Distribution and extent of suitable habitats of Ruspoli's Turaco (Tauraco ruspolii) and White-cheeked Turaco (Tauraco leucotis) under a changing climate in Ethiopia.

BACKGROUND: Understanding the distribution pattern of species and their suitable habitat is key to focus conservation efforts. Climate change has had notable impact on the distribution and extent of suitable habitats, and the long-term survival of various species. We aim to determine the distribution and extent of suitable habitats for Tauraco ruspolii and T. leucotis in Ethiopia and predict their range in the 2050s and 2070s using MaxEnt algorithm. We used 25 and 29 rarified occurrence points for T. ruspolii and T. leucotis, respectively, and 13 environmental variables. Three regularization multipliers and two cut-off thresholds were used to map the potential suitable habitats for each species under current and future climates. Maps were assembled from these techniques to produce final composite tertiary maps and investigated the habitat suitability overlap between the two species using the UNION tool in the geographical information system. RESULT: All model run performances were highly accurate for both species. Precipitation of the driest month and vegetation cover are the most influential variables for the habitat suitability of T. ruspolii. The habitat suitability of T. leucotis is also mainly influenced by mean temperature of the driest quarter and vegetation cover. Under the current climate, the suitable habitat predicted for T. ruspolii covered about 24,639.19 km2, but its range size change shows a gain and increase by 156.00% and 142.68% in 2050 and 2070, respectively. The T. leucotis's current suitable habitat ranges about 204,397.62 km², but this is reduced by 40.84% and 68.67% in 2050 and 2070, respectively. Our modeling also showed that there was suitable habitat overlap between them at the margin of their respective habitat types in time series. CONCLUSION: We concluded that there is a direct or indirect impact of climate change on the suitable habitat range expansion for T. ruspolii and contraction for T. leucotis as well as overlapping of these turaco species in different regions of Ethiopia. Therefore, understanding the distribution of current and future suitable habitats of the two turaco species can provide valuable information to implement conservation practices for the species and the regions as well.

Potential changes in the extent of suitable habitats for geladas (Theropithecus gelada) in the Anthropocene.

BACKGROUND: Climate change coupled with other anthropogenic pressures may affect the extent of suitable habitat for species and thus their distributions. This is particularly true for species occupying high-altitude habitats such as the gelada (Theropithecus gelada) of the Ethiopian highlands. To explore the impact of climate change on species distributions, Species Distribution Modelling (SDM) has been extensively used. Here we model the current and future extent of sutibale habitat for geladas. Our modelling was based on 285 presence locations of geladas, covering their complete current distribution. We used different techniques to generate pseudoabsence datasets, MaxEnt model complexities, and cut-off thresholds to map the potential distribution of gelada under current and future climates (2050 and 2070). We assembled maps from these techniques to produce a final composite map. We also evaluated the change in the topographic features of gelada over the past 200 years by comparing the topography in current and historical settings. RESULTS: All model runs had high performances, AUC = 0.87-0.96. Under the current climate, the suitable habitat predicted with high certainty was 90,891 km2, but it decreased remarkably under future climates, -36% by 2050 and - 52% by 2070. However, since the habitats of geladas already extend to mountaintop grasslands, no remarkable range shifts across elevation gradients were predicted under future climates. CONCLUSIONS: Our findings indicated that climate change most likely results in a loss of suitable habitat for geladas, particularly south of the Rift Valley. Currently geladas are confined to higher altitudes and steep slopes compared to historical sightings, probably qualifying geladas as refugee species. The difference in topography is potentially associated with anthropogenic pressures that drove niche truncation to higher altitudes, undermining the climatic and topographic niche our models predicted. We recommend protecting the current habitats of geladas even when they are forecasted to become climatically unsuitable in the future, in particular for the population south of the Rift Valley.

Impact of climate change on the distribution and predicted habitat suitability of two fruit bats (Rousettus aegyptiacus and Epomophorus labiatus) in Ethiopia: Implications for conservation.

