Digital Commons Network^™

A Low-Carbohydrate Ketogenic Diet Combined With Six Weeks Of Crossfit Training Improves Body Composition And Performance, Rachel M. Gregory

Masters Theses, 2010-2019

A low-carbohydrate ketogenic diet (LCKD) is a popular approach to weight and fat loss. CrossFit is a high-intensity power training (HIPT) type exercise for all levels of age and fitness that has gained recognition as one of the fasting growing sports in America. No previous research has been found which examines body composition changes or performance in individuals consuming a LCKD and participating in CrossFit training. PURPOSE: The purpose of this research was to examine the effects of a 6-week LCKD and CrossFit program on body composition and performance. METHODS: Twenty-seven non-elite CrossFit subjects (mean ± SD age = …

Rac1 And Ire1 Are Required To Prevent Early Loss Of Intestinal Homeostasis In Drosophila Melanogaster, Mauricio M. Ortega

Dissertations, Masters Theses, Capstones, and Culminating Projects

No abstract available

Evaluation Of Protein Source At Breakfast On Energy Metabolism, Metabolic Health, And Food Intake: A Pilot Study, Lauren A. Cambias

Human Nutrition and Hospitality Management Undergraduate Honors Theses

Abstract

Over 30% of adults in the US are obese. A primary contributor to obesity is an unhealthy diet related to imbalanced macronutrients. Diets higher in protein (PRO) are associated with increased energy expenditure (EE) and reduced food intake. The objective of this pilot study was to determine if protein source at breakfast influences EE in young men (n=4; ages 18-35). Participants consumed three isocaloric (whey (WP), pea (PP), beef (BP); 275 kcal, 62% PRO, 23% CHO, 15% Fat) drinks in randomized, crossover design with a one-week washout period. Each test day EE, appetite, and cravings were assessed at 0, …

Optimizing Pharmacological Lifespan Extension: Testing Chemical Compounds For Additive Effects On Longevity, Elizabeth Chao

Dissertations, Masters Theses, Capstones, and Culminating Projects

No abstract available

Weight Loss Apps : Behavioral And Psychological Factors Related To Usage And Success, Kelsey Alexandra Gatto

Theses, Dissertations and Culminating Projects

Mobile weight loss applications (‘apps’) such as MyFitnessPal® and Lose It!® have millions of downloads and allow users to track their intake on the go by accessing a massive digital nutrition database, and while the apps have been successful tools for participants in structured weight loss initiatives, little research has explored their efficacy for stand-alone users. The aim of this study was to examine the role of user adherence behavior, portion estimation and consumption norms, and the potential for the app to act as a behavior change tool. An online survey was administered to individuals 18 years or older who …

Effects Of Differences Of Middle Eastern And American Cultural Backgrounds On Salt Perception Using Facereader : A Pioneering Tool To Capture Instant Emotional Reactions, Mohamad Bassel Khair

Theses, Dissertations and Culminating Projects

A preliminary study was conducted (n=65) to compare the consistency of measurements of emotional reactions to salt intake using FaceReader (facial expression analyzer) and hedonic self-reports. Study participants tasted six different samples of mashed potatoes with three different concentrations of sodium (Na) (two samples of 0 mg, 178 mg, and 356 mg/15g each). Emotional reactions were measured with FaceReader and self-reported on a 10-point scale, and the mean for each of the different sodium concentrations was calculated. Six different emotional expressions were measured (happy, sad, angry, surprised, scared, and disgusted) for each of the samples. Differences between the means for …

Factors Influencing The Eating Practices Of Hospital Nurses During Their Shifts, Tina Maria Monaghan

Theses, Dissertations and Culminating Projects

Background

Nursing is the largest health care profession in the U.S. There are 3.1 million registered nurses (RNs) nationwide, over four times as many as there are physicians. Hospital nurses have a vital presence in the healthcare industry as highly skilled professionals who perform the essential service of patient care on the front line. Research points toward an association between work environment and nurse outcomes. Several studies have linked favorable nurses’ work environments to improved patient experience and care quality. The purpose of this study is to identify the factors that influence hospital nurses’ eating practices during their shifts.

