Life Sciences Commons^™

Cats Of Unl: An Investigation Into The Human-Feral Cat Relationships On A University Campus In Nebraska, Jacey Skoda

Honors Program: Senior Projects (Public)

At the University of Nebraska-Lincoln (UNL), there exists a population of feral cats that is monitored and cared for by a group known as Husker Cats. As the cats wander the sidewalks and gardens of the university, they may appear non-threatening and pleasant to have around. However, a feral cat presence could have detrimental impacts on the surrounding ecosystem, property, and community. The first component of this project, a survey of individuals on UNL campus, ultimately seeks to understand what those in the UNL community know about the feral cats, how they feel about the feral cats, and how they …

Effects Of Cannabichromene On Pain And Neuroinflammation In Hiv-1 Tat Transgenic Mice, Sydney Wheeler

Honors Theses

HIV-1 TransActivator of Transcription (Tat) is a vital regulatory protein involved in HIV replication and implicated in development of HIV-associated pain and neurocognitive deficits. Tat is thought to contribute to these pathologies through proinflammatory pathways. Developing mechanisms to curb Tat-mediated inflammation is a key step in improving the quality of life of those living with HIV. Both recreational and medicinal cannabis use is prevalent among many people living with HIV; given this prevalence and the perceived anti-inflammatory benefits of cannabis use, it is important to investigate how chemical constituents of cannabis may impact HIV. In the present study, the effects …

Neoadjuvant Pembrolizumab In Localized Microsatellite Instability High/Deficient Mismatch Repair Solid Tumors, Kaysia Ludford, Won Jin Ho, Jane V Thomas, Kanwal P S Raghav, Mariela Blum Murphy, Nicole D Fleming, Michael S Lee, Brandon G Smaglo, Y Nancy You, Matthew M Tillman, Carlos Kamiya-Matsuoka, Selvi Thirumurthi, Craig Messick, Benny Johnson, Eduardo Vilar, Arvind Dasari, Sarah Shin, Alexei Hernandez, Xuan Yuan, Hongqui Yang, Wai Chin Foo, Wei Qiao, Dipen Maru, Scott Kopetz, Michael J Overman

Faculty, Staff and Student Publications

PURPOSE: Pembrolizumab significantly improves clinical outcomes in advanced/metastatic microsatellite instability high (MSI-H)/deficient mismatch repair (dMMR) solid tumors but is not well studied in the neoadjuvant space.

METHODS: This is a phase II open-label, single-center trial of localized unresectable or high-risk resectable MSI-H/dMMR tumors. Treatment is pembrolizumab 200 mg once every 3 weeks for 6 months followed by surgical resection with an option to continue therapy for 1 year followed by observation. To continue on study, patients are required to have radiographic or clinical benefit. The coprimary end points are safety and pathologic complete response. Key secondary end points are response …

Machine Learning-Based Routine Laboratory Tests Predict One-Year Cognitive And Functional Decline In A Population Aged 75+ Years, Karina Braga Gomes, Ramon Gonçalves Pereira, Alexandre Alberto Braga, Henrique Cerqueira Guimarães, Elisa De Paula França Resende, Antônio Lúcio Teixeira, Maira Tonidandel Barbosa, Wagner Meira Junior, Maria Das Graças Carvalho, Paulo Caramelli

Faculty, Staff and Student Publications

BACKGROUND: Cognitive and functional decline are common problems in older adults, especially in those 75+ years old. Currently, there is no specific plasma biomarker able to predict this decline in healthy old-age people. Machine learning (ML) is a subarea of artificial intelligence (AI), which can be used to predict outcomes Aim: This study aimed to evaluate routine laboratory variables able to predict cognitive and functional impairment, using ML algorithms, in a cohort aged 75+ years, in a one-year follow-up study.

