College of Education, Health & Human Development

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The College of Education, Health and Human Development (EHHD) is comprised of two departments: the Department of Education and the Department of Health and Human Development.

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A Grassroots Initiative to Engage Classroom Teachers in Increasing Physical Activity
(Human Kinetics, 2024-03) Orendorff, Karie L.; Merica, Christopher B.; Egan, Cate A.
Purpose: Classroom-based physical activity (PA) provides students the opportunity to achieve PA recommendations. However, limited research has examined grassroots efforts for classroom-based PA. The purpose of this study was to share the story of a grassroots initiative to increase PA during school, titled the 150 Project. Methods: Narrative inquiry was used to draw on participants shared experiences to bring the story into existence. Individual interviews were conducted (n = 4, project developers; n = 9, elementary classroom teachers). Interview data were coded to reveal connections and relationships between the participants’ stories to form a narrative. Results: The narrative is told by explaining (a) challenge (achieve PA recommendations), (b) action steps (project design), (c) outcomes (student, teacher, and school), and (d) moral of the story (need valid data and increased advocacy for during-school PA). Discussion/Conclusion: The 150 Project successfully trained classroom teachers to increase PA and advocate for PE, but the project is unsustainable without additional support systems.
Advancing an Integrative Framework to Evaluate Sustainability in National Dietary Guidelines
(2019-09-25) Ahmed, Selena; Downs, Shauna; Fanzo, Jessica
The food system is responsible for some of society's most pressing sustainability challenges. Dietary guidelines are one policy tool to help address the multiple sustainability challenges associated with food systems through dietary recommendations that better support environmental and human well-being. This article develops and applies a sustainability framework scoring tool comprised of four key dimensions (environmental, economic, human health, and sociocultural and political) and 32 sub-dimensions of sustainable food systems for the analysis and modification of national dietary guidelines. Two coders pilot tested the framework to quantify the occurrence of sustainability dimensions and sub-dimensions in national and regional dietary guidelines of 12 randomly selected high-income and upper-middle income countries including Albania, Australia, Brazil, the Grenadines, Grenada, Qatar, Netherlands, Nordic Countries, St. Vincent, Sweden, Thailand, the United Kingdom, and the United States. Sustainability Dimension Scores (SDS) were calculated as a percentage of the occurrence of the eight sub-dimensions comprising each sustainability dimension and Total Sustainability Scores (TSS) were calculated as a percentage of the occurrence of the 32 sub-dimensions in each guideline. Inter-rater reliability of TSS and SDS indicated high validity of applying the sustainability framework for dietary guidelines. SDS varied between the four sustainability dimensions with human health being the most represented in the dietary guidelines examined, as hypothesized (average SDS score of 83%; range from 50 to 100%). Significant differences (p < 0.0001) were found in mean SDS between the four sustainability dimensions. Overall, results indicate that the ecological (average SDS score of 31%; range from 0 to 100%) economic (average SDS score of 29%; range from 0 to 100%), and socio-cultural and political (average SDS score of 44%; range of 0–100%) dimensions of sustainability are underrepresented in the examined national dietary guidelines with significant differences in SDS between guidelines (p < 0.0001). TSS varied by country between 12 and 74% with a mean score of 36% (± 20%). Brazil had the highest TSS (74%) followed by Australia (69%). The sustainability framework presented here can be applied by policy makers, researchers, and practitioners to identify gaps and opportunities to modify national dietary guidelines and associated programs for transforming food systems through diets that support planetary health.
After the Road Came: Insights into the Nexus of Food Security and Malnutrition in Northwestern Nepal
(2018-11) Grocke, Michelle U.; McKay, Kimber H.
The United Nations Decade of Action on Nutrition 2016–2025 and the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development call on all countries and stakeholders to work together to prevent all forms of malnutrition by 2030. In Nepal, these considerations are at the forefront of the country's Sustainable Development Goals. To aid in this effort, this article presents a case study from the mountainous Humla District, Nepal, that was designed to better understand how the arrival of the first road in this area is affecting food security and nutritional status, and how these 2 variables are interrelated. Data from participant observation, interviews, the Household Food Insecurity Access Scale questionnaire, and a region-specific food frequency questionnaire suggest that while the road provides more reliable access to market-sourced food than before, villagers' intake of many micronutrients remains below recommended levels, as most of the market-purchased foods are nutrient poor. Data also suggest that this population is experiencing the double burden of malnutrition: simultaneous cases of underweight and overweight. High food security levels among those in the malnourished/overweight group could easily mask this emerging public health concern. This study provides an analytical framework to better understand the nexus of food security and nutrition, and offers evidence-based recommendations for decreasing food insecurity and malnutrition in mountainous regions, which will help achieve the goal of preventing all forms of malnutrition by 2030.
