Nutrition Commons^™

Zhx2 Regulation Of Lipid Metabolism And The Balance Between Cardiovascular And Hepatic Health, Kate Townsend Creasy

Theses and Dissertations--Pharmacology and Nutritional Sciences

The growing obesity epidemic in America carries with it numerous health risks, including diabetes, increased serum lipid levels, and excess fat accumulation in the liver. If these conditions persist or become exacerbated, they may lead to the development of cardiovascular disease, the current leading cause of death among Americans, or to nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) which can progress to hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), one of the deadliest forms of cancer. Better understanding of the genes involved in these diseases can lead to improved identification of at-risk individuals and treatment strategies.

Our lab previously identified zinc fingers and homeoboxes 2 (Zhx2) …

Novel Role Of Intestinal Lipid Transport In Food Allergy And Cholesterol Homeostasis, Jianing Li

Theses and Dissertations--Pharmacology and Nutritional Sciences

The small intestine is the main organ for food digestion and nutrient absorption. It is constantly exposed to antigen and immunomodulatory agents from diet and commensal microbiota. Thus, the intestine is the largest compartment of the immune system in the body. Peanuts and many other allergen resources contain triglycerides, which may affect the antigen absorption through the intestine, but their effects on sensitization and anaphylaxis are unknown. We found that medium chain triglycerides (MCT) promoted antigen absorption into Peyer’s Patches, rather than into the blood directly. Both gavage and feeding of MCT plus peanut protein induced spontaneous allergic sensitization. MCT-sensitized …

Dietary Habits And Knowledge Of College Age Students, Matthew R. Majors

Theses and Dissertations--Nutrition and Food Systems

College is a time of emerging identity and habit formation for students. One hundred and sixty-two (162) college students were surveyed via an internet based survey. The survey asked questions regarding dietary habits such as consumption of dairy, vegetables, fruit, and protein. The survey also examined dietary knowledge such as ability to read food labels. The students were divided into two groups for analysis, nutrition majors and non-nutrition majors. The two groups differed in Body Mass Index (BMI) (p=0.004), but not nutrition knowledge (p=0.082). The nutrition students had an average BMI of 22.0+/-2.42 and a nutrition knowledge score of 2.44+/-0.60, …

The Role And Impact Of Cooperative Extension In Diabetes Self-Management Education, Brittany Michelle Murray

Theses and Dissertations--Nutrition and Food Systems

Diabetes is increasing globally and nationally. Diabetes complications and costs can be reduced through modification of lifestyle risks and diabetes self-management education (DSME). The Cooperative Extension System (CES) is uniquely positioned to implement DSME. This study assessed the role and impact of the Cooperative Extension System (CES) in DSME. A survey was sent to CES professionals throughout the U.S. a total of 43 participants provided information on 73 DSME programs. Most participants were from the South (n=22, 51.16%) and Midwest (n=12, 27.91%) and most programs targeted adults with and at risk for type 2 diabetes. Most programs were developed and …

Student Perceptions Of Organic Food In Relation To Health, Environment And Pricing, Stacey Paterson

Theses and Dissertations--Nutrition and Food Systems

The organic industry is full of opinions and perceptions, which influence consumer purchasing decisions. A convenience sample of 69 college students between the ages of 19-23 registered in a basic food preparation class participated in this study. A sensory analysis of organic and conventional fruits, vegetables, meat and poultry, eggs and dairy measuring categorical taste differences between the two types of food. Student perceptions of organic foods in relation to health, environment and pricing and the likelihood of purchase were also studied. The influence of Diet and Well-being on organic purchases predominantly mattered somewhat to students, while price mattered completely. …

The Relationships Among Bmi, Waist Circumference, Weight Loss And Health Indicators, John R. Rupp

Theses and Dissertations--Nutrition and Food Systems

Current health recommendations encourage weight loss for overweight and obese individuals. However, the importance of weight to health is still unclear. The purpose of this study was to determine the impact of weight loss on overall health in a sample of adults who have completed a 10 or 12 week weight loss intervention. The study sample included males and females (n =99) between the ages of 27 -64 years that had a BMI of 29-45 kg/m². The study design is a secondary data analysis of data from two different behavioral weight loss interventions. Both interventions prescribed a reduced calorie diet, …

Letter From The Dean, Michael Vayda

Discovery, The Student Journal of Dale Bumpers College of Agricultural, Food and Life Sciences

No abstract provided.

