Polypyrrole–polyaniline-water hyacinth leaf protein concentrate composite for the removal of Cr(VI) from aqueous solution: kinetics, isotherm and thermodynamic studies

ABSTRACT. This work focused on the extraction of “water hyacinth leaf protein concentrate” (WHLPC) and preparation of polypyrrole (PPy), polyaniline (PANI) and polypyrrole-polyaniline copolymer (PPy/PANI) coated WHLPC by in situ polymerization and investigate their application for the removal of Cr(VI) from aqueous solution. After optimizing the experimental conditions like pH, adsorbent dosage, contact time and initial concentration it was found that the kinetics and isotherm data were well fitted to the pseudo-second-order and Langmuir models, respectively. PPy/PANI/WHLPC was found to be an efficient material compared to the other polymer-coated adsorbents with maximum adsorption capacity of 230 mg/g. The presence of counter ions ((NO3-, Cl-, HPO42-, SO42+ and HCO3- ions) slightly decreases the Cr(VI) removal efficiency PPy/PANI/WHLPC. The thermodynamic study reveals that the adsorption of Cr(VI) onto PPY/PANI/WHLPC is endothermic, thermodynamically feasible, and spontaneous. In addition, reusability of the material indicated high removal efficiency for two adsorption cycles.   KEY WORDS: Polypyrrole, Polyaniline, Protein concentrate, Water hyacinth, Chromium Bull. Chem. Soc. Ethiop. 2022, 36(3), 571-584.                                                               DOI: https://dx.doi.org/10.4314/bcse.v36i3.

Androgenic steroid composition of the hexane/ methanol whole plant extract of Solanecio tuberosus (Selbilla) around Lake Tana Northwest Ethiopia

The plant kingdom is a treasure house of potential drugs. Steroids are very important molecules that mediate awide range of biological functions in the human body. Today, there is no study reporting the androgenic steroidcontent of Solanecio tuberosus extract. In this study, the androgenic steroid content of hexane/methanol extractof S. tuberosus was analyzed by Fourier transform (FT)-infrared spectroscopy, ultraviolet-visible spectroscopy,FT-magnetic resonance spectroscopy, and thin layer chromatography. Androgenic steroid derivatives such aspredinsolone, testosterone cypionate, and methyltestostrone were identified. The present study showed thatS. tuberosus can be considered as a potential remedy to improve the sexual and physical health of men as theygo aged and in testosterone deficient condition if further studies are conducted on safety and efficacy of theplant material

Comparative whole-genome sequence analysis of Mycobacterium tuberculosis isolated from pulmonary tuberculosis and tuberculous lymphadenitis patients in Northwest Ethiopia

Background: Tuberculosis (TB), caused by the Mycobacterium tuberculosis complex (MTBC), is a chronic infectious disease with both pulmonary and extrapulmonary forms. This study set out to investigate and compare the genomic diversity and transmission dynamics of Mycobacterium tuberculosis (Mtb) isolates obtained from tuberculous lymphadenitis (TBLN) and pulmonary TB (PTB) cases in Northwest Ethiopia. Methods: A facility-based cross-sectional study was conducted using two groups of samples collected between February 2021 and June 2022 (Group 1) and between June 2020 and June 2022 (Group 2) in Northwest Ethiopia. Deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) was extracted from 200 heat-inactivated Mtb isolates. Whole-genome sequencing (WGS) was performed from 161 isolates having ≥1 ng DNA/μl using Illumina NovaSeq 6000 technology. Results: From the total 161 isolates sequenced, 146 Mtb isolates were successfully genotyped into three lineages (L) and 18 sub-lineages. The Euro-American (EA, L4) lineage was the prevailing (n = 100; 68.5%) followed by Central Asian (CAS, L3, n = 43; 25.3%) and then L7 (n = 3; 2.05%). The L4.2.2.ETH sub-lineage accounted for 19.9%, while Haarlem estimated at 13.7%. The phylogenetic tree revealed distinct Mtb clusters between PTB and TBLN isolates even though there was no difference at lineages and sub-lineages levels. The clustering rate (CR) and recent transmission index (RTI) for PTB were 30 and 15%, respectively. Similarly, the CR and RTI for TBLN were 31.1 and 18 %, respectively. Conclusion and recommendations: PTB and TBLN isolates showed no Mtb lineages and sub-lineages difference. However, at the threshold of five allelic distances, Mtb isolates obtained from PTB and TBLN form distinct complexes in the phylogenetic tree, which indicates the presence of Mtb genomic variation among the two clinical forms. The high rate of clustering and RTI among TBLN implied that TBLN was likely the result of recent transmission and/or reactivation from short latency. Hence, the high incidence rate of TBLN in the Amhara region could be the result of Mtb genomic diversity and rapid clinical progression from primary infection and/or short latency. To validate this conclusion, a similar community-based study with a large sample size and better sampling technique is highly desirable. Additionally, analysis of genomic variants other than phylogenetic informative regions could give insightful information. Combined analysis of the host and the pathogen genome (GXG) together with environmental (GxGxE) factors could give comprehensive co-evolutionary information.The sample collection was funded by the Institute of Biotechnology, Bahir Dar University through the EN mega project. The Mtb culture and identification-related lab supply were supported by Amhara Public Health Institute, Bahir Dar Ethiopia. The whole-genome sequencing (WGS) and publication fee was covered by the National Center of Microbiology, Institute of Carlos III, Madrid, Spain. International Federation for Clinical Chemistry (IFCC) gave financial support to DM through the IFCC Professional Scientific Exchange Programme (PSEP) for 3-month WGS laboratory work.S

