Digital Commons Network^™

Bidirectional Associations Between Daytime Napping Duration And Metabolic Syndrome: A Nationally Representative Cohort Study, Jinqi Wang, Zhiyuan Wu, Xiaohan Jin, Rui Jin, Ze Han, Haiping Zhang, Zongkai Xu, Yue Liu, Xiuhua Guo, Lixin Tao

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

Background: We aimed to examine the bidirectional associations between daytime napping duration and metabolic syndrome (MetS). Methods: Using data from the China Health and Retirement Longitudinal Study from 2011 to 2015, modified Poisson regression models were performed to explore the longitudinal associations of baseline napping duration with the occurrence and remission of MetS. Generalized estimating equation was conducted to explore the association between baseline MetS status with subsequent changes in daytime napping duration. Cross-lagged panel analysis was performed to further verify their bidirectional relationships. Results: During the four-year follow-up, among 5041 participants without MetS at baseline, extended naps were significantly …

Support-Seeking By Cancer Caregivers Living In Rural Australia, Elizabeth A. Johnston, Belinda C. Goodwin, Larry Myers, Sonja March, Joanne F. Aitken, Suzanne K. Chambers, Jeff Dunn

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

Objective: Rural cancer caregivers report poor wellbeing and high unmet needs for support. This study investigates sources of support sought by cancer caregivers living in rural Australia, and factors associated with support-seeking. Methods: Informal caregivers of people with cancer completed a questionnaire assessing sociodemographic characteristics, caregiver factors and support-seeking. Descriptive statistics, bivariate analyses and logistic regression were used to identify common sources of support and factors associated with support-seeking. Alluvial and radar plots were used to identify and describe support-seeking profiles. Findings: Of 244 rural caregivers, 64 % reported seeking support for themselves, 72 % for the cancer patient, and …

Maturity Stage At Harvest Influences Antioxidant Phytochemicals And Antibacterial Activity Of Jujube Fruit (Ziziphus Mauritiana Lamk. And Ziziphus Spina-Christi L.), Adhbah R. H. Aldhanhani, Zienab F. R. Ahmed, Nikolaos Tzortzakis, Zora Singh

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

Fruits of the genus Ziziphus are known for their medicinal and nutritional value. Thus, this study aimed to investigate the influence of different maturity stages (unripe, half-ripe, and ripe fruit) at harvest on the physicochemical characteristics, phytochemical composition, antioxidants, and antibacterial activities of Ziziphus mauritiana and Ziziphus spina-christi fruits. In both plant species, the unripe fruits had significantly higher (P < 0.05) phenolic and flavonoid content and antioxidant and antibacterial activity compared with ripe fruits. At all maturity stages, these features were significantly higher (P < 0.05) in Z. spina-christi fruits than in Z. mauritiana fruits. Regardless of the species, 13 phenolic compounds were identified and quantified in the fruit extracts. For both species, the concentration of individual phenolic compounds changed with fruit maturity. Among the phenolic compounds, the gallic acid, 4-hydroxybenzoic acid, salicylic acid, catechin, and rutin levels were significantly higher (P < 0.05) in Z. spina-christi fruits than those for Z. mauritiana fruits, whereas vanillic acid and quercetin showed the opposite trend. Additionally, trans-cinnamic acid was only detected in Z. spina-christi fruits. In conclusion, the mature unripe jujube fruit, especially in Z. spina-christi, was shown to be a promising source of various naturally occurring compounds of significant interest owing to its pharmacological and therapeutic properties as an antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and analgesic.

