Article
Plant Sciences
David Sylvester Kacholi, Halima Mvungi Amir
Summary: This study documents the medicinal plants used by traditional healers in the Tabora region of Tanzania to treat haemorrhoids. The recorded plants are believed to possess anti-inflammatory properties that aid in managing inflammation associated with bowel diseases, including haemorrhoids.
PHARMACEUTICAL BIOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Public, Environmental & Occupational Health
Paddy Ssentongo, John S. Oh, Forster Amponsah-Manu, William Wong, Xavier Candela, Yubraj Acharya, Anna E. Ssentongo, Daleela G. Dodge
Summary: This study explored the factors influencing mortality in breast cancer in the Eastern region of Ghana and found that the survival rate in this area is low. Despite success in reducing mortality in breast cancer in northern Africa, sub-Saharan African countries still face poor outcomes. Late-stage presentation and limited accuracy in diagnosis are the main contributors to the low survival rate.
FRONTIERS IN PUBLIC HEALTH
(2022)
Article
Immunology
Jason K. Blackburn, Ernest Kenu, Franklin Asiedu-Bekoe, Badu Sarkodie, Ian T. Kracalik, William A. Bower, Robyn A. Stoddard, Rita M. Traxler
Summary: This study reports a high case-fatality rate linked to livestock handling in northern Ghana during 2005-2016, with a median death rate of 35% and limited veterinary resources. The importance of evaluating livestock vaccination and access to human treatment is emphasized.
EMERGING INFECTIOUS DISEASES
(2021)
Editorial Material
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Shujuan Yang, Xiongfeng Pan, Peibin Zeng, Peng Jia
Summary: Advanced spatial and digital technologies can help us make full use of limited testing resources to monitor the infection status of a large population in a cost-effective manner. They can also provide additional evidence to supplement nucleic acid testing results for SARS-CoV-2, reducing false-negative and false-positive rates.
TRENDS IN MICROBIOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Public, Environmental & Occupational Health
Camille Lassale, Bamba Gaye, Ibrahima Bara Diop, Jean Bruno Mipinda, Kouadio Euloge Kramoh, Charles Kouam Kouam, Meo Stephane Ikama, Jean Laurent Takombe, Jean Marie Damorou, Ibrahim Ali Toure, Dadhi M. Balde, Anastase Dzudie, Martin Houenassi, Abdoul Kane, Suzy Gisele Kimbally-Kaki, Samuel Kingue, Emmanuel Limbole, Liliane Mfeukeu Kuate, Beatriz Ferreira, Carol Nhavoto, Abdallahi Sidy Ali, Michel Azizi, Roland N'Guetta, Marie Antignac, Xavier Jouven
Summary: The widespread use of traditional medicine (TM) to treat hypertension in Sub-Saharan African countries is associated with higher blood pressure, more severe hypertension, and more complications. Acknowledging and integrating TM safely into conventional healthcare is necessary.
Article
Public, Environmental & Occupational Health
David Kwame Dosoo, Kezia Malm, Felix Boakye Oppong, Richard Gyasi, Abraham Oduro, John Williams, Dorcas Atibilla, Nana Yaw Peprah, Mieks Twumasi, Seth Owusu-Agyei, Brian Greenwood, Daniel Chandramohan, Kwaku Poku Asante
Summary: The study found no significant difference in the risk of placental malaria, low birth weight, or maternal anemia among women receiving 3 doses compared with those receiving >= 4 doses of IPTp-SP. Receiving >= 3 doses was associated with a lower risk of overall placental malaria infection compared with 2 doses. Monthly administration of IPTp-SP appears to be a practical and safe option for pregnant women to receive multiple doses during pregnancy.
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Alhassan Mohammed Yakubu, Nii Ayite Aryee, Evelyn Yayra Bonney, Erasmus Nikoi Kotey, Joseph Humphrey Kofi Bonney, Michael R. Wiley, Catherine B. Pratt, Grace Korkor Ababio, Shieley Nimo-Paintsil, Naiki Puplampu, Seth Attoh, Raymond D. Fatchu, Edward Owusu Nyarko, Anne Fox, Chaselynn M. Watters, Terrel Sanders, Andrew G. Letizia, William Kwabena Ampofo
Summary: Recent reports of mismatch between vaccine composition strains and circulating strains have raised concerns about influenza B viruses. In this study, the lineages of influenza B viruses circulating in Ghana between 2016 and 2017 were characterized. Several amino acid substitutions were identified in both B/Victoria and B/Yamagata lineages. Monitoring the evolution of influenza B viruses is crucial for the selection of representative viruses and the formulation of effective vaccines.
