APPROACHES FOR WELLNESS ENHANCEMENT THROUGH INTEGRATED RESEARCH ON FOOD, NUTRITION, AND HEALTH

• Sponsoring Institution: National Institute of Food and Agriculture
• Project Status: COMPLETE
• Funding Source: EVANS-ALLEN
• Reporting Frequency: Annual
• Accession No.: 1022014
• Project Start Date: Jan 15, 2020
• Project End Date: Sep 30, 2024
• Program Code: [(N/A)]- (N/A)

Recipient Organization
Central State University
1400 Brush Row Rd.
Wilberforce,OH 45384

Performing Department
College of Engineering, Science, Technology and Agriculture

Non Technical Summary
Food, Nutrition, and Health NarrativeBackground: The health of an individual as well as the health of communities are affected by many things. Behavioral aspects for an individual are related to their choices such as what they eat, how much they move, whether they smoke or drink to excess. For communities, behavioral aspects involve things such as assessing the walkability to encourage more physical activity or developing programs making access to fresh foods easily and affordable. Economics of both individuals and communities encompass available household money for healthy food and community access to gardens or other economical food sources. Educational opportunities within a community also relate to the health of individuals within that community, but what about those individuals who are rural and not able to attend group meetings? Development of new methods of teaching and disseminating health information are imperative to reaching those in need. Nutrigenomics is another promising area of research where individuals will be able to determine, through genetic testing, what types of foods and exercise programs can help them achieve the goal of health. Diseases related to obesity, inactivity, and concern about the availability of food are major health concerns, especially in rural areas. One of the goals of the Food, Nutrition, and Health project is to figure out ways to decrease the differences in the health of individuals in rural and underserved communities. Given the health benefits of unprocessed fruits and vegetables, lean meats and dairy products, along with regular physical activity, finding ways to provide access to educational materials and social support will go a long way to improving the health of communities as well as individuals. This research will look primarily at new sources of nutrients, different ways of delivering education on nutrition and foods, and providing exercise programs by different methods. Our major goal is to have a positive effect on the health of rural and underserved communities through the development of wellness programs through cooperative research. Expected outcomes include (1) figuring out new food production and storage methods to help provide a sustainable food supply that can be accessed by everyone, (2) recommending exercise and ways to become more physically active for those individuals who cannot access typical methods such as fitness centers or personal trainers, (3) figure out cost effective and motivational educational products that rural individuals can tap into to help their understanding of health and what they can do to improve theirs, (4) develop a place within this area that can be available for those individuals to come for personal nutrition and exercise guidance. This will include assessing overall health, and providing guidance either in person, over the phone, or electronically.Goal 1: New foods are being introduced into our food supply daily. Agriculture researchers are looking for ways to increase financial benefits to producers and nutrient content for consumers. Examples include hemp, sea vegetables and bee pollen. This work will how processing effects food nutrient content and determine better ways to produce healthier food which lasts longer with the intention of providing healthier food to rural and underserved communities.Goal 2: Individuals with chronic diseases or developmental issues tend to be less physically active than typical individuals. This can have long term effects on their overall health and ability to live independently. This project will work on ways to maintain or decrease symptoms that occur in chronic diseases such as multiple sclerosis or autism. It will also look at how exercise can be used to get individuals with developmental diseases involved in their communities either through work or volunteering, and also to keep them as independent as possible for as long as possible.Goal 3: Research has shown that individuals with chronic diseases, and those at risk for chronic diseases, lack understanding of what constitutes healthy eating and safe physical activity recommendations. Many programs can show an increase in understanding of healthy lifestyles but few show long term changes occurring. This project will work on determining the methods of giving information to individuals which will produce actual change in behaviors. While this will be different for everyone, understanding what makes individuals change their behaviors will help lead to better programs.Goal 4: All individuals are different and research is beginning to show that our DNA can be utilized to help understand why some individuals are affected by certain foods different from others. This research is designed to look at an individuals' DNA and provide specific nutrition recommendations based on that profile.Goal 5: Individuals in rural communities often travel great distances to health and fitness professionals to obtain assessment and guidance on health behaviors. This project will set up a health and fitness center which will be available to individuals in the surrounding rural community to obtain assessments of health parameters and guidance from trained health and fitness professionals. This center will also be available for those underserved populations who may not be able to pay for this type of serve from for profit centers. This is an attempt to help reduce the amount of health inequity that exists in rural communities and underserved populations.In summary, the food, nutrition, and health group is trying to affect healthy change within communities by determining methods of providing healthy food, health information, and physical activity guidelines in ways that will promote long term behavior change.

