Blood Biomarkers as Prognostic Indicators for Neurological Injury in COVID-19 Patients: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) has been linked to various neurological complications. This meta-analysis assessed the relationship between glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP) and neurofilament light chain (NfL) levels in the blood and neurological injury in COVID-19 patients. A comprehensive search of various databases was conducted until 18 August 2023, to find studies reporting GFAP and NfL blood levels in COVID-19 patients with neurological complications. GFAP and NfL levels were estimated between COVID-19 patients and healthy controls, and meta-analyses were performed using RevMan 5.4 software for analysis. In the 21 collected studies, it was found that COVID-19 patients had significantly higher levels of pooled GFAP (SMD = 0.52; 95% CI: 0.31, 0.73; p ≤ 0.001) and NfL (SMD = 0.60; 95% CI: 0.37, 0.82; p ≤ 0.001) when compared to the healthy controls. The pooled GFAP (SMD = 0.86; 95% CI: 0.26, 1.45; p ≤ 0.01) and NfL (SMD = 0.87; 95% CI: 0.48, 1.26; p ≤ 0.001) were significantly higher in non-survivors. These findings indicate a significant association between COVID-19 severity and elevated levels of GFAP and NfL, suggesting that GFAP and NfL could serve as potential diagnostic and prognostic markers for the early detection and monitoring of COVID-19-related neurological injuries.

Liquid-based cytology for the detection of cervical intraepithelial lesions in Jimma town, Ethiopia.

BACKGROUND: Cervical cancer is the second leading type of female cancer in Ethiopia. Screening for cervical cancer is primarily conducted using visual inspection with 5% acetic acid (VIA). Liquid-based cytology (LBC) is not yet widely used in Ethiopia. METHOD: Women aged 21-65 years were tested using LBC and VIA to detect cervical dysplasia. Logistic regression analysis was conducted to identify associated factors. Cohen's Kappa test was conducted to test agreement between LBC and VIA. RESULTS: Forty-two percent (n = 188) of 448 participants were 31 to 40 years of age and only two participants were above 60. Of the 448 participants, 419 (93.5%) were tested with LBC, 294 (65.6%) VIA and 272 (60.7%) with both LBC and VIA. Among women screened using LBC, 305 (72.8%) were negative for intraepithelial lesion or malignancy (NILM), 97 (23.2%) had low-grade squamous intraepithelial lesion (LSIL) and 17 (4.1%) had high-grade squamous intraepithelial lesion (HSIL). Presence of cervical lesions was generally lower in younger and older women. Majority, 39 (40%) of women with LSIL and 10 (59%) with HSIL were 41-50 years of age. Women aged 51-60 were more likely to have abnormal intraepithelial lesions compared to women aged 21-30 (AOR = 20.9, 95% CI = [7.2-60.9], p = 0.00). Out of 47 (10.8%) HIV-positive women, 14 (32.56%) had intraepithelial lesions of which 10 (23.3%) and 4 (9.3%) had LSIL and HSIL, respectively. Among women screened with VIA, 18 (6.1%) were positive; among the 272 (60.7%) women screened using both LBC and VIA, 6 (2.2%) were positive on both LBC and VIA tests. The level of agreement between the two tests was weak at a statistically significant level (kappa value = 0.155, p = 0.006). CONCLUSION: LBC demonstrated high rates of cervical squamous intra-epithelial lesions in our study. VIA was a less reliable predictor of cervical squamous intra-epithelial lesions than LBC. Evaluating diagnostic accuracy of both LBC and VIA against a histological endpoint should be completed before adopting either or both screening modalities.

Prevalence and Associated Factors of Anemia among Newborns at Jimma Medical Center, South-west Ethiopia.

