Department of Human Nutrition and Hospitality Management
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Item Extraction of Oil from Selected Oilseeds and Flours: A Comparison of Solvents(University of Alabama Libraries, 1988) Granata, Gary Paul; University of Alabama TuscaloosaThis investigation was undertaken to compare the amount of oil extracted by hexane, pentane, petroleum ether, and diethyl ether from various oilseeds and flours in an effort to harmonize oil analysis among interested analytical organizations around the world. If one fat solvent were to be agreed upon by the previously mentioned organizations, trade among nations of the world, with respect to oil content of oilseeds, could be enhanced and greatly facilitated. Data provided by this investigation will be used as the basis for uniform selection of a solvent by these analytical organizations.Item An assessment of associations between functional ability, nutrition, and dentition in homebound older adults(University of Alabama Libraries, 2010) DeSalvo, Denise M.; Lawrence, Jeannine C.; University of Alabama TuscaloosaThe relationship between nutrition, oral health, and functional ability has not been well investigated. The purpose of this research was to examine the associations between functional ability, dentition status, and the intake of specific dietary components in a group of homebound older adults. This cross-sectional study was a secondary analysis of data from a longitudinal study investigating causes of under eating in homebound older adults. Descriptive statistics, correlation and linear regression analyses were conducted. Participants' baseline physical function summary score, a proxy measure for functional ability, was the dependent variable. Mean dietary intakes of energy, protein, calcium, phosphorus, vitamin C, vitamin D, vitamin K, and the mean oral health index summary score were the independent variables. Average age of the 230 participants was 79.1 ± 8.6 years. The study population was 79% female, 62% Caucasian, and 38% African American. Statistical analysis revealed that physical function was significantly (p < .05) correlated with participants' oral health score and vitamin K intake. The oral health score was a single number representing an assessment of multiple factors including chewing, swallowing, pain, dry mouth, denture use, and number of remaining natural teeth. A lower oral health summary score was indicative of better overall oral health. Therefore, the negative association between the physical function score and oral health score meant that as physical function improved oral health improved and vice versa. The oral health score and vitamin K intake were also the only variables to significantly predict physical function in the final linear regression. These results provide interesting insight into the impact of nutrition and dentition on homebound older adult functional ability and offer guidance for future research. This study highlights a need for additional research especially in the homebound segment of the older adult population to better understand the scope of their needs. There is also a need for consistency in defining, measuring, and researching older adult functional ability. Finally, future research must be carefully designed to provide useful results that address homebound older adult nutritional, dental, and functional needs, and their quality of life.Item The monetary impact of grocery tax in Alabama on fruit and vegetable purchases in a variety of demographics(University of Alabama Libraries, 2011) Dunn, Caroline Glagola; Knol, Linda L.; University of Alabama TuscaloosaFruits and vegetables are important to a healthy diet, decreasing risk for chronic disease and reducing obesity. However, consumption of fruits and vegetables is low nationally and in Alabama. A commonly listed barrier to adequate consumption is high cost of these items. In addition to cost, the $0.04 Alabama sales tax increases cost of these items for individuals and households. To determine financial impact of taxes, prices for popular fruit and vegetable items were gathered from 43 retail outlets in the highest and lowest poverty counties of 11 Alabama public health regions. Average prices were computed for items and an average was calculated for all fruits ($0.69) and vegetables ($0.68). This data was used to calculate cost and tax cost for individuals in all age-gender groups set out by the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) to consume adequate servings of fruits and vegetables annually, which varied for by group. This was combined with 2010 US Census for Alabama data to estimate the possible $215,494,732.16 that could be generated if each Alabama citizen purchased adequate amounts of fruits and vegetables annually. The possible fruit or vegetable servings each individual could consume with the amount of money they pay in tax for these goods were also determined. For individuals and households, especially low-income individuals and households, these additional tax costs could serve as a barrier to adequate consumption. Alabama could be the first state to implement a targeted tax