ghanaopendata/ghanaian-research-english huggingface dataset:
Anatomy and blood supply of the urethra and penis

The penis is made up of three cylindrical erectile bodies. The pendulous anterior portion hangs from the lower anterior surface of the symphysis pubis. The two dorsolateral corpora cavernosa are fused together, with an incomplete septum dividing them. The third and smaller corpus spongiosum lies in the ventral groove between the corpora cavernosa, and is traversed by the centrally placed urethra. Its distal end is expanded into a conical glans, which is folded dorsally and proximally to cover the ends of the corpora cavernosa and ends in a prominent ridge, the corona. The corona passes laterally and then curves distally to meet in a V ventrally and anterior to the frenulum, a fold of skin just proximal to the external urethral meatus. The erectile tissue of the corpora cavernosa is made up of blood spaces lined by endothelium enclosed in a tough fibroelastic covering, the tunica albuginea. The corpus spongiosum is smaller with a much thinner tunica albuginea, and its erectile tissue surrounds the urethra. Proximally, at the base of the pendulous penis, the corpora cavernosa separate to become the crura, which are attached to the inferomedial margins of the pubic arch and adjoining inferior surface of the urogenital diaphragm. The corpus spongiosum becomes expanded into the bulb, which is adherent in the midline to the inferior surface of the urogenital diaphragm. This is the fixed part of the penis, and is known as the root of the penis. The urethra runs in the dorsal part of the bulb and makes an almost right-angled bend to pass superiorly through the urogenital diaphragm to become the membranous urethra.

Source: UG
Ancient Shrines? New Insights on the Komaland Sites of Northern Ghana

This paper reports preliminary results from an archaeological survey and excavation in the Koma area, an archaeological region within the basins of the Sisili and Kulpawn rivers in northern Ghana. Previous research in the area had described the associated stone circle mounds containing terracotta figurines as burial mounds dated to between the 13th and 19th centuries Ad. The current research suggests new perspectives and, based on the material arrangements within and around the mounds , the types of artifacts and their distribution, the nature and burial of incomplete human remains, complete ceramic vessels, and ceramic figurines and other enigmatic objects, it seems more likely that the mounds were remnants of ancient shrines. The symbolic relationship between the different contextual arrangements and also the ceramic figurines depicting animals with human facial features suggest shrine or ritual activities. Ethnographic examples from some West African societies provide insights into the likely multiple functions associated with these possible ancient shrines of the Koma area of northern Ghana. Radiocarbon and thermoluminescence dates obtained push back the occupation of the area and the mound formations to between the 6th century and 10th century AD.

Source: UG
Anemia and iron deficiency in pregnant Ghanaian women from urban areas.

Objectives: To determine the prevalence and identify risk factors for iron deficiency and anemia in pregnant Ghanaian women from urban areas. Methods: A cross-sectional study of 452 healthy pregnant women receiving prenatal care in Accra, Ghana, was conducted. A sociodemographic health questionnaire was performed and hematologic parameters were measured. Logistic regression methods were used to identify risk factors for anemia and iron status. Results: Complete data were available for 428 women. Anemia (hemoglobin < 11 g/dL) was present in 144 (34%), iron deficiency (ferritin ≤ 16 μg/L) in 69 (16%), and iron deficiency anemia in 32 (7.5%) women. The adjusted odds ratio (OR) for anemia was 3.4 and 9.8 if iron deficiency and malaria parasitemia were present, respectively; the OR was 0.6 if women were at ≥ 36 weeks of pregnancy. The adjusted OR for iron deficiency was 2.7 if women were at ≥ 36 weeks of pregnancy and 0.12 if they had sickle trait. Conclusion: Although anemia and iron deficiency remain substantial problems in pregnant Ghanaian women from urban areas, their prevalence is less than previously reported. © 2007 International Federation of Gynecology and Obstetrics.

