ghanaopendata/ghanaian-research-english huggingface dataset:
Tuberculosis and HIV integration in sub-Saharan Africa

Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) has borne the greatest burden of the tuberculosis (TB) and HIV pandemics. In attempt to halt and reverse the situation, World Health Organization-inspired policies have been adopted by many countries. However, implementing these policies have seen limited success. And few studies have been conducted to ascertain the factors influencing interventions and their implementation. This review therefore sought to use comparative analysis to determine the activities implemented, service delivery models as well as the barriers and facilitators of TB/HIV integration in SSA. Many literatures were identified and selected based on a criteria. Narrative approach was then used to review the literature. Eight articles were identified based on different TB/HIV integration programmes across SSA. TB/HIV implemented interventions were HIV screening for TB patients, co-trimoxazole preventive therapy and antiretroviral therapy for eligible HIV positive patients. Three main service delivery models with varying levels of integration were identified: referral, partial integration and full integration model. Staff shortages, poor documentation, lack of resources, irregular supply of drugs, inadequate infrastructure were barriers whereas direct supervision, standardization and mutual adjustment were identified as facilitators of integration. TB/HIV integration in SSA is feasible but the uptake of interventions has been low due to barriers arising from the local policies and other contexts. Identified facilitators can therefore be used to promote TB/HIV integration.

Source: UG
Tuberculosis in pediatric antiretroviral therapy programs in low- and middle-income countries: Diagnosis and screening practices

Background. The global burden of childhood tuberculosis (TB) is estimated to be 0.5 million new cases per year. Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-infected children are at high risk for TB. Diagnosis of TB in HIVinfected children remains a major challenge. Methods. We describe TB diagnosis and screening practices of pediatric antiretroviral treatment (ART) programs in Africa, Asia, the Caribbean, and Central and South America.We used web-based questionnaires to collect data on ART programs and patients seen from March to July 2012. Forty-three ART programs treating children in 23 countries participated in the study. Results. Sputum microscopy and chest Radiograph were available at all programs, mycobacterial culture in 40 (93%) sites, gastric aspiration in 27 (63%), induced sputum in 23 (54%), and Xpert MTB/RIF in 16 (37%) sites. Screening practices to exclude active TB before starting ART included contact history in 41 sites (84%), symptom screening in 38 (88%), and chest Radiograph in 34 sites (79%). The use of diagnostic tools was examined among 146 children diagnosed with TB during the study period. Chest Radiograph was used in 125 (86%) children, sputum microscopy in 76 (52%), induced sputum microscopy in 38 (26%), gastric aspirate microscopy in 35 (24%), culture in 25 (17%), and Xpert MTB/RIF in 11 (8%) children. Conclusions. Induced sputum and Xpert MTB/RIF were infrequently available to diagnose childhood TB, and screening was largely based on symptom identification. There is an urgent need to improve the capacity of ART programs in low- and middle-income countries to exclude and diagnose TB in HIV-infected children. ©The Author 2014.

Source: UG
Tuberculosis of the Endometrium

Two cases of female genital tuberculosis were detected during the management of female. infertility One was found through histological examination of endometrial sample obtained from dilatation and curettage performed in the second half of the menstrual cycle to confirm ovulation. Ovulation can also be confirmed by progesterone assay in the second half of the cycle. The second case was detected through histological examination of specimen, removed at rnyomectomy. In both cases the diagnosis was confirmed with the Ziehl-Neelsen stain. Female genital tuberculosis maybe detected in the very health women. It has no characteristics symptoms and it is often associated with infertility. In view of the resurge of tuberculosis in the subregion dilatation and curettage followed by histological examination of the endometrial sample should remain a method used in the investigation of infertility in our environment.

Source: UG
Tuberculosis of the tonsil revisited

With the advent of effective antituberculous therapy and pasteurisation of cow's milk, there has been considerable reduction in the worldwide prevalence of tuberculosis. Although tuberculosis of the tonsil is now an uncommon finding, tonsillar granulomata are occasionally seen by histopathologists and rarely, some contain tuberculous organisms. One such case has prompted us to examine the tonsils of seventeen cases of open pulmonary tuberculosis complaining of sore throat, dysphagia or other pharyngeal symptoms. No granulomata were demonstrated in fourteen who yielded representative tonsillar tissue, underlining the rarity of association between secondary pulmonary tuberculosis and tonsillar involvement.