Leadership In Food Policy: Raising A Foodie Part Ii, Ashyln Cook, Amy Moorehead, Kelly A. Way

Discovery, The Student Journal of Dale Bumpers College of Agricultural, Food and Life Sciences

Obesity is experiencing a problematic rise in America. Children develop habits that potentially last a lifetime, which also dictate their medical fate. The focus of this study was to identify and decrease the factors of childhood obesity through education, healthy eating, and changes in food choices through surveys administered by the researchers. Previous research has linked obesity to the diagnosis of type 2 diabetes and chronic diseases in children through decreased physical activity and poor diet due to the lack of essential nutrition knowledge. Other factors contributing to childhood obesity include poor food preparation/creation, deceptive advertising, cultural habits, and an …

A Comparison Of Markers Of Iron Status Between Vegetarian And Non-Vegetarian Female High School Cross Country Runners. Is Routine, Pre-Season Screening Warranted?, Edward J. Callahan Jr.

All Master's Theses

The purpose of the present study is to determine whether the circulating markers of iron status differ between vegetarian or non-vegetarian adolescent female high school cross-country runners. Fifteen non-vegetarian and six vegetarian female cross-country runners completed questionnaires used to obtain anthropometric data, health history, menstrual status, diet history and training history. Dietary intake was determined by self-report, using a food frequency questionnaire and a 3-day diet record. Blood samples were analyzed for serum iron, total iron binding capacity, serum ferritin, and transferrin saturation. No significant difference was found between vegetarians and non-vegetarians for serum iron or transferrin saturation. However, TIBC …

Community Readiness Assessment: Applications For Community Nutrition Research, Whitney E. Houser

All Master's Theses

Trends in qualitative community nutrition research demonstrate a powerful, emerging perspective in the midst of a field historically dominated by quantitative methods of inquiry. For this qualitative study, ten key respondents were purposively selected and interviewed using the Community Readiness Model (CRM) to capture community knowledge of food insecurity issues and strategies. Data were analyzed using anchored rating scales, revealing readiness at a stage three, characterized by a vague awareness of local food insecurity. The purpose of this study is to report on the strengths and challenges of the CRM experienced when utilizing the model to address food insecurity. The …

Investigation Into School Lunch Quality Following Healthy Hunger-Free Kids Act Implementation, Katherine N. Smith

All Master's Theses

The relationship between school lunch quality and the Healthy Hunger Free Kids Act (HHFKA) revised nutrition standards was investigated. School Lunches from four Washington State elementary schools that earned HealthierUS School Challenge awards. Nutrition content of the meals selected and consumed was assessed using before and after digital photos. Meals were scored using the Healthy Eating Index (HEI) to determine meal quality. Results were based on 1033 lunches (509 pre-HHFKA in Spring 2012 and 524 in Spring 2013) and revealed improved HEI scores for most components post-HHFKA implementation school lunches both served and consumed. Implications of the differences in HEI …

Preliminary Nutritional Profile Analysis Of Box Tops 4 Education Food Products, Hannah Griffith

Williams Honors College, Honors Research Projects

The marketing of unhealthy food to children is often cited as a cause of the obesity epidemic.¹ However, most studies that examine this issue evaluated the marketing of food through print or television advertising. This project investigates the marketing of food products to children through incentive based programs, specifically General Mill’s Box Tops 4 Education. This study undertakes a preliminary systematic analysis of Box Tops food items to determine their healthfulness. A subset of all Box Tops food products was selected for review and a basic quantitative content analysis of priority nutrients was performed. Priority nutrients were identified …

Sheep Updates 2015 - Merredin, Bruce Mullan, Kate Pritchett, Kimbal Curtis, Chris Wilcox, Lynne Bradshaw, Geoff Lindon, Katherine Davies, Joe Young, Stephen Lee, Dawson Bradford, Khama Kelman, Lucy Anderton, Jaq Pearson, Jackie Jarvis, Ben Patrick

Sheep Updates

This session covers fourteen papers from different authors:

1. The Sheep Industry Business Innovation project, Bruce Mullan, Sheep Industry Development Director, Department of Agriculture and Food, Western Australia

2. Western Australian sheep stocktake, Kate Pritchett and Kimbal Curtis, Research Officers, Department of Agriculture and Food, Western Australia

3. Wool demand and supply - short term volatility, long term opportunities, Chris Wilcox, Principal of Poimena Analysis

4. Myths, Facts and the role of animal welfare in farming, Lynne Bradshaw, president, RSPCA WA

5. Latest research and development on breech strike prevention, Geoff Lindon, Manager Productivity and Animal Welfare, AWI

6. …

Bmp7 Drives Human Adipogenic Stem Cells Into Metabolically Active Beige Adipocytes, Meshail Okla, Jung-Heun Ha, Ryan E. Temel, Soonkyu Chung

