An integrated approach for water quality assessment in African catchments based on physico-chemical and biological indicators.

Rapid urbanization, industrialization and population growth pose major threats to the ambient water quality, indicator 6.3.2 of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 6, in African catchments.

Urinary 8-OHdG level is not affected by geography and trace elements in nail of residents of Addis Ababa: It is shaped by interactions between different social factors.

The objective of this study was to evaluate the association between exposure to heavy metals and oxidative DNA damage among residents living in the potentially more polluted downstream (Akaki-Kality) area of Addis Ababa, in comparison to the upstream area (Gullele). For this, 8-hydroxy-2'-deoxyguanosine (8-OHdG) was used as a biomarker for oxidative DNA damage and heavy metals (Fe, Zn, Mn, Cu, Ni, Cr, Pb, As) as indicators of exposure. The concentrations of heavy metals in nails were determined using inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectroscopy (ICP-OES), and 8-OHdG in urine using Enzyme-Linked with Immunosorbent Assay (ELISA), from 95 residents of the two areas, upstream and downstream.

Absence of significant association of trace elements in nails with urinary KIM-1 biomarker among residents of Addis Ababa in Upper Awash Basin, Ethiopia: a cross-sectional study.

The Akaki River in the Upper Awash Basin, which flows through Addis Ababa, the capital city of Ethiopia, has been highly polluted by sewage from factories and residential areas. A population-based cross-sectional study was used to assess the association between trace elements and kidney injury from residents living in polluted areas downstream (Akaki-Kality) versus upstream (Gullele) in Sub-Cities of Addis Ababa. A total of 95 individuals (53 from Akaki-Kality and 42 from Gullele) were included in the study.

Trace Element Levels in Nails of Residents of Addis Ababa Are Shaped by Social Factors and Geography.

The Akaki catchment in Ethiopia is home to Addis Ababa and about five million people. Its watercourses receive a variety of wastes released by the residents and industries. River water is being used for irrigation, livestock watering, and other domestic purposes.

Feasibility of Performing Concurrent Coulometric Titrations Using a Multicompartment Electrolysis Cell.

Feasibility of performing multiple coulometric titrations in a single course of electrolysis is presented. In these titrations, three pairs of cathode and anode compartments were connected with a network of electrodes and salt bridges. Passage of current through the cell caused concurrent electrolysis in cathode and anode compartments.

Sequela of female genital mutilation on birth outcomes in Jijiga town, Ethiopian Somali region: a prospective cohort study.

Background: In Ethiopia, female genital mutilation (FGM) remains a serious concern and has affected 23.8 million women and girls, with the highest prevalence in Somali regional state. Even though FGM is reported to be associated with a range of obstetric complications, little is known about its effects on childbirth in the region.

Feasibility of Using an Electrolysis Cell for Quantification of the Electrolytic Products of Water from Gravimetric Measurement.

A gravimetric method for the quantitative assessment of the products of electrolysis of water is presented. In this approach, the electrolysis cell was directly powered by 9 V batteries. Prior to electrolysis, a known amount of potassium hydrogen phthalate (KHP) was added to the cathode compartment, and an excess amount of KHCO was added to the anode compartment electrolyte.

Enzyme activity, amino acid profiles and hydroxymethylfurfural content in Ethiopian monofloral honey.

The enzymes activity, hydroxymethylfurfural (HMF) and amino acids in honeys are relatively low. However, they play very significant role for honey quality. In this study, enzymes, amino acids and HMF contents of Ethiopian monofloral honeys were investigated.

Strengthening Postabortion Family Planning Services in Ethiopia: Expanding Contraceptive Choice and Improving Access to Long-Acting Reversible Contraception.

Where unmet need for the safest, most effective, and long-acting reversible contraceptives (LARCs) is very high, the health system and partners need to implement problem-solving, locally feasible, and comprehensive family planning delivery strategies. Because young and unmarried women are most at risk for unintended pregnancy and repeat abortion due to poor access to contraceptive services, postabortion family planning (PAFP) is a key component in such strategies. In Southern Nations, Nationalities, and People's Region, Ethiopia, Ipas implemented health system strengthening efforts from fiscal year (FY) 2010 (July 2009 to June 2010) to FY 2014 (July 2013 to June 2014) to improve the quality of PAFP services and expand method choice in 101 public facilities.

Botanical origin, colour, granulation, and sensory properties of the Harenna forest honey, Bale, Ethiopia.

In this study, the Harenna forest honey samples were investigated with respect to their botanical origin, granulation, colour and sensory properties. Sixteen honey samples were collected from two representative sites (Chiri, C, and Wabero, W) using random sampling techniques. Botanical origin was investigated using qualitative pollen analysis by counting 500 pollen grains using harmonised methods of melissopalynology.

Pastoralist Community's Perception of Tuberculosis: A Quantitative Study from Shinille Area of Ethiopia.

Background. In Ethiopia the prevalence of all forms of TB is estimated at 261/100 000 population, leading to an annual mortality rate of 64/100 000 population. The incidence rate of smear-positive TB is 108/100 000 population.

Physicochemical properties of the Harenna forest honey, Bale, Ethiopia.

In this study, the physicochemical properties of the Harenna forest honey were characterised. The Harenna forest honey moisture, reducing sugar, sucrose, water insoluble solids, ash, free acid, pH, HMF contents, electrical conductivity and specific rotation were found to be 17.89±1.

Biological response of osteoblast-like UMR-106 cells to the modified PHBV matrix--effects of porosity and collagen dip coating.

In this study, we related porosity and collagen coating of poly(3-hydroxybutyrate-co-3-hydroxyvalerate) (PHBV) scaffold to the degree of cell proliferation on the engineered PHBV scaffold. Based on the [3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-5-(3-carboxymethoxyphenyl)-2-(4-sulfophenyl)-2h-tetrazolium, inner salt] (MTS) assay, we established that UMR-106 cell proliferation is maximum in collagen-coated porous PHBV film followed by porous PHBV film and least in nonporous PHBV film. RT-PCR analysis of the proliferated cells on tissue culture polystyrene (TCPS) and porous and nonporous PHBV scaffolds revealed that the proliferated cells retained their osteoblastic phenotype characteristics.

Seasonal variation of heavy metals in ambient air and precipitation at a single site in Washington, DC.

Atmospheric samples of precipitation and ambient air were collected at a single site in Washington, DC, for 7 months (for ambient air samples) and 1 year (for wet deposition samples) and analyzed for arsenic, cadmium, chromium and lead. The ranges of heavy metal concentrations for 6-day wet deposition samples collected over the 1-year period were 0.20-1.