Digital Commons Network^™

Effect Of High Fat Diet With Aicar Treatment On Mitochondrial Biogenesis Of Male Rats, David Mills, Chad Hancock

Journal of Undergraduate Research

The original goal for my project was to study how a high-fat diet affects insulin resistance in slow twitch and fast twitch muscle fibers in rats. We hypothesized that administering a drug named acipamox, which lowers cellular free fatty acid levels, would restore insulin sensitivity in both slow twitch and fast twitch muscle fibers. Previously published research showed that acipamox restored insulin sensitivity in slow twitch fibers (1) but this study did not address what happened in the fast twitch muscle fibers.

Selenium-Regulation Of Steroid Hormone-Mediated Gene Expression In Transformed Human Prostate Epithelial Cells, David R. Nielsen, Dr. Merril Christensen

Journal of Undergraduate Research

Prostate cancer is the second leading cause of cancer-related deaths in American men, with current estimates projecting 179,300 new cases and 37,000 deaths this year [1]. The development of prostate cancer may be divided into three stages: initiation, promotion, and progression. During the initiation and early promotion stages, the cancer is clinically undetectable.

The Molecular Basis For Prostate Cancer Risk Reduction By Selenium, Josie Johnson, Dr. Merril J. Christensen

Journal of Undergraduate Research

Prostate cancer is the most common form of cancer and the leading cause of cancer death in American men.1 Results from a cancer prevention trial performed by Clark et.al.2 show that selenium (Se) supplementation in male subjects reduced cancer incidence by 75%. The molecular basis for the chemopreventive effect of Se merits attention in molecular biology research. For the past six months, my research has focused on the impact of Se-supplemented medium on gene expression of transformed human prostate epithelial cells (entitled LNCaP cells) grown in culture. Through differential display methods, tumor suppressor genes or oncogenes that are either upregulated …

Bone Density In College Women: The First Phase Of A Two Phase Study Of The Early, Modifiable Markers Of Osteoporosis And The Effect Of Calcium And Magnesium Supplements, Jason Boyd, Dr. Bruce H. Woolley

Journal of Undergraduate Research

Peak bone mass of pre-menopausal women has been established as a major risk factor for postmenopausal osteoporosis and related bone fractures (4). Previous research evidence suggest that bone mass of both the peripheral and axial skeleton is stable for women before menopause (1,2). Teegarden et al.(3) established that peak Bone Mineral Content (BMC) is attained by age 26.2+/- 3.7 years. After peak BMC is obtained, mass of cortical and trabecular bone and BMC will decline at a rate of approximately 1.2% per year.

Final Report To The Orca Scholarship Committee, Serena Arave, Shenai Fisher, Lori Macarthur, Cary Rogers, Dr. Diana Mcguire

Journal of Undergraduate Research

In conjunction with LDS Welfare Services and the Brigham Young University Food Science and Nutrition Department the International Food Relief Committee met the project objective to develop food box prototypes that are culturally and nutritionally appropriate for global emergency or disaster situations. The final prototypes were given to LDS Welfare Services to be used when sending emergency food relief to other countries.

Does Selenium Alter The Expression Of The Large T Antigen In Tramp Mice?, Britlyn Orgill, Dr. Merrill Christensen

Journal of Undergraduate Research

Prostate cancer is the second most common cancer in American men. The American Cancer Society predicts that 217,730 cases of prostate cancer will be diagnosed and that 32,050 men will die from the disease in the year 2010 (1). Since prostate cancer has a long latency period, it is a prime candidate for dietary prevention. Isoflavones, natural compounds found in soy, and selenium, a trace element, have both been previously shown to have protective effects against prostate cancer. The lab of Dr. Merrill Christensen has been studying the effects of these compounds using the Transgenic Adenocarcinoma of the Mouse Prostate …

Potential Synergism Between Antioxidants Found In Blueberries (Vaccinium Cyanococcus), Richard Low, Dr. Tory Parker

Journal of Undergraduate Research

According to a review by Battino et al. (2009), blueberry consumption can regulate blood pressure, inhibit cancer growth, and improve cardiovascular health by preventing plaque buildup in the arteries. Naturally occurring antioxidants found in fruits and vegetables that are thought to stop the chain reactions of harmful free radicals that could lead to chronic disease (Battino et al., 2009). However, human trials testing individual antioxidants supplements found in fruit have not conclusively demonstrated chronic disease prevention (Herrera et al. 2009). Dr. Parker and I hypothesized that one reason whole fruit provides more antioxidant protection than individual antioxidant supplements is that …

