversity. Furthermore, the consumption of indigenous foods can contribute to a diverse diet and improve nutrition status. At present, there are limited data on foods available for purchase in open-air markets in Africa. …

The Crucial Role Of Sestrins In Oxidative Stress Response And Disease: An Analysis Of Phosphorylation Mutation S110a In Hsesn2, Julianne Fay

Honors Theses, University of Nebraska-Lincoln

Sestrins are highly conserved proteins which are induced under environmentally stressful conditions to adjust the cell’s response to such disturbances. This protein possesses two domains critical for its dual function in reducing reactive oxygen species (ROS) and regulating the mTORC1 complex. Sestrins may use diverse transcription factors, such as Nrf2, peroxiredoxin reductase activity, and a catalytic cysteine to regenerate oxidized species; however this was confirmed to be through a mechanism likely different than AhpD, for which there was distance sequence similarity. Furthermore, Sestrins are important regulators of TORC1 and AMPK, which are crucial energy sensors able to control cellular metabolism …

Potential Effectiveness Of Registered Dietitian Nutritionists In Healthy Behavior Interventions For Managing Type 2 Diabetes In Older Adults: A Systematic Review, Laurel Dobrow, Isabella Estrada, Nasira Burkholder-Cooley, John Miklavcic

Food Science Faculty Articles and Research

Purpose: A systematic review was conducted to assess how the involvement of a registered dietitian nutritionist (RDN) in healthy behavior interventions (HBIs) potentially affects outcomes in older adults with type 2 diabetes (T2D).

Methods: Literature was searched for primary research published between 2016 and 2020 on HBI involving a RDN affecting outcomes in older adults with T2D. Evaluations of hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c), blood glucose, blood pressure, cholesterol, anthropometry, body composition, medication usage, healthcare cost, and self-efficacy and/or adherence to healthy behaviors outcomes were selected for inclusion. All the literature included were summarized, evaluated for certainty of evidence criteria, and assessed …

Preliminary Evidence That Lectins In Infant Soy Formula Apparently Bind Bovine Milk Exosomes And Prevent Their Absorption In Healthy Adults, Ezra Mutai, Alice Kah Hui Ngu, Janos Zempleni

Nutrition and Health Sciences -- Faculty Publications

Background: Milk exosomes and their microRNA (miR) cargos are bioavailable. The content of exosomes and miRs is negligible in infant formulas compared to human milk, and dietary depletion of exosomes led to changes in bacterial communities and impaired gut health in juvenile mice. Adverse effects of formula feeding may be compounded by using soy formulas due to exosome binding by abundant lectins in that matrix. The purpose of this study was to assess the bioavailability of milk exosomes and their miR cargos added to soy formula in adults, as well as the potential role of soy lectins in exosome …

Omega-6 And Omega-3 Fatty Acid-Derived Oxylipins From The Lipoxygenase Pathway In Maternal And Umbilical Cord Plasma At Delivery And Their Relationship With Infant Growth, Maranda Thompson, Arzu Ulu, Ana G. Yuil-Valdes, Maheswari Mukherjee, Melissa K. Thoene, Matthew Van Ormer, Rebecca Slotkowski, Elizabeth Lyden, Ann Anderson-Berry, Corrine K. Hanson, Tara M. Nordgren, Sathish Kumar Natarajan

Nutrition and Health Sciences -- Faculty Publications

Omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids are important for neonatal development and health. One mechanism by which omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids exert their effects is through their metabolism into oxylipins and specialized pro-resolving mediators. However, the influence of oxylipins on fetal growth is not well understood. Therefore, the objective of this study was to identify oxylipins present in maternal and umbilical cord plasma and investigate their relationship with infant growth. Liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry was used to quantify oxylipin levels in plasma collected at the time of delivery. Spearman’s correlations highlighted significant correlations between metabolite levels and infant growth. They …

Scavenger Receptors In Host Defense: From Functional Aspects To Mode Of Action, Qamar Taban, Peerzada Tajamul Mumtaz, Khalid Z. Masoodi, Ehtishamul Haq, Syed Mudasir Ahmad

Nutrition and Health Sciences -- Faculty Publications

Scavenger receptors belong to a superfamily of proteins that are structurally heterogeneous and encompass the miscellaneous group of transmembrane proteins and soluble secretory extracellular domain. They are functionally diverse as they are involved in various disorders and biological pathways and their major function in innate immunity and homeostasis. Numerous scavenger receptors have been discovered so far and are apportioned in various classes (A-L). Scavenger receptors are documented as pattern recognition receptors and known to act in coordination with other co-receptors such as Toll-like receptors in generating the immune responses against a repertoire of ligands such as microbial pathogens, non-self, intracellular …

Narrative Review Of The Relationship Between Depression And Low Blood Folate And Vitamin B12 Levels, Jennifer Sip

Health and Nutritional Sciences Graduate Students Plan B Capstone Projects

Depression is a common psychological mood disorder that impacts more than 16 million adults in the United States. It can impact several areas of a person’s life including physical activity, diet and daily activities. The role of nutrition in depression therapy has been researched for several years, with folate and vitamin B12 being the main highlights. Folate and vitamin B12 play a vital role in the development of the central nervous system and conversion of homocysteine to methionine. Past research has found inconsistent findings regarding the relationship between folate, vitamin B12 and their role in depression. This article dives into …

Development Of Balanced Budget Bites And Feasibility Evaluation, Holly Hansen, Kendra Kattelmann, Kathryn Morrison, Becky Jensen, Hailey Millner, Addison Reimer, Jen Sip, Brittany Canfield, Cydney Chamberlain

