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This article challenges the assumption that traditional genres of academic writing are as appropriate for practice-based students of art, drama or design as they were for book-centred disciplines, such as the humanities or sciences. It argues that scholarly writing diminished the importance of embodied and situated aspects of human ‘knowledge’ within mainstream university art school courses, such as visual and performative arts. In the traditional book-centred disciplines, scholarly writing was useful for encoding declarative knowledge (e.g. ‘knowing that’) but is less effective for the kinds of procedural knowledge (e.g. ‘knowing how’) that are vital in creative, studio-/practice-based learning. Now that academic writing is aided by technologies offering automatic spelling and grammar checks, global text search, cut-and-paste this has further widened the gaps between the knowledges pertaining to head, heart and hand. Soon, however, the combined benefits of 5G, virtual reality, artificial intelligence and ambisonic technologies look likely to make ‘immersive’ and ‘experiential’ technologies almost ubiquitous. Given the appropriate research and development, the ‘metaverse’ could encourage students to think in ways that are more presently situated, relational, embodied and multidimensional.

Obesity is an excessive accumulation of fat which causes several health implications. It is a risk factor for most disabilities and non-communicable diseases such as cardiovascular diseases, diabetes, cancer, neurodegenerative diseases, etc. The present study aimed to show the effect of short and long-term supplementation of an enriched diet with different concentrations of omega-3 fatty acid on cerebrospinal fluid (CSF), and serum leptin ratio, adiposity and lipid profile in albino Wistar rats. Serum-leptin ratios and indicators such as lipid profile, feed consumption, and adiposity index were obtained to ascertain the effect of the enriched diet on health and wellness. Forty Wistar rats divided into four groups of ten were used, comprising of five males and females; Groups A, B, C and D. The group A, the control, was fed with rat chow and water alone. Groups B, C and D were fed with rat chow supplemented with 10%, 20% and 40% omega-3 fatty acid respectively. The permeability of the blood-brain barrier (BBB) with leptin significantly increased across the experimental groups in a concentration-dependent manner. Practical Applications: Omega-3-fatty acids, also called polyunsaturated fatty acids are well known for their cardioprotective properties. ALA, α-linoleic acid, eicosapentanoic acid (EPA), and docosahexanoic acid (DHA) have been collectively referred to as omega-3 fatty acids. ALA, an essential fatty acid, can be converted into EPA and DHA. These polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) are obtained from fish-oil and other kinds of seafood. Dietary consumption is essential for a better blood lipid profile and reduced risk for cardiovascular disease. In the present study, supplementation with omega-3 fatty acids improved blood-lipid profile, increased HDL which are essential in preventing obesity. Equally reported here is that concentrations of serum-leptin and CSF were used to derive the leptin ratio. There was also a significant decrease in the adiposity index across the groups. The feed consumption and CSF leptin were given as r=-0.46 for the short term diet, while r=0.34 for the long term diet group. Data of the study indicate that omega-3 fatty acid enrichment had a diminishing effect on both adiposity and appetite, but enhanced the permeability of leptin through the blood-brain barrier in the Wistar rats. The relevance of this study is that omega-3-fatty acid food supplementation could aid in weight management and assist in the prevention and control of obesity.

Metallo-beta-lactamase-producing Acinetobacter spp. is a major challenge for therapeutic treatment of nosocomial infections. This study is aimed at determining the prevalence of MBL-producing Acinetobacter spp. among 87 clinical isolates of Acinetobacter spp. from the Korle-Bu Teaching Hospital, Accra, between August 2014 and July 2015. Acinetobacter spp. was identified by standard bacteriological method, and resistance to different antibiotics was assessed with the Kirby–Bauer disc diffusion method. Meropenem-resistant Acinetobacter isolates were screened for enzyme activity using the modified Hodge test (MHT) and combined disc test (CDT). Additionally, multiplex PCR was used to determine MBL genes presence (blaVIM,blaIMP, and blaNDM). All Acinetobacter isolates showed high resistance to cefotaxime (90.8%), ceftazidime (75.9%), cotrimoxazole (70.1%), ciprofloxacin (64.4%), gentamicin (72.4%), levofloxacin (67.8%), and meropenem (59.8%). A total of 54 (62.1%) of Acinetobacter isolates were multidrug-resistant. Out of 52 (59.8%) meropenem-resistant Acinetobacter, 3 (5.8%) were carbapenemase producers by MHT, whilst, 23 (44.2%) were CDT positive. There was no significant difference between the resistance pattern of amikacin, ceftazidime, cotrimoxazole, ciprofloxacin, and meropenem amongst CDT-positive and CDT-negative isolates (p>0.05). A total of 7/87 (8.1%) CDT-positive Acinetobacter isolates harboured blaNDM; of these, 4 (57.1%) were from wound swabs, urine (n=2) (28.6%), and ear swab (n=1) (14.3%). The study revealed that less than 9% of Acinetobacter spp. contained blaNDM encoding genes. Strict antibiotics usage plan and infection control measures are required to prevent the spread of these resistance genes.

