ghanaopendata/ghanaian-research-english huggingface dataset:
Effect of castration on acetyl salicylic acid metabolism in rabbits

Objectives. The biotransformation of acetyl salicylic acid (ASA) differs within species, and gender differences have been documented and attributed to the effect of sex hormones. Castration remains a standard therapy for men with advanced prostate cancer. We studied the effect of castration on the metabolism of ASA in rabbits to find out whether the metabolism of ASA is adversely affected after castration. Methods. ASA in doses of 12.5, 25, and 50 mg/kg body weight was given intravenously to male and female prepubertal and adult rabbits, castrated adult male rabbits, and castrated male rabbits given testosterone (3 animals per group). Blood samples were collected at 0, 10, 30, 60, 120, and 180 minutes. The high-performance liquid chromatography method was used for the quantitation of salicylic acid (SA) in serum. The percentage of SA not metabolized was determined by comparing the serum level at 10 and 180 minutes for each group. Results. At a dose of 50 mg/kg in the adult rabbits, the mean ± SD of SA in serum at 10 and 180 minutes was 146.54 ± 29.54 μg/mL and 19.12 ± 5.93 μg/mL for males, 158.25 ± 6.70 μg/mL and 33.24 ± 2.78 μg/mL for females, 229.72 ± 47.85 μg/mL and 44.33 ± 5.64 μg/mL for castrated male rabbits, and 170.88 ± 12.03 μg/mL and 68.1 ± 37.54 μg/mL for castrated male rabbits given testosterone, respectively. Also, at 180 minutes, the percentage of SA not metabolized in adult male rabbits was 12.82% ± 1.65% compared with 21.04% ± 2.14% (P <0.01) in adult females, 19.53% ± 1.73% (P <0.01) in castrated adult male rabbits, and 38.95% ± 19.48% (P <0.001) in castrated male rabbits given testosterone. At all doses of ASA, the serum SA concentration in male and female prepubertal rabbits was not significantly different for each time point. Conclusions. These results indicate that male rabbits are able to metabolize ASA faster than are females. After castration, this ability is significantly decreased. If these experimental results are confirmed in humans, men who are undergoing hormonal manipulation for advanced prostate cancer and who require high-dose ASA, such as in the treatment of stroke or rheumatoid arthritis or as an antioxidant, may need lower doses to reduce the possible toxic effects of ASA.

Source: UG
The effect of child abuse on children’s psychological health

The study examines the impact of child abuse on children’s psychological health. Child abuse was defined as physical and psychological abuses against children whilst psychological health was defined in relation to children’s self-esteem, depression, and anxiety. 109 children were purposively sampled to partake in the study. The sample consisted of both males (n = 68) and females (n = 41) from diverse socio-economic backgrounds, whose ages were from 9 to 18 years. The research design used was a survey, and the independent samples t-test was used to analyze the data. Some of the participants have histories of abusive treatment (n=57) whilst others were without any such history (n=68). Among those who had suffered abusive treatment, 36 suffered physical abuse and 21 suffered psychological abuse. Standardized measures were used to rate each participant’s level of depression and anxiety. The analyses of the data show that both physical and psychological abuses lead to a significant increase in children’s depression and anxiety. These findings are discussed with reference to existing psychological literature and theories.

Source: UG
Effect of Chromolaena odorata (L.) R.M. King &amp; H. Rob. Leaf Extract on Oviposition in Rhipicephalus microplus Canestrini, 1888

Abstract Rhipicephalus microplus infestation in livestock is associated with animal health and economic losses. There are also environmental safety concerns regarding Rhipicephalus microplus control using synthethic acaricides, calling for affordable and safer interventions for their control. This study assessed the effect of dichloromethane extract of Chromolaena odorata leaf on oviposition in Rhipicephalus microplus. Using topical application procedures, Chromolaena odorata leaf extract treatment of Rhipicephalus microplus was observed to significantly affect the number of eggs laid, H (5) = 36.25, p < 0.001. The significant differences in eggs laid were observed between the control group and: 3.125 mg/ml (p = 0.002), 12.5 mg/ml (p = 0.001), 25 mg/ml (p < 0.001), 50 mg/ml (p < 0.001) treated groups of tick, but not control and 6.25 mg/ml (p = 0.077) treated groups of tick. A dichloromethane extract of Chromolaena odorata leaf demonstrates its potential use for effective control of Rhipicephalus microplus and may be considered for development of acaricidal compounds.

