ghanaopendata/ghanaian-research-english huggingface dataset:
Self-reported use of anti-malarial drugs and health facility management of malaria in Ghana

Abstract Objective To assess the appropriateness of self-reported use of anti-malarial drugs prior to health facility attendance, and the management of malaria in two health facilities in Ghana. Method A structured questionnaire was used to collect data from 500 respondents who were diagnosed clinically and/or parasitologically for malaria at Agogo Presbyterian Hospital and Suntreso Polyclinic, both in the Ashanti Region of Ghana. Collected information included previous use of anti-malarial drugs prior to attending the health facilities, types of drugs used, how the drugs were used, and the sources of the drugs. In addition, the anti-malarial therapy given and outcomes at the two health facilities were assessed. Results Of the 500 patients interviewed, 17% had severe malaria, 8% had moderate to severe malaria and 75% had uncomplicated malaria. Forty three percent of the respondents had taken anti-malarial drugs within two weeks prior to hospital attendance. The most commonly used anti-malarials were chloroquine (76%), sulphadoxine-pyrimethamine (9%), herbal preparations (9%) and amodiaquine (6%). The sources of these medicines were licensed chemical sellers (50%), pharmacies (21%), neighbouring clinics (9%) or "other" sources (20%) including left-over medicines at home. One hundred and sixty three (77%) of the 213 patients who had used anti-malarial drugs prior to attending the health facilities, used the drugs inappropriately. At the health facilities, the anti-malarials were prescribed and used according to the national standard treatment guidelines with good outcomes. Conclusion Prevalence of inappropriate use of anti-malarials in the community in Ghana is high. There is need for enhanced public health education on home-based management of malaria and training for workers in medicine supply outlets to ensure effective use of anti-malaria drugs in the country.

Source: UG
Semidual Kitaev lattice model and tensor network representation

Kitaev’s lattice models are usually defined as representations of the Drinfeld quantum double D(H) = H ./H op, as an example of a double cross product quantum group. We propose a new version based instead on M(H) = Hcop I/H as an example of Majid’s bicrossproduct quantum group, related by semidualisation or ‘quantum Born reciprocity’ to D(H). Given a finite-dimensional Hopf algebra H, we show that a quadrangulated oriented surface defines a representation of the bicrossproduct quantum group Hcop I/H. Even though the bicrossproduct has a more complicated and entangled coproduct, the construction of this new model is relatively natural as it relies on the use of the covariant Hopf algebra actions. Working locally, we obtain an exactly solvable Hamiltonian for the model and provide a definition of the ground state in terms of a tensor network representation.

Source: UG
Semiotics of costume in Baamaya dance suite of the Dagbamba

The paper discusses the symbolisms and the aesthetics of costume in the Baamaaya Dance Suite among the Dagbamba in Northern Ghana. It looks at semiotics of costume from the general framework of non-verbal communication within the context of the dance. Costume within the framework of the dance will be interrogated based on gender sensitivity. Why the choice of feminist costume for the opposite sex?, The myth surrounding the choice of feminist costume for the opposite sex, as well as clothing representations, will be investigated on the cosmic world view of the Dagbamba. Through participant observation, interviews and content analysis, the paper posits that the feminist reflection of clothes on the men in the Baamaaya dance performance is rooted in the Dagbamba mythology. Again, the costumes are not only aesthetically applied, but they are also embedded with philosophies, symbolisms, signs, texture and elements that are impetus to the general framework of the dance.

