Ethiopia Research Articles

Abstract 2501: High mutation burden and ultraviolet light signature in conjunctival squamous cell carcinoma

Abstract Purpose: Conjunctival squamous cell carcinoma (conjSCC) is endemic in sub-Saharan Africa and is a major cause of ocular morbidity and mortality. This study aims to evaluate Tumor Mutation Burden (TMB), genomic signature, and histologic characteristics of conjunctival squamous cell carcinoma (conjSCC) in two cohorts of patients; one from the USA and one from Ethiopia. Methods: Whole exome sequencing data, PD-L1 expression, histologic features, and human papillomavirus (HPV) status were analyzed in conj SCC tumors of 25 patients treated at an Ethiopian (ETH) cancer center and 29 patients treated at a US cancer center. Genomic alterations in conjSCC were compared with SCCs from other anatomic sites using data from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA). Results: TMB was found to be relatively high in conjunctival SCC (3.01/Mb, log10), was comparable to TMB values associated with cutaneous SCC, and was higher than most other SCC types available in the TCGA database. ETH samples had higher tumor mutational burden compared to the US cohort (3.34 vs 2.73). Solar elastosis was seen in a higher percentage of tumors from Ethiopia compared with the US cohort (78% vs. 10%). HPV status was similar between the cohorts (ETH: 21%, MDA: 28%). PD-L1 positivity defined as > 1% of tumor cells was seen in 33 of 53 tumors (62%). Mutations associated with ultraviolet light (UV) signature were the most frequently encountered signatures in both cohorts (SBS7b: 74% and SBS7a: 72%). UV signatures were more prevalent in the ETH cohort compared with the US cohort. Conclusions: Conjunctival SCC is associated with a high TMB providing the opportunity for immune checkpoint inhibitor therapy for patients with locally advanced and/or metastatic conjunctival SCC. Clinical trials are needed to assess the efficacy of immune checkpoint inhibitors in patients with conjunctival SCC, particularly in sub-Saharan Africa where this cancer is more frequently seen, and is associated with significant morbidity and mortality. Citation Format: Bita Esmaeli, Frederico O. Gleber-Netto, Oded Sagiv, Curtis R. Pickering, Neil Gross, Jing Ning, Melisachew M. Yeshi, Jonas Mitku, Michael T. Tetzlaff, Priyadharsini Nagarajan. High mutation burden and ultraviolet light signature in conjunctival squamous cell carcinoma [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the American Association for Cancer Research Annual Meeting 2024; Part 1 (Regular Abstracts); 2024 Apr 5-10; San Diego, CA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2024;84(6_Suppl):Abstract nr 2501.

Evaluating the potential impact of rubella-containing vaccine introduction on congenital rubella syndrome in Afghanistan, Dem. Republic of Congo, Ethiopia, Nigeria, and Pakistan: A mathematical modeling study.

We assessed the potential impact of introducing rubella-containing vaccine (RCV) on congenital rubella syndrome (CRS) incidence in Afghanistan (AFG), Democratic Republic of Congo (COD), Ethiopia (ETH), Nigeria (NGA), and Pakistan (PAK). We simulated several RCV introduction scenarios over 30 years using a validated mathematical model. Our findings indicate that RCV introduction could avert between 86,000 and 535,000 CRS births, preventing 2.5 to 15.8 million disability-adjusted life years. AFG and PAK could reduce about 90% of CRS births by introducing RCV with current measles routine coverage and executing supplemental immunization activities (SIAs). However, COD, NGA, and ETH must increase their current routine vaccination coverage to reduce CRS incidence significantly. This study showcases the potential benefits of RCV introduction and reinforces the need for global action to strengthen immunization programs.

β-Glucuronidase Pattern Predicted From Gut Metagenomes Indicates Potentially Diversified Pharmacomicrobiomics.

