Nutrition & Food Sciences

Permanent URI for this collectionhttps://hdl.handle.net/11274/8856

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    Comparison of cost of current school lunch menus with school lunch menus revised to meet USDA nutrient guidelines
    (1995-05) Gardiner, Lynn; Bednar, Carolyn; Alford, Betty; Rew, Martha
    The purpose of this study was to compare the nutrient content and cost of current school lunches with school lunch menus revised according to the Nutrient Standard Planning Guidelines proposed by the USDA for the National School Lunch Program (NSLP). Menus were obtained from a selected elementary school for September, 1994. School lunches selected by the students exceeded 1/3 of RDAs for all nutrients. Sodium and saturated fat for nonrevised menus were in excess of the recommended amounts for school lunch. Dietary fiber was less than five grams per lunch. School lunch menus were revised by the investigator to lower total fat, saturated fat, and sodium and to increase dietary fiber. The cost for the revised meals was significantly higher ($p>0.05$) than the popular choice meals. It appears that the increase in food cost occurs concomitantly with increased serving of fruits and vegetables.
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    A comparison of serum lipid, lipoprotein and glucose concentrations in normal weight children of obese and normal weight biological mothers: relationships to percent body fat and dietary intake
    (1995-12) Francis, Coni; Alford, Betty; Narins, Dorice; Liepa, George
    Differences in serum lipid, lipoprotein and glucose concentrations, percent body fat and dietary intake were examined in 24 normal weight (10th-90th percentile for weight) children, aged 6-10.5 years. Twelve children were from obese biological mothers and 12 children were from normal weight biological mothers. Body Mass Index (BMI) was calculated for both parents and children (kg/m$\sp2$). Obesity for mothers was defined as a BMI $\geq$ 30. Normal weight for mothers was defined as a BMI of 20-25. A weight history was collected from mothers. Percent body fat of the children was measured with one whole body scan utilizing dual energy x-ray absorptiometry (DEXA). Extended research analysis was performed to determine percent abdominal fat. Serum total cholesterol, triglycerides, HDL, LDL, VLDL and glucose concentrations were determined and averaged from two fasting blood samples for each child. Parents completed a seven day food diary for each child prior to the first blood draw. Food diaries were analyzed for nutrient content utilizing Nutritionist IV. Body fat was 2.2% greater and abdominal fat was 3.9% greater in the children of obese mothers compared to the children of normal weight mothers. However, differences were not statistically significant due to sample size. No statistically significant differences were found in serum lipid, lipoprotein and glucose concentrations or dietary intake between the two groups of children. The weight history of the mothers revealed that 89% of obese mothers did not develop obesity until 25-35 years of age. This population of obese women may not be the most appropriate group for studying genetic aspects of obesity in their offspring. The mean BMI of fathers for both groups of children was $>$26. The heavy fathers of the children of normal weight mothers may have influenced the percent body fat of these children. Relationships between percent body fat and serum lipid, lipoprotein and glucose concentrations; and between dietary intake and serum lipid, lipoprotein and glucose concentrations between groups were examined. No strong correlations were found. However, moderate correlations varied considerably between the two groups of children. It is not clear whether the correlation variations observed were due to metabolic differences between groups.
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    Investigating the impact of three washing methods on antimicrobial efficacy, texture, and color of spinach and tomatoes
    (2024-05) Rodriguez, Linsey 1999-; Wang, Danhui; Du, Xiaofen; Juma, Shanil
    Fresh produce is susceptible to contamination at various points in processing, leading to spoilage or foodborne illness. While current standard washing methods are widely used and accepted, it is important to re-evaluate their antibacterial effectiveness as various parameters determine the effectiveness of each method. Quality aspects should also be considered for a well-rounded analysis of the impact of current washing methods on produce after treatment and throughout storage. The antimicrobial efficacy of three washing methods (water, 100 ppm sodium hypochlorite, and 1% citric acid) were investigated on spinach and tomatoes. The washing method parameters were optimized and the immediate impact of the three washing methods on bacterial reduction, texture, and color was evaluated. These were also measured over the shelf-life of the samples. 1% citric acid proved to be the most effective antibacterial agent among the three washing solutions, especially in storage, without significant differences in texture or color.
