Digital Commons Network^™

Longer Lifespan In Male Mice Treated With A Weakly Estrogenic Agonist, An Antioxidant, An Α‐Glucosidase Inhibitor Or A Nrf2‐Inducer, Randy Strong, Richard A. Miller, Adam Antebi, Clinton M. Astle, Molly Bogue, Martin S. Denzel, Elizabeth Fernandez, Kevin Flurkey, Karyn L. Hamilton, Dudley W. Lamming, Martin A. Javors, Joao Pedro De Magalhaes, Paul Anthony Martinez, Joe M. Mccord, Benjamin F. Miller, Michael Muller, James F. Nelson, Juliet Ndukum, G. Ed. Rainger, Arlan Richardson, David M. Sabatini, Adam B. Salmon, James W. Simpkins, Wilma T. Steegenga, Nancy L. Nadon, David E. Harrison

Faculty & Staff Scholarship

The National Institute on Aging Interventions Testing Program (ITP) evaluates agents hypothesized to increase healthy lifespan in genetically heterogeneous mice. Each compound is tested in parallel at three sites, and all results are published. We report the effects of lifelong treatment of mice with four agents not previously tested: Protandim, fish oil, ursodeoxycholic acid (UDCA) and metformin – the latter with and without rapamycin, and two drugs previously examined: 17-a-estradiol and nordihydroguaiaretic acid (NDGA), at doses greater and less than used previously. 17-a-estradiol at a threefold higher dose robustly extended both median and maximal lifespan, but still only in males. …

See Me Smoke-Free: Protocol For A Research Study To Develop And Test The Feasibility Of An Mhealth App For Women To Address Smoking, Diet, And Physical Activity, Peter Giacobbi Jr, Melanie Hingle, Thienne Johnson, James K. Cunningham, Julie Armin, Judith S. Gordon

Faculty & Staff Scholarship

Background: This paper presents the protocol for an ongoing research study to develop and test the feasibility of a multi-behavioral mHealth app. Approximately 27 million women smoke in the US, and more than 180,000 women die of illnesses linked to smoking annually. Women report greater difficulties quitting smoking. Concerns about weight gain, negative body image, and low self-efficacy may be key factors affecting smoking cessation among women. Recent studies suggest that a multi-behavioral approach, including diet and physical activity, may be more effective at helping women quit. Guided imagery has been successfully used to address body image concerns and self-efficacy …

Hypertrophy-Promoting Effects Of Leucine Supplementation And Moderate Intensity Aerobic Exercise In Pre-Senescent Mice, Zhi Xia, Jason Cholewa, Yan Zhao, Yue-Qin Yang, Hua-Yu Shang, Lucas Guimaraes-Ferreira, Marshall Alan Naimo, Quan-Sheng Su, Nelo Eidy Zanchi

Faculty & Staff Scholarship

Several studies have indicated a positive influence of leucine supplementation and aerobic training on the aging skeletal muscle signaling pathways that control muscle protein balance and muscle remodeling. However, the effect of a combined intervention requires further clarification. Thirteen month old CD-1® mice were subjected to moderate aerobic exercise (45 min swimming per day with 3% body weight workload) and fed a chow diet with 5% leucine or 3.4% alanine for 8 weeks. Serum and plasma were prepared for glucose, urea nitrogen, insulin and amino acid profile analysis. The white gastrocnemius muscles were used for determination of muscle size and …

West Virginia State Employees’ Preferences For Worksite Wellness Programming, Peter Kadushin, Sam Zizzi, Nidia Henderson

Faculty & Staff Scholarship

Objectives: To investigate the wellness programming preferences of state employees in West Virginia.

Study Design: A survey-based, descriptive analysis of employees’ preferences

Methods: State employees (n = 18,791) of West Virginia were given a38-item wellness survey. Items assessed employees’ interest in programming, methods for receiving wellness information, and incentives for participation.Descriptive statistics were run to provide a summary of state employees’ preferences.

