Prevalence of HIV/AIDS: A report based on a survey in women attending ANC services in Eritrea in 2005

Study objective: To determine the prevalence and socio-demographic factors of HIV in ANC attendees in Eritrea. Methods: Cross sectional anonymous unlinked sentinel surveillance of HIV prevalence in ANC attendee pregnant women frpm March 2005 to May 2006. The study was conducted in 15 clusters; 10 urban and 5 rural clusters with a total of 19 urban and 26 rural sentinel sites that includes all six capital cities and a number of semi urban and rural sentinel sites from all six zones of Eritrea. Cluster sampling, non probability consecutive sampling of pregnant women who came to attend their first ANC in the study sites. Result: The total sample size was 5033. The over all HIV prevalence in pregnant women attending ANC was 2.38%. The highest prevalence was observed in Southern Red Sea zone (5.9%) followed by central zone (3.48%). Lowest prevalence was seen in Anseba zone (1.3%), South zone (1.65%), Northern Red Sea zone (1.77%), and Gash Barka zone (2.06%). It was found to be 3.04% in urban women and 0.9% in rural women. It was also higher in single women 7.2% than in married women 2%. HIV prevalence increased with age (1.3%) in women aged 15-19, 2% in 20-24, 3.8% in 25-29, 2.5% in 30-34, 1.5% in 35-39, 2.7% in 40-44 and 1.8% in 15-24 years age group women. Further the prevalence fluctuated with level of formal education and occupation; 0.9% in illiterate and 4% in women with secondary school education, 1.94% in house wives, 5.9% in women daily labourers, 5.6% in unemployed unmarried women, and 8.5% in commercial sexual workers. 5.4% in women whose partners are truck/bus drivers, 3.8%% in women whose partners are merchants and 2.6% in women whose partner’s are in the military/national service. Conclusion: HIV prevalence in Eritrea is low and declining from the highest 4.2% in 1999 to 2.38% in 2005 ANS sentinel surveillance. HIV prevalence was more prevalent in urban areas, in single, young women and increased with increasing age and educational level and was influenced by the women’s and partners occupation

Blind fluorescence structured illumination microscopy: A new reconstruction strategy

In this communication, a fast reconstruction algorithm is proposed for fluorescence \textit{blind} structured illumination microscopy (SIM) under the sample positivity constraint. This new algorithm is by far simpler and faster than existing solutions, paving the way to 3D and/or real-time 2D reconstruction.Comment: submitted to IEEE ICIP 201

Diversity and conservation of enset (Ensete ventricosum Welw. Cheesman) and its relation to household food and livelihood security in south-western Ethiopia

