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Woretaw Sisay, Yared Andargie, Mulugeta Molla Department of Pharmacy, College of Health Sciences, Debre Tabor University, Debre Tabor, EthiopiaCorrespondence: Woretaw Sisay, Email sisayworetaw@gmail.com; woresis@dtu.edu.etBackground: Despite modern therapeutic armamentaria, DM remains a 21st-century public health menace. Novel phytomedicines are a rapidly expanding focus of research. The juice of Dorstenia barnimiana roots has long been used for the treatment of diabetes mellitus in traditional Ethiopian medicine, but its efficacy has not been supported by in vitro or in vivo scientific study. To investigate this, the present work was performed.Methods: In this experimental study, simple random sampling was applied. Healthy male mice were used in normoglycemic and oral glucose-tolerance test (OGTT) models. Streptozotocin (IP, 150 mg/kg)–administered diabetic male mice were utilized. Animals were randomly divided into five groups of six each. Group I received 10 mL/kg distilled water, groups II–IV received 100 (DB100), 200 (DB200), and 400 (DB400) mg/kg crude extract, respectively, and group V received glibenclamide 5 mg/kg. A sham group (group VI) was added that received 10 mL/kg distilled water. All treatments were given orally. FBG, serum-lipid profiles, and body-weight changes were then measured. In vitro α-amylase inhibitory activity was also evaluated.Results: The doses were atoxic up to 2,000 mg/kg. There was α-amylase inhibition activity of 67.52% at 500 μg/mL with an IC50 of 4.595 μg/mL. The OGTT revealed an antihyperglycemic effect of the crude extract. This was not attributed to a hypoglycemic side effect. In the diabetic mouse model, it shrank FBG levels remarkably. There were also significant reductions in serum TC, TGs, VLDL-C, and LDL-C. Nevertheless, HDL-C and body-weight levels returned.Conclusion: The present study confirmed the safety and promising in vivo antidiabetic and antidyslipidemic activity of D. barnimiana, thus corroborating the traditional claim.Keywords: antidiabetic, antidyslipidemic, D. barnimiana, streptozotocin, α-amylase

Demlie Kassa Gedamu,1 Wullo Sisay2 1Department of Public Health Emergency Management, North Wollo Zone, Amhara Regional Health Bureau, Woldia, Ethiopia; 2Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Institute of Public Health, College of Medicine and Health Science, University of Gondar, Gondar, EthiopiaCorrespondence: Wullo SisayDepartment of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Institute of Public Health, College of Medicine and Health Science, University of Gondar, P. O. Box 196, Gondar, EthiopiaTel +251945136790Email wsisay2733@gmail.comBackground: The leading preventable risk factor for premature death and disability worldwide is hypertension. Globally, 31.1% of adults (1.39 billion people) have hypertension and 9.4 million deaths are recorded annually, accounting for 13% of overall mortality.Objective: The objective of this study is to assess the prevalence of hypertension and associated factors among public servants in North Wollo Zone, Amhara Region, Ethiopia.Materials and Methods: An institutional-based cross-sectional study was conducted among 627 public servants. To classify candidate variables for multivariable logistic regression, a binary logistic regression model was applied. In order to analyze factors associated with hypertension among participants, all variables with a P-value< 0.2 were entered into the multivariable logistic regression model. In order to determine statistical significance, a p value of less than 0.05 was taken. The assumptions of Chi square and multi-collinearity were verified. For model fitness, the Hosmer–Lemeshow goodness-of-fit was checked.Results: The total hypertension rate was 27.6% (95% CI: 24.1– 31.3). The prevalence was higher in males 129 (32.5%) than in females 444 (19.1%). History of diabetes mellitus (AOR= 9.64, 95% CI: 3.20– 29.30), age > 35 years (AOR= 2.94, 95% CI: 1.91– 4.51) and body mass index 25kg/m2 and above (AOR= 3.44, 95% CI: 2.21– 5.34) have been found to be separately associated with hypertension.Conclusion and Recommendation: Among public servants in the study setting (study area), hypertension has become a major public health issue. Half of the newly reported cases is hypertensive. The conclusion of this study calls for a more holistic approach to hypertension in terms of hypertension prevention, screening, and proper management.Keywords: prevalence of hypertension, high blood pressure

