Digital Commons Network^™

Aspirin Treatment Of Mice Infected With Trypanosoma Cruzi And Implications For The Pathogenesis Of Chagas Disease, Shankar Mukherjee, Fabiana S. Machado, Huang Huang, Helieh S. Oz, Linda A. Jelicks, Cibele M. Prado, Wade Koba, Eugene J. Fine, Dazhi Zhao, Stephen M. Factor, J. Elias Collado, Louis M. Weiss, Herbert B. Tanowitz, Anthony W. Ashton

Center for Oral Health Research Faculty Publications

Chagas disease, caused by infection with Trypanosoma cruzi, is an important cause of cardiovascular disease. It is increasingly clear that parasite-derived prostaglandins potently modulate host response and disease progression. Here, we report that treatment of experimental T. cruzi infection (Brazil strain) beginning 5 days post infection (dpi) with aspirin (ASA) increased mortality (2-fold) and parasitemia (12-fold). However, there were no differences regarding histopathology or cardiac structure or function. Delayed treatment with ASA (20 mg/kg) beginning 60 dpi did not increase parasitemia or mortality but improved ejection fraction. ASA treatment diminished the profile of parasite- and host-derived circulating prostaglandins in infected …

Security Monitoring System For A Bulk Foodstuff Transport Container, Christopher Dwight Thompson, Suraj M. Alexander, William L. Christ, Brian D. Luck, James Ryan Moore, Jonathan C. Paschal, Frederick Payne, Timothy S. Stombaugh, Nasrin Tabayehnejad, Phillip C. Womble

Biosystems and Agricultural Engineering Faculty Patents

A security monitoring system provides for the secure transport of a bulk foodstuff container. The system includes an electromechanical locking mechanism allowing access by only authorized persons, a positional locator for determining the geographical position of the bulk foodstuff transport container, and a controller associated with the transport container. The controller controls operation of the electromechanical locking mechanism, stores data received from the electromechanical locking mechanism and the positional locator, and communicates with a remote data processor in near real time. A handheld user interface device is configured to control operation of the controller, to process and store data received …

Pediatric Ethics Guidelines For Hereditary Medullary Thyroid Cancer, M. Sara Rosenthal, Douglas S. Diekema

Internal Medicine Faculty Publications

Hereditary medullary thyroid cancer is an aggressive cancer for which there is no standard effective systemic therapy, but which can be prevented through genetic screening and prophylactic thyroidectomy. Although this cancer accounts for roughly 17% of all pediatric thyroid cancers, a significant percentage of affected families do not "accept" screening, while many gene carriers delay or refuse prophylactic thyroid surgery for their children. Current genetic screening practices in medullary thyroid cancer are inadequate; more than 50% of index patients with hereditary medullary thyroid cancer present with a thyroid mass; up to 75% have distant metastasis. These proposed pediatric ethics guidelines …

Activation Of Β-Catenin And Akt Pathways By Twist Are Critical For The Maintenance Of Emt Associated Cancer Stem Cell-Like Characters, Junlin Li, Binhua P. Zhou

Molecular and Cellular Biochemistry Faculty Publications

BACKGROUND: Epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) not only confers tumor cells with a distinct advantage for metastatic dissemination, but also it provides those cells with cancer stem cell-like characters for proliferation and drug resistance. However, the molecular mechanism for maintenance of these stem cell-like traits remains unclear.

METHODS: In this study, we induced EMT in breast cancer MCF7 and cervical cancer Hela cells with expression of Twist, a key transcriptional factor of EMT. The morphological changes associated with EMT were analyzed by immunofluorescent staining and Western blotting. The stem cell-like traits associated with EMT were determined by tumorsphere-formation and expression of ALDH1 …

Organic Dairying: Role Of Grazing, Jake Schmitz

Kentucky Grazing Conference

Certified organic and many conventional dairy farmers are using grazing techniques for a number of reasons, including building better soil, reducing feed costs, improving milk quality, and enhancing herd health. Additionally, certified organic farmers must utilize their pastures because the United States Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) organic rule requires organic cows to graze. Both the farmer and the USDA are working hard to ensure that “organic dairy” is synonymous with “grazing cows,” because the organic consumer vehemently demands dairy products from pasture-grazed livestock.

