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Contribution Of Matrix Metalloproteinase-2 And Matrix Metalloproteinase-9 To Upper Tract Urothelial Cancer Risk In Taiwan, Bo-Ren Wang, Hung-Huan Ma, Chao-Hsiang Chang, Cheng-Hsi Liao, Wen-Shin Chang, Mei-Chin Mong, Ya-Chen Yang, Jian Gu, Da-Tian Bau, Chia-Wen Tsai

Faculty, Staff and Student Publications

Matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)-2 and -9, which degrade type IV collagen, are linked to cancer invasion and metastasis. Gene polymorphisms in MMP-2 and MMP-9 can influence their function, impacting cancer development and progression. This study analyzed the association between polymorphisms MMP-2 rs243865 (C-1306T), rs2285053 (C-735T), and MMP-9 rs3918242 (C-1562T) with serum concentrations of these enzymes in upper tract urothelial cancer (UTUC) patients. We conducted a case-control study with 218 UTUC patients and 580 healthy individuals in Taiwan. Genotyping was performed using PCR/RFLP on DNA from blood samples, and MMP-2 and MMP-9 serum levels and mRNA expressions in 30 UTUC patients were …

Metagenomic Analysis Of Antarctic Microbial Communities, David Michael Robinson

Biology ETDs

The research presented in this dissertation focuses on microbial roles in biogeochemical cycling in Antarctic aquatic environments. The major objective of my research was to examine the impact of biotic and abiotic pressures on nutrient cycling in microbially dominated systems. I used three perennially ice covered lakes in the McMurdo Dry Valleys (MDVs) along with subglacial lakes Whillans and Mercer as natural case studies. The MDVs are located in Victoria Land, East Antarctica and have been studied since 1993 as part of the McMurdo Long Term Ecological Research Project. Viruses in the MDVs were shown to be seasonally abundant and …

Identifying Sudden Cardiac Arrest Risk In Adolescent Male Athletes, Alexis Sattler, Susan Rozzi

International Journal of Exercise Science

International Journal of Exercise Science 17(2): 874-886, 2024. The purpose of the study was to determine the prevalence of sudden cardiac arrest (SCA) risk factors in high school (HS) athletes. Thirty-three male soccer players from a public HS in the southeastern United States (ages 14-17) self-reported survey data. Participants reported demographic, lifestyle, heart health, COVID-19 history, and symptoms indicative of SCA risk. An electrocardiogram (ECG) assessed heart rate (HR), rhythm, and electrical activity. Resting HR and blood pressure (BP) were measured with a BP monitor. The association between COVID-19 history, HR, and BP were calculated. Participants were divided into ECG …

Review: Myopathies In Broilers: Supply Chain Approach To Provide Solutions To Challenges Related To Raising Fast Growing Birds, Shai Barbut, Randolph Mitchell, Parker Hall, Craig Bacon, Ritchard Bailey, Casey M. Owens, Massimiliano Petracci

Poultry Science Faculty Publications and Presentations

This review is a summary of a Poultry Science Association symposium addressing myopathies in broilers’ breast meat, focusing on the interactions between genetics, nutrition, husbandry, and meat processing. The Pectoralis major myopathies (woody breast [WB]; white striping [WS]; spaghetti meat [SM]) and Pectoralis minor (“feathering”) are described, followed by discussing their prevalence, potential causes, current and future ways to mitigate, as well as detection methods (in live birds and meat) as well as ways to utilize affected meat. Overall, breast myopathies remain an important focus across the poultry industry and whilst a lot …

Cross-Sectional Analysis Of The Association Between Household Food Insecurity And Mental Health Conditions In Children Aged 5–11 Years In Canada, Justin Thielman, Sarah Orr, Saranya Naraentheraraja, Daniel Harrington, Sarah Carsley

Faculty, Staff and Student Publications

BACKGROUND: Children living in food insecure households have poorer mental health outcomes compared with their food-secure peers; however, the relationship between the severity of food insecurity and diagnosed mental health conditions in young children remains unknown. This study examined the association between household food insecurity and reported diagnosed mental health conditions among children aged 5-11 years in Canada.

