Nutrition Commons^™

Antioxidant Interactions In Strawberries Exhibit Synergism And Antagonism, Joshua Reber, Dr. Tory Parker

Journal of Undergraduate Research

Epidemiological evidence has shown, on average, that those who consume more servings of fruits and vegetables have lower relative risk for cardiovascular disease and some cancers (Lee et al., 1991; Hertog et al., 1993; van’t Veer et al., 2000). As a result, a great deal of research has explored the components of fruit (Robards et al., 1999), with primary emphasis being placed on compounds in the phenolic category. This focus developed from the high in vitro antioxidant capacity of these compounds and the potential for them to protect lipids, protein and DNA from oxidative damage (van’t Veer et al., 2000). …

The Effect Of Mechanical Tenderization On The Internal Cooked Color Of Beef Eye Of Round Steak, Amanda Nordquist, Maria Carter, Dr. Frost Steele, Dr. Laura Jefferies

Journal of Undergraduate Research

The objective of this study was to investigate the effect of mechanical tenderization on the internal cooked color of beef steak, and specifically to determine if it exhibits premature browning during cooking because of the mechanical tenderization. The microbiological safety of mechanically tenderized meat has been questioned due to its implication in six recent outbreaks of E. coli O157:H7. Current research suggests that tenderization may increase the risk of internal penetration and cross-contamination of E. coli. Consumer evaluation of prematurely browned meat would lead to undercooking; increasing the risks associated with consuming contaminated meat. In this study, beef steaks were …

The Effects Of Selenium, Resveratrol, And A Resveratrol Derivative On Human Prostate Cancer Lncap And 22rv1 Cell Lines, Jason Morris, Dr. Merrill J. Christensen

Journal of Undergraduate Research

The goal of this project was to determine whether there was a synergistic anticarcinogenic effect between selenium and resveratrol, both of which had independently demonstrated the ability to inhibit prostate cancer cell proliferation. Additionally, the project also sought to determine whether a less soluble derivative of resveratrol, synthesized at BYU by Dr. Merrit B. Andrus of the Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, maintained the anticarcinogenic potency of resveratrol, and what were the effects of this derivative in conjunction with selenium.

Effect Of High Fat Diet With Aicar Treatment On Mitochondrial Biogenesis Of Male Rats, David Mills, Chad Hancock

Journal of Undergraduate Research

The original goal for my project was to study how a high-fat diet affects insulin resistance in slow twitch and fast twitch muscle fibers in rats. We hypothesized that administering a drug named acipamox, which lowers cellular free fatty acid levels, would restore insulin sensitivity in both slow twitch and fast twitch muscle fibers. Previously published research showed that acipamox restored insulin sensitivity in slow twitch fibers (1) but this study did not address what happened in the fast twitch muscle fibers.

Selenium-Regulation Of Steroid Hormone-Mediated Gene Expression In Transformed Human Prostate Epithelial Cells, David R. Nielsen, Dr. Merril Christensen

Journal of Undergraduate Research

Prostate cancer is the second leading cause of cancer-related deaths in American men, with current estimates projecting 179,300 new cases and 37,000 deaths this year [1]. The development of prostate cancer may be divided into three stages: initiation, promotion, and progression. During the initiation and early promotion stages, the cancer is clinically undetectable.

The Molecular Basis For Prostate Cancer Risk Reduction By Selenium, Josie Johnson, Dr. Merril J. Christensen

Journal of Undergraduate Research

Prostate cancer is the most common form of cancer and the leading cause of cancer death in American men.1 Results from a cancer prevention trial performed by Clark et.al.2 show that selenium (Se) supplementation in male subjects reduced cancer incidence by 75%. The molecular basis for the chemopreventive effect of Se merits attention in molecular biology research. For the past six months, my research has focused on the impact of Se-supplemented medium on gene expression of transformed human prostate epithelial cells (entitled LNCaP cells) grown in culture. Through differential display methods, tumor suppressor genes or oncogenes that are either upregulated …

Bone Density In College Women: The First Phase Of A Two Phase Study Of The Early, Modifiable Markers Of Osteoporosis And The Effect Of Calcium And Magnesium Supplements, Jason Boyd, Dr. Bruce H. Woolley

Journal of Undergraduate Research

Peak bone mass of pre-menopausal women has been established as a major risk factor for postmenopausal osteoporosis and related bone fractures (4). Previous research evidence suggest that bone mass of both the peripheral and axial skeleton is stable for women before menopause (1,2). Teegarden et al.(3) established that peak Bone Mineral Content (BMC) is attained by age 26.2+/- 3.7 years. After peak BMC is obtained, mass of cortical and trabecular bone and BMC will decline at a rate of approximately 1.2% per year.