reduction to examine the impact of price reduction on fruit and vegetable consumption.Item The influence of body mass index (BMI) on the protein needs of critically ill patients as evidenced by urinary urea nitrogen (UUN)(University of Alabama Libraries, 2011) McMahon, Shannon Elizabeth; Lawrence, Jeannine C.; University of Alabama TuscaloosaRecommendations for protein needs in critically ill obese individuals are controversial and insufficiently researched. Current guidelines suggest protein needs for the critically ill obese be calculated with predictive equations that are based on energy needs data and incorporate accepted body weight adjustment calculations. There are no known studies that evaluate the alterations in protein needs based on body mass index in acute care patients. The purpose of this study was to investigate the relationship between BMI and dietary protein needs as measured by 24- hour urinary urea nitrogen (UUN) test to determine if body weight was significantly associated with measured protein needs. The relationship between measured protein needs and estimated protein needs in obese individuals using ideal body weight (IBW) or adjusted body weight (ABW) calculations was also examined. A retrospective chart review of 150 Veteran Affairs Medical Center patients who had a 24- hour UUN test during a previous admission in the last 5 years was conducted. Exclusion criteria included: less than 19 or greater than 85 years of age, patients receiving hemodialysis, a diagnosis of a gastrointestinal bleed or hepatic encephalopathy at time of urine collection, or insufficient urine volume collection. IBW was calculated using the Hamwi formula and ABW was calculated using the Amato formula. All statistical tests were two-tailed and performed using a significance level of 0.05 using SAS 9.2. Participants were 82 European Americans and 62 African Americans with a mean age 62 (±10.0) years and a mean BMI 26.9 (±7.7) kg/m². Subjects had a mean of UUN 96 (±35.4) gram of protein. In the total group, body weight was significantly (p=0.0012) associated with measured protein needs. In obese patients estimated protein needs based on either IBW or ABW calculations were significantly (p<0.0001) different from measured protein needs. The results of this study suggest that protein needs for critically ill patients are associated with actual body weight. Additionally, predicting protein needs in the obese, critically ill patient using IBW or ABW for may not be appropriate. In this population, protein requirements should be measured rather than estimated using predictive equations.Item Fabrication of kappa-Carrageenan Fibers by Wet Spinning: Spinning Parameters(MDPI, 2011-10-11) Kong, Lingyan; Ziegler, Gregory R.; Pennsylvania Commonwealth System of Higher Education (PCSHE); Pennsylvania State University; Pennsylvania State University - University Park; University of Alabama TuscaloosaThis study demonstrates the fabrication of kappa-carrageenan fibers by a wet-spinning method and discusses three important spinning parameters: coagulation bath composition, spinning rate and post-spinning mechanical drawing. The as-spun fiber diameter decreased with KCl and ethanol concentration in the coagulation bath. In general, the ultimate tensile stress and elongation at break both increased for KCl concentration from 0.1 to 0.5 M with and without ethanol, with no significant change above 0.5 M. Spinning rate affected the dope flow and thus the polymer orientation (apparent viscosity) and fiber morphology. At spinning rates between 0.25 mL/min and 0.33 mL/min, the fiber diameter reached a minimum and the fiber surface was smooth. Both an increase and decrease from this spinning rate range increased the fiber diameter and roughness of the fiber surface. Post-spinning drawing of the fiber resulted in even smaller fiber diameter.Item Melatonin pharmacokinetics following two different oral surge-sustained release doses in older adults(Wiley-Blackwell, 2012) Gooneratne, Nalaka S.; Edwards, Alena Y. Z.; Zhou, Chen; Cuellar, Norma; Grandner, Michael A.; Barrett, Jeffrey S.; University of Pennsylvania; Pennsylvania Medicine; Childrens Hospital of Philadelphia; University of Alabama TuscaloosaMelatonin is increasingly used for the treatment of sleep disorders. Surge-sustained formulations consisting of combined immediate release and controlled release dosing may mimic the endogenous melatonin physiologic profile. However, relatively little is known about the pharmacokinetic properties of low-dose (<0.5 mg) and high-dose (>2 mg) melatonin in a combined immediate release/controlled release dose, especially in older adults who may also exhibit altered melatonin disposition. To assess this, we conducted a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study of low-dose (0.4 mg) and high-dose (4.0 mg) melatonin (25% immediate release + 75% controlled release) in 27 older adults with insomnia complaints and low endogenous melatonin levels to determine whether melatonin pharmacokinetic properties differ between these two doses. The time to maximum level (1.3 hrs versus 1.5 hrs), elimination half-life (1.8 hrs versus 