ghanaopendata/ghanaian-research-english huggingface dataset:
Antibodies to plasmodium falciparum gamete surface antigens in papua new guinea sera

Sera from individuals living in malaria endemic areas of Papua New Guinea were tested for their effect on infectivity of Plasmodium falciparum gametocytes grown in culture to Anopheles freeborni mosquitoes. Consistent reduction of infectivity to less than 5% of control was observed with nine out of the 41 sera from the endemic area tested and also with three out of seven sera tested from individuals rarely exposed to malaria infection. Gamete surface antigens recognized by the sera were investigated by immunoprecipitation from 125I surface-labelled gametes extracted in SDS and Triton X-100. The main antigens recognized were of the same mol. wt (230, 48 and 45 kD) as those known to be targets of transmission-blocking monoclonal antibodies. A significant negative correlation was observed between the total ct/min immunoprecipitated from surface-labelled gametes by the sera and the average number of oocysts per gut observed in membrane feeding experiments with these sera. Spearmann's rank correlation coefficient indicated that suppression of infectivity correlated strongly with the presence of antibodies against the 230 kD protein; there was no significant correlation between suppression and antibodies to the 48/45 kD proteins. The antibody response to the different gamete surface antigens varied greatly in sera from the endemic areas suggesting that individuals respond differently to each gamete antigen.

Source: UG
Antibodies to the N-terminal block 2 of plasmodium falciparum merozoite surface protein 1 are associated with protection against clinical malaria.

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
Antibodies to variable Plasmodium falciparum-infected erythrocyte surface antigens are associated with protection from novel malaria infections

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
Antibodies to variant antigens on the surfaces of infected erythrocytes are associated with protection from malaria in Ghanaian children.

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
Antibody escape and global spread of SARS-CoV-2 lineage A.27

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
Antibody levels against GLURP R2, MSP1 block 2 hybrid and AS202.11 and the risk of malaria in children living in hyperendemic (Burkina Faso) and hypo-endemic (Ghana) areas

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
Antibody levels to multiple malaria vaccine candidate antigens in relation to clinical malaria episodes in children in the Kasena-Nankana district of Northern Ghana

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
The antibody response of pregnant Cameroonian women to VAR2CSA ID1-ID2a, a small recombinant protein containing the CSA-binding site

In pregnant women, Plasmodium falciparum-infected erythrocytes expressing the VAR2CSA antigen bind to chondroitin sulfate A in the placenta causing placental malaria. The binding site of VAR2CSA is present in the ID1-ID2a region. This study sought to determine if pregnant Cameroonian women naturally acquire antibodies to ID1-ID2a and if antibodies to ID1-ID2a correlate with absence of placental malaria at delivery. Antibody levels to full-length VAR2CSA and ID1-ID2a were measured in plasma samples from 745 pregnant Cameroonian women, 144 Cameroonian men, and 66 US subjects. IgM levels and IgG avidity to ID1-ID2a were also determined. As expected, antibodies to ID1-ID2a were absent in US controls. Although pregnant Cameroonian women developed increasing levels of antibodies to full-length VAR2CSA during pregnancy, no increase in either IgM or IgG to ID1-ID2a was observed. Surprisingly, no differences in antibody levels to ID1-ID2a were detected between Cameroonian men and pregnant women. For example, in rural settings only 8-9% of males had antibodies to full-length VAR2CSA, but 90-96% had antibodies to ID1-ID2a. In addition, no significant difference in the avidity of IgG to ID1-ID2a was found between pregnant women and Cameroonian men, and no correlation between antibody levels at delivery and absence of placental malaria was found. Thus, the response to ID1-ID2a was not pregnancy specific, but predominantly against cross-reactivity epitopes, which may have been induced by other PfEMP1 antigens, malarial antigens, or microbes. Currently, ID1-ID2a is a leading vaccine candidate, since it binds to the CSA with the same affinity as the full-length molecule and elicits binding-inhibitory antibodies in animals. Further studies are needed to determine if the presence of naturally acquired cross-reactive antibodies in women living in malaria endemic countries will alter the response to ID1-ID2a following vaccination with ID1-ID2a.

