abstract: Vegetarian diets can provide an abundance of nutrients when planned with care. However, research suggests that vegetarian diets may have lower protein quality than omnivore diets. Current protein recommendations assume that vegetarians obtain a majority of their protein from animal products, like dairy and eggs. Studies have shown that this assumption may not be valid. The recommended dietary allowance (RDA) may not be adequate in vegetarian populations with high protein requirements. The purpose of this study is to analyze dietary protein quality using the DIAAS (Digestible Indispensable Amino Acid Score) method in both vegetarian and omnivore endurance athletes. 38 omnivores and 22 vegetarians submitted 7-day food records which were assessed using nutrition analysis software (Food Processor, ESHA Research, Salem, OR, USA). Dietary intake data was used to calculate DIAAS and determine the amount of available dietary protein in subject diets. Dietary data was compared with the subjects’ lean body mass (obtained using DEXA scan technology), and strength (quantified using peak torque of leg extension and flexion using an isokinetic dynamometer). Statistical analyses revealed significantly higher available protein intake in the omnivore athletes (p<.001). There were significant correlations between available protein intake and strength (p=.016) and available protein intake and lean body mass (p<.001). Omnivore subjects had higher lean body mass than vegetarian subjects (p=.011). These results suggest that vegetarian athletes may benefit from higher overall protein intakes to make up for lower dietary protein quality. / Dissertation/Thesis / Masters Thesis Nutrition 2017

O estudo das estruturas osteológicas e da musculatura a estas relacionadas permite compreender, em animais extintos, a evolução dos traços associados aos seus hábitos locomotores, especialmente se este estudo considerar os seus representantes atuais, a fim de se estabelecer as relações de homologia e analogia entre as estruturas comparadas e suas respectivas funções inferidas. Além disso, em uma análise biomecânica de espécies fósseis, deve-se considerar, mesmo que de forma aproximada, a massa corporal como atributo fundamental. Prestosuchus chiniquensis é uma espécie extinta de arcossauro terrestre relacionada à linhagem dos crocodilos atuais. Para testar as hipóteses de hábitos locomotores deste táxon, foi feita a reconstrução muscular da coxa do espécime UFRGS-PV-0629-T, com base nas descrições musculares de aves e crocodilos. Observou-se que o conjunto muscular considerado em P. chiniquensis, de uma forma geral, é bastante semelhante ao dos representantes atuais. Dos dezesseis grupos musculares da coxa avaliados, treze foram reconhecidos como presentes e homólogos entre os dois grupos de arcossauros viventes comparados, de modo que a reconstrução destes músculos, no exemplar fóssil analisado, se mostrou a opção mais parcimoniosa, envolvendo o menor número de passos evolutivos. Por outro lado, a morfologia da cintura pélvica e dos membros posteriores confere uma disposição distinta dos locais de origem e inserção desta musculatura, com possível alteração das linhas de ação dos mesmos. Por fim, a comparação com formas arcossaurianas extintas e atuais mostrou uma condição basal mantida para a morfologia do fêmur e a flexão do joelho, enquanto a morfologia do púbis e do ísquio – e a origem da musculatura a eles associada – revelou um padrão derivado. Paralelamente, diversas metodologias para a estimativa da massa de formas extintas foram aplicadas e comparadas, com o intuito de realizar inferências biomecânicas para o hábito locomotor de P. chiniquensis. O espécime considerado, com 4,5 m de comprimento total, apresentou uma massa média estimada de 400 kg, a qual, em conjunto com a morfologia geral dos ossos dos membros posteriores, se mostrou compatível com um hábito locomotor subcursorial, além de uma postura preferencialmente mesógrada e quadrúpede. Contudo, devido ao caráter generalista inferido – permitindo uma ampla gama de posturas admissíveis – foi sugerida uma estratégia de caça por emboscada, na qual P. chiniquensis adotaria uma postura bípede e ortógrada, que poderia conferir à espécie vantagens, tal como uma maior velocidade em relação à postura usual. / Studying osteological structures and its associated musculature may help to understand the evolution of locomotor traits in extinct animals, especially if this study considers their extant relatives, in order to set up homologies and analogies between the compared structures and their inferred functions. Furthermore, in a biomechanical analysis of the fossil record one should consider the estimated body mass as a fundamental attribute. Prestosuchus chiniquensis is an extinct species of terrestrial archosaur related to extant crocodiles. To test different hypotheses related to the locomotion of this taxon, the muscular reconstruction of the thigh of the specimen UFRGS-PV-0629-T was realized, based on the muscular descriptions of extant birds and crocodiles. It was observed that the main muscular groups considered for the reconstruction of P. chiniquensis were similar in birds and crocodiles in a general manner. Among sixteen muscular groups of the thigh that were analyzed, thirteen were recognized as present and homolog to both extant groups of archosaurs, so that the reconstruction of those muscles in the analyzed fossil specimen showed to be the most parsimonious option, involving the least number of evolutionary steps. On the other hand, the morphological particularities of the pelvic girdle and the hindlimbs gave a distinct arrangement for the origin and insertion sites of this musculature, possibly changing their line of actions. Finally, the comparison between extinct and extant archosaurs showed a basal condition sustained in some aspects, such as the morphology of the femur and the flexion of the knee, though, other aspects were considered as derived, such as the morphology of the pubis and ischium, and their associated muscle origins. At the same time, different methodologies for estimating body mass of fossil specimens were applied, and compared in order to make biomechanical inferences of the locomotors habits of P. chiniquensis. The specimen considered, approximately 4.5 m long (15 ft), presented an estimated mass of 400 kg (around 880 lbs), which, with the general morphology of the hindlimbs, were consistent with a subcursorial locomotor habit, with a preferential “semi-improved” and quadruped posture. However, due to the generalist character inferred for P. chiniquensis – which permitted a wide range of feasible postures – an ambush hunting strategy, with a biped and totally improved posture, may be admitted, possibly conferring some advantages, such as higher speeds, if compared to usual postures.

