Dissertations / Theses on the topic 'Nutritional stre'

Nell'ultimo secolo, a grazie ai progressi compiuti dalla medicina, dalla sanità pubblica e dalle migliorate condizioni socio-economiche, la speranza di vita alla nascita è aumentata nei paesi ad alto reddito, Italia compresa, passando da 45 anni a più di 80 anni. L'invecchiamento è un fattore di rischio per malattie croniche che vengono erroneamente considerate una fase inevitabile dell'invecchiamento. L'aumento della prevalenza di queste malattie in giovane età significa che sono anche legate a uno stile di vita inadeguato. A questo proposito, la riduzione dei fattori di rischio per alcune malattie croniche può portare ad una significativa riduzione del rischio di svilupparle. La prevalenza del deterioramento cognitivo aumenta con l'età e in un terzo dei casi peggiora fino alla demenza che è una condizione altamente invalidante associata ad alti costi sanitari e sociali. Dal punto di vista della salute pubblica, è di primaria importanza cercare di prevenire o posticipare l'insorgenza del declino cognitivo e cercare di rallentare la sua progressione verso la demenza. Dato che nessun trattamento farmacologico può prevenire o ritardare il deterioramento cognitivo e la demenza, è obbligatorio cercare di intervenire su fattori di rischio modificabili, come l'alimentazione. Lo stress ossidativo sembra giocare un ruolo chiave nella patogenesi del declino cognitivo e della demenza. Obiettivo del lavoro svolto durante il dottorato di ricerca è stato indagare il ruolo di fattori nutrizionali nel declino cognitivo associato all’invecchiamento. Particolare interesse è stato rivolto a nutrienti ad azione antiossidante come vitamina E e composti polifenolici. La vitamina E, in particolare l'α-tocoferolo, è una vitamina introdotta con la dieta ad alto potenziale antiossidante. Tuttavia, ci sono evidenze contrastanti in letteratura riguardo alla sua associazione con declino cognitivo e demenza. L’attività di dottorato è stata quindi finalizzata a verificare la presenza di un'associazione tra livelli plasmatici di vitamina E e deterioramento cognitivo, nella popolazione di anziani, non dementi al basale partecipanti allo studio InCHIANTI (Invecchiare In CHIANTI), seguiti per 17 anni. I risultati ottenuti hanno confermato la presenza di un'associazione tra il livello plasmatico di vitamina E e lo stato cognitivo: l'aumento di 10 µmol / L di vitamina E è stato associato ad una ridotta HR del deterioramento cognitivo del 20%. Inoltre, la ricerca è stata rivolta ad indagare il ruolo dei composti polifenolici introdotti con l’alimentazione sulle malattie croniche che possono essere fattori di rischio per il deterioramento cognitivo. Tale attività ha portato alla pubblicazione di una revisione sistematica intitolata “Systematic Review on Polyphenol Intake and Health Outcomes: Is there Sufficient Evidence to Define a Health-Promoting Polyphenol-Rich Dietary Pattern?”. I dati ottenuti hanno riportato l'associazione inversa tra l'assunzione di polifenoli e diversi outcome di rischio per la salute e le malattie. Tuttavia, a causa dell'elevata eterogeneità degli studi, non è stato possibile definire un range raccomandato di assunzione giornaliera di polifenoli. In conclusione, i risultati ottenuti hanno confermato il ruolo della dieta come fattore di rischio di declino cognitivo. Pertanto, è possibile raccomandare una dieta ricca in antiossidanti (vitamina E e polifenoli) come strategia preventiva al fine di promuovere un invecchiamento cognitivo in salute.
In the last century, due to progresses made by medicine, public health and social-economic conditions, life expectancy at birth increased in high income countries, including Italy, from 45 years to more than 80 years. Aging is a risk factor for chronic diseases which are mistakenly considered an unavoidable stage of aging. The increase in the prevalence of these diseases at a young age means that they are also related to an inadequate lifestyle. In this regard, the reduction of risk factors for certain chronic diseases can lead to a significant reduction in the risk of developing them. The prevalence of cognitive impairment increases with age, and in one third of the cases, it worsens to dementia which is a highly disabling condition associated with high healthcare and society costs. From a public health perspective, it is of primary importance to try to prevent or postpone the onset of cognitive decline and to try to slow its progression to dementia. Given that no pharmacologic treatment can prevent or delay cognitive impairment and dementia, it is mandatory try to intervene on modifiable risk factors, such as nutrition. Oxidative stress appears to play a key role in the pathogenesis of cognitive decline and dementia. The aim of the work carried out during the PhD was to investigate the role of nutritional factors in the cognitive decline associated with aging. Particular interest was addressed to nutrients with antioxidant action such as vitamin E and polyphenolic compounds. Vitamin E, in particular α-tocopherol, is a vitamin introduced with the diet with high antioxidant potential. However, there are conflicting evidences in the literature regarding its association with cognitive decline and dementia. The PhD activity was therefore aimed at verifying the presence of an association between plasma levels of vitamin E and cognitive impairment, in the older adult population, not demented at baseline, participating in the InCHIANTI study (Aging In CHIANTI area), followed for up to 17 years. Our results confirmed the presence of an association between plasma vitamin E level and cognitive status: the increase of 10 µmol / L of vitamin E was associated with a reduced HR of cognitive impairment by 20%. In addition, the research activity carried out was aimed at investigating the role of polyphenol introduced with the diet on chronic diseases that can be risk factors for cognitive impairment. This activity led to the publication of a systematic review entitled “Systematic Review on Polyphenol Intake and Health Outcomes: Is there Sufficient Evidence to Define a Health-Promoting Polyphenol-Rich Dietary Pattern?” which focuses on another important antioxidant, polyphenols, and chronic diseases which can be risk factors for cognitive impairment. In this review we reported the inverse association between polyphenols intake, and several outcomes of health and diseases risk. Because to the high heterogeneity of the studies, it was not possible to define a recommended range of daily polyphenol intake. In conclusion, the results obtained confirmed the role of diet as a risk factor for cognitive impairment. Therefore, it is possible to recommend a diet rich in antioxidants (vitamin E and polyphenols) as a preventive strategy to promote healthy cognitive aging.