Source: UG
Anemia in prospective blood donors deferred by the copper sulphate technique of hemoglobin estimation

Background: Patients who require transfusion as part of their clinical management have the right to expect sufficient blood to be available to meet their needs and to receive the safest blood possible. Donor deferrals (disqualification) lead to loss of precious blood donors and blood units available for transfusion purposes. It is believed that a large majority of donor deferrals are due to temporal and correctable causes such as anemia in developing countries. It is therefore important to determine anemia among donor population to inform decision-making on the type of measures to be taken to reduce deferrals due to anemia. The aim of the study was to determine anemia in prospective blood donors deferred by the copper sulphate technique of hemoglobin estimation. This, to provide information that would help plan a future strategy for donor recruitment and management. Methods: Three (3) ml of venous blood samples were collected from the study subjects into EDTA anticoagulant tubes. The hemoglobin levels and red cell indices were measured using Sysmex hematology analyser. A thin blood film was prepared and stained using Leishman stain and then observed under the light microscope. Results: The prevalence of anemia among the total deferred patients (538) was 17.1 %. Four different types of anemia were found among the subjects. These were normocytic normochromic (46.74 %), microcytic hypochromic (42.39 %) normocytic hypochromic (8.70 %), and microcytic normochromic anemia (2.17 %). Conclusion: The study showed that a significant number of the prospective blood donors deferred for having low hemoglobin by the copper sulphate method turned out to have anemia by the standard method of diagnosis. Prevalence of anemia among apparently healthy blood donors was therefore higher than expected. Measures must therefore be taken to address this in order not to lose potential blood donors due to a correctable and preventable cause such as anemia.

Source: UG
Anemia Prvalence And Associated Factors Among School Age Children In Accra And Kumasi Metropolis In Ghana

Anemia remains a serious public health concern, globally, affecting learning ability and physical development of children. Anemic children are at a higher risk of diminished economic productivity and low earning capacity in adulthood due to impaired school performance and reduced work capacity. Anemia contributes to about a quarter of Africa’s nutrition-related Disability Adjusted Life Years. The objective of this study was to determine the prevalence of anemia and its associated risk factors among school-aged children (SAC) between ages 9 and 15 years in urban Ghana. The analysis included a randomly selected subsample of 1,634 children from a larger study on nutrition of SAC enrolled between 2009 and 2012 in private and public basic schools in the Accra and Kumasi Metropolis in Ghana. Socio-demographic and household characteristics were collected with questionnaires. Weight and height were taken to the nearest 0.1kg and 0.1cm, respectively. Dietary information was collected using a food frequency questionnaire. Data were analyzed using IBM SPSS Statistic version 23. The relationship between hemoglobin levels and socio-demographic variables, and predictors of hemoglobin levels were determined using Chi-square and binary logistic regression. The mean hemoglobin concentration of the study participants was 12.9±1.3 g/dL. In Kumasi, SAC had higher mean hemoglobin concentration (13.1±1.2 g/dL) compared to those from Accra (12.6±1.3 g/dL; p=0.001). Mean hemoglobin concentration was significantly higher among males than females (13.0±1.4 g/dL vs 12.8±1.2 g/dL; p=0.002). Prevalence of anemia was 20.4%; mild anemia was most common (13.6% of total sample). Anemia cases were higher in public schools (24.6%) compared to private (18.2%). Two-thirds of anemia cases (64.0%) were from schools in Accra. Males had significantly higher prevalence of anemia (26.5%) than females (15.9%; p <0.05). In the adjusted logistic regression model, only city of residence (OR+1.65, 95% CI: 1.44–1.83), thinness (OR=2.60, 95% CI: 1.11-5.75), stunting (OR=1.85, 95% CI: 1.99-3.10) and overweight (OR=0.60, 95% CI: 0.36-0.94) were significantly associated with anemia. In this study, anemia was significantly associated with location and nutritional status.

Source: UG
An anesthesiologist with an allergy to multiple neuromuscular blocking drugs: a new occupational hazard

We report a case of a final-year anesthesiology trainee who developed a severe allergic reaction to cutaneous exposure of succinylcholine. Intradermal testing was strongly positive to succinylcholine and all the aminosteroid neuromuscular blocking drugs (NMBDs). Specific immunoglobulin E to succinylcholine was also strongly positive. This unusual case of an anesthesiologist acquiring an allergy to an NMBD through occupational exposure has a significant effect on his practice of anesthesia. However, by avoiding operating rooms with a high usage of NMBDs and by wearing personal protective equipment, the anesthesiologist has worked in clinical anesthesia without incident.

