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Achamyelesh Gebretsadik School of Public Health, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, Hawassa University, Hawassa, Southern Nation Nationalities People Region, EthiopiaCorrespondence: Achamyelesh Gebretsadik, School of Public Health, Hawassa University, P.O. Box 1466, Hawassa, Ethiopia, Tel +251 911303128, Email agtsadik@gmail.comBackground: Balneotherapy is the use of mineral water for the treatment of a wide range of diseases including skin lesions. Even though Ethiopia has a large number of places with natural hot springs, their therapeutic value has not been thoroughly studied. The aim of this study was to determine the effect of balneotherapy among patients with skin lesions at hot springs in southern Ethiopia.Methods: A single-arm prospective cohort study design was used to assess patient’s progress from their skin lesion complaint after using the hot water for at least three consecutive days or more. An individual visiting the hot springs site and staying there for at least three days or more was included in the study. From four hot springs sites in Southern Ethiopia, 1320 study participants who were 18 years of age or older were enrolled. The data were gathered using a standardized questionnaire and a physical examination. A descriptive analysis was made.Results: Of the total, 142 (10.8%) of them had various skin lesions. Flexural lesions accounted 87 (61.3%), non-specific skin conditions 51 (35.9%), co-lesions at the scalp, external ear canal, trunk, and various locations, and psoriatic lesions comprised 4.8%. There were 72 (82.8%) typical eczematous lesions among the total number of flexural lesions. After using balneotherapy for 3– 7 days once daily, 69 (95.2%) cases of eczematous dermatitis and 30 (58.8%) cases of non-specific skin issues showed improvement from the lesion. Additionally, after 30 days of bathing once daily, the PASI score of more than 90% of the psoriatic cases dropped to a score of one.Conclusion: Patients with skin lesions benefit significantly from balneotherapy when it lasts for three or more days. In order to improve skin lesions, proper application for at least a week or longer is highly beneficial.Keywords: balneotherapy, hot springs, skin lesion, southern Ethiopia

As per the World Health Organization, 10% of medicines in low- and middle-income nations are of poor quality and pose a huge public health risk. The development and implementation of cost-effective, efficient and quick analytical methods to control the quality of these medicines is one of the immediate strategies to avoid such a situation. Hence, the main goal of this study was to develop and validate a simple, specific and precise new RP–HPLC method for simultaneous analysis of amoxicillin, ampicillin and cloxacillin in pharmaceutical formulations. The chromatographic analysis was achieved using Shodex C18 (250 × 4.6 mm, 5 μm) column with UV detection at 225 nm. The mobile phase was a gradient mixture of 30 mM phosphate buffer, pH 4.0 (mobile phase A) and acetonitrile (mobile phase B). Efficient separation of the three drugs was obtained using the final optimized chromatographic conditions. The developed method was validated for its specificity, linearity, precision, accuracy and robustness as per the ICH guidelines. The validation results showed that the method was specific, linear, precise, accurate and robust for the simultaneous determination of the three drugs. The developed method was applied to determine the content of the three drugs in pharmaceutical formulations. The assay results of the preparations showed that their drug content was within the pharmacopeial limit stipulated for each drug product. It can be concluded that the proposed method is suitable for simultaneous determination of amoxicillin, ampicillin and cloxacillin in pharmaceutical formulations in industries and regulatory laboratories.

The analysis of the spatial interrelationship between soil properties and slope aspect is vital for understanding the range of influence on soil depth, moisture, and stone content distribution. This study aimed to investigate the spatial interrelationship of topsoil moisture and stone content in different slope aspects and soil depth. The 53.7 km2 watershed was divided into a 500m by 500m grid using ArcGIS and 230 soil samples were collected. In each sampling point, the soil was taken at three soil depth classes (0–25cm, 25–60cm, and 60–100cm) using a cylindrical auger, then soil samples were tested to determine the percentage of topsoil moisture, and stone content. The spatial interrelationship between aspect, soil depth, topsoil moisture, and stone content was analyzed using the R and GS+ software. The study had shown non-significant effects of aspect on topsoil moisture, stone content, and soil depth. However, topsoil moisture tends to be higher on the north-facing slope, while stone content tends to be higher on the southeast-facing slope. The analysis of Local Moran’s I revealed that topsoil moisture, stone content, and soil depth were significantly autocorrelated. The cross-semivariogram analysis of soil depth with topsoil stone content depicted a negative spatial correlation. The experimental cross-semivariogram of soil depth versus topsoil moisture was positively fitted to the exponential function, whereas soil depth with topsoil stone content was best fitted to the Gaussian model. Overall, soil depth is the more influential factor than the slope aspect regarding topsoil moisture depletion and stone content distribution in the study watershed.

The study was conducted to reduce the high feed wastage by practicing the improved feed trough in the study area. The trail was conducted at Tahtay Koraro district Northwestern zone of Tigray, Ethiopia. Improved feed trough was constructed on a total of 20 interested farmers. Both quantitative and qualitative data were collected andanalyzed using descriptive statistics. The result showed that the improved feed troughs reduced feed waste significantly in the study area. That is 4.13% and 25% feed loss respectively in improved and traditional feed troughs. The result from the farmers perception also shows that, the farmers were preferred the technology in its less feed wastage, reduces feed contamination, gives an opportunity for persons to do other task than keeping animals, comfortable for the animals, reduces feed competition among the animals; and protects the feed from rain and sun. But farmers are less preferred the technology in its cost for its construction. Therefore, based on the result it is recommended that the technology has to be popularized and promoted to the large number of the farmers of the area for the efficient crop residue utilization.