β-glucuronidases (GUS) of intestinal bacteria remove glucuronic acid from glucoronides, reversing phase II metabolism of the liver and affecting the level of active deconjugated metabolites deriving from drugs or xenobiotics. Two hundred seventy-nine non-redundant GUS sequences are known in the gut microbiota, classified in seven structural categories (NL, L1, L2, mL1, mL2, mL1,2, and NC) with different biocatalytic properties. In the present study, the intestinal metagenome of 60 healthy subjects from five geographically different cohorts was assembled, binned, and mined to determine qualitative and quantitative differences in GUS profile, potentially affecting response to drugs and xenobiotics. Each metagenome harbored 4–70 different GUS, altogether accounting for 218. The amount of intestinal bacteria with at least one GUS gene was highly variable, from 0.7 to 82.2%, 25.7% on average. No significant difference among cohorts could be identified, except for the Ethiopia (ETH) cohort where GUS-encoding bacteria were significantly less abundant. The structural categories were differently distributed among the metagenomes, but without any statistical significance related to the cohorts. GUS profiles were generally dominated by the category NL, followed by mL1, L2, and L1. The GUS categories most involved in the hydrolysis of small molecules, including drugs, are L1 and mL1. Bacteria contributing to these categories belonged to Bacteroides ovatus, Bacteroides dorei, Bacteroides fragilis, Escherichia coli, Eubacterium eligens, Faecalibacterium prausnitzii, Parabacteroides merdae, and Ruminococcus gnavus. Bacteria harboring L1 GUS were generally scarcely abundant (<1.3%), except in three metagenomes, where they reached up to 24.3% for the contribution of E. coli and F. prausnitzii. Bacteria harboring mL1 GUS were significantly more abundant (mean = 4.6%), with Bacteroides representing a major contributor. Albeit mL1 enzymes are less active than L1 ones, Bacteroides likely plays a pivotal role in the deglucuronidation, due to its remarkable abundance in the microbiomes. The observed broad interindividual heterogeneity of GUS profiles, particularly of the L1 and mL1 categories, likely represent a major driver of pharmacomicrobiomics variability, affecting drug response and toxicity. Different geographical origins, genetic, nutritional, and lifestyle features of the hosts seemed not to be relevant in the definition of glucuronidase activity, albeit they influenced the richness of the GUS profile.

Floristics and Diversity of Invasive Alien Plant Species in Humbo District, South Ethiopia

Deliberate and unintentional introduction of invasive alien plant species on native biodiversity by aid agencies and other bodies directly or indirectly are being a series of problems on the economy, ecology, politics, and health of life on earth. Identifying and compiling floristics and the status of invasive alien species and identifying which have viable populations are necessary to manage the ecosystems. The present study is therefore intended to provide information for concerned bodies on the area which needs management priority computing the composition, structure, and diversity of invasive alien plants. A field assessment was conducted to determine the distribution and heterogeneity of invasive alien plant species, and then, six kebeles were chosen and transact lines were laid using a purposeful sampling technique. The vegetation and environment data were collected from farmland, grazing land, fallow land, and road sides using 95 subquadrats (5 m × 5 m) set in the center and corner of 19 main quadrats (20 m × 20 m). The voucher specimens collected were taken to the Herbarium of Ethiopia (ETH) for taxonomic identification and future reference. The frequency and density of floristics data were analyzed using MS Excel version 2010, and species diversity was calculated using Shannon (H′), Simpson (D), and evenness (E) indices. Among 35 alien plant species invading natural vegetation in Ethiopia, 25 alien plant species were found in the Humbo district of the Wolaita zone. The densest invasive alien plant species in the area were Parthenium hysterophorus consisting of 15197 individuals/ha, followed by Richardia scabra consisting of 11908 individuals/ha, Xanthium strumarium consisting of 7292 individuals/ha, and Ocimum forskolei consisting of 6280 individuals/ha. The highest species diversity was computed in fallow land (H′ = 2.369), which is followed by farmland (H′ = 1.627) and grazing land (H′ = 1.419). The higher the density of the invasive alien species, the higher the ability to change the structure and diversity of native species of the area results in a decrease in the function and services of the ecosystem. Therefore, management methods must prioritize land types that had the highest diversity of invasive alien species.