The Role Of State Breastfeeding Laws And Programs On Exclusive Breastfeeding Practice Among Mothers In The Special Supplemental Nutrition Program For Women, Infants, And Children (Wic), Paschal A. Apanga, Elizabeth J. Christiansen, Ann M. Weber, Lyndsey A. Darrow, Mark S. Riddle, Wei Chen Tung, Yan Liu, Taya Kohnen, Joshua V. Garn

Faculty Research, Scholarly, and Creative Activity

Background: It is unclear if state laws supporting breastfeeding are associated with exclusive breastfeeding (EBF) practice among low-income mothers participating in the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC). The main objectives of our study were to assess the relationship between such laws and EBF among WIC-participating mothers and to assess whether this association varied by employment status. We also assessed how mother’s exposure to WIC breastfeeding consultation was associated with EBF. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted across seven WIC program locations (i.e., Georgia, Massachusetts, Nevada, Pennsylvania, Wisconsin, Wyoming, Chickasaw Nation) between July–August 2020. Data were …

The Flavor Profiles Of Highland Barley Fermented With Different Mushroom Mycelium, Kai Wang, Cuicui Yang, Ziyan Dai, Zhenxiang Wen, Yin Liu, Xi Feng, Ying Liu, Wen Huang

Faculty Research, Scholarly, and Creative Activity

Highland barley was fermented with Cordyceps militaris, Stropharia rugoso-annulata, Morchella esculenta, Schizophyllum commune and Tremella sanguinea. The flavor profiles were investigated by electronic nose (E-nose), headspace solid-phase microextraction gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (HS-SPME-GC-MS) and sensory evaluation by train panel. Fermentation with mushroom mycelium was able to change the aroma profile of highland barley. The original strong grassy taste was reduced due to a decrease in hexanal, decanal and 2-pentylfuran, and new aromatic flavors (floral, sweet and mushroom fragrance) were acquired after fermentation. The overall flavor of the fermented highland barley varied with mushroom strains. Schizophyllum commune gave a heavier sour taste …

Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (Snap)-Authorized Retailers Received A Low Score Using The Business Impact Assessment For Obesity And Population-Level Nutrition (Bia-Obesity) Tool, Bailey Houghtaling, Tessa Englund, Susan Chen, Nila Pradhananga, Vivica I. Kraak, Elena Serrano, Samantha M. Harden, George C. Davis, Sarah Misyak

Faculty Research, Scholarly, and Creative Activity

Background: The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) supports Americans with lower income to purchase dietary products at authorized retailers. This research aimed to evaluate SNAP-authorized retailers’ public commitments in support of nutrition security and to examine differences between traditional grocers and nontraditional (e.g., convenience, drug, dollar) SNAP-authorized retailers’ public commitments. Methods: Prominent United States (U.S.) SNAP-authorized retailers nationally and in two U.S. states (California and Virginia) were identified based on number of store locations (n = 61). Public information available in grey literature were reviewed and scored using the Business Impact Assessment for Obesity and population-level nutrition (BIA-Obesity) tool. SNAP-authorized …

Payment Profiles: Using Payment Transaction Data To Identify And Characterize Gamblers, Kasra Ghaharian

UNLV Theses, Dissertations, Professional Papers, and Capstones

Payment providers in the gambling industry facilitate transactions, allowing customers to transfer money to and from wagering accounts. Payments transaction data is information that is captured from these transactions, including, for example, the type, amount, time, and location. How this data may be used for gambling harm minimization and prevention has garnered significant interest, particularly due to accelerated payments modernization in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic. With this study, I explored the utility of payments transaction data to categorize subgroups of gamblers in order to identify individuals who may be at-risk of harm. I benchmarked six cluster analysis methods …

Hunter-Gatherers In Context: Hadzabe People And Early Nutrition Transition, Trevor Pollom

UNLV Theses, Dissertations, Professional Papers, and Capstones

The current study utilizes a mixed-methods approach to investigate the processes that influence landcover change and nutrition transitions in the Lake Eyasi Basin area of Northern Tanzania. In doing so, it provides unique insights into the behavior and biology of Hadzabe foragers living in the Yaeda Valley during the early stages of nutrition transition and provides much needed context for scientific literature that has been derived from this region. The current study answers the following questions: 1) How can historical and ethnographic maps, combined with present-day landcover classifications, inform our understanding of the people(s), spaces, and places of Lake Eyasi? …

Covid-19 Vaccine Acceptance Behavior Among Hispanics/Latinxs In Nevada: A Theory-Based Analysis, Tara Marie Naoe Tacderan Wong Nerida