Chala Daba,1 Amanuel Atamo,1 Sisay Abebe Debela,2 Edosa Kebede,3 Lebasie Woretaw,1 Daniel Gebretsadik,4 Daniel Teshome,5 Yonatal Tefera,6 Mesfin Gebrehiwot1 1Department of Environmental Health, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, Wollo University, Dessie, Ethiopia; 2Department of Public Health, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, Salale University, Fitche, Ethiopia; 3Departement of Medical Laboratory Science, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, Ambo University, Ambo, Ethiopia; 4Department of Medical Laboratory Science, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, Wollo University, Dessie, Ethiopia; 5Department of Anatomy, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, Wollo University, Dessie, Ethiopia; 6Adelaide Exposure Science and Health, School of Public Health, University of Adelaide, Adelaide, AustraliaCorrespondence: Chala Daba, Email Chaladaba293@gmail.comBackground: Regardless of various prevention and control strategies, malaria continues to be a significant public health problem in Ethiopia. As there are few studies on malaria trend analysis in Northeastern Ethiopia, it hinders the evaluation of ongoing and prioritization of new malaria intervention strategies, particularly during the period of pandemics. Therefore, the present study investigated the trend of malaria prevalence in Northeastern Ethiopia from 2015 to 2020.Methods: An institution-based retrospective study was employed to assess the trend of malaria prevalence over a 6-year period (2015– 2020) in three districts (Jile tumuga, Aruma fursi, and Dawachefa) of Northeastern Ethiopia. Data were extracted from clinical records of malaria cases by trained medical laboratory technologists. The associations between the prevalence of malaria and independent variables (age group, malaria transmission season, and districts) were assessed using chi-square test. P-values with a cut-off point of 0.05 were used to determine statistically significant associations.Results: In our study area, a total of 212,952 malaria suspected patients were diagnosed over the 6 years. Of these, 33,005 (15.5%) were confirmed malaria cases. The identified Plasmodium species were Plasmodium falciparum and P. vivax, accounting for 66.4% and 33.6%, respectively. These with the age of > 15 years old were the most affected (41.9%). The highest numbers of malaria cases (34.6%) were recorded during spring season (September to November). The prevalence of Plasmodium species showed a significant association with age (X2=9.7; p=0.002), districts (X2=13.5; p< 0.001), and malaria transmission season (X2=16.5; p< 0.001).Conclusion: In our study area, P. falciparum is the dominant species. We noted that malaria remains a public health concern and fluctuates throughout the years. Therefore, national, regional, zonal, and district health bureaus should strengthen the ongoing and devise appropriate prevention and control strategies even during the period of pandemics.Keywords: malaria trend, season, P. falciparum and P. vivax, Northeast Ethiopia

1AbstractBackgroundRespiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is associated with acute respiratory infection. We sought to identify RSV variants associated with prolonged infection.MethodsAmong healthy term infants we identified those with prolonged RSV infection and conducted 1) a human GWAS to test the dependence of infection risk on host genotype, 2) a viral GWAS for association with prolonged RSV infection using RSV whole-genome sequencing, 3) an analysis of all viral public sequences, 4) an assessment of immunological responses, and 5) a summary of all major functional data. Analyses were adjusted for viral/human population structure and host factors associated with infection risk.ResultsWe identified p.E123K/D and p.P218T/S/L in G protein that were associated with prolonged infection (Padj= 0.01). We found no evidence of host genetic risk for infection. The RSV variant positions approximate sequences that could bind a putative viral receptor, heparan sulfate.ConclusionsUsing analysis of both viral and host genetics we identified a novel RSV variant associated with prolonged infection in healthy infants and no evidence supporting host genetic susceptibility to infection. As the capacity of RSV for chronicity and its viral reservoir are not defined, these findings are important for understanding the impact of RSV on chronic disease and endemicity.Key pointsUsing a comprehensive computational analysis of viral and host genetics we identified a novel RSV variant associated with prolonged infection and no evidence supporting host genetic infection susceptibility, findings important to understanding RSV contribution to chronic disease and viral endemicity.SummaryA comprehensive computational statistical analysis of both host and viral genetics provided compelling evidence for RSV viral persistence in healthy human infants, a finding of significant importance to understanding the impact of RSV on chronic disease and viral endemicity.

