All That Wheezes Is Not Asthma

[West J Emerg Med. 2009;10(4):305-306.

Cystic echinococcosis in humans and domestic animals in central Sudan:Epidemiology and molecular characterization studies

Cystic echinococcosis (CE) is a significant public health problem with high endemicity in east and central Africa including Sudan. Worldwide, pulmonary (pu) echinococcosis (EC) is the second to liver affection, where as in Sudan is vice versa. Ten genetic variants, or genotypes designated as (G1-G10), are distributed worldwide based on genetic diversity. (in Chapter7), we investigated molecular diversity of Echinococcus granulosus isolates collected from human clinical samples removed surgically from lung using mitochondrial gene nad1 in Sudan. It can be concluded that the pul echinococcosis in Sudan are caused by genotype 6 (G6) camel strain of E. granulosus. To improve management knowledge, attitudes and practices in human population has been conducted in quest, section III (Chapter 8). Since the level of knowledge has been found to be poor, hence is the need for the One Health approach to prevent EC. In Section IV, a cross sectional study was conducted among residents of Khartoum State in Central Sudan to determine the prevalence of CE (Chapter 9).The present investigations was conducted to improve the diagnostic potential including sequencing and phylogenetic analysis as well as LAMP and Realtime PCR .We gave an overview on the prevalent species or strains of Echinococcus granulosus in sub-Saharan Africa, treatment and preventive strategies.(Chapter 2).Part of our research was conducted in Tamboul, Central Sudan to determine the prevalence of CE genotypes and the result indicates that for the first time circulation of E. ortleppi, the cattle genotype (G5) in camel (Chapter 3) as well as G1 in Cattles (Chapter 6)

Effects of different levels of sugar beet roots based concentrates on the performance of Tagger male kids

