Productive Performance of F1- (Damascus Goat × Desert) under Traditional Management in North Kordofan

This study carried out in North Kordofan state, Western Sudan (latitudes 12:15-16:32 N and longitudes 27-32 E), during the period Feb 2018 - Aug 2021 to assessment the productive and reproductive performance of crossed F1 (Desert× Damascus) under the traditional management systems, to evaluate adaptation of crossed to environmental conditions of study area, to study milk production of the crossed goats. 44 females crossed goat F1 (Damascus×Desert goat) were selected at weaning age. Two mature Damascus bucks were used in the experiment all animals were identified using ear tags and treated against external and internal parasites. All animals will set free during the day and kept in closed pen during the night. The behavior of the animals and the adaptation on the environment was observed and recorded in addition to any problems like disease; Data were analyzed using the Statistical Package for Social Sciences, software package (SPSS, V23, 2017). In this study, the Damascus Bucks were severely affected under the conditions of nature grazing and suffered from parasites and high temperature, Bucks have died as a result of tick fever according to Anatomical symptoms, The parameters of dams varied according to litter size, Females were born as a single reached puberty at (278.2±7 days) with body weight of 20.01 kg while the twins females was puberty age (291.6±9 days), and weight was 16.91kg , The average lactation period was 120 days with average total milk production of 40.46± 1.74 kg, this study conclude that the crossed Females are late in sexual maturity, So The genetic cross as a way to improve the herd without taking into account environmental conditions does not lead to the desired results.&nbsp

Zinc Status in Patients with Sickle Cell Disease in Gezira State (Central Sudan)

Introduction                   Sickle cell disease is inherited as an autosomal recessive manner. HbS differs from HbA in the substitution of valine for glutamic acid in the sixth position of the b-globin chain. Heterozygous state for the HbS gene. Comprises 25-45% of the total hemoglobin, the rest being Hb-A, Hb-A2 and Hb-F. .     Zinc status in children with sickle cell disease was determined in 1975, the finding, showed that there was  a significant decrease in zinc level in plasma, erythrocyte and hair. However, urinary zinc excretion was increased in sickle cell disease patients and is associated with decreased linear growth, skeletal growth, and muscle mass and sexual and skeletal maturation.  . Information regarding zinc status in sickle cell disease in Sudanese subjects is needed.             The objective of this study was to determine the zinc status in patients with sickle cell disease in addition to other related parameters including Haemoglobin level, total white blood cells count, sickling test, and identification of malaria parasite in the blood in the patients and control group. Anthropometric measurements including body weight, body height, and body mass index were also conducted. Study Design:             This is a case control study designed to study zinc status in patients with Sickle Cell Disease attending Wad Medani Paediatric Teaching Hospital in Gezira State.             Forty four patients diagnosed as sickle cell disease by clinical features and laboratory investigations (Hb Electrophoresis) were enrolled in this study. Fifty normal subjects were taken as control group. Patients with malnutrition and other diseases were excluded. Results In the present  study the mean of serum zinc concentration in the patients group(40.8 ±20 µg/dl) was significantly lower than  control group (55.3 ±32.4 µg/dl) (P < 0.05). Haemoglobin concentration in patients (6.6 ± 0.9 g/dl) was significantly lower (P< 0.001) compared to control group (11.1±2.1 g/dl).  The result of this study also showed that the values of  TWBCs count for the patients group (16150 ± 8196 cell / µL) was significantly higher (P < 0.001) compared to control group (5750 ± 3537 cell / µL ). The mean body weight (16.3 ± 8.2 kg), body height (103 ± 26 cm), and BMIs (14.5 ± 1.9) in the patients were significantly lower compared to control group (23.7 ± 8.0 kg), (120 ± 17 cm), (16.1 ± 3.2) respectively  (P < 0.001). All patients showed negative blood film for malaria parasite with the exception of only one subject, while three subjects of control group showed positive blood film for malaria parasite Conclusion Zinc status in patients with sickle cell disease in central Sudan is significantly lower than that of control group. Patients had lower hemoglobin level, lower body weight and height, and higher total white blood cell count than control group. All patients showed negative blood film for malaria parasite with exception of only one subject, while three subjects of control group showed positive blood film for malaria parasite. Because of low zinc level in patients with sickle cell disease, zinc supplementation is recommended. Further studies are needed to see its effect on the different parameters &nbsp

