University of Health and Allied Sciences

About: University of Health and Allied Sciences is a education organization based out in Ho, Ghana. It is known for research contribution in the topics: Population & Public health. The organization has 637 authors who have published 1063 publications receiving 9380 citations. The organization is also known as: UHAS & IAU-024335.

Susceptibility of bacterial and fungal isolates to spices commonly used in Ghana

Abstract: Spices are used as flavoring agents, preservatives and colorants; also in medicine, religion, tradition and magic in parts of the world. This work was designed to test the susceptibility of the clinical isolates - Salmonella sp., Klebsiella sp., Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus), Escherichia. coli (E. coli) and Candida albicans to the single spices and their combinations. Twenty single spices and their combinations were extracted with ethanol, and zones of inhibition (ZOI), minimum inhibitory concentrations (MIC) and minimum bactericidal/fungicidal concentrations (MBC/MFC) determined by Agar Well Diffusion and Dilution Tube Methods respectively. The microbes showed various susceptibilities to the spices compared to the controls, all at a concentration of 100 µg/ml, with the highest effect by the spice combinations. All the five isolates showed the highest susceptibility towards Cloves and Negro pepper together followed by Guinea and Ashanti peppers, then Rosemary and Aniseed. Even though all the single spices were effective against Klebsiella sp., none of them showed susceptibility towards E. coli. The MIC for the combined spices was dominant at 125 µg/ml, whiles MIC for the single spices ranged between 250 and 1000 µg/ml. Analysis of variance (P

Elemental minerals and microbial compositions as well as knowledge and perceptions regarding kaolin (clay) consumption by pregnant women in the Ho municipality of Ghana.

Abstract: Introduction Kaolin is a type of clay consumed mostly by women especially pregnant women of which the act of clay eating is termed geophagy. Different people use this type of clay for diverse purposes. Notwithstanding, most Ghanaians consume this clay out of cravings, taste and smell. There have been some attendant problems with the consumption of clay especially by pregnant women. This research sought to assess the mineral and microbial contents of kaolin and address the perceptions of pregnant women on geophagy. Methods This study employed a cross-sectional convenient sampling method to sample 217 pregnant women and sellers of clay (Ayilo). A face-to-face interview was conducted to administer a structured questionnaire to respondents. Mineral and microbial analyses were also conducted on the ore of the kaolin mined from Anfoega in the Volta Region of Ghana using standardized procedures. Results Results from this study suggests geophagy prevalence of 48.4% (n=217) among pregnant women in the Ho municipality of Ghana. Results obtained also suggest smell and taste of the clay, influenced the consumption by these pregnant women to a large extent. Strikingly, majority of the respondents had no knowledge on the adverse health implications clay consumption had on the human body. The physiological state of pregnancy also cause many to use it to treat nausea, other accompanying discomfort and in some instances to quench their hunger. Traces of Lead, Nickel and Arsenic were found in the clay. Common microorganisms identified were Bacillus, Pseudomonas, Mucor and Aspergillus spp. Conclusion Geophagy is a common practice among pregnant women living in the Ho municipality in the Volta region, Ghana. Most of them consumed it for varied reasons. Although there are beneficial minerals, accumulated effects of these heavy metals can lead to various complications in pregnancy. The clay also contained pathogenic microorganisms. These pathogens have a whole range of deleterious effects on the human body ranging from gastrointestinal infections to cancer and so may not be safe to consume clay products from Anfoega, Ghana.

Evidence of an antidepressant-like effect of xylopic acid mediated by serotonergic mechanisms.

Abstract: Depression causes significant debilitating symptoms and economic burden. Current management is challenged by slow onset of action and modest efficacies of antidepressants; thus, the search for newer antidepressants remains relevant. We evaluated the antidepressant effects of a kaurene diterpene, xylopic acid (XA), in zebrafish and mouse models. The chronic unpredictable stress (CUS) protocol in zebrafish and the tail suspension test (TST), forced swim test (FST), lipopolysaccharide-induced depression-like behaviour test (LID) and repeated open space swimming test (OSST) in mice were used. We further examined the impact of depleting monoamines on XA’s antidepressant effects. The contribution of glutamatergic and nitrergic pathways on the antidepressant effect of XA in mice and XA’s effects on 5-HT receptors and monoamine oxidase (MAO) enzymes were also evaluated. Finally, XA’s influence on neuroprotection was evaluated by measuring BDNF and oxidative stress enzymes in whole brain. XA doses (1–10 μM) in zebrafish and (10, 30, 100 mg kg−1) in mice exerted potent antidepressant-like potential in FST, TST, LID and showed fast-onset antidepressant-like property in the OSST. The antidepressant-like properties in mice were reversed by blocking synthesis/release of serotonin but not noradrenaline using p-chlorophenylalanine and α-methyl-p-tyrosine, respectively. This antidepressant-like effect was potentiated by d-cycloserine and Nω-Nitro-l-arginine methyl ester (l-NAME) but not by d-serine and L-arginine. XA also evoked partial agonist-like effects on 5-hydroxytrptamine receptors on the rat fundus but it did not have MAO inhibition effect. It also increased BDNF, glutathione and antioxidant enzymes. Therefore, xylopic acid possesses antidepressant-like effects largely mediated by serotonergic and neuroprotective mechanisms.

Contribution of scaling up nutrition Academic Platforms to nutrition capacity strengthening in Africa: local efforts, continental prospects and challenges

Abstract: Addressing contemporary nutrition problems often requires application of knowledge from multiple disciplines. The scaling up nutrition (SUN) movement harnesses multiple sectors for effective global and in-country planning and implementation. Although the role of knowledge networks (academia and research institutions) is recognised, the how of engaging knowledge networks in the current SUN architecture is only now becoming apparent. For relevant sectors to play their roles effectively, observed capacity gaps, particularly in developing country settings, need to be addressed. The present paper presents the work being undertaken by the Ghana SUN Academic Platform (AP), a local knowledge network, towards strengthening nutrition capacity in Ghana. The AP presently provides technical support, evidence and capacity towards scaling up effective nutrition interventions in Ghana and beyond. The data presented draws heavily on the observations and collective experiences of the authors in practice, complemented by a review of relevant literature. The ultimate goal of the AP is to build capacity of professionals from nutrition and cognate sectors (including planning, agriculture, health, economics, research and academia). This is an essential ingredient for effective and durable SUN efforts. The paper recognises that both disciplinary and interdisciplinary capacity is required for effective SUN efforts in Africa, and offers an approach that utilises cross-sector/inter-professional, peer-learning and experiential learning initiatives.

Classification and Risk Factors for Cerebral Palsy in the Korle Bu Teaching Hospital, Accra: A Case–Control Study

Abstract: Cerebral palsy (CP) is a lifelong neurodevelopmental condition caused by injury to the developing fetal or infant brain. In developed countries 75% to 80% of cases are as a result of prenatal brain injury. Data from developing countries are limited; however, a higher proportion of affected children may have perinatal or postnatal injury. The objectives were …