Malaria, Schistosomiasis, and Related Anemia

Parasitic infections (e.g., malaria and helminthiases) have a huge impact on public health in endemic areas. Moreover, parasitic infestations are prominent causes of anemia in the tropics and subtropics, further perpetuated by malnutrition, inflammatory, and genetic diseases. Anemia-associating parasitic infections vary depending on the requirements and pathophysiology of the parasites. There is an interplay between different factors that can be segregated as host and parasite factors, resulting in severe anemia accompanying these parasitic infestations. The pathophysiological mechanisms leading to anemia associated with the different parasites vary greatly, including hemolysis, anemia of inflammation, bone marrow suppression, and micronutrients deficiency. The major means to deal with this anemia include prevention and treatment of such infestations

Prevalence and risk factors for Plasmodium falciparum malaria in pregnant women of eastern Sudan

BACKGROUND: Pregnant women are more susceptible to malaria, which is associated with serious adverse effects on pregnancy. The presentation of malaria during pregnancy varies according to the level of transmission in the area. Our study aimed to demonstrate the prevalence and risk factors for malaria (age, parity and gestational age) among pregnant women of eastern Sudan, which is characterized by unstable malaria transmission. METHODS: The prevalence and possible risk factors for Plasmodium falciparum malaria were investigated in 744 pregnant Sudanese women attending the antenatal clinic of New Haifa Teaching Hospital, eastern Sudan, during October 2003-April 2004. RESULTS: A total 102 (13.7%) had P. falciparum malaria, 18(17.6%) of these were severe cases (jaundice and severe anaemia). Univariate and multivariate analysis showed that, age and parity were not associated with malaria. Women who attended the antenatal clinic in the third trimester were at highest risk for malaria (OR = 1.58, 95% CI = 1.02–2.4; P < 0.05). Women with malaria had significantly lower mean haemoglobin (9.4 g/dl, 95% CI 9.1–9.7 versus 10.7, CI 10.6–10.8, P < 0.05). A significantly lower haemoglobin was observed in those with severe falciparum malaria compared to non-severe form (8.3 g/dl, 95% CI 7.6–9.1 versus 9.4, 95% CI 9.1–9.7, P = < 0.05). CONCLUSION: The results suggest that P. falciparum malaria is common in pregnant women attending antenatal care and that anaemia is an important complication. Preventive measures (chemoprophylaxis and insecticide-treated bednets) may be beneficial in this area for all women irrespective of age or parity

Comparison of HemoCue® hemoglobin-meter and automated hematology analyzer in measurement of hemoglobin levels in pregnant women at Khartoum hospital, Sudan

<p>Abstract</p> <p>Background</p> <p>Assessment of hemoglobin is one of the most reliable indicators for anemia, and is widely used to screen for anemia among pregnant women. The HemoCue^®has been widely used for as a point-of-care device for hemoglobin estimation in health facilities. Previous studies showed contradictory results regarding the accuracy of HemoCue^®.</p> <p>Methods</p> <p>This was a hospital-based cross sectional study carried- out among pregnant women at Khartoum hospital in Sudan to find out whether the measurement of hemoglobin concentration by HemoCue^®using venous or capillary samples was comparable to that of the automated hematology analyzer as standard. Bland and Altman method was used to compare the measurements with an acceptable difference of ± 1.0 g/dl.</p> <p>Results</p> <p>Among the 108 subjects in this study the mean (SD) level of hemoglobin level using HemoCue^®venous sample, HemoCue^®capillary sample and automated hematology analyzer were 12.70 (1.77), 12.87 (2.04) and 11.53 (1.63) g/dl, respectively. Although the correlations between the measurements were all significant there was no agreement between HemoCue^®and automated hematology analyzer. The bias + SD (limits of agreement) for HemoCue^®venous versus hematology analyzer was 1.17 ± 1.57 (-1.97, 4.31) g/dl, HemoCue^®capillary versus hematology analyzer was 1.34 ± 1.85 (-2.36, 5.04) g/dl, and HemoCue^®venous versus HemoCue^®capillary samples was 017 ± 1.90 and (3.97-3.63) g/dl.</p> <p>Conclusion</p> <p>Hemoglobin concentration assessment by HemoCue^®using either venous or capillary blood samples has shown unacceptable agreement with automated hematology analyzer.</p> <p>Virtual slides</p> <p>The virtual slide(s) for this article can be found here: <url>http://www.diagnosticpathology.diagnomx.eu/vs/8797022296725036</url></p

