ghanaopendata/ghanaian-research-english huggingface dataset:
The 230-kDa gamete surface protein of plasmodium falciparum is also a target for transmission-blocking antibodies

Immunization with extracellular sexual stages of the malaria parasites can induce the production of antibodies which block the development of the parasites in the midgut of a mosquito after a blood meal. We have generated a number of monoclonal antibodies against gametes and zygotes of the human malaria Plasmodium falciparum. Two monoclonal antibodies (mAb) reacting with a 230-kDa gamete surface protein (mAb 1B3 and 2B4 both isotype IgG2a) were found to block transmission of P. falciparum to mosquitoes. Blocking was complement dependent and this was verified in vitro by the rapid lysis of newly formed gametes and zygotes in the presence of the mAb and active complement. Both mAb reacted by immunofluorescence with the surface of gametes and zygotes from isolates of P. falciparum from various geographical areas. Each mAb immunoprecipitated a 230-kDa protein from 125I-labeled surface proteins of newly formed gametes and zygotes and immunoblotted a protein doublet of about molecular mass 260 and 230 kDa from gametocytes and gametes of P. falciparum. Only the 230-kDa protein is expressed on the surface of newly formed macrogametes and zygotes. The 230-kDa gamete surface protein forms a molecular complex with two proteins of 48 and 45 kDa. The 48- and 45-kDa gamete surface proteins have previously been shown to be targets of mAb which block infectivity of P. falciparum to mosquitoes. The present study now demonstrates that antibodies against the 230-kDa gamete surface protein block transmission of P. falciparum to mosquitoes. The 230-kDa gamete protein is thus a potential candidate for a gamete vaccine.

Source: UG
3.6 Million Neonatal Deaths-What Is Progressing and What Is Not?

Each year 3.6 million infants are estimated to die in the first 4 weeks of life (neonatal period)-but the majority continue to die at home, uncounted. This article reviews progress for newborn health globally, with a focus on the countries in which most deaths occur-what data do we have to guide accelerated efforts? All regions are advancing, but the level of decrease in neonatal mortality differs by region, country, and within countries. Progress also differs by the main causes of neonatal death. Three major causes of neonatal deaths (infections, complications of preterm birth, and intrapartum-related neonatal deaths or "birth asphyxia") account for more than 80% of all neonatal deaths globally. The most rapid reductions have been made in reducing neonatal tetanus, and there has been apparent progress towards reducing neonatal infections. Limited, if any, reduction has been made in reducing global deaths from preterm birth and for intrapartum-related neonatal deaths. High-impact, feasible interventions to address these 3 causes are summarized in this article, along with estimates of potential for lives saved. A major gap is reaching mothers and babies at birth and in the early postnatal period. There are promising community-based service delivery models that have been tested mainly in research studies in Asia that are now being adapted and evaluated at scale and also being tested through a network of African implementation research trials. To meet Millennium Development Goal 4, more can and must be done to address neonatal deaths. A critical step is improving the quantity, quality and use of data to select and implement the most effective interventions and strengthen existing programs, especially at district level. © 2010 Elsevier Inc.

Source: UG
400 Years? Ancestors Disappear! Historical Misorientation and Disorientation in the Year of Return and the 400 Years Narrative

1619 CE was selected as the starting point in reference to enslaved Afrikans supposedly arriving at the British colony of Jamestown, Virginia as referenced on numerous Government of Ghana websites for 2019’s Year of Return. In this article, we will use various primary and scholarly sources to interrogate “white” epistemologies and anglocentric frames of reference of using 1619 CE as a starting point for anti-Black enslavement while challenging biblical parallels and references to 400 years (Brauchle in Virginia changing marker denoting where first Africans arrived in 1619, Web: dailypress.com, 2015). Using an Afrikan-centered analysis, we argue that the arbitrary selection of the anglocentric date of 1619 CE cannot be at the center of any narrative told from the perspective of Afrikan = Black people lest we erase the memory of hundreds of thousands of Afrikan ancestors enslaved prior to that time in what would eventually become the continental USA and elsewhere.

