Digital Commons Network^™

Orbital Evolution Studies And Radio Searches Of Extra-Solar Moons, Marialis Rosario-Franco

Physics Dissertations - Archive

Exoplanetary research has undergone a great deal of development and growth. Achievements in theoretical studies and detection techniques have led to the discovery of 4,000+ exoplanets in ~3, 000 planetary systems to date. Despite this great success, and though candidates have been proposed, the confirmation of the first exomoon is yet to be accomplished. Understanding the constraints under which extrasolar moons form around exoplanets can provide insight into the overall formation of the system, the host planet’s habitability, and could even aid the process of drawing out the best observational candidates for exomoon searches. This work entails the use of …

King Mackerel (Scomberomorus Cavalla), Aubrey L. Anthony, Erin Keeley, David Kerstetter

All Scans: Kerstetter Fisheries and Avian Ecology 3D Scan Series

Neurocranium from [length] cm total length (TL) King Mackerel (Scomberomorus Cavalla), collected from Bravo Market on 11/16/2021 by Aubrey Anthony

Sonic Submersion: Artistic Research Into 360 Audio, Christopher Hancock

Postgraduate

What are the possibilities of 360 audio to expand compositional practice?

This graduate project employed a mixed methodology to research the field of 360 audio and its potential to expand DAW-based compositional practice. The outcomes of the project include a body of new 360 audio compositions, a range of demonstrative 360 audio samples, and an accompanying exegesis.

Specifically, my research looks at 360 composition using ambisonic plugins, and the binaurally decoded output for headphone delivery. A literature review of human spatial hearing and contemporary 360 audio practice has been conducted, and research-led practice has been used to explore concepts and …

Early-Learners' Expectations Of And Experience With Ipe: A Multi-Institutional Qualitative Study, Sharon K. Lanning, Karen Pardue, Kathrin Eliot, Amanda Goumas, Ginge Kettenbach, Bernice Mills, Kelly Lockeman, Anthony Breitbach, Tina P. Gunaldo

Center for Interprofessional Education and Collaborative Practice Papers

Background: Multi-institutional qualitative studies are scarce within the interprofessional education (IPE) literature; such a report would provide comprehensive evidence for the application of interprofessional instruction among earlier learners. Objective: This investigation explored students' expectations of and barriers to introductory IPE across four institutions. Design: Qualitative inductive content analysis was utilized to interpret students' narrative responses to assigned pre- and post-survey questions. Setting: Health science schools of four U.S. institutions at Institution A, Institution B, Institution C, and Institution D. Participants: Twenty-two percent (n = 385) of eligible participants completed both pre- and post-surveys. Nursing student participation was greatest (n = …

Kristen Du Mez Tells Me How Evangelicals Fell In Love With John Wayne, Kristin Du Mez

University Faculty Publications and Creative Works

When the Access Hollywood “locker room talk” tape hit the mainstream on October 7, 2016, both Russell Moore and historian Kristin Du Mez were horrified. But while Moore felt surprised by the evangelical response—or lack of response—to the video, Du Mez saw it as a predictable outcome of militant masculinity within evangelicalism. In their conversation, and in her book Jesus and John Wayne, Du Mez explains why. On this episode of The Russell Moore Show, Moore and Du Mez talk about the overlap of history, politics, and Christianity when it comes to understanding American evangelicalism’s relationship to gender. They also …

Insights Into The Origin Of The Invasive Populations Of Trioza Erytreae In Europe Using Microsatellite Markers And Mtdna Barcoding Approaches, Omar Ruíz-Rivero, Andrés Garcia-Lor, Borja Rojas-Panadero, José Carlos Franco, Fathiya M. Khamis, Kerstin Kruger, Dina Cifuentes, Pablo Bielza, Alejandro Tena, Alberto Urbaneja, Meritxell Pérez-Hedo

