Digital Commons Network^™

Food Habits, Lifestyle Factors, And Risk Of Prostate Cancer In Central Argentina: A Case Control Study Involving Self-Motivated Health Behavior Modifications After Diagnosis, Winston J. Craig, Sandaly O. S. Pacheco, Fabio J. Pacheco, Gimena M. J. Zapata, Julieta M. E. Garcia, Carlos A. Previale, Hector E. Cura

Faculty Publications

Cancer is the second most important non-communicable disease worldwide and disproportionately impacts low- to middle-income countries. Diet in combination with other lifestyle habits seems to modify the risk for some cancers but little is known about South Americans. Food habits of Argentinean men pre- and post-diagnosis of prostate cancer (n = 326) were assessed along with other lifestyle factors. We studied whether any of the behaviors and risk factors for prostate cancer were found in men with other cancers (n = 394), compared with control subjects (n = 629). Before diagnosis, both cases reported a greater mean consumption of meats …

Essays In Health And Development Economics, John Bosco Oryema

USF Tampa Graduate Theses and Dissertations

This dissertation examines three health and development issues in Sub-Saharan Africa. It analyzes the impact of policy changes and interventions on child mortality, household food consumption and cesarean section births. The study is motivated by the Millennium Development Goals and policies which could affect their achievement. In the first essay, I investigate the impact of debt relief on under-five mortality rate. A dynamic panel data estimator is employed in the analysis. The result shows that debt relief is associated with a statistically significant reduction in under-five mortality rate. I conclude that conditionality of debt relief or development aid can yield …

Trace Elements And Human Obesity: An Overview, Shamshad Karatela, Neil I. Ward

Manipal Journal of Nursing and Health Sciences

The human body requires certain amount of trace elements to function properly (especially those that are classified as essential to health). Most elements are co-factors in the molecular mechanisms within the body but when in excess can also cause toxicity. Concentrations of some elements in excess (above optimum) or deficient amount can progress to some types of metabolic abnormalities which could lead to obesity. Obesity is a multifactorial condition with multiple pathways including environmental, dietary, and genetic. All these factors, including elemental abnormalities can disrupt the molecular mechanisms. Whilst there is evidence that obesity causes several elemental deficiencies, there is …

Nutrition Informatics: Information Technology Transition For Registered Dieticians, Arlanda Bell

Applied Research Projects

The passing of the Health Information Technology for Economic and Clinical Health Act (HITECH) has created a growing push for healthcare organizations to no longer use paper based records and convert to an Electronic Health Record (EHR). Along with the adoption of an EHR comes a necessary change for ancillary services like nutrition and dietetic services because it affects patient care as well. In order to maintain a professional standard in patient healthcare as other health disciplines have done, the development of nutrition informatics model has become necessary. Nutrition informatics will prove to be a necessary addition to the developing …

Local Efforts Toward Addressing Health Disparities In Dekalb County, Georgia, April Hermstad, Erikka Gilliam, Sedessie Spivey, Zipatly Mendoza

Journal of the Georgia Public Health Association

Background: In underserved African American communities throughout DeKalb County, the DeKalb County Board of Health (DCBOH) is implementing community-based initiatives using policy, systems, and environmental improvement approaches to reduce racial and ethnic health disparities by increasing opportunities for nutrition and physical activity.

Methods: The initiatives are being implemented in priority census tracts where the population is at least 40% African American, 30% live below federal poverty level, and 25% did not graduate from high school. Communications promote awareness of the programs, and evaluation activities document processes and outcomes.

