Digital Commons Network^™

Increasing Low-Energy-Dense Foods And Decreasing High-Energy-Dense Foods Differently Influence Weight Loss Trial Outcomes, Maya Vadiveloo, Haley Parker, H. Raynor

Nutrition Faculty Publications

Background/Objective: Although reducing energy density (ED) enhances weight loss, it is unclear whether all dietary strategies that reduce ED are comparable, hindering effective ED guidelines for obesity treatment. This study examined how changes in number of low-energy-dense (LED) (<4.186 kJ/1.0 kcal g^–1) and high-energy-dense (HED) (>12.56 kJ/3.0 kcal ^g–1) foods consumed affected dietary ED and weight loss within an 18-month weight loss trial.

Methods: This secondary analysis examined data from participants randomized to an energy-restricted lifestyle intervention or lifestyle intervention plus limited non-nutrient dense, energy-dense food variety (n=183). Number of daily LED and HED foods consumed was …

Sleep Duration Mediates The Relationship Between Health Behavior Patterns And Obesity, Jill L. Kaar, Sarah J. Schmiege, Maya Vadiveloo, Stacey L. Simon, Alison Tovar

Nutrition Faculty Publications

Objective: To examine associations between health behavior patterns and childhood obesity, and the mediating effect of sleep duration.

Design: Population-based survey.

Participants: Secondary analysis of data from the Infant Feeding Practices Study (age 6 years, n = 1073).

Measurements: Mothers self-reported their child’s health behaviors including physical activity (PA), screen time, sleep duration, and diet. Latent class analysis determined the child’s patterns based on health behaviors. Sleep was examined as a mediator between the class membership variable and %BMI_p95.

Results: A 3-class model fit the data best, with classes labeled as “Poorest eaters” …

Sweet, Sweet Science: Addressing The Gender Gap In Stem Disciplines Through A One-Day High School Program In Sugar Chemistry, Mindy Levine, Dana J. Discenza

Chemistry Faculty Publications

Reported herein is the design, implementation, and evaluation of a full-day outreach program for high school girls that focuses entirely on sugar-related activities. The program, which we ran in February 2016 and February 2017, included multiple hands-on sugar-based experiments to increase the participants’ interest in and enthusiasm for science. The success of the program was quantitatively evaluated through the administration of precamp and postcamp surveys. Overall, the survey results indicated a statistically significant improvement in responses in one of the two program years, which corresponds to success in changing the participants’ attitudes regarding the practical applicability of science and in …

High Background In Elispot Assays Is Associated With Elevated Levels Of Immune Activation In Hiv‐1‐Seronegative Individuals In Nairobi, Amy Y. Liu, Stephen C. De Rosa, Brandon L. Guthrie, Robert Y. Choi, Rose Kerubo-Bosire, Barbara A. Richardson, James Kiarie, Carey Farquhar, Barbara L. Lohman-Payne

Cell and Molecular Biology Faculty Publications

Introduction: Spontaneous interferon‐γ (IFNγ) released detected by enzyme‐linked immunospot (ELISpot) assays may be a biological phenomenon. Markers of immune activation levels were assessed as correlates of high background among individuals in Kenya. Methods: Couples concordantly seronegative for HIV‐1 were enrolled. IFN‐γ ELISpot assays were conducted and negative control wells were categorized as having either high or low background (≥50 and <50 SFU/10⁶ peripheral blood mononuclear cells [PBMC], respectively). PBMC were stained for CD4, CD8, and immune activation markers (CD38 and HLA‐DR) and analyzed using flow cytometry. Proportions of activated T‐cells were compared between those with low and high background …

University Manual 2017-2018, Uri Faculty Senate

University Manual Archive

No abstract provided.

Urinformed Fall 2018, Urinformed

URInformed: The URI Employees' Newsletter

No abstract provided.

Bloom-Forming Macroalgae (Ulva Spp.) Inhibit The Growth Of Co-Occurring Macroalgae And Decrease Eastern Oyster Larval Survival, Lindsay A. Green-Gavrielidis, Fiona Mackechnie, Carol S. Thornber, Marta Gomez-Chiarri

Natural Resources Science Faculty Publications

Macroalgal blooms have increased in frequency worldwide due to anthropogenic activities. Algal blooms can disrupt recreational activities, interfere with fisheries, and deplete oxygen during decomposition. Narragansett Bay has experienced macroalgal blooms dominated by blade-forming macroalgae of the genus Ulva for over a century. Evidence from other systems has suggested that Ulva can negatively impact other organisms. The first objective of this study was to determine whether bloom-forming U. compressa and U. rigida inhibit the growth of co-occurring macroalgae—Gracilaria vermiculophylla, Cystoclonium purpureum, and Chondrus crispus—during co-culture via laboratory based assays. We found that U. compressa and U. …