UNLV Theses, Dissertations, Professional Papers, and Capstones

The COVID-19 pandemic has impacted many lives around the world, leaving negative repercussions including health effects, economic downturns, and social and physical restrictions. The pandemic has also revealed many disproportionate health impacts on vulnerable populations, especially among the Hispanic and Latinx populations. The use of the three COVID-19 vaccines in the United States has presented a form of protection against additional negative impacts. However, hesitancy toward the COVID-19 vaccine has hindered its rapid uptake, preventing the country from reaching herd immunity and ultimately ending the pandemic. Current research is minimal in understanding the intentions of receiving the COVID-19 vaccine among …

Food Waste, Preference, And Cost: Perceived Barriers And Self-Reported Food Service Best Practices In Family Child Care Homes, Divya Patel, Daisy Butzer, Bethany D. Williams, Dipti Dev, Diane Horm, Denise Finneran, Bryce Lowery, Janis E. Campbell, Susan B. Sisson

Department of Child, Youth, and Family Studies: Faculty Publications

Background: Family Child Care Homes (FCCHs) are a setting where providers care for children at their own residence. FCCHs face unique challenges, and children may not always receive optimal nutrition and have higher risk of obesity compared to other programs. The objective of this study was to determine differences in food service best practices scores between FCCHs who did/did not perceive barriers to serving healthy meals. Methods: FCCHs (n = 167) self-reported demographics and perceived barriers to serving healthy foods. Nutrition and Physical Activity Self-Assessment for Child Care was used to assess food served with 1 (indicating poor practice) …

Modulation Of Alpha-Crystallin-Membrane Association By Phospholipid Acyl Chain Length And Degree Of Unsaturation, Geraline Trossi-Torres

Boise State University Theses and Dissertations

Cataract is the leading cause of blindness worldwide. The only treatment for cataracts is the surgical removal of the cataractous lens and the replacement of an intraocular lens. With less availability of treatment and low income, the visual damage caused by cataracts can go untreated. The cataract may develop again after surgery, such as posterior capsule opacification. With age and cataracts, α-crystallin, a significant protein of the mammalian eye lens, is progressively associated with the eye lens membrane. The primary association sites of α-crystallin with the membranes are phospholipids. However, it is unclear if phospholipids’ acyl chain length and degree …

Approaches To Supplementing Silicon In Soilless Media And The Value Of Silicon In The Mitigation Of Drought Stress, Mackenzie Grace Dey

All Graduate Theses and Dissertations, Spring 1920 to Summer 2023

Silicon (Si) is not considered an essential element for plants to complete their lifecycle, but is known to be beneficial for plants under environmental stress such as drought. Unlike natural soils, Si is minimally bioavailable in soilless media. With indoor agriculture and greenhouse production increasing, the benefits of Si have been seen and Si should be supplemented. This work aimed to characterize and quantify the dissolution of Si from media substrates and additives to achieve a steady-state release of Si in soilless media. Typical media components such as coconut coir, peat moss, perlite, rock wool, sand, and vermiculite minimally released …

Characterization Of Biochar Produced From Al Ghaf Tree For Co2 Capture, Imen Ben Salem, Maisa El Gamal, Manish Sharma, Fares M. Howari, Yousef Nazzal, Cijo Xavier, Fareeda M. Almenhali

All Works

Climate change, global warming, and rise in water levels are environmental problems caused by the high emissions of greenhouse gases, and the most harmed one is carbon dioxide. Biochar is a material produced by thermochemical conversions with oxygen-depleted conditions of organic materials, and this process calls pyrolysis. Recently, it has been evaluated as a carbon dioxide capture, and its porous structure, structural properties, and production methods are easy. Al Ghaf (Prosopis cineraria) tree is one of the United Arab Emirates’ national trees with a wide range of intriguing properties, including high nutritional value, medicinal/pharmaceutical potential, and biosorption. This paper focuses …

Associations Between Dietary Intake Of Vitamin D, Sun Exposure, And Generalized Anxiety Among College Women, Fatme Al Anouti, William B. Grant, Justin Thomas, Sharifa Alblooshi, Spyridon Karras

