ghanaopendata/ghanaian-research-english huggingface dataset:
The Legon Observer

From January 1972 to September 1979, the country was ruled by varipus military dictators - Acheampong, Akuffo and Rawlings. In the past eight years, then, it was in 1980 tbat one could speak of a whole year in which the country was fully run by government which came to power through democratic elections. Considered from this perspective, the year 1980 hopefully marked the beginning of an era in Ghana's arduous, sometimes tragic, search for a yiable constitutional, political and economic order. This search continued in 1980, complicated not only by serious questions that were raised about some of the decisions laid down by the Armed Forces Revolutionary Council (A.F.R.C.), but also by inflation, demands for higher wages and shortage of consumer goods, drugs, building materials etc. All these created a climate in which the government, on the flimsiest of evidence, suspected subversion in even legitimate moves by its opponents to agitate against some of its policies. ) n this kind of environment, politics inevitably dominated almost all aspects of our life

Source: UG
The Legon Observer

The yoar 1979, in all probability, will go down as a watershed in the political, social and economic history of this country. As the decade of the 70's drew to a close, three former heads of state were executed at the Teshie firing range; the historic retail trading centre of M, akola was mowed down by soldiers; there was hardly any prospect of any of the governments in power in the year arresting the double•digit spiralling inflation ; the promised return to civilian rule after seven years of turbulent military politics came to be enveloped in uncertainty, and men of wealth and position either fled the country or when they chose to remain in Ghana lived on their nerves from day to day. These were heady days when all aspects of life were dominated by politics

Source: UG
Legonaridin, a new member of linaridin RiPP from a Ghanaian Streptomyces isolate

Linaridins are rare linear ribosomally-synthesized and post-translationally modified peptides (RiPPs) and only two, cypemycin and SGR-1832, in this family have been identified so far. Legonaridin 1 has been discovered as a new member of linaridins through chemical isolation, peptidogenomics, comprehensive 1- and 2-D NMR and advanced Marfey's analyses from the soil bacterium Streptomyces sp. CT34, an isolate collected from Legon, Ghana. Bioinformatics analysis of the gene cluster suggested that the biosynthesis of legonaridin 1 is different from those of cypemycin and SGR-1832. Consistent with bioinformatics and peptidogenomics analyses, 1 has a total of nine post-modifications, 8 dehydrobutyrine residues and a N,N-dimethylated N-terminus with a carboxylic acid at the C-terminus. Legonaridin 1 is structurally different from the two known linaridins comprising a new subfamily. This is the first time that NMR spectroscopy is used to establish the 2-D structure of a linaridin RiPP.

Source: UG
Legonoxamines A-B, two new hydroxamate siderophores from the soil bacterium, Streptomyces sp. MA37

Two new siderophores belonging to the hydroxamate class, Legonoxamine A (1) and B (2) have been isolated from the soil bacterium, Streptomyces sp. MA37, together with one known compound, desferrioxamine B (3). Their structures were elucidated based on spectroscopic methods including 1D, 2D NMR, MS, as well as by comparison with the relevant literatures. To our knowledge, this is the first report describing a siderophore containing the N-hydroxyl phenylacetyl cadaverine (HPAC) moiety in the structure. Based on bioinformatics analysis and previous knowledge of the biosynthesis of the hydroxamate-type siderophore, the biosynthetic gene cluster (lgo) responsible for the production of 1–3 was identified in the annotated genome of the producing strain. The supplementation of phenylacetate and benzoate analogues with meta substitution into the cultures of Streptomyces sp. MA37 resulted in the production of new legonoxamine A derivatives as observed in LC-HR-ESIMS, suggesting that the legonoxamine biosynthetic pathway has a good degree of natural flexibility of accepting unnatural precursors with different functional groups.