Inflammatory models of neurodegeneration suggest that higher circulating levels of inflammation can lead to cognitive decline. Despite established independent associations between greater body mass, increased inflammation, and cognitive decline, no prior research has explored whether markers of systemic inflammation might mediate the association between body mass and changes in cognitive functioning. To test such a model, we used two longitudinal subsamples (ns = 9066; 12,561) of aging adults from the English Longitudinal Study of Ageing (ELSA) study, which included two cognitive measures components of memory and executive functioning, as well as measurements of body mass and systemic inflammation, assessed via C-reactive protein (CRP). Greater body mass was indirectly associated with declines in memory and executive functioning over 6 years via relatively higher levels of CRP. Our results suggest that systemic inflammation is one biologically plausible mechanism through which differences in body mass might influence changes in cognitive functioning among aging adults.

Issues of body image and ability to achieve intimacy are connected to body weight, yet remain largely unexplored and have not been evaluated by gender. The underlying purpose of this research was to determine if avoidant attitudes and perceptions of one’s body may hold implications toward its use in intimate interactions, and if an above average body weight would tend to increase this avoidance. The National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES, 1999-2002) finds that 64.5% of US adults are overweight, with 61.9% of women and 67.2% of men. The increasing prevalence of overweight and obesity in men and women shows no reverse trend, nor have prevention and treatment proven effective in the long term. The researcher gathered self-reported age, gender, height and weight data from 55 male and 58 female subjects (determined by a prospective power analysis with a desired medium effect size (r =.30) to determine body mass index (BMI), determining a mean age of 21.6 years and mean BMI of 25.6. Survey instruments consisted of two scales that are germane to the variables being examined. They were (1) Descutner and Thelen of the University of Missouri’s (1991) Fear-of-Intimacy scale and (2) Rosen, Srebnik, Saltzberg, and Wendt’s (1991) Body Image Avoidance Questionnaire. Results indicated that as body mass index increases, fear of intimacy increases (p<0.05) and that as body mass index increases, body image avoidance increases (p<0.05). The relationship that as body image avoidance increases, fear of intimacy increases was not supported, but approached significance at (p<0.07). No differences in these relationships were determined between gender groups. For age, the only observed relationship was that of a difference between scores for age groups [18 to 22 (group 1) and ages 23 to 34 (group 2)] for the relationship of body image avoidance and fear of intimacy (p<0.02). The results suggest that the relationship of body image avoidance and fear of intimacy, as well as age, bear consideration toward the escalating prevalence of overweight and obesity. An integrative approach to body weight that addresses issues of body image and intimacy may prove effective in prevention and treatment.

