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Background: Bovine tuberculosis (BTB) is a contagious chronic and debilitating disease of cattle that can infect humans, other domestic animal and some wild life. Assosa district is one of the remote settings in Ethiopia where information... more
Background: Bovine tuberculosis (BTB) is a contagious chronic and debilitating disease of cattle that can infect humans, other domestic animal and some wild life. Assosa district is one of the remote settings in Ethiopia where information on neglected tropical disease like BTB is not well documented. Hence this study aimed to estimate the prevalence of bovine tuberculosis at Assosa District, Western Ethiopia. Results: For the current study, 224 dairy cows were sampled and screened for bovine tuberculosis. Among which 18 (8.04%) cows were found positive for bovine tuberculosis where as the rest were negative for the screening test. The effects of different associated risk factors (like age, breed type, and body condition score) for the occurrence of BTB were investigated. The difference in reactivity to the CIDT test among the study participants in different age groups, breed types and body condition were found statistically significant (P-value = 0.034, 0.002 and 0.000) respectively...
Mastitis is an important disease of dairy cows, and it causes huge economic losses to dairy farm owners due to a decrease in milk  production, and reduction in milk quality, and an increase in the cost of cow treatment. A crosssectional... more
Mastitis is an important disease of dairy cows, and it causes huge economic losses to dairy farm owners due to a decrease in milk  production, and reduction in milk quality, and an increase in the cost of cow treatment. A crosssectional study was conducted in Southern  Ethiopia’s Silte zone from October 2020 to June 2021 aimed to estimate mastitis prevalence, assess related risk factors, and  identify prevalent bacterial causes. Three hundred eighty-four lactating cows were examined for abnormalities in udder quarters and  teats. Milk samples were tested for subclinical mastitis via the California mastitis test (CMT) and cultured for causative agents from  clinical mastitic and CMT-positive cows. The overall prevalence of mastitis was 54.9% (95% CI=49.9-59.9), of which 52.1% (95%  CI=47.1-57.1) was subclinical and 2.9% (95% CI=1.6 -5.1) clinical mastitis. From a total of 1536 quarters examined 41 (2.7%) quarters were  found blind and 427 (27.7%) quarters were affected by mastitis. O...
Inappropriate use of antibiotics is globally creating public health hazards associated with antibiotic resistance. Bacteria often acquire antibiotic resistance by altering their genes through mutation or acquisition of plasmid-encoding... more
Inappropriate use of antibiotics is globally creating public health hazards associated with antibiotic resistance. Bacteria often acquire antibiotic resistance by altering their genes through mutation or acquisition of plasmid-encoding resistance genes. To treat drug-resistant strains of bacteria, the recently developed CRISPR-Cas9 system might be an alternative molecular tool to conventional antibiotics. It disables antibiotic-resistance genes (plasmids) or deactivates bacterial virulence factors and sensitizes drug-resistant bacteria through site-specific cleavage of crucial domains of their genome. This molecular tool uses phages as vehicles for CRISPR-cas9 delivery into bacteria. Since phages are species-specific and natural predators of bacteria, they are capable of easily injecting their DNA to target bacteria. The CRISPR system is packaged into phagemid vectors, in such a way that the bacteria containing the antibiotic-resistance plasmid sequence or that containing specific D...
Salmonellosis is one of the major causes of poultry disease. The study aimed to isolate, identify, determine susceptibility and associated risk factors of salmonella specious in semi-intensive poultry farms of Kafa zone, southwest... more
Salmonellosis is one of the major causes of poultry disease. The study aimed to isolate, identify, determine susceptibility and associated risk factors of salmonella specious in semi-intensive poultry farms of Kafa zone, southwest Ethiopia. A cross-sectional study was conducted on four purposively selected districts. Three farms were randomly selected per district and fecal samples were taken from a total of 302 chickens. Questionnaire was administered to farm owners and data was analyzed using STATA statistical software package. The overall prevalence of Salmonella enterica species in Kafa zone was 9.27% with Gimbo district 10.39%, Bita district 10.66%, Shishoende district 12% and Chena district 4%. Source of chickens, farm types and breed risk factors showed significant association (P < 0.05) with the disease prevalence. Having diarrhea and continuous farm systems significantly associated (P < 0.05). All isolates were 100% resistant to Oxtytetracycline and Ampicillin. Among 28 isolated Salmonella enterica species, 92.85% (n = 26) of them were showed multidrug resistance while 2 (7.14%) of them showed extensively drug resistance. Half of multidrug-resistant isolates were resistant to 5–6 antimicrobials, while 7.14% of isolates showed resistance to 7 antimicrobials. This study shows prevalence of Salmonella and its association with the breed, farm type, source of chicken and presence of diarrhea. A high antimicrobial resistance observed shows presence of concerns due to the emergence of Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR) in the poultry farms. Therefore, awareness should be created to the farmers on measures to avoid the risk factors of poultry disease and the occurrence of antimicrobials resistance in poultry farms.
