INTRODUCTION: The Boston Children’s Hospital Growth and Nutrition Program is a multidisciplinary program focused on assisting babies and children under 6 years of age having problems with feeding and/or weight gain. New patients at the clinic are given questionnaires to complete which provide information on patient demographics, social history, feeding history, etc. The knowledge gained from these questionnaires help identify potential feeding disorders, identify risk factors or causes of malnutrition, and allow for tailored treatment in an individual patient. AIM: To describe the demographic, social, and clinical characteristics of a sample of patients referred to the Boston Children’s Hospital Growth and Nutrition Program while determining whether and how the Growth and Nutrition patient questionnaires should be revised and incorporate validated instruments to track patient feeding, stress, diet and body composition outcomes. METHODS: Examination of 239 patient records from 2015 and 2016 was performed. Data was collected and analyzed from questionnaires completed by guardians or caregivers of the patients, as well as the patients’ electronic medical records. Literature review was performed to assess existing feeding assessments as well as mobile intake tracker applications. A review of the mobile intake tracker applications was also performed. RESULTS: The results of analysis on the patient population at the Boston Children’s Hospital Growth and Nutrition Program showed that a majority of patients were White, Non-Hispanic, with private medical insurance and household income of over $60,000 (>60% of recorded patient population for each item). Similar patterns were observed for the rest of the items, with a few exceptions. The Neonatal Eating Assessment Tool (NeoEAT), Pediatric Eating Assessment Tool (Pedi-EAT), and the Child Oral and Motor Proficiency Scale (ChOMPS) feeding assessments had the most justification for use. The mobile applications Baby Connect and MyFitnessPal had the most desired features for clinical use. CONCLUSION: A few items on more specific portions of the questionnaires were deemed unnecessary for further use in the new patient questionnaires, such as having 4th, 5th, and 6th born choices for birth order of the patient (less than 4% of responses chose one of those answers or ‘Other’). The Neonatal Eating Assessment Tool (NeoEAT), Pediatric Eating Assessment Tool (Pedi-EAT), and the Child Oral and Motor Proficiency Scale (ChOMPS) feeding assessments are recommended for incorporation and use alongside the new patient questionnaires at the BCH GNP. The currently in use “Behavioral Pediatric Feeding Assessment Scale”, or “BPFAS”, is not recommended for continued use over the three assessments mentioned above. The mobile applications Baby Connect and MyFitnessPal are recommended for use in tracking of infant feedings and calories respectively, as the applications possessed the most number of desired features.

<p> Recently, a new trend called cold brewing gained the popularity in the tea and coffee beverage industry. Cold brew and hot brew black tea may have different sensory qualities and antioxidant levels because of their polyphenolic properties and brewing process. The objectives of this study were to determine antioxidant properties and the polyphenolic content of commercial brands of cold brew and hot brew black tea. The total phenolics content of the cold brew tea was determined to be 0.19 mg/mL gallic acid equivalents/100 g and hot brew tea was 0.43 mg/mL gallic acid equivalents/100 g when assayed by Folin-Ciocalteu&rsquo;s reagent method. The total flavonoids content of the cold brew tea was 0.40 mg/mL catechin equivalents/100 g and hot brew was 1.01 mg/mL catechin equivalents/100 g. Moreover, antioxidant capacity of cold brew and hot brew black tea were analyzed where their ability to scavenge DPPH radicals were 86.3% and 88.1% respectively. There was a significant difference in total phenolics content between cold brew and hot brew (<i>p</i> = 0.004). Similarly, there was a significant difference in total flavonoids between cold brew and hot brew (<i>p</i> = 0.004). Additionally, there was a significant difference in DPPH scavenging activity between cold brew and hot brew (<i>p</i> = 0.016). Overall, it can be concluded that although cold brew tea contained a lower amount of phenolics and flavonoids as compared to hot brew tea, they both were able to scavenge DPPH radicals in nearly same capacity.</p><p>

