Literature Review Posters (Science) - Salmon
Causes and Consequences of E. coli O157:H7
Subject: Research Poster (Nutrition)
Presenter: Jason Robinson
Faculty Sponsor: Carolyn Stocker
Background: On November 20, 2018, news outlets across the United States began reporting on a recall of romaine lettuce. The lettuce was recalled due to a foodborne illness, with the sole cause being the bacteria E. Coli. Infection from this bacterium occurs by ingesting a contaminated product, followed by symptoms including stomach cramps, a mild fever, vomiting, and diarrhea. This poster examines and summarizes the investigations into this outbreak.
Methods: Information was obtained from reliable news sources and government agencies, such as the Centers for Disease Control and the Food and Drug Administration.
Results: Traceback information determined the source of the contaminated lettuce was from Adam Brothers Farming, Inc., in California, and the specific cause of the outbreak was E. Coli O157:H7.
Sixty-two cases of illness were connected to the outbreak in the U.S, with no reported deaths, spreading across 16 states and Washington D.C., as well as 29 cases of the illness in Canada. This outbreak resulted in a total of 35 hospitalizations.
Multiple weeks of testing concluded that the source of this outbreak was a contaminated water reservoir on a farm in California and that the water may not have been effectively sanitized prior to use. Also, the water reservoir may have been contaminated years prior to a positive sample making its way onto romaine lettuce. This form of E. Coli is one of the more common strains of bacterial foodborne illnesses in the U.S. with approximately 95,000 cases of strand O157:H7 occurring yearly but has a death rate of only 0.5% of cases. The cost of this specific illness is roughly $14,838 per case, with a total cost of $152 billion for all cases of foodborne illness in the U.S.
Conclusion: Unsanitary practices in food production can result in widespread cases of foodborne illness, which have staggering economic costs. Farmers should learn from this situation and stay up to code with safety and sanitation regulations to limit potential foodborne illness.
Effects of Different Dietary Protein Sources on Heart Health
Subject: Research Poster (Applied Exercise Science)
Presenters: Matthew Schweizer, Malique Mills, John Caraballo
Faculty Sponsor: Donna Chapman
Background: Protein can be found in a variety of different dietary sources. There has been a proven link between receiving protein from red meats and an increased risk of cardiovascular disease.
Objective: To understand the relationship between protein from meats versus protein from plant-based foods and the effects they have on heart health.
Methods: A critical review of articles obtained in a Medline search focused on terms including: heart health, plant-based diet and meat.
Results: Recent studies have displayed a correlation between dietary sources of protein and cardiovascular risks and benefits. Specifically, studies have shown higher risks of coronary heart disease, heart failure, and ischemic heart disease with higher intakes of red meats. However other research has shown that as long as the red meat is not processed, there seems so be no negative effect on heart health when consumed in moderation. Dietary substitution of plant proteins such as nuts and leafy green vegetables, have been shown to have a lower risk of developing heart disease. Other benefits, such as lower cholesterol and blood pressure have been recorded in individuals replacing animal with plant-based proteins in their diets. Lower risk of heart disease has also been observed when substituting poultry or fish for processed red meats.
Conclusions: These studies indicate that receiving a large portion of the recommended protein intake from animal sources, especially red processed meats, is inherently detrimental to overall cardiovascular health. A more balanced protein intake could be key to reducing rising rates of cardiovascular disease, the leading cause of death in the world.
Effects of Nutritional Intake and Supplementation on Migraines and Headache
Subject: Research Poster (Nutrition)
Presenters: Ryan Pelton, Ali Rushlow, Lindsay McGowan
Faculty Sponsor: Donna Chapman
Introduction: With migraines being an expensive and common disabling neurological condition, a cheaper alternative to medication is needed to provide relief of symptoms.
Objective: To summarize recent evidence about cheaper, effective, and natural nutritional interventions to prevent or decrease symptoms of migraines and headache, including magnesium, riboflavin, coenzyme Q10, and sodium intake levels.
Methods: Review of select peer-reviewed articles obtained in a Medline search using search terms including migraines, headaches, riboflavin, sodium, restriction, diet, prophylaxis, headaches, prevention, intravenous, treatment, natural, and supplementation.
