Northern Kordofan Research Articles

Musculoskeletal Pain Patterns among Sudanese Surgeons: A Case-Control Study

Background: Musculoskeletal pain and discomfort are common causes that influence most surgeons' performance and lifestyle. The purpose of this study is to investigate where surgeons experience the most musculoskeletal discomfort and suffering compared to non-surgical specialty doctors. Methodology: This descriptive case-control study included 156 participants from El Obeid, a city in Sudan's Northern Kordofan state. We randomly selected the volunteers between May and June 2024, irrespective of their age or gender. Results: This study included 156 doctors from diverse disciplines aged 27 to 70, with a mean age of 37. Male-to-female ratio: 2:1. Of the 156 participants, 104 (67%) were males and 52 (33%) were females. The bulk of participants were 31–35 (33%), 36–40 (30%), and under 30 (13%). Neck pain was experienced by 38% of participants, including 44% of surgeons and 25% of non-surgical specialists. Surgeons had a greater neck pain rate (RR = 0.420, 95% CI = 0.201–0.879). About 20% of participants, including 24% of surgeons and 13% of non-surgical specialists, reported shoulder pain. The study found a relative risk (RR) of 0.492 and a 95% confidence interval (CI) of 0.197–1.227 between shoulder pain and surgery. Additionally, 57% of participants—66% surgeons and 38% other specialties—reported lower back pain. With an RR of 0.317 (95% CI 0.159–0.633), surgeons are more likely to experience lower back pain. Foot discomfort affected 7% of participants, 9% of cases, and 4% of controls. Cases increased foot pain risk by 0.422 (95% CI 0.088–2.029). Conclusion: Surgeons in various specializations in Sudan, as well as doctors in non-surgical specialties, have a significant prevalence of musculoskeletal discomfort. The most often reported areas of pain were the lumbar region, cervical region, shoulder, and lower extremities.

The Prevalence of Cervical Neoplastic Changes Among Sudanese Community Without Settled Screening Program

Background: While cervical cancer is decreasing in most countries that have undertaken long-term screening programs, the incidence is increasing in developing nations with low resources. As a result, the current study sought to investigate the incidence of cervical neoplastic alterations in the Sudanese community in the absence of a formal screening program. Methodology: This is a descriptive longitudinal study conducted at the Obst. & Gyn. hospital in El-Obeid, North Kordofan State, Sudan, from January 2021 to December 2022. This screening involved around 120 volunteers. Results: In this study, 14% of participants had neoplastic alterations. Positive cases were highest in the 31-35 age group (29.4%), followed by 36-40 and ≤25 age groups (23.5%). The majority of positive cases (58.8%) were from metropolitan areas. The risk of neoplastic alterations is connected with urban residency; RR (95%CI) = 2.558 (1.050-6.235), P-value < 0.03. Approximately 11.1% of illiterate participants had neoplastic alterations, as did approximately 25% of those with a basic degree of education. The risk associated with a basic education level is 2.2750 (95% CI) (0.9550 to 5.4197), P = 0.0635. Conclusion: Cervical neoplastic alterations are common in northern Kordofan, yet there are few screening programs. Cervical neoplastic alterations are substantially higher in the metropolitan population.

Challenges and Constraints Limited the Contributions of Female Farmers to Household Food Security —A Study of Female Farmers in Northern Kordofan

Challenges and Constraints Limited the Contributions of Female Farmers to Household Food Security —A Study of Female Farmers in Northern Kordofan

Pattern of STEMI and Its Related Clinical Factors in North Kordofan Sudan

Background: Myocardial infarction (MI) is a common emergency department (ED) and coronary care unit (CCU) presentation globally. The purpose of this investigation was to determine the prevalent pattern and clinical presentation of STEMI type among Sudanese patients in the state of Northern Kordofan (rural population). Methodology: This is a descriptive study conducted at Coronary Care Unit (CCU) at El-Obeid Teaching hospital in El-Obeid city, North Kordofan State, Sudan. The study included a full coverage of patients admitted with clinical diagnosis of STEMI, during the period from Nov 2018 to March 29, 2022. Besides initial presenting symptoms, the diagnosis and STEMI categorization based on the ECG findings. Results: Only 141 of the 174 patients admitted to our facility had comprehensive patient identification information. The majority of patients had an anterior presentation, followed by anteroseptal, inferior, anterolateral, septal, and inferolateral, with proportions of 46/141 (32.6%), 32/141 (22.7%), 29/141 (20.4%), 26/141 (18.4%), 7/141 (5.0%), and 1/141 (0.7%), respectively. Only 32/141 (22%) of the 141 individuals presented within 12 hours of their initial chest discomfort. Approximately 59 out of 141 (41.8%) patients presented themselves after 72 hours had passed. Streptokinase was administered to about 40 individuals, and 12 of them (30%) presented after 12 hours. Conclusion: STEM is prevalent in rural Sudan, with an increasing prevalence of anterior type. The majority of patients presented late in response to their initial chest discomfort, which can lead to unfavorable or poor outcomes. Health education regarding MI is considered essential in rural communities.

