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GhanaBiomed 2008 Opportunities and Challenges of New Technologies in Bio-Medicine

Accra, Institute of Local Government Studies 1

Welcome from the Local Organising Committee

Local Organizing Committee Elsie Effah Kaufmann, PhD Biomedical Engineering Department University of Ghana Accra, Ghana Bartholomew Dicky Akanmori, PhD Head of Immunology Department Noguchi Memorial Institute for Medical Research University of Ghana Accra, Ghana Henry Ato Ogoe, MSc Biomedical Engineering Department University of Ghana Accra, Ghana Archibold Sittie, PhD Centre for Scientific Research into Plant Medicine Mampong, Ghana Kevin Kofi Adutwum-Ofosu, MPhil University of Ghana Medical School Accra, Ghana Edward Addo Essah, MSc Radiology Department Hospital Engineering Ltd Accra, Ghana

Elsie Effah Kaufmann, PhD

On behalf of the Local Organizing Committee (LOC), I am delighted to welcome you to the very first Ghana Biomedical Convention. We are happy that you have chosen to join us in making history. For far too long, stakeholders in Biomedical Science in Ghana (students, teachers, researchers, engineers and medical practitioners, policy makers, etc.) have worked in isolation, without the benefit of the synergy that can be achieved through teamwork. It is our hope that this convention provides the necessary impetus and avenue for us to meet, dialogue with each other and build the bridges that will make our work even more meaningful. Please join me in acknowledging the contribution of my colleagues on the LOC who have worked tirelessly to organize this convention. We all wish you a successful meeting, and hope that you will share your experience of GhanaBiomed 2008 with us to improve future conventions.



George Acquaah-Mensah, PhD

Ladies and Gentlemen, Let me, on behalf of the world-wide organizing committee, seize this moment to welcome you to this historic meeting. We live in a time like none other. The understanding of nature has accelerated beyond even the most optimistic of the expectations of our forebears. One of the consequences has been the spawning of unprecedented innovations in the biomedical domain. Both locally and around the world, many of our compatriots are engaged in probing for answers to the many biomedical challenges confronting humanity. Several of you have come great distances and across continents to be a part of this convention. Here, we meet to join forces. We are gathered, motivated by love of country and humanity, to light a flame to advance the cause of knowledge, innovation, and health in Ghana. In the words of J. R. Wreford: “[This is] the land we love the most Our fathers' sepulchers are here, And here our kindred dwell, Our children, too; how should we love Another land so well?”

Welcome from the International Organizing Committee

International Organizing Committee George Acquaah-Mensah, PhD John Okyere, PhD Massachusetts College of Pharmacy Nottingham University and Health Sciences Nottingham, UK Boston, USA Samuel Kojo Kwofie, MSc Winfried Amoaku, FRCS, FRCOphth, PhD National Bioinformatics Network University of Nottingham South African National Bioinformatics Institute Nottingham, UK Cape Town, South Africa Peter Atadja, PhD Henry Colecraft, PhD NIBR and Novartis Pharma Columbia University Novartis Institutes for Biomedical Research College of Physicians and Surgeons 250 Mass Avenue New York, NY 10032, USA Cambridge MA 01239, USA

Throughout this event, aspects of cutting-edge work will be presented. We envisage many more of such events in the years ahead. Be engaged! Akwaaba! Welcome to the first Ghana Biomedical Convention!



Dear Participants, and Friends GhanaBiomed 2008 has for the first time brought Ghanaians across the globe to our motherland to share experiences and opportunities in biomedical science. For many of us this journey began with modest resources juxtaposed to improbable aspirations. I am happy to report that we have met many of these aspirations based on the quality of presentations you will hear at this convention. Participants will present original work in genomics, drug discovery, vascular biology, high-throughput technology, molecular modeling, medical engineering, ophthalmology, plant medicine, malaria and other topics of interest here at

home and abroad. We have organized presentations into thematic oral sessions and posters to maximize the opportunity for friendship, sharing and networking. These harmonious attributes symbolized by ese ne tekrama a favorite Ghanaian aphorism that graces the cover of this year’s book, are intimately linked to our collective vision. Indeed, one of the major goals of this meeting is to foster international collaborations to help re-invest here at home, the dividends of the toils of our fathers and forefathers. Join me to acknowledge my colleagues on the scientific committee who helped to review the abstracts and organize the program for this meeting. We are confident this program will tickle your scientific curiosities, akwaaba, enjoy the meeting!

Welcome from the Scientific Committee have met

Scientific Committee Solomon Ofori-Acquah, PhD John Okyere, PhD Aflac Cancer Center & Blood Disorders Services Department Nottingham University Emory University School of Medicine Nottingham, UK Atlanta, GA 30322, USA George Acquaah-Mensah, PhD Abraham Quarcoo, MSc Massachusetts College of Pharmacy & Health Sciences Accra Polytechnic Boston, USA Accra, Ghana Elvis K. Tiburu, PhD BIDMC-Harvard Institute of Medicine Boston, USA Elsie Effah Kaufmann, PhD Department of Biomedical Engineering University of Ghana Accra, Ghana

Solomon Ofori-Acquah, PhD



Financial Support Ghana Biomedical Convention wishes to thank Kasapreko for donating to the 2008 meeting.

Kasapreko Company Limited P.O.Box TN 781 Tel: 233 21 810 956 Teshie - Nungua Estates 233 21 814 331 Accra, Ghana Fax: 233 21 810603

www.kasaprekogh.com



Financial Support Ghana Biomedical Convention wishes to thank Primetime for donating to the 2008 meeting.

Primetime Limited

Villa Rita EAB 41/18 Tel: 233 21-516178 K. Mensah-Bonsu Street 233 21 519745 Ashale-Botwe (New town) Fax: 233 21 516178

www.primetimegh.com



Keynote Speaker, Peter Atadja, PhD

Born in Ghana, Peter Atadja received his Bachelor of Pharmacy degree with Honours (with an emphasis in Pharmaceutical and Medicinal Chemistry) from the University of Science and Technology, Kumasi, Ghana. His work at the Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Israel, contributing to the designing and developing of first-generation protein tyrosine kinase inhibitors for anti-cancer therapy, resulted in his MSc in Biological Chemistry and the Hebrew University’s Michael Sherwood Prize for graduate research. Peter Atadja obtained his PhD in Molecular and Cellular Oncology from the University of Calgary,

Canada, where his thesis was nominated for two prestigious Canadian research awards (the Natural Sciences and Engineering Research award and the Canadian Graduate Research Award). In 1997, he joined Novartis Pharmaceuticals in New Jersey to work on their efforts to develop drugs that target epigenetic mechanisms for anti-cancer therapy. Peter Atadja’s Pioneering research work in Cancer Epigenetics at Novartis has led to the development of Panobinostat (LBH589), the most potent deacetylase inhibitor that was discovered and developed preclinically in his laboratory, and which has shown promising activity in several malignancies including lymphomas, myeloma, leukemia, and solid tumors and is now undergoing further clinical development in hematologic and solid malignancies. He is acknowledged internationally as an expert in the areas of epigenetic research and anti-cancer drug development. Peter Atadja is currently a Group Leader and Senior Research Investigator at the Novartis Institutes for Biomedical Research and has published over 50 peer-reviewed articles, invited reviews and book chapters, and more than 100 abstracts and presentations.

Peter Atadja, PhD



DAY 1 Wednesday 13th August We 9:20 - 11:00 am OPENING SESSION

Auditorium

Chair

Dr. Winfried Amoaku and Dr. Elsie Kaufmann

9:20 – 10:20 am Welcome and introductions 10:20 - 11:00 am Keynote Address

“Opportunities and Challenges of New Technologies in Bio-Medicine” Dr. Peter Atadja, Ph.D Novartis Institutes for Biomedical Research Cambridge MA, USA (Introduction by George Acquaah-Mensah)

11:10 - 11:25 am Break 11:30 -1:15 am PLENARY 1

MOLECULAR MODELING AND SPECTROSCOPY

Auditorium

Chair Dr. Elvis Tiburu and Dr. Richter-Addo

11:30 – 12:00 am Tiburu EK. Bowman AL, Tyukhtenko SI, Struppe JO, Avraham HK ,

Makriyannis A. Harvard Medical School/Center for Drug Discovery, Northeastern University, Boston, MA, USA. NMR and Molecular Dynamics Analysis of Cannabinoid Receptor 1 in Model Membranes [Abstract #1]

12:05 – 12:35 am Richter-Addo GB.Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University

of Oklahoma, Norman, OK 73019,USA. The Simple Nitrogen Oxides and Human Health: Chemistry meets Biology [Abstract #2]

12:40 – 1:10 pm Duca KA1, Shapiro MD2, Delgado-Eckert E2, Hadinoto V2, Hawkins J2,

Jarrah AS3, Jones MT3, Laubenbacher R3, Lee K4, Luzuriaga K4, Plassman P3, Polys NF3, Torgbor C1, and Thorley-Lawson DA.21College of Science, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology; Kumasi, Ghana. 2Sackler School of Biomedical Sciences, Tufts University; Boston, USA. 3Virginia Polytechnic and State University, Blacksburg, USA. 4University of Massachusetts Medical College, Worcester, USA. Simulating Host-Virus Interactions: Epstein-Barr Virus in its Human Host [Abstract #3]

