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Herein, we present a new eco-friendly microextraction method based on the magnetite/multi-walled carbon nanotubes reinforced and natural deep eutectic-filled hollow fiber solid/liquid phase microextraction, abbreviated as HF-SLPME, combined with HPLC–DAD analysis. This method has been developed to determine trace levels of phthalate esters, including diethyl phthalate, benzyl butyl phthalate, and di-iso-butyl phthalate in urine, blood plasma, tap water, and groundwater samples. The natural deep eutectic solvents were prepared using terpenoid-derived natural compounds containing menthol and camphor in various ratios. The HF-SLPME device was constructed by reinforcing and immobilizing the synthesized Fe3O4-MWCNTs within the pores of a 2.5 cm segment of hollow fiber microtube through ultrasonication, followed by filling the lumen with the natural deep eutectic solvent with both ends heat sealing. The extraction process was conducted in direct immersion mode. Values of crucial variables for HF-SLPME were optimized through a multivariate methodology based on a central composite design, with 30 extraction tests performed to determine the best conditions. The method exhibited good linearity (correlation coefficients R2 > 0.996) over a dynamic range lower than 0.927–103 µg L−1. The results show that the limits of detection/quantification for the chosen PEs ranged from 0.19 to 0.27/ 0.65 to 0.92 µg L−1 with enrichment factor˃ 37.24. As evidenced by intra- and inter-day precisions, satisfactory reproducibility was achieved with relative standard deviations (RSDs) below 3.7% and 5.1%, respectively. The recoveries of the selected phthalate esters from spiked real samples ranged from 88.4 to 111.1%, with relative standard deviations between 2.3 and 6.5%. This HF-SLPME-HPLC–DAD method offered a new, cost-effective, sensitive microextraction approach for determining and quantifying phthalate esters in aqueous samples with complex matrices. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Malnutrition remains a global health issue, endangering the lives of millions of children, especially in developing nations. It profoundly affects a child's physical and mental development, leading to severe and often irreversible consequences. Objectives: This study aims to assess the knowledge, attitudes, and practices of mothers with acutely malnourished children concerning child feeding and the prevention of malnutrition. Subjects and Methods: A cross-sectional hospital-based study was conducted involving 139 mothers with acutely malnourished children admitted to the malnutrition ward at Mohammed Al-Ameen Hamid Pediatric Hospital between May 2022 and December 2022. Data were collected through direct interviews with the surveyed mothers utilizing a validated, structured questionnaire. Analysis of data was performed using SPSS software version 20. Results: The study revealed that 78.4% of mothers possessed adequate knowledge, 80.6% exhibited favorable attitudes, and 55.4% demonstrated good child-feeding practices and malnutrition prevention practices. A significant correlation between mothers' education and practice was identified (P = 0.025). Furthermore, data analysis highlighted the significant association between mothers' knowledge and attitude (P = 0.007), mothers' knowledge and practice (P = 0.006), and mothers' attitudes and practice (P = 0.033). Conclusion: Most mothers exhibited sufficient knowledge and positive attitudes regarding child feeding and malnutrition prevention; however, there is a need to translate this awareness into improved practices. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The concentration level of urinary 8-hydroxy-2′-deoxyguanosine (8-OHdG), an oxidative stress biomarker for various diseases especially cancer, has been attracted as a pathway suitable for diagnostic purposes. Determination of urinary 8-OHdG is challenging due to its low level within a complex matrix. In this study, a new approach of solid/liquid phase microextraction technique prior to high-performance liquid chromatography diode-array detection (HPLC-DAD) analysis was developed for the determination of trace levels of 8-OHdG in urine samples. The solid/liquid phase microextraction device was constructed by reinforcement of multi-walled carbon nanotubes into the pores of a short segment 2.5 cm of hollow fiber microtube with two ends heat sealed. Based on the optimized procedure, the selected analyte was extracted from an acidic sample solution (10 mL adjusted at pH = 5) into the five extraction devices. After the extraction period (30 min), the 8-OHdG was eluted from the extraction device using methanol (350 µL) under ultrasonication for 5 min. The analytical performance of the method in synthetic urine samples showed good linearity (R 2 > 0.999) with the limits of detection of 0.85 ng mL−1, and extraction recovery > 92.36%. The developed microextraction technique exhibited a confident sensitivity, feasible operation, and simplicity in comparison with other published methods and was valid to determinate trace 8-OHdG in urine cancer patients' samples by using a cheap and commonly available HPLC-DAD instrument. