Medicine and Health Sciences Commons^™

A Polymerase Chain Reaction Method For The Detection Of Selenomonas Noxia, Arthuro Mehretu

UNLV Theses, Dissertations, Professional Papers, and Capstones

In recent studies, periodontal health has been linked to being overweight and/or obese. Among common oral bacteria, Selenomonas noxia has been implicated in converting periodontal health to disease. Selenomonas spp. have also been found in gastric ulcers, and were misdiagnosed as Helicobacter -like organisms, but no further studies were conducted. The increasing clinical and epidemiological importance of S. noxia necessitates the development of a rapid detection method. In this study, a TaqMan 16S rRNA based real-time Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) method was developed, optimized and evaluated for the rapid and specific detection of S. noxia . The 16S PCR assay …

Effect Of A Work Site Exercise Program On Selected Fitness And Psychological Parameters, Kristen Ann Christiansen

UNLV Theses, Dissertations, Professional Papers, and Capstones

The increasing rates of obesity continue to threaten the vitality of our nation. Health care costs are soaring and chronic diseases are reaching even the youngest populations. Physical activity is an integral component in reversing the obesity epidemic and improving the health of today's workforce. The present study sought to determine the effect of a work site exercise program on select fitness and psychological parameters. Five female employees participated in a six-week exercise program utilizing HealthBeat(TM) outdoor exercise equipment in a circuit fashion for 30 minutes, 2 days per week. Eighty percent of participants were categorized as sedentary or low-active …

Development Of An Instrument Measuring The Perceived Attributes Of Using A Healthy Diet Innovation, Holly Ann Federico Huye

Dissertations

The Lower Mississippi Delta (LMD) is a rural region that is rich in agricultural resources but is one of the most impoverished areas in the US. Prior research has indicated LMD adults as having higher rates of obesity and diet-related chronic diseases as compared to US adults. While the need for dietary intervention in the LMD is evident, the first step in designing effective interventions is the assessment of one’s perceptions of dietary behaviors. The purpose of this research was to develop a valid and reliable instrument to assess individuals’ perceived attributes of using a healthy diet. Using the Diffusion …

Overweight And Obesity In Health Care Workers In Relation To Musculoskeletal Conditions And Weight Loss, Jessica Lynn Ehrentraut

Master's Theses

Musculoskeletal disorders (MSD) are the most prevalent occupational injuries in nursing home employees. Most of the research and interventions in the past 30 years have focused on teaching and training nursing home staff proper lifting and body mechanics to reduce the risk of injury. The weight of the nursing home staff and patients have increased dramatically in recent years parallel to the significant growth of adiposity in the general population with two out of three adults overweight, and one of four obese (Body mass index (BMI) > 30). This puts the staff at even higher risk for MSD injuries due to …

Motivational Coaching: Its Efficacy As An Obesity Intervention And A Profile Of Professional Coaches, Courtney E. Newnham-Kanas

Electronic Thesis and Dissertation Repository

Abstract

The primary purpose of this dissertation was to examine Motivational Interviewing (MI) using Co-Active life coaching (CALC) skills as an intervention for individuals struggling with obesity. The secondary purpose was to investigate the characteristics of the interventionists, the Certified Professional Co-Active Coaches (CPCCs).

Study 1 quantitatively assessed the immediate and six-month-post intervention impact of receiving six-months of MI, administered via CALC skills, on weight and waist circumference and psycho-social outcomes of eight women struggling with obesity. Study 2 qualitatively assessed participants’ and the volunteer CPCC’s experience of the intervention. The purpose of Study 3 was to develop a comprehensive, …

The Association Of Genotype, And The Gene-Physical Activity Interaction Effect On Aerobic Fitness In Prepubertal, African American, Obese Children, Jennifer Irene Flynn