1:30 - 2:30 pm Lunch



DAY 1 Wednesday 13th August 2:30 – 3:00 Special Education Session

Auditorium

Duca KA, TorgborC, Larbi A. Department of Biochemistry and Biotechnology, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST); Kumasi, Ghana. A “US-Style” Educational Approach in Undergraduate Biochemistry: Experiences at KNUST [Abstract #11]

3:00 - 5:50 pm PLENARY 2

BIOTECHNOLOGY & MEDICAL ENGINEERING

Auditorium Chair Dr. Henry Colecraft and Ato Ogoe

3:00 - 3:30 pm Kaufmann E. University of Ghana

Tissue Engineering and Bio-materials [Abstract #4] 3:35 -4:05 pm Kwofie SK. South African National Bioinformatics Institute, University of

the Western Cape Private Bag X17 Bellville 7535 South Africa. Translating DNA into money: strategies for the growth of biotechnology in Ghana [Abstract #5]

4:10 – 4:40 Gyan B, Dodoo D, Ofori M. Department of Immunology, Noguchi Memorial Institute for Medical Research, University of Ghana, Box 581, Legon, Accra, Ghana. Prospects and Challenges of a Malaria Vaccine: Research Issues. [Abstract #12]

4:45 – 5:00 pm Break

Brief Oral Presentations 5:05 – 5:15 pm Tetteh DMB, Agbedor P. Council of Scientific and Industrial Research,

Ghana. Ceramin Hip Replacement Prosthesis Material: a Case for Local Development [Abstract #18]

5:20 - 5:30 pm Addo DA, Kaufmann EE, University of Ghana

Design of an Adaptive Child Safety Seat to be Mounted on an Adult Bicycle [Abstract #19]

5:35 - 5:45 pm Jonfia-Essien WA, Alderson PG, Tucker G, Linforth, West G, University of Nottingham, UK. An antifeedant agent with insecticidal effect [Abstract #20]

5:50 – 6:50 pm POSTER PRESENTATION 1

Large classroom



DAY 2 Thursday 14th August

7:30 – 8:30 am Business meeting

9:00 – 12:00 am PLENARY 3 MOLECULAR MEDICINE

Auditorium Chair

Dr. Solomon Ofori-Acquah and Dr. Michael Safo 9:00 – 9:30 am Ofori-Acquah SF. Aflac Cancer Center and Blood Disorders Services,

Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA 30322, USA. Sickle Cell Disease: A Tale of Two Cells [Abstract #6]

9:35 – 10:05 am Safo MK, Abdulmalik O, Danso-Danquah R, Asakura T, Abraham DJ. Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, USA. 5-Hydroxymethyl-2-furfural: A Potent Anti-sickling Agent In vivo and In vitro [Abstract #7]

Brief Oral Presentation

10:10 – 10:20 am Affram KO, Amoah SK, Ayettey AS, Addai FK. Department of Anatomy, University of Ghana Medical School, College of Health Sciences, University of Ghana. Regular Ingestion of Cocoa Attenuates Glycation of Haemoglobin in Streptozotocin Induced Diabetic Rats [Abstract #21]

10:30 – 10:45 am Break

Chair Dr. Winfried Amoaku and Dr. Vivian Essuman

10:50 – 11:20 am Essuman V, Ntim –Amposah CT, Goka BQ, Adjei GO, Kurtzhas JA, Ndanu TA. University of Ghana Medical School, Ghana. Retinal Findings in Severe Malaria in Ghanaian Children [Abstract #9]

11:25 -11:55 am Amoaku W, University of Nottingham, UK

Basic Science Applications in Ophthalmology [Abstract #8] Brief Oral Presentation 12:00 – 12:10 pm Essuman VA1 , Ntim-Amponsah CT1, Ndanu T A.21 Eye Unit, Department

of Surgery, University of Ghana Medical School, 2University of Ghana Dental School, College of Health Sciences, University of Ghana. A Prospective Trial of Postoperative Lodoxamide (Alomide) on Pterygium Recurrence. [Abstract #22]



DAY 2 Thursday 14th August 12:15 - 1:15 pm LUNCH 1:30 – 3:30 pm GENERAL DISCUSSSION

Auditorium Biomedical Developments, Public Policy and Health in Ghana Moderator Dr. Gilbert Buckle Head, National Catholic Health Service of Ghana

3:30 - 4:45 pm Break

4:50 – 6:10 pm PLENARY 4

MOLECULAR MEDICINE

Auditorium Chair

Dr. Akanmori and Dr. Gilbert Buckle

4:50 – 5:20 pm Anyanful A, Dolan-Livengood J, Benian G, Kalman D. Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, USA. Using C. elegans to understand mechanisms of enteropathogenic E.coli virulence and host susceptibility [Abstract #10]

Brief Oral Presentations

5:25 – 5:35 pm James-Paul K1,2, Asamoah KK2, Adukpo S2, Amissah JT2, Dodoo D2,

Ofori MF2, Akanmori BD2, Ayeh-Kumi PF1, Gyan B2. 1Department of Microbiology, University of Ghana Medical School, Korle-Bu, 2Immunology Department, Noguchi Memorial Institute for Medical Research, University of Ghana, Ghana. Microvascular Damage, Variant Surface Antigens and Pathogenesis of Severe Malaria [Abstract #23]

5:40 – 5:50 pm Anyanful A, Benian G, Kalman D. Emory University School of Medicine,

Atlanta, USA. Pre-exposure of C. elegans to enteropathogenic E. coli initiates and promotes increased survival through activation of longevity and innate immunity pathway [Abstract #24]

5:55 – 6:05 pm Tetteh PW1, Adzaku FK1 and Obed SA2 Department of Physiology,

University of Ghana Medical School, 2Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Ghana Medical School. Impaired Renal Function in Preeclampsia Increases Urinary Isoprostane Excretion [Abstract #25]



DAY 2 Thursday 14th August

3:00 – 5:00 pm WORKSHOP 1

Conference Room

Homology Modeling

Sam Kwofie, MSc South African National Bioinformatics Institute (SANBI)

University of the Western Cape Ato Ogoe, MSc Biomedical Engineering Department University of Ghana

5:00 - 6:30 pm WORKSHOP 2

Conference Room

Grant Writing

Dr. Solomon Ofori-Acquah (Chair) Emory University School of Medicine Atlanta, USA

Dr. Akwasi Anyanful Emory University School of Medicine

Atlanta, USA 5:30 – 7:00 pm POSTER PRESENTATION 2

Large classroom Refer to Abstracts marked Short Talk and Poster Only for details

7:00 pm - Late Dinner



Day 3 Friday 15th August

9:00 – 12:30 am PLENARY 5 DRUG DISCOVERY & GENOMICS Auditorium Chair Dr. Peter Atadja and Dr. John Okyere

9:00 – 9:30 am Colecraft H, Columbia University, New York, USA GEMICCs: Genetically Encoded Molecules for Inducibly Inactivating Cav Channels [Abstract #13]

9:35 - 10:05 am Okyere J. CrossGen Limited, BioCity Nottingham, Pennyfoot Street,

Nottingham NG1 1GF, UK. Application of High-throughput Technologies in Drug Discovery [Abstract #14]

10:10 - 10:40 am Acquaah-Mensah G. Massachusetts College of Pharmacy & Health Sciences, Worcester MA 01608, USA. Neurologic Disorder Genes within Lung Nrf2 Transcriptional Regulatory Networks [Abstract #15]

10:45 -11:00 am Break 11:10 - 11:40 am Ampomah-Appiah A, University of Ghana, Accra, Ghana An overview of West African Medicinal Plant: Cryptolepis

sanguinolenta [Abstract #16] 11:45 - 12:15 am Atadja P, Novartis Institutes for Biomedical Research

Cambridge MA, USA. Discovery and Development of Deactylase Inhibitors as Anti-cancer therapeutics: From Target Discovery to Bedside [Abstract #17]

12: 30 Meeting Adjourned



Plenary [1] NMR and Molecular Dynamics Analysis of Cannabinoid Receptor 1 in Model Membranes

Tiburu EK, Bowman AL, Tyukhtenko SI, Struppe JO, Avraham HK , Makriyannis A.

