ghanaopendata/ghanaian-research-english huggingface dataset:
Prescribing trend of antimalarial drugs at the Ghana Police Hospital

Introduction: Malaria ranks among the top three leading causes of morbidity and mortality in developing countries. Appropriate use of recommended antimalarial drugs is vital in the effective management of malaria. Methodology: This study sought to assess the prescribing trend of antimalarial drugs at the Ghana Police Hospital. Antimalarial drug prescribing trends from 3,127 patient cards were assessed at the pharmacy unit of the hospital between December 2012 and May 2013 using modified World Health Organization rational drug prescribing indicators. Results: Of the 6,697 drugs assessed from the patient cards, antimalarial drugs prescribed included artemether-lumefantrine, 4,226 (63.1%), artemether injection with artemether-lumefantrine tablets, 1,741 (26%), artesunate injection, 241 (3.6%), artemether injection, 194 (2.9%), and artesunate-amodiaquine tablets, 188 (2.8%). The average number of drugs prescribed per encounter was 2.1. A total of 4,052 (60.5%) drugs were prescribed by their generic names, and 2,645 (39.5%) were prescribed by their brand names. There were 2,250 (33.6%) encounters with injection (33.6%), and 6,001 (89.6%) of the prescribed drugs were from the essential drugs list. Prescriptions conforming to recommended dosage regimen totaled 6,328 (94.5%). Conclusion: The antimalarial prescribing pattern at the hospital was generally satisfactory. However, the use of injectable antimalarials appeared to be high. © 2015, Afriyie et al.

Source: UG
Presence Of Carbapenem Resistance In Hybrid Escherichia Coli Pathovars From Ready-To-Eat Fresh-Cut Fruits In Accra, Ghana

Aim: This study reports the presence of carbapenem-resistant Escherichia coli hybrid pathovars and its prevalence in 200 fresh-cut fruits from Accra. Methods and results: Standard culture methods were used to quantify microbial indicators and E. coli on fresh-cut fruits retailed in formal and informal outlets in Accra. The Kirby–Bauer disc diffusion method was used to determine the antibiotic resistance profile of E. coli, while multiplex PCR was employed to identify the virulence and carbapenem-resistance genes. Escherichia coli prevalence in cut fruits was 17%, with pawpaw, watermelon, and mixed fruit having higher prevalence than pineapple. Of the 34 E. coli isolates from fresh-cut fruits, 44% showed broad resis tance to beta-lactam antibiotics, while 5.9% showed carbapenem resistance. The study identified virulence genes associated with all E. coli iso lates, including stx1, stx2, escV, and ipaH, of which 97% were hybrid pathovars bearing genes for Shiga toxin-producing E. coli/enteropathogenic E. coli/enteroinvasive E. coli. The carbapenemase gene, blaIMP, was associated with both carbapenem-resistant E. coli phenotypes identified. Conclusion: Despite a low-carbapenem-resistance prevalence observed among E. coli isolates, hypervirulent hybrid strains of E. coli is present in fresh-cut fruits in the sampling area, posing a potential public health risk to fresh-cut fruit consumers.

Source: UG
Presence of IgE+ cells in human placenta is independent of malaria infection or chorioamnionitis

The Department of Immunology conducts research in the field of immunology of infectious and non-infectious diseases. The Department has the overall goal of contributing knowledge to better diagnosis, management, control and prevention of infectious and non-infectious diseases in Ghana and worldwide. This is consistent with the overall strategy of the Noguchi Memorial Institute for Medical Research (NMIMR) and in line with the strategy of the College of Health Sciences of the University of Ghana.

