Shendi University

Background: Cockroaches are ubiquitous in residential environments and can act as vectors for pathogens relevant to public health. This investigation aimed to determine the diversity, prevalence, and intensity of parasites carried by the American cockroach, Periplaneta americana, in Shendi City, Sudan. Methods: A total of 117 P. americana specimens were collected during the summer of 2021 from residential kitchens, bathrooms and sewers using jar traps baited with bread. Following euthanasia by freezing each cockroach was examined for external and internal parasite stages (cysts and ova) via standard parasitological techniques. Results: The overall parasite prevalence was 31.6%, with a mean intensity of 6.7 parasites per infected insect. Eight species were detected: three protozoans (Entamoeba histolytica/dispar, Entamoeba coli, Giardia lamblia) and five helminths (Ascaris lumbricoides, Trichuris trichiura, Ancylostoma sp., Taenia sp., Enterobius vermicularis). Entamoeba coli was the most prevalent (10.3%), followed by E. histolytica/dispar (7.7%), T. trichiura and Ancylostoma sp. (0.9% each). Taenia sp. showed the highest infection intensity (8.6) compared to the lowest (4.0), E. vermicularis and T. trichiura. Statistically, the parasite prevalence and intensity were significantly greater on the cockroaches' body surfaces compared to their digestive tracts (P< 0.001). Adult cockroaches also demonstrated significantly higher infection rates and intensities than nymphs. Conclusion: The findings confirm that the cockroach, P. americana, can serve as a mechanical vector for protozoan and helminth parasites. Implementing preventive strategies, including improved sanitation and comprehensive pest management, is crucial to reducing the associated public health threat.

Abstract Background: Human herpesvirus 6 (HHV-6) is a latent beta-herpesvirus with potential transfusion-transmissible relevance, particularly in immunocompromised recipients. Data on HHV-6 viremia among Sudanese blood donors are extremely limited. This study aimed to determine the molecular prevalence of HHV-6 DNA among blood donors in Kassala, Sudan. Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted at Kassala Teaching Hospital. Whole-blood samples (n = 180) were screened for HHV-6 DNA using real-time PCR, followed by multiplex PCR for genotyping attempts. Fisher’s exact and Mann–Whitney U tests were used where applicable; however, statistical analyses were interpreted cautiously due to the small number of positive cases. Results: HHV-6 DNA was detected in 2.78% (5/180) of donors. No significant associations were found between HHV-6 positivity and age group, region, or ABO/Rh blood groups. Hematological parameters showed no significant differences between HHV-6–positive and negative donors. Genotyping was unsuccessful for all positive samples, likely due to low viral load (Ct values 38.7–39.9). Conclusion: HHV-6 viremia was infrequent among blood donors in Kassala. Given the very small number of positive cases and limited genotyping capacity, the findings should be considered preliminary. Larger multicenter studies incorporating more sensitive molecular methods are recommended to characterize the epidemiology of HHV-6 in Sudan.

Diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) remains a life-threatening complication of diabetes mellitus, with emerging concerns about its association with sodium-glucose cotransporter-2 inhibitors (SGLT2i). While SGLT2i offer significant cardiovascular and renal benefits, their potential to increase DKA risk - particularly euglycemic diabetic ketoacidosis (eDKA) - warrants systematic evaluation.This review aims to compare the incidence, clinical features, and outcomes of DKA in SGLT2i users versus non-users. A comprehensive literature search was conducted across PubMed/MEDLINE, Scopus, CINAHL, IEEE Xplore, and Web of Science. Eligible studies included comparative analyses of DKA in SGLT2i users and non-users, with retrospective and prospective designs. Data were extracted on incidence, laboratory features, precipitating factors, and clinical outcomes. Risk of bias was assessed using the Newcastle-Ottawa Scale. Thirteen studies were included, encompassing diverse populations and regions. SGLT2i users exhibited a higher incidence of DKA, with a notable proportion presenting as eDKA. Key distinguishing features included lower blood glucose levels, higher sodium concentrations, and prolonged hospital stays. Surgery and infections were common triggers, while mortality rates remained comparable between groups. Methodological quality was generally high, though heterogeneity precluded meta-analysis. SGLT2i use is associated with an increased risk of DKA, particularly euglycemic variants, necessitating heightened clinical vigilance. Temporary discontinuation during high-risk periods and early diagnostic suspicion are recommended. Standardized criteria for eDKA and further prospective studies are needed to optimize patient safety.

