National University - Sudan (NUSU)
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Item Anti-bacterial potential of (Acacia nilotica, Trigonella foenum graecum, Punica granatum and Commiphora myrrha) crude extracts against diverse drug sensitive and resistant bacterial species(Plant Science Today, 2022) Osman, Meaad Fakhraldeen Abdalla; Abdalla, Sababil Salih; Abdelghani, Sara; Mangi, Altaf Ali; Eltayeb, Lienda BashierThe alarming increase in bacterial resistance to antibiotics caused some authors to state that we are approaching a post-antibiotic era and medical catastrophe, the study aimed to assess the antimicrobial effects of selected plant extracts against several sensitive and resistant bacterial isolates. Ex perimental cross-sectional study was conducted, 70% ethanol crude Acac cia nilotica, Trigonella foenum-graecum, Punica granatum and Commiphora myrrha extract was prepared and several commercial antimicrobials agent tested, the antibacterial activity was investigated using the disc diffusion method. The inhibition zones' diameters (mm) were calculated and inter preted by Zone Diameter Interpretative Standards. Data were analyzed by using (SPSS) software version 22. About 200% of A. nilotica and T. foenum graecum showed bactericidal effects against Enterococcus faecalis, means ±SD (12.3 ± 2.8 and 12.5 ± 2.1). The activity of 200% C. myrrha extract was highest against all diverse bacterial. Despite a relatively high inhibition zone among all plant ethanol extracts, the findings demonstrate that there is no statistical significance in the inhibitory activity impact of varying concentra tions of 70% ethanol extracts of all plants extract against bacterial isolates (P. value ≥ 0.05). The outcomes of the ethanol extracts of the used plant un der study demonstrated that the herbal extract can be a superior antimicro bial potential than the result of the commercial broad spectrum antimicro bial agent utilized. C. myrrha extract was potent antimicrobial activity against all diverse bacterial species.Item Effect of Creative Teaching Intervention for Adolescents with Severe Refractory Asthma on their Own Medications Adherence, Asthma Control and Hospital Readmission(International Egyptian Journal of Nursing Sciences and Research (IEJNSR), 2024) Hassan, Ghada.A.; Mohammed, Esraa Gamal; Mohamed, Rawia Abd El-ghanyBackground: Severe refractory asthma characterized by difficulty in achieving disease control despite high-intensity treatment. Asthma burden is particularly notable in adolescents and associated with higher rates of prevalence and mortality compared with younger children. So, healthcare professionals should dedicate their effort to educate adolescents with severe refractory asthma. Aim: evaluate the effect of creative teaching intervention for adolescents with severe refractory asthma on their own medications' adherence, asthma control, and hospital readmission. Research design: A quasi- experimental design. Setting: The pediatric in-patient wards at Benha University Hospital. Sample: It is composed of 100 adolescents with severe refractory asthma who attended in the previous setting during study period. Tools of data collection: Tool I; Structured Interview Questionnaire, Tool II; observation checklist, Tool III: Asthma Morisky Medication Adherence Scale, Tool IV; Asthma Control Test. Tool V; Assessment sheet for asthma outcomes. Results: Less than two thirds of the adolescents in study group had high medication adherence level, and approximately two thirds of them had well asthma control, in addition to, two thirds did not readmit to the hospital after 30 post intervention with statistically significant differences between study and control group after the intervention. Conclusion: creative teaching intervention impacted positively on adolescent's knowledge level, practice, medications adherence, asthma control and decrease hospital readmission. Recommendation: Further studies for implementation of other creative teaching interventions for enhancement of asthma care should be done.Item PI3K/AKT/mTOR Pathway in Breast Cancer Pathogenesis and Therapy: Insights into Phytochemical-Based Therapeutics(Nutrition and Cancer, 2025) Wali, Adil Farooq; Talath, Siajunisa; El Tanani, Mohamed; Rangraze, Imran