ghanaopendata/ghanaian-research-english huggingface dataset:
Ephrin and Eph receptor signaling in female reproductive physiology and pathology

Ephrins are ligands of Eph receptors (Ephs); both of which are sorted into two classes, A and B. There are ﬁve types of ephrin-As (ephrin-A1–5) and three types of ephrin-Bs (ephrin-B1–3). Also, there are 10 types of EphAs (EphA1–10) and six types of EphBs (EphB1–6). Binding of ephrins to the Eph receptors activates signaling cascades that regulate several biological processes such as cellular proliferation, differentiation, migration, angiogenesis, and vascular remodeling. Clariﬁca- tion of their roles in the female reproductive system is crucial to understanding the physiology and pathology of this system. Such knowledge will also create awareness regarding the importance of these molecules in diagnostic, prognostic, and therapeutic medicine. Hence, we have discussed the involvement of these molecules in the physiological and pathological events that occur within the female reproductive system. The evidence so far suggests that the ephrins and the Eph receptors modulate folliculogenesis, ovulation, embryo transport, implantation, and placentation. Abnormal expression of some of these molecules is associated with polycystic ovarian syndrome, ovarian cancer, tubal pregnancy, endometrial cancer, uterine leiomyoma (ﬁbroids), cervical cancer, and preeclampsia, suggesting the need to utilize these molecules in the clinical setting. To enhance a quick development of this gradually emerging ﬁeld in female reproductive medicine, we have highlighted some “gaps in knowledge” that need prospective investigation.

Source: UCC
Epidemiological Profile and Pharmacological Management of Allergic Conjunctivitis: A Study in Ghana

The prevalence of allergic conjunctivitis has gained the dimension to be recognized as a public health problem in Africa. Aim: This study therefore sought to determine the epidemiological profile and other associated ocular surface disorders of patients with allergic conjunctivitis, and its pharmacological management in Ghana. Methodology: A retrospective cross sectional study, involving 1718 patients diagnosed of this atopic disease, in two prominent referral eye care centers in Ghana was conducted. Associations between variables were determined using Fisher Exact Chi-Square (χ2), Relative Risk, and Binary Logistical Regression. Results: The prevalence of allergic conjunctivitis was 9.1% with females constituting 61.8%. The mean age ± SD of the study population was 21.92±18.29 years. Vernal keratoconjunctivitis was more prevalent (P<0.001) in males and children (mean age ± SD: 6.24 ± 5.6 years). Topical steroids (69.7%) and systemic antihistamines (48.8%) were the most commonly prescribed medication for allergic conjunctivitis. Topical steroids were mostly prescribed for atopic keratoconjuntivitis and systemic antihistamines for the acute forms of allergic conjunctivitis. Sodium cromoglicate was the only topical mast cell stabilizer prescribed and was prescribed mostly for patients with vernal keratoconjunctivitis and perennial allergic conjunctivitis. Dry eye (5.2%) was the most prevalent associated ocular surface disorder and corneal abrasion (1.0%) was the commonest ocular complication presented. Conclusion: Allergic conjunctivitis remains a burden to the young population and occupations including, traders, artisans and students. Proper management with anti-allergic medications is vital to prevent the development of ocular complications.

Source: UCC
Epidemiology And Herbal Treatment Options In Some Selected Areas Of Central Region Of GhanaEpidemiology And Herbal Treatment Options In Some Selected Areas Of Central Region Of Ghana

Incidence of malaria in the Central Region of Ghana was investigated to determine age group and sex vulnerability as well as the parasite species distribution, haemoglobin status of patients and herbs used in treating the disease. Four Hospitals were used as study centers namely, Cape Coast District Hospital and the University of Cape Coast Hospital constituting the coastal zone; Saint Francis Xavier Hospital at Assin Foso and Our Lady of Grace Hospital at Breman Asikuma forming the forest zone. Microscopic examination of thin blood smears of the patients examined revealed high malaria incidence rates of 34.4% and 26.9% of coastal zone and forest zone respectively. Generally, children up to 10 years old and females were more vulnerable to the disease. In the forest zone, older females were more vulnerable. Plasmodium jalcipanlm was the most prevalent malaria parasite (>90%) infecting people in the region. Few cases of P. malariae, P. ovale and mixed infection of P. jalcipanml+ P. malariae were recorded. P. vivax was not encountered. The most predominant erythrocytic stage identified was trophozoites (92.1 %) and few (7.9%) gametocytes and schizonts observed. The haemoglobin levels of patients decreased with increase III parasitaemia and subsequently anaemia with haemoglobin levels <II g/dL. A total of 89 plant species distributed into 41 families was documented as anti malaria plants in the region. Among these, 60 species in 36 families were mentioned for the first time as anti malaria plants. All the plants recorded in this study were reported to be abundant except one species.