京都大学 / 0048 / 新制・課程博士 / 博士(地域研究) / 甲第21894号 / 地博第240号 / 新制||地||89(附属図書館) / 京都大学大学院アジア・アフリカ地域研究研究科東南アジア地域研究専攻 / (主査)准教授 古澤 拓郎, 教授 西渕 光昭, 教授 竹田 晋也, 准教授 坂本 龍太 / 学位規則第4条第1項該当 / Doctor of Area Studies / Kyoto University / DGAM

京都大学 / 0048 / 新制・論文博士 / 博士(医学) / 乙第13324号 / 論医博第2192号 / 新制||医||1043(附属図書館) / (主査)教授 井上 治久, 教授 高橋 淳, 教授 福原 俊一 / 学位規則第4条第2項該当 / Doctor of Medical Science / Kyoto University / DFAM

There is an increasing need for research addressing the health concerns faced in cancer survivorship. Research has indicated that racial and ethnic minority cancer survivors are at increased risk for negative health outcomes, and some findings suggest that health literacy may play a role. Yet, few studies have explored how relations among heath information barriers, weight status, and health behaviors may differ by race and ethnicity in cancer survivors. Objectives: 1) To explore whether health information barriers are associated with weight status, cigarette use, and alcohol use among cancer survivors, 2) To explore the moderating role of race and ethnicity on the relationships among barriers to health information, weight status, cigarette use, and alcohol use among cancer survivors. Method: The current study involved secondary analysis of the 2016 Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System survey data from Louisiana. Results: Bivariate analyses revealed racial and ethnic minority survivors were more likely to report difficulties understanding health-related information. Regression analyses showed that having greater difficulty understanding information from health professionals was associated with higher BMI; however, none of the three health information barriers were associated with either smoking or alcohol use after controlling for demographic variables. In the present study, the causality assumption for moderation was not met, and for this reason analyses were not conducted to test the moderating effect of race/ethnicity. Conclusion: Findings suggest health literacy interventions targeting obesity may help improve health outcomes for cancer survivors, and minimize racial and ethnic disparities in health literacy.

Purpose: Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islanders (NHOPIs) have the highest prevalence of overweight and obesity in the world. This study identified the proportion of our NHOPI sample in each body mass index (BMI) category and explored relationships between demographic characteristics and BMI. Design: This descriptive correlational study included 364 NHOPI caregiver adults in Utah (n=155) and Hawaii (n=209). We gathered demographic information with a questionnaire. Height and weight were measured for BMI calculations. Results: According to the CDC's BMI categories, 84.3% of our sample was overweight (BMI=25.0-29.9) or obese (BMI ≥30). Participants in Utah had significantly higher BMIs than participants in Hawaii. Educational attainment was inversely related with BMI; age, gender, and income were not significantly related with BMI. Implications for practice: Clinicians should screen all NHOPIs for obesity and related risks. Future research should focus on culturally sensitive interventions and education to reduce obesity and associated risks among NHOPIs.

