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Abstract Background Homegardens (HGs) are well-time-honored traditional land use systems in small plots of land with purposely designed intricate structure and a mixture of planted vascular plants (VPs) for different purposes. Hence, the present study was initiated to investigate the ethnobotanical information of vascular plants of homegardens and their use, conservation and management practice by the people of Dawuro in southwestern Ethiopia. Methods A total of 162 farmer informants were selected and interviewed within a distance of 4 km between the natural forest and homegardens, and 0.8–1 km between the homegardens. Quadrats of three 5 m × 10 m were laid (except front yard) around each living houses. Shannon–Wiener diversity index was used for analysis of diversity. Results There were 345 vascular plants in the homegardens distributed in 252 genera and 79 families. The most frequently recorded plant families were Fabaceae with 38 (11%), Asteraceae 33 (10%), and Lamiaceae 26 (7.5%). The species richness recorded per homegardens ranged from 13 to 59. Ensete ventricosum, Persea americana, Colocosia esculenta, Coffea arabica, Solanum capsicoides, and Ocimum basilicum were the most frequently occurred species. The homegarden was enset-based agrobiodiversity system providing food, medicine and other uses where the highest, 290 species were for medicine. Men are responsible for planting and propagating large-sized plant species in the homegardens, while small-sized were managed by women and children. The α-diversity (H’) ranged from 1.4 to 3.4 and the gamma diversity was 4.2. Culture has positive effect on diversity however, the diversity of species is affected by distance from natural forest (x 2 = 14.825, df = 4, p = 0.005) at P

A triple ligand metal organic framework (MOF) (named mix@HA/Z8) was designed and used as a smart anti-corrosion filler benzotriazole (BTA) and zinc nitrate were loaded into the pH-sensitive, highly resistant, and thermally stable Z8 nanocarriers. These nanocarriers were subsequently applied to the hydroxyapatite sheets to enhance the self-healing capabilities of the epoxy coating. This addition not only improved the barrier capability of the coating but also enhanced its self-healing nature. In order to validate the successful synthesis of the smart inhibitor, several tests such as Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR), X-ray diffraction (XRD), Field Emission Scanning Electron Microscopy (FE-SEM), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), and Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) were conducted. Additionally, Brunauer, Emmett, and Teller (BET) and Inductively Coupled Plasma (ICP) experiments were carried out to verify the appropriate loading and release of the inhibitor. The polarization and EIS experiments conducted to assess the anti-corrosion performance in the solution phase revealed that the mix@HA/Z8 had the best corrosion inhibition (51%) among the other samples. Furthermore, the EIS test for the intact coating containing the mix@HA/Z8 after 56 days of exposure to 3.5% saline solution demonstrated its ability to maintain log|Z|f = 0.01Hz higher than 1010.5 Ω cm2. FE-SEM testing of the scratched coating containing mix@HA/Z8 (after 48 h of immersion) confirmed its remarkable self-healing feature. The enhancement of the adhesion of mix@HA/Z8, as demonstrated by the pull-off analysis, indicated that the adhesion loss of the mix sample was lower than that of other coatings, standing at 21.21%.

The COVID-19 pandemic, caused by the SARS-CoV-2 virus, has profoundly affected global health, presenting unprecedented challenges to pregnant women and their offspring. This paper explores the impacts of COVID-19 on maternal, neonatal, and childhood health, shedding light on both short-term and potential long-term consequences. The transmission of the virus from mother to child, though relatively low compared to other vertically transmitted diseases, remains a subject of ongoing study. Maternal COVID-19 infection during pregnancy is linked to adverse outcomes such as preterm delivery, cesarean section, preeclampsia, and gestational diabetes. Additionally, COVID-19 infection appears to influence placental pathology, raising concerns about fetal development and health in the long term. The pandemic has exacerbated maternal mental health challenges, including an increased prevalence of postpartum depression. Infants born to mothers with COVID-19 may experience lower neonatal weight, reduced head circumference, and a heightened risk of complications. Long-term health effects on children, including cardiovascular and respiratory impacts, remain areas of active investigation. Comprehensive research is vital to understand the magnitude of these risks and develop effective strategies for preventing and managing COVID-19 in pregnant women. Prioritizing the health and well-being of pregnant women and their offspring is critical in mitigating the enduring effects of the pandemic on maternal, neonatal, and childhood outcomes.