Orange Phenolic Compound Consumption Increases Serum Antioxidant Capacity Independent Of Orange Sugar And Ascorbic Acid, Kfir Orgad, Dr. Tory Parker

Journal of Undergraduate Research

Recent scientific data has proposed that the oxidation of low density lipoproteins is the leading cause of cardiovascular disease, and thus premature death, in America. These studies have shown that people who consume more fruits and vegetables are less likely to develop cardiovascular disease as well as certain types of cancer (Lee et al., 1991; Hertog et al., 1993; van’t Veer et al., 2000). Because of this alarming statistic, fruits have been more closely scrutinized in recent research in order to understand the exact nutritional benefits that they offer. Primary emphasis has been placed on phenolic compounds found in fruits. …

Correlation Of Fruit Antioxidant Capacity And Anticancer Effects, Joshua Reber, Dr. Tory Parker

Journal of Undergraduate Research

The human health functionality of antioxidant vitamins and plant phytochemicals has been a topic of interest in recent years. Along with selenium and vitamins A, C, and E are many other phytochemicals which may protect the body from the free radical oxidation of DNA, proteins, lipoproteins, and other macromolecules. The protection provided from such nutrients against free radicals may result in a lower likelihood of cancer, cardiovascular disease, and other degenerative diseases (van’t Veer et al., 2000).

Selenium’S Effect On Insulin Resistance, Scott Brunson, Chad Hancock

Journal of Undergraduate Research

Due to dramatic increases in type II diabetes, studies on insulin resistance are especially applicable to this current health issue. Previous epidemiological studies examining selenium’s effect on prostate cancer observed a possible correlation between increased risk for type II diabetes mellitus and increased selenium levels in humans (Lippman, S.M.2009). However, in other studies contradictory results have been recorded. Due to these inconsistencies we are investigating the effects of selenium on insulin resistance. If increased dietary selenium causes insulin resistance, we will examine the mechanism by which this occurs.

Exercise Participation During Weight Loss On A High Protein – Low Carbohydrate Diet Plan In Females Aged 15-25 Years, Margaret Mobley-Meulman

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Weight gain due to poor diet and lack of exercise is responsible for over 300,000 deaths each year (U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, 2010). Obese adults have an increased risk for serious health conditions including high blood pressure and cholesterol, type 2 diabetes, coronary heart disease, stroke, gallbladder disease, osteoarthritis, sleep apnea, respiratory problems, and certain cancers (National Cancer Institute, 2012). Participation in exercise can help control weight, strengthen muscles and bones, and reduce the incidence of cardiac events, stroke, hypertension, type 2 diabetes, colon and breast cancers, osteoporotic fractures, gallbladder disease, obesity, depression, anxiety, and delay mortality …

Development And Testing The Validity And Reliability Of Items And Scales To Assess Physical Activity Behavior Of Adults In The Expanded Food And Nutrition Education Program, Tarana Khan

All Dissertations

Given the rising prevalence of obesity and other chronic diseases in the United States, the Expanded Food and Nutrition Education Program (EFNEP) includes physical activity as a core educational component along with diet quality, food safety, food resource management and food security. According to the Dietary Guidelines for Americans, research supports that participation in regular physical activity helps people maintain a healthy weight and prevent excess weight gain. When combined with reduced calorie intake, physical activity may aid weight loss and the maintenance of weight loss.
Two evaluation instruments are used in EFNEP nationwide. Nutritional intake is measured by a …

An Evaluation Of The Nontarget Effects Of Transgenic Bacillus Thuringiensis Maize On Arbuscular Mycorrhizal Fungi In The Soil Ecosystem, Tanya Elizabeth Amy Cheeke

Dissertations and Theses

My dissertation research examined the effect of the cultivation of insect-resistant Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) maize on the soil environment with a goal of understanding how to obtain a balance between technological advancement and maintenance of a healthy soil ecosystem. Although Bt plants may help to reduce pesticide use, conferring benefits to farm workers and the environment, there are still unresolved questions about how the cultivation of Bt plants affects soil organisms. For this dissertation project, I used 14 different genotypes of Bt maize and non-Bt maize (Zea mays) to investigate the effects of transgenic Bt plants on the colonization ability, …

Gratitude Is An Attitude, Winston J. Craig

Lake Union Herald

No abstract provided.

