Seroprevalence and associated risk factors of equine herpesvirus type-1/-4 in selected districts of Northwest Amhara, Ethiopia.

This study aimed to estimate the prevalence, determine the distribution, and identify the epidemiological risk factors of EHV-1/-4 infections in selected districts of Northwest Amhara Region. 460 serum samples were collected from equines using multistage cluster sampling technique, and a competitive Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (cELISA) was performed. Various risk factors for the occurrence of EHV-1/-4 were considered. Statistical analysis was performed using R version 4.3.1. 65.9% (303) equids were tested positive for antibodies against EHV-1/-4. Based on district, the highest prevalence was recorded in Wogera (86.1%), while the lowest was in Debark (47.4%). There was a significant difference (p <0.05; 95% CI: 1.1067993-3.682843) in the prevalence of EHV-1/-4 among species and donkeys are 2.019 times more likely to get an EHV infection than horses. The prevalence of EHV-1/-4 was highest in equids with the age of 3-8 years and lowest in < 3 years, and the difference was statistically significant (p <0.05; 95% CI: 1.9812042-6.771820). Statistically significant variation (p <0.05; 95% CI: 1.1173822-2.684013) was also observed between sex of equids in which females had 1.73 times higher chance to get EHV infection than males. Higher prevalence was found in lactating equids (81.6%), followed by pregnant equids (74.6%), and dry equids (66.4%). Generally, this study indicated a high and wide distribution of EHV-1/-4 infection in the study area, which needs due attention. Devising strategies to prevent and minimize the spread and occurrence of the infection is crucial.

Prevalence of Lameness in Dairy Cows and Associated Risk Factors at Hawassa Town Dairy Farms, Ethiopia.

Lameness is one of the greatest constraints on the productivity, health, and welfare of dairy cattle. A cross-sectional study was carried out from March 2021 to September 2021 in Hawassa town with the aim of assessing the prevalence and identifying the associated risk factors of lameness in dairy farms. The study was conducted on 440 animals belonging to 19 randomly selected intensive dairy farms. Data regarding lameness and its possible risk factors were collected both at animal and farm level using a questionnaire. The results showed that the overall prevalence of lameness was 10.2% (n = 45/440). The association of lameness prevalence with various risk factors including milking status, exercise, age, parity, milk yield, and lactation stage was statistically tested using logistic regression model. There was a significant variation in the prevalence of lameness (P < 0.05) between cattle with different milking status, age, parity, milk yield, and stage of lactation by the univariable analysis result. According to the multivariable analysis, only milk yield and lactation stage were statistically associated with the occurrence of lameness. Milking animals (8%) had higher prevalence of lameness than nonmilking (2.2%). The occurrence of lameness increased with milk yield. The highest prevalence of lameness was recorded in the early stage of lactation. Lameness was more frequent in hind limbs (6.6%) than in forelimbs (3.6%). The main causes of lameness observed in this study were both claw overgrowth 10 (2.3%), unequal claw size 10 (2.3%), solar ulcer 8 (1.8%), interdigital necrobacillosis 2 (0.5%), interdigital hyperplasia 2 (0.5%), and digital dermatitis 1 (0.2%). There was no means of early lameness diagnosis in 94.7% of farms. Lameness was found to be an important disease in dairy cows at Hawassa town. Prevention and early diagnosis leading to prompt treatment of lameness in cows should be part of dairy farm management practice.

Proteomics and Its Current Application in Biomedical Area: Concise Review.

Biomedical researchers tirelessly seek cutting-edge technologies to advance disease diagnosis, drug discovery, and therapeutic interventions, all aimed at enhancing human and animal well-being. Within this realm, proteomics stands out as a pivotal technology, focusing on extensive studies of protein composition, structure, function, and interactions. Proteomics, with its subdivisions of expression, structural, and functional proteomics, plays a crucial role in unraveling the complexities of biological systems. Various sophisticated techniques are employed in proteomics, including polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis, mass spectrometry analysis, NMR spectroscopy, protein microarray, X-ray crystallography, and Edman sequencing. These methods collectively contribute to the comprehensive understanding of proteins and their roles in health and disease. In the biomedical field, proteomics finds widespread application in cancer research and diagnosis, stem cell studies, and the diagnosis and research of both infectious and noninfectious diseases. In addition, it plays a pivotal role in drug discovery and the emerging frontier of personalized medicine. The versatility of proteomics allows researchers to delve into the intricacies of molecular mechanisms, paving the way for innovative therapeutic approaches. As infectious and noninfectious diseases continue to emerge and the field of biomedical research expands, the significance of proteomics becomes increasingly evident. Keeping abreast of the latest developments in proteomics applications becomes paramount for the development of therapeutics, translational research, and study of diverse diseases. This review aims to provide a comprehensive overview of proteomics, offering a concise outline of its current applications in the biomedical domain. By doing so, it seeks to contribute to the understanding and advancement of proteomics, emphasizing its pivotal role in shaping the future of biomedical research and therapeutic interventions.

