International Journal of Hematology | Vol. 17, No. 1, January 2026 | pp. 1–8
DOI: 10.46882/2026/IJH/000191

Original Article

Title: Serum erythroferrone kinetics and absolute iron utilization markers in adult beta-thalassemia intermedia cohorts

Names of Authors: A. I. Ibrahim¹, C. D. Balogun², E. O. Ojo³

Authors’ Affiliations: ¹Department of Haematology, Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, Nigeria; ²Department of Medicine, University of Ilorin, Ilorin, Nigeria; ³Department of Chemical Pathology, Ladoke Akintola University of Technology, Ogbomoso, Nigeria

Abstract: Severe ineffective erythropoiesis drives profound hyperferritinemia and systemic iron loading in non-transfusion-dependent thalassemias, mediated by erythroblast-derived signaling peptides. This prospective clinical study evaluated serum erythroferrone (ERFE) kinetics, circulating hepcidin levels, and soluble transferrin receptor values in 45 adult patients presenting with confirmed beta-thalassemia intermedia. Serum biomarker concentrations were quantified utilizing high-sensitivity enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays. Adult thalassemic individuals exhibited a five-fold increase in steady-state serum erythroferrone levels (mean 128.4 ± 24.5 pg/ml) compared to healthy controls (P < 0.001). This overproduction of erythroferrone correlated inversely with bioactive plasma hepcidin-25 levels (r = -0.58, P < 0.01), leading to unchecked intestinal iron absorption and toxic macrophage release despite significant tissue iron deposition (ferritin > 900 ng/ml). Soluble transferrin receptor indices reflected immense marrow erythroid expansion. Tracking erythroferrone kinetics provides an accurate, non-invasive indicator of ineffective erythroid drive and systemic iron loading risk, helping clinicians optimize the timing for initializing iron chelation or therapeutic modulation before severe parenchymal target-organ damage manifests.

Keywords: Beta-thalassemia intermedia, erythroferrone, hepcidin suppression, ineffective erythropoiesis, iron overload

Manuscript Timeline: Received: October 14, 2025; Revised: November 20, 2025; Accepted: December 08, 2025; Published: January 14, 2026

International Journal of Hematology | Vol. 17, No. 2, February 2026 | pp. 9–16
DOI: 10.46882/2026/IJH/000192

Original Article

Title: Prevalence and molecular profiles of PPM1D and TP53 somatic mutations in therapy-related acute lymphoblastic leukemia variants

Names of Authors: G. M. Babalola¹, I. N. Nwosu², K. S. Abubakar³

Authors’ Affiliations: ¹Department of Haematology and Blood Transfusion, Lagos University Teaching Hospital, Lagos, Nigeria; ²Department of Medicine, University of Nigeria, Nsukka, Nigeria; ³Department of Pathology, Bayero University, Kano, Nigeria

Abstract: Genotoxic stress from prior cytotoxic regimens selects for chemoresistant stem cell clones harboring specific mutations, expanding the risk of therapy-related lymphoid malignancies. This cross-sectional study investigated the mutational prevalence and clinical phenotypes of protein phosphatase Mn²⁺/Mg²⁺ dependent 1D (PPM1D) and tumor suppressor TP53 gene variations in 64 adult lymphoma survivors presenting with therapy-related acute lymphoblastic leukemia. Genomic DNA was isolated from bone marrow aspirates, followed by deep next-generation sequencing assays. PPM1D exon 6 mutations were detected in 14.1% (9 of 64) of the leukemic cohorts, while TP53 variations occurred in 10.9% (7 of 64). Overlapping mutations in both DNA-damage response genes were documented in 3.1% of cases. Clinical phenotype models revealed that sub-clones with PPM1D variants exhibited extreme survival advantages under alkylating agent exposure, correlating with complex karyotypes and primary resistance to standard induction regimens. Screening for these chemoresistant variants provides essential molecular tracking vectors, helping pathologists separate therapy-induced acute transitions from de novo lymphoid expansions.