Sidama of Ethiopia: Ethnicity and self-determination

Sidama of Ethiopia: Ethnicity and self-determination

Prevalence of diaper rash and associated factors among babies aged 0 to 24 months in Adama Administrative City, Central Ethiopia: A cross sectional study

The objective of this study was to assess the prevalence of diaper rash and identify associated factors with diaper rash among children between 0 and 24 months of age in Adama Ethiopia. A cross-sectional study was conducted with mothers using structured questionaries during face to face interview to assess risk factors associated with diaper rash. Data were analyzed using SPSS version 21 and Chi-square test was used to establish the association between diaper rash and socio-demographic and socio-economic characteristics at p-value <0.05. Multivariate logistic regressions are used to test the significancy of risk factors. About 62.5% (235/376) of children in the study had experienced diaper rash. Multivariate logistic regression analysis revealed that diarrhea (AOR=0.424; 95%CI=0.203-0.902; P=0.032), food types consumed by baby (AOR=0.21; 95%CI=0.050-0.882; P=0.033), use of barrier cream (AOR=0.012; 95%CI: 0.005-0.029; P=0.000) and frequency of diaper change (AOR=3.174; 95% CI=0.068-9.438; P=0.038) were among factors associated with diaper rash. In this study changing diaper frequently, using cream and breast feeding with baby formula milk were identified as a factor that reduce the prevalence of diaper rash whereas diarrhea was identified as a risk factor that aggravate diaper rash. Thus, educating mothers on the importance of breast feeding, use of cream and diaper change is useful.  Key words: Diaper rash, prevalence, babies.

Evaluation of the on-farm dairy technologies in Ethiopia: A review

The objective of this review is to provide an overview of the major achievements of on-farm dairy technologies in Ethiopia by reviewing a variety of documents from proceedings, articles, journals, and original research papers. Following the on-station generation and evaluation of dairy technologies, on-farm participatory verification of improved dairy cattle production packages has started. Since then, there are available livestock production technologies for smallholder farmers mainly generated by the National Agricultural Research Systems including Ethiopian Institute of Agricultural Research, Regional Agricultural Research Institutes, Higher Learning Institutes, and some international organizations, such as International Livestock Center for Africa/International Livestock Research Institute. Even though large efforts have been made to disseminate dairy technologies through the support of governmental and non-governmental organizations in different parts of the country, the rate of adoption of dairy technologies by farm households varies widely based on the technologies to be adopted. Key words: Dairy, on-farm, technologies, milk yield, reproductive performance, feed intake, mastitis

“Bastions of the Cross”: Medieval Rock-Cut Cruciform Churches of Tigray, Ethiopia

Dissertation Abstract

Jon Abbink, A Decade of Ethiopia: Politics, Economy and Society 2004–2016

Book Review

Indigenous knowledge assessment on irrigation water management practices at Western Showa Zone, Ethiopia

Farmers practices in irrigation water management mostly from indigenous knowledge but the potential of such knowledge is not much understood in terms of irrigation water management in West Showa. Therefore, this study was carried out based on the objective to identify the indigenous knowledge on irrigation water management of the West Showa. The survey was conducted at West Shoa Zone, Dandi, Ambo, Toke Kutaye, Liban Jawi, Ilu Galan and Bako Wored. The survey was made on 117HHs. The collected qualitative and quantitative data both from primary and secondary sources was analyzed using appropriated statistical methods SPSS. The survey result showed that farmers have developed several indigenous in knowledge of irrigation water management practices. Among these knowledge, frequent  maintenance of river side diversion weir, main line, sub main and in field furrow to avoid flow obstruction, cutting back water flow in the furrow when water reached at furrow end to decide amounts of irrigation water to be applied, giving priority for drought sensitive crop type and crop growth stage that cause significant yield when there is shortage of water, irrigate their crops after 5:00 pm to reduce evaporation water loss during irrigation, applying the next irrigation when the soil is dry (soil crack) and/or crop start wiling, application of farm yard manure and frequent weeding to increase soil water holding capacity and to avoid soil moisture competition among the crop and weed are the best one. Key words: Farmers practices, irrigation water management, small scale irrigation.

