Prevalence and risk factors of bovine and ovine fasciolosis, and evaluation of direct sedimentation sensitivity method at Bahir-Dar Municipal Abattoir, Northern Ethiopia

A cross-sectional study was conducted from November, 2010 to March, 2011 to estimate the prevalence of bovine and ovine fasciolosis, to assess risk factors and to estimate direct financial loss due to liver condemnation on cattle and sheep slaughtered at Bahir Dar municipal abattoir. Additionally, the sensitivity of direct sedimentation technique for the diagnosis of fasciolosis in cattle and sheep was also evaluated. Thus, of the total 768 collected fecal samples (384 cattle and 384 sheep), 121 cattle (31.5%) and 42 sheep (10.9%) were found positive. Likewise, detail postmortem examination of the livers revealed significant (X2 = 72.17; p = 0.000) difference in the number of flukes recovered from cattle (45.3%) and sheep (16.9%). Analysis of the risk factors indicated the presence of significant occurrence of ovine fasciolosis among different age groups (p = 0.038, X2 = 4.30) and between sexes (p = 0.710, X2 = 0.14). Analysis of intensity of pathological lesion in bovine livers revealed 43 (24.7%) lightly, 71 (40.8%) moderately, and 60 (34.5%) severely affected livers. Fasciola hepatica was more prevalent (69.5 and 76.9%) than Fasciola gigantica (14.4 and 13.9%), mixed infection by both flukes (6.9 and 6.2%) and unidentified immature fluke (16.0 and 9.2%) in cattle and sheep, respectively. The sensitivity and specificity of fecal examination were found to be 69.54% and 100% in cattle and 64.61% and 100% in sheep, respectively. The average financial loss per annum as a result of liver condemnation was estimated to be 198,457.80 and 3,745.76 Ethiopian Birr (11421.61 and 215.56 USD) in cattle and sheep, respectively, indicating that the disease is economically important. This study showed high prevalence of fasciolosis occurrence associated with high financial losses implying the need for control intervention.Keywords: Fasciolosis, prevalence, sheep, cattle, abattoir, economic importance, Ethiopi

Assessment of the magnitude and associated factors of immunological failure among adult and adolescent HIV-infected patients in St. Luke and Tulubolo Hospital, Oromia Region, Ethiopia

Introduction: The use of antiretroviral therapy (ART) has become a standard of care for the treatment of HIV infection. However, cost and resistance to ART are major obstacles for access to treatment especially in resource-limited settings. In this study, we aimed to assess the magnitude and associated factors of Immunological failure among adult and adolescent HIV infected Patients (with age '15yrs) on Highly Active Antiretroviral Therapy (HAART) in St. Luke and Tulu Bolo Hospitals, Oromia Region, Ethiopia. Methods: A retrospective follow-up study was conducted among HIV-infected patients initiated 1st line ART at St. Luke and Tulu Bolo Hospitals, South West Shoa Zone, Oromia, Ethiopia. Results: A total of 828 patient charts were reviewed. 477(57.6%) were female and the median age was 32 years. The median baseline CD4 count was 148cells/mm3. The most common prescribed ART was TDF based (36.7%). Out of 828 patients chart reviewed 6.8% (56) were developed immunological failure. Out of them only 20 (2.4%) were detected and put on second line regimen. The incidence of immunological failure was 1.8 cases per 100 person years of follow-up. Patients who had not disclosed their HIV status to any one had high risk of immunological failure compared with patients those who had disclosed their HIV status (AHR, 0.429; 95% CI 0.206 - 0.893; P-value=0.024). Conclusion: Non disclosures of HIV status and with ambulatory of baseline functional status were found to be predictors of immunological failure. Most of the immunological failure cases were not detected early and not switched to second line ARV regimen. So patients with the above risk factors should be considered for a timely switch to second line HAART

Inactive alleles of cytochrome P450 2C19 may be positively selected in human evolution Genome evolution and evolutionary systems biology

