ghanaopendata/ghanaian-research-english huggingface dataset:
AN IN SITU STUDY ON THE EFFECTS OF EXTRACTS OF TARAXACUM OFFICINALE, PAULLINIIA PINNATA AND THONNINGIA SANGUINEA ON MITOCHONDRIAL FUNCTION

Taraxacum officinale leaves are popular among Ghanaians as vegetable and/or beverage while extracts of Taraxacum officinale, Paulliniia pinnata and Thonningia sanguinea are present in common herbal remedies widely available without pre- scription in Ghana. This study was therefore aimed to identify possible interac- tions between these medicinal plant extracts and mitochondrial respiratory chain activity. The effects of these extracts on mitochondrial oxygen consumption were therefore investigated in situ using permeabilized mouse cardiac muscle fiber preparations and a substrate-inhibitor titration. The results showed that the ethanolic fraction of T. officinale leaves significantly increased the respiration rate in presence of rotenone and the state 3/state 2 ratio (respiratory control ratio) while the ethanolic extract of P. pinnata stem significantly decreased succinate- stimulated respiration. The aqueous extract of T. sanguinea also significantly decreased respiration in presence of rotenone

Source: UG
“In small places, close to home”: Urban environmental impacts on child rights across four global cities

Urban environments influence child behaviours, exposures and experiences and may affect health, development, achievement and realization of fundamental human rights. We examined the status of eleven UN Convention on the Rights of the Child articles, in a multi-case study across four global cities. Within all study cities, children experienced unequal exposure to urban environmental risks and amenities. Many violations of child rights are related to car-based transportation systems and further challenged by pressures on urban systems from rapid population increases in the context of climate change. A child rights framework provides principles for a col lective, multi-sectoral re-imagination of urban environment

Source: UG
In the case of transmission of Mycobacterium ulcerans in buruli ulcer disease Acanthamoeba species stand accused

Buruli ulcer disease caused by Mycobacterium ulcerans results in extensive destruction of skin and soft tissue and long-term functional disabilities that ultimately require surgery and rehabilitation. The disease is associated with aquatic and swampy environments with the mycobacterium occurring in biofilms, soil, aquatic insects, fish and wildlife however, the mode of transmission to humans remains an enigma. Current transmission ideas including bites from predatory water bugs and mosquitoes, do not explain satisfactorily the spasmodic disease distribution in human populations. Here we argue that Acanthamoeba species are the natural hosts of M. ulcerans and are mainly responsible for disease transmission because; (i) Acanthamoebae are known natural hosts of several microbial pathogens including M. marinum, M. avium and Legionella pneumophila, (ii) culture of slow-to-grow microbial pathogens hosted in nature by Acanthamoeba spp is enhanced when the media is seeded with the protozoa, (iii) acanthamoebae and M. ulcerans share similar bio-ecological and epidemiological settings, (iv) documented evidence that prior growth of L. pneumophila and M. avium in acanthamoebae influences entry mechanisms, intracellular growth and virulence in human monocytes, (v) Acanthamoeba spp also infect humans and cause diseases via routes of openings including broken skin and sites of trauma similar to M. ulcerans and (vi) M. ulcerans is rather a fastidious intracellular organism as recent analysis of the genome indicate. We argue further that temperature plays a significant role in transmission determining the fate of either the intracellular microbe or the host cells. Also, Acanthamoeba-pathogen association has a long evolutionary history because the same set of bacterial genes and gene products e.g. in L. pneumophila are required for survival in both mammalian and protozoan host cells. We suggest that the involvement of Acanthamoeba in the transmission of M. ulcerans to humans better explains the disease's epidemiology.

Source: UG
“In the Realm of the Beyond: Cross-border Life, Pan- Africanism and Identity in Kourouma’s Novels”

As a result of unprecedented migration in our contemporary world, identity-related themes, border issues, and hybridization have often occupied center-stage in academic and socio-political debates. Never insulated from these socio-cultural currents, African literature has often been a valorized site of displacement-related discourse. Using the case of cross-border life in Africa as a starting point, this paper contributes to the dialogue by analyzing Ahmadou Ahmadou Kourouma’s thematization of Pan-Africanism, deterritorialization, and identity.

