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Item Investigating the Role of Mir-4725 and Its Novel Snp in Triple Negative Breast Cancer(University of Ghana, 2023) Lamptey, E.L.Breast cancer is the primary cause of female cancer-related deaths across the world. One specific subtype of breast cancer, known as triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC), responsible for ~45% of breast cancer frequency in West Africa and is distinguished by the null expression of estrogen, progesterone, and human epidermal growth factor 2 receptors. It is the most aggressive subtype and has a poor prognosis, especially in women of African ancestry. TNBC is a complex and heterogeneous disease with diverse molecular subtypes and its incidence is rapidly increasing in Africa. Genetic and epigenetic factors, including microRNAs (miRs), play a significant role in TNBC pathogenesis. miRs are short non-coding RNA sequences that are involved post-transcriptional regulation and their dysregulation is a key epigenetic factor in TNBC. Mutations (such as SNPs) in miRNA genes impact their processing and expression, and have been linked to TNBC pathophysiology. A novel SNP, rs73991220 was discovered in miR-4725, and has been associated with the risk of estrogen receptor-negative breast cancer in women of African ancestry. In a preliminary study of a Ghanaian breast cancer cohort, the SNP rs73991220 was identified in two out of six TNBC tumour samples. However, the function of miR-4725 and the impact of the SNP rs73991220 on miR-4725 expression have not been established in breast cancer. This study sought to identify the role of miR-4725 in TNBC and how the SNP affects miR-4725 expression. Twenty-four breast tumour samples and their matched normal adjacent tissues were screened for SNP rs73991220 (G) using PCR-RFLP. Two of the twenty-four (8%) tumour samples were found to have the heterozygous AG genotype and were both TNBC subtypes. The effect of the SNP on the stability of the secondary structure of the primary miR-4725 transcript was determined using the RNAfold online tool. Subsequently, the expression of miR-4725 was determined in the 2 AG and 2 AA TNBC tumour samples. It was observed that the SNP (G) conferred more stability to pri-miR-4725 compared to A; there was however, no significant difference in expression between the AA and AG genotypes of the TNBC tumour tissues. Furthermore, the putative targets of the mature miR (miR-4725-5p) were determined using online bioinformatics tools, and the target validation was performed by overexpressing miR 4725-5p in MDA-MB-468, a basal-like 1 subtype of the TNBC cell line obtained from an African-American woman. KIF2C was found to be significantly repressed with exogenous expression of miR-4725 and hence predicted to be the most likely target of miR-4725-5p in the MDA-MB-468 cell line out of five validated putative targets. Additionally, other tumour promoting markers (WISP1, SNAIL, MYC, and VEGFA) were upregulated following miR 4725-5p overexpression. These findings suggest that miR-4725-5p may have a tumour promoting function in MDA-MB468 cells, which may be independent of KIF2C suppression and the SNP rs73991220 may favour miR-4725 expression thus contributing to the increased risk of TNBC progression.Item Process Optimization of Zoom Koom(University of Ghana, 2023) Tei-Mensah, E.The production process traditional beverages such as zoom-koom are usually characterized by lack of standardization, inconsistency, inefficiency and unsanitary conditions. A detailed analysis of zoom-koom and its production can help to optimize the process that will ensure the production of the product with reliable quality to meet consumer demand. This study aimed at determining zoom koom product and its consumer acceptability to guide the standardization and optimization of the traditional production process. A Box - Behnken design was used to optimize the production process. Blend ratio of spices and steeped millet (700:50, 700: 100 and 700:150) and steeping time ( 2, 7 and 12 hrs) and steeping temperature (25, 35 and 45OC) was considered for this study. An optimum region of blend ratio of spices and steeped millet (700:50 to 700:100), steeping time between (2 to 6 hrs) and steeping temperature of 35OC was determine as optimize parameters obtain. Low counts of aerobic bacteria, yeast and mould and the absence of coliform, E. coli and Staphylococcus aureus in the experimental samples can be attributed to the sufficient hygienic measures implore during the processing. The commercially processed zoom-koom were acidic with pH ranging from 3.08 to 3.59. The acidity, TSS, colour (L*, b* and a*) were from 0.04 to 0.09, 6.80 to 9.63, 21.27 to 26.49, 0.53-4.29 and 3.78 to 11.4, respectively. The total colour change (∆E) ranged from 20.22 to 21.46 for the commercially produced zoom-koom. E. coli, total coliform S. aureus were not detected in the