Source: UG
Tuberculosis patients with diabetes co-morbidity experience reduced Mycobacterium tuberculosis complex clearance

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
Tuberculosis Treatment Outcomes among HIV/TB-Coinfected Children in the International Epidemiology Databases to Evaluate AIDS (IeDEA) Network

Introduction: Management of tuberculosis (TB) is challenging in HIV/TB-coinfected children. The World Health Organization recommends nucleic acid amplification tests for TB diagnosis, a 4-drug regimen including ethambutol during intensive phase (IP) of treatment, and initiation of antiretroviral therapy (ART) within 8 weeks of TB diagnosis. We investigated TB treatment outcomes by diagnostic modality, IP regimen, and ART status. Methods: We conducted a retrospective cohort study among HIV/TB-coinfected children enrolled at the International Epidemiology Databases to Evaluate AIDS treatment sites from 2012 to 2014. We modeled TB outcome using multivariable logistic regression including diagnostic modality, IP regimen, and ART status. Results: Among the 386 HIV-infected children diagnosed with TB, 20% had microbiologic confirmation of TB, and 20% had unfavorable TB outcomes. During IP, 78% were treated with a 4-drug regimen. Thirty-one percent were receiving ART at the time of TB diagnosis, and 32% were started on ART within 8 weeks of TB diagnosis. Incidence of ART initiation within 8 weeks of TB diagnosis was higher for those with favorable TB outcomes (64%) compared with those with unfavorable outcomes (40%) (P = 0.04). Neither diagnostic modality (odds ratio 1.77; 95% confidence interval: 0.86 to 3.65) nor IP regimen (odds ratio 0.88; 95% confidence interval: 0.43 to 1.80) was associated with TB outcome. Discussion: In this multinational study of HIV/TB-coinfected children, many were not managed as per World Health Organization guidelines. Children with favorable TB outcomes initiated ART sooner than children with unfavorable outcomes. These findings highlight the importance of early ART for children with HIV/TB coinfection, and reinforce the need for implementation research to improve pediatric TB management. © 2017 Wolters Kluwer Health, Inc. All rights reserved.

Source: UG
Tuberculosis, HIV/AIDS and Malaria Health Services in sub-Saharan Africa – A Situation Analysis of the Disruptions and Impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic

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
Tuberculosis, HIV/AIDS and Malaria Health Services in sub-Saharan Africa – A Situation Analysis of the Disruptions and Impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic

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
Tumour site and renal dysfunction as factors influencing leucopenia after chemotherapy for Burkitt's lymphoma.

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
Tumours and tumour-like lesions of the lower face at Korle Bu Teaching Hospital, Ghana - An eight year study

Abstract Background The oro-facial region including the jawbones, the maxilla and mandible and related tissues can be the site of a multitude of neoplastic conditions. These tumours have a predilection for the entire facial region; however, odontogenic tumours tend to affect the mandible more than the maxilla, especially, in West African children. We report results from a retrospective study spanning eight years on the frequency, clinical presentation, sites and character of lower face tumours seen in the main referral hospital in Ghana. Patients and methods Records of consecutive patients of all age and sex seen by the first author's team at the Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Korle-Bu Teaching Hospital with tumours affecting the lower part of the face from January 1996 to December 2003 were retrieved, coded and entered into a database. The data were then analyzed by age, sex, presenting signs and symptoms, site of lesion, and their histology. Results A total of 394 patients with oro-facial swellings were retrieved from the registry out of which 210 had lower face tumour and tumour-like lesions. The complete data set was obtained for 171 patients, comprising 99 (58%) males and 72 (42%) females. The most common clinical presenting features were mandibular facial swelling (63%), intra-oral swelling (55%), pain (41%) and ulceration (29%). The tumours were predominantly found in the right (43%), anterior (19%) and left (18%) aspects of the lower face. The remainder making up 20% were found in the floor of the mouth, tongue and lips. Seventy eight (45.6%) of the patients presented with lesions that were classified as malignant of which 54 (62%) were diagnosed as squamous cell carcinoma (SCC). Sixty-two (36.3%) had benign odontogenic tumours and thirty-one (18.1%) had non-odontogenic tumour-like lesions. Fifty-four (62%) of malignant tumours were squamous cell carcinoma; 58 (93.6%) of the benign odontogenic tumours were classified as ameloblastoma. The mean age at presentation of all lesions was 40.4 years with over 50% of benign lesions in patients aged between 11 and 30 years. Malignant tumours were more commonly detected in patients between 41 and 70 years (63%). Conclusion Tumours and tumour-like lesions of the lower face comprising the mandible, tongue and adjacent structures are a diverse group of neoplasm and are seen commonly in practice of Maxillofacial surgery. Both malignant and benign tumours are seen in the Ghanaian population. In the present study, SCC and ameloblastoma were the commonest malignant and benign odontogenic tumours seen respectively; the two representing more than 65% of all tumours.

Source: UG
Tumours and tumour-like lesions of the lower face at Korle Bu Teaching Hospital, Ghana: an eight year study

The main research focus of the Electron Microscopy and Histopathology Department in the past 20 years has been in the areas of enteric diarrhoeas with special emphasis on rotavirus. Through its diarrhoea surveillance studies, the Department has helped to firmly establish rotaviruses as a major cause of diarrhoea in children, and document the circulation of unusual rotavirus genotypes in Ghana. The Department has also recently expanded its diagnostic repertoire to include the identification and characterization of noroviruses, astroviruses, and other enteric viruses.

