Digital Commons Network^™

Translational Potential Of Mouse Models Of Human Metabolic Disease, I Sadaf Farooqi, Yong Xu

Children’s Nutrition Research Center Staff Publications

Obesity causes significant morbidity and mortality globally. Research in the last three decades has delivered a step-change in our understanding of the fundamental mechanisms that regulate energy homeostasis, building on foundational discoveries in mouse models of metabolic disease. However, not all findings made in rodents have translated to humans, hampering drug discovery in this field. Here, we review how studies in mice and humans have informed our current framework for understanding energy homeostasis, discuss their challenges and limitations, and offer a perspective on how human studies may play an increasingly important role in the discovery of disease mechanisms and identification …

Sex Differences In The Diets Of Forest-Dwelling Baboons (Papio Anubis), Kara Hartunian

Theses and Dissertations

The ability to eat and switch between many food sources is an adaptative feeding strategy utilized for meeting nutritional needs across different environments, seasons, and physiological conditions. Baboons (genus Papio) excel at both dietary flexibility and foraging selectively, and consequently have one of the most widespread geographic distributions in the Order. To further expand to our understanding of baboon feeding ecology, I analyzed foraging activity and the nutritional characteristics of the diets of the relatively understudied rainforest baboons (Papio anubis) living in Kibale National Park, Uganda. I also investigated if there are differences in food type choice …

Covid-19 Prevention Behaviors And Dietary Habits Among Undergraduate Students: A Health Belief Model Approach, Doreen Liou

Department of Nutrition and Food Studies Scholarship and Creative Works

Physical and social disruptions resulted from the COVID-19 pandemic, affecting young adults in higher education. The purpose of this survey research is to unveil COVID-19 related beliefs using the Health Belief Model, and COVID-19 prevention behaviors, including self-reported fruit and vegetable consumption among university students. A cross-sectional survey was administered to 304 male and female undergraduate students from diverse ethnic backgrounds and majors at a New Jersey state university using convenience sampling. Variables measured included frequency of COVID-19 prevention behaviors (e.g.: wearing indoor mask, handwashing), and consumption of fruit and vegetables (dark green and orange vegetables) over the previous week. …

Molecular Mechanisms Of Exercise-Stimulated Resolution Of Inflammation And Its Dietary Dependence., Ernesto H. Pena Calderin

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Diet-induced obesity and adipose tissue (AT) inflammation that ensues sets the stage for systemic metabolic inflammation, disrupted insulin signaling, and eventual type 2 diabetes (T2D) development. At the center of this pathology lies a disruption in endogenous inflammation resolution pathways characterized by an imbalance in lipid mediator production (greater abundance of pro-inflammatory to pro-resolving lipids). Additionally, obese states are characterized by adrenergic deficiency, especially in response to physical activity. Inflammatory processes have been experimentally mitigated by either the pharmacological inhibition of pro-inflammatory signals (i.e., Leukotriene B₄ (LTB₄) and its receptor BLT1, which establishes a potent chemotactic stimulus …

Relationship Between The Physical Properties And Oil Binding Capacity Of Fats, Melissa Abigail Marsh

All Graduate Theses and Dissertations, Fall 2023 to Present

Fats play a significant role in shaping the characteristics of foods, influencing texture, mouthfeel, appearance, and nutritional attributes. An important property of fats is their ability to entrap liquid oil known as oil binding capacity (OBC). Poor OBC of fats frequently leads to shortened-shelf life of foods caused by quality issues due to unwanted chemical and physical changes. In natural nut butters without additives, low OBC often results in a visual oil layer forming at the surface. In filled chocolates such as truffles, pralines, and peanut butter cups this low OBC can result in unwanted textural and visual changes.