Sulfur (S) is an essential macronutrient required by plants for their correct development. This element is fundamental for the biosynthesis of different compounds, such as the two amino acids, cysteine (Cys) and methionine (Met), vitamins (biotin and thiamine), peptides involved in the response to abiotic stresses (glutathione - GSH, and phytochelatines - PCs), lipids and co-factors. Sulfate (SO42-) is the main S form taken up from soil by root system and then assimilated inside the cells during the sulfur reductive pathway. The uptake and the systemic movements of this anion are accomplished by the SULfate TRansporter (SULTR) gene family, which encode for H+/SO42- membrane co-transporters with different localization, amino acidic sequences, and affinity to sulfate. Since has been demonstrated that S has a key role in the response to different abiotic stresses (such as sulfur deficiency, heavy metal exposure or salt stress), the expression of these genes must be finely regulated, according to the different environmental conditions and requests for S reduced compounds. The general aim of the present thesis is the description of S systemic fluxes in rice in different stress conditions, to obtain more information about the contribution of S in determining plant tolerance to abiotic stresses. To achieve the goal, we also took advantage of analysis performed with an elemental analyzer coupled with an isotope ratio mass spectrometer (EA-IRMS), a powerful instrument which utilizes stable isotopes of elements as tracers. The entire research has been divided in three different parts. In the first work, potential 32S/34S isotope effects occurring during SO42- uptake were investigated in a closed hydroponic system in which a limited amount of substrate (SO42- in the nutrient solution) was continuously removed from the solution by the activity of the sulfate transporters of the root and converted in a final product (total S of the plant). An isotope discrimination against 34S occurred during SO42- uptake: plants had a lighter S isotope composition, and the residual SO42- in the hydroponic solution was enriched in heavy stable isotope. Fractionation during uptake showed two phases characterized by different fractionation factors, reflecting changes in the expression of the OsSULTR deputed to the root uptake which may explain the different isotope phenotypes observed during plant sulfate acquisition. Moreover, the possible 32S/34S isotope effects associated to both S partitioning and metabolism were investigated by comparing plants pre-grown in complete nutrient solutions and then continuously maintained on media containing SO42- (steady-state) or deprived of SO42- for 72h. The SO42- pool of the steady-state shoot was significantly 32S depleted with respect to the SO42- pools of root, while the organic S (Sorg) pools were significantly depleted in 34S compared to both the SO42- pool of both the organs and the S source. These results suggested a higher S assimilation in the aerial part of plants which favor the lighter isotope. Under S starvation, S assimilation progressively enriched the Sorg pools in the lighter 32S isotope and the residual SO42- in both the organs in the heavier 34S isotope. Most pronounced isotope separations were again observed in the shoot, confirming the prominent role of this organ in SO42- assimilation and S allocation. No fractionation due to translocation activity was observed. In the second part of the work, to validate the results previously obtained, we performed a mass balance study in rice plants exposed for 72h to different Cd concentrations, to investigate possible changes in S stable isotope fractionation due to this stress: in fact, adaptation of S metabolism has a pivotal role in responses to heavy metal exposure. As expected, Cd treatment strongly enhanced SO42- uptake and assimilation, as indicated by the analyses of the S pools (Stot, SO42-, and Sorg). S isotope analyses performed on the whole plants revealed changes in the S metabolism associated to variations in the discrimination against 34S, which was less evident as Cd concentration in the external medium increased. Transcriptional analysis suggested again that change of the ratio between relative transcripts of OsSULTR1;1 and OsSULTR1;2, as observed for S starvation, may be responsible for the progressive decreased in 34S isotope discrimination. The important role of shoot in S assimilation was confirmed: isotope fractionation associated to sulfate assimilation was higher in shoot than in root, and progressively increased as Cd concentration did. The last part of work was focused on fully characterize, under hydroponics-controlled conditions in the absence or in the presence of salt stress (80 mM NaCl), the phenotypic behavior in the already available salt tolerant introgression line (IL) Onice 11 (O11), obtained by Marker-Assisted Back-Cross (MABC) selection starting from the cross between the Italian japonica elite cultivars Onice (sensitive recurrent parent) and the indica variety IR64-SalTol (tolerant), donor of the major QTL SalTol. Moreover, S acquisition and metabolism of O11 and both the parental lines were evaluated to investigate their possible implication in determining the different tolerance to salt stress. Results showed the beneficial effect of the introgression of the SalTol QTL from the indica variety into selected japonica rice line, based on different characteristics of selected phenotypic-biochemical-physiological parameters. However, salt stress strongly affected S uptake and assimilation, and we can reasonably suppose that these features do not justify the different salt tolerance in the considered IL O11. In conclusions, rice plants can discriminate against 34S during SO42- uptake and assimilation. Between plants organs, shoot represents the predominant one involved in S assimilation. Abiotic stresses, such as S starvation or Cd exposure, lead to changes in the ratio of relative transcripts between the OsSULTRs involved in the uptake of sulfate, and this may be the cause of the different isotope phenotypes observed. Finally, salt tolerance in the IL O11 appears to not be dependent on different S metabolism.