Animal Health Component

70%

Research Effort Categories

Basic

20%

Applied

70%

Developmental

10%

Classification

Knowledge Area (KA)	Subject of Investigation (SOI)	Field of Science (FOS)	Percent
502	2299	1010	35%
703	2299	3090	40%
702	6010	1010	25%

Knowledge Area
703 - Nutrition Education and Behavior; 702 - Requirements and Function of Nutrients and Other Food Components; 502 - New and Improved Food Products;

Subject Of Investigation
2299 - Miscellaneous and new crops, general/other; 6010 - Individuals;

Field Of Science
3090 - Sensory science (human senses); 1010 - Nutrition and metabolism;

Keywords

nutrition composition

healthy life stules

community institutions

health services

Goals / Objectives
Goal 1: Determine effects of storage and processing on nutrient value and oxidation of novel food products and nutrient supplements.This work will determine the effects of processing and storage on the nutrient content and oxidation of various food products and compare them to other similar available products. The goal is to provide information to producers and processors with specific recommendations for processing and storage of various novel food products/supplements for maximum nutrient retention and prevention of oxidation. It will also result in information for consumers regarding specific nutrient values of the products/supplements.Objective 1: Utilization of sea moss in breakfast smoothies and its impact on reaction time and cognition of African American College students. This is a student lead research project with a Registered Dietitian as mentor.Objective 2: Measurement of nutritional value of hemp products which have undergone various processing and storage protocols.Goal 2: Develop new or enhance existing intervention strategies for chronic disease or disorder-related symptoms, utilizing exercise protocols.Use of exercise as a method of decreasing symptoms such as fatigue and balance issues in multiple sclerosis patients. The goal is to provide individuals, the research community and health practitioners with evidence-based protocols to help those living with chronic diseases to decrease symptoms and lead healthier lives with fewer comorbidity risks.Objective 1: Determine the effect of quantity and quality of sleep on reaction times and cognition of college aged African American individuals. This is a student led study under the mentorship of an exercise physiologist.Objective 2: Determine the effect of mindfulness training on Multiple Sclerosis related symptoms.This project will add to the knowledge base of appropriate exercise interventions for individuals with Multiple Sclerosis. Once this project is complete it will be expanded to include other chronic neuromuscular diseases such as Parkinson's disease.Objective 3: Develop a program for individuals with disabilities which will be held on CSU campus. Fitness assessments will be done periodically to determine effectiveness of the exercises programs. As this project advances, nutritional education will be added to the offerings.Objective 4: Compare efficacy of various body composition assessment techniques in different minority/underserved populations. This work will examine various health/fitness assessment and body assessment methods in different minority populations. The long term goal is to increase the body of knowledge to provide the most efficacious health interventions, strategies and recommendations. Providing evidence for improved analytical methods will increase our ability to assess healthy lifestyles and recommend appropriate strategies.Objective 5: Use of exercise to decrease aberrant behaviors/symptoms which affect quality of life in individuals with disabilities. The first project under this objective will be utilizing virtual reality glasses to aid in decreasing aberrant behaviors in children with autism.Objective 6: Compare efficacy of various nutrient/natural product supplementation in reducing anxiety-related symptoms. We will be investigating several promising interventions over the length of the project. The research project will have a multi-disciplinary team and will likely collaborate with health professionals outside of the institution.Goal 3: Compare modalities of physical activities and nutrition in underserved populations