Agriculture and Nutrition: Promoting Good Health Through Rich Soil

Did you know that agriculture is essential for good human health? Dr. Dr. Daphne Miller is a practicing physician in California that has spent countless hours studying how agriculture, soil health, and many other natural attributes can affect human health (Miller, 2013). Good soil health can promote positive nutrition intake for human health. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention ([CDC], 2018) acknowledges that good nutrition is essential for health promotion and disease prevention. Many American’s diets lack adequate sources of good nutrition. Poor nutrition contributes to many costly diseases, including obesity, heart disease, and some cancers. Agriculture is multifunctional. Agriculture contributes to nutrition through food production. Agriculture can eliminate health disparities such as malnutrition, chronic diseases, infectious diseases, and food safety. Rich soils can produce more nutrient-rich foods. This can in turn promote healthy eating and living (Miller, 2013). Healthy nutrition and risk factors will first be discussed. Then there will be discussion on agriculture alongside nutrition and why it plays an important role

Mechanismen der Übertragung von mütterlichem Stress auf den Feten

Stress in Form von z.B. psychischem Stress kann während der Schwangerschaft Erkrankungen im späteren Leben des Kindes programmieren. Bisher wurde davon ausgegangen, dass maternaler Stress alleinig über Kortisol auf den Feten übertragen wird, da Katecholamine nicht plazentagängig sind. Allerdings hat v.a. Stress während der frühen Schwangerschaft starke Effekte auf den Feten, obwohl zu dieser Zeit noch keine fetalen Glukokortikoidrezeptoren nachweisbar sind. Wir stellten daher die Hypothese auf, dass mütterlicher Stress auch indirekt über eine Katecholamin-vermittelte uterine Vasokonstriktion zu einem Abfall des uterinen Blutflusses (UBF) mit konsekutiver Umstellung auf einen fetalen anaeroben Stoffwechsel auf den Feten übertragen wird. Zur Überprüfung der Hypothesen wurden 20 trächtige Schafe chronisch instrumentiert und anschließend einem akuten Isolationsstress unter Aufzeichnung der mütterlichen und fetalen Stressantwort ausgesetzt (0,73 oder 0,86 Gestationsdauer). Des Weiteren erfolgte eine Wiederholung der Isolationsversuche unter sympatho-adrenerger Blockade mit Labetalol oder Urapidil (0,9 Gestationsdauer). Akuter Isolationsstress führte zu einer Verminderung des UBF. Bei den Feten in der exponentiellen Wachstumsphase (0,86 Gestationsdauer) führte diese Verminderung zu einer Verschiebung in Richtung einer anaeroben Stoffwechselsituation. Unter sympathoadrenerger Blockade blieb der Abfall des UBF aus. Dies beweist, dass der UBF-Abfall über eine Katecholamin-bedingte, α1-vermittelte Vasokonstriktion im uterinen Gefäßbett hervorgerufen wird. Demnach wird pränataler mütterlicher Stress auch über eine Katecholamin-vermittelte Reduktion des UBF auf den Feten übertragen. Dieser Mechanismus führt zu einer prolongierten Umstellung des fetalen Stoffwechsels in Richtung einer anaeroben Stoffwechselsituation, die v.a. während des exponentiellen Wachstums in der späten Schwangerschaft sichtbar wird

Protocol for a Cross-Sectional Study: Effects of a Multiple Sclerosis Relapse Therapy With Methylprednisolone on Offspring Neurocognitive Development and Behavior (MS-Children)

