ghanaopendata/ghanaian-research-english huggingface dataset:
Comparison of five allopatric fruit fly parasitoid populations (Psyttalia species) (Hymenoptera: Braconidae) from coffee fields using morphometric and molecular methods

Morphometric studies of five allopatric parasitoid populations (genus Psyttalia Walker) from coffee plantations in Cameroon (Nkolbisson), Ghana (Tafo) and Kenya (Rurima, Ruiru and Shimba Hills) and one non-coffee population (from Muhaka, Kenya) were compared with individuals of Psyttalia concolor (Szepligeti), a species released in several biological control programmes in the Mediterranean Region since the 20th Century. Analyses of wing vein measurements showed the second submarginal cell of the fore wing and its adjoining veins had the heaviest principal component weights and served as the main contributing variables in the diagnostic differentiation of the populations. Two populations (Rurima and Ruiru) were found to be the closest to each other and with the strongest phenetic affinity toward P. concolor (and forming one cluster). Populations from Shimba Hills (of unknown identity), Nkolbisson (P. perproximus (Silvestri)) and Tafo formed a second cluster and were separated from P. concolor. Comparison using amplified fragment length polymorphism (AFLP) also showed the Shimba, Nkolbisson and Tafo populations forming a cluster in a dendrogram generated from their genetic distances, with the Shimba and Tafo populations placed as the most closely related species. Based on consistent morphological similarities, morphometric and ecological data coupled with the genetic evidence from AFLP data, the Shimba population is suggested as belonging to the P. perproximus group and, thus, represents a new occurrence record in Kenya. Our results also support earlier conclusion from cross mating data that populations from Rurima and Ruiru belong to the Psyttalia concolor species-group.

Source: UG
Comparison of genomic signatures of selection on Plasmodium falciparum between different regions of a country with high malaria endemicity

Abstract Background Genome wide sequence analyses of malaria parasites from widely separated areas of the world have identified contrasting population structures and signatures of selection. To compare relatively closely situated but ecologically contrasting regions within an endemic African country, population samples of Plasmodium falciparum clinical isolates were collected in Ghana from Kintampo in the central forest-savannah area, and Navrongo in a drier savannah area ~350 km to the north with more seasonally-restricted transmission. Parasite DNA was sequenced and paired-end reads mapped to the P. falciparum reference genome. Results High coverage genome wide sequence data for 85 different clinical isolates enabled analysis of 121,712 single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs). The local populations had similar proportions of mixed genotype infections, similar SNP allele frequency distributions, and eleven chromosomal regions had elevated integrated haplotype scores (|iHS|) in both. A between-population Rsb metric comparing extended haplotype homozygosity indicated a stronger signal within Kintampo for one of these regions (on chromosome 14) and in Navrongo for two of these regions (on chromosomes 10 and 13). At least one gene in each of these identified regions is a potential target of locally varying selection. The candidates include genes involved in parasite development in mosquitoes, members of variant-expressed multigene families, and a leading vaccine-candidate target of immunity. Conclusions Against a background of very similar population structure and selection signatures in the P. falciparum populations of Ghana, three narrow genomic regions showed evidence indicating local differences in historical timing or intensity of selection. Sampling of closely situated populations across heterogeneous environments has potential to refine the mapping of important loci under temporally or spatially varying selection.

Source: UG
A Comparison of ICT knowledge and usage among female distance learners in endowed and deprived communities of a developing country

Working with the premise that information and communications technology (ICT) has the capacity to make or unmake so far as women’s empowerment is concerned, this article looks at the ICT situation among female distance learners in both endowed and under-served parts of Ghana, to check the user differentials among the two contrasting groups through a survey that covered 174 respondents. From the results one could not strongly say that there were vast ICT knowledge and usage gaps among the two groups considering the extent of the developmental gap that the regional differences presents. Factors like time or convenience, space, and income have to be considered in using ICT for education and development among women. Exposing the women to multiple usages of ICT is also critical. Another core observation from this study is that women who are generally categorized as not being technology friendly are overcoming at least that. This applies not only to women in relatively well-endowed areas but also to those in under-served areas. This is a good starting point for undertaking gender-specific projects that will promote e-learning, e-government, e-medicine, e-commerce and all other applications among women in both urban and rural communities.

