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This work was carried out to investigate the effect of dietary supplementation of fish oil on growth performance, carcass quality, immunological and serum biochemical parameters, total antioxidant capacity, intestinal morphology, mortality ratio and economic efficiency measures of broiler chicks. A total of 150 (ross 308) one day old chicks was distributed into 5 groups each contains 3 replicates (10 chicks/ replicate) fed on Five experimental diets contains different level of oils (0 oil, 1(SBO & FO), 2 FO and 3% FO respectively), during the experimental period (5 weeks). four chicks from each replicate were used for analysis of the experimental chicks. The results revealed that supplementation of fish oil in diets of broiler chicks 1,2 and 3 % improve (P< 0.05) the body weight (Bw) and body weight gain (BWG) than control groups but the best value were observed in 1&3% fish oil group beside improvement of feed conversion ratio (FCR) in all groups fed fish oil than control groups. However, numerically increased feed consumption in 1% SBO fed group than other groups. Significant (P< 0.05) improvement of carcass characteristics and dressing percentage gradually with fish oil supplementation. The values of USFA and n-3 PUFA were significantly (P< 0.05) higher in the breast muscle of broilers fed with fish oil compared to the control groups. But, SFA significantly (P< 0.05) decreased with fish oil than control groups. No significant difference in n-6 PUFA value between SBO and FO groups. So, N- 6:N3 ratio in breast meat decreased gradually with FO addition. Also, triglycerides, cholesterol, LDL and VLDL concentrations were significantly (P< 0.05) reduced by fish oil treatments, but serum HDL-c, total protein (TP), and globulin (GL) concentrations were significantly (P< 0.05) increased by using diets containing fish oil. Also, provision of fish oil Significantly (P< 0.05) improves immune response in broilers chicken against Newcastle virus vaccine through increase antibody titer and TLC with decreased mortality rate. Significant (P< 0.05) improvement of intestinal morphology with fish oil supplement were detected. The highest economic efficiency was recorded in group fed 1% FO followed by 1% SBO, 2% FO, 3% FO,0% oil gradually. from the present study, it could be concluded that the supplementation of fish oil in chick's diets significantly improve the growth performance, body composition, immune response, serum biochemical parameters, intestinal morphology, decrease the mortality rate and economically efficient at rate 1% addition

Background This experiment tested the impact of the combined supplementation of glycerol monolaurate (GLM) and oregano essential oil (EO) to broiler diets. Growth performance, metabolic response, immune status, apparent ileal digestibility coefficient (AID%), and intestinal histomorphology were assessed. Three-day-old Ross-308 broilers (76.62 g ± 0.50, n = 240) were randomly allocated into 4 experimental groups (6 replicates/group and 10 chicks/replicate). Birds were fed corn-soybean meal basal diets supplemented with four levels of GLM and oregano EO blend: 0, 0.15, 0.45, and 0.75% for 35 days. Results During the starter period, dietary GLM and oregano EO did not show significant (P > 0.05) changes in growth performance. During the grower period, GLM and oregano EO supplemented groups showed a linear and quadratic decline in FCR. During the finisher and overall performance, a linear increase in the body weight (BW), body weight gain (BWG), the protein efficiency ratio (PER), and relative growth rate (RGR), and a linear decrease in the FCR at 0.75% dietary level of GLM and oregano EO compared to the control. The broken-line regression model showed that the optimum dietary level of GLM and oregano EO blend was 0.58% based on final BW and FCR. The 0.45% or 0.15% dietary level of supplemented additives lowered (P < 0.05) the AID% of threonine and arginine, respectively, with no change in the AID% of other assessed amino acids at all dietary levels. Muscle thickness in jejunum and ileum in all dietary supplemented groups was increased (P < 0.05); however, such increase (P < 0.05) in the duodenum was shown at 0.45 and 0.75% dietary levels. All GLM and oregano EO supplemented groups showed increased (P < 0.05) duodenal, jejunal, and ileal villus height. The 0.15 and/or 0.75% dietary levels of supplemented additives increased (P < 0.05) the ileal and duodenal crypt depth, respectively, with a decreased (P < 0.05) duodenal crypt depth at 0.15% dietary level. The goblet cell count in ileum decreased (P < 0.05) in all GLM and oregano EO supplemented groups, but this decreased count (P < 0.05) was detected in jejunum at 0.45 and 0.75% dietary levels. The GLM and oregano EO supplemented groups did not show significant (P > 0.05) changes in the assessed metabolic and immune status parameters. Economically, the total return and performance index was increased at 0.75% dietary level. Conclusion Better growth performance was achieved at a 0.75 % dietary level of GLM and oregano EO by improving most intestinal morphometric measures. The optimum dietary level detected was 0.58%. The lack of influence of supplemented additives on chickens' immune and metabolic responses could indicate a lack of synergy between GLM and oregano EO.