Objectives This study aimed to determine the aetiology of Urinary tract infections (UTI), resistant profiles of isolated bacteria, and virulence factors of Escherichia coli associated with bacteriuria in diabetic patients in Ghana. Methods Mid-stream urine samples were tested for uropathogens from 982 diabetic patients at the National Diabetes and Research Centre in Ghana using standard bacteriological method and antibiogram was tested on the isolates using the Kirby-Bauer disc diffusion as per CLSI guidelines. Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) was used to investigate the phylogenetic groupings and virulence factor genes (VF) of isolated E. coli. conclusions, Results The overall prevalence of UTI in was 9.2%, and the main uropathogens were Klebsiella spp. (55.6%), and Escherichia coli (31.3%). Age, duration of diabetes and previous history of UTI were risk factors associated with UTI (p-value Conclusions The isolated uropathogens were highly resistant and the E. coli isolates were had varying VFs. Continuous monitoring of bacteria associated with UTI in diabetics is highly recommended.

Background: Hepatitis B vaccine has been introduced in Nigeria for over a decade now, yet, data on sero-conversion status of the immunized cohort in the population are scarce. Such data are important for objective evaluation of the impact and effectiveness of the HBV vaccination program. This study therefore aims at determining the sero-conversion status and the prevalence of HBV infection among immunized cohort of children in Ekiti state, Nigeria. Methodology: This cross-sectional study was conducted across the three senatorial districts of Ekiti state, between October and December, 2017. A total of 441 children consisting of 226 males and 215 females (Male to female ratio= 1.1:1). Immunization was confirmed by immunization cards. Multistage sampling technique was used. Questionaire were administered after caregiver’s consent and assent from subjects, 2 to 5 mls of blood samples were then collected and tested for the various hepatitis B viral markers (HBeAg, HBeAb, HBcAb, HBsAb and HBsAg) using Hepatitis B combo kit manufactured by Innovita Biological Technology. Very low levels antibody titres which may not be detectable by qualitative detection method used is a limitation to this study. Results: Subjects were between 5 to 10 years. All subjects had 3 full doses of hepatitis B vaccination before the age of 1 year and all subjects were negative for HBsAg, HBeAg, HBeAB and HBcAb. However, only 47 (10.7%) had detectable HBsAb. Among HBsAb positive patients 22 were males while 25 were females. Our findings showed zero prevalence of hepatitis B but minimal seroconversion rate among vaccinated children in Ekiti state, Nigeria. Conclusion: Hepatitis B vaccination protects children against HBV in the study population. However, seroconversion rate showed that majority of the children may be at risk of HBV infection at a later age. We recommend a booster dose of HBV vaccination.

In most African countries, street vending of fruits is prevalent and the likelihood of predisposing consumers to microbial contamination is very high. This study aimed to determine various bacteria and risk factors that are associated with fruits sold by street vendors in Accra. Sliced watermelons and pawpaws were randomly purchased from selected suburbs in Greater Accra Region of Ghana. One gram (1 g) of each watermelon and pawpaw was homogenized in 9 ml of sterile peptone water, and 0.1 ml from each serial dilutions of each fruit was spread on plate count agar, blood agar, and MacConkey agar plates for total aerobic counts and coliform counts. Agar plates were incubated at 33–37°C for 18–24 h. Bacterial identification was done by standard bacteriological methods. Additionally, questionnaires were administered to the vendors to gather data on food hygiene and knowledge on foodborne illness. The study revealed that although some of the fruit vendors were educated on food hygiene, most sold fruits were contaminated with mean total aerobic plate counts of 2.6 × 105–8.1 × 105 CFU g−1 and 3.7 × 104–7.1 × 104 CFU g−1 for watermelon and pawpaw. The mean coliform counts for pawpaw and watermelon ranged between 1.2 × 103–8.1 × 103 CFU g−1 and 1.6 × 104–3.1 × 104 CFU g−1, respectively. Overall, mean aerobic counts and mean coliform counts were not significantly different among vendors in selected locations p > 0.05 . However, predominant bacteria isolated included Enterobacter species (33.3%), Citrobacter sp. (20.0%), and Klebsiella sp. (15.9%). The study revealed that watermelon and pawpaw sold on the streets in Accra could be possible source of foodborne illness. Therefore, street food vendors must be educated on food hygiene protocols and measures to improve microbial quality of street vended fruits.