Fruit bats serve as crucial bioindicators, seed dispersers, pollinators, and contributors to food security within ecosystems. However, their population and distribution were threatened by climate change and anthropogenic pressures. Understanding the impacts of these pressures through mapping distribution and habitat suitability is crucial for identifying high-priority areas and implementing effective conservation and management plans. We predicted the distribution and extent of habitat suitability for Rousettus aegyptiacus and Epomophorus labiatus under climate change scenarios using average predictions from four different algorithms to produce an ensemble model. Seasonal precipitation, population index, land-use land cover, vegetation, and the mean temperature of the driest quarter majorly contributed to the predicted habitat suitability for both species. The current predicted sizes of suitable habitats for R. aegyptiacus and E. labiatus were varied, on average 60,271.4 and 85,176.1 km2, respectively. The change in species range size for R. aegyptiacus showed gains in suitable areas of 24.4% and 22.8% in 2050 and 2070, respectively. However, for E. labiatus, suitable areas decreased by 0.95% and 2% in 2050 and 2070, respectively. The range size change of suitable areas between 2050 and 2070 for R. aegyptiacus and E. labiatus shows losses of 1.5% and 1.2%, respectively. The predicted maps indicate that the midlands and highlands of southern and eastern Ethiopia harbor highly suitable areas for both species. In contrast, the areas in the northern and central highlands are fragmented. The current model findings show that climate change and anthropogenic pressures have notable impacts on the geographic ranges of two species. Moreover, the predicted suitable habitats for both species are found both within and outside of their historical ranges, which has important implications for conservation efforts. Our ensemble predictions are vital for identifying high-priority areas for fruit bat species conservation efforts and management to mitigate climate change and anthropogenic pressures.

Population structure and genetic diversity of Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) using microsatellite markers from selected water bodies in southwest Ethiopia.

BACKGROUND: The Ethiopian southwest drainage has been designated a huge potential for fishery and aquaculture development. However, the genetic diversity of Nile tilapia along the main water bodies has yet to be uncovered. Therefore, this study used microsatellite markers to assess the genetic structure and diversity of Nile cichlid (Oreochromis niloticus) populations. METHODS: One hundred and sixty-seven fish were collected from Alwero Dam, Baro River, Gilgel Gibe I Dam and Gojeb River southwest of Ethiopia. Genomic DNA was extracted from 40 tissue samples using a Qiagen DNA tissue extraction kit and genetic polymorphism was estimated using GenAlEx6.502 software. RESULTS: The result showed that four loci were polymorphic and produced 3-6 alleles per locus, while the number of effective alleles (Ne) and the number of distinct alleles (Na) were 1.370 and 2.063, respectively. Observed heterozygosity (Ho) and expected heterozygosity (He) were expanded between 0.100.50 and 0.115-0.265, respectively. Baro River population revealed the highest mean expected heterozygosity of 0.265, whereas the lowest expected mean heterozygosity of 0.115 was from the Alwero Dam. The genetic differentiation between populations (FST) resulted in a moderate to a very high degree of divergence between the populations. The Alwero Dam and Gojeb River populations were the most divergent populations (FST = 0.524), unlike those from the Alwero Dam and Baro River. The genetic variation among individuals within populations was 69%, whereas 31% appeared among populations and no variation within individuals to the overall variance. CONCLUSION: This study confirmed the presence of significant genetic variations and differentiation among populations except between Gilgel Gibe I Dam and Gojeb River. This study highlights the genetic structure and differentiation amongst wild Nile tilapia (O. niloticus) populations in south-western Ethiopia and paves the way for selective aquaculture breeding programs in the study area.

Post-operative pulmonary complications after thoracic and upper abdominal procedures at referral hospitals in Amhara region, Ethiopia: a multi-center study.

Background: Thoraco-abdominal surgery cuts through muscle, disrupting the normal structure and function of the respiratory muscles, resulting in lower lung volumes and a higher risk of developing post-operative pulmonary complications (PPC). PPC remains an important cause of post-operative morbidity and mortality and impacts the long-term outcomes of patients after hospital discharge. This study was aimed at determining the incidence and factors associated with postoperative pulmonary complications among patients who underwent thoracic and upper abdominal surgery in the Amhara region of Ethiopia. Methods: A multi-center follow-up study was conducted from April 1, 2022, to June 30, 2022, at comprehensive specialized hospitals in Amhara regional state, northwest Ethiopia. 424 patients were consecutively included in this study, with a response rate of 100%. A chart review and patient interview were used to collect data. A logistic regression analysis was performed to assess the strength of the association of independent variables with postoperative pulmonary complications.The crude odds ratio (COR) and adjusted odds ratio (AOR) with the corresponding 95% confidence interval were computed. Variables with a p-value of <0.05 were considered statistically significant predictors of the outcome variable. Results: The incidence of postoperative pulmonary complication was 24.5%. Emergency procedures, preoperative SpO2 < 94%, duration of surgery >2 h, patients with a nasogastric tube, intraoperative blood loss >500 ml and post-operative albumin <3.5 g/dl were factors associated with pulmonary complications. The most common complications were pneumonia (9.9%) followed by respiratory infection (4.2%). Conclusion: The incidence of postoperative pulmonary complication after thoracic and upper abdominal surgery remains high. Preoperative SpO2, duration of surgery, patients having a nasogastric tube, intraoperative blood loss and post-operative albumin were factors associated with post-operative pulmonary complications.