American Indian English Language Learners: Misunderstood and under-served
(2016-09) Carjuzaa, Jioanna; Ruff, William G.
English Language Learners (ELLs) represent the fastest growing segment of pre-K-12 students in the United States. Currently, Montana has the highest percentage of ELLs who are American Indian/Alaska Native. Although there is tremendous linguistic diversity among students, more than 80% of ELLs in the US speak Spanish as their first language. This is not the case in Montana, where 80% of ELLs are American Indians who do not necessarily speak their heritage languages; yet, their academic English skills are inadequate to support content mastery. Students whose first language is an American Indian language and who are learning English as a second language (ESL) are easier to identify as ELLs. Students who do not speak a heritage language but have not acquired academic English proficiency are harder to identify. This unique group of ELLs had their English acquisition framed by parents/grandparents or guardians themselves who were ELLs who did not fully acquire Standard English and currently speak and model a non-standard or non-academically proficient variety of English. Recommendations for how to broaden policy perspectives to facilitate comprehensive educational support for the full range of culturally and linguistically diverse American Indians in all classrooms are highlighted.
Analysis of 100 Years of Curriculum Designs
(Eskisehir Osmangazi University, 2013) Kelting-Gibson, Lynn
Fifteen historical and contemporary curriculum designs were analyzed for elements of assessment that support student learning and inform instructional decisions. Educational researchers are purposely paying attention to the role assessment plays in a well-designed planning and teaching process. Assessment is a vital component to educational planning and teaching because it is a way to gather accurate evidence of student learning and information to inform instructional decisions. The purpose of this review was to analyze 100 years of curriculum designs to uncover elements of assessment that will support teachers in their desire to improve student learning. Throughout this research the author seeks to answer the question: Do historical and contemporary curriculum designs include elements of assessment that help teachers improve student learning? The results of the review reveal that assessment elements were addressed in all of the curricular designs analyzed, but not all elements of assessment were identified using similar terminology. Based on the analysis of this review, it is suggested that teachers not be particular about the terminology used to describe assessment elements, as all curriculum models discussed use one or more elements similar to the context of pre, formative, and summative assessments.
Apolipoprotein A1 genotype affects the change in high density lipoprotein cholesterol subfractions with exercise training.
(2006-03) Ruaño, G.; Seip, R.L.; Windemuth, Andreas; Zöllner, S.; Tsongalis, Gregory J.; Otvos, J.; Ordovas, J.M.; Bilbie, C.; Miles, Mary; Zoeller, Robert F.; Visich, Paul S.; Gordon, P.M.; Angelopoulos, T.J.; Pescatello, Linda S.; Moyna, Niall M.; Thompson, P.D.
High density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) is a primary risk factor for cardiovascular disease. Apolipoprotein A-1 (apoA1) is the major HDL-associated apolipoprotein. The −75 G/A single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) in the apolipoprotein A1 gene (APOA1) promoter has been reported to be associated with HDL-C concentrations as well as HDL-C response to dietary changes in polyunsaturated fat intake. We examined the effect of this APOA1 SNP on exercise-induced changes in HDL subfraction distribution. From a cohort of healthy normolipidemic adults who volunteered for 6 months of supervised aerobic exercise, 75 subjects were genotyped for the −75 G/A SNP. Of these, 53 subjects were G homozygotes (G/G) and 22 were A carriers (A/G and A/A). HDL subfractions were measured by nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy by adding categories HDL-C 1 + 2 for the small subfraction, and HDL-C 3 + 4 + 5 for the large. The change in total HDL-C after exercise was 0.8 ± 7.2 mg/dL (+1.7%), and was not statistically significant. HDL subfraction amounts also did not significantly change with exercise training in the total cohort or in G homozygotes or A carriers. The amount of the large HDL subfraction increased in the G homozygotes and decreased in the A carriers (mean ± S.E.M., 1.8 ± 6.6 mg/dL versus −6.1 ± 2.3 mg/dL, p < 0.0005). In contrast, the amount of the small HDL subfraction decreased in G homozygotes and increased in A carriers (−1.3 ± 6.6 mg/dL versus 4.7 ± 1.2 mg/dL, p < 0.005). These results show that genetic variation at the APOA1 gene promoter is associated with HDL subfraction redistribution resulting from exercise training.
