ghanaopendata/ghanaian-research-english huggingface dataset:
Pharmacogenomics Implications of Using Herbal Medicinal Plants on African Populations in Health Transition

The most accessible points of call for most African populations with respect to primary health care are traditional health systems that include spiritual, religious, and herbal medicine. This review focusses only on the use of herbal medicines. Most African people accept herbal medicines as generally safe with no serious adverse effects. However, the overlap between conventional medicine and herbal medicine is a reality among countries in health systems transition. Patients often simultaneously seek treatment from both conventional and traditional health systems for the same condition. Commonly encountered conditions/diseases include malaria, HIV/AIDS, hypertension, tuberculosis, and bleeding disorders. It is therefore imperative to understand the modes of interaction between different drugs from conventional and traditional health care systems when used in treatment combinations. Both conventional and traditional drug entities are metabolized by the same enzyme systems in the human body, resulting in both pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics interactions, whose properties remain unknown/unquantified. Thus, it is important that profiles of interaction between different herbal and conventional medicines be evaluated. This review evaluates herbal and conventional drugs in a few African countries and their potential interaction at the pharmacogenomics level.

Source: UCC
Pharmacologic inhibition of the renin-angiotensin system did not attenuate hepatic toxicity induced by carbon tetrachloride in rats

The renin-angiotensin system (RAS) subserves vital physiological functions and also implicated in certain pathological states. Modulation of this system has been proposed in recent studies to be a promising strategy in treating liver fibrosis. We investigated the effect of the pharmacologic inhibition of RAS with angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitor or angiotensin receptor blocker in CCl4-induced liver injury with a view to ascertaining the chemopreventive benefit. Fifty-six Wistar albino rats were divided into eight experimental groups of seven rats/group. Groups 1–4 received normal saline (10 ml/kg), enalapril (0.6 mg/kg), losartan (1.4 mg/kg) and CCl4 (80 mg/kg), respectively. Groups 5–8 were pretreated with enalapril (0.3 mg/kg), enalapril (0.6 mg/kg), losartan (0.7 mg/kg) and losartan (1.4 mg/kg) 1 hour before CCl4 administration. Experiment lasted 11 days and dosing was via oral route. Rats were killed 24 hours after the last treatment. Serum activities of alkaline phosphatase, aspartate and alanine aminotransferases increased significantly (p < 0.05) by 46.0%, 90.6% and 122.3%, respectively, with severe hepatic centrilobular necrosis, fatty infiltration and increase in liver weight (p < 0.05) in the CCl4-treated rats. Enalapril (0.6 mg/kg) and losartan (1.4 mg/kg) significantly (p < 0.05) increased aspartate aminotransferase activity by 37.0% and 94.7% and produced mild centrilobular and periportal hepatic necrosis, respectively, with enalapril significantly (p < 0.05) increasing liver weight. Serum total cholesterol, triglyceride, albumin and total protein did not change significantly in these rats. Also, glutathione, malondialdehyde and uric acid levels were not significantly altered. Enalapril and losartan failed to attenuate liver injury associated with CCl4 treatment. Although both drugs did not significantly alter serum biochemistry in the CCl4-treated rats, they however produced slight elevations in biomarkers of liver function and appear to worsen liver histopathology. Overall, the chemopreventive benefits of RAS inhibitors in liver disease remain doubtful and should be used with caution during hepatic dysfunction.

Source: UCC
Pharmacological and Toxicological Evaluation of Stem Extracts of Croton Membranaceus in Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia and Prostate Cancer Models

