Research Papers

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Association of Plasma Zinc and Prostate‑Specific Antigen in Patients with Prostatic Cancer in Khartoum
(Matrix Science Medica, 2022) Mohammed, Nafisa; Saeed, Ali Awadallah; Mahdi, M. A.
Background: Prostate cancer is the most common visceral cancer in males, ranking as the second most common cause of cancer-related deaths in men older than 50 years of age, after carcinoma of the lung. It is predominantly a disease of older males, with a peak incidence between the ages of 65 and 75 years. This study aimed to estimate the plasma zinc level and plasma prostate-specific antigen (PSA) level in patients suffer from prostate cancer. Materials and Methods: A case–control study was conducted in Khartoum on 100 males aged more than 50 years old which were divided into 50 apparently healthy as control and 50 with prostate cancer as case. A 5 ml of blood specimens was collected in lithium heparin anticoagulants for the estimation of plasma zinc level using Buck model 210 VGP Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometer (East Norwalk, CT 06855) made in the USA and the plasma total PSA that was measured by immunoassay Sandwich principle HITACHI ROCHE COBAS E 411 (serial number 04641655190 V 13.0). Results: The mean level of plasma zinc was 0.35 mg/L ± standard deviation [SD] 0.14 in case and in control was 0.68mg/L ± SD 0.13, so the P value was 0.002 and PSA was 43.08 ng/ml ± SD 20.08 in case and 3.53 ng/ml ± SD 3.90 in control, so the P value was 0.000, the correlation between the level of plasma PSA with plasma zinc in patients with prostate cancer give R was 0.01 and R2 was 0.001. Conclusion: This study concluded that PSA is significantly increased in patients with prostate cancer and plasma zinc level is significantly decreased in patients with prostate cancer. However, it is statistically significant.
The flavonoid luteolin reduces mutant huntingtin aggregation and cytotoxicity in huntingtin-mutated neuroblastoma cells
(Saudi Pharmaceutical Journal, 2023) Ramadan, Azza; Al Mazrouei, Nadia; Mohammed, Abuelnor; Elnour, Asim Ahmed; Sadeq, Adel; Alkaabi, Maisoun; Al-Kubaisi, Khalid Awad; Beshir, Semira Abdi; Menon, Vineetha; AlAmoodi, Abdulla; Sam, Kishore Ganana; Saeed, Ali Awadallah Ali Mohamed; Abdalla, Sami Fatehi; Husse in, Samah Mohammed
Background: Huntington’s disease is an inherited progressive neurodegenerative disorder caused by an expansion of the polyglutamine tract leading to malformation and aggregation of the mutant huntingtin protein in the cell cytoplasm and nucleus of affected brain regions. The development of neuroprotective agents from plants has received considerable research attention. Objective: Our study aims to investigate the neuroprotective effects of luteolin and the mechanisms that underline its potential mediated protection in the mutant htt neuroblastoma cells. Methods: The mutant htt neuroblastoma cells were transfected with 160Q, and the control wild-type neuro blastoma cells were transfected with 20Q htt for 24 h and later treated with luteolin. Cell viability was deter mined by MTT and PI staining in both groups, while western blotting was used to evaluate caspase 3 protein expression. Aggregation formation was assessed via immunofluorescence microscopy. Also, western blotting was utilized to measure the protein expression of mutant htt aggregated and soluble protein, Nrf2 and HO-1. The impact of Nrf2 on luteolin-treated neuroblastoma cells was assessed using small interfering RNAs. Results: Our study reports that luteolin can protect cultured cells from mutant huntingtin cytotoxicity, evidenced by increased viability and decreased apoptosis. Also, luteolin reduced the accumulation of soluble and insoluble mutant huntingtin aggregates in mutant htt neuroblastoma cells transfected with 160Q compared to the control wild-type. The mutant htt aggregate reduction mediated by luteolin appeared to be independent of the Nrf2 –HO- 1 antioxidant pathway. Conclusion: Luteolin presents a new potential therapeutic and protective agent for the treatment and decreasing the cytotoxicity in neurodegenerative diseases such as Huntington’s disease.