Tigabnesh Assfaw,1 Chalachew Yenew,1 Kassahun Alemu,2 Wullo Sisay,2 Teshome Geletaw3 1Public Health, College of Medicine and Health Science, Debre Tabor University, Debre Tabor, Ethiopia; 2Public Health, College of Medicine and Health Science, University of Gondar, Gondar, Ethiopia; 3Pediatrics and Child Health Nursing, College of Medicine and Health Science, University of Gondar, Gondar, EthiopiaCorrespondence: Tigabnesh AssfawPublic Health, College of Health Science, Debre Tabor University, Debre Tabor, EthiopiaTel +251 989763993Email tigabneshassfaw87@Gmail.ComBackground: Pneumonia, which is an infection and inflammation of an air-space in the lungs due to an impurity. Child mortality due to pheumonia is estimated at 921,000 children under 5 years (U5) in 2015.Objective: To determine the TTR and factors of severe pneumonia among U5 children admitted at UOGCSH, Northwest Ethiopia.withMethods: A facility-based retrospective follow-up study was conducted on children U5 severe pneumonia from 2015 to 2020. The data were collected using pre-test and structured questionnaires. Statistical analysis was performed using Stata version 14.1.Result: The average TTR was 3 days IQR (3– 6). TTR from severe pneumonia was 13.5 (95% CI: 13.54– 17.15) per 100-persons. The cumulative time for children at risk was 1112 days, with a TTR of 29.7 per 100 children per day. Severity, signs and symptoms of pneumonia (AHR, 3.88 (95% CI =3.12– 5.57)); mode of infancy feeding (cows milk feeding) (AHR, 2.4, (95% CI: 2.22– 6.6)), and formula feeding (AHR, 0.68, (95% CI 0.58– 1.25)) as compared to breastfeeding; nutritional status (underweight) (AHR, 2.2, (95% CI: (2.1– 3.76)) as compared to normal, age (2– 3-years) (AHR, 1.4, (95% CI: 1.31– 2.22)), and ≥ 4-years (AHR, 1.32, (95% CI: 1.3– 2.32)) as compared to age of ≤ 1 year were important factors of TTR.Conclusion: The overall TTR was 3 days IQR (2– 6). This study identifies severity, signs, and symptoms of pneumonia, Mode of infancy feeding (cows milk feeding, formula feeding), nutritional status, and age were main determinants of TTR.Keywords: predictors, severe pneumonia, TTR, Gondar, Northwest Ethiopia

Abstract Cactus (Opuntia ficus-indica) is a drought-resistant plant and the source of food and income for many farmers during the rainy season, and the only option to feed livestock during the dry seasons, especially in the southern part of the Tigray region of Ethiopia. The region is currently suffering from a damaging parasitoid of cactus called Dactylopius opuntiae- ficus biotype. An experimental study was conducted from August 2022 to February 2023 to investigate the efficacy of herbal extracts against cochineal insects. The experiment was conducted on the insecticidal property of methanol extracts of Solanum linnaenum, Euphorbia tirucalli, Nerium oleander, Tephrosia vogelii, Calpurnia aurea, Argemone Mexicana, Datura stramonium and Ricinus communis. Herbs were extracted, and their efficacy and LC50 were determined. Phytochemical screening for secondary metabolites was performed. There was a statistically significant difference in the mean mortality of insects across the levels of the herbs (F (8, 71) = 57.812, p = 0.0001, ƞ2 = 0.867) and the experimental extract concentrations (F (1, 71) = 4198.3, p = 0.0001, ƞ2 = 0.983). The individual extracts of S. linnaenum and N. oleander caused average mortality rates of 99.3% and 97.4%, respectively, at 5% extract concentration. Tannins and saponins were the major metabolites found in the extracts. The present study demonstrated the promising insecticidal efficacy of herbal extracts against the damaging cacti pest D. opuntia-ficus biotype, providing insights into sustainable pest control strategies for protecting vital cactus resources in the Tigray region.

