ghanaopendata/ghanaian-research-english huggingface dataset:
Low fitness at low latitudes: Wintering in the tropics increases migratory delays and mortality rates in an Arctic breeding shorebird

1. Evolutionary theories of seasonal migration generally assume that the costs of longer migrations are balanced by benefits at the non‐breeding destinations. 2. We tested, and rejected, the null hypothesis of equal survival and timing of spring migration for High Arctic breeding sanderling Calidris alba using six and eight winter destinations between 55°N and 25°S, respectively. 3. Annual apparent survival was considerably lower for adult birds wintering in tropical West Africa (Mauritania: 0.74 and Ghana: 0.75) than in three European sites (0.84, 0.84 and 0.87) and in subtropical Namibia (0.85). Moreover, compared with adults, second calendar‐year sanderlings in the tropics, but not in Europe, often refrained from migrating north during the first possible breeding season. During northward migration, tropical‐wintering sanderlings occurred at their final staging site in Iceland 5–15 days later than birds wintering further north or south. Namibia‐wintering sanderlings tracked with solar geolocators only staged in West Africa during southward migration. 4. The low annual survival, the later age of first northward migration and the later passage through Iceland during northward migration of tropical‐wintering sanderlings, in addition to the skipping of this area during northward but not southward migration by Namibia‐wintering sanderlings, all suggest they face issues during the late non‐breeding season in West Africa. 5. Migrating sanderlings defy long distances but may end up in winter areas with poor fitness prospects. We suggest that ecological conditions in tropical West Africa make the fuelling prior to northward departure problematic.

Source: UG
Low HDL-cholesterol with normal triglyceride levels is the most common lipid pattern in West Africans and African Americans with metabolic syndrome: Implications for cardiovascular disease prevention

Background: Although designed to predict cardiovascular disease and type 2 diabetes mellitus, the Metabolic Syndrome (MetSyn) under-predicts these conditions in African Americans (AA). Failure of MetSyn in AA is often attributed to their relative absence of hypertriglyceridemia. It is unknown if the African experience with MetSyn will be similar or different to that in AA. Focusing on the lipid profile, our goal was to determine in West Africans (WA) and AA the pattern of variables that leads to the diagnosis of the MetSyn. Methods: Cross-sectional analysis of 1296 subjects (364 WA, 44% male, 932 AA, 46% male). WA were from urban centers in Nigeria and Ghana and enrolled in the Africa America Diabetes Mellitus Study. AA lived in Washington, DC and participated in the Howard University Family Study. Results: The prevalence of MetSyn was different in WA women and men: 42% vs.19%, P < 0.001, and in AA women and men: 25% vs.17%, P < 0.01. The three variables that most often led to the diagnosis of MetSyn in WA and AA were: low HDL-C, central obesity and hypertension. Less than 40% of AA and less than 25% of WA with the MetSyn had hypertriglyceridemia. Conclusions: Elevated triglyceride levels were uncommon in both WA and AA with MetSyn. As the relative absence of hypertriglyceridemia is associated with a lack of efficacy of MetSyn in AA, caution is warranted in diagnosing MetSyn in WA, the ancestral population of AA. Prospective studies are necessary to determine if an ethnic-specific reformulation of the MetSyn scoring system for lipids might optimize risk identification in black populations.

Source: UG
Low Level Of Transmitted HIV Drug Resistance At Two HIV Care Centres In Ghana: A Threshold Survey

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
Low nitric oxide level is implicated in sickle cell disease and its complications in Ghana