Health and Nutritional Sciences Graduate Students Plan B Capstone Projects

Objective: Balanced Budget Bites was created to educate individuals of Feeding Brookings about different cooking techniques, food safety, meal planning, budgeting, and financial resources in the Brookings, SD area while highlighting lower-cost food items. Participants and Recruitment: The target audience of Balanced Budget Bites were individuals that participated in Feeding Brookings that were recruited for four weeks via a flyer and a posting of the flyer on Feeding Brookings’ Facebook page. Method and Implementation: Participants of Feeding Brookings completed a pre-survey before taking Balanced Budget Bites to assess their skills, confidence, and knowledge related to nutrition and finance. The online …

Nutrition Education And The Effects On Athletic Performance In Collegiate Athletes With Low Energy Availability, Karleigh Sudenga

Health and Nutritional Sciences Graduate Students Plan B Capstone Projects

Current research suggests that collegiate athletes lack nutritional knowledge needed for optimal athletic performance. The absence of basic nutritional knowledge in college athletes puts them at an increased risk for RED-S and its sports performance consequences. The objective of this narrative review is to evaluate the literature on low energy availability in collegiate athletes and determine if nutrition education can improve athletic performance. Multiple studies concluded that nutrition education may improve dietary intake in collegiate athletes, while there was one contradicting study that found that athletes improved nutritional knowledge but did not improve dietary intake. 3 studies found that low …

Maximal Strength Training Increases Metabolic Energy Expenditure In Sedentary Adults Classified As Obese, Robert E. Anderson Iii

Theses and Dissertations--Dietetics and Human Nutrition

Background: Metabolic adaptations reduce resting and non-resting energy expenditure to account for approximately 120 kcal/day. Weight loss promotes greater skeletal muscle efficiency, reducing the energy cost of physical activity and is correlated with declines in skeletal muscle glucose oxidation. Maximal Strength Training (MST) has the potential to upregulate glucose utilization and may offset these metabolic adaptations. Objective: To determine if MST offsets markers of metabolic adaptation by increasing resting and non-resting energy expenditure in sedentary individuals classified as obese. Methods: Five (5) participants (2 females, 3 males), ages 18-35 years, with obesity (BMI 30–45 kg/m2) were enrolled in an 8-week …

The Impact Of Soil On Climate Change And Human Health, Alec S. Patterson

Ideas: Exhibit Catalog for the Honors College Visiting Scholars Series

As we continue to see the effects of climate change on our world, we are forced to question everything about our lives. One of the most heavily impacted industries due to climate change is the food industry, which is tasked with finding sustainable ways to produce food in any circumstances. This paper establishes what makes a healthy soil, how soil health affects the crops it grows, and the effects these crops have on human health when consumed. Finally, farming techniques, which may help improve the health of our soil are explored.

Trust Your Gut: Promoting Gut Health Through Updated Nutrition Education, Christina Cobb

Family Medicine Clerkship Student Projects

Physician time and nutrition education are limited, yet lifestyle changes, including healthy eating, are often the primary intervention for both preventing & managing chronic conditions, such as cardiovascular disease, hypertension, and type 2 diabetes. There is growing evidence of the importance of gut health & the microbiome’s link to several aspects of health, including the immune system, mental health, and metabolic syndrome. Through collaboration with two dietitians, a "promoting gut health" patient handout was created and existing nutrition handouts were updated to reflect current dietary recommendations.

Nutritional Status In Critical Care Of Covid-19 Patients, Dolph Lewis Davis Iii

Theses and Dissertations--Dietetics and Human Nutrition

Critical care nutrition is a poorly researched, and such a sudden pandemic event requiring manipulation of nutritional status via propofol-induced sedation for mechanical ventilation is potentially impactful on patient outcomes. This paper seeks to provide context to the impact of critical care protocols on the nutritional status of obese patients suffering from COVID-19.

Intracellular Fate Of Bovine Milk Exosomes In Murine Bone Marrow-Derived Macrophages, Afsana Khanam, Janos Zempleni

Nutrition and Health Sciences -- Faculty Publications

Milk exosomes (MEs) and their microRNA cargos constitute novel bioactive food compounds, and bovine MEs (BMEs) are being considered for use in drug delivery. The internalization of MEs by macrophages and degradation in lysosomes (in all cells) limit biological activities. Here, we determined whether BMEs internalized by murine bone marrow-derived macrophages (BMDMs) retrofuse with the intralumenal membrane in the multivesicular body (MVB) for subsequent release into the extracellular space or whether BMEs are destined for degradation in lysosomes.

Conclusions: The retrofusion of BME-derived intralumenal MVBs and secretion of BME into the extracellular space is quantitatively minor in BMDMs. The majority …

Genetically Altered Bovine Milk Exosomes (Bmes) Evade Elimination Bymurine Bone Marrow-Derived Macrophages (Bmdms), Alice Ngu, Janos Zempleni

Nutrition and Health Sciences -- Faculty Publications

Objectives: To develop BMEs that evade elimination by BMDMs.

Conclusions: The elimination of BMEs UNL1 and UNL2 is significantly reduced compared unmodified BMEs in BMDM cultures. This is of great importance when using BMEs for delivering therapeutics.

Psychosocial Influences On And Behavioral Characteristics Of Young Adult Food Addiction, Rachel A. Wattick

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports

Introduction. Research on food addiction has increased in recent years, but there are few studies focusing on college-attending young adults, who may be at risk of developing food addiction due to the stress of the college environment. Additionally, causes and characteristics of food addiction are under-explored.

Aim. This dissertation aims to 1) determine the impact of adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) and other early life influences on the development of food addiction in college-attending young adults and 2) determine the psychosocial and behavioral characteristics of young adults with food addiction.

Methods. A sequential explanatory mixed-methods design was used for aims 1 …