Final Report To The Orca Scholarship Committee, Serena Arave, Shenai Fisher, Lori Macarthur, Cary Rogers, Dr. Diana Mcguire

Journal of Undergraduate Research

In conjunction with LDS Welfare Services and the Brigham Young University Food Science and Nutrition Department the International Food Relief Committee met the project objective to develop food box prototypes that are culturally and nutritionally appropriate for global emergency or disaster situations. The final prototypes were given to LDS Welfare Services to be used when sending emergency food relief to other countries.

Does Selenium Alter The Expression Of The Large T Antigen In Tramp Mice?, Britlyn Orgill, Dr. Merrill Christensen

Journal of Undergraduate Research

Prostate cancer is the second most common cancer in American men. The American Cancer Society predicts that 217,730 cases of prostate cancer will be diagnosed and that 32,050 men will die from the disease in the year 2010 (1). Since prostate cancer has a long latency period, it is a prime candidate for dietary prevention. Isoflavones, natural compounds found in soy, and selenium, a trace element, have both been previously shown to have protective effects against prostate cancer. The lab of Dr. Merrill Christensen has been studying the effects of these compounds using the Transgenic Adenocarcinoma of the Mouse Prostate …

Potential Synergism Between Antioxidants Found In Blueberries (Vaccinium Cyanococcus), Richard Low, Dr. Tory Parker

Journal of Undergraduate Research

According to a review by Battino et al. (2009), blueberry consumption can regulate blood pressure, inhibit cancer growth, and improve cardiovascular health by preventing plaque buildup in the arteries. Naturally occurring antioxidants found in fruits and vegetables that are thought to stop the chain reactions of harmful free radicals that could lead to chronic disease (Battino et al., 2009). However, human trials testing individual antioxidants supplements found in fruit have not conclusively demonstrated chronic disease prevention (Herrera et al. 2009). Dr. Parker and I hypothesized that one reason whole fruit provides more antioxidant protection than individual antioxidant supplements is that …

Orange Phenolic Compound Consumption Increases Serum Antioxidant Capacity Independent Of Orange Sugar And Ascorbic Acid, Kfir Orgad, Dr. Tory Parker

Journal of Undergraduate Research

Recent scientific data has proposed that the oxidation of low density lipoproteins is the leading cause of cardiovascular disease, and thus premature death, in America. These studies have shown that people who consume more fruits and vegetables are less likely to develop cardiovascular disease as well as certain types of cancer (Lee et al., 1991; Hertog et al., 1993; van’t Veer et al., 2000). Because of this alarming statistic, fruits have been more closely scrutinized in recent research in order to understand the exact nutritional benefits that they offer. Primary emphasis has been placed on phenolic compounds found in fruits. …

Correlation Of Fruit Antioxidant Capacity And Anticancer Effects, Joshua Reber, Dr. Tory Parker

Journal of Undergraduate Research

The human health functionality of antioxidant vitamins and plant phytochemicals has been a topic of interest in recent years. Along with selenium and vitamins A, C, and E are many other phytochemicals which may protect the body from the free radical oxidation of DNA, proteins, lipoproteins, and other macromolecules. The protection provided from such nutrients against free radicals may result in a lower likelihood of cancer, cardiovascular disease, and other degenerative diseases (van’t Veer et al., 2000).

Selenium’S Effect On Insulin Resistance, Scott Brunson, Chad Hancock

Journal of Undergraduate Research

Due to dramatic increases in type II diabetes, studies on insulin resistance are especially applicable to this current health issue. Previous epidemiological studies examining selenium’s effect on prostate cancer observed a possible correlation between increased risk for type II diabetes mellitus and increased selenium levels in humans (Lippman, S.M.2009). However, in other studies contradictory results have been recorded. Due to these inconsistencies we are investigating the effects of selenium on insulin resistance. If increased dietary selenium causes insulin resistance, we will examine the mechanism by which this occurs.