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    Effectiveness of a virtual nutrition education intervention for parents of children with autism and obesity: A YouTube study
    (2024-05) Prajapati, Miteshri Dhiraj 1991-; Davis, Kathleen; Miketinas, Derek; Massey-Stokes, Marilyn; Warren, Cynthia; Goo, Minkowan
    Aim: The primary aim of this dissertation was to develop and test a YouTube-delivered nutrition education curriculum to a) increase self-efficacy and nutrition knowledge among parents of children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and overweight or obesity to feed their children a healthy diet; b) The secondary aims were to improve their child’s mealtime behaviors and dietary variety. Methods: For Study 1, five parents tested a brief (2-week) intervention which consisted of 6 videos on MyPlate, food groups, a recipe, and a Social Story™. Parents were advised to watch these videos and complete 5 surveys: demographics, self-efficacy, nutrition knowledge, ASA24, and Brief Autism Mealtime Behavior Inventory (BAMBI) to test their validity. Parents also answered a qualitative feedback survey to suggest ways to modify the curriculum. For Study 2, fifteen parents were randomized into intervention (n = 10) or control (n = 5). The intervention group participated in an 8-week YouTube-delivered nutrition education program while the control did not. Both groups completed baseline, midpoint, and endpoint surveys to assess self-efficacy, nutrition knowledge, ASA24, and BAMBI, followed by a qualitative satisfaction survey by the intervention group only. Non-parametric tests (Wilcoxon ranked test) were used to compare between groups mean scores over time. NVivo was used for qualitative analysis. Results: In Study 1, participants expressed the need for longer videos on education topics along with more recipe demonstrations. In Study 2, participants in the intervention group (n = 10) showed improvements in parental nutrition knowledge (p = 0.046) and self-efficacy (p = 0.050). However, no improvements were observed in the children’s mealtime behaviors or nutrient intake scores. Analysis of the satisfaction survey revealed that parents found the YouTube curriculum easy to follow, thorough, and effective in encouraging positive eating behaviors in their child with ASD. Conclusions and recommendations: The findings suggest that an 8-week YouTube-based intervention may improve parents’ self-efficacy and nutrition knowledge in children with autism and weight issues, but a longer study period is needed to see changes in their child’s mealtime behaviors and dietary intake. Future research should focus on evaluating the effectiveness of this curriculum in a large population for a longer duration.
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    Investigating the impact of aroma on cucumber flavor using consumer sensory analysis and quantification of vitamin C content in 220 GWAS cucumbers
    (2024-05) Latorre, Nicole; Du, Xiaofen; Monique LeMieux; Danhui Wang
    This study investigated the role of aroma in cucumber sensory profiles, key aroma-active compounds related to cucumber flavor, and Vitamin C content in cucumber fruits. A consumer test involving 155 participants evaluated the aroma perception of 8 cucumber varieties with and without a nose clip. Nose clip usage showed lower ratings, with significant differences in over half the attributes (p<0.05). Another consumer test involving 112 participants evaluated four formulated cucumber flavors. The fatty flavor was significantly different across all attributes (p<0.05) and was the least preferred, in contrast to the favored melon-like, cucumber-like, and green/grassy flavors. Lastly, vitamin C analysis of 220 GWAS cucumber fruits using a spectrophotometer at 570 nm revealed higher concentrations in open-field cucumbers (range: 0.73 –29.13 mg/100g; mean: 8.31 mg/100g) compared to greenhouse cucumbers (range: 0.06 – 16.88 mg/100g; mean: 3.49 mg/100g). These findings can give insight to agricultural breeders and markets on traits preferred in cucumbers.
