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Publication Open Access Evaluation of Uterotonic Activity, Acute Oral Toxicity, and Phytochemical Composition of Uvariodendron anisatum Verdc. Root Extracts(Hindawi, 2022-08-25) Muthee, Kanji Benson; Maitho, Timothy E.; Kanja, Laetitia Wakonyu; Onyancha, Jared MisongeOver 80% of cultural societies in low-income countries use plant preparations in traditional medicine with unknown potency and safety profiles. Uvariodendron anisatum root extracts are used by some Kenyan herbalists. However, the claims of the plant to remove retained placenta during birth have remained uninvestigated. Therefore, the current study evaluated its uterotonic activities. Acute toxicity in Wistar rats and the phytochemical composition of the plant were also studied. The plant was collected from Embu County in Kenya. The water and ethanol extracts were prepared by maceration. Uterine strips were isolated from primed mature female Wistar rats and used to study the uterotonic activities of the extracts. De Jalon's solution and oxytocin were used as negative and positive controls, respectively. Acute oral toxicity studies were done following the OECD 423 guideline and phytochemical screening were based on standard phytochemical procedures. The study met all the approval requirements before commencement. Data obtained from the uterotonic activity were analysed by using GraphPad Prism Version 8.0.1 software and expressed as a percentage increase or decrease of mean as mean ± SEM relative to the controls. The findings of acute oral toxicity were expressed using LD50. Additionally, the phytochemical components of the U. anisatum were tabulated. The uterotonic effect of Uvariodendron anisatum root water extract was higher than that of ethanol extract. A single dose of the Uvariodendron anisatum root water extract at 2000 mg/kg did not cause mortality in the tested Wistar rats. Besides, there were no changes in hematological and biochemical parameters. The extracts did not reveal changes in the gross morphology of the liver, kidney, heart, and lung of the tested Wistar rats. However, the histopathological studies of Uvariodendron anisatum root water extracts exhibited toxicity in the liver, kidney, and lung tissues of Wistar rats at a concentration of 2000 mg/kg. Alkaloids, glycosides, saponins, phytosterols, terpenes, proteins, phenols, and oils were recorded in Uvariodendron anisatum. The findings from this study provided scientific evidence which is useful in validating the use of Uvariodendron anisatum extracts in the stimulation of the uterus during birth.Publication Open Access Potential of Sequential Cropping in the Management of Root-Knot Nematodes in Okra(Asian Journal of Plant Sciences, 2008-04) Mweke, A.N.; Kimenju, J.W.; Seif, A.A.; Mutitu, E.W.; Mutua, G.K.The response of different crops to a mixed population of root-knot nematodes, Meloidogyne javanica and M. incognita and their potential as suppressants in sequential cropping systems was evaluated in greenhouse and field experiments. Crops rated as resistant were five maize cultivars, four sorghum cultivars, two millet varieties, guwar and two pigeonpea cultivars which had galling indices ranging between 1.4-3.6. cowpea cv. K80 was rated as moderately resistant with a galling index of 4 while greengram and cowpea cv. KKI were rated as susceptible with galling indices ranging from 5.6 to 7.4. Four crops namely sweetcorn, babycorn, maize cv. Pioneer (Ph3253) and guwar were selected after the greenhouse tests for field trials, based on their poor host status to root-knot nematodes as well as relative acceptability to vegetable growers. These crops were then incorporated into a rotation program with okra. Initial and final J2 numbers in the field were determined before planting and at the end of the season, respectively. Okra was then sown in the plots previously grown with the selected nematode suppressive crops and the nematode numbers determined mid and end of the season. A 44 and 21% decline in nematode numbers was recorded in plots under guwar or sweetcorn and babycorn, respectively. In contrast, a 441% increase in nematode numbers was recorded in plots under continuous crop of okra. The galling index on a crop of okra that followed sweetcorn was 3.3 compared to 8.6 in the control which was continuously under okra, resulting in an increase in yield within a range of 60-92%. This underscores the potential of rotating highly susceptible crops with poor hosts in the management of root-knot nematodes.Publication Metadata only Evaluation of the Entomopathogenic Fungi Metarhizium anisopliae, Beauveria bassiana and Isaria sp. for the Management of Aphis craccivora (Hemiptera: Aphididdae)(Journal