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Pparα L162v Underlies Variation In Serum Triglycerides And Subcutaneous Fat Volume In Young Males, Julieta Uthurralt, Heather Gordish-Dressman, Meg Bradbury, Carolina Tesi-Rocha, Joseph Devaney, Brennan Harmon, Erica K. Reeves, Cinzia Brandoli, Barbara C. Hansen, Richard L. Seip, Paul D. Thompson, Thomas B. Price, Theodore J. Angelopoulos, Priscilla M. Clarkson, Niall M. Moyna, Linda S. Pescatello, Paul S. Visich, Robert F. Zoeller, Paul M. Gordon, Eric P. Hoffman

Faculty & Staff Scholarship

Background

Of the five sub-phenotypes defining metabolic syndrome, all are known to have strong genetic components (typically 50–80% of population variation). Studies defining genetic predispositions have typically focused on older populations with metabolic syndrome and/or type 2 diabetes. We hypothesized that the study of younger populations would mitigate many confounding variables, and allow us to better define genetic predisposition loci for metabolic syndrome.

Methods

We studied 610 young adult volunteers (average age 24 yrs) for metabolic syndrome markers, and volumetric MRI of upper arm muscle, bone, and fat pre- and post-unilateral resistance training.

Results

We found the PPARα L162V polymorphism …

Predicting Physicians' Intention To Measure Body Mass Index And Assessing Their Identification And Evaluation Practices In Overweight Children And Adolescents, Rahul Khanna

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

One health challenge receiving a lot of attention today is childhood obesity. Numerous public and professional organizations recommend that physicians periodically measure BMI in children and adolescents. In addition, guidelines recommend medical evaluation of overweight children and adolescents. However, studies have shown an inconsistent use of body mass index (BMI). This study uses the Theory of Reasoned Action (TRA) and the Theory of Planned Behavior (TPB) to identify factors that explain physicians' intention to measure BMI in children and adolescents. Salient beliefs associated with intention were compared between intenders and nonintenders. The study also determines how physicians identify and evaluate …

I. Distribution Of Transforming Growth Factor Beta 1, Tgf Receptor Ii And Decorin In The Sheep Uterus Shortly After Breeding. Ii. Effect Of Tgf Beta 1 On Gene Expression In The Sheep Uterus At The Time Of Embryo Attachment. Iii. Concentration Of Tgf Beta, Ida Holaskova

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

Seminal plasma (SP) transforming growth factor β-1 (TGFβ-1) presumably is an immune modulator in mammalian female reproductive tract. Four experiments examined (1) distribution of TGFβ-1 and associated molecules in sheep uterus shortly after breeding, (2) role of SP in stimulating uterine TGFβ-1 as embryo enters the uterine horn, (3) SP TGFβ-1 on gene expression of immune tolerance related factors at embryonic attachment, and (4) relationship of SP TGFβ-1 and sperm characteristics in rams and bulls. Ewes were mounted (day 0) but not mated or were mated by intact or vasectomized rams or were inseminated with semen containing additional or less …

The Development Of Policies And Procedures For Eating Disorder Referral For Collegiate Athletes At The Division Iii Level., Emily A. Burmeister

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

Context: Little is known how and when to return a female athlete at the college level back to participation when an eating disorder is being treated. Objective: The purpose of this study is to develop policies and procedures for referral and treatment for eating disorders that may occur to female athletes at the Division III level. Design: This study used the modified Delphi Technique to gain opinions from eight experts who are Certified Head Athletic Trainers. Two rounds of questionnaires were used. Setting: Division III institutions in the Presidents Athletic Conference. Patients and Other Participants: Seven Certified Head Athletic Trainers …

The Effect Of Different Sugar-Sweetened Beverage Intake By Immature Female Rats On Bone Mineralization And Strength., Embedzayi Tsanzi

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

Consumption of sugar-sweetened beverages has increased among adolescents. This may have health implication because sugar consumption has been suggested to lead to decreased calcium (Ca) intake and increased urinary Ca output and these effects on Ca balance may have a negative impact on bone. Also, the type of sugar added to beverages has also changed from sucrose to high fructose corn syrup resulting in higher fructose consumption. Although sugarsweetened beverage intake by adolescent has increased and the type of sugar consumed has changed; the effects of sugar-sweetened beverage consumption during the bone growth stage on skeletal acquisition and adult bone …

