Digital Commons Network^™

Gestational Weight Gain And Increased Risk Of Cesarean Delivery Across Body Mass Index Categories., Pearl A Mcelfish, Britni L Ayers, Nicola L Hawley, Aaron Caldwell, Austin Porter, Michael D Macechko, Donya Watson, Jennifer A Callaghan-Koru, James P Selig, Jennifer A Andersen, Nirvana Manning, Lanita White, Enrique Gomez-Pomar, Clare C Brown

Pediatrics Faculty Publications

BACKGROUND: Unnecessary cesarean delivery can have negative implications for both mothers and infants. In the United States, the proportion of women undergoing cesarean delivery exceeds the acceptable World Health Organization proportion. Reducing cesarean deliveries is a national goal of Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Healthy People 2030, the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, and the Alliance for Innovation on Maternal Health.

OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to examine if excessive gestational weight gain is associated with increased risk of cesarean delivery across multiple body mass index categories.

STUDY DESIGN: Analysis was conducted using vital records data from the National …

Gestational Weight Gain And Increased Risk Of Cesarean Delivery Across Body Mass Index Categories., Pearl A Mcelfish, Britni L Ayers, Nicola L Hawley, Aaron Caldwell, Austin Porter, Michael D Macechko, Donya Watson, Jennifer A Callaghan-Koru, James P Selig, Jennifer A Andersen, Nirvana Manning, Lanita White, Enrique Gomez-Pomar, Clare C Brown

Pediatrics Faculty Publications

BACKGROUND: Unnecessary cesarean delivery can have negative implications for both mothers and infants. In the United States, the proportion of women undergoing cesarean delivery exceeds the acceptable World Health Organization proportion. Reducing cesarean deliveries is a national goal of Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Healthy People 2030, the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, and the Alliance for Innovation on Maternal Health.

OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to examine if excessive gestational weight gain is associated with increased risk of cesarean delivery across multiple body mass index categories.

STUDY DESIGN: Analysis was conducted using vital records data from the National …

Extracellular Vesicles Released By All Patients Contain Hne-Adducted Proteins: Implications Of Collateral Damage., Jenni Ho, Suriyan Sukati, Tamara Taylor, Sherry Carter, Brittany Fuller, Amy Marmo, Caryn Sorge, John D'Orazio, D Allan Butterfield, Subbarao Bondada, Heidi Weiss, Daret K St Clair, Luksana Chaiswing

Microbiology, Immunology, and Molecular Genetics Faculty Publications

Off-target neuronal injury is a serious side-effect observed in cancer survivors. It has previously been shown that pediatric acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) survivors have a decline in neurocognition compared to healthy age-matched counterparts. Elevated oxidative stress has been documented to be a mediator in off-target tissue damage in cancer survivors. Early detection of oxidative stress markers may provide an opportunity to prevent off-target tissue damage. Extracellular vesicles (EVs) have surfaced as a potential diagnostic tool due to molecular cargo they contain. We investigated the potential for EVs to be a sensitive indicator of oxidative stress and off-target tissue damage by …

Gdp-Mannose 4,6-Dehydratase Is A Key Driver Of Mycn-Amplified Neuroblastoma Core Fucosylation And Tumorigenesis, Beibei Zhu, Michelle G. Pitts, Michael D. Buoncristiani, Lindsay T. Bryant, Oscar Lopez-Nunez, Juan P. Gurria, Cameron Shedlock, Roberto Ribas, Shannon Keohane, Jinpeng Liu, Chi Wang, Matthew S. Gentry, Nathan R. Shelman, Derek B. Allison, B. Mark Evers, Ramon C. Sun, Eric J. Rellinger

