ghanaopendata/ghanaian-research-english huggingface dataset:
Hematological Profile in Pregnancy and Its Effect on Birth Outcomes; a Longitudinal Study of the Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital, Kumasi

Background: Pregnancy causes remarkable and dramatic changes in hematological variables which have an impact on pregnancy and its outcome. Objective: This descriptive longitudinal study examined maternal hematological parameters during pregnancy and its effect on pregnancy outcomes. Methods: Three hundred and fifty (350) pregnant women with singleton pregnancies who delivered at the Obstetrics and Gynecology Unit of the Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital (KATH) were randomly enrolled. Full blood count (FBC) was estimated and a well-structured questionnaire was used to collect socio-demographic data and obstetric history of participants. Results: Haemoglobin levels steadily decreased from first to the third trimester, with a rise during parturition and neonatal periods. Anemia was most prevalent in the third trimester of pregnancy (47.1%). White blood cell (WBC) count increased from the first trimester till the puerperium, platelet (PLT) count was similar in the three trimesters, with a significant decrease at parturition and puerperium. Except for the mean corpuscular volume (MCV), all the other hematological indices did th not show a significant correlation with Apgar score < 7 at the 5 minute in our study (P > 0.05). No correlation was found between maternal hematological indices at parturition and neonatal birth weight (P > 0.05). Maternal WBC count showed a positive significant relationship (β = 0.095, P = 0.012) with the neonatal WBC count. Conclusion: Pregnant women have altered hematological indices during pregnancy, parturition and puerperium. Parturient hematological indices did not have any significant association with Apgar score < 7 at the 5th minute and birth weight.

Source: UCC
Hematological Profile in Pregnancy and Its Effect on Birth Outcomes; a Longitudinal Study of the Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital, Kumasi

Pregnancy causes remarkable and dramatic changes in hematological variables which have an impact on pregnancy and its outcome. Objective: This descriptive longitudinal study examined maternal hematological parameters during pregnancy and its effect on pregnancy outcomes. Methods: Three hundred and fifty (350) pregnant women with singleton pregnancies who delivered at the Obstetrics and Gynecology Unit of the Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital (KATH) were randomly enrolled. Full blood count (FBC) was estimated and a well-structured questionnaire was used to collect socio-demographic data and obstetric history of participants. Results: Haemoglobin levels steadily decreased from first to the third trimester, with a rise during parturition and neonatal periods. Anemia was most prevalent in the third trimester of pregnancy (47.1%). White blood cell (WBC) count increased from the first trimester till the puerperium, platelet (PLT) count was similar in the three trimesters, with a significant decrease at parturition and puerperium. Except for the mean corpuscular volume (MCV), all the other hematological indices did not show a significant correlation with Apgar score < 7 at the 5th minute in our study (P > 0.05). No correlation was found between maternal hematological indices at parturition and neonatal birth weight (P > 0.05). Maternal WBC count showed a positive significant relationship (β = 0.095, P = 0.012) with the neonatal WBC count. Conclusion: Pregnant women have altered hematological indices during pregnancy, parturition and puerperium. Parturient hematological indices did not have any significant association with Apgar score < 7 at the 5th minute and birth weight.

Source: UCC
Hematoma Localization under Ultrasound-Guidance for Excision (HUGE) of Impalpable Breast Lesions, a Modification to make Screening Effective in Nigeria: Pilot study