Background: Newborn anemia is among the most common hematological problems and it can cause asymptomatic or severe to acute life-threatening events. It leads to impairment in brain maturation and development, tissue hypoxia, and stunted growth and then arrested growth if left untreated. The prevalence of anemia among newborns ranges from 23.4-66% in sub-Saharan Africa. But, there is limited information in Ethiopia regarding the prevalence of newborn anemia and its risk factors. Therefore, this study aimed to determine the prevalence of newborn anemia and its associated factors at Jimma Medical Center (JMC), South-west Ethiopia. Methods: A hospital-based cross-sectional study design was implemented from January 14 to February 28, 2021, involving 288 full-term newborns by employing consecutive convenient sampling technique for study participant selection. Socio-demographic data and other associated factors were collected through interviews and a review of medical records by a structured questionnaire. Three mL umbilical cord blood samples from each newborn were collected and analyzed for a complete blood count by an automated hematological analyzer. Data were entered into Epi Data version 3.1 and exported to Statistical Package for Social Science version 20 for analysis. Binary logistic regression were used to identify the predictors of newborn anemia. Results: The overall prevalence of anemia among newborns was 26.4%; of them, 65.8%, 25%, and 9.2% were mild, moderate, and severe anemia types, respectively. Maternal vegetable consumption habit (AOR = 0.26, 95% CI: 0.11, 0.62) and maternal anemia (AOR = 0.34, 95% CI: 0.17, 0.69) were significantly associated with anemia in newborns. Conclusion: In general, newborn anemia in this study was a moderate public health problem. Based on this study, early screening of anemia among newborns may reduce further complications. Prevention of maternal anemia during pregnancy by improving their nutritional status especially vegetable consumption had a positive impact on reducing anemia among newborns.

Anemia prevalence and associated factors among school-children of Kersa Woreda in eastern Ethiopia: A cross-sectional study.

BACKGROUND: Anemia in school children is a worldwide public health problem, affecting about a quarter of this population. It also remains a significant problem in developing countries, with multifactorial causes. Anemia in school children has adverse effects on the development of the physical, cognitive, immunity of affected children, and subsequently their educational achievement which may lead to loss of productivity at a later age in life. Regular surveillance that could provide evidence-based local data is required to intervene in the problems. Therefore, this study aimed to determine the prevalence and associated factors of anemia among school children in primary schools of eastern Ethiopia. METHODS: School-based cross-sectional study was conducted by recruiting 482 school- children. Data on socio-demographic and dietary habits were collected from parents/legal guardians. Capillary blood for blood film preparation and hemoglobin measurement and stool sample for the diagnosis of intestinal parasites infection was collected. Hemoglobin concentration was measured using a hemoglobinometer HemoCue® 301+, and stool examination by direct wet mount and concentration technique. Data were entered into epi-data and exported into SPSS for analysis. Bivariate and multivariate logistic regression was run to identify associated factors. Association was described using adjusted OR (AOR) along with 95% CI and variables with a p-value<0.05 were considered statistically significant. RESULTS: The overall prevalence of anemia was 24.5%. Being female (AOR = 2.88, 95% CI: 1.69, 4.92), family size of more than 5 (AOR = 2.78, 95% CI: 1.60, 4.81), not consuming green leafy vegetables (AOR = 4.09, 95% CI: 2.42, 6.94), consumption of milk (AOR = 2.22, 95% CI: 1.27, 3.88), being stunting (AOR = 3.17, 95% CI: 1.70, 5.91) and parasite infections (AOR = 5.23, 95% CI: 2.77, 9.85) were significantly associated with anemia. CONCLUSION: In this study nearly one-fourth of children were anemic. Anemia was a moderate public health problem among schoolchildren in the study area. Thus, school-based interventions targeting nutritional factors and intestinal parasite infection need to be implemented.

Artificial Intelligence-Assisted Diagnostic Cytology and Genomic Testing for Hematologic Disorders.

Artificial intelligence (AI) is a rapidly evolving field of computer science that involves the development of computational programs that can mimic human intelligence. In particular, machine learning and deep learning models have enabled the identification and grouping of patterns within data, leading to the development of AI systems that have been applied in various areas of hematology, including digital pathology, alpha thalassemia patient screening, cytogenetics, immunophenotyping, and sequencing. These AI-assisted methods have shown promise in improving diagnostic accuracy and efficiency, identifying novel biomarkers, and predicting treatment outcomes. However, limitations such as limited databases, lack of validation and standardization, systematic errors, and bias prevent AI from completely replacing manual diagnosis in hematology. In addition, the processing of large amounts of patient data and personal information by AI poses potential data privacy issues, necessitating the development of regulations to evaluate AI systems and address ethical concerns in clinical AI systems. Nonetheless, with continued research and development, AI has the potential to revolutionize the field of hematology and improve patient outcomes. To fully realize this potential, however, the challenges facing AI in hematology must be addressed and overcome.