Source: UG
Semistructured black-box prediction: proposed approach for asthma admissions in London

Asthma is a global public health problem and the most common chronic disease among children. The factors associated with the condition are diverse, and environmental factors appear to be the leading cause of asthma exacerbation and its worsening disease burden. However, it remains unknown how changes in the environment affect asthma over time, and how temporal or environmental factors predict asthma events. The methodologies for forecasting asthma and other similar chronic conditions are not comprehensively documented anywhere to account for semistructured noncausal forecasting approaches. This paper highlights and discusses practical issues associated with asthma and the environment, and suggests possible approaches for developing decision-making tools in the form of semistructured black-box models, which is relatively new for asthma. Two statistical methods which can potentially be used in predictive modeling and health forecasting for both anticipated and peak events are suggested. Importantly, this paper attempts to bridge the areas of epidemiology, environmental medicine and exposure risks, and health services provision. The ideas discussed herein will support the development and implementation of early warning systems for chronic respiratory conditions in large populations, and ultimately lead to better decision-making tools for improving health service delivery.

Source: UG
Sense of community and willingness to support malaria intervention programme in urban poor Accra, Ghana

Background The extensive research on community members’ willingness to support malaria interventions ignores the role of psychosocial determinants. This study assesses the impact of individuals’ sense of community (perceptions of community cohesion, altruism, seeking help from neighbours and migrant status) on their willingness to participate in a mosquito control programme using data on 768 individuals from the 2013 RIPS Urban Health and Poverty Survey in poor coastal communities in Accra, Ghana. A contingent valuation experiment was employed to elicit individuals’ willingness to support the programme by contributing nothing, labour time/money only or both. Results Findings show that different dimensions of sense of community related differently with willingness to support the programme. Perceived community cohesion was associated with lower odds while help-seeking from neighbours and being a migrant were associated with higher odds of supporting the programme. Altruism was the only dimension not linked to willingness to participate. Conclusions Different dimensions of sense of community are associated with community members’ willingness to provide labour, time or both to support the malaria eradication programme. The findings of this study have implications for targeting social relational aspects, in addition to geographical aspects, of communities with malaria-resilient policy and intervention. They also warrant further research on psychosocial factors that predict willingness to support health programmes in urban poor settings.

Source: UG
Sense of place and mental wellness of visible minority immigrants in Hamilton, Ontario: Revelations from key informants

This paper explores key informants’ revelations on immigrants’ sense of place and mental wellness in Hamilton, Ontario, directed toward processes and programs that challenge belongingness and integration. Grounded in key informant interviews, our analysis underscores the importance of understanding immigrants’ sense of community, belonging embedded in socioeconomic conditions, and implications on mental wellness. It is proposed that settlement service providers and other stakeholders adopt a broad and multifaceted approach that recognizes the importance of addressing immigrants’ conditions in a holistic manner. This could be achieved by focusing on policies that affect all determinants of health (including mental health) through the integration of public policies into a comprehensive package of health improvement and promotion strategies, and should be incorporated into policies of health and health-related institutions for implementation.

Source: UG
Sensitive and specific detection of ligands using engineered riboswitches

Riboswitches are RNA elements found in non-coding regions of messenger RNAs that regulate gene expression through a ligand-triggered conformational change. Riboswitches typically bind tightly and specifically to their ligands, so they have the potential to serve as highly effective sensors in vitro. In B. subtilis and other gram-positive bacteria, purine nucleotide synthesis is regulated by riboswitches that bind to guanine. We modified the xpt-pbuX guanine riboswitch for use in a fluorescence quenching assay that allowed us to specifically detect and quantify guanine in vitro. Using this assay, we reproducibly detected as little as 5 nM guanine. We then produced sensors for 2′-deoxyguanosine and cyclic diguanylate (c-diGMP) by appending the P1 stem of the guanine riboswitch to the ligand-binding domains of a 2′-deoxyguanosine riboswitch and a c-diGMP riboswitch. These hybrid sensors could detect 15 nM 2′-deoxyguanosine and 3 nM c-diGMP, respectively. Each sensor retained the ligand specificity of its corresponding natural riboswitch. In order to extend the utility of our approach, we developed a strategy for the in vitro selection of sensors with novel ligand specificity. Here we report a proof-of-principle experiment that demonstrated the feasibility of our selection strategy.