The critical stage for any breeder is the selection of crossing parents to drive improved inbred for subsequent breeding cycles. In our study, we estimate breeding parameters such as mid-parent value (MPV), variances among and within crosses, the heritability of relevant traits and their correlations, the usefulness of crosses, and regression of cross means on MPV. 900 F4:5 Recombinant inbred lines (RILs) derived from 30 crosses were tested together with their parental lines in a modified split-plot p-rep design at two locations. The analysis revealed significant genetic variation among parents, crosses, and RIL for almost all traits. Heritability for parents ranged from 49.50% (malt extract) to 93.60% (plant height) and heritability for crosses ranged from 29.52% (grain protein concentration) to 87.0% (days to maturity), whereas heritability for RIL was the lowest with 27.40% for beta-glucan and the highest to 73.60% for thousand kernel weight, respectively. Significant ( P < 0 . 01 ) genotypic correlations with high impact for practical breeding were found between malting traits. Accordingly, the genotypic correlation ranged from −0.73 to 0.78 whereas the phenotypic correlation ranged from −0.60 to 0.65, respectively. Significant ( P < 0 . 01 ) regression of cross-mean on MPV where R2 ranges from 0.27 to 0.70 and is higher than 0.5 for most of the traits demonstrates that cross means can accurately be predicted from MPV and selection among crosses at an early stage is highly effective. Based on the usefulness criterion, 16 superior crosses were identified compared to the planet as the actual leading malt variety. Starting from a simple additive genetic model with random mating, we discuss deviations from the initial model and their impact on the actual estimates implying how to design a state-of-the-art cereal breeding program.

Demonstration and Participatory evaluations of improved beekeeping technologies were conducted in Loka Abaya and Hawassa Zuriya woredas of Sidama National Regional state with the objective of demonstrating improved beekeeping technologies & strengthen research extension farmer’s linkage in beekeeping technology generation and transfer. Demonstration and evaluations of frame and transitional hive was conducted by forming farmers research groups (FRGs) at 4 peasant association (PAs) of selected district; from the demonstration an average of 25.5kg semi-extracted and 10.5 kg crude honey per hive/annum was harvested using after and before using improved technologies respectively and bees wax purification was also demonstrated on farmers field. Partial budget analyses implied that adoption of improved beekeeping technologies make small holder beekeepers more profitable than traditional practice. Therefore, all the demonstrated and evaluated technologies have been recommended for the mandate area to further promote the technologies in to the areas where there is a gap in utilizing and disseminating the technologies.

The impact of breast-feeding on certain childhood respiratory illnesses remains controversial.We sought to examine the effect of exclusive breast-feeding on the early-life upper respiratory tract (URT) and gut microbiome, the URT immune response in infancy, and the risk of common pediatric respiratory diseases.We analyzed data from a birth cohort of healthy infants with prospective ascertainment of breast-feeding patterns and common pediatric pulmonary and atopic outcomes. In a subset of infants, we also characterized the URT and gut microbiome using 16S ribosomal RNA sequencing and measured 9 URT cytokines using magnetic bead-based assays.Of the 1949 infants enrolled, 1495 (76.71%) had 4-year data. In adjusted analyses, exclusive breast-feeding (1) had an inverse dose-response on the ⍺-diversity of the early-life URT and gut microbiome, (2) was positively associated with the URT levels of IFN-α, IFN-γ, and IL-17A in infancy, and (3) had a protective dose-response on the development of a lower respiratory tract infection in infancy, 4-year current asthma, and 4-year ever allergic rhinitis (odds ratio [95% CI] for each 4 weeks of exclusive breast-feeding, 0.95 [0.91-0.99], 0.95 [0.90-0.99], and 0.95 [0.92-0.99], respectively). In exploratory analyses, we also found that the protective association of exclusive breast-feeding on 4-year current asthma was mediated through its impact on the gut microbiome (P = .03).Our results support a protective causal role of exclusive breast-feeding in the risk of developing a lower respiratory tract infection in infancy and asthma and allergic rhinitis in childhood. They also shed light on potential mechanisms of these associations, including the effect of exclusive breast-feeding on the gut microbiome.

Background. Viral hepatitis are considered as the cause of solemn health problem for the human kind, particularly among pregnant women in the 21th century. Therefore, this study is aimed at determining the seroprevalence of HBV and HCV infection among pregnant women attending at Borumeda General Hospital, Dessie, Northeast Ethiopia. Methods. An institution-based cross-sectional study was conducted at Borumeda General Hospital from April to May, 2020. A consecutive total of 124 pregnant women who were attending at the antenatal clinic (ANC) of the hospital were included. A structured questionnaire was used to assess the associated factors and some sociodemographic characteristics. Five milliliters of venous blood was collected from each study participant, and a laboratory test using a rapid HBsAg and anti-HCV kit was done. The data were analyzed using SPSS software version 22. Results. The mean age of the study subjects was 25.81 (±5.967) years. The overall seroprevalence of either HBV or HCV infections among the study participants was 14 (11.3%). HBsAg and anti-HCV were positive among 10 (8.1%) and 4 (3.2%) study participants, respectively. There was no coinfection result between HBV and HCV among pregnant women. Pregnant women who had abortion history [AOR 5.723; 95% CI 1.100-29.785, P value = 0.038] and hospitalization history with IV medication [AOR 6.939; 95% CI 1.017-47.322, P value = 0.048] exhibited statistically significant association with HBV infection. Conclusions. Seroprevalence of HBV and HCV infections among pregnant women was high, and the rate of HBV particularly can be considered in the high endemic category of the WHO classification scheme. Continuous screening of pregnant mothers, provision of hepatitis B vaccine for females at the child-bearing age, and health education to create awareness about HBV and HCV should be implemented.