Source: UG
Tumours of the salivary gland in Ghana

Objective: This retrospective study was performed to characterise salivary gland tumours treated at a tertiary health facility in Ghana overa 10-year period. Patients and Methods: The medical records of patients with salivary gland tumours who were treated at the Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Korle-Bu Teaching Hospital, Accra, Ghana, from 1997 to 2006 were reviewed. Variables determined were age distribution, clinical presentation, site of lesion, histopathology, and method of treatment. Data were analysed using chi-squared, Z- and t tests. Results: The study included 78 patients (45 women and 33 men), with a mean age of 46.2 years. Most patients (94.9%) presented with swelling of the affected gland. Fifty five (71%) and 23 (29%) tumours were benign and malignant, respectively. Parotid gland tumours had the highest occurrence (61.53%), followed by palatal tumours (31.00%). Pleomorphic adenoma was the commonest benign tumour (62%) of both major and minor salivary glands, while the commonest malignant tumours were adenoid cystic carcinoma and mucoepidermoid carcinoma. Fifty eight patients (74%) were treated with surgery, 8 of whom received adjuvant radiotherapy; 6 were treated with radiotherapy alone. Conclusions: Pleomorphic adenoma was the commonest benign tumour of the salivary glands, and was usually localised in the parotid gland. Minor salivary gland tumours were uncommon, but occurred most often on the palate, with a higher tendency for malignancy than those in the parotid gland. © 2009 Asian Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons.

Source: UG
Tuning the aroma profiles of FORASTERO cocoa liquors by varying pod storage and bean roasting temperature

The unique impact of roasting conditions on the aroma quality of cocoa beans has been demonstrated in many studies. However, information on the additional impact of pod storage (PS) and its combined effect with roasting temperature (RT) is unknown. Hence, this study sought to elucidate the collective contribution of these post-harvest/process parameters on the aroma profiles of cocoa liquors produced from Forastero cocoa beans. The beans had been subjected to different treatments following a 3 × 4 full factorial experiment, consisting of PS (0, 3, 7 days) and RT (100, 120, 140, 160 °C). Statistical analysis of the results from HS-SPME-GC–MS revealed significant (p < .05) impact of both PS and RT as well as their interaction effects on the ten groups of volatiles (acids, alcohols, esters, terpenes, aldehydes, ketones, pyrazines, furans, pyrroles and others) and their overall aroma concentration. An exception was however noted for aldehydes, where the total concentration was only significantly (p < .05) influenced by the individual effects of PS and RT. A subsequent clustering of the liquors, first on the basis of all identified volatiles, then, on the basis of the odor-active volatiles, also revealed similar pattern where liquors with high RT's possessed more volatiles with higher concentrations and vice versa. More so, it seemed that no or very minimal PS treatment was necessary for preserving more aromatic volatiles with typically fruity, floral or spicy flavor notes, whereas, for liquors with volatiles exhibiting more cocoa, chocolate, nutty and roasted flavor notes, prolonged PS (> 3 days) treatment was required. These findings are expected to challenge the status-quo, specifically in the conventional ways through which the aroma potential of ‘bulk’ cocoa may be steered. On the one hand, the idea of manipulating PS treatment and roasting conditions may indeed consolidate the possibility of creating diverse and/or distinct aroma profiles from the same ‘bulk’ cocoa beans, whereas, on the other hand, it raises the question whether the Ghanaian cocoa beans - being described as ‘bulk’ cocoa - could be a consequence of prolonged pod storage treatment. © 2019 Elsevier Ltd

Source: UG
Turkey and Côte d’Ivoire Encounter: Dynamics, Actors, and Practices in the Field of Islam

The MIASA Working Paper series serves to disseminate the research results of work in progress prior to publication in order to encourage the exchange of ideas and academic debate. The series aims to publish research findings from the work of the MIASA Interdisciplinary Fellow Groups (IFGs) and other MIASA fellows in an open-access manner. Inclusion of a paper in the MIASA Working Paper Series does not constitute publication and should not limit publication in any other venue. Copyright remains with the authors