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    Examining the relationship between VO2 and blood lipids in Denton firefighters
    (2024-05) Ravinuthala, Ranjani Priya 06/16/1997-; Kenneth Shane Broughton; Mandana Pahlavani; Jyutika Mehta
    The purpose of this study was to examine the relationship between VO2 and various blood lipids in Denton firefighters and to evaluate the correlation of these indices with the risk of cardiovascular diseases. Around 200 firefighters participated in this study over five years. Participants VO2 and blood lipid profiles were evaluated. Statistical evaluation was conducted using SPSS. A Within Subjects t-test evaluated correlations between VO2, DEXA, and blood parameters including LDL cholesterol, HDL cholesterol, triglycerides, and total cholesterol. Results indicate that over the five-year period, total cholesterol, LDL cholesterol, and triglycerides increased significantly whereas HDL cholesterol saw a non-statistical increase. A decrease in VO2 may be associated with and play a role in the significant increases in blood lipids. There were no consistent correlation with BMI as it was found that BMI does not appear to be good indicator of risk for cardiovascular diseases in these firefighters.
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    Impact of dysphagia on nutritional status in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis
    (1995-08) Calvin, Sandra; Cashman, Linda; Stone, Karen; Watson, Mary
    Patients diagnosed as having amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) can suffer from a combined form of protein calorie malnutrition, marasmic kwashiorkor, resulting in atrophy and wasting of skeletal muscles along with dysfunction of voluntary muscles and components of the central nervous system. The bulbar musculature is eventually affected resulting in varying degrees of dysphagia, dysphonia, and dysarthria. The direct impact of dysphagia on oral intake and nutritional status in this patient population has yet to be clearly defined. Intake records, lab data, and weight records were collected on thirty-six patients diagnosed with ALS who were part of a concurrent study at Baylor College of Medicine. No differences were found between the dysphagic and the non-dysphagic group in terms of gender, age, serum albumin, serum cholesterol, initial weight, ending weight, percent ideal body weight, or percent of weight change. However, significant weight loss was found within the dysphagic subjects. Mean intake of calories, protein, and fat were significantly greater in the dysphagic group compared to the non-dysphagic group. The possibility of errors in data collection and analysis of food records may partially explain what appear to be inconsistent results.
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    Correlation between adequacy of dialysis and overall nutrition status in the end stage renal disease population
    (1995-05) Baugh, Eileen; Liepa, George; Alford, Betty; Ireton-Jones, Carol
    Malnutrition among dialysis patients in the United States has been correlated with increased morbidity and mortality rates. Multiple factors are known to contribute to this problem, although inadequate dialysis (defined by Kt/v levels) has been postulated to be a major factor. One-hundred eighteen subjects were randomized into two groups during a 12 month period from December 1993 to November 1994 to assess the impact of two different Kt/v levels (1.2 vs 1.5) on nutritional parameters (albumin, nPCR, pre-dialysis BUN, total cholesterol) and clinical outcomes (dry weight, number and length of hospitalizations). Dialysis adequacy was measured using urea kinetic modeling. The average dose of dialysis (Kt/v) delivered to both groups was higher than initially targeted, 1.3 $\pm$ 0.03 for the control group and 1.6 $\pm$ 0.02 for the experimental group. Lab work was completed monthly. Urea kinetic modeling calculations for Kt/v and nPCR were calculated monthly. One hundred eight patients completed the study. No correlation was found between Kt/v and nutritional parameters. A significant correlation was observed between Kt/v levels and weight (p $<$ 0.0001, r = 0.92). No association was observed between Kt/v levels and number of days spent in the hospital or number of hospital admissions. An increase number of days for black males vs non black males was observed but not considered statistically significant. While this study showed no significant correlation between experimental group vs control group on nutritional and clinical outcomes, variation in these outcomes between different Kt/v levels may be more obvious over longer periods of time as demonstrated by other studies.
