Volume of Enlarged White Matter of Thalamus among Individuals with Depression on Magnetic Resonance Image: A Study of BrainSuite Segmentation.

Background: The thalamus, located in the diencephalon, regulates emotions and memories. If there is a problem in this area of the brain, it can cause an amnestic syndrome characterized by difficulties in remembering and recognizing things. The objective of this study was to identify changes in the volume of the thalamus while contrasting them among individuals with depression. Materials and Methods: The study involved measuring the volumes of the white matter of the thalamus in 79 patients with depression (42 males and 37 females) between 20 and 40 years (24 ± 5.51). This was compared to a control group of 53 individuals (24 ± 4.91) consisting of 29 males and 24 females, who were comparable in terms of sex and age. The measurements were taken employing BrainSuite version 18a. 021 Win 64bit software on a Philips 1.5 Tesla Magnetom Avanto Vision System magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). The Magnetization Prepared Rapid Acquisition (MPRA) was utilized to acquire three-dimensional images with T1 weighting. Results: The volume of white matter in the respective right and left thalamus was 5.09 cm3 and 4.58 cm3 (±standard deviation (SD) = 6.43 and 4.74) among individuals with depression. In the control group, the volume of white matter in the right and left thalamus was 3.66 cm3 and 4.16 cm3 (±SD = 3.99 and 5.06), respectively. The P-value is more than 0.05. The average volume of white matter in the right and left thalamus of females with depression and controls was 6.47 cm3 and 6.77 cm3 (with SD of 4.17 and 4.3), and 3.25 cm3 and 3.13 cm3 (with SD of 6.55 and 6.77), respectively. Conclusions: Our data suggest that individuals with depression exhibit an augmentation in the white matter of the thalamus, particularly in female patients where there is an upsurge in white matter volume. Depression appears to be linked to a decrease in volume on the left side of the brain.

Population Genetic Analysis and Sub-Structuring of Theileria annulata in Sudan.

Theileria annulata, which causes tropical theileriosis, is a major impediment to improving cattle production in Sudan. Tropical theileriosis disease is prevalent in the north and central regions of Sudan. Outbreaks of the disease have been observed outside the known endemic areas, in east and west regions of the country, due to changes in tick vector distribution and animal movement. A live schizont attenuated vaccination based on tissue culture technology has been developed to control the disease. The parasite in the field as well as the vaccine strain need to be genotyped before the vaccinations are practiced, in order to be able to monitor any breakthrough or breakdown, if any, after the deployment of the vaccine in the field. Nine microsatellite markers were used to genotype 246 field samples positive for T. annulata DNA and the vaccine strain. North and central populations have a higher multiplicity of infection than east and west populations. The examination of principal components showed two sub-structures with a mix of all four populations in both clusters and the vaccine strain used being aligned with left-lower cluster. Only the north population was in linkage equilibrium, while the other populations were in linkage disequilibrium, and linkage equilibrium was found when all samples were regarded as single population. The genetic identity of the vaccine and field samples was 0.62 with the north population and 0.39 with west population. Overall, genetic investigations of four T. annulata populations in Sudan revealed substantial intermixing, with only two groups exhibiting regional origin independence. In the four geographically distant regions analyzed, there was a high level of genetic variation within each population. The findings show that the live schizont attenuated vaccine, Atbara strain may be acceptable for use in all Sudanese regions where tropical theileriosis occurs.

Prevalence of Antibodies to Simbu Serogroup Viruses in Cattle in Sudan.

The Simbu serogroup is one of the serogroups that belong to the Orthobunyavirus genus of the family Peribunyaviridae. Simbu serogroup viruses are transmitted mainly by Culicoides biting midges. Meager information is available on Simbu serogroup virus infection in ruminants in Sudan. Therefore, in this study, serological surveillance of Simbu serogroup viruses in cattle in seven states in Sudan was conducted during the period from May, 2015, to March, 2016, to shed some light on the prevalence of this group of viruses in our country. Using a cross-sectional design, 184 cattle sera were collected and tested by a commercial SBV ELISA kit which enables the detection of antibodies against various Simbu serogroup viruses. The results showed an overall 86.4% prevalence of antibodies to Simbu serogroup viruses in cattle in Sudan. Univariate analysis showed a significant association (p=0.007) between ELISA seropositivity and states where samples were collected. This study suggests that Simbu serogroup virus infection is present in cattle in Sudan. Further epizootiological investigations on Simbu serogroup viruses infection and virus species involved are warranted.