to develop best practices in changing health behavior.Underserved populations typically have multiple diagnoses of chronic diseases related to the lack of understanding of healthy eating and exercise recommendations. This project will aim at determining the most appropriate modalities of nutrition and fitness education that will lead to effective changes in an individual's health behaviors with reference to fire-fighters.Objective 1: Determine the nutritional knowledge, dietary intake and baseline risk of metabolic syndrome and cardiovascular disease of fire fighters in regional low socioeconomic communities. This study aims to parse out the specific needs and risk factors of our regional low-income firefighters. The data gathered will be used to develop intervention strategies that our research and extension branches can use to increase wellness in regional first responders.Objective 2: Provide individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IWIDD) with various modes of exercise instruction.Objective 3: Determine whether providing parents, coaches or teachers of local youth with nutrition information will impact nutrition knowledge and dietary intake of youth. Target audiences will include, but not be limited to, Special Olympics teams, and youth sports in low socioeconomic areas.Objective 4: Determine whether goal setting, and use of the self-determination theory will affect the intake of sugared beverages in children in rural areas.Goal 4: Development of individual and group nutritional interventions which promote healthy food intake and improve healthy lifestyles.The prevalence of obesity among adults in the U.S., as recorded in 2015-2016 was 39.8% and has affected about 93.3 million adults. In the state of Ohio, the reported obesity and overweight in 2017 is 30-35% according to the CDC.Objective 1: Prevention of obesity and diabetes type II through application of personalized nutrition and lifestyle interventions among minority and under-served populations. The personalized interventions may include nutritional obesity genetic markers analysis done by genetic testing.Objective 2: Studying evidence based lifestyle management on various interventions, such as healthy eating programs, emphasizing fruits, whole grain vegetarian selections, cooking demos, relaxation, and exercise classes, in preventing obesity.Objective 3: Effect of using plants and natural herbs red sanders, cinnamon, fenugreek, bitter melon in controlling and managing diabetes type II. This study will be conducted in db/db mouse model system of type II diabetes. C-peptide produced similar to insulin but excreted in urine and glucose level will be studied apart from proteomic analysis for other protein identified in treated and untreated mice with various herb treatment for diabetes type II.Objective 4: Development of an assessment tool to rate the quality of sleep and identify if there is any co-relation in onset of diabetes and will it improve if the sleep pattern and quality is corrected and restored. The subject population will include persons different walks of life who have patterns of lack of sleep.Objective 5: Determination of sugar content in commonly consumed food and drinks using refractometer. This unit analyses a beam of light passed through the liquid, take the refraction angle, then correlates to standard refractive index and evaluates the concentration of sugar content.Objective 6: Application of BIA technology to create new standard in complete segmental body composition analysis: comprehensive evaluation of fat mass and abdominal obesity assessment in adults.Objective 7: Determining the nutritional value of the food served in the student cafeteria. Provide nutrition education and healthy choices handouts to students to improve nutritional intake.Goal 5: Develop regional nexus for wellness assessment and solutions.The long term goal is to create healthier communities by improving access to fitness testing and advice, especially those populations who have limited financial access to high quality exercise physiology and nutrition assessment laboratories.Objective: Gather pilot data and stakeholder input from various regional communities to determine existing nutrition and wellness needs to develop a strategic plan for the nexus,