© 2014 Janha et al.; licensee BioMed Central Ltd.Background: Cytochrome P450 CYP2C19 metabolizes a wide range of pharmacologically active substances and a relatively small number of naturally occurring environmental toxins. Poor activity alleles of CYP2C19 are very frequent worldwide, particularly in Asia, raising the possibility that reduced metabolism could be advantageous in some circumstances. The evolutionary selective forces acting on this gene have not previously been investigated. We analyzed CYP2C19 genetic markers from 127 Gambians and on 120 chromosomes from Yoruba, Europeans and Asians (Japanese + Han Chinese) in the Hapmap database. Haplotype breakdown was explored using bifurcation plots and relative extended haplotype homozygosity (REHH). Allele frequency differentiation across populations was estimated using the fixation index (FST) and haplotype diversity with coalescent models. Results: Bifurcation plots suggested conservation of alleles conferring slow metabolism (CYP2C19∗2 and ∗3). REHH was high around CYP2C19∗2 in Yoruba (REHH 8.3, at 133.3 kb from the core) and to a lesser extent in Europeans (3.5, at 37.7 kb) and Asians (2.8, at -29.7 kb). FST at the CYP2C19 locus was low overall (0.098). CYP2C19∗3 was an FST outlier in Asians (0.293), CYP2C19 haplotype diversity ST is low at the CYP2C19 locus, suggesting balancing selection overall. The biological factors responsible for these selective pressures are currently unknown. One possible explanation is that early humans were exposed to a ubiquitous novel toxin activated by CYP2C19. The genetic adaptation took place within the last 10,000 years which coincides with the development of systematic agricultural practices.This work was supported by the Medical Research Council Unit The Gambia and the European and Developing Countries Clinical Trials Partnership [grant number CG_ta_05_40204_018]

Phytochemical studies of Melilotus officinalis

GC-MS analysis of the n-hexane extract of Melilotus officinalis seeds revealed twelve compounds with a combined area percentage of 98.33% predominantly, (9Z,12Z)-octadecadienoic acid (20.22%, 366 ppm), 14-methylpentadecanoic acid (19.52%, 353 ppm) and (9E)-octadecenoic acid (15.94%, 289 ppm). Two compounds, namely, cis-coumaric acid-2-O-β-D-glucopyranoside (cis-melilotoside, 1) and 1,2-benzopyrone (coumarin, 2), were isolated from the MeOH extract of the seeds of M. officinalis. The structures of isolated compounds were determined by spectroscopic techniques such as NMR, UV-Vis, and FTIR. The MeOH extract of M. Officinalis was also tested for its antioxidant activity using DPPH assay. The extract showed 29.87% DPPH inhibition at concentration of 100 μg/mL.                     KEY WORDS: Melilotus officinalis, Fatty acid methyl esters, Esterification, GC-MS, DPPH radical scavenging assay, Antioxidant activity   Bull. Chem. Soc. Ethiop. 2021, 35(1), 141-150. DOI: https://dx.doi.org/10.4314/bcse.v35i1.1

Determination of Local Barley (Hordeum Vulgare) Crop Coefficient and Comparative Assessment of Water Productivity for Crops Grown Under the Present Pond Water in Tigray, Northern Ethiopia

An experiment was carried out in 2010 at Mekelle, in northern Ethiopia, to measure the evapotranspiration, to estimate barley crop coefficient (kc), and to evaluate the water productivity taking into account the major crops grown under the present pond irrigation system. Four locally made lysimters were installed in the middle of barley field to measure barley evapotranspiration. The single crop coefficient approach was used to estimate barley crop coefficient. The average seasonal evapotranspiration of barley was 375 mm which is similar to many other cereal crops in the region. The single crop coefficient values for early, vegetative, mid and late crop stages were 0.6 – 0.8, 0.6 – 1.0; 1.0 – 1.05 and 0.3 - 0.4 respectively. The result showed that these crop coefficient values obtained in this experiment were similar to the crop coefficient values obtained in the past except for kc initial. Therefore, the assumption that local barley crop coefficient values differ from that of the documented values was incorrect. Furthermore, the major reason for mismanagement of irrigation water in barley fields was not due to use of wrong crop coefficient values but could be due to inadequate irrigation technical skill and knowledge of the farmer. The average economic water productivity (EWP) of barley for the very wet, wet, normal, dry and very dry seasons scenario were 0.99, 0.7, 0.65, 0.57, and 0.44 USD m-3, respectively, whereas the corresponding crop water productivity (CWP) values for grain were 1.53, 1.08, 1.0, 0.88 and 0.68 kg m-3, respectively. The EWP and CWP of barley were compared with onion and tomato under pond water irrigation at the five climatic scenarios. The crop water productivity for tomato and onion were 85 – 87% and 76 – 78% higher than that of barley, respectively. The corresponding economic water productivity for tomato and onion were 87 – 89% and 81 – 82% higher than that of barley, respectively. We concluded that growing tomato and onion would bring more income or yield per m3 of pond water supplied than growing barley. The implication is that as supply and demand determines the price of products, farmers and extension workers need to balance the crop area coverage per irrigation scheme so that undesirable price falls and rises could be avoided. Evaluation of crops based on their water productivity would improve the productivity of irrigation schemes and ultimately improve food security in the arid and semi-arid areas where water scarcity is critical problem and irrigation is a necessity for crop production. Key Words: Barley, Evapotranspiration, Crop coefficient, Water productivity

