ghanaopendata/ghanaian-research-english huggingface dataset:
MCP1 haplotypes associated with protection from pulmonary tuberculosis

Background: The monocyte chemoattractant protein 1 (MCP-1) is involved in the recruitment of lymphocytes and monocytes and their migration to sites of injury and cellular immune reactions. In a Ghanaian tuberculosis (TB) case-control study group, associations of the MCP1 -362C and the MCP1 -2581G alleles with resistance to TB were recently described. The latter association was in contrast to genetic effects previously described in study groups originating from Mexico, Korea, Peru and Zambia. This inconsistency prompted us to further investigate the MCP1 gene in order to determine causal variants or haplotypes genetically and functionally. Results: A 14 base-pair deletion in the first MCP1 intron, int1del554-567, was strongly associated with protection against pulmonary TB (OR = 0.84, CI 0.77-0.92, Pcorrected = 0.00098). Compared to the wildtype combination, a haplotype comprising the -2581G and -362C promoter variants and the intronic deletion conferred an even stronger protection than did the -362C variant alone (OR = 0.78, CI 0.69-0.87, Pnominal = 0.00002; adjusted Pglobal = 0.0028). In a luciferase reporter gene assay, a significant reduction of luciferase gene expression was observed in the two constructs carrying the MCP1 mutations -2581 A or G plus the combination -362C and int1del554-567 compared to the wildtype haplotype (P = 0.02 and P = 0.006). The associated variants, in particular the haplotypes composed of these latter variants, result in decreased MCP-1 expression and a decreased risk of pulmonary TB. Conclusions: In addition to the results of the previous study of the Ghanaian TB case-control sample, we have now identified the haplotype combination -2581G/-362C/int1del554-567 that mediates considerably stronger protection than does the MCP1 -362C allele alone (OR = 0.78, CI 0.69-0.87 vs OR = 0.83, CI 0.76-0.91). Our findings in both the genetic analysis and the reporter gene study further indicate a largely negligible role of the variant at position -2581 in the Ghanaian population studied.

Source: UG
Meaning and Perceptions of the Good Life in Ghana

This experimental study extends the geographical focus of empirical investigations of what makes life good to Ghana, West Africa. Data were collected from a sample of 189 Ghanaian college students (19–49 years old). A 2 (income: high vs. low) × 2 (happiness: high vs. low) × 2 (meaning: high vs. low) experimental design was used to investigate factors related to judgements about the good life. Multivariate analysis of variance was used to test the study’s hypotheses. The results highlighted that similar to previous research, concepts of happiness and meaning are central to the conceptualization of the good life in Ghana. Unlike previous studies however, quality of life, desirability, and perception of the good life were not significantly intercorrelated. The findings suggest that while some factors may consistently predict the good life across diverse cultural settings, complementary consideration of culturally constructed meaning systems may be warranted.

Source: UG
Meanings of quality of life among people living with epilepsy in Ghana; a qualitative exploratory study

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to explore the meanings of quality of life among people living with epilepsy (PLWE) in Ghana. Methods: An exploratory-qualitative study design was adopted. Face-to-face in-depth interviews, using a semi-structured interview guide, were conducted on 15 PLWE who were purposively selected for the study. The interviews were audio recorded and transcribed verbatim. The content analysis approach was then used to analyze the data. Results: Four themes – ‘‘acceptance”, ‘‘support”, ‘‘seizure control”, and ‘‘self-reliance” emerged from the study as meanings of Quality of life (QoL). Quality of life meant unconditional acceptance from family, friends, acquaintances at home, school, and work, and by the public despite epilepsy. Receiving support in the form of protection from injury during a seizure, financial assistance to meet individual and family demands, emotional warmth, and spiritual support through prayers and encouragement, was QoL for PLWE. Achievement of control over seizures and being self-reliant in terms of selfcare and daily activities in addition to having some form of financial independence meant QoL. Conclusion: Meanings of quality of life among PLWE is associated with being accepted and supported by family and friends as well as being in control of seizures and attaining a status of independence.

