Life Sciences Commons^™

Cruelty Intervention Advocacy, A New Approach To Animal Hoarding Interventions, Allison Cardona

International Veterinary Social Work Summit

Animal hoarding affects thousands of animals and people across the United States. Conservative estimates place the number of new cases at two to three thousand per year, though no centralized database exists, so the full scope of the problem is unknown. Unlike intentional, single acts of cruelty, animal hoarding impacts a large number of animals over a prolonged period of time. Any type of animal can be hoarded, though the majority of hoarding situations involve cats and dogs, with numbers ranging from a few dozen to several hundred and even thousands of animals living in a single location. Accumulation of …

Canines And Childhood Cancer: The Effects Of Animal-Assisted Therapy For Patients, Families And Therapy Dogs, Molly Jenkins Msw, Amy Mccullough Ma, Ashleigh Ruehrdanz Ba, Kevin Morris Ph.D.

International Veterinary Social Work Summit

PLEASE USE THE PDF (available from the "download" link) TO FOLLOW ALONG WITH THE VIDEO

For many people, animals take center stage in their daily lives, offering companionship, comfort, joy and for some, even kinship. Increasingly, greater attention has been given to the roles that animals can play in supporting the health and emotional well-being of people in need, specifically through the use of animal-assisted therapy (AAT). However, while the field of human-animal interaction (HAI) research has expanded enormously in recent years, it is still unclear whether the incorporation of animals into clinical settings is effective from a scientific standpoint. …

Volume 9, Number 1 (Spring/Summer 2012), Ut Institute Of Agriculture

Tennessee Land, Life and Science Magazine

Issue Highlights:

• UT Veterinary Medicine Center Treats Smokey
• Farm Credit Services Creates Top Scholars Program
• Perspective on the Importance and Future of the Institute

A Description Of The Movement Of The Canine Pelvic Limb In Three Dimensions Using An Inverse Dynamics Method, And A Comparison Of Two Techniques To Surgically Repair A Cranial Cruciate Ligament Deficient Stifle, Jason Headrick

Doctoral Dissertations

The purposes of the dissertation were: 1) to describe three-dimensional (3D) motion of the canine pelvic limb using an inverse dynamics method, and 2) to compare these motion patterns between normal, healthy dogs and those that have had their stifles stabilized by one of two surgical methods approximately five years earlier.

Twenty-five dogs were allocated to three groups; healthy control dogs, dogs that had received the tibial plateau leveling osteotomy (TPLO), and dogs that had received the lateral fabellar suture (LFS) stabilization technique. Both surgical techniques were performed approximately five years prior on stifles with surgically induced cranial cruciate ligament …

Center Of Excellence In Livestock Diseases And Human Health Annual Report, College Of Veterinary Medicine

Center of Excellence Annual Reports

The center was created in 1984 to promote interdisciplinary activities designed to improve the quality of human life through better animal health; expand livestock disease research capabilities in the College of Veterinary Medicine (UTCVM) and the Institute of Agriculture; identify and characterize animal diseases that are similar to human disease; and develop new strategies for the diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of disease.

Since 1984, the center has developed successful programs that affect the understanding, treatment, and prevention of livestock and human diseases. These programs predominately focus on molecular and cellular approaches to research in infectious diseases, toxicology, host defense, molecular …

Volume 9, Number 2 (Fall/Winter 2012), Ut Institute Of Agriculture

Tennessee Land, Life and Science Magazine

Issue Highlights:

• The Plight of Pollinators: Working to Sustain Our Food Supply
• Celebrating a Land-Grant Milestone
• UT Researchers Devise New Precision Ag Technology

Heifer Estrous Cycle Stage Impacts Luteinizing And Growth Hormone Response To Kisspeptin, Brian K. Whitlock, Joseph A. Daniel, Robyn R. Wilborn, Barbara P. Steele, James L. Sartin

Animal Science Publications and Other Works

The reproductive neuropeptide, kisspeptin (KP), may have a role in regulation of growth hormone (GH) secretion. Expression of KP and its receptor (Kiss1r) are developmentally and hormonally regulated. This study was conducted to determine the effects of KP on plasma concentrations of luteinizing hormone (LH) and GH in pubertal heifers during different functional reproductive stages. Heifers received a single injection of KP (100 pmole / kg) or saline intravenously during proestrus, estrus, and diestrus, and serial blood samples were collected for 3 hours to determine the response of both LH and GH after treatment. Mean concentrations of LH were increased …