BackgroundSepsis in the neonatal period is a major health challenge in neonatal medicine because of its potential for rapid progression to multi-organ dysfunction, leading to higher morbidity and mortality. Although efforts have been made to advance the outcomes of neonates admitted to hospitals, there is a paucity of data regarding neonatal sepsis treatment outcomes in the study setting. Hence, the study aimed to assess outcomes and prognostic factors of sepsis among neonatal patients admitted to the neonatal intensive care unit in Hiwot Fana Comprehensive Specialized University Hospital in Ethiopia.MethodsA facility-based cross-sectional study was conducted among 311 neonates with sepsis admitted from 1 January 2021 to 30 December 2023. Neonates were selected using systematic random sampling. Relevant data were extracted from medical records using a checklist. The data were entered into EpiData version 4.6 and analyzed using STATA version 17. Bivariable and multivariable logistic regression analyses were performed to identify factors associated with the outcome variable.ResultsEighty-four of 311 patients (27.8%) (95% CI: 22.7%–32.9%) died, while 218 (72.2%) were discharged after improvement. In the multivariable logistic regression analysis, low white blood cell (WBC) count [adjusted odds ratio (AOR) = 4.24, 95% CI: 1.5–12.5], desaturation (aOR = 3.00, 95% CI: 1.6–5.5), pre-term birth (aOR = 2.14, 95% CI: 1.1–4.0), lack of maternal antenatal care (ANC) follow-up (aOR = 2.4, 95% CI: 1.2–4.7), and chorioamnionitis (aOR = 2.8, 95% CI: 1.2–6.5) were significantly associated with neonatal sepsis mortality.ConclusionApproximately one-quarter of patients with neonatal sepsis died. The significant prognostic factors for sepsis were found to be low WBC count, desaturation, lack of ANC visits, and chorioamnionitis. Implementing targeted therapeutic interventions and addressing these prognostic factors could improve treatment outcomes.

This study investigates the potential of A. mexicana seeds as a feedstock for biodiesel production. The oil was extracted from the seeds using a mechanical pressing method, and its biodiesel was produced through transesterification with methanol in the presence of sodium hydroxide. The biodiesel yield was determined, and the major fuel properties, including viscosity, cetane number, density, and cold flow characteristics, were thoroughly analyzed. The results revealed that the biodiesel yield from A. mexicana oil was approximately 95.7 %, which is comparable to other non-food oilseeds. The fuel properties of the biodiesel, such as kinematic viscosity (5.03 cSt), cetane number (59.4), and density (884 kg/m3), were evaluated and compared with the ASTM D6751 and EN 14214 standards for biodiesel quality. The cold flow properties, including the pour point and cloud point, also met the specified limits for biodiesel use in colder climates. Furthermore, the fatty acid profile of the A. mexicana oil was determined through gas chromatography, revealing a composition of predominantly linoleic acid (C18:2), oleic acid (C18:1), and palmitic acid (C16:0). The fatty acid composition indicates that the biodiesel produced from Argemone mexicana has desirable characteristics for high-quality biodiesel production. Overall, the results suggest that A. mexicana oil is a viable and sustainable feedstock for biodiesel production, with fuel properties that meet international standards for biodiesel use.

BackgroundSevere maternal outcome (SMO) encompasses women who survive life-threatening conditions either by chance or due to treatment quality, or who die. This concept assumes that severe maternal morbidity predicts mortality risk, enabling the analysis of risk factors for life-threatening outcomes and improving our understanding on the causes of maternal death. This study aims to determine the incidence of SMO and its leading causes in East Gojjam during a period of regional conflict.MethodsA prospective follow-up study was conducted at Debre Markos Comprehensive Specialized Hospital in East Gojjam from July 1, 2023, to February 30, 2024. The study included 367 women admitted with potentially life-threatening conditions, including 8 maternal deaths, using sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) and WHO Maternal Near-Miss (MNM) criteria. Data were entered into Epi Data v.4.6 and analyzed using SPSS v.27. The WHO MNM approach assessed SMO indicators and maternal health care quality were utilized.ResultsDuring the eight-month period, there were 3,167 live births, 359 potentially life-threatening conditions (PLTC), and 188 SMO cases (180 MNM and 8 maternal deaths). The SMO ratio was 59.4 per 1,000 live births (95% CI: 51, 68 per 1,000 live births). The MNM to mortality ratio, mortality index, and maternal mortality ratio were 22.5:1, 4.2%, and 252.6 per 100,000 live births, respectively. Over 80% of women with SMO showed evidence of organ dysfunction upon arrival or within 12 h of hospitalization. The leading causes of SMO were hypertensive disorders of pregnancy (HDP) and obstetric hemorrhage, including uterine rupture, with uterine rupture contributing to half of the maternal deaths.ConclusionThis study found that the incidence of SMO was comparable to that reported in most other studies. HDP was the primary cause of SMO, followed by obstetrical hemorrhage, consistent with other studies in Ethiopia. Uterine rupture was identified as the leading cause of maternal death. As this study was conducted in a single institution and in the period of severe armed conflict, it may not fully capture the range of maternal health issues across populations with varying healthcare access and socio-economic backgrounds. Caution should be exercised when generalizing these findings to the wider population.

