Digital Commons Network^™

Triggering Sarcomerogenesis: Examining Key Stimuli And The Role Attributed To Eccentric Training—Historical, Systematic, And Meta-Analytic Review, Anthony J. Blazevich, Walter Herzog, João Pedro Nunes

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

Background: Serial sarcomere number (SSN) critically influences muscle function and is hypothesized to protect against injury. While most evidence for SSN addition comes from non-human animal studies, eccentric exercise is often proposed as a key stimulus due to its association with increased fascicle length in humans. However, the most efficient exercise stimuli and the effectiveness of eccentric training in increasing SSN remain unclear. The objective of this study was to provide a detailed historical overview of research exploring the mechanical factors regulating muscle/fiber length and its relationship with function, and to explore more recent evidence that eccentric muscle contractions might …

Therapeutic Potential And Enhanced Bioactivity Of Ficus Carica (Fig) Fruit: Exploring Bioactive Compounds And Nano-Additive Synergies, Mst Sumya Yeasmin, Shamima Abdul Rahman, Waheedah Abdul Hakeem, Tarek Abedin, Mohammad Nur-E-Alam

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

The present investigation deals with the phytochemical, anticancer, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antidiabetic, and Anti-constipation activities of Ficus carica (FC) fruit. The phytochemical analysis of FC fruit has revealed a rich array of bioactive compounds, highlighting the fruit's complex and diverse natural chemistry together with some secondary metabolites that contribute to its high antioxidant activity which was evident from 1-Diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH), 2,2′-Azinobis-(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid (ABTS) and Ferric reducing power (FRAP) assays. Fruit extracts of FC demonstrated anticancer activity against MCF-7 breast cancer, U2OS osteosarcoma, HepG2 liver cancer, and Huh7it liver cancer cell lines. The anti-inflammatory activity of FC fruit is attributed to steroids …

Australian Teen Voices On Age Verification And Age Assurance Measures, Giselle Woodley, Harrison W. See, Brian O'Neill, Lelia Green, Elisabeth Staksrud, Paul Haskell-Dowland

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

Age verification and age assurance technologies, including biometrics, facial recognition software and digital identification, have been explored as potential measures to restrict access of young people to social media and sexually explicit media (SEM), including pornography. However, there is limited data regarding how teens targeted by such restrictions feel about such strategies. Drawing on qualitative interviews with Australian teens and pre-teens (aged 11–17), this paper presents their views of age verification technologies, particularly in relation to restricting access to SEM. The participants in this study welcomed improved online protections but were ambivalent about proposed solutions. Age assurance and age verification …

Application Of Plastic Waste As A Sustainable Bitumen Mixture—A Review, Nuha S. Mashaan, Thakur Chamlagai

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

Plastic waste is growing rapidly, while asphalt binders remain heavily reliant on petroleum bitumen. Incorporating recycled plastics into bitumen can divert waste and enhance pavement performance. This review compiles 251 experimental records from 56 studies to evaluate how plastic type, dosage, and processing conditions affect softening point, penetration, and viscosity. Across studies, plastics (PET, LDPE/HDPE/LLDPE, PP, and hybrids) consistently stiffen binders, reducing penetration and increasing softening point and viscosity, thereby improving rutting resistance while potentially raising mixing/compaction demands. Using grouped cross-validated machine-learning models (median baseline, ridge, random forest, XGBoost), we quantify the predictability of binder properties and show that nonlinear …

Biochar As Additive And Modifier In Bitumen And Asphalt Mixtures, Chathurika Dassanayake, Nuha S. Mashaan

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

Incorporating biochar into pavement materials is a novel and environmentally sustainable approach that aligns with global sustainability goals and advances greener pavement technologies. Studies have shown that biochar significantly enhances the strength, durability, and stability of pavements, while also contributing to sustainability by lowering the carbon footprint associated with traditional construction materials. Additionally, the incorporation of biochar contributes to the sustainability of asphalt engineering by reducing reliance on petroleum-based products and promoting the valorization of biomass. The primary objective of this review is to critically evaluate and synthesize existing research on the use of biochar in bitumen and asphalt mixtures, …

