Levels of organochlorine pesticides in five species of fish from Lake Ziway, Ethiopia

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Organochlorine pesticides and polychlorinated biphenyls in carnivorous waterbird and fish species from Lake Hawassa, Ethiopia

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Organochlorine pesticides and polychlorinated biphenyls in carnivorous waterbird species from Lake Ziway, Ethiopia

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Magnitude of preterm birth and associated factors Among mothers who gave birth in Debre Berhan comprehensive specialized hospital

BackgroundPremature deliveries are a major public health issue, with high health, economic, and productivity costs associated with lengthy hospitalizations in neonatal critical care units. The goal of this study was to determine the number of premature births in Ethiopia's Debre Berhan Comprehensive Specialized Hospital and the factors that influence them.MethodsThe Debre Berhan Comprehensive Specialized Hospital conducted an institution-based cross-sectional study between February and April 2020. A total of 325 study participants were selected using systematic random sampling. Face-to-face interviews using a pre-tested semi-structured questionnaire were used to collect data. For data entry and analysis, Epi data version 3.1 and SPSS version 20 were used. At a P-value of 0.2, bivariate logistic regression analysis was used to categorize candidate variables to the next level, and variables in multivariate logistic regression models with a p-value of 0.05 were considered statistically significant.ResultPreterm births accounted for 16.1% of all births at Debre Berhan Comprehensive Specialized Hospital. Cesarean section [AOR = 2.412; 95% CI (1.154, 5.0370)], twin pregnancy [AOR = 3.524; 95% CI (1.114, 11.150)], and maternal anemia during pregnancy [AOR = 3.124; 95% CI (1.417, 6.887)] were statistically significant associations with the outcome variable in the final logistic regression model.Conclusion and recommendationPreterm birth was found to be greater in the study area than in the Global Action Report for Sub-Saharan Africa and a few other countries. Efforts should be made to prevent maternal health issues that lead to caesarean section, and all pregnant mothers should be supplemented with iron and folic acid as soon as feasible. This study suggests that there is still a gap in the field in terms of health service intervention

The global burden of adolescent and young adult cancer in 2019 : a systematic analysis for the Global Burden of Disease Study 2019

Background In estimating the global burden of cancer, adolescents and young adults with cancer are often overlooked, despite being a distinct subgroup with unique epidemiology, clinical care needs, and societal impact. Comprehensive estimates of the global cancer burden in adolescents and young adults (aged 15-39 years) are lacking. To address this gap, we analysed results from the Global Burden of Diseases, Injuries, and Risk Factors Study (GBD) 2019, with a focus on the outcome of disability-adjusted life-years (DALYs), to inform global cancer control measures in adolescents and young adults. Methods Using the GBD 2019 methodology, international mortality data were collected from vital registration systems, verbal autopsies, and population-based cancer registry inputs modelled with mortality-to-incidence ratios (MIRs). Incidence was computed with mortality estimates and corresponding MIRs. Prevalence estimates were calculated using modelled survival and multiplied by disability weights to obtain years lived with disability (YLDs). Years of life lost (YLLs) were calculated as age-specific cancer deaths multiplied by the standard life expectancy at the age of death. The main outcome was DALYs (the sum of YLLs and YLDs). Estimates were presented globally and by Socio-demographic Index (SDI) quintiles (countries ranked and divided into five equal SDI groups), and all estimates were presented with corresponding 95% uncertainty intervals (UIs). For this analysis, we used the age range of 15-39 years to define adolescents and young adults. Findings There were 1.19 million (95% UI 1.11-1.28) incident cancer cases and 396 000 (370 000-425 000) deaths due to cancer among people aged 15-39 years worldwide in 2019. The highest age-standardised incidence rates occurred in high SDI (59.6 [54.5-65.7] per 100 000 person-years) and high-middle SDI countries (53.2 [48.8-57.9] per 100 000 person-years), while the highest age-standardised mortality rates were in low-middle SDI (14.2 [12.9-15.6] per 100 000 person-years) and middle SDI (13.6 [12.6-14.8] per 100 000 person-years) countries. In 2019, adolescent and young adult cancers contributed 23.5 million (21.9-25.2) DALYs to the global burden of disease, of which 2.7% (1.9-3.6) came from YLDs and 97.3% (96.4-98.1) from YLLs. Cancer was the fourth leading cause of death and tenth leading cause of DALYs in adolescents and young adults globally. Interpretation Adolescent and young adult cancers contributed substantially to the overall adolescent and young adult disease burden globally in 2019. These results provide new insights into the distribution and magnitude of the adolescent and young adult cancer burden around the world. With notable differences observed across SDI settings, these estimates can inform global and country-level cancer control efforts. Copyright (C) 2021 The Author(s). Published by Elsevier Ltd.Peer reviewe

The global burden of cancer attributable to risk factors, 2010-19 : a systematic analysis for the Global Burden of Disease Study 2019