Eating Pathology, Supplement Use, And Nutrition Knowledge In Collegiate Athletes, Holly Beth Lapota

UNLV Theses, Dissertations, Professional Papers, and Capstones

Eating pathology (e.g., body dissatisfaction, binge eating, purging, restrictive eating) and substance use (e.g., dietary supplements, legal and illegal drugs) proliferate university settings in the United States. Within university settings, athletes appear to be at particularly high risk for eating pathology and supplement use due to the external pressures to be attractive, the need to perform at optimal levels, and the specific characteristics of sports in which they participate. Furthermore, the degree to which athletes understand what constitutes healthy eating and exercise habits is understudied and may relate to eating pathology and supplement use. To build on existing research, the …

Illuminating The Dark Side-Vitamin D Status In Different Localities Of Karachi, Romaina Iqbal, Lena Jafri, Ali Haroon, Aysha Habib Khan

Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine

This study was conducted to determine the association between place of residence (grouped into neighbourhoods), and 25-hydroxy D (25[OH]D) levels of individuals of Karachi. Addresses of 4788 individuals tested for 25[OH]D at the clinical laboratory of the Aga Khan University (AKU), Karachi, from January 2007 to June 2008 were reviewed. The neighbourhoods were categorized into ten, based on locality attributes. A high overall prevalence (74%) of vitamin D deficiency (VDD) was observed. There was a significant difference (p-value < 0.01) between mean log 25[OH]D levels amongst neighbourhoods grouped according to distinct housing structure attributes and localities. A high frequency of VDD in all the studied localities of an urban city warrant dietary vitamin D supplementation and food fortification.

Human-Relevant Levels Of Added Sugar Consumption Increase Female Mortality And Lower Male Fitness In Mice, James Ruff, Amanda Suchy, Sara Hugentobler, Mirtha Sosa, Bradley Schwartz, Linda Morrison, Sin Gieng, Mark Shigenaga, Wayne Potts

Faculty Publications

Consumption of added sugar has increased over recent decades and is correlated with numerous diseases. Rodent models have elucidated mechanisms of toxicity, but only at concentrations beyond typical human exposure. Here we show that comparatively low levels of added sugar consumption have substantial negative effects on mouse survival, competitive ability, and reproduction. Using Organismal Performance Assays—in which mice fed human-relevant concentrations of added sugar (25% kcal from a mixture of fructose and glucose, modeling high fructose corn syrup) and control mice compete in seminatural enclosures for territories, resources and mates—we demonstrate that fructose/glucose-fed females experience a twofold increase in mortality …

The Impact Of Parent Education On Parental Feeding Practices, Larra Kolby Brawley

Graduate Theses and Dissertations

This research looked at the potential impact that parent education may have on the feeding practices of parents of young children. Since eating behaviors are a national concern for both children and adults, it's important to examine how we can create not just healthier children but, as a result, healthier adults. This study utilized an intervention that was an adapted version of a healthy eating curriculum created by Sesame Workshop and the California WIC association with the intention of improving parental feeding practices through a behavior-based approach. Previous research with this curriculum has addressed only low-income populations, with a relatively …

Utilizing A Modular Approach To Gamification To Improve Nutrition And Fitness In Children, Chad Richards

Graduate Theses and Dissertations

Obesity is a worldwide epidemic that affects adults and children, impacts over 30% of the population in several states of the U.S., damages national economies, and is a factor in four out of the six of the leading causes of death, including diabetes and heart disease. Obesity is preventable: solution approaches include better education, more exercise, better nutrition, and changing eating habits. Still, it is difficult for many people to remain interested enough to educate themselves and to learn new behaviors to change their eating and exercise habits.