Source: UG
Presence of JP2 and Non-JP2 Genotypes of Aggregatibacter actinomycetemcomitans and attachment loss in adolescents in Ghana

Limited data are reported concerning the presence of A. actinomycetemcomitans and attachment loss (AL) in sub-Saharan countries. The authors investigate the carrier frequency of JP2 and non-JP2 genotypes of A. actinomycetemcomitans and the presence of AL in Ghanaian adolescents and evaluate socioeconomic conditions and oral hygiene practices. METHODS: Five hundred individuals (mean ± SD age: 13.2 ± 1.5 years) in public and private schools were interviewed about demographic characteristics and oral hygiene practices and were given a full-mouth periodontal examination. Subgingival plaque samples were obtained from periodontal sites around permanent first molars and incisors. The carrier status of A. actinomycetemcomitans at the individual level was determined based on results obtained by cultivation and polymerase chain reaction. RESULTS: The findings of this study show a relatively high carrier rate of JP2 and non-JP2 genotypes of Aggregatibacter actinomycetemcomitans in the Ghanaian adolescent population and the presence of this bacterium is associated with the occurrence of AL. The overall carrier rate of A. actinomycetemcomitans was 54.4%, and the highly leukotoxic JP2 genotype was detected in 8.8% of the study population. A total of 107 (21.4%) individuals had ≥ 1 tooth with AL ≥ 3 mm. The majority of the individuals carrying A. actinomycetemcomitans (80.1%) (P <0.001) and of the periodontally diseased individuals (91.6%) (P <0.001) were found in public schools. CONCLUSIONS: A. actinomycetemcomitans and AL were frequently found in Ghanaian adolescents. The school type was the strongest predictor of both presence of A. actinomycetemcomitans and AL.

Source: UG
Presence of lupus anticoagulant in an asymptomatic Nigerian

Background The lupus anticoagulant (LA) is one of the antiphospholipid antibodies (aPL), which prolong phospholipid- dependent coagulation tests by interfering with coagulation reactions that depend on protein - phospholipid complexes in vitro. Method A 25 year old ‘healthy’ male Nigerian was screened for the presence of any coagulation abnormality using the KCT, PT and platelet count; after volunteering for his plasma to be used in the preparation of normal pooled plasma in a study. Results He was discovered to have a prolonged KCT, PT and normal platelet count. Based on the prolonged KCT his plasma was subjected to mixing studies with various concentration of normal pooled plasma; the KCT index was calculated and a curve was plotted. His KCT index was 1.6 and the curve convex in the left axis suggesting the presence of LA. His past medical history and physical examination were not remarkable. Three months after the initial study, a repeat KCT index was 1.4 and the subject asymptomatic. Conclusion From literature review this is the first report of LA in an asymptomatic adult Nigerian; the importance of this finding is discussed.

Source: UG
Presence Of SARS-Cov-2 In Wastewater From Handwash Stations In Selected Facilities In Ghana.

Background: Following the COVID-19 pandemic, the occurrence of the causative agent, Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), in water, has been reported as handwashing was recommended as a non-pharmaceutical tool to limit the spread of the virus. Wastewater from these handwash stations is discarded without proper guidelines and could end up in the environment, serving as a dissemination route for SARS-CoV-2. Objective: This study investigated the potential role of wastewater from handwash stations in the transmission of SARS-CoV-2 in Ghana. Methods: A total of 390 water (195 reservoir water and 195 wastewater) samples from handwash stations were collected and analysed from selected schools, commercial banks, and hospitals in Accra, Ghana, between the 13th of June, 2022, and the 25th of August, 2022. Samples were first concentrated using the phase separation method before RNA extraction, and viral nucleic acid was amplified for SARS-CoV-2 detection using RT-PCR (N gene and ORF3a regions). Isolation of SARS-CoV-2 was performed for all 17 samples using VERO E6 cells. Results: From the RT-PCR analysis, a total of 17 samples (4.4%) were positive for SARS-CoV-2 RNA. All 17 positive samples were wastewater samples. Propagation on Vero E6 cells yielded no cytopathic effect (CPE). Samples from schools had the highest positivity rate (15 out of 17), followed by the hospitals (2 out of 17) and the commercial banks (0 out of 17). Conclusion: SARS-CoV-2 RNA detected in wastewater has a low likelihood of causing secondary infections in humans; however, the monitoring of SARS-CoV-2 in water matrixes could provide information on viral dynamics in the community.