Source: UCC
Epidemiology of Breast Cancer in Europe and Africa

Breast cancer continues to remain the most lethal malignancy in women across the world. This study reviews some of the epidemiological similarities and differences in breast cancer between white European women and black African women with the aim of optimising care for women with breast malignancy across the world. The incidence of breast cancer is lower among African women than their European counterparts. Majority of women in Europe are postmenopausal when they present with breast cancer; however, the peak incidence among African women is in the premenopausal period. Ductal carcinoma is the commonest type of breast cancer among women in Africa and Europe. However, medullary and mucinous carcinomas are more common in Africa than in Europe. While European women usually present at an early stage especially with the advent of screening, African women generally present late for treatment resulting in lower survival rates. There should be more research at the molecular level among African women to identify genetic factors that may contribute to the risk of developing breast cancer. There should also be improvement in the health care system in Africa in order to optimise care for women with breast cancer.

Source: UCC
Epidemiology of cervical human papillomavirus (HPV) infection and squamous intraepithelial lesions (SIL) among a cohort of HIV-infected and uninfected Ghanaian women

Background: There is limited data in Ghana on the epidemiology of HPV and cervical neoplasia and their associations with HIV. This study aimed to compare among HIV-1 seropositive and HIV-seronegative Ghanaian women: (1) the prevalence, genotype distribution and risk factors associated with cervical HPV infection; and (2) the prevalence and risk factors associated with abnormal cervical cytology. Methods: A comparative frequency-matched study was conducted in a systematic sample of women aged ≥18 years attending HIV and general outpatient clinics in Cape Coast Teaching Hospital, Ghana. Participants were interviewed and cervical samples collected for HPV genotyping (Seegene Anyplex-II HPV28) and cytological testing. Results: Overall, 333 women were recruited, 163 HIV-1 seropositive and 170 HIV-seronegative women of mean age 43.8 years (SD ±9.4)) and 44.3 years (SD ±12.8), respectively. The prevalence of 14 high-risk (hr) HPV genotypes was higher among HIV-1 seropositive women (65.6% vs. 30.2%, P < 0.0001), as was proportion with multiple hr.-HPV infections (60.6% vs. 21.3%, P < 0.0001). HPV35 was the most prevalent hr.-HPV genotype in both groups (11.9% and 5.3%). The main factors associated with hr.-HPV infection were age for HIV-positive women and circumcision status of main sexual partner for both HIV-negative and positive women. Abnormal cervical cytology prevalence was higher among HIV-1 seropositive women (any SIL: 14.1% vs. 1.2%, P < 0. 0001; low-grade SIL [LSIL]: 4.9% vs. 0.6%, P = 0.02; high-grade SIL: 1.8% vs. 0%, P = 0.07). Among HIV-1 seropositive women, number of pregnancies and CD4+ cell count were associated with LSIL+ cytology. There was strong association between LSIL+ abnormalities and HPV35 (aOR = 4.7, 95%CI: 1.3–17.7, P = 0.02). Conclusions: HIV-1 infected women bear significant burden of HPV infection and related disease. Prevention and screening programmes should be specifically deployed for this population in Ghana.