Markey Cancer Center Faculty Publications

MYCN-amplification is a genetic hallmark of ~40% of high-risk neuroblastomas (NBs). Altered glycosylation is a common feature of adult cancer progression, but little is known about how genetic signatures such as MYCN-amplification alter glycosylation profiles. Herein, matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization mass spectrometry imaging (MALDI-MSI) revealed increased core fucosylated glycan abundance within neuroblast-rich regions of human MYCN-amplified NB tumors. GDP-mannose 4,6-dehydratase (GMDS) is responsible for the first-committed and rate-limiting step of de novo GDP-fucose synthesis. High GMDS expression was found to be associated with poor patient survival, advanced stage disease, and MYCN-amplification in human NB tumors. Chromatin immunoprecipitation and promoter reporter assays …

A Microrna-Regulated Transcriptional State Defines Intratumoral Cd8+ T Cells That Respond To Immunotherapy, William W. Tang, Ben Battistone, Kaylyn M. Bauer, Allison M. Weis, Cindy Barba, Muhammad Zaki Hidayatullah Fadlullah, Arevik Ghazaryan, Van B. Tran, Soh-Hyun Lee, Z. Busra Agir, Morgan C. Nelson, Emmanuel Stephen Victor, Amber Thibeaux, Colton Hernandez, Jacob Tantalla, Aik C. Tan, Dinesh Rao, Matthew Williams, Micah J. Drummond, Ellen J. Beswick, June L. Round, H. Atakan Ekiz, Warren P/ Voth, Ryan M. O’Connell

Markey Cancer Center Faculty Publications

The rising incidence of advanced-stage colorectal cancer (CRC) and poor survival outcomes necessitate new and effective therapies. Immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs), specifically anti-PD-1 therapy, show promise, yet clinical determinants of a positive response are suboptimal. Here, we identify microRNA-155 (miR-155) as necessary for CD8 + T cell-infiltrated tumors through an unbiased in vivo CRISPR-Cas9 screen identifying functional tumor antigen-specific CD8+ T cell-expressed microRNAs. T cell miR-155 is required for anti-PD-1 responses and for a vital intratumor CD8 + T cell differentiation cascade by repressing Ship-1, inhibiting Tcf-1 and stemness, and subsequently enhancing Cxcr6 expression, anti-tumor immunity, and effector functions. Based …

Staying Sane In The Membrane: Neutral Sphingomyelinase 2 As A Master Regulator Of Plasma Membrane Ceramide, Zainuddin Quadri, Erhard Bieberich

Markey Cancer Center Faculty Publications

Ceramide, a key signaling sphingolipid in the plasma membrane, plays a pivotal role in fundamental cellular processes such as adhesion, polarity, and programmed cell death. The generation of plasma membrane ceramide is largely attributed to the activity of two types of sphingomyelinases: neutral sphingomyelinase 2 (nSMase2, Smpd3) and acid sphingomyelinase (aSMase, Smpd1). While many studies have explored ceramide generation following experimental activation of these enzymes, the mechanisms governing basal or steady- state ceramide levels have remained poorly understood. Using an innovative mass spectrometry approach developed in the Canals’ lab, the team has quantified the distinct contributions of nSMase2 and aSMase …

Bilirubin Bioconversion To Urobilin In The Gut-Liver-Kidney Axis: A Biomarker For Insulin Resistance In The Cardiovascular-Kidney-Metabolic (Ckm) Syndrome, Zachary A. Kipp, Olufunto O. Badmus, David E. Stec, Brantley Hall, Terry D. Hinds Jr.

