Tree nut allergies affect up to 0.2% young children and 0.5% adults in the US. The current investigation focused on two tree nuts (pecan and Brazil nut), with four specific aims: (i) to clone and characterize 2S albumin, a major allergen in pecan, (ii) to clone and characterize 11S legumin, a major allergen in pecan, (iii) to develop a sensitive and robust competitive ELISA for Brazil nut detection, and (iv) to purify and characterize BN seed allergens. Pecan cDNA expression library was constructed to meet specific aims (i) and (ii). The genes corresponding to 2S albumin and 11S legumin in pecan was amplified and expressed as fusion proteins. The fusion proteins were screened for IgE-binding with pecan allergic human sera. The corresponding native protein in pecan was identified using proteomic tools and inhibition immunoblots. The cross-reactivity of fusion protein with corresponding walnut allergen was also assessed. Overlapping synthetic peptides were used to determine the linear epitopes. Homology modeling of pecan allergens was done to obtain the structural insight and compare with known epitopes of corresponding allergens in other tree nuts. Of the 28 patients' serum IgE tested by dotblot, 22 (79%) bound to 2S albumin (Car i 1) and 16 (57%) bound to 11S legumin (Car i 4). The native pecan 2S albumin is ~16 kDa composed of a large subunit (~12 kDa) linked to small subunit (~4 kDa) by disulfide bond. The native pecan 11S legumin is a hexameric protein, each monomer composed of ~33 kDa acidic subunit linked via disulfide bond to ~20-22 kDa basic subunit. IgE inhibition immunoblots suggested Car i 1 and Car i 4 to be cross-reactive with corresponding walnut allergens Jug r 1 and Jug r 4, respectively. Linear epitope mapping of Car i 1 indicated weak, moderate, and strong reactivity of serum pools against 12, 7, and 5 peptides, respectively. Of the 11 peptides recognized by all 3 serum pools, 5 peptides were strongly reactive. These strongly reactive polypeptides were located in 3 discrete regions of the Car i 1 sequence (residues 43-57, 67-78, and 106-120). Epitope mapping results of Car i 4 revealed weak, moderate, and strong reactivity of serum pools against 10, 5, and 4 peptides, respectively. Seven peptides were recognized by all 3 sera pools, of which 2 were strongly reactive. The strongly reactive peptides were located in 3 discrete regions of the Car i 4 acidic subunit sequence (residues 118-132, 208-219, and 238-249). Homology modeling of Car i 1 and Car i 4 revealed significant overlapping regions shared in common with other tree nuts. Rabbit anti-Brazil nut polyclonal antibodies were used to develop the inhibition ELISA for specific aim (iii). The assay was evaluated for cross-reactivity and robustness. The developed ELISA was sensitive (IC50 = 23.2 ± 9 ng/ml, n=76). Among the 66 tested foods/ingredients, only cinnamon exhibited detectable interference (1.36%). The ELISA could detect Brazil nut seed proteins over a pH range of 5-12, with optimal pH range of 7-10. Exposing Brazil nut seeds to processing did not adversely affect the nut seed protein detection using the assay. Brazil nut seed protein recovery from 100 mg of foods spiked with 10 and 1 μg of soluble Brazil nut proteins or 100 and 10 μg of defatted Brazil nut flour exhibited a wide recovery range, 63-315%, indicating protein-food matrix interaction. Brazil nut storage proteins were purified using column chromatography to meet specific aim (iv). Analytical ultracentrifugation of the purified Brazil nut albumin, vicilin and legumin proteins registered sedimentation coefficients of 1.8S, 7.1S and 11.8S, respectively. Under reducing conditions, the major polypeptide bands in 2S albumin were observed at 6.4, 10-11, and 15.2 kDa. The 7S vicilin was composed of one 12.6 kDa, two ~38-42 kDa, and two ~54-57 kDa polypeptides, while 11S globulin contained two major classes of polypeptides: ~30-32 kDa and ~20-21 kDa. The 7S vicilin is a glycoprotein. The estimated molecular mass and Stokes' radius for 2S albumin and 7S and 11S globulins were (19.2 kDa, 20.1 Å), (114.8 kDa, 41.1 Å), and (289.4 kDa, 56.6 Å), respectively. Circular dichroism spectroscopic analysis indicated the secondary structure of the 3 proteins to be mainly β-sheets and turns. Emission fluorescence spectra of the native proteins registered a λmax at 337, 345, and 328 nm for 2S albumin and 7S and 11S globulin, respectively. When probed with rabbit anti-Brazil nut polyclonal antibodies, 7S vicilin exhibited higher immunoreactivity than 2S albumin and 11S globulin. / A Dissertation Submitted to the Department of Nutrition, Food and Exercise Sciences in Partial Fulfillment of the Requirements for the Degree of Doctor of Philosophy. / Spring Semester, 2010. / February 3, 2010. / 11S Legumin, 2S Albumin, Allergy, Brazil Nut, Pecan / Includes bibliographical references. / Shridhar K. Sathe, Professor Directing Dissertation; Kenneth H. Roux, University Representative; Thomas C. S. Keller, III, Committee Member; Bahram H. Arjmandi, Committee Member.

