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Effects of Methanol Leaf and Root Extracts of Lophira lanceolata on Haematological Indices and Tissue Histology in Bitis arietans Venom-Induced Toxicity in Wistar Rats Emmanuel Askeb-nde Joel; Isaac John Umaru; Kyugah Jacob Tersur; Sukyakma Manu
African Journal of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology Research Vol 3 No 1 (2026): African Journal of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology Research
Publisher : Darul Yasin Al Sys

Show Abstract | Download Original | Original Source | Check in Google Scholar | DOI: 10.58578/ajbmbr.v3i1.9306

Snakebite envenomation frequently causes severe haematological disturbances through venom-induced haemotoxicity and systemic inflammatory responses. This study investigated the restorative effects of methanol leaf and root extracts of Lophira lanceolata on haematological indices in Bitis arietans venom-intoxicated Wistar rats. Thirty-six male rats were assigned to six groups: normal control, venom control, venom plus antiserum, venom plus leaf extract (200 mg/kg), venom plus root extract (200 mg/kg), and venom plus combined extracts. After 14 days of treatment, blood samples were analyzed for white blood cells, red blood cells, haemoglobin, platelets, and haematocrit. Venom intoxication induced significant leukocytosis, anaemia, thrombocytopenia, and reduced haematocrit, whereas treatment with L. lanceolata extracts, particularly the root extract, significantly improved these parameters toward normal levels. The root extract restored white blood cells to 8.40 ± 0.38 × 10⁹/L, red blood cells to 7.65 ± 0.30 × 10¹²/L, haemoglobin to 6.80 ± 0.20 g/dL, platelets to 425.50 ± 19.26 × 10⁹/L, and haematocrit to 20.50 ± 1.13%, indicating superior haematoprotective and anti-inflammatory effects relative to the leaf extract. Histological examination further confirmed these findings, showing that the extracts, especially the root, ameliorated venom-induced necrosis, hemorrhage, and congestion in liver and kidney tissues. These findings suggest that Lophira lanceolata, particularly its root extract, has therapeutic potential as a complementary intervention for managing snakebite-induced haematological disorders and tissue damage.

Prevalence of Malnutrition Among Children Under Five in Iware, Taraba State Isaac John Umaru; Solomon O. Asare; Tyem Lawal Danjuma; Atsu Ayi; Ingwu Joseph Akem; Usenobong Morgan Akpan; Julius Ishaya Salman; George Okra Hassan; Maryam Usman Ahmed; Hauwa A. Umaru
African Journal of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology Research Vol 3 No 2 (2026): African Journal of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology Research
Publisher : Darul Yasin Al Sys

Show Abstract | Download Original | Original Source | Check in Google Scholar | DOI: 10.58578/ajbmbr.v3i2.9473

Malnutrition remains a major public health challenge in Nigeria, particularly among children under five years of age, with serious consequences for morbidity, mortality, cognitive development, and long-term human capital. In rural communities such as Iware, Taraba State, this burden is intensified by poverty, poor feeding practices, limited access to healthcare, and low caregiver education. This study aimed to determine the prevalence of stunting, wasting, and underweight among children aged 0–59 months in Iware and to examine the associations between nutritional status and socio-economic factors, including household income, caregiver education, feeding practices, and recent illness episodes, while also assessing the coverage of exclusive breastfeeding and vitamin A supplementation. A cross-sectional design was employed, with a sample size estimated using Cochran’s formula at 200–400 children. A multistage sampling technique was used in which households were randomly selected and eligible children were stratified by age group. Data were collected through a structured questionnaire on socio-demographic characteristics, feeding practices, and household conditions, alongside anthropometric measurements of weight, height/length, and mid-upper arm circumference, with nutritional status classified according to WHO Growth Standards. Data collection was conducted over 2–4 weeks by trained enumerators following a pilot study, and the data were analyzed using SPSS and STATA through descriptive statistics, chi-square tests, and logistic regression. The findings revealed a high prevalence of malnutrition, with stunting at 35%, underweight at 30%, and wasting at 25%. Although 60% of children were exclusively breastfed and 65% had received vitamin A supplementation, 42.5% had experienced recent illness. Socio-economic findings further showed that 72.5% of households earned below ₦30,000 per month and that 20% of caregivers had no formal education. Statistical analysis indicated significant associations between malnutrition and low household income, poor caregiver education, and inadequate complementary feeding practices (p < 0.05). The study concludes that malnutrition among children under five in Iware is driven by the combined effects of chronic poverty, limited maternal education, suboptimal feeding practices, and frequent illness. These findings underscore the need for multi-sectoral interventions focused on nutrition education, economic empowerment, improved healthcare access, and community-based strategies tailored to rural populations.