Masters Theses

Purpose: To determine the association of certain aerobic fitness and physical activity genotypes and the gene-physical activity interaction effect on aerobic fitness in pre-pubertal, African American, obese children. Methods: Subjects were 30 pre-pubertal, African American, obese children (9.5 ± 1.7 years) who were free of clinical disease. Height and weight were measured according to standard procedures. Body fat was assessed using dual energy x-ray absorptiometry, and DNA samples were collected using buccal swabs. Aerobic fitness was assessed using a cycle ergometer and the McMaster cycle protocol. ANOVAs were used to determine associations and interaction effects of the ACE, ADRB2, NOS3, …

Gene By Bmi Interactions Influencing C-Reactive Protein Levels In European-Americans, Sarah Tudor

Dissertations & Theses (Open Access)

C-Reactive Protein (CRP) is a biomarker indicating tissue damage, inflammation, and infection. High-sensitivity CRP (hsCRP) is an emerging biomarker often used to estimate an individual’s risk for future coronary heart disease (CHD). hsCRP levels falling below 1.00 mg/l indicate a low risk for developing CHD, levels ranging between 1.00 mg/l and 3.00 mg/l indicate an elevated risk, and levels exceeding 3.00 mg/l indicate high risk. Multiple Genome-Wide Association Studies (GWAS) have identified a number of genetic polymorphisms which influence CRP levels. SNPs implicated in such studies have been found in or near genes of interest including: CRP, APOE, APOC, IL-6, …

The Experiences Of Obese African American Women And Their Utilization Of Preventive Healthcare Services, Winsome Beverly Stephenson

Nursing Dissertations (PhD)

Obesity is associated with higher death rates from breast and gynecological cancers. African American women(AAW) are more likely to be diagnosed with these cancers at later stages and have lower survival rates than Caucasian women. African American women are also disproportionately affected by obesity. Studies suggest that the healthcare experiences of obese women (primarily stigmatization), may contribute to their decisions to utilize healthcare services. However, these studies have largely comprised Caucasian women; there remains a paucity of studies addressing this issue in AAW. The purpose of this study was to explore the healthcare experiences of obese AAW and their utilization …

Recalled Fruit And Vegetable Intake While Growing Up And Its Association With Adult Fruit And Vegetable Intake Among U.S. Adults - Analysis Of The Food Attitudes And Behaviors Survey, Mary D. Hill

Public Health Theses

ABSTRACT

MARY D. HILL

Recalled fruit and vegetable intake while growing up and its association with adult fruit and vegetable intake among U.S. adults – analysis of the food attitudes and behaviors survey

(Under the direction of DR. KYMBERLE STERLING)

High dietary intake of fruits and vegetables (FVs) is associated with a lower risk for chronic disease including certain cancers, optimal child growth, and weight management. More than 72 million U.S. adults are obese; therefore, fruit and vegetable intake is important in weight management. Using data from the Food Attitude and Behavior survey, this study will address the following questions: …

Examining Activity Levels And Motor Proficiency: A Comparison Of Children Who Are Overweight And At A Healthy Weight To Their Parents And Peers, Aaron Copeland, Maresa Madsen, Riley Phelps, Brandon Richards

UNLV Theses, Dissertations, Professional Papers, and Capstones

Objective: The purpose of this study was to examine relationships and differences between motor proficiency, activity level, and parental activity level in children who are at a healthy weight and children who are overweight or obese.

Methods: Forty-four children (26 children at a healthy weight and 18 children who were overweight or obese) between the ages of 8-16 (BMI: 14.3-43.6 kg/m2) and 36 parents (BMI: 18.1-44.7) participated in this study. Children and parents wore StepWatch activity monitors (SAM) to measure activity levels over a 72 hour period. Tests reflecting several determinants of motor performance were also administered to …

Omega-3 Polyunsaturated Fatty Acids: Methods To Reduce Atherosclerosis In The Obese Minipig, Mary E. Hall

Chancellor’s Honors Program Projects

No abstract provided.

Effects Of Exercise On Brain Activation In Response To Visual Food Cues, Laura Hackett

Kinesiology and Public Health

No abstract provided.

