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Plastination of Some Cow and Ram Organs in Ghana for Use as Teaching Aids
(International Journal of Pure and Applied Sciences and Technology, 2011) Ameko, E.; Achio, S.; Alhassan, S.; Adasu, C.; Dzagbletey, E. T.; Abbey, P. R.
The plastination procedure was adapted using locally available materials in Ghana to prepare plastinated specimens of the heart and kidneys of a Cow, the lungs and attached trachea of a Ram, and the penis and attached testicles of a Ram for use as teaching aids. The extent of shrinkage varied among the various organs and among the various stages of plastination. For the individual specimens the extents of shrinkages at the beginning and at the end of each plastination stage were not significantly different (P≤0.05) but significantly different (P≤0.05) among the various stages of plastination. The extents of shrinkage among the various organs were not significantly different. Shrinkage was highest at dehydration and the least at fixation. With the exception of the Ram’s lung which discoloured and lost its natural shape the plastinated specimens maintained their shapes and are satisfactory for use as teaching aids. Plastination could easily be adapted for preparing teaching aids for science classes at all levels of education in Ghana.
Concerns on Issues of Examination Malpractices A Case Study of Accra Polytechnic
(Academic Research International, 2012) Achio, S.; Ameko, E.; Kutsanedzie, F.; Alhassan, S.; Ganaa, F.
Examination malpractice contravenes the rules and regulations set by examination bodies. This research looks at the forms, the factors and key players in examination malpractices, as well as the consequences and measures to combat this menace. Administering of questionnaires using random sampling, and analysis of collected data were done. 90 out of the 96 sampled-staff in Accra Polytechnic responded. Results reveal that most of the leakages came from candidate’s peers (66.7 %). The common forms of examination malpractice included writings on items (100%) and on candidates’ bodies (83.3 %). From 2000 to 2011 the various forms of examination malpractices increased, from 5 to 12. About 37 % of the respondents had ever been involved in a malpractice; and 94.5 % confessed that examination malpractice is bad. There was no correlation between the ages or gender and involvement in examination malpractices. Adequate orientation to all stakeholders and on-time implementation of approved sanctions to culprits, as well as the adaptation of the Competency Based Teaching / Learning (CBT / L) are measures highly recommended to help address the issues of examination malpractice.
Effects of Antibiotic Self-Medication on the Efficacy of Four Antibiotics Commonly used in Ghana on Clinically Isolated Micro Organisms
(International Journal of Pure and Applied Sciences and Technology, 2012) Ameko, E.; Achio, S.; Alhassan, S.
Antibiotic resistance is associated with antibiotic abuse through self medication. Antibiotic resistance is established through antimicrobic susceptibility testing of isolated pathogens to the antibiotic of interest. Between June and October 2008, 150 urine samples collected from patients referred to a Clinical Laboratory in Accra Ghana for clinical laboratory tests were processed. Positive and negative cultures were 60% and 40% respectively of all samples. 34.7% of patients had self medicated and 65.3% had not. 54.24% of the negative cultures were from the self medicated subjects and 45.76% from non-self medicated subjects. 78.02% of positive cultures were from non-self medicating subjects while 21.98% were from self medicated subjects. E. coli, S. aureus and Klebsiella pneumonia were isolated according to standard methods and their sensitivities to Augmentin, Gentamycin, Imipenem and Amoxicillin antibiotics determined by Kirby-Bauer disk diffusion method. K. pneumoniae was totally resistant to Gentamycin, Augmentin and Amoxicillin; E. coli was totally resistant to Amoxicillin and S. aureus totally sensitive to Imipenem. Generally, more antibiotic self-medicating individuals had resistant pathogens than non selfmedicating individuals. The results confirm that antibiotic self medication prior to clinically prescribed antibiotic treatment has a significant influence on the response of bacteria to the clinically administered antibiotics.
Microbial safety of raw mixed-vegetable salad sold as an accompaniment to street vended cooked rice in Accra, Ghana
(Academic Journals, 2012) Ameko, E.; Achio, S.; Alhassan, S.; Kassim, A.