METHODS: This study included 16 216 children aged 5-11 years living in Canada, from the 2019 Canadian Health Survey on Children and Youth. We measured household food insecurity using the Household Food Security Survey Module. We measured diagnosed mental health conditions by …

Evaluating The Impact Of A Virtual Health Coaching Lifestyle Program On Weight Loss After Sleeve Gastrectomy: A Prospective Study, Kristina Strauss, Rachel Sauls, Michelle K. Alencar, Kelly E. Johnson

Kinesiology

Bariatric surgery (BS) is a leading treatment for obesity; however, adverse side effects (e.g., pain and infection) can deter patients or affect weight maintenance. This study investigates how a post-operative virtual health coaching lifestyle program, monitoring virtual weekly goal progress made by patients, affects weight loss after BS, specifically sleeve gastrectomy. Patients recruited for this 6-month study were classified with a BMI > 30 kg/m² 90 days post-operatively. Patients were prescribed lifestyle support delivered by certified health and wellness coaches (InHealth Lifestyle Therapeutics™). Demographic variables (e.g., age, weight, height, and gender) were obtained and compared according to initial, 3-, 6-month, …

Symbiotic Potential And N Returns In Forage And Grain Legumes For Improving The N Economy Of Tropical Cropping Systems, F D. Dakora, J A. Abdogoba

IGC Proceedings (1977-2023)

There were marked cultivar and species differences in the amounts of N fixed and potential N returns in five forage legumes and ten groundnut (Arachis hypogaea L.) cultivars evaluated for symbiotic performance in both Guinea and Sahel savanna environments. Of the forage legumes, the Crotalaria and Lablab species accumulated greater symbiotic N and therefore showed higher potential N returns for improving the N economy of soils in both Guinea and Sahel savanna in Africa. However, Lablab appeared to be better adapted to the drier Sahel environment compared to the other species. When nutrient imbalances in the Guinea savanna soil …

Integration Of Forage Legumes Into Maize/Elephant Grass Systems For Dairy Farming, E N. Sabiiti, J S. Mugerwa, P Ngategize, G Kyeyune

IGC Proceedings (1977-2023)

The livestock sector contributes about 30% of the total value of agricultural production but the sector does not meet the demand for milk. Currently, there is serious migration of the rural population to urban centres and this will lead to high demand for milk and milk products. Therefore, the development of peri-urban dairy production by the small scale farmers appears a promising option to solve the problems of malnutrition, increase household incomes and improve the quality of life of these farmers. The dominant production system practised is zero-grazing using improved dairy breeds and feeding elephant grass (Pennisetum purpureum) …

Exploring The Mechanistic Trail Connecting Cellular Function, Health, And Athletic Performance With Phase Angle: A Review On The Physiology Of Phase Angle And Exercise-Based Interventions, Trevor Short, Paulette Yamada

Topics in Exercise Science and Kinesiology

Topics in Exercise Science and Kinesiology Volume 5: Issue 1, Article 7, 2024. Bioelectrical impedance analysis-derived phase angle (PhA) has been widely used in clinical and sports settings, as it is positively associated with health and fitness. However, what PhA is measuring at the cellular level has not been addressed, which limits our interpretation of PhA. The purpose of this review is to provide a roadmap, starting with the mechanistic link between the dielectric properties of mammalian cells and their physiological function. In simplistic terms, PhA measures cellular permittivity and electrical conductivity. These characteristics determine cellular health and function. This …

Arachis Pintoi: A Multipurpose Legume For Sustainable Land Use, P J. Argel, P C. Kerridge, E A. Pizarro

IGC Proceedings (1977-2023)

Perennial peanut (A. pintoi) is a multiple-use tropical legume that can be used in association with a grass or as a cover crop in tree plantations. As a forage plant it has high forage quality and persistence under heavy grazing. As a cover crop and for erosion control it forms a dense cover under shade, excludes weeds and contributes to soil improvement.