A pattern of platelet indices as a potential marker for prediction of pre-eclampsia among pregnant women attending a Tertiary Hospital, Ethiopia: A case-control study.

INTRODUCTION: Preeclampsia is the most serious health risk during pregnancy for both the mother and the fetus. Even though platelet parameters are among the proposed biomarkers for the prediction of preeclampsia, the use of its indices in the diagnosis of preeclampsia is not increasing in Ethiopia. There is little information on platelet patterns in preeclampsia and normal pregnancy. The purpose of this study was to determine the pattern of platelet indices in women with preeclampsia in our study setting. METHODS: A case-control study was conducted among 180 pregnant women who attended anti-natal follow-ups from January 1 to April 3, 2019. An Ethylene Diamine Tetra Acetic Acid anti-coagulated venous blood was collected and analyzed using a hematology analyzer (MINDRAY®-BC-300Plus, Shenzhen China). The SPSS software version 26 was used to run the Mann Whitney U test, Kruskal-Wallis H test, and Kolmogorov-Smirnov normality test, Post-hock test augmented with Benforeni, receiver operating characteristics curve, and Spear Man rank-order correlation. A P-value of <0.05 was considered statistically significant. RESULTS: A total of 180 pregnant women were included in the study. Platelet count and platelet crit levels tend to decrease as pre-eclampsia becomes more severe. In contrast, the mean platelet volume and platelet distribution widths were significantly increased with the severity of preeclampsia (P<0.001). Platelet distribution width (rho = 0.731, p<0.001) and mean platelet volume (rho = 0.674, p<0.001) had statistically significant positive relationships with mean arterial pressure. The best metric for predicting preeclampsia was platelet distribution width (AUC = 0.986; 95%CI; 0.970, 1). CONCLUSIONS: Platelet indices, including platelet count, mean platelet volume, platelet distribution width, and Platelet crit, have been identified as promising candidate markers for predicting preeclampsia in pregnant women. In the future, a serial examination of these indicators during several trimesters of pregnancy should be conducted.

The status of serum cortisol before and after treatment of schizophrenia and its correlation to disease severity and improvement: A longitudinal study.

BACKGROUND: Hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis functioning, with cortisol as its major output hormone, has been presumed to play a key role in the development of psychopathology of schizophrenia. OBJECTIVE: We examined the association of serum cortisol with disease severity and improvement in schizophrenia patients in Jimma, Ethiopia. METHOD: A total of 34 newly diagnosed schizophrenics were included in this study. Data on demographic, behavioral, clinical state, serum cholesterol level, and antipsychotic usage were obtained at baseline and after 8 weeks. The Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale was used to assess psychotic symptoms severity. A paired sample t-test was used to compare baseline and post-treatment values. Linear regression was used to assess associations. RESULT: Post-treatment serum cortisol level was significantly lower than its baseline value (p = 0.001). There was also a significant positive and negative psychotic symptoms decrease after treatment (baseline positive psychotic vs post-treatment positive psychotic symptoms: t(33) = 6.24 (95% confidence interval = 7.03,13.84, p = 0.000) and (baseline negative psychotic vs post-treatment negative psychotic symptoms: t(33) = 4.21 (95% confidence interval = 3.82, 10.99, p = 0.000).At baseline, neither positive nor negative subscore on the Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale showed an association with serum cortisol level (B = -0.016, p = 0.794 and B = -0.032, p = 0.594). However, serum cortisol level showed strong associations with post-treatment positive sub scores and negative sub scores (B = 0.167, p = 0.007) and (B = 0.144, p = 0.010) on the Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale. CONCLUSION: We found a significant decrease in serum cortisol level after antipsychotics treatment and that was associated with improvement in psychotic symptoms in schizophrenics in Jimma, Ethiopia.

Targeting Inflammasome Activation in COVID-19: Delivery of RNA Interference-Based Therapeutic Molecules.