    High meat demand in the Sudan enhanced improvement of goat meat production. Tagger is a promising meat breed due to good conformation and high meat quality. Nutrition is a main constraint for goat meat production. Sugar beet is introduced into the Gezira State with no information on effects of dried sugar beet roots (DSBR) based concentrates level on Tagger kids performance, carcass characteristics and meat composition. Twelve Tagger males of 6 months old were housed in individual pens, divided into 3 groups, each with 4 animals and allocated at random to the experimental diets. They were weighed weekly for 8 weeks with a two weeks preliminary period. They were fed groundnut haulm (GNH) ad lib. in two equal meals at 8.0 am and 4.0 pm and refusals were collected and weighed daily. The animals were fed different levels of DSBR based concentrates: 0 (control), 150g and 300g, in two equal parts before GNH meals. The concentrates contained 68% DSBR,15% groundnut cakes, 15% sunflower cakes, 1% salt and 1% oyster shell. Samples of feeds and refusals were stored for laboratory analysis.  Resultd showed that groundnut haulm (30% CP, 8.8% CF, 4.8% ash and 48.2% NFE) had better proximate analysis than refusals which generally improved with concentrates levels. Dried sugar beet had 12.9% CP, 11.0% CF and 59.25% NFE and the concentrates had 42.25% CP, 2.0% CF and 49.5% NFE. Overall mean BW generally increased with concentrates level (10.78, 10.9 and 12.19kg at 0, 150 and 300g, respectively), but  not significantly different. Overall mean daily feed intakes varied with concentrates level and were 1550.89, 1187.46 and 1545.67g at 0, 150 and 300g concentrates, respectively, and were significantly least in animals fed 150g concentrates. Weekly weight gain generally increased with concentrates level in all weeks and was highest in animals fed 150g concentrates with no significant effects for concentrates level. It was 0.55, 0.68 and 0.60 kg at 0, 150 and 300g concentrates, respectively. It is recommended to use DSBR based concentrates in fattening Tagger kids.     حفز ارتفاع الطلب  على اللحوم وأسعارها في السودان تحسين لحوم الماعز. تعتبر التقر سلالة واعدة لإنتاج اللحوم لجودة القوام ونوعية اللحم.  إلا أن التغذية من المعوقات الرئيسة لإنتاج لحوم الماعز.  أدخل بنجر السكر لولاية الجزيرة ولا تتوفر معلومات عن أثر مستوى جذر البنجر الجاف) ج ب ج (على أداء جديان التقر وصفات الذبيحة  وتركيب اللحم.  وضعت 12 من ذكور جديان التقر بعمر 6 أشهر في حظائر فردية  وقسمت الى 3 مجموعات بكل منها 4 حيوانات  ووزعت عشوائيا على أعلاف الدراسة. وزنت الحيوانات أسبوعيا لمدة 8 أسابيع منها أسبوعين فترة إعدادية. أعلفت الحيوانات تبن الفول السوداني )ت ف س) حسب الرغبة في وجبتين متساويتين عند الثامنة صباحا والرابعة مساء وجمع ووزن العلف المتبقي.  كما أعلفت الحيوانات مستويات مختلفة من عليقة مركزة ترتكز على )ج ب ج  (عند صفر( الشاهد), 150 و300جم في جزئين متساويين  قبل وجبتي ت ف س. احتوت العليقة المركزة على 68% ج ب ج و15%  امباز فول سوداني و15%  تبن زهرة الشمس و1% ملح و 1% صدف  حفظت عينات من  الأعلاف والعلف المتبقي للتحليل المعملي.  حُللت المعلومات إحصائيا باستخدام تحليل التباين واستخدم اختبار دنكن لفصل اختلافات المتوسطات. كان  ت ف س (  30% بروتين خام ، 8.85 ألياف خام، 4.8% رماد و 48.2% جزء خالي من النتروجين) أحسن في التحليل التقريبي من المتبق.والذي تحسنت نوعيته بارتفاع مستوى العليقة المركزة. كان تركيب  ج ب ج 12.95 % بروتين خام ، 11% الياف خام و 59.25% جزء خالي من النتروجين .وتركيب العليقة المركزة  42.25 % بروتين خام ، 2% ألياف خام و 49.5% جزء خالي من النتروجين .  زاد متوسط الوزن الكلى مع زيادة العليقة المركزة (10.78 ،  10.9 و 12.19عند صفر و 150 و 300 جم عليقة مركزة على التوالي بدون فروقات معنوية . (P>.05)  تباين متوسط المتناول من العلف تبعاً لمستوي المركزات وكان 1550.89 و 1187.46 و 1545.67 جم عند صفر و 150 و300 جم عليقة مركزة ، علي التوالي وكان أقل معنوياً للحيوانات التي غُذيت علي  150عليقة مركزة.  تباينت زيادة الوزن الأسبوعي بزيادة مستوي العليقة المركزة في كل الأسابيع وكانت الأعلى للحيوانات عند 150 جم بدون زيادة معنوية. وكانت 0.55 و0.68 و 0.60 كجم عند صفر و 150 و300 جم عليقة مركزة، علي التوالي. يوصي باستخدام علائق جذور بنجر السكر المجففة لتسمين جديان التقر

Esophageal stricture causes and pattern of presentation at Ibn Sina Specialized Hospital

Introduction: The aim of this study is to evaluate the causes and pattern of presentation of esophageal stricture in Ibn Sina Specialized Hospital. Methods:This is a retrospective study done at Ibn Sina Specialized Hospital during the period from April 2008 to December 2008. All patients had upper gastrointestinal endoscopy (UGIE), and those who were found to have esophageal stricture were enrolled in the study. The data collected were then processed and analyzed using appropriate statistical tests. Results and discussion: Out of 780 patients who had UGIE, 60 were found to have esophageal stricture; 37(61.6%) were males. The age group ranged between 20 years and 89 years, with a mean (± SD) age of 50.483 (±17.437) years. Esophageal cancer of the squamous cell carcinoma type (SCC) was the most important cause of stricture in the study. In both genders, the cancer was common in the elder age groups. Dysphagia was the commonest presenting symptom. Malignant and benign strictures were located at different site of the esophagus. In males postsclerotherapy was more common especially in the young, while peptic stricture was common in elderly. In females peptic stricture and esophageal webs were common in young adults (20 – 50 years). Endoscopic dilatation was performed successfully to 59 patients. Only one male in the age group 60 – 69 years was managed with percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy (PEG) tube due to failure of dilatation. Conclusion: Esophageal stricture is an alarming sign of malignancy. Post-SCC stricture was detected in a considerable number of patients in our study group, therefore it require careful early diagnosis and distinction from other varieties because of their good outcome. Adenocarcinoma and other malignant tumors which cause esophageal stricture were not detected in our study group.Alcohol consumption was not a significant risk factor contributing to the development of post-SCC stricture in this study. Post-sclerotherapy stricture represented the peak in male farmers residing in the center of Sudan compared to females, other occupations and regions, and to other causes of benign stricture.Keywords: dysphagia, schistosmaisis, achalasia, adenocarcinoma, squamous