Source: UG
Leiomyosarcoma complicating chronic inflammation of the testis

Objective: To report on a case of leiomyosarcoma of the testis that appeared to have arisen from a background of chronic testicular inflammation. Clinical Presentation: A 65-year-old man with a 15-year history of diabetes mellitus and low-grade discomfort and swelling in the right testis presented as an emergency with exacerbation of the pain and swelling of the testis. Repeated ultrasound examination of the testis in the past 5 years had suggested a chronic testicular inflammatory disorder. Ultrasound during the current emergency case admission revealed a normal left testis, but a large heterogeneous solid mass with a moderate intratesticular calcification in the right testis and the presence of a moderate hydrocele. Serum α-fetoprotein and β-human chorionic gonadotropin were normal. A right radical orchidectomy was performed. Histopathology and immunohistochemistry revealed primary leiomyosarcoma of the right testis. There was no spermatic cord or venous involvement. One year after orchidectomy there was no sign of metastasis. Conclusion: Radical orchidectomy followed by surveillance appears to be the treatment of choice for this testicular leiomyosarcoma, which seemed to have run an indolent course compared to other testicular tumours.

Source: UG
Lente, I.; Institute of Environment and Sanitation Studies, University of GhanaGhana

Heavy metal concentrations in irrigation water (samples =120), soil (samples =144) and edible parts of both exotic and traditional vegetables (samples = 240) irrigated with wastewater from some parts of Accra were studied. The concentrations of heavy metals in mg/l were quantified in wastewater from Accra and groundwater at Mampong as Fe (0.67; 1.00), Mn (0.78; 0.31), Cu (0.06; 0.07), Zn (0.14; 0.13), Pb (0.08; 0.12), Ni (0.06; 0.13), Cr (< 0.006), Cd (< 0.002) and Co (< 0.005), soil Fe (164.38; 162.92), Mn (39.39; 20.09), Cu (7.21; 6.13), Zn (6.03; 7.45), Pb (9.31; 7.63), Ni (5.00; 2.97), Cr (0.51;0.85), Cd (0.07;0.09) and Co (0.73;0.87), and vegetables from Accra and Mampong. The wastewater used for irrigation had the highest concentration (mg/l) of Mn (0.78), followed by Fe (0.67), Zn (0.14), Pb (0.08), Cu (0.06), Ni (0.06) while Cr, Cd and Co were below detection limits. Fe (164.38; 162.92), Mn (39.39; 20.09), Cu (7.21; 6.13), Pb (9.31; 7.63) and Ni (5.00; 2.97) levels were higher in wastewater irrigated soils than groundwater irrigated soils, respectively. However, average values were all below the FAO/WHO recommended mean levels in mg/l for wastewater and soil as Fe (5.00; 50,000), Mn (0.20; 2,000), Cu (0.20; 100), Zn (2.00; 300), Pb (5.00; 100), Ni (0.20; 50.00), Cr (0.10;50.00), Cd (0.01;3.00) and Co (0.05;100), respectively. Concentration levels of heavy metals (mg/kg) in vegetables crops analysed from all sites were not elevated except for Pb in cabbage, (10.51), lettuce (10.19), green pepper (9.44), hot pepper (7.61) and ayoyo (9.05) compared to the FAO/WHO maximum recommended limit of 0.30 mg/kg for Pb. Health risk assessments showed that hazard indexes for the crops were below 1 (USEPA), indicating that normal consumption of vegetables analysed pose no risk from heavy metal toxicities. However, to prevent any chronic health risk and extent of heavy metal contamination, steps must be taken to reduce human activities at the sites. Regular monitoring of heavy metals in the vegetables grown in wastewater irrigated areas is also necessary. © 2014 Ecological Laboratory. All rights reserved.

Source: UG
Lentiviral-mediated delivery of combined HIV-1 decoy TAR and Vif siRNA as a single RNA molecule that cleaves to inhibit HIV-1 in transduced cells

Most research activities involve the use of molecular methods such as regular PCR (PCR), quantitative PCR (Q-PCR), genomic sequence and analysis using different software, genetic engineering, probe hybridization techniques, biological and molecular cloning, evaluation of immune markers for laboratory diagnosis of infections, serological assays involving the use of rapid tests, ELISA-based evaluations and immunofluorescent assay techniques.