Methods …

Awareness Of Biological Mechanisms Of Artificial Sweeteners And The Effects Of Increased Awareness Via Video Media On Intent To Change Dietary Habits In Traditional College-Age Students, Cassie A. Mahler

Honors Theses

In the past, artificial sweeteners have been touted as weight loss solutions because they theoretically do not interact with the body’s metabolism. However, new research is being done to test this theory, but what is the public awareness of these compounds’ interactions with the body? The purpose of this study is threefold: to assess the current awareness of the biological mechanisms of artificial sweeteners in traditional college-age individuals; to assess the effectiveness of video education in increasing this awareness; and to assess how the increase of this awareness might lead to intentions to change dietary habits. The study consisted of …

The Western Diet's Negative Impact On The Health Of The Pacific Islands., Jessica Ruikka

College of Arts & Sciences Senior Theses

In an already challenging environment, the Western diet has introduced noncommunicable diseases (NCD) such as diabetes and cardiovascular disease to the Pacific Islands (PIC). Without modern medicine, many of these regions, including Melanesia, Micronesia, and Polynesia are ill equipped to handle the long-term effects of these noncommunicable diseases. A high percentage of the Pacific Island population is obese and overweight; and the Islands are struggling to combat the epidemic. Many programs and proposals have been implemented, such as changes in trade policy, local activism, and government modifications, but there has been no evidence of a decline in noncommunicable diseases. There …

The Effect Of Gluten On Puberty Onset And Glycemic Response In Female Rats, Bethaney Mclaughlin

UNLV Theses, Dissertations, Professional Papers, and Capstones

Introduction: While individuals with gluten sensitivities are instructed to follow a strict gluten-free diet, misinformed concerns over the consumption of gluten products has led to a rise in gluten avoidance diets, without a diagnosis of celiac disease. Gluten-free products, and therefore the diet as a whole, have been found to have twice as much fat, reduced carbohydrates and fiber, and approximately one-third less protein (Miranda 2014). Research on the effects of gluten-free diets on adolescent development is lacking. With recorded nutrient deficiencies in those that abstain from gluten, detrimental effects could be seen in adolescents who are put on non-prescribed …

Hunger Games: The Effects Of Alternate Day Fasting On Food Intake, Body Weight, And Leptin And Ghrelin In Rats, Debra Kirsty Mortel Tacad

UNLV Theses, Dissertations, Professional Papers, and Capstones

PURPOSE: To determine whether a compensatory increase in food intake occurs following a day of fasting, and to determine whether leptin and/or ghrelin levels change in response to ADF compared with ad libitum feeding.

INTRODUCTION: Recently, alternate-day fasting (ADF) has grown in popularity as an alternative to continuous energy restriction (CER) diets as a method for improving health and controlling food intake. Leptin and ghrelin are two hormones implicated in the regulation of food intake and body weight, however their response to ADF is unclear.

METHODS: Male Wistar rats of the same age and weight were randomly assigned to the …

The Effect Of The Expanded Food And Nutrition Education Program On Participants’ Diet Quality: Does Supermarket Access Matter?, Rachel Ann Spencer

Graduate Theses and Dissertations

This project assesses the effectiveness of the Expanded Food and Nutrition Education Program (EFNEP) within the context of supermarket access. EFNEP is a national community nutrition education program that strives to give participants the tools to live healthier lives. Analysis was performed on participants from 16 Arkansas counties that completed EFNEP during 2013 or 2014. The program outcome is measured in terms of the change in Healthy Eating Index (HEI) as calculated from 24-hour diet recalls at program entry and exit. Supermarket locations were obtained from the USDA Food Nutrition Service’s SNAP Retail Locator and represent the food environment near …

The Effect Of Transformed Escherichia Coli On The Mouse Intestine Microbiome: The Microbial Metabolic Enhancement Hypothesis, Bryar P. Kader

