No abstract

Genetic and cytogenetic variation of African root-rats Tachyoryctes splendens sensu lato from Ethiopia was assessed on 23 complete cytochrome b gene sequences (1140 bp) and chromosomal sets from eight individuals. Results of this study suggest that the real diversity of Ethiopian Tachyoryctes splendens s.l. has been underestimated due to its apparent cryptic diversification. The molecular genetic analysis reveals genetic subdivision including at least four allopatric and deeply divergent mitochondrial lineages, restricted to the Simien Mountains and the Northern, Southern and Eastern parts of the Ethiopian Plateau. Three of them possess unique karyotypes while chromosomal characteristics of the Eastern lineage remain unknown. These lineages may represent distinct species, however additional analyses of molecular, chromosomal and morphological data should be conducted to confirm our preliminary results and provide a real basis for species delimitation within Ethiopian Tachyoryctes splendens s.l.

Allium species including garlic and leek exhibits a broad range of medicinal and nutritional properties. Therefore, this study investigates the physicochemical and biological activities of garlic (Allium sativum L.) and leek (A. ampeloprasum L. var. Porrum) oil extracts. The result indicated that physicochemical properties indicated that significantly higher oil yield (21.25%), ACV (2.66 mg/g), FFA (1.34%), and PV (4.10 meq/kg) and also antioxidant activities with respect to 2, 2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl, DPPH (27.60 ± 1.55%), hydrogen peroxide (12.35 ± 0.92%) free radical scavenging activities, and ascorbic acid content (25.30 ± 3.25%) were obtained for leek leaf oil extract. Stronger antibacterial activity with a maximum zone of inhibition (16.00 mm), minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) (0.20 µg/ml), and minimum bactericidal concentration (MBC) (0.40 µg/ml) was recorded for leek oil extract against S. pyogenes. However, garlic oil has presented stronger antifungal activity with a maximum zone of inhibition (13.50 mm), MIC (0.40 µg/ml), and minimum fungicidal concentration (MFC) (0.75 µg/ml) against Candida albicans. It is concluded from the results of this investigation that oils extracts of garlic bulb and leek leaves demonstrated significant biological activities that can be used as sources for pharmaceutical and nutraceutical ingredients.

No abstract

The causative agent of Anthrax B. anthracis has long been known to cause disease in animals and humans. Its worldwide distribution includes Ethiopia as an endemic country to the disease. The current study was aimed at identifying and developing risk maps, in areas that are suitable for the persistence of anthrax spores under climate change scenarios by using anthrax occurrence data and other predictor variables in MaxEnt model. A total of 158 occurrence locations were used as inputs along 10 current bioclimatic, future climatic grids and topographic covariates to develop a model and evaluate the individual contribution of each variable to the presence of B. anthracis in Ethiopia. It’s concluded that the most important variables limiting the distribution of B. anthracis in Ethiopia were Temperature, Precipitation, and Elevation. Under HADGEM2-ES future modeling scenarios except for RCP 8.5/2050 there is a decrease in areas of suitability from Current scenario under RCP 2.6/2050, RCP 2.6/2070, and RCP 8.5/2070. Subtle expansions of suitable areas are identified under RCP 2.6/2050 and RCP 2.6/2070 in the eastern parts of Ethiopia. However, there are small portions of southern areas that are expected to lose suitable habitats under all future scenarios. These findings could help health management authorities to formulate prevention and control strategies of anthrax in suitable areas under B. anthracis.