Markey Cancer Center Faculty Publications

The rising rates of obesity worldwide have increased the incidence of cardiovascular disease (CVD), making it the number one cause of death. Higher plasma bilirubin levels have been shown to prevent metabolic dysfunction and CVD. However, reducing levels leads to deleterious outcomes, possibly due to reduced bilirubin half-life that escalates the production of its catabolized product, urobilinogen, produced by gut bacteria and naturally oxidized to urobilin. Recent findings suggest that the involvement of the microbiome catabolism of bilirubin to urobilin and its absorption via the hepatic portal vein contributes to CVD, suggesting a liver-gut axis involvement. We discuss the studies …

Ddo-Adjuvanted Influenza A Virus Nucleoprotein Mrna Vaccine Induces Robust Humoral And Cellular Type 1 Immune Responses And Protects Mice From Challenge, Victoria Gnazzo, Hanaa Saleh, Ítalo A. Castro, Adrianus C. M. Boon, Amelia K. Pinto, James D. Brien, Carolina B. López

Markey Cancer Center Faculty Publications

A challenge in viral vaccine development is to produce vaccines that generate both neutralizing antibodies to prevent infection and cytotoxic CD8+ T-cells that target conserved viral proteins and can eliminate infected cells to control virus spread. mRNA technology offers an opportunity to design vaccines based on conserved CD8-targeting epitopes, but achieving robust antigen-specific CD8+ T-cells remains a challenge. Here, we tested the viral-derived oligonucleotide DDO268 as an adjuvant in the context of a model influenza A virus (IAV) nucleoprotein (NP) mRNA vaccine in C57BL/6 mice. DDO268 when co-packaged with mRNA in lipid nanoparticles is sensed by RIG I-like receptors and …

The Mitochondria As An Emerging Target Of Self- Renewal In T-Cell Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia, Majd Al-Hamaly, Evelyn Winter, Jessica S. Blackburn

Markey Cancer Center Faculty Publications

Acute lymphocytic leukemia (ALL) is the most common leukemia in children, with the T-cell subtype (T- ALL) accounting for 15% of those cases. Despite advancements in the treatment of T-ALL, patients still face a dismal prognosis following their first relapse. Relapse can be attributed to the inability of chemotherapy agents to eradicate leukemia stem cells (LSC), which possess self-renewal capabilities and are responsible for the long-term maintenance of the disease. Mitochondria have been recognized as a therapeutic vulnerability for cancer stem cells, including LSCs. Mitocans have shown promise in T-ALL both in vitro and in vivo, with some currently in …

Gdp-Mannose 4,6-Dehydratase Is A Key Driver Of Mycn- Amplified Neuroblastoma Core Fucosylation And Tumorigenesis, Beibei Zhu, Michelle G. Pitts, Michael D. Buoncristiani, Lindsay T. Bryant, Oscar Lopez-Nunez, Juan P. Gurria, Cameron Shedlock, Roberto Ribas, Shannon Keohane, Jinpeng Liu, Chi Wang, Matthew S. Gentry, Nathan R. Shelman, Derek B. Allison, B. Mark Evers, Ramon C. Sun, Eric J. Rellinger

Markey Cancer Center Faculty Publications

MYCN-amplification is a genetic hallmark of ~40% of high-risk neuroblastomas (NBs). Altered glycosylation is a common feature of adult cancer progression, but little is known about how genetic signatures such as MYCN-amplification alter glycosylation profiles. Herein, matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization mass spectrometry imaging (MALDI-MSI) revealed increased core fucosylated glycan abundance within neuroblast-rich regions of human MYCN-amplified NB tumors. GDP-mannose 4,6-dehydratase (GMDS) is responsible for the first-committed and rate-limiting step of de novo GDP-fucose synthesis. High GMDS expression was found to be associated with poor patient survival, advanced stage disease, and MYCN-amplification in human NB tumors. Chromatin immunoprecipitation and promoter reporter assays …

A Comparison Of Commonly Utilized Diagnostic Biopsy Techniques For Pediatric Patients With Cancer: A Systematic Review By The Apsa Cancer Committee., Martha Teke, Barrie S. Rich, Ashley Walther, Dana Schwartz, Lucas A. Mcduffie, Gisela Butera, Jonathan P. Roach, David H. Rothstein, Dave R. Lal, Kimberly Riehle, Andres Espinoza, Nicholas Cost, Elisabeth Tracy, David Rodeberg, Timothy Lautz, Jennifer H. Aldrink, Erin G. Brown