Source: UG
The meanings of suicidal behaviour to psychology students in Ghana: A qualitative approach

The objective of this study was to examine psychology students’ attitudes toward suicidal behaviour and the meanings they assign to the act. In-depth interviews were conducted with 15 final year psychology students at a university in Ghana. Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis (IPA) was used to analyze the data. The results indicated that the students had a generalized negative attitude toward suicide. Religious beliefs and family harmony are cultural contexts influencing the interpretation of suicidal behaviour as breach of divine and communal moralities. The implications of these meanings of suicidal behaviour for suicide prevention in Ghana are discussed.

Source: UG
Measured body size and serum estrogen metabolism in postmenopausal women: the Ghana Breast Health Study

Background: Several anthropometric measures have been associated with hormone-related cancers, and it has been shown that estrogen metabolism in postmenopausal women plays an important role in these relationships. However, little is known about circulating estrogen levels in African women, and the relevance to breast cancer or breast cancer risk factors. To shed further light on the relationship of anthropometric factors and estrogen levels in African women, we examined whether measured body mass index (BMI), waist-to-hip ratio (WHR), height, and selfreported body size were associated with serum estrogens/estrogen metabolites in a cross-sectional analysis among postmenopausal population-based controls of the Ghana Breast Health Study. Methods: Fifteen estrogens/estrogen metabolites were quantified using liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry in serum samples collected from postmenopausal female controls enrolled in the Ghana Breast Health Study, a population-based case–control study conducted in Accra and Kumasi. Geometric means (GMs) of estrogens/ estrogen metabolites were estimated using linear regression, adjusting for potential confounders. Results: Measured BMI (≥ 30 vs. 18.5–24.9 kg/m2) was positively associated with parent estrogens (multivariable adjusted GM for unconjugated estrone: 78.90 (66.57–93.53) vs. 50.89 (43.47–59.59), p-value < 0.0001; and unconjugated estradiol: 27.83 (21.47–36.07) vs. 13.26 (10.37–16.95), p-value < 0.0001). Independent of unconjugated estradiol, measured BMI was associated with lower levels of 2-pathway metabolites and higher levels of 16-ketoestradriol. Similar patterns of association were found with WHR; however, the associations were not entirely independent of BMI. Height was not associated with postmenopausal estrogens/estrogen metabolite levels in African women. Conclusions: We observed strong associations between measured BMI and parent estrogens and estrogen metabolite patterns that largely mirrored relations that have previously been associated with higher breast cancer risk in postmenopausal White women. The consistency of the BMI-estrogen metabolism associations in our study with those previously noted among White women suggests that estrogens likely explain part of the BMI-postmenopausal breast cancer risk in both groups. These findings merit evaluation in Black women, including prospective studies.

Source: UG
Measured Energy Content of Frequently Purchased Restaurant Meals: Multi-Country Cross Sectional Study

OBJECTIVE: To measure the energy content of frequently ordered meals from full service and fast food restaurants in five countries and compare values with US data. DESIGN: Cross sectional survey. SETTING: 223 meals from 111 randomly selected full service and fast food restaurants serving popular cuisines in Brazil, China, Finland, Ghana, and India were the primary sampling unit; 10 meals from five worksite canteens were also studied in Finland. The observational unit was frequently ordered meals in selected restaurants. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE: Meal energy content, measured by bomb calorimetry. RESULTS: Compared with the US, weighted mean energy of restaurant meals was lower only in China (719 (95% confidence interval 646 to 799) kcal versus 1088 (1002 to 1181) kcal; P<0.001). In analysis of variance models, fast food contained 33% less energy than full service meals (P<0.001). In Finland, worksite canteens provided 25% less energy than full service and fast food restaurants (mean 880 (SD 156) versus 1166 (298); P=0.009). Country, restaurant type, number of meal components, and meal weight predicted meal energy in a factorial analysis of variance (R2=0.62, P<0.001). Ninety four per cent of full service meals and 72% of fast food meals contained at least 600 kcal. Modeling indicated that, except in China, consuming current servings of a full service and a fast food meal daily would supply between 70% and 120% of the daily energy requirements for a sedentary woman, without additional meals, drinks, snacks, appetizers, or desserts. CONCLUSION: Very high dietary energy content of both full service and fast food restaurant meals is a widespread phenomenon that is probably supporting global obesity and provides a valid intervention target.