Factors Determined Contribution of Female Framers to Household Food Security <br/>—A Study of Female Farmers in Northern Kordofan

Factors Determined Contribution of Female Framers to Household Food Security <br/>—A Study of Female Farmers in Northern Kordofan

Hematological and molecular analyses of the HbS allele among the Sudanese population.

ObjectiveThe purpose of this study was to perform hematological and molecular analyses of the HbS allele of the hemoglobin subunit beta gene in the Sudanese population.MethodsThis was a descriptive cross-sectional study. Hematological parameters and fetal hemoglobin (HbF) levels were assessed in all participants. Data were gathered through the use of questionnaires and laboratory investigations. The βS-globin haplotypes, S allele distributions, and hematological parameters with HbF levels were investigated using PCR-restriction fragment length polymorphism, gel electrophoresis, and a Sysmex hematology analyzer, respectively.ResultsAccording to our findings, the Bantu (BA) haplotype was found in 10.8% of participants with homozygous uncontested haplotypes, followed by Benin (BA) and Sudan (SU), each in 9.8% of participants. This Sudanese group from Northern Kordofan lacked the Arab-Indian haplotype. Two heterozygous versions of undisputed haplotypes were found in 17.3% of participants: SU/BA in 10.8% and CA/BE in 6.5%.ConclusionAs a result of sickle cell anemia, this investigation found changes in hematological parameters. In the Sudanese population, a new haplotype of the S gene was discovered.

Evaluation Of Feeding Residual of Sesame Capsule on Growth Rate of Sudanese Desert Kids in North Kordofan State, Sudan

The experiment was conducted in ELobied locality, Northern Kordofan state, to evaluate the effect of supplementation of residual sesame capsule on growth performances of grazing Desert kids. Thirty-seven (37) Sudanese desert kids were used in this experiment. Kids were divided to four groups as (B, C, D) supplemented and group (A) unsupplemented as control depends on natural grazing only. Supplemented kids were allocated to three feeding regimes in a complete random design. The results indicated that the supplementary rations that given to the experimental goats, had highly significant (p<0.01) effect on kid birth weight, heavier at birth than control group (1.99±0.12, 2.42±0.11 and 2.22±0.12kg for B, C and D groups respectively versus 1.85±0.13kg for control). The results reveled that supplementary ration had no significant effect on kid growth from after birth up to 8th weeks pre –kidding, but during 8-12th week did. Also ration that offered to kids significantly (p<0.01) effected body weight at weaning and daily gain. The heavier weaning weight for groups B, C and D were 9.14, 9.55 and 9.47 kg vs 8.46 kg for A group with lightest weaning weight. Results showed that the effect of supplementary feeding was exerted no significant effect on pre weaning mortality rate. Highest rates were scored by group B 22% whereby group A, C and D were scored 12%, 9 % and 11% respectively. It may be concluded that the supplementation of with residues of sesame capsule had showed an impact on birth, growth rate and weaning weight of Desert kids under traditional farming system.

قبيلة الهواوير بين دنقلا و كردفان

قبيلة الهواوير بين دنقلا و كردفان
 From its original homelands in Tripoli, the Hawawir tribe emmigrated in a Westerly and easterly directions.
 From Lower Egypt it moved to upper Egypt, from where it was able to enter the Northern part of Bilad El- Nuba, modern Republic of the Sudan.
 There it led a nomadic life.
 It used to spend the wet Season grazing in the pastures of Northern Kordofan province.
 The dry season it passes near the river banks in Dongola province.
 In 1917 the authorities of the Condominium period decided to transfer the tribe wholly to Northern Kordofan for the benefit of their stock.
 A conflict round (Dar) rights rose between them and the Kababish, the owner of the (Dar) tribe.
 In 1953 a high court issued a decree for the benefit of the Kababish.
 Then the Hawawir demanded to be transferred back to Dongola, province.
 The application was rejected.
 Though the tribe Nizara remained in Kordofan, Some branches of the Hawawir immigrated and settled in Northern & Khartoum provinces, and began to raise demands to be joined administratively to the provinces in which they were living, especially after 1971 when the local administration law, which depends on the distribution of the inhabitants on geographical & not tribal bases, was issued.
 In 1983, a conference was held in Khartoum, to finalize the Hawawir question.
 Due to the coSnference decisions some of the Hawawir were annexed to the localities of the provinces where they are actually living.
 The headquarters of the Hawawir traditional leadership is still in Abu-Urog in Kordofan province