Cx3cl1 Reduces Neurotoxicity And Microglial Activation In A Rat Model Of Parkinson's Disease, Mibel M. Pabon, Adam D. Bachstetter, Charles E. Hudson, Carmelina Gemma, Paula C. Bickford

Sanders-Brown Center on Aging Faculty Publications

BACKGROUND: Parkinson's disease is characterized by a progressive loss of dopaminergic neurons in the substantia nigra. The cause of the neurodegeneration is unknown. Neuroinflammation has been clearly shown in Parkinson's disease and may be involved in the progressive nature of the disease. Microglia are capable of producing neuronal damage through the production of bioactive molecules such as cytokines, as well as reactive oxygen species (ROS), and nitric oxide (NO). The inflammatory response in the brain is tightly regulated at multiple levels. One form of immune regulation occurs via neurons. Fractalkine (CX3CL1), produced by neurons, suppresses the activation of microglia. CX3CL1 …

Mpges-1 Null Mice Are Resistant To Bleomycin-Induced Skin Fibrosis, Matthew R. Mccann, Roxana Monemdjou, Parisa Ghassemi-Kakroodi, Hassan Fahmi, Gemma Perez, Shangxi Liu, Xu Shi-Wen, Sunil K. Parapuram, Fumiaki Kojima, Christopher P. Denton, David J. Abraham, Johanne Martel-Pelletier, Leslie J. Crofford, Andrew Leask, Mohit Kapoor

Internal Medicine Faculty Publications

INTRODUCTION: Microsomal prostaglandin E2 synthase-1 (mPGES-1) is an inducible enzyme that acts downstream of cyclooxygenase (COX) to specifically catalyze the conversion of prostaglandin (PG) H2 to PGE2. mPGES-1 plays a key role in inflammation, pain and arthritis; however, the role of mPGES-1 in fibrogenesis is largely unknown. Herein, we examine the role of mPGES-1 in a mouse model of skin scleroderma using mice deficient in mPGES-1.

METHODS: Wild type (WT) and mPGES-1 null mice were subjected to the bleomycin model of cutaneous skin scleroderma. mPGES-1 expressions in scleroderma fibroblasts and in fibroblasts derived from bleomycin-exposed mice were assessed by Western …

The Differential Effect Of Toxoplasma Gondii Infection On The Stability Of Bcl2-Family Members Involves Multiple Activities, John Cherrington Carmen, Anthony Peter Sinai

Microbiology, Immunology, and Molecular Genetics Faculty Publications

The regulation of mitochondrial permeability, a key event in the initiation of apoptosis is governed by the opposing actions of the pro- and anti-apoptotic members of the BCL2-family of proteins. The BCL2-family can be classified further based on the number of BCL-homology (BH) domains they encode. Pathogen mediated modulation of BCL2-family members play a significant role in their ability to affect the apoptotic pathways in the infected host cell. The protozoan parasite Toxoplasma gondii establishes a profound blockade of apoptosis noted by a requirement for host NFκB activity and correlating with the selective degradation of pro-apoptotic BCL2-family members. In this …

Specific Thiazolidinediones Inhibit Ovarian Cancer Cell Line Proliferation And Cause Cell Cycle Arrest In A Pparγ Independent Manner, Linah Al-Alem, R. Chase Southard, Michael W. Kilgore, Thomas E. Curry

Pharmacology and Nutritional Sciences Faculty Publications

BACKGROUND: Peroxisome Proliferator Activated Receptor gamma (PPARγ) agonists, such as the thiazolinediones (TZDs), have been studied for their potential use as cancer therapeutic agents. We investigated the effect of four TZDs--Rosiglitazone (Rosi), Ciglitazone (CGZ), Troglitazone (TGZ), and Pioglitazone (Pio)--on ovarian cancer cell proliferation, PPARγ expression and PPAR luciferase reporter activity. We explored whether TZDs act in a PPARγ dependent or independent manner by utilizing molecular approaches to inhibit or overexpress PPARγ activity.