A Model To Determine The Optimum Forage Combination And Level Of Concentrate For Dairy Cows, E Jahn, G Gutierrez, R Velasco, M Silva

IGC Proceedings (1977-2023)

A model was developed to simulate a milk production system. The program determines the milk production based on energy nutrition, calving date, cow potential and defines grazing sequence and harvesting dates. It can simulate different stocking rates, paddock sizes, levels of production according to pasture quality, seasonal production and concentrate intake. The output of the model is used for an economical analysis which evaluates costs and returns; for some of the most sensitives factors that affect economic returns like prices of milk and concentrate, pasture production and others. The program makes an analysis of sensitivity where these factors are varied …

Small Grains In Cropping Systems To The Brazilian Southern Regions, R S. Fontanelo, L De J.A Del Duca, R S. Fontaneli

IGC Proceedings (1977-2023)

Winter cereals genotypes (oats, wheat, rye, barley, and triticale) were evaluated for forage and grain yield at the experimental area of the Wheat National Research Center (EMBRAPA/CNPT) and Agronomy College of the Universidade de Passo Fundo (UPF/FA), in Passo Fundo, RS state, southern Brazil, during the years 1992-94. Three cutting frequencies were applied: no cutting, one and two cuttings. A completely random block design with split-plots and three replicates was used. The crops were established under conventional tillage. The fertilization was 200- 300 kg/ha 5-25-25 , plus 22.5-30.0 kg/ha of N (urea) during tiller period (before 45 days after planting …

Constraints To Production Of Annual Medic (Medicago Spp.) Pastures In Southern Australia, M D. Denton, W D. Bellotti, C R. Hill, S P. Taylor

IGC Proceedings (1977-2023)

A field experiment was used to determine the effects of the root lesion nematode (Pratylenchus neglectus) and phospate and zinc nutrition on the production of annual medic pastures. Elimination of nematodes (nematicide increased shoot and seed production significantly and zinc and nematicide in combination significantly reduced numbers of nematodes present in roots.

Tropical Corn For Silage In Multiple Cropping Systems, J C. Burns, D S. Fisher

IGC Proceedings (1977-2023)

This study compared the yield potential and inherent nutritive value and quality of tropical corn (Zea mays L.) with temperate corn and two forage sorghums [Sorghum bicolor (L.) Moench] for use in multiple cropping systems. Tropical corn showed high dry matter yield potential (19.3 Mg ha-1) compared with a selected temperate corn (14.7 Mg ha-1) or with an intermediate (8.5 Mg ha-1) or taller growing forage-type sorghum (10.3 Mg ha-1). Neutral detergent fiber concentration (g kg-1) was lower for temperate corn (330) than for tropical (548) corn which had a concentration similar to the intermediate (497) and forage-type …

Common Toadflax (Linaria Vulgaris) A Persistent Weed In Alfalfa (Medicargo Sativa) Hay Fields, J R. King, L Zaychuk

IGC Proceedings (1977-2023)

The spread and persistence of common toadflax (Linaria vulgaris) when growing alone and in competition with alfalfa (Medicargo sativa) maintained as a hay crop in central Alberta Canada was monitored over a four year period. Competition from alfalfa reduced the rate of spread of the weed, and multiple harvests of the crop prevented toadflax seed set. The presence of the weed did not significantly affect the yield of alfalfa.

