Ahmadu Bello University

A Clinical Data Repository (CDR) is a dynamic database capable of real-time updates with patients' data, organized to facilitate rapid and easy retrieval. CDRs offer numerous benefits, ranging from preserving patients' medical records for follow-up care and prescriptions to enabling the development of intelligent models that can predict, and potentially mitigate serious health conditions. While several research works have attempted to provide state-of-the-art reviews on CDR design and implementation, reviews from 2013 to 2023 cover CDR regulations, guidelines, standards, and challenges in CDR implementation without providing a holistic overview of CDRs. Additionally, these reviews need to adequately address critical aspects of CDR; development and utilization, CDR architecture and metadata, CDR management tools, CDR security, use cases, and artificial intelligence (AI) in CDR design and implementation. The collective knowledge gaps in these works underscore the imperative for a comprehensive overview of the diverse spectrum of CDR as presented in the current study. Existing reviews conducted over the past decade, from 2013 to 2023 have yet to comprehensively cover the critical aspects of CDR development, which are essential for uncovering trends and potential future research directions in Africa and beyond. These aspects include architecture and metadata, security and privacy concerns, tools employed, and more. To bridge this gap, in particular, this study conducts a comprehensive systematic review of CDR, considering critical facets such as architecture and metadata, security and privacy issues, regulations guiding development, practical use cases, tools employed, the role of AI and machine learning (ML) in CDR development, existing CDRs, and challenges faced during CDR development and deployment in Africa and beyond. Specifically, the study extracts valuable discussions and analyses of the different aspects of CDR. Key findings revealed that most architectural models for CDR are still in the theoretical phase, with low awareness and adoption of CDR in healthcare environments, susceptibility to several security threats, and the need to integrate federated learning in CDR systems. Overall, this paper would serve as a valuable reference for designing and implementing cutting-edge clinical data repositories in Africa and beyond.

This study investigates the immunopathological responses to Chlamydia trachomatis (Ct) heat shock protein (Ct-Hsp) and their association with infertility. The objective was to explore the prevalence of anti-Ct antibodies and the gyneco-epidemiological risk factors for infertility among women attending a fertility clinic in Zaria, Nigeria, and to analyze the host immune cytokine or Ct-antigen levels in Ct-positive samples for correlation. From December 2022 to January 2024, 215 women (109 infertile and 106 fertile) from Ahmadu Bello University Teaching Hospital participated in this study. Endocervical specimens were tested for Ct-specific IgM and IgG antibodies to identify current and past infections. Additionally, antibodies to Ct-Hsp60, and cytokine levels of IFN-γ and IL-10, were measured using ELISA kits. The overall prevalence of Ct infection was 9.3 %. Past infection, indicated by IgG, was 40 %, while current infection, indicated by IgM, was 25 %. The remaining 35 % of Ct infection were detected by both immunological assay. Among infertile women, primary and secondary infertility prevalence was 41 % and 59 %, respectively. Serum IL-10 levels were significantly higher in Ct-positive infertile women compared to fertile controls. Serum IFN-γ levels were higher in Ct-negative fertile and infertile women than in Ct-positive cases. Serum Ct-Hsp60 levels were significantly higher in Ct-positive fertile women compared to infertile cases. The Th1/Th2 cell ratio was lower in both fertile and infertile women, regardless of Ct status, but fertile controls had a higher Th1/Th2 ratio compared to Ct-positive infertile women. Logistic regression identified significant infertility risk factors: vaginal discharge, age, second marriage, increasing years of childless marriage, and being over 35 years. Protective factors included anti-Ct IgM antibodies, teaching, lower education, and more children. Higher secondary infertility prevalence was linked to family planning history and reactivity to Ct-Hsp60. Ct-positive cases were associated with tubal factor and pelvic inflammatory disease infertility. This study highlights a low overall prevalence of Ct infection but a higher prevalence in women with tubal factor infertility, emphasizing the need for further research on cytokine responses in Ct-associated infertility.