Source: UG
In Their Own Way At Their Own Level: Empowerment Among Rural Women: The Case of the Mo Communities of Ghana

The object of this study was to assess empowerment among women in Mo communities of the Brong Ahafo Region of Ghana in the areas of education, economic and decision-making. In achieving this objective a survey was conducted among 200 women. The study revealed that the women had attained a low level of formal education. However recognizing their level of economic independence and participation in decision-making in the home and community, it could be concluded that the women had attained an appreciable level of empowerment. With some capacity building, there could be a boost in the situation of the women.

Source: UG
In Unity Lies Our Strength’: Exploring the Benefits and Entitlements in Nigerian Migrant Associations in Accra, Ghana

This paper explores the benefits and entitlements due to members of three Nigerian migrant associations in Accra, Ghana. In doing this, the paper first attempts (re)tracing Nigerian presence in Ghana, and then discusses recent developments in Nigerian migration to Ghana. In the discussion on Nigerian migrant associations in Accra, Ghana, two specific issues are highlighted, namely, the profiles/activities of the associations and the benefits and entitlements due to association members and leaders. The discussions on the benefits and entitlements are grounded within the social capital framework. A number of conclusions have been reached based on the evidence of the empirical data. Abstract -This paper explores the benefits and entitlements due to members of three Nigerian migrant associations in Accra, Ghana. In doing this, the paper first attempts (re)tracing Nigerian presence in Ghana, and then discusses recent developments in Nigerian migration to Ghana. In the discussion on Nigerian migrant associations in Accra, Ghana, two specific issues are highlighted, namely, the profiles/activities of the associations and the benefits and entitlements due to association members and leaders. The discussions on the benefits and entitlements are grounded within the social capital framework. A number of conclusions have been reached based on the evidence of the empirical data.

Source: UG
In vitro activities of crude extracts and triterpenoid constituents of Dichapetalum crassifolium Chodat against clinical isolates of Schistosoma haematobium

Dichapetalum crassifolium Chodat (Dichapetalaceae) is widely distributed in Africa, Tropical Asia and Latin America. As part of our quest for potential bioactive lead compounds for various neglected tropical diseases, we report the anti-schistosomal potential of the crude extracts and chemical constituents of the stems and roots of Dichapetalum crassifolium. Column chromatography of extracts of the stems and roots led to the isolation and identification of three oleanane-type triterpenoids, friedelan-3β-ol (1), friedelan-3-one (2), and maslinic acid (3); the ursane-type tritepenoid, pomolic acid (4) and the dammarane-type tetracyclic triterpenoids, dichapetalin A (5) and dichapetalin M (6). Dichapetalin A was isolated from only the roots. Isolated compounds were identified by comparison of their physico-chemical and spectral data with published data. The highest in vitro antischistosomal activity (IC50) of the crude extracts against clinical isolates of Schistosoma haematobium (Bilharz 1852) was 248.6 μg/ml for the ethyl acetate extract of the root while dichapetalin A gave the highest activity at 151.1 μg/ml among the compounds compared with the 15.5 μg/ml for the standard drug, praziquantel. The rest of the compounds showed activities in the order 177.9, 191.0, and 378.1 μg/ml respectively for mixture of β-sitosterol/stigmasterol, dichapetalin M and friedelan-3-one. The least active extract was the methanol extract of the stem (893.7 μg/ml). The constituents of D. crassifolium showed activity against the S. haematobium that are below praziquantel. It is envisaged that the presence of multiple layers and the minute sizes of pores in the egg shells, may preclude penetration of eggs by the compounds

Source: UG
In vitro activity and mode of action of phenolic compounds on Leishmania donovani