AbstractThis study proposes a model-based design and development of ventilated horticultural product crate from bamboo using a validated computational fluid dynamics and finite element analysis models. The models were used to predict the airflow, pressure and temperature distributions, and mechanical integrity of the crate. The model results were validated using experimental results. Results of the newly developed crate were compared to the commonly used conventional wooden crate. The optimal vent area, vent number, and cooling air velocity were found to be 8%, nine vents, and 1.38 m s−1, respectively. Compared to the conventional crate, the improvement in cooling rate, pressure drop, and flow uniformity was 60%, 98%, and 37.9%, respectively. The maximum deformation in the conventional wooden and newly developed crates was 28.483 mm and 0.329 mm, respectively. The results indicate that the newly developed bamboo-based crate has good air ventilation, good cooling, and best in mechanical integrity. We conclude that the improved bamboo crate is a viable alternative to the present post-harvest packaging constraints.

This study aimed to understand the impact of shrub encroachment on native species in the Guassa Community Conservation Area in Ethiopia. We assessed the soil seed bank composition and density across different elevations and aspects, and management systems within the area. The vegetation was stratified and eight blocks were selected across a range of elevation (3350 m) and aspect (northeast, northwest, southeast, southwest). Within each block we established twenty 5m x 5m plots for a total of 160. We then collected soil samples from five subplots (1 m x 1 m) at three depths (0–3 cm, 3–6 cm and 6–9 cm) for a total of 480 samples, which were established in pots in greenhouse. We calculated species abundance by totaling the number of seedlings that emerged from each sample. To determine the variability in the abundance of Festuca macrophylla and Helichrysum splendidum in the soil seed bank along altitudinal gradient, we used two-way ANOVA using SAS statistical software version 9.0.1. Shannon diversity index was used to determine species diversity in the soil seedbank. After counting all the seeds, we identified 74 plant species represented in the soil seedbank which belong to 55 genera and 23 families. Eleven species are endemic to Ethiopia. At the lower elevation range, the effects of aspect (P

The present study is focused on investigating the mechanical properties of hybrid polymer composites. The reinforcement materials are animal bone (ox) particulate and E-glass fiber. The matrix material is epoxy resin. The following combinations are considered for investigation: (a) bone particulate weight percent (20%, 30%, and 40%), (b) E-glass fiber weight percent (20%, 30%, and 40%), and (c) bone particulate (10%, 20%, and 30%) and E-glass fiber (30%, 20%, and 10%) with epoxy resin 60% by weight percent. The test specimens are prepared as per the required ASTM standard for tensile, compressive, and flexural tests. The test results show that maximum tensile and compressive strength observed in 40% of E-glass fiber with 60% of epoxy matrix, correspondingly, is 254.964 MPa and 37.52 MPa. The maximum flexural strength observed in E-glass fiber reinforced composites is 250.43 MPa.

The intention of this study was to assess the practices and challenges of kindergarten education in Addis Ababa city administration. The core intentions of the study were to check the appropriateness of the instructional material, teacher quality and the physical environment of the schools. For this study, the researcher used a descriptive survey research method and both qualitative and quantitative research approaches were employed. The data gathered from 22 kindergartens, 116 teachers, 21 principals, 5 education quality, audit and inspection experts. The findings of the study revealed that in most kindergartens the key inputs, such as indoor and outdoor materials, were insufficient, there was a lack of qualified human resources and instructional materials, constituting a major bottleneck, awareness creation on the part of stakeholders was low and limited support from educational expertise to private schools were among the challenges. Therefore, Addis Ababa Education Bureau ought to be revising, preparing and distributing curriculum materials based on the interest and developmental level of the children. The city administration, in collaboration with different college and Universities, are supposed to provide training for kindergarten teachers and other personnel to enhance their capacity. In addition, the city administration may promote investors who participate in the sector to construct buildings which may function as kindergartens; “woreda (section of district)” education office in partnership with schools and other stakeholder ought to support small enterprises to produce indoor and outdoor materials. Moreover, joint training, workshops, seminars and awareness amongst pertinent stakeholders should be promoted in a coordinated manner. Keywords: kindergarten, early childhood, preschool

