Gum Arabic (acacia Senegal) is a complex polysaccharide indigestible to both humans and animals. It has been considered as a safe dietary fiber by the United States, Food and Drug Administration (FDA) since the 1970s. Although its effects were extensively studied in animals, there is paucity of data regarding its quantified use in humans. This study was conducted to determine effects of regular Gum Arabic (GA) ingestion on body mass index and body fat percentage among healthy adult females. A two-arm randomized, placebo controlled, double-blind trial was conducted in the Department of Physiology at the Khartoum University. A total of 120 healthy females completed the study. They were divided to two groups: A test group of 60 volunteers receiving GA (30 gm /day) for 6 weeks and a placebo group of 60 volunteers receiving pectin (1 gm/day) for the same period of time. Weight and height were measured before and after intervention using standardized height and weight scales. Skin fold thickness was measured using Harpenden Skin fold caliper. Fat percentage was calculated using Jackson and Pollock 7 caliper method and Siri equation. Pre and post analysis among the study group showed significant reduction in BMI by 0.32 (95% CI: 0.17 to 0.47; P<0.0001) and body fat percentage by 2.18% (95% CI: 1.54 to 2.83; P<0.0001) following regular intake of 30 gm /day Gum Arabic for six weeks. Side effects caused by GA ingestion were experienced only in the first week. They included unfavorable viscous sensation in the mouth, early morning nausea, mild diarrhea and bloating abdomen. GA ingestion causes significant reduction in BMI and body fat percentage among healthy adult females. The effect could be exploited in the treatment of obesity.

Both obesity and type II diabetes mellitus are associated with insulin resistance and abnormal metabolic reactions. This study was conducted to evaluate resting metabolic rate in obese diabetic patients and to assess its relation to glycaemic control.

The study aimed to examine the quality of the educational environment in the Faculty of Medicine, University of Tabuk, Saudi Arabia, and to compare between male and female students using the Dundee Ready Educational Environment Measure (DREEM).

Background: Cadaveric dissection has long been a cornerstone of anatomy education, offering unparalleled hands-on experience that fosters both intellectual and emotional growth in medical students. It plays a crucial role in shaping professional identity while enhancing anatomical understanding. However, the emergence of digital platforms, including virtual reality (VR), augmented reality (AR), and 3D modeling, presents new opportunities to transform anatomy education. Objectives: This study explores the perceptions of medical and health sciences students at Ras Al Khaimah Medical and Health Sciences University (RAKMHSU) regarding the integration of digital tools alongside traditional cadaveric dissection. By comparing attitudes toward these approaches, the study aims to identify strategies like using 3D models, animations, and interactive apps to familiarize students with anatomical structures before entering the dissection lab for harmonizing traditional and digital learning methods to optimize anatomy education. Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted over seven months using an anonymous, structured 20-item questionnaire administered to 454 students from various health disciplines at Ras Al Khaimah Medical and Health Sciences University. A convenience sampling method was used. The questionnaire assessed sociodemographic data, attitudes toward cadaveric dissection, its significance in practical learning, comparisons with digital resources, and its role in professional development. Institutional approval was obtained, and informed written consent was secured from all participants before the study commenced. Results: Medical students expressed significantly stronger support for cadaveric dissection compared to allied health students, particularly regarding emotional engagement (p < 0.05), perceived educational value (p < 0.001), and comfort with handling cadavers (p < 0.001). While both groups acknowledged the benefits of digital resources, medical students reported greater improvements in visualization, confidence, and interactive learning (p < 0.01). Conclusion: Cadaveric dissection remains an essential pillar of anatomy education, offering irreplaceable benefits in anatomical comprehension and psychomotor skill development. This study highlights its role in fostering professional attributes while demonstrating that digital platforms serve as valuable complementary tools. Rather than replacing cadaveric dissection, these digital innovations enhance learning by creating a synergistic educational environment.

Background Exposure to second-hand tobacco smoke at home has been linked to many complications, including impaired lung ventilatory function; however, there is great variation in intensity of this complication between individuals of different countries. The aim of this study was to determine relationship between regular second-hand smoke exposure at home and the spirometric derived values forced expiratory volume in the first second (FEV₁), forced vital capacity (FVC), forced expiratory flow 50% and peak expiratory flow rate in healthy school boys in Khartoum. Methods A total of 135 male school pupils were selected randomly from three governmental primary schools for boys in Khartoum. Inclusion criteria were healthy school pupil, 9–14 years old, not active smoker, either exposed regularly to cigarette smoke at home since birth or not exposed to cigarette smoke or any other type of smoke inside or outside the house. All spirometric measurements were performed using Clement Clarke All-flow Spirometer. Results 69 school pupils were exposed regularly to second-hand smoke at home, whereas 66 pupils were not. Fathers were responsible for 67.5% of second-hand smoke at home; relatives for 30% and mothers for 2.5%. Mean FVC (±SD) was 2.21 ±0.57 l for the exposed pupils and 2.41 ±0.35 l for the non-exposed, showing reduction by about 8%. Mean FEV₁ (mean ±SD) was 2.03 ±0.46 l for the exposed and 2.20 ±0.42 l for the non-exposed, indicating reduction by about 7%. The differences between the two groups were statistically significant (p<0.05). Conclusion Regular second-hand smoke exposure at home causes significant reduction in FVC and FEV₁ by about 7%–8% in school pupils in Khartoum.

BACKGROUND: Many patients with chronic illnesses suffer from depression. A poorly controlled asthma that presents with repeated attacks of breathlessness is a recognised risk factor for bipolar disorders. On the other hand, depression can aggravate asthma symptoms.AIM: The aim of this study is to determine the indicators of the asthma control test (ACT) among the asthmatic patients who attend the outpatient clinic for follow-up and to investigate the relation between these indicators and clinical depression, using a standardised depression scale.METHODS: A total of 38 adult asthmatic patients (29 women, age 17–85 years), with variable levels of control, were assessed using the ACT and the Beck Depression Inventory (BDI). Data obtained were analysed with the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS Inc., Chicago, IL, USA) version 20. The association of depression with the various indicators of asthma control was analysed with the Chi-Square test. Statistical significance was determined at p< 0.05.RESULTS: The uncontrolled asthma is associated with depression in 37% of all participants compared to 0% in the well-controlled group (p = 0.002). Depression is significantly related to asthma interference with daily activities (p = 0.003), breathlessness (p < 0.001), night symptoms (p = 0.036), use of bronchodilators (p = 0.007), and poor compliance with medical treatment (p = 0.003). The poor educational attainment and comorbidities have significant relations to both uncontrolled asthma and clinical depression (p < 0.05).CONCLUSION: All indicators of the poor asthma control are associated with clinical depression. A significant proportion of the uncontrolled asthma patients suffers from depression. The possibility of improving asthma control with a pharmacological treatment of depression has to be considered.