Introduction Multiple Sclerosis (MS) is the most common neuroimmunological disease in women of childbearing age. Current MS therapy consists of immunomodulatory relapse prevention with disease-modifying therapies (DMTs) and acute relapse therapy with the synthetic glucocorticoid (GC) methylprednisolone (MP). As most DMTs are not approved for use during pregnancy, treatment is usually discontinued, increasing the risk for relapses. While MP therapy during pregnancy is considered relatively save for the fetus, it may be detrimental for later cognitive and neuropsychiatric function. The underlying mechanism is thought to be an epigenetically mediated desensitization of GC receptors, the subsequent increase in stress sensitivity, and a GC-mediated impairment of brain development. The aim of this study is to investigate the associations of fetal MP exposure in the context of MS relapse therapy with later cognitive function, brain development, stress sensitivity, and behavior. Methods and Analysis Eighty children aged 8–18 years of mothers with MS will be recruited. Forty children, exposed to GC in utero will be compared to 40 children without fetal GC exposure. The intelligence quotient will serve as primary outcome. Secondary outcomes will include attention, motor development, emotional excitability, Attention-Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder-related symptoms, and behavioral difficulties. The Trier Social Stress Test will test stress sensitivity, EEG and MRI will assess functional and structural brain development. To determine underlying mechanisms, DNA methylation of the GC receptor gene and the H19/IGF2 locus and changes in the microbiome and the metabolome will be investigated. Primary and secondary outcomes will be analyzed using linear regression models. Time-variant outcomes of the stress test will be analyzed in two mixed linear models exploring overall activity and change from baseline. Ethics and Dissemination This study was approved by the participating institutions' ethics committees and results will be presented in accordance with the STROBE 2007 Statement. Trial Registration https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT04832269?id=ZKSJ013

Association between antenatal glucocorticoid exposure and the activity of the stress system, cognition, and behavior in 8‐ to 9‐year‐old children: A prospective observational study

Introduction Glucocorticoid (GC) ‐induced fetal programming of the activity of the hypothalamus–pituitary–adrenal axis (HPAA) and its associated cognitive and behavioral consequences in later life have been well characterized in several animal species. However, information on humans is scarce. In this study, we examined HPAA activity markers and associated outcomes at 8 to 9 years of age among children prenatally exposed to GC for suspected preterm birth. Our hypothesis was that antenatal exposure to the betamethasone (BM) is associated with exacerbation of HPAA activity in childhood. Material and methods Prospective observational study in 31 children whose mothers received single ( n = 19) or multiple ( n = 12) courses of BM for threatened preterm birth but born with normal weight appropriate for the gestational age (median 37+ 6 weeks of gestation) compared with 38 non‐exposed, age‐matched children. Primary end point was the activity of the HPAA in response to the Trier Social Stress Test. Secondary end points were changes in autonomic nervous system (ANS) activity, cognitive performance (IQ), attention‐deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) symptoms, and electrocortical activity (EEG). Results There was no statistically significant difference in HPAA activity markers between antenatal BM exposed and unexposed groups. ANS activity in BM‐exposed children shifted towards a higher parasympathetic tone reflected by a higher overall high‐frequency band power of heart rate variability. IQ scores were within normal limits for both groups; however, BM‐exposed children had lower IQ scores than the unexposed group. BM‐exposed group had marginally more ADHD core symptoms and increased electrocortical activity in the occipital brain region compared with controls. A monotonic dose–response relation between BM exposure and activity of the ANS and IQ was estimated in post‐hoc analyses. Conclusions Antenatal exposure to BM in the context of threatened preterm birth was not associated with changes in HPAA activity in childhood. However, BM exposure may be associated with changes in ANS activity. Antenatal GC prophylaxis is a valuable and often life‐saving therapy, but its prescription may warrant a well‐balanced risk–benefit assessment

Beyond Annie Oakley: an analysis of TV’s portrayal of markswomen

The project completed at the Wichita State University Elliott School of Communication. Presented at the 10th Annual Capitol Graduate Research Summit, Topeka, KS, February 14, 2013.Media portrayals influence how women are perceived in society. Historically, women have often been chastised or punished for exhibiting skills and attributes, which are perceived as masculine. Some reality television series seem open to portraying women in roles, which have historically been considered inappropriate for them. Nevertheless, can appearance be deceiving? Could these seemingly open portrayals really be masking misogynistic undertones? The purpose of this study is to discern whether the History Channel's television series Top Shot provides a misogynistic representation of female markswomen and whether female contestants are marginalized due to gender. This study also explored the possibility of gender-biased casting, through a comparison of available data on gender ratios of marksmanship in the military, law enforcement, competition shooting, and hunting sectors, compared with ratios expressed on the show. These sectors are explicitly represented in the series; therefore, a comparison of available data on gender ratios showed a relative discrepancy between the show and reality. A content analysis determined how closely the show's representation of markswomen matches that of reality, and thematic analysis of fan comments determined whether female contestants appeared marginalized