of Economic Entomology, 2018-05-19) Mweke, Allan; Ulrichs, Christian; Nana, Paulin; Akutse, Komivi Senyo; Fiaboe, Komi Kouma Mokpokpo; Maniania, Nguya Kalemba; Ekesi, SundayCowpea, Vigna unguiculata ((L.) Walp; Fabales: Fabaceae), is an important indigenous vegetable and grain legume in the tropics where it represents a major diet component. Cowpea aphid, Aphis craccivora (Koch; Hemiptera: Aphididdae) is a major pest causing up to 100% yield losses. Aiming at establishing alternative approach to synthetic insecticides, we evaluated the pathogenicity of 23 fungal isolates including Metarhizium anisopliae ((Metschn.) Sorokin; Hypocreales: Clavicipitaceae), Beauveria bassiana ((Bals.) Vuill.; Hypocreales: Cordycipitaceae), and Isaria sp. (Hypocreales: Cordycipitaceae) against adult A. craccivora in the laboratory. Adult apterous aphids were sprayed with conidial suspensions titred at 1 × 108 conidia ml−1 for pathogenicity tests while 1 × 104, 1 × 105, 1 × 106, 1 × 107 and 1 × 108 conidia ml−1 were used in dose response bioassays. All the fungal isolates were found pathogenic to A. craccivora, causing mortality of between 34.5 and 90%. The lethal 50% mortality time (LT50) values varied between 3.3 and 6.3 d, with the best isolates being ICIPE 62, ICIPE 41 and ICIPE 644. The lethal concentration mortality (LC50) values were 2.3 × 106, 1.3 × 108 and 1.3 × 109 for ICIPE 62, ICIPE 41, and ICIPE 644, respectively. M. anisopliae isolate ICIPE 62 produced more conidia on aphid cadavers (4.5 × 107) than ICIPE 41 (2.7 × 107) and ICIPE 644 (2.1 × 107) 6 d post-treatment. Relative potency comparison showed that ICIPE 62 was more potent than the other two isolates. In the screenhouse, conidia of ICIPE 62 significantly reduced A. craccivora population compared to control but there was no significant difference between emulsifiable and aqueous formulations. Small-holder leafy vegetable producers could gain more profits using fungal-based biopesticides in Aphid-IPM strategies, leading to reduction of pre-harvest intervals after their application compared to synthetic insecticidesPublication Open Access Efficacy of aqueous and oil formulations of a specificMetarhizium anisopliae isolate against Aphis craccivora Koch,1854 (Hemiptera: Aphididae) under field conditions(Journal of Applied Entomology, 2019-09) Mweke, Allan; Akutse, Komivi Senyo; Ulrichs, Christian; Fiaboe, Komi Kouma Mokpokpo; Maniania, Nguya Kalemba; Ekesi, SundayCowpea (Vigna unguiculata) production is constrained by biotic and abiotic factors, among which Cowpea aphid (Aphis craccivora) is ranked a key insect pest that severely limits its potential for provision of food and nutritional security to millions of people in sub‐Saharan Africa. The use of entomopathogenic fungi for A. craccivora manage‐ ment has been recently demonstrated at laboratory and field levels as alternative to synthetic insecticides, but with low adoption in Africa. This study assessed the efficacy of aqueous and oil formulations of Metarhizium anisopliae ICIPE 62 against A. craccivora under field conditions. Metarhizium anisopliae formulations and a com‐ monly used insecticide Duduthrin® were applied using knapsack sprayers with target output of 350 L/ha. Data on aphid infestation levels were collected weekly. ICIPE 62 efficacy in inducing mortality was also assessed 24 hr post‐treatment coupled with mycosis test. Further, leaf and grain yields were determined. After six weeks post‐ treatment in the wet season, there was no significant reduction in aphid density in fungus‐treated plots compared to control and Duduthrin®‐treated plots. However, in the dry season six weeks after applying the treatments, oil formulation spray resulted low aphid density compared to control and Duduthrin®‐treated plots. ICIPE 62 for‐ mulations did not negatively affect the natural enemies’ population. Leaf yield from the various treatments did not differ significantly in the wet season, but the two fun‐ gal formulations recorded higher yields in dry season compared to other treatments. Grain yields in wet and dry seasons were lower in control and Duduthrin®‐treated plots compared to both ICIPE 62 formulations. This study showed that both M. an‐ isopliae ICIPE 62 formulations are effective in suppressing A. craccivora population under field conditions without adverse effects on its beneficial insects. The study also revealed that efficacy of fungal‐based biopesticides is highly dependent on en‐ vironmental conditionsPublication Open Access Integrated Management of Aphis craccivora in Cowpea Using Intercropping and Entomopathogenic Fungi under Field Conditions(Journal of Fungi, 2020-05-11) Mweke, Allan; Akutse, Komivi Senyo; Ulrichs, Christian; Fiaboe, Komi Kouma Mokpokpo; Maniania, Nguya