Conectar
by Abebaw Misganaw, Alaye Debas Ayenew, Netsanet Temesgen Ayenew, Enyew Fenta Mengistu, Baye Ashenef, Samrawit Nega Shiferaw, Getamesay Demelash Simegn
BackgroundSurgery and anesthesia can disrupt normal physiological function through surgical stress and residual anesthetic effects, increasing the risk of post-anesthetic complications, known as critical incidents. This study aimed to determine the incidence of critical events in the post-anesthesia care unit at Debre Markos Comprehensive Specialized Hospital, Ethiopia.
MethodsAn institution-based prospective cross-sectional study was conducted from June 1, 2024, to September 30, 2024. The sample size was determined by a single proportion formula using a prevalence of 50% and a 5% margin of error at the 95% confidence interval. The data was analyzed using SPSS version 22 for windows. Analysis was conducted using bivariable and multivariable logistic regression as needed.
ResultOf the 422 patients, 160 (37.9%) experienced one or more critical events, with a total of 214 complications recorded. The most common critical events that occurred in the PACU were cardiovascular-related events (42%) and respiratory & airway related incidents (20%). BMI, duration of anesthesia, intraoperative complications, patient handover, PACU staff training, and ASA physical status were significantly associated with the occurrence of critical events. The odds of critical events were higher among underweight (AOR = 3.71; 95% CI: 1.27–10.79) and overweight patients (AOR = 3.05; 95% CI: 1.28–7.24). Anesthesia duration of 1–2 hours (AOR = 2.01; 95% CI: 1.06–3.81) and >2 hours (AOR = 4.11; 95% CI: 1.59–10.66) also increased the risk. Patients with intraoperative complications had higher odds of critical events (AOR = 3.52; 95% CI: 1.88–6.58), as did those without proper handover (AOR = 3.92; 95% CI: 2.11–7.25). Increasing ASA class was associated with higher risk ASA II (AOR = 2.59; 95% CI: 1.11–6.07), ASA III (AOR = 2.86; 95% CI: 1.20–6.86), and ASA IV (AOR = 11.75; 95% CI: 2.76–50.03). Additionally, patients cared for by PACU nurses without prior PACU training were more likely to develop complications (AOR = 3.15; 95% CI: 1.73–5.72).
ConclusionApproximately 38% of patients experienced ≥1 critical event, mainly cardiovascular and respiratory complications. Patients who had intraoperative complications, ASA 2 to ASA 4 status, under/overweight, and those who received anesthesia for a prolonged duration were relatively at higher risk of developing critical events. There was a long time to stay in the PACU for those patients who experienced critical events.
by Kindu Alem, Mucheye Gizachew, Mulat Dagnew, Worku Ferede, Solomon Belay, Baye Gelaw, Feleke Moges
BackgroundKlebsiella pneumoniae, Acinetobacter species, and Pseudomonas aeruginosa are priority pathogens identified by the World Health Organization that have emerged as major causes of healthcare-associated infections. Their increasing resistance to multiple antimicrobial agents poses significant challenges to clinical management and infection control efforts.
ObjectiveThis study aimed to determine the prevalence, associated risk factors, antimicrobial resistance patterns, and carbapenemase production of K. pneumoniae, Acinetobacter spp., and P. aeruginosa among hospitalized patients with suspected bloodstream, urinary tract, and surgical site healthcare-associated infections at the University of Gondar Comprehensive Specialized Hospital, Northwest Ethiopia.
MethodsA hospital-based cross-sectional study was conducted from August 2024 to June 2025 among 477 patients suspected of bloodstream, urinary tract, or surgical site healthcare-associated infections. Socio-demographic and clinical data were collected using a semi-structured questionnaire. Blood, urine, and wound/pus specimens were aseptically collected and inoculated on MacConkey, blood, and cysteine lactose electrolyte-deficient agar following standard microbiological techniques. Antimicrobial susceptibility testing was performed using the Kirby-Bauer disc diffusion method on Mueller-Hinton agar according to Clinical and Laboratory Standards Institute guidelines. Data were analyzed using SPSS version 27. Bivariate and multivariate logistic regression analyzes were used to identify factors associated with healthcare-associated infections. P value Results
Among the 477 patients, 118 (24.7%) developed healthcare-associated infections caused by K. pneumoniae, Acinetobacter spp., and P. aeruginosa, with culture positivity rates of 14.9%, 4.8%, and 5%, respectively. Significant associated factors included age under five (AOR = 13.260, p K. pneumoniae, 69.6% of Acinetobacter spp., and 58.3% of P. aeruginosa isolates. Carbapenemase production occurred in 92%, 77.8%, and 57.1% of these carbapenem-resistant isolates, respectively. Amikacin, meropenem, and ciprofloxacin were the most effective antimicrobials, whereas chloramphenicol was effective only against K. pneumoniae.