Source: UG
Anger and disgust shape judgments of social sanctions across cultures, especially in high individual autonomy societies

When someone violates a social norm, others may think that some sanction would be appropriate. We examine how the experience of emotions like anger and disgust relate to the judged appropriateness of sanctions, in a pre-registered analysis of data from a large-scale study in 56 societies. Across the world, we fnd that individuals who experience anger and disgust over a norm violation are more likely to endorse confrontation, ostracism and, to a smaller extent, gossip. Moreover, we fnd that the experience of anger is consistently the strongest predictor of judgments of confrontation, compared to other emotions. Although the link between state-based emotions and judgments may seem universal, its strength varies across countries. Aligned with theoretical predictions, this link is stronger in societies, and among individuals, that place higher value on individual autonomy. Thus, autonomy values may increase the role that emotions play in guiding judgments of social sanctions

Source: UG
Angiomyolipoma of the nasal cavity

Vascular tumours of the nasal cavity are uncommon and are either hamartomas or true neoplasms, mostly benign. We present an unusual case of angiomyolipoma of the nasal cavity. This harmartomatous lesion is often described in the kidney and may be associated with tuberous sclerosis. To our knowledge, there is no previous report of the lesion in the nasal cavity, and no association with tuberous sclerosis has been demonstrated in this case.

Source: UG
Angiotensin-(1-7) prevents development of severe hypertension and end-organ damage in spontaneously hypertensive rats treated with L-NAME

We examined the influence of chronic treatment with ANG-(1-7) on development of hypertension and end-organ damage in spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHR) chronically treated with the nitric oxide synthesis inhibitor L-NAME (SHR-L-NAME). L-NAME administered orally (80 mg/l) for 4 wk significantly elevated mean arterial pressure (MAP) compared with SHR controls drinking regular water (269 ± 10 vs. 196 ± 6 mmHg). ANG-(1-7) (24 μg·kg -1·h -1) or captopril (300 mg/l) significantly attenuated the elevation in MAP due to L-NAME (213 ± 7 and 228 ± 8 mmHg, respectively), and ANG-(1-7) + captopril completely reversed the L-NAME-dependent increase in MAP (193 ± 5 mmHg). L-NAME-induced increases in urinary protein were significantly lower in ANG-(1-7)-treated animals (226 ± 6 vs. 145 ± 12 mg/day). Captopril was more effective (96 ± 12 mg/day), and there was no additional effect of captopril + ANG-(1-7) (87 ± 5 mg/day). The abnormal vascular responsiveness to endothelin-1, carbachol, and sodium nitroprusside in perfused mesenteric vascular bed of SHR-L-NAME was improved by ANG-(1-7) or captopril, with no additive effect of ANG-(1-7) + captopril. In isolated perfused hearts, recovery of left ventricular function from 40 min of global ischemia was significantly better in ANG-(1-7)- or captopril-treated SHR-L-NAME, with additive effects of combined treatment. The beneficial effects of ANG-(1-7) on MAP and cardiac function were inhibited when indomethacin was administered with ANG-(1-7), but indomethacin did not reverse the protective effects on proteinuria or vascular reactivity. The protective effects of the ANG-(1-7) analog AVE-0991 were qualitatively comparable to those of ANG-(1-7) but were not improved over those of captopril alone. Thus, during reduced nitric oxide availability, ANG-(1-7) attenuates development of severe hypertension and end-organ damage; prostaglandins participate in the MAP-lowering and cardioprotective effects of ANG-(1-7); and additive effects of captopril + ANG-(1-7) on MAP, but not proteinuria or endothelial function, suggest common, as well as different, mechanisms of action for the two treatments. Together, the results provide further evidence of a role for ANG-(1-7) in protective effects of angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibition and suggest dissociation of factors influencing MAP and those influencing end-organ damage

Source: UG
Animal model investigation suggests betamethasone alters the pharmacokinetics of amikacin