Harvard Medical School/Center for Drug Discovery, Northeastern University, Boston, MA, USA. [email protected]

Cannabinoid receptor designated CB1 is a G-protein coupled receptor (GPCR) stimulated by cannabinoid agonists such as ∆9-Tetracannabinol, arachidonyl ethanolamide, WIN55,212-2 and CP55,940. The receptor is an important GPCR for a variety of conditions including drug addiction, cancer, pain and glaucoma. The CB1 receptor is present predominantly in the central nervous system, and is expressed in many regions of the brain including the hippocampus, cerebral cortex, basal ganglia and cerebellum. CB1 expression in the spleen, as well as on T cells and B cells has also been documented. We are presenting nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy and molecular dynamic (MD) simulation data to demonstrate the orientation and conformation of the CB1 receptor in short chain and long chain phospholipid bilayers. Solid-state NMR spectroscopic studies of aligned peptides representing the C-terminus of the human CB1 incorporated into phospholipid bilayers were used to determine the initial structure and orientation of the extended helix. The amide resonances of the specific 15N-labeled peptide were obtained using one-dimensional correlation techniques. Unoriented spectra of the site-specific 15N-labeled peptide were found to be characteristic of a transmembrane segment containing in-plane region with slightly different mobility for the peptide. The aligned spectra of two segments in DMPC and POPC phospholopid bilayers provided two sets of resonance peaks: 90 ppm, 185 ppm, and 71 ppm, 200 ppm respectively. The 15N chemical shift resonances of the transmembrane helix corresponded to a tilt angle of ~ 26° ± 3 in DMPC and ~ 13° ± 4 in POPC phospholipid bilayers. Two different membrane-explicit water environments were used in the MD simulations: A POPC bilayer large enough to accommodate the receptor was produced by replicating and then truncating a fully pre-equilibrated 8 × 8 × 2 POPC patch. This produced a fully-solvated bilayer composed of 256 POPC lipids and 7016 water molecules. The POPC system was fully minimized with steepest descent, then 2 ns of molecular dynamics (MD) were performed with the phosphorus atom of each lipid positionally constrained with a force constant of 1000 kJ mol-1 nm-2. A further 2 ns of unrestrained MD were performed on each system to produce two fully-solvated, fully-equilibrated bilayers (details of MD are given below). The tilt angles from the molecular dynamic simulation studies compared favorably with 15N NMR data. In conclusion, we show that the bilayer thickness significantly affect the tilt angle of the receptor. The results provide molecular insight into how different lipid environments can influence protein conformation and structure in vitro.



Plenary [2] The Simple Nitrogen Oxides and Human Health: Chemistry meets Biology Richter-Addo, GB. Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of Oklahoma, Norman, OK 73019. [email protected] Nature utilizes the simplest nitrogen oxide, namely NO (nitric oxide), in a myriad of physiological processes including vasodilation and alteration of protein function. Until the late 1980s, nitrogen oxides were viewed mainly as toxic compounds that contributed to atmospheric pollution and acid rain. It is now known that NO is biosynthesized in mammals by an iron-containing enzyme. The active site of this enzyme contains an iron porphyrin thiolate unit that converts the amino acid L-arginine to citrulline and NO. The recognized functional receptor for NO in mammals is the enzyme soluble guanylyl cyclase that also contains iron in the active site. Thus, the role of the iron center in these enzymes needs to be investigated if we are to obtain a clearer understanding of how NO assists in the control of blood pressure. Our efforts to prepare functional active site models for NO-binding to heme iron will be presented, and the structural consequences of NO binding will be discussed. NO is also physiologically active with the muscle protein myoglobin (Mb) and the blood protein hemoglobin (Hb) by binding to the iron centers in these proteins. We have correlated the results from the active site models with those from protein systems. Another simple nitrogen oxide is the ubiquitous nitrite anion that has been proposed to be a supplemental source of bioactive NO under hypoxic conditions. In this scenario, the heme Fe of Mb and Hb binds nitrite and activates it towards conversion to NO. Clearly, the Fe-NOx unit now takes center stage in the chemistry of vasodilation and blood pressure control. How is that possible? It is likely that nature employs inorganic chemistry in a unique way to control the chemistry of the main group elements such as oxygen and nitrogen to ensure proper functioning of the cardiovascular system. Interestingly, this concept extends to the Fe-containing detoxifying cytochrome P450 enzymes in the liver, where harmful chemicals are converted by the P450 enzymes into less toxic compounds that can be excreted. It is also interesting to note that nature uses the inorganic chemistry of heme iron in the chloroquine-dependent control of malaria and in the residue commonly associated with the dental condition gingivitis.



Plenary [3] Simulating Host-Virus Interactions: Epstein-Barr Virus in its Human Host Duca KA1, Shapiro MD2, Delgado-Eckert E2, Hadinoto V2, Hawkins J2, Jarrah AS3, Jones MT3, Laubenbacher R3, Lee K4, Luzuriaga K4, Plassman P3, Polys NF3, Torgbor C1, and Thorley-Lawson DA.2

1College of Science; Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, Kumasi, Ghana. 2Sackler School of Biomedical Sciences, Tufts University, Boston, USA. 3Virginia Polytechnic and State University, Blacksburg, USA. 4University of Massachusetts Medical College, Worcester, USA Using computer simulation and mathematical modeling to gain insight into living systems is receiving increased attention. However, it is as yet unclear to what extent these techniques will provide useful biological insights or even what approach is best for any given goal. Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) provides a good candidate to begin to address these issues. It persistently infects most humans and is associated with several important diseases. In addition, a detailed biological model has been developed that provides an understanding of EBV infection in the naturally infected human host and accounts for most of the virus' unique properties. We have developed an agent-based computer simulation (PathSim, Pathogen Simulation) implementing this biological model at the cellular level. Lymphocytes and virions interact according to a set of rules based the biological model. The simulation is performed on a virtual grid that represents the anatomy of the tonsils of the nasopharyngeal cavity (Waldeyer ring) and the peripheral circulation, the sites of EBV infection and persistence. The simulation is presented via a user friendly visual interface and reproduces quantitative and qualitative aspects of acute and persistent EBV infection. Moreover, it allows us to identify important switch points in the infection process that direct the disease process towards the end points of persistent infection, viral clearance, or even host death. These computer experiments indicate that such simulations, combined with laboratory and clinical studies, as well as animal models, will provide a powerful approach to investigating and controlling infection, including the design of targeted anti-viral therapies. We are currently developing a “second generation” of PathSim that improves on the initial model and will eventually allow it to accommodate other pathogens and organs. Accurately simulating normal germinal center development and how EBV and malaria together give rise to Burkitt’s Lymphoma are future goals for the next version of PathSim.



Plenary [4] Tissue Engineering and Biomaterials Kaufmann EE. Biomedical Engineering Department, University of Ghana, Legon, Accra, Ghana. The problem of tissue or organ loss through damage and disease has traditionally been addressed by the use of grafts from other human beings or perhaps more ambitiously from other mammals. Although transplantation of living cells, tissues and organs has had significant successes over the years, there are still many challenges including the possibility of infectious disease transmission and graft rejection through severe immunological responses. Additionally, it has become clear, as evidenced by the long waiting lists for donated organs and tissues, that the supply of tissue for transplantation is inadequate. To avoid some of the problems of transplantation, synthetic biomaterials have been used but have been found to be limited by their limited lifespan, inability to be remodeled and by their ability to elicit foreign body responses. In recent years, the field of tissue engineering—application of scientific and engineering principles to the design, construction, modification, growth, and maintenance of living tissues— has emerged as a possible solution to the many problems of transplantation. This approach relies on the use of biomaterials to build frameworks or “scaffolds” that guide the growth of new cells. These scaffolds are specifically designed to control or modify cell function and the approach is expected to work for everything from the in vitro growth of skin grafts to the production of heart valves. This presentation will give an overview of the technologies that have made tissue engineering possible today and give some insights into how tissue engineering may be applicable in the Ghanaian context.



Plenary [5] Translating DNA into money: strategies for the growth of biotechnology in Ghana Kwofie SK. South African National Bioinformatics Institute, University of the Western Cape Private Bag X17 Bellville 7535 South Africa. [email protected] Ghana is experiencing a fair degree of macroeconomic stability due to the formulation and implementation of sound fiscal policies. The country has identified three core frameworks for sustainable development: Millennium Development Goals (MDG), New Partnership for Africa Development (NEPAD) and Ghana Poverty Reduction Strategy (GPRS). In order to achieve and sustain these economic goals, the economic base of the country needs to be broadened and diversified. Ghana is ranked sixth and third on the ease of doing business and protecting investors indices respectively in sub-Saharan Africa (Doing Business 2008 report). This report implies that the necessary regulatory policies exist to facilitate sustainable economic growth. Countries such as India, Cuba, Brazil and South Africa have identified Biotechnology as part of their broader economic growth strategy. South Africa for example has put in place coherent biotechnology strategy and has projected that biotechnology may contribute 2% of Gross Domestic Product (GDP) by 2018 (Dr. Ben Durham, Department of Science and Technology- South Africa). Even though Ghana has a draft biotechnology strategy, it is important to review it by drawing on the recent experiences of other countries to improve the model. In view of the above, a robust Bioscience enterprise and Biotechnology platforms have been proposed by the author as one of the core areas to help improve the Biotechnology industry to boost economic growth. The framework includes a National Biotechnology Skills Development Strategy (NBSDS) and its corresponding platforms for implementation. The NBSDS include Biotechnology skills audit to identify specific skill shortages and intervention policies to address the shortages. The model has National Biotechnology Network (NBN), a network consisting of nodes of Biotechnology Innovation Centres (BICs) and a Biotechnology Innovation Fund (BIF). The BIF, a venture capital fund will finance the identification, development, protection and commercialization of Intellectual Property (IP). The BICs will be equipped with ‘third generation biotechnology’ high throughput resources to generate IP and develop biotechnology platforms to serve as incubators for start-up or spin-off companies. These platforms will aim to address national health needs such as the development of novel pharmaceutical drugs, vaccines and rapid diagnostics kits; and agricultural needs such as pesticides and genetically modified food crops. As indicated earlier, this model is based on intelligence, knowledge and practical experiences gained from both so-called third world and developed countries including Cuba, South Africa and the European Union. The Center for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology in Cuba has developed various pharmaceutical drugs and vaccines that are in different phases of clinical trials. In South Africa, LIFElab a regional innovative centre has setup the National Genomic Platform (NGP), which is equipped with GS FLX genome sequencer for high throughput genome research. This genomic platform and other facilities serve as resources for both academic and spin-off companies.



