Uropathogenic Escherichia coli (E. coli) is an important urinary tract infection (UTI) that has been associated with both complicated and uncomplicated disease conditions. The global emergence of multiple drug-resistant (MDR) and extended-spectrum β-lactamase (ESBL) is of public health concern as the resistance limits the current treatment options. The objective of this study was to analyze the antibiotic-resistant patterns among the uropathogenic E. coli isolates at the University of Cape Coast (UCC) hospital between 2013 and 2015 as baseline data to understand the current antibiotic resistance situation within UCC and its environs. A retrospective cross-sectional study of bacteria isolates at UCC hospital from January 2013 to December 2015 were analyzed. A standard biochemical and antibiotic susceptibility tests were performed using Kirby-Bauer NCCLs modified disc diffusion technique. The network of interaction between pathogenic isolates and antibiotic resistance was performed using Cytoscape software. Statistical significance was tested using ANOVA and one-sample Wilcoxon test. The overall E. coli prevalence was 15.76% (32/203); females had the highest infection of 17.33% (26/150) compared to male subjects who had 11.32% (6/53) out of all the pathogenic infections. The E. coli prevalence among the age categories were 2/21 (9.52%), 27/154 (17.53%) and 4/21 (19.05%) among ≤20 years, 21–40 years and 41–60 years respectively. The isolated resistant pathogens exhibited different antibiotic resistance patterns. An interaction network of nodes connecting to other nodes indicating positive correlations between the pathogens and antibiotic resistance was established. Escherichia coli, Citrobacter spp, Klebsiella spp among other isolated pathogens formed higher centrality in the network of interaction with antibiotic resistance. The individual E. coli isolates showed a significant difference in the mean ± SD (95% CI) pattern of antibiotic resistance, 2.409±1.205 (1.828–2.990), χ2 = 36.68, p<0.0001. In conclusion, the study reports the interaction of E. coli isolates at UCC hospital and its antibiotic-resistant status between 2013 and 2015. This data forms the baseline information for assessing the current antibiotic status in UCC and its environs.

The Atewa Range Forest Reserve (ARFR) in Ghanais threatened by anthropogenic activities. This study used geospatial techniques to assess the effects of human activities on land use and land cover (LULC) dynamics in ARFR using Landsat satellite images of 1986, 1991, 2006 and 2016. Estimated Normalized Differential Vegetation Index showed a continuous decline in LULC, signifying increasing stress on vegetation in ARFR. Between 1986 and 2016, the rainforest reduced from 345.83km² to 183.48km²; logged land declined from 324.52km² to 186.21km²; farmland increased from 328.43km² to 384.68km²; and settlement expanded from 110.48km² to 354.91km², respectively.

Sacred groves are rich biodiversity hotspots serving as an important habitat for conserving species and providing ecosystem goods and services to meet societal needs. Despite the benefits these sacred groves offer, they are threatened by anthropogenic stressors coupled with climate change impacts, thereby limiting their maximum ability to offer essential ecological and cultural services. On a climatic gradient, we have explored differences in tree attributes (diversity and composition) and how they are shaped by multiple drivers of land‐use change and climatic factors (rainfall and temperature) which drive underlying soil conditions in different sacred groves. These sacred grooves studied are the Mintimrim Kwaye, Antobia, Boako, Nsoatre Botene and Pimpimgyae sacred groves. Tree species diversity and composition differed between the sacred groves with those located in the forest zones more diverse than those located in the dry semideciduous or the savannah zones. These differences in tree attributes were mainly driven by the various degrees of anthropogenic stressors (mining, agricultural activities, logging and wildfire) coupled with variations in climatic factors driving underlying soil conditions. It is quite evident the role climate plays which highlights how tree species react in terms of distribution and composition in this era of climate uncertainty. This therefore calls for the need for conservation efforts to mitigate the consequences of climate change impacts on biodiversity and human societies.

Calcium oxalate constitutes over 80% of kidney stones, with dietary oxalate recognized as the primary contributor. Indigenous leafy vegetables are widely consumed in Ghana, yet data on oxalate content of these indigenous vegetables and how geographical location, treatments, and analytical methods influence their oxalate content remains limited. This study evaluated oxalate content in selected indigenous vegetables cultivated in highland (Block A) and lowland (Block B) areas of the Eastern Region of Ghana. Oxalate levels were determined using spectrophotometric and titrimetric methods under both fresh and heat-treated conditions. The study followed a Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD). Data were analyzed using Analysis of Variance (ANOVA), Tukey’s Honestly Significant Difference (HSD) test, and Bland–Altman analysis to compare the two analytical methods. Spectrophotometry consistently recorded higher oxalate levels than titration. Cocoyam leaves and jute leaves exhibited the highest oxalate concentrations, particularly after heat treatment. Oxalate levels in Block A were significantly higher than those in Block B (p = 0.0301). Heat treatment showed only a marginal effect on oxalate content (p = 0.0833). RCBD analysis revealed significant block effects for titrimetric responses but not for spectrophotometric data. Bland-Altman analysis indicated a mean bias of 119.91 mg/100 g between the two methods, with most measurements falling within acceptable limits of agreement. Dietary evaluation showed that all the indigenous vegetables exceeded recommended oxalate safety limits highlighting potential health risks.