ghanaopendata/ghanaian-research-english huggingface dataset:
RAPD-based genetic diversity study of fifty cassava (Manihot esculenta Crantz) genotypes

Fifty cassava clones were studied using RAPD technique. They included landraces from the Wenchi, Nkoranza, Dormaa Ahenkoro and Asonafo districts of the Brong Ahafo region of Ghana and three improved varieties. Genetic diversity of these genotypes was studied using four primers, OPK-01, OPR-02, OPR-09 and OPJ-14. A total of 41 different bands were detected. Levels of polymorphic fragments detected by the four primers ranged from 90% to 100%. By pooling bands from individual accessions together, mean number of fragments per accession per primer ranged from 5.50±1.04 for the Improved cultivars to 7.00±0.71 for populations of landraces from Dormaa. Mean frequencies of fragments not detected by the primers for the accessions were 0.524±0.12, 0.460±0.12, 0.561±0.12 and 0.523±0.12 for landraces from Wenchi, Nkoranza, Dormaa Ahenkro, Asonafo and the Improved varieties, respectively. The grand mean frequency of individuals showing fragments not present in populations was 0.522±0.10. Genetic diversity estimates ranged from 0.290 to 0.425 (mean 0.352±0.05) for primer OPK-01, 0.001 to 0.381 (mean 0.309±0.06) for primer OPR-02, 0.335 to 0.344 (mean 0.283±0.04) for primer OPR-09 and 0.152 to 0.352 (mean 0.261±0.07) for primer OPJ-14. Within the accessions mean gene diversity estimates were 0.316±0.03, 0.293±0.09, 0.331±0.02, 0.322±0.07 and 0.247±0.03 for accessions from Wenchi, Nkoranza, Dormaa Ahenkro, Asonafo districts and the Improved varieties, respectively. Interpopulational genetic divergence ranged from 0.069 to 0.203 (mean 0.119±0.04). Rate of nucleotide substitution among the landraces was 9.8 per cent per site per year, while that for the Improved varieties was 15 per cent.

Source: UG
Rape reporting in post-conflict Côte d'Ivoire: Accessing justice and ending impunity

International organizations are increasingly paying attention to the problem of sexual violence. One outcome of this attention has been the adoption of instruments that call on states to punish perpetrators of rape and end impunity for this crime. The reporting of rape to law enforcement agencies is key to formally holding perpetrators accountable. This article examines the influence of police officers and gendarmes and of social forces on survivors' decision to report rape in post-conflict Côte d'Ivoire. It also investigates the challenges that confront those who choose to seek redress from the state. It argues that the Ivorian conflict contributed to fostering a preference for redress from the state over informal justice mechanisms. On the other hand, the blaming and shaming of rape survivors was pervasive and discouraged them from reporting. Support from friends and relatives increased the likelihood that survivors would report rape but negative social reactions had adverse psychosocial effects on them. The article explores the implications of these findings for ending impunity and for post-conflict gender relations. © The Author 2017. Published by Oxford University Press on behalf of Royal African Society.

Source: UG
Rapid achievement of the child survival millennium development goal: Evidence from the Navrongo experiment in Northern Ghana

Objective: To determine the impact of deploying nurses and volunteers to village locations on demographic and health outcomes. Method: We implemented an experimental design that emphasizes the value of aligning community health services with traditional social institutions that organize village life. Data for this analysis come from the Navrongo demographic surveillance system, a longitudinal database that tracks fertility, mortality, and migration events over time. The experiment uses conventional demographic methods for estimating mortality rates from longitudinal demographic surveillance registers. Results: Posting nurses to community locations reduced childhood mortality rates by over half in 3 years and accelerated attainment of the childhood-survival millennium development goal (MDG) in the study areas relative to trends observed in comparison areas. Conclusion: Results from the Navrongo experiment demonstrate that community health and family planning programmes can have an impact on childhood mortality. Posting nurses to communities can dramatically accelerate the pace of progress in achieving the childhood-survival MDGs. Community-volunteer approaches, however, have no additional impact, a finding that challenges the child survival value of international investment in volunteer-based health programmes. The total cost of the intensive arm of the project is less than $10 per capita per year. Navrongo research thus demonstrates affordable means of attaining the child survival MDG agenda with existing technologies. © 2007 Blackwell Publishing Ltd.

Source: UG
Rapid and sensitive detection of mycobacterium ulcerans by use of a loop-mediated isothermal amplification test

The Bacteriology Department aims to improve the quality of life first for Ghanaians and the world at large by conducting research into bacterial diseases of public health importance to Ghana and globally. In addition to working on enteric pathogens and sexually transmitted diseases, the department’s current main focus is on the two most important mycobacterial diseases of public health importance to Ghana, namely Buruli ulcer (BU) and tuberculosis (TB).

