Propofol with Varied Functions: A Potential Therapeutic Opportunity for Postoperative Nausea, Vomiting and Pruritus—A Narrative Review

Background: Despite the advances in anesthetics and non-pharmacological techniques, the prevalence of postoperative nausea and vomiting in all patients remains high. It is one of the most common distressing symptoms that cause dissatisfaction among patients after anesthesia and surgery. A sub-hypnotic dose of propofol has been shown to reduce morphine-induced postoperative nausea, vomiting, and pruritus. This review article will provide sufficient knowledge on the role of propofol in minimizing opioid-induced postoperative nausea, vomiting, and pruritus by providing detailed information on propofol antiemetic and antipruritic effects, as well as discussions based on empirically available data. Method: We conducted a narrative review of the literature published between 1990 and 2023 from a range of databases;PubMed, BioMed Central, Biosis Previews, Nature, International Pharmaceutical Abstracts, Springer-Link, and Elsevier. Discussion and Conclusion: The literatures reviewed in this study have demonstrated that propofol may have diverse therapeutic effects including antiemetic and antipruritic. The antiemetic effect of propofol may be an effective therapeutic approach for the prevention of postoperative nausea and vomiting. The literature also demonstrated that the use of propofol for sedation during surgery may as well ameliorates opioids induced postoperative pruritus, which may be beneficial to surgical patients. Also, it was demonstrated that prophylactic use of propofol may be an effective way of preventing nausea and vomiting and pruritus during opioid use.

A Modified Lagrange Method for Solving Convex Quadratic Optimization Problems

In this paper, a modified version of the Classical Lagrange Multiplier method is developed for convex quadratic optimization problems. The method, which is evolved from the first order derivative test for optimality of the Lagrangian function with respect to the primary variables of the problem, decomposes the solution process into two independent ones, in which the primary variables are solved for independently, and then the secondary variables, which are the Lagrange multipliers, are solved for, afterward. This is an innovation that leads to solving independently two simpler systems of equations involving the primary variables only, on one hand, and the secondary ones on the other. Solutions obtained for small sized problems (as preliminary test of the method) demonstrate that the new method is generally effective in producing the required solutions.

DNA Barcoding of Insects and Its Direct Application for Plant Protection

The introduction of invasive insect pests across national borders has become a major concern in crop production. Accordingly, national plant protection organizations are challenge to reinforce their monitoring strategies, which are hampered by the weight and size of inspection equipment, as well as the taxonomic extensiveness of interrupted species. Moreover, some insect pests that impede farmer productivity and profitability are difficult for researchers to address on time due to a lack of appropriate plant protection measures. Farmers’ reliance on synthetic pesticides and biocontrol agents has resulted in major economic and environmental ramifications. DNA barcoding is a novel technology that has the potential to improve Integrated Pest Management decision-making, which is dependent on the ability to correctly identify pest and beneficial organisms. This is due to some natural traits such as phenology or pesticide susceptibility browbeaten by IPM strategies to avert pest establishment. Specifically, Deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) sequence information was applied effectively for the identification of some micro-organisms. This technology, DNA barcoding, allows for the identification of insect species by using short, standardized gene sequences. DNA barcoding is basically based on repeatable and accessible technique that allows for the mechanisation or automation of species discrimination. This technique bridges the taxonomic bio-security gap and meets the International Plant Protection Convention diagnostic standards for insect identification. This review therefore discusses DNA barcoding as a technique for insect pests’ identification and its potential application for crop protection.