Plenary [6] Sickle Cell Disease: a Tale of Two Cells Ofori-Acquah SF. Aflac Cancer Center and Blood Disorders Services, Department of Pediatrics, Emory University School of Medicine, Emory University, Atlanta, GA 30322, USA. [email protected] Sickle cell disease (SCD) is a prototypical molecular disorder caused by a single point mutation in the beta-globin gene. It is the leading genetic disorder among sub-Sahara African populations including Ghanaians. At the cellular level, this mutation deforms normally pliable red blood cells into rigid sickle-shaped erythrocytes that hemolyse readily and adhere tightly to endothelium. The intravascular hemolysis releases excessive amounts of cell-free heme into circulation dramatically reducing nitric oxide bioavailability and injuring the endothelial lining of blood vessels. This causes multi-organ vascular complications including pulmonary hypertension, which is currently the leading cause of death in SCD. A wealth of molecular diagnostic and therapeutic breakthroughs made at the turn of the 20th century has dramatically increased life expectancy of SCD patients living in the USA and Europe. These advances are largely unavailable to patients living in Africa highlighting a global health disparity in SCD that is likely to grow as physicians in the West incorporate genomic information in clinical decisions. It is our contention that the pursuit of personalized medicine for SCD patients living in the West offers a unique opportunity for capacity building in biomedical research in Africa because of the need for large-scale genomic studies. Personalized medicine in SCD is inextricably linked to improving our understanding of the clinical heterogeneity of SCD. We first examined this issue by characterizing the chromosomal background of the sickle cell mutation among African immigrants living in England and comparing them to Jamaican patients. This work identified a region in the beta globin gene locus that influences expression of the anti-sickling hemoglobin F, and by extension modulates the clinical severity of SCD. Further mapping of this region identified a polymorphic cyclic AMP response element in the gamma globin promoter, and transcription factors ATF-2 and c-JUN as anti-sickling agents. More recently, we have uncovered heterogeneity of adhesion complexes at endothelial cell junctions as important determinants of vascular permeability in the lung. Further studies evaluating the global transcriptional response of these cells to heme has uncovered a wealth of candidate genes implicated in the pathogenesis and the protection of the pulmonary vasculature in SCD. Rigorous investigations of these candidate genes using vertically-integrated experimental approaches including transgenic sickle cell mice is poised to identify new targets for large-scale genetic association studies critically important for personalized patients care in the west and capacity-building spin-offs in Ghana.



Plenary [7] 5-Hydroxymethyl-2-furfural: A Potent Antisickling Agent In Vivo and In Vitro Safo MK,1 Abdulmalik O,2 Danso-Danquah R,1 Asakura T,2 Abraham DJ.1

1Institute for Structural Biology and Drug Discovery, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA 23219; 2Division of Hematology, The Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA 19104. [email protected] Sickle cell disease (SCD) is one of the most prevalent hematologic genetic disorders in the world that occurs as a result of a single mutation of βGlu6 in hemoglobin (Hb) to βVal6 in sickle hemoglobin (HbS). The clinical condition is characterized by chronic hemolytic anemia, frequent and severe painful crises and multi-system pathology that impact nearly every organ. Currently, hydroxyurea is the only drug used for the treatment of SCD. Unfortunately, not all patients respond to hydroxyurea and some patients experience adverse effects, thus there remains a need for other modes of therapy. Since polymerization of deoxygenated HbS accounts for the pathologic changes in SCD, one of the main strategy of therapy aims to prevent or reverse this process. One such approach involves chemical modification of Hb to increase the more soluble oxygenated HbS (increase the oxygen affinity of Hb) and/or to stereospecifically inhibit the polymerization process by destabilizing HbS contact sites. However, one of the challenges to finding such therapeutic Hb modifiers has been the lack of compounds which would specifically bind with the high concentration of Hb without causing adverse effects. We recently discovered 5-hydroxymethyl-2-furfural (5-HMF), a naturally occurring compound to be a strong antisickling agent. The in vitro studies showed that 5-HMF was able to pass through the red blood cell (RBC) membranes and bind specifically with Hb, forming a Schiff-base adduct. This modification of Hb increased the oxygen affinity of Hb and inhibited the polymerization process. Our in vivo studies also demonstrated that 5-HMF had high bioavailability; a single oral dose of 100 mg/kg 5-HMF in transgenic sickle mice had a terminal half-life level of 1.5 hrs and resulted in 100% modification of HbS. This single oral dose significantly prolonged the survival time of hypoxia-exposed transgenic sickle mice from 15 min to the full experimental period of 60 min. The potent anti-sickling effect, low-molecular weight, low toxicity, high specificity and high bioavailability make 5-HMF an attractive potential candidate for the treatment of SCD. Further detailed studies on the long-term toxicology and clinical trials of 5-HMF are currently on-going.



Plenary [8] Basic Science Applications in Ophthalmology Amoaku W. University of Nottingham, Nottingham University Hospitals NHS Trust, [email protected] The prevalence of eye diseases has significant geographic variation. From the incomplete epidemiological information on visual impairment, the commonest causes of visual impairment in Ghana include cataracts, glaucoma, diabetic retinopathy, other retinal vascular diseases, ocular infections and corneal scars. Although some of these conditions eg cataracts are easily diagnosed and curable, others including glaucoma require early detection and timely intervention in order to avoid permanent visual loss. The pathophysiology, detection, and management of glaucoma, diabetic retinopathy and other relevant eye diseases, will be discussed in the context of recent advances in basic science.



Plenary [9] Retinal Findings in Severe Malaria in Ghanaian Children

Essuman V,1 Ntim-Amponsah CT,1 Goka BQ,1 Adjei GO,2 Kurtzhals JA,3 Ndanu TA.4 1University of Ghana Medical School, CHS-UG, Accra, Ghana. 2Korle-Bu Teaching Hospital, Accra, Ghana. 3Centre for Medical Parasitology, Copenhagen University Hospital, Denmark

4University of Ghana Dental School, CHS-UG, Accra, Ghana [email protected] Malaria is a common cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide. In malaria-endemic areas, reliably establishing parasitaemia for diagnosis and excluding other causes of severe disease can be difficult. Some studies have described a retinopathy associated with severe malaria, in which some features are unique only to severe malaria with a predictive value on prognosis. Detection of this retinopathy could be a useful diagnostic tool. This study was to determine therefore, the relationship between retinal signs and types of severe malaria (malaria with respiratory distress, MRD, malaria with severe anaemia, MSA, and cerebral malaria, CM) in Ghanaian children, and their prognostic significance if any; and any association between retinal signs in cerebral malaria with or without convulsion. A cross-sectional study of retinal signs among severe malaria patients admitted to the Malaria Research Project ward, Department of Child health, Korle-Bu Teaching Hospital, Accra, during a single malarial season, July to August 2002 was done. All children had dilated fundus examination by direct and indirect ophthalmoscopy. Fifty-eight children aged between 6 months and 9 years were recruited. Twenty six (44.8%) of these had CM, 22 with convulsion; MSA, 27(46.6%) and MRD 6(10.3%). Some retinopathy were seen in CM 19(73.1%), MSA 14(51.9%), MRD 3(50.0%), CM with convulsion 15(68.2%) and all CM without convulsion 4(100%). CM and MSA had significant risk relationship with retinal whitening (OR=11.00, CI=2.157-56.094; OR 0.145, CI=0.029–0.733 respectively) but not with papilloedema, macular whitening, macula haemorrhage, retinal haemorrhage, cotton wool spots and vessel abnormality. MRD showed no significant risk relation with any retinopathy. No significant association was found between retinopathy in CM and convulsion. Two neurological defects (upper motor neuron facial nerve palsy and ataxia) occurred but no deaths were seen. Retinal whitening was significantly related to CM and MSA. No association was found between retinopathy in CM and presence or absence of convulsion. There were no deaths but 2 neurological defects occurred.



Plenary [10] Using C. elegans to understand mechanisms of enteropathogenic E. coli virulence and host susceptibility Anyanful A, Dolan-Livengood J, Benian G, Kalman D. Dept. of Pathology and Lab Medicine, Emory University, Atlanta GA, USA. [email protected] Enteropathogenic E. coli (EPEC) causes high morbidity and mortality in developing countries. We have developed a model of EPEC virulence based on our observation that these bacteria paralyze and kill C. elegans. Paralysis and killing of C. elegans did not require direct contact, suggesting mediation by a secreted toxin. Virulence however did require tryptophan and bacterial tryptophanase because lack of tryptophan in growth media or deletion of tryptophanase gene failed to kill C. elegans. While known tryptophan metabolites failed to complement an EPEC tryptophanase mutant, complementation was achieved with the enzyme itself expressed either within the pathogen or within a co-cultured K12 strains. EPEC strains containing mutations in the locus of enterocyte effacement (LEE), a pathogenicity island required for virulence in humans, also displayed attenuated capacity kill nematodes. Furthermore, tryptophanase activity was required for full activation of LEE promoters, and for efficient formation of actin-filled membranous protrusions (A/E lesions) that form on the surface of mammalian epithelial cells following attachment and which depends on LEE genes. Finally, several C. elegans genes, including daf-2, age-1, hif-1 and egl-9, rendered C. elegans less susceptible to EPEC when mutated, suggesting their involvement in mediating toxin effects. Other genes, including daf-16, mev-1, mek-1 and pgp-1,3 rendered C. elegans more susceptible to EPEC effects when mutated, suggesting their involvement in protection. Together, these data suggest that this C. elegans/EPEC system will be valuable in elucidating novel factors relevant to human disease that regulate virulence in the pathogen or susceptibility to infection in the host.