Source: UG
Effect of chronic pre-treatment with angiotensin converting enzyme inhibition on skeletal muscle mitochondrial recovery after ischemia/reperfusion

Impaired skeletal muscle energetic participates in peripheral arterial disease (PAD) patient's morbidity and mortality. Angiotensin converting enzyme inhibition (ACEi), cornerstone for pharmacologic risk factor management in PAD patients, might also be interesting by protecting skeletal muscle energetic. We therefore determined whether chronic ACEi might reduce ischemia-induced mitochondrial respiratory chain dysfunction in the frequent setting of hindlimb ischemia-reperfusion. Ischemic legs of rats submitted to 5 h ischemia induced by a rubber band tourniquet applied on the root of the hindlimb followed by reperfusion without (IR, n = 11) or after ACEi (n = 14; captopril 40 mg/kg per day during 28 days before surgery) were studied and compared to that of sham-operated animals (n = 11). The effect of ACEi on the non-ischemic contralateral leg was also determined in the ACEi group. Maximal oxidative capacities (V(max)) and complexes I, II and IV activities of the mitochondrial respiratory chain of the gastrocnemius muscle were determined using glutamate-malate, succinate and TMPD-ascorbate substrates. Arterial blood pressure was significantly decreased after ACEi (124 +/- 2.8 vs. 108 +/- 4.19 mmHg; P = 0.01). Ischemia-reperfusion reduced V(max) (4.4 +/- 0.4 vs. 8.7 +/- 0.5 micromol O2/min/g dry weight, -49%, P < 0.001), affecting mitochondrial complexes I, II and IV activities. ACEi failed to modulate ischemia-induced dysfunction (V(max) 5.1 +/- 0.7 micromol O2/min/g dry weight) or the non-ischemic contralateral muscle respiratory rate. Ischemia-reperfusion significantly impaired the mitochondrial respiratory chain I, II and IV complexes of skeletal muscle. Pharmacologic pre-treatment with ACEi did not prevent or increase such alterations. Further studies might be useful to improve the pharmacologic conditioning of PAD patients needing arterial revascularization.

Source: UG
Effect of climate change on cerebrospinal meningitis morbidities and mortalities: A longitudinal and community-based study in Ghana

Cerebrospinal Meningitis (CSM) is one of the climate-sensitive diseases affected by global climate change. Its causal agent, Neisseria meningitidis bacterial, thrives well in warm environments. CSM epidemics are likely to be exacerbated by the warming globe emanating from climate change. Yet studies have rarely examined the association between climat’e change and CSM. Moreover, studies drawing on quantitative and qualitative data to understand the pathways of climate change domains and CSM relationships as well as community perspectives of CSM are rare. This study deployed mixed-method research to analyse community perceptions of and the relationship between climate change and CSM. We collected 96 months of data on changes in metrological weather parameters (temperatures, sunshine, relative and absolute humidity, and rainfall) and CSM cases and mortalities recorded between 2012 and 2019. Community-level data were elicited using a semi-structured questionnaire. The results showed a statistically significant relationship between climate variables and CSM. High temperatures and sunshine, low rainfall, low relative and absolute humidity were significantly associated with CSM outbreaks. Community participants demonstrated fair knowledge about CSM and attributed its outbreak to climate change. The respondents asserted that the symptoms of CSM, such as severe headache, high fever, stiff neck and waist pains, among others, are often prevalent in their communities when there is high temperature, low relative and absolute humidity, excessive sunshine and dusty winds (harmattan winds). They also revealed that poor environmental sanitation, poor room ventilation, overcrowding in a room, and social integration such as festivals, markets, and religious activities, among others, can exacerbate the outbreak of CSM. We recommend awareness campaign in the communities on the need to ensure proper ventilation in their homes and workplaces, keep their surroundings clean and preserve the econ-system to reduce high temperatures.