A survey of 90 randomly selected subjects indicated raw mixed-vegetable salad as a popular accompaniment to cooked rice sold by street-food vendors in the Kokomlemle municipality of Accra, Ghana, but the salad was generally considered unwholesome and a potential cause of diarrhoea. A survey of 15 vendors of cooked rice indicated that the sources of raw vegetables, method of transportation from the sources to the kitchens, and methods of storing the raw vegetables before processing, as well as the methods of processing and sale, made the raw mixed-vegetable salad accompaniment a potential source of food poisoning from microbial contamination. Microbial analysis of samples of the salads obtained from five randomly selected vendors in the mornings and afternoons, over 15 days, indicated that bacterial counts for all samples exceeded the recommended World Health Organization (WHO) standard of Log10 3.0 cfu/g. Levels of Pseudomonas, Salmonella typhi, Shigella sp., and Streptococcus faecalis did not show any significant difference (P<0.05) among vendors and did not differ significantly (P<0.05) over the 15 days. Significantly, higher levels of microbial contamination (P<0.05) occurred in the afternoon, than in the morning samples. The results confirm that the raw mixed vegetable salads which are sold as accompaniment to street vended cooked rice in the Kokomlemle municipality contain S. faecalis from fecal contamination, Pseudomonas, Shigella sp., and S. typhi which could cause gastrointestinal infections and the highest risk was from the afternoon samples.
Identification of Lubricating Oil-Degrading Microorganisms in Oil Polluted Soils from Five Auto- mechanic Workshops in Accra, Ghana
(Journal of Environment and Earth Science, 2013) Ameko, E.; Achio, S.; Alhassan, S.; Sadique, I.
Trichothecium, Trichoderma, Aspergillus niger, Fusarium, and Penicillium spp. from oil contaminated soil from 5 Mechanic Shops in Accra, Ghana showed zones of clearance of oil on Minimum Salt Enrichment Medium (MSEM) Agar seeded with 1000ppm Engen™ Lubricating Oil (ELO), so were counted as presumptive lubricating oil-utilizing moulds. Significant increases (P ? 0.05) in viable counts, fungal dry weights and optical densities; significant decreases (P ? 0.05) in pH’s of pure cultures of the moulds in MSEM+1.0%(v/v) ELO medium at 30°C for 0 - 25 day’s; positive correlations between viable counts and fungal dry weights, viable counts and optical densities, and fungal dry weights and optical densities; and negative correlations between pH and viable counts, and pH and optical densities, confirmed the moulds as lubricating oil consuming fungi with potential for use in bioremediation of oil polluted soils. Aspergillus niger exhibited the highest bioremediation capacity and Trichothecium the least.
Room Temperature Plastination of Three Species of Fish (Tilapia, African Catfish and African Bonytongue) in Ghana
(International Journal of Engineering Research & Technology, 2014) Ameko, E.; Achio, S.; Alhassan, S.; Toku, M.
This study assessed the suitability of room temperature plastination with locally available silicone paste and hardener in Ghana for producing plastinates of Tilapia, Catfish and Bonytongue for use as teaching aids. Fresh fish samples were fixed in 10% neutral buffered formalin solution at room temperature, dehydrated in acetone at room temperature, impregnated with a silicone polymer solution at room temperature, and then hardened by curing in acidic fumes under UV light in a dehumidified environment at room temperature. The weights, morphometric measurements of Girth-Behind-Operculum (GBO), Girth Medially (GM), Head Length (HL), Total Length (TL) and StandardLength (SL), and anatomical proportions of TL/GBO, HL/SL, TL/GM, HL/TL, GBO/GM, and SL/TL were determined for each fresh sample and at the end of each plastination stage. Differences in weights and anatomical dimensions of fresh and plastinated samples of the three fish species were not significant except for the Catfish GM and Tilapias weights. Differences in the anatomical proportions of fresh and plastinated samples were not significant (P>0.05) with the exception of the Catfish TL/GBO and TL/GM. Mean weight losses at the end of plastination were 35.2%, 34.5% and 28.2% for Tilapia, Catfish and Bonytongue respectively. The plastinates were well preserved and dry, hard, and odorless, and could be handled with bare hands. Since the anatomical dimensions and proportions of the plastinates were not significantly different from those of the fresh samples it shows that room temperature plastination is suitable for preserving Tilapia, Catfish and Bonytongue.
