ghanaopendata/ghanaian-research-english huggingface dataset:
Human and murine CD4 T cell epitopes map to the same region of the malaria circumsporozoite protein: Limited immunogenicity of sporozoites and circumsporozoite protein.

The circumsporozoite (CS) protein is a candidate vaccine antigen for the sporozoite stage in the life cycle of the malaria parasite. Using CS protein purified from recombinant baculovirus-infected cells and a panel of H-2 congenic mice, we are able to demonstrate that this protein is poorly immunogenic in terms of antibody production as a result of Ir gene control. The immune response to the protein is also restricted following immunization with a CS-recombinant vaccinia virus or with sporozoites. Using a panel of overlapping peptides spanning the entire protein, we are able to show that the high responder mice recognize helper T cell epitopes from the same region of the protein as do humans. This region, however, is the polymorphic segment of the protein, which has implications for vaccine development. However, the close overlap of human and murine T cell epitopes demonstrates that murine models may be very useful in epitope mapping and vaccine development for human pathogens. The T cell antigenic regions of this protein fulfil the predictive requirements for the amphipathic helicity algorithm.

Source: UG
Human behavioural factors implicated in outbreaks of human anthrax in the Tamale municipality of northern Ghana

The knowledge, attitude, beliefs and practices of cattle owners, herdsmen, butchers and meat consumers about anthrax were used to provide a better understanding of the major factors responsible for the frequent outbreaks of human anthrax in the Tamale municipality of northern Ghana. A total of 96% of the respondents, made up of 50 cattle owners, 50 herdsmen, 25 butchers and 125 consumers, knew of anthrax and the clinical signs indicative of anthrax in cattle. However, very few knew the causative agent and many attributed the disease to the supernatural. Eight percent of the respondents believed that herbal preparations could protect against human anthrax, while 9% indicated that they would seek help from traditional practitioners or herbalists, if they suspected anthrax. A significant proportion of respondents were of the view that animals, which had died of unknown causes could be eaten because they served as a source of inexpensive meat for the community, especially if the meat was cooked with herbs which was commonly thought to prevent anthrax. These attitudes, taken together with the low income of the population studied, made the consumption of meat from animals, which had died of unknown causes, an attractive option. This increased the vulnerability to human anthrax in an area with frequent anthrax outbreaks in livestock. The results of this study suggest that a public education campaign involving both veterinary and local health personnel on the actual cause and prevention of anthrax could reduce outbreaks of anthrax in people. Copyright (C) 2000 Elsevier Science B.V.

Source: UG
Human blood neutrophils generate ROS through FcγR-signaling to mediate protection against febrile P. falciparum malaria

The Department of Immunology conducts research in the field of immunology of infectious and non-infectious diseases. The Department has the overall goal of contributing knowledge to better diagnosis, management, control and prevention of infectious and non-infectious diseases in Ghana and worldwide. This is consistent with the overall strategy of the Noguchi Memorial Institute for Medical Research (NMIMR) and in line with the strategy of the College of Health Sciences of the University of Ghana.

Source: UG
Human brain microvascular endothelial cell traversal by Borrelia burgdorferi requires calcium signaling

Neurological manifestations of Lyme disease (or neuroborreliosis) occur variably and while it is clear thatBorrelia burgdorferican invadethe nervous system, how it does so is not well understood. Pathogen penetration through the blood brain barrier (BBB) is often influ-enced by calcium signaling in the endothelial cells triggered by extracellular host-pathogen interactions. We examined the traversal ofB. burgdorferiacross the human BBB usingin vitromodel systems constructed of human brain microvascular endothelial cells (HBMEC)grown on Costar TranswellÔinserts. Pretreatment of the cell monolayers with BAPTA-AM (an intracellular calcium chelator) or phos-pholipase C (PLC) inhibitor U73122 inhibitedB. burgdorferitransmigration. By 5 h, BAPTA-AM significantly inhibited (82–99%; p <0.017)spirochete traversal of HBMEC compared to DMSO controls. Spirochete traversal was almost totally blocked (‡99%; p <0.017) afterpretreatment with the PLC-binhibitor U73122 as a result of barrier tightening based on electric cell-substrate impedance sensing(ECIS). The data suggest a role for calcium signaling in CNS spirochete invasion through endothelial cell barriers.