Background This study was conducted to estimate the impacts of using varied feeding regimens with or without protease supplementation on the growth performance, apparent amino acid ileal digestibility (AID%), economic efficiency, intestinal histology, and blood biochemical parameters of broiler chickens. Three hundred one-day-old chicks (Ross 308 broiler) were randomly allotted to a 3 × 2 factorial design. The experimental design consisted of three feeding regimens; FR1: a recommended protein SBM diet, FR2: a low-protein SBM diet, and FR3: a low-protein diet with the inclusion of 5% DDGS and 5% SFM, with or without protease supplementation (250 mg/kg). Results Increased feed intake and feed conversion ratio were observed in the FR3 treatment during the starter stage and decreased body weight and body weight gain during the grower stage. However, there was no significant effect of the different feeding regimens, protease supplementation, or interaction on the overall performance. The economic value of diets also remained unaffected by the different feeding regimens, protease supplementation, or interaction. Protease supplementation resulted in lowering the AID% of tryptophan and leucine. Reduced AID% of methionine was evident in the FR2 + VE and FR3 − VE treatments. Histological findings substantiated the FR3 treatment mediated a decrease in the duodenal and jejunal villous height (VH), jejunal villous width (VW), and ileal VW, whereas, increase in the ileal crypt depth (CD). The FR2 + VE treatment reduced the VH:CD ratio in the duodenum. The duodenal CD and the jejunal goblet cell count were reduced as a consequence of protease supplementation. The FR3 + VE treatment documented a rise in duodenal CD, while an increase in the jejunal goblet cell count was observed in the FR3 − VE treatment. The FR3 treatment enhanced the IgM serum levels compared to the FR1 and FR2 treatments. IgM serum levels were also elevated following protease supplementation. FR3 + VE treatment increased IgM serum levels. The highest serum ALP was found in the FR3 treatment, whereas the lowest level was obtained in the FR2 treatment. Conclusion Low-protein SBM-based diets could be used without affecting the birds’ growth. Altered morphometric measures of the intestine and increased IgM and ALP levels indicated the low-protein SBM/DDGS-SFM diet-induced damage of the intestinal histoarchitecture and immune system of birds. These different diets and protease supplementation failed to affect economic efficiency positively.

This trial was conducted to investigate the effects of multi-carbohydrase supplementation on the performance, carcase traits, intestinal histomorphology, caecal microbiota and nutrient digestibility of broiler chickens fed diets with varying energy levels. A total of 400-day-old male chicks were allocated into eight dietary treatments in a 4 × 2 factorial arrangement with 5 replicates per treatment. There were 4 dietary energy levels (the standard breed recommendation and reductions of 50, 100 and 150 kcal/kg from the standard) with or without multi-carbohydrase supplementation. Reducing the energy level by 50 kcal/kg did not significantly impact the measured parameters compared to the standard recommendation while it is reducing by 100 and 150 kcal/kg resulted in significant decreases in the body weight (BW) by levels up to 4.41% and a significant increase in the feed conversion ratio (FCR) by levels up to 4.67%. Enzyme supplementation significantly improved the BW and FCR by 3.24% and 2.95%, respectively. Dietary energy lowered by 100–150 kcal/kg resulted in a significant decrease in the dressing (up to 2.42%), breast yield (up to 2.82%), fat pads (up to 8.72%), liver (up to 6.30%) percentages and coliform count (up to 28.5%). The digestibility of dry matter, crude protein, ether extract and gross energy was increased due to enzyme supplementation by 4.15, 3.50, 3.35 and 3.72%, respectively. In conclusion, broiler performance and carcase traits can be negatively impacted if the energy density is reduced by 100–150 kcal/kg diet. Enzyme supplementation can improve the performance and nutrient digestibility regardless of the dietary energy level.HIGHLIGHTS The metabolisable energy level can be reduced by 50 kcal/kg diets compared to the breed recommendation. Decreasing the energy level by 100 or 150 kcal/kg diet compared to breed recommendations resulted in a negative impact on the performance. Multicarbohydrase blend supplementation resulted in significant improvements in the performance and nutrient digestibility.