Negli ultimi secoli, l'aspettativa di vita è aumentata grazie a uno stile di vita migliore, ma di conseguenza sono aumentate le patologie legate all'invecchiamento. L'invecchiamento è un processo fisiologico complesso e modificazioni legate all'età sono evidenti anatomicamente e fisiologicamente nella BEE. L'accumulo di danno ossidativo alle macromolecole da parte di RONS e ROS in BEE può essere cruciale nello sviluppo e nella progressione di diverse patologie del SNC. In questa situazione l'ischemia cerebrale potrebbe alterare ulteriormente l'equilibrio ossidante/antiossidante a favore degli ossidanti. In questo scenario, l'alimentazione può contrastare gli impatti ossidativi e le diete arricchite di polifenoli possono fornire effetti benefici. Il caffè è stato descritto come una fonte molto importante di composti antiossidanti (Ricci A. et al., 2018), ma la sua lavorazione produce ogni anno grosse quantità di scarto (Mussatto et al., 2011). Seguendo queste linee guida, lo scopo di questo studio era di valutare le proprietà antiossidanti di diversi composti correlati al caffè, da soli e combinati insieme, in un modello in vitro di ischemia. I composti utilizzati sono stati: fitoestratti derivanti dagli scarti della produzione del caffè e arricchiti in specifici componenti polifenolici; e metaboliti del caffè individuati nel plasma di persone che bevono caffè. Il momento successivo alla riossigenazione provoca un aumento dei ROS, raggiungendo un picco massimo entro 1h dal ripristino delle normali condizioni di coltura (Adibhatla RM et al., 2001). Pertanto, per la valutazione delle proprietà antiossidanti dopo OGD, come condizione di maggior stress è stato scelto l'intervallo 0-1h immediatamente successivo al recupero. Quindi, al fine di valutare le proprietà antiossidanti dei composti del caffè in OGD, sono state effettuate valutazioni sullo stato di fosforilazione delle chinasi Erk e Akt, che se attive promuovono la migrazione di Nrf2 nel nucleo, sui livelli della proteina Nrf2 e sulla sua distribuzione intracellulare, ed infine sui livelli proteici di HO-1, come una dei suoi geni bersaglio. Inoltre, è stata valutata anche la proteina Hsp70, che è coinvolta nel controllo del ripiegamento delle proteine ed infine, è stata misurata la produzione di malondialdeide (MDA) 24 ore dopo il recupero come marker di perossidazione lipidica. I risultati hanno dimostrato la capacità dei composti correlati al caffè di riuscire ad attivare la via di segnalazione Nrf2 in modo diverso e che solo i metaboliti modulavano positivamente Hsp70. I risultati dell'MDA hanno suggerito che la presenza dei composti antiossidanti, testati da soli o combinati, aveva avuto un effetto positivo sulla sua modulazione. I risultati, quindi, hanno dimostrato le proprietà antiossidanti dei fitoestratti e dei metaboliti specifici del caffè, suggerendo che le sostanze stimolano la risposta antiossidante attivando diverse vie, che combinate insieme potrebbero potenziare la difesa antiossidante. L'effetto antiossidante dei metaboliti potrebbe indicare che l'assunzione moderata di caffè giornaliera in soggetti anziani esposti all'invecchiamento e maggior rischio di insulto ischemico, potrebbe contribuire alla riduzione dello stress ossidativo limitando il danno da riperfusione in caso di attacchi ischemici. Queste difese potrebbero essere aumentate attraverso i fitoestratti derivati dal caffè ingeriti come integratori alimentari. Il riutilizzo di questa biomassa di scarto, avrebbe un impatto positivo sia sull'economia che sull'ecosistema, in quanto ridurrebbe notevolmente l'inquinamento.
Nowadays, the people get older and older thanks to a better life-style, but consequently, carrying on pathologies typical of the old age, included aging. The aging is a complex physiological process and age-related changes are evident anatomically and physiologically in the BBB. The accumulation of oxidative damage to macromolecules by RONS and ROS in BBB can be crucial in the development and progression of different CNS pathologies. In this situation, cerebral ischemia could further alter the oxidant/antioxidant balance in favour of oxidants. In this scenario, nutrition can counteract the oxidative impacts, polyphenol-enriched diets can provide beneficial effects, preventing cognitive decline and degenerative disorders. More recently, coffee has been described as a very important source of antioxidant compounds (Ricci A. et al., 2018) but its production generates large amount of waste. According to these guidelines, the aim of this study was to evaluate the antioxidant properties of several coffee-related compounds alone and combined together in an in vitro model of ischemia. The compounds used were: phytoextracts deriving from the waste of coffee production and enriched in specific polyphenolic components; and coffee metabolites found in plasma of people drinking coffee. The moment after reoxygenation causes a considerable increase in ROS, reaching a maximum peak within 1 hour of the restoration of normal culture conditions (Adibhatla RM et al., 2001). Therefore, for the evaluation of the antioxidant properties after OGD, the time span 0-1h immediately following recovery was chosen as the condition of greatest stress. Therefore, in order to evaluate the antioxidant properties of the coffee compound under OGD, the antioxidant pathway Nrf2 was analyzed within 0-1h, immediately following recovery. Evaluations were performed on the state of phosphorylation of Erk and Akt kinases, which if active promote Nrf2 migration in the nucleus, on the levels of the Nrf2 protein and on its intracellular distribution, and finally on the protein levels of HO-1, as one of its genes target. Furthermore, the protein Hsp70, which is involved in the control of protein folding, was also evaluated. Finally, malondialdehyde (MDA) production was measured as a marker of lipid peroxidation 24 hours after recovery. The results suggested the ability of coffee-related compounds to activate the Nrf2 signaling pathway differently and only the pre-treatment with metabolites modulated positively Hsp70. MDA results suggested that the presence of the antioxidant compounds, tested alone or combined, had a positive effect on its modulation. The results showed the antioxidant properties of phytoextracts and specific coffee metabolites, suggesting that the substances stimulate the antioxidant response by activating different pathways, which combined together in the mix, could enhance antioxidant defense. The antioxidant effect of coffee metabolites could indicate that the moderate intake of coffee every day in elderly subjects exposed to aging and greater risk of ischemic insult, could contribute to the reduction of oxidative stress by limiting reperfusion damage in the case of ischemic attacks. These defenses could be increased through the phytoextracts derived from coffee ingested as food supplements. The reuse of this waste biomass, would have a positive impact on both the economy and the ecosystem, as it would significantly reduce pollution.

