Blood Pressure Values in Apparently Healthy Sudanese Population

Introduction: Blood pressure is one of the most often measured clinical parameters, and assessment of blood pressure has a considerable impact on diagnostic decisions. Objectives: To establish blood pressure normal reference values in Sudanese. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted from September 2016 to November 2018. Eight hundred eighty-eight healthy adult Sudanese between the ages of 18 and 60 (203 men and 685 women) were randomly selected from the states of Khartoum, Northern, Gezira, Red Sea, and North Darfur. Clinical, anthropometric, and blood pressure measurement data were collected. Results: The mean for all volunteers was 113.93 ± 9.917 mmHg, systolic blood pressure (SBP) and 75.29 ± 6.79 mmHg, diastolic blood pressure (DBP). SBP in men was 118.6 + 7.642 mmHg compared to 112.53 + 9.121 mmHg in women, while DBP in men was 77.51 + 5.984 mmHg compared to 74.63 + 6.844 mmHg in women. Beside the gender variations, blood pressure values also showed geographical variability. There was a positive connection between blood pressures (SBP and DBP), BMI, and age. (P < 0.05) was used for significance. Conclusion: Blood pressure of Sudanese was found to be within the normal international range with gender and geographical variability. It showed positive correlation with age and BMI.

Consolidating medical education in Sudan during war

Providing quality medical education in Sudan faces challenges due to armed conflicts. This short communication explores practical solutions for ensuring the continuity of medical education during the conflict in the Sudanese context. Methods: A comprehensive literature review covered relevant articles published from 1915 to 2023. Four major databases (PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, and Google Scholar) were searched using keywords related to medical education, war, armed conflict, and affected countries. Data synthesis identified common themes, challenges, and trends and suggested solutions for medical education in conflict zones. Case studies from Ukraine, Liberia, and Iraq were included for a comprehensive understanding. Results: Collaborative alliances among medical schools facilitate resource sharing and support. Engaging the Sudanese diaspora through virtual collaborations, mentorship programs, and faculty exchanges enhance educational experiences. Stable regions as educational hubs ensure uninterrupted academic progress for students from conflict-affected areas. Online and remote education, including asynchronous learning and social media platforms, overcome access barriers and fosters knowledge sharing. Ambulatory teaching provides practical experience and adaptability. Prioritizing faculty well-being and professional development through training and support is crucial. Emphasizing resilience and adaptability in student education prepare them for healthcare delivery in resource-limited settings. Research and innovation contribute to evidence-based strategies. International collaboration and support offer opportunities for knowledge exchange and infrastructure improvement. Conclusion: Implementing collaborative strategies and innovative approaches helps Sudanese medical schools overcome challenges during armed conflicts and maintain quality medical education. These solutions empower students and faculty, enhance resilience, and contribute to improving healthcare systems in post-war Sudan.

Epilepsy classification (ILAE Classification 2017) in resource-limited countries: A cross-sectional study on epilepsy in pediatric patients from Sudan

Background: The objective of this study is to utilize the ILAE 2017 to classify epilepsy patients and determine its applicability in Sudan. Methods: This study is a prospective, descriptive, cross-sectional research conducted in two pediatric epilepsy clinics in Khartoum State, Sudan. Results: In this cross-sectional study, 350 pediatric patients with epilepsy were included, with a mean age of 8.4 ± 4.7 years and a mean illness duration of 4.71 ± 3.91 years. The ILAE classification was applied, showing that 71.11% of patients had generalized onset seizures, 27.7% had focal onset seizures, and only 1.1% had unknown onset seizures. Among patients with focal onset seizures, 56.4% had intact awareness, while 43.6% had impaired levels of awareness. The majority of patients who had generalized onset seizures experienced motor onset seizures, with tonicclonic seizures being the most common (44.2%). Nearly all patients with unknown onset seizures experienced tonic-clonic convulsions. These findings provide insights into the prevalence and types of seizures among pediatric epilepsy patients in Sudan and can guide clinicians in developing appropriate treatment plans. Conclusion: This study highlights the importance of utilizing the latest ILAE classification 2017 in epilepsy classification and its potential utilization in resource limited areas like Sudan.

