Forage News [2025-03], University Of Kentucky

Forage News

No abstract provided.

Demographic Variation In Continuous Glucose Monitoring Utilisation Among Patients With Type 1 Diabetes From A Us Regional Academic Medical Centre: A Retrospective Cohort Study, 2018–2021, Omer Atac, Kory R. Heier, Daniela Moga, John L. Fowlkes, Min-Woong Sohn, Aaron J. Kruse-Diehr, Teresa M. Waters, Mary E. Lacy

Health Management and Policy Faculty Publications

Objective: While continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) utilisation has been increasing among patients with type 1 diabetes (T1D), few studies have examined patterns of use across age, race/ethnicity and insurance status together. In this study, we examine CGM utilisation among patients with T1D from a regional academic medical centre across all insurance types.

Design and Setting: This is a retrospective cohort study including both paediatric and adult patients with T1D who visited a regional academic medical centre between 1 January 2018 and 31 December 2021.

Methods: Patients were followed from the date of their first T1D encounter during the study period …

Astrovascular Decoupling In Awake 5×Fad Mice Is Associated With Reduced Astrocytic Calcium, Ruei-Lung Lin, Sophiya L. Sims, Nicholas A. Wright, Léopoldine B. Galopin, Blaine Weiss, Susan D. Kraner, Jacquelyn E. Rhinehart, Ting-Hsuan Lu, Pradoldej Sompol, Christopher M. Norris, Olivier Thibault

Pharmacology and Nutritional Sciences Faculty Publications

INTRODUCTION

Evidence points to dysregulated Ca²⁺ in neurons and astrocytes in models of amyloidosis. While most of these data were obtained in vitro or in vivo under anesthesia, less work has investigated these variables in awake ambulating mice.

METHODS

Astrocytic Ca²⁺ fluctuations (GCaMP8f) were imaged concomitantly with vasoreactivity in S1 on a two-photon microscope during rest and ambulation. Single-cell resolution variables were extracted using continuous wavelet transform and traditional ΔF/F measures.

RESULTS

Along with increases in amyloid beta (Aβ) accumulation, we found significant reductions in measures of astrocyte functional connectivity, pairwise correlations, and network synchronicity in older 5×FAD …

Advancing Clinical Trial Readiness In White Matter Disease And Related Dementias: Key Steps For Future Research Progress, Pradoldej Sompol, Gregory A. Jicha, Jason D. Hinman, Adam M. Brickman, Steven M. Greenberg, Konstantinos Arfanakis, Marion S. Buckwalter, Irene Lorenzo Llorente, Jeff D. Williamson, Michael S. Wolf, Eric E. Smith, Aditi Gupta, Margaret E. Flanagan, Miguel A. Vazquez, Jeffrey M. Burns, S. Thomas Carmichael, Frank C. Barone

Pharmacology and Nutritional Sciences Faculty Publications

White matter disease, a broad-spectrum term that covers various types of white matter lesions and degeneration, is strongly related to age-related neurodegenerative disorders including Alzheimer’s disease (AD), and vascular contributions to cognitive impairment and dementia (VCID) and Alzheimer’s related dementias (ADRD). There is no specific treatment for white matter disease. Therefore, basic research and clinical studies are essential for future outcomes. Since its formation in 2020, the Albert Research Institute for White Matter and Cognition (ARIWMC) mission has been to support white matter research by providing a forum for communication where basic and clinical scientists meet to discuss and debate …

German Cockroach Allergen Mitigation, Olivia Katz

Theses and Dissertations--Entomology

German cockroaches (Blatella germanica L.) remain one of the most challenging indoor pests to manage, due in large part to their cryptic nature, rapid reproduction, and resistance to insecticides. Because of their close proximity to humans, they also pose several serious health threats, including the production and dissemination of several potent allergens linked to asthma development and exacerbation. Given the risks associated with cockroach allergens, we examined the longevity of two distinct cockroach allergens (Bla g 1 and Bla g 5) in the home environment and the efficacy of cleaners at removing these allergens. Our findings show that Bla …

The Impact Of A Geriatric Trauma Unit On Patient Outcomes, Shannon E. Johnson

DNP Projects

Abstract

Background: Traumatic injuries in the geriatric (> 65) patient population can have devastating effects. Only a small percentage of these patients return to independent ambulation and living. As the population continues to age and life expectancy continues to increase, the incidence of traumatic injuries in geriatric patients will continue to increase. Geriatric friendly hospital wards in several disciplines have been shown to reduce length of stay and improve patient outcomes. However, there has been no research surrounding geriatric trauma wards specifically.