Combating Childhood Obesity In California, Janelle Borelli

Social Sciences

Childhood obesity has become a major problem in Corporate America. Our youth’s health is at risk, the statistics are alarming, and childhood obesity is largely preventable. In order to solve the childhood obesity epidemic, government action, both state and federal, needs to be taken by passing nutrition standard laws. Also, the built environment should support an active lifestyle rather than one based on fast food and lack of exercise. Families should adopt a healthy lifestyle including having adequate fruits and vegetables at home along with exercising daily.

Role Of Angiotensin Converting Enzyme 2 (Ace2) In Obesity-Associated Hypertension, Manisha Gupte

University of Kentucky Doctoral Dissertations

The purpose of this research was to determine whether adipocytes express ACE2 and its role in obesity-associated hypertension with diet-induced obesity.

To determine if ACE2 was expressed in adipose tissue and its regulation in the setting of diet-induced obesity, we fed male mice either a low fat (LF) or high fat (HF) diet acutely (1 week) or chronically ( 4 months). We demonstrated that ACE2 was regulated specifically in adipose tissue with consumption of a HF diet. However, with chronic HF feeding adipose ACE2 was dysregulated resulting in activation of the systemic RAS and increased blood pressure.

To determine the …

The Effects Of Racially-Motivated Emotional Arousal On The Eating Behaviors Of African American Women, Lenwood W. Hayman

Wayne State University Dissertations

Disparities between African Americans and Caucasians remain vast across a wide variety of health indicators. Chronic stress has been identified as a risk factor for a variety of chronic illnesses and poor health outcomes. One type of chronic stress that has been linked to health disparities is the stress associated with experiences of racial discrimination. The stress African Americans encounter as a result of their racist experiences contributes to a chronic elevation of their physiological stress response. In addition to stress, a major risk factor for coronary heart disease and diabetes is obesity, which has been established as a major …

Parental Perception Of Childhood Obesity And The School's Role On Prevention And Interventions In Childhood Obesity, Monique Jones

Nursing Theses and Capstone Projects

Childhood obesity is a major health crisis that is becoming an epidemic among children and adolescents. Interventions must begin early and focus on prevention strategies to achieve the goal of increasing quality years of life for today's children and families. Parents with children in a local after school Boys & Girls club were surveyed regarding their perception of childhood obesity, the causes of childhood obesity, and the school's role in the prevention and treatment of childhood obesity. More than 90% of the participants identified inactivity, poor eating behavior, eating too much, and lack of money to buy nutritious foods as …

Is White Bean Extract A Safe And Effective Treatment For Weight Loss?, Jamie Berkowitz

PCOM Physician Assistant Studies Student Scholarship

Objective: The objective of this systematic review is to determine whether or not white bean extract is a safe and effective treatment for weight loss.

Is Growth Hormone An Effective Adjunct To Standard Treatment Regimens For Promoting Fat Mass Loss And Retention Of Lean Body Mass In The Treatment Of Obesity?, J. Caleb Henson

PCOM Physician Assistant Studies Student Scholarship

Objective: The objective of this systematic review is to determine whether growth hormone is an effective adjunct in the treatment of obesity for promoting fat loss while retaining lean body mass.

Does Caffeine Consumption Effect Exercise Performance In Healthy Adults?, Meaghan E. Jones

PCOM Physician Assistant Studies Student Scholarship

OBJECTIVE: The objective of this systematic review is to determine whether or not caffeine ingestion prior to exercise effects exercise performance in healthy adults.

Is Liraglutide Safe And Effective As A Monotherapy For The Treatment Of Obesity In Type 2 Diabetics And Healthy Individuals?, Erica Sheeran

PCOM Physician Assistant Studies Student Scholarship

OBJECTIVE: The objective of this systematic review is to determine whether or not liraglutide is safe and effective as a monotherapy for the treatment of obesity in type 2 diabetics and healthy individuals.