Keywords: Clonal hematopoiesis, PPM1D mutation, TP53 mutation, therapy-related lymphoblastic leukemia, next-generation sequencing

Manuscript Timeline: Received: November 05, 2025; Revised: December 14, 2025; Accepted: January 10, 2026; Published: February 18, 2026

International Journal of Hematology | Vol. 17, No. 7, July 2026 | pp. 49–56
DOI: 10.46882/2026/IJH/000197

Case Report

Title: Spontaneous massive retroperitoneal hemorrhage secondary to acquired Factor XI inhibitor development in an elderly patient: Eradication with azathioprine and methylprednisolone

Names of Authors: K. L. Musa¹, M. N. Lawal², O. P. Dikko³

Authors’ Affiliations: ¹Department of Haematology, Federal Medical Centre, Katsina, Nigeria; ²Department of Surgery, Bayero University, Kano, Nigeria; ³Department of Pathology, Ahmavu Bello University Teaching Hospital, Zaria, Nigeria

Abstract: Spontaneous development of neutralizing autoantibodies directed against contact activation pathway components is an exceptionally rare clinical condition that causes catastrophic bleeding events in elderly populations. We report a 74-year-old male who presented with sudden, unprovoked left flank pain, lower abdominal distension, and hypovolemic shock. Abdominal computed tomography confirmed a massive retroperitoneal hematoma measuring 12.4 × 8.5 cm without prior trauma or anticoagulant exposure. Coagulation profiles demonstrated isolated, severe prolongation of activated partial thromboplastin time (92.4 seconds) with a normal prothrombin time. A 1:1 mixing study with normal pooled plasma failed to correct the activated partial thromboplastin time, indicating a specific intrinsic pathway inhibitor. Functional assays confirmed severely depressed Factor XI activity (< 1.5%), and a Bethesda assay quantified a Factor XI inhibitor titer of 18.0 Bethesda Units. Hemostasis was achieved using recombinant activated Factor VII bypassing agents (90 μg/kg every 3 hours) alongside supportive measures. Subsequent immunosuppressive therapy with oral methylprednisolone paired with azathioprine (100 mg daily) successfully cleared the inhibitor (0 BU) and normalized Factor XI activity by week 8. This case demonstrates that acquired Factor XI autoantibodies require immediate diagnostic differentiation and multi-modal therapeutic strategies.

Keywords: Acquired factor XI inhibitor, retroperitoneal hemorrhage, intrinsic pathway, bypassing agents, azathioprine

Manuscript Timeline: Received: April 18, 2026; Revised: May 22, 2026; Accepted: June 10, 2026; Published: July 16, 2026

International Journal of Chemistry | Vol. 17, No. 8, August 2026 | pp. 73–80

DOI: 10.46882/2026/IJC/000216

Article Type: Original Research Paper

Title: Thermodynamic Modeling and Speciation of Uranium(VI) Transuranic Complexation with Humic Substances in Saline Aquifers

Names of Authors: M. F. de Oliveira¹, A. L. Green²*

Authors’ Affiliations:
¹Department of Chemical Engineering, Instituto Superior Técnico, Lisbon, Portugal.
²Department of Earth and Environmental Sciences, University of California, Berkeley, California, United States of America.

Abstract: Assessing the geochemical mobility of radionuclides in deep geological repositories requires accurate thermodynamic data on metal-organic interactions under variable ionic strengths. This study evaluates the chemical speciation and complexation parameters of hexavalent uranium [U(VI)] with purified aquatic humic acids (HA) across a range of NaCl concentrations (0.1 M to 3.0 M). Batch potentiometric titrations and time-resolved laser-induced fluorescence spectroscopy (TRLIFS) were used to track the complexation kinetics and monitor shifts in coordination environments. Spectroscopic data revealed the formation of a dominant 1:1 complex, represented structurally as UO₂HA. The conditional stability constants (log beta) were calculated using the non-linear structural modeling framework of the Pitzer specific ion interaction equations to account for high background electrolyte activities. The calculated log beta values showed a systematic decrease from 6.24 to 4.85 as the saline molarity rose from 0.1 M to 3.0 M, demonstrating a significant screening effect of sodium ions on the carboxylate binding sites of the humic framework. Thermodynamic activation constants computed from temperature-dependence datasets using the van 't Hoff relation yielded a negative enthalpy change (-12.4 kJ/mol) and a positive entropy change (45.8 J/mol K), proving that the coordination mechanism is electrostatically driven and spontaneous.

Keywords: Uranium speciation; Humic acid; Potentiometric titration; Laser-induced fluorescence; Pitzer equations; Radioactive waste management

Manuscript Timeline: Received: February 18, 2025; Revised: April 22, 2025; Accepted: May 28, 2025; Published: August 08, 2026.

Citation: de Oliveira, M. F., & Green, A. L. (2026). Thermodynamic Modeling and Speciation of Uranium(VI) Transuranic Complexation with Humic Substances in Saline Aquifers. International Journal of Chemistry, 17(8), 73–80.

