ghanaopendata/ghanaian-research-english huggingface dataset:
Autophagy gene variant IRGM -261T contributes to protection from tuberculosis caused by Mycobacterium tuberculosis but not by M. africanum strains

The human immunity-related GTPase M (IRGM) has been shown to be critically involved in regulating autophagy as a means of disposing cytosolic cellular structures and of reducing the growth of intracellular pathogens in vitro. This includes Mycobacterium tuberculosis, which is in agreement with findings indicating that M. tuberculosis translocates from the phagolysosome into the cytosol of infected cells, where it becomes exposed to autophagy. To test whether IRGM plays a role in human infection, we studied IRGM gene variants in 2010 patients with pulmonary tuberculosis (TB) and 2346 unaffected controls. Mycobacterial clades were classified by spoligotyping, IS6110 fingerprinting and genotyping of the pks1/15 deletion. The IRGM genotype -261TT was negatively associated with TB caused by M. tuberculosis (OR 0.66, CI 0.52-0.84, P nominal 0.0009, P corrected 0.0045) and not with TB caused by M. africanum or M. bovis (OR 0.95, CI 0.70-1.30. P 0.8). Further stratification for mycobacterial clades revealed that the protective effect applied only to M. tuberculosis strains with a damaged pks1/15 gene which is characteristic for the Euro-American (EUAM) subgroup of M. tuberculosis (OR 0.63, CI 0.49-0.81, Pnominal 0.0004, Pcorrected 0.0019). Our results, including those of luciferase reporter gene assays with the IRGM variants -261C and -261T, suggest a role for IRGM and autophagy in protection of humans against natural infection with M. tuberculosis EUAM clades. Moreover, they support in vitro findings indicating that TB lineages capable of producing a distinct mycobacterial phenolic glycolipid that occurs exclusively in strains with an intact pks1/15 gene inhibit innate immune responses in which IRGM contributes to the control of autophagy. Finally, they raise the possibility that the increased frequency of the IRGM -261TT genotype may have contributed to the establishment of M. africanum as a pathogen in the West African population.

Source: UG
Autophagy Gene Variant IRGM 2261T Contributes to Protection from Tuberculosis Caused by Mycobacterium tuberculosis but Not by M. africanum Strains

The human immunity-related GTPase M (IRGM) has been shown to be critically involved in regulating autophagy as a means of disposing cytosolic cellular structures and of reducing the growth of intracellular pathogens in vitro. This includes Mycobacterium tuberculosis, which is in agreement with findings indicating that M. tuberculosis translocates from the phagolysosome into the cytosol of infected cells, where it becomes exposed to autophagy. To test whether IRGM plays a role in human infection, we studied IRGM gene variants in 2010 patients with pulmonary tuberculosis (TB) and 2346 unaffected controls. Mycobacterial clades were classified by spoligotyping, IS6110 fingerprinting and genotyping of the pks1/15 deletion. The IRGM genotype 2261TT was negatively associated with TB caused by M. tuberculosis (OR 0.66, CI 0.52– 0.84, Pnominal 0.0009, Pcorrected 0.0045) and not with TB caused by M. africanum or M. bovis (OR 0.95, CI 0.70–1.30. P 0.8). Further stratification for mycobacterial clades revealed that the protective effect applied only to M. tuberculosis strains with a damaged pks1/15 gene which is characteristic for the Euro-American (EUAM) subgroup of M. tuberculosis (OR 0.63, CI 0.49– 0.81, Pnominal 0.0004, Pcorrected 0.0019). Our results, including those of luciferase reporter gene assays with the IRGM variants 2261C and 2261T, suggest a role for IRGM and autophagy in protection of humans against natural infection with M. tuberculosis EUAM clades. Moreover, they support in vitro findings indicating that TB lineages capable of producing a distinct mycobacterial phenolic glycolipid that occurs exclusively in strains with an intact pks1/15 gene inhibit innate immune responses in which IRGM contributes to the control of autophagy. Finally, they raise the possibility that the increased frequency of the IRGM 2261TT genotype may have contributed to the establishment of M. africanum as a pathogen in the West African population.