Kalemba; Ekesi, SundayCowpea aphid, Aphis craccivora, is a major cowpea pest. Cowpea–cereal intercrop alone does not effectively manage the pest. Use of pesticides in intercrop leads to health and environmental risks. Fungal-based biopesticides offer a better option because they are environment- and consumer-friendly. This study assessed the combined effect of Metarhizium anisopliae ICIPE 62 and cowpea–maize intercrop against A. craccivora under six treatments: (1) untreated cowpea monocrop, (2) untreated cowpea–maize intercrop, (3) cowpea monocrop + ICIPE 62, (4) cowpea–maize intercrop + ICIPE 62, (5) cowpea monocrop + Duduthrin insecticide, and (6) cowpea–maize intercrop + Duduthrin during three seasons (long rainy/cold and dry/short rainy). In the cold and dry season, cowpea–maize intercrop treated with ICIPE 62 recorded the lowest infestation/cowpea damage, whereas the leaf yield was comparable to cowpea monocrop treated with ICIPE 62. In the short rainy season, the cowpea–maize intercrop treated with ICIPE 62 recorded the lowest infestation/damage, whereas leaf yield was similar to cowpea–maize intercrop treated with ICIPE 62 in the cold and dry season. Duduthrin in monocrop and intercrop did not reduce aphid infestation/cowpea damage levels in all the seasons. Although the efficacy of M. anisopliae ICIPE 62-based biopesticide could be affected by seasons, it successfully controlled aphid population in cowpea–maize intercrop under field conditions without affecting aphid-associated natural enemies.Publication Metadata only False codling moth, Thaumatotibia leucotreta (Meyrick) a new threat to horticulture industry: Stakeholders’ perspectives on the status, impact and management in Kenya(Journal of Plant Diseases and Protection, 2020-08-05) Mutyambai, Daniel M.; Mbeche, Nyang’au I.; Onamu, Emmanuel; Kasina, Muo J.; Nderitu, John H.; Mweke, Allan N.False codling moth (FCM) has emerged as a major constraint to the production of horticultural crops in Kenya and is currently the leading cause of interceptions of Capsicum and cut flowers exported to European Union. Use of pesticides to control this pest is not only unsustainable, uneconomical but also contributes to interceptions of export produce due to higher levels of pesticide residues in the produce. Further, due to cryptic nature of feeding by the pest, pesticides often do not result to efficient control. Growing crops under protected areas though effective is not affordable to smallholder resource poor farmers necessitating search for a holistic integrated approach to manage this pest. In order to gather baseline information about the pest and current practices being used to manage the pest, a national deliberative stakeholders’ workshop was held in August 2018 at Kenya Agricultural and Livestock Research Organization, Katumani, Machakos bringing together farmer organizations, research scientists, agricultural extension service providers, regulators, policy makers and farmers and followup national meetings and trainings to advance the workshop deliberations. The paper presents perspectives of different stakeholders on the status and impact of FCM in horticultural crops in Kenya.Publication Open Access Seroprevalence of Hepatitis B and C Viruses amongst Type 2 Diabetic Patients in Dutse, Jigawa State, Nigeria(Journal of Advances in Medicine and Medical Research, 2018-10-09) Hauwa, Bako; Muazu, Salisu Babura; Dankoly, Sani Usman; Ahmad, Mohammad Bello; Iliya, Sani; Onuche, John Noah; Mustapha, Aminu Saleh; Banya, Richard JamesIntroduction:Viral hepatitis is a liver disease with numerous etiologies. Hepatitis B and C virus infections and co infections are pandemics that constitute a major public health challenge in Nigeria. Diabetes mellitus is sought to be a risk factor for HBsAg and HCV coexistence. The study was aimed at estimating the seroprevalence of HBsAg and HCV viruses amongst type 2 diabetic patients in Dutse Jigawa State, Nigeria. Methods:The study was randomized and cross sectional conducted amongst type 2 diabetics. A total of192 consecutive type 2 diabetes mellitus patients attending the endocrine clinic and 120 age and sex matched apparently healthy volunteers who consented to participate in the study were recruited.All the participants were screened for HBsAg and HCV usingimmunochromatographic test kits and confirmed by ELISA technique for seropositive cases.Results:Prevalence rates of HBsAg was equal 9(4.68%) for the type 2 diabetics and controls while that of Anti-HCV was 3(1.56%) and 1(0.52%) in the type 2 diabetics and controls (p≤0.05) respectively. Co infection was recorded in the control subjects but not in the diabetes group.Conclusion:There is a statistical significant association