Effect of vernalization period and bulb size on bolting of onion cultivar “Texas Early Grano” grown under Gezira conditions, Sudan

     Texas Early Grano onion cultivar is very popular in Sudan and is used mainly as a salad vegetable. Unfortunately, this cultivar does not flower and produce seeds under Sudan conditions and seeds should be imported from abroad. Attempts to produce seeds of this cultivar under Gezira conditions have failed. Therefore, the objective of this research was to study the effects of bulb size and vernalization on the induction of flowering of Texas Early Grano onion cultivar. Experiments were conducted at the research farm of the Faculty of Agricultural Sciences, University of Gezira, Wad Medani, Sudan, during the  winter seasons of 2008/09 and 2009/10.   Treatments consisted of vernalization periods ranging from 45 to 180 days, storage temperatures of 4 to 50C, and bulb size which was small and medium. Treatments were arranged in a  randomized complete block design with three replicates. Results indicated that vernalization duration significantly affected emergence percentage. As vernalization duration increased, emergence percentage increased in both seasons. Bulb size had no significant effects on emergence percentage. Vernalization temperatures of 4 to 50C for 90 days or more was the key factor for the induction of bolting of Texas Early Grano cultivar. To obtain the highest bolting percentage and seed yield, a combination of venrnalization at 4 to 50C for 180 days and medium-sized bulbs should be recommended.       يعتبر صنف البصل "تكساس إيرلى جرانو" من الأصناف المعروفة في السودان التي تستخدم كأحد الخضر الرئيسية في طبق السلطة. محاولة إنتاج بذور هذا الصنف محلياً لم تعط نتائج إيجابية نسبة لعدم توفر درجات الحرارة المنخفضة اللازمة لتحفيز الإزهار تحت ظروف ولاية الجزيرة. لذا هدفت هذه الدراسة إلى تحفيز الإزهار لإنتاج البذور من هذا الصنف باستخدام ظاهرة الإرتباع (التخزين المبرد) لأحجام مختلفة من الأبصال. أجريت هذه الدراسة بمزرعة كلية العلوم الزراعية، جامعة الجزيرة، واد مدني، السودان خلال موسمي 2008/09 و 2009/10م. شملت التجارب فترات تخزين مبرد تراوحت ما بين 45- 180 يوما في درجات حرارة تراوحت ما بين 4 إلي 50 م ونوعين من حجم الأبصال (صغير ومتوسط).  استخدم تصميم القطاعات العشوائية الكاملة بثلاث مكررات. أشارت النتائج إلى أن التخزين المبرد في درجات الحرارة 4 - 5°م هو العامل الرئيسي المحفز للإزهار في صنف البصل "تكساس إيرلي جرانو". التخزين المبرد أظهر تاثيراً معنوياً في نسبة الانبات، فكلما زادت فترة التخزين المبرد زادت نسبة الانبات في كلا الموسمين، بينما لم يؤثر حجم الأبصال في نسبة الانبات. تم الحصول على أعلى نسبة للإزهار وإنتاجية البذور بزراعة الأبصال متوسطة الحجم والمخزنة في درجة حرارة 4 - 5°م لفترة 180 يوما. لذلك يوصى بتخزين الأبصال متوسطة الحجم في درجات حرارة تتراوح بين 4 - 5°م لفترة 180 يوما أو اكثر للحصول على بذور صنف البصل "تكساس إيرلي جرانو" تحت ظروف ولاية الجزيرة