Mortality and morbidity associated with COVID-19 continue to be significantly high worldwide, owing to the absence of effective treatment strategies. The emergence of different variants of SARS-CoV-2 is also a considerable source of concern and has led to challenges in the development of better prevention and treatment strategies, including vaccines. Immune dysregulation due to pro-inflammatory mediators has worsened the situation in COVID-19 patients. Inflammasomes play a critical role in modulating pro-inflammatory cytokines in the pathogenesis of COVID-19 and their activation is associated with poor clinical outcomes. Numerous preclinical and clinical trials for COVID-19 treatment using different approaches are currently underway. Targeting different inflammasomes to reduce the cytokine storm, and its associated complications, in COVID-19 patients is a new area of research. Non-coding RNAs, targeting inflammasome activation, may serve as an effective treatment strategy. However, the efficacy of these therapeutic agents is highly dependent on the delivery system. MicroRNAs and long non-coding RNAs, in conjunction with an efficient delivery vehicle, present a potential strategy for regulating NLRP3 activity through various RNA interference (RNAi) mechanisms. In this regard, the use of nanomaterials and other vehicle types for the delivery of RNAi-based therapeutic molecules for COVID-19 may serve as a novel approach for enhancing drug efficacy. The present review briefly summarizes immune dysregulation and its consequences, the roles of different non-coding RNAs in regulating the NLRP3 inflammasome, distinct types of vectors for their delivery, and potential therapeutic targets of microRNA for treatment of COVID-19.

Inflammasome Activation-Induced Hypercoagulopathy: Impact on Cardiovascular Dysfunction Triggered in COVID-19 Patients.

Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is the most devastating infectious disease in the 21st century with more than 2 million lives lost in less than a year. The activation of inflammasome in the host infected by SARS-CoV-2 is highly related to cytokine storm and hypercoagulopathy, which significantly contribute to the poor prognosis of COVID-19 patients. Even though many studies have shown the host defense mechanism induced by inflammasome against various viral infections, mechanistic interactions leading to downstream cellular responses and pathogenesis in COVID-19 remain unclear. The SARS-CoV-2 infection has been associated with numerous cardiovascular disorders including acute myocardial injury, myocarditis, arrhythmias, and venous thromboembolism. The inflammatory response triggered by the activation of NLRP3 inflammasome under certain cardiovascular conditions resulted in hyperinflammation or the modulation of angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 signaling pathways. Perturbations of several target cells and tissues have been described in inflammasome activation, including pneumocytes, macrophages, endothelial cells, and dendritic cells. The interplay between inflammasome activation and hypercoagulopathy in COVID-19 patients is an emerging area to be further addressed. Targeted therapeutics to suppress inflammasome activation may have a positive effect on the reduction of hyperinflammation-induced hypercoagulopathy and cardiovascular disorders occurring as COVID-19 complications.

Viral MicroRNAs Encoded by Nucleocapsid Gene of SARS-CoV-2 Are Detected during Infection, and Targeting Metabolic Pathways in Host Cells.

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are critical regulators of gene expression that may be used to identify the pathological pathways influenced by disease and cellular interactions. Viral miRNAs (v-miRNAs) encoded by both DNA and RNA viruses induce immune dysregulation, virus production, and disease pathogenesis. Given the absence of effective treatment and the prevalence of highly infective SARS-CoV-2 strains, improved understanding of viral-associated miRNAs could provide novel mechanistic insights into the pathogenesis of COVID-19. In this study, SARS-CoV-2 v-miRNAs were identified by deep sequencing in infected Calu-3 and Vero E6 cell lines. Among the ~0.1% small RNA sequences mapped to the SARS-CoV-2 genome, the top ten SARS-CoV-2 v-miRNAs (including three encoded by the N gene; v-miRNA-N) were selected. After initial screening of conserved v-miRNA-N-28612, which was identified in both SARS-CoV and SARS-CoV-2, its expression was shown to be positively associated with viral load in COVID-19 patients. Further in silico analysis and synthetic-mimic transfection of validated SARS-CoV-2 v-miRNAs revealed novel functional targets and associations with mechanisms of cellular metabolism and biosynthesis. Our findings support the development of v-miRNA-based biomarkers and therapeutic strategies based on improved understanding of the pathophysiology of COVID-19.

Association of serum cortisol level with severity of depression and improvement in newly diagnosed patients with major depressive disorder in Jimma medical center, Southwest Ethiopia.