Regarding the crucial role of deubiquitinase (DUB) enzymes in many viruses, in particular, Adenovirus, HSV-1, coxsackievirus, and SARS-CoV-2, DUB inhibition was reported as an effective new approach to find new effective antiviral agents. In the present study, a new wave of 4-(2-nitrophenoxy)benzamide derivatives was designed and synthesized to fulfill the basic pharmacophoric features of DUB inhibitors. The molecular docking of the designed compounds against deubiquitinase enzymes of the aforementioned viruses was carried out. Significant molecular docking results directed us to conduct in vitro antiviral screening against the aforementioned viruses. The biological data showed very strong to strong antiviral activities with IC50 values ranging from 10.22 to 44.68 μM against Adenovirus, HSV-1, and coxsackievirus. Compounds 8c, 8d, 10b, and 8a were found to be the most potent against Adenovirus, HSV-1, coxsackievirus, and SAR-CoV-2, respectively. Also, the CC50 values of the examined compounds ranged from 72.93 to 120.50 μM. Finally, the in silico ADMET and toxicity studies demonstrated that the tested members have a good profile of drug-like properties. Furthermore, we concluded the structure–activity relationship (SAR) of the newly designed and synthesized compounds regarding their in vitro results, which may help medicinal chemists in further optimization to obtain more potential antiviral candidates in the near future as well.

The current study designed to evaluate the effect of oligosaccharide supplemented diets on growth performance, histomorphometric changes, economic efficiency and genetic expression of some growth and immunity-relative genes. One hundred and twenty weaned male rabbits, six weeks of age of two breeds (NZW and APPRI) were randomly allocated into six equal groups; the first supplemented with 0.3% Mannan-oligosaccharide (MOS), the second supplemented with 0.05% Isomalto-oligosaccharide (IMO) and the third considered a control group. Each group contained ten equal replicates. The highest Final body weight and feed consumption were recorded in MOS and IMO groups compared with control. Fortified feed diet with IMO significantly increased duodenal villi area and length than MOS and control groups. At the same time, Spleen white bulb area and length were significantly higher in MOS and IMO than control. Supplementation of MOS and IMO significantly improved carcass traits, economic efficiency and induced certain modifications in some major key genes involved in the regulation of nutrients metabolism, immunity and growth in different tissues. In conclusion, dietary supplementation of MOS and IMO had a desirable positive impact on productive and economic efficiency in the rabbit.

Taxol, a diterpenoid was initially isolated from the bark of Taxus brevifolia, approved by FDA in 1994 as a powerful drug for metastatic ovarian carcinoma, breast and lung cancer. However, due to limitations in the production of this drug based on this plant source, the productive potentiality of fungi of this compound opened a new avenue for its commercial production. In this study, among the twenty fungal isolates screened for Taxol production, Aspergillus terreus had the highest potentiality to produce Taxol (131.2 µg/ml). The productivity of Taxol by A. terreus has been maximized by nutritional optimization using inhibitors and growth regulators. The yield of Taxol by A. terreus was maximally obtained (0.663µg/ml) by growing the fungal isolate on potato dextrose broth medium, amended with addition of biotin at 150 µg/ml for 20 days. The chemical structure Taxol extracted of A. terreus has been verified by proton and carbon NMR, IR and UV analyses. The activity of A. terreus Taxol has been assessed towards multiple cell lines, displaying a strong anticancer activity. In conclusion, the productivity of Taxol by A. terreus has been greatly improved upon using biotin as chemical modulator, that open a new avenue for commercializing the Taxol yield by fungi.

ObjectivesMalaria infection is still known to be a worldwide public health problem, especially in tropical and sub-tropical African countries like Sudan. A pilot study conducted to describe the trend ofP. falciparumdrug resistance markers in 2017–2018 in comparison to CQ and AS/SP eras in Sudan. ThePfcrt,Pfmdr-1,Pfdhfr, andPfdhpsgenes were investigated. Data deposited by the worldwide antimalarial resistance network was consulted, and the molecular markers previously reported from Sudan were analyzed.ResultsDrug molecular markers analysis was successfully done on 20P. falciparumisolates. ThePfcrtK76 showed high frequency; 16 (80%). For thePfmdr-1,9 (45%) isolates were carrying the N86 allele, and 11 (55%) were 86Y allele. While the Y184F of thePfmdr-1showed a higher frequency of 184F compared to Y184; 16 (80%) and 4 (20%), respectively. In thePfdhfr, 51I allele showed higher frequency compared to N51; 18 (90%) and 2 (10%), respectively. For S108N, 18 (90%) were 108 N and 2 (10%) were S108. In thePfdhps, all isolates were carrying the mutant alleles; 437G and 540E. The frequency distribution of thePfcrt,Pfmdr-1,Pfdhfr,Pfdhpswas significantly different across the whole years in Sudan.