The …

Preschool Executive Control And Adolescent Dietary Outcomes: Highlighting The Role Of Context, Marla Lopez

Dissertations and Doctoral Documents, University of Nebraska-Lincoln, 2023–

Research has identified executive control (EC) as an important predictor of dietary outcomes among youth. Executive control in preschool age has been shown to predict important outcomes across development for youth, indicating that good, foundational EC abilities are associated with successful development in later life. Dietary outcomes across adolescence, an important transitional period for establishing healthy eating behaviors, are understudied. Therefore, the current study sought to link two critical developmental periods, examining how preschool EC is associated with dietary trajectories across adolescence. Further, the study aimed to identify how contextual factors, specifically indices of socio-economic status and the home and …

Enriching The Pcos Lifestyle, Callie Coleman

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) is an endocrine disorder affecting approximately 4 – 20% of women worldwide. It is associated with insulin resistance, fertility problems, and an increased susceptibility to chronic conditions through multiple inflammatory pathways. Women with PCOS are also at increased risk for disordered eating. The Mediterranean diet is associated with decreased inflammation and risk of chronic conditions, and intuitive eating principles are associated with decreased disordered eating patterns. The purpose of this study was to determine if a six-week nutrition education workshop incorporating information and skills related to both the Mediterranean lifestyle and intuitive eating principles can improve …

Individually Randomized Trial Mislabeled As A Cluster-Randomized Trial Comment On: “Effectiveness Of Wearable Technology To Optimize Youth Soccer Players’ Off-Training Behaviour And Training Responses: A Cluster-Randomized Trial”, Jean Michel R S Leite, Jasmine Jamshidi-Naeini, Colby J Vorland, Lilian Golzarri-Arroyo, David B Allison

Children’s Nutrition Research Center Staff Publications

No abstract provided.

Emotional Eating In Adolescents With Obesity: Case Series, Paula Dayan

Electronic Theses, Projects, and Dissertations

Childhood obesity remains a significant public health concern, with substantial implications for physical and mental well-being. This thesis aims to explore the intricate relationship between emotional eating and obesity among adolescents, with a focus on identifying emotional triggers and assessing their psychological impact. Utilizing a cross-sectional study design at a university in southern California, data were collected from two adolescents aged 13-18 years. Through surveys and body composition measurements, participants' emotional barriers to weight loss and readiness for change were assessed. The findings underscore the presence of varying degrees of emotional hurdles among adolescents with obesity, including depression, frustration, and …

Food Waste Study At A School District In California, Monica Ibarra

Electronic Theses, Projects, and Dissertations

This study is aimed at evaluating food leftovers and wastes among elementary school students by comparing their food preferences for different ethnic cuisines, developing strategies to reduce food waste, and an assessment of quality assurance of food served. Data were collected from a cafeteria at an elementary school located in California. The total number of students served each day at this elementary school was 475. Data were provided by the cafeteria staff after the lunch was served. It was observed that students preferred Chinese food (specifically, Orange Chicken) over Mexican (Beef Chalupas) and American (Turkey with Gravy) where100% of the …

Assessment Of American Tannin-Free Grain Sorghum As Feedstuff For Poultry: Nutrient Composition, Amino Acid Digestibility And Bird Performance, Santiago Sasia

All Dissertations

Given the rising cost of poultry diets, alternative ingredients like sorghum are crucial for maximizing returns without compromising product quality. Sorghum's drought tolerance and adaptability, along with its nutritional profile, make it a viable corn substitute. This dissertation examines the nutrient composition, amino acid digestibility, and performance of poultry fed with American tannin-free grain sorghum. Chapter II evaluates the impact of sorghum-based diets, with or without phytase superdosing, on broiler performance, including body weight, weight gain, feed intake, and feed conversion ratio. Results indicate that sorghum can replace corn without adverse effects on broiler performance. Chapter III explores the partial …

Diet Modification Reduces Pain And Improves Function In Adults With Osteoarthritis: A Systematic Review, Karen Stanfar, Corey Hawes, Mina Ghajar, Laura Byham-Gray, Diane R. Radler

Health & Biomedical Sciences Faculty Publications

Background

The effect of dietary modifications on pain and joint function in adults with osteoarthritis (OA) is an emerging area of study. This systematic review aimed to evaluate if adults with OA who consume diets with a higher proportion of plant phenols and omega-3 fatty acids would have less pain and improved joint function than those with a higher proportion of saturated fatty acids, omega-6 fatty acids and refined carbohydrates.