ConclusionThis study showed high prevalence of multidrug resistance and carbapenemase production among K. pneumoniae, Acinetobacter spp., and P. aeruginosa in the study area, highlighting the urgent need to strengthen infection prevention and control measures and to promote antimicrobial stewardship programs.
by Birhan Berihun Abebe, Abebe Girma Demissie, Habtie Bassie Felatie, Aderajew Adgo Tesema, Baye Wodajo, Wondye Ayaliew Shiferaw, Sualih Gobeze Hailu
Tomato (Solanum lycopersicum) is a widely used vegetable in Ethiopia, but its production is severely affected by late blight, early blight and bacterial wilt. This study aims to isolate Pseudomonas fluorescens as a bio-control agent against Alternaria solani. Biological control using Pseudomonas fluorescens offers a potential alternative to chemical fungicides. Rhizosphere soil and healthy tomato roots were sampled from three Kebeles in North Wollo, Ethiopia. P. fluorescens was isolated on Pseudomonas Isolation Agar, while A. solani isolated from infected leaves on Potato Dextrose Agar and confirmed pathogenic on tomato seedlings. Three isolates of P. fluorescens (Pfs12, Pfk13, Pfsa31) were screened in vitro using the dual culture method, and their efficacy was further tested in vivo under greenhouse conditions. Isolates Pfs12 and Pfk13 showed moderate effectiveness against the radial growth of A. solani, achieving percent growth inhibitions of 56.04% and 55.04%, respectively. The standard chemical treatment (mancozeb) resulted in a 54.84% growth inhibition. The control group (Pseudomonas fluorescens) also demonstrated a moderate growth inhibition of 57.65% against A. solani. Data were gathered regarding disease parameters. The day after transplanting, the percent disease index was significantly lower in all treated groups compared to the control (water). The isolate Pfsa31 achieved the lowest disease index of 24.733%, which was comparable to the standard chemical treatment at 28.467%. Both treatments were significantly different from the control (water) at 60.333%. The findings showed the bio-control potential of selected P. fluorescens isolates as effective and environmentally sustainable alternatives to synthetic fungicides for the management of early blight disease in tomato cultivation, emphasizing the importance of utilizing indigenous strains for optimal performance.by Donato Koyalta, Zita Aleyo Nodjikouambaye, Jonathan Muwonga Tukisadila, Hachim Djamal Abdoulaye Bargo, Suitombaye Noubaramadji Yamti, Amine Akouya, Ralph-Sydney Mboumba Bouassa, Laurent Belec
BackgroundHigh-risk (HR) human papillomavirus (HPV) infection remains a great concern in sub-Saharan Africa in men who have sex with men (MSM). The prevalence of anal shedding of HPV and associated risk factors was estimated for the first time in a cross-sectional observational study covering MSM living in N’Djamena, the capital city of Chad.
MethodsMSM were recruited from the community in 21 sites in neighborhoods of 5 districts randomly selected in N’Djamena by respondent-driven sampling (RDS) method. Anal Collector V-Veil UP2™ device was used for anal canal self-sampling. Manual silica-extracted DNA was subjected for HPV detection and genotyping using BMRT Human Papillomavirus Genotyping Real Time PCR assay (Jiangsu Bioperfectus Technologies Co., Ltd., Taizhou, China). HIV serostatus was assessed using two rapid tests in series.
ResultsA total of 70 MSM (mean age: 29.9 years; range, 18–50) were included. The overall acceptability to practice veil-based anal self-sampling was 95.9%. The usability of the veil collector device was high (92.3%), with easy understandable instructions for use and correct placement in the anal canal. Satisfaction questionnaire reported high overall feeling, intimacy respect and lack of shame. The majority of MSM (44/70, 62.8%) showed anal shedding of HPV DNA, with HR-HPV frequently detected (38,70, 54.3%), including HPV-33 (30/70, 42.9%) HPV-68 (16/70, 22.9%), HPV-18 (4/70, 5.7%), HPV-35 (3/70, 4.3%), HPV-58 (2/70, 2.9%), and HPV-45 (1/70, 1.4%). The distribution of genotypes in HR-HPV DNA-positive MSM revealed that HPV-33 (30/70; 42.9%) was the predominant genotype, followed by the HPV-68 (16/70; 22.9%), HPV-18 (4/70; 5.7%), HPV-35 (3/70; 4.3%), HPV-58 (2/70; 2.9%), and HPV-45, HPV-51 and HPV-56 (each type, 1/70;1.4%).Among all HPV detected, only 42 HPV (36.8%) were covered by Gardasil-9® vaccine, including the HR-HPV-33, −18, −58 and −45, and the low risk-HPV-6 (5.7%) and HPV-11 (1.4%). The majority of detected HPV were non-covered by Gardasil-9® vaccine (63.1%). Overall HIV prevalence was 5.7%.