Results: The survey response rate was 40%. Respondents showed interest in physical activity (81.0%), nutrition (77.6%) and stress management programming (61.1%). A personalized webpage was the highest rated method of receiving wellness information and a discount on insurance …

Changes In Weight Loss, Health Behaviors, And Intentions Among 400 Participants Who Dropped Out From An Insurance-Sponsored, Community-Based Weight Management Program, Sam Zizzi, Jana Lima Fogaca, Tammy Sheehy, Myia Welsh, Christiaan Abildso

Faculty & Staff Scholarship

The majority of weight management research is based on data from randomized controlled studies conducted in clinical settings. As these findings are translated into community-based settings, additional research is needed to understand patterns of lifestyle change and dropout. The purpose of this study was to examine reasons for and consequences associated with dropout (or removal) from an insurance-funded weight management program. Using a mixed methods approach with objectively measured changes in body weight and attendance along with quantitative and qualitative survey data, patterns of intention and behavior change were explored. The results from a sample of 400 respondents support the …

An Evaluability Assessment Of The West Virginia Physical Activity Plan, 2015: Lessons Learned For Other State Physical Activity Plans, Christiaan G. Abildso, Samantha Shawley, Sherry Owens, Angela Dyer, Sean M. Bulger, Dina L. Jones, Emily M. Jones, Emily Murphy, Melissa D. Olfert, Eloise Elliott

Faculty & Staff Scholarship

Background

The US National Physical Activity Plan (NPAP) was released in 2009 as a national strategic plan to increase physical activity (PA). The NPAP emphasized implementing state and local PA pro- grams. Dissemination of information about NPAP has been lim- ited, however.

Community Context

West Virginia is a predominantly rural state with high rates of chronic diseases associated with physical inactivity. In 2015 an evaluability assessment (EA) of the West Virginia Physical Activ- ity Plan (WVPAP) was conducted, and community stakeholders were invited to participate in updating the plan.

Methods

A good EA seeks stakeholder input, assists in identifying program …

Relationship Of Routine Inadequate Sleep Duration And Periodontitis In A Nationally Representative Sample, R Constance Wiener

Faculty & Staff Scholarship

Purpose. Previous research has indicated the public health impact of inadequate sleep duration on health, potentially through an immune-inflammation mechanism. This mechanism also has a role in periodontitis. The purpose of this study is to determine if there is an association of routine inadequate sleep and periodontitis.Methods. Data from merged National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey years 2009-10 and 2011-12 were the data source for the study. The key outcome was periodontitis (yes, no), and the key variable of interest was usual sleep on weekday or workday nights. Chi square and logistic regression procedures were conducted. The study included 3,740 …

Association Of Alanine Aminotransferase And Periodontitis: A Cross-Sectional Analysis—Nhanes 2009–2012, R Constance Wiener

Faculty & Staff Scholarship

Objective. Alanine Aminotransferase is an enzyme associated with not only liver diseases, liver conditions, and metabolic syndrome, but also inflammation. Periodontitis is associated with increased cytokines and other markers of inflammation. The purpose of this study is to determine if an independent association between Alanine Aminotransferase and periodontitis exists. Methods. Data from the 2009-2010 and 2011-2012 National Health and Nutrition Surveys (NHANES) were combined. Data concerning periodontitis and Alanine Aminotransferase were extracted and analyzed with Rao Scott Chi-square and logistic regressions. Serum Alanine Aminotransferase was dichotomized at 40 units/liter, and periodontitis was dichotomized to the presence or absence of periodontitis. …

Association Of Breastfeeding And The Federal Poverty Level: National Survey Of Family Growth, 2011–2013, R Constance Wiener

Faculty & Staff Scholarship

Breastfeeding is strongly endorsed in the Healthy People 2020 goals; however, there remain many disparities in breastfeeding prevalence. The purpose of this study was to examine the association between breastfeeding and the Federal Poverty Level in the United States. Data from 5,397 women in the National Survey of Family Growth 2011–2013 survey were included in this study. The data were analyzed for descriptive features and logistic regressions of the Federal Poverty Level on breastfeeding. There were 64.1% of women who reported breastfeeding. Over one-third (35.2%) of women reported having a household income of 0–99% of the Federal Poverty Level. There …

Association Of Blood Lead Levels In Children 0–72 Months With Living In Mid-Appalachia: A Semiecologic Study, R Constance Wiener

Faculty & Staff Scholarship

Introduction: Lead exposure in children remains a significant public health issue, although many advances have been made. The Mid-Appalachia area (Kentucky, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, and West Virginia) is 89-91% rural with a population density of 16-21 people/km2 (41-54 people/mi2). Mid-Appalachia has significant health disparities including concerns for the consequences of greater lead exposure to children due to mining and industrial footprints, and existing older housing. The purpose of this study is to compare the reported blood lead levels of screened children, aged 0-72 months in Mid-Appalachia, to the children in the USA in general.
Methods: Data from the Centers …

Smoking And Heberden Nodes: Analysis Of Data From The Osteoarthritis Initiative, R Constance Wiener

