Genetic Diversity and Characterization of Indigenous Rhizobium Leguminosarum Biovar Viciae Isolates of Cool-Season Food Legumes Grown in the Highlands of Ethiopia

Cool-season food legumes (CSFLs) are legumes of the temperate cool subtropical origin. In Ethiopian context these legumes encompass 5 legumes such as faba bean (Vicia faba), field pea (Pisum sativum), lentil (Lens culinaris), Chickpea (Cicer arietinum) and Grasspea (Lathyrus sativus) and are cultivated on the highlands. These legumes have high economic values and provide rich protein sources for human and animal consumption. Although it was reported that, a few species taxonomically related to cultivated CSFL exist in Ethiopian. Thus, there is reason to believe that Ethiopian soils harbour diverse rhizobial isolates, which form symbiotic relationships with CSFLs. In general, there is little or no information is available on the diversity CSFL rhizobia across the country. This indicates that the extent and divergent of the local rhizobial populations belonging to the long cultivated lands are yet to discover. Thus, the importance of characterizing indigenous rhizobia cannot be overemphasized. It is important to establish which rhizobia nodulate which host(s) and how effectively and which rhizobia predominate which region in order to develop broad host range inoculants in the country. Hence, the current study was conducted with the objectives to isolate, characterise, and determine the morphological, biochemical, and genetic diversity of rhizobial syrnbionts to CSFLs grown of Ethiopia, and to determine inoculation effects of selected elite strains against introduced/exotic strains on the symbiotic growth and development of lentil (Lens culinaris). Over 150 indigenous Rhizobium species, syrnbionts to CSFLs, were collected from farmers' fields in the highlands of Ethiopia and categorized based on their rhizosphere pH and their agro-ecological zones (AEZ) origin. These isolates were characterised for their colony morphology, host specifity, cell growth rate and mean generation time, acid producing and intrinsic antibiotic resistance (IAR) characteristics. However, a more comprehensive and detail physiological (ATR, STL, IAA, C SUP), and genetic (RAPD, RE RFLP) characterization studies were made apparently for 90 representative isolates of the 150 isolates. Finally, field inoculation experiment was conducted on lentil plant using two elite and 2 exotic inoculant strains. The collection, isolation, colony morphological characterization, and field experiment studies were canied on in Ethiopia, while the physiological and genetic characterization studies were at the Universiti Putra Malaysia WPM) laboratories in Malaysia. The study recognized the different rhizosphere pH for the host and existing agroecological zones (AEZs) for the initial isolates sampling points and used as a tool to categorize the bulk rhizobial isolates. Thus, isolates constituted 3 and 4 categories for PERWsTRKbAN WTAN A W L SAW rhizosphere pH and AEZs, respectively. All isolates were Gram ne~%@&hdViY8A Ieguminosarum bv. viciae species. Results of the host range specifity study showed that of the 3 rhizobial biovars Vicia faba rhizobia were the most host discriminative rhizobia that formed less number of nodules on other host plants. Thus, Lens culinaris and Pisum sativum rhizobia showed almost similar host discriminative capacity. Isolates differentiated by morphological, acidlalkali production capacity and growth characteristics into 4, 2 and 4 categories, respectively. Approximately 40 % of the total isolates similarly exhibited a colony category of mucoid moisture, with circular shape, white opaque color, and raised structure. However, Lens culinaris rhizobia were distinguished apparently by two morphological characteristics. In general, 92% of the indigenous rhizobia isolates examined in this study were fast to very fast growing types acid producing types with overall MGT of 5.88 to 5.9 h- Eighty-three representative indigenous isolates and 4 reference strains were examined for their physiological characteristics such as Am, STL, IAA and C SUP and isolates showed variable response. Few rhizobial isolates were able to grow on acid media of pH 4.75 - 6.00. Two Vicia faba and one Pisum sativum rhizobia were the most acid tolerant isolates that grew at pH 4.75. A total of four Vicia faba and two Pisum sativum rhizobia were identified to be acid tolerant isolates. In contrary, some isolates of central and northwest highland origins were very sensitive to slightly low pH media of 6. TALI 399 grew apparently on pH 5.5 the reset ph>5.5. Some isolates of the same agro-ecology found to have uniform Am. The response of representative isolates to growth-inhibiting salt (NaC1) concentrations showed relatively law variations among isolates. Most (92%) isolates were able to grow well at salt concentration of 0.1 % and less. The rest 54 % isolates remained unchanged. Almost 78% isolates were tolerated to NaCl upto 0.2%. However, apparently, 3 isolates survived at the highest NaCl concentration of 0.3%. Isolates were homologues with the increased similarity level (>0.60) and 17 isolates had shown identical response with that of reference strains. The IAA concentration for the investigated isolates showed that indigenous isolates varied greatly in their IAA production capacity and formed 17 clusters. The IAA concentration reached up to 25.92 mg L-' with a mean of 9.9 mg L-'. In general, IAA producing capacity of isolates was remained the best indicator to distinguish and group rhizobial isolates. Isolates cluttered into 5 clusters at increased similarity level of >0.60. IAA was the best indicator among the tested physiological parameters for the divergence of isolates among each other. With respect to C SUP, most isolates preferred polyols, monosaccharide, and disaccharides as their first, second, and third choice carbon sources, respectively. Lentil rhizobia were indifferent for about 6 of the 8 C sources. Also, results from the current study showed great diversity among isolates with respect to their JAR capacity, making this test useful for distinguishing among isolates. Thirty-three isolates have shown multi-resistant characteristics and formed 18 identical antibiotic resistance profiles. However, number of similar clusters varied with an increase in similarity level of 0.60. Thirteen isolates were found significantly divergent from the bulk of isolates examined. Faba bean and field pea rhizobia had shown more or less uniform IAR capacity, whilst lentil rhizobia showed different IAR capacity for the examined antibiotics. DNA fragment analysis carried out for 95 representative isolates have shown a total of 83, 79, and 75 fragment patterns for RAPD-PCR, HaeIII and MspI RE-RFLPs, respectively. These two enzymes per se showed highly polymorphic and distinct DNA profiles indicating the divergence of Rhizobium isolates. RE digestion of Lens culinaris rhizobia with both enzymes yielded single PCR products with approximately 750 base pairs while the single band for Vicia faba and Pisum sativum yielded larger fragment of up to 1800 base pairs. Majority (76.17 %) showed significant genetic similarity, while the rest (23.83 %) isolates were divergent among each other. The RAPD-PCR and RE digestions methods formed 18, 13 and 20 clusters respectively. Hence, the DNA profile analysis showed that isolates were distinctly divergent among each other at higher similarity level of >O.60. Field inoculation experiment on lentil showed that elite inoculant strain EAUOO and imported commercial strain TALI402 in both single as well as mixed inoculant form(s) showed significant (P<0.05) increase in seed yield, yield components, nodulation and symbiotic growth of lentil. The study demonstrated that inoculant type of rhizobial strain sounds better than apparent use of different form(s) (single or mixed inoculants) of inoculants under lentil. Moreover, divergent of rhizobia within Rhizobium leguminosarum bv. viciae nodulating CSFLs, the field performance of the 2 strains (EAUOO and TAL1402) and the presence indigenous rhizobia that have similar characteristics with strain EAUOO and TALI402 indicates the future potential for identification of new competitive and efficient Rhizobium leguminosarum strains for the country