Schistosomiasis affects more than 200 million individuals globally, mainly in underprivileged areas, leading to long-term health issues and adding to socio-economic challenges. The existing reliance on a solitary medication (Praziquantel) gives rise to concerns about drug resistance and possible side effects. The exploration of alternative treatments is crucial to meet the demand for more efficient, safer, and cost-effective remedies, guaranteeing continuous control and eradication initiatives while reducing the risk of drug resistance. To address these issues, we employed a structure-based drug design approach, generating eighteen innovative inhibitors targeting Schistosoma mansoni Dihydroorotate dehydrogenase (SmDHODH). A robust QSAR model yielded promising statistical parameters, and molecular docking of 31 known inhibitors lead to the identification of a lead candidate (Compound 21) with favorable binding efficacy. Eighteen novel compounds were designed, showing improved binding affinities compared to both the lead compound and the standard drug, Praziquantel (PZQ). Molecular dynamics simulations and Density Functional Theory (DFT) affirmed the reactivity and stability of protein–ligand complexes under physiological conditions. These compounds exhibit strong inhibition of SmDHODH and meet drug-likeness criteria. Additionally, they demonstrate favorable pharmacokinetic properties, suggesting their potential effectiveness in treating schistosomiasis. Our study underscores the importance of understanding molecular properties for optimizing treatments against this neglected tropical disease.

Background Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is the infiltration of the liver cells with fat of up to at least 5% and above. It is the type of fatty infiltration that is, not associated with alcohol intake, and is the “hepatic expression” of a metabolic syndrome that affects a wide spectrum of people. It is now a disease entity in today’s society, as it is fast becoming an emerging public health problem in the medical community. This is a result of the changing life patterns in society. The incidence and prevalence of cardiovascular anomalies as depicted by changes in the vascular walls of blood vessels has been linked with NAFLD. Objective To determine the association between NAFLD and carotid intima-media thickness (CIMT) among adult Nigerians. Subjects and Methods This was a case–control study involving 181 apparently healthy subjects with NAFLD and an equal number of apparently normal subjects without NAFLD matched for age and gender. The CIMT was assessed in both groups. This makes for a total number of 362 subjects. They were recruited from ABUTH’s staff members and students and the General Out-patient/Family Medicine Clinic of ABUTH, Zaria. This study was approved by the Ethical Committee of ABUTH, and all patients signed informed consent prior to their enrollment. Results A total of 362 subjects were involved in the study. Both the NAFLD patients and control populations had 98 (54.1%) females and 83 (45.9%) males each, with the age range of both between 20 and 70 years of age. The Wilcoxon matched-pairs comparison test showed no significant difference in the ages of the two study groups. The development of NAFLD had significant association with age, subject’s occupation and area of residence, while there was no significant Association of development of NAFLD with sex, marital status and educational attainment. Also, there was statistically significant increase in CIMT in subjects with NAFLD when compared with the control group ( P ≤ 0.0001). The values suggested a steady increase with progression from mild, moderate to severe NAFLD. Conclusion Our study showed a statistically significant increase of association between nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) and CIMT when compared with the control group in our environment.

The health sector in Yemen has experienced significant challenges due to prolonged conflict and suboptimal governance, making the development of digital health (DH) crucial. This study highlights the urgent need for the strategic implementation of health interventions in a country where fully functional healthcare facilities, low-income levels, damaged infrastructure, and suboptimal governance limit the effectiveness of traditional interventions. It discusses the prioritized step for advancing DH as a root issue that needs to be addressed first and highlights the importance of effective and efficient management of available resources. The development of telecommunication infrastructure is a fundamental pillar for advancing DH in the country. This comes along with consideration of effective management of the available resources and collaborative efforts among all parties, which are critically important to remove restrictions and constraints relevant to the administrative division and fragmentation of the healthcare system and objectively ensure universal coverage of telecommunications and healthcare services nationwide. By leveraging DH technologies (DHTs), Yemen can overcome these obstacles and revolutionize healthcare delivery. Implementing DHTs and related projects can ensure equitable access to high-quality healthcare services, particularly for impoverished individuals. However, the success of these initiatives relies on a well-established supportive policy and regulatory framework, improved public communication systems, targeted strategies, community engagement, and collaboration between medical service providers and community healthcare workers. Awareness campaigns, workshops, research collaborations, and engagement with international organizations are highly recommended to address challenges and foster the growth and development of DH in Yemen.

Objectives: In this study, we conducted a retrospective survey of gastroenteritis diagnosed in carcasses, from 2013 to 2023, at the Necropsy Unit of the Veterinary Teaching Hospital, Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, Nigeria. Materials and Methods: Data were obtained from the record book, entered into Microsoft Excel sheet, analysed using Statistical Package for Social Science (SPSS, v.27). Results: Results revealed that gastroenteritis was diagnosed in 20.5% of the 1052 carcasses. Yearly distribution analysis revealed fluctuations in prevalence, with peaks in 2017 (16.7%), 2018 (14.4%), and 2019 (13.0%). Species distribution analysis indicated higher proportions in canines (46.3%), caprines (31.5%), and ovines (8.3%). Sexbased analysis revealed varied proportions between males and females across different species, with no significant (p>0.05) association found between sex and species. Age distribution analysis revealed higher proportions in younger animals (<1 year) and older animals (>3 years) within specific species, and there was significant (p<0.05) association between age and species. Conclusions: These findings provide valuable insights into the burden of gastroenteritis in animals, thus, highlighting its temporal variations, species-, sex-, and age-specific differences. This study, therefore, contributes to the advancement of veterinary pathology, and the promotion of animal health and welfare, by improving our understanding of gastroenteritis epidemiology, and informing evidence-based veterinary practices. There is need for veterinary pathologists to develop and implement species-specific diagnostic protocols, and targeted disease management strategies to effectively mitigate the prevalence and impact of gastroenteritis in animal populations.