Surgery Faculty Publications

BACKGROUND: Historically, surgical biopsy (SB) for diagnosis of pediatric solid tumors was considered necessary to provide adequate tissue for histologic and molecular analysis. Less invasive biopsy techniques such as image-guided core needle biopsy (CNB), have shown comparable accuracy with decreased morbidity in some adult studies. However, data regarding the safety and efficacy of CNB in pediatric tumors is limited. This study's aim was to assess the overall rate of successful diagnosis and safety of CNB compared to SB in children with malignancies.

METHODS: A PRISMA compliant systematic review was performed in MEDLINE via PubMed, Embase and CINAHL Plus database searches …

Coccidia Vaccine Challenge And Exogenous Enzyme Supplementation In Broiler Chicken 2—Effect On Apparent Ileal Nutrient And Energy Digestibility And Intestinal Morphology 7 And 14 Days Post-Challenge, Sunday A. Adedokun, Andrew Dunaway, Richard Adefioye

Animal and Food Sciences Faculty Publications

The efficiency with which the nutrients and energy in any diet are digested, absorbed, and utilized depends on several factors, with the health status of the bird’s gastrointestinal tract playing an important role. The protozoan parasite Eimeria has been reported to significantly reduce the performance of birds because of poor absorption of nutrients in the small intestine. In this study, the effect of Eimeria sp. challenge and exogenous enzyme supplementation on performance and nutrient digestibility in broilers fed corn-soybean meal- or wheat-corn–SBM-based diets was examined. During the first 7 days post-challenge (days 14–21), in birds fed the corn–soybean-meal-based diets, the …

Establishing A Student-Run Mobile Clinic In Appalachian Kentucky: A Community-Based Pilot Program To Address Health Inequities, Bradley A. Firchow, John C. Cornelius

Journal of Appalachian Health

The establishment of a student-run mobile clinic in Morehead, Kentucky, led by students from the University of Kentucky College of Medicine’s (UKCOM) Rural Physician Leadership Program (RPLP), aims to address health inequities in rural Appalachian communities. This pilot program is designed to serve vulnerable populations, including the unhoused, by delivering free, accessible healthcare services directly to underserved populations. This program serves as a model for expanding access to healthcare in rural regions while promoting a collaborative, community-based approach to addressing social determinants of health.

Impaired Driving Among Rural Appalachian Women In The Year Following Incarceration, J. Matthew Webster, Megan F. Dickson, Shawn M. Jamison, Michele Staton

Journal of Appalachian Health

Introduction: Despite the known risks associated with substance use following incarceration, no studies have examined substance-impaired driving as a post-incarceration health risk behavior in rural Appalachia.

Purpose: The present study examined differences by impaired driving following incarceration and identified predictors of impaired driving in sample of rural Appalachian women with a history of drug use and risky sex.

Methods: Women (N=340) from three rural Appalachian jails completed a baseline interview in jail and follow-up interviews at six and 12 months post-release. Interview questions included demographic characteristics and information on substance use risk, mental health, criminal legal system involvement, and impaired …

Investigating Suicide Risk Factors Among Appalachian West Virginian Adults, Erin D. Caswell, Angela M. Dyer, Summer D. Hartley, Caroline P. Groth, Mary Christensen, Sahiti K. Tulabandu, Bryce K. Weaver, Ruchi Bhandari

Journal of Appalachian Health

Introduction: Suicide rates in the United States have increased over the past two decades, with rural areas, particularly the Appalachian Region, facing unique challenges that elevate suicide risk. These include economic hardships, social isolation, and limited access to mental health services.

