Effects of climatic conditions of Al Seeb in Oman on the performance of solar photovoltaic panels.

Human activities and climatic elements, including temperature, humidity, and wind speed, have an impact on natural dust deposition. Therefore, this study aims to investigate the effects of wind speed, relative humidity, and ambient temperature on the performance of soiled photovoltaic panels in Al Seeb, Oman. The study was conducted by exposing the solar PV panels to outdoor sunlight for a duration of two months. Parameters such as solar radiation, voltage, current, solar panel temperature, wind speed, relative humidity, and ambient temperature were collected in a short time interval. It was observed that the dust densities of 20.7 g/m2, 27 g/m2, and 41.3 g/m2 resulted in electrical power reductions of 18 %, 33 %, and 40 % for the panels uncleaned for one week, two weeks, and three weeks, respectively. The effect of daily dust resulted in an energy reduction of 14 %. Moreover, dust deposition decreases when the wind speed increases, resulting in a higher power output and vice versa. The higher the humidity, the stronger the dust's adhesion to the surface, resulting in more deposition and reduced power output. The maximum power output of 82.3 W was achieved at the wind speed of 10 m/s, 34.9 % relative humidity, and ambient temperature of 38.5 °C.

Would a simple attention-reminder in discrete choice experiments affect heuristics, preferences, and willingness to pay for livestock market facilities?

This study addresses the question whether an 'attention reminder' in discrete choice experiments (DCE) affects preferences, willingness to pay (WTP), and attribute non-attendance (ANA). We report on an experiment which elicited preferences for livestock market facilities from 960 randomly selected farm households in Ethiopia. Basic diagnostic comparisons of the estimations showed that taste parameters are significantly different and the WTP values of two (out of eight) facilities are different between before and after the reminder. Latent class model based ANA analysis revealed that the reminder has increased fully compensatory choice behavior [full attention] among sample respondents. The mixed logit models estimated in WTP space also showed that the WTP values are slightly smaller for most of the facilities after the reminder. In terms of relative importance, veterinary clinic, fenced shed, and watering trough facilities are the three livestock market facilities valued most by the farm households both before and after the reminder. Our results imply that researchers studying behaviors of rural communities in developing countries using DCEs might be able to address issues related to heuristics if they reminded respondents of the need to pay attention to all elements in the experiment unless understanding the choice decision making process itself is the point of interest. Empirically, livestock market development initiatives need to take into account farmers' clear and consistent prioritization of the market facilities.

Preference and willingness to pay for small ruminant market facilities - Discrete choice experiment data.

The data described in this brief were collected in 2018 as part of a national study to elicit preferences and estimate willingness to pay (WTP) for small ruminant market facilities in Ethiopia. We employed multistage sampling method to identify respondents. First, Menz Gishe area was selected from North Shewa administrative zone for its high small ruminant population. Second, three districts from five districts found in Menz Gishe were selected randomly. Then, eight Kebeles from fifty one Kebeles were selected randomly. Finally, 360 farmers were randomly selected proportional to the total number of farm households in each Kebele. We used discrete choice experiments to elicit preferences from the 360 respondents across the three districts whereby we presented 12 choice situations to each of them and hence generated 4320 observations. Generalized multinomial logit model (GMNL) and latent class model were used to investigate preferences for the market and heterogeneities around them. We also estimated the GMNL in WTP space to estimate the WTP values for the facilities. The dataset complements an original article entitled " Preference and Willingness to Pay for Small Ruminant Market Facilities in the Central Highlands of Ethiopia " and will be useful in replicating results for academic purposes and or employing the data for further development of choice behavior models.

Metronidazole-sensitive organisms in children with severe acute malnutrition: an evaluation of the indication for empiric metronidazole treatment.

