Maulilio Kipanyula - Academia.edu (original) (raw)

Papers by Maulilio Kipanyula

Tanzania Veterinary Journal, 2017

Journal of Neuroscience Research, 2012

The transcription factor Krox-20 (Egr2) is a master regulator of Schwann cell myelination. In mic... more The transcription factor Krox-20 (Egr2) is a master regulator of Schwann cell myelination. In mice from which calcineurin B had been excised in cells of the neural crest lineage, calcineurin-nuclear factor of activated T cells (NFAT) signaling was required for neuregulin-related Schwann cell myelination (Kao et al. [2009] Immunity 12:359-372). Whether NFAT signaling required simultaneous elevation of intracellular cAMP levels was not explored. In vivo, Krox-20 expression requires continuous axon-Schwann cell signaling that in Schwann cell cultures can be mimicked by elevation of intracellular cAMP. We have investigated the role of the calcineurin-NFAT pathway in Krox-20 induction in purified rat Schwann cell cultures. Activation of this pathway requires elevation of intracellular Ca 2+ levels. The calcium ionophore A23187 or ionomycin was used to increase intracellular Ca 2+ levels in Schwann cell cultures that had been treated with dibutyryl cAMP to induce Krox-20. Increase in Ca 2+ levels significantly potentiated Krox-20 induction, determined by Krox-20 immunolabeling of individual cells and Western blotting. Levels of the myelin proteins periaxin and P 0 were also elevated. The potentiating effect was blocked by cyclosporin A, a specific blocker of the calcineurin-NFAT pathway. We found that, in the absence of cAMP elevation, treatment with A23187 alone failed to induce Krox-20 expression, indicating that NFAT upregulation of Krox-20 requires elevation of cAMP levels in Schwann cells. P-VIVIT, another specific inhibitor of calcineurin-NFAT interaction, blocked Krox-20 induction in response to dibutyryl cAMP and ionophore. HA-NFAT1 (1-460)-GFP translocated to the nucleus on treatment with dibutyryl cAMP with or without added ionophore. NFAT isoforms 1-4 were detected in purified Schwann cells by quantitative RT-PCR.

Tanzania Veterinary Journal, Apr 6, 2017

Journal of Veterinary Medical Education

The World Organisation for Animal Health (OIE) provides the requirements needed for graduating ve... more The World Organisation for Animal Health (OIE) provides the requirements needed for graduating veterinary professionals to be competent in the delivery of animal health services. However, significant differences in veterinary curricula across countries—attributable to differing animal health priorities and predominant types of veterinary practice—provide a challenge for veterinary schools to address these competencies adequately. As part of the OIE’s veterinary education establishment Twinning Project activities, the College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences (CVMBS) of Sokoine University of Agriculture (SUA) in Tanzania undertook a curriculum mapping and gap analysis to assess the extent to which the veterinary curriculum addresses OIE’s ‘Day 1 Competencies’ for graduating veterinarians. Results of the analysis indicated that all the OIE’s Day 1 Competencies (general, specific, and advanced) are addressed to some degree by the courses present in the curriculum. However,...

The advancement of technology has brought low cost mobile phones which are affordable to majority... more The advancement of technology has brought low cost mobile phones which are affordable to majority of livestock keepers and traders in Kilosa District. The Government of Tanzania has developed livestock market information system which offers markets and market information for different livestock products. The system was established to enhance the bargaining power of livestock keepers to traders and middlemen in livestock markets. Thus the ultimate goal of the developed system was to create a platform to link farmers and lenders, as well as farmers and buyers. Despite the potential of the developed system, few livestock keepers are using it. This study was designed to evaluate the usability of the livestock market information system as well as the causes of its limited use. The Software Usability Measurement Inventory approach for usability was used during system evaluation to gauge user’s satisfaction. The results indicate that development of the livestock market information system w...

