VTechWorks Repository :: Browsing by Author "Taper, L. Janette"

Browsing by Author "Taper, L. Janette"

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AIDS, a burning issue: Community education and action
(Virginia Cooperative Extension Service, 1989)
Recording of a teleconference, in two parts. A panel of health professionals discusses the AIDS virus, its treatment and prevention, and how families and other caregivers cope with the AIDS patient.
Body frame measures and perceptions of frame size and weight
Merritt, Deborah Anne (Virginia Tech, 1987-09-05)
The purpose of this research was to examine five methods of determining frame size. In addition, self perception of frame size and of desired weight was compared to two height-weight table recommendations. Pearson correlation coefficients were calculated to determine relationships between measurements used as criteria for frame measures and between the five frame measures studied. Agreement of frame size identification was examined by comparing percentages of small, medium and large frame for each method. While the Pearson correlation coefficient of wrist circumference with elbow breadth was greater than 0.5 for both men and women, the correlations between frame measures using wrist circumference criteria and frame measures using elbow breadth criteria were less than 0.5. Self-perceived frame size was not significantly correlated with any of the five frame measures examined or with weight perception variables. Comparison of weight perception with evaluation of measured weight using two height-weight tables indicated men appear to desire to be heavier and women appear to desire to be thinner than weights recommended for height and measured frame size. Results were discussed in relation to findings of other researchers. Recommendations were made concerning the frame measures examined, the relationship of frame size perception to self-evaluation of weight, and the use of height-weight tables in determining weight goals.
Changes in bone density in calcium supplemented adolescent female athletes experiencing menstrual dysfunction
Baer, Janine M. (Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, 1988)
A comparison of weight gains during pregnancy of WIC and non-WIC clinic samples
Alrutz, Neen Blackwell (Virginia Tech, 1985-12-05)
The purpose of this study was to find the difference, if any, between the weight gain patterns during pregnancy of women attending public health clinics in Northern Virginia who were enrolled in the NIC program and women not enrolled in the NIC program. Women on the NIC program during pregnancy were identified from NIC files. The control group was chosen from among women who were shown to be both nutritionally at risk and eligible for NIC based on income, but who were not receiving NIC benefits during pregnancy. The sample consisted of M8 subjects in each group who met certain other selection criteria. With the exception of income, there was no statistically significant difference when selected maternal and infant variables were compared. There was no significant difference (p>.O5) between total weight gain of the two groups, although the NIC mothers gained slightly more during pregnancy than the non-NIC mothers. A series of t-tests, performed between the means of the weekly weight gains, showed no significant difference in the weekly weight gain of the two samples at any week of pregnancy. Both samples had increased weekly weight gains near the end of pregnancy - the mean of the non-WIC group was higher and occurred slightly later than did that of the WIC group. These higher means near the end of pregnancy for the non-WIC group resulted in statistically significant differences in the two groups when comparing the last part of pregnancy and suggest that the non-WIC group is gaining a larger amount of weight very late in pregnancy.
Control, introversion, and social support: a model of loneliness in Alzheimer's caregivers
Janas, Monica A. (Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, 1988)
Loneliness in caregivers of Alzheimer's family members was examined through the use of an explanatory model. Stepwise multiple regression was used to test the association between characterological variables (introversion and control), situational variables (social support), demographics (income), and self-reported loneliness in a statewide mail survey of 190 caregivers. Results indicated that introversion, control, social support, and income account for almost two-thirds of the variance in loneliness. An interesting finding was that higher income was associated with higher levels of loneliness in the caregivers. Implications for practice are discussed and recommendations for future research are suggested.