Background: Nitric oxide (NO) plays a fundamental role in maintaining normal vasomotor tone. Recent clinical and experimental data suggest that NO may play a role in the pathogenesis and therapy of sickle cell disease (SCD). The aim of this study was to determine NO metabolites (NOx) in SCD patients at steady state and in vaso-occlusive crisis (VOC), as well as those with hemolytic clinical sub-phenotype that includes leg ulcers and priapism. Methodology: This was a case–control cross-sectional study conducted on a total of 694 subjects including 148 comparison group HbAA, 208 HbSS SCD patients in steady state, 82 HbSC SCD patients in steady state, 156 HbSS SCD patients in VOC, 34 HbSC SCD patients in VOC, 34 HbSS SCD patients in post VOC, 21 HbSS SCD patients with leg ulcer and 11 HbSS SCD patients with priapism, with age ranging from 15 to 65 years. Laboratory diagnosis of SCD was done at the Sickle Cell Clinic of the Korle-Bu Teaching Hospital. Plasma nitric oxide metabolites were measured using Griess reagent system by ELISA method. Results: Mean NOx of 59.66±0.75 µMol/L in the comparison group was significantly different from those in steady state (P=0.02). During VOC, there was a significant reduction in mean NOx levels to 6.08±0.81 µMol/L (P<0.001). Mean NOx levels were however, significantly higher (50.97±1.68 µMol/L) (P<0.001) in the immediate postcrisis period. The mean NOx levels in the leg ulcer (21.70±1.18 µMol/L) (P<0.001) and priapism (28.97±1.27 µMol/L) (P<0.001) patients were significantly low as compared to the SCD patients in the steady state and comparison group. Conclusion: This study presents the first report on plasma NOx levels in SCD complication in Ghanaian SCD patients and confirms reduced plasma NOx levels in SCD patients in general. © 2018 Antwi-Boasiako and Campbell.

Source: UG
Low Nucleotide Diversity Of The Plasmodium Falciparum AP2 EXP2 Gene Among Clinical Samples From Ghana

Background PfAP2-EXP2 is located within chromosome 6 of Plasmodium falciparum recently identified to be under‑ going an extensive selective sweep in West African isolates. The gene encoding this transcription factor, PfAP2-EXP2, is essential and thus likely subject to purifying selection that limits variants in the parasite population despite its genomic location. Methods 72 Plasmodium falciparum field samples and 801 clinical sequences from the Pf6 MalariaGEN dataset of Ghanaian origin, were integrated and analysed. Results A total of 14 single nucleotide variants of which 5 were missense variants, were identified after quality checks and filtering. Except for one, all identified variants were rare among the clinical samples obtained in this study (Minor allelic frequency<0.01). Further results revealed a considerably low dN/dS value (0.208) suggesting the presence of purifying selection. Further, all the mutant amino acids were wildtype residues in AP2-EXP2 orthologous proteins— tentatively suggesting a genus-level conservation of amino acid residues. Computational analysis and predictions corroborated these findings. Conclusions Despite the recent extensive selective sweep within chromosome 6 of West African isolates, PfAP2 EXP2 of Ghanaian origin exhibits low nucleotide diversity and very low dN/dS consistent with purifying selection acting to maintain the function of an essential gene. The conservation of AP2-EXP2 is an important factor that makes it a potential drug target.

Source: UG
Low plasma concentrations of interleukin-10 in severe malarial anaemia compared with cerebral and uncomplicated 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
Low prevalence of Plasmodium and absence of malaria transmission in Conakry, Guinea: Prospects for elimination

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
Low sensitivity of the MPT64 identification test to detect lineage 5 of the Mycobacterium tuberculosis complex

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
Low temperature induces von-willebrand factor expression via increased early growth response 1 transcriptional activity in splenic sinusoidal endothelial cells

von Willebrand factor (vWF) is a large plasma glycoprotein that plays an important role in hemostasis by forming molecular bridges with platelets following vascular injury. Previously, we reported that hypothermia enhanced vWF production in the spleen, which resulted in the activation of the platelet pool in a hypothermia-induced murine model. However, the mechanisms that regulate vWF expression under hypothermic conditions remain unclear. In this study, we focused on vWF expression under hypothermic conditions in splenic endothelial cell culture. Human splenic endothelial cells (HSEC) were incubated at 20 C for 1 h. Total RNA was extracted from the cells, and cDNA microarray gene expression analysis was performed. Genes that may be associated with vWF expression in low temperature culture conditions were then selected for further analysis. Gene expression analysis showed that low temperature conditions increased the expression of FOS and EGR1. We then hypothesized that these factors upregulate vWF mRNA expression in HSEC. The transcriptional inhibitors of EGR1 significantly inhibited vWF mRNA expression in HSEC cultured at a low temperature. Our analysis revealed that low temperatures enhance the gene expression of EGR1, which transcriptionally increases vWF expression. This acute-phase reaction may play an important role in platelet activation in the spleen during hypothermia.