Phytotherapeutic studies on some extracts have revealed promising anti-prostatic growth or anticancer activities. In this study, the pharmacological and toxicological activities of the aqueous stem (CMASE) and sequential stem fractions (SECM) of Croton membranaceus were evaluated in; testosterone-induced benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) Sprague-Dawley (S-D) male rats and prostate cancer lines (PC3 and LNCaP). Phytochemical screening of CMASE revealed presence of phenols, alkaloids, saponins, terpenoids and tannins. Gas chromatography-mass spectrometry analysis of CMASE showed the presence of n-hexadeconoic acid and 6-octadecanoic acid, known for their anti-androgenic, antioxidant, and 5-alpha reductase inhibitory properties. All extracts (SECM and CMASE) exhibited mild antioxidant potentials, and antiproliferative activities against PC3 and LNCaP cells. Sequential aqueous fraction and CMASE exhibited selective indices for PC3 (SI=75.41, 85.11) and LNCaP (SI=2.2, 2.07) cells, respectively. CMASE induced key apoptotic hallmarks in PC3 cells. Acute (1000, 2500, 5000 mg/kg) and sub-chronic (30, 150 and 300 mg/kg for 90 days) toxicity studies of CMASE in male S-D rats revealed, it was relatively safe, possessed nephroprotective, mild hepatotoxic activity, and had LD50 value greater than 5 g/kg. CMASE caused significant (p<0.001) reduction in prostatic prostate specific antigens levels, significant (p<0.01 and p<0.05) reductions in 5- alpha reductase activity, marked reduction in prostatic androgens levels, and size of prostates (between 48.1-70.4%) in BPH-induced rats. Also, CMASE caused marked elevation of prostatic and liver antioxidant enzymes. In conclusion, CMASE was relatively safe, had apoptotic, mild antioxidant potential, anti-prostate growth and anti-cancer activity, and is a 5-alpha reductase inhibitor.

Source: UCC
Pharmacological evaluation of extract and isolated compounds from the root bark of Ziziphus Abyssinica Hochst ex. A rich (Rhamnaceae)

The diversity offered by natural products has timelessly positioned it as a good source for novel therapeutics for the management of various medical conditions, including pain and CNS disorders. This study evaluated hydro-ethanolic root bark extract (ZAE) and isolated compounds from Ziziphus abyssinica for analgesic, anti-inflammatory, anxiolytic and antidepressant properties. Established in vitro and in vivo experimental models were adopted in assessing ZAE and the isolated compounds for these pharmacological properties. Elucidation of structure of the isolated compounds was carried out using infra-red spectroscopy, mass spectrometry, nuclear magnetic resonance and X-ray crystallography. Two pentacyclic triterpenes, β-amyrin and polpunonic acid, were for the first time isolated from the plant. This is also the first time the crystal structure of polpunonic acid is reported. ZAE was found to be relatively safe in acute and sub-chronic toxicity studies in rats. ZAE exhibited analgesic effect that is possibly mediated via opioidergic, ATP-sensitive potassium channels and nitric oxide - cyclic guanosine monophosphate pathways. ZAE also exhibited anti-inflammatory activity via membrane stabilisattion as well as inhibition of protein denaturation, neutrophil degranulation and activity of inflammatory mediators (TNF-α, IL-1β, prostaglandin E2 and bradykinin). The isolated compounds, β-amyrin and polpunonic acid, also exhibited analgesic, anti-inflammatory (anti-arthritic), anxiolytic and antidepressant properties in murine models. It is concluded that ZAE, β-amyrin and polpunonic acid possess analgesic, anti-inflammatory, anxiolytic and antidepressant properties.

Source: UCC
Pharmacological Screening of a Methanol Extract from Mormodica charantia in Rodents

A methanol leaf extract of Mormodica charantia was evaluated for analgesic and contractile effects. The extract showed a significant reduction in writhing induced by acetic acid in mice and contractile effects on isolated rat stomach strip preparation, but reversed a dimethytubocurarine block of rat diaphragm muscle preparations, suggesting cholinomimetic and analgesic activities.

Source: UCC
Pharmacology

This concise review of medical pharmacology is designed for medical students, dental students, and others in the health care professions. It is intended primarily to help students prepare for licensing examinations, such as the United States Medical Licensing Examination Step 1 (USMLE) and other similar examinations. This book presents condensed and succinct descriptions of relevant and current Board-driven information pertaining to pharmacology without the usual associated details. It is not meant to be a substitute for the comprehensive presentation of information and difficult concepts found in standard pharmacology texts.

