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The Role Of Endoplasmic Reticulum Stress In Ethanol-Induced Neurodegeneration, Yongchao Wang

Theses and Dissertations--Pharmacology and Nutritional Sciences

Heavy ethanol use causes neurodegeneration manifested by neuronal loss and dysfunction. It is becoming imperative to delineate the underlying mechanism to promote the treatment of ethanol-induced neurodegeneration. Endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress is a hallmark and an underlying mechanism of many neurodegenerative diseases. This study aims to investigate the role of ER stress in ethanol-induced neurodegeneration. In experimental design, adult mice were exposed to binge ethanol drinking by daily gavage for 1, 5, or 10 days and the response of ER stress was examined. We found the induction of ER stress appeared at 5 days and remained at 10 days. Moreover, …

Azithromycin Therapy Reduces Cardiac Inflammation And Mitigates Adverse Cardiac Remodeling After Myocardial Infarction, Ahmed Hamish Neamah Al-Darraji

Theses and Dissertations--Pharmacology and Nutritional Sciences

Introduction: Myocardial infarction (MI) remains the leading cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide. Induced by cardiomyocyte death, MI initiates a prolonged and uncontrolled inflammatory response which impairs the healing process. Immune cells, such as macrophages, play a central role in organizing the early post-MI inflammatory response and the subsequent repair phase. Two activation states of macrophages have been identified with distinct and complementary functions (inflammatory vs. reparatory). This bimodal pattern of macrophage activation is an attractive therapeutic target to favorably resolve post-MI inflammation and enhance recovery. It has been demonstrated that azithromycin (AZM), a commonly used antibiotic with immunomodulatory effects, …

Exploring The Role Of Insulin Receptor Signaling In Hippocampal Learning And Memory, Neuronal Calcium Dysregulation, And Glucose Metabolism, Hilaree N. Frazier

Theses and Dissertations--Pharmacology and Nutritional Sciences

In the late 90’s, emerging evidence revealed that the brain is insulin-sensitive, highlighted by broad expression of brain-specific insulin receptors and reports of circulating brain insulin. Contemporary literature robustly supports the role of insulin signaling in normal brain function and suggests that insulin-related processes diminish with aging, evidenced by decreased signaling markers, reduced insulin receptor density, and lower levels of insulin transport across the blood-brain barrier. In the context of pathological cognitive decline, clinical trials using intranasal insulin delivery have reported positive outcomes on memory and learning in patients with mild cognitive decline or early-stage Alzheimer’s disease. However, while the …

Effects Of A Systemic High Urea Concentration On The Endometrial And Embryonic Transcriptomes Of The Mare, Yatta Linhares Boakari

Theses and Dissertations--Veterinary Science

Pregnancy loss remains a major source of economic cost to the equine industry. Frequently, the exact causes of pregnancy loss remain unknown. It has been shown, in other species, that increased dietary protein leading to elevated blood urea nitrogen concentrations (BUN) can be a factor in decreased survival of the early embryo. Our studies provided novel information regarding the effects of elevated BUN on endometrium and embryos from mares as well as insights on changes in their gene expression. Our first objective was to develop an experimental model to elevate BUN during diestrus using intravenous urea infusion. We analyzed the …

Biology And Management Of The Soybean Stem Borer, Dectes Texanus Leconte, In Kentucky, Izabela Gomes

Theses and Dissertations--Entomology

Dectes texanus LeConte (Coleoptera: Cerambycidae) is a longhorn beetle species endemic to eastern United States. Originally described as a pest of weeds from the family Asteraceae, D. texanus has expanded its host range and is found infesting the stems of soybeans, Glycine max (L.) through the southwestern and middle United States. Female D. texanus chews a hole in the epidermis of a petiole and oviposits on it. Then, the D. texanus larva depletes all the pith of the stem making a tunnel down to the base of the plant and girdle the stem about 5 cm above the …

The Impact Of A Fruit And Vegetable Farmers' Market Voucher Prescription Program On A Low-Income Rural Population, Kevin Anthony Richie

Theses and Dissertations--Nutrition and Food Systems

Objective: Measures the impact of the Farmers’ Market Voucher program on weight, body mass index, waist circumference, during the 2016 summer on a rural, low-income population residing in Appalachian Kentucky.