fifteen experimental zoom-koom samples. There was significant difference in the Enterobacteriaceae and E. coli counts of the commercial and experimental samples. Different experimental combinations should be explored to further optimize and standardize the traditional beverage.Item Exposure Assessment of Some Heavy Metals (Arsenic, Lead, Cadmium, Mercury, Copper and Zinc) in Locally Produced Rice Sold in Accra Metropolis(University of Ghana, 2023) Karikari, D.A.Rice is the second-most consumed cereal in Ghana. However, human activities such as mining and excessive use of agro-chemicals in some farming areas have the potential to pollute rice with heavy metals, and compromise food safety. The objective of this study was to assess the levels and risk of heavy metals in locally produced rice sold in Accra Metropolis. Also, the quantity and consumption pattern of rice in Accra was also surveyed using structured questionnaire. A total of 385 consumers who consented participated in the survey. Information collected included sex, age, and body weight as well as frequency and quantity of rice consumed. Children’s consumption information was collected from parents or caregivers. Thirty samples of local rice (uncooked) were sampled from markets and analyzed for heavy metals (arsenic, lead, cadmium, mercury, copper, and zinc) using ICP-MS. Exposure assessment was conducted using the U.S. EPA method. The estimated intake, carcinogenic and non-carcinogenic risk were determined. Survey results showed participants weighed between 60 and 69 kg, consumed an average of 496.36 grams of rice per week and 221.67 grams of rice per day. Children consumed averagely 58.33 grams of rice per day and 142.43 grams of rice per week and they weighed between 21 and 30 kg. Concentration of heavy metals in all the rice samples were below the upper limit permitted by Codex. However, the consumption of local rice was found to be associated with carcinogenic and non-carcinogenic hazards in both adults and children from the outcome of the risk assessment. Exposure to arsenic, lead, and cadmium were of primary concern for the children whilst for the adults, it was arsenic and lead. The health risk of exposure to heavy metals should be publicized and education intensified in order to protect public health.Item Trends and Levels of Poaching in Wildlife Protected Areas of Ghana: A Case Study of the Kakum National Park(University of Ghana, 2022) Frimpong, A.Poaching has been an age-old challenge faced by park managers who are tasked to maintain and improve the ecological health of protected areas. Although poaching is a major challenge facing the Kakum National Park (KNP), a holistic research on how this menace has evolved since the gazette of the park 30 years ago is still lacking. This research therefore, was to investigate the key drivers of poaching as well as the law enforcement efforts and poaching trends of the KNP in the last 10 years (2011 to 2021). Data for the study was obtained from primary sources including key informant interviews with park staff and focus group discussions with 141 persons from 10 fringe communities. In addition to this secondary data from desktop reviews and quarterly reports of the park (2011 to 2021) were obtained to augment data needed. Analysis of data on poaching legislation was done through a comparative analysis of Ghana’s poaching laws and that of Nepal (the country with the least poaching in the world) to ascertain the effectiveness of Ghana’s laws. Socio-Ecological Systems (SES) framework was also adapted to analyze the drivers of poaching whereas semi-log linear regression was used to deduce the trends of poaching activities in the last 10 years. The model for catch per unit effort was used to measure law enforcement performance of the park (using Stata and MS Excel). The results show that laws used in prosecuting poaching cases are less punitive with very low fines and jail terms hence ineffective in controlling poaching. Economic hardship was identified as the main driver of poaching in the KNP. The trend analysis shows a significant reduction in the number of poachers arrested in the park suggesting that the poaching activities are gradually reducing which may be attributed to effective law enforcement or the poachers resorting to other ways of poaching without being noticedItem The Effects of Sars-Cov-2 Infection on Cancer-Like Phenotypes and Cytokine Production in Cancer Cell Line(University of Ghana, 2023) Serwaa, A.The occurrences of cancer and cancer-related mortality are a growing burden worldwide and co infections with other pathogens such as viruses might contribute to disease pathogenesis. Cancer is one of the leading comorbidities for the recent global pandemic ‘Coronavirus Disease 2019’ (COVID-19) caused by the Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). The infection causes severe respiratory injury, organ failure, and hyper-production