Magnitude and associated non-clinical factors of delayed discharge of patients from post-anesthesia care unit in a comprehensive specialized referral hospital in Ethiopia, 2022.

Background: Patients are kept in the post anesthesia care unit until their condition is stabilized before transfer to the clinical areas. Prolonged length of stay in the PACU leads to increased health care cost and patient dissatisfaction. Objective: The aim of this study was to determine the magnitude and to identify the non-clinical factors that lead to delay discharge from the post anesthesia care unit. Method: This prospective observational study was conducted from April 1, 2022 to June 5, 2022. Patients were considered ready for discharge after they had achieved a satisfactory discharge score. The data obtained were presented as descriptive statistic and were analyzed using SPSS version 20. Results: A total of 307 patients admitted to in the post anesthesia care were included in this study with a response rate of 100%. Majority of patients, 188 (61.2%), had prolonged length of stay in the PACU because of non-clinical factors. The most common non-clinical factor for delayed discharge was unavailability of beds in the respective ward (n = 69, 22.5%) followed by lack of available hospital patient transport (n = 34, 11.1%). Conclusion: and recommendations: The proportion of delayed discharge of patients from the post anesthesia care unit (PACU) was significant. Non-clinical related delays contributed for a considerable extension of a patient's time in PACU. Delay discharge for non-medical reasons put patients at unnecessary risk for hospital-acquired infections and prolonged hospital stay and increased health care costs. Thus, understanding and addressing the causes of delayed discharge from PACU is essential.

Preoperative investigations for elective surgical patients in a resource limited setting: Systematic review.

Background: Preoperative investigation for surgical patients is important to check for conditions that may affect surgical outcome. It helps the anesthetist and surgeon to plan perioperative anesthesia and surgical management appropriately. However, 60-70% of laboratory tests before surgery are not really required. This review was conducted to develop evidence-based recommendations on preoperative investigations for patients waiting for surgery in a resource limited setting. Methods: After formulating the key questions, scope, and eligibility criteria for the articles to be included, advanced search strategy of electronic sources from data bases and websites was conducted. Duplication of literatures was avoided by endnote. Screening of literatures was conducted with proper appraisal. This review was reported in accordance with the preferred reporting items for systematic reviews and meta-analysis (PRISMA) 2020 statement. Results: A total of 553 articles were identified from data bases and websites using an electronic search. 75 articles were removed for duplication and 223 studies were excluded after reviewing titles and abstracts. At the screening stage, 82 articles were retrieved and evaluated for eligibility. Finally, 46 studies met the eligibility criteria and were included in this systematic review. Conclusion: and recommendation: Selective laboratory ordering reduces the number and cost of investigations. Preoperative tests should be guided by the patient's clinical history, co-morbidities, and physical examination. Patients with signs or symptoms of certain types of disease should be evaluated with appropriate testing. Therefore, adherence to recommendations of guidelines on preoperative investigation is important for good surgical outcome and patient satisfaction.

Voluntary blood donation practice and its associated factors among civil servants in Bale Robe town, Southeast Ethiopia, 2021.

