Acute Oral Toxicological Profile of Mull. Arg. Aqueous Stem Extract, a Herbal Treatment for Benign Prostate Hyperplasia, in Male Sprague-Dawley Rats.

Mull. Arg. is a traditional medicinal plant frequently employed in Ghana for the treatment of benign prostatic hyperplasia and prostate cancer.

Comparative Determination of Glomerular Filtration Rate Estimation Formulae in Type 2 Diabetic Patients: An Observational Study.

Assessing glomerular filtration rate (GFR) involves collecting timed urine samples for 24 hours, requiring significant time and resources in the clinical setting. Using predictive GFR formulae to assess renal function may be a better alternative. Our goal was to determine which predictive GFR formula had the highest level of concordance with the GFR that has been measured in a resource-poor setting.

Medication errors at a diabetes management center in a resource-poor setting.

Background: Medication errors are known to cause adverse drug reactions, hospital admissions and mortality. In most resource-poor settings, medication errors occur but are undocumented.

Objective: This study sought to investigate medication errors in a diabetic clinic at Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital (KATH), Ghana.

Clinical and laboratory characteristics of children with sickle cell disease on hydroxyurea treated with artemether-lumefantrine for acute uncomplicated malaria.

Introduction: Limited information exists on any interactions between hydroxyurea (HU) and antimalarials in sickle cell disease (SCD). We evaluated changes in clinical and laboratory parameters among children with SCD on HU therapy treated with artemether-lumefantrine (AL) for acute uncomplicated malaria (UM).

Methods: A prospective, non-randomized, pilot study of 127 children with SCD (23, UM; 104, steady state) were recruited from three hospitals in Accra.

Biochemical markers of nephrotic syndrome: An observational, cross-sectional study.

Background: Blood protein leakage, especially albumin, into the urine is the hallmark of nephrotic syndrome (NS), which poses a serious public health problem. The absence of albumin prompts the liver to produce more proteins to make up the difference. The therapeutic significance of these additional proteins in NS is not yet fully understood.

Increased Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor and Hippocampal Dendritic Spine Density Are Associated with the Rapid Antidepressant-like Effect of Iron-citalopram and Iron-Imipramine Combinations in Mice.

Iron supplementation previously demonstrated antidepressant-like effects in post-partum rats. The present study evaluates the possible synergistic antidepressant effect of sub-therapeutic dose of iron co-administered with citalopram or imipramine in female Institute of Cancer Research mice. Depression-like symptoms were induced in the forced swim (FST), tail suspension (TST), and open space swim (OSST) tests while open field test (OFT) was used to assess locomotor activity.

Pharmaceutical and pharmacokinetic evaluation of a newly formulated multiparticulate matrix of levodopa and carbidopa.

Levodopa is routinely co-administered with carbidopa in the management of Parkinson's disease. Although the aforementioned combination therapy is effective, there may be fluctuating plasma levels of levodopa after oral administration. We formulated and evaluated the kinetic characteristics of the chitosan-pectin-based multiparticulate matrix of levodopa and carbidopa.

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.

Extract of and its kaurene diterpene, xylopic acid, improve learning and memory in mice.

Background: Cognitive dysfunction, presenting as learning and memory impairment, is a common manifestation in many chronic diseases of the nervous system. Some of these diseases include depression, epilepsy, and Alzheimer's disease. To date, few drugs or medicinal products have shown ability to improve learning and memory deficits.

Gestational iron supplementation reverses depressive-like behavior in post-partum Sprague Dawley rats: Evidence from behavioral and neurohistological studies.

Background: Postpartum depression is a mood disorder that affects about 9-20% of women after child birth. Reports suggest that gestational iron deficiency can cause a deficit in behavioral, cognitive and affective functions and can precipitate depressive symptoms in mothers during the postpartum period. The present study examined the effect of iron supplementation on depressive behavior during postpartum period in a rat model.

A comparative analysis of pattern and attitude towards self-medication among pharmacy and non-pharmacy students in University of Ghana.

Introduction: self-medication involves the use of medicines without the input of health professionals. Available studies are not entirely conclusive on self-medication among health science versus non-health science university students. The current study therefore sought to investigate relevant aspects of self-medication among pharmacy and non-pharmacy students.

Neonatal Sepsis in a Resource-Limited Setting: Causative Microorganisms and Antimicrobial Susceptibility Profile.

Background: Empiric treatment of suspected neonatal sepsis must be based on data on setting-specific causative pathogens and their respective susceptibilities to antimicrobials, as well as universal treatment guidelines. This approach will ensure better therapeutic outcomes and reduce mortality.

Objectives: The objectives of this study were to determine the bacteriological profile and antibiotic susceptibility pattern of isolated microorganisms responsible for neonatal sepsis in a regional hospital in Ghana.

Effect of Metaswitch® dietary supplement on anthropometric parameters, serum lipids, glucose level, oxidative stress and in vivo antioxidant properties in high fat diet-induced overweight Sprague Dawley rats.