Objective: The objective of this research was to investigate the sustainability of the effects of an eating disorder prevention curriculum on college women. Participants: Participants were women enrolled in a curriculum-based eating disorder prevention program in the Fall semester of 2009 at Florida State University. Methods: Participants completed a questionnaire on intuitive eating, body dissatisfaction, restrained eating, thin ideal internalization, and eating pathology three, six, and 12 months after the course. Results from these surveys were compared to the results obtained prior to, immediately following, and one month after the class. Results: Analyses indicated that increased intuitive eating and decreased eating pathology, body dissatisfaction, and restrained eating were sustained through 12 months following the course. However, decreased thin ideal internalization and increased eating for physical reasons were not sustained. Conclusions: This program was successful in improving attitudes and behaviors associated with eating disorders and unhealthy weight control behaviors. Most effects were maintained at the 12 month follow-up providing support for participation in curriculum-based eating disorder prevention programs. / A Thesis Submitted to the Department of Nutrition, Food and Exercise Sciences in Partial Fulfillment of the Requirements for the Degree of Master of Science. / Spring Semester, 2011. / March 31, 2011. / Prevention Programs, Unhealthy Weight Control Behaviors, Eating Disorders / Includes bibliographical references. / Maria Spicer, Professor Directing Dissertation; Pamela Keel, University Representative; Doris Abood, Committee Member.

PURPOSE: The purpose of the present study is to evaluate the acute effects of resistance exercise (RE) and intermittent anaerobic treadmill (IT) exercise matched for relative exercise intensity and duration on 14 hour post-exercise metabolic rate (MR) and 24 hour post-exercise resting metabolic rate (RMR) in healthy females. METHODS: Seven aerobically (>46 ml/kg/min) and resistance trained female college students, 18-30 yrs, were recruited. Subjects completed a running maximal oxygen uptake (VO2max) test, and one repetition maximal (1RM) tests for 5 resistance exercises. These tests were conducted at least 7 days prior to the exercise protocols. Subjects slept overnight in the laboratory for two consecutive nights during their early follicular menstrual phase. Evening and morning metabolic measurements were taken (9:30 p.m and 6:30 a.m) by indirect calorimetry. The subjects underwent one control night and then completed one exercise bout following the control morning RMR. Following the exercise protocol MR and RMR were measured again at 14 and 24 hours respectively. The subjects returned during a following menstrual cycle to complete the second exercise protocol. The two exercise protocols that were randomly assigned were RE and IT. Exercise duration (30 min), interval:recovery time (30 sec:60sec) was constant between the two protocols. The intensity for the IT was > 90% VO2max and the intensity of RE was 80% of 1RM lifts. Repeated measures analysis of variance was used to determine significance among the three conditions (control, RE, IT) for 14 hour MR and 24 hour RMR. Significance was accepted at p≤0.05. RESULTS: Kilocalories expended and heart rate during IT were significantly higher (298 ± 49 kcals; 169 ± 11 bpm) than RE (129 ± 29 kcals; 134 ± 18 bpm). At 14 hours post-exercise MR was significantly different among the three conditions (F (1.1,6.6)= 6.03; p≤0.05, effect size (ES)=0.50). MR was 8.8 and 11.8% higher for the IT and RE, respectively compared to control conditions. At 24 hours post-exercise RMR was not significantly different among the three conditions (F(2,12)= 2.70; p>0.05, ES=.31). CONCLUSION: Both