Magnitude of peripheral sensory neuropathy and associated factors among HIV/AIDS clients receiving care at public health institutions, Northwest Ethiopia.

BACKGROUND: In the mid-1990s, the development of combination antiretroviral therapy converted HIV infection into a chronic condition, with newly diagnosed patients now living longer than the general population. HIV affects both the central and peripheral nerve systems, resulting in a variety of clinical problems, including peripheral neuropathy, which is a common neurological consequence. Despite this, there is a scarcity of data on the extent of peripheral sensory neuropathy and its underlying factors in Ethiopia, necessitating this study. OBJECTIVE: The primary goal of this study is to assess the degree of peripheral sensory neuropathy and its related factors among HIV/AIDS clients on follow up at public health institutions in Northwest Ethiopia. METHODOLOGY: Institution based cross-sectional study was conducted from November 1 to 30 December 2020 at selected south Gondar zone public health institutions ART clinic. Multistage sampling technique was used to select the study participants. Standardized Questioner adapted from other study was used to collect the data. Moreover, Brief Peripheral Neuropathy Screening tool (BPNS) was used to assess peripheral sensory neuropathy. The data were entered with epi-data manager version 4.4 and analyzed using STATA version 16. RESULT: A total of 555 adult PLWHIV agreed to participate in the study, resulting in a response rate of 96.8%. The prevalence of Peripheral sensory neuropathy was 32.25, 95% CI (28.28, 36.26). The participant's age, DM comorbidity, viral load level, and disease clinical stage were all found to have a statistically significant association with peripheral sensory neuropathy. CONCLUSION: Peripheral sensory neuropathy was incredibly common. Accordingly, peripheral sensory neuropathy was found considerably associated with age, viral load level, stage of the disease, and DM comorbidity. It is vital to integrate routine peripheral sensory neuropathy screening strategies for clients who are on ART follow up for prevention and early identification of the problem.

Analysis of trace metal concentrations in raw cow's milk from three dairy farms in North Gondar, Ethiopia: chemometric approach.

Concentrations of essential (Cu, Mn, and Zn) and toxic (Cr, Cd, and Pb) trace metals in 30 raw cow's milk samples were quantified using flame atomic absorption spectrometry. The samples were collected from the Nara-Awudarda, Tana-Abo, and Kosoye Amba-Rass sites in North Gondar, Ethiopia, preserved in a deep freezer (-20 °C), and then digested by Kjeldahl apparatus with HNO3/H2O2 (5:2; v/v) at 300 °C for 2.5 h. The data were subject to principal component analysis (PCA) and partial least square-discriminant analysis (PLS-DA). Overall hazard quotient (HQ) and carcinogenic risk (CR) values were also estimated to assess metal-related health risks. The mean concentrations of Cr, Mn, Cu, Zn, Cd, and Pb in the milk samples ranged 0.468-0.828, 1.614-2.806, 0.840-1.532, 1.208-5.267, ND-0.330, and ND-0.186 mg/kg, respectively. The lowest values were obtained for Kosoye Amba-Rass milk samples, while the highest were found for those collected from Nara-Awudarda milk samples, probably due to high mineral enrichment and metal leaching (especially Cd and Pb) from coal deposits. PCA revealed clustering of samples with respect to their geographic origin. Validation of PLS-DA model showed 100% classification efficiency using external validation samples and detected Cd and Cu as trace metal markers. The HQ and CR values were within the safe level; however, the former is close to the alert threshold level for Nara-Awudarda milk samples. Thus, further studies on common foodstuffs, constituting a higher proportion in the local diet, are required in this area to provide a complete risk assessment.

Fungal Planet description sheets: 214-280.