2.1 hrs), and apparent total clearance (379 L/hr versus 478 L/hr) did not differ significantly between the low- and high-dose arms, respectively. The maximum concentration was 405 +/- 93 pg/mL for the low-dose arm and 3999 +/- 700 pg/mL for the high-dose arm, both of which are substantially higher than physiologic melatonin levels for this age group. In addition, subjects in the high-dose arm maintained melatonin levels >50 pg/mL for an average of 10 hrs, which could result in elevated melatonin levels beyond the typical sleep period. Renal and liver function parameters remained stable after 6 wks of treatment. The linear pharmacokinetic behavior of melatonin observed in the elderly can form the basis for future studies exploring a wider range of dosing scenarios to establish exposureresponse relationships for melatonin-mediated sleep outcomes.Item Role of Molecular Entanglements in Starch Fiber Formation by Electrospinning(American Chemical Society, 2012-06-18) Kong, Lingyan; Ziegler, Gregory R.; Pennsylvania Commonwealth System of Higher Education (PCSHE); Pennsylvania State University; Pennsylvania State University - University Park; University of Alabama TuscaloosaWe have demonstrated a method of fabricating pure starch fibers with an average diameter in the order of micrometers. In the present study, correlation between the rheological properties of starch dispersions and the electro-spinnability was attempted via the extrapolation of the critical entanglement concentration, which is the boundary between the semidilute unentangled regime and the semidilute entangled regime. Dispersions of high amylose starch containing nominally 80% amylose (Gelose 80) required 1.2-2.7 times the entanglement concentration for effective electrospinning. Besides starch concentration, molecular conformation, and shear viscosity were also of importance in determining the electrospinnability. The rheological properties and electrospinnability of different starches were studied. Hylon VII and Hylon V starches, containing nominally 70 and 50% amylose, respectively, required concentrations of 1.9 and 3.7 times their entanglement concentrations for electrospinning. Only poor fibers were obtained from mung bean starch, which contains about 35% amylose, while starches with even lower amylose contents could not be electrospun.Item Sensory testing of protein-enhanced soups among older adults(University of Alabama Libraries, 2013) Donahue, Elizabeth; Crowe-White, Kristi M.; Lawrence, Jeannine C.; University of Alabama TuscaloosaPreference and acceptability of protein-enhanced soups among an older adult population has not been well investigated. The purpose of this research was to examine the sensory attributes of aroma, texture, taste, overall acceptability, and preference of protein-enhanced soups (TRIO® Chicken Noodle and TRIO® Cheddar Broccoli) compared to flavor-matched institutional equivalents among older adults living in assisted living facilities. Sensory attributes were evaluated using sensory questionnaires with a modified paired preference test and 5-point facial hedonic scale. Results are based on data collected through sensory questionnaires completed by forty-four older adults in assisted living facilities in Jefferson and Tuscaloosa counties. Data was subjected to descriptive statistics, multivariable linear regression, independent t tests, and paired t tests for the purpose of determining acceptability and preference of tested soups. The sample was comprised of 32 women and 12 men of an average age of 81.4 ± 8.0 years. Approximately 75% of the population were self-reported Caucasians, 20.4% were African American, and 4.5% were from other ethnic groups. No significant differences (P>.05) were noted between either of the TRIO® soups compared to its flavor-matched control soup for any of the sensory attributes evaluated. Statistically significant gender-specific differences were present for the acceptability (P=.009) of TRIO® Chicken Noodle as well as statistically significant age-related differences in aroma (P=.045), texture (P=.049), taste (P=.006), and acceptability (P=.0009) scores for the control chicken noodle. For TRIO® Cheddar Broccoli, statistically significant gender-specific differences were present for texture (P=0.009) and significant age-specific differences were found for both taste (P=.03) and acceptability (P=.03). Although no significant differences in preference were found between either protein-enhanced soup and its flavor-matched control, the majority of participants (61.36%) preferred TRIO® Chicken Noodle Soup over the control. In contrast, only 38.63% of participants preferred the TRIO® Cheddar Broccoli Soup product over the control. Although preference was greater for the control cheddar broccoli soup, it is important to emphasize that no significant differences (P>.05) existed between the two cheddar broccoli soups for any sensory attribute evaluated. Results of this research suggest that the TRIO® Chicken Noodle product was well accepted and preferred by older adults. Thus, the use of this product may assist in optimizing nutritional status of older adults by assisting with