Source: UG
A 5-deoxyflavonol derivative in Mimosa pudica

1. Subject and source Aerial parts of Mimosa pudica L. (Leguminosae-Mimosoideae) were collected near Accra, Ghana. Voucher specimen (GC47684) was deposited in Herbarium GC (Ghana Herbarium, Botany Department, University of Ghana, Legon). 2. Previous work The interest in M. pudica (the so-called sensitive plant) has mainly been concerned with chemistry and biology of the thigmonastic movement (rapid leaf movement observed upon touching the leaves) and nyctinastic movement (slow movement con- trolled by a biological clock) of the leaves, and several leaf-movement factors have been reﬁned (Kameyama et al., 2000; Ueda and Yamamura, 2000; Ueda et al., 2000). Phenolics (Ueda et al., 2000; Josewin et al., 1999; Englert et al., 1994), norepi- nephrine (Applewhite, 1973) and a non-protein amino acid leucenine (mimosine) (Kleipool and Wibaut, 1950) have been isolated. A saponin (Jiang et al., 1990) and a bufadienolide (Yadava and Yadav, 2001) were reported in M. pudica seeds.

Source: UG
A - 61C and C - 101G hp gene promoter polymorphisms are, respectively, associated with ahaptoglobinaemia and hypohaptoglobinaemia in Ghana

We have investigated the genetic basis for the Hp0 phenotype amongst 123 randomly selected Ghanaians. A total of 17 individuals were determined to be Hp0 phenotype, based on the classical method for Hp phenotyping of Hb-supplemented plasma. Out of the 17 Hp0 individuals, nine subjects were further classified as ahaptoglobinaemic and eight as hypohaptoglobinaemic by Western blots and double immunodiffusion. We identified three previously known base substitutions (A-55G, A-61C and T-104A) and three new ones (C-101G, T-191G and C-242T) within the 5' flanking region of the Hp gene. The A-61C base substitution significantly decreased transcriptional activity and was associated strongly with Hp2 allele and ahaptoglobinaemia. The C-101G substitution was similar in transcriptional activity to the wild-type and was associated with Hp1S allele and hypohaptoglobinaemia. The Hpdel allele seen in Asian populations was absent. We conclude that the Hp0 phenotype in Ghana has a genetic basis that differs significantly from that seen in Asia.

Source: UG
‘9th May 2017 is OUR DAY’: The Homeland Study Group Foundation and contested national imaginaries in postindependence Ghana

Ghana has been held up as an oasis of stability in a highly volatile region of Africa due to its peaceful decolonization process, absence of serious civil conflict and successful change of governments. However, in Ghana, as in parts of post-independence Africa, there are lingering secessionist movements that are a legacy of colonialism. The latest comes from the Homeland Study Group Foundation (HSGF) which declared the former British Togoland, a former United Nations trust territory administered by the United Kingdom, as an independent state called Western Togoland. Through the prism of competing or alternative national imaginaries rather than the weak and dysfunctional state paradigm, this article seeks to explain the roots of a form of Togoland nationalism in Ghana in 1956 that remains relevant today. The paper argues that an Apparently, successful integration can stimulate/give support to alternative nationalist imaginaries.

Source: UG
A (Re)turn to Older Conversations in African Studies

In an interdisciplinary journal such as the African Studies Review, we are all enriched by the unique perspectives that writers from different disciplines bring to the table. Historians, political scientists, economists, literary scholars, and sociologists can draw on their disciplinary perspectives as well as on the perspectives of other disciplines to gain insights into the continent, and we all are better off for it. What do we do, though, with disciplines that are considered ill-fitting for a study of Africa? Fifty years ago, the South African anthropologist Archie Mafeje remarked about how historically, on the continent, sociology had been viewed as a discipline best suited to making sense of the civilized European settler communities in the eastern and southern parts of the continent, while the rest of Africa could be left to anthropologists to study. He expressed the belief that these African sites, conceptualized as static and non-modernizing, lent themselves better to a discipline that had been developed to study the Other than one developed to study the metropole. Concepts such as modernity, civilization, and knowledge, as developed by sociologists, were perceived at the time as inappropriate for describing Africa, hence the decision to leave the study of the continent to those who worked with concepts such as kinship, “tribes,” and witchcraft beliefs. No wonder, then, that the early academics in many departments of sociology on the continent such as Kofi Abrefa Busia, Godwin Nukunya, and Max Assimeng, all of whom taught in the Department of Sociology at the University of Ghana in its early years, were trained primarily in the United Kingdom as social anthropologists. Even today, there are many more African and Africanist anthropologists than there are sociol ogists.