Project Methods
The research will be carried out by interdisciplinary teams within Central State University (CSU) and with appropriate collaborations with other Universities, appropriate Municipal, State and Federal agencies, and industry partners. The team from CSU will include researchers and extension specialists with expertise in (a) nutrition, (b) exercise science, (c) natural products, (d) physiology and genetics, and (e) biological sciences. The team will also include laboratory technicians, and undergraduate students. The research team will use existing facilities and laboratories in the McLin building, Joshua I. Smith Center for Education and Natural Sciences, as well as laboratories being built for Analytics, Core Science, Natural Products, and Exercise and Nutrition Assessment, utilizing a variety of methodologies in molecular biology (gene expression analysis, receptor binding/uptake assays), chemical analysis (GC-MS, HPLC-MS/MS), physical assessments (body composition, flexibility, strength and aerobic capacity). The research is expected to yield findings which will be disseminated through presentation in scientific forums and conferences, peer-review research and extension journals, extension agents, industry communications, and policy-makers.

Progress 10/01/20 to 09/30/21

Outputs
Target Audience:African American students of Central State University High school science students Students attending a STEM high school Human Health & Nutrition Research professionals (Nation wide) Underserved populations who are caught in health inequities Rural populations Exercise Scienc students at undergrduate level Community first responders Changes/Problems:The Project Director is changed to: Dr. Kazi Islam Research Associate Professor of Food, Nutritiona and Health Agricultural Research Development Program (ARDP), Central State University (CSU) Wilberforce, OH 45384; Tel: [phone]; email: [e-mail] Dr. Robert Korir with a PhD in food science has been engaged to join the research group to conduct research on microbiological quality of fresh produce in small-scale-farmers production systems (Fields, Greenhouses, Hydroponic, aquaponic), and small food processing plants across the state of Ohio. Microbiological data/results obtained from these research projects will be used to provide food safety training programs and provide microbiological testing services to local produce farmers and food processing industries. The project progress was impeded by COVID-19. The research equipment and supplies were delayed. Even esential items such as handloves were not available for purchasing. Some supplies had to come from overseas and they impacted bu COVID-19 isues. Some of the work was impacted by working from home due to COVID-91. We plan to purchase the foloowing items: Eco-CardioGram (ECG) equipment for testing heart functions of the test rodents pre and post surgery. Confocal Microscope to view cells after staining in 3D. SEA HORSE Equipment for Mitrochondrial analyses in testing specimens. What opportunities for training and professional development has the project provided?Professional development: Student researcher abstracts have been accepted for conference presentation for the upcoming 1890 ARD Research Symposium. Dr. Pratibha Gupta, Attended American Society of Nutrition conference and presented a talk on: "Sleep habit/Sleepiness Questionnaries: A useful tool to identify correlation between sleep, academic performance and obesity promotion in improving health." Current Development of Nutrition. Dr. Korir Attended Farm Science Review Conference at London, Ohio. This conference was based on food safety needs for the farmers at their counties and planned on executing on -farm GAPs (good agricultural practice) and FSMA (food safetyl modernizations act) trainings. How have the results been disseminated to communities of interest?Presentaions to area farmers on "Food is health" at the Second harvest food bank Inaugural Harvest breakfast, Springfield Ohio, September 3, 2021. Presentation in REAP (research education apprenticeship program) for high school students in research training on Nutraceuticals and functional food Clinicalnutrition: Nutritionassessmentlaboratoryduring summer program for school children. Demonstration of Body composition among adults utilizing BIA (Bio electrical impedance) unit for complete body fat analysis to community groups. Routine physical fitnessand promotion of weight management for obesity prevention and body composition. Part of the REAP summer program. Use of Refractometer to test sugar content in various samples of nutritional food, juices, salsa, and salad dressings fruits and, vegetables. Part of the REAP summer program. What do you plan to do during the next reporting period to accomplish the goals?New dimensions in education, exercise, nutrition, and health: To determine how nutrients affect disease development and progression, with the goal of recommending nutrients as potential preventative or treatment options. Determine health enhancing practices which can be incorporated in the agricultural lifestyle to reduce injury and promote overall wellbeing. Engagement of rural populations in interventions, such as mindfulness, to reduce stress related health issues. Two projects over the next two years. A) Engagement of local farmers in health screenings at field days and farming meetings. B) Using mindfulness to alleviate learning disorders and lack of focus among students to enhance retention Development of individual and group nutritional interventions which promote healthy food intake and improve healthy lifestyles. This project includes 6 objectives Objective 1: Prevention of obesity and diabetes type II through application of personalized nutrition and lifestyle interventions including physical activities and nutritional food interventions among minority and under-served populations. Objective 2: Application of vegetarian and plant-based nutrition incorporated with physical activities in maintaining healthy body profile among sedentary adults. Objective 3: Effect of using plants and natural herbs red sanders, cinnamon, fenugreek, bitter melon in controlling and managing diabetes type II: A proteomic study in a diabetic mouse model system. Objective 4: Sleepiness survey questionnaire assessment and study on correlation of sleep deprived adults working in night. Objective 5: Determination of sugar content in commonly consumed food and drinks using refractometer: A tool to test the appropriate sugar intake by diabetics as a precaution. Objective 6: Application of BIA technology to create new standard in complete segmental body composition analysis Determining the effects gasotransmitters such as nitric oxide (NO) and hydrogen sulfide (H2S) in diabetes and cardiovascular disease models including tissue culture, rodents, as well as African Americans (AAs). Research directed at understanding the scientific and consumer community about the safety, efficacy, and/or nutraceutical value of hemp compounds in plant extracts and/or foods through peer-reviewed journal publications, conference presentations, community outreach presentations, incorporation into classroom curricula) At least 1 output in each area will be produced during the stated time period). A food scientist (Dr. Robert Korir) has been engaged in the Food Nutrion and Health group. Overall goal of Dr. Korir's projects to evaluate food microbiological quality of fresh produce in small-scale-farmers production systems (Fields, Greenhouses, Hydroponic, aquaponic), and small food processing plants across the state of Ohio. Microbiological data/results obtained from these research projects will be used to provide food safety training programs and provide microbiological testing services to local produce farmers and food processing industries.

