Master of Science / Department of Psychological Sciences / Kimberly Kirkpatrick / Obesity is associated with impaired decision making across a range of choice behaviors including impulsive choice behavior and incentive value. Given that people make approximately 200 food choices each day (Wansink & Sobal, 2007), it is essential to better understand this relationship between obesity and impaired decision making. As such, the current study sought to understand how long-term exposure to diets high in processed fat and sugar affected impulsive choice behavior, devaluation, and food preferences. The results suggested that diet affects impulsive choice behavior. Rats exposed to diets high in processed fat or sugar were more sensitive to changes in delay, a marker of impulsivity. Results from the bisection task indicated that the diet-induced impulsivity could be a result of poor time discrimination. In addition, there were differences in incentive value. All rats successfully devalued rewards, but the high-fat and high-sugar group showed lower overall levels of responding. Further, diet-induced impulsivity could lead to overconsumption of high-fat and high-sugar foods due to differences in food preference. After 9 months on the diets, rats fed a chow and high-sugar diet displayed a sugar preference, while the rats fed a high-fat diet displayed a fat preference. Together, the results suggest that the alterations in impulsive choice and incentive valuation induced by diet could make individuals vulnerable to overeating, and thus obesity, as well as other disorders that are characterized by impulsive choice and deficits in incentive valuation.

Master of Science / Department of Animal Sciences and Industry / KC Olson / Our objective was to determine the effects of supplemental corn steep liquor (CSL) on voluntary selection of sericea lespedeza (SL) by beef cows grazing native tallgrass range. Dietary botanical composition of cows (n = 145; initial BW = 579 ± 91 kg) was evaluated during a 150-d grazing period (5/1 to 10/1). Native pastures (n = 9; 50 ± 17 ha) infested by SL (average SL biomass = 37% of total forage biomass) were assigned randomly to 1 of 2 treatments: grazing by unsupplemented cows or grazing by cows supplemented with CSL (1.79 kg DM • cow-1 • d-1; 45% DM, 34% CP). Cows were assigned randomly to treatment and pasture (stocking rate = 0.5 ha/AUM). Concentration and protein-binding capacity of condensed tannins (CT) in SL were measured monthly. Fecal samples were collected from each cow on 6/1, 7/1, 8/1, 9/1, and 10/1. Herbivory of SL was estimated along line transects in October. Plant fragments in fecal samples were quantified via a microhistological technique; fragment prevalence in fecal material was assumed to equal botanical composition of the diet. Concentration and protein-binding capacity of CT in SL were greatest (P < 0.01) on 8/1 and 9/1, respectively. The proportion of individual SL plants showing evidence of herbivory tended to be greater (P = 0.09) on pastures grazed by supplemented cows compared to pastures grazed by unsupplemented cows (94 vs. 80% of SL stems, respectively). Prevalence of SL in beef cow diets was influenced (P < 0.01) by CSL supplementation and by month. Prevalence of SL in beef cow diets was not different (P ≥ 0.35) between treatments when concentration and protein-binding capacity of CT were relatively low (6/1, 7/1, and 10/1). In contrast, supplemented cows selected more (P < 0.01) SL than unsupplemented cows when concentration and protein-binding capacity of CT were greatest (8/1 and 9/1). We interpreted these data to suggest that voluntary selection of SL by beef cows was inversely related to concentration of CT; moreover, supplemental CSL stimulated voluntary selection of SL during periods of high CT concentration. Supplemental CSL did not influence selection of other plant species that were monitored.

Call number: LD2668 .T4 1986 M675 / Master of Science / Psychological Sciences

Magister Scientiae (Biodiversity and Conservation Biology) - MSc (Biodiv and Cons Biol) / Due to their popularity for tourism, giraffes are being introduced into Thicket areas within the Little Karoo region of the Western Cape. However, information regarding the activity budgets and diet selection of these giraffes is lacking. Therefore, this study aimed to achieve three objectives; to determine the diurnal activity budget, diet composition and browsing levels, and the estimated browsing capacities of extralimital giraffe. The study was conducted on two privately owned farms, namely Kareesbos Private Game Reserve and Tsumkwe Private Game Reserves. Observations were completed on both study sites using the interval scan method, whereby observations were conducted on all visible individuals from 6 am – 6 pm for four days every 3 months (winter, spring, summer and autumn). Observations found browsing to be the most dominant activity displayed by both populations, with walking and rumination being the second and third most dominant activity. Females browsed more than males in both study sites. Dietary observations showed four species (Pappea capensis, Portulacaria afra, Euclea undulata and Searsia longispina) and five species (Searsia longispina, Euclea undulata, Pappea capensis, Vachellia karroo and Grewia robusta) to comprise approximately 90% and 80% of their diet in Kareesbos and Tsumkwe respectively. The importance of flower bearing species (Lycium spp. and Rhigozhum obovatum) increased during the spring and summer seasons in both study sites. In addition to the diet selection, browsing by both giraffe populations was shown to occur mostly below 2 m. Estimated browsing capacities for Kareesbos and Tsumkwe were 25 and 21, and 107 and 88 ha per giraffe, respectively, for the respective browse height strata of less than two metres and five metres. It is suggested that browsing capacities of less than two metres be considered when stocking giraffe and the number of individuals adjusted accordingly on each farm, due to the continuous low browsing of giraffe at less than two metres. Furthermore, results indicate that these giraffes have adapted to take advantage of forage available in ecosystems outside their natural ranges. Low foraging heights suggests possible niche overlap with other browsers, which may result in increased competition for food when it becomes limited. Long term ecological monitoring of extralimital populations and appropriate management procedures are therefore required to avoid the displacement and degradation of indigenous fauna and flora within the Little Karoo, and possible mortalities amongst the giraffe populations.