Background: Rural communities often have limited access to fresh fruits and vegetables (FV) which contributes to low levels of consumption. FV are calorie poor, nutrient dense and are inversely associated with inflammation markers, obesity, hypertension, and high blood glucose levels. Appalachian rural communities have a higher prevalence of obesity, diabetes, strokes, and death by heart attack when compared to the U.S. Farmers’ markets

Methods: Pre-experimental intervention design examining FV consumption …

A Comparison Of Body Composition Estimates Between The Norland Dxa, The Idxa, And The Bodpod® In Overweight To Obese Adults, Jalyn Mason

Theses and Dissertations--Nutrition and Food Systems

Background: Body composition measures include fat mass (FM), fat free mass (FFM), and percent body fat (%BF), which are markers of health status and disease risk. Accurate body composition assessment is needed to evaluate an individual’s health and the efficacy of treatment strategies. Objective: Compare body composition estimates obtained from the Norland DXA, BodPod®, and iDXA before and after a 12-week exercise intervention. Subjects/setting: Overweight to obese (BMI 25–35 kg/m²) sedentary men and women (n=30) aged 18 to 40 years were recruited from central KY. Main outcome measure: Agreement in FM, FFM, and %BF between Norland DXA, iDXA, …

Dive Into The Hunger Pool: Exploring Students’ Experiences, Coping Strategies, And Suggestions Related To Elements Of Food Security At The University Of Kentucky, The Nu Sandar Oo

Theses and Dissertations--Nutrition and Food Systems

Background: College food insecurity (CFI) is a prevalent social justice and public health issue in the U.S. with the prevalence ranging between 15-59%. Though numerous quantitative studies were first conducted in the past decade, little qualitative research was conducted to assess CFI.

Objective: To explore and deeply understand the contexts of CFI at a land-grant university in Kentucky.

Methods: This qualitative study used a validated food insecurity survey tool and hour-long focus groups that were audio recorded and transcribed. Three theoretical models were combined into an adapted model and utilized for the thematic analysis.

Results: Thirty-three students participated in one …

Comparison Of The Kentucky Nutrition Education Program Healthy Eating Index Pre- And Post- Test Data For 2012-2013, Corey Joe Shepherd

Theses and Dissertations--Nutrition and Food Systems

Nutrition education has become a topic of significant concern in today’s society. An area prominent in the interest of nutrition is the battle against food security. Programs like the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program – Education (SNAP-Ed) is helping to improve its participants’ food security by providing nutrition education. Kentucky SNAP-Ed participants were asked to complete a survey and a 24-hour food recall to evaluate their knowledge in the following areas: Healthy Eating Index (HEI) scores, food resource management and nutrition practices. Each participant completed an average of 7-12 nutrition education lessons throughout the year. To graduate from the program participants …

Evaluating The Experiences Of Fcs Cooperative Extension Agents Use Of Policy, Systems And Environmental Strategies To Reduce Obesity In Rural Counties, Jordan Lynn Bressler

Theses and Dissertations--Nutrition and Food Systems

High rates of obesity are seen across the country with rural areas disproportionately affected. Based on the socio-ecological model, policy, system, and environmental approaches targeted at the population level have the potential to create more sustainable health behavior change than individual level approaches. Historically, the Cooperative Extension Service (CES) has provided direct education related to healthy eating and active living in response to high obesity rates. Utilizing the resources and infrastructure of the CES, the Centers for Disease Control challenged CESs across the country to implement PSE strategies in counties with obesity rates greater than 40% through the CDC 1416 …

Promotion Of Fruit And Vegetable Intake Through Recipe Card Distribution And Sampling At Farmers’ Markets Throughout Kentucky, Umaima Sidra Afsheen Syeda

Theses and Dissertations--Nutrition and Food Systems

The Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reports indicate that 8% and 6.3% of Kentuckians consume enough fruits and vegetables, respectively. The Plate It Up! Kentucky Proud (PIUKP) project is a recipe-development project that aims to boost produce consumption by incorporating local fruits and vegetables. The purpose of this study was to implement promotional strategies using PIUKP recipes at farmers’ markets and determine their effects on consumers’ intent of purchasing and preparing the produce. The study was conducted at nine farmers’ markets across Kentucky (n=300) in collaboration with Cooperative Extension agents/assistants.

