With the alarming prevalence of overweight and obesity, it is important to explore new approaches and strategies to improve dietary quality and weight status. Recently, a neuropsychological model of obesity was proposed. This new model illustrates an evidencebased relationship between a chronically activated hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis, due to chronic psychological stress and mood disturbance, and the food reward-related mechanisms within the brain. Intensive mindfulness-based training programs, such as Jon Kabat-Zinn's Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction have demonstrated impressive results with a variety of populations. Given the relationship of stress to eating behavior and the capacity of mindfulness in managing stress, a relationship between mindfulness and eating is expected. The goal of this dissertation research was to help understand the concept of mindful eating and the relationship between stress and eating behavior for mothers of young children in order to inform the development of a mindfulness-based stress management and dietary intervention. The research consisted of three components: 1) an informative photo-elicitation study with working mothers of young children aiming to understand how mothers define, perceive, and experience mindful eating; 2) a crosssectional study investigating the relationship between mindful eating, dietary quality, and stress; and 3) the development and mixed-methods pilot intervention of the Slow Down Program, a mindfulness-based stress management and nutrition program for mothers of young children. Results from these studies give further evidence on how mindfulness can be utilized in nutrition research and they further confirm the success of mindfulness-based training on health and dietary outcomes. This research can inform public health programs and practice to encourage mindfulness, as it relates to dietary behavior, for families and other audiences, as well as future research studies that explore the interaction between mindfulness and eating behaviors. / Ph. D.

Establishment and maintenance of a successful pregnancy requires signaling from the embryo to the mare, a process known as maternal recognition. Six days after fertilization, the trophectoderm (TE), a placenta precursor is formed. Signals emanating from the TE to the uterine environment are critical to maternal recognition of pregnancy. The identity of factors necessary for this process remain unknown. A novel equine induced trophoblast cell line (iTr) that closely mimics the genotype and phenotype of native equine TE was created. Transcriptome analysis of iTr revealed increased expression of growth factor (GF) receptors for Epidermal GF (EGF), Hepatocyte GF (HGF), Fibroblast GF-2 (FGF-2) and Insulin GF (IGF-1), suggesting these GF may be important targets during TE development in the early embryo. We hypothesized that treatment of iTr cells with these GF would induce changes in cell proliferation and expression of genes likely involved in maternal recognition. The objectives of this experiment were to evaluate the effect of these GFs on iTr mitotic response and regulation of genes involved in steroidogenesis. Equine iTr cells (n = 3) were cultured with 10 ng/mL EGF, HGF, FGF-2 or IGF-1 for 24 hr, with 5-ethynyl-2'-deoxyuridine (EdU) supplementation during the final 2 hr. Subsequently, cells were fixed and EdU positive and total nuclei were enumerated. A parallel plate of iTr cells was treated in a similar manner and lysed for total RNA isolation. Quantitative PCR using gene-specific primers for CYP11A1, PTGS2, PTGES2, and PTGES3 was performed. Data were analyzed by ANOVA with Tukey's post hoc adjustment using the GLM procedure of SAS. Treatment with EGF, FGF-2, HGF, and IGF-1 increased (P < 0.05) iTr proliferation from control levels of 25.33 ± 1.03% to 38.58 ± 1.61%, 45.50 ± 2.94%, and 38.23 ± 2.01% respectively. The 2-&#916;&#916;CT method was used to calculate the fold change (FC) using GAPDH as the reference gene for normalization. Expression of CYP11A2, PTGES2, and PTGES3 was not affected by GF, as measured by qPCR. By contrast, PTGS2 transcript abundance increased (P < 0.05) following FGF-2 (FC = 3.327 ± 0.8291) and HGF (FC = 11.88 ± 4.572) treatment. These results indicate that FGF-2 and HGF may simultaneously induce proliferation and prostaglandin production by TE cells. The combined results of these experiments will improve our understanding of TE morphogenesis and its response to uterine-derived growth factors. / Master of Science / Establishment and maintenance of a pregnancy requires that the mare uterus recognize the presence of the embryo, a process known as maternal recognition of pregnancy. The trophectoderm (TE) are cells on the outer layer of the embryo formed six days after fertilization, which later give origin to the placenta. The TE sends signals from the embryo to the uterus, that are very important for the mare’s recognition of the embryo’s presence. The specific nature of these signals are still unknown in the horse. A cell line (iTr) very similar in aspect and genes to the horse’s native TE has been created in our laboratory. A set of comparative assays have showed that, during the developmental stage of maternal recognition, both the horse TE and the iTr cells share significant identity, and have receptors for the same set of growth factors (GF), suggesting these GF are important for early embryo development and potentially involved in the signaling process of maternal recognition. We proposed that treatment with these GF would induce iTr cells to proliferate and express signals likely involved in maternal recognition in horses. The objectives of this experiments were to evaluate the effect of EGF, HGF, FGF-2 and IGF-1 on iTr cells by measuring proliferation and cellular mechanisms of maternal recognition already established in in other species. Equine iTr cells were cultured with different GF and right before analysis a fluorescent dye that stain dividing cells was added in order to measure the proliferation. Equivalent cell cultures were used to evaluate if the treatment affected the production of hormones involved in signaling maternal recognition. Treatment with all GF induced higher cell proliferation, but HGF also increased the production of one enzyme that participates in producing a very important hormone (prostaglandin E2). The combined results of these experiments add to our understanding of maternal recognition in horses.