Listeria monocytogenes is a food-borne bacterial pathogen known to cause a burden on human health and food safety globally. Regardless of the few available studies on Listeria monocytogenes, there is no comprehensive evidence of its prevalence and antimicrobial susceptibility in Ethiopia. We conducted to estimate the pooled prevalence and antimicrobial susceptibility profile of Listeria monocytogenes from various sources in Ethiopia. The study was conducted according to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analysis (PRISMA) Checklist. The quality of the studies was assessed based on the Newcastle–Ottawa scale. We found 18 studies that fit our inclusion criteria. Results were synthesized with random-effects meta-analyses and meta-regressions to evaluate heterogeneity between studies. The pooled prevalence of Listeria monocytogenes from various sources in Ethiopia was 4.2% (95% CI, 2.13, 6.22). The pooled prevalence was higher in human subjects 6.4% (95% CI, 0.27–15.6) when compared to animals 4.7% (95% CI, −0.40 to 9.1) and foods of animal origin 5.1% (95% CI, 0.42–10.6). Higher rate of resistance of Listeria monocytogenes against tetracycline (72.7%), amoxicillin (63.7%), nalidixic acid (63.6%), penicillin (63.6%), and cephalothin (54.5%) was observed. The prevalence of Listeria monocytogenes and the occurrence of resistant isolates in different source populations warn of a potential future threat to public health. Hence, increasing public awareness and designing effective policies and disease control measures are strongly recommended.

Pigeon pea (Cajanus cajan) is an important grain legume in tropical regions, including Ethiopia. Yet its nutritional value is often limited due to the presence of antinutritional factors and limited studies on how traditional processing methods affect the nutritional, antinutritional, functional, and antioxidant properties of the flour. This study investigates how traditional processing methods—soaking, germination, cooking, and roasting—affect the nutritional, antinutritional, functional, and antioxidant properties of pigeon pea flour. Results indicated that processing methods significantly influenced the proximate composition; germination enhanced protein content from 23.50 % to 25.50 %, while cooking and roasting decreased it. Mineral content analysis revealed that calcium, iron, and zinc levels were generally reduced, with cooking leading to the greatest decreases in mineral concentrations. All processing methods effectively reduced antinutritional components, with germination achieving the most substantial reductions in phytic acid and tannins. Functional properties were also affected: bulk density decreased across all methods, while water and oil absorption capacities increased, particularly in germinated flour. Germination notably enhanced total phenolic content from 209.61 to 252.60 mg/100 g and antioxidant activity, as measured by DPPH and FRAP values. Conversely, soaking, cooking, and roasting decreased phenolic content and antioxidant capacity. Overall, while germination improved the nutritional and antioxidant profiles of pigeon pea flour, other processing methods significantly diminished these beneficial properties, highlighting the importance of processing in enhancing the nutritional value of pigeon peas.

Abstract Aging is a multifaceted process impacting cells, tissues, organs, and organ systems of the body. Like other systems, aging affects both the adaptive and the innate components of the immune system, a phenomenon known as immunosenescence. The deregulation of the immune system puts elderly individuals at higher risk of infection, lower response to vaccines, and increased incidence of cancer. In the Western world, overnutrition has increased the incidence of obesity (linked with chronic inflammation) which increases the risk of metabolic syndrome, cardiovascular disease, and cancer. Aging is also associated with inflammaging a sterile chronic inflammation that predisposes individuals to age‐associated disease. Genetic manipulation of the nutrient‐sensing pathway, fasting, and calorie restriction (CR) has been shown to increase the lifespan of model organisms. As well in humans, fasting and CR have also been shown to improve different health parameters. Yet the direct effect of fasting and CR on the aging immune system needs to be further explored. Identifying the effect of fasting and CR on the immune system and how it modulates different parameters of immunosenescence could be important in designing pharmacological or nutritional interventions that slow or revert immunosenescence and strengthen the immune system of elderly individuals. Furthermore, clinical intervention can also be planned, by incorporating fasting or CR with medication, chemotherapy, and vaccination regimes. This review discusses age‐associated changes in the immune system and how these changes are modified by fasting and CR which add information on interventions that promote healthy aging and longevity in the growing aging population.

BackgroundObstetric Fistula leads to fecal and urine incontinence in women and girls. Surgical repair is the cornerstone of care. Failure to repair an obstetric fistula exposes women not only to repeated surgery but also to ongoing incontinence and its sequela, depression, and social exclusion. Which impacts the nation's health intervention programs and socioeconomic burden.ObjectiveTo determine factors associated with failed fistula closure in women who underwent Fistula Closure at the Hamlin Fistula Center in Addis Ababa, central Ethiopia, between February 10, 2018, and December 28, 2020.MethodsWomen who underwent Fistula Closure between February 10, 2018, and December 28, 2020 were included in a case–control study that was conducted between May and June 2021. In total, 417 study participants (139 cases and 280 controls) were selected using a systematic random sampling technique. Two professional midwife data collectors and one BSC nurse for the supervisory assessment of women's medical cards utilized a structured questionnaire to collect data. SPSS version 25 was used to enter, clean, and analyze the data. During data analysis, bivariate and multivariate regression models were used. A p-value of less than 0.05 indicates a significant correlation.ResultsForty-nine patients (35.3%) and 133 controls (47.8%) who were older than 26 years were at repair while they were (14–19 years old). The factors that contributed to failure of fistula closure included age at repair (14–19 years old) [AOR = 2.1, 95% CI (0.94–4.89)], prior fistula attempts (9.6, rural residence [AOR = 2.69, 95% CI (1.36–5.35)], height 3 cm, mild vaginal scar [AOR = 3.20, 95% CI (1.24–8.29)], moderate and severe vaginal scar [AOR = 5.49, 95% CI (1.92–15.75)], and completion of ANC [AOR = 0.20 (0.11, 0.38)].Conclusion and recommendationAge at the time of repair, Residence, Height, duration of labor, mode of delivery, completion of ANC, damaged urethra, fistula diameter >3 cm, previous fistula attempts, and vaginal scar are factors related to failure of fistula closure. By focusing on these areas, we can significantly improve the outcomes for patients undergoing fistula repair and lower the likelihood of failed closures in the future. Community-based health education regarding obstetric fistula and the importance of seeing a doctor as soon as possible during labor to lower the risk of obstructed delivery, boost antenatal care completion, and shorten the length of labor are all necessary to prevent failed fistula closure in comparable patients in the future.