Starving college students: an examination of the cliché

Paper presented to the 9th Annual Symposium on Graduate Research and Scholarly Projects (GRASP) held at the Marcus Welcome Center, Wichita State University, May 8, 2013.Research completed at the Elliott School of Communication, College of Liberal Arts and SciencesMany have heard the phrase "starving college student." This paper answers the question - are college students really hungry? And if so, what is the nature and the scope of the issue on Wichita State University's campus? Through the use of both quantitative and qualitative research methods, this paper takes a comprehensive route to address an issue that has previously been mostly absent from the body of scholarly literature. Additionally, this paper explores the possibility of solutions which may be applicable in a local context.The Graduate School, Academic Affairs, and University Librarie

Beyond Annie Oakley: an analysis of TV's portrayal of markswomen

Third Place winner of oral presentations at the 8th Annual Symposium on Graduate Research and Scholarly Projects (GRASP) held at the Marcus Welcome Center, Wichita State University, April 18, 2012.Research completed at the Elliott School of Communication, Fairmount College of Liberal Arts & SciencesMedia portrayals influence how women are perceived in society. Historically, women have often been chastised or punished for exhibiting skills and attributes which have been traditionally perceived as appropriate for men and therefore, inappropriate for women. Currently, some reality television series seem open to portraying women in roles which have historically been considered inappropriate for them. The purpose of this study was threefold: to discern whether the History Channel's television series Top Shot provides a sexist representation of either gender, to determine whether casting is gender-biased when compared with ratios of marksmanship in the Military, Hunting, Law Enforcement, Exhibition, and Competition sectors, and to assess whether marks-woman are marginalized based on their gender. This study finds that the series provides a slightly sexist representation of marks-woman, that casting appears gender-biased, and that fan opinions reflect a difference in the treatment of female and male contestants.Graduate School, Office of Research Administration, University Librarie

Protocol for a cross-sectional study: Effects of a Multiple Sclerosis Relapse Therapy with Methylprednisolone on Offspring Neurocognitive Development and Behaviour (MS-Children)

ABSTRACTIntroductionMultiple Sclerosis (MS) is the most common neuroimmunological disease in women of childbearing age. Current MS therapy consists of immunomodulatory relapse prevention with disease-modifying therapies (DMTs) and acute relapse therapy with the synthetic glucocorticoid (GC) methylprednisolone (MP). As most DMTs are not approved for use during pregnancy, treatment is usually discontinued, increasing the risk for relapses. While MP therapy during pregnancy is considered relatively save for the foetus, it may be detrimental for later cognitive and neuropsychiatric function. The underlying mechanism is thought to be an epigenetically mediated desensitisation of GC receptors, the subsequent increase in stress sensitivity, and a GC-mediated impairment of brain development. The aim of this study is to investigate the associations of foetal MP exposure in the context of MS relapse therapy with later cognitive function, brain development, stress sensitivity, and behaviour.Methods and analysis80 children aged 8 to 18 years of mothers with MS will be recruited. 40 children, exposed to GC in utero will be compared to 40 children without foetal GC exposure. The intelligence quotient will serve as primary outcome. Secondary outcomes will include attention, motor development, emotional excitability, Attention-Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder-related symptoms, and behavioural difficulties. The Trier Social Stress Test will test stress sensitivity, EEG and MRI will assess functional and structural brain development. To determine underlying mechanisms, DNA methylation of the GC receptor gene and the H19/IGF2 locus and changes in the microbiome and the metabolome will be investigated. Primary and secondary outcomes will be analysed using linear regression models. Time-variant outcomes of the stress test will be analysed in two mixed linear models exploring overall activity and change from baseline.Ethics and disseminationThis study was approved by the participating institutions’ ethics committees and results will be presented in accordance with the STROBE 2007 Statement.Trial registrationhttps://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT04832269?id=ZKSJ0130</jats:sec