ghanaopendata/ghanaian-research-english huggingface dataset:
Large-scale survey for novel genotypes of Plasmodium falciparum chloroquine-resistance gene pfcrt

Abstract Background In Plasmodium falciparum, resistance to chloroquine (CQ) is conferred by a K to T mutation at amino acid position 76 (K76T) in the P. falciparum CQ transporter (PfCRT). To date, at least 15 pfcrt genotypes, which are represented by combinations of five amino acids at positions 72-76, have been described in field isolates from various endemic regions. To identify novel mutant pfcrt genotypes and to reveal the genetic relatedness of pfcrt genotypes, a large-scale survey over a wide geographic area was performed. Methods Sequences for exon 2 in pfcrt, including known polymorphic sites at amino acid positions 72, 74, 75 and 76, were obtained from 256 P. falciparum isolates collected from eight endemic countries in Asia (Bangladesh, Cambodia, Lao P.D.R., the Philippines and Thailand), Melanesia (Papua New Guinea and Vanuatu) and Africa (Ghana). A haplotype network was constructed based on six microsatellite markers located -29 kb to 24 kb from pfcrt in order to examine the genetic relatedness among mutant pfcrt genotypes. Results In addition to wild type (CVMNK at positions 72-76), four mutant pfcrt were identified; CVIET, CVIDT, SVMNT and CVMNT (mutated amino acids underlined). Haplotype network revealed that there were only three mutant pfcrt lineages, originating in Indochina, Philippines and Melanesia. Importantly, the Indochina lineage contained two mutant pfcrt genotypes, CVIET (n = 95) and CVIDT (n = 14), indicating that CVIDT shares a common origin with CVIET. Similarly, one major haplotype in the Melanesian lineage contained two pfcrt genotypes; SVMNT (n = 71) and CVMNT (n = 3). In Africa, all mutant pfcrt genotypes were the CVIET of the Indochina lineage, probably resulting from the intercontinental migration of CQ resistance from Southeast Asia. Conclusions The number of CQ-mutant lineages observed in this study was identical to that found in previous studies. This supports the hypothesis that the emergence of novel CQ resistance is rare. However, in the mutant pfcrt genotypes, amino acid changes at positions 72, 74 and 75 appear to have recently been generated at least several times, producing distinct pfcrt mutant genotypes. The occurrence of new mutations flanking K76T may yield stronger resistance to CQ and/or a higher fitness than the original pfcrt mutant.

Source: UG
Large-scale survey for novel genotypes of plasmodium falciparum chloroquine-resistance gene pfcrt.

Background. In Plasmodium falciparum, resistance to chloroquine (CQ) is conferred by a K to T mutation at amino acid position 76 (K76T) in the P. falciparum CQ transporter (PfCRT). To date, at least 15 pfcrt genotypes, which are represented by combinations of five amino acids at positions 72-76, have been described in field isolates from various endemic regions. To identify novel mutant pfcrt genotypes and to reveal the genetic relatedness of pfcrt genotypes, a large-scale survey over a wide geographic area was performed. Methods. Sequences for exon 2 in pfcrt, including known polymorphic sites at amino acid positions 72, 74, 75 and 76, were obtained from 256 P. falciparum isolates collected from eight endemic countries in Asia (Bangladesh, Cambodia, Lao P.D.R., the Philippines and Thailand), Melanesia (Papua New Guinea and Vanuatu) and Africa (Ghana). A haplotype network was constructed based on six microsatellite markers located -29 kb to 24 kb from pfcrt in order to examine the genetic relatedness among mutant pfcrt genotypes. Results. In addition to wild type (CVMNK at positions 72-76), four mutant pfcrt were identified; CVIET, CVIDT, SVMNT and CVMNT (mutated amino acids underlined). Haplotype network revealed that there were only three mutant pfcrt lineages, originating in Indochina, Philippines and Melanesia. Importantly, the Indochina lineage contained two mutant pfcrt genotypes, CVIET (n = 95) and CVIDT (n = 14), indicating that CVIDT shares a common origin with CVIET. Similarly, one major haplotype in the Melanesian lineage contained two pfcrt genotypes; SVMNT (n = 71) and CVMNT (n = 3). In Africa, all mutant pfcrt genotypes were the CVIET of the Indochina lineage, probably resulting from the intercontinental migration of CQ resistance from Southeast Asia. Conclusions. The number of CQ-mutant lineages observed in this study was identical to that found in previous studies. This supports the hypothesis that the emergence of novel CQ resistance is rare. However, in the mutant pfcrt genotypes, amino acid changes at positions 72, 74 and 75 appear to have recently been generated at least several times, producing distinct pfcrt mutant genotypes. The occurrence of new mutations flanking K76T may yield stronger resistance to CQ and/or a higher fitness than the original pfcrt mutant. © 2012 Takahashi et al; licensee BioMed Central Ltd.