Purpose: Obesity and overweight are metabolic disorders associated with oxidative stress, and risk factors for many chronic diseases. We sought to investigate the effects of Metaswitch dietary supplement on weight gain and associated acute metabolic alterations in a high-fat diet-induced overweight rat model.

Methods: Female Sprague Dawley (SD) rats were put into 6 groups.

Possible future trajectory of COVID-19: emphasis on Africa.

Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) has caused morbidity and mortality in many countries. COVID-19 has also negatively affected the economy of several nations. The dynamics of interaction between severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) and host, and possible evolution of the virus into more virulent strains pose a threat to global eradication.

One year after first case of COVID-19 in Ghana: epidemiology, challenges and accomplishments.

Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) caused by the novel coronavirus, has affected many lives, health systems and economies across the globe. Countries in both resource-rich and poor have equally been affected. In Ghana, COVID-19 has caused morbidity and mortality among the populace.

Assessment of prescribing patterns of antibiotics using National Treatment Guidelines and World Health Organization prescribing indicators at the Ghana Police Hospital: a pilot study.

Introduction: irrational or inappropriate prescribing of antibiotics is a major problem in healthcare and leads to antibiotic resistance. There is the need to understand the prescribing patterns and antibiotic stewardship in health facilities to support appropriate antibiotic use. A study was carried out to evaluate prescribing pattern of antibiotics at the Ghana Police Hospital using National Standard Treatment Guidelines (STG) and World Health Organization (WHO) prescribing indicators.

Genotoxicity, nitric oxide level modulation and cardio-protective potential of Kalanchoe Integra Var. Crenata (Andr.) Cuf Leaves in murine models.

Ethnopharmacological Relevance: Advancement in cancer therapy has improved survival among patients. However, use of anticancer drugs like anthracyclines (e.g.

A Pharmacokinetic Evaluation of a Pectin-Based Oral Multiparticulate Matrix Carrier of Carbamazepine.

Background: Carbamazepine is a drug used in the treatment of neurological disorders such as epilepsy. However, due to its erratic absorption, oral bioavailability is often poor. There is, therefore, the need to develop alternative formulations for carbamazepine with better pharmacokinetic characteristics.

Toxicity, mutagenicity and trace metal constituent of Termitomyces schimperi (Pat.) R. Heim (Lyophyllaceae) and kaolin, a recipe used traditionally in cancer management in Cote d'Ivoire.

Ethnopharmacological Relevance: Some local communities in Cote d'Ivoire use the mushroom Termitomyces schimperi combined with kaolin (TSK) to manage various cancers in patients. However, there is a paucity of data on toxicity, mutagenicity and trace metal constituent of TSK.

Aim Of The Study: We sought to investigate the acute and sub-chronic toxicities, mutagenic potential, and trace metal constituents of TSK.

Ethanolic extract of Nymphaea lotus L. (Nymphaeaceae) leaves exhibits in vitro antioxidant, in vivo anti-inflammatory and cytotoxic activities on Jurkat and MCF-7 cancer cell lines.

Background: Nymphaea lotus L. (N. lotus) is an aquatic plant with anecdotal reports suggesting its use in the traditional management of cancer.

Adherence to drug therapy among hypertensive patients attending two district hospitals in Ghana.

Background: A major drawback to the management of hypertension among patients is poor adherence to pharmacotherapy. Factors that influence non-adherence to antihypertensive drugs could vary, depending on the prevailing condition of patient and setting. Knowledge of adherence patterns and behavior of hypertensive patients to pharmacotherapy could improve health-directed policies towards hypertension management.

Chitosan-Coated Hydroxypropylmethyl Cellulose Microparticles of Levodopa (and Carbidopa): In Vitro and Rat Model Kinetic Characteristics.

Background: Parkinson's disease is a neurodegenerative disorder, and a major cause of disability. Levodopa, a prodrug of dopamine, remains the gold standard in the pharmacological management of Parkinson's disease. Despite several attempts to improve the clinical efficacy of levodopa, new oral levodopa formulations are needed to overcome irregular absorption and variable plasma concentrations.

Response to the Novel Corona Virus (COVID-19) Pandemic Across Africa: Successes, Challenges, and Implications for the Future.

Background: The COVID-19 pandemic has already claimed considerable lives. There are major concerns in Africa due to existing high prevalence rates for both infectious and non-infectious diseases and limited resources in terms of personnel, beds and equipment. Alongside this, concerns that lockdown and other measures will have on prevention and management of other infectious diseases and non-communicable diseases (NCDs).

COVID-19 pandemic in resource-poor countries: challenges, experiences and opportunities in Ghana.

The novel coronavirus, SARS-CoV-2, which causes COVID-19, is seen world-wide. In developing countries, adequate health facilities and staff numbers are a concern. Ghana recorded its first 2 cases of COVID-19 on 12 March 2020.