Whether children and people with asthma and allergic diseases are at increased risk for severe acute respiratory syndrome virus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection is unknown.Our aims were to determine the incidence of SARS-CoV-2 infection in households with children and to also determine whether self-reported asthma and/or other allergic diseases are associated with infection and household transmission.For 6 months, biweekly nasal swabs and weekly surveys were conducted within 1394 households (N = 4142 participants) to identify incident SARS-CoV-2 infections from May 2020 to February 2021, which was the pandemic period largely before a vaccine and before the emergence of SARS-CoV-2 variants. Participant and household infection and household transmission probabilities were calculated by using time-to-event analyses, and factors associated with infection and transmission risk were determined by using regression analyses.In all, 147 households (261 participants) tested positive for SARS-CoV-2. The household SARS-CoV-2 infection probability was 25.8%; the participant infection probability was similar for children (14.0% [95% CI = 8.0%-19.6%]), teenagers (12.1% [95% CI = 8.2%-15.9%]), and adults (14.0% [95% CI = 9.5%-18.4%]). Infections were symptomatic in 24.5% of children, 41.2% of teenagers, and 62.5% of adults. Self-reported doctor-diagnosed asthma was not a risk factor for infection (adjusted hazard ratio [aHR] = 1.04 [95% CI = 0.73-1.46]), nor was upper respiratory allergy or eczema. Self-reported doctor-diagnosed food allergy was associated with lower infection risk (aHR = 0.50 [95% CI = 0.32-0.81]); higher body mass index was associated with increased infection risk (aHR per 10-point increase = 1.09 [95% CI = 1.03-1.15]). The household secondary attack rate was 57.7%. Asthma was not associated with household transmission, but transmission was lower in households with food allergy (adjusted odds ratio = 0.43 [95% CI = 0.19-0.96]; P = .04).Asthma does not increase the risk of SARS-CoV-2 infection. Food allergy is associated with lower infection risk, whereas body mass index is associated with increased infection risk. Understanding how these factors modify infection risk may offer new avenues for preventing infection.

Background. Pregnancy complications are the major health problems among women in developing countries. Globally, around 295,000 women die from pregnancy-related causes annually and 86% of these maternal deaths happen in developing countries. Objective. To assess knowledge of obstetric danger signs among reproductive-age women living in southeastern zone of Tigray Region, Ethiopia, 2021. Methods. A community-based quantitative cross-sectional survey was undertaken in southeastern zone of Tigray. A multistage random sampling technique was implemented to select total participants of 410 reproductive-age women. Two districts were randomly selected, and from those districts, 12 kebeles were selected randomly, and the calculated sample size (410) was proportionally allocated to each selected kebel. The data were collected by using face-to-face interview with a structured questionnaire from January 20 to February 20/2021 after ensuring that all requirements of ethical considerations were fulfilled. The collected data were entered into EpiData version 4.2 and then exported to SPSS version 20 for analysis. Descriptive statistics with frequency, percentage, table and graph, and cross-tabulation were used for presentation of result. Bivariable and multivariable analyses were used to examine the association. Odds ratios with 95% confidence interval and P value < 0.05 were used to determine the statistical association. Result. Four hundred ten reproductive-age women participated in the study making a response rate of 100%. Leakage of fluid per vagina was the most commonly mentioned obstetric danger signs (61%). Overall, one hundred seventy-two (42%) had good knowledge on obstetric danger sign. Educational status of the mother (AOR ( 95 % CI = 2.7 (1.189-6.24))), site of delivery (AOR ( 95 % CI = 2.2 (1.6-3.432))), and having history of an ANC follow-up (AOR ( 95 % CI = 2.4 (1.13-5.6))) were found to be independent predictors of knowledge of women about the obstetric danger sign. Conclusion and Recommendation. Educational status of the mother site of delivery and having history of an ANC follow-up were independently associated with knowledge of women about obstetric danger signs. Thus, provision of the Information, Education and Communication targeting women, family, and the general community on obstetric danger signs and associated factors was recommended.

Background Obstetric fistula is a major public health concerns in Ethiopia. It is the most devastating cause of all maternal morbidities. Method Data from the 2016 Ethiopian Demographic Health Survey (EDHS) was analyzed. A community-based unmatched case control study was conducted. Seventy cases and 210 non cases were selected using random number table. Data were analyzed by using STATA statistical software version 14. Multivariable logistic regression model was applied to determine the factors associated with fistula. Results The majority of fistula cases were from rural residences. The multivariable statistical model showed that rural residence (Adjusted OR (AOR) = 5, 95% CI 4.26, 7.52), age at first marriage (AOR = 3.3, 95% CI 2.83, 4.60), poorest wealth index (AOR = 3.3, 95% CI 2.24, 5.01) and decision making for contraceptive use by husband alone (AOR = 1.3, 95% CI 1.124, 1.67) were factors significantly associated with obstetric fistula. Conclusion Age at first marriage, rural residence, poorest wealth index and decision making for contraceptive use by husband alone were significantly associated factors for obstetric fistula. Intervening on these factors will reduce the magnitude of obstetrics fistula. In this context there is in-need to improve on avoiding early marriage through awareness creation to the community and developing legal framework by the policymakers. Furthermore, information about the joint decision making to use contraceptives should be disseminated though mass-media and interpersonal channels.