Diameter of the orifice of the left coronary artery: angiographic study / Diámetro del ostio de la arteria coronaria izquierda: estudio angiográfico

SUMMARY: The ongoing advances in the technology of coronary artery angiograms have put high demands on the basic knowledge of coronary arteries. This study describes the angiographic morphology of the ostium (orifice) of the left coronary artery among Sudanese with respect to sex, age, length, and BMI. The study design is a cross-sectional retrospective hospital-based conducted from 2014 to 2016. The inclusion criterion of participants is adult males and females presented to the cardiac centers for elective angiograms. The exclusion criteria are age below 18 years, documented congenital heart disease, and previous coronary bypass. Angiograms were done using a digital radiographic system. Data was collected through a predesigned data collection sheet. The data were entered and analyzed using SPSS v27. A test of correlation was done between the different variables. The data were presented in the form of tables. A P-value of <0.05 was considered statistically significant. The total number of participants was 441; males and females represent 42.9 % and 57,1 %, respectively. The mean age of participants was 56.24±8.68 years. The left coronary artery originated from the left aortic sinus. The mean diameter and length of the left coronary artery were 3.8±0.70 mm and 8.1576±4.32 mm, respectively. A significant negative correlation was reported between the diameter of the orifice and both age and length of the left coronary artery. A non-significant difference between males and females in the diameter of the left coronary artery at ostium (P=0.058) and a significant difference in the length (P=0.00). Sudanese have the smallest diameter of the orifice of the left coronary artery among Africans. Sudanese males have a smaller diameter of orifice than females; females have the longest arteries. A wider orifice of the left coronary artery is associated with a short arterial length.

RESUMEN: Los avances en la tecnología de los angiogramas de las arterias coronarias constituyen importantes exigencias al conocimiento básico de las arterias coronarias. Este estudio describe la morfología angiográfica del ostio de la arteria coronaria izquierda (ACI) entre los sudaneses respecto al sexo, la edad, la longitud y el IMC. El estudio es un diseño hospitalario retrospectivo transversal realizado entre 2014 y 2016. El criterio de inclusión de los participantes, hombres y mujeres adultos, fue aquellos que se realizaron angiografías electivas en los centros cardiológicos Los criterios de exclusión fueron: edad menor de 18 años, cardiopatía congénita documentada y bypass coronario previo. Los angiogramas se realizaron utilizando un sistema radiográfico digital. Los datos se obtuvieron a través de una ficha de datos prediseñada. Estos fueron ingresados y analizados con SPSS v27. Se realizó una prueba de correlación entre las diferentes variables. Los datos se presentaron en forma de tablas. Un valor P de <0,05 se consideró estadísticamente significativo. El número total de participantes fue de 441; Hombres y mujeres representanron el 42,9 % y 57,1 %, respectivamente. La edad media de los participantes fue de 56,24±8,68 años. La arteria coronaria izquierda se originaba en el seno aórtico izquierdo. El diámetro medio y la longitud de la arteria coronaria izquierda fueron 3,8±0,70 mm y 8,1576±4,32 mm, respectivamente. Se encontró una correlación negativa significativa entre el diámetro del ostio, la edad y la ACI. Además se encontró una diferencia no significativa entre hombres y mujeres en el diámetro del ostio de la ACI (P=0,058) y una diferencia significativa en la longitud (P=0,00). Los sudaneses tienen el diámetro del ostio de la arteria coronaria izquierda más pequeño entre los africanos. Los hombres sudaneses tienen un diámetro del ostio de la arteria coronaria izquierda más pequeña y las mujeres tienen las arterias más largas. Un ostio más ancho de la arteria coronaria izquierda se asocia con una longitud arterial corta.