The present study aimed to evaluate the influence of dietary incorporation of vitamin C ( l -ascorbic acid phosphate) on the growth rate, antioxidant activity, certain immunological indices, and tissue histomorphology in Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus L.) fingerlings. One hundred and eighty fingerlings (14.74 ± 0.016 g each) were randomly distributed into four groups based on basal diets supplemented with 0, 200, 300, and 400 mg kg–1 diet of vitamin C, respectively, for ten weeks. The dietary incorporation of vitamin C significantly increased the final body weight, total weight gain (TWG), specific growth rate, and daily weight gain (DWG) in all groups. The serum levels of vitamin C and growth hormone increased in the highest supplementation level group (400 mg kg–1). In a concentration-dependent manner, vitamin C markedly enhanced the serum and hepatic antioxidant activities, the levels of lysozyme, nitric oxide, and interleukin-10, the phagocytic percentage, and the relative percentage survival (RPS%) of the fish against Aeromonas sobria. The liver histoarchitecture was also improved in a level-dependent manner with vitamin C supplementation. In addition, intestinal histomorphology improved, as evidenced by the increase in villus height and width. Therefore, vitamin C could serve as a suitable dietary supplement for enhancing the growth, hepatic and intestinal structures, immune status, and resistance against A. sobria in Nile tilapia.

The present study aimed at assessing the efficiency of thyme essential oil (TEO) as an alternative to antibiotics for improving the productive performance and serum metabolic profile of male rabbits. A total of one hundred and fifty 70-day-old male Californian rabbits were assigned to five dietary treatments, including a basal diet as a negative control (NC), a basal diet supplemented with an antibiotic as a positive control (PC), and a basal diet supplemented with 60, 120, or 180&thinsp, mg/kg of TEO. The experiment period lasted for 60 days. Supplementation of TEO levels significantly (P &lt, &thinsp, 0.01) increased daily body weight gain and improved feed conversion ratio of male Californian rabbits compared to NC and PC groups. Similarly, the TEO remarkably enhanced the semen characteristics of rabbits compared to NC and PC groups. Supplementation of TEO significantly decreased aspartate transaminase, alanine transaminase, urea, and creatinine compared with NC and PC groups. Supplementation with TEO increased serum testosterone concentration compared to NC and PC treatments. Our data demonstrate that TEO levels up to 180&thinsp, mg/kg can play a major role as an alternative to dietary antibiotics, in improving the productive performance, semen quality, testosterone levels, and the kidney and liver functions in California male rabbits.

BackgroundThis study was performed to investigate the effect of Alpha-galactosidase (AlphaGal) supplementation with two energy levels on the growth performance, amino acid ileal digestibility coefficient “AID%,” economic value, intestinal histology, and blood biochemical parameters of broiler chickens. Two-hundred 3-day-old broiler chicks (average body weight 74.34 g ±0.52 Ross 308) were randomly assigned to a 2 × 2 factorial arrangement consisting of two energy diets groups: in the first group, the birds were fed on a recommended energy diet (RED) while the second group was reduced 120 kcal/kg diet as a low energy diet (LED) and two levels of AlphaGal (0 or 50 mg/kg diet) for RED and LED for the 35-day feeding period.ResultsThe interaction effects between the energy level and the AlphaGal supplementations resulted in significant decrease (P ≤ 0.05) in the body weight, body weight gain, and the relative growth rate. The feed conversion ratio was signficantly increased in LED without supplementation of AlphaGal group during the entire experimental period, this negative effect on the growth performance was corrected by AlphaGal supplementation. The AID% value was increased significantly by AlphaGal supplementation. Blood triglyceride concentrations were significantly decreased (P = 0.02) in the LED group with or without AlphaGal supplementation, while the level of high-density lipoprotein (HDL) was significantly decreased (P = 0.01) in the LED or RED groups supplemented with 50 mg RED AlphaGal. Histologically, the number of intestinal glands and goblet cells increased in both RED and LED groups supplemented with AlphaGal and their secretions were mainly neutral mucopolysaccharides and less acidic mucopolysaccharides.ConclusionAlphaGal supplementation improved the growth performance of broiler chickens fed LED and the growth performance is similar to those fed RED, thereby consequently improving the economic value of these diets. AlphaGal supplementation improves intestinal histology and morphology as well.