Source: UG
Sensitive and specific quantitative detection of rotavirus a by one-step real-time reverse transcription-PCR assay without antecedent double-stranded-RNA denaturation

A real-time quantitative reverse transcription-PCR (qRT-PCR) assay using the recombinant thermostable Thermus thermophilus (rTth) enzyme was developed to detect and quantify rotavirus A (RVA). By using rTth polymerase, significant improvement was achieved over the existing real-time RT-PCR assays, which require denaturation of the RVA double-stranded RNA (dsRNA) prior to assay setup. Using a dsRNA transcript for segment 7, which encodes the assay target NSP3 gene, the limit of detection for the improved assay was calculated to be approximately 1 genome copy per reaction. The NSP3 qRT-PCR assay was validated using a panel of 1,906 stool samples, 23 reference RVA strains, and 14 nontarget enteric virus samples. The assay detected a diverse number of RVA genotypes and did not detect other enteric viruses, demonstrating analytical sensitivity and specificity for RVA in testing stool samples. A XenoRNA internal process control was introduced and detected in a multiplexed qRT-PCR format. Because it does not require an antecedent dsRNA denaturation step, this assay reduces the possibility of sample cross-contamination and requires less hands-on time than other published qRT-PCR protocols for RVA detection. Copyright © 2013, American Society for Microbiology. All Rights Reserved.

Source: UG
Sensitive determination of 1- and 2-naphthol in human plasma by HPLC-fluorescence detection with 4-(4,5-diphenyl-1H-imidazol-2-yl)benzoyl chloride as a labeling reagent

A sensitive HPLC-fluorescence (FL) method with FL-labeling reagent for simultaneous determination of 1- and 2-naphthol was developed. The FL-labeling reaction of naphthols with 4-(4,5-diphenyl-1H-imidazol-2-yl)benzoyl chloride (DIB-Cl) was completed in 20 min at 40°C. The separation of DIB derivatives was achieved with an ODS column and isocratic elution. The LODs of 1- and 2-naphthol were 16 fmol and 14 fmol/injection, respectively, which were 5-fold and 14-fold lower than those obtained by HPLC-FL method using the native FL of naphthols. The DIB-naphthol derivatives were stable for at least 24 h even when they were placed at room temperature. The proposed method was applied to the measurement of 1- and 2-naphthol in human plasma with sufficient accuracy (90.8–109%) and precision (< 6.3%).

Source: UG
Sensitive real-time PCR detection of Plasmodium falciparum parasites in whole blood by erythrocyte membrane protein 1 gene amplification

Background Malaria remains a global public health problem responsible for 445,000 deaths in 2016. While microscopy remains the mainstay of malaria diagnosis, highly sensitive molecular methods for detection of low-grade sub-microscopic infections are needed for surveillance studies and identifying asymptomatic reservoirs of malaria transmission. Methods The Plasmodium falciparum genome sequence was analysed to identify high copy number genes that improve P. falciparum parasite detection in blood by RT-PCR. Plasmodium falciparum erythrocyte membrane protein 1 (PfEMP1)-specific primers were evaluated for P. falciparum detection in hospital-based microscopically positive dried blood spots and field-acquired whole blood from asymptomatic individuals from Ghana. Results PfEMP1 outperformed the Pf18S sequence for amplification-based P. falciparum detection. PfEMP1 primers exhibited sevenfold higher sensitivity compared to Pf18S primers for parasite genomic DNA. Probit analysis established a 95% detection threshold of 9.3 parasites/mL for PfEMP1 compared to 98.2 parasites/mL for Pf18S primers. The PfEMP1 primers also demonstrated superior clinical sensitivity, identifying 100% (20/20) of dried blood spot samples and 70% (69/98) of asymptomatic individuals as positive versus 55% (11/20) and 54% (53/98), respectively, for Pf18S amplification. Conclusions These results establish PfEMP1 as a novel amplification target for highly sensitive detection of both acute infections from filter paper samples and submicroscopic asymptomatic low-grade infections.

