Digital Commons Network^™

Relationship Between Breakfast And Basketball Shooting Accuracy, Dimitrije Cabarkapa

Masters Theses, 2010-2019

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to determine if collegiate and recreational basketball players shooting accuracy improved after consumption of breakfast (BF) compared to no-breakfast (No-BF).

Methods: 24 male and female collegiate and recreational basketball players completed a three-week intervention study with a crossover design. Subjects were randomly assigned to a four-day BF or No-BF treatment starting on Monday and completed testing that included a free-throw drill and timed 2-point and 3-point drills on day four. Treatment switched the following Monday. Food intake records were collected during each treatment phase.

Results: There was no difference between BF and No-BF …

The Role Of Sr-B1 In Lipid Metabolism And Inflammation In 3t3-L1 Adipocytes, Christina Jiang

University Scholar Projects

Obesity is associated with a number of complications that may increase the risk for chronic disease, including inflammation and dysfunctional high-density lipoprotein (HDL) particles. Scavenger receptor class B member 1 (SR-B1) is an HDL receptor found in the cell plasma membrane involved in cholesterol exchange and the initiation of intracellular signaling cascades. During the process of adipocyte (fat cell) formation (adipogenesis), there is a delicate balance of transcriptional programs that affect cholesterol transport and facilitate lipid accumulation. Mice fed a high fat diet have increased SR-B1 mRNA expression in adipose tissue depots. Furthermore, SR-B1 mRNA expression was significantly increased in …

Effect Of Postprandial Walking On The Glycemic Effect Of A Meal: Type I Diabetes, Samantha L. Hinojosa

Theses & Dissertations

This study was conducted to determine if 15 minutes of postprandial light walking has an effect on the glycemic response to a Boost® beverage in individuals with type 1 diabetes. Seven participants, 22.3 + 4.3 yrs, with type 1 diabetes completed the two days of data collection. On day 1, participants measured baseline fasting blood glucose (BG) with a glucometer, consumed a Boost® beverage, and sat quietly, repeating BG measurements 15, 30, 60, 90, and 120 minute. On day 2, participants repeated the protocol, but walked 15 minutes at a light pace (50-60% max HR) immediately after beverage consumption. The …

Sugar Price Supports And Taxation: A Public Health Policy Paradox, Abby Dilk, Dennis Savaiano

Student Works

Domestic US sugar production has been protected by government policy for the past 82 years, resulting in elevated domestic prices and an estimated annual (2013) $1.4 billion dollar “tax” on consumers. These elevated prices and the simultaneous federal support for domestic corn production have ensured a strong market for high-fructose corn syrup. Americans have dramatically increased their consumption of caloric sweeteners during the same period. Consumption of “empty” calories (ie, foods with low-nutrient/high-caloric density)—sugar and high-fructose corn syrup being the primary sources—is considered by most public health experts to be a key contributing factor to the rise in obesity. There …

Effects Of A Carbohydrate And Protein Recovery Beverage On Performance In Trained Weightlifters, Christopher B. Taber, Brad H. Deweese, Kimitake Soto, Charles A. Stuart, Michael H. Stone

All PTHMS Faculty Publications

INTRODUCTION: Previous investigations have examined nutrient timing with untrained subject and less is known about effects in trained subjects.

OBJECTIVES: The purpose of this study was to examine the effects of a carbohydrate and protein supplement (CHO+PROT) on performance measures in trained weightlifters.

METHODS: 10 trained weightlifters (30.8±5.1 years, 177.4 ±4.0 cm, 94.3 ± 12.4 kg, training age = 5.3 ± 2.9 years) completed a 12 week training program utilizing block periodization. Using a double blind placebo design, jump height, scaled peak power measured in vertical jumps and peak force and rate of force development measured in isometric mid-thigh pulls …

Novel Effects Of Prefoldin Pathway On Intestinal Homeostasis Via Dietary Restriction In Drosophila Melanogaster, Jesse Simons

Dissertations, Masters Theses, Capstones, and Culminating Projects

The field of medicine research is embroiled in a battle against aging. Particular focus is on the extension of lifespan and health-span. Lifespan duration is affected by many factors, one of which is the maintenance of the intestines of the organism. Homeostasis of the intestines is controlled by the regulation of intestine cell apoptosis and intestine cell proliferation. My research explores the role of two protein subunits found in a complex which may have possible functions in the regulation of these processes. The overall complex is formed from six subunit proteins, some of which are known to assist in other …

A Step Towards A "Greener" Dining Services: Procuring Locally For The Health Of Students And The Earth, Jessica Fischer