This study dealt with the role of the Postgraduate Diploma in Secondary School Teaching (PGDT) program in improving the quality of teaching in Eastern Ethiopian secondary schools. The study used a mixed research design that integrated both qualitative and quantitative research methods concurrently. The data was collected from 140 respondents, comprised of 83 teachers and 57 school leaders (i.e., mentors, principals, and head teachers) of 14 secondary schools found in four zones of Eastern Ethiopia. The researchers used simple random sampling to select secondary schools, whereas teachers and school leaders were selected using purposive and expert sampling techniques respectively. Quantitative data was collected via a questionnaire and qualitative data through focus group discussion (FGD), interview, and observation. The data is analyzed both in a qualitative and a quantitative manner. The findings of the study showed that PGDT graduates seem to be contributing their part to enhancing quality education by raising high order thinking questions, implementing classroom activities such as: problem-solving, cooperative leaning, discussion and brainstorming, ^L1/2016 (9) Multidisciplinary Journal of School Education Sisay Awgichew Wondemetegegn Anwar Ahmed Tamrat Zelalem 166 frequently managing the classroom for active learning implementation, using exercises to elicit students’ ideas, knowledge and skills and encouraging students to become active participants in classrooms. This is considered to be an encouraging trend for the desired improvement in teaching quality. The result of this study also demonstrated that PGDT graduates have good subject matter knowledge and apply it effectively in their classrooms. The grand mean of teachers’ and school leaders’ responses related with their subject matter knowledge is 4.33 and 3.81, respectively. This seemed to exist because of their undergraduate program; they have had an opportunity to attain various major courses in the three-year bachelor program. After that, in order to become a high school teacher, they had to attend a one-year or a two-summer long PGDT program to equip them with fundamental pedagogical skills. This is understood as the benefit of the new teacher-education program. Despite all of these facts and in contrast with the teachers’ response, the researchers observed that in most Eastern Ethiopia secondary schools teaching was dominated by traditional methods of teaching or lecturing. This approach makes students passive, less confident, unreflective and poorly motivated to enjoy learning. Furthermore, concerning students learning assessment, an inconsistency of application was observed. Therefore, the researchers suggested that the Ethiopian Ministry of Education, in collaboration with higher learning institutions and teacher-training colleges, would have to provide continuous training for secondary school teachers about student assessment, active and constructivist methods of teaching to enhance quality education and produce robust graduates fit for the 21st century world of work and consciousness. Keywords: quality, teaching, PGDT

Introduction: In Ethiopia, traditionally, the leaves of Calpurnia aurea have been utilized to treat peptic ulcer disease. Therefore, the objective of the present study was to examine the antiulcer activity of Calpurnia aurea hydromethanolic leaf extract and solvent fractions in rats., Methods: The ulcer-healing potential of the crude test extract was assessed in rats by adopting pyloric ligation-, acidified ethanol-, and acetic acid-induced ulcer methods; while, in solvent fractions, the acidified ethanol-induced ulcer model was used. In all models, three serial test doses (100, 200, and 400 mg/kg) were given and the antiulcer activity was investigated. Standard drugs like sucralfate (100 mg/kg), omeprazole (20 mg/kg), and cimetidine (100 mg/kg) have been used as a positive control; whereas distilled water (10 mL/kg) was used as the negative control. Parameters like ulcer index, total acidity, pH, gastric volume, and gastric mucin level were all measured., Results: In an acute toxicity study, the test extract at the limit test dose (2 g/kg) was safe following a single dose administration. In pyloric ligation-induced ulcers, the plant extract at 200 and 400 mg/kg significantly reduced the ulcer index, the volume of stomach secretion, and total acidity while raising gastric pH and mucus content ( P < 0.05). Likewise, in the acidified ethanol- and acetic acid-induced ulcer models, the extract at both test doses (200 and 400 mg/kg) also displayed a substantial reduction ( P < 0.05) in ulcer index. Among the fractions, the ethyl acetate fraction revealed remarkable cytoprotective activity at all test doses and the aqueous fraction at 400 mg/kg ( P < 0.05). In contrast, the effect of chloroform fraction was found to be negligible. The peak ulcer inhibition was noted at 400 mg/kg of ethyl acetate fraction (52.4%)., Conclusion: The study showed that the crude extract and solvent fractions possess remarkable antiulcer activity., Competing Interests: The authors disclose that they have no conflicts of interest., (Copyright © 2022 Yared Andargie et al.)

