Neonatal mortality in Sudan: analysis of the Sudan household survey, 2010

BACKGROUND: Sudan is classified as having insufficient progress in achieving the Millennium Development Goal (MDG-4), where the levels of child and infant mortality are among the highest in the region and the world. This study investigated factors associated with neonatal mortality in Sudan. Neonatal death is defined as death within the first 28 days of life. METHODS: This study analysed data from the Sudan Household Health Survey 2nd round, which was carried out in 2010. Total of 6,198 live-born infants delivered within the two years preceding the survey were included as the study population. Multivariate logistic regression was used to model neonatal mortality as a function of maternal health parameters, socioeconomic indicators and the sex of the child. RESULTS: There were 189 neonatal deaths out of 6,198 live births (3.0%). In the multiple logistic regression, the factors associated with neonatal mortality were advanced maternal age (≥ 40 years; OR = 2.4; 95% CI: 1.21, 4.78, p = 0.012), poor household wealth index (OR = 1.6; 95% CI: 1.18, 2.47, p = 0.005), male child (OR = 1.8; 95% CI: 1.31, 2.42, p < 0.001), delivery of baby by Caesarean section (OR = 1.6; 95% CI: 1.78, 2.42, p = 0.013) and delivery complications (OR = 1.4; 95% CI: 1.18, 2.15, p = 0.002). CONCLUSION: Public health interventions which target neonatal mortality reduction should adopt a risk-factor-based approach to detect pregnancy complications early and once identified, the health system should be strengthened so that these complications can be dealt with adequately

The Role of Fuel and Energy Sector in the Eurasian Economic Community Integration Process

The article focuses on creation of the common energy space among the Customs Union and the Common Economic Space countries. We analyzes energy markets in Russia, Kazakhstan and Belarus, natural resources potential of these countries and their energy exports, as well as pays particular attention to the current oil and gas supplies regulation within the Customs Union. The main problems emphasized in the article are the common oil and gas market establishment, harmonization of the national energy legislation, effective transit potential use, development and adoption of common rules for the oil and gas industry access, removal of duties and establishment of common tariff policy. In conclusion, recommendations for development of Russia's Eurasian integration strategy are presented. Keywords: Energy, Eurasian integration, Common Economic Space. JEL Classification: F02

Screening of Guava genotypes to natural infestation of fruit flies (Diptera:Tephritidae) in River Nile, Sennar and North Kordofan States, Sudan

The infesting species and their infestation indices of fruit flies were determined for guava genotypes (Psidium guajava L.),grown in River Nile, Sennar and North Kordofan States during the period from June to August 2010 .Twenty genotypes were selected from each state to be evaluated ,where ten mature fruits from each genotypes were harvested randomly from insecticide unsprayed trees. Fruits were brought to the laboratory and placed in individual plastic vials containing sand at the bottom to obtain the pupae. Infestation indices were estimated by means of total number of pupae/fruit. Pupal viability was then calculated based on the percentage of pupae resulted in fly emergence. Data was analyzed using analysis of variance and Duncan multiple range test for mean separations. Results showed that Guava fruits were infested by four fruit fly species Ceratitis cosyra, C.quinaira, C capitata and Bactrocera dorsalis constitute (82.2), (0.8), (16.7), (0.3% ) and 28.35 ,0.01 ,10.1 and 61.56% in River Nile and Sennar States respectively. While in North Kordofan State guava fruits were infested by C.cosyra, C.capitat and B.dorsalis 98.4,0.4 and 1.2% respectively. All the evaluated genotypes in River Nile and Sennar States were infested by the fruit fly with varying degrees only two genotypes 15 red flesh fruit and 19 white flesh fruit in Kordofan state were found free from fruit fly infestation. Infestation was much higher in Sennar and River Nile states (32 and 29 pupae/fruit) respectively compared to North Kordofan (1.6 pupae/fruit).The higher infestation rate occurred in ripe guava fruits (33) compared to 18 and 6 pupae/fruit in mature green and immature green fruit respectively

Effect of Grazing of Dairy Cows on Bt Cotton Crop Residues on Milk and Cheese Chemical Composition and Sensory Properties

This experiment was conducted in two localities in Gezira state, Sudan. The objective of the experiment was to investigate; the effect of grazing cattle on genetically modified cotton crop residues (designated as Bt-CCR) on milk and cheese chemical composition and sensory characteristics. The results revealed that, there was significant differences (P&lt;0.01) between milk produced from grazing on Bt and on non- Bt CCR. With exception of fat, all other milk components were significantly (P&lt;0.01) higher in milk produced from grazing on Bt CCR. Also the same trend was found in cheese produced from Bt milk. In sensory evaluation of milk, consistency, flavor, taste and overall assessment were significantly better in non Bt milk. While there was no significant difference in sensory characteristics between the cheese produced from Bt and non-Bt milk. It was concluded that, grazing on Bt CCR significantly affect milk and cheese chemical composition but only sensory characteristics in milk. However, more investigation to elucidate these reasons is needed

Qualitative Assessment of the Pharmacist’s Role in Punjab, Pakistan: Medical Practitioners’ Views