Source: UG
Comparison of in vitro antibacterial activity of streptomycin-diclofenac loaded composite biomaterial dressings with commercial silver based antimicrobial wound dressings

Infected chronic wounds heal slowly, exhibiting prolonged inflammation, biofilm formation, bacterial resistance, high exudate and ineffectiveness of systemic antimicrobials. Composite dressings (films and wafers) comprising polyox/carrageenan (POL-CAR) and polyox/sodium alginate (POL-SA), loaded with diclofenac (DLF) and streptomycin (STP) were formulated and tested for antibacterial activity against 2 × 105 CFU/mL of Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Staphylococcus aureus representing infected chronic wounds and compared with marketed silver dressings. Minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) showed higher values for DLF than STP due to non-conventional antibacterial activity of DLF. The DLF and STP loaded dressings were highly effective against E. coli, P. aeruginosa and S. aureus. POL-SA dressings were more effective against the three types of bacteria compared to POL-CAR formulations, while the DLF and STP loaded dressings showed greater antibacterial activity than the silver-based dressings. The films, showed greater antibacterial efficacy than both wafers and silver dressings. STP and DLF can act synergistically not only to kill the bacteria but also prevent their resistance and biofilm formation compared to silver dressings, while reducing chronic inflammation associated with infection.

Source: UG
A comparison of intervention strategies to improve helminthiasis, nutrition and cognitive status among school-age children in helminth endemic farming and fishing areas in 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
Comparison of Least Squares Method and Bayesian with Multivariate Normal Prior in Estimating Multiple Regression Parameters

Based on an assumption of multivariate normal priors for parameters of multivariate regression model, this study outlines an algorithm for application of traditional Bayesian method to estimate regression parameters. From a given set of data, a Jackknife sample of least squares regression coefficient estimates are obtained and used to derive estimates of the mean vector and covariance matrix of the assumed multivariate normal prior distribution of the regression parameters. Driven to determine whether Bayesian methods to multivariate regression parameter estimation present a stable and consistent improvement over classical regression modeling or not, the study results indicate that the Bayesian method and Least Squares Method (LSM) produced almost the same estimates for the regression parameters and coefficient of determination with the Bayesian method having smaller standard errors.

Source: UG
Comparison of maternal health services and indicators in three districts of the Volta Region, Ghana

Development Goal (MDG) 5 target. The Ghana Health Service and Ministry of Health have displayed a high commitment to the improvement of maternal health in the country. One of the most recent partnerships directed at this is with the Korea International Cooperation Agency. Methods: This study was conducted among women between ages 15 and 49 resident in Keta Municipal, Ketu North and Ketu South districts in the Volta Region of Ghana who were pregnant or who had children aged less than five. Ethical approval was obtained from the Ghana Health Service Ethical Review Committee. Data were collected using questionnaires, entered into Stata version 12 and analyzed using frequency distribution and assessment of means. Comparisons among districts were conducted using chi square test and one way analysis of variance (ANOVA). Results: The study covered 630 women whose mean age was 28.4 years. Almost all participants (99.1%) from Ketu North knew where to obtain family planning services. Use of modern contraception was highest in Ketu North with 31% of respondents using a modern method. Delivery in a health facility was highest in Keta Municipal (62.3%) with overall institutional delivery being 57.6%. Delivery by a skilled birth attendant (SBA) was also highest in Keta Municipal. Conclusion: Indicators used to assess maternal health services show a coverage of over 50% but we need to improve institutional delivery, use of modern contraception and education about danger signs in pregnancy

Source: UG
Comparison of Modified Manual Acid-Phenol Chloroform Method and Commercial RNA Extraction Kits for Resource Limited Laboratories

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
Comparison of municipal solid waste management systems in Canada and Ghana: A case study of the cities of London, Ontario, and Kumasi, Ghana

Integrated waste management has been accepted as a sustainable approach to solid waste management in any region. It can be applied in both developed and developing countries. The difference is the approach taken to develop the integrated waste management system. This review looks at the integrated waste management system operating in the city of London, Ontario-Canada and how lessons can be drawn from the system’s development and operation that will help implement a sustainable waste man agement system in the city of Kumasi, Ghana. The waste management system in London is designed such that all waste generated in the city is handled and disposed of appropriately. The responsibility of each sector handling waste is clearly defined and monitored. All major services are provided and delivered by a combination of public and private sector forces. The sustainability of the waste management in the city of London is attributed to the continuous improvement strategy framework adopted by the city based on the principles of integrated waste man agement. It is perceived that adopting a strategic framework based on the principles of integrated waste management with a strong political and social will, can transform the current waste management in Kumasi and other cities in developing countries in the bid for finding lasting solutions to the problems that have plagued the waste management system in these cities.

Source: UG
Comparison Of Nasopharyngeal Bacteriological Profile Between Patients With Diabetes And Healthy Individuals In Accra, Ghana.