Source: UCC
Epidemiology of cervical human papillomavirus (HPV) infection and squamous intraepithelial lesions (SIL) among a cohort of HIV-infected and uninfected Ghanaian women

Background: There is limited data in Ghana on the epidemiology of HPV and cervical neoplasia and their associations with HIV. This study aimed to compare among HIV-1 seropositive and HIV-seronegative Ghanaian women: (1) the prevalence, genotype distribution and risk factors associated with cervical HPV infection; and (2) the prevalence and risk factors associated with abnormal cervical cytology. Methods: A comparative frequency-matched study was conducted in a systematic sample of women aged ≥18 years attending HIV and general outpatient clinics in Cape Coast Teaching Hospital, Ghana. Participants were interviewed and cervical samples collected for HPV genotyping (Seegene Anyplex-II HPV28) and cytological testing. Results: Overall, 333 women were recruited, 163 HIV-1 seropositive and 170 HIV-seronegative women of mean age 43.8 years (SD ±9.4)) and 44.3 years (SD ±12.8), respectively. The prevalence of 14 high-risk (hr) HPV genotypes was higher among HIV-1 seropositive women (65.6% vs. 30.2%, P < 0.0001), as was proportion with multiple hr.-HPV infections (60.6% vs. 21.3%, P < 0.0001). HPV35 was the most prevalent hr.-HPV genotype in both groups (11.9% and 5.3%). The main factors associated with hr.-HPV infection were age for HIV-positive women and circumcision status of main sexual partner for both HIV-negative and positive women. Abnormal cervical cytology prevalence was higher among HIV-1 seropositive women (any SIL: 14.1% vs. 1.2%, P < 0. 0001; low-grade SIL [LSIL]: 4.9% vs. 0.6%, P = 0.02; high-grade SIL: 1.8% vs. 0%, P = 0.07). Among HIV-1 seropositive women, number of pregnancies and CD4+ cell count were associated with LSIL+ cytology. There was strong association between LSIL+ abnormalities and HPV35 (aOR = 4.7, 95%CI: 1.3–17.7, P = 0.02). Conclusions: HIV-1 infected women bear significant burden of HPV infection and related disease. Prevention and screening programmes should be specifically deployed for this population in Ghana

Source: UCC
Epidemiology of Childhood Fractures at a Ghanaian Teaching Hospital

Introduction: Paediatric fractures are extremely common worldwide largely because of peculiarities of the growing skeleton. There isn’t much known of the epidemiology of childhood fractures in sub-Saharan Africa. This study describes the childhood fractures seen and managed at a teaching hospital in Ghana. Method: A prospective study of all children who presented with fractures at the Cape Coast Teaching Hospital (CCTH) which is the largest referral centre in the central region of Ghana. 182 children were seen with fractures in the 12month period of the study and variables of age, gender, fracture type, fracture characteristics, mechanism and place of injury were evaluated using SPSS version 21. Results: 182 childhood fractures were seen. 82% of the fractures were in children greater than 3 years with fractures being commoner in boys (67%) than in girls (33%). 50% of the fractures resulted from falls in the home or playground with upper extremity injuries (56%) predominating. An overwhelming majority (92%) were treated non-operatively. Open fractures accounted for 11.5% of all the fractures seen. Conclusion: A lot can be done to prevent fractures in children in developing countries. Education of parents and caregivers on ways to prevent injurious falls in children at home or on the playground will go a long way in reducing the number of fractures seen. Improved road safety and better settlement planning will minimize the high energy injuries resulting from road traffic accidents.

Source: UCC
Epidemiology Of Klebsiella Infections At Komfo Anokye Hospital.