Faculty & Staff Scholarship

Purpose. Dental hygienists, dentists, and other workforce providers who depend upon their hands for employment are acutely aware of the need to protect their hands to ensure a successful career. Recent research has suggested that smoking may be protective of hand osteoarthritis. The purpose of this study is to determine the association between smoking and Heberden’s nodes. Methods. Data from the Osteoarthritis Initiative were used in a cross-sectional, secondary data analysis of self-reported current smoking/never smoking and the presence/absence of Heberden’s nodes, the hard enlargements of the joints nearest the fingertips (distal interphalangeal joints). Analyses included descriptive statistics, Chi-square associations …

Association Of Blood Lead Levels In Children 0-72 Months With Living In Mid-Appalachia: A Semiecologic Study, R. Constance Wiener, R. J. Jurevic

Faculty & Staff Scholarship

Introduction—Lead exposure in children remains a significant public health issue, although many advances have been made. The Mid-Appalachia area (Kentucky, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, and West Virginia) is 89–91% rural with a population density of 16–21 people/km2 (41–54 people/mi2 ). Mid-Appalachia has significant health disparities including concerns for the consequences of greater lead exposure to children due to mining and industrial footprints, and existing older housing. The purpose of this study is to compare the reported blood lead levels of screened children, aged 0–72 months in Mid-Appalachia, to the children in the USA in general.

Methods—Data from the Centers for …

Effect Of Leaf Surface Chemical Properties On Efficacy Of Sanitizer For Rotavirus Inactivation, Miyu Fuzawa, Kang-Mo Ku, Sindy Paola Palma-Salgado, Kenya Nagasaka, Hao Feng, John A. Juvik, Daisuke Sano, Joanna L. Shisler, Thanh H. Nguyen, E. G. Dudley

Faculty & Staff Scholarship

The use of sanitizers is essential for produce safety. However, little is known about how sanitizer efficacy varies with respect to the chemical surface properties of produce. To answer this question, the disinfection efficacies of an oxidant-based sanitizer and a new surfactant-based sanitizer for porcine rotavirus (PRV) strain OSU were examined. PRV was attached to the leaf surfaces of two kale cultivars with high epicuticular wax contents and one cultivar of endive with a low epicuticular wax content and then treated with each sanitizer. The efficacy of the oxidant-based sanitizer correlated with leaf wax content as evidenced by the 1-log10 …

Is Nutrient Intake Associated With Physical Activity Levels In Healthy Young Adults?, Yi Yan, Clemens Drenowatz, Gregory A Hand, Robin P Shook, Thomas G Hurley, James R Hebert, Steven N Blair

Faculty & Staff Scholarship

Both physical activity (PA) and diet are important contributors to health and well-being; however, there is limited information on the association of these behaviours and whether observed associations differ by weight. The present study aimed to evaluate whether nutrient intake is associated with PA and if this association varies by weight in young adults. Cross-sectional study to analyse the association between PA and nutrient intake. Participants were stratified as normal weight (18·5 kg/m2 2) and overweight/obese (BMI≥25·0 kg/m2). PA level (PAL) was calculated (PAL=total daily energy expenditure/RMR) and used to stratify groups (PAL Adults (n 407; age 27·6 (sd 3·8) …

The Renewable Fuel Standard’S Effect On Corn Belt Income And Unemployment, Ryan M. Yonk, Landon Stevens, Arthur R. Wardle, Joshua C. Hall

Economics Faculty Working Papers Series

No abstract provided.

2016 Symposium Brochure

Programs

No abstract provided.

An Exploration Of The Relationships Between Chronic Pain, Inflammation, And Herbal Medicine, Termeh Feinberg

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

Introduction: Inflammation is often a component of chronic pain, yet its potential role in fibromyalgia syndrome (FMS) remains inconclusive. FMS is a complex chronic pain condition affecting ~2% of the population; management is challenging and treatment options remain limited. Many herbs contain anti-inflammatory properties, and herbs indicated for analgesia and rheumatic conditions have traditionally been used in Appalachia. Despite the popularity of herbs in the US, determinants and patterns of herbal use with regard to pain management have not been well studied, particularly in Appalachia, where prevalence of chronic pain and related comorbid conditions is high and access to medical …

Effects Of Palmitic Acid On Milk Production And Insulin Sensitivity In Mid-Lactation Dairy Cows, Alice Treffry Mathews