All Works

Vitamin D insufficiency impacts about half of the population worldwide. Almost one billion individuals across all ages and ethnicities suffer from vitamin D deficiency. Hypovitaminosis D is mainly related to lifestyle choices and habits, such as outdoor activities and food intake. Several studies have demonstrated a correlation between vitamin D status and anxiety symptoms. The main purpose of this study was to investigate the correlation between anxiety and factors including age, vitamin D deficiency, citizens, dietary and supplementary vitamin D intake, along with sun exposure, among a sample of female college students in the United Arab Emirates. A descriptive questionnaire, …

Survey For Usage Of And Interest In Personalized Nutrition As A Possible Health Approach, Kimberly Garrett

Biological Sciences Undergraduate Honors Theses

Dietary factors can lead to chronic diseases and impact certain health factors such as sleep and mood. Personalized nutrition is based on an individual’s phenotype and genotype to meet specific dietary needs. This approach could be an intervention to benefit an individual’s health. This study surveyed a population to analyze the population’s view on and usage of personalized nutrition. The use of personalized nutrition was minimal, but there was interest within the population. In addition, a relationship between health and mood was found. However, the sample size was a limiting factor for this study. Future directions could include studying why …

Process Evaluation Of A Community Asset Mapping Protocol For Diabetes Prevention And Management, Andrea Peterson

Capstone Experience: Master of Public Health

Prediabetes and type 2 diabetes mellitus (DM) are highly prevalent conditions with new diagnoses occurring each year (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 2022a). Type 2 DM negatively impacts many aspects of life, to include social, financial, cultural, and everyday living. Asset mapping is a useful tool to build upon existing resources to help community members identify and expand services based on understanding the interconnected systems that influence type 2 DM prevention, screening, education, and care management. An Asset Mapping Protocol was created and piloted through a rural community coalition in Nebraska. The protocol includes an activity for community stakeholders …

Health Effects Of Neonicotinoids On An Agricultural Community, Jocelyn Rodriguez-Paar

Capstone Experience: Master of Public Health

Mead, Nebraska, a small United States agricultural community consisting of approximately 600 people, was accidentally exposed to high amounts of neonicotinoids when AltEn, an ethanol plant that used neonicotinoid coated corn and soybean seeds for biofuel, was discovered not disposing of the toxic byproduct safely. Coincidentally, there was also a leak in their wastewater system that also contaminated the nearby areas. Although neonicotinoids are not considered highly dangerous with low dose exposures, large dose exposures can cause symptoms similarly to nicotine poisonings, such as difficulty breathing, vomiting, nausea, hypertension, tachycardia, and lethargy (Imamura, T. et al., 2010). Neonicotinoid poisoning can …

Comparison Of Water-Soluble Cbd And Cbd Oil As An Anti-Inflammatory In Canines With Osteoarthritis, Sadie Sims, Tara Joiner, Dr. Laura Ken Hoffman, Barbie Papajeski

Honors College Theses

Osteoarthritis is one of the most common forms of arthritis in canines. Osteoarthritis affects the entire joint, and typically results in pain, inflammation, decreased range of motion and development of bone spurs. The purpose of this study was to provide clinical research comparing Water-Soluble Cannabidiol (CBD) and Cannabidiol (CBD) oil as an anti-inflammatory in arthritic dogs by using gait analysis on the Tekscan Strideway System, Canine Brief Pain Inventory owner surveys, and analysis of blood test results. One clinical trial was conducted with thirteen privately owned dogs. Participants were split into three treatment groups by listing them by last names …

Understanding Alcohol Use Discourse And Stigma Patterns In Perinatal Care On Twitter, Fritz Culp, Yuqi Wu, Dezhi Wu, Yang Ren, Phyllis Raynor Phd, Aprn, Pmhnp-Bc, Peiyin Hung Ph.D, Shan Qiao Ph.D., Xiaoming Li Ph.D., Kacey Eichelberger

