Digital Commons Network^™

An Acacb Variant Implicated In Diabetic Nephropathy Associates With Body Mass Index And Gene Expression In Obese Subjects, Lijun Ma, Mariana Murea, James A. Snipes, Alejandra Marinelarena, Jacqueline Krüger, Pamela J. Hicks, Kurt A. Langberg, Meredith A. Bostrom, Jessica N. Cooke, Daisuke Suzuki, Tetsuya Babazono, Takashi Uzu, Sydney C. W. Tang, Ashis K. Mondal, Neeraj K. Sharma, Sayuko Kobes, Peter A. Antinozzi, Matthew Davis, Swapan K. Das, Neda Rasouli, Philip A. Kern, Nathan J. Shores, Lawrence L. Rudel, Matthias Blüher, Michael Stumvoll, Donald W. Bowden, Shiro Maeda, John S. Parks, Peter Kovacs, Robert L. Hanson, Steven C. Elbein, Barry I. Freedman

Clinical and Translational Science Faculty Publications

Acetyl coenzyme A carboxylase B gene (ACACB) single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) rs2268388 is reproducibly associated with type 2 diabetes (T2DM)-associated nephropathy (DN). ACACB knock-out mice are also protected from obesity. This study assessed relationships between rs2268388, body mass index (BMI) and gene expression in multiple populations, with and without T2DM. Among subjects without T2DM, rs2268388 DN risk allele (T) associated with higher BMI in Pima Indian children (n = 2021; p-additive = 0.029) and African Americans (AAs) (n = 177; p-additive = 0.05), with a trend in European Americans (EAs) (n = 512; p-additive = 0.09), but not …

Low Concentrations Of Silver Nanoparticles In Biosolids Cause Adverse Ecosystem Responses Under Realistic Field Scenario, Benjamin P. Colman, Christina L. Arnaout, Sarah Anciaux, Claudia K. Gunsch, Michael F. Hochella Jr., Bojeong Kim, Gregory V. Lowry, Bonnie M. Mcgill, Brian C. Reinsch, Curtis J. Richardson, Jason M. Unrine, Justin P. Wright, Liyan Yin, Emily S. Bernhardt

Plant and Soil Sciences Faculty Publications

A large fraction of engineered nanomaterials in consumer and commercial products will reach natural ecosystems. To date, research on the biological impacts of environmental nanomaterial exposures has largely focused on high-concentration exposures in mechanistic lab studies with single strains of model organisms. These results are difficult to extrapolate to ecosystems, where exposures will likely be at low-concentrations and which are inhabited by a diversity of organisms. Here we show adverse responses of plants and microorganisms in a replicated long-term terrestrial mesocosm field experiment following a single low dose of silver nanoparticles (0.14 mg Ag kg⁻¹ soil) applied via a …

An Acacb Variant Implicated In Diabetic Nephropathy Associates With Body Mass Index And Gene Expression In Obese Subjects, Lijun Ma, Mariana Murea, James A. Snipes, Alejandra Marinelarena, Jacqueline Krüger, Pamela J. Hicks, Kurt A. Langberg, Meredith A. Bostrom, Jessica N. Cooke, Daisuke Suzuki, Tetsuya Babazono, Takashi Uzu, Sydney C. W. Tang, Ashis K. Mondal, Neeraj K. Sharma, Sayuko Kobes, Peter A. Antinozzi, Matthew Davis, Swapan K. Das, Neda Rasouli, Philip A. Kern, Nathan J. Shores, Lawrence L. Rudel, Matthias Blüher, Michael Stumvoll, Donald W. Bowden, Shiro Maeda, John S. Parks, Peter Kovacs, Robert L. Hanson, Leslie J. Baier, Steven C. Elbein, Barry I. Freedman

Internal Medicine Faculty Publications

Acetyl coenzyme A carboxylase B gene (ACACB) single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) rs2268388 is reproducibly associated with type 2 diabetes (T2DM)-associated nephropathy (DN). ACACB knock-out mice are also protected from obesity. This study assessed relationships between rs2268388, body mass index (BMI) and gene expression in multiple populations, with and without T2DM. Among subjects without T2DM, rs2268388 DN risk allele (T) associated with higher BMI in Pima Indian children (n = 2021; p-additive = 0.029) and African Americans (AAs) (n = 177; p-additive = 0.05), with a trend in European Americans (EAs) (n = 512; p-additive = 0.09), but not Germans (n …

Fertilizer: How Much Is In Each Bale?, Dennis Hancock

Kentucky Alfalfa and Stored Forage Conference

What do you see when you look at a bale? Certainly, many would say it is a source of feed for our livestock. Others see a commodity that is sold to their customers. These are the most important aspects of any forage. But, there is one other intrinsic value worth noting… its nutrient content. In a sense, it is a bale of fertilizer.

