Science Laboratory Technology

Permanent URI for this communityhttps://atuspace.atu.edu.gh/handle/123456789/7

Browse

Now showing 1 - 20 of 48

Antibiotic prophylaxis and cloacal carriage of resistant zoonotic bacteria in commercially-bred poultry
(AJP, 2019) Arhin, R. E.; Hackman, H. K.; Sa-eed, A.
Purpose: The aim of this study was to determine the relationship between the use of antibiotic prophylactics in commercial poultry breeding and cloacal carriage of antibiotic-resistant zoonotic bacteria. Methodology: Biodata was collected on poultry from 11 selected farms. Cloacal swabs were collected from 10 birds from each farm for culture, isolation and biochemical identification of bacteria isolates. Antibiotic susceptibility of 96 Enterobacteriaceae and 24 Staphylococcus aureus isolates were determined by disk diffusion. Findings: Antibiotics prophylaxis administered to the birds were chloramphenicol (40/110), penicillin (20/110), doxycycline (20/110), gentamicin (10/110), neomycin (10/100) and a combination of chloramphenicol, ampicillin, penicillin and cloxacillin (10/100). These were administered either weekly (90/110), every 3 days (10/110) or monthly (10/100). Two hundred and fifty six (256) different bacteria isolates were recovered. These were Escherichia coli (31.6%), Staphylococcus aureus (14.5%), Staphylococcus epidermidis (12.1%), Proteus sp. (12.1%), Citrobacter sp. (9%), Proteus vulgaris (5.1%), Salmonella enterica (4.7%), Citrobacter koseri (4.3%), Klebsiella sp. (2.8%), Klebsiella pneumoniae (2.3%), Shigella sp. (2.3%), Enterobacter sp. (0.8%) and Klebsiella oxytoca (0.4%). Of 96 Enterobacteriaceae, 60 (63%) were multidrug resistant. Enterobacteriaceae were resistant to ampicillin (54%), tetracycline (52%), cotrimoxazole (54%), gentamicin (22%), cefuroxime (44%), vancomycin (19%), chloramphenicol (39%), ceftriaxone (29%), cefotaxime (71%), ciprofloxacicn (21%), amikacin (10%) and meropenem (23%). Of 24 Staphylococcus aureus, 17 (71%) were multidrug resistant. Staphylococcus aureus were resistant to ampicillin (89%), cotrimoxazole (59%), gentamicin (24%), vancomycin (67%), ciprofloxacin (18%), meropenem (33%), tetracycline (85%), cloxacillin (100%), penicillin (81%), erythromycin (71%), cefuroxime (43%) and augmentin (45%). Doxycycline-prophylaxis wasignificantly related (0.001) to tetracycline-nonsusceptible isolates but chloramphenicol-prophylaxis and penicillin-prophylaxis were not significantly related (<0.05) to resistance to their corresponding antibiotics.
Antioxidant activities, anti-inflammatory, cytotoxic effects, quality attributes, and bioactive compounds of Ghanaian ginger under varied dehydration conditions
(John Wiley and Sons Inc, 2021) Osae, R.; Apaliya, M. K.; Kwaw, E.; Chisepo, M. T. R; Aforo Antiri, E.; Phyllis Naa Yarley, O.; Alolga, R. N.
This study sought to determine how different dehydration methods affect the quality of Ghanaian ginger. Slices of ginger rhizomes were subjected to freeze drying (FD), relative humidity convective drying (RHCD), infrared drying (IR), microwave drying (MC), and pulsed vacuum drying (PVD). The quality characteristics of the dried slices were assessed and compared based on their levels of selected gingerols or gingerol derivatives and their chromatic properties, antioxidant activities, and flavonoid content. Analysis of the chromatic properties of the dried samples revealed that the chroma value and hue angle values were highest for the samples subjected to FD (32.99, 88.13°) compared with those subjected to RHCD (28.90, 85.69°), IR (26.66, 83.79°), MC (24.36, 79.78°), and PVD (21.73, 78.96°). FD best preserved and retained the total flavonoid content (69.01 mg GAE/g db) and antioxidant activities evidenced by results of DPPH (124.53 mgTE/g db) and CUPRAC (90.71 mgTE/g db) determinations than the samples subjected to RHCD, IR, MC, and PVD. Finally, the cytotoxic and anti-inflammatory effects of extracts of the various dried ginger samples were evaluated using RAW 264.7 cells. Holistically, the samples from FD and RHCD gave the best outcomes for all the parameters compared. These two techniques are therefore recommended for large-scale application because they enhance the quality of ginger by maintaining its chemical integrity. These findings provide a deeper understanding of the different dehydration techniques as well as serve as a guide on the selection of the right drying technique for fresh ginger. Novelty impact statement: Ginger is one of the most extensively used spices in the world, but because of its high moisture content, it is usually dried to extend its shelf-life. For commercial purposes, an effective, safe, and efficient dryer is necessary to produce high-quality dried ginger. This dryer must be able to maintain the product quality while reducing processing time and energy usage. The findings of this study provide a deeper understanding of the different dehydration techniques as well as serve as a guide on the selection of the right drying technique for fresh ginger.
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.