Source: UG
Les Bouts De Bois, De Dieu Banty Mam Y All

de BAMAKO: NIAKORO CISSE, mere de Ibrabima Bakayoko, helle-mere d' Assitan, grant -mere d' Ad'jihid'ji, cousine de Fa Keita; lBRAHIMA BAKAYOKO, fils de Niakoro Cisse, mari d'Assitan, pere adoptif d'Ad'jihid'ji, militant syndical, deIegue des « roulants »; ASSITAN, epouse d'Ibrabima Bakayoko, mere d'Ad'jihid'ji FA KEITA, doyen des poseurs de rails. Mari de Fatoumata et de deux autres femmes; KONATE, secretaire syndical de la section de Bamako; DIARA, controleur au Dakar-Niger; SADIO, fils de Diara: TIEMOKO, militant; BERNADINI, gardien-chef du camp des detenus. de THIES: DouDou, ajusteur, secretaire de la federation des che-minots: LAHBIB, comptahle, deuxieme secretaire ; BALLA., soudeur militant; BOUBACAR, forgeron SAMBA N'DOULOUGOU BAKARY, dit « l'ancien»

Source: UG
Les Dieppois En Guinee En 1364

Au mois de novembre de l'annee 1364, quelques hardis loups de mer quittaient, sur de freles esquifs, Ie port de Dieppe, et s'aventuraient a la recherche de pays inconnus_ Selon une pie use coutume que nous ont transmise ces siecles de foi,. avant de se livrer aux basards d'une longue navigation,. ils s'etaient humblement connes a Marie, la brillante etoile de la mer

Source: UG
Les Justes by Albert Camus or the legitimate revolt

The concept of revolt is manifested in the works of the French writer and philosopher, Albert Camus. Revolt as he terms it is an objection, a resistance or a demonstration against oppression, exploitation and socio-political injustices that characterises the 20th century societies. For Camus, revolt transcends the realm of physical force, strength or energy enacted by man against an oppressor. It is a conscious or a psychological effort man makes to outlive absurdity and many plights of his existence as depicted in his masterpieces: L’Etranger, Le Malentendu and La Peste. In Les Justes, Albert Camus presents revolt as a means to unravel socio-political injustice. Its organisation and manifestations seem to question the legitimacy of every act of revolt. This study based on Les Justes by Albert Camus seeks to highlight on the importance of revolt as well as what constitutes a legitimate revolt

Source: UG
Les Kongo Nord-Occidentaux.

Depuis 1945, l’ Institul international africain s’ occupe de la preparation el de la publication d’ une serie eludes ethnographiques de l’Afrique,ayant pour but de presenter, sous une une forme commode, un resume des connaissance actuelles sur les divers peoples de l’ Afrique,concernant l’ environnement natturel,l’ economie et les metiers, la structure socisle,l’ organisation politique, les croyance et rites religieux.

Source: UG
Les pratiques langagières des familles d’origine francophone à Accra

This paper reveals the language practices of families in which the parents are francophone migrants who have settled in Accra, Ghana. We observe the interplay of languages in four selected families and the linguistic choices made by the parents, as well as the effects of these linguistic choices on the children. Beyond the language practices in the home, we consider the effects of the other linguistic spaces that the members of the family have to deal with on a daily basis. This study is not one to be generalised but the aim is to present a conscientious observation of the particularity of each family concerning linguistic convictions, language and identity and the perception of the importance of pre-migratory and post-migratory languages. We observe that the families act differently with regards to maintaining pre-migratory languages and often the ‘Mother Tongue’ is sacrificed for the English and French languages which are considered to have economic value, while the local languages are rather seen to have an emotive value.

Source: UG
Les Voyages ET Decouvertes

L'Afrique n'est separee de i'Europe que 1ar la Mediterrancee, qni a ete Ie centre Ie Ius important du commerce maritime dans mtiquite et au moyen age. Elle possMe, son extremite nord-est, la vallee infer eure du Nil OU s'est developpee une des 'IS anciennes civilisations connues; elle t face a la Grece et a I’Italie qui ont ete, .ldant de longs siecles, les contrees les 1S florissantes du monue. L' Afrique estcepcndant demeurce,jusqu'a 15 jours, la terre mysterieuse par excelIce. Elle avait contre elle l'aridite de ses 'es qui, du della dll Nil au massif dc tias, ne presentaient ni un port comJde, ni un cours d'eau potable, et qui n'e- Taient pas beaucoup plus hospitaJieres dans les autres parties; Alexandrie et Carthage