Background Malaria infection is still known to be a worldwide public health problem, especially in tropical and sub-tropical African countries like Sudan. The fight against malaria is still taking place due to many factors. One of these factors is the presence of Plasmodium falciparum drug resistant parasites. This study is aiming at studying the P. falciparum drug resistance markers and analyzing the historical literature on these markers in Sudan. Methods A descriptive cross-sectional healthcare-centers based study conducted in Khartoum state between December 2017 and July 2018. Febrile patients diagnosed with P. falciparum malaria infection were recruited. Two ml blood samples were collected prior to start treatment. Genotyping of the specific point mutations in the P. falciparum genome was done using Sanger sequencing method for the Pfcrt, Pfmdr-1, Pfdhfr, and Pfdhps genes. Data deposited by the worldwide antimalarial resistance network was consulted and the molecular markers previously reported from Sudan were identified, collected, and analyzed to compare between past and present frequency of malaria drug resistance mutations. One-way ANOVA test was used to calculate the least significance of frequency distribution in the molecular markers collected from the previous reports from Sudan in comparison to this study. Pearson correlation was used to investigate the association between the different drug resistance markers. Results Drug molecular markers analysis was successfully done on the 20 P. falciparum isolates. the Pfcrt K76 showed the highest frequency; 16 (80%). Pfcrt 76T was 4 (20%). For the Pfmdr-1 marker, 9 (45%) isolates were carrying the N86 allele and 11 (55%) were 86Y allele. While the Y184F of the Pfmdr-1 showed higher frequency of 184F compared to Y184; 16 (80%) and 4 (20%), respectively. Concerning the double Pfmdr-1 haplotype, NY haplotype was 2 (10%), NF was 7 (35%), YF was 9 (45%), and YY was 2 (10%). In the Pfdhfr , 51I allele showed higher frequency compared to N51; 18 (90%) and 2 (10%), respectively. Whereas for C59R, C59 was 18 (90%), and 59R was 2 (10%). For S108N, 18 (90%) for 108N and 2 (10%) for S108. The triplet haplotype ICN of the Pfdhfr ; was the most frequent haplotype; 16 (80%). Concerning the Pfdhps , all the 20 (100%) isolates were carrying the mutant alleles; 437G and 540E. the Pfdhps haplotype present was the double GE haplotype only. No statistically significant correlation was found for the Pfcrt , Pfmdr-1 , Pfdhfr , and Pfdhps . Historical reports on P. falciparum multidrug resistant collected from 1989 to 2016 showed extreme fluctuation. High prevalence of Pfcrt 76T allele was observed in Khartoum throughout all years of previous studies, while in Gedaref Pfcrt 76T showing increased prevalence each year. All studied genes were showing increase prevalence of the mutant alleles and reduction of the wildtype alleles. In this study, the GE mutant haplotype was prevalent in all the studied samples. Frequency distribution of the Pfcrt K76T and Pfmdr-1 N86Y alleles, Pfmdr-1 ; N86Y and Y184F, Pfdhfr ; N51I and S108N, and Pfdhps ; A437G and K540E double haplotypes was significantly different across the whole years in Sudan. Conclusion This study describes the distribution of P. falciparum multidrug resistance markers throughout Sudan providing a solid baseline data of the status of these markers which could be very useful for the malaria control program not only for establishing surveillance system that monitor the change in and/or the emergence of malaria drug resistance but it will also offer a guidance for the evidence-base decision-making regarding the treatment protocol national and regional wise.

This study investigated the effects of two essential oils (Eos), cinnamaldehyde and thymol on the growth performance, antioxidant status of the meat and the immunity of Nile tilapia fingerlings, Oreochromis niloticus. A total of 375 O. niloticus (10.2 ± 0.06 g) were randomly assigned to 5 dietary treatments (3 replicates for each). Diet 1 was the control with no additives. Diets 2 and 3 were supplemented with 1 and 2 ml cinnamaldehyde /kg diet (CINN1 or CINN2), respectively. While diets 4 and 5 were supplemented with 1 and 2 ml thymol /kg diet (THYM1 or THYM2), respectively. Fish feeding was done by hand until satiation 3 times daily for 75 days. The results showed that dietary supplementation with 1 ml thymol/ kg diet increased the growth performance significantly than other groups. Dietary supplementation with cinnamaldehyde or thymol significantly reduced (P ≤ 0.05) the malondialdehyde (MDA) formation and increased glutathione reductase (GR) in the muscle, and increased lysozyme activity, IgM, IgG levels and catalase activity in the serum thus improved the antioxidant protective capacities and the immune status of the fish. Furthermore, thymol supplementation can stimulate more growth and immune responses than cinnamaldehyde as essential oils in Nile tilapia nutrition. Keywords: Nile tilapia, Cinnamaldehyde, Thymol, Growth performance, Antioxidant status, Immune response