Diet compliance of home care clients with diabetes mellitus
Beemer, Abigail M. (Virginia Tech, 1993-06-06)
Home health services are increasing for elderly individuals diagnosed with chronic diseases which are often treated by diet modification. This study was undertaken to evaluate the diabetic homebound client's understanding of and compliance to his/her prescribed diet. An interviewer assisted modified food frequency and food habit questionnaire was completed by 20 male and 28 female home care clients, ranging in age from 51 to 91 years. Living in a metropolitan area, these respondents met the Medicare definition of homebound and were diagnosed with diabetes mellitus. Computer driven dietary analysis was completed from questionnaire responses to estimate the food and nutrient intake of the home care clients. Calculated food intake was compared to physician diet orders taken from the home care medical record and to respondents' verbalization of their diet orders. This comparison was based on the composite diet and the components of energy, sodium, and cholesterol or fat. These findings were evaluated according to sex, age, length of time respondent had been diagnosed as diabetic, and a vulnerability index based on living situation using Chi square methods.
The effect of a comprehensive weight reduction program on blood variables, body composition, and nutrient intake in obese black women
Peccatiello, Kathy Louise (Virginia Tech, 1987-08-05)
The effect of comprehensive weight reduction program on selected blood parameters, body composition, and nutrient intake was investigated in 56 obese black women, 22 to 51 years old. Subjects attended nutrition and behavior modification classes once per week for 3 months. Twenty subjects participated in a low impact aerobics programs 3 times per week for 3 months. A 3.8 kg average weight loss was observed. A 2.6% significant reduction in body fat (BF) was observed in the exercise group. Total cholesterol (TC) and low-density lipoprotein-cholesterol (LDL-C) fell significantly from 198 to 175 mg/dL, and 130 to 109 mg/dL, respectively, in the exercise group. High density lipo-protein2-cholesterol (HDL2-C) was lowered significantly from 24 to 17 mg/dL in the non-exercise group. Triglycerides, HDL-C, TC/HDL-C ration, glucose, thyroxin, and insulin values were not significantly altered. Significant reductions in protein, fat, and cholesterol intake were reported. A comprehensive weight loss treatment promoted gradual weight loss, changes in body composition and food intake patterns, and significantly altered some blood lipid levels in obese black females.
The effect of a zinc deficiency and alcohol intake during gestation in the rat
Reynolds, Kathryn A. (Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, 1987)
The effect of alcohol and/or zinc deficiency was evaluated in seven groups of pregnant rats and their pups. Females which had been acclimated to alcohol before breeding were fed liquid alcohol diets with either 14 or 0.1 ppm Zn. Comparisons were made with animals pair fed isocaloric liquid carbohydrate diets with the same Zn levels. Other comparisons were made by pair feeding a high zinc diet to a low zinc diet, and by feeding a high zinc diet ad lib. A reduced food intake and Zn deficiency affected maternal status by decreasing weight gain, liver Zn and plasma Zn concentration. Litter size, litter weight, and fetal liver and brain weight were decreased only in the alcohol zinc deficient group compared to adequately fed controls. The concentration and total quantity of fetal liver Zn were decreased due to a Zn deficiency. The combination of Zn deficiency and alcohol decreased only total Zn in fetal brain. The concentrations of protein, DNA, and RNA in fetal liver and brain were similar regardless of dietary treatment. The quantities of protein, DNA, and RNA were decreased in fetal liver due to Zn deficiency. ln fetal brain, only the combination of alcohol and Zn deficiency decreased total protein and RNA, while DNA was not affected. Although alcohol by itself had no effect on the above variables, its combination with a Zn deficiency did. In addition, there were 58 resorptions and 15 malformations seen in Zn deficient alcoholic dams compared with no more than 15 and 2, respectively, in any of the other groups. Teratogenesis caused by a Zn deficiency was increased with alcohol consumption.
