Digital Commons Network^™

Implementation Of A Scoring Tool And Treatment Algorithm For Necrotising Enterocolitis In The Chd Population, Jamie M. Furlong-Dillard, Heron Baumgarten, Samantha L. Stone, Yana Feygin, Shannon Gabbard, David Foley, Deanna R. Todd Tzanetos

Biostatistics Faculty Publications

Patients with CHD have an increased risk of necrotising enterocolitis, leading to higher mortality compared to infants without necrotising enterocolitis. Current definitions and treatment recommendations are based on premature infants and accepted criteria for diagnosing or treating necrotising enterocolitis in infants with CHD are lacking. We performed a quality improvement project to develop and implement a diagnostic scoring tool and treatment algorithm for necrotising enterocolitis in infants with CHD, aiming to enhance early diagnosis, categorise disease severity, and expedite safe return to enteral feeding. The scoring tool and algorithm were implemented in children with CHD under six months of age …

Responses Of Skeletal Muscle To Mechanical Stimuli In Female Rats Following And During Muscle Disuse Atrophy, Alexander B. Sklivas, Zachary R. Hettinger, Sarah Rose, Alessandra Mantuano, Amy L. Confides, Sandra Rigsby, Frederick F. Peelor, Benjamin F. Miller, Timothy A. Butterfield, Esther E. Dupont-Versteegden

Physiology Faculty Publications

The purpose of this study was to investigate the ability of mechanotherapy to enhance recovery or prevent loss of muscle size with disuse in female rats. Female F344/BN rats were assigned to weight bearing (WB), hindlimb suspended (HS) for 14 days with reambulation for 7 days without mechanotherapy or reambulation (RA) with mechanotherapy (RAM) (study 1), or to WB, HS for 7 days, with HS mechanotherapy (HSM) or without mechanotherapy (study 2) to gastrocnemius muscle. Muscle fiber cross-sectional area (CSA) and fiber type, collagen, satellite cell number, and protein synthesis (k_syn) and degradation (k_deg) were assessed. …

Insulin Receptor Responsiveness Governs Tgfβ-Induced Hepatic Stellate Cell Activation: Insulin Resistance Instigates Liver Fibrosis, Wang-Hsin Lee, Evelyn A. Bates, Zachary A. Kipp, Sally Pauss, Genesee J. Martinez, Cheavar A. Blair, Terry D. Hinds Jr.

Markey Cancer Center Faculty Publications

The insulin receptor (INSR) has been shown to be hyperactive in hepatic stellate cells (HSCs) in humans and rodents with liver fibrosis. To explore HSC cellular mechanisms that INSR regulates during pro-fibrotic stimulation, we used CRISPR-Cas9 technology. We knocked out a portion of the INSR gene in human LX2 HSC cells (INSRe5- 8 KO) that regulates insulin responsiveness but not the insulin-like growth factor (IGF) or transforming growth factor-β (TGFβ) signaling. The INSRe5- 8 KO HSCs had significantly higher cell growth, BrdU incorporation, and lower TP53 expression that suppresses growth, and they also exhibited increased migration compared to the Scramble …

Exploring Oxylipins In Host–Microbe Interactions And Their Impact On Infection And Immunity, Robert J. Neff, Christopher D. Radka

Markey Cancer Center Faculty Publications

Plasma lipids are essential components of biological systems, transported through interactions with proteins to maintain cellular functions. These lipids exist in various forms, such as fatty acids, glycerolipids, glycerophospholipids, sphingolipids, sterols, and prenol lipids, derived from dietary intake, adipose tissue, and biosynthesis. While the association between certain fatty acids and cardiovascular diseases has been widely recognized, polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) exhibit cardioprotective effects, reducing risks of arrhythmias and heart-related mortality. This is due to their role in the production of eicosanoids, which modulate inflammation. Chronic inflammation, particularly in obesity, is significantly influenced by fatty acids, with saturated fatty acids promoting …

Behavioral Or Nutritional Drive, B. N. Gaskill, H. Davis, R. P. Gosselin, J. P. Garner, J. S. Radcliffe, L. A. Robbins, K. R. Pritchett-Corning

Animal and Food Sciences Faculty Publications

Wire mouse feeders used in laboratory mouse cages typically hold enough food to feed 5 mice for two weeks. However, some mice gnaw the food provided into powder, which they do not ingest. The ground-up food fills the cage, resulting in miscalculations of food consumption, welfare issues with blocked water valves and frequent cage handling, more frequent cage changes, and economic issues of food wastage. There is a dearth of studies attempting to understand the causes behind food grinding behavior. This study, following on from previous work, sought to determine if the motivations behind food grinding were related to a …

Meeting Community Need In The Classroom: Creative Collaborations Between Students And Cooperative Extension, Liz Combs, Heather Norman-Burgdolf

Greater Faculties: A Review of Teaching and Learning

No abstract provided.

