Kentucky State University

Microplastics (MPs), both conventional and biodegradable, are emerging contaminants of significant concern in marine ecosystems. While biodegradable plastics such as polylactic acid (PLA) and polybutylene adipate-co-terephthalate (PBAT) are marketed as eco-friendly alternatives, growing evidence suggests that their degradation products may exhibit comparable toxicity to conventional polymers like polyethylene (PE) and polystyrene (PS). This review critically examines the physicochemical properties, degradation behavior, and ecotoxicological impacts of both biodegradable and conventional MPs on the marine microalga Chlorella vulgaris. The analysis highlights that both MP types inhibit algal growth, disrupt photosynthesis, and induce oxidative stress through reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation, enzymatic imbalance, and cellular membrane damage. Mechanistic pathways involve particle aggregation, surface adsorption, and the release of toxic leachates and nano-sized derivatives, amplifying their ecological risks. Furthermore, biodegradable MPs often fragment faster, increasing MP particle counts and pollutant adsorption potential. The findings challenge the perceived environmental safety of “biodegradable” plastics and underscore the need for realistic field-based assessments. Understanding MP-algae interactions is crucial, as disruptions at this trophic level may cascade through marine food webs, affecting productivity and biogeochemical cycling. The review calls for comprehensive ecotoxicological frameworks to guide sustainable polymer design and effective marine pollution management.

Mothers in the United States are unwell, with high rates of maternal stress and death. Maternal health matters in its own right, and it is more difficult for children to be well if their parents are not. Improving mothers' economic status and social connectedness to improve maternal and child health has received increased attention. New data build on previous findings that economic (e.g., financial strain, lost health insurance) and social [e.g., adverse childhood experiences (ACEs), structural racism] stressors are associated with poorer maternal and child health. Conversely, economic and social supports (e.g., cash transfers, paid family and medical leave, social connectedness) improve aspects of maternal and child health. Evidence on whether pandemic-era cash transfers impact maternal and child health is mixed. Addressing social and economic stressors can improve maternal and child health, but the details matter. Incremental economic interventions are insufficient. Social factors such as isolation and structural racism must also be addressed. Policy implementation is equally important; families cannot benefit if they cannot access resources. Policy changes such as universal paid family and medical leave are needed. The field of pediatrics should update practice guidelines and advocate for policy changes.

Abstract Male reproductive surgical diseases significantly impact small ruminant productivity in Nigeria, yet comprehensive epidemiological data remains scarce. This study investigated the prevalence, distribution, and demographic characteristics of male reproductive surgical diseases in sheep and goats across Ogun State, Nigeria, over a ten-year period. Clinical records from six veterinary health facilities across three senatorial districts were retrospectively analyzed from January 2014 to December 2024. Among 407 small ruminants examined (265 rams and 142 bucks), 24 cases of reproductive surgical diseases were documented, yielding an overall prevalence of 5.9%. All cases occurred exclusively in rams (9.06% prevalence), with no reproductive surgical diseases identified in bucks. Orchitis represented the most prevalent condition (75%, n = 18), followed by cryptorchidism (12.5%, n = 3), inguino-scrotal hernia (8.33%, n = 2), and haematocele (4.17%, n = 1). Disease prevalence varied by facility, ranging from 3.85% to 18.52%. Orchitis predominantly affected sexually mature rams aged 2–5 years (50%). The Uda breed showed the highest orchitis prevalence (n = 7), followed by Balami (n = 5) and West African Dwarf (n = 5). Financial constraints led to treatment abandonment in numerous cases. These findings underscore the urgent need for affordable therapeutic interventions, preventive health programs targeting sexually mature breeding stock, and improved veterinary service accessibility in rural communities.

Establishing best practices for the overall workflow of environmental DNA (eDNA) sampling is necessary to increase reproducibility and precision in estimates of biodiversity across studies. Rigorous comparisons between eDNA sample preservation strategies for long-term storage durations are lacking, and previous studies have primarily evaluated DNA yield rather than detection success, despite detection being of critical importance when studying rare or elusive species. Here, we assessed the efficacy of common preservation media, storage temperatures and DNA extraction methods on eDNA yield and detection probability after one- and four-years of storage. We found that frozen and ethanol-preserved filters had significantly higher DNA concentrations and detection rates than samples preserved in Longmire's lysis buffer when DNA extraction methods differed among the treatment groups. Substantial inhibition was observed in the Longmire's samples when using a phenol-chloroform-isoamyl alcohol (PCI) extraction method, but did not occur when Longmire's samples were extracted using a Qiagen DNeasy Blood & Tissue Kit. PCI extraction also caused reduced yield and detection rates in ethanol-preserved samples, demonstrating its relative inefficiency for eDNA recovery. eDNA yield and detection rates were highly stable over one- and four-years of storage for all preservation strategies except for ethanol samples stored at room temperature, in which concentrations, but not detection rates, declined significantly after 4 years. Overall, frozen and Longmire's preserved samples had higher yield than ethanol-preserved samples, although detections were high across all media. Our study contributes valuable information towards the optimisation and standardisation of long-term storage protocols of filtered eDNA samples.