In most African countries, street vending of fruits is prevalent and the likelihood of predisposing consumers to microbial contamination is very high. This study aimed to determine various bacteria and risk factors that are associated with fruits sold by street vendors in Accra. Sliced watermelons and pawpaws were randomly purchased from selected suburbs in Greater Accra Region of Ghana. One gram (1 g) of each watermelon and pawpaw was homogenized in 9 ml of sterile peptone water, and 0.1 ml from each serial dilutions of each fruit was spread on plate count agar, blood agar, and MacConkey agar plates for total aerobic counts and coliform counts. Agar plates were incubated at 33–37°C for 18–24 h. Bacterial identification was done by standard bacteriological methods. Additionally, questionnaires were administered to the vendors to gather data on food hygiene and knowledge on foodborne illness. The study revealed that although some of the fruit vendors were educated on food hygiene, most sold fruits were contaminated with mean total aerobic plate counts of 2.6 × 105–8.1 × 105 CFU g−1 and 3.7 × 104–7.1 × 104 CFU g−1 for watermelon and pawpaw. The mean coliform counts for pawpaw and watermelon ranged between 1.2 × 103–8.1 × 103 CFU g−1 and 1.6 × 104–3.1 × 104 CFU g−1, respectively. Overall, mean aerobic counts and mean coliform counts were not significantly different among vendors in selected locations (p > 0.05). However, predominant bacteria isolated included Enterobacter species (33.3%), Citrobacter sp. (20.0%), and Klebsiella sp. (15.9%). The study revealed that watermelon and pawpaw sold on the streets in Accra could be possible source of foodborne illness. Therefore, street food vendors must be educated on food hygiene protocols and measures to improve microbial quality of street vended fruits.

Metallo-beta-lactamase-producing Acinetobacter spp. is a major challenge for therapeutic treatment of nosocomial infections. This study is aimed at determining the prevalence of MBL-producing Acinetobacter spp. among 87 clinical isolates of Acinetobacter spp. from the Korle-Bu Teaching Hospital, Accra, between August 2014 and July 2015. Acinetobacter spp. was identified by standard bacteriological method, and resistance to different antibiotics was assessed with the Kirby–Bauer disc diffusion method. Meropenem-resistant Acinetobacter isolates were screened for enzyme activity using the modified Hodge test (MHT) and combined disc test (CDT). Additionally, multiplex PCR was used to determine MBL genes presence (blaVIM,blaIMP, and blaNDM). All Acinetobacter isolates showed high resistance to cefotaxime (90.8%), ceftazidime (75.9%), cotrimoxazole (70.1%), ciprofloxacin (64.4%), gentamicin (72.4%), levofloxacin (67.8%), and meropenem (59.8%). A total of 54 (62.1%) of Acinetobacter isolates were multidrug-resistant. Out of 52 (59.8%) meropenem-resistant Acinetobacter, 3 (5.8%) were carbapenemase producers by MHT, whilst, 23 (44.2%) were CDT positive. There was no significant difference between the resistance pattern of amikacin, ceftazidime, cotrimoxazole, ciprofloxacin, and meropenem amongst CDT-positive and CDT-negative isolates (p > 0.05). A total of 7/87 (8.1%) CDT-positive Acinetobacter isolates harboured blaNDM; of these, 4 (57.1%) were from wound swabs, urine (n = 2) (28.6%), and ear swab (n = 1) (14.3%). The study revealed that less than 9% of Acinetobacter spp. contained blaNDM encoding genes. Strict antibiotics usage plan and infection control measures are required to prevent the spread of these resistance genes.