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 …

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 …

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 …

Advances In Research And Development With Sylosanthes And Other Tropical Pasture Legumes, D F. Cameron, C P. Miller, L A. Edye, J W. Miles

IGC Proceedings (1977-2023)

The last 20 years have seen major advances in research and development wilh tropical legumes. Research advances have been closely associated with substantial increases in the number and diversity of genetic resource collections, Release of a wide range of new cultivars has been based on selection for plant adaptation, persistence and productivity, screening for resistance to pest's and diseases, and the development of efficient seed production. Determination of fertiliser requirements and grazing management practices has resulted in sustainable animal production from legume-based pasture systems. Extensive pasture development has now occurred in both high and low input systems. Options vary from …

Growth And Mineral Nutrition In Dichanthium Aristatum Sward Shaded By Tress, P Cruz, N M. Munier-Jolain, R Tournebize, H Sinoquet

IGC Proceedings (1977-2023)

Gliricidia sepium is an important legume tree used in the silvopastoral systems of the Caribbean area and tropical America. In this work we analysed the effect of its alley cropping on the growth and mineral nutrition of a Dichanthium aristatum sward, Results show that nitrogen uptake and conversion efficiency of solar radiation were twice as high in the shaded grass. Phosphorus and potassium uptake of dichanthium were also improved by tree presence, Better mineral nutrition and growth of a shaded sward could be related to the better water status of the .. grass leaves throughout the day, This effect may …

Contribution Of Parkia Biglobosa To The Feeding Value Of Pasture Systems In West Africa, Elly N. Sabiiti, J Cobbina, J Lambourne

IGC Proceedings (1977-2023)

Parkia (Parkia biglobosa) is an important traditional economic tree legume with several uses for the rural farmers in West Africa, although it has received only limited resenrch. Parkia is dominant in natural pastures or fallow fields that are used for livestock grazing. The tree provides shade to forage grasses and livestock, protects soil from heat and torrential tropical rains, resists fire damage and coppices very well after defoliation. Farmers grow several food crops under the canopy. The fruits, leaves and young seedlings, which are highly nutritious, form an important fodder for livestock in the dry season when natural …

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.

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) …

Utilization Of Faba Bean (Vicia Faba L.) Fodder And Silage In Ruminants, P C. Gupta, M A. Akbar

IGC Proceedings (1977-2023)

Two feeding experiments were conducted to find out the nutritive value of faba bean (Vicia faba L.) green fodder and silage, In the first experiment, mixtures of faba bean and oat (Avena sativa) green fodders in proportions of 1:1, 1:2 and 2:1, respectively, were fed to lambs randomly divided in to 3 groups of 6 each for 50 days, The DM intake of lambs, change in their body weights and digestibility co-efficients of various nutrients did not differ (P>0.05) among the 3 groups. However, the values of DCP in different rations varied significantly (P<0.05) but not that of TDN. In the second experiment, pure faba bean was ensiled for 50 days and offered to sheep, which maintained their body weights. It was concluded that effective utilisation of green faba bean in sheep could be achieved either by ensiling or by mixing it with other forages like oat. Feeding of faba bean and oat mixture al 2:1 ratio gave optimum growth in lambs,

Complex Tissue Regeneration In Lophuromys Reveals A Phylogenetic Signal For Enhanced Regenerative Ability In Deomyine Rodents, Brennan Riddell, Molly Mcdonough, Adam Ferguson, John M. Kimani, Thomas R. Gawriluk, Chi Peng, Stephen G. Kiama, Vanessa O. Ezenwa, Ashley W. Seifert