The purpose of this study was to determine if participation in a supermarket tour improves nutrition knowledge and eating behavior in adult participants. Participants were recruited in communities surrounding Food City stores, a local supermarket. Prior to completing a standardized tour, participants completed a survey to assess nutrition knowledge and eating behavior. This survey was given to participants again three months later. A program evaluation was given one time at the end of the tour. Data analysis revealed no significant findings, other than the behavior-based question: “How many meals or snacks on most days included vegetables”. Vegetable consumption appeared to decrease. All participants who completed the program evaluation reported they learned something new as a result of the tour and were satisfied with the experience. These findings suggest that nutrition education provided in supermarkets is well-received by participants, but additional research with objective measures is needed.

Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP)-authorized store environments could be improved to favor consumer purchase of healthy products. Engaging with the key intermediaries who can use marketing-mix and choice-architecture (MMCA) strategies to encourage low-income consumers to purchase healthy products aligned with the Dietary Guidelines for Americans (DGA), 2015-2020 is essential. This PhD research describes five investigations that explored the perspectives of food store owners, managers, and corporate or independent businesses (e.g., retailers) to inform healthy food retail approaches: (1) a systematic review of the literature (1980-2017) identified social-ecological influencers of food store retailers' decision-making and ability to use MMCA strategies to encourage healthy dietary purchases in the United States (US); (2) SNAP-authorized retailers' perceived feasibility and costs to implement healthy MMCA strategies in rural stores were assessed (n=29); (3) SNAP-authorized retailers' healthy food and beverage perceptions and DGA-aligned product offerings were documented; (4) prevalent SNAP-authorized food store retailers in the US and between two states were identified to inform settings where healthy food retail approaches could reach numerous SNAP consumers; (5) and the availability of corporate social responsibility commitments to use MMCA strategies to improve consumers' diet quality among prevalent SNAP-authorized food store chains was explored. The collective findings from the review and four studies were that multiple social-ecological factors (e.g., skills/knowledge, consumers, suppliers) influenced US retailers' decision-making and ability to use MMCA strategies that favor healthy products. Rural retailers perceived prompting and proximity (e.g., labeling and location) strategies as feasible and less costly compared to other MMCA strategies. Some misalignments of healthy food perceptions and food store availability were identified and indicated a need for trainings to enhance the success of healthy food retail programs. To reach numerous SNAP consumers, healthy food retail programs should target nontraditional (e.g., non-grocery) food stores with varied approaches by state. However, few prevalent SNAP-authorized retailers have made public, voluntary commitments to reduce obesity and may reflect a low readiness to engage in partnerships to establish healthy food retail environments. Future research should document approach to and the impact of using MMCA strategies to encourage healthier consumer purchases on business outcomes among diverse store contexts.
Doctor of Philosophy