Investigation of University Students’ Writing Problems: Two Public Universities in South West Ethiopia in Focus

Communication through writing demands various skills and sub-skills. However, it appears that university students in the Ethiopian context do not have various major writing skills and sub-skills as it is required. As a result, they face different problems when they write in English. Thus, the main objective of this study was to assess the writing problems of university students who learned at Jimma and Mizan-Tepi universities in 2015/16 academic year. The participants of the study were first year students who learned at the two universities. The necessary data for the study were gathered through writing tests at sentence and paragraph levels. The collected data were analyzed using textual analysis. The study showed that the students could not identify the basic elements of a sentence like the verb, complement and object. The majority of them could not identify and correct various sentence errors as well. The study also showed that nearly no student could pinpoint his/her writing problems and suggest possible solutions to his/her writing problems. Finally, recommendations have been suggested based on the major findings of the study

Guideline for soil biology data collection in Ethiopia: National standard

Recently, recognition has been growing of the power of data and information for better decisionmaking and service provision in agriculture. To ensure good data quality, an agreed standard to collect, store, and share data along the agricultural value chain is required. With this background, the purpose of this guideline is to provide guidance on standardizing soil biology data collection and thereby enhance temporal and spatial data interoperability. Standard field research design, data collection, and data reporting are required for well-informed meta-analyses and syntheses of agricultural research data as well as for making these data more accessible for calibration and evaluation of process-based models. Hence, this guideline is a contribution toward enabling meta-analysis of different data collected over years and/or space to accumulate evidence and generate new knowledge or insights to facilitate informed decision-making in the agricultural sector in general and in the crop development subsector. This guideline is compiled and intended for use by researchers, academicians, students, and other interested professionals in Ethiopia and beyond. The guideline is developed based on accepted standards and procedures in the field. Nevertheless, it is not exhaustive in its coverage of the soil biology data types and crops grown in the country. Hence, additions and updates depending on the development of research facilities, the ever-changing focus of agricultural research and production systems, and advances in technology are warranted