Methods

Database searches of CINAHL (EBSCO), Clinical Trials (NIH-NLM), Cochrane Library (Wiley), Dissertation & Thesis Global (ProQuest), Embase (Elsevier), Medline (OVID), PubMed (NLM), Scopus (Elsevier), Web of Sciences (Clarivate) for …

Influence Of Ethanol Concentration On The Extraction Of Cannabinoid And Volatile Compounds For Dry-Hemped Beer, Santiago Cardenas-Pinto, Jacob E. Gazaleh, Drew Budner, Shea Keene, Leena R. Dhoble, Abhisheak Sharma, Brian Pearson, Zhen Jia, Boce Zhang, Katherine A. Thompson-Witrick

Chemistry

Beer is one of the most widely consumed beverages in the world. Since the legalization of low-delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) (< 0.03%) Cannabis sativa in the United States, this controversial plant is being looked upon as a potential flavor additive for use in beer. Cannabis sativa shares similar aromatic and flavor characteristics to that of hops (Humulus lupulus). This study was designed to determine the influence ethanol concentration has on the cannabinoid and volatile compounds found in beer. Three experimental beers with varying ethanol (3, 6, and 9% ABV) concentrations were used for this experiment. Using dry-hopping practices and dosing from commercial brewing techniques, hemp was placed in the beer for five days at 25 °C. Cannabinoids and volatile compounds were analyzed following the completion of the dry-hemping process. Statistical differences were observed only for the cannabinoid, tetrahydrocannabinolic acid (THCA), while, no other individual cannabinoid or the summation of the total cannabinoids were statistically different. Volatile compounds were analyzed using gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC-MS). Statistical differences were observed between the monoterpenes and the sesquiterpenes volatile compound groups. In summary, ethanol concentration appears to have no impact on the extraction efficiency of cannabinoids but does appear to influence volatile compounds when hemp is added to beer through the dry-hemping process.

Social Marketing And The Challenges Of Participant Recruitment, Tom Baranowski, Teresia M O'Connor, John A Jimenez-Garcia, Kavita Radhakrishnan, Elva M Arrendondo, Debbe Thompson

Children’s Nutrition Research Center Staff Publications

Recruitment of research participants often has not obtained a desired sample size, thereby becoming a major problem inhibiting investigators' ability to adequately test the specified hypotheses. Social marketing with its four Ps, originally developed by the business world to sell products and adapted for public health initiatives, is proposed as a dynamic comprehensive conceptual framework to apply marketing principles and practices to enhance participant recruitment. Applying a social marketing approach to research recruitment would require initial investigation to understand the motivations of the target audience in regard to research participation, and continued research throughout the main project to adapt the …

A Light-Responsive Neural Circuit Suppresses Feeding, Hailan Liu, Na Qu, Natalia Valdez Gonzalez, Marco A Palma, Huamin Chen, Jiani Xiong, Abhinav Choubey, Yongxiang Li, Xin Li, Meng Yu, Hesong Liu, Longlong Tu, Nan Zhang, Na Yin, Kristine Marie Conde, Mengjie Wang, Jonathan Carter Bean, Junying Han, Nikolas Anthony Scarcelli, Yongjie Yang, Kenji Saito, Huxing Cui, Qingchun Tong, Zheng Sun, Chunmei Wang, Xing Cai, Li Lu, Yang He, Yong Xu

Faculty, Staff and Students Publications

Light plays an essential role in a variety of physiological processes, including vision, mood, and glucose homeostasis. However, the intricate relationship between light and an animal's feeding behavior has remained elusive. Here, we found that light exposure suppresses food intake, whereas darkness amplifies it in male mice. Interestingly, this phenomenon extends its reach to diurnal male Nile grass rats and healthy humans. We further show that lateral habenula (LHb) neurons in mice respond to light exposure, which in turn activates 5-HT neurons in the dorsal Raphe nucleus (DRN). Activation of the LHb→5-HTDRN circuit in mice blunts darkness-induced hyperphagia, while inhibition …

