Digital Commons Network^™

Effects Of Time On Ph, Total Bacteria Counts, And Total Hydrocarbon Contents In The Bioremediation Of Crude Oil Contaminated Soil Using Indigenous Bio-Stimulants, Ita Uwidia, Osalodion Uwidia

Tanzania Journal of Science

This study was conducted to investigate the effect of time on pH, total bacteria counts, and total hydrocarbon contents in the bioremediation of crude oil contaminated soil using pig waste and sawdust as bio-stimulants. Dried soil samples (500 g each) were weighed each into seven different plastic bowls, and each bowl was contaminated with 10 g of crude oil. Six of the contaminated soil samples in six of the plastic bowls were amended with a combination of pig waste and sawdust as bio-stimulants in the ratio of 1:1 in amounts of 150 g, 125 g, 100 g, 75 g, 50 …

Analysis Of Repeated Milk Yields And Composition Traits By Mixed Models For Crossbred Holstein Friesian Dairy Cows, Ewonetu Senbeta, Kefelegn Kefenie, Adane Abebe

Tanzania Journal of Science

This study evaluated the effects of milking month, milking time, and lactation stage on milk yield and composition traits of crossbred dairy cows. Twelve crossbred Holstein Friesian cows with the same parity were purposefully selected and categorized into three groups; each consisting of four. All cows were individually managed for 120 days. Milk yield record was done every day for the morning and evening time whereas milk samples were taken every fifteen-day intervals. Data collected were analysed by PROC MIXED procedure of SAS 9.4. The “morning milkings” in all milking months showed the highest variations for “milk yield” whereas the …

Effectiveness Of Common Household Washing Of Tomatoes On The Removal Of Pesticide Residues, John Mahugija, Flaviana Ngabala, Faustin Ngassapa

Tanzania Journal of Science

The effectiveness of common household washing processes of tomatoes on the removal of pesticide residues was investigated in Iringa, Tanzania. Analyses of cleaned-up extracts were carried out using gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS). Nine pesticide residues were detected in unwashed and washed samples. The compounds detected were chlorothalonil, pirimiphos-methyl, chlorpyrifos, profenofos, endosulfan sulphate, endosulfan ether, lambda cyhalothrin, cypermethrin and metalaxyl. The concentrations of chlorothalonil, pirimiphos-methyl, chlorpyrifos, profenofos, cypermethrin and lambda cyhalothrin in some unwashed and washed samples exceeded the maximum residue limits (MRLs). Washing reduced the concentrations of chlorothalonil and endosulfan sulphate in tomatoes by 22.2–98.0% (mean = 70%) and 33.3–55.6% …

Geometric Morphometric Comparison Of Abu Mullet, Planiliza Abu (Heckel, 1843) Populations In Bushehr Basin, Iran: Fatemeh Shabaninejad, Yazdan Keivany, Dara Bagheri, Fatemeh Shabaninejad, Yazdan Keivany, Dara Bagheri

Tanzania Journal of Science

Many fish behavior and habitats could be defined based on the fish morphology, thus, using the fish body shape, in addition  to its genetic characteristics, could be used to infer the type of fish habitat and its characteristics. This study aimed to compare the body shapes of five populations of abu mullet, Planiliza abu (Heckel, 1843), in Bushehr basin using geometric morphometric method. Some 162 specimens from Hendijan, Genaveh, Helleh, Kaki and Mond rivers were used. Three morphometric characters, total length (TL), fork length (FL) and standard length (SL) were measured. Samples were photographed from the left side, then 18 …

Acute Effects Of Foam Rolling On Cycling Performance: A Randomized Cross-Over Study, Julio Benvenutti Bueno De Camargo, Paulo Henrique Barbosa, Matheus Moraes, Tiago Volpi Braz, Felipe Alves Brigatto, Danillo Rodrigues Batista, Guilherme Businari, Charlini Hartz, Ricardo Simoes, Marcelo Saldanha Aoki, Charles Ricardo Lopes

International Journal of Exercise Science

International Journal of Exercise Science 14(6): 274-283, 2021. Acute foam rolling protocols may increase range of motion without a negative impact on muscle performance. The main purpose of the present study was to investigate the acute effects of foam rolling on cycling performance (mean power and maximal power), affect and perceived exertion. A secondary aim was to assess the effect of foam rolling on post-exercise muscle soreness. In a random order, ten recreationally trained cyclists (age: 26 ± 5 years; height 1.76 ± 0.06 m; total body mass 78.3 ± 19.8 kg; cycling experience: 5.6 ± 5.3 years; 4.1 ± …