The discovery of more hydrocarbon wells remains a major recipe to boost the economy of Nigeria, a major oil producer in Africa. The seismic method is prominent for identifying traps in the oil explorations, but cannot indicate if the trap host hydrocarbon. This gap is usually filled by the radiometric method, its characteristics around the Kolmani well 1 have hitherto not been reported. This research focused on identifying promising locations for hydrocarbon accumulation around the Kolmani Well 1 while using the well as a control. To achieve the objectives of this research, the nature of the radioelements was observed over the Kolmani well1 and the outcome of normalizing potential and uranium was also identified. The average values of potassium (K), thorium (Th), and uranium (U) are 0.277%, 8.917 ppm, and 1.431 ppm respectively. The concentration of the three radioelements, K, Th, and U, decreases over the oil well. This was ascribed to enhanced leaching of natural radioelements caused by hydrocarbon-generated groundwater acids. The result of the normalization of K with Th yields a low concentration of K over the Kolmani well1 and the normalization of U with Th yields a high concentration of U over the Kolmani well1. These were in tandem with the report on the application of the method in previous locations. Hence, the results of the normalization of K and U were used to identify four locations with potential for hydrocarbon exploration. The viability of these locations was confirmed with the positive DRAD (Delineation of Radiometric anomalies) value (ranging from -5.1 to +5.2), a pointer to hydrocarbon accumulation in an area, recorded in these locations and the location of the Kolmani well 1.

This article reports our deliberate effort to redesign a traditionally taught course for pre-service teachers to suit a blended learning approach. We designed the course following the resource-activity-support-evaluation pedagogical model. Then, we investigated pre-service teachers’ perceptions of the course using a qualitative method of generation and analysis at a university in Sub-Saharan Africa. We generated the data using semi-structured interviews of pre-service teachers who gave voluntary consent and followed the blended learning course for a semester. We analysed the generated data using thematic analysis to uncover the underlying meanings across the transcribed responses. The findings showed that pre-service teachers positively perceived the blended learning course. The course provided exposure to diverse digital resources and enhanced the development of conceptual knowledge. Results indicated improved motivation, attitudes, and interest in the learning content. The course enhanced personalised learning, collaboration and flexibility through recorded videos, group projects, and electronic materials. However, our findings also revealed some constraints that prevented actualising these affordances. These include internet instability, computer proficiency gaps, online interaction issues, power supply concerns, and limited computer access. We argued that the affordances of the blended learning course overshadowed its constraints, and we explained a framework for actualising these affordances.

Context Interindividual variability in pain is modified by interactions of multiple biopsychosocial factors. Though there are reported findings on pain variability from studies around the world, the relationship between pain outcomes and anthropometric profiles remains unclear due to conflicting findings. Aim This study was designed to investigate relationships between experimental pain outcomes and anthropometric profiles in a healthy Nigerian population. Materials and Methods One hundred and sixty-one healthy volunteers aged 20 to 65 years were recruited for the study. Experimental pain was induced using cold pressor pain, pressure pain, and ischemic pain procedures. Results We found that subjects with a normal body mass index (BMI) had a statistically significant higher ischemic pain tolerance than their obese counterparts. Right-handed participants had higher cold pressor pain thresholds than their left-handed counterparts, and the difference was statistically significant. Hb genotype and blood groups affected experimental pain outcomes. There was a statistically significant negative correlation between BMI and ischemic pain tolerance. Conclusion We concluded that the association between BMI and experimental pain outcomes depends on the type of pain induction method used. Right-handedness appeared to be associated with increased cold pressor pain threshold.