The consumers’ impression of the sample was positively …

The Interactive Effect Of A Text Message Intervention And Connectivity Among Rural Adolescents, Kara Coldiron

Theses and Dissertations--Nutrition and Food Systems

Social cohesion among peers profoundly influences decision making during adolescence. Despite this, the current research is very limited concerning the association of social cohesion and intimacy among rural adolescent peers with dietary intake and weight outcomes. This is problematic because social cohesion could be an unknown contributing factor in obesity among rural adolescents. The purpose of this study was to investigate how social cohesion and intimacy among rural adolescents in Kentucky and North Carolina affects the outcomes of a text message intervention aimed at improving fruit, vegetable, fast food and sugar sweetened beverage intake. Additionally, to determine if social cohesion …

Pilot Study Of Text Message Nudges As A Way To Improve Weight Loss Outcomes, Madison Copher

Theses and Dissertations--Nutrition and Food Systems

Weight loss programs for women are on the rise, including both face to face and online programs. However, current research is limited on the process measures and content which produce adherence and the largest outcomes. With obesity on the rise in the United States, it is important to understand out health coaches can strengthen their programs to better support the obese population in their weight loss journey. The purpose of this pilot study was to develop and test the acceptability of text message nudges among women participating in an online weight loss program; determine how dose may be associated with …

The Utilization Of Technology As An Approach To Improve Meal Planning And Dietary Intake, Alexa Lauren Kuziel

Theses and Dissertations--Nutrition and Food Systems

The prevalence of obesity is rising in the United States and one factor that contributes to it is the lack of cooking at home and planning out meals. Since text messaging is now a main avenue of communication, it could be used to motivate people to plan out their meals and cook at home instead of consuming fast food. Current research on how weekly nudges might relate to peoples’ goals about meal preparation and dietary intake is very limited. The purpose of this study was to examine if sending weekly nudges, focusing on specific dietary goals, improves meal planning and …

Role Of Mcp-1 And Ccr2 In Ethanol-Induced Damage In The Developing Brain, Kai Zhang

Theses and Dissertations--Pharmacology and Nutritional Sciences

Fetal alcohol spectrum disorders (FASD) are caused by alcohol exposure during pregnancy and is the leading cause of mental retardation. Alcohol exposure during development results in the loss of neurons in the developing brain. The underlying molecular mechanisms are unclear and there currently is no cure for FASD. Ethanol-induced neuronal death is accompanied by neuroinflammation. Chemokine monocyte chemoattractant protein 1 (MCP-1) and its receptor C-C chemokine receptor type 2 (CCR2) are critical mediators of neuroinflammation and microglial activation. Using a third trimester equivalent mouse model of ethanol exposure, we found that treatment of Bindarit (MCP-1 synthesis inhibitor) and RS504393 (CCR2 …

A Flexible Zero-Inflated Poisson Regression Model, Eric S. Roemmele

Theses and Dissertations--Statistics

A practical problem often encountered with observed count data is the presence of excess zeros. Zero-inflation in count data can easily be handled by zero-inflated models, which is a two-component mixture of a point mass at zero and a discrete distribution for the count data. In the presence of predictors, zero-inflated Poisson (ZIP) regression models are, perhaps, the most commonly used. However, the fully parametric ZIP regression model could sometimes be restrictive, especially with respect to the mixing proportions. Taking inspiration from some of the recent literature on semiparametric mixtures of regressions models for flexible mixture modeling, we propose a …

Everybody’S Working (But The Weakened): An Assessment Of Medicaid Work Requirements And Their Administrative Burdens, Samuel Misleh

MPA/MPP/MPFM Capstone Projects

Although Medicaid work requirements are currently halted in both Arkansas and Kentucky, this analysis utilizes the data available to make an assessment and estimate of what Kentucky’s Medicaid enrollment will look like if work requirements similar to those Arkansas had are ever implemented. The relative severity of the administrative burden of such requirements provide a tool for comparison, and a difference-in-differences analysis of the change in Medicaid enrollment between Arkansas and West Virginia, a state that has not implemented and currently has no plans to implement Medicaid work requirements, provide the bases for this estimate. After coding the work requirements …

Enhanced Efficiency Nitrogen Formulation Effect On Grass-Legume Pasture Productivity, Kathryn Marie Payne

Theses and Dissertations--Plant and Soil Sciences

The use of nitrogen (N) fertilizer is generally restricted on mixed species forage systems due to its stimulatory effect on grasses which increases competition with legume species. Reduced legume growth from this competition can compromise forage nutritive value and prospective yields. The controlled-release nature of several enhanced efficiency fertilizer N products holds the potential to improve legume persistence in mixed species pastures while providing supplemental N required by the grass component. The studies contained in this dissertation evaluated the effect of different enhanced efficiency N formulations (ATU, ESN, methylene urea, SuperU, and a 75% ESN: 25% urea blend) and untreated …