Modern surgical practice of breast cancer management is witnessing detection and diagnosis of majority of lesions when they are still impalpable (1-3). The gains of diagnosing impalpable lesions includes reduction in the cost of treatment, availability of wider array of surgical treatment, minimization of trauma of treatment and remarkable increment in the chances of cure. These are incentives which will make orthodox care attractive. Diagnosis and treatment of impalpable breast lesion is one of the major factors revolutionizing the outcome of breast cancer treatment in developed centers because of high rate of screening backed by facilities for excision of impalpable lesions such as wire localization biopsies, ultrasound guided biopsies, and various tissue marking guided biopsies(1-7). In contrast, centers in developing countries are deficient in the capability to detect, localize, diagnose or treat impalpable lesions(8). The unfortunate implication of not possessing the capability to handle impalpable lesion(s) is having to wait until the lesions are clinically palpable, at which time the treatment becomes more difficult, more expensive, more mutilating and unattractive to patients(8) thus fueling vicious cycle of late presentation(9-12). It is imperative that we find and demonstrate acceptable and attractive treatment options in order to reverse the trend of late presentation in developing centers(13). In addition to helping to tackle the poor trend of management outcomes, presence of effective and acceptable treatment options is a prerequisite before rolling out screening programs. Therefore, a pilot research was designed with the goal of finding a relatively cheap and sustainable method of localization, diagnosis and treatment of impalpable breast lesions in a resource poor center. Success in our quest will make screening more effective and orthodox care more appealing. This article is a report of our experience in the pilot research; Hematoma localization under Ultrasound Guidance for Excision (HUGE) of impalpable breast lesions, a modification of hematoma directed ultrasound guided biopsy.

Source: UCC
Hemopexin and haptoglobin: allies against heme toxicity rom hemoglobin not contenders

The goal here is to describe our current understanding of heme metabolism and the deleterious effects of “free” heme on immunological processes, endothelial function, systemic infammation, and various end-organ tissues (e.g., kidney, lung, liver, etc.), with particular attention paid to the role of hemopexin (HPX). Because heme toxicity is the impetus for much of the pathology in sepsis, sickle cell disease (SCD), and other hemolytic conditions, the biological importance and clinical relevance of HPX, the predominant heme binding protein, is reinforced. perspective on the function of HPX and haptoglobin (Hp) is presented, updating how these two proteins and their respective receptors act simultaneously to protect the body in clinical conditions that entail hemolysis and/or systemic intravascular (IVH) infammation. Evidence from longitudinal studies in patients supports that HPX plays a Hp-independent role in genetic and non-genetic hemolytic diseases without the need for global Hp depletion. Evidence also supports that HPX has an important role in the prognosis of complex illnesses characterized predominantly by the presence of hemolysis, such as SCD, sepsis, hemolytic-uremic syndrome, and conditions involving IVH and extravascular hemolysis (EVH), such as that generated by extracorporeal circulation during cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) and from blood transfusions. e propose that quantitating the amounts of plasma heme, HPX, Hb-Hp, heme-HPX, and heme-albumin levels in various disease states may aid in the diagnosis and treatment of the above-mentioned conditions, which is crucial to developing targeted plasma protein supplementation (i.e., “replenishment”) therapies for patients with heme toxicity due to HPX depletion

Source: UCC
Hepatic MicroRNA Orchestra: A New Diagnostic, Prognostic and Theranostic Tool for Hepatocarcinogenesis

MicroRNAs are evolutionary conserved single stranded non-coding RNAs with immense ability to post- transcriptionally regulate gene expression via complementary base pairing with mRNAs of more than 50% protein encoding genes. They play diverse roles in physiological and pathophysiological processes such as normal development and cancer pathogenesis respectively. Recent investigations have focused on the identification and characterization of microRNAs aberrantly expressed in cancer and their target molecules that are critically involved in the initiation, progression and development of carcinogenesis as possible diagnostic, prognostic and theranostic (Integration of biomarker use as diagnostic tools and target-specific therapies to enhance selective and individualized therapy) tools to augment conventional cancer therapeutic armamentarium. In this mini review, we bring to focus the intricate interactions between microRNAs aberrantly expressed in hepatocarcinogenesis and their interactions with the transforming growth factor beta (TGF-β)/Small mother against decapentaplegic (Smad) and the mitogen activated protein kinases (MAPKs) signaling pathways. Importantly, we highlight microRNA-Specific targets as possible biomarkers for prognosis, diagnosis and as therapeutic targets for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) while at the same time exploring new directions for future investigations.