In an effort to deconcentrate poverty, Atlanta is attempting to become the first city in the U.S. to completely eliminate public housing by relocating ≈ 10,000 residents. Research has shown that the health status of public housing residents is worse than any other population. Evidence also suggests that there is an inverse relationship between neighborhood availability of healthy, affordable foods and diet intake. The aim of this study was to compare the price, availability, and quality of food items in the public housing residents’ communities, before and after relocation. Using Nutrition Environment Measures Survey (NEMS), a total of 42 food store audits were conducted in pre- and post-relocation neighborhoods. The prices in post-relocation middle chain grocery stores were significantly cheaper for total frozen dinners (p = 0.042), baked goods (p = 0.017), and potato chips (p = 0.035). There were no significant differences in produce quality. However, fruits (p <0>.001), vegetables (p < 0.001), lower fat milk (p < 0.001), whole milk (p =0.041), ground beef (p < 0 .001), reduced-fat hot dogs (p = 0.015), regular hot dogs (p < 0.001), frozen dinners (p < 0.001), low-fat baked goods (p < 0.001), whole-wheat bread (p <0 .001) and 100% juice (p < 0.001) were more available in middle chain grocery stores than convenience stores. These results suggest that public housing residents have relocated to a food environment that is similar to their previous environment. Relocation of public housing residence did not have a significant effect on their access to food.

U ovom radu je ispitivan uticaj Antitoksičnognutritiva(ATN), preparata na bazi prirodnih aluminosilikata,na biohemijske, fiziološke, tehnološke i proizvodne parametre uzgoja pilića. ATN je smeša zeolita klinoptilolita, gline monmorilonita i male količine aktivnog uglja. Dodatak ovog preparata u hranivo za piliće u količini od 5 g/kg nije izazvao promene u normalnoj biohemijskoj i fiziološkoj homeostazi životinja. Hematološki parametri, koncentracija metabolita, elektrolita i aktivnost enzima seruma i jetre je bila u granicama referentnih vrednosti. ATN ne utiče na prirast životinja, ni na konverziju hrane, ali dovodi do povećanja relativnih masa pojedinih organa digestivnog trakta.Uočava se da dodatkom ATN-a u hranivo dolazi do smanjenja količine masti a povećanja količine proteina u belom mesu. ATN takođe povećava i sadržaj pepela ubelom i crvenom mesu.Akutni ili hronični tronedeljni oralni unos pojedinih toksikanata (mikotoksina aflatoksina B1i ohratoksina A, herbicida parakvata, jona olova ili toksinacijanobakterija-mikrocistisa) dovodi do poremećaja normalne biohemijske i fiziološke homeostaze pojedinih organa i tkiva pilića, što je utvrđeno na osnovu rezultata hematoloških i biohemijskih analiza, određivanja enzima antioksidativne zaštite i lipidne peroksidacije, kao i odredjivanja parametara uzgoja i težine organa. ATN, dodat u hranu u količini od 5 g/kg, mogao da bude dobar protektivni agens za delovanje aflatoksina, parakvata, jona teških metala i mikrocistisa, ali ne i ohratoksina.
This study investigated the effects of dietary supplementation with hydrated aluminosilicate (Antitoxic Nutrient-ATN), based on zeolitic ore (clinoptilolite), clay bentonite (montmorillonite),and small amounts of activated charcoal, on  performance, hematological, serum, and liver biochemical parameters, as well as organ weights and meat quality in broiler chickens. The dietary addition of ATN has  no adverse effects on serum and liver biochemical parameters and does not affect the normal physiological homeostasis of animals. However, the results of this study demonstrate that supplementation with 5 g/kg of ATN influenced organ weights, and chemical composition of broiler chicken meat.This study also evaluated the effectiveness of ATN to protect broilers from adverse effects of five different toxic substances (mycotoxins aflatoxin B1, and ochratoxin A, herbicide paraquat, heavy metal ions supplied as lead-acetate, and microcystis, toxin of cyanobacteria). Toxic substances induced oxidative stress and disturb normal biochemical and physiological homeostasis of different tissues and organs in poultry. The results from this study demonstrate that the biochemical variables of serum, liver, kidney, lung and other organs were negatively affected by all five toxic substances. The additionof 5 g/kg of ATN was protective against aflatoxin B1, lead-acetate, paraquat and microcystis, but not against ochratoxin A.

Introduction:. College-aged students do not meet recommended intakes of fruits and vegetables, which over time can increase risk of chronic diseases. The purpose of this study is to investigate whether nutrition education on different forms of fruits and vegetables delivered during a grocery store tour impacted fruit and vegetable consumption among undergraduate students enrolled in introductory nutrition courses at Georgia State University (GSU). Methods: Undergraduate students enrolled in introductory nutrition courses completed an initial fruit and vegetable consumption survey at the start of the semester. The experimental group (n=93) completed the grocery store tour, while the control group (n=51) did not. Both groups completed a final survey on fruit and vegetable consumption at the end of the semester. The survey investigated the following areas: daily fruit consumption; daily vegetable consumption; forms of fruits consumed; forms of vegetables consumed; reasons to consume fruits; reasons to consume vegetables; reasons to avoid fruit; reasons to avoid vegetables. Educational and interactive grocery store tours, led by GSU Coordinated Program students, focused on the following areas: fresh produce; dried fruits; canned fruits/vegetables; frozen fruits/vegetables; 100% juices. The percent of participants who increased fruit/vegetable consumption from/day to >2 servings/day and the number of forms of fruits/vegetables consumed was calculated using descriptive statistics. Results: Fruit consumption increased among participants in both the control and experimental group. However, the experimental group demonstrated a greater increase in number of participants increasing consumption to 2 or more servings per day for fruit (65.2% and 52.9%, respectively). Vegetable intake increased in the control group (49% of participants) after the nutrition course but no difference in vegetable consumption was observed in the experimental group. The grocery tour intervention did not increase the number of forms of fruits and vegetables consumed. The control group reported prevention of disease, while the experimental group reported good taste, as the most frequent reason to consume fruit both before and after the intervention. Both the control and experimental groups reported health as the most frequent reason to consume vegetables both before and after the intervention. The experimental group reported cost as the most frequent reason not to consume fruit before the intervention, but after the intervention, “other reasons” was the most frequently reported reason for not consuming fruits. These results indicate that the nutrition education may have impacted perceived barriers to fruit consumption. Conclusion: Our data indicate grocery store tours increase fruit consumption among undergraduate students. Due to the increase in fruit and vegetable consumption between both groups, enrollment in a nutrition course may have influence consumption. Future studies are needed to investigate influence of nutrition courses and to quantify other reasons to consume fruits and vegetables as well as not to consume fruits and vegetables.