Source: UG
Low transmission of Wuchereria bancrofti in cross-border districts of Coˆte d’Ivoire: A great step towards lymphatic filariasis elimination in West Africa

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
Low tuberculosis case detection: A community and health facility based study of contributory factors in the Nkwanta South district of Ghana

Background: Tuberculosis (TB) continues to pose a major public health problem globally. In Ghana, the national TB case detection rate is 81 %; however, some districts are not able to meet their case detection targets. This study was therefore carried out in the Nkwanta South district to identify possible factors contributing to low TB case detection. Methods: A cross sectional descriptive study involving the review of outpatients records for the year 2012 was conducted. Data on cough for 2 weeks or more duration, age, sex, area of residence and sputum smear examination were extracted. A community-based survey involving household contacts of TB patients and community based volunteers was also carried out. Data collected in the community included knowledge of TB status of relatives, level of socialization with TB patients and signs and symptoms of TB disease. Descriptive statistics including cross-tabulations were used to identify possible factors contributing to low TB case detection. Results: A total of 932 patients out of 3987 reported coughing for 2 weeks or more (23.4 %; 932/3987). Out of that, only 24.6 % (230/932) had sputum smear microscopy done, yielding 57 (24.8 %) positive cases. Five out of the 57 positive cases were found not registered for the initiation of treatment leading to a false primary default rate of 8.8 % per year. Eighty-five percent of the contacts were able to mention persistent cough as a sign/symptom of TB with 80.4 % indicating that TB can be cured. Only 10 % of health facilities provided diagnostic services in the district with only 25 % of staff having had training in TB management. Conclusion: The study identified some factors (weak record review systems, inadequate diagnostic centres, lack of trained persons and some level of stigma at the community level) that could be contributing to low TB case detection in the Nkwanta South district.

Source: UG
The Low Vowel and Retraction in St’át’imcets: An Ultrasound Investigation

Previous phonetic studies show a co-articulatory effect of retracted consonants on adjacent high vowels resulting in tongue-root retraction and tongue-body lowering. The present study uses ultrasound imaging to investigate whether an inherently low vowel would also show evidence for retraction or show opacity as observed cross-linguistically with other tongue root and tongue body phenomena. Focusing on the two retracted conditions claimed in previous studies (VC and CV sequences with retracted consonants), results of the present study show that compared to the position of the tongue-root in non-retracted contexts, the low vowel has a significantly more retracted tongue-root when it precedes retracted consonants. No significant difference in tongue- root position is observed between /a/ in a CV sequence with retracted consonants and /a/ in a non-retracted context. Thus even though the low vowel is not opaque to retraction in St’át’imcets, it retracts only when preceding consonants, not following retracted consonants.

Source: UG
A Low-Cost High Quality Mobile X-Ray Film Digitizer with Storage Facilities.

Digitisation of X-ray films reduces need for storage space and facilitates remote diagnosis, personal collections, teaching and publication. We describe a system that provides high-quality digitisation of X-ray films, especially suitable for low resource countries. The system comprises of a bespoke mobile cabinet with flat top-surface and lockable wheels, an X-ray viewing box, a small tripod, a good-quality digital camera and a computer with simple photo editing software. Compared to commercial digitisers, this system is much cheaper, uses local materials, provides employment for local people, is more physically and electrically robust and durable. It provides storage space, requires minimal training, and the components can be used for other purposes.

Source: UG
A Low-Cost Method for Performing a Curriculum Gap-Analysis in Developing Countries: Medical School Competencies in Ghana

Background: In this study, we undertook a comparison of the international, national, and local curricula of Ghanaian medical schools in order to identify any gaps. Purpose: To identify gaps in the Ghanaian medical school curriculum. Methods: The Ministry of Health and the two major sites for medical education in Ghana (UGMS, KNUST) participated using the only internationally accepted and validated set of outcome standards for medical education, the Global Minimum Essential Requirements. The competencies were reviewed by two U.S. consultants (DS, SR) and then edited, revised, and validated by individuals who are deeply involved in medical education in Ghana. Results: The KNUST team validated 6 gaps in their curriculum, and the team from UGMS identified 5. The standards were found by the U.S.-based consultants and validated by the Ghanaian team to have 6 gaps, many of which overlapped with those found in the Ghanaian medical school curricula. Conclusions: This analysis is a first step to determining physician training competency and an inexpensive method for identifying agreed-upon gaps in the current national requirements and local curriculum. © 2012 Copyright Taylor and Francis Group, LLC.

