Prevalence and Predictors of Pap Smear Cervical Epithelial Cell Abnormality among HIV-Positive and Negative Women Attending Gynecological Examination in Cervical Cancer Screening Center at Debre Markos Referral Hospital, East Gojjam, Northwest Ethiopia

Background: Cervical cancer is the leading cause of cancer related death among women in developing countries. Cervical cancer is preceded by cervical surface epithelial cell abnormalities (ECA) which can be detected by Pap smear test. Simultaneous human papillomavirus and human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection increases cervical cancer. Data on the prevalence and predictors of ECA among women in Ethiopia is limited. Hence, we aimed to determine the prevalence and associated factors of ECA among women. Methods: A comparative cross-sectional study was conducted among HIV+ and HIV- women attending gynecological examination in cervical cancer screening center at the Debre Markos referral hospital. The study subjects were stratified by HIV status and systematic random sampling method was used to recruit study participants. Cervical smears were collected for Pap smear examination. Logistic regression analysis was employed to examine the possible risk factors of cervical ECA. Results: A total of 197 HIV+ and 194 HIV- women were enrolled in the study. The overall prevalence of cervical ECA was 14.1 % of which the prevalence of atypical squamous cells undetermined significance (ASCUS), low grade squamous intraepithelial lesion (SIL), high grade SIL, squamous cell carcinoma and ASC, cannot exclude high grade SIL (ASCH) were 5.1, 3.8, 4.1 and 1.0 %, 0.0 % respectively. Significantly higher prevalence of ECA (17.8 %) was observed among HIV+ women (COR 1.9, 95 % CI: 1.1 − 3.4, p = 0.036) as compared to HIV-women (10.3 %). Multiple sexual partnership (AOR 3.2, 95 % CI: 1.1 − 10.0, p = 0.04), early ages of first sexual contact (\u3c15 \u3eyears) (AOR 5.2, 95 % CI: 1.5 − 17.9, p = 0.009), parity greater than three (AOR 10.9, 95 % CI: 4.2 − 16.8, p \u3c 0.001) and long term oral contraceptive pills (OCP) use (AOR 11.9, 95 % CI: 2.1 − 16.7, p = 0.02) were significant predictors of prevalence of ECA. Conclusions: Cervical ECA is a major problem among HIV-infected women. Lower CD4+ T-cell counts of below 350 cells/μl, HIV infection, multiple sexual partnership, early age at first sexual contact, parity greater than three and long term OCP use were significant predictors of prevalence of ECA. Strengthening screening program in HIV+ women should be considered

Food handling practices and associated factors among food handlers working in public food and drink service establishments in Woldia town, Northeast Ethiopia

Introduction: foodborne disease (FBD) is a major public health problem globally. Inadequate food workers' knowledge, attitude, and low level of food handling practices (FHPs) may all contribute to the possibility of FBD outbreaks in public food service establishments. This study aimed to assess FHPs and associated factors among food handlers working in public food and drink service establishments in Woldia town, Northeast Ethiopia. Methods: an institutional-based cross-sectional study was conducted from 01st to 29th, January 2017. A total of 288 food handlers were recruited through a simple random selection method. A structured interviewer-administered questionnaire and observation checklists were used to collect the respondents' socio-demographic characteristics, knowledge status on FHPs, and food handling working practices data. Descriptive statistics, bivariate and multivariate logistic regression analysis were employed using SPSS version 20 software. Those variables with a p< 0.05 were considered statistically significant. Results: out of 288 participants, 91.7% were female, and 82.3% were single, while 69.8% were literate. One hundred eighty-four (63.9%) of them were under 15-25 years of age, with a median age of 23.3 years. The proportion of good FHP was (n=134, 46.5%) (95% CI:41.00-52.4%). Advanced age (adjusted odds ratio (AOR) =12.01, 95% CI:1.96-73.52), education (participants who attend grades 7-12 (AOR=2.33, 95% CI:1.14-4.79), and above secondary education (AOR=2.29, 95% CI:1.05-4.61), work experience above six years (AOR=2.43, 95% CI:2.08-3.17), received formal training (AOR=1.79, 95% CI:1.68-4.71), and inspection visits by a concerned body (AOR=2.24, 95% CI:1.05-3.09) were factors positively associated with handling practices. Conclusion: the study revealed that FHP in the study area was low. Age, education, service year, training received and sanitary inspection visits by the regulatory personnel were factors significantly associated with FHPs. This finding highlights the importance of employing regular sanitary inspection visits to public food service establishments by the concerned authority to ensure that all food handlers have the knowledge and the skill to provide safe food