Bolton tooth size analysis in a sample of Sudanese adults / Análise de Bolton do tamanho dentário em uma amostra de adultos sudaneses

Introduction: A correct proportion between the upper and lower teeth is critical to achieving proper occlusal interdigitation, ideal overjet, and good molar intercuspation at the end of orthodontic treatment. Objectives: To determine the anterior and overall Bolton's ratio in the Sudanese population, investigate gender differences in tooth size ratios, and to compare these results with Bolton's original ratio norm. Material and Methods: The sample consisted of dental casts of 104 Sudanese University students with normal occlusion (52 females, 52 males), aged between 16-26 years randomly selected from AL- Neelain University. An electronic digital caliper was used to measure the mesiodistal tooth size of the maxillary and mandibular teeth anterior to the second molars. These measurements were then used to obtain Bolton's ratio. Mean, range, and standard deviation of the anterior and overall ratios were computed for each subject. T-Tests were used to compare gender differences and to investigate differences between the results of this study and Bolton's original ratio. Results: Anterior and overall Bolton ratios for males were 78.43 ± 2.44 and 93.901 ± 9.8 and for females were 78.29 ± 2.6 and 91.67 ± 3.3 percent, respectively. There were no statistically significant differences between males and females for the anterior and overall ratios (P>0.05). The anterior and overall Bolton's ratios among Sudanese University students were 78.37 ± 2.54, and 92.79 ± 7.43 percent, respectively. A statistically significant difference between this study and Bolton's study was found in both anterior and overall ratio (P≤ 0.05). Conclusion: Bolton's mean ratios may not be applicable to the Sudanese population. (AU)

Introdução: Uma proporção correta entre os dentes superiores e inferiores é crítica para alcançar a interdigitação oclusal adequada, overjet ideal e boa intercuspidação molar ao final do tratamento ortodôntico. Objetivos: determinar a proporção anterior e geral de Bolton na população sudanesa, investigar as diferenças de gênero nas proporções de tamanho dos dentes e comparar esses resultados com a norma original de Bolton. Material e Métodos: A amostra foi constituída por modelos de gesso de 104 universitários sudaneses com oclusão normal (52 mulheres, 52 homens), com idades entre 16-26 anos, selecionados aleatoriamente na Universidade AL-Neelain. Um paquímetro digital eletrônico foi usado para medir o tamanho mesiodistal dos dentes superiores e inferiores anteriores aos segundos molares. Essas medidas foram então usadas para obter o índice de Bolton. Média, intervalo e desvio padrão das relações anterior e geral foram calculados para cada amostra. Os testes t foram usados para comparar as diferenças de gênero e para investigar as diferenças entre os resultados deste estudo e a proporção original de Bolton. Resultados: Os índices de Bolton anterior e geral para homens foram 78,43 ± 2,44 e 93,901 ± 9,8 e para mulheres foram 78,29 ± 2,6 e 91,67 ± 3,3 por cento, respectivamente. Não houve diferenças estatisticamente significativas entre homens e mulheres para os índices anterior e geral (P> 0,05). Os índices de Bolton anterior e geral entre os estudantes da Universidade sudanesa foram 78,37 ± 2,54 e 92,79 ± 7,43 por cento, respectivamente. Uma diferença estatisticamente significativa entre este estudo e o estudo de Bolton foi encontrada na proporção anterior e geral (P≤ 0,05). Conclusão: os índices médios de Bolton podem não ser aplicáveis à população sudanesa (AU)

Assessment of Serum Zinc and Copper Levels among Sudanese Patients with Diabetes Mellitus Type 2 in Khartoum State-Sudan