Introduction Carbapenemase-producing Enterobacteriaceae are by far the most public health and urgent clinical problems with antibiotic resistance. They cause longer hospital stays, more expensive medical care, and greater mortality rates. This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to indicate the prevalence of carbapenemase-producing Enterobacteriaceae in Ethiopia. Methods This systematic review and meta-analysis was conducted based on Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analysis guidelines. Electronic databases like PubMed, Google Scholar, CINAHL, Wiley Online Library, African Journal Online, Science Direct, Embase, ResearchGate, Scopus, and the Web of Sciences were used to find relevant articles. In addition, the Joanna Briggs Institute quality appraisal tool was used to assess the quality of the included studies. Stata 14.0 was used for statistical analysis. Heterogeneity was assessed by using Cochran’s Q test and I2 statistics. In addition, publication bias was assessed using a funnel plot and Egger’s test. A random effect model was used to estimate the pooled prevalence. Sub-group and sensitivity analysis were also done. Results The overall pooled prevalence of carbapenemase-producing Enterobacteriaceae in Ethiopia was 5.44% (95% CI 3.97, 6.92). The prevalence was highest [6.45% (95% CI 3.88, 9.02)] in Central Ethiopia, and lowest [(1.65% (95% CI 0.66, 2.65)] in the Southern Nations and Nationalities People Region. In terms of publication year, 2017–2018 had the highest pooled prevalence [17.44 (95% CI 8.56, 26.32)] and 2015–2016 had the lowest [2.24% (95% CI 0.87, 3.60)]. Conclusion This systematic review and meta-analysis showed a high prevalence of carbapenemase-producing Enterobacteriaceae. So, to alter the routine use of antibiotics, regular drug susceptibility testing, strengthening the infection prevention approach, and additional national surveillance on the profile of carbapenem resistance and their determining genes among Enterobacteriaceae clinical isolates are required. Systematic review registration PROSPERO (2022: CRD42022340181).

Agroforestry improves food security and smallholder livelihoods through provision of multiple products from limited land while ensuring sustainable land use system. Locally adaptable agroforestry practices and technologies identified by farmer- led approaches are key for wide spread adoption of agroforestry as a sustainable land use at a landscape level. Studies disclosed that farmers in the rift valley regions of Ethiopia require far more tree diversity on their lands than they already have. This is an indication that there is a need for systematic testing through participatory homestead trials, of a wide range of tree species preferred by farmers across a range of contexts to promote tree diversity and bring large scale impacts in adoption of agroforestry technologies. This paper presents the study findings on management, survival, and growth of farmer managed fruit tree seedlings at homesteads. Participatory trials were established at farmers' homesteads with fruit trees that were prioritized by farmers in the semi-arid Ethiopia. The trial sites were farmers’ homesteads in East shoa zone (Adamitulu woreda -Ziway, Dugda bora woreda-Meki and Lome woreda- Mojo). Higher survival of improved Papaya -Carica papaya seedlings was found at Lome as compared- to that of Dugda and Adamitulu at seven months after planting. The survival of Avocado- Persea americana was the highest at Lome site. Beating up was carried out at the end of first year and analysis of data two years later revealed significant differences (a=0.05) in survivals of fruit trees across study sites. Height growth and crown width of farmer managed fruit trees also revealed significant differences (a=0.05) across study sites at two years. Watering frequencies of seedlings were found to vary greatly across study sites. On average farmers in different sites watered their seedlings bi-weekly. At Dugda site 77% of participant farmers watered their seedlings daily and provided a comparatively better care to seedlings resulting in a remarkable performance of Avocado. Though factors constraining seedling growth and survival at homesteads in the semi arid are diverse, it is highly recommended to link species priority and local knowledge with planting niches to win the willingness of farmers to plant trees and contribute to the success of homestead agroforestry.

Drought is one of the most damaging climate–induced threats impacting the lives of many people every year. Proactive and reactive drought coping and adapting mechanisms enable farmers to be resilient against climate induced drought and improve the current disaster preparedness and early warning systems in the drylands. The aim of this study was to assess proactive and reactive farmers’ drought adaptation & coping strategies at household level in Raya valley in southern Tigray, Ethiopia. Agro–climatological based 246 households were sampled from the lowlands, midlands and highlands. Multinomial logit model was used to identify best drought coping strategies. Respondents had mild to extremely severe drought in the last three decades. The association between the various drought severity and household heads were significant (chi2= 9.861, df=3, p < 0.05). Pasture collection and saving, soil and water conservation, and weather prediction information to adjust saving and farming system were proactive drought adaptation and coping strategies. Livestock Feeding with roasted cactus cladode, small business loans, livestock selling, productive safety–net programme, and food consumption reduction were the major reactive drought adaptation and coping strategies. The proactive and reactive drought coping and adaptation strategies identified in this study should be used to improve the current disaster preparedness and early warning systems monitoring and evaluation in the face of climate and weather extreme related impacts of climate variability and change.