Review
Pharmacology & Pharmacy
G. Anywar, E. Kakudidi, R. Byamukama, J. Mukonzo, A. Schubert, H. Oryem-Origa, C. Jassoy
Summary: Most of the plant species lack detailed phytochemical analyses and quantification of their constituents, with crude plant extracts being the most commonly used. Different solvents were used for extraction and cytotoxicity varied with cell type, solvent, and extract type, making direct comparison difficult. Some plant extracts have potential as anticancer or anti-tumour drugs, but more toxicological studies in animals and humans are needed.
FRONTIERS IN PHARMACOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Selassie Ameke, Prince Asare, Samuel Yaw Aboagye, Isaac Darko Otchere, Stephen Osei-Wusu, Dorothy Yeboah-Manu, Adwoa Asante-Poku
Summary: Recent molecular epidemiological data indicate significant genetic variation within different lineages of the Mycobacterium tuberculosis complex (MTBC), with specific adaptations to different human populations. This study in the Volta Region of Ghana revealed a diverse population structure of clinical MTBC isolates, dominated by M. tuberculosis sensu stricto (MTBss) and M. africanum (MAF) lineages. The presence of various spoligotype patterns and distinct Lineage 4 sub-lineages within the MTBC isolates further highlights the genetic diversity and localization of specific lineages in this region.
Article
Environmental Sciences
Eva T. Gyamfi
Summary: Traditional medicine, also known as folk medicine, encompasses various medical knowledge systems developed before modern medicine, with a growing trend of people shifting towards traditional medicine globally. This study found significant differences in elemental concentrations in different traditional medicines, with potential harmful metal elements present in these medicines.
ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH
(2021)
Article
Environmental Studies
Festus A. Asaaga
Summary: This study examines the importance of traditional dispute resolution institutions in managing land-related disputes in southcentral and western Ghana. The results show that traditional institutions remain strong and preferred for land dispute resolution, adaptable to changing socio-economic and tenurial conditions, with different implications for various actors involved. This has implications for incorporating traditional dispute resolution into overall land governance setup in Ghana and sub-Saharan Africa.
Review
Medicine, General & Internal
Richmond Opoku, Bismark Dwumfour-Asare, Lawrencia Agrey-Bluwey, Nana Esi Appiah, Michael Ackah, Francis Acquah, Priscilla Fordjour Asenso, Abdul-Aziz Issaka
Summary: This study estimates the prevalence of self-medication and explores the reasons behind it in Ghana. A comprehensive search was conducted to identify relevant studies, and meta-analysis and thematic analysis were performed. The results show that self-medication is a prevalent issue in Ghana, influenced by difficulties in accessing healthcare and inadequate health-seeking behaviors.
Article
Public, Environmental & Occupational Health
Darby W. Jack, Kenneth Ayuurebobi Ae-Ngibise, Carlos F. Gould, Ellen Boamah-Kaali, Alison G. Lee, Mohammed Nuhu Mujtaba, Steven Chillrud, Seyram Kaali, Ashlinn K. Quinn, Stephaney Gyaase, Felix Boakye Oppong, Daniel Carrion, Oscar Agyei, Katrin Burkhart, Joseph A. Ana-Aro, Xinhua Liu, Yvonne Afrah Berko, Blair J. Wylie, Seeba Amenga Etego, Robin Whyatt, Seth Owusu-Agyei, Patrick Kinney, Kwaku Poku Asante
Summary: Household air pollution from solid fuel combustion for cooking and heating is a major global health issue. A study in rural Ghana aimed to improve child health by providing clean cooking interventions during pregnancy, but found that neither LPG cookstoves nor improved biomass cookstoves led to improvements in birth weight or reduced severe pneumonia risk in the first 12 months of life. The researchers hypothesize that this lack of effect may be due to lower-than-expected reductions in air pollution exposure.
Article
Environmental Studies
Paul Boniface Akaabre
Summary: In 2019, the Golden Stool in Kumasi enforced Ghana's traditional leasehold policy in the CBD. Little is known about the traditional leasehold model and its expiration terms and conditions. Through a case study in Kumasi, this paper examines the creation and operationalization of leases, the consequences of lease expiration, the benefits to the community, and measures for equity. The study reveals a model that favors leaders and recommends formalization of practices and institution of official payment plans to improve tenure security and property rights.
Article
Medicine, General & Internal
Killian Asampana Asosega, Atinuke Olusola Adebanji, Iddrisu Wahab Abdul
Summary: This study aimed to explore spatial disparities in overweight/obesity prevalence among women in Ghana. The prevalence was high among educated, wealthy, and urban-dwelling women. Clustering of overweight/obesity was observed in Greater Accra, Central, Western and Ashanti regions. The spatial lag model showed that women's age and household wealth were significant factors contributing to spatial differences in body size.