PRINCIPAL FINDINGS: Treatment with CGZ or TGZ for 24 hours decreased proliferation in three ovarian cancer cell lines, Ovcar3, CaOv3, and Skov3, whereas Rosi and Pio had no …

Membrane Potentials, Synaptic Responses, Neuronal Circuitry, Neuromodulation And Muscle Histology Using The Crayfish: Student Laboratory Exercises, Brittany Baierlein, Alison L. Thurow, Harold L. Atwood, Robin L. Cooper

Biology Faculty Publications

The purpose of this report is to help develop an understanding of the effects caused by ion gradients across a biological membrane. Two aspects that influence a cell's membrane potential and which we address in these experiments are: (1) Ion concentration of K⁺ on the outside of the membrane, and (2) the permeability of the membrane to specific ions. The crayfish abdominal extensor muscles are in groupings with some being tonic (slow) and others phasic (fast) in their biochemical and physiological phenotypes, as well as in their structure; the motor neurons that innervate these muscles are correspondingly different in …

Physiological Experimentation With The Crayfish Hindgut: A Student Laboratory Exercise, Ann S. Cooper, Bonnie Leksrisawat, Allison B. Gilberts, A. Joffre Mercier, Robin L. Cooper

Biology Faculty Publications

The purpose of the report is to describe dissection techniques for preparing the crayfish hindgut and to demonstrate how to make physiological recordings with a force transducer to monitor the strength of contraction. In addition, we demonstrate how to visually monitor peristaltic activity, which can be used as a bioassay for various peptides, biogenic amines and neurotransmitters. This preparation is amenable to student laboratories in physiology and for demonstrating pharmacological concepts to students. This preparation has been in use for over 100 years, and it still offers much as a model for investigating the generation and regulation of peristaltic rhythms …

Modeling Biological Membranes With Circuit Boards And Measuring Electrical Signals In Axons: Student Laboratory Exercises, Martha M. Robinson, Jonathan M. Martin, Harold L. Atwood, Robin L. Cooper

Biology Faculty Publications

This is a demonstration of how electrical models can be used to characterize biological membranes. This exercise also introduces biophysical terminology used in electrophysiology. The same equipment is used in the membrane model as on live preparations. Some properties of an isolated nerve cord are investigated: nerve action potentials, recruitment of neurons, and responsiveness of the nerve cord to environmental factors.

Controlling Weeds In Horse And Cattle Pastures, Byron Sleugh, Robert Masters

Forage Symposium at the Kentucky Cattlemen’s Convention

Weed control is one of the most talked about concerns of forage-animal systems. Producers will sometimes pay more attention to some pests than others and more so in some crops than others. For example, a producer may have a very low threshold for weed infestation in their corn, soybean or tobacco field but will have a very high tolerance for weeds in their pastures. This is usually because the “direct” dollar value of the forage is not seen while we can “see” how a reduction in soybean or corn yield will affect the bottom line of our operation. Vegetation manipulation …

Forages: Back To Basics, Garry D. Lacefield

Forage Symposium at the Kentucky Cattlemen’s Convention

Over the past fifteen years, we have covered many forage-related topics ranging from the species we grow through marketing our final products. Through all of these themes, we have attempted to address the “basics” in a practical way. We will continue that theme today as we deal with some very important-practical topics.

Methods And Compositions For Treating Neurological Disorders, Tae H. Ji, Inhae Ji

Chemistry Faculty Patents

This disclosure relates to methods and compositions useful for the treatment of senile dementia. More particularly the disclosure relates to methods and compositions for the treatment of senile dementia related to diabetes.