Understanding Your Organization's Culture: Fcs Facilitator's Guide, Janet Johnson, Kristina Hains

Community and Leadership Development

Effective leaders have a profound effect upon the culture of their organizations. Leaders hire and fire, determine policies and are organizational role models. All of these factors impact an organization's culture. Therefore, it is important that leaders understand the basics behind culture and how to influence it toward desired results.

Berry Preparation And Extracts, Russell J. Mumper, Jin Dai, Vincent S. Gallicchio

Pharmaceutical Sciences Faculty Patents

Compositions having antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activity, and methods for providing such compositions, are disclosed. In one aspect, the compositions are derived by exposing a berry to an acidic solvent composition, adding a cryoprotectant, and recovering a berry extract having a stabilized anthocyanin content. Compositions comprising the stabilized anthocyanin-containing berry extract, formulated for oral and/or topical administration, are provided also.

Forage News [2013-02], Department Of Plant And Soil Sciences, University Of Kentucky

Forage News

• 33rd Kentucky Alfalfa Conference
• Hay Contest Added at Alfalfa Conference
• Choose Clover Varieties Carefully
• Kentucky and Kentuckians Win at National Forage Conference
• Heart of America Grazing Conference
• Fertilizer: How much is in each Bale?
• Alfalfa Included in Wisconsin Crop Budget Cost Calculator
• Co-Grazing Beef Cattle and Goats in Kentucky
• U.S. Hay Cupboards Nearly Bare, Says USDA
• Comparison of Ergovaline Concentration in BarOptima Plus E34 Tall Fescue and Control Varieties
• Beware of Emotional Decisions

Food Venue Choice, Consumer Food Environment, But Not Food Venue Availability Within Daily Travel Patterns Are Associated With Dietary Intake Among Adults, Lexington Kentucky 2011, Alison A. Gustafson, Jay W. Christian, Sarah Lewis, Kate Moore, Stephanie Jilcott

Dietetics and Human Nutrition Faculty Publications

OBJECTIVE: The retail food environment may be one important determinant of dietary intake. However, limited research focuses on individuals' food shopping behavior and activity within the retail food environment. This study's aims were to determine the association between six various dietary indicators and 1) food venue availability; 2) food venue choice and frequency; and 3) availability of healthy food within food venue.

METHODS: In Fall, 2011, a cross-sectional survey was conducted among adults (n=121) age 18 years and over in Lexington, Kentucky. Participants wore a global position system (GPS) data logger for 3-days (2 weekdays and 1 weekend day) to …

"Beef: The Real Health Food", Peter Ballerstedt

Forage Symposium at the Kentucky Cattlemen’s Convention

The 2010 Dietary Guidelines for Americans recommends restricting our intake of saturated fat to less than 7 percent of calories, and our cholesterol intake to less than 300 mg per day (less than two eggs). They promote the use of low-fat milk and lean meat, and the use of “meat substitutes” in school lunches. These recommendations are consistent with the official dietary policy that began in 1977 with the release of the first Dietary Goals for the United States by the United States Senate Select Committee on Nutrition and Human Needs. These guidelines were not justified by the then-available science. …

Pasture Finishing Beef Opportunities In Kentucky, Greg S. Halich

Forage Symposium at the Kentucky Cattlemen’s Convention

Beef cattle were routinely finished locally in Kentucky before the 1950’s, primarily on pasture with some grain and by-products from distilleries. Cattle were typically born, raised, and finished on the same farm, sent to a local butcher, and the meat sold in nearby communities and cities. This all changed after the Second World War as grain and transportation costs decreased dramatically in conjunction with the establishment of supermarket chains that required a large, steady supply channel. The combined effect of these changes made finishing in large centralized locations more economical. Over the next couple of decades the finishing industry consolidated, …

Forages: Change-Challenges-Opportunities, Garry D. Lacefield

Forage Symposium at the Kentucky Cattlemen’s Convention

No abstract provided.