Purpose: This study addresses critical gaps in understanding lifetime suicide risk in West Virginia (WV), a predominantly rural state entirely within the Appalachian Region. By identifying the factors driving urban-rural differences in suicide risk, this research seeks to inform interventions tailored to the state's distinct needs and provide insights applicable to the broader Appalachian Region

Methods: Using 2021 Mountain …

Comparative Outcomes Following Randomization To A Pilot Facebook-Based Hiv Prevention Intervention Among Appalachian Women Involved In The Criminal Legal System, Megan F. Dickson, Erika Pike, Michele Staton

Journal of Appalachian Health

Introduction: Rural Appalachian women who use drugs and are involved in the criminal legal system are at increased risk for health consequences (such as HIV/Hepatitis C). Service barriers throughout rural communities have prompted a need to examine the effectiveness of novel intervention delivery methods (e.g., social media).

Purpose: This study aims to determine if enhancing an existing HIV prevention intervention with additional modules delivered via Facebook improves service access by examining short-term outcomes among Appalachian women returning to the community following jail release.

Methods: Between 2019 and 2022, consenting women from two rural Appalachian jails were randomly selected, screened, interviewed, …

Current Attitudes And Barriers Among Appalachian Patients Towards Orthopaedic Surgery, Dylan Smith Md, Justin B. West Ms, Wade Smith Md, Micah Macaskill Md, Jonathan Lash, Matthew W. Bullock Do, Mpt

Journal of Appalachian Health

Introduction: This study explores the challenges faced by residents of rural West Virginia in accessing orthopaedic care due to geographic and socioeconomic barriers.

Purpose: This study seeks to survey rural West Virginia residents about their attitudes and experiences regarding access to orthopaedic care in southern West Virginia.

Methods: A total of 132 electronic surveys were collected from rural West Virginia residents during an appointment with their primary care provider located at an affiliated outreach clinic. The survey was designed to investigate various factors influencing their access to orthopaedic care.

Results: Delays in seeking orthpaedic care are common in rural West …

Clinician Attitudes And Experiences In Screening Patients For Social Determinants Of Health Using Prapare, Pranav Rane, Mathew B. Weimer M.D., Adam Baus

Journal of Appalachian Health

Introduction: Social Determinants of Health (SDOH) are the conditions in which people are born, grow, live, work, and age. SDOH significantly influence health outcomes; as such, healthcare systems should screen for patients’ social needs. PRAPARE is standardized screening tool designed to assess and address patients’ social needs.

Purpose: This study examines SDOH screening at Valley Health Systems, a federally qualified health center based in Huntington, West Virginia. The aim of this research is to assess clinician attitudes and experiences in using the PRAPARE tool to screen for SDOH.

Methods: A self-administered online survey was conducted from April to May 2022 …

Rural Reflections Of Appalachia: A Qualitative Study Of Health Professional Students’ Experiences From A Rural Immersion Experience In West Virginia, Treah Haggerty Md Ms, Jessica Stidham Ma, Stephan Brooks Mph, Abigail Cowher Ba, Sandra Pope Msw, Patricia Dekeseredy Mscn Rn, Cara L. Sedney Md,Ma

Journal of Appalachian Health

Introduction: Conventional academic rotations lack in-depth exposure to rural community members, systems, and resources surrounding specific rural-focused health issues.

Purpose: This study aims to explore health professional students’ experiences within a community-based multidisciplinary rural immersion through their personal reflections.

Methods: Written reflective entries were extracted from the online classroom system from 2019–2021. Data analysis was guided by thematic analysis. An iterative process of qualitatively coding the interviews was conducted. Themes were reviewed and agreed upon by consensus and assessed for validity by two senior researchers.

Results: Sixty-two reflective essays were included from 11 unique professional programs. Resulting themes included (1) …

Powered Haulage Fatalities In Appalachian Coal Mines, Nirmala T. Myers, Noemi B. Hall, Nadia T. Saif, A. Scott Laney

Journal of Appalachian Health

The recent death of a 33-year-old mother of three at a Central Appalachian surface coal mine highlights the persistent dangers faced by miners, particularly from powered haulage incidents. As of December 2, 28 mining fatalities have occurred in the U.S. in 2024, with four in Appalachian coal mines attributed to powered haulage. These deaths underscore the urgent need to address this cause of fatalities in the mining industry and to provide a safe workplace to protect all miners.