Chronic Disease Management: Integrating Occupational Risk Evaluation with Predictive Prevention and Diagnostics Isaac John Umaru; Solomon O. Asare; Tyem Lawal Danjuma; Gomba Victoria Eno; Ingwu Joseph Akem; Eluu Emmanuel Chukwudi; Julius Ishaya Salman; Hauwa A. Umaru; Maryam Usman Ahmed
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.v3i1.9304

Occupational health has become an increasingly important dimension of public health, particularly in efforts to prevent chronic disease; however, the application of artificial intelligence (AI) in this area is constrained by the lack of standardized occupational exposure metrics, limited representation of diverse work environments, and fragmented data systems. This study aimed to evaluate the impact of occupational exposure variables on chronic disease risk prediction, assess the performance of Random Forest, XGBoost, and Deep Neural Network (DNN) models across workplace contexts, and propose a framework for interoperable platforms that integrate health and occupational data to strengthen predictive analytics and early diagnostics. Using a cross-sectional dataset of 5,000 workers from the manufacturing, agriculture, healthcare, and service sectors, the study analyzed demographic characteristics, clinical biomarkers, occupational exposure logs, and psychosocial assessments. Model performance was evaluated using ROC-AUC, precision, recall, and F1-score, while feature importance analysis quantified the contribution of occupational variables; in addition, a prototype interoperable platform was developed to demonstrate real-time integration between electronic health records and workplace monitoring systems. The findings showed that the DNN model outperformed the other algorithms, achieving a ROC-AUC of 0.89, precision of 0.85, recall of 0.88, and F1-score of 0.86. Occupational exposure variables contributed 27% to predictive power, with chemical exposure and psychosocial stressors showing the strongest associations with chronic disease markers. Among high-risk individuals, 54% were identified with subclinical conditions, including elevated C-reactive protein and HbA1c levels, while personalized interventions based on model outputs reduced risk scores by 22% and improved biometric indicators. The interoperable platform also successfully synchronized health and exposure data, enabling real-time analytics and targeted alerts. These findings demonstrate that integrating standardized occupational exposure metrics with interoperable data platforms substantially enhances the accuracy and practical utility of AI-driven chronic disease prediction, while supporting more equitable and proactive occupational health surveillance across diverse industries.

Impact of Distinct Carbon Substrates on the Proliferation of Antimicrobial-Producing Microbes Isaac John Umaru; Tyem Lawal Danjuma; Ingwu Joseph Akem; Julius Ishaya Salman; Maryam Usman Ahmed; Hauwa A. Umaru
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

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.

Chronic Disease Management: Integrating Occupational Risk Evaluation with Predictive Prevention and Diagnostics Isaac John Umaru; Solomon O. Asare; Tyem Lawal Danjuma; Gomba Victoria Eno; Ingwu Joseph Akem; Eluu Emmanuel Chukwudi; Julius Ishaya Salman; Hauwa A. Umaru; Maryam Usman Ahmed
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.v3i1.9304

Occupational health has become an increasingly important dimension of public health, particularly in efforts to prevent chronic disease; however, the application of artificial intelligence (AI) in this area is constrained by the lack of standardized occupational exposure metrics, limited representation of diverse work environments, and fragmented data systems. This study aimed to evaluate the impact of occupational exposure variables on chronic disease risk prediction, assess the performance of Random Forest, XGBoost, and Deep Neural Network (DNN) models across workplace contexts, and propose a framework for interoperable platforms that integrate health and occupational data to strengthen predictive analytics and early diagnostics. Using a cross-sectional dataset of 5,000 workers from the manufacturing, agriculture, healthcare, and service sectors, the study analyzed demographic characteristics, clinical biomarkers, occupational exposure logs, and psychosocial assessments. Model performance was evaluated using ROC-AUC, precision, recall, and F1-score, while feature importance analysis quantified the contribution of occupational variables; in addition, a prototype interoperable platform was developed to demonstrate real-time integration between electronic health records and workplace monitoring systems. The findings showed that the DNN model outperformed the other algorithms, achieving a ROC-AUC of 0.89, precision of 0.85, recall of 0.88, and F1-score of 0.86. Occupational exposure variables contributed 27% to predictive power, with chemical exposure and psychosocial stressors showing the strongest associations with chronic disease markers. Among high-risk individuals, 54% were identified with subclinical conditions, including elevated C-reactive protein and HbA1c levels, while personalized interventions based on model outputs reduced risk scores by 22% and improved biometric indicators. The interoperable platform also successfully synchronized health and exposure data, enabling real-time analytics and targeted alerts. These findings demonstrate that integrating standardized occupational exposure metrics with interoperable data platforms substantially enhances the accuracy and practical utility of AI-driven chronic disease prediction, while supporting more equitable and proactive occupational health surveillance across diverse industries.