Source: UG
The present and future disease burden of hepatitis C virus infections with today's treatment paradigm: Volume 4

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
Presentation and survival of multiple myeloma patients in Ghana: a review of 169 cases

Background: Africans have an increased risk for multiple myeloma (MM) compared to other races. Reports from Africa are few and involve small cohorts, but suggest significant epidemiological and clinical differences from Caucasian patients. Objective: This report describes the clinic-pathological features of MM patients in Ghana at diagnosis, and the factors affecting their survival. Methods: A retrospective review of 169 MM cases diagnosed in a Ghanaian tertiary hospital from 2002-2016. Results: Median age was 58 years, with 29% ≤50 years. One-third presented >12 months after onset of symptoms, which included bone pain (96%), anaemia (67%), weight loss (55%) and fractures (44%). Myeloma-related tissue impairment included hypercalcaemia (36%), renal impairment (33%), severe anaemia (52%) and osteolytic lesions (76%); 51.3% of patients were diagnosed in ISS Stage III. Median survival was 33 months; 1-year and 5-year overall survival were 51.6% and 15.5%, respectively. Neither the age at diagnosis nor the duration of symptoms prior to diagnosis correlated with prognosis. Median survival improved with early ISS stage, haemoglobin >8g/dL, plasmacytosis <20%, and normal creatinine and calcium levels. Conclusion: Early onset and late stage presentation are common at diagnosis of MM patients in Ghana, but do not affect survival. Studies into genetic associations are recommended.

Source: UG
Presentation, Management And Outcomes Of Ruptured Intracranial Aneurysms In Africa: A Systematic Review And Meta-Analysis.

This study aimed to evaluate literature regarding presentation, treatment and outcomes of ruptured IAs in Africa. Methods: A systematic review of the literature using PubMed/MEDLINE, SCOPUS, Web of Science and Google Scholar databases was conducted according to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines. Results: Twenty-one retrospective studies with 1,109 patients and 11 case reports (10 countries) were included. The mean Methodological Index for Nonrandomized Studies (MINORS) for included articles was 9.1 ± 2.5. The mean age was 43.3 years (95 %CI: 37.8–48.8), with 58.4 % (342/586) female patients. WFNS/H&H grade 1 was reported in 41.2 % (98/238) of cases and Fischer grade 2 was reported in 30.4 % (98/322) of cases. CT angi-ography was utilized in 94.6 % (560/592, 12 articles). The ICA was reported in 24.5 % of cases (CI: 12.9 %-36.1 %). AComA and MCA were affected in 21.2 % (95 %CI: 15.2–27.2 %) and 21.3 % (95 %CI: 15.2–27.2 %) of cases, respectively. The odds of ruptured aneurysms in the anterior circulation were 14.3 (CI: 6.3–32.2). Surgical clipping was reported in 75.0 % (448/597) and coiling in 20.4 % (122/597) across 13 studies. 66.8 % (95 %CI: 57.4–76.3 %) of patients experienced neurological improvement with a mortality rate of 12.3 % (95 %CI: 7.5–17.1 %) at last follow-up. Conclusion: Ruptured IAs are small and located in the anterior circulation. The lack of detailed aneurysm size reporting hampers the identification of a critical rupture size for management. More research is needed to understand aneurysm characteristics and predictors of rupture in Africa.

Source: UG
Presenting clinical features of Burkitt's lymphoma in Ghana, West Africa.

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
The preservation of library materials: A case study of University of science and technology library in Ghana

This paper discusses the problems of preservation of library materials in Ghana with particular reference to the Library of the University of Science and Technology, at Kumasi. It provides an overview of the library - its architecture, control area, and materials. The writer then goes on to describe the causes of deterioration, which include biological, chemical, mechanical and natural disasters. Among the recommendations of the paper are the use of fumigation to eliminate insects; the use of air conditioners in all the rooms of the library; deacidification of library materials; and the surveillance of stock whilst they are being used. It is also the view of the writer that a contingency plan should be produced in the library to meet disasters.