Different Klebsiella species may be responsible for various infections which may also differ with the site of the infection. These species may also present with different antimicrobial sensitivity patterns. However, the identification of Klebsiella to species level is not practiced in most of our hospitals, during bacteriological diagnosis, because of time constraints and labour. In view of these, antibiotics are normally administered to treat Klebsiella infections without considering the type of species responsible for that particular infection, or site of isolation of the Klebsiella species. The objective of this project was to determine Klebsiella species responsible for causing infections, their sensitivity patterns to the commonly used antimicrobial agents and the effectiveness of empirical treatment at KATH. Samples were collected from 2197 patients. These samples were cultured to isolate the Klebsiella species. Isolates were differentiated to the species level and their antimicrobial sensitivity patterns determined. The empirical treatment on 51 pediatric patients were monitored and compared with the laboratory sensitivity patterns of the isolates. Two hundred and five (205) Klebsiella species were isolated, these included Klebsiella pneumoniae, K. oxytoca, K. rhinoscleromatis and K. ozaenae. K. pneumoniae and K. oxytoca were the commonest isolates. Prevalence of Klebsiella infections in the commonest clinical specimens were sputum (14.1%), wound (12.6%), urine (10.7%) and blood (5.1%). The highest female cases were found in urine and the male cases were found in sputum. There was no significant difference between the out-patient and in-patient cases and among sexes of Klebsiella infections at Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital. Mother Baby Unit (MBU) registered 21 Klebsiella isolates, Block A which accommodates pregnant women recorded 19 Klebsiella isolates, Block B which accommodates children registered 16 Klebsiella isolates and the pediatric emergency unit (PEU) recordered 15 Klebsiella isolates. Results also indicated that K. 11pneumoniae was commonest species, but K. oxytoca was found to be more drug resistant than K. pneumoniae. The study also revealed that, aminoglycosides and third generation cephalosporins were the most effective invitro antimicrobials for managing Klebsiella infections at KATH. Results gathered from empirical treatment showed that, aminoglycosides and third generation cephalosporins were the most prescribed antimicrobials for Klebsiella infections. Although empirical treatment is very relevant, it cannot be relied upon completely, but should be combined with laboratory antibiotic sensitivity testing for effective Klebsiella infection treatment.

Source: UCC
Epidemiology of Ocular Disorders and Visual Impairment among School Pupils in the Cape Coast Metropolis, Ghana

The purpose of the study was to determine the epidemiology of ocular disorders and visual impairment among junior high school children in the Cape Coast Metropolis, Ghana. A cross-sectional study was conducted among junior high school children from both public and private schools. Participants underwent ophthalmic examination that included visual acuity testing, external eye examination, fundus examination, cover testing, and objective and subjective refraction. Socioeconomic statuses of the children were also determined. A principal cause of visual impairment was determined for participants with uncorrected visual acuities of 6/12 or worse in the better eyes. A total of 1252 were enumerated and 1029 children examined. Overall, ocular disorders were found among 104 (10.1%) pupils: refractive errors (37), conjunctival disorders (33), eyelid disorders (5), corneal disorders (4), retinal disorders (4), heterophoria (14), heterotropia (3), and amblyopia (4). Prevalence of visual impairment of 6/12 or worse in the better eye was 47 (4.6%), with refractive error being the major cause accounting for 37 (78.7%). Other causes were amblyopia, 4 (8.5%); retinal disorders, 4 (8.5%); and corneal disorders, 2 (4.3%). By the International Classification of Diseases (ICD) criteria, mild and moderate visual impairment using the better eye was 7.3% and 1.1%, respectively. Visual impairment was not significantly associated with age, gender, or socioeconomic status. Only 209 (20.3%) school pupils had had a previous eye examination, among whom 7 were wearing glasses. Majority (754 [73.3%]) of pupils were within low socioeconomic status (p < .001). The prevalence of eye disorders among junior high school pupils in the Cape Coast Metropolis was high compared to the global estimates. The cause of visual impairment was largely preventable, refractive error being the major cause. Uptake of eye care services among the school pupils was poor as majority of them had never had a previous eye examination. Incorporation of school eye screening programs into the school curriculum is recommended.

Source: UCC
Epidemiology of Systemic and Ocular Toxoplasmosis and their Associations with Polymorphisms in Human Interferon Gamma and Tumour Necrosis Factor Cytokine Genes