Ph.DDOCTOR OF PHILOSOPHY (SOM
[[abstract]]ABSTRACTSelenium (Se) is an essential trace element andthe adequate dietary Se intake introduces health benefits, including reducing cancer risk. However, Se requirement in humans and livestock remain less than optimal in many... more
[[abstract]]ABSTRACTSelenium (Se) is an essential trace element andthe adequate dietary Se intake introduces health benefits, including reducing cancer risk. However, Se requirement in humans and livestock remain less than optimal in many countries.To evaluate the effect of selenium-enriched lactobacillus (SL) supplementation on the reproductive performance, egg quality and selenium content in laying hens, a 20-week long experiment was conducted using 96 hens (26-week old), randomly assigned into 4 treatments. The control group was fed the basal diet, while the other groups fed basal diet supplemented with 0.4mg/kg sodium selenite (SS), selenium-enriched yeast (SY) or SL, respectively. The egg production was assessed daily and 10 eggs per treatment were collected every month to evaluate egg and shell quality. At the end of the experiment, 6 chickens per treatment were sacrificed, and the plasma and various tissues were collected for later analysis. The high egg production percentages were observed in SY and SL groups (93.6% and 93.1%,respectively). Yolk index, albumen and yolk height were significantly high in SL group. Fecal lactobacillus load was significantly increased in SL group. Organic Se supplementation, particularly SL, resulted in significantly increasedplasmaSe concentration than SS did. The Se supplementation resulted in higheregg Se concentration with the higher trend for SY group. The Se content and cellular glutathione peroxidase (cGPX) activity in liver and muscle were elevated by Se supplementation. There was also a significant decrease in plasma cholesterol content in hen with no difference in yolk cholesterol level among the treatment groups. These results indicate that SL supplement has no risk in increasing the plasma and yolk cholesterol level. The results from this study indicate that organic Se supplementation in laying hen diet improves the reproductive performance, egg quality, plasma Se content, as well as antioxidative enzyme activity and tissue Se contents. These findings support the use of SL as an alternative organic Se supplement in laying hens
Currently Ethiopian higher institution curriculums are harmonized to a modular system which is ought to improve and maintain the quality of education. In newly opened institutions like Wollega University, who engaged in training of... more
Currently Ethiopian higher institution curriculums are harmonized to a modular system which is ought to improve and maintain the quality of education. In newly opened institutions like Wollega University, who engaged in training of various Veterinary health professionals for which there is shortage of references materials, preparation of standard lecture notes and modules is indisputable. Therefore, with in the module of the curriculum, this lecture note was developed on the course “Animal Health Extension and Pastoralism” to fill the existing gap and strengthen the teaching -learning processes. The lecture note is primarily prepared for students pursuing their bachelor of veterinary medicine, doctor of veterinary medicine (DVM) or related professions in various higher teaching institutions. It also helps those graduates who are in service or specializing on the area. To develop this lecture note, materials have been gathered and adapted from different standard books, journals and research reports and adopted to the Ethiopian context. The lecture note has six chapters covering major and relevant topics of the course. Within each chapter, important topics are identified and discussed in simple language so as to facilitate rapid reading and understanding of important concepts. Each chapter has activity question and also followed by review questions that can enable the reader to use them as self-assessment tools. The authors strongly believe that this teaching material will play a crucial role in promoting the teaching-learning process through delivery of pertinent information to the trainees. Nevertheless, constructive comments and suggestions from readers are welcome so as to further strengthen the lecture note.
There is growing interest in the crosstalk between the gut microbiome, host metabolomic features, and disease pathogenesis. The current investigation compared long–term (26 week) and acute (3 day) dietary spinach intake in a genetic model... more
There is growing interest in the crosstalk between the gut microbiome, host metabolomic features, and disease pathogenesis. The current investigation compared long–term (26 week) and acute (3 day) dietary spinach intake in a genetic model of colorectal cancer. Metabolomic analyses in the polyposis in rat colon (Pirc) model and in wild–type animals corroborated key contributions to anticancer outcomes by spinach–derived linoleate bioactives and a butanoate metabolite linked to increased α–diversity of the gut microbiome. Combining linoleate and butanoate metabolites in human colon cancer cells revealed enhanced apoptosis and reduced cell viability, paralleling the apoptosis induction in colon tumors from rats given long–term spinach treatment. Mechanistic studies in cell–based assays and in vivo implicated the linoleate and butanoate metabolites in targeting histone deacetylase (HDAC) activity and the interferon–γ (IFN–γ) signaling axis. Clinical translation of these findings to at–r...
[[abstract]]ABSTRACTSelenium (Se) is an essential trace element andthe adequate dietary Se intake introduces health benefits, including reducing cancer risk. However, Se requirement in humans and livestock remain less than optimal in many... more
[[abstract]]ABSTRACTSelenium (Se) is an essential trace element andthe adequate dietary Se intake introduces health benefits, including reducing cancer risk. However, Se requirement in humans and livestock remain less than optimal in many countries.To evaluate the effect of selenium-enriched lactobacillus (SL) supplementation on the reproductive performance, egg quality and selenium content in laying hens, a 20-week long experiment was conducted using 96 hens (26-week old), randomly assigned into 4 treatments. The control group was fed the basal diet, while the other groups fed basal diet supplemented with 0.4mg/kg sodium selenite (SS), selenium-enriched yeast (SY) or SL, respectively. The egg production was assessed daily and 10 eggs per treatment were collected every month to evaluate egg and shell quality. At the end of the experiment, 6 chickens per treatment were sacrificed, and the plasma and various tissues were collected for later analysis. The high egg production percentages were observed in SY and SL groups (93.6% and 93.1%,respectively). Yolk index, albumen and yolk height were significantly high in SL group. Fecal lactobacillus load was significantly increased in SL group. Organic Se supplementation, particularly SL, resulted in significantly increasedplasmaSe concentration than SS did. The Se supplementation resulted in higheregg Se concentration with the higher trend for SY group. The Se content and cellular glutathione peroxidase (cGPX) activity in liver and muscle were elevated by Se supplementation. There was also a significant decrease in plasma cholesterol content in hen with no difference in yolk cholesterol level among the treatment groups. These results indicate that SL supplement has no risk in increasing the plasma and yolk cholesterol level. The results from this study indicate that organic Se supplementation in laying hen diet improves the reproductive performance, egg quality, plasma Se content, as well as antioxidative enzyme activity and tissue Se contents. These findings support the use of SL as an alternative organic Se supplement in laying hens