Source: UG
Preservation of Public Records in Ghana: the training, education and awareness factors

Describes the institutional framework for records and archives management in Ghana and emphasizes the lack of awareness of document preservation issues among the staff of government registries, the National Records Centre and the National Archives and among users of public records and archives. Outlines the facilities available for formal and informal staff training in preservation in Ghana and overseas and the need for awareness programmes for public servants and users of the National Archives. Concludes that the lack of preservation training, education and awareness raising among both staff and users are key causes of document deterioration in Ghana and makes recommendations for remedial action by the authorities.

Source: UG
Preserved Sm-Nd Isotopic composition as useful provenance indicators in Neoproterozoic sandstones in the Voltaian basin, Ghana

The provenance of sandstones derived from the Lower Voltaian Kwahu-Morago Group and the Middle Voltaian Oti- Pendjari Group of the Neoproterozoic Voltaian Basin are discriminated by their Sm-Nd Isotopic compositions. Plots from the Sm-Nd data suggested provenance of the Kwahu-Morago Group to be from the Birimian metasediments and associated “basin type” granitoids. The Sm-Nd studies have further revealed an average TDM model age of whole rock samples in the Kwahu-Morago Group to be 2.2 Ga which shows that this portion of the Voltaian Supergroup represents eroded remnants of “basin type” granitoids. Sm-Nd data from the Oti-Pendjari Group suggested provenance from the Birimian volcanic rocks and probably with contribution from the Pan African rocks. Its average TDM model age of whole rock samples was 2.0 Ga, which generally falls in the range of the model ages for the basement Birimian vol-canic rocks as well as the model ages for the granitoid rocks and thus suggests the major source rock of the Oti-Pendjari Group as coming from the volcanic belts. The model ages for both groups seem to indicate clastic supply from an early Proterozoic crustal provenance. This study shows that whole rock isotopic analyses can also be complementary in pro-viding an insight into the origin and development of sedimentary successions.

Source: UG
Preserving electronic records in Ghana: Implications for national heritage

With the revolutionary global shift from print to electronic media as means of documentation and communication, the landscape of managing records is changing fast. In Africa, the public sector is more hit as n result of the lack of resources, legislative framework, infrastructure and institutional capacity. The article discusses the preservation of electronic documents in the public sector of Gitana and the implications for national heritage. It highlights key issues including, legislative reviews, technological support, staff re-engineering and capacity building and the active involvement of records and archives managers in the "conception" stage of electronic documents. enacting the Paperwork Elimination Act in 1995 (Ubogu 2001). On the contrary, Fitzgerald (1998) intimated that, the world will never see paper eliminated entirely but rather a society in which paper has a much diminished role. Whiles the debate is raging on in the developed countries, Africa being saddled with diminishing gross domestic products, ever soaring debt burdens, unfavourable trade balances and high inflationary trends is yet to start grappling with the pull and tug fashion with which rapidly changing technology is impacting on the institutions creating and managing records and archives.

Source: UG
Preserving Indigenous Knowledge: A Study of the Archives of the International Centre for African Music and Dance

Archives are part of our cultural heritage. Acquiring, processing and providing access to recorded information are some the reasons why archival institutions exist. The functions of the ICAMO archives are no different. It is an audio-visual archive with collections of African music and dance dating back to the 1950s. That this heritage is worth preserving is the theme of this study. The state-o f-the art in the preservation of audio and video recordings are investigated, problems which come to light discussed and feasible solutions prescribed. Face-to-face interview and observation were the instruments considered appropriate for the study. The study revealed that while some positive arrangements are in place, current preservation effort by (he ICAMO lacks focus and coordinated planning. A lot more needs to be done by way of providing the necessary resources and the appropriate facilities supported by comprehensive institutional policies on acquisitions and access.