Plants grown with ammonium (NH4+) as their sole nitrogen source experience growth inhibition—a condition known as ‘ammonium syndrome’, which affects most plant species, including Arabidopsis thaliana. Ammonium-based nutrition affects plant metabolism in a manner that leads to an intracellular redox imbalance. These changes in redox homeostasis can result in increased reactive oxygen species (ROS) production and trigger oxidative stress symptoms in plants. This study focused on oxidative stress determination in NH4⁺-grown Arabidopsis plants, as well as analysing ROS production, antioxidant defence, and oxidative damage. The aim of this thesis was to define the role of plant mitochondria in the oxidative metabolism of NH4⁺-fed plants. The long-term NH4+ nutrition of Arabidopsis leads to increased H2O2 content in leaves, induction of enzymatic antioxidant defence, and oxidation of low-mass antioxidants. Oxidative stress in NH4+-grown plants has been demonstrated to occur due to enhanced protein oxidation, lipid peroxidation, and the induced expression of UPOX (up-regulated by oxidative stress), a marker protein for oxidative stress. The oxidative stress symptoms observed in leaf tissues might be the cause of growth retardation in NH4+-grown Arabidopsis plants. Increased ROS production during NH4+ nutrition was primarily localized in mitochondria, and did not affect chloroplasts. Higher mitochondrial ROS production in response to NH4+ nutrition might induce oxidative stress in whole leaf tissues. Mitochondrial alternative pathways including alternative oxidase (AOX), and internal and external type II dehydrogenases (NDin and NDex), may play a significant role in lowering ROS production in NH4+-fed plants. Ammonium nourishment of transgenic Arabidopsis plants suppressing NDin (NDA1.2), and antisense mutants for AOX1a (AS-12) led to the increased oxidation of low-mass antioxidants, while the AOX1a overexpressor mutant (XX-2) was not affected. The absence of mitochondrial complex I in frostbite1 (fro1) was compensated by induced expression of NDex and NDin, which facilitated the survival of the mutant. Fro1 plants were characterised by lower intracellular ROS levels and restricted growth compared with wild-type plants, but did not exhibit ammonium syndrome. We proposed that changes to the apoplastic ROS metabolism of fro1, such as decreased cell wall peroxidase activity and lower dehydroascorbate content, may be responsible for the improved growth of fro1 during NH4+ nutrition in comparison to NO3--fed fro1. Short-term (30 – 60 min) NH4+ treatment triggered changes in ROS metabolism. However, the fast induction of antioxidant defences and mtETC alternative pathways lowered intracellular ROS levels, and protected the plant leaves from oxidative stress. Plants can acclimate to the changing of nitrogen sources from NH4+ to NO3-. Only the prolonged changes in redox homeostasis that occur during long-term NH4+ nutrition lead to ROS overproduction and growth retardation.
Hodowla roślin na podłożu zawierającym jony amonowe (NH4+) jako jedyne źródło azotu powoduje zaburzenia wzrostu większości roślin, miedzy innymi rzodkiewnika (Arabidopsis thaliana), określane jako „syndrom amonowy”. Żywienie amonowe może powodować zmiany w równowadze oksydoredukcyjnej prowadzące do zwiększonego wytwarzania reaktywnych form tlenu (ROS). Przedmiotem rozprawy doktorskiej była analiza zmian w metabolizmie oksydacyjnym rzodkiewnika podczas żywienia amonowego. Badania skupiały się na oznaczeniach zmian w wytwarzaniu i poziomie reaktywnych form tlenu, obronie antyoksydacyjnej oraz uszkodzeniach spowodowanych stresem oksydacyjnym. Szczególną uwagę poświęcono roli mitochondriów w utrzymaniu równowagi oksydoredukcyjnej. Długotrwała hodowla roślin, gdy jedynym źródłem azotu są jony amonowe, powoduje w liściach rzodkiewnika zwiększoną zwartość H2O2 i aktywuje systemy obrony antyoksydacyjnej. Stwierdzony, podwyższony poziom peroksydacji lipidów i białek utlenionych oraz aktywacja ekspresji genu UPOX (up-regulated by oxidative stress) wskazują na obecność stresu oksydacyjnego w tkankach rzodkiewnika. Może to stanowić jedną z przyczyn zahamowania wzrostu w odpowiedzi na żywienie amonowe. Zwiększone wytwarzanie ROS podczas żywienia amonowego zlokalizowano głównie na terenie mitochondriów. Wydaje się zatem, że podwyższone wytwarzanie ROS przez mitochondrialny łańcuch transportu elektronów (mtETC) może być źródłem stresu oksydacyjnego w liściach rzodkiewnika. Alternatywne szlaki mtETC, takie jak oksydaza alternatywna (AOX) oraz wewnętrzne i zewnętrzne dehydrogenazy typu II (NDin i NDex), mogą mieć znaczenie w obniżeniu wytwarzania ROS w mitochondriach roślin rosnących na pożywce z NH4+. Hodowla roślin transgenicznych Arabidopsis z wyciszoną ekspresją NDin (NDA1.2) oraz AOX1a (AS-12) na pożywce z NH4+ powodowała istotne zwiększenie stopnia utlenienie niskocząsteczkowych antyoksydantów. U roślin z nadekspresją AOX1a (XX-2) nie zaobserwowano tego efektu. Brak kompleksu I w łańcuchu oddechowym u mutanta frostbite1 (fro1) był kompensowany wzrostem ekspresji genów dehydrogenaz wewnętrznych i zewnętrznych, umożliwiając przeżycie roślin. Rośliny fro1 charakteryzowały sie niższą zawartością ROS w komórkach liści oraz silnie zahamowanym wzrostem, natomiast nie wykazywały syndromu amonowego. Wydaje się, że zmiany w apoplastowym metabolizmie ROS (niższa aktywność peroksydaz ścian komórkowych oraz obniżona zawartość dehydroaskorbinianu) mogą odpowiadać za szybszy wzrost roślin fro1 hodowanych na pożywce z jonami amonowymi w porównaniu do mutanta fro1 rosnącego na pożywce z jonami azotanowymi. Krótkotrwale żywienie amonowe (30 - 60 min) prowadziło do zmian w metabolizmie ROS u rzodkiewnika. Jednak szybka aktywacja obrony antyoksydacyjnej oraz indukcja alternatywnych szlaków mtETC stabilizowały poziom ROS i przeciwdziałały występowaniu stresu oksydacyjnego w liściach rzodkiewnika. Wykazano również, że rośliny dobrze aklimatyzowały się do zmiennej dostępności źródła azotu (NH4+ lub NO3-). Wydaje się zatem, że tylko długotrwała hodowla na pożywce zawierającej jony amonowe prowadzi do zachwiania homeostazy redoks, zwiększonego wytwarzania ROS i w konsekwencji do zahamowania wzrostu roślin.

