ghanaopendata/ghanaian-research-english huggingface dataset:
Cactus Pear (Opuntia ficus-indica L): A Future Asset for Sustainability of Drylands in Northern Ethiopia

Opuntia ficus-indica (L.) commonly referred to as cactus pear is a dicotyledonous angiosperm plant. It belongs to the Cactaceae family and is characterized by its remarkable adaptation to arid and semi-arid climates in tropical and subtropical regions of the globe. Opuntia species have developed phenological, physiological and structural adaptations for growth and survival in arid and semi-arid environments where severe water stress hinders the survival of other plant species. Among these adaptations, the asynchronous reproduction and CAM metabolism of cactus stands out, which combined with structural adaptations such as succulence, allow them to continue the assimilation of carbon dioxide during long periods of drought reaching acceptable productivity levels even in years of severe drought. Soil physical, chemical and biological properties are considerably improved under the canopies of cactus pear compared to adjacent open areas. The generalized linear model showed that soil organic carbon, soil total nitrogen, soil available phosphorus, soil moisture, soil bacteria and soil fungi contents of soil samples were positively and significantly influenced by cactus pear canopy cover compared to adjacent open areas. The higher nutrient content under the cactus pear canopy was also positively associated with abundance of soil bacteria and fungi which facilitated the decomposition of organic materials.

Source: UG
Caesarean Section Wound Infection Prevention Practices among Nurses and Midwives in the Upper East Regional Hospital

Caesarean section (CS) is deemed a life-saving procedure. However, Caesarean wound infection is a common complication and accounts for about 12% of mortality in women who deliver by CS. The purpose of this study was to explore and describe the practices used by nurses and midwives to prevent Caesarean wound infections in the Upper East Regional Hospital. The Donabedian Quality Care Model was used as a framework to guide the study. An exploratory descriptive qualitative research design was used for the study. Purposive sampling was used to invite nurses and midwives who met the inclusion criteria to participate in the study. Twelve (12) interviews were conducted, using a semi-structured interview guide. Thematic content analysis was used to analyze data. Four (4) themes were identified and described as follows: Structures influencing CS wound infection prevention, Processes used to prevent CS wound infections, Outcomes of nursing care, and Integration of evidence-based practices in wound care. The findings described the different nursing care provided to patients to prevent wound infections after CS. Prevention of CS wound infections was enabled by skin preparation, education, timely administration of medications, wound dressing, communication, and teamwork to prevent wound infection and facilitate wound healing. However, organizational structures may influence the outcomes of these processes. The participants felt gratified when their patients’ wounds healed without being infected. In conclusion, strategies to enhance the integration of Evidence-based practices (EBP) into wound care must be initiated.

Source: UG
Caffeic Acid Inhibits Proliferation, Migration, and Stemness of DU-145 Prostate Cancer Cells

The issue of toxicity associated with existing cancer drugs necessitates the exploration of the anticancer potentials of natural products such as caffeic acid (CA). Here, we determined the effect of CA on the proliferation, migration, and stem cell-like properties of DU 145 prostate cancer cells. Tetrazolium-based colorimetric assay and flow cytometric analysis showed that CA decreased cell prolif eration in a dose- and time-dependent manner without affecting cell cycle progression. CA also inhibited cell migration and repressed epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition by upregulating the expression of cadherin 1 (CDH1) and downregulating the expression of cad herin 2 (CDH2). Furthermore, CA reduced the cancer stem cell population from 95% to 63% and 47% at concentrations of 1.25 and 2.5 mg/mL, respectively; and inhibited stem cell-like properties by downregulating the expression of NANOG and octamer-binding transcription factor 4 (OCT4) genes. These findings suggest that CA could be considered in the development of improved chemother apy against prostate cancer.

Source: UG
Caffeic Acid Inhibits Proliferation, Migration, and Stemness of DU-145 Prostate Cancer Cells

The issue of toxicity associated with existing cancer drugs necessitates the exploration of the anticancer potentials of natural products such as caffeic acid (CA). Here, we determined the effect of CA on the proliferation, migration, and stem cell-like properties of DU 145 prostate cancer cells. Tetrazolium-based colorimetric assay and flow cytometric analysis showed that CA decreased cell prolif eration in a dose- and time-dependent manner without affecting cell cycle progression. CA also inhibited cell migration and repressed epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition by upregulating the expression of cadherin 1 (CDH1) and downregulating the expression of cad herin 2 (CDH2). Furthermore, CA reduced the cancer stem cell population from 95% to 63% and 47% at concentrations of 1.25 and 2.5 mg/mL, respectively; and inhibited stem cell-like properties by downregulating the expression of NANOG and octamer-binding transcription factor 4 (OCT4) genes. These findings suggest that CA could be considered in the development of improved chemother apy against prostate cancer

Source: UG
Caffeic Acid Phenethyl Ester Suppresses Cytokine- and Chemotherapy-Induced Inflammation in Triple-Negative Breast Cancer via NF-κB Signalling.