Source: UG
The antibody response of pregnant Cameroonian women to VAR2CSA ID1-ID2a, a small recombinant protein containing the CSA-binding site

In pregnant women, Plasmodium falciparum-infected erythrocytes expressing the VAR2CSA antigen bind to chondroitin sulfate A in the placenta causing placental malaria. The binding site of VAR2CSA is present in the ID1-ID2a region. This study sought to determine if pregnant Cameroonian women naturally acquire antibodies to ID1-ID2a and if antibodies to ID1-ID2a correlate with absence of placental malaria at delivery. Antibody levels to full-length VAR2CSA and ID1-ID2a were measured in plasma samples from 745 pregnant Cameroonian women, 144 Cameroonian men, and 66 US subjects. IgM levels and IgG avidity to ID1-ID2a were also determined. As expected, antibodies to ID1-ID2a were absent in US controls. Although pregnant Cameroonian women developed increasing levels of antibodies to full-length VAR2CSA during pregnancy, no increase in either IgM or IgG to ID1-ID2a was observed. Surprisingly, no differences in antibody levels to ID1-ID2a were detected between Cameroonian men and pregnant women. For example, in rural settings only 8-9% of males had antibodies to full-length VAR2CSA, but 90-96% had antibodies to ID1-ID2a. In addition, no significant difference in the avidity of IgG to ID1-ID2a was found between pregnant women and Cameroonian men, and no correlation between antibody levels at delivery and absence of placental malaria was found. Thus, the response to ID1-ID2a was not pregnancy specific, but predominantly against cross-reactivity epitopes, which may have been induced by other PfEMP1 antigens, malarial antigens, or microbes. Currently, ID1-ID2a is a leading vaccine candidate, since it binds to the CSA with the same affinity as the full-length molecule and elicits binding-inhibitory antibodies in animals. Further studies are needed to determine if the presence of naturally acquired cross-reactive antibodies in women living in malaria endemic countries will alter the response to ID1-ID2a following vaccination with ID1-ID2a. © 2014 Babakhanyan et al.

Source: UG
Antibody response to 17D yellow fever vaccine in Ghanaian infants

To assess the seroresponses to yellow fever vaccination at 6 and 9 months of age; assess any possible adverse effects of immunization with the 17D yellow fever vaccine in infants, particularly at 6 months of age. METHODS: Four hundred and twenty infants who had completed BCG, OPV and DPT immunizations were randomized to receive yellow fever immunization at either 6 or 9 months. A single dose of 0.5 ml of the reconstituted vaccine was administered to each infant by subcutaneous injection. To determine the yellow fever antibody levels of the infants, each donated 1 ml whole blood prior to immunization and 3 months post-immunization. Each serum sample was titred on Vero cells against the vaccine virus. FINDINGS: The most common adverse reactions reported were fever, cough, diarrhoea and mild reactions at the inoculation site. The incidences of adverse reactions were not statistically different in both groups. None of the pre-immunization sera in both age groups had detectable yellow fever antibodies. Infants immunized at 6 months recorded seroconversion of 98.6% and those immunized at 9 months recorded 98% seroconversion. The GMT of their antibodies were 158.5 and 129.8, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: The results indicate that seroresponses to yellow fever immunization at 6 and 9 months as determined by seroconversion and GMTs of antibodies are similar. The findings of good seroresponses at 6 months without significant adverse effects would suggest that the 17D yellow fever vaccine could be recommended for use in children at 6 months in outbreak situations or in high risk endemic areas.

Source: UG
Antibody response to measles immunization at seven months old in rural Ghanaian infants

A serological study was carried out in three rural communities in southern Ghana in order to determine the optimal age for measles immunization. The live hyperattenuated measles vaccine (Schwarz strain) was inoculated subcutaneously; into infants aged three to eleven months. The maternal measles antibodies in the infants started decreasing after 7 months, while the seroconversion rate after the immunization was increasing after 6 months. Forty seven infants were given the measles vaccines at the age of 7 months. The seroconversion rate was 91.5%. There were no side effects. These results indicate that measles immunization can be administered effectively at the age of 7 months.

Source: UG
Antibody response to measles immunization in rural - Ghanaian infants

We investigated optimal age of measles immunization in infants aged 3-11 months in rural villages of Ghana, and determined seroconversion rate in the same infant population following further attenuated measles vaccination with Schwarz vaccine. The prevalence of passively acquired antibody was 11 per cent in infants younger than 6 months, 10 per cent in infants 6 months old, and 3 per cent in infants 7 months old or older. Seroconversion rates in each age group were less than 50, 87, and 92 per cent, respectively. We then immunized 47 7-month-old infants. The seroconversion rate was 92 per cent in this group. There were no clinical adverse effects due to the vaccination. We conclude that measles vaccination could be administered effectively at the age of 7 months with an excellent seroconversion rate.