Nutrition And Dietetics Educators’ Experiences Using Systems Thinking In Teaching, Erin E. Bergquist, Lyndi Buckingham-Schutt, Scott Smalley, Christina G. Campbell, Awoke Dollisso, Shuyang Qu

Journal of Dietetic Education

Objective: Describe educator experiences teaching systems thinking in nutrition and dietetics education. Design: Qualitative, semi-structured, online interviews. Setting: Educators teaching in accredited nutrition and dietetics programs. Participants: Purposive sample of thirteen Registered Dietitian Nutritionists (92% female, 77% with > 6 years teaching experience) from each U.S. census region and accredited program type. Phenomenon of Interest: Educators described experiences teaching systems thinking in accredited programs, including benefits. Analysis: Transcribed interviews were analyzed using qualitative grounded theory iterative coding. Excel was used for data organization and thematic coding analysis. Results: Educators described four themes when teaching systems thinking: (1) a holistic approach to …

Student Exposure To Andhii Improves Confidence With Applying The Nutrition Care Process, Casey Colin, Tad Campbell, Michel Harris, Avalon Mustafa, Lindsay Woodcock

Journal of Dietetic Education

The objective of this study was to explore if using ANDHII improves NCP confidence and documentation quality. This quasi-experimental trial was conducted with n = 43 undergraduate dietetic students. NCP confidence was measured before and after a traditional case study, and after an ANDHII case study. Documentation quality was measured using a validated quality audit tool. Confidence increased from time 1 to time 2 (p = 0.008), and from time 2 to time 3 (p = 0.003). Documentation quality was higher for the ANDHII documentation compared to the non-ANDHII documentation (p < 0.001) but lower when compared to the traditional ADIME (p = 0.03). Familiarizing students with ANDHII improved NCP confidence. Opportunities exist to improve ANDHII functionality and positively impact documentation quality.

Impact Of Covid-19 On Coordinated Programs In Dietetics, Eric West, Tiffany Sterling, Joanna Cupp, Sara Tamsukhin

Journal of Dietetic Education

The purpose of this study was to analyze tactics employed by coordinated programs in dietetics during COVID-19 and share best practices in the event that another crisis disrupts the intended learning plan and curriculum. The study was conducted via a survey that consisted of 14 questions, not including consent, that pertained to their specific program, whether COVID disrupted their supervised practice experiences, and if so, how they overcame the challenge. Participants receiving the survey consisted of dietetic coordinated program directors and the clinical coordinators of the respective program if applicable. The survey was sent to 60 total participants with 21 …

Can Gpa And Degree Type Predict Success On The Entry-Level Registration Examination For Dietitians?, Sunitha Zechariah, Jennifer Doley, Nicole Moore, Raymond Chong

Journal of Dietetic Education

Purpose: Although program directors consider several measures when assessing dietetic program applicants, grade point average (GPA) is often the most highly weighted. However, its ability to predict success in the entry-level registration examination for dietitians (RD exam) is unknown. Our objective was to determine how well GPA predicted first-time success in the RD exam. Methods: We conducted a retrospective review of the associations among academic variables: pre-admission GPA (Overall- GPA), didactic program in dietetics GPA (DPD-GPA), and the type of degree (bachelor's versus master’s) with first-time RD exam scores across seven cohorts from three DI programs (N = 408). Results: …

Perceptions Of Assessment Processes, Enhanced Competency Integration, And Practice Preparation Among Future Education Model Graduate Program Alumni, Katherine Wiley, Pamela Rothpletz-Puglia, Laura Byham-Gray, Jennifer Tomesko

Journal of Dietetic Education

Background: Competency-based assessment (CBE) focuses on applying knowledge and skills to progress from novice to expert in clinical areas. The Future Education Model Graduate Program (FEMGP) incorporates CBE to meet enhanced competencies for nutrition and dietetics. Objective: This study explored FEMGP graduates’ perceptions of assessment methods and practices and perceptions of enhanced competency (EC) integration and preparedness for entry-level practice. Methods: This was a basic descriptive qualitative study. Ninety-eight graduates from one FEMGP in the northeastern US were recruited via email to participate in one of 13 virtual focus groups from April-June of 2023. Directed content analysis was conducted with …