Senior Honors Theses

Metabolic disorders affect around thirty-four percent of the population in the United States. Among these disorders is lactose intolerance, which results from diminished production of the human lactase enzyme. This disorder and others like it are genetically determined and cannot be cured. However, the use of transformed bacteria implanted in the colon may provide a means by which the faulty pathway can be bypassed. To test whether transformed bacteria have the capability to aid in the digestion of normally indigestible compounds, a transformed strain of Escherichia coli overexpressing the beta-galactosidase enzyme encoded by the lacZ gene was colonized in the …

Programming Heart Disease: Does Poor Maternal Nutrition Alter Expression Of Cardiac Markers Of Proliferation, Hypertrophy, And Fibrosis In Offspring?, Cathy Chun

Honors Scholar Theses

Maternal malnutrition can affect fetal organogenesis, metabolic processes, and factors involved in developmental regulation. Of the many physiological effects poor maternal nutrition can induce in offspring, one of the most important organs affected is the heart. Cardiovascular disease has been associated with poor maternal diet. It also been suggested that hypertension can originate during impaired intrauterine growth and development. Hypertension can trigger hypertensive heart disease and is associated with numerous heart complications. We hypothesized that poor maternal nutrition would alter critical growth factors associated with normal heart development, specifically, insulin-like growth factor (IGF)-1, IGF-2, transforming growth factor (TGF)β, and connective …

Crystallization Behavior Of Waxes, Sarbojeet Jana

All Graduate Theses and Dissertations, Spring 1920 to Summer 2023

Partially hydrogenated oil (PHO) has no longer GRAS status. However, PHO is one of the important ingredients in bakery and confectionary industry and therefore the food industry is seeking for an alternative fat to replace PHO. Waxes have shown promise to fulfill that demand because of its easy availability and cheap in price. Waxes with high melting points (> 40 °C) help in the crystallization process when mixed with low melting point oils. A crystalline network is formed in this wax/oil crystallization process where liquid oil is entrapped in wax crystal network. A new material is formed which is neither …

Effects Of Carboxymethyl-Lysine In Heat Processed Foods On The Plasma Metabolome In Mice, Zhou Fang

All Graduate Theses and Dissertations, Spring 1920 to Summer 2023

Carboxymethyl-lysine (CML), an advanced glycation end product (AGEs), is formed during the cooking process and may induce toxic effects on human health. The effect of dietary CML on the plasma metabolite profile was investigated. Mice were fed with one of five different diets: AIN93 diet (negative control), a 45% kcal from fat Diet Induced Obesity diet (DIO; positive control); CML0, TWD (Total Western Diet) with low CML; CML1, TWD with medium CML, and CML2, TWD with high CML for 8 weeks, and the plasma metabolome was determined by Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry (GC-MS). In addition quantitative analysis of plasma glucose level …

Effects Of Feeding High-Moisture Corn Grain With Slow-Release Urea In Dairy Diets On Lactational Performance, Energy And Nitrogen Utilization, And Ruminal Fermentation Profiles By Lactating Cows, Braden M. Tye

All Graduate Theses and Dissertations, Spring 1920 to Summer 2023

The objective of this experiment was to determine if nutrient utilization and energy partitioning by lactating dairy cows would differ in response to dietary corn grain (CG) types [steam-flaked corn (SFC) vs. high-moisture corn (HMC)] and to test if the types of CG would interact with slow-release urea (SRU) on lactational performance and energy utilization. Eight multiparous Holstein cows (32 ± 8.2 days-in-milk) were used in a duplicated 4 × 4 Latin square with one square consisting of ruminally cannulated cows. A 2 × 2 factorial arrangement was used to test 4 dietary treatments: SFC without SRU, SFC with SRU, …

Stop Stunting: Situation And Way Forward To Improve Maternal, Child And Adolescent Nutrition In Afghanistan, Ariel Higgins Steele, Piyali Mustaphi, Sherin Varkey, Humayoun Ludin, Najibullah Safi, Zulfiqar Ahmed Bhutta

Department of Paediatrics and Child Health

No abstract provided.