Source: UG
Sensitivities and specificities of diagnostic tests and infection prevalence of Schistosoma haematobium estimated from data on adults in villages northwest of Accra, 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
Sensitivity of Maize Yield in Smallholder Systems to Climate Scenarios in Semi-Arid Regions of West Africa: Accounting for Variability in Farm Management Practices

Climate change is estimated to exacerbate existing challenges faced by smallholder farmers in Sub-Sahara Africa. However, limited studies quantify the extent of variation in climate change impact under these systems at the local scale. The Decision Support System for Agro-technological Transfer (DSSAT) was used to quantify variation in climate change impacts on maize yield under current agricultural practices in semi-arid regions of Senegal (Nioro du Rip) and Ghana (Navrongo and Tamale). Multi-benchmark climate models (Mid-Century, 2040–2069 for two Representative Concentration Pathways, RCP4.5 and RCP8.5), and multiple soil and management information from agronomic surveys were used as input for DSSAT. The average impact of climate scenarios on grain yield among farms ranged between 􀀀9% and 􀀀39% across sites. Substantial variation in climate response exists across farms in the same farming zone with relative standard deviations from 8% to 117% at Nioro du Rip, 13% to 64% in Navrongo and 9% to 37% in Tamale across climate models. Variations in fertilizer application, planting dates and soil types explained the variation in the impact among farms. This study provides insight into the complexities of the impact of climate scenarios on maize yield and the need for better representation of heterogeneous farming systems for optimized outcomes in adaptation and resilience planning in smallholder systems.

Source: UG
Sensitivity of Maize Yield in Smallholder Systems to Climate Scenarios in Semi-Arid Regions ofWest Africa: Accounting for Variability in Farm Management Practices

Climate change is estimated to exacerbate existing challenges faced by smallholder farmers in Sub-Sahara Africa. However, limited studies quantify the extent of variation in climate change impact under these systems at the local scale. The Decision Support System for Agro-technological Transfer (DSSAT) was used to quantify variation in climate change impacts on maize yield under current agricultural practices in semi-arid regions of Senegal (Nioro du Rip) and Ghana (Navrongo and Tamale). Multi-benchmark climate models (Mid-Century, 2040–2069 for two Representative Concentration Pathways, RCP4.5 and RCP8.5), and multiple soil and management information from agronomic surveys were used as input for DSSAT. The average impact of climate scenarios on grain yield among farms ranged between ��9% and ��39% across sites. Substantial variation in climate response exists across farms in the same farming zone with relative standard deviations from 8% to 117% at Nioro du Rip, 13% to 64% in Navrongo and 9% to 37% in Tamale across climate models. Variations in fertilizer application, planting dates and soil types explained the variation in the impact among farms. This study provides insight into the complexities of the impact of climate scenarios on maize yield and the need for better representation of heterogeneous farming systems for optimized outcomes in adaptation and resilience planning in smallholder systems.

Source: UG
Sensorineural Hearing Loss in Ghanaians with Sickle Cell disease.

A study seeking to determine whether Sensorineural hearing loss occurs with similar prevalence in sickle cell haemoglobin (Hb) SS and SC disease patients was conducted on 200 subjects comprising 93 Hb SC patients, 55 Hb SS patient. and 52 Hb AA subjects serving as controls. Each subject was given haematological and pure tone audiological examinations. Three out of 93 Hb SC patient (3.2%) showed hearing losses ranging from 30 10 40 dB but 15 out of 55 Hb SS patients (27.3%) exhibited hearing loss ranging from 30 to 60 dB. All hearing losses were in the high frequency range of 4 to 8kHz, Further studies art required to determine why Sensorineural hearing loss is prevalent in Hb SS patients but not so common in Hb SC patients.