BACKGROUND: Major Depressive Disorder (MDD) is the leading psychiatric disorder in low- and middle-income countries, and is to be the second leading cause of burden of disease by 2020. Cortisol plays a significant role in pathophysiology of MDD. Depression can alter serum cortisol level. However, the change in serum cortisol level and its association with depressive symptom severity and improvement among patients with MDD is not well studied. OBJECTIVE: To outline change in serum cortisol levels and its association with severity and improvement of depressive symptoms in newly diagnosed patients with MDD. METHOD: Hospital based longitudinal study was conducted among 34 newly diagnosed patients who met DSM-V criteria of MDD. Venous blood sample was performed twice; pre- and post- 8 weeks of treatment. Serum cortisol concentration was measured using an extracted radioimmunoassay. The 17-item Hamilton Depression Scale (HAM-D) was used to rate depression at baseline and after 8 weeks of treatment. Paired t-test was done to look the mean difference of serum cortisol level and HAM-D, before and after treatment. Pearson correlation was done to look the association between serum cortisol levels, HAM-D scores and, sociodemographic and clinical factors. Statistical significance was set at p<0.05. RESULTS: There is no significant difference in cortisol concentrations at baseline and end line (t (33) = 2.02, p = 0.052). However, there is significant difference in HAM-D total score (t (33) = 5.67, p<0.001). Baseline and end line serum cortisol levels were significantly correlated (r = .561, p = .001). Monthly family income is correlated with baseline HAM-D total score (r = -0.373, p = .030). There is no significant relationship between baseline serum cortisol level and HAM-D score. There is also no significant relationship between end line serum cortisol level and HAM-D score. CONCLUSIONS: The symptoms of MDD were reduced following treatment but there is no significant difference in serum cortisol levels. Baseline and end line serum cortisol levels were significantly correlated. We recommend further research based on large sample.

Hemostatic Abnormality and Associated Factors in Diabetic Patients at Jimma University Specialized Hospital, Jimma, Southwest Ethiopia: A Comparative Cross-sectional Study.

BACKGROUND: Diabetes mellitus is a group of heterogeneous disorders of multiple etiologies characterized by chronic hyperglycemia resulting from defects in insulin secretion and/or insulin action. Diabetes mellitus has been reported to disturb normal hemostasis by various mechanisms. However, data on hemostasis of diabetic patients in the study area are lacking. This study was aimed at determining hemostatic profile and associated factors of hemostatic abnormality in diabetic patients. METHODS: A comparative cross-sectional study was conducted involving a total of 238 (119 diabetic and 119 apparently healthy) individuals who came to the chronic care clinic, Jimma University Specialized Hospital. Socio-demographic and clinical data were collected through a structured questionnaire. A blood sample of 10ml was collected in EDTA (4ml), citrate (3ml) and chemistry (3ml) tubes to do platelet count, coagulation tests, and glucose and lipid profile analysis, respectively. Descriptive statistics as well as the median (25th, 75th) percentile and Mann Whitney U test were used during data analysis. RESULTS: The overall hemostatic abnormality in diabetes individuals was 58.8%. The median (25th, 75th percentile) prothrombin time for diabetic and non-diabetic subjects was (12.8, 15.6) vs. (12.8, 14.2), respectively, and the difference was not statistically significant (p>0.05). The median (25th, 75th percentile) activated partial thromboplastin time was significantly different between the two groups (p<0.0001); (24, 36.8) vs. (36, 39.6). The median (25th, 75th percentile) fibrinogen level was significantly different between the two groups (p<0.0001); (277, 462) vs. (243, 328). The median (25th, 75th percentile) platelet count was also significantly different between the two groups (p<0.0001); (146,248) vs. (190,319). All variables were not significantly associated with hemostatic abnormality in multivariate regression analysis. CONCLUSION: An overall hemostatic abnormality in diabetic patients was found to be high. The APTT and platelet count were lower in diabetic patients whilst the fibrinogen level was higher. Routine coagulation tests should be part of tests among diabetic patients. Advanced coagulation tests should also be considered to identify specific markers so as to pinpoint the particular problem.