Agriculture in Ethiopia is characterized by diverse farming practices. Farmers with various ethnic background and cultural diversity living in the country's diverse agro-ecological zones have developed farming systems, characterized by a high degree of species diversity. The enset based farming system is one of these. It can be found in South-western part of the country. The research, on which this thesis is based, was carried out in the Kaffa Shaka zone among 240 households.The domestication, production and use of enset is restricted to Ethiopia. Enset is a crop with multiple uses both for food and non-food applications. It is the most widely used staple food in the country, feeding millions of people. It plays a central role in the economic, social and cultural life of the diverse ethnic people in the south and south-western part of the country. Although it forms the core of the cropping system of many farmers, available information on the crop is limited, and largely descriptive and anecdotal.The research, which is the subject of this thesis, was aimed at exploring issues of enset genetic diversity as related to use at a household level and its relevance for food security and sustainable livelihoods. It seeks to make an assessment of the diversity that exists in the crop and to identify of linkages between conservation and use based on the primary data on socio-economic and conservation issues collected at a household level. It attempts to test the following hypothesis: by maintaining enset diversity, a subsistence farmer can secure food self-sufficiency and therefore a positive relationship exists between conserving the diversity in enset and household food and livelihood security . The hypothesis constitutes the central theme of the study and the collection and analysis of the primary data converged upon it. While putting these issues in the wider context of the livelihood system of enset farmers, a number of research questions were raised and answered in the different chapters of the thesis.The first research question dealt with whether enset diversity contributes to household food security and livelihoods of farm households. Our results confirmed that enset is a food security crop and also a status symbol in the study area. The ownership of a large number of enset plants and a diverse number of clones are major criteria for farmers in categorizing households according to different wealth status. Over a third of the studied households were found food insecure with little or no land, relatively few enset plants and with insignificant clonal diversity. On the basis of the research findings, this thesis argues that although households are food secure as long as they have enough enset plants and sufficient clonal diversity, they are not necessarily secure in terms of income and livelihood. Hence, food secure households, as indicated by enset wealth, are not always livelihood secure. The ownership of other resources such as livestock and land for the production of other crops for additional income is vital for livelihood security.The second research question focused on valuing of local knowledge, i.e. how farmers encourage diversity in enset, and how they select or classify clones for various use aspects. Enset farmers since the domestication of the crop allegedly some 10,000 years ago, have used their traditional knowledge to maintain and enrich the diversity in the crop. The diverse ways in which the crop is used for (food, fiber, animal feed, construction, etc.) are examples of the use of the diversity by local farmers. Identification and selection of the various clones are done by both men and women farmers. The criteria for selection by men and women vary slightly. Men usually select for higher yield, longer maturity and disease resistance, while the women select for early maturity, good taste and quality of the product and disease resistance. However, both men and women are keen on maintaining as much diversity as possible regardless of the preferred characteristics. They also classify clones into male and female ones according to their characteristics. The female plant is selected by the women for daily household consumption or for sale. The number of female plants maintained is also slightly higher than the male plants, which confirms the characterization of enset as women's crop. As a tradition, farmers in Kaffa also exchange clones and knowledge associated with the crop with neighbors, relatives or kin to increase the diversity in their backyard.The role of gender in the production, processing and marketing of enset was the focus of the third question. Our study shows that there are clear gender differences in the management of enset genetic diversity. Women play a dominant role in the production, processing and marketing of enset. They have a tremendous knowledge of the diversity in the crop. There is a slight difference between men and women when prioritizing clones according to uses, which is indicative of the difference in interest for different qualities of the crop. When data on the division of labor were analyzed, women clearly dominate in the production, processing and marketing of enset. Men are involved in land preparation, planting and transplanting. As regards decision-making, women are less involved in major decisions made at the household although they dominate most of the production activities in enset. Women decide on the harvesting time and on the use of income from the sale of enset products. Decisions on the purchase of agricultural equipment, adoption of new cultivation techniques, income from the sale of other crops and livestock are made by the men. Other decisions, such as purchase of clothing and additional food for the household, are shared. In general, men have more decision-making power and also control over the greater portion of the household's income.The fourth question dealt with the impact of population increase on the cultivation of enset. Our results show that there is a high rate of population growth in the study area. Due to the existence of high forest coverage in the region, farmers up until now are hardly affected by land shortage as compared to farmers in other areas, because they extend their farmland by clearing the nearby forests. The availability of cultivable land has encouraged polygamy and having many children. Thus, we found a positive association between household size and landholding in the area. However, this situation is unlikely to continue as resources are limited and there are more and more new households formed each year claiming land. In one of the two woredas studied, which is also characterized by having more polygamous households and where there is more forest degradation, farmers are complaining that there is shortage of land. This result shows that the area devoted to enset and other crops is declining, exposing farmers to food and livelihood insecurity. We also recorded that there is lack of awareness about family planning and limiting the number of children in each household. This thesis concludes that: (i). The increase in family members should coincide with land availability; (ii). Farmers should be aware of family planning in order to limit their family size; (iii). Polygamous marriage should gradually be avoided; (iv). Farmers should be aware of conserving forests instead of burning to extend their farmland.Research question five dealt with the use of tissue culture techniques such as micro-propagation and in vitro conservation for enset growing farmers. The importance of enset to Kaffa farmers from a social, cultural and food security perspectives , has been stressed in earlier chapters of this thesis. However, there are many problems surrounding enset production and farmers have lost a fairly large number of clones because of disease, selection pressure or to changes in land use systems. Our results show that over 95 percent of the farmers demand planting stocks of various clones. They need a backup system, which can complement the traditional methods of propagation and conservation. In our study the use of tissue culture was thus found indispensable to meet those needs. In vitro conservation through slow growth and rapid propagation protocols for enset were successfully developed. This will allow the conservation and rapid propagation of enset for the production of disease free germplasm and for efficient breeding programs. It will also allow farmers to get sufficient planting materials of interest, which will enable them to produce more and increase their selection options. When materials are stored in vitro , farmers will have an insurance against man-made and natural erosion, which threatens their production.The last research question dealt with how farmers' classification of clones correlates with results of a scientific method based on molecular marker techniques. Farmers' methods of classification and selection have formed the basis for collections maintained so far, be it in farmers' or researchers' fields. Most of the genetic diversity in the crop is maintained in situ (on-farm) by farmers. The farmers' characterization system is functional and serves to characterize and maintain clones in view of their various purposes (food, fiber, medicine, etc.). Characterization and use are thus closely related. As part of this theses, the correlation between the farmers' characterization system and a molecular genetic study were analyzed. A mildly positive correlation was obtained between the two classifications providing the necessary information for an efficient strategy for the management of enset diversity. More duplication of clones (given in Chapter 11) was observed in the molecular analysis. In most of the cases, the names given by farmers based on the attributable characters of the crops are consistent and matched the molecular analysis. Lack of complete matching of the two systems might be attributed to the way farmers characterize the crop in more detail and the use criteria they apply in selection of the various clones. As the farmers' characterization system is functional, they select for specific genetic traits, whereas molecular approach scored neutral diversity as well. This thesis thus emphasizes that indigenous knowledge plays a vital role in selection, characterization and maintenance of enset genetic diversity in direct relation to its use.</p