METHOD: One hundred and thirty-two older adults aged 75+ years were selected through a community-health public program or from long-term-care …

Development And Validation Of A Prediction Model For Kidney Failure In Long-Term Survivors Of Childhood Cancer, Natalie L Wu, Yan Chen, Bryan V Dieffenbach, Matthew J Ehrhardt, Sangeeta Hingorani, Rebecca M Howell, John L Jefferies, Daniel A Mulrooney, Kevin C Oeffinger, Leslie L Robison, Brent R Weil, Yan Yuan, Yutaka Yasui, Melissa M Hudson, Wendy M Leisenring, Gregory T Armstrong, Eric J Chow

Faculty, Staff and Student Publications

Purpose: Kidney failure is a rare but serious late effect following treatment for childhood cancer. We developed a model using demographic and treatment characteristics to predict individual risk of kidney failure among 5-year survivors of childhood cancer.

Methods: Five-year survivors from the Childhood Cancer Survivor Study (CCSS) without history of kidney failure (n = 25,483) were assessed for subsequent kidney failure (ie, dialysis, kidney transplantation, or kidney-related death) by age 40 years. Outcomes were identified by self-report and linkage with the Organ Procurement and Transplantation Network and the National Death Index. A sibling cohort (n = 5,045) served as a …

Nivolumab Plus Ipilimumab Versus Extreme Regimen As First-Line Treatment For Recurrent/Metastatic Squamous Cell Carcinoma Of The Head And Neck: The Final Results Of Checkmate 651, Robert I Haddad, Kevin Harrington, Makoto Tahara, Robert L Ferris, Maura Gillison, Jerome Fayette, Amaury Daste, Piotr Koralewski, Bogdan Zurawski, Miren Taberna, Nabil F Saba, Milena Mak, Andrzej Kawecki, Gustavo Girotto, Miguel Angel Alvarez Avitia, Caroline Even, Joaquin Gabriel Reinoso Toledo, Alexander Guminski, Urs Müller-Richter, Naomi Kiyota, Mustimbo Roberts, Tariq Aziz Khan, Karen Miller-Moslin, Li Wei, Athanassios Argiris

Faculty, Staff and Student Publications

PURPOSE: CheckMate 651 (ClinicalTrials.gov identifier: NCT02741570) evaluated first-line nivolumab plus ipilimumab versus EXTREME (cetuximab plus cisplatin/carboplatin plus fluorouracil ≤ six cycles, then cetuximab maintenance) in recurrent/metastatic squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck (R/M SCCHN).

METHODS: Patients without prior systemic therapy for R/M SCCHN were randomly assigned 1:1 to nivolumab plus ipilimumab or EXTREME. Primary end points were overall survival (OS) in the all randomly assigned and programmed death-ligand 1 combined positive score (CPS) ≥ 20 populations. Secondary end points included OS in the programmed death-ligand 1 CPS ≥ 1 population, and progression-free survival, objective response rate, and duration …

Implementation Of Seasonal Diets Through Seasonal Diet Surveys In Sloth Bears (Melursus Ursinus): A Case Study At Idaho Falls Zoo, Noah Clever

Undergraduate Honors Thesis Projects

Wild sloth bears (Melursus ursinus) display seasonal diet preferences for insects and fruit during the dry and monsoon season respectively. To potentially utilize as a method for reducing abnormal behaviors and improving animal welfare, the purpose of the study is to survey zoos with captive sloth bears and determine if zoo-housed individuals display seasonal diet preferences. From May 18th, 2022 to March 2nd, 2023 data was collected on Priya, a sloth bear from Idaho Falls Zoo, and her preference for fruit and insects. Temperature, season, fruit choice based on sugar levels, and insect choice based on texture of …

Twenty Years Of Change In A Southeast Florida Acropora Cervicornis Thicket, Daniel Perez

All HCAS Student Capstones, Theses, and Dissertations

Acropora cervicornis is a species of stony coral that can exist in large thickets that provide functionally unique habitat. However, populations have declined by 98% in some areas of the Caribbean. Even in death, the structure from an A. cervicornis thicket provides surface area for the attachment of benthic organisms. Broward County Acropora (BCA) is an A. cervicornis thicket, located off Fort Lauderdale, Florida, which has been monitored since 2003. The objective of this study was to describe the temporal changes in community structure in response to 20 years of disturbances affecting BCA. Data was collected by taking images along …