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper, the design and the implementation of a stabilising feedback law for an engine throttle valve system are investigated while taking into account the digital communication over the vehicle network. In particular, the digital communication between sensors, controller, and actuators is studied using the event-triggered theory. Considering the sampled-data nature of the closed-loop system, the emulation approach is used to synthesise the control law to stabilise the plant in the continuous-time domain. Next, we provide a systematic methodology to derive, both, time-triggering and event-triggering rules such that the closed-loop stability is preserved. The approach is illustrated by simulation on the dynamic model of the throttle valve system. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Apart from the wasted resource, canceled tests cause delay of test results thus affecting patient care. The study aimed to identify the reasons for the test cancellation of samples received in a blood bank laboratory and determine the improvement target. Methods: The study retrospectively reviewed the canceled tests in a blood bank laboratory of a hospital in Hail, Saudi Arabia, from January 2017 to December 2020. Records of the canceled test taken from the quality assurance database were utilized to identify the various reasons. Results: A total of 2,017 (2.7%) test cancellations were recorded in the 4-year study period with increasing rates noted. The two primary reasons were specimen quality issues (61.9%) and problems related to test orders (33.9%). The main reason for test cancellation was clotted specimen (48.5%) followed by incorrect test order (15.6%) and duplicate test order (13.9%). Statistically, a significant difference exists between the annual rates and reasons of cancellation, X² (6, n = 2,017) = 83.24, p < 0.001. Conclusions: Test cancellations due to various reasons remain a significant challenge for clinical laboratories. Detailed analyses on these major reasons can aid in displaying an effective approach to decrease the cancellation rates. Harmonization among inter-professional health workers concerning specimen collection and handling, and involving clinical laboratory personnel could minimize laboratory errors and avoid test cancellations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article discusses the use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in endoscopy for the detection of neoplasia in patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). The study evaluated the efficacy of a novel Computer Aided Detection (CADe) algorithm called CADe-IBD. The algorithm was used in conjunction with standard care during colonoscopies, and its effectiveness was assessed by comparing its results to those of expert endoscopists. The CADe-IBD algorithm demonstrated a high sensitivity for lesion detection, with a low miss rate for true neoplasia. The findings suggest that CADe-IBD has the potential to replace current chromoendoscopy-based surveillance practices. [Extracted from the article]

This article discusses the use of computer-aided detection (CADe) systems during colonoscopy to increase the adenoma detection rate (ADR) and potentially reduce the risk of post-colonoscopy colorectal cancer (PCCRC). The study analyzes the variability in the effectiveness of CADe systems across previous studies and the contradictory results in real-life experiences. The researchers conducted a meta-regression analysis of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) to investigate the factors that affect the impact of CADe-assisted colonoscopy on ADR. The analysis found that patient age, ADR in control arms, and withdrawal time were significant predictors of the CADe effect on ADR. The study concludes that the variability in colonoscopy quality performances contributes to the heterogeneity in CADe effectiveness, and the implementation of CADe-assisted colonoscopy can help reduce the gap in detection performances between high- and low-detectors. [Extracted from the article]