The Legalization of Abortion and Its Influence on Youth Sexual Behavior and the Catholic Church: A Case Study of Adamawa State Isaac John Umaru; Ingwu Joseph Akem; Solomon O. Asare; Tyem Lawal Danjuma; Genevieve A. Yeboah; Julius Ishaya Salman; Hauwa A. Umaru; Maryam Usman Ahmed
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

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.

Evaluating Public Awareness of Environmental Management Strategies for Malaria Control and Prevention: A Case Study of Michika Local Government Area Isaac John Umaru; Solomon O. Asare; Tyem Lawal Danjuma; Usenobong Morgan Akpan; Ingwu Joseph Akem; Emmanuel Olofu Omanchi; Julius Ishaya Salman; Kwabena Owusu Amoah; Maryam Usman Ahmed; Hauwa A. Umaru
African Journal of Clinical Medicine and Pharmacy Research Vol 3 No 2 (2026): African Journal of Clinical Medicine and Pharmacy Research
Publisher : Darul Yasin Al Sys

Show Abstract | Download Original | Original Source | Check in Google Scholar | DOI: 10.58578/ajcmpr.v3i2.9305

This study investigated malaria awareness, environmental risk factors, and preventive practices among adult residents of Michika Local Government Area, Adamawa State, Nigeria. A mixed-methods approach was employed, combining structured questionnaires, key informant interviews, and field observations to generate comprehensive data. Using a multistage sampling technique, 300 adult participants were selected across five wards to ensure representative coverage. The questionnaire was pre-tested for clarity and reliability, yielding a Cronbach’s alpha of 0.78. Quantitative data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, while qualitative data were examined through thematic analysis. The findings revealed high levels of malaria awareness, with more than 90% of respondents identifying mosquito bites as the primary mode of transmission; however, misconceptions such as attributing malaria to dirty water and contaminated food persisted. Environmental risk factors were widely recognized, particularly stagnant water, poor drainage, and open waste disposal, and field observations confirmed the presence of these conditions, especially in Michika I, which recorded the highest prevalence of stagnant water (88%) and blocked drainage (75%). Preventive practices varied across respondents, with mosquito net use emerging as the most common measure, reaching up to 80% in Michika I, whereas participation in community sanitation remained moderate. Perceptions of institutional responses were mixed, as only 50% of respondents in Michika I believed that government efforts to control malaria were adequate. These findings indicate that, despite strong individual awareness and relatively positive preventive behavior, persistent environmental challenges, limited community engagement, inadequate funding, poor infrastructure, and low participation continue to constrain malaria control efforts. The study underscores the need for integrated strategies that combine public education, environmental remediation, and multi-sectoral collaboration, and it provides an empirical basis for targeted policy interventions and future research on sustainable malaria control in Michika and comparable settings.

Awareness and Perceptions of Exclusive Breastfeeding as a Method of Birth Control Among Catholic Pregnant Women Attending Antenatal Clinics in Rural Communities Isaac John Umaru; Hauwa A. Umaru; Tyem Lawal Danjuma; Solomon O. Asare; Inemesit Samuel Essien; Ingwu Joseph Akem; Genevieve A. Yeboah; Julius Ishaya Salman; Katchin Evelyn Shadrach; Maryam Usman Ahmed
African Journal of Clinical Medicine and Pharmacy Research Vol 3 No 2 (2026): African Journal of Clinical Medicine and Pharmacy Research
Publisher : Darul Yasin Al Sys

Show Abstract | Download Original | Original Source | Check in Google Scholar | DOI: 10.58578/ajcmpr.v3i2.9402

Although exclusive breastfeeding (EBF) is widely recognized for its nutritional and immunological benefits, its role as a natural contraceptive through the Lactational Amenorrhea Method (LAM) remains insufficiently understood, particularly in rural communities where cultural and religious beliefs shape reproductive decisions. This study aimed to assess the level of awareness, perceptions, and barriers to the adoption of EBF as a method of birth control among Catholic pregnant women attending antenatal clinics in rural communities, while also examining the influence of education and religious beliefs on knowledge and acceptance of LAM. A quantitative survey design was employed using a structured questionnaire administered to 165 Catholic pregnant women. The instrument covered demographic characteristics, awareness of EBF and LAM, perceptions and beliefs, and barriers to adoption. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and chi-square tests to examine associations between variables. The findings showed that most respondents were aged 25–34 years (47.3%) and married (84.8%). Although 61.8% had heard of EBF as a birth control method, only 35.2% were familiar with the term LAM, and only 25.5% understood its three effectiveness criteria. Perceptions were mixed, with 47.9% considering EBF a reliable method and 59.4% believing that it aligns with Catholic teachings. The main barriers identified were lack of counseling (51.5%), cultural pressure (43.6%), and fear of pregnancy despite amenorrhea (36.4%). Education level was significantly associated with awareness of LAM (p = 0.03). The study concludes that, despite the perceived compatibility of natural family planning with Catholic teaching, substantial informational and practical barriers continue to limit informed adoption of EBF as a contraceptive method in rural settings. These findings contribute to a better understanding of the gap between religious acceptance and practical knowledge, and underscore the need for strengthened health education, engagement of religious leaders, and literacy-sensitive interventions to support safe and informed use of EBF for birth control.

