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- All Subjects: Nutrition
Description
An understanding of diet habits is crucial in implementing proper management strategies for wildlife. Diet analysis, however, remains a challenge for ruminant species. Microhistological analysis, the method most often employed in herbivore diet studies, is tedious and time consuming. In addition, it requires considerable training and an extensive reference plant collection. The development of DNA barcoding (species identification using a standardized DNA sequence) and the availability of recent DNA sequencing techniques offer new possibilities in diet analysis for ungulates. Using fecal material collected from controlled feeding trials on pygmy goats, (Capra hicus), novel DNA barcoding technology using the P6-loop of the chloroplast trnL (UAA) intron was compared with the traditional microhistological technique. At its current stage of technological development, this study demonstrated that DNA barcoding did not enhance the ability to detect plant species in herbivore diets. A higher mean species composition was reported with microhistological analysis (79%) as compared to DNA barcoding (50%). Microhistological analysis consistently reported a higher species presence by forage class. For affect positive species identification, microhistology estimated an average of 89% correct detection in control diets, while DNA barcoding estimated 50% correct detection of species. It was hypothesized that a number of factors, including variation in chloroplast content in feed species and the effect of rumen bacteria on degradation of DNA, influenced the ability to detect plant species in herbivore diets and concluded that while DNA barcoding opens up new possibilities in the study of plant-herbivore interactions, further studies are needed to standardize techniques and for DNA bar-coding in this context.
ContributorsMurphree, Julie Joan (Author) / Miller, William H. (Thesis advisor) / Steele, Kelly (Committee member) / Salywon, Andrew (Committee member) / Arizona State University (Publisher)
Created2012
Description
The increase in obesity since the 1980's has been associated with fast-food consumption. In hopes that calorie labeling will be an effective tool to combat obesity, congress included a provision in the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act of 2010 (ACA) that will require all restaurants with twenty or more locations to post calorie information for each menu item. Current research has provided mixed results regarding the effectiveness of calorie labeling, but overall seems to suggest that calorie labeling may only be effective among certain populations. In September, 2012 McDonald's began to post calorie labels on their menu boards before it was federally mandated under the ACA. This policy provided the opportunity to study the impact of calorie labeling on the purchasing behavior of McDonald's patrons. This cross-sectional study was designed to determine if self-perception of diet, self-perception of health, smoking, physical activity, fruit and vegetable intake, or knowledge of daily calorie requirements is associated with the likelihood of noticing or using calorie labels, or total calories purchased. In addition, relationships between noticing or using calorie labels with total calories purchased were also examined. Receipts and survey responses were collected from 330 participants who purchased food and beverage items from 27 different McDonald's locations within a 20 mile radius of downtown Phoenix, Arizona. Results indicated that only 16.1% of the sample reported using calorie labels, and those who reported using calorie labels purchased an average of 136 fewer calories. Multivariate analysis indicated there were no statistically significant relationships between self-perception of diet, self-perception of health, smoking, physical activity, fruit and vegetable intake, or knowledge of daily calorie requirements with the likelihood of noticing or using calorie labels, or total calories purchased. However, it is possible that the small sample size of participants using calorie labeling precluded any statistically significant relationships among these variables from emerging. Further research with larger sample sizes should be conducted, to investigate individual level factors that may be associated with use of calorie labeling.
ContributorsBrown, Alan (Author) / Ohri-Vachaspati, Punam (Thesis advisor) / Bruening, Meredith (Committee member) / Wharton, Christopher (Christopher Mack), 1977- (Committee member) / Arizona State University (Publisher)
Created2013
Description
Availability and accessibility of foods in the home influence dietary behaviors. However, much of the literature involving measurement of the home food environment (HFE) has examined only self-reported data, and home food inventory tools have not been used to assess behavior change intervention efficacy. Thus, this quasi-experimental study was conducted to test the preliminary efficacy of a 10-week dietary behavioral intervention on the HFE, measured through the presence of fruits, vegetables, and sources of sugars in the household. Participants included 23 parents (21 females; age=36±5.5) of children 6-11 years old living in an ethnically diverse community within a Southwestern metropolitan area. Sociodemographic information was collected at baseline using a survey. A modified version of the Home Food Inventory was completed in the homes of participants by trained research assistants at baseline and following termination of the intervention. Relative to baseline, the intervention resulted in significant increases in availability of different types of fruits (7.7±3.2 vs. 9.4±3.1; p=0.004) and high fiber/low sugar cereal (2.3±1.4 vs. 2.7±1.4; p=0.033). There was a significant reduction in availability of sugar-sweetened beverages (3.2±1.9 vs. 1.7±1.3; p=0.004), and an increase in the number of households with accessible 100% fruit juice (3 vs. 17 households; p=0.001) and bottled/contained water (9 vs. 22 households; p<0.001). Moreover, there were meaningful changes in the number of households with accessible chocolate milk (7 vs. 0), strawberry milk (3 vs. 0), and diet soda pop (2 vs. 0). There was a significant increase in the number of households with accessible ready-to-eat vegetables (8 vs. 19 households; p=0.007), and ready-to-eat fruit (8 vs. 17; p=0.022), and a significant reduction in available prepared desserts (3.0±2.0 vs. 1.7±1.3; p=0.005), and candy (2.0±1.7 vs. 0.6±0.7; p<0.001). There were no significant changes in availability of vegetables and sugar-laden cereals, or accessibility of fresh fruit, fresh vegetables, dry cereal, candy, soda pop, desserts, and sports/fruit drinks. Overall, results suggest that the current dietary behavior change intervention resulted in positive changes in the HFE. Further research to confirm these results in a randomized controlled trial is warranted.