The effect of boron supplementation on bone mineral density and hormonal status in college female athletes
Volpe, Stella L. (Virginia Tech, 1991)
Twenty-eight college female volunteers, 18 to 24 years of age, were studied to determine their bone mineral density and hormonal status following 10 months of supplementation with boron. Seventeen of the subjects were college athletes (A) who participated in either varsity basketball, tennis, track, triathlons, or volleyball. Eleven eumenorrheic subjects were placed in the sedentary group (S). All athletes were eumenorrheic, except for two, who were amenorrheic. The subjects were randomly assigned to either a placebo (cornstarch) or 3 mg of Tri-Boron (TWin Labs, Ronkonkoma, NY) per day. The study was single blind; the placebo and boron supplements were identical in appearance. The subjects' maximal oxygen consumption (V02max ) was assessed at month 0 only, in order to compare the athletes' aerobic capacity to that of the sedentary group. Subjects were measured at time 0 and 10 months for the following: average daily food intake, bone mineral density, plasma 1,2 5-dihydroxyvi tamin D3 , and plasma alkaline phosphatase. The following parameters were determined at 0, 6, and 10 months: serum 17-Beta estradiol progesterone, and testosterone, and percent body fat, and body weight. The athletes had a significantly greater V02MX (p < 0.05) than the sedentary group. There were no differences between the A and the S groups' food intake as measured in kcals, protein, fat, carbohydrate and fiber content. Although average body weight did not differ between activity groups, the athletes had a significantly lower (p < 0.05) percent body fat than the sedentary group. The athletes showed a slight increase in bone mineral density, whereas the sedentary group showed a slight decrease. The difference between these changes was significant (p < 0.05) between the activity groups. Furthermore, the athletes showed a slight increase in plasma 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3 , while the sedentary group showed a decrease in this measure; the difference between these changes also proved to be significant (p < 0.05) between activity groups. There were no significant differences in plasma alkaline phosphatase values. Serum 17-B estradiol and testosterone values exhibited a significant (p < 0.05) increase for all groups combined at 6 months. There were no significant changes observed in serum progesterone. Although significant changes were observed in some of the variables measured, none of the changes were a result of the boron supplementation.
The effect of different sources of dietary fiber on the plasma total and lipoprotein cholesterol, liver cholesterol, fecal neutral steroid excretion and histology of major organ tissues in hamsters
Jonnalagadda, Satya Srivathsa (Virginia Tech, 1992-05-05)
The effect of diets with various dietary fiber sources on the plasma lipids, liver cholesterol, the histology of the gastrointestinal tract, heart, liver and kidney and the fecal neutral steroid excretion was investigated in hamsters. 155, 9-11 wk old, male Golden-syrian hamsters were fed a purified basal hypercholesterolemic diet (0.1% cholesterol, 10% fat, 4% dietary fiber) for 5 wk to elevate plasma lipid levels. Based on wk 4 plasma total cholesterol (TC) levels hamsters with elevated levels were randomly assigned, 16 animals/group, into six groups for another 4 wk: control, oat bran, guar gum, cellulose, xylan and sacrifice. After 4 wk of the fiber diets (10% dietary fiber), the plasma TC levels were significantly lowered in the oat bran, guar gum and xylan groups (16%, 12% and 15%, respectively) (p<.05). They were also significantly lower than the control and cellulose groups. Plasma HDL-C concentrations tended to be lower in all the treatment groups, but was significantly decreased only in the guar gum group (12%) (p<.05). The combined plasma VLDL-C + LDL-C was significantly lowered by the oat bran, cellulose and xylan diets (38%, 40% and 34%, respectively) (p<.05). The liver cholesterol concentration increased significantly from 1 mg cholesterol/g liver to 4.1 mg cholesterol/g liver (p<.05) after 4 wk of the control diet; this was further increased significantly only in the cellulose group (5.6 mg cholesterol/g liver), while the other treatment groups showed no significant changes or differences compared to the control diet group (wk 4). The total fecal neutral steroid excretion was significantly (p<.05) higher in the oat bran group compared to the other treatment groups. No major differences were observed in the tissue histology of the animals in the different treatment groups. In the present study, it appeared that oat bran, guar gum and xylan were effective hypocholesterolemic agents; however, their mechanism of action is still not clear.