As the need for environmentally friendly aquaculture operations grows, more people are looking for other sources of protein. Microalgae are becoming a possible alternative to traditional fishmeal in rainbow trout diets. This review looks at how microalgae might be used instead of fishmeal, focussing on their nutritional benefits, growth performance, and environmental benefits. Microalgae including Chlorella, Spirulina, and Nannochloropsis are good sources of protein (30–60% dry weight), essential amino acids, and long-chain omega-3 fatty acids. These nutrients help improve feed conversion ratios and keep omega-3 levels high in trout meat. Life-cycle evaluations show that feeds made from microalgae can cut down on greenhouse gas emissions and phosphorus loading compared to regular fishmeal. These benefits notwithstanding, issues include elevated manufacturing costs (estimated at $50–400/kg dry weight), possible nutritional imbalances, and regulatory impediments continue to pose substantial barriers to widespread use. Ongoing research into optimising production techniques, wastewater integration, and genetic engineering of microalgae offers promise for addressing these restrictions. Adding microalgae to U.S. aquaculture might make the sector more sustainable and profitable, as well as lessen its impact on the environment and reliance on wild-caught fish. To fully realise the promise of microalgae as a key part of sustainable aquaculture, we need to keep investing in research, create supportive legislative frameworks, and encourage collaboration between industry and academia.

Abstract Southeastern regions of the United States have soils and consequently forages that have inadequate concentrations of selenium (Se), necessitating supplementation of this trace mineral to the diet of grazing cattle. Supplementation conventionally occurs using an inorganic form of selenium (ISe), however organic forms (OSe) are available when cattle naturally consume forage. We have studied the effects of supplementing a 1:1 combination of ISe:OSe (MIX) versus the industry standard of ISe alone, and observed significant effects on the corpus luteum (CL), endometrium, and systemic blood chemistry, culminating in a MIX-induced increase in length of the conceptus at maternal recognition of pregnancy (MRP). Herein we aimed to determine the effect of supplementation with MIX versus ISe on the lipidome of intercaruncular endometrial (ICAR) tissues of beef heifers at MRP to identify mechanisms supporting the MIX-induced increase in conceptus length. Angus-cross heifers received no Se for 45 days (Se depletion) followed by ISe alone for 45 days (Se repletion). Heifers were then assigned to receive at least 90 days of supplementation with either ISe (n = 6) or MIX (n = 6) prior to synchronization of estrus and artificial insemination. On d17 of presumed pregnancy (MRP), heifers were killed, and reproductive tracts collected. Specifically, ICAR samples were collected using an 8 mm biopsy punch for an untargeted C30 lipidomic analysis. Thermo Scientific LipidSearch software version 5.1.8 was used for lipid identification and sample alignment. Multivariate analysis was performed using MetaboAnalyst6.0. A total of 879 lipid ions were identified using positive ion mode with the top five classes being triglycerides (27%), phosphatidylcholine (24%), ceramide (9%), diglyceride (8%), and sphingomyelin (7%). A total of 167 lipid ions were identified using negative ion mode with the top five lipid classes being fatty acids (43%), sphingomyelin (26%), lysobisphosphatidic acid (11%), lysophosphatidylcholine (10%), and phosphatidylserine (6%). We identified 21 and 7 significantly affected lipids in positive and negative ion mode, respectively. Of these, the concentration of key fatty acids important for development of the preimplantation embryo (arachidonic, behenic, docosahexaenoic, linoleic, and oleic acids) were significantly less abundant in ICAR from MIX compared to ISe heifers (P < 0.05). This was also associated with a less abundant concentration (P < 0.05) of acylcarnitines, phosphatidylcholines, and triglycerides that store these fatty acids. It appears that the form of supplemental Se provided to achieve a Se-adequate status is altering the composition of lipids, particularly fatty acids, which are directly related to the concentration of these in the histotroph to nourish the post-hatching, pre-implantation conceptus. The differences observed in the relative concentration of these fatty acids in the ICAR between ISe and MIX-treated heifers may reflect a reduced requirement by the more developed MIX-treated conceptus at MRP.

HIV remains a major public health challenge in the Southern United States, with African American communities facing elevated risk. This study investigates how hazardous alcohol use, psychological distress, and gut microbial dysbiosis affect PrEP adherence and evaluates a trauma-informed SBIRT intervention to improve outcomes. This 12-month convergent mixed-methods study was conducted through Kentucky State University with two collaborating clinics. Seventy-eight HIV-negative African American adults on PrEP were recruited via referrals and community outreach and randomized to SBIRT (n = 30), Treatment-as-Usual (n = 30), or a non-hazardous drinking reference group (n = 18). Quantitative data included surveys (AUDIT, PHQ-9, PCL-5), pharmacy refill logs, and stool-based 16S rRNA sequencing. The qualitative arm applied a phenomenological approach with 40 purposively selected participants completing semi-structured interviews at baseline, 3, 6, and 12 months. Interviews were thematically coded in Dedoose and integrated with quantitative analyses (chi-square, ANOVA, Pearson correlations, logistic regression) to examine clinical outcomes and lived experiences influencing PrEP adherence. Among 78 participants, multivariate logistic regression identified hazardous alcohol use (OR=2.9, p=0.008), PTSD (OR=3.6, p=0.003), depression (OR=2.7, p=0.029), and microbial dysbiosis (OR=3.3, p=0.006) as predictors of PrEP non-adherence (<85%). Compared with TAU, SBIRT participants showed higher adherence (80% vs. 53%, p=0.014), greater microbial diversity (Shannon Index 2.6 vs. 1.9, p=0.004), and lower inflammatory biomarkers (IL-6, TNF-α, both p<0.05). They also reported fewer depressive (PHQ-9: 7.8 vs. 11.5, p=0.004) and PTSD symptoms (PCL-5: 29.1 vs. 35.4, p=0.007), alongside safer sexual behaviors. Qualitative analysis confirmed that stigma, trauma, and gut discomfort disrupted adherence, while SBIRT counseling enhanced self-awareness, reduced emotional fatigue, and supported behavioral change. These findings highlight that PrEP adherence can be enhanced through trauma-informed, culturally grounded support in combination with long-acting formulations and probiotic strategies.