Rashid; Babiker, Rasha; Shafi, Sadat; Bansal, RubyBreast cancer (BC) is listed as the most prevalent cancer form in women worldwide, with major subtypes classified by hormone receptor (HR) and HER2 status including, HR+/HER2– (~65–70%), HER2+ (~15–20%), Triple-Negative-HR–/HER2– (~10–15%) and rare sybtypes (<5%). Scientific evidence has revealed that PI3K/AKT/mTOR signaling cascade plays an important role in the development and progression of BC, contributing to key cellular processes including cell growth, proliferation, angiogenesis, and metastasis. Dysregulation of the components of this cascade including functional loss of Phosphatase and TENsin homolog (PTEN), PI3K hyperactivation, and gain-of-function of AKT, are frequently observed in BC subtypes, making it a promising target for therapeutic intervention. A myriad of studies have documented the potential of phytochemicals, including curcumin, chrysin, fisetin, genistein, resveratrol and lycopene as modulators of the PI3K/AKT/mTOR axis. These phytochemicals exhibit multifaceted mechanisms of action, including inhibition of key kinases, induction of apoptosis, suppression of angiogenesis, and reversal of resistance to chemotherapy. This review aims to provide a detailed overview about the role of PI3K/AKT/mTOR alteration in BC development and the current research on phytochemicals that modulate the PI3K/AKT/mTOR pathway in BC. We documented the molecular mechanisms through which these compounds exert their effects, their potential synergistic interactions with conventional therapies, and the challenges and prospects for their clinical application. The evidence presented underscores the promise of phytochemicals as novel, less toxic adjuncts to traditional BC therapies, warranting further exploration and development for clinical useItem Green synthesis of silver nanoparticles using Sudanese Candida parapsilosis: a sustainable approach to combat antimicrobial resistance(BMC Microbiology, 2025) Ibrahim, Nesreen A. A.; Saeed, Humodi A.; Saeed, Samar M.; Mohamed, Osama; Suliman, Omnia H.; Ibrahim, Sabah A. E.; Mohamed, Sofia BBackground Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is a critical global health challenge, particularly in Sudan, where the overuse and misuse of antibiotics have driven the rise of multidrug-resistant (MDR) pathogens. Conventional antimicrobial strategies often fall short due to rapid resistance development and limited efficacy, highlighting the need for novel approaches. Nanotechnology offers promising alternatives, with silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) demonstrating potent broad-spectrum antimicrobial activity. This study aims to develop an eco-friendly synthesis of AgNPs using Candida parapsilosis (C. parapsilosis), an untapped yeast strain isolated from Sudanese soil, to combat AMR. Results Biosynthesis of AgNPs using C. parapsilosis was successfully confirmed through UV-Vis spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction (XRD), and high-resolution transmission electron microscopy (HRTEM), revealing well-defined nanoparticles. The biosynthesized AgNPs exhibited strong antibacterial activity against both ATCC reference strains and MDR clinical isolates of Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria, with inhibition zones increasing in a concentration-dependent manner. At optimal concentrations, inhibition zones reached 29 mm for Pseudomonas aeruginosa (P.aeruginosa) (ATCC 27853), while clinical isolates of Salmonella typhi (S. typhi) (24.5 ± 0.58 mm) and Escherichia coli (E. coli) (23.8 ± 0.79 mm) exhibited significant susceptibility. Minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) and minimum bactericidal concentration (MBC) assays demonstrated potent bactericidal activity, particularly against E. coli and Klebsiella pneumoniae (K. pneumoniae) at 0.3125 mg/mL. Furthermore, AgNPs synergistically enhanced the efficacy of conventional antibiotics in a species- and antibiotic-dependent manner. The strongest synergy was observed in Enterococcus faecalis (E. faecalis) (up to 9.84-fold with Colistin) and Acinetobacter baumannii (A. baumannii) (up to 5.11-fold with Ceftazidime), suggesting that AgNP-enhanced antibiotic efficacy varies depending on bacterial species, nanoparticle