Snap And Obesity, Craig Gundersen

University of Kentucky Center for Poverty Research Discussion Paper Series

No abstract.

Monitoring Dairy Cow Feed Intake Using Machine Vision, Anthony N. Shelley

Theses and Dissertations--Electrical and Computer Engineering

The health and productive output of dairy cows can be closely correlated to individual cow feed intake. Being able to monitor feed intake on a daily basis is beneficial dairy farm management. Each cow can be addressed individually with minimal time required from those working with the animals. This is essential as time management is closely tied to resource management in a dairy operation. Anything that can save time and resources and increase profitability and herd health is a paramount advantage in dairy farming. This study examined the use of machine vision structured light illumination three-dimensional scanning of cow feed …

Low-Income Adults Food Management Practices And Nutrition Behaviors And The Association With Diet, Sarah Elizabeth Lewis

Theses and Dissertations--Nutrition and Food Systems

Food insecurity and diet quality are concerns in low-income populations, contributing to high rates of obesity. Food management skills may enable low-income populations to obtain a healthy food supply rather than relying on less expensive and less nutritious foods to fill their diets. The purpose of this study was to assess the relationship between food management practices and diet quality in SNAP-ED/EFNEP participants. This study examines the association between food management behaviors and dietary outcomes (Healthy Eating Index totals, total calories, carbohydrates, protein, fat, and fiber, and servings of fruits, vegetables, milk, and meats/beans) as measured by the Behavior Checklist …

Preclinical Development Of Phytocannabinoid- And Endocannabinoid- Based Pharmacotherapies For The Treatment Of Ethanol-Induced Neurodegeneration, Daniel J. Liput

Theses and Dissertations--Pharmacy

Excessive ethanol consumption, characteristic of alcohol use disorders (AUDs), is associated with widespread neurodegeneration and cognitive and behavioral impairments that may contribute to the chronic and relapsing nature of alcoholism. Therefore, identifying novel targets that can afford neuroprotection will undoubtedly aid current treatment strategies for AUDs. The cannabinoids have been shown to provide neuroprotection in a variety of preclinical models of neurodegeneration; however minimal data is available regarding the use of cannabinoid-based pharmacotherapies for treating ethanol-induced neurodegeneration. Therefore, the current dissertation examined the overarching hypothesis: the cannabinoids are a therapeutic strategy to afford neuroprotection in the context of ethanol-induced neurodegeneration. …

Effects Of Family Structure On Educational Attainment And Health Insurance Coverage Of Youth In The Lower Mississippi Delta Region, Chaquenta L. Smith

Theses and Dissertations--Agricultural Economics

A large body of research, typically nationally focused, has examined the relationship between family structure, educational attainment, and healthcare access. Within this field of study, there is limited availability of regionally based studies, specifically the Lower Mississippi Delta (LMD) region. This exploratory study examines the effects of family structure on high school graduation rates and health insurance coverage within the LMD region. The objective is to determine if family structure has a direct impact on the educational attainment and health outcomes of a child within the region using concepts from nationally focused literature. Through the use of an OLS regression, …

Diffsplice: The Genome-Wide Detection Of Differential Splicing Events With Rna-Seq, Yin Hu, Yan Huang, Ying Du, Christian F. Orellana, Darshan Singh, Amy R. Johnson, Anaïs Monroy, Pei-Fen Kuan, Scott M. Hammond, Liza M. Hammond, Scott H. Randell, Derek Y. Chiang, D. Neil Hayes, Corbin Jones, Yufeng Liu, Jan F. Prins, Jinze Liu

Computer Science Faculty Publications

The RNA transcriptome varies in response to cellular differentiation as well as environmental factors, and can be characterized by the diversity and abundance of transcript isoforms. Differential transcription analysis, the detection of differences between the transcriptomes of different cells, may improve understanding of cell differentiation and development and enable the identification of biomarkers that classify disease types. The availability of high-throughput short-read RNA sequencing technologies provides in-depth sampling of the transcriptome, making it possible to accurately detect the differences between transcriptomes. In this article, we present a new method for the detection and visualization of differential transcription. Our approach does …

Forage News [2013-01], Department Of Plant And Soil Sciences, University Of Kentucky