Microbial examination of drinking water supply systems of Elobeid city, Sudan

The present investigation was carried out to evaluate the microbial parameters of Elobeid drinking water supply systems, which comprise of Bara underground water system and the surface rainwater harvesting (RWH) system, during the period from July 2010–June 2011. Four samples from Bara and nine from RWH were collected. The microbial parameters were determined using different microbial techniques. The results showed that the mean total viable bacterial (TVC) and spore-forming bacteria counts in the RWH system were ranged as 80.26-1030.11 and 82.8-3479.8 cfu/ml, respectively and 4.67-110.5 and 0.83- 292.5 cfu/ml, respectively in Bara. Moreover, high counts of coliforms, faecal coliforms; faecal Streptococci, Salmonella, Staphylococci, Clostridia and Cyanobacteria were recorded in the RWH system, particularly during the rainy months (June–September), which not in agreement with international or local standards for drinking water. The predominant bacteria in the two water supply systems were Bacillus (6 species) Proteus mirabilis, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Pseudomonas maltophilia, Enterobacter gergoviae, Enterobacter alvi, Proteus vulgaris, E. coli, Salmonella choleraesuis, Staphylococcus aureus, Streptococcus faecium and Streptococcus faecalis, in addition to many Cyanobacterial genera: Lyngbya, Microcystis, Oscillatoria, Synechocystis, Anabaena, Leptolyngbya, Dermocarpa, Aphanizomenon, Schizothrix and Phormidium. The presence of those harmful bacteria in water before and after treatment in the RWH system indicated that water treatment measures adopted by the North Kordofan State Water Corporation (coagulation, sand filtration and disinfection by chlorination) do not guarantee acceptable levels of water disinfection. To alleviate these problems, blending of the two water systems and subsequent treatments to reduce microbial load were suggested as recommended point of view. Published by the International journal of Microbiology and Mycology (IJMM

Phenotypic Characterization of Crossed Goats F1- (Desert Goat and Damascus)

This study was conducted in North Kordofan state, Western Sudan, during the period Feb 2016- March 2020 to study the Phenotypic Characterization of crossed goats (F1-Desert goat and Damascus).44 female Desert goats of average age of 3-4 years and average body weights33.18±0.84 kg, were purchased from the local markets. Two mature sexual Damascus bucks were used in the experiment in addition to two castrated local young ones (teasers) all animals were identified using ear tags, tested for brucellosis and treated against external and internal parasites. During gestation period goats were closely observed up to the time of kidding. Data concerning with crossed kids (phenotypic characers, body measurements, performance up to maturity) were recorded. Data were analyzed using Statistical Package for Social Sciences, software package (SPSS, V23, 2017)). The results indicated that Male kids were significantly (P<0.01) heavier than females (2.74±0.48 visas 2.04±0.14kg). 27% mortality rate was recorded in kids. 71% of crossed goats (first generation) had light blue eye color. The flock had different coat colors (light brown, reddish brown and dark brown). The udder was somewhat small and attached to the abdomen the average body weight at kidding was 26.28 ± 1.56 and 22.03± 1.27 kg for single and twins, respectively