International Journal of Chemistry | Vol. 17, No. 1, January 2026 | pp. 1–8

DOI: 10.46882/2026/IJC/000207

Article Type: Original Research Paper

Title: Transesterification Kinetics, Flash Point Optimization, and Engine Performance of Methyl Esters from Balanites aegyptiaca Seed Oil

Names of Authors: M. C. Okonkwo¹, T. H. Nguyen²*

Authors’ Affiliations:
¹Department of Industrial Chemistry, Enugu State University of Science and Technology, Enugu, Nigeria.
²Department of Chemical Engineering, Hanoi University of Science and Technology, Hanoi, Vietnam.

Abstract: Utilizing non-edible agricultural crop lipids as chemical feedstocks for alternative biodiesel synthesis promotes green energy targets without competing with global food security reservoirs. This study investigates the transesterification kinetics and chemical properties of biodiesel synthesized from desert date (Balanites aegyptiaca) seed oil. Because of an elevated initial free fatty acid content (5.84 mg KOH/g), a two-step acid-base catalyzed transesterification route was deployed. The first step reduced the acid value below 1.0 mg KOH/g using 1.2% v/v sulfuric acid in methanol, followed by standard base-catalyzed transesterification with sodium methoxide. Fatty acid methyl ester (FAME) yield was optimized at 93.8% using a 6:1 methanol-to-oil molar ratio, a catalyst concentration of 1.0 wt% NaOH, and a process temperature of 60°C for 90 minutes. Kinetic analysis confirmed that the transesterification process followed pseudo-first-order reaction mechanics with an activation energy of 41.5 kJ/mol. Fuel properties of the prepared biodiesel, including kinematic viscosity (4.32 mm²/s at 40°C), flash point (164°C), and cetane number (53), matched international ASTM D6751 regulatory specifications. Diesel engine tests using a B20 blend showed a 14.5% reduction in smoke opacity compared to conventional diesel.

Keywords: Balanites aegyptiaca; Biodiesel; Transesterification; Reaction kinetics; Activation energy; Fuel properties

Manuscript Timeline: Received: July 02, 2024; Revised: August 14, 2024; Accepted: September 10, 2024; Published: January 04, 2026.

Citation: Okonkwo, M. C., & Nguyen, T. H. (2026). Transesterification Kinetics, Flash Point Optimization, and Engine Performance of Methyl Esters from Balanites aegyptiaca Seed Oil. International Journal of Chemistry, 17(1), 1–8.

International Journal of Chemistry | Vol. 17, No. 8, August 2026 | pp. 97–104

DOI: 10.46882/2026/IJC/000219

Article Type: Original Research Paper

Title: Photochemical Degradation Kinetics of Organic Pollutants Using Meso-Porous Titanium Dioxide Photocatalysts Reinforced with Lanthanide Additives

Names of Authors: E. C. J. Smith¹, L. A. Rossi²*

Authors’ Affiliations:
¹Department of Chemistry, University of Manchester, Manchester, United Kingdom.
²Department of Chemical Engineering, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil [Dual Italian-American National].

Abstract: Activating titanium dioxide photocatalysts under visible and solar illumination matrices requires targeted structural chemical doping to narrow the electronic bandgap and suppress the recombination rates of photo-induced electron-hole pairs. This research tracks the material synthesis, structural optimization, and solar-driven catalytic efficiency of meso-porous titanium dioxide (TiO₂) nanoparticles modified with varying loads of samarium (Sm³⁺) ions (0.5 to 3.0 mol%). The modified nanomaterials were synthesized using an adapted sol-gel protocol followed by calcination at 450°C. Microcharacterization executed via X-ray diffraction (XRD), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), and Brunauer-Emmett-Teller (BET) surface area calculations confirmed a highly crystalline anatase phase with a specific surface area of 84.5 square meters/gram. Photocatalytic performance was monitored systematically by tracking the decomposition of bisphenol A in aqueous solutions under natural solar exposure. TiO₂ cubes containing 1.5 mol% Sm³⁺ achieved a maximum degradation efficiency of 98.4% within 90 minutes of light exposure, outperforming pristine undoped TiO₂ controls. Kinetic data fit the Langmuir-Hinshelwood pseudo-first-order modeling framework with a calculated rate constant of 0.042 reciprocal minutes, positioning these lanthanide-doped ceramic catalysts as highly viable options for large-scale water remediation systems.

