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The Legalization of Abortion and Its Influence on Youth Sexual Behavior and the Catholic Church: A Case Study of Adamawa State Umaru, Isaac John; Akem, Ingwu Joseph; Asare, Solomon O.; Danjuma, Tyem Lawal; Yeboah, Genevieve A.; Salman, Julius Ishaya; Umaru, Hauwa A.; Ahmed, Maryam Usman
Kwaghe International Journal of Sciences and Technology Vol 3 No 1 (2026): Kwaghe International Journal of Sciences and Technology
Publisher : Darul Yasin Al Sys

Show Abstract | Download Original | Original Source | Check in Google Scholar | DOI: 10.58578/kijst.v3i1.9401

Abstract

Although debates on abortion reform have intensified in Nigeria, limited attention has been paid to how partial legalization shapes youth perspectives and sexual and reproductive behaviors within specific sociocultural and religious contexts. This study examines how the limited legalization of abortion influences youth attitudes and behaviors in Adamawa State, with particular attention to demographic, cultural, and institutional factors, as well as the Catholic Church’s response to these changes. A qualitative approach was employed through interviews with health workers, clergy, and youths aged 18–25 from urban and rural areas of Adamawa State. Supplementary data were obtained from community forums, church outreach programs, and health service records, and the data were analyzed thematically to identify patterns in attitudes, behaviors, and institutional responses. The findings indicate a marked urban–rural divide, with urban youths reporting higher sexual activity, greater contraceptive use, and stronger support for reproductive autonomy. The study also found that the Catholic Church’s moral campaigns have had limited influence, particularly among urban youths who perceive religious teachings as less relevant to contemporary realities. In contrast, health workers were viewed as more trusted sources of guidance, while peers and media played a substantial role in shaping youth behavior. The study concludes that the evolving legal and cultural landscape in Adamawa State reflects a broader generational shift toward autonomy and informed decision-making among youths. These findings contribute to understanding the changing relationship between legal reform, religious influence, and youth reproductive behavior, and suggest that more balanced strategies integrating moral guidance, comprehensive education, and supportive policies are needed to promote healthy youth development in a changing society.
Impact of Distinct Carbon Substrates on the Proliferation of Antimicrobial-Producing Microbes Umaru, Isaac John; Danjuma, Tyem Lawal; Akem, Ingwu Joseph; Salman, Julius Ishaya; Ahmed, Maryam Usman; Umaru, Hauwa A.
Kwaghe International Journal of Sciences and Technology Vol 3 No 2 (2026): Kwaghe International Journal of Sciences and Technology
Publisher : Darul Yasin Al Sys

Show Abstract | Download Original | Original Source | Check in Google Scholar | DOI: 10.58578/kijst.v3i2.9474

Abstract

Microbial production of antimicrobial compounds remains a fundamental area of biotechnology and pharmaceutical development, and its efficiency is strongly influenced by the carbon source available in the growth medium, which functions not only as an energy substrate but also as a regulator of microbial metabolism and secondary metabolite synthesis. This study aimed to evaluate the effects of five carbon sources—glucose, lactose, sucrose, starch, and glycerol—on microbial biomass yield, strain-specific growth preferences, metabolic compatibility, antimicrobial potency, inhibition zones, and bioactive metabolite production. Seven microbial strains, including Streptomyces, Bacillus, Pseudomonas, Actinomyces, and Clostridium, were cultured in media supplemented with each carbon source. Biomass yield was measured gravimetrically, growth rate indices were calculated on a scale of 0–10, antimicrobial potency was assessed using zone of inhibition assays against S. aureus, E. coli, P. aeruginosa, and K. pneumoniae, and metabolite yield was quantified in mg/L using spectrophotometric analysis. All experiments were conducted in triplicate. The findings showed that glucose produced the highest biomass yield and growth rates across all strains, with Bacillus and Pseudomonas each scoring 10. Lactose demonstrated selective effectiveness, particularly for Streptomyces, whereas sucrose supported moderate growth and selective antimicrobial activity. In contrast, starch and glycerol consistently resulted in low biomass production and minimal antimicrobial potency. The zone of inhibition results further confirmed that glucose and lactose were the most effective substrates, with inhibition zones exceeding 20 mm. Similarly, metabolite yield was highest with glucose (120 ± 5.4 mg/L) and lactose (115 ± 4.9 mg/L), while glycerol produced the lowest yield (30 ± 1.5 mg/L). The study concludes that carbon source selection plays a critical role in microbial proliferation and antimicrobial compound production, with glucose and lactose emerging as the most suitable substrates for broad-spectrum antimicrobial activity and high metabolite yield. These findings contribute practical evidence for optimizing fermentation strategies according to microbial metabolic profiles to enhance antimicrobial synthesis.
Phytochemical, Nutraceutical Profiles and Potential of Soursop Leaf Extract (Annona muricata) on Bacterial Meningitis Umaru, Isaac John; Danjuma, Tyem Lawal; Shadrach, Katchim Evelyn; Salman, Julius Ishaya; Mchibuma, Jibaniya Grace; Umaru, Kerenhappuch Isaac
African Journal of Medicine, Surgery and Public Health Research Vol 3 No 1 (2026): African Journal of Medicine, Surgery and Public Health Research
Publisher : Darul Yasin Al Sys

Show Abstract | Download Original | Original Source | Check in Google Scholar | DOI: 10.58578/ajmsphr.v3i1.8300

Abstract

The rise of multidrug-resistant bacterial pathogens has intensified the search for alternative antimicrobial agents. Annona muricata (soursop), a tropical medicinal plant, has demonstrated promising antibacterial properties attributed to its rich phytochemical profile. However, the mechanistic basis of its antibacterial action remains underexplored. Aims: This study aimed to evaluate the mechanistic effects of A. muricata leaf extract on key bacterial targets, including cell wall integrity, membrane permeability, protein leakage, reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation, DNA fragmentation, and quorum sensing interference, using E. coli, S. aureus, and P. aeruginosa as representative strains. Materials and Methods: Fresh A. muricata leaves were extracted using ethanol and tested at a concentration of 100 mg/mL. Bacterial cultures were subjected to six mechanistic assays: crystal violet staining for cell wall integrity, propidium iodide and NPN fluorescence for membrane permeability, SDS-PAGE for protein synthesis inhibition, Bradford assay for protein leakage, DCFH-DA assay for ROS generation, and violacein quantification using the CV026 biosensor for quorum sensing interference. Ciprofloxacin served as a positive control, and untreated cultures served as a negative control. Results: The extract caused significant cell wall disruption (62.4%), comparable to ciprofloxacin (75.6%). Membrane permeability increased markedly, with PI and NPN fluorescence levels reaching 60–80% across strains. Protein leakage was elevated, with extracellular protein concentrations ranging from 25–30 µg/mL. SDS-PAGE revealed a 48.3–52.7% reduction in protein bands, indicating inhibition of protein synthesis. ROS levels surged to 8,000–9,500 RFU in treated samples, suggesting oxidative stress. DNA integrity scores dropped to 1–2, confirming genotoxic effects. Quorum sensing was inhibited by 68.9%, reducing violacein production and potential virulence. Conclusion: Annona muricata leaf extract exhibits potent antibacterial activity through multiple mechanisms, including structural disruption, metabolic interference, and oxidative damage. Its efficacy, comparable to ciprofloxacin in several assays, highlights its potential as a natural antimicrobial agent. These findings support further investigation into its bioactive compounds and therapeutic applications in combating resistant bacterial infections.