Purpose: The purpose of this quality improvement project was to evaluate the impact of admitting geriatric trauma patients …

Complete High Thoracic Spinal Cord Injury Causes Bowel Dysfunction In Mice, Olivia Wireman, Ellie L. Sams, Lynnet E. Richey, Gabrielle V. Hammers, Andrew N. Stewart, William M. Bailey, Samir P. Patel, John C. Gensel

Spinal Cord and Brain Injury Research Center Faculty Publications

Bowel dysfunction, is a prevalent and life-impacting comorbidity of spinal cord injury (SCI) with no long-term treatment available. SCI-induced colon changes including motility and fibrosis are understudied as are strategies to address SCI bowel dysfunction. This need remains partly due to the lack of a mouse model that recapitulates the human condition. We hypothesized that a high thoracic spinal transection in mice would trigger bowel dysfunction with coincident colon pathology similar to humans and rats after SCI. We observed bowel dysfunction as increased fecal pellet numbers within the colon, smaller pellet size, and decreased motility. Fecal pellets numbers in the …

Trace Level Identifications Of N-Ethylnicotinamide In Racing Horses Associated With A Vitamin B3 Supplement: Case Reports And Analysis, Clara Fenger, Kimberly Brewer, Abelardo Morales-Briceño, Andreas F. Lehner, George A. Maylin, Robert Holland, Levent Dirikolu, Thomas Tobin

Maxwell H. Gluck Equine Research Center Faculty Publications

Nikethamide, N,N-diethyl-3-pyridinecarboxamide (Coramine®) is a central nervous system stimulant at one time used therapeutically in human medicine but no longer marketed in the US. Nikethamide is classified a Drug Class 1, Penalty Class A substance by the Association of Racing Commissioners International (ARCI) and as a Horseracing Integrity and Safety Authority (HISA) SO or banned Stimulant that lacks FDA approval. Identifications of Nikethamide or its metabolite N-Ethylnicotinamide in racing samples can result in significant penalties in horse racing. Nikethamide is rapidly metabolized to N-Ethylnicotinamide, which remains detectable in plasma and urine leading to its use as a regulatory “marker” of …

Trace Level Identifications Of N-Ethylnicotinamide In Racing Horses Associated With A Vitamin B3 Supplement: Case Reports And Analysis, Clara Fenger, Kimberly Brewer, Abelardo Morales-Briceño, Andreas F. Lehner, George A. Maylin, Robert Holland, Levent Dirikolu, Thomas Tobin

Maxwell H. Gluck Equine Research Center Faculty Publications

Nikethamide, N,N-diethyl-3-pyridinecarboxamide (Coramine®) is a central nervous system stimulant at one time used therapeutically in human medicine but no longer marketed in the US. Nikethamide is classified a Drug Class 1, Penalty Class A substance by the Association of Racing Commissioners International (ARCI) and as a Horseracing Integrity and Safety Authority (HISA) SO or banned Stimulant that lacks FDA approval. Identifications of Nikethamide or its metabolite N-Ethylnicotinamide in racing samples can result in significant penalties in horse racing. Nikethamide is rapidly metabolized to N-Ethylnicotinamide, which remains detectable in plasma and urine leading to its use as a regulatory “marker” of …

The Effect Of Fructose Metabolism On Hepatic De Novo Lipogenesis And Adipose Tissue Insulin Resistance, Taghreed Ibrahim Fadhul

Theses and Dissertations--Nutritional Sciences

There is a worldwide epidemic of obesity and metabolic dysfunction. The root cause of obesity is driven by a positive energy balance, which is a consequence of increased caloric intake and decreased energy expenditure. Energy intake is the more dominant force, as increasing energy expenditure is a time-consuming and labor-intensive process. The caloric surplus can be mainly accounted for by increased consumption of high-fat and high-sugar diets. While the risks associated with fat consumption are well-documented, the impact of sugar intake is less understood.