BackgroundEarly recovery is a performance indicator of quality care for children under five admitted due to severe acute malnutrition (SAM) at therapeutic feeding centers. Despite the available interventions to tackle such nutritional problems, there is limited information on the time to recovery and its predictors among children with severe acute malnutrition in Ethiopia, more particularly in the study setting.ObjectiveThe study aimed to assess the time to recovery from severe acute malnutrition and its predictors among children aged 6–59 months admitted to the therapeutic feeding center (TFC) of Hiwot Fana Comprehensive Specialized Hospital (HFCSH), eastern Ethiopia, from 1st September 2019 to 1st March 012024.MethodsA retrospective cohort study was conducted at the therapeutic feeding center of HFCSH among a randomly selected sample of 349 patients with severe acute malnutrition who were undergoing therapeutic feeding. Data were collected using a data abstraction tool and then stored in Epi-data version 4.6 and STATA version 17.0 statistical software. Descriptive statistics, Kaplan–Meier (KM) plots, median survival times, the log-rank test, and the Cox proportional hazards regression model were used to report the findings of this study. After performing the Cox proportional hazards regression, the model goodness of fit and assumptions were checked. Finally, the association between independent variables and the time to recovery in days was assessed using the multivariable Cox proportional hazards model, and the variables with a p-value

Introduction: Globally, there is rising concern over the growing reliance on breast milk substitutes (BMSs). However, limited studies have been conducted to explore this issue in Ethiopia. Objective: To assess infant formula feeding and associated factors among mothers of infants aged 0–6 months in Debre Berhan City, 2023. Methods and materials: This cross-sectional study used a multistage sampling technique to select 656 mothers residing in Debre Berhan city. The data was collected through face-to-face interviews using a semi-structured questionnaire. Bivariable and multivariable logistic regression models were employed to identify the factors associated with infant formula feeding. The findings are then presented as frequencies, percentages, and odds ratios. Results: The prevalence of infant formula feeding in Debre Berhan city was 39.7 %. In addition, having a female child [AOR = 1.75, 95 % CI: 1.08–2.86], receiving a college education or higher [AOR = 5.79, 95 % CI: 2.38–14.08], being in the age category of 25–34 [AOR = 2.38, 95 % CI: 1.10–5.15] or 35–45 [AOR = 3.43, 95 % CI: 1.35–8.69], being a prime mother [AOR = 1.81, 95 % CI: 1.12–2.94], receiving breastfeeding advice [AOR = 4.64, 95 % CI: 2.78–7.75], delivering via a C-section [AOR = 5.39, 95 % CI: 2.54–11.42], initiating breastfeeding late [AOR = 2.26, (95 % CI: 1.41–3.64)], or being unaware of the risks associated with infant formula feeding [AOR = 5.48, 95 % CI: 3.20–9.39] were the factors that drove mothers towards infant formula feeding. Conclusion: In Debre Berhan city, the prevalence of infant formula feeding was high. Fortunately, with appropriate interventions, most of the factors that led to infant formula feeding could be effectively addressed.

Abstract Ascites is a pathological collection of free fluid in the peritoneal cavity, which is a common complication in patients with cirrhosis, an advanced liver disease. Bacterial infection increases the mortality rate of hospitalized patients with cirrhosis, irrespective of the severity of the liver disease. Around 60% of patients with compensated cirrhosis developed ascites within 10 years during the course of their disease. The in-hospital mortality rate due to spontaneous bacterial peritonitis (SBP) could exceed 90%, but with early diagnosis and prompt antibiotic therapy, this rate has been shown to decrease to 20%. Here, we enrolled adult (age ≥ 18) patients with liver disease with evidence of cirrhosis who developed ascites and assessed the presence of spontaneous ascites fluid infection (SAFI) in these patients. Of the total 218 patients, 22.9% (50/218) develop ascites infection. The liver organ function tests like alanine aminotransferase, aspartate aminotransferase, total bilirubin, and direct bilirubin were found to be significantly (P

Thromboembolism is a significant cause of mortality and morbidity in cancer patients. While the link between cancer and venous thrombosis is well known, the recognition of arterial thrombosis as a serious complication of cancer and chemotherapeutic agents is a recent development. One of the chemotherapy agents frequently linked to acute vascular events is cisplatin. We discuss a rare case of cisplatin-related brachial arterial thrombosis in a 50-year-old man who was treated for cholangiocarcinoma with cisplatin and gemcitabine. Although rare, cisplatin-related arterial thrombosis demands careful monitoring, a high index of suspicion, and prompt management to prevent serious complications and mortality.

