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The COVID-19 pandemic has disrupted many aspects of daily life. The purpose of this study was to identify how health behaviors, level of stress, financial and food security have been impacted by the pandemic among Canadian families with young children. Parents (mothers, n = 235 and fathers, n = 126) from 254 families participating in an ongoing study completed an online survey that included close and open-ended questions. Descriptive statistics were used to summarize the quantitative data and qualitative responses were analyzed using thematic analysis. More than half of our sample reported that their eating and meal routines have changed since COVID-19, most commonly reported changes were eating more snack foods and spending more time cooking. Screen time increased among 74% of mothers, 61% of fathers, and 87% of children and physical activity decreased among 59% of mothers, 52% of fathers, and 52% of children. Key factors influencing family stress include balancing work with childcare/homeschooling and financial instability. While some unhealthful behaviors appeared to have been exacerbated, other more healthful behaviors also emerged since COVID-19. Research is needed to determine the longer-term impact of the pandemic on behaviors and to identify effective strategies to support families in the post-COVID-19 context.

This trial investigated the efficacy of omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acid (n-3 PUFA) treatment for improving depressive symptoms and cognitive performance in patients with coronary artery disease (CAD) participating in cardiac rehabilitation. Patients with CAD aged 45 to 80 years were randomized to receive either 1.9-g/d n-3 PUFA treatment or placebo for 12 weeks. Depressive symptoms were measured using the Hamilton Depression Rating Scale (HAM-D, primary outcome) and the Beck Depression Inventory II (BDI-II). Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fourth Edition, criteria were used to identify a depressive episode at baseline. Cognitive performance was measured using a standardized battery for vascular cognitive impairment. In 92 patients (age, 61.7 ± 8.7 y; 76% male, 40% depressed; HAM-D, 6.9 ± 5.9; BDI-II, 12.3 ± 10.9; n = 45 n-3 PUFA, n = 47 placebo), depression decreased (HAM-D, F3,91 = 2.71 and P = 0.049; BDI-II, F3,91 = 6.24 and P < 0.01), and cognitive performance improved (attention/processing speed, F1,91 = 5.57, P = 0.02; executive function, F1,91 = 14.64, P < 0.01; visuospatial memory, F1,91 = 4.01, P = 0.04) over cardiac rehabilitation. Omega-3 PUFA treatment increased plasma eicosapentaenoic acid (F1,29 = 33.29, P < 0.01) and docosahexaenoic acid (F1,29 = 15.29, P < 0.01) concentrations but did not reduce HAM-D (F3,91 = 1.59, P = 0.20) or BDI-II (F3,91 = 0.46, P = 0.50) scores compared with placebo. Treatment did not improve cognitive performance; however, n-3 PUFAs significantly increased verbal memory compared with placebo in a subgroup of nondepressed patients (F1,54 = 4.16, P = 0.04). This trial suggests that n-3 PUFAs do not improve depressive and associated cognitive symptoms in those with CAD. The possible benefits of n-3 PUFAs for verbal memory may warrant investigation in well-powered studies.

Mobile technology is an expanding field that allows users to study “anytime, anywhere”. Mobile education targets students who are avid users of technology such as smartphones and tablets. Students may benefit from mobile applications as they serve to conveniently provide instructional materials on familiar devices. The NutriBiochem application (app) was developed at the University of Guelph for use in Nutrition and Biochemistry education at the undergraduate level. The app contains 12 modules related to macro/micronutrients and metabolism, with each module consisting of review cards and multiple choice quizzes. Modules cover a range of topics, from micronutrients to lipid and carbohydrate metabolism. Review cards include figures, pathway diagrams, and key points. Quiz questions are generated from a pool of over 1000 questions, and feedback detailing student proficiency in various areas is provided upon completion of each quiz. NutriBiochem is available at no cost, for any user with an iOS, Android or BlackBerry device or computer interface; at present, there have been over 3500 downloads across these platforms. The pedagogical impact of this app will be demonstrated by analysis of frequency of app use in relation to student performance, and data regarding user characteristics (such as device and feature preferences) will be presented. It is our goal to determine whether this app is a useful pedagogical tool, and to characterize functions and features of mobile applications that students find appealing.

This thesis is an investigation of the effects of n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) derived from diet or endogenously via the fat-1 gene from conception through puberty on mammary gland development and fatty acid composition in both wild-type (WT) and transgenic (TG) mice. N-3 PUFA from both diet and genetics were enriched in the mammary glands of mice as early as 3 weeks of age and elevated levels persisted through 12 weeks, however dietary exposure resulted in a relatively greater incorporation of n-3 PUFA compared to genetics. Significant effects of n-3 PUFA on mammary gland development were noted at 3 and 4 weeks of age and a dose-dependant delay in pubertal onset was associated with elevated n-3 PUFA status. Overall, findings suggest that prepuberty might be a time when mammary gland development is particularly sensitive to dietary modifications which, may play a role in modifying future breast cancer risk.

Plasma concentrations of 'trans' fatty acids (TFA) and circulating adipokines may have utility as lifestyle biomarkers. The objective of this thesis was to investigate the association between these variables and prostate cancer (PCa). Using plasma TFA as a biomarker of TFA intake and the adipokines, adiponectin and resistin, as biomarkers of systemic inflammation, we examined the prevalence of PCa in relation to these variables. In addition, we aimed to evaluate whether tumour grade modifies these relationships. In the TFA study (Chapter 5) it was found that di-TFA and the ratio between 18:1' t'9 and 18:1't'11 were positively associated with PCa and this relationship was altered by tumour grade. In the adiponectin and resistin study (Chapter 6), it was found that both adipokines were positively associated with PCa and that tumour grade modified the relationship. In summary, these findings suggest that TFA, adiponectin and resistin may be useful biomarkers for PCa.