Instrumental Neutron Activation Analysis of Concentrations of Vanadium, Manganese, Arsenic, Mercury, Cadmium and Aluminium in Muscle, Tissue of Four Fish Species from the Weija Lake in Ghana
(European Scientific Journal, 2014) Ameko, E.; Achio, S.; Okai – Armah, J.; Afful, S.
The Weija Lake, formed from the Densu River, presently one of the most polluted rivers in Ghana, is a domestic source of Tilapia and Catfish. This study determined the concentration of V, Mn, As, Hg, Cd, and Al in the muscles of Tilapia zillii, Clarias gariepinus, Sarotherodon galilea, and Oreochromis niloticus from the Weija Lake using Instrumental Neutron Activation Analysis. The relationships between metal concentrations in fish muscles on one hand, and fish length and weight, condition factor (Kf), and metal concentrations in the water on the other hand were also determined. All four fish species showed negative allometric growth. Kf correlated negatively with V, Mn and Al concentrations in T. zilli, and positively with V, Mn and Al concentrations in C. gariepinus, O. niloticus and S. galilea. Fish lengths and weights correlated negatively with V, Mn and Al concentrations in fish, with no significant correlation with As, Hg and Cd levels. Metal concentrations in water correlated positively with concentrations in fish. The Estimated Average Daily Doses from consumption of fish from the lake were 6113µg - 33778.5µg V, 114,098.2µg - 530,371µg Al, and 34,383.6µg - 129492µg Mn respectively, and these exceeded the recommended ADIs of <1800µg V, 142.8µg Al, and 11,000µg Mn respectively. The results indicate safe levels of Arsenic, Mercury, and Cadmium, and unsafe levels of Vanadium, Aluminium and Manganese in T. zillii, C. gariepinus, S. galilea, and O. niloticus from the lake.
Evaluation of Three Methods of Application of Malt Crude Enzyme Extracts from Three Cereals in Ghana on Maltose Syrup Production from Cassava Starch
(IJRSI, 2015) Ameko, E.; Achio, S.; Alhassan, S.; Akansegri, J. B.; Boateng, L. S.
- In this study two forms of Crude Enzymes from Malts (CEM): (1). Crude Enzyme Solution (CES) and (2). Homogenised Malt in Cheesecloth Bags (HMCB), from Obaatanpa maize (OM), Sorghum bicolor (SB) and Proso millet (PM) malts were compared to the standard application of Homogenised Malts (HM) on Cassava starch for maltose syrup production. Yields of Sweet Juices and maltose syrups were significantly different (p ≤ 0.05) among the CEM’s and was in the order CEMOM > CEMSB > CEMPM. Yields of Sweet Juices and maltose syrups among the CEM’s were significantly different (p ≤ 0.05) and in the order CES > HMCB > HM. DE of maltose syrups depended on the cereal used for the CEM and on the mode of application. Percent reducing sugar and pH of syrups depended on the cereal used for the CEM but was independent of the mode of application. The percent sulphated ash was independent of the cereal used for the CEM and mode of application. The use of CES’s instead of HM’s for the hydrolysis of Cassava starch significantly (p ≤ 0.05) increased the yields and DE’s of maltose syrups.
Procedure for indirect smoking of skipjack tuna with mahogany liquid smoke and comparative sensory analysis to traditionally smoked skipjack tuna
(Semantic Scholar, 2016) Ameko, E.; Commey, V.; Achio, S.; Kutsanedzie, F. Y. H.; Abrokwah, A.; Alhassan, S.; Goddey, P.
Liquid Smoked Skipjack Tuna (LSST) was prepared by initial marinating of fresh Tuna in 100% Mahogany Liquid Smoke followed by heat processing in a smokeless environment in a Portable Wooden Box Electric Dehydrator (PWBED). A Descriptive Rating Test showed that the sensory properties (Aroma, Colour, Taste and Texture) of LSST were not significantly different (p > 0.05) from those of Traditionally Smoked Skipjack Tuna (TSST). A Triangle Test showed there were no significantly (p > 0.05) detectable differences between the sensory properties of LSST and TSST. An Acceptability Test indicated that the LSST and TSST were both liked by consumers. The sensory properties of Mahogany Liquid Smoked Skipjack Tuna were therefore not significantly different from those of Traditionally Smoked Skipjack Tuna. Liquid Smoke production from waste sawdust and wood waste could be used to produce smoked Skipjack Tuna acceptable to Ghanaian consumers. The adoption of the liquid smoke technology for fish smoking would improve on the efficiency of the fish smoking processes in Ghana and also facilitate the management and utilisation of wood waste for useful purposes in Ghana.