protocols demonstrated that 30 minutes of intermittent-high intensity exercise can increase energy expenditure for up to 14 hours after exercise. This may have important implications for weight loss programs.46 ml/kg/min) and resistance trained female college students, 18-30 yrs, were recruited. Subjects completed a running maximal oxygen uptake (VO2max) test, and one repetition maximal (1RM) tests for 5 resistance exercises. These tests were conducted at least 7 days prior to the exercise protocols. Subjects slept overnight in the laboratory for two consecutive nights during their early follicular menstrual phase. Evening and morning metabolic measurements were taken (9:30 p.m and 6:30 a.m) by indirect calorimetry. The subjects underwent one control night and then completed one exercise bout following the control morning RMR. Following the exercise protocol MR and RMR were measured again at 14 and 24 hours respectively. The subjects returned during a following menstrual cycle to complete the second exercise protocol. The two exercise protocols that were randomly assigned were RE and IT. Exercise duration (30 min), interval:recovery time (30 sec:60sec) was constant between the two protocols. The intensity for the IT was > 90% VO2max and the intensity of RE was 80% of 1RM lifts. Repeated measures analysis of variance was used to determine significance among the three conditions (control, RE, IT) for 14 hour MR and 24 hour RMR. Significance was accepted at p≤0.05. RESULTS: Kilocalories expended and heart rate during IT were significantly higher (298 ± 49 kcals; 169 ± 11 bpm) than RE (129 ± 29 kcals; 134 ± 18 bpm). At 14 hours post-exercise MR was significantly different among the three conditions (F (1.1,6.6)= 6.03; p≤0.05, effect size (ES)=0.50). MR was 8.8 and 11.8% higher for the IT and RE, respectively compared to control conditions. At 24 hours post-exercise RMR was not significantly different among the three conditions (F(2,12)= 2.70; p>0.05, ES=.31). CONCLUSION: Both protocols demonstrated that 30 minutes of intermittent-high intensity exercise can increase energy expenditure for up to 14 hours after exercise. This may have important implications for weight loss programs. 90% VO2max and the intensity of RE was 80% of 1RM lifts. Repeated measures analysis of variance was used to determine significance among the three conditions (control, RE, IT) for 14 hour MR and 24 hour RMR. Significance was accepted at p≤0.05. RESULTS: Kilocalories expended and heart rate during IT were significantly higher (298 ± 49 kcals; 169 ± 11 bpm) than RE (129 ± 29 kcals; 134 ± 18 bpm). At 14 hours post-exercise MR was significantly different among the three conditions (F (1.1,6.6)= 6.03; p≤0.05, effect size (ES)=0.50). MR was 8.8 and 11.8% higher for the IT and RE, respectively compared to control conditions. At 24 hours post-exercise RMR was not significantly different among the three conditions (F(2,12)= 2.70; p>0.05, ES=.31). CONCLUSION: Both protocols demonstrated that 30 minutes of intermittent-high intensity exercise can increase energy expenditure for up to 14 hours after exercise. This may have important implications for weight loss programs.0.05, ES=.31). CONCLUSION: Both protocols demonstrated that 30 minutes of intermittent-high intensity exercise can increase energy expenditure for up to 14 hours after exercise. This may have important implications for weight loss programs. / A Thesis Submitted to the Department of Nutrition, Food & Exercise Sciences in Partial Fulfillment of the Requirements for the Degree of Masters of Science. / Summer Semester, 2007. / July 2, 2007. / Interval Exercise RMR, EPOC, Weight Loss, Resistance Exercise, Women / Includes bibliographical references. / Lynn Panton, Professor Directing Thesis; Arturo Figueroa, Committee Member; Steve Mills, Committee Member.