Effect Of Kisspeptin On Regulation Of Growth Hormone, Brian K. Whitlock, Joseph A. Daniel, Robyn R. Wilborn, Herris S. Maxwell, Barbara P. Steele, James L. Sartin

Animal Science Publications and Other Works

Kisspeptin ( KP ), a neuroendocrine regulator of reproduction, is hypothesized to be an integrator of metabolism and hormones critical to the regulation of reproduction. Lactation is associated with enhanced growth hormone (GH) responsiveness and reduced fertility. Our study was designed to determine the effects of lactation on KP-stimulated GH and luteinizing hormone (LH) secretion. Five non-lactating and five lactating dairy cows were used in the study. Experiments were conducted with lactating cows at weeks 1, 5 and 11 after parturition. The experimental treatments ( saline and KP [100 and 400 pmol / kg body weight]) were given intravenously and …

The Effect Of Kisspeptin Receptor Agonist (Ftm080) On Luteinizing Hormone In Sheep, Brian K. Whitlock, Joseph A. Daniel, Maria Hes, Barbara P. Steele, James L. Sartin, S. Oishi, N. Fujii

Animal Science Publications and Other Works

Kisspeptin receptor (Kiss1r) agonists with increased half-life and similar efficacy to kisspeptin (KP) in vitro potentially may provide beneficial applications in breeding management of many species. However, many of these agonists have not been tested in vivo. This study was designed to test the effect of a Kiss1r agonist (FTM080) on luteinizing hormone (LH) in vivo. Sheep were treated with FTM080 (500 pmol/kg BW) or sterile water in a 2-ml bolus via the jugular cannula. Serial blood samples were collected every 15-min before (1 hr) and after (1 hr) treatment. Intravenous (IV) injection of FTM080 increased (P < 0.05) LH plasma concentrations through the 45-min sample following treatment. Moreover, the area under the curve of LH in the period from 0 to 60-min following FTM080 treatment was also increased (P < 0.05). These data provide evidence to suggest that FTM080 stimulates the gonadotropic axis of ruminants in vivo.

Volume 8, Number 1 (Spring/Summer 2011), Ut Institute Of Agriculture

Tennessee Land, Life and Science Magazine

Issue Highlights:

• Planting a Garden of Hope for Cancer Patients
• In Smith County, a Community Reinvents Itself
• Advancing Tennessee Through Strategic Extension

Volume 8, Number 2 (Fall/Winter 2011), Ut Institute Of Agriculture

Tennessee Land, Life and Science Magazine

Issue Highlights:

• Outreach to African Nation of Lesotho Takes No-till to a New Level
• UT Center Provides National Training in Food Security
• Dr. Larry Arrington Arrives as Chancellor

Diagnosis And Management Of Horses With Equine Metabolic Syndrome (Ems), Kelly Ann Chameroy

Doctoral Dissertations

In horses, a painful and often debilitating disease known as laminitis can result in impaired function and, in severe cases, euthanasia. Equine Metabolic Syndrome (EMS) is a syndrome in horses that results in development of laminitis and is characterized by the presence of general and/or regional adiposity (“cresty neck”), aberrations in blood lipid concentrations, insulin resistance (IR) and/ or hyperinsulinemia. Therapies have focused on improving the state of obesity and insulin resistance with the goal of diminishing the likelihood of laminitis development. A definitive cause for laminitis has not been established, but hyperinsulinemia and IR are likely candidates as experimental …

Selected Hormonal And Neurotransmitter Mechanisms Regulating, James L. Sartin, Joseph A. Daniel, Brian K. Whitlock, Robyn R. Wilborn