Keys To Person-Centred Care To Persons Living With Dementia – Experiences From An Educational Program In Sweden, Mia Berglund, Catharina Gillsjö, Rune Svanström

College of Nursing Faculty Publications

Growing old entails an increased risk of disabilities and illnesses such as dementia. The orientation in Sweden on national level is that individuals remain in their own homes if desired and receive person-centred home care. The aim of this study was to describe the experience of an educational program and its influence on daily provision of care to persons with dementia. A life-world approach was used. Data were collected through group interviews with care providers in the context of home. The findings are presented in five themes: Increased knowledge about dementia and treatment, Relationship-building in order to provide good care, …

Nutritional Quality Of Meals And Snacks Served And Consumed In Family Child Care, Alison Tovar, Sara E. Benjamin-Neelon, Amber E. Vaughn, Maggie Tsai, Regan Burney, Truls Østbye, Dianne S. Ward

Nutrition Faculty Publications

Background: Improving the nutritional quality of food, including beverages, served in early care and education settings should enhance children’s diet quality. However, few studies have explored the relationship between what is served and consumed in family child-care homes (FCCHs).

Objective: To describe the nutritional quality of food served to children in FCCHs and to assess the extent to which children eat what is served.

Design: This study was a cross-sectional analysis using baseline data (n=166) from a cluster-randomized controlled trial (2013-2016).

Participants/Setting: Eligible FCCHs in central North Carolina had to have at least two children between …

Optimal Duration For Continuation Of Statin Therapy In Bacteremic Patients, Ajinkya M. Pawar, L. Laplante, Tristan T. Timbrook, Aisling R. Caffrey

Pharmacy Practice and Clinical Research Faculty Publications

Background: Evidence suggests statins may improve survival in patients with bloodstream infections. However, there is no consensus on optimal timing and duration of exposure.

Objectives: To quantify statin therapy duration associated with decreased mortality in bacteremic statin users.

Methods: We conducted a case-control study using OptumClinformatics™ with matched Premier hospital data (1 October 2009–31 March 2013). Cases who died during the hospitalization were matched 1:1 to survivors on disease risk scores (DRSs). Post-admission statin therapy duration was evaluated in patients with at least 90 days of pre-admission continuous statin use. Classification and regression tree (CART) analysis was …

Effectiveness Of A Multivitamin Supplementation Program Among Hiv-Infected Adults In Tanzania, Christopher R. Sudfeld, L. Buchanan, Nzovu Ulenga, Donna Spiegelman, Expeditho Mtisi, Ellen Hertzmark, Aisa N. Muya, David Sando, Ester Mungure, Mucho Mizinduko, Wafaie W. Fawzi

Pharmacy Practice and Clinical Research Faculty Publications

Objective: The objective of this study was to assess the effectiveness of a routine multivitamin supplementation program for adults living with HIV in Tanzania.

Design: We conducted a retrospective cohort study of 67,707 adults enrolled in the Dar es Salaam HIV care and treatment program during 2004-2012.

Methods: The Dar es Salaam HIV care and treatment program intended to provide all adult patients with multivitamin supplements (vitamins B-complex, C, and E) free of charge; however, intermittent stockouts and other implementation issues did not afford universal coverage. We use Cox proportional hazard models to assess the time-varying association of multivitamin supplementation …

Predictors Of Mortality Among A National Cohort Of Veterans With Recurrent Clostridium Difficile Infection, Haley J. Appaneal, R. Caffrey, Maya Beganovic, Sanja Avramovic, Kerry L. Laplante

Pharmacy Practice and Clinical Research Faculty Publications

Background: Though recurrent Clostridium difficile infection (CDI) is common and poses a major clinical concern, data are lacking regarding mortality among patients who survive their initial CDI and have subsequent recurrences. Risk factors for mortality in patients with recurrent CDI are largely unknown.