Source: UG
Human breastmilk storage and the glutathione content

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

Source: UG
Human Capital Development and Performance of Academic Librarians: Sam Jonah Library in Focus

The contribution of human capital to the survival of libraries cannot be underestimated, this necessitates their regular training and development for increased performance. The aim of the study was to assess the extent to which human capital development in the Sam Jonah L ibrary improves performance of staf f . The qualitative method was used, where interview was used to solicit information from senior management. Six out of the eight senior management members were interviewed. Thematic analysis was used to an alyze data from the interviews conducted. The findings of the study showed that though there were training programmes organized in the library and outside the library, they were not adequate for the number of staff who required training . It was also found out that some staff had training in other fields other than library related programmes. Further, there was no improvement in the performance of staff who received training especially those who undertook professional library studies. Based on the findings and conclusions of the study, it is recommended among other s that the library should regularly measure the performance of trained staff in order to identify gaps in their skills which will enable the library to design relevant training programmes to boost staff performance. The Library should also develop and document a training policy to be used as a guide to training so as to select programmes that will be constructive to all staff from all sections of the library.

Source: UG
Human Development and Net Migration: the Ghanaian Experience

This study examines human development as a key economic driver of net migration in Ghana. The study uses annual time series data spanning the period of 1980–2020. An instrumental variable econometric approach is used for the analysis based on its strength in addressing identifcation challenges such as serial correlation and endogeneity issues commonly associated with time series data. Other econometric techniques are also used for robustness purposes. The study shows evidence of a negative and statistically signifcant relationship between human development and net migration in Ghana. This finding implies that improving human development negatively drives net migration in favour of emigration. The study recommends that efforts towards improving education, health and income should be strengthened to reduce emigration especially skilled and illegal migrants. This study concludes that human development is a key socio-economic driver of net migration in Ghana.

Source: UG
Human enteroviruses isolated during acute flaccid paralysis surveillance in Ghana: Implications for the post eradication era

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
Human Exposure Risks Assessment of Heavy Metals in Groundwater within the Amansie and Adansi Districts in Ghana using Pollution Evaluation Indices

Non-carcinogenic risk assessment was done using Hazard Quotient (HQing/derm) and Hazard Index (HIing/derm) following USEPA methodology for a total of 59 boreholes and 12 hand dug wells sampled between July and October 2012. The objective was to assess the potential human health risks caused by exposure to non-carcinogenic heavy metals and estimate the potential environmental risk exposure in order to ensure the health safety of consumers within the Amansie and Adansi Districts. The results shows that, the heavy metal abundance in groundwater within the districts is in the order: Fe > Mn > As > Zn > Cu = Pb > Cd > Hg, for borehole water and Fe > As > Mn > Zn > Cu > Cd > Pb > Hg, for well water. The percentage contributions are: Fe (60%), Mn (20%), As (7%), Zn (5%), Cu (4%), Pb (4%), Cd (0%) and Hg (0%). The results also show that, the potential non-carcinogenic risks of exposure (HQing/derm) posed by Fe, Mn, Cd, Cu, Zn, Pb, As and Hg within a single route of exposure via ingestion or dermal contact is 3.30 x 10-2, 1.40 x 10-1, 5.00 x 10-4, 3.70 x 10-2, 3.00 x 10-1, 3.60 x 10-2, 3.00 x 10-4 and 3.00 x 10-4 respectively for both adults and children, suggesting a decreasing order of Zn > Mn > Cu > Pb > Fe > Cd > As = Hg, for borehole water, and Zn > Mn > Cu > Fe > Cd > As = Hg, for well water. The concerns for potential human health risks caused by exposure to non-carcinogenic heavy metals for Fe, Mn, Cd, Cu,Zn, Pb, As, and Hg are: 6.0 x10-2, 2.56 x 10-1, 9.15 x 10-4, 6.77 x 10-2, 5.49 x 10-1, 6.59 x 10-2, 5.49 x 10-4, 5.49 x 10-4 for boreholes, and 6.46 x 10-2, 2.74 x 10-1, 9.79 x10-4, 7.25 x 10-2, 5.88 x 10-1, 5.88 x 10-4, 5.88 x 10-4 for well water, suggesting that there is no concern for potential human health risks caused by exposure to non-carcinogenic toxic heavy metals in groundwater within the Districts (i.e HQ/HI <1). The study further show that, the risk index factor (Ri) for heavy metals was in the order: Hg > As > Cd > Pb > Cu > Zn, for borehole water, and As > Cd > Cu > Zn for well water, suggesting that, groundwater within the Districts is potentially threatened by anthropogenic activities primarily, mining activities where, chemicals such as arsenic (As) and mercury (Hg) are used to recover gold from its amalgam. Based on the classification of environmental risk using comprehensive risk factor (CRI), borehole water within the districts could be classified as very high risk, while, well water could be classified as high risk. Generally, the main environmental heavy metals that poses pollution risk in groundwater within the Districts were Hg, As and Cd and contributed mostly to the Risk index factor (Ri).