OBJECTIVES: Children with severe acute malnutrition (SAM) are treated with empiric amoxicillin or penicillin and gentamicin because of the high risk of severe infections. Experts have suggested, based on available evidence, adding metronidazole to cover anaerobic bacteraemia and diarrhoea caused by Giardia duodenalis or Clostridium difficile. The objective of this study was to assess the importance of these infections in children with SAM. METHODS: Children from 6 months to 15 years with SAM were enrolled and followed clinically. Aerobic and, when patient weight permitted, anaerobic blood cultures were done using Bactec® system, and isolates identified with matrix-assisted laser desorption ionization-time of flight mass spectrometry. Stool samples were tested for C. difficile, G. duodenalis and Entamoeba histolytica by PCR. RESULTS: A total of 334 children were enrolled and 174 out of 331 (53%) for which data on this was available had diarrhoea. Of 273 patients tested by blood culture, 11 had bacteraemia (4.0%, 95% CI 2.3-7.1%) but none with strict anaerobic bacteria (0/153, 95% CI 0-2.4%). There was no difference in the prevalence of C. difficile between children with (5/128, 4%) and without (7/87, 8%) diarrhoea (OR 0.47, 95% CI 0.14-1.53), and no difference in the prevalence of Giardia between these groups (78/138, 60% vs. 46/87, 53%; OR 1.34, 95% CI 0.77-2.32). Children with C. difficile had higher mortality than those without this infection (3/11, 27%, vs. 7/186, 4%; OR 43, 95% CI 3.9-483). CONCLUSION: Our results do not provide support for empiric metronidazole to cover for anaerobic bacteraemia. Trials evaluating the effect of empiric treatment and its effect on G. duodenalis and C. difficile are warranted.

Genome-Wide Association Study for Spot Blotch Resistance in Hard Winter Wheat.

Spot blotch (SB) caused by Cochliobolus sativus (anamorph: Bipolaris sorokiniana) is an economically important disease of wheat worldwide. Under a severe epidemic condition, the disease can cause yield losses up to 70%. Previous approaches like bi-parental mapping for identifying SB resistant genes/QTLs exploited only a limited portion of the available genetic diversity with a lower capacity to detect polygenic traits, and had a lower marker density. In this study, we performed genome-wide association study (GWAS) for SB resistance in hard winter wheat association mapping panel (HWWAMP) of 294 genotypes. The HWWAMP was evaluated for response to B. sorokiniana (isolate SD40), and a range of reactions was observed with 10 resistant, 38 moderately resistant, 120 moderately resistant- moderately susceptible, 111 moderately susceptible, and 15 susceptible genotypes. GWAS using 15,590 high-quality SNPs and 294 genotypes we identified six QTLs (p = <0.001) on chromosomes 2D, 3A, 4A, 4B, 5A, and 7B that collectively explained 30% of the total variation for SB resistance. Highly associated SNPs were identified for all six QTLs, QSb.sdsu-2D.1 (SNP: Kukri_c31121_1460, R2 = 4%), QSb.sdsu-3A.1 (SNP: Excalibur_c46082_440, R2 = 4%), QSb.sdsu-4A.1 (SNP: IWA8475, R2 = 5.5%), QSb.sdsu-4B.1 (SNP: Excalibur_rep_c79414_306, R2 = 4%), QSb.sdsu-5A.1 (SNP: Kukri_rep_c104877_2166, R2 = 6%), and QSb.sdsu-7B.1 (SNP: TA005844-0160, R2 = 6%). Our study not only validates three (2D, 5A, and 7B) genomic regions identified in previous studies but also provides highly associated SNP markers for marker assisted selection. In addition, we identified three novel QTLs (QSb.sdsu-3A.1, QSb.sdsu-4A.1, and QSb.sdsu-4B.1) for SB resistance in wheat. Gene annotation analysis of the candidate regions identified nine NBS-LRR and 38 other plant defense-related protein families across multiple QTLs, and these could be used for fine mapping and further characterization of SB resistance in wheat. Comparative analysis with barley indicated the SB resistance locus on wheat chromosomes 2D, 3A, 5A, and 7B identified in our study are syntenic to the previously identified SB resistance locus on chromosomes 2H, 3H, 5H, and 7H in barley. The 10 highly resistant genotypes and SNP markers identified in our study could be very useful resources for breeding of SB resistance in wheat.

Relation between body composition at birth and child development at 2 years of age: a prospective cohort study among Ethiopian children.

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES: Birth weight (BW), independent of socioeconomic status, has been identified as a predictor for childhood cognitive development. However, it is not known whether this relation is related to low BW per se or particularly related to a deficit in fat mass (FM) or fat-free mass (FFM) at birth. This study therefore aimed at investigating the relation between body composition at birth and child development at 2 years of age. SUBJECTS/METHODS: An Ethiopian birth cohort was followed up at 2 years. Body composition was measured within 48 h of birth using infant air-displacement plethysmography. Child development was assessed at 2 years of age using Denver developmental screening test. Associations between body composition at birth and development at 2 years of age were tested using linear regression analysis. RESULTS: FFM but not FM at birth was positively associated with higher global developmental score at 2 years of age (ß=2.48, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.17; 4.79) adjusted for neonatal, postnatal and parental characteristics. This association was attributable to the association with the language developmental domain (ß=1.61, 95 CI 0.33; 2.90). CONCLUSIONS: Among Ethiopian children, FFM at birth but not FM predicted better global and language development at 2 years of age. Higher FFM at birth might have exerted a positive effect on the growth and differentiation of the brain and neuronal circuits for better development. This study therefore highlights the need to improve mother's nutritional status during pregnancy in ways that stimulate fetal FFM growth.