Methods: Veterans Affairs patients with a first CDI (stool sample with positive C. difficile toxin(s) and ≥2 days CDI treatment) were included (2010–2014). Subsequent recurrences were defined as additional CDI episodes ≥14 days after the stool test date and within 30 days of the end of treatment. A matched (1:4) case–control analysis was conducted using …

Exploring The Role Of A Novel Device In Weight Loss Outcomes And Behaviors, Jacqueline Ann Beatty

Open Access Dissertations

Obesity is a serious public health problem. There is a need for scalable weight loss interventions that can help people lose weight and decrease their risk of obesity related chronic disease development. Self-monitoring is a key component of successful weight loss. The Eat Less, Move More (ELMM) device is wrist-worn, and is capable of counting bites by detection of a wrist-roll motion that is specific to eating. The device can also measure seconds between bites, as a proxy to eating rate (ER) measurement, as well as the number of steps taken by the user. The aim of this body of …

Assessing Individual And Disseminated Effects In Network-Randomized Studies, Ashley L. Buchanan, H. Vermund, Samuel R. Friedman, Donna Spiegelman

Pharmacy Practice and Clinical Research Faculty Publications

Implementation trials often involve clustering via risk networks, where only some participants directly received the intervention. The individual effect is that among directly treated persons beyond being in an intervention network; the disseminated effect is that among persons engaged with those directly treated. We employ a causal inference framework and discuss assumptions and estimators for individual and disseminated effects and apply them to HIV Prevention Trials Network 037. HIV Prevention Trials Network 037 was a Phase III, network-level, randomized controlled HIV prevention trial conducted in the US and Thailand from 2002 to 2006 that recruited persons who injected drugs, who …

What Is The Role For Metronidazole In The Treatment Of Clostridium Difficile Infection? Results From A National Cohort Study Of Veterans With Initial Mild Disease, Haley J. Appaneal, R. Caffrey, Kerry L. Laplante

Pharmacy Practice and Clinical Research Faculty Publications

Background: Metronidazole may still be an appropriate therapeutic option for mild Clostridium difficile infection (CDI) in select patients, but data is limited to guide clinicians in identifying these patients.

Methods: Our two-stage study included a national cohort of Veterans with a first episode of mild CDI (2010–2014). First, among those treated with metronidazole, we identified predictors of success, defined as absence of all-cause mortality or recurrence 30-days post-treatment, using multivariable unconditional logistic regression. Second, among a subgroup of patients with characteristic/s predictive of success identified in the first-stage, we compared clinical outcomes among those treated with metronidazole compared …

Uri Undergraduate And Graduate Course Catalog 2018-2019, University Of Rhode Island

URI Course Catalogs Archive

This is a downloadable PDF version of the University of Rhode Island course catalog.

The Association Between Physical Activity And Metabolic Syndrome In Older Adults With Obesity, Furong Xu, Steven A. Cohen, Ingrid E. Lofgren, Geoffrey Greene, Michael J. Delmonico, Mary L. Greaney

Kinesiology Faculty Publications

Background: Physical activity reduces the likelihood of developing metabolic syndrome (MetS). However, the association between different physical activity levels and MetS remains unclear in older adults with obesity. Methods: This cross-sectional study used four waves of data (2007-2008, 2009-2010, 2011-2012, 2013-2014) from two datasets: The National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey and United Sates Department of Agriculture’s Food Patterns Equivalents Database. The sample included adults 60+ years of age (n= 613) with obesity who had physical activity and MetS data. Physical activity was assessed using the Global Physical Activity Questionnaire and categorized into three physical activity levels (low, …

The Association Between Adolescent’S Weight Perception And Health Behaviors: Analysis Of National Health And Nutrition Examination Survey Data, 2011–2014, Furong Xu, Mary L. Greaney, Steven Cohen, Deborah Riebe, Geoffrey Greene

Kinesiology Faculty Publications

The association between adolescents’ weight perception and their physical activity (PA) and sedentary behaviors remains unclear. Therefore, these associations were explored using data from 2438 adolescents aged 12–19 years who participated in the National Health and Nutrition Examination 2011–2014 Survey. Respondents reported weight perception, and their weight perception accuracy was determined by examining whether the measured weight and perceived weight were concordant. Respondents also reported sedentary time (sitting time and screen time), PA, and intention to lose weight. Linear and logistic regression models were conducted to determine whether adolescents’ PA, sedentary behaviors, and weight loss intention differed by weight perception …

Relationship Between Diet Quality, Physical Activity And Health-Related Quality Of Life In Older Adults: Findings From 2007-2014 National Health And Nutrition Examination Survey., Furong Xu, Steven A. Cohen, Ingrid E. Lofgren, Geoffrey W. Greene, Matthew J. Delmonico, Mary L. Greaney

Kinesiology Faculty Publications

Background: A growing body of research shows that diet quality and physical activity (PA) are associated with health-related quality of life (HRQOL). However, no study to date has assessed this association using the Healthy Eating Index-2015 as a measure of diet quality. Furthermore, few studies have examined the association between PA dose and HRQOL among a nationally representative sample of older adults. Objectives: To investigate the relationship between diet quality, physical activity, and HRQOL.