of inflammatory cytokines. The causative virus initiates infection by attaching to the human Angiotensin Converting Enzyme 2 (ACE2) receptor through the receptor-binding domain (RBD) within the viral spike protein. Also, successful infection is dependent on the activation of the spike by host proteases like the Transmembrane serine protease 2 (TMPRSS2). Studies have shown that ACE2 and TMPRSS2 are present in healthy cells and may play important roles in regulating cellular function. Other studies have also shown aberrant ACE2 expression in cancer cells. This research sought to study how ACE2 expressed on cancer cells interacts with SARS-CoV-2 spike protein and pseudoviruses (PV’s), and how this interaction affects cancer phenotypic properties and cytokine expression. Gene expression analysis for ACE2 and TMPRSS2 in breast, colorectal, and prostate tumors tissues and normal tissues was carried out using Gene Expression Profiling Interactive Analysis (GEPIA) software. The protein expression levels of ACE2 on seven cancer cell lines (MDA-MB-231, MDA-MB-468, DLD-1, COLO205, HCT-15, 22RV1, and BPH1) were screened using dot blot assay. In vitro, analysis of the interaction of Spike and ACE2 was examined by producing SARS-CoV-2 pseudovirus (PV) to infect the cell lines. The transduction efficiency of the PVs was measured by the quantification of luciferase activity. Cancer cell proliferation, viability, migration, and angiogenic markers were analyzed post-infection using3-(4,5- Dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-Diphenyltetrazolium Bromide (MTT) assay, cell titer Glo viability assay, wound healing assay, and quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR). Cytokines expression post-infection was investigated using qRT-PCR. The effects were further confirmed with live virus (LV) infections using MTT and qRT-PCR. Using in silico analysis, ACE2 was shown to be expressed highly in colorectal tissues and low in breast and prostate tissues. In vitro, ACE2 expression data was consistent with the in-silico analysis. However, out of 7 cell lines, a significant PV infection was observed only in 22RV1 (prostate) and DLD-1 (colorectal). PV decreased 22RV1 proliferation but have an inconclusive effect on DLD 1. Proliferation and migration were increased in LV- infected 22RV1 but were decreased in LV infected DLD-1. Infections increased cytokine levels in 22RV1. Similarly, PV increased cytokine expression for DLD-1 cells. However, LV downregulated IL-1β and IL-8 in DLD-1. LV infection affected the expression of genes involved in proliferation, migration, angiogenesis, and the expression of cytokines. Although ACE2 expression might not ensure possible infection of SARS CoV-2. The current findings suggest that infection of 22RV1 and DLD-1 with the virus may affect their cellular properties and gene expression. The infection can upregulate and downregulate the expression of cytokines in cancer contributing to the progression or regression of these cancers. Additionally, PV might not be an appropriate model for the study on the viral-host response partly because LV infections and PV infections have contrasting effects on cancer properties in different cell lines.Item Macroparasites of Small Terrestrial Mammals in Grassland Habitat of the Muni-Pomadze Ramsar Site and the University of Ghana Legon Main Campus(University of Ghana, 2021) Tetteh, A.E.Zoonosis pose a high risk to public health. It currently accounts for about 61% of global infectious diseases in the world and about 71% of all zoonoses originates from wild animals. Small mammals have a wide geographic distribution and are known reservoirs of zoonotic pathogens. Some small mammal species such as Mastomys natalensis are anthropophilic and hence come into contact with humans. This behavior raises genuine concern for potential spillover of zoonotic pathogens from small mammals to humans, domestic animals and livestock. Yet, there is scant information on the ecto- and edo-parasite of small mammals and their zoonotic potential in tropical Savanna ecosystems. To bridge this knowledge gap, I assessed the ectoparasites and gastrointestinal helminths of small mammals in the Savanna ecosystem of the Muni-Pomadze ramsar site, and grassland in the University of Ghana, Legon main campus. The small mammals were captured along line transects using Sherman Live-traps baited with a mixture of corn meal and peanut butter. Captured individuals were examined for mites, lice, ticks, fleas and gastrointestinal helminths. The parasitological matrices: prevalence (%), mean intensity and mean abundance were calculated. The differences of the parasitological matrices between female and male individual were examined using Chi-Square test at a 5% level of significance. A total of 108 small mammal individuals of two species were captured from the two study sites. Mastomys natalensis was the dominant species with 