Source: UG
Lessons from the pandemic: new best practices in selecting molecular diagnostics for point-of-care testing of infectious diseases in sub-Saharan Africa

Introduction: Point-of-care molecular diagnostics offer solutions to the limited diagnostic availability and accessibility in resource-limited settings. During the COVID-19 pandemic, molecular diagnostics became essential tools for accurate detection and monitoring of SARS-CoV-2. The unprecedented demand for molecular diagnostics presented challenges and catalyzed innovations which may provide lessons for the future selection of point-of-care molecular diagnostics. Areas Covered: We searched PubMed from January 2020 to August 2023 to identify lessons learned from the COVID-19 pandemic, which may impact the selection of point-of-care molecular diagnostics for future use in sub-Saharan Africa. We evaluated this in the context of REASSURED criteria (Real-time connectivity; Ease of specimen collection; Affordable; Sensitive; Specific; User-friendly; Rapid and robust; equipment-free; and deliverable to users at the point of need) for point-of-care diagnostics in resource-limited settings. Expert Opinion: The diagnostic challenges and successes during the COVID-19 pandemic affirmed the importance of the REASSURED criteria but demonstrated that these are not sufficient to ensure new Diagnostics will be appropriate for public health emergencies. Capacity for rapid scale-up of diagnostic Testing and transferability of assays, data, and technology are also important, resulting in updated REST-ASSURED criteria. Few diagnostics will meet all criteria, and trade-offs between criteria will need to be context-specific.

Source: UG
Lessons learned and lessons missed: impact of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic on all-cause mortality in 40 industrialised countries and US states prior to mass vaccination

Background: Industrialised countries had varied responses to the COVID-19 pandemic, which may lead to different death tolls from COVID-19 and other diseases. Methods: We applied an ensemble of 16 Bayesian probabilistic models to vital statistics data to estimate the number of weekly deaths if the pandemic had not occurred for 40 industrialised countries and US states from mid-February 2020 through mid February 2021. We subtracted these estimates from the actual number of deaths to calculate the impacts of the pandemic on all cause mortality. Results: Over this year, there were 1,410,300 (95% credible interval 1,267,600-1,579,200) excess deaths in these countries, equivalent to a 15% (14-17) increase, and 141 (127-158) additional deaths per 100,000 people. In Iceland, Australia and New Zealand, mortality was lower than would be expected in the absence of the pandemic, while South Korea and Norway experienced no detectable change. The USA, Czechia, Slovakia and Poland experienced >20% higher mortality. Within the USA, Hawaii experienced no detectable change in mortality and Maine a 5% increase, contrasting with New Jersey, Arizona,Mississippi, Texas, California, Louisiana and New York which experienced >25% higher mortality. Mid-February to the end of May 2020 accounted for over half of excess deaths in Scotland, Spain, England and Wales, Canada, Sweden, Belgium, the Netherlands and Cyprus, whereas mid-September 2020 to mid-February 2021 accounted for >90% of excess deaths in Bulgaria, Croatia, Czechia, Hungary, Latvia, Montenegro, Poland, Slovakia and Slovenia. In USA, excess deaths in the northeast were driven mainly by the first wave, in southern and southwestern states by the summer wave, and in the northern plains by the post-September period. Conclusions: Prior to widespread vaccine-acquired immunity, minimising the overall death toll of the pandemic requires policies and non-pharmaceutical interventions that delay and reduce infections, effective treatments for infected patients, and mechanisms to continue routine health care.