Background Leishmaniasis is a disease caused by the protozoan parasite, Leishmania. The disease remains a global threat to public health requiring effective chemotherapy for control and treatment. In this study, the effect of some selected phenolic compounds on Leishmania donovani was investigated. The compounds were screened for their anti-leishmanial activities against promastigote and intracellular amastigote forms of Leishmania donovani. Methodology/Principal findings The dose dependent effect and cytotoxicity of the compounds were determined by the MTT assay. Flow cytometry was used to determine the effect of the compounds on the cell cycle. Parasite morphological analysis was done by microscopy and growth kinetic studies were conducted by culturing cells and counting at 24 hours intervals over 120 hours. The cellular levels of iron in promastigotes treated with compounds was determined by atomic absorption spectroscopy and the effect of compounds on the expression of iron dependent enzymes was investigated using RT-qPCR. The IC50 of the compounds ranged from 16.34 μM to 124 μM compared to amphotericin B and deferoxamine controls. Rosmarinic acid and apigenin were the most effective against the promastigote and the intracellular amastigote forms. Selectivity indexes (SI) of rosmarinic acid and apigenin were 15.03 and 10.45 respectively for promastigotes while the SI of 12.78 and 5.20 respectively was obtained for intracellular amastigotes. Morphologically, 70% of rosmarinic acid treated promastigotes showed rounded morphology similar to the deferoxamine control. About 30% of cells treated with apigenin showed distorted cell membrane. Rosmarinic acid and apigenin induced cell arrest in the G0/G1 phase in promastigotes. Elevated intracellular iron levels were observed in promastigotes when parasites were treated with rosmarinic acid and this correlated with the level of expression of iron dependent genes. Conclusions/Significance The data suggests that rosmarinic acid exerts its anti-leishmanial effect via iron chelation resulting in variable morphological changes and cell cycle arrest.

Source: UG
In Vitro Activity of Extract and Fractions of Natural Cocoa Powder on Plasmodium falciparum

Several flavonoids isolated from certain plants have demonstrated antiplasmodial activity, after their initial indigenous use in malaria treatment. Cocoa has been found to be a rich food source of flavonoids in comparison with many common foods and beverages. The aim of this work was to investigate the in vitro activity of natural cocoa powder on the growth of Plasmodium falciparum. Prepared crude methanol extract was partitioned successively with petroleum ether, ethyl acetate, chloroform, and butanol. Total flavonoid concentration in the crude methanol extract and fractions was measured by the AlCl3 colorimetric assay. Direct inhibitory activity of the natural cocoa powder was assessed by culturing extract and fractions with P. falciparum in vitro. Greater antiplasmodial activity was observed in nonpolar solvent fractions (chloroform, ethyl acetate, and petroleum ether) compared with polar solvents. The chloroform fraction was most active, with mean – SEM 50% and 90% inhibition concentrations of 48.3 – 0.9 and 417 – 7.8 lg/mL, respectively. The study showed a weak association between total flavonoid concentration and antiplasmodial activity. Early trophozoite (ring-stage) synchronized cultures treated with the chloroform fraction of natural cocoa powder showed a decline in growth. Further reduction in parasitemia was also observed for other erythrocytic stages. These results suggest that natural cocoa powder has measurable direct in vitro inhibitory effect on P. falciparum and support the anecdotal reports of its ability to prevent malaria as a result of regular intake as a beverage.

Source: UG
In Vitro Activity of Extract and Fractions of Natural Cocoa Powder on Plasmodium falciparum.

Several flavonoids isolated from certain plants have demonstrated antiplasmodial activity, after their initial indigenous use in malaria treatment. Cocoa has been found to be a rich food source of flavonoids in comparison with many common foods and beverages. The aim of this work was to investigate the in vitro activity of natural cocoa powder on the growth of Plasmodium falciparum. Prepared crude methanol extract was partitioned successively with petroleum ether, ethyl acetate, chloroform, and butanol. Total flavonoid concentration in the crude methanol extract and fractions was measured by the AlCl(3) colorimetric assay. Direct inhibitory activity of the natural cocoa powder was assessed by culturing extract and fractions with P. falciparum in vitro. Greater antiplasmodial activity was observed in nonpolar solvent fractions (chloroform, ethyl acetate, and petroleum ether) compared with polar solvents. The chloroform fraction was most active, with mean±SEM 50% and 90% inhibition concentrations of 48.3±0.9 and 417±7.8 μg/mL, respectively. The study showed a weak association between total flavonoid concentration and antiplasmodial activity. Early trophozoite (ring-stage) synchronized cultures treated with the chloroform fraction of natural cocoa powder showed a decline in growth. Further reduction in parasitemia was also observed for other erythrocytic stages. These results suggest that natural cocoa powder has measurable direct in vitro inhibitory effect on P. falciparum and support the anecdotal reports of its ability to prevent malaria as a result of regular intake as a beverage.