Saccharomyces cerevisiae Arv1p (ARE2 required for viability 1) is an endoplasmic reticulum (ER)-localized, functionally conserved protein that was initially observed to mediate subcellular sterol distribution, and has since been implicated in the movement of multiple lipid species. In this thesis, we examined the role of ARV1 in S. cerevisiae and mammalian systems by two approaches. In yeast, we used gene deletion to access loss of Arv1p function. In mammalian cells we utilized antisense oligonucleotides (ASOs) to decrease ARV1 expression in vitro and in vivo. In the yeast model, loss of Arv1p function results in sensitivity to modulators of sphingolipid homeostasis and aberrant accumulation of exogenous sterols. Transcription microarrays demonstrated that ARV1 deletion impacts ER homeostasis and activates the transcription factor HAC1, a component of the unfolded protein response (UPR) signaling cascade in yeast. Moreover, arv1Δ strains exhibited constitutive UPR induction, mediated by the unfolded protein sensor Ire1p. Genetic interaction studies revealed that the arv1Δ ire1Δ homozygous haploid strain is inviable, suggesting the UPR protects the cell from arv1Δ-mediated stress. In order to assess the stimulus for arv1Δ-mediated UPR induction, arv1Δ ire1Δ heterozygous diploids were transformed with mutated Ire1p core luminal domains (cLDs) that are sufficient to transmit the signal for UPR induction but are defective in sensing unfolded proteins in the ER lumen. The mutant cLDs were able to rescue the lethality of the arv1Δ ire1Δ haploid. These strains exhibited increased UPR induction that was independent and additive with protein misfolding. Furthermore, ARV1 deficiency in murine macrophages activated PERK-mediated UPR induction, particularly an upregulation of the cell death effector, CHOP. ARV1 deficiency also caused apoptosis, likely due to prolonged UPR induction, a phenomenon that was exacerbated by inhibiting cholesterol esterification at the ER. In murine and human models, ARV1 is implicated in intracellular cholesterol homeostasis and bile acid metabolism. ASO-mediated decreases in ARV1 expression in vivo occurred primarily in the liver and adipose. ARV1 ASO-treated animals did not exhibit UPR activation but were hypercholesterolemic and had increased levels of hepatic and plasma bile acids. Consequently, accumulating bile acids transiently activated FXR-regulatory pathways, including target genes SHP, CYP7α1, NTCP and ABCB11. Furthermore, knockdown of ARV1 expression in hepatocytes established a role for human ARV1 in intracellular cholesterol distribution. ARV1 ASO-treated HepG2 cells exhibited accumulation of ER cholesterol, decreased SREBP processing and decreased expression of SREBP targets, suggesting that human ARV1 may mediate cholesterol export from the ER. In summation, loss of ARV1 has a profound impact on lipid homeostasis in yeast and metazoans. Various sterol detoxification pathways are activated in order to offset the loss of ARV1. In a hepatocyte, cholesterol biosynthesis is decreased and bile acid secretion is increased, in response to ARV1 deficiency. In yeast and macrophage models, where conversion of excess sterols into bile acids is not possible, the UPR is activated in order to compensate for loss of ARV1 function. Taken as a whole, these studies reflect the role of ARV1 in ER sterol distribution and trafficking, and the profound impact of decreased ARV1 expression on intracellular sterol homeostasis.

The purpose of this research is to evaluate the outcomes of playing a virtual reality serious game "Creature-101" at increasing fruits and vegetables, water, physical activity, decreasing processed snacks (e.g. chips, candy), sweetened beverages, and recreational screen time, and mediators of behavior change (behavioral capability, self-efficacy, outcome expectation-social and physical, autonomous motivation). The Creature-101 game uses social cognitive and self-determination theories as framework and incorporates "creature care" in a virtual world "Tween". Students learn scientific evidence that promote energy balance by playing mini-games, short educational videos, slideshows and interactive dialogues with game characters. Students also assess their own behaviors; create own "real life" food and activity goals, and report their progress. The study used a pre-post matched pair intervention and control design with 590 students (65% Hispanics, 50% male, age 11-13yrs). In the intervention condition 359 students played Creature-101 in classroom 2 days/week for 1month (7sessions-30 minutes each). Two self-reported online surveys administered at baseline and immediately after intervention measured frequency and amounts of the targeted behaviors, and mediators of behavior change. Analysis of covariance compared post-test means between groups. Students in the intervention group reported significant decrease in frequency of consumption of processed packaged snacks (I=1.79±1.22, C=2.14±1.37, p-value<0.000) and increase in behavioral capability (I=5.06±3.91, C=4.06± 1.43, p=0.12). Students also reported positive trends in consuming fewer sweetened beverages (I=1.72±1.12, C=1.95±1.16, p=0.082), smaller sizes of sweetened beverages (I=1.46±0.88, C=1.65±0.93, p=0.098) and processed snacks (I=1.46±0.88, C=1.65±0.93, p=0.098). Creature-101 is encouraging as a means to promote diet and physical activity behaviors in children.