ConclusionsTaken together, these observations point the MSM population in N’Djamena as a very particular core group of HIV and HPV transmission. HIV prevalence was higher than that of general adult population, but limited to only one MSM of twenty. The RDS method of recruitment allowed to include MSM likely belonging to the same sexual network of HPV transmission leading to the selection of an atypical and specific profile of anal HPV distribution. The potential efficacy of HPV prophylactic vaccination in this population can be estimated at relatively weak.
by Nailya Ibragimova, Arailym Aitynova, Seitzhan Turganbay, Marina Lyu, Alexandr Ilin, Tamari Gapurkhaeva, Galina Ponomareva, Karina Vassilyeva, Diana Issayeva, Amirkan Azembayev, Serzhan Mombekov, Aralbek Rsaliyev, Nurgul Sikhayeva, Yergali Abduraimov, Saki Raheem
Iodine-based antiseptics are essential in wound care but are often limited by cytotoxicity, instability, and rapid iodine release. Novostron is a novel polymer–iodine complex incorporating dextrin, polyvinyl alcohol, and metal ions, designed to enable controlled iodine release. Structural integrity and composition were confirmed by ¹H and 13C NMR spectroscopy and physicochemical analysis, indicating a molecular weight of ~9500 g/mol, a pH of 4.23, and an iodine content of 8.13%. Pharmacokinetic analysis in rabbits demonstrated that following a single dermal application, systemic iodine absorption was minimal, with peak blood iodine concentrations remaining within physiological limits and rapid elimination within 24 hours. Evaluation of thyroid function revealed no significant changes in serum T₃, T₄, or TSH levels compared with those of the controls, confirming that topical application of Novostron does not disrupt thyroid homeostasis. In compliance with OECD guidelines in rabbits, guinea pigs, and rats, Novostron showed no signs of dermal irritation, skin sensitization, or systemic toxicity (LD₅₀ > 2000 mg/kg). In a rat cotton pellet granuloma model, Novostron significantly reduced the inflammatory mass (23.65% inhibition), supporting its anti-inflammatory potential. In a murine burn model, Novostron accelerated wound contraction (25.95% at day 10), increased epidermal thickness, and enhanced collagen deposition (~44%), outperforming controls and matching or exceeding betadine. These findings suggest that Novostron promotes tissue repair by modulating inflammation. Overall, Novostron demonstrated a favourable preclinical safety and efficacy profile, and its polymer–iodine composition, which enables controlled release and localized activity highlights its potential as a promising topical therapeutic. However, the study was limited to animal models and short-term observation; further long-term and clinical investigations are needed to confirm its translational potential in human wound healing.Mycoplasma genitalium, Chlamydia trachomatis, Neisseria gonorrhoeae and Trichomonas vaginalis are sexually transmitted pathogens that are highly prevalent in developing countries and are strongly associated with pregnancy complications. In Chad, screening for these sexually transmitted infections (STIs) in pregnant women is based solely on patient-reported symptoms, even though these infections are frequently asymptomatic. This study aims to determine the prevalence of M. genitalium, C. trachomatis, N. gonorrhoeae and T. vaginalis infections, as well as their associated risk factors.
In this cross-sectional study, we recruited pregnant women attending antenatal clinics at seven hospitals in N’Djamena. Endocervical swabs were collected, and DNA was extracted. Infections were diagnosed using PCR. Risk factors were identified using a structured questionnaire, and associations were assessed using logistic regression.
A total of 525 pregnant women were enrolled, of whom 78.5% resided in urban areas, with a mean age of 25.16±5.54 years. Overall, 23.99% of the study population were diagnosed with at least one STI. The individual prevalence of M. genitalium, N. gonorrhoeae, C. trachomatis and T. vaginalis infections was 13.33%, 5.14%, 0.95% and 4.57%, respectively. Coinfections were low, with M. genitalium-T. vaginalis at 0.95%, M. genitalium-N. gonorrhoeae at 0.38% and other combinations at 0.19% each. Women residing in rural areas had nearly two times the odds of M. genitalium infection compared with urban residents (OR=1.98), indicating a higher risk. AgeM. genitalium infection (OR=1.71) were also associated with significantly increased risk.
This study demonstrates a high prevalence of STIs among pregnant women in Chad, underscoring the need for systematic screening rather than solely relying on syndromic management.
This study aimed to estimate the prevalence of depression and anxiety and associated risk factors among non-communicable diseases (NCD) clinic attendees in rural Rwanda.
Cross-sectional.
44 health centres in three rural districts in Rwanda.
