Effects of suramin on hormone release by cultured rat anterior pituitary cells

Abstract Suramin is a polyanionic compound which has been used in the treatment of trypanosomiasis and acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS), while preliminary success h

Pin tract infection after uniplanar external fixation of open fractures at a national, teaching and referral hospital

Background: Pin tract infection is the most common complication of external fixation accounting for 43% of complications. The presence of a pin tract infection leads to subsequent pin loosening and fixation failure. It also delays conversion of an external fixator to internal fixation until clearance of the infection is achieved. The incidence of pin tract infections in our setting is not known. This study was aimed at determining the incidence and microbe profile of pin tract infection in patients who have undergone uniplanar external fixation following open fractures at Kenyatta National Hospital.Methods: Consecutive sampling of patients who had undergone uniplanar external fixation at Kenyatta National Hospital (KNH) was done between September 2016 and December 2016. 73 patients were recruited. Data concerning presence of pin tract infection was collected. Patients with discharging sinuses had a culture and sensitivity done while those with major pin tract infection had immediate x-rays done to rule out radiological changes.Results: Incidence of pin tract infection was 87.7% (64 of 73 patients). Staphylococcus aureus (30.2%) and coagulase negative staphylococci (16.3%) were the commonest causative organisms.Conclusion: The incidence of pin tract infection after uniplanar external fixation is high. Better surgical technique and pin-site care is recommended. Staphylococcus aureus is the leading cause of pin site infection

Future and potential spending on health 2015-40: Development assistance for health, and government, prepaid private, and out-of-pocket health spending in 184 countries

Background: The amount of resources, particularly prepaid resources, available for health can affect access to health care and health outcomes. Although health spending tends to increase with economic development, tremendous variation exists among health financing systems. Estimates of future spending can be beneficial for policy makers and planners, and can identify financing gaps. In this study, we estimate future gross domestic product (GDP), all-sector government spending, and health spending disaggregated by source, and we compare expected future spending to potential future spending. Methods: We extracted GDP, government spending in 184 countries from 1980-2015, and health spend data from 1995-2014. We used a series of ensemble models to estimate future GDP, all-sector government spending, development assistance for health, and government, out-of-pocket, and prepaid private health spending through 2040. We used frontier analyses to identify patterns exhibited by the countries that dedicate the most funding to health, and used these frontiers to estimate potential health spending for each low-income or middle-income country. All estimates are inflation and purchasing power adjusted. Findings: We estimated that global spending on health will increase from US$9.21 trillion in 2014 to$24.24 trillion (uncertainty interval [UI] 20.47-29.72) in 2040. We expect per capita health spending to increase fastest in upper-middle-income countries, at 5.3% (UI 4.1-6.8) per year. This growth is driven by continued growth in GDP, government spending, and government health spending. Lower-middle income countries are expected to grow at 4.2% (3.8-4.9). High-income countries are expected to grow at 2.1% (UI 1.8-2.4) and low-income countries are expected to grow at 1.8% (1.0-2.8). Despite this growth, health spending per capita in low-income countries is expected to remain low, at $154 (UI 133-181) per capita in 2030 and$195 (157-258) per capita in 2040. Increases in national health spending to reach the level of the countries who spend the most on health, relative to their level of economic development, would mean $321 (157-258) per capita was available for health in 2040 in low-income countries. Interpretation: Health spending is associated with economic development but past trends and relationships suggest that spending will remain variable, and low in some low-resource settings. Policy change could lead to increased health spending, although for the poorest countries external support might remain essential

SOCIO-DEMOGRAPHIC RELATIONSHIPS AND MANAGEMENT REGIMES ON USE OF FRUNDU AS FERMENTED FAMINE FOOD IN URBAN NORTHERN DARFUR IN SUDAN