synthesis method, and antibiotic type. Conclusions This study presents a novel and sustainable approach to tackling AMR by leveraging Sudanese yeast strains for the green synthesis of AgNPs. The findings underscore the potential of AgNPs as an effective antibacterial agent, both independently and in combination with conventional antibiotics, to combat MDR pathogens. By integrating microbiology and nanotechnology, this research offers a cost-effective and environmentally friendlyItem Potential Role of Acacia Senegal (Gum Arabic) as Immunomodulatory Agent among newly diagnosed COVID 19 Patients: A structured summary of a protocol for a randomised, controlled, clinical trial(2020) Kaddam,Lamis; Babiker,Rasha; Ali,Sara; Satti,Shahinaz; Ali,Nour; Elamin,Maha; Mukhtar,Mowaia; Elnimeiri,Mustafa; Saeed,AmalObjectives: To investigate the potential efficacy of Acacia Senegal extract Gum Arabic (GA) supplementation as immunomodulatory and anti-inflammatory dietary intervention among newly diagnosed COVID 19 Sudanese patients. To study the effect of GA on the level of cytokines, TNFα, IL8, IL6 IL10, CRP and the viral load. Secondary outcomes will be the effect of GA oral intake on mortality rate and days of hospital admission. Trial design: Quadruple blind, randomized placebo-controlled clinical trial Phase II & III. Prospective, two-arm, parallel-group, randomised (1:1 allocation ratio) superiority trial of oral GA among seropositive COVID-19 patients. Participants: Inclusion criteria: COVID-19 infected (newly diagnosed) as proved by real-time PCR within 72 hours of PCR. Age 8-90 years Both genders Exclusion criteria: Intubated patients on parenteral treatment Allergy to Gum Arabic The study will be conducted in COVID Isolation Centres and Soba University Hospital Khartoum State Sudan. Intervention and comparator: Experimental: Intervention Group (Continued on next page) This arm will receive 100% natural Gum Arabic provided in a powder form in 30-grams-dose once daily for four weeks Placebo Comparator: Control group: This group will be provided with pectin powder provided as one-gram-dose once daily for four weeks Both GA and placebo will be in addition to standard care treatment based on local clinical guidelines. Main outcomes: Mean change from baseline score of Immune Response to end of the trial. Changes of the level of Tumor Necrosis Factor (TNFα), interleukin IL8, IL6, and IL10 from the baseline values (Four weeks from the start of randomization). Mortality rate: The percentage of deaths among COVID 19 patients received Gum Arabic compared to placebo (Four weeks from the start of randomization]). Randomisation: Randomization (1:1 allocation ratio) and will be conducted using a sequence of computer-generated random numbers by an independent individual. Each participating centre will be assigned a special code generated by the computer. The randomization will be kept by the PI and a research assistant. Blinding (masking): Quadruple (Participant, Care Provider, Investigator, Outcomes Assessor) Numbers to be randomised (sample size): 110 eligible patients will be randomly assigned to either GA (n=55) or placebo (n=55) groups. Trial Status: Protocol Version no 2, 30th June 2020. Recruitment will start on 15th September 2020. The intended completion date is 15th January 2021. Trial registration: ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT04381871. Date of trial registration: 11 May 2020. Full protocol: The full protocol is attached as an additional file, accessible from the Trials website (Additional file 1). In the interest in expediting dissemination of this material, the familiar formatting has been eliminated; this Letter serves as a summary of the key elements of the full protocol.Item Sudan’s tuberculosis response needs global support amid conflict(LANCET, 2025) Al Zamel, Ahmad Mohammad; Saeed, Ali Awadallah; Elmubarak, Mazin; Alsarraj, Mohamed AbdulmonemAs 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.Item Measurements of the cerebral cortical thickness in healthy Sudanese subjects during third and fourth decades of age(Khartoum Medical Journal, 2020) Ahmed,Wegdan; Osman,Tahir; Sahin,Bunyamin; Elfaki,AmaniIntroduction The cortex is the outer covering of cerebrum that contains the functional