Abdominal surgery is associated with significant postoperative morbidity and healthcare utilization, prompting the exploration of telemedicine as a tool to improve outcomes. While previous reviews have examined telemedicine in specific surgical contexts, this systematic review provides a comprehensive synthesis of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) across diverse abdominal procedures. This systematic review evaluates the clinical impact of telemedicine interventions on postoperative outcomes, including morbidity, patient satisfaction, readmissions, and cost-effectiveness. Following Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines, we conducted a systematic search of PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, and ClinicalTrials.gov for RCTs evaluating telemedicine in abdominal surgery. Eligible studies reported clinical outcomes such as recovery time, readmissions, and patient satisfaction. Two reviewers independently screened records, extracted data, and assessed risk of bias using the Cochrane Risk of Bias 2 (RoB 2) tool. Due to heterogeneity, findings were synthesized narratively. The review included 12 RCTs encompassing various abdominal surgeries and telemedicine approaches. Results demonstrated that telemedicine interventions consistently improved patient satisfaction and showed noninferiority compared to traditional in-person follow-up. Several studies reported reduced recovery times and improved postoperative monitoring through remote technologies. However, effects on hospital readmissions were mixed, with some interventions showing benefit while others demonstrated no significant difference. Cost-effectiveness analyses indicated potential savings from smartphone-based follow-up systems. Most studies exhibited low risk of bias, though some limitations were noted regarding unblinded designs and subjective outcome measures. These findings suggest that telemedicine offers valuable opportunities to enhance postoperative care after abdominal surgery, particularly in improving patient-centered outcomes and recovery experiences. The variable impact on clinical outcomes like readmissions highlights the importance of tailoring interventions to specific surgical contexts and patient needs. Future research should focus on standardizing outcome measures, evaluating long-term effects, and addressing implementation challenges to maximize the potential of telemedicine in surgical care.

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This study seeks information on Sudanese faculty members’ attitude to reciprocal peer evaluation of teaching. In addition, the study endeavors to investigate which impediments matter most and which matter less to Sudanese faculty members regarding their engagement in reciprocal peer review of teaching and to suggest solutions to them. In view of these ends, a questionnaire was designed and administered to fifty faculty members at Shendi University. The study found out that Sudanese faculty members, in principle, embrace reciprocal peer evaluation of teaching, and the impediment that matters most to them and hinders their engagement in reciprocal peer evaluation of teaching is that reciprocal peer evaluation of teaching has not been nurtured and established as a practice and culture among their peers, while the impediment that matters less is time constraints and busy workloads of the staff members. The study suggests that in-service pedagogical training should be a must for all staff members and initiatives to promote reciprocal peer evaluation should be taken by the institution, the staff members, and determined by the institution leadership to remove the impediments.

Abstract Background Hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection remains a significant global health challenge particularly in developing countries and regions. Gezira State, Sudan where prevalence and disease burden are high is an example of such regions. This study aimed to quantify HBV viral load among patients in Gezira State and assess the distribution of viral loads across demographic groups, including gender and age. Method A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted between January 2022 and January 2023. Randomly selected 100 chronic HBV patients were enrolled from major healthcare facilities in Wad Medani, Gezira’s capital. Viral loads were measured using real-time PCR, and statistical analyses were performed to identify predictors of high viral load. Results The results revealed that the mean HBV viral load was 886,363 IU/ml (SD± 421,295), with a significantly higher mean in males (1,122,899 IU/ml) compared to females (531,559 IU/ml) (p< 0.0001). Viral loads ranged from 15 IU/ml to 35,474,488 IU/ml, with 37% of patients exceeding the WHO-recommended treatment threshold of 2,000 IU/ml. However, no significant association was found between viral load and age (p=0.939). Conclusion The study highlighted the need for gender-specific management strategies and the importance of HBV viral load quantification for effective public health intervention in Gezira State. Further research is recommended to explore HBV epidemiology in Sudan more comprehensively.