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The ever increasing applications of bioinformatics in providing effective interpretation of large and complex biological data require expertise in the use of sophisticated computational 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 specific 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 development of bioinformatics in the country. Author summary: Bioinformatics is gaining recognition globally and in Sudan as an important subdiscipline of biological sciences, one that enables researchers to efficiently interpret complex biological data. A limited number of Sudanese academic institutions have acknowledged this field despite its increasingly recognized importance. The development of bioinformatics in the country requires interdisciplinary collaborations involving experts in life sciences, research methodology, healthcare, computer, and data sciences. This can be achieved through designing educational programs and workshops alongside proposing and establishing effective collaborative research projects. In this context, we comprehensively discussed the present state of bioinformatics in Sudan, the challenges faced, as well as the efforts exerted by academic institutions including NUBRI, to upgrade infrastructure and establish local and international collaborations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A scientific determination of fertilization ability of the sperm can be made by motility, viability and morphological examinations that are called as potential fertility criteria. Some previous studies documented only the total morphological defect rates without including the morphologic subjects. As it is recorded in many studies, the success of IUI, ICSI and IVF depends mainly on the quality of the collected semen. 1) Determine and classify the common morphological defects and rates of sperms. 2) Analyze the effect of age on the sperm abnormalities and to assess the impact of environment on changing normal sperm characteristics. 3) Determine the common types of semen abnormalities (Asthenoterato-zoospermia, Asthenozoospermia, Azoopyospermia, Azoospermia, Hypospermia, Oligoasthenoteratozoospermia, Oligoasthenozoopyospermia, Oligoasthenozoospermia and Teratozoospermia). 4) Determine the range of teratozoospermic index (TZI) and sperm deformity index (SDI). A prospective case series study for 566 men of infertile couples who were requesting semen analysis was applied to those came to the ULTRALAB laboratory center main campus and ULTRALAB branch of the Sudan Assisted Reproduction Center (SARC), Khartoum, Sudan. Data collection was done for 20 months from April 1st, 2010 to December 31st, 2011. analysis of semen samples was done using Computer Assisted Semen Analysis (CASA). 1) The study demonstrates that there are differences in normality and abnormality of sperm morphology parameters of sperm between Sudanese population and other studies including WHO standards. 2) SDI and TZI were higher in overall semen as well as in abnormal semen samples. 3) Common semen abnormalities were oligoasthenoteratozoospermia, asthenoteratozoospermia and asthenozoospermia. There are differences in sperm morphology of both normal and abnormal parameters between Sudanese population and other studies including WHO standards. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]