Source: UG
Autopsy Practice in Ghana — Reflections of a Pathologist

Autopsy practice in Ghana can be said to be far from satisfactory. Most Ghanaians do not know that there are different categories of death, which categories of death require an autopsy and who is required to perform the autopsy. The problems have further been complicated by the fact that, unlike other countries where separate facilities are available for storage of the different categories of dead bodies, all dead bodies in Ghana are conveyed to the hospital mortuary, thus encouraging hospitals to expand body storage facilities in their mortuaries to meet the increasing demand. Public or community mortuaries used elsewhere for storage of bodies of deaths occurring in the community pending the Coroner's directions are non-existent in Ghana. Storage of all categories of dead bodies in hospital mortuaries has resulted in virtually all autopsies being done by the hospital pathologists, especially in the large centres, at the expense of other very important diagnostic functions of the pathologist. This paper explains relevant portions of the Coroner's Act of 1960 and emphasises the need to separate the few hospital autopsies that require the expertise of the pathologist from Coroner's autopsies that may be carried out by any registered medical officer, as specified in the Act, or better still, by specially trained Forensic Physicians/Medical Examiners, as pertains in other countries. The paper also clarifies the different categories of death, those that fall in the jurisdiction of the Coroner and the personnel required to assist the Coroner in his investigastions. Suggestions have also been made on how to approach manpower development to ensure that appropriate personnel are trained to assist the Coroner in the investgation of medico-legal cases.

Source: UG
Autopsy studies on still births in Korle Bu Teaching Hospital. II: Causes of death in 93 still births.

In this second of three reports dealing with autopsy studies in 93 still births at the Korle Bu Teaching Hospital, Accra, the causes of death are described. Causes of death were grouped using a combination of the modified Aberdeen and Naeye's classification. Asphyxia was the commonest cause of death accounting for 56% of deaths. The single largest contributing factor to fetal hypoxia was antepartum haemorrhage. Foetal infections were responsible for 13% of deaths and maternal pathologic conditions for 10.8%. The commonest maternal condition causing stillbirth was severe pre-eclampsia. Death was due to fatal birth trauma in 5.4% of cases with lethal congenital malformations and placental growth retardation causing 3.2% of deaths each. It is concluded that the vast majority of factors causing or contributing to late foetal deaths are largely preventable and or controllable. It is recommended that antenatal attendance should commence early and be regular and maternal and foetal monitoring be improved so that potential life threatening conditions can be diagnosed early, appropriate management and counselling instituted and therapeutic abortion or delivery planned. Routine examination of placentae at birth and genetic studies in suspicious cases will enable obstetricians counsel parents about the possibility of occurrence of stillbirth or congenital abnormality in future pregnancies. Autopsy examination of stillbirths is encouraged as this may help elucidate deaths in the cases now classified as due to unknown or unexplained causes.

Source: UG
Autopsy studies on still births in Korle Bu Teaching Hospital: pathological findings in still births and their placentae.

Autopsy and histological examinations were carried out on 93 still born fetuses, whose parents gave consent, and their placentae. The commonest pathological finding was asphyxia induced changes which manifested predominantly as haemorrhages in various organs. The associated placental pathological changes were villous oedema, large placental infarcts (more than 20% of placental volume), increased intervillous fibrin deposition and subchorionic haemorrhage in various combinations. Evidence of fetal infection was present in 9 cases (9.7%) but placental inflammation was present in 24.8% of cases. None of the placentae showed the presence of malarial parasites. Lethal congenital malformations were present in 6.2% and maternal floor infarction in 14% of cases. Autopsy and histological examinations of still-born fetuses and their placentae are useful in providing information that may be relevant in the counselling of parents and the extended family (where appropriate) and in auditing antenatal and intrapartum care.