Modeling Preference and Willingness to Pay for Drought Tolerance (DT) in Maize in Rural Zimbabwe.

Maize plays a leading role in the food security of millions in southern Africa, yet it is highly vulnerable to the moisture stress brought about by the erratic rainfall patterns that characterize weather systems in the area. Developing and making drought-tolerant maize varieties available to farmers in the region has thus long been a key goal on the regional development agenda. Farm-level adoption of these varieties, however, depends on local perceptions of the value they add, along with willingness to pay (WTP) for it. Focusing on Zimbabwe, this research aimed at estimating the implicit prices farmers are willing to pay for drought tolerance in maize compared to other preferred traits. Using a choice experiment framework, we generated 12,600 observations from a random sample of 1,400 households in communal areas within 14 districts of Zimbabwe. Taste parameters and heterogeneities were estimated using the generalized multinomial logit model (G-MNL). The results reveal drought tolerance, grain yield, covered cob tip, cob size, and semi-flint texture to be the most preferred traits by farm households in Zimbabwe. The WTP estimates show that farmers are willing to pay a premium for drought tolerance equal to 2.56, 7, 3.2, and 5 times higher than for an additional ton of yield per acre, bigger cob size, larger grain size, and covered cob tip, respectively. We suggest designing and implementing innovative ways of promoting DT maize along with awareness-raising activities to enhance contextual understandings of drought and drought risk to speed adoption of new DT maize varieties by risk-prone farming communities. Given the high level of rural literacy and the high rate of adoption of improved maize, trait-based promotion and marketing of varieties constitutes the right strategy.

Characteristics of maize cultivars in Africa: How modern are they and how many do smallholder farmers grow?

BACKGROUND: Maize is the most important cereal and most widely cultivated staple that plays a key role in the food security of sub-Saharan Africa (SSA). Although some countries have achieved significant gains in maize productivity, the SSA average yields are far below what could be obtained with improved cultivars under good crop management. Low cultivar turnover is one among many contributing factors to low maize yields in SSA. At present, there is a critical knowledge gap on the identity, number, and age of maize cultivars currently grown by smallholder farmers on the continent. RESULTS: This study revealed that nearly 500 maize cultivars were grown in 13 African countries surveyed in the 2013/2014 main crop season. Sixty-nine percent of the cultivars each occupied <1% of the total maize area; only two cultivars occupied >40% and four occupied >30% area. Approximately 32% of all the cultivars were hybrids, 23% were improved open-pollinated varieties (OPVs), and 46% were locals. Eastern Africa (EA) and southern Africa (SA) accounted for about 43 and 38%, respectively, of all the cultivars reported, whereas West Africa's (WA) share was 19%. The average area planted to modern cultivars in the surveyed areas was estimated at 57%-with EA, SA, and WA estimates of 82, 55, and 36%, respectively; however, increased adoption was not necessarily always related to improved productivity, as the latter depends on many additional factors. Each household planted an average of 1.781 cultivars (range 1-8). The overall weighted average age of the cultivars was 15 years, with hybrids and OPVs being 13 and 18 years, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: Maize variety turnover in SSA is slower than what is practiced in the USA and other world regions such as Latin America and Asia. The substantial variations among regions and countries in all parameters measured suggest a tailored approach to mitigation interventions. Findings of this current study pave the way for replacing the old cultivars with more recent releases that are tolerant or resistant to multiple stresses and are more resilient.

Lipid-based nutrient supplements do not affect efavirenz but lower plasma nevirapine concentrations in Ethiopian adult HIV patients.