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

This masters of science research evaluates the effects of palmitic acid (C16:0) supplementation on milk production and insulin sensitivity in mid-lactation dairy cows. The ability of saturated fatty acids (SFA) to enhance milk yield in dairy cows may be due to shifts in glucose utilization caused by reduced insulin sensitivity in adipose tissue. Our objective was to evaluate the effects of palmitic acid (C16:0) on milk production and insulin sensitivity in cows. Twenty multiparous mid-lactation Holstein cows were enrolled in a study consisting of a 5 d covariate, 49 d treatment, and 14 d post-treatment period. All cows received a …

Ecological Factors Influencing Incidence And Severity Of Beech Bark Disease, David P. Mccann

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

American beech have long been observed to escape both signs and symptoms of beech bark disease (BBD). Some may be resistant to Cryptococcus fagisuga (beech scale), a primary component of the BBD complex; research indicates about 1-2% of American beech inherit resistance to beech scale. At the landscape level a variety of environmental factors may induce ecological resistance, a transient condition allowing potentially susceptible individuals to remain disease-free. This project investigated factors that may contribute to ecological resistance, focusing on biotic and abiotic stand characteristics and their relation to BBD incidence and severity. Plots were established at fifteen sites in …

Resistance, Agency And Violence: Dalit Women's Education In Kerala, India, Sera A. Mathew

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

This dissertation is a critical feminist analysis of the discourses, narratives and hegemonic power structures that define Dalit women's lives in Kerala, India. It focuses on intergenerational narratives of women and girls to illuminate how Dalit communities navigate development by specifically focusing on their educational narratives. To explore Dalit narratives, I conducted fieldwork in Kerala using in-depth interviews, photovoice, and participant observation as primary data. I coupled my primary data with secondary data sources such as development reports, trend data and newspapers to document how Dalit needs are framed. This research uses postcolonial feminist theory as it applies to the …

Phenotypic And Genotypic Characterization Of Lumbosacral Stenosis In Labrador Retrievers, Meenakshi Mukherjee

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

Lumbosacral stenosis (LS) is a structural narrowing of the spinal canal in the canine lumbosacral spine. Large-sized working and sporting dog breeds such as Labrador retrievers are predisposed for reasons that are incompletely understood. Early diagnosis is essential for maximizing the quality of life, and minimizing the likelihood of early retirement in working dogs. Lumbosacral stenosis is usually considered to be a condition associated with degenerative changes observed with normal aging, however presence of the disease in young and middle aged working dogs has also been reported. This leads to the probable theory that some dogs in large breeds like …

Sleep Patterns And Associated Factors In Children And Adolescents With Inflammatory Bowel Disease, Margo M. Szabo

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

Youth with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) may be at increased risk for sleep difficulties due to the inflammatory nature of their disease. Moreover, previous research has demonstrated that children and adolescents with IBD experience impairment across a variety of psychosocial domains. However, the current literature has yet to examine the complex interplay between sleep, disease-related symptoms, and psychosocial factors such as mood and health-related quality of life in youth with both types of IBD (i.e., Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis). Therefore, the purpose of this study was to examine sleep patterns and associated factors, including pain, disease activity, mood, and …

Identification And Functional Predication Of Long Non-Coding Rnas In Rainbow Trout And Cattle, Jian Wang

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

The simplest definition of a long noncoding RNA (lncRNA) is an RNA transcript larger than 200 nucleotides that does not encode for a functional protein product. This definition distinguishes lncRNAs from small regulatory RNAs such as microRNAs (miRNAs), short interfering RNAs (siRNAs), Piwi-interacting RNAs (piRNAs) and other short RNAs. They have emerged as a new class of regulatory transcripts in recent years. Recent advances in sequencing technologies have opened a new horizon for the identification and annotation of this class of RNAs in many species. With the increasing evidence supporting important roles of lincRNAs in diverse processes, a systematic catalog …

Impact Of Serving As An Extension Camping Instructor On Life Skills Development., Jeffery A. Davis Jr.

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

The purpose of this study was to determine if West Virginia University Extension Camping Instructors were influencing the life skill development of 4-H youth while also developing life skills of their own. This study utilized the unique perceptions of Extension Camping Instructors who were employed from the summer of 2007 to October of 2015 by examining their current level of life skills, how they felt being employed as an Extension Camping Instructor influenced the development of each skill, and how they felt their role impacted the life skill development of 4-H youth with whom they had worked. A descriptive survey …

Immunological Response To Haemonchus Contortus Antigen In Peripheral Blood Mononuclear Cells Of Parasite Resistant And Susceptible Sheep, Jesica Rae Jacobs

