ghanaopendata/ghanaian-research-english huggingface dataset:
Medication Adherence and Its Association with Glycaemic Control, Blood Pressure Control, Glycosuria and Proteinuria among People Living with Diabetes (PLWD) in the Ho Municipality, Ghana

Background: Adherence is the active, voluntary, and collaborative involvement of the patient in a mutually acceptable course of behaviour to produce a therapeutic result. The study is aimed at assessing adherence to medication and its relation to therapeutic outcomes among people living with diabetes in the Ho Municipality. Methodology: A cross-sectional study was conducted involving 150 diabetic patients attending the diabetic clinic at the Ho Municipal Hospital. Urine glucose and urine protein were measured using a two-parameter dipstick. The current fasting blood glucose and blood pressure, as well as the measurements of two previous visits, were documented. A semi-structured questionnaire including the Diabetes Complication Checklist and the Morisky, Green and Levine Adherence Scale were used to capture biodata, clinical information and medication adherence. Results: Optimal medication adherence was 60.67%. Glycaemic control and controlled blood pressure were 33.33% and 58.67%, respectively. The prevalence of glycosuria and proteinuria was 10.67% and 3.3%, respectively. Percentage glycaemic control and controlled blood pressure were found to be higher among the medication adherent group, while glycosuria and proteinuria were the highest among participants presenting with low medication adherence. Conclusion: In this group of patients living with diabetes in the Ho Municipality, high level of uncontrolled glycaemia and blood pressure exist. However, these two treatment outcomes may be modulated by optimal medication adherence.

Source: UG
Medication management and adherence during the COVID-19 pandemic: Perspectives and experiences from low-and middle-income countries

The current coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic is placing a huge strain on health systems worldwide. Suggested solutions like social distancing and lockdowns in some areas to help contain the spread of the virus may affect special patient populations like those with chronic illnesses who are unable to access healthcare facilities for their routine care and medicines management. Retail pharmacy outlets are the likely facilities for easy access by these patients. The contribution of community pharmacists in these facilities to manage chronic conditions and promote medication adherence during this COVID-19 pandemic will be essential in easing the burden on already strained health systems. This paper highlights the pharmaceutical care practices of community pharmacists for patients with chronic diseases during this pandemic. This would provide support for the call by the WHO to maintain essential services during the pandemic, in order to prevent non-COVID disease burden on healthcare systems particularly in low-and middle-income countries

Source: UG
Medicinal Plants as Effective Antiviral Agents and Their Potential Benefits.

This paper explores a diverse field of medicinal plants as potential antiviral agents, and delves into utilization of plant medicine for combating viral infections, emphasizing recent surge in research on natural products from plants as antiviral agents. Specific plant-derived compounds, like phyllanthin and iscador, have been proven to exhibit antiviral properties with great potential for pharma ceutical development. Mechanisms of antiviral action by phytochemicals that are present in medicinal plants, including direct viral inhibition, degradation of viral capsid, and immunomodulation were identified, and a combination therapy of medicinal plants with conventional antiviral drugs were explored. Efficacy of medicinal plants as antiviral agents was critically assessed and revealed that the complexity and variability of herbal formulations, and safety concerns regarding toxicity levels, pose challenges in drug devel opment. However, research on medicinal plants is often hindered by limited understanding of phytochemical mechanisms, the com plexity and variability of herbal formulations, and safety concerns regarding toxicity and interactions with other medications. The way forward in harnessing full potential of medicinal plants as antiviral agents underscores the need for further research into developing models that seek to enhance the selectivity of plant extracts in order to minimize toxicity levels.

Source: UG
Medicinal plants used for management of diabetes and hypertension in Ghana

Diabetes and hypertension have been declared as a global health menace of the 21st Century. Thus, the search for potential therapeutic agents from medicinal plants for the management of diabetes and hypertension is important. This study was undertaken to investigate medicinal plants being used in the management of diabetes and hypertension by herbalists in Ghana. Data were obtained from 36 herbalists through questionnaire interviews and conversations. Botanical specimens were collected, processed and identified following standard ethnobotanical methods. Data were analyzed using Fidelity Level (FL) and Informant Consensus Factor (ICF). A total of 39 species of plants belonging to 31 families were reported being used for management of diabetes and hypertension. Eighteen of these plants are used for the treatment of hypertension, 12 species for diabetes, and 9 species for management of both diseases. Informant consensus factor was highest for plants used to treat both diseases (IFC = 0.82) followed by hypertension (ICF = 0.31) and then diabetes (IFC = 0.24). FL values were high for Carica papaya L. Moringa oleifera Lam. and Khaya senegalensis A. Juss. for the management of both diabetes and hypertension. Of the 14 species used for hypertension, Tetrapleura tetraptera (Schum. ex. Thonn.) recorded the highest FL value whiles Momordica charantia L. recorded the highest FL value for antidiabetic plants. Baphia nitida G. Lodd, Luffa aegyptiaca Mill. and Tapinanthus banguwensis (Engl. & k. Krause) Dancing are being mentioned for the first time in the management of hypertension. Herbal medicines for treatments of both diabetes and hypertension were usually prepared from multiple plant pre scriptions by boiling the plant parts, and the decoctions drunk for treatments. The results show that there is substantial preclinical evidence to support the usefulness of some of these herbs as an important choice for patients with diabetes and hypertension. However, clinical studies are important to confirm the efficacy and safety of the herbal medicines prescribed by herbalists.