International Public Relations At Top 50 Global Brands: A Converged Or Diverged Approach?, Pitchpatu Waiyachote

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

This study was motivated by limited information about an approach that the top 50 global brand companies apply to their public relations strategies in areas considered to be smaller developing markets in Southeast Asia, including Thailand and Malaysia. Along with World Wide Web technology and a concept of globalization, the Internet brings information to targeted publics faster than ever before. Therefore, a purpose of this study was to examine which approach, convergence or divergence, the top 50 global brand companies commonly took to communicate with their target audiences in these two countries through their local web sites. An answer to …

Enhancing Food Safety And Quality: Part 1. Determining Effectiveness Of Electron Beam On Inactivation Of Salmonella Enterica Subsp. Enterica Serovar Montevideo. Part 2. Examining Growth Parameters Of Crypthecodinium Cohnii., Deborah Linnell James

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

Through science, we can meet increasing consumer demand to make foods safer and healthier, both by increasing the safety by decreasing possible microbial contamination and by increasing the nutritive value of food by supplementation. This thesis focuses on two facets of food science: safety and value-added foods. The effectiveness of electron beam (e-beam) irradiation on the reduction of Salmonella enterica subsp. enterica serovar Montevideo in pureed tomatoes was tested, and growth parameters of the microalga Crypthecodinium cohnii for production of the omega-3 fatty acid docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) were evaluated. E-beam is a technology that uses ionizing radiation to destroy bacteria …

Food And Environment As Predictors Of Obesity In Rural West Virginia, Leah W. Gecheo

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

Objective. The objective of this study was to determine the best predictors of childhood obesity in rural West Virginia. This investigation was inspired by the fact that the rate of obesity occurrence in West Virginia is relatively higher than that in the entire nation.;Method. Subjects used were Head Start children participating in food and nutrition program (FNP) in Mercer and McDowell counties in rural West Virginia. The average age was 52 months both Caucasians and African Americans. Study was conducted using USDA validated questionnaires that focused on the diet, feeding attitudes, beliefs and practices. Children's weights and heights were measured …

The Effect Of Α-Aminoadipate Δ-Semialdehyde Synthase Knockdown On The Lysine Requirement And Urate Oxidase Knockdown On Oxidative Stress In A Murine Hepatic Cell Line, Beth Marie Cleveland

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

The technique of RNA interference was applied in two different systems. In system I, RNA interference was used to knockdown expression of α-aminoadipate δ semialdehyde synthase (AASS). AASS is the bifunctional enzyme containing the lysine α-ketoglutarate reductase (LKR) and saccharopine dehydrogenase activities responsible for the first two steps in the irreversible catabolism of lysine. A rare disease in humans, familial hyperlysinemia, can be caused by very low LKR activity and, as expected, reduces the lysine “requirement” of the individual. This concept was recreated in a murine hepatic cell line (ATCC, FL83B) utilizing RNA interference to achieve AASS mRNA knockdown. Cells …

Nraes-173 Forage Utilization For Pasture-Based Livestock Production.Pdf, Edward Barrow Rayburn

Faculty & Staff Scholarship

Dr. Edward B. Rayburn was the originator of this book series at the request of the director of NRAES. As a collaborator in the Northeast Pasture Consortium he recruited authors for the chapters in the books and served as the technical editor of the books.

Characterization Of Skeletal Muscle Performance And Morphology Following Acute And Chronic Mechanical Loading Paradigms, Brent A. Baker

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

Unaccustomed muscular activity (incorporating lengthening-type movements) results in skeletal muscle damage, yet effects in performance and muscle morphology from movements such as stretch-shortening contractions (which are common-type movements in daily activities) are not well characterized or quantified. Thus, determining time- and dose-dependent responses resulting from acute mechanical exposure will aid critically in understanding muscle injury kinetics and the role of repair and regeneration following this type of exposure. Furthermore, skeletal muscle mass and function declines with age and these events result in a significant impact on the aging workforce. Differentiating the response following both acute and chronic adaptive exposures in …

Inosine Ameliorates The Effects Of Hemin Induced Oxidative Stress In Broilers, Christen N. Seaman

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

Previous studies have shown that chronic treatment of broilers with hemin decreases plasma concentrations of uric acid and increases leukocyte oxidative activity (LOA) whereas the inclusion of inosine produces an inverse effect. The objective of these studies was to determine whether or not inosine could serve as a potential therapy for oxidative stress. Oxidative stress was induced in broilers by the administration of hemin. Dietary inclusion of inosine was then begun either before the onset of oxidative stress induced by hemin, or as a post treatment once oxidative stress was established. Four-week-old broilers were individually banded and divided into four …