Evaluation of Morphometric Differences among Indigenous Chicken Populations in Bale Zone, Oromia Regional State, Ethiopia

The study was conducted in five selected districts in Bale zone South East, Ethiopia to evaluate the morphometric difference among indigenous chicken populations. Simple random sampling method was used to select 400 households who owned indigenous chicken population. From these households, a total of 840 adult (more than 6 months of age) indigenous chickens (225 males and 615 females) were used for morphometric traits measurements. Linear measurements were taken to the nearest of 0.5 cm and body weight was recorded at a precision scale of 100 g. Multivariate variance analysis was used to determine major traits that differentiate chicken population. Canonical discriminant multivariate statistical analysis was conducted for more powerful traits comparisons. Stepwise discriminant analysis was conducted to check the discriminating power of the traits. Pairwise Mahalanobis analysis was carried out to see the distance between indigenous chicken in the study districts. The study revealed that there were significant variations in morphometric traits across the study districts except shank circumference and wing span in hens and shank length, comb height, comb length, beak length and wattle length in cocks. There were significant variations in linear body measurements between sexes. Pairwise Mahalanobis distances between indigenous chicken between most of study districts were significant. Generally, there were morphological traits variations observed among the indigenous chicken populations across the study districts and between sexes, which suggest that there is an opportunity for genetic improvement through selection. Thus, farmers should get technical supports how to select best indigenous chicken for breeding purpose and formulation of breeding plan should be implemented to conserve indigenous chicken genetic resources for genetic improvement strategies

Modulation of antigen presenting cell functions during chronic HPV infection.

High-risk human papillomaviruses (HR-HPV) infect basal keratinocytes, where in some individuals they evade host immune responses and persist. Persistent HR-HPV infection of the cervix causes precancerous neoplasia that can eventuate in cervical cancer. Dendritic cells (DCs) are efficient in priming/cross-priming antigen-specific T cells and generating antiviral and antitumor cytotoxic CD8+ T cells. However, HR-HPV have adopted various immunosuppressive strategies, with modulation of DC function crucial to escape from the host adaptive immune response. HPV E6 and E7 oncoproteins alter recruitment and localization of epidermal DCs, while soluble regulatory factors derived from HPV-induced hyperplastic epithelium change DC development and influence initiation of specific cellular immune responses. This review focuses on current evidence for HR-HPV manipulation of antigen presentation in dendritic cells and escape from host immunity

HPV16 E7-driven epithelial hyperplasia promotes impaired antigen presentation and regulatory T cell development

Human papillomaviruses (HPV) infect keratinocytes and can lead to hyperproliferative dysplasia and malignant transformation if not cleared by the immune system. HPV has evolved an array of mechanisms to evade and manipulate the immune system to improve replication efficiency and promote persistent infection. We here demonstrate that hyperproliferative skin expressing the high-risk HPV16 E7 oncogene as a transgene drives immune-modulation of dendritic cells (DCs) resulting in reduced capacity to take up antigen and prime effector CD4 T cell responses. The phenotype of DCs in the E7-expressing hyperproliferative skin was not reversible by activation through intradermal immunization. Naïve CD4 T cells primed by E7-driven hyperproliferative skin acquired FoxP3 expression and an anergic phenotype. DC and T help modulation was dependent on E7-Rb interaction-driven epithelial hyperproliferation, rather than on expression of E7, as inhibition of binding of E7 to retinoblastoma protein, and of consequent epithelial hyperplasia was associated with normal skin DC phenotype, and Th1 effector responses to immunization were restored. We conclude that HPV-induced epithelial hyperplasia modulates epithelial DCs and inhibits Th1 immunity while polarizing T cell differentiation to a regulatory or anergic phenotype

