Penetrating Abdominal Injuries: Pattern and Outcome of Management in Khartoum

Background: The pattern and presentation of penetrating abdominal trauma vary according to places and the structure of the present health system. As well controversies in management exist ranging from mandatory exploration to selective non-operative management. Objectives: To determine the pattern of penetrating abdominal trauma, current management practiced and outcome in Khartoum. Patients and Methods: The study was prospective, descriptive and hospital-based. It was carried out at the main three hospitals in Khartoum State. It was conducted over a period of one year from 2012 Mar to 2013 Mar. All patients who presented penetrating injury to their abdomen were included. Results: The study included 85 patients with a mean age of 28 years (SD ± 10). The male to female ratio was 11:1. Most of the patients (89.4%) were in the first four decades of their life. Twenty-three patients (27.1%) presented shock. Stab wound is the commonest mode of trauma seen in 83.5% of our patients. The majority of our patients were managed by exploratory laparotomy (81.2%), however 16 (18.8%) underwent conservative measures. Of the operated group, solid organ injuries were found in 22.9%, yet hollow viscous injuries were reported in 86.9% of the patients. Registrars operated on 78.26% of the patients. The rate of negative laparotomy of this study was 8.7%. Complications and mortality were encountered in 25.9% and 4.7% respectively. The mean hospital stay was 8.47 days (SD ± 10.6). Conclusion: This study demonstrates no difference in the pattern of intra-abdominal injuries. The rate of operative treatment is acceptable, but more laparotomies can be avoided if the haemodynamic stable patients without features of peritonitis were given a period of observation. The overall outcome was satisfactory.

Traumatic Splenic Injuries in Khartoum, Sudan

Background: Spleen injuries are most commonly associated with blunt abdominal trauma and represent a potentially life-threatening condition. Objectives: To study the pattern of splenic injuries of the patient, management instituted and its outcome at Khartoum. Patients and Methods: This is a prospective, analytic and hospital-based multicenteric study, conducted at the three main Teaching hospitals at Khartoum. The study was carried over a period from April 2012 to February 2013. It includes all patients, diagnosed as traumatic splenic injury. Excluded were patients with history of splenic disease, iatrogenic injury or spontaneous rupture. Results: The study included 47 patients: their mean age was 26.4 years (SD ± 14.5). Most of them 41 (87.2%) were in the first four decades of life. Males were predominant 41 (87.2%), with a male to female ratio of 6.8:1. The majority of our patients had blunt abdominal trauma 39 (83%), of whom, road traffic accident accounted for 51.1% and none reported cases of gunshot. Isolated splenic injury was found in 23 (48.9%), and Haemodynamic stability was seen in 27 (57.4%) on presentation. The initial haemoglobin assessment revealed <9 gram/dl in 53.2%. CT scan was performed to 24 (51.1%), of whom 66 patients were Grade I and II and none of our patients were diagnosed as Grade V. Blood transfusion was required in 42 (89.4%). Operative treatment was adopted in 66% (61.7% total splenectomy and 4.3% splenorrhaphy), while selective non-operative management was successful in 16 (34%) of the patients. Higher intra-operative grade of splenic injury was found to be significantly associated with blunt abdominal trauma, haemodynamic instability and associated intra-abdominal injuries. 44 patients (93.6%) were discharged home in a general good condition. The morbidity and mortality were seen in 8.5% and 6.4% respectively. Conclusion: Splenic injuries usually follow blunt abdominal trauma, particularly after road traffic accidents. It is common during the first four decades of life with males being frequently affected. The great success rate of adopting selective non-operative management is worthwhile.

Medicinal plants and phytomedicines are used to treat or prevent illnesses in Sudan: a review

Traditional medicine is a reliable source for treating many diseases in Sudan.It is widely recognized in Sudan,as no Sudanese house is devoid of medicinal herbs.The Sudanese people and their historical stock of knowledge are distinguished by their knowledge and the many applications of herbs in treatment.This reference paper aims to collect all the available information about the use of medicinal plants in Sudan to treat disease or prevent it.Sudanese medicinal plants include a variety of plants and there are many medicinal applications for these plants in the world.According to the information reached by the paper,there are many therapeutic medical applications of these plants in the treatment of various bacterial infections,including digestive diseases,malaria,diabetes,rheumatic pain,respiratory diseases,jaundice,urinary tract infections,wounds,cancer and various microbial infections,according to the information reached by the paper.This reference is for a few groups of Sudanese medicinal plants such as tamarind,hibiscus,Acacia nilotica,Combretum hartmannianum,and Guiera senegalensis,etc.This review article also showed that these plants contain many biologically active substances as active ingredients,including flavonoids,saponins,alkaloids,stimulants,terpenes,tannins,fatty acids and essential oils.Even though Sudanese people use herbal medicine to treat a wide range of illnesses,more research is needed to show that these plants are safe and effective for people to use.For example,phytochemical analysis,biochemical activity tests and toxicology studies should be done to show that these plants are safe and effective for people to use.