Source: UG
Sensory Acceptability and Proximate Composition of 3-Blend Plant-Based Dairy Alternatives

Limitations of plant-based dairy alternatives as sustainable foods are their relatively low protein content and low sensory appeal. In this study, we used a consumer-led product development approach to improve the sensory appeal of existing prototypes of 3-blend dairy alternatives produced from melon seeds, peanuts and coconut. We used Relative Preference Mapping (RPM) and consumer acceptance testing using the 9-point hedonic scale to respectively identify innovative flavours and deduce the effect of ingredient components on consumer sensory appeal. Mixture design was used as the formulation tool to obtain optimized prototypes of the 3-blend dairy alternatives. Proximate analysis of the new prototypes, instrumental color assessment and consumer testing provided a basis to select a sustainable 3-blend dairy alternative. This prototype had a relatively high protein content (2.16%), was considered innovative by target consumers and also had a moderate liking score (6.55 1.88) on the 9-point hedonic scale. Prototypes with higher protein content had low sensory appeal and were not considered innovative. Other prototypes with innovative sensory appeal had low protein content. By combining different plant raw materials and utilizing different sensory testing methods, we were able to design sustainable plant-based dairy alternatives which can be further optimized.

Source: UG
Sensory attributes and acceptability of complementary foods fortified with Moringa oleifera leaf powder

Purpose Inadequacies in several micronutrients in complementary foods, notably iron, zinc, calcium, vitamin A, vitamin B6 and riboflavin have been reported. Moringa oleifera leaf powder (MLP), prepared from dried moringa leaves is nutrient-rich and has been explored for the treatment of micronutrient deficiencies among children in developing countries. This increasing interest in the use of moringa oleifera leaves to improve complementary foods notwithstanding, the unique sensory characteristics of the leaf powder potentially holds implications for the acceptability of local diets that are fortified with it. The purpose of this paper is to investigate the levels of MLP fortification that are most acceptable for feeding infants and young children. Design/methodology/approach The authors performed a review of the literature, with the aim of investigating the sensory attributes and acceptable levels of fortification of complementary food blends fortified with different levels of MLP. Findings The minimum amount of MLP to be added to a complementary food blend to observe significant improvements in its nutritional value was estimated to be about 10 per cent. However, at this 10 per cent fortification level also, sensory attributes of the products begin to become less desirable. Practical implications For the success of nutrition interventions that involve the use of MLP to improve the nutritional quality of complementary foods, there is a need to consider the acceptability of the sensory attributes of the formulated blends in the target group. Safety of MLP as an ingredient in infant foods must also be investigated. Originality/value The authors of this paper make recommendations for the use of MLP to fortify complementary foods to ensure its success as a food fortificant in nutrition interventions. The researchers are not aware of any published study that focuses on this subject.

Source: UG
Sensory characteristics of fufu prepared with cassava roots (Manihot esculenta Crantz) stored in polyethylene sacks

This study was carried out to assess the effect of storage of cassava roots in polyethylene sacks for periods of 2, 4, 6 and 8 weeks on the sensory characteristics of cassava fufu, a popular Ghanaian dish. Freshly harvested cassava roots were dipped in tap water and packed into polyethylene sacks in 2-kg batches and stored at room temperature (25°C ± 1°C). Samples of fresh cassava fufu were evaluated and then at two weekly intervals for a period of 8 weeks. Attributes evaluated were colour, smell, elasticity, smoothness and taste. A structured six-point ranking scale ranging from 6 (excellent) to 1 (very poor) was used for the evaluation. The data were analysed using analysis of variance, and the least significance difference test at P < 0.05 was used to determine differences between means. The results showed that storage of cassava roots for up to 8 weeks did not significantly affect the colour, smell, elasticity and taste of cassava fufu. However, smoothness of fufu prepared with cassava stored for 6 and 8 weeks was significantly different from the samples of the fresh cassava, and those stored for 2 and 4 weeks. It was concluded that cassava roots stored for periods up to 8 weeks in polyethylene sacks produced fufu of similar characteristics as fresh cassava fufu. This method is therefore recommended for use by homemakers, food service operators, cassava retailers and processors to save them time, energy and money used for the frequent trips for purchases. The method would also reduce post-harvest losses to a large extent. © 2017 Wiley. All rights reserved.

Source: UG