Plenary 11] A “US-Style” Educational Approach in Undergraduate Biochemistry: Experiences at KNUST Duca KA, Torgbor C, Larbi A. Department of Biochemistry and Biotechnology, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST); Kumasi, Ghana. [email protected] The demands of globalization and economic development are driving exploration and innovation in tertiary education world-wide and Ghana is no exception. US-style graduate and undergraduate educational models are increasingly being exported, as American institutions seek to establish international affiliations in a competitive domestic environment and developing nations seek new alternatives in order to rapidly expand access to higher education and foster entrepreneurship. Here we present data collected over a two year period illustrating more and less successful introductions of US-style teaching methods in the Biochemistry Department at KNUST. We tracked both objective outcomes (grades) and student satisfaction. We define “US-style” as a pedagogical approach that stresses conceptual understanding, critical analysis, synthesis, scientific judgment, and innovation, in addition to knowledge acquisition. Moreover, it is very student-centric, requiring the individual student to take full responsibility for the learning process, supported by the lecturer and teaching assistants. The teaching-learning style involved intensive use of multi-media and other exhibits, extensive reading of various texts and scientific articles, special projects, skill-development, and writing practice. Assessment was continuous and varied throughout the term. Resistance was initially high among students, especially those closest to graduation, but was mitigated to some extent by clearly communicating the benefits of the new system. Grades distributions were bimodal, with those who tried out the new approach consistently scoring higher than those who did not. Student satisfaction at course conclusion was generally high, with the early adopters of the system early expressing enthusiasm about their development as junior scientists and learning in general. A small minority preferred a return to the conventional approach. Recommendations for smoother and more effective introduction of the US-style include: 1. clear communication about the need to modify one’s approach to learning and the personal benefits to be derived; 2. reassurance that final grades will not be lower than usual; 3. elicitation of student input and feedback in the curriculum development; and 4. starting the process early with the first year entering class.



Plenary [12] Prospects and Challenges of a Malaria Vaccine: Research Issues Gyan B, Dodoo D, Ofori Michael. Department of Immunology, Noguchi Memorial Institute for Medical Research, University of Ghana, Box 581, Legon, Accra, Ghana. [email protected] Many factors make malaria vaccine development difficult and challenging. These include the genetic complexity of the parasite, the several life stages and species of the parasite as well as its evasive strategies against the host. However, over the past decade there has been considerable progress in the understanding of immune mechanisms involved in conferring protection to malaria and in the identification of vaccine candidate antigens and their genes. This could be attributed to recent advances in science and biotechnology which holds great promise for making a vaccine to prevent this devastating disease. Scientists from Africa have contributed to these achievements. Translating the current knowledge into an effective vaccine means we need to invest in the future—both in vaccine development and resourcing scientists to ensure that an effective malaria vaccine, once licensed, can be effectively delivered and monitored. Several studies have been undertaken in Ghana which requires discussion.



Plenary [13] GEMIICCs: Genetically Encoded Molecules for Inducibly Inactivating CaV Channels Colecraft H. Columbia University, College of Physicians and Surgeons, New York, NY 10032, USA. [email protected] Voltage-dependent calcium (CaV) channels are central to the biology of all excitable cells. Pharmacological block of CaV channels is an important therapeuty for diverse cardiovascular and neurological diseases including: angina, hypertension, stroke, and pain. We will discuss our development of a new type of CaV channel inhibitor that is genetically encoded and can be acutely activated by a chemical agent. These genetically encoded molecules for inducibly inactivating CaV channels (GEMIICCs) fill key niches that cannot be accessed by traditional CaV channel blockers. We will discuss the potential applications of GEMIICCs as tools for both biological discovery and therapy.



Plenary [14] Application of High-throughput Technologies in Drug Discovery Okyere,J. CrossGen Limited, BioCity Nottingham, Pennyfoot Street, Nottingham NG1 1GF, UK. [email protected] Transcript profiling using microarray technologies, to query on a large scale the expression of genes in cell lines, has numerous potential use in drug discovery and development. Characterisation of the expressed genes could reveal molecular pathways which may distinguish one disease subset from another, thereby identifying potential drug targets. Alternatively, gene expression patterns may be correlated with the degree of anti-proliferative effect of candidate drug leads. This can also reveal aspects of drug action that could form the basis for surrogate biomarker discovery. A review of current gene expression technology platforms will be discussed.



Plenary [15] Neurologic Disorder Genes within Lung Nrf2 Transcriptional Regulatory Networks Acquaah-Mensah G. Massachusetts College of Pharmacy & Health Sciences, SOP-W, Worcester MA 01608, USA. [email protected] Several neoplastic, neurological and cardiovascular conditions have been associated with oxidative stress. It has been established that cigarette smoke induces oxidative stress in the lung. There are mechanistic insights inherent in the relative RNA abundance levels represented in high throughput gene expression studies (microarrays). In this report, newly developed information-theoretic algorithms that employ the concept of mutual information were used: the Algorithm for the Reconstruction of Accurate Cellular Networks (ARACNE), and Context Likelihood of Relatedness (CLR). These algorithms captured direct statistical dependencies in the gene expression profiles of the mouse lung, allowing the regulatory effect of Nrf2 in response to oxidative stress to be elucidated. Along with probabilistic graphical models (Bayesian networks), they were used to capture regulatory relationships among genes contributing to the response to cigarette smoke-induced oxidative stress. The network of direct Nrf2-interacting gene products generated includes Park7, which has been linked to Parkinson’s disease pathways. It also includes Prp, abnormal conformations of which have been associated with prion diseases such as Creutzfeldt-Jacob disease. Alsin (from Als2), a protein involved in Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis, and Srxn1, critical in averting S-glutathionylation associated diseases such as Parkinson’s disease, are also present. The significance of these findings will be discussed.



Plenary [16 An Overview of West African Medicinal Plant:Cryptolepis sanguinolenta

Ampomah-Appiah A.

Department of Chemistry, University of Ghana, Accra, Ghana. [email protected]

The root of the plant Cryptolepis sanguinolenta (Lindl.) Schlt (Periplocaceae) is used in traditional African medicine to treat a variety of diseases including malaria, jaundice, hepatitis, urinary tract infections, hypertension, inflammatory conditions and stomach ache. Extracts of the roots are also used as a tonic that is taken daily by many people for years without evidence of toxicity. Various studies indicate that crude extracts of the roots, as well as isolated alkaloidal constituents from the plant, possess a number of interesting biological properties. The focus of this overview is to highlight the potential of Cryptolepis sanguinolenta in modern health care.



Plenary [17] Discovery and Development of Deacetylase Inhibitors as Anti-cancer therapeutics: From Target Discovery to Bedside Atadja P. Novartis Institutes for Biomedical Research, Cambridge, Massachusetts, USA. [email protected] Modern drug discovery and development involves a multi-stage process that incorporates diverse technologies and skill sets that start with elucidation and understanding of the disease mechanisms and target identification, identification and optimization of modulators of the disease target and finally culminating in preclinical and clinical trials to alter the course of the disease process. I will present an overview that illustrates how understanding of mechanisms of tumorigenesis led to the identification of histone deacetylases as cancer target, what assays and chemical design strategies were utilized in lead identification and optimization that finally led to the discovery of histone deacetylase inhibitors Dacinostat (LAQ824) and Panobinostat (LBH589), and their development as anticancer agents. Cancer is typified by inappropriate gene expression – both over-expression of genes associated with cellular proliferation and survival (e.g., oncogenes), and under-expression of genes that control these processes (e.g., tumor suppressor genes). Therefore, mechanisms that control gene expression have become attractive targets for new anti-cancer therapeutics. Histone deacetylases (HDACs) are a family of enzymes that post-translationally modifies the structure of chromatin, leading to differential gene expression. Recent studies have also identified many tumor relevant non-chromatin proteins to be post-translationally and functionally modified by acetylation. In a search for activators of the gene encoding p21, a protein which inhibits cell cycle progression and tumor cell proliferation, the natural products, trichostatin A, trapoxin A, and psammaplin A, all subsequently shown as HDAC inhibitors were identified as hits. Based upon an analysis of their pharmacophores and a structure-activity study of straight chain hydroxamates, a new class of small molecule HDAC inhibitors including LAQ824 and LBH589 emerged. They potently inhibit class I and II HDACs, transcriptionally activate the p21 promoter, inhibit tumor cell growth and induce either tumor stasis or regression in tumor-bearing animal models. In clinical trials, Panobinostat has demonstrated anti-tumor efficacy in several hematological and solid tumors including Cutaneous T-cell Lymphomas, Hodgkins Lymphoma, Multiple Myeloma, Acute Myeloid Leukemia and Hormone Refractory Prostate Cancer. This drug is currently being investigated worldwide in multiple late-stage clinical trials, both as single agent and in combination with standard therapy.