Faculty Publications and Other Works -- Large Animal Clinical Sciences

Appetite control is a major issue in normal growth and in suboptimal growth performance settings. A number of hormones, in particular leptin, activate or inhibit orexigenic or anorexigenic neurotransmitters within the arcuate nucleus of the hypothalamus, where feed intake regulation is integrated. Examples of appetite regulatory neurotransmitters are the stimulatory neurotransmitters neuropeptide Y (NPY), agouti-related protein (AgRP), orexin and melanin-concentrating hormone and the inhibitory neurotransmitter, melanocyte-stimulating hormone (MSH). Examination of messenger RNA (using in situ hybridization and realtime PCR) and proteins (using immunohistochemistry) for these neurotransmitters in ruminants has indicated that physiological regulation occurs in response to fasting for several …

Methicillin Resistance In Staphylococcus Pseudintermedius, Chad Christopher Black

Doctoral Dissertations

Staphylococcus pseudintermedius affecting dogs is analogous to S. aureus on humans, acting as both normal flora and opportunistic pathogen. Methicillin resistance in S. pseudintermedius is recent, with the first documented occurrence of an isolate bearing the methicillin resistance gene, mecA, in 1999. This gene encodes penicillin binding protein 2a, which renders all beta-lactam drugs ineffective and functions as a “gateway” antibiotic resistance determinant. In the presence of ineffective antibiotics, opportunities for mutational events and acquisition of mobile genetic elements increase as microbial densities increase, often leading to multi-drug resistance. Methicillin-resistant S. pseudintermedius (MRSP) infections have become increasingly common. For …

Changes In Plasma Concentrations Of Leptin In Ewes During Pregnancy, Joseph A. Daniel, A B. Milam, M E. Gafnea, Brian K. Whitlock, D H. Keisler

Animal Science Publications and Other Works

Previous research has demonstrated circulating concentrations of leptin increase in ewes during mid pregnancy then decline in late pregnancy and early lactation. The objective of this study was to more narrowly define the timing of changes in circulating concentrations of leptin with pregnancy in ewes. Katahdin ewes (n= 19) located at latitude 34.275 and longitude -85.183 (Mount Berry, GA) were utilized. Blood samples were collected weekly via jugular veinpuncture beginning immediately before ram exposure on September 23 and continuing until 4 weeks post-lambing. Ewes were exposed to a ram fitted with a marking harness for a 63 day breeding season. …

Effect Of Leukemia Inhibitory Factor On Feed Intake And Body Temperature In Sheep, James L. Sartin, D L. Marks, Brian K. Whitlock, Joseph A. Daniel, Barbara P. Steele

Animal Science Publications and Other Works

Leukemia inhibitory factor (LIF) has been suggested to function as a potent inhibitor of feed intake in rodents. These studies were designed to determine whether LIF was found in the ovine hypothalamus and whether LIF inhibited feed intake in sheep. Sheep hypothalami were used to clone LIF to indicate presence of the gene in the hypothalamus. The sequence was similar to published data. Another group of sheep were provided intraventricular (ICV) cannulas and injected with doses of LIF at 250, 500, 1000 and 2500 ng per sheep, ICV. Feed intake was inhibited by the 1000 and 2500 ng dose (trt, …

Changes In Plasma Concentrations Of Growth Hormone And Luteinizing Hormone In Ewes Following Central And Peripheral Treatment With Kisspeptin, Brian K. Whitlock, Joseph A. Daniel, Barbara P. Steele, James L. Sartin

Animal Science Publications and Other Works

Kisspeptin (KP), a neuroendocrine regulator of gonadotropin releasing hormone, has been hypothesized as an integrator of nutrition and hormones critical to metabolism and regulation of reproduction. Recent evidence suggests growth hormone (GH) secretion may be influenced by KP. The objective of this study was to determine if the GH stimulatory effect of KP is due to actions on the hypothalamus or anterior pituitary gland in ewes. Adult ovariectomized ewes (n=8) were fitted with intracerebroventricular (ICV) cannula to facilitate central administration of experimental treatments. Ewes received one of eight treatments [four intravenously (IV) and four ICV]. Peripheral treatments [0 (Veh), 100, …

Volume 7, Number 2 (Spring/Summer 2010), Ut Institute Of Agriculture

Tennessee Land, Life and Science Magazine

Issue Highlights:

• Celebrating UT Extension and 4-H's Centennial
• A Veterinarian Alum Blogs on His Life, Work
• Workshops and Tours Promote Direct Farm Marketing

Farm Focus - Spring 2010, Brian K. Whitlock, Matt Welborn, Maria Prado, Amy Plummer

Faculty Publications and Other Works -- Large Animal Clinical Sciences

No abstract provided.