The Beneficial Effects Of Short-Term Rotation Systems Of Winter Forage Crops With Maize On Dry Farming Land Of Southwestern China, S R. Zhou, U Simon, K Mao

IGC Proceedings (1977-2023)

The objective of this study was to sift out the suitable and better short-term rotation systems of winter forage mixture with maize on dry farming land for the local farmers in Southwestern China. Four species of legume, Italian ryegrass and maize were used to organize six treatments for this experiment. The result showed that the three rotation systems of Astragalus sinicus (80%) + Lolium multiflorum (20%) ’ Zea mays, Medicago hisida (70%) + Lolium multiflorum (30%) ’ Zea mays and Vicia villosa (75%) + Lolium multiflorum (25%) ’ zea mays obtained good forage values (TDOM 4.06-4.36 t/ ha, CP 1.10-1.58 …

The Comparison Of Different Short-Term Rotation Systems Of Winter Forage Crops With Rice In Subtropical Plain Region Of Southwestern China, U Simon, S R. Zhou, K Mao

IGC Proceedings (1977-2023)

The objective of this study was to explore the possibility of growing winter forage crops in the present farming system with simple grain production only in subtropical plain region of southwestern China. The result showed that the four rotation systems i.e. Astragalus sinicus (70%) + Lolium multiflorum (30%) rice, Medicago hispida (75%) + Lolium multiflorum (25%) rice, Lolium multiflorum (20%) + Vicia villosa (80%) rice and Astragalus sinicus (80%) + Brassica napus (20%) rice obtained good forage values (TDOM 3.35-4.12 t/ha, CP 1.12-1.31 t/ha, ME 2.53-3.19 X 104 MJ/ha), at the same time, obtained better rice yields (DW 6.35-7.17 t/ha) …

Intake, Growth And Feed Preference By Steers Fed Combinations Of Alfalfa And Annual Ryegrass Silage, E Charmley

IGC Proceedings (1977-2023)

Nutritive value and intake of legumes is generally considered superior to grasses when ensiled at similar digestibility. The objectives of this experiment were to determine the optimum combination of annual ryegrass (Lolium multiflorum) and alfalfa (Medicago sativa) silages to maximize growth rate of steers fed silage, determine chemical components which influenced performance, and to determine if steers selected the optimum mixture when given a choice. Both silages contained similar concentrations of dry matter, acid detergent fibre and organic acids, but alfalfa silage had higher concentrations of nitrogen (N), soluble N and ammonia N. Annual ryegrass contained …

Storage Losses In Large Round Bale Using Various Storage Methods For Six And Eighteen Months, R C. Reeder, D H. Samples, H M. Bartholomew, S L. Boyles

IGC Proceedings (1977-2023)

Grass hay was baled with a variety of balers and tying materials in June, 1994 and 1995, at Jackson, Ohio. The bales were prepared and stored several ways. Waste hay accounted for less than ten percent of the dry matter after storage for six and eighteen months in all cases except one (a plastic wrap system intended for use with haylage). Bales stored inside had no waste. The best outdoor storage system, with less than one percent waste, used a ‘bale bonnet’ (top half covered with a plastic sheet) with the bale on a slatted pallet. One group of bales …

Effect Of The Ammoniation On Brachiaria Decumbens Hays, B Rosa, R A. Reis, K T. Resende, L.R De A. Rodrigues, C C. Jobim

IGC Proceedings (1977-2023)

The effect of the ammoniation on B. decumbens hay obtained during the phase of seed maturation were studied as follows: hay not treated and hay treated with 2 or 3% of NH3, or 3.6 or 5.4% of urea. Ammoniation reduced the contents (g/kg DM) of NDF, hemicellulose, ADF, and lignin and increased the contents of total N, and ADIN; the IVDMD; the IVOMD; the “in situ” degradability of DM and OM and the apparent digestibility (g/kg nutrient) of DM, OM, and CP, as well increased the daily voluntary intake (g/kg0.75) of DM, the digestible DM, OM, the digestible OM, the …

Influence Of Drying Method And Temperature Of Ruminal Degradable Protein Of Switchgrass, D E. Farnham, K J. Moore, J R. George

IGC Proceedings (1977-2023)

The nutritional value of herbage protein fed to ruminant livestock can be influenced greatly by the extent to which it is degraded in the rumen. This study was conducted to determine if drying method and temperature alters measurements of in situ ruminal escape protein (EP) of switchgrass herbage. Switchgrass harvested at the pre-heading stage was either air dried, freeze dried, or oven dried at 38, 49, 60, or 71° C. Samples from each of the six drying treatments were digested in situ in Dacron bags for 4, 8, 12, or 16 h. Drying treatment had a significant impact on EP …