Corticosteroids, such as betamethasone, are sometimes administered to women who are at risk of pre-term delivery. These corticosteroids cross the placenta to the fetus and decrease respiratory distress syndrome in preterm newborns. Preterm newborns are often susceptible to infections partly due to their immature immune system. Amikacin is one of the aminoglycosides used in the treatment of newborn infections. There is, however, a dearth of information on the effect of prenatal corticosteroids on the disposition of aminoglycosides administered to newborns days later. We evaluated the effect of pre-administration of betamethasone on the disposition of amikacin, 72 h after last dose of betamethasone, using an animal model. The pharmacokinetic parameters of rats administered betamethasone followed by amikacin vis-a-vis rats administered saline followed by amikacin were as follows: Cmax; 16.6 μmol L-1 vs. 31.4 μmol L-1, AUC0→8; 26.8 μmol h L-1 vs. 153.5 μmol h L-1, Ke; 0.26 h-1 vs. 0.18 h-1, and t1/2; 2.6 h vs. 3.9 h, respectively. About a 1.5-fold increase in the elimination of amikacin was observed in the Sprague-Dawley rats pre-treated with betamethasone compared with those pre-treated with saline. This ultimately led to differences in the other pharmacokinetic parameters amongst the two groups of rats. Although an animal model investigation showed some level of interaction, a follow-up study in preterm newborns where possible interaction of the two drugs is studied later than Day 1, is recommended.

Source: UG
Annealing effects on interdiffusion in layered FA-rich perovskite solar cells

Annealing is one of the processing methods that are used for the fabrication of defect-free, photoactive perovskite films with compact grains in highly efficient and stable perovskite solar cells (PSCs). Thus, the annealing temperature is a key parameter for the control of the interdiffusion (of constituent elements) in photoactive films. In this paper, we present the results of a systematic study of the effects of annealing on the interdiffusion of constituent elements in efficient formamidinium-based PSCs. We also explore the effects of annealing-induced interdiffusion on layer microstructures, local strains, and the optoelectronic properties of perovskite films. We observe a dramatic upward diffusion of tin (Sn) and titanium (Ti) from fluorine-doped tin oxide and titanium dioxide (TiO2) to the perovskite films. We also observe a downward diffusion of lead (Pb) and iodine (I) from the perovskite films to the mesoporous layer of the electron transporting layer (ETL), after annealing at temperatures between 100 and 150 ○C. The diffused I substitutes for Ti in the ETL, which improves the optoelectronic properties of the films, for annealing temperatures between 100 and 130 ○C. The annealing-induced interdiffusion that occurs at higher temperatures (between 140 and 150 ○C) results in higher levels of interdiffusion, along with increased local strains that lead to the nucleation of pores and cracks. Finally, the implications of the results are discussed for the design of PSCs with improved photoconversion efficiencies and stability.

Source: UG
Annickia polycarpa extract attenuates inflammation, neutrophil recruitment, and colon damage during colitis

Inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD) including Crohn’s disease (CD) and ulcerative colitis (UC) are complex inflammatory disorders of the digestive tract. Dysfunctional intestinal epithelial barrier, uncontrolled neutrophil recruitment into the colon, and oxidative stress are major features of IBD. IBD cannot be cured, but symptoms can be alleviated with anti-inflammatory drugs, which often show adverse effects. Thus, safer alternative treatment options are needed. Given the known anti-inflammatory properties of Annickia polycarpa extract (APE), we hy pothesized that APE improves the outcome of the inflammatory response during colitis. We assessed APE effects on colon histology, epithelial barrier function and neutrophil recruitment during DSS-induced colitis in mice treated with APE. APE treatment significantly reduced the disease activity index and prevented DSS-induced colon damage as evidenced by reduced colon shortening, ulcerations, crypt dysplasia, edema formation, and leukocyte infiltration. Expression of the pro-inflammatory cytokines TNF-α, IL-6, and IL-1β were significantly diminished in APE-treated mice. Importantly, APE administration reduced neutrophil infiltration into the lamina propria leading to reduced oxidative stress, tight junction disruption and epithelial permeability in the colon. Thus, we propose APE as additional treatment strategy to attenuate colitis symptoms and enhance life quality of individuals with IBD.