Neuropsychological diagnostics in Ethiopia - challenges and chances among considerations regarding differential diagnosis (literature overview)

Background Neuropsychological tests can provide crucial information regarding the consideration of psychiatric differential diagnosis. This is especially important in developing countries like Ethiopia where advanced imaging is not widely available.Methods A detailed literature search was conducted using the search engines Pubmed, Science Direct, Web of Science and Google Scholar from February 2013 until May 2014. Selecting the identified studies pragmatically depending on the content, twenty-six studies were included.Results The administration of tests developed in Western-European settings to the African culture presents enormous challenge. Among these are especially the influence of low level of literacy, familiarity with the testing material, cultural aspects regarding social behavior and sense of time, cultural differences regarding cognitive functions and lack of norms. At the same time, there are opportunities for different fields of application, especially when considering the diagnosis of dementia and in the assessment of frontal lobe lesions. Assessment of cognitive flexibility appears to be an important way to differentiate between affective disorders and schizophrenia.Conclusions In conclusion, we suggest a „basic set of neuropsychological tests“ for application in psychiatric facilities in low income countries like Ethiopia, which mostly includes nonverbal tests. By using these tests, some of the challenges found during the literature search can be overcome. Additionally, they might provide extra information for diagnostic issues. However, they might have to be adapted to the Ethiopian culture.Key words: Cognition; Culture-fair; Ethiopian; Low-Income; Neuropsychology; Psychiatr

In vitro antimicrobial activity of fermented spices and Capsicum Frutescens against multi drug resistance clinical isolate and standard reference bacteria