The objectives of the study were to create a scoring system to assess maternal behavior within 24-h of calving in crossbred beef cows; determine the impact of maternal scores on cow productive responses and evaluate how maternal score varies over animal lifetime; and assess the effect of maternal aggression and perceived mothering ability on calf survivability and growth performance. Calving observations (n = 1,832) were conducted across 12 calf crops from 2017 to 2022 from 680 unique crossbred cows at the Prairie Research Unit, Prairie, MS. Along with routine data collection, dams were subjectively scored for the traits maternal aggression (MA) and mothering ability (MOM). During calf processing MA score was recorded as: 1 = dam not attentive to calf, flees; 2 = dam unsure, may retreat but returns to check on calf; 3 = dam stays, non-aggressive; 4 = dam very attentive, may snort, paw, and/or vocalizes to calf; or 5 = dam very aggressive, vocalizes to humans, displays fight response. Immediately following calf processing, MOM score was collected and defined as: 1 = dam flees without calf; 2 = dam retreats quickly with calf, may vocalize for calf, stops short distance away and nurtures calf; 3 = dam and calf flee quickly, calf led; 4 = dam checks on and then walks away with calf; or 5 = dam and calf stay in immediate area, dam licks or otherwise nurtures calf. Variation existed for both MA and MOM within this sample, with distribution of both affected (P < 0.01) by calf crop and parity. Dams with MA score 1 and 2 had longer (P < 0.01) calving intervals compared to dams with MA scores of 3, 4, or 5. A MOM effect was detected (P < 0.01) for calf weaning age, which was greater (P ≤ 0.05) for dams with MOM score 1, 2, and 3 vs. dams with MOM scores 4, and 5No MOM differences (P ≥ 0.31) were detected for calf 205-d adjusted weaning BW, ADG from birth to weaning, or weaning rate.