Tropical theileriosis caused by the apicomplexan hemoparasite Theileria annulata is a tick‐borne disease that constraints livestock production in parts of Europe, Asia and Africa. Four Hyalomma tick species transmit T. annulata in at least eight Africa countries (Mauritania, Morocco, Algeria, Tunisia, Egypt, Sudan, South Sudan and Ethiopia). The two dominant T. annulata vector ticks present in Africa, H. scupense and H. anatolicum, underlie two different patterns of transmission, which in turn greatly influence the epidemiology of tropical theileriosis. H. dromedarii and H. lusitanicum are also capable of transmitting T. annulata in North Africa, but their roles are associated with specific production systems and agro‐ecological contexts. The emergence of resistance to the most widely used theilericidal compound, buparvaquone, continues to limit the effectiveness of chemotherapy. In addition, acaricide use is increasingly becoming unsustainable. Deployable T. annulata attenuated live vaccines established from local strains in Tunisia, Sudan and Egypt are available, and recent work has indicated that these vaccines can be protective under conditions of natural transmission. However, vaccination programmes may vary over space and time due to differences in the prevalence of disease amongst cattle populations, as well seasonal variation in vector activity. We review recent descriptive and analytical surveys on the epidemiology of T. annulata infection with reference to (a) demographic aspects such as breeds and ages of cattle herds previously exposed to distinct T. annulata infection pressures and (b) seasonal dynamics of tick activity and disease transmission. We then discuss how the wider endemic patterns that we delineate can underpin the development and execution of future vaccination programmes. We also outline options for integrated control measures targeting tick vectors and husbandry practices. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: Internet of things (IoT) and big data (BD) could change how the societies function. This paper explores the role of IoT and BD and their impact on customer relationship management (CRM) investments in modern customer service. The purpose of this paper is to develop an analytic hierarchy planning framework to establish criteria weights and to develop a general self-assessment model for determining the most important factors influencing the IoT and BD investment in CRM. The authors found that most studies have focused on conceptualizing the impact of IoT without BD and with limited empirical studies and analytical models. This paper sheds further light on the topic by presenting both IoT and BD aspects of future CRM. Design/methodology/approach: The analytic hierarchy process (AHP) methodology is used to weight and prioritize the factors influencing the IoT and BD investment in modern CRM in the service industry. The AHP framework resulted in a ranking of 21 sustainability sub-factors based on evaluations by experienced information technology and customer service professionals. Findings: The paper provides significant insight on the new frontier of CRM, focusing on the use of IoT and BD and the respective solutions to address them were identified. This study primarily contributes in providing the process of effectively managing and implementing IoT and BD in big businesses by identifying the connecting link between firms and customers. Practical implications: The understanding of new frontier of CRM connective via IoT and BD can solve the dilemmas and challenges linked to the practice of implement IoT and BD in the information systems field. The study provides valuable information and critical analysis of IoT and BD with regard to the integration of CRM. Finally, this study further provides directions for future researchers. Originality/value: IoT and BD are a growing phenomenon, which business decision-makers and information professionals need to consider seriously to properly ascertain the modern CRM dimensions in the digital economies. They also should embrace the proper CRM innovation, which is powered by IoT and BD, and discover how IoT and BD can bring the next level of maturity to CRM "CRM of everything." [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of the present study was to investigate the prevalence of submicroscopic infections and to assess its impact on maternal anaemia and low birth weight. A cross-sectional study was carried out with 1149 consented pregnant women who delivered at 3 main hospitals in the Blue Nile State, between January 2012 and December 2015. From a matched maternal peripheral, placental maternal side, and cord blood sample, blood films and dried spots were prepared for microscopic examination and nested polymerase chain reaction (n-PCR), respectively. 