Source: UG
Turning potential collision into cooperation in Ghana’s oil industry

Purpose – This paper aims to examine the potential impact of the presence of oil resource on the Ghanaian society. Specifically, the paper investigates the relationship between key stakeholders in the oil sector, how stakeholder interactions create the potential for collision and advances measures aimed at turning possible collision into cooperation. Design/methodology/approach – The paper uses a literature review-based approach, drawing on existing literature in a number of areas including corporate social responsibility (CSR), oil and gas industry in Ghana and Nigeria as well as communication. Findings – The paper advances that expectations of stakeholders as regards oil being a panacea to all their problems must be managed to avoid possible collision. Additionally, Ghana’s oil industry must identify and engage all stakeholders in planning suitable and sustainable CSR programmes for economic development, thus fostering a friendly environment for oil companies. Transparency and accountability are also needed to promote cooperation rather than collision among stakeholders in Ghana’s oil industry. Originality/value – This paper raises and brings to the fore critical issues that can lead to potential collisions in the oil and gas industry in Ghana if not well-managed, and thus an innovative work in that regard. Keywords Cooperation, Collision, Oil, Stakeholder engagement, Ghana, Nigeria Paper type Conceptual paper

Source: UG
Turnover intention and job fit among nurses in Ghana: Does psychological climate matter?

Aim The study examined the relationship between turnover intention and job fit among Registered Nurses in Ghana. Further analysis was done to explore how nurses' psychological climate has an impact on the relationship between job fit and turnover intention. Design The study adopted the quantitative research approach and the cross‐sectional survey design in collecting data on the variables of interest. Methods Purposive sampling was used to select the eight hospitals from both the public and the private sectors. In all, 322 Registered Nurses participated in the study and the data were analysed using simple and hierarchical multiple regression. Results The results of the study showed no statistically significant relationship between nurses' turnover intention and job fit. However, psychological climate was found to fully mediate the relationship between turnover intention and job fit among the participants studied. Finally, the finding adds to theory by proposing a review and an extension of the Attraction‐Selection‐Attrition theory by Schneider (Personnel Psychology, 40, 1987, 437)

Source: UG
Twi Kenkan Nhoma (I) – Seventh Edition.

Before the children begin to read in this book, they have for 2 – 3 weeks: a) to combine single letters into syllables and syllables into words, b) to draw on the slate short straight lines and combine such with the bottom turn and the top turn. Then the 5 vowels (1) are taught and when mastered, the letter n is learned and exercised in combination.

Source: UG
A Twi Spelling Book

A new script for the Twi language was adopted in the year 1927-.This script, which is recommended by the International Institute of African Languages and Cultures, has been introduced as a standard script for the majority of African languages. But this change, while it introduced new symbols and brought the Twi Language into line with, the writing and printing of other languages, did not settle the roan y difficulties of spelling. The adoption of. A new script does not answer the question as to whether two words should be written as one, or separately, or joined with a hyphen. There is no book in the old script which can be referred to as a standard for guidance in this matter. The Bible would have been an ideal standard, as it has the widest circulation of all Twi books, but unfortunately it is full of inconsistencies in spelling. It is possible to find the same word spelt in two or even three different ways on the same page of the Bible.

Source: UG
A twin disaster: Addressing the COVID-19 pandemic and a cerebrospinal meningitis outbreak simultaneously in a low-resource country

Managing a deadly pandemic in low- and middle-income countries (LMIC) is challenging. The task becomes tougher when there is an outbreak of an equally deadly disease. This is the present situation of Ghana, a low-resource country, that is confronted with the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic and cerebrospinal meningitis (CSM) outbreak. Apart from the resource constraint at both governmental and individual levels, such a situation affects the overall wellbeing of ordinary citizens as well as healthcare professionals, particularly those in high-risk areas. Perhaps, more than ever, we have to ensure equitable distribution of scarce healthcare resources in our effort to manage this ‘twin disaster’ of COVID-19 and CSM. We evaluated Ghana’s situation (outbreak response) and recommended measures to help us navigate this conundrum of a public health crisis

Source: UG
The Twin-Deficits Hypothesis: Evidence from Ghana

Purpose – This paper investigates the twin deficit hypothesis for Ghana in view of the persistent co-movement between the budget deficit (BD) and current account deficit (CAD) over the past three decades. Design/methodology/approach – The paper uses annual data for the period 1980-2014 and ascertains whether there is long-run association between the budget and current account deficits using the Johansen Cointegration test. The Error Correction Model is estimated to check stability of the long-run association between the two deficits. A Granger causality test is performed to determine the direction of causality between the two variables. Findings – The results confirm the existence of long-run equilibrium relationship between the budget and current account balances. The error correction model finds an insignificant effect of the BD on the CAD both in the short and long runs. The ECM result was however significant for both the long run and short run regarding the effect of CAD on BD even as the adjustment parameter suggests that 33 percent of the disequilibrium in budget balance in the previous period is corrected in the current period. Granger causality results find support for the reverse causality argument, thereby rejecting the twin-deficits hypothesis for Ghana. Research limitations/implications – For lack of consistent data variables such as exchange rate and interest rate were not included in the study. Originality/value – The findings lend support to the reverse causality argument that says that causality runs from the current account deficit to the budget deficit.

Source: UG