Bovine plasma proteins are used as high quality ingredients in feed for farm animals and also as a binder or colorant in ground beef. Religious observance, as well as recent fears of epidemic bovine spongiform encephalopathy, calls for suitable methods to detect bovine blood in processed food and animal feed for regulatory purposes. Analytical methods are currently not available for this purpose because the available methods are neither bovine specific, tissue specific nor based on the detection of a thermal-stable analyte in blood. This research sought to develop a sandwich enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) for the detection of bovine blood in human food and animal feed. Two bovine-specific monoclonal antibodies (Mab 6G12 and Mab 3D6) that bind to the same antigenic thermal-stable protein (60kDa) in heat-treated bovine blood were selected to construct the sandwich ELISA. Mab 6G12 was used as the coating antibody and biotinylated Mab 3D6 was used as the detecting antibody. Soluble proteins were extracted with 10 mM phosphate buffered saline (PBS, pH 7.2). This sandwich ELISA was bovine specific, with no cross reactivity to other bovine tissues or other common food additive proteins such as soy protein, egg albumin, and gelatin. The assay, however, showed trace cross-reaction with non-fat dry milk. The cross-reactivity can be eliminated when antibody dilution is increased. The assay had a detection limit of 0.1% of spray-dried bovine plasma in spray-dried porcine plasma and 0.5% whole bovine blood powder in spray- dried porcine plasma, with a sensitivity of 100%, specificity of 100% and an overall accuracy of 100%. Low levels (1% v/w) of bovine blood in raw and cooked beef were successfully detected by the sandwich assay. The assay is suitable for detecting bovine blood in animal feed as well as cooked and fresh ground beef because it is bovine specific, tissue specific and based on a thermo-stable bio-marker. / A Thesis Submitted to the Department of Nutrition, Food and Exercise Sciences in Partial Requirements for the Degree of Master of Science. / Summer Semester, 2006. / June 30, 2006. / Blood Infectivity, Transmissible Spongiform Encephalopathies, Prions In Blood / Includes bibliographical references. / Yun-Hwa Peggy Hsieh, Professor Directing Thesis; Shridhar K. Sathe, Committee Member; Jodee Dorsey, Committee Member; Mary Ann Moore, Committee Member.

Almond and macadamia nut cultivars were analyzed for physical seed characteristics, chemical composition, and protein antigenicity. The effect of environmental conditions (geographic location and harvest year) on almond seed composition was also investigated. Almond samples ranged from 0.78-1.44 g in individual seed weight, 18.3-27.8 mm in length, 9.8-13.8 mm in width, and 6.9-10.2 mm in thickness. Macadamia nut samples ranged from 2.41-3.36 g in individual seed weight, 18.7-20.1 mm in diameter, and 14.4-15.9 mm in thickness. Moisture, lipid, protein, ash, soluble sugars, and tannins ranged from 2.9-5.6%, 50.9-66.7%, 15.7-26.7%, 2.6-3.5%, 3.0-6.5%, and 0.07-0.36% in almond seeds and 1.7-2.6%, 60.0-66.2%, 5.6-7.1%, 1.0-1.4%, 5.3-8.7%, and 0.03-0.04% in macadamia nut seeds, respectively. The acidic amino acids (glutamic acid and aspartic acid) were the dominate amino acids in almond and macadamia nut proteins, accounting for 24.4-43.3% and 35.1-40.8% of total amino acids. Almond and macadamia nut seed proteins have essential-to-total amino acid ratio ranges of 25.4-33.8% and 22.5-26.1% and are also rich sources of arginine with ranges of 7.3-11.9% and 9.4-11.5%, respectively. Total free amino acids in almond seeds ranged from 172.3-723.2 mg/100 g dry weight, with free asparagine accounting for 14.9-44.9% of total free amino acids. A monoclonal-based sandwich ELISA and a polyclonal-based inhibition ELISA were developed for detecting and evaluating the antigenicity of almond and macadamia nut proteins, respectively. ELISAs, in combination with Western and Dot blot analyses, were used to investigate the antigenic stability of almond and macadamia nut proteins to various processing (thermal and pH) treatments and to quantify these proteins in complex food matrices. The ELISAs were able to detect almond major protein (AMP) and macadamia nut proteins at levels as low as 19.2 ± 1.3 ng/ml and 21.8 ± 0.9 ng/ml and were able to detect AMP and macadamia nut proteins at or below 10 ppm in majority of tested food matrices. / A Dissertation Submitted to the Department of Nutrition, Food and Exercise Sciences in Partial Fulfillment of the Requirements for the Degree of Doctor of Philosophy. / Summer Semester, 2008. / June 24, 2008. / Composition, Antigenicity, ELISA, Macadamia Nut, Almond / Includes bibliographical references. / Bahram Arjmandi, Professor Directing Dissertation; Kenneth H. Roux, Outside Committee Member; Yun-Hwa Peggy Hsieh, Committee Member.