Serological and molecular identification of Reticuloendotheliosis virus (REV) in chickens in Sudan.

BACKGROUND: Reticuloendotheliosis virus (REV) is a gammaretrovirus that belongs to the family of Retroviridae. The infection can result in immunosuppression, runting syndrome, high mortality, acute reticular cell neoplasia or T- and/ or B-cell lymphoma, in a variety of domestic and wild birds. The disease is widespread around the world. No related data have been reported in Sudan about the disease. The present study was conducted to determine the prevalence of REV antibodies and DNA in local and commercial breeds of chickens older than 20 weeks from June 2014 to February, 2017. METHODS: A total of 460 sera samples and 150 (50 liver and 100 spleen) tissue samples were collected from local and commercial breeds of chickens older than 20 weeks and screened for anti-REV antibodies in four states of Sudan using a commercial REV antibody ELISA test kit (IDEXX). Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) was performed to detect REV DNA in tissue samples in Khartoum State. RESULTS: The results revealed that the overall seroprevalence of REV was 74.6% among local and commercial chicken breeds, but in commercial it was 79.5% (190/239) and 69.2% in local breeds (153/221). One hundred and fifty tissue samples of chickens (50 liver, 100 spleen) were tested using PCR for detection of REV using primer sets of the conserved region in envelope glycoprotein (env) gene with a band length of 850 bp. Five out of 50 (10%) liver samples were RE provirus DNA positive detected by PCR, whereas 15 out of 100 (15%) spleen samples were PCR positive. Univariate analysis revealed there was a difference (p ≤ 0.05) between locality and breed of chickens and seropositivity to REV. CONCLUSIONS: The prevalence of the disease was high in Sudan and more studies are needed to evaluate the epidemiology and pathogenesis of the virus.

Theileria lestoquardi in Sudan is highly diverse and genetically distinct from that in Oman.

Malignant ovine theileriosis is a severe tick-borne protozoan disease of sheep and other small ruminants which is widespread in sub-Saharan Africa and the Middle East. The disease is of considerable economic importance in Sudan as the export of livestock provides a major contribution to the gross domestic product of this country. Molecular surveys have demonstrated a high prevalence of sub-clinical infections of Theileria lestoquardi, the causative agent, among small ruminants. No information is currently available on the extent of genetic diversity and genetic exchange among parasites in different areas of the country. The present study used a panel of T. lestoquardi specific micro- and mini-satellite genetic markers to assess diversity of parasites in Sudan (Africa) and compared it to that of the parasite population in Oman (Asia). A moderate level of genetic diversity was observed among parasites in Sudan, similar to that previously documented among parasites in Oman. However, a higher level of mixed-genotype infection was identified in Sudanese animals compared to Omani animals, consistent with a higher rate of tick transmission. In addition, the T. lestoquardi genotypes detected in these two countries form genetically distinct groups. The results of this work highlight the need for analysis of T. lestoquardi populations in other endemic areas in the region to inform on novel approaches for controlling malignant theileriosis.

An accessory extensor pollicis longus tendon: a case report of rare anatomical variant / Tendón accesorio del músculo extensor largo del pulgar: reporte de caso de una rara variación anatómica

SUMMARY: Variation in the morphology of the extensor pollicis longus muscle is very rare. The muscle is considered as one of the deep group of dorsal forearm muscles. It passes through the dorsal radiocarpal ligament in a detached compartment. It inserts at the base of the distal phalanx of the thumb. The muscle might have double tendons where they run either in one, or in separate compartments. In this study, we report an extremely rare condition for a 38-year-old male where some of the tendon fibers split at the base of the proximal phalanx and the two tendons insert at the sides of the base of the distal phalanx. We also noticed a high range of hyperextension where the action was painless and showed no sign of discomfort. We believe that the way the tendons get inserted might have a role in this wide range of extension.