Objective: The objective of this study was to assess voluntary blood donation practice and associated factors among Bale Robe town civil servants in Oromia, Southeast Ethiopia, 2021. Methods: An institution-based cross-sectional study was conducted among 601 civil servants selected by a stratified systematic random sampling technique. Data were collected using a structured self-administered questionnaire. The questionnaire was pre-tested on 5% of the total sample size before actual data collection. Data were coded and entered into EpiData version 3.1 and analyzed using SPSS version 25. Frequency distribution, descriptive statistics, and diagrams were used to summarize and present data. Binary logistic regression was performed to assess the association between independent variables and voluntary blood donation practice. An adjusted odds ratio (AOR) with its 95% confidence interval (CI) was calculated to identify factors associated with the outcome variables. And p-value < 0.05 was used to declare significance. Result: Of the total of 630 selected civil servants, 601 give a complete response to the questionnaire yielding a response rate of 95%. The mean age of participants was 34.19 years, and 328 (54.6%) of them were rural residents before they joined the governmental work. The lifetime voluntary blood donation practice among civil servants was 27%; 95% confidence interval = (23%-31%). The major reason for not donating blood was fear related to blood donation 186 (42.4%). From multivariable logistic regression, four variables were found as significant independent variables associated with voluntary blood donation practice. Accordingly, having a family member or relative who previously donate blood (adjusted odds ratio = 2.48; 95% confidence interval = (1.39, 4.39)), previous participation in a blood donation campaign (adjusted odds ratio = 5.84; 95% confidence interval = (3.39, 1.04)), and willingness to donate blood (adjusted odds ratio = 5.04; 95% confidence interval = (2.21, 11.48)) were variables significantly and positively associated with voluntary blood donation practice, respectively. Civil servants who had no opportunity to donate blood previously were less likely to give voluntary blood donation (adjusted odds ratio = 0.15 (95% confidence interval = 0.063, 0.367)). Conclusion: The study identified a low level of voluntary blood donation. Having family members/relatives who donate blood, previous participation in a blood donation campaign, and willingness to donate blood were significantly associated with voluntary blood donation. Therefore, there should be regularly scheduled campaigns encouraging civil servants' voluntary blood donation.

Prevalence and factors associated with thirst among postsurgical patients at University of Gondar comprehensive specialized hospital. Institution-based cross-sectional study.

INTRODUCTION: Thirst is a powerfully distressing sensation that occurs most frequently in the immediate postoperative period. Postoperative thirst is prevalent, the moderate-to-severe type is estimated to affect 53.2-69.8% of patients and causes significant patient discomfort. OBJECTIVE: The objective of this study was to assess the prevalence, and factors associated with postoperative thirst among surgical patients in PACU at the University of Gondar Comprehensive Specialized Hospital from April 20 to June 27, 2021. METHODS: An institution-based cross-sectional study was conducted at the University of Gondar Comprehensive Specialized Hospital. A total of 424 participants were included in the study. Statistical analysis had performed using SPSS 26.00 version statistical software. Binary logistic regression analysis was performed to identify the association between the prevalence of postoperative thirst and independent variables and only variables with p-value < 0.2 were entered into the multivariable analysis. The strength of the association was presented by odds ratio and 95% Confidence interval. P-value < 0.05 was considered statistically significant. RESULT: The prevalence of postoperative thirst among postsurgical patients was 59% (95% CI = 54.74-64.13). Inadequate preloading (Adjusted odes ratio (AOR) = 2.137 95% CI 1.260-3.624), prolonged Nil Per Os (NPO) time (AOR = 13.80 95% CI 2.93-65.37), general anesthesia (AOR = 3.90 95% CI 3.56-11.25), and axillary body temperature ≥ 37.5 °C (AOR = 8.07 95% CI 3.63-17.96) were significantly associated with postoperative thirst. Low room temperature (< 20 °C) was protective for the occurrence of postoperative thirst (AOR = 0.162 95% CI 0.37-0.707). CONCLUSION AND RECOMMENDATIONS: The prevalence of postoperative thirst remains high and need commitment in close monitoring of PACU patients and immediate intervention. We also urge that high-level, ongoing research be conducted in this area, as postoperative thirst is a very common problem with a lot to discover.

Genetic Diversity and Population Structure of Didymella rabiei Affecting Chickpea in Ethiopia.

Ascochyta blight, also known as chickpea blight, which is caused by the fungal pathogen, Didymella rabiei, is an important disease affecting chickpea (Cicer arietinum L.) in many countries. We studied the genetic diversity and population structure of 96 D. rabiei isolates collected from three geographic populations in Ethiopia using simple sequence repeat (SSR) markers. We confirmed the genetic identity of 89 of the D. rabiei isolates by sequencing their rRNA internal transcribed spacer region genes. The chickpea blight pathogen isolates were genetically diverse, with a total of 51 alleles identified across 6 polymorphic SSR loci, which varied from 3 to 18 (average 8.5) alleles per SSR marker. The observed heterozygosity and expected heterozygosity ranged from 0.01 to 0.92 and 0.19 to 0.86, respectively. The mean polymorphic information content value of the D. rabiei populations was 0.58, with a mean gene diversity of 0.61 among loci. Gene flow (Nm = number of migrants) for the three populations of D. rabiei isolates ranged from 1.51 to 24.10 (average 6.2) migrants/cluster. However, the genetic variation between the D. rabiei populations was small (8%), with most of the variation occurring within populations (92%). Principal component analysis to visualize genetic variation showed that the D. rabiei isolates obtained from most of the chickpea samples formed roughly three groups on a two-dimensional coordinate plane. Similarly, the clustering of individuals into populations based on multi-locus genotypes (using Clumpak) grouped isolates into three clusters but with individual isolate admixtures. Hence, no clear geographic origin-based structuring of populations could be identified. To our knowledge, this is the first report of D. rabiei diversity in Ethiopia. Virulence studies should be conducted to develop chickpea varieties that are resistant to more aggressive pathogen populations.

