Knowledge, Attitude, and Practice of Geriatric Care Among Health Care Professionals in Kumasi, Ghana.

Background: The Ghanaian elderly population is increasing at the fastest rate and this has become a burden as the rate is not proportional to the investment in health to meet their deteriorating health needs. This creates discrepancies and inequalities in healthcare access and coupled with poor healthcare provider services, the inequalities widen. Poor care services are related to poor knowledge and bad attitudes of care providers hence this study seeks to explore the health practitioners' level of knowledge, attitude, and practice (KAP) toward geriatric care.

Quality of Data Recording and Antimicrobial Use in a Municipal Veterinary Clinic in Ghana.

The recording of antimicrobial use data is critical for the development of interventions for the containment of antimicrobial resistance. This cross-sectional study assessed whether dissemination activities and recommendations made after an operational research (OR) study in 2021 resulted in better data recording and improved the use of antimicrobials in a rural veterinary clinic. Routinely collected data from treatment record books were compared between 2013 and 2019 (pre-OR) and from July 2021 to April 2023 (post-OR).

Information acquisition and dissemination among a sample of people who inject drugs in Australia.

Introduction: This paper examines the acquisition and dissemination of harm reduction information among people who inject drugs, as well as preferred sources of information.

Methods: Data were obtained from 862 people who inject drugs, recruited from Australian capital cities for the 2021 Illicit Drug Reporting System. Multivariable regression analyses were performed to assess potential factors associated with knowledge sharing.

A retrospective validation of the IPSS-M molecular score in primary and therapy-related myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS).

A molecular scoring system (IPSS-M) was recently proposed for myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS). We conducted a retrospective study of adults with MDS referred 2019-2021. The primary outcomes were leukemia-free survival (LFS) and overall survival (OS).

A global systematic review of forest management institutions: towards a new research agenda.

Context: Globally, forest landscapes are rapidly transforming, with the role of institutions as mediators in their use and management constantly appearing in the literature. However, global comparative reviews to enhance comprehension of how forest management institutions (FMIs) are conceptualized, and the varying determinants of compliance, are lacking. And so too, is there knowledge fragmentation on the methodological approaches which have and should be prioritized in the on FMIs.

Graphene-maleic anhydride-grafted-carboxylated acrylonitrile butadiene-rubber nanocomposites.

Ethylene-propylene grafted-maleic anhydride (EPR-g-MA) and a pure maleic anhydride (MA) were separately used to compound carboxylated acrylonitrile butadiene-rubber (XNBR) together with reduced graphene oxide (G) to form nanocomposites, by using melt compounding technique. The G-sheets in the presence of MA (GA samples) or EPR-g-MA (GB samples) generally increased the physico-mechanical properties including; crosslinking density, tensile strength and thermal degradation resistance etc., when compared with sample without MA or EPR-g-MA (GAO) and the virgin matrix.

Molecular docking and simulation analysis of the FimH protein with secondary metabolites from the species.

It is of interest to document the molecular docking and simulation analysis of the FimH protein with 10 secondary metabolites from Garcinia species in the context of drug discovery for Urinary tract infections (UTIs). We report the optimal binding features of flavonoids with the FimH protein for further consideration in drug discovery.

Using time-resolved monitor wearing data to study the effect of clean cooking interventions on personal air pollution exposures.

Background: Personal monitoring can estimate individuals' exposures to environmental pollutants; however, accuracy depends on consistent monitor wearing, which is under evaluated.

Objective: To study the association between device wearing and personal air pollution exposure.

Methods: Using personal device accelerometry data collected in the context of a randomized cooking intervention in Ghana with three study arms (control, improved biomass, and liquified petroleum gas (LPG) arms; N = 1414), we account for device wearing to infer parameters of PM and CO exposure.

Open defecation and attainment of Sustainable Development Goal Six: evidence from Kintampo Surveillance System, Ghana.

Objective: This study examined whether the open-defecation (OD) free target is achievable by 2030.

Design: Longitudinal study.

Setting: Seven sub-Districts of Kintampo North Municipal, and five sub-Districts of Kintampo South District.

Nodular Lymphocyte-Predominant Hodgkin Lymphoma: Review of Current Literature and Case Discussion.