Review on the fully mulched ridge–furrow system for sustainable maize production on the semi-arid Loess Plateau

The fully mulched ridge–furrow(FMRF) system has been widely used on the semi-arid Loess Plateau of China due to its high maize(Zea mays L.) productivity and rainfall use efficiency. However, high outputs under this system led to a depletion of soil moisture and soil nutrients, which reduces its sustainability in the long run. Therefore, it is necessary to optimize the system for the sustainable development of agriculture. The development, yield-increasing mechanisms,negative impacts, optimization, and their relations in the FMRF system are reviewed in this paper. We suggest using grain and forage maize varieties instead of regular maize;mulching plastic film in autumn or leaving the mulch after maize harvesting until the next spring, and then removing the old film and mulching new film;combining reduced/notillage with straw return;utilizing crop rotation or intercropping with winter canola(Brassica campestris L.), millet(Setaria italica), or oilseed flax(Linum usitatissimum L.);reducing nitrogen fertilizer and partially replacing chemical fertilizer with organic fertilizer;using biodegradable or weather-resistant film;and implementing mechanized production. These integrations help to establish an environmentally friendly, high quality, and sustainable agricultural system, promote highquality development of dryland farming, and create new opportunities for agricultural development in the semi-arid Loess Plateau.

Maize-Soybean Integration for Managing Striga hermonthica (Del.) Benth in the Sudan Savannah Zone of Ghana

Field experiments were conducted at Gore near Zebila in Bawku West District of the Upper East Region of Ghana during the 2015 and 2016 cropping season on four Striga tolerant maize varieties in maize/soybean integration alongside maize monocrop as a means of managing the devastating effects of Striga. The study determined the relative Striga tolerance of the maize varieties in terms of yield and yield components, as well as the most effective intercrop for the reduction of Striga seed bank. The treatment differences were not significant (p < 0.05) in affecting plant height, plant population, leaf area index (LAI), Striga count and Striga biomass. Similarly, yield components of maize such as height of cob attachment, cob length, cob weight, 100 seed weight, grain yield, as well as straw weight were not significantly affected by the treatments. There was no relativity of Striga stress tolerance in terms of yield and yield components of the four maize varieties. All the entries efficiently tolerated the biotic stress of Striga and further supported growth and grain yield equally. There was reduced S. hermonthica seed bank production in the soil in both cropping systems. The four maize varieties are proven tolerant materials to Striga infestation and are therefore recommended for long-term Striga seed bank depletion in the study area.

Evaluation of Four Varieties of Sweetpotato (Ipomeoa Batatas (L.) Lam) under Different Sources of Planting Material for Field Performance and Viral Load

Sweetpotato is an important crop for food security in many developing countries which is cultivated using vine cuttings. Studies have revealed that there are at least fifteen well characterized viruses known to infect sweetpotato of which 10 are economically important that contribute to yield reduction. Planting materials use by farmers are often infected by one or more of these viruses. The aim of this study was to evaluate three different sources of planting materials of different health status for their field performance and virus presence. The sources of planting materials were in vitro generated platelets, symptomless Field materials and Farmer’s materials. Four sweetpotato varieties Apomuden, Bohye, Ligri and Dadanyuie were selected from each source of planting material. The trial was laid in a split plot design with the sources of planting material allocated to main plots and the varieties to sub-plots. The plantlets of the four varieties were planted at Botanga Irrigation Scheme in Northern region of Ghana. Viral symptom scores were taken twice, score 1 being the average from 4 - 7 weeks after planting (WAP) and score 2 being the average from 8 - 11 WAP. Nitrocellulose Membranes Enzyme Linked Immunosorbent Assay (NCM-ELISA) kits were employed for the detection of sweetpotato viruses on the field. The source of planting materials significantly influenced (P In vitro generated material showed the least symptoms of virus followed by Field materials. Apomuden and Bohye varieties recorded the highest virus score in the first and second virus symptom observational score respectively. NCM-ELISA revealed that the viruses SPFMV, SPMMV, SPMSV, SPCFV, SPCSV, and CMV were significantly present among the different sources of planting materials. In vitro, Field and Farmer materials recorded NCM-ELISA score of 0.225, 1.075 and 1.500 respectively. Apomuden variety recorded the highest virus score in the assay. Vine and root yield was higher among the in vitro generated material. Farmers should use laboratory cleaned material however, in the absence of such material they should select field material showing no symptom of virus.