[[abstract]]摘要 硒為一生物體所需之重要微量元素,充分攝取硒有益於健康,包括降低癌症之風險。然而在許多國家,於人及動物對於硒的攝取量皆嚴重不足。為了評估添加高硒乳酸菌 (SL) 對於來亨蛋雞繁殖性能、產蛋品質以及硒含量之影響,本計畫設計一為期20周之實驗,利用96隻26週齡之母雞隨機分組為四種處理:控制組僅餵予無硒添加飼料;實驗組則分別添加0.4 mg/kg亞硒酸鈉 (SS)、高硒酵母菌... more
[[abstract]]摘要 硒為一生物體所需之重要微量元素,充分攝取硒有益於健康,包括降低癌症之風險。然而在許多國家,於人及動物對於硒的攝取量皆嚴重不足。為了評估添加高硒乳酸菌 (SL) 對於來亨蛋雞繁殖性能、產蛋品質以及硒含量之影響,本計畫設計一為期20周之實驗,利用96隻26週齡之母雞隨機分組為四種處理:控制組僅餵予無硒添加飼料;實驗組則分別添加0.4 mg/kg亞硒酸鈉 (SS)、高硒酵母菌 (SY)、以及高硒乳酸菌。每日記錄其產蛋數量且各組每15日收集10顆蛋以評估其產蛋及蛋殼品質。計算糞便樣本中SL之含菌數量 (CFU) 以及其硒含量分析。蛋雞之血清與產蛋樣本則分別分析其硒及膽固醇含量。實驗末了每組處理皆犧牲 6隻母雞並收集其組織與血清樣本用於分析。實驗結果顯示高產蛋量皆出現於SY及SL組 (93.6%及93.1%)。SL組之蛋黃指標、蛋白高度及重量皆顯著高於其他組;糞便生菌數也以SL組顯著高於其他組。有機硒添加組 (特別是SL組) 則較SS組顯著提高硒於血清中之含量。在產蛋中硒含量之分析顯示添加SY與SL較高於添加SS組有較高之趨勢。而榖胱甘過氧化?分析結果顯示添加硒可提高其在於肝及肌肉中之活性,而膽固醇於各組血清中皆顯著下降,但不影響其於蛋黃中之含量,指出硒之添加並無增加膽固醇含量於血清及蛋黃之風險。本研究結果指出,在來亨蛋雞飼料中添加有機硒可改善其產蛋量與品質、提高血清與組織中硒含量及組織中抗氧化酵素之活性,此結果支持SL可用為來亨蛋雞飼料中有機硒之補充來源
Currently Ethiopian higher institution curriculums are harmonized to a modular system which is ought to improve and maintain the quality of education. In newly opened institutions like Wollega University, who engaged in training of... more
Currently Ethiopian higher institution curriculums are harmonized to a modular system which is ought to improve and maintain the quality of education. In newly opened institutions like Wollega University, who engaged in training of various Veterinary health professionals for which there is shortage of references materials, preparation of standard lecture notes and modules is indisputable. Therefore, with in the module of the curriculum, this lecture note was developed on the course “Animal Health Extension and Pastoralism” to fill the existing gap and strengthen the teaching -learning processes. The lecture note is primarily prepared for students pursuing their bachelor of veterinary medicine, doctor of veterinary medicine (DVM) or related professions in various higher teaching institutions. It also helps those graduates who are in service or specializing on the area. To develop this lecture note, materials have been gathered and adapted from different standard books, journals and research reports and adopted to the Ethiopian context. The lecture note has six chapters covering major and relevant topics of the course. Within each chapter, important topics are identified and discussed in simple language so as to facilitate rapid reading and understanding of important concepts. Each chapter has activity question and also followed by review questions that can enable the reader to use them as self-assessment tools. The authors strongly believe that this teaching material will play a crucial role in promoting the teaching-learning process through delivery of pertinent information to the trainees. Nevertheless, constructive comments and suggestions from readers are welcome so as to further strengthen the lecture note.
There is growing interest in the crosstalk between the gut microbiome, host metabolomic features, and disease pathogenesis. The current investigation compared long–term (26 week) and acute (3 day) dietary spinach intake in a genetic model... more
There is growing interest in the crosstalk between the gut microbiome, host metabolomic features, and disease pathogenesis. The current investigation compared long–term (26 week) and acute (3 day) dietary spinach intake in a genetic model of colorectal cancer. Metabolomic analyses in the polyposis in rat colon (Pirc) model and in wild–type animals corroborated key contributions to anticancer outcomes by spinach–derived linoleate bioactives and a butanoate metabolite linked to increased α–diversity of the gut microbiome. Combining linoleate and butanoate metabolites in human colon cancer cells revealed enhanced apoptosis and reduced cell viability, paralleling the apoptosis induction in colon tumors from rats given long–term spinach treatment. Mechanistic studies in cell–based assays and in vivo implicated the linoleate and butanoate metabolites in targeting histone deacetylase (HDAC) activity and the interferon–γ (IFN–γ) signaling axis. Clinical translation of these findings to at–r...
The modern lengthy treatments of tuberculosis (TB) patients with the most common regimen often have good clinical response within the first two weeks. But a population of phenotypically antibiotic resistant bacteria persists in a viable... more
The modern lengthy treatments of tuberculosis (TB) patients with the most common regimen often have good clinical response within the first two weeks. But a population of phenotypically antibiotic resistant bacteria persists in a viable state. The pathophysiological conditions that potentially drive such phenotypic drug resistance and tolerance include the in vivo biofilm or complex physical barrier formation, persistence, stationary growth and state of dormancy. These events affects the duration of TB treatment and efficacy of anti-TB drugs. Additionally lack of good in vitro model to screen candidate compounds for such pathological condition also limited the anti-TB biofilm drug development. Moreover better understanding of TB pathogenesis remains to be a key approach for the development novel anti-TB drugs in foreseeable future. Hence, this manuscript gives an overview on the mechanisms by which persisters arise and the basis of their drug tolerance to underlay the phenotypic dru...
Background A survey-based cross-sectional study was conducted from April to August 2021 to assess veterinary extension service and public perception on major infectious and zoonotic diseases at Robe veterinary clinic. 384 animal owners... more
Background A survey-based cross-sectional study was conducted from April to August 2021 to assess veterinary extension service and public perception on major infectious and zoonotic diseases at Robe veterinary clinic. 384 animal owners who brought their animals for treatment were interviewed. Results The result indicated that 70.8% of respondents had no veterinary extension service. The majority (88%) had no access to the veterinary consultant. Although 51.6% of them used AI, only 7.8% of them know how to detect estrous. The most frequently known zoonotic diseases were Rabies (96.6%) followed by Anthrax (33.07%), and Tuberculosis (4.2%). Out of the 96.6% of respondents that replied to know about Rabies, 51.8% of them mentioned the disease can be transmitted only through dog biting while 14.8% of them say through biting and contact with saliva. Likewise, only 43.3% of respondents perceive that Anthrax is transmitted through ingestion, whereas 85% of them mentioned Tuberculosis can be...