Source: UCC
Hepatitis B Infection in People Living with HIV/AIDS; A Retrospective Study of the Effia Nkwanta Regional Hospital

Introduction: Comorbidities among people living with HIV/AIDS (PLWHA) increases with disease severity. This may be attributed to highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART) toxicity and HIV/AIDS-related infections. Aim: We investigated the presence of comorbidities among PLWHA and reported their clinical and biochemical characteristics. Methods: This study was conducted at the Effia Nkwanta Regional Hospital (ENRH) in the South- Western part of Ghana. A retrospective data of 500 participants (134 males and 366 females) was collected from HIV/AIDS patients on HAART (January 2012 to January 2016). Sociodemographic characteristics and laboratory data of patients were retrieved from patients’ clinical files and laboratory database respectively. Data was analyzed with SPSS for both descriptive and inferential analysis. Results: A total of 96 (19.2%) comorbidities were recorded (N=500). The most prevalent comorbidity was hepatitis B virus infection (34.4%). Among the 96 HIV/AIDS patients who had comorbidities, 27 (28.1%) were males and 69 (71.9%) were females. The systolic blood pressure (SBP) of the HIV/AIDS patients with comorbidities was similar to that of those without comorbidities (113.84 ± 16.73 vs 115.32 ± 15.68). Majority of the participants with comorbidities 59 (61.5%) and those without comorbidities 227 (56.2%) were found to be on the same therapy combination (TDF+3TC+EFV). The decreased CD4 cell count, estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR), serum potassium and creatinine were similar in the participants (those with comorbidities and those without comorbidities). None of the demographic, clinical and biochemical parameters were associated with the presence of comorbidities. Conclusion: The total prevalence of commodities was 19.2% and the most prevalent commodity was HBV (34.4%). The comorbidities were common among females, the married and old people living with HIV/AIDS. Early and regular screening will be a key prevention and control strategy for the HIV/AIDS-associated commodities.

Source: UCC
Hepatitis B Infection in People Living with HIV/AIDS; A Retrospective Study of the Effia Nkwanta Regional Hospital

severity. This may be attributed to highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART) toxicity and HIV/AIDS-related infections. Aim: We investigated the presence of comorbidities among PLWHA and reported their clinical and biochemical characteristics. Methods: This study was conducted at the Effia Nkwanta Regional Hospital (ENRH) in the SouthWestern part of Ghana. A retrospective data of 500 participants (134 males and 366 females) was collected from HIV/AIDS patients on HAART (January 2012 to January 2016). Sociodemographic characteristics and laboratory data of patients were retrieved from patients’ clinical files and laboratory database respectively. Data was analyzed with SPSS for both descriptive and inferential analysis. Results: A total of 96 (19.2%) comorbidities were recorded (N=500). The most prevalent comorbidity was hepatitis B virus infection (34.4%). Among the 96 HIV/AIDS patients who had comorbidities, 27 (28.1%) were males and 69 (71.9%) were females. The systolic blood pressure (SBP) of the HIV/AIDS patients with comorbidities was similar to that of those without comorbidities (113.84 ± 16.73 vs 115.32 ± 15.68). Majority of the participants with comorbidities 59 (61.5%) and those without comorbidities 227 (56.2%) were found to be on the same therapy combination (TDF+3TC+EFV). The decreased CD4 cell count, estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR), serum potassium and creatinine were similar in the participants (those with comorbidities and those without comorbidities). None of the demographic, clinical and biochemical parameters were associated with the presence of comorbidities. Conclusion: The total prevalence of commodities was 19.2% and the most prevalent commodity was HBV (34.4%). The comorbidities were common among females, the married and old people living with HIV/AIDS. Early and regular screening will be a key prevention and control strategy for the HIV/AIDS-associated commodities.