Novel species of microfungi described in the present study include the following from South Africa: Cercosporella dolichandrae from Dolichandra unguiscati, Seiridium podocarpi from Podocarpus latifolius, Pseudocercospora parapseudarthriae from Pseudarthria hookeri, Neodevriesia coryneliae from Corynelia uberata on leaves of Afrocarpus falcatus, Ramichloridium eucleae from Euclea undulata and Stachybotrys aloeticola from Aloe sp. (South Africa), as novel member of the Stachybotriaceae fam. nov. Several species were also described from Zambia, and these include Chaetomella zambiensis on unknown Fabaceae, Schizoparme pseudogranati from Terminalia stuhlmannii, Diaporthe isoberliniae from Isoberlinia angolensis, Peyronellaea combreti from Combretum mossambiciensis, Zasmidium rothmanniae and Phaeococcomyces rothmanniae from Rothmannia engleriana, Diaporthe vangueriae from Vangueria infausta and Diaporthe parapterocarpi from Pterocarpus brenanii. Novel species from the Netherlands include: Stagonospora trichophoricola, Keissleriella trichophoricola and Dinemasporium trichophoricola from Trichophorum cespitosum, Phaeosphaeria poae, Keissleriella poagena, Phaeosphaeria poagena, Parastagonospora poagena and Pyrenochaetopsis poae from Poa sp., Septoriella oudemansii from Phragmites australis and Dendryphion europaeum from Hedera helix (Germany) and Heracleum sphondylium (the Netherlands). Novel species from Australia include: Anungitea eucalyptorum from Eucalyptus leaf litter, Beltraniopsis neolitseae and Acrodontium neolitseae from Neolitsea australiensis, Beltraniella endiandrae from Endiandra introrsa, Phaeophleospora parsoniae from Parsonia straminea, Penicillifer martinii from Cynodon dactylon, Ochroconis macrozamiae from Macrozamia leaf litter, Triposporium cycadicola, Circinotrichum cycadis, Cladosporium cycadicola and Acrocalymma cycadis from Cycas spp. Furthermore, Vermiculariopsiella dichapetali is described from Dichapetalum rhodesicum (Botswana), Ophiognomonia acadiensis from Picea rubens (Canada), Setophoma vernoniae from Vernonia polyanthes and Penicillium restingae from soil (Brazil), Pseudolachnella guaviyunis from Myrcianthes pungens (Uruguay) and Pseudocercospora neriicola from Nerium oleander (Italy). Novelties from Spain include: Dendryphiella eucalyptorum from Eucalyptus globulus, Conioscypha minutispora from dead wood, Diplogelasinospora moalensis and Pseudoneurospora canariensis from soil and Inocybe lanatopurpurea from reforested woodland of Pinus spp. Novelties from France include: Kellermania triseptata from Agave angustifolia, Zetiasplozna acaciae from Acacia melanoxylon, Pyrenochaeta pinicola from Pinus sp. and Pseudonectria rusci from Ruscus aculeatus. New species from China include: Dematiocladium celtidicola from Celtis bungeana, Beltrania pseudorhombica, Chaetopsina beijingensis and Toxicocladosporium pini from Pinus spp. and Setophaeosphaeria badalingensis from Hemerocallis fulva. Novel genera of Ascomycetes include Alfaria from Cyperus esculentus (Spain), Rinaldiella from a contaminated human lesion (Georgia), Hyalocladosporiella from Tectona grandis (Brazil), Pseudoacremonium from Saccharum spontaneum and Melnikomyces from leaf litter (Vietnam), Annellosympodiella from Juniperus procera (Ethiopia), Neoceratosperma from Eucalyptus leaves (Thailand), Ramopenidiella from Cycas calcicola (Australia), Cephalotrichiella from air in the Netherlands, Neocamarosporium from Mesembryanthemum sp. and Acervuloseptoria from Ziziphus mucronata (South Africa) and Setophaeosphaeria from Hemerocallis fulva (China). Several novel combinations are also introduced, namely for Phaeosphaeria setosa as Setophaeosphaeria setosa, Phoma heteroderae as Peyronellaea heteroderae and Phyllosticta maydis as Peyronellaea maydis. Morphological and culture characteristics along with ITS DNA barcodes are provided for all taxa.

Fungal Planet description sheets: 281-319.