Keywords: Titanium dioxide; Photocatalysis; Solar degradation; Samarium doping; Bisphenol A; Wastewater remediation

Manuscript Timeline: Received: March 10, 2025; Revised: May 18, 2025; Accepted: June 28, 2025; Published: August 25, 2026.

Citation: Smith, E. C. J., & Rossi, L. A. (2026). Photochemical Degradation Kinetics of Organic Pollutants Using Meso-Porous Titanium Dioxide Photocatalysts Reinforced with Lanthanide Additives. International Journal of Chemistry, 17(8), 97–104.

International Journal of Hematology | Vol. 17, No. 8, August 2026 | pp. 57–64
DOI: 10.46882/2026/IJH/000198

Original Article

Title: Evaluation of automated immature reticulocyte fraction and red blood cell fragmentation flags in separating iron deficiency from thrombotic microangiopathy variations

Names of Authors: Q. S. Abubakar¹, U. T. Maina²

Authors’ Affiliations: ¹Department of Haematology, National Hospital, Abuja, Nigeria; ²Department of Pathology, Bayero University, Kano, Nigeria

Abstract: Severe microcytic anemia fragments can mimic schistocytes on automated counters, requiring robust laboratory separation parameters to prevent inappropriate therapeutic decisions. This prospective diagnostic study evaluated the performance of automated immature reticulocyte fractions (IRF) and fragmented red blood cell (FRC) flags for separating absolute iron deficiency anemia from thrombotic microangiopathy variations. Evaluations were conducted on 125 adult patients presenting with thrombocytopenia and microcytosis, and diagnoses were validated via serum ferritin, complement gene panels, and manual visual blood film schistocyte counts. Thrombotic microangiopathy variants were confirmed in 50 cases, while 75 presented with severe iron deficiency anemia. The mean immature reticulocyte fraction was significantly higher in the microangiopathic cohort compared to the iron-deficient group (0.34 ± 0.08 versus 0.12 ± 0.03, P < 0.001), reflecting an intense bone marrow response. Conversely, automated fragmentation flags were elevated in both groups. Receiver operating characteristic analysis established a combined IRF and FRC model that achieved a diagnostic sensitivity of 91.2% and a specificity of 88.4% for identifying true destructive processes. Utilizing automated reticulocyte maturity indices provides an efficient, low-cost asset for screening complex hemolytic environments.

Keywords: Immature reticulocyte fraction, fragmented red cells, iron deficiency anemia, schistocytes, cell counter indices

Manuscript Timeline: Received: May 12, 2026; Revised: June 20, 2026; Accepted: July 09, 2026; Published: August 14, 2026

African Journal of Gender and Women Studies | Vol. 11, No. 2, February 2026 | pp. 65–72
DOI: 10.46882/2026/AJGWS/000204

Empirical Article

Women in Corporate Boardrooms: An Analysis of Gender Diversity and Financial Performance in South African Listed Firms

Thabo Mokoena¹, Nomusa Dlamini²

¹Wits Business School, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
²Department of Business Management, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa

Abstract: South Africa’s Broad-Based Black Economic Empowerment (B-BBEE) codes encourage corporate board diversity, yet female executive representation remains disproportionately low. This study examines the econometric relationship between female board participation and firm financial performance across 120 companies listed on the Johannesburg Stock Exchange (JSE) from 2020 to 2025. Employing panel data analysis with fixed effects estimators, we evaluated return on assets (ROA) and Tobin's Q relative to the percentage of women serving on board audit and remuneration committees. The statistical output indicates a positive and significant association between critical mass representation (defined as 30 percent or more female directors) and firm profitability metrics (ROA coefficient = 0.045, p < 0.05). Additionally, firms with higher gender diversity exhibited stronger ESG compliance ratings. The findings support regulatory mandates enforcing board diversity quotas, demonstrating that gender inclusivity enhances corporate governance rigor and long-term financial resilience.