Evaluating The Clinical Utility Of Daily Heart Rate Variability Assessment For Classifying Meaningful Change In Testosterone-To-Cortisol Ratio: A Preliminary Study, Justin A. Deblauw, Derek A. Crawford, Brady K. Kurtz, Nicholas B. Drake, Katie M. Heinrich

International Journal of Exercise Science

International Journal of Exercise Science 14(3): 260-273, 2021. The study purpose was to determine the relationship of resting heart rate variability (HRV) and testosterone to cortisol (T:C) ratio, along with the diagnostic ability of HRV to assess changes in T:C ratio during a 9-week high-intensity functional training intervention. Eight recreationally-active men (n = 4, age 24.25 ± 1.75 yrs, height 181.25 ± 3.86 cm, weight 79.68 ± 11.66 kg) and women (n = 4, age 26 ± 3.6 yrs, height 164.25 ± 3.3, weight 73.4 ± 8.42) completed daily HRV measurements (HRVdaily) using photoplethysmography via a commercially-available smartphone …

Surgical Repair Of Multiple Fractures And A Lisfranc Injury: A Case Study, Jill Anne Davis, Melissa D. Long

International Journal of Exercise Science: Conference Proceedings

CASE HISTORY: The patient in this study was a 21-year-old college student. She sustained the injury when jumping from height at a trampoline park onto an airbag with the foot in full plantarflexion and phalanges in full extension. PHYSICAL EXAM: Immediately following the injury, the patient described severe pain and inability to ambulate with proper gait. However, the patient was able to walk if she put all her weight through her heel. Within six hours, edema and bruising were evident throughout both the dorsum and plantar aspects of the foot and toes as well as around the ankle. …

The Inter-Relationship Of Coaching Profiles And Levels Of Mental Toughness: Preliminary Results Of A Pilot Study., Pedro J. Flores-Moreno, Isela R. Ramos-Carranza, Lenin T. Barajas-Pineda, Andreas Stamatis

International Journal of Exercise Science: Conference Proceedings

Mental toughness (MT) is a personal, state-like capacity that facilitates the initiation and continuation of goal-directed activities in several domains, including sports. Sport coaches are key agents in positions of authority. Coaching philosophy has been identified as one of the key parts in the development of environments that promote MT. The Coach Orientation Questionnaire (COQ) groups coaches in six profiles (Traditional, Technological, Innovative, Collaborative, Communicator, and Confrontational) mostly based on their professional training, personality, and experience. Coaches’ levels of MT and coaching COQ profiles have not been investigated together. PURPOSE: To explore the relationship between the COQ coaching profiles …

Influence Of Diet On Metabolic Physiology In People With And Without A Family History Of Type 2 Diabetes, Smaran Marupudi, Yu Lun Tai, Gabriel Figueroa, Saraswathy Nair, Jimmy Gonzalez, Emily Cisneros, Ryan D. Russell

International Journal of Exercise Science: Conference Proceedings

Type 2 diabetes (T2D) prevalence in the Rio Grande Valley is ~27% versus the 9% national average. Simply having a family history (FH+) of type 2 diabetes (T2D) increases T2D prevalence by ~40 over those with no family history (FH-). We have shown that FH+ display early markers of cardiometabolic impairment vs FH-, such as blunted microvascular reactivity, and impaired metabolic flexibility. What is not yet known is the degree to which environment vs genetics may contribute to these impairments. PURPOSE: This pilot study seeks to examine normal dietary patterns between FH groups to identify potential patterns in macro- and …

A Comparison Of High-Intensity Interval Running And Tabata On Postprandial Metabolism: A Pilot Analysis, Alexander R. Alvara, David J. Buckley, James R. Rowe

International Journal of Exercise Science: Conference Proceedings

PURPOSE: Compare the postprandial response following: 1) rest, 2) high-intensity interval running (HIIR), and 3) Tabata. METHODS: Recreationally active males (n = 7; age = 24.3 ± 4.8 yrs; body mass = 86.9 ± 20.1 kg; body fat% = 23.6 ± 6.2) performed each of the 3 bouts (in a randomized order) on 3 separate mornings with at least 7 days in between each bout. All participants were fasted for 10 hours prior to each bout. Rest was sitting for 25 minutes. Tabata was 25 minutes of repeated cycles of body calisthenics at maximal effort for 20 seconds followed …