Magister Public Health - MPH / Introduction: The control of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is pivoted on adherence to a healthy lifestyle (healthy diet, physical activity and non-smoking). Zimbabwe reports a high burden of T2DM related complications suggesting an increased inability by patients to control their blood glucose levels. This study, therefore, sought to describe the healthy lifestyle practices of T2DM patients in Harare, Zimbabwe and associate these practices with their glycated haemoglobin (HBA1C) levels, a marker for the control of diabetes. Methodology: A descriptive cross-sectional study was done. Participants were T2DM patients who were 18 years and older from two tertiary hospital diabetes clinics in Harare. Data collection was done using a structured questionnaire which was interviewer-administered along with height, weight and HBA1C measurements. Descriptive statistics were used to describe the study populations. Chi square test was used to calculate statistically significant associations between healthy lifestyle behaviours and demographics or HBA1C levels at the significant level of 0.05%.

Orientador: Fernando Moreto / Resumo: Introdução: Nos últimos anos a população mundial tem vivenciado mudanças nos hábitos alimentares, tais alterações caracterizam a transição nutricional. Ressalta-se o maior consumo de alimentos de alta densidade energética, produtos industrializados, acrescidos de açúcar e ricos em gordura e uma redução no consumo de vegetais e frutas. Este padrão alimentar é conhecido como dieta ocidental, que associada a inatividade física, reflete em alterações na composição corporal e, consequentemente, obesidade. O sobrepeso e a obesidade atualmente são um preocupante problema de saúde pública devido à elevada prevalência bem como associação com outras patologias como a doença gordurosa não alcoólica do fígado (NAFLD, do inglês nonalcoholic fatty liver disease). A fisiopatologia da NAFLD está amplamente relacionada aos processos oxidativo e inflamatório. Por isso, o licopeno, um carotenoide reconhecido pela sua ação antioxidante e anti-inflamatória, tem sido investigado como um potencial protetor hepático na NAFLD. Objetivo: Investigar o efeito da suplementação com licopeno sobre os processos fisiopatológicos da NAFLD induzida por dieta hipercalórica rica em carboidrato simples. Materiais e Métodos: Esse estudo foi aprovado pela Comissão Ética no Uso de Animais da Faculdade de Medicina de Botucatu (1266/2018). Foram utilizados 24 ratos Wistar aleatoriamente distribuídos em 2 grupos com diferentes dietas para indução de obesidade: dieta controle (n=12) e hipercalórica (n=12). Após 20 seman... (Resumo completo, clicar acesso eletrônico abaixo) / Abstract: Introduction: In recent years the world population has experienced changes in eating habits, which characterize the nutritional transition. Higher consumption of high energy density foods, industrialized products, high sugar and high fat products, and a reduction in the consumption of vegetables and fruits are also noteworthy. This dietary pattern is known as western diet, which associated with physical inactivity, reflects on changes in body composition and consequently obesity. Overweight and obesity are currently a worrying public health problem due to the high prevalence as well as association with other pathologies such as non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). The pathophysiology of NAFLD is largely related to oxidative and inflammatory processes. Therefore, lycopene, a carotenoid recognized for its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory action, has been investigated as a potential liver protector in NAFLD. Aim: To investigate the effect of lycopene supplementation on the pathophysiological processes of NAFLD induced by a simple carbohydrate-rich hypercaloric diet. Materials and Methods: This study was approved by the Animal Ethical Committee of Botucatu Medical School (1266/2018). 24 Wistar rats were randomly distributed in 2 groups with different diets for obesity induction: control diet (n=12) and hypercaloric (n=12). After 20 weeks, the animals were redistributed in 4 groups for the study of lycopene supplementation: control group (Co, n=6), control group supplemente... (Complete abstract click electronic access below) / Mestre