Knowledge, Attitude, and Practices on Food Safety among Food Handlers Working in Public Food Service Establishments in Lemi Kura Subcity, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.

Foodborne diseases, resulting from poor food handling and sanitation practices, are common public health problems globally. The primary contributing factors to potential foodborne disease outbreaks are often attributed to the poor perception and practices of food handlers regarding food safety. This study is aimed at assessing the knowledge, attitude, and practices of food handlers working in public food service establishments in Lemi Kura subcity, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. A cross-sectional study was conducted from December 2022 to September 2023, involving 400 food handlers from 20 randomly selected public food service establishments. Data were collected using a structured interview-administered questionnaire and an observational checklist. The collected data were entered into Microsoft Excel and then transferred to SPSS version 20 for analysis. Descriptive statistics were employed to summarize the data, and Pearson's chi-square test was used to evaluate the association of sociodemographic factors with the knowledge, attitude, and practices of food handlers towards food safety. Of the 400 food handlers, 65.5% had good knowledge about food safety. All food handlers were knowledgeable that washing hand before handling food will reduce risk of poisoning, bacteria are the main cause of food poisoning, and temperature plays a big role in bacterial growth. This study also revealed that 65.3% of the food handlers had good attitude towards food safety and 55.3% of food handlers had good food handling practice. Based on the observation, 38.5% of food handlers had good food handling practice. Taking training, age, and work experience of food handlers have statistically significant (P < 0.05) association with good attitude towards food safety. Additionally, taking training, educational level, employment, and work experience of food handlers have statistically significant (P < 0.05) association with good practice towards food safety. However, there was no statistically significant association between all sociodemographic factors and knowledge about food safety. Good knowledge and attitude were also associated with good food handling practices of the respondents. Based on the observation, there was a statistically significant association between employment status and good food handling practice. In conclusion, the findings suggest the necessity for implementing formal educational and training programs aimed at positively influencing the knowledge and attitude of food handlers, subsequently improving their food handling practices.

Genetic Variability for Micronutrient Content and Tuber Yield Traits among Biofortified Potato (Solanum tuberosum L.) Clones in Ethiopia.

Malnutrition is one of the global issues of public health concern, and iron and zinc deficiencies are at the top of the list. Iron deficiency affects more than 2 billion people in the world and is a major cause of anemia. Potato has the potential to be an important source of iron and zinc. This study assessed the nature and magnitude of genetic variability in Fe and Zn concentrations, tuber yield, and quality traits among biofortified tetraploid potato clones and their relationships through correlation and path analysis. A total of 45 potato genotypes, including the variety Gudanie, were grown in field trials in a 9 × 5 alpha lattice design with three replications. Significant differences in mineral, tuber quality, and yield traits were observed among the genotypes, and high broad-sense heritability was obtained for most traits, suggesting that progress through breeding can be achieved. However, negative correlations and direct effects on most of the traits with Fe and Zn contents are found both at genotypic and phenotypic levels. Therefore, attaining simultaneous genetic gain for yield and enhanced Fe and Zn concentrations will be challenging. Cluster analysis assembled them into five groups. Cluster II contained the most prominent genotypes, having better mean values compared to all other genotypes for micronutrient traits, viz., Fe (23.80 mg kg-1) and Zn (17.07 mg kg-1). The results of this study confirm the presence of sufficient genetic variation for iron and zinc mineral concentration and the possibility to make significant progress through breeding.

Plant species diversity, plant use, and classification of agroforestry homegardens in southern and southwestern Ethiopia.