Background: Conventional antidiabetic drugs are linked with a number of contraindications and untoward effects. The root decoction of Solanum incanum L. has traditionally been used to treat diabetes. However, its safety and efficacy have not been scientifically authenticated yet. Hence, the study was conducted in mice to corroborate its antidiabetic potential and safety profile., Methods: Using normoglycemic, oral glucose-loaded, and streptozotocin-induced diabetic mice models, the hypoglycemic and antihyperglycemic activities of 80% methanolic root extract were investigated. On streptozotocin-induced diabetic mice, the effect of the test extract on diabetic lipid profile and body weight was also investigated. Further, the in vitro α -amylase inhibition activity was assessed., Results: The test extract was safe at a limit test dose of 2 g/kg. Dose-dependent α -amylase inhibition activity was seen with peak percentage inhibition of 75.95% at 700  μ g/mL. In normoglycemic mice, the plant extract showed statistically significant hypoglycemic activity at 200 and 400 mg/kg ( P < 0.001) at 6  h and 4 and 6 h of treatment, respectively; in oral glucose-loaded mice, at both the test doses, the glucose level was also significantly dropped at 120 ( P < 0.01) and 60 and 120 min ( P < 0.001), respectively; whereas, in the third model, the test extract showed significant antihyperglycemic activity at 100 mg/kg ( P < 0.05) on the 14 th day and at 200 ( P < 0.01) and 400 mg/kg ( P < 0.001) on the 7 th and 14 th day of treatment. Similarly, following repeated administration of the test extract at 200 and 400 mg/kg, the body weight was significantly improved on the 14 th day ( P < 0.05) and on the 7 th and 14 th day ( P < 0.01), respectively, while diabetic dyslipidemia after 14 days ( P < 0.05)., Conclusion: The study revealed that the test extract showed promising antihyperglycemic and antihyperlipidemic activity. Thus, the findings back up its use in Ethiopian remedies for diabetes., Competing Interests: The authors disclose that they do not have any conflicts of interests., (Copyright © 2022 Yared Andargie et al.)

Background: Natural products have been utilized by human beings for thousands of years to relieve a variety of ailments, including diarrhea. Conventional antidiarrheal drugs are associated with multiple adverse effects and contraindications. Traditionally, Rumex nepalensis by crushing the root, mix with water and then drunk the juice is extensively used for treating diarrhea. However, no scientific research has been done yet to support its antidiarrheal efficacy and safety. Hence, the aim of the study was to evaluate the antidiarrheal activity and safety profile of the plant in mice., Methods: The hydro-methanolic extract was extracted through a cold maceration technique using 80% methanol. Castor oil-induced diarrheal, gastro-intestinal transit, and enteropooling models have been employed to assess the antidiarrheal activity of the test extract at doses of 100, 200, and 400 mg/kg., Results: The crude root extract caused no mortality at a single limit test dose of 2 g/kg throughout the first 24 h and for the rest of the 14 days. In a castor oil-induced diarrheal model, the hydro-methanolic extract markedly delayed the onset of diarrhea, reduced the weight of wet and total feces at 100 ( P <.05), 200 ( P <.01), and 400 mg/kg ( P <.001) test doses. Meanwhile, at 200 ( P <.01) and 400 mg/kg ( P <.001) doses, the plant extract considerably lowered the weight and volume of intestinal contents. In the gastro-intestinal transit model, however, a dramatic inhibition in the charcoal meal travel was noticed at 100 ( P <.05), 200 ( P <.01), and 400 mg/kg ( P <.001) test doses. The peak antidiarrheal index was exhibited at the highest dose of the test extract., Conclusion: The study speculated that Rumex nepalensis root extract possesses antidiarrheal activity, which could be owing to its inhibitory effect on both gastro-intestinal motility and fluid secretion., (© 2022 The Author(s).)