Acute Multiple Deep Vein Thrombosis, Tara Tralewski, Vered Arbel, Terry Nicola, Tal Amasay

International Journal of Exercise Science: Conference Proceedings

CASE HISTORY: The patient was a 49-year-old male who presented to the clinic for further evaluation right calf swelling and pain. He reported that the pain began approximately three weeks before the visit while in physical therapy for ACL knee surgery rehab. The patient recalls performing a lateral stepping exercise when he experienced a sharp pain in his groin that radiated down his leg to his toes on the right side. The pain in his groin eventually subsided but continued experiencing aching pains and swelling in the right calf. He initially had difficulty walking on his right leg but …

Acylated And Unacylated Ghrelin Impact On Protein Synthesis And Signaling Pathways Of L6 Myotubes, Colleen L. Oreilly, Selina Uranga, James D. Fluckey

International Journal of Exercise Science: Conference Proceedings

Ghrelin has recently become a hormone of interest in the fight against type two diabetes. Ghrelin is found in two forms (acylated vs. unacylated), with the acylated form of ghrelin being cited as diabetogenic purportedly due to its interaction with growth hormone secretion. Both the Acylated Ghrelin (AG) and Unacylated Ghrelin (UAG) forms are reported to have metabolic functions within skeletal muscle, despite having little expression of the only known ghrelin receptor known as the growth hormone secretagogue receptor 1a (ghsr-1a). The investigation into AG and UAG on skeletal muscle in type 2 diabetes (T2D) shows promise; however, the measures …

Case Presentation For Compartment Syndrome Of Tibial Nerve, Matthew Bryk, Vered Arbel, Terry Nicola, Tal Amasay

International Journal of Exercise Science: Conference Proceedings

CASE HISTORY: The patient is an active 60-year-old male who was seen in the emergency room following an injury to the right lower extremity due to heavy impact with the ground during a lacrosse tournament. He stated that he felt a sharp pain in the knee and that he could not run the next day. His pain continued to get worse and he began feeling sharp pins and needles on plantar surface. The patient was put on Xarelto (an anticoagulant) for the next six months and continued to consult with different doctors to further evaluate the progression of the injury. …

Appetite Alterations In Endurance Athletes Following The Ketogenic Diet, Austin J. Graybeal, Andreas Kreutzer, Petra Rack, Kamiah Moss, Garrett Augsburger, Jada L. Willis, Robyn Braun-Trocchio, Meena Shah

International Journal of Exercise Science: Conference Proceedings

Recently, endurance athletes have utilized a very low-carbohydrate diet, the ketogenic diet (KD), to improve performance in competition. The KD may be associated with diminished appetite, but this has not been explored in endurance athletes. PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effects of a KD compared to a high-carbohydrate diet (HCD) and habitual diet (HD) on both subjective and objective measures of appetite in highly-trained cyclists and triathletes. METHODS: Following their HD, six highly-trained (≥80^th percentile for V0_2max based on age and sex) cyclists and triathletes (male = 2, female = 4; …

Recovery Strategies In Endurance Athletes, Jessica Renteria, Elizabeth Warfield, Andreas Kreutzer, Austin J. Graybeal, Kamiah Moss, Ashlynn Williams, Kaitlyn Harrison, Meena Shah, Robyn Braun-Trocchio

International Journal of Exercise Science: Conference Proceedings

In order to achieve optimal performance, endurance athletes, whether at the professional or recreational level, need to implement a variety of recovery strategies that are specific to their individual training and competition. Recovery is a multidimensional process involving physiological, psychological, emotional, social, and behavioral aspects. PURPOSE: The purpose of the current study is to examine current implementation, beliefs, and sources of information associated with recovery strategies in endurance athletes. METHODS: Participants included 240 self-identified endurance athletes (m=112, f=126, non-binary=1, and preferred not to answer=1) across different sports (cycling=57, running=100, triathlon = 61, other=22; pro=13, current/former collegiate athlete=67, recreational=160). …