between HCV and type 2 diabetes mellitus with the seropositivity of HCV 3.0 times higher in type 2 diabetic patients compared to healthy controls.Publication Open Access Diagnosis of Extra-Pulmonary Tuberculosis by MTB/RIF from a Fine Needle Aspirate Biopsy: Case Report(Journal of Microbiology and Infectious Diseases, 2020-03) Kudu, Abubakar Tukur Dawakin; Iliya, Sani; Atanda, Akinfenwa Taofeq; Ismail, Nasiru Abdullahi; Shehe, Abdurrahman AbbaTuberculosis lymphadenitis is the frequent form of extra pulmonary tuberculosis (EPTB). Fine needle technique is easy to be carried out by trained healthcare workers in resources limited setting like Nigeria. This case report was aimed to highlight use and challenges of fine-needle aspirate biopsy (FNAB) for GeneXpert MTB/RIF assay in the diagnosis of EPTB. Fine needle aspirate was taken from left lymph node and processed for cytological staining with Diff Quik and Ziehl Neelsen stains (ZN) as well as GeneXpert molecular assay. The Diff Quick and ZN showed necrotic debris with epithelioid histiocytes and occasional giant cells while ZN was negative. GeneXpert result reveals Mycobacterium tuberculosis Complex and Rifampicin resistance not detected. These findings provided quick and effective means of diagnosis of EPTB especially from FNAB which has not been commonly undertaken in resource limited Nigeria.Publication Open Access Determination of Malondialdehyde and Superoxide Dismutase in Pulmonary Tuberculosis Subjects(Chinese Journal of Medical Research, 2020-03) Muhammad, Y.; Iliya, S.; Sa’idu, AY.; Anka, A.; Umar, K.; Sani, Z.; Zainab, I.Pulmonary tuberculosis (PTB) is a dangerous bacterial infection that attacks the lungs. It has long been documented that there is an increase circulating levels of free radicals and oxidative stress markers in TB subjects. Malnutrition and deficient antioxidant capabilities further complicate the patient’s situation. The aim of this study is to determine the serum levels of malondialdehyde (MDA) and superoxide dismutase (SOD) in pulmonary tuberculosis patients and normal volunteers at Rasheed Shekoni Teaching Hospital Dutse, Jigawa State, Nigeria. The present study consists of one hundred and thirty-four (134) subjects, Ninety (90) among which are diagnosed TB patients and forty-four (44) apparently healthy controls attending Rasheed Shekoni Teaching Hospital Dutse. Venous samples were collected from ninety consecutive, consenting PTB on drugs and those that have not started medications. MDA levels were analysed using the method of Nadigar et al (1986). The mean values of MDA in the 24 tuberculosis infected males who are yet to commence drug was 4.0±0.32, 2.8±0.53 in those that are on drugs and 2.0±0.23 in the male control subjects. It was 4.1±0.35, 2.9±0.29 and 1.9±0.32 in female that are TB infected and yet to commence drugs, those on drugs and the control subjects respectively. The total mean MDA value for those on tuberculosis drugs was 4.0±0.33, 2.8±0.46 for those that are yet to commence the treatment and 2.0±0.28 for the control subjects, the serum levels of SOD was found significantly lower (p<0.005) in PTB subjects on treatment compared to those without treatment and control subjects. Conclusively, the findings of the current study showed that pulmonary tuberculosis patients are predisposed to oxidative stress leading to an increased MDA and consequent decreased SOD levels as compared to the control subjects.Publication Open Access Ex vivo Determination of Prostate Specific Antigen (PSA) Using Green Synthesized Magnetic Iron-Oxide Nanoparticles (IONPS)(International Journal of Research and Scientific Innovation, 2020-04) Muhd, BK.; Umar, AA.; Muhammad, Y.; Kani, YA.; Iliya, S.; Wali, U.; Tahiru, A.; Abubakar, UF.The discovery and introduction of prostate-specific antigen (PSA) testing into clinical medicine enable the diagnosis, treatment and monitoring of prostatic carcinoma, and further revolutionized the management of patients with prostate cancer. Among the current developments in molecular detection of PSA is ELISA. The current research aimed at synthesizing the magnetic Iron-oxide nanoparticles for detection (assay) of prostate specific antigen and comparing the results obtained with that of the ELISA technique. It provides new advancements in molecular detections of PSA using magnetic iron-oxide nanoparticles. The magnetites were green synthesized using blackberry leaves extract, FeCl2.4H2O and FeCl3.6H2O. Serum samples (n=30) were treated and subjected to both ELISA and magnetic iron-oxide nanoparticles immunoassay techniques. Descriptive statistical analysis (α=.05) of T-test, chi-square and ANOVA using SPSS software package, reveals (p<0.005) no significance difference between