Inflammation contributes to the etiology of type 2 diabetes (T2D) and cardiovascular disease (CVD). Therefore, it is of interest to investigate how diet relates to plasma inflammatory proteins, particularly whole grain and fibre intakes, as these factors have been associated with lower CVD and T2D risk. Only a limited number of observational studies have examined these relationships. The objective of this study was to investigate the cross-sectional relationships of whole and refined grain and dietary fibre intakes with plasma inflammatory proteins. There was a strong inverse relationship between whole grain intake and plasminogen activator inhibitor type 1 (PAI-1) (β =-0.102; SE=0.038; p=0.0077), and a positive relationship between refined grain intake and PAI-1 (β=0.076; SE=0.034; p=0.0251). Additionally, dietary fibre was related to lower concentrations of C-reactive protein (β=-0.034; SE=0.010; p=0.0008) and fibrinogen (β=-1.207; SE=0.505; p=0.0171). This research suggests that whole and refined grain and fibre intakes may influence inflammatory protein concentrations.

Background: South Asian girls have reported low levels of physical activity (PA) compared to other Canadian adolescents. Potential explanations include omissions in existing PA measures that don’t capture all types of PA, and factors discouraging PA in this group. Purpose: This study examined the quality and quantity of PA; compared PA participation using two self-report methods; and, examined psychosocial and cultural factors associated with PA in adolescent South Asian girls. Methods: 113 participants were recruited from community sources in Toronto. Data were collected using a structured electronic diary (3 weekdays; 2 weekend days) and a self-administered online questionnaire that included the Leisure Time Exercise questionnaire. Diaries were content analyzed and compared to PA reports in the questionnaire. Bivariate and multivariate regression analyses identified factors associated with PA. Results: Diaries revealed that when a range of PA types were captured, like walking activities and chores, PA levels were similar to representative data for Canadian youth. 92% of respondents reported at least 30 minutes of PA per day across their diary entries. However, 19% did not report any PA at the vigorous intensity level, and PA levels were lowest on weekends. Reports of PA in the diary and questionnaire were inconsistent, with considerably higher levels of PA reported in the questionnaire. Enrolment in physical education, enjoyment, control, fewer barriers, and social provisions were associated with greater PA. Conclusions: Physical activity levels were low, but results did not suggest that South Asian girls are more vulnerable to low levels of activity compared to other Canadian girls. Findings from the diary suggest that PA questionnaires would benefit from including a broader range of activity types with a variety of walking activities, and structured reflections to enhance data quality and minimize the potential for over-reporting. PA levels may be increased through mandatory physical education, curricula that emphasize how girls may engage in vigorous activities outside of classes, and changes to neighbourhood environments that would promote walking.

Inflammation contributes to the etiology of type 2 diabetes (T2D) and cardiovascular disease (CVD). Therefore, it is of interest to investigate how diet relates to plasma inflammatory proteins, particularly whole grain and fibre intakes, as these factors have been associated with lower CVD and T2D risk. Only a limited number of observational studies have examined these relationships. The objective of this study was to investigate the cross-sectional relationships of whole and refined grain and dietary fibre intakes with plasma inflammatory proteins. There was a strong inverse relationship between whole grain intake and plasminogen activator inhibitor type 1 (PAI-1) (β =-0.102; SE=0.038; p=0.0077), and a positive relationship between refined grain intake and PAI-1 (β=0.076; SE=0.034; p=0.0251). Additionally, dietary fibre was related to lower concentrations of C-reactive protein (β=-0.034; SE=0.010; p=0.0008) and fibrinogen (β=-1.207; SE=0.505; p=0.0171). This research suggests that whole and refined grain and fibre intakes may influence inflammatory protein concentrations.

Thesis (M.S.)--University of South Florida, 2007. / Title from PDF of title page. Document formatted into pages; contains 89 pages. Includes bibliographical references.

Thesis (M. Phil.)--University of Hong Kong, 2007. / Also available in print.

Diss. (sammanfattning) Stockholm : Karol. inst., 2005. / Härtill 4 uppsatser.

Diss. Stockholm : Karolinska institutet, 2005.

Thesis (Ph. D.)--University of Missouri-Columbia, 2009. / The entire dissertation/thesis text is included in the research.pdf file; the official abstract appears in the short.pdf file (which also appears in the research.pdf); a non-technical general description, or public abstract, appears in the public.pdf file. Vita. "May 2009" Includes bibliographical references.

Thesis (doctoral)--Göteborg University, 1997. / Added t.p. with thesis statement inserted.

Thesis (M.C.E.)--University of Delaware, 2008. / Principal faculty advisor: Babatunde Ogunnaike, Dept. of Chemical Engineering. Includes bibliographical references.