Background: The nasopharynx is characterised by a rich microbial diversity, making it an important endogenous reservoir for respiratory infections. People living with diabetes (PLWD) have a high risk for acquisition of respiratory tract infections, but their nasopharyngeal bacterial flora have rarely been investigated. Aim To investigate the nasopharyngeal bacterial flora among PLWD and non-diabetics at the Korle Bu Teaching Hospital in Accra. Methodology: This study was a case-control one, involving 130 each of PLWD and non-diabetics. Nasopharyngeal swab specimens were obtained from the participants and cultured for bacteria, which were identified using MALDITOF mass spectrometry. Results: The bacterial flora present in the anterior nares of the participants of both study groups was characterised by a rich diversity, comprising both Gram-positives and Gram-negatives. In the diabetics, the dominant bacteria were Acinetobacter baumannii (19.6%), Staphylococcus epidermidis (18.12%), Staphylococcus aureus (15.2%), and Rahnella aquatilis (12.3%). In the control group, however, the dominant bacteria were Staphylococcus epidermidis (21.9%), Staphylococcus aureus (19.0%), Proteus mirabilis (10.9%), Pseudomonas aeruginosa (10.2%), Acinetobacter baumannii (8.8%), and Enterobacter cloacae (7.2%). Between groups, Acinetobacter baumannii (19.6% vs. 8.8%, p=0.014) and Rahnella aquatilis (12.3% vs. 0.0%, p<0.001) recorded a significantly higher prevalence in the diabetes group than in the control group. On the contrary, Klebsiella pneumoniae (0.0% vs. 4.4%, p=0.003), Proteus mirabilis (2.2% vs. 10.9%, p=0.006), and Pseudomonas aeruginosa (0.7% vs. 10.2%, p<0.001) had significantly lower prevalence than in the control group. Conclusion: The nasopharyngeal bacterial flora of PLWD in Accra seems to have comparable diversities with those of non-diabetics. Nonetheless, the PLWD had a higher carriage rate of Acinetobacter baumannii but seem to have some protection against carriage of Klebsiella pneumoniae, Proteus mirabilis, and Pseudomonas aeruginosa.

Source: UG
Comparison of neurocognitive changes among newly diagnosed tuberculosis patients with and without dysglycaemia

Background: Diabetes often occurs together with tuberculosis (TB) and both may affect each other negatively. Diabetes may be associated with neurocognitive dysfunctioning in affected patients and may negatively impact treatment adherence and outcomes. This study compared the neurocognitive status between newly diagnosed smear positive tuberculosis patients with dysglycaemia and those with normoglycaemia. Methods: The current study was a cross-sectional study involving one hundred and forty-six (146) newly diagnosed smear positive TB patients. Oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) was performed and the results were categorized as either normoglycaemia, impaired glucose tolerance (IGT), impaired fasting glucose (IFG) or diabetes. Neurocognitive functioning among study participants was assessed at the time of TB diagnosis using Cognitive Failure Questionnaire (CFQ), Montreal Cognitive Assessment tool (MoCA), California Verbal Learning Test (CVLT), Brief Symptom Inventory (BSI) and the Spitzer Quality of Life Index (QLI). Results: The mean age of the participants (n = 146) was 38.7 years with 78.8% being males and 21.2% females. Using the fasting blood glucose test, the prevalence of impaired fasting glucose and diabetes were 5.5 and 3.4% respectively, both representing a total of 13 out of the 146 participants; whilst the prevalence of impaired glucose tolerance and diabetes using 2-h post-glucose values were 28.8 and 11.6% respectively, both representing a total of 59 out of the 146 participants. There were no significant differences in the mean scores on the neurocognitive measures between the dysglaycaemia and normoglycamic groups using fasting plasma glucose (FPG). However, there were significant differences in the mean scores between the dysglycaemia and normal groups using 2-h postprandial (2HPP) glucose values on Phobic Anxiety (Normal, Mean = 0.38 ± 0.603; dysglycaemia, Mean = 0.23 ± 0.356; p = 0.045), and Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA) scores (17.26 ± 5.981 vs. 15.04 ± 5.834, p = 0.037). Conclusion: Newly diagnosed smear positive patients with dysglycaemia were associated with significantly lower mean cognitive scores and scores on phobic anxiety than those with normoglyacaemia. The latter finding must be further explored.

Source: UG
Comparison of non-overlapping maize populations of unequal sizes for resistance to maize lethal necrosis

Contrast between marker-assisted backcross (MABC) and doubled haploid (DH) methods in transferring genes for resis tance to maize lethal necrosis (MLN) in maize (Zea mays L.) is not well understood. The MLN is caused by co-infection of maize plant by maize chlorotic mottle virus and sugarcane mosaic virus. Two maize panels consisting of four BC3F2 and six DH populations, separately developed through marker assisted selection from crosses between susceptible CIMMYT lines and MLN-resistant donor parent (KS23-6), were used in the current study. The two populations were of different popu lation structures with unequal sizes. Experiments were con ducted under artificial MLN inoculations for two seasons in 2018. Analyses of variance revealed significant variations among genotypes in both panels (p ≤ 0.001). Levene’s and Welch’s tests found that variances and means of the BC3F2 and DH populations were highly unequal (p ≤ 0.001). The study identified genotypes with reduced MLN infections in both populations; however, lower means for MLN severity and area under disease progress curve (AUDPC) values, and higher her itability estimates were obtained in the DH populations than in the BC3F2 populations. Additionally, the DH populations showed higher relative genetic gains for resistance to MLN compared with the BC3F2 populations. The current study detected superiority of DH over MABC populations for breed ing for resistance to MLN. Nevertheless, the results observed in the present study warrant further investigations using the same genetic materials with identical population sizes.