Source: UG
In vitro activity of soybean extract on cocoa disease pathogens (Erythricium salmonicolor and Marasmiellus scandens) and termite pest (Microtermes subhyalinus)

This study evaluated the antifungal and insecticidal properties of soybean extract on Marasmiellus scandens (causal pathogen of white thread blight disease on cocoa), Erythricium salmonicolor (causal pathogen of pink disease of cocoa) and termite (Microtermes subhyalinus). Agar plate test was used to determine the inhibitory activity of the extract on mycelial growth of the pathogens while a contact toxicity bioassay was conducted on the termites. Extract of the soybean reduced mycelial growth in a dose-dependent pattern, with 20% of the extract attaining the highest inhibition. Percentage inhibition of 80.4 and 86.8 were recorded for E. salmonicolor and M. scandens, respectively after 7 days of incuba tion. The IC50 values ranged between 0.64–2.44% and 0.12–0.45% for E. salmonicolor and M. scandens respectively. However, activity of the extract on the termite was low, with an LC50 of 15.42% after 24 hours of exposure. The effect of the extract on the fungal pathogens indicates that it could be further explored towards the development of a plant-based control method against white thread blight and pink diseases of cocoa in Ghana.

Source: UG
An in vitro analysis of antiproliferative and antimicrobial activities of solvent fractions of Taraxacum officinale (Dandelion) leaf

The persistent upsurge in multidrug resistance of common pathogens and global increase in the incidence of noninfectious diseases such as cancers and diabetes has led to an urgent need for the discovery of novel and affordable pharmaceuticals. Taraxacum officinale commonly called dandelion has been used in traditional medicine for the treatment of various conditions. Although the antimicrobial and antiproliferative properties of various crude extracts of T. officinale have been reported, there is little report on the antimicrobial and antiproliferative activities of its solvent fractions. In this study, various solvent fractions from the crude methanolic extract of T. officinale leaves were examined for their antiproliferative and antimicrobial activities with the aim of providing a baseline data for the discovery of the antiproliferative and antimicrobial phytocompounds in T. officinale leaves. Whereas, methylene chloride fraction showed the highest antiproferative activity, inhibiting 97 % proliferation of SGT oral cancer cells the butanol fraction showed the highest antimicrobial activity in both disc diffusion and broth dilution assays. Therefore the methylene chloride and the butanolic fractions could respectively act as leads for the discovery of important anticancer and antimicrobial phytocompounds from T. officinale. © 2014 C.O. Tettey et al.

Source: UG
In Vitro Analysis Suggests That SARS-Cov-2 Infection Differentially Modulates Cancer-Like Phenotypes And Cytokine Expression In Colorectal And Prostate Cancer Cells.

The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) reportedly exacerbates cancer outcomes. However, how COVID-19 influences cancer prognosis and development remains poorly understood. Here, we investigated the effect of Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Corona Virus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), the etiological agent of COVID-19, on cellular cancer phenotypes the expression of cancer-related markers, and various proinflammatory cytokines. We infected prostate (22RV1) and colorectal (DLD-1) cancer cell lines, which express angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2), with spike pseudovirus (sPV) and laboratory stocks of live SARS-CoV-2 viruses. After infection, we quantified changes in the cellular cancer phenotypes, the gene expression levels of some cancer markers, including Ki-67, BCL-2, VIM, MMP9, and VEGF, and proinflammatory cytokines. Phenotypic analysis was performed using MTT and wound healing assays, whereas gene expression analysis was carried out using real-time quantitative PCR (RT-qPCR). We show that SARS-CoV-2 infection impacts several key cellular pathways involved in cell growth, apoptosis, and migration, in prostate and colorectal cancer cells. Our results suggest that SARS-CoV-2 infection does influence various cancer cellular phenotypes and expression of molecular cancer markers and proinflammatory cytokines, albeit in a cell-type-specific manner. Our findings hint at the need for further studies and could have implications for evaluating the impact of other viruses on cancer progression.

