Digital Commons Network^™

The Role Of Angiotensinogen In Atherosclerosis And Obesity, Congqing Wu

Theses and Dissertations--Nutritional Sciences

Angiotensinogen is the only known precursor in the renin-angiotensin system, a hormonal system best known as an essential regulator of blood pressure and fluid homeostasis. Angiotensinogen is sequentially cleaved by renin and angiotensin- converting enzyme to generate angiotensin II. As the major effector peptide, angiotensin II mainly function through angiotensin type 1 receptor.

Angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors, angiotensin receptor blockers, and more recently renin inhibitors are widely known as the 3 classic renin-angiotensin system inhibitory drugs against hypertension and atherosclerosis. Here, we developed an array of regents to explore the effects of angiotensinogen inhibition. First, we demonstrated that genetic deficiency of …

A Summary Of The Kentucky River Watershed Watch 2014 Water Sampling Results, Kentucky Water Resources Research Institute

Kentucky River Watershed Watch

No abstract provided.

Reduced Inputs Turfgrass Through White Clover Inclusion, Bret Andrew Sparks

Theses and Dissertations--Plant and Soil Sciences

Most managed turfgrass species require frequent inputs to maintain an acceptable level of quality. Among these inputs, nitrogen (N) fertilization is usually the most limiting in terms of growth and development. However, N fertilization is also linked to non-point source (NPS) pollution. White clover (WC) is known for its ability to provide N when mixed into stands of turfgrass, and does not pose a threat for NPS pollution. Two field studies were designed to investigate the effects of WC inclusion in stands of cool-season turfgrasses. In the first field study, three cultivation techniques were examined for establishment of WC into …

Boron Nutrition Of Burley And Dark Tobacco, Laura Ann Frakes Mitchell

Theses and Dissertations--Plant and Soil Sciences

The incidences of suspected Boron (B) deficiency have increased recently in Kentucky tobacco fields, potentially due to recent changes in management practices. The symptoms observed in the field include; hollow stalk, stunted growth, deformed or no bud formation, small slits on the lower leaf midrib and uncontrollable breaking of the midrib approximately two inches from the stalk. B is a micronutrient tobacco needs in minute amounts, however excessive additions of B could cause toxicity. The objectives of this work were to 1) establish critical points for B sufficiency, 2) describe and define B deficiency and toxicity symptoms and 3) develop …

The Effect Of Mediated Immediacy Upon State Motivation And Cognitive Learning In An Online Lesson, Gary K. Hughes

Theses and Dissertations--Communication

The role of teacher immediacy and its impact upon student learning within the traditional classroom has been established within the instructional communication discipline in the past 30 years. In recent years, with the advent of computer-mediated distance education (i.e. online courses), some researchers have attempted to apply the same theories and measures of concepts without making the distinction between actual teacher behavioral indicants of immediacy and student perceptions of immediacy, nor recognizing that there may be a different number of variables involved between a single lesson presented online and an entire course presented over a period of time. Building upon …

Evaluation Of A Novel Feedstuff For Horses, Catherine Whitehouse

Theses and Dissertations--Animal and Food Sciences

Determining digestibility of feed ingredients is a challenge. While forage type feeds may be fed as the sole dietary component, concentrates cannot. To determine the apparent digestibility of these ingredients a by difference method can be utilized. The study was conducted to investigate the nutritional value of corn germ dehydrated (AAFCO 48.32) for horses in comparison to two processed corns commonly fed to horses. The second objective was to compare total tract digestibility of the treatments to determine differences in digestibility of the various fiber fractions due to added concentrate and to use the difference method to determine nutrient digestibility …

Rheological, Foam, And Physical Properties Of Low Sucrose Meringue And Angel Food Cake Formulated With Non-Nutritive Sweeteners And Polydextrose, Kevin J. O'Niones