Gamification is a relatively new research area that involves using video game …

Status Gizi Balita Berdasarkan Composite Index Of Anthropometric Failure, Nurani Rahmadini, Trini Sudiarti, Diah Mulyawati Utari

Kesmas

Upaya menurunkan prevalensi kurang gizi pemerintah membuat program Keluarga Sadar Gizi (Kadarzi). Cakupan Kadarzi Kota Depok tahun 2011 rendah (12,7%) dan prevalensi gizi kurang, pendek, kurus berturut-turut 7,89%, 7%, 4,75%. Penelitian bertujuan mengetahui faktor dominan terhadap status gizi balita 6 - 59 bulan berdasarkan Composite Index of Anthropometric Failure (CIAF). Penelitian menggunakan data sekunder hasil survei Kadarzi 2011. Survei dilakukan di sebelas kecamatan Kota Depok menggunakan desain cross sectional. Sampel sebanyak 1.176 keluarga yang memiliki balita termuda umur 6 _ 59 bulan. Variabel yang diteliti adalah status gizi balita, perilaku Kadarzi, status Kadarzi, karakteristik balita, dan karakteristik keluarga. Hasil penelitian …

Faktor Risiko Malnutrisi Pada Balita, Titik Kuntari, Nur Aisyah Jamil, Opi Kurniati

Kesmas

Gizi buruk yang merupakan masalah penting di semua negara-negara miskin dan berkembang bertanggung jawab terhadap 60 persen kematian balita. Prevalensi balita gizi buruk di Indonesia tergolong tinggi, pada 2005, berbagai propinsi di Indonesia melaporkan 76.178 balita mengalami gizi buruk. Kasihan adalah salah satu kecamatan di kabupaten Bantul berbatasan dengan Kotamadya Yogyakarta yang menghadapi permasalahan gizi buruk. Tujuan penelitian adalah mengetahui angka kejadian dan faktor risiko gizi buruk di Kecamatan Kasihan, Kabupaten Bantul. Penelitian ini menggunakan desain studi kasus kontrol meliputi kelompok kasus 54 balita malnutrisi dan kelompok kontrol 54 balita gizi baik. Status gizi ditentukan berdasarkan Z score berat badan …

Holocarboxylase Synthetase Represses Long Terminal Repeats Through Epigenetic Synergies Between Biotin And Methyl Donors, And Activates Immune Response By Catalyzing Biotinylation Of Heat Shock Protein 72, Jing Xue

College of Education and Human Sciences: Dissertations, Theses, and Student Research

Holocarboxylase synthetase (HLCS) is the sole human protein biotin ligase in the human proteome. Other than its role as a coenzyme to the five carboxylases in intermediary metabolism, HLCS and biotin are involved in epigenetic gene regulation and immune response. Previously, it was shown that (1) HLCS physically interacts with histone methyl transferase EHMT-1 which creates histone H3 lysine 9 methylation (H3K9me) marks and biotinylates lysine (K) 161 in EHMT-1, thereby strenghtening the HLCS/EHMT-1 interaction; (2) biotin depletion and HLCS knockdown cause a loss of H3K9me marks leading to de-repression of long terminal repeats (LTRs) and chromosomal abnormalities; and (3) …

Nutrient Intakes Of Healthy Adults On A Gluten-Free Diet, Julie Devlin

Master's Theses and Doctoral Dissertations

Gluten-free diets have gained popularity in recent years among healthy individuals. However, gluten-free foods are typically lower in essential nutrients. It was hypothesized that the average intakes of fiber and the selected B vitamins and minerals would be lower in the gluten-free group than in the regular diet group. Fifty-eight adults, aged 25-35, participated in the study. Participants completed a five-day food record and questionnaire. FoodWorks℗ʼ nutrient analysis software was used to evaluate intake of macronutrients and selected micronutrients. Gluten-free males consumed significantly lower amounts of carbohydrates, fiber, niacin, folate, and calcium but significantly higher amounts of fat and sodium …

Celestial Sips, Winston J. Craig

Lake Union Herald

No abstract provided.