Students On The Margins: Intersectionality And College Campus Sexual Assault, Margaret Irene Campe

Theses and Dissertations--Sociology

This three-paper dissertation quantitatively identifies and examines three different substantive areas using data from the American College Health Association’s Fall of 2016 National College Health Assessment (ACHA-NCHA). Specific areas of inquiry include, marginalized populations and college campus sexual assault, intersectional analyses of risk factors for college campus sexual assault, and drinking protective behavioral strategies as prevention tools for college campus sexual assault. Paper one, titled, “College Campus Sexual Assault and Students with Disabilities,” explores a particular marginalized group of students that have been largely left out of college campus sexual assault studies: female college students with disabilities. The logistic regression …

The Effects Of A Ketone Body On Synaptic Transmission, Alexandra Elizabeth Stanback

Theses and Dissertations--Biology

The ketogenic diet is commonly used to control epilepsy, especially in cases when medications cannot. The diet typically consists of high fat, low carb, and adequate protein and produces a metabolite called acetoacetate. Seizure activity is characterized by glutamate excitotoxicity and therefore glutamate regulation is a point of research for control of these disorders. Acetoacetate is heavily implicated as the primary molecule responsible for decreasing glutamate in the synapse; it is believed that acetoacetate interferes with the transport of glutamate into the synaptic vesicles. The effects on synaptic transmission at glutamatergic synapses was studied in relation to the ketogenic diet …

A Descriptive Analysis Of Health Influencer Videos On Youtube In The Ostomy Community, Sarah Irenke Sophia Bell

Theses and Dissertations--Communication

The expansion of YouTube into the mainstream media and its place as the second most-used website in the world makes it a prime place for health information seeking. However, content can be created and uploaded by anyone and thus, the threat of misinformation on YouTube is high. Medical researchers have established that videos created by health professionals on YouTube promote accurate information whereas videos by non-professionals promote generally inaccurate or misleading information. Yet, videos created by non-professionals have more views and higher relevance rankings on YouTube. To begin to understand this phenomenon, a descriptive study is used to lay a …

P4ha1 Is A New Regulator Of The Hif-1 Pathway In Breast Cancer, Ren Xu

Markey Cancer Center Faculty Publications

Hypoxia-Inducible Factor (HIF)-1 is a transcription factor that plays the key role in response to low oxygen concentrations, or hypoxia. Activation of the HIF-1 pathway is not only crucial for normal tissue development and function, but also involved in disease progression, such as cancer. Cancer cells proliferate rapidly in solid tumors, and thus, solid tumors consume much more oxygen and nutrients than normal tissue and generate oxygen tension. It is well established that oxygen tension in solid tumor tissue induces the aberrant activation of the HIF-1 pathway, and subsequently promotes angiogenesis and tumor progression. Breast cancer is a heterogeneous disease …

Evaluation Of A Diabetic Point Of Care Education In Primary Care, Mary Cho

DNP Projects

BACKGROUND: Diabetes education is the cornerstone of managing diabetes. The education can be delivered in group or individual sessions. Given that group classes are not always well received, a brief five-minute point of care education was developed and incorporated into patients’ routine diabetic appointment. The effectiveness of the method is yet to be determined.

PURPOSE: The purpose of this Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) project was to evaluate the effectiveness and acceptability of a recently implemented diabetes point of care education as compared to patients’ usual care in an urban primary care clinic.

METHODS: An outcome evaluation using a retrospective …

Current Assessment And Intervention Strategies For Childhood Obesity Used By Pediatric Care Providers, Jennifer Bivins

DNP Projects

Childhood obesity rates in the United States have tripled since the 1970s in the U.S. (CDC, 2018). Due to the persistent rise in obesity rate sin children and the possible health risks associated with obesity, it is important for pediatric providers to appropriately assess and treat childhood obesity. There is limited data on what pediatric providers in the primary care setting are doing to address this growing health problem. PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to determine current assessment and intervention strategies for childhood obesity used by pediatric health care providers at the University of Kentucky, General Pediatric clinic. …

A Risk Reduction Education Intervention For Cardiovascular Risk Factors Among College Students, Mary Suzanne White

DNP Projects

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is the leading cause of death for both men and women in the U.S. Although cardiovascular disease is often associated with middle aged and older adults, modifiable CVD risk factors are also present in young adults.