Perioperative management of patients with asthma during elective surgery: A systematic review.

Asthma is one of the commonest respiratory illnesses among elderly patients undergoing surgery. Detailed preoperative assessment, pharmacotherapy and safe anaesthetic measures throughout perioperative period are the keys to decrease complications. Resistance to expiratory airflow results in positive alveolar pressures at the end of expiration, which causes air-trapping and hyperinflation of the lungs and thorax, increased work of breathing, and alteration of respiratory muscle function. This systematic review was conducted according to the Preferred Reporting Items for systematic review and metanalysis (PRISMA) statement. Search engines like PubMed through HINARI, Cochrane database and Google Scholars were used to find evidences. Low-dose IV ketamine, midazolam, IV lidocaine or combined with salbutamol are recommended to be used as premedication before induction. Propofol, ketamine, halothane, isoflurane and sevoflurane are best induction agents and maintenance for asthmatic surgical patients respectively. Among the muscle relaxants, vecuronium is safe for use in asthmatics. In addition, Succinylcholine and pancronium which releases low levels of histamine has been used safely in asthmatics with little morbidity.

Medicinal plants used among pregnant women in a tertiary teaching hospital in Jimma, Ethiopia: a cross-sectional study.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to investigate and describe the use of medicinal plants during pregnancy among women admitted in the Maternity and Gynaecology wards at Jimma University Medical Centre (JUMC) in the southwest Ethiopia. DESIGN: Cross-sectional study. SETTING: Maternity and Gynaecology wards at JUMC. PARTICIPANTS: 1117 hospitalised pregnant women or postpartum women. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Our primary outcomes of interest were the prevalence of use, types of medicinal plants used and their utilisation among pregnant women. METHODS: Data were collected through structured face-to-face interviews of pregnant women or postpartum women and review of patient medical records between February and June 2017. RESULTS: Overall, 28.6% of the women reported use of at least one medicinal plant during the pregnancy. Twenty-seven different types of medicinal plants were used. The most commonly used medicinal plants were Linum usitatissimum L. (flaxseed-use with caution) 22.0%, Ocimum lamiifolium L. (damakessie-safety unknown) 3.6% and Carica papaya L. (papaya-use with caution) 3.1%. The most common reason for use was preparation, induction or shortening of labour. Lack of access to health facility (mainly health posts), admission to maternity ward, khat chewing and alcohol consumption were the strongest predictors of medicinal plants use during pregnancy (OR >2). Only five medicinal plants used by women had sufficient evidence to be classified as safe to use in pregnancy. CONCLUSIONS: Almost one-third of women at the tertiary hospital in Ethiopia reported use of medicinal plants during pregnancy, most frequently to prepare, induce, reduce the intensity or shorten duration of labour. Increased awareness about potential benefits or risks of medicinal plants use during pregnancy among healthcare professionals and patients, and increased access to childbirth providing healthcare facilities are important in order to promote safer pregnancies and better health outcomes for women and their unborn children.

Evaluation of disease resistant and high yielding faba bean germplasm in India.

Faba bean (Vicia faba L.) is one of the earliest domesticated food legumes after chickpea and pea in the world. It is been produced in many countries including China, Ethiopia, Egypt, northern Europe, the Mediterranean region, central Asia, East Asia, Latin America and as a minor crop in India. The crop is affected by many diseases and alternaria leaf blight (Alternaria spp.) is one of the serious threat to faba bean production. Twenty-five lines of faba bean were selected from three international nurseries and were evaluated at ICARDA-FLRP-Amlaha during 2016-2017 and 2017-2018, to identify resistant lines against alternaria blight disease. A wide range of variation to disease reaction was observed among faba bean genotypes. One faba bean line (S2011-134) found tolerant, six genotypes (S2011-116, FLIP15-139, FLIP15-156, FLIP15-159, FLIP15-164-S2 and FLIP15-169) were found moderately tolerant and 16 genotypes were found susceptible to alternaria blight. The faba bean genotypes showed resistance to the disease scoring (0-9) with high yield as compared to the checks, Giza and Gwalior local. The identified sources of resistance can be utilized in faba bean breeding programmes for the development of disease tolerant cultivars with high yield.