Background: Triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) remains a significant clinical challenge due to its aggressive nature and lack of targeted therapies. In TNBC, inflammation contributes to tumour progression by promoting cell proliferation, survival, and migration. It may be triggered by cytokines such as TNF-α or chemotherapeutic agents such as doxorubicin (DOX). Thus, identifying agents that suppress inflam mation in TNBC is of prime interest. Caffeic acid phenethyl ester (CAPE) is a naturally occurring anti-inflammatory compound that exhibits selective cytotoxicity against some cancer cells. However, its impact on cytokine or chemotherapy induced inflammation in TNBC has not yet been explored. Aim:This study aimed to investigate the effects of CAPE on TNF-α- or DOX-induced inflammation and metastatic markers in TNBC. Methods: The effects of CAPE and DOX on TNBC cell viability and migration were assessed using the MTT and wound healing assays, respectively. The effect of CAPE on the expression of pro-inflammatory cytokines, epithelial-mesenchymaltransition (EMT) markers, and tumour invasion markers was evaluated using RT-qPCR. Results: CAPE inhibited TNF-α-induced proliferation and migration of TNBC cells. CAPE also suppressed TNF-α- and DOX-induced upregulation of NF-κB-regulated pro-inflammatory genes, IL-1B, IL-6, IL-8, and TNF-α, corroborating the evidence that CAPE suppresses NF-κB signalling. Additionally, CAPE suppressed EMT in TNF α–stimulated and DOX-treated cells by downregulating vimentin and VCAM1. Furthermore, CAPE reduced the expression of the cancer invasion markers MMP2 and MMP9. Conclusions: We demonstrated the anticancer potential of CAPE and its ability to suppress cytokine and chemotherapy-induced inflammation. This study offers novel insights into the role of CAPE in suppressing inflammation and metastasis markers in TNBC, specifically in the context of TNF-α and DOX-induced NF-κB signalling. These findings underscore the urgent need to further study CAPE as a possible adjuvant for treating patients with TNBC, especially those undergoing chemotherapy.

Source: UG
‘The cake is in Accra’: a case study on internal migration in Ghana

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
Calcium - Magnesium imbalance implicated in benign prostatic hyperplasia and restoration by a phytotherapeutic drug - Croton membranaceus Müll.Arg

Background: Calcium (Ca)- magnesium (Mg) imbalance is implicated in prostate cancer. Ca/Mg ratio increases or decreases with proliferation or apoptosis, respectively. The study examined whether this Ca/Mg imbalance exists in BPH patients and the effect of a phytotherapeutic drug on the Ca/Mg ratio. Methods: Thirty (30) BPH patients who used the ethanolic root extract of Croton membranaceus (60 mg/day) for 3 months were examined for serum Ca, Mg, phosphate, parathyroid hormone (PTH), vitamin D, prostate specific antigen (PSA) levels and renal function tests (RFT) before (BT) and after treatment (AT) alongside thirty (30) controls. Twenty (20) trace element including Mg and Ca were determined in the drug by neutron activation analysis (NAA). Results: RFT, PTH and vitamin D for BT, AT and controls (C) were normal. Mean PSA was 1.0 ± 0.64 (C), 27.9 ± 19.0 (BT) and 16.2 ± 11.8 ng/mL (AT) (p = 0.002). Mg, Ca/Mg ratio BT, AT and control were significantly different (p = 0.0001, respectively). After treatment, Mg and Ca/Mg ratio were not different from controls. The prevalence of Ca/Mg imbalance was 80% (BT), 13.3% (AT) and 3.3% (control group). Conclusion: Ca/Mg ratio imbalance is associated with BPH. This has previously not been demonstrated. The imbalance was significantly corrected after treatment with the phytotherapeutic drug.

Source: UG
Calcium montmorillonite clay reduces urinary biomarkers of fumonisin B1 exposure in rats and humans

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
Calculation of interfacial tensions between macromolecular solutions and Soltrol-130 from contact angles measurements

The determination of the surface tension of some liquids or solutions has been carried out using a tensiometer. The determination of the contact angle between the liquids and a planar surface has also been carried out using photography. Polar and dispersive contributions of the surface tension were obtained by calculation while the polarities of the liquids and solutions were determined applying Wu equations. This method gave the different results for solutions prepared from macromolecular compounds (acroleine-ethanolamine macromolecular solution 1g/l, acroleine-diethanolamine macromolecular solution 1g/l, polyglutaraldehyde-ethanolamine macromolecular solution 0.7 g/l and polyglutaraldehyde-diethanolamine macromolecular solution 1 g/l) synthesized by Malonda from glutaraldehyde and acroleine. The dispersive and polar contributions of the surface tension were computed and used to calculate the interfacial tensions of solutions by the simple measurement of the contact angle. The results have revealed that the computed interfacial tensions were comparable to the values measured directly by the tensiometer for polyglutaraldehydeethanolamine macromolecular solution 0.7 g/l and polyglutaraldehyde-diethanolamine macromolecular solution 1 g/l) making an interface with Soltrol-130 of 17.1 and 16.9 dynes/cm compared to direct measured values of 17.2 and 17.7 dynes/cm respectively representing 1% and 5% error, respectively ©2006-2013 Asian Research Publishing Network (ARPN).