95.4% of the total captures (103 out of 108) and Lemniscomys striatus made up the rest. In Muni-Pomadze, one ectoparasite (Haemaphysalis leachi) and nine gastrointestinal helminths were identified with Ascaris Hymenolepis and being the most prevalent (17.6%) and least (2.9%) prevalent helminths. In the grassland in the University of Ghana, Legon main campus, three gastro-intestinal helminths were identified, with the most prevalent being Ascaris (32.4%) and Trichuris (9.5%) the least). There was no significant difference of helminth infection between sex of mammals in Muni-Pomadze except for Trichuris [χ2 =5.0135, df=1, p=0.0251] where infection was significantly higher in females; Dicrocoelium [χ2 =4.1628, df=1, p=0.0413]; and Hymenolepis [χ2 =4.2236, df=1, p=0.0399] where infection was significantly higher in males. In the grassland in the University of Ghana, Strongyloides was significantly higher in females [χ2 =16.1023, df=1, p<0.0001]. In Muni-Pomadze, the mean intensity was higher in females: Ascaris (14.33), Trichuris (8.33), while in University of Ghana main campus, it was higher in males: Ascaris (3.46), Strongyloides (7.22) and Trichuris (16.5). In the University of Ghana main campus, the mean abundance was higher in females: Ascaris (17.91), Strongyloides (16.41), Trichuris (11.56). Overall, my study has added to the literature on macroparasites in small mammals. I recommend further studies including molecular work to better understand the public health risk posed by these small mammals’ intestinal helminths. Key words: helminth, parasite, Muni-Pomadze, parasite, Mastomys natalensis, Lemniscomys striatusItem Associations Of Blood Glucose Levels With Some Diabetes Risk Factors (Body Mass Index, Blood Pressure And Total Body Fat) In Inhabitants Of Ho Municipality, Ghana: A Cross-Sectional Survey(African Journal of Food, Agriculture, Nutrition and Development, 2021) Kortei, N.K.; Koryo-Dabrah, A.; Akonor, P.T.; et al.One complex metabolic disorder that can unenviably affect normal human physiology is diabetes mellitus (DM). It is indeed one of the most common noncommunicable diseases that have heightened to an epidemic level worldwide. For diseases like DM, hypertension, cardiovascular disease, type II DM, and other chronic diseases, body mass index (BMI) is identified as a positive and independent risk factor associated with morbidity and mortality. The study's objective was to determine the relationships between BMI, blood pressure, and total body fat among inhabitants of peri-urban Ho, Ghana. A cross-sectional survey was carried out between May and June 2018, among 132 inhabitants of Ho to determine the prevalence and associations among DM risk factors. The participants were selected by systematic random sampling. Standardized international protocols measured BMI, blood pressure, blood glucose, and total body fat. Out of 132 respondents, 96 (72.7%) were female and the most common age group was 54-60 (31.1%). From the BMI classifications, 65 (49.2%) people were of normal weight while 6 (4.5%) were underweight. Total body fat (%) and blood pressure, likewise total body fat and BMI recorded significant associations of values (0.299, p<0.001-systolic; 0.298, p=0.001-diastolic), and 0.585 (p<0.001), respectively. On the contrary, there were insignificant associations found between blood glucose and diastolic blood pressure and also blood glucose and systolic blood pressure (0.100, p=0.253) and (0.057. p=0.514), respectively using Spearman’s correlation analysis. Lastly, the test of association of socio-demographics and anthropometrics revealed there was a significant (p<0.001) correlation between total body fat and BMI using Pearson’s correlation analysis. BMI is closely related to total body fat and blood pressure; hence, education on lifestyle modification needs to be intensified to create awareness among the inhabitants of Ho municipality of Ghana. It is imperative to educate Ghanaians and beyond about the risk factor associations that predispose an individual to DM.Item Exploring The Knowledge And Awareness Of Diabetes Mellitus Among Inhabitants Of Ho Municipality In Ghana A Cross-Sectional Study(African Journal of Food, Agriculture, Nutrition and Development, 2021) Annan-Asare, J.; Koryo-Dabrah, A.; Berko Nartey, E.; et al.One of the fast-growing major non-communicable diseases (NCD) that poses a danger to global public health is Diabetes mellitus (DM). Trends in the incidence of DM indicate a disproportionate increase in developing countries due to the current rapid demographic transitions from traditional to more westernized and urbanized lifestyles. Knowledge of DM is vital for curbing or control. The objectives of this study were to evaluate the level of knowledge and awareness of DM among the Ho municipality general population, identify areas of deficiency for targeted health education efforts, and identify respondent characteristics that may