Industrialization Of Tall Wheatgrass For Construction Of “Coastal Grass Belt”, Hongwei Li, Qi Zheng, Jianlin Wang, Hongyong Sun, Kexin Zhang, Hongman Fang, Xuerong Xing, Weicai Yang, Xiaofeng Cao, Xiaojing Liu, Haichun Jing, Kang Chong, Zhensheng Li

Bulletin of Chinese Academy of Sciences (Chinese Version)

Tall wheatgrass (Elytrigia elongata) is a perennial cool-season bunchgrass with high productivity and tolerance to salt and alkali, waterlogging, and drought. Since first introduced into China in 1950s, tall wheatgrass has long been used as a wild parent for distant hybridization with wheat (Triticum aestivum). During 1980s─1990s, a few tall wheatgrass varieties were introduced to China as forage grass, nonetheless, currently they are still not widely cultivated and no variety was certificated. In 2020, Zhensheng Li put forward a proposal to construct “Coastal Grass Belt” on saline and alkaline soils in the Circum-Bohai sea region, which provides an opportunity for …

Accurate Irrigation Water Flow Measurement In Pipes, Burdette Barker, Cody Zesiger, Matt Yost

All Current Publications

Flow measurement is an important component of water management. There are many methods that can be used to measure water flow, and different methods and technologies are used for pipe flow as compared to open channel (canal) flow. In this fact sheet, we cover only pipe flow, and for that, only technologies that are most common in conventional irrigation practice. We also address some basic principles of flow measurement along with some pros and cons for different measurement technologies.

Grazing Effects On The Seed Pool Of Stipa Krylovii And Its Genetic Diversity In Relationship To The Plant Population On A Typical Steppe Community In Inner Mongolia, B. Han, M. Zhao, Walter D. Willms

IGC Proceedings (1977-2023)

Stipa krylovii is an important tufted forage species on the typical steppe in Inner Mongolia and is sensitive to heavy grazing pressure. Vegetative recovery of plant density is dependent on the seed bank, which is a genetic reservoir that supports the vegetative expression of the species thus enhancing its resilience (McCue and Holtsford 1998). The ability of the seed bank to support the Stipa krylovii population is dependent on its size and genetic diversity. Therefore, we conducted a study to determine the effects of heavy grazing pressure on its seed reserves and examine its genetic diversity in relation to surviving …

Grazing Effects On Genetic Diversity Of Festuca Campestris Rydb. And Stipa Grandis L. On The Native Grasslands In Canada And China, Respectively, M. Zhao, Walter D. Willms, B. Han, G. Han

IGC Proceedings (1977-2023)

Genetic drift or selectively neutral mutation in finite populations may result in genetic diversity within a natural population (Kimura, 1986). Genetic diversity influences the resilience of a species to survive perturbations or adapt to changes in its environment. Grazing by livestock may affect genetic diversity by exerting selection pressure on grazing sensitive species. In this study, we examine the effects of heavy sustained grazing pressure on the genetic diversity of Festuca campestris Rydb. and Stipa grandis L. These species are found on the Canadian Plains and the steppes of Inner Mongolia, respectively. Each is an important forage species that dominates …

Hybrids Between Meadow And Smooth Bromegrass: A New Forage Crop For Canada, B. E. Coulman, Y. S. N. Ferdinandez

IGC Proceedings (1977-2023)

Smooth bromegrass (Bromus inermis Leyss.) has been an important hay grass in the agricultural regions of western Canada for approximately 50 years. Meadow bromegrass (B. riparius Rehm.) has become the most important pasture species in this region over the last 15 years. It is possible to produce hybrids between these species, which could lead to the development of a type of bromegrass which would be useful for both hay and pasture purposes.