Source: UCC
Phenomene du melange des codes parmi les etudiants fantiphones de l'Universite de Cape Coast

This research examines the nature ofFanti-English code-mixing among Fanti- speaking students of the University of Cape Coast. It intended to find out the specific matrix language of the code mixed discourse of these students and the effects of this matrix language on the Fanti language as used by the population. The research questions and hypotheses were formulated around this problem. The data collection tools were questionnaires, observation and interviews. While the questionnaires were used to gather self-reports about language use among students, the observation enabled data to be gathered in natural, spontaneous contexts. The interviews were part of an experiment to find out whether FantiEnglish bilingual students could control the recourse to English lexical and grammatical elements in their discourse in Fanti under controlled conditions, and the extent to which this control was feasible. A total of eleven volunteers, made up of undergraduate and postgraduate students from the Faculties of Arts, Science and Education, were selected for the interviews as focal participants. Data consisting of code-mixed utterances were analysed using the comparative method within a hybrid framework. The results showed that code-mixing among the target population is composite: embedded language (English) elements were active at the lemma level and projected their own slots independently of their Fanti equivalents, which are, in many cases, incongruent with the English content morphemes. This situation contributes to the composite matrix language underlying the phenomenon. It also inhibits access to Fanti content morphemes during spontaneous speech. Finally, it restricts bilinguals' ability to control code-mixing. It was recommended that a review of the existing English-only policy be done in order to rectifY the imbalance in the attention given to the various languages in the educational set-up. Further, a modified version of the grammar-translation method at the primary school level should be considered.

Source: UCC
Phenomenological Experiences of the Girl Child in Accessing Technical Education in Ghana

Female enrolment in Technical Education in Ghana has been low in recent times. Regardless of this, some females have made a decision to attain Technical Education. The study examined the experiences of the Girl Child in accessing Technical Education in Ghana. The study employed a phenomenological design using a qualitative approach. The study was conducted in one of the Technical Education Institutions in Ghana. The study sampled 8 female students and 2 female coordinators of Women in Technical Education (WITED). The students were conveniently selected whereas the coordinators were purposefully selected. An interview guide was used to collect data from the respondents. Thematic analysis was used to analyse data gathered. It was discovered that the attitudes of family and friends towards Female Technical Education were negative. Also, female students were found to be harassed by male teachers and students. The study found that the institution did not have facilities like a place of convenience for the available female students. It was concluded that even though Technical Education is very important to national development, females are not encouraged by family and friends to enrol in Technical Education programmes. It was recommended that teachers, media, and all stakeholders are encouraged to educate the general public, especially parents, on the need for Female Technical Education. This education should also focus on diluting all misconceptions held by the public.

Source: UCC
A phenomenological study of pre-service teachers’ lived experiences of professional development in Ghana

The lived experiences of pre-service teachers during teaching practice are often neglected in scholarly literature or if considered, not much emphasis is placed on other socio-cultural contexts that affect these practices. To address this knowledge gap in literature, a phenomenological qualitative study into the lived experiences of pre-service teachers was explored. The sources of data comprised semi-structured interview and focus group discussions. Final-year pre-service teachers who had returned to the university after completing their pre-service field expedition were used for the study. A purposive sample was used in selecting 115 participants from the readily available population of pre-service teachers, of which 25 of the participants were interviewed and 80 participated in a focused group discussion. The data was analysed using open coding and axial coding. It emanated from the study that there were differing propositions for formulating purposeful lesson objectives, selecting appropriate content, deciding on the best method of presentation, and writing actual lesson plans. Also, it was revealed that while some mentors contribute to the professional development of their mentees, most mentors abandon pre-service teachers in the course of their mentorship programme. It is recommended that during teaching practice, regular conferences and workshops should be held to address some possible hurdles that the mentors and their mentees might be going through to enhance their professional relationship.