The attainment of ever more sustainable agricultural production and reconciling agriculture with conservation are the main challenges that human beings are confronted with head-on in the future. Through expanding and enhancing agroforestry homegardens at the agricultural landscape level, biodiversity can be increased and maintained while addressing several utility values, ensuring both ecological and socioeconomic sustainability. This study was conducted in agroforestry homegardens of southern and southwestern Ethiopia, to examine plant species richness and other diversity indices, plant use, and classify and identify different types of homegardens based on their species composition and abundance. In total, 93 homegarden owners participated in the study. Two hundred and six (mean 15.44 per homegarden) different plant species (excluding weeds) that belonged to 161 genera and 66 plant families were identified across the studied sites. Fifteen species (about 7.28% of all species recorded) are endemic and threatened to Ethiopia. The overall mean plant species richness per agroforestry homegardens, mean individual density and other diversity parameters varied strongly among sites (P < 0.05). In all of the agroforestry homegardens, roots, and tubers food producing plant species tended to be more dominant (based on summed dominance ratio, SDR) than other species, except the cereal crops barley and maize. Based on cluster analysis, four groups of agroforestry homegardens were identified including, 'small-sized, low plant diversity, barley-potato-enset-apple homegardens (Cluster-1)'; 'intermediate-sized, taro-enset-coffee homegardens (Cluster-2)'; 'large-sized, maize-taro-sweet potato-teff-enset homegardens (Cluster-3)'; and 'small-sized, high plant diversity with mixed-use category homegardens (Cluster-4)'. The results also indicate that agroforestry homegardens as ecological niches are valuable for the conservation and maintenance of biological diversity both for crop genetic as well as forest tree resources, including harboring of endemic and threatened species in those human-dominated landscapes.

Marek's disease in chicken farms from Northwest Ethiopia: gross pathology, virus isolation, and molecular characterization.

Marek's disease virus (MDV) is a highly contagious, immunosuppressive, and oncogenic chicken pathogen causing marek's disease (MD). In this outbreak-based study, 70 dual-purpose chickens that originated from poultry farms in Northwest Ethiopia and suspected of MD were sampled for pathological and virological study from January 2020 to June 2020. Clinically, affected chickens showed inappetence, dyspnea, depression, shrunken combs, and paralysis of legs, wings, and neck, and death. Pathologically, single or multiple greyish white to yellow tumor-like nodular lesions of various size were appreciated in visceral organs. In addition, splenomegaly, hepatomegaly, renomegaly, and sciatic nerve enlargement were observed. Twenty-seven (27) pooled clinical samples i.e. 7 pooled spleen samples and 20 pooled feathers samples were aseptically collected. Confluent monolayer of Chicken Embryo Fibroblast cells was inoculated with a suspension of pathological samples. Of this, MDV-suggestive cytopathic effects were recorded in 5 (71.42%) and 17 (85%) pooled spleen and feather samples respectively. Molecular confirmation of pathogenic MDV was conducted using conventional PCR amplifying 318 bp of ICP4 gene of MDV-1, of which, 40.9% (9/22) tested positive. In addition, 5 PCR-positive samples from various farms were sequenced further confirming the identity of MDV. The ICP4 partial gene sequences were submitted to GenBank with the following accession numbers: OP485106, OP485107, OP485108, OP485109, and OP485110. Comparative phylogenetics showed, two of the isolates from the same site, Metema, seem to be clonal complexes forming distinct cluster. The other three isolates, two from Merawi and one from Debretabor, appear to represent distinct genotypes although the isolate from Debretabor is closer to the Metema clonal complex. On the other hand, the isolates from Merawi appeared genetically far related to the rest of the 3 isolates and clustered with Indian MDV strains included in the analysis. This study presented the first molecular evidence of MDV in chicken farms from Northwest Ethiopia. Biosecurity measures should strictly be implemented to hinder the spread of the virus. Nationwide studies on molecular characteristics of MDV isolates, their pathotypes, and estimation of the economic impact associated with the disease may help justify production and use of MD vaccines within the country.

Clinical profile and outcomes of trauma patients visiting the emergency department of a trauma center Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.