Background. Although bariatric surgery is an effective treatment for morbid obesity, long-term weight regain is a significant problem after surgery. Few studies have assessed the association between eating behaviors, psychological factors and lifestyle factors as well as postoperative factors and long term weight regain. This study assesses all of these factors in patients who have undergone gastric bypass (GBP) and laparoscopic adjustable banding (LAGB) procedures. Methods. One hundred eighty patients who underwent primary GBP (n=128) and LAGB (n=52) between 1996 and 2006 with at least five years of follow up data available were included in this study. Patient characteristics, preoperative eating, lifestyle and psychological factors, were assessed across both procedures and for each procedure separately to determine whether they were predictors of substantial long term weight regain. Similar analyses were conducted in each procedure group to determine the association between postoperative outcomes, follow-up and eating and exercise behaviors, and substantial long-term regain. Substantial weight regain was defined as a regain of at least 30% or more of lost weight. Results. Percent weight regain was found to be greater in LAGB compared to GBP (41.0% versus 28.3%, p=.0042). Multivariate analyses showed that confidence in weight loss was a predictor of substantial regain in all patients. Past illicit drug use was a predictor of substantial regain in GBP patients (OR: 1.5, p=.02). LAGB patients who reported eating large portions or frequently dining out before surgery were less likely to exhibit substantial regain (OR: 0.68, p=.0475 and OR: 0.64, p=.004, respectively). Years of follow up showed an increased odds of regain after GBP (OR: 1.05, p=.03). No postoperative factors were associated with regain in LAGB patients. Conclusions. These findings suggest that GBP may maintain weight loss more effectively than LAGB, however past drug users may be at risk for regain after GBP. Patients whose problem preoperative behaviors are primarily eating large portions or frequently dining out may be good candidates for LAGB. Patients who exhibit any lack of confidence in their ability to achieve and maintain weight loss success may be at greater risk of long term regain. Tailored counseling is warranted to address these specific issues in bariatric surgery patients in order to reduce the risk of regain.

The heart is one of the most energy demanding organs and is metabolically flexible to meet those demands. A major fraction of the hearts energy is derived from the uptake of circulating lipids; this dissertation reviews general pathways of lipid metabolism and then discusses how the heart obtains lipids and how these lipids are processed once inside the heart. Furthermore, derangements in lipid uptake and processing that are associated or causative of cardiac dysfunction are discussed. A new finding describes how the mouse heart requires lipoprotein lipase derived fatty acids for intracellular lipid droplets formation. Finally, the implications of these findings and future studies are described.

abstract: Chronic diseases, such as diabetes, heart disease, and cancer are leading causes of death in the United States. Although they result from a host of personal and environmental factors, diet remains a critical way to reduce the risk. Plant-based diets in particular are associated with reduction in risk for chronic disease due to an intake that closely mirrors the Dietary Guidelines for fruit and vegetable consumption, fiber, and fat intake. Additionally, plant-based diets offer a sustainable alternative in relation to food production as they often require fewer natural resources overall. While there are many benefits to following a plant-based diet, potential concerns arise as well. Certain micronutrients can be lacking and protein intake can be inadequate without careful consideration of dietary intake. Protein is especially important for its role in maintaining lean body mass, which allows individuals to function in activities of daily living. Plant-based sources of protein are often less digestible; therefore, those consuming vegetarian and vegan diets may benefit from increased protein intake for preservation and perhaps improved lean body mass as well as strength changes. Recent research has shown that vegetarians had significantly less muscle mass compared to omnivores despite similar amounts of protein intake in grams per day. Other research has shown that vegetarians do not necessarily see an increase in muscle mass when exposed to resistance exercise, whereas those following an omnivorous diet or lacto-ovo-vegetarian diet do. However, other studies have found that vegetarians can achieve increases in lean body mass comparable to omnivores if 30g/meal of plant-based protein is ingested consistently. It remains unclear what effect protein supplementation might have on strength and muscle mass among sedentary plant-based eaters. As such, the present study assessed sedentary vegetarian and vegan individuals as to whether increases in dietary plant-based protein could elicit changes in body composition, hand grip and lower body strength independent of exercise. After an 8-week intervention, no significant differences for lean body mass or strength were noted. Results are discussed in the context of trial integrity and supplement consumption issues. / Dissertation/Thesis / Masters Thesis Nutrition 2020