Low socioeconomic families must make many difficult decisions when purchasing foods for their family. As a result, many low-income families base their diets on less expensive, nutrient-poor convenience foods. The purpose of this pilot study was to determine the impact of a virtual grocery shopping tour on the ability of low-income Delaware County adults to understand and use the Nutrition Facts Panel. Twenty-one low-income adults participated in the virtual grocery tour that focused on how to use the Nutrition Facts Panel to select healthier food items. Results indicated participants’ confidence in their ability to “use the Nutrition Facts Panel” (7.0 ± 3.5 vs. 9.2 ± 1.8; t=2.53, p=0.021) and to identify a low sodium breakfast cereal (t=3.375; p=0.003) increased after the intervention. However, there was no increase in the participants’ confidence to choose healthy items at the grocery store (t=1.34; p=0.196) or in their ability to identify if a cereal was “high” in fiber (t=1.714; p=0.104), “high” in iron (t=0.438; p=0.667), or a “good” source (e.g., 10-19% DV) of calcium (t=0.438; t=0.667). Future efforts should focus on a narrower curriculum so as not to overwhelm participants.
Department of Family and Consumer Sciences

abstract: This study was designed to influence consumer habits, specifically those relating to purchases of fruits, vegetables, and junk food. Previous studies have clearly shown the ineffectiveness of simply describing the health benefits of eating more fruits and vegetables (F/V). In contrast, this study aimed to change the result by changing the message: providing participants with insight into the hidden agendas of food companies and grocery stores, provide useful tips on how to include children when selecting F/V, and emphasizing the importance of parental modeling in regard to food purchases. Participants of this study were separated into two groups, the tour group and the education group. The tour group was guided through a grocery store where they learned about sales tactics and manipulations used by grocery stores and food companies to influence purchases. Education group participants were provided with an education session focusing on USDA and FDA handouts displaying current educational suggestions for increasing F/V consumption. Grocery store receipts were collected and analyzed to track the progress of both groups. The goal of the study was to identify a method of informing consumers that will produce a significant change in behavior. Increasing F/V consumption, even in relatively small amounts, would be an important step forward in improving the diet and overall health of Americans. This study was the first of its kind to measure purchasing patterns objectively (through analysis of purchase receipts, rather than personal opinion/evaluation surveys) and in a wide-scope retail environment that includes all grocery store purchases by participants. Significant increases or decreases in the amount of money spent on F/V, or the amount (pounds) of F/V purchased were not seen, however a small correlation (r = 0.133) exists when comparing the weight of F/V purchased pre/post intervention. Data from Food Frequency Questionnaires shows participants consuming significantly higher amounts of F/V post intervention (p=0.043). The tour group and education group experienced an average increase of 0.7 servings per day. Future interventions might benefit by extending their scope to include cooking demonstrations, in-home interventions, and education on healthy eating outside of the home.
Dissertation/Thesis
M.S. Nutrition 2013