Introduction. Estrogen receptors (ER) are members of nuclear receptors that act in the ER signaling pathway regulating the pathophysiology of hormone-responsive target cells including breast tissue. Aim. This detailled review literature... more
Introduction. Estrogen receptors (ER) are members of nuclear receptors that act in the ER signaling pathway regulating the pathophysiology of hormone-responsive target cells including breast tissue. Aim. This detailled review literature was written on the pathophysiology of ER signaling as well as the effect altered ERα and associated pathway derangement in the oncogenesis of breast cancer. Material and methods. This review was performed according to systematic literature search of three major bibliographic databases (Scopus, PubMed, and Cochran). Analysis of the literature. In this pathway, estrogen receptor alpha (ERα) is a key estradiol-17β (E2) induced transcription factor that has been implicated in the initiation and development of the major fraction of breast cancers. Hence understanding the ERα-mediated ER signaling that results in alterations from normal phenotypic features of breast tissue to the oncogenic features of breast cancer is important. The oncogenic effect of ERα...
Introduction. Estrogen receptors (ER) are members of nuclear receptors that act in the ER signaling pathway regulating the pathophysiology of hormone-responsive target cells including breast tissue. Aim. This detailled review literature... more
Introduction. Estrogen receptors (ER) are members of nuclear receptors that act in the ER signaling pathway regulating the pathophysiology of hormone-responsive target cells including breast tissue. Aim. This detailled review literature was written on the pathophysiology of ER signaling as well as the effect altered ERα and associated pathway derangement in the oncogenesis of breast cancer. Material and methods. This review was performed according to systematic literature search of three major bibliographic databases (Scopus, PubMed, and Cochran). Analysis of the literature. In this pathway, estrogen receptor alpha (ERα) is a key estradiol-17β (E2) induced transcription factor that has been implicated in the initiation and development of the major fraction of breast cancers. Hence understanding the ERα-mediated ER signaling that results in alterations from normal phenotypic features of breast tissue to the oncogenic features of breast cancer is important. The oncogenic effect of ERα...
Background: Plant remedies are still the most important therapeutics to treat livestock aliments; large part of the knowledge of ethno medicinal plants is declining to deterioration due to the oral passage of herbal heritage verbally. The... more
Background: Plant remedies are still the most important therapeutics to treat livestock aliments; large part of the knowledge of ethno medicinal plants is declining to deterioration due to the oral passage of herbal heritage verbally. The objective of the study was to identify and document ethno-veterinary medicinal plants. Methods: The study was carried out from November 2013 to April 2014. The study sites were selected purposefully based on the recommendations of elders and local authorities. Ethno-botanical data were collected using semi-structured interviews, field observations and group discussion. 42 study participants were involved in this study during the study period. Results: A total of 28 ethno-veterinary medicinal plant species belonging to 22 families were documented with details on their local name, family, habit and their traditional preparation, mode of application. Solanaceae and Euphorbiaceae families constituted the highest proportion (10.7%) followed by Fabaceae ...
Growth regulation by estrogen in breast cancer 1 (GREB1) is one of the top estrogen (E2) responsive estrogen receptor (ER) target gene. GREB1 play pivotal role in the ER signaling dependent oncogenesis of breast cancers. GREB1 has been... more
Growth regulation by estrogen in breast cancer 1 (GREB1) is one of the top estrogen (E2) responsive estrogen receptor (ER) target gene. GREB1 play pivotal role in the ER signaling dependent oncogenesis of breast cancers. GREB1 has been reported as a regulatory factor in ER signaling as it interact and regulate the function of ERα; the predominant subclass of ER. GREB1 acts as transcription coactivator that affects ER-chromatin interaction thereby modulate its downstream oncogenic signals that initiate the development and progression of breast cancer. Such intimate role of GREB1 places it as a therapeutic target and clinical biomarker for patient’s response to endocrine therapy. More recently Tamoxifen resistance in breast cancer was found to be regulated by the EZH2-ERα-GREB1 transcriptional axis. Despite the presence of such discrete evidence on the involvement of GREB1 in triggering the oncogenesis as well as drug response of breast cancer, there is very few compiled reports on th...
Background: Plant remedies are still the most important therapeutics to treat livestock aliments; large part of the knowledge of ethno medicinal plants is declining to deterioration due to the oral passage of herbal heritage verbally. The... more
Background: Plant remedies are still the most important therapeutics to treat livestock aliments; large part of the knowledge of ethno medicinal plants is declining to deterioration due to the oral passage of herbal heritage verbally. The objective of the study was to identify and document ethno-veterinary medicinal plants. Methods: The study was carried out from November 2013 to April 2014. The study sites were selected purposefully based on the recommendations of elders and local authorities. Ethno-botanical data were collected using semi-structured interviews, field observations and group discussion. 42 study participants were involved in this study during the study period. Results: A total of 28 ethno-veterinary medicinal plant species belonging to 22 families were documented with details on their local name, family, habit and their traditional preparation, mode of application. Solanaceae and Euphorbiaceae families constituted the highest proportion (10.7%) followed by Fabaceae ...
Growth regulation by estrogen in breast cancer 1 (GREB1) is one of the top estrogen (E2) responsive estrogen receptor (ER) target gene. GREB1 play pivotal role in the ER signaling dependent oncogenesis of breast cancers. GREB1 has been... more
Growth regulation by estrogen in breast cancer 1 (GREB1) is one of the top estrogen (E2) responsive estrogen receptor (ER) target gene. GREB1 play pivotal role in the ER signaling dependent oncogenesis of breast cancers. GREB1 has been reported as a regulatory factor in ER signaling as it interact and regulate the function of ERα; the predominant subclass of ER. GREB1 acts as transcription coactivator that affects ER-chromatin interaction thereby modulate its downstream oncogenic signals that initiate the development and progression of breast cancer. Such intimate role of GREB1 places it as a therapeutic target and clinical biomarker for patient’s response to endocrine therapy. More recently Tamoxifen resistance in breast cancer was found to be regulated by the EZH2-ERα-GREB1 transcriptional axis. Despite the presence of such discrete evidence on the involvement of GREB1 in triggering the oncogenesis as well as drug response of breast cancer, there is very few compiled reports on th...