Biology Faculty Publications

Identifying why complex tissue regeneration is present or absent in specific vertebrate lineages has remained elusive. One also wonders whether the isolated examples where regeneration is observed represent cases of convergent evolution or are instead the product of phylogenetic inertia from a common ancestral program. Testing alternative hypotheses to identify genetic regulation, cell states, and tissue physiology that explain how regenerative healing emerges in some species requires sampling multiple species among which there is variation in regenerative ability across a phylogenetic framework. Here, we interrogate tissue healing across eleven rodents and show that brush-furred mice (Lophuromys zena) are capable of …

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 …

Behavioral And Physiological Responses Of Heifers With No Prior Exposure And Those Adapted To Grazing Endophyte-Infected Tall Fescue, Tyler A. Purvis

Theses and Dissertations--Animal and Food Sciences

Data from year one of a three-year experiment was used to determine behavioral and physiological responses of heifers adapted to grazing endophyte-infected fescue (E+TF) compared to heifers naïve to grazing E+TF. In May, yearling beef heifers from KY (n=15) and MT (n=30) were stratified by body weight, hair coat score, and disposition into nine pastures and assigned to one of three treatments: KY grazing E+ (KY-E+), MT grazing E+ (MT-E+), or MT grazing endophyte-free tall fescue (E-TF) (MT-E-). Prior to grazing, two heifers per pasture were selected to be outfitted with a RumiWatch® halter (Itin+Hoch GmbH, Liestal, Switzerland) for monitoring …

Promoting Physical Activity (Pa) Among Latinas In Fayette County, Ky, Vanessa Diaz Mph

Theses and Dissertations--Public Health (M.P.H. & Dr.P.H.)

In the United States, the prevalence of overweight and obesity continues to rise at a disproportionate rate that is greatly affecting Latinas. This paper outlines the implementation of an adapted version of Fe en Acción, a faith-based evidence-based physical activity (PA) intervention that was initially implemented in San Diego, CA. The program targets Latinas in Fayette County, KY through culturally tailored, faith-based PA classes held at local Catholic churches. By using promotoras– health promoters– the program works to increase self-efficacy and social support while promoting sustainable behavior change. Key adaptations include a reduction in class frequency (four times a week), …

Pathways To Green River District Health Department, Gracelyn P. Bush

Theses and Dissertations--Public Health (M.P.H. & Dr.P.H.)

In an effort to decrease Neonatal Abstinence Syndrome (NAS) in the Green River District of Western Kentucky, this grant proposes the expansion of the evidence-based University of Kentucky PATHways program to the Green River District Health Department (GRDHD). To protect the health of both women and children, this program will specifically target pregnant women with substance use disorder (SUD). This program will deliver a group-based prenatal and postpartum curriculum with the integration of Peer Recovery Support Specialists, specifically modeled on Social Cognitive Theory and the adoption of whole-person care. The proposed program spans a three-year time frame, beginning with program …

Elucidating The Adverse Effects Of Chronic Pfos Exposure On Gastrointestinal Pathology And Colorectal Cancer, Jerika Durham

Theses and Dissertations--Toxicology and Cancer Biology

Commonly referred to as "forever chemicals," per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) have been linked to a number of detrimental health effects, including an elevated risk of cancer. One "long-chain" subtype of PFAS, perfluorooctanesulfonic acid (PFOS), has a long elimination half-life and a significant propensity for bioaccumulation. Because PFOS is commonly found in drinking water, the gastrointestinal system absorbs it at a high rate. Recent studies demonstrate that PFAS exposures promote intestinal inflammation and gut barrier dysfunction. However, how a long-term PFOS exposure affects colorectal cancer (CRC) progression is not known. Therefore, the purpose of this research is to understand how …

Forage News [2025-01], University Of Kentucky

Forage News

No abstract provided.

Forage News [2025-02], University Of Kentucky

Forage News

No abstract provided.

Forage News [2025-12], University Of Kentucky

Forage News

No abstract provided.

Forage News [2025-10], University Of Kentucky

Forage News

No abstract provided.

Forage News [2025-09], University Of Kentucky

Forage News

No abstract provided.

Forage News [2025-08], University Of Kentucky

Forage News

No abstract provided.

Forage News [2025-06], University Of Kentucky

Forage News

No abstract provided.

Forage News [2025-05], University Of Kentucky

Forage News

No abstract provided.

Forage News [2025-04], University Of Kentucky

Forage News

No abstract provided.