Source: UCC
Hepatoprotective Effect Of Ethanolic Leaf Extracts Of Abrus Precatorius In Plasmodium Berghei Infected Imprinting Control Region (Icr) Mice; A Histopathological Perspective

The aim of this study is to investigate the histological perspective of hepatoprotective activity of ethanolic leaf extract of A. precatorius in P. berghei infected Imprinting Control Region (ICR) mice. Thirty-six (36) ICR mice were separated into six groups of six mice each. Five groups were intravenously inoculated with P. berghei and changes in parasitaemia was then monitored and recorded daily to confirm infection. The sixth group was neither infected nor treated (the normal control group). Seven days after infection, four groups were administered orally with 30, 50 and 100mg/kg of the extract and 4mg/kg of Artemeter Lumefanthrine for five consecutive days, whereas the fifth group was not treated (negative control). Changes in P.berghei parasitaemia on days 0,1,2,3 and 4 during treatment were then ascertained. Haematological analysis of blood samples and histopathological evaluation of liver and spleen sections were then carried out to determine the tissue regenerative effect of the extract. Mice treated with 30, 50, 100mg/kg of extract and 4mg/kg of Artemether Lumefanthrine, had significantly (p<0.05) lower malaria parasitaemia and high parasite clearance accompanied with regeneration of hepatocytes in liver sections. Also, there was significant closure of parasitophorous vacuoles in treated groups, as compared with the negative control group that showed severe hepatocyte derangement and conspicuous parasitophorous vacuoles around parasitized hepatocytes. The ethanolic leaf extract of A. precatorius showed significant histological evidence of hepatoprotective activity (p<0.05) against P. berghei infected ICR mice

Source: UCC
Hepatoprotective Effect of Ethanolic Leaf Extracts of Abrus Precatorius in Plasmodium Berghei Infected Imprinting Control Region (ICR) Mice; A Histopathological Perspective

The aim of this study is to investigate the histological perspective of hepatoprotective activity of ethanolic leaf extract of A. precatorius in P. berghei infected Imprinting Control Region (ICR) mice. Thirty-six (36) ICR mice were separated into six groups of six mice each. Five groups were intravenously inoculated with P. berghei and changes in parasitaemia was then monitored and recorded daily to confirm infection. The sixth group was neither infected nor treated (the normal control group). Seven days after infection, four groups were administered orally with 30, 50 and 100mg/kg of the extract and 4mg/kg of Artemeter Lumefanthrine for five consecutive days, whereas the fifth group was not treated (negative control). Changes in P.berghei parasitaemia on days 0,1,2,3 and 4 during treatment were then ascertained. Haematological analysis of blood samples and histopathological evaluation of liver and spleen sections were then carried out to determine the tissue regenerative effect of the extract. Mice treated with 30, 50, 100mg/kg of extract and 4mg/kg of Artemether Lumefanthrine, had significantly (p<0.05) lower malaria parasitaemia and high parasite clearance accompanied with regeneration of hepatocytes in liver sections. Also, there was significant closure of parasitophorous vacuoles in treated groups, as compared with the negative control group that showed severe hepatocyte derangement and conspicuous parasitophorous vacuoles around parasitized hepatocytes. The ethanolic leaf extract of A. precatorius showed significant histological evidence of hepatoprotective activity (p<0.05) against P. berghei infected ICR mice.

Source: UCC
HER-2 Protein Overexpression in Patients with Gastric and Esophageal adenocarcinoma at a tertiary care facility in Ghana

The prognosis of gastric and esophageal adenocarcinoma remains generally poor. However, mounting evidence suggests a positive role of human epidermal growth factor receptor-2 (HER-2) expression in the prognosis of patients with these cancers. In this work, the patterns of HER-2 protein expression were determined in patients with gastric or esophageal adenocarcinoma. Retrospectively, we reviewed records of gastric and esophageal biopsies received from 2008 to 2012 and their corresponding archived formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded tissue blocks selected for immunohistochemical analysis. The prevalence of gastric and esophageal adenocarcinomas and their association with HER-2 protein overexpression were evaluated. Gastric adenocarcinoma made up 18.79% of the gastric biopsies reviewed, and majority of these cancers occurred in males. Regarding the tumors type, HER-2 overexpression was common in the intestinal subtype compared to the diffuse type. Although squamous cell carcinoma was observed to be the commonest (31%) tumors type in the esophagus compared to adenocarcinoma (8.79%), HER-2 was overexpressed in 42.9% of esophageal adenocarcinomas, like gastric adenocarcinoma (41.4%). There is a high prevalence of gastric and esophageal adenocarcinoma, with significant overexpression of HER-2 in these tumors, a window of hope for the management of patients with these cancers

