Matching Items (18)
Filtering by

Clear all filters

152099-Thumbnail Image.png
Description
The body is capable of regulating hunger in several ways. Some of these hunger regulation methods are innate, such as genetics, and some, such as the responses to stress and to the smell of food, are innate but can be affected by body conditions such as BMI and physical activity.

The body is capable of regulating hunger in several ways. Some of these hunger regulation methods are innate, such as genetics, and some, such as the responses to stress and to the smell of food, are innate but can be affected by body conditions such as BMI and physical activity. Further, some hunger regulation methods stem from learned behaviors originating from cultural pressures or parenting styles. These latter regulation methods for hunger can be grouped into the categories: emotion, environment, and physical. The factors that regulate hunger can also influence the incidence of disordered eating, such as eating in the absence of hunger (EAH). Eating in the absence of hunger can occur in one of two scenarios, continuous EAH or beginning EAH. College students are at a particularly high risk for EAH and weight gain due to stress, social pressures, and the constant availability of energy dense and nutrient poor food options. The purpose of this study is to validate a modified EAH-C survey in college students and to discover which of the three latent factors (emotion, environment, physical) best predicts continual and beginning EAH. To do so, a modified EAH-C survey, with additional demographic components, was administered to students at a major southwest university. This survey contained two questions, one each for continuing and beginning EAH, regarding 14 factors related to emotional, physical, or environmental reasons that may trigger EAH. The results from this study revealed that the continual and beginning EAH surveys displayed good internal consistency reliability. We found that for beginning and continuing EAH, although emotion is the strongest predictor of EAH, all three latent factors are significant predictors of EAH. In addition, we found that environmental factors had the greatest influence on an individual's likelihood to continue to eat in the absence of hunger. Due to statistical abnormalities and differing numbers of factors in each category, we were unable to determine which of the three factors exerted the greatest influence on an individual's likelihood to begin eating in the absence of hunger. These results can be utilized to develop educational tools aimed at reducing EAH in college students, and ultimately reducing the likelihood for unhealthy weight gain and health complications related to obesity.
ContributorsGoett, Taylor (Author) / Johnston, Carol (Thesis advisor) / Lee, Chong (Committee member) / Lespron, Christy (Committee member) / Arizona State University (Publisher)
Created2013
152747-Thumbnail Image.png
Description
ABSTRACT The hormone leptin is an important regulator of body weight and energy balance, while nitric oxide (NO) produced in the blood vessels is beneficial for preventing disease-induced impaired vasodilation and hypertension. Elevations in the free radical superoxide can result in impaired vasodilation through scavenging of NO. Omega 3 is

ABSTRACT The hormone leptin is an important regulator of body weight and energy balance, while nitric oxide (NO) produced in the blood vessels is beneficial for preventing disease-induced impaired vasodilation and hypertension. Elevations in the free radical superoxide can result in impaired vasodilation through scavenging of NO. Omega 3 is a polyunsaturated fatty acid that is beneficial at reducing body weight and in lowering many cardiovascular risk factors like atherosclerosis. The present study was designed to examine the change in plasma concentrations of leptin, nitric oxide, and the antioxidant superoxide dismutase in addition to examining the association between leptin and NO in healthy normal weight adult female subjects before and following omega 3 intakes. Participants were randomly assigned to either a fish oil group (600 mg per day) or a control group (1000 mg of coconut oil per day) for 8 weeks. Results showed no significant difference in the percent change of leptin over the 8 week supplementation period for either group (15.3±31.9 for fish oil group, 7.83±27 for control group; p=0.763). The percent change in NO was similarly not significantly altered in either group (-1.97±22 decline in fish oil group, 11.8±53.9 in control group; p=0.960). Likewise, the percent change in superoxide dismutase for each group was not significant following 8 weeks of supplementation (fish oil group: 11.94±20.94; control group: 11.8±53.9; p=0.362). The Pearson correlation co-efficient comparing the percent change of both leptin and NO was r2= -0.251 demonstrating a mildly negative, albeit insignificant, relationship between these factors. Together, these findings suggest that daily supplementation with 600 mg omega 3 in healthy females is not beneficial for improving these cardiovascular risk markers. Future studies in this area should include male subjects as well as overweight subjects with larger doses of fish oil that are equivalent to three or more servings per week. The importance of gender cannot be underestimated since estrogen has protective effects in the vasculature of females that may have masked any further protective effects of the fish oil. In addition, overweight individuals are often leptin-resistant and develop impaired vasodilation resulting from superoxide-mediated scavenging of nitric oxide. Therefore, the reported antioxidant and weight loss properties of omega 3 supplementation may greatly benefit overweight individuals.
ContributorsAlanbagy, Samer (Author) / Sweazea, Karen (Thesis advisor) / Johnston, Carol (Committee member) / Shepard, Christina (Committee member) / Lespron, Christy (Committee member) / Arizona State University (Publisher)
Created2014
153465-Thumbnail Image.png
Description
ABSTRACT