Determinants Of Consumers' Mobile Network Continuance Intention: The Mediating Effects Of Cognitive And Affective Inertia, Fazlul Hoque, Pi Shen Seet, Stephanie Meek, Saalem Sadeque

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

Despite extensive research on customer continuance intention, few studies have explored the mediating roles of cognitive and affective inertia in shaping continuance intention, particularly in emerging markets. We address this gap in an empirical study, grounded in the SOR (Stimulus-Organism-Response) framework, that investigates how trust, satisfaction, and switching barriers influence mobile network users' continuance intention, with cognitive and affective inertia as mediators. Using Partial Least Squares Structural Equation Modelling (PLS-SEM), we analyzed primary data from 407 mobile phone users in Bangladesh, an emerging economy. The findings indicate that trust, satisfaction, and switching barriers have a significant influence on continuance intention. …

Global Estimates Of Seagrass Blue Carbon Stocks In Biomass And Net Primary Production, Enric Gomis, Simone Strydom, Nicole R. Foster, Diana Montemayor, Miguel A. Mateo, Eduard Serrano, Karina Inostroza, Roisin Mccallum, Anna Lafratta, Chanelle L. Webster, Caitlyn L. O’Dea, Nicole E. Said, Natasha Dunham, Rachele Bernasconi, Axel Werner, Federico Vitelli, Viena Puigcorbé, Alexandra D’Cruz, Cristian Salinas, Kathryn M. Mcmahon, Glenn A. Hyndes, Paul S. Lavery, Albert Pessarodona, Carlose M. Duarte, Oscar Serrano

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

Seagrass meadows play a key role in the global carbon cycle through storing carbon in their biomass and soils. However, the lack of global assessments of carbon stocks in seagrass biomass and net primary production (NPP) limits our understanding of their role in the carbon cycle. Here, we provide global estimates of biomass carbon stocks and NPP encompassing seagrasses with different life-history strategies, across bioregions and 66 countries. Seagrass meadows show up to 800-fold differences in biomass across different life-history strategies and bioregions (mean ± SE; 1551 ± 40 kg C ha⁻¹), whereas seagrass NPP (5833 ± 557 …

Healthy Islands At 30: Revitalising An Ecological Framework For Planetary Health, Anaseini Ratu, Sione Tu'itahi, Timoci Naivalulevu, Donald Wilson, Helen Moewaka Barnes, Rebecca Patrick, Hannah A. Turley, Stacy D. Jupiter, Alice Latinne, Joel Negin, Margot W. Parkes, Anthony Capon, Pierre Horwitz, Aaron P. Jenkins

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

No abstract provided.

Defeating Evasive Malware With Peekaboo: Extracting Authentic Malware Behavior With Dynamic Binary Instrumentation, Matthew Gaber, Mohiuddin Ahmed, Helge Janicke

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

The accuracy of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in malware detection is dependent on the features it is trained with, where the quality and authenticity of these features is dependent on the dataset and the analysis tool. Evasive malware, that alters its behavior in analysis environments, is challenging to extract authentic features from where widely used static and dynamic analysis tools have several limitations. However, Dynamic Binary Instrumentation (DBI) allows deep and precise control of the malware sample, thereby facilitating the extraction of authentic behavior from evasive malware. Considering the limitations of malware analysis for use with AI, this research had two …

Ceftriaxone Use Evaluation At The Medical Ward, Jigme Dorji Wangchuck National Referral Hospital In Bhutan: A Retrospective Analytical Study, Kezang Tshering, Mongal Singh Gurung, Sonam Wangda, Pelden Chejor

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

Objectives Ceftriaxone is the most commonly prescribed cephalosporin antibiotic in hospital settings. The overall prescribing compliance with the national antibiotic guidelines remained unassessed at Jigme Dorji Wangchuk National Referral Hospital (JDWNRH), Bhutan. Methods A retrospective analytical study was conducted by evaluating the medical records of patients who received ceftriaxone between January and December 2020 in the Medical Ward, JDWNRH. Data were analyzed using the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences, version 26. Results A total of 201 (17.82%) patients, with a mean age of 54.83 years (SD ± 20.93), received ceftriaxone, and pneumonia (49.25%) was the most frequently documented indication. …