ContributorsCassinat, Rachel (Author) / Vega-Lopez, Sonia (Thesis advisor) / Bruening, Meredith (Committee member) / Crespo, Noe (Committee member) / Arizona State University (Publisher)
Created2015
Description
Food banks are the foundation of the emergency food network, and while their chief mission is to mitigate hunger, the rise in obesity and other diet-related diseases among clientele has incited the need for better nutritional control with regards to procurement of inventory at food banks. The purpose of this research was to determine if procured inventory at United Food Bank in Mesa, Arizona could meet minimum MyPlate recommendations for a typical food bank client and what implications the results could have for future policy. Inventory data was obtained from United Food Bank for fiscal year 2013-2014 and analyzed utilizing the MyPlate Analysis Program to determine contributions of each food category to MyPlate recommendations. Inventory was separated by MyPlate food category and analyzed to determine contribution towards a meal built around MyPlate recommendations. Results showed that the inventory could meet the minimum requirements for protein and grains for a family of four for at least three days, the amount of time an emergency food box is designed to last. On the contrary, the inventory did not meet minimum vegetable, fruit or dairy requirements. These results indicate that typical food bank inventory does not meet USDA MyPlate recommendations and that having nutritional policy in place could potentially drive donations and purchases to enhance the nutritional quality of future food bank inventory.
ContributorsLick, Linda (Author) / Bruening, Meredith (Thesis advisor) / Vaughan, Linda (Committee member) / Wharton, Christopher (Christopher Mack), 1977- (Committee member) / Arizona State University (Publisher)
Created2015
Description
Is it possible to treat the mouth as a natural environment, and determine new methods to keep the microbiome in check? The need for biodiversity in health may suggest that every species carries out a specific function that is required to maintain equilibrium and homeostasis within the oral cavity. Furthermore, the relationship between the microbiome and its host is mutually beneficial because the host is providing microbes with an environment in which they can flourish and, in turn, keep their host healthy. Reviewing examples of larger scale environmental shifts could provide a window by which scientists can make hypotheses. Certain medications and healthcare treatments have been proven to cause xerostomia. This disorder is characterized by a dry mouth, and known to be associated with a change in the composition, and reduction, of saliva. Two case studies performed by Bardow et al, and Leal et al, tested and studied the relationships of certain medications and confirmed their side effects on the salivary glands [2,3]. Their results confirmed a relationship between specific medicines, and the correlating complaints of xerostomia. In addition, Vissink et al conducted case studies that helped to further identify how radiotherapy causes hyposalivation of the salivary glands [4]. Specifically patients that have been diagnosed with oral cancer, and are treated by radiotherapy, have been diagnosed with xerostomia. As stated prior, studies have shown that patients having an ecologically balanced and diverse microbiome tend to have healthier mouths. The oral cavity is like any biome, consisting of commensalism within itself and mutualism with its host. Due to the decreased salivary output, caused by xerostomia, increased parasitic bacteria build up within the oral cavity thus causing dental disease. Every human body contains a personalized microbiome that is essential to maintaining health but capable of eliciting disease. The Human Oral Microbiomics Database (HOMD) is a set of reference 16S rRNA gene sequences. These are then used to define individual human oral taxa. By conducting metagenomic experiments at the molecular and cellular level, scientists can identify and label micro species that inhabit the mouth during parasitic outbreaks or a shifting of the microbiome. Because the HOMD is incomplete, so is our ability to cure, or prevent, oral disease. The purpose of the thesis is to research what is known about xerostomia and its effects on the complex microbiome of the oral cavity. It is important that researchers determine whether this particular perspective is worth considering. In addition, the goal is to create novel experiments for treatment and prevention of dental diseases.