Forty-four million men and women are affected by osteoporosis in the United States. Women are at a greater risk for developing osteoporosis due to their lower peak bone mass and going through menopause which accelerates bone loss (1). Treatments for osteoporosis may be associated with adverse effects such as renal toxicity and osteonecrosis of the jaw (2). Contrary to earlier findings that hormone replacement therapy (HRT) decreases risk factors for cardiovascular disease, the Women's Health Initiative Study revealed that HRT actually increases risk factors for cardiovascular disease such as high blood pressure and thrombosis. These findings along with increases in incidence of endometrial and breast cancer, have made women seek alternative therapies (3). Among dietary alternatives, ferutinin, a phytochemical from the genus Ferula Hermonis (Umbelliferae), has recently been reported to have the benefits of estrogen without any side effects. Ferutinin is grown in Syria, Lebanon, and Jordan. It plays a role in alleviating different health problems and recent findings suggest that this plant extract can prevent bone loss and excess body weight gain in ovariectomized rats. Although there has been research done with ferutinin and bone in animal models, the mechanism by which ferutinin exerts its bone protective effects is unknown. Therefore, we identified what effects ferutinin had on tumor necrosis factor- α (TNF-α) activated MC3T3-E1 preosteoblast-like cells. The experiment involved treating the cells using TNF-α to induce inflammation that is associated with osteoporosis. Alkaline phosphatase activity, nodule formation, and cell viability were measured to evaluate the effect of ferutinin on preosteoblast- like cells. Unlike previous studies with ferutinin, the findings of this study suggest that ferutinin does not modulate bone parameters in preosteoblast-like cells. / A Thesis Submitted to the Department of Nutrition, Food, and Exercise Sciences in Partial Fulfillment of the Requirements for the Degree of Master of Science. / Summer Semester, 2011. / May 4, 2011. / ferutinin, steoporosis, phytochemical, cell culture, bone, alternative therapy, preosteoblasts / Includes bibliographical references. / Bahram H. Arjmandi, Professor Directing Thesis; Lisa Eckel, Committee Member; Jeong-Su Kim, Committee Member.