Extraction and characterization of chicken feet soluble collagen
(Elsevier Ltd, 2016) Zhou, C.; Li, Y.; Yu, X.
Sodium chloride-soluble collagen (SSC), acetic acid-soluble collagen (ASC) and pepsin-soluble collagen (PSC) were extracted from the skin of chicken feet and then characterized. PSC, ASC and SSC showed the yields of 49.10%, 14.49% and 1.13% (Based on lyophilized dry weight), respectively. PSC, ASC and SSC were characterized as type I collagen, containing α1 and α2 chains as well as β and γ-chains. Circular dichroism (CD) and Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectra of PSC, ASC and SSC were similar, suggesting that they maintained their intact triple helical structure. PSC, ASC and SSC contained Gly as the major amino acid with high contents of Glu, Ala, Pro and Hyp. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and atomic force microscopy (AFM) images of PSC, ASC and SSC revealed that their surface topography were similar. Dynamic elastic behavior in PSC, ASC and SSC was detected. PSC showed the largest elasticity. Temperature sweeps test indicated that PSC had the highest denaturation temperature, followed by ASC, and then by SSC. Proline hydroxylation of PSC was higher (45.8%) than that of ASC, and SSC and accordingly PSC showed the highest thermal stability. PSC showed the highest degree of hydrolysis compared to ASC and SSC.
Comparative analysis on the effectiveness of various filtration methods on the potability of water
(Water Quality Research Journal of Canada, 2016) Achio, S.; Kutsanedzie, F.; Ameko, E.
This paper comparatively assessed the effectiveness of potable water filtration methods, commonly used in the hinterlands in some Ghanaian communities. Physico-chemical and microbiological analysis were carried out on pond, dam and river water samples, using spectrophotometric, pour plate count and the most probable number (MPN) methods. For the unfiltered water samples the total dissolved solids (TDS) and colour were the only parameters with values within recommended standards. The other parameters, total suspended solids (TSS), turbidity, total coliforms and bacterial counts levels were above their standard recommended values. All the filtration methods showed reduction in the levels or better accepted values of the physico-chemical and microbiological parameters. The ceramic filters and the household sand filters showed outstanding results, with all analysed parameters being within the acceptable standards levels. These two methods could be promoted for use to treat untreated drinking water. It is envisaged that a combination of a number of these methods would produce even better results, especially when agents such as alum and activated carbon are included. Follow-up research in this regard is therefore recommended.
Shelf-life improvement of sorghum beer (pito) through the addition of Moringa oleifera and pasteurization.
(2016) Ayirezang, F. A.; Saba, C. K. S.; Amagloh, F. K.; Gonu, H.
Pito is a traditional alcoholic beverage that is mostly brewed in the three northern regions of Ghana. Although widely consumed and used in many festivities, poor storability limits its economic potential as an income-generating venture for most women. This study was carried out to improve the shelf-life of pito through the addition of Moringa oleifera leaf extract and pasteurization (75 to 80°C). Microbial enumeration, physico-chemical parameters (pH, extract (%) and alcohol) and consumer preference scores were used as quality indices of each pito treatment carried out. There was a general decline in coliform and fungi growth and in the physico-chemical (pH, extract (%) and alcohol) properties during the 56 days of storage. Microbial load, extract (%), alcohol content and pH were significantly different (P<0.05) among treatments. Pasteurized moringa pito had the least microbial load. The treated pito samples had higher values in pH, extract (%) and alcohol content than the untreated pito during storage. There was high consumer acceptability of pasteurized pito from the 0 day to the 28 days of storage, with a mean score of 4.27 ± 0.75 to 3.61 ± 1.36. However, the moringa treated pito (pasteurized moringa pito and moringa pito) was less preferred (with a mean score of 2.86 ± 1.19 to 1.87 ± 0.92) from the 0 day to the 28 days of storage. The untreated pito was also acceptable for a period of seven days. Based on the findings of this research, it can be concluded that pasteurization and/or the addition of M. oleifera leaf extract can improve the shelf-life of pito for four weeks, but addition of moringa extract in pito reduced consumer preference for it. Further research using other antimicrobial plants is recommended as consumers did not like pito with the M. oleifera leaf extract.
