Digital Commons Network^™

Prevalence And Antimicrobial Resistance Of E. Coli And Enterococcus Species In Detroit Urban Agriculture, Liyanage Nirasha Wijayangi Perera

Wayne State University Theses

Urban farming is gaining popularity around the world as a sustainable agricultural system for providing heatlhy and inexpensive food. However, there are limited data available on the microbial safety related to this sector of agriculture. The objective of the present study was to examine the prevalence and antimicrobial susceptibilities of E. coli and Enterococcus in soil and vegetables associated with urban agriculture.

A total of 19 soil samples and 48 vegetable samples, including 21 leafy greens and 27 root vegetables, were collected from three urban gardens in Detroit. E. coli and Enterococcus were isolated and identified by PCR. Enterococcus species …

Artisanal Cider And The Craft Beverage Consumer Tourist Experience, Meghann Newell (Miller) Smith

Theses, Dissertations and Culminating Projects

Hard cider is a newly emerging niche industry in apple-growing regions of the country. The growing popularity of artisan and local products offers a new opportunity for heritage products, like hard cider in the Northeast, to gain momentum in the alcoholic beverage and tourism industries. By finding the connection between the consumer experience and local product tourism, this study strives to understand the expanding craft beverage movement and hard cider’s place within this movement, and how it may affect heritage product promotion. This study looks specifically at the Hudson Valley region in New York State. With its fertile land, easy …

A "Default Option" While Online Grocery Shopping To Enhance Nutrition Within A Food Insecure Population, Jaime Ashley Coffino

Legacy Theses & Dissertations (2009 - 2024)

There is a need for sustainable interventions that improve diet-related health within the food insecure community. We examined if use of a “default” prefilled online grocery shopping cart, compared to nutrition education, would result in the purchase of healthier food items. Fifty participants (M age = 46.4 ± 12.46 years; M body mass index = 28.59 ± 6.48 kg/m2; 74.0% male) were randomized to: (1) read a brochure containing nutrition information (n = 23) or (2) be presented with a “default” prefilled online shopping cart containing groceries that meet nutritional guidelines to which they could freely make changes before completing …

Understanding The Genotoxicity Of Silver Nanoparticles And The Chemoprevention Of Pomegranate Extract, Sameera Nallanthighal

Legacy Theses & Dissertations (2009 - 2024)

The use of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) in a wide variety of consumer products (i.e. toothpastes, food containers, dietary supplements and garments) for their antimicrobial properties can lead to potential oral exposure in humans. To enhance their stability, AgNPs are coated with capping agents such as citrate and polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP). Despite the lack of significant general toxicity based on hematology, blood chemistry and histology evaluations, the potential genotoxic effects of AgNPs cannot be ruled out and have to be addressed. Studies examining the genotoxic risks of AgNPs are needed because genotoxicity is a strong indicator of cancer risk. Here we examined …

Evaluation Of Nutrition Education In The Families In Transformation (Fit) Program., Sydney Anne Devers

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

No abstract provided.

Food Insecurity And Eating Behaviors Of Collegiate Male Athletes, Kacie Poll

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

PURPOSE: To assess the relationship of high school (HS) and collegiate (OM) household food security status (FSS) to current food consumption behaviors in a sample of NCAA Division 1 male, collegiate athletes ≥18 years of age (y). METHODS: A cross-sectional survey of NCAA athletes from a Southeastern Conference (SEC) university was approved by the Institutional Review Board and conducted during August-September, 2016. The questionnaire included the USDA food security survey module and questions related to disordered eating behaviors and food hoarding USDA methods were used to calculate FSS. RESULTS: Participating athletes (n=111) were 19.7±1.4 y and primarily white, football players …

Impact Of Hydration On Collegiate Athletic Performance, Fatigue, And Recovery, Lauren Woodard

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

The impact of dehydration on several key physiological functions that are critical for athletic performance is well studied. Hydration monitoring has been known to have significant value on impaired physical functions by maximizing performance during training and competition. Impaired physical functions has been suggested as a limitation on explosive strength, musculoskeletal output, cardiovascular output, and proper technique in contact sports. The purpose of this study was to investigate the relationship between hydration levels and physiological profiles that can be used as a proactive approach in monitoring a collegiate athlete’s athletic performance, fatigue, and recovery status. It was hypothesized that insufficient …