Source: UG
Larval ecology and bionomics of Anopheles funestus in highland and lowland sites in western Kenya

Background An. funestus is a major Afrotropical vector of human malaria. This study sought to investigate the larval ecology, sporozoite infection rates and blood meal sources of An. funestus in western Kenya. Methods Larval surveys were carried out in Bungoma (Highland) and Kombewa (lowland) of western Kenya. Aquatic habitats were identified, characterized, georeferenced and carefully examined for mosquito larvae and predators. Indoor resting mosquitoes were sampled using pyrethrum spray catches. Adults and larvae were morphologically and molecularly identified to species. Sporozoite infections and blood meal sources were detected using real-time PCR and ELISA respectively. Results Of the 151 aquatic habitats assessed, 62/80 (78%) in Bungoma and 58/71(82%) in Kombewa were positive for mosquito larvae. Of the 3,193 larvae sampled, An. funestus larvae constitute 38% (1224/3193). Bungoma recorded a higher number of An. funestus larvae (85%, 95%, CI, 8.722–17.15) than Kombewa (15%, 95%, CI, 1.33–3.91). Molecular identification of larvae showed that 89% (n = 80) were An. funestus. Approximately 59%, 35% and 5% of An. funestus larvae co-existed with An. gambiae s.l, Culex spp and An. coustani in the same habitats respectively. Of 1,221 An. funestus s.l adults sampled, molecular identifications revealed that An. funestus constituted 87% (n = 201) and 88% (n = 179) in Bungoma and Kombewa, respectively. The Plasmodium falciparum sporozoite rate of An. funestus in Bungoma and Kombewa was 2% (3/174) and 1% (2/157), respectively, and the human blood index of An. funestus was 84% (48/57) and 89% (39/44) and for Bungoma and Kombewa, respectively. Conclusion Man-made ponds had the highest abundance of An. funestus larvae. Multiple regression and principal component analyses identified the distance to the nearest house as the key environmental factor associated with the abundance of An. funestus larvae in aquatic habitats. This study serves as a guide for the control of An. funestus and other mosquito species to complement existing vector control strategies.

Source: UG
Late ANC initiation and factors associated with sub-optimal uptake of sulphadoxinepyrimethamine in pregnancy: a preliminary study in Cape Coast Metropolis, Ghana

Background: Malaria infection during pregnancy is of public health importance as it poses risk to the pregnant woman, her foetus and the newborn child. Intermittent preventive treatment during pregnancy using sulphadoxine-pyrimethamine is one way of reducing the effect of the disease on pregnancy outcomes. The study determined factors associated with uptake of sulphadoxine-pyrimethamine during pregnancy in the Cape Coast Metropolis of Ghana. Methods: A health facility-based cross-sectional study involving pregnant women of ≥36 weeks gestation visiting antenatal clinics in three selected health facilities in the Cape Coast Metropolis was conducted. Participants were consecutively recruited using a structured questionnaire over a 6-week period from May to June, 2018. Descriptive statistics was used to summarize the data whilst Pearson’s chi-square/Fisher exact test was performed to determine associations and logistic regression done to determine the strength of the associations. Results: A total of 212 pregnant women participated in the study. Formal education, initiating ANC early, taking first dose of SP during second trimester, not experiencing side effects of SP, having knowledge about schedule for taking SP and making ≥4 ANC visits were factors associated with uptake of ≥3 doses of IPTp-SP. Logistic regression analysis revealed that, mothers who made ≥4 ANC visits were 53.77 times more likely to take ≥3 doses of SP compared with those who made < 4 ANC visits (p < 0.001). Those who initiated ANC during the first trimester were 3.60 times more likely to receive ≥5 doses compared with those who initiated ANC during the second or third trimester (p = 0.022). Making ≥8 ANC visits did not increase the chances of taking ≥5 doses of SP. Conclusion: Health promotion programmes targeting mothers with no formal education could increase their awareness about the importance of ANC services including uptake of IPTp-SP.