Effects of Maternal Death on Children Living in the Sagnarigu Municipality

Introduction: The greatest effect of maternal mortality is renowned in children aged 2 - 5 months whose mothers had died. Children whose mothers died due to maternal complications were likely to record a higher mortality in infancy compared to children of surviving mothers. Motherless children mostly suffer a lot due to lack of day-to-day care, isolation, lack of motivation as well as economic cost associated with mother’s death. Thus, the purpose of this study was to ascertain the lives of children whose mothers passed away during childbirth at the Sagnarigu Municipality. Methods: This quantitative cross-sectional study was carried out at the Sagnarigu Municipal. The study recruited 297 respondents. To assess the effects of maternal death on the lives of children, families that experienced maternal death were assessed. The number of pregnancies experienced by the deceased woman, pregnancy-related complaints experienced, determinants of maternal death, number of children alive, and their standard of living were assessed with the aid of a structured questionnaire. Results: The data showed that negligence, illiteracy, poor road access, poverty, ignorance, delays in recognizing the problem, delays in making appropriate decisions, delays in the health facility, delays in giving the appropriate treatments, and traditional beliefs were some of the factors that led to maternal death in the Sagnarigu Municipality. Conclusion: The study concluded that determinants of maternal death in the Sagnarigu Municipal included the following;negligence, illiteracy, poverty, and delays in recognizing the problem. The study findings also demonstrated that the effects of maternal death on children are diverse and cut across different areas of a child’s life including livelihood sustenance, healthcare, education, and emotional and psychological development.

Prevalence and Demographic Distributions of Pre-Eclampsia among Pregnant Women at Ho Teaching Hospital

Background: In Sub-Saharan Africa, pre-eclampsia remains a major health problem contributing to high rates of maternal mortality. Despite this condition having adverse effects on maternal and child health, its prevalence and associated risk factors are still significant, especially in developing countries including Ghana. This study aimed to assess the prevalence and demographic distributions associated with pre-eclampsia among pregnant women at the Ho Teaching Hospital. Methods: A facility-based retrospective study was conducted by reviewing available data or hospital records of pregnant mothers admitted to the labor and maternity wards from January 2018 to December 2020. All pregnant women who were diagnosed with pre-eclampsia within this period were included in the study. The data were collected using a structured checklist. Results: 5609 data on pregnant women from 2018 to 2020 were recorded. Out of the 5609 data recorded, 314 pre-eclampsia cases were recorded giving an overall prevalence of 5.6%. The yearly prevalence for 2018, 2019, and 2020 were 4.6%, 5.6%, and 6.6%, respectively. The most recorded pre-eclampsia cases were seen among women within the age group of 18 - 24 years. The data showed that 112 (35.7%) of the pregnant women who had pre-eclampsia were nulliparous. Pre-eclampsia-associated maternal and fetal complications were;preterm delivery 221 (70.4%), intrauterine fetal death 62 (19.7%), eclampsia 9 (2.9%), HELLP syndrome 5 (1.6%) and maternal death 17 (5.4%). Associated factors of pre-eclampsia were parity, level of education, and occupation (p ≤ 0.05). Conclusion: The findings of this study showed a rising trend in the incidence of pre-eclampsia over the years at the Ho Teaching Hospital. Parity, level of education, and occupation were found to be associated with developing pre-eclampsia.

An Improved Affine-Scaling Interior Point Algorithm for Linear Programming

In this paper, an Improved Affine-Scaling Interior Point Algorithm for Linear Programming has been proposed. Computational results of selected practical problems affirming the proposed algorithm have been provided. The proposed algorithm is accurate, faster and therefore reduces the number of iterations required to obtain an optimal solution of a given Linear Programming problem as compared to the already existing Affine-Scaling Interior Point Algorithm. The algorithm can be very useful for development of faster software packages for solving linear programming problems using the interior-point methods.