Abstract Ensuring diet quality in the first 2 years of life is critical to preventing malnutrition and instilling healthy food preferences. Children's diet quality has changed little over time and inequalities by socioeconomic status, rural–urban residence, but also by food group may exist. Using data from the 2011, 2016 and 2019 demographic and health surveys (DHS), we estimated the prevalence and inequalities in the minimum diet diversity (MDD), minimum meal frequency (MMF) and minimum acceptable diet (MAD). We further assessed food group‐level inequities. In 2019, only 13.5% of children 6–23 months of age met the MDD, 55% met the MMF and only 11% met the MAD indicator. Absolute and relative measures of inequality were calculated. Modest increases in MDD, MMF and MAD were observed over the past decade (2011–2019). These modest improvements were concentrated in limited geographical areas, among children in wealthier households, and urban residents. Unhealthy practices such as bottle‐feeding and zero fruit and vegetables have been increasing; whereas, inequities in the consumption of nutrient‐dense foods have widened. Nevertheless, children from the wealthiest quintile also failed to meet the MDD. Multisectoral efforts that span from diversifying the food supply, regulating the marketing of unhealthy foods, and promoting minimal processing of perishables (i.e., to extend shelf‐life) are needed. Context‐adapted behavioural change communication along with nutrition‐sensitive social protection schemes are also needed to equitably improve the diet quality of children in Ethiopia.

Abstract The quality of complementary feeding can have both short‐ and long‐term health impacts by delaying or promoting child growth and establishing taste preferences and feeding behaviours. We aimed to assess the healthy and unhealthy feeding practices of infants and young children in rural Ethiopia. We conducted two rounds of surveys in December 2017/18 in Habru district, North Wello, rural Ethiopia among caregivers of infants and young children (N = 574). We characterised the consumption of infants and young children using non‐quantitative 24 h recall and the World Health Organization infant and young child feeding indicators. Sociodemographic characteristics, anthropometry and haemoglobin concentrations were assessed. Breastfeeding was a norm as 82% and 67% were breastfed in the first and second rounds. Between the two rounds, dietary diversity increased from 5% to 17% (p

Environmental contamination with dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethane (DDT) has sever effects on the ecosystem worldwide. DDT is a recalcitrant synthetic chemical with high toxicity and lipophilicity. It is also bioaccumulated in the food chain and causes genotoxic, estrogenic, carcinogenic, and mutagenic effects on aquatic organisms and humans. Microbial remediation mechanism and its enzymes are very important for removing DDT from environment. DDT and its main residues dichlorodiphenyldichloroethylene (DDE) and dichlorodiphenyldichloroethane (DDD) can biodegrade slowly in soil and water. To enhance this process, a number of strategies are proposed, such as bio-attenuation, biostimulation, bioaugmentation and the manipulation of environmental conditions to enhance the activity of microbial enzymes. The addition of organic matter and flooding of the soil enhance DDT degradation. Microbial candidates for DDT remediation include micro-algae, fungi and bacteria. This review provide brief information and recommendation on microbial DDT remediation and its mechanisms.

BackgroundElectronic fetal heart rate monitoring (EFM) has been widely used in obstetric practice for over 40 years to improve perinatal outcomes. Its popularity is growing in Ethiopia and other sub-Saharan African countries to reduce high perinatal morbidity and mortality rates. However, its impact on delivery mode and perinatal outcomes in low-risk pregnancies remains controversial. This study aimed to assess the effect of continuous EFM on delivery mode and neonatal outcomes among low-risk laboring mothers at Debre Markos Comprehensive Specialized Hospital, Northwest Ethiopia.MethodsA prospective follow-up study was conducted from November 20, 2023, to January 10, 2024. All low-risk laboring mothers meeting the inclusion criteria were included. Data were collected via pretested structured questionnaires and observation, then analyzed using Epi-data 4.6 and SPSS. The incidences of cesarean delivery and continuous EFM were compared using the chi-squared test and Fisher's exact test.ResultsThe study found higher rates of instrumental-assisted vaginal delivery (7% vs. 2.4%) and cesarean sections (16% vs. 2%) due to unsettling fetal heart rate patterns in the continuous EFM group compared to the intermittent auscultation group. However, there were no differences in immediate neonatal outcomes between the groups.ConclusionWhen compared to intermittent auscultation with a Pinard fetoscope, the routine use of continuous EFM among low-risk laboring mothers was associated with an increased risk of cesarean sections and instrumental vaginal deliveries, without significantly improving immediate newborn outcomes. However, it is important to note that our study faced significant logistical constraints due to the limited availability of EFM devices, which influenced our ability to use EFM comprehensively. Given these limitations, we recommend avoiding the routine use of continuous EFM for low-risk laboring mothers to help reduce the rising number of operative deliveries, particularly cesarean sections. Our findings should be interpreted with caution, and further research with adequate resources is needed to draw definitive conclusions.