All Peer-Reviewed Publications

The African citrus psyllid Trioza erytreae is one of the major threats to citrus industry as the vector of the incurable disease known as huanglongbing (HLB) or citrus greening. The psyllid invaded the northwest of the Iberian Peninsula 6 years ago. The invasion alarmed citrus growers in the Mediterranean basin, the largest citrus producing area in Europe, which is still free of HLB. Before our study, no research had been carried out on the genetic diversity of T. erytreae populations that have invaded the Iberian Peninsula and the archipelagos of the Macaronesia (Madeira and the Canary Islands). In this study, …

The Pest Kill Rate Of Thirteen Natural Enemies As Aggregate Evaluation Criterion Of Their Biological Control Potential Of Tuta Absoluta, Joop C. Van Lenteren, Alberto Lanzoni, Lia Hemerik, Vanda H.P. Bueno, Johanna G. Bajonero Cuervo, Antonio Biondi, Giovanni Burgio, Francisco J. Calvo, Peter W. De Jong, Silvia N. López, M. Gabriela Luna, Flavio C. Montes, Eliana L. Nieves, Pascal Osa Aigbedion-Atalor, Maria B. Riquelme Virgala, Norma E. Sánchez, Alberto Urbaneja

All Peer-Reviewed Publications

Ecologists study how populations are regulated, while scientists studying biological pest control apply population regulation processes to reduce numbers of harmful organisms: an organism (a natural enemy) is used to reduce the population density of another organism (a pest). Finding an effective biological control agent among the tens to hundreds of natural enemies of a pest is a daunting task. Evaluation criteria help in a first selection to remove clearly ineffective or risky species from the list of candidates. Next, we propose to use an aggregate evaluation criterion, the pest kill rate, to compare the pest population reduction capacity of …

Semiochemical Signatures Associated With Differential Attraction Of Anopheles Gambiae To Human Feet, Maurice O. Omolo, Isaiah O. Ndiege, Ahmed Hassanali

All Peer-Reviewed Publications

Background: Several human-produced volatiles have been reported to mediate the host-seeking process under laboratory conditions, yet no effective lure or repellent has been developed for field application. Previously, we found a gradation of the attractiveness of foot odors of different malaria free individuals to Anopheles gambiae sensu stricto Giles. In this study, foot odor of the individual with the most attractive 'smelly' feet to the An. gambiae was collected, analyzed and attractive blend components identified. Methods: The foot odor of the individual with the most attractive 'smelly' feet to the An. gambiae was trapped on Porapak Q and analyzed by …

In Situ Nitrogen Mineralization And Nutrient Release By Soil Amended With Black Soldier Fly Frass Fertilizer, Dennis Beesigamukama, Benson Mochoge, Nicholas Korir, Changeh J. Ghemoh, Sevgan Subramanian, Chrysantus M. Tanga

All Peer-Reviewed Publications

Although black soldier fly frass fertilizer (BSFFF) is effective on crop performance, information on nitrogen (N) mineralization and nutrient release capacity of soils amended with BSFFF is lacking. This study utilized field incubation experiments to investigate the ammonification, nitrification, microbial populations, and quantities of nutrients released by soils amended with BSFFF and commercial organic fertilizer (SAFI) for a period equivalent to two maize cropping seasons. For the control treatment, no BSFFF or SAFI was added. Results indicated that most of the N in BSFFF amended soils was available in the ammonium form, while soils treated with SAFI had higher nitrate …

Global Population Genetic Structure And Demographic Trajectories Of The Black Soldier Fly, Hermetia Illucens, Cengiz Kaya, Tomas N. Generalovic, Gunilla Ståhls, Martin Hauser, Ana C. Samayoa, Carlos G. Nunes-Silva, Heather Roxburgh, Jens Wohlfahrt, Ebenezer A. Ewusie, Marc Kenis, Yupa Hanboonsong, Jesus Orozco, Nancy Carrejo, Satoshi Nakamura, Laura Gasco, Santos Rojo, Chrysantus M. Tanga, Rudolf Meier, Clint Rhode, Christine J. Picard, Chris D. Jiggins, Florian Leiber, Jeffery K. Tomberlin, Martin Hasselmann, Wolf U. Blanckenhorn, Martin Kapun, Christoph Sandrock