Source: UG
Medicinal Plants Used in the Treatment of Mental and Neurological Disorders in Ghana

Ethnopharmacological Relevance. Mental and neurological disorders are a serious public health challenge globally, particularly in developing countries where cultural factors and limited access to standard healthcare have led to a reliance on traditional medicines. However, ethnopharmacological characterization of traditional medicines used to treat these diseases is lacking. In this study, an ethnobotanical description of plant species used in treating mental and neurological disorders in Ghana and an update of their experimentally validated pharmacological relevance are provided. Materials and Methods. Two hundred herbalists agreed to participate but sixty-six specialized in treating mental and neurological disorders were interviewed on their traditional medical practice. Literature review was conducted to verify the experimentally validated pharmacological importance of the reported plants. Results. Thirty-two plant species belonging to twenty-eight families were identified. Most plant species had either analgesic (50%), anxiolytic (18.8%), or anticonvulsant (15.6%) properties. Others had reported sedative, anti-Alzheimer’s disease, motor coordination, antipsychotic, antidepressant, cognitive enhancement, and neuroprotective properties. While Ageratum conyzoides L. (Asteraceae) and Ocimum gratissimum L. (Lamiaceae) were the most commonly mentioned species with analgesic properties, Lantana camara L. (Verbenaceae) was the most-reported anxiolytic product, with Cymbopogon citratus DC. (Gramineae), Mangifera indica L., Tetrapleura tetraptera Schum Taub. (Fabaceae), and Persea Americana Mill (Lauraceae) being the most studied anticonvulsants. Conclusions. This study provides the first report specifically on medicinal plants used in treating mental and neurological disorders in Ghana. Most of the identified plants have been scientifically confirmed to possess neuro- and psychopharmacological properties and may serve as templates for drug development.

Source: UG
Medicinal plants used to treat TB in Ghana

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
Medicinal uses, pharmacological activities, and bioactive compounds of Nauclea latifolia and implications in the treatment of tropical diseases

Nauclea latifolia Sm. is a medicinal plant from the family Rubiaceae which is widely distributed in the tropical regions of Africa and Asia. Different parts of the plant are known to have many ethnomedicinal uses. The aim of this review is to compile knowledge available on the ethnomedicinal uses, pharmacological activities, and bioactive compounds present in different parts of the plant and identify their relevance in the treatment of tropical diseases. This review will preserve traditional knowledge, promote responsible use, and advance scientific and medical research on this plant. N. latifolia is used for the treatment of malaria, skin conditions, pain, hypertension, diabetes, fever, stomach problems, female infertility, gastric ulcer, jaundice, respiratory tract ailments, eye conditions, menstrual disorders, yellow fever, gonorrhoea, haemorrhoids, urine retention, male sexual dysfunction, dysentery, diarrhoea, HIV/ AIDS, measles, typhoid fever, leprosy, oral diseases, hernia, cancer, filariasis (helminthiasis) and central nervous system injuries. This plant has been investigated for its antidepressant, anticonvulsant, antimicrobial, antiplasmodial, antioxidant, antidiabetic, anti-ulcer, antipyretic, antinociceptive, hepatoprotective, larvicidal, ovicidal, antidiarrheal, antihypertensive, hypocholesterolemic, hypoglycaemic, anti-inflammatory, anxiolytic, myorelaxant and sedative activities. Scientific justification for its usage in the treatment of viral infections, hypertension, helminthiasis, stomachache, diabetes, backache, fever, cancer, malaria, diarrhoea, measles, conjunctivitis, and gastric ulcer has been established. However, further studies are needed to justify its use in the treatment of urine retention, male sexual dysfunction, HIV/ AIDS, hernia, female infertility, as well as Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s disease. The phytoconstituents documented include proanthocyanins, alkaloids, tannins, flavonoids, glycosides, phenols, steroids, saponins, and terpenoids, with many compounds having been isolated.