Accuracy of tympanic temperature measurement using an infrared tympanic membrane thermometer

BACKGROUND: During investigation and diagnosis of patients, accurate temperature measurement is of great importance. The advantages of tympanic membrane thermometry are speed (temperature reading available within seconds), safety, and ease of use. The aim of this study was to compare the accuracy of infrared tympanic thermometers in comparison to mercury thermometers in measurement of body temperature. METHODS: Axillary and tympanic temperature was measured simultaneously in consecutive patients using mercury glass and infrared tympanic thermometers at Omdurman Hospital, Sudan during October 2012. RESULTS: In total, temperature was measured in 174 patients, 95 of whom (54.6%) were male. The mean (SD) patient age and weight was 33.18 (25.07) years and 52.13 (69.85) kg. There was no significant difference in mean (SD) temperature measurement between mercury and infrared tympanic membrane thermometers, 37.29°C (0.91) versus 37.38°C (0.95), P = 0.373, respectively. There was a significant positive correlation between axillary and tympanic body temperature measurements (r = 0.697, P < 0.001). The mean difference between the two readings (with limits of agreements) was - 0.093 (−0.20; 0.02) °C. CONCLUSION: In this study, tympanic membrane thermometry is as reliable and accurate as axillary mercury glass thermometry. Thus, tympanic thermometry can be used in clinical practice, especially in the emergency setting, where ease of use and speed of obtaining the temperature reading are important

The Prediction of Tear Strength of plain weave fabric Using Linear Regression Models

The aim of the study is to predict the tear strength of plain weave fabric by knowing the yarn count, yarn tensile strength and the fabric linear density. A total of nine fabric samples (produced of three different yarn counts which were 36.88, 29.50 and 9.83 tex) were produced in deferent densities at weft direction which were 4.33, 7.08 and 8.26 threads per cm, while the density was fixed at the warp direction in 9.84 ends per cm . Tensile strength was tested for these fabrics at warp and weft direction. The results were analyzed and incorporated in the Min-Tab program and the development of regression coefficients and correlation between variables to obtain equations to predict the tear strength at warp and weft direction

Simulation of Water Proofing Building Using Poly Ethylene (PE) Sheets

The research focused on how to use high density poly ethylene )HDPE( sheets in waterproofing operations of floor buildings (bathrooms, kitchens, basements and swimming pools), which uses Bitumen and how the Bitumen is modified by introducing some polymeric materials, until using of forced thermoplastic booster (carbon black or Fiber Glass). In insulation process HDPE sheets is placed under the concrete floor, which displays the sheet pressure and this pressure causes the stresses and deformations in the insulation material by using (solid work program) the geometric design sample dimensions were determined using stress analysis and simulation the input data are the material (HDPE) characteristics such as density, tensile strain, the poison ratio and tear resistance. The applied load on the sheet is a tile weight was analyzed by (solid work program) to determine stresses and deformations that have occurred to the insulation material. Absorption coefficient of moisture conducting test shows the HDPE has an excellent absorption properties to use in waterproofing, when using insulation material under concrete, the concrete dry out after 12 hours; which would lead to more cohesion of cement and concrete. Noting that the concrete without using insulation material will dry within 3 hours

Malaria and pre-eclampsia in an area with unstable malaria transmission in Central Sudan