Entrepreneurial Leadership, Market Orientation, and Firm Performance

This paper explores entrepreneurial leadership, market orientation, and firm performance. It sorts to ascertain through the literature whether entrepreneurial leadership has an influence on market orientation decision and firm performance. The review points to the fact that entrepreneurial leadership creates visionary scenarios which they used to assemble and mobilize a “supporting cast” of participants who become committed to the vision and the discovery of strategic value creation by influencing market orientation decision and thus enhancing firm performance. The study thus developed a process model as a result of the literature reviewed. The study concludes that, entrepreneurial leadership influences the market orientation decision of a firm with the help of the “supporting cast” and this helps the firm to increase its performance.

Assessment of Institutional and Legal Framework for Sustainable Land Use Management Practices in Ashi River Watershed,China

Nonpoint source(NPS)pollutants resulting from land degradation(LD)have been a key influential factor on the deterioration of water quality.Consequently,sustainable land use management(SLM)practices have been employed to reduce the impacts of LD globally.However,the adoption of SLM practices is often not effective to protect water resources despite its capability of improving water quality.Empirically,evidence shows that activities of land users directly influence SLM practices and NPS pollution of water resources in watersheds,but invariably this has not been clearly understood.Understanding how SLM practices adoption could prevent NPS pollution of water resources in watershed is a necessity.Therefore,the primary aim of the investigation is to comprehend the status of SLM practices with the legal framework supporting the adoption of such practices in the Ashi River watershed.A survey instrument involving structured questionnaire was implemented to collect data.A randomly based lottery method was applied to sample information from 150 land users in two control units’communities.Descriptive and inferential statistics was used to analyze the data.This research revealed that there is low adoption of SLM practices of the study site.The low adoption is due to weak capacity building and enforcement of regulations in the watershed.Occupation and age of the residents are the strongest predictors of SLM adoption rate.Residents connected with farming are more sensitive to the adoption status of SLM.It is our recommendation that policy makers should ensure capacity building,and enforcement of regulations can specifically compel farmers to adopt SLM technologies.This approach would complement other strategies to solve the NPS pollution issue of Ashi River.

Screening Cowpea (<i>Vigna unguiculata</i>(L.) Walp.) Genotypes for Enhanced N₂Fixation and Water Use Efficiency under Field Conditions in Ghana

To explore the variations in symbiotic N2 fixation and water use efficiency in cowpea, this study evaluated 25 USDA cowpea genotypes subjected to drought under field conditions at two locations (Kpachi and Woribogu) in the Northern region of Ghana. The 15N and 13C natural abundance techniques were respectively used to assess N2 fixation and water use efficiency. The test genotypes elicited high symbiotic dependence in association with indigenous rhizobia, deriving between 55% and 98% of their N requirements from symbiosis. Consequently, the amounts of N-fixed by the genotypes showed remarkable variations, with values ranging from 37 kg·N-fixed·ha-1 to 337 kg·N-fixed·ha-1. Most genotypes elicited contrasting symbiotic performance between locations, a finding that highlights the effect of complex host/soil microbiome compatibility on the efficiency of the cowpea-rhizobia symbiosis. The test genotypes showed marked variations in water use efficiency, with most of the genotypes recording higher δ13C values when planted at Kpachi. Despite the high symbiotic dependence, the grain yield of the test cowpeas was low due to the imposed drought, and ranged from 56 kg/ha to 556 kg/ha at Kpachi, and 143 kg/ha to 748 kg/ha at Woribogu. The fact that some genotypes could grow and produce grain yields of 627 - 748 kg/ha under drought imposition is an important trait that could be tapped for further improvement of cowpea. These findings highlight the importance of the cowpea-rhizobia symbiosis and enhanced water relations in the crop’s wider adaptation to adverse edaphoclimatic conditions.