Background Understanding the magnitude of cancer burden attributable to potentially modifiable risk factors is crucial for development of effective prevention and mitigation strategies. We analysed results from the Global Burden of Diseases, Injuries, and Risk Factors Study (GBD) 2019 to inform cancer control planning efforts globally. Methods The GBD 2019 comparative risk assessment framework was used to estimate cancer burden attributable to behavioural, environmental and occupational, and metabolic risk factors. A total of 82 risk-outcome pairs were included on the basis of the World Cancer Research Fund criteria. Estimated cancer deaths and disability-adjusted life-years (DALYs) in 2019 and change in these measures between 2010 and 2019 are presented. Findings Globally, in 2019, the risk factors included in this analysis accounted for 4.45 million (95% uncertainty interval 4.01-4.94) deaths and 105 million (95.0-116) DALYs for both sexes combined, representing 44.4% (41.3-48.4) of all cancer deaths and 42.0% (39.1-45.6) of all DALYs. There were 2.88 million (2.60-3.18) risk-attributable cancer deaths in males (50.6% [47.8-54.1] of all male cancer deaths) and 1.58 million (1.36-1.84) risk-attributable cancer deaths in females (36.3% [32.5-41.3] of all female cancer deaths). The leading risk factors at the most detailed level globally for risk-attributable cancer deaths and DALYs in 2019 for both sexes combined were smoking, followed by alcohol use and high BMI. Risk-attributable cancer burden varied by world region and Socio-demographic Index (SDI), with smoking, unsafe sex, and alcohol use being the three leading risk factors for risk-attributable cancer DALYs in low SDI locations in 2019, whereas DALYs in high SDI locations mirrored the top three global risk factor rankings. From 2010 to 2019, global risk-attributable cancer deaths increased by 20.4% (12.6-28.4) and DALYs by 16.8% (8.8-25.0), with the greatest percentage increase in metabolic risks (34.7% [27.9-42.8] and 33.3% [25.8-42.0]). Interpretation The leading risk factors contributing to global cancer burden in 2019 were behavioural, whereas metabolic risk factors saw the largest increases between 2010 and 2019. Reducing exposure to these modifiable risk factors would decrease cancer mortality and DALY rates worldwide, and policies should be tailored appropriately to local cancer risk factor burden. Copyright (C) 2022 The Author(s). Published by Elsevier Ltd. This is an Open Access article under the CC BY 4.0 license.Peer reviewe

Ecology and conservation of mountain nyala (Tragelaphus buxtoni: Lydekker 1910) in Bale Mountains National Park, Ethiopia

The study dealt with four themes of importance for conservation of T. buxtoni (hereafter MN). Firstly distance sampling technique involving transects and total count methods were employed to assess population size and dynamics of MN. The study revealed that the total population size of MN in the study area varied between 887-965 individuals at 95%CI, representing a reduction by about 48% from what was reported in 1980's and a reduction of about 74% from what was reported for 1969. However, due to contraction of its habitat, average densities of MN have increased from what was reported in 1980's. More than half (54%) of the population is represented by adults and the population has the a sex ratio of2:1 (~ : 0). The sub-population ofMN in Dinsho sanctuary is 'closed population' because no evidence was found to suggest that the D.insho sub-population is mixing with the rest. The study forecasts a continual decrease of MN population by a rate of about 2% - 5% annually if no action is taken to counteract it. No conclusive evidence was found to suggest that innate demographic traits of the·species have made significant contribution to observed decline in population size as many parameters (i.e., recruitment, rate of increase, age structure except male adult and calves group, and group size) were similar in 1983-85 and 2003-05. Secondlv, randomly laid plots along transect lines were used to describe the basic components (vegetation types) of the MN habitat range and assess how MN relates to them. Accordingly six major vegetation types were recorded in Gaysay grassland habitat; among which Hypericum bush, mixed vegetations and Artemesia bush are the most selected and hence most preferred by MN. Similar numbers of vegetation types were recorded in AdelaylDinsho woodlands; among which, montane open grassland and Hypericum woodland are the most selected and thus preferred vegetation types by MN. When all vegetation types pooled together, levels of browsing decreases significantly with increase in vegetation height; while increases with increase in patch size. However, positive correlations were observed hetween levels of browsing and vegetation hlight for Helichrisum species; while negative correlation for Artemesia and open grassland in terms of patch size. Thirdlv, the effects of livestock and humans on availability, structure and composition ofMN habitat were investigated. The result revealed that presence of livestock and humans had negatively affected vegetation structure, composition and habitat availability to MN. Moreover, presence of livestock and their signs (droppings) were negatively correlated with presence of MN and their droppings. Fourthly, structured questionnaire and interviews directed to randomly selected households in 7 villages were used to assess the attitudes, and awareness of the local communities towards conservation of the park's flora and fauna with particular emphasis on MN. About a quarter of respondents (26%) felt that they benefited while 55% felt that they experienced conflict from the park. The most important benefits identified were leasing of horses to tourist's (62%) and serving as tourist guide (44%). Significant majority (83%) of the respondents believes that there is lack of equity in benefit distribution. The main conflicts identified were resentment due to forceful relocation (84%) and livestock grazing restriction (74%). Perceived benefits and conflicts were significantly variable across livelihood strategy than proximity and duration of settlements. The majority of respondents (66%) believe that their presence in the area does not contribute to degradation of MN habitat, an attitude more commonly held among recent settlers than long-term settlers. The overall attitude of the local people towards the park appeared to be positive since, for example, 80% of respondents would support the park's conservation activities if given the chance, suggesting that there is scope to enhance cooperation and improve the-prospects for conservation of the MN and its habitat.EThOS - Electronic Theses Online ServiceGBUnited Kingdo