Tanzania Veterinary Journal, 2015

Methyl-2-benzimidazole (carbendazim) is widely used fungicide in the field and post-harvest crop... more Methyl-2-benzimidazole (carbendazim) is widely used fungicide in the field and post-harvest crops for control of fungal diseases. It inhibits microtubule assembly by binding to the β-tubulin sub-unit of the microtubule. This study was carried out to assess the effect of carbendazim on haematological parameters in the Japanese quails. Carbendazim in sunflower oil was administered orally to mature Japanese quails at dosages of 0 mg/kg (control), 25mg/kg, 100mg/kg, 400mg/kg and 800mg/kg. Blood samples were analysed for total plasma protein, total red blood cell count (RCC), haemoglobin concentration (Hb), mean corpuscular haemoglobin (MCH), mean corpuscular volume (MCV), mean corpuscular haemoglobin concentration (MCHC), haematocrit (PCV), total white cell count (WCC) and differential white cell count. Carbendazim generally decreased the mean values of total plasma protein, RCC, WCC, as well as differential white cell count. In addition, carbendazim significantly decreased mean...

This study was carried out to assess farmers’ knowledge and perceptions on tick species, tick-bor... more This study was carried out to assess farmers’ knowledge and perceptions on tick species, tick-borne diseases (TBDs), tick control measures, production constraints and tolerance of Tarime and Sukuma zebu cattle to TBDs. The study involved 240 agro-pastoralists from Serengeti, Tarime, Maswa and Meatu districts in Tanzania. Data were collected through individual interview using a structured questionnaire. Livestock diseases were ranked as the first important problem affecting cattle production in Serengeti and Tarime districts while in Maswa and Meatu districts lack of livestock feeds during the dry season was ranked as the most important constraints, followed by livestock diseases. Among the diseases affecting cattle, the TBDs ranked first in Serengeti and Tarime while in Maswa and Meatu the TBDs, ranked fourth and sixth, respectively. Most of the livestock farmers interviewed (74%) knew well the signs of the TBDs. Circling/high stepping, red urine, hard dung and swollen lymph nodes w...

Small Ruminant Research, 2014

Small Ruminant Research, 2009

The status of scrapie in Africa is largely unknown. The susceptibility to scrapie and its patholo... more The status of scrapie in Africa is largely unknown. The susceptibility to scrapie and its pathology is determined by amino acid polymorphisms at positions 136 (A/V), 154 (R/H) and 171 (Q/R/H) of the ovine PrP gene (PrP genotype) of the animals. Despite the widely studied PrP gene polymorphisms worldwide, limited data is available on PrP genotypes of sheep from the

Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, 2011

Presenilin mutations are the main cause of familial Alzheimer's disease (FAD). Presenilins al... more Presenilin mutations are the main cause of familial Alzheimer's disease (FAD). Presenilins also play a key role in Ca 2+ homeostasis, and their FAD-linked mutants affect cellular Ca 2+ handling in several ways. We previously have demonstrated that FAD-linked presenilin 2 (PS2) mutants decrease the Ca 2+ content of the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) by inhibiting sarcoendoplasmic reticulum Ca 2+ -ATPase (SERCA) activity and increasing ER Ca 2+ leak. Here we focus on the effect of presenilins on mitochondrial Ca 2+ dynamics. By using genetically encoded Ca 2+ indicators specifically targeted to mitochondria (aequorin- and GFP-based probes) in SH-SY5Y cells and primary neuronal cultures, we show that overexpression or down-regulation of PS2, but not of presenilin 1 (PS1), modulates the Ca 2+ shuttling between ER and mitochondria, with its FAD mutants strongly favoring Ca 2+ transfer between the two organelles. This effect is not caused by a direct PS2 action on mitochondrial Ca 2+ -upt...