Source: UG
Human Factor Issues In The Use Of E-Government Services Among Ghanaian Middle Age Population: Improving Usability Of Existing And Future Government Virtual Interactive Systems Design

It is an undisputable fact that the world is changing at a very fast pace. It therefore requires a change if every organization and institution are to respond to these changes. It is for these reasons that government needs to take initiative in order to stimulate its citizens to adopt and embrace the use of ICT, using usability engineering as a tool to iimprove the existing and future government Virtual Interactive Systems designthem to give off the best leading to an increase in work performance.Given the fact that more and more governments in Europe and Africa invest heavily in e-government design and implementation, e-government has become an evolving and important research area in the IS (Information System) field. A mixed methodology (quantitative and qualitative) was adopted whilst the purposive sampling was used to select respondents of the study. The main instrument used in gathering data was questionnaire. The results indicated that the e-government services have transformed how government relates itself to its citizenry. About (38.1%) of respondents identified that an improved usability or system interface was a major reason for the adoption and usage of e-government service and vice versa. However, there were some suggestions and recommendations on how to improve the human factor issues in the adoption and use of egovernment services among the middle age population in Ghana with purpose of improving usability of existing and future government virtual interactive systems design, which include establishment of Public Authority for egovernment projects, improvement of Payment systems, e-government campaign, improvement of ease of use of services, enhance training of personnel, interactive interfaces and effectiveness of thesystem design.

Source: UG
Human factors challenge in entrepreneurship development: an explorative study in a developing economy context

This study explored the barriers to entrepreneurial development in Ghana with the aim of building a knowledge base for successful entrepreneurship development initiatives in a developing economy context. An exploratory approach was used with both retrospective and qualitative data collected through a survey. The results showed that the functionalities of the numerous schemes initiated to support individual entrepreneurs‟ growth were constrained due to the inherent constraints in the design of the guiding frameworks for such schemes. The study also showed that the several policies and structures initiated differently by various governments since Ghana‟s independence in March 1959 could not help enhance entrepreneurial development, because the entrepreneurial environment created for entrepreneurship development was not very friendly to the individual entrepreneurs, By implication, the study provides learning on the need to bridge the distance that exist between the designers/implementers of entrepreneurship development policies/frameworks and the individual entrepreneurs (humans).

Source: UG
Human G9P[8] rotavirus strains circulating in Cameroon, 1999-2000: Genetic relationships with other G9 strains and detection of a new G9 subtype

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
Human genetic polymorphisms in the Knops blood group are not associated with a protective advantage against Plasmodium falciparum malaria in Southern Ghana

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

Source: UG
Human Health Risk Assessment Of Airborne Trace Elements For Human Receptors In The Vicinity Of The Diamond Cement Factory, Volta Region, Ghana

In this study, total suspended particulate matter (aerodynamic diameter range between 0.05 and 5 μm) levels in the vicinity of the Diamond Cement (DIACEM) Factory, Aflao, Ghana were measured and analyzed for As, Cr, Ni and Zn using multi-elemental technique of instrumental neutron-activation analysis. The primary objective of the study was to assess the human health risk of the trace metals exposure for children and adult population in four stratified zones in the study area. From the results, the mean dust level (538.92 μg/m3) around the cement facility deviated completely from regulatory specification (150 μg/m3) indicating massive air pollution in the area. The mean concentration (mg/kg) of trace metals in the area were found in the order of Ni (44.38) >Zn (25.65) > Cr (15.26) >As (2.87). The human-risk assessment study indicated that non-carcinogenic risk was insignificant but the risk of cancer could be probable. Ingestion exposure was the highest level of risk found for both adults and children population in the area. The study encourages more work as it cautioned that the current results cannot symbolize a general portrait of the cement industry in Ghana, explaining that similar facilities may differ in their pollution cleaning strategies and environmental conditions.

Source: UG
Human immunodeficiency virus, hepatitis B virus and syphilis infections among longdistance truck drivers in, a Port City in Ghana