Brief Oral Presentation/Poster [18] Ceramic Hip Replacement Prosthesis Material: A Case for Local Development Tetteh DMB, Agbedor P. CSIR – Institute of Industrial Research, Accra P.O. Box LG 576, Legon, Accra., Ghana. [email protected] This paper reviews work done on local materials for medical applications and initiates moves to make total hip replacement (THR) affordable to all arthritis patients requiring the facility, through biomedical engineering intervention. Chemical precipitation and calcination techniques have been used to obtain Al2O3 and MgO from local bauxite and bittern, respectively. CaO has been obtained through shells calcination. Though not much work has been done on the local zircon deposits, there are indications that processed local materials may be used in developing stabilized zirconia – toughened alumina (with MgO and / or CaO as the stabilizing materials). Local development of this ceramic is, therefore suggested for fabrication of cheaper prostheses.



Brief Oral Presentation/Poster [19] Design of an Adaptive Child Safety Seat to be Mounted on an Adult Bicycle Addo DA, Kaufmann EE Biomedical Engineering Dept, University of Ghana, Legon, Accra Ghana. [email protected], [email protected] In most low-income countries particularly Ghana, Road traffic injuries and fatalities are an increasingly significant health problem. However, strategies for preventing injuries have not been well addressed. From data collected by the Ghana Police from 1994 – 1998, road traffic crashes were a leading cause of death and injuries in Ghana with the majority of road traffic fatalities (61.2%) and injuries (52.3%) occurring on roads in the rural areas. Specifically 51% of injuries in the rural areas involved bicycles while a corresponding value of 6% was recorded for the urban areas. This design project was therefore carried out to provide an adaptive system in the form of an affordable child safety seat to minimize a passenger’s motion in a crash, preventing ejection, distributing crash forces over the strongest part of the body and protecting the head and spinal cord. A typical Engineering design process was used to arrive at the prototype. The child seat was designed with a safety factor of 52. Additionally, the seat provides features which address the harsh local conditions. Also, after comparison with other commercially available products in the developed countries it was found to be approximately 71% cheaper.



Brief Oral Presentation/Poster [20] An antifeedant agent with insecticidal effect Jonfia-Essien WA, Alderson PG, Tucker G, Linforth, West G. School of Biosciences, University of Nottingham, UK. [email protected] Acetophenone, ethyl butyrate and 2-phenyl ethanol were used as additives to media on which young adult Tribolium castaneum (Herbst) and Lasioderma serricorne (Fabricius) were cultured for 65 days. A mixture of the three flavour volatiles deterred the insects from feeding well which subsequently affected the growth of the insects and after just 65 days, all the insects died. But when the concentration was increased, the insects became weak and died within a few minutes. Similar findings were observed with direct exposure to the mixture. Thus a mixture of the three flavour volatiles could be used in the formulation of effective control measures for the two insect pests both as an antifeedant and insecticide.



Brief Oral Presentation/Poster [21] Regular Ingestion of Cocoa Attenuates Glycation of Haemoglobin in Streptozotocin Induced Diabetic Rats. Affram KO, Amoah SK, Ayettey AS, Addai FK. Department of Anatomy, University of Ghana Medical School, College of Health Sciences, University of Ghana, Accra, Ghana. [email protected] In humans levels of glycated haemoglobin (HbA1c) mediated by oxidative stress correlate positively with complications/mortality in both diabetics and non-diabetics. Cocoa has demonstrable antixodant properties attributable to its flavanol and theobromine content. This study investigated the effect of regular ingestion of cocoa on the level of glycated haemoglobin in streptozotocin (STZ)-induced diabetic rats. Female albino rats of similar mean weight and age were randomised into three groups: 4 diabetic rats on cocoa, 4 diabetic rats not on cocoa and 3 non-diabetic rats. Diabetes was induced using a single tail vein injection of STZ (53 mg/kg) in 0.1M-citrate buffer. Non-diabetic controls were injected with equivalent volumes of 0.1M-citrate buffer solution without STZ. Diabetes was established in rats when blood glucose levels were greater than 11mmol/L. Natural cocoa powder was given as 2% (w/v) in drinking water for diabetic rats on cocoa, in place of tap water given to the other groups of rats. Blood glucose was monitored during the experiment. After 10 weeks, blood was collected from the rats and HbA1c levels were assessed using a DC2000 (Bayer) equipment. Average blood glucose did not significantly change throughout the experiment for all groups. Experimentally induced diabetic rats had 228% more HbA1c than cohort non-diabetic (control) rats, whereas diabetic rats given unrestricted access to cocoa powder in drinking water had 100% more HbA1c. The differences were statistically significant. Regular consumption of cocoa significantly attenuated haemoglobin glycation in STZ-induced diabetic rats. If this study is replicated in humans it would be good news for diabetics in Ghana since natural cocoa is abundant and affordable.



Brief Oral Presentation/Poster [22] A Prospective Trial of Postoperative Lodoxamide (Alomide) on Pterygium Recurrence

Essuman VA,1 Ntim-Amponsah CT,1 Ndanu TA.2

1Eye Unit, Department of Surgery, University of Ghana Medical School, 2University of Ghana Dental School, College of Health Sciences, University of Ghana, Accra Ghana. [email protected] Pterygium is a degenerative change where a fibrovascular growth extends from the conjunctiva into cornea. It is common in the tropics and in Ghana. It is associated with ultraviolet light and dusty environment. Treatment is surgical but recurrence is high, 40->80%. Different adjuvants to surgery (i.e. B-radiation with Strontium-90, chemotherapeutic agents and conjunctival autograft) have been tried, aiming at reducing the recurrence rates but some with serious complications. Histological sections of pterygia show mast cells and eosinophils suggesting immune-based association and hence anti-allergic drugs like Alomide which act as mast cells stabiliser may help. This study therefore aimed at comparing recurrence rate of bare sclera technique alone with bare sclera and adjuvant Alomide eye drops. A prospective study carried out at the Eye Unit of the Korle-Bu Teaching hospital from July 1998 to December 2000, in which 60 patients with primary pterygia had surgical removal using bare sclera technique, and post operatively treated in a randomised double blind way by either 1 or 2 treatment groups for 4 weeks; 1 = Guttae Prednisolone 1% + guttae chloramphenicol + distilled water as placebo (Controls) 2 = Guttae Prednisolone 1% + guttae chloramphenicol + guttae Alomide. The patients were followed up for two and a half years (30 months). Out of 30 patients (15 females & 15males) who had the test treatment 2, 11(36.7%) had recurrence. Out of 30 controls (20 females and 10 males) who received treatment 1, 11 (36.7%) had recurrence. The OR for the 2 group = 1.00 (CI: 0.35-2.858). The whole group recurrence was 22 (36.7%). Main complications encountered in the whole group were granuloma 12(20%), restriction in the motility of medial rectus muscle 2(3.3%), persistent vascularisation at site of excision 2(3.3%) and adherence leukoma with uveitis 1(1.7%). There was no statistical difference between the 2 treatment groups with respect to recurrence, type and time of complications, gender, age, laterality, orientation and morphology of pterygium, P>0.05. Lodoxamide (Alomide) offers no advantage in reducing recurrence of pterygium.



Brief Oral Presentation/Poster [23] Microvascular Damage, Variant Surface Antigens and Pathogenesis of Severe Malaria James-Paul K1,2, Asamoah KK2, Adukpo S2, Amissah JT2, Dodoo D2, Ofori MF2, Akanmori BD2, Ayeh-Kumi PF1, Gyan B2.

1Department of Microbiology, University of Ghana Medical School, Korle-Bu, 2Immunology Department, Noguchi Memorial Institute for Medical Research, University of Ghana, Ghana. [email protected] Malaria is one of the leading causes of death from parasitic diseases in sub Saharan Africa. Of the species of Plasmodium that infect humans, only Plasmodium falciparum sequester in the microvessels of the brain leading to complications which are not wholly understood. This study sought to compare the ability of antibodies in plasma of paediatric malaria patients to recognize variant surface antigens (VSA) expressed by P. falciparum parasites obtained from these malaria patients with and without microvascular damage. Plasma levels of SDF-1 were measured by ELISA and used to categorize the study participants into four groups; Cerebral Malaria with and without microvascular damage (CM+MD and CM-MD, respectively), and uncomplicated malaria with and without microvascular damage (UM+MD and UM-MD). Plasma levels of soluble ICAM-1 (sICAM-1) in the study groups were quantified by ELISA. Recognition of parasite-specific VSAs, obtained from three patient groups; (CM-MD, UM+MD and UM-MD), was assessed by flow cytometry, using plasma antibodies from these same patient groups. Children with cerebral malaria showed a significantly higher level of SDF-1 than in healthy controls (P = 0.027). Levels of sICAM-1 were significantly higher in malaria patients with and without microvascular damage than in healthy individuals (P<0.001). Epitopes of parasite-specific VSA obtained from a patient from CM-MD group was highly recognized by plasma antibodies from all the patient groups than parasite-specific VSA of UM-MD and UM+MD groups. This study reveals that malaria patients who express low levels of plasma SDF-1 are able to better recognize VSA of P. falciparum from individuals with CM-MD than those obtained from UM-MD and UM+MD individuals. Parasites obtained from malaria patients with and without microvascular may have expressed distinct VSA responsible for cerebral malaria and uncomplicated malaria but this may not have contributed to microvascular damage.