Background:Diabetes population in Sudan is around one million 90% have type 2 diabetes. In Sudan diabetes is as increasing problem, being responsible for 10% of hospital admission and mortality.Measurement of zinc and copper is an important in decrease development of complication of DM, any disturbance in level of both zinc and copper have role in pathogenesis, prognosis of type 2 DM. This study aimed to assess the relationship between DM type 2 and trace elements by measured serum zinc and serum copper levels among Sudanese DM type 2 in Khartoum state.Materials and Methods: This is a descriptive, case control study, was conducted in Khartoum state, Sudan. During the period from April to July 2018. Forty Sudanese patients with DM (20 controlled patients with DM and 20 uncontrolled patients with DM) Diabetes patients were divided into controlled and uncontrolled groups by measuring HbA1C. (Female 25% and male 15%), with different age. were selected as case and 30 apparently healthy individuals were selected as control group. Serum zinc and copper levels were analysis using Atomic Absorption Spectroscopy and ichroma for HbA1c, the obtained results were analyzed using social science software package.Results: This study showed significant lower of serum zinc in diabetes type 2 patients comparison with control group and on another hand showed significant increase of serum copper in diabetes type 2 patients.We concluded serum zinc significant lower in both diabetes group than healthy group, copper significant high in both diabetes group than healthy group, gender have significant effect in serum zinc and copper, weak positive correlation between zinc and HbA1C and weak negative correlation between copper and HbA1C.Conclusion: This study concluded that the serum levels of Zinc significant lower in type 2 diabetes than healthy individuals. Serum levels of Copper significant increase in type 2 diabetes than healthy individuals as have been found in present study. Gender have significant effect in serum Zn and Cu in diabetic patients.Weak Positive correlation between serum Zinc with HbA1c and weak negative correlation between copper with HbA1c

Comparison between Immunochromatographic Test and Enzyme Linked Immunosorbent Assay in Diagnosis of Helicobacter pylori Infection among Gastritis Patients in Khartoum State-Sudan

Background:The gold standard for the diagnosis of Helicobacter pylori infection requires an endoscopic biopsy of gastric mucosa for histological examination, ureasetest and culture; however serological tests are useful as a screening test for Helicobacter pylori infection.Objective:To compare between Immunochromatographic Test and Enzyme Linked Immunosorbent Assay techniques in detection of Helicobacter pylori immunoglobulin gamma antibodiesin serum of patients suffer from gastritis.Materials and Methods:245 patients were screened for Helicobacter pylori infections by rapid urease test. Sera from these patients were tested for anti-Helicobacter pylori immunoglobulin gamma antibodiesby Enzyme Linked Immunosorbent Assay and Immunochromatographic Test techniques.Results:Of 245 patients tested, Immunochromatographic Test positive/negative 114 (46.5%)/131 (53.5%), whereas Enzyme Linked Immunosorbent Assay positive/negative were 124 (50.6%)/121 (49.4%). Sensitivity/ specificity was 67.4%/74.5% and 90.2%/89.3% for Immunochromatographic Test/Enzyme Linked Immunosorbent Assay positive/negative, respectively. The diagnostic accuracy was 71%/89.7% for Immunochromatographic Test/Enzyme Linked Immunosorbent Assay, respectively.Conclusion:The Enzyme Linked Immunosorbent Assay technique was found to be more sensitive, specific and accurate compared to the Immunochromatographic Test while The ImmunochromatographicTest is commercially available, inexpensive and easy to perform compared to the Enzyme Linked Immunosorbent Assay.

Circadian Rhythm of Oral Temperature in Adult Hyperthyroids, Sudan

Introduction: A 24 hours long cyclic change in body temperature, ie. body temperature circadian rhythm is used as a marker of other body circadian rhythms.Objectives:To determine circadian rhythm in oral temperature of adult hyperthyroidsat Nyala and Alfashir-western cities, Sudan.Study Design:A descriptive cross-sectional of stratified random sampling.Place and Duration of Study:Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, Gezira University, Wadmadani, Sudan, from December 2006 to March 2007.Methodology: A sample of thirty clinically diagnosed thyrotoxic cases (females = 29, and a male) of age ranging from 18 to 50 years, attended to Sudanese atomic energy corporation (SAEC) for receiving positively confirmed laboratory tests were enrolled to conduct this study. Early morning and late evening oral temperatures were recorded by the mercury-in-glass thermometer. A questionnaire was used to exclude any other fever conditions. Thyroid hormones, ie. T3, T4, and TSH levels were measured by radioimmunoassay (RIA) at SAEC of Nyala with reference ranges 0.4 -4.4 mIU/L, 0.69 -2.02 nmol/L, and 50 -150 nmol/L for TSH, T3, and T4 respectively. Subjects of T3and T4 values above reference ranges with TSH below reference were considered hyperthyroid. The obtained data were analyzed statistically by the statistical package for the social science programme (SPSS), ie. T-test.Results:Mean oral temperature and circadian rhythm were found to be 37.25 ± 0.34ºC and 0.43 ± 0.30ºC respectively. The effect of sex on mean oral temperature was statistically significant (p = 0.01), whereas age did not show any statistical effect (p = 0.36).Conclusion:The decreased oral temperature circadian rhythm of thyrotoxic patients, confirms that other body functions also abnormallyaffected when body temperature circadian rhythmis abnormal