The Relationship Between Dietary Intake And Sleep Quality In Endurance Athletes, Kamiah Moss, Andreas Kreutzer, Austin J. Graybeal, Yan Zhang, Robyn Braun-Trocchio, Ryan R. Porter, Meena Shah

International Journal of Exercise Science: Conference Proceedings

Athletes have a high prevalence of poor sleep quality. It is unknown if dietary intake affects sleep quality in athletes. PURPOSE: To examine if sleep quality in endurance athletes is related to dietary intake. METHODS: Endurance athletes (n=187), 42.0±13.7 y, participated in the study. Participants completed questionnaires on demographics, dietary intake, and sleep quality. Sleep quality was assessed using the Athlete Sleep Screening Questionnaire (ASSQ), a validated tool, with scores ranging from 0-40 (higher scores indicate poorer sleep quality). The ASSQ subscales included sleep difficulty (SD), chronotype (C), and sleep disordered breathing (SDB). ASSQ-SD was categorized as having …

Effects And Implications Of Wearing A Face Mask On Cardiopulmonary Performance During Exercise, Kara N. Jones, Ashtyn P. Philipsheck, Haley A. Turner, Lauren N. Hoogenakker, Katelyn A. Cole, Jose M. Moris, Jarrett D. Walbolt, Yunsuk Koh

International Journal of Exercise Science: Conference Proceedings

The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has prompted the use of a face mask (FM) to minimize the transmission of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), the virus that causes COVID-19. The use of an FM being an accepted precautionary measure to reduce viral transmission, there is a need for examining the physiological effects of wearing an FM, specifically during exercise. PURPOSE: To assess the impact of wearing a surgical FM on cardiopulmonary parameters and exercise performance. METHODS: Nine males and 9 females (age = 21.6 ± 2.5 yrs; BMI = 24.4 ± 3.1 kg/m²) …

Functional Social Support Moderates Stress On Depression In Individuals With Cid During The Covid-19 Pandemic: A Two-Wave Study., Ely Moak, Grant Morgan, Richard G. Cowden, Edward B. Davis, Kevin J. Glowiak, Austin W. Lemke, Everett L. Worthington, Sandra Y. Rueger, Andreas Stamatis Dr.

International Journal of Exercise Science: Conference Proceedings

Depression is a common psychological experience for those living with a chronic illness and disease (CID). Social support (SS) can influence psychological health by regulating emotional functioning. The functional domain of SS refers to supportive exchange, including the emotional and instrumental functions. Public health measures during the COVID-19 pandemic include social distancing and isolation, which have impacted functional aspects of SS. The health risks of being isolated are comparable to the risks linked to obesity, blood pressure, and cigarette smoking. PURPOSE: To investigate the moderating effect of functional SS on the stress-depression relationship on individuals with CID during the COVID-19 …

Map Kinase Phosphatase-5 Regulates Cardiac Adapation To Endurance Exercise, Jaime A. Perales, Dr. Kisuk Min

International Journal of Exercise Science: Conference Proceedings

Endurance exercise induces a beneficial effect on the cardiovascular system and promotes cardio protection against heart disease. It has been established that the mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPKs) promote the improvement of cardiac function in response to endurance exercise. However, molecular mechanisms of how MAPK signaling pathways regulate cardiac adaptation to endurance exercise remain unclear. The MAPKs are inactivated by MAP kinase phosphatases (MKPs) through direct dephosphorylation. Recently, growing evidence suggests the importance of MKP-5 signaling mechanisms in physiological and pathological processes. Previously, we have demonstrated that MKP-5-deficient skeletal muscle exhibits improved regenerative myogenesis in response to injury and mice lacking …

Ginger Root Extract Increases Mitochondrial Fission And Mitophagy In Diabetes Mellitus Rats, Casey Appell, Nigel Jiwan, Chwan-Li Shen, Hui-Ying Luk

International Journal of Exercise Science: Conference Proceedings

Diabetes (DM) is accompanied by mitochondrial dysfunction (i.e., mitochondria fission/fusion and mitophagy) in which result in an accumulation of damaged mitochondria and further impaired insulin resistance. Ginger root extract (GRE) has been shown to improve mitochondrial biogenesis and decreased respiratory coefficient in DM model, however, the effect of GRE on the basal mitochondria fission/fusion and mitophagy state is limited. PURPOSE: To determine the effect of GRE on mitochondria fission/fusion and mitophagy transcript abundance in rats with diabetes induced by high-fat diet (HFD) with streptozotocin (STZ). METHOD: Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly divided into 3 groups: standard diet (STD; n=11), HFD with …