The Effect Of Protein Quantity And Quality At Breakfast On Energy Metabolism, Appetite And Metabolic Health, Brianna Lynne Neumann

Graduate Theses and Dissertations

Obesity is a global health concern and, within the United States, the current obesity rate is 36% and projected to double within the next two decades. Obesity is linked to many chronic diseases such as cancer, heart disease and type 2 diabetes. In young females, weight gain (5-11 kg) between the ages of 20-30 years increases the risk of developing type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular disorders later in life. The cause of obesity is multifactorial in nature, however fundamentally weight gain occurs when energy intake is greater than energy expended (i.e. calories in > calories out). Therefore, identifying and validating nutritional …

Autophagy Regulation After Diet And Exercise In Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease, Megan Elizabeth Rosa

Graduate Theses and Dissertations

Along with the rise in obesity, rates of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) have also increased. NAFLD may begin with fat accumulation in the liver, but can progress to non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH), fibrosis, and eventual cirrhosis. With no pharmacological treatment for NASH, lifestyle interventions appear vital to maintaining liver health. Previous work has shown aberrant mitochondrial content/quality and autophagy in models of NAFLD. Exercise is known to improve mitochondrial health and possibly autophagy, thus autophagy may be a key regulatory factor for treatment of obesity induced-NAFLD. PURPOSE: The purpose of the study was to examine how weight loss from diet …

Using The Des-28 Tool To Determine The Relationship Among Diabetes Self-Empowerment, Diet Quality, And Glycemic Control In A Southeastern United States African American Population, Makala Katuscak Smith

Graduate Theses

No abstract provided.

How The U.S. Low-Fat Diet Recommendations Of 1977 Contributed To The Declining Health Of Americans, Julia Reedy

Honors Scholar Theses

In 1977, the first edition of The Dietary Goals for the United States (“The Recommendations”) was published in attempts to reduce incidence of diet-related diseases such as cardiovascular disease and diabetes. While numerous dietary adjustments were recommended in order to improve health, fat was identified as the most instrumental factor. However there exist many confounders of The Recommendations, including Medium Chain Triglycerides (MCT), fat from dairy products, eggs and the high-fat Mediterranean Diet. Nonetheless, the food industry made adjustments to acclimate to the anti-fat mentality The Recommendations initiated. Linoleic acid- (LA) rich soybean oil became heavily used, drastically altering the …

Mini Series Presentations, Robert L. Moody Iv, Natasha S. Natraj

Senior Year Experience Student Projects

For the month of March, we implemented a mini education program at both EmblemHealth sites to engage, educate and empower members of the fitness center and weight management program. The program was designed to be fifteen minutes in length, allowing for more sessions over the course of 3 hours with one session a week alternating between topics. Upon survey evaluation of the 60 participants, they reported satisfaction with the overall program and validated the worth of EmblemHealth’s Fitness Center. The survey also showed that 10 out of 10 participants recognized sitting disease as a primary health concern after the presentation, …

The Effects Of Iron Deficiency Anemia And Iron Supplementation In Pregnancy, Anna J. Cox

Senior Honors Theses

Iron deficiency anemia (IDA) is a condition that occurs in both underdeveloped and developed countries worldwide. This disorder is diagnosed in an individual who presents the common signs and symptoms of anemia along with consistently low clinical markers of stored iron. Iron deficiency (ID) usually precedes a diagnosis of IDA as the insufficient amount of iron often goes undetected until one’s quality of life is diminished. Certain populations, such as women who are pregnant or of reproductive age, are particularly at risk for ID and the development of IDA. During pregnancy, the recommended dietary allowance (RDA) for iron is greater …

Food Recovery Program At Farmers’ Markets Increases Access To Fresh Fruits And Vegetables For Food Insecure Individuals, Lisa G. Sisson

Peer Reviewed Articles - Hospitality and Tourism Management

Food recovery programs are an increasingly popular method to decrease the amount of food waste in the United States while increasing healthy food access for food insecure individuals. One such program is the Heartside Gleaning Initiative that began in 2014 in Grand Rapids, Michigan. The program partners with low-income volunteers to collect fresh produce from farmers’ markets for redistribution. From June to October 2014, 17,000 pounds of fresh produce was provided to low-income individuals and food pantries. A survey of participants indicated high usage of the produce and high satisfaction with the gleaning program. This program confirms that gleaning is …