Background Forty phosphate solubilizing bacterial (PSB) isolates were isolated from the root zone of wheat plants cultivated in the Delta and the Northwestern coast regions of Egypt. All isolates proofed their ability to dissolve tricalcium phosphate on the National Botanical Research Institute's phosphate growth medium (NBRIP) by producing clear zone and increasing the available phosphorus that ranged between 40 and 707 mg l−1. They were designated as Egyptian native phosphate solubilizing bacteria (ENPSB). Results All strains proofed their ability to dissolve tricalcium phosphate on (NBRIP) medium by producing clear zone and increasing the available phosphorus that ranged between 40 and 707 mg l−1. The ENPSB 1, 2, and 3 strains were highly efficient as they gave 707, 653, and 693 mg l−1 soluble phosphorus respectively. Intriguingly, the two highly efficient strains for phosphate solubilization were isolated from the Northwestern coast alkaline soils. Moreover, 75% of strains were also produced profitable amounts of indole acetic acid (IAA) ranged from 0.79 to 50.5 mg l−1. Amazingly, the most efficient strain ENPSB 1 in solubilizing phosphorus (707 mg l−1soluble P) was the best one for producing IAA (50.5 mg l−1). The three efficient strains were identified using the sequencing of 16S rRNA. Sequence analysis of 16S rRNA for selected strains confirmed that the strains ENPSB 1, 2, and 3 were genetically closed to Enterobacter aerogenes; Pantoea sp. and Enteriobacter sp. respectively. Conclusion The inoculation by mix cultures of strains (ENPSB 1, 2, and 3) contributed to raising the dry weight and P content of wheat plants by 76% and 12% over the full fertilized plants. Inoculation of soil PSB can be used to solve the deficiency of phosphorus and promote plant growth effectively in calcareous soils.

BackgroundMalaria caused byPlasmodium falciparumparasite is still known to be one of the most significant public health problems in sub-Saharan Africa. Genetic diversity of the SudaneseP. falciparumbased on the diversity in the circumsporozoite surface protein (PfCSP) has not been previously studied. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate the genetic diversity of the N-terminal region of thepfcspgene.MethodsA cross-sectional molecular study was conducted; 50 blood samples have been analysed from different regions in Sudan. Patients were recruited from the health facilities of Khartoum, New Halfa, Red Sea, White Nile, Al Qadarif, Gezira, River Nile, and Ad Damazin during malaria transmission seasons between June to October and December to February 2017–2018. Microscopic and nested PCR was performed for detection ofP. falciparum. Merozoite surface protein-1 was performed to differentiate single and multiple clonal infections. The N-terminal of thepfcspgene has been sequenced using PCR-Sanger dideoxy method and analysed to sequences polymorphism including the numbers of haplotypes (H), segregating sites (S), haplotypes diversity (Hd) and the average number of nucleotide differences between two sequences (Pi) were obtained using the software DnaSP v5.10. As well as neutrality testing, Tajima’s D test, Fu and Li’s D and F statistics.ResultsPCR amplification resulted in 1200 bp of thepfcspgene. Only 21 PCR products were successfully sequenced while 29 were presenting multiple clonalP. falciparumparasite were not sequenced. The analysis of the N-terminal region of the PfCSP amino acids sequence compared to the reference strains showed five different haplotypes. H1 consisted of 3D7, NF54, HB3 and 13 isolates of the Sudanesepfcsp. H2 comprised of 7G8, Dd2, MAD20, RO33, Wellcome strain, and 5 isolates of the Sudanesepfcsp. H3, H4, and H5 were found in 3 distinct isolates. Hd was 0.594 ± 0.065, and S was 12. The most common polymorphic site was A98G; other sites were D82Y, N83H, N83M, K85L, L86F, R87L, R87F, and A98S. Fu and Li’s D* test value was − 2.70818, Fu and Li’s F* test value was − 2.83907, indicating a role of negative balancing selection in thepfcspN-terminal region. Analysis with the globalpfcspN-terminal regions showed the presence of 13 haplotypes. Haplotypes frequencies were 79.4%, 17.0%, 1.6% and 1.0% for H1, H2, H3 and H4, respectively. Remaining haplotypes frequency was 0.1% for each. Hd was 0.340 ± 0.017 with a Pi of 0.00485, S was 18 sites, and Pi was 0.00030. Amino acid polymorphisms identified in the N-terminal region of globalpfcspwere present at eight positions (D82Y, N83H/M, K85L/T/N, L86F, R87L/F, A98G/V/S, D99G, and G100D).ConclusionsSudanesepfcspN-terminal region was well-conserved with only a few polymorphic sites. Geographical distribution of genetic diversity showed high similarity to the African isolates, and this will help and contribute in the deployment of RTS,S, a PfCSP-based vaccine, in Sudan.

Background Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) is known as a leading cause of morbidity and mortality. Investigation of the MRSA’s virulence and resistance mechanisms is a continuing concern toward controlling such burdens through using high throughput whole Genome Sequencing (WGS) and molecular diagnostic assays. The objective of the present study is to perform whole-genome sequencing of MRSA isolated from Sudan using Illumina Next Generation Sequencing (NGS) platform. Results The genome of MRSA strain SO-1977 consists of 2,827,644 bp with 32.8% G + C, 59 RNAs and 2629 predicted coding sequences (CDSs). The genome has 26 systems, one of which is the major class in the disease virulence and defence. A total of 83 genes were annotated to virulence disease and defence category some of these genes coding as functional proteins. Based on genome analysis, it is speculated that the SO-1977 strain has resistant genes to Teicoplanin, Fluoroquinolones, Quinolone, Cephamycins, Tetracycline, Acriflavin and Carbapenems. The results revealed that the SO-1977, strain isolated from Sudan has a wide range of antibiotic resistance compared to related strains. Conclusion The study reports for the first time the whole genome sequence of Sudan MRSA isolates. The release of the genome sequence of the strain SO-1977 will avail MRSA in public databases for further investigations on the evolution of resistant mechanism and dissemination of the -resistant genes of MRSA.