Source: UG
The antibody responses to adult-worm antigens of Schistosoma haematobium, among infected and resistant individuals from an endemic community in southern Ghana

The Department of Parasitology conducts research into parasitic diseases of public health importance with the overall goal of reducing their transmission and the heavy disease burden that they impose on affected populations. The Department maintains focus on parasitic diseases in general. These include major diseases such as malaria, and others listed under the Neglected Tropical Diseases (NTD) control initiative such as, lymphatic filariasis, onchocerciasis, schistosomiasis, soil-transmitted helminthiasis, trypanosomiasis and leishmaniasis.

Source: UG
Antibody responses to two new Lactococcus lactis-produced recombinant Pfs48/45 and Pfs230 proteins increase with age in malaria patients living in the Central Region of Ghana

The Clinical Pathology Department conducts research that contributes to intervention strategies and safeguards of public health in Ghana. In view of this the Department carries out research into plant medicine development, drug interactions and regulation, bio-monitoring and prevention of poisoning from environmental toxicants (e.g. mycotoxins specifically aflatoxins and toxic heavy metals). The Department also provides specialized laboratory services in support of public health programmes.

Source: UG
Antibody-dependent cellular inhibition is associated with reduced risk against Febrile malaria in a longitudinal cohort study involving Ghanaian children

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
Anticonvulsant activity of Pseudospondias microcarpa (A. Rich) Engl. hydroethanolic leaf extract in mice: The role of excitatory/inhibitory neurotransmission and nitric oxide pathway

Ethnopharmacological relevance Pseudospondias microcarpa (A. Rich) Engl. is a plant used for managing various diseases including central nervous system disorders. Aim of the study This study explored the anticonvulsant activity of P. microcarpa hydroethanolic leaf extract (PME) as well as possible mechanism(s) of action in animal models. Methods Effects of PME was assessed in electroconvulsive (the maximal electroshock and 6-Hz seizures) and chemoconvulsive (pentylenetetrazole-, picrotoxin-, isoniazid-, 4-aminopyridine-, and strychnine-induced seizures) models of epilepsy. In addition, effect of the extract on the nitric oxide pathway and GABA A receptor complex was evaluated. Results The extract (30, 100 and 300 mg kg −1 , p.o.) significantly delayed the onset as well as decreased the duration and frequency of pentylenetetrazole-, picrotoxin- and strychnine-induced seizures. In addition, PME pre-treatment significantly improved survival in the 4-aminopyridine- and isoniazid-induced seizure tests. Furthermore, the extract protected against 6-Hz psychomotor seizures but had no effect in the maximal electroshock test. The anticonvulsant effect of PME (100 mg kg −1 , p.o.) was also reversed by pre-treatment with flumazenil, L-arginine or sildenafil. However, L-NAME or methylene blue (MB) augmented its effect. Conclusion Results show that PME has anticonvulsant activity and may probably be affecting GABAergic, glycinergic, NMDA, K + channels and nitric oxide-cGMP pathways to exert its effect. © 2017

Source: UG
Anticonvulsant and related neuropharmacological effects of the whole plant extract of synedrella nodiflora (L.) gaertn (asteraceae)

PURPOSE:The plant Synedrella nodiflora (L) Gaertn is traditionally used by some Ghanaian communities to treat epilepsy. To determine if this use has merit, we studied the anticonvulsant and other neuropharmacological effects of a hydro-ethanolic extract of the whole plant using murine models. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The anticonvulsant effect of the extract (10-1000 mg/kg) was tested on the pentylenetetrazole-, picrotoxin-, and pilocarpine-induced seizure models and PTZ-kindling in mice/rats. The effect of the extract was also tested on motor coordination using the rota-rod. RESULTS: The results obtained revealed that the extract possesses anticonvulsant effects in all the experimental models of seizures tested as it significantly reduced the latencies to myoclonic jerks and seizures as well as seizure duration and the percentage severity. The extract was also found to cause motor incoordination at the higher dose of 1000 mg/kg. CONCLUSIONS: In summary, the hydro-ethanolic extract of the whole plant of S. nodiflora possesses anticonvulsant effects, possibly through an interaction with GABAergic transmission and antioxidant mechanisms and muscle relaxant effects. These findings thus provide scientific evidence in support of the traditional use of the plant in the management of epilepsy.