ABSTRACT Pigeon pea is one of the most multipurpose grain legumes in the tropical and subtropical world. It is highly resilient to climate change due to drought tolerance. It ranks sixth following common beans, chickpeas, field peas, cowpeas, and lentils globally. Pigeon pea is an excellent source of high‐quality protein, essential amino acids, and minerals. Furthermore, pigeon pea is endowed with valuable water‐soluble vitamins such as thiamin, ascorbic acid, riboflavin, and niacin. With low levels of saturated fat and sodium and being cholesterol free, pigeon peas emerge as a nutritious dietary choice. Pigeon peas are rich sources of bioactive compounds with various potential health properties, including anti‐inflammatory, antibacterial, antioxidant, anticarcinogenic, and antidiabetic effects. Pigeon peas can be consumed in diverse forms, including whole seeds, split seeds (known as dhal), vegetables using green seeds, and fresh pods. Moreover, pigeon peas find application in a variety of food products, including bread, pasta, noodles, snacks, and biscuits. Despite their nutritional and medicinal properties, pigeon peas remain among the least utilized legumes globally. This review paper aims to provide up‐to‐date information on the nutritional compositions, bioactive compounds, food applications, and health benefits of pigeon peas.

The current study sought to explore potential candidates' (PCs') interest in becoming primary school principals in the towns bordering Addis Ababa in Ethiopia's Oromia Regional State. The study adopted an interpretive phenomenological design. Participants in the study were ten purposively selected PCs and educational officials. The data were collected through semi-structured interviews and document analysis and were analyzed thematically. The study found that PCs are disinterested in taking on the role of primary school principalship. Challenges associated with assuming the principalship, pay indifference to the salary they otherwise receive as school teachers, and a lack of support from local education officials are major factors explaining the disinterest of PCs in assuming the principalship. Therefore, the town education offices have to appropriately support principals and provide them with the necessary capacity development so that incumbent leaders handle the task effectively and potential candidates are attracted to the principalship.

Abstract This study used ethylene-propylene diene monomers (EPDM), an elastomer, to develop foams incorporating clay as filler using simple compounding, chemical foaming, and peroxide-mediated light crosslinking methods. The lowtemperature batch [...]

Introduction: Early diagnosis of cervical cancer at the precancerous stage is critical for effective treatment and improved patient outcomes. Objective: This study aims to explore the use of SWIN Transformer and Convolutional Neural Network (CNN) hybrid models combined with transfer learning to classify precancerous colposcopy images. Methods: Out of 913 images from 200 cases obtained from the Colposcopy Image Bank of the International Agency for Research on Cancer, 898 met quality standards and were classified as normal, precancerous, or cancerous based on colposcopy and histopathological findings. The cases corresponding to the 360 precancerous images, along with an equal number of normal cases, were divided into a 70/30 train–test split. The SWIN Transformer and CNN hybrid model combines the advantages of local feature extraction by CNNs with the global context modeling by SWIN Transformers, resulting in superior classification performance and a more automated process. The hybrid model approach involves enhancing image quality through preprocessing, extracting local features with CNNs, capturing the global context with the SWIN Transformer, integrating these features for classification, and refining the training process by tuning hyperparameters. Results: The trained model achieved the following classification performances on fivefold cross-validation data: a 94% Area Under the Curve (AUC), an 88% F1 score, and 87% accuracy. On two completely independent test sets, which were never seen by the model during training, the model achieved an 80% AUC, a 75% F1 score, and 75% accuracy on the first test set (precancerous vs. normal) and an 82% AUC, a 78% F1 score, and 75% accuracy on the second test set (cancer vs. normal). Conclusions: These high-performance metrics demonstrate the models’ effectiveness in distinguishing precancerous from normal colposcopy images, even with modest datasets, limited data augmentation, and the smaller effect size of precancerous images compared to malignant lesions. The findings suggest that these techniques can significantly aid in the early detection of cervical cancer at the precancerous stage.