Source: UG
Availability and Access to Support Services in a Blended Learning Environment

The transformation in the distance education system has led to the emergence of blended learning approaches that have necessitated effective support to facilitate students learning. This web survey aimed at determining the kinds of support available and accessible to distance education students of the University of Ghana. Data collected from 103 Levels 300 and 400 students and findings from the survey indicated that physical and technological support services were frequently used among the respondents, whereas residential and e-library resources were the least subscribed support services among the students. In terms of social support services, interaction with tutors and interaction with fellow students came up as the main support services available to students while counselling services were absent for these students. It was recommended that the support services that were inadequate, least used, and absent should be provided to enable students to complete their programmes of study successfully.

Source: UG
Availability of Healthy and Unhealthy Foods in Modern Retail Outlets Located in Selected Districts of Greater Accra Region, Ghana

Background: Intake of unhealthy foods is linked to the onset of obesity and diet-related non-communicable diseases (NCDs). Availability of unhealthy (nutritionally poor) foods can influence preference, purchasing and consumption of such foods. This study determined the healthiness of foods sold at modern retail outlets- supermarkets and mini-marts in the Greater Accra Region of Ghana. Methods: All modern retail outlets located in six districts of Greater Accra were eligible. Those <200m² of floor area and with permanent structures were categorized as mini-marts; and those 200 m² as supermarkets. Shelf length of all available foods were measured. Healthiness of food was determined using two criteria - the NOVA classification and energy density of foods. Thus, ultra-processed foods or food items with >225 kcal/100 g were classified as unhealthy. The ratio of the area occupied by unhealthy to healthy foods was used to determine the healthiness of modern retail outlets. Results: Of 67 retail outlets assessed, 86.6% were mini-marts. 85.0% of the total SHELF area was occupied by foods categorized as unhealthy (ranging from 9,262 m2 in Ashiaman Municipality to 41,892 m2 in Accra Metropolis). Refined grains/grain products were the most available, occupying 30.0% of the total food shelf space, followed by sugar-sweetened beverages (20.1% of total shelf space). The least available food group–unprocessed staples, was found in only one high income district, and occupied 0.1% of the total food shelf space. Retail outlets in two districts did not sell fresh fruits or fresh/unsalted canned vegetables. About two-thirds of food products available (n = 3,952) were ultra-processed. Overall, the ratio of ultra-processed-to-unprocessed foods ranged from 3 to 7 with an average (SD) of 5(2). Thus, for every healthy food, there were five ultra-processed ones in the studied retail outlets. Conclusion: This study reveals widespread availability of ultra-processed foods in modern retail outlets within the selected districts. Toward a healthier food retail environment, public health and food regulators, in partnership with other stakeholders need to institute measures that improve availability of healthy foods within supermarkets and mini-marts.

Source: UG
Availability of HIV services along the continuum of HIV testing, care and treatment in Ghana

Background Ghana has been providing HIV and AIDS services since the identification of the first case in 1986 and added highly active antiretroviral therapy to its comprehensive care in 2003.This study aimed at assessing availability of HIV services along the continuum of HIV care in Ghana. Method A cross sectional study was conducted among 172 (87%) of the total 197 ART canters in Ghana. Data was collected by self-administered questionnaire and analysed using STATA version 13. Results Of the 172 health facilities surveyed, 165 (96%) were offering HIV testing Services (HTS) during the survey period. More than 90% of the surveyed facilities reported to offer Anti-Retroviral Treatment (ART), patient counselling, TB screening and Prevention of Mother to Child Transmission (PMTCT) services. Viral load and Early Infant Diagnosis (EID) and laboratory testing services were reported at 10 (5.8%) and 23 (13.4%) respectively. HIV testing services (HTS), PMTCT, ART, patient counselling and opportunistic infections (OI) prophylaxis services were offered at all Tertiary and Regional hospitals surveyed. EID sample collection and testing services was reported at 2 out of 27 (7.4%) of the Health Centre and/or clinics in Ghana. The common adherence assessment methodology being implemented varied by facilities which included: asking patients if they took their drugs 154 (89.5%), pill counting 131 (76.2%), use of follow-up visit 79(45.9%) and use of CD4 counts, viral loads and clinical manifestation 76 (44.2%). Challenges encountered by facilities included shortage of test reagents and drugs 122 (71%), 111 (65%) respectively and patient compliance 101 (59%). Conclusion This study showed ART services to be available in most facilities. Methods used to assess patients adherence varied across facilities. Shortage of test reagents and drugs, EID sample collection and testing were major challenges. A standardised approach to assessing patient’s adherence is recommended. Measures should be put in place to ensure availability of HIV commodities at all levels.

