ghanaopendata/ghanaian-research-english huggingface dataset:
Microscopic CharacteristicsOf Scalp Hair Subjected To Cultural Styling Methods In Ghanaian African Females

Purpose: To provide data for forensic use and provoke ideas to preserve shaft integrity, we studied microstructural alterations of female scalp hair subjected to Ghanaian cultural styling methods. Hence, topographical features of female hairs styled by braiding/weaving, and chemical relaxation sampled from five different scalp regions were assessed and compared with natural (Afro) hair. Subjects and methods: Ninety-six indigenous Ghanaian females volunteered 480 hairs, which were analyzed by light microscopy.Hairs were plucked using a pair of cosmetologist’s tweezers from frontal, left temporal, right temporal, vertex, and occipital regions of the scalp. Hairs were categorized by their grooming styles as Afro (natural-unstyled), natural-styled (weaved/braided), and chemically relaxed. These were studied according to shaft/medulla dimensions and conventional cuticular scale features, and comparisons were made between styling procedures and scalp regions. Results: Chemically styled hair had the widest shaft diameter, but the lowest incidence of continuous medullation. Medullary diameter and index increased from chemically relaxed, natural-styled, to Afro hair. A positive but modest correlation between shaft and medullary diameters existed for Afro (r = 0.320, p = 0.011) and natural-styled hairs (r = 0.235, p = 0.022) but not chemically relaxed hair (r = 0.122, p = 0.2). Scale margins were predominantly smooth in Afro hair, crenate in natural-styled hair, and rippled in chemically relaxed hair. With respect to scalp regions, hair shaft diameter was widest in vertex hair and smallest in right temporal hair in all styling methods. Conclusion: Medulla was thickest in Afro hair, which also exhibited a correlation with shaft diameter in conformity with the published data. Chemically relaxed hairs did not exhibit these characteristics, which affirm altered morphology. Research on how chemicals affect these changes should help find antidote. The dimensional variations of hairs from different scalp regions are instructive for both cosmetic and forensic examination of hairs.

Source: UG
Microscopic identification of possible Clonorchis/Opisthorchis infection in two Ghanaian women with undiagnosed abdominal discomfort: Two case reports

Introduction: The impact of foodborne trematode infections is gaining recognition worldwide. Clonorchiasis and opisthorchiasis are some of the most neglected tropical foodborne diseases that pose a significant threat to human health. Persistent or chronic infection of Clonorchis/Opisthorchis often leads to hepatobiliary diseases including cholangitis, cholelithiasis, cholecystitis, pancreatitis, hepatic fibrosis, cholangiocarcinoma and liver cancer. Two cases of Clonorchis/Opisthorchis infection in humans in the Central Region of Ghana are reported. Case presentation: Eggs suspected to be from Clonorchis sinensis or Opisthorchis species were detected in the stools of a 29-year-old Ghanaian woman and an 18-year-old Ghanaian woman in two clinics in the Central Region of Ghana. The diagnosis was based on clinical symptoms as well as detection of the eggs of the trematode in the faeces of the patients using light microscopy after staining with Giemsa or Ziehl-Neelsen stains. Conclusions: To the best of our knowledge these are the first documented cases of Clonorchis sinensis or Opisthorchis species infection in Ghana. The detection of this infection in these patients in Ghana should be of concern to clinicians because the infection can be easily misdiagnosed since the accompanying clinical symptoms are malaria-like. Consideration should therefore be given to Clonorchis sinensis and Opisthorchis species when diagnosing patients presenting with malaria-like symptoms. ï¿½ 2014 Asare et al.; licensee BioMed Central Ltd.