Assessment of Awareness, Attitude and Desire for Labor Analgesia and Associated Factors Among Pregnant Women in Ethiopia: A Cross-Sectional Study.

INTRODUCTION: Labor pain is the worst imaginable pain that women experience during their childbearing years. Untreated labor pain has numerous negative consequences, for both the mother and her fetus. Low levels of awareness and attitudes among pregnant women about labor analgesia is a major challenge that affects outcomes for both the mother and fetus. Therefore, this study aimed to assess the awareness of, attitude towards and desire for labor analgesia and its associated factors among pregnant women who visited an antenatal care facility. METHODS: An institution-based, cross-sectional study was conducted from February to March 2019. Data were collected using semi-structured questionnaires by a convenience sampling technique. Data were entered using EpiData 4.2 and exported to SPSS version 20 software for analysis. Both bivariate and multivariate binary logistic regression analysis were used to identify factors associated with awareness, attitude and desire for labor analgesia among pregnant women. Crude odds ratio (COR) and adjusted odds ratio (AOR) were calculated to show the strength of association. RESULTS: A total of 410 participants were included. Thirty-three (8%) of the pregnant women who visited the antenatal care facility were found to have an awareness of labor analgesia. In multivariate analysis, the likelihood of having awareness of labor analgesia was 7.227 times (AOR: 7.227, 95%, CI 2.406-21.720) greater among parous versus nulliparous mothers. The odds of having awareness of labor analgesia were 3.133 times (AOR: 3.133, 95%; CI 1.144-8.581) greater among government employees than among housewives. The odds of having a good attitude towards labor analgesia were 6.488 times (AOR: 6.488, 95% CI 1.894-22.227) higher in government employees than in farmers. Women in the age group of 25-31 years were 1.815 times more likely to want labor analgesia for their next delivery (AOR: 1.815, 95% CI 1.103-2.989). CONCLUSIONS: The awareness of labor analgesia among pregnant women was low. There is a need for teamwork by all stakeholders in health sectors to improve attitudes and increase the desire for labor analgesia among pregnant women who visit antenatal care facilities.

Medication-related problems among hospitalized pregnant women in a tertiary teaching hospital in Ethiopia: a prospective observational study.

BACKGROUND: Studies on medication-related problems (MRPs) among pregnant women are scarce, despite the potential consequences for both mother and child. This study aimed to describe the prevalence, clinical significance, and risk factors for MRPs among hospitalized pregnant or postpartum women at Jimma University Medical Centre (JUMC) in Ethiopia. METHODS: A prospective follow-up and clinical audit of 1117 hospitalized pregnant or postpartum women in the maternity and gynaecology wards at JUMC was carried out between February and June 2017. Patients were followed throughout their stay in the hospital to assess the presence and development of MRPs. Pre-tested data extraction form and an interview-guided structured questionnaire were used to collect data. Descriptive statistics were used to describe MRPs. Logistic regression analysis was used to identify factors associated with MRPs. RESULTS: One or more MRPs occurred among 323 (28.9%) study participants, mostly in relation to lack of iron supplementation. A total of 278 (70.6%) of all MRPs were considered to be of moderate to high clinical significance. When excluding MRPs due to iron from the analysis, chronic disease (adjusted OR 1.91; 95% CI 1.02, 3.58), medication use prior to admission (adjusted OR 2.38; 95% CI 1.24, 4.56), nulliparity (adjusted OR 1.99; 95% CI 1.22, 3.24) and multiparity (adjusted OR 1.91; 95% CI 1.17, 3.12) were significantly associated with experiencing an MRP. CONCLUSIONS: Nearly 3 out of 10 hospitalized pregnant women at JUMC had one or more MRPs. The need for additional iron therapy was by far the most common type of MRP. Improved adherence to guidelines on iron supplementation are required. Multidisciplinary approaches including physicians, nurses, anesthesia professionals and clinical pharmacists in the maternity and gynaecology wards could possibly prevent MRPs and promote patient safety for women and children.