Fructose is a simple sugar widely consumed in modern diets. Its intake has been associated with …

Quieting The Cacophony: How To Reduce Greenwashing And Environmental Damage From The Food Industry, Alex Woodward

Kentucky Journal of Equine, Agriculture, & Natural Resources Law

In this article, Alex G. Woodward addresses the problem of greenwashing and environmental harm caused by industrial agriculture and misleading food labeling. Woodward explains that while agriculture is essential to feeding a growing global population, its large-scale, profit-driven practices cause significant environmental damage. Woodward argues for a strategy that compels transparency through warning labels and expanding credible certification frameworks. Woodward proposes that the USDA implement a tiered labeling system under its Organic Program and require factual, noncontroversial disclosures about environmental harms on food packaging, with the goal of informing consumers, restoring trust, and incentivizing environmentally responsible agricultural practices.

This Land Is Our Land: Addressing Foreign Ownership Of Agricultural Land In The United States, Will Miller

Kentucky Journal of Equine, Agriculture, & Natural Resources Law

In this note, Will Miller examines the rapid increase in foreign ownership of U.S. agricultural land and the national security and food security risks it creates. He explains that the Agricultural Foreign Investment Disclosure Act (AFIDA) only requires reporting of foreign ownership but imposes no restrictions, leaving regulation largely to a patchwork of state laws. Miller argues for federal oversight, contending that matters of foreign affairs and national security are best handled at the national level. He proposes a comprehensive federal regulatory scheme which would set nationwide minimum standards such as prohibiting ownership by foreign adversaries and capping total foreign-held …

The Impact Of Veterinary Stewardship Program Implementations On Backyard Chicken Farming In Rural Georgia, Lauren Ashley Herrin

Kentucky Journal of Equine, Agriculture, & Natural Resources Law

In this article, Lauren Ashley Herrin examines the impacts of new FDA veterinary stewardship regulations on backyard chicken farming in rural Georgia. She explains that requiring prescriptions for previously over-the-counter antibiotics disproportionately harms low-income and rural communities by limiting access to affordable veterinary care, worsening risks of disease spread and public health threats. Herrin argues for policy approaches that balance antimicrobial resistance concerns with the realities of rural accessibility. She proposes solutions such as telehealth veterinary consultations, scholarship programs to encourage rural veterinary practice, and expanding prescriptive authority for veterinary technicians to ensure sustainable animal health care in underserved areas

“I Just Don’T Find It Interesting”, Jennifer L. Osterhage, Utku Caybas, Jaeyun Han, Ellen L. Usher

Biology Faculty Publications

Situated expectancy-value theory (SEVT) posits that students’ expectancies for success, task values, and perceived costs affect their performance in STEM courses. Less is known about how students’ majors and timing of course completion affect motivational processes. Using the SEVT framework, this study utilised a convergent mixed methods approach to investigate academic motivation among students (N = 646) who enrolled in introductory biology at a large public university. Survey data revealed that students majoring in Biology were more motivated than students from other majors, although academic major was not directly associated with final grade. Upper-level students reported significantly lower competence-related beliefs …

The New American Farmer – Extension Engagement With Urban Agriculture And Food Systems, Margaux S.C. Robinson, Kc V. Cunningham, Jeffery A. Young, Nicole D. Breazeale, Kenneth Jones, Julie Zimmerman

Sociology Faculty Publications

Extension's evolving role in urban food production will require intensive reflexivity and ongoing collaboration. Extension educators around the country have already made progress in engaging with both the social and horticultural sides of urban agriculture. Designed appropriately, urban food systems hold the potential for healthy food access, community and environmental resilience, and economic prosperity (Rangarajan & Riordan 2019). Moving forward, we offer recommendations for Extension staff to apply within their institutions and beyond. Specifically, we urge Extension to prioritize the following: 1) mediate the rural/urban dichotomy, 2) tackle structural and institutional power dynamics, and 3) intensify strategies for community resilience.