Association of alcohol consumption with abortion among ever-married reproductive age women in Ethiopia: A multilevel analysis

BackgroundA miscarriage or a spontaneous loss of a pregnancy that occurs before the 20th week is an abortion. Even though numerous recommendations state that pregnant women should abstain from alcohol at all stages of pregnancy, alcohol intake among pregnant women is common. However, there are few papers addressing the effect of alcohol use on miscarriage using nationally representative data. Moreover, the association of alcohol use with abortion and its mechanisms is not well studied in the Ethiopian region. Therefore, the objective of the current study was to estimate the association of alcohol use with abortion rates among reproductive age (15–49) women in Ethiopia.MethodsUsing the most recent findings of the Ethiopian Demographic and Health Survey (EDHS), secondary data analysis was performed among pregnant women in Ethiopia. A total of 11,396 women between the ages of 15 and 49 years who were of reproductive age were included in the research. To characterize the study population, descriptive statistics were used. The variability was considered using the multilevel binary logistic regression model. A multilevel binary logistic model was used to determine the effect of alcohol intake on abortion while controlling for potential confounders. In the multivariable analysis, variables with a P-value of less than 0.05 were considered statistically significant for the response variable.ResultsThe proportion of women who had an abortion was 10.46% with a 95% CI of 9.92–11.03. In the final model of the multilevel analysis, age group [adjusted odds ratio (AOR) = 6.13; 95% CI: 3.86–9.73], education level (AOR = 1.29; 95 and CI: 1.10–1.51), alcohol consumption (AOR = 1.38; 95% CI: 1.18–1.61), age at first sex (AOR = 1.20; 95% CI: 1.03–1.39), media exposure (AOR = 1.28, CI: 1.10–1.48), contraceptive use (AOR = 1.34, CI: 1.16–1.56), and occupation of respondent (AOR = 1.21, CI: 1.06–1.38) were identified to be significant determinants of abortion in Ethiopia.ConclusionSexual and reproductive health education and family planning programs should target older women in the reproductive age group, women with primary educational status, working women, and those who initiated sexual intercourse at a younger age considering it could reduce abortion and unintended pregnancy. Furthermore, as part of sexual and reproductive health education, the adverse effect of alcohol consumption on abortion should be emphasized

The effect of health insurance coverage on antenatal care utilizations in Ethiopia: evidence from national survey

BackgroundAbout three-fourths of maternal near-miss events and two-fifths of the risk of neonatal mortality can be reduced by having at least one antenatal visit. Several studies have identified potential factors related to maternal health seeking behavior. However, the association between health insurance membership and antenatal care utilization was not well investigated in Ethiopia. Therefore, this study was aimed at assessing the effect of health insurance coverage on antenatal care use in Ethiopia.MethodsThe study utilized data from the 2019 Ethiopia Mini Demographic and Health Survey (EMDHS). The analysis included a weighted sample of 3,919 women who gave birth in the last five years. A logistic regression model was employed to assess the association between antenatal care use and health insurance coverage and other covariates. The results were presented as adjusted odds ratios (AOR) at a 95% confidence interval (CI). Statistical significance was declared at a p-value &lt;0.05 in all analyses.ResultsAntenatal care was used by 43% (95% CI: 41.46 to 44.56%) of Ethiopian women. Those with health insurance coverage had higher odds of antenatal care use than those without health insurance coverage. Women were 33% more likely to use antenatal care (ANC) if they were covered by health insurance. Age, Media access, marital status, education status, wealth index, and economic regions were also factors associated with antenatal care utilizations.ConclusionsAccording to our findings, less than half of Ethiopian women had four or more antenatal care visits. Health insurance membership, respondent age, media access, marital status, education status, wealth index, and economic region were factors associated with antenatal care utilization. Improving health insurance, women's economic empowerment, and education coverage are critical determinants of antenatal care utilization

Minimum Dietary Diversity Among Children Aged 6-59 Months in East Africa Countries: A Multilevel Analysis.