protein consumption. This study highlights the need for future research to examine if protein-enhanced soup products succeed in increasing protein intake among older adults.Item A Randomized Controlled Trial of a Theoretically-Based Behavioral Nutrition Intervention for Community Elders: Lessons Learned from the Behavioral Nutrition Intervention for Community Elders Study(Elsevier, 2013) Locher, Julie L.; Vickers, Kristin S.; Buys, David R.; Ellis, Amy; Lawrence, Jeannine C.; Newton, Laura Elizabeth; Roth, David L.; Ritchie, Christine S.; Bales, Connie W.; University of Alabama Birmingham; Mayo Clinic; University of Alabama Tuscaloosa; Johns Hopkins University; University of California San Francisco; Duke UniversityOlder adults with multiple comorbidities are often undernourished or at high risk for becoming so, especially after a recent hospitalization. Randomized controlled trials of effective, innovative interventions are needed to support evidence-based approaches for solving nutritional problems in this population. Self-management approaches where participants select their own behavioral goals can enhance success of interventions. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the feasibility and efficacy of a multilevel self-management intervention to improve nutritional status in a group of high-risk older adults. The Behavioral Nutrition Intervention for Community Elders (B-NICE) trial used a prospective randomized controlled design to determine whether the intervention, compared to standard care, maintained or increased caloric intake (depending on baseline body mass index) and, consequently, stabilized or increased body weight. Participants were 34 Medicare-eligible, age 65 years old or older, homebound adults who were consuming insufficient calories and/or had a history of weight loss >= 2.5% over 6 months. The, intervention took place within participants' homes. Outcome measures, including energy intake (based on collection of three 24-hour dietary recalls) and body weights were assessed at baseline and at 60 days post randomization. The primary analyses included analyses of covariance and Pearson's chi(2). We hypothesized that the intervention would result in increased caloric intake and weight gain in underweight older adults and increased or stabilized caloric intake and weight for everyone else. The intervention was feasible: however, it did not result in differences between groups for desired outcomes of either caloric intake or body weight. Future interventions might either deliberately involve caregivers or reduce burden for both patients and caregivers.Item Fabrication of kappa-carrageenan fibers by wet spinning: Addition of iota-carrageenan(Elsevier, 2013-01) Kong, Lingyan; Ziegler, Gregory R.; Pennsylvania Commonwealth System of Higher Education (PCSHE); Pennsylvania State University; Pennsylvania State University - University Park; University of Alabama TuscaloosaTaking advantage of the gelation process of kappa-carrageenan, we have developed a wet-spinning process to fabricate micro-scale fibers from kappa-carrageenan. Effects of three important spinning parameters, i.e. coagulation bath composition, spinning rate and post-spinning mechanical drawing, on fiber morphological and tensile properties have been discussed. In the present report, we studied the addition of iota-carrageenan on thermal and rheological properties of the bicomponent gels and the fibers spun from them. It was found that kappa- and iota-carrageenan underwent phase separation in the bicomponent gel. Upon addition of i-carrageenan, the diameter and compliance of the blend fiber was increased. (C) 2012 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.Item Quantitative relationship between electrospinning parameters and starch fiber diameter(Elsevier, 2013-02-15) Kong, Lingyan; Ziegler, Gregory R.; Pennsylvania Commonwealth System of Higher Education (PCSHE); Pennsylvania State University; Pennsylvania State University - University Park; University of Alabama TuscaloosaThe diameter of the starch fibers produced by electrospinning is a key parameter for most potential applications. In this study, a quantitative relationship between fiber diameter and certain electrospinning parameters, i.e. starch concentration, applied voltage, spinning distance and feed rate, was established by empirical modeling using a fractional factorial experimental design in a constrained region. Response surface methodology was employed to analyze the interactions of the electrospinning parameters and predict the direction to minimize and maximize the fiber diameters. (C) 2012 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.Item Sensory comparison of low-protein recipes with glycomacropeptide-containing BetterMilk and liquid non-dairy coffee creamer among adults with phenylketonuria(University of Alabama Libraries, 2014) Foster, Amelia L.; Crowe-White, Kristi M.; University of Alabama TuscaloosaPhenylketonuria (PKU) results from deficiency of phenylalanine hydroxylase enzyme which is responsible for converting the essential amino acid phenylalanine to the non-essential amino acid tyrosine. PKU is treated