Jimma University

BackgroundThis study investigated indigenous knowledge-based production practices and utilization of stingless bee honey (SBH) among rural communities in Ethiopia’s humid Afromontane Forest zones of the Southwest (Kaffa, Sheka, Majang, Jimma) and the semi-arid Borena Zone in the South. SBH is an important medicinal, nutritional and cultural resource for these communities, yet information on local production systems, species used, harvest practices and threats are limited.MethodsA cross-sectional survey was conducted among 253 respondents selected from communities identified as potential stingless bee producers and users in the humid Afromontane Forest districts of the Southwest and the semi-arid forest district of southern Ethiopia. Data were collected using a combination of structured interviews and direct field observations to collect comprehensive information on local production practices, species distribution, harvesting techniques, utilization patterns, and the major challenges associated with stingless bee honey (SBH) production.ResultsThe findings show that SBH harvesting is primarily conducted by men (93.3%), with most harvesters also engaged in agriculture and livestock production. Traditional ecological knowledge is predominantly passed down from elders (78.7%). Educational levels vary, with primary education being the most common. The majority of SBH is obtained from wild colonies (97.6%), with limited efforts toward domestication (2.4%). In Yabello, honey is collected from three species: Plebeina armata, Meliponula beccarii, and Hypotrigona species, known locally as “Dama Damu Guracha,” “Dama Damu Dimma,” and “Tunale,” respectively, in the Oromifa language. In the Southwest region (Kaffa, Sheka, Majang, and Jimma), M. beccarii and H. trigona are identified as the primary species, each with distinct local names depending on the zone. Communities in the study area possess traditional knowledge and skills that are primarily focused on digging around colonies to create nesting spaces. However, there are significant seasonal variations in harvesting times across different zones. The peak harvesting periods in Kaffa, Sheka, Majang, and Jimma zones occur in April, while in the Borena Zone, it extends from April to June. Colonies are located by observing and tracking the movement of worker bees. Harvesting techniques differ, with the majority (74.3%) employing squeezing methods, while 21.3% use a combination of squeezing and colony destruction. SBH is mainly harvested once a year, predominantly for medicinal purposes (94.9%). There are notable differences in production volume across regions, with the highest estimated yield from Sheka Zone (4.8 ± 8 kg) over the past 12 months and the lowest from Majang (1.2 ± 1.6 kg). The honey is consumed in various ways, often before meals, for its medicinal properties, such as treating asthma, colds, and respiratory diseases. The study also highlights major threats to meliponine colonies, including predators, land-use changes, unsustainable harvesting practices, and agrochemical use, with 83% of respondents concerned about the potential endangerment of these bees. Despite the longstanding tradition of SBH production, only 1.9% of respondents have received training in meliponiculture.ConclusionIndigenous knowledge of stingless bee honey production remains a vital component of local culture and livelihoods in Ethiopia. However, the practice faces serious challenges due to limited training, lack of modern meliponiculture practices, and environmental pressures. Strengthening conservation efforts, providing technical training, and integrating traditional knowledge with modern practices are essential for sustaining stingless bee populations and promoting the sustainable production of this valuable honey.

ABSTRACT Severe malaria remains a major cause of acute kidney injury and multiorgan failure in endemic regions, often requiring renal replacement therapy. However, access to dialysis is limited in many resource‐constrained settings, making outcomes highly dependent on early diagnosis and effective antimalarial treatment. We report a 32‐year‐old man who presented with 5 days of fever, rigors, and myalgia, followed by the onset of oliguria and altered sensorium. Laboratory evaluation revealed high‐density Plasmodium falciparum parasitemia, acute kidney injury (serum creatinine ≥ 5 mg/dL), thrombocytopenia, anemia, and electrolyte abnormalities. Chest radiograph demonstrated bilateral alveolar infiltrates, and upper gastrointestinal endoscopy confirmed active gastrointestinal bleeding. The patient was diagnosed with complicated P.falciparum malaria. Owing to the unavailability of timely hemodialysis because of financial constraints, the patient was managed with intravenous artesunate as per national guidelines, mechanical ventilation support, and intensive supportive care, which focused on judicious fluid balance, correction of electrolyte abnormalities, blood transfusion, and close hemodynamic and biochemical monitoring in the intensive care unit. By Day 7 of hospitalization, parasitemia had cleared, renal function showed progressive recovery, and both hemorrhagic and neurological complications had resolved. The patient was successfully extubated and discharged with significant clinical improvement. At 1‐week follow‐up, renal and hematologic parameters had normalized, with no residual neurological or functional deficits. The case highlights that in resource‐limited settings without access to dialysis, early initiation of intravenous artesunate and meticulous supportive care may achieve complete recovery, even in severe malaria–associated acute kidney injury requiring an intensive dialysis.