Source: UG
Microscopic identification of possible Clonorchis/Opisthorchis infection in two Ghanaian women with undiagnosed abdominal discomfort: two case reports

Abstract Introduction The impact of foodborne trematode infections is gaining recognition worldwide. Clonorchiasis and opisthorchiasis are some of the most neglected tropical foodborne diseases that pose a significant threat to human health. Persistent or chronic infection of Clonorchis/Opisthorchis often leads to hepatobiliary diseases including cholangitis, cholelithiasis, cholecystitis, pancreatitis, hepatic fibrosis, cholangiocarcinoma and liver cancer. Two cases of Clonorchis/Opisthorchis infection in humans in the Central Region of Ghana are reported. Case presentation Eggs suspected to be from Clonorchis sinensis or Opisthorchis species were detected in the stools of a 29-year-old Ghanaian woman and an 18-year-old Ghanaian woman in two clinics in the Central Region of Ghana. The diagnosis was based on clinical symptoms as well as detection of the eggs of the trematode in the faeces of the patients using light microscopy after staining with Giemsa or Ziehl&#8211;Neelsen stains. Conclusions To the best of our knowledge these are the first documented cases of Clonorchis sinensis or Opisthorchis species infection in Ghana. The detection of this infection in these patients in Ghana should be of concern to clinicians because the infection can be easily misdiagnosed since the accompanying clinical symptoms are malaria-like. Consideration should therefore be given to Clonorchis sinensis and Opisthorchis species when diagnosing patients presenting with malaria-like symptoms.

Source: UG
Microsporidia MB is found predominantly associated with Anopheles gambiae s.s and Anopheles coluzzii in Ghana

The Department of Parasitology conducts research into parasitic diseases of public health importance with the overall goal of reducing their transmission and the heavy disease burden that they impose on affected populations. The Department maintains focus on parasitic diseases in general. These include major diseases such as malaria, and others listed under the Neglected Tropical Diseases (NTD) control initiative such as, lymphatic filariasis, onchocerciasis, schistosomiasis, soil-transmitted helminthiasis, trypanosomiasis and leishmaniasis.

Source: UG
Microstructural evolution and hardness properties of coir-coconut husk powder reinforced polymer composites subjected to an acidic environment

In this study, coir-coconut husk powder reinforced polymer composite (CCHPRC) prepared by the simultaneous application of heat and pressure, was subjected to an acidic environment and its morphological and hardness properties were investigated. Four test conditions were selected to elucidate the short-term effect of the exposure of the composites to an acidic environment which was achieved by simulating an acidic condition of Sulfuric Acid (H2SO4) solution with a pH of 2.2 at room temperature (27°C). Exposure periods of 3, 6 and 9 days (3PA, 6PA, 9PA) were considered, while samples not exposed to the acid solution were used as control (NP). In order to measure the possible surface degradation and hardness variation of the CCHPRC due to immersion in the acid solution, scanning electron microscopy in addition to energy dispersive spectroscopy (SEM/EDS), and hardness tests were carried out. As a result, the gradual material degradation and poor adhesion between reinforcement and matrix was observed which was confirmed by SEM/EDS analysis. Prolonged acid immersion time seemed to promote an increase in terms of the composites’ hardness. It is possible to conclude that the hardness characteristics of the composite (NP- 12.98 HV; 3PA- 7.27 HV; 6PA- 14.40 HV; 9PA- 19.07 HV) increased after immersion on exposure for 6 and 9 days, in comparison with the control sample.

Source: UG
Microstructure and mechanical properties related to particle size distribution and composition in dark chocolate

Composition in dark chocolate was varied and the effects determined on microstructure, using light microscopy, and mechanical properties of molten and tempered chocolates, using a TA.HD Plus Texture Analyser. Compositional parameters were particle size distribution (PSD) (D90 of 18, 25, 35 and 50 lm), fat (25%, 30% and 35%) and lecithin (0.3% and 0.5%) contents. Micrographs revealed wide variations in sugar crystalline network structure and inter-particle interaction strengths related to PSD and fat level. Samples containing 25% fat had more crystal agglomerates, well flocculated with greater particle-to-particle interaction strengths than those with higher (30% and 35%) fat contents. Increasing the D90 to 35–50 lm caused broadening of the PSD, with particles becoming coarser, which were similar at all fat levels. Mechanical analysis showed that PSD, fat and lecithin content significantly influenced firmness of molten chocolate and hardness of solid (tempered) chocolate with significant interactions among factors. Particle size was inversely correlated with firmness (1235–173 g) and hardness (7062–5546 g). Greatest effect of PSD was with 25% fat and 0.3% lecithin. With higher fat and lecithin contents, the PSD influence was reduced. It was concluded that PSD, fat and lecithin contents and their interactions were central to mechanical properties of dark chocolates.