Adult Patient Doses for Chest, Skull and Lumbar Spine Examinations

A dosimetry study for chest, skull and lumbar spine examinations in adults has been carried out at two hospitals. The aim of the study was the assessment of adult patient’s dose for chest PA, chest LAT, skull AP and lumbar spine AP examinations. The Entrance Surface Dose (ESD) and the Effective Dose (ED) for each examination were obtained using DoseCal software. For each examination, different results were obtained at the two hospitals. At hospital A (IFF Hospital), the total number of patients studied was 140. The mean ESD values obtained for chest PA, chest LAT, skull AP and lumbar spine AP were 0.20 mGy, 0.47 mGy, 1.25 mGy, and 1.61 mGy, respectively. At hospital B (HGB Hospital), the total number of patients studied was 369 for similar examinations and projections. The ESD values were 0.10 mGy, 0.28 mGy, 0.66 mGy and 2.47 mGy, respectively. The mean ED values at hospital A and B were 0.02 mSv and 0.01 mSv for chest PA, 0.04 mSv and 0.03 mSv for chest LAT, 0.1 mSv and 0.06 mSv for skull AP, and 0.15 mSv and 0.26 mSv for lumbar spine AP, respectively. The results were compared with the European Community Reference Levels. Although the doses were low, there was still a need for personnel training and national guidance on good practice for optimization of patients’ doses.

General Periodic Boundary Value Problem for Systems

The paper deals with the existence of nonzero periodic solution of systems, where k∈(0, π/T), α, β are n×n real nonsingular matrices, μ=(μ1…μn), f(t, u)=(f1(t, u),…,fn(t, u))∈C([0, T]×□n+,□+) is periodic of period T in the t variable are continuous and nonnegative functions. We determine the Green’s function and prove that the existence of nonzero periodic positive solutions if one of . In addition, if all i=(1…n)where λ1 is the principle eigenvalues of the corresponding linear systems. The proof based on the fixed point index theorem in cones. Application of our result is given to such systems with specific nonlinearities.

Random Integral Equation of the Volterra Type with Applications

In this paper we shall present some of the most general results which have been obtained to date concerning random integral equations of the Volterra type. Some results of Tsokos [4] are given for the random integral equation;∫ ( ) t x t w h t w k t w f x w d 0 (;) = ( )+ ( ,τ;) τ , (τ;) τ (1.1) where t ≥ 0 and 1) w is appoint of Ω;2) h(t;w) is the stochastic free term or free random variable defined for 0 ≤ t and w ∈Ω;3) x(t;w) is the unknown random variable for each t ≥ 0 4) the stochastic kernel k(t,τ;w) is defined for 0 ≤τ ≤ t < ∞ and w ∈Ω .

Determination of the Stability Studies of the Sudanese Camel Insulin

The main objective of the presented study was to characterize the stability of the Sudanese camel insulin after 6 months of its extraction, purification and formulation from the fresh pancreatic glands of the camel, slaughtered for local and export consumption. The stability and purity of the formulated insulin samples were compared to standard insulin sam-ples that of the leading manufacturing companies using some analytical techniques such as HPLC, gel electrophoresis and atomic absorption. In another part of the study, the direct transfer method was used to accomplish sterility test by complete immersion of the insulin samples into thioglycollate and soybean medium. The data were presented as mean ± S.E.M (standard error of means) for the comparison of zinc (mg/units) and nitrogen (in percentage) concentrations in standard and testing camel insulin samples, respectively. Similarly, the linear equation was derived and the coefficient factors for standard and testing insulin samples were compared to determine the peak area and the concentrations of the camel insulin samples (mean ± S.E.M) after HPLC elution. The P value,

Nil 3-Armendariz Rings

We introduce nil 3-Armendariz rings, which are generalization of 3-Armendariz rings and nil Armendaiz rings and investigate their properties. We show that a ring R is nil 3-Armendariz ring if and only if for any , Tn(R) is nil 3-Armendariz ring. Also we prove that a right Ore ring R is nil 3-Armendariz if and only if so is Q, where Q is the classical right quotient ring of R. With the help of this result, we can show that a commutative ring R is nil 3-Armendariz if and only if the total quotient ring of R is nil 3-Armendariz.