Vaccine Hesitancy: Beliefs and Barriers Associated with COVID-19 Vaccination among the General Population in Khartoum Locality, Sudan 2021
(Saudi Journal of Clinical Pharmacy, 2023) Yousif, Abdulaziz Albashir; Faragalla, Mahgoub M. Elhassan; Taha, Einass Ezzeldeen Syed; Humaida, Mai Abdalla; Saeed, Ali Awadallah
Background: Vaccine hesitancy is a complex public health issue concerning the efficacy, safety, or need for vaccination. There needs to be more information about vaccine hesitancy, barriers, and beliefs associated with COVID-19 vaccination among the population in Sudan. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate the perception and awareness of Sudanese toward the intake of the COVID-19 vaccine and determine the underpinning beliefs. Materials and Methods: An online, cross-sectional, and self-administered questionnaire was used to survey adult participants from Khartoum locality, Khartoum state, Sudan, on the acceptability of the COVID-19 vaccine using stratified sampling technique method during August and October 2021. Results: The total number of participants was 369 (133 were males and 236 were females). The public acceptability of COVID-19 vaccines was (64.4%) in Sudan. Vaccination (“Accept” and “Not accept”) to COVID-19 vaccine was predicted through a logistic regression model (Y = 2.963 + 0.641 × age groups + 0.147 × gender + 0.484 × educational level + 0.070 × area +0.449 × chronic illness - 0.071× Belief score [%]). The model revealed that accepting the vaccine, in any case, was statistically significant, with a P-value of 0.0000001. Age, gender, education level, and area of living, despite their contribution to the model, were not statistically significant, with a P-value of respectively 0.336, 0.374, 0.253, and 0.268. Conclusions: A high prevalence of refusal and hesitancy about COVID-19 vaccination in the Sudanese population was observed in the study. The safety concern was the main reason for the unwillingness to accept vaccines.
Assessing the neuroprotective efficacy of atorvastatin in traumatic brain injury: a systematic review protocol
(Journal of Surgical Protocols and Research Methodologies, 2023) Mugenyi, Nathan; Sakaiwa, Neontle; Darko, Kwadwo; Shituluka, Musakanya; Tango, Tamara; Tunde, Olobatoke; Lordstrong, Akano; Saeed, Ali Awadallah; Kamabu, Larrey Kasereka; Mduma, Emmanuel; Kyaruzi, Victor; Shimber, Emnet; Azouz, Heba; Gankpe, Fortune; Esene, Ignatius; Tirsit, Abenezer
Traumatic brain injury (TBI) is a significant public health threat, with an estimated 5.3 million people in the United States alone living with a disability related to TBI (1). The most common therapies for individuals with TBI at this time include supportive measures, direct monitoring and surgical interventions,but the treatment outcomes following TBI are still poor.Atorvastatin is one of 3-hydroxy 3-methylglutaryl coenzyme A reductase inhibitors commonly used for treatment reduction of low-density lipoprotein and relief of symptoms in cerebrovascular diseases, however, the recent randomized trials in animal models and human subjects have revealed a promising therapeutic effect for its use in the treatment of TBI that has shown a significant alleviation of neurological dysfunctions. Hence, this systematic review will streamline and provide a comprehensive avenue for understanding more about the dynamics of atorvastatin and its neuroprotective efficacy for the treatment of the severity of TBI and the improvement of functional outcomes. This systematic review will follow the 2020 PRISMA guidelines.Information sources will be obtained from electronic databases such as Pubmed,Cochrane Library, EMBASE and SCOPUS.All patients with TBI that received Atorvastatin will be included.The review will also include original peer-reviewed research articles addressing the efficacy of Atorvastatin in TBI in English. Ethical approval will not be required as there will benohumanparticipantinvolvementinthisstudy.Thefindingsfromthisstudywillbedisseminatedatscientific conferences and published in a reputable peer-reviewed journal.
