Correlation between vertical dimension of occlusion and different facial measurements among a sample of sudanese adults / Correlación entre la dimensión vertical de la oclusión y diferentes medidas faciales en una muestra de adultos sudaneses

Aim: This study aimed to evaluate the correlation between vertical dimension of occlusion (VDO) and various facial measurements in a sample of Sudanese adults. Material and Methods: A total of 113 dental students (33 males and 80 females) with a mean age of 21.7±1.26 years were enrolled in this study. Different facial measurements including (Eye-Mouth, Eye-Eye, Eye-Ear, and Ear Height) were compared with two different measurements of VDO: N-Gn (from the tip of the nose to the tip of the chin), and Sn-Me (from the base of the nose to the bottom of the chin). Pearson's correlation coefficient test was utilized for the correlation between the measured parameters. A p-value of less than 0.05 was considered significant for all analyses. Results: A significant positive correlation was shown between all measured facial distances and both measured VDO distances. Though, the strongest correlation was seen for the eye-mouth distance (r= 0.725, p<0.001), while the weakest was for ear height (r= 0.254, p= 0.007). A paired t-test revealed a significant longer N-Gn distance than Sn-Me distance. Also, it has been shown that there were no significant differences between right and left sides of the face. Conclusion: The distance measured from the outer canthus of the eye to the angle of the mouth can be used to predict Subnasale-Menton (Sn-Me) distance.

Objetivo: Este estudio tuvo como objetivo evaluar la correlación entre dimensión vertical oclusal (DVO) y varias medidas faciales en una muestra de adultos sudaneses. Material y Métodos: Un total de 113 estudiantes de odontología (33 hombres y 80 mujeres) con una edad media de 21,7 ± 1,26 años se inscribieron en este estudio. Se compararon diferentes medidas faciales que incluyen (ojo- boca, ojo-ojo, ojo-oído y altura de la oreja) con dos medidas diferentes de DVO: N-Gn (desde la punta de la nariz hasta la punta del mentón) y Sn -Yo (desde la base de la nariz hasta la parte inferior del mentón). Se utilizó la prueba del coeficiente de correlación de Pearson para la correlación entre los parámetros medidos. Un valor de p inferior a 0,05 se consideró significativo para todos los análisis. Resultados: Se mostró una correlación positiva significativa entre todas las distancias faciales medidas y ambas distancias DVO medidas. Sin embargo, la correlación más fuerte se observó para la distancia ojo-boca (r=0,725, p<0,001), mientras que la más débil fue para la altura de las orejas (r=0,254, p=0,007). Una prueba de t pareada reveló una distancia N-Gn significativamente más larga que la distancia subnasal-mentón. Además, se ha demostrado que no hubo diferencias significativas entre los lados derecho e izquierdo de la cara. Conclusión: La distancia medida desde el canto externo del ojo hasta el ángulo de la boca puede utilizarse para predecir la distancia subnasal-mentón.

Genetic Diversity of Schistosoma haematobium Eggs Isolated from Human Urine in Sudan

The genetic diversity of Schistosoma haematobium remains largely unstudied in comparison to that of Schistosoma mansoni. To characterize the extent of genetic diversity in S. haematobium among its definitive host (humans), we collected S. haematobium eggs from the urine of 73 infected schoolchildren at 5 primary schools in White Nile State, Sudan, and then performed a randomly amplified polymorphic DNA marker ITS2 by PCR-RFLP analysis. Among 73 S. haematobium egg-positive cases, 13 were selected based on the presence of the S. haematobium satellite markers A4 and B2 in their genomic DNA, and used for RFLP analysis. The 13 samples were subjected to an RFLP analysis of the S. haematobium ITS2 region; however, there was no variation in size among the fragments. Compared to the ITS2 sequences obtained for S. haematobium from Kenya, the nucleotide sequences of the ITS2 regions of S. haematobium from 4 areas in Sudan were consistent with those from Kenya (> 99%). In this study, we demonstrate for the first time that most of the S. haematobium population in Sudan consists of a pan-African S. haematobium genotype; however, we also report the discovery of Kenyan strain inflow into White Nile, Sudan.

Prevalence of Cryptosporidium Infection among Inhabitants of 2 Rural Areas in White Nile State, Sudan

Cryptosporidium, a protozoan parasite that causes watery diarrhea, is found worldwide and is common in areas with low water hygiene. In February 2014, 866 stool samples were collected from the inhabitants of 2 rural areas in White Nile State, Sudan. These stool samples were assessed by performing modified acid-fast staining, followed by examination under a light microscope. The overall positive rate of Cryptosporidium oocysts was 13.3%. Cryptosporidium oocysts were detected in 8.6% stool samples obtained from inhabitants living in the area having water purification systems and in 14.6% stool samples obtained from inhabitants living in the area not having water purification systems. No significant difference was observed in the prevalence of Cryptosporidium infection between men and women (14.7% and 14.1%, respectively). The positive rate of oocysts by age was the highest among inhabitants in their 60s (40.0%). These findings suggest that the use of water purification systems is important for preventing Cryptosporidium infection among inhabitants of these rural areas in Sudan.