Background: Schistosomiasis, a neglected tropical disease, is a major helminth disease in terms of morbidity and mortality that affects more than 200 million people worldwide. This study aimed to use real-time PCR (RT‒PCR) for the detection of Schistosoma sp. DNA in both urine and faeces samples before and after praziquantel (PZQ) treatment, and the results were compared with those of conventional PCR and microscopic detection of schistosome eggs to evaluate treatment efficacy. Methods: Both urine and stool samples were collected from three hundred and eighty seven (387) study participants aged between 3 and 25 years before and after (3 weeks and 8 weeks) treatment with PZQ in Dumbi communities, Nigeria. On the treatment day, all participants who tested positive after microscopic examination (29) in the community were treated with a single dose of 40 mg/kg PZQ. DNA was isolated from 50 samples (urine) that tested positive using microscopy in preparation for molecular analysis. Microsoft Excel 2016 and SPSS version 20.0 statistical software were used for data analysis. Results: Utilising diagnostic methods, microscopy detected Schistosoma haematobium eggs in 7.5% (29) of the urine samples collected before treatment, whereas RT‒PCR amplified DNA in 39.8% (154) of the same samples, and no eggs were detected in the stool samples analysed. Among the diagnostic methods for 50 samples that were used for comparative analysis, RT‒PCR had the highest positive detection of 80%, followed by conventional PCR (72%), haematuria (64%) and microscopy (58%). Compared with microscopy, RT‒PCR and conventional PCR both provided lower estimates of cure rates. Conclusions: The results of this study revealed that RT‒PCR and conventional PCR are significantly more sensitive than microscopy for detecting and evaluating infection incidence, which is an important aspect of epidemiological studies. The RT‒PCR-based detection technique can be especially useful in circumstances of lower intensity or prevalence of infection, a condition for which the parasitological diagnosis shows a well-proven limitation of its sensitivity.

This study compares three Romanian Hyssopus officinalis species—H. officinalis f. ruber (HOR), H. officinalis f. albus (HOA), and H. officinalis f. cyaneus (HOC)—evaluating their chemical composition and biological activities, specifically protein denaturation, haemolysis inhibition, and antibacterial effects. Chemical profiles were determined using Gas Chromatography–Mass Spectrometry (GC-MS). The species were cultivated at two distinct locations: the Didactic and Experimental Station DESUSVT and the Agricultural Research and Development Station Lovrin (ARDSL). This study investigates the correlation between chemical composition, biological activities, and local climate data at each site. The results show significant variations in chemical profiles, with species and cultivation location influencing the biological activities. H. officinalis f. albus (HOA) exhibited the strongest antimicrobial activity, particularly against Gram-positive bacteria. The molecular docking analysis highlighted key compounds, such as cyclohexene,4-isopropenyl-1-methoxymethoxymethyl and elemol, with binding solid affinities to microbial and inflammatory proteins. This study provides valuable insights into the chemical and biological properties of Hyssopus officinalis, emphasising its potential in combating microbial infections, protein denaturation, and haemolysis inhibition.

Rapid urbanization and population growth have intensified global energy demand, with fossil fuel consumption aggravating air pollution and climate change. Hydrogen, a clean energy carrier, is essential for transitioning to a low-carbon economy. This study examines the color-coded classification of hydrogen production pathways, derived from both renewable and non-renewable sources, and examines their emission profiles. Additionally, it delves into the critical aspects of hydrogen storage and transportation, highlighting the need for robust infrastructure to ensure the effective integration of hydrogen into the energy system. The study concludes that traditional hydrogen production methods, such as coal gasification and steam methane reforming (SMR), significantly contribute to air pollution due to their reliance on fossil fuels and lack of carbon capture. While blue hydrogen, utilizing carbon capture and storage (CCS), offers a reduction in greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, turquoise and green hydrogen, produced via methane pyrolysis and water electrolysis, respectively, present cleaner alternatives with zero GHG emissions. With regard to hydrogen storage, metal and complex hydrides emerge as cost-effective options, while compressed hydrogen is suitable for large-scale storage. For applications demanding high energy density, liquefied and cryo-compressed hydrogen are viable, despite their associated costs and complexities. For hydrogen transportation, pressurized tanks, cryogenic liquid hydrogen tankers, and gas pipelines are considered. Pipelines are favored for long-distance transportation due to their cost-effectiveness, while cryogenic liquid hydrogen tankers are preferred for short distances, despite higher costs and infrastructure requirements.

