ghanaopendata/ghanaian-research-english huggingface dataset:
In Vitro Susceptibility of Mycobacterium ulcerans Isolates to Selected Antimicrobials

Background. The current definitive treatment of Buruli ulcer with antibiotics makes the issue of antimicrobial drug resistance an unavoidable one. This is as a result of drug misuse by health personnel and patients' noncompliance to treatment regimen. Monitoring of these factors and screening for new effective antimicrobials are crucial to effective management of Buruli ulcer disease. This study therefore investigated the inhibitory activity of some antibiotics against isolates of Mycobacterium ulcerans. Methods. Activity of eight antibiotics was tested against twelve M. ulcerans isolates (2 reference strains and 10 clinical isolates). The anti-M. ulcerans activities were determined by the agar dilution method and the minimum inhibitory concentrations (MICs) were determined by the agar proportion method. Results. All antimicrobials investigated had activity against M. ulcerans isolates tested. The MICs ranged from 0.16 μg/mL to 2.5 μg/mL. Azithromycin recorded the highest inhibitory activity at a mean MIC of 0.39 μg/mL, whilst clofazimine a second-line antileprosy drug, recorded the lowest at a mean MIC of 2.19 μg/mL. Among the four antituberculosis drugs, rifampicin had the highest activity with a mean MIC of 0.81 μg/mL. Conclusion. Azithromycin could be considered as a lucrative alternative to existing treatment methods for inhibiting M. ulcerans in Ghana. © 2017 Enid Owusu et al.

Source: UG
In vitro susceptibility of plasmodium falciparum isolates to chloroquine and other antimalarial drugs in Ghana

The Epidemiology Department contributes to the mission of the institute through basic and applied epidemiological research on, but not limited to, malaria and other diseases of public health importance. It is also home to the Social Science Unit of the Institute, including the Health Support Centre for HIV/AIDS and other communicable and noncommunicable health problems.

Source: UG
In vivo and in vitro sensibility of P.falciparum to chloroquine in three communities in Ghana

In vivo and in vitro P. falciparum asexual parasite sensitivity to chloroquine tests were performed in three schools at Nima, Madina and Gomoo Fet· teh - urban, periurban and rural communities respectively in Ghana during the rainy season from June to October, 1988. Of the 144 in Vivo tests performed 116(80.6%) were sensitive to chloroquine and 28(19.4%) showed resistance to chloroquine at RI (3.5%) and RII (15.9%) levels. Fifty-four out of the 92 (.58.7%) successful in vitro tests carried out Concurrently with the in vivo test were resistant to chloroquine. P. falciparum resistance to chloroquine waS emerged in Ghana and what is urgently required now is intensive and sustained education on judicious selection and proper use of available antimalarials and the promotion of research activities that may provide more data for sound drug policy for miliaria treatment in Ghana.

Source: UG
In Vivo Assessment Of The Toxic Potential Of Dissotis Rotundifolia Whole Plant Extract In Sprague–Dawley Rats

The Clinical Pathology Department conducts research that contributes to intervention strategies and safeguards of public health in Ghana. In view of this the Department carries out research into plant medicine development, drug interactions and regulation, bio-monitoring and prevention of poisoning from environmental toxicants (e.g. mycotoxins specifically aflatoxins and toxic heavy metals). The Department also provides specialized laboratory services in support of public health programmes.

Source: UG
In vivo digestibility and effect of supplemental mucuna forage on treated rice straw degradation