Community-Engaged Approach To Improve Food Access And Consumption Of Fruits And Vegetables In A Rural Appalachian Community, Courtney Luecking, Makenzie Barr, Dawn Brewer, Kathryn M. Cardarelli

Dietetics and Human Nutrition Faculty Publications

Background/Objectives: Community–academic partnerships offer unique opportunities to leverage expertise and resources to modify structural factors that address community priorities. However, few in-depth examples of successful partnerships in rural communities to improve food security are available. This manuscript describes the process of building a partnership to reduce food insecurity in a rural Kentucky community.

Methods: The research team worked with Cooperative Extension to form a community advisory board (CAB) representative of diverse sectors of the community who had interest in food security, agriculture, and/or nutrition. The CAB convened regularly, in-person or virtually, to review community assessment information and identify, select, and …

Aluminum In Beverages And Foods: A Comprehensive Compilation Of Regulations; Concentrations In Raw, Prepared, And Stored Beverages And Foods; And Intake, Robert Yokel

Pharmaceutical Sciences Faculty Publications

The history and controversy concerning aluminum use in beverage and food preparation and storage are reviewed. This review on aluminum in drinking water, foods, and beverages updates and exceeds prior reviews. Country and international organization regulations that permit incorporation of aluminum containing food additives, their use limit, and purposes are presented. The aluminum concentration in beverages and foods consumed worldwide was gleaned from approximately 2100 sources available to the author. The approximately 17700 values are compiled in 175 tables by beverage or food category that include the analytical method used, sample source, and reference. The tables are posted on the …

Fluorescence-Guided Resection Of Gl261 Red-Fluc And Trp-Mcherry-Fluc Mouse Glioblastoma Tumors, Louis T. Rodgers, Bryan J. Maloney, Anika M. S. Hartz, Björn Bauer

Pharmaceutical Sciences Faculty Publications

Background: Most preclinical studies on glioblastoma (GBM) fail to provide translational utility in the clinic. Fluorescence-guided surgery using 5-aminolevulinic acid (5-ALA) improves tumor resection, disease prognosis, and, thus, patient outcomes. Given the critical role of surgery in managing recurrent GBM, it is essential to incorporate surgical elements into preclinical models to accurately reflect clinical scenarios and enhance translational success. However, existing protocols for 5-ALA-guided resection in preclinical models are limited and often lack clinical relevance.

Methods: To address this gap, we developed a novel protocol for the 5-ALA-guided resection in two mouse GBM models: TRP-mCherry-FLuc and GL261 Red-FLuc.

Results: The …

Development Of A Stable Isotope Method To Measure Protein Fractional Synthesis Rate In Equine Skeletal Muscle, Antoinette E. Foliart

Theses and Dissertations--Animal and Food Sciences

Muscle mass is regulated by the balance between muscle protein synthesis and degradation. Previous research in horses has shown that the signaling pathway that regulates protein synthesis is upregulated with increasing protein intake; however, whether this corresponds to an increase in muscle protein synthesis rates had not been previously explored. The objective of this study was to develop an isotopic method to measure muscle protein fractional synthesis rate (FSR) in horses following graded protein intake. Eight mature Thoroughbred horses were studied using a randomized cross-over design. Horses consumed meals containing 0 (No), 0.125 (Low), 0.25 (Med), or 0.5 (High) g …

Examining The Relationship Between Cognitive Auditory Processing And Sex Hormones, Trey A. Cline

Theses and Dissertations--Gerontology

Estrogen and progesterone have demonstrated modulatory effects on central auditory nervous system (CANS) function. Post-menopausal females often present to audiology clinics with complaints of difficulty hearing in background noise. However, these individuals often have normal peripheral hearing sensitivity on standard audiometry. Previous studies using the auditory brainstem response (ABR) in post-menopausal females demonstrated longer response latencies compared to their premenopausal counterparts, suggesting that sound does not transmit through the CANS as efficiently. However, to date, the available literature focused on sex hormones and the CANS relies mainly on objective measures, predominantly the ABR. The ABR reflects physiologic function through the …

Evaluating Impact Of Stress First Aid Programs In A Primary Care Setting, Ryan Marler

DNP Projects

Background: Prolonged stress in healthcare workers (HCWs) can lead to burnout and absenteeism. High stress also negatively impacts work productivity and healthcare quality. The Stress First Aid (SFA) program aims to improve recovery from stress among HCWs. Chronic stress is evident in primary care clinics, where absenteeism and burnout symptoms have increased.