Preliminary Investigation of Formulated Herbal Ointment Demonstrates Amelioration of Excision Wound in Experimental Rabbit Model Compared with Silver Sulfadiazine

In light of the use of Lannea barteri in the management of diverse illnesses and treatment of wounds in traditional medicine, the current study was conducted to assess the wound-healing efficacy of crude aqueous extract of the stem bark of Lannea barteri and its shea butter formulated ointment using an excision wound model in the rabbit. The herbal ointment (5%, w/w) exhibited a significant wound healing activity, showing 99.9% ± 0.3% wound contraction at the end of the experiment (24th day). There was no significant difference (p > 0.05) between the 5% (w/w) herbal ointment compared with Silver Sulphadiazine cream (positive control), which showed a 97.8% ± 1.0% rate of excision wound contraction on day 24. Compared with the negative control group (administered with only shea butter), the wound healing activity of the ointment was significant (p Lannea barteri for the treatment of wounds and demonstrates that shea butter usage as a base in formulating an herbal ointment might aid in topical application for wound repair and regeneration, as well as the potential for enhanced wound healing.

Investigation of a Simple and Cheap Source of a Natural Indicator for Acid-Base Titration: Effects of System Conditions on Natural Indicators

This study investigated a natural indicator for acid-base titration which is extracted from guinea corn leaves popularly called “waakye leaves” in Ghana. Four types of acid-base titration were studied: strong acid versus (v/s) strong base, strong acid versus weak base, weak acid versus strong base, and weak acid versus weak base. The indicator color change, pH range and the average titre values were determined for each type of acid-base titration. These values were comparable to those obtained from three standard indicators: methyl orange, methyl red and phenolphthalein. Total flavonoids (TF) and condensed tannin (CT) from the crude leaves extract were determined which might be the major reasons for the activity of the extract as an indicator for simple acid-base titration. The authors suggest that the natural indicator is cheap, available, simple to extract, user and environmentally friendly and could be an excellent replacement for standard indicators.

Evaluation of the Suitability of Some Cowpea Genotype for Maize-Cowpea Intercrop in Northern Ghana

Council for Scientific and Industrial Research-Savanna Agricultural Research Institute (CSIR-SARI) in collaboration with University of California, Riverside phenotyped 300 Recombinant Inbred Lines (RILs) of Multi-parent Advanced Generation Inter-Cross (MAGIC) cowpea population from eight elite cowpea cultivars in Northern Ghana. Among the traits targeted in the phenotyping is extra early maturity suitable for Sudan Savanna agro ecological zone of Ghana. Ten selected extra early genotypes from the MAGIC population were intercropped with maize to identify genotype(s) that can maintain agronomic performances and grain yield. A field experiment was carried out at the Manga Station of SARI, Ghana during the 2018 and 2019 growing season to evaluate the ten extra-early cowpea genotypes in maize/cowpea intercrop. The experimental design used was split plot with three replications. The cropping patterns (row, strip and sole cropping) were assigned to the main plot. Ten cowpea genotypes (MAGIC 008, MAGIC 043, MAGIC 048, MAGIC 055, MAGIC 076, MAGIC 118, MAGIC 154, MAGIC 176, CB27, and SARC 1-57-2) were assigned to sub-plots. The results indicated that the number of seed per pod of the cowpea was not affected by cowpea genotype and intercrop pattern interaction;however, the interaction influenced grain yield, pod per plant, plant height, 50% flowering and 100 seed weight of cowpea. MAGIC genotypes, M008, M048, M055, M154, recorded higher grain yield under both strip intercropping and sole cropping. SARC1-57-2 also recorded the highest grain yield under row intercropping. M048, M055, M076, M176 and SARI’s collection SARC1-57-2 were the top five genotypes in fodder production. Intercropping advantage was compared with sole cropping. Land equivalent ratio greater than 1 was observed for all the genotypes with MAGIC 048 recording the highest LER at strip intercrop. Benefit Cost Ratio also showed that there is advantage of intercropping than sole cropping.