Assessment of Diabetes Clinical Trial Candidates Using Systems Pharmacology

poster abstractCurating molecular interactions is crucial to understanding how drugs work on molecular systems implicated in a disease and could provide future prospects for applications such as drug repositioning. For this project, we curated disease-specific drugs and protein interactions to help us understand Type II Diabetes in light of systems pharmacology. The pharmacological efficacy of drugs can be assessed based on their ability to regulate gene expressions in diabetic patients to resemble those of a healthy individual at a pathway level. Two drugs with a high level of similarity should share similar pharmacological effects, including drug target, side effects, mechanism of action, structure, and up or down-regulation of genes associated with diabetes. We focused on the relationships between drugs, proteins, and the disease, utilizing drug-drug similarity networks, a disease-specific protein-protein interaction network model, and the standardized curation of protein interactions by mining primary databases to visualize these relationships as they relate to Type II Diabetes. First, drugs were gathered from primary databases using proteins associated with the disease. From there, a drug-drug similarity network was constructed by examining similar targets, structures, side effects, and mechanism of action between drugs. To construct a disease-specific pathway model, proteins associated with Type II Diabetes were gathered from databases, PAG Electronic Repository and Connectivity-Maps, and analyzed from protein studies from the Diabetes Genome Anatomy Project and microarray datasets from Gene Expression Omnibus, generating a validated list of disease-specific proteins. Then, interactions and regulations within the proteins were determined to generate a diseasespecific protein-protein interaction model to provide insights to the disease itself and mechanisms of action of drugs related to Type II Diabetes. In the future, the drug-drug similarity network, the protein-protein interaction network model, and the protein and drug interactions could possibly aid in the repurposing of drugs for Type II Diabetes

Towards the definition and analysis of social component of sustainable development

This paper defines social development in the context of sustainable development. To this end, the concept of development and its evolution has been reviewed over the past seven decades. The concept of development has evolved from economic growth to poverty alleviation, sustainable development, human development, and most recently the millennium development goals towards sustainable development goals. A preliminary finding shows that the concept of development has focused more on the economic and environmental aspects in comparison to the social aspect of development. In recent years, however, the concept of sustainable development has begun to emphasis on the social aspect as a fundamental aspect of development. Thereafter, it has gained significant recognition, especially in the World Summit for Social Development in Copenhagen in the late 1990s. However, the definition of social development remains vague and there is no consensus of what perspectives should be adopted in defining social development. Therefore, this paper aims to define and analyse social development from related modern literature on development and argues for the need for a new definition of the social component of sustainable development. Furthermore, the paper adopts meta-analysis and content analysis methods by reviewing and analysing related literature on development from journals, books, conferences, and reports. This study contributes to the existing literature that provides a comprehensive overview of the current understanding of social development and identifies the main propositions of the concept. Besides, the analysis of the existing social component of sustainable development can give insights in developing more comprehensive social development concept in the future

Harnessing Agricultural Services Centers for Agricultural Extension Services: A case Study Gezira state-Wad Medani Great Locality, Sudan

Agricultural Services Centers expect to plays an important role in facilitate marketing of most agricultural commodities such as seeds, feed, fertilizers and pesticides. This paper attempts to realize the Importance of agricultural services centers in supporting agricultural extension services in the study area. The study based on two sources of data, primary and secondary, the primary quantitative and qualitative data were collected from field survey using structured questionnaire (in-depth and repeated interview) which designed and pre-tested. Fifty seven respondents (members ASCs) were randomly selected to represent the study population. Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) software was used for data analysis (Descriptive Statistic) in addition to correlation and regression analysis to test significant level of variables. The findings indicated that 98% of the respondents were explained that the link with farmers was direct link, 53% stated that the farmers they visits them to get information. 90% of the respondents reported that they provided farmers with input and information, 98% of them explained that their source of inputs was imported companies, and 91% explained that their method to present the information to the farmers was personal explanation. The results of correlation and regression analysis showed Education level had high significant correlation with link with extension (.001) the value (.430), High significant correlation also with the link with extension and Components that you consider more useful in giving information sig (.000) value (.772) and the available components in case of problem sig (.000) value (.774). Imported companies had significant regression value (.457 beta) (.042) in information exchange other partners had no significant. Conclusion: Agricultural Services Centers enhance the role of agricultural extension through marketing of most agricultural commodities. The paper recommends that the service centers workers should look after the recommended information and follow up their inputs after sailing process to the farmers, the extension view should be more than the trading view