Purpose: This project aimed to evaluate the SFA program's effectiveness in reducing burnout and absenteeism and improving healthcare workers (HCW) knowledge of stress and available resources at University of Kentucky Healthcare (UKHC).

Methods: A quasi-experimental quality improvement project included pre- and post-education surveys, an SFA education session, and …

The Paradox Of Survival: Gendered Food Insecurity, Labor Inequalities, And Coping Strategies During The 2023/4 Drought In Eastern Ethiopia, Meron E. Lemma

Theses and Dissertations--Geography

In drought-prone regions of Eastern Ethiopia, recurring droughts profoundly reshape everyday life in ways that deepen existing gendered inequalities. Drawing on fieldwork conducted in Fedis district, including semi-structured interviews with women, project implementers, and government officials, as well as group discussions with community members, this study explores how women experience, navigate, and resist the gendered impacts of drought. By attending to the sociopolitical dynamics of drought and the development interventions that accompany it, I analyze how these forces restructure labor, land, food systems, and authority in ways that reproduce and exacerbate existing inequalities. Women’s coping strategies, ranging from begging and …

Body Mass Index, Sleep, And Food Insecurity Predict Prevalence Of Anxiety And Depression In College Students, Makenzie Barr-Porter, Amelia Sullivan, Jade Mcnamara

Dietetics and Human Nutrition Faculty Publications

This study aimed to assess the relationship between mental health, health behaviors, and food security in young adults in a university environment. Young adults (N = 536) at two United States universities completed a survey assessing health behaviors and characteristics. Logistic regression determined the odds of anxiety and/or depression based on gender identity, body mass index (BMI), food security status (FSS), and sleep restfulness. Over one-third of students were food insecure (36.7%), and almost all reported anxiety (57%) and/or depression (39.1%). Students who identified as female, reported very low FSS, poor sleep, and had higher BMI were at greater odds …

The Role Of Self-Efficacy In Rehabilitation And Recovery From Ankle Sprains, Bridget M. Walsh

Theses and Dissertations--Rehabilitation Sciences

Ankle sprains are among the most common musculoskeletal injuries in the United States. Approximately 2 million ankle sprains occur annually, with an estimated 46% of affected individuals experiencing residual symptoms and developing chronic ankle instability (CAI). In addition to physical impairments, individuals with CAI may exhibit lower physical and psychological health-related quality of life (HRQL). HRQL integrates the physical, psychological, and social domains of a person’s health and is influenced by their experiences, expectations, and perceptions.

Injury-related fear is a common psychological impairment in individuals with CAI and has been associated with decreased physical function, reduced physical activity, and greater …

Investigating Non-Functional Overreaching In Special Operations Tactical Training, Jeremy Alan Ross

Theses and Dissertations--Rehabilitation Sciences

Special Operations Forces (SOF) tactical training requires high levels of physical performance and psychological resilience. This training is often characterized by extreme temperatures and environments, extremely high levels of physical activity and large caloric deficits. As such, SOF personnel follow intense strength and conditioning (S&C) programs to enhance a wide range of athletic abilities. Such programs rely on a balance between training stress and recovery to allow for gradual improvement in physical ability over time, however it is unknown how to quantify tactical training stress in the context of a training program. This dissertation explores evidence related to how this …

Exploring The Links Among Brain Iron Accumulation, Cognitive Performance, And Dietary Intake In Older Adults: A Longitudinal Mri Study, Valentinos Zachariou, Colleen A. Pappas, Christopher E. Bauer, Elayna R. Seago, Brian T. Gold

Neurology Faculty Publications

This study evaluated longitudinal brain iron accumulation in older adults, its association with cognition, and the role of specific nutrients in mitigating iron accumulation. MRI-based, quantitative susceptibility mapping estimates of brain iron concentration were acquired from seventy-two healthy older adults (47 women, ages 60–86) at a baseline timepoint (TP1) and a follow-up timepoint (TP2) 2.5–3.0 years later. Dietary intake was evaluated at baseline using a validated questionnaire. Cognitive performance was assessed at TP2 using the uniform data set (Version 3) neuropsychological tests of episodic memory (MEM) and executive function (EF). Voxel-wise, linear mixed-effects models, adjusted for longitudinal gray matter volume …