The objective of this study was to determine the digestibility of mucuna (Mucuna pruriens var utilis) forage and changes in the rumen degradation kinetics of a basal diet of sodium hydroxide (NaOH)-treated rice straw supplemented with mucuna forage. In vivo digestibility of the forage was determined by difference, using four rams (mean weight of 21.4 ± 1.22 kg) each fed either treated straw alone or supplemented with mucuna forage over two periods. In determining degradation kinetics, three rumen fistulated sheep (mean weight of 25.4 ± 1.81 kg) were fed treated rice straw only, or supplemented with 10, 20 or 25% mucuna forage. Dacron bags containing treated straw were incubated in the rumen for 3, 6, 12, 24, 48, 72 and 96 h. Dry matter (DM) and neutral detergent fibre (NDF) disappearance and degradation kinetics were determined. In vivo digestibility of DM and organic matter (OM) of treated straw (59.0 and 60.8%, respectively) were not significantly different from those of treated straw plus mucuna forage (61.5 and 63.3%, respectively). However, both were lower (P < 0.05) than the estimates for the forage only (70.8 and 71.8%, respectively). Crude protein digestibility (CPD) of treated straw plus mucuna diet (55.2%) was higher (P < 0.05) than for treated straw only (44.3%), and both significantly lower than that estimated for the forage (68.3%). Supplementation with 20 and 25% mucuna forage improved the rate of degradation of both DM (0.040 and 0.022, respectively) and NDF (0.038 and 0.023, respectively) of straw compared with the control of treated straw only (0.014 and 0.015%, respectively). Supplementation level of 20% elicited the highest degradation rate of both DM and NDF (0.040 and 0.038%, respectively). It was concluded that mucuna forage supplementation contributed towards improving NaOH-treated rice straw degradation in the rumen and thereby could help improve the utilisation of treated rice straw and similar low to medium quality roughages by ruminants in the tropics. © 2001 Elsevier Science B.V. All rights reserved.

Source: UG
In vivo digestibility of six selected fodder species by goats in northern Ghana

An in vivo digestibility trial was conducted to evaluate the digestibility of six forages. These were selected indigenous browse species and groundnut haulms in Lawra and Jirapa Districts of the Upper West Region of Ghana. Groundnut haulms served as a control due to its known good digestibility in small ruminants. Thirty West African Dwarf (WAD) young castrated billy goats with a mean age of 8 months were used. The average live body weight was 8.9 ± 0.1 kg. The animals were randomly assigned to the six treatments and replicated five times in a completely randomized design. They were confined in metabolism cages. The adaptation period was 3 weeks after which data was taken for 10 days. The treatments were the leaves and tiny twigs of T1 Annona senegalensis, T2 Ficus gnaphalocarpa, T3 Pericopsis laxiflora, T4 Pterocarpus erinaceus, T5 Afzelia africana, and T6 (control) Arachis hypogaea. Feed intake, faecal matter and urine output were measured. The results indicated that dry matter (DM) contents of the feedstuffs were less than 50% but crude protein (CP) contents were higher than the minimum required for sustaining ruminants. Neutral and acid detergent fibre contents were high, and F. gnaphalocarpa, in particular, contained a higher level of phosphorus (P). The amounts of feed intakes were typical of most fodder species with the exception of P. laxiflora and P. erinaceus, which were lower (P < 0.05). The apparent digestibility values were also typical of most fodder species but the digestibility of A. africana fibre appeared to be lower. Nitrogen retention was positive for all test species with the exception of P. laxiflora, which was negative. Mortality was recorded in animals on P. laxiflora, and the rate was high. Pericopsis laxiflora leaves, even though morphologically similar to the leaves of P. erinaceus, were not a suitable fodder. Ficus gnaphalocarpa appeared to be the overall best fodder species in terms of nutrient uptake.

Source: UG
In vivo efficacy of artemether-lumefantrine against uncomplicated Plasmodium falciparum malaria in Central Ethiopia

Background: In vivo efficacy assessments of the first-line treatments for Plasmodium falciparum malaria are essential for ensuring effective case management. In Ethiopia, artemether-lumefantrine (AL) has been the first-line treatment for uncomplicated P. falciparum malaria since 2004. Methods: Between October and November 2009, we conducted a 42-day, single arm, open label study of AL for P. falciparum in individuals >6 months of age at two sites in Oromia State, Ethiopia. Eligible patients who had documented P. falciparum mono-infection were enrolled and followed according to the standard 2009 World Health Organization in vivo drug efficacy monitoring protocol. The primary and secondary endpoints were PCR uncorrected and corrected cure rates, as measured by adequate clinical and parasitological response on days 28 and 42, respectively. Results: Of 4426 patients tested, 120 with confirmed falciparum malaria were enrolled and treated with AL. Followup was completed for 112 patients at day 28 and 104 patients at day 42. There was one late parasitological failure, which was classified as undetermined after genotyping. Uncorrected cure rates at both day 28 and 42 for the per protocol analysis were 99.1% (95% CI 95.1-100.0); corrected cure rates at both day 28 and 42 were 100.0%. Uncorrected cure rates at day 28 and 42 for the intention to treat analysis were 93.3% (95% CI 87.2-97.1) and 86.6% (95% CI 79.1-92.1), respectively, while the corrected cure rates at day 28 and 42 were 94.1% (95% CI 88.2-97.6) and 87.3% (95% CI 79.9-92.7), respectively. Using survival analysis, the unadjusted cure rate was 99.1% and 100.0% adjusted by genotyping for day 28 and 42, respectively. Eight P. falciparum patients (6.7%) presented with Plasmodium vivax infection during follow-up and were excluded from the per protocol analysis. Only one patient had persistent parasitaemia at day 3. No serious adverse events were reported, with cough and nausea/vomiting being the most common adverse events. Conclusions: AL remains a highly effective and well-tolerated treatment for uncomplicated falciparum malaria in the study setting after several years of universal access to AL. A high rate of parasitaemia with P. vivax possibly from relapse or new infection was observed. Trial Registration: NCT01052584