Association of XmnI Polymorphism with Fetal Hemoglobin Level in Sudanese Patients with Sickle Cell Disease

Background: Sickle cell disease (SCD) is an inherited blood disorder that affects red blood cells. The studyof various modulating factors, and genetic factors affecting the clinical severity of the SCD is an interestingresearch focus especially in communities with a distinct genetic background. The XmnI polymorphism isa common genetic variation that was reported in previous studies to increase fetal hemoglobin (HbF) level.This was a descriptive cross-sectional study, conducted in El-Obeid city in Northern Kordofan state, westernSudan, during the period from August to November 2016. The Xmn1 polymorphic site was determined bypolymerase chain reaction. Data was analyzed using SPSS software program version 20. P-value of 0.05and below was considered of significance. In present study HbF level among normal individuals AA , shownsignificant difference (p<0.05) between presence of Xmnl +/+ and absence of Xmnl -/- site. in patients withSS , the HbF level was higher in those who had one or two Xmnl sites as compared to those with the siteabsent . In patients with sickle cell trait AS and AA, only the presence of the one and two Xmnl site (+/+)compared to the absence of the site (-/-) was associated with significant increase in the HbF level. There isa close link between the Xmn1 polymorphism site and HbF level. A wide range of HbF level was obtainedboth in the present and absence of this site. Further studies with a large sample size as well as analysis BShaplotypes among the patient with sickle cell anemia population are needed for better understand of possibleassociation .

Extensive perineal Actinomadura pelletieri actinomycetoma-induced urethral stricture: a rare complication

Mycetoma is a neglected tropical disease that causes tremendous suffering and misery to affected patients. In Sudanese rural communities, many patients hide their lesions, especially those located in the perineal, scrotal, inguinal and genital regions, and they regard them as sources of social stigma. We report the case of a 45-year-old male from northern Kordofan State, Sudan, who presented with multiple discharging sinuses in the perineal region. Clinical diagnosis was actinomycetoma and fine-needle aspiration cytology was consistent with Actinomadura pelletieri, confirmed by culture and biochemical analysis. To our knowledge, this is the first case of A. pelletieri with urethral complications and subsequent implications for management.

Prospecting for gold mineralization with the use of remote sensing and GIS technology in North Kordofan State, central Sudan

The main objective of this study is to carry out regional geological mapping and gold prospecting in the poor savannah Northern Kordofan State, central Sudan. The selection of the study area was based on its favorable gold mineralization geological setting. Syntheses of the various forms of imagery, digital image processing, spectral analysis and office mapping were conducted before going into the field. Field observations, chemical analysis and petrographic investigations have all been integrated with the help of Geographic Information Systems (GIS) to come out with reliable interpretation that can be implemented in similar geologic setting and climatic conditions. A package of digital image processing techniques was applied to Landsat7 Enhanced Thematic Mapper Plus (ETM+) image in order to increase the visual interpretability of the various lithological units for the purpose of geological mapping and delineation of alteration zones, which represent possible target zones for gold mineralization. Different color composite images in addition to the result of image transformation (including Red Green Blue, RGB to Intensity Hue Saturation, IHS; Principal Component Analysis, PCA) were prepared to facilitate the delineation of the main rock groups. Several ratio images were prepared, combined together and displayed in RGB color composites. The outcome of the image processing is the discovery of many alteration and shear zones which trend north-northeast to south-southwest affecting most of the rock types. 139 chip samples were collected from the alteration and shear zones, which were delineated by remote sensing data interpretation and actual field work. They include samples from quartz veins and rock alteration zones which were analyzed by fire assay. All the collected samples proved to be gold-bearing. The Au values range from 0.1 to 84.9 g/ton. Artisanal mining activity in the study area coincided with the remotely sensed data interpretation results conducted in this work, i.e. during the field checkup artisanal miners were found in the places where anomalous signals appeared in the satellite image, thus reinforcing the reliability of the employed approach of remote sensing and GIS for gold prospecting in poor savannah zones.