Results: Natural supplementation can be used to help provide relief from migraines. Taking oral magnesium was studied in seven articles, where results in multiple random control trials (RCT) showed a decrease migraine symptoms, especially, with a higher dosage of magnesium. Intravenous administration of magnesium provided rapid relief in three RCTs when patients magnesium levels were low. Increasing riboflavin and coenzyme Q10 (CQ10) levels in the body similarly gave a decrease in migraine symptoms but only in select populations. Finally, the impact of dietary sodium levels on headache was studied in two articles, where lower sodium intake levels significantly decreased headache symptoms.
Conclusion: Oral magnesium helped to provide more long term relief from migraine and headache duration and frequency, whereas intravenous magnesium was used for a more immediate response. Riboflavin and CQ10 were also studied in their relationship with migraine symptoms although, the two did not generate consistent results, especially in younger populations. Decreasing sodium intake decreased the occurrence of headache.
Evaluating Mechanisms Behind ACL Tears in Men vs. Women
Subject: Research Poster (Health Science)
Presenter: Emily Knobel
Faculty Sponsors: Pamela Higgins
Background: The ACL, or the anterior cruciate ligament, is an important ligament in the knee that is commonly torn by a large population, but more commonly in women compared to men. This injury occurs in more than 200,000 cases per year in the US.
Objective: The purpose of this investigation was to assess the relationship between men and women and the prevalence among ACL tears and the mechanisms behind it.
Methods: Many databases were used, like PubMed, JSSM, Journal of Orthopedic Research, the American Journal of Sports Medicine, and the Scandinavian Journal of Medicine and Science in Sports. Phrases used for research included “ACL tears”, “men vs. women”, “genetic predisposition”, and “risk factors”.
Results: Of the literature that was reviewed, there were some prospective cohort studies, normal cohort studies, controlled laboratory studies and one visual analysis. With the studies that were done with a bigger group of people, there was more data showing women were at a much higher risk than men for tearing their ACL. There was a strong association between women with high serum relaxin concentrations and ACL injuries. There was also a strong association between a lack of balance in women and weaker muscles and ACL tears, showing p>0.05 for these studies.
Conclusions: With the research and investigations that have already happened, there is a large gender difference between men and women and the frequency of tearing ACL’s, with women being much more at risk.
Health Benefits of Intermittent Fasting
Subject: Research Poster (Nutrition)
Presenters: Jason Robinson, Josh Conant
Faculty Sponsor: Donna Chapman
Background: In the United States, 70.2% of adults are either overweight or obese, and 37.7% are considered obese. One potential solution to this is intermittent fasting, which is the process of abstaining from or limiting food and liquid intake for a desired amount of time in order to achieve weight loss and other health benefits.
Objective: To examine the health benefits of intermittent fasting.
Methods: Critical review of select articles on intermittent fasting obtained using Google Scholar, with search terms including fasting, intermittent fasting, and health benefits of fasting.
Results: Subjects consuming a liquid diet and fasting one day a week lost more weight when compared to a similar group eating a solid foods diet. However, another trial over six months determined that continuous fasting and intermittent fasting yielded similar results with regard to body weight, body fat, and levels of LDL, triglycerides, and blood pressure. When comparing intermittent caloric restriction versus daily caloric restriction, those fasting intermittently lost a significantly greater percentage of fat mass than if they were to reduce their calories daily.
Conclusion: Although the literature reports a variety of approaches to how fasting is achieved, the majority of studies had the same results: weight loss and decreases in triglycerides, LDL cholesterol, and blood pressure. Daily restriction on calories and intermittent restrictions both had similar effects on weight loss. Intermittent fasting seems to be an effective tool for weight loss as well as positively influencing important blood biomarkers.
Intuitive/Mindful Eating: A useful treatment plan for disordered eating & body image?
Subject: Research Poster (Nutrition)
Presenter: Andie Stone
Faculty Sponsor: Carolyn Stocker
Background: Intuitive eating, also known as mindful eating, is a practice in which individuals pay attention to how they feel emotionally and physically while eating, as opposed to counting calories. This style of eating has been heavily promoted as a treatment for disordered eating and body image concerns. The objective of the review of literature is to assess the effectiveness of intuitive eating as a treatment plan for those with disordered eating.