Source: UG
A cascading approach using se-resnext, resnet and feature pyramid network for kidney tumor segmentation

Accurate segmentation of kidney tumors in CT images is very important in the diagnosis of kidney cancer. Automatic semantic segmentation of the kidney tumor has shown promising results to wards developing advance surgical planning techniques in the treatment of kidney tumor. However, the relatively small size of kidney tumor volume in comparison to the overall kidney volume, and its irregular distribution and shape makes it difficult to accurately segment the tu mors. In addressing this issue, we proposed a coarse to fine segmentation which leverages on transfer learning using SE-ResNeXt model for the initial segmentation and ResNet and Feature Pyramid Network for the final segmentation. The processes are related and the output of the initial results was used for the final training. We trained and evaluated our method on the KITS19 dataset and achieved a dice score of 0.7388 and Jaccard score 0.7321 for the final segmentation demonstrating promising results when compared to other approaches.

Source: UG
A case–control study of prevalence of anemia among patients with type 2 diabetes

Abstract Background Anemia is defined as a reduction in the hemoglobin concentration of blood, which consequently reduces the oxygen-carrying capacity of red blood cells such that they are unable to meet the body’s physiological needs. Several reports have indicated that anemia mostly occurs in patients with diabetes with renal insufficiency while limited studies have reported the incidence of anemia in people with diabetes prior to evidence of renal impairment. Other studies have also identified anemia as a risk factor for the need for renal replacement therapy in diabetes. Understanding the pathogenesis of anemia associated with diabetes may lead to the development of interventions to optimize outcomes in these patients. The aim of this study was therefore to determine the prevalence of anemia among patients with type 2 diabetes. Methods A total of 100 (50 with type 2 diabetes and 50 controls) participants were recruited for our study. Participants’ blood samples were analyzed for fasting blood glucose, full blood count and renal function tests among others. The prevalence of anemia was then determined statistically. Results A high incidence of anemia was observed in the cases. Of the patients with diabetes, 84.8 % had a hemoglobin concentration that was significantly less (males 11.16±1.83 and females 10.41±1.49) than the controls (males 14.25±1.78 and females 12.53±1.14). Renal insufficiency determined by serum creatinine level of >1.5 mg/dL, estimated glomerular filtration rate <60 ml/minute/1.73 m2, and erythropoietin levels was also observed to be high in the cases (54.0 %; with mean creatinine concentration of 3.43±1.73 and erythropoietin 6.35±1.28 mIU/mL). A significantly increased fasting blood glucose, urea, sodium, potassium, and calcium ions were observed in the cases (7.99±1.30, 5.19±1.99, 140.90±6.98, 4.86±0.53 and 1.47±0.31 respectively) as compared to the controls (4.66±0.54, 3.56±2.11, 135.51±6.84, 4.40±0.58 and 1.28±0.26 respectively). Finally, a significant association between hemoglobin concentration and fasting blood glucose was also observed in the cases. Conclusions The findings suggest that a high incidence of anemia is likely to occur in patients with poorly controlled diabetes and in patients with diabetes and renal insufficiency.

Source: UG
A Comparative Scanning Electron Microscopic Study Of The Efficacy Of Three Gutta-Percha Solvents Used During Endodontic Retreatment.

Objective: This study sought to compare the number of unfilled dentinal tubules in the root canals using a Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM) after the use of K-files and the respective solvents (Chloroform, Eucalyptol, D-limonene). Methodology: The study was a prospective comparative study. Single-rooted teeth extracted because of various dental conditions were root-treated using the rotary ProTaper system and stored in normal saline. After three months, the teeth were randomly assigned to the three solvent groups (Chloroform, Eucalyptol, and D limonene). Gutta percha was removed using the solvent and K-files. The teeth were then divided longitudinally and the root canal surfaces (apical third, middle third, and coronal third) were examined using a scanning electron microscope to determine the number of unfilled dentinal tubule orifices per unit area. Results: D-limonene had the greatest number of unfilled dentinal tubules across the three segments of the divided teeth while Chloroform had the least number of unfilled dentinal tubules Conclusion: D-limonene had superior gutta-percha removal abilities as compared to Eucalyptol and Chloroform.