be associated with knowledge of diabetes. A survey involving 132 respondents (aged over 18 years) was conducted in the Ho municipality of the Volta region of Ghana. A 42-item pre-tested questionnaire was administered to participants to evaluate general and specific knowledge and awareness of DM. The Pairwise Multiple Comparison and Fisher’s Exact tests were used to test the hypotheses and associations between the respondents’ knowledge level and groups respectively. Of the 132 respondents, 22% were in the age range of 40-46 years; 72.7% were female. The mean overall diabetes knowledge composite score was poor: 32.99% (CI; 27.5, 38.5). Respondents performed best in the symptoms section: the mean score was 36.247% (CI; 29.0, 43.4); and worst in the section on complications: the mean score was 30.909% (CI; 23.6, 38.2). In multiple linear regression analyses, education level, older age, own self having diabetes, and having a family member/relative/friend with diabetes were significantly associated with knowledge of diabetes. Knowledge of diabetes among the inhabitants of Ho municipality respondents was interpreted as being inadequate at 32.99% (CI; 27.5, 38.5). Some deficient portions and factors associated with knowledge of diabetes were identified. Relevant information for targeted health education programs in Ghana and beyond may be considered as one of such benefits of these findings.Item Street Foods Contribute To Nutrient Intakes Among Children From Rural Communities In Winneba And Techiman Municipalities, Ghana(African Journal of Food, Agriculture, Nutrition and Development, 2012) Micah, E.B.; Colecraft, E.K.; Lartey, A.; et al.The contribution of Street Foods (SF) to the energy and nutrient intake of young children in rural African communities has been understudied. Under the Enhancing Child Nutrition through Animal Source Food Management (ENAM) project, a microcredit and nutrition education intervention with caregivers of children 2-to 5- years old in rural Ghana, the prevalence of SF consumption by young children and the contribution SF makes to children’s energy, nutrient, and Animal Source Food (ASF) intakes were assessed. A simple random sample of 172 caregiver-child pairs residing in the ENAM intervention communities in Winneba and Techiman municipalities participated in this study. A semi-structured questionnaire was used to interview caregivers about SF purchased for their 2- to 5-year-old children in the previous week. During two non-consecutive 12-hour home observations, all foods consumed by a subsample of the children (n=45) were weighed. The energy and nutrient content of weighed foods were estimated using the Ghanaian food composition table. About 80% of caregivers purchased SF for their child at least once that previous week. Most (76%) SF purchased were grain-based and were purchased as complete meals. The children’s total ASF intake was 69.9 ± 11.0 g; the quantity of ASF consumed was similar but their sources of ASF differed between the two municipalities. In Techiman, SF contributed 36% of the ASF consumed over the two observation days compared to 4.2% in Winneba (P=0.003). Overall, SF contributed 35% of energy and 43% of vitamins. A, 20% of vitamin B12, 30% of zinc, 34% of iron, and 54% of calcium consumed by children. The contribution of SF to young children’s dietary intakes, especially their ASF intakes and hence micronutrient intakes, may improve overall dietary quality. This study provides evidence that SF is an important part of children’s diets in rural Ghana could be an important target for food-based interventions to enhance nutrition in young children.Item Nutrition intakes and nutritional status of school age children in Ghana(Journal of Food Research, 2017) Owusu, J.S.; Colecraft, E.K.; Aryeetey, R.; et al.This paper compares the nutrition intake and nutritional status of school children from two public schools in neighbouring communities of Ghana with different school feeding programmes. One hundred and eighty-two caregiver and school-age child pairs were interviewed concerning socio-demographics, dietary practices, and food security in a cross-sectional design. The independent t-test was used to compare the contribution of the publicly funded Ghana School Feeding Programme and Private School Feeding Programme meals to the total daily nutrient intakes of the children. Predictors of the nutritional status of the children were assessed using logistic regression models. The private school feeding programme contributed more energy, protein, and micronutrients as compared to the government school feeding programme. About two-thirds (67.0%) of the children were stunted, underweight, or anaemic. The child’s age was a significant predictor of stunting. Undernutrition was prevalent among children from both programmes. Improved quality of diet from the feeding programmes may contribute to addressing malnutrition in these children.