Senior Honors Projects

Supporting local food has been a goal of dining services for some time now. Buying local means you know exactly where your food is coming from. Typically the farmer has a direct relationship with the processors that puts pressure on them to abide by all laws and regulations. Secondly, the shorter time between the farm and your table, the less likely that nutrients will be lost during the time it takes to transport food across the country. Third, buying local food builds a sense of community. When you buy direct from a farmer, you’re engaging in a time-honored connection between …

The Effects Of Incorporating Sprouted And Non-Sprouted Chickpea Flour In Pasta Products Upon Sensory Characteristics, Consumer Acceptability, In-Vivo Flow-Mediated Dilation, And In-Vitro Teac Analysis, Joseph Adam Bruno

Theses, Dissertations and Culminating Projects

Chickpeas (Cicer arietinum L.) is used in various products in the pasta industry. Amongst the numerous processing methods for chickpeas, sprouting increases chickpeas antioxidant content, nutrient bioavailability, and removes unwanted inhibitors. Consuming antioxidants has shown to positively impact endothelial function, which is related to atherosclerosis prevention. PURPOSE: To explore the antioxidant potential of chickpeas, to explore how chickpea antioxidants are absorbed in the body, and to assess whether chickpea pasta is appealing to a consumer and sensory panel. METHODS: 108 healthy adults undertook a randomized sample consumer assessment of the likeability of 10 different pasta samples based on appearance, texture, …

Do Emotions Have An Effect On Brand Versus Non Branded Cold Green Tea Drinks?, Michael Fattrosso

Theses, Dissertations and Culminating Projects

Introduction The objectives were to assess consumers’ emotional valence in response to drinking canned green tea, and assess effects of brand identification. Corollary objectives were to determine triangulated relationships across qualitative and quantitative approaches. Methods 61 panelists evaluated identical tea samples: 27 were informed of the brand, 34 received tea without branding. Responses of panelists were assessed by self-report with the EsSense25 emotional profile tool, instrumental FaceReader, and qualitative open-ended interviews.

Results For FaceReader (0-1 scale), top mean scores were: Happy (0.98), Surprised (.59) and Disgusted (.50). When controlling for age and gender, branded has a significant positive association with …

The Association Of Sugar-Sweetened Beverage Intake And Body Mass Index Of University Students Living On And Off Campus, Tyler Marie Marchei

Theses, Dissertations and Culminating Projects

Background: The obesity epidemic in America has become an important topic of public health concern. With an increase of sugar-sweetened beverages (SSBs) in the American diet, much research has been done examining the relationships between obesity, weight gain, body mass index (BMI) and SSBs. Recently, this research has expanded to examining these variables among specific populations, such as university students, to learn how detrimental these beverages have become to the American diet. It is imperative that research is continued to learn more information surrounding university students, weight gain, and its relationship with SSB intake.

Purpose: It is the purpose of …

Beyond Capture: Development And Validation Of A Method To Assess Body Condition In Mule Deer (Odocoileus Hemionus) Using Camera Traps, Rachel A. Smiley 6820420

Honors Scholar Theses

Advances in technology and availability associated with camera traps have resulted in a rapid rise in their use to monitor wildlife distribution, abundance, and behavior. We focus on assessing body condition, a new application of camera traps. Body condition indices must relate to the percent body fat if they are to be useful. To acquire measurements of body fat, most body condition indices require capture or mortality of animals to estimate, which has limitations when applied to free-ranging animals. We developed a non-invasive, visual body condition index (VBCI) to assess body condition of mule deer that can be applied …

The Effect Of Omega-3 Fatty Acids On Energy Metabolism, Energy Intake, And Metabolic Response In Normal Weight And Overweight And Obese School Aged Children (8-12 Years), Charlayne Mitchell

Graduate Theses and Dissertations

Background: Obesity is a major health concern in the United States. Omega-3 fatty acids (O3FA) have been observed to improve metabolic health and therefore might be useful in treatment of obesity. However, little is known regarding the effect of O3FA on school aged normal weight and overweight children.

Objective: The objective of this thesis was to determine if habitual intake of O3FA at breakfast improves energy metabolism, appetite, and metabolic response in overweight and obese school-aged children.