Lipid droplets and the transcriptome of Mycobacterium tuberculosis from direct sputa: a literature review

Mycobacterium tuberculosis (Mtb), the main etiology of tuberculosis (TB), is predominantly an intracellular pathogen that has caused infection, disease and death in humans for centuries. Lipid droplets (LDs) are dynamic intracellular organelles that are found across the evolutionary tree of life. This review is an evaluation of the current state of knowledge regarding Mtb-LD formation and associated Mtb transcriptome directly from sputa. Based on the LD content, Mtb in sputum may be classified into three groups: LD positive, LD negative and LD borderline. However, the clinical and evolutionary importance of each state is not well elaborated. Mounting evidence supports the view that the presence of LD positive Mtb bacilli in sputum is a biomarker of slow growth, low energy state, towards lipid degradation, and drug tolerance. In Mtb, LD may serve as a source of chemical energy, scavenger of toxic compounds, prevent destruction of Mtb through autophagy, delay trafficking of lysosomes towards the phagosome, and contribute to Mtb persistence. It is suggest that LD is a key player in the induction of a spectrum of phenotypic and metabolic states of Mtb in the macrophage, granuloma and extracellular sputum microenvironment. Tuberculosis patients with high proportion of LD positive Mtb in pretreatment sputum was associated with higher rate of poor treatment outcome, indicating that LD may have a clinical application in predicting treatment outcome. The propensity for LD formation among Mtb lineages is largely unknown. The role of LD on Mtb transmission and disease phenotype (pulmonary TB vs extra-pulmonary TB) is not well understood. Thus, further studies are needed to understand the relationships between LD positivity and Mtb lineage, Mtb transmission and clinical types

Mycobacterium tuberculosis Sub-Lineage 4.2.2/SIT149 as Dominant Drug-Resistant Clade in Northwest Ethiopia 2020-2022: In-silico Whole-Genome Sequence Analysis