Theses and Dissertations--Animal and Food Sciences

The object of this research was to determine if an acceptable angel food cake alternative could be produced that had reduced calories and sucrose content. This was accomplished through replacing sucrose in meringue, angel food cake batter, and baked angel food cakes with polydextrose and either sucralose, acesulfame-K, or Rebaudioside A at different replacement levels (25, 50, 75, 100%). Meringue and cake batter properties were measured using rheological techniques. Baked angel food cakes were analyzed based on height, weight loss, moisture content, color, and TPA analysis. With meringue batter, 100% sucrose replacement was unacceptable since undissolved polydextrose made analyzing and …

Modeling Digestibility And Rate Of Passage In Horses, Tayler L. Hansen

Theses and Dissertations--Animal and Food Sciences

Horses consume large amounts of fiber in their diet, which may affect digestibility and digesta rate of passage. The objective of these studies was to assess the effects of diet composition on digestibility and rate of passage in horses using mathematical models. Using previously published data, forage dry matter digestibility (DMD) was related to forage neutral detergent fiber (NDF) concentrations and crude protein (CP) concentrations (DMD = 66.1178 – 0.3410*NDF + 0.6356*CP, DM basis; P < 0.001). In a second experiment, horses were fed diets formulated to have high fiber (HF, n= 3; NDF = 55.3%, CP = 11.8%) or low fiber (LF, n = 3; NDF = 40.5%, CP = 13.3%) concentrations. The LF treatment had greater DM, organic matter, and gross energy digestibilities (P < 0.05), whereas the HF treatment had greater NDF digestibility (P < 0.05). Mathematical models were useful to determine mean retention time (MRT) and there were no differences between model MRT and algebraic MRT, or treatment. Some compartmental parameters were different between treatments (P < 0.05), indicating that dietary fiber may alter some components of digesta passage in horses.

An Assessment Of Two Feed Additives To Improve Feed Utilization In Pigs, Amanda Shaw Thomas

Theses and Dissertations--Animal and Food Sciences

Three experiments were conducted to assess the efficacy of including selected feed additives in the diet of weaning and grow-finish pigs. Experiment 1 utilized 24 crossbred grow-finish pigs and measured the effect of added EHY on DM, N, and energy digestibility. There were no differences in DM, Energy, and N digestibility between diets 1 through 4. Experiment 2 utilized a total of 36 crossbred pigs [18 barrows, 18 gilts] in order to determine if preference would be shown when presented with naturally-contaminated corn. There were three dietary comparisons, Control vs Diet 2 (Comparison 1), Control vs Diet 4 (Comparison 2), …

The Impact Of Dual Chamber Cow Waterbeds As A Freestall Base, Barbara Alice Wadsworth

Theses and Dissertations--Animal and Food Sciences

The objectives of this research were to compare lying time, milk yield, rumination time, hock score, stall cleanliness, and stall temperature for 97 cows (Holsteins (n = 71), Jerseys (n = 10), and crossbreds (n = 16)) housed on Dual Chamber Cow Waterbeds™ (DCCW, Advanced Comfort Technology, Reedsburg, WI) or conventional rubber mattresses (MAT). This study was conducted at the University of Kentucky Coldstream Research Dairy Farm from January 18, 2012 to May 3, 2013. Lying times were longer (P < 0.01) for cows housed on the DCCW (10:32 ± 0:13) compared to cows housed on the MAT (9:47 ± 0:15). Milk yield was not different (P ≥ 0.05) between cows housed on the DCCW or MAT. Rumination times were greater (P = 0.03) for cows housed on MAT (6:44 ± 0:08) compared to cows housed on DCCW (6:29 ± 0:08). Hock scores were lesser (P = 0.02) for cows housed on DCCW (1.86 ± 0.03) compared to cows housed on MAT (1.97 ± 0.04). Stall cleanliness was not different (P ≥ 0.05) between the DCCW and the MAT. The DCCW stall temperature was warmer (P < 0.01) (13.29 ± 0.21 ⁰C) than the MAT (10.52 ± 0.21 ⁰C).