Purpose: To assess the perception of Pakistani doctors regarding pharmacist’s role in Punjab Pakistan.Methods: A qualitative approach was used to assess the perception of doctors regarding pharmacist’s role in the study setting. A total of 12 doctors were interviewed using a semi- structured interview guide. The study was conducted for a period of 3 months in the Pakistani cities of Islamabad and Lahore, from July to September 2011. Doctors were informed regarding the aim, objective and nature of the study.Results: All the interviews were transcribed verbatim and thematically analyzed for their content. Thematic content analysis yielded four major themes: 1) Availability of pharmacist in Pakistan’s healthcare setting. 2) Willingness to collaborate with pharmacist. 3) Separation of prescribing from dispensing. 4) Difference in academic levels of doctors and pharmacist.Conclusion: Doctors are receptive to an expanded role for pharmacists, also regard them as drug information experts, but their expectations fall short of the quality of clinically-focused pharmacy services that pharmacists are actually rendering.Keywords: Doctors’ expectation, Pharmacist, Clinical pharmacy services, Qualitative study, Prescribin

Establishment and Marketing of New Oil Benchmarks in the Structure of Global Oil and Oil Products Mercantile Trade: the Russian Case

The organization of oil and oil products stock trading that requires for independent national price indicators establishment, will promote the formation of a fair prices for energy commodities, the extension of influence of the national currency on the global market and the decrease of impact of external fluctuations of global economy. In this article, the authors review the possibility of inclusion of new oil benchmarks in the structure of the global oil and oil products mercantile trade. In particular, the Russian case is the major research subject, and the assessment is made for the purpose of strengthening the country's leverage over free market prices and in the interests of the state budget and national companies. Special attention is also given to the analysis of the contemporary contract structure of the global oil market and imposed risks. The authors develop the methodological framework for oil and oil products price indicators calculation and the suggestions about the promotion and marketing of Russian oil benchmark on the international level. Keywords: oil, oil products, mercantile exchange, benchmark, global oil market, international relations JEL Classifications: F13, N70, O24, Q4

Preservation of endopelvic fascia, puboprostatic ligaments, dorsal venous complex and hydrodissection of the neurovascular bundles during robot-assisted radical prostatectomy: a video demonstration and propensity score matched outcomes

Introduction: We sought to report the oncologic and functional outcomes of endopelvic fascia (EPF), puboprostatic ligaments (PPL), and dorsal venous complex (DVC) preservation with hydrodissection of the neurovascular bundles (NVB) during robot-assisted radical prostatectomy (RARP). Materials and Methods: A retrospective review of our prospectively maintained prostate cancer database was performed. Patients who underwent bilateral or unilateral nerve sparing were identified. Propensity score matching was performed in a ratio of 1:1.6 between new technique (Group 1) and a historical group (Group 2). Data were reviewed for perioperative, oncologic, and functional outcomes. Cumulative incidence curves were used to depict perfect continence (0 pads), social continence (0-1 pads), and potency (SHIM≥17 with or without erectile aids). Multivariate models were used to elicit variables associated with continence and potency. Results: 76 patients in Group 1 and 126 patients in Group 2 were included. Median follow up was 17 months. Group 1 showed higher perfect continence rates at 1 month (9% vs 3%), 3 months (24% vs 19%), and 6 months (54% vs 34%) compared to Group 2 respectively (log rank p\u3c0.01). Group 1 also showed higher social continence rates at 1 month (15% vs 3%), 3 months (77% vs 32%), and 6 months (87% vs 53%) compared to Group 2 respectively (log rank p\u3c0.01). Group 1 had a similar potency rate compared to Group 2 (log rank p=0.25). Multivariate analysis showed that Group 1 was associated with improved perfect (Possibility ratio (PR) 1.82, 95% CI 1.29–2.58, p\u3c0.01) and social continence (PR 2.54, 95% CI 1.83 – 3.52, p\u3c0.01), but not potency. Conclusions: EPF, PPL, and DVC preservation with hydrodissection of the NVB offered similar oncological outcomes, but earlier and improved urinary continence rates compared to standard dissection

Gaps in Capacity in Primary Care in Low-Resource Settings for Implementation of Essential Noncommunicable Disease Interventions

Objective. The objective was to evaluate the capacity of primary care (PC) facilities to implement basic interventions for prevention and management of major noncommunicable diseases (NCDs), including cardiovascular diseases and diabetes. Methods. A cross-sectional survey was done in eight low- and middle-income countries (Benin, Bhutan, Eritrea, Sri Lanka, Sudan, Suriname, Syria, and Vietnam) in 90 PC facilities randomly selected. The survey included questions on the availability of human resources, equipment, infrastructure, medicines, utilization of services, financing, medical information, and referral systems. Results and Conclusions. Major deficits were identified in health financing, access to basic technologies and medicines, medical information systems, and the health workforce. The study has provided the foundation for strengthening PC to address noncommunicable diseases. There are important implications of the findings of this study for all low- and middle-income countries as capacity of PC is fundamental for equitable prevention and control of NCDs

Energy Diplomacy of Turkey

The article deals with current issues of energy diplomacy of Turkey. The authors describe the main positive and negative results of Turkey's foreign energy policy in terms of the implementation of major energy projects. Geopolitical processes in the world, the conflict of interests of various countries in the political arena are important factors that affect the crude oil and natural gas pipeline projects. Particular attention is paid to the problems and prospects of cooperation between the Turkish Republic and the Russian Federation in the fuel and energy complex. The authors describe the interaction betweeen Russia and Turkey in the energy sector, including geo-economic interests of the countries in the Russian-Turkish gas dialogue. Turkey made efforts to position as an alternative gas supply route, taking advantage of concern about increasing Europe's dependence on Russian exports. Last years Turkey has set itself the important task - to turn from transit country into a regional gas hub. Ukrainian crisis increased the geostrategic importance of the Black Sea region to Russia, as well as strengthened the ambition of the Turkish side. The authors also highlight the prospects of the natural gas pipeline project from Russia via the Black Sea to Turkey and to the Turkish-Greek border, which named "Turkish stream". This project was frozen in terms of military and political processes at the end of 2015 in Syria