The Magnitude of Neonatal Mortality and Its Predictors in Ethiopia:A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Background. Although neonatal death is a global burden, it is the highest in sub-Saharan African countries such as Ethiopia. Moreover, there is disparity in the prevalence and associated factors of studies. Therefore, this study was aimed at providing pooled national prevalence and predictors of neonatal mortality in Ethiopia. Methods. The following databases were systematically explored to search for articles: Boolean operator, Cochrane Library, PubMed, EMBASE, Hinari, and Google Scholar. Selection, screening, reviewing, and data extraction were done by two reviewers independently using Microsoft Excel spreadsheet. The modified Newcastle-Ottawa Scale (NOS) and the Joanna Briggs Institute Prevalence Critical Appraisal tools were used to assess the quality of evidence. All studies conducted in Ethiopia and reporting the prevalence and predictors of neonatal mortality were included. Data were extracted using Microsoft Excel spreadsheet software and imported into Stata version 14s for further analysis. Publication bias was checked using funnel plots and Egger's and Begg's tests. Heterogeneity was also checked by Higgins's method. A random effects meta-analysis model with 95% confidence interval was computed to estimate the pooled effect size (i.e., prevalence and odds ratio). Moreover, subgroup analysis based on region, sample size, and study design was done. Results. After reviewing 88 studies, 12 studies fulfilled the inclusion criteria and were included in the meta-analysis. Pooled national prevalence of neonatal mortality in Ethiopia was 16.3% (95% CI: 12.1, 20.6, I2=98.8%). The subgroup analysis indicated that the highest prevalence was observed in the Amhara region, 20.3% (95% CI: 9.6, 31.1), followed by Oromia, 18.8% (95% CI: 11.9, 49.4). Gestational age [AOR: 1.32 (95% CI: 1.07, 1.58)], neonatal sepsis [AOR: 1.23 (95% CI: 1.05, 1.4)], respiratory distress syndromes (RDS) [AOR: 1.18 (95% CI: 0.87, 1.49)], and place of residency [AOR: 1.93 (95% CI: 1.13, 2.73)] were the most important predictors. Conclusions. Neonatal mortality in Ethiopia was significantly decreased. There was evidence that neonatal sepsis, gestational age, and place of residency were the significant predictors. RDS were also a main predictor of mortality even if not statistically significant. We strongly recommended that health care workers should give a priority for preterm neonates with diagnosis with sepsis and RDS

Prevalence and Associated Factors of Violence against Hospital Staff at Amanuel Mental Specialized Hospital in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.

Background. Violence at the workplace has become an alarming phenomenon worldwide. The real size of the problem is largely unknown and recent information shows that the current knowledge is only the tip of the iceberg. The enormous cost of violence at the workplace for person and community at large is becoming more apparent. It could be physical, sexual, and verbal in nature and could be actual or threatened. Objectives. To access prevalence and associated factors of violence against hospital staff at Amanuel Mental Specialized Hospital Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. Methods. An institution based cross-sectional study was employed in 2017. The data were collected using Workplace Violence in the Health Sector Country Case Study Questionnaire from 496 participants. Participants had been selected using simple random sampling technique and data were collected using a self-administered structured questionnaire. The collected data were entered into Epi-data version 3.1, and SPSS version 21 was used for Analysis. Binary logistic regression was fitted to identify factors associated with the outcome variable. Result. From 496 staff intended to have participated in this study, complete data were obtained from 435, making a response rate of 87.7%. This research showed high prevalence of violence and we have got that staff had been exposed to physical violence 36.8%, verbal violence 62.1%, and sexual violence 21.8 % over the past year, respectively. Age, sex, and contact with the patient were statistically significant variables (p < 0.05). Conclusion and Recommendation. According to this study, majority of AMSH staff were violated by the patient they care.Peer Reviewe