Ensilage For Low Resources Farmers 2. Poultry Litter As Cheap Additive, F.H K. Asiedu, C A. Alexander, G Proverbs

IGC Proceedings (1977-2023)

The effect of poultry litter (15% wet basis) additive on the quality of king grass (Pennisetum purpureum x P. americanum) silage was studied in a randomized block design experiment (8 replications). Compared with grass silage (G), grass + poultry litter (G+P) caused significant (P<0.05) reduction in moisture (G, 716 v G+P, 670 g/ kgDM), pH (5.41 v 4.72) and butyric acid (9.6 v 5.5 g/kgDM). Crude protein (CP, Nx6.25, g/kgDM), in vitro digestibility (IVOMD, g/ kgDM) and metabolizable energy (ME, MJ/kgDM) increased from (G)104, 536 and 8.00 to (G+P) 127, 613 and 9.19. In a feeding trial using St. Elizabeth x Barbados Blackbelly lambs G+P gave significantly (P<0.05) higher daily gain (182 v 149 for G). This was related to significantly (P<0.05) higher intake of CP and ME from G+P (71.9 v 55.1 g/d and 5.20 v 4.24 MJ/d).

Additives As Preservatives For Wrapped Round Bales Silage Made Under Tropic Climate, J M. Paillat, G Mandret

IGC Proceedings (1977-2023)

In tropical highlands it is difficult to conserve harvested forage as silage. Tests with molasses as an additive, or using ammonium tetraformiate (ATF) or inoculants have been conducted to find out more about the fermentation process in these conditions. Sugar additives are not the primary factor in the fermentation process. Nevertheless, they are essential to make up for the small amounts of water soluble carbohydrates (WSC) in the forages, but only if the dry matter (DM) content is high enough (27% for temperate species, 40 % for the kikuyu grass). Even at high rates such as 5 l t-1 of …

Effect Of Storage On Quality Of Cowpea Haulm Hay Under Warm Humid Conditions, S O. Apori

IGC Proceedings (1977-2023)

The effect of four months storage on chemical composition of hay prepared from cowpea haulm was monitored in a Coastal savanna environment in Cape Coast, Ghana. The average hydrometeorological conditions during the experimental period were 27.1oC of temperature, 30.1mm of rainfall, 80.4% of relative humidity and 0.80 water activity. Parameters measured were dry matter (DM%), crude protein (CP%), metabolisable energy for ruminants [MEr, MJME/KgDM], protein to energy ratio (p/E, g/MJME), pH, and rumen degradable nitrogen (RDN,%). The CP, MEr, P/E, pH and RDN values of 13.04%, 7.17 MJME kg-1DM, 18.18g/MJME, 6.35 and 58.83% of freshly prepared hay changed to 12.05%, …

Intake, Digestion And Performance Comparisons For Cattle Fed Macerated Vs. Roller-Conditioned Alfalfa (Medicago Sativa L.) Forage, Suwarno, K M. Wittenberg, W P. Mccaughey

IGC Proceedings (1977-2023)

The objective of this study was to determine whether maceration of alfalfa forage at the time of harvest will have a positive impact on intake, digestibility and performance in beef cattle. A performance trial conducted with 24 growing beef calves resulted in a 7% and 10% increase (P<0.05) in dry matter intake (kg/d) and daily gain (kg), respectively, when animals were fed alfalfa silage harvested with a macerator vs. a mower conditioner. Feed efficiency was not affected by treatment. Four steers assigned to alfalfa hay harvested with a macerator vs. mower conditioner showed no differences in dry matter intake, however, dry matter digestibility for the macerated hay was higher.