Source: UG
Calixthe Beyala or the blasphematory discourse [Calixthe Beyala ou le discours blasphématoire au propre]

For Calixthe Beyala, as for most African novelists, the depiction of postcolonial society is inevitably linked to satirical denunciation. Her fiction, which is strikingly subversive, goes hand in hand with raw blasphemous discourse. Even if this impious temper is not alien to African cultural traditions, Beyala stands out as one of the rare creative writers to systematically exploit it in her works. While it is true that it often attacks the sun God, the Christian God and God the Father, her satire, nevertheless, does not spare deities the world over.

Source: UG
Call detail record aggregation methodology impacts infectious disease models informed by human mobility

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
A call for structured ethics appendices in social science papers

Ethics in social science experimentation and data collection are often discussed but rarely articulated in writing as part of research outputs. Although papers typically reference human subjects research approvals from relevant institutional review boards, most recognize that such boards do not carry out comprehensive ethical assessments. We propose a structured ethics appendix to provide details on the following: policy equipoise, role of the researcher, potential harms to participants and nonparticipants, conflicts of interest, intellectual freedom, feedback to participants, and foreseeable misuse of research results. We discuss each of these and some of the norms and challenging situations of each. We believe that discussing such issues explicitly in appendices of papers, even if briefly, will serve two purposes: more complete communication of ethics can improve discussions of papers and can clarify and improve the norms themselves

Source: UG
Calpain-10 gene polymorphisms and type 2 diabetes in West Africans: The Africa America Diabetes Mellitus (AADM) Study

To investigate whether the three single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs), SNP-43, -56, and -63 of CAPN10 were associated with type 2 diabetes in a West African cohort. A total of 347 diabetic subjects and 148 unaffected controls from four ethnic groups in two West African countries were enrolled in this study. After genotyping three SNPs of CAPN10 and one SNP from CYP19, the allele, genotype, and haplotype frequencies as well as the odds ratios were calculated to test their association with type 2 diabetes. None of the alleles or genotypes was associated with type 2 diabetes. Although statistical analysis indicated that haplotype 221 was associated with type 2 diabetes (OR, 3.765; 95% CI, 1.577-8.989) in the two ethnic groups of Nigeria, the same haplotype did not show any association with type 2 diabetes in the two ethnic groups in Ghana (OR, 0.906; 95% CI, 0.322-2.552). Considering the relatively low frequency of haplotype 221 and that none of the haplotypes including 221 was associated with any of the diabetes-related quantitative traits tested, it is concluded that SNP-43, -56, and -63 of the CAPN10 gene variants may play a limited role in the risk of type 2 diabetes risks in this cohort of West Africans.

Source: UG
Campylobacter at the Human–Food Interface: The African Perspective

The foodborne pathogen Campylobacter is a major cause of human gastroenteritis, accounting for an estimated annual 96 million cases worldwide. Assessment of the true burden of Campylobacter in the African context is handicapped by the under-reporting of diarrhoeal incidents and ine ective monitoring and surveillance programmes of foodborne illnesses, as well as the minimal attention given to Campylobacter as a causative agent of diarrhoea. The present review of the literature highlights the variability in the reported occurrence of Campylobacter in humans and animal food sources across di erent countries and regions in Africa. Campylobacter infection is particularly prevalent in the paediatric population and has been isolated from farm animals, particularly poultry, and foods of animal origin. The reported prevalence of Campylobacter in children under the age of five years ranges from 2% in Sudan to 21% in South Africa. In poultry, the prevalence ranges from 14.4% in Ghana to 96% in Algeria. This review also highlights the alarming trend of increased Campylobacter resistance to clinically important antimicrobials, such as ciprofloxacin and erythromycin, in humans and food animals in Africa. This review adds to our understanding of the global epidemiology of Campylobacter at the human–food animal interface, with an emphasis from the African perspective. Interinstitutional and intersectoral collaborations, as well as the adoption of the One Health approach, would be useful in bridging the gaps in the epidemiological knowledge of Campylobacter in Africa.