Results: To date, implementation of five interventions has affected approximately 276,000 DeKalb …

Jumpin’ Jacks: Social Marketing Campaign Aimed To Increase Awareness Of Healthful Behavior In South Dakota Fourth Grade Students, Megan N. Olesen, Kendra Kattelmann, Jessica Meendering, Suzanne Stluka

Journal of Human Sciences and Extension

This study investigated the influence of utilizing a collegiate mascot as a marketing tool for the promotion of fruit and vegetable intake and physical activity among 4th grade students. The program utilized service learning and formative research for the development of a social marketing campaign comprised of nutrition education and brand marketing. A pre-test/post-test design was used to measure fruit and vegetable intake and physical activity in participants in intervention and control schools. Awareness and understanding of the campaign was assessed post-intervention. There were no changes in fruit and vegetable intake or physical activity. However, 91% of the intervention students …

The Interrelations Between Work Factors, Family And Work Health Climate, Work Schedule, And Individual Behaviors, Jennifer C. Buden

Master's Theses

Background: The rates of obesity in the United States continue to rise, particularly with disparities in high stress, low job control occupations such as corrections. Employers are in a unique position to improve employee health through development of Total Worker Health interventions that integrate worker safety and health promotion to improve employee health and well-being.²⁵ Understanding influences on health behaviors in the workplace such as social support, and work schedules as well as family environment, may aide in developing worksite preventive strategies with the anticipation of chronic disease reduction and weight management. Purpose: The purpose of these studies was …

Nutritional Knowledge And Dietary Practices Among Division I Athletes: Do College Athletes Understand And Fulfill Sex Specific Nutritional And Metabolic Requirements?, Martina Loncarica Loncarica

Theses - ALL

ABSTRACT

Objective: This study evaluated and compared male and female college athletes’ dietary habits, their general nutrition knowledge, and understanding of their daily metabolic requirements during training and non-training days. The goal was to 1) determine whether a nutritional gender gap existed between male and female college athletes and 2) assess whether the level of nutritional knowledge of student athletes was generally sufficient to meet their sex- specific dietary needs.

Methods: A cross-sectional study design was used to gather dietary data from Syracuse University student athletes. Participants were asked to complete an online survey (Qualtrics Software, Qualtrics.com) approved by the …

Jumpin’ Jacks: Social Marketing Campaign Aimed To Increase Awareness Of Healthful Behavior In South Dakota Fourth Grade Students, Megan N. Olesen, Kendra Kattelmann, Jessica Meendering, Suzanne Stluka

Health and Nutritional Sciences Faculty Publications

This study investigated the influence of utilizing a collegiate mascot as a marketing tool for the promotion of fruit and vegetable intake and physical activity among 4th grade students. The program utilized service learning and formative research for the development of a social marketing campaign comprised of nutrition education and brand marketing. A pre-test/post-test design was used to measure fruit and vegetable intake and physical activity in participants in intervention and control schools. Awareness and understanding of the campaign was assessed post-intervention. There were no changes in fruit and vegetable intake or physical activity. However, 91% of the intervention students …

Converging On Nutrition Education Competencies: Aligning Library Instruction With Undergraduate Pre-Professional Program Requirements, Lee Ann Fullington, Margrethe Horlyck-Romanovsky, Susan Jakuboski

Publications and Research

No abstract provided.

Cooking Healthy, Eating Smart: A Strategically Timed Formative Evaluation Of A Community-Based Nutrition And Food Safety Program For Rural Older Adults, Angela Fraser, Morgan G. Chao, Elaine J. Amella, Martina Mueller

Journal of Extension

The use of focus groups to formatively evaluate community-based curricula after development and before pilot testing is not highlighted in the literature. In the study discussed in this article, research with four focus groups, composed of 46 women aged 65 years and older and belonging to eight South Carolina Family and Community Leaders clubs, was conducted to evaluate the Cooking Healthy, Eating Smart (CHES) curriculum. The CHES curriculum was tailored based on suggestions from the older adults. Extension professionals can better prepare a curriculum for pilot testing in the community by conducting a formative evaluation using focus groups with community …

Progress In Improving Provincial Plans For Nutrition Through Targeted Technical Assistance And Local Advocacy In Vietnam, Jody Harris, Phuong H. Nguyen, Quyen To, Edward A. Frongillo Jr., Purnima Menon