Source: UG
The Rapid and Spontaneous Postpartum Clearance of Plasmodium falciparum Is Related to Expulsion of the Placenta

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
Rapid assessment of a National Tuberculosis (TB) Control Programme in Eastern Ghana

Rapid assessment of a National Tuberculosis Control Programme (NTP) that provides free treatment for TB patients was conducted at Koforidua in eastern Ghana. In 1997, 540 people were clinically suspected with TB and 148 tested positive by laboratory diagnosis. Likewise in the first quarter of 1998, 223 people were suspected and 25 tested positive. Thus, coverage rate increased from 45 in 1997 to 74.5 in 1998. TB incidence was highest (29.7%) in age group 31-40 years and lower (2.2%) in children below 10 years. More males (64%) had TB than females. In 1996, 196 pulmonary TB patients were receiving treatment at Koforidua Central Hospital (KCH). Outcome assessments revealed 40.6% were cured, 5.6% had treatment failure, 6.7% were transferred out, 1.1% died, but most 46.1% defaulted. Defaulters were mostly men (46.3%) and those residing in Koforidua suburbs (47.2%) but this was statistically insignificant. The treatment regimen was effective since most cases were new (70%) with few relapses and treatment failures, 1.2% each. Knowledge of the reason for defaulting is important for the success of the NTP programme.

Source: UG
A rapid assessment of species-specific bird strike risk at the Kotoka International Airport in Accra, Ghana

The Kotoka International Airport in Accra, the capital city of Ghana, has in recent years been confronted with increased presence of birds posing great challenges to aviation safety due to a high risk of bird strikes. As part of measures to mitigate the negative impacts of increasing numbers of birds, a species-specific bird strike risk index (SSBR) was modelled and calculated for a total of 86 species recorded within and near the airport. Based on the SSBR index, four species were classified as ‘critical risk’ and another four species as ‘high risk’. All six species, namely Corvus albus, Necrosyrtes monachus, Milvus migrans parasitus, Bubulcus ibis, Falco biarmicus and Falco tinnunculus, constituting 7% of the total species assemblage, were considered ‘problem species’. During the intensive, albeit short, study period, we also recorded bird strikes of N. monachus, F. biarmicus and notably M. m. parasitus. We conclude that wildlife management to avert the risk of bird strikes could be successfully achieved by adopting both proactive and reactive measures to reduce the presence of problem species at the aerodrome. © 2015 NISC (Pty) Ltd.

Source: UG
Rapid community diagnosis of lymphatic filariasis

We conducted a pilot study to test rapid assessment procedures for the community diagnosis of lymphatic filariasis in some rural communities in Ghana. The assessment criteria included direct key informant interviews, focus group discussions, routine reporting from health facilities, self-administered questionnaires, and a random examination of adult males for hydroceles. All the data collection methods were easy, convenient, non-invasive to use and acceptable to the community. The study provided reliable estimates of the burden of lymphatic filariasis in the community when compared with data from standard epidemiological surveys. The direct key informant interviews and focus group discussions gave a broad perspective of the burden of diseases in the community in general, and lymphatic filariasis in particular. The use of self-administered questionnaires provided data comparable with data on elephantiasis in the community from a case search. Examination of a random 30-40 adult males for hydroceles provided a good correlation with the community microfilaria prevalence, with a correlation coefficient of linear regression r = 0.79. These individual rapid assessment procedures of the burden of lymphatic filariasis, if further developed and tested could, be widely used in combination for the mapping of the distribution of lymphatic filariasis in Ghana and possibly, the African sub-region.

Source: UG
Rapid detection model of Bacillus subtilis in solid-state fermentation of rapeseed meal

The main objective of this research was to monitor variety in the content of Bacillus subtilis 10160 during solid-state fermentation (SSF) of rapeseed meal by near infrared (NIR) spectroscopy and chemometrics. Observations showed the coefficient of determination (R2) value was 0.9401 and root-mean-square deviation was 0.639 log (CFU/g) for viable cell content by synergies between four intervals 5,203.003–5,600.267, 5,604.124–6,001.388, 6,807.487–7,204.751 and 8,411.972–8,809.235 cm−1. The determination coefficient of prediction (Rp 2) and root-mean-square deviation of prediction in an external validation set could reach 0.9532 and 0.628 log (CFU/g) by the viable B. subtilis model. These findings suggest that rapid detection of B. subtilis in SSF is achieved by the combination of synergy interval partial least squares and NIR spectroscopy.