Registered Dietitian Nutritionists’ Knowledge, Confidence, And Experiences With Treating Trafficked Individuals: A Call For Interprofessional Continuing Education, Christen C. Cooper, Lydia Mcroberts

Journal of Dietetic Education

Background: Victims of human trafficking (HT) frequently face malnutrition, dehydration, low food security, and infections. When identified, victims of HT are normally treated with interprofessional team (IPT) care that often excludes Registered Dietitian Nutritionists (RDNs). Although RDNs are trained to treat these conditions, they may lack knowledge, confidence, and skills, for working with this population, as well as the opportunities to work on such IPTs. To date, no study has explored RDNs’ knowledge of or work with individuals who are trafficked. Objective: To explore RDNs’: HT knowledge, confidence in the ability to work with victims of HT, and barriers to …

Learning At Diabetes Camp: Experiential And Interprofessional Opportunities For Dietetics Students, Mallory Mount, Mary Kathryn Gould

Journal of Dietetic Education

Diabetes camp is helpful in providing hands-on learning experiences and interprofessional learning opportunities through immersive experiences. Currently, there is little research comparing the changes in knowledge and perception during experiential learning in dietetics students at a residential diabetes camp. This longitudinal qualitative case study explored the knowledge, perceptions, confidence, and empathy gained by four dietetics students during experiential learning at the camp. Qualitative research methods (interviews, observations, "photovoice," journals, and focus groups) were used to explore and understand participants’ experiences of hands-on involvement with type one diabetes, and what they learned at camp that cannot be learned in a classroom. …

Emphasizing Interprofessional Education Through A Virtual Case Study In A Medical Nutrition Therapy Course, Natalie B. Allen, Traci A. Garrison, Wendy R. Jackson, Bonnie K. Slavych

Journal of Dietetic Education

This observational research presents multi-year findings of a project using an online case study implemented in an undergraduate Medical Nutrition Therapy class that fostered interprofessional collaboration among students from various healthcare disciplines. The case study focused on a fictional patient with an ischemic stroke and all work was virtual. Students from various allied healthcare fields were represented: dietetics and nutrition, occupational therapy, speech-language pathology, and social work. Both undergraduate and graduate students participated in developing a virtual care plan for the patient, with an emphasis on helping students explain their role to the team, while simultaneously learning how to collaborate …

Interprofessional Education In Dietetics Programs: Student And Director Perspectives, Mckenna Voorhees, Heidi J. Wengreen, Mateja R. Savoie-Roskos, Katie N. Kraus

Journal of Dietetic Education

Background: Interprofessional Collaborative Practice (IPCP) supports optimal healthcare outcomes; accordingly, dietetic program accreditation standards require interprofessional-related education (IPE). Objective: To explore IPE implementation and evaluation of IPE in dietetics curricula, and how these relate to director confidence in students and student satisfaction. Main Outcome Measures: IPE approaches (lectures, assignments, direct experience, case studies/facilitated multidisciplinary interactions), Timing of IPE (years 1, 2, 3, 4, other), director confidence (10-level scale), student IPE satisfaction (7-level scale) Statistical Analyses Performed: The strength and direction of correlation between number of IPE methods with director confidence/student satisfaction, and time spent on IPE with director confidence were …

Editors' Message, Sara Tamsukhin, Christine Meissner

Journal of Dietetic Education

In this issue of the Journal of Dietetic Education, we share a special section for interprofessional education (IPE). The articles highlight potential avenues for interprofessional education in dietetics programs and continuing education for dietetics professionals. Each article offers insight into the landscape of dietetic education and the need for IPE. Dietetic students learn from IPE experiences in their programs. However, additional IPE occurs through outside experiences and throughout a dietitian’s career.

Cover And Front Matter, Sara Tamsukhin, Christine Meissner

Journal of Dietetic Education

No abstract provided.