MSc (Med), Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, 2009 / Introduction Malnutrition remains the major cause of child mortality and an essential component in child development and future productivity of the child in the world. With the increasing prevalence of undernutrition, micronutrient deficiencies, and over nutrition in South Africa, it calls for interventions which will help reduce malnutrition since child‟s growth is partly dependant on their diet. This study aimed at determining the association between post-weaning dietary patterns at age one and growth at age two among children from the Birth-To-Twenty cohort in Johannesburg, South Africa. Specific objectives: To describe dietary intake patterns (Diet Diversity Score and Food Variety Score) growth at age one and two among boys and girls in BT20, the prevalence of malnutrition (Stunting, wasting and underweight) among boys and girls in BT20, and to determine the association between dietary patterns at age one and growth at age two. Hypothesis There is no association between post-weaning dietary patterns at age one and growth at age two in the Birth-To-Twenty Cohort study. Study design: Prospective longitudinal study. Setting; Birth-To-Twenty Cohort study Johannesburg, South Africa. Inclusion criteria –Must have complete data on dietary questionnaires and growth data at age two. Data Collection data was collected on following variables; dietary patterns, socio-economic status, growth (height and weight), complimentary feeding, birthweight and gestational age. Anthropometric data (height and weight) was collected at age one and two. Food frequencies questionnaires were used for data collection. Data Analysis STATA 10 was used for data cleaning and analysis. Descriptive and inferential analysis was carried out. Multiple regression analysis was used to assess the association between outcome variable (growth at age 2) and dietary patterns at age 1(12months) and growth at age 2 (24months), and dietary patterns at age 1 controlling for confounders. P-values were calculated to test for v statistical significance at 5% significance level. Results: Ninety six percent of the infants were introduced to solid foods when they were less than 6 months. The Food Variety Score (FVS) was 32.4 and 32.6 for boys and girls respectively; Diet Diversity Score (DDS) was 9.7 and 9.8 for boys and girls respectively. A proportion of 20.5% (n=164) infants were underweight at birth, the prevalence of stunting among the boys rose from 8% at year one to 19% at year two, wasting demonstrated a slight increase from 5% to 8%, underweight too showed a sharp increase from 11% to 25%. Among the girls stunting prevalence increased from 6% at year one to 20% at year 2, wasting slightly rose from 3% to 4% and underweight from 6% to 11%. There was 7.7% (n=35) catch up growth and 20.7% (n=94) catch down with regard to stunting. A proportion of 3.3% (n=15) infants had catch up for weight-for-height and 5.5% (n=25) had a catch down growth. 3.7% (n=17) had catch up growth with regard to weight-for- age and 11.2% (n=51) had catch down growth. Birthweight, underweight and stunting at age one, gender and ethnicity were associated with growth at age two. There was no association between dietary patterns at age one and growth at age two. Conclusion: Diet diversity is good within Soweto and consequently food diversity is not associated with infant growth, however other factors such as macronutrient intake and morbidity maybe important in the Soweto context. Inappropriate feeding practices such as feeding the infant with high sugar diet, high fat and refined foods should be addressed so as to curb the increasing catch down growth at age two. Introduction of solid foods at less than 6 months of age should also be addressed; this can be done by emphasising that exclusive breastfeeding in community health programs for the first 6 months.

Sensory integration based paediatric occupational therapists working in schools commonly function with a dual role of providing the child with therapy to assist the child to function optimally as well as act as consultants in assisting teachers to develop strategies to help promote the classroom performance of students with sensory processing difficulties. A single-group pre test post test quasi-experimental research design was used in this pilot study on a convenient sample of 11 participants to explore the effects before and after exposure to the intervention of a sensory diet on the in-seat behaviours of the child and determine whether the desirable sensory input is effective in improving the performance of children with sensory processing difficulties during a handwriting lesson. The behaviours showing the highest trend of improvement in the hypothesized direction included less distractibility and trend of work ethos related behaviours (not giving up easily and completing the task; being less impulsive, not working too fast, better planning; better able to initiate and carry tasks out independently). Trends of various in-seat behaviours (restless, overactive and fidgety, disorganized on self and in his work, difficulty in getting down to his work, slow to complete a task) to regress in the hypothesized direction were also noted. Descriptive and statistical analysis was performed to examine trends in changes of pre- and post-intervention behavioural scores. The data were also analysed using Poisson’s regression to the normal distribution to calculate p values (using a chisquared distribution) to compare the number of observations in a period of time intervals. Implications of the results of the study for therapists working with students with sensory processing difficulties and their teachers are discussed.