Surgical anatomy of the common hepatic artery: a cadaveric study

Background: Anatomical variations of the hepatic artery are important in the planning and performance ofabdominal surgical procedures. Normal hepatic anatomy occurs in approximately 80% of cases, for the remaining20% multiple variations have been describedPatients and methods: This is an observational descriptive cross-sectional study Conducted in Dissecting roomsof the faculties of medicine in Sudan during the period from June till December 2017. Seventy Well-dissectedcadavers with no disruption of the concerned area were included in the StudyResults: The variations in the hepatic artery were seen in only 4 cadavers (5.7%) ; in two cases (2.85%) anaccessory hepatic artery arising from celiac artery was observed and in the other two cadavers (2.85%)there wasa replacing hepatic artery that arise from the superior mesenteric arteryConclusion: Variations in the hepatic arterial system is uncommon in Sudanese cadavers which is matchingthose reported in the region and are different from those at the international leve

Evaluation of Iron Supplementation Effects on Plasma Lipid Levels in Pregnant Women

Backgrounds: Iron supplementation is most widely used approach of controlling the global problem of iron deficiency anemia especially in pregnant anemic women.Anemia is one of the most frequent complications related to pregnancy. Normal physiological changes in pregnancy affect the hemoglobin (Hb),Epidemiological studies have shown high serum iron concentrations following abnormal levels of blood lipids are risk factors for coronary artery disease and myocardial infarction.Both iron deficiency anemia and dyslipidaemia are widely prevalent public health problems, especially in the Sudanese pregnant women.Objectives: The aim of present study wasto measure the serum level of lipids profile in anemic pregnant women compared to non anemic pregnant women.Methodology and Study Population:The analytical case control study conducted inobstetrics and gynecology centre, Omdurman city, Khartoum state. One hundred subjects knownwith 50 pregnant anemic as case groups and 50 non anemic pregnant women as control groups were enrolled in this study, with match age and sex, the age ranged between (20 to 40 years) and their mean (31.7±4.34). The serum lipid profile was analyzed using spectrophotometric method. Results: The (mean±SD) ofHb, HDL, LDL, TG and TC in anemic pregnant women respectively were (68.15±9.35, 46.06±9.62, 114.14±36.86, 170.38±54.57. 197.16±46.83). While the(mean±SD) ofHb, HDL, LDL, TG and TC in non anemic pregnant women respectivelywere (79.76±7.22, 47.44±9.65, 140.00±40.76, 189.72±37.89, 224.38±45.09). The concentration of Hb was highly significantly decrease in anemic pregnant compare to non anemic pregnantwomen with p value(p=0.000). The level serum of LDL, TG andTC were significantly decrease in anemic pregnant compare to non anemic pregnant women with p value (p= 0.001, 0.042, 0.004) respectively. The age of study population were no correlation with serum LDL(r= -0.155, p= 0.283), HDL(r= -0.019, p=0.898) and TC(r=0.68, p=0.640). And also their positive correlation between age and serum TG (r= 0.286, P=0.044). Conclusion:The anemic pregnant women hadasignificantly decreased of Hb and serum LDL, TG and TC and also their positive correlation between age and serum TG

The Prevalence of JAK2-V617F Mutation in Sudanese Patients with Chronic Myeloproliferative Neoplasms.