Flow method based on liquid-liquid extraction using deep eutectic solvent for the spectrofluorimetric determination of procainamide in human saliva.
(Science Direct, 2017) Nugbienyo, L.; Shishov, A.; Garmonov, S.; Moskvin, L.; Andruch, V.; Bulatov, A.
Automated sugaring-out liquid-liquid extraction based on flow system coupled with HPLC-UV for the determination of procainamide in urine.
(Elsevier Inc, 2017) Nugbienyo, L.; Malinina, Y.; Garmonov, S.; Kamencev, M.; Salahov, I.; Andruch, V.; Bulatov, A.
Experimental demonstration of the possible role of Acanthamoeba polyphaga in the infection and disease progression in Buruli Ulcer (BU) using ICR mice.
(PLOS ONE, 2017) Azumah, B. K.; Addo, P. G.; Dodoo, A.; Awandare, G.; Mosi, L.; Boakye, D. A.; Wilson, M. D.
The transmission of Buruli ulcer (BU), caused by Mycobacterium ulcerans (MU), remains puzzling although a number of hypothesis including through bites of infected aquatic insects have been proposed. We report the results of experiments using ICR mice that give credence to our hypothesis that Acanthamoeba species may play a role in BU transmission. We cocultured MU N2 and MU 1615 which expresses red fluorescent protein (RFP) and Acanthamoeba polyphaga (AP), and confirmed infected AP by Ziehl-Neelsen (ZN) staining. We tested for viability of MU inside AP and observed strong RFP signals inside both trophozoites and cysts after 3 and 42 days of coculturing respectively. ICR mice were topically treated, either on shaved intact or shaved pinpricked rumps, with one of the following; MU N2 only (2.25 x 106 colony forming units [CFU] / ml), MU N2:AP coculture (2.96 x 104 CFU: 1.6 x 106 cells/ml), AP only (1.6 x 106 cells/ml), PYG medium and sterile distilled water. Both MU N2 only and MU N2:AP elicited reddening on day (D) 31; edema on D 45 and D 44 respectively, and ulcers on D 49 at pinpricked sites only. To ascertain infectivity and pathogenicity of MU N2 only and MU N2:AP, and compare their virulence, the standard mouse footpad inoculation method was used. MU N2:AP elicited reddening in footpads by D 3 compared to D 14 with MU N2 only of the same dose of MU N2 (2.96 x 104 CFU). ZN-stained MU were observed in both thin sectioned and homogenized lesions, and aspirates from infected sites. Viable MU N2 were recovered from cultures of the homogenates and aspirates. This study demonstrates in ICR mice MU transmission via passive infection, and shows that punctures in the skin are prerequisite for infection, and that coculturing of MU with AP enhances pathogenesis.
Heat and/or ultrasound pretreatments motivated enzymolysis of corn gluten meal: Hydrolysis kinetics and protein structure
(Science Direct, 2017) Zhou, C.; Hu, J.; Yu, X.; Yagoub, A. E. A.; Zhang, Y.; Ma, H.; Otu, P. N. Y.
The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of pretreatments of heat (HP), ultrasound (UP), and combinations of heat/ultrasound (HPUP) and ultrasound/heat (UPHP) on protamex-catalyzed enzymolysis of corn gluten meal (CGM). Enzymolysis kinetics, molecular conformation and microstructure of CGM protein were monitored. Enzymolysis reaction rate increased with increasing substrate concentration and 80 g/L resulted in the highest hydrolysis reaction rate. The best improvement in CGM enzymolysis was obtained by HPUP (KM value decreased by 11.56%) and then followed by UPHP (KM value decreased by 9.97%). Fluorescence spectra and fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectra indicated that the CGM pretreatments induced molecular unfolding, exposing the hydrophobic groups. HPUP and UPHP pretreatments both decreased the α-helix content by 12.2% and increased the random coil content by 2.23 and 2.60%, respectively. Scanning electron microscopy and atomic force microscopy showed that HPUP and UPHP changed surface topography and distribution of protein particles, enhancing the rate of enzymolysis. In conclusion, combined ultrasound and heat pretreatment and controlled enzymolysis could be an effective method for the functionality modification of globular proteins.