Forage News

• Dr. Jimmy Henning to Open AFGC Conference
• Forages at KCA
• Heart of America Grazing Conference
• 2012 U.K. Forage Variety Results
• Missouri Farmers Fright Rise in Hay Thefts
• "Beef: The Real Health Food"
• More VALUE from Pastures in 2013
• Renovation: More Important in 2013
• Perennial Forages Benefit Soils, Other Crops, and Water Quality in Important Way
• JBS to Beef up Production from Grass-fed Brazil Herd

Getting To The Other Side: An Exploration Of The Head And Neck Cancer Treatment Experience, Heather M. Wallace

Theses and Dissertations--Gerontology

Diagnosis of head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) presents a multifarious problem. Late stage diagnosis, uncertainty regarding appropriate clinical treatment, as well as the high potential for disfigurement and functional loss resulting in diminished quality of life, contributes to anxiety, stress, fear, and uncertainty throughout the cancer treatment experience. This qualitative study sought to explore the cancer treatment experience of adults with newly diagnosed HNSCC, including laryngeal, esophageal, and oral cancers. Study participants were recruited from the University of Kentucky Ear Nose and Throat Clinic in Lexington KY. Participants agreed to be interviewed after receipt of their cancer diagnosis …

The Buzz On Bees, Rebecca Ruiz

Lewis Honors College Capstone Collection

Apis mellifera, more commonly known as the honeybee, plays a pivotal role in the ecosystem and in the survival of the planet. Many do not understand, nor realize, that the honeybee offers a wide array of products and services besides sweet honey. Honeybees have become endangered at a time when their presence is vital and evidence indicates that they can be the means to a more sustainable future for our planet. Particularly focused on in this research are the ideas of honeybees’ essential presence in medical advances, their participation in global economics, and their involvement in the development of …

Memory, Cognition, And The Effect Of A Music Intervention On Healthy Older Adults, Shannon L. Bowles

Theses and Dissertations--Gerontology

Music is a powerful modality that can bring about changes in individuals of all ages. This research employed both an experimental and quasi-experimental design to identify the effects of music as it influenced psychological well-being, memory, and cognition among older adults. Specifically, it addressed three aims: (a) To determine to what extent learning to play a music instrument later in life influenced psychological well-being and cognitive function of non-institutionalized healthy seniors, (b) To determine the effects of the amount of music involvement on psychological well-being and cognitive function (c) To determine the benefit of music for those with limited/no music …

Effects Of A Proprietary Premix On Productive Performance And Egg Quality Of White And Brown Egg Laying Hens Fed Diets High In Distillers Dried Grains With Solubles (Ddgs), Megan D. Van Benschoten

Theses and Dissertations--Animal and Food Sciences

The objective of this thesis was to evaluate inclusion of up to 35% by-product DDGS (with reduced Ca and P) with and without addition of a proprietary premix (enzyme and antioxidant; Alltech Inc.) on productive performance and egg quality of white and brown egg laying hens. A total of 288 white or brown hens were randomly allocated to one of the following treatments: 1) corn-soybean meal (control), 2) 25% DDGS, 3) 25% DDGS plus premix, 4) 35% DDGS, and 5) 35% DDGS plus premix. Hen body weight values were impaired with addition of 25 and 35% DDGS when compared to …

Compost Bedded Pack Barns: Management Practices And Economic Implications, Randi Alyson Black

Theses and Dissertations--Animal and Food Sciences

Compost bedded pack (CBP) barn design and pack maintenance procedures vary considerably, making advising and problem-solving challenging. One objective of this research was to characterize herd performance and management practices employed by Kentucky CBP managers (42 farms and 47 CBP facilities). Producer satisfaction, changes in historical bulk-tank somatic cell count, and improvement in herd performance parameters after transitioning to a CBP barn support reported CBP barn system benefits. Daily milk production increased from before moving into the CBP barn to the second year after (29.3 ± 0.3 vs. 30.7 ± 0.3 kg, respectively; P < 0.05) for farms using the CBP barn as the primary housing facility (n = 8). Increasing stirring frequency, stirring depth, and ambient temperatures increased pack temperature. Increased drying rate decreased CBP moisture. Increased 20.3 cm depth CBP temperature and ambient temperatures improved cow hygiene. Mastitis-causing bacteria thrive in conditions similar to optimal composting bacteria conditions, making reduction of these bacteria difficult in an active composting environment. Producers must pay attention to other management areas where preventive measures can be employed. The New Dairy Housing Investment Analysis Dashboard provides users an interactive and flexible decision tool to make more informed facility investment decisions.