Source: UG
“The President’s Prerogative”? The Cabinet Appointment Process in Ghana and the Implications for Gender Parity

This article seeks to understand why Ghana, unlike several other African countries, has seen relatively few women appointed as ministers to the cabinet since the transition to democracy. We draw on Annesley, Beckwith, and Franceschet’s 2019 book Cabinets, Ministers and Gender, which provides an in-depth analysis of the cabinet appointment process in seven democracies (but no African cases) and demonstrates that the cabinet appointment process is gendered — that is, men and women have different (and unequal) opportunities to be appointed as cabinet ministers. This article covers Ghana’s Fourth Republic, during which women’s presence in cabinets has increased slowly but steadily. We rely on media reports from five recent presidential administrations and semistructured, in-depth interviews with selected informants, as well as other primary and secondary sources. We find that while Ghana has a fairly empowered president who could appoint a gender parity cabinet, the formal and informal rules governing the selection of cabinet ministers — for example, those related to regional balance and “minister MPs” — work against more women in the cabinet.

Source: UG
Presidential Debates and Electoral Fortunes of Political Parties in Ghana’s 2008 Elections

This paper discusses the two presidential debates in Ghana, organized by the Institute of Economic Affairs (IEA-Ghana) in Accra and Tamale before the 2008 general elections. The debates provided an opportunity for the presidential aspirants of the four main political parties with representation in parliament to engage in a contest of ideas. Using findings of a survey of 100 respondents, representing a cross-section of the Ghanaian population, the paper argues that presidential debates have a negligible role in positively affecting the electoral fortunes of political parties and contribute little to whipping up support for their presidential aspirants, especially among the undecided voters. Their role in consolidating Ghana’s democracy, particularly in ensuring dialogue and participation of the people in decision-making, however, remains largely positive in spite of the several flaws and challenges that characterize their conduct in Ghana. The study therefore, recommends measures to ensure successful conduct of presidential debates in Ghana in a manner that fully contributes to democratic consolidation and encourages voters, especially the undecided ones, to objectively make a good decision as to which presidential aspirant or political party to vote for in future

Source: UG
Press freedom in Africa: Challenges and opportunities

Considerable progress has been achieved in the expansion of independent media in Africa. Yet significant challenges to media freedom remain to be addressed. In some countries, the resurgence of mass media pluralism and activity has exacted a heavy toll on journalists and human rights activists. In nearly every African country, there is a need for further legal, policy and institutional reforms to entrench the commitment to media freedom and to prevent government interference and censorship. Media freedom in Africa has been a major popular demand in the movement for democratisation and more effective governance since the 1980s. It is critical to the success of the democratic revolution in Africa. It is time for governments and the international community to redouble their commitment to an independent press and media, open and accessible to all Africans. © 2004 IPPR.

Source: UG
The pressing need for standardization in epidemiologic studies of PCOS across the globe

The polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a common and important complex endocrine metabolic disorder affecting women mainly in the reproductive age. The prevalence of the disorder varies depending on the epidemiologic design and criterion used to study the disease. This variation in methodology and subsequent effect on epidemiologic estimate makes it difficult to compare prevalences and phenotypes across geographical areas and assess the effect of cultural and racial variations on PCOS phenotypes. Overall, there is an urgent need for a globally accepted standardized protocol for epidemiologic studies of PCOS, which will maximize the comparability of studies around the globe. To address this issue the Androgen Excess and PCOS Society, Inc. has designated an expert Task Force to draft recommendations to guide epidemiologic research worldwide. Once completed, the use of such recommendations will enable epidemiologists to the effects of geographical and cultural variations of PCOS prevalence and assist in determining the phenotype-genotype associations in the disorder. Further, it will assist in developing informed, and thus effective, public health policy. In essence, the need to standardize epidemiologic studies across the globe is pressing and urgent.

Source: UG