The sulfur-rich protein (SRP) in soybeans is a 7S basic globulin that accounts for up to 5% of the total extractable seed proteins. Sulfur-containing amino acids are the limiting amino acids in most food legumes and therefore there is a continued interest in increasing the expression of sulfur containing proteins in legumes to improve protein quality. The objective of our investigation was to develop a sensitive method for detection of SRP and use the method to detect the presence of SRP or SRP-like proteins in various edible plant seeds. Rabbit polyclonal antibodies (pAbs) raised against SRP were used in inhibition ELISA, Western blotting and Dot blotting to develop a sensitive assay and to assess cross-reactivity of pAbs to non soybean proteins. Typically, primary and secondary antibody dilutions of 1:10,000 (v/v) and 1:5,000 (v/v) in 0.1% BSA in borate saline buffer (BSB, 0.1M, pH 8.45), respectively, were used. All protein extractions were done in either BSB (pH 8.45), 0.1 M NaOH (pH 12.22) or 70% (v/v) aqueous ethanol and cross reactivity was assessed by comparing sample IC50 (50% inhibitory concentration) to IC50 value for SRP. Inhibition ELISA assays could detect SRP at concentrations as low as 400 ng/ml in aqueous extracts, Western blotting and Dot blotting could detect SRP at concentrations as low as 50 ng and 1 ng, respectively. The assays indicated the presence of cross-reactive proteins in several of the BSB (pH 8.45) extracted samples, including soybean, winged bean, black gram, mung bean, navy bean, tepary bean, pinto bean, chickpea, blackeye pea, horse bean, black bean, Great Northern bean, lima bean, small red bean, wheat berries and moth bean. The assays also detected cross-reactive proteins in several of the 0.1 M NaOH (pH 12.22) extracted samples, including soybean, winged bean, black gram, mung bean, navy bean, horse bean, moth bean, black bean, Great Northern bean, tepary bean, pinto bean, chickpea, lima bean, blackeye pea, small red bean. In addition, cross-reactive proteins were also detected in samples extracted with 70% (v/v) aqueous ethanol, including soybean, winged bean, wheat bran and black gram. / A Thesis Submitted to the Department of Nutrition, Food and Exercise Sciences in Partial Fulfillment of the Requirements for the Degree of Master of Science. / Spring Semester, 2003. / April 4, 2003. / (SRP) In Soybeans / Includes bibliographical references. / Shridhar K. Sathe, Professor Directing Thesis; Cathy W. Levenson, Committee Member; Kenneth H. Roux, Outside Committee Member.

Few studies have investigated the impact of nutrition education in community based diabetes education programs. This study evaluated the effectiveness of both a diabetes program with and without a nutrition education component designed for individuals with type 2 diabetes. The diabetes program consisted of 4 classes meeting once a week for 2 hours. The basic diabetes education was provided by a licensed doctor of pharmacy; the nutrition education was provided by a graduate nutrition student. The basic diabetes education consisted of information regarding complications, medication therapy and the physical and emotional aspects of diabetes. The nutrition education focused on promotion of healthy lifestyle changes through food selection, food preparation and physical activity. Nutrition education was presented by use of food models, cooking demonstrations, food tasting and meal planning activities. Baseline metabolic parameters and six month outcomes, following completion of the interventions, were collected from 14 diabetics taking part in the basic diabetes education program (BE group) and 18 from the program with basic diabetes education plus the nutrition education component (NE group). An additional 23 individuals took part in the NE group, however, 6 month follow up data was not available for these individuals. All participants of the NE group were seen 3 months following completion of the intervention. The majority of individuals participating in this community diabetes program were African American (76%), had a high school education or less (72%) and had income less than the poverty level (56%). The majority of the sample was classified as obese (69%) and 74% exhibited glycated hemoglobin greater than the recommended / A Thesis submitted to the Department of Nutrition, Food and Exercise Sciences in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of Master of Science. / Spring Semester, 2004. / January 5, 2004. / Education, Nutrition, Diabetes / Includes bibliographical references. / Laura R. Cook, Professor Directing Thesis; Anahita M. Mistry, Committee Member; Bonnie B. Greenwood, Committee Member.