Hepatitis B Vaccination Status, Knowledge, and Attitudes among Healthcare Workers in Military Hospital, Khartoum State: A Cross‑sectional Study
(Matrix Science Pharma2024, 2024) Yahia, Saffaa; Babiker, Somia; Mohamed, Moatasem Gasmallah; Ahmed, Abazar Hussin; Babiker, Ameen Awad Al‑Amin; Altayeb, Ehab Ahmed; Hassan, Hassan Gamal; Maisra, Mubark; Saeed, Ali Awadallah
Background: Hepatitis B virus (HBV) is a significant public health issue that causes a substantial number of cases of hepatitis‑related illness and death. It is particularly important to vaccinate healthcare workers (HCWs), as they face a higher risk of HBV infection due to their exposure to infected blood and other bodily fluids in their line of work. The Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention currently recommends HBV vaccination for adult populations at risk of infection. Therefore, this study aimed to assess the vaccination status, knowledge, and attitudes of HCWs toward HBV vaccination in a military hospital. Materials and Methods: An institution‑based descriptive cross‑sectional study performed between May 2022 and September 2022 for HCWs working in Omdurman Military Hospital who were available at the time of data collection; data were collected using a self‑administered and online questionnaire; the obtained results were analyzed. Results and Conclusion: Only 50% of HCWs in military hospitals possessed adequate knowledge, while the majority exhibited a positive attitude toward HBV infection. In terms of vaccination status, approximately two‑thirds of HCWs were immunized, but only half of them completed the recommended number of vaccine doses. The educational activities of the infection control training programs should be strengthened to enhance the awareness of HCWs regarding HBV infection and vaccination. It is necessary to implement comprehensive vaccination programs against hepatitis B in various medical fields. In addition, a mandatory and cost‑free policy for hepatitis B vaccination should be established for HCWs and medical students.
The Humanitarian Crisis in Sudan: The Distorted Educational System
(Napata Scientific Journal,, 2024) Saeed, Ali Awadallah; Kheir, Eman; Gibreel, Omer A.; Khalifa, Samah Elnour; Suliman, Maha Yahia; Almekkawi, Sawsan M.
Introduction: On 15 April 2023, Battles initially broke out in the capital city, Khartoum, after the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) militia, which used to be under the command of the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF), rebelled. During such a disaster, Sudanese people are expected to reconsider their life priorities, with education coming down after safety and food supply. This, in turn, will result negatively in children's learning outcomes with probable deterioration and or reduction in educational achievement. A report released by the Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research on 28 August 2023 stated that the vandalism affected all 104 higher education and scientific research institutions in Khartoum and several other states. Methodology: This commentary relies on reports from the Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research, along with recent journal articles discussing the consequences of ongoing conflicts. Personal observations as staff in universities contribute to the insights, and data from the students and colleges illuminate the struggles faced by them. Results: The war resulted in the widespread destruction of educational infrastructure, leaving more than 600,000 higher education students uncertain about their academic future. The universities started searching for solutions to overcome the catastrophe and find ways to support their students and staff. Conclusions: The conflict in Sudan disproportionately impacts education, causing disruptions in whole educational process in Sudan. Urgent international intervention is needed to cease the conflict and ensure the safety of higher education and scientific research institutions facilities, and support will be needed for the students, higher education staff and researchers.
Luteolin as potential treatment for Huntington's disease: Insights from a transgenic mouse model
(CNS Neuroscience & Therapeutics, 2024) Mohammed, Abuelnor; Ramadan, Azza; Elnour, Asim Ahmed; Saeed, Ali Awadallah Ali Mohamed; Al Mazrouei, Nadia; Alsulami, Fahad T.; Alqarni, Yousef Saeed; Menon, Vineetha; Al Amoodi, Abdulla; Abdalla, Sami Fatehi
Aims: The study aimed to evaluate the potential benefits of luteolin treatment in Huntington's disease (HD), an inherited progressive neurodegenerative disorder. Methods: HD N171- 82Q transgenic and WT mice received luteolin or vehicle for treat ment at 6 weeks of age. The mice's body weight changes and survival rates were moni tored throughout the study, and a series of motor functional tests were conducted. Serum level of the marker NfL was also determined. Immunohistochemical staining and western blotting were utilized to assess the expression of huntingtin aggregates. Results: Luteolin treatment enhanced survival and prevented weight loss in HD mice compared to the vehicle- treated HD group. Furthermore, the luteolin- treated HD mice exhibited enhanced motor coordination and balance and significantly reduced motor dysfunction. Also, luteolin decreased serum NfL levels in HD mice. Notably, the accumulation of huntingtin aggregates was significantly reduced in the brain's cortex, hippocampus, and striatum of luteolin- treated HD mice compared to the vehicle- treated HD group. Conclusion: Luteolin holds promise as a therapeutic agent for improving survival out comes, managing motor dysfunction, and reducing huntingtin aggregates in HD. The findings are of significance as currently, there are no approved therapeutic interven tions that reverse HD pathology or slow down its progression.