Apolipoprotein E genotype and changes in serum lipids and maximal oxygen uptake with exercise training
(W.B. Saunders Co, 2004) Thompson, P.D.; Tsongalis, Gregory J.; Seip, R.L.; Bilbie, C.; Miles, Mary; Zoeller, Robert F.; Visich, Paul S.; Gordon, P.M.; Angelopoulos, T.J.; Pescatello, Linda S.; Bausserman, L.; Moyna, Niall M.
Physical activity improves lipid levels by altering triglyceride (TG) metabolism. Apolipoprotein E (Apo E) facilitates TG clearance by mediating lipoprotein binding to hepatic receptors, but Apo E also has less defined roles in skeletal muscle and nervous tissue. This study examined if variants in Apo E genotype affect the lipid and physiologic response to exercise training. Seven centers genetically screened 566 individuals to recruit 120 subjects into 6 gender-specific cohorts equal for the most common Apo E genotypes: E2/3, E3/3, and E3/4. Anthropometics, exercise capacity (Vo2max), serum lipids, and post heparin (PH) plasma lipase activities were measured before and after 6 months of supervised exercise training. Difference in the response (Δ) to training among the Apo E genotypes was the primary outcome variable. Differences in pretraining serum lipids among the Apo E genotypes mimicked those observed in population studies: TGs were slightly higher in E2/3 subjects, whereas low-density lipoprotein (LDL)-cholesterol (C) was lower (P = not significant [NS] ). TGs decreased 11% with training for the entire cohort (P < .0001) and 7%, 12%, and 14% for the Apo E 2/3, 3/3 and 3/4 groups, respectively (P = NS for Δ). LDL-C did not change in the entire cohort, but decreased slightly in the 2/3 and 3/3 subjects and increased 4% in the 3/4 group (P = NS for Δ). High-density lipoprotein (HDL)-C increased 2% for the entire cohort (P = .06) due to a 6% increase in the 3/3 group (P = .07 for Δ). Total cholesterol (TC)/HDL and LDL/HDL decreased with training in the 2/3 and 3/3 groups, but increased in the 3/4 subjects and these responses differed among the genotypes (P < .05 for Δ). Vo2max increased 9% to 10% for the entire cohort, but only 5% in the 3/3 subjects versus 13% in the 2/3 and 3/4 groups and these differences were significantly different among the genotypes (P < .01 for Δ). This is the first prospective study to demonstrate that the serum lipid response to exercise training differs by Apo E genotype in a pattern consistent with known metabolic differences among the variants. Surprisingly, Apo E genotype also affected the increase in aerobic capacity produced by exercise training possibly via undefined effects on nerve and skeletal muscle function.
Apolipoprotein E genotype and sex influence C-reactive protein levels regardless of exercise training status
(W.B. Saunders Co, 2008) Miles, Mary; Lowndes, J.; Sivo, S.; Seip, R.L.; Angelopoulos, T.J.
C-reactive protein (CRP) is a marker for systemic inflammation and increased cardiovascular disease risk. Regular exercise may decrease CRP. Apolipoprotein E (apo E) has 3 common genotype variants—E2/3, 3/3, and 3/4—that modulate lipid metabolism and may have other metabolic physiologic roles, including some evidence that the genotype affects CRP levels. We assessed fasting serum CRP in 117 (male = 51, female = 66) healthy adults who volunteered for a 6-month aerobic exercise program. Both pre- and posttraining measurements were available in 71 (male = 31, female = 40) subjects. At baseline and follow-up, the numbers of subjects in the 3 groups were approximately equal: 2/3, n = 33 and 20; 3/3, n = 41 and 26; and 3/4, n = 43 and 25. At baseline, CRP levels differed by apo E genotype: means ± SD were 2.84 ± 2.18, 2.59 ± 2.34, and 1.90 ± 2.13 mg/L for E2/3, 3/3, and 3/4 subjects, respectively (3/4 vs 2/3, P b .05). In women, CRP was higher than that in men (3.14 ± 2.49 vs 2.12 ± 2.13 mg/L, P b .006). Exercise failed to affect CRP in the entire cohort (2.68 ± 2.38 vs 2.52 ± 2.48 mg/L) or in any apo E genotype group, and the apo E genotype effect observed at baseline persisted after training. In a largely white study cohort, CRP is higher in apo E3/3 than in 3/4 subjects and in women compared with men, but remains unchanged by 6 months of standard aerobic exercise training of the volume and higher intensity promoted by national organizations to reduce cardiovascular disease risk. How apo E genotype affects CRP is not known.