Objectives: To investigate the relationship between diet quality, physical activity, and HRQOL.

Design: A cross-sectional analysis was conducted using data obtained from 5,311 adults aged 60+ …

A Mixed-Effects Location Scale Model For Time-To-Event Data: A Smoking Behavior Application, Delphine Courvoisier, Theodore A. Walls, Boris Cheval, Donald Hedeker

Psychology Faculty Publications

In general, mixed-effects location scale models (MELS) allow assessment of within-person and between-person variability with time-to-event data for outcomes that follow a normal or ordinal distribution. In this article, we extend the mixed-effects location scale model to time-to-event data in relation to smoking data. Better understanding of the time-graded within-person variability of factors involved in nicotine dependence can be helpful to researchers in their efforts to fine-tune smoking cessation programs. We illustrate the MELS model with data on time to first cigarette measured every day for 7 days in smokers randomized to two groups: a) those asked to keep smoking, …

Exploring Brazilian Immigrant Mothers’ Beliefs, Attitudes, And Practices Related To Their Preschool-Age Children’S Sleep And Bedtime Routines: A Qualitative Study Conducted In The United States, Ana Cristina Lindsay, Carlos André Moura Arruda, Márcia M. Tavares Machado, Gabriela P. De Andrade, Mary Greaney

Kinesiology Faculty Publications

In the United States (US), racial/ethnic minority children, low-income children, and children of immigrant families are at increased risk of childhood obesity. Mounting evidence documents that sleep duration and sleep quality are important modifiable factors associated with increased risk of obesity among preschool-aged children. The number of Brazilian immigrants in the US is increasing, yet no existing research, to our knowledge, has examined factors affecting sleep and bedtime routines of children of Brazilian immigrant families. Therefore, the purpose of this qualitative study was to explore Brazilian immigrant mothers’ beliefs, attitudes, and practices related to sleep and bedtime routines among preschool-aged …

Age Moderates The Effect Of Self-Paced Exercise On Exercise Adherence Among Overweight Adults, Harold H. Lee, Shira Dunsiger, Lauren Connell Bohlen, Holly K. Boyle, Jessica A. Emerson, David M. Williams

Kinesiology Faculty Publications

Objective: The present study tested the hypothesis that the effect of self-paced exercise on adherence to exercise programs is more pronounced with increasing age. Method: Fifty-nine low-active overweight adults (18-65 years) were encouraged to walk 30 to 60 min/day and randomized to either self-paced (n = 30) or prescribed moderate-intensity (n = 29) conditions. Results: The effect of study condition was moderated by age (main effect: b = 6.14, SE = 2.54, p = .02; Condition × Age: b = −11.55, SE = 3.77, p < .01), such that among participants >50 years, those in the self-paced condition exercised 6 more min/day than participants …

Affective Response To Physical Activity As An Intermediate Phenotype, Harold H. Lee, Jessica A. Emerson, Lauren Connell Bohlen, David M. Williams

Kinesiology Faculty Publications

Over the past seventy years, biomedical and epidemiological research has shown that regular physical activity (PA) is critical for physical and mental health. Despite this knowledge, physical inactivity is the fourth leading risk factor for global mortality, accounting for 9% (5.3 million) of premature deaths annually. We suggest this mismatch between knowing about the risks of PA and engaging in regular PA can be reconciled by focusing less on expected health benefits of PA and more on how people feel during PA. Specifically, in this position paper, we argue that affective response (feeling good versus bad) to PA is an …

Attraction And Repulsion Of Mobile Wild Organisms To Finfish And Shellfish Aquaculture: A Review, Myriam D. Callier, Carrie J. Byron, David A. Bengtson, Peter J. Cranford, Stephen F. Cross, Ulfert Focken, Erik Petersson, Henrice M. Jansen, Pauline Kamermans, Anders Kiessling, Thomas Landry, Francis O'Beirn, Erik Petersson, Robert B. Rheault, Ølvind Strand, Kristina Sundell, Terje Svåsand, Gary H. Wikfors, Christopher W. Mckindsey

Fisheries, Animal and Veterinary Sciences Faculty Publications

Knowledge of aquaculture–environment interactions is essential for the development of a sustainable aquaculture industry and efficient marine spatial planning. The effects of fish and shellfish farming on sessile wild populations, particularly infauna, have been studied intensively. Mobile fauna, including crustaceans, fish, birds and marine mammals, also interact with aquaculture operations, but the interactions are more complex and these animals may be attracted to (attraction) or show an aversion to (repulsion) farm operations with various degrees of effects. This review outlines the main mechanisms and effects of attraction and repulsion of wild animals to/from marine finfish cage and bivalve aquaculture, with …