Synbiotic Ice Cream As A Probiotic Carrier Tested In A Human Blind Crossover Trial, Erin M. Mcnamara

Department of Nutrition and Health Sciences: Dissertations, Theses, and Student Research

Diet is an important factor in gastrointestinal health. A synbiotic food option utilizing prebiotic and probiotic ingredients may be beneficial for improving gastrointestinal health. To conduct a human subject study of synbiotic ice cream containing prebiotic (inulin) and two strains of probiotics (Lactobacillus casei KE99 and Bifidobacterium bifidum) to determine its effectiveness as a carrier for a these ingredients and to identify any negative gastrointestinal side effects.

The study started with baseline data collection including a food frequency, a three day food recall, and one stool sample. The study was a 12 week crossover design with three weeks consuming …

Hydration Status, Habits, And Knowledge Of Collegiate Cross Country Runners, Laura J. Comee

Celebrating Scholarship & Creativity Day (2011-2017)

Abstract: Dehydration exceeding 2% loss of body mass can cause decreased cognitive and physical performance in endurance athletes. While many runners carry water bottles with them, most do not know their sweat rate or fluid recommendations, increasing the risk for heat-related illnesses such as heat stroke. Purpose: To assess hydration status, habits, and knowledge of collegiate cross country runners. Methods: Institutional Review Board approval was obtained and subjects completed informed consents. Thirty-three female and twenty-five male Division III collegiate runners participated in the study. Hydration status was assessed measuring the specific gravity of three urine samples one each …

What Is The Relationship Between Dietary Calcium Intake And Cvd Risk Factors In A College-Age Population?, Mary Cherne

Celebrating Scholarship & Creativity Day (2011-2017)

Abstract: Risk factors for cardiovascular disease (CVD) including dyslipidemia and hypertension can develop in adolescence and increase risk of CVD in adulthood. Improved blood pressure and lipid profiles are associated with higher dietary calcium intake in older adults, but limited data exists in young adults. Purpose: Determine the relationship between dietary calcium intake and CVD risk factors in a college-age population. Methods: IRB approval was obtained. Fasting blood samples were collected from 149 college students ages 18-24. Serum total cholesterol (TC), LDL, HDL, and triacylglycerol (TG) concentrations were measured using a LDX Cholestech machine, blood glucose using a Precision Xtra …

Multi-Generational Effect Of Western Diet On Colorectal Cancer And Impact Of Green Tea On Cancer Prevention, Sumira Phatak, Canyon Neal, Kevin Contreras, Tess Armbrust, Daphne Rodriguez, Braden Abercrombie, Katie Pontsler, Deanna Larson, Ashli Hunter, Hector Esquer, Jocelyn Cuthbert, Michael Lefevre, Korry Hintze, Robert Ward, Abby Benninghoff

Student Research Symposium

Diet is widely recognized as an important factor in lifetime cancer risk, yet Americans routinely consume foods that are energy-dense and nutrient-poor. Animal model studies to identify functional foods for cancer prevention generally do not account for typical Western dietary patterns with respect to macro- and micronutrient content. The primary objectives of this study were to determine the impact of ancestral and multi-generational consumption of a Western-style diet in a murine model of inflammation-associated colorectal carcinogenesis. Additionally, we sought to determine the efficacy of green tea for prevention of Western diet-enhanced colon tumorigenesis. Previously, our group developed the Total Western …

North American Entomophagy, Joohi Schrader, Dennis G. A. B Oonincx, Maria Pontes Ferreira

Nutrition and Food Science Faculty Research Publications

Eating insects is not a common Northern American practice today. However, in the past a variety of insect species was consumed in Northern America (north of Mexico including Greenland). The aim of this literature review is to provide an historical overview of North American entomophagy based upon both peer and non-peer reviewed sources on this topic. Regional differences in insect consumption and reasons for being underreported are discussed. We show that North American natives, and in certain cases colonists, collected and consumed a large variety of edible insects. These are categorized per order and where available, information on how these …