Impacts and uncertainties of climate change on stream flow of the Bilate River (Ethiopia), using a CMIP5 general circulation models ensemble

The impact and uncertainty of climate change on stream flow of the Bilate River Watershed was assessed. Ensemble of 20 Coupled Model Intercomparison Project Phase 5 (CMIP5) general circulation models (GCMs) under two Representative Concentration Pathways and six GCM structures were selected to form 24 future climate scenarios for the watershed. Soil and Water Assessment Tool (SWAT) model was selected to simulate stream flow of the watershed. The respective statistical results of the coefficient of determination (R2), Nash-Sutcliffe coefficient (NSE) and percent bias (PB)  are 0.79, 0.78 and 0.56 for calibration period and 0.64, 0.60 and -21.7 for validation period which show that the model predicted the stream flow reasonably. The annual stream flow increased progressively throughout the century for all time periods. The increases under RCP 8.5 scenario are the larger compared to RCP 4.5 scenarios, approximately 42.42% during the 2080s period. The six GCMs selected to see the uncertainties related to GCMs suggest that the river flow will change by small amounts of -6.18 to 7.83% change compared with the baseline. The simulated runoff depended on the projected amount of rainfall embedded in the GCM structures selected to simulate the future climate and less dependent on the local temperature increment. Key words: Climate change, Bilate River watershed, stream flow, soil and water assessment tool (SWAT), uncertainty.

Assessment of Enset Farming Systems, Production constraints and Breeding primacies in Southwest Ethiopia: Implication for Conservation

Assessment of Enset Farming Systems, Production constraints and Breeding primacies in Southwest Ethiopia: Implication for Conservation

Estimating the Daytime Vertical E × B Drift From Magnetometer and C/NOFS Measurements and Comparison With Empirical Models Over the East African Sector

AbstractThis paper introduces a new approach of estimating the daytime horizontal geomagnetic field (ΔH)‐induced variations of vertical E × B drift velocity and evaluates its performance using Communication/Navigation Outage Forecasting Systems (C/NOFS) over the East African sector. H field at AAE (Addis Ababa magnetometer station) and ETHI (Adigrat magnetometer station in Ethiopia) and their immediate difference alongside with C/NOFS E × B drift were used for periodic polynomial fitting (PPF) a periodic basis. Knowledge of E × B drift is of utmost importance in space weather‐related predictions since it can significantly affect ionospheric density structures and dynamics. The periodic fitting illustrates better agreement with C/NOFS observation during 16:00–19:00 LT than 10:00–16:00 LT whose root‐mean‐square error (RMSE) increased from 9.2 to 12.67 m/s, respectively. Comparison of PPF, recent regional E × B model made by Dubazane and Habarulema (2018, https://doi.org/10.1029/2018SW001820) (E × BDub) and E × BIRI (vertical E × B estimates of International Reference Ionosphere [IRI]) was carried out using C/NOFS observation. Independent model validation shows that C/NOFS E × B values are closer to PPF estimates than E × BDub and E × BIRI over the region. Besides, the least squares model with physical inputs including local time (LT), day of the year (DOY), extreme ultraviolet (EUV) flux, and ΔH provides lowest RMSEs of about 5.36 and 7.41 m/s using a method of neural networking during low solar activity (LSA) and high solar activity (HSA), respectively.

Impact of land use/land cover change on hydrologic processes in Dijo watershed, central rift valley, Ethiopia

The aim of this study was to assess the impact of land use / land cover changes on the hydrological process in the central valley basin of Ethiopia, from 1985 to 2018 and evaluate historical land use/land cover change using satellite image. Satellite images were classified by supervised classification technique with maximum likelihood. SWAT model were used to simulate hydrological processes in the watershed. The result of the study shows that barren lands, agricultural and settlement lands were expanded by 7 and 64%; whereas, forestlands, water bodies, shrub and grasslands were declined by 13, 57 and 41% respectively over the past three decades. The calibrated and validated SWAT model used also showed that there has been good agreement between simulated and observed streami¬‚ow on monthly basis. Streamflow evaluation due to LULC change influence showed that mean monthly simulated streamflow was increased by 10.84% between the years 1985 and 2003, also increased from the year 2003 to 2018 by 9.3% in wet months; whereas, decreased by 8.23 and 11.4% between 1985-2003 and 2003-2018 in dry months. Therefore, hydrological process of the watershed was highly influenced by LULC changes and it requires integrated watershed management techniques. Key words: Digital image processing, Gis, hydrologic process, landsat image.