Behavioral And Physiological Insights Into Cross-Stage Interactions In The Desert Locust, Benjamin Fürstenau, Vincent O. Nyasembe, Hosea O. Mokaya, Hillary K. Kirwa, Angel Guerrero, Baldwyn Torto

All Peer-Reviewed Publications

Gregarious desert locusts produce stage-specific pheromones that facilitate cohesive behavior in juveniles and synchronize maturation and mating in sexually mature adults. During locust outbreaks, merging populations result in cross-stage interactions, yet their impact on locust biology remains poorly understood. This study tested the hypothesis that cross-stage interactions influence juvenile cohesion and physiological traits. Using behavioral assays and gas chromatography-mass spectrometry, we examined short- and long-term interactions between juvenile and adult desert locusts. In short-term (24 h) cage assays, the presence of adults did not significantly affect grouping behavior in gregarious 3rd instar nymphs, as measured by the mean distance between …

Opportunities For Expansion Of Push-Pull Technology As An Agroecological And Sustainable Intensification Approach In Africa, Gudeta W. Sileshi, Shem Kuyah, Meredith C. Schuman, Frank Chidawanyika, Beatrice W. Muriithi, Charles A.O. Midega, Adewole Olagoke, Michael H. Otim, Paramu L. Mafongoya, Emily A. Martin

All Peer-Reviewed Publications

The push-pull technology (PPT) has often been presented as a management strategy for stemborers and witchweed. However, its value as an agronomic practice and an agroecological approach remains largely underappreciated. This review aims to appraise the PPT used in eastern Africa, synthesize evidence for its ecological and economic benefits, and identify barriers to its adoption and opportunities for its expansion to other crops and farming systems in sub-Saharan Africa.

The Dissemination Potential Of Microsporidia Mb In Anopheles Arabiensis Mosquitoes Is Modulated By Temperature, Fidel Gabriel Otieno, Priscille Barreaux, Affognon Steeven Belvinos, Edward Edmond Makhulu, Thomas Ogao Onchuru, Anne Wambui Wairimu, Stancy Mandere Omboye, Cynthia Nyambura King’Ori, Bonoukpoè Mawuko Sokame, Anthony Kebira Nyamache, Jeremy Keith Herren

All Peer-Reviewed Publications

Microsporidia MB, a vertically transmitted endosymbiont of Anopheles mosquitoes, shows strong potential as a malaria control agent due to its ability to inhibit Plasmodium development within the mosquito host. To support its deployment in malaria transmission reduction strategies, it is critical to understand how environmental factors, particularly temperature, influence its infection dynamics. In this study, we investigated the impact of four temperature regimes (22 °C, 27 °C, 32 °C, and 37 °C) on Microsporidia MB prevalence and infection intensity by rearing mosquito larvae under controlled laboratory conditions. Our results demonstrate that elevated temperatures, especially 32 °C, significantly enhance both larval …

Regional Variation And Epidemiological Insights In Malaria Underestimation In Cameroon, Sarafa A. Iyaniwura, Qing Han, Ngem Bede Yong, Ghislain Rutayisire, Agnes Adom-Konadu, Okwen Patrick Mbah, David Poumo Tchouassi, Kingsley Badu, Jude Dzevela Kong

All Peer-Reviewed Publications

Background: Despite significant global effort to control and eradicate malaria, many cases and deaths are still reported yearly. These efforts are hindered by several factors, including the severe underestimation of cases and deaths, especially in Africa. Methods: We used a mathematical model, incorporating the underestimation of cases and seasonality in mosquito biting rate, to study the malaria dynamics in Cameroon. Using a Bayesian inference framework, we calibrated our model to the monthly reported malaria cases in ten regions of Cameroon from 2019 to 2021 to quantify the underestimation of cases and estimate other important epidemiological parameters. We performed Hierarchical Clustering …