Nodular lymphocyte-predominant Hodgkin lymphoma (NLPHL) is a rare subset of Hodgkin lymphoma (HL). It has a distinct clinical and pathological presentation. Unlike classic HL, where the predominant malignant cells are Reed Sternberg cells, the malignant cells in NLPHL are known as lymphocyte predominant (LP) cells, with their own unique immunohistochemistry antigen expression and staining pattern.

Paraneoplastic Evans Syndrome in a Patient With Prostate Cancer With Small Cell Transformation.

Paraneoplastic syndromes are defined as tumor-associated indirect systemic effects. Prostate cancer-associated paraneoplastic syndromes typically have endocrine, neurologic, and dermatologic manifestations. Reports have suggested up to 70% of metastatic prostate cancers manifest as paraneoplastic entities.

DNA Methyl Transferase 3A (DNMT3A) Mutation Presenting as Isolated Pure Red Cell Aplasia.

Pure red cell aplasia (PRCA) is a rare disorder mainly affecting the erythroid precursor cells. It presents with severe isolated reticulocytopenia with relatively normal counts in the myeloid and megakaryocytic lineages. It has been attributed to numerous congenital and acquired causes.

Synthesis of TiO-AgPO photocatalyst material with high adsorption capacity and photocatalytic activity: application in the removal of dyes and pesticides.

The photocatalytic activity of TiO can be enhanced by coupling it with other semiconductors and the semiconductor composites may find useful application in water treatment technologies. TiO-AgPO composites were synthesized and characterized with XRD, SEM-EDX and DRS. The synthesized TiO-AgPO showed high photocatalytic activity in the presence UV-vis light on rhodamine B, methylene blue and the pesticides imidacloprid, atrazine and pyrimethanil.

Association Between Selected Single Nucleotide Polymorphisms in Globin and Related Genes and Response to Hydroxyurea Therapy in Ghanaian Children with Sickle Cell Disease.

Background: Sickle cell disease (SCD) is a group of genetic disorders affecting the structure and function of haemoglobin. Hydroxyurea (HU) stimulates fetal haemoglobin (HbF) and reduces sickle erythrocyte-endothelial cell interaction. However, the degree of HbF response to HU varies, with HbF expression-associated single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in quantitative trait loci (QTL) been implicated.

Monodispersed AgNPs Synthesized from the Nanofactories of (Cocoa) Leaves and Pod Husk and Their Antimicrobial Activity.

Silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) have been synthesized from the more chemically rich and diverse cocoa pod; the synthesis of silver nanoparticles from cocoa leaves, which are less rich and have low diversity in bioactive molecules, is yet to be achieved. In this work, AgNPs produced using the extracts of the cocoa leaf (CL) and cocoa pods (CP) have been investigated and their antimicrobial activity against was evaluated. UV-visible absorption spectroscopy was used to examine the reduction of silver ions in solution and the surface plasmon resonance of AgNPs.

Effect of massage, passive neural mobilization and transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation on magnetic resonance diffusion tensor imaging (MR-DTI) of the tibial nerve in a patient with type 2 diabetes mellitus induced neuropathy: a case report.

Background: MR-DTI parameters namely fractional anisotropy (FA) and apparent diffusion coefficient values (ADC) of diffusion imaging demonstrate the directional preference and speed of diffusion of water molecules. The purpose of this case report is to explore the effect of massage, passive neural mobilization and transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation on MR-DTI of the tibial nerve in a patient with type 2 diabetes mellitus having chronic distal symmetrical sensorimotor neuropathy.

Case Description: A 63-year-old male with type 2 diabetes mellitus diagnosed with chronic symmetrical sensorimotor diabetic peripheral neuropathy on the basis of medical examination and electrophysiological testing.

The effect of clean cooking interventions on mother and child personal exposure to air pollution: results from the Ghana Randomized Air Pollution and Health Study (GRAPHS).

Background: Clean cooking interventions to reduce air pollution exposure from burning biomass for daily cooking and heating needs have the potential to reduce a large burden of disease globally.

Objective: The objective of this study is to evaluate the air pollution exposure impacts of a fan-assisted efficient biomass-burning cookstove and a liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) stove intervention in rural Ghana.