Methods: A literature review of select peer reviewed articles evaluating the effectiveness of intuitive eating.
Results: Most of the interventions focused on 8-15 weekly sessions that included different strategies of how to effectively practice intuitive eating as an alternate form of treatment for disordered eating. The results of both interventions using intuitive eating as a treatment plan showed a significant improvement in areas such as food avoidance and a desire to be thin, measured by tests such as the EAT-26 and the Diet subscale.
Conclusions: The practice of intuitive eating is still relatively new but promising for those who have disordered eating because of how it promotes anti-dieting and fewer rules surrounding food, which are common concerns within disordered eating. While these interventions show promising results, more research regarding intuitive eating is needed to fully evaluate its effectiveness in treatment plans for disordered eating.
Is There an Association Between Nutrition and Alzheimer's Disease?
Subject: Research Poster (Nutrition)
Presenters: Bella Thornton, Molly Altholz, Jarred Cabral
Faculty Sponsor: Donna Chapman
Background: Alzheimer’s Disease (AD) is becoming more and more prevalent each year, and research suggests that nutrition may play a major role in the development of this disease.
Objective: To investigate this hypothesized association between people’s diets and the development of Alzheimer’s Disease.
Methods: Literature review featuring select articles obtained in Medline search
Results: People that had high intakes in saturated fats, high caloric intakes, and excessive alcohol consumption have an increased risk of developing AD. Type 2 diabetes was also found to play a role in the development of AD because AD patients had reduced levels of glucose absorption in specific areas of the brain, similar to Type 2 Diabetes. Reduced levels of glucose absorption lead to the deterioration of certain region of the brain, resulting in neural atrophy that often leads to AD or other behavioral and psychological struggles. The Mediterranean, DASH, and MIND diets along with consumption of fish, fruits, vegetables, 3-5 cups of coffee/day, and moderate alcohol intake are associated with significant reductions in the development of Alzheimer’s Disease.
Conclusions: Diet can be modified in order to reduce the risk of AD. Decreasing the consumption of foods with high saturated fats and increasing the intake of polyunsaturated fats, antioxidants, and B vitamins are associated with a reduced risk of AD.
Reducing Cancer Risk through a Plant-Based Diet
Subject: Research Poster (Nutrition)
Presenters: Michael McKenna, Emma Bacon, Adam Haughn
Faculty Sponsor: Donna J. Chapman
Background: Approximately 35% of cancer cases are predicted to be preventable with modification of lifestyle and implementation of nutritional therapy. The indulgence of added sugars, processed meats, and exposure to harmful carcinogens have been linked to increased cancer rates. Plant-based diets high in fruits, vegetables, legumes, and whole grains have yielded a decrease in cancer of at-risk populations.
Objective: The purpose of this review was to collect and synthesize a culmination of evidence, which evaluates the relationship between components of a plant based diet and cancer risk.
Methods: A literature search of cohort studies and meta-analyses was analyzed for evidence of health benefits associated with a plant-based diet.
Results: Implementation of nutritional therapy such as a plant-based diet, demonstrated statistical significance in the decrease of digestive, lung, colorectal, and breast cancer cases. Phytochemicals such as polyphenol, retinoid, carotenoid, and Omega-3 fatty acids were identified as the chemo-preventative agents acting in the fight against carcinogens and tumor growth. Mechanisms such as the regulation of enzymatic activities, anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, and stability of free radicals were linked to increased phytochemical consumption. Diets higher in saturated fats from processed and red meat have been known to promote carcinogenesis.
Conclusion: Diets composed of plant-based foods high in phytochemicals, such as vegan and vegetarian diets, possess a variety mechanisms, which act in decreasing cancer rates through antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and enzymatic properties. In order to clinically implement a cancer-preventative plant-based diet, further research on the cellular-chemical effects and long term implications must be investigated."
Sugar and Mental Health
Subject: Research Paper (Exercise Science)
Presenters: Jack Pavelchak, Yi Ding
Faculty Sponsor: Donna Chapman
Background: Long-term consequences of high levels of dietary sugar intake include not only physical obesity but also psychological symptoms including depression, increased levels of fatigue, tension, anxiety and Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD).