Anemia among School-Age Children: Magnitude, Severity and Associated Factors in Pawe Town, Benishangul-Gumuz Region, Northwest Ethiopia.

BACKGROUND: Anemia is a global public health problem associated with increased mortality and morbidity. The cause of anemia in school-age children is multifactorial and has been associated with delayed psychomotor development, poor cognitive performance, impaired immunity and decrease working capacity. The aim of this study was to determine the magnitude, severity and determinant factors of anemia among school-age children (5-15 years) in Pawe Town, Northwest Ethiopia. METHODS: A community based cross-sectional study was conducted from March 20 to June 19, 2015 in Pawe Town. A total of 422 school-age children were included in this study. Sociodemographic and related data were collected using structured questionnaire. Anthropometric data were collected from each study participant. Hemoglobin concentration was measured using HemoCue® Hb 201+ System (HemoCue, Angelholm, Sweden). Blood film for malaria diagnoses and stool examination for intestinal parasites were also performed. Data were analyzed using SPSS version 20.0. RESULTS: The overall prevalence of anemia among school-age children was 33.9%. Mothers' illiteracy (AOR=7.5, 95% CI: 2.6-16.3), being from a family with low income (AOR=4.8, 95% CI: 1.3-10.9), being stunted (AOR=7.1, 95% CI: 2.9-11.9), being underweight (AOR=5.3, 95% CI: 2.1-13.3), infection with intestinal parasites (AOR=5.2, 95% CI: 2.1-12.6), and malaria infection (AOR=8.2, 95% CI: 1.8-14.5) were identified as associated factors of anemia. CONCLUSION: In this study, anemia is a moderate public health problem among school-age children. School health strategies and interventions targeting nutritional deficiencies and parasitic infections might be very important.

Correction: Nutritional Iron Deficiency Anemia: Magnitude and Its Predictors among School Age Children, Southwest Ethiopia: A Community Based Cross-Sectional Study.

[This corrects the article DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0114059.].

Epidemiology of soil-transmitted helminths and Schistosoma mansoni: a base-line survey among school children, Ejaji, Ethiopia.

INTRODUCTION: School children are among the high risk groups for soil-transmitted helminths (STHs) and Schistosoma mansoni (S. mansoni) infections in developing countries. The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence and associated factors of STHs and S. mansoni among primary school children. METHODOLOGY: A cross-sectional study was conducted from February 15 to March 30, 2016, involving a total of 340 primary school children (age range 6 to 19 years). Socio-demographic and related data were collected using interviewer-administered questionnaire. Stool samples were collected from each study participant and examined using direct wet mount and modified Kato-Katz thick smear technique. Intensity of the STHs and S. mansoni were determined by estimating the eggs per gram (EPG) of stool. Factors associated with STH and S. mansoni infections were analyzed using multivariable logistic regression model. RESULTS: Prevalence of the STHs and S. mansoni were 38.2% and 12.94%, respectively. The main predictors of STH infections among the children studied were being in the age group of 16-19 years, untrimmed finger nail and household latrine unavailability. Moreover, male children, children with habit of swimming and bathing in the river had significantly higher odds of S. mansoni infection. Most of the children infected with the parasites had light infection. CONCLUSIONS: The burden of STHs and S. mansoni was high among the school children. Deworming intervention should be strengthened, along with awareness creation on proper disposal of human excreta and personal hygiene. Regular monitoring of the burden of the parasites and mass drug administration is required.

Effect of malaria infection on hematological profiles of people living with human immunodeficiency virus in Gambella, southwest Ethiopia.