Study Abroad Opportunities For Dietetics And Human Nutrition Students: Expectations, Benefits And Barriers, Kailey Marie Cunningham

Theses and Dissertations--Nutrition and Food Systems

This study analyzed the perceptions of University of Kentucky Dietetic and Human Nutrition students as they relate to the benefits and barriers of study abroad educational opportunities. The final sample consisted of 164 participants, with 18.9% (n=31) in the Coordinated Program in Dietetics (CP), 32.3% (n=53) in the Didactic Program in Dietetics (DPD), 42.7% (n=70) in the Human Nutrition (HN) program and 5.5% (n=9) who identified their program as ‘other’. The primary barriers to participation in study abroad were cost and problems fitting education abroad into the current program of study. The primary benefits were identified as dietary and health …

Factors Affecting School Health Scores: Wellsat Scores, School Policy, And The School Environment, Alicia Baker

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

A recent trend in school health intervention has been through policy creation and development. Studies have shown that changes in school health policy can improve student health behaviors, particularly in physical activity and nutrition. This study looked at how potential factors could affect the scores of a school policy assessment tool called the Wellness School Assessment Tool (WellSAT). Using a combination of t-tests, chi-square tests, and logistic regression, schools’ strength and comprehensiveness nutrition scores from the WellSAT were analyzed when compared to Free and Reduced Lunch Rates, type of school, and whether schools had separate policies from their school district. …

Evaluating Oral Health Trends In Kentucky, 2006-2012, Briana Michelle Forsythe

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

According to the former US Surgeon General, C. Everett Koop, “You’re not healthy without good oral health.” Poor oral health, comprising of the presence of caries and/or periodontal disease, can lead to edentulism, which in turn can yield poor physical health, inability to communicate properly, poor mental health, and a lesser quality of life. In Kentucky, over one quarter of the adult population has lost six or more teeth due to decay or gum disease, a figure 10% higher than the national average. Objectives: The purpose of this study was to examine: a) Kentucky’s Statewide Oral Health Strategic Plan, implemented …

Factors Influencing Differential Oral Health Care Use Between Hispanics And Non-Hispanic Whites In The U.S., Nathalie Astudillo

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

Oral health is often considered merely the absence of disease. However, oral health involves much more. Good oral health facilitates very basic functions like eating and speaking; a healthy smile is also associated with good self-esteem and productivity.1 Most oral health diseases are largely preventable. Despite this, a large portion of the population in the United States still suffer from untreated dental decay.2 Poor oral health has a direct effect on systemic health, quality of nutrition, digestion, phonetics, selfimage and self-esteem.5 Whether considered individually or combined, each of these factors has a direct impact on the quality of life of …

Right Upper-Quadrant Pain In A Patient With Drug Abuse, Secondary Syphilis And Occult Hepatitis B Virus, Cory M. Fielding, Paul Angulo

Internal Medicine Faculty Publications

OBJECTIVE: To describe the etiology of hepatitis and identify occult hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection.

CLINICAL PRESENTATION AND INTERVENTION: A 40-year-old man presented with severe abdominal pain and jaundice, a history of acute HBV infection that had cleared as well as the use of acetaminophen, methamphetamine, buprenorphine and marijuana. He admitted to having had unprotected sex with multiple partners of both genders. A thorough skin examination revealed papulosquamous lesions on his penis, scrotum, upper and lower extremities and feet. Transaminases and bilirubin were elevated. His rapid plasma reagin was reactive, and hepatitis serologies showed occult HBV. Liver biopsy showed severe …