OBJECTIVES: Lipid-based nutrient supplements (LNSs) are increasingly used in HIV programmes in resource-limited settings. However, the possible effects of LNSs on the plasma concentrations of antiretroviral drugs have not been assessed. Here, we aimed to assess the effects of LNSs on plasma efavirenz and nevirapine trough concentrations in Ethiopian adult HIV-infected patients. METHODS: The effects of LNSs were studied in adults initiating antiretroviral therapy (ART) in a randomized trial. Patients with body mass index (BMI) > 17 kg/m(2) (n = 282) received daily supplementation of an LNS containing whey (LNS/w), an LNS containing soy (LNS/s) or no LNS. Trough plasma concentrations of efavirenz and nevirapine were measured at 1 and 2 months. Genotyping for 516 G>T and 983 T>C polymorphisms of the cytochrome P450 (CYP) 2B6 locus was performed. Multilevel linear mixed-effects models were used to assess the associations between LNS and plasma efavirenz and nevirapine concentrations. RESULTS: In patients with BMI > 17 kg/m(2), nevirapine concentrations were lower in the LNS/w and LNS/s groups by a median of -2.3 µg/mL [interquartile range (IQR) -3.9; -0.9 µg/mL; P = 0.002] and -2.1 µg/mL (IQR -3.9; -0.9 µg/mL; P = 0.01), respectively, compared with the group not receiving supplements. There were no differences between groups with respect to efavirenz plasma concentrations. The CYP2B6 516 G>T polymorphism was associated with a 5 µg/mL higher plasma efavirenz concentration compared with the wild type (P < 0.0001), while it was not associated with plasma nevirapine concentrations. CONCLUSIONS: Intake of an LNS was associated with lower plasma nevirapine trough concentrations, indicating possible drug-LNS interactions. The clinical relevance of such reductions in nevirapine exposure is not clear. Plasma efavirenz concentration was not affected by the LNS.

Calibration of bioelectrical impedance analysis for body composition assessment in Ethiopian infants using air-displacement plethysmography.

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES: Assessment of infant body composition (BC) is crucial to understand the consequences of suboptimal nutritional status and postnatal growth, and the effects of public health interventions. Bioelectrical impedance analysis (BIA) is a feasible, relatively inexpensive and noninvasive method for assessing BC. However, very little research has been conducted in low- and middle-income populations, where efforts to prevent or treat malnutrition in early life are a public health priority. We aimed to develop equations for predicting fat-free mass (FFM) and fat mass (FM) based on BIA in 0- to 6-month-old Ethiopian infants. SUBJECTS/METHODS: The study comprised a total of 186 BC assessments performed in 101 healthy infants, delivered at Jimma University Specialized Hospital. Infant air-displacement plethysmography (IADP) was the criterion method, whereas weight, length, sex, age and an impedance index (L(2)/Z50) were predictors. Prediction equations were developed using stepwise multiple linear regression and the accuracy was evaluated with a 10-fold cross-validation approach. RESULTS: A linear regression model based on body weight, age and sex predicted FFM, estimated by IADP, with an adjusted R(2) and root mean square error (RMSE) of 0.94 and 200 g, respectively. Adding impedance index to the model resulted in a significantly improved model fit (R(2)=0.95; RMSE=181 g). For infants below 3 months of age, inclusion of impedance index did not contribute to an improved model fit for predicting FFM compared with a model already comprising weight, sex and age. CONCLUSIONS: The derived equations predicted FFM with acceptable accuracy and may be used in future field surveys, epidemiological studies and clinical trials conducted in similar sub-Saharan African population groups aged 0-6 months.

Physical activity and capacity at initiation of antiretroviral treatment in HIV patients in Ethiopia.

SUMMARY We described levels of habitual physical activity and physical capacity in HIV patients initiating antiretroviral treatment in Ethiopia and assessed the role of HIV and nutritional indicators on these outcomes. Physical activity energy expenditure (PAEE) and activity levels were measured with combined heart rate and movement sensors. Physical capacity was assessed by grip strength, sleeping heart rate and heart rate economy. Grip strength data was also available from a sex- and age-matched HIV-negative reference group. Median PAEE was 27.9 (interquartile range 17.4-39.8) kJ/kg per day and mean ± s.d. grip strength was 23.6 ± 6.7 kg. Advanced HIV disease predicted reduced levels of both physical activity and capacity; e.g. each unit viral load [log(1+copies/ml)] was associated with -15% PAEE (P < 0.001) and -1.0 kg grip strength (P < 0.001). Grip strength was 4.2 kg lower in patients compared to HIV-negative individuals (P < 0.001). Low body mass index (BMI) predicted poor physical activity and capacity independently of HIV status, e.g. BMI <16 was associated with -42% PAEE (P < 0.001) and -6.8 kg grip strength (P < 0.001) compared to BMI ≥18.5. The study shows that advanced HIV and malnutrition are associated with considerably lower levels of physical activity and capacity in patients at initiation of antiretroviral treatment.