Dry Matter Yield And Nutritive Value Of Coast-Cross N1 Preserved As Hay, Silage, And Haylage, J B. Andrade, E Ferrari Jr, W Lavezzo, V T. Paullino, J R. Nogueira, G Braun, F B. Castro

IGC Proceedings (1977-2023)

Dry matter yield and nutritive value of coast-cross n° 1 (Cynodon dactylon (L.) Pers preserved as hay, silage and haylage were studied. The forage was harvested after 28, 35, 42 and 49 days of growth. Fertilization was completed with 400 kg/ha single superphosphate and 500 kg/ha 20-0-20 at the beginning of the experiment. The experimental design for dry matter yield (2 x 2 m plots) was a randomized block with four replications. Nutritive value was also analyzed in a randomized block design being the treatments arranged in a 3 x 4 factorial (three preservation methods and four ages). Dry …

Evolution Of The Nutritional Quality During Big Bale Ensilage Of Temperate Multispecies Pastures, L M. Gutierrez, E M. Viviani Rossi

IGC Proceedings (1977-2023)

The objective of this work was to assess the evolution of the nutritive quality of big bales composed of multispecifies pastures (Phalaris acuática, Festuca arundinacea, Lolium perenne and Medicago sativa). Ten big bales were analysed after 90 and 120 days for the following: dry matter (%DM); crude protein (CP, %DM); pH; neutral detergent fibre (NDF, %DM); digestibility in vitro of DM (IVDMD, %DM); ammonia nitrogen (NH3-N/%TN); soluble protein (SP, %NT) and non structural carbohydrates (WSC, %DM).The results were analyzed through variance of the means and significant differences (p<0.05) were found in percentages of DM (32.9% and 27.8%); CP (12.1% and 8.6%); pH (4.6 and 6.7); IVDMD (61.1% and 53.2%); N-NH3/TN (11.8% and 36.0%); SP (8.6% and 12.6%) and no differences were found in NDF (60.2% and 61.6%) and WSC (2.8% and 1.9%) (p>0.05).

Medicinal Plants As Indicators Of Grassland Biodiversity, G Nagy, I Vinczeffy, K Peto

IGC Proceedings (1977-2023)

A study has been made to identify the medicinal plants on the existing Hungarian grasslands. Sixty-three plants have been found to possess medicinal effects. Twenty-six, 15 and 22 species are for internal, internal or external and external use, respectively. This result reflects the low management intensity of grasslands in the country, as well as the species richness of semi-natural grasslands. It is suggested that the number of medical plants on the grassland, - in general - can also be used as an indicator of grassland biodiversity.

Mineral Contents Of White Clover Grass And Nitrogen Fertilized Grass Pastures For Lambs, R Sormunen-Cristian, P Nykänen-Kurki, J Peltola

IGC Proceedings (1977-2023)

The mineral contents (Ca, P, Mg, K, Na, Fe, Cu, Zn, and Mn) of white clover grass without nitrogen and grass-only pastures with annual nitrogen rates of 0, 120 and 250 kg ha-1 were studied in 1994 and 1995. The pastures were grazed twice per season by growing lambs. The white clover contents averaged 25% and 42%, respectively. The Ca and Mg contents and the Ca/P ratio were higher, and the K/(Ca+Mg) equivalent ratio lower in white clover grass than in grass-only swards. The P content of white clover grass was similar to that of grass, and the K content …

Collection And Evaluation Of The Section Platycarpe From The Peoples Republic Of China, T A. Cambell, G Bao, Z L. Xia

IGC Proceedings (1977-2023)

The Peoples Republic of China is the center of origin of several species of the section Platycarpae, which could contain genes for drought and cold tolerance that would be of significant benefit to cultivated alfalfa (Medicago sativa L.) Of particular interest are Medicago archiducis-nicolai Sirjaev, M. edgeworthii Sirjaev, and M. ruthenica (L.) Ledebour. Of 105 M. ruthenica accessions collected from 15 diverse environments in Inner Mongolia, 50 were evaluated in the field at Beltsville MD (USA) in 1993 and 1994 on an acid soil (pH 6.4) deficient in boron and potassium. Significant variation was noted for stand retention, reaction to …