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    The effect of rice bran oil and safflower oil on serum lipids in the rat
    (1995-05) Aguilar, Liliana; Radcliffe, John; Illegible; Illegible
    This study examined the effect of dietary rice bran oil and safflower oil on serum levels of cholesterol, phospholipids, and triglycerides in the male Sprague-Dawley rat. One group of 7 animals received a 10% rice bran oil diet, and a second group of 7 animals received a 10% safflower oil diet. Both groups of rats were fed the diets for a 21 day period. Type of oil had no effect on either food intake or growth. Animals fed safflower oil had non-significantly lower serum levels of all these lipid fractions measured, i.e., cholesterol, triglycerides and phospholipids. Serum cholesterol levels were 9% lower, serum phospholipids were 10.4% lower, and serum triglycerides were 37.5% lower. The results, for this particular strain of rat, indicate that dietary safflower oil shows a trend towards giving lower serum lipid levels than rice bran oil.
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    Engagement in nutrition education provided on Instagram versus Facebook among low-income caregivers of preschoolers
    (December 2023) Alford, Anne-Marie 1995-; Davis, Kathleen; Warren, Cynthia; Massey-Stokes, Marilyn
    Poor diet quality in preschool-aged children is increasing in prevalence, leading to childhood obesity and comorbidities in adulthood. Social media often shares nutrition information that features foods of low nutritional value compared to fruits and vegetables (F/V). This study used qualitative and quantitative methods to assess the influence of social media on F/V intake in low-income families as well as satisfaction with social media over an eight-week period. Social media content was developed to promote F/V intake among low-income families of preschoolers using Health Belief Model concepts. Data was collected through Facebook and Instagram by assessing engagement through likes, comments, and shares. F/V intake were assessed in four participants (n=4) through a pre- and post-assessment survey and a post-assessment social media satisfaction survey. Overall, F/V intake of the families did not change. More studies are needed to assess whether social media can influence F/V intake for low-income families.
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    The effects of whole pureed mango intake on serum biomarkers of muscle damage in response to moderate intensity aerobic exercise in sedentary adults
    (December 2023) Putnam, Amanda 2000-; Broughton, Kenneth; Tucker, Wesley; LeMieux, Monique
    Objective: The aim of this study was to examine the effects of whole pureed mango on cycling performance and biomarkers of muscle damage following exhaustive exercise in healthy sedentary young adults. Methods: A 10 week randomized, placebo-controlled cross-over study was conducted. Participants consumed a mango puree or placebo product daily for 4 weeks each. An exhaustive exercise trial was performed at the end of each treatment. Differences in biomarkers of muscle damage and performance within and between treatments were analyzed. Results: A total of 25 participants completed each treatment. There was a significant difference in Lactate Dehydrogenase (LDH) within the placebo group and in Myoglobin (MG) and cycling time at given wattage within both groups. There were no significant differences between treatment groups. Although not significant, there was a trend of reduced muscle damage biomarker levels in the mango compared to the placebo group. Conclusions: The findings of this study do not support the hypothesis that consuming whole mango causes decreased biomarkers of muscle damage post-exercise and performance improvement in sedentary young adults.
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    Quantification of total and individual polyphenolic content in over 400 cucumbers (cucumis sativus) for genome-wide association studies (GWAS)
    (December 2023) Edwards, Tara 1996-; Du, Xiaofen; Wang, Danhui; LeMieux, Monique
    This thesis study aimed to investigate the impact of growing conditions and variety on the total polyphenolic content (TPC) in over 400 GWAS cucumbers grown under greenhouse and open field, and the contents of gallic acid and quercetin in the greenhouse cultivars. The TPC was analyzed spectrophotometrically at 750 nm and the individual polyphenols were analyzed using HPLC-DAD at 273 nm (gallic acid) and 368 nm (quercetin). The greenhouse cucumbers (417 fruits) had TPC of 9.54 – 31.82 (average: 18.92) mg GAE/100 g and the open field cucumbers (416 fruits) 5.48 – 25.30 (average: 13.02) mg GAE/100 g. The individual gallic acid content ranged 0.00039 – 0.18 (average: 0.024) mg/100 g and quercetin ranged 0.0035 – 0.15 (average: 0.024) mg/100 g for greenhouse cucumbers (406 fruits). These results indicated that the polyphenolic content, total and individual, is variety dependent and significantly impacted by the growing conditions.