Design: Twenty healthy, normal weight (NW; n = 11) and overweight (OW; n = 9) children aged 8-12 years were randomly assigned to …

Hydration Biomarkers And Water Intake In 3-13 Year-Old Boys, Zoe P. Mckinney

Health, Human Performance and Recreation Undergraduate Honors Theses

Background/Introduction: Hydration is an important aspect of health in children. Despite being important, limited information is available regarding children’s water intake and hydration. Interestingly, most studies assess hydration status based on a single random urine sample instead of a 24-h one. Purpose: The aim of this study was to examine the prevalence of dehydration and water intake in boys 3 to 13 years-old. Methods: Forty-six healthy boys were recruited for the study. Each subject recorded food and fluid intake in a diary on a Saturday and Sunday. They also collected their 24-h urine on Sunday. The 24-h sample was analyzed …

Interdependency Of Egf And Glp-2 Signaling In Attenuating Mucosal Atrophy In A Mouse Model Of Parenteral Nutrition, Yongjia Feng, Farok R. Demehri, Weidong Xiao, Yu-Hwai Tsai, Jennifer C. Jones, Constance D. Brindley, David W. Threadgill, Jens J. Holst, Bolette Hartmann, Terrence A. Barrett, Daniel H. Teitelbaum, Peter J. Dempsey

Internal Medicine Faculty Publications

BACKGROUND & AIMS: Total parenteral nutrition (TPN), a crucial treatment for patients who cannot receive enteral nutrition, is associated with mucosal atrophy, barrier dysfunction, and infectious complications. Glucagon-like peptide-2 (GLP-2) and epidermal growth factor (EGF) improve intestinal epithelial cell (IEC) responses and attenuate mucosal atrophy in several TPN models. However, it remains unclear whether these 2 factors use distinct or overlapping signaling pathways to improve IEC responses. We investigated the interaction of GLP-2 and EGF signaling in a mouse TPN model and in patients deprived of enteral nutrition.

METHODS: Adult C57BL/6J, IEC-Egfr^{knock out (KO)} and IEC-pik3r1^KO mice receiving …

Are Vending Machine Selections Healthier? Trends In Dietary Quality Of Vending Machine Food And Beverage Selections Among Nhanes Participants Age 6-19 Years Between 2003-2012, Aurora Maria Buffington

UNLV Theses, Dissertations, Professional Papers, and Capstones

Dietary intake is related to 4 major causes of death and may be influenced by the food environment, which includes the $64.3 billion revenue-producing vending machine industry. Most machines contain low nutrient energy dense foods and beverages associated with poor dietary choices, while healthier vending initiatives are seen as a strategy to increase access to healthy foods. Elementary and secondary schools have increasingly adopted healthier vending standards in response to federal child nutrition regulation and student wellness policy implementation, however an association between vending and diet has not been made using a large sample of nationally representative data. The purpose …

The Effects Of An Acute Bout Of Exercise On Hunger Hormones In Individuals At Risk For Type 2 Diabetes, Sydney Spoon

UNLV Theses, Dissertations, Professional Papers, and Capstones

Background: Hunger hormone levels are typically dysregulated in obese and diabetic

populations, however; postprandial exercise has been shown to influence hunger hormone levels. Purpose: To determine if hunger hormones including acylated ghrelin and GLP-1 levels are altered in response to an acute bout (15 minutes) of walking in individuals at risk for type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM).

Methods: Ten subjects at risk for prediabetes (fasting blood glucose 100–125mg/dL) participated in this randomized crossover design trial. Subjects arrived at the laboratory following an overnight fast and underwent one of two conditions: 1) Test meal with no walking (CON) or 2) Test …

Effects Of Gestational Dietary Intake On Calf Growth And Early Feedlot Performance Of Offspring, Jose M. Gardner

All Graduate Theses and Dissertations, Spring 1920 to Summer 2023

Fetal programming is a relatively new and quickly growing field of research in the livestock industry. The concept of fetal programming is simply defined as the effects a change in maternal nutritional intake has on offspring, whether it be a genetic or physical change. The intention of this study was to specifically look at the effects of nutrient restriction of cows during the second trimester of gestation on the growth and performance of the resulting calves.

In this study, thirty-two cows of predominantly angus influence from the Utah state university herd were chosen, naturally bred to a pure bred angus …

The Contribution Of Solid Food On Total Water Intake In 3-13 Y Children, Audrey Caroline Smith

Health, Human Performance and Recreation Undergraduate Honors Theses

Introduction: Adequate hydration is important element of good health. Several studies indicate that the majority of kids are hypohydrated and do not meet dietary water intake guidelines. Some scientist also suggest that good hydration might be achieved by large consumption of food that are rich in water (i.e. fruits and vegetables). However, the information of food consumption on total water intake in children is limited.