Source: UG
Late Onset of the Serological Response against the 18 kDa Small Heat Shock Protein of Mycobacterium ulcerans in Children

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
Late Paleozoic mafic-ultramafic intrusions in southern Central Asian Orogenic Belt (NW China): Insight into magmatic Ni-Cu sulfide mineralization in orogenic setting

The mafic-ultramafic intrusions hosting magmatic Ni-Cu sulfide ore deposits, usually present within the Precambrian cratons and on their margin, have been extensively studied, whereas those occurring within the Phanerozoic orogenic belts have received little attention. The southern margin of the Central Asian Orogenic Belt is a region of late Paleozoic mafic-ultramafic intrusions emplaced during post-orogenic stage. In order to recognize the mineralization features, this study compares barren or weakly mineralized mafic-ultramafic intrusions in the Beishan with those hosting Ni-Cu sulfide ore deposit in the Altay and Eastern Tianshan in petrology, mineralogy and geochemistry aspects. Several mineralization features can be recognized with respects to petrology, mineralogy and geochemistry from comprehensive comparisons. Among the mineralization indicators, we highlight strong alteration accompanying sulfide emplacement, post-erosion exposure of magma conduit, abundant primary hydrous minerals and potential transportation mechanism of ore-forming elements. Other indicators are the presence of orthopyroxene and pyroxenite for potential sulfide formation through crystal fractionation, restricted Fo and Ni ranges in olivines for sulfide segregation, and some other special geochemical characteristics related to crustal contamination. The variation in mineralization could be ascribed to different degrees of partial melting, crustal assimilation and subduction-related modification of a mantle source. We suggest that the Ni-Cu sulfide mineralization of mafic-ultramafic intrusions within orogenic belts is remarkably different from that of cratonic and continental marginal settings in respects of petrogenesis and mineralizing mechanism. Magmatic conduit-type Ni-Cu sulfide ore deposit is a target for future prospecting and exploration for mafic-ultramafic intrusions in the orogenic belts. © 2012 Elsevier B.V.

Source: UG
Late Paleozoic magmatic record of East Junggar, NW China and its significance: Implication from zircon U-Pb dating and Hf isotope

Late Paleozoic magmatic rocks (including basic dykes, basaltic andesite, rhyolite, keratophyre and syenite-porphyry with minor tuff) are widespread in the western margin of the East Junggar terrane. In-situ zircon U-Pb dating and Hf isotope analyses were carried out for these magmatic rocks from the Baijiangou and Zhangpenggou localities of East Junggar, integrating with geochemical data, to investigate their tectonic evolution as well as crustal accretionary process of this region in the Late Paleozoic. Inherited zircons from basic dykes range in age from 435Ma to 300Ma. The Zhangpenggou rhyolite and keratophyre have typical arc-like geochemical signatures and were formed in the Early Carboniferous (332Ma and 336Ma, respectively), suggesting they are products of subduction-related magmatism. The Baijiangou rhyolites were formed in the Late Carboniferous (315Ma and 323Ma) and their formation ages are similar to those of the syenite-porphyries (307Ma and 312Ma). The Hf model ages and the formation ages of zircons from these magmatic rocks are alike, with positive εHf(t) values vary from +0.7 to +16.6, implying that voluminous growth of juvenile crust happened in the East Junggar terrane during the Late Paleozoic. The absence of Precambrian inherited zircons in basic dykes indicates the lack of Precambrian basement beneath the East Junggar terrane. Taking geochronological studies on regional ophiolites into account, the East Junggar terrane is considered as a Devonian-Carboniferous oceanic island arc which has been continuously accreted to the southern active margin of the Siberian Craton since the Early Carboniferous. © 2011 Elsevier B.V.