Source: UG
Microvascular and macrovascular complications in type 2 diabetes Ghanaian residents in Ghana and Europe: The RODAM study

Aims: To compare microvascular and macrovascular complication rates among Ghanaians with type 2 diabetes (T2D) living in Ghana and in three European cities (Amsterdam, London and Berlin). Methods: Data from the multicenter Research on Obesity and Diabetes among African Migrants (RODAM) study were analyzed. 650 Ghanaian participants with T2D (206 non-migrant and 444 migrants) were included. Logistic regression analyses were used to determine the association between migrant status and microvascular (nephropathy and retinopathy) and macrovascular (coronary artery disease (CAD), peripheral artery disease (PAD) and stroke) complications with adjustment for age, gender, socioeconomic status, alcohol, smoking, physical activity, hypertension, BMI, total-cholesterol, and HbA1c. Results: Microvascular and macrovascular complications rates were higher in non-migrant Ghanaians than in migrant Ghanaians (nephropathy 32.0% vs. 19.8%; PAD 11.2% vs. 3.4%; CAD 18.4% vs. 8.3%; and stroke 14.5% vs. 5.6%), except for self-reported retinopathy (11.0% vs. 21.6%). Except nephropathy and stroke, the differences persisted after adjustment for the above-mentioned covariates: PAD (OR 7.48; 95% CI, 2.16–25.90); CAD (2.32; 1.09–4.93); and retinopathy (0.23; 0.07–0.75). Conclusions: Except retinopathy, the rates of microvascular and macrovascular complications were higher in nonmigrant than in migrant Ghanaians with T2D. Conventional cardiovascular risk factors did not explain the differences except for nephropathy and stroke.

Source: UG
Microvasculature-on-a-chip for the long-term study of endothelial barrier dysfunction and microvascular obstruction in disease

Alterations in the mechanical properties of erythrocytes occurring in inflammatory and haematological disorders such as sickle-cell disease (SCD) and malaria often lead to increased endothelial permeability, haemolysis and microvascular obstruction. However, the associations among these pathological phenomena remain unknown. Here, we show that a perfusable, endothelialized microvasculature-on-a-chip featuring an interpenetrating-polymer-network hydrogel that recapitulates the stiffness of blood vessel intima, basement membrane self-deposition and self-healing endothelial barrier function for longer than one month enables the real-time visualization, with high spatiotemporal resolution, of microvascular obstruction and endothelial permeability under physiological flow conditions. We found that extracellular haem - a haemolytic by-product - induces delayed yet reversible endothelial permeability in a dose-dependent manner, and demonstrate that endothelial interactions with SCD or malaria-infected erythrocytes cause reversible microchannel occlusion and increased in situ endothelial permeability. The microvasculature-on-a-chip enables mechanistic insight into the endothelial barrier dysfunction associated with SCD, malaria and other inflammatory and haematological diseases. © 2018 The Author(s) 2018, under exclusive licence to Macmillan Publishers Ltd, part of Springer Nature

Source: UG
Microvessels in health and disease.

Microvesicles (or MVs) are plasma membrane-derived vesicles released from most eukaryotic cells constitutively during early apoptosis or at higher levels after chemical or physical stress conditions. This review looks at some of the functions of MVs in terms of intercellular communication and ensuant signal transduction, including the transport of proteins (unconventional protein export) as well as of mRNA and microRNA. MVs also have roles in membrane repair, the removal of misfolded proteins, and in the control of apoptosis. We also discuss the role MVs have been shown to have in invasive growth and metastasis as well as in hypoxia in tumours and cerebral ischaemia. The association of MVs in infectious and autoimmune disease is also summarised together with their possible use as therapeutic agents.