Relationships Between Dietary Habits, Demographics, And Hike Outcome Among 2015 Pacific Crest Trail Backpackers, Lauren Ann Black

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

This quantitative research study explores the relationship between dietary patterns, hiker demographics, and total miles hiked during a backpacking trip on the Pacific Crest Trail (PCT). Long hiking distances, low rate of thru-hike completion, consumption of processed and ready to eat foods, weight loss, and large time and monetary strains are comthemes accepted anecdotally by the backpacking population11. However, these themes have yet to be adequately researched and validated for long distance backpackers and PCT backpackers specifically. The online survey gathered data from 151 backpackers who hiked the PCT in 2015. Significant positive correlational relationships were found between the number …

An Evaluation Of The Mississippi Recipes For Success Resource From The Perspective Of Child Nutrition Directors, Chelsea L. Bell

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

The Mississippi Recipes for Success (MRS), A Guide for Child Nutrition Programs provides printed and online resources for child nutrition directors. These resources include recipes and methods to assist directors in effectively implementing United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) nutrition standards. The purpose of this study was to investigate if child nutrition directors utilize these resources, as well as assess child nutrition directors’ perceptions of the helpfulness, satisfaction, and importance of the various components of the online and 2014 printed versions of the MRS. Data collection for this study involved an online survey that evaluated directors’ usage of the resources …

Characterizing Food Insecurity At A Northeast Land-Grant University, Alana Ruth Davidson

Honors Theses and Capstones

In 2015, 15.8 million U.S. households were food insecure. While nationally food insecurity is assessed at the household and childhood level, university students are not explicitly monitored. The purpose of this study was to determine the prevalence of food insecurity at a northeast land grant university and characterize the contributing factors. A pilot study (n=211) was conducted in fall 2014 among a general nutrition class and found that 12.4% of students were food insecure, with another 5.7% reported marginal food security. A larger, university wide survey among graduate and undergraduate students was conducted in fall 2015 (n=943) and found that …

More Than Food: An Analysis Of Multidimensional Relationships In Our Food System, Jessica Erin Newnan

Honors Theses and Capstones

Food is an integral part of everyday life for human beings, thus meriting particular attention from research and education. Looking further in depth at the factors that influence food, it becomes apparent that this is a complex topic that is related to several systems within the constructs of society. Here, the food system is approached with the understanding that several systems influence food consumption options and decisions including the agricultural, economic, education, energy, health, and political systems. To identify the relationships more closely, a three-dimensional model was built to represent the food system and depict several key factors, their relationships, …

Assessment Of The Intake And Knowledge Of Folate/Folic Acid Among Unh Students, Jessica Lee Pelletier, Ruth Reilly, Sherman Bigornia

Honors Theses and Capstones

There are 3,000 U.S. pregnancies affected by spina bifida and anencephaly annually. If women consume adequate amounts of folic acid (400 mcg/day) one month before pregnancy and through the first trimester, then the risk of their infant developing a neural tube defect (NTD) is reduced by 50-70%. However, approximately 50% of pregnancies are unplanned, with some of the highest rates among 18-24 year olds. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the knowledge source, knowledge level, and intake of folic acid among college-aged students. Qualtrics surveys from 96 subjects (87.5% female, aged 18-24) were used for analysis. In the …

Effects Of Dietary Intake Of Antioxidants And Omega-3 Fatty Acids On Free Radical Production In Children At Various Stages Of Chronic Kidney Disease, Linda Marie Sawyer

Wayne State University Dissertations

The purpose of this study was to understand the relationship between dietary intake of antioxidants and omega-3 fatty acids on free radical injury and free radical scavenging in children with chronic kidney disease (CKD) so that complications of kidney failure, especially cardiovascular disease, may be avoided or delayed. Children with CKD on dialysis and post-renal transplantation are at an extremely high risk for cardiovascular morbidity and mortality. We hypothesized that children with CKD who have higher dietary intake of antioxidants and omega-3 FAs, would have lower free radical injury, as measured by 8-Isoprostanes (8-ISOP) and Thiobarbituric Acid Reactive Substances (TBARS) …

Investigation Into Roseburia Intesinalis For Optimal Growth And Survivability Conditions For Potential Probiotic Use, Lisa Rana Felczak