Publications

(1) Background: perinatal alcohol use generates a variety of health risks. Social media platforms discuss fetal alcohol spectrum disorder (FASD) and other widespread outcomes, providing personalized user-generated content about the perceptions and behaviors related to alcohol use during pregnancy. Data collected from Twitter underscores various narrative structures and sentiments in tweets that reflect large-scale discourses and foster societal stigmas; (2) Methods: We extracted alcohol-related tweets from May 2019 to October 2021 using an official Twitter search API based on a set of keywords provided by our clinical team. Our exploratory study utilized thematic content analysis and inductive qualitative coding methods …

Utilization Of Positive Youth Development Framework By Youth-Facing Organizations In Baltimore City, Selvi Rajagopal, Kaitlyn Harper, Katherine Holzhauer, Tina Kumra

Journal of Youth Development

Positive youth development (PYD) is a strengths-based approach to youth programming which has been tested with success in largely higher income settings with mostly White youth. This study aims to identify the extent to which organizations who work in an urban context serving predominately African American youth incorporate PYD principles into their work. Organizations located in Baltimore, Maryland working with youth ages 14–24 were recruited for participation. In-depth interviews were conducted with organization leaders in this qualitative study. Thematic analysis using a deductive approach identified common themes and activities across organizations that aligned with PYD elements. All 17 youth-facing organizations …

Conducive Factors Of Adolescent Pregnancy In Ecuador Through Neutrosophic Statistics, Lenin Carlos Gabriel Flores, Iruma Alfonso Gonzáles, Kenia Mariela Peñafiel Jaramillo, Olga Cristina Solis Solis

Neutrosophic Sets and Systems

No abstract provided.

Lgd-4033 And Mk-677 Use Impacts Body Composition, Circulating Biomarkers, And Skeletal Muscle Androgenic Hormone And Receptor Content: A Case Report, Thomas D. Cardaci, Steven B. Machek, Dylan T. Wilburn, Jeffery L. Heileson, Dillon R. Harris, Harry P. Cintineo, Darryn S. Willoughby

Kinesiology Faculty Publications and Presentations

LGD-4033, a selective androgen receptor modulator, and MK-677, a growth hormone secretagogue, are being used increasingly amongst recreationally active demographics. However, limited data exist describing their effects on health- and androgen-related biomarkers. The purpose of this case study was to determine changes in body composition and biomarkers during and after continued co-administration of LGD-4033 and MK-677. We also aimed to examine muscular strength and intramuscular androgen-associated biomarkers relative to non-users. A 25-year-old male ingested LGD-4033 (10 mg) and MK-677 (15 mg) daily for 5 weeks. Blood and body composition metrics were obtained pre-, on- and post-cycle. One-repetition maximum leg and …

Effect Of Gut Microbiota On Colorectal Cancer Progression And Treatment, Glowi A. Alasiri

Saudi Medical Journal

Microbiota is a collection of bacteria, archaea, eukaryotes, bacteriophages, viruses, and fungi that cover human body surfaces and cavities. They characterize inside the body due to several factors such as diet, nutrition, xenobiotic substances, and microbial infections. Several studies have shown that gut microbiota can induce resistance against pathogens and regulate the immune system. In addition, their disruption is associated with several physiological and biochemical disorders, including inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), obesity, autoimmune diseases such as diabetes, hypertension, colon cancer, and cardiovascular disease. Colorectal cancer (CRC) is the third-deadliest cancer worldwide, accounting for approximately 900,000 deaths per year globally. Gut …

Parents’ Awareness In The Kingdom Of Saudi Arabia Regarding Failure To Thrive: A Descriptive Cross-Sectional Study, Reem A. Alshammari, Osama S. Alnezari, Waleed A. Alhirabi, Salm J. Alaamer, Abdulmajeed S. Alsadun, Abdulmalik F. Alhmazani, Yousef F. Bakrshoom, Ali H. Alharbi