values generated from ELISA and magnetic iron-oxide nanoparticles techniques. Thus, the null hypothesis which asserts that, there is no significant difference between ELISA and magnetic iron-oxide nanoparticles in PSA assay fails to be rejected. It is therefore recommended that magnetic iron-oxide nanoparticles be further exploited with regards to ex vivo determination of PSA and other tumor markers.Publication Open Access Molecular Docking, Drug-Likeness and ADMET Analysis of Potential Inhibitors (Ligands) from Carica papaya Against Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2)(Saudi Journal of Medicine, 2020-05-17) Muhammad, Y.; Shehu, Z.; Iliya, S.; Muhd, BK.; Kani, YA.; Ahmad, MB.; Wali, U.; Yeldu, MH.The emergence of the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) that causes coronavirus disease (Covid-19) pandemic has made it a universal health difficulty in both developed and developing countries, spreading fears, uncertainties and death. Worldwide, the disease is skyrocketing, spinning from a total of 124, 719 cases in 118 countries on March 12, 2020 to a high of 1,004,336 cases in 204 countries on April 2, 2020. Out of the 1,004,336 confirmed cases, 704,570 (95%) are categorized as mild cases 37,710 (5%) serious cases 51,556 deaths while 210,500 have recovered. SARS-CoV-2 belongs to beta coronavirus; usually these viruses form a polypeptide after genome transcription that needs to be cleaved enzymatically in order to produce non-structural proteins, this process is only possible with synergistic functions of Main protease or 3-chymotrypsin-like protease (3CLpro) and Papain-like protease (PLpro). Inhibiting these proteases will in no doubt interfere with replication and subsequent release of viral progenies. The current in silico study was performed to predict the possibility of 7 phytochemicals from Carica papaya as potential inhibitors of Covid-19 proteases and RNA dependent RNA polymerase. The protein structures and ligands were downloaded from RCSB Protein data bank (pdb) and PubChem respectively. The qualitative assessment of physicochemical properties, liphopilicity, water solubility, medicinal chemistry, drug likeness and ADMET were predicted virtually using swissadme. Molecular docking analysis showed that kaempferol, quercetin have good binding affinity and hydrophobic interactions with both Covid-19 proteases and RdRp. However, this hypothesis would be used as a background which needs to be proven otherwise in vitroPublication Open Access Phenotypic analysis and antibiotic susceptibility of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus in Kiambu County, Kenya(The Journal of Infection in Developing Countries, 2020-06) Iliya, Sani; Mwangi, Jonathan; Maathai, Ronald; Muriuki, MaryIntroduction: Methicillin resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) causes illness to people and can be picked up from both healthcare facilities and the environment leading to high morbidity and mortality. The study was aimed at identifying phenotypic characteristics of Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus and determine the antibiotic susceptibility pattern of clinical samples isolated from patients attending or admitted in two health facilities in Kiambu County, Kenya.Methodology: One hundred and thirty-eight (138) clinical samples were collected from patients attending Thika and Kiambu Level-5 Hospitals. The isolates were obtained using standard bacteriological techniques. Methicillin resistance of Staphylococcus aureus was determined using the cefoxitin disk diffusion test.Results: Out of 138 samples, 54 (39.1%) were found to have Staphylococcus aureus of which 22 (40.7%) were shown to be MRSA using the cefoxitin- based susceptibility test. Antibiotic susceptibility testing using Kirby-Bauer technique was performed on all 54 isolates. The highest sensitivity was found in chloramphenicol 46 (85.2%) and lowest in penicillin-G 8 (14.8%). Multi-Drug Resistance (MDR) was reported in 35 (64.8%) of the 54 isolates of Staphylococcus aureus. All 22 MRSA strains were found to be MDR.Conclusions: the data obtained revealed that there is presence of MRSA in healthcare settings in Kiambu County, Kenya with varying antibiotic sensitivity patterns as well as multidrug resistance. The findings will help healthcare workers in the county to develop preventive strategy as well as institute policy for antibiotic usage, infection control and surveillance.Publication Open Access Molecular Detection of Panton Valentine Leukocidin Toxin inClinical Isolates of Staphylococcus aureus from KiambuCounty, Kenya(International Journal of Microbiology, 2020-08-27) Iliya, Sani; Mwangi, Jonathan; Maathai, Ronald; Muriuki, Mary; Wainaina, ChristopherPanton–Valentine