The aims of this study were to examine the differences in hydration levels, perceptual differences, and running performance in trained distance runners supplemented with Gatorade (CRD), Gookinaid Hydralyte, or placebo. Ten participants completed three experimental trials consisting of running on a treadmill for 90 min. at 65%VO2max (preload run) followed by a 30 min. performance run at a self-selected pace every 2-3 weeks in 22-26¢ªC. At 15 min. intervals during the 90 min. run, 150 ml/ 70 kg body mass of the respective test beverage was consumed and perceptual differences were noted. Body weights were recorded immediately prior to the start of each experimental trial, after the 90 min. preload run, and following the 30 min. performance run. There was no significant difference in hydration status among the three beverages as indicated by similar decrements in total body weight changes, sweat rates, and plasma volumes changes (p > 0.05). Additionally, there were no significant differences found among trials or time points for measures of rates of perceived exertion or thirst level (p > 0.05). A significant main effect for time was observed for stomach fullness (p = 0.01), whereby stomach fullness was higher at 45 min. than at 60 min. during the preloaded run (p = 0.041). Finally, no significant differences (p > 0.05) were found among trials for distance ran during the 30 min. performance run. The present study did not find Gookinaid Hydralyte or Gatorade to be more beneficial than placebo in enhancing 2 hr of treadmill running performance or hydration status in thermoneutral conditions. 0.05). Additionally, there were no significant differences found among trials or time points for measures of rates of perceived exertion or thirst level (p > 0.05). A significant main effect for time was observed for stomach fullness (p = 0.01), whereby stomach fullness was higher at 45 min. than at 60 min. during the preloaded run (p = 0.041). Finally, no significant differences (p > 0.05) were found among trials for distance ran during the 30 min. performance run. The present study did not find Gookinaid Hydralyte or Gatorade to be more beneficial than placebo in enhancing 2 hr of treadmill running performance or hydration status in thermoneutral conditions. 0.05). A significant main effect for time was observed for stomach fullness (p = 0.01), whereby stomach fullness was higher at 45 min. than at 60 min. during the preloaded run (p = 0.041). Finally, no significant differences (p > 0.05) were found among trials for distance ran during the 30 min. performance run. The present study did not find Gookinaid Hydralyte or Gatorade to be more beneficial than placebo in enhancing 2 hr of treadmill running performance or hydration status in thermoneutral conditions. 0.05) were found among trials for distance ran during the 30 min. performance run. The present study did not find Gookinaid Hydralyte or Gatorade to be more beneficial than placebo in enhancing 2 hr of treadmill running performance or hydration status in thermoneutral conditions. / A Thesis submitted to the Department of Nutrition, Food and Exercise Science in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of Master of Science. / Summer Semester, 2006. / June 22, 2006. / Exercise, Performance, Fluid Hydration, Running / Includes bibliographical references. / Emily M. Haymes, Professor Directing Thesis; Timothy Moerland, Outside Committee Member; Lynn Panton, Committee Member.

Osteoporosis is a debilitating disorder that affects both female and male, albeit to a greater extent in women than men. As the demographic shift to a more aged population continues, a growing number of men and women will be afflicted with osteoporosis. Therefore, search for potential non-pharmacological alternative therapies for osteoporosis is of prime interest. Aside from existing drug therapies, certain lifestyle and nutritional factors are known to reduce the risk of osteoporosis. Among nutritional factors, recent observations suggest that dried plum, or prunes (Prunus domestica L.) is the most effective fruit in both preventing and reversing bone loss. Several animal studies, a 3-month and a one-year long clinical trials conducted in our laboratories have shown that dried plum has positive effects on bone indices and bone mineral density (BMD). The animal data indicate that dried plum not only prevents but more importantly reverses bone loss in two separate models of osteopenia. Our initial animal study indicated that dried plum prevented the ovariectomy-induced BMD reduction of the femur and lumbar vertebra. In another study rats were ovariectomized and allowed to lose bone before the initiation of treatment to mimic established osteoporosis. Dried plum as low as 5% (w/w) gram per kilogram diet restored BMD to the level of intact rats. Dried plum also reversed the loss of trabecular architectural properties such as trabecular number, connectivity density, and trabecular separation. We have also shown the effectiveness of dried plum in reversal of bone loss due to skeletal unloading. Microcomputed tomography (µCT) analyses revealed that dried plum enhances bone recovery during reambulation following skeletal unloading and has comparable effects to parathyroid hormone. In addition to the animal studies, our 3-month clinical trial indicated that the consumption of dried plum daily significantly modulated serum markers of bone turnover in postmenopausal women. / A Dissertation submitted to the Department of Nutrition, Food and Exercise Sciences in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of Doctor of Philosophy. / Spring Semester, 2010. / March 3, 2010. / Nutrition, Functional Food, Phytochemicals / Includes bibliographical references. / Bahram H. Arjmandi, Professor Directing Dissertation; Kenneth Brummel-Smith, University Representative; Peggy Y. Hsieh, Committee Member.