Aberrant promoter DNA hypermethylation is a typical characteristic of cancer and it is often seen in malignancies. Recent studies showed that regulatory cis-elements found up-stream of many tumor suppressor gene promoter CpG island (CGI)... more
Aberrant promoter DNA hypermethylation is a typical characteristic of cancer and it is often seen in malignancies. Recent studies showed that regulatory cis-elements found up-stream of many tumor suppressor gene promoter CpG island (CGI) attract DNA methyltransferases (DNMT) that hypermethylates and silence the genes. As epigenetic alterations are potentially reversible, they make attractive targets for therapeutic intervention. The currently used decitabine (DAC) and azacitidine (AZA) are DNMT inhibitors that follow the passive demethylation pathway. However, they lead to genome-wide demethylation of CpGs in cells, which makes difficult to use it for causal effect analysis and treatment of specific epimutations. Demethylation through specific demethylase enzymes is thus critical for epigenetic resetting of silenced genes and modified chromatins. Yet DNA-binding factors likely play a major role to guide the candidate demethylase enzymes upon its fusion. Before the advent of clustere...
Aberrant promoter DNA hypermethylation is a typical characteristic of cancer and it is often seen in malignancies. Recent studies showed that regulatory cis-elements found up-stream of many tumor suppressor gene promoter CpG island (CGI)... more
Aberrant promoter DNA hypermethylation is a typical characteristic of cancer and it is often seen in malignancies. Recent studies showed that regulatory cis-elements found up-stream of many tumor suppressor gene promoter CpG island (CGI) attract DNA methyltransferases (DNMT) that hypermethylates and silence the genes. As epigenetic alterations are potentially reversible, they make attractive targets for therapeutic intervention. The currently used decitabine (DAC) and azacitidine (AZA) are DNMT inhibitors that follow the passive demethylation pathway. However, they lead to genome-wide demethylation of CpGs in cells, which makes difficult to use it for causal effect analysis and treatment of specific epimutations. Demethylation through specific demethylase enzymes is thus critical for epigenetic resetting of silenced genes and modified chromatins. Yet DNA-binding factors likely play a major role to guide the candidate demethylase enzymes upon its fusion. Before the advent of clustere...
The study was conducted from November 2012 to May 2013 with the aim of determining the prevalence and identification of Ixodid tick species at Girar Jarso districts of Fitche Selale. A total of 1889 adult ticks were collected from... more
The study was conducted from November 2012 to May 2013 with the aim of determining the prevalence and identification of Ixodid tick species at Girar Jarso districts of Fitche Selale. A total of 1889 adult ticks were collected from half-body region of 384 infested cattle population. Four generas and seven species of ticks were identified. Accordingly, genus Ambylomma (39.1%) was the most abundant tick followed by Rhipicephalus (25.0%); while Hyalomma (12.4%) and Boophilus (23.5%) were found to be the least prevalent tick generas at the study site. Among the species identified in the study area Ambylomma varigatum was the most common and more abundant (32.2%) followed by Boophilus decoloratus (23.5%) and the rest species which were identified were Rhipicephalus evertsi evertsi (20.6%), Rhipicephalus pulchellus (4.45%), Amblomma lipidium (6.88%), Hyalomma marginatum rufipes (7.41%) and Hyalomma trancatum (5.03%). Among the species the least abundant in terms of its prevalence was Rhipi...
The study was conducted to estimate the prevalence of avian tuberculosis (TB) and assess associated risk factors in Shashemene District. In addition, the zoonotic implication of avian tuberculosis in the District was investigated. In this... more
The study was conducted to estimate the prevalence of avian tuberculosis (TB) and assess associated risk factors in Shashemene District. In addition, the zoonotic implication of avian tuberculosis in the District was investigated. In this study, 260 adult domestic chickens of both sexes were tested by tuberculin test on their wattle. Test positive chickens were sacrificed and examined for the presence of tuberculous lesion. Suspicious lesions were cultured for mycobacterial isolation and characterization using multiplex polymerase chain reaction (PCR). On top of these, questionnaire was used to assess public perception and the potential public health risks of the disease. The prevalence of avian TB at Shashemene District was 4.23% (11/260). Gross TB lesions were detected in six of the 11 tuberculin positive chickens. Culture positivity was confirmed in three of the chicken with gross lesions. These isolates were confirmed to be members of the Genus Mycobacterium. Multivariable logis...
The survey was conducted from December 2013 up to April 2014 with the objective of assessing potentially poisonous plants in and around Horro Gudurru Wollega, Western Ethiopia. A total of 354 Volunteer individuals (248 livestock owners,... more
The survey was conducted from December 2013 up to April 2014 with the objective of assessing potentially poisonous plants in and around Horro Gudurru Wollega, Western Ethiopia. A total of 354 Volunteer individuals (248 livestock owners, 69 animal health practitioners and 37 traditional healers) were interviewed using separately structured questionnaires. In this study 24 toxic plant species were identified and documented during the period in the study areas. The major problems that expose the livestock to the toxic plants as complained by study participants were predisposing factors like shortage of feed (55.6%) and nutritional deficiency (24.3%). The animals are usually poisoned at the end of rainy season (58.2%) and during the dry season (24%). The most common plant parts that cause toxicosis to the livestock were whole and leaf. Among the toxic plants Medicago burweed (39.9%), Prunus africana (16.9%), Plantago lanceolata (14.1%), Braken fren (10.1%) and Snowdina, polystarch (9.3%...
Introduction: Salmonella is one of the most significant enteric pathogen from food safety point of view in which it is classified among the major cause of food borne illnesses. Objective: To determine the prevalence of Salmonella in... more
Introduction: Salmonella is one of the most significant enteric pathogen from food safety point of view in which it is classified among the major cause of food borne illnesses. Objective: To determine the prevalence of Salmonella in slaughtered sheep and to identify underlying serogroups from slaughtered sheep at Addis Ababa municipal abattoir, Ethiopia. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted to identify salmonella serogroups. Tissue samples; liver, abomasums and mesenteric lymph node were collected aseptically using sterile scalpel blade in a sterile plastic bag. Isolation and identification of Salmonella was performed following the techniques recommended by the International Organization for Standardization 6579. Prevalence was calculated and serotyping was done using rapid slide agglutination test. Results: Of 50 animals examined, one or more of the samples were Salmonella positive in 8 (5.33%) of the animals and from a total of tissue samples examined, 9 (6%) were Salmon...