Objective: To find out the determinants of minimum dietary diversity (MDD) among under-five children in East Africa based on the 2017 revised indicator. Methods: Secondary data from the demographic and health survey (DHS) of eight countries in East Africa were combined. A total of 27,223 weighted samples of children aged 6-59 months were included. Multi-level logistic regression analysis was employed to identify the determinants of dietary diversity. Results: The magnitude of adequate MDD in East Africa was found to be 10.47% with 95% CI (10.12-10.84) with the lowest and highest magnitude in Ethiopia and Rwanda respectively. Having a mother in the age group of 35-49, having a mother with higher educational attainment, and having a post-natal check-up within 2 months were significant factors in determining adequate MDD. Conclusion: The magnitude of adequate MDD intake among children aged 6-59 months in East Africa is relatively low. Therefore, strengthening interventions focused on improving the economic status of households, the educational status of mothers, and diversified food consumption of children aged 6-59 months should get priority to improve the recommended feeding practice of children

Electroencephalographic Findings, Antiepileptic Drugs and Risk Factors of 433 Individuals Referred to a Tertiary Care Hospital in Ethiopia

Background: Little is known about the characteristics of electroencephalogram (EEG) findings in epileptic patients in Ethiopia. The objective of this&nbsp; study was to characterize the EEG patterns, indications, antiepileptic drugs (AEDs), and epilepsy risk factors.Methods: A retrospective observational review of EEG test records of 433 patients referred to our electrophysiology unit between July 01, 2020 and&nbsp; December 31, 2021.Results: The age distribution in the study participants was right skewed unipolar age distribution for both sexes and the mean age of 33.8 (SD=15.7) years. Male accounted for 51.7%. Generalized tonic clonic seizure was the most common seizure type. The commonest indication for EEG was&nbsp; abnormal body movement with loss of consciousness (35.2%). Abnormal EEG findings were observed in 55.2%; more than half of them were Interictal epileptiform discharges, followed by focal/or generalized slowing. Phenobarbitone was the commonest AEDs. A quarter (20.1%) of the&nbsp; patients were getting a combination of two AEDs and 5.2% were on 3 different AEDs. Individuals taking the older AEDs and those on 2 or more AEDs&nbsp; tended to have abnormal EEG findings. A cerebrovascular disorder (27.4%) is the prevalent risk factor identified followed by brain tumor, HIV&nbsp; infection, and traumatic head injury respectively.Conclusion: High burden of abnormal EEG findings among epileptic patients referred to our unit. The proportion of abnormal EEG patterns was&nbsp; higher in patients taking older generation AEDs and in those on 2 or more AEDs. Stroke, brain tumor, HIV infection and traumatic head injury were&nbsp; the commonest identified epilepsy risk factors

The burden of neglected tropical diseases in Ethiopia, and opportunities for integrated control and elimination

Background: Neglected tropical diseases (NTDs) are a group of chronic parasitic diseases and related conditions that are the most common diseases among the 2·7 billion people globally living on less than US$2 per day. In response to the growing challenge of NTDs, Ethiopia is preparing to launch a NTD Master Plan. The purpose of this review is to underscore the burden of NTDs in Ethiopia, highlight the state of current interventions, and suggest ways forward. Results: This review indicates that NTDs are significant public health problems in Ethiopia. From the analysis reported here, Ethiopia stands out for having the largest number of NTD cases following Nigeria and the Democratic Republic of Congo. Ethiopia is estimated to have the highest burden of trachoma, podoconiosis and cutaneous leishmaniasis in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA), the second highest burden in terms of ascariasis, leprosy and visceral leishmaniasis, and the third highest burden of hookworm. Infections such as schistosomiasis, trichuriasis, lymphatic filariasis and rabies are also common. A third of Ethiopians are infected with ascariasis, one quarter is infected with trichuriasis and one in eight Ethiopians lives with hookworm or is infected with trachoma. However, despite these high burdens of infection, the control of most NTDs in Ethiopia is in its infancy. In terms of NTD control achievements, Ethiopia reached the leprosy elimination target of 1 case/10,000 population in 1999. No cases of human African trypanosomiasis have been reported since 1984. Guinea worm eradication is in its final phase. The Onchocerciasis Control Program has been making steady progress since 2001. A national blindness survey was conducted in 2006 and the trachoma program has kicked off in some regions. Lymphatic Filariasis, podoconiosis and rabies mapping are underway. Conclusion: Ethiopia bears a significant burden of NTDs compared to other SSA countries. To achieve success in integrated control of NTDs, integrated mapping, rapid scale up of interventions and operational research into co implementation of intervention packages will be crucial