107 out of 447 negative blood films were found to have submicroscopic infection detected using n-PCR in any of the three compartments. Placental samples had a significantly higher prevalence (142) of submicroscopic infections compared with the peripheral (6.5%) and cord (8.1%) samples. The mean (SD) of the maternal haemoglobin (Hb) was significantly lower in cases with submicroscopic parasitaemia (10.9 (0.8) vs. 12.1 (0.7) g/dl, P<0.001) compared with those who had no submicroscopic parasitaemia. Submicroscopic malaria infection was associated with anaemia (OR 19.7, (95% CI, 10.3–37.8)). Thirty-eight babies born to women with submicroscopic infections were low birth weight (LBW) and was significantly lower in submicroscopic parasitaemia (2.663 (0.235) vs. 2.926 (0.341) kg, P<0.001). Submicroscopic malaria infection was associated with LBW (OR = 2.7, (95% CI, 1.2–5.6)). There is a high incidence of submicroscopic infections in any of the three compartments regardless of age or parity. Submicroscopic infection is a risk of maternal anaemia and low birth weight in women in this area of high seasonal malaria transmission. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Malaria infection during pregnancy can result in placental malaria and is associated with adverse pregnancy outcomes particularly among primigravidae. The aim of this study was to assess the prevalence and risk factors for placental malaria and its effect on pregnancy outcomes in Blue Nile state, Sudan. Methods: A cross-sectional hospital-based study was conducted consecutively during January 2012-December 2015 in three main hospitals in Blue Nile State, Sudan. At delivery, peripheral and placental blood samples were collected from consenting women. Finger prick blood was used for preparation of peripheral smears and for haemoglobin measurement. Smears were stained with Giemsa and examined microscopically for malaria parasites. Pregnancy outcomes in association to placental malaria were investigated. Results: A total of 1149 mothers and their newborns were recruited. The mean (SD) of the age was 23.3 (5.2) years. Detection of malaria parasites was confirmed in 37.8% of the peripheral blood films and 59.3% of the placental films with Plasmodium falciparum as the only species detected. In multivariate analysis, younger age =23.2 years old (AOR = 3.2, 95% CI 1.9-5.5; P < 0.001), primiparae (AOR = 3.9, CI 2.1-7.6; P < 0.001), secundiparae (AOR = 2.8, 95% CI 1.5-5.1; P < 0.001, no antenatal care (ANC) visits (AOR = 11.9, 95% CI 7.8-18.1; P < 0.001) and not using bed nets (AOR = 3.5, 95% CI 1.7-6.8; P < 0.001) were risk factors for placental malaria. Education and residence were not associated with placental malaria infection. Placental malaria was significantly associated with maternal anaemia (AOR = 41.6, 95% CI 23.3-74.4; P < 0.001) and low birth weight (LBW) (AOR = 25.2, 95% CI 15.1-41.3; P < 0.001). Conclusion: During the study, there was a high prevalence of placental malaria in Blue Nile State-Sudan, as the enhanced control activities were not practiced, leading to adverse pregnancy outcomes, such as maternal anaemia and LBW. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose This paper aims to investigate Jordan’s framework specifics of the anti-money laundering (AML) policy and factors related to the Central Bank instructions on money laundering.Design/methodology/approach A questionnaire has been distributed to a random data sample of 100 branch bank managers and supervisors who have a sufficient experience in this issue, and a t-test statistical technique has been used.Findings The results revealed that commercial banks of Jordan are committed to the instruction of the central bank, and they are highly qualified in all investigated measures.Practical implications This study supports the Central Bank of Jordan’s efforts in combating money laundering, which encourage all commercial banks of one country to follow the same adopted regulations to identify and report transactions of suspicious behaviour: investigate capability of the tellers and customer account representatives to report such activities, use AML software, filter customer’s data classify available information according to levels of suspicion or based on the uncertain customers without being subject to the institutional secrecy jurisdiction and to work under cooperative management.Originality/value It has been recommended to utilize more advanced technology, intensify training and ensure for more knowing clients’ knowledge. The importance of this paper is to insure the following: first, the banking system is obliged to recognize and report suspicious money laundering transactions, regarding up to date the FATFA equivalence status of other countries; second, increase the awareness and ensure the central bank efforts’ success; third, assure the adequacy of different issues such as the internal control system tools; devices or tools availability; and sufficient employees’ qualifications in facing launderers attempts; fourth, to be sure that suspected transactions are checked against any commercial bank records; finally, to be sure that commercial banks are giving enough considerations to all the AML proactive actions such as the regulations of checking while opening an account, accepting money on deposit, giving loans, issuing a debit card, traveller’s check and collecting enough information about new clients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: The aim of this study was to investigate the seroprevalence of coinfections with bovine herpes virus-1 (BHV-1), bovine viral diarrhea (BVD), bluetoungue virus (BTV) and bovine herpes virus-4 (BHV-4) in cattle with reproductive problems in Sudan, and to determine the relation of single or mixed seropositivity with abortion, infertility and death after birth. Materials and methods: Meta-analysis of the results from our earlier serosurveys conducted with a total of 688 dairy cattle was carried out in order to determine prevalence of seropositivity of single and mixed (coinfection) viral infections. Reults: The meta-analysis of the data indicated high seroprevalence of coinfections with various combinations of these agents; only few animals were singly infected. An infection with BHV-1 was observed to be higher than the prevalence of associations between BHV-1 and the other three viral agents. Prevalence of seropositivities to coinfection with BHV-1/BTV; BHV-1/BVD; BHV-1/BTV/BVD were the highest while seropositivities prevalences that involved BHV-4 were much lower. The highest abortion rates were encountered in coinfections with BHV-1/BVD/BTV (31%) and BHV-1/BVD/BTV/BHV-4 (30%) while most infertility cases were noticed in coinfection with BHV- 1/BVD/BTV (44%) and BHV-1/BVD/BTV/BHV-4 (21%), and coinfections with the four viruses were encountered in most of the death after birth cases (25%). Overall mixed infections with BHV-1/BVD/BTV (34%) and BHV- 1/BVD/BTV/BHV-4 (22.5%) were involved in the majority of reproductive problems studied. Conclusion: Mixed infections constitutes the vast majority of cases and are involved in the majority of reproductive disorders investigated. The high prevalence of seropositivity to all of the four viruses should call for an intervention strategy to reduce the impact of these viruses. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background. The most prominent variant surface antigens (VSAs) of Plasmodium falciparum are the var gene-encoded Plasmodium falciparum erythrocyte membrane protein 1 (PfEMP1) family, which serves as a parasite-sequestering ligand to endothelial cells. In this study we have examined the antibody reactivity of autologous plasma from symptomatic and asymptomatic malaria infected children against the infected erythrocytes’ surface antigens using flow cytometry. Methods. Ethidium-bromide-labelled erythrocytic mature forms of P. falciparum parasites obtained from symptomatic and asymptomatic children were sequentially incubated with autologous plasma and fluorescein isothiocyanate-conjugated (FITC) antihuman IgG. Plasma antibody reactivity was detected by flow cytometry. Results. Asymptomatic children had more prevalence of trophozoites in peripheral blood (66%) compared to symptomatic children (16%), p=0.002. The mean percentage of infected RBCs reacting with autologous sera was 89.78 among symptomatic children compared to 79.62 among asymptomatic children (p=0.09). Moreover, the mean fluorescence intensity (MFI) in the asymptomatic was significantly higher compared to symptomatic children (p value = 0.040). Conclusion. Variant surface antigens on Plasmodium falciparum infected RBCs from symptomatic malaria children tend to be better recognized by IgG antibodies. This may suggest a role of some IgG antibodies in severity of malaria. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Malignant Ovine Theileriosis (MOT), caused by Theileria lestoquardi, is a major constraint for sheep production in many areas of the world including Sudan. Export sheep and sheep products are a major component of Sudan national economy and foreign income. Despite the importance of the disease, there is a considerable lack of detailed information regarding the postmortem and histological manifestations in the infected sheep. To specify the macroscopic and microscopic findings in sheep infected with MOT, 45 Sudanese sheep, T. lestoquardi negative were selected and were maintained for 3 months under natural ticks challenge. Necropsy was performed on 15 dead infected and 4 euthanized non-infected control, all pathological lesions were recorded. Kidneys, liver, lungs, spleen, heart, lymph nodes, stomach, intestine, pancreas and brain from test and control groups were sampled, fixed and were processed for histopathological examinations. The 15 infected sheep displayed severe enteritis with scattered areas of petechial hemorrhages on the serosal and mucosal surface along the small and large intestines. In most animals (n = 7-14), their superficial lymph nodes, liver and spleen were enlarged and their gall bladder were distended. Heart showed petechial hemorrhages and kidneys were congested. All infected animals (100%) revealed sever pneumonia associated with edema and frothy exudates. Comparatively, the most remarkable microscopic lesions in infected sheep were obviously seen