Wayne State University Theses

Obesity and diabetes is an epidemic of increasing concern. Certain novel bacteria have been found to be an aid in reversing some of the mechanisms associated. This study focused on investigating the optimal stability conditions for R.intestinalis that can associate with an increase in growth. First, environmental conditions were tested to find the optimal conditions associated with each. Once growth conditions were found, generation time was calculated and various prebiotics were used to investigate a potential for additional growth. Next, common antibiotics were tested to see if the R.intestinalis could still show growth when exposed. Large batches of R.intestinalis were …

Development Of Gi Sustainable Probiotic Beads Using Microencapsulation, Jiarun Cui

Wayne State University Theses

Scientists tend to pay a lot attention to probiotics in recent years, due to its health related benefits for humans. Encapsulation is a necessary way to protect probiotics from being killed by harsh conditions of the gastrointestinal tract, and to help probiotics to release in the intestinal environment. This study is mainly focusing on the encapsulation technique of Christensenella minuta, and the food product development of C. minuta beads. The extrusion technique was applied as the encapsulation method, with alginate as the encapsulation material. The effect of single encapsulation and double encapsulation of C. minuta was compared to determine the …

The Potential Stimulation Of C. Minuta Growth By Various Prebiotics, And Its Sensitivity To Various Antibiotics, Maria Elena Hakim

Wayne State University Theses

Gut microbiota play a crucial role in maintaining intestinal health and integrity; a feature that is both heritable, as well as affected by the environment and lifestyle. Probiotics are supplements containing live microorganisms that act in a similar manner to gut microflora, and maintain a balance in the latter. C. minuta is a novel bacterium in the gut that was found to be associated with reduction in body weight and adiposity. The aim of this study was to determine the possible effects of different prebiotics on C. minuta growth, and the survival of C. minuta in response to different antibiotics. …

Effects Of Palm Oil Tocotrienols Rich Fraction On Cholesterol Efflux, Erandi Jayamini Jayawardana Arachchige

Wayne State University Theses

Tocotrienols are naturally occurring bioactive compounds which possess beneficial effects on multiple chronic diseases including atherosclerosis and cancer. It is believed to exert atheroprotective effects via promoting reverse cholesterol transport, a process that removes excess cholesterol from the body. Cholesterol efflux is an early step in reverse cholesterol transport and impaired cholesterol efflux is known to trigger foam cell formation, a hallmark of atherosclerosis. An increase in cholesterol efflux and decrease in cholesterol influx in macrophages has been suggested to reduce atherosclerosis risk by reducing foam cell formation. In addition, tocotrienols have shown anti-cancer effects on Non-small cell lung cancer …

The Effect Of Oil Palm Phenolics (Opp) And Curcumin On Plasma Metabolomic Profile In Atherogenic Diet Induced Rat Model Of Alzheimer’S Disease (Ad), Soniya Katekar

Wayne State University Theses

Alzheimer's disease (AD) is the most widely recognized reason for dementia in the aging population. It is described by intellectual decay and deposition of ß-amyloid plaques in the hippocampus. It has been demonstrated that hypercholesterolemia incited by elevated cholesterol abstain from food is related with AD advancement. Expanded level of oxidative stress has additionally been seen in AD patients. An essential methodology to treat or postpone the disability depends on dietary change, utilizing nourishment supplements. OPP, a water-soluble fraction from oil palm fruit, rich in phenolics has been found to possess significant antioxidant activities. Curcumin, a polyphenol extricated from the …

Characterizing Food Selectivity In Children With Autism, Samantha H. Wohlmacher

Honors Theses and Capstones

Food selectivity or “picky eating” affects a large percentage of children on the autism spectrum and as a result can have negative impacts on a child’s health and nutritional status (Cermak, Curtin, & Bandini, 2010). Few studies compare food selectivity in children on the autism spectrum to children with other developmental issues. Such a comparison may reveal how food selectivity presents itself uniquely in children on the autism spectrum. This study examined data from past health records collected from the Seacoast Childhood Development Center (SCDC). Thirty-eight children whose parents were concerned about their diets were taken from a larger sample …

Innovation And Collaboration: Creating A Transdisciplinary Childhood Obesity Prevention Graduate Certificate Program, Becky Jensen, Mindy Anderson-Knott, Mary Bowne, Linda Boeckner, Suzanne Stluka, Kendra Kattelmann, Jessica Meendering