BackgroundCampylobacter infections in HIV positive patients often present with substantial mortality and morbidity when compared to HIV negative patients.AimThis study assessed the prevalence of Campylobacter, antibiotic resistance phenotypes and genetic factors, and risk of Campylobacter infection associated with living in close proximity to domestic animals in HIV patients with gastric enteritis at Korle-Bu Teaching Hospital, Accra, Ghana.MethodsResistance to different antibiotics was assessed with Kirby-Bauer disk diffusion method. In addition, all the Campylobacter isolates were tested for ampicillin (blaOXA-61), erythromycin (aph-3-1), tetracycline tet(O), streptomycin (aadE), and the energy-dependent multi-drug efflux pump (cmeB) resistance genes using multiplex polymerase chain reaction.ResultsOut of a total of 140 (97 females and 43 males) tested patients, 71 (50.7%) patients were positive for Campylobacter coli. Female patients aged within 31-40 years (31.6%) and 41-50 years (31.6%) had high frequency of Campylobacter infection. Most of the infected patients lived in close proximity to chickens (53.5%), however, some patients (14.1%) lived in close proximity to goats. Phenotypic resistance evaluation revealed widespread resistance to ampicillin (100%), tetracycline (100%), ciprofloxacin (71.8%), erythromycin (69%), and gentamicin (49.3%). However, limited no of isolates contained blaOXA-61 (1.41%), cmeB (7.0%) and tet(O (7.0%) resistance genes.ConclusionHIV patients with gastric enteritis were infected with resistant Campylobacter coli. Further studies are required to examine correlation of infected patients with C. coli and risk of living in close proximity to poultry birds. There is the need for routine investigation of Campylobacter in patients with gastroenteritis in order to assist in the development of strategies for combating diseases involving resistant zoonotic bacteria strains.

Objective This study aimed to determine the prevalence and establish some risk factors associated with the acquisition of gastrointestinal parasitic infections in school children in Accra, Ghana. Results The overall prevalence of intestinal parasitic infection was 15%. Giardia lamblia (10%) and Schistosoma mansoni (1.7%) were the common parasites found. Out of the 15% students postive for intestinal parasites, 13.6% had single parasites and 1.3% had double parasitic infections. Children between the ages of 4–5 and 6–7 years (20% each) had the most parasitic infections. The prevalence of intestinal parasitic infection was not significantly related to gender (p = 0.1451), and source of drinking water (p = 0.8832). However, a statistically significant association between children infected with parasites and close proximity to domestic animals or pets was observed (p = 0.0284). Continuous education on personal hygiene, environmental sanitation and deworming of domestic animals or pets are required to reduce the prevalence of intestinal parasites in school children in Accra.

Many developing countries, including Ghana, are water stressed. As such, farmers, particularly those in urban areas, have adopted the use of wastewater for irrigation. This study evaluated the bacteriological water quality of the wastewater used for irrigation in the vegetable farms at Korle-Bu Teaching Hospital (KBTH), Accra Metropolis, Ghana. In all, 40 wastewater samples were collected and analysed bacteriologically using the total aerobic plate count method. The isolated bacteria were identified biochemically using Bergey’s manual for determinative bacteriology. Mean total bacterial colony count values in the range of 2.75–4.44 × 105 CFU/100 mL were isolated which far exceeds values of 1 × 103/100 mL recommended by the World Health Organization (WHO) for unrestricted irrigation of crops likely to be eaten raw. Enterobacter cloacae (51.4%), Klebsiella sp. (24.1%), Pseudomonas aeruginosa (11.3%), Salmonella typhi (10.6%), Escherichia coli (2.2%) and Proteus sp. (0.4%) were the predominant bacteria isolated. Growers should use treated wastewater for farming while processors and consumers should minimize contamination risks of produce from the vegetable farms/garden to the plate.

Background: Hemorrhagic stroke outcome has been poorly studied in this region despite being a significant cause of morbidity and mortality. The use of computed tomography to assess the volumes of lesion, the sites of the brain affected, and their relationship with patients' clinical outcome will add to the body of knowledge in the management of hemorrhagic stroke. Objectives: The objectives of this study are to determine if the volume of hemorrhagic stroke lesion correlates with patient clinical outcome at 30 days poststroke. Materials and Methods: Acute hemorrhagic stroke patients were recruited consecutively over 18 months. Intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH) volume and the sites affected were correlated with the patients' modified Rankin Scale (mRS) assessment outcome at 30 days poststroke. The mRS scores of (0–3) were regarded as favorable and (4–6) as unfavorable. Student's t-test, logistic, and linear regression analyses were done using the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences software version 20.0, level of significance was set at P ≤ 0.05. Results: Forty-four patients were included in the study. Overall, mean (standard deviation) ICH lesion volume of 30.8 (33.2) ml was observed. Mean volumes of 32.2 (35.7) ml and 29.2 (30.9) ml were seen in patients with favorable and unfavorable outcomes, respectively. Linear and logistic regression analyses of the volume of the lesion on mRS outcome and patient outcome (alive vs. dead) were not statistically significant with P values of 0.982 and 0.868, respectively. Conclusion: Hemorrhagic stroke lesion volume though important in the assessment of patients does not significantly correlate with patient outcome at 1-month poststroke.