Are Small Farms Sustainable by Nature?—Review of an Ongoing Misunderstanding in Agroecology
(Librello, 2020-04) Ebel, Roland
Today, agroecology is more than a science; it is a movement that advocates for a sustainable redesign of the global food system. Some of its acknowledged protagonists plead for a redesign based on the support of and for small-scale farming because small farms are considered more sustainable than large farms. The present review explores the arguments that leading agroecologists use for justifying their preference for small (frequently peasant) farms. In this review, small farms are defined as possessing a mean agricultural area of maximum two hectares, being family-owned, emphasizing outdoor production, and annually producing at least two different crops or livestock. Peasant farms are defined as subsistent small farms in developing countries. The review includes an overview of the current state of small farms and their most severe challenges. Agroecological publications of the last thirty years were scanned for arguments that sustain the hypothesis that small farms are more sustainable. It was found that there are no studies that directly compare the sustainability of farms based on their size. Instead, most studies cited to confirm the sustainability of small farms compare farms that differ in terms of both, size and farm management. Hence, it is likely that the reason for the advanced sustainability of small farms is their management, not their size. The assertion that small farms are a priori more sustainable than large ones is not supportable. Misleading use of the term “small farms” may impede the efforts of agroecology to stimulate sustainable food production.
Area Conceptions Sprout on Earth Day
(2015-04) Wickstrom, Megan H.; Nelson, Julie; Chumbley, Jean
Within the context of gardening, students examine rectangles with the same perimeter to see if and how their areas differ.
Arizona’s reversal of fortune to no longer require educational spending to be tracked at the school level: A historical legislative analysis
(2010-03) Jimenez-Castellanos, O.; Barnett, J.; Ewbank, Ann D.
Efforts to provide equitable and adequate resources to schools continue to be debated in state legislatures across the United States. In all cases, these conversations are significantly limited by the publicly available fiscal data. Researchers and policymakers recognize that money is generally allocated to districts that disperse the resources to schools, meaning that spending is more accurately determined at the local level rather than the state level. A historical legislative analysis reveals that in Arizona, policymakers opted to track educational spending at the school level in 1998. However, a decade later in 2008, the state legislature overwhelmingly passed HB2369 that reverted back to district level fiscal reporting. This decision seems counter-intuitive to the growing accountability mentality in many legislatures across the United States. As such, the authors contend that the Arizona decision is unique and provides a context for other state legislatures because fiscal accountability has gone from district level to school level and back to district level reporting.
Assessing foods offered in the Food Distribution Program on Indian Reservations (FDPIR) using the Healthy Eating Index 2010
(2015-08) Byker Shanks, Carmen; Smith, Teresa M.; Ahmed, Selena; Hunts, Holley
Objective To assess the nutritional quality of food packages offered in the Food Distribution Program on Indian Reservations (FDPIR) using the Healthy Eating Index 2010 (HEI-2010). Design Data were collected from the list of the food products provided by the US Department of Agriculture’s Food and Nutrition Handbook 501 for FDPIR. Nutritional quality was measured through a cross-sectional analysis of five randomly selected food packages offered through FDPIR. HEI-2010 component and total scores were calculated for each food package. ANOVA and t tests assessed significant differences between food packages and HEI-2010 maximum scores, respectively. Setting This study took place in the USA. Subjects Study units included food products offered through FDPIR. Results The mean total HEI-2010 score for the combined FDPIR food packages was significantly lower than the total HEI-2010 maximum score of 100 (66·38 (sd 11·60); P<0·01). Mean scores for total fruit (3·52 (sd 0·73); P<0·05), total vegetables (2·58 (sd 0·15); P<0·001), greens and beans (0·92 (sd 1·00); P<0·001), dairy (5·12 (sd 0·63); P<0·001), total protein foods (4·14 (sd 0·56); P<0·05) and refined grains (3·04 (sd 2·90); P<0·001) were all significantly lower than the maximum values. Conclusions The FDPIR food package HEI-2010 score was notably higher than other federal food assistance and nutrition programmes. Study findings highlight opportunities for the FDPIR to modify its offerings to best support lifestyles towards prevention of diet-related chronic disease.