Health and Nutritional Sciences Faculty Publications

Preparing future professionals to work in transdisciplinary settings with a skill set to effectively foster collaborations and sustainable change requires a thoughtful and concerted interprofessional educational approach. Through an inter-university partnership in 2010 with name of university and the name of university, a group of faculty convened to propose the Transdisciplinary Obesity Prevention (TOP) graduate certificate program. With funding supported by a United States (US) Department of Agriculture (USDA) National Institute of Food and Agriculture grant in 2011, a team of faculty from name of university and name of university representing various disciplines (exercise science, nutrition, dietetics, health promotion, public …

Assessment Of Bovine Vascular Serotonin Receptor Populations And Transport Of Ergot Alkaloids In The Small Intestine, Miriam A. Snider

Theses and Dissertations--Animal and Food Sciences

Prior work using a contractility bioassay determined that the serotonin (5-HT) receptor subtype 5-HT_2A is present in bovine lateral saphenous veins and plays a role in ergot alkaloid-induced vascular contraction in steers grazing endophyte-infected (Epichloë coenophiala) tall fescue (Lolium arundinaceum). A study was conducted to determine what 5-HT receptors are involved in vasoconstriction of bovine gut vasculature. The findings of this study indicate that 5-HT_2A is present and may play a role in ergot alkaloid induced vasoconstriction. A second study was conducted to determine if ergot alkaloids were transported in the small intestine. The …

Influencing Food Choice: Effects Of Stress And Sleep Deprivation On Dietary Habits Of Young Adults, Amy L. Leiferman

The Journal of Undergraduate Research

Introduction: Lifelong dietary habits are shaped during young adulthood; hence, preventing poor food choice practices during this period is vital. Stress and sleep deprivation are two important lifestyle elements that affect eating habits. The purpose of this study was to evaluate stress and sleep deprivation as factors contributing to poor dietary choices of college-aged students. Methodology: During finals week, a survey inquiring about sleep duration, perceived stress, and dietary patterns throughout the semester (typical week vs. finals week), was administered to university students (n=83). Fifty-five participants (21 male) provided an ID number, which allowed university-collected demographic and food-purchasing …

The Relationship Between Modifiable Lifestyle Factors And Muscle Lipid Depots In Older Adults, Maja Redzic

Theses and Dissertations--Pharmacology and Nutritional Sciences

Muscle health declines with age, influencing both muscle strength and performance. Modifiable lifestyle factors may mitigate muscle dysfunction by altering muscle lipid depots. Vitamin D status, dietary intake, and physical activity each play a role in muscle health during aging. Low vitamin D status (measured as 25(OH)D) is prevalent among older adults and has been associated with functional limitations and impaired physical performance. Previously, 25(OH)D concentrations were inversely associated with extramyocellular lipid (EMCL) and our lab observed a significant positive relationship between 25(OH)D concentrations and IMCL. Studies have shown mixed results regarding the effects dietary fat intake interventions have on …

Comparing Mindfulness-Enriched Weight Management To Current Standard Practices, Teresa M. Lee

Theses and Dissertations--Nutrition and Food Systems

Mindfulness-based interventions have been shown to be effective for numerous diet-related conditions. Mindfulness skills have been theorized to be helpful in improving eating behaviors, and thereby weight management. The purpose of this study was to compare the effectiveness of a mindfulness-enriched weight management program to a standard weight loss program over the course of a 12-week intervention, and weight maintenance over six months. This was a two-group randomized experimental design. One group received a standard weight loss program, while the other group received the same program with an additional mindfulness component. Follow up assessments were conducted twice at three-month intervals. …

Effectiveness Of A Face-To-Face Weight Loss Intervention Paired With Mobile Technology Among Rural Adults In Kentucky, Thomas Michael Ard

Theses and Dissertations--Nutrition and Food Systems

The obesity epidemic remains a serious issue in the United States leading to significant public health implications and costs. Few weight loss interventions paring mobile technology with face-to-face interventions have been conducted in rural communities. Yet, mobile technology interventions offer good potential for delivery but it is unclear if the combination of these weight loss strategies are beneficial. This study sought to examine how integrating mobile technology with face-to-face weight loss interventions in rural communities affects weight loss. Additionally, to determine if mobile technology paired with face-to-face interventions could increase autonomous and controlled motivation levels among adults in rural Kentucky. …

Instructions For Authors, Discovery Editors

Discovery, The Student Journal of Dale Bumpers College of Agricultural, Food and Life Sciences

No abstract provided.