Source: UG
Rapid high throughput SYBR green assay for identifying the malaria vectors Anopheles arabiensis, Anopheles coluzzii and Anopheles gambiae s.s. Giles

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
Rapid mapping of schistosomiasis and other neglected tropical diseases in the context of integrated control programmes in Africa

There is growing interest and commitment to the control of schistosomiasis and other so-called neglected tropical diseases (NTDs). Resources for control are inevitably limited, necessitating assessment methods that can rapidly and accurately identify and map high-risk communities so that interventions can be targeted in a spatially-explicit and cost-effective manner. Here, we review progress made with (i) mapping schistosomiasis across Africa using available epidemiological data and more recently, climate-based risk prediction; (ii) the development and use of morbidity questionnaires for rapid identification of high-risk communities of urinary schistosomiasis; and (iii) innovative sampling-based approaches for intestinal schistosomiasis, using the lot quality assurance sampling technique. Experiences are also presented for the rapid mapping of other NTDs, including onchocerciasis, loiasis and lymphatic filariasis. Future directions for an integrated rapid mapping approach targeting multiple NTDs simultaneously are outlined, including potential challenges in developing an integrated survey tool. The lessons from the mapping of human helminth infections may also be relevant for the rapid mapping of malaria as its control efforts are intensified.

Source: UG
Rapid mapping of schistosomiasis and other neglected tropical diseases in the context of integrated control programmes in Africa ( Review )

There is growing interest and commitment to the control of schistosomiasis and other so-called neglected tropical diseases (NTDs). Resources for control are inevitably limited, necessitating assessment methods that can rapidly and accurately identify and map high-risk communities so that interventions can be targeted in a spatially-explicit and cost-effective manner. Here, we review progress made with (1) mapping schistosomiasis across Africa using available epidemiological data and, more recently, climate-based risk prediction; (2) the development and use of morbidity questionnaires for rapid identification of high-risk communities of urinary schistosomiasis; and (3) innovative sampling-based approaches for intestinal schistosomiasis, using the lot quality assurance sampling technique. Experiences are also presented for the rapid mapping of other NTDs, including onchocerciasis, loiasis and lymphatic filariasis. Future directions for an integrated rapid mapping approach targeting multiple NTDs simultaneously are outlined, including potential challenges in developing an integrated survey tool. The lessons from the mapping of human helminth infections may also be relevant for the rapid mapping of malaria as its control efforts are intensified. Copyright © 2009 Cambridge University Press.

Source: UG
Rapid reemergence of T cells into peripheral circulation following treatment of severe and uncomplicated plasmodium falciparum malaria.

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
A Rapid Review Of Key Policies And Programs Linked With Nutrition And Health In Ghana

As part of the process by the government of Ghana to develop food-based dietary guidelines, a review of policies and programs was commissioned. The review aimed to identify and describe the policy environment, with a focus on identifying the type of existing policies, priorities, and programs related to nutrition and health between 2010 and 2020. The review also tracked the evolution of changes in policies and programs over the same period. Using a systematic rapid scoping review approach, policy and program documents were identified and classified according to relevant nutritionspecific and nutrition-sensensitive sectors, including health, agriculture and food, human development, social protection, and trade. Data from included documents were extracted using an excel extraction tool. The extracted data including policies, programs, objectives, coverage of the policies/programs, intended outcomes, target groups, and agencies responsible for implementing these policies and programs. More than 70 government documents, plus other reports and literature sources describing government policy and programs with relevance for nutrition were identified. Most of these policies and programs were not designed to directly address malnutrition. This is because, the policies and programs neither referenced nutrition objectives, nor nutrition outcomes. However, the existing policies and programs had aspects that can be leveraged (either through redesign or implementation) to contribute to improved nutrition outcomes. A key challenge in the nutrition programming landscape is the nonexistence of a comprehensive and costed national nutrition strategic plan to accompany the national nutrition policy. The key nutrition priorities of the Government of Ghana and its partners, as expressed in the documents reviewed included infant and young child feeding, stunting reduction, anemia, and food security. There were key nutritionrelated issues which have not been prioritized, although current local and global evidence as well as stakeholder opinion suggests these have already become, or are rapidly becoming important priorities. These include overweight and obesity, dietrelated chronic diseases, nutrition of school-age children, and nutrition of the elderly. These nutrition issues, if not appropriately addressed, will continue to exact significant human health, economic, and social costs for Ghana. There is need for a comprehensive nutrition strategy that leverages opportunities across multiple sectors to improve nutrition for today and for the future.