Adults aged 18 years and older with a clinical diagnosis of diabetes, hypertension and/or asthma, who were attending a follow-up appointment during the study period (n=595).
Primary outcome measures were depression (measured by Patient Health Questionnaire-9) and anxiety (measured by Generalised Anxiety Disorder-7). Explanatory measures included sociodemographic and behavioural risk factors associated with depression and anxiety.
Of 595 participants, 265 (44.5%) had depression (95% CI: 40.5% to 48.6%) and 202 (33.9%) had anxiety (95% CI: 30.1% to 37.9%). Comorbidity of depression and anxiety was found in 137 participants (23%). Participants with no formal education had significantly higher odds of reporting depression and anxiety compared with those with primary and secondary/higher education (adjusted OR (aOR)=2.08; 95% CI=1.27 to 3.33, p=0.004, aOR=5.00; 95% CI=1.12 to 25.00, p=0.035, respectively). In addition, participants who were unemployed were more likely to report depression and anxiety (aOR=3.03; 95% CI=1.62 to 5.67, p
The overall prevalence of depression and anxiety was found to be significantly high among the study participants. The risk factors that were associated with depression and anxiety included level of education, district of residence, employment status and past trauma exposure. The findings emphasise the need for integrating mental health screening into NCD care, district-specific interventions, employment support services and trauma-focused care.
Ethiopia, the second most populous country in Africa, faces significant demographic transitions, with fertility rates playing a central role in shaping economic and healthcare policies. Family planning programmes face challenges due to funding limitations. The recent suspension of the US Agency for International Development funding exacerbates these issues, highlighting the need for accurate birth forecasting to guide policy and resource allocation. This study applied time-series and advanced machine-learning models to forecast future birth trends in Ethiopia.
Secondary data from the Ethiopian Demographic and Health Survey from 2000 to 2019 were used. After data preprocessing steps, including data conversion, filtering, aggregation and transformation, stationarity was checked using the Augmented Dickey-Fuller (ADF) test. Time-series decomposition was then performed, followed by time-series splitting. Seven forecasting models, including Autoregressive Integrated Moving Average, Prophet, Generalised Linear Models with Elastic Net Regularisation (GLMNET), Random Forest and Prophet-XGBoost, were built and compared. The models’ performance was evaluated using key metrics such as root mean square error (RMSE), mean absolute error (MAE) and R-squared value.
GLMNET emerged as the best model, explaining 77% of the variance with an RMSE of 119.01. Prophet-XGBoost performed reasonably well but struggled to capture the full complexity of the data, with a lower R-squared value of 0.32 and an RMSE of 146.87. Forecasts were made for both average monthly births and average births per woman over a 10-year horizon (2025–2034). The forecast for average monthly births indicated a gradual decline over the projection period. Meanwhile, the average births per woman showed an increasing trend but fluctuated over time, influenced by demographic shifts such as changes in fertility preferences, age structure and migration patterns.
This study demonstrates the effectiveness of combining time-series models and machine learning, with GLMNET and Prophet XGBoost emerging as the most effective. While average monthly births are expected to decline due to demographic transitions and migration, the average births per woman will remain high, reflecting persistent fertility preferences within certain subpopulations. These findings underscore the need for policies addressing both population trends and sociocultural factors.
This study aimed to assess high-risk human papillomavirus (HPV) infection (HPV 16/18) and its determinants among women in East Gojjam Zone, Northwest Ethiopia.
An institutional-based cross-sectional study.
The study was conducted among 337 women screened for cervical cancer in two hospitals in East Gojjam Zone from February to April 2021 gregoriean calander.
The prevalence of HPV infection was 14.2% (95% CI: 10.7% to 18.1%). The mean age of the respondents was 36.7±9.1 years. Women in the age group of 55–65 years (adjusted OR (AOR)=7.91, 95% CI: 1.95 to 32.09), early initiation of sexual intercourse (AOR=5.36, 95% CI: 1.58 to 18.13), history of sexually transmitted infection (STI) (AOR=3.52, 95% CI: 1.27 to 9.72), HIV positive status (AOR=6.8, 95% CI: 1.99 to 23.54) and number of lifetime sexual partners (AOR=4.37, 95% CI: 1.15 to 17.3) were important independent factors associated with the presence of oncogenic HPV infection.
We found a relatively low prevalence of high-risk HPV infection. Age, early initiation of sexual intercourse at less than 18 years, history of STI, being HIV seropositive and multiple sexual partners were important factors for high-risk HPV infection. Women aged >46 years, women with early initiation of sex, a history of STI, being HIV positive and a history of multiple sexual partners should be encouraged to be screened and vaccinated for HPV infection. Wider-ranging studies are also needed in HPV-infected women in association with the cervical lesion.
Rev Enferm;39(5): 8-13, 2016 May. . [Artículo]
FreshRSS 