Source: UG
A comparative survey of the prevalence of human parasites found in fresh vegetables sold in supermarkets and open-aired markets in Accra, Ghana

Abstract Background Consuming raw vegetables offers essential nutrients that one may not get when such vegetables are usually cooked. However, eating them raw may pose a great risk for transmissions of pathogens. Such risks may be influenced by the sources of the vegetables and washing techniques used. The aim of the study was to compare the prevalence and diversity of parasitic pathogens associated with vegetables sold at the two types of markets in Ghana and compare effectiveness of various washing techniques. Methods We purchased two batches of samples of cabbage, sweet bell pepper, carrot, lettuce, tomato and onion within a two week interval. The vegetables were washed by three methods and the wash solution was concentrated and analyzed for parasites. Results The prevalent parasites detected were Strongyloides stercoralis larvae (43%) and Cryptosporidium parvum oocyst (16%). Others present were Hookworm ova, Entamoeba histolytica cysts, Giardia lamblia cysts, Cyclospora cayetanensis oocysts, Entamoeba coli cysts, Trichuris trichiuria ova, Enterobius vermicularis ova, Isospora belli oocysts and Fasciolopsis buski ova. Contamination was highest in lettuce (61%) and cabbage and the least contaminated was tomato (18%). Contamination of vegetables sold at the open-aired markets was about ten-times that of the supermarkets. Conclusions In Ghana, the large open-aired markets are the most patronized and serve as a supply point for most corner shops and stalls. The results thus highlight the potential of fresh vegetables serving as a major source of food-borne disease outbreaks and the contribution of open-aired markets to their transmission. Urgent public education on handling of fresh vegetables is recommended.

Source: UG
A comprehensive lifestyle index and its associations with DNA methylation and type 2 diabetes among Ghanaian adults: the rodam study

Background A series of modifiable lifestyle factors, such as diet quality, physical activity, alcohol intake, and smoking, may drive the rising burden of type 2 diabetes (T2DM) among sub-Saharan Africans globally. It is unclear whether epi genetic changes play a mediatory role in the associations between these lifestyle factors and T2DM. We assessed the associations between a comprehensive lifestyle index, DNA methylation and T2DM among Ghanaian adults. Methods We used whole-blood Illumina 450 k DNA methylation data from 713 Ghanaians from the Research on Obesity and Diabetes among African Migrants (RODAM) study. We constructed a comprehensive lifestyle index based on established cut-offs for diet quality, physical activity, alcohol intake, and smoking status. In the T2DM-fre discovery cohort (n=457), linear models were fatted to identify differentially methylated positions (DMPs) and diferenterally methylated regions (DMRs) associated with the lifestyle index after adjustment for age, sex, body mass index (BMI), and technical covariates. Associations between the identified DMPs and the primary outcome (T2DM), as well as secondary outcomes (fasting blood glucose (FBG) and HbA1c), were determined via logistic and linear regression models, respectively. Results In the present study population (mean age: 52±10 years; male: 42.6%), the comprehensive lifestyle index showed a significant association with one DMP annotated to an intergenic region on chromosome 7 (false discovery rate (FDR)=0.024). Others were annotated to ADCY7, SMARCE1, AHRR, LOXL2, and PTBP1 genes. One DMR was identified and annotated to the GFPT2 gene (familywise error rate (FWER) from bumphunter bootstrap=0.036). None of the DMPs showed significant associations with T2DM; directions of effect were positive for the DMP in the AHRR and inverse for all the other DMPs. Higher methylation of the ADCY7 DMP was associated with higher FBG (p=0.024); LOXL2 DMP was associated with lower FBG (p=0.023) and HbA1c (p=0.049); and PTBP1 DMP was associated with lower HbA1c (p=0.002). Conclusions In this explorative epigenome-wide association study among Ghanaians, we identified one DMP and DMR associated with a comprehensive lifestyle index not previously associated with individual lifestyle factors.