The aim was to determine the associations between interferon gamma/tumour necrosis factor gene polymorphisms and Toxoplama infection in a community-based epidemiological survey. Sera were tested for IgG and IgM antibodies using ELISA test kits. Ophthalmic examination included visual acuity, slit lamp biomicroscopy and dilated funduscopy. A serologic criterion was a positive test result for either IgG or IgM antibodies or both. Ocular toxoplamosis was diagnosed based on characteristics retinal lesions. Individuals with ocular infection served as cases and seropositive individuals without ocular disease as controls. There were 390 participants (mean age = 47.0 years), 30.3% males and 69.7% females. Seroprevalence of IgG and/or IgM antibodies was 85%. The study found a statistically significant relationship between Toxoplasma seropositivity and the following factors: contact with soil, presence of cats, older age, sources of drinking water, low levels of education, socioeconomic status, rural dwelling, and occupation (farmers and fishers/fish mongers). Ten (3%) subjects had toxoplasmic ocular lesions, contributing to 5.8% of visual impairment. Blindness occurred in 50% episodes of eye infections. The risk for developing Toxoplasma ocular lesions was old age (p = 0.028). Low prevalence of ocular infection was found in a population of high seropositivity. The results suggested contamination by sporulated oocysts as the major source of transmission. IFN-y +874T allele seemed to increase the risk of developing ocular lesions. Also, the presence of the less common TN F—308 A allelic form was found protective against the development of ocular infection in the present study.

Source: UCC
Epistemic injustice and the legitimization of feminist epistemology

This thesis is an examination of epistemic injustice and how it legitimizes feminist epistemology. The argument is that the prevalence of epistemic injustice in mainstream epistemology has a positive implication for the legitimization of feminist epistemology as a sub-field of study. Epistemology, conventionally, has been construed as a discipline that deals with inquiries about knowledge devoid of social dimensions. These scholars hold the view that political power and other social constructs have no role to play in the conceptualization of knowledge. What that means is that, gender, place, time and historical factors have no impact on knowledge production. However, in this thesis, employing the normative approach, I argue that epistemic injustice exists in mainstream epistemology and that, these forms of injustice are perpetuated by the use of social factors contrary to the mainstream epistemological position that there is no social dimension to knowledge. I also argue that an attempt at minimizing epistemic injustice would call for a consideration of the arguments in defense of social epistemology. This consideration calls for a revision of some core-tenets of mainstream epistemology which legitimizes feminist epistemology, as revisionist social epistemology

Source: UCC
Epistemic modal verbs in research articles written by Ghanaian and international scholars: a corpus-based study of three disciplines

This paper discusses epistemic modal verbs as rhetorical markers of argumentation in Ghanaian scholars’ research articles (RAs) in the disciplines of Sociology, Economics and Law, and compares the results with similar features in RAs produced by international scholars who are native speakers. In this study, corpus linguistics methods are used to investigate the extent to which Ghanaian scholars’ use of epistemic modal verbs differs from international scholars’ use of these devices in terms of depth of use, diversity of use, phraseological patterns and degrees of epistemic strength. Statistically examined results show consider able differences in the use of epistemic modal verbs between the two groups of scholars across the disciplines studied, suggesting that the writing practices of the Ghanaian scholars do not fully adhere to international disciplinary conventions. In the conclusion, the theoretical and pedagogical implications of the study are discussed

Source: UCC
Epistemology under the pen of Rorty: a critical study of Rorty's pragmatism

This thesis examines Rorty’s pragmatic approach to epistemology. Rorty criticizes foundationalism for relying on the optical metaphor that sees knowledge as grounded in the given of sense impression. He also criticizes the enterprise for relying on absolute truth which is untenable. Sellar’s critique of the notion of the given and Quine’s attack on analytic synthetic dichotomy are by implication sufficient to show that foundationalism is misguided. According to Rorty, the idea that justification of a belief lies in its direct or indirect relation to what is given in experience is a misconception resulting from confusion, made possible by the optical metaphor, of justification with causation. Justification should be conceived rather as conversation, so that our beliefs are justified by the expression of judgment of a social group. On this construal, Rorty urges that epistemology is dead and no successor subject could take its place. However, in this thesis, using the analytic method, we argue that Rorty does not pronounce epistemology dead as he purports to have done. We also argue that Rorty’s death of epistemology thesis is a deviation from mainstream pragmatist view of epistemology. Our argument is that Rorty does not pronounce epistemology dead but in a frantic attempt to provide answer to the epistemological question purports to be pronouncing the enterprise moribund. A further argument is that the original pragmatists do not abandon epistemology entirely as Rorty has vehemently done. This is why we also try to show how Rorty strayed from original pragmatism.

Source: UCC