Source: UG
In Vivo Efficacy of Artemether-Lumefantrine and Chloroquine against Plasmodium vivax: A Randomized Open Label Trial in Central Ethiopia

Background:In vivo efficacy assessments of antimalarials are essential for ensuring effective case management. In Ethiopia, chloroquine (CQ) without primaquine is the first-line treatment for Plasmodium vivax in malarious areas, but artemether-lumefantrine (AL) is also commonly used.Methods and Findings:In 2009, we conducted a 42-day efficacy study of AL or CQ for P. vivax in Oromia Regional State, Ethiopia. Individuals with P. vivax monoinfection were enrolled. Primary endpoint was day 28 cure rate. In patients with recurrent parasitemia, drug level and genotyping using microsatellite markers were assessed. Using survival analysis, uncorrected patient cure rates at day 28 were 75.7% (95% confidence interval (CI) 66.8-82.5) for AL and 90.8% (95% CI 83.6-94.9) for CQ. During the 42 days of follow-up, 41.6% (47/113) of patients in the AL arm and 31.8% (34/107) in the CQ arm presented with recurrent P. vivax infection, with the median number of days to recurrence of 28 compared to 35 days in the AL and CQ arm, respectively. Using microsatellite markers to reclassify recurrent parasitemias with a different genotype as non-treatment failures, day 28 cure rates were genotype adjusted to 91.1% (95% CI 84.1-95.1) for AL and to 97.2% (91.6-99.1) for CQ. Three patients (2.8%) with recurrent parasitemia by day 28 in the CQ arm were noted to have drug levels above 100 ng/ml.Conclusions:In the short term, both AL and CQ were effective and well-tolerated for P. vivax malaria, but high rates of recurrent parasitemia were noted with both drugs. CQ provided longer post-treatment prophylaxis than AL, resulting in delayed recurrence of parasitemia. Although the current policy of species-specific treatment can be maintained for Ethiopia, the co-administration of primaquine for treatment of P. vivax malaria needs to be urgently considered to prevent relapse infections.Trial Registration:ClinicalTrials.gov NCT01052584.

Source: UG
In Vivo Modulation of Rat Liver Microsomal Cytochrome P450 Activity by Antimalarial, Anti-HIV, and Antituberculosis Plant Medicines

The Clinical Pathology Department conducts research that contributes to intervention strategies and safeguards of public health in Ghana. In view of this the Department carries out research into plant medicine development, drug interactions and regulation, bio-monitoring and prevention of poisoning from environmental toxicants (e.g. mycotoxins specifically aflatoxins and toxic heavy metals). The Department also provides specialized laboratory services in support of public health programmes.

Source: UG
In‐school adolescents' sociodemographic correlates of serious unintentional injuries in Saint Vincent and the Grenadines: A cross‐sectional study

Background: As a public health concern, serious adolescent injuries constitute considerable global morbidity and mortality. Despite the proliferation of literature on this problem, the evidence on the determinants of injuries among in‐school adolescents in Saint Vincent and the Grenadines (SVG) is insufficient. Method: The study analyzed data from the 2018 Global School‐based Student Health Survey to examine the prevalence and determinants of serious injuries in a nationwide adolescent sample in SVG. χ2 And binomial logistic regression analyses were carried out, along with an adjusted odds ratio and a 95% confidence interval. Results: Serious injuries among this population were estimated at 50.5%. Student grades, gender, truancy, amphetamine or methamphetamine use, marijuana or alcohol use, cigarette smoking, physical assault, physical fight, cyberbullying, suicidal behavior (ideation, plan, and attempt), parental or guardian tobacco use, and multiple sexual partners were significantly associated with serious injuries. After adjusting for other variables, being a male, having experienced a physical attack, fighting physically, attempting suicide, and having multiple sexual partners predicted serious injuries among in‐school adolescents in SVG. Conclusion: The use of integrative health promotion and injury prevention programmes (e.g., antiviolence campaigns) and educational measures could help minimize or eradicate this menace in SVG.