In recent years, childhood obesity has increased to epidemic proportions across the United States (U.S.) in parallel with adult obesity, which often reflects poor dietary choices and bad nutritional habits. Nutrition literacy, which encompasses the constructs of nutrition knowledge and skills, is considered a basic tool for good dietary habits and health promotion undertakings; however, its more definitive relationship to adolescent children’s weight status is unknown. Most childrens’ weight status studies have focused solely on behavioral aspects of adolescent food intake, taking into consideration parental influence, peer pressure, and societal expectations. Studies evaluating the measurement of nutrition literacy with regard to adolescent weight status are non-existent. The primary purpose of this study was to examine the effects of parent and adolescent nutrition literacy expressed as nutrition knowledge and skills, with total household income and parent level of education, as predictors of weight status in adolescents that live in a Florida community. The secondary purpose of this study was to examine the implications for nutrition literacy levels within parent/adolescent dyads to identify public health initiatives aimed at adult and adolescent populations. Parent/adolescent dyads were screened against inclusion criteria and 110 dyads were chosen to participate. Following informed consent from the parent and assent from the adolescent, demographic data were collected and the parent/adolescent participants were asked to complete two study instruments: the Nutrition Literacy Survey (NLS) testing nutrition knowledge (Diamond, 2007) and the Newest Vital Sign (NVS) assessing nutrition skills (Weiss, Mays, Martz, Castro, DeWalt, Pignone, Mockbee, Hale, et al., 2005). The written instruments were administered to both parents and the adolescent child simultaneously, directly following the collection of adolescent height and weight. iv First, paired t-tests were used to compare means for the NLS and NVS survey in parentadolescent dyads. Next, bivariate correlation scores were computed between the two variables of parent/adolescent NLS and NVS scores. Higher total correct scores indicated higher levels of nutrition knowledge, whereas lower total correct scores indicated lower nutrition knowledge. Next, a correlation analysis using the Pearson r correlation coefficient was computed to determine if a relationship existed between nutrition knowledge and nutrition skills in parentadolescent dyads. Lastly, regression models for examining adolescent BMI were compared with the independent variables of the study. The first model used standard multiple regression analysis to determine the correlation between parent/adolescent level of nutrition knowledge and parent/adolescent level of nutrition skills to children’s weight status (BMI). The second model used logistic regression analysis to determine if a correlation between parent/adolescent level of nutrition knowledge, parent/adolescent level of nutrition skills, and demographic characteristics, to children’s BMI could be predicted. The third model used the same procedure for logistic regression with all IV data as categorical data rather than actual values. Gender was included in the final model, since it was of relevance to BMI for adolescent populations. The study results indicate that adolescent male participants had higher BMI (27 + 3.48) than females (24 + 2.90), t(108) = 4.83, (p = < .001). The results suggest that percentage underweight/normal weight for males (32.8%) and females (75.5%) and percentage overweight/obese for males (67.2%) and females (24.5%) differed comparatively between the two groups, with a larger percentage of adolescent males having greater BMI than female adolescents. The mean Nutrition Literacy Scale score (M=19) for parent (adult) study participants indicated low overall levels of general nutrition knowledge whereas the mean Nutrition Literacy v Scale score (M=21.7) for adolescent study participants demonstrated slightly greater aptitude for general nutrition knowledge than parental scores. The mean Newest Vital Sign score (M=4.1) for parents suggests adequate levels of nutrition skills. Likewise, the mean Newest Vital Sign score (M= 4.1) for adolescents suggests adequate levels of nutrition skills, similar to scores attained in the adult population. Spearman rho correlations yielded positive correlations between parents’ nutrition knowledge and adolescents’ nutrition knowledge, (rs = .224, p = .019), and parents’ nutrition knowledge and skills (rs = .596, p < .001). Positive correlations were also noted between adolescents’ nutrition knowledge and parents’ nutrition skills (rs = .257, p = .007) and adolescents’ nutrition knowledge and nutrition skills (rs = .260. p = .006). For the first model, a multiple regression was calculated to predict BMI from parent/adolescent nutrition knowledge and parent/adolescent nutrition skills. These variables did not statistically predict adolescent BMI, F(4,109) = .348, p < .845, R2 = .013. All four variables did not significantly add to the prediction, p < .05. In the second model, a logistic regression was computed to predict adolescent underweight/normal weight and overweight/obese from parent/adolescent nutrition knowledge and parent/adolescent nutrition skills, household income, and parent education level. These variables did not statistically predict adolescent weight status, (χ2 (6) =3.31, p = .769; -2 Log Likelihood 149.036; R2 .03; Hosmer and Lemeshow Goodness-of-Fit χ2 (8) = 12.36, p = .136). In the third model, a logistic regression was calculated to predict adolescent underweight/normal weight and overweight/obese from parent/adolescent nutrition knowledge and parent/adolescent nutrition skills, household income, and parent education level, and adolescent gender. These variables did not statistically predict adolescent weight status, (χ2 (11) vi = 14.506, p = .206; -2 Log Likelihood 137.841; R2 .124; Hosmer and Lemeshow Goodness-ofFit χ2 (8) = 10.864, p = .210. Analysis of regression coefficients indicates none of the variables demonstrated significance. The results of the study suggest that parents and adolescents may have similar amounts of nutrition literacy when examining the constructs of nutrition knowledge and skills; however, BMI is not solely dependent on these skill sets. Gender may play an important role in the prediction of BMI in adolescents. Examination of the factors that influence parents and children’s weight status are important elements in shaping families adoption of sound dietary habits and improving health outcomes

The objective of this study was to investigate associations between injury-related kinematic parameters and overweight measures for youth baseball pitchers. The injury-related kinematic parameters considered were measurements 1) at foot contact: stride length, front foot position, shoulder external rotation, shoulder abduction, and elbow flexion; 2) between FC and ball release: peak knee extension; and 3) at BR: shoulder abduction. Data from three separate collection sites examined pitching mechanics of 18 10- to 11-year-old pitchers, 11 14- to 16-year-old pitchers, and 104 16- to 18-year-old pitchers Linear regression analyses were performed to determine significant correlations between kinematic parameters and body mass index (BMI) for each of the three age groups (10- to 11-year-olds, 14- to 16-year-olds, 16- to 18-year-olds). The significant findings were 1) for 10- to 11-year-old pitchers, stride length was negatively correlated with BMI and front foot position was positively correlated with BMI and 2) for 16- to 18-year-old pitchers, shoulder external rotation was negatively correlated with BMI and elbow flexion was positively correlated with BMI. A key clinical implication of this study is that select kinematic parameters have been identified that could guide coaches and trainers when working with overweight pitchers. In addition, select kinematic parameters of concern have been identified for different age ranges.