ContributorsHalcomb, Michael Jordan (Author) / Chen, Qiang (Thesis director) / Steele, Kelly (Committee member) / Barrett, The Honors College (Contributor) / College of Letters and Sciences (Contributor)
Created2015-05
Description
Pet obesity is higher than ever in the United States. According to the Association for Pet Obesity Prevention, 52.5% of dogs and 58.3% of cats were either overweight or obese in 20121. Obesity has been linked to health issues such as cardiovascular disease, diabetes, muscular disorders and some cancers to name a few.2 A pet at the recommended healthy weight is important to avoid these diseases. It is important that owners realize this and if their pet is at an unhealthy weight, work with their veterinarian to help the pet lose weight. This study looks at how committed dog owners are to help their pet lose weight and the problems they face while doing so.
ContributorsHarvey, Alexandra Patricia (Author) / Thatcher, Craig (Thesis director) / Steele, Kelly (Committee member) / Barrett, The Honors College (Contributor) / School of Letters and Sciences (Contributor)
Created2014-05
Description
Although many studies have looked into the relationship between depression and eating behaviors, most have not looked into the interaction between depressive mood, weight status, and eating behaviors; specifically the consumption of added sugars. This longitudinal study examined the relationship between depressive mood and added sugar consumption among college freshmen, and how weight status play a role in this relationship. A web-based survey assessing depressive mood score and added-sugar foods consumption, and height and weight measurements were obtained. A total of 511 participants (aged 18.5±0.4 years; 70.5% females) were recruited at Arizona State University from August 2015 through January 2016. The main outcomes measured were the relationship between depressive mood score and added sugar consumption (tsp/d) within each participants and between mean weight status groups (underweight & “healthy” weight, overweight, and obese). In the study, the mean added sugar consumption was 19.1±11.87 tsp/d. There were no significant association between depressive mood and added sugar consumption within or between freshman students over time. But overall, there was a slightly positive relationship between depressive mood and added sugar consumption across four time points. No significant interaction was found between BMI, depressive mood, and added sugar consumption within each student, but significant differences in the relationship of depressive mood and added sugar between mean weight status groups (p=0.025). Each individual’s BMI in the previous time points was significantly negatively associated with added sugar consumption in the current time points (beta = -0.70; p=0.010). The results from this study indicates that depressive mood may not affect added sugar intake in this sample. BMI did not have an impact on the relationship within each student, but have an impact between mean weight status groups, so further studies are needed to continue look at how BMI influences the relationship between depressive mood and added sugar consumption.
ContributorsChen, Yufei (Author) / Bruening, Meredith (Thesis advisor) / Hekler, Eric (Committee member) / Whisner, Corrie (Committee member) / Todd, Michael (Committee member) / Arizona State University (Publisher)
Created2017
Description
The transition to college has been identified as a vulnerable period for weight gain and the onset of obesity. Research has shown that the gut microbiota is different in obese compared to lean individuals, but a period of weight gain has never been studied in free-living individuals. The objective of this longitudinal, observational study was to assess the association between changes in the intestinal microbiota and weight-related outcomes in healthy college students living in on-campus dormitories at Arizona State University (n=39). Anthropometric measures and fecal samples were collected at the beginning and end of the school year, and microbial relative abundance for A. muciniphila, F. prausnitzii, R. gnavus, and L. acidophilus was measured through qPCR analyses. In this population, body mass index (BMI) and waist circumference (WC) increased by 0.97 ± 1.28 kg/m2 and 2.64 ± 4.90 cm, respectively. Wilcoxon-Rank tests revealed that R. gnavus fold change was significantly different between groups of weight loss/maintenance and weight gain ≥ 5% body weight (0.14 [-0.21, 0.64], n=24 vs. -0.14 [-0.92, 0.05], n=15, respectively; p=0.028). Correlation analyses suggested a significant negative association between A. muciniphila fold change and both % WC change and % BMI change (r= -0.66; p<0.01 and r= -0.33; p=0.04, respectively). However, multivariate regression analysis controlling for sex and race/ethnicity showed a significant association between A. muciniphila and % WC change, but not % BMI change (R2= 0.53; p<0.01 and R2= 0.24; p=0.15). F. prausnitzii was not associated with weight-related outcomes in this sample. L. acidophilus was excluded from study analyses after subsequent qPCR trials revealed no amplification in participant samples. Overall, this was the first study to show a relationship between A. muciniphila fold change and weight-related outcomes over a period of weight gain. Specifically, A. muciniphila was strongly negatively associated with WC in this sample. Further research is needed to more accurately describe these associations and potential mechanisms associated with the shift in gut microbiota observed with weight gain. Findings from future research may be used to develop interventions for college students aiming to shift the gut microbiota to prevent weight gain.