Association of Physical Educators’ Socialization Experiences and Confidence with Respect to Comprehensive School Physical Activity Program Implementation
(MDPI AG, 2022-09) Merica, Christopher Barton; Egan, Cate A.; Webster, Collin A.; Mindrila, Diana; Karp, Grace Goc; Paul, David R.; Orendorff, Karie Lee
Comprehensive school physical activity programs (CSPAPs) are recommended to support physical education (PE) and increase the amount of physical activity (PA) youth receive each day. However, adoption of CSPAPs in the United States is low. PE teachers are well positioned to lead the implementation of CSPAPs, but research is needed to better understand (a) PE teachers’ confidence to assume the multiple roles involved with CSPAP implementation and (b) the factors that are associated with such confidence. This study examined PE teachers’ role breadth self-efficacy (RBSE) as a measure of PE teachers’ CSPAP-related confidence and its association with seminal life experiences as framed within teacher socialization theory. A survey was emailed to a stratified-random sample of 2976 PE teachers and distributed on social media, garnering a total of 259 responses. Exploratory structural equation modeling supported a three-factor solution for teacher socialization variables (acculturation, professional socialization and organizational socialization), in line with the theoretical framework, and a single factor solution for RBSE. Professional socialization and organizational socialization were significant predictors of RBSE, and qualitative data from open-ended survey questions supported these relationships. The results highlight the importance of preservice teacher education and current employment contexts in PE teachers’ CSPAP-related confidence.
Associations of cognition with physical functioning and health-related quality of life among COPD patients
(2016-05) Schure, Mark B.; Borson, Soo; Nguyen, Huong Q.; Trittschuh, Emily H.; Thielke, Stephen M.; Pike, Kenneth C.; Adams, Sandra G.; Fan, Vincent S.
Background: Neurocognitive impairment has been described in COPD patients, but little is known about its relationship with physical functioning and health-related quality of life (HRQL) in this chronically ill patient group. Methods: 301 stable COPD patients completed the Trail Making Test (TMT-A: psychomotor speed and TMT-B: executive control); 198 patients completed the Memory Impairment Screen (MIS). Standardization of TMT-A and TMT-B scores to a normative population yielded classifications of normal, borderline, or impaired cognitive status. Using multivariable regression, we examined the relationship between the TMT-A, TMT-B, and MIS with physical functioning (physical activity, 6-min walk test, and grip strength) and health-related quality of life (HRQL) measured with the Chronic Respiratory Questionnaire and the SF-36. Results: Nearly 30% of patients had either borderline or impaired cognition on the TMT-A or TMT-B. Adjusted models indicated that those with either borderline or impaired cognitive functioning had weaker grip strength (TMT-A borderline: β = −2.9, P < 0.05; TMT-B borderline: β = −3.0, P < 0.05; TMT-B impaired: β = −2.5, P < 0.05) and lower scores on the mental health component summary score (MCS-SF-36 HRQOL) measure (TMT-A impaired: β = −4.7, P < 0.01). No adjusted significant associations were found for other physical functioning measures or the other HRQL measures. Impaired memory showed a significant association only with the MCS scale. Conclusions: Cognitive function was not associated with most standard indicators of physical function or most measures of HRQL in COPD patients. Both TMT-A and TMT-B were associated with weaker grip strength, and the TMT-A and MIS with poorer mental health.
Associations of vitamin D status with markers of metabolic health: A community-based study in Shanghai, China
(2018-09) Zhu, Wei; Heil, Daniel P.