Using participatory action research to pilot a model of service user and caregiver involvement in mental health system strengthening in Ethiopian primary healthcare:a case study

BACKGROUND: Little is known about actual involvement or how to achieve service user and caregiver in mental health systems strengthening in low-and middle-income countries. This study describes the processes and explores involvement experiences of participants in a pilot study of a new model of service user involvement in mental health system strengthening in a rural district in southern Ethiopia.METHODS: We applied a case study design using participatory action research (PAR). The PAR process comprised of three stages, each with iterative activities of plan, act, observe and reflect. Two stakeholder groups, a Research Advisory Group (RAG) and Research Participant Group (RPG), were established and collaborated in the PAR process. Data collection involved process documentation of meetings and activities: attendances, workshop minutes, discussion outputs, reflective notes, participatory observation of sessions, and in-depth interviews with 12 RPG members. We analyzed the process data descriptively. Thematic analysis was used for qualitative data. Triangulation and synthesis of findings was carried out to develop the case study.RESULTS: The stakeholder groups identified their top research priorities, developed an intervention and action plan and made a public presentation of preliminary findings. Key mechanisms used for inclusive participation included capacity building and bringing together diverse stakeholders, anchoring the study in established strong community involvement structures, and making use of participatory strategies and activities during the PAR process. Four themes were developed about experiences of involvement in PAR: (i) expectations and motivation, (ii) experiences of the dynamics of the PAR process, (iii) perceived impacts of involvement in the PAR process, and (iv) implementation challenges and future directions.CONCLUSIONS: This case study demonstrated the feasibility and acceptability of implementing a complex model of service-user involvement in mental health system strengthening in a resource constrained setting. More needs to be done to embed service-user involvement into routines of the primary healthcare system, alongside sustained support and strengthening multi-stakeholder collaboration at multiple levels

Reduction of rhenium (V) oxo Schiff Base Complexes with triphenyl phosphine ligands

Abstract only availableOne approach to the treatment of cancer is to direct beta-emitting radionuclide to the cancer site where the radiation destroys the cancer cells. This can be achieved by coordinating the radioisotope in a very stable environment and linking it to a specific biological targeting molecule, which interacts specifically with particular cancer cells. It is necessary to have extremely stable in vivo radionuclide complexes so that limited amounts of radiation are released to other parts of the body before the radionuclide can reach the cancer cells. Isotopes of radioactive Rhenium are characteristic of such a nuclide. Our emphasis was to obtain a Rhenium (III) metal ligand complex since the lower oxidation state is more kinetically inert relative to Rhenium (V). The method employed was to first produce the ReV-ligand complex, [ReVOCl(Sal2phen)], by reacting a 1:2 molar ratio of TBA[ReVIIOCl4] to Sal2phen. Next, [ReVOCl(Sal2phen)] was reacted with three equivalents of triphenylphosphine to determine whether a mono-substituted ReV complex or a di-substituted ReIII complex was formed. After purifying the product by solvent extraction, the coordinated complex was reacted with ammonium hexaflurophoshate, NH4PF6, to induce crystallization of the target compound, [ReIII(PPh3)2(Sal2phen)][PF6]. Preliminary 1H NMR, and FT-IT spectra suggest formation of trans-[ReIII(PPh3)2(sal2phen)]PF6. The Re=O stretch at 951.36 cm-1 observed for [ReOCl(sal2phen)] in the IR spectrum is missing from our product, implying the Re (III) product has been formed.Stevens' Chemistry Progra