Introduction: Worldwide, in children of under five years of age, diarrhea is responsible for more than 760,000 annual deaths. It is treated with both modern drugs and traditional medicinal plants, including O. lamiifolium . But the use of this plant as an antidiarrheal agent is not scientifically validated. Therefore, this study was aimed to evaluate antidiarrheal efficacy of the plant., Method: The leaf powder was macerated by 80% methanol and then fractionated using n -hexane, n -butanol, and distilled water. Antidiarrheal activity was evaluated through different models (castor oil-induced diarrhea, enteropooling, and motility) using onset, number of wet feces, fluid content, weight and volume of intestinal content, and motility as test parameters by administering treatment doses to groups of mice. Group I received 10 mL/kg of the dissolving vehicle, Group II received either loperamide or atropine, and Groups III-V received extract doses of 100, 200, and 400 mg/kg, respectively. One-way ANOVA was used to analyze the data, followed by Tukey's post-hoc test., Results: The crude extract exhibited a significant effect on the fluid content of feces at all tested doses. Additionally, the n -butanol and distilled water fractions revealed significant effects on onset of diarrhea at 400 mg/kg ( p < 0.05), while the n -hexane fraction showed significant effects on number of wet feces, onset, and fluid content of feces at all tried doses. The crude extract and all the fractions (at 200 and 400 mg/kg) decreased the weight and volume of intestinal content significantly. Similarly, both the crude extract and distilled water fraction at 400 mg/kg as well as n -butanol and n -hexane fractions at 200 and 400 mg/kg showed meaningful differences on peristaltic index as compared to the negative control., Conclusion: The results revealed that the leaf extract of O. lamiifolium has an antidiarrheal activity, which supports the traditional medical practice., Competing Interests: The authors declare that they have no conflicts of interest., (Copyright © 2022 Muluken Adela Alemu et al.)

Background: Diabetes, especially type-II, prevailed despite recent medical advances. An edible G. lotoides (GL) seed is sold in Ethiopian traditional market such as 'Merkato' and used in folkloric medicine to treat diabetes. But to date not scientifically proven in this optic. As a result, this study set out to validate this claim., Methods: Following G. lotoides seed has been extracted, its antidiabetic efficacy was initially validated in vitro before in vivo investigation. The in vitro activity was probed by employing carbohydrate and lipid metabolizing enzymes inhibition assay. Based on this fact, the in vivo antidiabetic efficacy was conducted in normoglycemic, oral glucose-loaded and streptozotocin (150 mg/kg)-nicotinamide (65 mg/kg)-elicited type II diabetic rats., Results: The extract's LD 50 was found to be greater than 2 g/kg. In vitro tests pill up evidence that seed extract foils carbohydrate and lipid metabolizing enzyme activities (p < 0.001). On the other hand, seed extract significantly abridged blood glucose in normoglycaemic rats markedly (p < 0.05-0.001). The highest dose exhibited the strongest glucose tolerance effect, with a maximum slaying (41.1%) in glucose-loaded rats' plasma glucose (p < 0.001). All doses of the extract ameliorate blood glucose levels significantly in diabetic rats after 4 weeks of therapy (p < 0.05-0.001). Likewise, all test doses tempered harmful lipides in diabetic rats markedly (p < 0.05-0.001). But HDL (p < 0.01-0.001) and body weight losses (p < 0.05-0.001) were rectified., Conclusion: In consequence, our data unveils the safety and glucolipotoxicity inhibition potential of G. lotoides seed extract, authenticating the traditional standpoint that it might be converted into a viable anti-diabetic lead upon subsequent investigations., Competing Interests: The authors have no potential conflicts of interests that affects the research objective to declare., (© 2022 The Authors.)