The increasing resistance of Plasmodium parasites to currently available antiplasmodial therapies poses a significant challenge in treating malaria. Since ancient times, plants have served as a primary source of novel pharmacologically active compounds for drug development. Therefore, this study aimed to explore the antiplasmodial properties of pentacyclic triterpenes isolated from Ziziphus mucronata bark, with an emphasis on their mechanism of action. Dichloromethane and ethyl acetate extracts of the stem bark were subjected to silica gel column chromatography, which led to the isolation of three known triterpenoids: betulinic acid, methyl betulinate, and lupeol. The compounds were then evaluated for antiplasmodial activity against Plasmodium falciparum NF54 strains using the Plasmodium lactate dehydrogenase (pLDH) assay. In silico evaluation of the isolated compounds was conducted through molecular docking and further validated with in vitro experiments against a purified protein target, Plasmodium falciparum hypoxanthine–guanine–xanthine phosphoribosyltransferase (PfHGXPRT). Betulinic acid, methyl betulinate, and lupeol exhibited potent antiplasmodial activities with IC50 values of 20, 10.11, and 7.56 µg/mL, respectively. Lupeol exhibited the highest binding energy of − 7.6 kcal/mol. Differential scanning fluorimetry revealed that lupeol decreases the Tm of PfHGXPRT, thus decreasing the protein’s thermal stability. At high concentrations, lupeol also increased protein absorbance, indicating the detection of hydrophobic amino acids and protein unfolding. This study proves that Z. mucronata could serve as a reservoir of effective agents for treating malaria, while also scientifically validating its use in traditional medicine. However, further experimental studies are required to substantiate its relevant therapeutic effects.

Globimetula oreophila is a hemiparasitic plant commonly called mistletoe, found growing on several dicotyledonous trees using them as a host for its root-like structure called haustoria. Globimetula oreophila has been used to cure various ailments, including diarrhea, stomachache, headache, and malaria. This research study aims to isolate and characterize some phytochemical constituents in the ethyl acetate, n-butanol, and n-hexane fractions of Globimetula oreophila leaves. The powdered plant material was extracted with 70% ethanol using cold maceration. The crude extract was fractionated with n-hexane, chloroform, ethyl acetate, and n-butanol to produce the corresponding fractions. Physical and chemical tests, FTIR, UV–visible spectroscopy, 1D, and 2D NMR analysis elucidated the structures of the compounds. Column chromatographic separation of the n-butanol fraction led to the isolation of a yellowish amorphous substance coded DG1 and DG5 as 5, 7, 3’, 4’-tetrahydroxy-quercetin-3-O-α-L-rhamnopyranoside and 3, 5, 7, 3’, 4’-pentahydroxy flavones. Column chromatographic separation of the ethyl acetate fraction also led to the isolation of a white amorphous substance coded DG2 and a yellowish amorphous substance coded DG3 as 3,5-dimethoxy-4'-O-(2'',3''-dihydroxy-3-methyl-butyl)-dihydrostilbene and 2',4-dihydroxy-4'-methoxy chalcone. Compound DG4 was isolated as a white amorphous powder through the column separation of the n-hexane fraction and was found to be stigmasterol. Based on the findings of this study, it has been determined that the leaves of G. oreophila are a rich source of phytochemical constituents. These five compounds were isolated and reported for the first time in the plant with two being new to the genus, contributing to the chemical taxonomy of the plant.

Healthcare workers continue to experience high levels of work-related stress which continue to negatively affect their psychological, physical, and emotional well-being. This is even more prevalent among healthcare workers who work in surgical specialities, with the surgical operation room becoming a known stressor at hospitals. This study aims to assess work-related stress among surgical team members at Ahmadu Bello University Teaching Hospital in Zaria between January 2021–2022. Data analysis involved descriptive and inferential statistical approaches using the Statistical Package for Social Science (SPSS) version 23.0. The study found an overall high prevalence of work-related stress, with 65% of participants reporting moderate levels of stress. The majority of the participants have a mean age of 39.4 ± 7.8 years, most of them being physicians (66.3%), being males (59.9%), and identified with a Hausa ethnic tribe. Notably, the multiple regression analysis found that tribe (p = 0.008), professional cadres (p = 0.001) and age/years of experience (p = 0.0035) emerged as significant predictors of work-related stress. Key determinants of work-related stress among surgical team members include workload, complexity of work, and conflicting cognitive job demands that continue to subject professionals to increasing workloads and constant decision-making about their job. Organizational factors, such as job policy and procedure, communication problems, and the nature of facilities, were identified as the highest contributors to work-related stress in organizational, interpersonal, and physical/environmental dimensions. The findings lead to the conclusion that a considerable proportion of surgical team members experience a relatively high level of work-related stress, primarily attributed to workload and cognitive demands. In light of these results, urgent efforts are recommended to improve the working conditions and environment for surgical team members. Furthermore, the integration of stress management measures into the educational programs for the surgical team is emphasized to effectively address and mitigate the impact of work-related stress.