Frundu, which in a local term in Darfur for fermented seeds of roselle ( Hibiscus sabdariffa L.), is a traditional Sudanese food often used as a meat substitute during famine times. The objective of this study was to assess the relationships between socio-demographic and management regimes on the use of Frundu as a food security commodity in urban Darfur in Sudan. A survey involving 140 respondents was conducted in El-Fashir city markets, where Frundu is a popular commodity in Darfur markets. A semi-structured questionnaire and Chi square analysis were used. It was found that the period of fermentation of Frundu ranged from 3 to 7 days, depending on seasonal temperature. The storage period of Frundu was on average one year. Over 55% of the respondents acknowledged Frundu as critical a coping strategy when famine struck Darfur and the majority of respondents were familiar with Frundu. Frundu is becoming less popular in Darfur for several reasons; including difficulty in obtaining Roselle seeds, competition from the cheapest food items especially during non-famine time; and lack of familiarity with Frundu among young generations. To boost its production, processing and utilisation, farmers should be encouraged to increase its cultivation particularly because it is an important cash crops in Sudan.Frundu, qui est les graines ferment\ue9es de roselle dans un terme local au Darfour (Hibiscus sabdariffa L.), est un aliment traditionnel soudanais souvent utilis\ue9 comme substitut de viande en p\ue9riode de famine. L\u2019objectif de cette \ue9tude \ue9tait d\u2019\ue9valuer les relations entre les r\ue9gimes socio-d\ue9mographiques et de gestion sur l\u2019utilisation du Frundu comme produit de s\ue9curit\ue9 alimentaire dans le Darfour urbain au Soudan. Une enqu\ueate aupr\ue8s de 140 r\ue9pondants a \ue9t\ue9 men\ue9e sur les march\ue9s de la ville d\u2019El-Fashir la o\uf9 Frundu est un produit populaire sur les march\ue9s du Darfour. Un questionnaire semi-structur\ue9 et une analyse du chi carr\ue9 ont \ue9t\ue9 utilis\ue9s. Il a \ue9t\ue9 constat\ue9 que la p\ue9riode de fermentation du Frundu variait de 3 \ue0 7 jours, selon la temp\ue9rature saisonni\ue8re. La dur\ue9e de conservation du Frundu \ue9tait en moyenne d\u2019un an. Plus de 55% des personnes interrog\ue9es ont reconnu Frundu comme une strat\ue9gie d\u2019adaptation essentielle lorsque la famine a frapp\ue9 le Darfour et la majorit\ue9 des personnes interrog\ue9es connaissaient Frundu. Frundu devient moins populaire au Darfour pour plusieurs raisons ; y compris la difficult\ue9 \ue0 obtenir des graines de Roselle, la concurrence des produits alimentaires les moins chers, en particulier dans la p\ue9riode d\u2018 abondance; et le manque de familiarit\ue9 avec Frundu parmi les jeunes g\ue9n\ue9rations. Pour stimuler sa production, sa transformation et son utilisation, les agriculteurs devraient \ueatre encourag\ue9s \ue0 augmenter la culture de Frundu, parce que Frundu est une plante de cueillettes commerciales au Soudan

Morphological and molecular studies of Hysterothylacium thalassini third-stage larvae (Ascaridida, Raphidascarididae) in the greater lizardfish Saurida tumbil

ABSTRACT Hysterothylacium species are perhaps the most abundant and diverse group of marine ascaridoids. Identification of larval stages at specific levels is very problematic. This study describes the occurrence of Hysterothylacium larvae parasitizing the peritoneal cavity and mesenteries of Saurida tumbil purchased from fish markets in Saudi Arabia. Fish were visually inspected for nematodes using micro- and macroscopic examinations. Nematodes were assigned to genus level based on morphology and identified at specific level by sequence analyses of 18S rRNA and COI genes. Morphological examination by light microscopy showed that worms identified as third-stage larvae (L3) belonged to genus Hysterothylacium Ward and Magath, 1917. COI sequences from host confirmed identity of host as S. tumbil as it resulted in identical sequences from S. tumbil in GenBank. Identity of L3 based on 18S rDNA sequences confirmed their identity as H. thalassini and showed high similarity to sequences in GenBank. A unique hitherto sequences of L3 related to COI region have been reported herein. This is the first record of Hysterothylacium L3-stage parasitizing lizardfish in Saudi Arabia. Therefore, this study represents the importance of a combination of morphological and molecular tools for taxonomy and systematics of ascaridoids at specific level and confirming its host identity

The mammalian gene function resource: The International Knockout Mouse Consortium

In 2007, the International Knockout Mouse Consortium (IKMC) made the ambitious promise to generate mutations in virtually every protein-coding gene of the mouse genome in a concerted worldwide action. Now, 5 years later, the IKMC members have developed highthroughput gene trapping and, in particular, gene-targeting pipelines and generated more than 17,400 mutant murine embryonic stem (ES) cell clones and more than 1,700 mutant mouse strains, most of them conditional. A common IKMC web portal (www.knockoutmouse.org) has been established, allowing easy access to this unparalleled biological resource. The IKMC materials considerably enhance functional gene annotation of the mammalian genome and will have a major impact on future biomedical research

Correction: Home sweet home: spatiotemporal distribution and site fidelity of the reef manta ray (Mobula alfredi) in Dungonab Bay, Sudan (Movement Ecology, (2022), 10, 1, (22), 10.1186/s40462-022-00314-9)

Following publication of the original article [1], it was noted that due to a typesetting error, a duplicated version of Figure 6 was published as Figure 5. The correct Figure 5 has been included in this Correction and the original article has been corrected. The publisher apologises to the authors and readers for the inconvenience caused by the error

'We are planning to leave, all of us'-a realist study of mechanisms explaining healthcare employee turnover in rural Ethiopia