Effect of some tillage methods and sowing dates on bulk density, soil moisture and sorghum yield in the rainfed areas of northern Gedarif , Gedarif State , Sudan

     The study was carried out during three consecutive seasons (2005/06, 2006/07 and 2007/08) under rain-fed conditions, to investigate the effect of some tillage methods and sowing dates  of  sorghum (Sorghum bicolor L.) on soil moisture  content, bulk density and sorghum grain  yield  in  northern Gedarif area, at the pilot farm of the Faculty of Agricultural  and Environmental Sciences, University of  Gedarif, Gedarif, Sudan. The experiment was laid out in a split plot design with three replicates. Main plots were assigned to three tillage methods; which were:  Zero tillage (ZT), offset disc as post harvest tillage(PHT) and farmers practice which was  wide level disc (WLD) as control, while sub-plots were assigned  to two sowing dates  which were early sowing date (S1) and late sowing date (S2). Post-harvest tillage treatment (PHT) resulted in significantly higher soil moisture content in the three growing seasons  compared to the other two treatments. Combined analysis indicated that ZT resulted in  significantly higher soil bulk density  in comparison with WLD and PHT treatments  for the three depths. The 3-years average grain yield for PHT, WLD and ZT were 1113 kg/ha, 976 kg/ha and 885 kg/ha, respectively.  The respective increase in yield was  26% and 14%.                                                                                                                                                                              The study was carried out during three consecutive seasons (2005/06, 2006/07 and 2007/08) under rain-fed conditions, to investigate the effect of some tillage methods and sowing dates  of  sorghum (Sorghum bicolor L.) on soil moisture  content, bulk density and sorghum grain  yield  in  northern Gedarif area, at the pilot farm of the Faculty of Agricultural  and Environmental Sciences, University of  Gedarif, Gedarif, Sudan. The experiment was laid out in a split plot design with three replicates. Main plots were assigned to three tillage methods; which were:  Zero tillage (ZT), offset disc as post harvest tillage(PHT) and farmers practice which was  wide level disc (WLD) as control, while sub-plots were assigned  to two sowing dates  which were early sowing date (S1) and late sowing date (S2). Post-harvest tillage treatment (PHT) resulted in significantly higher soil moisture content in the three growing seasons  compared to the other two treatments. Combined analysis indicated that ZT resulted in  significantly higher soil bulk density  in comparison with WLD and PHT treatments  for the three depths. The 3-years average grain yield for PHT, WLD and ZT were 1113 kg/ha, 976 kg/ha and 885 kg/ha, respectively.  The respective increase in yield was  26% and 14%.                                                                                                                                                                       &nbsp

Gower sign positive muscle weakness in a patient with short stature and hypophosphatemia

A 17-year-old Sudanese patient presented with short stature, generalized body aches, and proximal muscle weakness. He was seen by two orthopedic surgeons and an adult neurologist and misdiagnosed as having benign bone cysts, osteomalacia and Duchenne muscular dystrophy. Infact, he was suffering from severe hypophosphatemia, which manifest by unusual presentation. The diagnostic pitfalls are explained and the importance of urinalysis and measurement of bone minerals are emphasized.Keywords: Renal tubular acidosis, Fanconi syndrome, Rickets

Effects of Ethrel, packaging and waxing on degreening, quality and shelf life of sweet oranges