Source: UG
In vitro and in silico anti-malarial activity and cytotoxicity of n-hexyl 1-O-rutinoside (a glycoside) isolated from Annickia polycarpa (DC.) Setten and Maas ex I.M. Turner (Annonaceae)

The Epidemiology Department contributes to the mission of the institute through basic and applied epidemiological research on, but not limited to, malaria and other diseases of public health importance. It is also home to the Social Science Unit of the Institute, including the Health Support Centre for HIV/AIDS and other communicable and noncommunicable health problems.

Source: UG
An In vitro and in silico investigation of the antitrypanosomal activities of the stem bark extracts of Anopyxis klaineana (Pierre) Engl

The Department of Parasitology conducts research into parasitic diseases of public health importance with the overall goal of reducing their transmission and the heavy disease burden that they impose on affected populations. The Department maintains focus on parasitic diseases in general. These include major diseases such as malaria, and others listed under the Neglected Tropical Diseases (NTD) control initiative such as, lymphatic filariasis, onchocerciasis, schistosomiasis, soil-transmitted helminthiasis, trypanosomiasis and leishmaniasis.

Source: UG
In Vitro Anti-Malarial Interaction and Gametocytocidal Activity of Cryptolepine

Most research activities involve the use of molecular methods such as regular PCR (PCR), quantitative PCR (Q-PCR), genomic sequence and analysis using different software, genetic engineering, probe hybridization techniques, biological and molecular cloning, evaluation of immune markers for laboratory diagnosis of infections, serological assays involving the use of rapid tests, ELISA-based evaluations and immunofluorescent assay techniques.

Source: UG
In vitro anti-plasmodial activity of aqueous and ethanolic extracts of Moringa oleifera and phyllanthus amarus

Many herbal medicinal products contribute to the treatment of malaria in endemic areas. In Ghana, there is documented evidence of the use of several plant species in the management of both infectious and non-infectious diseases. This study sought to validate the activity of extracts from two such plants, Phyllanthus amarus and Moringa oleifera, against Plasmodium falciparum. Anti-plasmodial activities of aqueous and ethanolic extracts of M. oleifera (whole plant and twig) and P. amarus (whole plant and stem) were assessed against the 3D7 laboratory strain of P. falciparum. Extracts were evaluated in vitro at concentrations of 12.5, 25, 50, 100 μg mL-1 and the level of potency in each case was expressed as the concentration of the extract that inhibited 50% of the parasites (IC50) relative to negative controls (100% parasitaemia). Artesunate was used as a positive standard in all assays. All extracts showed significant inhibition of parasite growth, with (IC0) less than 50 μg mL-1, except the aqueous extract of the whole plant of P. amarus which showed a relatively high IC50 of 115.43 μg mL-1. Interestingly, increasing concentration of ethanolic extract of combined twig and leaves of Moringa oleifera reduced inhibition of the parasite growth while a decreasing extract concentration resulted in increased parasite inhibition. The extracts of M. oleifera and P. amarus demonstrated potential anti-plasmodial activity which can be explored in malaria therapy. It is of interest to identify, isolate and characterize the active anti-plasmodial bioactive compounds from the plants. © 2015 Academic Journals Inc.

Source: UG
In vitro anti-plasmodial activity of three herbal remedies for malaria in Ghana: Adenia cissampeloides (Planch.) Harms., Termina liaivorensis A. Chev, and Elaeis guineensis Jacq

The Department of Immunology conducts research in the field of immunology of infectious and non-infectious diseases. The Department has the overall goal of contributing knowledge to better diagnosis, management, control and prevention of infectious and non-infectious diseases in Ghana and worldwide. This is consistent with the overall strategy of the Noguchi Memorial Institute for Medical Research (NMIMR) and in line with the strategy of the College of Health Sciences of the University of Ghana.

Source: UG