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.
Capacity of ethanol adjunct-treated interface of ionic liquid aqueous two phase system in simultaneous extraction and purification of sorghum leaf sheath polysaccharides
(Taylor and Francis Ltd., 2021) Naa Yarley, O. P.; Kojo, A. B.; Gedel, A. M.; Zhou, C.; Yu, X.; Richard, O.; Ababio, T. E.; Jiang, H.; Yang, H.
Employing response surface methodology, partially purified polysaccharides from Sorghum bicolor L. leaf sheath were extracted using synergized ethanol adjunct-treated ionic liquid aqueous two phase system (1-octyl-3-methylimidazolium chloride, [C8mim]Cl and K2CO3) and dual frequency ultrasound-assisted extraction. Under ultrasound conditions of 35 °C, 20&60 KHz, 25 mins an experimental yield of 16% PPS was achieved. Dual frequency ultrasound-assisted dialysis effectively reduced salt content of extracted PPS solution in a liquid membrane. The polysaccharides collected after dialysis maintained primary structures. The introduction of ethanol in the ionic liquid aqueous two phase system therefore ensured an excellent simultaneous extraction and partial purification.
Characterization of Moringa oleifera leaf polysaccharides extracted by coupling ionic liquid separation system with ultrasound irradiation
(Blackwell Publishing Inc., 2020) Otu, P. N. Y.; Osae, R.; Abdullateef, M. T.; Cunshan, Z.; Xiaojie, Y.; Azumah, B. K.
Replacement of organic solvents and short time for purification of polysaccharides has gained attention of researchers. Ionic liquid (IL) was optimally utilized to achieve the mentioned target. IL was coupled with ultrasound irradiation to obtain good yield of partially purified Moringa oleifera leaf polysaccharides. The yield of purified polysaccharides (75.11%) was close to the predicted (75.78%). Crude polysaccharides were found to be round group-like shape while purified polysaccharides displayed compact flat thick-slice shape under scanning electron microscopy. Using gas chromatography, galacturonic acid was detected as part of monosaccharide composition of crude polysaccharides. Functional groups associated with polysaccharides were confirmed using Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy. Using Congo red assay, polysaccharides were observed to be of nonhelical structure. The crude polysaccharide was more viscous in rheological property and had molecular weight of (304,700 g/mol). Using dynamic light scattering methodology, purified polysaccharides (24,370 g/mol) aggregated in water and possessed an excellent ABTS antiradical ability. Purification of polysaccharides using IL within a short time was feasible and presented useful characteristics needed in formulations by the food and pharmaceutical industries. Practical application: Feasibility of using ionic liquid aqueous two-phase system to separate biomolecules (amino acids, saccharides) within a short time has been established by researchers. Knowledge on this was applied in the separation of proteins from polysaccharides extracted from Moringa oleifera leaf. Knowledge of structure–function relations was thoroughly established for extracted and purified polysaccharides. Characteristics of polysaccharides discovered can be useful to the food and pharmaceutical industries.
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.
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.
Deep eutectic solvents are not only effective extractants.
(Science Direct, 2020) Shishov, A.; Pochivalov, A.; Nugbienyo, L.; Andruch, V.; Bulatov, A.
Drying techniques affect the quality and essential oil composition of Ghanaian ginger (Zingiber officinale Roscoe)
(Elsevier B.V., 2021) Osae, C.; Apaliya, M. T.; Kwaw, E.; Chisepo, M. T. R; Yarley, O. P. N.; Antiri, E.A.; Alolga, R. N.
This work aimed to determine the effects of five drying methods on the quality and essential oil composition of Ghanaian ginger. To this end, slices of fresh ginger rhizomes were dried using the following dryers; relative humidity convective (RHC) dryer, freeze (F) dryer, infrared (IR) dryer, microwave (MC) dryer and pulsed vacuum (PV) dryer. The antioxidant activities, total phenolic content (TPC), sensory characteristics and moisture content of the dried slices were assessed. The effects of the various drying techniques on the chemical composition of the essential oil components were determined using gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC–MS). With respect to the sensory attributes of the various dried ginger samples, the RHC-dried samples attained the highest scores for aroma, flavor and general acceptability while the F-dried samples scored the highest marks for appearance (i.e., colour). The RHC-dried samples had the lowest moisture content (5.45 %) followed by the F-dried (6.36 %), IR-dried (8.06 %), MC-dried (9.15 %) and PV-dried (10.07 %) samples. The F-dried samples retained the highest TPC (110.36 mg Gallic acid equivalent (GAE)/g db) and exhibited the highest antioxidant activities as evidenced by the outcomes of 2,2-azino-bis-(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid) (ABTS) and ferric reducing antioxidant power capacity (FRAP) tests. The chemical profiles of the essential oil extracted from the various dried ginger samples were distinct and unique. The essential oil obtained from the F-dried samples was observed to have the highest compounds (24). The number of compounds identified in the oil extracted from the other dried samples were : RHC drying, 23; IR drying, 16; MC drying, 15; PV drying, 3. In general, the samples subjected to F and RHC drying gave the best outcomes for all the quality parameters assessed and are therefore recommended for large-scale industrial application.