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

Parasitism by Haemonchus contortus is the greatest concern of sheep producers and results in billions of dollars in economic loss each year. St. Croix hair sheep are naturally resistant to H. contortus infection, but have body characteristics which are unfavorable for production. Resistance to H. contortus is immune mediated; characterized by a T helper type 2 (Th2) response, however the mechanism of the development of immune response is not known. In these studies, immunological responses of parasite resistant St. Croix sheep and Suffolk sheep peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) are evaluated in response to H. contortus antigens. Three uninfected H. …

Potential Biomarkers To Predict Fertility In Dairy Cattle, Melissa Jill Wise

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

The aim of this study was to use leukocyte counts and haptoglobin concentrations in blood, milk, and uterine luminal secretion as biomarkers of health status and to associate those biomarkers and milk yield with reproductive success in dairy cattle. The study used a commercial dairy milking three times daily. One hundred and twenty six (25 primiparous and 101 multiparous) Holstein dairy cows were used. Reproductive success was evaluated with variables measured at three time points: [20-26 (prebreeding), 54-60 (breeding), and 90-96 (pregnancy diagnosis) days in milk (DIM)]. Variables included concentrations of leukocytes from blood, milk [measured by QScout Farm Lab …

Cardiac Rehabilitation Using The Family-Centered Empowerment Model Versus Home-Based Cardiac Rehabilitation In Patients With Myocardial Infarction: A Randomised Controlled Trial, Amir Vahedian-Azimi, Andrew C. Miller, Mohammadreza Hajiesmaieli, Mari Kangasniemi, Fatemah Alhani, Hosseinali Jelvehmoghaddam, Mohammad Fathi, Behrooz Farzanegan, Seyed H. Ardehali, Sevak Hatamian, Mehdi Gahremani, Seyed M. M. Mosavinasab, Zohreh Rostami, Seyed J. Madani, Morteza Izadi

Faculty & Staff Scholarship

Objective To determine if a hybrid cardiac rehabilitation (CR) programme using the Family-Centered Empowerment Model (FCEM) as compared with standard CR will improve patient quality of life, perceived stress and state anxiety of patients with myocardial infarction (MI).

Methods We conducted a randomised controlled trial in which patients received either standard home CR or CR using the FCEM strategy. Patient empowerment was measured with FCEM questionnaires preintervention and postintervention for a total of 9 assessments. Quality of life, perceived stress, and state and trait anxiety were assessed using the 36-Item Short Form Health Survey (SF-36), the 14-item Perceived Stress, and …

Designing Policies To Spur Economic Growth: How Regional Scientists Can Contribute To Future Policy Development And Evaluation, Carlianne Patrick, Amanda Ross, Heather Stephens

Economics Faculty Working Papers Series

Policymakers at all levels of government try to design policies to promote economic growth. Many of these policies have a goal of attracting new businesses to an area, as new businesses are considered a key driver of local economic growth. An emerging literature suggests that such policies have heterogeneous effects on economic growth, both in terms of how the effect of the same policy may vary across locations as well as how different policies spur different types of growth. In this chapter, we discuss the insights provided by the existing literature on the effect of government policy on local economic …

Adolescent Health Risk Behaviors: An Examination Of The Co-Occurrence Of Risk Behaviors In A National Sample Of U.S. High School Adolescents, Halima Ahmadi-Montecalvo

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

Introduction: Research on the health status of United States' youths has shown that the main adolescent health threats result from behavioral choices (health risk behaviors) that place boys and girls at risk for leading causes of morbidity and mortality. The aims of this study were to examine the co-occurrence of health risk behaviors and determine patterns of the co-occurrence of risk behaviors that may differ based on sex (aim 1); the association of health risk behaviors with weight status (aim 2); and the association of tobacco use, poor dietary habits, physical inactivity, and sedentary behavior among adolescents using nationally representative …

Nutritional Consequences Of Various Ingredients In Broilers, Turkeys, And Swine, Kolby L. Foltz

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

Experiments were conducted to evaluate various ingredients' effects on broiler, turkey, and porcine performance, as well as feed mill efficacy. In chapter 2, the effects of zinc (Zn) supplement source and corn particle size on broiler performance, breast yield, and tibia ash were assessed from d 1-40. Zinc treatments included a basal diet (no added Zn), 80 mg/kg Zn sulfate, and three diets with 40 mg/kg Zn sulfate + 40 mg/kg of varying Zn amino acid chelates, and corn particle size was either 550 mum or 1,050 mum. Broilers fed diets containing 550 ?m corn had higher feed intake (FI) …