Perceptions of Pharmacy Students Toward Artificial Intelligence in Pharmacy
(Matrix Science Pharma, 2024) Saeed, Ali Awadallah; Al Zamel, Ahmad Mohammad; Dafallah, Arwa Sami; Fagir, Anfal Said Eldeen; Idris, Basil Alzebair; Youseef, Doaa Abubakr; Saeed, Tasabeeh bashir; Idris, Walaa Ahmed; Hamid, Azza
Introduction: The advancement of community and clinical pharmacy services relies on the ongoing enhancement of patient care, and artificial intelligence (AI) can be a pivotal factor in this progression. Despite the growing use of AI in different areas of pharmacy, there is less awareness among pharmacy students toward this technology. Material and Methods: This study was a descriptive cross sectional survey. A total of 100 pharmacy students from Sudan participated in the study. Data were collected through an online electronic questionnaire. The data collected included information about sociodemographics: knowledge toward AI, attitude toward AI, and satisfaction of students with the use of AI in their pharmacy practice. Results: More than two-thirds of the participants (70%) heard about AI, half of them (52%) did not know any application of AI in pharmacy, and 61% of participants were not taught about AI in medical school. On the other hand, 60% of participants did not know the application of AI in pharmacy, whereas 20% stated it can be applied to help in marketing, communications, dispensing, and manufacturing of drugs, more than half of the participants (54%) they thought that the use of AI in pharmacy is good, but that does not replace the role of the pharmacist in the field of pharmacy. There is a statistically significant association between the name of the university and the satisfaction of students with the use of AI in their pharmacy practice (P = 0.003). Conclusion: AI entails the amalgamation of human expertise and resources with AI. As research on AI progresses, with numerous intriguing applications currently underway, some may perceive it as a necessary malevolence, even among those who view it as an adversary. Comprehensive knowledge and familiarity with AI are indispensable in all areas of pharmacy practice. Pharmacy students should receive instruction in the fundamental principles of data science and the basics of AI as part of their study, namely through a health informatics program.
Integrating Artificial Intelligence in Snakebite Management: An Innovative Approach
(Migration Letters, 2024) Saeed, Ali Awadallah; Mahdi, Mohammed A.; Elalawy, Intisar A. M. A.; Alawad, Samia Saeed; Gibree, Omer Abdelhamid; Fahal, Ahmed Hassan
Snakebite envenomation poses a global health challenge that demands swift and efficient intervention. This communication delves into the potential of artificial intelligence (AI) to positively impact various aspects of snakebite management. AI introduces innovative solutions to augment snakebite management protocols' efficiency and effectiveness, from early detection and diagnosis to treatment planning and post-treatment monitoring. Moreover, this communication reviews ongoing research, addresses obstacles, and proposes future avenues for integrating AI in snakebite management. In proposing future avenues for incorporating AI in snakebite management, the communication envisions a collaborative effort between researchers, healthcare professionals, and technology developers. This synergy seeks to harness the full potential of AI in enhancing not only the efficiency and effectiveness of snakebite management but also the accessibility of advanced healthcare solutions to regions grappling with the burden of snakebite envenomation. As the exploration of AI applications in snakebite care continues to unfold, this communication stands as a catalyst for informed discourse, innovation, and, ultimately, a more resilient response to the global health challenge posed by snakebite envenomation.
Sudan’s tuberculosis response needs global support amid conflict
(LANCET, 2025) Al Zamel, Ahmad Mohammad; Saeed, Ali Awadallah; Elmubarak, Mazin; Alsarraj, Mohamed Abdulmonem
As Sudan enters its third year of war, tuberculosis continues to pose a serious threat to public health amid systemic health-care collapse.1 In 2024 alone, the Federal Ministry of Health in Sudan officially reported 14 310 new tuberculosis cases, reflecting the persistence of the disease despite widespread insecurity and disruption of services.