Circulating Molecular Drivers Of Bone Remodeling In Pancreatitis, Rachel L. Hill, Dhiraj Yadav, Phil A. Hart, David C. Whitcomb, Kristen J. Mcquerry, Kelsey N. Karnik, Kimberly M. Stello, Darwin L. Conwell, Madhumathi Rao

Internal Medicine Faculty Publications

INTRODUCTION: 

Pancreatitis-associated osteopathy is a clinically significant but mechanistically underexplored complication of pancreatic disease. We aimed to characterize stage-specific alterations in bone remodeling biomarkers across the spectrum of disease: recurrent acute pancreatitis (RAP) and chronic pancreatitis (CP).

METHODS: 

In a cross-sectional analysis of North American Pancreatitis Study 2 participants, we measured serum mechanistic (sclerostin, dickkopf-1, receptor activator of nuclear factor κβ ligand, and osteoprotegerin), hormonal (fibroblast growth factor 23, insulin, and leptin), and modulatory (osteopontin, oncostatin, and osteoactivin) markers in controls (n = 30), RAP (n = 40), and CP (n = 40) using a multiplex assay. Group differences were …

A Unique Inflammaging Profile Generated By T Cells From People With Obesity Is Metformin Resistant, S. Santacruz‑Calvo, S. Saraswat, Gabriella Kalantar, E. Zukowski, H. Marszalkowski, Aida Javidan, F. Gholamrezaeinejad, L. P. Bharath, P. A. Kern, X. D. Zhang, Barbara S. Nikolajczyk

Pharmacology and Nutritional Sciences Faculty Publications

The alarmingly high prevalence of obesity in older adults coupled with the negative health effects of chronic inflammation in both obesity and aging highlight the importance of studies investigating the impacts of obesity on age-related inflammation. Since shifts in peripheral T-cell metabolism and function drive systemic inflammation in both obesity and aging, we hypothesize that obesity impacts the Th17-dominated inflammaging profile we identified in lean subjects and thus modifies the anti-inflammatory effects of geroprotective drugs like metformin. New cytokine profiling data showed that CD4+ T cells from older people with obesity generate a profile that specifically excludes Th17 cytokines. Metformin …

Bilirubin Hepatic And Intestinal Transport And Catabolism: Physiology, Pathophysiology, And Benefits, Zachary A. Kipp, Sally N. Pauss, Genesee J. Martinez, Terry D. Hinds, Jr., Wang-Hsin Lee

Pharmacology and Nutritional Sciences Faculty Publications

Bilirubin, a metabolite derived from heme degradation, has traditionally been regarded as a waste product and a marker of liver injury. However, increasing evidence suggests that bilirubin also functions as a hormone, and reduced levels are associated with metabolic dysfunction. Studies have shown a strong association between low circulating bilirubin levels and an increased risk of metabolic disorders and cardiovascular disease. To advance bilirubin-based treatment strategies, it is essential to elucidate the mechanisms underlying bilirubin transport and metabolism. Therefore, we provide an in-depth discussion of bilirubin production and its subsequent fates, with a particular focus on the transport between the …

Cd47: An Immunoregulatory Nexus In Liver And Gastrointestinal Disorders, Josephine Otuagomah, Alana Newcomb, Taesik Gwag, Shuxia Wang

Pharmacology and Nutritional Sciences Faculty Publications

Cluster of differentiation 47 (CD47) is a widely expressed transmembrane protein that serves as a critical immunoregulatory checkpoint in both homeostatic and pathological conditions of the digestive system. It interacts with signal regulatory protein alpha to send a ‘do not eat me’ signal, thereby preventing phagocytosis and shaping immune responses. Beyond immunity, CD47 also influences cell death, growth and metabolism through interactions with integrins and thrombospondin-1. Recent studies implicate CD47 as a central nexus in the pathogenesis of diverse liver and gastrointestinal disorders, including metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease, metabolic dysfunction-associated steatohepatitis, inflammatory bowel disease, liver ischaemia-reperfusion injury, drug-induced liver …