27-Hydroxycholesterol Acts On Estrogen Receptor Α Expressed By Pomc Neurons In The Arcuate Nucleus To Modulate Feeding Behavior, Hui Ye, Xiaohua Yang, Bing Feng, Pei Luo, Valeria C Torres Irizarry, Leslie Carrillo-Sáenz, Meng Yu, Yongjie Yang, Benjamin P Eappen, Marcos David Munoz, Nirali Patel, Sarah Schaul, Lucas Ibrahimi, Penghua Lai, Xinyue Qi, Yuliang Zhou, Maya Kota, Devin Dixit, Madeline Mun, Chong Wee Liew, Yuwei Jiang, Chunmei Wang, Yanlin He, Pingwen Xu

Faculty, Staff and Students Publications

Oxysterols are metabolites of cholesterol that regulate cholesterol homeostasis. Among these, the most abundant oxysterol is 27-hydroxycholesterol (27HC), which can cross the blood-brain barrier. Because 27HC functions as an endogenous selective estrogen receptor modulator, we hypothesize that 27HC binds to the estrogen receptor α (ERα) in the brain to regulate energy balance. Supporting this view, we found that delivering 27HC to the brain reduced food intake and activated proopiomelanocortin (POMC) neurons in the arcuate nucleus of the hypothalamus (POMCARH) in an ERα-dependent manner. In addition, we observed that inhibiting brain ERα, deleting ERα in POMC neurons, or chemogenetic inhibition of …

Urban-Rural Disparities In Food Insecurity And Weight Status Among Children In The United States, Jayna M Dave, Tzuan A Chen, Alexandra N Castro, Mamie A White, Elizabeth A Onugha, Sloane Zimmerman, Debbe Thompson

Children’s Nutrition Research Center Staff Publications

Place of residence (urban versus rural) is a contextual determinant of health that has received less attention in the food insecurity literature. The purpose of this study was to assess the urban–rural disparity in the prevalence of food insecurity and weight status among US children. Using data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) 2013–2016 with three age groups of children (2–5, 6–11, and 12–17 years old), the associations of weight status and child and household food security status by urban–rural residence were examined using Rao–Scott Chi-square tests. Statistical significance was set at p < 0.05. Children living in urban areas were significantly more likely to experience household food insecurity (29.15%) compared to their rural counterparts (19.10%), among those aged 6–11 years. The associations between children’s weight status and child and household food security status were significant for children living in urban areas overall and different age groups but not for children living in rural areas. These trends were more pronounced in older age groups. Given the link between food insecurity and higher obesity rates, particularly among urban children, this study highlights the importance of incorporating food security interventions into future obesity prevention programs.

Examining Dietary Disparities And Associated Factors Among Young Children Across Diverse Racial, Ethnic And Immigrant Households In Nebraska, Naveta Bhatti

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

Early childhood is a crucial stage for developing eating behaviors which in turn plays a major role in determining health outcomes. Assessing children’s diet plays a crucial role in tackling the obesity epidemic. One of the ways to assess children’s dietary intake is by evaluating their dietary quality. Dietary quality refers to the overall healthfulness and nutritional value of an individual's diet, considering the combination of foods consumed over time. Research has consistently demonstrated that a high-quality diet is associated with a reduced risk of several health issues, such as all-cause mortality, cardiovascular disease incidence or mortality, cancer incidence or …

Genetically Modified Bovine Milk-Derived Small Extracellular Vesicles In Drug Delivery, Alice Kah Hui Ngu

Dissertations and Doctoral Documents, University of Nebraska-Lincoln, 2023–

Small extracellular vesicles (SEVs, “exosomes”) are natural nanoparticles that can be endogenously synthesized and also obtained from dietary sources, such as bovine milk SEVs (mEVs). mEVs have been extensively studied and discovered with contributive features that potentially play a role in drug delivery and other therapeutic purposes, such as diagnostic tools. Current studies have shown that mEVs have been used preclinically to carry in targeting drugs, nucleotides, biomolecules, and labels to target metabolic diseases and cancers. Extensive studies have focused on further modifying SEVs to enhance their versatility in pharmaceutical use. In this dissertation, we exhibited one of the ways …