RESUMEN: La variación en la morfología del músculo extensor largo del pulgar es muy rara. Es considerado perteneciente al grupo profundo de los músculos del dorso del antebrazo. Su tendón pasa a través del ligamento radiocarpiano dorsal en un compartimiento separado. Se inserta en la base de la falange distal del pulgar. El músculo puede tener tendones dobles que pasan a través de un solo compartimiento, o en compartimentos separados, del ligamento radiocarpiano dorsal. En este estudio se reporta una variación extremadamente rara en un hombre de 38 años de edad, donde algunas de las fibras del tendón se dividen en la base de la falange proximal y los dos tendones se insertaban a los lados de la base de la falange distal del pulgar. También observamos un alto grado de hiperextensión siendo la acción indolora y no mostrando ningún signo de malestar. Creemos que la forma en que los tendones se insertan podrían tener un papel en este amplio rango de extensión.

The pulmonary involvement in Theileria lestoquardi naturally infected sheep.

Malignant Ovine Theileriosis (MOT) caused by Theileria lestoquardi is considered a major constraint for sheep production in many areas of the world including Sudan. Pulmonary oedema is thought to be the main cause of animal death, but the mechanism, the cell types involved and/or the probable cause of this pneumonia has yet to be defined. The present study was carried out to investigate the pulmonary involvement post T. lestoquardi infection and to identify the cell types involved in pneumonia. Apparently healthy sheep were exposed to ticks challenge in T. lestoquardi endemic area. Lungs impression smears and tissue sections for histopathology were processed. At necropsy, fifteen infected sheep revealed severe pneumonia associated with oedema and accumulation of creamy-grayish frothy exudates. The microscopic findings of examined lungs showed emphysema, congestion, collapse and proliferation of immense amount of different kinds of cells. The current study indicates that T. lestoquardi infections are accompanied with remarkable pulmonary involvements and may lead to respiratory failure and death.

Molecular identification of different Theileria and Babesia species infecting sheep in Sudan.

The epidemiological aspects of sheep piroplasmosis in Sudan are poorly studied, and further investigations using sensitive and precise techniques are required. In this study, the Reverse Line Blot (RLB) hybridization assay was used to detect and simultaneously differentiate between Theileria and Babesia species. DNA was extracted from blood collected on filter paper (n=219) from apparently healthy sheep from six different geographical localities in Sudan. Results indicated that Theileria ovis (88.6%), T. separata (20.1%), T. lestoquardi (16.4%) and T. annulata (16.4%) DNA could be detected in the blood samples. Single and mixed Theileria infections were detected in 74 (33.8%) and 124 (56.6%) respectively and T. ovis being the most prevalent species in the country. T. ovis and T. separata were reported for the first time in sheep in Sudan.

Historical demographic profiles and genetic variation of the East African Butana and Kenana indigenous dairy zebu cattle.

Butana and Kenana breeds from Sudan are part of the East African zebu Bos indicus type of cattle. Unlike other indigenous zebu cattle in Africa, they are unique due to their reputation for high milk production and are regarded as dairy cattle, the only ones of their kind on the African continent. In this study, we sequenced the complete mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) D-loop of 70 animals to understand the maternal genetic variation, demographic profiles and history of the two breeds in relation to the history of cattle pastoralism on the African continent. Only taurine mtDNA sequences were identified. We found very high mtDNA diversity but low level of maternal genetic structure within and between the two breeds. Bayesian coalescent-based analysis revealed different historical and demographic profiles for the two breeds, with an earlier population expansion in the Butana vis a vis the Kenana. The maternal ancestral populations of the two breeds may have diverged prior to their introduction into the African continent, with first the arrival of the ancestral Butana population. We also reveal distinct demographic history between the two breeds with the Butana showing a decline in its effective population size (Ne ) in the recent past ~590 years. Our results provide new insights on the early history of cattle pastoralism in Sudan indicative of a large ancient effective population size.

Attenuation of Theileria lestoquardi infected cells and immunization of sheep against malignant ovine theileriosis.