Offspring And Maternal Health Benefits Of Exercise During Pregnancy, Lindsay G. Carter

Theses and Dissertations--Nutritional Sciences

Maternal lifestyle and nutrient intake during pregnancy can have long-lasting effects on the health of offspring as well as the mother. This dissertation focuses on the impact of maternal exercise during pregnancy on offspring insulin sensitivity and glucose uptake and the maternal effects of exercise during pregnancy.

The first aim of this dissertation was to investigate if exercise prior to and during pregnancy and nursing would improve glucose uptake and insulin sensitivity in mice and rats. In both mice and rats, it was concluded that maternal exercise could enhance whole-body insulin sensitivity and increase glucose uptake into skeletal muscle and …

An Investigation Of Perinatal Polychlorinated Biphenyl Exposure On Body Composition And Glucose Homeostasis, Cetewayo S. Rashid

Theses and Dissertations--Nutritional Sciences

Recent advancements have uncovered environmental contributions to obesity and diabetes etiology. In fact, perinatal malnutrition resulting in low birth weight (LBW) has been shown to correlate with later life obesity and impaired glucose tolerance in aged offspring. LBW can result from a myriad of developmental perturbations including macronutrient restriction, hypoxia, maternal stress and toxin exposure.

Polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) are ubiquitous environmental pollutants that bioaccumulate in the food chain resulting in dietary exposure in humans. Maternal and cord blood PCB levels are inversely associated with birth weight, and recent studies indicate that perinatal exposures to PCBs contribute to gender-specific obesity development …

To Think Or Not To Think?: A New Perspective On Optimal Consumer Decision Making, Jonathan Hasford

Theses and Dissertations--Marketing and Supply Chain

This research introduces a new theoretical perspective (termed the Adaptive Processing Perspective) that reexamines how consumers should think before making decisions and the optimal outcomes that result. New insights into conscious (“careful deliberation”), unconscious (“sleeping on it”), and intuitive (“going with your gut”) thought processes are provided. Across four studies, empirical evidence demonstrates that consumers can make significantly better decisions by thinking more about routine choices, using their intuition for occasional purchase decisions, and distracting themselves before making major purchase decisions. Specifically, in study 1, increased conscious thought optimized routine decision making due to increases in openness to information. In …

Investigating Therapeutic Options For Lafora Disease Using Structural Biology And Translational Methods, Amanda R. Sherwood

Theses and Dissertations--Molecular and Cellular Biochemistry

Lafora disease (LD) is a rare yet invariably fatal form of epilepsy characterized by progressive degeneration of the central nervous and motor systems and accumulation of insoluble glucans within cells. LD results from mutation of either the phosphatase laforin, an enzyme that dephosphorylates cellular glycogen, or the E3 ubiquitin ligase malin, the binding partner of laforin. Currently, there are no therapeutic options for LD, or reported methods by which the specific activity of glucan phosphatases such as laforin can be easily measured. To facilitate our translational studies, we developed an assay with which the glucan phosphatase activity of laforin as …

Influence Of Flue Gas Components On The Growth Rate Of Chlorella Vulgaris And Scenedesmus Acutus, Czarena Crofcheck, Aubrey Shea, Michael D. Montross, Mark Crocker, Rodney Andrews

Biosystems and Agricultural Engineering Faculty Publications

Atmospheric carbon dioxide levels have increased since the industrial revolution due to the increase in combustion of fossil fuels. One possible alternative strategy is the use of microalgae for CO₂ capture and recycling. Major components in coal-derived flue gas that may accumulate and effect algae growth include both sulfur oxides and fly ash. However, in practical application, sulfur oxides will be converted quickly to the acid product (H₂SO₄) in the aerobic aqueous conditions of algae cultivation. In this article, the influence of elevated H₂SO₄ levels and the presence of coal-derived fly ash …

An Analysis Of Factors Responsible For The Decline Of The U.S. Horse Industry: Why Horse Slaughter Is Not The Solution, John Holland, Laura Allen

Kentucky Journal of Equine, Agriculture, & Natural Resources Law

No abstract provided.

California's Proposition 37: Will Its Failure Forecast The Fate Of The Gm Food Labeling Movement In The United States Once And For All?, Meredith K. Schuh

Kentucky Journal of Equine, Agriculture, & Natural Resources Law

No abstract provided.