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    The effects of a high-carbohydrate, low-fat diet versus a low-carbohydrate, high-fat diet on dancer's performance
    (August 2023) Ellis, Stacie Vanessa 1983-; Kenneth Shane Broughton; Rigby, Brandon; Tucker, Wesley; Miketinas, Derek; LeMieux, Monique
    Purpose of study. The objective of this study was to compare a high-carbohydrate, low-fat (HCLF) diet versus a low-carbohydrate, high-fat (LCHF) diet on performance in dancers. Methodology. In a cross-over design, dancers consumed a HCLF and a LCHF diet for approximately one month. A Perceived Fatigue Assessment, dual energy x-ray absorptiometry, and exercise testing including a 30 second Wingate, lateral raises, calf raises, push-ups, and 90-second box jumps were performed at pre- and post-assessment for both diets. HRV was measured daily during the intervention. Results. Both diets showed an increase in peak power (p=.033, ɳ2=.27), relative peak power (p=.028, ɳ2=.28), anaerobic power (p=.025, ɳ2=.27), and in fatigue index (p=.005, ɳ2=.42) during the Wingate test. Both diets also showed a significant increase in the number of push-ups (p=.031, ɳ2=.27). During the box jump test, both diets showed that dancers jumped significantly more at 90 seconds (p=.014, ɳ2=.34), and were less fatigued from 60 to 90s (p =.015, ɳ2=.33), from 30 to 90s (p=.005, ɳ2=.42), and overall (p=.014, ɳ2=.34). There were no significant differences in performance with the lateral raise and calf raises. The diets did not cause a significant difference in body weight, body fat, or lean mass; however, there was a significant difference in the A/G ratio and the percentage fat of the trunk to percentage fat of the leg’s ratio showing the LCHF diet may cause an increase in fat around the trunk area. There were no significant differences in the energy consumed or expended while on the two diets. There were also no significant differences in HRV scores or perceived fatigue and recovery. Conclusion. Both diets may be beneficial for dancers that are required to do more power movements and dance movements that will utilize anaerobic power. Dances that are less intense will not gain any additional performance benefits from consuming a HCLF or LCHF diet.
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    Acceptability of food products containing almond oil in place of soybean oil
    (2005-12) Kier, Megan; Radcliffe, John; Calabro, Karen; King, Clay
    The effect of replacing soybean oil (SBO) with almond oil (AO) on the hedonic characteristics (appearance, taste, texture, and overall likeability) of four products (carrot muffins, bread, cornbread, and chocolate chip cookies) was determined in 71 participants (40 female; 30 male). A split plot factorial analysis of variance design was used to avoid order effects. Products were rated on a nine-point hedonic scale (1 = Dislike Extremely; 9 = Like Extremely). With the exception of the values for texture, taste, and overall likeability for bread (for which values were significantly [p < .05] higher for the AO than the SBO product), there were no significant between-product differences. Gender had no effect on product rating. For both sets of products, the ranking from the highest (4) to lowest (1), using values for overall likeability was: cookies (4); muffins (3); cornbread (2); and bread (1). Thus, replacement of SBO with AO had no appreciable effect on the assessed hedonic characteristics for either gender or on within set, or oil type, ranking.