Brief Oral Presentation/Poster [24] Pre-exposure of C. elegans to enteropathogenic E. coli initiates and promotes increased survival through activation of longevity and innate immunity pathways Anyanful A, Benian G, Kalman D. Dept. of Pathology, Emory University, Atlanta GA 30322, USA. [email protected] Enteropathogenic E. coli (EPEC) is a human gastrointestinal pathogen that primarily causes the mortality of infants through diarrhea and dehydration in developing nations. We previously showed that EPEC kills C. elegans using a secreted toxin in an EPEC::Caenorhabditis elegans model to study EPEC virulence and host response. C. elegans’ initial response to EPEC exposure is to escape the lawn and avoid subsequent contact. Here, we report that this brief exposure and avoidance behavior to EPEC activates protective pathways that “condition” C. elegans and promote increased survival upon subsequent exposure to lethal EPEC. Conditioning requires genes in the dopamine signaling pathway (cat-2 and dop-3), genes in the innate immunity (sek-1 and pmk-1) and the insulin/IGFR1 signaling pathway (daf-2 and daf-16). Additionally, we show that pmk-1 and daf-16 upon EPEC exposure, initiate the transcription of two downstream genes spp-1 and aqp-1 to mediate the conditioning response. Finally, although other stressors (heat shock, heavy metals, starvation), can condition C. elegans to survive exposure to EPEC, the stressors do so via daf-16, but not through sensory mechanisms (e.g. dop-3), indicating the specificity of conditioning. Together, our findings suggest that C. elegans uses dopaminergic neurons to detect EPEC, and then signals the coordinate regulation of longevity and immunity pathway genes to allow the survival of subsequent exposure. The avoidance period may therefore be necessary for the protective responses to develop. Thus, being naturally exposed to various pathogens in the soil, “conditioning” may have developed to ensure the increased survival of C. elegans in pathogen rich environments.



Brief Oral Presentation/Poster [25] Impaired Renal Function in Preeclampsia Increases Urinary Isoprostane Excretion Tetteh PW1, Adzaku FK1 and Obed SA2 1Department of Physiology, University of Ghana Medical School, 2Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Ghana Medical School, Accra Ghana. [email protected] Objectives: To determine the role of oxidative stress (OS) in contributing to hypertension (mean arterial pressure> 105mm Hg) and proteinuria (microalbuminuria) in preeclampsia (PE) in the Ghanaian population, and also to assess the effect of renal function on isoprostane excretion in preeclampsia. Methods and Subjects: 103 pregnant women diagnosed with preeclampsia and 107 pregnant controls without preeclampsia were enrolled. Gravidae with chronic hypertension, diabetes mellitus, seizure disorders, malignancies, renal disease, and those on antioxidant supplements were excluded. OS was determined by measuring urinary excretion of isoprostane and total antioxidant capacity (TAP) using ELISA. Renal function was assessed by the estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) using the Modification of Diet in Renal Disease (MDRD) formula. Microalbuminuria was determined by fluorescence spectrophotometry. Results: The preeclampsia group had a significantly higher isoprostane excretion (2.81 ng/mg creatinine ± 0.14) than the control group (2.01ng/mg creatinine ± 0.18) (p= 0.0006), and a significantly lower TAP (1.68mM ± 0.05) than the control group (1.89mM ± 0.04) (p= 0.0008). Isoprostane excretion showed a positive correlation with both mean arterial pressure, (r = 0.261) and microalbuminuria (r = 0.510) in the preeclampsia cases. The PE group had a significantly lower eGFR than the control group (p< 0.001). Isoprostane excretion was negatively correlated with eGFR (r = -0.219). Discussion and Conclusion: Increased excretion of isoprostanes and decreased TAP suggest increased production of oxidants and depletion and/or reduction of maternal antioxidants in preeclampsia. The negative correlation between isoprostane excretion and eGFR suggest that impaired renal function in PE may hinder isoprostane excretion



Poster [26] Tuberculin Skin Sensitivity Test in Primary School Children Aged 6-10 years in Ghana: A Pilot Study Addo KK,1 Mensah GI,1 Bonsu C,1 Hesse A,2 Bonsu F.3 1Bacteriology Department, Noguchi Memorial Institute for Medical Research, Legon, Ghana 2University of Ghana Medical School, Korlebu, Ghana, 3National Tuberculosis Control Program, Korlebu, Accra, Ghana. [email protected] To determine the annual risk of tuberculosis infection in Ghana, a tuberculin skin sensitivity test of school children aged 6-10 years protocol was developed. A pilot study was therefore conducted to test logistics and train a tuberculin team in the testing and reading of tuberculin reactions. Basic schools (11) within the Greater Accra region were randomly selected and school children recruited into the study through informed consent. The test was done by injecting into the dorsal aspect of the forearm 0.1ml of tuberculin PPD. The reaction which consisted of a swelling at the site was measured and recorded in millimeters after 72 hours. 1636 children were registered for the study out of which 1523 (93 %) were tested. The reactions of 92 % (1408) of those tested were read. 80.89 % of these had a BCG scar present, 18.47 % had no BCG scar and 0.64 % were undetermined. Tuberculin reactivity was 51.5% with 82 .8% of those who reacted being BCG positive, 16.8% BCG negative and 0.4 % undetermined. The Non rectors constituted 48 .5 % with 78.9 % being BCG positive, 20.2 % BCG negative and 0.9 % undetermined. Specific tasks were allocated to the team members during the main study based on performance in the pilot and operational changes were made for implementation.



Poster [27] Methodology to test the Cytotoxicity of Cassava Fibre. Larbie LY,1 Kaufmann EE,1 Ofori MF,2 Asante IK.3

1Biomedical Engineering Department, University of Ghana, 2 Immunology Department, Noguchi Memorial Institute of Medical Research,3 Botany Department, University of Ghana, Accra, Ghana [email protected], [email protected]

Statistics from the Government of Ghana’s US$7m Ayensu Starch initiative at Bawjiase for rural employment and wealth creation revealed that only 20,000 tonnes of starch was obtained from 90,000 tonnes of cassava harvested, the remaining lot going waste. To obtain value from the 70,000 tonnes of residue, it is postulated that cassava fibre can be used as a biomaterial. Cytotoxicity testing is requisite in establishing the biocompatibility of potential biomaterials. The aim of this research was to test for the cytotoxicity of cassava fibre as a potential biomaterial. The method designed, using easily available materials, is easy to operate and safe for the user. The processes developed included fibre preparation, sterilization and culture with Peripheral Blood Mononuclear cells obtained from healthy donors. Cultures were incubated for 24 hours. A commercially available cytotoxicity test was used to determine the relative cytotoxicity of one variety of cassava (Akilakpa Middle). Preliminary results showed that the designed methodology to test for the cytotoxicity of cassava fibre was feasible, easy to operate, user friendly and reproducible. Additionally, no significant cytotoxicity responses were observed for various concentrations of the variety of cassava studied as compared with experimental controls (positive controls- lysed cells, negative control- no fibre sample and alcohol control). Further studies must be done to establish the absolute possibility of using Akilakpa Middle as a biomaterial. Future work in this direction involves refining the methodology to obtain even more reproducible results and to apply the methodology to screen other varieties of cassava fibre.



Poster [28] Short exposure of C. elegans to enteropathogenic E. coli promotes increased resistance via activation of lifespan extending pathway genes McKenzie C, Anyanful A, Kalman D. Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Emory University, Atlanta, GA 30322, USA. [email protected] Enteropathogenic E. coli (EPEC), a gastrointestinal pathogen, kills infants in developing countries through diarrhea and dehydration. An EPEC:C. elegans model developed to study the bacteria virulence mechanisms and host responses showed that EPEC kills C. elegans within eight hours. However, long-lived DAF-2 insulin signaling pathway mutants are resistant to EPEC and other bacterial pathogens by de-repression of DAF-16, a transcription factor that up-regulates anti-microbial genes. C. elegans encounters diverse bacterial pathogens and must develop mechanisms to survive. To determine whether limited exposure of C. elegans to bacterial pathogens “conditions” the worm to increase survival to an otherwise lethal infection, worms were exposed to non-lethal doses of EPEC and allowed time for “immunity” to build up. Then the worms were re-exposed to lethal doses of EPEC and ascertained for ability to survive. Conditioning increased survival rates from 5% to 45% compared to unconditioned worms. To determine whether the insulin signaling pathway might be utilized during conditioning, we assessed whether daf-16 worms exhibited conditioned survival in response to EPEC. In contrast to wild type, daf-16 worms were not conditionable by EPEC. DAF-16 protein translocates into the nucleus upon activation by environmental stimuli to promote resistance. To determine whether conditioning induces DAF-16 translocation, we assessed nuclear localization of DAF-16 in a transgenic worm which had its DAF-16 protein coupled to GFP. Exposure to EPEC for 30 minutes resulted in the nuclear translocation of DAF-16, indicating that DAF-16 is activated upon conditioning. These results suggest that C elegans can be “immunized” by brief exposure to pathogens to increase their survival potential against subsequent contact with pathogens.