Source: UG
In-Situ Adaptation and Coastal Vulnerabilities in Ghana and Tanzania

Coastal fisheries communities in sub-Saharan Africa are under high socioeconomic vulnerability in the face of environmental pressures. This article contributes to the current adaptation debate by revisiting the benefits of in-situ adaptation. We assess possible in-situ adaptation strategies amid ongoing vulnerabilities by comparing Ghana and Tanzania. A total of 441 household surveys were conducted in four study sites. The major findings of the study are as follows: First, the three major in-situ adaptation strategies are regular changes of nondestructive fisheries techniques, alternative occupations, and collective action. Second, all three strategies have a significant relationship with income change. Finally, the communities in Tanzania utilized all three strategies more and performed better economically than those in Ghana. On the basis of these insights, we suggest implications of in-situ adaptation for future coastal development in sub-Saharan Africa.

Source: UG
In-vitro and in-vivo anti-inflammatory properties of extracts and isolates of Pangdahai

Background: : Pangdahai (matured, ripened, and dried seeds of Scaphium affine (Mast.) Pierre) is widely used in managing several diseases in countries like China, Vietnam, Japan, and India. This study evaluated the anti-inflammatory effects of the crude extracts (ethanol and aqueous) and isolated compounds of Pangdahai. Methods:: Xylene-induced ear edema in mice, carrageenan-induced paw edema in rats, and nitric oxide (NO) assay were used to evaluate and screen the crude extracts and isolated compounds from the ethanolic extracts of Pangdahai. TNF-α and IL-1β levels in the tissues of rat foot and ear were determined by ELISA. The cytotoxicity of the isolated compounds was also determined by MTT assay. Molecular docking studies using targets involved in the inflammatory process were also used to further evaluate the compounds. Results: : Both aqueous and ethanol extracts demonstrated significant anti-inflammatory effect and markedly attenuated vascular permeability in mice induced by acetic acid in a dose-independent manner. The ethanol extract also significantly inhibited levels of IL-1β and TNF-α. Four (4) compounds exhibited significant inhibitory effects on NO release without cytotoxicity on RAW 264.7 macrophage. These compounds also showed good binding affinities for COX-2, PLA2, IRAK-4 and NIK. Conclusions: This study validates, provides scientific evidence and justification for the use of the aqueous de coctions of Pangdahai in pharyngitis traditionally. (+) – Pinoresinol, tiliroside, Z-caffeic acid, and 3,4-dihydrox ybenzoic acid (protocatechuic acid) isolated from Pangdahai showed anti-inflammatory activities, which might be responsible for the actions of Pangdahai. Tiliroside showed a high binding affinity comparable to the native ligands of inflammatory mediators.

Source: UG
In-vitro scavenging activity and acute toxicity study of methanol leaves extract and fractions of Lophira lanceolata Tiegh. Ex Keay(Ochnaceae) in rats

Petroleum ether, dichloromethane, ethyl acetate, butanol and water fractions were prepared from the methanol extract of the plant. The scavenging activity of DPPH (2,2-Diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl), the total phenolic (TPC) and total flavonoid (TFC)contents of the extract and fractions were determined by spectrophotometrical methods using gallic acid (GA) and quercetin (Qu) as reference antioxidant. The fifty percent inhibitory concentration (IC50),fifty percent effective concentration (EC50) and the antiradical power (ARP) were determined for all extract and fractions. An acute toxicity study using a single oral dose of 5000 mg/kg of the ethyl acetate fraction of the plant was conducted in female Albino rats following the OECD(420) Guidelines. Blood samples were collected for hematological and biochemical analysis. Histopathological examinations of the heart, kidney and liver were performed. The results showed that the ethylacetate fraction of L lanceolata had the highest free radical scavenging activity of DPPH (IC50=1,43;EC50= 0.07 and ARP= 14,28)and also contain the highest amount of total phenols (14,4±0,02mg of GA equivalent/g of plant fraction) and total flavonoids (93,3±0,04mg of Qu equivalent/g of plant fraction)as compared to other fractions and ascorbic acid (IC50=5,82;EC50= 3.44; ARP=3,44). The hematological parameters and the lipid profile didn’t show any major change compared to the control group. However, a significant increase of aspartate aminotransferase (AST, p&lt;0.001) and alanine aminotransferase (ALT, p&lt;0.001) showed that the ethyl acetate fraction of the methanol extract of L. lanceolata leaves might not totally be safe for consumption, in the conditions of our experiment. © 2016, Advanced Research Journals. All rights reserved.