Statistical downscaling (Delta method) of precipitation and temperature for Bilate watershed, Ethiopia

It is important to investigate potential changes in temperature and precipitation for assessing the impacts of future climate change on agricultural production for specific regions. In this study, climate scenarios of precipitation and temperature for the bilate watershed were generated. Statistical downscaling techniques of the Delta method analysis protocol of the Agricultural Intercomparison and Improvement Project (AgMIP) was used to project the future climate state in the farm lands of Bilate Watershed. In this study, climate change scenarios were generated for two Representative Concentration Pathways (RCPs): RCP 4.5 and RCP 8.5 using 20 GCMs from CMIP5 bias-corrected under three future time slices; near-term (2010-2039), mid-century (2040-2069) and end-century (2071-2099). Rainfall is projected to increase in total amount under all-time slices and emissions pathways but with pronounced inter and intra-variability. Minimum temperature will significantly increase during mid-century by 1.81°C (RCP 4.5) and 2.55°C (RCP 8.5) and by 2.1°C (RCP 4.5) and 4.27°C (RCP8.5) during end-century relative to the baseline. The projected increase in maximum temperature during mid-century is 1.43°C under RCP 4.5 and 1.99°C under RCP 8.5 and during end-century by 1.65°C under RCP 4.5 and 3.5°C under RCP8.5 during end-century. Key words: Agricultural Intercomparison and Improvement Project (AgMIP), climate change, Delta method, Global climate models (GCMs), statistical downscaling, watershed.

Counseling Tradition and Counseling Services Status in Ethiopia

The underlying point of reference in the study was obtaining relevant information from modern and professional counselors in the country in view of the societal understanding and interest of practicing the counseling services in their lifetime. The counseling organizations involved in the study were representing modern counseling structure and practices based on certain relevance they could have for the intended lessons. To achieve its goal, qualitative study method was conducted employing thematic data analysis technique. The tools used to gather information were interview, observation and focus group discussions conducted with key informants of the institutions. The study result identified that counseling and counseling service quality is at promising status in the country. Institutions engaging in counseling services provision focus on indigenous wisdom, personal experience and knowledge captured from educational institutes. Since the work is so fragmented, much is expected from concerned government and non-government organizations in boosting the purpose and functions of counseling in order to maintain adolescents’ holistic development in and out of school. Accordingly, counseling as a tradition among the community, specifically the Oromo, become practical to maintain peaceful mental and social serenity with further consideration to progress.

Analysis of a Coffee Husk Fired Cogeneration Plant in South Western Ethiopia Coffee Processing Industries

Nowadays our energy needs have grown exponentially corresponding with human population growth and technological advancement. Energy consumption linked to non-renewable resources contributes to greenhouse gas emissions and enhances resource depletion. Most of the researchers were proven that the worldwide concern about CO2 emissions and the reduction in the use of coal fuels have increased the interest in using biomass fuel for electricity production, because there is no net increase in CO2 emissions from biomass (agricultural residues such as straw, bagasse, coffee husk, and rice husks) combustion. Furthermore, coffee husk which has high energy potential was not taken into account for the generation of energy. However, this paper investigates the energy generation in coffee husk, and suggests coffee husk is an energy source. The datum was collected from the south western region of Ethiopia (Taipei town), and its equipment was selected. Coffee husk was tested experimentally in Addis Ababa University with Eager 300 software for running the equipment, storing the data and analyzing. The results obtained that calorific values were 18.98 MJ/kg. Overall the result demonstrates that the proposed coffee husk has high energy potential for the generation of energy.

Models Comparative Study for Estimating Crop Water Requirement and Irrigation Scheduling of Maize in Metekel Zone, Benishangul Gumuz Regional State, Ethiopia