Disability And Women's Health, Stephanie Stockburger, Hatim A. Omar

Pediatrics Faculty Publications

Children, adolescents, and women with disabilities experience the same sexual development, pubertal changes, concerns, and desire to reproduce as their typically developing counterparts. However, society has tended to stigmatize women with disabilities as "asexual" and ignore this aspect of their health care. These women are less likely to receive gynecological exams, contraception, and evaluation of sexual dysfunction. Unfortunately, having a disability places women at risk for sexual exploitation and abuse as well as sexually transmitted infections. Therefore, reproductive health care for these women is imperative. A number of barriers to receiving reproductive care exist. However, with proper education and knowledge …

The Relationship Between Perceived High Levels Of Stress And Non-Condom Usage Among College Students At The University Of Kentucky, Samantha Bearman

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

Introduction: Due to the paucity of research that specifically examines the non-use of condoms, during sexual encounters, as a maladaptive coping strategy for stress among college students; the purpose of my study, is to determine if there is an association between perceived high levels of stress and the decreased likelihood of condom use during sex among students at the University of Kentucky. Method: The cross-sectional descriptive study investigated health behaviors and attitudes towards health behaviors in a sample of 7,000 University of Kentucky students enrolled in courses for fall 2013. Participants were randomly selected to partake in an anonymous online …

Impact Of Routine Immunization Coverage In Controlling Measles And Progressing Toward The Introduction Of Rubella Containing Vaccine: A Comparison Study Between Rwanda And Uganda, Carmen Kupangi Dibaya

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

Despite the existence of safe and effective vaccines, measles and rubella present a major public health problem in many developing countries, disproportionally affecting low-income populations.1-3 Indeed, measles and rubella remain two of the leading causes of death and congenital defects in children worldwide.4-6 In 2008, an estimated 10 million new cases and 164,000 deaths were reported from measles alone.3 During the same time period, the United Nations International Children's Emergency Fund (UNICEF) reported an estimated 110,000 cases of Congenital Rubella Syndrome (CRS) in developing countries, with the continent of Africa shouldering 38% of the disease burden.7 Measles is a highly …

Interaction Of Isoflavones And Endophyte-Infected Tall Fescue Seed Extract On Vasoactivity Of Bovine Mesenteric Vasculature, Yang Jia

Theses and Dissertations--Animal and Food Sciences

Endophyte-infected tall fescue produces many ergot alkaloids, which have been shown to be vasoconstrictive in various vessel types of bovine. On the other hand, substantial evidence has been reported on the vasodilative effects of formononetin and biochanin A in different vessel types in humans and rats. So, a study was conducted using mesenteric vasculature collected from heifers shortly after slaughter. After 2-h incubation with formononetin (F), biochanin A (B), or an ergovaline-containing tall fescue seed extract (EXT) and their combinations, vessels were mounted in a multi-myograph to determine their ergotamine-induced contractility. Results indicated that F and B at 1 × …

Effect Of Direct-Fed Microbials And Monensin On In Vitro Rumen Fermentation, Sheryl Wingard

Theses and Dissertations--Animal and Food Sciences

The impact of supplying a mixed culture of lactate producing bacteria on in-vitro rumen fermentation of forage- (Experiment 1) and concentrate- (Experiment 2) based diets in the presence and absence of monensin was explored. In experiment 1, interactions between DFM and MON were absent (P>0.10) for gas production and fermentative end products. Gas production and fermentative end products were unaffected by DFM alone (P>0.10). Monensin decreased (P<0.001) CH₄ and NH₃ production, rate and total gas production, as well as total VFA concentration and molar proportions of acetate and butyrate. However, MON increased (P<0.001) proportions of propionate, valerate, isobutyrate and isovalerate. Independently, DFM and MON increased (P<0.001) end point pH. In experiment 2, DFM x MON interactions or tendencies (P=0.07, P<0.01, P<0.01) were present, DFM effects were abated by MON, for rate, total gas production and total VFA concentrations. Acetate:propionate ratio was decreased (P<0.01) with MON and was unaffected by DFM. Ammonia-N concentration was increased (P<0.01) by DFM and unaffected (P=0.75) by MON. Both DFM and MON treatment increased (P<0.01) ruminal pH levels. These studies suggest the effects of DFM and MON of in-vitro fermentation are …