Introduction: Drug resistance (DR) in Mycobacterium tuberculosis complex (MTBC) is mainly associated with certain lineages and varies across regions and countries. The Beijing genotype is the leading resistant lineage in Asia and western countries. M. tuberculosis (Mtb) (sub) lineages responsible for most drug resistance in Ethiopia are not well described. Hence, this study aimed to identify the leading drug resistance sub-lineages and characterize first-line anti-tuberculosis drug resistance-associated single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs). Methods: A facility-based cross-sectional study was conducted in 2020-2022 among new and presumptive multidrug resistant-TB (MDR-TB) cases in Northwest Ethiopia. Whole-genome sequencing (WGS) was performed on 161 isolates using Illumina NovaSeq 6000 technology. The SNP mutations associated with drug resistance were identified using MtbSeq and TB profiler Bioinformatics softwares. Results: Of the 146 Mtb isolates that were successfully genotyped, 20 (13.7%) harbored one or more resistance-associated SNPs. L4.2.2.ETH was the leading drug-resistant sub-lineage, accounting for 10/20 (50%) of the resistant Mtb. MDR-TB isolates showed extensive mutations against first-line anti-TB drugs. Ser450Leu/(tcg/tTg) for Rifampicin (RIF), Ser315Thr/(agc/aCc) for Isoniazid (INH), Met306Ile/(atg/atA(C)) for Ethambutol (EMB), and Gly69Asp for Streptomycin (STR) were the leading resistance associated mutations which accounted for 56.5%, 89.5%, 47%, and 29.4%, respectively. The presence of both clustered and non-clustered drug resistance (DR) isolates indicated that the epidemics is driven by both new DR development and acquired resistance. Conclusion: The high prevalence of drug-resistant TB due to geographically restricted sub-lineages (L4.2.2.ETH) indicates the ongoing local micro epidemics. The Mtb drug resistance surveillance system must be improved. Further evolutionary analysis of L4.2.2.ETH strain is highly desirable to understand evolutionary forces that leads L4.2.2.ETH in to high level DR and transmissible sub-lineage.Sample collection was funded by the Institute of Biotechnology, Bahir Dar University, through the Endalkachew Nibret Mega Project. The Mtb culture and identification-related laboratory supply was supported by the Amhara Public Health Institute, Bahir Dar, Ethiopia. Whole-genome sequencing was performed with the great support of National Center of Microbiology, Institute of Carlos III, Madrid, Spain. The International Federation for Clinical Chemistry (IFCC) provided financial support to Daniel Mekonnen through the IFCC Professional Exchange Program (PEP) for three months stay in Madrid Spain for conducting the WGS analysis.S

Prevalence of rifampicin resistant pulmonary tuberculosis using geneXpert assay in Ethiopia, a systematic review and meta-analysis

Background: Drug-resistant tuberculosis continues to be a global public health threat. Ethiopia is one of the high-burden countries for tuberculosis and multi-drug resistant tuberculosis. The estimated annual incidents of tuberculosis were 119 per 100,000 populations in 2021 and the prevalence of multi-drug resistance tuberculosis is about 0.7% among newly diagnosed cases in Ethiopia. On time detection of rifampicin resistance is essential for the management of the disease and earlier treatment initiation. Among the different diagnostic tests; Xpert is widely used for the rapid detection of Mycobacterium tuberculosis and rifampicin resistant in the country. The prevalence of rifampicin resistance-pulmonary tuberculosis varied from locality to locality and the estimated national prevalence of rifampicin resistance pulmonary tuberculosis is not available in the country. Therefore, the aim of this meta-analysis was to summarize the results of available studies and generate pooled prevalence estimate of rifampicin resistance pulmonary tuberculosis in Ethiopia. Methods: Literature search was carried out using PubMed and Scopus public databases. Original articles conducted in Ethiopia and those containing a prevalence report of rifampicin resistance pulmonary tuberculosis diagnosed by Xpert Mycobacterium tuberculosis/rifampicin resistance assay were included in the meta-analysis. All retrospective and prospective studies published until May 2022 were screened in the study. The methodological qualities of included article were assessed using Joanna Briggs Institute quality assessment tool for cross-sectional studies. Random effect model was used to determine the pooled prevalence of rifampicin resistance pulmonary tuberculosis. Subgroup analysis and regression were carried out across regional states and study designs. Heterogeneity across studies was assessed using I2 test. The data were analyzed using STATA version 14. Result: A total of 1570 titles were identified and 34 studies met the inclusion criteria. Of the total 17,292 pulmonary tuberculosis patients who were identified from the included articles, 1669 were rifampicin resistance pulmonary tuberculosis. The pooled prevalence of rifampicin resistant among pulmonary tuberculosis patients diagnosed with Xpert Mycobacterium tuberculosis/rifampicin resistance assay was 9.67% (95% CI: 8.11–11.24). The highest pooled prevalence was from Oromia11.84% (95% CI: 4.49–19.2%) and the lowest rifampicin resistance was identified in Amhara Regional State, 8.51% (95% CI: 5.96–11.06%). The pooled prevalence rates of rifampicin resistant among pulmonary tuberculosis patients were 10.18% (95% CI: 6.85–13.51) and 9.57% (95% CI: 7.68–11.47) in prospective and retrospective types of cross-sectional studies. Conclusion: Our study showed that the pooled prevalence of rifampicin resistance among pulmonary tuberculosis patients was 9.67%. This showed that the occurrence of rifampicin resistance pulmonary tuberculosis among Mycobacterium tuberculosis patients remains high in Ethiopia. Regional state wise, rifampicin resistance variation was small. Further meta-analysis of factors associated with rifampicin resistance among pulmonary tuberculosis patients as well as among extrapulmonary Mycobacterium tuberculosis cases should be carried out