COVID-19 Vaccine Hesitancy and its Reasons in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia: A Cross-Sectional Study

BACKGROUND: Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) vaccine hesitancy becomes the major bottleneck to the global healthcare system in minimizing the spread of the virus. This study aimed at assessing COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy and its reasons among residents of Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. METHODS:&nbsp; A community-based cross-sectional survey was conducted between May 16 to 29, 2021 in purposively selected four districts of Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. A structured questionnaire was developed and then designed on Google Forms platforms to collect data from study participants after obtaining a verbal consent form. A total of 422 study participants were included in the survey. Data were entered into Microsoft Excel and then exported to the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) version 25 for analysis.&nbsp; RESULTS: Face masks and alcohol hand rub/ sanitizer are used by 50. 7 and 24.9% of respondents when required. COVID-19 was thought to have been generated by humans by a substantial percentage of study participants (38.2%). About half (50.7%) and 24.9% of respondents use face masks and alcohol hand rub/sanitizer always when it is required, respectively. A large number of study participants (38.2%) believed that origin of COVID-19 is man-made. Overall, 242 (57.4%) of study participants reported COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy. Fear of vaccine side effects (49.6%) was the most common reason for hesitancy. Doubt about its effectiveness (33.9%), not having enough information about the COVID-19 vaccine, preferring another way of protection, and unreliable of the vaccine (due to its short development period) were also the most frequently mentioned reasons for not receiving the COVID-19 vaccine. CONCLUSIONS: COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy rate was high in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia during the study period. Fear of side effects, doubts about its effectiveness, and not having enough information about the COVID-19 vaccine were major reasons for hesitancy. Continuous awareness creation to the community on the importance of vaccination is warranted by health professionals and healthcare cadres

Seed-Business Oriented Demonstration Trials: An Efficient Option to Promote Tef (Eragrostis tef ) Varieties