Pretreatment Methods For Organic Waste Management As Feed For Black Soldier Fly, Mube K. Hervé, Gatchueng F. Lionel, Ndomou C.H. Serge, Dzepe Daniel, Shaphan Y. Chia, Kana Jean Raphael, Kenfack Augustave, Djouaka Rousseau, Sali A. Ndindeng

All Peer-Reviewed Publications

Amidst escalating global urbanization and population growth, revolutionizing food systems and redefining waste management strategies has become essential. This study contributes to protein resource diversification in animal feed and offers a sustainable solution for organic waste management using black soldier fly larvae (BSFL) in Bafia, Cameroon. A survey characterized waste production in restaurants and households to assess quantity and quality. Collected organic wastes underwent two pre-treatments: heating, (60°C) and fermentation (4 days), while another batch was used fresh as a feeding substrate for BSFL, in contrast to a broiler starter diet over a 17-day larval feeding experimental period. Various parameters …

Better Floors, Better Health: A Theory Of Change For An Improved Household Flooring Intervention In Rural Communities In Kwale And Bungoma Counties, Kenya, Stella Kepha, Hugo Legge, Katherine E. Halliday, Victoria Ochwal, Lynne Elson, Jacinta Mwongeli, William E. Oswald, Beatrice Kakoi, James Wambua, Charles Mwandawiro, Ulrike Fillinger, Rachel Pullan, Doris Njomo

All Peer-Reviewed Publications

Background: Household flooring is increasingly being investigated as a determinant of health, however the pathways through which flooring may impact health and wellbeing are not yet well understood. The SABABU study is a cluster-randomised controlled trial evaluating the impact of an improved flooring intervention on soil-transmitted helminthiasis, tungiasis, and enteric infections in Bungoma and Kwale counties, Kenya. This paper presents the findings from a theory of change development process that was undertaken as part of the formative research phase of the SABABU project. Methods: A co-creation workshop (n = 1), stakeholder meetings (n = 2), and community meetings (n = …

Techno-Functional Properties Of Protein-Rich Flours From Different Species Of Edible Insects As Affected By Drying Methods, K. B.Yisa Njowe, K. G. Duodu, M. N. Emmambux

All Peer-Reviewed Publications

Food-based ingredients from insects can circumvent the challenging disgust factor of consuming edible insects as food. The functional properties of dried edible insect flour could guide the use of edible insects as food ingredients in familiar foods. This study investigated the effect of freeze drying, oven drying, sun drying, solar cabinet drying, boiled before either sun drying or solar cabinet drying techniques on the functional properties of protein-rich flours from edible grasshoppers, crickets, and caterpillars. The Nitrogen solubility indices (NSI), water solubility indices (WSI) and β-sheets for all boiled solar-dried grasshopper, cricket, and caterpillar protein concentrates decreased compared to the …

Microsporidian Infection Of Mosquito Larvae Changes The Host-Associated Microbiome Towards The Synthesis Of Antimicrobial Factors, Artur Trzebny, Abigail D. Taylor, Jeremy K. Herren, Johanna K. Björkroth, Sylwia Jedut, Miroslawa Dabert

All Peer-Reviewed Publications

Background: Microsporidians (Microsporidia) are a group of obligate intracellular parasites that commonly infect mosquitoes. Recently, it has been shown that infection by these parasites can alter the composition and functionality of the mosquito-associated microbiome. The host-associated microbiome of the mosquito can play a pivotal role in various physiological processes of this host, including its vector competence for pathogens. Thus, understanding how microsporidians shape the mosquito microbiome may be crucial for elucidating interactions between these parasites and their mosquito hosts, which are also vectors for other parasites and pathogens. Methods: The effects of microsporidian infection on the microbiome structure and functionality …

Exploring The Microbiomes Of Camel Ticks To Infer Vector Competence: Insights From Tissue-Level Symbiont-Pathogen Relationships, Rua Khogali, Armanda Bastos, Dennis Getange, Joel L. Bargul, Shewit Kalayou, Nehemiah Ongeso, Joost Theo Petra Verhoeven, James Kabii, John Ngiela, Daniel Masiga, Jandouwe Villinger