with a low-protein diet and medical food/ formula providing supplemental protein without excess phenylalanine. Naturally phenylalanine-free, Glycomacropeptide (GMP) used in PKU medical foods/ formulas contains four essential amino acids and is fortified with methionine, leucine, histidine, tryptophan, and tyrosine to provide a near complete protein. Although sensory research has been conducted on GMP-based foods, sensory evaluation of commonly utilized low-protein recipes substituted with GMP-based formulas is undocumented. Such research is critical to development of appealing means for formula consumption. Study objectives were to compare sensory attributes (taste, aroma, texture, and overall acceptability) and preferences for low-protein cream of tomato soup, lemon pudding, and vanilla ice cream containing either a GMP-based formula or unflavored liquid non-dairy coffee creamer as the primary liquid ingredient and to solicit medical formula/food procurement information among adults with PKU. Data were subjected to paired t-tests with the Bonferroni correction (p< 0.0125) and analysis of variance. Thirty-one adults (80% female, 93% white) completed the study. Significantly higher scores (p<0.01) were reported for aroma, taste, and overall acceptability of the control soup and for all four sensory attributes of the control pudding. Control ice cream was ranked significantly higher (p<0.01) in taste and overall acceptability. No significant differences existed among scores of the four sensory attributes within each control or experimental recipe. Control samples were preferred over experimental samples for all recipes. Experimental samples for each recipe were on average scored in the "like" range. Only 23% of the sample reported they frequently consume medical foods, while equal numbers of participants reported they were/were not interested in using a medical food in preparation of low-protein recipes. These data may partially explain why control samples were preferred. Additionally, lower sensory scores for taste and aroma of the experimental soup, pudding, and ice cream may be attributed to the probiotics and docosahexaenoic acid within the GMP-based formula as both of these functional ingredients are capable of imparting strong flavors and aromas to foods. Additional research is needed to investigate the use of GMP-based formulas without added functional ingredients and isolated GMP, not GMP-based formulas, in low-protein recipes in order to expand dietary offerings for individuals with PKU.Item Cardiorespiratory fitness in older adult women: relationships with serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D(Humana Press, 2014) Ellis, Amy C.; Alvarez, Jessica A.; Gower, Barbara A.; Hunter, Gary R.; University of Alabama Tuscaloosa; Emory University; University of Alabama BirminghamPrevious studies suggest that circulating 25(OH)D may favorably influence cardiorespiratory fitness and fat oxidation. However, these relationships have not been examined in older adult women of different ethnic groups. The objectives of this study were to determine whether serum 25(OH)D is related to cardiovascular fitness (VO(2)max) in sedentary women ages a parts per thousand yen60 years and to determine whether these associations differ between African Americans (AA) and European Americans (EA). A secondary aim was to determine whether serum 25(OH)D is correlated with respiratory quotient (RQ) during submaximal exercise. This cross-sectional analysis included 67 AA and EA women ages 60-74 years. VO(2)max was measured by a modified Bruce graded treadmill protocol, and measurements were adjusted for percent fat and lean body mass assessed by air displacement plethysmography. Indirect calorimetry was used to measure RQ at rest and during four submaximal exercise tests. Fasting blood samples were obtained to quantify serum 25(OH)D. Serum 25(OH)D was associated with VO(2)max (ml/kg LBM/min) independent of percent body fat (r = 0.316, p = 0.010). However, subgroup analysis revealed that this relationship was specific to AA (r = 0.727, p = 0.005 for AA; r = 0.064, p = 0.643 for EA). In all subjects combined, 25(OH)D was inversely correlated (p < 0.01) with all measures of submaximal RQ. Higher serum 25(OH)D was associated with greater cardiorespiratory fitness in older adult AA women. Among both AA and EA, inverse associations between serum 25(OH)D and RQ suggest that women with higher levels of circulating vitamin D also demonstrated greater fat oxidation during submaximal exercise.Item Characterization of Starch Polymorphic Structures Using Vibrational Sum Frequency Generation Spectroscopy(American Chemical Society, 2014-01-16) Kong, Lingyan; Lee, Christopher; Kim, Seong H.; Ziegler, Gregory R.; Pennsylvania Commonwealth System of Higher Education (PCSHE); Pennsylvania State University; Pennsylvania State University - University Park; University of Alabama TuscaloosaThe polymorphic structures of starch were characterized with vibrational sum frequency generation (SFG) spectroscopy. The noncentrosymmetry requirement of SFG spectroscopy allows for the detection of the ordered domains without spectral