Effect of "siljo" fermentation on growth of Staphylococcus aureus, Bacillus cereus and Listeria monocytogenes

The fate of Staphylococcus aureus, Bacillus cereus, and Listeria monocytogenes in control gruel and fermenting "siljo" was assessed. S. aureus reached levels of 10(8) cfu/ml within 48 h in the control gruel. In fermenting "siljo" the count decreased all through the fermentation time. B.cereus was completely inhibited in fermenting "siljo" within 24 h, whereas it survived until 72 h in the control gruel. Complete inhibition of L.monocytogenes was noted at 48 h in fermenting "siljo". L.monocytogenes survived until 96 h in control gruel. Fermentation resulted in fall in pH to < 5.0 within 48-72 h and increase in titratable acidity was also noted. As "siljo" is usually consumed after 72 h of fermentation, "siljo" fermented for more than three days is safe from food intoxication caused by B. cereus or S.aureus or infection from L.monocytogenes.     

Do different positions affect the oxygen saturation and comfort level of children under five with pneumonia?

Objective

Children with pneumonia need a correct position to increase their oxygen saturation and comfort level. Postural changes affect the function of the human body and disease conditions. This study aimed to identify the effect of prone and semirecumbent positions on the oxygen saturation and comfort level of children under five with pneumonia.

Stigma in Ethiopia: association with depressive symptoms in people with HIV

Rates of depression among people living with HIV can be as high as 50%. In many settings, HIV-related stigma has been associated with depressive symptoms which may lead to poor engagement in care and ultimately, poorer health outcomes. Stigma is a major issue in Ethiopia but data examining the relationship between stigma and depression in Ethiopia are lacking. We performed a mixed-methods cross-sectional study to examine the relationship between stigma of HIV/AIDS and depressive symptoms in Gondar, Ethiopia. We interviewed patients who presented for routine HIV care at Gondar University Hospital during the study period, examining depressive symptoms and HIV/AIDS-related stigma using standardized measures. Multiple-regression was used to assess the relationship between depressive symptoms, stigma, and gender. Of 55 patients included in this analysis, 63.6% were female and most participants had limited formal education (69%, less than 12th grade education). The majority reported experiencing both stigma (78%) and depressive symptoms (60%) ranging in severity from mild to moderately severe. Higher levels of HIV-related stigma were significantly associated with higher levels of depressive symptoms (β = 0.464, p ≤ 0.001). Although gender was associated with stigma, it was not associated with depressive symptoms (β = ?0.027, p > 0.05). Results suggest the importance of psychosocial issues in the lives of people with HIV in Ethiopia.     

Decreasing amputation rates in patients with diabetes mellitus. An outcome study

The lower-extremity amputation rate in people with diabetes mellitus is high, and the wound failure rate at the time of amputation is as high as 28%. Even with successful healing of the primary amputation site, amputation of part of the contralateral limb occurs in 50% of patients within 2 to 5 years. The purpose of this study was to provide valid outcome data before (control period) and 18 months after (test period) implementation of a multidisciplinary team approach using verified methods to improve the institutional care of wounds. Retrospective medical chart review was performed for 118 control patients and 116 test patients. The amputation rate was significantly decreased during the test period, and the amputations that were required were at a significantly more distal level. No above-the-knee amputations were required in 45 patients during the test period, compared with 14 of 76 patients during the control period. These outcome data suggest that unified care is an effective approach for the patient with diabetic foot problems.     

Zona pellucida birefringence correlates with developmental capacity of bovine oocytes classified by maturational environment, COC morphology and G6PDH activity

In the present study we aimed to analyse structural changes during in vitro maturation of the bovine zona pellucida (ZP) by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) ands zona pellucida birefringence (ZPB). Here we show that alterations during in vitro maturation invasively analysed by SEM are reflected in ZPB. In vivo-matured oocytes displayed significantly lower birefringence parameters and significantly higher blastocyst rates compared with in vitro-derived oocytes (39.1% vs 21.6%). The same was observed for in vitro-matured oocytes with cumulus-oocyte complex (COC) Quality 1 (Q1) compared with Q3-COCs with respect to zona birefringence and developmental capacity. Immature oocytes with Q1-COCs displayed higher ZPB values and a higher developmental capacity to the blastocyst stage (27.7% vs 16.9%) compared with immature Q3-COCs. Considering in vitro-matured oocytes, only those with Q1-COC showed a trend for ZPB similar to in vivo-matured oocytes. Therefore, a decreasing trend for ZPB during in vitro maturation seems to be typical for high-quality oocytes and successful cytoplasmic maturation. In accordance, fully-grown immature oocytes reached significantly higher blastocyst rates (32.0% vs 11.5%) and lower ZPB values compared with still-growing ones. In conclusion, we successfully evaluated the applicability of zona imaging to bovine oocytes: alterations during in vitro maturation invasively analysed by scanning electron microscopy were reflected in the birefringence of the zona pellucida of bovine oocytes affecting developmental capacity at the same value. Therefore ZPB measurement by live zona imaging has potential to become a new tool to assess correctness of in vitro maturation and to predict developmental competence.     

Hirschsprung's disease and imperforate anus in a new born: unusual assocation

The association of congenital aganglionic megacolon and imperforate anus is rare. Our patient was a male neonate who initially presented with intestinal obstruction due to imperforate anus without fistula. Intraoperative findings and colonic biopsy revealed the presence of concurrent Hirschsprung's disease (HD). A suspicision that these two disorders may coexist is mandatory for early correct diagnosis.     

Conjoined twins sharing major organs and with discordant congenital anomaly

Thoraco-omphalopagus conjoined twins born to a 25-year-old para one Ethiopian lady are presented. Prenatal diagnosis was not made until elective cesarean section delivery was done for severe preeclampsia and twin pregnancy with breech presentation. Detailed autopsy results and relevant literature reviews are described. To the best of our knowledge, these are the second-documented cases of conjoined twins in this country.     

Self-reported safety practices and associated factors among employees of Dashen brewery share company,Gondar, Ethiopia: a cross-sectional study

Background

According to International Labor Organization (ILO), occupational accidents and work-related diseases are the causes for millions of deaths of workers every year. In addition, many millions of workers suffer non-fatal injuries and illnesses. This research was conceived with aim to assess safety practices and associated factors among employees of Dashen brewery Share Company, Ethiopia.

Method

Institutionalbased cross-sectional study was conducted to assess the level of self-reported safety practice and associated factors from February to March 2016, among Dashen brewery workers. Stratified sampling method was employed to select 415 study participants and the data was collected by using structured interview-administer questionnaire. Observational checklist was also used to ascertain the response given by interviewee.

Results

Fourhundred 15 respondent were involved in this study. Of those individuals, almost three fourth (74.2%) of the participants were male and 43.4% of participants were single. Mean (SD) age of respondents were 28.18 (±8.67) years and half of the respondents (49.9%) were diploma holders. The finding of this study indicated that 87.2% of the respondents reported complying with good safety practice. Age, marital status, employment status, attitude, safety and health training, and management support were found to be main predictors for safety practices.

Conclusion

The level of self-reported safety practice in this study was good. Management commitment on safety and training of the employees about safety and health is very important and should be provided regularly.