Faculty Publications

Vietnam has been decentralizing nutrition planning to provinces, which could help with local relevance and accountability. Assessment in 2009 found a continuing top-down approach, limited human capacity, and difficulty in integrating multiple sectors. Alive and Thrive (A&T) provided targeted assistance and capacity-building for 15 provincial plans for nutrition (PPNs). We aimed to (i) assess PPN content and quality improvements 2009-2014, and (ii) explain processes through which change occurred. Data consisted of interview-based assessments of provincial planning processes, annual PPN assessments, and tracking of A&T involvement. At endline, some provinces produced higher quality plans. Local planning skills improved, but capacity remained …

Exploring The Effects Of Calorie Labeling Laws, Carmen Vargas

Theses and Dissertations

This study explores the effects of Calorie labeling laws implemented in some counties in the United States on several health related variables. The findings show a small significant decreasing effect of the law on Limited activity and Poor health of 0.083 and 0.047 at 95% significant level respectively.

Brain Derived Neurotrophic Factor Response During Endurance Cycle Training: Impact Of Carbohydrate And Protein Supplementation, Jordan L. Parker

Senior Honors Projects, 2010-2019

Purpose: Brain Derived Neurotrophic Factor (BDNF) is part of the superfamily of neurotrophins including: nerve growth factor (NGF), neurotrophin-3 (NT-3) and neurotrophin-4 (NT-4). Recent evidence suggests that aerobic activity can increase BDNF levels both during and following exercise. Likewise, dietary habits have been shown to alter BDNF levels. However, nothing is known about the effect of BDNF levels during aerobic activity under specific dietary interventions. The purpose of this study was to examine the effects of specific macronutrient supplementation on BDNF levels during aerobic exercise. Methods: We had the opportunity to determine BDNF levels in blood samples obtained from two …

Exploration Of Malnutrition Coding Practices At Nebraska Medicine, Frances C. Becker

Theses & Dissertations

Background: Malnutrition is present in 25-50% of hospitalized patients. Patients identified as malnourished are assigned a code based on the type and severity of malnutrition in order to gain the necessary reimbursement to care for the patients. There is a current gap in the research regarding the characteristics that define the difference between malnourished patients classified with a major complications and comorbidities (MCC) code versus a complications and comorbidities (CC) code.

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to determine which malnutrition codes are being used at Nebraska Medicine. Additionally, this study obtained clinical factors that are associated with malnutrition …

Effects Of Prenatal Gestational Diabetes Nutrition Education Class And Individual Follow-Up On Maternal And Infant Outcomes, Samantha List

Theses & Dissertations

BACKGROUND: Gestational Diabetes Mellitus (GDM) is defined by glucose intolerance detected with the onset of pregnancy, and if gone undetected and untreated, can lead to morbidities for the mother and baby. Implementation of nutrition counseling can work to reduce the risk of complications through dietary modification promoted and adopted during pregnancy. Follow-up is important, as individual assessment is used to modify recommendations. GDM class and follow-up provided through the Diabetes Center of Nebraska Medicine covers and promotes proper management of blood glucose (BG) during pregnancy for women with GDM.

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to assess the impact …

Nutritional And Physical Activity Behaviors Of Certified Athletic Trainers In The Collegiate Setting, Danielle M. Scanlon

Masters Theses, 2010-2019

Abstract

Objective: To determine if collegiate athletic trainers meet the current national recommendations for a healthy weight, diet and physical activity.

Design: The research was a cross-sectional design consisting of a self-constructed survey formulated using the 2010 Dietary Guidelines and 2009 Academy of Sports Medicine Physical Activity Recommendations.

Subjects: One- thousand randomly selected athletic trainers were contacted to participate. One-hundred and five participants (10.5% return rate) completed the survey. All were District 3 members of the National Athletic Trainers Association.