Source: UCC
The Phenomenon of Child TraffickingiIn Ghana: A Search for an Alternative Approach to its Resolution in Tapa Abotoase

The practice of child trafficking is a condemnable act due to its negative impact that undermine the future prospects of children who are exploited for forced labour. This practice, not only hinders children from realizing their full potentials, but has the capability to deny children of formal education. Unfortunately, Tapa Abotoase is one community in the Oti Region noted for this dehumanizing act. Therefore, the main purpose of this study was to examine the phenomenon of child trafficking in Tapa Abotoase, as well as the possibility of using moral interventions as alternative approaches to its resolution. To achieve this purpose, the following objectives were curated; examination of the factors influencing child trafficking, information on how trafficked children in Abotoase were handled by their masters and mistresses, the methods for stopping child trafficking in Ghana, especially the fishing industry vis a vis the existing resolutions and moral interventions that can be explored to help curb the issue of child trafficking in Tapa Abotoase. The research took a qualitative approach with the preferred design being the case study. Twenty-eight key informants were purposively sampled to provide data for the study through semi-structured interviews. The economic disparity theory underpinned the study. Data was collected in the audio format, was transcribed and thematically analyzed to bring out the issues. Results showed that the causes of child trafficking in Abotoase ranged from economic to defective family ties. Trafficked children were transported to their place of servitude during festive occasions and were beaten and malnourished. Existing resolutions in the form of legal frameworks and donations by NGOs were found to be inadequate thus the impetus of this work which was to bring to light the moral dimensions revealed that appealing to the conscience of perpetrators on the dignity of human life had a tendency to put an end to this menace of child trafficking. Further, incorporating messages targeted at highlighting the effects of child trafficking by religious personalities during worship services in Abotoase to will help deter people from selling out children to traffickers. Moreover, social support groups including active engagement with community leaders should be prioritized to bring an end to this canker. Setting up small scale businesses so poor families can engage in and make a livelihood for themselves, penalization of perpetrators, and continuous public education were some of the recommendations the study came out with.

Source: UCC
Phenotypic and molecular characterization of Striga Gesnerioides resistance among cowpea (Vigna unguiculata l. Walp.) breeding lines

In Ghana, cowpea (Vigna unguiculata) production is constrained by Striga gesnerioides infestation. Though some Striga-resistant cowpea varieties exist, they are predominantly small to medium seed sizes, but consumer preference is tailored towards large to extra-large seeds. This study aimed to evaluate cowpea breeding lines and select for Striga resistance and improved agronomic traits. Data from the field were subjected to analysis of variance (ANOVA) and correlation. The variations in the quantitative and qualitative traits and molecular markers distinguished the cowpea genotypes. Genetic diversity and Striga-resistant cowpeas among the breeding populations were determined by SSR markers. Agro-morphogenetic variations exist among the cowpea breeding lines. The 100 seed weight differed significantly (P < 0.001) among the cowpea breeding lines, ranging from 11 to 26.8 g with a mean of 20.4 g. Grain yield ranged from 1.04 t ha-1 - 2.92 t ha-1. The highest coefficient of variation (CV % > 100) was among the Striga response parameters. Striga resistance efficiency test by pot screening was consistent with the marker-assisted selection (MAS) protocol but not so with the field screening test. SSR-1, C42-2B, CLM1320 and LRR8 were considered to have the best discrimination efficiency (74%-85.5%) to S.gesnerioides resistance. The alleles per primer pair of 2 to 7 with an average of 3, PIC of 0.41 and gene diversity of 0.25 were evidence of genetic variations. On the whole, UC15-01, UC15-02, UC15-19, UC15-22, UC15-28, UC15-35, UC15-43, UC15-43 UC15-47 and UC15-49 associated with large seed sizes, high yield and Striga-resistance traits and were the best-improved cowpea progenies selected for further evaluation.

Source: UCC
Phenotypic and molecular screening of okra (Abelmoschus esculentus L. Moench) genotypes against okra leaf curl disease