ContributorsJourney, Elizabeth (Author) / Whisner, Corrie M (Thesis advisor) / Bruening, Meredith (Committee member) / Sweazea, Karen (Committee member) / Arizona State University (Publisher)
Created2017
Description
Background: The USDA Fresh Fruit and Vegetable Program (FFVP) provides accessibility, variety, and nutrition education to increase exposure to fresh F/V to school children. The aim of this study examines Arizona FFVP’s nutrition education frequency and delivery in relation to the effects by the COVID-19 pandemic for SY 2019-2020, SY 2020-2021, and SY 2021 - 2022. Methods: A retrospective cross-sectional analysis of 57 Arizona school food managers (FSM) (and alike positions) (N=143; n=57; 18%(10) used Spanish; 82%(47) used English; FFVP site-level FSM = 81%(41); FFVP Non-FSM
= 19% (11); 88% (50) rural; 12%(7) urban) during SY2019 – 2020, SY2020 – 2021, and SY2021 - 2022. Participants were surveyed for their perspective of FFVP service, nutrition education, and partnerships. The statistical analysis used quantitative and qualitative content variables presented as percentages.
Results: Nutrition education were consistently delivered twice a week. FFVP service delivered most commonly 2 days/week (TF1 at 63% (26); TF2 at 59% (20),TF3 at 54% (19); TF 4 at 53% (19)). FFVP nutrition education was most frequently delivered 2days/week (TF1 at 55% (18); TF2 at 55% (18); TF3 at 54% (15); TF4 at 54% (20)). Teachers were most responsible for delivering nutrition education weekly in classrooms TF1 at 55%(21), TF2 at 44%(16), TF3 at 38% (15), TF4 at 45%. Most frequent method to select nutrition education was based on produce served that week (TF1 at 40% (23), TF2 at 36% (21), TF 3 at 39% (21),TF4 at 40% (24)) and day TF1 at 37% (21), TF2 at 36% (21), TF3 at 35% (19), TF4 42% (25).
Conclusion: FSM and alike positions are important to FFVP services. Arizona FFVP schools were able provide consistent nutrition education even through a nationwide school closure caused by COVID-19 pandemic.
ContributorsBlackhorse, Kimberly (Author) / Bruening, Meredith (Thesis advisor) / Grgich, Traci (Committee member) / Zuck, Jessica (Committee member) / Arizona State University (Publisher)
Created2022
Description
Background: While a growing body of literature acknowledges the role that close relationships have on nutrition outcomes, little research has assessed how significant others impact health during youth. This study assessed how being in a relationship during freshman year is associated with fast food consumption, restaurant meals, and alcohol intake.Methods: The current study is a secondary analysis from SPARC (Social impact of Physical Activity and nutRition in College), a longitudinal study of nutrition and weight outcomes among college freshman. Participants (n=535; 73% female; 50% non-white) completed web-based surveys during the 2015-2016 academic year at two different time points: August 2015 (Time 1) and November 2015 (Time 2). Mixed generalized logistic regression, adjusted for participant sociodemographic and clustering of students within residence halls, examined the association between fast food consumption, restaurant meals, and alcohol intake at Time 2, after controlling for Time 1 relationship status and Time 1 eating out, and alcohol intake.
Results: At Time 1, 34% of participants were in a relationship, 23% of participants reported fast food consumption >2 days/week and 31% reported restaurant meals >1 day/week, and 43% reported weekly alcohol intake. Participants in a relationship at Time 1 were significantly more likely to eat in a restaurant at Time 2, after controlling for Time 1 restaurant use (OR= 1.78, p=0.009). No association was observed with relationship status and fast food consumption (OR=1.36, p=0.226), or alcohol consumption (OR=0.67, p=0.096).
Conclusions: Findings suggest romantic relationships are associated with greater restaurant use in college freshman, but none of the other assessed behaviors. Future research is needed to assess the extent to which being in a relationship influences eating behavior among college freshman, and how it may relate to weight changes.
ContributorsSchmucker, Madison (Author) / Bruening, Meredith (Thesis advisor) / Whisner, Corrie (Committee member) / van Woerden, Irene (Committee member) / Arizona State University (Publisher)
Created2021