In vivo anti-malarial activity of hydroalcoholic extracts from Asparagus africanus Lam. in mice infected with Plasmodium berghei

Background: Malaria is a major public health problem in the world in general and developing countries in particular, causing an estimated 1-2 million deaths per year, an annual incidence of 300-500 million clinical cases and more than 2 billion people are at risk of infection from it. But it is also becoming more difficult to treat malaria due to the increasing drug resistance. Therefore, the need for alternative drugs is acute. Objective: The This study aims at investigating the in vivo antiplasmodial activity of extracts of the roots and area parts from traditionally used medicinal plant, named Asparagus africanus (Liliaceae). Methods: A rodent malaria parasite, Plasmodium berghei, which was maintained at the Ethiopian Health and Nutrition Research Institute (EHNRI) laboratory, was inoculated into Swiss albino mice. The mice were infected with 1x107 parasites intraperitoneally. The extracts were administered by an intra gastric tube daily for four days starting from the day of parasite inoculation. The control groups received the same amount of solvent (vehicle) used to suspend each dose of the herbal drug. Chloroquine was used as a standard drug, and was administered through the same route. Results: Extracts from the roots and aerial parts of A.africanus were observed to inhibit Plasmodium berghei parasitaemia in the Swiss albino mice by 46.1% and 40.7% respectively. Conclusion: The study could partly confirm the claim in Ethiopian traditional medicine that the plant has therapeutic values in human malaria. There is, thus, the need to initiate further in-depth investigation by using different experimental models. The Ethiopian Journal of Health Development Vol. 20 (2) 2006: 112-11

The effect of women's empowerment in the utilisation of family planning in Western Ethiopia : a structural equation modelling approach

This study examines the associations between women’s empowerment and family planning use in Jimma Zone, Western Ethiopia. A total of 746 randomly selected married women of reproductive age were interviewed. The data were employed by structural equation modelling (SEM) to investigate the complex and multidimensional pathways to show women’s empowerment domains in family planning utilisation. Results of the study revealed that 72% of married women had used family planning. Younger women, having access to information, having access to health facilities and being aware about family planning methods, living in a rural area, having an older partner and increased household decision-making power were associated with using family planning methods. Women’s empowerment is an important determinant of contraceptive use. Women’s empowerment dimensions included increased household decision-making power, socio-demographic variables and having access to information about family planning and accessible health facilities. These were found to be important determinants of contraceptive use. Future interventions should focus on integrating women’s empowerment into family planning programming, particularly in enhancing women’s autonomy in decision making. Further research is warranted on the socio-cultural context of women that influences women’s empowerment and family planning use to establish an in-depth understanding and equity of women in society

Does voluntary family planning contribute to food security? : evidence from Ethiopia

This study aims to explore the effects of voluntary family planning (FP) utilization on food security in selected districts of Ethiopia. Quantitative research methods were used to conduct a community-based study among a sample of 737 women of reproductive age. The data were analyzed using a hierarchical logistic regression constructed in three models. The findings showed 579 (78.2%) were using FP at the time of the survey. According to the household-level food insecurity access scale, 55.2% of households experienced food insecurity. The likelihood of food security was lower by 64% for women who used FP for less than 21 months (AOR = 0.64: 95%CI: 0.42–0.99) in comparison to mothers who used FP for more than 21 months. Households having positive adaptive behaviors were three times more likely (AOR = 3.60: 95%CI 2.07–6.26) to have food security in comparison to those not having positive adaptive behaviors. This study also revealed that almost half of the mothers (AOR: 0.51: 95%CI: 0.33–0.80) who reported being influenced by other family members to use FP had food security, in comparison to their counterparts. Age, duration of FP use, positive adaptive behaviors, and influence by significant others were found to be independent predictors of food security in the study areas. Culturally sensitive strategies need to be considered to expand awareness and dispel misconceptions that lead to hesitancy around FP utilization. Design strategies should take into account households’ resilience in adaptive skills during shocks, natural disasters, or pandemics which will be invaluable for food security

CYP2J2∗7 Genotype Predicts Risk of Chemotherapy-Induced Hematologic Toxicity and Reduced Relative Dose Intensity in Ethiopian Breast Cancer Patients