Department of Nutrition and Health Sciences: Faculty Publications

Adult humans have a substantial amount of inducible-brown (or beige) fat, which is associated with increased energy expenditure and reduced weight gain via thermogenesis. Despite the identification of key regulators of beige adipogenesis, impacts of dietary factors on adaptive thermogenesis are largely unknown, partly due to a lack of validated human cell models. Bone morphogenetic protein 7 (BMP7) is known to promote brown adipogenesis in rodent and human progenitor cells. However, controversy still surrounds the cellular identity in BMP7-mediated transition of white to brown adipocytes. The aim of this study is to confirm BMP7-derived human adipocytes as a relevant in …

Fruit And Vegetable Perceptions Among Caregivers Of American Indian Toddlers And Community Stakeholders: A Qualitative Study, Rachel C. Sinley, Julie A. Albrecht

Department of Nutrition and Health Sciences: Faculty Publications

American Indians experience higher rates of obesity than any other ethnic group living in the USA. This disparity begins to develop in early childhood, and the excess weight carried by American Indian children contributes to health conditions that can affect their quality of life by the time they enter preschool. These children consume less than recommended amounts of fruits and vegetables, a dietary pattern that may be related to the development of obesity and other health conditions. This qualitative study explored the fruit and vegetable intake of American Indian toddlers through use of the information-motivation-behavioral skills (IMB) model. Focus groups …

Nutri One-On-One: The Assessment And Evaluation Of A Brief One-On-One Nutritional Coaching In Patients Affected By Metabolic Syndrome, Jennifer King, Jeffrey E. Harris, David Kuo, Farzaneh Daghigh

PCOM Scholarly Works

Nutri One-on-One was a program with the aim to positively modify medical clinic patients’ nutritional habits and lifestyles through a brief one-on-one health coaching session. Each session was conducted by utilizing motivational interviewing techniques to allow for tailored nutrition education and goal setting. These sessions were followed by a phone call to participants at 1 month following the session. The outcomes assessed were participant perception of achieving personal nutrition and lifestyle goals, retention of knowledge, and participants’ satisfaction with the program. Physicians working in the clinic were assessed for satisfaction with the program. Most of the physicians were generally satisfied …

Observations And Teachers' Perceptions Of The Implementation, Benefits, And Challenges Of Breakfast In The Classroom, Dixie Shaffer

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

The federal government established nutrition assistance programs such as the School Breakfast Program and school districts have implemented Breakfast in the Classroom (BIC) to improve participation rates, yet millions of low-income children do not partake in these programs. Thus, many school districts are failing to meet the nutritional needs of the low-income population, which can have negative effects on a child's healthy development. The purpose of this qualitative case study was to observe and explore teachers' perspectives regarding school breakfast implementation in a small school district in the Mid-Atlantic region of the United States. Research questions examined experiences with implementation, …

Knowledge And Perceptions Of Vegetarian Diets Among College-Aged Students, Haley Marie Berich

Honors Theses

As health becomes a more primary focus for many Americans, people are turning to new diet choices. Vegetarian diets are available in a wide range of choices and have been found to provide many health benefits. However, adequate knowledge within the general public is lacking when it comes to vegetarian diets. The purpose of this study was to assess the knowledge and perceptions held by college-aged students at the University of Mississippi. A survey was developed and distributed in health and wellness classes that were offered to students of all majors. 187 completed surveys were returned, of which 7 (3.7%) …

Changing Cigarette Consumption Patterns And Their Relationship To Tobacco Control Policies In A Population Of Low-Intensity Smokers, Santosha Kamala Swayampakala

Theses and Dissertations

Tobacco use is the single most preventable cause of premature death and disability in the world. Every year six million people will die from tobacco-related diseases. To curb the growing tobacco epidemic, World Health Organization (WHO) adopted its first-ever global public health treaty, Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (FCTC) that obligates ratifying countries to implement a range of tobacco control policies. Most of the evidence for the effectiveness of the WHO’s FCTC recommended tobacco control policies comes from high-income countries (HICs). This evidence suggests that as smoking prevalence declines in response to tobacco control policies and programs, the proportion of …

A Strategy To Improve Nutrition And Increase Physical Activity In Primary School Children., Lisa Delaney

Theses

Introduction: Paediatric obesity has become a global epidemic with many countries developing strategies to help tackle its prevalence. School based physical activity (PA) and nutrition interventions have proven to play a promising role in tackling childhood obesity.

Background: Project Spraoi is an Irish primary school based intervention. The intervention was delivered to an intervention school to help enhance PA and nutritional behaviour amongst pupils. The intervention school was assigned an 'Energizer'; a trained PA and nutrition change agent who worked with the school to achieve the objectives. For evaluation purposes a control school was recruited.

Methodology: Pupils from the intervention …