Impacts
What was accomplished under these goals? Self-care prevents the early onset of diabetes.Sleepiness Questionnaires can beuseful tool to identify correlation between sleep, academic performance and obesity promotion in improving health.A significant reduction in perceived stress score and improvement in sleep quality index was noted at the end of a virtual Heartfulness meditation program. Moreover, Heartfulness meditation practice may help cultivate the quality of empathy, acceptance, and individual peace. We conclude that the effects of virtually accessible Heartfulness meditation practice need to be explored further in larger studies. The mindfulness applied research program implemented for undergraduate students at Central State University has had a positive effect on their stress levels being reduced. Diseemination of these successful efoorts are being prepared.My research during the past year focused primarily on manipulation of nutritional intake in order to maintain health. Whether the group was NASA Astronauts, high school field hockey players or firefighters, manipulation of macro and/or micronutrients can help individuals adapt to their stressors and perform at their highest level. A technique to use nitric oxide (NO)therapy to improve blood circulation and heart function has been developed and successfully tried on trials with mice that have heatfailure. This methodlogy/technique is expected to be exapnded to human through clinical trials.Dietary sources of nitric oxide are fresh leafy vegetable, red beets, etc.In addition, NO can produce hydrogen sulfide (H2S) and the best source of H2S is garlic. To maintain a a healthy life it is essential to keep NO/H2S sources in our diets.

Publications

• Type: Journal Articles Status: Submitted Year Published: 2021 Citation: Carter, K. Caruso, J. (2021). Dietary Needs, Approaches and Recommendations to meet the Demands of Future Manned Space Flights. Recent Progress in Nutrition
• Type: Journal Articles Status: Under Review Year Published: 2021 Citation: Symons, T.B., Roberts, A., Carter, K., Caruso, J. (2021). Lower-limb skeletal muscle power production in female high school field hockey players following high-intensity interval training. Journal of Sports Medicine & Physical Fitness. (In review) (Type: Journal article)
• Type: Journal Articles Status: Under Review Year Published: 2021 Citation: Carter, K., Phipps, B. (2021). Does Nutrition Knowledge Affect Obesity in Career Firefighters. ACSMs Translational Journal. (In review) (Type: Journal article)
• Type: Journal Articles Status: Published Year Published: 2021 Citation: Kunal Desai, Pratibha Gupta, Priti Parikh and Alpa Desai. (2021). Impact of Virtual Heartfulness Meditation Program on Stress, Quality of Sleep, and Psychological Wellbeing during the COVID-19 Pandemic: A Mixed-Method Study., Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2021, 18(21), 11114; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph182111114 - 22 Oct 2021 (Type: Journal article)
• Type: Book Chapters Status: Awaiting Publication Year Published: 2021 Citation: Brandy E. Phipps and Craig Schluttenhofer. 2021. Perspectives of industrial hemp cultivation. Industrial Hemp: Food and Nutraceutical Applications. Ed. Milica Poji? and Brijesh Tiwari. Elsevier. (in press) (Type: Invited book chapter) (in press)
• Type: Journal Articles Status: Published Year Published: 2021 Citation: Rahib K. Islam, Erinn Donnelly and Kazi N. Islam. (2021). Circulating Hydrogen Sulfide (H2S) and Nitric Oxide (NO) Levels Are Significantly Reduced in HIV Patients Concomitant with Increased Oxidative Stress Biomarkers. J. Clin. Med. 2021, 10, 4460. https://doi.org/10.3390/jcm10194460 (Type: Journal article)
• Type: Journal Articles Status: Published Year Published: 2021 Citation: Aran Yoo, MD, Celia Short, MD, Mandi J. Lopez, DVM, MS, PhD, Catherine Takawira, MS, Kazi N. Islam, PhD, Patrick Greiffenstein, MD, FACS, Ian Hodgdon, MD, FACS, Denise M. Danos, PhD, and Frank H. Lau, MD, FACS. (2021) Dehydrated Human Amniotic-Chorionic Membrane Reduces Incisional Hernia Formation in an Animal Model. (Type: Journal article)