in the lungs which exhibited emphysema, congestion, collapse and proliferation of large mononuclear cells. The present study indicates that T. lestoquardi infections are accompanied by severe pulmonary involvements, suggesting that emphysema and interstitial pneumonia may lead to respiratory failure and could provide evidence for death. Our findings may assist our knowledge about the microscopic and macroscopic lesions caused by T. lestoquardi and could contribute to raise awareness among veterinary authorities regarding the pathognomonic lesions for early and/or differential diagnosis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Consistent with recent reports indicating that neurons differentiated in vitro from human-induced pluripotent stem cells (hiPSCs) are immature relative to those in the human brain, gene expression comparisons of our hiPSC-derived neurons to the Allen BrainSpan Atlas indicate that they most resemble fetal brain tissue. This finding suggests that, rather than modeling the late features of schizophrenia (SZ), hiPSC-based models may be better suited for the study of disease predisposition. We now report that a significant fraction of the gene signature of SZ hiPSC-derived neurons is conserved in SZ hiPSC neural progenitor cells (NPCs). We used two independent discovery-based approaches-microarray gene expression and stable isotope labeling by amino acids in cell culture (SILAC) quantitative proteomic mass spectrometry analyses-to identify cellular phenotypes in SZ hiPSC NPCs from four SZ patients. From our findings that SZ hiPSC NPCs show abnormal gene expression and protein levels related to cytoskeletal remodeling and oxidative stress, we predicted, and subsequently observed, aberrant migration and increased oxidative stress in SZ hiPSC NPCs. These reproducible NPC phenotypes were identified through scalable assays that can be applied to expanded cohorts of SZ patients, making them a potentially valuable tool with which to study the developmental mechanisms contributing to SZ. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper aims at assessing the performance of intra-COMESA trade integration on the basis of success of ASEAN integration, using an out-of-sample approach. The analysis employed a gravity approach to estimate the coefficients of the ASEAN model which are used as a benchmark to project the potential trade for eight COMESA members. The success of COMESA is estimated by the ratio of potential to actual trade. The results pointed out that all countries of the selected sample are far from their potential trade level, implying unfavorable performance of the regional trade integration among COMESA members. The results also indicate that the gap between potential and actual trade has decreased in the last decade, suggesting a convergence toward the potential trade level over time. Finally, the paper ends with some policy recommendations regarding promoting regional cooperation among COMESA members. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Here we describe the screening via Dynamic Deconvolution of DCLs of inhibitors (CAIs) and activators (CAAs) of hCA I. The inhibitory effects dominate over the activating ones, while the CAAs may be identified in the absence of CAIs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Previously, dose emission below 30 L min−1 through DPI has not been routinely determined. However, during routine use some patients do not achieve 30 L min−1 inhalation flows. Hence, the aim of the present study was to determine dose emission characteristics for low inhalation flows from terbutaline sulphate Turbuhaler. Total emitted dose (TED), fine particle dose (FPD) and mass median aerodynamic diameter (MMAD) of terbutaline sulphate Turbuhaler were determined using inhalation flows of 10-60 L min−1 and inhaled volume of 4 L. TED and FPD increase significantly with the increase of inhalation flows ( p <0.05). Flows had more pronounced effect on FPD than TED, thus, faster inhalation increases respirable amount more than it increases emitted dose. MMAD increases with decrease of inhalation flow until flow of 20L min−1 then it decreases. In vitro flow dependent dose emission has been demonstrated previously for Turbuhaler for flow rates above 30 L min−1 but is more pronounced below this flow. Minimal FPD below 30 L min−1 suggests that during routine use at this flow rate most of emitted dose will impact in mouth. Flow dependent dose emission results suggest that Pharmacopoeias should consider the use variety of inhalation flows rather than one that is equivalent to pressure drop of 4 KPa. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present work reports a study of the electrocatalytic activity of CeO2 nanoparticles and gold sononanoparticles (AuSNPs)/CeO2 nanocomposite, deposited on the surface of a Sonogel-Carbon (SNGC) matrix used as supporting electrode and the application of the sensing devices built with them to the determination of ascorbic acid (AA) used as a benchmark analyte. Cyclic voltammetry (CV) and differential pulse voltammetry (DPV) were used to investigate the electrocatalytic behavior of CeO2- and AuSNPs/CeO2-modified SNGC electrodes, utilizing different concentrations of CeO2 nanoparticles and different AuSNPs:CeO2 w/w ratios. The best detection and quantification limits, obtained for CeO2 (10.0 mg·mL-1)- and AuSNPs/CeO2 (3.25% w/w)-modified SNGC electrodes, were 1.59 × 10-6 and 5.32 × 10-6 M, and 2.93 × 10-6and 9.77 × 10-6M, respectively, with reproducibility values of 5.78% and 6.24%, respectively, for a linear concentration range from 1.5 µM to 4.0 mM of AA. The electrochemical devices were tested for the determination of AA in commercial apple juice for babies. The results were compared with those obtained by applying high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) as a reference method. Recovery errors below 5% were obtained in most cases, with standard deviations lower than 3% for all the modified SNGC electrodes. Bare, CeO2- and AuSNPs/CeO2-modified SNGC electrodes were structurally characterized using scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS). AuSNPs and AuSNPs/CeO2 nanocomposite were characterized by UV-vis spectroscopy and X-ray diffraction (XRD), and information about their size distribution and shape was obtained by transmission electron microscopy (TEM). The advantages of employing CeO2 nanoparticles and AuSNPs/CeO2 nanocomposite in SNGC supporting material are also described. This research suggests that the modified electrode can be a very promising voltammetric sensor for the determination of electroactive species of interest in real samples. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Toxoplasmosis, caused by Toxoplasma gondii, is one of the most common parasitic infections of humans and other warm-blooded animals in most parts of the world. The disease is common among sheep and goats and it is recognized as one of the major causes of reproductive failure in these animals. Cattle, on the other hand, can be infected, but abortion or perinatal mortality has not been recorded. This survey was carried out to study the prevalence of this disease in cattle in Khartoum and Gazira States (Sudan). 181 sera samples collected from dairy cattle with reproductive problems were assayed for antibodies to T. gondii by ELISA. The prevalence rate of T. gondii antibodies in cattle at herd level was 44.8% (13/29). Herd level infection rates were 50% and 33.3% in Khartoum and Gazira States, respectively. The overall prevalence of T. gondii at individual level in both states was 13.3% (24/181). The prevalence was 12.7% (17/134), was 14.9% (7/47) in Khartoum and Gazira State, respectively. There was significantly higher (P < 0.05) prevalence of T. gondii antibodies in the age group less than one year old (36.4%) than in other age groups and in males (30.8%) than in females (11.9%) while no significant relationship was discerned regarding breed, location, season, or signs of reproductive disease. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

ObjectiveTo investigate iodine status and fish consumption of schoolchildren living in the Red Sea and White Nile regions of Sudan.DesignCross-sectional study to determine urinary iodine concentration, visible goitre rate, iodine content of salt and fish consumption.SettingPort Sudan (Red Sea) and Jabal Awliya (White Nile), Sudan.SubjectsTwo hundred eighty (n 280) children aged 6–12 years (142 boys, 138 girls).ResultsThe median urinary iodine concentration in children from Port Sudan and Jabal Awliya was 553 and 160 μg/l, respectively. Goitre was detected in 17·1 % of children from Port Sudan but only in 1·4 % from Jabal Awliya, The salt samples from Port Sudan contained 150–360 mg iodine (KOI3)/kg salt, whereas those from Jabal Awliya had levels below the detection limit. Despite consuming salt devoid of iodine, children from Jabal Awliya had optimal iodine status. It is plausible that consumption of Nile fish from Jabal Awliya Reservoir, which is a good source of iodine and favoured by the locals, might have provided sufficient iodine. In contrast, children from Port Sudan were at higher risk of iodine-induced hyperthyroidism resulting from consumption of excessively iodised salt.ConclusionsThe findings of the study clearly demonstrated that (i) Sudan still has a problem with iodine nutrition and quality control and monitoring of salt iodisation and (ii) including fish in the diet could provide a sufficient amount of iodine for schoolchildren. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Proposes six confidence intervals for the variance of a distribution. Simulation studies on the performance of the intervals; Robustness of a confidence interval based on an L-estimate.