Sandflies (Diptera: Psychodidae) in a focus of visceral leishmaniasis in White Nile, Sudan

Visceral leishmaniasis (VL) has been known to occur since the 1980s on the western bank of the White Nile River (Central Sudan), 150 km south of Khartoum, and has resulted in high mortality. The most recent outbreak of the disease in this area began in 2006. Entomological surveys were carried out during May 2008, June 2010 and May and July 2011 in the White Nile area. Sandflies were collected using Centers for Disease Control light traps and sticky oil traps in the village of Kadaba and the nearby woodland. Phlebotomus females were dissected for the presence of Leishmania promastigotes. A total of 17,387 sandflies, including six species of Phlebotomus and 10 species of Sergentomyia, were identified. The Phlebotomus species recorded were Phlebotomus orientalis, Phlebotomus papatasi, Phlebotomus bergeroti, Phlebotomus duboscqi, Phlebotomus rodhaini and Phlebotomus saevus. P. orientalis was collected in both habitats. The relative abundance of P. orientalis in the woodland habitat was higher than that recorded in the village habitat. In the woodland habitat, there was a notable increase in the relative abundance of P. orientalis during the surveys conducted in 2008 and 2010 compared to 2011. None of the 311 P. orientalis females dissected were infected with Leishmania promastigotes, although relatively high parous rates were recorded in both habitats. Based on the distribution of P. orientalis recorded in this study, this species is the most likely vector of VL in the endemic focus in the White Nile area. Further investigation is required to elucidate the seasonal abundance and distribution of the vector, as well as the transmission season of VL in both habitats so that appropriate control strategies for the vector can be designed.

Frequency of breast cancer among sudanese patients with breast palpable lumps.

Background: Breast cancer mortality is high in Sudan and most patients are detected at later stages of the disease due to the lack of awareness and absence of screening programs. This study aimed to determine the pattern and frequency of breast cancer among patients presenting with palpable breast lumps within one year duration. Settings and Design: As a part of the continuous development in cancer management, this descriptive longitudinal study was conducted in Khartoum, Sudan. Methods and Materials: We obtained information (patient's personal data) and Fine-Needle Aspiration (FNA) materials, for occurrence of 200 breast lesions in patients. Statistical Analysis Used: Data were analyzed by using a computer SPSS program. Results: The diagnoses of the 200 breast lesions were as follows: 68 (34%) were malignant, 56 cases (28%) were fibroadenoma, 23 cases (11.5%) were fibrocystic change, 22 cases (11%) were inflammatory lesions (including mastitis and abscess formation), 12 cases (6%) were benign cysts and the remaining 19 patients (9.5%) were with lactation changes (8 cases), lipoma (6 cases), gynecomastia (3 cases) and phyllodes tumor (2 cases). Regarding gender, only 6 patients (0.03%) were males of whom 3 (50%) were diagnosed with gynecomastia. Conclusions: The frequency of advanced breast cancer among patients with breast lesions is high, in this subset of patients, which signals the urgency for implementation of breast screening programs.

Impact of Toombak dipping in the etiology of oral cancer: gender-exclusive hazard in the Sudan.

BACKGROUND: Oral cancer (OC) mortality is very high in Sudan, particularly among men due to the habit of Toombak use (tobacco specific nitrose amine (TSN)) rich tobacco. AIMS: Our aim was to determine whether OC is gender-specific due to increased Toombak use among males as suggested a risk for subsequent development of oral cancer. SETTINGS AND DESIGN: We conducted a descriptive study of OC in Khartoum and obtained information on Toombak use, confounding variables for 39 incident patients with oral cancerous lesions and 43 hospital-based cases without apparent oral lesions. MATERIALS AND METHODS: OC was affirmed by histopathology for all patients with oral lesions, hence oral epithelial atypia and leukoplakias were detected using cytology. STATISTICAL ANALYSIS: Data analyzed using a computer SPSS program. RESULTS AND CONCLUSIONS: Of the 82 subjects, there were 57 (70%) Toombak users and 25 (30%) non-tobacco users. Among the 39 patients with OC, 24 (61.5%) were Toombak users and 15 (38.5%) were non-tobacco users. Among 43 with atypical changes, 10 (23.3%) were non-tobacco users and 33 (76.7%) were Toombak users. Regarding gender, only 11 (13.4%) were females, of whom 8 (72.7%) were non-tobacco users. We conclude that oral cancer, atypia and leukoplakia were high among males who were Toombak users. In view of the high incidence (29%) of OC due to Toombak use, we propose the implementation of oral screening programme restricted to Toombak users.

Presentation and management outcome of inflammatory bowel disease in Sudan.

This is a retrospective study conducted at the National Center for Gastrointestinal and Liver disease in Khartoum, Sudan on patients diagnosed with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) during the period between January 1990 and May 2001. The study was conducted to determine the pattern of presentation and management outcome of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) among Sudanese patients. All patients underwent a colonoscopy/ sigmoidoscopy with histopathological diagnosis, or a barium study. Seventy three patients were diagnosed as Ulcerative colitis (UC), and twelve patients as Crohn's disease (CD). The majority of our patients with UC improved with medical treatment. We concluded that IBD is not a rare disease in Sudan, UC being more common than CD. The disease tends to be more common in men in both UC and CD.

Gastro-oesophageal reflux disease in Sudan: a clinical endoscopic and histopathological study.

This study was conducted to assess the frequency of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) and Barrett's esophagus among Sudanese patients with clinical symptoms of heartburn. One hundred and five patients were included in the study; forty seven patients had evidence of reflux oesophagitis, 61.7% of whom had grade B oesophagitis according to the modified Los Angeles classification and 10.6% had Barrett's oesophagus. 78.7% of the biopsies from the esophageal cardia revealed presenced of inflammation (Carditis). Dysplasia was documented in 21.3% of these biopsies. Helicobacter pylori was detected 59.6% of gastrooesophageal reflux disease patients and 56.8% of patients with carditis. However, 80% of patients with Barrett oesophagus were positive for Helicobacter pylori. It was concluded that gastro-oesophageal reflux disease affects all age groups with males being affected more than females and Helicobacter pylori infection did not play a major role in gastro-oesophageal reflux disease orits complications.