Poster [29] Identification of enteropathogenic E. coli (EPEC) virulence genes required for pathogenesis using C. elegans Wong E, Bhatt S, Anyanful A, Kalman D. Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Emory University, Atlanta GA 30322, USA. [email protected] Enteropathogenic Escherichia coli (EPEC) is a leading cause of persistent diarrhea in developing countries and kills about two million infants annually. To better understand the mechanisms of EPEC virulence, an EPEC::Caenorhabditis elegans model has been developed to determine how toxins secreted by EPEC paralyze then kill the nematode, C. elegans. It has been recently established that EPEC mediated killing requires tryptophan and the tryptophanase gene. To identify novel genes which are essential in EPEC virulence against C. elegans, an EPEC mutant library was generated by electroporation of a transposon into EPEC resulting in random insertions into the genome. 700 EPEC mutant strains were screened and 7 failed to kill C. elegans. Of these mutants, four correspond to the tryptophanase pathway, while three inserted into novel pathways crucial for EPEC pathogenesis. These sites of insertion will provide leads to further identify factors which influence EPEC virulence against C. elegans. Isolation of these mutated genes is the next step in determining important pathways which affect EPEC-induced killing of C. elegans and possibly humans.



Poster [30] Transcriptional Regulation of Ethanol-Induced Gene Expression Changes in Cranial Mouse Neural Fold During Neurulation Lally C, Acquaah-Mensah GK. Massachusetts College of Pharmacy & Health Sciences, SOP-W, Worcester MA 01608. USA. [email protected] Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders are a leading source of mental retardation. Several molecular changes are initiated in embryos as a result of gestational ethanol exposure. The aim is to determine the transcriptional regulation of genes whose expressions are altered in the mouse embryo neural fold following ethanol exposure during neurulation. Gene Expression Omnibus Dataset #GSE1074 was used to identify a set of statistically highly significant ethanol exposure-altered genes of interest. This dataset was generated as follows: eight days after conception, C57BL/6 mouse dams received via peritoneal injection either saline or 2.9 g/kg ethanol. Microarray expression profiles on the Affymetrix GeneChip Mouse Genome 430 2.0 Array, were subsequently obtained from the cranial neural folds of the embryos after three hours. The genes identified were further analyzed using network inference algorithms. From the Phenogen Database (http://phenogen.uchsc.edu/PhenoGen/index.jsp), a set of 229 mouse whole brain arrays were pooled, and used to identify direct statistical dependencies between the genes of interest, using the Algorithm for the Reconstruction of Accurate Cellular Networks. In addition, probabilistic graphical models (Bayesian networks) were learned from the pooled arrays. Although Stat5 genes were not significantly differentially expressed in the ethanol exposed embryos, the reverse-engineered networks indicated a strong regulating role by Stat5b for the down-regulated Tmed3 and 1810073N04Rik, as well as several other genes. Furthermore, polyamine-modulated factor 1 (Pmf1), whose gene expression is repressed in the ethanol-exposed cranial neural fold, along with stress-responsive transcription factors play important roles in the regulation of gene expression as part of the response to ethanol exposure.



Poster [31] Production of Technetium-99M from Ghana Ore Deposit of Molybdenum Elom A. School of Nuclear and Allied Science, University of Ghana, Legon, Ghana. The project will deal with production and application of open radioactive sources in modern diagnostic and therapeutic nuclear medicine. In principle, beside aequate physical, chemical and biological properties, a reliable route for the routine production of both radionuclide and radiopharmaceutical should be on disposal. The favorite routes are radionuclidic generators as they enable simple production of shorter lived radionuclides at relatively low costs. The main radionuclide in diagnosis is technetium-99m. Its advantages are favorable nuclear properties, availability of very high specific activity. Tc-99m will be produced by irradiation of molybdenum metal powder in a nuclear reactor. And a subsequent conversion of this irradiated molybdenum to Mo (CO)6 will be carried out by standard chemical procedures such as heating the metal to about 225 at 200 atmospheric pressure in the presence of carbon monoxide. A significant feature of the Mo(CO)6 system is that once the Mo has decayed to the extend that it is no longer useful in the generator, the residual carbonyl compound can be heated to a temperature above 150 to decompose the compound back to Mo powder and can be re-irradiated in the nuclear reactor. In this way separated Mo used as target material can be recycled.



Poster [32] Production of Technetium-99M using Chinese Miniature Nuetron Source (GHARR 1) at the Ghana Atomic Energy Commission Abass G School of Nuclear and Allied Science, University of Ghana, Legon, Ghana. Technetium 99m is currently used in nuclear medicine for blood pool imaging, thyroid imaging, assessment of viable heart tissue, imaging of skeleton to determine the baseline for the treatment of cancer by radiation and many others. This project will deal with the production of Tc-99m from molybdenite found to exist in rock chips, small quartz veins at Mogul point (makuba) near Mankwadzi in the central region and in quartz reef 8km north of kanyangbo, western Gonja, in northern using a Chinese miniature neutron source reactor (GHARR 1) which has a flux of 1* 1012 and a maximum irradiation period of 6hrs per day. 99Mo can be produced in nuclear reactor by the nuclear reaction 98Mo (n, γ) 99Mo. The advantages of this method are the availability of relatively cheap target materials (metallic molybdenum or oxide in natural abundance), simple radiochemical treatment of the irradiated target and production of low quantities of low-activity waste. The separation of 99mTc from its parent 99Mo will then be carried out by exploiting the differences in volatility of technetium and molybdenum oxides (sublimation generator) or by extraction using methyl ethyl ketone(extraction generator) in an alumina column. The 99mTc produced will then be subjected to quality assurance procedures to determine its suitability for medical use in radiopharmaceuticals.



Workshop [33] Grant Writing: Developing a Competitive Research Proposal Ofori-Acquah, SF. Aflac Cancer Center and Blood Disorders Services, Department of Pediatrics, Emory University School of Medicine, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, USA. [email protected] Grant writing is critical for a successful career in biomedical science. Regardless of the stage of one’s career (e.g. student, lecturer or professor) the basic strategies and components of a good grant remain essentially the same. The development of an idea or concept that fits perfectly with the mission of a grant awarding agency or foundation, private or public is critical to a successful grant proposal. This need requires that applicants become exhaustively conversant with the right place to go fishing for research funding, and not waste time sending potentially good grants to the wrong places. It is critical that the review criteria for the grant awarding agency generally, and the criteria for specific programs is fully understood and adhered to and reflected in the preparation and writing of the grant. Since good ideas are not exclusive, the opportunities to differentiate your grant from others are very limited. One way to do this is to write a reviewer friendly application, putting everything you want the reviewer to know about your grant in simple clear language. It is critical that your writing is not subjected to reinterpretation to mean something other than what you intended to communicate to the reviewer. This means you have to pay attention to the detail of your grant by being disciplined with words, acronyms and the central idea of your proposal. Give your grant/proposal/application to as many people as are willing to read and give you feedback. Develop a thick skin to absorb criticisms of your ideas and writing (i.e. grant), and use the critiques productively to make your grant better. It is your job to make the reviewer get what you are saying, and not the reviewer’s job to figure-out what you intend saying! Very few people get their grant application awarded on first submission, so learn to be persistent and modify and resubmit your grants until it is successful. This workshop will address these basic components of grantsmanship and complementary topics including self assessment and scientific autobiographies. In addition, faculty will share personal experiences gained from the success of multiple grant applications in diverse research programs.



Workshop [34] Homology modeling of trypsin inhibitor from Cocoa (Theobroma cacao) Kwofie SK1, Ogoe HA2 1South African National Bioinformatics Institute, University of the Western Cape Private Bag X17 Bellville 7535, South Africa, 2 Biomedical Engineering Department, University of Ghana, Accra, Ghana. [email protected] Cocoa (cacao) pathogenic diseases have been reported to cause a reduction of about 30-40% in annual crop yield, and therefore it is necessary to understand how cacao defends itself against pathogens. Some trypsin inhibitors isolated from cacao are thought to play an active role in the defense mechanisms of cacao against certain herbivorous insects. The study of the structure and function of trypsin inhibitors of cacao may give insight into the defense mechanism; and how this may lead to the development of insect resistant crops and the rational design of herbicides. So far not all the structures of isolated plant protease inhibitors have been elucidated. A homology model of the three-dimensional structure of trypsin inhibitor (gb: AAL85654.1) from Theobroma cacao has been constructed using the MODELLER program. The model was built using the crystal structure of the kunitz (sti)-type inhibitor from seeds of delonix regia (PDB id: 1r8n) and its corresponding protein sequence as template. The modelled structure of the trypsin inhibitor from Theobroma cacao will be used for demonstration in this workshop. Participants of this workshop will be introduced to the basic concept of homology or comparative protein modeling using the MODELLER program and SWISS-MODEL Automated Comparative Protein Modeling Server. Macromolecular visualization tool such as PYMOL program will be used to gain insights into the structure and function of this protein.



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