Purpose: We evaluated the contribution of water from solid food on total water intake in children.

Methodology: For this cross-sectional study 81 children (35 female) 3 to 13 years old were randomly recruited to participate. …

Anti-Cancer And Bioavailability Of Arachidin-1 And Arachidin-3 In Colon Cancer Cells, Macy R. Shirley

Human Nutrition and Hospitality Management Undergraduate Honors Theses

Cancer is a common cause of death in the United States and locally in the state of Arkansas. Modifiable factors such as tobacco use, physical activity, and diet lead to reduced incidence of colon cancer diagnosis. Fruits and vegetables contain phytochemicals that confer health promoting properties. Specifically, peanuts contain phytochemicals known as resveratrol, arachidin-1, and arachidin-3 that have been linked to anticancer activities. However, a few research studies have been done on arachidin-1 and arachidin-3 that could further develop understanding of their health promoting properties or nutraceutical applications. The objectives of this study were to (1) determine the most effective …

Limiting Food Waste In Child Care Facilities Through Implementation Of Portion Sizes, Margaret E. Wright

Human Nutrition and Hospitality Management Undergraduate Honors Theses

Food waste in child care facilities is both a monetary waste and a danger to the environment. The purpose of this study is to explore the impact of portion control in a child care facility on the amount of food wasted and the costs associated with food waste. It was hypothesized that establishment of portion control will result in a reduction in the amount of food waste of lunches and afternoon snacks generated by preschool children attending the Jean Tyson Child Development Study Center (JTCDSC). A four-week study was conducted where two trials were introduced: 1 two-week trial using the …

Atopic Dermatitis And Food Sensitization In South African Toddlers: Role Of Fiber And Gut Microbiota, Mahboobeh Mahdavinia, Heather Rasmussen, Phillip Engen, Jolice P. Van Den Berg, Erika Davis, Krista Engen, Stefan J. Green, Ankur Naqib, Maresa Botha, Claudia Gray, Nonhlanhla Lunjani, Carol Hlela, Wisdom Basera, Lelani Hobane, Alexandra Watkins, Mary C. Tobin, Alan Landay, Ali Keshavarzian, Michael E. Levin

Department of Nutrition and Health Sciences: Faculty Publications

The pathogenesis of atopic dermatitis (AD) is complex and related to allergic responses and defects in skin barrier function. In common with many atopic diseases, the prevalence of AD has been increasing across the world.1 One of the theories for this increase is increased hygiene and urbanization-related changes in the environment, which can affect the human microbiome.2 Previous studies have found associations between the composition of the early gut microbiome and development of atopic conditions, including AD.3 Although the rate of atopic conditions, including AD and food allergy, is increasing on all continents, the prevalence of these diseases is still …

Effect Of N-3 And N-6 Polyunsaturated Fatty Acids On Inflammation, Tao Xu

All Graduate Theses and Dissertations, Spring 1920 to Summer 2023

Intake of polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) has changed drastically in the past century in the American diet has received attention due to potential effects on chronic inflammation-related metabolic diseases. In this project, the effects of dietary PUFA content and the n-6 to n-3 ratio on inflammatory responses in the acute and chronic inflammation models were evaluated. The PUFA content was modified on a Western diet background to deliver both n-6 and n-3 intakes at the 10^th and 90^th percentile of the population in the United States, and models of acute and chronic inflammation were tested in mice model. …

Increasing Student Engagement And Knowledge Retention In An Entry-Level General Nutrition Course With Technology And Innovative Use Of A Graduate-Level Teaching Assistant, Minhee Kang

All Graduate Theses and Dissertations, Spring 1920 to Summer 2023

Blended-design courses integrate both face-to-face and online learning. This thesis discusses the use of three teaching innovations and their effect on student engagement and course satisfaction in a blended-design nutrition course. The three teaching innovations include 1) a web-based learning platform, called Connect (published by McGraw-Hill Education) 2) other easily accessible technological tools (such as Google+), and 3) higher-level use of a graduate-level teaching assistant.