Chemotherapy-induced hematologic toxicity is the primary reasons of dose reductions and/or delays, low relative dose intensity (RDI), and predicts anticancer response. We investigated the incidence and predictors of chemotherapy-induced hematologic toxicities and reduced RDI in Ethiopian breast cancer patients, and implication of pharmacogenetics variations. Breast cancer patients (n = 249) were enrolled prospectively to receive cyclophosphamide based chemotherapy. Hematological toxicity (neutropenia, anemia, and thrombocytopenia) were monitored throughout chemotherapy cycle. The primary and secondary outcomes were incidence of grade 3 or 4 toxicity and reduced RDI, respectively. CYP2B6∗6, CYP3A5∗3, CYP2C9 (∗2,∗3), CYP2C19 (∗2,∗3), CYP2J2∗7, POR∗28, and ABCB1 (rs3842) genotyping were done. Cox proportional hazard and logistic regression were used to estimate risk predictors of toxicity and reduced RDI, respectively. Majority (73.5%) of the patients were < 45 years of age. The incidence of grade 3 or 4 hematological toxicity was 51.0% (95% CI = 44.54–57.46%). Multivariate Cox proportional hazard regression indicated CYP2J2∗7 genotype [Hazard ratio (HR) = 1.82; 95% CI = 1.14–2.90], pretreatment grade 1 leukopenia (HR = 2.75; 95% CI = 1.47–5.15) or grade 1 or 2 neutropenia (HR = 2.75; 95% CI = 1.73–4.35) as significant predictors of hematologic toxicities. The odds of having hematologic toxicities was lower in CYP2C9∗2 or ∗3 carriers (p = 0.024). The prevalence of reduced RDI was 56.6% (95% CI = 50.3–62.9%). Higher risk of reduced RDI was associated with CYP2J2∗7 allele [Adjusted odds ratio (AOR) = 2.79; 95% CI = 1.21–6.46], BMI ≤ 18.4 kg/m2 (AOR = 5.98; 95% CI = 1.36–26.23), baseline grade 1 leukopenia (AOR = 6.09; 95% CI = 1.24–29.98), and baseline neutropenia (AOR = 3.37; 95% CI = 1.41–8.05). The odds of receiving reduced RDI was lower in patients with CYP2B6 ∗6/∗6 genotype (AOR = 0.19; 95% CI = 0.06–0.77). We report high incidence of chemotherapy-induced hematological toxicities causing larger proportion of patients to receive reduced RDI in Ethiopian breast cancer patients. Patients carrying CYP2J2∗7 allele and low baseline blood counts are at a higher risk for chemotherapy-induced hematologic toxicities and receiving reduced RDI, and may require prior support and close follow up during chemotherapy

African Linguistics in Central and Eastern Europe, and in the Nordic Countries

Non peer reviewe

Some studies on the salivary anticoagulant components of the black fly Simulium vittatum (Diptera: Simuliidae).

Three major experiments on the anticoagulant components of the saliva of some black fly species were conducted. These included investigations on anticoagulant activities against factor Xa and thrombin in the salivary gland extracts (SGE) of Simulium argus Williston, S. vittatum Zettersted, S. metallicum Bellardi, and S. ochraceum Walker using in vitro, chromogenic substrate assays, biochemical and molecular characterization of the anti-thrombin from the saliva of S. vittatum and determination of the target enzyme in the vertebrate coagulation cascade of a novel anticoagulant from the saliva of S. vittatum. The study on anticoagulant activities in the four simuliid species revealed factor Xa inhibition to be common in all four species while thrombin inhibition was detected only in S. argus and S. vittatum. Both bovine and human α-thrombins were inhibited with the highest activity occurring with S. argus SGE. Factor Xa inhibition was highest in S. ochraceum which is an anthropophilic species and vector of Onchocerca volvulus, and lowest in S. vittatum, a primiparous autogenous species that is also zoophilic. Total soluble SGE protein also varied among the four species with the highest concentration measured in S. ochraceum and the lowest in S. vittatum. In the second experiment, the anti-thrombin component of the saliva of S. vittatum was purified using a two-step reverse phase (RP) high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) involving a C-8 macrosphere column. The molecular weight of the HPLC purified inhibitor was determined by laser desorption ionization mass spectrometry (LDI-MS) and was found to be 11,333 daltons. Studies on the effect of the molecule on other serine proteinases such as α-chymotrypsin, human neutrophil elastase, and human neutrophil cathepsin G showed that they are inhibited by the salivary anticoagulant. The N-terminal sequence for the first 35 amino acids was determined. The molecule has been named Simulidin. In the third experiment, a novel anticoagulant from the saliva of S. vittatum, with activities on factor V, was demonstrated using the activated partial thromboplastin time (APTT) in HPLC partially purified salivary lysate. Factor Xa and thrombin were unaffected by the inhibitor

Prevalence and barriers to ending female genital cutting : the case of Afar and Amhara regions of Ethiopia