Geranylgeraniol Increases Autophagy And Mitophagy Gene Expression In Soleus Of Rats With Diabetes, Nigel C. Jiwan, Casey Appell, Rui Wang, Chwan-Li Shen, Hui-Ying Luk

International Journal of Exercise Science: Conference Proceedings

The autophagy and mitophagy (selective autophagy for mitochondria) processes are important in maintaining muscle homeostasis, e.g., removing damaged mitochondria. With diabetes, skeletal muscle autophagy decreases. Geranylgeraniol (GG) has been shown to reduce mitochondrial damage; however, the effect of GG on basal autophagy and mitophagy in diabetic rats is not known. PURPOSE: To determine the effect of GG on selective autophagy and mitophagy genes in rats with diabetes induced by a high-fat diet (HFD) with streptozotocin (STZ). METHODS: Sprague-Dawley rats were divided into three groups: normal diet (CON; n=11), HFD with 35 mg/kg body weight of STZ (HFD; n=9), …

Caffeine Supplementation Strategies Among Endurance Athletes, Andreas Kreutzer, Austin J. Graybeal, Kamiah Moss, Robyn Braun-Trocchio, Meena Shah

International Journal of Exercise Science: Conference Proceedings

Caffeine is widely accepted as an ergogenic aid for endurance performance. Many laboratory studies use doses of 3-6 mg/kg of caffeine 60 min prior to exercise. It is unclear if endurance athletes employ similar supplementation schemes in practice. Further, there is a paucity of data regarding caffeine consumption in this population. PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to investigate caffeine supplementation strategies and consumption among endurance athletes. METHODS: A survey conducted on Qualtrics returned responses regarding caffeine supplementation from 247 endurance athletes (f = 129, m =118; age = 40.4 ± 18.4 y; pro = 11, current/former …

Sex Moderates The Fitness Tests - Performance Index Relationship In Collegiate Basketball: A Case Study, Nicole Kingsley, Samuel Amsbaugh, Zacharias Papadakis, Grant Morgan, Ali Boolani, Andreas Stamatis Dr.

International Journal of Exercise Science: Conference Proceedings

Performance indicators are used widely in sports, including basketball. Those total performance metrics are mathematical models that are used to determine the “best” athlete per game/week/season. Players with higher metrics get recruited more and/or get offered better contracts. During offseason, strength and conditioning coaches (SCCs) perform tests to determine the fitness levels of their players. Although those scores differ by sex, the fitness levels are associated with in-season sport performance and, therefore, performance indices. More insight in the fitness tests - performance index relationship in the collegiate basketball and the differential effects by sex would be valuable for all stakeholders …

Partial Rupture Of The Distal Biceps Tendon In A Collegiate Football Player, Derran J. Strydom, Melissa D. Long

International Journal of Exercise Science: Conference Proceedings

CASE HISTORY: The patient is a 20-year-old collegiate football player who presented to the athletic training staff with pain in his left arm near his elbow. He states that he was attempting to make a tackle and that his arm was pushed into hyperextension by another player. He reported discomfort, pain, and numbness in his arm. He attempted to continue to play after completing arm flexion and extension in between plays. His pain levels increased as his range of motion activity continued. The patient could no longer continue during practice and was taken to the medical tent for further …

Comparison Of Indirect Calorimetry And Common Prediction Equations For Evaluating Changes In Resting Metabolic Rate Induced By Resistance Training And A Hypercaloric Diet, Christian Rodriguez, Patrick S. Harty, Matthew T. Stratton, Madelin R. Siedler, Robert W. Smith, Baylor A. Johnson, Jacob R. Dellinger, Abegale D. Williams, Sarah J. White, Marqui L. Benavides, Grant M. Tinsley

International Journal of Exercise Science: Conference Proceedings

An individual’s resting metabolic rate (RMR) is commonly the largest contributor to total daily energy expenditure. Prediction equations are most often employed by practitioners to estimate RMR, due to their superior practicality in many settings relative to laboratory methods like indirect calorimetry (IC). The ability to quantify RMR change over time may be more valuable than cross-sectional estimates as practitioners can then utilize these changes to prescribe adjustments to one’s nutritional intake. PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to assess the validity of several commonly used prediction equations to track RMR changes during a hypercaloric nutrition intervention and …