Novel species of fungi described in the present study include the following from South Africa: Alanphillipsia aloeicola from Aloe sp., Arxiella dolichandrae from Dolichandra unguiscati, Ganoderma austroafricanum from Jacaranda mimosifolia, Phacidiella podocarpi and Phaeosphaeria podocarpi from Podocarpus latifolius, Phyllosticta mimusopisicola from Mimusops zeyheri and Sphaerulina pelargonii from Pelargonium sp. Furthermore, Barssia maroccana is described from Cedrus atlantica (Morocco), Codinaea pini from Pinus patula (Uganda), Crucellisporiopsis marquesiae from Marquesia acuminata (Zambia), Dinemasporium ipomoeae from Ipomoea pes-caprae (Vietnam), Diaporthe phragmitis from Phragmites australis (China), Marasmius vladimirii from leaf litter (India), Melanconium hedericola from Hedera helix (Spain), Pluteus albotomentosus and Pluteus extremiorientalis from a mixed forest (Russia), Rachicladosporium eucalypti from Eucalyptus globulus (Ethiopia), Sistotrema epiphyllum from dead leaves of Fagus sylvatica in a forest (The Netherlands), Stagonospora chrysopyla from Scirpus microcarpus (USA) and Trichomerium dioscoreae from Dioscorea sp. (Japan). Novel species from Australia include: Corynespora endiandrae from Endiandra introrsa, Gonatophragmium triuniae from Triunia youngiana, Penicillium coccotrypicola from Archontophoenix cunninghamiana and Phytophthora moyootj from soil. Novelties from Iran include Neocamarosporium chichastianum from soil and Seimatosporium pistaciae from Pistacia vera. Xenosonderhenia eucalypti and Zasmidium eucalyptigenum are newly described from Eucalyptus urophylla in Indonesia. Diaporthe acaciarum and Roussoella acacia are newly described from Acacia tortilis in Tanzania. New species from Italy include Comoclathris spartii from Spartium junceum and Phoma tamaricicola from Tamarix gallica. Novel genera include (Ascomycetes): Acremoniopsis from forest soil and Collarina from water sediments (Spain), Phellinocrescentia from a Phellinus sp. (French Guiana), Neobambusicola from Strelitzia nicolai (South Africa), Neocladophialophora from Quercus robur (Germany), Neophysalospora from Corymbia henryi (Mozambique) and Xenophaeosphaeria from Grewia sp. (Tanzania). Morphological and culture characteristics along with ITS DNA barcodes are provided for all taxa.

Smallholder farmers' vulnerability to climate change and variability: Evidence from three agroecologies in the Upper Blue Nile, Ethiopia.

This study delves into the profound impact of climate change on agriculture in Ethiopia, particularly the vulnerabilities faced by smallholder farmers and the resulting implications for poverty. Focusing on three distinct agroecologies, namely: highland, midland, and lowland zones. The study employed a robust methodology, combining a cross-sectional survey, spatial-temporal trend analysis using GIS, and the development of an overall vulnerability index through the balanced weighted average method. The study, encompassing 646 households, combines data from a variety of sources and analytical tools like the vulnerability index, ArcGIS 10.8, and ERDA's IMAGINE 2015. Utilizing the LVI-IPCC scale, the study shows that climate change is an immediate vulnerability in all agroecological zones. It identifies highland areas as the most sensitive and exposed regions, while lowland households are found to be the most vulnerable in terms of overall vulnerabilities. The research reveals specific challenges faced by communities, such as inadequate health facilities and insufficient food and water supplies in both highland and lowland agroecosystems. Additionally, our investigation has observed a significant alteration in land use practices, specifically the shift from communal grazing land to private cultivation and plantations, emphasizing eucalyptus. This alteration enhances the ecosystem's vulnerability to climate disturbances. The study suggests targeted interventions, such as advocating for sustainable land-use practices, afforestation, and adopting climate-smart agriculture practices. It is important to implement policy measures that prioritize conserving and restoring shrubland, grazing land, and natural forests to ensure both long-term socio-economic and ecosystem resilience. The study's nuanced insights are instrumental in understanding the diverse challenges posed by climate change in Ethiopian agriculture, supporting informed policymaking and sustainable interventions.

Physiological parameters and training characteristics of endurance runners at Ethiopian Youth Sports Academy (2400 meters above sea level) and Guna Athletics Sport Club (3100 meters above sea level) training camps: a comparative cross-sectional study.