Introduction: Food preservation is required to maintain for a long period of time. Traditional organic food preservative, “Datta” is spice mainly made up of Chili Peppers which frequently used in southern and western part of Ethiopia. Datta can be consumed almost with every kind of foods and it is believed as appetizer and antimicrobial agent against food borne pathogen. This study aimed to assess in vitro antimicrobial activity of fermented condiment and Capsicum frutescens against multi drug resistance clinical isolate and standard reference bacteria.Method: Datta samples collected from different level hotels and Capsicum frutescens (Chili peppers) were extractedin different solvents.Agar well diffusion assay was used to determine antimicrobial activity and minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) and minimum bactericidal concentration was determined by tube dilution method. One way analysis of variant was used in comparison of the finding.Results: Extracted fermented condiment (Datta) sample and Chili Pepper showed antimicrobial activities against multidrug resistant clinical isolate and standard reference bacteria in well diffusion assay. Datta extract showed MIC ranged from 25 mg/L to 66.7 mg/L and MBC ranged from 25 mg/L to 100 mg/L. The Datta and Chili pepper extracts showed high antimicrobial activities against standard Staphylococcus aureus. The water based extract of Datta sample were exhibited significantly low antimicrobial activities (P=0.000) as compared to the other extraction solvents.Conclusion: Water was weak extractor of active compounds having antimicrobial activities. Reference S. aureuswasmore susceptible organism while ATCC Salmonella enteritidis and clinical isolated multi-drug resistant E. coli less susceptible. The traditional use of fermented condiment for food preservation by the local people is supported by this study.Key words: Antimicrobial activity; Chili Pepper extract; Fermented condiment; Minimum bactericidal concentration; Minimum inhibition contractionActivite antimicrobienne en vitro d'epices fermentees et de fruits de capsicume pour la resistance aux medicaments isolate clinique et bacteries de reference standardIntroduction: La conservation des aliments est nécessaire pour maintenir pendant une longue période de temps. Conservateur de nourriture organiqu et raditionnel, "Datta" est l'épicé compose principalement de Chili Peppers qui fréquemment utilize dans le sud et l'ouest de l'Ethiopie. Datta peu têtre consommé presque avec toutes sortes d'aliments et on le croit comme un apéritif et un agent antimicrobien contre l'agent pathogène alimentaire. Cette etude visait à évaluer l'activité antimicrobienne in vitro du condiment fermenté et Capsicum frutescens contre l'isolement clinique de résistance aux médicaments multiples et les bactéries de référence standard.Méthode: Les échantillons de Datta prélevés dans des hôtels de différents niveaux et Capsicum frutescens (Chili Peppers) ont été extraits dans différents solvants. Un dosage de diffusion de puits a été utilisé pour determiner l'activité antimicrobienne et la concentration inhibitrice minimale (MIC) et la concentration bactericide minimale a été determine par la méthode de dilution du tube. Une analyse à sens unique de la variante a été utilisée en comparaison de la découverte.Résultats: L'échantillon extrait de condiments fermentés (Datta) et Chili Pepper ont montré des activités antimicrobiennes contre l'isolement Clinique résistant aux médicaments multiples et les bactéries de référence standard dans le dosage par diffusion de puits. L'extrait de Datta a montréque le MIC variait de 25 mg / L à 66,7 mg / L et le MBC variait de 25 mg / L à 100 mg / L. Les extraits de poisson de Datta et de Chili ont montré des activités antimicrobiennes élevées contre Staphylococcus aureus standard. L'extrait à base d'eau de l'échantillon de Datta a montré des activités antimicrobiennes significativement faibles (P = 0,000) par rapport aux autres solvants d'extraction.Conclusion: L'eauétaitun extracteur faible de composes actifs ayant des activités antimicrobiennes. Référence S. aureus était un organisme plus susceptible tandisque ATCC Salmonella enteritidis et E.coli. E. coli résistant aux médicaments multiples isolés était moins susceptible. L'utilisation traditionnelle du condiment fermenté pour la conservation des aliments par les populations locales est soutenue par cette étude.Mots clés: Activitéantimicrobienne; Extrait de poivre de piment; Condiment fermenté; Concentration bactéricide minimum; Contraction minimaled'inhibitio

