Notes on the ecology of Ethiopian Bush-crow Zavattariornis stresemanni

We used the focal sampling method to conduct a behavioural study of the endemic Ethiopian Bush-crow Zavattariornis stresemanni in the Yabelo-Mega area of southern Ethiopia. We found that feeding rates were lower in areas with low sward height and low numbers of trees. This was particularly concerning given the degradation of natural habitat in this area

Incidence of persistent metopic suture and extra sacral foramina in Ethiopian population

Lack of knowledge of variations in human morphology and their magnitude compared to normal anatomy may have significant clinical consequences. Accurate knowledge of anatomical variations provides important information in medico-legal issues, forensic interpretation, diagnostics, imaging and patient management including surgical procedures. Although underreported, it is believed that a significant proportion of clinical malpractice is due to suboptimal knowledge of anatomical variations. The present study aims to assess the anatomical variations of locomotor system structures in twenty-four formalin fixed cadavers used for dissection as part of Gross Anatomy course for medical students. The study was conducted in six medical schools in Ethiopia in the academic year 2015/2016. Following critical observation and careful dissection, photographs were taken accordingly. Our findings show a complete persistence of metopic suture in 4.2 % of frontal bone, incedence of five anterior and five posterior sacral foramina in 4.2 % of sacral bones and biceps brachii muscle with three heads of origin in 2.1 % of brachia. Altogether, the findings show the incidence of anatomical variants of clinical importance that need consideration during surgical procedures, diagnosis - especially in distinguishing fracture of bones - and patient management in Ethiopian population with diverse socio-economic background and geographical origin

First record of white-eared kob (kobus kob leucotis) in Omo National Park, Ethiopia (artiodactyla, bovidae)

White-eared Kob, Kobus kob leucotis, Lichtenstein & Peters, 1853, is known to occur in the Gambela-Boma landscape in western Ethiopia and South Sudan. They live in herds and are generally found near water, in such places as plains, woodlands, swamps, and flood plains. We deployed 36 camera traps in Omo National Park and one of them took two images of a White-eared Kob. This is the first documentation from Omo National Park and showing that its range extends further to Omo than previously known and, therefore, the entire area (Gambella to Omo) can be considered as a range extension.</p

Antibacterial properties and healing effects of Melipona scutellaris honey in MRSA-infected wounds of rats

ABSTRACT PURPOSE : To investigate the antimicrobial, immunological and healing effects of Melipona scutellaris honey on infected wounds of rat skin. METHODS: Twenty four Wistar rats were distributed in four groups (6-each). The uninfected skin wounds of group I rats were treated daily with saline for 7 days. Uninfected wounds (group II) rats were treated with honey. In group III (treated with saline) and group IV (treated with honey) wounds were inoculated with MRSA ATTC43300. The first bacterial culture was performed 24 hours later. In the 7th day new culture was done, and wound biopsies were used for cytokines dosage and histopathology. RESULTS: In group I and III rats the CFU/g count of S. aureus in wounds was zero. In group II rats the CFU/g counts in the wound tissue were significantly higher than in wounds of group IV rats. The density histopathological parameters and the expression of TNF-&#945;, IL1-&#946;, Il-6 were significantly higher on wounds of group IV then in the other groups. CONCLUSION: Honey of Melipona scutellaris was effective in the management of infected wounds, by significant bacterial growth inhibition, enhancement of cytokine expression, and positively influenced the wound repair