Another form of web-based learning platform, Mastering, published by Pearson Education, was use previously in the course. However, students, especially those earning the highest grades in the course, did not see value in completing these …

Analysis Of Beef Steaks Of Varying Usda Quality Grades And Thicknesses Cooked On Low And High Grill Surface Temperatures, Tonirae Gardner

All Graduate Theses and Dissertations, Spring 1920 to Summer 2023

The objective of this project was to analyze the thermodynamics (thermal conductivity and diffusivity as well as protein denaturation) and physical properties (percent expressible moisture, cooking loss, change in steak thickness, shear force, texture profile analysis and rheological behavior) of beef steaks of different USDA quality grades (Upper 2/3 Choice and Select), thicknesses (thick and thin), and grill surface temperatures (high and low) cooked to the same internal degree of doneness to determine if a specific set of cooking parameters would create a profound difference in the eating characteristics, described by the tenderness and juiciness of cooked beef strip steaks. …

Strategies For Increased Lactic Acid Production From Algal Cake Fermentations At Low Ph By Lactobacillus Casei, Tom J. Overbeck

All Graduate Theses and Dissertations, Spring 1920 to Summer 2023

We explored using de-oiled algal biomass (algal cake) as a low-value substrate for production of lactic acid in fermentations with Lactobacillus casei, and strategies for increasing lactic acid production at low pH. L. casei 12A algal cake (AC) fermentations showed carbohydrate and amino acid availability limit growth and lactic acid production. These nutritional requirements were effectively addressed with enzymatic hydrolysis of the AC using α-amylase, cellulase, and pepsin. Producing 0.075 g lactic acid per g AC from AC digested with all three enzymes. We explored heterologous expression of the cellulase gene (celE) from Clostridium thermocellum and the …

Comparison Of Beef Flavor Compounds From Steaks And Ground Patties Of Three Usda Quality Grades And Varied Degrees Of Doneness, Kourtney Gardner

All Graduate Theses and Dissertations, Spring 1920 to Summer 2023

The objective of this study was to determine how quality grade (Prime, Low Choice, and Standard) and degree of doneness (4, 25, 55, 60, 71, and 77°C) influence the development of the flavor-producing compounds in beef whole muscle and ground patties. The content and type of many compounds influence beef flavor, including: proximate composition, pH, neutral and polar lipid fatty acids, free and total amino acids, reducing sugars, and volatile compounds, in addition to cooking duration. The important proximate components include fat, moisture, and protein content. Amino acids and reducing sugars alone contribute to the five basic tastes, but they …

Handgrip Strength In Children With Cystic Fibrosis, Hannah Taylor Gibson

Theses and Dissertations

Background: Body mass index (BMI) is the primary accepted method to determine nutrition status in children with cystic fibrosis (CF); however, lean body mass (LBM) is more strongly associated with pulmonary function. Handgrip strength (HGS) measures muscle function and is reflective of LBM. The aims of this study were to assess if there was a relationship among HGS, nutrition status, and pulmonary function, to assess if HGS changed after hospitalization, and to assess if there was a relationship between HGS and nutrient intake. Methods: Twenty-three children with CF ages 6-18 years participated. BMI z-scores, nutrition risk scores, and …

The Diet And Subsistence Methods Of The Maya: Their Health And Cultural Consequences From The Pre-Classic Era To Today, Rachel E. Watson

Honors Undergraduate

The Maya, a once great civilization, seemingly vanished without an obvious reason, before the Spanish landed in the region. Some say that their downfall was a result of famine and inadequate nutrition. Surprisingly, most of the archaeological evidence surrounding the Classic Maya diet and subsistence methods indicates that they both adequately sustained the population to the point where there has been practically no change over hundreds of years. Change did not occur to the Maya diet or the classic subsistence methods until the late twentieth century when the tourism industry exploded in the area of the former Maya empire. The …

Think With Your Fork: Five Areas Of Intervention For Kimball Dining Hall, Kristin Lane, Christina Nee, Julia Metzger

Philosophy Department Student Scholarship

Our goal with the present proposal is to bring modifications to the dining experience in Kimball Hall at the College of the Holy Cross, so to encourage a more well-rounded approach, which would best represent the values of continuous learning and education of the whole person and reflect the mission of the College. In order to meet these goals, we recommend five changes to Kimball dining , which we plan to implement during the Spring 2017 semester in collaboration with two Montserrat seminars.

Non-Celiac Gluten Sensitivity Is An Emerging Spectrum Of Gluten Intolerance, Darla O'Dwyer

Symposium on Arts and Research

People following gluten free diets have become increasingly prevalent. Many people indicate that they feel better on a gluten free diet and that their symptoms return after eating gluten. This is occurring in the absence of celiac disease or a wheat allergy. This new clinical entity is called non-celiac gluten sensitivity (NCGS). Volta and colleagues (2014) cite several reasons for an increase in this condition: 1) farming practices have led to an increase in specific wheat variants that contain high amounts of gluten peptides that maybe toxic to susceptible individuals; 2) dough fermentation has significantly been shortened compared to the …