Myeloproliferative neoplasms (MPNs) are clonal malignant diseases that represent a group of conditions including polycythemia vera (PV), essential thrombocythemia (ET), and myelofibrosis (MF). The JAK2-V617F mutation has been described as a frequent genetic event in majority of patients with MPNs. The aim of this study was to determine the frequency of JAK2-V617Fmutation in Sudanese patients with myeloproliferative disorders referred to Isotope Center, and to investigate the differences of laboratory parameters between patients with JAK2-V617F positive myeloproliferative neoplasms (MPNs) and JAK2 wild type MPNs. A total of 259 patients with MPNs; 159 with polycythemia vera (PV), 55 with essential thrombocytosis (ET) and 45 with primary myelofibrosis (PMF), and11 healthy adult individuals were enrolled in this study from March 2013 to November 2015. DNA was isolated from peripheral blood leukocytes by innuPREP kit, and JAK2-V617F mutation gene detected by allele specific PCR. The JAK2-V617F mutation was detected in 71% (184/259) patients with MPNs. The prevalence of the mutation was 81.7% in PV, 56.4% inET, and 51.1% in PMF. Mutation was not detected in 11 healthy adult people. The presence of JAK2-V617F was not associated with Hb level, Hct, or the platelet count for PV and ET, whoever the mutation positively correlated with high Hb (P=.039), Hct (P=.04) in PMF patients, and with high erythrocytes count in PV. The JAK2-V617F mutation can be frequently detected in the Sudanese patients with MPNs.

A pilot study of antioxidant potential of endophytic fungi from some Sudanese medicinal plants

OBJECTIVE@#To evaluate the total phenolic content and total antioxidant capacity of ethyl acetate extracts of 21 endophytic fungi isolated from five Sudanese medicinal plants: Calotropis procera, Catharanthus roseus, Euphorbia prostrate, Vernonia amygdalina and Trigonella foenum-graecum.@*METHODS@#Crude extracts of endophytic fungi and their host plants were tested by classical Folin-Ciocalteu colorimetric method to determine the total phenolic content, also total antioxidant capacity was estimated using 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl free radical scavenging in vitro method.@*RESULTS@#Among the endophytes, endophytic fungus Aspergillus sp. from Trigonella foenum-graecum seeds demonstrated the highest both total phenolic content in term of gallic acid equivalent [(89.9 ± 7.1) mg GAE/g] and antioxidant activity for 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl radical scavenging assay [IC50: (18.0 ± 0.1) μg/mL]. A high positive linear correlation (R(2) = 0.999 1) was found between total antioxidant capacity and total phenolic content of endophytic fungi isolated from Vernonia amygdalina.@*CONCLUSIONS@#The present study revealed that some endophytic fungi from the five Sudanese medicinal plants could be a potential source of novel natural antioxidant compounds.

Liver cirrhosis and splenomegaly associated with Schistosoma mansoni in a Sudanese woman in Malaysia: A case report

We report a case of a patient with Schistosoma mansoni infection who presented with liver cirrhosis and splenomegaly. She was diagnosed by a serological test and Kato-Katz thick smear stool examination. The patient was a 52-year-old woman from Sudan who came to Malaysia for a week to visit her sons. The patient lives in the middle of Rabak region, Sudan, a highly endemic area for schistosomiasis where her daily routine includes rearing of cows and farming. The site of toilet and sources of drinking water are canals and wells; both infested with snails. Patient had a long history of exposure and coming into contact with water from these canals and wells.

A pilot study of antioxidant potential of endophytic fungi from some Sudanese medicinal plants

Objective: To evaluate the total phenolic content and total antioxidant capacity of ethyl acetate extracts of 21 endophytic fungi isolated from five Sudanese medicinal plants: Calotropis procera, Catharanthus roseus, Euphorbia prostrate, Vernonia amygdalina and Trigonella foenum-graecum. Methods: Crude extracts of endophytic fungi and their host plants were tested by classical Folin-Ciocalteu colorimetric method to determine the total phenolic content, also total antioxidant capacity was estimated using 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl free radical scavenging in vitro method. Results: Among the endophytes, endophytic fungus Aspergillus sp. from Trigonella foenum-graecum seeds demonstrated the highest both total phenolic content in term of gallic acid equivalent [(89.9 ± 7.1) mg GAE/g] and antioxidant activity for 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl radical scavenging assay [IC