Source: UG
Rapid Review Of Research On Dietary Attitudes, Beliefs And Practices In Ghana 1990-2020

Food-related beliefs and attitudes influence dietary behaviors and are important drivers of nutrition outcomes. Understanding beliefs and attitudes that drive dietary behaviors, as part of the process for developing Food-based Dietary Guidelines is critical for targeting messages to motivate healthy dietary diets. This rapid review was undertaken to summarize readily available local evidence on food-related beliefs, attitudes, and associated practices in Ghana. A rapid review of 39 peer-reviewed publications and graduate-level theses on the dietary behaviors of Ghanaians was conducted between November and December 2020. The study only included articles published between 1990 and 2020 involving apparently healthy populations living in Ghana. Documents were identified through a systematic literature search of Google Scholar and PubMed. Data on food-related knowledge, beliefs, attitudes, and practices were extracted into an excel template and analyzed using thematic content analysis. The sampled research included primarily cross-sectional studies of urban, rural, peri-urban and mixed localities throughout Ghana: one was a prospective research. A range of food-related taboos were identified and classified as taboos for the general population, pregnancyrelated, or child-related. Although awareness of food-related taboos was common, they were not extensively practiced. Energy-giving and nutrient-dense foods are commonly promoted during pregnancy. Culturally prescribed pre-lacteal feeds and other infant and young child feeding (IYCF) behaviors reported in the studies were not aligned with IYCF recommendations. A 3-meals-a-day pattern was observed, commonly, across all age groups; most adult meals, particularly supper, was prepared at home. However, ready-to-eat meals were regularly purchased by adults and adolescents. Adolescents frequently reported snacking and skipping meals; breakfast was the most frequently skipped meal. Fruits and vegetables were the least consumed food groups across all age groups. Muslim faith was associated with consuming more diverse diets and greater fruit and vegetable consumption. The findings of this review provide an overview of food-related beliefs and practices of Ghanaians and can inform decisions on areas to emphasize in food-based dietary guidelines and associated nutrition education messages to promote healthy diets in the Ghanaian population. Effective nutrition education is needed to dispel harmful food beliefs and practices and promote healthy food choices across the life cycle. Dietary patterns in Ghana are linked with cultural and religious practices that are often unique to particular subgroups, although there are common strands of beliefs across ethnic groups. These beliefs can result in either adverse or beneficial outcomes, depending on what eating patterns it determines.

Source: UG
Rapid testing for malaria in settings where microscopy is available and peripheral clinics where only presumptive treatment is available: a randomised controlled trial in Ghana.

OBJECTIVE: To test in West Africa the impact of rapid diagnostic tests on the prescription of antimalarials and antibiotics both where microscopy is used for the diagnosis of malaria and in clinical (peripheral) settings that rely on clinical diagnosis. DESIGN: Randomised, controlled, open label clinical trial. SETTING: Four clinics in the rural Dangme West district of southern Ghana, one in which microscopy is used for diagnosis of malaria ("microscopy setting") and three where microscopy is not available and diagnosis of malaria is made on the basis of clinical symptoms ("clinical setting"). PARTICIPANTS: Patients with suspected malaria. Interventions Patients were randomly assigned to either a rapid diagnostic test or the current diagnostic method at the clinic (microscopy or clinical diagnosis). A blood sample for a research microscopy slide was taken for all patients. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: The primary outcome was the prescription of antimalarials to patients of any age whose double read research slide was negative for malaria. The major secondary outcomes were the correct prescription of antimalarials, the impact of test results on antibiotic prescription, and the correct prescription of antimalarials in children under 5 years. RESULTS: Of the 9236 patients screened, 3452 were randomised in the clinical setting and 3811 in the microscopy setting. Follow-up to 28 days was 97.6% (7088/7263). In the microscopy setting, 722 (51.6%) of the 1400 patients with negative research slides in the rapid diagnostic test arm were treated for malaria compared with 764 (55.0%) of the 1389 patients in the microscopy arm (adjusted odds ratio 0.87, 95% CI 0.71 to 1.1; P=0.16). In the clinical setting, 578 (53.9%) of the 1072 patients in the rapid diagnostic test arm with negative research slides were treated for malaria compared with 982 (90.1%) of the 1090 patients with negative slides in the clinical diagnosis arm (odds ratio 0.12, 95% CI 0.04 to 0.38; P=0.001). The use of rapid diagnostic tests led to better targeting of antimalarials and antibiotics in the clinical but not the microscopy setting, in both children and adults. There were no deaths in children under 5 years at 28 days follow-up in either arm. CONCLUSION: Where microscopy already exists, introducing rapid diagnostic tests had limited impact on prescriber behaviour. In settings where microscopy was not available, however, using rapid diagnostic tests led to a significant reduction in the overprescription of antimalarials, without any evidence of clinical harm, and to better targeting of antibiotics. Trial registration ClinicalTrials.gov NCT00493922.

Source: UG