Many endoparasites are still considered neglected tropical illnesses. The term "endoparasites" refers to infections caused by both helminths and protozoa. In many places in Ethiopia, particularly Debre Tabor, epidemiological data on the prevalence and associated variables of endoparasites among under-five children is unavailable. Thus, the aim of this study was to gather baseline data on the prevalence of endoparasites and their associated variables among under-five children who visited the Debre Tabor comprehensive specialized hospital in Northwest Ethiopia. A hospital-based quantitative cross-sectional study was used. The study was carried out from May 1 to November 30, 2021. Study participants were selected by a systematic sampling technique. The stool specimen was examined for the presence of different stages of intestinal parasites (adult, trophozoite, larvae, cysts, and ova) using direct wet mount, modified formal-ether sedimentation, and modified Ziehl-Neelsen methods. The IBM SPSS statistical package (version 23) was used to enter and analyze the collected data. The data was summarized using frequency tables and a bar chart. The adjusted odds ratio and p value < 0.05 were used to declare the final association. In the present study, a total of 258 under-five children and their mothers/guardians were involved in the study, with a response rate of 100%. More than half of the respondents, 137 (53.10%), were females, and 159 (61.63%) were in the age group of 24 to 59 months. The overall prevalence of one or more endoparasites among under-five children was 45 (17.44%). Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that health supervision, child food freshness, regular trimming of fingernails, and children's playground cleanliness were significantly associated with childhood endoparasites. The present study demonstrated a higher prevalence of endoparasites among under-five children. Health supervision, child food freshness, regular trimming of fingernails, and children's playground cleanliness were significantly associated with endoparasites. Thus, strengthening health education about food, personal, and environmental hygiene for both children and their mothers/guardians is crucial., Competing Interests: The authors declare no potential conflicts of interest with respect to the research, authorship, and/or publication of this article., (Copyright © 2022 Atalel Eyasu et al.)

Background: Despite modern therapeutic armamentariums, malaria remains a 21st century public health menace. The issue of combating malaria is the ever-growing resistance to high-tech medications in which novel phytomedicines are highly demanding, a rapidly expanding research avenue. In Ethiopian folklore medicine, Urtica simensis has been used to treat malaria by drinking its juice after the dry roots have been mashed and combined with water. Hitherto, no in vivo study has been reported in the literature so far. To substantiate this folkloric claim, the present work herein was done., Methods: An acute oral toxicity study was conducted as per the standard protocol. To rule out, the extract's inherent potential effects on bodyweight, basal body T o , and PCV changes were tracked for two weeks. A four-day suppressive model and a curative assay model were utilized to investigate the antimalarial activity of the plant. Percent parasitemia suppression, packed cell volume, mean survival date, bodyweight, and rectal body temperature were used to determine antimalarial activity., Result: An acute toxicity study reveals that Urtica simensis was atoxic at a dose of 2000 mg/kg. It also affirms that U. simensis is free from intrinsic potential effects of interfering with bodyweight, temperature, and packed cell volume evolution. Both crude extract and its solvent fractions at all test doses exerted significant ( P < 0.001) inhibition of parasitemia as compared to the control group. CF400 mg/kg provided the greatest chemosuppressive effect (79.24%). In a curative experiment, crude extract and CF were able to prevent the cardinal indications of P. berghei -induced malaria, such as weight loss, hypothermia, parasitemia, and anemia. Both crude extracts and their solvent fractions prolong survival dates., Conclusion: The antimalarial activity of the crude extract and its solvent fractions was promising, confirming previous assertions. As a result, more research studies into chemical entities may be required., Competing Interests: The authors declare that they have no conflicts of interest., (Copyright © 2022 Woretaw Sisay et al.)

Introduction: By measuring patients' satisfaction, providers can gain insight into several elements of health care services, including the effectiveness of their care and the level of empathy they exhibit. The aim of this study was to assess patient satisfaction with pharmaceutical services and associated factors in public hospitals located in Northwestern Ethiopia., Methods: An institution-based quantitative cross-sectional study was used. The study was carried out in an outpatient pharmacy from January 1-June 30, 2021. Participants were selected by a systematic sampling technique. The IBM SPSS statistical package (version 23) was used to enter and analyze the collected data. The findings were presented using descriptive statistical methods. To find factors linked to satisfaction, binary logistic regression was used., Results: The final analysis included a total of 401 samples. More than half of the participants (229, or 55.1%) were female. The overall mean score of satisfaction was 30.6 out of a maximum of 100 scores. By taking this mean score as a cut-off point, 204 (50.9%) of the study participants had satisfaction with the outpatient pharmacists' service. Participants' responses scored on the uncomfortable and inconvenient waiting areas [AOR = 0.31; 95%CI, (0.13, 0.49)] were found to be negatively associated with the level of patients' satisfaction. Also, the unavailability of medications [AOR = 0.12; 95%CI, (0.02, 0.37)] was negatively associated with the respondent satisfaction. Uncomfortable and inconvenient private counseling areas [AOR = 1.37; 95%CI, (0.79, 4.42)] showed a negative association with their satisfaction., Conclusion: Patients' satisfaction levels with pharmacy service were found to be greater than 50%. The socio-demographic characteristics of patients have no association with their level of satisfaction, but their perception of uncomfortable private counseling areas and waiting areas was negatively associated with their satisfaction., Competing Interests: Declaration of conflicting interests The author(s) declared no potential conflicts of interest with respect to the research, authorship, and/or publication of this article.