Source: UG
The medico-legal prerequisite for initiating quarantine and isolation practices in public health emergency management in hospitals in Ghana

Hospitals and other health facilities in Ghana do not appear to have standardized practices for quarantine and isolation in public health emergency management. This paper reviews the legislative framework governing the medico-legal prerequisites for initiating quarantine and isolation procedures as articulated in the Infectious Disease Act (Cap 78) 1908 amended, 1935, the Quarantine Act (Cap 77) 1915 amended, 1938, the Emergency Powers Act of 1994, (Act 472), and the National Disaster Management Act, 1996, (Act 517) in consonance with the 1992 Constitution of Ghana. The findings provide that (1) The legislative framework outlines systematic standards and protocols to be followed in the committal of person or persons in quarantine and isolation during public health emergencies. (2) These standards and protocols consider as imperative, the creation of standardized national templates for the initiation of quarantine and isolation measures. (3) The non-compliance of the standards and protocols renders vulnerable medical facilities and hospitals with their personnel to the threat of medical malpractice suits and breach of professional ethics. This paper provides suggestions to hospital administrators and medical personnel of how to develop administrative templates in compliance with the law in managing public health emergencies. It also provides examples of such templates for possible adoption by hospitals and other health administrators.

Source: UG
Medium resolution satellite imagery as a tool for monitoring shoreline change. Case study of the Eastern coast of Ghana

Shoreline change analysis provides important information upon which most coastal zone management and intervention policies rely. Such information is however mostly scarce for large and inaccessible shorelines largely due to expensive field work. This study investigated the potential of medium resolution satellite imagery for mapping shoreline positions and for estimating historic rate of change. Both manual and semi-automatic shoreline extraction methods for multi-spectral satellite imageries were explored. Five shoreline positions were extracted for 1986, 1991, 2001, 2007 and 2011 covering a medium term of 25 years period. Rates of change statistics were calculated using the End Point Rate and Weighted Linear Regression methods. Approximately 283 transects were cast at simple right angles along the entire coast at 200m interval. Uncertainties were quantified for the shorelines ranging from ± 4.1m to ± 5.5m. The results show that the Keta shoreline is a highly dynamic feature with average rate of erosion estimated to be about 2m/year ± 0.44m. Individual rates along some transect reach as high as 16m/year near the estuary and on the east of the Keta Sea Defence site. The study confirms earlier rates of erosion calculated for the area and also reveals the influence of the Keta Sea Defence Project on erosion along the eastern coast of Ghana. The research shows that shoreline change can be estimated using medium resolution satellite imagery. © Coastal Education & Research Foundation 2013.

Source: UG
Meeting socioeconomic objectives in Ghana's sardinella fishery

It is frequently stated that there are explicit tradeoffs between biodiversity conservation and poverty reduction. This Chapter examines these tradeoffs through the interaction between Ghana's artisanal canoe fishery and the offshore trawler fishery. Ghana's marine biodiversity is threatened by a sizeable fishing industry partly because poverty is rife, and also because the coastal population has a high dependence on fish for their food security. The artisanal fishing fleet targets small pelagics, predominantly round sardinella (Sardinella aurita), with their catch used mainly for subsistence. By-catch in the trawler fleet, which includes round sardinella, is mainly consumed in urban areas within the country, while their target species are exported. Current artisanal sardinella catch is insufficient to meet subsistence needs, and therefore domestic reliance on trawlcaught sardinella for food security might be in conflict with the conservation of biodiversity. We develop a bioeconomic model, which illustrates that giving priority to the effective management of the artisanal fishery in Ghana could provide food and job security to the fishers of Ghana, without compromising biodiversity conservation, in contrast to the commercial trawl fishery. It appears that the sardinella fishery may be overcapitalized, as optimization results suggest effort could be cut in half while still providing catch levels of about 300,000 tonnes per year, or four times current artisanal catches. Limiting by-catch and spatial conflicts by the trawl fishery could yield economic benefits from the artisanal sector of over US$200 million over 20 years. © 2010 by Nova Science Publishers, Inc. All rights reserved.

Source: UG
Meeting women's demand for contraceptives in Ghana: Does autonomy matter?

This study addressed a basic conceptual gap in research on the relationship between women's autonomy and contraceptive behavior and included intention to use while measuring the unmet demand for family planning. The study used data from the 2014 Ghana Demographic and Health Survey. The weighted sample included 2,017 sexually active, non-pregnant, fecund women in unions, aged 15-49 years, who wanted to delay conception for at least 2 years. The relation of household decision-making autonomy to current contraceptive use and intention was assessed, adjusting for women's socio-demographic, partner, and couple characteristics. About half of the women studied had a met demand for contraception, and over a third had no intention to use a contraceptive method in the future. In adjusted multinomial logistic regression models, household decision-making autonomy was not significantly associated with met contraceptive demand for contraceptives, but was associated with their intentions to use contraception (p = .05). Formal education, age, wealth, and region of residence were significantly associated with having a met demand. In Ghana, women's household decision-making autonomy appears to have modest relation to contraceptive uptake. Programs to improve meeting contraceptive demand should consider contextual factors and place differences in contraceptive uptake.