All Peer-Reviewed Publications

Background: The black soldier fly (Hermetia illucens) is the most promising insect candidate for nutrient-recycling through bioconversion of organic waste into biomass, thereby improving sustainability of protein supplies for animal feed and facilitating transition to a circular economy. Contrary to conventional livestock, genetic resources of farmed insects remain poorly characterised. We present the first comprehensive population genetic characterisation of H. illucens. Based on 15 novel microsatellite markers, we genotyped and analysed 2862 individuals from 150 wild and captive populations originating from 57 countries on seven subcontinents. Results: We identified 16 well-distinguished genetic clusters indicating substantial global population structure. The data …

Whole Genome Comparisons Reveal Panmixia Among Fall Armyworm (Spodoptera Frugiperda) From Diverse Locations, Katrina A. Schlum, Kurt Lamour, Caroline Placidi De Bortoli, Rahul Banerjee, Robert Meagher, Eliseu Pereira, Maria Gabriela Murua, Gregory A. Sword, Ashley E. Tessnow, Diego Viteri Dillon, Angela M. Linares Ramirez, Komivi S. Akutse, Rebecca Schmidt-Jeffris, Fangneng Huang, Dominic Reisig, Scott J. Emrich, Juan Luis Jurat-Fuentes

All Peer-Reviewed Publications

Background: The fall armyworm (Spodoptera frugiperda (J.E. Smith)) is a highly polyphagous agricultural pest with long-distance migratory behavior threatening food security worldwide. This pest has a host range of > 80 plant species, but two host strains are recognized based on their association with corn (C-strain) or rice and smaller grasses (R-strain). The population genomics of the United States (USA) fall armyworm remains poorly characterized to date despite its agricultural threat. Results: In this study, the population structure and genetic diversity in 55 S. frugiperda samples from Argentina, Brazil, Kenya, Puerto Rico and USA were surveyed to further our understanding of …

The Dilemma Of Guinea Grass (Megathyrsus Maximus): A Valued Pasture Grass And A Highly Invasive Species, Aaron C. Rhodes, Robert M. Plowes, John A. Goolsby, John F. Gaskin, Boaz Musyoka, Paul André Calatayud, Massimo Cristofaro, Eric D. Grahmann, Dino J. Martins, Lawrence E. Gilbert

All Peer-Reviewed Publications

On a global scale, invasive grasses threaten biodiversity and ecosystem function. Nevertheless, the importation of forage grasses is a significant economic force driven by globalization. Pastureland and rangeland are of critical economic and ecological importance, but novel grass species may lead to invasion. Recognizing that economically important species can also be ecologically damaging creates a contentious debate for land managers, policymakers, and ecologists alike. Many Afrotropical perennial grass species have been intentionally introduced pantropically given their high forage production and resistance to stress. However, these traits may also confer competitive ability, increasing the possibility of unintended escape and invasion. Further, …

Feasibility Of Implementing Recommendations To Improve Neglected Tropical Diseases Surveillance And Response In Kenya: A Modified Delphi Study, Arthur K.S. Ng’Etich, Kuku Voyi, Clifford M. Mutero

All Peer-Reviewed Publications

Background: Effective health information systems (HIS) are critical towards achieving timely response to preventive chemotherapy neglected tropical diseases (PC-NTDs) and their eventual elimination. Strengthened HIS enable prompt case detection and effective response to halt disease transmission and prevent probable outbreaks. This study aimed to assess the importance and feasibility of implementing recommendations for improving surveillance core functions, support functions and surveillance attributes concerning PC-NTDs in Kenya. Methods: A descriptive web-based Delphi process comprising of two survey rounds was used to achieve group consensus on the importance of recommended actions and feasibility of their implementation. In the first round, participants were …

An Update On The Distribution Of Glossina (Tsetse Flies) At The Wildlife-Human-Livestock Interface Of Akagera National Park, Rwanda, Richard S. Gashururu, Samuel M. Githigia, Methode N. Gasana, Richard Habimana, Ndichu Maingi, Giuliano Cecchi, Massimo Paone, Weining Zhao, Daniel K. Masiga, James Gashumba