አህፅሮት ኢትዮጵያ ውስጥ ጤፍ (Eragrostis tef) ከ6.5 ሚሊዮን በሚበልጡ አነስተኛ አርሶ አደሮች ይመረታል፡፡ ሆኖም ግን የተሻሻሉ ቴክኖሎጂዎችና የምርጥ ዘር ተጠቃሚነት ውስን በመሆኑ የሰብሉ ምርታማነት ዝቅተኛ እንደሆነ ቀጥሏል፡፡ ስለሆነም አነስተኛ አርሶ አደሮች ጥራቱን ለጠበቀ የጤፍ አራቢ ዘር ያላቸውን ተደራሽነት ለመጨመር ዓላማ ያደረገ ጥናት በ254 መሪ አርሶ አደሮች ማሳ ላይ ተካሂዷል፡፡ በጥናቱም በቅርብ ጊዜ የተለቀቁ ሦስት አዳዲስ ዝርያዎች እና አንድ ቀደም ብሎ የተለቀቀ ዝርያ (ቦሰት) ተካተው ተገምግመዋል፡፡ ለእያንዳንዱ መሪ-አርሶ አደር የአራቱም ዝርያዎች ማለትም የኮራ፣ የተስፋ፣ የዳግም እና የቦሰት አራቢ ዘር&nbsp; ተሰጥቷል፡፡ የአራቱ ዝርያዎች የዘር ምርት ተቀራራቢ (ኮራ = 1.94፣ ተስፋ = 2.31፣ ዳግም = 2.24 እና ቦሰት = 2.36 ቶን በሄክታር) ነበር፡፡ ጥናቱ በተካሄደባቸው ወረዳዎች ያለውን የግብዓት ዋጋ እና የምርት ዋጋ እሳቤ ውስጥ ሲገባ የተገኘው አማካይ ያልተጣራ ገቢ 65,355.90 ብር በሄክታር ሲሆን አማካይ የማምረቻ ወጪው ደግሞ 26,355.52 ብር በሄክታር ነበር፡፡ ከማምረቻ ወጪዎች መካከል ለጉልበት የወጣው ወጪ ትልቁን ድርሻ ሲይዝ ከጠቅላላው ወጪ 58 በመቶ ድርሻ ነበረው፡፡ በአጠቃላይ የገቢ-ወጪ ምጣኔ 1.5 በመሆኑ የተሻሻለ የጤፍ ዝርያ ቴክኖሎጂ መጠቀም በጣም ትርፋማ እንደሆነ ጥናቱ ያመልክታል፡፡ ይህም በመሆኑ አዳዲስ የሚወጡ የጤፍ ዝርያዎችን ዘር አባዝቶ ለገብያ ማቅረብን ትኩረት ያደረገ የሰርቶ ማሳያ ስራ ቢሰራ ለአርሶ አደሮች ሳቢና አዋጭ ሆኖ ተገኝትዋል፡፡ &nbsp; ጠቋሚ ቃላት፡ መሪ አርሶ አደሮች፤ የጤፍ ዝርያዎች፤ የምርጥ ዘር ምርት፤ የጤፍ ጭድ፤ የምርት ዋጋ &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; Abstract Tef (Eragrostis tef) is extensively cultivated by over 6.5 million smallholder farmers in Ethiopia. However, the productivity of the crop remains low mainly due to the limited use of improved technologies including seeds. In this study, three recently released and one old (as a check) tef varieties were evaluated on 254 lead farmers’ fields with the main aim of increasing farmers’ access to quality breed seeds.Each lead farmer was provided with breeder seeds of four improved tef varieties, namely Kora, Tesfa, Dagim, and Boset.The seed yield from the four tef varieties were comparable (Kora = 1.94, Tesfa = 2.31, Dagim =2.24 and Boset = 2.36 t ha-1). Given the input and output prices that prevail in the selected districts, the mean revenue was 65,355.90 Birr ha-1 while the mean production cost was 26,355.52 Birr ha-1. Among production costs, labor took for the lion’s share as it contributed to 58% of the total cost.&nbsp;&nbsp; In general, with a benefit-cost ratio of 1.5, our technology is highly profitable and attractive to farmers if newly released tef varieties are disseminated in the seed-business-oriented method. &nbsp

Genetic diversity in tef [Eragrostis tef (Zucc.) Trotter]

Tef [Eragrostis tef (Zucc.) Trotter] is a cereal crop resilient to adverse climatic and soil conditions, and possessing desirable storage properties. Although tef provides high quality food and grows under marginal conditions unsuitable for other cereals, it is considered to be an orphan crop because it has benefited little from genetic improvement. Hence, unlike other cereals such as maize and wheat, the productivity of tef is extremely low. In spite of the low productivity, tef is widely cultivated by over six million small-scale farmers in Ethiopia where it is annually grown on more than three million hectares of land, accounting for over 30% of the total cereal acreage. Tef, a tetraploid with 40 chromosomes (2n = 4x = 40), belongs to the family Poaceae and, together with finger millet (Eleusine coracana Gaerth.), to the subfamily Chloridoideae. It was originated and domesticated in Ethiopia. There are about 350 Eragrostis species of which E. tef is the only species cultivated for human consumption. At the present time, the gene bank in Ethiopia holds over five thousand tef accessions collected from geographical regions diverse in terms of climate and elevation. These germplasm accessions appear to have huge variability with regard to key agronomic and nutritional traits. In order to properly utilize the variability in developing new tef cultivars, various techniques have been implemented to catalog the extent and unravel the patterns of genetic diversity. In this review, we show some recent initiatives investigating the diversity of tef using genomics, transcriptomics and proteomics and discuss the prospect of these efforts in providing molecular resources that can aid modern tef breeding