Source: UG
Mefloquine (MQ) single dose 20 mg/kg treatment of falciparum malaria was evaluated in 186 children of 6-24 months of age in northern 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
Mefloquine treatment for uncomplicated falciparum malaria in young children 6-24 months of age in northern 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
Megaloblastic anaemia: Response to amples A and B (folic acid, vitamin B12 (cyanocobalamin), niacin and vitamin C)--a case report

BACKGROUND: Megaloblastic anaemia is prevalent in our society and patients are diagnosed late. METHOD: Case Report of a patient with megaloblastic anaemia and discussion of relevant literature. RESULTS: A 50 year old Nigerian trader with recurrent chronic anaemia and repeated blood transfusions (Eight units in 10 days) was finally diagnosed to have megaloblastic anaemia. He was commenced on intramuscular, Ample A and Ample B (folic acid 0.7mg, vitamin B12 (Cyanocobalamin) 2500g, niacin 12mg and vitamin C 150mg) on alternate days (6 doses) then weekly as maintenance until haematocrit returned to normal. Response was dramatic; haemoglobin was 6.4g/dl before, 7.9g/dl after the second dose and 11.5g/dl after the 6th dose of the drug. The corrected retic was 2.0% before, 4.6% 72hrs after and 8.4% after the 6th dose. The MCV decreased from 105fl before to 79fl after the 6th dose of the drug. His packed cell volume has remained above 35% after completing the 6th dose and during maintenance therapy. CONCLUSION: The combination of Cyanocobalamin, folic acid, niacin, and vitamin C, in Amples A and B is complementary. Treatment with Amples A and B is effective and affordable in the management of megaloblastic anaemia

Source: UG
Meiotic recombination generates rich diversity in NK cell receptor genes, alleles, and haplotypes.

The Department of Immunology conducts research in the field of immunology of infectious and non-infectious diseases. The Department has the overall goal of contributing knowledge to better diagnosis, management, control and prevention of infectious and non-infectious diseases in Ghana and worldwide. This is consistent with the overall strategy of the Noguchi Memorial Institute for Medical Research (NMIMR) and in line with the strategy of the College of Health Sciences of the University of Ghana.

Source: UG
: Melamine Contamination of Infant Formula in China: The Causes, Food Safety Issues and Public Health Implications

Melamine - an industrial chemical - was recently found in infant formula in China but it has since spiralled to other food categories that use milk powder as an ingredient, such as chocolate, biscuits and eggs. As of September 21, 2008, a total of 52,857 cases of nephrolithiasis (and, in some instances, renal failure) had been reported in China linked to consumption of this contaminated powdered formula. There have been approximately 13,000 hospitalizations, and at least 4 deaths confirmed to date. The vast majority of illnesses involved children under the age of 3 years (82% < 2 years; 17% 2-3 years; 0.8% > 3 years; and no cases involved adults). The results of an investigation conducted in China indicated that Chinese-produced powdered infant formula was linked to these illnesses; no cases were associated with liquid infant formula. An investigation of powdered formulas was conducted nationally by China's General Administration of Quality Supervision, Inspection and Quarantine (AQSIQ) and revealed contaminant ion of powdered formulas produced by 22 companies. Test results conducted in China on samples of the powdered infant formula showed that they contained a wide range of concentrations (0.1 ppm to greater than 2,500 ppm melamine powder. In addition, other countries have reported detection of melamine in other product categories, such as confections and beverages. Generally, there are available analytical methods that can reliably detect a level of 1 ppm melamine in some food matrices.

Source: UG
Melanotic Neuroectodermal Tumour of Infancy (Progonoma) Treated by Radical Maxillary Surgery

Two cases of melanotic neuroectodermal tumour of infancy (MNTI), otherwise known as melanotic progonoma, both arising from the maxilla are presented here. The two infants both presented within three months of each other and though clinically Burkitt’s lymphoma was stated as a possible diagnosis, the correct diagnosis was made on biopsy specimens. Radical surgery consisting of wide resection of the tumour with margins of healthy tissue via hemi-maxillectomy was performed in each case as an initial method of treatment. At follow up four months later, both infants appeared clinically well. One infant was then lost to follow up thereafter but the other was reviewed three years later, and apart from slight facial asymmetry, there was no evidence of tumour recurrence.

Source: UG