Evaluating Dietary Amino Acid Adequacy In Horses Using Isotopic Techniques, Sara L. Tanner

Theses and Dissertations--Animal and Food Sciences

Little is known about amino acid (AA) requirements in horses despite muscle mass accretion being of importance to an athletic species. Isotope methods for determining AA requirements and whole-body protein synthesis (WBPS) had not been previously used in growing horses. The first study herein was the first to apply isotope methods to determine WBPS in growing horses. In the study, weanling colts received two different levels of crude protein. Whole-body protein kinetics indicated that WBPS was greater when the weanlings were fed the diet with a greater crude protein content (P<0.05). The second study sought to determine a lysine requirement for yearling horses using the indicator AA oxidation (IAAO) method. Despite using six dietary levels of lysine; three above and three below the current recommendation, no breakpoint could be determined. Phenylalanine kinetics were not affected by lysine level (P>0.05), but plasma lysine increased linearly with lysine intake …

An Exploration Of Empowerment, Sexual Violence, And Hiv Among Indian Women, Brigid Kyung-Hwa Cecil

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

Empowerment plays a major role in sexual violence and HIV among women worldwide. Findings on empowerment in relation to domestic violence or HIV are scarce and are conflicting. The purpose of this study was to examine the relationship between empowerment and HIV status by means of sexual violence, and to compare this relationship between previously married women (N = 2,658) and currently married women (N = 37,539) living in India. The Baron and Kenny mediated regression model was used, involving simple logistic and multiple logistic regression, drawing from the National Family Health Survey 2005-2006 (NFHS-3). Sexual violence was not found …

Factors Influencing Peripheral Skin Temperature Circadian Rhythm In Young Adult Males, Hannah Tranel

Theses and Dissertations--Kinesiology and Health Promotion

Periodic cues, including scheduled exercise, social interactions, sleep habits, and feeding time, have been shown to alter the circadian system. A disruption in circadian rhythms has been shown to have negative effects on health. Frequent skin temperature measures have been shown to be a valid method of assessing circadian rhythm parameters. The purpose of this study was to determine group mean differences in temperature amplitude, stability and lag measures among groups of young men of varying (optimal, fair and poor) adiposities. The strength of the association among the temperatures parameters and measures of body composition, physical fitness and activity, nutritional …

Analysis Of The Role Of Two Autophagy Pathway Related Genes, Becn1 And Tsc1, In Murine Mammary Gland Development And Differentiation, Amber N. Hale

Theses and Dissertations--Biology

The mammary gland is a dynamic organ that undergoes the majority of its development in the postnatal period in four stages; mature virgin, pregnancy, lactation, and involution. Every stage relies on tightly regulated cellular proliferation, programmed cell death, and tissue remodeling mechanisms. Misregulation of autophagy, an intracellular catabolic process to maintain energy stores, has long been associated with mammary tumorigenesis and other pathologies. We hypothesize that appropriate regulation and execution of autophagy are necessary for proper development of the mammary ductal tree and maintenance of the secretory epithelia during late pregnancy and lactation. To test this hypothesis we examined the …

Renal Humoral, Genetic And Genomic Mechanisms Underlying Spontaneous Hypertension, Jason A. Collett

Theses and Dissertations--Biology

In spite of significant progress in our knowledge of mechanisms that control blood pressure, our understanding of the pathogenesis of hypertension, its genetics, and population efforts to control blood pressure, hypertension remains the leading risk factor for mortality worldwide. It’s estimated that 1 out of every 3 adults has hypertension. Hypertension is a major risk factor for cardiovascular disease and stroke, and is considered a primary or contributing cause of death to more than 2.4 million US deaths each year. Although spontaneous hypertension has been the subject of substantial research, many critical questions remain unanswered.