The present work focuses on the preparation of cellulose nanocrystals (CNCs) reinforced composites based on polyhydroxybutyrate (PHB) and polypropylene (PP). The effects of the CNCs content as reinforcement and the addition of maleic anhydride (MA) as a coupling agent on the mechanical and morphological properties of the composites were studied. In addition, the biodegradability of the composites was investigated. Samples were prepared using PP and PHB as matrixes and CNCs as reinforcement. Test samples were prepared using the injection molding machine. The studied parameters were microscopic analysis and tensile strength measurement. Tensile strength increased with increasing CNC, but it decreased slightly when 5 wt% of CNC was added. Tensile strength decreased with the addition of MA. Environmental impacts from the production of 100 g of PP and PHB were evaluated using the life cycle assessment (LCA) approach. The results showed that the environmental impacts of composites containing PHB biopolymer are higher than PP ones. KEYWORDS cellulose nanocrystals, injection molding, life cycle assessment, maleic anhydride, polyhydroxybutyrate, 1 | INTRODUCTION With increasing awareness of the consequences of fossil-based materials and increased demand for more environmentally friendly materials, the application of biobased composites has attracted more attention. Composites [...]

Abstract Stimuli-responsive hydrogels have garnered significant attention as a versatile class of soft actuators. Introducing anisotropic properties, and shape-change programmability to responsive hydrogels promises a host of opportunities in the development of soft robots. Herein we report the synthesis of pH-responsive hydrogel nanocomposites with predetermined microstructural anisotropy, shape-transformation, and self-healing. Our hydrogel nanocomposites are largely composed of zwitterionic monomers and asymmetric cellulose nanocrystals. While the zwitterionic nature of the network imparts both self-healing and cytocompatibility to our hydrogel nanocomposites, the shear-induced alignment of cellulose nanocrystals renders their anisotropic swelling and mechanical properties. Thanks to the self-healing properties, we utilized a cut-and-paste approach to program reversible, and complex deformation into our hydrogels. As a proof-of-concept, we demonstrated the transport of light cargo using tethered and untethered soft robots made from our hydrogels. We believe the proposed material system introduce a powerful toolbox for the development of future generations of biomedical soft robots.

Unrestricted interest in Aloe species has grown rapidly, and a lot of research is currently being done to learn more about the properties of the various Aloe constituents. Organic compounds containing amine as functional group are present in a vivid variety of compounds, namely, amino acids, hormones, neurotransmitters, DNA, alkaloids, dyes, etc. These compounds have amine functional groups that have various biological activities, which make them responsible for medicinal potential in the form of pharmaceutical, nutraceutical, and cosmeceutical applications. Consequently, the present review work provides an indication of the amines investigated in Aloe species and their therapeutic uses. Various amine compounds of the Aloe species have effective biological properties to treat diseases. Generally, the genus Aloe has various active amine-containing compounds to combat diseases when humans use them in various forms.

Teff is a gluten-free cereal crop widely cultivated in Ethiopia and is a critical ingredient in making injera, a unique flatbread. However, there is a significant issue with adulteration of teff, impacting its safety and quality. This study evaluated economically-driven adulteration effects on teff grains' nutritional and microbial quality. A preliminary survey revealed that it is a common practice to adulterate teff grains with inexpensive and inedible materials throughout the supply chain in the study area. One hundred and thirty teff grain samples were collected from producers, collectors, whole-sellers, and retailers in the cities of Tulu bolo and Jimma to determine the types and extents of adulterants present and their effect on the nutritional and microbial quality of the grains. They were mixed separately to create composite samples representing different supply chain actors. Standard protocols were used to evaluate nutritional and microbial quality. The results showed significant differences among the supply chain actors regarding identified adulterants, nutritional content, and microbial quality. The study identified chaff, soil + sand, and dukkaa (a combination of nonedible substances separated from teff grains in milling houses and warehouses) as the significant adulterants, with mean ranges of 1.17–8.07%, 1.29–7.23%, and 8.93–37.13% respectively. The study also evaluated the proximate composition and microbial load of the teff samples collected from different supply chain actors. The ranges of values for moisture, protein, fat, ash, fiber, carbohydrate, and energy were 8.33–10.53%, 6.49–9.42%, 2.29–3.86%, 2.33–6.39%, 2.42–3.95%, 70.9–73.76%, and 333.52–361.9 kcal, respectively. The microbial load showed ranges of 6.92–7.98, 3.17–3.22, 1.78–2.04, 6.73–7.89, and 6.88–7.93 log CFU/g for Total Plate Count, Escherichia coli, Salmonella, mold, and yeast, respectively. The results showed an increase in teff adulteration from producers to Jimma retailers, indicating multiple-stage adulteration throughout the supply chain, posing a threat to product safety and quality. The study recommends good coordination among the bodies responsible for food safety, producers, and consumers to mitigate this issue effectively.