Source: UG
Lessons learned from Evidence-Informed Decision-Making in Nutrition &amp; Health (EVIDENT) in Africa a project evaluation

BACKGROUND: Evidence-informed Decision-making in Nutrition and Health (EVIDENT) is an international partnership that seeks to identify information needs in nutrition and health in Africa and build local capacity in knowledge management to help translate the best available evidence into context-appropriate recommendations aligned to the priorities of decision-makers. This study evaluates the extent to which EVIDENT achieved its intended activities, documents the lessons learned and draws on these lessons learned to inform future activities of EVIDENT, as well as in evidence-informed decision-making (EIDM) in nutrition overall. METHODS: Purposive and snowball sampling were used to identify participants that were either directly or indirectly involved with EVIDENT. An analytical framework of five key elements was developed to guide data collection from EVIDENT's documentation, in-depth interviews (n = 20), online surveys (n = 26) and a participatory discussion. Interviews were transcribed verbatim and coded in NVivo 11, using deductive thematic content analysis and a phenomenological approach. Online surveys were analysed using Stata 14. Data were triangulated to address both objectives under each element of the analytical framework. RESULTS: EVIDENT succeeded in establishing a collaborative partnership, within which it delivered four short courses in EIDM. This capacity complemented case study activities in four partner African countries where EIDM processes were implemented and assessed. Identified barriers to these processes included little experience in EIDM, difficulties in engaging stakeholders, challenging local environments (e.g. donor influence, bureaucracy, inaccessibility to scientific research, poor internet connectivity), and limited time and funding. However, EVIDENT activities were driven by a local need for EIDM, a sheer interest and commitment to the cause, and the opportunity for the Global North and South to work together and build relationships. Future activities of EVIDENT, and EIDM in nutrition overall, should focus on sustained capacity-building in EIDM processes, leadership and functional skills across the Global South, investment in stakeholder engagement, context-specific EIDM, enhanced communication and linking, and strengthening relationships with existing stakeholder organisations. CONCLUSIONS: In its first 3 years, EVIDENT developed and strengthened partnership, capacity and visibility on EIDM in Africa. Innovative and long-term capacity-building, dedicated leadership, further stakeholder engagement and sustainable financing, are needed for future activities of EVIDENT and EIDM in nutrition.

Source: UG
Lessons learned from Evidence-Informed Decision-Making in Nutrition &amp; Health (EVIDENT) in Africa: a project evaluation

Background: Evidence-informed Decision-making in Nutrition and Health (EVIDENT) is an international partnership that seeks to identify information needs in nutrition and health in Africa and build local capacity for knowledge management to help translate the best available evidence into context-appropriate recommendations aligned to the priorities of decision-makers. This study evaluates the extent to which EVIDENT achieved its intended activities, documents the lessons learned and draws on these lessons learned to inform future activities of EVIDENT, as well as in evidence-informed decision-making (EIDM) in nutrition overall. Methods: Purposive and snowball sampling were used to identify participants who were either directly or indirectly involved with EVIDENT. An analytical framework of five key elements was developed to guide data collection from EVIDENT’s documentation, in-depth interviews (n = 20), online surveys (n = 26) and a participatory discussion. Interviews were transcribed verbatim and coded in NVivo 11, using deductive thematic content analysis and a phenomenological approach. Online surveys were analyzed using Stata 14. Data were triangulated to address both objectives under each element of the analytical framework. Results: EVIDENT succeeded in establishing a collaborative partnership, within which it delivered four short courses in EIDM. This capacity complemented case study activities in four partner African countries where EIDM processes were implemented and assessed. Identified barriers to these processes included little experience in EIDM, difficulties in engaging stakeholders, challenging local environments (e.g. donor influence, bureaucracy, inaccessibility to scientific research, poor internet connectivity), and limited time and funding. However, EVIDENT activities were driven by a local need for EIDM, a sheer interest and commitment to the cause, and the opportunity for the Global North and South to work together and build relationships. Future activities of EVIDENT, and EIDM in nutrition overall, should focus on sustained capacity-building in EIDM processes, leadership, and functional skills across the Global South, investment in stakeholder engagement, context-specific EIDM, enhanced communication and linking, and strengthening relationships with existing stakeholder organizations. Conclusions: In its first 3 years, EVIDENT developed and strengthened partnership, capacity, and visibility on EIDM in Africa. Innovative and long-term capacity-building, dedicated leadership, further stakeholder engagement, and sustainable financing, are needed for future activities of EVIDENT and EIDM in nutrition.

Source: UG