Assessing The Effectiveness Of Nutrition And Physical Activity Self-Assessment For Child Care (Nap Sacc) For Changes In Physical Activity Behavior, Policy, And Environment In Nebraska Family Child Care Homes, Katie K. Bolte

College of Education and Human Sciences: Dissertations, Theses, and Student Research

Nebraska is the first state to utilize NAP SACC and to modify the evidence-based program for family child care homes (FCCHs). The purpose of this study was to conduct a secondary data analysis to assess the effectiveness of a modified version of the NAP SACC approach in achieving changes in physical activity behavior, policy, and environment in Nebraska FCCHs caring for children ages 2-5 years. Results from this study will be used to improve the NAP SACC physical activity components for FCCHs and will help to inform trainers and the Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services, Nutrition and Activity …

Effect Of Lactose Monolaurate And High Intensity Ultrasound On Crystallization Behavior Of Anydrous Milk Fat, Ashwini Wagh, M. K. Walsh, Silvana Martini

Nutrition, Dietetics, and Food Sciences Faculty Publications

Crystallization behavior of anhydrous milk fat (AMF) was studied with the addition of 0.025 and 0.05 % lactose monolaurate (LML). The crystallization behavior was studied at low (ΔT = 3 °C) and high supercooling (ΔT = 6 °C). Polarized light microscopy and laser turbidimetry indicated a delay in crystallization on addition of 0.025 % and 0.05 % LML or Tween 20 to AMF. High intensity ultrasound (HIU) was applied to AMF samples with 0.05 % LML and lower supercooling (T c = 31 °C; ΔT = 3 °C). HIU application in AMF and AMF + 0.05 % LML induced crystallization …

Faktor Determinan Pemilihan Makanan Jajanan Pada Siswa Sekolah Dasar, Yohanes Kristianto, Bastianus Daddy Riyadi, Annasari Mustafa

Kesmas

Makanan jajanan pada siswa sekolah masih banyak yang bermutu rendah sehingga keterampilan anak dalam memilih memegang peran penting dalam mendapatkan jajanan yang sesuai dengan kebutuhannya. Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk menilai mutu jajanan siswa sekolah dan mengidentifikasi faktor-faktor yang menentukan pemilihan jajanan. Penelitian dilakukan dengan menggunakan desain cross sectional pada 120 siswa sekolah dasar di Kota Batu yang dipilih secara purposif pada bulan September hingga Desember 2009. Mutu jajanan sekolah diperiksa di laboratorium. Siswa diminta untuk menjawab 28 pertanyaan tentang pemilihan jajanan. Data yang diperoleh diolah dan dianalisis dengan uji analisis faktor. Hasil penelitian menunjukkan bahwa pada umumnya jajanan pada siswa …

The Obesity Epidemic, Lenka Kollar, Evienne Epifano, Molly Mckneight, Jeff Miskovich, Heather Moore

Student Papers in Public Policy

The incidence of chronic, noncommunicable diseases, such as heart disease, is increasing at an alarming rate on the global scale. The growing prevalence of overweight and obesity have led to an upsurge in cases of diabetes and other obesity-related diseases. About 18 million people die every year from heart disease, of which diabetes and obesity are major predisposing factors. Worldwide, more than 1.1 billion adults are overweight, 312 million of which are obese. The number of children that are overweight or obese is also growing (Hossain, Parvez et al.). Obesity, and the associated diseases, has become a worldwide epidemic and …

The Putative Role Of Resveratrol In Sirt-1 Mediated Modulation Of The Vitamin D Pathway, Angelika Dampf Stone, Shane F. Batie, G. Kerr Whitfield, Mark R. Haussler, Peter W. Jurutka

American Association for the Advancement of Science Pacific Conference

The nuclear vitamin D receptor (VDR) modulates gene transcription in 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D (1,25D) target tissues such as kidney, colon, and bone. The 1,25D hormone is derived from vitamin D in the skin or from the diet, and binds to and activates the VDR. We have previously shown that resveratrol, an antioxidant found in the skin of red grapes, has the ability to activate the VDR signaling pathway. Moreover, cells treated with both resveratrol and 1,25D resulted in an additive or even synergistic stimulation of VDR-mediated transcription compared to cells treated with 1,25D alone. Based on these initial results, experiments were …

Foxo1a And Thioredoxin-Interacting Protein Levels In Male Mice Fed Dietary Selenium And Isoflavones, Michael Stallings, Chad Hancock

Journal of Undergraduate Research

Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus is a public health concern for the United States and is becoming a global health crisis. The hallmark of type 2 diabetes is high blood sugar, which leads to a host of other health issues. In healthy subjects, insulin acts as a signal to increase uptake of glucose from the blood stream into skeletal muscle. However, with the onset of diabetes skeletal muscle becomes resistant to insulin signaling. One of the many factors involved in skeletal muscle insulin resistance is Forkhead Box Protein 1a (FOXO1a) [1].