Breast Cancer Knowledge as a Predictor of Regular Breast Self-Examination among Women Aged 20–49 in Ejisu Municipality, Ghana Joseph Oteng; Bemhemba Iba; Isaac John Umaru
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.v3i1.9084

Breast cancer is the leading cause of cancer-related morbidity and mortality among women globally, and in low-resource settings such as Ghana, breast self-examination (BSE) remains a cost-effective strategy for early detection, yet a persistent gap exists between awareness and consistent practice. This study assessed women’s knowledge of breast cancer and examined whether knowledge predicts regular BSE practice among women aged 20–49 years in Ejisu Municipality, Ghana. A community-based cross-sectional survey was conducted among 635 women selected using systematic random sampling. Data were collected using a structured questionnaire assessing socio-demographic characteristics, breast cancer knowledge, and BSE practice, with knowledge scores categorized as low, moderate, or high using tertiles. Descriptive statistics, chi-square tests, and multivariate logistic regression were applied, with statistical significance set at p < 0.05. The mean age of participants was 32.9 ± 7.1 years, and most (67.2%) demonstrated high breast cancer knowledge, primarily sourced from health professionals (53.5%). Although 72.0% had heard of BSE, only 32.1% practiced it monthly as recommended, with key barriers including lack of knowledge of the correct technique (47.8%) and fear of detecting a lump (22.8%). Knowledge level was significantly associated with regular BSE practice (χ² = 42.57, p < 0.001), and multivariate analysis showed that women with high knowledge were more than three times as likely to perform regular BSE (AOR = 3.45, 95% CI: 2.18–5.52, p < 0.001) compared with those with low knowledge. Tertiary education (AOR = 2.26, p = 0.004) and receiving information from health workers (AOR = 2.06, p = 0.008) also independently predicted regular BSE. The study concludes that breast cancer knowledge is a strong predictor of regular BSE practice; despite relatively high awareness, routine BSE remains low due to skill-related and psychological barriers. Strengthening health education with practical demonstrations and integrating BSE counseling into routine clinical care and community outreach may enhance preventive behavior and contribute to earlier breast cancer detection.

Evaluation of Malaria and Typhoid Coinfection Among Patients at Yola General Hospital, Adamawa State Isaac John Umaru; Ingwu Joseph Akem; Solomon O. Asare; Tyem Lawal Danjuma; Usenobong Morgan Akpan; Julius Ishaya Salman; Hauwa A. Umaru; Maryam Usman Ahmed
African Journal of Medicine, Surgery and Public Health Research Vol 3 No 2 (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.v3i2.9403

Although malaria and typhoid fever remain highly prevalent in sub-Saharan Africa, evidence on the prevalence and clinical profile of coinfection in northeastern Nigeria remains limited. This study evaluated the burden and characteristics of malaria and typhoid coinfection among febrile patients attending Yola General Hospital in Adamawa State. A cross-sectional design was employed involving 300 patients presenting with febrile illness. Data were collected through structured questionnaires and laboratory diagnostics. Malaria was diagnosed using rapid diagnostic tests and microscopy, whereas typhoid fever was assessed using the Widal test and blood cultures. Demographic, clinical, and behavioral data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and chi-square tests to identify significant associations. The findings showed that 102 patients (34%) had malaria only, 78 (26%) had typhoid only, and 54 (18%) were coinfected. Coinfection was most prevalent among individuals aged 21–40 years (55.6%) and was slightly more common in males (55.6%) than females (44.4%). The most frequently reported symptoms among coinfected patients were fever (100%), headache (88.9%), abdominal pain (77.8%), and diarrhea (66.7%). Behavioral risk factors, including inconsistent mosquito net use, poor hand hygiene, and consumption of untreated water, were significantly associated with infection. Coinfection rates also peaked during the rainy season from June to September, accounting for 74.1% of cases. The study concludes that malaria and typhoid coinfection constitutes a substantial clinical and public health burden in Yola. These findings contribute empirical evidence on the demographic, symptomatic, behavioral, and seasonal profile of coinfected patients and highlight the need for dual diagnostic screening, improved laboratory infrastructure, and targeted health education on hygiene and vector control.

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