leukocidin gene is produced by Staphylococcus aureus, and methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus isolatesas a pore-forming toxin is largely responsible for skin and soft tissue illnesses. MRSA produces PVL toxins through lukS and lukFproteins causing tissue necrosis by damaging membrane of the defense cells. Presence of PVL toxin was tested from the 54S. aureus clinical isolates obtained from )ika and Kiambu Level 5 Hospitals, in Kiambu County, Kenya, by Geno Type® MRSAassay (Hain Life Science, Nehren, Germany). DNA was isolated from freshly harvested bacterial cultures by spin column usingGeno Type DNA isolation kit. )e detection of PVL toxins was performed by amplification of genomic DNA and by reversehybridization that identifies PVL genes using Geno Type MRSA kit. Out of 138 samples that were collected from patients inKiambu County, 54 S. aureus isolates were obtained, of which 14 (25.9%; 95% CI = 11.9–38.9) samples had PVL toxins. )eisolates that were obtained from the female patients had a higher PVL toxin prevalence of 35.7%, while the isolates collected fromthe male patients had a lower prevalence of 15.4% (P � 0.09). )e pediatrics department had the highest PVL gene prevalencecompared to outpatient department and surgical units (P � 0.08). However, the age groups of patients and the hospital attendedby patients showed no significant difference in terms of PVL gene prevalence (P � 0.26). )erefore, the patients' gender andhospital units were not significantly associated with PVL gene prevalence (P � 0.08). )is study shows that PVL positive isolatesoccur in the sampled hospitals in the county and female as well as children must be taken into consideration among patients withwound infections when isolating S. aureus.Publication Open Access An elevated 8-isoprostaglandin F2 alpha (8-iso- PGF2α) in COVID-19 subjects co-infected with malaria(Pan African Medical Journal, 2020-09-21) Muhammad, Yahaya; Aminu, Yamuna Kani; Ahmad, Abdurrahman Elfulaty; Iliya, Sani; Muhd, Nuruddeen; Yahaya, Mohammed; Mustapha, Aminu Sale; Tahiru, AbdulkhabirIntroduction the most recently discovered severe acute respiratory syndrome Coronavirus 2 (SARS-COV-2) that causes COVID-19, subjected the entire world in turmoil health-wise and economically. With higher burden of malaria in Nigeria and other sub-Saharan African countries coupled with fragile healthcare system and delivery, these may pose a threat in the diagnosis and management of COVID-19 patients co-infected with malaria. Free radicals have been implicated in the progression and pathogenesis of malaria and COVID-19 through Fenton’s reaction and cytokine storm respectively. Methods the current research comprises of seventy-four (74) participants; 20 apparently healthy controls and 54 COVID-19 patients (34 among which were co-infected with malaria). Serum levels of 8-iso PGF2α and Alphatocopherol were determined among the study participants using ELISA technique and colorimetric assay, respectively. Results results revealed statistically significant elevation of 8-iso PGF2α in COVID-19 patients co-infected with malaria compared to COVID-19 patients only, and this may be due to increase production of free radicals. Furthermore, a significant decrease of Alphatocopherol was observed in COVID-19 co-infected with malaria compared to COVID-19 patients due to increase utilization of antioxidants in counterbalancing the negative effect of free radicals generated. Conclusion conclusively, SARS-COV-2 patients co-infected with malaria might be predisposed to oxidative stress and low Alphatocopherol. The increase in oxidative stress is proportional to malaria parasite density and inversely related to Alphatocopherol levels. This implies that oxidative stress is notably higher and such patients may have a severer form of the COVID-19. Increased 8-iso-PGF2α in co-infection and decreased alphatocopherol levels can reflect the severity and adverse outcomes compared to COVID-19 naïve because of their tremendous involvement in the pathogenesis and progression of diseases.Publication Open Access Prevalence of cervical cancer - A 6 year Retrospective Study in Jigawa State, Nigeria(World Journal of Biology Pharmacy and Health Sciences, 2020-10) Kani, Yamuna Aminu; Muhammad, Yahaya; Binji, Abubakar; Iliya, Sani; Adejumo, Rehinatu; Kamilu, Ibrahim Muhammad; Isah, MuktarCervical cancer occurs in the cells of the cervix-the lower part of the uterus that connects to the vagina. Various strains of human papilloma virus and sexual transmitted infections play major roles in the development of cancer. A systematic review on cervical cancer incidence and mortality rate shows that the scarcity of information reveals a substantial