PURPOSE: The purpose of this pilot study was to determine whether a cardiovascular risk reduction educational intervention delivered via Facebook is feasible and effective for modifying risk factor reduction such as decreased body mass index and increased fruit/vegetable consumption among college students.

METHODS: This study involved the use of pre-test and post-test surveys modified from the Behavioral Risk Factor …

The Effect Of An Education Plan On Nursing Intervention Compliance With Inpatient Post-Operative Colorectal Surgical Patients Using Enhanced Recovery After Surgery (Eras) Protocols, Jennifer Austin

DNP Projects

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Compliance with the enhanced recovery after surgery (ERAS) protocols for colorectal surgery patients in the post-operative inpatient setting is low, creating a gap in successful outcomes of the program.

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this project is to evaluate the impact of an education plan on inpatient nursing staff. A second purpose of the study is to examine the relationship between ERAS and specific post-operative nursing interventions linked to length of stay (LOS).

METHODS: A prospective cohort study analyzing the effect of a knowledge to action (KTA) education plan on nursing compliance with ERAS protocols was conducted on bedside …

Provider Adherence To National Heart, Lung, And Blood Institute’S Guidelines On Screening, Diagnosis, And Treatment Of Hypercholesterolemia In The Pediatric Population Aged 9-11 Years, Alanna Cox

DNP Projects

Purpose: High cholesterol levels have been directly linked to atherosclerosis, which is a leading cause of cardiovascular disease (CVD). Risk factors that accelerate the development of atherosclerosis, such as high cholesterol can begin in childhood. The purpose of this project was to evaluate provider adherence to the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute’s (NHLBI) Guidelines for Cardiovascular Health and Risk Reduction in Children and Adolescents, specifically the guidelines on universal lipid screening in children aged 9-11 years. The objectives were: 1) determine the rate of lipid screening in children 9-11 years old; 2) determine the number of children who …

Evaluating The Use Of Stopcocks For Lab Collections From Central Venous Access Devices Related To Central Line Associated Blood Stream Infections, Heather Hollingsworth

DNP Projects

PURPOSE: Central line associated blood stream infections pose a threat to patient safety and are costly to healthcare systems. Heath care professional frequently access central venous access device (CVAD) to obtain blood samples for laboratory analysis. A commonly accepted procedure practice involves exchanging 3-4 syringes during the collection process. Each time a syringe is exchanged during the lab collection process the opportunity for bacteria to be introduced into the bloodstream exists. Decreasing the number of times a CVAD is accessed removes opportunities for bacteria to be introduced to the line thus decreasing the risk of infection. Due to the occurrence …

The Effects Of Screening Tool Of Older Persons’ Prescriptions On Potentially Inappropriate Prescribing In Elderly Inpatients, Jamie Leigh Edmiston Franks

DNP Projects

Objective: The purpose of this project is to educate providers and implement the use of the Screening Tool of Older Persons’ Prescriptions (STOPP) on patients 65 and older admitted as inpatients at Owensboro Health and reduce potentially inappropriate medications (PIMs).

Background: Polypharmacy, the use of multiple medications or medications that are not medically necessary, is a persistent and growing problem for elderly patients in the United States. Polypharmacy has become synonymous with medications that are considered potentially inappropriate in individuals 65 or older. PIMs may be medications that, in the elderly, have deleterious effects, no indication, are used for treatment …

Forage Quality Of Cool Season Perennial Grass Horse Pastures In The Transition Zone, Annmarie Christine Riley

Theses and Dissertations--Plant and Soil Sciences

Cool season perennial grasses are the foundation of equine nutrition in the transition zone. The objective of this study was to evaluate forage quality using ADF, NDF, IVTDMD, CP, WSC, and ESC and changes in vegetative swards seasonally, diurnally, across species (Kentucky bluegrass, tall fescue, orchardgrass, and perennial ryegrass) and cultivar. This study was conducted in 2015 and 2017 and plots were maintained vegetatively with two to four week mowing. Morning and afternoon sample collection occurred monthly during the growing season. Samples were flash frozen; freeze dried, ground, and scanned using Near Infrared Reflectance Spectroscopy (NIRS) to predict forage quality. …