Aims This study investigated the associations of vitamin D status (i.e., serum 25(OH)D concentration) with markers of metabolic health and metabolic syndrome (MS), as well as possible gender differences in these associations, with metabolic syndrome (MS) for a sample from Shanghai, China. Methods Demographic and anthropometric data, as well as 25-hydroxyvitamin D (serum 25(OH)D), blood glucose, and lipid concentrations were obtained for 508 urban residents aged 19–70 years. After grouping into tertiles according to their serum 25(OH)D concentrations, linear and logistic regressions were used to evaluate associations between serum 25(OH)D concentration and risk factors for MS across tertiles. Results A 1 ng/mL increase in 25(OH)D was associated with a significant decrease in total cholesterol by 0.25 mmol/L [95% CI: (−0.44, −0.05); P = 0.014] for the third tertile, with reference to the first tertile. Also, 1 ng/mL increase in 25(OH)D was associated with a significant decrease in LDL by 0.18 mmol/L [95% CI: (−0.35, −0.02); P = 0.026] for the third tertile. In addition, participants in the third tertile had a 54% reduction in the OR for MS [95% CI: (−1.10,− 0.02), P = 0.041]. Lastly, while there was no gender difference in vitamin D deficiency status, the non-MS women had significantly higher 25(OH)D level than those with MS (30.1 ± 5.8 vs. 28.5 ± 5.9 ng/mL, P = 0.035), while no such difference was observed for men. Conclusions Higher serum 25(OH)D concentration was associated with a better metabolic profile and thus a lower risk for developing MS in urban Shanghai residents of China.
Bamboos for weaving and relevant traditional knowledge in Sansui, Southwest China
(2020-10) Luo, Binsheng; Ahmed, Selena; Long, Chunlin
Background Traditional bamboo weaving has been practiced for centuries in Sansui, a county dominated by the Miao people, in Guizhou province of Southwest China. Sansui bamboo weaving represents an intangible cultural heritage as defined by UNESCO, but, like many other traditional handicrafts in China, it has suffered a downfall in this period of rapid development. Sansui bamboo weaving is now experiencing a renaissance due to the joint efforts of the local government, bamboo weaving companies, and individual bamboo weavers. However, what bamboo species have supported the traditional bamboo weaving in Sansui keeps unknown up to now. The traditional knowledge and technology associated with bamboo weaving have not been reported. In addition, the resumption of the local bamboo industry may provide some valuable experiences for other downfallen traditional handicrafts or local communities. Thus, an ethnobotanical study on Sansui bamboo weaving has been carried out. Methods This study mainly used ethnobotanical methods, including key informant interviews and participatory observations. Different stakeholders were selected by applying the snowball method as our key informants including 6 officials, 37 bamboo weavers, and 17 bamboo and bamboo weaving product merchants. We also went into the local weavers’ houses to visit the whole weaving process. The bamboo and dye plant species for bamboo weaving were identified by taxonomists and referring to online databases available. Results Based on field investigations, 17 bamboo species used for weaving were recorded. Different bamboo species were woven for different purposes based on their own characters. Phyllostachys heteroclada is the most popular species locally. Bamboo strips are usually dyed by using Platycarya strobilacea and Rubia cordifolia to be made for different images. In recent years, the size, functions, and materials of local bamboo weaving crafts as well as their market mode have been changed to adapt to new development trends and to cater to the market. In addition, the cooperation among bamboo weavers, bamboo companies, and household workshops has provided great support to the local bamboo industry and to reboot the economy of the local community. Some suggestions for the sustainable economic development of Sansui bamboo weaving and other Chinese traditional handicrafts are proposed. Conclusion In the present study, the bamboo weaving-associated traditional knowledge was collected by means of ethnobotanical methods. The recent renaissance of the bamboo weaving business in Sansui can be attributed both to government support and the innovations of the bamboo weaving industry itself. The developing mode (“Internet + intangible cultural heritage + poverty alleviation”), which combined the internet, poverty alleviation, and intangible cultural heritage, is valid and worth being promoted.
Barriers and Opportunities: Specialty Cultivated Mushroom Production in the United States
(MDPI, 2022-10) Moxley, Alexandria; Ebel, Roland; Cripps, Cathy L.; Austin, Caroline Graham; Stein, Mary; Winder, Meaghan
Producing and consuming specialty cultivated mushrooms (SCMs), cultivated mushrooms outside of the Agaricus genus, has the potential to positively impact sustainable food systems. Few studies have examined consumer perceptions of SCMs and industry-wide trends of SCM production in the United States (US), despite the USD 66.1 million in SCM sales in the US during 2020. This study looked at the barriers to and opportunities for cultivating, marketing, and consuming SCMs in the US by conducting a producer survey with SCM facilities in the US (n = 63). Survey results found diversification across products and practices within the SCM industry and on an individual business level. The most common place SCM growers sold their products was farmers’ markets (n = 63). The majority (53%) of growers (n = 60) used diverse (four or more) approaches to advertise their products. The majority of SCM growers (57%) indicated they had participated in a community outreach event in the past five years to help promote their SCM products (n = 63). Findings indicate there are opportunities for greater SCM business owner diversity. Our results indicate that production of SCMs may support economic, environmentally, and socio-culturally sustainable food systems and that there is further room for increased sustainability across the industry.