Malaria and Anaemia in Pregnant and Non-Pregnant Women of Child-Bearing Age at the University Hospital, Kumasi, Ghana

Background: Malaria infection during pregnancy is a major public health problem in tropical and subtropical regions globally. Anaemia is often an adverse outcome of severe parasitic infections during pregnancy in developing countries. Pregnant women in malaria-endemic communities are more susceptible to Plasmodium falciparum infections than non-pregnant women of child-bearing age. Objective: To comparatively investigate malaria and anaemia in pregnant and non-pregnant women of child-bearing age. Design: A cross-sectional comparative study. Three hundred and eighty pregnant women and 380 non-pregnant women were screened for the study. Setting: The study was conducted at the University Hospital, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, Kumasi, Ghana. Measurements: Participants’ demographic data were collected via the administration of questionnaires. In addition their blood samples were analyzed for haemoglobin level and malaria parasites, while stool samples from the pregnant women were examined for intestinal parasites. Results: The study revealed that pregnant women have higher malaria parasitaemia (12.6%) and anaemia (62.6%). The species of Plasmodium isolated from the pregnant women were P. falciparum (85.4%), P. malariae (4.2%) and P. ovale (10.4%). Malaria parasitaemia was higher in the primigravidae (14%). However multigravidae recorded the highest anaemia prevalence (67.1%). Age of pregnant women was a factor affecting malaria parasitaemia with a significant P-value and OR (P value = 0.0041, 0R = 7.61). Conclusions: Pregnant women were more susceptible to malaria and anaemia than non-pregnant women of child-bearing age. Most of the pregnant women reported at antenatal clinic during the second trimester. Primigravidae however recorded the highest malaria parasitaemia. The main species of Plasmodium observed in the blood samples was falciparum.

Predictive Models for Optimisation of Acetone Mediated Extraction of Polyphenolic Compounds from By-Product of Cider Production

Response surface methodology (RSM) was applied to provide predictive models for optimisation of extraction of selected polyphenolic compounds from cider apple pomace under aqueous acetone. The design of experiment (DoE) was conducted to evaluate the influence of acetone concentration % (v/v), solid-to solvent ratio % (w/v), temperature (&#730C) and extraction time (min) and their interaction on phenolic contents, using the Central Composite Rotatable Design (CCRD). The experimental data were analysed to fit statistical models for recovery of phenolic compounds. The selected models were significant (P 0.05), except for Chlorogenic acid and Quercetin 3-glucoside which had significant lack of fits (P R2 > 0.9000 and adjusted? ?reasonable agrees with predicted . Coefficient of variation < 5% for each determination at the 95% confidence interval. These models could be relied upon to achieve optimal concentrations of polyphenolic compounds for applications in nutraceutical, pharmaceutical and cosmetic industries.

The Potential of Hydro-Climate Forecast Strategies in Sustaining Agricultural Productivity amongst Rainfed Farmers in West Africa: A Review

Several studies have reported a significant yearly decrease in forest cover globally, using satellite images. This is especially true in West Africa, where rapid urbanisation acerbates the problem, and both of these changes lead to alterations in rainfall regime and other changes in climatic parameters. Several studies reveal that adaptation which reduces vulnerability to adverse climatic variation effects is the key to developing resilience against climate change. In this region, over 90% of farmers are engaged in small-scale rainfed crop cultivation and rely on their own weather perception, instincts and what they observe from the surrounding biota (flora and fauna) to forecast the weather and plan their agricultural activities. The pressing nature of the problem of climate variability in Africa had provoked a lot of research into developing and testing several adaptation strategies to control the situation. Various strategies to improve and localize global, regional and national climate services (Local Forecast, Scientific Forecast and Integrated Forecast) needed by the farmers are being developed to build resilience against climate change. This review illustrates the situation in Ghana and identifies various forecast strategies developed to mitigate the adverse effects of climate variability on agricultural productivity. These mitigation methods include the development of climate services to provide users with forecast information in order to make climate-smart decisions to minimize the risk.