Impact of Livestock Encroachments and Tree Removal on Populations of Mountain Nyala and Menelik’s Bushbuck in Arsi Mountains National Park, Ethiopia

The study is aimed at investigating how livestock and human encroachments affect the population distribution and abundance of mountain nyala and Menelik’s bushbuck in Arsi Mountains National Park, Ethiopia. Across four dominant habitat types (Afro-alpine, Erica, natural forest, and mixed plantation forest) 5 × 20 (100 m2) plot was used to assess populations of the ungulates, wood harvesting, and livestock grazing through counting the fresh scats of both livestock and wild mammals and stumps of trees. There was significant negative correlation between the scat count of mountain nyala and livestock dung scat count during both dry (R=-0.518, p=0.031) and wet (R=-0.385, p=0.05) seasons. However, there was significant negative correlation between the scat count of Menelik’s bushbuck and livestock dung scat count only during dry season (R=-0.491, p=0.047). Season (wet versus dry) had significant effect on scat count of mountain nyala, Menelik’s bushbuck, and livestock. The study has clearly indicated that livestock outcompeted the endemic ungulates. Furthermore, the result of the study has indicated that tree removal reduced the wildlife habitat quality affecting the populations of wildlife. As a result, there is an urgent need for controlling the free-roaming domestic mammals, wood collection, and other human disturbances

Ecological traits predict the susceptibility of afromontane grassland bird species to livestock grazing in the Bale mountains, Ethiopia

Conversion of natural habitats to cultivation and grazing lands are among the major threats to biodiversity globally. However, different species of plants and animals respond differently to such land use change, possibly related to their species-specific ecological traits. Using available information on species-specific ecological traits of Afromontane grassland birds occurring in the Bale Mountains of Ethiopia, we predicted the susceptibility of 32 bird species to livestock grazing. We also collected data (along transects) on abundance of these species in 2014 in livestock grazed and ungrazed sites of the northern Afromontane grassland of the Bale Mountains. Using Generalized Linear Model, we then tested the effects of five species’ ecological traits (habitat preference, substrate use, dietary requirements, migratory status and body size) on the observed responses; i.e., whether species predicted to decrease in abundance in the grazed site actually decreased and vice-versa. Our findings show that most of species’ observed responses to grazing were found to concord with the predictions. However, only habitat and substrate preference traits had significant effects on the observed responses. Species preferring tall grass or shrubby vegetation as their primary habitat or foraging substrate preference were less abundant in the grazed site. This approach enables managers to identify which species are most likely to be affected by over-grazing and can be used to guide proactive management decisions. Further, this is the first study of its kind conducted in the internationally important Bale Mountains and the findings here are further transferable to many similar areas across the globe.Key words/phrases: Birds, Foraging substrate, Habitat use, Land use change, Predictive model, Species-specific traits

Short CommunicationDiet preferences of sub-species of ostrich (Struthio camelus camelus and Struthio camelus molybdophanes) at Langano Ostrich Farm, Abijata Shalla Lakes National Park, Ethiopia

This study investigated diet preferences of two sub-species of ostriches (Struthio camelus camelus and S. c. molybdophanes) at Langano Ostrich Farm during the dry and wet seasons of 2009. Observations on the food items consumed and food leftovers were recorded. Observations were made five hours a day for 40 days for the natural food items consumed by the ostriches during morning (06:00 h-10:00 h) and in the afternoon (16:00 h-18:00 h). Twenty observations at an interval of five minutes were made to determine the frequency of natural diet consumed by the ostriches. Prepared food and wheat bran were given to the ostriches for five days and the frequency of consumption was recorded for 100 minutes. Ostriches consumed various parts of eight major plant species of eight families. On an average, the leaves of succulent grass, Cenchrus ciliaris was consumed most (41%) during both seasons. The leaves of Acacia tortilis, Balanites aegyptiaca and pods of A. tortilis were the most frequently consumed plant materials. Though both sub-species preferred the succulent grass during both seasons, the frequency of consumption was higher for the blue-necked ostrich (43-49%). Wheat bran was the most preferred (93.7%) by both sub-species among the prepared food items. The ostriches also consumed mineral salt and faeces of other animals and their own. Keywords/phrases: Diet preferences, Food items, Ostriches, Plant speciesEthiop. J. Biol. Sci. 11(1): 57-64, 201