Asthma is a high-stress, chronic medical condition; 1 in 12 adults in the United States combat the bronchoconstriction from asthma. However, there are very few strong studies indicating any alternative therapy for asthmatics, particularly following a cold incidence. Vitamin C has been proven to be effective for other high-stress

ABSTRACT

Asthma is a high-stress, chronic medical condition; 1 in 12 adults in the United States combat the bronchoconstriction from asthma. However, there are very few strong studies indicating any alternative therapy for asthmatics, particularly following a cold incidence. Vitamin C has been proven to be effective for other high-stress populations, but the asthmatic population has not yet been trialed. This study examined the effectiveness of vitamin C supplementation during the cold season on cold incidence and asthmatic symptoms. Asthmatics, otherwise-healthy, who were non-smokers and non-athletes between the ages of 18 and 55 with low plasma vitamin C concentrations were separated by anthropometrics and vitamin C status into two groups: either vitamin C (500 mg vitamin C capsule consumed twice per day) or control (placebo capsule consumed twice per day). Subjects were instructed to complete the Wisconsin Upper Respiratory Symptom Survey-21 and a short asthma symptoms questionnaire daily along with a shortened vitamin C Food Frequency Questionnaire and physical activity questionnaire weekly for eight weeks. Blood samples were drawn at Week 0 (baseline), Week 4, and Week 8. Compliance was monitored through a calendar check sheet. The vitamin C levels of both groups increased from Week 0 to Week 4, but decreased in the vitamin C group at Week 8. The vitamin C group had a 19% decrease in plasma histamine while the control group had a 53% increase in plasma histamine at the end of the trial, but this was not statistically significant (p>0.05). Total symptoms recorded from WURSS-21 were 129.3±120.7 for the vitamin C and 271.0±293.9, but the difference was not statistically significant (p=0.724). Total asthma symptoms also slightly varied between the groups, but again was not statistically significant (p=0.154). These results were hindered by the low number of subjects recruited. Continued research in this study approach is necessary to definitively reject or accept the potential role of vitamin C in asthma and cold care.
ContributorsEarhart, Kathryn Michelle (Author) / Johnston, Carol (Thesis advisor) / Sweazea, Karen (Committee member) / Lespron, Christy (Committee member) / Arizona State University (Publisher)
Created2015
153818-Thumbnail Image.png
Description
Despite recent strides for awareness, treatment, and control of hypertension, prevalence remains high with estimates suggesting one third of Americans have hypertension. The hypotensive effects of potassium and magnesium have been known and administered in a clinical setting for nearly a century. The purpose of this study was to examine

Despite recent strides for awareness, treatment, and control of hypertension, prevalence remains high with estimates suggesting one third of Americans have hypertension. The hypotensive effects of potassium and magnesium have been known and administered in a clinical setting for nearly a century. The purpose of this study was to examine the effectiveness of taking a potassium/magnesium supplement to help reduce blood pressure in individuals with mildly-moderately elevated blood pressure. In this randomized, controlled crossover trial, potassium and magnesium supplementation was explored among healthy adults with mildly elevated blood pressure in Phoenix, Arizona. Subjects (n = 12) were randomly assigned to ingest either the treatment chewy bar (217 mg potassium/day; 70.8 mg magnesium/day) or a placebo chewy bar for four weeks. For the subsequent four weeks, subjects ingested the other corresponding chewy bar. Systolic (SBP), diastolic (DBP), and average blood pressure values were not significantly different between the two groups (p = 0.645, p = 0.464 and p = 0.939, respectively). Baseline mean blood pressure was 121.0/75.7 mm Hg. The 12 subjects (8 females, 4 males) had a mean age of 29.3 years old and a mean BMI of 26.2. After four weeks, the treatment group had a slightly higher SBP (118.3 ± 13.3 mm Hg) than the control group (116.5 ± 17.8 mm Hg); however, DBP was lower in the treatment group (71.7 ± 12.4 mm Hg) than the control group (73.0 ± 10.0 mm Hg). In conclusion, daily supplementation of potassium and magnesium (217.2 mg/day and 70.8 mg/day, respectively) did not significantly lower blood pressure in adults with mildly-moderately elevated blood pressure.
ContributorsPawloski, Jason (Author) / Johnston, Carol (Thesis advisor) / Vega-Lopez, Sonia (Committee member) / Lespron, Christy (Committee member) / Arizona State University (Publisher)
Created2015
156099-Thumbnail Image.png
Description
To date, there have not been any studies in a human population that explore the potential of vinegar ingestion in reducing visceral fat, a common yet serious metabolic disease risk factor. However, previous research in animal models exhibit promising findings, showing that vinegar is effective at reducing visceral fat. This