Introduction. Estrogen receptors (ER) are members of nuclear receptors that act in the ER signaling pathway regulating the pathophysiology of hormone-responsive target cells including breast tissue. Aim. This detailled review literature... more
Introduction. Estrogen receptors (ER) are members of nuclear receptors that act in the ER signaling pathway regulating the pathophysiology of hormone-responsive target cells including breast tissue. Aim. This detailled review literature was written on the pathophysiology of ER signaling as well as the effect altered ERα and associated pathway derangement in the oncogenesis of breast cancer. Material and methods. This review was performed according to systematic literature search of three major bibliographic databases (Scopus, PubMed, and Cochran). Analysis of the literature. In this pathway, estrogen receptor alpha (ERα) is a key estradiol-17β (E2) induced transcription factor that has been implicated in the initiation and development of the major fraction of breast cancers. Hence understanding the ERα-mediated ER signaling that results in alterations from normal phenotypic features of breast tissue to the oncogenic features of breast cancer is important. The oncogenic effect of ERα in ER signaling is driven by combinations of molecular assets within the cancer cells. Normally, the transcriptional activity of ERα is controlled by tight regulation of its protein level inside the cells. Altered stability and activity of ERα due to its phosphorylation, ubiquitination, glycosylation, sumoylation, and acetylation events can trigger oncogenic ER signaling. Conclusion. The function and activity of ERα is also modulated by its interaction with coregulators as well as crosstalk with oncogenic factors from other oncogenic pathways. These all events increase the complexity of the progression of ER+ breast cancer and its response to endocrine therapy.
Growth regulation by estrogen in breast cancer 1 (GREB1) is one of the top estrogen (E2) responsive estrogen receptor (ER) target gene. GREB1 play pivotal role in the ER signaling dependent oncogenesis of breast cancers. GREB1 has been... more
Growth regulation by estrogen in breast cancer 1 (GREB1) is one of the top estrogen (E2) responsive estrogen receptor (ER) target gene. GREB1 play pivotal role in the ER signaling dependent oncogenesis of breast cancers. GREB1 has been reported as a regulatory factor in ER signaling as it interact and regulate the function of ERα; the predominant subclass of ER. GREB1 acts as transcription coactivator that affects ER-chromatin interaction thereby modulate its downstream oncogenic signals that initiate the development and progression of breast cancer. Such
intimate role of GREB1 places it as a therapeutic target and clinical
biomarker for patient’s response to endocrine therapy. More recently Tamoxifen resistance in breast cancer was found to be regulated by the EZH2-ERα-GREB1 transcriptional axis. Despite the presence of such discrete evidence on the involvement of GREB1 in triggering the oncogenesis as well as drug response of breast cancer, there is
very few compiled reports on the possible molecular mechanism how GREB1 could affect ER-associated tumor growth and subsequent therapeutic responses. Hence this review is written on the molecular roles of GREB1 in ER-positive breast cancer.

Keywords: GREB1; Breast; Cancer; Estrogen receptor alpha; Oncogenesis
Chromosomal rearrangement involving 14q32 region that results in TNF receptor associated factor 3 (TRAF3) dysfunctional mutation is the most frequent NF-κB pathway mutation in multiple myeloma (MM). Subsequent NF-κB inducing Kinase (NIK)... more
Chromosomal rearrangement involving 14q32 region that results in TNF receptor associated factor 3 (TRAF3) dysfunctional mutation is the most frequent NF-κB pathway mutation in multiple myeloma (MM). Subsequent NF-κB inducing Kinase (NIK) stabilization plays a critical role in alternative NF-κB activation. However, disease progression resulting from TRAF3 dysregulation has not been well understood. In this study, we identified lymphocyte cellular protein 1 (LCP1) as a novel NIK-driven alternative NF-κB target in TRAF3 dysfunctional mutation using RNA-seq, ChIP-seq (RelA/p65 and p52 NF-κB) and other validation methods. LCP1 is exclusively activated in MM cells with TRAF3 loss-of-function mutation. In MM patients, higher LCP1 expression was significantly pronounced in poor prognosis groups such as 4p16 and MAF. CD138 negative MM patient cells showed elevated LCP1 expression and inhibition of LCP1 can sensitize proteasome inhibitor bortezomib in TRAF3 mutant MM cells in vitro. We report that LCP1 is a NIK-driven biomarker in TRAF3 dysfunctional MM and targeting LCP1 can provide a valuable therapeutic intervention in TRAF3 mutated MM.
Multiple myeloma (MM) is a malignant plasma cell proliferating in the bone marrow. Oncogenesis of MM is a multi-stage cytogenetic event. Among these, aberrant activation of the non-canonical nuclear factor kappa-light-chain-enhancer of... more
Multiple myeloma (MM) is a malignant plasma cell proliferating in the bone marrow. Oncogenesis of MM is a multi-stage cytogenetic event. Among these, aberrant activation of the non-canonical nuclear factor kappa-light-chain-enhancer of activated B cells (NF-κB) signaling pathway is critical for the oncogenic progression of MM. Tumor necrosis factor receptor-associated factor 3 (TRAF3) mutation is among the most common tumor suppressor mutations in MM that allows constitutive activation of the non-canonical NF-кB pathway, thereby enhancing de novo survival of MM cells. Although there are some promising developments on current therapeutic regimens for MM patients that target such NF-кB signature, drug resistance perhaps remains a major concern. So far, TRAF3 mutation has been reported to modulate proteasome inhibitor response of MM. Mechanistically, concomitant to TRAF3 mutation-associated NIK stability that leads to the pathway activation, it has been reported that bortezomib treatment also causes a drastic increase in the level of NIK that causes pathway cross talk activating the canonical pathway, thereby triggering an acquired proteasome inhibitor resistance (PIR) pathway. Concomitantly targeting such NIK-driven acquired PIR or else targeting NIK than TRAF3 mutation and associated phenotype is likely to be the better option and thus remains to be elucidated. Hence, this review explains the roles of TRAF3-mutation-associated NF-кB pathway activation in the oncogenic progression and drug response of MM.