The effect of exercise and fish oil supplements on the blood lipid levels of the hamster
Kennel, Phyllis D. (Virginia Tech, 1989-07-05)
The effect of aerobic exercise and fish oil supplements on plasma lipid parameters was investigated in the hamster. The hamsters were fed a basal hypercholesterolemic purified diet (0.1% cholesterol, 15% fat) to elicit an elevated lipid response. Fifty-six hypercholesterolemic hamsters were divided into four groups: control, swimming (trained up to one hour every other day), daily fish oil supplementation (.35g/kg/day omega-3), and a swimming/fish oil combination. The effect of these treatments on plasma TC, TG and pooled samples of plasma HDL-C, HDL2â C, LDL-C and VLDL-C was studied over 12 weeks. All hamsters had a significant increase in body weight. Feed intakes increased at 6 weeks and then declined over the second 6 weeks, but remained above the beginning levels.
Effect of nutrition counseling on maternal nutritional performance, birth outcome and choice of infant feeding in pregnant teenagers
Natarajan, Padma (Virginia Tech, 1989-11-05)
This study investigated the influence of nutrition education services, measured by duration of participation and frequency of nutrition counseling, on maternal nutritional performance, and pregnancy outcome, in 100 pregnant teenagers enrolled in the WIC program in North Carolina. Data on prenatal weight gain, rate of weekly weight gain, gestational duration and birth weight of infants born to these teenagers was retrieved from medical records. Twenty-four hour recalls, conducted before and after counseling, were analyzed. for energy and nutrient content. Results indicated that initiation of prenatal care by trimester was earlier, and duration of participation was longer, than was reported in the literature. Mean weight gain and gestational lengths were found to be comparable to results from studies on similar populations. Rate of weekly gain was significantly higher than that recommended for adult pregnant women. Energy, protein and iron intakes showed significant improvement after counseling, and, were comparable to RDA values. However, calcium intake was found to be significantly lower than the RDA. Mean infant birth weight was found to be 47.2 gm heavier than the state average; this was not statistically significant. Although a strong correlation. between counseling and. pregnancy outcome was not evident, the incidence of low birth weight was substantially lower in this population, especially among the subgroup of black infants. A decreased incidence of poor outcome of pregnancy among underweight gravidas, was also indicative of the influence of nutrition education on this high risk group. Nutrition intervention appears to have been indirectly influential in optimizing fetal outcome through improved maternal weight gain, and an extended gestation. In addition, early and appropriate prenatal care measures, probably helped reduce the race specific, risk differential for adverse outcomes. The results from this study also indicated that a very small percentage of teens chose to breast feed. Further studies are, however, recommended to identify predictors of the feeding choice, to help increase incidence of breast feeding among teens.
The effectiveness of computer-aided feedback on nutrition-related practices of EFNEP homemakers
Bowens, Juanita (Virginia Tech, 1993-04-12)
A Food Behavior Checklist (FBC) was developed, validated, and pilot-tested with homemakers in Virginia's Expanded Food and Nutrition Education Program (EFNEP). The FBC was designed to measure nutrition-related practices that are taught in EFNEP, but cannot be measured by the 24-hour recall. During development, 20 EFNEP paraprofessionals in Virginia and 20 randomly selected state EFNEP coordinators helped to identify items that are most important in evaluating the overall effectiveness of EFNEP, and which could be used to establish content, face, and construct validity of a behavior assessment instrument. The Food Behavior Checklist contained 30 items, and responses were recorded on a Likert scale with four response levels: 0 = "never or seldom", 1 = "sometimes",2 = "usually", and 3 = "almost always". Cronbach-alpha revealed a reliability coefficient of 0.86. During the field test phase of this study, the FBC was used before and after EFNEP intervention to collect data on the nutrition-related practices of 147 low-income homemakers in three rural counties and one urban area in Virginia. In this phase, the experimental group, which consisted of 79 homemakers, received computer-aided feedback on their dietary practices, via a Diagnostic Report, which was used as a teaching tool. Paraprofessionals thoroughly explained the content of the diagnostic report to the homemaker at program entry and program exit. The control group, which consisted of 68 homemakers, did not receive computer-aided feedback on their dietary intakes, in that no mention was made of the computer print out to them. Results indicated that this instrument (FBC) may be useful in evaluating the overall effectiveness of EFNEP nationwide and may be useful in other nutrition programs. No significant differences were observed in the nutrient intake or Food Behavior Checklist practice change scores between the group who received computer-aided feedback and the group who did not received computer-aided feedback. The author concluded that the dietary analysis contained in the computer generated Diagnostic Report needs to be simplified if it is to become an effective tool with EFNEP homemakers. More research is needed on the use of computerized diet analysis as a teaching tool with low-income homemakers.