Changes in Ecological Parameter of Woody Vegetation along Altitudinal Gradient in Jebel ElDair, North Kordofan, Sudan

Qualitative and quantitative data on floristic composition and species diversity of the woody plants on Jabal Eldair - Northern Kordofan State were collected from twenty three circular plots 0.1ha., between elevation ranged from 510 to 1200 m above sea level (asl), which later were divided into three vegetation communities (community I, community II and community III). According to the dominant plant species, to determine how woody plants species change with increasing altitude. A total number of 1147 plants from 47 species belonging to 22 families were sampled. Number of ecological parameters has been studied for each plant species and vegetation community. These parameters include number of individuals, also the frequency percentage, abundance, density, relative density and importance value index (IVI), in addition to numbers of ecological indices. Community III was found to be more diverse compared to Communities II and I, using Shannon diversity index (H). It also has the highest species richness and density than the other two Communities.

Epidemiological and molecular investigation of resurgent cutaneous leishmaniasis in Sudan

ObjectivesLocal health personnel have drawn attention to an apparent increase in incidence and severity of cutaneous leishmaniasis (CL) in Sudan. The objective of this study was to investigate CL burden and surveillance. MethodsSurveillance data were compiled from the KalaCORE programme, Leishmania coordinators in Northern Kordofan and Southern Darfur, and Khartoum Dermatology Hospital. CL lesions were sampled from 14 suspected cases from Northern Kordofan and the Hospital for Tropical Diseases in Omdurman. PCR–restriction fragment length polymorphism analysis and multilocus sequencing were used to characterize the disease agent. ResultsAll sites reported substantial increases from 2014 to 2016/7, far exceeding World Health Organization case reports for 2014, consistent with a widespread outbreak. Single seasonal peak incidence was observed, except for two peaks in Southern Darfur. In Northern Kordofan, the odds ratio for CL in the 35–44 years age group was 2.6 times higher than in the >45 years age group (p<0.0001); in Southern Darfur, the OR was 2.38 greater in males than females (p<0.0001). Lesions included severe presentations, despite chemotherapy. Leishmania major was identified as the agent. ConclusionsActive surveillance is required to understand the extent of CL in Sudan, as well as training to standardize surveillance, diagnosis, reporting, and quality control. Point-of-care rapid diagnosis would be valuable. Genotyping and phenotyping are required to monitor the emergence of pathogenic strains, drug resistance, outbreaks, and changes in severity.

Validity of LAMP and molecular detection of human brucellosis among febrile negative malaria patients in Northern Kordofan State, Sudann

Validity of LAMP and molecular detection of human brucellosis among febrile negative malaria patients in Northern Kordofan State, Sudann

Difficulties Encountered by EFL Students in Learning Pronunciation: A Case Study of Sudanese Higher Secondary Schools

This study aims at investigating the problems which have been encountered by higher secondary schools students when they try to learn English pronunciation. The problem of this study is that most of the higher secondary school students in Sudan produced incorrect pronunciation for many of English words. So this study is attempted to deal with problem to find the most suitable solutions for it. The participants are Sudanese students of higher secondary schools especially at Shikan locality in Northern Kordofan State. The researcher uses the descriptive analytical approach because it is suitable for such studies. The data of this study is collected by means of recording test and questionnaire. The findings showed that the problems of pronunciation are the result of many teaching difficulties, and the strategies of teaching pronunciation are helpful in producing correct speech pronunciation. Finally the researcher recommends that: Sudanese EFL learners, who are specialized in ELT, should obtain a high level of intelligibility, and the language laboratory should exist in all the higher secondary schools to practice phonetic exercises.

Prevelance of Brucellosis among Febrile Negative Malaria Patients by PCR in Northern Kordofan State, Sudan

Background: Diagnosis of Brucellosis is still facing some obstacles; to date it depends on conventional diagnosis based on blood culture and serological methods. PCR method now days offers the hope of rapid diagnosis. Aim: To determine the prevalence of brucellosis among malaria negative febrile patients in Northern kordofan State, Sudan. Methods: In this cross sectional study, one hundred blood samples were collected from febrile malaria negative patients of different ages form North kordofan State during the period from April to May 2016, and examined by Rose Bengal Plate Test (RBPT), ELISA and nested PCR methods. Results: The results showed 40 samples were positive by RBPT method 52 samples were positive by ELISA and 81 sample positive by nested PCR. Conclusion: There was high prevalence of brucellosis among the study population as detected by the three tests. Further studies using various diagnostic methods should be considered to determine the prevalence of human brucellosis at the national level.