Objectives Toxoplasma gondii is an opportunistic parasite that causes a clinical manifestation known as toxoplasmosis. We investigated the prevalence and potential risk factors of T. gondii infection among women in Khartoum, Sudan. A sero-parasitological cross-sectional study included 100 women aging between 15 and 50 years old was conducted between January and November 2018. Serum samples were collected and investigated for the presence of anti-T. gondii immunoglobulins. Results Mean age of the women population included was 26.75 ± 8.25 with a range between 15 and 50 years. Sero-prevalence of T. gondii antibodies was 27% (27/100) with a 95% confidence interval (CI) of 18.6–36.8%. Among seropositive population 81% (22/27), 15% (4/27) and 4% (1/27) were seropositive for IgG antibodies, IgM antibodies and both antibodies respectively. Age group 21–30 years old had the highest frequency of detected IgG (10/45) and IgM (3/45). Married women had the highest frequency of detected IgG or IgM, 18/79 and 3/79, respectively. Risk factors analysis showed a total of 37/100 participants were having direct contact with cats and 66/100 have a frequent raw meat consumption, neither direct cats contact nor raw meat consumption had a statistically significant association with seropositivity to T. gondii (P value = 0.052 and 0.565, respectively). Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (10.1186/s13104-019-4314-0) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.

ObjectivesToxoplasma gondiiis an opportunistic parasite that cause a clinical manifestation known as toxoplasmosis. We investigated the prevalence and potential risk factors ofT. gondiiinfection among women in Khartoum, Sudan. A sero-parasitological cross-sectional study included 100 women aging between 15-50 years old was conducted in Khartoum, Sudan between January – November 2018. Serum samples were collected and investigated for presence of anti-T. gondiiimmunoglobulins.ResultsMean age of the women population included was 26.75±8.25 with a range between 15 and 50 years. Sero-prevalence ofT. gondiiantibodies was 27% (27/100) with a 95% confidence interval (CI) of 18.6 – 36.8%. Among seropositive population 81% (22/27), 15% (4/27) and 4% (1/27) were seropositive for IgG antibodies, IgM antibodies and both antibodies respectively. Age group 21-30 years old had the highest frequency of detected IgG (10/45) and IgM (3/45). Married women had the highest frequency of detected IgG or IgM, 18/79 and 3/79, respectively. Risk factors analysis showed a total of 37/100 participants were having direct contact with cats and 66/100 have a frequent raw meat consumption, neither direct cats contact nor raw meat consumption had statistically significant association with seropositivity to T. gondii (P. value =0.052 and 0.565, respectively).

This study aimed to determine the importance of adding organic acids in mulard ducks feeding programs. Hence, the quality of anaerobically fermented high-moisture feed, in addition to, performance, carcass traits, intestinal histology and the most common gastrointestinal pathogens were evaluated in response to different levels of organic acids (OAs). Mulard ducklings (n = 400) were randomly allocated into four groups (10 replicates each), and four fermented diets were provided randomly as follows: control fermented diet (without OAs) or fermented diets supplemented with 0.5, 1 or 2% OAs blend during the starter and finisher periods. Also, different fermentation periods were tested (7, 14, 21 and 28 days). The results showed that, OAs addition to fermented diets decreased fermentation-related nutrient loss and significantly decreased population counts of studied microorganisms. Moreover, the concentrations of lactic and propionic acids were significantly increased, and butyric acid was decreased with increasing OAs levels. The highest body weight gain was observed in the 2% OAs group. Feed utilization was improved in the groups fed on 1% and 2% OAs, when compared to the control group. In addition, OAs supplementation to the fermented diets showed a significant positive outcome on carcass weight, breast and thigh yield. Crude protein content was also increased in breast and thigh, while, fat was decreased in breast meat. Increasing OAs level showed an inhibitory effect on cecal pathogenic microbes (E. coli, Salmonella, Campylobacter and Clostridium perfringens), and increased the beneficial bacteria population (Lactobacilli and Bifidobacterium). Intestinal length and intestinal villi height seen by light and electron microscopy (both account for the area for absorption) were increased by OAs in a dose dependent manner, leading to improved nutrient digestibility (also, the best results in this study were obtained in the 2% OAs group). Accordingly, our results demonstrated that addition of OAs to high-moisture fermented feed led to improving its quality, also, it improved intestinal histology (on the villus and cellular levels) and decreased enteric pathogenic microbes and increased beneficial bacteria, all of which were positively reflected in duckling's performance and meat quality

Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus is increasingly becoming resistant to most antibiotics and consequently has become a challenging public health problem in Sudan. The present study documented the first complete genome sequence of strain SO-1977, isolated from a contaminated wound in Sudan.