To date, there have not been any studies in a human population that explore the potential of vinegar ingestion in reducing visceral fat, a common yet serious metabolic disease risk factor. However, previous research in animal models exhibit promising findings, showing that vinegar is effective at reducing visceral fat. This is thought to be due to the activation of AMPK (adenosine monophosphate protein kinase) by acetic acid, the active ingredient in vinegar. The purpose of this study was to identify if this potentially groundbreaking relationship exists in human subjects. Healthy, nonsmoking, sedentary adults between the ages 18-45 y and a waist circumference measurement greater than or equal to 33 inches for women and 38 inches for men were recruited for this study. Twenty-three participants completed this 8-week, parallel arm, randomized control trial that tested the efficacy of red wine vinegar consumption (2 tablespoons red wine vinegar, twice per day, before a meal; providing 3.6 g acetic acid) against a placebo (1 apple cider vinegar pill, twice per day, before a meal; providing 0.0225 g acetic acid) for 8 weeks. Participants were randomized into either the vinegar (VIN) or control (CON) group after being stratified by age, gender, waist circumference, and weight. Results found that the VIN group experienced a 2% decrease in visceral fat (cm3, quantified by a DXA scan), but this change did not differ significantly from that of the CON group (p=0.256). The VIN group also experienced a slight decrease in insulin compared to the CON group, but this change was not significantly different than the control change (p=0.125). However, the change in HOMA-IR trended downward in the VIN group (-16%) as compared to the CON group (+9%) (p=0.079) with a large effect size, 0.153. Other parameters did not show statistically significant results between the groups. Further research is indicated in order to examine the potential of vinegar to reduce visceral fat.
ContributorsBaker, Olivia (Author) / Johnston, Carol (Thesis advisor) / Mayol-Kreiser, Sandra (Committee member) / Lespron, Christy (Committee member) / Arizona State University (Publisher)
Created2018
156558-Thumbnail Image.png
Description
ABSTRACT



Many natural interventions have been effective at lowering postprandial glucose concentrations (PPG) in research trials and, theoretically, should have favorable effects on the prevention and management of T2DM. Natural interventions include vinegar, nuts and exercise. Green tea has been demonstrated to also possessing antiglycemic effects. Thus, green

ABSTRACT



Many natural interventions have been effective at lowering postprandial glucose concentrations (PPG) in research trials and, theoretically, should have favorable effects on the prevention and management of T2DM. Natural interventions include vinegar, nuts and exercise. Green tea has been demonstrated to also possessing antiglycemic effects. Thus, green tea, and its most abundant catechin EGCG, are being consumed for its potential health benefits in cancer prevention and in its inhibitory effects on α-amylase. Many studies have found EGCG to inhibit α-amylase an enzyme needed in the breakdown of carbohydrates (CHO). Other studies have looked at EGCG and its potential for lowering PPG concentrations due to its inhibitory effects on α-amylase in both mice and humans. Yet there is no research on Matcha tea specifically. Matcha tea is green tea in powder form; hence, it is consumed in its entirety unlike traditional teas which are steeped in bags. The purpose of this study was to determine whether Macha tea impacts PPG concentrations in healthy adults. Twelve subjects completed this randomized controlled, single blinded, crossover study. On three separate occasions the twelve subjects consumed a bagel and jam with either water, Lipton green tea, or Macha tea. Fasting blood glucose was taken upon their arrival. Once the tea or water and bagel with jam were consumed PPG concentrations were measured every 30 minutes until 120 minutes were reached. Results showed no statistically significant effects on PPG concentrations in either test groups (p=.960). However, this study did not measure EGCG levels in the tea provided. Therefore, further research should be done with known EGCG amounts to see its effects on PPG concentrations to fully rule out its potential.
ContributorsRomash, Roni (Author) / Johnston, Carol (Thesis advisor) / Dixon, Kathleen (Committee member) / Lespron, Christy (Committee member) / Arizona State University (Publisher)
Created2018
153648-Thumbnail Image.png
Description
The effects of iron and chromium blood concentrations have been linked to blood glucose control in diabetics. It is suggested that iron causes oxidative stress in the beta cells of the pancreas and adipocytes creating insulin insufficiency and resistance. Chromium is believed to increase the action of insulin