Basal, diurnal, and acute inflammation in normal versus overweight men.
(Lippincott Williams & Wilkins, 2012-12) Miles, Mary; Keller, J.M.; Kordick, L.K.; Kidd, J.R.
Increased inflammation is present in obese compared with normal weight individuals, but inflammation characteristics of nonobese, overweight individuals are less clear. Purpose: The objective of this study was to determine whether basal, circadian, and posteccentric exercise inflammation levels differ between normal and overweight men. Methods: Men (18–35 yr old) classified as normal weight (body mass index ≤2 5 kg·m-2, n = 20) and overweight (body mass index = 25–30 kg·m-2 conditions in random order. Maximal voluntary effort and eccentric actions (3 X 15) using the elbow flexor muscles of one arm were performed, and blood was collected preexercise and 4, 8, 12, and 24 h postexercise at 7:00 a.m., 12:00 p.m., 4:00 p.m., 8:00 p.m., and 7:00 a.m. Blood was collected on a time-matched schedule without exercise for CON. Soluble tumor necrosis factor receptor-1, interleukin-6, C-reactive protein (CRP), and cortisol responses (EX value j time-matched CON value) were measured. Results: Basal CRP was higher in the overweight compared with normal weight group (mean ± SD, 0.542 ± 0.578 vs 1.395 ± 1.041 mg·L-1). Soluble tumor necrosis factor receptor-1 increased (P < 0.05) 8 h postexercise in both groups, and the response was greater 12 and 24 h postexercise in the overweight compared with normal weight groups. Interleukin-6 increased (P < 0.05) 8 h postexercise, with a trend (P = 0.09) to be greater in the overweight group. CRP and cortisol responses were not detected. Conclusions: The low-grade inflammation state in overweight compared with normal weight men includes both higher basal CRP concentrations and enhanced acute inflammation, but not in changes to the circadian patterns of cortisol and inflammation variables.
Baseline Measures of Physical Activity and Function Do Not Predict Future Fall Incidence in Sedentary Older Adults: A Prospective Cohort Study
(Human Kinetics, 2023-01) Whitten, Justin; Barrett, Rod; Carty, Christopher P.; Tarabochia, Dawn; MacDonald, David; Graham, David
Physical activity (PA) and physical function (PF) are modifiable risk factors for falls in older adults, but their ability to predict future fall incidence is unclear. The purpose of this study was to determine the predictive ability of baseline measures of PA, PF, and lower limb strength on future falls. A total of 104 participants underwent baseline assessments of PA, PF, and lower limb strength. Falls were monitored prospectively for 12 months. Eighteen participants fell at least once during the 12-month follow-up. Participants recorded almost exclusively sedentary levels of activity. PA, PF, and lower limb strength did not differ between fallers and nonfallers. Twelve participants, who reported a minor musculoskeletal injury in the past 6 months, experienced a fall. The results of this study suggest that in a cohort of highly functioning, sedentary older adults, PA does not distinguish fallers from nonfallers and that the presence of a recent musculoskeletal injury appears to be a possible risk factor for falling.
The Benefits, Challenges, and Strategies of Adults Following a Local Food Diet
(2010-08) Byker Shanks, Carmen; Rose, Nick; Serrano, Elena L.
Supported in part by a variety of popular books, websites, and other media, the interest in local food is building dramatically, and a growing number of people are increasing their purchases of local food. This paper describes a study that explored the perceived benefits and challenges of following a diet consisting exclusively of local food in south-western Virginia, as well as the strategies for coping with its limitations. Nineteen individuals participated in a four-week Local Food Diet Challenge, which included eating only foods produced from within 100 miles of the participants’ homes. Part of a larger study looking at the nutritional impacts of a local food diet, this study included a pre-diet questionnaire that gathered participants’ demographic characteristics, shopping patterns, eating behaviors, and attitudes toward local foods; consumption-reporting forms during the diet period; and a post-diet focus-group discussion for participants to share their experiences in following the local food diet. In this paper we report the major themes that emerged in the focus groups and offer recommendations for locavores and organizations attempting to maximize local food consumption.