areas including motor, sensory, visual, auditory, and speech. Measuring the cortical thickness of the cerebral hemisphere has greater importance because it supports the neuroscientists in their investigations of normal and abnormal changes in the cortical thickness. The aim of the present study was to measure cortical thickness of the cerebral hemisphere, frontal lobe, and frontal lobe gyri in young adult Sudanese in the third and fourth decade and to determine the effect of sex and age on the cortical thickness of cerebral hemisphere and its gyri. Material and methods The study included 139 healthy Sudanese subjects (80 males and 59 females) ranging between 20-39 years of age; they were assigned into the third and fourth decades. T1-weighted MR brain images with thickness 1mm were obtained. MR images of the subjects were analysed using the automatic segmentation software (BrainSuite). Cerebral cortical thickness (CCT) of the cerebral hemispheres, frontal lobes, and frontal lobe gyri were estimated using the output data of process of the software. Results The CCT of the cerebral hemispheres (3.810.21±mm) (3.840.16±mm) and frontal lobes (4.26±0.22mm) (4.240.22±mm) during third and fourth decade, respectively was not different between genders (P>0.05). Within third decade, there was no gender difference in CCT of frontal lobe gyri, except for the left precentral gyrus. While within fourth decade, the gender difference was reported in the middle frontal, pars opercularis, pars triangularis, precentral and paracentral, and subcallosal gyri (P<0.05). CCT of the cerebral hemisphere and frontal lobe did not change from third to fourth decade (P>0.05). Changes in CCT from third to fourth decade were noticed in the precentral, paracentral gyri, and pars opercularis. Conclusion Cortical thickness of the cerebral hemisphere and frontal lobe were not different between genders and was not changed by age; so they are independent values from sex and age. However, gender differences and change by age were reported in some frontal lobe gyri. This data can serve as normative database and reference data for both researchers and clinicians.Item Bioinformatics in Sudan: Status and challenges case study: The National University-Sudan(PLOS COMPUTATIONAL BIOLOGY, 2021) Mohamed, Sofia B; Kambal, Sumaya; Ibrahim, Sabah A.E.; Abdalwhab, Esra; Munir, Abdalla; Ibrahim, Arwa; Ali, Qurashi MohamedThe ever increasing applications of bioinformatics in providing effective interpretation of large and complex biological data require expertise in the use of sophisticated computa tional tools and advanced statistical tests, skills that are mostly lacking in the Sudanese research community. This can be attributed to paucity in the development and promotion of bioinformatics, lack of senior bioinformaticians, and the general status quo of inadequate research funding in Sudan. In this paper, we describe the challenges that have encountered the development of bioinformatics as a discipline in Sudan. Additionally, we highlight on spe cific actions that may help develop and promote its education and training. The paper takes the National University Biomedical Research Institute (NUBRI) as an example of an institute that has tackled many of these challenges and strives to drive powerful efforts in the devel opment of bioinformatics in the country.Item Distribution of Colistin Resistance Genes Among Clinical Isolate of Gram-Negative Bacteria(BIOMEDICAL (Journal Scientific & Technical Research), 2021) abdalla,Amna; Musa,Hassan A; Abdelhalim,Khalid A; Mohamed,Osama; Saeed,Mohammed IbrahimThis study focuses on the identification and the distribution of Colistin resistance genes among Gram-negative bacteria isolated from clinical samples at the National Ribat Teaching hospital, in Khartoum, Sudan. A total of 165 Gram-negative isolated pathogens were as follow Klebsiella pneumoniae (73/44.2%), E. coli (53/32.1%), Pseudomonas aeruginosa (33/20%), Proteus vulgaris (6/3.6%), and Citrobacter freundii (2/1.2%), isolated between December 2019 and February 2020 from clinical samples at the National Ribat Teaching hospital in Khartoum, Sudan. Stock of all isolates were stored in 20% Glycerol-broth at -80°C for further subculture for antimicrobial susceptibility