University of Cape Coast
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Veritas Nobis Lumen — Truth, Our Light
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ArticleWharton’s Jelly-Derived Mesenchymal Stromal Cells and Fibroblast-Derived Extracellular Matrix Synergistically Activate Apoptosis in a p21-Dependent Mechanism in WHCO1 and MDA MB 231 Cancer Cells In VitroThe tumour microenvironment plays a crucial role in tumour progression and comprises tumour stroma which is made up of
different cell types and the extracellular matrix (ECM). Mesenchymal stromal cells (MSCs) are part of the tumour stroma and may
have conflicting effects on tumour growth. In this study we investigated the effect of Wharton’s Jelly-derived MSCs (WJ-MSCs)
and a fibroblast-derived ECM (fd-ECM) on esophageal (WHCO1) and breast (MDA MB 231) cancer cells in vitro. Both WJ-MSCs
and the fd-ECM, alone or in combination, downregulate PCNA, cyclin D1, Bcl-2, Bcl-xL, and MMPs and upregulate p53 and p21.
p21 induction resulted in G2 phase cell cycle arrest and induced apoptosis in vitro. Our data suggest that p21 induction is via p53-
dependent and p53-independent mechanisms in WHCO1 and MDA MB 231 cells, respectively. Vascular endothelial growth factor,
Akt, and Nodal pathways were downregulated in cancer cells cocultured with WJ-MSCs. We also demonstrate that WJ-MSCs
effects on cancer cells appear to be short-lived whilst the fd-ECM effect is long-lived. This study shows the influence of tumour
microenvironment on cancer cell behaviour and provides alternative therapeutic targets for potential regulation of tumour cells.ArticleThe effects of malaria and HIV co-infection on hemoglobin levels among pregnant women in Sekondi-Takoradi, GhanaObjective: To assess the burden of maternal malaria and HIV among pregnant women in Ghana and to determine
the risk of anemia among women with dual infection. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted at 4 hos-
pitals in the Sekondi-Takoradi metropolis, Ghana. The study group comprised 872 consenting pregnant women
attending prenatal care clinics. Venous blood samples were screened for malaria, HIV, and hemoglobin level.
Multivariate logistic regression analysis was performed to determine the association between malaria, HIV,
and risk of anemia. Results: In all, 34.4% of the study cohort had anemia. Multivariate logistic regression analysis
indicated that pregnant women with either malaria (odds ratio 1.99; 95% confidence interval, 1.43–2.77; P=
b 0.001) or HIV (odds ratio 1.78; 95% confidence interval, 1.13–2.80; P =0.014) had an increased risk of anemia.
In adjusted models, pregnant women co-infected with both malaria and HIV displayed twice the risk of anemia.
The adjusted odds ratio was 2.67 (95% confidence interval, 1.44–4.97; P =0.002). Conclusion: Pregnant women
infected with both malaria and HIV are twice as likely to be anemic than women with a single infection or no
infection. Measures to control malaria, HIV, and anemia during pregnancy are imperative to improve birth out-
comes in this region of Ghana.ArticleScreening of Central Effects of the Leaves of Mallotus oppositifolius (Geiseler) Mull. Arg. in MiceThesisFood Preferences of Customers of Food Service Establishments in Ho in the Volta Region of GhanaThere is an increase in the number of food service establishments operating in the country as there is a emerging demand for food away from home. However, knowledge of customers’ food preference is critical to the sustainability of the industry. The purpose of this study was to assess the food preferences of customers of food service establishments in Ho, Ghana. The study employed the quantitative approach and questionnaire was used to collect primary data from 350 respondents. Respondents were sampled using systematic sampling technique and the research adopted the descriptive design. Data collected was analyzed using SPSS and Chi-square was employed to test research hypotheses. The study revealed that Banku with okro soup was the most preferred food whiles the least preferred food was Ampesi. However, there was a significant relationship between customers’ socio-demographic characteristics (educational level, marital status, ethnicity and monthly income) and food preferences. The food was perceived to be healthy and attractively presented. The study also found a significant relationship between taste and food characteristics. From the study it could be deduced that respondents preferred foods from their ethnic groups. This implies that some tribes have reverence for their staple food and have no desire to change. Managers should prioritize taste in the preparation of their meals since it was a significant factor consumer consider in their choice of food.Book chapterWork Attitude Among Staff in a Ghanaian UniversityBookStudents’ Research Experiences as a Pre-Requisite for Research Informed Teaching in Higher Education
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