Cellular Signalling, 2013

Veterinary Parasitology, 2006

In a study of trends and magnitudes of lymphocytes proliferation, destruction or apoptosis eleven... more In a study of trends and magnitudes of lymphocytes proliferation, destruction or apoptosis eleven 3-month-old healthy calves were experimentally infected with the protozoan parasite Theileria parva, which is reported to cause lymphocyte proliferation. Four control calves were not infected. Infected and non-infected calves were sacrificed on days 9, 12, 16, 19, 23, 24 and 25 to examine lymphoid tissue changes and lymphocyte proliferation, apoptosis or necrosis in the thymus, spleen and lymph nodes. All infected calves developed severe East Coast fever, with enlargement of lymph nodes, dyspnoea, high fever and pulmonary oedema. Lymphocyte proliferation was not observed in lymph nodes, thymus and spleen; instead there were massive deaths of lymphocytes and other cells. The terminal severe disease caused massive lymphoid parenchyma coagulation terminating with caseation, organs and cells being undeterminable histologically. Tissues surrounding the lymph nodes were oedematous. Lymph node and thymus parenchyma were caseated and cortices and medulla indistinguishable because of severe lymphocyte and accessory cell deaths. The lymph node fibrous reticular stroma was necrotic and caseated. Lymphoid follicles in lymph nodes degenerated and lacked germinal centres. Lymph nodes, spleen and thymus were grossly enlarged, hardened, potato or cheese like, but microscopically very hypocellular and in the terminal disease acellular because of massive lymphocytes destruction. In the thymus there was extensive thymocyte and epithelioid cell necrosis and loss of distinction between cortex and medulla. The spleen white and red pulps were indistinguishable because of extensive lymphoid cell necrosis. The white pulp degenerated more than the red pulp. The massive lymphocyte deaths in the lymph nodes, thymus and spleen, without lymphocyte proliferation in this T. parva infection in calves leads to a conclusion that this parasite is lympho-destructive and lympho-degenerative in vivo rather than lympho-proliferative.

Veterinary Research Communications, 2009

Colloidal accumulations in the pars distalis of helmet guinea fowls at various ages from 1 to 450... more Colloidal accumulations in the pars distalis of helmet guinea fowls at various ages from 1 to 450 days were examined by Periodic acid-Schiff reaction, immunohistochemistry and electron microscopy. Round, ovoid and elongated colloids were observed. Colloids (69.5±2.997) with 0.169±0.014 µm mean diameter were already present in a 1day-old bird. Numerous colloids were encountered in 450 days old birds (2931.333± 29.847) with 2.263± 0.078 µm mean diameter of round colloids. A significant difference in the mean colloidal number and diameter between young and adult birds was observed. In young birds (aged 1-30 days) both Periodic acid-Schiff reaction positive colloids and S-100 positive folliculostellate (FS) cells were found to appear first on or near the posterolateral region. In adult birds, FS cells were found to completely surround the colloids. We examined the biochemical components of colloids and the relationship with apoptosis by immunohistochemistry. Results showed that the colloids are composed of clusterin protein. Apoptotic cells detected by single stranded DNA (ssDNA) were abundant and localized preferentially near colloids. To define clearly the type of cells undergoing apoptosis in the anterior pituitary, we performed electron microscopy. Numerous endocrine cells at different stages of apoptosis were found engulfed by FS cells that were in close association with the colloidal accumulations. The occurrence of extremely large number of colloids in relation to apoptotic profiles in anterior pituitary of helmet guinea fowl is discussed.

Small Ruminant Research, 2008

Susceptibility to scrapie in sheep is largely influenced by four polymorphic amino acid positions... more Susceptibility to scrapie in sheep is largely influenced by four polymorphic amino acid positions of the ovine PrP gene at codons 136, 141, 154 and 171. Genotyping of corresponding DNA polymorphism can be used as a basis for selection decisions. A total of 100 Red Maasai and 79 Black Herd Persian sheep, representative of the widely distributed breeds in Tanzania,

Frontiers in Endocrinology

The tumor microenvironment fuels tumorigenesis and induces the development of resistance to antic... more The tumor microenvironment fuels tumorigenesis and induces the development of resistance to anticancer drugs. A growing number of reports support that the tumor microenvironment mediates these deleterious effects partly by overexpressing insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF-1). IGF-1 is known for its role to support cancer progression and metastasis through the promotion of neovascularization in transforming tissues, and the promotion of the proliferation, maintenance and migration of malignant cells. Anti-IGF therapies showed potent anticancer effects and the ability to suppress cancer resistance to various chemotherapy drugs in in vivo and in vitro preclinical studies. However, high toxicity and resistance to these agents are increasingly being reported in clinical trials. We review data supporting the notion that tumor microenvironment mediates tumorigenesis partly through IGF-1 signaling pathway. We also discuss the therapeutic potential of IGF-1 receptor targeting, with special em...