Progress 01/15/20 to 09/30/20

Outputs
Target Audience:Fellow researchers through publications in peer reviewed journals. This research, although not specifically land grant type of research, corresponds to Goal 3. Through manipulation of macronutrient intake, it was found that muscle strength could be compromised. This information will be translated to the general population of underserved individuals. Changes/Problems:100% Researcher was added September 1, 2020. This researchers' goals for the next year are: Project 1: Mechanism how nitric oxide therapy benefits diabetes. What opportunities for training and professional development has the project provided?The project provided an opportunity for the PI to become a Fellow of the American College of Sports Medicine. The charge of Fellows is to promote research in the field of health and provide guidance for students and junior researchers. It also allowed the PI to become a member of the Strategic Health Initiative, Women, Sport, & Physical Activity Committee (WSPA) and the ACSM Consumer Outreach Committee. The WSPA committee delves into environmental research that promotes healthy communities. The Consumer Outreach Committee is responsible for translating research into "usable" language for laypersons. This project provided mentorship for an undergraduate student researcher that resulted in (1) abstract publication (2) annual conference presentation and (3) presentation at the 2019-2020 NASA Ohio Space Consortium by the student. This project provided mentorship for an undergraduate student researcher who graduated in May 2020 and is now employed as a Central State University Country Extension Educator. This project provided the opportunity for researchers to attend various conferences (virtually since COVID-19 began) and continuing education webinars related to the project goals. How have the results been disseminated to communities of interest?Projects completed were communicated to national and international audiences through presentations at conferences. Phipps BE. Nutrition and Health Implications of Hemp Metabolites and Grain. Black Farmers: More than 40 Acres and a Mule Conference, Central State University, September 11, 2020. Firefighter Wellness Study: Phase One data was provided to the Fire Chief. 1. Research Study Title: Impact of Heartfulness meditation practices on the burden of stress and sleep disturbances during the time of COVID-19 pandemic related (Video) on the CSU site 2. Fact Sheet prepared Sleep Matters in review 3. Article Diabetes the science behind the disease in review 4. Nutrigenomics Article in review What do you plan to do during the next reporting period to accomplish the goals?Goal 5, Objective 3: Complete analysis for firefighter phase two data, prepare abstracts for submission to conference proceedings and manuscripts for submission to peer-reviewed journals. Complete analysis of corporate wellness nutrition data; prepare abstracts for submission to conference proceedings and manuscripts for submission to peer-reviewed journals. Goal 6, Objective 1: Complete protocol development; complete equipment acquisition. Begin performing experiments.