Source: UG
Late Paleozoic metallogenesis and evolution of the East Tianshan Orogenic Belt (NW China, Central Asia Orogenic Belt)

One of the most largest known and important metallogenic provinces in China is East Tianshan, where seven major types of Late Paleozoic metal deposits have been recognized: (1) porphyry-type Cu-Mo-(Au) ore deposits, (2) volcanic Fe-Cu deposits, (3) orogenic lode gold deposits, (4) magmatic Cu-Ni sulfide deposits, (5) epithermal gold deposits, (6) volcanic hydrothermal Cu deposits, and (7) skarn Cu-Ag deposits. Tectonically, the development of these Late Paleozoic metal mineral deposits was closely associated with the subduction and closure of the ancient Tianshan ocean intervening between the Tarim craton and the Junggar-Kazakhstan block. In the Late Devonian to Early Carboniferous, the northern margin of the Tarim craton existed as a passive-type continental margin, whereas the ancient Tianshan ocean was subducted beneath the southern margin of the Junggar-Kazakhstan block, resulting in the formation of the Dananhu-Tousuquan magmatic arc and associated porphyry-type Cu-Mo-(Au) deposits. In the Middle Carboniferous, the ancient Tianshan ocean began to subduct beneath the northern margin of the Tarim craton, leading to the formation of the Aqishan-Yamansu magmatic arc and associated volcanic Fe-Cu deposits. In the Late Carboniferous, the ancient Tianshan ocean was closed, and a continent-arc collision occurred, leading to the formation of the Tianshan orogen. Following the collision was an extensional event, which was associated with the emplacement of large amounts of ultramafic-mafic complexes and the formation of a number of large- to medium-scale magmatic copper-nickel ore deposits along the Kangger suture zone. In the Early Permian, East Tianshan entered into a post-collision stage, associated with the widespread emplacement of granitoid bodies and eruption of within-plate volcanism, which led to the formation of volcanic hydrothermal copper deposits, skarn-type Cu-Ag deposits, post-orogenic gold deposits, and epithermal gold deposits in East Tianshan. © 2014, Pleiades Publishing, Ltd.

Source: UG
Late Presentation of Breast Cancer in Lower- and Middle-Income Countries

Purpose of Review Breast cancer incidence and mortality in low- and medium-income countries has increased and is predicted to rise. Late presentation, associated with poor prognosis, is unfortunately common to most of these countries. This review discusses recent studies and offers recommendations to address pertinent issues raised. Recent Findings Late presentation continues to prevail in many LMICs, worse in sub-Saharan Africa. Socioeconomic and demographic factors play a significant role. The fear of mastectomy is a prominent cause of reluctance to seek treatment. Increasing awareness, clinical breast examination and opportunistic mammographic screening have a role to play in addressing the issue. The provision of health infrastructure and creating access may overcome some of the other factors that sometimes seem unsurmountable.

Source: UG
Latɛ Sound Systems and Syllable Structure

Leteh is an unwritten dialect of Guan which belongs to the Volta-Comoé (or Western Kwa) unit of the Niger-Congo family of languages. This paper is an aspect of the initial attempt to get the language documented and described. Hence, fundamental issues such as the vowel and consonant sounds are tackled. As a phonological unit, the syllable is the domain of some phonological as well as morphological processes in Leteh; again, it is the tone bearing unit. This paper will therefore, in addition, describe the syllable structure types in Leteh. Finally, conclusions which could serve as motivation for further studies are drawn.

Source: UG
Late-pregnancy salivary cortisol concentrations of Ghanaian women participating in a randomized controlled trial of prenatal lipid-based nutrient supplements

Background: High circulating cortisol is associated with miscarriage, preterm birth, and low birth weight. Research in nonpregnant individuals suggests that improved nutrition may lower cortisol concentrations. It is unknown whether nutritional supplementation during pregnancy lowers cortisol. Objective: Our objective was to determine whether women receiving a lipid-based nutrient supplement (LNS) throughout pregnancy would have lower salivary cortisol at 36 wk gestation compared with women receiving other nutrient supplements. Methods: We conducted a randomized controlled trial in 1320 pregnant Ghanaian women at ≤20 wk gestation who were assigned to receive daily throughout pregnancy: 1) 60 mg iron + 400 mg folic acid (IFA), 2) multiple micronutrients (MMNs), or 3) 20 g LNS (containing 118 kcal, 22 micronutrients, and protein). Morning salivary cortisol was collected from a subsample at baseline and at 28 and 36 wk gestation. Results: A total of 758 women had cortisol measurements at 28 or 36 wk gestation. Salivary cortisol at 36 wk gestation did not differ between groups and was (mean ± SE) 7.97 ± 0.199 in the IFA group, 7.84 ± 0.191 in theMMN group, and 7.77 ± 0.199 nmol/L in the LNS group, when adjusted for baseline cortisol, time of waking, and time between waking and saliva collection (P = 0.67). Therewas an interaction between supplementation group andwomen's age (continuous variable, P-interaction = 0.03); and when agewas dichotomized by themedian, significant differences in salivary cortisol concentrations between groups were seen in women≤26 y of age (IFA = 8.23 ± 0.284 nmol/L, MMN= 8.20 ± 0.274 nmol/L, and LNS = 7.44 ± 0.284 nmol/L; P = 0.03) but not in women > 26 y old (IFA = 7.71 ± 0.281 nmol/L, MMN = 7.50 ± 0.274 nmol/L, and LNS = 8.08 ± 0.281 nmol/L; P = 0.13). Conclusions: We conclude that supplementation with LNSs or MMNs during pregnancy did not affect the cortisol concentration in the study population as a whole, in comparison with IFA, but that LNS consumption among younger women may lead to lower cortisol at 36 wk gestation. This trial was registered at clinicaltrials.gov as NCT00970866. © 2016 American Society for Nutrition.