Introduction: The term traumatic injury refers to physical injuries that present quickly and with a great deal of severity. These injuries can result from blunt, penetrating, and other causes. The best patients' outcomes are achieved when all parts of a trauma care system are in place. In low-resource settings, these facilities are scarce and their requirements high. Identifying patient profiles and evaluating these in relation to patient outcomes will help to guide interventions and monitor progress. Methods: This study aimed to examine the clinical profile and outcomes of trauma patients at ALERT Hospital, Ethiopia's busiest national trauma center. A retrospective cross-sectional chart review of 362 patients admitted from January 2019 to December 2019 at Alert Hospital trauma and emergency department was conducted. Results: The male-to-female ratio was 2.5:1, with trauma more prevalent among those in the age group of 24-33. Comparatively more injuries 98 (27.1%) occur between 8 and 6 a.m. and 90 (24.9%) of patients were transported by ambulance to the hospital. Among patients referred to the hospital, 247 (68.2%) patients received pre-hospital treatment. Interpersonal Violence (IPV) accounts for 31.8% of all accidents, followed by Road Traffic Accidents (RTA), which account for 30.7%. The Kampala Trauma Severity score (KTS) II showed mild trauma (82.3%), moderate trauma (11%), and severe trauma account (6.6%). A total of 44.2% of the victims suffered soft tissue injuries and 24% suffered extremity fractures, with 11.3% sustaining polytrauma. The mortality rate was 3.6%, with RTA, head injury, polytrauma, the severity of the injury, and patients with CPR were statistically associated factors. Discussion: IPV and RTA were the two most frequent causes of injuries, with most trauma victims being young. A great deal of emphasis needs to be given to preventing injury and improving prehospital emergency services.

Assessment of the Effects of the COVID-19 Lockdown on Trauma at AaBET Hospital in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.

Introduction: A novel coronavirus disease (COVID-19) broke out in Wuhan, Hubei Province, China, in December 2019 that continues to pose major challenges to trauma care around the world. The objective of this study was to assess the effects of COVID-19 on the pattern of traumatic injuries and outcomes. Methodology: This retrospective, descriptive study was conducted over a three-month period at Addis Ababa Burn Emergency and Trauma (AaBET) Hospital, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. It compared pre- and post-COVID-19 data from the hospital registry and reports. Specifically, data from March through May, 2019 (pre-COVID-19) were compared to data from March through May, 2020 (during COVID-19). The data were analyzed using SPSS 20.0. Descriptive analyses of the variables are reported as numbers and percentages. Results: There were a total of 5179 emergency visits during the study period, of which 2763 were trauma cases (53.4%). Among trauma cases, 1441 (52.1%) were attributable to road traffic injuries. During the COVID-19 period, 1901 patients were admitted, of which 1412 (74.3%) were trauma cases. Of the trauma cases during the COVID-19 period, 476 (33.7%) were attributable to road traffic injuries. There was a 42% decrease in emergency visits during the COVID-19 period. Although there was a 4.5% rise in trauma cases during the COVID-19, traffic injury-related trauma cases decreased by 50.7% during the same period. A significant increase in non-road traffic injury was noted during the lockdown period. These include interpersonal and domestic violence, and significant decreases were noted in multiple site injuries. Further, admissions were significantly decreased. Conclusion: During the period of lockdown, there was a significant decrease in road traffic injuries in AaBET hospital and an increase in non-road traffic injuries. Implementation of preventive measures will decrease road-traffic injury burden.

Review on Epidemiology and Public Health Significance of Hydatidosis.

Hydatidosis is a zoonotic parasitic disease caused by larval stages (hydatid cysts) of cestodes belonging to the genus Echinococcus and the family Taeniidae. Hydatid cyst, which is the larval stage of Echinococcus, is a bladder-like cyst formed in various organs and tissues following the growth of the oncospheres of an Echninoccus tape worm in that specific organ or tissue. The epidemiology and control of hydatidosis is often considered to be a veterinary matter since the disease can be regulated by controlling parasites in animals. However, collaboration between veterinarians and public health workers is essential for the successful control of hydotidosis. Therefore, the objective of this paper was to review The epidemiology, economic and public health importance of hydatidosis. The developmental stage of Echinococcus is that eggs develop to oncospheres, this oncospheres develop to hydatid cyst in the intermediate host and the hydatid cyst if consumed by final host develops to the adult Echinococcus. Human echinococcosis is a zoonotic infection caused by the tape worm of the genus Echinococcus. Echinococcus granucosus granulosis cause cystic echinococcosis (CE), Echinococcus multilocularis cause alveolar echinoloccosis (AE), and Echinococcus vogeli and Echinococcus oligarthus cause polycystic echinococcosis (PE). From these Echinococcus mulitilocularis is rare but is the most virulent, Echinococcus vegeli and Echinococcus oligarthus are the rarest. Hydatidosis is a zoonotic cosmopolitan parasitic disease found in almost all countries of the world. This disease causes a significant economic loss directly by causing organ or carcass condemnation and indirectly by affecting human and animal health which increase the cost for diagnosis, treatment and control of the disease. Public awareness creation about the transmission and control of the disease and its public health significance and collaboration between veterinarians and public health workers in the prevention and control of the disease is mandatory.