Source: UG
Measurement of neutron flux distribution in the irradiation channel in the Ghana research reactor-1 using monte carlo method.

The Monte Carlo method was used to determine the neutron fluxes in the irradiation channels of the Ghana Research Reactor-1. The MCNP5 code was used for this purpose to simulate the radial and axial distribution of the neutron fluxes within all the 10 irradiation channels. After the MCNP simulation, it was observed that axially, the fluxes rise to a peak before falling and then finally leveling out. It was also observed that the fluxes were higher in the center of the irradiation channels; the fluxes got higher as it moved toward the center of the core. The multiplication factor (keff) was observed as 1.000397 ± 0.0007. Radially, the thermal, epithermal and fast neutron flux in the inner irradiation channel range from 1.15 × 1012 n/cm2.s ± 0.1018 × 1011 - 1.19 × 1012 n/cm2.s ± 0.1172 × 1011, 1.21 × 1012 n/cm2.s ± 0.1014 × 10 11 - 1.36 × 1012 n/cm2.s ± 0.1038 × 1011 and 2.47 × 1011 n/cm2.s ± 0.1120 × 1010 - 2.97 × 1011 n/cm 2.s ± 0.1255 × 1010 respectively. For the outer channel, the flux range from 7.14 × 1011 n/cm 2.s ± 0.1381 × 1010 - 7.38 × 10 11 n/cm2.s ± 0.208 × 1010 for thermal, 1.94 × 1011 n/cm2.s ± 0.1014 × 1010 - 2.51 × 1011 n/cm2.s ± 0.1281 × 1010 for epithermal and 3.69 × 1010 n/cm2.s ± 0.8912 × 108 - 5.14 × 10 10 n/cm2.s ± 0.1009 × 109 for fast. The results have shown that there are flux variations within the irradiation channels both axially and radially. © 2010 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Source: UG
Measurement of the plasma levels of antibodies against the polymorphic vaccine candidate apical membrane antigen 1 in a malaria-exposed population

Abstract Background Establishing antibody correlates of protection against malaria in human field studies and clinical trials requires, amongst others, an accurate estimation of antibody levels. For polymorphic antigens such as apical membrane antigen 1 (AMA1), this may be confounded by the occurrence of a large number of allelic variants in nature. Methods To test this hypothesis, plasma antibody levels in an age-stratified cohort of naturally exposed children from a malaria-endemic area in Southern Ghana were determined by indirect ELISA. Titres against four single PfAMA1 alleles were compared with those against three different allele mixtures presumed to have a wider repertoire of epitope specificities. Associations of antibody levels with the incidence of clinical malaria as well as with previous exposure to parasites were also examined. Results Antibody titres against PfAMA1 alleles generally increased with age/exposure while antibody specificity for PfAMA1 variants decreased, implying that younger children (&#8804; 5 years) elicit a more strain-specific antibody response compared to older children. Antibody titre measurements against the FVO and 3D7 AMA1 alleles gave the best titre estimates as these varied least in pair-wise comparisons with titres against all PfAMA1 allele mixtures. There was no association between antibody levels against any capture antigen and either clinical malaria incidence or parasite density. Conclusions The current data shows that levels of naturally acquired antigen-specific antibodies, especially in infants and young children, are dependent on the antigenic allele used for measurement. This may be relevant to the interpretation of antibody titre data from measurements against single PfAMA1 alleles, especially in studies involving infants and young children who have experienced fewer infections.

Source: UG
Measurement of the plasma levels of antibodies against the polymorphic vaccine candidate apical membrane antigen 1 in a malaria-exposed population.