Objective: To understand the relationships between sugary diets and mental health issues such as, ADHD, stress levels, fatigue and tension, and anxiety.
Methods: Relevant articles were selected from a Medline search using terms including sugary diets, mental health, anxiety, stress, and ADHD.
Results: High sugar diets have been associated with a short-term decrease in levels of stress and anxiety. Animal studies suggest that the type of sugar may impact the level of stress relief, with honey being more effective than sucrose. Even though sugar provides this initial relief it also has negative effects. About one hour after consumption of sugary foods there is a significant increase in fatigue and tension. In addition, high sugar diets have been associated with the development of ADHD.
Conclusion: There are short-term mental health benefits of sugar consumption, including the initial reduction in stress and anxiety, that are observed after eating a sugary snack. However, after this initial relief, increased fatigue and anxiety are observed. In addition, excess sugar consumption is directly associated with the risk of ADHD in children. Animal models suggest that the type of sugar may impact the reduction in anxiety, with honey being superior to sucrose. Further research is needed to evaluate these relationships in humans.
Supplement Efficacy in Endurance and Strength-Power Sport Athletes
Subject: Research Poster (Nutrition)
Presenter: Evan Tryon
Faculty Sponsor: Carolyn Stocker
Background: Dietary supplements are used by approximately 43% of athletes; however very few supplements have scientifically demonstrated their effectiveness in improving athletic performance. Optimizing nutrition and sleep should be prioritized before taking any dietary supplements. This review examines the efficacy of dietary supplements, for strength or endurance athletes.
Methods: A literature review of selected meta-analyses and systematic reviews evaluating supplement efficacy
Results: Dietary supplements are loosely regulated by the Federal Drug Administration and therefore should be taken with caution. Supplement manufacturers are expected to follow good manufacturing practices to help protect against contaminations problems and improve customer confidence in supplements. To help aid assurance that the supplement is safe, the National Sanitation Foundation and Informed Choice conduct third-party testing. For endurance-based athletes, creatine monohydrate, caffeine, sodium bicarbonate, and beta- alanine have all shown significant improvements. For strength based athletes supplements that have shown significant improvements are creatine monohydrate, β-Hydroxy β-Methyl butyrate, and caffeine.
Conclusion: It is important to optimize nutrition before considering introducing sports supplements. Supplements categorized as having strong evidence to support the efficacy of improving athletic performance and safety include HMB, creatine monohydrate, beta-alanine, caffeine, and sodium bicarbonate. To help ensure safety, look for third-party certifications by NSF and Informed Choice. Supplements differ in being improving endurance or strength-based sports. Therefore, the bioenergetic qualities of the sport should be considered before taking any supplements.
The Association Between Plant-Based Diets and Cardiovascular Disease
Subject: Research Poster (Health Science)
Presenters: Allen Kobielski
Faculty Sponsor: Pamela Higgins
Background: Recently there has been research suggesting that plant-based diets can help with some health-related issues. Cardiovascular disease is one of the top killers of humans in the United States. Research has indicated that plant-based diets can help prevent and treat cardiovascular disease.
Objective: To investigate plant-based dietary effects on the risks of developing and treating cardiovascular disease.
Methods: The literature of review consists of eight research articles discussing plant-based or vegetarian diet benefits on cardiovascular health. The literature search strategy included words such as “vegetarian diet,” “plant-based diet” and “cardiovascular disease”. Databases included Medline and Springfield College Library Services. Articles found were from 1989-2018 and included adult populations.
Results: Of the eight studies that were analyzed 3 were randomized control trials, 2 were cross-sectional study, 1 was a case study, and 1 was a cohort study. The research articles showed that plant-based diets tend to have little to no development of cardiovascular disease over a lifetime. Two of the studies focused on using plant-based diets as a form of treatment rather than of medications.
Conclusion: Plant-based diets can decrease the risks of developing cardiovascular diseases. They can also be used as a treatment method to help treat certain cardiovascular diseases. The effects of plant-based diets can be a significant benefit to healthcare.
The Importance of Micronutrients for Brain Development: Iodine, Iron, and Choline
Subject: Research Poster (Nutrition)
Presenters: Caroline Peter, Eva Sachs, Nick Coman
Faculty Sponsor: Donna Chapman
Background: Micronutrients, such as iodine, iron, and choline, allow the brain to develop completely and have a major role in cognition.