Recurrent infection is more common inPlasmodium vivaxmalaria. The recurrence ofP. vivaxcan be due to recrudescence, reinfection, or relapse. To characterize the genetic signature ofP. vivaxgenetic diversity and multiplicity of infection (MOI) were assessed using merozoite surface protein 1 gene (pvmsp1). A total of 370 blood samples were collected from 215 individuals visiting health facilities within Arjo-Didessa sugarcane plantations and it’s surrounding of Oromia, southwestern Ethiopia. All samples were subjected to amplicon deep sequencing of thepvmsp1gene. High population genetic diversity was observed—generating 67 unique haplotypes, haplotype diversity (Hd = 0.799), nucleotide diversity (ℼ = 0.044), and expected heterozygosity (HE) = 0.826. However, low MOI = 1.4 and 34.6% polyclonal infections. Of the 215 participant, 82 patients experienced one to five recurrent infections. In paired analysis of primary and recurrent episodes, high genetic homology (81.3%) was observed, with 55.6% of the homologous pairs sharing identical alleles. The high genetic diversity at population and low diversity at individual level likely driven by migrant workers introducing diverse parasite genotypes into a low-transmission setting. Most of the recurrent infections were relapses, as evidenced by shared alleles. The finding highlights the need for strengthening malaria surveillance and tailored intervention particularly for mobile population.

Soybean [Glycine max (L.) Merr.] is a widely grown crop used for food, feed, and industrial purposes. However, a fungal disease known as Red Leaf Blotch (RLB), poses a significant threat to soybean production, and developing resistant varieties is a key management strategy. In this study, a total of 323 genetically diverse soybean genotypes of the USDA Germplasm Collection were phenotyped at RLB hotspot locations in Ethiopia (Pawe, Metu, and Asosa) in the 2024 cropping season. These genotypes were genotyped using the SoySNP50K Illumina Infinium BeadChip. A final filtered set of 38,281 SNP markers was used for multilocus genome-wide association studies to identify genomic regions associated with RLB resistance. A LOD score > 3 was used as the significance threshold. The results of the population structure analysis showed that the tested soybean genotypes were grouped into four different clusters. Linkage disequilibrium decay occurred at approximately 229 kb. ML-GWAS revealed that six quantitative trait nucleotides (QTNs) were significantly associated with RLB resistance. These QTNs are linked to 153 functional candidate genes, which are primarily involved in pathogen defense responses. Notably, key genes encode transcription factors (WRKY, HBP-1b, MYB5 repressors, bZIPs), kinases, Ser/Thr phosphatase 2 A regulatory subunits, zinc finger proteins, nodulins, amino acid transporters, and CMP-sialic acid domain-containing proteins. The identified quantitative trait nucleotides provide a valuable opportunity for consideration in advanced molecular breeding initiatives aimed at improving RLB resistance in soybean. It would be beneficial for future research efforts to emphasize validating these candidate genes and elucidating their gene interactions.

This study explores secondary school students’ perceptions of the flipped classroom (FC) model in Biology education, employing a mixed-methods research design to gain both quantitative and qualitative insights. Drawing on theories of constructivism, active learning, self-regulated learning, and technological pedagogy, the research investigates how students engage with video-based instruction and in-class active learning activities. A total of 105 students participated in the survey phase, with 30 students selected for follow-up interviews. Findings reveal that students generally held positive views toward the flipped model, particularly valuing the ability to control the pace of video lectures, revisit content as needed, and engage more actively during class sessions. The flexibility and accessibility of digital tools, such as the Moodle platform, supported independent learning and enhanced motivation. However, challenges were also noted, including limited real-time interaction with teachers during out-of-class learning and occasional technical difficulties. Despite these issues, the majority of students expressed a preference for the flipped approach over traditional instruction and reported increased satisfaction, engagement, and a desire to take additional flipped courses. These findings underscore the importance of well-designed video content and structured in-class activities, as well as the need for stronger support systems to guide students in managing independent learning. The study contributes to the growing body of literature on flipped pedagogy and provides practical implications for its implementation in secondary education settings.

The development of undergraduate medicine licensure examinations is critical for ensuring physicians’ competencies. Existing literature primarily focuses on exams Psychometric properties while leaving a gap in understanding the developmental processes, stakeholder engagement, and contextual influences, particularly in resource-limited settings. This study evaluated the mechanisms and stakeholders’ perspectives on shaping the Ethiopian undergraduate medicine licensure examination development and implementation practices. A qualitative study design combining a phenomenological orientation with a realistic evaluation approach was employed. Purposive sampling was used to select eight experienced experts from four major stakeholder institutions. Data were collected through key informant interviews and cross-validated against exam development guidelines and expert profile datasets. Thematic analysis was conducted to present challenges, enablers, and institutional factors. The study evidenced that the Ethiopian Undergraduate Medicine Licensure Examination follows a standard approach, consisting of task analysis, blueprint preparation, item construction and appraisal, and exam administration. However, critical gaps were identified in expertise psychometric competencies, and challenges associated with paper-based testing and exam security concerns. While participants perceive the undergraduate medicine licensure examination design aligned with national goals, its implementation is compromised by technical and logistic gaps. Transitioning to Computer-Based Testing, professionalizing item writing, and balancing stakeholder representation with experienced experts are essential facets to maintain the exam’s validity.