<p>Abstract</p> <p>Background</p> <p>Placental malaria and pre-eclampsia occur frequently in women in tropics and are leading causes of maternal and perinatal morbidities and mortality. Few data exist concerning the interaction between placental malaria and pre-eclampsia.</p> <p>Methods</p> <p>A case control study was conducted in Medani Hospital, which locates in an area of unstable malaria transmission in Central Sudan. Case (N = 143) were women with pre-eclampsia, which was defined as systolic blood presure≥140 mm Hg or diastolic blood pressure ≥ 90 mm Hg and proteinuria. Controls were parturient women (N = 143) without any blood pressure values > 139/89 mm Hg or proteinuria. Obstetrical and medical characteristics were gathered from both groups through structured questionnaires. Placental histopathology examinations for malaria were performed.</p> <p>Results</p> <p>Twenty-eight (19.6%) vs. 16 (11.2%); <it>P </it>= 0.04 of the cases vs. controls, had placental malaria infections. Five (2%), 1 (2%) and 22 (28.0%) vs. 1, 2 and 13 of the placentae showed acute, chronic and past infection on histopathology examination in the two groups respectively, while 115 (80.4%) vs.127 (88.8%) of them showed no infection, <it>P </it>= 0.04. In multivariate analysis, while there were no associations between age, parity, educational level, lack of antenatal care, blood groups and body mass index and pre-eclampsia; family history of hypertension and placental malaria (OR = 2.3, 95% CI = 1.0-5.2; <it>P </it>= 0.04) were significantly associated with pre-eclampsia.</p> <p>Conclusion</p> <p>Placental malaria was associated with pre-eclampsia. Further research is needed.</p

Effect of Breed, Sex and Age on Body Measurements of Sudanese Camels (Camelus dromedarius)

Abstract: Data on body measurements and weight were obtained on 274 camels (different ecotypes). The purpose of this study was to determine factors affecting body measurements of Sudanese camel breeds and re-grade those camels according to their morphological traits. The results of this study showed that average barrel girth, heart girth, height at shoulders and body weight were 2.45± 0.02 m; 2.02± 0.01 m; 1.90± 0.01 m and 463.25± 4.90 kg respectively. The results also revealed that phenotypic measurements were significantly influenced by type of camel and age group. The Shanbali camel recorded the highest values of barrel girth, heart girth and body weight, followed by those of the Kenani camel. Rashaidi, Anafi and Bishari camel breeds recorded the lowest values. Regarding to the age groups the camels in the second group 7 to 9 years had significantly the highest values of phenotypic measurements, followed by those of the third group 10 to 12 years, while the animals in the first group 4 to 6 years recorded the lowest values. Moreover, the results showed that the sex of camel significantly affected the heart girth, height at shoulders and body weight; and the males had significantly higher (P&lt; 0.5) values than those of females. The study concluded that the Shanbali and Kenani camels are the largest Sudanese camel breed followed by Maalia and Maganeen camels

No Association between 25 (OH) Vitamin D Level And Hypothyroidism among Females

AIM: The aim was to investigate serum vitamin D (25-OH) level among females with hypothyroidism.MATERIALS AND METHODS: A case-control study (58 in each arm) was conducted in Arar Central Hospital, Kingdom Saudi Arabia. The cases were females with hypothyroidism, and healthy females were controls. TSH, thyroid hormones: Free T3 (FT3) and Free T4 (FT4) and haemoglobin levels were measured in all participants. Serum vitamin D (25-OH) level was measured using the spectrophotometry.RESULTS: While there was no significant difference in the age and haemoglobin level, body mass index (BMI) was significantly higher in the cases. Compared with the controls, cases had significantly higher TSH, had significantly lower T4, and there was no significant difference in FT3 and 25 (OH) vitamin D, [16.1 (8.8-26.7) vs. 14.0 (9.5-20.3 ng/ml; P = 0.577]. Linear regression showed no association between, age, BMI, haemoglobin, TSH, FT3, FT4 and the log of 25 (OH) vitamin D levels.CONCLUSION: There was no significant difference in vitamin D level among females with hypothyroidism and healthy controls