Objective: To evaluate the role of micronutrient deficiencies on the developing brain, from the prenatal period through school-aged children.
Methods: Review of select research articles evaluating the impact of micronutrient status on brain development.
Results: From birth to age two, infants expressed irritability and poor motor function when they were lacking in iron, and low stem cell production if deficient in choline. When deficient in iron and iodine, 3-10 year old children showed signs of behavioral issues, such as ADHD, sensory problems, and higher risk of language delay. After age 10, low IQs were measured in comparison to those who had normal micronutrient levels, overall cognition was diminished, and symptoms of psychological disease, such as schizophrenia, started to become prominent. Unlike with iron and choline deficiencies, children between the ages of 10 and 13 who previously lacked sufficient amounts of iodine were able to reverse these adverse effects with supplementation and improved their mental functioning.
Conclusions: Infants with a deficiency in iron, choline, and iodine were shown to have lower cognitive functioning and motor development issues. Then, as these children grow up, they start to exhibit behavioral problems, such as ADHD, and their low cognitive levels persist . However, overall cognition was significantly improved in iodine deficient children through iodine supplementation."
The Relationship Between Caffeine Consumption and Fetal Development During Pregnancy
Subject: Research Poster (Health Science)
Presenters: Erika Smith
Faculty Sponsor: Pamela Higgins
Background:
Caffeine is broken down through the blood stream and is immediately metabolized by the liver into three chemicals; theophylline, theobromine, and paraxanthine. The fetus will have a difficult time developing enzymes for detoxification of caffeine and will not be able to break down the caffeine consumed. The aim of this literature review was to investigate the effects of consuming more than 200 milligrams of caffeine per day while pregnant.
Methods:
The literature search strategy was done using the Springfield College Library search engine, PubMed, and Medline. Articles were selected if peer-reviewed and published between the years of 1990-2018. The studies included three that used a cross-sectional design, and one experimental animal study that used rats.
Results:
In studies done on women using questionnaires, of the 134 on average, 19 of the women resulted in late pregnancies, nine in stillbirths, and 106 of the women had preterm births. In the studies based on rats, the number of oocytes decreased with the increase of caffeine dosage per week, and it indicated that the use of caffeine during pregnancy might not show side effects until later in a child’s life.
Conclusion:
Women who consume more than 200 milligrams of caffeine are more likely to have pregnancy complications such as miscarriages, stillborn and premature birth. Mothers who consume this much caffeine can affect the baby’s development and growth. Examples of negative effects on a child’s cognitive development, would be affecting the level of attention, stress response, expression of emotions and social skills.
What Kind of Exercise Improves Hemoglobin A1c Levels in Type 2 Diabetes?
Subject: Research Poster (Nutrition)
Presenter: Amanda Nusbaum
Faculty Sponsor: Carolyn Stocker
Background: There is extensive research on the effect of exercise on improving hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) levels in Type 2 diabetes. There is not, however, extensive research on the specific kind of exercise that is most beneficial for improving HbA1c levels. The objective for this research is to determine which kind of exercise is most beneficial in improving HbA1c levels in people with Type 2 diabetes.
Methods: Literature review of selected meta-analyses and randomized trials comparing the effectiveness of different kinds of exercise in improving HbA1c levels in people with type 2 diabetes.
Results: Over an average of 6 months, participants with type 2 diabetes used a combination of aerobic exercise as well as resistance training to decrease their high HbA1c levels significantly more than using only one mode of exercise. The intensity of the workouts was also a factor in reducing HbA1c levels. The more intense the workout, the greater improvement in HbA1c levels occurred in resistance workouts, aerobic workouts, and both, in combination.
Conclusions: Greatest decreases of high HbA1c levels were found in the combination exercise group, utilizing both resistance and aerobic exercises. The longer duration and higher intensity workouts significantly decreased the high HbA1c levels compared to shorter duration and lower intensity workouts. However, more research needs to be done on the long-term effect of both kinds of exercise verses aerobic exercise alone and resistance training exercise alone on HbA1c levels in people with type 2 diabetes.