Generalized psychological distress among HIV-infected patients enrolled in antiretroviral treatment in Dilla University Hospital, Gedeo zone, Ethiopia.

BACKGROUND: Psychological disorders like depression and anxiety are potentially dangerous conditions. In the context of HIV/AIDS, this can influence health-seeking behavior or uptake of diagnosis and treatment for HIV/AIDS, add to the burden of disease for HIV patients, create difficulty in adherence to treatment, and increase the risk of mortality and morbidity. The objective of this study was to assess the prevalence and correlates of generalized psychological distress among HIV-infected subjects on antiretroviral treatment (ART). DESIGN: An institution-based cross-sectional study was conducted. Interviews were conducted with 500 patients initiating ART at Dilla Referral Hospital. Generalized psychological distress was measured using the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS). A cutoff score ≥19 was used to identify possible cases of patients with generalized psychological distress. Multivariable logistic regression analysis using SPSS Version 20 was performed to identify factors associated with psychological distress. RESULTS: The prevalence of generalized psychological distress among the population of this study was 11.2% (HADS≥19). Factors independently associated with generalized psychological distress were moderate stress (OR=6.87, 95% CI 2.27-20.81), low social support (OR=10.17, 95% CI 2.85-36.29), number of negative life events of six and above (OR=3.99, 95% CI 1.77-8.99), not disclosing HIV status (OR=5.24, 95% CI 1.33-20.62), and CD4 cell count of <200 cells/mm(3) (OR=1.98, 95% CI 0.45-0.83) and 200-499 cells/mm(3) (OR=3.53, 95% CI 1.62-7.73). CONCLUSIONS: This study provides prevalence of psychological distress lower than the prevalence of common mental disorders in Ethiopia and comparable to some other studies in sub-Saharan Africa. The findings are important in terms of their relevance to identifying high-risk groups for generalized psychological distress and preventing distress through integrating mental health services with HIV/AIDS care and support program.

Insulin-requiring diabetes in Ethiopia: associations with poverty, early undernutrition and anthropometric disproportion.

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES: Most insulin-requiring diabetes patients in Ethiopia have an atypical form of the disease, which resembles previous descriptions of malnutrition-related diabetes. As so little is known about its aetiology, we have carried out a case-control study to evaluate its social and nutritional determinants. SUBJECTS/METHODS: Men and women with insulin-requiring diabetes (n=107), aged 18-40 years, were recruited in two centres, Gondar and Jimma, 750 km northwest and 330 km southwest of the capital, Addis Ababa, respectively. Controls of similar age and sex (n=110) were recruited from patients attending other hospital clinics. RESULTS: Diabetes was strongly associated with subsistence farming, odds ratio=3.5 (95% confidence interval: 1.5-7.8) and illiteracy/low levels of education, odds ratio=4.0 (2.0-8.0). Diabetes was also linked with a history of childhood malnutrition, odds ratio=5.5 (1.0-29.0) the mother's death during childhood, odds ratio=3.9 (1.0-14.8), and markers of poverty including poorer access to sanitation (P=0.004), clean water (P=0.009), greater overcrowding (P=0.04), increased distance from the clinic (P=0.01) and having fewer possessions (P=0.01). Compared with controls, people with diabetes had low mid upper arm circumference, body mass index (BMI) and fat/lean body mass (P<0.01). In addition, men with the disease tended to be shorter, were lighter (P=0.001), with reduced sitting height (P=0.015) and reduced biacromial (P=0.003) and bitrochanteric (P=0.008) diameters. CONCLUSIONS: Insulin-requiring diabetes in Ethiopia is strongly linked with poor education and markers of poverty. Men with the disease have associated disproportionate skeletal growth. These findings point towards a nutritional aetiology for this condition although the nature of the nutritional deficiency and its timing during growth and development remains obscure.

Low vision and blindness in adults in Gurage Zone, central Ethiopia.