Source: UG
Campylobacter pylori in saudi patients undergoing upper gastrointestinal endoscopy: Prevalence and effect of conventional therapy

Patients with symptoms of gastritis or peptic ulcer disease were recruited to study the prevalence of Campylobacter pylori. On the basis of the endoscopic diagnosis only, the isolation rates of the organisms in normal, gastritis or gastroduodenitis (GD), and peptic ulcer (PU) disease patients, were not significantly different among the 89 patients evaluated. However, analysis based on histopathological evaluation (in 73 out of these 89 patients) revealed a significant difference (p = 0.00016) in the isolation rate between histologically normal individuals (14%) and those with GD (89%). Also, a significant (p = 0.03) difference was observed in the C. pylori detection rate among patients with GD and those with PU disease (61%). After adjustment for multiple comparisons, only the difference in C. pylori prevalence between normal and GD patients was maintained. After conventional therapy, 23 patients who initially had GD or PU disease were submitted to re-endoscopy. In the latter group, a correlation between presence or absence of organisms and histological healing was noted. The potential pathogenesis of C. pylori in gastritis and peptic ulcer disease, and designs for future trials are discussed.

Source: UG
Campylobacter, Salmonella, Shigella and Escherichia coli in live and dressed poultry from metropolitan Accra

This study on the microbiology of chicken assessed a total of 97 live birds from three selected farms and 87 carcasses/chicken parts from two supermarkets, two open markets and one wholesale outlet (cold store) in the Accra metropolis. Campylobacter spp. were isolated from 14 (14.4%) gut contents of live birds from three farms. None of the frozen birds were positive for Campylobacter spp. These isolates were sensitive to most common antibiotics but not to ampicillin and tetracyclines. Salmonella spp. were isolated from 7 (7.2%) gut contents and 13 (6.8%) carcasses and were resistant to erythromycin, cefotiam, penicillin, ampicillin and cefadroxil. Samonella spp. had varied susceptibilities to nalidixic acid, chloramphenicol and minocyclin. No Shigella spp. was isolated from any of the live birds but 6 (6.9%) of imported chicken samples from the cold store and two markets were positive. Fosfomycin and chloramphenicol were the only antibiotics effective against these isolates. Twelve different Escherichia coli serovars were identified from the total of 21 positive samples. These, in order of magnitude isolated, are E. coli 0158 (14.3%), 0125 (14.3%), 025 (9.5%), 028ac (9.5%), 0159 (9.5%), 015 (9.5%), 0126 (9.5%), 063 (4.8%), 0143 (4.8%), 026 (4.8%), 078 (4.8%), 0164 (4.8%). Cefadroxil, ampicillin, penicillin, cefotiam, tetracycline and erythromycin were ineffective against all strains of E. coli isolated. Minocyclin was effective against all strains with the exception of E. coli 0159, 025, 0164 and 063, which were moderately susceptible. All strains with exception of E. coli 0164 were susceptible to fosfomycin. Nalidixic acid, chloramphenicol, kanamaycin, ceftrioxone and amoxycillin all showed varied effectiveness against the strains isolated. It is concluded that imported and locally produced chicken is a potential source of multiple-antibiotic-resistant enteropathogenic bacteria. Measures to improve the microbial quality of chicken are discussed. © 2001 Elsevier Science B.V. All rights reserved.

Source: UG
Can ‘digital natives’ be ‘strangers’ to digital technologies? An analytical reflection

Although a plethora of extant literature categorises them as natives in the digital world, it has been counter-argued that a considerable group of young people cannot be designated as ‘digital natives’. This argument stems from the evidence for non enthusiasm, non-exposure as well as non-adeptness to digital/new media technologies among certain groups of young people. Through a scoping review of relevant literature and a thematic content analysis, this article explores digital inequalities suffered by ‘digital natives’ which render them ‘strangers’ in the digital technological world, although they have been born at a time of an abundance of digital communication technologies. It was found that the concept of ‘digital natives’ could be dichotomous – being native based on a period in which one was born and being native through expression of competency in the use of digital technologies. It was also found, among other things, that ‘digital natives’ could be ‘strangers’ in the digital world as a result of disinterest, illiteracy, economic constraints, poor network connectivity, lack of electric power and inadequate practical accessibility. The article concludes that the real ‘digital natives’ are the ones who use and express competency in the use of digital technologies, no matter the period they were born in. It was also recommended that in a period marked by limited physical contacts as a result of a global outbreak of disease, there is a need for greater efforts in bridging the digital disparity gap among all generational cohorts as work, business, teaching and learning shift online. One such is to include languages of digitally marginalised groups – digital strangers – (as a result of illiteracy) during programming of digital technologies. This can afford them the opportunity to use the voice optimisation features of digital devices in their local languages or be able to translate text on devices into their local languages in order to effectively deploy them.

Source: UG