The Evaluation Of Kikuyu Oversown With Ryegrass And Clover In Terms Of Milk Production, Robin Meeske, Philip R. Botha, Hennie A. Snyman

IGC Proceedings (1977-2023)

Kikuyu (Pennisetum clandestinum) comprises the greater part of irrigated summer and autumn pasturage for milk production in the Southern Cape. Milk production per cow is limited by low forage quality. The aim of the study was to determine the milk production from kikuyu (K), kikuyu oversown with annual ryegrass (Lolium multiflorum spp. cv Energa) (KR), kikuyu oversown with a mixture of perennial ryegrass (Lolium perenne cv Yatsyn, Dobson) and perennial white clover (Trifolium repens cv Haifa, Waverley) and red clover (Trifolium pratense cv Kenland, Cherokee) (KRC) and kikuyu oversown with a mixture of perennial …

The Seasonal Nutritional Value Of Kikuyu Oversown With Ryegrass And Clover, Robin Meeske, Philip R. Botha, Hennie A. Snyman

IGC Proceedings (1977-2023)

To overcome the seasonality and relatively low forage quality of kikuyu (Pennisetum clandestinum), annual ryegrass (Lolium multiflorum spp.), perennial white (Trifolium repens) and red clover (Trifolium pratense) can be incorporated into an existing kikuyu stand to improve pasture quality and spring production. The aim of this study was to determine the quality of kikuyu (K), kikuyu oversown with annual ryegrass (KR), kikuyu oversown with a mixture of perennial ryegrass (Lolium perenne) and perennial white and red clover (KRC) and kikuyu oversown with a mixture of white and red clover (KC), in …

Liveweight Gain Of Lambs Grazing Six Short-Term Ryegrass Cultivars, W. W. Nichol, M. G. Norriss

IGC Proceedings (1977-2023)

Increasing dry matter (DM) production per ha is a key goal in ryegrass (Lolium) breeding programmes (Easton et al., 2002), based on the assumption that increased DM yield will in turn increase profitability per ha, through an increase in animal productivity. However, the performance of animals grazing pasture can also be modified by the quality of the forage on offer, and the presence of toxins within the pasture. The objective of this study was to compare the liveweight gain per hectare of lambs grazing six short-term ryegrasses, which had been selected for various combinations of improved DM …

Year-Round Grazing Of Beef Cows On Pangolagrass (Digitaria Decumbens Cv.Transvala) Pasture In Southern Area Of Japan, Yuji Nakanishi, Kiyoshi Hirano, A. Shouji

IGC Proceedings (1977-2023)

The southern area of Japan (Okinawa) has a sub-tropical climate. In this area beef calf production is now based on year-round grazing on giant stargrass (Cynodon aethiopicus Clayton & Haylan). However, the numbers of beef cows in this area are increasing rapidly and a grass with higher productivity than giant stargrass is required. The objective of this experiment was to examine the possibility of using pangolagrass (Digitaria decumbens cv. Transvala) pasture in this area.

Agronomic Performance And Genetic Variability Of Panicum Maximum Accessions In The Cerrado Of Federal District, Brazil, F. D. Fernandes, G. B. Martha Jr., Fabio G. Faleiro, Allan K. B. Ramos, R. P. Andrade, Claudio T. Karia, Lourival Vilela, Liana Jank

IGC Proceedings (1977-2023)

In the last three decades, the Brazilian Savanna (locally called "Cerrado") became the most important beef cattle production region in Brazil. Around 90% of all beef produced in the region comes from pasture-based systems. Intensively-managed and fertilised Panicum maximum pastures can be highly productive and economic. As a result, farmers are demanding new P. maximum cultivars for using in well-fertilised pastures or in crop-pasture rotation systems. This study aimed to evaluate the agronomic performance and the genetic variability of P. maximum accessions in the Brazilian Cerrado.