Methods: We randomized 1414 households in rural Ghana with pregnant mothers into a control arm (N = 526) or one of two clean cooking intervention arms: a fan-assisted efficient biomass-burning cookstove (N = 527) or an LPG stove and cylinder refills as needed (N = 361).

Barriers and enablers to reporting pregnancy and adverse pregnancy outcomes in population-based surveys: EN-INDEPTH study.

Background: Risks of neonatal death, stillbirth and miscarriage are highest in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs), where data has most gaps and estimates rely on household surveys, dependent on women reporting these events. Underreporting of pregnancy and adverse pregnancy outcomes (APOs) is common, but few studies have investigated barriers to reporting these in LMICs. The EN-INDEPTH multi-country study applied qualitative approaches to explore barriers and enablers to reporting pregnancy and APOs in surveys, including individual, community, cultural and interview level factors.

Electronic data collection in a multi-site population-based survey: EN-INDEPTH study.

Background: Electronic data collection is increasingly used for household surveys, but factors influencing design and implementation have not been widely studied. The Every Newborn-INDEPTH (EN-INDEPTH) study was a multi-site survey using electronic data collection in five INDEPTH health and demographic surveillance system sites.

Methods: We described experiences and learning involved in the design and implementation of the EN-INDEPTH survey, and undertook six focus group discussions with field and research team to explore their experiences.

Characterization and Inhibitory Effects of Magnetic Iron Oxide Nanoparticles Synthesized from Plant Extracts on HeLa Cells.

Magnetic FeO nanoparticles were synthesized from maize leaves and plantain peels extract mediators. Particles were characterized, and the inhibitory effects were studied on HeLa cells in vitro using cyclic voltammetry (CV). Voltammograms from the CV show that FeO NPs interaction with HeLa cells affected their electrochemical behavior.

Opinions of Health Professionals on Tailoring Reproductive Health Services to the Needs of Adolescents.

Introduction: Tailoring sexual and reproductive health programs and services to the needs of adolescents will help adolescents make informed decisions and choices regarding their sexual and reproductive health.

Objective: To assess the opinions of service providers on tailoring sexual and reproductive health services to the needs of adolescents.

Method: A qualitative study using indepth interviews was held among eight decision-makers and service providers in two hospitals within the Kintampo North Municipality and Kintampo South District as well as the Municipal and District Health Directorates in Kintampo North and South between April and May 2011.

An Exploration of Edible Palm Weevil Larvae (Akokono) as a Source of Nutrition and Livelihood: Perspectives From Ghanaian Stakeholders.

Background: Meeting the nutritive needs of infants and young children is a challenge in Ghana. Alternative animal source foods, including insects, could enhance infant and young child dietary quality while also improving livelihoods.

Objective: To investigate the perspectives of Ghanaian stakeholders on the acceptability of the palm weevil larvae ( akokono) as a food source and the feasibility of micro-farming this local edible insect as a complementary food for infants and young children.

Low Utilization of Insecticide-Treated Bed Net among Pregnant Women in the Middle Belt of Ghana.

Background: Malaria in pregnancy leads to low birth weight, premature birth, anaemia, and maternal and neonatal mortality. Use of insecticide-treated nets (ITNs) during pregnancy is one of the proven interventions to reduce the malaria burden. However, Ghana has not achieved its target for ITN use among pregnant women.

Patterns of cultural consensus and intracultural diversity in Ghanaian complementary feeding practices.

Designing effective interventions to improve infant and young child (IYC) feeding requires knowledge about determinants of current practices, including cultural factors. Current approaches to obtaining and using research on culture tend to assume cultural homogeneity within a population. The purpose of this study was to examine the extent of cultural consensus (homogeneity) in communities where interventions to improve IYC feeding practices are needed to address undernutrition during the period of complementary feeding.

Acute Kidney Injury in Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation: A Review.

Hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) is a highly effective treatment strategy for lymphoproliferative disorders and bone marrow failure states including aplastic anemia and thalassemia. However, its use has been limited by the increased treatment related complications, including acute kidney injury (AKI) with an incidence ranging from 20% to 73%. AKI after HSCT has been associated with an increased risk of mortality.