Source: UG
Effect of climate variability adaptation strategies on maize yield in the Cape Coast Municipality, Ghana

Maize is a major staple produced by most peasant farmers in Ghana, amidst climate variabilities that potentially thwart the attainment of global sus tainable development goals (SDGs), specifically SDG −2 of zero hunger. Ordinarily, one expects the extant literature to be replete on a nexus between climate varia bility adaptation strategies and maize yields. Ironically, there appears to be scant information on the expected nexus in Ghana’s coastal areas. The dual questions about what adaptation strategies significantly affect maize yield, and the extent (magnitude) to which climate variability strategies affect maize yield beg answer ing. Inspired by these research questions, the objective of this article is to examine the effect of climate variability adaptation strategies on maize yield. This study relies on a cross-sectional data covering 197 smallholder maize farmers in the Cape Coast Metropolitan Assembly of Ghana’s Central Region. The study is deeply rooted in a quantitative approach employing multiple linear regression and a treatment effect model (inverse probability weighted regression adjustment—IPWRA). Our findings reveal that adaptation strategies correlate with maize yields. Specifically, estimates from the IPWRA show that irrigation and changes in planting dates positively correlate with maize yields. The implication is that these adaptation strategies improve maize yields. Smallholder farmers are encouraged to adopt effective climate variability adaptation strategies to minimize the adverse risks associated with climate variability. The government of Ghana’s initiative for arid regions, dubbed as the “one village one dam” initiative can be upscaled to southern Ghana to ensure sustainable agricultural development.

Source: UG
Effect of climate variability adaptation strategies on maize yield in the Cape Coast Municipality, Ghana

Maize is a major staple produced by most peasant farmers in Ghana, amidst climate variabilities that potentially thwart the attainment of global sus tainable development goals (SDGs), specifically SDG −2 of zero hunger. Ordinarily, one expects the extant literature to be replete on a nexus between climate varia bility adaptation strategies and maize yields. Ironically, there appears to be scant information on the expected nexus in Ghana’s coastal areas. The dual questions about what adaptation strategies significantly affect maize yield, and the extent (magnitude) to which climate variability strategies affect maize yield beg answer ing. Inspired by these research questions, the objective of this article is to examine the effect of climate variability adaptation strategies on maize yield. This study relies on a cross-sectional data covering 197 smallholder maize farmers in the Cape Coast Metropolitan Assembly of Ghana’s Central Region. The study is deeply rooted in a quantitative approach employing multiple linear regression and a treatment effect model (inverse probability weighted regression adjustment—IPWRA). Our findings reveal that adaptation strategies correlate with maize yields. Specifically, estimates from the IPWRA show that irrigation and changes in planting dates positively correlate with maize yields. The implication is that these adaptation strategies improve maize yields. Smallholder farmers are encouraged to adopt effective climate variability adaptation strategies to minimize the adverse risksassociated with climate variability. The government of Ghana’s initiative for arid regions, dubbed as the “one village one dam” initiative can be upscaled to southern Ghana to ensure sustainable agricultural development

Source: UG
Effect of coconut (Cocos nucifera L.) water of different fruit maturity stages on axillary bud initiation, growth and development of plantain (Musa AAB.)