Discrete choice analysis of Oklahoma fishing license holders, fishing trip demand model for eastern Oklahoma natural streams, and fishing trip demand model for fresh water bodies in Oklahoma

A disaggregated logistic regression procedure for analysis of qualitative fishing trip data to different types of water bodies in Oklahoma and for different license type holders. The procedure uses the maximum likelihood method to estimate the parameters of the discrete choice model. Results of the study are useful in determining the degree of importance of the different water bodies for fishing by different license type holders. It is also useful in predicting what proportion of new license buyers will make fishing trips to the various water bodies

Medication Non-Adherence among Adult Psychiatric Out-patients in Jimma University Specialized Hospital, Southwest Ethiopia

Background: Information on adherence of adult psychiatric patients to biological modes of treatment is scarce in Ethiopia. Knowledge on adherence is essential in terms of future prognosis, quality of life and functionality of such patients. This study was conducted to assess the magnitude and associated factors of non-adherence to medication.Methods: A hospital based cross-sectional study was conducted in November 2011 at the psychiatry facility of Jimma University Specialized Hospital, which provides service to more than 10 mill people. A sample of 422 adults with psychiatric illness in the follow-up outpatients was selected consecutively. Data was collected using a pre-tested questionnaire by face-to-face interview and from patient medical records. The four-item Morisky scale was used to assess degree of medication adherence. Data was analyzed using SPSS version 16 and descriptive, chi-square test and logistic regression statistical methods were used. P-Value of less than 0.05 was considered as statistically significant in the final model.Results: Out of the 422 patients, 40.3% were females and 59.7% males. The prevalence rate for nonadherence was 41.2%, non-affective psychoses diagnosis contributing the highest rate (44.5%). From the total non-adherent respondents, 78.2% attributed their non-adherence to forgetting. Irregular follow-up, poor social support and complex drug regimen were independently associated variables with nonadherence.Concluction: The result of the study showed that non-adherence among psychiatric patients in Southwest Ethiopia is high and revealed possible associated factors. Adherence needs integrated efforts in creating a mechanism in enhancing regular follow-up, informal social support system and ongoing awareness creation among professionals.Keywords: mental illness, non-adherence, Jimma University Specialized Hospital, Ethiopi

Fluorescence blind structured illumination microscopy: a new reconstruction strategy

International audienceIn this communication, a fast reconstruction algorithm is proposed for fluorescence blind structured illumination mi-croscopy (SIM) under the sample positivity constraint. This new algorithm is by far simpler and faster than existing solutions , paving the way to 3D and real-time 2D reconstruction

Genomic and phenotypic analysis of Vavilov's historic landraces reveals the impact of environment and genomic islands of agronomic traits.

The Vavilov Institute of Plant Genetic Resources (VIR), in St. Petersburg, Russia, houses a unique genebank, with historical collections of landraces. When they were collected, the geographical distribution and genetic diversity of most crops closely reflected their historical patterns of cultivation established over the preceding millennia. We employed a combination of genomics, computational biology and phenotyping to characterize VIR's 147 chickpea accessions from Turkey and Ethiopia, representing chickpea's center of origin and a major location of secondary diversity. Genotyping by sequencing identified 14,059 segregating polymorphisms and genome-wide association studies revealed 28 GWAS hits in potential candidate genes likely to affect traits of agricultural importance. The proportion of polymorphisms shared among accessions is a strong predictor of phenotypic resemblance, and of environmental similarity between historical sampling sites. We found that 20 out of 28 polymorphisms, associated with multiple traits, including days to maturity, plant phenology, and yield-related traits such as pod number, localized to chromosome 4. We hypothesize that selection and introgression via inadvertent hybridization between more and less advanced morphotypes might have resulted in agricultural improvement genes being aggregated to genomic 'agro islands', and in genotype-to-phenotype relationships resembling widespread pleiotropy