Source: UCC
Herbal Treatment of Sexually Transmitted Infections in the Central Region of Ghana

In Ghana, like in many African countries, sexually transmitted Infections (STIs) are a major public health problem. Guided by the African indigenous knowledge, this study used the interpretivist paradigm to explore the herbal treatment of sexually transmitted infections in the Central region of Ghana. The study recruited 20 participants using the purposive sampling technique. Data collected were analysed using thematic analysis. The findings of the study indicated that traditional practitioners’ beliefs in the use of herbs were due to spiritual, socio economic and natural composition of herbs. A total of twenty-four (26) species of herbs were identified to be effective in treating sexually transmitted infections. Eleven (11) of the herbs were named as effective for treating gonorrhoea, ten (10) for syphilis, and five (5) were named to have been used to treat HIV and AIDS. Grewia carpinifolia, Cardiospermum grandifolia and Aspilla Africana were the most commonly used herbs among practitioners while Zingiberaceae, Sapindaceae and Apocynaceae were the most popular families used to treat STIs. The processes involved in the treatment of gonorrhoea, syphilis and HIV and AIDS are revelation about client, diagnosis, establishing the causes of STIs, application of treatment therapy, review, confirmation of treatment and thanksgiving. Destiny plays an important role in the treatment of STIs. Practitioners perceived that herbal treatment has therapeutic and adverse effects. The Ghana Health Service in collaboration with the Ghana Federation of Traditional Medicine Practitioners Associations (GHAFTRAM) may organize training workshops to build the capacity of traditional healers in areas of medicine dosage, hygiene and record-keeping.

Source: UCC
Heritage assets in Cape Coast metropolitan area

Heritage assets need to be identified, catalogued and conserved for posterity. If not preserved, some assets tend to be at risk of disappearing. The study sought to identify and document heritage assets in Cape Coast. Structured observation and survey questionnaire were used to solicit information on the study. A total of 140 heads of household or their representatives were used for the survey from January to August, 2007. Seventy four (74) heritage assets were identified and these were classified into six resource categories. These are socio-cultural, resources associated with historic persons, pleasure garden, education, religious, military and other resources. These assets are owned by family, community, institution or government. Some of the assets are at risk of disappearing. Residents associate cultural, economic, historical and political benefits with assets in Cape Coast. Assets in Cape Coast are affected by both natural and anthropological threats. Some of these threats are soil erosion, dumping of waste, neglect, development, vandalism and others. Conserving heritage assets is essential in preserving the assets and associated histories attached to the assets. Heritage assets in Cape Coast are worthy of conservation because the assets are of diverse nature that could be used for tourism, cultural, educational and entertainment purposes. The threats that affect the assets need to be considered and managed to protect and maintain the assets for posterity.

Source: UCC
Herodotus and Thucydides: “The Fathers” of the science of the past

Human history began to be enacted with the appearance of the first humans on earth. However, the systematic study of history did not start with our first ancestors. Many ages elapsed before humans learned to pay serious attention to the recovery and reconstruction of the past. The first attempts started in the Egyptian, Mesopotamian and the Chinese worlds, long before the fifth century B.C.E. Nevertheless, Herodotus and Thucydides of ancient Greece, who undertook their studies of the past in the fifth century B.C.E. have been regarded as the founders of the systematic study of the past: Herodotus as “the Father of History”, and Thucydides as “the Father of Scientific History”. The credit for the start of the systematic study of history has been given to these two ancient Greek historiographers due to the fact that until Herodotus’ time, history had been confused or mixed with fables, whereas Thucydides’ achievement lay in his application of the principles of medical science to the reconstruction of the past. Depending exclusively on secondary documents, this study examines the context in which Herodotus and Thucydides reconstructed the past and earned their enviable titles. To be able to do this successfully, the study first briefly reappraises pioneering attempts at the study of history. It then analyses the historical careers of the two historiographers. Finally, the study attempts a justification of the positions of the two giants in history based on the findings of the study

Source: UCC