Value Chain Improvements In Small-Scale Fisheries: Case Studies From West Africa, Kristine Beran

Open Access Dissertations

Seafood is one of the most traded food commodities in the world by value. Small-scale fisheries contribute significantly to the global production and supply of seafood. Yet, many small-scale fisheries in developing countries fail to maximize value of seafood products due to post-harvest loss, production, distribution, and marketing challenges. The purpose of this study is to examine how post-harvest innovations might address some of these challenges, whom they benefit along the fisheries value chain, and factors that influence adoption of innovations through two case studies in West Africa.

A multi-methods approach was used to collect extensive quantitative and qualitative data …

Increasing Critical Thinking In Personal Decision Making- A Contextual Framework For College Students, Jade A. White

Open Access Dissertations

Statement of the Problem: The need for agricultural science students to graduate from institutions of higher education with strong critical thinking skills is expressed by both educators and employers to respond to the need for strong problem-solving, decision making, and analytic skills in the 21st century. To prepare students for the changing workforce evidence-based instructional practices, such as problem-based learning, need to be implemented into college courses to increase critical thinking skills. However, there are many barriers associated with implementing these teaching practices such as time barriers, large classes, and the challenge of measuring outputs related to critical thinking. …

Carpenter Bee Nectar Robbery Effects On Fruit Quality And Nesting Provisions In Rhode Island, Sara K. Tucker

Open Access Master's Theses

Eastern carpenter bees, Xylocopa virginica L., are among the most abundant native bee visitors to highbush blueberry flowers in Rhode Island, and they frequently slit corollas to rob nectar. My objective was to assess if nectar robbery offsets the possible value of X. virginica as a native pollinator of blueberries in Rhode Island. I studied foraging behavior of X. virginica at the Rhode Island Agricultural Experiment Station planting which consists of 14 highbush blueberry cultivars. I assessed plant and environmental factors related to slitting behavior, and the effects of slitting on fruit set and blueberry quality. The average number of …

The Impact Of Body Composition On Physical Function Performance In Middle-Aged Women, Ashley Meyer

Open Access Master's Theses

Research in older adults suggests that percent body fat may be most strongly associated with physical function performance, resulting in increased risk for disability and loss of independence; however, the component of body composition that is most strongly associated with physical function in middle-aged females is incompletely characterized. This cross-sectional study examined the impact of lean mass and percent fat on physical function performance in middle-aged females. Eighty females (ages 52.58 ± 6.10 years) were assessed for body composition (lean mass, percent fat) via dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry, physical activity and sedentary time via accelerometer (steps per day, minutes per day), …

Impact Of A Policy, Systems, And Environmental Intervention Of Low-Income 5Th Grade Students' Self-Efficacy, Sabrina G. Hafner

Open Access Master's Theses

Objective: Evaluate the impact of an 8-lesson Policy, Systems, and Environment (PSE) nutrition intervention on students’ asking self-efficacy for fruits and vegetables (FV’s).

Study Design: Quasi-experimental mixed-methods design.

Participants/Setting: N=142 (n=85 intervention, n=57 control) 5th grade students from urban, low-income elementary schools.

Intervention: Intervention group received an intervention designed to empower students in making changes to their food environment.

Main Outcome Measures: Self-reported asking self-efficacy for fruit and vegetables, FV and PSE knowledge, and FV consumption and variety. Semi-structured focus groups assessed students’ self-efficacy.

Analyses: Analysis of covariance, Wilcoxon signed-rank test, paired t-tests for survey data. Thematic analysis …

Knowledge, Attitudes And Behaviors To Dietary Management Of Parkinson’S Disease, Leah Marie Hurley

Open Access Master's Theses

Background: Levodopa is the most commonly used medication to improve motor sequelae in persons with PD (PwPD). However, levodopa and dietary protein compete for absorption in the gut and blood brain barrier. Dietary proteins are essential for growth and physical functioning, which generally deteriorate with PD progression. Informal caregivers (ICG) often assist PwPD with meal and medication management, but have reported information deficits regarding dietary and medication management for PwPD.

Objective: To obtain qualitative information related to dietary knowledge and attitudes, and quantitative data on dietary behaviors from PwPD and their ICG.

Methods: Cross-sectional, mixed-methods study. A …