Assessment of Maternal Satisfaction and Associated Factors among Parturients Who Underwent Cesarean Delivery under Spinal Anesthesia at University of Gondar Comprehensive Specialized Hospital, Northwest Ethiopia, 2019.

BACKGROUND: Spinal anesthesia is the most common anesthetic technique for cesarean delivery. Patient satisfaction is a subjective and complicated concept, involving physical, emotional, psychological, social, and cultural factors. Regular evaluation of maternal satisfaction related to anesthesia service is an important parameter to the required changes and expansion of high-quality care services. We aimed to assess maternal satisfaction and associated factors among parturients who underwent cesarean delivery under spinal anesthesia. METHODS: Institutional-based cross-sectional study was conducted from February to May 2019. A total of 383 parturients were enrolled to assess maternal satisfaction using a 5-point Likert scale. Both bivariable and multivariable logistic regression analyses were done. Variables of p value ≤0.2 in the bivariable analysis were a candidate for multivariable logistic regression. A p value <0.05 was considered as significantly associated with maternal satisfaction at 95% CI. RESULTS: This study revealed that 315 (82.3%) of the parturients were satisfied. Single spinal prick attempts (AOR = 2.08, 95% CI = 1.05-4.11), successful spinal block (AOR = 7.17, 95% CI = 3.33-15.43), less incidence of postdural puncture headache (AOR = 2.36, 95% CI = 1.33-4.20), and prophylactic antiemetic use (AOR = 0.35, 95% CI = 0.19-0.66) were positively associated with maternal satisfaction. CONCLUSIONS: The overall maternal satisfaction receiving spinal anesthesia was considerably low. Single spinal prink attempts, successful spinal block, and less incidence of postural puncture headache can increase maternal satisfaction. Therefore, effective perioperative management, skillful techniques, and using the small-gauge Quincke spinal needle (25-27 gauge) may increase the maternal satisfaction and quality of spinal anesthesia management.

Genetic Diversity of Orobanche crenata Populations in Ethiopia Using Microsatellite Markers.

Orobanche crenata is a parasitic weed that causes considerable yield losses on food legumes in Ethiopia and the Mediterranean region. Understanding the genetic diversity of Orobanche crenata using molecular techniques generate useful information in managing the weed through resistance breeding. This study aimed at assessing the genetic diversity of O. crenata populations collected from major faba bean growing areas of Ethiopia. A total of 96 samples were collected from the Orobanche-infested faba bean farmer field. The genetic diversity of the population was studied using 30 O. cumana SSR markers. The results showed that 11 SSRs were functional and transferable markers to study the diversity of O. crenata populations. The average number of alleles, gene diversity, heterozygosity, and polymorphic information content values for the SSR loci were 9.6, 0.82, 0.38, and 0.80, respectively. The pairwise genetic similarity analysis showed the lowest genetic distance between samples collected from South Gondar and South Wollo (0.12) while the highest genetic distance (0.48) was found between South Gondar and North Wollo. The analysis of molecular variance result indicated that the variation among individuals was a major source of genetic variation (55%) followed by within individuals (43%) and among populations (2%) variation. The output of population genetic structure analysis indicated the presence of two major groups irrespective of the area of collection or region of origin. Besides, the outcome of the spatial autocorrelation computation indicated a significant and positive genetic correlation between samples collected under a 28 km radius. In general, the absence of geographic region based genetic structure presumably demonstrates the expansion of the parasitic weed between farming sites upon its recent introduction to the country. Thus, the clear absence of population differentiation warrants screening faba bean population in hot spot area.

Self-Medication and Safety Profile of Medicines Used among Pregnant Women in a Tertiary Teaching Hospital in Jimma, Ethiopia: A Cross-Sectional Study.