All Peer-Reviewed Publications

Background: Glossina (tsetse flies) biologically transmit trypanosomes that infect both humans and animals. Knowledge of their distribution patterns is a key element to better understand the transmission dynamics of trypanosomosis. Tsetse distribution in Rwanda has not been well enough documented, and little is known on their current distribution. This study determined the current spatial distribution, abundance, diversity, and seasonal variations of tsetse flies in and around the Akagera National Park. Methods: A longitudinal stratified sampling following the seasons was used. Biconical traps were deployed in 55 sites for 6 consecutive days of each study month from May 2018 to June …

Calibration Of The Spearpesticides Bioindicator For Cost-Effective Pesticide Monitoring In East African Streams, Akbar A. Ganatra, Faith Jebiwot Kandie, Ulrike Fillinger, Francis Mcodimba, Baldwyn Torto, Werner Brack, Matthias Liess, Henner Hollert, Jeremias M. Becker

All Peer-Reviewed Publications

Background: Pesticides are washed from agricultural fields into adjacent streams, where even short-term exposure causes long-term ecological damage. Detecting pesticide pollution in streams thus requires the expensive monitoring of peak concentrations during run-off events. Alternatively, exposure and ecological effects can be assessed using the SPEARpesticides bioindicator that quantifies pesticide-related changes in the macroinvertebrate community composition. SPEARpesticides has been developed in Central Europe and validated in other parts of Europe, Australia and South America; here we investigated its performance in East African streams. Results: With minimal adaptations of the SPEARpesticdes index, we successfully characterized pesticide pollution in 13 streams located in …

Pest Interceptions On Imported Fresh Fruits Into South Africa, Livhuwani R. Nnzeru, Phumudzo P. Tshikhudo, Bester T. Mudereri, Moleseng C. Moshobane

All Peer-Reviewed Publications

Global trade through imports and exports of commodities brings an excessive risk of accidental introduction of invasive alien species in many countries. South Africa imports a range of fresh fruits and other commodities to complement its local production. Despite the substantial impacts of these invasive alien species, relatively little is known about the pathways and origins by which these organisms arrive in South Africa. In this study, we analyzed the susceptibility of South Africa to introduced plant-feeding pests detected from imported consignments of fresh fruits into the country over 10 years between 2009 and 2018. The analysis was conducted from …

Immediate Impacts Of Covid-19 Measures On Bean Production, Distribution, And Food Security In Eastern Africa, Eileen Nchanji, Cosmas Kweyu Lutomia, David Karanja

All Peer-Reviewed Publications

The outbreak of coronavirus was expected to adversely affect African countries more than any other region in the world. This assertion was based on the existing conditions in sub-Saharan Africa that exposed the region to the dire consequences of the pandemic. Previously existing underlying conditions that affected the food system include a high dependence on trade for inputs supply, the adverse effects of climate change, crop pests and diseases, poverty, low input use, weak institutions and ineffective policies, and insecurity and conflicts. We collected data from farmers, aggregators, bean research coordinators, and urban and peri-urban consumers in five Eastern African …

Genomic Analysis Reveals Independent Evolution Of Plasmodium Falciparum Populations In Ethiopia, Deriba Abera, Caleb K. Kibet, Teshome Degefa, Lucas Amenga-Etego, Joel L. Bargul, Lemu Golassa

All Peer-Reviewed Publications

Background: Plasmodium falciparum parasite populations in Ethiopia have been experiencing local selective pressures from drugs and immunity, leading to evolutionary adaptation. However, there was a paucity of data on genomic characterization and evolutionary adaptations of P. falciparum isolates from the central area of Ethiopia. Methods: Whole-genome analysis of 25 P. falciparum isolates from central Ethiopia, specifically from West Arsi, were studied to determine their genetic diversity, population structures, and signatures of selection in known drug resistance alleles against global isolates from Cambodia, Thailand, DR Congo, and Malawi. Results: A total of 18,517 high-quality single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) were identified in Ethiopian …