Infection with Dicrocoelium dendriticum in humans is seldom to be reported in Egypt. This liver fluke, which commonly infects ruminants, has a complex life cycle with two intermediate hosts; the land snail and the ant. Human infection occurs by accidental ingestion of the second intermediate host. The present reported a patient suffered from recurrent acute chole-cystitis with chronic urinary schistosomiasis whose Kato stool examination showed Dicroceolium dendriticum eggs. He was successfully treated with Mirazid.

The common carp ( Cyprinus carpio ) is an agastric fish, meaning absorption of nutrients is highly dependent on the rate of feed passage in the gut. Two diets and 3 feeding strategies were used in a 2 × 3 factorial experiment, conducted to determine whether utilization of supplemental DL-methionine (DL‐Met) interacts with feeding strategies. Diets 1 and 2 contained, respectively, no Met supplementation (Met deficient diet with Met level of 0.45% Met in DM) and supplemented with DL-Met (Met balanced diet with Met level of 0.86% Met in DM). The three feeding strategies included, hand feeding twice daily to apparent satiation (feeding strategy 1), pair feeding the same amount of feed as in strategy 1 continuously by means of an automatic feeder over 2 × 6 h periods (feeding strategy 2), and continuously feeding a fixed rate of 1.4% BW using an automatic feeder (feeding strategy 3). The fish, with a mean initial weight of 239 g, were fed for 82 days in a recirculation system. The results indicated that supplementation of DL-Met in the diet improved (P − 1 ) and protein digestibility (90.7 vs. 87.9%). Supplemented DL-Met also resulted in increased carcass protein and reduced carcass fat. Plasma levels of methionine and arginine were higher with supplemented dietary DL-Met, while plasma levels of lysine and serine were lower (P

Background Rapid diagnostic tests (RDTs) for visceral leishmaniasis (VL) based on rK39 antigen showed suboptimal sensitivity in East Africa. A prospective clinical cohort study in Sudan was designed to validate a novel rK28-based RDT for Leishmania donovani VL. Methods Patients (n=285) suspected of VL by residency, fever for ≥2 weeks, splenomegaly with no prior reported VL, and negative for malaria were consecutively enrolled at three Sudanese sites in 2012-2013 and informed consent obtained. Two human readers, who were blinded to the clinical status and other RDT results, evaluated patient whole blood (WB) and serum on the rK28 RDT. Based on Leishmania parasite detection in lymph node or bone marrow aspirates (Giemsa-stained smears or culture in Novy-MacNeal-Nicolle medium), patients were categorized as VL cases (n=200) or VL controls (n=85). Results The rK28 RDT had high specificity using either WB (100% [85/85]) or serum (97.6% [83/85]) and exhibited greater sensitivity (WB, 92.5% [185/200]; serum, 94.5% [189/200]) than a direct agglutination test performed with the same sera (92.9% [79/85] and 83.5% [167/200] for specificity and sensitivity, respectively). Two blinded readers scored a given WB or serum sample the same on the rK28 RDT 99.6% and 100% of the time, respectively. A reader scored each individual donor's paired WB and serum rK28 RDT results the same 97.2% of the time. Conclusions An inexpensive rK28 RDT that performs robustly with WB or serum will be valuable for diagnosing cases of VL in East Africa.

Summary An epidemic of malaria, covering about 100,000 square miles in four central provinces in the highlands of Ethiopia and portions of the highlands of five other provinces, was observed in Ethiopia between June and December of 1958. The altitudinal limits of the epidemic ranged approximately between 1,600 to 2,150 meters elevation, in which area the communal immunity of the habitants is low for the most part. The estimate of the number of malaria cases attributed to the epidemic is estimated to be not less than three million cases. Deaths from malaria may have exceeded 150,000. Anopheles gambiae was the only vector involved. Plasmodium falciparum was the predominant malaria parasite. It accounted for the severe acute illness which characterized the clinical syndrome of most cases and the high mortality observed in many districts. Food shortages in 1958, due to 1957 crop failures in some areas, also indirectly contributed to high mortality. The main precipitating cause of the 1958 epidemic appears to have been unusual weather conditions in the highland areas of Ethiopia. Rainfall exceeded all other previous years on record, and abnormally high atmospheric temperature and relative humidity prevailed.