interferences from the amorphous phase and also the distinction of the symmetric elements among crystalline polymorphs. The V-type amylose was SFG-inactive due to the antiparallel packing of single helices in crystal unit cells, whereas the A- and B-type starches showed strong SFG peaks at 2904 cm(-1) and 2952-2968 cm(-1), which were assigned to CH stretching of the axial methine group in the ring and CH, stretching of the exocyclic CH2OH side group, respectively. The CH2/CH intensity ratios of the A- and B-type starches are significantly different, indicating that the conformation of hydroxymethyl groups in these two polymorphs may be different. Cyclodextrin inclusion complexes were also analyzed as a comparison to the V-type amylose and showed that the head-to-tail and head-to-head stacking patterns of cyclodextrin molecules govern their SFG signals and peak positions. Although the molecular packing is different between V-type amylose and cyclodextrin inclusion complexes, both crystals show the annihilation of SFG signals when the functional group dipoles are arranged pointing in opposite directions.Item Fabrication of pure starch fibers by electrospinning(Elsevier, 2014-05) Kong, Lingyan; Ziegler, Gregory R.; Pennsylvania Commonwealth System of Higher Education (PCSHE); Pennsylvania State University; Pennsylvania State University - University Park; University of Alabama TuscaloosaMany efforts to spin starch fibers are reported in the patent and research literature. All reported spinning methods are dependent upon addition of non-starch components, e. g. other polymers, plasticizers or cross-linkers. In the present study, we demonstrate a method of producing pure starch fibers by an electrospinning technique. This method involves choosing an appropriate solvent for native high amylose starch and spinning on a modified electrospinning setup. Resulting starch fibers have diameters in the order of microns. Coagulation solvent composition can affect the crystallinity of the starch fibers. Post-spinning treatments were employed to increase the crystallinity and cross-link the starch fibers. The novel starch fibers have potential in various applications, e. g. in the food, textile, and biomedical industries. (c) 2013 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.Item Rheological aspects in fabricating pullulan fibers by electro-wet-spinning(Elsevier, 2014-07) Kong, Lingyan; Ziegler, Gregory R.; Pennsylvania Commonwealth System of Higher Education (PCSHE); Pennsylvania State University; Pennsylvania State University - University Park; University of Alabama TuscaloosaElectro-wet-spinning was used to fabricate continuous nonwoven microscale and nanoscale fibers from pullulan. We investigated the rheological properties of pullulan dispersions using DMSO: water mixtures as solvents with varying compositions. The relationship between electrospinnability and rheological properties were studied. In order to obtain well-formed pullulan fibers, the concentration of pullulan dispersion had to be 1.88-2.25 times the entanglement concentration, depending on DMSO: water ratio in the solvent. Shear viscosity was another important factor. The shear viscosities at 100 s(-1) of electrospinnable pullulan dispersions fell into a range between 0.06 and 2.2 Pa s, regardless of solvent composition. Yet, there may still be other factors governing the fiber size as DMSO concentration changed. Pullulan fibers in the order of hundreds of nanometers to tens of microns were obtained. Increase in DMSO concentration in the solvent generally increased the fiber size and pore size in the electrospun pullulan fiber mat. (C) 2013 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.Item Formation of starch-guest inclusion complexes in electrospun starch fibers(Elsevier, 2014-07) Kong, Lingyan; Ziegler, Gregory R.; Pennsylvania Commonwealth System of Higher Education (PCSHE); Pennsylvania State University; Pennsylvania State University - University Park; University of Alabama TuscaloosaWe have demonstrated a method of fabricating starch fibers with an average diameter in the order of micrometers. In the present study, the formation of starch-guest inclusion complexes in the electrospun starch fibers was evaluated. Two methods were used to electrospin starch fibers with starch-guest inclusion complexes: a dope mixing method, where guest material was mixed into the starch dispersion prior to electrospinning, and a bath mixing method, where guest material was mixed into the coagulation bath into which starch dispersions were electrospun. Three selected guest compounds, palmitic acid, ascorbyl palmitate, and cetyl-trimethylammonium bromide, formed inclusion complexes with starch in the electrospun starch fibers. The presence of native lipids was not necessary to induce the inclusion complex formation. Encapsulation of these molecules in electrospun starch fibers may increase their stability during processing and storage, while providing controlled release properties. (C) 2013 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.Item Molecular encapsulation of ascorbyl palmitate in preformed V-type starch and