Differences In Acute:Chronic Workload Ratio Preceding Injury Occurrence In United Soccer League Players, Steve P. Fell, Brennen Hodge, Andreas Stamatis, Zacharias Papadakis

International Journal of Exercise Science: Conference Proceedings

Professional soccer players are prone to injuries. Training loads (TL), including games, are associated with injury occurrence. Acute:Chronic workload ratio (ACWR), an index of TL, is considered an accurate injury rate metric. In respect to the relationship between injury occurrence and ACWR load obtained using global positioning systems (GPS), little evidence exists in United Soccer League (USL) teams. It is possible high ACWR during the season to lead to injuries. PURPOSE: To investigate the interaction effect of players’ injury status with ACWR of professional soccer players of a USL team. METHODS: In 2019-20, in-season data were gathered from 20 …

Evaluating A Fire Department’S Conditioning Program’S Ability To Predict Tactical Performance From Physical Fitness Testing, Peter Beitia, Scott Grondin, Andreas Stamatis, Zacharias Papadakis

International Journal of Exercise Science: Conference Proceedings

Firefighters’ (FF) physical fitness (PF) levels affect their ability to carry out daily tasks and meet unforeseen emergencies. Fire departments (FD) design simulations via the physical ability test (PAT) as an occupational-specific metric of PF. PAT is used both in recruitment and as an indicator of FFs’ on-going PF. However, PATs are labor-/time-/cost-sensitive. Could PF tests reveal recruits’ level of conditioning and predict PAT scores in frugality? PURPOSE: Identify relationships between selected PF components’ scores and PAT performance on City of Hialeah’s Fire Department’s (HFD) specific PAT. METHODS: Forty-five FF (age 26±5SD) performed a battery of PF tests …

United States Special Operations Command South Training Program’S Effectiveness: A Case Study, Gene Hansen, Steve Fell, Jarrod Lubbers, Mindy Langlois, Jacob Talcott, Andreas Stamatis, Zacharias Papadakis

International Journal of Exercise Science: Conference Proceedings

United States Special Operations Command South (SOCSOUTH) plans and coordinates Special Operations to find and fix threats and enable the Interagency, Intelligence Community, and Partner Nations to counter threats to US interests, maintain regional stability and compete in a complex environment. Physical readiness, performance optimization, and injury prevention are critical to the individual operator. SOCSOUTH has allocated significant financial resources associated with operational training and human performance programs in order to improve and maintain operators’ tactical and physical readiness. Whether these efforts are pointed to the right direction are under evaluation. PURPOSE: To evaluate the effectiveness of a 3 months’ …

Dietary Anti-Aging Polyphenols And Potential Mechanisms, Jing Luo, Hongwei Si, Zhenquan Jia, Dongmin Liu

Human Sciences Faculty Research

For years, the consumption of a diet rich in fruits and vegetables has been considered healthy, increasing longevity, and decreasing morbidities. With the assistance of basic research investigating the potential mechanisms, it has become clear that the beneficial effects of plant-based foods are mainly due to the large amount of bioactive phenolic compounds contained. Indeed, substantial dietary intervention studies in humans have supported that the supplementation of polyphenols have various health-promoting effects, especially in the elderly population. In vitro examinations on the anti-aging mechanisms of polyphenols have been widely performed, using different types of natural and synthetic phenolic compounds. The …

Grocery Food Taxes And U.S. County Obesity And Diabetes Rates, Lingxiao Wang, Yuqing Zheng, Steven Buck, Diansheng Dong, Harry M. Kaiser

Agricultural Economics Faculty Publications

BACKGROUND: Grocery food taxes represent a stable tax revenue stream for state and municipal government during times of adverse economic shocks such as that observed under the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic. Previous research, however, suggests a possible mechanism through which grocery taxes may adversely affect health. Our objectives are to document the spatial and temporal variation in grocery taxes and to empirically examine the statistical relationship between county-level grocery taxes and obesity and diabetes.

METHODS: We collect and assemble a novel national dataset of annual county and state-level grocery taxes from 2009 through 2016. We link this data to …