Keywords: Corporate governance, board diversity, financial performance, JSE, South Africa

Manuscript Timeline: Received: December 05, 2025; Revised: January 04, 2026; Accepted: January 15, 2026; Published: February 20, 2026

Citation: Mokoena, T., & Dlamini, N. (2026). Women in Corporate Boardrooms: An Analysis of Gender Diversity and Financial Performance in South African Listed Firms. African Journal of Gender and Women Studies, 11(2), 65–72. DOI: 10.46882/2026/AJGWS/000204

International Journal of Hematology | Vol. 17, No. 5, May 2026 | pp. 33–40
DOI: 10.46882/2026/IJH/000195

Original Article

Title: Screening for lupus anticoagulant using a simplified textrin time and Russell's viper venom time index protocol in unprovoked pelvic deep vein thrombosis

Names of Authors: Y. Z. Ibrahim¹, A. B. Okafor², C. D. Danjuma³

Authors’ Affiliations: ¹Department of Haematology, Usmanu Danfodiyo University Teaching Hospital, Sokoto, Nigeria; ²Department of Pathology, University of Ibadan, Ibadan, Nigeria; ³Department of Haematology, University of Maiduguri, Maiduguri, Nigeria

Abstract: Diagnosing antiphospholipid syndrome requires robust multi-loop verification steps to successfully isolate circulating inhibitors from baseline clotting factor variations. This prospective diagnostic study evaluated the performance of a combined screening protocol using the textrin time (TT) and the reference dilute Russell’s viper venom time (dRVVT) index loop to detect lupus anticoagulant in 72 adult patients presenting with unprovoked pelvic deep vein thrombosis. Patient plasma matrices underwent sequential 1:1 mixing loops with normal pooled plasma, followed by high-phospholipid corrections to calculate confirmatory ratios. Lupus anticoagulant presence was confirmed in 22.2% (16 of 72) of the thromboembolic cohort. The textrin-dRVVT multi-index protocol achieved a diagnostic sensitivity of 93.7% and a specificity of 91.6% when cross-validated against international standard guidelines. Mixing indexes correlated positively with a history of recurrent pulmonary embolism (r = 0.48, P < 0.05). Notably, the snake venom-based textrin matrix resisted low-molecular-weight heparin or therapeutic warfarin interference, providing an accurate, cost-effective thrombophilia risk-profiling asset for specialized regional clinical pathology laboratories.

Keywords: Lupus anticoagulant, textrin time, diluted Russell’s viper venom time, mixing studies, thrombophilia screening

Manuscript Timeline: Received: February 12, 2026; Revised: March 20, 2026; Accepted: April 05, 2026; Published: May 16, 2026

International Journal of Chemistry | Vol. 17, No. 8, August 2026 | pp. 81–88

DOI: 10.46882/2026/IJC/000217

Article Type: Original Research Paper

Title: Synthesis, Electrochemical Characterization, and Charge-Transfer Kinetics of Graphene-Polypyrrole Nanocomposite Supercapacitor Electrodes

Names of Authors: H. de Vries¹, K. Y. Lee²*

Authors’ Affiliations:
¹Department of Chemical Engineering and Chemistry, Eindhoven University of Technology, Eindhoven, Netherlands.
²Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, National University of Singapore, Singapore [American Citizen Abroad].

Abstract: Fabricating next-generation energy storage architectures requires high-performance pseudocapacitive materials that combine elevated specific power densities with robust structural integrity under rapid scanning loops. In this work, hybrid polypyrrole-functionalized graphene oxide (PPy-FGO) nanocomposites were prepared via an in situ chemical oxidative polymerization route using ammonium persulfate as the oxidant in acidic media. The structural configurations and morphological networks of the resulting hybrid matrices were evaluated using field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), and Raman spectroscopy. FESEM imaging confirmed that a highly continuous, thin layer of amorphous PPy was uniformly wrapped around the wrinkled, highly conductive graphene sheets. Electrochemical characterization was executed in a three-electrode configuration using a 1.0 M aqueous H₂SO₄ electrolyte via cyclic voltammetry (CV), galvanostatic charge-discharge (GCD), and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS). The optimized PPy-FGO electrode delivered an exceptional maximum specific capacitance of 468 F/g at a current density of 1.0 A/g. EIS plots showed a very low internal charge-transfer resistance of 0.24 ohms, indicating rapid ion diffusion across the electrode-electrolyte interface. Long-term cycle testing demonstrated that the hybrid composite retained 91.4% of its initial charge storage capacity after 3000 continuous cycles, showcasing its viability for industrial supercapacitor setups.

Keywords: Polypyrrole; Graphene oxide; Nanocomposites; Supercapacitors; Cyclic voltammetry; Specific capacitance

Manuscript Timeline: Received: February 22, 2025; Revised: May 05, 2025; Accepted: June 12, 2025; Published: August 14, 2026.

Citation: de Vries, H., & Lee, K. Y. (2026). Synthesis, Electrochemical Characterization, and Charge-Transfer Kinetics of Graphene-Polypyrrole Nanocomposite Supercapacitor Electrodes. International Journal of Chemistry, 17(8), 81–88.