BACKGROUND: Endurance performance is impacted by physiological, anthropometrical, diet, genetic, psychological, and training characteristics. Altitude can affect physiological parameters (like maximum oxygen utilization, arterial oxygen saturation (SaO2), heart rate, and blood pressure) and training characteristics (duration, frequency, and training load). Thus, this study compared physiological parameters and training characteristics between endurance runners at Ethiopian Youth Sports Academy (EYSA) and Guna Athletics Sport Club (GASC) located which are located at elevation of 2400 and 3100 meters, respectively. METHODS: A comparative cross-sectional study design was used from September to November 2021. Data was obtained from a total of 120 eligible participants (30 runners and 30 controls at GASC, and 30 runners and 30 controls at EYSA). Sociodemographic and training characteristics were assessed using self-administered standardized questionnaires. SaO2 and heart rate were measured using finger pulse-oximetry (Nellcor, Oxim N-65; Covidien, Dublin, Ireland). Blood pressure was measured by Folee Digital Blood Pressure Monitor DX-B1 (Jiangsu Folee Medical Equipment Co., Ltd., Zhenjiang, China). RESULTS: The runners of GASC had significantly lower resting SaO2, SaO2 immediately after maximal exertion, training (frequency and load) than runners of EYSA in both sexes. Runners of Guna Athletics Sport Club (RGASC) had significantly higher maximum oxygen utilization (VO2max) than Runners Ethiopian Youth Sports Academy (REYSA) in both sexes. Severe exercise-induced hypoxemia (EIAH) and moderate EIAH were developed by male runners of GASC and EYSA respectively. Besides, female runners GASC and EYSA developed moderate and mild EIAH, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: Conclusively, there were significant differences in physiological parameters and training load between RGASC and REYSA. High altitude (3100 meters) may have a greater impact on the above variables than moderate hypoxia (2400 meters above sea level). Hence, endurance runner coaches should give emphasis to these variables.

Seroprevalence of HIV-1 and syphilis antibodies in blood donors in Gonder, Ethiopia, 1989-1993.

Data are presented from serologic screening for human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) in all blood donors (n = 3,696) in Gonder, Ethiopia, between 1989 and 1993. The crude seroprevalence was 10.6% in men (326 of 3,066) and 11.9% in women (75 of 630). Seroprevalence in male donors increased from 3.8% in 1989 to 16.0% in 1993 (p = 0.001); in female donors, seroprevalence increased from 7.0% in 1989 to 16.8% in 1992 (p = 0.002) and decreased to 13.4% in 1993. Syphilis seroreactivity increased from 4.8% in 1991 to 9.2% in 1993 (p = 0.02). HIV-1-seropositive donors were more likely to be seroreactive for syphilis than HIV-1-negative donors (odds ratio = 2.36; 95% confidence interval, 1.73-3.22). Therefore, there is an urgent need for control programs for both infections.

Improved microscopical diagnosis of pulmonary tuberculosis in developing countries.

The diagnosis of pulmonary tuberculosis (TB) relies on the bacteriological examination of sputum. However, microscopy of smears made directly from sputum has a low sensitivity and there is an urgent need for improved methods. We have compared microscopy of smears made directly from sputum with microscopy after liquefaction of sputum with household bleach (NaOCl) and concentration of bacteria by centrifugation. In 3 studies performed in Ethiopia and India, the use of the NaOCl method increased the number of samples positive for acid-fast bacilli by more than 100%. The technique is appropriate for developing countries and its application would increase the efficiency of TB control programmes. As a potent disinfectant, NaOCl also has the advantage of lowering the risk of laboratory infection.

Infection with HIV, syphilis and hepatitis B in Ethiopia: a survey in blood donors.

Sera of all male donors appearing at the blood bank of a regional hospital in Northwest Ethiopia in 1994 (n = 1022) and 1995 (n = 1164), were screened for the presence of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV-1) and treponemal antibodies. Additionally, screening for hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) was carried out on 549 consecutive sera. In 1995, the crude seroprevalence of HIV-1 infection and syphilis was 16.7% and 12.8%. Seroprevalence of HBsAg was 14.4%. HIV and syphilis seroprevalence was highest in soldiers (30.6% and 20.9%) and daily workers (18.8% and 13.5%), and lowest in farmers (8% and 6.7%). However, farmers had the highest rate of HBsAg (18.8%). HIV-positive donors had an increased risk for being positive for syphilis antibodies (OR = 3.69, 95% CI = 2.69-4.96), but not for HBsAg (OR = 0.79, 95% CI = 0.36-1.67). The data indicate that (i) the HIV epidemic has not yet reached a plateau phase in Ethiopia, and (ii) the transmission and epidemiology of HBsAg in Ethiopia is different from that of HIV and syphilis.