Background: Sickle cell disease is a group of haemoglobin disorders with the homozygous form being the commonest. Renal manifestations are varied, and include both structural and functional abnormalities. The aim of this study is to compare the usefulness of the traditional markers of renal functions in SCD patients (urea and creatinine) with more sensitive markers (Cystatin C and Microalbumin).Methods: This was a case-control study involving 80 participants consisting of 40 subjects with sickle cell anaemia and 40 HbAA controls. 5mls of blood was collected from subjects and HbAA controls into lithium heparin gel tubes and centrifuged to obtain plasma. This was used for urea, creatinine and cystatin C analyses. cystatin C analysis was done using the ELISA method. 10mls of fresh early morning urine was collected in cryotubes. This was used for urine microalbumin estimation. Urea, creatinine and microalbumin analysis were done using the Roche/Hitachi 902 AutoanalyzerResults: The mean plasma urea and creatinine levels were significantly lower in the study group (2.40+1.60mmol/l; 64.50+16.4umol/L) compared with the control group (2.60+0.81mmol/l; 84.9+29.1um/L). In both cases, p=0.001.Conversely, the mean urine microalbumin and plasma cystatin C levels were higher in the study population (37.00+65.9mg/L; 1149.90+311.4ng/ml) compared with the control group (5.90+5.20mg/L; 1033.2+368.3ng/ml). p=0.140.Conclusion: Mean urine microalbuminn and plasma cystatin C levels were higher in study population than control unlike the mean plasma creatinine and urea levels..Keywords: Sickle cell anaemia, renal disease, Microalbumin, cystatin c

Background. Tomato (Lycopersicon esculentum) has a high water content which predisposes it to spoilage by pathogenic bacteria that can pose significant health threats to consumers. Aim. The study aimed to determine the various pathogenic bacteria associated with tomatoes sold in some central markets in the Accra Metropolis. Method. A total of 120 tomatoes were sampled, out of which 60 fresh, firm, undamaged tomatoes and 60 spoilt tomatoes were analysed. Cut portions of the fresh and spoilt tomatoes were swabbed with sterile swabs and cultured on Blood agar, Nutrient agar, and MacConkey agar. The antibiogram of bacterial isolates was determined by Kirby-Bauer disc-diffusion method. Results. Out of the 120 tomatoes analysed, a total of 66 bacterial isolates were recovered, 68.2% were associated with spoilt tomatoes, and 31.8% were from fresh tomatoes. Klebsiella sp. (34.8%), Enterobacter sp. (24.2%), and Citrobacter sp. (7.6%) were the predominant bacteria isolated. Agbogbloshie market (36.4%) had both fresh (18.2%) and spoilt (18.2%) tomatoes contaminated, whilst Makola market (31.8%) had a higher spoilt (30.3%) tomatoes contaminated. Although none of the isolates expressed resistance to ciprofloxacin, resistance was found for ampicillin (63.1%), tetracycline (60.1%), and cefuroxime (59.1%). Conclusion. Varying levels of antibiotic resistance bacteria amongst tomatoes sold at various markets were found. Contamination might have been caused by poor sanitation, improper handling or transportation from the farms to the markets. The presence of antibiotic resistance bacteria amongst tomatoes raises concern on public health risks associated with the consumption of fresh tomatoes.

Water is essential for life and in most parts of the world including Ghana it is used for various activities such as drinking, bathing and recreational purposes. The objective of this study was to assess the bacteriological quality of swimming pools’ water in the Accra Metropolis. Five swimming pools were selected randomly and a research team visited the pools to collect water samples and at the same time administer short questionnaires about the characteristics of the pools. The average number of swimmers, swimming bathing loads, average age group of pool users, methods of disinfection, type of chlorine used, recycling, and treatment of the water before and after use were investigated. During the visit, water samples were collected for total coliform, Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Staphylococcus aureus counts using the Membrane Filtration (MF) method and cultured on chromogenic media. Most (60%) of the selected swimming pools had a bathing load≤20 per day. The operators of the pools disinfect their pools’ water with chorine but majority (60%) of the pool operators chlorinated their pools manually with powdered chlorine. The 20 water samples investigated show that 48% of swimming pools water was contaminated with S. aureus, 30.4% with Ps. aeruginosa, 20.9% with total coli form and 0.7% with E. coli. The E. coli count found in this study was very low indicating that the selected swimming pools were not feacally polluted at the time of sampling. It is recommended that future studies should use large sample sizes.