Aberrant promoter DNA hypermethylation is a typical characteristic of cancer and it is often seen in malignancies. Recent studies showed that regulatory cis-elements found up-stream of many tumor suppressor gene promoter CpG island (CGI)... more
Aberrant promoter DNA hypermethylation is a typical characteristic of cancer and it is often seen in malignancies. Recent studies
showed that regulatory cis-elements found up-stream of many tumor suppressor gene promoter CpG island (CGI) attract DNA methyltransferases
(DNMT) that hypermethylates and silence the genes. As epigenetic alterations are potentially reversible, they make attractive targets for
therapeutic intervention. The currently used decitabine (DAC) and azacitidine (AZA) are DNMT inhibitors that follow the passive demethylation
pathway. However, they lead to genome-wide demethylation of CpGs in cells, which makes difficult to use it for causal effect analysis and treatment
of specific epimutations. Demethylation through specific demethylase enzymes is thus critical for epigenetic resetting of silenced genes
and modified chromatins. Yet DNA-binding factors likely play a major role to guide the candidate demethylase enzymes upon its fusion. Before
the advent of clustered regulatory interspaced short palindromic repeats (CRISPR), both zinc finger proteins (ZNFs) and transcription activatorlike
effector protein (TALEs) were used as binding platforms for ten-eleven translocation (TET) enzymes and both systems were able to induce
transcription at targeted loci in an in vitro as well as in vivo model. Consequently, the development of site-specific and active demethylation
molecular trackers becomes more than hypothetical to makes a big difference in the treatment of cancer in the future. This review is thus to
recap the novel albeit distinct studies on the potential use of site-specific demethylation for the development of epigenetic based cancer therapy.
The modern lengthy treatments of tuberculosis (TB) patients with the most common regimen often have good clinical response within the first two weeks. But a population of phenotypically antibiotic resistant bacteria persists in a viable... more
The modern lengthy treatments of tuberculosis (TB) patients with the most common regimen often have good clinical response within the first two weeks. But a population of phenotypically antibiotic resistant bacteria persists in a viable state. The pathophysiological conditions that potentially drive such phenotypic drug resistance and tolerance include the in vivo biofilm or complex physical barrier formation, persistence, stationary growth and state of dormancy. These events affects the duration of TB treatment and efficacy of anti-TB drugs. Additionally lack of good in vitro model to screen candidate compounds for such pathological condition also limited the anti-TB biofilm drug development. Moreover better understanding of TB pathogenesis remains to be a key approach for the development novel anti-TB drugs in foreseeable future. Hence, this manuscript gives an overview on the mechanisms by which persisters arise and the basis of their drug tolerance to underlay the phenotypic drug resistance in Mycobacterium tuberculosis.
Bovine tuberculosis (BTB) is a contagious chronic and debilitating disease of cattle that can infect humans, other domestic animals and some wild life. The present study was aimed to estimate the prevalence of BTB and associated risk... more
Bovine tuberculosis (BTB) is a contagious chronic and debilitating disease of cattle that can infect humans, other domestic animals and some wild life. The present study was aimed to estimate the prevalence of BTB and associated risk factors in small holder dairy farms of Guto Gida district in East Wollega Zone, Western Ethiopia. A cross-sectional study design was carried out using comparative intradermal tuberculin test from January to September 2014, in small holder dairy farms Guto-Gida district to determine the prevalence of BTB. Purposive sampling technique was used. The current study showed that from a total of 295 cattle tested, 24 (8.14%) were found to be positive for BTB. Out of the total examined animals, 60 (20.3%) were males. The effects of different risk factors (like sex, age, breed type, and body condition score) for the occurrence of BTB were investigated. The difference in reactivity to the CIDT test among the study participants in different age groups was statistically significant (P-value = 0.027) showing higher risk of BTB in older animals when compared to the younger ones (OR=4.03, 95% CI, 1.17-13.85). This study revealed the significance of the disease in the study area. Farm owners and residents are usually in close contact with these animals and also consume raw milk regularly which predispose for high infection risks to them. Thus, further detailed epidemiological studies should be done to investigate the link between bovine and human tuberculosis in the study area in order to design appropriate strategic prevention and control measures. [Haimanot Disassa, Mezene Woyessa, Tadesse Birhanu, Sultan Abda, Fikadu Bekele Ketema Tefese. A Cross-sectional Study on Bovine Tuberculosis in Small Holder dairy farms of Guto Gidda District, East Wollega Zone, Western Ethiopia. Nat Sci 2016;14(3):34-39]. ISSN 1545-0740 (print); ISSN 2375-7167 (online). http://www.sciencepub.net/nature. 5.
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Currently Ethiopian higher institution curriculums are harmonized to a modular system which is ought to improve and maintain the quality of education. In newly opened institutions like Wollega University, who engaged in training of... more
Currently Ethiopian higher institution curriculums are harmonized to a modular system which is ought to improve and maintain the quality of education. In newly opened institutions like Wollega University, who engaged in training of various Veterinary health professionals for which there is shortage of references materials, preparation of standard lecture notes and modules is indisputable. Therefore, with in the module of the curriculum, this lecture note was developed on the course “Animal Health Extension and Pastoralism” to fill the existing gap and strengthen the teaching -learning processes. The lecture note is primarily prepared for students pursuing their bachelor of veterinary medicine, doctor of veterinary medicine (DVM) or related professions in various higher teaching institutions. It also helps those graduates who are in service or specializing on the area. To develop this lecture note, materials have been gathered and adapted from different standard books, journals and research reports and adopted to the Ethiopian context. The lecture note has six chapters covering major and relevant topics of the course. Within each chapter, important topics are identified and discussed in simple language so as to facilitate rapid reading and understanding of important concepts. Each chapter has activity question and also followed by review questions that can enable the reader to use them as self-assessment tools. The authors strongly believe that this teaching material will play a crucial role in promoting the teaching-learning process through delivery of pertinent information to the trainees. Nevertheless, constructive comments and suggestions from readers are welcome so as to further strengthen the lecture note.