To investigate mechanisms underlying spontaneous …

Effectiveness Of A Farm Field Trip, Bonnie S. Sigmon

Theses and Dissertations--Community & Leadership Development

The annual Sigmon Farm Tour was started in 1992 as an agricultural education program where students could experience being on a farm with the goal of increasing the agricultural literacy levels of the participants. Every year the entire 4th grade student population of Rockcastle County spends the day touring the farm and participating in experiential mini lessons given by the cooperating farm service and health agencies. The program has continued for 20+ years without an evaluation as to whether it is achieving its objectives. This evaluation will also exhibit the programs strengths and weakness so it can continue to improve. …

Sequential Co-Culture Of Anaerobic Bacteria On Switchgrass In A Continuous Flow-Through Reactor For Biofuel Production, Noelia M. Elia

Theses and Dissertations--Biosystems and Agricultural Engineering

Solid substrate cultivation (SSC) using lignocellulosic non-food feedstock, such as switchgrass, is an alternative for advanced biofuel production. Acetone-Butanol-Ethanol (ABE) fermentation in two stages using a sequential culture of microorganisms from the class Clostridia is an approach proposed to increase the butanol production.

The goal was to test the efficacy of a sequential culture on high solid substrate cultivation in batch and continuous cultivation, and to evaluate conditions to optimize butanol production using switchgrass as substrate.

Initial batch experiments were used to determine particle size effect, choice of solvent producer and pretreatment evaluation: The effect of particle size on gas …

Immunotherapy In Combination With Behavioral Enrichment In A Canine Model Of Aging, Paulina R. Davis

Theses and Dissertations--Pharmacology and Nutritional Sciences

Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is characterized by cognitive decline and hallmark neuropathology, including β-amyloid (Aβ). Therapeutic strategies for AD are focusing on reducing Aβ. Canines develop Aβ neuropathology and cognitive decline with age similar to AD patients. In previous studies, immunization with Aβ1-42 (VAC) in aged canines decreased brain Aβ but did not improve cognition. Behavioral enrichment (ENR) improved cognition without reducing brain Aβ. We hypothesized that VAC combined with ENR would provide cognitive benefits and reduce Aβ neuropathology, as compared individual VAC and ENR treatments. Aged beagles were placed into groups: control, VAC with fibrillar Aβ1-42, ENR, and combination treatment …

A Brief Elevation Of Serum Amyloid A Is Sufficient To Increase Atherosclerosis, Joel C. Thompson

Theses and Dissertations--Pharmacology and Nutritional Sciences

Cardiovascular disease is now the leading cause of death worldwide. Serum amyloid A (SAA), a positive acute phase reactant, along with C-reactive protein is used clinically as a marker of cardiovascular disease risk. However, recent data has shed light on a possible causal role of SAA in the development of atherosclerosis, the most pervasive form of cardiovascular disease. Several inflammatory diseases such as diabetes and obesity are known to confer increased risk of developing cardiovascular disease. Individuals with these diseases all have modest but persistent elevation of SAA. To determine if SAA caused the development of atherosclerosis, apoe^-/-chow …

Mechanisms Of Cyclooxygenase-2-Dependent Human Aortic Smooth Muscle Cell Phenotypic Modulation, Oreoluwa O. Adedoyin

Theses and Dissertations--Pharmacy

Abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) is a disease of the aorta characterized by pathological remodeling and progressive weakening of the vessel resulting in the increased risk of rupture and sudden death. In a mouse model of the disease induced by chronic Angiotensin II (AngII) infusion, progression of AAAs is associated with reduced differentiation of smooth muscle cells (SMCs) at the site of lesion development. In the mouse model, the effectiveness of cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) inhibition for attenuating AAA progression is associated with maintenance of a differentiated SMC phenotype. However, the safety of COX-2 inhibitors is currently in question due to the increased …