In vitro evaluation of anti-snake venom properties of the ethanolic extracts from annona senegalensis (pers) and cinnamomum zeylanicum (blume).
(American Journal of Tropical Medicine and Hygiene, 2018) Kaminta, S.; Boamah, D.; Debrah, O.; Quarcoo, A.; Ofosuhene, M.; Ayi, I.; Annan, A.
Effects of lyophilization and storage temperature on Wuchereria bancrofti antigen sensitivity and stability
(BioMed Central Ltd., 2018) Agbozo, E. Y.; Boakye, D. A.; De Souza, D. K.
Objective: Antigen-based rapid diagnostic tests for Lymphatic filariasis (LF) do not come with external quality control (QC) materials, and research and disease control programmes rely on stored positive samples. This study was undertaken to evaluate the use of lyophilized Wuchereria bancrofti antigen positive plasma samples to serve as QC materials for LF diagnostic tests. 10 well characterized W. bancrofti positive samples were lyophilized and stored at 4, 28 and 40 °C. The samples were evaluated using the Alere Filariasis Test Strips before lyophilization, and after 1 and 3 months of storage. The sensitivity and stability of the lyophilized samples were evaluated. Results: The results revealed a loss of sensitivity and stability with increasing temperature and duration of storage. The results are further discussed in terms of the use of dried blood spot (DBS) in diagnostic studies on LF, and the need for thoughtful DBS preparation and storage.
Sorghum Bicolor L. leaf sheath polysaccharides: Dual frequency ultrasound-assisted extraction and desalination.
(Science Direct, 2018) Otu, P. N. Y.; Haonan, J.; Cunshan, Z.; Hongpeng, Y.
Supramolecules extraction using single frequency ultrasound technology application has directional effect as a shortcoming. Thus, optimum disruption of materials for better yield is curtailed. One possible solution to this underperformance is the application of dual frequency ultrasound. Dual frequency ultrasound-assisted extraction (DF-UAE) of crude polysaccharide (SL-C80P) and ionic liquid aqueous two phase system (ILATPS) purified polysaccharide (SL-D10P) of sorghum (Sorghum bicolor L.) leaf sheath was achieved using response surface methodology (RSM). Experimental yield for crude and purified polysaccharide (14.10% and 97.17%) respectively was found to be very close to the predicted (14.88% and 97.40%). Higher desalination levels of (SL-D10P) was also observed after DF-UA dialysis. Surface morphology under scanning electron microscopy and molar ratios of monosaccharides composition of the two samples were different, but Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy was similar. Crude and purified polysaccharides were of helical structures as demonstrated by the congo red assay and recorded molecular weights (1,202,000 and 12,950 g/mol) respectively. The sample, (SL-D10P) displayed more elasticity whiles (SL-C80P) showed more viscosity in rheological terms. Finally, (SL-D10P) aggregated in water, detachable by heat and possessed a notable ABTS scavenging ability, thus remarkable potential for biomolecules protection. In conclusion, a better extraction yield of polysaccharides was achieved.
Antioxidant activity of corchorus olitorius and its effect on lipid peroxidation in mice.
(Elixir International, 2018) Yabani, D.; Adotey, G.
The study examined the antioxidant and anti-lipid peroxidative activity of Corchorus olitorius. Antioxidant activity was examined in-vitro by 1,1,-Diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl radical scavenging method. Lipid peroxidation, examined by measuring malondialdehyde (MDA) levels in erythrocytes of three groups of mice fed different levels of C. olitorius, showed reduction in MDA from 1.38 to 0.94 μmol/g Hb and 1.22 to 0.83 μmol/g Hb in male and female mice respectively. No significant change in weights (p>0.05) were found in the liver, kidney, heart, spleen and lungs of the mice. Changes in body weights were significant (p<0.05) suggesting C. olitorius’ potential use in obesity management.

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