In my master thesis, I examined whether the psychological stress and from it resulting changes in eating habits at college students may affect the development of obesity. I described the risk factors affecting obesity and defined recommendations on how to prevent this disease. In the practical part research results are beeing evaluated by changes in dietary or other lifestyle factors that affect the development of obesity. The sample was separated in two groups of respondents: students of study program medical assistante - nurse in a full-time and combined way of studying. The research result shown considerable differences in the lifestyles of the respondents of both groups observed during the examination period and beyond of it.

In the context of expected climate changes is more and more important to study how will species of present ecosystems react to this changes. Thus this study is focused on reactions of two main forest tree species of Central Europe ? Norway spruce (Piacea abies L.) and European beech (Fagus sylvatica L.) ? to water stress, higher quantity of N in soil, combination of theese stress factors and heat stress. The effects of stress were monitored on maximal photochemical efficiency of PS II (Fv / Fm) and on contents of photosynthetic pigments. It was found that Norway spruce is more resistant to all mentioned stress factors than European beech.

Diabetes is said to be an epidemic of 21st century. Although death rates from diabetes are decreasing, the treatment results are still not satisfactory. Today, every tenth Czech is affected by diabetes, but according to doctors, a quarter of patients do not even know about the existence of their disease.In my thesis I focus on the lifestyle of diabetics. I am mainly concerned about their diet. Another important thing was to find out if they eat regularly, and whether the portions are eaten at regular time intervals throughout the day, as the regular and balanced diet is more important in diabetic patients than in anyone else.My survey has clearly proved that stress significantly worsens the quality of life of patients with diabetes mellitus. On the other hand, there is no evidence that a healthy diet and physical activity significantly improve health condition of patients with diabetes mellitus.

The thematic content of the presented diploma thesis is the issue of the lifestyle of general nurses working in regularly or irregularly planned shifts at different times of the day. The disposition of such employment entails limited opportunities for adherence to healthy living. This fact is the subject of exploration mentioned and solved in this diploma thesis. The first theoretical part of the diploma thesis provides a theoretical explanation on how best to adhere to the principles of healthy lifestyle, how best to lay out diet, sleep, or leisure, and how to contribute to good physical and mental fitness. The second, empirical part works with specific information obtained through questionnaire research and quantitative methods using statistical methods. Discussion and conclusion of the diploma thesis evaluate questionnaire obtained information and compare it with foreign research.

This diploma thesis deals with the lifestyle of lower secondary level teachers at the basic schools in Příbram. The theoretical part, which provides the grounding for the empirical part, describes the key term of lifestyle and the selected factors which have an essential impact on the choice of lifestyle considering the influences which directly or indirectly impact the choice. The topic is a very broad one therefore this thesis focuses on the most important aspects which are the subjective and objective agents impacting lifestyle positively or negatively. The empirical part deals with the research which was conducted via a questionnaire which was constructed to obtain the information concerning the lifestyle of teachers of lower secondary level schools in Příbram. The data was then statistically evaluated. The results were compared to the current knowledge in the field. The results show that teachers are threatened by insufficient physical exercise. 66 % or the respondents stated that they do not devote any time to physical exercise, also a high percentage of the respondents stated they can recognize some signs of being stressed. On the other hand, a positive finding was the fact that 76 % of teachers eat four to five times a day and 77 % of the respondents eat fruit and vegetables. Another positive finding was the fact that over half of the respondents do not smoke and 73 % stated there are content in their current job.

The diploma thesis deals with the issue of a healthy lifestyle and nutrition in connection with the prevention of civilization diseases. It describes the causes of these diseases, the risks and possibilities of prevention. It also draws attention to the principles of correct eating habits, the pitfalls of various diets, the consequences of overeating, the danger of overweight and obesity, the negative influence of stress on our health, and ways and principles of healthy weight reduction. It summarizes advices and recommendations of professionals for optimal composition of our diet, a change of lifestyle, and the significance of correct breathing, relaxation, exercise, positive thinking and sleep for health. The practical part contains a description of the case of a woman suffering from overweight and health problems, and an analysis of the causes and manifestations of an unhealthy lifestyle and diet. It provides steps for resolving the situation and a proposal of suitable therapy for reducing stress recommended by an expert. The work further describes a course of treatment and a risk assessment, and also proposes appropriate measures for maintaining an optimal weight in the future, including recommendations of a suitable diet. The thesis points out the problem of growing of overweight and obesity,...

Currently, the debate over what constitutes a healthy lifestyle is very much debated in the media. Generally speaking, most people have a choice about what type of lifestyle they choose to lead. The characteristics of a healthy lifestyle include certain life habits including one's attitude toward diet and exercise. The type of lifestyle that we choose to live can influence our health and also the possibility of contracting certain diseases. Up to 50% of good health is dependent on a healthy lifestyle, whilst the other 50% is influenced by genetics, life conditions, and the environment one lives in. .