profile and resistance genes associated with Colistin resistance were identified. Colistin resistance associated genes (mcr-1, mcr-2, mcr-3, mcr-4, mcr-5) of Gram-negative isolates were determined by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) using appropriate primer sets. Out of 165; 11 isolates (7%) were resistance to Colistin antibiotic with MIC ≥ 9-10 μg/Ml. The majority 67% (4/6) of K. pneumoniae Colistin resistant strains were considered MDR. Three out of the 6 (50%) clinical Colistin-resistant K. pneumoniae isolates were resistant to carbapenems (meropenem ≤ 2 μg/ml). One of these 3 strains was resistant to all tested antibiotics. The remaining K. pneumoniae strains were susceptible to most tested antibiotics (Supplementary material Table A1). The two Colistin resistant P. vulgaris isolates were resistant to all antibiotics including the carbapenems (meropenem ≤ 2 μg/ ml) and were only susceptible to amikacin and ciprofloxacin. One Colistin resistant C. freundii isolate was only susceptible to amikacin, cotrimoxazole, and carbapenems. The Antibiotic resistant patterns were very low among P. aeruginosa isolates, as the majority of the isolates were shown more sensitive to most of the antibiotics. Only one Colistin resistant E. coli isolate was resistant to aminoglycoside and beta-lactam antibiotics. The gene detection by PCR revealed positive mcr-1 gene in 11/165 (7%) of the isolates; 6/73 (8%) were K. pneumoniae with highest mcr-1 gene among Colistin resistant K. pneumoniae 60% (6/10). 2/6 (33%) P. vulgaris, 1/53 E. coli, 1/33 (3%) P. aeruginosa, and 1/2 (50%) C. freundii. While only one (0.6%) K. pneumoniae isolate was foundItem E-learning and the Digital Divide Role in Transforming Higher Education in Sudan: An Exploratory Case Study Analysis(International journal of INNOVATION & KNOWLEDGE MANAGEMENT IN MIDDLE EAST & NORTH AFRICA, 2021) Gibreel,Omer Abdelhamid; Mahdi,Mohamed Abdelghadir; Saeed,Ali AwadallahPurpose: This paper explores the factors and barriers to e-learning in Sudan from a digital divide perspective. Design/methodology/approach: The paper is based on a mixed-method case studies approach. Employing an exploratory case study method, we explore the factors and barriers to e-learning and bridging the digital divide in Sudan and their ramifications on the development of higher education in Sudan. The paper employs the following models and theories from e-learning and the digital divide perspective: Technology Acceptance Model (TAM), Theory of Planned Behavior (TPB), and Theory of Reasoned Action (TRA). It does this through an overarching model termed the Unified Theory of Acceptance and Use of Technology (UTAUT). The paper studies the following factors from the above models and theories: e-learning performance expectancy, e-learning effort expectancy, e-learning social influence, e-learning facilitating conditions, price value, and behaviour intention. Findings: The study shows that Sudan has excellent opportunities to develop through the e-learning sector, especially given recent global pandemics such as COVID-19. Nonetheless, there is a strong need to investigate factors such as Internet self-efficacy and price value for the development and growth of e-learning in Sudan. Original contribution of the paper: The paper explores the role of e-learning and the digital divide in higher education development in Sudan. Previous work has studied the digital divide and higher education in other Middle East and North Africa (MENA) sub-regions and countries but not in Sudan; they also excluded the above-stated factors and barriers. Research limitations/implications: The paper could have pursued further research with a larger sample size and used both exploratory and confirmatory factor analysis to further analyse Sudan’s current e-learning environment. Practical implications: The paper’s practical importance is that it lays the ground for further investigation into the development of e-learning systems in Sudan. Considering the digital divide in Sudan, there is a need to evaluate the development and usage of e-learning systems in Sudan from an holistic perspective, shedding light on both the supply side and the demand side of how e-learning is developing and shaping higher education in Sudan.