Measurements: Body mass index (BMI) was calculated using participant self-reported height and weight data. Means and frequencies were computed for …

Comparison Of Commercial Gecko Food On Growth Of Rhacodactylus Geckos, Kaitlin Leigh Richard

Honors Projects

Available food sources can provide a different effect on the growth rates of Rhacodactylus auriculatus. In this study three food sources were compared, Repashy MRP, Pangea super foods, and GeckoPro New Caledonian blend. These are composed of similar nutrients but tend to have some points where they vary. Thirty-six gargoyle geckos were put through a trial over a 14 week period to determine which commercially available food source provides the best nutrients for growth, as measured by weight gain. Three groups of twelve were chosen based on a variety of ages and sizes to be given three different foods …

The Influence Of Nutrition Education And Self-Efficacy On Fruit And Vegetable Consumption For Low-Income Women In Rural West Kentucky., Lewatis Darnell Mcneal

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Objective: To examine how participation in nutrition education programs, self-efficacy to consume fruit and vegetables and predictor of behavior to eat health foods (POB) influences the consumption of fruit and vegetables for low-income women in west Kentucky eligible or participating in federal supplemental nutrition assistance programs. Methods: A comparative study was conducted between low-income women participating in Special Supplemental Nutrition Assistant Program for Women and Children (WIC) and those eligible for SNAP but were not participating. The study examined consumption in six categories of fruit and vegetables, self-efficacy to consume fruit and vegetables, predictor of behavior to eat healthy foods …

The Effect Of Cultural Beliefs And Customs On Nutritional Attitudes And Food Choices Of Asian Populations Living With Chronic Diseases In The Anchorage Metropolitan Area, Alison Armour

Student Projects for Graduate Degrees

A chronic disease is a non-infectious, gradually occurring illness that worsens and lasts over a lengthy period (World Health Organization [WHO], 2013). According to the WHO, the number of individuals with chronic disease is increasing worldwide. The rise in numbers is especially dramatic in Asian populations as they make the transition from traditional to Western diets. Studies have shown that chronic disease can be prevented or managed by rejecting the Western diet of processed, refined, high fat foods and adopting a healthier diet. However, little is known about the effect of culture and customs on attitudes towards nutrition. This study …

Poor Maternal Nutrition During Gestation Alters Mesenchymal Stem Cell (Msc) Metabolism In Offspring, Nicole H. Sereda

Honors Scholar Theses

Poor maternal diet refers to either a nutritional excess or deficiency in the mother during gestation (Reed et al. 2014). It has been well-studied that poor maternal gestational nutrition limits bone and muscle development while increasing adipose development in the offspring (Oreffo et al. 2003; Reed et al. 2014). There is also evidence that suggests poor maternal diet during gestation impairs mesenchymal stem cell (MSC) function (Oreffo et al. 2003). Tissues including bone, muscle, and adipose are derived from this fetal MSC pool (Lawrence et al. 2012). It was hypothesized that poor maternal diet during gestation would negatively alter MSC …

The Relationships Between The Home Food Environment And Weight Status Among Children And Adolescents, Ages 6–17 Years, Martha J. Nepper

Department of Nutrition and Health Sciences: Dissertations, Theses, and Student Research

The home food environment is an important setting in regard to a child’s dietary intake and the development of obesity, since 65% to 72% of daily calories are consumed in the home. Research is beginning to explore how the home food environment may influence children’s weight status. It is suggested that homes with healthy weight children are more likely to have healthier food options available and limit access to unhealthy foods. Prior research on the influence of the home food environment on children and adolescent’s weight status is not clear, as some researchers have found that the home food environment …

Stop Stunting: Situation And Way Forward To Improve Maternal, Child And Adolescent Nutrition In Afghanistan, Ariel Higgins Steele, Piyali Mustaphi, Sherin Varkey, Humayoun Ludin, Najibullah Safi, Zulfiqar Ahmed Bhutta

Department of Paediatrics and Child Health

No abstract provided.