Watercress (Nasturtium Officinale) Production Utilizing Brook Trout (Salvelinus Fontinalis) Flow-Through Aquaculture Effluent, Erika Nichole Smith

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

Dissolved nitrogen (N) and phosphorus (P) present in flow-through aquaculture effluent can pose the risk of eutrophication to receiving streams when discharged from flow-through systems. One potential solution to prevent nutrient loading is the establishment of an integrated system that cultures green plants in the effluent. The objectives of this research were to determine watercress' (Nasturtium officinale) growth and nutrient contents in both a hydroponic controlled environment and a flow-through aquaponic production system utilizing brook trout (Salvelinus fontinalis) aquaculture effluent; and to evaluate various treatments to determine the best cultural conditions for watercress in the aquaponic system for optimization as …

Effects Of Ovulation Of Aged Follicles, Pregnancy Diagnosis By Ultrasonography, And Treatments During Lactation On Reproduction In Ewes, Aimee Kathryn Wurst

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

Ewes are polyestrous and litter-bearing seasonal breeders. Although average ovulation rates are sufficient, many ovulations do not result in live offspring and ewes normally breed only once per year. As ovulation rate increases, so does the number of ovulations not represented by live births. When ultrasonographic analysis is limited to ovarian follicles that grow from 3 to 5 mm, follicular waves can be identified in sheep. In most cases, ovulatory follicle(s) develop from the ultimate follicular wave; however, ovulatory follicles can be derived from penultimate or earlier follicular waves. The relationship between lifespan of large follicles and fertility is controversial …

The Politics Of Health Promotion: Analyzing Healthy Public Policy's Impact On Tobacco Control In United States And South Africa., Frederick Appah

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

This public health policy, international organization and comparative public policy and politics research looks at the impact of health promotion on tobacco control in the United States and South Africa from the Canadian Lalonde report of 1974 to 2004. The healthy public policy concept is used as a tool to analyze the possible policy changes and outcomes that the health promotion perspective has brought to the national tobacco control policies, programs and strategies of the two developmentally and structurally different but strategically and institutionally similar countries. The study uses a combination of documentary and elite interview analysis. The research finds …

Evaluation Of "I Am Moving, I Am Learning" Trainings - A Measure Of Change In Obesity Awareness, Obesity Prevention, And Movement Knowledge., Brandon S. Williams

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

This study examines participants’ change in knowledge before and after attending a childhood obesity training event. A pre-post assessment scale was used to measure and compare knowledge scores among participants of both two and three-day events. The questionnaire included seven subscales of content delivered during the training sessions. These included: training goals and movement guidelines, general obesity knowledge, general movement knowledge, assessing and evaluating children’s motor skills, and three subscales specifically on the movement workshops in the training. This study consisted of 78 personnel working for the Office of Head Start or Women, Infants and Children (WIC) enrolled in one …

The Protective Potential Of Paste Containing Casein Phosphopeptide-Amorphous Calcium Phosphate As Measured By Confocal Microscopy: An In Vitro Study., Spencer Hodnett

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

This study utilized 30 extracted human third molars. The teeth were sectioned into buccal and lingual halves. The samples were divided into three treatment groups (MI Paste; MI Paste/Fluoridated toothpaste; MI Paste/Enamel Care toothpaste) and one control. The samples were then subjected to cycling in a demineralizing solution (pH=4.46) and a remineralizing solution (pH=7.00) with treatment rendered between cycles. Cycling continued for 14 days. Lesion depth, lesion area, fluorescence and total fluorescence were measured using confocal microscopy. Results were analyzed using ANOVA and Tukey-Kramer analyses. No significant differences were found between or among the groups for lesion depth, lesion area …

The Prevalence Of Body Dysmorphic Disorder In Female Collegiate Athletes., Jean C. Knecht

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

Context: Body dysmorphic disorder is a somatoform disorder in which an individual is preoccupied with a real or imagined defect in their appearance. In the psychiatric and dermatologic populations, there is a low prevalence rate of body dysmorphic disorder. However, no studies have ever looked at a prevalence of body dysmorphic disorder in the collegiate athletic setting. Objective: The purpose of this study was to determine if body dysmorphic disorder exists in female collegiate athletes and whether there was a difference in dysmorphic tendencies between aesthetic and non-aesthetic sports. Design: A prospective descriptive analysis of the dysmorphic tendencies of female …