Transfected Mosquito Vectors, Stephen L. Dobson

Entomology Faculty Patents

A method is provided for producing an artificial infection in a Culicidae (mosquito) species. The mosquitoes include species within the subfamilies Culicinae and Anophelinae, and the species include Aedes albopictus, Aedes aegypti and Aedes polynesiensis infected with a Wolbachia infection. The infection may be a strain of Wolbachia which does not normally or naturally infect the selected mosquito species. The artificially infected Aedes mosquito can be introduced into a mosquito population to control the reproduction capability of the population by introducing an incompatible Wolbachia infection. The present method can be used as a novel means to limit mosquito-borne pathogens and …

Seeds Of Compromise: A Proposal And Justification For The Partial Deregulation Of Genetically Modified Alfalfa And Sugar Beets, Whitney J. Waters

Kentucky Journal of Equine, Agriculture, & Natural Resources Law

No abstract provided.

Animal Models For Periodontal Disease, Helieh S. Oz, David A. Puleo

Center for Oral Health Research Faculty Publications

Animal models and cell cultures have contributed new knowledge in biological sciences, including periodontology. Although cultured cells can be used to study physiological processes that occur during the pathogenesis of periodontitis, the complex host response fundamentally responsible for this disease cannot be reproduced in vitro. Among the animal kingdom, rodents, rabbits, pigs, dogs, and nonhuman primates have been used to model human periodontitis, each with advantages and disadvantages. Periodontitis commonly has been induced by placing a bacterial plaque retentive ligature in the gingival sulcus around the molar teeth. In addition, alveolar bone loss has been induced by inoculation or …

Characterization Of Viral And Host Proteins And Rna Elements In Tombusvirus Replication, Kunj Bihari Pathak

Theses and Dissertations--Plant Pathology

Two thirds of plant viruses are positive-strand RNA viruses including the family Tombusviridae. One of the best-studied members of this family is Tomato bushy stunt virus (TBSV). Like many other viruses, TBSV has much fewer genes when compared to its hosts’ genome. Nevertheless, TBSV utilizes its genome very judiciously. To compensate for a lack of many proteins of its own, it codes for multi-functional replication protein p33 and also co-opts host factors to facilitate its replication.

By using recombinant replication proteins p33 and p92 containing single amino acid changes in protein-protein interaction domains (S1 and S2), I demonstrated that the …

The Case Against Preemption: Vaccines & Uncertainty, Mary J. Davis

Law Faculty Scholarly Articles

This article begins with a brief recap of the state of current preemption doctrine and how it governs the interaction of federal regulation of product manufacturers and state tort actions related to the actions of those manufacturers. Second, the article provides observations on how that doctrine might apply to vaccine injury litigation. Bruesewitz v. Wyeth, Inc. involves the preemptive scope of the Vaccine Act and the unique compensation system Congress created to respond to vaccine injuries. Bruesewitz was decided on February 22, 2011, and held that design defect claims are expressly preempted by the Vaccine Act. This article endeavors …

A Profile On First-Generation College Students At The University Of Kentucky: A Focus On Retention Efforts, Matthew Deffendall, Nichole Knutson, David Sacks

Undergraduate Education White Papers

This paper provides an overview of the first-generation college student (FGCS) profile at the University of Kentucky. This paper then compares the FGCS population at the University of Kentucky to the general student population at the university, specifically focusing on levels of degree attainment. In addition, the national literature on FGCS is discussed. Based upon national literature and institutional data, the authors provide practical suggestions on how to best serve FGCS at the University of Kentucky.

From Kyoto To Quito: Reassessing Oil Moratorium As An Effective Climate Change Policy From A Property-Based Approach, Patrick Wieland

Kentucky Journal of Equine, Agriculture, & Natural Resources Law

No abstract provided.

In Pari Delicto And Crop Gene Patents: An Equitable Defense For Innocently Infringing Farmers, David Costa

Kentucky Journal of Equine, Agriculture, & Natural Resources Law

No abstract provided.

Institutionalized Horse Abuse: The Soring Of Tennessee Walking Horses, Keith Dane

Kentucky Journal of Equine, Agriculture, & Natural Resources Law

No abstract provided.

Cause And Effect: Surface Mine Reclamation And Flood Litigation In Appalachia, Bethany N. Baxter

Kentucky Journal of Equine, Agriculture, & Natural Resources Law

No abstract provided.