Source: UG
Microwave- and Formaldehyde-Assisted Synthesis of Ag−Ag3PO4 with Enhanced Photocatalytic Activity for the Degradation of Rhodamine B Dye and Crude Oil Fractions

The release of crude oil and water-soluble dyes into our marine environment is a major global problem. An efficient semiconductor Ag–Ag3PO4 photocatalyst was synthesized using formaldehyde as a reducing agent to form surface active Ag on Ag3PO4 under microwave radiation for heating, and its potential in destroying environmental pollutants has been examined. The diffuse reflectance spectroscopy of Ag–Ag3PO4 revealed an enhanced absorption in the visible light region. The rate of photocatalytic degradation of rhodamine B by Ag–Ag3PO4 was over 4-fold compared to Ag3PO4. The potential application of Ag–Ag3PO4 in oil spill remediation was also examined through photocatalytic degradation of benzene, n-hexane, and 1:1 v/v benzene/methanol crude oil-soluble fractions. UV–vis and gas chromatography–mass spectrometry analysis of the crude oil components after visible light irradiation showed excellent degradation. The photocatalytic efficiency enhancement of Ag–Ag3PO4 is attributed to the excellent electron trapping of silver nanoparticles deposited on the surface of Ag3PO4. This work will motivate future studies to develop recyclable visible light photocatalysts for many applications

Source: UG
Mid-late paleozoic metallogenesis and evolution of the Chinese altai and east junggar orogenic belt, NW China, Central Asia

The Chinese Altai-East Junggar collage in southern Altaids is one of the largest and most important metallogenic provinces in China. It is composed of five major types of Middle to Late Paleozoic metal deposits: (1) VMS Cu-Pb-Zn, (2) porphyry Cu-Au, (3) magmatic Cu-Ni-sulfide, (4) skarn Cu-Mo-Fe and (5) orogenic Au. Tectonically, the development of these metal deposits was closely associated with accretionary and convergent processes that occurred along the southern margin of the Central Asian Orogenic Belt (CAOB). The formation of the deposits involved three main stages, briefly described as follows: (i) Those formed during extensional back-arc volcanism along the Paleozoic active margin of the CAOB. They are Late Devonian to Early Carboniferous polymetallic volcanogenic massive sulfide deposits, together with some broadly contemporaneous Fe-Cu skarns, located in the accreted Qiongkuer-Talate Terrane in the western Altai; (ii) Carboniferous to Permian terrane accretion and arc magmatism, resulting in widespread metalliferous ores of different types such as copper-bearing porphyries and Alaskan-type Cu-Ni-PGE zoned ultramafic bodies developed in arcs in the Buerjin-Ertai and Erqis terranes, and Cu-Fe skarns formed in the Erqis flysch basin; (iii) Continuing accretion in the Permian leading to the development of the Dulate arc in the southern Altai associated with the formation of Cu-Mo skarns and orogenic-type gold vein systems. The Chinese Altai-East Junggar collage typically demonstrates the various classic metalliferous ores formed during the processes of subduction-accretion and arc generation.

Source: UG
The middle to 3′ end of the HIV-1 Vif gene sequence is important for Vif biological activity and could be used for antisense oligonucleotide targets

Most research activities involve the use of molecular methods such as regular PCR (PCR), quantitative PCR (Q-PCR), genomic sequence and analysis using different software, genetic engineering, probe hybridization techniques, biological and molecular cloning, evaluation of immune markers for laboratory diagnosis of infections, serological assays involving the use of rapid tests, ELISA-based evaluations and immunofluorescent assay techniques.

Source: UG
Midwifery Students’ Experiences of Mentorship at the Korle-Bu Teaching Hospital

Mentorship is a critical process that supports mentee learning and skills acquisition during clinical practicum. It has been adopted by many high-income countries to assist students in clinical placements. The number of experienced midwives continue to diminish while the midwifery student who is the future frontline health worker is left to stand alone. Benefits of mentorship which include knowledge and skills acquisition and career satisfaction, prepare the student for the delivery of quality Maternal and Child Health care (MCH). However, there is a paucity of research evidence on midwifery mentorship in Africa, particularly Ghana. The purpose of the study was to explore midwifery students’ experiences about mentorship during clinical practicum at the Korle-Bu Teaching Hospital (KBTH). A qualitative exploratory descriptive design was employed to explore the phenomenon of midwifery mentorship. A purposive sampling technique was used to recruit eleven participants who informed the study. Data were collected with a semi-structured interview guide. Data were analysed concurrently with data collection using thematic content analysis. Anonymity and confidentiality were ensured. Wanberg et al. conceptual framework of mentoring relationships was used to guide the work. Seven main themes emerged from the analysis of data. The findings from the study suggest that the mentorship and skills acquisition during clinical practicum is not well established in the midwifery training college. Mentorship will be beneficial to the students if a good relationship is established between the mentor and mentee. Other clinical staff members should be willing to support students in learning. The study concluded that mentorship requires attention in order to enhance knowledge and skills acquisition, build the confidence of midwifery students and improve maternal and child health. Keywords: Mentorship, Experiences, Mentor, Midwifery Student, Clinical Practicum.