ObjectivesThis study aimed to assess the level of health literacy and its associated factors among Jimma town public high school adolescents, Jimma, Oromia, Southwest Ethiopia, 2023.MethodsA facility-based cross-sectional study was conducted in June 2023 among 604 Jimma town public high school adolescents. A multistage sampling technique was employed to recruit study participants. A pretested self-administered questionnaire was used to collect data. Data was entered into epidata 4.6 and exported to SPSS version 26.0 for analysis. Bivariable and multivariable logistic regressions were performed to identify factors associated with the level of health literacy. P-values less than 0.05 at 95% CI were used to declare statistically significant associations. The results were presented by text, tables and charts as necessary.ResultsFrom 634 total sample size about 604 participated. About 317 (52.5%) were males. The age of participants ranged from 14 to 19 years, with a mean age of 16.95+1.52. The finding revealed that only 35.26% (95% CI; 31.44, 39.09) of participants had desired health literacy, while 64.74% of them had limited health literacy levels. Age of 18-19 [AOR = 3.99(2.41, 6.60): pConclusionSince a significant number of students in our study area had limited health literacy, we recommend schools to integrate a school health service that contains health education services. Moreover, efforts should be undertaken to raise adolescent health literacy for middle adolescents, early adolescents, and students whose families were not employed.

L-proline tartrate (LPT), 1 and 2 mol% of lanthanum chloride- (LaCl3-) doped LPT single crystals have been synthesized and grown using a slow evaporation solution method at room temperature. The crystals have undergone different characterization studies to test their suitability for device fabrication. The single crystal X-ray diffraction studies have revealed that both 1 and 2 mol% of LaCl3-doped LPT single crystals have been crystalized monoclinic crystal structure and space group P21. The UV-Vis-NIR spectrum analysis has shown that pure, 1, and 2 mol% of LaCl3-doped LPT single crystals have good optical transparency in the entire visible and near IR region. The optical band gap energy for pure, 1 and 2 mol% of LaCl3-doped LPT single crystals to be 4.9, 5, and 5.1 eV, respectively. The energy dispersive X-ray analysis confirmed that LaCl3 has been incorporated into LPT crystal. The second harmonic generation (SHG) efficiency for 1 and 2 mol% of LaCl3-doped LPT single crystals has been tested and found to be 1.27 and 1.6 times greater than that of the reference KDP crystal, respectively.

Urethral caruncles are the most frequent benign tumors of the female urethra. Most of them are found in postmenopausal women, and they are rare in childhood. Only a few pediatric cases have been published in the literature. In this report, we present a case series of three pediatric patients with a urethral caruncle.

IntroductionCoronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) has become the worst catastrophe of the twenty-first century and has led to the death of more than 6.9 million individuals across the globe. Despite the growing knowledge of the clinicopathological features of COVID-19, the correlation between baseline and early changes in the laboratory parameters and the clinical outcomes of patients is not entirely understood.MethodsHere, we conducted a time series cross-sectional study aimed at assessing different measured parameters and socio-demographic factors that are associated with disease severity and the outcome of the disease in 268 PCR-confirmed COVID-19 Patients.ResultsWe found COVID-19 patients who died had a median age of 61 years (IQR, 50 y – 70 y), which is significantly higher (p

Objective: Complex lung diseases are among the leading causes of death in Ethiopia. Access to thoracic surgery is limited, and before 2016 no thoracic surgeons were trained in minimally invasive surgery. A global academic partnership was formed between the University of Toronto and Addis Ababa University. We describe implementation of the first minimally invasive surgery training program in sub-Sahara Africa and evaluate its safety. Methods: We performed a retrospective cohort analysis of open versus minimally invasive thoracic and upper gastrointestinal procedures performed at Addis Ababa University from January 2016 to June 2021. Baseline demographic, diagnostic, operative, and postoperative outcomes including length of stay and complications were compared. Results: In our bilateral model of surgical education, training is provided in Ethiopia and Canada over 2 years with a focus on capacity building through egalitarian forms of knowledge exchange. Program features included certification in Fundamentals of Laparoscopic Surgery, high-fidelity lobectomy simulation, and hands-on training. Overall, 41 open and 56 minimally invasive surgery cases were included in the final statistical analysis. The average length of stay in the minimally invasive surgery group was 5.2 days versus 11.0 days in the open group (P

There has been economic growth associated with the increase in exports. Even though figures show a correlation between exports and economic growth in Ethiopia, they cannot guarantee that the export sector has been supporting the Ethiopian economy's double-digit growth rate.Therefore, the main objective of this study was to identify whether there is a short-run or long-run causal relationship between imports, exports, and economic growth. A multivariate Granger causal framework and time series data (1988–2021) were employed. The Johansen Co-integration test is used to determine the presence of a co-integrating vector in the variables. Accordingly, there is a long-run relationship between economic growth, exports, and imports. In the study, the Granger Causality and Toda Ymamoto tests revealed that there is a long run bidirectional causal relationship between imports and economic growth (GDP), as well as a unidirectional causal relationship between economic growth (GDP) and exports in the long-run. This indicates that exports and imports cause economic growth both individually and jointly, lending support to export or import growth. Individual granger economic growth causes imports in both directions. That means GDP granger causes imports, and import granger causes GDP. As a result, the researchers conclude that in Ethiopia, there is a dynamic relationship between imports, exports, and economic growth. To boost Ethiopia's economic growth and development, the governmentshould develop export-led policies and ensure a higher level of exports.