Background: Urtica simensis has been used for the treatment of peptic ulcer disease in Ethiopian folkloric medicine by drinking its juice after boiling the semicrushed leaf. To our latest understanding, no in vivo study was available regarding its antiulcer activity. The present study was done to appraise the ulcer-protective and ulcer healing activity of hydromethanolic crude extract of leaf of U. simensis in rats., Methods: Preliminary qualitative phytochemical screening and oral acute toxicity were carried out using a standard protocol. To validate U. simensis in vivo antiulcer potential pyloric ligature, cold restraint stress and acetic acid-induced ulcer models were employed. The extracts (100, 200, and 400 mg per kg of body weight per day), standard treatment (omeprazole 20 mg/kg/day), and vehicle (distilled water 10 ml/kg/day) were given to treatment, positive, and negative controls by oral gavage, respectively. Parameters were then evaluated accordingly after the humane scarification of rats., Results: Any sign of toxicity was not observed in the oral acute toxicity test. The crude extracts exerted a significant ( P < 0.05) inhibition of ulcer risk compared to the negative control. In the pylorus ligation-induced ulcer model, its antisecretory activity was in a dose-dependent manner. The highest gastroprotective effect (67.68%) was exhibited by the 400 mg/kg/day dose of 80% methanolic crude extract. Regarding the chronic ulcer model, treatment at a dosage of 100, 200, and 400 mg/kg/day cures ulcers by 33.54%, 58.33%, and 67.07%, respectively, as compared to the negative control groups remarkably., Conclusion: The findings of the present study confirmed the safety and a promising in vivo ulcer healing and antiulcerogenic activity of U. simensis , thus supporting the traditional claim. In-depth investigations on the plant, however, are highly recommended., Competing Interests: The authors declare that they have no conflicts of interest to disclose., (Copyright © 2021 Woretaw Sisay et al.)

Background: Optimal complementary feeding alone prevents six percent of child mortality, but it has continued to be considered as sub-optimal in Ethiopia. Therefore, this study aimed to assess timely initiation of complementary feeding and associated factors among mothers with children aged 6-23 months in Lalibela District., Methods: A community-based cross-sectional study was conducted from March 01 to April 29, 2015. Four hundred twenty-one mother-child pairs were selected by the systematic random sampling technique. An interviewer-administered questionnaire was used to collect data. A multivariable logistic regression analysis was employed to identify factors associated with timely initiation of complementary feeding. The Adjusted Odds Ratio (AOR) with a 95 % Confidence Interval (CI) was computed to assess the strength of association, and variables with a P-value of <0.05 were considered as statistically significant in the multivariable analysis., Results: The study demonstrated that, the prevalence of timely initiation of complementary feeding was 63 %. In addition, mother's education [AOR = 4.33, 95 % CI: 1.99, 9.40], antenatal care follow up [AOR = 5.90, 95 % CI: 2.45, 14.21], and institutional delivery [AOR = 2.54, 95 % CI: 1.33, 4.82] were found key determinants of timely initiation of complementary feeding., Conclusion: In this community, timely initiation of complementary feeding was lower than the World Health Organization cut-off point for good practice of complementary feeding. Therefore, intensifying utilization of antenatal care and institutional delivery helps to improve the coverage of timely initiation of complementary feeding. Furthermore, the focus needs to be on uneducated women.