Thesis advisor: Thomas N. Seyfried / Dietary therapy has been used since ancient times to treat the symptoms of disease and disorder. Dietary therapy has long captured the interest of the public in modern times, dating back to the mid-nineteenth century with Englishman William Banting's "Letter on Corpulence, Addressed to the Public", which addressed Banting's anecdotal use of a high-fat diet to treat obesity. High-fat diets became popular in the United States in the early twentieth-century to treat epilepsy. The utility of dietary therapy to treat diseases and disorder has not been embraced widely, as there is a paucity of standardized clinical trials that demonstrate robust safety and therapeutic efficacy for specific diseases and disorders. Additionally, preclinical studies of dietary therapy do not adhere to standardized guidelines, which can hinder cross-study interpretation and reproducibility. To that end, my dissertation updates diet implementation guidelines for preclinical studies that adhere to standardized experimental design and biomarker monitoring in mouse models in order to maximize therapeutic efficacy, diet regimen safety, and cross-study interpretability. With these guidelines, I explored the effect of various diets on circulating glucose and ketone bodies in mice, a measure of glycolytic flux, along with biomarkers of health. I found that calorie-restricted diets, regardless of macronutrient composition, lowers circulating glucose and increases circulating ketone levels, along with improving biomarkers of health, including lowering circulating triglyceride levels. In demonstrating the utility of dietary therapy to treat disease, I also explored the mechanisms on how dietary therapy can be used to treat epilepsy in a preclinical mouse model. I showed that reduced glucose utilization underlies the seizure-protective effects of dietary therapy in EL mice, a mouse model of idiopathic epilepsy. Lastly, I developed a novel tool, the Glucose Ketone Index Calculator, to track the progress of dietary therapy in brain cancer patients through a ratio of circulating glucose to circulating ketone bodies. Evidence is presented that demonstrates a low ratio of glucose to ketone bodies is associated with improved prognosis of brain cancer management in humans and mice. Overall, this dissertation demonstrates the utility of dietary therapy in treating disease using standardized guidelines, and suggests the use of a novel tool to apply and track the progress of dietary therapy in the clinical brain cancer population. / Thesis (PhD) — Boston College, 2014. / Submitted to: Boston College. Graduate School of Arts and Sciences. / Discipline: Biology.

Thesis advisor: Thomas N. Seyfried / Thesis advisor: Charles Hoffman / Bis(monoacylglycero)phosphate, BMP, is a negatively charged glycerol-phospholipid with an unusual sn-1;sn-1’ structural configuration. BMP is primarily enriched in endosomal/lysosomal membranes. BMP is thought to play a role in glycosphingolipid degradation and cholesterol transport. It constitutes only about 1-2% of the total phospholipids in most mammalian cells, but is abundant in lung alveolar macrophages where it can comprise up to 16% of the total phospholipids. BMP also accumulates in tissues of humans and animals with lysosomal storage disorders. However, little information is available on BMP levels in gangliosidosis brain tissue. In this work, I found that total BMP content was significantly greater in cells of macrophage/microglial origin than in cells of macroglial origin (astrocyte, oligodendrocyte progenitor), whether normal or tumorigenic. I also observed that BMP in brain was significantly greater in humans and in animals (mice, cats, American black bears) with either GM1 or GM2 ganglioside storage diseases, than in brains of normal subjects. Since BMP is associated with macrophages, I also analyzed the BMP levels in relation to disease-associated inflammation in gangliosidoses. I found that BMP levels were increased due to accumulation of primary storage material gangliosides, rather than an outcome of disease-associated inflammation. In addition, in this thesis I also explored the effect of new ketogenic diet formula from Solace Nutrition (KetoGen) on the growth and metastatic spread of the VM-M3 tumor. Most current drug therapies for cancer are toxic and only marginally effective in providing long-term management. Respiratory insufficiency with compensatory aerobic fermentation (Warburg effect) is the hallmark biochemical phenotype of nearly all neoplastic cells within tumors. Calorie restriction, which lowers blood glucose and elevates ketone bodies, is known to reduce tumor growth to a certain extent, however it does not reduce systemic metastasis. Tumor bearing VM mice were fed either a standard lab chow diet in unrestricted amounts (SD-UR), a standard lab chow restricted to obtain an 18% reduction in body weight (SD-R), or the KetoGen diet restricted (KG-R) to match the body weights of the SD-R group. Tumor size was significantly smaller and organ metastasis was significantly less in the KG-R group than in the SD-UR or SD-R groups. Even though blood glucose was reduced similarly in both the SD-R and KG-R groups, blood ketones were 3-fold higher in the KG-R group than in the SD-R group. These results show that VM-M3 tumor growth and systemic metastasis were managed better with the restricted KetoGen KD than with calorie restriction of a high carbohydrate standard diet. As all human and mouse tumors cells suffer from respiratory insufficiency, my findings suggest that the restricted KetoGen diet should be an effective non-toxic therapy against tumor growth and systemic metastatic cancer. / Thesis (PhD) — Boston College, 2015. / Submitted to: Boston College. Graduate School of Arts and Sciences. / Discipline: Biology.