need for further studies on cervical cancer prevalence and mortality with associated risk factors. The present study aimed at investigating the prevalence and of cervical cancer among women in Jigawa, Northwestern Nigeria. This was a retrospective analytical study conducted at Rasheed Shekoni Teaching Hospital Dutse, Jigawa, Nigeria. Data of590 subjects retrieved from histopathology laboratory and the subjects’ case files were retrospectively analyzed. Out of the 590 participants, apart from those with precancerous lesion, 80 (13.6%) - tested positive for cervical cancer, of the 80 positive patients, age group 35-44, 45-54, 55-64 and above 65 represent 25%, 16.3%, 23.7% and 12.5% of the population respectively. Of the 80 cervical cancer patients, 70% had Squamous cell carcinoma, 18.8% had Adenocarcinoma, while 11.2% constituted the mixed cell carcinoma i.e. adenosquamous carcinoma. Conclusively, the current study revealed 13.6% prevalence of cervical cancer in Jigawa, Northwestern Nigeria. This is alarming and calls for urgent intervention and more studies on the condition.Publication Open Access Deficiency of antioxidants and increased oxidative stress in COVID-19 patients: A cross-sectional comparative study in Jigawa, Northwestern Nigeria(SAGE Open Medicine, 2021-01) Muhammad, Yahaya.; Kani, Yamuna Aminu; Iliya, Sani; Muhammad, Jafaru Bunza; Binji, Abubakar; Ahmad, Abdurrahman El-Fulaty; Kabir, Muhd Bashir; Bindawa, Kabir Umar; Ahmed, Armaya’uIntroduction: The COVID-19 is a pandemic caused by SARS-CoV-2 which has infected over 74 million people, killing more than 1,600,000 million people around the world as of 17th December 2020. Accumulation of free radicals coupled by weakened antioxidant system leads to oxidative stress, which will further worsen respiratory diseases, COVID-19 inclusive. This study aimed to examine the levels of some antioxidants and oxidative stress markers in COVID-19 patients. Methods: This was a cross-sectional comparative study in which 50 COVID-19 symptomatic patients who were on admission at the COVID-19 isolation center in Jigawa, Northwestern Nigeria, were recruited. Twenty one (21) apparently healthy individuals were included as controls. Levels of antioxidant trace elements (Se, Zn, Mg, Cu and Cr), 8-isoprostaglandin F2 alpha and malondialdehyde in the plasma and erythrocytes activity of glutathione, glutathione peroxidase, superoxide dismutase and catalase were determined. Results: The plasma concentrations of vitamins A, C and E were significantly lower (p < 0.001) in COVID-19 patients than controls. Activities of glutathione, glutathione peroxidase, catalase and superoxide dismutase were lower in COVID-19 subjects than controls (p < 0.001). The concentrations of Se, Zn, Mg and Cu were significantly lower (p < 0.001; p = 0.039; p < 0.001; and p < 0.001), respectively, in COVID-19 patients than controls, while chromium showed no significant difference (p = 0.605). Oxidative stress marker, 8-isoprostaglandin F2 alpha, was significantly higher (p = 0.049), while malondialdehyde was lower (p < 0.001) in COVID-19 patients than controls. Conclusion: In conclusion, COVID-19 patients are prone to depleted levels of antioxidant substances due to their increase utilization in counterbalancing the negative effect of free radicals. Furthermore, COVID-19 infection with other comorbidities, such as malaria, hypertension and diabetes, are at higher risk of developing oxidative stress.Publication Open Access Nanotechnology and Artificial Blood; Future Revolution in Modern Transfusion Medicine(Chinese Journal of Medical Research, 2020-03) Muhammad, Yahaya; Muh'd Bk.; Iliya, Sani; Yakubu, A.; Habeeb, A.; Saeed, S.It has been recently reported by World Health Organization reported that currently world is suffering an extreme shortage of donor blood. A possible future solution to this problem could be the promising virgin area of nanorobotics; an aspect of nanotechnology that deals with designing and manufacturing of nanorobots ranging in size from 0.1-10 micrometers. It’s all began in the 19th century when a researcher named Robert A. Frietas at the Institute for Molecular Manufacturing (IMM) designed mechanical artificial RBC called a “Respirocyte” and mechanical platelets called Clottocytes that will have an improved physiological function of the natural RBCs and platelets respectively. Chemically inert element such as diamond or fullerene nanocomposite may be central and principal in the manufacturing of these medical nanoparticlesPublication Open Access Molecular Diagnosis of Urinary Mycobacterium Tuberculosis Among Patients Attending Urology Clinic in Aminu Kano Teaching Hospital, Kano, Nigeria(Bayero Journal of Medical Laboratory Science, 