The effect of endogenous content of cytokinin (trans- zeatin riboside, T-ZR) and auxin (indole-3-acetic acid, IAA) in coconut water from fruits at four different fruit maturity stages: liquid endosperm, solid endosperm formation stage, semi matured endosperm stage and fully matured dried fruit stage on proliferation of axillary bud initiation and development of local plantain cultivar (cv. Asamienu, Musa AAB) was investigated at the University of Ghana Forest and Horticultural Crops Research Centre, Kade. The results indicated that the IAA content decreased while the T-ZR content increased with fruit maturity. Three weeks after treatments, the highest number of well-differentiated axillary buds was obtained for suckers treated with coconut water from fruits at liquid endosperm formation stage whilst the highest number of fully developed plantlets was produced from treatments with coconut water at semi-endosperm formation stage. One month after the application of the split corm technique, the highest number of additional well-differentiated axillary buds and fully developed plantlets were produced from treatments with coconut water at the liquid endosperm formation stage. In general, treatments with coconut water from fully matured dried fruits produced the largest and the most vigorously growing plantlets. © 2018 Society for Advancement of Horticulture. All rights reserved.

Source: UG
Effect of community engagement interventions on patient safety and risk reduction efforts in primary health facilities: Evidence from 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
The effect of community engagement on healthcare utilization and health insurance enrollment in Ghana: Results from a randomized experiment

Abstract Health insurance enrollment in many Sub-Saharan African countries is low, even with highly subsidized premiums and exemptions for vulnerable populations. One possible explanation is low service quality, which results in a low valuation of health insurance. Using a randomized control trial in 64 primary health care facilities in Ghana, this study assesses the impact of a community engagement intervention designed to improve the quality of healthcare and health insurance services on households living nearby the facilities. Although the intervention improved the medical-technical quality of health services, our results show that households' subjective perceptions of the quality of healthcare and insurance services did not increase. Nevertheless, the likelihood of illness and concomitant healthcare utilization reduced, and especially households who were not insured at baseline were more likely to enroll in health insurance. The results show that solely increasing the technical quality of care is not sufficient to increase households' subjective assessments of healthcare quality. Still, improving technical quality can directly contribute to health outcomes and further increase health insurance coverage, especially among the previously uninsured.

Source: UG
Effect of complementary foods fortified with Moringa oleifera leaf powder on hemoglobin concentration and growth of infants in the Eastern Region of Ghana

Complementary foods that are deficient in both macronutrients and micronutrients coupled with a high burden of infections during the complementary feeding period are major underlying causes of child malnutrition in developing countries. Among the recent efforts to combat malnutrition by improving the quality of complementary foods in the developing world is the use of Moringa oleifera leaf powder (MLP) as a food fortificant. We conducted a randomized controlled trial to test the effect of feeding MLP‐fortified complementary food on hemoglobin concentration and growth of infants and young children after 4 months of feeding. Infants aged 8–12 months were randomly assigned to receive one of three study foods; Weanimix a cereal‐legume blend formulated with Moringa (MCL‐35g), MLP sprinkled on infants’ usual complementary foods (MS‐5g) and the control food Weanimix without Moringa (CF‐35g). Blood samples for hemoglobin determination as well as dietary intake and anthropometric data were collected at baseline and endline for 237 infants who completed the study. Data analysis was performed with SPSS (version 20) and comparisons were done by analysis of covariance (ANCOVA). There were no significant differences in hemoglobin concentration or growth indicators at endline between the three study groups. Findings of this study indicated that feeding infants a 5 g daily dose of MLP, either as part of a cereal‐legume blend or as a supplement which was sprinkled on infants’ usual complementary foods for 4 months, did not significantly improve infants’ hemoglobin concentration or growth indicators. Feeding infants with complementary foods fortified with a daily dose of 5 g of Moringa oleifera Leaf Powder did not significantly improve either their hemoglobin concentrations or growth indicators after 4 months of feeding.