Economic Comparison Of Pasture Based Lamb Production Systems In Southern Australia, A. J. Kennedy, A. N. Thompson

IGC Proceedings (1977-2023)

Lamb production enterprises in southern Australia utilise a pasture base as their primary nutrition source due to its low cost. Holmes Sackett & Associates (2003) identified that increasing total lamb weight per hectare by increasing ewe stocking rate, animal genetic potential and weaning percentage can increase enterprise profitability. The limitation of these enterprises is the seasonal and geographic variations impeding pasture production and quality. The 'MoreLamb Quality Pasture' project is demonstrating the benefits of mixing high performing grass, legume and herb species to extend the pasture-growing season and increase pasture quality. Key economic indicators of three pasture systems and commercial …

The Impact Of Tillage System For Small-Grain Pasture Establishment On The Performance Of Growing Beef Calves In Arkansas, P. Beck, S. Gunter, M. Anders, K. Lusby, D. Hubbell

IGC Proceedings (1977-2023)

In the United States, governmental regulations mandate the improvement of farming practices to improve environmental quality. There is a requirement to reduce the siltation of waterways, soil carbon losses, and nutrient runoff along the Mississippi River Delta. The use of small-grain forages by grazing cattle offers real opportunities to produce high-quality forage for cattle production during the winter and spring months. No-till and reduced tillage practices developed primarily for grain production may offer environmental and economic solutions for both grain farmers and cattle producers. Producers are slow to adopt conservation tillage practices because of a perceived risk of reduced production. …

Urea Applied To Puccinellia-Based Pastures Increases Pasture And Sheep Production, M. L. Hebart, N. J. Edwards, A. D. Craig, E. A. Abraham, J. D. Mcfarlane, J. E. Hocking Edwards

IGC Proceedings (1977-2023)

In the 1950's large areas of native vegetation in the upper south east of South Australia (SA) were replaced with highly productive Hunter River lucerne. This maintained groundwater recharge at near pre-clearing levels. The area of lucerne was reduced dramatically in the late 1970's by a combination of lucerne aphids, wingless grasshoppers and drought. In 1981 severe flooding inundated large areas of the region, causing the saline groundwater to rise to the soil surface. Since that time, dryland salinity has been a feature of the local farming system and salt-tolerant pastures based on puccinellia (Puccinellia ciliata) were widely …

Sustainability Of Beef, Dairy And Goat Production With Batiki Grass (Ischaemum Aristatum Var. Indicum) In The Dry Season In Samoa, E. M. Aregheore

IGC Proceedings (1977-2023)

Batiki grass (Ischaemum aristatum var. indicum) was introduced to Samoa from Fiji in the early 1970s to complement other existing natural or unimproved grasses and is now the most common propagated pasture grass in Samoa. The contrast between the wet and the dry seasons has a great impact on the nutritive value of batiki grass. Aregheore (2002) observed reduced growth rate, poor body condition score and low performance in steer calves and goats offered batiki as the sole diet during the dry season. This paper reports on the sustainability of beef, dairy and goat production with batiki grass …

Goose Meat Production Responses To Grass Based Diets, P. Gyüre, G. Nagy, S. Mihók

IGC Proceedings (1977-2023)

Goose meat and feather production are important elements of farming in Hungary. There were no available data on grass intake by geese or the production potential of grass in goose farming, therefore, we conducted a series of experiments between 2000 and 2003 on goose production responses to grass-based diets.

Supplementing Dairy Cows In Late Lactation With High Quality Silages, Todd A. White, Trevor L. Knight, M. G. Hyslop, Tom J. Fraser

IGC Proceedings (1977-2023)

Agriculture on the Canterbury Plains of New Zealand is a mixture of integrated cropping and pastoral enterprises. Cropping farmers often provide supplementary feed for dairy farmers by growing forages for high quality silage. Such silages can improve milk production by increasing dry matter (DM) intake and/or by alleviating deficiencies of either soluble carbohydrate or protein in pasture (Woodward et al., 2002). Legumes and/or cereals have potential to make large quantities of high quality silage (de Ruiter et al., 2002). This trial aimed to determine milk production and composition differences between three silages fed during late lactation.