Prediction Of Human Dietary Δ15N Intake From Standardized Food Records: Validity And Precision Of Single Meal And 24-H Diet Data, Frank Hülsemann, Karsten Koehler, Jürgen Wittsiepe, Michael Wilhelm, Annett Hilbig, Mathilde Kersting, Hans Braun, Ulrich Flenker, Wilhelm Schänzer

Department of Nutrition and Health Sciences: Faculty Publications

Natural stable isotope ratios (δ15N) of humans can be used for nutritional analyses and dietary reconstruction of modern and historic individuals and populations. Information about an individual’s metabolic state can be obtained by comparison of tissue and dietary δ¹⁵N. Different methods have been used to estimate dietary δ¹⁵N in the past; however, the validity of such predictions has not been compared to experimental values. For a total of 56 meals and 21 samples of 24-h diets, predicted and experimental δ¹⁵N values were compared. The δ¹⁵N values were predicted from self-recorded food intake …

Time Course Of Changes In Neuromuscular Responses At 30% Versus 70% 1 Repetition Maximum During Dynamic Constant External Resistance Leg Extensions To Failure, Cory M. Smith, Terry J. Housh, Ethan C. Hill, Richard J. Schmidt, Glen O. Johnson

Department of Nutrition and Health Sciences: Faculty Publications

The purpose of the current study was to examine the time course of changes in neuromuscular responses from the vastus medialis (VM) during low versus high intensity dynamic constant external resistance (DCER) leg extension muscle actions to failure. Thirteen men performed DCER leg extensions to failure at 30% and 70% 1-repetition maximum (1-RM) as well as 1-RM measurements pretest and posttest. Electromyogaphy and mechanomyographic signals were measured from the VM. There were no differences in neuromuscular responses pretest versus posttest 1-RM. There were timedependent differences between the 30% and 70% 1-RM protocols. The initial phase of the 30% 1- RM …

Hepatocyte Abca1 Deletion Impairs Liver Insulin Signaling And Lipogenesis, Chia-Chi C. Key, Mingxia Liu, C. Lisa Kurtz, Soonkyu Chung, Elena Boudyguina, Timothy A. Dinh, Alexander Bashore, Peter E. Phelan, Barry I. Freedman, Timothy F. Osborne, Xuewei Zhu, Lijun Ma, Praveen Sethupathy, Sudha B. Biddinger, John S. Parks

Department of Nutrition and Health Sciences: Faculty Publications

Plasma membrane (PM) free cholesterol (FC) is emerging as an important modulator of signal transduction. Here, we show that hepatocyte-specific knockout (HSKO) of the cellular FC exporter, ATPbinding cassette transporter A1 (ABCA1), leads to decreased PM FC content and defective trafficking of lysosomal FC to the PM. Compared with controls, chow-fed HSKO mice had reduced hepatic (1) insulin- stimulated Akt phosphorylation, (2) activation of the lipogenic transcription factor Sterol Regulatory Element Binding Protein (SREBP)-1c, and (3) lipogenic gene expression. Consequently, Westerntype diet-fed HSKO mice were protected from steatosis. Surprisingly, HSKO mice had intact glucose metabolism; they showed normal gluconeogenic gene …

Greater Neural Adaptations Following High- Vs. Low-Load Resistance Training, Nathaniel D. M. Jenkins, Amelia A. Miramonti, Ethan C. Hill, Cory M. Smith, Kristen C. Cochrane-Snyman, Terry J. Housh, Joel T. Cramer

Department of Nutrition and Health Sciences: Faculty Publications

We examined the neuromuscular adaptations following 3 and 6 weeks of 80 vs. 30%one repetition maximum (1RM) resistance training to failure in the leg extensors. Twenty-six men (age = 23.1 ± 4.7 years) were randomly assigned to a high- (80% 1RM; n = 13) or low-load (30% 1RM; n = 13) resistance training group and completed leg extension resistance training to failure 3 times per week for 6 weeks. Testing was completed at baseline, 3, and 6 weeks of training. During each testing session, ultrasound muscle thickness and echo intensity, 1RM strength, maximal voluntary isometric contraction (MVIC) strength, and contractile …