This study was aimed to compare estimation methods of crop water requirement and irrigation scheduling for major crops using different models and compare the significance of models for adoption in different situations of the Metekel zone. Crop water requirement and irrigation scheduling of maize in selected districts of Metekel zone were estimated using CropWat model based on soil, crop and meteorological data, and AquaCrop based on soil, crop and meteorological data including Co2, groundwater, field management, and fertility status. Model performance was evaluated using Normalized Root mean square errors (NRMSE), model by Nash-Sutcliffe efficiency (NSE), Prediction error (Pe), and Model efficiency (MF). It is observed that the maximum reference evapotranspiration in the study area was found to be 7.1 mm/day in Guba and the minimum reference evapotranspiration was 2.9 mm/day in Bullen district. In all cases, the maximum ETo in all districts was fund to in March and the lowest in August. The maximum ETc of maize was found to be 702.4mm in Guba district and the minimum ETc was found to be 572.6mm in Bullen district using CropWat but the effective rainfall (Pe) for maize was determined as 185mm respectively in Wembera district. However, using the AquaCrop model the maximum ETc of 565 mm was recorded in Guba but 425 mm was recorded as a minimum in the Wembera district for irrigated maize in the study area. The study revealed that the irrigation scheduling with a fixed interval criterion for maize 10 days with 12 irrigation events has been determined. Moreover, furrow irrigation with 60% irrigation application efficiency was adjusted during irrigation water applications for all districts. The performance of the irrigation schedule and crop response was evaluated by the analysis results in the simulation using different models. It has been observed that there were a strong relationship and a significant relation between the simulated and observed values for validation. Hence, Normalized Root mean square errors (NRMSE), model by Nash-Sutcliffe efficiency (NSE), Prediction error (Pe), and Model efficiency (MF) showed that the AquaCrop model well simulated in all parameters considered. AquaCrop model is the most suitable soil-water-crop-environment management model, so future studies should suggest a focus on addressing deficit irrigation strategy with different field management conditions to improve agricultural water productivity under irrigated agriculture for the study area for major crops.

KNOWLEDGE ON NEONATAL DANGER SIGNS AND ASSOCIATED FACTORS AMONG MOTHERS WHO GAVE BIRTH IN THE LAST ONE YEAR PRIOR TO THIS STUDY IN DEBRE MARKOS, NORTHWESTERN ETHIOPIA 2017.

Background: Neonatal period, the first 28 days of life, represent the most vulnerable time for a child’s survival. Neonatal mortality is a concern for the global population, especially in developing countries. The majority of neonatal mortality occurs at home where only a few families recognize key danger signs of neonatal illness. In low and middle-income countries like Ethiopia, the ability of mothers to recognize the common danger signs of neonatal illness and seek appropriate care is instrumental in reducing neonatal deaths.Objective: Aimed to assess the knowledge on neonatal danger signs and associated factors among mothers who gave birth in the last one year before this study in Debre Markos, Northwestern Ethiopia.Methods: A community-based, cross-sectional study was conducted. A Cluster sampling technique was used to select the study participants. Data were entered into EpiInfo and exported to SPSS for analysis. Variables in binary logistic regression with a P-value

Burden of Diarrheal Disease among under Five Children in Ethiopia, 2000-2016: Findings from the Global Health Estimates 2016

Introduction: Globally diarrhea among under five children remains one of the high burden diseases particularly in developing countries. Ethiopia is one of the sub-Saharan countries highly under five mortality due to diarrhea. Ethiopia has made remarkable progress in reducing child mortality over the last two decades. However, the under-5 mortality and morbidity rate related to diarrhea still magnificently a burden. Objective: This study aimed to assess the burden of diarrheal for under five children in terms of death and Disability-Adjusted Life Years lost (DALY) between 2000 and 2016. Patients and methods: The research used data from Global Health Estimate 2016; that originally collected the information through vital registration, verbal autopsy, surveys, reports, published scientific articles, Global Burden of Disease study (GBD 2016) and modeling. The magnitude of Diarrheal disease death was estimated 14,894 under five children in 2016. Death from diarrheal disease has also contributed to 38.4% (14894/38777) of deaths from infectious and parasitic diseases and 7.96% (14894/187,065) of the total death reported by the same year. Meanwhile, YLD, YLL and DALYs for under five children were 61,709 and 1408.4 thousand respectively in 2016. Themagnitudeof deaths due to diarrheal disease was declined by 76.7% from the2000’s record of 49,021 deaths within 16 years. In 2016, Mortality due to Diarrheal disease was highest among males. Of the 14,894 diarrheal disease related mortalities, more than 1405 deaths were among males. Conclusion: Even if the burden of diarrhea for under five mortality is sharply declining in Ethiopia; but, it still remained one of the public health problems and second leading cause of morbidity. Therefore, strengthening hand washing practice and accessing prevention program is important to eliminate death within the target period.