Source: UG
Low-Cost Sensor Performance Intercomparison, Correction Factor Development, and 2+ Years of Ambient PM2.5 Monitoring in Accra, Ghana

Particulate matter air pollution is a leading cause of global mortality, particularly in Asia and Africa. Addressing the high and wide-ranging air pollution levels requires ambient monitoring, but many low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) remain scarcely monitored. To address these data gaps, recent studies have utilized low-cost sensors. These sensors have varied performance, and little literature exists about sensor intercomparison in Africa. By colocating 2 QuantAQ Modulair PM, 2 PurpleAir PA-II SD, and 16 Clarity Node-S Generation II monitors with a reference-grade Teledyne monitor in Accra, Ghana, we present the first intercomparisons of different brands of low-cost sensors in Africa, demonstrating that each type of low-cost sensor PM2.5 is strongly correlated with reference PM2.5, but biased high for ambient mixture of sources found in Accra. When compared to a reference monitor, the QuantAQ Modulair-PM has the lowest mean absolute error at 3.04 μg/m3 , followed by PurpleAir PA-II (4.54 μg/m3 ) and Clarity Node-S (13.68 μg/m3 ). We also compare the usage of 4 statistical or machine learning models (Multiple Linear Regression, Random Forest, Gaussian Mixture Regression, and XGBoost) to correct low-cost sensors data, and find that XGBoost performs the best in testing (R2 : 0.97, 0.94, 0.96; mean absolute error: 0.56, 0.80, and 0.68 μg/m3 for PurpleAir PA-II, Clarity Node-S, and Modulair-PM, respectively), but tree-based models do not perform well when correcting data outside the range of the colocation training. Therefore, we used Gaussian Mixture Regression to correct data from the network of 17 Clarity Node-S monitors deployed around Accra, Ghana, from 2018 to 2021. We find that the network daily average PM2.5 concentration in Accra is 23.4 μg/m3 , which is 1.6 times the World Health Organization Daily PM2.5 guideline of 15 μg/m3 . While this level is lower than those seen in some larger African cities (such as Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of the Congo), mitigation strategies should be developed soon to prevent further impairment to air quality as Accra, and Ghana as a whole, rapidly grow

Source: UG
Lower Expression of TLR2 and SOCS-3 Is associated with schistosoma haematobium Infection and with lower risk for allergic reactivity in children living in a rural area in 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
Lower Levels of Antiretroviral Therapy Enrollment Among Men with HIV Compared with Women — 12 Countries, 2002–2013

World AIDS Day, observed on December 1, draws atten tion to the current status of the human immunodeficiency virus/acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (HIV/AIDS) epidemic worldwide. This year’s theme is World AIDS 2015: The Time to Act is Now. The first cases of AIDS were reported more than 30 years ago, in the June 5, 1981 issue of MMWR. At the end of 2014, approximately 36.9 million persons worldwide were living with HIV infection (1). Although AIDS-related deaths have decreased by 42% since 2004, an estimated 1.2 million persons died from AIDS in 2014 (1). Global efforts, including the U.S. President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (in which CDC is a principal agency), have resulted in approximately 13.5 million persons in low- and middle-income countries receiving antiretroviral therapy (ART) for HIV infection in 2014 (2). Globally, approximately 15 million persons are on ART (1). An estimated 1.2 million persons in the United States and Puerto Rico are living with HIV infection (3) and approximately 50,000 persons become infected with HIV each year (4).

Source: UG
Lung Cancer Classification and Prediction Using Machine Learning and Image Processing

Lung cancer is a potentially lethal illness. Cancer detection continues to be a challenge for medical professionals. The true cause of cancer and its complete treatment have still not been discovered. Cancer that is caught early enough can be treated. Image processing methods such as noise reduction, feature extraction, identification of damaged regions, and maybe a comparison with data on the medical history of lung cancer are used to locate portions of the lung that have been impacted by cancer. This research shows an accurate classification and prediction of lung cancer using technology that is enabled by machine learning and image processing. To begin, photos need to be gathered. In the experimental investigation, 83 CT scans from 70 distinct patients were utilized as the dataset. The geometric mean filter is used during picture preprocessing. As a consequence, image quality is enhanced. The K-means technique is then used to segment the images. The part of the image may be found using this segmentation. Then, classification methods using machine learning are used. For the classification, ANN, KNN, and RF are some of the machine learning techniques that were used. It is found that the ANN model is producing more accurate results for predicting lung cancer.

Source: UG