All Peer-Reviewed Publications

Ticks are blood-feeding ectoparasites that harbor diverse pathogens and endosymbionts. Their microbial communities vary based on tick species, stage, sex, geographical location, surrounding environment, and tissue type. Understanding tick microbiota at the tissue level is crucial for unraveling how microbiomes are distributed in tick tissues and influence pathogen transmission. We used V1-V2 16 S rRNA gene sequencing to analyze tissue-specific bacterial compositions (hemolymph, saliva, salivary glands, and midgut) of Amblyomma gemma, Rhipicephalus pulchellus, Hyalomma dromedarii, and Hyalomma rufipes ticks collected from camels in Marsabit County, northern Kenya. The V1-V2 region of the 16 S rRNA gene effectively differentiated 43 Rickettsia …

Insect Frass Fertilizer Upregulates Maize Defence Genes And Resistance Against An Invasive Herbivore Pest, Daniel Munyao Mutyambai, Johnstone Mutiso Mutua, Abdul A. Jalloh, Dennis Beesigamukama, Andre Kessler, Sevgan Subramanian, Thomas Dubois, Sunday Ekesi, Chrysantus M. Tanga

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The black soldier fly frass fertilizer (BSFFF) has gained global attention as a multipurpose input for soil fertilization and pest and disease management. However, there are limited studies that have examined its effects on insect pest resistance and the underlying mechanisms. We investigated the impact of amending soil with BSFFF on maize growth, defense gene expression and resistance to a polyphagous insect herbivore, Spodoptera frugiperda (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) through larval feeding assay. Maize growth was evaluated by measuring plant height, chlorophyll concentration, and biomass accumulation in soils amended with BSFFF, synthetic fertilizers (Di-ammonium phosphate and Calcium ammonium nitrate) and unfertilized soils …

Integrating Metabolomics And Physicochemical Analysis In Black Soldier Fly Bioconversion Of Schizochytrium Residue: A Pathway To High-Value Ω-3 Products, Yaru Zhang, Jing Liu, Yan Xiao, He Yang, Yanzhou Zhang, Chrysantus Mbi Tanga, Dawei Huang, Jinhua Xiao

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The global microalgae processing industry generates substantial residues rich in ω-3 fatty acids, presenting both a waste management challenge and an untapped resource for innovative food biotechnology. This study investigated the potential of bioconversion of Schizochytrium residue (SCR) by black soldier fly larvae (BSFL) to enrich ω-3 fatty acids and evaluated the industrial applicability of the resulting BSFL products. SCR supplementation enhanced larval growth performance (7.5 % increased weight, 19.9 % higher bioconversion rate) and protein quality, while enabling exclusive accumulation of EPA and DHA in BSFL. The total ω-3 content increased from 1.18 % to 17.37 %, achieving a …

Infochemicals For The Management Of Thysanoptera, Nanadagopal Bakthavatsalam, Kesavan Subaharan, Anjenappa Raghavendra, Sevgan Subramaniam

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Infochemicals, classified as pheromone, kairomone, allomone, synomone and apneumone, play significant role in insect communication. Unlike Lepidoptera, Thysanoptera utilize male produced aggregation pheromone for their communication. Neryl (S)-2-methybutanoate, (R) lavandulyl acetate, (+) R-lavandulyl 3 methyl-butenoate, dodecyl acetate and tetradecyl acetate are the compounds identified as aggregation pheromones for several species. Pheromone lures placed in blue or yellow or white sticky traps are effective in capturing adults of Frankliniella, Thrips, Megalurothips and Odonothrips. Decyl acetate and dodecyl acetate along with other volatile chemicals have been identified as alarm pheromones for many Thysanoptera. Push-Pull technology using alarm pheromone and aggregation pheromone or …