amylose(Elsevier, 2014-10-13) Kong, Lingyan; Ziegler, Gregory R.; Pennsylvania Commonwealth System of Higher Education (PCSHE); Pennsylvania State University; Pennsylvania State University - University Park; University of Alabama TuscaloosaIn the present study, we introduce a simple method to prepare inclusion complexes by "inserting" guest molecules into preformed "empty" V-type amylose helices. Ascorbyl palmitate (AscP) was used as a model guest material to investigate the effect of solvent environment, complexation temperature, annealing and guest concentration on inclusion complex formation. High complexation temperature was not necessary for encapsulating guest molecules in amylose helices, avoiding thermal degradation of guest compounds. This method would also avoid the wasting of guest materials because uncomplexed guest can be reused. It was found in the study that intermediate ethanol and acetone concentrations (generally 40-60%, v/v) at room temperature were appropriate for the complexation between V-amylose and AscP. Annealing, i.e. heat treatment in ethanol solutions at elevated temperatures (45-70 degrees C), was able to significantly increase the crystallinity of V-amylose and V-starch to as high as 65% and facilitate greater complexation evidenced from higher enthalpies, probably due to more regularly arranged helical cavities in larger crystalline phase. The complexation between V-amylose and AscP was also found to be enhanced with AscP concentration, while the dissociation temperature experienced a slight decrease. (C) 2014 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.Item Endpoint comparison for bone mineral density measurements in North Central Cancer Treatment Group cancer clinical trials N02C1 and N03CC (Alliance)(Springer, 2015) Alliance Clinical Trials Oncology; Mayo Clinic; Mayo Clinic Phoenix; University of Alabama TuscaloosaBone mineral density (BMD) measurement can vary depending upon anatomical site, machine, and normative values used. This analysis compared different BMD endpoints in two clinical trials. Trial results differed across endpoints. Future clinical trials should consider inclusion of multiple endpoints in sensitivity analysis to ensure sound overall study conclusions. Introduction Methodological issues hamper efficacy assessment of osteoporosis prevention agents in cancer survivors. Osteoporosis diagnosis can vary depending upon which bone mineral density (BMD) anatomical site and machine is used and which set of normative values are applied. This analysis compared different endpoints for osteoporosis treatment efficacy assessment in two clinical studies. Methods Data from North Central Cancer Treatment Group phase III clinical trials N02C1 and N03CC (Alliance) were employed involving 774 patients each comparing two treatments for osteoporosis prevention. Endpoints for three anatomical sites included raw BMD score (RawBMD); raw machine-based, sample-standardized, and reference population-standardized T scores (RawT, TSamp, TRef); and standard normal percentile corresponding to the reference population-standardized T score (TPerc). For each, treatment arm comparison was carried out using three statistical tests using change and percentage change from baseline (CB, %CB) at 1 year. Results Baseline correlations among endpoints ranged from 0.79 to 1.00. RawBMD and TPerc produced more statistically significant results (14 and 19 each out of 36 tests) compared to RawT (11/36), TSamp (8/36), and TRef (7/36). Spine produced the most statistically significant results (26/60) relative to femoral neck (20/60) and total hip (13/60). Lastly, CB resulted in 44 statistically significant results out of 90 tests, whereas %CB resulted in only 15 significant results. Conclusions Treatment comparisons and interpretations were different across endpoints and anatomical sites. Transforming via sample statistics provided similar results as transforming via reference or machine-based norms. However, RawBMD and TPerc may be more sensitive to change as clinical trial endpoints.Item Evaluating Bioactive Food Components in Obesity and Cancer Prevention(Taylor & Francis, 2015) Bioactive Food Components Conf Spe; Crowe, Kristi M.; Allison, David; University of Alabama Tuscaloosa; University of Alabama BirminghamResearch into bioactive food compounds (BFC) continues to evolve albeit with shared challenges among scientists in the fields of obesity and cancer treatment and prevention. Given the diversity of scientific disciplines involved in evaluating BFC, multidisciplinary conferences provide opportunities to update the state of the science and critically discuss conceptual and methodological challenges encountered in studying BFC in both preclinical and clinical trials. This overview is an introduction to presentations given at a conference sponsored by the National Cancer Institute of the National Institutes of Health and the University of Alabama at Birmingham, which convened a multidisciplinary group of researchers evaluating BFC in obesity and cancer prevention. Full presentations can be viewed in video format at http://www.norc.uab.edu/courses/conferences/conference2013.