Source: UG
A Cross-National Assessment Of Artificial Intelligence (AI) Chatbot User Perceptions In Collegiate Physics Education

This study explores the perception of artificial intelligence (AI)-based Chatbots, specifically Open AI’s ChatGPT use, among physics students in four universities in Ghana, Jordan, and the United States. We utilized a survey instrument adapted from the Technology Acceptance Model (TAM) to elicit responses from 804 students. TAM constructs: Perceived Usefulness (PU), Perceived Ease of Use (PEU), Subjective Norms (SN), Attitude Towards Technology Use (ATU), Behavioral Intention (BI), and User Behavior (UB) were assessed. We also assessed perceptions of ethical use (EU) and student learning outcomes (SLO) using a Structural Equation Model (SEM) approach. A measurement model had good fit indices and validated most hypotheses. A path analysis (PA) for hypothesized relationships suggested PEU and SN are significant predictors of BI and UB, whereas PU’s influence on BI was indirect. Significantly, EU concerns negatively moderated the relationship between BI and UB, suggesting that higher ethical concerns can reduce ChatGPT usage. Cross-cultural analysis uncovered significant differences in perceptions and usage patterns influenced by institutional policies, academic levels, and demographic factors. Our findings affirm TAM’s robustness in predicting technology use across various cultural and institutional settings. Findings also underscore the crucial roles of social influence in fostering positive user behaviors for Chat GPT. This study provides insights for educators and policymakers to develop strategies for integrating AI Chatbots responsibly and effectively in collegiate physics education while addressing ethical concerns. A longitudinal survey of the relationships between consistent AI Chatbot use, institutional support, student motivation, and learning outcomes is recommended.

Source: UG
A cross-sectional study of determinants of birth weight of neonates in the Greater Accra region of Ghana

Abstract Background Birth weight is a major determinant of infant morbidity and mortality. Fetal undernourishment means an increased risk of dying during a baby’s early months and years. Birth weight has emerged as the leading indicator of infant health and welfare and the central focus of infant health policy. The issues have not been comprehensively evaluated in part due to lack of or limited empirical data. To this end, this study is aimed to evaluate the effects of maternal determinants on the birth weights of neonates in two major hospitals. Results Low birth weight neonates were significantly (p < 0.001) associated with low gestation at birth (34.8 ± 3.8) while mothers of low birth weight neonates had significantly (p = 0.034) lower body mass index (27.3 ± 5.4) than their normal birth weight counterparts (29.0 ± 6.3). Gestation at birth (p < 0.001), diastolic blood pressure (p = 0.008) was the only significant determinant of birth weight. Conclusion An increase in gestation at birth by 1 week results in over twice more likelihood of a normal birth weight while a rise in diastolic blood pressure is less likely to give rise to a normal birth weight neonate.

Source: UG
A cross-sectional study of knowledge and awareness of type 2 diabetes mellitus in a student population in Ghana: do demographics and lifestyle make a difference

Objective: To determine the level of knowledge and awareness of type 2 diabetes among undergraduate students and to investigate demographic and lifestyle variables associated with students’ level of knowledge and awareness. Design: Students from the University of Ghana (n = 726) were administered questionnaires to assess their knowledge and awareness of specific aspects of type 2 diabetes, namely, symptoms, treatment, and complications of the illness. Main Outcome Measures: Level of type 2 diabetes knowledge and awareness. Results: Knowledge and awareness were higher for diabetes treatment (then for diabetes symptoms and complications), with females have more knowledge and awareness than males. Significant differences were also found in the level of knowledge and awareness of students based on their discipline of study but not the number of years of study in the university. Also, students who engaged in physical exercise showed a higher level of general knowledge and awareness of type 2 diabetes. Finally, a family history of diabetes resulted in more knowledge and awareness of type 2 diabetes. Conclusions: Education in type 2 diabetes is needed to make individuals more aware of the illness and take preventive measures. The fact that the participants’ discipline of study produced differences in diabetes knowledge and awareness, suggest how education can make a difference in creating awareness.

Source: UG