Whole Crop Cereal Silage In Dairy Production, J. Wallsten, L. Ericson, K. Martinsson

IGC Proceedings (1977-2023)

Whole-crop cereal silages (WCCS) are used to some extent in Sweden, but knowledge about the use of this feed for high yielding dairy cows is scarce. The crop is often harvested at different stages of maturity, from heading to yellow ripeness, which gives forages that differ in chemical composition. The purpose of this trial was to compare intake and milk production of dairy cows fed a WCCS based on barley harvested at three different stages of maturity.

Effect Of Potato Pulp Silage Supplementation On Milk Production In Cows Grazing Temperate Pasture, Masaaki Hanada, Y. Aibibula, D. Okumura, Meiji Okamoto

IGC Proceedings (1977-2023)

In a dairy farming system based on pasture in Japan, maize grain is generally used as an energy source for milking cows, with almost all grain been imported. Potato-pulp is one of the agricultural by-products derived from the starch industry in the northern island of Japan. In our previous study (Aibibula et al., 2004), it was demonstrated that potato pulp could be preserved for a long time by ensiling without additives, and that the digestible energy value of potato pulp silage (13 MJ/kg DM) was almost the same as beet pulp. From these results, it is possible that some …

Weight Gain Of Nellore X Red Angus, Holstein X Zebu, And Nellore Steers Supplemented On Brachiaria Brizantha Cv. Marandú Pasture, R. A. Reis, D. Freitas, F. L. Fregadolli, L. M. A. Bertipaglia, T. T. Berchielli, K. T. De Resende, D. S. Ferreira, A. G. Caselli

IGC Proceedings (1977-2023)

Supplementation is a very efficient approach for improving animal performance and gain/ha in grazing systems in tropical conditions. However, care needs to be taken to avoid substitution effects (Moore et al., 1999). Results may also depend on animal genetics and the availability and nutritional value of forage. This trial aimed to evaluate different levels of supplementation using steers from different genetic groups on palisade grass (Brachiaria brizantha cv. Marandú) pasture during the rainy season.

Suitability Of Selenate Containing Silage Additives For The Supply Of Beef Cattle, Harald Laser

IGC Proceedings (1977-2023)

Selenium concentrations in herbage are frequently insufficient (< 100 μg Se/kg dry matter (DM)) to meet the requirements of ruminants. Whereas increasing Se supply by feeding mineral mixtures is a reliable method to prevent Se deficiencies for dairy cows, adequate Se supplementation is more difficult to achieve in extensive systems (McDowell, 1996). A suitable measure could be the addition of Se to herbage before ensiling.

Effect Of Supplementation On Performance And Faecal Particle Size Distribution For Yearling Horses And Weaned Calves Grazing Coastal Bermudagrass, F. M. Rouquette Jr., K. N. Grigsby, D. K. Hansen, G. D. Potter, W. C. Ellis

IGC Proceedings (1977-2023)

Supplements are often fed, especially to horses, without realistic expectations of the magnitude of performance response nor knowledge of biological or economic efficiencies of supplementation. The objectives of this experiment were to compare performance of weaned calves vs yearling horses grazing 'Coastal' bermudagrass [Cynodon dactylon (L.) Pers] (COS) pastures with and without a protein-energy supplement, and to assess faecal particle size distribution for both calves and horses to document digesta dynamics.

West African Dwarf Goat Response To Supplementary Feeding In Cameroon, E. Tedonkeng Pamo, B. Boukila, F. Tendonkeng, J. R. Kana

IGC Proceedings (1977-2023)

The production of the West African Dwarf goat (WADG) in Cameroon is very low, because of lack of proper nutrition. Nitrogen content is generally very low and fibre content is high, both in the grass and the crop residues which form the basis of their diet particularly during the dry season. Supplementation of these roughages is a promising way of alleviating nutrient deficiencies. Different types of supplementary feeding have been advocated to boost goat production (Leng, 2003), of which supplementary feeding with leguminous tree leaves is of high merit. The present study was undertaken to evaluate the effects of supplementary …