Prevalence of dengue fever virus antibodies and associated risk factors among residents of El-Gadarif state, Sudan.

Background: Dengue fever, caused by dengue virus (DENV), has become one of the most important mosquito-borne viral diseases with a steady rise in global incidence, including the Sudan. Sporadic cases and frequent acute febrile illness outbreaks, compatible with Dengue fever, have been reported in El-Gadarif State, Sudan. However, diagnosis was based almost exclusively on clinical signs without confirmatory laboratory investigations.

Gigantobilharzia, possible cause of cercarial dermatitis: Case report.

Cercarial dermatitis (swimmer's itch) is a worldwide, often neglected parasitic skin disease characterized by strong maculopapular skin eruption accompanied by intensive itching. A fisherman suffered from forearm dermatitis. Clinical history associated with the recovery of the avian schistosome; Gigantobilharzia from little green bee-eater (Merops orientalis najdanus) and collected Lymnaea snails supported the authors' opinion that patient clinical signs are most likely due to the invasion of avian schistosome cercariae.

The effects of alpha-lipoic acid on breast of female albino rats exposed to malathion: Histopathological and immunohistochemical study.

Background: The wide use of the organophosphate insecticide malathion is accompanied by the risk of human exposure and may be involved in the etiology of breast cancers, especially in developing countries. Alpha (α)-lipoic acid, a natural molecule, present in our diet has antioxidant and protective effects in cases such as aging, diabetes mellitus, and vascular and neurodegenerative diseases all in which free radicals are involved. However, there is only scarce data regarding the efficacy and biological activity of α-lipoic acid on malathion-induced breast histopathological changes.

Serum biochemical values of adult ostriches (Struthio camelus) anesthetized with xylazine, ketamine, and isoflurane.

Because of the size, speed, and powerful kicking ability of adult ostriches (Struthio camelus), chemical immobilization and general anesthesia are commonly used in these animals to provide veterinary care. To determine the serum biochemical values in ostriches anesthetized with xylazine and ketamine and isoflurane, 7 healthy adult ostriches (weighing 100 to 130 kg) were fasted for 12 hours. Each bird received an intramuscular injection of xylazine (4 mg/kg), followed 20 minutes later by an intravenous injection of ketamine (8 mg/kg), and were then intubated and maintained under anesthesia with isoflurane gas.