Impacts
What was accomplished under these goals? Goal 1: Determine effects of storage and processing on nutrient value and oxidation of novel food products and nutrient supplements. Objective 1: Utilization of sea moss in breakfast smoothies and its impact on reaction time and cognition of African American College students. IRB approved protocol is in place. This project is currently on hold due to COVID-19. Objective 2: Measurement of nutritional value of hemp products which have undergone various processing and storage protocols. This is a research collaboration between a Nutrition researcher and Natural Products/Plant Researcher and is on hold awaiting the addition of a Food Science researcher. Goal 2: Develop new or enhance existing intervention strategies for chronic disease or disorder-related symptoms, utilizing exercise protocols. Objective 1: Determine the effect of quantity and quality of sleep on reaction times and cognition of college aged African American individuals. IRB approved protocol is currently in place. This project is currently on hold due to COVID-19. Objective 2: Determine the effect of mindfulness training on Multiple Sclerosis related symptoms. This project currently has IRB approved protocols in place. A pilot study with healthy adults will begin in January. Objective 3: Develop a program for individuals with disabilities which will be held on CSU campus. Protocols for running this program are under development. Goal is to send protocols for outside review January 2021. Objective 4: Compare efficacy of various body composition assessment techniques in different minority/underserved populations. Objective 5: Use of exercise to decrease aberrant behaviors/symptoms which affect quality of life in individuals with disabilities. This project is currently on hold due to COVID-19. Objective 6: Compare efficacy of various nutrient/natural product supplementation in reducing anxiety-related symptoms. MOU/NDA with collaborators in progress. Goal 3: Compare modalities of physical activities and nutrition in underserved populations to develop best practices in changing health behavior. Objective 1: Determine the nutritional knowledge, dietary intake and baseline risk of metabolic syndrome and cardiovascular disease of fire fighters in regional low socioeconomic communities. Initial data has been obtained and is currently being analyzed. Complete. Objective 2: Determine whether goal setting, and use of the self-determination theory will affect the intake of sugared beverages in children in rural areas. IRB is being completed. Goal 4: Development of individual and group nutritional interventions which promote healthy food intake and improve healthy lifestyles. Objective 1: Prevention of obesity and diabetes type II through application of personalized nutrition and lifestyle interventions including physical activities and nutritional food interventions among minority and under-served populations. Objective 2: Application of vegetarian and plant based nutrition incorporated with physical activities in maintaining healthy body profile among sedentary adults. Objective 3: Effect of using plants and natural herbs red sanders, cinnamon, fenugreek, bitter melon in controlling and managing diabetes type II: A proteomic study in a diabetic mouse model system. Objective 4: Sleepiness survey questionnaire assessment and study on correlation of sleep deprived adults working in night shifts office setting and onset of diabetes type II. Completed. Objective 5: Determination of sugar content in commonly consumed food and drinks using refractometer: A tool to test the appropriate sugar intake by diabetics as a precaution. Preliminary protocols done and pilot data is accomplished with the help of students using refractometer. Pilot data collected with 12 different fruits vegetable juice extracts Objective 6: Application of BIA technology to create new standard in complete segmental body composition analysis: comprehensive evaluation of fat mass and abdominal obesity assessment in adults. Pilot testing with BIA is done, small sample data collected with the help of students for IRB proposal. Goal 5: Develop regional nexus for wellness assessment and solutions. Objective 1: Order basic exercise physiology lab equipment such as treadmills, metabolic carts, cycles, and blood analyzers. COMPLETED. Physiology lab equipment has been delivered and faculty trained on their use. Objective 2: Develop standard operating procedures and maintenance schedules for all equipment. Develop emergency procedures for various possible scenarios. Lab manual currently in development. Cholestech Instrument was installed in the FNH lab, with a trial kit to be used for the study and will be used for studies after standardization with a protocol (Protocol is written). Objective 3: Gather pilot data and stakeholder input from various regional communities to determine existing nutrition and wellness needs. Data from initial study currently being analyzed. Firefighter Wellness Study: Phase One Data - Nutrition behavior, physical activity, anthropometric data collected and analyzed. COMPLETE. Phase Two Data - Sleep. Data collected and currently being analyzed. Corporate Wellness Nutrition Study: Data collected (completed June 2020) and currently being analyzed. The study completed on the topic with Wright State University collaboration and data is being evaluated for publication Title: Impact of Heartfulness meditation practices on the burden of stress and sleep disturbances during the time of COVID-19 pandemic

Publications

• Type: Journal Articles Status: Published Year Published: 2020 Citation: Baba, S., Smith, T., Hellman, J., Bhatnager, A., Carter, K., Vanhoover, A., Caruso, J. (2020). Space flight-diet induced micronutrient deficiency and response to gravity-free resistive exercise. Nutrients. 12(8): 1-12, DOI: 10.3390/nu12082400. Vanhoover A.C., McEnroe C.B., Gray W.D., OBrien I.T., Kozerski A.E., Selimovic E.A., Carter, K.A., Stumbo J., and Caruso J.F. (2020). A high protein diet improves exercise performance outcomes to workouts done on gravity-independent hardware. Journal of Exercise and Nutrition, 2(4): 16. Assessment of Cardiovascular health, Sleep habits, and Diets among college Students by utilizing Public Health Screening Tools, accepted in Journal of Cardiology and current Research JCCR-20-LTR-718 in Press Sleep Habit/Sleepiness Questionnaires: A use fool tool to identify correlation between sleep ,academic performance and obesity promotion in improving heath. Current Development in Nutrition .2020,Jun: 4(suppl 2):1170.