AIM: To determine the magnitude and causes of low vision and blindness in the Gurage zone, central Ethiopia. METHODS: A cross sectional study using a multistage cluster sampling technique was used to identify the study subjects. Visual acuity was recorded for all adults 40 years and older. Subjects who had a visual acuity of <6/18 were examined by an ophthalmologist to determine the cause of low vision or blindness. RESULTS: From the enumerated population, 2693 (90.8%) were examined. The prevalence of blindness (<3/60 better eye presenting vision) was 7.9% (95% CI 6.9 to 8.9) and of low vision (6/24-3/60 better eye presenting vision) was 12.1% (95% CI 10.9 to 13.3). Monocular blindness was recorded in 16.3% of the population. Blindness and low vision increased with age. The odds of low vision and blindness in women were 1.8 times that of the men. The leading causes of blindness were cataract (46.1%), trachoma (22.9%), and glaucoma (7.6%). While the prevalence of vision reducing cataract increased with age, the prevalence of trachoma related vision loss did not increase with age, suggesting that trichiasis related vision loss in this population might not be cumulative. CONCLUSION: The magnitude of low vision and blindness is high in this zone and requires urgent intervention, particularly for women. Further investigation of the pattern of vision loss, particularly as a result of trachomatous trichiasis, is warranted.

The utility of pallor detecting anemia in under five years old children.

The diagnosis and management of anemia, which affects a significant proportion of young children in developing countries, largely depends on the clinical assessment for pallor. This study was conducted with the aim of evaluating the utility of pallor in detecting anemia. Children aged 2 to 60 months who visited the pediatric outpatient department of Jimma Hospital over 3 months period were assessed for the presence and degree of pallor in 4 anatomic sites (conjunctivae, tongue and buccal mucosa, nailbeds, palm) by trained nurses. Hemoglobin was then determined using the HemoCue method. Individuals involved in clinical examination did not have access to the laboratory results before documenting their findings. The mean hemoglobin in the 574 children examined was 11.03 gm/dl, and about 46% had anemia. Children younger than 2 years were found to have a higher prevalence of anemia as compared to older children (p < 0.001). Palmar pallor, with a sensitivity of 58%, had the highest sensitivity to detect moderate anemia as compared to other anatomic sites. The presence of either palmar or conjunctival pallor increased the sensitivity to 73%. The inter-observer agreement was highest for conjunctival pallor (kappa value = 0.81). The findings of the study suggest that pallor of a single anatomic site does not have adequate sensitivity to detect moderate anemia. We recommend further studies to look at the performance of severe pallor in correctly identifying severe anemia. Furthermore, the magnitude and causes of anemia need to be studied in a community setting.

The predictive value of provisional clinical diagnosis in the evaluation of respiratory disorders.

BACKGROUND: Many non-pulmonary physicians in hospital and family care practice base the diagnosis of pulmonary disorders on clinical impressions made from the history and physical examination. Experience has shown that relying on these parameters alone is not adequate, since this may result in missing a significant number of diseases, or in the unnecessary treatment of others. This study set out to compare the sensitivity, specificity and positive predictive value of the clinical assessment (provisional clinical diagnosis or PCD) with the combined clinical assessment and other investigations, including pulmonary function test (PFT). PATIENTS AND METHODS: One thousand and fifteen (1015) patients referred for PFT to the pulmonary function laboratory of a teaching hospital were involved in the study. The referring physicians were asked to fill a specially prepared form giving details of the patientsâ history and clinical assessment. The PFT was performed using an Erich-Jager Master Lab. RESULTS: Analysis of the final diagnosis revealed that only 51% of patients with a pre-evaluation diagnosis of asthma were actually confirmed to have asthma after further tests. Similar findings of 59% and 52% of patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and pulmonary fibrosis were observed, respectively. The positive predictive value of PCD for asthma and lung fibrosis was 64.1% and 61.9%, respectively, while that for COPD was 74.2%. CONCLUSION: This study showed conclusively that the predictive value of provisional clinical diagnosis in the evaluation of pulmonary disorders is usually inadequate, and needs to be augmented with additional simple investigations such as PFT, in order to establish a more accurate diagnosis.

The pattern of cataract and the postoperative outcome of cataract extraction in Ethiopian leprosy patients as compared to nonleprosy patients.

Cataract is a blinding disease occurring all over the world. One of the causes of cataract is leprosy. Sixty leprosy and 100 nonleprosy patients were assessed and underwent intracapsular cataract extraction. Leprosy patients with cataract were much younger than nonleprosy patients. The leprosy group had a significantly higher rate of complications and this was seen more in paucibacillary cases. There was a higher rate of visual disability in the leprosy group than in the nonleprosy group. Cataract was seen in younger patients in the leprosy group. This raised the possibility of leprosy being the cause of the cataract. The leprosy group consisted mostly of multibacillary cases, however unlike in other studies the rate of complications tended to be higher in the paucibacillary group. There were no preoperative findings that correlated with a low postoperative intraocular pressure.