2021-08) Mohammad, A. B; Usman, A. D.; Aminu, A. I.; Yakubu, A.; Magashi, A. M.; Mukhtar, M.D; Iliya, SBackground: Tuberculosis, a communicable disease with significant morbidity and mortality. It is still among the top killers of infectious diseases; Mycobacterium tuberculosis is a successful pathogen that has evolved several mechanisms to manipulate the host immune response. Objective of the study: The objective of this study was to determinethe prevalence of urinary tuberculosis among patients attending urology clinic in Aminu Kano Teaching Hospital, Kano, Nigeria. Materials and Methods: A prospective cross-sectional laboratory based study thatinvolved the use of questionnaire and consent/assent form prior to sample collection. Xpert MTB/Rif assay was used to analyze the urine samples. Results: The results of this study shows that, out of 71 samples analyzed along with positive control (H37RV) and molecular grade water was used as negative control. The results showed that, 2 (2.8 %) were from urine samples. Data generated were analyzed using descriptive statistics and results were presented in tables and charts. Conclusion: The study confirmed the presence of urinary tuberculosis in the study area, with prevalence of 2.8%. The pattern of tuberculosis was susceptible Mycobacterium tuberculosis. Therefore, there is need to introduce a routine screening of urinary tuberculosis among patients presenting sign and symptoms of urinary tract infection using Gene Xpert. This will be achieved through the engagement and enlightenment of the clinicians, strengthening the laboratory capacity for diagnosis and make the services available and accessible to the patients who need them.Publication Open Access Molecular studies on extra-pulmonary tuberculosis among patients attending Aminu Kano Teaching Hospital, Kano, Kano State, Nigeria(Dutse Journal of Pure and Applied Sciences, 2022-02-02) Mohammad, A.B.; Zakari, F.; Yusuf, A.S.; Sani, N.M.; Gwarzo, A.M.; Iliya, S.; Gwarzo, F.S.; Mukhtar, M.D.In 2010 World Health Organization reported that, one third of the World population had tuberculosis, and it is among the infectious disease with significant morbidity and mortality. Mycobacterium tuberculosis is a successful pathogen that has evolved several mechanisms to manipulate the host immune response. The purpose of this study was to determine the incidence of extra-pulmonary TB in patient that visited DOTs clinic, Aminu Kano Teaching Hospital, Kano Nigeria for treatment. A prospective cross-sectional laboratory based study that involved the use of questionnaire and consent/assent form prior to sample collection. Extra pulmonary tuberculosis samples were tested by MTB/RIF assay using GeneXpert. Descriptive statistics was used to analyzed the data obtained and results were given in charts and tables. Out of 71 samples analyzed along with positive control (H37RV) and molecular grade water as a negative control, 3 (4.2 %) samples had extra-pulmonary TB, among which 2 (2.8 %) were from urine samples and 1 (1.4 %) from acetic fluid. This study shows the existence of extra-pulmonary tuberculosis in the study area; and the tuberculosis was sensitive Mycobacterium tuberculosis. It is therefore important to make screening of patients with sign and symptoms of extra pulmonary tuberculosis using Xpert MTB/RIF assay as regular method for extra pulmonary tuberculosis diagnosis. This will be achieved through enlightenment of the clinicians in our health facilities, our States and local governments should strengthen the laboratory capacity for diagnosis and make the services available and reachable to the patients who need them.Publication Open Access Prolonged Scrotal Pain Resulting from Testicular Schistosomiasis: Case Report(Journal of Microbiology and Infectious Diseases, 2022-12) Iliya, Sani; Kani, Yamuna Aminu; Muhammad, Yahaya; Kamilu, Ibrahim Muhammad; Yandutse, Mahmud Inusa; Adogu, IbrahimTesticular Schistosomiasis causes acute and chronic scrotal pain causes, typically by one or more species of blood flukes of the genus Schistosoma, which are rarely seen. Therefore, specimens for the diagnosis are usually biopsies from the testes and tissue sections from orchidectomy. This case report was aimed to present the diagnosis of testicular Schistosomiasis resulting from orchidectomy due to prolonged scrotal pain. Microscopic examination of a histological specimen stained by hematoxylin and eosin revealed dispersed viable and calcified ova of Schistosoma haematobium. This finding provided a rare case of testicular Schistosomiasis that clinicians and other healthcare professionals should be mindful of when dealing with cases with scrotal involvement, especially in endemic areas, to avoid unnecessary orchidectomy.