The effects of iron and chromium blood concentrations have been linked to blood glucose control in diabetics. It is suggested that iron causes oxidative stress in the beta cells of the pancreas and adipocytes creating insulin insufficiency and resistance. Chromium is believed to increase the action of insulin through its biologically active molecule chromodulin. Both of these mechanisms are not clear. This 20 week case study tests the feasibility of combining iron depletion therapy followed by chromium supplementation to improve insulin sensitivity. This single case study followed a protocol of two blood donations separated by eight weeks followed by chromium supplementation of 250 µg of chromium picolinate once a day four weeks after the second blood donation. Fasting blood draws were taken at baseline, post blood draws and pre and post chromium supplementation. Results were not promising for the first hypothesis of lowering HbA1c, but the results were promising for the second hypothesis of improving insulin sensitivity by lowering the HOMA score.
ContributorsJarrett, Nia (Author) / Johnston, Carol (Thesis advisor) / Lespron, Christy (Committee member) / Mayol-Kreiser, Sandra (Committee member) / Arizona State University (Publisher)
Created2015
154460-Thumbnail Image.png
Description
Objectives: This study examines weight loss strategies (eating, physical activity (PA), or both) adopted by overweight or obese (OWOB) parents and children in relation to age, income, gender, education, and race/ethnicity in a predominantly low-income and high minority sample. We also examine if OWOB parent-child dyads employed the same strategies

Objectives: This study examines weight loss strategies (eating, physical activity (PA), or both) adopted by overweight or obese (OWOB) parents and children in relation to age, income, gender, education, and race/ethnicity in a predominantly low-income and high minority sample. We also examine if OWOB parent-child dyads employed the same strategies to lose weight, and how these strategies vary by demographic variables.

Methods: Data was compiled from the New Jersey Childhood Obesity Study (NJCOB). A random digit dial household phone survey was used to select 1,708 households with at least one child aged 3-18 years from five cities in New Jersey. There were 231 OWOB parent-child dyads in this sample. Bivariate and multivariate analyses were performed to determine the demographic variables significantly associated with the type of weight loss strategy chosen.

Results: Males had higher odds of using PA and both eating and PA when compared to females. Higher income adults had higher odds of using all types of weight loss strategies compared to lower income adults. Adults with college education had higher odds of using eating and both eating and PA when compared to those with high school education. Older children (6-11 and 12-19 years) had higher odds of using PA when compared to younger children (2-5 years). Children of foreign-born parents (> 10 years in the US) had higher odds of using eating to lose weight compared to the children of US born parents. Children overall had higher odds of adopting a weight loss strategy if it was also adopted by the parent. In subgroup analysis, parent-child dyads had higher odds of adopting similar strategies among older children (12-19) and among girls, but this association did not hold true for younger children (2-11 years) and among boys for PA.

Conclusion: Older OWOB children (12-19) and female children had higher odds of adopting their parents’ weight loss strategies. Younger children did not follow the same pattern as their parents and among boys concordance was observed only for eating strategies. Results from the study may inform future family-based weight management interventions.
ContributorsDwaik, Noor (Author) / Ohri-Vachaspati, Punam (Thesis advisor) / Tasevska, Natasha (Committee member) / Lespron, Christy (Committee member) / Arizona State University (Publisher)
Created2016
154285-Thumbnail Image.png
Description
Drinking vinegar is a popularly discussed remedy for relieving heartburn symptom, as can be read on many websites; however, there has been no scientific research or theory to support its efficacy. This randomized, placebo-controlled, double-blind, cross-over research study tested the efficacy of the organic apple cider vinegar, with mother,