Development And Testing The Validity And Reliability Of Items And Scales To Assess Physical Activity Behavior Of Adults In The Expanded Food And Nutrition Education Program, Tarana Khan

All Dissertations

Given the rising prevalence of obesity and other chronic diseases in the United States, the Expanded Food and Nutrition Education Program (EFNEP) includes physical activity as a core educational component along with diet quality, food safety, food resource management and food security. According to the Dietary Guidelines for Americans, research supports that participation in regular physical activity helps people maintain a healthy weight and prevent excess weight gain. When combined with reduced calorie intake, physical activity may aid weight loss and the maintenance of weight loss.
Two evaluation instruments are used in EFNEP nationwide. Nutritional intake is measured by a …

Gratitude Is An Attitude, Winston J. Craig

Lake Union Herald

No abstract provided.

Eating Pathology, Supplement Use, And Nutrition Knowledge In Collegiate Athletes, Holly Beth Lapota

UNLV Theses, Dissertations, Professional Papers, and Capstones

Eating pathology (e.g., body dissatisfaction, binge eating, purging, restrictive eating) and substance use (e.g., dietary supplements, legal and illegal drugs) proliferate university settings in the United States. Within university settings, athletes appear to be at particularly high risk for eating pathology and supplement use due to the external pressures to be attractive, the need to perform at optimal levels, and the specific characteristics of sports in which they participate. Furthermore, the degree to which athletes understand what constitutes healthy eating and exercise habits is understudied and may relate to eating pathology and supplement use. To build on existing research, the …

An Evaluation Of The Nontarget Effects Of Transgenic Bacillus Thuringiensis Maize On Arbuscular Mycorrhizal Fungi In The Soil Ecosystem, Tanya Elizabeth Amy Cheeke

Dissertations and Theses

My dissertation research examined the effect of the cultivation of insect-resistant Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) maize on the soil environment with a goal of understanding how to obtain a balance between technological advancement and maintenance of a healthy soil ecosystem. Although Bt plants may help to reduce pesticide use, conferring benefits to farm workers and the environment, there are still unresolved questions about how the cultivation of Bt plants affects soil organisms. For this dissertation project, I used 14 different genotypes of Bt maize and non-Bt maize (Zea mays) to investigate the effects of transgenic Bt plants on the colonization ability, …

Human-Relevant Levels Of Added Sugar Consumption Increase Female Mortality And Lower Male Fitness In Mice, James Ruff, Amanda Suchy, Sara Hugentobler, Mirtha Sosa, Bradley Schwartz, Linda Morrison, Sin Gieng, Mark Shigenaga, Wayne Potts

Faculty Publications

Consumption of added sugar has increased over recent decades and is correlated with numerous diseases. Rodent models have elucidated mechanisms of toxicity, but only at concentrations beyond typical human exposure. Here we show that comparatively low levels of added sugar consumption have substantial negative effects on mouse survival, competitive ability, and reproduction. Using Organismal Performance Assays—in which mice fed human-relevant concentrations of added sugar (25% kcal from a mixture of fructose and glucose, modeling high fructose corn syrup) and control mice compete in seminatural enclosures for territories, resources and mates—we demonstrate that fructose/glucose-fed females experience a twofold increase in mortality …

The Impact Of Parent Education On Parental Feeding Practices, Larra Kolby Brawley

Graduate Theses and Dissertations

This research looked at the potential impact that parent education may have on the feeding practices of parents of young children. Since eating behaviors are a national concern for both children and adults, it's important to examine how we can create not just healthier children but, as a result, healthier adults. This study utilized an intervention that was an adapted version of a healthy eating curriculum created by Sesame Workshop and the California WIC association with the intention of improving parental feeding practices through a behavior-based approach. Previous research with this curriculum has addressed only low-income populations, with a relatively …

Utilizing A Modular Approach To Gamification To Improve Nutrition And Fitness In Children, Chad Richards

Graduate Theses and Dissertations

Obesity is a worldwide epidemic that affects adults and children, impacts over 30% of the population in several states of the U.S., damages national economies, and is a factor in four out of the six of the leading causes of death, including diabetes and heart disease. Obesity is preventable: solution approaches include better education, more exercise, better nutrition, and changing eating habits. Still, it is difficult for many people to remain interested enough to educate themselves and to learn new behaviors to change their eating and exercise habits.

Gamification is a relatively new research area that involves using video game …