Prevalence and determinants of hypertensive disorders of pregnancy in Ethiopia: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

IntroductionHypertensive disorder of pregnancy is the second commonest causes of maternal death globally. Different public health studies were conducted on hypertensive disorder of pregnancy which presented inconsistent result. Therefore, this systematic review and meta-analysis was commenced to summarize the findings conducted in several parts of the country and to generate the nationwide representative data on the prevalence and risk factors of hypertensive disorder of pregnancy in Ethiopia.Methods and materialsElectronic databases such as PubMed, Scopus, Google Scholar, Hinari, and African Journals Online were searched for studies published in English up to March, 2020. Joanna Briggs Institute Meta-Analysis of Statistics Assessment and Review Instrument and Newcastle-Ottawa Scale were used for data extraction and quality assessment of the included studies. The meta- regression analysis was computed at 95% CI to present the pooled prevalence and risk factors of hypertensive disorder of pregnancy.ResultsThirty four studies were included in this systematic review and meta-analysis. The pooled prevalence of hypertensive disorder of pregnancy and preeclampsia in Ethiopia were 6.82% (95% CI (5.90, 7.74)) and 4.74% (95% CI (3.99, 5.49)) respectively. Maternal age ≥35 years (Adjusted Odds Ratio (AOR): 2.91 (95% CI: 1.60, 5.26)), twin pregnancy (AOR: 3.04 (95% CI: 1.89, 4.87)), previous history of preeclampsia (AOR: 5.36 (95% CI: 3.37, 8.53)), family history of hypertension (AOR: 4.01 (95% CI: 2.65, 6.07)), family history of diabetes mellitus (AOR: 3.07 (95% CI: 1.66, 7.70)), body mass index ≥25 (AOR: 3.92 (95% CI: 1.82, 8.42)), alcohol consumption (AOR: 1.77 (95% CI: 1.11, 2.83)), urinary tract infection (AOR: 4.57 (95% CI: 3.47, 6.02)), lack of nutritional counseling during antenatal period (AOR: 4.87 (95% CI: 3.36, 7.06)), lack of fruits (AOR: 3.49 (95% CI: 2.29, 5.30)), and vegetables consumption (AOR: 2.94 (95% CI: 2.01, 4.31)) were the risk factors of hypertensive disorder of pregnancy in Ethiopia.ConclusionsThe pooled prevalence of hypertensive disorder of pregnancy is relatively higher compared with the previous reports. Maternal age ≥35 years, twin pregnancy, previous history of preeclampsia, family history of hypertension, family history of diabetes mellitus, body mass index ≥25, alcohol consumption, urinary tract infection, lack of fruits and vegetables during pregnancy were risk factors of hypertensive disorder of pregnancy. The governments and stakeholders should work to strengthen the antenatal care practice to include the possible risk factors of hypertensive disorders of pregnancy

Sexual and reproductive health issues and associated factors among female night school students in Amhara Region, Ethiopia: an institution-based cross-sectional study