Drinking vinegar is a popularly discussed remedy for relieving heartburn symptom, as can be read on many websites; however, there has been no scientific research or theory to support its efficacy. This randomized, placebo-controlled, double-blind, cross-over research study tested the efficacy of the organic apple cider vinegar, with mother, on alleviation of the heartburn symptom related to Gastro-esophageal reflux disease (GERD). A minimum of one week separated the four trial arms: chili (placebo), antacid after chili meal (positive control), vinegar added to chili, and diluted vinegar after chili meal. Twenty grams of vinegar were used in both vinegar treatments, and 10 grams of liquid antacid were used in the antacid trial. A five-point Likert scale and a 10-cm visual analogue scale (VAS) were used to assess heartburn severity during a 120 minutes testing time. Seven of 15 recruited subjects' data was usable for statistical analysis (age: 39.6 ± 12.2 y, body mass index (BMI): 29.4 ± 4.2 kg/m2, waist circumference: 36.4 ± 4.1 inch). There was no statistically significant difference among the mean and incremental area-under-the-curve (iAUC) heartburn scores among different trials (Likert scale questionnaire p= .259, VAS questionnaire p= .659, iAUC Likert scale p= .184, iAUC VAS p= .326). Seven participants were further divided into antacid responder (n=4) and antacid non-responder groups (n=3). Likert scale mean heartburn score and iAUC data in antacid responder group had significant finding (p= .034 and p= .017 respectively). The significance lay between antacid and 'vinegar added to chili' trials. Effect size was also used to interpret data due to the small sample size: Likert scale: mean heartburn score= .444, iAUC= .425; VAS mean heartburn score= .232, iAUC .611. Effect size for antacid responder group was Likert scale: mean heartburn score= .967, iAUC= .936. Future research is needed to examine whether ingesting organic vinegar benefits alleviation of heartburn symptom related to GERD for people who do not respond well to antacid.
ContributorsYeh, Zoe (Author) / Johnston, Carol (Thesis advisor) / Mayol-Kreiser, Sandra (Committee member) / Lespron, Christy (Committee member) / Arizona State University (Publisher)
Created2016
155257-Thumbnail Image.png
Description
Birds have shown promise as models of diabetes due to health and longevity despite naturally high plasma glucose concentrations, a condition which in diabetic humans leads to protein glycation and various complications. Research into mechanisms that protect birds from high plasma glucose have shown that some species of birds have

Birds have shown promise as models of diabetes due to health and longevity despite naturally high plasma glucose concentrations, a condition which in diabetic humans leads to protein glycation and various complications. Research into mechanisms that protect birds from high plasma glucose have shown that some species of birds have naturally low levels of protein glycation. Some hypothesize a diet rich in carotenoids and other antioxidants protects birds from protein glycation and oxidative damage. There is little research, however, into the amount of protein glycation in birds of prey, which consume a high protein, high fat diet. No studies have examined the potential link between the diet of carnivorous birds and protein glycation. The overall purpose of this study was to evaluate whether birds of prey have higher protein glycation given their high protein, high fat diet in comparison to chickens, which consume a diet higher in carbohydrates. This was accomplished through analyses of serum samples from select birds of prey (bald eagle, red-tailed hawk, barred owl, great horned owl). Serum samples were obtained from The Raptor Center at the University of Minnesota where the birds of prey consumed high protein, high fat, non-supplemented diets that consisted of small animals and very little to no carbohydrate. Serum was also obtained from one chicken for a control, which consumed a higher carbohydrate and antioxidant-rich diet. Glucose, native albumin glycation and antioxidant concentrations (uric acid, vitamin E, retinol and several carotenoids) of each sample was measured. Statistical analyses showed significant between group differences in percent protein glycation amongst the birds of prey species. Glycation was significantly higher (p < 0.001) in bald eagles (23.67 ± 1.90%) and barred owls (24.28 ± 1.43%) compared to red-tailed hawks (14.31 ± 0.63%). Percent glycation was higher in all birds of prey compared to the chicken sample and literature values for chicken albumin glycation. Levels of the carotenoid lutein were significantly higher in bald eagles and barred owls compared to great horned owls and red-tailed hawks and the carotenoids beta-cryptoxanthin and beta-carotene were significantly greater in bald eagles compared to red-tailed hawks and great horned owls.
ContributorsIngram, Tana (Author) / Sweazea, Karen (Thesis advisor) / Johnston, Carol (Committee member) / Lespron, Christy (Committee member) / Arizona State University (Publisher)
Created2017