Proteomic Characterization Of Eggshell Membranes And Their Effect On Poultry Physiology And Immunity, Sarbjeet Kaur Makkar

Graduate Theses and Dissertations

The use of antibiotics in poultry growth and disease control has led to antibiotics resistant problem in human beings, which is a big concern among consumers. With the necessity for judicious use of antibiotics in poultry production, alternative strategies to improve disease resistance in poultry production are necessary. The research is more inclined towards using the natural products available to grow healthier and antibiotic free meat animals. In the context of exploring natural and sustainable resource of alternative to antibiotics, the biochemical milieu of eggshell membranes (ESM) were analyzed by using mass spectrometry techniques including matrix assisted laser desorption ionization …

Stable Isotopes And The Ecology And Physiology Of Reptiles, Andrew M. Durso

All Graduate Theses and Dissertations, Spring 1920 to Summer 2023

When animals don’t have enough food, they have to “choose” between “spending” their limited energy on themselves or on their offspring. Biologists think that reptiles can make this choice quickly in response to different environments. But, it can be hard to study these choices because it is hard to convert between, for example, the number of eggs laid and the speed of healing a wound. By using stable isotope chemistry, we can collect more detailed and comparable information about how lizards and other animals spend their limited resources than with any other method. For example, lizards in the wild have …

Nutrition And Exercise: Best Of Both Worlds, Jacob Allen Burns, Lukas Swysgood, Trenton Antonaros

Senior Year Experience Student Projects

To teach the students of the Best of Both Worlds (BOBW) program how to live a healthy lifestyle by introducing simple nutrition and exercise methods that can be done at home. To offer a program that is understandable at all levels of education that introduces effective and easy ways to eat healthier and exercise simply. A PowerPoint that explains nutrition and exercise information. Hands on learning and visuals to help students capture positive health ideas. Interactive demonstration of exercises and introduction of banded exercises. A before and after survey to quiz students on knowledge prior to and after seminar. An …

The Effect Of Mobile Health Applications On Health Behaviors: A Pilot Study, Danielle M. Shilling, Cindy Miller-Perrin, Elizabeth Krumrei Mancuso

Seaver College Research And Scholarly Achievement Symposium

The present research examined the effectiveness of mobile Health (mHealth) fitness and nutrition applications where effectiveness was defined as eliciting behavior changes towards national guidelines for minutes of weekly exercise and daily water consumption. In this study, it was hypothesized that an mHealth Application condition using the MyFitnessPal application would be more effective at altering water consumption and exercise behaviors when compared to a Daily Monitoring condition and a Paper Dairy condition. All 92 participants of this randomized trial participated in a one-week baseline collection and three weeks of intervention for a total of four weeks of participation. Results indicated …

The Effects Of A Lifetime Physical Activity And Fitness Course On College Students’ Health Behaviors, Ale Quartiroli, Hotaka Maeda

International Journal of Exercise Science

International Journal of Exercise Science 9(2): 136-148, 2016. The purpose of this study was to examine motivational constructs and the effect of physical activity engagement on health behaviors in college students who were required to take a 15-week lifetime physical fitness (LPF) course for graduation. A total of fifty-eight first and second year college students aged between 17 and 23 years (M=18.72; SD=1.09). Paper and pencil questionnaires were anonymously administered at the beginning and at the end of the 15-week long spring 2012 semester. Analysis of the differences between the beginning and the end of the semester …

Anti-Cancer Diets: Revolution Or Ruse?, Lauren Hogan

First Year Inquiry: Student Scholarship & Creative Works

This paper discusses how the foods we consume can play a role in the diagnosis of cancer.

How Microbial Communities Differ In Ruminants On A Glycerin Vs Common Diet, Makala Muller, Nirosh D. Aluthge, Allison L. Knoell, Morgan Kaiser, Samodha C. Fernando

UCARE: Research Products

Can we reduce methane by using dietary interventions to reduce carbon footprint and increase feed efficiency? Ruminant livestock account for a significant amount of the anthropogenic methane produced in the U.S. All ruminant livestock produce 28% of the earth’s methane emissions. The methane within ruminants is produced by a microbial fermentation, especially by a group of bacteria known as the methanogens. However, the different species of methanogens and their pathways of methane production within ruminants are not fully understood. Cattle are considered one of the main producers of methane. They produce 20% of the U.S. methane emissions. Methane absorbs more …