Evaluation Of Health Surveillance System Attributes: The Case Of Neglected Tropical Diseases In Kenya, Arthur K.S. Ng’Etich, Kuku Voyi, Clifford M. Mutero

All Peer-Reviewed Publications

Background: Control of preventive chemotherapy-targeted neglected tropical diseases (PC-NTDs) relies on strengthened health systems. Efficient health information systems provide an impetus to achieving the sustainable development goal aimed at ending PC-NTD epidemics. However, there is limited assessment of surveillance system functions linked to PC-NTDs and hinged on optimum performance of surveillance system attributes. The study aimed to evaluate surveillance system attributes based on healthcare workers’ perceptions in relation to PC-NTDs endemic in Kenya. Methods: A cross-sectional health facility survey was used to purposively sample respondents involved in disease surveillance activities. Consenting respondents completed a self-administered questionnaire that assessed their perceptions …

Molecular Detection Of Leishmania Donovani, Leishmania Major, And Trypanosoma Species In Sergentomyia Squamipleuris Sand Flies From A Visceral Leishmaniasis Focus In Merti Sub-County, Eastern Kenya, Barrack O. Owino, Jackline Milkah Mwangi, Steve Kiplagat, Hannah Njiriku Mwangi, Johnstone M. Ingonga, Alphine Chebet, Philip M. Ngumbi, Jandouwe Villinger, Daniel K. Masiga, Damaris Matoke-Muhia

All Peer-Reviewed Publications

Background: Visceral leishmaniasis (VL) and zoonotic cutaneous leishmaniasis (ZCL) are of public health concern in Merti sub-County, Kenya, but epidemiological data on transmission, vector abundance, distribution, and reservoir hosts remain limited. To better understand the disease and inform control measures to reduce transmission, we investigated the abundance and distribution of sand fly species responsible for Leishmania transmission in the sub-County and their blood-meal hosts. Methods: We conducted an entomological survey in five villages with reported cases of VL in Merti sub-County, Kenya, using CDC miniature light traps and castor oil sticky papers. Sand flies were dissected and identified to the …

Climate Change And Specialty Coffee Potential In Ethiopia, Abel Chemura, Bester Tawona Mudereri, Amsalu Woldie Yalew, Christoph Gornott

All Peer-Reviewed Publications

Current climate change impact studies on coffee have not considered impact on coffee typicities that depend on local microclimatic, topographic and soil characteristics. Thus, this study aims to provide a quantitative risk assessment of the impact of climate change on suitability of five premium specialty coffees in Ethiopia. We implement an ensemble model of three machine learning algorithms to predict current and future (2030s, 2050s, 2070s, and 2090s) suitability for each specialty coffee under four Shared Socio-economic Pathways (SSPs). Results show that the importance of variables determining coffee suitability in the combined model is different from those for specialty coffees …

Assessment Of Surveillance Core And Support Functions Regarding Neglected Tropical Diseases In Kenya, Arthur K.S. Ng’Etich, Kuku Voyi, Clifford M. Mutero

All Peer-Reviewed Publications

Background: Effective surveillance and response systems are vital to achievement of disease control and elimination goals. Kenya adopted the revised guidelines of the integrated disease surveillance and response system in 2012. Previous assessments of surveillance system core and support functions in Africa are limited to notifiable diseases with minimal attention given to neglected tropical diseases amenable to preventive chemotherapy (PC-NTDs). The study aimed to assess surveillance system core and support functions relating to PC-NTDs in Kenya. Methods: A mixed method cross-sectional survey was adapted involving 192 health facility workers, 50 community-level health workers and 44 sub-national level health personnel. Data …

Occurrence, Diversity And Distribution Of Trypanosoma Infections In Cattle Around The Akagera National Park, Rwanda, S. Richard Gashururu, Ndichu Maingi, Samuel M. Githigia, Methode N. Gasana, Peter O. Odhiambo, Dennis O. Getange, Richard Habimana, Giuliano Cecchi, Weining Zhao, James Gashumba, Joel L. Bargul, Daniel K. Masiga