The development of cheese flavor in ultrafiltered whole milk retentates was investigated. Acidified (pH 5.7) pasteurized whole milk was concentrated to 21% fat, 17% protein and 41% total solids, and then divided into six lots. Each lot was subdivided into three groups of two samples each. Each group was inoculated with one of three lactic cultures -- Streptococcus lactis C6 , commercial mixed concentrated Marschall's MD294S or CCI299S. One sample in each group was treated with rennet and the other sample left rennet free. All samples were incubated at 30 C until the pH reached 5.2-5.1. Each of the fermented retentates was further divided into 12 samples. Six of them were incubated at 22 C and the other six at 30 C. After two weeks incubation, the samples were evaluated for flavor quality, body quality and flavor intensity. A similar analysis was conducted after two weeks for a total incubation period of four weeks. The effects of culture, rennet and incubation temperature on product quality were determined. Rennet and temperature were the only factors with significant impact on flavor intensity or body and flavor quality. No significant effects were attributed to the lactic cultures, although bitterness was more frequently found in retentates fermented with culture C6. Samples containing rennet and ripened at 30 C developed the highest levels of soluble nitrogen (23-25% of total nitrogen) but had the poorest flavor intensity, flavor quality and body quality. Samples without rennet and ripened at 22 Chad the lowest levels of soluble nitrogen (13-18% of total nitrogen), and the most satisfactory organoleptic scores.

The purpose of this study was to investigate the growth of children/adolescents ages 8 through 15 with insulin dependent diabetes mellitus attending Camp UTADA in 1977 and/or 1978 and/or 1979. Measurements included were height, weight, triceps skinfold, mid-arm circumference and mid-arm muscle circumference. Measurements were compared with those of a nor~al, nondiabetic population. Total glycosylated hemoglobin (HbAl), duration of the disease and age at onset of the disease were also investigated for an effect on growth. The majority of the male subjects were less than the 50th percentile for height and weight. Females were equally distributed above and below the 50th percentile for height and weight. Height and weight within sex and age groups were generally similar to normal data with few exceptions. Arm anthropometry of male and female groups beyond ages 11 and 12 respectively, generally had reduced mid-arm circumferences and/or reduced mid-arm muscle circumference. Triceps skinfold measurements generally were similar to that of normal skinfolds. Male groups ages 14 and 15 were significantly shorter, lighter and had a lower mid-arm muscle circumference than normal values. Analysis of variance (ANOVA) established a negative association between duration of diabetes mellitus and height percentile. Age at onset of diabetes mellitus was also determined to have a positive effect on height. It was concluded that while heights can be expected to be within the normal range, a mild retardation in height may occur if diabetes mellitus is diagnosed before puberty and that males with a prepubertal diagnosis will likely experience a delayed growth spurt.

There are many plant herbs which are known to be rich sources of phenolic compounds and are used widely because of their anti-inflammatory and antioxidative properties. Borage (Borago officinalis) is a plant herb which is found widely in Mediterranean regions and in some parts of Asia and has been used for the treatment of chronic conditions and diseases. Gamma-linolenic acid (GLA) an omega-6 fatty acid and phenolic acids are important components found in borage, which are known for their antioxidative properties. Therefore, it is important to further examine the antioxidative properties of borage. The main aim of this study was to investigate the effect of Borago officinalis extract (BOE) on levels of biomarkers of oxidative stress including nitric oxide (NO), and reactive oxygen species (ROS) and levels of the anti-oxidant enzyme catalase in lipopolysaccharide (LPS) and hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) stimulated RAW 264.7 macrophages. High-performance liquid analysis (HPLC) analysis was used to determine the total polyphenolic content of BOE. After confirmation from the cell viability test, dosages of BOE (0, 50, 100, 200 and 300 µg/ml), followed by treatment with LPS (50 ng/ml) or H2O2 (50 ng/ml) were used in this in vitro study. Media was collected for testing the levels of NO, and the cell lysates were collected for determining levels of catalase. BOE and LPS treated cells were further examined to assess levels of ROS. The total polyphenolic content of BOE was 102.4 mg/g, with rosmarinic acid being the most abundant polyphenol. BOE decreased (P<0.05) levels of NO when induced with LPS at 300 µg/ml and when cells were stimulated with H2O2 decreased (P<0.05) NO at dosages of 100, 200, and 300 µg/ml and ROS at all dosages of BOE. The level of catalase was an increased (P<0.05) in H2O2 stimulated macrophages treated with 300 µg/ml BOE. The results of this study suggest that borage possesses antioxidative properties through a reduction in NO and ROS. Further analysis is required to examine the pathways responsible. / 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 2019. / April 18, 2019. / Includes bibliographical references. / Bahram H. Arjmandi, Professor Directing Thesis; Gloria Salazar, Committee Member; Shridhar K. Sathe, Committee Member; Penny A. Ralston, Committee Member.