Source: UG
Latent Class Analysis Of The Capacity Of Countries To Manage Diabetes And Its Relationship With Diabetes-Related Deaths And Healthcare Costs.

Abstract Background The prevalence of diabetes is escalating globally, underscoring the need for comprehensive evidence to inform health systems in efectively addressing this epidemic. The purpose of this study was to examine the pat terns of countries’ capacity to manage diabetes using latent class analysis (LCA) and to determine whether the pat terns are associated with diabetes-related deaths and healthcare costs. Methods Eight indicators of country-level capacity were drawn from the World Health Organization Global Health Observatory dataset: the widespread availability of hemoglobin A1C (HbA1c) testing, existence of diabetes registry, national diabetes management guidelines, national strategy for diabetes care, blood glucose testing, diabetic retin opathy screening, sulfonylureas, and metformin in the public health sector. We performed LCA of these indicators, testing 1–5 class solutions, and selecting the best model based on Bayesian Information Criteria (BIC), entropy, cor rected Akaike Information Criteria (cAIC), as well as theoretical interpretability. Multivariable linear regression was used to assess the association between capacity to manage diabetes (based on the latent class a country belongs) and dia betes-related deaths and healthcare costs. Results We included 194 countries in this secondary analysis. Countries were classifed into“high capacity” (88.7%) and“limited capacity” (11.3%) countries based on the two-class solution of the LCA (entropy=0.91, cAIC=1895.93, BIC=1862.93). Limited capacity countries were mostly in Africa. Limited capacity countries had signifcantly higher percentage of their deaths attributable to diabetes (adjusted beta=1.34; 95% CI: 0.15, 2.53; p=0.027) compared to high capacity countries even after adjusting for income status and diabetes prevalence. Conclusions Our fndings support the report by the Lancet commission on diabetes, which suggests that difer ences in diabetes outcomes among countries may be explained by variations in the capacity of and investments made in their health systems. Future studies should evaluate initiatives such as the WHO Global Diabetes Compact that are currently underway to improve the capacity of resource-limited countries.

Source: UG
Latent TB Infection (LTBI) – Mycobacterium tuberculosis pathogenesis and the dynamics of the granuloma battleground

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 law criminalizing attempted suicide in Ghana: The views of clinical psychologists, emergency ward nurses, and police officers

Attempted suicide is still considered a crime in Ghana. Aims: The purpose of this study was to investigate the attitudes toward this law held by health workers and police offi cers in Ghana so as to provide culture-sensitive arguments to aid in abolishing the law. Method: Qualitative interviews were conducted with eight clinical psychologists, eight emergency ward nurses, and eight police offi cers. Results: The majority of informants did not agree with the law criminalizing attempted suicide in Ghana, although fi ve of the emergency ward nurses and two police offi cers did. Arguments for agreeing with the law were that people have no right to take life and that the law has a deterrent effect and thus it will help reduce the suicide rate. The main argument for not agreeing with the law was that suicidal behavior is a mental health issue. Those who argued in favor of the law did not seem to refl ect much on the reasons for suicidal behavior. Conclusion: Education on how to understand suicidal behavior and suicidal people may aid the work toward decriminalizing attempted suicide in Ghana.© 2013 Hogrefe Publishing.

Source: UG