Source: UG
Availability of integrated family planning services in HIV care and support sites in sub-Saharan Africa: A secondary analysis of national health facility surveys

Background: Integrating family planning (FP) with HIV care and treatment programs is a strategy to expand FP service delivery and prevent unintended pregnancies among women living with HIV. However, little is known about the extent to which FP services are available in health facilities providing HIV services across sub-Saharan Africa. In this study, we assessed the availability of integrated FP services and the associated factors in HIV care and support sites across sub-Saharan Africa. Methods: We conducted a secondary analysis of nationally representative facility-level data from Service Availability and Readiness Assessments (SARA) and Service Provision Assessments (SPA) conducted in 10 sub-Saharan African countries between 2012 and 2015. We used six indicators that reflect the structure and process of care essential for FP service delivery in HIV care and support facilities to define the outcome of interest - onsite availability of integrated FP services. Multivariate logistic regression was used to explore facility-level characteristics associated with the outcome. Results: Among the 3161 health facilities offering HIV care and support services, most reported also offering FP services at the same location. The availability of three FP methods was higher than the availability of FP guidelines and trained staff. Onsite availability of integrated FP services ranged from 10 to 61%. Results of multivariate logistic regression indicated that the odds of having onsite integrated FP services available was higher in HIV care and support sites that were operated by the government, classified as a tertiary level care facility, and provided services for PMTCT, antenatal care and basic surgery. Conclusions: Our findings indicate critical shortcomings in the preparedness of HIV care and support sites to deliver onsite integrated FP services. Renewed efforts are needed to address these supply-side barriers and ensure that integrated FP and HIV services meet the unique needs of HIV clients.

Source: UG
Availability of published evidence on coverage, cost components, and funding support for digitalisation of infectious disease surveillance in Africa, 2003–2022: a systematic review

Background The implementation of digital disease surveillance systems at national levels in Africa have been challenged by many factors. These include user applicability, utility of IT features but also stable financial support. Funding closely intertwines with implementations in terms of geographical reach, disease focus, and sustainability. However, the practice of evidence sharing on geographical and disease coverage, costs, and funding sources for improving the implementation of these systems on the continent is unclear. Objectives To analyse the key characteristics and availability of evidence for implementing digital infectious disease surveillance systems in Africa namely their disease focus, geographical reach, cost reporting, and external funding support. Methods We conducted a systematic review of peer-reviewed and grey literature for the period 2003 to 2022 (PROSPERO registration number: CRD42022300849). We searched five databases (PubMed, MEDLINE over Ovid, EMBASE, Web of Science, and Google Scholar) and websites of WHO, Africa CDC, and public health institutes of African countries. We mapped the distribution of projects by country; identified reported implementation cost components; categorised the availability of data on cost components; and identified supporting funding institutions outside Africa. Results A total of 29 reports from 2,033 search results were eligible for analysis. We identified 27 projects implemented in 13 countries, across 32 sites. Of these, 24 (75%) were pilot projects with a median duration of 16 months, (IQR: 5–40). Of the 27 projects, 5 (19%) were implemented for HIV/AIDs and tuberculosis, 4 (15%) for malaria, 4 (15%) for all notifiable diseases, and 4 (15%) for One Health. We identified 17 cost components across the 29 reports. Of these, 11 (38%) reported quantified costs for start-up capital, 10 (34%) for health personnel compensation, 9 (31%) for training and capacity building, 8 (28%) for software maintenance, and 7(24%) for surveillance data transmission. Of 65 counts of external funding sources, 35 (54%) were governmental agencies, 15 (23%) foundations, and 7 (11%) UN agencies. Conclusions The evidence on costing data for the digitalisation of surveillance and outbreak response in the published literature is sparse in quantity, limited in detail, and without a standardised reporting format. Most initial direct project costs are substantially donor dependent, short lived, and thus unsustainable.