Okra leaf curl disease (OLCD) is a major constraint on okra (Abelmoschus esculentus L. Moench) production in West Africa. The most effective way of managing this disease is through breeding and planting of resistant varieties. In order to identify sources of resistance and or tolerance, 21 okra genotypes were screened against OLCD in field trials which were conducted from May to October, 2015 (rainy season) and November 2015 to March 2016 (dry season). Field resistance was assessed at 2, 6 and 10 weeks after sowing (WAS) based on disease symptoms, and then confirmed by PCR amplification of viral coat protein gene. Populations of whitefly (Bemisia tabaci), the vector of begomoviruses associated with OLCD, as well as fruit yields were also assessed. Both PCR and field trials showed that all the okra genotypes were susceptible to the viral infection. The genotypes varied significantly (P and 6.108 t ha-1 and 4.05 t ha-1 respectively in the dry season, far above the overall mean yields for all the okra genotypes. Both genotypes GH5332 and GH6105 should be evaluated multi-locationally at farmers’ fields prior to their release as varieties or they should be incorporated into breeding lines

Source: UCC
Phenotypic and seed protein analysis in 31 lima bean (Phaseolus lunatus) accessions in Ghana

Phenotypic and seed protein analyses were performed on 31 accessions of Lima bean assembled in Ghana. Data on 16 phenotypic characters consisting of eight quantitative and eight qualitative were analysed. There were significant differences among the accessions based on the eight quantitative characters. Seed protein analysis showed 17 bands with relative mobility of bands, which ranged from 0.01 to 0.86. An ordinal logistic regression analysis showed significant evidence for seed coat, pod beak shape and seed size association. Cluster analysis based on both phenotypic and protein data provided evidence for differences among the accessions. Quantitative characters were associated with some specific clusters

Source: UCC
Phenotypic and serological evaluation of cowpea (Vigna unguiculata L.Walp) genotypes for resistance to viral infection under field conditions

Viral infections are a major challenge to sustainable cowpea production in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA). Nine cowpea (Vigna unguiculata L. Walp) genotypes were evaluated for resistance against viral infection in a field trial involving randomized complete block design with 4 replications. Viral disease severity was assessed at 2, 4 and 6 weeks after planting (WAP) based on disease symptoms. Double antibody sandwich-enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (DAS-ELISA) using antisera raised against cucumber mosaic virus (CMV), cowpea severe mottle virus (CPSMV), cowpea mosaic virus (CPMV) and southern bean mosaic virus (SBMV) was used to detect the viruses associated with diseased leaf samples collected from the field. Biometric and yield data were also taken. The mean disease incidence and area under disease progress curve (AUDPC) varied significantly (P < 0.05) among the cowpea genotypes, with 7 (Apagbaala, UCC-366, UCC-489, UCC-490, UCC-497, UCC-514 and UCC-523) out of 9 cowpea genotypes showing field resistance whilst the other two (UCC-473 and UCC-484) exhibited moderate resistance. ELISA showed that all the 9 cowpea genotypes were infected with at least one of the three viruses namely CMV, CPMV and CPSMV, whereas SBMV was not detected. Co-infection by CMV, CPMV and CPSMV was observed in UCC-366. Mean plant height, canopy diameter and seed yield differed significantly (P < 0.05) among the cowpeas. UCC-473, UCC-316, and UCC-523 had high mean seed yields of 6.690, 4.922 and 4.144 t ha-1 respectively, above the overall mean seed yield of 3.63 t ha-1 , emphasizing their resilient to viruses

Source: UCC
Phenotypic plasticity of leaf length to an environmental gradient in Khaya ivorensis (Meliaceae) populations in Ghana

Khaya ivorensis encountears different ecological conditions in its native habitats in Ghana. The demand for this species has led to severe depletion of the natural stand, thus threatened with extinction. To address the dwindling populations demands intervention for restoration and establishment of plantations. The goal of reforestation is to establish a new generation of trees with optimal growth and adaptedness. Doing this requires knowledge of relative level of plastic response to environmental variables to aid general seed transfer which could be implemented by forest managers. In this study we employed Environmental Standardized Plasticity index (EPSI) and one-way ANOVA to understand the level of phenotypic plasticity in leaflet morphology to environmental gradient. Highly significant (P<0.0001) plastic response in leaf length was observed among the populations in relation to precipitation, temperature, altitude and latitude. The results suggested South-North clinal relationship to leaf length. The observed clinal variation in leaf length with environmental variables provide suitable framework for matching each provenance site or population to designate ecological zone, under premise each population has adapted to the local environmental conditions

Source: UCC