New Politics, an Opportunity for Maternal Health Advancement in Eastern Myanmar: An Integrative Review

Myanmar (formerly Burma) is a southeast Asian country, with a long history of military dictatorship, human rights violations, and poor health indicators. The health situation is particularly dire among pregnant women in the ethnic minorities of the eastern provinces (Kachin, Shan, Mon, Karen and Karenni regions). This integrative review investigates the current status of maternal mortality in eastern Myanmar in the context of armed conflict between various separatist groups and the military regime. The review examines the underlying factors contributing to high maternal mortality in eastern Myanmar and assesses gaps in the existing research, suggesting areas for further research and policy response. Uncovered were a number of underlying factors uniquely contributing to maternal mortality in eastern Myanmar. These could be grouped into the following analytical themes: ongoing conflict, health system deficits, and political and socioeconomic influences. Abortion was interestingly not identified as an important contributor to maternal mortality. Recent political liberalization may provide space to act upon identified roles and opportunities for the Myanmar Government, the international community, and non-governmental organizations (NGOs) in a manner that positively impacts on maternal healthcare in the eastern regions of Myanmar. This review makes a number of recommendations to this effect

Effectiveness of Gum Arabic in Diabetes and its Complications: A Narrative Review

Gum Arabic (GA) is a gummy exudation from Acacia species, rich in soluble fibers. It is a dietary fiber used traditionally by the natives of many countries of the Arabian Peninsula, Pakistan, and India as therapeutic natural product for treating various diseases including kidney diseases, impotence, obesity, and epilepsy. Diabetes represent a global health problem causing many complications and health risk to people of different ages. The current study aimed at identifying the role of Gum Arabic in treating diseases especially diabetes. Many studies have been conducted on the role of Gum Arabic in experimentally induced diabetes as well as randomized clinical studies. This narrative review was written based on a database search in common libraries such as PubMed, Cochrane, Web of Science, and Scopus. The libraries were searched for English articles published between 1995 and 2020 focusing on the role of Gum Arabic in different preclinical and clinical trials of early and advanced level of diabetes. Keywords: Gum Arabic, diabetes, animals, human, nanoparticle

Knowledge, Attitudes, and Practice of Self-Medication among Medical Students at Sudan International University, Sudan

Background: Self-medication is a practice or action taken by individuals for themselves in order to achieve and maintain health, as well as to avoid and protect against disease. The aim of this study is to evaluate the knowledge, attitudes, and practice of self-medication among medical students at Sudan International University. Subjects & Methods: This was a prospective study that involved 288 out of 1000 students in the Faculty of Medicine at Sudan International University. Data were collected using a self-administered questionnaire from January to March 2022 to evaluate the self-medication knowledge, attitude, and practice among first, second, and third-year medical students. Result: The age groups of this study were arranged as follows; 197(17-20 year), 72(21-23 year) and 19(>23 year). Regarding the sex of the study population, the female group was 215(74.7%) while the male group was 73(25.3%). The classification of the population according to their academic levels; as follows; first year 124 (43.1%), second year 52 (18.1%) and third year 112(38.9%). The prevalence of self-medication was found to be a common practice by the majority of the students, since 279 (96.9 %) of the study group practiced self-medication, in contrast to only 9 (3.1%), who did not deal with any self-medication. Also, the result showed that the most common drugs were; vitamins 183 (65.6%) and analgesics 176 (63.1%) followed by antibiotics 172 (61.6%). Regarding the illnesses described by the student as an indication of self-medication, they are as follows; headache is the most common (93.2%), followed by common cold and cough 211(75.6%). Concerning the source of information used by the studied population for self-medication, pharmacists were found to be the main source of information 122 (42.4%) followed by parents of the students 102 (35.4%). Furthermore, the results revealed that the main reason given for practicing self-medication by the study group was that the illness was not serious is (69.5%). Conclusion: Self-medication was found to be widely practiced in 96.9% of cases, and the main reasons for self-medication were that the disease was not serious