Maternity embodies the essence of creation and continuity, holding profound significance on our planet. It signifies the genesis of life, a cycle that perpetuates through generations, shaping societies and civilizations. Beyond its biological import, maternity encompasses nurturing, compassion, and resilience, which are fundamental for individual well-being and the planet's sustainability. Maternity also fosters interconnectedness, as each child born becomes not just part of a family but a member of the larger human family, highlighting the universal bond of humanity. My thesis seeks to explore the intricate dynamics within healthcare facilities, examining the perspectives of patients and medical professionals while considering the historical backdrop of childbirth within a village setting. The primary objective of my thesis is to confront the increasing maternal mortality rates in the United States by examining the pivotal junction of healthcare infrastructure and maternal health. This entails conceptualizing a "birth village" that not only revolutionizes the childbirth journey, creating a more nurturing and therapeutic ambiance through biophilic design, but also places a strong emphasis on the comprehensive wellness of patients / Master of Architecture / In the tapestry of existence, parenthood emerges as a cornerstone, weaving threads of care, guidance, and endurance into the fabric of society. It symbolizes the dawn of new beginnings, a symphony of life's continuity echoed through the ages. Parenthood transcends mere biology, embodying empathy, fortitude, and adaptability—qualities indispensable to personal growth and the sustainability of our collective journey. Parents serve as architects of tomorrow, imparting wisdom, empathy, and affection to their offspring, thereby nurturing the emergence of conscientious global citizens. Moreover, parenthood cultivates a sense of belonging, as each child born becomes a nexus of familial ties and a vital thread in the intricate tapestry of humanity, underscoring the innate unity that binds us all. However, alongside the joy and significance of maternity, it is crucial to acknowledge the physical and emotional challenges women often endure during this transformative period. The pain experienced during childbirth is a testament to women's strength and resilience, yet it also underscores the need for comprehensive support systems, access to quality healthcare, and respect for women's choices in maternity care. Recognizing the importance of maternity extends to global initiatives aimed at promoting health, education, and equality, ensuring harmonious coexistence and a thriving planet for generations to come. With maternal mortality rates on the rise in the USA, the need for innovative and holistic solutions in healthcare architecture has never been more pressing. My research aims to understand the multifaceted dynamics of healthcare facilities by analyzing the experiences of both patients and medical professionals through interactions with doctors and health professionals in existing maternity hospitals and birth villages in India. My thesis aims to develop a maternal hospital that integrates the concept of a birthing village with modern healthcare facilities, incorporating biophilic elements into maternity care settings. It aims to pinpoint areas within contemporary healthcare infrastructures where community-centric support akin to traditional village setups can be integrated. Furthermore, the project endeavors to exalt the sanctity of childbirth and childcare, tackling architectural challenges to mitigate unnecessary cesarean deliveries.

By analyzing the lived experiences of Black birthing people through a plurality of medical and emotional ethos, I illuminate themes of experience that allow or disallow the subjectivity of the birthing person to thrive or falter. I specifically focus on a spectrum of dynamics of reproductive trauma versus empowerment, resistance versus trust, and feelings of fear versus safety expressed by the birthing person. In the face of birth trauma, the Black birthing community is creating care alternatives that offer support in ways the traditional US medical system is failing. The modes in which communities participate in the birth justice movement and collectively practice modes of resistance that offer safer, more respectful care models are valuable in eliminating racial health disparities in the United States. For this research endeavor I deployed a feminist methodological approach consisting of in-depth, semi-structured, ethnographic interviews, to explore the dynamics of power hierarchies within the realm of labor and delivery. Care paradigms chosen by Black birthing people can be divided into four specific situations which yielded profoundly discernable positive or negative results: (1) Birth experienced as a Black pregnant person delivering in the hospital under the care of a non-black OBGYN and birth team, (2) Birth experienced by a Black pregnant person delivering in the hospital under the care of a Black OBGYN and birth team, (3) Birth experienced as a Black pregnant person delivering in the hospital under the care of a Black midwife, and (4) Birth experienced as a Black pregnant person in the hospital utilizing the services of a birth doula (regardless of birth team). The methods employed by those Black women who reported their birth experiences as "positive," reflect the importance of specific care models that align with and support the pregnant and birthing person as a whole person. Intra-racial care provided by a Black male or female obstetrician, a Black midwife, or the support of a Black doula allowed for feelings of joy, while care provided by a traditional and primarily white care team yielded "negative" and often heartbreaking experiences.

Conduct disorder is characterized by behaviors that take a large toll on the individuals, families, and communities afflicted. Thus, improving treatment effectiveness should be a high priority. Currently, common intervention programs do not address parental depression, even though it has been linked to adolescent conduct disorder behaviors in some studies. The current study assessed whether the relation between maternal depression and adolescent conduct disorder behaviors is mediated by another factor which has been linked to conduct disorder behaviors, maternal monitoring. Results did not support the hypothesized mediated association, but did show significant individual associations for both maternal depression and maternal monitoring with adolescent conduct disorder behaviors. Secondary analyses showed that adolescent age and household income were significantly related to maternal monitoring and maternal depression, respectively. Findings also suggested that child disclosure may drive the association between maternal monitoring and adolescent conduct disorder behaviors. Implications for intervention are discussed.

Thesis (M.S.P.H.)--University of Michigan, 1938.

Thesis (D.P.H.)--University of Michigan.

Thesis (D.P.H.)--University of Michigan.

Thesis (M.S.P.H.)--University of Michigan, 1938.