Female genital cutting (FGC) remains highly prevalent in Ethiopia, in spite of a slowly decreasing trend over the last decade. In an effort to inform and strengthen FGC interventions in Ethiopia, this study aimed to assess FGC prevalence in cross-administrative border* districts and to explore barriers to ending FGC. A mixed methods, cross-sectional study was employed in three districts in the Afar and Amhara regions in Ethiopia. A sample of 408 women with female children under the age of 15 were included in the study. Additionally, 21 key informant interviews and three focus group discussions were held with local government officials and community stakeholders. The study found that the prevalence of FGC among mothers interviewed was 98%. Seventy-four percent of the female children of participants had undergone FGC. Of the youngest (last born) female children, 64.7% had experienced FGC. The participation of respondents in cross-administrative FGC practices ranged from 4% to 17%. Quantitative analysis found that knowledge and attitude towards FGC, level of literacy, place of residence, and religious denomination were associated with FGC practice. The study also found that the lack of participatory involvement of local women in programs that aim to end FGC and the lack of suitable legal penalties for those who practice FGC exacerbate the problem. A significant proportion of participants support the continuation of FGC practices in their communities. This finding indicates that FGC practice is likely to persist unless new approaches to intervention are implemented. It is recommended that a comprehensive response that couples community empowerment with strong enforcement of legislation is administered in order to effectively end FGC in Ethiopia by 2025, in alignment with the national plan against Harmful Traditional Practices

PAIN MANAGEMENT IN MICE USING THE AQUEOUS AND ETHANOL EXTRACTS OF FOUR MEDICINAL PLANTS

ABSTRACTBackground: There are many traditionally used analgesic plants in Ethiopia. They, however,have not been subject to scientific investigation for their efficacy and safety.Objective: To evaluate both prophylactic and relieving effects of aqueous and ethanolextracts of four traditionally used medicinal plants in Ethiopia.Design: An experimental design in which five group of albino mice weighing 30-35 gramsrepresenting positive and negative control, and extract treated groups respectively. Theextracts, standard drugs and normal saline were administered into GIT by gavage to evaluatethe analgesic effect.Setting: Department of Drug Research at Ethiopian Health and Nutrition Research Instituteand Department of Pharmacology at Faculty of Medicine, Addis Ababa university.Methods: Analgesic effects of water and ethanol extracts of four plants were evaluatedagainst distilled water and standard analgesics (morphine and acetylsalicylic acid) withacetic acid induced writhing tests in mice. The four plants used for this screening wereOcimum sauve, Ocimum lamiifolium, Lippia adoensis and Ajuga remota.Results: All extracts of the four plant materials were observed to possess both inhibiting andtreatment activities against acetic acid induced pain. Dose related analgesic effect was alsoobserved with all extracts of all plants with different potencies. Ethanol extracts of all the fourplant materials were more potent than their water extracts at all dose levels except O. sauve,and L. adoensis whose water extracts seem to be a bit more potent at low dose. The analgesicpotencies of both extracts of all the four plants were shown to be less than those of thestandard analgesics. Of all the extracts, the ethanol extract of O. lamiifolium was found to bethe most potent, while its water extract was the least. Acetic acid induced writhing wasrelieved with medium dose of both extracts in most cases and with low dose in few. Hundredpercent relief was achieved with both standard analgesics at a very low dose.Conclusion: The present study show that all the extracts of all the plant materials have gotboth inhibiting and relieving effects of pain

In vitro vasodilatory effect of aqueous leaf extract of Thymus serrulatus on thoracic aorta of Guinea pigs

Objective: To investigate the vasodilatory effect of Thymus serrulatus (T. serrulatus) aqueous leaf extract on KCl (high K+, 80 mmol/L) induced precontracted isolated thoracic aorta rings on guinea pigs and the role of aorta endothelium on this action. Methods: Guinea pig thoracic aorta was removed and placed in an organ bath containing Krebs-Henseleit solution and aorta contractions were recorded isometrically. Results: The results revealed that T. serrulatus aqueous leaf extract (0.5-5 mg/mL) significantly (P<0.001) reduced KCl-induced contractions of guinea pig thoracic aorta in both intact (n=5) and denuded (n=5) endothelium in a concentration dependent manner, and the vasodilatory effect of the extract on intact endothelium was significantly (P<0.05) higher than that on denuded endothelium. Glibenclamide (10 µmol/L) significantly (P<0.001) increased the vasodilatory effect of extract in intact endothelium as compared to methylene blue (10 µmol/L), atropine (10 µmol/L) and indomethacin (10 µmol/L). The effect was more obvious on intact than that on denuded endothelium. Conclusions: The present findings demonstrate that T. serrulatus aqueous leaf extract has vasodilatory activity which might result in antihypertensive effect and its vasodilatory effect is endothelium-dependent. This might support the traditional claim of the plant in hypertensive