Source: UG
Annotated checklist and fisheries interactions of cetaceans in Togo, with evidence of Antarctic minke whale in the Gulf of Guinea

Based on strandings and captures, 9 cetacean species, including 6 odontocetes and 3 mysticetes, are documented (photos and specimens) in Togo's coastal waters (newly-recorded species marked with an asterisk): Antarctic minke whale (Balaenoptera bonaerensis*), Bryde's whale (Balaenoptera brydei or B. edeni), humpback whale (Megaptera novaeangliae), sperm whale (Physeter macrocephalus), pygmy sperm whale (Kogia breviceps*), short-finned pilot whale (Globicephala macrorhynchus*), pantropical spotted dolphin (Stenella attenuata*), common bottlenose dolphin (Tursiops truncatus) and common dolphin Delphinus sp. An anecdotal sighting record for killer whale (Orcinus orca) is considered reliable. The lack of Sousa teuszii records in Togo is consistent with its apparent contemporaneous absence in Ghana. The B. bonaerensis specimen, entangled in a purse seine set on small pelagics, is a first record for the Gulf of Guinea. The occurrence of this Southern Ocean species north of the equator underscores the severe gaps in our understanding of cetacean distribution off western Africa. The majority of artisanal fishermen operating in Togolese coastal waters are of Ghanaian origin and are thought to promote trade and consumption of cetacean bushmeat. Because captures are illegal, enforced with some success in the main fishing centers, covert landings of cetaceans are exceedingly difficult to monitor, quantify or sample. Concern is expressed about pollution of Togo's coastal waters with heavy metals due to phosphorite mining and export from the coastal basin near Hahotoé and Kpogamé. © 2012 Wiley Publishing Asia Pty Ltd.

Source: UG
Annual Conference on Mass Education and Community Development

The first of these courses was directed to a re-consideration of the aims of mass education and community development in the light of working experience with special reference to establishing training needs and methods of meeting them. In planning the second course, it was originally intended to pay special attention to the use of visual aids in mass education and community development, but a request addressed to the Department of Social Welfare and Community Development for organising a campaign directed to cocoa farmers, to win the co-operation of the farmers in applying scientific methods in the war against the cocoa diseases, and to persuade them to adopt better ways of husbandry, resulted in the course being altered t o a study of the whole variety of techniques relevant to the cocoa campaign. In the third course, with which this report is concerned, an attempt was made at general re- assessment. Review of work done was followed by an analysis of what had happened, as opposed to what had been expected when the particular projects were in the planning stage, Aims and methods were reconsidered in the light of experience and particular attention was paid in the discussions to consideration of outcomes other than those originally sought.

Source: UG
Annual transition probabilities of overweight and obesity in older adults: Evidence from World Health Organization Study on global AGEing and adult health

Overweight/obesity is becoming increasingly prevalent in sub-Saharan Africa including Ghana. However, transition probabilities, an essential component to develop cost-effective measures for weight management is lacking in this population. We estimated annual transition probabilities between three body mass index (BMI) categories: normal weight (BMI ≥18.5 and <25.0 kg/m2), overweight (BMI ≥25.0 and <30.0 kg/m2), and obesity (BMI ≥30.0 kg/m2), among older adults aged ≥50 years in Ghana. Data were used from a nationally representative, multistage sample of 1496 (44.3% females) older adults in both Waves 1 (2007/8) and 2 (2014/ 15) of the Ghana WHO SAGE. A multistage Markov model was used to estimate annual transition probabilities. We further examined the impact of specific socio-economic factors on the transition probabilities. At baseline, 22.8% were overweight and 11.1% were obese. The annual transition probability was 4.0% (95% CI: 3.4%, 4.8%) from normal weight to overweight, 11.1% (95% CI: 9.5%, 13.0%) from overweight to normal weight and 4.9% (95% CI: 3.8%, 6.2%) from overweight to obesity. For obese individuals, the probability of remaining obese, transitioning to overweight and completely reverting to normal weight was 90.2% (95% CI: 87.7%, 92.3%), 9.2% (95% CI: 7.2%, 11.6%) and 0.6% (95% CI: 0.4%, 0.8%) respectively. Being female, aged 50–65 years, urban residence, having high education and high wealth were associated with increased probability of transitioning into the overweight or obese categories. Our findings highlight the difficulty in transitioning away from obesity, especially among females. The estimated transition probabilities will be essential in health economic simulation models to determine sustainable weight management interventions

Source: UG