     Post harvest handling practices of sweet oranges are very poor in the Sudan and result in great losses. Oranges grown in central Sudan reach the ripe stage while they are still green in colour. The lack of orange colour development is due to the relatively high temperatures in this region. Therefore, the objective of this research was to find out the effects of Ethrel, packaging and waxing on sweet orange degreening, quality and shelf life. Experiments were conducted at the Faculty of Agricultural Sciences, University of Gezira, Wad Medani, Sudan, during the seasons of 2013-2014. Ripe, green oranges were treated with Ethrel at two concentrations: 1ml/l, 2ml/l or left untreated as a control. Packaging treatments consisted of wrapping oranges in intact or perforated polyethylene film, waxed or left unpackaged as control. Treatments were arranged in a completely randomized design with two replicates. Results showed that treatment of oranges with Ethrel at both concentrations significantly resulted in degreening of oranges and development of a uniform orange colour as compared to the control. Oranges packaged in intact polyethylene film or waxed recorded the minimum weight loss followed by those wrapped in perforated film, whereas the highest weight loss was recorded for the unpackaged and unwaxed oranges. Also, packaging in intact film or waxing of oranges resulted in the longest shelf life compared to the other treatments. Total soluble solids and vitamin C contents were highest in oranges packaged in intact film or waxed, whereas the least contents were recorded for the control. Ethrel treatment had no significant adverse effects on orange chemical composition. It is recommended to degreen oranges using Ethrel at 2ml/l and package them in intact polymeric film or coat them with wax.   معاملات ما بعد الحصاد للبرتقال في السودان غير متطورة وينتج عنها خسائر كبيرة. يصل البرتقال المنتج في أواسط السودان إلى طور النضج وهو أخضر اللون. يعزى عدم تلوين البرتقال إلى ارتفاع درجات الحرارة في هذه المنطقة.  الهدف من هذه الدراسة هو معرفة أثر مادة الأثرل على تلوين البرتقال وتأثير التغليف والتشميع على جودة وفترة صلاحية البرتقال. أجريت التجارب في كلية العلوم الزراعية، جامعة الجزيرة واد مدني السودان خلال موسمي 2013-2014م. تمت معاملة ثمار البرتقال الأخضر بمادة الأثرل 1 و 2 ملم/لتر أو ترك كشاهد. معاملات التغليف اشتملت على تغليف البرتقال في أكياس البولي إيثلين السليمة أو المخرمة أو التشميع أو بدون تغليف كشاهد. صممت التجارب نسق التصميم العشوائي الكامل بمكررين. أوضحت النتائج أن معاملة البرتقال بمادة الأثرل أدت إلى زوال اللون الأخضر وتلوين البرتقال بلون برتقالي جميل بالمقارنة مع الشاهد. تغليف البرتقال في أكياس البولي إثيلين السليمة أو تشميعه أدى إلى أدنى فقدان الوزن، يليه التغليف في أكياس مخرمة، بينما كان أعلى فقدان الوزن في الشاهد. محتوى المواد الصلبة الذائبة وفيتامين "ج" كان أعلى في البرتقال الذي تم تغليفه في أكياس البولي إيثلين السليمة أو التشميع، بينما كان أدنى محتوى في الشاهد. معاملة البرتقال بمادة الأثرل لم يكن لها أي تأثير ضار على التركيب الكيميائي للبرتقال. لذلك يوصي بمعاملة البرتقال الأخضر بمادة الأثرل لتلوينه وتغليف الثمار في أكياس البولي إيثلين السلمية أو التشميع للحفاظ على الجودة وزيادة فترة الصلاحية أو العمر التخزينية للبرتقال.   &nbsp

Effect of cultivar, packaging treatments and temperature on post-harvest quality of okra

ABSTRACT    Okra is one of the most popular vegetable crops in Sudan. The introduced cultivars such as Pusa Swani and Clemson Spineless have smooth pods and more adapted to the winter conditions of central Sudan. However, the local cultivar, Khartoumia, has hairy pods and not acceptable in international markets. Okra pods are highly perishable and subject to shriveling especially under the hot arid conditions of central Sudan. Therefore, the objective of this study was to determine the effect of packaging and temperature on the shelf life of okra pods of three introduced cultivars. Treatments consisted of three okra cultivars, namely, Clemson Spineless, Pusa Swani and Mahyco (hybrid); packaging treatments consisted of packing okra pods in cartons lined with intact polyethylene film, perforated polyethylene film or in cartons only and storage temperatures were 140C and 320C. Results showed that pods of the  cultivar Mahyco had the lowest weight loss, retained good colour and had the least decay and rot. Packaging of okra pods in intact or perforated polyethylene film and storing at 140C reduced weight loss and resulted in the best pod colour compared to the control. Packaging in perforated polyethylene film and storing at 140C resulted in the lowest incidence of decay and rot and best overall quality of pods. It is recommended to package okra pods in perforated polyethylene film and ship them to markets at 140C