Trace Elements Assessment in Human Nails in Eastern Sudan Using Atomic Absorption Spectroscopy

In the present work, elements concentration in fingernails samples of volunteers of different ages (males, females) were determined using atomic absorption spectroscopy (AAS) Perkin-Elmer, spectrophotometer. Fingernails samples of different groups were analyzed to determine the trace elements Ca, Mg, Mn, Fe, Ni, Cu, Co, Zn and Pb. Standards materials were prepared for concentration assessment that adjacent to samples from two cities in different location in eastern province of Sudan for elements concentrations finding. In addition, samples of hands fingernails and toenails were analyzed for comparison and method validation. Consequently, the significant levels of elements concentration in nails samples of Jabiat residents compared to Port Sudan resident’s area due to soil dispersion are supporting the possibility of external contamination. The data of component matrix and rotated component matrix of varimax normalization using principal component analysis revealed important predictors of nails elements Mg, Mn, Fe, Cu and Zn concentrations in soil of both areas under study. However, the Pb, Ni, Ca, and Co are possible to be indication of different sources associated with environmental contamination. The significant correlation and principal component analysis of the elements of nails concentrations in the two categories supported the probability of different expose environmental contamination.

Detection and Quantification of Anti-Inflammatory Cytokine in Sera and Urine of Sudanese Patients Infected with Schistosoma haematobium

Cytokines have been in focus of scientific in for more than decade now. Analyzing their expression has enabled a better understanding of pathogenesis of various diseases. Moreover, they are now for beyond their stage when they were of interest for pathophysiological research. In the present study, we used an assay to anti-inflammatory cytokines. One hundred and thirty sera and urine from egg positive individuals and 42 samples of healthy individuals in Eldeum locality—an endemic area of S. haematobum and 28 healthy individuals from non-endemic area were tested. Concentration of IL5 and IL10 is reverse. IL5 is low in serum but high in urine before treatment and high in serum and low in urine after treatment. IL10 is high in serum, low in urine before treatment and low in serum, high in urine after treatment.

Gravitational Self Energy Mass and Gravitational Radiation Quantization within the Framework of the Generalized General Relativity

In this work, the mass resulting from self energy is obtained by utilizing the generalized relativity. The expression for the mass which results from the gravitational field is finite. This expression is found by considering the mass first as small tiny string and second as small sphere. A useful equation for the propagation of graviton waves in space indicates that graviton propagates as travelling wave. By treating gravitation waves as wave packets a plank quantum expression for graviton energy dependent on the frequency is also found. The gravitational constant (parameter) is quantized also in this work.

Acute Fingertip Injuries in Sudanese Patients: Patterns and Clinical Presentation

Background: Acute fingertip injuries are common and may lead to functional and aesthetic complications if not treated properly. Different types of trauma result in injuries with variable severity and affect certain risk groups. Objectives: To study the high-risk groups affected by fingertip injuries, their etiological factors, clinical features, and wound patterns, and the influence of hand dominance. Study Design: A descriptive study of 103 consecutive patients with 144 acutely injured fingertips. Data Collection/Analysis: We obtained demographic data, occupation, hand dominance, time and cause of trauma, and the presenting symptoms. Further, clinical examination, radiological, and laboratory studies were performed. Wound characteristics were classified according to the pulp, nailbed and bone (PNB) classification. The data were analyzed with the Fisher’s exact test and Chi-square test. Results: A total of 103 patients (88 males, 15 females) presented with 144 injured fingertips. The male to female ratio was 5.8:1, and the mean age was 27.5 years. The age group affected most commonly was 16 - 20 years. There was a strong association between hand dominance and fingertip injuries, as in 65% of the cases, the dominant hand was injured more frequently than the non-dominant (p = 0.01). The sharp and blunt injuries observed involved the left hand more than the right and were often the result of machinery-related trauma (p = 0.04). Approximately 68% of the injuries were related to work, while 26% were attributable to domestic accidents. In 22% of the cases, seasonal workers were the category affected most often, followed by factory workers. Nearly half of the injuries were related to working with machines, while door-trapping was the most frequent cause of injury in children under 5. The index finger was injured most frequently (31.9%), followed by the middle finger (27.9%), while the thumb and little fingers were involved least (11% for each). Pulp injuries were seen in 97% of cases, commonly with lacerations (39.6%, n = 139) while complete pulp loss was seen in 12.6% of cases. 87% of the cases were nail bed injuries, often with nail bed lacerations (28.6%, n = 126), while complete nail bed loss was observed in 9.5% of cases. Tuft fractures were the commonest bone injuries (26%), while complete bone loss was seen in 7.7% of the injured bones (n = 104). Conservative management was carried out on 9% of fingers, while the others required various methods of surgical repair. Nail bed repair was performed in 48.8% of cases (n = 126), while bone fixation was required in 20.2% (n = 104). Conclusions: Fingertip injuries are highly common in practice. In our study, the age, gender, mechanism of trauma and hand dominance had their influence on the pattern of injury. Finally, wound characteristics determine the type of management required.