Objective: To determine whether doxycycline, 100 mg administered as a single daily oral dose, is effective as a causal prophylactic agent, an agent active against the pre-erythrocytic liver stage of Plasmodium falciparum malaria parasites, in healthy nonimmune persons. If effective, the recommendation by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) that doxycycline be continued for 4 weeks after returning from malaria-endemic areas could be shortened to 1 week.Design: Randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial.Setting: Medical ward at the U.S. Army Research Institute of Infectious Diseases, Fort Detrick, Maryland.Participants: 18 nonimmune, healthy, adult male volunteers, age 21.7 +/- 2.9 (SD) years, were enrolled in two groups, one of 8 persons and one of 10 persons. Six participants in the first group and 7 in the second group received doxycycline. The remaining participants received placebo. Two volunteers were dropped from the study, leaving 16 participants for analysis.Intervention: Each participant received doxycycline, 100 mg, or placebo in a single daily oral dose starting 3 days before exposure to P. falciparum-infected mosquitoes and ending 6 days after exposure.Measurements: Monitoring for parasitemia, plasma doxycycline concentrations, and mosquitoes' salivary-gland sporozoite grade.Results: 6 of 6 (100% [95% Cl, 54% to 100%]) participants on doxycycline in the first group and 2 of 6 (33% [Cl, 4% to 78%]) in the second group were protected from malaria. No differences were found between protected and nonprotected participants in the doxycycline elimination half-life (T1/2) (20.8 +/- 5.0 h compared with 21.9 +/- 5.2 h), the steady-state average plasma concentration (1626 +/- 469 ng/mL compared with 1698 +/- 651 ng/mL), or other pharmacokinetic parameter estimates. The mean mosquito salivary-gland sporozoite grade was significantly higher (P = 0.02) in protected (3.5 +/- 0.3) than in nonprotected persons (3.1 +/- 0.1). Overall, 8 of 12 persons on doxycycline were protected from malaria, yielding a causal prophylactic efficacy rate of 67% (Cl, 35% to 90%).Conclusions: A dosing regimen of doxycycline, 100 mg once daily, administered as a causal prophylactic agent against P. falciparum malaria in healthy, nonimmune volunteers, had an unacceptably high failure rate. Therefore, the CDC recommendation that doxycycline should be taken daily starting 1 to 2 days before travel, during travel, and for 4 weeks after travel should still be followed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The objective of this study was to estimate the prevalence of obesity among schoolchildren in Khartoum state, Sudan. Multistage stratified random sampling methodology was used. Sampling included different residential areas within the state. A total of 1138 children between the ages of 10 and 18 years were involved in the study. More than 9% of the children were obese, 10.8% were overweight whereas combined overweight/obesity scored 20.5%. The prevalence of combined overweight/obesity among higher, middle and lower socioeconomic class children was 56.8, 27.3 and 3.1%, respectively. These figures, being higher than those reported among Nigerian and South African children, living in similar conditions, may refer to an emerging problem of overweight and obesity especially among children of the higher and middle class families. Adoption of national programs of promoting healthy food habits and physical activity among children is recommended. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]