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Selenium (Se) is an essential trace element andthe adequate dietary Se intake introduces health benefits, including reducing cancer risk. However, Se requirement in humans and livestock remain less than optimal in many countries. The egg... more
Selenium (Se) is an essential trace element andthe adequate dietary Se intake introduces health benefits, including reducing cancer risk. However, Se requirement in humans and livestock remain less than optimal in many countries. The egg production was assessed daily and 10 eggs per treatment were collected every month to evaluate egg and shell quality. At the end of the experiment, 6 chickens per treatment were sacrificed, and the plasma and various tissues were collected for later analysis. The high egg production percentages were observed in SY and SL groups (93.6% and 93.1%,respectively). Yolk index, albumen and yolk height were significantly high in SL group. Fecal lactobacillus load was significantly increased in SL group. Organic Se supplementation, particularly SL, resulted in significantly increasedplasmaSe concentration than SS did. The Se supplementation resulted in higheregg Se concentration with the higher trend for SY group. The Se content and cellular glutathione peroxidase (cGPX) activity in liver and MUSCLEwere elevated by Se supplementation. There was also a significant decrease in plasma cholesterol content in hen with no difference in yolk cholesterol level among the treatment groups. These results indicate that SL supplement has no risk in increasing the plasma and yolk cholesterol level. The results from this study indicate that organic Se supplementation in laying hen diet improves the reproductive performance, egg quality, plasma Se content, as well as antioxidative enzyme activity and tissue Se contents. These findings support the use of SL as an alternative organic Se supplement in laying hens.
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Across sectional study was conducted from June 2013 to September 2013 in Kurfa Chale District to identify the major gastrointestinal parasites and to determine their prevalence rate in Horses and Donkeys. A total of 406 equines (97 Horses... more
Across sectional study was conducted from June 2013 to September 2013 in Kurfa Chale District to identify the major gastrointestinal parasites and to determine their prevalence rate in Horses and Donkeys. A total of 406 equines (97 Horses and 309 Donkeys) were randomly selected and fecal samples from them were subjected to qualitative Coprological examination for identification of eggs of gastro intestinal tract (GIT) helminthes. Out of 406 randomly selected samples, 307 samples were positive for parasite of different species (spp) with an overall prevalence of 75.62%. The prevalence of GIT helminthosis in Horse and Donkey was 14.43% and 94.82% respectively. Out of 307 positive samples, the spp of parasite found were Strongyles spp 72.66%, Parascaris equorum (P. equorum) 15.51%, Gastrophilus spp 6.89%, Anoplocephala spp 2.2% and Oxiuris equi (O. equi) 1.47%. Coinfection among the GIP parasite was also seen in Donkey. There was significant deference between the GIT parasite prevalence on the host animals (p<0.05) in which high prevalence is seen in Donkeys. There was also significant deference (p<0.05) in the prevalence between male and female Equines in case of Strongyle spp in which females were highly infected. From the present study it can be concluded that the prevalence of GIT parasites in Equine was high especially in Donkeys. Therefore to control and prevent the diseases, strategic deworming using broad spectrum antihelminthic drugs and rotational grazing program should be implemented.
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The study was conducted from November 2012 to May 2013 with the aim of determining the prevalence and identification of Ixodid tick species at Girar Jarso districts of Fitche Selale. A total of 1889 adult ticks were collected from... more
The study was conducted from November 2012 to May 2013 with the aim of determining the prevalence and identification of Ixodid tick species at Girar Jarso districts of Fitche Selale. A total of 1889 adult ticks were collected from halfbody region of 384 infested cattle population. Four generas and seven species of ticks were identified. Accordingly, genus Ambylomma (39.1%) was the most abundant tick followed by Rhipicephalus (25.0%); while Hyalomma (12.4%) and Boophilus (23.5%) were found to be the least prevalent tick generas at the study site. Among the species identified in the study area Ambylomma varigatum was the most common and more abundant (32.2%) followed by Boophilus decoloratus (23.5%) and the rest species which were identified were Rhipicephalus evertsi evertsi (20.6%), Rhipicephalus pulchellus (4.45%), Amblomma lipidium (6.88%), Hyalomma marginatum rufipes (7.41%) and Hyalomma trancatum (5.03%). Among the species the least abundant in terms of its prevalence was Rhipicephalus pulchellus (4.45%). Among the risk factors that were assessed in the present study, the prevalence of disease (tick infestation) significantly varies with the breed and body condition of the cattle. The significantly higher prevalence was seen in animals with medium (44.5%) and poor body condition (29.4%) (p=0.01). There was also significant difference in the prevalence of tick infestation between the breeds (p=0.01). The local breeds were highly infested by the ticks with the prevalence of (70.8%). The study indicated that there was high burden of ticks in the area. Thus, strategic tick control, application of acaricides aimed at reduction of ticks population and extension education for animal breeders on the problem of ticks are highly recommended.
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There is shortage of references in higher teaching institutions especially in newly opened institutions engaged in training of various Veterinary professionals in the country. Hence, some of the strategies that are used to skirt these... more
There is shortage of references in higher teaching institutions especially in newly opened institutions engaged in training of various Veterinary professionals in the country. Hence, some of the strategies that are used to skirt these problems are developing of lecture notes on various subjects. Therefore, this lecture is developed to fill the existing gap and strengthen the teaching learning processes. This lecture note is primarily prepared for Animal Health Science and Veterinary Laboratory Technology and students pursuing their studies in various higher teaching institutions. It can also be helpful for those graduates who are in service. In the development of this lecture note, materials have been gathered and adapted from different standard books. This lecture note is divided into fifteen chapters covering major and relevant topics of the subject matter. Within each chapter, important topics are identified and discussed in simple language so as to facilitate rapid reading and understanding of important concepts. Each chapter is also followed by review questions that can enable the reader to use them as self-assessment tools. The author strongly believes that this teaching material will play a crucial role in promoting the teaching-learning process through delivery of pertinent information to the trainees. Nevertheless, constructive comments and suggestions from readers are welcome so as to further strengthen this lecture note.
Research Interests:
Finfinneen dachee Oromooti. Handhuura Oromiyaa fi giddu galeessa Oromoo Maccaa fi Tuulamaati. Qe’ee Tufaa Munaa, Qajeelaa Dooyyoo, Abeebee Tufaa, Guddataa Araddoo, Jamoo Dabalee, Soraa Lomee, Galatee Asheetee, Axaalee Jaatanii fi Shubbuu... more
Finfinneen dachee Oromooti. Handhuura Oromiyaa fi giddu galeessa Oromoo Maccaa fi Tuulamaati. Qe’ee Tufaa Munaa, Qajeelaa Dooyyoo, Abeebee Tufaa, Guddataa Araddoo, Jamoo Dabalee, Soraa Lomee, Galatee Asheetee, Axaalee Jaatanii fi Shubbuu Ejersaafaati.