LMP1 Immunohistochemistry in Non-Hodgkin’s Lymphoma of Sudanese Cases

Back ground: Non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma (NHL) with its different subtypes is strongly related to Epstein Bar virus (EBV) infection mainly Burkitt’s lymphoma in Africa. Studies proved the role of EBV in tumor-genesis and linked it to prognosis and therapy of patients. Objectives: To determine the frequency of EBV in non-Hodgkin lymphomas using EBV latent membrane protein 1 (EBV-LMP1) immunohistochemical stain. Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted at radio-isotope centre of Khartoum (2012-2014). A total of 75 cases of non-Hodgkin lymphoma paraffin embedded sections were stained for EBV LMP1 antibody. Data were analyzed by SPSS 16 and statistical cross linking of the results of immune staining with other data was done. Results: Out of 75 patients of non Hodgkin’s lymphoma (74.7%) were males. EBV-LMP1 Immune-staining was positive in (17.3%) with predominance of Burkitt’s lymphoma (33.3%), followed by diffuse large B cell lymphoma (17.9%). Conclusion: Burkitt’s lymphoma expressed the highest percentage of non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma positive cases (46.2%) out of the total (17.3%) positive cases. Different methods need to be used in studying Burkitt’s lymphoma expression of EBV and its effects on the treatment and prognosis of cases.

Effects of feeding whole linseed on ruminal fatty acid composition and microbial population in goats

The objective of the present study was to evaluate the effect of feeding different levels of whole linseed,as a source of n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids(PUFA), on ruminal fatty acid composition and microbial population in the goat. Twenty-four crossbred Boer goats were assigned to 3 dietary treatments: LO(control), L10 and L20 containing 0,10%, or 20% whole linseed, respectively. The ruminal pH and concentration of total volatile fatty acids(VFA) were not affected by dietary treatments. The feeding of L10 and L20 diets produced higher(P < 0.05) molar proportions of acetate and lower(P < 0.05) molar proportions of butyrate and valerate than the LO diet. Molar proportions of myristic acid(C14:0) and palmitic acid(C16:0) were lower(P < 0.05) in the rumen of goats offered L10 and L20 diets than the control diet. However, stearic acid(C18:0), vaccenic acid(C18:1 trans-11), conjugated linoleic acid(CLA,C18:2 trans-10, cis-12) and a-lenolenic acid(C18:3 n-3) were higher(P < 0.05) in the rumen of goats fed L10 and L20 than L0. Both inclusion levels of linseed in the diet(L10 and L20) reduced the ruminal total bacteria, methanogens, and protozoa compared with LO(P < 0.05). The effect of the dietary treatments on cellulolytic bacteria, varied between the individual species. Both inclusion levels of linseed resulted in a significant decrease(P < 0.05) in the population of Fibrobacter succinogenes, and Rumunococus flavefaciens compared with LO, with no significant difference between the groups fed linseed diets. The population of Rumunococus albus was not affected by the different dietary treatments. It was concluded that inclusion of whole linseed in the diet of goats could increase the concentration of PUFA in the rumen, and decrease the population of F. succinogenes, R. flavefaciens, methanogens and protozoa in rumen liquid of goats.

Impact of soil compaction on the engineering properties of potato tubers

A study on a 30 hm2 field was conducted to assess the variability in soil compaction and to investigate its effect on the engineering properties of potato tubers in terms of tuber shape and key dimensions(length,width and thickness)and resistance to penetration,rupture and shear forces.Three soil compaction levels were spatially correlated with the engineering properties of potato tubers through linear regression and ANOVA test.The three compaction levels included a low level(C1)ranging between 1.2-1.9 MPa,a medium level(C2)with compaction levels between 2.0-2.3 MPa and a high level(C3)ranging between 2.4-2.9 MPa.Results revealed that there were no significant changes in the key tuber dimensions corresponding to the variability in soil compaction.However,inverse linear relationships were observed between soil compaction and the key tuber dimensions with R2 values of 77%,97%and 96%for length,width and thickness,respectively.Similarly,the soil compaction was shown to have no effect on the tuber resistance to compression and shear force.In contrast,the tuber resistance to penetration was significantly affected by soil compaction(p>F=0.0012).

DEEPEYE: Link Prediction in Dynamic Networks Based on Non-negative Matrix Factorization

A Non-negative Matrix Factorization(NMF)-based method is proposed to solve the link prediction problem in dynamic graphs. The method learns latent features from the temporal and topological structure of a dynamic network and can obtain higher prediction results. We present novel iterative rules to construct matrix factors that carry important network features and prove the convergence and correctness of these algorithms. Finally, we demonstrate how latent NMF features can express network dynamics efficiently rather than by static representation,thereby yielding better performance. The amalgamation of time and structural information makes the method achieve prediction results that are more accurate. Empirical results on real-world networks show that the proposed algorithm can achieve higher accuracy prediction results in dynamic networks in comparison to other algorithms.