All Peer-Reviewed Publications

Background African Trypanosomiases threaten the life of both humans and animals. Trypanosomes are transmitted by tsetse and other biting flies. In Rwanda, the African Animal Trypanosomiasis (AAT) endemic area is mainly around the tsetse-infested Akagera National Park (NP). The study aimed to identify Trypanosoma species circulating in cattle, their genetic diversity and distribution around the Akagera NP. Methodology A cross-sectional study was carried out in four districts, where 1,037 cattle blood samples were collected. The presence of trypanosomes was determined by microscopy, immunolog-ical rapid test VerY Diag and PCR coupled with High-Resolution Melt (HRM) analysis. A parametric test (ANOVA) was …

Satellite-Based Modelling Of Potential Tsetse (Glossina Pallidipes) Breeding And Foraging Sites Using Teneral And Non-Teneral Fly Occurrence Data, Stella Gachoki, Thomas Groen, Anton Vrieling, Michael Okal, Andrew Skidmore, Daniel Masiga

All Peer-Reviewed Publications

Background: African trypanosomiasis, which is mainly transmitted by tsetse flies (Glossina spp.), is a threat to public health and a significant hindrance to animal production. Tools that can reduce tsetse densities and interrupt disease transmission exist, but their large-scale deployment is limited by high implementation costs. This is in part limited by the absence of knowledge of breeding sites and dispersal data, and tools that can predict these in the absence of ground-truthing. Methods: In Kenya, tsetse collections were carried out in 261 randomized points within Shimba Hills National Reserve (SHNR) and villages up to 5 km from the reserve …

Distribution And Mating Type Characterization Of Chickpea Blight (Didymella Rabiei (Kov.) V. Arx) In Ethiopia, Gezahegne Getaneh, Tadele Tefera, Fikre Lemessa, Seid Ahmed, Jandouwe Villinger

All Peer-Reviewed Publications

We have assessed the distribution and mating type of chickpea blight (Didymella rabiei (Kov.) v. Arx) from a total of 350 and 272 fields in major chickpea (Cicer arietinum L.) growing areas of Ethiopia for two consecutive cropping seasons 2017 and 2018, respectively. The prevalence of D. rabiei was 20 % for the year 2017 and 7% for 2018. Severity range of 2−9 and incidence of 10–100 % were recorded for both seasons in only 7–20 % of the assed fields. Field prevalence of 2017 and 2018 seasons were significantly different (df = 31; p < 0.001 and df = 31; p < 0.001, respectively). Similarly, the disease prevalence of both seasons was significantly different (df = 31; p < 0.001). The disease prevalence ratio frequency was highly deviated from (1:1) for both seasons (X2 = 213.62 p= <0.001; X2 = 144.36 p = 0.01). Genomic DNA of Representative samples were extracted from single spore culture and Mating type 1 (MAT1-1) specific primer SP21, Mating type 2 (MAT1-2) specific primer Tail 5, and a flanking region-specific primer Com1 assay were multiplexed in a single PCR reaction to determine the occurrence of D. rabiei mating type in Ethiopia. Out of 156 samples, only 15 samples were positive to MAT1-1 (∼10 %) with the ratio of 9:1. MAT 1−2 type was the most dominant and possibly the asexual reproduction of D. rabiei is the major type in Ethiopia. The result is important for Ascochyta blight management in breeding strategy.

Mating Behaviour, Mate Choice And Female Resistance In The Bean Flower Thrips (Megalurothrips Sjostedti), Adeyemi O. Akinyemi, Sevgan Subramanian, David K. Mfuti, Tom W. Pope, Amanuel Tamiru, William D.J. Kirk

All Peer-Reviewed Publications

Many species of thrips (Thysanoptera) in the family Thripidae form mating aggregations, but the adaptive significance of these aggregations and the extent of male and female mate choice is poorly understood. We studied the mating behaviour of the bean flower thrips Megalurothrips sjostedti (Trybom) (Thysanoptera: Thripidae), which forms male aggregations and occurs across sub-Saharan Africa. We tested whether males choose mates by female age or mating status. No-choice mating bioassays with one male and one female were used to simulate the way males usually encounter only one female at a time in aggregations in the field. Virgin females violently resisted …