Source: UG
Availability, Cost, and Popularity of African Leafy Vegetables in Accra Markets, Ghana

Consumption of African leafy vegetables can have a positive effect on nutrition, health, and economic well-being of both rural and urban populations. In this study, we undertook a detailed evaluation of African leafy vegetables in selected Accra markets in southern Ghana. Data were collected from 50 sellers from four markets within Accra and its environs using standard ethnobotanical methods. A total of six species of African leafy vegetables belonging to five plant families were identified. Average cost of the vegetables was about USD 0.25 per bundle (weight of bundles ranges between 0.2 and 0.6 kilograms (kg)), and prices were influenced by plant species and market location. Popularity of the leafy vegetables was high as reported by 88% of the respondents. Our findings showed that only a few of the documented African leafy vegetables were available in the markets, although popularity of these vegetables was high.

Source: UG
Availabilty of energy and agricultural mechanization in Ghana

A variety of definitions have been postulated for food security. The bottom line, however, is the availability of food of good quality at an affordable cost to all and at all times. Many approaches have been adopted to achieve an increase in the availability of food. These include among others increased use of mechanization to expand area under cultivation. Many developing countries have adopted agricultural mechanization to modernize and speed up the process of agricultural land expansion. The available land in Ghana that is suitable for mechanization is put at 8 million hectares for which an estimated energy input of 6 × 106 kW is required. Of this amount only 3.1% is available. Analysis have shown that out of the 1.6 million hectares of land currently under mechanized cultivation the required energy input is 12 × 105 kW out of which only 15.6% is available. This shows a wide gap between the energy required and what is available to meet the objectives of agricultural mechanization.

Source: UG
Avant-gardisme, jeu et contre-discours dans Babyface de Koffi Kwahulé

In his novel Babyface, Koffi Kwahulé, who is one of the greatest writers of contemporary Africa, takes exception to political intolerance and ethnocentrism. The stylistic innovations discernible in the novel have the effect of throwing into relief stock themes such as the folly of passions (war, politics and love) and the socio-political disarray of post-colonial Africa as well as new issues such as the politicization of gender, the State as invention, identity as creation and culture as relationship.

Source: UG
Avian influenza shock and performance of the chicken markets in Benin

Data from a three-year panel (2006-2008) obtained from selected respondents, was used to investigate the impact of the avian influenza (AI) outbreak on the chicken markets in Benin. The trends in sales volume and profit were used as proxy for performance. The Generalized Method of Moments (GMM) regression model was used to examine the factors affecting profit. In general, the AI outbreak adversely affected the performance of the markets during the imposition of restrictions were imposed, the volume of chickens sold per market day per seller declined by 69%. Overall, the AI outbreak did not have an adverse effect on the profit made by the poultry producer/sellers and middlemen. The regression results suggested that the chicken market is more favourable in terms of profit margin for women, literates, young people, middlemen and sellers in Kolokonde regional market. The municipal authority’s levy has a negative effect on profitability, while the undersupply of chickens and average volume of sales per market day and provision of market shelters have positive effects. The level of state authority’s levy, provision of market infrastructure, women and youth empowerment programmes and behaviour of poultry suppliers have implications for policy measures in the poultry sector.

Source: UG