The Journal Of Appalachian Health: A Year Of Growth And Impact, Noah Wren, Bradley Firchow, Emily Wilson, Randy Wykoff

Journal of Appalachian Health

The Journal of Appalachian Health continues to grow in strength and reach, serving as a critical platform for research and discussion on the unique health challenges and opportunities in Appalachia, as well as how the challenges and opportunities Appalachia faces are local manifestations of broader regional and global phenomena. Over the past year, we have witnessed a remarkable expansion in our readership, reflecting the increasing demand for evidence-based insights into the health of our region.

Unique Presentation Of Cavernous Sinus Thrombosis In A Paediatric Patient, Rachelle Srinivas, Lalita Gupta, Ryan Harpole, Daniel Moore, Peter Timoney

Surgery Faculty Publications

A paediatric patient presented with periorbital oedema and fever. Initially, there was low suspicion for cavernous sinus thrombosis and orbital cellulitis due to the presence of full extraocular movements. However, given worsening bilateral periorbital oedema, lethargy and sepsis, neuroimaging was performed demonstrating inflammation and enhancement of the leptomeninges and left cavernous sinus, and raising concern for cavernous sinus thrombosis in the setting of orbital cellulitis. Prior to imaging, the patient’s periorbital oedema was attributed to preseptal cellulitis. However, the lack of response to oral antibiotics and worsening symptoms, combined with imaging results, aided in confirming suspicion of cavernous sinus thrombosis. …

A Maturity Model For Clinical Trials Management Ecosystem, Shruti Sehgal, E. Chris Pua, Svetlana Rojevsky, Michael J. Becich, Joshua Fehrmann, Boyd M. Knosp, Adam Wilcox, Jeffery C. Talbert, Catherine K. Craven, Justin Starren

Biostatistics Faculty Publications

Introduction: Managing clinical trials is a complex process requiring careful integration of human, technology, compliance, and operations for success. We collaborated with experts to develop a multi-axial Clinical Trials Management Ecosystem (CTME) maturity model (MM) to help institutions identify best practices for CTME capabilities. Methods: A working group of research informaticists was established. An online session on maturity models was hosted, followed by a review of the candidate domain axes and finalization of the axes. Next, maturity level attributes were defined for min/max levels (level 1 and level 5) for each axis of the CTME MM, followed by the intermediate …

Advancing Workforce Development And Scientific Collaboration, Emily Slade, Claudine T. Jurkovitz, Shari Messinger, Robert A. Oster, Gina Maria Pomann, Sandra L. Taylor, Ann M. Brearley

Biostatistics Faculty Publications

A clinical and translational scientist (CTS) often seeks to increase their knowledge of statistical topics to effectively conduct biomedical research studies. A common method for obtaining this knowledge is through existing online educational materials that are suggested by a biostatistical collaborator or identified by the CTS. However, the volume of available educational materials on diverse statistical topics makes the task of identifying high-quality educational resources at an appropriate level challenging and time consuming for CTSs and collaborative biostatisticians. In response to these challenges, the Biostats4You website was created, where existing online educational materials for a variety of statistical topics are …

Parents Who Make America Great Again: Identity Politics In Right-Wing Populist Discourses On Gender Ideology And Immigration, Alina Hechler

Theses and Dissertations--Gender and Women's Studies

This dissertation explores how anti-immigration and anti-(trans)gender campaigns in the United States engage in an identity politics in which a group benefiting from heteronormative, white supremacist, and nationalist social structures discursively positions itself as an oppressed minority facing an elitist, oppressive, and parasitic establishment. While anti-transgender and anti-immigration platforms represent two distinct issues, they need to be situated within the broader context of right-wing politics. With a focus on the construction of parenthood, my dissertation juxtaposes these two forms of right-wing campaigns through a mixed-method approach by tracing the depiction of two parental figures that have recently emerged in right-wing …