Water Immersion Tolerance By Larval Instars Of Stable Fly, Stomoxys Calcitrans, L1758 (Diptera: Muscidae) Impairs The Fitness Performance Of Their Subsequent Stages, Steve B.S. Baleba

All Peer-Reviewed Publications

Background: In holometabolous insects, environmental factors experienced in pre-imaginal life stages affect the life-history traits within that stage and can also influence subsequent life stages. Here, I assessed tolerance to water immersion by the larval instars of the stable fly, Stomoxys calcitrans L. (Diptera: Muscidae) and its impact on the life-history traits of their subsequent life stages. Results: After submerging the three larval instars of S. calcitrans in distilled water, I found that the first instar larvae remained active for longer as compared to the second and third instar larvae. Also, the first instar larvae took a longer period to …

Ehrlichia Spp. Close To Ehrlichia Ruminantium, Ehrlichia Canis, And “Candidatus Ehrlichia Regneryi” Linked To Heartwater-Like Disease In Kenyan Camels (Camelus Dromedarius), Mario Younan, Daniel O. Ouso, Boku Bodha, Edward K. Keitany, Hezron O. Wesonga, Rinah Sitawa, Joshua Kimutai, Wilson Kuria, Wario Sori Sake, Nicholas Svitek, Tobias Landmann, Diba Dida Wako, Jandouwe Villinger

All Peer-Reviewed Publications

We present findings from an outbreak of a heartwater-like disease in camels that killed at least 2000 adult animals in Kenya in 2016. Clinical signs included excitability, head pressing, aimless wandering, recumbency, and fast breathing followed by death after about 4 days. The observed morbidity in one herd was 40% with an average mortality of 7.5% in animals that received early antibiotic treatments. In untreated adults, the case fatality rate reached 100%. Gross pathology showed pulmonary edema, pleural exudate, hydrothorax, hydropericardium, ascites, enlarged “cooked” liver, nephrosis, and blood in the abomasum and intestine. Using established PCR-based protocols for tick-borne pathogens, …

Gene Co-Expression Network Analysis Of Trypanosoma Brucei In Tsetse Fly Vector, Kennedy W. Mwangi, Rosaline W. Macharia, Joel L. Bargul

All Peer-Reviewed Publications

Background: Trypanosoma brucei species are motile protozoan parasites that are cyclically transmitted by tsetse fly (genus Glossina) causing human sleeping sickness and nagana in livestock in sub-Saharan Africa. African trypanosomes display digenetic life cycle stages in the tsetse fly vector and in their mammalian host. Experimental work on insect-stage trypanosomes is challenging because of the difficulty in setting up successful in vitro cultures. Therefore, there is limited knowledge on the trypanosome biology during its development in the tsetse fly. Consequently, this limits the development of new strategies for blocking parasite transmission in the tsetse fly. Methods: In this study, RNA-Seq …

Plant Nutrient Quality Impacts Survival And Reproductive Fitness Of The Dengue Vector Aedes Aegypti, Vincent Odhiambo Nyasembe, David Poumo Tchouassi, Martha Njeri Muturi, Christian W.W. Pirk, Catherine L. Sole, Baldwyn Torto

All Peer-Reviewed Publications

Background: In a recent study using DNA barcoding, we identified the plants fed upon by four Afro-tropical mosquito species that vector dengue, malaria, and Rift Valley fever. Herein, we have expanded on this study by investigating the role of three of the plants, Pithecellobium dulce (Fabaceae), Leonotis nepetifolia (Lamiaceae), and Opuntia ficus-indica (Cactaceae), on the survival, fecundity, and egg viability of the dengue vector Aedes aegypti. Methods: We tested these effects using females that received (i) an initial three rations of blood meals and (ii) no blood meal at all. Two controls were included: age-matched females fed on glucose solution …