Nutrition & Food Sciences

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    Investigating consumer preferences and sensory-relevant traits of lettuces under hydroponically and soil-grown
    (2024-08) Kwock, Elizabeth A; Du, Xiaofen; Wang, Danhui; Warren, Cynthia
    This research aimed to determine consumer acceptance of hydroponic lettuces and to evaluate physical and chemical attributes of hydroponic lettuce versus open field. Rex, Rouxai, and Bergam’s Green lettuce cultivars from four growing conditions (open field, common hydroponic, 30 °C nutrient solution hydroponic, and 20 °C nutrient solution hydroponic) were analyzed. Consumer acceptance was evaluated using consumer survey and sensory evaluations. Physicochemical attributes were determined by colorimetry, spectrophotometric pigment analyses, texture profile analysis, °Brix, pH, titratable acidity, spectrophotometric total polyphenols, and DPPH antioxidant assays. Non-instrumental analyses found consumers (n=1512) aware of hydroponics (53.21%) but unsure if they favored it (58.03%). They preferred hydroponic lettuces equally or more than open field lettuces (9-point hedonic scale, hydroponic=4.7-5.2, open field=4.9-5.3, n=100). Physical analyses revealed hydroponics generally produced significant increases in pigments (e.g. chlorophyll-a: hydroponic=87.91-133.47 mg/g, open field=83.91 mg/g, p<0.05). Chemical analyses determined hydroponics caused significant decreases in polyphenols and antioxidants (e.g. polyphenols: hydroponic=0.0032-0.0071 mg GAE/g FW, open field=0.0092 mg GAE/g FW, p<0.05).
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    The effect of walnut butter product and nutrition education on weight and endothelial health in overweight adolescents
    (2024-08) Aschenberg, Lisa 1982-; Davis, Kathleen; Miketinas, Derek; Pahlavani, Mandana; Juma, Shanil
    This study investigated the effects of walnut butter (WB) consumption and nutrition education (NE) on body composition, specifically on fat to muscle mass ratio, and endothelial health, including endothelial health biomarkers vascular cellular adhesion molecule 1 (VCAM-1), intercellular adhesion molecule 1 (ICAM-1), and P-selectin in adolescents with overweight and obesity. Eighty adolescents, aged thirteen to seventeen, were recruited for this randomized-controlled, parallel, four visit study. Participants were randomized to consume 45 grams of WB for four months and receive nutrition education at baseline and midpoint visits or receive nutrition education only at baseline and midpoint visits. Dual energy x-ray absorptiometry (DXA) was used to measure body composition. EndoPAT was used to measure endothelial function, and a fasting blood draw was collected to assess endothelial health biomarkers. Differences within and between treatments were analyzed using the Mann-Whitney U and Wilcoxon signed ranked test. A subset of data was evaluated, as this study is still ongoing, which may have impacted results. There was no significant difference in fat to muscle mass ration between the two groups at the final visit (p = 0.342). There was no significant difference in visceral adipose tissue (VAT) mass (g), or VAT volume (cm³) between the control (NE) and treatment (NE+WB) group at final visit (p= 0.812). There was a noted difference in reactive hyperemia index (RHI) at baseline (p=.611) and final (p=.057) between the two groups, however, these changes were not statistically significant. Although inflammatory markers were reduced from baseline to final visit in each group, these differences were not significant. The outcomes of this study did not show significant effects of a walnut butter treatment on increased muscle mass and reduced fat mass, endothelial function, or inflammatory markers.
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    Impact of the menstrual cycle on critical power and submaximal exercise oxygen uptake in recreationally active, eumenorrheic females
    (2024-08) Ware, Emma Willingham 1994-; Tucker, Wesley; Brewer, Wayne; Patterson, Mindy A; Miketinas, Derek; Gaesser, Glenn
    The effects of the menstrual cycle on objective and subjective exercise performance are currently unclear. The current study aimed to investigate differences in critical power (CP) and submaximal exercise oxygen uptake (VO2) across three distinct phases of the menstrual cycle (early follicular, late follicular, and mid luteal) in 12 recreationally active, eumenorrheic females. Menstrual cycle phase was determined using the 3-step method of calendar-based counting, urinary ovulation test strips, and serum hormone analyses. CP and work prime (W’) were assessed during a 3-minute all-out test on a mechanically-braked cycle ergometer. Submaximal VO2 and respiratory exchange ratio (RER) were assessed during 30 minutes of submaximal exercise on a cycle ergometer, with only the final 10 minutes of steady-state exercise data being used for analysis. Subjective rating of perceived exertion (RPE) and affect were assessed at the conclusion of the 3-min all-out test and every 5 minutes during the 30-min submaximal exercise protocol. Participants also completed the Menstrual Distress Questionnaire (MDQ) during each phase of testing to assess menstrual cycle symptomology. For 3-min all-out testing, CP and W’ did not differ across phases ((F [2, 22] = 1.31, p = 0.29) and (F [1.34, 22] = 0.20, p = 0.74), respectively). Similarly, RPE (x2 [2, 12] = 1.00, p = 0.61) and affect (x2 [2, 12] = 0.21, p = 0.90) did not differ following the 3-min all-out test across phases across phases. For submaximal exercise, VO2 (F [2, 22] = 0.87, p = 0.43) and RER (F [2, 22] = 2.50, p = 0.11) were not different across menstrual cycle phases. However, RPE was different across phases (x2 [2, 12] = 10.09, p = 0.01), with post-hoc tests indicating lower RPE during the late follicular phase (11 ± 1) versus the early follicular (13 ± 2; p = 0.01) and mid luteal phases (13 ± 2; p = 0.06). Similarly, total MDQ scores were lower during the late follicular phase (61 ± 12) versus the early follicular v (76 ± 21; p = 0.02) and mid luteal phases (75 ± 20; p = 0.01). Furthermore, there were differences in subscales of pain, water retention, and negative affect across phases, with post-hoc analyses indicating lower scores for each of these subscales during the late follicular phase compared to the early follicular and mid luteal phases (p < 0.05, all comparisons). These findings indicate that objective exercise performance does not differ across the menstrual cycle. In contrast, subjective submaximal exercise performance (specifically perceived exertion, pain, negative affect, and water retention) may differ across the menstrual cycle – with the late follicular phase having the lowest symptomology and best threshold for pain. For practical application, these findings suggest that exercise prescription/training should not differ across the menstrual cycle and individuals should instead focus on the management of symptomology.
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    Key volatile and nonvolatile off-flavor characterization for nine different hemp protein powders
    (2024-08) Martinez, Raziel 10/21/1992-; Du, Xiaofen; Wang, Danhui; Beatty, John
    Eight commercial hemp protein products and one in-house hemp protein sample was characterized by physiochemical, food functionality, and flavor properties. The commercial protein samples originated from either hulled or whole hemp seeds. The hulled seed samples were significantly richer in protein (52-67%) compared to whole seed samples (31-37%), and have a lighter color (L* 81-97). Total polyphenols were significantly higher whole hemp seed origin samples (3.7 to 7.4 mg GAE/g) compared to hulled hemp seed origin (1.54 to 3.3 mg GAE/g). Protein samples from hulled seeds had significantly more ferulic acid in comparison to the whole hemp seed origin protein samples, which contained more coumaric and caffeic acid. Hulled hemp seed proteins contained more volatiles such as alcohols, furan, and pyrazines while the whole seed proteins powder contained more aldehydes, carboxylic acids, and terpenes.
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    Usual nutrient intake and its association with CVD-related mortality in statin users
    (2024-08) MacDonald, Trisha Sugarek 1984-; Miketinas, Derek; Davis, Kathleen; Warren, Cynthia; Patterson, Mindy A; Davis, Kathleen; Tucker, Wesley; Warren, Cynthia
    The prevalence of statin use among U.S. adults for primary and secondary prevention of atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD) risk is on the rise. Individuals unable to achieve low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) goals with lifestyle changes and medications may turn to functional foods or dietary supplements for perceived health benefits. This dissertation includes two studies. First, we investigated CVD risk factor differences between adults solely using statins and those combining statins with dietary supplements. Analysis of NHANES data (2013–2018) revealed that statin use combined with dietary supplements was associated with a lower prevalence of high total cholesterol (5.1% ± 1.4% vs. 15.6% ± 2.7%, p < 0.001), as well as lower hemoglobin A1c % (6.0% ± 0.1% vs. 6.3% ± 0.1%, p < 0.05) and higher HDL levels (50 ± 1.3 vs. 47 ± 0.8 mg/dL), p < 0.05) compared to statin use alone. Second, we explored associations between the usual intake of select nutrients and CVD-related risk factors and mortality in both statin and non-statin users who participated in the NHANES (1999–2000 to 2017–2018). Findings revealed that moderate to high-level intakes of vitamin D, niacin, and omega-3 fatty acids from all sources, including dietary supplements, had a lower risk of CVD mortality compared to those with the lowest intake levels. Specifically, higher vitamin D intakes in Quartile 3 (HR 0.52 (0.37, 0.73), p < 0.05) and Quartile 4 (HR 0.73 (0.56, 0.96), p < 0.05), when compared to Quartile 1, were associated with reduced risk of CVD mortality. Niacin intake at the highest level was also associated with a reduced CVD mortality risk [Quartile 4, HR 0.42 (0.18, 0.98), p < 0.05]. Moderate omega-3 fatty acid intake was associated with reduced CVD v mortality in statin users [Quartile 3, HR 0.07 (0.01, 0.51), p < 0.05;]. These studies indicate that dietary intake of key nutrients among statin users is associated with better CVD outcomes, and mortality risk may be lower among those who consume greater amounts of vitamin D, niacin, and omega-3 fatty acids from various sources, including dietary supplements.
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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/m2). Obesity for mothers was defined as a BMI >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.