Tanzania Journal of Health Research, Aug 20, 2016

Streptococcal pharyngitis continues to be one of the most common childhood illnesses throughout t... more Streptococcal pharyngitis continues to be one of the most common childhood illnesses throughout the world. Recent evidence indicates an increased incidence of group A Streptococcal (GAS) infections, which is a significant cause of mortality and morbidity on the global scale. The objective of this study was to determine prevalence of group A Streptococcus infection among primary schoolchildren in Mbulu district, northern Tanzania. This study was carried out in five primary schools, namely Mangisha, Gunyoda, Kainam, Hyloto and Tsaayo. GAS pharyngitis was diagnosed clinically and confirmed by laboratory investigation using a rapid test. A total of 320 study participants were recruited in the study. Overall, more than half (53.8%) of the children were females. The overall prevalence of Group a Streptococcal infection was 6.9% (95%CI [4.4-10.2]). The highest frequency of GAS infection was observed among children at Hyloto primary school (14.3%) while, none of the children in Tsaayo had GAS infection. This study potentially indicates that group A Streptococcal infection prevalent among schoolchildren in Mbulu district calling for the need of education to create awareness of the condition in the community.

International Journal of Fisheries and Aquatic Studies, 2016

Expansion of the aquatic industry and increased preference on white over red meat has resulted in... more Expansion of the aquatic industry and increased preference on white over red meat has resulted into intensification of aquaculture practices. Inland capture fisheries in Africa are also on the increase while marine capture has stagnated over the last 20 years. This has led to unconventional fish farming where by some marine and fresh water fish species are increasingly farmed in fresh and sea waters respectively. Although some fish species can naturally survive on fresh and sea water environments, the transition between the two water bodies requires morphological changes to ensure survival and optimal productivity. Morphological changes take place concurrently, with the physiological adaptations which are critical for survival in the new environment. Artificial hatcheries can simulate environmental conditions which favour such transitions, and therefore proper understanding of the underlying anatomical and physiological changes is crucial. In this paper, we summarize and discuss ava...

International Journal of Digital Library Services IJODLS | Geetanjali Research Publication 19 Vol... more International Journal of Digital Library Services IJODLS | Geetanjali Research Publication 19 Vol. 6, July – Sept. 2016, Issue - 3

BioMed Research International, 2018

Stereology is a quantitative and comparative method that utilizes planes, lines, and points for t... more Stereology is a quantitative and comparative method that utilizes planes, lines, and points for the estimation of three-dimensional parameters in morphological studies. It primarily focuses on geometrical features of objects such as number, density, length, area, and volume. A scientometric study was conducted to analyze global research trends in application of stereology in biomedical research. Stereology has gained wide application resulting into design-based stereological methods. Data for this study were retrieved from the SCOPUS database. At least 5,732 publications employing stereology as analytical tool were produced in a period of 50 years between 1966 and 2016. Half (2,858; 49.87%) of these publications were produced in the last 12 years from 2005 to 2016. The relative growth rate (RGR) of publications decreased from 1967 (0.69) to 2016 (0.03) whereas the doubling time (DT) increased from 1.00 to 20.56 in the same period. A great majority (5,332; 93.02%) of the publications...

Advances in Logistics, Operations, and Management Science, 2019

Crowdsourcing can be viewed as a positive catalyst for effective results in many sectors of the e... more Crowdsourcing can be viewed as a positive catalyst for effective results in many sectors of the economy including business, governance, agriculture, and health to name a few because it provides unlimited opportunities to people to share information among societies around the world. Despite some considerable efforts to adopt this concept in Tanzania, less has been done on its implementation in monitoring and evaluation of projects. This chapter proposes the development of a crowdsourcing platform as an essential step towards combating corruption, misuse, and embezzlement of funds. The developed crowdsourcing platform for monitoring and evaluation