Liver cirrhosis and splenomegaly associated with Schistosoma mansoni in a Sudanese woman in Malaysia: A case report

We report a case of a patient with Schistosoma mansoni infection who presented with liver cirrhosis and splenomegaly. She was diagnosed by a serological test and Kato-Katz thick smear stool examination. The patient was a 52-year-old woman from Sudan who came to Malaysia for a week to visit her sons. The patient lives in the middle of Rabak region, Sudan, a highly endemic area for schistosomiasis where her daily routine includes rearing of cows and farming. The site of toilet and sources of drinking water are canals and wells; both infested with snails. Patient had a long history of exposure and coming into contact with water from these canals and wells.

Medications package inserts’ usefulness to doctors and patients: Sudanese doctors perspective.

Background: Written medication information is important for both doctors and patients. In the developing countries, the medication package inserts (PIs) represent the most available and easily accessible source of written medication information. The main objective of the present study was to assess the knowledge, attitude, and practice of Sudanese doctors toward written medication information in the PIs, and its usefulness for both doctors and patients. Methods: Four hundred (n=400) doctors were randomly selected and addressed with an open to answer the questionnaire composed of fifteen questions (n=15). Results: A big majority (95.7%) of the respondents considered the medications’ PIs, which they regularly read (93.2%), as a reliable and useful source of medication information in their prescribing. Only a minority of the respondent doctors (43.6%) used to advise their patients to read the PIs, whereas a majority (62.4%) of respondents believed that patients might find difficulty in understanding written medication information in the PI. The majority (61.3%) of respondent used to rely on pharmacists to provide patients with the needed medication information. The majority of the respondents (82.2%) used to inform their patients about the possible medication side effects. Respondents ranked medications’ dose (79.5%), how to use it (77.3%) and information about side effects (73%) on top of patients’ medication information most needed particulars. Conclusion: Doctors should give more attention to their patients’ medication information specific needs, advice and motivate them to read the PIs before using their medications.

Identification and characterization of the Sudanese Bacillus thuringiensis and related bacterial strains for their efficacy against Helicoverpa armigera and Tribolium castaneum.

Forty-four isolates of Bacillus thuringiensis like bacteria from various sources in different locations from Sudan were tested for their insecticidal activity. The toxicity of these isolates ranged from 6.6 to 70% to the neonates of cotton bollworm, Helicoverpa armigera at 10 ppm concentration. The most effective ones are Kb-29, St-6 and Wh-1 comparable with HD-1.  Toxicity of isolates to larvae of the red flour beetle, Tribolium castaneum ranged from 20 to 100%. Isolates St-2 and St-23 gave 100% larval mortality within 15 days of exposure and were at par with Ab-8, Ab-12, Kb-26, Kb-30, Om-4, Po-2, Po-5, Po-7, Sa-8 and Wh-5 and were also comparable with E. coli clone expressing Cry3 toxin. The most effective five isolates viz., Kb-29, St-2, St-6, St-23 and Wh-1 belonged to B. thuringiensis. The St-6 isolate, which also showed high toxicity to T. castaneum larvae, had cry1 genes along with coleopteran active cry28 genes, but not cry3 genes. Of the 25 isolates characterized with 16s DNA sequencing, seven belonged to Paenibacillus spp., one Lysinibacillus sphaericus, one Bacillus pumilus, four Bacillus spp., and rest 12 belonged to B. thuringiensis. Biochemical characterization in each species showed variation. The present study shows potential of some isolates like Kb-29, St-2, St-6, St-23 and Wh-1 as promising bioinsecticides.