Saudi Medical Journal

Objectives: To assess the level of parental Awareness about growth failure across all of Saudi Arabia and look into the potential influence of covariates (social and demographic) as determinants of the level of knowledge of parents, both mother and father, aged between 18 and 60, and on the national level. Methods: A cross-sectional study involving a survey of 4,404 parents, aged between 18 and 60 years, in all administrative regions within Saudi Arabia was undertaken From March 2022 to May 2022. Results: The majority of participants had average awareness of FTT, and differences in region, as well as in educational …

Community Improvement Projects For Marginalized Populations In Monterey County, Alizha Barrera

Capstone Projects and Master's Theses

CHISPA is a non profit organization that is located downtown of Salinas, California within Monterey County. Their mission is to improve people’s lives and create healthy neighborhoods by developing, selling, owning and managing affordable homes for low income families and senior citizens. Within the senior citizen housing they have a program that is known as the lunch program that provides meals Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. The main property that I focused on was Los Abuelitos Senior Housing. For my capstone project I came up with a questionnaire that helped me figure out what they eat, …

Educational Technology Workshops For The Seniors Adults, Maria Guadalupe Martinez Bribiesca

Capstone Projects and Master's Theses

The City of Watsonville Parks and Community Services works with various ages, from toddlers to seniors, depending on the program or organization. The main focus of this project was to work towards keeping seniors up to date with advanced technology. The problem was that many seniors don’t have the knowledge when it comes to using technology properly. The project's purpose was to educate as many senior citizens with basic computer skills. The workshop was offered both in Spanish and English once every month. The individual appointments are every week on Tuesdays. The project has exceeded expectations. The individual appointments get …

Balancing Stress, Education And Health As A College Student, Alexandra Cayot

Capstone Projects and Master's Theses

This capstone paper touches base on stress relieving coping mechanisms for college students in order to help support college students in balancing their education, health and stress. This paper is based off of research and a workshop that I conducted at CSUMB.

Metabolic Changes Associated With Gestational Diabetes And Weight Loss, Marykate Smith

Master's Theses

Introduction: Gestational Diabetes Mellitus (GDM) is diabetes diagnosed for the first time during pregnancy and negatively affects the mother and her child. Research suggests a multidisciplinary lifestyle intervention may aid in the reduction of GDM and its complications. Further, the use of metabolomics is needed to understand the alterations that happen prior to GDM diagnosis to reduce its recurrence.

Objective: Metabolomics analysis was conducted at baseline and 16-weeks post-intervention for women enrolled in a pre-pregnancy lifestyle intervention study to observe metabolic changes associated with GDM occurrence and weight loss.

Methodology: Sixteen samples from the parent Gestational Diabetes Prevention trial were …

Green Synthesis Of Spiro Compounds And The Phytochemical Investigation Of Diethyl Ether Fraction Of Camu-Camu (Myrciaria Dubia) Leaves, Judith Anane

Theses and Dissertations

There are a lot of lucrative plant species found in the Amazon and camu-camu (Myrciaria dubia (H.B.K.) Mc Vaugh) is distinct among them. This is due to its exceptional Vitamin C content which varies from 1600 to 6112 mg/100g of pulp. Besides the fruits which is popularly used, different parts of camu-camu plants including the stems, leaves, seeds, barks, and roots are also traditionally used in folklore practices for treating various ailments and diseases and research has showed the presence of antioxidant, antimicrobial, anticancer, anti-inflammatory agents present in these parts. In this study, the characterization of a bioactive compound, …

Influence Of Pretreatments On Physiological Status And Post-Planting Survival Of Thornforest Seedlings In A Restoration Context, Douglas E. Mainhart

Theses and Dissertations

Semi-arid ecosystems across the globe have faced land conversion posing a threat to the important ecosystem services they provide. Revegetation-centered restoration efforts in arid regions have low success due to limited water availability and higher temperatures. Typically, practitioners utilize methods that modify field conditions around seedlings to mitigate these stressors. I evaluated the efficacy of in-nursery treatments to improve plant water status. Three pretreatments were applied: elevated CO2, drought hardening, and an antitranspirant foliar spray. My goal was to understand how these pretreatments would impact survival and growth in the field and what physiological traits they altered. Elevated CO2 and …