Source: UG
Effect of concentrate supplementation during early lactation on plasma IGF-I concentrations and reproductive performance of dairy cows

An experiment was conducted to assess the effects of body condition score (BCS) at calving and level of feed supplementation during early lactation on the Insulin-like growth Factor-I (IGF-I) and reproductive performance in 72 Holstein cows in a pasture-based system following seasonally-synchronized calving. At the start of the seasonal breeding, plasma IGF-I concentrations in cows that had recommenced ovarian activity with detected oestrus were compared with those in anoestrus. The cows (n = 72) were managed over a period of five months to calve in a BCS of 4, 5 or 6 - using a scale from 1 (thin) to 8 (obese). The cows were maintained on pastures and supplemented during early lactation with either 1 or 6 kg grain per day. The BCS at calving did not affect plasma IGF-I concentrations. The plasma IGF-I concentration at week 10 was elevated at the higher level of grain supplementation (87.8 vs. 72.1 ng/mL). Higher conception rate following the first insemination of cows calving with a BCS of 6 (71% vs. 46% and 37% for a BCS of 4 and 5, respectively) was associated with more cows in that group conceiving during the first three weeks of the artificial insemination (AI) programme (75% vs. 46% and 46% for a BCS of 4 and 5, respectively). At weeks 0 and 10, cows that commenced ovarian activity by the start of the intensive AI programme, recorded higher plasma IGF-I concentrations than anoestrous cows. These findings indicate that diet can affect the plasma IGF-I levels, which in turn may be involved in affecting the resumption of cyclic ovarian activity and conception in dairy cows.

Source: UG
Effect of concomitant artesunate administration and cytochrome P4502C8 polymorphisms on the pharmacokinetics of amodiaquine in Ghanaian children with uncomplicated malaria

Artesunate (AS) is used in combination with amodiaquine (AQ) as first-line treatment for uncomplicated malaria in many countries. We investigated the effect of concomitant AS administration on the pharmacokinetics of AQ and compared concentrations of desethylamodiaquine (DEAQ), the main metabolite of AQ, in plasma between patients with different variants of the cytochrome P4502C8 (CYP2C8) gene. A two-compartment model was fitted to 169 plasma DEAQ concentrations from 103 Ghanaian children aged 1 to 14 years with uncomplicated malaria treated either with AQ alone (n = 15) or with AS plus AQ (n = 88). The population clearance of DEAQ appeared to increase nonlinearly with body weight, and the central volume of distribution of DEAQ was higher (P < 0.001) in the AS-plus-AQ group than in the AQ-only group. The maximum plasma DEAQ concentration was higher (P < 0.001), and the population distribution half-life was shorter (P < 0.01), in the AQ-only group than in the AS-plus-AQ group. The total areas under the plasma DEAQ concentration-time curves (P = 0.68) and elimination half-lives (P = 0.39) were similar for the two groups. There was a high frequency (0.179) of the non-wild-type allele of CYP2C8, but no differences between CYP2C8 genotypes with regard to AQ efficacy or safety were evident. The sample size, however, was limited, so monitoring of AQ toxicity in the study area is still indicated. The nonlinear clearance of DEAQ and the wide variability in kinetic parameters have safety implications for weight-based dosing of higher-body-weight children with AQ. The pharmacokinetics of artemisinin combination therapies should be studied in malaria patients, because the rapid parasite clearance caused by the artemisinin may affect the kinetics of the partner drug and the combination.

Source: UG
The effect of corporal punishment and math anxiety on math performance among junior high school students in Ghana

The study investigates the effect of corporal punishment and math anxiety on math performance at the Virgo Preparatory School in Adabraka, Ghana. Thirty four (34) participants were pre-tested and post-tested using the Mathematics Anxiety Scale for elementary school students. Analysis of the results shows that there is no difference in math performance between students who receive corporal punishment and those who are reinforced as well as those who receive neither reinforcement nor corporal punishment. Finally, no significant negative correlation was found between math anxiety and math performance; however, females were found to be more anxious of maths than males. The implications of the findings are discussed.

Source: UG