Source: UG
Comparison of patient radiation dose from chest and lumbar spine X-ray examinations in 10 hospitals in Ghana.

This study estimated the patient dose in chest and lumbar spine radiographic examinations in 10 hospitals in Ghana. Dose estimations were done on 1045 patients (aged, 39.6 ± 10.6 y; range 18-85 y) involving 501 (47.9 %) males and 544 (52.1 %) females for a total of 1495 individual projections. The entrance surface dose (ESD) for the patients was assessed by an indirect method, using the patient's anatomical data and exposure parameters utilised for the specific examination and a Quality Assurance Dose Database software developed by Integrated Radiological Services Ltd in Liverpool, UK. The study showed variations in the ESDs for chest examinations with five of the hospitals having values above the internationally recommended levels. ESDs for lumbar spine anterior-posterior and lateral projections were within acceptable limits. Diagnostic reference levels proposed by the International Commission on Radiological Protection based on patient dose data are imperative to the current Ghanaian situation and will lead to a reduction of the radiation dose. © The Author 2011. Published by Oxford University Press.

Source: UG
Comparison of perceived and technical healthcare quality in primary health facilities: Implications for a sustainable National Health Insurance Scheme in 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
Comparison of pheromone trap design and lures for Spodoptera frugiperda in Togo and genetic characterization of moths caught

Fall armyworm, Spodoptera frugiperda (JE Smith) (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae), is a pest of grain and vegetable crops endemic to the Western Hemisphere that has recently become widespread in sub- Saharan Africa and has appeared in India. An important tool formonitoring S. frugiperda in the USA is pheromone trapping, which would be of value for use with African populations. Field experiments were conducted in Togo (West Africa) to compare capture of male fall armyworm using three commercially available pheromone lures and three trap designs. The objectives were to identify optimum trap 9 lure combinations with respect to sensitivity, specificity, and cost. Almost 400 moths were captured during the experiment. Differences were found in the number of S. frugiperda moths captured in the various trap designs and with the three pheromone lures, and in the number of non-target moths captured with each lure. The merits of each trap 9 lure combination are discussed with respect to use in Africa. A nearly equal number of COI-CS (161) and COI-RS (158) moths was captured with no differences found in COI marker proportions among traps or lures. However, the diagnostic rice strain marker Tpi was rarely found. Overall, the genetic characterization of the pheromone trap collections indicated a consistent distribution of genetic markers from 2016 to 2017, suggesting a population at or near equilibrium.

Source: UG
Comparison of Premier™ Rotaclone®, ProSpecT™, and RIDASCREEN® rotavirus enzyme immunoassay kits for detection of rotavirus antigen in stool specimens

Background: Rotaviruses are the major cause of severe dehydrating diarrhea in children throughout the world. Enzyme immunoassays (EIAs) have been the standard method for detection of rotavirus in stool specimens since the 1980s. The World Health Organization (WHO) Rotavirus Surveillance Network has proposed including three EIA kits in the WHO-GSM (Global Management System/Système Mondial de Gestion) catalog for easy procurement of EIA kits by participating rotavirus surveillance network laboratories. Objectives: In this study, we conducted a comparative analysis of 3 commercially available enzyme immunoassay kits: Premier™ Rotaclone® (Meridian Bioscience, Inc.), ProSpecT™ (Oxoid, Ltd.) and RIDASCREEN® (R-biopharm AG) for rotavirus diagnostics. Study design: Using reverse-transcriptase-PCR (RT-PCR) as the gold standard, the 3 EIA kits were evaluated by testing a stool panel consisting of 56 rotavirus-positive and 54 rotavirus negative samples. Results: The sensitivities of the Premier™ Rotaclone®, ProSpecT™ and RIDASCREEN® kits were 76.8%, 75% and 82.1%, respectively, but did not differ significantly. The specificity of all the 3 kits was 100%. The use of RT-PCR as a gold standard lowered the observed sensitivity of all 3 EIA kits but helps to reduce equivocal results that can be seen when another EIA or other non-molecular methods are used as the reference assay in comparison studies. Conclusion: Our study found that all three kits are suitable for use by rotavirus surveillance programs. © 2013 .

Source: UG