Developing a Theory of Change model of service user and caregiver involvement in mental health system strengthening in primary health care in rural Ethiopia

Background: The involvement of service users and caregivers is recommended as a strategy to strengthen health systems and scale up quality mental healthcare equitably, particularly in low-and-middle-income countries. Service user and caregiver involvement is complex, and its meaningful implementation seems to be a worldwide challenge. Theory of Change (ToC) has been recommended to guide the development, implementation and evaluation of such complex interventions. This paper aims to describe a ToC model for service user and caregiver involvement in a primary mental health care in rural Ethiopia. Methods: The ToC was developed in two workshops conducted in (i) Addis Ababa with purposively selected psychiatrists (n = 4) and multidisciplinary researchers (n = 3), and (ii) a rural district in south-central Ethiopia (Sodo), with community stakeholders (n = 24). Information from the workshops (provisional ToC maps, minutes, audio recordings), and inputs from a previous qualitative study were triangulated to develop the detailed ToC map. This ToC map was further refined with written feedback and further consultative meetings with the research team (n = 6) and community stakeholders (n = 35). Results: The experiential knowledge and professional expertise of ToC participants combined to produce a ToC map that incorporated key components (community, health organisation, service user and caregiver), necessary interventions, preconditions, assumptions and indicators towards the long-term outcomes. The participatory nature of ToC by itself raised awareness of the possibilities for servicer user and caregiver involvement, promoted co-working and stimulated immediate commitments to mobilise support for a grass roots service user organization. Conclusions: The ToC workshops provided an opportunity to co-produce a ToC for service user and caregiver involvement in mental health system strengthening linked to the planned model for scale-up of mental health care in Ethiopia. The next steps will be to pilot a multi-faceted intervention based on the ToC and link locally generated evidence to published evidence and theories to refine the ToC for broader transferability to other mental health settings

Reduction of rheniumV oxo Schiff base complexes with triethylphosphine

Abstract only availablePioneering techniques for therapeutic treatment of cancers involve targeting cancer sites with strong beta-emitting radionuclides, thereby destroying the cancer cells. This is achieved by coordinating the radioisotope to a very chemically stable environment and linking it to a specific biologically active targeting molecule, which interacts with particular cancer cells. Radioactive isotopes of rhenium possess characteristics of such a nuclide. The focus of our research is to investigate two possible pathways for the reaction of [ReOX(Schiff base)] with phosphine ligands, one a mono-substituted ReV complex and one a di-substituted ReIII complex. The preferred ReIII complex is lower in oxidation state and more kinetically inert or stable relative to ReV. For practical applications it is necessary to have an extremely stable in vivo radionuclide complex which can be conjugated to a suitable biological targeting agent. The rigid sal2phen ligand, where Sal2phen is a tetradentate Schiff base ligand, was investigated to determine if the ReIII could be synthesized from the ReV starting complex [ReVOCl(Sal2phen)]. [ReVOCl(Sal2phen)] was reacted with triethylphosphine (PEt3) in attempts to yield the ReIII complex trans-[ReIII(PEt3)2(Sal2phen)][X]. Previous work indicated that the strongly reducing and strongly nucleophilic PEt3 might yield the ReV product from [ReVOCl(Sal2phen)]. The synthesized coordinated complex was reacted with an quaternary ammonium salt, ammonium hexaflurophosphate (NH4PF6), to induce crystallization of target compound [ReIII(PEt3)2(Sal2phen)][PF6]. Preliminary 1H-NMR, 31P-NMR, and infrared spectroscopy spectra indicate the formation of cis-[ReVO(PPh3)(Sal2phen)][X]. FTIR shows the presence of the Rhenium oxo group; 31P-NMR and 1H-NMR indicate the presence of ReV and a 1:1 PEt3 : Sal2phen complex. Single crystal x-ray diffraction, mass spectroscopy, and elemental analysis are additional methods of characterization.NSF-REU/NIH Program in Radiochemistr

Imaging findings and management of paediatric pulmonary hydatidiosis in an Ethiopian Referral Hospital

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