Malignant ovine theileriosis caused by Theileria lestoquardi is an economically important disease infecting small ruminants in the Sudan. The disease causes massive losses among sheep in many regions of Northern Sudan. The present studies were done to isolate lymphoblastoid cells infected with malignant ovine theileriosis and attenuate them by passage using culture media to develop and produce schizonts candidate vaccine, then test its efficacy and safety by exposing immunized lambs to field challenge in an area endemic with T. lestoquardi. In the present experiments we isolated and established an in vitro culture of T. lestoquardi infected lymphoblast cell line. Long-term culture of T. lestoquardi infected lymphoplastoid cells was shown to result in attenuation of their virulence and lambs inoculated with different doses of such cells at passage 105 exhibited very mild reactions with fever that lasted for 1-5 days and parasitaemia of <0.2%. The experimental lambs immunized with this candidate vaccine were immune and protected when exposed to field challenge in an area endemic of ovine theileriosis, while morbidity and mortality among non-immunized animals reached 76.9% and 46.15%, respectively, and they exhibited the clinical signs of malignant ovine theileriosis that included, high fever, loss of appetite, enlargement of lymph nodes, jaundice, loss of weight and death. The present study demonstrates the efficacy and the safety of this attenuated cell line as a live attenuated candidate vaccine.

Development of a loop-mediated isothermal amplification method for detection of Theileria lestoquardi.

A loop-mediated isothermal amplification (LAMP) assay was developed for the diagnosis of Theileria lestoquardi infection. The primers were designed based on the clone-5 sequence of T. lestoquardi. The specificity and sensitivity of the assay were established. Analysis of the specificity showed that the selected LAMP primers amplified the target sequence from T. lestoquardi DNA successfully, while no amplification was seen with DNA from Theileria annulata, Theileria ovis, Babesia ovis, Anaplasma ovis, or ovine genomic DNA. The specificity of the LAMP product was further confirmed by restriction digestion and sequencing. The sensitivity of the LAMP assay was analyzed in comparison to PCR resulting in a detection limit of 10 fg/µl of plasmid DNA containing the clone-5 sequence. The suitability for utilizing the LAMP assay in the field for the diagnosis of T. lestoquardi infection was tested on 100 field samples collected in Sudan and compared with results obtained by PCR. The relative specificity and sensitivity of the established LAMP assay was determined to be 92.1% and 87.5%, respectively, indicating that it may be regarded as an alternative molecular diagnostic tool to PCR which could be used for epidemiological surveys on T. lestoquardi infection.

First confirmed report of outbreak of malignant ovine theileriosis among goats in Sudan.

An outbreak of malignant ovine theileriosis among goats was confirmed and documented. In this outbreak, 16 out of 22 (72.7%) goats died within 4 days showing clinical signs of malignant ovine theileriosis as well as in the postmortem findings. The goats were reared in a mixed flock with sheep in Atbara Town, Northern Sudan. The infection was detected microscopically and confirmed serologically by IFA test and molecularly by PCR technique using specific primer for Theileria lestoquardi. Hyalomma anatolicum was the most prevalent (dominant) tick species found in the farm. It is recommended to undertake future research on the role of goats on the epidemiology of malignant ovine theileriosis.

Experimental transmission of Theileria lestoquardi by developmental stages of Hyalomma anatolicum ticks.

Theileria-free Hyalomma anatolicum larvae were fed on a naturally infected sheep with Theileria lestoquardi. Resulting flat nymphs of the tick were able to transmit T. lestoquardi infection upon feeding to 3/3 susceptible sheep. Adults emerging from the same batch of larvae were also infective to 3/3 susceptible sheep when they had the infection during their larval feeding. Transmission of T. lestoquardi to sheep was confirmed through clinical monitoring, examination of blood and lymph node biopsy smears, serology using indirect immunoflourescent test, and molecular using polymerase chain reaction technique.

The first report on the prevalence of pestivirus infection in camels in Sudan.

The role of pestivirus particularly bovine viral diarrhea virus (BVDV) in causing respiratory infections in camels was studied in four different localities in Sudan. The evaluation was carried out using ELISA, and positive specimens were further tested using direct fluorescent antibody technique (FAT) and reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) for confirmation. The overall detected seroprevalence of BVD in camel sera was 84.6% with the highest prevalence in Western Sudan (92.5%) and with most of positives showing 2+ and 3+ titer. Out of 186 lung specimens examined for BVDV antigen, 13 were found positive (7%) with the highest prevalence in Central Sudan. All ELISA-positive specimens were positive using FAT and RT-PCR. To our knowledge, this is the first report for the detection of BVDV antigen and antibodies in camels in Sudan.