Background: Although the high prevalence of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), hepatitis B virus (HBV) and syphilis infections among longdistance truck drivers has been well documented globally, such data are sparse from Africa, and there has been no such data from Ghana. This study carried out between the months of January and June 2013 sought to determine the sero-prevalence and risk factors of HIV, HBV and syphilis infections among long distance truck drivers at the Tema sea port, Ghana. Materials and Methods: Of a total of 800 eligible drivers, 106 (13.25%) drivers consented to take part in the study. Subjects voluntarily completed a risk factor questionnaire and provided blood specimen for testing for HIV, syphilis and the surface antigen of HBV (HBsAg). Results: The mean age of the drivers was 40.56 ± 11.56 years. The sero-prevalence of HIV was 0.94%, 14.2% had HBsAg and reactive syphilis serology was 3.8%. On multivariate analysis, the main determinants of HBV infection were; multiple sexual partnership (OR, 6.36; 95% CI: 1.35- 29.79), patronage of commercial sex workers (OR, 6.85; 95% CI: 0.88 - 52.89), cross-border travelers (OR: 6.89-fold, 95% CI: 0.86 - 55.55) and prolonged duration of trips for more than two weeks (OR: 4.76; 95% CI: 0.59 - 38.02). The main determinant of syphilis infection on multivariate analysis was being a Muslim (OR, 2.19; 95% CI: 0.22 - 21.74). Conclusion: The data indicate a lower sero-prevalence of HIV but a higher sero-prevalence of syphilis. However, the sero-prevalence of HBV infection is comparable to that of the general population.

Source: UG
Human leukocyte antigen class I polymorphisms influence the mild clinical manifestation of Plasmodium falciparum infection in Ghanaian children

The Department of Immunology conducts research in the field of immunology of infectious and non-infectious diseases. The Department has the overall goal of contributing knowledge to better diagnosis, management, control and prevention of infectious and non-infectious diseases in Ghana and worldwide. This is consistent with the overall strategy of the Noguchi Memorial Institute for Medical Research (NMIMR) and in line with the strategy of the College of Health Sciences of the University of Ghana.

Source: UG
Human leukocyte antigen class II alleles influence levels of antibodies to the plasmodium falciparum asexual-stage apical membrane antigen 1 but not to merozoite surface antigen 2 and merozoite surface protein 1

The apical membrane antigen 1 (AMA1), merozoite surface antigen 2 (MSA2), and merozoite surface protein 1 (MSP1) are asexual-stage proteins currently being evaluated for inclusion in a vaccine for Plasmodium falciparum. Accordingly, it is important to understand factors that control antibody responses to these antigens. Antibody levels in plasma from residents of Etoa, Cameroon, between the ages of 5 and 70 years, were determined using recombinant AMA1, MSA2, and the N-terminal region of MSP1 (MSP1-190L). In addition, antibody responses to four variants of the C-terminal region of MSP1 (MSP1 19) were assessed. Results showed that all individuals produced antibodies to AMA1, MSA2, and MSP1-190L; however, a proportion of individuals never produced antibodies to the MSP1 19 variants, although the percentage of nonresponders decreased with age. The influence of age and human leukocyte antigen (HLA)-DRB1/DQB1 alleles on antibody levels was evaluated using two-way analysis of variance. Age was correlated with levels of antibodies to AMA1 and MSP1 19 but not with levels of antibodies to MSA2 and MSP1-190L. No association was found between a single HLA allele and levels of antibodies to MSA2, MSP1-190L, or any of the MSP1 19 variants. However, individuals positive for DRB1*1201 had higher levels of antibodies to the variant of recombinant AMA1 tested than did individuals of all other HLA types. Since the effect was seen across all age groups, HLA influenced the level but not the rate of antibody acquisition. This association for AMA1, combined with the previously reported association between HLA class II alleles and levels of antibodies to rhoptry-associated protein 1 (RAP1) and RAP2, indicates that HLA influences the levels of antibodies to three of the five vaccine candidate antigens that we have evaluated.

Source: UG
Human Leukocyte Antigen-Associated HIV-1 CRF02_AG gag and vif Polymorphisms in Ghana

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
Human loiasis in a Cameroonian village: A double-blind, placebo-controlled, crossover clinical trial of a three-day albendazole regimen

Because of the life-threatening, post-treatment reactions that have occurred in patients with loiasis treated with ivermectin, evaluation of a short-course albendazole regimen was undertaken in a Loa-endemic region of Cameroon. In a placebo-controlled, double-blinded, crossover study, 99 subjects with microfilaremia (100-3,3837/mL) were assigned to receive albendazole (400 mg; n = 48) or placebo (n = 51) for three days and were followed for 180 days; at day 180, the groups were crossed over and followed for an additional six months. In those initially receiving albendazole (ALB/PLAC), microfilarial levels decreased significantly by day 90 (P < 0.043), but returned to baseline by day 180. In those receiving albendazole at day 180 (PLAC/ALB), microfilarial levels also decreased following albendazole (P = 0.005). Blood eosinophil and antifilarial IgG levels did not change significantly for either group, although antifilarial IgG4 levels did in the ALB/PLAC group at day 180. Most subjects continued to have elevations in microfilaremia, suggesting that more intensive regimens of albendazole will be necessary to reduce Loa microfilaremia to levels safe enough to allow for ivermectin use.

Source: UG