PIP: The sera of all 2186 male blood donors presenting to the blood bank of the Gondar College of Medical Sciences, a regional hospital in Northwest Ethiopia, during 1994-95 were screened for HIV-1 and treponemal antibodies; in addition, a subset of 549 donors from 1995 was tested for hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg). In 1994, 12% of blood donors were HIV-positive and 13.1% had treponemal antibodies. Seroprevalence rates in 1995 were 16.7% for HIV, 12.8% for syphilis, and 14.4% for HBsAg. HIV and syphilis seroprevalence rates were highest among soldiers (30.6% and 20.9%, respectively) and daily workers (18.8% and 13.5%, respectively) and lowest among farmers (8.0% and 6.7%, respectively). In contrast, the highest rate of HBsAg was found among farmers (18.8%). HIV-infected donors were significantly more likely than HIV-negative donors to be positive for syphilis as well (odds ratio, 3.69; 95% confidence interval, 2.69-4.96), but there was no such pattern for HBsAg (odds ratio, 0.79; 95% confidence interval, 0.36-1.67). The increasing rate of HIV infection observed in the different occupational groups indicates that the HIV epidemic has not yet reached a plateau in Ethiopia. Moreover, the finding that HBsAg is not associated with HIV infection suggests that, in Ethiopia, hepatitis B has a different set of risk factors than have sexually transmitted diseases.

Diarrhoea morbidity in an urban area of southwest Ethiopia.

A diarrhoea morbidity survey was conducted in children between the ages of six and 59 months in Jimma town, southwest Ethiopia. Nearly 37% of the 820 children surveyed had one or more episodes of diarrhoea over a period of one month preceding the study. Although several factors showed significant association with diarrhoea morbidity on bivariate analysis, child's age, immunisation status, father's ethnicity, family income and availability of latrine were the only significant variables on multivariate analysis. Based on the study results feasible intervention measures are recommended.

PIP: A morbidity survey conducted among 820 children 6-59 months of age from Jimma town, southwest Ethiopia, during the 1995 rainy season revealed that 299 (36.5%) had experienced at least 1 diarrhea episode in the month preceding the study. A total of 554 diarrhea episodes were recorded. Children aged 24 months and younger were more likely to have had diarrhea than their older counterparts (odds ratio (OR), 3.22; 95% confidence interval (CI), 2.36-4.40). Other factors significantly associated with diarrhea in the multivariate analysis were immunization (OR, 0.57; 95% CI, 0.35-0.90), Oromo paternal ethnicity (OR, 1.45; 95% CI, 1.04-2.02), family income of Birr 150 or less (OR, 1.55; 95% CI, 1.10-2.19), and the availability of a private latrine (OR, 0.57; 95% CI, 0.40-0.81). Infant feeding patterns and child nutrition status were not associated with diarrhea after possible confounding factors were controlled. These findings indicate a need for child health interventions aimed at educating mothers about the importance of measures such as immunization and safe waste disposal.

Dietary practices and xerophthalmia in under-fives in Jimma town, southwest Ethiopia.

OBJECTIVES: To assess parent's knowledge about children's need for plant sources of vitamin A; to determine the dietary practice with regard to vitamin A intake; to estimate the prevalence of xerophthalmia and; to forward appropriate recommendations. DESIGN: A cross-sectional study. SETTING: The study was conducted in Jimma town, southwest Ethiopia, with a total population of about 88,867 from February to April 1995. PARTICIPANTS: Eight hundred and thirty one randomly selected children between the ages of six and 59 months formed the study population. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: The dietary intake of cheap and easily available vitamin A rich foods is assessed and prevalence of xerophthalmlia determined. RESULTS: Only eighty per cent of the children were getting green vegetables, fruits or carrots once weekly or more. The major reasons given for not including vegetables, fruits and carrots in the diet were "cannot afford" (39%), "not available" (33%), and "child too young" (16%). Out of 628 children examined, four (0.6%) were found to have xerophthalmia; three (0.48%) classified as XIB and one (0.16%) as X2. CONCLUSION: The dietary intake of plant sources of vitamin A in the studied community is far from adequate. Moreover, vitamin A deficiency is found to be a significant public health problem in young children in Jimma town. Periodic vitamin A supplementation, preferably combined with immunisation, should be a priority action, and parents need to be educated about vitamin A deficiency and its prevention.