Source: UG
The in-vitro susceptibilities of Ghanaian plasmodium falciparum to antimalarial drugs.

The Epidemiology Department contributes to the mission of the institute through basic and applied epidemiological research on, but not limited to, malaria and other diseases of public health importance. It is also home to the Social Science Unit of the Institute, including the Health Support Centre for HIV/AIDS and other communicable and noncommunicable health problems.

Source: UG
Inadequate preparedness for response to COVID-19 is associated with stress and burnout among healthcare workers in Ghana

The COVID-19 pandemic has compounded the global crisis of stress and burnout among healthcare workers. But few studies have empirically examined the factors driving these outcomes in Africa. Our study examined associations between perceived preparedness to respond to the COVID-19 pandemic and healthcare worker stress and burnout and identified potential mediating factors among healthcare workers in Ghana. Healthcare workers in Ghana completed a cross-sectional self-administered online survey from April to May 2020; 414 and 409 completed stress and burnout questions, respectively. Perceived preparedness, stress, and burnout were measured using validated psychosocial scales. We assessed associations using linear regressions with robust standard errors. The average score for preparedness was 24 (SD = 8.8), 16.3 (SD = 5.9) for stress, and 37.4 (SD = 15.5) for burnout. In multivariate analysis, healthcare workers who felt somewhat prepared and prepared had lower stress (β = -1.89, 95% CI: -3.49 to -0.30 and β = -2.66, 95% CI: -4.48 to -0.84) and burnout (β = -7.74, 95% CI: -11.8 to -3.64 and β = -9.25, 95% CI: -14.1 to –4.41) scores than those who did not feel prepared. Appreciation from management and family support were associated with lower stress and burnout, while fear of infection was associated with higher stress and burnout. Fear of infection partially mediated the relationship between perceived preparedness and stress/burnout, accounting for about 16 to 17% of the effect. Low perceived preparedness to respond to COVID-19 increases stress and burnout, and this is partly through fear of infection. Interventions, incentives, and health systemic changes to increase healthcare workers’ morale and capacity to respond to the pandemic are needed.

Source: UG
Inadequate preparedness for response to COVID-19 is associated with stress and burnout among healthcare workers in Ghana

Introduction The COVID-19 pandemic has compounded the global crisis of stress and burnout among healthcare workers. But few studies have empirically examined the factors driving these outcomes in Africa. Our study examined associations between perceived preparedness to respond to the COVID-19 pandemic and healthcare worker stress and burnout and identified potential mediating factors among healthcare workers in Ghana. Methods Healthcare workers in Ghana completed a cross-sectional self-administered online survey from April to May 2020; 414 and 409 completed stress and burnout questions, respectively. Perceived preparedness, stress, and burnout were measured using validated psychosocial scales. We assessed associations using linear regressions with robust standard errors. Results The average score for preparedness was 24 (SD = 8.8), 16.3 (SD = 5.9) for stress, and 37.4 (SD = 15.5) for burnout. In multivariate analysis, healthcare workers who felt somewhat prepared and prepared had lower stress (β = -1.89, 95% CI: -3.49 to -0.30 and β = -2.66, 95% CI: -4.48 to -0.84) and burnout (β = -7.74, 95% CI: -11.8 to -3.64 and β = -9.25, 95% CI: -14.1 to –4.41) scores than those who did not feel prepared. Appreciation from management and family support were associated with lower stress and burnout, while fear of infection was associated with higher stress and burnout. Fear of infection partially mediated the relationship between perceived preparedness and stress/burnout, accounting for about 16 to 17% of the effect. Conclusions Low perceived preparedness to respond to COVID-19 increases stress and burnout, and this is partly through fear of infection. Interventions, incentives, and health systemic changes to increase healthcare workers’ morale and capacity to respond to the pandemic are needed. Introduction

Source: UG