Dual‐frequency ultrasound‐assisted alcohol/salt aqueous two‐phase extraction and purification of astragalus polysaccharides.
(Wiley, 2020) Chikari, F.; Han, J.; Wang, Y.; Luo, P.; He, X.; Kwaw, E.; Otu, P. N. Y.
The study investigated the effect of dual-frequency ultrasound-assisted alcohol/salt aqueous two-phase extraction and desalination on the yield, microstructure and antioxidant properties of Astragalus polysaccharides (APS). Extracts were desalinated for 10 (APS10), 20 (APS20), and 30 (APS30) minutes. A 28.40% experimental yield, well correlated to the response surface methodology predicted model was achieved. Thermodynamic parameters were non-spontaneous, irreversible and endothermic. Moreover, ultrasound enhanced the desalination rate and did not alter the chemical structure in the APS. Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy showed a similar spectrum in all the APS samples. High-performance gel chromatography and scanning electron microscopy, respectively presented reduced molecular weights and altered microstructures in the samples. Monosaccharide analysis revealed the existence of xylose, mannose, galactose, glucose, arabinose, rhamnose, and ribose in the APS samples. Moreover, the APS20 showed strong hydroxyl and 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl radical scavenging activities, thus showing its potency in reducing oxidative stress. Hence, this study demonstrates that coupled ultrasound and alcohol/salt ATPS is a sustainable technique, which generates high yields of simultaneously extracted products.
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.
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.
Effects of moringa oleifera leaves and seeds extracts against food spoilage fungi.
(Scientific Research, 2020) Ayirezang, F. A.; Azumah, B. K.; Achio, S.
Fungal foodborne diseases pose serious public health problems and cause significant loss of the world’s food stock as a result of toxic contamination. Hence the need to find solutions to foodborne fungal contaminants. This study investigated the antifungal and phytochemical properties of Moringa oleifera leaves and seeds using various extraction solvents (acetone, water, ethanol and methanol). Aspergillus flavus and Aspergillus niger isolated from food samples were used as test organisms. The Agar Well Diffusion method was used to determine the antifungal activities of Moringa oleifera leave and seed extracts, while standard phytochemical tests were used to analyze for the phytochemicals. Moringa oleifera leave and seed extracts showed the presence of glycosides, flavonoids, alkaloids, tannins, saponins, phenols and hydrolysable tannins after the chemical test. At 100 mg/ml for Methanol extract, the leaves gave wider zones of inhibition (18.33 mm against A. flavus and 17.17 mm against A. niger) than the seed extract (16.50 mm against A. flavus and 16.33 mm against A. niger) for all test organism. The activity of the extracts were however lower than Sodium benzoate (33 mm at 100 mg/ml), as standard. The Minimum Inhibition Concentration of the plant extracts was most active at 25 mg/ml. Moringa oleifera leaves and seeds extracts may serve as natural antifungals for controlling growth of food spoilage fungi, and therefore may be used as a bio-preservative agent for prolonging the shelf-life of food products.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Flow-based methods and their applications in chemical analysis.
(2021) Timofeeva, I.; Nugbienyo, L; Pochivalov, A.; Vakh, C.; Shishov, A.; Bulatov, A.
Flow-based methods have been recognized as excellent tools for the automation and miniaturization of the main stages of chemical analysis. Since its inception, flow-based analysis has dramatically transformed the way that sample analysis is handled. This article highlights some of the most important developments in flow analysis and describes different flow systems and their fundamental principles. Recent applications of flow analysis with various detection methods are also presented. Special attention is paid to the automation of sample pretreatment, including separation and preconcentration procedures based on various flow systems. Relative advantages and disadvantages of the various flow methods are discussed.
Fluoroquinolones extraction from meat samples based on deep eutectic solvent formation.
(2020) Timofeeva, I.; Stepanova, K.; Shishov, A.; Nugbienyo, L.; Moskvin, L.; Bulatov, A.

Browse

Browsing Science Laboratory Technology by Title