Assessment of the contribution of climate change and human activities to desertification in Northern Kordofan-Province, Sudan using net primary productivity as an indicator

Using net primary productivity (NPP) as an indicator to desertification driving factor and expansions is one of the importance tools in the assessment of the contribution of climate change and human activity in desertification. In this study we used three types of net primary productivity; the actual NPP, Potential NPP and HNPP (human appropriation of NPP) to discriminate the relative role of climate change and human activities in desertification from 2000 to 2008 in Northern Kordofan province-Sudan. The results showed, 63.75% of the study area experienced desertification expansion. Within which, 67.32% was induced by Human activities compared with 32.03% caused by climate change and 0.65% caused by a combination of the two factors. By contrast, climate change is the dominant factor of desertification reversion, 2.3% of desertification reversion caused by human activities compared with 97.7% induced by climate change and there isn’t interaction between climate change and human activities in reversion area. The largest area of expansion and reversion occurred in northeast and western parts of the study area respectively. We developed two propositions in the study area. First, the desertification expansion was induced by human activities, whereas desertification reversion was induced by climate change as typified in north south part, central part and western part. Second, both desertification expansion and reversion was induced by climate change as typified in northeast part of study area.

Bayesian estimation of genotypic and phenotypic correlations from crop variety trials

Genotypic and phenotypic correlations are necessary for constructing indirect selection indices. Bayesian analysis, therefore, was applied to obtain posterior distributions of the correlations, and the estimates were compared with those under a frequentist approach. Three a priori distributions for standard deviation components based on uniform distribution, positive values from t- distribution, and positive values from normal distribution were examined, while a priori distribution for correlation was taken as a uniform distribution. The prior based on uniform was best found using the deviation information criterion. Data from sorghum genotypes evaluated in complete blocks in 2010-2011 in Northern Kordofan, Sudan, resulted in a posterior mean of 0.48 for genotypic correlation between seed yield and seed weight with posterior standard deviation of 0.24. Due to a wider inference base and the fact that it makes use of prior information, we recommend the Bayesian approach in estimation of genotypic correlations.

An ethnobotanical survey of medicinal plants used by communities of Northern Kordofan region, Sudan

Ethnopharmacological relevanceThe present study provides significant ethnopharmacological information on plant species used in North Kordofan region, western Sudan. The study was undertaken with an aim to document the medicinal uses of the species known to some Northern Kordofan communities. Material and methodsThe study was conducted between 2012 and 2013. The plants were identified and voucher specimens prepared. Information was collected by means of semi-structured interviews with 258 informants (195 men and 63 women). In addition, the use value (UV) of the species was determined and the informant consensus factor (ICF) was calculated for the medicinal plants researched in the study. Further analysis was carried out to compare results with previous studies from the study area and other regions of Sudan. ResultsA total of 44 plant species representing 24 families were found to be commonly used in the treatment of 73 different human health problems. The families most represented were Leguminosae (18%), Caesalpiniaceae (9%), Malvaceae (9%), Asclepiadaceae (6.8%) and Combretaceae (6.8%). The highest number of plant species are used against digestive system disorders (23 species) followed by microbial infections (21 species) and dermatology (19 species). Among all the plant parts leaves (20%), roots (19%), fruits and bark (14% each) were the most preferred plant parts used by the informants. There was strong agreement among the informants as to the usages of the plants (informant consensus factor 0.63–0.93). The most important plants on the basis of use-value were Acacia nilotica, Acacia seyal, Balanites aegyptiaca, Cassia occidentalis, Cassia senna, Guiera senegalensis and Tamarindus indica. ConclusionThis study has helped to document information that may otherwise be lost to future generations. This is the first ethnobotanical study in which statistical calculations about plants are carried out by means of the ICF and UV methods in the study area. Plants with high ICF and UV values should be subjected for further phytochemical and pharmacological investigation for scientific validation.

Agro - Pastoralists Copying Strategy to Combat Environmental Changes in - A Sub Sahelian Region : Case Studies of Dar Hamar and Al-Bederiya Northern Kordofan State-Sudan

Agro - Pastoralists Copying Strategy to Combat Environmental Changes in - A Sub Sahelian Region : Case Studies of Dar Hamar and Al-Bederiya Northern Kordofan State-Sudan