BACKGROUND: Malaria and human immunodeficiency virus are the two most devastating global health problems causing more than two million deaths each year. Hematological abnormalities such as anemia, thrombocytopenia and leucopenia are the common complications in malaria and HIV co-infected individuals. The aim of this study was to determine the effect of malaria infection on hematological profiles of people living with HIV attending Gambella Hospital ART clinic, Southwestern Ethiopia. OBJECTIVE: To determine the effect of malaria infection on hematological profiles of people living with HIV attending Gambella Hospital ART clinic, Southwestern Ethiopia. METHODS: A facility based comparative cross-sectional study was conducted from May 25 to November 11, 2014 in Gambella Hospital. A total of 172 adult people living with HIV (86 malaria infected and 86 malaria non-infected) participants were included in the study. Demographic, anthropometric and clinical data were collected. Venous blood samples and stool specimen were collected for laboratory analysis. Microscopic examination of peripheral blood films was done for detection of malaria parasites. Descriptive statistics, student T- test, bivariable and multivariable analyses were performed using SPSS V-20. Statistical significance was set at p < 0.05. RESULTS: A total of 172 adult people living with HIV were included in the study. The prevalence of anemia, thrombocytopenia and leucopenia in malaria and HIV co-infected participants were 60.5%, 59.3%, and 43.0%, respectively. Resident (AOR: 4.67; 95% CI: 1.44, 15.14), malaria infection (AOR: 2.42; 95% CI: 1.16, 5.04) and CD4 + count were predictors for anemia. A predictor for thrombocytopenia was malaria infection (AOR: 9.79; 95% CI: 4.33, 22.17). Malaria parasitic density (AOR: 0.13; 95% CI: 0.03, 0.57) and CD4 + count (AOR: 4.77; 95% CI: 1.23, 18.45) were predictors of leucopenia. CONCLUSIONS: Findings suggest that the prevalence of anemia and thrombocytopenia were significantly higher in the malaria and HIV coinfected participants than the HIV mono-infected participants. Mean values of hematological profiles were significantly different in the two groups. Future prospective studies with larger sample size from other settings are needed to substantiate the findings.

Hematological Parameters and Hemozoin-Containing Leukocytes and Their Association with Disease Severity among Malaria Infected Children: A Cross-Sectional Study at Pawe General Hospital, Northwest Ethiopia.

Hematological parameter changes are the most common complications in malaria. We aimed to determine the hematological parameters and hemozoin-containing leukocytes and their association with disease severity in malaria infected children aged between 1 and 15 years. A facility-based cross-sectional study was conducted at Pawe General Hospital from July 31 to December 30, 2014. Demographic and clinical data were collected using structured questionnaire. Blood specimen was collected from each study participant for hematological investigations. Data were analyzed using SPSS version 20. The overall prevalence of anemia was 40.3%, most of which were mildly anemic. Leukocytosis was found in 15.4% of study participants. More than a fourth (27%) of the children had severe malaria. Hemozoin-containing monocytes and neutrophils were found in 80.1% and 58.9% of the study participants, respectively. Under-five years of age (AOR = 3.01, 95% CI: 1.83-7.39, P < 0.001), leukocytosis (AOR = 3.20, 95% CI: 1.65-6.24, P = 0.001), mean hemozoin-containing monocytes >5% (AOR = 6.26, 95% CI: 2.14-14.29, P < 0.001), mean hemozoin-containing neutrophils >5% (AOR = 7.93, 95% CI: 3.09-16.86, P < 0.001), and high density parasitemia (AOR = 1.90, 95% CI: 1.13-3.18, P = 0.015) were associated with severe malaria. Hemozoin-containing leukocytes, leukocytosis, and other identified associated factors should be considered for proper management of children with severe malaria.

Prevalence, Severity, and Determinant Factors of Anemia among Pregnant Women in South Sudanese Refugees, Pugnido, Western Ethiopia.

Background. Anemia is one of the major health problems among refugee pregnant women in the world. Anemia among pregnant women is multifactorial and results in detrimental consequences on the mothers and infants. The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence, severity, and determinants of anemia among pregnant women in South Sudanese refugees, Pugnido western, Ethiopia. Methods. A facility-based cross-sectional study was conducted in Pugnido Administration Refugee and Returnee Affairs Health Center from April 15 to June 30, 2015. Demographic and related data were collected using questionnaire based interview. Complete blood count was done using CELL-DYN 1800 (Abbott USA). Blood smear and fecal specimen were examined for hemoparasite and intestinal parasite, respectively. Bivariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses were done using SPSS-Version 20.0. Results. The overall prevalence of anemia was 36.1%, from whom 2.3% had severe anemia. Being in third trimester, eating meat at most once a week, drinking tea immediately after meal at least once a day, having mid-upper arm circumference below 21 centimeters, and intestinal parasitic infection were identified as independent factors of anemia. Conclusion. More than one-third of pregnant women had anemia in this study. Intervention based strategies on identified determinant factors will be very important to combat anemia among the group.