Background Armed conflicts greatly affect the health, nutrition, and food security of conflict affected settings particularly children. However, no empirical data exist regarding context specific factors contributing towards acute malnutrition in the war-torn Tigray, Ethiopia. Thus, this study aimed to identify individual and community level factors associated with acute malnutrition among children aged 6–59 months from armed conflict affected settings of Tigray, Ethiopia. Methods A community based cross-sectional study was conducted among 3,614 children aged 6–59 months in Tigray, from July 15 to Aug 15, 2021. Study participants were selected using a two-stage random sampling method. A structured questionnaire was used to collect data by interviewing mothers/caregivers. Mid upper arm circumference (MUAC) measurements were taken from upper left arm of the children using MUAC tapes. Multivariable multilevel logistic regression analysis was used to determine factors associated with acute malnutrition. Adjusted Odds ratio (AOR) with 95% CI were estimated to describe the strength of associations at p Results More than half (52.5%) of the sampled children were males in sex. Immediately after the first nine months into the conflict, the prevalence of severe, moderate, and global acute malnutrition was very high (5.1%, 21.8%, and 26.9%, respectively) in Tigray. The lowest and highest burden of child acute malnutrition was reported from Mekelle zone (13.3%) and Southeastern zone (36.7%), respectively. Individual-level factors such as older child age (AOR = 0.13, 95% CI: 0.10, 0.18), female child sex (AOR = 1.24, 95% CI 1.05, 1.480.95), Vitamin-A supplementation (AOR = 1.3, 95% CI: 1.05, 1.65), and history of diarrhea (AOR = 1.22, 95%CI: 1.02, 1.53) and community-level factors like unimproved drinking water source (AOR = 1.31, 95%CI: 1.08, 1.58), unimproved toilet facility (AOR = 1.24, 95% CI: 1.01, 1.52), and severe food insecurity (AOR = 1.55, 95% CI: 1.16. 2.07) were significantly associated with childhood acute malnutrition. Conclusions The burden of acute malnutrition is a severe public health problem in Tigray. To prevent the untimely suffering and death of children, regular nutrition screening, speedy, and appropriate referral of all malnourished children to nutritional services and large-scale humanitarian assistance including access to food; nutrition supplies; water, sanitation and hygiene supplies; and health care in a timely manner are required. In the prevailing armed conflict, these have been very difficult to achieve. Thus, immediate international intervention is needed.

Background The improvement of various health outcomes, including the reduction of maternal, neonatal, infant, and child mortality as well as the increased use of maternity and newborn health services, was significantly assisted by rural health extension workers. Implementing health extension programs and offering the community high-quality healthcare services requires job satisfaction. In the study area, there has been little research on job satisfaction and related variables. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to evaluate the degree of job satisfaction among rural health extension workers in the Hadiya zone, Southern Ethiopia, as well as associated factors. Methods A facility-based cross-sectional study was conducted among 262 rural health extension workers from May 30, 2021, to July 02, 2021. A simple random sampling method was used to select six rural districts. Data were gathered utilizing structured interviewer-administered questions and skilled data collectors. EpiData V4.4.1 was used to store the data, and SPSS Version 25 was used for analysis. To determine the relationship between the variables, bivariate and multivariate logistic regressions were used. The association was reported using the adjusted odds ratio (AOR) with a 95% confidence interval (95%CI), and the significance level was set at a p-value of 0.05. Results This study showed that 52.7% of rural health extension workers were satisfied with their jobs. Support from Keble leaders [AOR = 5.3; 95% CI (2.6, 11.1)], on-job training [AOR = 5.7, 95% CI (2.2, 14.9)], supportive supervision [AOR = 4.3; 95% CI (1.7, 10.8)] and reward or recognition [AOR = 7.4, 95% CI (3.0, 18.1)] were factors that associated with job satisfaction of health extension workers. Conclusion According to this study, more than half of rural health extension workers were happy with their jobs. Health extension workers’ job satisfaction was affected by support from keble leaders, supportive supervision, on-the-job training, and recognition and rewards. In order to increase the happiness of the health extension workers, supporting supervision must be strengthened and the best performers must be recognized.

Background Despite numerous interventions, child undernutrition continues as a problem of global concern. Although consumption of animal source foods has shown positive associations with child undernutrition, no much evidence exists on its trends and predictors among children in Tigrai. Objectives This study aimed to investigate the trends in and predictors of consumption of animal source foods among children 6–23 months of age in Tigrai. Methodology This study used complex data of 756 children extracted from three consecutive Ethiopian Demographic and Health Surveys. Data were analyzed using STATA 14.0 by accounting for sampling weight and cluster and strata variables. Multivariable logistic regression was used to determine the independent predictors of animal source foods consumption. Odds ratio and 95% confidence interval were used to measure strength of association at a statistical significance of p Results Although statistically not significant (p-trend = 0.28), animal source foods consumption increased from 31.3% to 2005 through 35.9% in 2011 to 41.5% in 2016. For every month increase in the age of a child, a 9% increment in the odds of animal source food consumption was observed. Muslim children showed 3.1 times higher odds of animal source food consumption than Orthodox Christians. The likelihood of animal source foods consumption were 33% lower among children born to mothers who didn’t attend formal education as compared to their counterparts. A unit increase in the number of household assets and number of livestock led to a 20% and 2% increase in the odds of animal source foods consumption, respectively. Conclusion Animal source foods consumption showed a statistically non-significant increase over the three consecutive Ethiopian Demographic and Health Surveys. This study found out that consumption of animal source foods might be increased through pro-maternal education policies, programs with household asset increasing schemes, and pro-livestock projects. Our study also highlighted the need for considering religion as one important player when planning or undertaking ASF programs.