Volume 7, Number 1 (Fall/Winter 2010), Ut Institute Of Agriculture

Tennessee Land, Life and Science Magazine

Issue Highlights:

• UT AgResearch Discoveries that Make a Difference
• Taking Steps to Protect U.S. Agriculture and Food Supply
• Student Biosystems Teams Shine in International Competitions

Ppar Agonists Down-Regulate The Expression Of Atp10c Mrna During Adipogenesis, A Peretich, Maria Cekanova Ms, Rndr, Phd, S Hurst, Sj Baek, Madhu Dahr

Faculty Publications and Other Works -- Biochemistry, Cellular and Molecular Biology

No abstract provided.

Farm Focus - Fall 2009, Brian K. Whitlock, Matt Welborn, Maria Prado, Amy Plummer

Faculty Publications and Other Works -- Large Animal Clinical Sciences

No abstract provided.

Farm Focus - Spring 2009, Brian K. Whitlock, Matt Welborn, Maria Prado, Amy Plummer

Faculty Publications and Other Works -- Large Animal Clinical Sciences

No abstract provided.

Volume 6, Number 1 (2009), Ut Institute Of Agriculture

Tennessee Land, Life and Science Magazine

Issue Highlights:

• Innovations in Learning

Volume 6, Number 2 (2009), Ut Institute Of Agriculture

Tennessee Land, Life and Science Magazine

Issue Highlights:

• Developing Safer Sports Turfs

The Effects Of Lactation And Negative Energy Balance On Kisspeptin-Stimulated Luteinizing Hormone And Growth Hormone In Dairy Cows, Brian K. Whitlock, Joseph A. Daniel, Robyn R. Wilborn, Herris S. Maxwell, Barbara P. Steele, James L. Sartin

Animal Science Publications and Other Works

Kisspeptin, a neuroendocrine regulator of gonadotropin releasing hormone, is hypothesized to integrate nutrition and hormones critical to metabolism and the regulation of reproduction. Since the negative energy balance of early lactation is associated with reduced fertility via suppression of gonadotropin secretion and enhanced growth hormone (GH) responsiveness, this experiment was designed to determine the effects of stage of lactation and negative energy balance on kisspeptin-10 (Kp-10) stimulated luteinizing hormone (LH) and GH concentrations. Five nonlactating [5.1 ± 0.8 (SEM) years; 577 ± 19 kg body weight (BW)] and five lactating [4.1 ± 0.6 years; 608 ± 11 kg BW] multiparous …

Volume 5, Number 2 (2007), Ut Institute Of Agriculture

Tennessee Land, Life and Science Magazine

Issue Highlights:

• Diversifying Research

Volume 4, Number 1 (2006), Ut Institute Of Agriculture

Tennessee Land, Life and Science Magazine

Issue Highlights:

• A focus on agriculture and natural resources programs at the University of Tennessee Institute of Agriculture

Volume 4, Number 2 (2006), Ut Institute Of Agriculture

Tennessee Land, Life and Science Magazine

Issue Highlights:

• From Grow to Go for a New Bioeconomy

Expression Of G-Protein Inwardly Rectifying Potassium Channels (Girks) In Lung Cancer Cell Lines, Howard Plummer 3rd, Madhu Dhar, Maria Cekanova Ms, Rndr, Phd, Hildegard Schuller

Faculty Publications and Other Works -- Biochemistry, Cellular and Molecular Biology

BACKGROUND: Previous data from our laboratory has indicated that there is a functional link between the beta-adrenergic receptor signaling pathway and the G-protein inwardly rectifying potassium channel (GIRK1) in human breast cancer cell lines. We wanted to determine if GIRK channels were expressed in lung cancers and if a similar link exists in lung cancer. METHODS: GIRK1-4 expression and levels were determined by reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) and real-time PCR. GIRK protein levels were determined by western blots and cell proliferation was determined by a 5-bromo-2'-deoxyuridine (BrdU) assay. RESULTS: GIRK1 mRNA was expressed in three of six small …