Occlusal characteristics of primary dentition in sudanese children in khartoum state / Características oclusais da dentição decídua em crianças Sudanesas do Estado de Khartoum

Background: Occlusal relationships in the primary dentition play an important role in the consequential final occlusion in permanent dentition. Therefore, good knowledge of occlusal relationships in children is essential for dental practitioners. Design: A descriptive, cross-sectional study done in randomly selected kindergartens in Khartoum State to determine the occlusal characteristics of primary dentition in a group of Sudanese children. Objective: To determine the occlusal characteristics feature of primary dentition in a group of Sudanese children. Methods: A sample of 381 children age 3-5 years old, randomly selected from kindergartens in Khartoum Stat. Clinical examination was done to all children fulfil the inclusion criteria in the teacher office and in natural day light. Prevalence of different types of terminal plane, types of primary canine relationship and spacing of the primary dentition were assessed. Results: Flush terminal plane was the most prevalent type of terminal plane (72.2%). Class I canine relationship was the most common type of primary canine relationships (95%). In the upper arch primate space and physiological spaces were present in 90.3% and 82.4% of the children, respectively. Nevertheless, the lower arch showed primate spaces in 70.1% and physiological spaces in 74.8% of the children. Conclusion: Large number of the examined children had flush terminal plane and spacing primary dentition that forecasts development of normal occlusion in their permanent dentition

Introdução: As relações oclusais na dentição decídua desempenham um papel importante na oclusão final, na dentição permanente. Portanto, um bom conhecimento das relações oclusais em crianças é essencial para os cirurgiões-dentistas. Foi realizado um estudo descritivo , transversal, em creches selecionadas aleatoriamente no estado de Khartoum (Sudão) para determinar as características oclusais de dentição decídua em um grupo de crianças sudanesas. Objetivo: Determinar as características oclusais de dentição decídua em um grupo de crianças sudanesas. Métodos: Uma amostra de 381 crianças com idade entre 3 e 5 anos foram selecionados aleatoriamente a partir creches no estado de Khartoum. O exame clínico foi feito em todas as crianças cumpriram os critérios de inclusão, na sala dos professores sob luz natural do dia. Foram avaliadas a prevalência dos diferentes tipos de plano terminal, tipos de relação canina e espaçamento da dentição decídua. Resultados: O plano terminal em topo foi o tipo mais prevalente de plano terminal (72,2%) . A relação canina de Classe I foi o tipo mais comum de relacionamentos nos caninos decíduos (95 %). Os espaços primatas e fisiológicas nos arcos superiores estavam presentes em 90,3% e 82,4 % das crianças , respectivamente. No entanto, os arcos inferiores mostraram espaços primatas em 70,1% e espaços fisiológicos em 74,8% das crianças. Conclusão: Grande número de crianças examinadas tinham plano terminal em topo e espaçamento dentição decídua, o que pode predizer um desenvolvimento da oclusão normal na sua dentição permanente.

An Overview of the Roselle Plant with Particular Reference to Its Cultivation, Diseases and Usages.

Aims: This paper is a review of the applications, production and uses of Roselle plants, and points out that Roselle is a promising crop for medicinal uses, which is an aspect that has not been widely studied to date. Study Design and Methodology: A review of the literature from the pioneering study of 1929 until 2012. Place and Duration of Study: School of Biological Sciences, Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM), Penang, Malaysia, between June 2008 and July 2010. Results: Our review of the studies mentioned in the literature was performed on the effects on Cultivation, Diseases and Usages of (Hibiscus sabdariffa L.) Roselle. Conclusion: Roselle has been used as an herbal medicine in phytotherapy and nutritional plant in many years. According to the medical potential of this plant, need further work to validate reliability.

Variations of the gallbladder in sudanese subjects with literature review.

Background: Advances in the use of laparoscopic surgery, especially in the biliary apparatus interference makes the need to revise the anatomical data of the gallbladder (GB) more important. Variations of the extra-hepatic biliary apparatus are characterized by large varieties of configurations. Objective: The aim of this article was to study the morphology of the GB in Sudanese subjects and review the common variations. Materials and Methods: Dissection of formalin-fixed cadavers' abdomens. Results: GB is larger in Sudanese subjects than what is described in the standard text books. Conclusion: Congenital anomalies and anatomical variations of the extra-hepatic biliary tree, although not uncommon, can be of clinical importance. There are some differences in the only size of GB in Sudanese.