The effects of a walking program on aerobic fitness, riboflavin and thiamin status, and birth outcome in pregnant women taking vitamin-mineral supplements
Lewis, Richard D. (Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, 1986)
The effects of an aerobic walking program, from 22 to 30 wk gestation, on aerobic fitness, riboflavin and thiamin status, and birth outcome were studied in 28 healthy, pregnant women, 24-36 yr of age, receiving vitamin-mineral supplements. Aerobic capacity was evaluated by measurements of heart rate (HR) and relative oxygen consumption (VO₂, ml/kg/min) during two submaximal treadmill walking tests (22 and 30 wk). HR responses were significantly lower for walking subjects (W; n=l8) compared to nonwalking (NW; n=l0) at two (~2.9 METS) and four (~3.8 METS) min, and near significant at six (~4.6 METS) min of the 30 wk tests. HR at two min of exercise for NW subjects increased significantly from 22 to 30 wk. Oxygen consumption for W decreased significantly from 22 to 30 wk at two, four, and six min of exercise. Comparison of VO₂ changes (22 to 30 wk) between W and NW indicated a significant difference at six min and near significance at four min. Riboflavin and thiamin status, as determined by erythrocyte glutathione and transketolase activity coefficients, was adequate for 86% of the subjects with respect to riboflavin and 96% for thiamin. There was a significant correlation (r = 0.58) between aerobic activity scores and ETKAC values (W group). Participation in a walking program slightly improved aerobic capacity without affecting birth outcome or riboflavin and thiamin status in pregnant women taking vitamin-mineral supplements.
The effects of boron supplementation on bone mineral density, blood and urinary calcium, magnesium, phosphorous and urinary boron in female athletes
Darnton, Susan Meacham (Virginia Tech, 1991-09-20)
The effects of boron supplementation on blood and urinary minerals were studied in 17 female college athletes and 11 sedentary college control subjects. The subjects were similar in age (19.8 ± 1.4 and 20.3 ± 1.1 years for athletes and sedentary groups, respectively) and weight (61.8 ± 9.1 and 59.6 ± 10.5 kgs for athletes and sedentary groups, respectively). The athletic subjects had lower percent body fat averages (20.6 ± 5.6 and 25.8 ± 6.5 %, respectively, (p < 0.05)) and higher aerobic capacities (2.9 ± 0.5 and 2.1 ± 0.4 L O₂*min₋₁, respectively, (p < 0.05) than sedentary controls. No differences in dietary intake were observed. Serum phosphorus levels were lower in boron supplemented subjects than in subjects receiving placebos (p < 0.05) and were lower during final analysis than during baseline analysis. A group-supplement interaction was noted with serum phosphorus also (p < 0.05). In the sedentary group, boron supplementation lowered serum phosphorus and placebo supplementation elevated serum phosphorus. In the athletic group, no changes in serum phosphorus were observed due to supplementation. Serum magnesium was greatest in the sedentary controls supplemented with boron and increased with time in all subjects (p < 0.05). Again, a group-supplement interaction was observed with serum magnesium; exercise in boron supplemented subjects lowered serum magnesium (p < 0.05). In all subjects, calcium excretion increased over time (p < 0.05) and in boron supplemented subjects boron excretion increased over time (p < 0.05). In conclusion, boron supplementation affected serum phosphorus and magnesium and the excretion of boron in the urine. The significance of these findings in relation to overall mineral status, bone mineral density, and exercise in college female athletes needs further investigation. It is possible that increasing the intake of foods high in boron may be found to be beneficial in the treatment and/or prevention of metabolic bone disorders such as those related to excessive exercise.
