Efficacy and safety profile of corticosteroids and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs in COVID-19 management: A narrative review.

Due to the fact that coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is still prevalent, and current reports show that some parts of the world have seen increase in incidence, it is relevant that health professionals and scientists know about recent or novel trends, especially drug treatments. Additionally, the safety profiles of these drug treatments need to be documented and shared with the public. Some studies have demonstrated the clinical benefits of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) and corticosteroids in COVID-19 treatment.

Population Pharmacokinetic Characteristics of Amikacin in Suspected Cases of Neonatal Sepsis in a Low-Resource African Setting: A Prospective Nonrandomized Single-Site Study.

Background: Amikacin exhibits marked pharmacokinetic (PK) variability and is commonly used in combination with other drugs in the treatment of neonatal sepsis. There is a paucity of amikacin PK information in neonates from low-resource settings.

Objectives: To determine the PK parameters of amikacin, and explore the influence of selected covariates, including coadministration with aminophylline, on amikacin disposition in neonates of African origin.

Susceptibility pattern of uropathogens to ciprofloxacin at the Ghana police hospital.

Introduction: Reports of increasing resistance of uropathogens to antimicrobials is of global concern. Culture and drug susceptibility tests remain a vital guide to effective therapy. The aim of this study was to determine the susceptibility pattern of isolated uropathogens to ciprofloxacin at the Ghana Police Hospital.

Metformin versus Insulin in the Management of Pre-Gestational Diabetes Mellitus in Pregnancy and Gestational Diabetes Mellitus at the Korle Bu Teaching Hospital: A Randomized Clinical Trial.

Objective: To determine if metformin monotherapy or metformin in combination with insulin is equally effective as insulin monotherapy at glycemic control in diabetes mellitus in pregnancy among Ghanaians.

Methods: This was a study involving 104 pregnant women with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) or gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) at 20-30 weeks gestation. Participants were randomized into metformin and insulin treatment groups.

Prescribing trend of antimalarial drugs at the Ghana Police Hospital.

Introduction: Malaria ranks among the top three leading causes of morbidity and mortality in developing countries. Appropriate use of recommended antimalarial drugs is vital in the effective management of malaria.

Methodology: This study sought to assess the prescribing trend of antimalarial drugs at the Ghana Police Hospital.

Natural cocoa ingestion reduced liver damage in mice infected with (NK65).

Purpose: This study tested whether natural cocoa powder ingestion could mitigate hepatic injury coincident with murine malaria. infection causes liver damage including hepatic sinusoidal distension, and elevated serum alanine transaminase (ALT) and aspartate transaminase (AST) levels. According to literature, these pathologies largely result from activity of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and may be extenuated by antioxidants.

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.

A comprehensive study of Easter lily poisoning in cats.

This study was conducted with 3 objectives in mind: first, to identify the toxic fraction (aqueous or organic) in leaves and flowers; second, to identify diagnostic marker(s) of toxicosis in cats; and, third, to evaluate the morphologic effects of intoxication. The study was conducted in 2 phases. Phase 1 was to identify which extract, organic or aqueous, was nephrotoxic and also to determine the appropriate dose for use in the phase 2 studies.