Background: Establishing antibody correlates of protection against malaria in human field studies and clinical trials requires, amongst others, an accurate estimation of antibody levels. For polymorphic antigens such as apical membrane antigen 1 (AMA1), this may be confounded by the occurrence of a large number of allelic variants in nature.Methods: To test this hypothesis, plasma antibody levels in an age-stratified cohort of naturally exposed children from a malaria-endemic area in Southern Ghana were determined by indirect ELISA. Titres against four single PfAMA1 alleles were compared with those against three different allele mixtures presumed to have a wider repertoire of epitope specificities. Associations of antibody levels with the incidence of clinical malaria as well as with previous exposure to parasites were also examined.Results: Antibody titres against PfAMA1 alleles generally increased with age/exposure while antibody specificity for PfAMA1 variants decreased, implying that younger children (? 5 years) elicit a more strain-specific antibody response compared to older children. Antibody titre measurements against the FVO and 3D7 AMA1 alleles gave the best titre estimates as these varied least in pair-wise comparisons with titres against all PfAMA1 allele mixtures. There was no association between antibody levels against any capture antigen and either clinical malaria incidence or parasite density.Conclusions: The current data shows that levels of naturally acquired antigen-specific antibodies, especially in infants and young children, are dependent on the antigenic allele used for measurement. This may be relevant to the interpretation of antibody titre data from measurements against single PfAMA1 alleles, especially in studies involving infants and young children who have experienced fewer infections. © 2012 Kusi et al; licensee BioMed Central Ltd.

Source: UG
Measurement of thermal neutron and resonance integral cross sections of the reaction 51V(n,γ)52V using a 20 Ci Am-Be isotopic neutron source

The thermal neutron capture cross section (σo) and the resonance integral (Io) of the 51V(n,γ) 52V reaction were measured with an activation method to provide fundamental data for reactor calculation, activation analysis, and other theoretical and experimental uses concerning the interaction of neutron with matter. The vanadium and manganese samples were irradiated within and without a Cd shield case using a 20 Ci Am-Be neutron source. The activities of the samples were measured using gamma-ray spectroscopy. The thermal neutron capture cross section and the resonance integral were determined relative to the reference reaction 55Mn(n,γ)56Mn and the values obtained are 5.16 ± 0.19 barns and 2.53 ± 0.1 barns respectively. The previous measurements of the σo and Io of the reaction 51V(n,γ)52V were reviewed and the difference between the present values and the previous results were discussed. © 2011 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Source: UG
Measurement of thermal neutron capture cross section and resonance integral of the 138Ba(n, γ)139Ba reaction using 55Mn(n, γ)56Mn as a monitor

The thermal neutron capture cross section (σo) and the resonance integral cross section (Io) of the 138Ba(n, γ)139Ba reaction have been measured by the activation method using the Ghana Research Reactor-1 (GHARR-1). The barium and manganese targets were irradiated within and without a cadmium capsule. The result of the thermal neutron capture cross section for the 138Ba(n, γ) 139Ba reaction is 0.53 ± 0.01barns. The result was obtained relative to the reference value 13.2 barns of the 55Mn(n, γ)56Mn reaction. The resonance integral cross section for the 138Ba(n, γ)139Ba reaction was also measured relative to the reference value of 13.9 barns for the 55Mn(n, γ) 56Mn reaction. The present resonance integral cross section for the 138Ba(n, γ)139Ba reaction is 0.380 ± 0.005 barns. The previous measurements of the σo and Io of the reaction 138Ba(n, γ)139Ba were reviewed and the difference between the present values and the previous results were discussed. The present work was undertaken with the aim to contribute to the experimental basis of σo and Io evaluations. © 2010 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Source: UG
Measures and narratives of the nature, causes and consequences of violent assaults and risk perception of psychiatric hospitals in Ghana: Mental Health workers’ perspectives