Source: UG
Midwives’ Adherence to Protocols in the Management of Pre-Eclampsia/ Eclampsia in the Accra Metropolis

Ensuring quality for patient care, evidence for practice, and uniformity of care were the reasons for developing protocols and guidelines. Even though protocols designed for managing pre-eclampsia and eclampsia are appropriately initiated, adherence to these protocols has been reported to be poor. Midwives are crucial in the implementation of protocols designed to improve maternal health outcomes. However, little is known concerning the utilization of protocols by midwives. In Ghana, there is limited empirical information about midwives’ behaviour towards the use of protocols when dealing with cases of pre-eclampsia and eclampsia. This study sought to investigate the determinants of protocols adherence by midwives in the Accra Metropolis. In this cross-sectional, descriptive study, a census of 235 midwives working in government hospitals within the Accra metropolis, were surveyed. Data was collected using the Planned Behaviour questionnaire consisting of two sections, the demographics (section A) and according to the constructs of the Decomposed Theory of Planned Behaviour (section B). Data was analysed using SPSS version 23.0. Both descriptive and inferential techniques were used. A confidence level of 95% and a p-value < 0.05 were used. A total response rate of 100% was achieved. Majority of the respondents were female (n= 233, 99.1%). The mean age of respondents was 33.4 ± 6.98 and a majority held a diploma in midwifery (59.6%, n=140). Most of the respondents (88.0%, n=206) had under 10 years’ work experience in the unit. The two top ranks were senior staff midwife (33.6%, n=79) and staff midwife (33.2%, n=78). The results showed high mean scores for the various constructs, attitude (5.92 ± 0.89), subjective norms (5.17 ± 1.47), perceived behavioural control (5.13 ± 1.02), behavioural intention (5.72 ± 1.25), behaviour (4.79 ± 1.52). There was a positive significant relationship between attitude, subjective norms, perceived behavioural control, behavioural intention, and behaviour. Subjective norms and behavioural intention were the two most significant predictors, with subjective norms being the highest contributor. Age, attitude, subjective norms, perceived behavioural control, and behavioural intention explained 23.4% of the variance in behaviour. Behavioural intention partially mediated the association between subjective norms and adherence to protocols when managing pre-eclampsia and eclampsia. Midwifery practice needs to change towards quality improvement to improve maternal care by adhering to protocols. Hence, it is essential to prepare midwives by supporting, transferring the needed knowledge, and skills required for protocol adherence.

Source: UG
MIF (macrophage migration inhibitory factor) promoter polymorphisms and susceptibility to severe malarial anaemia

Severe malarial anemia (SMA) resulting from Plasmodium falciparum infection is one of the leading causes of childhood mortality in sub-Saharan Africa. The innate immune mediator macrophage migration inhibitory factor (MIF) plays a critical role in the pathogenesis of SMA. To investigate the influence of MIF genetic variation on susceptibility to SMA, haplotypes of the MIF -173G/C and -794CATT5-8 polymorphisms were examined in a cohort of Kenyan children. A statistically significant relationship between increasing frequencies of longer CATT repeats at -794 and increasing severity of malarial anemia was observed. In addition, there was a strong association between lower MIF concentrations and longer CATT repeats. Multivariate logistic regression analyses demonstrated that the 6G haplotype (ie, MIF -794CATT6/-173G) was associated with protection against SMA, whereas carriers of the 7C or 8C haplotype had increased risk of developing SMA. Furthermore, carriers of the 7C or 8C haplotype had reduced plasma MIF levels during acute disease. The findings demonstrate that variation in the MIF promoter influences susceptibility to SMA and peripheral MIF production. However, the MIF -173 and -794 polymorphisms appear to have both independent and interactive effects on different measures of disease severity, suggesting that MIF plays a complex role in malarial pathogenesis.

Source: UG