Kentucky Water Resources Research Institute Annual Technical Report Fy 2010, Kentucky Water Resources Research Institute, University Of Kentucky

KWRRI Annual Technical Reports (USGS’s 104b Grant Program)

The 2010 Annual Technical Report for Kentucky consolidates reporting requirements for the Section 104(b) base grant award into a single document that includes: 1) a synopsis of each research project that was conducted during the period, 2) citations for related publications, reports, and presentations, 3) a description of information transfer activities, 4) a summary of student support during the reporting period, and 5) notable awards and achievements during the year.

Explanatory Synthesis And Rule Synthesis: A Comparative Civil Law And Common Law Analysis, Michael D. Murray

Law Faculty Scholarly Articles

In comparative study of common law and civilian legal analysis, many scholars have noted a convergence in the two systems' use of precedent cases. Although common law legal theory historically has started from a position that judges are fully competent to create law and change the law through their adjudication of cases and the judicial opinions they write, and civilian theory historically has started from a position that judges are not empowered to create and change the law enacted by the legislature but rather are to read and apply the existing law to new cases, the practice of tribunals within …

Teacher Expectations Of Children With Mental Illness In The Schools, Jamie Lee Satterly Roig

University of Kentucky Doctoral Dissertations

Within an experimental vignette design, 224 certified teachers participated in this online study by completing a researcher created rating scale that assessed expectations for a child described in a randomly assigned vignette; a child without mental illness, a child identified with an emotional behavioral disorder, and a child identified as returning from acute psychiatric care. Results from the current study revealed reliable scales; learning, cooperation, self-control, and teacher self-efficacy. Findings indicated teachers reported significantly different expectations for children identified with mental illness in comparison to typical children in the areas of self-control and cooperation; specifically, teachers reported lower expectations for …

Evaluation Of Mass Spectrometric Methods For Detection Of The Anti-Protozoal Drug Imidocarb, A. F. Lehner, J. A. Hitron, J. May, C. Hughes, R. Eisenberg, N. Schwint, D. P. Knowles, P. Timoney, Thomas Tobin

Maxwell H. Gluck Equine Research Center Faculty Publications

Imidocarb [N,N'-bis[3-(4,5-dihydro-1H-imidazol-2-yl)phenyl]urea, C₁₉H₂₀N₆O₁, m.w. 348.41] is a symmetrical carbanilide derivative used to treat disease caused by protozoans of the Babesia genus. Imidocarb, however, is also considered capable of suppressing Babesia-specific immune responses, allowing Babesia-positive horses to pass a complement fixation test (CFT) without eliminating the infection. This scenario could enable Babesia-infected horses to pass CFT-based importation tests. It is imperative to unequivocally identify and quantify equine tissue residues of imidocarb by mass spectrometry to address this issue. As a pretext to development of sensitive tissue assays, we have investigated possibilities of mass …

Adaptation Of Lambs To An Endophyte Infected Tall Fescue Seed Diet, Rachel Ann Rickly Zinner

Theses and Dissertations--Animal and Food Sciences

Ten wether lambs were used to determine the effects of ergovaline consumption from endophyte infected tall fescue, on nutrient utilization and metabolism. Lambs were fed a diet of 23% endophyte free tall fescue seed (E-) and 77% concentrate from d -14 to -1 (adaptation phase). On d 0, five lambs were switched to an endophyte infected seed diet (E+) where they remained through d 14. Nutrient digestibilities tended to increase from adaptation through the acute (d 1 to 4) to subacute (d 10 to 14) phases when E- was fed. E+ digestibilities were highest (P < 0.05) in the acute phase. Lambs fed E+ had higher rectal temperatures in the acute (P < 0.01) and subacute phases (P < 0.05). Fecal recovery of ergovaline increased as day of collection increased in the acute and subacute phases. Lysergic acid fecal recovery increased with day of collection in the acute phase, but no effect was found in the subacute phase. Serum enzyme analyses did not indicate tissue damage from alkaloid consumption. These results demonstrate lambs try to adapt to endophyte infected fescue seed consumption through increased nutrient digestibilities and increased ergovaline and lysergic acid excretion.