Background Immediate postpartum intra-uterine contraceptive device (IPPIUCD) placement within 10 min after the expulsion of the placenta following vaginal delivery is a safe and effective method when provided after comprehensive counseling. Studies on its acceptance and utilization are scarce in the study area. This study aims to assess the acceptance and utilization of IPPIUCD. Methods A cross-sectional study was conducted from January 1st up to February 31st, 2020, among 392 mothers who delivered at public health facilities in Hawassa city. EPI-Data version 7.2 was used for data entry and STATA 14 for analysis. Data were collected using an interviewer administered structured questionnaire. A binary logistic regression and a multivariable logistic regression model were used to assess association. Statistical significance was determined at a p-value of less than 0.05 with a 95% confidence interval. Results Of the 392 mothers enrolled, 16.3% (95% CI: 12.7–20.0) of them accepted immediate post-partum IUCD. However, only 10% (95%CI: 7.0, 12.9) utilized immediate post-partum IUCD. Counseling about IPPIUCD, Attitude, plan to have another child, and birth intervals were associated with acceptance of immediate PPIUCD while husband support for family planning use, delivery time, and the number of children had a significant association with utilization of immediate PPIUCD. Conclusions The study found a relatively low proportion of acceptors and utilizers of immediate post-partum IUCD in the study area. To improve the acceptance and utilization of immediate PPIUCD among mothers, all stakeholders concerned with family planning need to mitigate and promote the challenges and facilitating factors, respectively.

Background : The car accident injury level is known to be a result of a complex interaction of factors to drivers’ behavior, vehicle characteristics and environmental condition. Therefore it is obvious that identifying the contribution of the factors to the accident injury is very critical. The objective of study was to perform descriptive analysis to see the characteristics of car accident, to assess the prevalence and determinants of road safety practices in Mekelle City, Tigray, Ethiopia. Methods : A random sample of data was extracted from traffic police office from September 2014- July 2017. An ordered logistic regression model was used to examine factors that worsen the car accident level. Result : A total sample of 385 car accidents were considered in the study of which 56.7% were fatal, 28.6% serious and 14.7% slight injury. The model estimation result showed that, being experienced drivers (Coef. = 0.686; p-value< = 0.050) were found to increase the level of injury. On the other hand, being private vehicle (Coef. = -1.160; p-value

In this cohort study of hospitalized patients with linked medical record data, we developed International Classification of Diseases (ICD) criteria that accurately identified laboratory-confirmed, severe influenza hospitalizations (positive predictive value [PPV] 80%, 95% confidence interval [CI] 71-87%), which we validated through medical record documentation. These criteria identify patients with clinically important influenza illness outcomes to inform evaluation of preventive and therapeutic interventions and public health policy recommendations.

This paper showcases the conflict resolution mechanisms used by populations indigenous to the Gamo areas of Ethiopia. The Gamo system represents a time-honored, informal, and socially equitable method of resolving types of personal and business disputes found among the general populace. This research work investigates and demonstrates the utility of the Gamo customary method for addressing perceptual and behavioral elements of conflict that are present in all societies across the country. To attain this objective, the article employed both secondary and primary data sources. Both primary and secondary data were organized thematically and analyzed through systematic interpretation and triangulation of various sources. The article found that conflicts are manifested at a family, neighborhood, and clan (Dere) levels with varying magnitude. The indigenous conflict resolution institution among Gamo has three stages of conflict resolution. The higher (Dere), middle (Guta), and lower stages. Conflict resolution at the higher and middle stages is used to lead by elders from the Gamo traditional political system. Conflicts at the lower stage are used to be resolved by elders selected by the disputant parties. The three stages of conflict resolution are highly interconnected and refer to cases from one setting to another. From a positional standpoint, this study proposes the indigenous conflict resolution mechanisms among Gamo and draws out lessons for Ethiopia and other countries to build sustainable peace.

Mycobacteria are a continuous threat to human health. They include various species, such as Mycobacterium tuberculosis (M. tuberculosis), which is an intracellular parasite of mammals, and the most virulent and non-tuberculous mycobacteria (NTM), namely, M. avium, which are environmental bacteria causing intractable NTM diseases. An infection model of transparent zebrafish and fish-infectious M. marinum was established to better understand the in vivo behavior of mycobacteria under the pressure of host immune responses. However, the fish model does not fully replicate mammalian immunity. Here, we demonstrate that a clear, unobstructed brain/body imaging cocktail and computational analysis (CUBIC)-based infection (CUBIC-infection) analysis enables comprehensive mycobacterial profiling of the whole lung. We assessed the in vivo kinetics of mycobacterial infection along with fluorescent protein-expressing recombinant mycobacteria. We detected mycobacterium at a single bacterial level and counted bacterial numbers, which was comparable to the colony-forming units of organ homogenates. CUBIC-infection analysis distinguished in vivo spatiotemporal behavior of M. tuberculosis, M. tuberculosisvariant Bacillus Calmette-Guerin, and M. avium in mice. Furthermore, it monitored spatiotemporal information on the therapeutic efficacies of anti-tuberculosis drugs and an anti-lymphangiogenesis agent. Our data suggest that CUBIC-infection analysis is a powerful tool for understanding mycobacterial infections in mammals and developing therapeutic agents.