Literature shows that mental healthcare workers in Ghana face incessant fear of patient violence that compromise safe care delivery. However, the nature, scale, perceived causes, and consequences of these assaults and how they shape risk perceptions have received limited empirical attention, hence the need for this study. The study employed sequential explanatory mixed methods where questionnaire administration preceded and informed the design of an interview guide used for in-depth interviews with health workers in referral psychiatric hospitals. Descriptive statistics and multivariate logistic regressions were used to analyze the quantitative data. Qualitative data were transcribed and analyzed thematically. Findings showed that physical and non-physical violent assaults and risk perceptions of the hospitals were statistically and significantly associated with females (P < 0.01), nurses (P < 0.01), other clinical cadre (P < 0.01), and those with low job tenure (P < 0.05). About 57% and 71% of the sample reported experiencing physical and non-physical assaults, respectively. Major and minor injuries and psychosocial problems were frequent sequelae following physical violent assaults. As a result, 80% of the participants perceived the hospitals environment to be unsafe to provide care. Violent assaults compromises safety and care delivery efforts suggesting the need for systematic interventions to minimize mental healthcare workers exposure to patient violence.

Source: UG
Measures for achieving sustainable environment to mitigate climate change in Africa

Purpose – This study examines the appropriate measures that need to be intensified among African countries to achieve sustainable environment to mitigate climate change. Design/methodology/approach –The study employs panel data covering the period 2000 to 2020 among 54 African countries and Cox proportional hazard model for the analysis. Findings – Estimates indicate that the practice of carbon farming, the development of rooftop gardens, renewable energy production and consumption contribute positively toward achieving sustainable environment, while governance adversely affects this objective of achieving sustainable environment. Practical implications – The study recommends that governments should enforce the constant practice of carbon farming among these countries through passing laws to enforce its application among farmers and allocate 2% of ministry of agriculture’s budget toward financing carbon farming for poor farmers. Originality/value – Empirical studies have been carried out exploring measures to deal with climate change. Nonetheless, the appropriate measures of achieving sustainable environment to mitigate climate change have less been explored in literature on Africa. Hence, this study fills the gap in existing empirical studies.

Source: UG
Measuring academic freedom in Europe: a criterion referenced approach. Policy Reviews in Higher Education

Using comparative data from 28 states within the European Union, this paper is a comprehensive assessment of the protection for, and (by extension) the health of, academic freedom in the universities of the nations of the European Union. The paper, extending previous work in this area, adopts a ‘bottom-up’ approach utilising 37 specific parameters that relate to international treaties, and national, constitutional, and legislative protection for academic freedom, along with legal regulations concerning institutional governance, the appointment of the rector, and the existence of academic tenure, in order to create a composite picture of the health of academic freedom in the universities within the European Union nations.

Source: UG
Measuring adherence to ARVs among HIV-positive adolescents in Cameroon: a comparative assessment of self-report and medication possession ratio methods

Introduction: adherence to ARV medications has been shown to improve treatment outcomes in HIV positive patients. Given that ARV treatment is lifelong, adherence has become a critical issue as it may reduce over time. Measuring adherence is therefore imperative in programming. There are different methods of measuring adherence each with its advantages and disadvantages, depending on the context and the time. This study therefore compares two widely used adherence measurement scales in Cameroon, namely, the self report and the medication possession ration (MPR) methods. Methods: the study was done in some selected health facilities of the North West and South West regions of Cameroon among adolescents on ARV. The study was designed as an analytical cross-sectional study with a record review component and systematic random sampling was used to select the participants. Adherence was measured through self-report and the medication possession ratio. Adolescents with adherence levels of at least 95% were considered adherent. Viral load suppression was considered as having the most recent viral load suppression results of less than 1000 copies per ml. The kappa statistics of inter-rate agreement was used to ascertain the difference between adherence as measured by self-report and MPR. The difference in adherence between the two scales was also compared using Fischer´s exact test and p-values were reported. Results: the study shows that adherence level using the self-report technique is 82.9% while that of MPR was 73.4%. When compared using the using Kappa statistics, there was substantial agreement between the two scales of 66% (p=0.54). The results of both self-report adherence and MPR were also compared with viral load suppression and the difference between viral load suppression and MPR was significant (p<0.01). The difference in adherence between viral load suppression and the self-report measure also showed to be significant (p<0.01). Conclusion: adherence from the self-report measure was higher than from MPR, but there was substantial agreement between the scales. Although there is no gold standard for adherence measurement, self-report or medication possession ratio could be used and complemented with laboratory markers like viral load counts.

Source: UG