Objective This study aimed to assess the prevalence of sexual and reproductive health (SRH) issues and associated factors among female night school students in the Amhara Region, Ethiopia.Design Institution-based cross-sectional study.Setting 16 night schools were selected from 4 zones in the Amhara Region. The data were collected between 1 January and 28 February 2019.Participants 1428 female night school students aged 15–24 years.Outcomes Prevalence of SRH issues, defined as those who had experienced at least one SRH issue during their lifetime (including sexual violence, sexually transmitted diseases, teenage pregnancy, unwanted pregnancy, early marriage and abortion). Bivariable and multivariable logistic regression models were used in the analysis.Results The prevalence of SRH issues was 32.7% (95% CI 29.5% to 35.9%). Having secondary education (adjusted (OR) AOR = 1.49, 95% CI 1.19 to 1.86), being single in marital status (AOR = 1.33, 95% CI 1.01 to 1.74), not discussing SRH issues with their families (AOR = 2.69, 95% CI 2.13 to 3.40) and poor knowledge of SRH services (AOR = 2.63, 95% CI 2.08 to 3.32) were significantly associated with SRH issues.Conclusion The lifetime prevalence of SRH issues among female night school students was high. Being single, having a secondary education, not discussing SRH issues with family, and having a poor understanding of SRH services were associated with SRH issues. Qualitative studies should be conducted to explore students’ feelings and intentions about SRH issues

Epidemiology of tuberculous lymphadenitis in Africa: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

IntroductionTuberculous lymphadenitis is the most frequent form of extra-pulmonary TB (EPTB) and accounts for a considerable proportion of all EPTB cases. We conducted a systematic review of articles that described the epidemiological features of TBLN in Africa.MethodsAny article that characterized TBLN cases with respect to demographic, exposure and clinical features were included. Article search was restricted to African countries and those published in English language irrespective of publication year. The articles were retrieved from the electronic database of PubMed, Scopus, Cochrane library and Lens.org. Random effect pooled prevalence with 95% CI was computed based on Dersimonian and Laird method. To stabilize the variance, Freeman-Tukey double arcsine root transformation was done. The data were analyzed using Stata 14.ResultsOf the total 833 articles retrieved, twenty-eight articles from 12 African countries fulfilled the eligibility criteria. A total of 6746 TBLN cases were identified. The majority of the cases, 4762 (70.6%) were from Ethiopia. Over 77% and 88% of identified TBLN were cervical in type and naïve to TB drugs. Among the total number of TBLN cases, 53% were female, 68% were in the age range of 15-44 years, 52% had a history of livestock exposure, 46% had a history of consuming raw milk/meat and 24% had history of BCG vaccination. The proportion of TBLN/HIV co-infection was much lower in Ethiopia (21%) than in other African countries (73%) and the overall African estimate (52%). Fever was recorded in 45%, night sweating in 55%, weight loss in 62% and cough for longer than two weeks in 32% of the TBLN cases.ConclusionsTBLN was more common in females than in males. The high prevalence of TBLN in Ethiopia did not show directional correlation with HIV. Population based prospective studies are warranted to better define the risk factors of TBLN in Africa

Prevalence of antenatal depression and associated factors among pregnant women during COVID-19 pandemic in North Shewa zone, Amhara region, Ethiopia

Background: Antenatal depression is a form of depression that occurs during pregnancy. This problem may worsen during the COVID-19 epidemic and may result in serious consequences for pregnant women, including depression and other multiple psychosocial problems. However, the prevalence of depression during the COVID-19 pandemic in pregnant women and its associated factors has not been studied in the study area, even in Ethiopia. Methods: An institution-based cross-sectional study was conducted among 422 pregnant women who were attending antenatal care in public health institutions in the North Shewa Zone, Ethiopia. The data were collected from May 1- June 30, 2021. A logistic regression model with adjusted odds ratio (AOR) and P-value < 0.05 at the 95% confidence interval was used to determine significantly associated factors. Results: The prevalence of antenatal depression among pregnant women during the COVID-19 pandemic was 34.1% (95% CI: 29.6–38.9). Divorced marital status (AOR = 7.52, CI: 2.707–20.911), husband’s educational status “cannot read and write” (AOR = 4.05, CI: 1.834–8.962) and “can read and write without formal education” (AOR = 2.39, CI: 1.107–5.154) are statistically significant variables associated with depression among pregnant women during the COVID-19 pandemic. Conclusions: In this study, the prevalence of antenatal depression in pregnant women during the novel coronavirus pandemic was high. To reduce the level of depression in pregnant women, strategies have to be designed for the early detection of divorced pregnant women with inadequate social support and address enough information for pregnant women and their husbands about depression and COVID-19 during the pandemic