Source: UG
Antidepressant Potentials of Components from Trichilia monadelpha (Thonn.) J.J. de Wilde in Murine Models

Trichilia monadelpha is a common medicinal plant used traditionally in treating central nervous system conditions such as epilepsy, depression, pain, and psychosis. In this study, the antidepressant-like effect of crude extracts of the stem bark of T. monadelpha was investigated using two classical murine models, forced swimming test (FST) and tail suspension test (TST). The extracts, petroleum ether, ethyl acetate, and hydroethanolic extracts (30-300 mg/kg, p.o.), standard drug (imipramine; fluoxetine, 3-30 mg/kg, p.o.), and saline (vehicle) were given to mice one hour prior to the acute study. In a separate experiment the components (flavonoids, saponins, alkaloids, tannins, and terpenoids; 30-300 mg/kg, p.o.) from the most efficacious extract fraction were screened to ascertain which components possessed the antidepressant effect. All the extracts and components significantly induced a decline in immobility in the FST and TST, indicative of an antidepressant-like activity. The extracts and some components showed increase in swimming and climbing in the FST as well as a significant enhancement in swinging and/or curling scores in the TST, suggesting a possible involvement of monoaminergic and/or opioidergic activity. This study reveals the antidepressant-like potential of the stem bark extracts and components of T. monadelpha. © 2018 Kennedy Kwami Edem Kukuia et al.

Source: UG
Antidepressant-Like Effect of the Leaves of Pseudospondias microcarpa in Mice: Evidence for the Involvement of the Serotoninergic System, NMDA Receptor Complex, and Nitric Oxide Pathway

Depression continues to be a major global health problem. Although antidepressants are used for its treatment, efficacy is often inconsistent. Thus, the search for alternative therapeutic medicines for its treatment is still important. In this study, the antidepressant-like effect of Pseudospondias microcarpa extract (30–300mg kg−1, p.o.) was investigated in two predictive models of depression—forced swimming test and tail suspension test in mice.Additionally, the mechanism(s) of action involvedwere assessed. Acute treatment with the extract dose dependently reduced immobility of mice in bothmodels.Theantidepressant-like effect of the extract (100mg kg−1, p.o.) was blocked by 𝑝-chlorophenylalanine and cyproheptadine but not prazosin, propranolol, or yohimbine. Concomitant administration of d-cycloserine and the extract potentiated the anti-immobility effect. In contrast, d-serine, a full agonist of glycine/NMDA receptors, abolished the effects. Anti-immobility effects of PME were prevented by pretreatment of mice with L-arginine (750mg kg−1, i.p.) and sildenafil (5mg kg−1, i.p.).On the contrary, pretreatment of mice with L-NAME (30mg kg−1, i.p.) or methylene blue (10mg kg−1, i.p.) potentiated its effects. The extract produces an antidepressant-like effect in the FST and TST that is dependent on the serotoninergic system, NMDA receptor complex, and the nitric oxide pathway.

Source: UG
Antidiabetic activity of aqueous stem bark extract of Annickia polycarpa in alloxan-induced diabetic mice

Background and aim: There is a growing need to develop new drugs for type II diabetes mellitus (DM) from plant sources due to the high cost and adverse side effects of current drug therapies. To this end, the antidiabetic activity of aqueous stem-bark extract of A. polycarpa (APE) in alloxan-induced diabetic ICR mice was investigated. Experimental procedure: The effect of APE (20, 100 and 500 mg/kg), glibenclamide and metformin as positive controls, were determined over 4 weeks on fasting blood glucose (FBG). An oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) was also conducted. The effects of these treatments on the morphology of the pancreas were assessed. In addition, phytochemical constituents and antioxidant properties of APE were determined. Results and conclusion: APE, like glibenclamide and metformin, showed significant hypoglycaemic effect. The OGTT supported the hypoglycaemic effect. The destroyed pancreatic beta-cells in diabetic control mice were restored to normal by APE or drug treatment. APE showed antioxidant activity by scavenging DPPH free radicals; this may be due to the presence of phenolic compounds, particularly flavonoids. Thus, APE may act by restoring pancreatic beta-cell integrity through mopping of reactive oxygen species (ROS) associated with the diabetic state, and thereby improving pancreatic function and consequently, the lowering of FBG levels. These findings provide ample evidence to validate the traditional use of A. polycarpa in the management of DM. © 2021 Center for Food and Biomolecules, National Taiwan University. Production and hosting by Elsevier Taiwan LLC. This is an open access article under the CC BY-NC-ND license (http://creativecommons.org/ licenses/by-nc-nd/4.0/).

Source: UG