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    Dietary intake of phytoestrogens and estrogen receptor status in premenopausal breast cancer patients
    (2001-12) Touillaud, Marina; Radcliffe, John; Wright, Doris; Cashman, Linda; Illegible
    While diet may influence estrogen receptor (ER) status, no study has investigated the effect of phytoestrogen intake on this breast cancer prognostic factor. This case-case study examined ER status and usual pre-diagnostic phytoestrogen consumption of 93 premenopausal breast cancer patients. Data were collected from a 207-item food frequency questionnaire and abstracted from medical records. ER-status groups were similar in demographic and anthropometric characteristics, oral contraceptive use, and caloric intake. In univariate analyses, a low intake of genistein, the most potent isoflavone, was associated with increased risk of ER-negative compared to ER-positive breast cancer [odds ratio (OR) = 1.76, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 0.73 − 4.25], while the relationship was weaker for total isoflavones (OR = 1.03, 95% CI = 0.43 − 2.46). Low total phytosterol intake was associated with decreased risk of ER-negative cancer (OR = 0.57, 95% CI = 0.24 − 1.37). These findings suggest that phytoestrogens may influence ER status.
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    The effect of soy protein on serum lipids in kidney transplant patients receiving rapamycin
    (2001-12) Hanawalt, Elizabeth; Radcliffe, John; Illegible; Illegible
    Rapamycin, a recently approved immunosuppressant, is widely used in patients undergoing a kidney transplant. A considerable drawback to the use of rapamycin is that it can cause an elevation in serum levels of triglycerides (TG) and cholesterol. A study was carried out to determine if a liquid formula containing soy protein, as opposed to one with casein, would lower serum lipids in kidney transplant patients. In a cross-over design, 10 subjects were given either a soy formula or a casein formula for 2 months and then the other formula for 2 months, with a 2 month washout period. The type of formula had no effect on serum levels of cholesterol, high-density lipoprotein, low-density lipoprotein, or TG. Thus, soy protein was not effective in lowering serum lipids in this population.
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    The impact of ethnicity and diet counseling on the outcomes of diabetes education
    (2001-12) Cabanas, Elizabeth; Radcliffe, John; Wright, Doris; Alford, Betty
    The purpose of this research was to determine the effect of education intervention on glycemic control and nutritional consumption patterns in individuals of various ethnic backgrounds who completed a diabetes self-management training program. Initial and final hemoglobin A1c and random blood glucose measures were compared in 124 participants enrolled in a diabetes education program. Subjects were of diverse ethnic background, with 33% reporting Black ancestry, 45% reporting Caucasian and 21%, Hispanic. Nutritional intake preceding and following educational intervention was evaluated. Energy intake, percent of energy from fat, and quantities consumed of five food groups from the Food Guide Pyramid were determined. Following this diabetes education program, it was observed that glycemic control improved, as evidenced by a significant lowering of hemoglobin A1c for all three ethnic groups studied. Energy intake decreased along with percentage of energy from fat, and vegetable consumption improved significantly. Diabetes education and diet counseling were effective in improving glycemic control and food consumption patterns in this multiethnic population.
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    Chondroprotective action of tart cherry in the monosodium iodoacetate (MIA) rat model of osteoarthritis
    (August 2023) Crabtree, Keith E 1963-; Juma, Shanil; LeMieux, Monique; Pahlavani, Mandana
    Objective: To investigate the dose-dependent effects of whole tart cherry in a monosodium iodoacetate (MIA) induced rat model of osteoarthritis (OA). Methods: A total of forty, 45-day-old female CD rats were used for study. Thirty rats were injected with MIA to induce joint destruction and randomized into three groups of 10 animals each. Rats were fed a casein-based diet with two groups receiving whole tart cherry powder at 5% and 10% respectively for 48 days. Fasted blood samples and tissues of interest were analyzed. Results: Histological analysis of knee joint determined significant worsening of damage between control and MIA groups. There was a slight increase in TIMP-1 concentration. The introduction of tart cherry resulted in IL-10 levels which emulated non-MIA group level. Conclusions: Introduction of tart cherry powder achieved some reductions in pro-, and anti-inflammatory markers, but statistical significance between untreated MIA induced rats and those given tart cherry powder was with observed in aggrecan only.