The Absence Of Abcd2 Reveals A Novel Role For Peroxisomes In The Protection From Metabolic Syndrome, Jingjing Liu

University of Kentucky Doctoral Dissertations

ABCD2 (D2) is a peroxisomal ATP binding cassette (ABC) transporter that is expressed in brain, adrenal and liver. D2 is transcriptionally regulated by key transcriptional factors that control lipid and glucose metabolism. Therefore, we examined its role in adipose tissue. These studies revealed that D2 is highly abundant in adipose tissue and upregulated during adipogenesis. However, D2 deficiency does not affect either adipogenesis or lipid accumulation. An examination of the lipid profile of adipose tissue revealed the accumulation of C20 and C22 fatty acids in D2 deficient (D2‐/‐) mice. When challenged with a diet enriched in erucic acid (C22:1, 10% …

The Role Of Policy And The Built Environment On Children's In-School Physical Activity In The Mississippi Delta, Abigail Gamble

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

School environments provide an ideal setting for children to develop and adopt active living behaviors as a way of life. The primary purpose of this investigation was to describe state, district and school level policy regarding in-school physical activity, the school built environment and in-school physical activity of children ages 6 through 11 years in the Mississippi delta. A mixed-methods approach was used to garner a rich understanding of how current policy and the built environment influence in-school physical activity and weight status. Eleven public schools in three districts representing two counties in the Mississippi delta participated in this investigation. …

Pediatric Obesity And Traumatic Lower Extremity Long Bone Fracture Outcomes, Ian Charles Backstrom

All ETDs from UAB

Background: Pediatric obesity is associated with lower extremity injuries and poor outcomes after blunt trauma. Our aim was to determine if obese pediatric patients with femur and tibia fractures have more severe injury patterns and worse outcomes compared to non-obese patients. Methods: We performed a retrospective cohort study of obese and non-obese pediatric patients with femur or tibia fractures treated at two Level-1 trauma centers from 2004-2010. Patients weighing ≥ 95th percentile for age and gender were classified as obese. Patients were compared regarding demographics, Injury Severity Score (ISS), intra-abdominal, and orthopedic injuries. Outcomes included fracture treatment, orthopedic complications, ICU …

The Association Between The Body Mass Index (Bmi) Of African American College Women And Their Exposure To Magazine Advertisements, Candice P. Prince

All ETDs from UAB

The primary purpose of this study was to examine the association between body mass index (BMI) and exposure to magazine advertisements among African-American college women aged 19 to 29. This study also sought to determine how personal, behavioral, and environmental factors affect the BMI of African-American college women. A sample of 252 African-American college women enrolled in undergraduate degree programs in the Southeast United States completed a web-based survey on their weight-related health behaviors and magazine usage. Descriptive statistics, bivariate correlations, and multivariable regression analysis were used to analyze the data. Bivariate correlations showed significant associations between BMI and several …

Neighborhood Characteristics And Weight Status In Preschool Children, Cynthia Irwin Joiner

All ETDs from UAB

Introduction: Childhood obesity is increasing at an alarming rate particularly among minority and low-income populations. More than 12 million children and adolescents are obese (Ogden, Carroll, Curtin, Lamb, & Flegal, 2010). Research on the neighborhood and built environment is relatively new. Few studies have examined the relationship of neighborhood characteristics and weight status, and studies in the preschool population are limited. Study Purpose: The study had three aims: 1) to examine the relationship between neighborhood characteristics (number of grocery stores and fast food restaurants, and number and quality of parks) and weight status (overweight and obese) in low income, preschool …

Food Deserts' And 'Food Swamps' In Hillsborough County, Florida: Unequal Access To Supermarkets And Fast-Food Restaurants, Dana Beth Stein

USF Tampa Graduate Theses and Dissertations

Research has shown that the suburbanization of supermarkets has created `food deserts', defined as areas where socially disadvantaged individuals lack access to nutritious food outlets. Additionally, the growing presence of fast-food restaurants has created `food swamps', or areas where socially disadvantaged individuals encounter an overabundance of unhealthy food outlets. While previous studies have analyzed either `food deserts' or `food swamps' using conventional statistical techniques, a more comprehensive approach that includes samples of both healthy and unhealthy entities and considers the variety of available food options is necessary to improve our understanding of the local food environment and related disparities.

This …