The Effect Of Steam Conditioning Practices On Pellet Quality And Growing Broiler Nutritional Value., Sarah Elizabeth Cutlip

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

Feed currently incurs 60-65% of the total cost of broiler production. Pellets are the primary feed form for commercially-reared broilers. Understanding how to optimize pellet quality through precision thermo-mechanical processing may impact broiler performance and nutrient availability, thus cost of production. Steam conditioning represents a manipulable thermo-mechanical processing variable. Corn-soybean meal based diets were conditioned with one of four steam pressure x temperature combinations: 138 kPa at 82.2ºC, 138 kPa at 93.3ºC, 552 kPa at 82.2ºC or 552 kPa at 93.3ºC. High steam pressure and temperature conditioning were shown to increase pellet quality. Three additional diets were prepared: unprocessed mash, …

The Effect Of Treadmill Exercise On The Long Bones Of Young Adult Zucker Obese (Fa/Fa) And Lean Male Rats., Tsun Yin Ip

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

Background: Studies indicate that weight-bearing exercise increases bone mass and bone strength. There are also suggestions that obesity may result in bone loading that increases bone mass and strength. Objective: To investigate the combined effect of exercise and obesity on body mass, bone strength and bone mineral content (BMC) in young Zucker obese fa/fa and lean male rats. Methods: Young (age 6 weeks) obese (fa/fa) and lean male Zucker rats were randomly assigned (n=8-9/group) to either no exercise or treadmill exercise for 9 weeks at a 0% incline. Following the 9-week experiment, both femurs and tibiae were excised and bone …

An Exploratory Study Of The Application Of Implementation Of Ecers Criteria., Corina L. Ward

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

This study examines whether attending Module One of the Experienced ECERS-R Observer Training corresponds to classroom changes as reported by participating teachers. Teachers attended the module training and were to make changes in their classrooms to improve quality. Six months after attendance at the workshop, participants were emailed a questionnaire that consisted of a listing of the subscales and items on the ECERS-R. The teachers were to mark what items they changed after attending the module and also comment on how they improved their classroom. Teachers reported changes to their classrooms. Although there were small modifications, the reported changes were …

Identification Of A Novel Importin α Predominantly Expressed In Bovine Oocytes And Early Embryos., Jyothsna Tejomurtula

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

Early embryonic development is a complex process that involves timely and quantitative control of gene transcription. Nuclear proteins, including transcription factors and chromatin remodeling proteins, are required for initiation of transcription in early embryos prior to embryonic genome activation. The nuclear transport of these proteins is mediated by transport factors such as importins. Through analysis of EST sequences from a bovine oocyte cDNA library and the database, we identified a novel transcript which shows sequence similarity to the importin α gene. The novel transcript (contig) is represented by multiple ESTs that are only present in the oocyte library and a …

Using The Social Cognitive Theory To Investigate Physical Activity In Middle-Aged And Older Married Couples: A Dyadic Perspective., Brian J. Ayotte

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

Research suggests that physical activity is positively associated with mental and physical health outcomes for adults of all ages. However, despite concerted effort to increase the activity levels of adults, the rates of adults who engage in regular physical activity remain low. The present study had two primary objectives: (a) to examine dyadically the role of self-efficacy and spousal self-efficacy in the amount of physical activity in which middle-aged and older adults engage, and (b) to test the full social cognitive theory in terms of how well it explains the variance in physical activity in a sample of middle-aged and …

Determining Consumer Perceptions Of And Willingness To Pay For Appalachian Grass -Fed Beef: An Experimental Economics Approach., Jason R. Evans

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

The U.S. market for commoditized beef is a dynamic one that has, over the last 30 years, seen decreases in per capita consumption and an increased reliance on large, integrated feedlot facilities that focus on efficient weight gain and producing carcasses deemed desirable according the USDA quality grading system. Because of the problems inherent in the conventional production system and the existence of farm-to-retail price spreads that do not favor primary cow-calf producers, analyses of alternative beef production and marketing strategies that facilitate enhanced profitability and simultaneously address surging consumer demand for specialty food products are necessary. To that end, …