Renal Function Impairment and Associated Factors among HAART Naïve and Experienced Adult HIV Positive Individuals in Southwest Ethiopia: A Comparative Cross Sectional Study.

BACKGROUND: Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection and its treatment cause renal diseases. Renal disease is associated with an increasing cause of morbidity and mortality in HIV positive individuals than in the general population. It has been also associated with adverse outcomes, such as complications of decreased renal functions and progression to renal failure. OBJECTIVE: To determine the prevalence and factors associated with renal function impairment among highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART) naive and HAART experienced adult HIV positive individuals. METHODS: A facility based comparative cross-sectional study was conducted in Jimma University Specialized Hospital (JUSH) from June to September 2014. HIV positive individuals who visited JUSH during the study period were included in the study. Sociodemographic and clinical data were collected using a structured questionnaire. Blood specimen was analyzed for renal function tests. Descriptive statistics, Mann-Whitney U test and logistic regression analysis were done using SPSS version 16 software. RESULTS: A total of 446 HIV positive individuals, 223 HAART naïve and 223 HAART experienced, were recruited. The overall prevalence of renal function impairment was 18.2% [95%CI: 14.6-21.7]. The prevalence of renal impairment in HAART naive and HAART experienced persons was 28.7% [95%CI: 23.1-34.4] and 7.6% [95%CI: 4.6-11.6], respectively. Age ≥ 50 years (AOR = 3.6; 95% CI 1.4, 9.6), advanced WHO stage (AOR = 2.3; 95% CI 1.1, 4.7), and CD4 count <200 (AOR = 6.9; 95% CI 3.3, 14.2) were independent risk factors among HAART naive participants. Female gender (AOR = 6.6; 95 CI % 1.2, 34), age ≥ 50 years (AOR = 12.1; 95% CI 1.7, 84) and CD4 count <200 (AOR = 17; 95% CI 5.2, 58) were independent risk factors among HAART experienced participants. CONCLUSION: The prevalence of renal function impairment was higher among HAART naïve than HAART experienced HIV positive individuals. Renal function impairment was associated with disease advancement and old age.

Anemia and Associated Factors Among Pregnant Women Attending Antenatal Care Clinic in Wolayita Sodo Town, Southern Ethiopia.

BACKGROUND: Anemia during pregnancy is a common problem which affects both the mother's and her child's health. The main aim of the study was to determine the prevalence and associated risk factors of anemia among pregnant women. METHODS: We conducted a facility based cross-sectional study on 363 pregnant women attending antenatal care clinic in Wolayita Soddo Otona Hospital from January to March 2014. Sociodemographic data were collected through questionnaire based interview. Four milliliter of venous blood and five grams of fecal samples were collected from each pregnant woman. Hematological parameters were determined using CELL DYN 1800(®) (Abott, USA) Hematology analyzer. Stool samples were checked for intestinal parasites using both direct wet mount and formol-ether concentration techniques. Data were analyzed using SPSS version 20 software. RESULTS: Overall, the prevalence of anemia was 39.94% (95% CI: 34.7 - 45.2%), of which the majority (60%) had moderate anemia. The mean hemoglobin concentration was 11.55±2.97 g/dl. Age 15-24 years (AOR: 9.89, 95%CI:2.68-21.41), family size >5 (AOR:7.74, 95%CI:4.15-16.47), multigravida (AOR:2.66, 95%CI:1.1.31-4.53), having low income (AOR:5.81, 95%CI:2.93-14.11), current clinical illness (AOR: 6.38, 95%CI:3.13-13.00), intestinal parasitic infection (AOR:2.41, 95%CI:1.08-5.81), no history of contraceptive usage (AOR:5.02 95%CI:2.21-11.47), being in third trimesters (AOR:11.37, 95%CI:4.56-24.82), history of excess menstrual bleeding (AOR:9.82, 95%CI:3.27-21.35) and low body mass index (AOR:9.44, 95%CI:7.79-22.18) were identified as independent predictors of anemia among pregnant women. CONCLUSION: Anemia prevalence was found out to be moderate public health importance. Identified risk factors should be considered for prevention and control of anemia among pregnant women.