Background: We study healthcare employees' turnover intentions in the Afar National Regional State of Ethiopia. This rural region is experiencing the globally felt crisis in human resources, which is inhibiting its ability to meet health-related sustainable development goals. Methods: Realist case study which combines literature study and qualitative analysis of interview and focus group discussion data, following a realist case study protocol. Results: A large majority of employees has turnover intentions. Building on Herzberg's two-factor theory, person-environment fit theory, as well as recent sub-Saharan evidence, analysis of the collected data yields four turnover mechanisms: (1) lack of social and personal opportunities in the region, (2) dissonance between management logic and professional logic, (3) standards of service operations are hard to accept, and (4) lack of financial improvement opportunities. Conclusions: While the first and fourth mechanisms may be out of reach for local (human resource) management interventions, the second and third mechanisms proposed to explain health workforce turnover appear to be amenable to local (human resource) management interventions to strengthen healthcare. These mechanisms are likely to play a role in other remote sub-Saharan regions as well

INDIGENOUS KNOWLEDGE-BASED EVALUATION OF AMBACHI TUBEROUS PLANT AS A FUTURE FAMINE FOOD CROP FOR DARFUR STATE, SUDAN

Malnutrition and associated diseases are major challenges in the semi-arid Sahelian zone of Africa, where rainfall is <600 mm per annum. The objective of this study was to document indigenous knowledge on the significance and management of Ambachi ( Dioscorea hispida ) in East Darfur State, Sudan. A total of 101 respondents was interviewed using a semi-structured questionnaire in Bahr Alarab Locality, located in East Darfur State. Additionally, key informants and group discussions were held with local leaders to supplement data collection. The results revealed that Ambachi plant is fairly plentiful in East Darfur state, and grows naturally in the wild. All respondents were knowledgeable about Ambachi plant\u2019s appearance, growth cycle, usage and storage processes. Generally, Ambachi tubers are stored in various types of natural and synthetic containers, and for varied periods of time. However, up to 78% of the respondents reported Shawwal (made of plastic material), as the most preferred container for storage of dry tubers. Virtually all households (99%) attested to consuming Ambachi-based foods particularly during famine periods. Up to 98% of Ambachi plant tubers are soaked before cooking to remove the bitter taste; and two thirds of interviewees were familiar with the cooking process of Ambachi foods. Lastly, Ambachi plant tubers are tradable in different local markets across the region; although it was mainly sold in Abu matareg market located in Bahar Alara locality.La malnutrition et les maladies associ\ue9es sont des d\ue9fis majeurs dans la zone sah\ue9lienne semi-aride de l\u2019Afrique o\uf9 la pr\ue9cipitation est inf\ue9rieure \ue0 600 mm par an. L\u2019objectif de cette \ue9tude \ue9tait de documenter les connaissances autochtones sur l\u2019importance et la gestion d\u2019Ambachi (Dioscorea hispida) dans l\u2019\uc9tat du Darfour oriental, au Soudan. Au total, 101 r\ue9pondants ont \ue9t\ue9 interrog\ue9s \ue0 l\u2019aide d\u2019un questionnaire semi-structur\ue9 dans la localit\ue9 de Bahr Alarab, situ\ue9e dans l\u2019\uc9tat du Darfour oriental. De plus, des informateurs cl\ue9s et des discussions de groupe ont \ue9t\ue9 organis\ue9s avec les dirigeants locaux pour compl\ue9ter la collecte de donn\ue9es. Les r\ue9sultats ont r\ue9v\ue9l\ue9 que la plante Ambachi est assez abondante dans l\u2019\uc9tat du Darfour oriental et pousse naturellement \ue0 l\u2019\ue9tat sauvage. Tous les r\ue9pondants connaissaient l\u2019apparence, le cycle de croissance, l\u2019utilisation et les processus de stockage de la plante d\u2019Ambachi. G\ue9n\ue9ralement, les tubercules d\u2019Ambachi sont stock\ue9s dans divers types de contenants naturels et synth\ue9tiques, et pendant des p\ue9riodes de temps vari\ue9es. Cependant, jusqu\u2019\ue0 78 % des r\ue9pondants ont indiqu\ue9 que Shawwal (fait de mati\ue8re plastique) \ue9tait le conteneur le plus pr\ue9f\ue9r\ue9 pour le stockage des tubercules secs. Pratiquement tous les m\ue9nages (99%) ont attest\ue9 de consommer des aliments \ue0 base d\u2019Ambachi, en particulier pendant les p\ue9riodes de famine. Jusqu\u2019\ue0 98 % des tubercules de la plante d\u2018 Ambachi sont tremp\ue9s avant la cuisson pour \ue9liminer le go\ufbt amer ; et les deux tiers des personnes interrog\ue9es connaissaient le processus de cuisson des aliments d\u2018 Ambachi. Enfin, les tubercules de la plante d\u2019Ambachi sont commercialisables sur diff\ue9rents march\ue9s locaux de la r\ue9gion ; bien qu\u2019il ait \ue9t\ue9 principalement vendu sur le march\ue9 d\u2018 Abu Matareg situ\ue9 dans la localit\ue9 de Bahar Alara