First-Time Mothers' Parenting Knowledge During Their Infant's First Year: Relations With Information Sources, Social Support Networks, Maternal Self-Efficacy, And Infant Development., Nichole L. Elliott

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

A mother's knowledge about parenting and child development is an important facilitator of effective parenting behavior. Research suggests that an infant's healthy development is influenced by his or her mother's parenting behaviors (Kenny, Bowen, & Starte, 2004). Although past research has established the relations between parenting knowledge and many maternal and infant characteristics, the importance of this topic necessitates further research. The current study was conducted to assess relations among mothers’ parenting and milestone knowledge, mothers' sources of information about parenting and child development, mothers' social support network density and satisfaction with the availability of their support networks, mother's parenting …

Modulation Of Gene Expression And Dna Adduct Formation By Chlorophyllin In Human Mammary Cells Exposed To Benzopyrenes, Kaarthik John

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

This study investigated metabolic activation by benzopyrenes (BP and B[e]P) in human mammary cells and modulation by chlorophyllin (CHL, a chemopreventive agent). Among 6 NHMEC strains monitored using microarrays, 54 genes were up-regulated and 11 down-regulated by signal log ratio (SLR) ≥ 1.5 on treatment with BP alone. Pre CHL + post BP+CHL treatment up-regulated the expression of 129 genes and down-regulated those of 35 genes by SLR ≥ 1.5. Studies on CYP1 gene induction and BP-DNA adduct formation among 20 NHMECs revealed wide inter-individual variations both in the induction (3-96-fold for CYP1A1 and 4-43-fold for CYP1B1, respectively) and modulation …

Supplemental Forages For Grazing Beef Cattle In Appalachia, Evans Abenga Basweti

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

growth and availability of forages. Cool-season perennial grasses are the basic source of feed for cow-calf production. Producers require information about incorporating annual forages into grazing systems during months of low productivity of the cool-season species. An experiment was conducted for two years (2004 and 2005) at Reedsville Experimental Farm, West Virginia University, to determine growth rate, herbage accumulation and quality of sudangrass, and pearl millet grown in summer and triticale and a mixture of annual ryegrass and turnips grown in the fall on the same land. Two methods of herbage control, burning and glyphosate, were used to kill existing …

Clinically Relevant And Economic Outcomes Of Maintenance Pharmacotherapy In Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (Copd), Anna O. D'Souza

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

COPD is ranked as the fourth leading cause of death with an estimated cost of {dollar}37.2 billion in the U.S. primarily due to exacerbations. Therefore, the Global Initiative for Obstructive Lung Disease (GOLD) committee has identified a need for assessing the effect of drug therapies on outcomes of exacerbations, costs, and mortality. This study used Medicaid data from West Virginia and Kentucky, and involved three phases. Phase I assessed the costs incurred due to COPD, and the additional cost burden imposed by a concomitant diagnosis of asthma. Phase II compared the risk and frequency of exacerbations and COPD-related costs of …

Differential Binding Of Hnrnp K, L And A2/B1 To An Exonic Splicing Silencer Element Located Within Exon 12 Of Glucose -6 -Phosphate Dehydrogenase Mrna, Brian Nelson Griffith

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

The expression of most lipogenic enzymes is regulated through the effects of dietary polyunsaturated fatty acids on transcription. However, we have observed that the regulation of Glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PD) by polyunsaturated fatty acids occurs through a novel posttranscriptional mechanism. RNA reporter assays were used to map the cis-acting element by measuring the regulation of each RNA reporter construct transfected into primary rat hepatocytes. All RNA reporter constructs were regulated by polyunsaturated fatty acids with the exception of RNA reporter constructs lacking exon 12. Therefore, polyunsaturated fatty acids regulate the constitutive splicing of G6PD mRNA through a cis-acting element located within …

Afferent Regulation Of A15 Dopamine Neurons In The Ewe, Adrienne L. Bogusz

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

Ovine reproduction is characterized by a breeding season and an anestrous season. Seasonal anestrus is induced by increased responsiveness of the GnRH neurosecretory system to estrogen (E) negative feedback. Previous studies have shown that inhibitory A15 dopamine neurons mediate this increased sensitivity to E, however, these neurons lack E receptors. In this thesis we performed three experiments. For experiment 1 we looked at the specific sites of actions that thyroid hormones act to cause neuronal plasticity of A15 DA neurons, utilizing dual-labeled immunocytochemistry. The results of this study demonstrated no change in dendrite morphology or the number of close contacts …