Evaluating The Role Of Covid-19 On Delay In Cancer Care And Health Disparities Of Women With Breast Cancer: A Retrospective, Multi-Site Study, Nohemi Sadule Rios, Morgan Nestingen, Mukesh Roy, Lucy Morales, Andrew Salner, Margaret Barton-Burke, Natalie Bermudez, Annmarie Mazzella, Muni Rubens, Muhammad A. Rizvi, Morgan Horton, Suresh G. Nair Md, Tania Silva Santos, Patricia Shearburn, Melissa Kratz, Morgan Hume, Kerry Kluska, Nayla Cepero, Wanli Xu, Wu Weizi, Batool Almasri

Nursing & Health Sciences Research Journal

Introduction: COVID-19 had a profound impact on cancer screening, diagnosis, and treatment worldwide. The purpose of this study was to examine the role that the COVID-19 pandemic had on delays in breast cancer screening, diagnosis, treatment, and other related variables, including cancer staging and oncology measures of performance (ECOG Performance Status), in the inpatient and ambulatory oncology settings.

Methods: This was a multi-site, interdisciplinary retrospective review study including 1,514 participants. Four cancer centers collaborated, submitting de-identified data in accordance with their policies and procedures.

Results: Our study's results showed significantly higher delays in screening mammogram appointments (p < .001) during the COVID-19 pandemic (N=142) than before the COVID-19 pandemic (N=56), with a 52% higher likelihood of canceling screening mammogram appointments during COVID-19. Our findings also revealed a statistically significant difference (p < .001) in the time from diagnosis to the first recommended treatment for scheduled initially appointments, with an increase of 18 days, suggesting delays in cancer treatment during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Discussion: Our findings …

Exploring The Lived Experience Of Nursing Faculty In Preparing For The Next Generation Nclex: A Qualitative Study, Mary Granoff, Missilia Gilbert, Marjorie Lima, Erika Nusbaum, Natalie Bermudez

Nursing & Health Sciences Research Journal

Introduction: According to the Nursing Council of State Boards of Nursing (NCSBN), more than half of all errors among new graduate registered nurses are related to a lack of clinical judgment, a critical component of nursing practice. Considering the Next Generation National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX) focuses on clinical judgment, a greater understanding of faculty’s Next Generation NCLEX (NGN) teaching preparedness is needed. The purpose of this study was to explore nursing faculty’s lived experience preparing students for the NGN.

Methods: This was a qualitative descriptive study. Data were collected via 15-minute individual interviews. Participants were pre-licensure nursing faculty from …

Promoting Self-Reflection And Implicit Bias Awareness In Nursing: A Mixed-Method Study Advancing Practice And Fostering Healthcare Equality, Diane S. Kramer, Victoria Y. Mccue, Anshul Saxena, Jeanette B. Deniz, Nicole Burks, Patricia Russell

Nursing & Health Sciences Research Journal

Background: Implicit biases influence how nurses perceive and interact with patients and shape clinical practice. Awareness is crucial because implicit biases are difficult to detect. Our study evaluated how educational sessions impacted awareness and understanding of implicit bias. In our study, we sought to mitigate effects of these biases on patient care to promote equitable healthcare outcomes.

Methods: The research involved registered nurses from all levels employed at nine hospitals. Data were collected anonymously through voluntary participation to ensure confidentiality. A mixed-methods approach with a quasi-experimental prepost design was utilized to measure the effectiveness of the educational session. Descriptive statistics …

Retrospectively Examining The Probability Of Acute Skin Failure Among Hospitalized Patients With Hospital-Acquired Pressure Injuries, Tori C. Hatch, Jeanine M. Salamone, Pierna F. Vaughner, Natalie Bermudez

Nursing & Health Sciences Research Journal

Introduction: Acute skin failure (ASF) in hospitalized patients is a growing concern and a product of multisystem organ failure. Unlike hospital-acquired pressure injuries (HAPIs), ASF is not preventable despite prevention measures. The Skin Failure Clinical Indicator Scale (SFCIS) was recently developed to assess the probability of ASF. The purpose of this study was to retrospectively examine the probability of and factors associated with ASF in hospitalized individuals with HAPIs.