BACKGROUND: Despite the potential foetal and maternal risks of self-medication, studies on self-medication and safety profile of medicines used during pregnancy are scarce. This study determined the prevalence, predictors and safety profile of medicines used for self-medication during pregnancy at Jimma University Medical Centre (JUMC) in Ethiopia. METHODS: A hospital-based cross sectional study was conducted on 1117 hospitalized pregnant women or postpartum women in the maternity and gynaecology wards at JUMC between February and June 2017. Data were collected using an interviewer-administered structured questionnaire and by reviewing patient medical records. Data were analysed using descriptive statistics and logistic regression. RESULT: Nearly 3 out of 10 women reported taking at least one type of conventional medicine for self-medication, mainly analgesics 92.3%. Almost 75.0% of the self-medicated women used medicines classified as probably safe and 13.6% as potentially risky to use during pregnancy. Medicinal plant use, religion and access to a health facility near their residency were significantly associated with self-medication during pregnancy. CONCLUSIONS: Self-medication is common among pregnant women at JUMC. Most women used medicines classified as safe to use during pregnancy. There is need for enlightenment of pregnant women on the potential dangers of self-medication during pregnancy to prevent foetal and maternal risks.

Evaluation of decision to delivery time interval and its effect on feto-maternal outcomes and associated factors in category-1 emergency caesarean section deliveries: prospective cohort study.

BACKGROUND: Category-1 emergency caesarean section delivery is the commonly performed surgical procedure in pregnant women associated with significant mortality and morbidity both in the mother and fetus. The decision to delivery time interval is recommended to be less than 30 min by the Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists as well as the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists. This study was designed to evaluate the decision to delivery time interval and its effect on feto-maternal outcomes and the associated factors during category-1 emergency caesarean section deliveries. METHOD: A prospective observational cohort study was conducted from March to May 2018 at the University of Gondar Comprehensive Specialized Hospital obstetrics Operation Theater and postnatal ward. A total of 163 clients who were undergone category-1 emergency caesarean section were included in this study. Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS version 20 (IBM Corporate). Bivariate and multivariate logistic regression with a 95% confidence interval was used to determine the association of decision to delivery time interval with predictor variables and feto-maternal outcomes. RESULTS: Only 19.6% of women had a decision to delivery time interval below 30 min. The average decision to delivery time interval was 42 ± 21.4 min, the average time from the decision of category-1 emergency caesarean section arrival to the operation theater was 21.58 ± 19.76 min and from theater to delivery of anesthesia was 11.5 ± 3.6 min. Factors that were associated with prolonged decision to delivery time interval were: time taken to collect surgical materials (AOR = 13.76, CI = 1.12-168.7), time taken from decision and arrival to the operation theater (AOR = 0.75, CI = 0.17-3.25) and time taken from arrival at the operation theater to the immediate start of skin incision (AOR = 0.43, CI = 0.28-0.65). CONCLUSION: Delivery was not achieved within the recommended time interval in the majority of category-1 emergency caesarean sections. The average decision to delivery time interval was longer than the recommended time but it did not affect feto-maternal outcomes.

The use of medicinal plants by pregnant women in Africa: A systematic review.

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE: Medicinal plant (MP) use during pregnancy is common in Africa and may have profound effects on both the mother and the developing foetus. A lack of overview complicates monitoring and regulating the use of MPs during pregnancy. AIM OF THE STUDY: This systematic review analyses prevalence of use of MPs during pregnancy, regional distribution, types and prevalence, MP properties, potential health risks, and consensus of MPs use, and suggests relevant measures to mitigate negative effects on pregnancy. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A search was undertaken using a range of scientific databases (Medline, Embase, African Journals OnLine, Google Scholar and Biological Abstracts), non-governmental organisations, various African universities and regulatory websites for original published and unpublished studies that assess and indicate the prevalence of use of MPs during pregnancy in Africa. Additional articles were located by exploring pertinent bibliographies, and contacting experts. RESULTS: A total of 3659 MP-use studies were found, but only 303 articles received full-text assessment for eligibility and finally only 50 scientific papers were eligible for the systematic review. The prevalence of MP use by pregnant women varied widely from 2% to 100%. Twenty-eight studies (56%) specified one or more plant species used as MP during pregnancy. The major reasons for MP use were relief of nausea and vomiting during pregnancy (NVP), stimulation of labour, and facilitation of childbirth. The most commonly cited MP species were Zingiber officinale Roscoe, Allium sativum L. and Cucurbita pepo L. and these were used for relief of NVP, motion sickness and as a nutritional supplement. Route of administration was most commonly oral, and few adverse effects were reported. CONCLUSIONS: The use of MPs among pregnant women in Africa is prevalent, and the most commonly used plant species are not known to have harmful foetal effects during pregnancy. However, many of the MP species are poorly studied and teratogenic effects cannot be ruled out. Collaboration between healthcare providers and traditional practitioners to inform about the safe use of MPs may promote safer pregnancies and better health for mothers and infants.