Protein-energy malnutrition in urban children: prevalence and determinants.

Between February and April 1995, 669 under-five children living in Jimma town were randomly selected and had their nutritional status assessed. Risk factors for protein-energy malnutrition (PEM) were also studied. About half (48%) of the children were found to be malnourished. The prevalence of underweight, wasting and stunting were 36%, 9% and 36%, respectively. Severe protein-energy malnutrition, i.e., marasmus, kwashiorkor and marasmic-kwashiorkor, was detected in 2%. The prevalence of malnutrition was lowest in infants. While underweight and wasting peaked by the second and third years of life, stunting increased dramatically by the second year and peaked in the fifth year. Poor socio-economic background, poor housing condition, non-availability of latrine, "unprotected" water source, an attack of pertussis, not completing immunization, prolonged breast feeding and nutritionally inadequate diet were found to be risk factors for PEM in the bivariate analyses. Multiple logistic regression analyses showed a strong association between PEM and poor housing condition, non-availability of latrine, prolonged breast feeding and diet lacking in animal food. Intervention measures should take the multifactorial causation of PEM into consideration.

[Evaluation of 3757 cases of open biliary tract surgery before the introduction of the laparoscopic method (basis for comparison)]. / A laparoscopos módszer elötti 3757 nyitott epemütét értékelése (Alap az összehasonlításra).

3757 elective nonmalignant biliary tract operations are evaluated retrospectively in the 17-year period from January 1, 1974 to December 31, 1990. The operations were divided into four periods according to development and frequency of intraoperative diagnostics: I. period without examinations of common bile duct (511 operations), II. selective period (848 operations), III. routine period (906 operations), IV. restricted routine period (1492 operations). The authors experienced improvement in their results if they carried out intravenous cholangiography routinely. Comparing eight characteristic factors they believe that their results are favourable if they performed intraoperative common bile duct examinations (manometry, cholangiography, flow rate measurement) in 39.6% rate and if they employed praeoperatively EST if necessary. They propose the selective intraoperative cholangiography. In the period of 39.6% intraoperative cholangiography (restricted routine period) they found common bile duct stones in 10.7%, unsuspected stones in 0.4%, retained stones in 1.6%, unnecessary choledochotomies in 2.7% and intraoperative common bile duct injuries in 0.2%. The overall mortality rate was 0.4%. They deal with the intraoperative differential diagnostics of Vater papilla stenosis and spasm.

Pleistocene colonization of afro-alpine 'sky islands' by the arctic-alpine Arabis alpina.

The afro-alpine region comprises the high mountains of Ethiopia and tropical East Africa, which represent biological 'sky islands' with high level of endemism. However, some primarily arctic-alpine plants also occur in the afro-alpine mountains. It has been suggested that these plants are Tertiary relicts, but a recent worldwide study of Arabis alpina suggests that this species colonized the region twice during the Pleistocene. Here we investigate the detailed colonization history of A. alpina in the afro-alpine region based on chloroplast DNA sequences from 11 mountain systems. The results confirm the twice-into-Africa scenario. The Asian lineage is confined to the mountains closest to the Arabian Peninsula, on opposite sides of the Rift Valley (Simen Mts and Gara Muleta in Ethiopia), suggesting long-distance dispersal of this lineage. The African lineage is divided into two phylogeographic groups with distinct geographic distribution. The observed pattern is consistent with isolation of the African lineage in at least two interglacial refugia, located on separated highlands, followed by range expansion in cooler period(s), when the afro-alpine habitat extended further down the mountains. Several long-distance dispersal events, also across the Rift Valley, are suggested by single haplotypes observed outside the area occupied by the phylogeographic groups they belonged to.