Despite the critical importance of complementary feeding, large proportions of children in developing countries are sub-optimally fed during 6–23 months of age. In Ethiopia, even though the government has been rolling out infant and young child feeding (IYCF) guidelines, the proportion of mothers adhering to the recommended optimal practices and its associated factors have not been assessed in different agro-ecological areas. Hence, the present study aimed to determine optimal complementary feeding practices and associated factors in three agro-ecological rural districts (high, mid and lowland) of southwest Ethiopia. A community-based cross-sectional study was carried out among 845 mothers-index young children 6–23 months Jimma zone. Multistage sampling was employed to select the study participants. Structured and pretested questionnaires were used to collect data and entered into Epi Data V.1.4.4.0. The data were analysed using SPSS version 20. Binary and multivariable logistic regressions were used to identify factors associated with optimal child-feeding practices. The significance of the association was determined at P < 0⋅05. The overall proportion of optimal complementary feeding practice (OCFP) was 9⋅4 % at 95 % CI (7⋅19, 11⋅08). The timely initiation of complementary feeding, minimum meal frequency, minimum dietary diversity and minimum acceptable diet was 52⋅2, 64⋅1, 17⋅2 and 12⋅2 %. Multivariable logistic regression showed that being in the highland districts, having good maternal knowledge, and mothers having primary school education, having a family size of less than six were positively associated with optimal complementary feeding practices. The findings showed that OCFP was low, especially in the midland agro-ecological districts.

Supplemental material, sj-docx-1-smo-10.1177_20503121221145569 for Bacteriology of community-acquired pneumonia, antimicrobial susceptibility pattern and associated risk factors among HIV patients, Northeast Ethiopia: cross-sectional study by Mihret Tilahun, Daniel Gebretsadik, Abdurahaman Seid, Alemu Gedefie, Melaku Ashagrie Belete, Melkam Tesfaye, Edosa Kebede and Agumas Shibabaw in SAGE Open Medicine

We present a pair distribution function (PDF) analysis from neutron diffraction data of the Ni$_{1-x}$V$_x$ alloy in the Ni-rich regime. Such structural study aims to clarify the origin of the magnetic inhomogeneities associated with the quantum Griffiths phase close to the ferromagnetic-paramagnetic quantum phase transition. The PDF analysis successfully reveals the details of the structure and chemical distribution of our Ni$_{1-x}$V$_x$ polycrystalline samples prepared with high-temperature annealing and rapid cooling protocol. This study confirms the expectations that all Ni$_{1-x}$V$_x$ samples with 0$ \leq x \leq $0.15 crystallize in a single phase fcc structure with some residual strain. The increase of the lattice constant and the atomic displacement parameter with V-concentration $x$ is consistently explained by a random occupation of V and Ni-atoms on the lattice, with a radius ratio ($r_{V}/r_{Ni}$) of 1.05. Probing alternate, simple models of the local PDF, such as V-clusters or ordered structures (Ni$_8$V, Ni$_3$V) give inferior results compared to a random occupation. This investigation strongly supports that the magnetic clusters in the binary alloy Ni$_{1-x}$V$_x$ originate from Ni-rich regions created from "random" occupation rather than from chemical clusters. It reveals that Ni$_{1-x}$V$_x$ is one of the rare examples of a solid solution in a wide concentration regime (up to x=0.15) persisting down to low temperatures (T=15 K)., Comment: 12 pages, 7 figures, 3 tables

Supplementary Material 1

Two pairs of chiral end-on azido-bridged dinuclear hexaazamacrocycles, [Dy 2 (L N6 R/S ) 2 (N 3 ) 2 Cl 2 ](BPh 4 ) 2 ( 1R / 1S ) and [Dy 2 (L N6 R/S ) 2 (N 3 ) 4 ]Cl 2 ( 2R / 2S ) (L N6 R/S is hexaazamacrocyclic neutral Schiff base ligand derived from 2.6-diformylpyridine and (1 R , 2 R )/(1 S , 2 S )-diaminocyclohexane), were constructed by adjusting the molar ratio of sodium azide to Dy(III) macrocycle precursor. Structural analyses reveal that all Dy(III) centers in complexes 1R / 1S and 2R / 2S are nine-coordinate with hula-loop coordination geometry, and the differences between 1R / 1S and 2R / 2S are the terminal coordination anion and counter anion. Magnetic studies indicate that complex 2S displays typical SMM behaviors under a zero dc field, whereas 1S just shows slow relaxation of magnetization resulting from a relatively weak axial crystal field. Significantly, complex 2R / 2S represent the first homochiral all-nitrogen-coordinated lanthanide single-molecule magnets.