Methods: Data were collected from the electronic health records of in-patients with stage 3 or greater HAPIs over two years. Collection included demographics, comorbidities, COVID status, wound staging, injury location, SFCIS, …

Assessment Of Stroke Priority Status On Door-To-Reversal Time And Outcomes In Anticoagulant Associated Intracranial Hemorrhage, Kayla Mitzel, Jonathan Kline, Thomas J. Wolfel, Erika Dittmar, Nina Cruz, Felipe De Los Rios La Rosa, Heidi Clarke

Nursing & Health Sciences Research Journal

Background: The emergent reversal of anticoagulation in the setting of intracranial hemorrhage (ICH) is critical, and it is essential that comprehensive stroke centers adhere to the American Heart Association (AHA) metrics for door-to-reversal within the designated 90 minutes. The objective of this review is to evaluate individuals classified as stroke alert priority 1 and non-stroke alert and compare AHA metrics for door-to-reversal times and clinical outcomes when diagnosed with ICH.

Methods: Single-center observational, retrospective review that compared stroke alert priority 1 individuals to non-stroke alert individuals who were diagnosed with an ICH and taking an anticoagulant prior to admission. The …

De Novo Genome Assembly, Annotation, And Characterization Of Chemosensory Genes In The Camel Ked (Hippobosca Camelina), Fredrick Kebaso, Souleymane Diallo, Caleb Kibet, Suhaila Hashim, John Mark O. Makwatta, Merid Getahun, Dennis Getange, Jean Baka Domelevo Entfellner, Daniel Masiga

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Background: Hippobosca camelina (camel ked) is an obligate hematophagous ectoparasite that infests camels. Hematophagy inflicts painful bites leading to myiasis, anemia and pathogen transmission such as Candidatus Anaplasma camelii. A genome assembly for this biting flies is currently unavailable, limiting understanding of its genetics, including the chemosensory system.

Results: The assembly size for Hippobosca camelina female is 135.6 Mb with 17.08% repeated regions, an N50 of 1.2 Mb, a total of 2,182 contigs, a GC content of 33.5% and compleasm (Busco) completeness of 95.38% with the diptera_odb10 lineage (S:95.83%, 3148, D:0.30%, 10, F:0.30%, 10, I:0.00%, 0, M:3.56%, 117, N:3285) …

When Thermal Risk Indices Work And When They Don't: A Case Study Of Two Maize Insect Pests, Komi Mensah Agboka, Frank Thomas Ndjomatchoua, Luca Rossini, Ritter A. Guimapi, Elfatih M. Abdel-Rahman

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The biological life cycle of terrestrial arthropods, using temperature as the primary driving factor has a large interest for insect pests in agriculture, forestry, urban ecosystems, as constitutes the basics for the development of mathematical models for decision making. A recent study proposed a physiologically-based risk index (RI) which finds large applications in the definition of risk maps; however, further case studies are needed to better explore its strengths and limitations. This study aims to extend this knowledge by presenting an application of the RI on two economically significant pests: the fall armyworm Spodoptera frugiperda and the stem borer Busseola …

Maximizing Horizontal Transmission Through Mating: Increased Mating Frequency And Mating Competitiveness Associated With Microsporidia Mb-Infected Anopheles Arabiensis Males, Tracy Maina, Aclaine Shisia, Joseph Gichuhi, Joel L. Bargul, Jeremy K. Herren, Tullu Bukhari

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Background: Microsporidia MB is a naturally occurring symbiont in Anopheles arabiensis mosquitoes that inhibits the development of Plasmodium. It is transmitted both vertically and horizontally, enabling its spread within mosquito populations. Currently, mating is the only known mechanism for horizontal transmission. Understanding the factors that influence Microsporidia MB transmission during mating is crucial for developing a malaria transmission-blocking strategy based on this symbiont. Methods: The effect of mosquito age on Microsporidia MB transmission was determined through mating bioassays between infected and uninfected Anopheles arabiensis males and females in three age groups: 3–4 days, 7–8 days, and 10–11 days. Mating bioassays …