The effects of exercise on iron metabolism in adult female rats
Gagne, Christine Mona (Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, 1985)
The effects of exercise training and iron intake on iron metabolism in adult female rats were investigated. Adult female Sprague-Dawley rats were assigned to either an exercise (E) or sedentary (S) group and fed either a diet containing 9 ppm (9) of dietary iron (low iron level), or 40 ppm (40) of iron (a level slightly above the National Research Council recommendations). The exercise animals were subjected to a program of swimming, 5 days/week, over a 6- week period. Total food intake and final body weight were similar between the E and S groups. In both 40-E and 9-E animals, concentration of serum iron was significantly (P<0.05) lower while total iron binding capacity was significantly elevated, when compared to sedentary counterparts. Saturation of transferrin was significantly reduced in the 9-E group. Liver and spleen weights did not differ but significant increases in cardiac weights were noted in both E groups. Gastrocnemius muscle weights were similar in both E groups and 9-S, but significantly lower in the 40-S group. In organ tissues, liver iron concentration was significantly reduced in the 9-E animals, while spleen iron level was highest in the 40-E group. Cardiac iron concentration was significantly reduced in both E and low iron diet groups while levels of iron in gastrocnemius muscle did not differ among experimental groups. In both groups of exercised rats, bone marrow iron was significantly lower when compared to sedentary animals. In response to exercise training, an increase in skeletal muscle citrate synthase activity was observed in both E groups. This study suggests that exercise affects various parameters of iron metabolism. Regardless of iron intake, physical training appeared to alter distribution of iron stores, that may be associated with alterations of hematological iron transport and iron-containing proteins. The Combination of a low iron intake and intense exercise training appeared to enhance early characteristics of a latent iron deficiency.
An exploratory analysis of the restaurant dining patterns of older adults
Logsdon, Kathleen Petty (Virginia Tech, 1991-12-05)
The main objective of this study was to describe the restaurant dining patterns of a representative random sample of adults 65 years of age and older and to evaluate the impact that their health concerns and special diets have on their restaurant dining patterns. In addition, the specific features of food service products and services that are important to aged individuals when selecting a restaurant were examined. The phrase 'dining patterns' refers to both food intake (the specific foods consumed) and individual consumption patterns (time, frequency, location of meals, and dining companions). Four different measures were used to quantify food intake: (1) entree items most often selected; (2) preferred method of preparation; (3) frequency of dessert purchases; and (4) type of dessert most often selected. Consumption patterns were quantified as: (1) type of restaurant patronized for each meal period; (2) frequency of restaurant visits per meal period; (3) dollar value of purchases per meal period; and (4) restaurant dining companions. A mail survey of 1000 adults age 65 and older, was conducted in order to obtain information about the restaurant menu selections and consumption patterns of aged individuals living in the Commonwealth of Virginia.
Fashions for slimming. Lesson 9
Taper, L. Janette; Brown, Amelia G. (Virginia Cooperative Extension Service, 1983-04)
Discusses how certain lines in clothing can improve your figure, and how to select clothes that have a slenderizing affect.
Food faddism - nutrition nonsense and sense
Taper, L. Janette (Virginia Cooperative Extension Service, 1981-10)
Discusses several areas of food faddism and enables the reader to make responsible choices when confronted with so much the sensational or controversial concerning nutrition habits.
Food for the preschooler. Lesson 1, Growth of the preschool child
Barton, Jo Anne; Hertzler, Ann A.; Taper, L. Janette (Virginia Cooperative Extension, 1992)
Discusses the growth of preschoolers and how diet and nutrition affect their growth.

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