Suicide Exposure In The Army National Guard: A Three Manuscript Dissertation, Rebecca Willis-Nichols

Theses and Dissertations--Social Work

Between 2000-2022, the U.S. suicide rate increased 36% with one death now occurring every 11 minutes (CDC, 2024). Despite the Department of Defense making a concerted effort to curb the suicide increases in their ranks, the rates have continued to rise. Active-duty component rates have slowly increased since 2011 while reserve and guard components have held steady (U.S. Department of Defense, 2023). After adjusting for age, the suicide rate in the veteran population was 57% greater than the civilian population in 2020 (CDC, 2024). There is a need for a better understanding of the impact of these deaths and the …

A Radioactive Circuit Split: Addressing Nuclear Waste Storage And Disposal In The United States, Madison King

Kentucky Journal of Equine, Agriculture, & Natural Resources Law

In this note, Madison King analyzes the emerging circuit split concerning the Nuclear Regulatory Commission’s (NRC) authority to license interim, away-from-reactor nuclear waste storage facilities. King explains that while the D.C. and Tenth Circuits have upheld the NRC’s authority under the Atomic Energy Act, the Fifth Circuit recently rejected that interpretation, ruling the NRC lacks such authority and invoking the major questions doctrine. King argues for a legislative solution to resolve the legal uncertainty and long-standing stalemate over nuclear waste disposal. King proposes that Congress should pass the Nuclear Waste Task Force Act to reevaluate federal policy, eliminate exemptions for …

Puppy Dog Eyes: Begging For Treats And The Regulation Of Dog Breeding, Abigail Barford

Kentucky Journal of Equine, Agriculture, & Natural Resources Law

In this note, Abigail Barford explores the lack of regulation over dog breeding in Kentucky, particularly the harms caused by puppy mills and backyard breeders. Barford explains that loopholes in the Animal Welfare Act and Kentucky’s absence of state-level protections contribute to dog overpopulation, inhumane conditions, environmental damage, and financial burdens on taxpayers. Barford argues for Kentucky to adopt strong breeding regulations modeled on Pennsylvania’s laws and its own equine breeding system. She proposes statewide legislation to license breeders, enforce humane standards of care, and regulate small-scale breeding to curb overpopulation and protect animal welfare.

Stigma And Isolation: The Lived Experiences Of Male Sexual Assault Survivors In College, Vanessa Vela

Theses and Dissertations--Family Sciences

Male sexual assault survivors on college campuses face barriers to disclosure, support, and recovery due to stigma, societal expectations of masculinity, and inadequate institutional resources. This hermeneutic phenomenological study explored the lived experiences of six male survivors of sexual assault enrolled in college, focusing on their perceptions of sexual violence before and after their assault, the psychological burden of disclosure, and their experiences with available support systems. Participants described challenges including rape myths, feelings of isolation, fear of emasculation, and limited access to gender-inclusive resources. While online communities provided some support, institutional services often failed to meet their needs due …

Coffee Farmgate Price And Post-Harvest Processing In Honduras., Isaac Desouza

Theses and Dissertations--Agricultural Economics

Volatile commodity markets and changing climate expose coffee farmers to price and production risk. Proponents recommend specialty coffee as a strategy to combat price risk, because its unique attributes differentiate it from commodity coffee. Extrinsic and intrinsic attributes define specialty coffee and affect prices at many levels of the supply chain. Despite much work on extrinsic attributes, little is known about how intrinsic attributes relate to farmgate price. Post-harvest processing is itself an intrinsic trait and driver of coffee quality. In 2024 we surveyed 261 coffee farmers from La Paz, Honduras, to uncover relationships between capital, post-harvest processing, and farmgate …